cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging of Transcription Factor Proteins: Interactions of Bacterial Response Regulators with DNA Arrays on Gold Films†

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging measurements have been used to study the sequence specific adsorption of response regulator proteins to DNA arrays constructed on gold thin films. Bacteria adapt to their environment primarily through two-component signal transduction systems that consist of an environmental sensor histidine kinase and a transcription activator response regulator DNA binding protein. DNA arrays were fabricated from oligonucleotide sequences of known DNA binding regions for two response regulators: OmpR, which controls gene expression of the outer membrane porin proteins in Escherichia coli, and VanR, which is involved in the antibiotic vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus faecium. The label-free method of SPR imaging was then used to monitor the sequence specific binding of these two response regulator proteins to the DNA arrays. The promoter regions from the ompF (F1 and F2) and ompC (C1) genes for the OmpR protein, and from the vanRS (R1) and vanHAX (H1 and H2) genes for the Van...
WLC35-3: Survivable Wireless Access Network Design with Dual-homing Capabilities

With the growth of mobile users and the increasing deployment of wireless access network infrastructures, the issue of quality of service is becoming an important component of efficient wireless access network design. In this paper, we study the survivability problem for users that are connected to the core network by fully or partially dual homed paths, or by a single path. Given a hierarchical wireless access network with the available capacity and reliability at each level, the problem is to minimize overall connection cost for multiple requests such that the capacity and minimum survivability requirements are not violated. We formulate the problem using mixed integer linear programming and propose a genetic-algorithm-based heuristic.
Multifocal Fluorescence Microscope for Fast Optical Recordings of Neuronal Action Potentials

In recent years, optical sensors for tracking neural activity have been developed and offer great utility. However, developing microscopy techniques that have several kHz bandwidth necessary to reliably capture optically reported action potentials (APs) at multiple locations in parallel remains a significant challenge. To our knowledge, we describe a novel microscope optimized to measure spatially distributed optical signals with submillisecond and near diffraction-limit resolution. Our design uses a spatial light modulator to generate patterned illumination to simultaneously excite multiple user-defined targets. A galvanometer driven mirror in the emission path streaks the fluorescence emanating from each excitation point during the camera exposure, using unused camera pixels to capture time varying fluorescence at rates that are ∼1000 times faster than the camera’s native frame rate. We demonstrate that this approach is capable of recording Ca2+ transients resulting from APs in neurons labeled with the Ca2+ sensor Oregon Green Bapta-1 (OGB-1), and can localize the timing of these events with millisecond resolution. Furthermore, optically reported APs can be detected with the voltage sensitive dye DiO-DPA in multiple locations within a neuron with a signal/noise ratio up to ∼40, resolving delays in arrival time along dendrites. Thus, the microscope provides a powerful tool for photometric measurements of dynamics requiring submillisecond sampling at multiple locations.
Parallel direct linear system solvers -- a survey☆

Abstract This paper is a survey of direct parallel algorithms for solving systems of linear equations. We present an up-to-date collection of algorithms for solving triangular, dense, and tridiagonal systems of equations. We state their resulting speedup over the corresponding sequential algorithms, and evaluate their numerical stability, whenever possible.
Comparison of Enhanced Targeted Rapid HIV Screening Using the Denver HIV Risk Score to Nontargeted Rapid HIV Screening in the Emergency Department

Study objective A clinical prediction tool, the Denver HIV Risk Score, was recently developed to help identify patients with increased probability of undiagnosed HIV infection. Our goal was to compare targeted rapid HIV screening using the Denver HIV Risk Score to nontargeted rapid HIV screening in an urban emergency department (ED) and urgent care. Methods We used a prospective, before-after design at an urban medical center with an approximate annual census of 110,000 visits. Patients aged 13 years or older were eligible for screening. Targeted HIV screening of patients identified as high-risk by nurses using the Denver HIV Risk Score during medical screening was compared to nontargeted HIV screening offered by medical screening nurses during 2 separate 4-month time periods. The primary outcome was newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients. Results 28,506 patients presented during the targeted phase, 1,718 were identified as high-risk, and 551 completed HIV testing. Of these, 7 (1.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5% to 2.6%) were newly diagnosed with HIV infection. 29,510 patients presented during the nontargeted phase and 3,591 completed HIV testing. Of these, 7 (0.2%, 95% CI 0.1% to 0.4%) were newly diagnosed with HIV infection. Targeted HIV screening was significantly associated with identification of newly diagnosed HIV infection when compared to nontargeted screening, adjusting for patient demographics and payer status (relative risk [RR] 10.4, 95% CI 3.4 to 32.0). Conclusion Targeted HIV screening using the Denver HIV Risk Score was strongly associated with new HIV diagnoses when compared to nontargeted screening. Although both HIV screening methods identified the same absolute number of newly diagnosed patients, significantly fewer tests were required during the targeted phase to achieve the same effect.
Field-effect reconfigurable nanofluidic ionic diodes

Nanofluidic diodes are utilized for the rectification of ionic transport, but their rectifying properties cannot be altered after the devices are made. Here, a field-effect reconfigurable nanofluidic diode is reported in which the forward direction and the degree of rectification can be modulated by a gate voltage.
Expression of vascular permeability factor (vascular endothelial growth factor) and its receptors in breast cancer

Solid tumors must induce a vascular stroma to grow beyond a minimal size, and the intensity of the angiogenic response has been correlated with prognosis in breast cancer patients. Vascular permeability factor (VPF), also known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is a secreted protein that has been implicated in tumor-associated angiogenesis. Vascular permeability factor directly stimulates endothelial cell growth and also increases microvascular permeability, leading to the extravasation of plasma proteins, which alter the extracellular matrix in a manner that promotes angiogenesis. To determine whether VPF has a role in breast cancer, we used in situ hybridization to study VPF mRNA expression in normal breast tissue (13 specimens), comedo-type ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (four specimens), infiltrating ductal carcinoma (12 specimens), infiltrating lobular carcinoma (two specimens), metastatic ductal carcinoma (three specimens) and metastatic lobular carcinoma (one specimen). Vascular permeability factor mRNA was expressed at a low level by normal duct epithelium but was expressed at high levels in tumor cells in all cases of comedo-type DCIS, infiltrating ductal carcinoma, and metastatic ductal carcinoma. In contrast, VPF mRNA was not expressed at high levels in infiltrating lobular carcinoma. We also used in situ hybridization to study the expression of two recently described endothelial cell surface VPF receptors, flt-1 and kdr. Vascular permeability factor receptor mRNA was strongly expressed in endothelial cells of small vessels adjacent to malignant tumor cells in DCIS, infiltrating ductal carcinoma, and metastatic ductal carcinoma. In contrast, no definite labeling for receptor mRNA was detected in infiltrating lobular carcinoma or nonmalignant breast tissue. The intense expression of VPF mRNA by breast carcinoma cells and of VPF receptor mRNA by endothelial cells of adjacent small blood vessels provides strong evidence linking VPF expression to the angiogenesis associated with comedo-type DCIS, infiltrating ductal, and metastatic ductal breast carcinoma.
Helicobacter pylori in Gastric Malignancies

Helicobacter pylori infection remains common worldwide and is significantly associated with gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)lymphoma. This article reviews recent developments in the field of H. pylori with an emphasis on mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and the bacterial, environmental and host factors that may alter risk of developing gastric cancer or gastric MALT lymphoma. The topic of eradication of H. pylori to prevent the development of malignancy and the possibility of a vaccine against H. pylori are also explored.
On the stabilization of unstable linear systems by white noise coefficient variations

Certain conditions are established under which unstable linear systems described by nth order differential equations or state equations may be stabilized through Gaussian white noise coefficient variations. Some results obtained are verified by an analog computer simulation and shown to be in good agreement with theoretical predictions.
Evaluation of Microphysics Parameterization for Convective Clouds in the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model CAM5

AbstractA physically based two-moment microphysics parameterization scheme for convective clouds is implemented in the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CAM5) to improve the representation of convective clouds and their interaction with large-scale clouds and aerosols. The explicit treatment of mass mixing ratio and number concentration of cloud and precipitation particles enables the scheme to account for the impact of aerosols on convection. The scheme is linked to aerosols through cloud droplet activation and ice nucleation processes and to stratiform cloud parameterization through convective detrainment of cloud liquid/ice water content (LWC/IWC) and droplet/crystal number concentration (DNC/CNC). A 5-yr simulation with the new convective microphysics scheme shows that both cloud LWC/IWC and DNC/CNC are in good agreement with observations, indicating the scheme describes microphysical processes in convection well. Moreover, the microphysics scheme is able to represent the aerosol effects on c...
The voltammetric response of ethanolamine at gold electrodes in alkaline media

Voltammetric data are described that were obtained at Au electrodes in 0.1 M NaOH for ethanolamine and related compounds using a rotated disk electrode (RDE) and a thin-layer electrochemical cell (TLEC). The anodic signal for the alcohol group of ethanolamine is much greater than for ethanol at the same concentration. This is attributed to the benefit of pre-adsorption by the amine group of ethanolamine on the Au surface. Oxidation of the alcohol group of ethanolamine is terminated by formation of surface oxide. However, oxide formation appears to catalyze oxidation of the amine groups of ethanolamine and ethylamine. A value of n = ca. 4.6 eq mol−1 was determined for oxidation of the alcohol group of ethanolamine by exhaustive electrolysis in the TLEC. Glycine is tentatively concluded to be an oxidation product on the basis of n and the result of a chromatographic analysis of the contents of the TLEC following electrolysis at 0.0 V vs. SCE.
Clinical confounder: an incarcerated appendix masquerading as epididymitis.

Abstract Background: Acute appendicitis can have various unusual presentations. Detection of this entity is often confounded by its presence in the company of symptoms consistent with distinctly different etiologies. Objectives: This article highlights an extremely rare presentation of appendicitis. Case Report: The case of a man presenting to an urban Emergency Department complaining of scrotal swelling and pain is discussed. On surgical exploration, the patient's symptomatology was diagnosed as acute appendicitis within an Amyand hernia. Conclusion: Appendicitis can sometimes be a challenging diagnosis. Thorough examination and maintenance of a wide differential diagnosis with common complaints can assist the emergency physician in reaching the correct diagnosis.
Corneal edema induced by cold in trigeminal nerve palsy

We examined a 34-year-old man who complained of decreased visual acuity in the right eye when exposed to cold environmental temperatures. Although examination at room temperature was unremarkable, he developed prominent unilateral corneal edema of the right eye when placed in a cold room at 4 C. Corneal thickness increased from 525 to 789 microns in the affected eye. Further examination disclosed a right-sided trigeminal nerve palsy. He was eventually found to have a 3 X 2-cm tentorial ridge meningioma on the right.
Effects of wildfire on national park visitation and the regional economy: a natural experiment in the Northern Rockies

Federal wildland fire management policy in the United States directs the use of value-based methods to guide priorities. However, the economic literature on the effect of wildland fire on nonmarket uses, such as recreation, is limited. This paper introduces a new approach to measuring the effect of wildfire on recreational use by utilising newly available long-term datasets on the location and size of wildland fire in the United States and observed behaviour over time as revealed through comprehensive National Park Service (NPS) visitor data. We estimate travel cost economic demand models that can be aggregated at the site-landscape level for Yellowstone National Park (YNP). The marginal recreation benefit per acre of fire avoided in, or proximate to, the park is US$43.82 per acre (US$108.29 per hectare) and the net present value loss for the 1986–2011 period is estimated to be US$206 million. We also estimate marginal regional economic impacts at US$36.69 per acre (US$90.66 per hectare) and US$159 million based on foregone non-resident spending in the 17-county Great Yellowstone Area (GYA). These methods are applicable where time-series recreation data exist, such as for other parks and ecosystems represented in the 397-unit NPS system.
Child psychiatrists' characteristics, communication, and competence as described by pediatricians in a national survey

A nationwide survey of pediatricians was undertaken to evaluate pediatricians' attitudes and utilization patterns regarding child psychiatrists. The responses of 1,089 pediatricians (69% of those surveyed) to open-ended questions in the survey are described. A wide variety of strongly-held beliefs concerning child psychiatrists' usefulness as collaborators and consultants in training and in clinical practice are identified. The implications of these findings for both medical specialities are discussed.
Degrees of acyclicity for hypergraphs and relational database schemes

Database schemes (winch, intuitively, are collecuons of table skeletons) can be wewed as hypergraphs (A hypergraph Is a generalization of an ordinary undirected graph, such that an edge need not contain exactly two nodes, but can instead contain an arbitrary nonzero number of nodes.) A class of "acychc" database schemes was recently introduced. A number of basic desirable propemes of database schemes have been shown to be equivalent to acyclicity This shows the naturalness of the concept. However, unlike the situation for ordinary, undirected graphs, there are several natural, noneqmvalent notions of acyclicity for hypergraphs (and hence for database schemes). Various desirable properties of database schemes are constdered and it is shown that they fall into several equivalence classes, each completely characterized by the degree of acycliclty of the scheme The results are also of interest from a purely graph-theoretic viewpomt. The original notion of aeyclicity has the countermtmtive property that a subhypergraph of an acychc hypergraph can be cyclic. This strange behavior does not occur for the new degrees of acyelicity that are considered.
Coupling through tortuous path narrow slot apertures into complex cavities

A hybrid finite-element method/method of moments (FEM/MOM) model has been implemented to compute the coupling of fields into a cavity through narrow slot apertures having depth. The model utilizes the slot model of Warne and Chen (1988, 1989, 1990, 1992), which takes into account the depth of the slot, wall losses, and dielectrics with air gaps in the slot region. The cavity interior is modeled with the mixed-order covariant-projection elements of Crowley (1988). Results are given showing the accuracy and generality of the method for modeling geometrically complex slot-cavity combinations.
In vivo survival and homeostatic proliferation of natural killer cells.

While the specificity and development of natural killer (NK) cells have been intensely studied, little is known about homeostasis of the mature NK population. Here we show that mouse NK cells undergo homeostatic proliferation when transferred into NK-deficient Rag−/− γC−/− hosts. Normal NK functional activity is maintained during this process, although there are some changes in NK phenotype. Using cell sorting, we demonstrate that mature (Mac-1hi) NK cells undergo homeostatic proliferation in an NK-deficient environment, yet immature (Mac-1lo) NK cells also proliferate in such hosts. We find that mature NK cells survive but do not proliferate in hosts which possess an endogenous NK pool. However, we go on to show that mature NK survival is critically dependent on interleukin (IL)-15. Surprisingly, NK survival is also compromised after transfer of cells into IL-15Rα−/− mice, implying that IL-15 responsiveness by bystander cells is critical for NK maintenance. These data imply that, similar to T cells, homeostasis of the NK pool is much more dynamic than previously appreciated and this may be relevant to manipulation of NK cells for therapeutic purposes.
Numerical study of shearing of a microfibre during friction testing of a microfibre array

Friction testing of microfibre arrays is typically conducted under displacement boundary conditions. For example, after the application of a compressive preload, the translation stage is fixed in the vertical direction while a shear displacement is applied by translating the stage laterally. A nonlinear rod model is used to compute the normal and shear forces acting on a typical microfibre during such a test. The normal load acting on a typical fibre is found to switch from compression to tension as the shear displacement increases. The critical shear force to detach a fibre is found to depend linearly on the compressive preload. The fibre is also found to become more stable as it is sheared, hence it never buckles. On the other hand, instead of fixing the vertical displacement, when a fibre is subjected to constant normal load, it becomes unstable upon shearing. We show that the buckling load (the applied normal load to make a fibre unstable) of a microfibril is reduced by the application of a shear displacement.
Comparison of the effects of selected variables on urban surface temperature

The intra-urban variation in surface temperature and its related natural and social variables region by region within a city was investigated in the study. The study area is Washington DC, USA. Data sources include one EOS Terra ASTER scene, census data and high spatial resolution (1m) color infrared DOQQ. The census tracts were used to partition the city into different regions. Variables extracted and considered in the study are: (1) urban surface temperature, (2) population density, (3) NDVI, and (4) land use/cover, particularly the percentage of urban surfaces. Mean values of each variable were calculated based on the census tracts, and their interrelationships were examined using a correlation matrix. Results indicate that urban surface temperature is mostly correlated with the percentage of urban surfaces (r = 0.857). Whereas, NDVI shows strong negative correlation with surface temperature (r= - 0.817), and its coefficient is further subject to the influence of available water bodies (i.e., water bodies have low NDVI but can lower surface temperature). Positive relation was found between population density and temperature with a reduced degree of correlation (r = 0.417), but still significant (p-value <= 0.0001 at 95% confidence level)
Systematic atomic number effects in complexes exhibiting ligand luminescence

Abstract The room-temperature fluorescence properties of Group IIIA metal complexes with salicylidene- o -aminophenol (S o AP) in aqueous 20% methanol are reported. The data include absorption, emission and excitation maxima, quantum yields and luminescence lifetimes. A systematic heavy atom effect influences the fluorescence decay to an extent sufficient for simultaneous kinetic analysis of ternary metal ion mixtures, based on decayrate measurements.
Effects of Orography and Surface Heat Fluxes on the South Asian Summer Monsoon

A high-resolution (40km horizontal) global model is used to examine controls on the South Asian summer monsoon by orography and surface heat fluxes. In a series of integrations with altered topography and reduced surface heat fluxes, monsoon strength, as indicated by a vertical wind shear index, is highly correlated with the amplitude of the maximum boundary layer equivalent potential temperature (ueb) over South Asia. RemovaloftheTibetanPlateauwhilepreservingtheHimalayasandadjacentmountainrangeshaslittleeffect on monsoon strength, and monsoon strength decreases approximately linearly as the height of the Himalayas is reduced. In terms of surface heatflux changes, monsoon strength is most sensitiveto those in the location of the ueb maximum just south of the Himalayas. These results are consistent with the recent idea that topography creates a strong monsoon by insulating the thermal maximum from dry extratropical air. However, monsoon strength is found to be more sensitive to variations in the ueb maximum when topography is altered than when surface heat fluxes are reduced, and it is suggested that free-tropospheric humidity changes lead to deviations from strict convective quasi equilibrium and cause this difference. When topography is reduced, dry extratropical air intrudes into the troposphere over the ueb maximum and is entrained by local deep convection, requiring a higher ueb to achieve convective equilibrium with a given upper-tropospheric temperatureandassociatedbalancedmonsoonflow.Theseresultsillustratepotentialcomplexitiesthatneedtobe included in simple theories for monsoon strength built on strict convective quasi equilibrium.
Memory based digital signal processing

A cost-effective approach to increasing the processing throughput of many digital signal processing (DSP) systems is described.. This movement is achieved by migrating some of the basic computational elements to memory. The classic Von Neumann bottleneck is circumvented by localizing the computations to memory, and a high throughput is achieved by exploiting the memory architecture. For certain DSP applications that require a simple type of operation to be applied to a large amount of data, e.g. pattern recognition or matrix-matrix multiplications, the increase in throughput is very high. It is also shown that a system built with these memories is easier to use than systolic arrays or multiprocessor systems. As examples, compared to conventional solutions, a 10* improvement is shown for a continuous speech recognizer and a 16* improvement for a 128*128 matrix multiplication. Higher-orders-of-magnitude improvements are possible for larger problems and more memory chips. >
TEMPERATURE CHARACTERISTIC FOR HEART BEAT FREQUENCY IN LIMAX.

The temperature characteristic for the frequency of the heart beat in quiescent Limax maximus is µ = 16,300 calories. This value agrees well with that obtained for certain neurogenic activities of the parietal musculature of this gastropod.
A parallel Fuzzy C-Mean algorithm for image segmentation

This paper proposes a parallel Fuzzy C-Mean (FCM) algorithm for image segmentation. The sequential FCM algorithm is computationally intensive and has significant memory requirements. For many applications such as medical image segmentation and geographical image analysis that deal with large size images, sequential FCM is very slow. In our parallel FCM algorithm, dividing the computations among the processors and minimizing the need for accessing secondary storage, enhance the performance and efficiency of image segmentation task as compared to the sequential algorithm.
Calcium zirconate for the monitoring of hydrocarbons

Abstract Calcium zirconate (CaZrO3) was investigated in the temperature range of 700–1100°C for hydrocarbon (HC) monitoring. It showed dramatic response to methane with the sensitivity increasing with increasing temperature. The influence of oxygen and its response to non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), such as ethylene, isopentane and toluene, were also studied. With 1.5% of oxygen present in the gas environment, CaZrO3 was found to be only sensitive to methane.
Trends in Workplace Homicides in the U.S., 1993-2002: A Decade of Decline

Background Trends in workplace homicide rates are compared to the trends in U.S. homicides from 1993 to 2002, inclusively. The homogeneity of workplace homicide rates by victim demographics, circumstances, and types of events are also addressed. Methods Using publicly available data from several sources, Poisson models are used to statistically compare the trends of workplace homicide rates versus U.S. homicide rates and to compare trends within categories of workplace homicides. Results Overall, there was a significant decline in the rates of occupational homicide of approximately 6% per year during the study time period; this decline was found to be statistically greater than the decline of all U.S. homicides (5% per year). Taxi cab drivers and chauffeurs demonstrated the greatest decline of all occupational subgroups. When looking at the circumstances of workplace homicides, only the rate of homicides committed during a robbery or other crime demonstrated a significant decline. Conclusions While workplace homicides have declined in the U.S., the declines have not occurred uniformly across demographic and occupational categories. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:316–325, 2007. 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Parkinson's disease: Neuron loss in the nucleus basalis without concomitant Alzheimer's disease

A representative region of the nucleus basalis of Meynert was investigated in 11 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and compared with the identical region in 13 age-matched control subjects. Simultaneously, the cerebral cortex and the nucleus basalis in the patients with Parkinson's disease were examined for senile plaques and Alzheimer's neurofibrillary tangles. The nucleus basalis was significantly depleted of its large neurons in Parkinson's disease (p less than 0.001 versus controls; Student t tests), but in the majority of cases the neuron loss was not associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Learning concepts by modeling relationships

Supporting multimedia search has emerged as an important research topic. There are three paradigms on the research spectrum that ranges from the least automatic to the most automatic. On the far left end, there is the pure manual labeling paradigm that labels multimedia content, e.g., images and video clips, manually with text labels and then use text search to search multimedia content indirectly. On the far right end, there is the content-based search paradigm that can be fully automatic by using low-level features from multimedia analysis. In recent years, a third paradigm emerged which is in the middle: the annotation paradigm. Once the concept models are trained, this paradigm can automatically detect/annotate concepts in unseen multimedia content. This talk looks into this annotation paradigm. Specifically, this talk argues that within the annotation paradigm, the relationship-based annotation approach outperforms other existing annotation approaches, because individual concepts are considered jointly instead of independently. We will use within concept relationship, between concept relationship and blind concept relationship to illustrate the idea.
Do we recognize facial expressions of emotions from persons with schizophrenia

Abstract Objectives: Impaired facial emotion expression is central to schizophrenia. Extensive work has quantified these differences, but it remains unclear how patient expressions are perceived by their healthy peers and other non-trained individuals. This study examined how static facial expressions of posed and evoked emotions of patients and controls are recognized by naive observers. Methods: Facial photographs of 6 persons with stable schizophrenia and 6 matched healthy controls expressing five universal emotions (happy, sad, anger, fear, and disgust) and neutral were selected from a previous data set. Untrained raters ( N = 420) viewed each photo and identified the expressed emotion. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to assess differences in accuracy and error patterns between patient and control expressions. Results: Expressions from healthy individuals were more accurately identified than those from schizophrenia patients across all conditions, except for posed sadness and evoked neutral faces, in which groups did not differ, and posed fear, in which patient expressions were more accurately identified than control expressions. Analysis of incorrect responses revealed misidentifications as neutral were most common across both groups but significantly more likely among patients. Conclusion: Present findings demonstrate that patient expressions of emotion are poorly perceived by naive observers and support the concept of affective flattening in schizophrenia. These results highlight the real world implications of impairments in emotion expression and may shed light on potential mechanisms of impaired social functioning in schizophrenia.
3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitors Interfere With Angiogenesis by Inhibiting the Geranylgeranylation of RhoA

Angiogenesis is implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis and in the treatment of coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease. Here, cholesterol-lowering agents, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, are shown to interfere with angiogenesis. In vivo, the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin dose-dependently inhibited capillary growth in both vascular endothelial growth factor-stimulated chick chorioallantoic membranes and basic fibroblast growth factor-stimulated mouse corneas. In vitro, the development of tubelike structures by human microvascular endothelial cells cultured on 3D collagen gels was inhibited at simvastatin concentrations similar to those found in the serum of patients on therapeutic doses of this agent. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors interfered with angiogenesis via inhibition of the geranylgeranylation and membrane localization of RhoA. Simvastatin inhibited membrane localization of RhoA with a concentration dependence similar to that for the inhibition of tube formation, whereas geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, the substrate for the geranylgeranylation of Rho, reversed the effect of simvastatin on tube formation and on the membrane localization of RhoA. Furthermore, tube formation was inhibited by GGTI, a specific inhibitor of the geranylgeranylation of Rho; by C3 exotoxin, which inactivates Rho; and by the adenoviral expression of a dominant-negative RhoA mutant. The expression of a dominant-activating RhoA mutant reversed the effect of simvastatin on tube formation. Finally, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors inhibited signaling by vascular endothelial growth factor, Akt, and focal adhesion kinase, three RhoA-dependent pathways known to be involved in angiogenesis. This study demonstrates a new relationship between lipid metabolism and angiogenesis and an antiangiogenic effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors with possible important therapeutic implications.
Using prospective outcomes data to improve morbidity and mortality conferences.

Background:Though a traditional part of most training programs, surgical morbidity and mortality (MM eg, superficial wound infection) to IV (death).Application To M&M Conferences:Before each conference the data manager supplies the responsible senior resident with information about caseloads and adverse events for the preceding month. At the conference, individual cases are presented in the context of the department's broader experience with that procedure (eg, rates of wound complications after bowel surgery over the last 2 years). In reviewing trends in complication rates over time, we also explore potential relationships between practice changes and outcomes. When appropriate, local performance is compared to external "benchmarks" using data from published studies.Incorporating prospective outcome data into the M&M conference is both feasible and practical. In addition to its educational value for both resident and attending physicians, we believe this approach creates many opportunities for improving the quality of our surgical practice.
A dual-space approach to tracking and sensor management in wireless sensor networks

Wireless ad hoc sensor networks have the advantage of spanning a large geographical region and being able to collaboratively detect and track non-local spatio-temporal events. This paper presents a dual-space approach to event tracking and sensor resource management in sensor networks. The dual-space transformation maps a non-local phenomenon, e.g., the edge of a half-plane shadow, to a single point in the dual space, and maps locations of distributed sensor nodes to a set of lines that partitions the dual space. The detection problem becomes finding and tracking the cell that contains the point in the arrangement defined by these lines. This mechanism can be effectively used for power management of the sensor network - nodes that will not be immediately visited by an event can be turned off to save energy required for sensing, processing, and communication. The approach has been successfully demonstrated on a laboratory testbed built using the UC Berkeley motes sensors. An implemented application of detecting and tracking light shadow edges moving over a sensor field is described.
High-precision measurements of Doppler-free two-photon transitions in Rb: new values for proposed dye-laser reference wavelengths

We have made new measurements of the 85Rb 5s–ns Doppler-free two-photon transitions (n = 14–50) with estimated accuracy of better than 1 part in 108. The wavelength of our dye laser was measured by using photographic Fabry–Perot interferometry. Our results differ systematically by as much as 7 parts in 108 from the previous measurements of Lee et al. [ Opt. Lett.3, 141– 143 ( 1978)], who proposed that these two-photon transitions be used as reference lines for dye-laser wavelength calibration. The observed discrepancies cannot be explained by known systematic shifts of the Rb levels in the thermionic diode detectors employed in both experiments. We have confirmed the accuracy of our interferometric wavelengths by measuring Doppler-free saturated absorption lines in 127I2. These results suggest that recently reported Rydberg-state measurements in Li, K, Rb, and Cs, which were calibrated with respect to the previous measurements of the 85Rb 5s–ns transitions, may require revision.
Effect of material gradation on K-dominance of fracture specimens

Abstract This work describes the effect of material gradation (parallel to the crack plane) on stress intensity factors and K-dominance, i.e. the dominance of the singular region, of fracture specimens; SE(T), SE(B) and C(T). The extent of K-dominance is investigated by comparing the actual stress field with the Williams’ asymptotic stress field. Linear-elastic finite element analyses are performed using graded elements which incorporate graded material properties at the element level. Material gradation and crack geometry are systematically varied to perform the parametric study. Results reveal that the effect of material gradation on KI is most pronounced when a short crack is located on the stiffer side of the fracture specimen. For a given specimen and crack geometry, the extent of K-dominance yields a curve with a peak point at a certain material gradation. Results of the present study provide valuable insight into the K-dominance of FGMs.
Construction of gender roles in perceived scarce environments – Maintaining masculinity when shopping for fast fashion apparel

Gender refers to ways men and women socialize into the male and female roles that are commonly attributed to them. These roles are continuously (re)constructed within and through our daily activities. Prior literature suggests a need for more research in investigating how men and women construct their identity in various exchange situations and in various cultural settings. This paper explores the situational construction of male and female identities (especially the male one) when shopping for fashion products in environments with strategically created scarcity. The findings of this study suggest that, when shopping for fashion products in scarce environments, men and women tend to exhibit gendered behaviors that are considered more consistent with their traditional gender norms. We find that men, although concerned about their appearance, adhere to urgent buying behavior. This behavior helps men maintain some of their traditional masculine identity. In addition, they do not participate as frequently in the in-store hoarding and in-store hiding that are more frequently exhibited by women and that are more consistent with a feminine identity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Final Regs. Loosen Exclusion Rules for Some Home Sales

The Taxpayer Relief Act (TRA) of 1997 repealed Section 1034 and amended Section 121. Both Code sections had previously addressed issues related to the sale or exchange of a principal residence. Section 1034 was a tax deferral provision under which gain was deferred to the extent the home-sale proceeds were used to purchase a replacement home. Section 121 provides a permanent maximum exclusion of $250,000 of gain ($500,000 in the case of specific joint returns) from the sale or exchange of a taxpayers principal residence. Requirements stipulated by Section 121 include an ownership and use test. Also, an exclusion of gain is not normally allowed if the exclusion has previously been used during the two-year period preceding the sale of the current principal residence. A strict interpretation of these requirements could create a hardship for some taxpayers faced with certain situational changes beyond their control. Relief is provided by Section 121 (c) for a reduced exclusion of gain when the taxpayer meets certain requirements. The IRS issued Reg. 1.121-3T in December 2002 to provide guidance concerning the sale of a principal residence that fails to meet the requirements of Section 121. In August 2004, the IRS issued Final Reg. 1.121-3 making some revisions to Reg. 1.121-3T. This paper examines the revisions and considers the current rules for eligibility for a reduced maximum exclusion under Section 121. Also discussed is Final Reg. 1.121-5 which allows taxpayers to suspend the running of the five-year period of ownership and use of a principal residence during periods of qualified military duty or foreign service.
Vibrational spectra of four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under high pressure: implications for stabilities of PAHs during accretion

Infrared and Raman spectra of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, and pyrene have been examined up to 10–55 GPa at 300 K, to probe structural changes in these materials under high-pressures, and to relate these to shock measurements on these materials. The goal is to develop an understanding of how such hydrocarbons might be processed during planetary accretion. A range of phase transitions in PAHs are observed and, in accord with previous investigations, these typically initiate at relatively low pressures (0.3–4.0 GPa): the lower-pressure transitions are likely associated with inter-molecular changes such as changes in symmetry and/or molecular orientation, charge transfer processes, or changes in π electron density, and are often sluggish. Higher-pressure (7–10 GPa) phase transitions in PAHs are likely associated with profound structural changes like dimerization, which are not always reversible. Laser-induced luminescence is encountered at pressures well below those at which PAHs amorphize, and a strong pressure-induced Fermi resonance is identified between the highest-lying inter-molecular modes and lowest-lying intra-molecular modes in each PAH examined. It is the increased strength of inter-molecular interactions under pressure that likely generates increasing overlap of π orbitals and leads to cross-linking (dimerization) of the molecules and the destruction of their planar symmetry. The first step in the amorphization of these compounds is likely dimerization, and amorphization occurs when long-range order is lost and a greater diversity of local structural environments is introduced into these materials, such as carbons being shared between rings, embayed structures, sp, sp2, and sp3 hybridized carbon atoms, a broad range of C–H bonding environments, and fewer residual resonance-stabilized C–C units. Our results are consistent with pressure producing amorphous, hydrogenated carbon material from PAH precursors: hence, impact phenomena, coupled with post-shock hydrogen loss, could provide an alternate pathway to produce amorphous carbon assemblages of the type observed within a range of meteorites. Additionally, smaller PAHs tend to be most stable under compression; as these are the most volatile of the PAHs, the combination of shock during accretion, coupled with trends in volatility, may limit the presence of PAHs within objects formed in the early solar system.
Peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion can be accomplished by any 1 of 3 techniques. These include dissective or surgical, the blind or modified Seldinger, and laparoscopic techniques. The dissective technique solelyutilized by surgeons, places the catheter by mini-laparotomy under general anesthesia. In the blind or modified Seldinger technique a needle is inserted into the abdomen, a guide-wire placed, a tract dilated and the catheter is inserted through a split-sheath, all without visualization of the peritoneal cavity. Of the various laparoscopes, peritoneoscopic insertion uses a small optical peritoneoscope for direct inspection of the peritoneal cavity and identification of a suitable site for the intraperitoneal portion of the catheter. Hence, of the 3 techniques, only the latter allows for the direct visualization of the intraperitoneal structures. This technique can be easily used by nephrologists as well as surgeons. Peritoneoscopic placement varies from traditional laparoscopic techniques by using: a much smaller scope (2.2 mm diameter) and puncture size, only one peritoneal puncture site, a device to advance the cuff into the musculature, air in the peritoneum rather than CO 2 , and local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. Prospective randomized and non-randomized studies have shown that PD catheters peritoneoscopically placed by nephrologists have less incidence of complications (infection, exit site leak) and longer catheter survival rates than those inserted surgically. The current review focuses on the peritoneoscopic insertion of PD catheter and presents some of the complicating issues (bowel perforation, catheter migration, and prior abdominal surgery) related to this procedure.
Two-phase flow of HFC-134a and CFC-12 through short-tube orifices

Short-tube orifices have been widely used as an expansion device on automotive and residential-sized air conditioners in the United States. The design for optimum performance of these systems requires predicting correct flow characteristics through short tubes for a given set of operating conditions. Insufficient data are available on how any of the new replacement refrigerants will perform in short-tube orifices relative to conventional refrigerants. This paper compares experimental mass flow results with HFC-134a and CFC-12 for a variety of inlet conditions and short-tube geometries. Five sharp-edged short-tube orifices with 7 < LID < 20 and 1.10 mm (0.0435 in.) < D < 1.72 mm (0.0676 in.) were tested with HFC-134a and CFC-12. Both two-phase and subcooled liquid flow conditions entering the short tube were examined for condensing temperatures ranging from 35.4 C (96 F) to 53.8 C (129 F), for subcooling as high as 13.9 C (25 F), and for qualities as high as 10% at the inlet of the short tube. The effects of downstream pressure were also investigated by lowering the downstream pressure from the upstream saturation pressure down to 310 kPa (45 psia). For HFC-134a, two types of measurements were made during this study-mass flow tests andmore » pressure distribution inside the orifice. For CFC-12, only mass flow tests were performed The results with CFC-12 were compared with those of HFC-134a with the same upstream temperature conditions. A comparison of these two refrigerants was made as a function of the main operating variables (upstream pressure, subcooling, and downstream pressure) and short-tube geometry. Semi-empirical models for both HFC-134a and CFC-12 were developed for the prediction of mass flow rate through short tubes.« less