cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer systems design competition at BYU

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at BYU has created a new senior project class for computer engineering students. This project class provides a multi-disciplinary team design experience for students interesting in the design of computer-based systems. The structure of this class is organized around the Computer Society International Design Competition (CSIDC) sponsored by the IEEE Computer Society. Students participating in this class are required to specify, implement, and test a computer-based system involving both hardware and software components. The most successful student team is selected to represent BYU in the IEEE CSIDC competition. This paper describes the organization of this project class and demonstrates how the CSIDC contest can be used as a model for a senior project design class.
Evolving Practices and Emerging Innovations in Community College Finance

Besides the shift in community college funding from the state to the student, a number of other innovations and trends have emerged with respect to community college finances. This chapter explores some of these developments, including performance-based funding, changes in student and institutional eligibility for financial aid, changes in local funding, generating revenue from institutional data, and the potential financial impact of massive open online courses (MOOCs). Clearly, the financial landscape of community colleges is changing dramatically, calling for more skillful financial managers and entrepreneurs.
Comparative biomechanical analysis of human and caprine knee articular cartilage

Abstract Background The goat is one of the most commonly used preclinical models for focal defect repair and regeneration. While the biomechanics of the human knee has been studied extensively, less is known about the biomechanics of the caprine knee. Differences between human and caprine knees have not been quantified and their significance is largely unknown. Methods We conducted a biomechanical analysis of the differences in goat and human knees to assess the validity of these preclinical in vivo models. Results CT and MRI scans revealed several differences in articular geometry: the caprine tibial plateaux were more convex and the menisci were significantly thicker and covered a larger proportion of the tibial articular surface. Caprine cartilage thickness was consistently thinner, while elastic modulus on indentation testing was consistently stiffer than human cartilage measured at eight different articular locations. Contact area and pressure were measured with electronic pressure sensors under loads normalized by multiples of body weight and at knee flexion angles reported for walking. The highest peaks in contact pressure were measured in the patellofemoral joint in goat and human knees. Peak contact pressure measured at 2 times body weight at the goat tibiofemoral joint at 70° flexion was significantly higher than for any other condition at the human tibiofemoral joint. Conclusion These differences in contact conditions might explain the lower quality of local repair reported for caprine femoral condylar defects relative to trochlear defects. Further comparative analysis, including biologic response, is necessary to determine the extent to which the goat knee reproduces clinical conditions.
Ground-state energies of the nonlinear sigma model and the Heisenberg spin chains.

A theorem on the O(3) nonlinear sigma model with the topological theta term is proved, which states that the ground-state energy at theta = pi is always higher than the ground-state energy at theta = 0, for the same value of the coupling constant g. Provided that the nonlinear sigma model gives the correct description for the Heisenberg spin chains in the large-s limit, this theorem makes a definite prediction relating the ground-state energies of the half-integer and the integer spin chains. The ground-state energies obtained from the exact Bethe ansatz solution for the spin-1/2 chain and the numerical diagonalization on the spin-1, spin-3/2, and spin-2 chains support this prediction.
Stochastic processes for solid tumor kinetics I. surface-regulated growth☆

Abstract Following an introductory discussion on the implications of stochastic models of carcinogenesis on and of deterministic models for the growth kinetics of solid tumors, and a brief review of the experimental evidence, it is proposed that solid tumor growth kinetics should be represented mathematically by a nonmultiplicative time-homogeneous stochastic process of the birth and death type. Since nutrients have to enter the solid tumor through its surface, it is in a first approximation to a more adequate representation assumed that the birth rate is proportional to the 2 3 power of the tumor cell population size, and the death rate proportional to the population size; both rates are assumed to be age-independent. A solution for the forward Kolmogorov equation for this process could not be obtained, but bounds are given for the probability of extinction, which is shown to tend to unity asymptotically, for the waiting time to extinction, and for the mean and the variance of the population size. Bounds for the asymptotical conditional mean and mode of the tumor size, conditioned on no extinction, are also given, and the results of computer simulations of the process are discussed. It is shown that the (singular) Fokker-Planck equation for the continuous (diffusion) analog of the process has a regular boundary at the origin, which would require the imposition of an arbitrary boundary condition. Since this is at least biologically unfeasible, it is concluded the the surface proportionality assumption for the birth rate should be replaced by a proposition resulting in a better behavior at the origin, and it is indicated that a better formulation has been obtained and will be presented in a subsequent paper.
Standardization of criteria for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis brace studies: SRS Committee on Bracing and Nonoperative Management.

Study Design. Literature review. Objective. To establish consistent parameters for future adolescent idiopathic scoliosis bracing studies so that valid and reliable comparisons can be made. of Background Data. Current bracing literature lacks consistency for both inclusion criteria and the definitions of brace effectiveness. Methods. A total of 32 brace treatment studies and the current bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis proposal were analyzed to: (1) determine inclusion criteria that will best identify those patients most at risk for progression, (2) determine the most appropriate definitions for bracing effectiveness, and (3) identify additional variables that would provide valuable information. Results. Early brace studies lacked clarity in their inclusion criteria. In more recent studies, inclusion criteria have narrowed considerably to include primarily those patients most at risk for curve progression who may benefit from the use of a brace. Brace effectiveness was usually defined by various degrees of curve progression at maturity. Less frequently, it was defined by the resultant curve magnitude at maturity, whether or not surgical intervention was needed, or if there was change to another brace. Conclusions. Optimal inclusion criteria for future adolescent idiopathic scoliosis brace studies consist of: age is 10 years or older when brace is prescribed, Risser 0-2, primary curve angles 25°-40°, no prior treatment, and, if female, either premenarchal or less than 1 year postmenarchal. Assessment of brace effectiveness should include: (1) the percentage of patients who have ≤5° curve progression and the percentage of patients who have a6° progression at maturity, (2) the percentage of patients with curves exceeding 45° at maturity and the percentage who have had surgery recommended/undertaken, and (3) 2-year follow-up beyond maturity to determine the percentage of patients who subsequently undergo surgery. All patients, regardless of subjective reports on compliance, should be included in the results (intent to treat). Every study should provide results stratified by curve type and size grouping.
Immunosuppressive properties of polar organic compounds that induce cellular differentiation in Friend erythroleukemia cells

We studied the effect of several polar organic compounds, known to induce erythroid differentiation in Friend leukemia (FL) cells, on in vitro human lymphocyte responses and on skin graft survival in mice. The short chain fatty acids, butyric acid (BA), propionic acid (PA), valeric acid, and the polar organic solvents, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, and dimethylacetamide, all mediated significant inhibition of alloantigen-induced proliferation and generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in human primary and secondary mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) reactions. Hexamethylenebisacetemide, another potent inducer of differentiation in FL cells, also mediated significant suppression. Inhibition of MLC with polar organic compounds was accomplished at concentrations known to induce differentiation in FL cells and that are not cytotoxic to peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In distinct contrast, agents that are structurally related to BA, but that do not induce differentiation in FL cells, such as caproic acid, beta-OHBA, gamma-amino BA, and isobutyric acid, did not exhibit immunosuppressive properties. Pokeweed mitogen-driven polyclonal B cell activation was also suppressed by agents that induce erythroid differentiation in FL cells. In addition to potent in vitro immunosuppressive properties, supplementation of drinking water with BA or PA resulted in prolongation of full-thickness skin grafts in DBA/2 (H-2d) to C57BL/6 (H-2b) donor-recipient combinations. Our findings indicate that polar organic compounds that induce differentiation in FL cells are potent immunosuppressive agents.
Thermodynamic curvature from the critical point to the triple point.

I evaluate the thermodynamic curvature R for fourteen pure fluids along their liquid-vapor coexistence curves, from the critical point to the triple point, using thermodynamic input from the NIST Chemistry WebBook. In this broad overview, R is evaluated in both the coexisting liquid and vapor phases. R is an invariant whose magnitude |R| is a measure of the size of mesoscopic organized structures in a fluid, and whose sign specifies whether intermolecular interactions are effectively attractive (R 0). I discuss five principles for R in pure fluids: (1) Near the critical point, the attractive part of the interactions forms loose structures of size |R| proportional to the correlation volume ξ(3), and the sign of R is negative. (2) In the vapor phase, there are instances of compact clusters of size |R| formed by the attractive part of the interactions and prevented from collapse by the repulsive part of the interactions, and the sign of R is positive. (3) In the asymptotic critical point regime, the R's in the coexisting liquid and vapor phases are equal to each other, i.e., commensurate. (4) Outside the asymptotic critical-point regime incommensurate R's may be associated with metastability. (5) The compact liquid phase has |R| on the order of the volume of a molecule, with the sign of R being negative for a liquidlike state held together by attractive interactions and the sign of R being positive for a solidlike state held up by repulsive interactions. These considerations amplify and extend the application of thermodynamic curvature in pure fluids.
Long‐duration penetration of the interplanetary electric field to the low‐latitude ionosphere during the main phase of magnetic storms

[1] It is well known that the interplanetary electric field can penetrate to the low-latitude ionosphere. It is generally believed that the penetration of electric fields can last only for ∼30 min because of the shielding effect in the ring current. In this paper we present the observations of the dayside ionospheric electric field enhancements at middle and low latitudes in association with reorientations of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). In six cases, the eastward electric field in the dayside equatorial ionosphere, measured by the Jicamarca incoherent scatter radar, was enhanced for 2–3 hours after the IMF turned southward and remained continuously southward. In one case the eastward electric field in the dayside midlatitude ionosphere, measured by the Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar, was continuously enhanced for ∼10 hours during southward IMF. Since Millstone Hill is close to the equatorward boundary of the auroral zone during magnetic storms, the penetration electric field there may be different from that at the equatorial ionosphere. The most striking feature of the measurements is that the enhancements of the ionospheric electric field can last for many hours without significant decay. The electric field enhancements in the middle- and low-latitude ionosphere are closely related to magnetic activity and occur during the main phase of magnetic storms. The observations show that the interplanetary electric field can continuously penetrate to the low-latitude ionosphere without shielding for many hours as long as the strengthening of the magnetic activity is going on under storm conditions.
Thermodynamic optimization of heat‐transfer equipment configuration in an environmental control system

In this paper, we show that many features of a heat transfer installation can be deduced from the maximization of the global performance of the greater system that employs the installation. The heat transfer installation is a series of two cross-flow heat exchangers. The greater system is the environmental control system (ECS) of an aircraft. The global performance objective is the minimization of the total thermodynamic irreversibility of the ECS. Several architectural features are deduced from principle: the relative position of the two heat exchangers, their relative sizes, and all the geometric aspect ratios of the two heat exchanger cores. We find that the optimized architecture is insensitive (robust) to changes in some of the external parameters. Robustness is a useful feature because it simplifies the design work. Furthermore, one design that is built can be expected to function at near-optimal levels when the external parameters change. The application of this method of topology optimization to more complex systems is discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mode-locked lasers applied to coherent interactions and phase measurements

Coherent interaction of mode locked lasers with 87Rb vapour is studied, for both two- and single-photon transitions. A ‘dark line’ is observed when the repetition rate of the laser is a submultiple of the ground state hyperfine splitting. The dark line resonance can be used for stabilization of mode locked lasers. Such stabilization has an impact on the development of sensors of extreme sensitivity. A new type of intracavity phase sensors is introduced: a purely optical accelerometer.
Horizontal Divergence and Vertical Velocity Retrievals from Doppler Radar and Wind Profiler Observations

Abstract Vertical motion profiles can be diagnosed with the mass continuity equation using horizontal divergence fields derived from various single-Doppler radar techniques such as EVAD (extended velocity-azimuth display), CEVAD (concurrent extended velocity-azimuth display), and VVP (volume velocity processing). These methods allow for the retrieval of mesoscale air motions in precipitating regions when the wind field is relatively homogeneous. In contrast, VHF wind profiler data can provide a direct measurement of vertical motion, albeit across a much smaller domain compared to the single-Doppler radar techniques. In this study, we compare horizontal divergence and vertical motion patterns derived from the various single-Doppler methods with those obtained from VHF profiler data. The diagnosed profiles of horizontal divergence and vertical velocity from the single-Doppler (scanning radar) techniques are in qualitative agreement in the lower troposphere but often exhibit large variability at higher level...
Evidence that the variable fluorescence in Chlorella is recombination luminescence

Abstract The fluorescence lifetime of oxygen-forming photosynthetic systems as a function of closed traps has been studied by several groups using light and poisons (usually 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU)) to fix the closed trap state during the experiment. These measurements have now been carried out using light alone, by means of pump and probe laser pulses and a very efficient fast photomultiplier-digitizing system. It is found that the absolute amplitude of fast fluorescence (mean ψ, approx. 0.3 ns) remains constant until over half the traps are filled. The amplitude of the slow fluorescence ( τ ≈ 1.2 ns) increases with pump energy, and its response is best fit with a lag or finite risetime of approx. 200 ps. This novel result is consistent with the hypothesis that the slow component of the fluorescence is actually recombination luminescence in the trap. Thus, the full trapping time, i.e., the time to form the P + I − state from an excitation in the O 2 photosystem, is relatively slow.
Target-related distractors disrupt object selection in everyday action: Evidence from participants with dementia

This study evaluated the impact of distractor objects and their similarity to target objects on everyday task performance in dementia. Twenty participants with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (n = 12) or subcortical vascular disease (n = 8) were videotaped while they performed 3 discrete tasks: (1) make a cup of coffee, (2) wrap a gift, and (3) pack a lunch under two conditions that were counterbalanced across participants. The conditions differed in terms of the type of distractor objects included in the workspace: (1) Target-Related Distractor Condition - distractor objects were functionally and visually similar to target objects (e.g., salt for sugar) (2) Unrelated Distractor Condition - distractors were neither visually nor functionally similar to targets (e.g., glue for sugar). Participants touched (t = 4.19; p .05 for both). In summary, distractors that were similar to targets elicited significant interference effects circumscribed to object selection. (JINS, 2010, 16, 484–494.)
Surface potential imaging of PV cells with a Kelvin probe

Abstract This paper describes a Kelvin probe based inspection technique which measures surface potentials (SP) at various illumination conditions and derives the delta surface potential (Δ V SP ) and surface band bending ( ϕ ) of photovoltaic (PV) cells. The Δ V SP is the difference of surface potential measured in light and dark conditions respectively. The delta surface potential (Δ V SP ) is related to charge injection and carrier lifetime, while the surface band bending ( ϕ ) is associated with the surface condition. A white light and short wavelength light illuminations are used to distinguish the bulk effects from that of the surface. A scanning vibrating Kelvin probe system was built to image PV cells with and without illumination. Experiments were performed on both single crystalline silicon (sc-Si) and multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si) cells. It is found that the sc-Si cells possess a higher Δ V SP but a lower ϕ than that of mc-Si cells. The average Δ V SP and ϕ are 350 mV and 50 mV for the sc-Si cells, and 280 mV and 110 mV for the mc-Si cells. Process defects on a surface could affect both parameters, and it is found that the Δ V SP is not uniform and could be reduced to 170 mV at a defect on the mc-Si cells. The high Δ V SP and low ϕ s are expected to contribute to the high conversion efficiency on a cell.
Dopamine inhibition of histamine-mediated cutaneous responses

Abstract Several patients receiving dopamine for hypotension were skin tested for possible penicillin sensitivity. Not only were the penicillin skin tests negative but also the histamine control. On the possibility that dopamine might affect cutaneous histamine responses, we examined the effect of dopamine on histamine, antigen, morphine, and compound 4880 skin responses. Both intradermal and intravenous dopamine selectively inhibited histamine but not antigen, morphine, or compound 4880 skin responses, and the inhibition was in a dose-related fashion. This observation indicates that histamine should not be used to demonstrate dermal reactivity in patients receiving dopamine. The results of this study also suggest that histamine may not be the sole mast cell-derived mediator involved in the wheal-and-flare reaction characteristic of immediate-type skin tests since dopamine did not affect skin reactions caused by endogenous mast cell degranulation. Finally, the possible use of dopaminergic drugs in diseases with histamine-associated symptoms is discussed.
Introduction to Cognition in Science and Technology

Cognitive studies of science and technology have had a long history of largely independent research projects that have appeared in multiple outlets, but rarely together. The emergence of a new International Society for Psychology of Science and Technology suggests that this is a good time to put some of the latest work in this area into topiCS in a way that will both acquaint readers with the cutting edge in this domain and also give them a hint of its history. One core theme includes how scientists, inventors, and engineers represent and solve problems; another, related theme is the extent to which they distribute and share cognition. Methodologies include fine-grained studies of historical records, protocols of working scientists, observations and comparisons of engineering science laboratories, and computational simulations designed both to serve as research tools and also to improve scientific problem-solving. The series of articles will conclude with the Associate Editor's suggestions for future research.
Patients' Attributions for Health-Care Provider Responses to Patients' Presentation of Internet Health Research

This study investigated attributions that patients make about health-care providers' (HCP) responses to the patients' introduction of internet-based health information into a conversation about health. Coding analysis of questionnaires completed by patients or their loved ones revealed that the locus of control for attributions about HCP responses to the introduction of internet research may be conceived of in three categories: internal, self-external, and outside-external. Further, we discovered differences among attributions and four other variables: satisfaction, comfort level with HCP, legitimation, and how well the participant knew the HCP. These results are explored for their implications with respect to health-care practice and areas of future research are suggested.
Control of self-pumped phase-conjugate reflectivity using incoherent erasure.

We use an incoherent erase beam to control optical chaos and to increase the phase-conjugate reflectivity in a self-pumped phase-conjugate mirror. Focused and large-area incoherent illumination was used to modify or eliminate selected gratings in the crystal.
Lysergic acid diethylamide and [-]-2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine increase extracellular glutamate in rat prefrontal cortex.

Abstract The ability of hallucinogens to increase extracellular glutamate in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was assessed by in vivo microdialysis. The hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD; 0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a time-dependent increase in PFC glutamate that was blocked by the 5-HT2A antagonist M100907 (0.05 mg/kg, i.p.). Similarly, the 5-HT2A/C agonist [−]-2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM; 0.6 mg/kg, i.p.), which is a phenethylamine hallucinogen, increased glutamate to 206% above saline-treated controls. When LSD (10 μM) was directly applied to the PFC by reverse dialysis, a rapid increase in PFC glutamate levels was observed. Glutamate levels in the PFC remained elevated after the drug infusion was discontinued. These data provide direct evidence in vivo for the hypothesis that an enhanced release of glutamate is a common mechanism in the action of hallucinogens.
Experience-dependent activation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) in the olfactory bulb

Protein kinase-mediated signaling cascades play a fundamental role in translating extracellular signals into cellular responses in CNS neurons. The mitogen-activated protein kinase / extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway participates in regulating diverse neuronal processes such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, synaptic efficacy, and long-term potentiation by inducing cAMP-response element (CRE)-mediated gene transcription. Central olfactory structures show plasticity throughout the lifespan, but the role of the MAPK/ERK pathway in odor-evoked activity has yet to be determined. Therefore, we examined the effect of odorant exposure and early postnatal deprivation on ERK activity. We found that odor stimulation induced ERK phosphorylation, that activation of the ERK pathway was decreased with early postnatal deprivation, and that ERK phosphorylation was subsequently increased by restoring stimulation. Further, locations of ERK activation in bulbar neurons after exposure to single odorants corresponded to odor-evoked activity patterns found with other measures of activity in the bulb. Finally, due to the cytoplasmic location of pERK, activated dendrites belonging to the primary excitatory output neurons of the bulb were observed following a single odor exposure. The results indicate that the MAPK/ERK pathway is activated by odorant stimulation and may play an important role in developmental sensory plasticity in the olfactory bulb. J. Comp. Neurol. 479:234–241, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ecological Site Descriptions: Developmental Considerations for Woodlands and Forests

An ecological site description (ESD) conveys important interpretive and management information about the dynamic behavior of a related set of forest overstory and understory biological communities. Ecological sites and their descriptions provide a consistent framework for stratifying and describing soil, vegetation, and abiotic features; delineating units that share similar capabilities to respond to management activities or disturbance processes; and estimating ecosystem services that can be expected from particular soil/vegetation combinations. ESDs are intricately tied to the extent, history, and use of the forests and woodlands that they describe. The fundamental assumption underlying ecological sites is that soils, climate, and geomorphology can be correlated with suffi cient precision to provide a site-specifi c basis for successful ecological predictions and management decisions. A systematic knowledge of how management and disturbance processes interact with abiotic and biotic factors is critical to understanding ecological processes and relationships. A state-and-transition model (STM) within each ESD is a diagram displaying those relationships that applies to a correlated grouping of soil series components mapped as part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey.
Phase II evaluation of a high-dose mitoxantrone based induction regimen in untreated adults with acute myeloid leukemia.

To evaluate a regimen including high-dose mitoxantrone in previously untreated adults with AML, 45 patients aged 21-59 (median 41) were given cytarabine, 3 g/m2 days 1-5, mitoxantrone, 80 mg/m day 2 and etoposide, 150 mg/m days 1,3,5. Post-remission therapy consisted of 5 cycles combining the same agents at reduced doses. Complete remission was seen in 36 patients. The observed 3-year survival is 28%. Cytogenetic pattern and CD34 expression correlated with response and survival. Significant toxicity included myelosuppression, mucositis, diarrhea and hyperbilirubinemia. Ventricular ejection fraction was generally reduced, with clinical cardiac dysfunction in only 2 patients. This high-dose mitoxantrone combination can be administered to young adults with AML with tolerable toxicity and results comparable to those of other dose-intensive regimens.
The comparative perspective and choice of animal models in aging research

The comparative perspective may be defined as the assumption that individual species or populations differ from one another in potentially instructive ways, and that an appropriate analysis of the nature and magnitude of these differences will yield insights into fundamental processes of aging. Modern experimental research on aging has largely lost its comparative focus, and virtually all research on mammals utilizes inbred strains of laboratory rats and mice, two closely related species chosen not for their properties vis a vis aging, but for convenience. In fact, from a mammalian life history perspective, humans are at the opposite end of the aging continuum than these animal models and other small species conducive to laboratory research, mimic human life history much better. The comparative perspective may play four roles in aging research: 1) hypothesis formulation and evaluation; 2) assessing the generality of aging mechanisms, typically requiring a choice of several animal models distantly related to one another; 3) isolation of key factors influencing aging rate, requiring model systems as closely-related to one another as possible, but differing with respect to aging rate (intraspecific variation in aging rate is particularly useful here); 4) choosing of animal models with particular properties in mind, such as the spectacularly effective antioxidant systems of bats. Increasing the range of animal models used in aging research will accelerate progress in understanding and perhaps manipulating human aging. (Aging Clin. Exp. Res. 5: 259–267, 1993).
Mutual-nearest-neighbor pairs in fluids

Abstract The single solvent molecule coupled most strongly to a solute can play a special role in solute relaxation process in fluids whenever this special partner is itself sufficiently decoupled from other solvents. In atomic fluids this situation occurs whenever the solute and solvent form mutual-nearest-neighbor pairs. We use simulation here to calculate the equilibrium distribution of such pair distances and show that this distribution is well accounted for by a simple mean field theory. A look at the lifetimes of these pairs shows that they maintain their identity in rare-gas liquids for ∼100 fs.
Critical role for osteopontin in diabetic nephropathy.

The profibrotic adhesion molecule, osteopontin (OPN), is upregulated in kidneys of humans and mice with diabetes. The thiazolidinedione (TZD) insulin sensitizers decrease albuminuria in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and reduce OPN expression in vascular and cardiac tissue. To examine whether OPN is a critical mediator of DN we treated db/db mice with insulin, rosiglitazone, or pioglitazone to achieve similar fasting plasma glucose levels. The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and glomerular OPN expression were increased in diabetic mice, but both were reduced by the TZDs more than by insulin. We administered streptozotocin to OPN-null and OPN-wild-type mice, and OPN-null mice were bred into both type 1 (Ins2 akita/+ ) and 2 ( db/db ) diabetic mice. In each case, OPN deletion decreased albuminuria, mesangial area, and glomerular collagen IV, fibronectin and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the diabetic mice compared with their respective controls. In cultured mouse mesangial cells, TZDs but not insulin decreased angiotensin II-induced OPN expression, while recombinant OPN upregulated TGF-β, ERK/MAPK, and JNK/MAPK signaling. These studies show that OPN expression in DN mouse models enhances glomerular damage, likely through the expression of TGF-β, while its deletion protects against disease progression, suggesting that OPN might serve as a therapeutic target.
OP24.05: Management of high-order multiples complicated by TRAP sequence

Objectives: To describe early changes in fetal cardiac function after laser treatment in severe twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Methods: A prospective study was conducted over a fivemonth period. Cardiac function was assessed in 49 consecutive monochorionic pregnancies presenting with severe TTTS and referred for fetoscopic selective laser coagulation (FSLC) of placental anastomoses as first-line treatment. Echocardiography was performed on admission and after laser treatment (median = 1 day, IQR = 1–3). The studied parameters included cardiac output, myocardial performance index, shortening fraction (SF), and heart dimensions. Results: Median gestational age was 21 weeks (IQR = 19–23). Distribution across Quintero stages was as follow: 32.7%, 18.4%, 46.9% and 2.0% for stages 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Cardiac output significantly increased after laser treatment in both donor (+33%) and recipient twins (+24%). In the recipient twin, a significant increase in LV SF was also found. The increase in cardiac output was not significantly correlated with Quintero stage, the volume of amniotic fluid drained, or gestational age. Conclusions: As early as 24 h after laser treatment, a significant increase in systolic function was found in both twins. These changes seem to be unrelated to initial severity of the syndrome.
Hedge Fund Information on the Internet

THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS 85 T he hedge fund industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the investment industry; nevertheless— it traditionally has also been one of the least transparent with respect to performance and due diligence disclosure. However, the advent of the Internet and the increased interest in hedge funds and managed futures has lead to launching of a number of on-line services seeking to provide more information and transparency to the opaque alternative investment world. In continuation of our WWW series, this article uses two relatively recent hedge fund sites, HedgeWorld.com and HedgeCall.com, to illustrate the Internet led revolution of the communication between investors and alternative investment managers.
An essential role for a protein and lipid kinase complex in secretory protein sorting

Yeast genetics has identified more than 40 genes involved in the biogenesis and maintenance of the yeast lysosome-like vacuole. Recent data on two of these genes, VPS15 and VPS34, are beginning to provide some fundamental insights into the mechanisms governing protein sorting within the eukaryotic secretory pathway. VPS15 and VPS34 encode a novel protein kinase and a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, respectively, that function together as components of a membrane-associated signal transduction complex. These studies of the VPS15-VPS34 complex indicate that intracellular protein trafficking decisions may be regulated by protein phosphorylation and phosphatidylinositol signalling events.
Potent ligands for prokaryotic UDP-galactopyranose mutase that exploit an enzyme subsite.

UDP-Galactopyranose mutase (UGM or Glf), which catalyzes the interconversion of UDP-galactopyranose and UDP-galactofuranose, is implicated in the viability and virulence of multiple pathogenic microorganisms. Here we report the synthesis of high-affinity ligands for UGM homologues from Klebsiella pneumoniae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The potency of these compounds stems from their ability to access both the substrate binding pocket and an adjacent site.
The comovement between output and prices: Evidence from a dynamic conditional correlation GARCH model

Abstract Estimation results based on a multivariate dynamic conditional correlation GARCH model reveal that the overall price level tended to move in the same direction as output in periods before World War II but in the opposite direction after the war.
Noninvasive Tools to Assess Hepatic Fibrosis: Ready for Prime Time?

Often regarded as the gold standard for fibrosis assessment, liver biopsy does carry associated risks given its invasive nature. Moreover, liver biopsy is not a true gold standard due to inter/intra-observer variability and the small amount of tissue that is typically obtained with this procedure. Advances in the development of serologic tests and conventional imaging techniques have been shown to reduce the need for liver biopsy for diagnosing hepatic fibrosis. More commonly, it is a tool that is now reserved for evaluating indeterminate noninvasive tests or excluding features of particular diseases (e.g. autoimmune hepatitis, steatohepatitis). The noninvasive assessment of hepatic fibrosis has been a popular topic of discussion over the past decade. Ideal properties of a noninvasive test include widespread availability, ease of use, cost-efficiency, reproducibility, and ability to detect changes in fibrosis over time. Furthermore, the ability of noninvasive testing to identify intermediate to advanced histological stages of fibrosis (≥ stage F2) without liver biopsy is important as this is the usual threshold to start treatment in eligible subjects with chronic hepatitis C, for example. In addition, the identification of early-stage cirrhosis by noninvasive testing allows for the timely implementation of disease management strategies (i.e. HCC and variceal screening) to reduce the likelihood of complications. This article will review salient aspects of hepatic fibrogenesis as well as the diagnostic performance of serum markers and imaging techniques that are currently available for detecting hepatic fibrosis. Finally, we will provide suggestions as to how these noninvasive methods can be incorporated into routine clinical practice.
Scale invariant solutions of the theory of thin turbulent flame propagation

Abstract Scaling properties of the field equation governing propagation of a thin flame front in a turbulent medium are discussed. It is shown that if the turbulent flame velocity uT can be expressed through the turbulence intensity urms and the laminar flame velocity u0 as uT /u0 ∞ (urms /u0 ) x , then α → 1 in the scale invariant regime when urms → ∞.
Drift-ordered fluid equations for modelling collisional edge plasma

The fluid description of collisional magnetized plasma by Braginskii is based on an ordering assuming the species flow velocities to be on the order of the ion thermal speed. This large flow assumption is normally not valid for plasma fusion devices in general and tokamak edge plasmas in particular. To remove this shortcoming Mikhailovskii and Tsypin developed a plasma fluid description assuming the flow velocities to be on the order of the diamagnetic drift velocities, which are smaller than the ion thermal speed. However, when deriving their equations Mikhailovskii and Tsypin missed important terms in their expressions for the species collisional viscous stress tensors. Starting from corrected Mikhailovskii-Tsypin fluid equations, we derive a system of non-linear reduced equations describing field-aligned fluctuations in low-beta collisional magnetized edge plasma; namely, equations for plasma density, electron and ion energies (or, equivalently, temperatures), parallel ion flow velocity, parallel current, vorticity (or, equivalently, electrostatic potential), perturbed parallel electromagnetic potential, and perturbed magnetic field. Our equations locally conserve particle number and total energy, and insure that perturbed magnetic field and total plasma current are divergence-free. In addition, while intended primarily for modelling plasma turbulence, they contain the neoclassical results for plasma current, parallel ion flow velocity, and parallel gradients of equilibrium electron and ion temperatures.
HIV risk behavior in treatment-seeking opioid-dependent youth: results from a NIDA clinical trials network multisite study.

Objective: To assess baseline rates of and changes in HIV drug and sexual risk behavior as a function of gender and treatment in opioid-dependent youth. Methods: One hundred fifty participants were randomly assigned to extended buprenorphine/naloxone therapy (BUP) for 12 weeks or detoxification for 2 weeks; all received drug counseling for 12 weeks. HIV risk was assessed at baseline and 4-week, 8-week, and 12-week follow-ups. Behavioral change was examined using generalized estimating equations. Results: Baseline rates of past-month HIV risk for females/males were 51%/45% for injection drug use (IDU) (ns), 77%/35% for injection risk (P < 0.001), 82%/74% for sexual activity (ns), 14%/24% for multiple partners (ns), and 68%/65% for unprotected intercourse (ns). IDU decreased over time (P < 0.001), with greater decreases in BUP versus detoxification (P < 0.001) and females versus males in BUP (P < 0.05). Injection risk did not change for persistent injectors. Sexual activity decreased in both genders and conditions (P < 0.01), but sexual risk did not. Conclusions: Overall, IDU and sexual activity decreased markedly, particularly in BUP patients and females, but injection and sexual risk behaviors persisted. Although extended BUP seems to have favorable effects on HIV risk behavior in opioid-dependent youth, risk reduction counseling may be necessary to extend its benefits.
Renal Medullary Carcinoma: The Bronx Experience

Objectives Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a devastating and extremely rare malignancy primarily afflicting young men with sickle cell trait. We present our clinical experience with 9 cases of RMC during a 10-year period and briefly review the published data. Methods A retrospective chart review of 9 cases of RMC during a 10-year period at our institutions was performed. The clinical patient characteristics, presentations, treatments, and outcomes were recorded. The radiographic images and pathologic specimens were reviewed. Applicable studies were selected from a Medline search. Results All 9 patients had sickle cell trait, the male/female ratio was 6:3, and the age range was 13 to 31 years. All the patients presented with flank pain, two thirds had hematuria, and 3 of the 9 patients presented with a palpable mass. Eight of the nine tumors were right sided, ranging from 4 to 12 cm in the greatest diameter. Of the 9 patients, 7 underwent radical nephrectomy. One patient was deemed to have unresectable disease by the operating surgeon, and one was given initial chemotherapy after biopsy of a metastatic lesion. The neoadjuvant therapies varied. Overall survival ranged from 4 to 16 months, with 2 patients still living at the last follow-up visit. Conclusions Our urban setting likely explains our relatively large experience with this rare and extremely aggressive tumor. An early diagnosis is critical, and a high index of suspicion should be given to any individual with sickle cell trait and new-onset hematuria, especially in the setting of a right-sided mass. Prospective trials are needed for chemotherapy/immunotherapy, because surgical intervention alone is inadequate.
The Development and Analysis of an Automatic Air Powered Automobile System - An Application of Engineering Mechanics

Application of Sustainable clean energy has become a growing interest in mechanical, material science, manufacturing/fabrication and relevant engineering. This paper presents the modeling and analysis of a pneumatic air-powered automobile system, a candidate for a new generation of hybrid-vehicle technologies. Design, manufacturing and material selection pertaining to the project are discussed. It was designed to explore the applications of clean energy and to gain an in-depth understanding of the engineering processes and methods of modeling such a complex system.
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising and Its Effect on Prescription Requests

Advertising prescription drugs to consumers is becoming increasingly common and expensive—over $3 billion in 2003—yet the mechanism by which advertising drives requests for prescription drugs remains largely unexplored. Contextual differences suggest an empirical trial of the classic attitude-toward-the-advertisement (Aad) model to explain how advertising influences these requests might be warranted. This study tests the Aad model, as well as a modified version of the model containing variables unique to the health care context, to test its explanatory ability in this context. Results from multiple samples suggest the superiority of the modified model in understanding drug requests across a broad range of drug types. In addition to health care variables, ethnicity and age impact modeled relationships. A discussion of the health consequences of model fit for drug companies, public policy, and consumers is also presented.
αβTCR+ T cells play a nonredundant role in the rejection of heart allografts in mice

Abstract Background: Although the transplantation of solid organs and cellular grafts is a clinical routine, the morbidity and mortality associated with immunosuppression is significant. This could be avoided by the induction of donor-specific tolerance. To develop targeted antirejection strategies and regimens to induce donor-specific tolerance, cell populations in the recipient-mediating rejection of solid organ and cellular grafts must be defined. In this study we examined the role of αβ-TCR + cells in the rejection of allogeneic heart grafts, by use of knockout (KO) mice deficient in the production of αβ-TCR + T cells. Methods: C57BL/6-Tcrb tmlMom (αβ-KO) and C57BL6/J (B6) recipient mice were transplanted with B10.BR/SgSnJ (B10.BR) or BALB/c heart allografts. Animals also received bone marrow from normal B10.BR donors, followed by donor-specific or third-party heart transplants. Results: Naive B6 control mice rejected B10.BR and BALB/c grafts within 16 days. In striking contrast, B10.BR and BALB/c heart allografts were indefinitely accepted in unmanipulated αβ-KO mice. The immune responsiveness was restored after bone marrow transplantation from normal donors. After bone marrow transplantation major histocompatibility–disparate BALB/c third-party heart grafts were rejected, whereas donor-specific grafts were still accepted. Conclusions: αβ-TCR + T cells play a nonredundant role in the rejection of heart allografts in mice. Bone marrow chimerism is associated with donor-specific transplantation tolerance. (Surgery 1999;126:121-6.)
Positive affect, intuition and referential thinking

This study tested the prediction that individual differences in intuition would interact with positive affect (PA) to predict referential thinking, in a nonclinical sample. Participants (N = 146) completed questionnaires measuring PA, intuition, referential thinking, personality traits, depression, anxiety, and meaning in life. Controlling for anxiety and depression and traits, the interaction of PA and intuition predicted referential thinking. Exploratory analyses demonstrated that at high levels of PA, referential thinking was positively associated with meaning in life. The role of meaning-making processes in referential thinking is discussed.
Method for extraction and separation of drugs and metabolites from biological tissue.

Abstract A method has been developed for the quantitative extraction, partitioning, and separation of indomethacin, its metabolites and other anionic drugs (salicylic acid and phenylbutazone) from biological tissues. Tissues are extracted with chloroform and anhydrous, acidic methanol. When the extract is made biphasic with aqueous acid, conjugated drug species are partitioned to the aqueous, acid phase while protonated and esterified drug species are partitioned to the organic phase. The ionized drugs (indo-methacin, its nonconjugated metabolites, and salicylic acid) in this phase are partitioned to an aqueous, basic phase (pH 8.6) and separated by anion-exchange chromatography. Phenylbutazone is extracted at pH 12–13 and esterified drug species remain in the organic phase. The quantitative aspects of this method have been evaluated with biological samples from rats which had received 14 C-indomethacin or 14 C-salicylic acid in vivo .