cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stretch-activated ion channels

Mechanosensitive or stretch-activated (SA) channels respond to membrane stress by changes in open probability. These channels exist in auditory cells, stretch receptors, muscle spindles, vascular endothelium, and other neurosensory tissues where their physiological function seems readily apparent. It is less obvious why non-excitable cells, such as those of blood and epithelial tissues, need channels that respond to mechanical stimuli. Clearly, all cells must cope with the dual problems of volume regulation and electrolyte homeostasis. Since the primary function of epithelia is salt and water transport, these cells face both extracellular and intracellular osmotic challenges. For example, Na transporting epithelia in the intestine and kidney must accommodate significant variations in net solute uptake without suffering destructive changes in cell volume, caused by slight discrepancies between influx and efflux [1]. Since volume is a physical property of the cell, it can only be sensed physically, or mechanically. Although cell swelling may dilute the concentration of certain impermeants that could conceivably function as intracellular volume sensors, a volume-controller that relies on chemical sensors is inherently unstable because chemical concentration is affected by multiple factors within the cell. A reliable feedback system for short-term volume regulation ultimately requires some type of mechanical sensor to convey information about cell size. Similarly, regulation of cell growth may also require specific mechanotransducers that detect physical changes in cell size and shape. Conversely, the abnormal growth of cancer cells could involve a breakdown of such a mechano-transduction system.
Oxygen tension regulates the expression of angiogenesis factor by macrophages

When cultured in a hypoxic environment similar to that found in the center of a wound, macrophages secreted active angiogenesis factor into the medium. Under conditions similar to those of well-oxygenated tissue, macrophages did not secrete active angiogenesis factor. Macrophages that secreted the factor at hypoxic conditions stopped secreting it when returned to room air. Thus the control of angiogenesis in wound healing may be the result of macrophages responding to tissue oxygen tension without the necessity of interacting with other cell types or biochemical signals.
Forage quality of five cool-season grasses. I. Cultivar effects

A field experiment was conducted over 2 years to evaluate five cultivars and four experimental synthetics of smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), six cultivars of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), four cultivars of timothy (Phleum pratense L.), three cultivars of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and two cultivars of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.). Herbage was sampled on seven dates during spring and early summer. Each treatment was replicated three times. Cultivars differed in nitrogen (N) concentration for orchardgrass, timothy and tall fescue. Timothy cultivars varied most in N, ranging from 24.7 g kg−7 for ‘Clair’ to 27.2 g kg−1 for ‘Verdant’. Within each species, the later maturing cultivars were generally highest in N. Cultivar differences in in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) were found for smooth bromegrass (range 41 g kg−1), orchardgrass (range 22 g kg−1) and timothy (range 27 g kg−1), but not for the other species. Cultivar effects for neutral detergent fiber were significant only for smooth bromegrass (range 27 g kg−1) which also differed in acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose. Cultivars of reed canarygrass, orchardgrass and timothy differed in cellulose, hemicellulose and acid-insoluble ash, respectively. Cultivar × date interactions were generally not significant except in 1982 when all species but orchardgrass had interaction effects for one or more constituents. These data indicate that grass cultivars differ in quality but that, within a species, cultivars generally respond similarly to advancing maturity.
China's Technocratic Movement and the World Economic Herald:

China's modernization has bred a technocracy that, at least in the near term, discourages mass involvement in elite competition. The Chinese government at all levels was largely restaffed in the 1980s. During the first six years of that decade, more than 1,370,000 senior cadres, all recruited before 1949, were retired. At the same time, more than 469,000 college-educated younger cadres, mainly engineers by training, came to leadership positions above the county level (Renmin ribao, October 11, 1987: 1 and June 29, 1986:1). Most promoted cadres were "technocrats" (professionals with technical training, usually in science, that legitimized their claims to offices of power). But these technical elites split in 1989. Many leaders of the dissident movement had earlier written approvingly of their own technocratic elitism. The main reform journal of the 1980s, the Shanghai-based World Economic Herald, claimed that China's modem strength depended on rule
Estimation and Testing with Overdispersed Proportions Using the Beta‐Logistic Regression Model of Heckman and Willis

Summary. Methods are presented for modeling dose-related effects in proportion data when extra-binomial variability is a concern. Motivation is taken from experiments in developmental toxicology, where similarity among conceptuses within a litter leads to intralitter correlations and to overdispersion in the observed proportions. Appeal is made to the well-known beta-binomial distribution to represent the overdispersion. From this, an exponential function of the linear predictor is used to model the dose-response relationship. The specification was introduced previously for econometric applications by Heckman and Willis; it induces a form of logistic regression for the mean response, together with a reciprocal biexponential model for the intralitter correlation. Large-sample, likelihood-based methods for estimating and testing the joint proportion-correlation response are studied. A developmental toxicity data set illustrates the methods.
Root coverage in an HIV-positive individual: combined use of a lateral sliding flap and resin-modified glass ionomer for the management of an isolated severe recession defect.

Background: Gingival recession is a frequent clinical finding in the general population. Exposed root surfaces are more likely to develop root sensitivity and root caries and pose esthetic concerns for the patient. Most root coverage procedures have been described on non-restored root surfaces. Limited data are available that describe root coverage procedures on restored root surfaces. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in which a severe recession defect and its associated carious lesion were managed using the combination of a lateral sliding flap and a resin-modified glass ionomer restoration in an HIV-positive individual.Methods: A 53-year-old male patient with a 25-year history of HIV infection presented for comprehensive care. The facial surface of tooth #22 had a fractured composite restoration, recurrent decay, and a Miller Class III recession defect. The lesion was restored with resin-modified glass ionomer and root coverage was obtained by a lateral sliding flap mobilized from the adj...
Fluorescence studies of photoregulation in the chrysophyte Ochromonas danica

Abstract Three physiological states brought about by different preillumination conditions in Ochromonas danica (state 1, state 2, and dark adapted) have been investigated using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence at 77 K. The former reveals that the photosystem 1 (PS1) emission amplitude is the same in states 1 and 2. The photosystem 2 (PS2) emission amplitude depends on preillumination, state 1 having a higher peak than state 2 and dark adapted cells. Emission decay curves from PS1 are independent of preillumination, while decay curves from PS2 are identical for state-2 and dark adapted cells (1/e time 310 ps), state 1 showing a slower decay (1/e time 390 ps). No evidence suggests a preillumination-dependent redistribution of excitation energy from PS2 to PS1. Variation in the amplitude of a long-lifetime component appears to be sufficient to explain the state-dependent changes in emission of the PS2 peak. This is consistent with the hypothesis that some peripheral antenna is energetically decoupling without redistributing the excitation energy upon the state 2 to state 1 transition, causing increased emission in the 670–700 nm region.
Study of 200 Consecutive Patients with Abdominal Aneurysms Diagnosed by Intravenous Aortography Comparative Longevity with and without Aneurysmectomy

Statistical analysis, with special reference to longevity, is presented for a series of 200 consecutive patients diagnosed by means of intravenous abdominal aortography. During a follow-up period of 6 years, 104 patients underwent aneurysmectomy; 96 did not have resection of the aneurysm because operation was contraindicated, laparotomy disclosed a nonresectable aneurysm, or operation was refused by the patient. At the end of the study, 31% of the group having resection and 51% of the group not treated surgically had died. The majority of deaths in the surgically treated group occurred within 2 months after operation. In the other group the greatest number of deaths occurred from 6 to 12 months after diagnosis. Thus, although the immediate mortality was much higher for the group undergoing aneurysmectomy, the overall mortality rate for the 6-year period was significantly lower for this group than for the other group. In both groups, myocardial infarction and cancer accounted for more deaths than the opera...
The incidence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in infants with GERD-like symptoms.

Background: Symptoms of infantile gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may overlap with oropharyngeal dysphagia, but the evaluation and treatment of these conditions vary greatly. In this investigation, the incidence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in infants with GERD-like symptoms is determined. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on infants referred to a pediatric gastroenterology clinic for GERD-like symptoms. A feeding screen was performed in all infants. Standardized bedside swallow evaluation and modified barium swallow (MBS) studies were then performed when clinically indicated. A similarly aged cohort of normal participants also underwent a standard bedside swallow evaluation for group comparison. Results: Study population included 67 infants. A swallow evaluation was recommended in 39 of 67 infants with abnormalities noted in all. Swallowing abnormalities were more frequent and clustered in infants with GERD-like symptoms vs controls. MBS was abnormal in 16 of 17 quali...
Tests of the linear-no threshold theory for lung cancer induced by exposure to radon

The linear theory used to extrapolate the cancer risk of radon exposure from high levels where direct data are available to low levels encountered in homes is tested by comparing lung cancer rates, m, and average radon levels, r, in numerous U.S. states and counties. It is shown that most problems normally associated with ecological studies do not apply here. The data show a very strong tendency for lung cancer rates, corrected for smoking prevalence (S), to decrease with increasing r, in sharp contrast to the opposite behavior predicted by the theory. It is shown that even a perfect negative r-S correlation cannot explain this discrepancy. Actual r-S correlations are only a few percent. Several other possible explanations for the discrepancy are explored, but none can reduce it by more than about 25%.
Dodecagonal patterns in a Kerr-slice/feedback-mirror type optical system

We show that interaction of modes having different wave-numbers in a Kerr-slice/feedback-mirror type optical system with Fourier filter in the optical feedback leads to formation of new types of patterns. Results of numerical simulations are presented.
Cellulosic biorefineries—unleashing lignin opportunities

Increasing concerns on global climate change and energy security coupled with diminishing fossil fuel resources have spurred a renaissance of interest in the development of alternative forms of fuel and materials from renewable resources. Lignocellulosic biomass is a renewable resource, which can be converted to liquid transportation fuels as well as used as a platform to produce bio-based materials. Conversion of biomass to biofuels by biological conversion processes results in the production of a lignin-rich solid residue, only a fraction of which is necessary as a heat source for the pretreatment and ethanol distillation processes. This review provides an overview of lignin chemistry and the changes observed after biomass pretreatment. Recent advances in lignin modification pathways such as fragmentation/hydroprocessing and thermal depolymerization for green gasoline and diesel are discussed.
Inducing polarity in [VO3]nn- chain compounds using asymmetric hydrogen-bonding networks

Abstract 1,4-Bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine, (R)-3-aminopiperidine and (S)-3-aminopiperidine were used in the syntheses of [C10H26N4][VO3]2·2H2O, [(R)-C5H14N2][VO3]2 and [(S)–C5H14N2][VO3]2, which all contain similar [VO3]nn− chains. Inversion symmetry within the 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine allows for crystallization of [C10H26N4][VO3]2·2H2O in a centrosymmetric space group, while the use of enantiomerically pure sources of either (R)-3-aminopiperidine or (S)-3-aminopiperidine forces crystallographic noncentrosymmetry. Moreover, asymmetry in the hydrogen-bonding networks between the metavanadate chains and either [(R)-3-aminopiperidineH2]2+ or [(S)-3-aminopiperidineH2]2+ cations directs alignment of the chains and crystallization in a polar space group (C2, no. 5). Component and net dipole moments were calculated using iterative-Hirshfeld partial atomic charges. [(R)-C5H14N2][VO3]2 and [(S)-C5H14N2][VO3]2 both display type 1 phase-matching capabilities and exhibit second harmonic generation activities of ∼140×α-SiO2.
The development of multisensory processes

To understand the development of sensory processes, it is necessary not only to look at the maturation of each of the sensory systems in isolation, but also to study the development of the nervous system’s capacity to integrate information across the different senses. It is through such multisensory integration that a coherent perceptual gestalt of the world comes to be generated. In the adult brain, multisensory convergence and integration take place at a number of brainstem and cortical sites, where individual neurons have been found that respond to multisensory stimuli with patterns of activation that depend on the nature of the stimulus complex and the intrinsic properties of the neuron. Parallels between the responses of these neurons and multisensory behavior and perception suggest that they are the substrates that underlie these cognitive processes. In both cat and monkey models, the development of these multisensory neurons and the appearance of their integrative capacity is a gradual postnatal process. For subcortical structures (i.e., the superior colliculus) this maturational process appears to be gated by the appearance of functional projections from regions of association cortex. The slow postnatal maturation of multisensory processes, coupled with its dependency on functional corticotectal connections, suggested that the development of multisensory integration may be tied to sensory experiences acquired during postnatal life. In support of this, eliminating experience in one sensory modality (i.e., vision) during postnatal development severely compromises the integration of multisensory cues. Research is ongoing to better elucidate the critical development antecedents for the emergence of normal multisensory capacity.
Subgroups of stuttering children: speech and voice reaction times, segmental durations, and naming latencies

Abstract Speech and voice reaction times, speech segment durations, and object-naming latencies were obtained from a group of nonstuttering children and two subgroups of stuttering children: one subgroup (“stuttering-plus”) consisting of those who needed special education services for problems in addition to stuttering, and the other subgroup (“stuttering-only”) whose only apparent problem was stuttering. The stuttering-plus children had significantly longer speech and voice reaction times and naming latencies than did the stuttering-only and nonstuttering children. The stuttering-only children differed from the nonstuttering children only in voice termination times. The three groups did not differ in speech segment durations or in the variability of such measures. The need for identifying and studying subgroups of stutterers is discussed.
Method of control for re-entrant programs

The use of multiprogramming and multiprocessing raises a question as to the number of copies of a routine needed in memory for multiple concurrent use. In the case where two or more scientific programs are in core at the same time, each needing the use of a SINE routine, a private copy can be provided for each program's own use, or one copy can be loaded for all to use. A message processing program that services multiple terminals can run into a situation where message A interrupts the processing of message B and because of priority considerations, message A must be processed immediately by the program. Again, the question of how many copies of the program are required in core occurs. Finally, a multiprocessing configuration with two or more computers sharing a common core memory may each be using the FORTRAN compiler. Each computer could have its own copy of the compiler or a single copy of the compiler could be executed by all computers concurrently. Intuitively, the provision of one copy of the routine or program appears more elegant.
Validation of whole-body magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a tool to assess murine body composition.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) as a tool for the non-invasive assessment of murine body composition. DESIGN: Twenty C57/BL6 male mice with a wide range of body adiposities underwent both pre- and post-mortem whole-body MRS to assess body composition. MRS measures were compared to the results obtained by chemical carcass analysis, the current ‘gold standard’ for determination of body composition. MEASUREMENTS: Areas under the curve (AUC) for lipid and water peaks of whole body MRS spectra (AUClipid and AUCH2O, respectively) were used to determine percentages of body fat (%FATMRS) and fat free mass by MRS (%FFMMRS). Total body fat, total body water, fat free mass, and total lean mass were determined by chloroform/methanol extraction of lipid from dessicated whole carcass and compared to MRS measures (%FATMRS, %FFMMRS, AUClipid, and AUCH2O). The variability of the MRS technique was assessed by determining the coefficients of variation (COV) associated with %FATMRS, AUClipid, and AUCH2O for mice of three different adiposities. RESULTS: %FATMRS in live mice was highly correlated with body fat percentage (r=0.994, P<0.001) and total body fat (r=0.980, P<0.001) derived from chemical carcass analysis over a broad range of adiposities (7–48% body fat content by carcass analysis). There was no difference in %FATMRS measured pre- vs post-mortem (r=1.00, P<0.001). AUClipid was highly correlated with chemically derived total fat mass (r=0.996, P<0.001) and body fat percentage (r=0.981, P<0.001), while %FFMMRS was strongly correlated to chemical determinations of percentage body water (r=0.994, P<0.001), percentage fat free mass (r=0.993, P<0.001), and percentage lean mass (r=0.792, P<0.001). AUCH2O was strongly associated with carcass analysis determinations of total body water (r=0.964, P<0.001), total fat free mass (r=0.953, P<0.001), and total lean mass (r=0.89, P<0.001). In mice of 6%, 12%, and 43% body fat, COVs determined for %FATMRS and AUClipid were less than 10%. The COVs for AUCH2O were less than 2%. CONCLUSIONS: MRS provides precise, accurate, rapid, and non-invasive measures of body fat, body water, fat free mass, and lean mass in living mice with a broad range of adiposities.
Genetics. Wild by nature.

How do networks of biological molecules, such as signal transduction pathways, operate, and are their behaviors predictable? In a Perspective, [Wigler and Mishra][1] explain a new study ([ Guet et al .][2]) where the authors have designed a genetic combinatorial network and examined the predictability of its behavior. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/296/5572/1407 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/296/5572/1466
Patent foramen ovale closure: historical perspective

The work of the pioneers in PFO closure finally may evolve into a front-line therapy for secondary prevention of stroke in selected patients who have PFO and embolic events. Current implants, although new to most of interventional cardiology and neurology, are the result of years of steady, progressive work. It seems that PFOclosure is here to stay and will become a key element in a collaborative approach between cardiology and neurology in the treatment of embolic stroke. The advances in device technology may make PFO closure sufficiently safe, effective,and durable that it may become one of the most frequent catheter laboratory procedures to be performed.
Keratocyte Apoptosis and Not Myofibroblast Differentiation Mark the Graft/Host Interface at Early Time-Points Post-DSAEK in a Cat Model

Purpose To evaluate myofibroblast differentiation as an etiology of haze at the graft-host interface in a cat model of Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK). Methods DSAEK was performed on 10 eyes of 5 adult domestic short-hair cats. In vivo corneal imaging with slit lamp, confocal, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed twice weekly. Cats were sacrificed and corneas harvested 4 hours, and 2, 4, 6, and 9 days post-DSAEK. Corneal sections were stained with the TUNEL method and immunohistochemistry was performed for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin with DAPI counterstain. Results At all in vivo imaging time-points, corneal OCT revealed an increase in backscatter of light and confocal imaging revealed an acellular zone at the graft-host interface. At all post-mortem time-points, immunohistochemistry revealed a complete absence of α-SMA staining at the graft-host interface. At 4 hours, extracellular fibronectin staining was identified along the graft-host interface and both fibronectin and TUNEL assay were positive within adjacent cells extending into the host stroma. By day 2, fibronectin and TUNEL staining diminished and a distinct acellular zone was present in the region of previously TUNEL-positive cells. Conclusions OCT imaging consistently showed increased reflectivity at the graft-host interface in cat corneas in the days post-DSAEK. This was not associated with myofibroblast differentiation at the graft-host interface, but rather with apoptosis and the development of a subsequent acellular zone. The roles of extracellular matrix changes and keratocyte cell death and repopulation should be investigated further as potential contributors to the interface optical changes.
Preparing highway emissions inventories for urban scale modeling: A case study in Philadelphia

Highway emissions represent a major source of many pollutants. Use of local data to model these emissions can have a large impact on the magnitude and distribution of emissions predicted and can significantly improve the accuracy of local scale air quality modeling assessments. This paper provides a comparison of top–down and bottom–up approaches for developing emission inventories for modeling in one urban area, Philadelphia, in calendar year 1999. A bottom–up approach relies on combining motor vehicle emission factors and vehicle activity data from a travel demand model estimated at the road link level to generate hourly emissions data. This approach can result in better estimates of levels and spatial distribution of on-road motor vehicle emissions than a top–down approach that relies on more aggregated information and default modeling inputs.
Edge oriented directional Color Filter Array interpolation

Most of the current digital cameras feature a single sensor design which limits the number of channels recorded at each pixel location to one. However, a color image is represented with three channels for each pixel. Color Filter Array (CFA) interpolation is the process of generating a full three channel color image from a single channel mosaicked input. We propose a simple edge strength filter to interpolate the missing color values adaptively. While the filter is readily applicable to the Bayer mosaic pattern, we argue that the same idea could be extended to other mosaic patterns and describe its application to the Lukac mosaic pattern. The proposed solution outperforms other available algorithms for the Lukac pattern in terms of both objective and subjective comparison.
Engaging Intercollegiate Athletes in Preventing and Intervening in Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence.

Abstract Objective: The object of this exploratory evaluation was to evaluate the “Bringing in the Bystander” sexual and intimate partner violence prevention program with a new sample of intercollegiate athletes. Participants and Methods: Fifty-three male and female athletes participated in the program (experimental group), and 86 were in the control group. All completed pretest, posttest, and 2-month follow-up surveys, including assessment of rape myth acceptance, intent to engage in bystander behaviors, bystander confidence, and bystander behaviors. Results: The program worked overall and for both women and men, improved bystander confidence and intent to engage in bystander behaviors, and did not create significant backlash effects (ie, worsening of attitudes as a result of program). Conclusions: The program fits with the intent of the National Collegiate Athletic Association CHAMPS/Life Skills program regarding its focus on the overall development of student-athletes and demonstrates the promising bys...
Long‐term rainfall risk from tropical cyclones in coastal areas

[1] We develop a methodology for the frequency of extreme rainfall intensities caused by tropical cyclones (TCs) in coastal areas. The model does not account for landfall effects. This makes the developed framework best suited for open water sites and coastal areas with flat topography. The mean rainfall field associated with a TC with maximum tangential wind speed Vmax, radius of maximum winds Rmax, and translation speed Vt is obtained using a physically based model, whereas rainfall variability at both large scales (from storm to storm) and small scales (due to rainbands and local convection) is modeled statistically. The statistical component is estimated using precipitation radar data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission. Taylor's hypothesis is used to convert spatial rainfall intensity fluctuations to temporal fluctuations at a given location A. The combined physical-statistical model gives the distribution of the maximum rainfall intensity at A during an averaging period D for a TC with characteristics (Vmax, Rmax, Vt) that passes at a given distance from A. To illustrate the use of the model for long-term rainfall risk analysis, we formulate a recurrence model for tropical cyclones in the Gulf of Mexico that make landfall between longitudes 85° and 95°W. We then use the rainfall and recurrence models to assess the rainfall risk for New Orleans. For return periods of 100 years or more and long averaging durations (D around 12–24 h), tropical cyclones dominate over other rainfall event types, whereas the reverse is true for shorter return periods or shorter averaging durations.
Evaluating 'Cash-for-Clunkers': Program Effect on Auto Sales and the Environment

“Cash-for-Clunkers” was a $3 billion program that attempted to stimulate the U.S. economy and improve the environment by encouraging consumers to retire older vehicles and purchase more fuel efficient new vehicles. We investigate the effects of this program on new vehicle sales and the environment. Using Canada as the control group in a difference-in-differences framework, we find that the program increased new vehicle sales by about 0.36 million during July and August of 2009, implying that approximately 45 percent of the spending went to consumers who would have purchased a new vehicle anyway. Our results suggest no gain in sales beyond 2009 and hence no meaningful stimulus to the economy. In addition, the program will reduce CO2 emissions by only 9 to 28.4 million tons, implying a cost per ton ranging from $91 to $288 even after accounting for reduced criteria pollutants.
Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Imaging In Experimental Brain Research

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging has great potential in studies of experimental brain research. Heavy diffusion-weighting is useful in determining the presence of anisotropic water proton diffusion in myelinated white matter structures in cat brain and spine. Large differences in apparent diffusion rates are observed between white matter tissues compared to gray, which does not displayed anisotropy. However, large decreases in apparent diffusion rates are observed in gray matter following experimentally-induced cerebral ischemia. This change in diffusion behavior is apparent within minutes upon ischemic onset and can be reversed upon reperfusion. Motion artifacts, often severe in spin-echo diffusion studies requiring 10-20 minutes to perform, can be largely eliminated by echoplanar, high-speed (150 msec) diffusion experiments.
The "atypical" mycobacteria: recognition and disease association.

(1985). The “Atypical” Mycobacteria: Recognition and Disease Association. CRC Critical Reviews in Microbiology: Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 185-222.
Joseph C. Risser Sr., 1892–1982

This biographical sketch of Joseph C. Risser Sr. corresponds to the historic text, The Classic: The Iliac Apophysis: An Invaluable Sign in the Management of Scoliosis, available at DOI 10.1007/s11999-009-1096-z.
Advancing candidate link generation for requirements tracing: the study of methods

This paper addresses the issues related to improving the overall quality of the dynamic candidate link generation for the requirements tracing process for verification and validation and independent verification and validation analysts. The contribution of the paper is four-fold: we define goals for a tracing tool based on analyst responsibilities in the tracing process, we introduce several new measures for validating that the goals have been satisfied, we implement analyst feedback in the tracing process, and we present a prototype tool that we built, RETRO (REquirements TRacing On-target), to address these goals. We also present the results of a study used to assess RETRO's support of goals and goal elements that can be measured objectively.
MEANS—MIT Extensible Air Network Simulation

In this article, the authors describe a model of the U.S. air transportation network in which air traffic service provider and airline decision making, the impacts of weather on airport capacity and decision making, the effects of stochastic phenomenon, and the movement of aircraft, crews, and passengers are simulated. The details of the underlying discrete event simulation framework and the constituent modules are presented, along with examples of the results that may be obtained.
Bisphosphonates Use in Children

Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogues of pyrophosphate that inhibit bone resorption by their action on osteoclasts. In recent years, bisphosphonates have been used in children for treatment of a growing number of disorders associated primarily with generalized or localized osteoporosis, genetic and acquired metabolic bone diseases, heterotopic calcifications in soft tissues, and for hypercalcemia. In this review, the authors address the role of and experience with bisphosphonate therapy in disorders of childhood.
Gametic imprinting in maize in relation to the angiosperm life cycle

Differences in the activity of maternally and paternally derived genomes in maize endosperm have been observed at three levels of genetic manipulation. When the balance of entire chromosome sets departs from the standard ratio of two of maternal origin to one of paternal origin, development is impaired, often leading to seed failure. At the level of individual chromosomes, absence of a paternal representative for 8 of the 19 chromosome arms tested causes a marked reduction in kernel size. Replacement of the missing arms by ones of maternal origin does not complement this defect. At the gene level, some alleles of R confer solid coloration on the aleurone layer when transmitted maternally but patchy coloration (mottled) when transmitted via pollen. In contrast with the endosperm, no effect of parentage on R phenotype has been detected in embryonic and seedling tissues. Furthermore, gynogenetic and androgenetic haploid plants are viable in maize and are similar in appearance. The detection of parental effects in the endosperm, but not the embryo, points to the few cell divisions of the gametophytes as a critical stage in imprinting. Chromosomally based epigenetic variation originating at this stage would be reflected as imprinting effects. A separate fertilization establishes a line of genetic descent in the embryo that appears to be relatively free of imprinted genes.
The Degredation and Conservation of Leather

This paper examines the tanning processes used in the manufacture of leather and the implications such processes have on the deterioration of aging leather. Improving the understanding of the processes used to create leather should result in a museum professional who is better able to address the conservation and care of leather artefacts. Present methods of leather conservation are examined with regard to the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Spatialising health research: what we know and where we are heading

Beyond individual-level factors, researchers have adopted a spatial perspective to explore potentially modifiable environmental determinants of health. A spatial perspective can be integrated into health research by incorporating spatial data into studies or analysing georeferenced data. Given the rapid changes in data collection methods and the complex dynamics between individuals and environment, we argue that geographical information system (GIS) functions have shortcomings with respect to analytical capability and are limited when it comes to visualizing the temporal component in spatio-temporal data. In addition, we maintain that relatively little effort has been made to handle spatial heterogeneity. To that end, health researchers should be persuaded to better justify the theoretical meaning underlying the spatial matrix in analysis, while spatial data collectors, GIS specialists, spatial analysis methodologists and the different breeds of users should be encouraged to work together making health research move forward through addressing these issues.
A micro-electrode array biosensor for impedance spectroscopy of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

We report on a novel, radial micro-electrode array biosensor for impedance spectroscopy (IS) of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). The electrical parameters of the HUVEC monolayer, which are important indicators of physiological factors such as cell–cell interactions and cell motility, were measured using this micro-electrode biosensor. HUVEC monolayer was cultured directly on the surface of the micro-electrode array. Impedance modulus and the phase angle of HUVEC’s in the frequency range from 12.5 kHz to 500 kHz were recorded and studied. A modified Randles cell (MRC) equivalent circuit was used to extract the electrical parameters of transendothelial monolayer. Differential analysis of HUVEC and Hanks’ Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) impedance data shows electrical resonance at 52.5 kHz. The value of capacitance at resonance was measured to be ∼25F/cm 2 .
Identification of Human Plasma Kallikrein Gene Polymorphisms and Evaluation of Their Role in End-Stage Renal Disease

Abstract —Kallikreins are serine proteases that release kinins from kininogens. Kinins, via their effects on cardiovascular and renal function, may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension and renal failure. Two groups of kallikreins exist, glandular or tissue kallikrein and plasma kallikrein. In this study, we examined the human plasma kallikrein gene KLK3 to determine whether it contributed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) susceptibility. We identified two novel polymorphic sequences closely linked to the KLK3 gene, designated KLK3b and KLK3c (heterozygosities: 0.64 to 0.68 and 0.48 to 0.52, respectively). We mapped the KLK3 gene and the marker KLK3c to the long arm of human chromosome 4 between F11 and D4S426 using a radiation hybrid panel. The study population consisted of 142 sibling pairs concordant for ESRD from 121 African American families. The 142 sibling pairs were stratified into 78 pairs with hypertension- and chronic glomerulonephritis–associated ESRD and 64 with non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus–associated ESRD. Linkage analyses, using SIBPAL of SAGE, and exclusion analysis, using MAPMAKERS/SIBS, were performed. Linkage analysis of affected sibling pairs did not reveal any evidence of linkage of KLK3 to ESRD in all 142 sib-pairs or in the two stratified subsets. Exclusion analysis indicated that the KLK3 gene could be excluded from contributing to ESRD at a relative risk of 3 when the maximum log of the odds score of −2 was used as the criterion for exclusion. However, an association analysis using the relative predispositional effect technique showed that alleles 7 and 9 of KLK3b were consistently associated with ESRD. Alleles 7 and 9 were present in 11.2% and 10.8% of the 113 unrelated ESRD probands and in 6.6% and 6.6% of the 204 race-matched control subjects without renal disease (allele P =.0041 and .0016, respectively). Alleles 7 and 9 were also present in 13% and 10.4% of the proband’s first siblings (allele P =.00014 and .0087, respectively). The association of KLK3b alleles with ESRD raises the possibility that polymorphisms in KLK3 may play a role in ESRD susceptibility. The lack of linkage might reflect our relatively small family set.
Staff nurses' attitudes toward nursing research: a descriptive survey

Staff nurse involvement in clinical nursing research is dependent on the attitudes nurses hold toward research. An exploration of these attitudes was undertaken in a 464-bed midwestern teaching hospital as it developed its nursing research procedures. A questionnaire was developed which incorporated the Boothe Attitudes on Nursing Research Scale. All registered nurses (n = 925) at the facility were surveyed with a response rate of 77.8% (n = 720). Findings indicated that many nurses were interested in research and believed that the institution would support research activities and the implementation of research findings. Some deterrences to conducting research included: time, lack of knowledge, and the nurses's perception of the supervisory support and the research support services.
The Built Environment and Childhood Obesity in Durham, North Carolina

The relationship between childhood obesity and aspects of the built environment characterizing neighborhood social context is understudied. This study evaluates the association between 7 built environment domains and childhood obesity in Durham, North Carolina. Measures of housing damage, property disorder, vacancy, nuisances, and territoriality were constructed using data from a 2008 community assessment. Renter-occupied housing and crime measures were developed from public databases. The authors linked these measures to 2008-2009 Duke University Medical Center pediatric preventive care visits. Age- and sex-specific body mass index percentiles were used to classify children as normal weight (>5th and ≤85th percentile), overweight (>85th and ≤95th percentile), or obese (>95th percentile). Ordinal logistic regression models with cluster-corrected standard errors evaluated the association between weight status and the built environment. Adjusting for child-level socioeconomic characteristics, nuisances and ...
Benthic community responses to nutrient enrichment and predator exclusion: Influence of background nutrient concentrations and interactive effects

Potential community effects of nutrient enhancement are a topic of theoretical interest and increasing management concern in coastal marine systems. While increased nutrient levels may lead to increased microalgal production and biomass, studies have provided variable evidence regarding the existence of upward cascade effects on macrofauna. In benthic marine communities, limitation by predation or factors preventing recruitment response may contribute to weak coupling between resource availability and macrobenthos abundances. We conducted blocked nutrient addition and predator exclusion experiments in the intertidal of two estuaries that varied in background nutrient concentrations (Cape Fear and White Oak, southeastern North Carolina). Benthic community comparisons were also made among these and two other North Carolina estuaries to examine correlations in distribution patterns. Cape Fear, which had the highest background nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, also had highest ambient benthic microalgal biomass. There was no significant response of microalgal biomass to local nutrient additions in Cape Fear and only one macrofaunal taxon during one season exhibited abundance responses to nutrient additions. White Oak, with lower background nutrient levels, was characterized by significant microalgal responses to nutrient additions and significant macrofauna abundance responses for 50% of the species examined during summer experiments. However, all of these macrofauna declined in abundance with nutrient enhancement while biomass remained constant or significantly increased with nutrient additions. This suggests a complex response of macrofauna to nutrient additions in this estuary with greater biomass per individual but a corresponding decline in abundances. Top-down/bottom-up interactive effects were observed for haustoriid amphipods, which were uncommon or absent when predators had access, but exhibited strong biomass responses to nutrient enhancement when predators were excluded. These results support a growing body of literature that indicates the importance of background conditions in regulating benthic community responses to nutrient enhancement. However, responses may be complex with biomass per individual rather than densities being the primary response variable for some taxa and predator moderation of responses occurring for some taxa but not others.
Differentiability Properties of Solutions of Elliptic Systems

We consider a set of functions u 1, . . ., u N of the independent variables x = (x 1, . . ., x n ). For simplicity we denote by u i, α the partial derivative of u i with respect to x α . Generally suffixes following a comma denote differentiation with respect to the corresponding x-variable. Moreover the summation convention will be used again.
Local Polynomial Regressions versus OLS for Generating Location Value Estimates: Which is More Efficient in Out-of-Sample Forecasts?

As an alternative to ordinary least squares (OLS), we estimate location values for single family houses using a standard housing price and characteristics dataset by local polynomial regressions (LPR), a semi-parametric procedure. We also compare the LPR and OLS models in the Denver metropolitan area in the years 2003, 2006 and 2010 with out-of-sample forecasting. We determine that the LPR model is more efficient than OLS at predicting location values in counties with greater densities of sales. Also, LPR outperforms OLS in 2010 for all 5 counties in our dataset. Our findings suggest that LPR is a preferable approach in areas with greater concentrations of sales and in periods of recovery following a financial crisis.
Foundations of non-Bayesian Social Learning

In this paper, we study the problem of non-Bayesian learning over social networks by taking an axiomatic approach. As our main behavioral assumption, we postulate that agents follow social learning rules that satisfy imperfect recall, according to which they treat the current beliefs of their neighbors as sufficient statistics for all the information available to them. We establish that as long as imperfect recall represents the only point of departure from Bayesian rationality, agents’ social learning rules take a log-linear form. Our approach also enables us to provide a taxonomy of behavioral assumptions that underpin various non-Bayesian models of learning, including the canonical model of DeGroot. We then show that for a fairly large class of learning rules, the form of bounded rationality represented by imperfect recall is not an impediment to asymptotic learning, as long as agents assign weights of equal orders of magnitude to every independent piece of information. Finally, we show how the dispersion of information among different individuals in the social network determines the rate of learning.
Modified messenger ribonucleic acid release from isolated hepatic nuclei after inhibition of polyadenylate formation.

Treatment of rats with Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), an inhibitor of nuclear poly(A) synthesis, selectively decreased the energy and cytosol-dependent release of a portion of the mRNA species from the isolated hepatic nuclei in a cell-free system by approximately 40%. An analysis of the differential binding of the transported mRNA containing poly(A) tracts to nitrocellulose filters, and to cellulose or poly(U)–Sepharose columns suggested that the poly(A) tracts in the mRNA transported from the isolated hepatic nuclei of Cordycepin-treated rats, are decreased in size. This size decrease was confirmed through an analysis of the average size of the poly(A) tracts, released from the messengers by ribonuclease activity, on sucrose density gradients.
The Biology of Encyrtus Infidus Rossi, a Parasite of Lecanium Kunoensis Kuw. (Hymen.)

Lecanium kunoensis Kuw[1][1]. is the most common and injurious of the lecaniine Coccidae attacking cherry in Chosen (Korea). This scale is exceedingly heavily attacked by the internal parasite Encyrtus infidus Rossi[2][2]. The host passes through a single generation each year, and oviposition takes place very largely during late May and early June. The parasite, on the contrary, completes at least two full generations to each one of the host. The first of these passes the winter in the young scales and emerges early in the spring. The adults of this generation attack the half-grown or newly transformed adult females and the second brood emerges from them later in the spring. [1]: #fn-1 [2]: #fn-2
PROGNOSIS IN CUTANEOUS PAGET'S DISEASE.

Mammary Paget's disease appears to be invariably associated with intraductal or parenchymal carcinoma of the breast; however, the nature of the extramammary form of the disease is still controversial.In a review of 145 patients with mammary Paget's disease and 10 patients with extramammary involvement, the authors found that (1) the average survival of patients in both groups was roughly equivalent; (2) regional or widespread metastatic involvement from underlying apocrine or regional carcinoma frequently occurs in extramammary Paget's disease; (3) metastatic lymphadenopathy reduces the survival rate by at least 50 per cent; (4) local recurrences seem the rule in extramammary involvement but are rare in mammary disease; and (5) metastatic carcinoma was the predominant cause of death in both groups of patients.