cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cisplatin Damage Overrides the Predefined Rotational Setting of Positioned Nucleosomes

Cisplatin and carboplatin are used successfully to treat various types of cancer. The drugs target the nucleosomes of cancer cells and form intrastrand DNA cross-links that are located in the major groove. We constructed two site-specifically modified nucleosomes containing defined intrastrand cis-{Pt(NH3)2}2+ 1,3-d(GpTpG) cross-links. Histones from HeLa-S3 cancer cells were transferred onto synthetic DNA duplexes having nucleosome positioning sequences. The structures of these complexes were investigated by hydroxyl radical footprinting. Employing nucleosome positioning sequences allowed us to quantify the structural deviation induced by the cisplatin adduct. Our experiments demonstrate that a platinum cross-link locally overrides the rotational setting predefined in the nucleosome positioning sequence such that the lesion faces toward the histone core. Identical results were obtained for two DNA duplexes in which the sites of platination differed by approximately half a helical turn. Additionally, we de...
Accumulation of Butyltins in Sediments and Lipid Tissues of the Asian Clam, Potamocorbula amurensis, Near Mare Island Naval Shipyard, San Francisco Bay

Studies of butyltin compounds in soil, benthic sediments and the Asian clam Potamocorbula amurensis were conducted at the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard, and nearby Mare Island and Carquinez Straits in San Francisco Bay, California. Soils from a sandblast abrasives dump site at the shipyard contained low concentrations of mono-, di- and tributyltin (0.3–52 ng/g, total butyltin). Similarly, concentrations of total butyltin in benthic sediments from nearby Mare Island and Carquinez Straits ranged from 1.3 to 8.1 ng/g. In contrast, clams accumulated much greater concentrations (152–307 ng/g, total butyltin). Tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) made up from 54–85% to 15–46%, respectively, of the total butyltin body burden of the clams. Biota Sediment Accumulation Factors (BSAFs) for butyltins in Potamocorbula were in reasonable agreement with literature values; they are greater than those of neutral hydrophobic compounds, suggesting that partitioning and binding processes may be involved in bioaccumulation. Tributyltin is a potent endocrine disrupting chemical. There is potential for long-term chronic effects of TBT in San Francisco Bay.
Socioeconomic status in association with metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease risk.

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the association of metabolic syndrome (MS) coronary heart disease (CHD) with socioeconomic status (SES).
Protection and reversal by memantine and atropine of carbofuran‐induced changes in biomarkers

Male Sprague-Dawley rats injected with a single acute dose of carbofuran (1.5 mg/kg, sc) developed chewing movements and fine tremors within 5–7 min. The signs of maximal severity with hypercholinergic preponderance including muscle fasciculations, convulsions, tracheobronchial secretions, and diarrhea were evident within 15–30 min and lasted for about 2 h. Various antidotal drugs, alone or in combination with atropine sulfate (ATS), were administered as pretreatment or as therapeutic measures to alleviate carbofuran-induced cholinergic toxicity. In fact, pyridine-2-aldoxime methylchloride (2-PAM) or diazepam alone or in combination with ATS did not provide any beneficial antidotal effects. Combined pretreatment with memantine (MEM, 18 mg/kg, sc) and ATS (16 mg/kg, sc) provided complete protection against carbofuran toxicity and reversal of clinical evidence when given therapeutically. Carbofuran intoxication caused significant alterations in the activities of biomarker enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and their isoenzymes patterns in serum as a result of their leakage from the target organs (brain, muscles, and heart). Significant increases in the levels of transaminases (GOT and GPT) and glucose were also noted, MEM in the aforementioned parameters, in addition to similar protective effects reported on target enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). These results, along with those reported previously, indicate that MEM antagonizes carbamates toxicity by maintaining cell membrane permeability and integrity through multiple mechanisms, in addition to muscarinic receptor blocking effect of ATS. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Activation and Propagation of Ca2+ Release during Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Atrial Myocytes

Abstract Fast two-dimensional confocal microscopy and the Ca 2+ indicator fluo-4 were used to study excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling in cat atrial myocytes which lack transverse tubules and contain both subsarcolemmal junctional (j-SR) and central nonjunctional (nj-SR) sarcoplasmic reticulum. Action potentials elicited by field stimulation induced transient increases of intracellular Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) that were highly inhomogeneous. Increases started at distinct subsarcolemmal release sites spaced ∼2 μ m apart. The amplitude and the latency of Ca 2+ release from these sites varied from beat to beat. Subsarcolemmal release fused to build a peripheral ring of elevated [Ca 2+ ] i , which actively propagated to the center of the cells via Ca 2+ -induced Ca 2+ release. Resting myocytes exhibited spontaneous Ca 2+ release events, including Ca 2+ sparks and local (microscopic) or global (macroscopic) [Ca 2+ ] i waves. The microscopic [Ca 2+ ] i waves propagated in a saltatory fashion along the sarcolemma ("coupled" Ca 2+ sparks) revealing the sequential activation of Ca 2+ release sites of the j-SR. Moreover, during global [Ca 2+ ] i waves, Ca 2+ release was evident from individual nj-SR sites. Ca 2+ release sites were arranged in a regular three-dimensional grid as deduced from the functional data and shown by immunostaining of ryanodine receptor Ca 2+ release channels. The longitudinal and transverse distances between individual Ca 2+ release sites were both ∼2 μ m. Furthermore, electron microscopy revealed a continuous sarcotubular network and one peripheral coupling of j-SR with the sarcolemma per sarcomere. The results demonstrate directly that, in cat atrial myocytes, the action potential-induced whole-cell [Ca 2+ ] i transient is the spatio-temporal summation of Ca 2+ release from subsarcolemmal and central sites. First, j-SR sites are activated in a stochastic fashion by the opening of voltage-dependent sarcolemmal Ca 2+ channels. Subsequently, nj-SR sites are activated by Ca 2+ -induced Ca 2+ release propagating from the periphery.
Commercial challenges of protein drug delivery

The discovery of insulin in 1922 marked the beginning of research and development to improve the means of delivering protein therapeutics to patients. From that period forward, investigators have contemplated every possible route of delivery. Their research efforts have followed two basic pathways: one path has focused on non-invasive means of delivering proteins to the body; and the second path has been primarily aimed at increasing the biological half-life of the therapeutic molecules. Thus far, the commercial successes of protein delivery by the nasal, oral and pulmonary routes have been more opportunistic rather than the application of platform technologies applicable to every protein or peptide. In several limited cases, sustained delivery of peptides and proteins has employed the use of polymeric carriers. More successes have been achieved by chemical modification using amino acid substitutions, protein pegylation or glycosylation to improve the pharmacodynamic properties of certain macromolecules. Today, commercial successes for protein and peptide delivery systems remain limited. The needle and syringe remain the primary means of protein delivery. Major hurdles remain in order to overcome the combined natural barriers of drug permeability, drug stability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of protein therapeutics.
FEMORAL NECK AND IPSILATERAL NECK AND SHAFT FRACTURES IN THE YOUNG ADULT

Femoral neck and ipsilateral neck and shaft fractures in the young adult represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the anatomy, pathophysiology, radiographic evaluation, timing of surgery, and complications in an attempt to increase recognition of these injuries and provide better patient care.
Objectives of the meeting: think opiates.

The objectives of this meeting were to overview briefly the role of opiates in gastrointestinal functions (motility, secretion, inflammation), to describe the current state of knowledge on the basic mechanisms underlying opiate effects (receptor distribution, pharmacology, electrophysiology) and to explore, through greater understanding of these mechanisms, the potential role of opiates and endogenous opioid peptides in normal and pathophysiological states. Opiate antagonists may have therapeutic potential in postoperative ileus, constipation and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and opioid bowel dysfunction. Some of the most interesting recent data pertain to the class of l-opioid receptor antagonists.
Analyzing the dynamic chemorheology of curing resins: Extraction of model parameters associated with cure advancement

The assessment of transient changes in re- active fluids has been described as chemorheology. While several individual chemorheological studies are published, few have investigated unifying principles that may help in identifying protocols for predictive modeling. We have extracted datasets from other published manuscripts on re- active resin curing, and have observed a range of exponen- tial growth in viscosity with these reactive systems. We have found that regardless of the initial viscosity, the dynamic viscosity rise in many of these resins advances with a similar exponential rise, with the exponent varying between 0.02 and 1.5 min 21 Isothermal photopolymeriza- tion yielded more accurate viscosity models than corre- sponding crosslinked resins with a widely varying heating schedule. 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 106: 3605-3609, 2007
A Qualitative Study of Southern Baptist Mothers' and Their Daughters' Attitudes toward Sexuality.

This qualitative study of 14 Southern Baptist mother-daughter dyads uses grounded theory to explore the attitudes these mothers and daughters hold toward sexuality, religiosity, and spirituality, in addition to how they communicate with each other about these topics. Themes that emerge from the data include abstinence before marriage, lack of interest in sexual behavior, peer influence, parental monitoring, extracurricular activities, the parent-child relationship, shame versus self-respect, and an orientation to the future. This research provides a description of the way in which Southern Baptist mothers and daughters communicate about spirituality and sexuality and reveals the effect this communication has on these adolescent girls. Implications for further research as well as the clinical implications of this study provide guidance for professionals in this area.
Capacitive deionization of water coolant using hybrid carbon electrodes for high power electronic applications

Water is promising for liquid cooling of high power electronics due to its high heat capacity and thermal conductivity. However, the ionic impurities and contaminants cause corrosions and threaten the device reliability. We explored capacitive deionization (CDI) of water coolant using hybrid carbon electrode consisting of carbon fiber paper (CFP) and vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs). A facile method was developed to transfer VACNTs to CFP by using a polymeric adhesive, which achieved high bonding strength and good electrical conductivity. Moreover, we fabricated a miniaturized test vehicle for CDI measurement to evaluate the performance for such carbon hybrids and demonstrate the effective CDI effect.
Coenzyme Q10 and α-tocopherol reversed age-associated functional impairments in mice☆

The purpose of this study was to determine if intake of the antioxidants coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or α-tocopherol (Toc), either alone or in combination, could ameliorate cognitive and psychomotor impairments of aged mice, as well as reduce oxidative burden in tissues. For a period of 10 weeks, male C57BL/6J mice (3 or 18 months) were fed either a control diet, or one of three diets supplemented with Toc, CoQ10 or their combination, and were tested for cognitive and psychomotor functions. Old mice on the Toc or Toc/CoQ10 diets showed improved coordinated running performance. Mice on the diet containing Toc/CoQ10 demonstrated improved performance in the discriminated avoidance task. CoQ10 and Toc alone also resulted in improved performance, albeit to a lesser degree. Protein damage was decreased especially when the mice received Toc+CoQ10 combination. Overall, these results suggest that, Toc and CoQ supplementation can ameliorate age-related impairment and reduce protein oxidation. Moreover, concurrent supplementation of CoQ10 and Toc may be more effective than either antioxidant alone.
High Spatial Resolution Imaging of NGC 1068 in the Mid-Infrared

Mid-infrared observations of the central source of NGC 1068 have been obtained with a spatial resolution in the deconvolved image of 0.”1 (~7 pc). The central source is extended by ~1'' in the north-south direction but appears unresolved in the east-west direction over most of its length. About 2/3 of its flux can be ascribed to a core structure that is itself elongated north-south and does not show a distinct unresolved compact source. The source is strongly asymmetric, extending significantly farther to the north than to the south. The morphology of the mid-infrared emission appears similar to that of the radio jet and has features which correlate with the images in [O III]. Its 12.5–24.5 μm color temperature ranges from 215 to 260 K and does not decrease smoothly with distance from the core. Silicate absorption is strongest in the core and to the south and is small in the north. The core, apparently containing 2/3 of the bolometric luminosity of the inner 4'' diameter area, may be explained by a thick, dusty torus near the central active galactic nucleus (AGN) viewed at an angle of ~65° to its plane. There are, however, detailed difficulties with existing models, especially the narrow east-west width of the thin extended mid-infrared "tongue" to the north of the core. We interpret the tongue as reprocessed visual and ultraviolet radiation that is strongly beamed and that originates in the AGN.
Some agaric distribution patterns involving Pacific landmasses and Pacific Rim

The Pacific Ocean and the “Pacific Rim” include a vast geographic area and most categories of the earth's ecological niches. As could be expected, macrofungi conform to many distribution patterns, some of which are discussed in this article. An introduction to species concepts and some other ancillary methodological considerations is followed by examples of some distributional patterns: Gondwanan, Transberingian, and island biogeographic. Some considerations of changing distributional patterns are also discussed: widening distributions, probable human mediation, and some unique cases that seem not to conform to accepted patterns. Not surprisingly, we conclude that concerted future collecting and comparison of specimens using multiple methodologies offer the only hope for understanding mushroom distributions, regardless of the geographic area of interest.
Lewy body dementia.

Although Lewy body dementia (LBD) has received a considerable amount of interest in the last decade, there still exists a certain level of confusion concerning the clinical and neuropathological features associated with this disorder. According to many researchers, LBD represents a distinct dementing illness with specific clinical features. The neuropathological hallmark for this disorder is the Lewy body, a spherical intraneuronal cytoplasmic inclusion originally described in brainstem nuclei in Parkinson's disease. In LBD, Lewy bodies are found in subcortical nuclei, such as the substantia nigra, as well as diffusely in the neocortex. Recently, a consortium on dementia with Lewy bodies was held that established consensus guidelines for the clinical and pathological diagnosis of LBD. This review will focus on the newest developments in LBD, addressing specifically clinical and neuropathological features, diagnostic classification, genetics and potential pharmacotherapy.
Transfinite element methods: Blending-function interpolation over arbitrary curved element domains

In order to better conform to curved boundaries and material interfaces, curved finite elements have been widely applied in recent years by practicing engineering analysts. The most well known of such elements are the "isoparametric elements". As Zienkiewicz points out in [18, p. 132] there has been a certain parallel between the development of "element types" as used in finite element analyses and the independent development of methods for the mathematical description of general free-form surfaces. One of the purposes of this paper is to show that the relationship between these two areas of recent mathematical activity is indeed quite intimate. In order to establish this relationship, we introduce the notion of a "transfinite element" which, in brief, is an invertible mapping $$\vec T$$ from a square parameter domainJ onto a closed, bounded and simply connected region? in thexy-plane together with a "transfinite" blending-function type interpolant to the dependent variablef defined over?. The "subparametric", "isoparametric" and "superparametric" element types discussed by Zienkiewicz in [18, pp. 137---138] can all be shown to be special cases obtainable by various discretizations of transfinite elements Actual error bounds are derived for a wide class of semi-discretized transfinite elements (with the nature of the mapping $$\vec T$$ :J?? remaining unspecified) as applied to two types of boundary value problems. These bounds for semi-discretized elements are then specialized to obtain bounds for the familiar isoparametric elements. While we consider only two dimensional elements, extensions to higher dimensions is straightforward.
Health-related quality of life after tricompartment knee arthroplasty with and without an extended-duration continuous femoral nerve block: a prospective, 1-year follow-up of a randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: We previously provided evidence that extending an overnight continuous femoral nerve block to 4 days after tricompartment knee arthroplasty (TKA) provides clear benefits during the perineural infusion in the immediate postoperative period. However, it remains unknown if the extended infusion improves subsequent health-related quality of life between 7 days and 12 mo. METHODS: Patients undergoing TKA received a femoral perineural infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% from surgery until the following morning, at which time patients were randomized to either continue perineural ropivacaine (n 25) or normal saline (n 25) in a double-masked fashion. Patients were discharged with their catheter and a portable infusion pump, and catheters were removed on postoperative day 4. Health-related quality of life was measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index preoperatively and then at 7 days, as well as 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 mo after surgery. The WOMAC evaluates three dimensions of health-related quality of life: pain, stiffness, and physical functional disability. For inclusion in the analysis, we required a minimum of 4 of the 6 time points, including day 7 and at least 2 of mo 3, 6, and 12. RESULTS: The two treatment groups had similar WOMAC scores for the mean area under the curve calculations (point estimate for the difference in mean area under the curve for the two groups [overnight infusion groupextended infusion group] 1.2, 95% confidence interval: 5.6 to 8.0; P0.72) and at all individual time points (P0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence that extending an overnight continuous femoral nerve block to 4 days improves (or worsens) subsequent health-related quality of life between 7 days and 12 mo after TKA. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00135889.) (Anesth Analg 2009;108:1320‐5)
Monitoring and Discerning the Conformational Change of the Most Common Peptide Related to Neuritic Plaques in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a serious degenerative disease affecting millions of elderly individuals worldwide. Some of the most common symptoms include: loss of memory, cognitive function, and motile coordination, as well as social behavior alteration. The onset causes are not yet clear, however, three important hallmarks of this disease are known: amyloid beta peptide plaques formation (As, primarily As1-40 and As1-42), presence of neurofibrillary tangles, and finally neuronal death. Our work is oriented towards understanding the mechanism of plaque formation and more recently the clearance of these plaques. In this work, we studied and monitored the different aggregation pathways followed by As1-40, As1-42, and their mixture (1:1). Atomic force microscopy is used as the main analytical tool, served to monitor and study the topological changes suffered by each case studied. It was observed that the mixture of these peptides aggregated at a faster rate forming dense plaques, this observation was confirmed with Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The understanding of the trend in aggregation patterns is an important contribution to the comprehension of our ongoing project: targeting Amyloid beta plaques using an immunotherapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of As plaques in the brain.
Minimal forecast horizon procedures for dynamic lot size models

This article presents new results which should be useful in finding production decisions while solving the dynamic lot sizing problem of Wagner–Whitin on a rolling horizon basis. In a rolling horizon environment, managers obtain decisions for the first period (or the first few periods) by looking at the forecasts for several periods. This article develops procedures to find optimal decisions for any specified number of initial periods (called planning horizon in the article) by using the forecast data for the minimum possible number of future periods. Computational results comparing these procedures with the other procedures reported in the literature are very encouraging.
Visioning and the Development of Outstanding Teachers.

Abstract This paper asks whether, in our enthusiasm for particular ideologies, methods or programs, literacy educators may unwittingly be encouraging teachers to become followers rather than independent users of professional knowledge. I argue that at a time when teachers must develop complex forms of literacy for an increasingly pluralistic clientele in the face of heightened public pressure to conform and comply, preservice teacher education must develop in teachers the psychological strength and spirit to make their own decisions rather than looking to us for answers. I offer a rationale for this hypothesis, provide an example of how literacy educators might develop teachers’ psychological strength, and ask whether we in teacher education are willing to teach teachers to be independent of us.
Response of the nictitating membrane to prostaglandin E1 and angiotensin.

Abstract Prostaglandin E 1 has previously been shown to potentiate contractile responses of smooth muscle to various stimuli. To study this phenomenon further, responses of cat nictitating membranes to angiotensin and preganglionic electrical stimulation were measured, and so were the changes in these responses following intraarterial administration of PGE 1 . In adrenalectomized animals PGE 1 contracted the nictitating membrane independent of the superior cervical ganglion, but response was decreased following adrenergic or cholinergic blockade, and abolished following both. Angiotensin also contracted the nictitating membrane in adrenalectomized animals independent of the superior cervical ganglion, and the response was inhibited by cholinergic but not by adrenergic blockade. PGE 1 potentiated responses to acetylcholine, norepinephrine and angiotensin. It also antagonized ganglionic blockade by hexamethonium.
Heroin in brown, black and white: structural factors and medical consequences in the us heroin market.

Background Heroin coming into the United States historically comes from three widely dispersed geographical regions: Southwest Asia, Southeast Asia and Mexico. A fourth source of US-bound heroin, from Colombia, originated in the early 1990s. The fact that the four heroin sources produce differing morphologies and qualities of heroin has not been critically examined. In addition, it is not well established how the contemporary competing dynamics of interdiction, or restriction of heroin flows across international boundaries, and neoliberal, e.g., global expansion of free trade, policies are affecting heroin markets. This paper will highlight changes in the US heroin market, including source trends, the political economy of the now dominant source and the resultant effects on the heroin risk environment by US region.
Solvent-Induced Manipulation of Supramolecular Organic Frameworks

Supramolecular organic frameworks based on C-alkylresorcin[4]arenes (RsCn) and the conformationally flexible spacer 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpea) are discussed here. The conformational flexibility of bpea was predetermined with the help of electronic structure calculations of bpea in the gas and solution phases. The architectures of these frameworks are primarily governed by O–H···O and O–H···N intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions between the components of the frameworks. The unique arrangement of the bpea spacer around RsCn yields continuous 1D wavelike and 1D lateral hydrogen-bonded frameworks. The cocrystals of RsCn with bpea show conformational variation as a function of a change in the solvent of crystallization. In acetonitrile, the bpea spacer exists in the trans form, whereas in ethanol it adopts both gauche and trans forms. RsCn, on the other hand, adopts a pinched-cone conformation in both solvents. The extended frameworks of RsCn–bpea in ethanol enclose continuous channels filled with...
The HIV–TSG101 interface: recent advances in a budding field

Abstract Efficient budding of HIV from the plasma membrane requires a small peptide motif, Pro-Thr/Ser-Ala-Pro (PTAP), located near the amino terminus of the p6 Gag protein. Studies from several laboratories have demonstrated that the ability of p6 to stimulate HIV budding requires a direct interaction between the PTAP motif and the host endosomal sorting protein TSG101. The structure of the PTAP–TSG101 binding site has recently been solved, providing valuable insights into this crucial protein–protein interaction.
Interaction of ethanol and stress with the GABA/BZ receptor in LS and SS mice

Abstract The interaction of stress and ethanol with the GABA/BZ receptor system was evaluated in LS and SS mice. The effects of two separate in vivo treatments, a 2.5 g/kg injection of ethanol or a behavioral stressor, on GABA-enhanced [ 3 H]-FNZ binding were nearly identical in both lines of mice. A 2.5 g/kg ethanol- or stress-pretreatment resulted in increased enhancement in SS cortex, but not LS. In cerebellum, treatment effects were demonstrated in both SS and LS mice. Intraperitoneal injections of increasing doses of ethanol produced biphasic stimulation of GABA-enhanced [ 3 H]-FNZ binding in LS brain regions, but not SS. Adrenalectomies performed one week prior to ethanol administration produced a loss of ethanol enhancement in cerebellum of both lines. However, in cortex, removal of the adrenals had no effect. The in vitro addition of 30 mM ethanol to brain preparations incubated at 37°C from stressed and unstressed animals resulted in greater enhancement of binding in cortex, but not cerebellum of stressed mice. Differences in the degree of enhancement between the lines of mice were lost if the animals were stressed prior to sacrifice or if membrane preparations were incubated at 4°C. The results of this study suggest that the interaction between ethanol and stress is mediated by the GABAergic system, but responses vary dependent on brain region, dose of ethanol, and degree of ethanol sensitivity.
DELAYED TRAUMATIC SPINAL EPIDURAL HEMATOMA WITH SPONTANEOUS RESOLUTION OF SYMPTOMS

Post-traumatic spinal epidural hematomas are uncommon, usually requiring emergent neurosurgical evacuation. We present a symptomatic delayed post-traumatic epidural hematoma of the T-spine that resolved within hours of administration of high dose steroids. A 22-year-old man presented 10 days after sustaining blunt trauma during a motor vehicle crash. He developed signs of acute cord compression with loss of sensation and motor function in bilateral lower extremities with priapism. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a spinal epidural hematoma with 50% canal stenosis at the T4 level. His symptoms improved 1 h after the administration of high dose steroids. All symptoms resolved completely while the patient was in the Emergency Department and he was treated conservatively by Neurosurgery with no further sequelae. Thoracic spinal epidural hematoma is an uncommon condition that may present in delayed fashion after trauma with significant neurologic compromise. If neurologic symptoms improve with initial steroid therapy, patients with this condition may be treated conservatively with steroids and observation.
Impact of Path Characteristics and Scheduling Policies on MPTCP Performance

With increasing deployment of Multipath TCP (MPTCP) in multihoming and data enter scenarios, there is a need to understand how its performance is affected in practice-both by traditional factors such as RTT measurements, and by new multipath-specific considerations such as sub flow selection. We carried out an initial but comprehensive study using an actual MPTCP implementation in an emulated network environment, to explore the impact of different factors on MPTCP throughput. We find that path selection and packet scheduling have a large effect on performance, and that merely trusting the congestion control mechanism to do the right thing is not enough. Moreover, we provide evidence that throughput can be improved by slight modifications to the send buffers and path selection components of the implementation. Important challenges in network design remain, if only to ensure that multiple suitable paths exist in a network.
Monitoring snowpack evolution using interferometric synthetic aperture radar on the North Slope of Alaska, USA

This research investigates the use of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to generate a time-series of snow water equivalent (SWE) for dry snow within the Kuparuk watershed, North Slope, Alaska, during the winter of 1993/1994. Maps depicting relative change in phase and the theoretical relative change in SWE between satellite acquisitions are created for 3-day periods at the end of March 1994 using both ascending and descending ERS-1 overpasses. The theoretical coefficient relating relative change in phase and relative change in SWE for C-band is found to be at least twice as large as what is expected when using a simple single-layer snow model for this study area and time period. Without any direct measurements of SWE on the ground, station measurements of snow depth and hourly wind are linked to each 3-day relative change in phase map. Along with a qualitative assessment, quantitative measures of the rate and magnitude of phase change around these stations are directly compared to the hourly wind data for a given 3-day period. InSAR-derived maps acquired around a measured precipitation event show a considerable relationship to the predominant direction of strong winds over each 3-day period while maps acquired around no measureable precipitation depict much less correlation between phase change and predominant direction of strong winds. Despite limited ground measurements to infer snowpack conditions, these results show continued promise for the InSAR technique to measure changes in snowpack conditions (e.g. SWE) at much higher resolutions than manual sampling methods or passive microwave remote sensing. The extension of this technique to current L-band InSAR satellite platforms is also discussed.
The influence of a drag-reducing surfactant on a turbulent velocity field

A two-component laser-Doppler velocimeter, with high spatial and temporal resolution, was used to study how the introduction of a drag-reducing surfactant to water changes the fully-developed velocity field in an enclosed rectangular channel. Measurements were made for four different Reynolds numbers, Re = 13300; 19100; 32000, and 49100 (based on the bulk viscosity, the half-height of the channel, and the viscosity of water). For a fixed volumetric flow the pressure drop was reduced by 62 to 76% when compared to a Newtonian flow with an equal wall viscosity. Measurements were made of the mean streamwise velocity, the root mean square of two components of the fluctuating velocity, the Reynolds shear stress and the spectral density function of the fluctuating velocity in the streamwise direction. The Reynolds shear stress is found to be zero over the whole channel and the spectra of the streamwise velocity fluctuations show a sharp cutoff at a critical frequency, fc. The ratio of the cutoff frequency to the root mean square of the streamwise velocity fluctuations is found to be approximately equal to 1 mm−1. The observation of a zero Reynolds shear stress indicates the existence of additional mean shear stresses (or mean transfers of momentum) that are not seen with a Newtonian fluid. Furthermore, the presence of a random fluctuating velocity field suggests a production of turbulence by a mechanism other than that usually found for a fully developed flow. Possible explanations for this behaviour are presented.
Lactation in Relation to Postmenopausal Breast Cancer

A modest inverse association between lactation and breast cancer risk has most consistently been observed in premenopausal women, and certain breastfeeding patterns, such as prolonged duration and early age at first lactation, may be important determinants of risk. However, these associations have not generally been observed in relation to postmenopausal breast cancer. As part of a multicenter population-based case-control study, the authors examined postmenopausal breast cancer risk according to breastfeeding characteristics. Breast cancer patients aged 50-79 years were identified from statewide tumor registries in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin from July 1992 through July 1995. Similarly aged control women were randomly selected from population lists. Information regarding lactation history and breast cancer risk factors was obtained through telephone interviews. This analysis included only data on parous postmenopausal women (3,633 cases and 3,790 controls). After adjustment for age, parity, age at first birth, and other breast cancer risk factors, breastfeeding for at least 2 weeks was associated with a slightly reduced risk of breast cancer in comparison with women who had never lactated (relative risk = 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.78-0.96). There was only a modest suggestion that increasing cumulative duration of lactation was inversely associated with breast cancer risk; the relative risk for women who had breastfed for > or =24 months was 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.56-0.94) (p-trend for duration = 0.10). Age at first lactation was not consistently associated with risk. Modest inverse associations appeared to persist even up to 50 years since first lactation. Use of hormones to suppress lactation was not associated with postmenopausal breast cancer, nor was inability to breastfeed related to risk. These results suggest that lactation may have a slight and perhaps long-lasting protective effect on postmenopausal breast cancer risk.
Crustal growth by magmatic overplating in the Galápagos

The isotopic compositions of xenoliths hosted in lavas from Floreana Island indicate that they formed from magmas unlike those at present-day Floreana. Instead, the xenoliths are geochemically more similar to magmas now erupting from Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes, at the leading edge of the Galapagos hotspot. This is the first evidence for compositional evolution at a Galapagos volcano and indicates increasing contributions from an iso topically enriched source with time as the volcano is carried away from the focus of the hot-spot. Clinopyroxenes in many of the xenoliths exhibit positive anomalies of Sr and Eu, which are attributed to the breakdown of plagioclase. The growth of clinopyroxene at the expense of plagio clase results from compression as the crust cools. Compression is caused by growth mostly from above, as shallow intrusions and lavas load the middle and upper oceanic crust.
Evaluation and synthesis of self-monitoring state machines

Signature monitoring has proven to be an effective method for concurrent detection of control-flow errors in processors. A recent proposal adapts signature monitoring to the concurrent checking of dedicated controllers or state machines. The authors extend this approach and present theoretical results, including existence-of-solution guarantees, as well as new, efficient synthesis algorithms. The algorithms have been implemented and successfully applied to a variety of machines including all of the machines in the MCNC benchmark set. For most examples, the evaluation and synthesis algorithms exhibit negligible running times and the resulting optimized machines exhibit reasonable overheads. There is strong indication that the efficient synthesis of self-monitoring, and possibly self-testing, state machines is feasible using this approach. >
Fiber Twist Test: A New Test Technique to Measure Composite Interface Properties

This paper discusses the work accomplished, thus far, in the development of the Fiber Twist Test (FTT) as an alternative and improved technique for testing the interface properties of continuous fiber composite materials. The unique features of the fiber twist test include the absence of Poisson effects during testing. This eliminates the nonlinear variation, with changing embedded fiber lengths, of fracture modes and accompanying debond energy, and of friction along the interface. Since the fiber is not removed from its surrounding matrix during testing, the interface area remains constant. This facilitates a more accurate measurement of friction properties at the interface.
Issues & Opinions: Practice parameter for electrodiagnostic studies in carpal tunnel syndrome: Summary statemem: American association of electrodiagnostic medicine, american academy of neurology, american academy of physical medicine and rehabilitation

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral mononeuropathy and often requires one or more therapies including surgery. The results of electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies have been found to be highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of CTS. This document defines the standards, guidelines, and options for EDX studies of CTS based on a critical review of the literature.
Regional International Organizations and Individual Immigration Attitudes: Results from Finite Mixture Models

When are individuals more likely to support immigration? We suggest here that regional international organizations (IOs; for example, the European Union) publicly release reports about the scale an...
Prediction of Storm Surges and Wind Waves on Coastal Highways in Hurricane-Prone Areas

Abstract A recent study reveals that more than 60,000 miles (>96,500 km) of coastal roadways are in the 100-year floodplain in the United States and vulnerable to the attacks of water surges and storm waves generated by hurricanes. Mitigating the effects of coastal flooding requires accurate predictions of the destructive hydrodynamic forces. This study demonstrates a methodology for integrating state-of-the-art storm surge and wave prediction models as an effective tool for engineering design of coastal infrastructure and facilitation of hurricane emergency management. The methodology has the capability of resolving complex geometry and topography typical of coastal road flooding. The surge model incorporates moving shoreline conditions associated with flooding and allows for nonlinear interactions among astronomical tide, storm surge, and wave setup. The wave model takes into account the unsteadiness of wind forcing, currents, and water levels. A historical hurricane event is simulated for the landfall ...
Hierarchical Bayesian spatial models for alcohol availability, drug "hot spots" and violent crime

Background Ecologic studies have shown a relationship between alcohol outlet densities, illicit drug use and violence. The present study examined this relationship in the City of Houston, Texas, using a sample of 439 census tracts. Neighborhood sociostructural covariates, alcohol outlet density, drug crime density and violent crime data were collected for the year 2000, and analyzed using hierarchical Bayesian models. Model selection was accomplished by applying the Deviance Information Criterion.
Effect of Race and Marital Status on Mothers’ Observed Parenting and Adolescent Adjustment in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes

Objective To examine demographic differences in parenting behaviors and adjustment in youth with type 1 diabetes. Methods Adolescents’ psychosocial adjustment was assessed via self-reports and parent reports, and clinical data were obtained from adolescents’ medical records. Mother–adolescent dyads (N = 93) engaged in a videotaped discussion task, which was coded for observed parenting behaviors. Results Single and non-White mothers exhibited significantly more overinvolved and less collaborative parenting behaviors. Higher levels of overinvolved parenting and lower levels of collaborative parenting were associated with poorer adolescent adjustment (i.e., higher levels of externalizing problems). Observed parenting was not significantly associated with glycemic control. There was an indirect effect of marital status and race/ethnicity on externalizing behaviors through parenting. Conclusions The current study highlights parenting as a potential target for interventions, especially in single and minority mothers, to improve adjustment in this population.
Theta-like specimens for measuring mechanical properties at the small-scale : effects of non-ideal loading

Abstract As material structures, and devices fabricated from them, shrink to the nano-scale, it is ever more difficult to measure accurately the mechanical properties needed for designing small-scale devices and for assessing reliability. A promising test configuration for localized, small-scale uniaxial tensile measurements is the theta specimen. Stress distributions in this test configuration are examined via finite element analysis. When loaded uniformly with a double-articulating loading platen, a uniform uniaxial stress state is realized in the test gauge. When alternative, more easily realized experimentally, loading configurations are used (i. e., line or point contact), large secondary stresses develop. For each loading configuration, influences of non-ideal load application are elucidated. Two design modifications are considered to mitigate undesirable stresses: a compliant layer and an extended upper loading tab. The latter yields the most favorable stress state and is the most tolerant to non-i...
Between Death and Judgment: Conflicting Images of the Afterlife in Late Seventeenth-Century English Eulogies

One of the more troublesome issues facing Protestant reformers after the abolition of the Roman Catholic purgatory in the early sixteenth century was the need to explain the status of body and soul in the interim between death and resurrection. Eager to identify the precise destination of the whole person after bodily expiration but before the general judgment, preachers sought to bring comfort to bereaved survivors of the recently departed by formulating an acceptable counterpoise to the centuries-old Roman Catholic geography of the other world. Unlike the authors of learned theological treatises on the nature of the soul and body, eulogists faced the unenviable task of interpreting the experience of death and its sequel to an audience that often lacked the sophistication required for the rigors of sustained exegesis. The task of the eulogist was to attempt to make plain the contours of postmortem existence in a manner designed both to warn and to reassure. In their efforts to define an emotionally satisfying alternative to the Roman Catholic story, however, English Protestants formulated an increasingly wide variety of disparate—and sometimes contradictory—accounts of life after death, each of which was normatively based upon a personal understanding of scripture. By the late seventeenth century, even as English funeral sermons that treated the afterlife began to reflect a broad consensus regarding the separate destinations of body and soul, there remained much confusion over the precise condition of those eternal partners before Christ's promised return. The failure to resolve this dilemma in a satisfactory manner and the inability to arrive at an acceptable consensus on a matter of central concern to believing Christians contributed to the growth of mortalist and annihilationist theories by the close of the century. Conceptual disarray within the orthodox camp, then, provided an opportunity for more innovative thinkers to step forward, persons whose understanding of eschatological time, anchored in their own unique interpretation of the Christian scriptures, negated any need for continued debate about a putative “middle place”.
Mesenchymal stem cell injection after myocardial infarction improves myocardial compliance

Cellular therapy for myocardial injury has improved ventricular function in both animal and clinical studies, though the mechanism of benefit is unclear. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of cellular injection after infarction on myocardial elasticity. Coronary artery ligation of Lewis rats was followed by direct injection of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the acutely ischemic myocardium. Two weeks postinfarct, myocardial elasticity was mapped by atomic force microscopy. MSC-injected hearts near the infarct region were twofold stiffer than myocardium from noninfarcted animals but softer than myocardium from vehicle-treated infarcted animals. After 8 wk, the following variables were evaluated: MSC engraftment and left ventricular geometry by histological methods, cardiac function with a pressure-volume conductance catheter, myocardial fibrosis by Masson Trichrome staining, vascularity by immunohistochemistry, and apoptosis by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay. The human cells engrafted and expressed a cardiomyocyte protein but stopped short of full differentiation and did not stimulate significant angiogenesis. MSC-injected hearts showed significantly less fibrosis than controls, as well as less left ventricular dilation, reduced apoptosis, increased myocardial thickness, and preservation of systolic and diastolic cardiac function. In summary, MSC injection after myocardial infarction did not regenerate contracting cardiomyocytes but reduced the stiffness of the subsequent scar and attenuated postinfarction remodeling, preserving some cardiac function. Improving scarred heart muscle compliance could be a functional benefit of cellular cardiomyoplasty.