cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How to Use Five Letterforms to Gauge a Typeface's Personality: A Research-Driven Method:

Technical communicators need to select typefaces that match the tone that they intend for a document. Rather than relying on intuition or personal preference, technical communicators can use a rese...
Conformationally induced electrostatic stabilization (CIES) of persulfoxides. A comparison to homologous sulfoxides

Computational and experimental evidence that participation of a remote heteroatom occurs during the formation and decomposition of persulfoxides is presented. The experimental ramifications of remote participation includes a dramatic increase in the rate of reaction with singlet oxygen and a decrease in the conformationally dependent ability of sulfides to physically deactivate singlet oxygen. The ability of different heteroatoms to participate is evaluated with a natural bond orbital analysis, and a comparison of the extent of participation in persulfoxides and their homologous sulfoxides is presented. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 18:591–599, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20343
Soft tissue sarcoma of the upper extremity

Soft tissue sarcomas of the upper extremities are rare and hand surgeons typically encounter only one or two undiagnosed soft tissue sarcomas during their careers. It is incumbent on the physician to review repeatedly the characteristics of these tumors and remain suspicious, because these lesions typically are misdiagnosed and treatment is delayed. The most common soft tissue sarcomas of the upper extremity are the epithelioid sarcoma, synovial cell sarcoma, and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Limb salvage surgery is the treatment of choice for soft tissue sarcomas to preserve upper extremity function. Following wide tumor resection, adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy, external beam radiation therapy, and brachytherapy may lessen local recurrence rates, but their effect on overall survival remains unclear.
T-705 (Favipiravir) Induces Lethal Mutagenesis in Influenza A H1N1 Viruses in Vitro

Several novel anti-influenza compounds are in various phases of clinical development. One of these, T-705 (favipiravir), has a mechanism of action that is not fully understood but is suggested to target influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. We investigated the mechanism of T-705 activity against influenza A (H1N1) viruses by applying selective drug pressure over multiple sequential passages in MDCK cells. We found that T-705 treatment did not select specific mutations in potential target proteins, including PB1, PB2, PA, and NP. Phenotypic assays based on cell viability confirmed that no T-705-resistant variants were selected. In the presence of T-705, titers of infectious virus decreased significantly (P < 0.0001) during serial passage in MDCK cells inoculated with seasonal influenza A (H1N1) viruses at a low multiplicity of infection (MOI; 0.0001 PFU/cell) or with 2009 pandemic H1N1 viruses at a high MOI (10 PFU/cell). There was no corresponding decrease in the number of viral RNA copies; therefore, specific virus infectivity (the ratio of infectious virus yield to viral RNA copy number) was reduced. Sequence analysis showed enrichment of G→A and C→T transversion mutations, increased mutation frequency, and a shift of the nucleotide profiles of individual NP gene clones under drug selection pressure. Our results demonstrate that T-705 induces a high rate of mutation that generates a nonviable viral phenotype and that lethal mutagenesis is a key antiviral mechanism of T-705. Our findings also explain the broad spectrum of activity of T-705 against viruses of multiple families.
Predictors of arteriovenous graft patency after radiologic intervention in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Arteriovenous grafts in hemodialysis patients are prone to recurrent stenosis and thrombosis, requiring frequentradiologic and surgical interventions to optimize their long-term patency. Little is known about the factors that determine graft outcome after a radiologic intervention. The present study examined the clinical and radiologic predictors of intervention-free graft survival after elective angioplasty or thrombectomy. A prospective computerized database was used to determine the outcomes subsequent to all graft angioplasties (n = 330) and thrombectomies (n = 326) performed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham between April 1, 1996, and June 30, 1999. Primary graft survival rates after angioplasty and thrombectomy were 86% versus 43% at 1 month, 71 % versus 30% at 3 months, 51% versus 19% at 6 months, and 28% versus 8% at 12 months, respectively. The median intervention-free graft survival time was substantially longer after angioplasty than thrombectomy (6.7 versus 0.6 months; P P 0.6, respectively; P
A Scalable Network Topology for Medical Imaging

Summary form only given. Inherent limitations on the computational power of sequential uniprocessor systems have led to the development of parallel multiprocessor systems. The two major issues in the formulation and design of parallel multiprocessor systems are algorithm design and architecture design. The parallel multiprocessor systems should be so designed so as to facilitate the design and implementation of the efficient parallel algorithms that exploit optimally the capabilities of the system. From an architectural point of view, the system should have low hardware complexity, be capable of being built of components that can be easily replicated, should exhibit desirable cost-performance characteristics, be cost effective and exhibit good scalability in terms of hardware complexity and cost with increasing problem size. In distributed memory multiprocessor systems, the processing elements can be considered to be nodes that are connected together via an interconnection network. In order to facilitate algorithm and architecture design, we require that the interconnection network have a low diameter, the system be symmetric and each node in the system have low degree of connectivity. Further, it is also desirable that the system configuration and behavior be amenable to a suitable and tractable mathematical description. The requirement of network symmetry ensures that each node in the network is identical to any other, thereby greatly reducing the architecture and algorithm design effort. For most symmetric network topologies, however, the requirements of low degree of connectivity for each node and low network diameter are often conflicting. Low network diameter often entails that each node in the network have a high degree of connectivity resulting in a drastic increase in the number of inter-processor connection links. A low degree of connectivity on the other hand, results in a high network diameter which in turn results in high inter-processor communication overhead and reduced efficiency of parallelism. Reconfigurable networks attempt to address this tradeoff. In a reconfigurable network each node has a fixed degree of connectivity irrespective of the network size. The network diameter is restricted by allowing the network to reconfigure itself into different configurations. Broadly speaking, a reconfigurable system needs to satisfy the following criteria in order to be considered practically viable: (a) In each configuration the nodes in the network should have a fixed degree of connectivity irrespective of network size, (b) The network diameter should be kept low via the reconfiguration mechanism and (c) The hardware for the reconfiguration mechanism (i.e., switch) should be of reasonable complexity. In this presentation, we discuss our design of a reconfigurable network topology that is targeted at medical applications. We present some results and discuss the future roadmap of this project.
Unfolding physiological state: mortality modelling in intensive care units

Accurate knowledge of a patient's disease state and trajectory is critical in a clinical setting. Modern electronic healthcare records contain an increasingly large amount of data, and the ability to automatically identify the factors that influence patient outcomes stand to greatly improve the efficiency and quality of care.We examined the use of latent variable models (viz. Latent Dirichlet Allocation) to decompose free-text hospital notes into meaningful features, and the predictive power of these features for patient mortality. We considered three prediction regimes: (1) baseline prediction, (2) dynamic (time-varying) outcome prediction, and (3) retrospective outcome prediction. In each, our prediction task differs from the familiar time-varying situation whereby data accumulates; since fewer patients have long ICU stays, as we move forward in time fewer patients are available and the prediction task becomes increasingly difficult.We found that latent topic-derived features were effective in determining patient mortality under three timelines: in-hospital, 30 day post-discharge, and 1 year post-discharge mortality. Our results demonstrated that the latent topic features important in predicting hospital mortality are very different from those that are important in post-discharge mortality. In general, latent topic features were more predictive than structured features, and a combination of the two performed best.The time-varying models that combined latent topic features and baseline features had AUCs that reached 0.85, 0.80, and 0.77 for in-hospital, 30 day post-discharge and 1 year post-discharge mortality respectively. Our results agreed with other work suggesting that the first 24 hours of patient information are often the most predictive of hospital mortality. Retrospective models that used a combination of latent topic features and structured features achieved AUCs of 0.96, 0.82, and 0.81 for in-hospital, 30 day, and 1-year mortality prediction.Our work focuses on the dynamic (time-varying) setting because models from this regime could facilitate an on-going severity stratification system that helps direct care-staff resources and inform treatment strategies.
Cisplatin. A phase II evaluation in previously untreated patients with soft tissue sarcomas.

A Phase II trial of moderately high-dose cisplatin (120 mg/m2 with mannitol diuresis) was conducted in 26 previously untreated patients with soft tissue sarcomas. One partial response (major response rate, 4%) and two minor responses were seen. Severe nausea and vomiting and transient increases in the serum creatinine level were the most common side effects of treatment. Cisplatin has minimal activity as a single agent in patients with soft tissue sarcoma. Cancer 59:884-886, 1987.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy: Probing the Structure of Multicomponent Polymer Blends

Abstract Polymer blends may be defined a s physical mixtures of two or more polymers [1]. Conceptually, polymer blends are analogous to metal alloys, materials which date back to the dawn of civilization. In much the same way as the metallurgists sought to improve the chemical and physical properties of metallic materials by mixing various metals, polymer scientists have also employed this technique to produce a wide variety of useful polymeric materials. However, we must be careful not to push this analogy too far. There are many fundamental differences between these two classes of materials.
The role of kinetosome-associated organelles in the attachment of encysting secondary zoospores of Saprolegnia ferax to substrates

Electron and fluorescence microscopy were used to identify organelles involved in attachment of secondary zoospores ofSaprolegnia ferax as they were transformed into secondary cysts. When secondary zoospores were exposed to 1.0% peptone in the absence or presence of a substrate, they began to encyst. If substrates were present when encystment was induced, the groove surface of the secondary zoospores adhered to them. The first event in attachment was secretion of contents of the kinetosome-associated organelle (K-body), which was typically oriented with the tubule-filled cavity positioned toward the cell surface of the groove region in the zoospore. The tubules which contained carbohydrates became coarsely granular, the matrix became more fibrous, and the shell remained along the membrane concavity that was formed as the K-body fused with the plasma membrane. Five minutes later, a cyst coat appeared, and cysts were not readily dislodged from a substrate. The concavity was no longer found, presumably because it had evaginated; but a layered pad of adhesion material was between the cyst coat and substrate. The layers of the adhesion pad corresponded to the structure of the matrix of K-bodies. As with the tubules of the K-body, the coarsely granular portion at the edge of the pad stained for carbohydrates. Similarly, the lectins WGA and GS-II labeled with fluorescein stained the rim of the adhesion pad on cysts, indicating the presence of glycoconjugates containing N-acetylglucosamines. Because globular areas near the kinetosomes and groove of zoospores (where K-bodies were located) also bound WGA and GS-II, K-bodies contained the same carbohydrates as the adhesion pad. We conclude that K-bodies function in the attachment of encysting zoospores to substrates as the cell differentiates. The tubular portion of the K-body matrix contains carbohydrates which might assist in the adhesion process.
Studies on filariasis. III. Partial growth of the mammalian stages of Dirofilaria immitis in vitro.

Abstract Invasive third-stage larvae of Dirofilaria immitis obtained from experimentally infected Anopheles quadrimaculatus were maintained in a culture medium in a perfusion apparatus for 30 days at 37 °C. Molting of the larvae was observed, and an increase in size from an initial length of 1059 μ and a 27.68 μ width to an average 1510 μ length and 34.70 μ width at 12 days, and a 1825 μ length and 38.70 μ width at 30 days, were recorded. Blunting and rounding of the anterior ends in the growing larvae were conspicuous, and the caudal papillae were prominent. These changes are comparable to those occurring in larvae of similar age found in experimentally infected dogs. The results of the experiments are discussed and compared in the light of previous attempts to grow D. immitis in vitro.
Cell polarity: A tale of two Ts

The microtubule cytoskeleton plays an important role in cell polarity. Central to this process in fission yeast is tea1p, a marker of polarized cell growth that is delivered to the cell surface in a microtubule-dependent fashion. Recent studies suggest that the actin-binding protein bud6p may be a tea1p effector.
Analysis of Driver Behavior in Dilemma Zones at Signalized Intersections

A field study evaluated the stopping characteristics of vehicles 2.5 to 5.5 s upstream of signalized intersections at the start of a yellow interval, a region typically considered drivers' indecision zone or dilemma zone. Characteristics included brake-response times for first-to-stop vehicles, deceleration rates for first-to-stop vehicles, distinguishing characteristics and prediction of first-to-stop versus last-to-go events, and distinguishing characteristics and prediction of red-light-running events. Consumergrade video cameras temporarily installed at four high-speed and two lowspeed intersections in the Madison, Wisconsin, area recorded dilemma zone vehicles. Several factors were measured for each last-to-go (n = 435) and first-to-stop (n = 463) vehicle in each lane during each yellow interval, including approach speed; distance upstream at start of yellow; brake-response time; deceleration rate; vehicle type; headway; tailway; action of vehicles in adjacent lanes; presence of side-street vehicles,...
Scanned Three-Dimensional Model Matching and Comparison Algorithms for Manufacturing Applications

In recent years the increased use of 3D scanning hardware has introduced a new type of data to the design and manufacturing field. In many design and manufacturing applications (e.g., part refurbishing or remanufacturing) a scanned 3D model may be provided as an input to a shape matching system to search the database for related or identical models with the purpose of extracting useful information. The introduction of scanned 3D models restricts the use of the CAD-based 3D model search and comparison methods due to significant differences in model representations. The CAD models provide structured and high-level representation of the part features, whereas the scanned 3D models usually come in a polygonal mesh representation, which does not directly reveal engineering features of the part. These differences require new algorithms for comparing the shapes of scanned 3D models, ones that are robust against different scanning technologies and can be adjusted to work with different representations of the models. In this paper, a new approach and algorithms for scanned 3D shape matching and comparison are presented. Given the scanned 3D model as an input the approach first uses general-purpose shape matching methods to identify a small list of likely matches (i.e., candidate models) for more detailed shape comparison. To perform detailed comparison of the shapes each candidate model is geometrically adjusted (i.e., rotated and translated) with the input using one of two new viewpoint algorithms developed in this paper. Once the candidate models are adjusted they are compared to the input to identify the similarities and differences between their shapes. To accomplish this task a new 3D shape matching algorithm is developed. The relevance of the methodology developed in this paper is illustrated with the application of scanned 3D shape matching and comparison algorithms in rapid manufacturing of broken parts.
Thermodynamic calculations for molecules with asymmetric internal rotors—application to 1,3‐butadiene

We present quantum mechanical partition functions, free energies, entropies, and heat capacities of 1,3-butadiene derived from ab initio calculations. Our technique makes use of a reaction path-like Hamiltonian to couple all 23 vibrational modes to the large-amplitude torsion, which involves heavy asymmetric functional groups. Ab initio calculations were performed at the B3LYP, MP2, and CCSD(T) levels of theory and compared with experimental values as a reference case. By using the ab initio potentials and projected frequencies, simple perturbative expressions are presented for computing the couplings of all the vibrational modes to the large-amplitude torsion. The expressions are particularly suited for programming in the new STAR-P software platform which automatically parallelizes our codes with distributed memory via a familiar MATLAB interface. Using the efficient parallelization scheme of STAR-P, we obtain thermodynamic properties of 1,3-butadiene for temperatures ranging from 50 to 500 K. The free energies, entropies, and heat capacities obtained from our perturbative formulas are compared with conventional approximations and experimental values found in thermodynamic tables.
Which patients are candidates for dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States, and several new treatment approaches are currently being explored. The dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4) inhibitors are the latest class of medications to be developed for the management of diabetes and
Offshore Outsourcing, Yield Uncertainty, and Contingency Responses

In this article, we study an offshore outsourcing arrangement for a buyer of a produced good in the presence of supply yield uncertainty. We analyze the performance of contingency responses to the realized yield information at the end of production and prior to its delivery to the destination market. The contingency responses considered are: (i) Emergency Production via which an emergency order is placed with another fast and perfectly reliable offshore supplier; (ii) Emergency Production and Delivery via which an expedited shipping of (partial or total) good units is used on top of Emergency Production. Within a periodic review inventory system with uncertain demand setting, we theoretically characterize the optimal decisions on the cycle order size, the emergency order size, and the way to split the available good units between the fast and slow shipping modes. We provide comparative statics on how the choices of these quantities are affected by each other and by the demand and yield uncertainties. We use numerical examples to illustrate the values of such contingency responses and the impact of other factors on the cost of meeting demand.
The moment map for circle actions on sympletic manifolds

Abstract A circle action on a Kahler manifold has a moment map if and only if it has fixed points. In this note, we give examples to show that this statement is not true for a general symplectic manifold, though it does hold in dimension 4.
Treatment of Respiratory Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection in Mice with Aerosols of Kanamycin

Aerosols of kanamycin resulted in greater survival of mice challenged with respiratory Klebsiella pneumoniae than the same dosage given intramuscularly. Determinations of viable bacteria in the blood and lungs revealed that aerosolized kanamycin was most effective when infection was confined to the lungs. After the organisms had spread to other areas, however, aerosol therapy was still more effective than intramuscular therapy, but only one-half the infected mice survived.
Quaternary chalcogenides of formula MII2MV2−2yM′2yS6 and Se6

Abstract Compositions of the title formula where M II = Ba and Sr, M V = Ta and Nb, M′ = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Rh and Ir, and y = 0.5 and 0.33 were prepared by two methods: reaction of the elements in evacuated silica tubes and reaction of M II CO 3 , M V 2 O 5 , and M′ oxides with H 2 S. When M II = Ba, all members have the BaNiO 3 structure. When M′ = Mn and Cu, structural distortions are present. Some compositions have Ta or S vacancies. When M II = Sr, compositions were prepared only with Ta, for y = 0.5 and when M′ = Cr and Fe. Electrical measurements on selected compositions showed semiconductivity.
Breast tumors induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea are damaging to bone strength, structure, and mineralization in the absence of metastasis in rats.

Current theory on the influence of breast cancer on bone describes metastasis of tumor cells to bone tissue, followed by induction of osteoclasts and bone degradation. Tumor influences on bone health in pre- or nonmetastatic models are unknown. Female rats (n = 48, 52 days old) were injected with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) to induce breast cancer. Animals were euthanized 10 weeks later, and tumors were weighed and classified histologically. Right femurs were extracted for testing of bone mineral density (BMD) by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone mechanical strength by three-point bending and femoral neck bending tests, and structure by micro–computed tomography (µCT). Of 48 rats, 22 developed one or more tumors in response to MNU injection by 10 weeks. Presence of any tumor predicted significantly poorer bone health in 17 of 28 measures. In tumored versus nontumored animals, BMD was adversely affected by 3%, force at failure of the femoral midshaft by 4%, force at failure of the femoral neck by 12%, and various trabecular structural parameters by 6% to 27% (all p < .05). Similarly, greater tumor burden, represented by total tumor weight, adversely correlated with bone outcomes: r = −0.51 for BMD, −0.42 and −0.35 for femur midshaft force and work at failure, and between 0.36 and 0.59 (absolute values) for trabecular architecture (all p < .05). Presence of MNU-induced tumors and total tumor burden showed a negative association with bone health of the femur in rats in the absence of metastasis. Further study is required to elucidate mechanisms for this association. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Aortic remodeling after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for intramural hematoma.

Background Intramural hematoma (IMH), penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU), and aortic dissection comprise a spectrum of acute aortic pathologies. Although thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has increasingly been applied to aortic dissection, there is a paucity of data on the anatomic effect of TEVAR for IMH. Our goal was to investigate the extent of aortic remodeling after TEVAR. Methods A retrospective chart review from 2006 to 2012 was conducted on patients who underwent TEVAR for IMH. Data were collected from the electronic medical record. Radiology images were reviewed and primary data points included diameter (TLD) and volume measurements for aortic true lumen and total aortic diameter (TAD) and volume at the site of maximal pathology. Aortic remodeling was evidenced by a TAD/TLD ratio closest to 1.0. Patients with no imaging beyond 30 days postoperatively were excluded. Results During the 6-year period, 44 patients underwent TEVAR for IMH. Twenty-five patients had an IMH with concomitant PAU. There were 25 (57%) female patients. Mean age was 71 ± 11 years, and 40 (91%) patients had hypertension. Operative indications included intractable pain in 31 (70%), rapidly progressing IMH or conversion to dissection in 13 (30%), rupture in 10 (23%), and uncontrolled hypertension in 6 (14%). Technically successful TEVAR was performed in all patients with 42 (95%) reporting complete relief of symptoms. The 30-day mortality rate was 5% with a 5% rate of permanent paraplegia or paraparesis. At a mean follow-up of 26 months, there were no additional aortic-related deaths and overall survival was 80% with a reintervention rate of 11%. For our imaging analysis, 10 patients were excluded because of lack of follow-up imaging beyond 30 days. At a mean follow-up of 13 months, all measured data points were statistically improved from before to after TEVAR: thickness of IMH (12 mm vs 4 mm; P = .01), mean TLD (35 mm vs 37 mm; P = .04), mean TAD (47 mm vs 42 mm; P = .02), TAD/TLD ratio (1.35 vs 1.14; P 3 vs 14 cm 3 ; P P = .05). Analysis of patients with isolated IMH and those with concomitant PAU revealed no statistical differences. Conclusions TEVAR is safe and effective in treating IMH and based on longitudinal computed tomography scan analysis, aortic remodeling is evidenced by normalization of all measured indices.
Affixial verbs in syntax: A reply to Grimshaw and Mester

We have pointed to a range of data which fulfill exactly the predictions G & M ascribe to a syntactic theory of Eskimo complex verb constructions. In particular we have found that complex verbs occur in different phrase structure configurations from ordinary verbs and trigger different kinds of case marking and that anaphoric processes must recognize clause boundaries within complex verbs; that the internal structure of certain complex verbs is unique in a way that argues for word-internal clause boundaries; that derivations by means of suffixes of the -kqu- class have the same sorts of properties as syntactic causatives; that certain suffixes distinguish between basic and derived stems, and that certain derived forms do not interact freely with other word formation processes.
L-dopa and imipramine: Biochemical and behavioral interaction

Abstract The effects of L-dopa and its interaction with imipramine and chlorimipramine on rat behavior and brain amine levels were studied. Imipramine, a tricyclic anti-depressant, potentiated motor activity induced by L-dopa in combination with an aromatic decarboxylase inhibitor. Steretype behavior induced by L-dopa was not affected by imipramine. The order of administration of imipramine did not alter the responses to L-dopa. Imipramine and chlorimipramine pretreatment obviated the L-dopa-elicited serotonin depletion. Post-treatment with the tricyclic drugs did not protect the L-dopa-induced serotonin reduction. This protection of brain serotonin was not due to the inhibition of L-dopa uptake. Brain catecholamine levels were not significantly altered by either pretreatment or post-treatment with the tricyclic anti-depressants. The possibility that L-dopa produces behavioral effects that are mediated through catecholamines and serotonin is discussed. Pretreatment with the tricyclic drugs may be a tool, useful in eliminating serotonin-mediated L-dopa effects.
An ultrastructural analysis of the gametes and early fertilization in two bivalve molluscs, Chama macerophylla and Spisula solidissima with special reference to gamete binding

An ultrastructural investigation of the gametes and their interaction during the early events of fertilization in molluscs has been performed. A gamete binding event involving large numbers of sperm has been identified and examined in detail. The surface of the oocyte is projected into numerous microvilli which extend through the vitelline envelope. Tufts of fibrillar material radiate from the tips of these microvilli, forming a layer external to the vitelline envelope. The acrosomal vesicle of the mature spermatozoon contains two major components, which function differently during fertilization. The vesicle is indented at its adnuclear surface, constituting a preformed acrosomal tubule. This tubule does not elongate during the acrosome reaction. Completion of the reaction results in the formation of an extracellular coat, derived from one component of the acrosomal vesicle, on the anterior surface of the sperm. Sperm-egg binding is accomplished by an association of the extracellular coat on the reacted sperm and the fibrous tufts on the tips of the microvilli of the oocyte. Evidence that gamete membrane fusion occurs by fusion of the acrosomal tubule and a microvillus is presented. These observations provide a generalized pattern of molluscan fertilization.
Enhancement of glycine receptor function by ethanol : role of phosphorylation

1. The effects of several kinase inhibitors (staurosporine, GF 109203X, H89, KN62, genistein) and of the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A were studied on the ethanol potentiation and on the function of homomeric alpha1 glycine receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes using a two electrode voltage clamp recording technique. 2. The function of the homomeric alpha1 glycine receptor was not modified in Xenopus oocytes pretreated with kinase inhibitors or with the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A. 3. The potentiation of the glycine receptor function induced by ethanol (10-200 mM) was significantly reduced in Xenopus oocytes pretreated with the PKC inhibitors staurosporine or GF 109203X. 4. No differences in propofol (2.5 microM) or halothane (250 microM) actions were found after exposure of Xenopus oocytes to staurosporine. 5. No differences in ethanol sensitivity were found after exposure of Xenopus oocytes expressing glycine alpha1 receptors to H89, KN62, genistein or to the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A. 6. The mutant alpha1 (S391A), in which the PKC phosphorylation site at serine 391 was mutated to alanine, was less sensitive to the effects of ethanol than was the alpha1 wild type receptor. Moreover, the ethanol potentiation of the glycine receptor function was not affected by treatment with staurosporine in oocytes expressing alpha1 (S391A). 7. The splice variant of the alpha1 glycine receptor subunit, alpha1ins, containing eight additional amino acids and a potential phosphorylation site for PKA, did not differ from wild type for sensitivity to ethanol. 8. These results indicate that phosphorylation by PKC of the homomeric alpha1 glycine receptor subunit modulates ethanol potentiation, but not the function of the glycine receptor.
A unifying approach to linear estimation via the partitioned algorithms, II: Discrete models

In a radically new approach to linear estimation, Lainiotis [9-11] obtained fundamentally new discrete filtering and smoothing algorithms in a "partitioned" or decomposed form. The partitioned algorithms were shown to have several theoretically interesting and computationally attractive properties. In this paper, a companion to part I on continuous models [13], the fundamental nature of the partitioned algorithms is demonstrated by showing that the discrete partitioned algorithms serve as the basis of a unifying approach to discrete linear filtering and smoothing. Specifically, generalized discrete partitioned algorithms are presented that are theoretically interesting, computationally attractive, and all encompassing. The all encompassing nature of the generalized partitioned algorithms is demonstrated by showing that they contain as special cases all previous major filtering and smoothing algorithms. More importantly, they yield important generalizations, of past well-known algorithms, as well as whole families of such algorithms.
Rotational atherectomy with a new device: initial clinical experience.

The Bard Atherectomy Catheter is a new rotational atherectomy device that consists of a flexible, hollow, thin-walled cutting catheter that, while rotated at 1,500 revolutions per minute, is advanced across the lesion over a special spiral guidewire system. We report the initial clinical experience with this device in 20 peripheral lesions in ten patients. The majority of patients were treated for limb salvage. All lesions were successfully intervened on by atherectomy followed by adjunctive balloon angioplasty. A reduction to less than 50% stenosis was achieved in 13 of the 20 lesions (65%) after atherectomy but in all 20 lesions (100%) after adjunctive angioplasty for all lesions and stenting for dissections in two. Baseline minimal lesion lumen diameter was 0.8 ± 0.7 mm with a reference vessel diameter of 4.2 ± 1.7 mm (75 ± 21% stenosis). The lumen improved to 2.0 ± 0.8 mm (45 ± 19% stenosis) (P < 0.001) following atherectomy and to 3.9 ± 1.9 mm (13 ± 16% stenosis) (P < 0.001) after adjunctive angioplasty. The average weight of removed atheroma was 45 ± 58 mg. All ten patients had initial improvement in symptoms. At 6 months follow-up there was persistent improvement in eight patients and two subjects had undergone amputations. Our early clinical experience with this low profile, flexible atherectomy device, that enables extraction of a large amount of atheroma, suggests that it will become a valuable addition to current atherectomy technologies in small- and medium-sized vessels. The value of this device in coronary vessels is under investigation. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Rh(phen)2phi3+ as a shape-selective probe of triple helices.

RNA pur•pur-pyr and pyr•pur-pyr (pur = purine, pyr = pyrimidine) triple helices consisting of a Watson−Crick base-paired 28mer hairpin duplex and a Hoogsteen base-paired purine or pyrimidine 12mer are targeted with photoactivated cleavage by the metal complex Rh(phen)_2phi^(3+) (phen = phenanthroline, phi = 9,10-phenanthrenequinone diimine). The metal complex interacts with these triple helices in a structure-specific manner. Different cleavage patterns are seen with the pyr•pur-pyr and pur•pur-pyr motifs. Cleavage is seen on both of the Watson−Crick strands of the former motif and primarily on the purine Watson−Crick strand of the latter motif. Little cleavage is seen on the Hoogsteen strand for either motif. Importantly, the metal complex shows no detectable cleavage on the A-form RNA duplex in the absence of the third Hoogsteen strand. The cleavage patterns are consistent with an intercalated model for the metal complex in the triple helix. Similar cleavage is seen on DNA triple helices, but over a background of duplex cleavage. Targeting of synthetic RNA triple helices, but not duplex regions, by Rh(phen)_2phi^(3+) provides a basis for the chemical probing of triply bonded sites in folded RNA molecules.
Adding background knowledge to formal concept analysis via attribute dependency formulas

We present a way to add user's background knowledge to formal concept analysis. The type of background knowledge we deal with relates to relative importance of attributes in the input data. We introduce AD-formulas which represent this type of background knowledge. The background knowledge serves as a constraint. The main aim is to make extraction of clusters from the input data more focused by taking into account the background knowledge. Particularly, only clusters which are compatible with the background knowledge are extracted from data. As a result, the number of extracted clusters becomes smaller, leaving out non-interesting clusters. We present illustrative examples and results on entailment of background knowledge such as efficient testing of entailment and a complete systems of deduction rules.
Software and hardware reliability books are reviewed

[1] Life Time Data: Statistical Models and Methods, by Jayant V. Deshpande and Sudha G. Purohit, 2006, World Scientific Press, 27 Warren Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA, ISBN: 981 256 697 X, pp. ...
Connecting Science and Mathematics: The Nature of Scientific and Statistical Hypothesis Testing

Confusion persists concerning the roles played by scientific hypotheses and predictions in doing science. This confusion extends to the nature of scientific and statistical hypothesis testing. The present paper utilizes the If/and/then/Therefore pattern of hypothetico-deductive (HD) reasoning to explicate the nature of both scientific and statistical hypothesis testing. The central example is that of Gregor Mendel’s test his theory of inheritance and the use of the chi-square statistic to determine the extent to which his predicted and experimental results match. When the processes of scientific and statistical hypothesis testing are cast in HD terms, we find that both involve hypotheses, planned tests, predictions, results and conclusions. However, the former involves causal claims, while the latter is descriptive. Importantly, connecting the two processes reveals that scientific predictions and statistical hypotheses are the same thing. Improved understanding of the similarities and differences of the two processes and their connected role in doing science can be expected to improve general scientific and mathematical literacy. It may also improve the quality of research in science and mathematics education.
Summary of forward velocity effects on fan noise

Available experimental data comparing the in-flight and static behavior of fan noise are reviewed. These results are then compared with recent data obtained for a fan stage tested with forward velocity in a low speed wind tunnel. Tentative conclusions are presented about the significance and nature of the changes in noise observed when a forward velocity is imposed. Finally, the implications of the emerging picture of in-flight fan source noise for suppressor design are discussed.
Transient structures and rheological properties of SBS block copolymer melts

Abstract Shear stress growth and relaxation behavior of two well-characterized SBS block copolymers have been studied using a Melt Elasticity Tester. Effects of casting solvents on the transient rheological properties and structure variation during flow are determined via samples cast from THF/MEK and cyclohexane. The temperature dependence of the observed shear stress at the yield point and steady-state viscosities provides insight into the mechanism of structure breakdown induced by the applied flow. Shear stress relaxation upon cessation of flow reveals complex behavior, depending on temperature, casting solvents, and duration of previous flow. Strain recovery data have also been obtained, indicating strong dependence on the composition of the copolymers. Significance of these observations in terms of the melt structure of SBS is discussed.
The serine, threonine, and/or tyrosine-specific protein kinases and protein phosphatases of prokaryotic organisms: a family portrait

Inspection of the genomes for the bacteria Bacillus subtilis 168, Borrelia burgdorferi B31, Escherichia coli K-12, Haemophilus influenzae KW20, Helicobacter pylori 26695, Mycoplasma genitalium G-37, and Synechocystis sp PCC 6803 and for the archaeons Archaeoglobus fulgidus VC-16 DSM4304, Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum delta H, and Methanococcus jannaschii DSM2661 revealed that each contains at least one ORF whose predicted product displays sequence features characteristic of eukaryote-like protein-serine/threonine/tyrosine kinases and protein-serine/threonine/tyrosine phosphatases. Orthologs for all four major protein phosphatase families (PPP, PPM, conventional PTP, and low molecular weight PTP) were present in the bacteria surveyed, but not all strains contained all types. The three archaeons surveyed lacked recognizable homologs of the PPM family of eukaryotic protein-serine/threonine phosphatases; and only two prokaryotes were found to contain ORFs for potential protein phosphatases from all four major families. Intriguingly, our searches revealed a potential ancestral link between the catalytic subunits of microbial arsenate reductases and the protein-tyrosine phosphatases; they share similar ligands (arsenate versus phosphate) and features of their catalytic mechanism (formation of arseno- versus phospho-cysteinyl intermediates). It appears that all prokaryotic organisms, at one time, contained the genetic information necessary to construct protein phosphorylation–dephosphorylation networks that target serine, threonine, and/or tyrosine residues on proteins. However, the potential for functional redundancy among the four protein phosphatase families has led many prokaryotic organisms to discard one, two, or three of the four.
Capital Preferences: International Capital and Government Partisanship

Many argue that government partisanship influences the size of investment flows into stocks and bonds. But existing literature tells us little about how international capital flows influence election outcomes. I argue that passive investment into stocks, bonds, and other debt instruments—in other words, portfolio investments—increases political contributions to right-wing parties. This investment generates resources for domestic capitalists. These owners of capital then channel these resources into political contributions to right-wing parties and enhance those parties' electoral position. Thus, passive investment bolsters the electoral chances of right-wing governments. I illustrate this process with a formal model of special interest politics in which lobbies operate under budget constraint. Using a new data set on political contributions and statistical analyses for a sample of states from 1980–2009, I find support for my general argument.
Expanded blood volumes contribute to the increased cardiovascular performance of endurance-trained older men

To determine whether expanded intravascular volumes contribute to the older athlete’s higher exercise stroke volume and maximal oxygen consumption (V˙o 2 max), we measured peak upright cycle ergome...
A Comparison of Spatial and Movement Patterns between Sympatric Predators: Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) and Atlantic Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)

Background: Predators can impact ecosystems through trophic cascades such that differential patterns in habitat use can lead to spatiotemporal variation in top down forcing on community dynamics. Thus, improved understanding of predator movements is important for evaluating the potential ecosystem effects of their declines. Methodology/Principal Findings: We satellite-tagged an apex predator (bull sharks, Carcharhinus leucas) and a sympatric mesopredator (Atlantic tarpon, Megalops atlanticus) in southern Florida waters to describe their habitat use, abundance and movement patterns. We asked four questions: (1) How do the seasonal abundance patterns of bull sharks and tarpon compare? (2) How do the movement patterns of bull sharks and tarpon compare, and what proportion of time do their respective primary ranges overlap? (3) Do tarpon movement patterns (e.g., straight versus convoluted paths) and/or their rates of movement (ROM) differ in areas of low versus high bull shark abundance? and (4) Can any general conclusions be reached concerning whether tarpon may mitigate risk of predation by sharks when they are in areas of high bull shark abundance? Conclusions/Significance: Despite similarities in diet, bull sharks and tarpon showed little overlap in habitat use. Bull shark abundance was high year-round, but peaked in winter; while tarpon abundance and fishery catches were highest in late spring. However, presence of the largest sharks (.230 cm) coincided with peak tarpon abundance. When moving over deep open waters (areas of high shark abundance and high food availability) tarpon maintained relatively high ROM in directed lines until reaching shallow structurally-complex areas. At such locations, tarpon exhibited slow tortuous movements over relatively long time periods indicative of foraging. Tarpon periodically concentrated up rivers, where tracked bull sharks were absent. We propose that tarpon trade-off energetic costs of both food assimilation and osmoregulation to reduce predation risk by bull sharks.
Toll-like receptors regulate B cell cytokine production in patients with diabetes.

Understanding cellular and molecular events in diabetes mellitus will identify new approaches for therapy. Immune system cells are important modulators of chronic inflammation in diabetes mellitus, but the role of B cells is not adequately studied. The aim of this work was to define the function of B cells in diabetes mellitus patients through focus on B cell responses to pattern recognition receptors. We measured expression and function of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on peripheral blood B cells from diabetes mellitus patients by flow cytometry and multiplexed cytokine analysis. We similarly analysed B cells from non-diabetic donors and periodontal disease patients as comparative cohorts. B cells from diabetes mellitus patients secrete multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines, and IL-8 production is significantly elevated in B cells from diabetic patients compared with those from non-diabetic individuals. These data, plus modest elevation of TLR surface expression, suggest B cell IL-8 hyperproduction is a cytokine-specific outcome of altered TLR function in B cells from diabetes mellitus patients. Altered TLR function is further evidenced by demonstration of an unexpected, albeit modest ‘anti-inflammatory’ function for TLR4. Importantly, B cells from diabetes mellitus patients fail to secrete IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine implicated in inflammatory disease resolution, under a variety of TLR-stimulating conditions. Comparative analyses of B cells from patients with a second chronic inflammatory disease, periodontal disease, indicated that some alterations in B cell TLR function associate specifically with diabetes mellitus. Altered TLR function in B cells from diabetes mellitus patients increases inflammation by two mechanisms: elevation of pro-inflammatory IL-8 and lack of anti-inflammatory/protective IL-10 production.
The impact of dual enrollment on the institution

How do dual enrollment programs benefit colleges and universities? Using quantitative and qualitative measures, the director of Kennesaw State University's Dual Enrollment Honors Program demonstrates the program's value to the university and highlights program concerns and challenges.
Minimal compliance fastening of elastic bodies

Permitted to fasten an elastic body on but half of its boundary, which portion should be fastened in order to minimize the work done by a specified load? For both plates and planar sheets we establish the existence of a unique solution to a relaxed version of the problem and present the results of a detailed numerical investigation.