cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mismatch bubble in double-stranded DNA suffices to direct precise transcription initiation by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase.

Abstract Formation of a transcription-competent "open" complex between Escherichia coli RNA polymerase and a promoter, where base pairing is disrupted over a region of 12 base pairs including the start site of transcription, is a complex process involving at least three steps: recognition of specific DNA sequences, a conformational change in RNA polymerase, and DNA melting. By using synthetic constructs devoid of promoter-specific sequences, we show here that a mismatch bubble of 12 base pairs suffices to direct transcription initiation in divergent directions from its edges, reflecting the absence of polarity determinants for RNA polymerase binding. Bubble transcription is obtained with both core polymerase and holoenzyme, but efficient formation of heparin-resistant initiation complexes requires the sigma (specificity) factor. Based on these results it is likely that the sigma factor blocks access of the heparin to a site on the holoenzyme.
Mitsubishi Motors in Illinois: Global Strategies, Local Impacts

Tables and Figures Acknowledgments Japanese Auto Manufacturing in the United States: The Backdrop for DSM Marriage, Conception, and Birth: The Story of Diamond-Star's Parents and Bloomington-Normal, Illinois The DSM Labor Force DSM Suppliers Community Impact of the DSM Plant Evaluating the Benefits and Costs of DSM: Community, State, and Region Conclusion and Policy Implications Appendix A: Derivation of Export Base Multiplier Appendix B: Estimation of Tax Revenues and Abatements References Index
Alternative Interventional Study Designs

There are many variations to the classical randomized controlled trial. These variations are utilized when, for a variety of reasons, the classical randomized controlled trial would be impossible, inappropriate, or impractical. Some of the variations are described in this chapter and include: equivalence and non-inferiority trials; crossover trials; N of 1 trials, case-crossover trials, and externally controlled trials. Large simple trials, and prospective randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint trials are discussed in another chapter.
Du pilastre et de la linea aspera et de leurs relations avec la bipédie permanente

La presence d’un pilastre et d’une linea aspera chez Homo sapiens, absents chez Pan et Gorilla, a inspire cette etude qui s’interroge sur la pertinence de l’utilisation de ces criteres comme indicateurs simples de bipedie permanente lors de l’etude des formes anciennes d’hominines. Cette reflexion a ete encouragee par l’existence d’une diaphyse aplatie, donc d’un faible indice pilastrique, chez les anciens Homo. Les resultats indiquent, en premier lieu, que l’indice pilastrique ne permet pas de mettre en evidence avec certitude l’utilisation par un individu d’une bipedie permanente. En second lieu, nous notons l’absence d’un facteur individuel frequemment predominant favorisant la formation du pilastre chez les populations actuelles. La grande variation du pilastre serait la consequence d’une combinaison de facteurs. Cette conclusion n’exclut pas la forte implication de l’un d’eux dans certains cas. Cependant, en prenant en compte Pan, Gorilla et Homo, les moyennes et les valeurs elevees de l’indice pilastrique apparaissent comme significativement liees a l’activite locomotrice. A partir d’un certain degre de developpement pilastrique (> 109), il est effectivement possible de s’assurer de la pratique d’une bipedie permanente chez les hominoides, a l’exception des gibbons. Finalement, combiner l’indice pilastrique et la morphologie de la linea aspera semble plus judicieux pour interpreter fonctionnellement la diaphyse des hominines anciens.
Flobal Program Analysis in Constraint Form

Global program analyses of untyped higher-order functional programs have in the past decade been presented by Ayers, Bondorf, Consel, Jones, Sestoft, Shivers, and others. The analyses are usually defined as abstract interpretations and are used for rather different tasks such as type recovery, globalization, and binding-time analysis. The analyses all contain a global closure analysis that computes information about higher-order control-flow. Sestoft proved in 1989 and 1991 that closure analysis is correct with respect to call-by-name and call-by-value semantics, but it remained open if correctness holds for arbitrary betareduction.
Common Property among Indigenous Peoples of the Ecuadorian Amazon

Policies promoting conservation of indigenous lands in the Amazon would benefit greatly from a closer examination of the local common property institutions that influence resource use. The goals of this paper are to summa­rise findings from past research related to common property institutions among indigenous and traditional peoples of the Amazon, and to examine with empirical data, the complex patterns of communal resource management exhibited in a cross-cultural study population in the Ecuadorian Amazon. We find that: (1) the diverse common property institutions functioning among in­digenous populations of the Ecuadorian Amazon can be loosely grouped into individual and communal arrangements; (2) conceptions of ownership and rights vary both inter- and intraethnically and; (3) within communities, insti­tutions and the rights they grant vary greatly between different types of re­sources. Evidence from the literature suggests that indigenous institutions are effective at securing exclusive access and withdrawal rights for community members, but that these institutions are less effective at further managing re­sources. Our results suggest, however, the existence of diverse management arrangements for a multitude of resources. The growing number of indigenous land conservation strategies demands further research on these complex so­cial institutions to ensure that strategies are both locally appropriate and ef­fective, and thus we suggest several important areas for future research.
Perceptions of male knowledge and support among U.S. women obtaining abortions.

Abstract Purpose At least one national study has shown that most women having abortions have consulted with male partners before terminating a pregnancy. However, little is known about the extent to which women perceive men to be supportive of their abortion decisions or which relationship characteristics are associated with male knowledge of and support for the abortion. Methods We used data from a nationally representative sample of 9,493 women obtaining abortions to examine perceptions of male knowledge and support for the abortion according to three relationship characteristics: Union status, length of relationship, and exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV). Main Findings The overwhelming majority of women reported that the men with whom they got pregnant knew about the abortion, and most perceived these men to be supportive. Cohabiting and, to a lesser extent, married women as well as those in longer relationships were more likely to report both of these outcomes, even after controlling for demographic characteristics. Exposure to IPV by the man involved in the pregnancy, reported by 7% of abortion patients, substantially reduced the likelihood that women perceived the men to know about or to be supportive of the abortion. Conclusion Our results suggest that most women obtaining abortions are able to rely on male partners for social support. Education and counseling efforts that incorporate or reach out to male partners may increase support for women obtaining abortions. However, this strategy may not be appropriate for all women, especially those exposed to IPV.
Investigations of AIDS patients with no previously identified risk factors.

Through Sept 30,1987, two thousand fifty-nine patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and no recognized risk factors were reported to the Centers for Disease Control. Risk history was incomplete or unobtainable for 921 (45%) of them. Risk factors were ultimately identified for 825 (72%) of the remaining 1138. Another 32 persons (3%) did not meet the case definition for AIDS. Risk factors could not be identified for the remaining 281 patients (25%), despite additional information. Of these, 178 (63%) were interviewed with standard questionnaires; 38% reported sexually transmitted diseases and 34% of the men reported sexual contact with prostitutes. There was no evidence for new transmission modes. Although the proportion of AIDS patients with undetermined risk factors has increased significantly during the past year, the adjusted proportion shows no significant change over time. Thus, follow-up of AIDS patients with no apparent risk factors suggests that modes of transmission for human immunodeficiency virus have remained stable. ( JAMA 1988;259:1338-1342)
Abnormally soluble collagen produced in fibroblasts cultures

Abnormally soluble collagen is synthesized in vitro not only by skin fibroblasts of Marfan patients but also by those of patients with Ehlers-Danlos type V and cutis laxa. The excessive solubility of collagen is corrected by the addition to the culture medium of a synthetic flavonoid, (+)-catechin.
Population genetics of the American oyster Crassostrea virginica along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico

An examination by protein-gel electrophoresis of 19 different geographical populations of the American oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin) was conducted along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. Estimates were made of levels of genetic variation and similarity among the populations based on 32 structural loci. The percentage of loci polymorphic ranged from 46.9 to 65.6% along the Atlantic coast while the estimate ranged from 54.8% to 68.8% on the Gulf of Mexico. The percentage of loci heterozygous ranged from 18.6 to 23.6% along the Atlantic coast and from 20.0 to 25.4% in the Gulf of Mexico. The genetic similarities between all contiguous populations from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to Corpus Christi, Texas were estimated as 99%, while the same estimate between Corpus Christi and Brownsville, Texas was computed as 93%, indicating a major transition in genetic structure for the Brownsville population of the Laguna Madre. The study revealed that the migration of planktonic oyster larvae is predominantly in a westerly direction along the Gulf of Mexico and that gene flow appears to be disrupted in the region of the Laguna Madre. Evidence has been presented for single gene selection at the Lap-2 and Pgi loci in the form of macrogeographical clines in allele frequencies with changing environmental conditions.
Effects of Cytokine Antagonists on the Hepatic Acute-Phase Response☆☆☆

Abstract Endotoxin-induced hepatic acute-phase protein synthesis has been thought to be primarily regulated through cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Previously, it was found that a 23-kDa murine acute-phase protein, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced protein (LIP), was synthesized following treatment of hepatocytesin vitrowith LPS. Since this protein was also induced by IL-1 and IL-6, the present studies were undertaken to determine if the effect of endotoxin was mediated through these cytokines. Primary cultures of murine hepatocytes were treated with LPS, IL-1, IL-6, or an LPS-stimulated macrophage supernatant in the presence or absence of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 RA) and/or an anti-IL-6 antibody. The cells were then radiolabeled with [35S]methionine. LIP was detected by electrophoresis and autoradiography of the secreted proteins.In vitro,IL-1 RA completely inhibited the stimulation of LIP synthesis elicited by IL-1 and the macrophage supernatant, but did not affect LPS-stimulated synthesis of this protein. The anti-IL-6 antibody inhibited IL-6-triggered synthesis of LIP, but had no effect on LPS-stimulated synthesis. Hepatocytes isolated from mice treatedin vivowith both IL-1 RA and LPS synthesized LIP to the same degree as hepatocytes isolated from mice treated with LPS alone. LPS-stimulated synthesis of LIPin vitrodoes not require IL-1 or IL-6 as an obligatory intermediate. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that endotoxin can directly stimulate hepatocyte acute-phase protein synthesis in the absence of cytokines.
Support vector machines and target classification

The area of automatic target classification has been a difficult problem for many years. Many approaches involve extracting information from imagery through a variety of statistical filtering and sampling techniques, resulting in a reduced dimension feature vector that is the input for a learning algorithm. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm is a wide margin classifier that provides reasonable results for sparse data sets. This can allow one to avoid the feature extraction step and process images directly. The SVM algorithm has the additional benefits that there are few parameters to adjust and the solutions are unique for a given training set. We applied SVM to a variety of data sets, including character recognition, military vehicles and Synthetic Aperture Radar data, and compared the results to some standard neural network architectures. It was found that the SVM algorithm gave equivalent or higher correct classification results compared to the neural networks with some noted advantages.
Distribution of chlorpromazine metabolites in selected organs of psychiatric patients chronically dosed up to the time of death.

Abstract The major groups of chlorpromazine metabolites were determined qualitatively by TLC and quantitatively by spectrophotometric assay. The groups of non-phenolic and phenolic metabolites were measured in the visceral tissues of 6 patients chronically dosed with chlorpromazine up to the time of death. Chlorpromazine, chlorpromazine sulfoxide and their demethylated derivatives constituted the major group of metabolites present in most tissues. On the average, highest concentrations were seen in lung and liver tissues. Other tissues examined usually contained low levels of the major group of metabolites. Traces of chlorpromazine-O-glucuronides were detected in lung, liver, pancreas and kidney. Chlorpromazine-O-glucuronides were not detected in other tissues. Most tissues contained lower levels of the 7-hydroxychlorpromazine group of metabolites than of the nonphenolic metabolites. The liver tissue of one patient with chlorpromazine-induced hyperpigmentation of the skin contained the same drug metabolites as liver tissues from patients without this side-effect. However, the concentrations of the nonphenolic and phenolic groups of metabolites were very high in the liver of the hyperpigmented patient. In view of the present data, 7-hydroxychlorpromazine is considered a normal biotransformation and storage product of chlorpromazine metabolism in man.
The Pulse of Multiparticipant Systems

Multiparticipant systems comprise a major area of information systems research—a growth area of considerable vitality. Here, we examine the pulse of this research stream. This is done using the Journal of Organizational Computing and Electronic Commerce as a lens to develop a high-level perspective on the nature, progression, and diversity of research in the area of multiparticipant systems.
Common path pessimism removal: An industry perspective: Special Session: Common Path Pessimism Removal

Process parameters, e.g., transistor width, may greatly vary not only across multiple manufacturing lots, but also within the same die from the same manufacturing lot. In addition to process variations different parts of a chip may see different voltages and temperatures. These process-voltage-temperature (PVT) variations are termed as On-Chip Variations (OCV) and can unsystematically affect wire and cell delays. This variability is accounted for by adding OCV de-ratings to path delays during static timing analysis (STA), where the original timing values are split into early (lowerbound) and late (upperbound) quantities. Chip timing is then done against these new delays to ensure safe chip operation. Any unknown or hard-to-model variation effect can also be margined for in these OCV de-ratings. However, this additional pessimism can significantly increase the difficulty to achieve timing closure, thereby elongating the design cycle and time to market. In particular, excess pessimism along clock network creates the most design-cycle churn, as pessimistic clock delays impact nearly all data paths. This session discusses the overview and challenges of common path pessimism removal (CPPR), the method of safely removing excess pessimism from clock paths, from an industry perspective.
ERIC Review: Attrition Research at Community Colleges

This review focuses on the scope and significance of community college student attrition. It examines the theoretical models that explain and attempt to predict student attrition. It also suggests ...
Effects of segmented shield wires on switching transient overvoltage study

Shield wire segmentation is an effective method for reducing transmission line power losses. This paper presents a comparison of simulation results of a switching transient overvoltage study on transmission lines with segmented shield wires versus traditional continuous shield wires for a typical 500-kV transmission line. The difference in overvoltage is analyzed by the high frequency characteristic of the transient overvoltage.
Abstract 2607: Genetic variants in the vitamin D pathway and breast cancer disease free survival

Objective. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with poor outcomes in patients with breast cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 7 Vitamin D-related genes and disease free survival (DFS). We hypothesized that vitamin D-related genes may modify breast cancer DFS. Methods. A total of 102 SNPs in Vitamin D pathway genes were explored as predictors of DFS among 1030 stage I/II breast cancer patients treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center between 1985 and 2000. Genotyping was performed using the Illumina GoldenGate array. We applied recursive partitioning tree analysis (RPART) to explore interactions of variables predictive of DFS including vitamin D-related SNPs, age at diagnosis, race, stage, nuclear grade, estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor status, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and BMI. Results. Results from partitioning identified chemotherapy as the optimum first split for DFS where patients receiving chemotherapy experienced longer DFS. In patients receiving chemotherapy (n=540), SNP rs1118569 (RXRA) followed by rs10881583 (RXRA) were associated with greater DFS. Patients with two major alleles of rs1118569 had the best outcome, whereas those with two minor alleles of rs10881583 and one or two minor rs1118569 alleles had poorer DFS. In patients who did not receive chemotherapy (n=482), stage I patients had longer DFS than stage II. Further, stage I patients who were homozygous for any allele of rs2248098 (VDR) had longer DFS. Among the stage II patients, those with ER/PR negative tumors had poorer DFS with heterozygous carriers of rs344781 in PLAUR having the worst DFS. Conclusion. While exploratory, we show that chemotherapy, stage, ER and PR status and vitamin D-related pathway polymorphisms but not race/ethnicity modified disease free survival in early stage breast cancer patients. Validation of vitamin D-related pathway genes as genetic determinants of patient outcomes would offer insights on alternative approaches for the secondary prevention of breast cancer recurrence considering clinical pathological and treatment characteristics of the patient population. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2607. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2607
5-Substituted Derivatives of 6-Halogeno-3-((2-(S)-azetidinyl)methoxy)pyridine and 6-Halogeno-3-((2-(S)-pyrrolidinyl)methoxy)pyridine with Low Picomolar Affinity for α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Wide Range of Lipophilicity: Potential Probes for Imaging with Positron Emission Tomography

Potential positron emission tomography (PET) ligands with low picomolar affinity at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and with lipophilicity (log D) ranging from −1.6 to +1.5 have been synthesized. Most members of the series, which are derivatives of 5-substituted-6-halogeno-A-85380, exhibited a higher binding affinity at α4β2-nAChRs than epibatidine. An analysis, by molecular modeling, revealed an important role of the orientation of the additional heterocyclic ring on the binding affinity of the ligands with nAChRs. The existing nicotinic pharmacophore models do not accommodate this finding. Two compounds of the series, 6-[18F]fluoro-5-(pyridin-3-yl)-A-85380 ([18F]31) and 6-chloro-3-((2-(S)-azetidinyl)methoxy)-5-(2-[18F]fluoropyridin-5-yl)pyridine) ([18F]35), were radiolabeled with 18F. Comparison of PET data for [18F]31 and 2-[18F]FA shows the influence of lipophilicity on the binding potential. Our recent PET studies with [18F]35 demonstrated that its binding potential values in Rhesus monk...
Order parameters for the neural organization of single, multijoint limb movement patterns.

Subjects performed two patterns of coordination between the elbow and wrist joints of the right arm: 1) wrist flexion synchronized with elbow flexion and wrist extension with elbow extension (homologous muscle groups); and 2) wrist extension synchronized with elbow flexion and wrist flexion with elbow extension (non-homologous muscle groups). As a parameter, cycling frequency, was increased, an abrupt switch in the phase relation between the elbow and wrist joints occurred. Similar effects were observed in underlying neuromuscular (EMG) timing patterns. Observed transitions depended on whether the forearm was prone or supine, not simply on the muscle pairing across the joints. With the forearm supine, transitions were from pattern (2) to pattern (1) above, and with the forearm prone the transitions were from pattern (1) to pattern (2). When subjects were initially prepared in pattern (1) with the forearm supine or in pattern (2) with the forearm prone, switching did not occur. En route to transitions, enhanced fluctuations in the phase relation occurred, indicating that loss of stability is at the origin of pattern change. Accompanying such changes in coordination were characteristic effects on end effector trajectories and velocity profiles. Possible neurophysiological mechanisms for context dependence in multijoint coordination are discussed.
The Zeeman Effect of the Hyperfine Structure of Optically Excited Mercury Resonance Radiation

Magnetic fields from 0 to 2000 gauss are applied to the mercury resonance line $\ensuremath{\lambda}2537$ A and the Zeeman patterns for the hyperfine structure determined. The results indicate close agreement with the explanation of Schuler and Keyston. The Paschen-Back effects for the hyperfine structure of the isotopes 199 and 201 are worked out and experimental evidence is offered in support of the hypothesis of Goudsmit and Bacher that the Zeeman effect for the hyperfine structure may be treated in the same manner as the Zeeman effect for the fine structure if the appropriate change in quantum numbers is made.
Mechanical evaluation of repair resins for fiber-glass wind turbine blades

This paper contains details of mechanical testing of double cantilever beam composite specimens comprising a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding–infused parent plate and a hand laid-up upper plate simulating a typical blade repair. The testing was carried out as part of an effort to optimize a new repair resin for a wind turbine blade manufacturing company. A number of commercial suppliers were contacted and nine resins with different formulations were selected for screening. Out of these, six were shortlisted for initial testing which was carried out in accordance with ASTM D 5528 (Test Method for Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of unidirectional fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites) using double cantilever beam specimens. The fracture toughness values obtained from testing these repair resin candidates were compared to values obtained from the repair resin currently being used and also to those of the main blade resin. The top three repair resin candidates were identified from the double...
Peanut consumption increases levels of plasma very long chain fatty acids in humans.

Abstract Peanut consumption has been suspected of raising plasma very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels in humans. The effect of peanut consumption on VLCFAs was studied in six human subjects. After 3 to 4 h of peanut butter ingestion, plasma C26:0 and C26:0/C22:0 were found to be significantly elevated to levels seen in patients with peroxisomal disorders. These levels returned to normal within 12 h. Peanut consumption needs to be accounted for when interpreting VLCFAs.
Measurement precision for repeat examinees on a standardized patient examination

Examinees who initially fail and later repeat an SP-based clinical skills exam typically exhibit large score gains on their second attempt, suggesting the possibility that examinees were not well measured on one of those attempts. This study evaluates score precision for examinees who repeated an SP-based clinical skills test administered as part of the US Medical Licensing Examination sequence. Generalizability theory was used as the basis for computing conditional standard errors of measurement (SEM) for individual examinees. Conditional SEMs were computed for approximately 60,000 single-take examinees and 5,000 repeat examinees who completed the Step 2 Clinical Skills Examination® between 2007 and 2009. The study focused exclusively on ratings of communication and interpersonal skills. Conditional SEMs for single-take and repeat examinees were nearly indistinguishable across most of the score scale. US graduates and IMGs were measured with equal levels of precision at all score levels, as were examinees with differing levels of skill speaking English. There was no evidence that examinees with the largest score changes were measured poorly on either their first or second attempt. The large score increases for repeat examinees on this SP-based exam probably cannot be attributed to unexpectedly large errors of measurement.
Pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination and soluble sugars of peanut

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important commercial crop throughout the world and is one of the most susceptible crops to Aspergillus flavus invasion (Guo et al., 2009)
Potential Cell Culture Models for Antioxidant Research

The antioxidant activity of pure compounds, foods, and dietary supplements has been extensively studied with the development of many new antioxidant and antioxidant activity assays in recent years. However, these assays, such as total phenolics, total flavonoids, and total antioxidant activity in vitro, do not reflect the cellular physiological conditions and do not consider the bioavailability and metabolism issues. In addition, the mechanisms of action of antioxidants go beyond the antioxidant activity scavenging free radicals in disease prevention and health promotion. Animal models and human studies are expensive and not suitable for initial antioxidant screening of foods and dietary supplements. Therefore, there is a need for cell culture models to access the bioactivity of antioxidants. This paper is an overview of cell culture models for antioxidant research, as reported at the First International Congress on Antioxidant Methods, held in Orlando, FL, June 16-18, 2004, and outlines potential cell culture models for initial antioxidant screening and antioxidant research.
Broad Transgenic, and Cardiac-Specific Viral Mediated, Over-Expression of Ribonucleotide Reductase Increases In Vivo Cardiac Contractility

We have previously demonstrated that substitution of ATP with 2 deoxy-ATP (dATP) increased the magnitude and rate of force production at all activating [Ca2+] in demembranated cardiac muscle via increased crossbridge binding and cycling rates. Furthermore, we demonstrated that cellular [dATP] is increased by adenoviral-driven overexpression of the ribonucleotide reductase (Rrm) complex, which increased contractility with no decrement of relaxation in adult rat cardiomyocytes from normal or infarcted hearts. In this study we hypothesized that in vivo overexpression of Rrm would increase cardiac contractility. Elevated cardiac Rrm was accomplished by 1) transgenic (Tg) overexpression in mice via the chicken beta-actin promoter and 2) intravenous delivery of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV6) to drive Rrm production using a cardiac specific promoter (cTnT455). Echocardiographic fractional shortening was significantly increased in 3-month old Tg animals (43.5 ± 1.4%) as compared to wild-type (WT) littermates (34.5 ± 2.2%), and this increase persisted at 6 months of age (42.8 ± 2.5% vs 28.8 ± 2.7%). Similar increases in FS were seen in rAAV6-Rrm transduced animals (43.0 ± 2.1%) as compared to sham-injected control animals (32.1 ± 2.9%). LV pressure development (balloon catheterization) was elevated in Tg-Rrm vs. WT Langendorff perfused hearts, and concurrent NMR spectra indicated no difference in PCr:ATP ratio during high workload challenge. Upregulation of Rrm was confirmed via RT-PCR, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Preliminary western blot results also suggest no difference in SERCA expression, but increased Ser-16 phosphorylation of phospholamban, in Tg-Rrm vs WT hearts. This may, in part, explain our previously reported acceleration of Ca2+ transient decay seen in Rrm-overexpressing cardiomyocytes in vitro. Overall, these experiments demonstrate the feasibility of directly targeting the actin-myosin crossbridge to enhance cardiac contractility without impairing relaxation. HL65497, HL091368, AHA2310117.
Activity recognition for emergency care using RFID

We present a system that recognizes human activities during trauma resuscitation, the fast-paced and team-based initial management of injured patients in the emergency department. Most objects used in trauma resuscitation are uniquely associated with tasks. To detect object use, we employed passive radio frequency identification (RFID) for their size and cost advantages. We designed the system setup to ensure the effectiveness of passive tags in such a complex setting, which includes various objects and significant human motion. Through our studies conducted at a Level 1 trauma center, we learned that objects used in trauma resuscitation need to be tagged differently because of their size, shape, and material composition. Based on this insight, we classified the medical items into groups based on usage and other characteristics. Objects in different groups are tagged differently and their data is processed differently. We applied machine-learning algorithms to identify object-state changes and process the RFID data using algorithms specific to object groups. Our results show that RFID has significant potential for automatic detection of object usage in complex and fast-paced settings.
Decoupled syndecan 1 mRNA and protein expression is differentially regulated by angiotensin II in macrophages

Monocytes are recruited to the vascular wall during the process of atherogenesis where they differentiate into macrophages and acquire the capacity to synthesize an array of heparin-binding cytokines, chemokine, and growth factors. Significantly, the biological activity of many of these macrophage-derived factors is regulated, both positively and negatively, by interactions with heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) both on the cell surface and shed into the extracellular matrix. In this regard, members of the syndecan family constitute a major source of cell surface heparan sulfate and, in particular, syndecan-1 has been identified as the predominant source of surface HSPGs on murine macrophages (Yeaman and Rapraeger, 1993a,b; Kim et al., 1994; Bernfield et al., 1999). Several investigations have noted that syndecan-1 expression on vascular smooth muscle cells, as well as other mesenchymal cells, may be regulated by a variety of soluble growth factors, such as FGF-2, PDGF, and TGF-β1, released at sites of acute or chronic injury (Bansal et al., 1996; Cizmeci-Smith et al., 1997; Worapamorn et al., 2001; Li et al., 2002). However, little detail exists regarding those events that control syndecan-1 expression and shedding in macrophages. Substantial evidence now supports the notion that locally generated angiotensin II may exert significant autocrine and paracrine effects within the vascular wall that may promote atherosclerosis. For example, angiotensin II increases macrophage lipooxygenase activity with concomitant generation of pro-atherogenic oxidized LDL, thereby enhancing monocyte recruitment into the arterial wall (Scheidegger et al., 1997). Angiotensin II also stimulates macrophage HMG CoA reductase gene expression, which leads to increased biosynthesis of cholesterol, as well as uptake of oxidized LDL and, presumably foam cell formation (Keidar et al., 1995, 1999, 2001; Kaplan et al., 2002). Kranzhofer et al. (1999) have also noted that angiotensin II activates the proinflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B in human monocytes. In this investigation, we report that angiotensin II induces syndecan-1 expression in atherosclerotic lesions via a specific effect on macrophages. Furthermore, correlative in vitro studies reveals that angiotensin II upregulates macrophage syndecan-1 mRNA and protein expression by a direct effect on ERK/MAPK, PI3K, and JNK signaling pathways. Given the potential role of syndecan-1 as a modulator of local growth and inflammatory activity, these data suggest that angiotensin II may contribute to the development of atherogenic lesions, at least in part, through the induction of macrophage syndecan-1.
An Idiopathic Factor VIII Anticoagulant: Resolution Following Plasmapheresis and Cytotoxic Therapy

A case is described in which plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive therapy were employed to treat a patient with a spontaneously occurring idiopathic polyclonal immunoglobulin G factor VIII anticoagulant. The favorable response observed supports the usefulness of the described treatment methods for the acute and chronic management of acquired circulating factor VIII inhibitors.
No-till corn yields and water balance in the mid-Atlantic coastal plain

Water is the main limiting factor to rainfed corn (Zea mays L.) yield in the mid-Atlantic coastal plain. This study was conducted to determine the water balance, yields, and efficiency of water use (EWU) of no-till rainfed corn grown on three soils of varying water-holding capacity, a Wickham sandy loam (fine-loamy, mixed, thermic, Typic Hapludults) and two Bojac soils, a sandy loam and a loamy sand (coarse-loamy, mixed, thermic, Typic Hapludults). Soil water balance was determined from climate data and weekly measurements of soil moisture from time domain reflectometry (TDR) probes. Water balance components of water stress, crop coefficients, and evapotranspiration were determined for vegetative, tasseling, and grain-fill growth stages in 1998 and 1999. Yields were determined by overlaying georeferenced yield maps, order-1 soil survey maps, and locations of TDR probes. The EWU concept was defined as yield divided by [precipitation + (initial soil water content - final water content)], clarifying it from water use efficiency measurements that are calculated similarly but do not include drainage. Yields in 1998 (4833-12 200 kg ha -1 ) were higher than 1999 yields (2245-8240 kg ha -1 ) due to higher growing season precipitation in 1998 (400 mm) than 1999 (220 mm). Drainage was determined in 1998, ranging from 65 to 105 mm. Minimizing drainage losses has potential for increasing the EWU and yields. This study establishes baseline water balance data for the mid-Atlantic coastal plain that can be used to parameterize computer models for investigating the effect of management practices on EWU and yields.
On Extending Russell and Krajewski's Algorithm for Economic Purchase Order Quantities

Russell and Krajewski presented an optimal purchase order quantity algorithm that considered the effect of the transportation rate structure for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. The authors applied the Russell and Krajewski algorithm to a variety of freight classes and lengths-of-haul. Anomalous cases were found in which the freight rate schedule, when used with the suggested algorithm, resulted in incorrect order size decisions. In this comment, the authors consider the impact of these anomalies on the optimal order quantity and associated total costs. A procedure is presented to adjust the Russell and Krajewski algorithm to arrive at the optimal purchase order quantity and the lowest total annual cost.
Micromanipulation: Stick and place

Systems in optoelectronics, (bio)sensors and actuators rely on the integration of heterogeneous components. Such integration will be aided by a simple technique — based on soft adhesion to an elastomeric stamp — for transferring microscopic objects to a wide range of surfaces.
A literature-based comparison of three methods of pediatric esophageal coin removal.

Background The choice among endoscopy, Foley catheter, and bougienage techniques for pediatric esophageal coin removal currently depends on local or personal preferences. This reflects a lack of prospective comparisons of cost and effectiveness in the literature. Methods A computerized decision analytic model was used to determine the expected costs of each method of esophageal coin removal. Calculations were based on success rates in the recent literature and local patient charges for each method. Complications reported in this recent literature were also tabulated. Main results Of 1746 esophageal coin removal attempts reported in 24 papers, 1706 (97.7%) were successful. There were 37 (2.1%) complications, the majority of which were minor. The expected cost of endoscopic coin removal was $2701; of Foley catheter removal, $660; of bougienage removal, $614. The large difference in expected cost of endoscopy and bougienage or Foley catheter removal persisted in sensitivity analyses. Conclusions In a literature-based decision analytic model, pediatric esophageal coin removal by the Foley catheter or bougienage technique was far more cost-effective than was endoscopy.
Dissociable Neural Systems for Timing: Evidence from Subjects with Basal Ganglia Lesions

Background The neural basis of timing remains poorly understood. Although controversy persists, many lines of evidence, including studies in animals, functional imaging studies in humans and lesion studies in humans and animals suggest that the basal ganglia are important for temporal processing [1]. Methodology/Principal Findings We report data from a wide range of timing tasks from two subjects with disabling neurologic deficits caused by bilateral lesions of the basal ganglia. Both subjects perform well on tasks assessing time estimation, reproduction and production tasks. Additionally, one subject performed normally on psychophysical tasks requiring the comparison of time intervals ranging from milliseconds to seconds; the second subject performed abnormally on the psychophysical task with a 300ms standard but did well with 600ms, 2000ms and 8000ms standards. Both subjects performed poorly on an isochronous rhythm production task on which they are required to maintain rhythmic tapping. Conclusions/Significance As studies of subjects with brain lesions permit strong inferences regarding the necessity of brain structures, these data demonstrate that the basal ganglia are not crucial for many sub- or supra-second timing operations in humans but are needed for the timing procedures that underlie the production of movements. This dissociation suggests that distinct and dissociable processes may be employed to measure time intervals. Inconsistencies in findings regarding the neural basis of timing may reflect the availability of multiple temporal processing routines that are flexibly implemented in response to task demands.
Acceleration of Generalized Minimum Aberration Designs of Hadamard Matrices on Graphics Processing Units

The process of applying generalized minimum aberration criteria (GMAC) to non-regular fractional factorial designs is extremely computationally intensive. Constructing and ranking all designs can take hours if not days; therefore, exploitation of the massively parallel nature of modern graphics processing units (GPUs) are used to perform the task. The computation is not just ported to the GPU, but is implemented as to optimize performance based upon the modern GPU architecture. Optimizations include using bit operations and table lookups to reduce the number of addition and multiplication operations performed. Tables are housed in GPU constant memory with almost no latency for access. Using a statistical proof from previous research reduces the memory required for the calculation. Optimizations regarding memory storage and transfer in NVIDIA's Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) are also explored, as well as advance features such as streams and multiple GPUs. Experimental results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Functional analysis of cis-regulatory regions within the dioxin-inducible CYP1A promoter/enhancer region from zebrafish (Danio rerio).

In vitro mutagenesis was utilized to render the various xenobiotic response elements (XREs) within the zebrafish CYP1A promoter/enhancer region non-functional either independently or in combination. Reporter gene assays revealed that only XRE4, XRE7, and XRE8 contributed to maximal TCDD-mediated induction of luciferase and that the contribution of each XRE to maximal induction was not equal. XRE4 and XRE7 were capable of functioning independently, while XRE8 alone could not support TCDD-mediated induction but was required for the ability of XRE4 and XRE7 to support maximal induction. These results were observed in cell lines derived from human, mouse and zebrafish. Mutagenesis of 3′ nucleotides flanking the non-functional XRE5, and functional XRE4 did not alter the function of these XREs in cell culture. In silico analyses revealed the presence of putative Sp1, AP2, CREB, and two HNF-3 transcription factor binding sites that were localized to common positions within the enhancer region of both the mouse and zebrafish CYP1A genes. In vitro mutagenesis of the binding sites showed that loss of the Sp1 or AP2 sites had minimal impact on TCDD-mediated gene induction while loss of the putative CREB site resulted in a modest decrease in basal and inducible activity and mutation of the HNF-3 reduced inducible activity by >90% of controls. Collectively, these findings suggest that the presence of XREs is not the sole determinant for regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-mediated gene and do not function in an additive manner.
Asthma and odors: the role of risk perception in asthma exacerbation.

Abstract Objective Fragrances and strong odors have been characterized as putative triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms and many asthmatics readily avoid odors and fragranced products. However, the mechanism by which exposure to pure, non-irritating odorants can elicit an adverse reaction in asthmatic patients is still unclear and may involve both physiological and psychological processes. The aim of this study was to investigate how beliefs about an odor's relationship to asthmatic symptoms could affect the physiological and psychological responses of asthmatics. Methods Asthmatics classified as ‘moderate-persistent’, according to NIH criteria, were exposed for 15 min to a fragrance which was described either as eliciting or alleviating asthma symptoms. During exposure, participants were asked to rate odor intensity, perceived irritation and subjective annoyance while physiological parameters such as electrocardiogram, respiratory rate, and end tidal carbon dioxide (etCO 2 ) were recorded. Before, immediately after, and at 2 and 24 h post-exposure, participants were required to subjectively assess their asthma symptom status using a standardized questionnaire. We also measured asthma status at each of those time points using objective parameters of broncho-constriction (spirometry) and measures of airway inflammation (exhaled nitric oxide, FeNO). Results Predictably, manipulations of perceived risk altered both the quality ratings of the fragrance as well as the reported levels of asthma symptoms. Perceived risk also modulated the inflammatory airway response. Conclusions Expectations elicited by smelling a perceived harmful odor may affect airway physiology and impact asthma exacerbations.
Reproductive ecology of a polar deep-sea scleractinian, Fungiacyathus marenzelleri (Vaughan, 1906)

Abstract The deep-sea solitary scleractinian, Fungiacyathus marenzelleri (Vaughan, 1906) is found at depths of 300–6328 m, and is cosmopolitan in distribution. Previously this species had been examined from 2200 m depth in the Northeast Atlantic and 4100 m in the Northeast Pacific. This study examines gametogenesis and fecundity of this species from its shallowest occurrences worldwide, from ∼600 m depth in the Southern Ocean. Samples were collected during three cruises to the Western Antarctic Peninsula during 2008 and processed for histological analysis. Similar to studies of other populations, F. marenzelleri in the Southern Ocean is gonochoric with gametes forming in clusters within the mesenteries. Samples numbers were low, but oocyte size-frequency patterns suggest irregular spawning (no larvae were detected) with no differences between the three months analyzed. Though fecundity (2837±121 per polyp) was similar to that seen in the NE Atlantic (2892±44.4 per polyp), oocyte sizes were much larger in this southern population. Maximum oocyte size was 1400 μm (750 μm NE Atlantic and NE Pacific), with previtellogenic oocytes reaching a size of around 300 μm before undergoing vitellogenesis. This study demonstrates phylogenetically constrained reproductive mode across three oceans, with local environmental adaptations such as increased lipid loading during vitellogenesis, potentially enhancing cold-water survivorship by increased food availability in juvenile stages.
BIAS IN THE EVALUATION OF DNA-AMPLIFICATION TESTS FOR DETECTING CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS

The purpose of this paper is to show that the sensitivity and specificity estimates obtained by 'discrepant analysis' are biased. Discrepant analysis is a widely used technique that attempts to provide estimates of sensitivity and specificity in the presence of an imperfect gold standard. Many researchers have applied this technique to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of DNA-amplification tests for Chlamydia trachomatis such as the plasmid based ligase chain reaction (LCR) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Moreover, the June 1993 package insert of the PCR AMPLICOR Chlamydia trachomatis test contains estimates of sensitivity and specificity based on 'discrepant analysis'. Even if one employs a perfect test to resolve the discrepant results, discrepant analysis estimates of test sensitivity and specificity remain biased. Thus, one should not adopt this technique to evaluate the performance of a diagnostic test.