cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract A4: Do social class gradients predict breast cancer burden differently for black and white women?

This research utilizes 50,000 cases of breast cancer diagnosed during 1992-2003 reported to the Maryland Cancer Registry, and linked by residential address to U.S. Census block group data. The goal of the research is to model social class patterns in breast cancer burden for white and black women, and examine the ways in which social class influences differ across racial groups. After geocoding cases to their Census blockgroup, we used factor analysis to create two indices capturing distinct aspects of area-level social resources. A composite index for social class captured area-level educational attainment, overall employment rates, portion of white collar employment, and income. The material resources index combined the portion of households with cars, telephones, living above poverty, and owning their own home. These indices were used to predict four aspects of case disease characteristics related to adverse outcome: tumor size, histologic grade, histologic type, and stage of disease at diagnosis. Multilevel random and fixed effects models estimated social resource effects across the State of Maryland9s 3600 blockgroups. Race-specific models were used to examine whether social gradients in disease burden differed between black and white women. Results indicate that the two indices effectively capture social gradients in breast cancer burden for both ethnic groups, but that there are important differences. For white women, social class is a stronger predictor for tumor grade, size and type but both social class and material resources are predictive of stage at diagnosis. For black women, material resources are a stronger predictor for grade and tumor size, and social class is a stronger predictor for stage at diagnosis and tumor type. We found significant or borderline significant effects of race on the effect of both indices on all tumor characteristic outcomes. In almost all models, the direction of the interaction suggests that the protective effect of social resources on the outcome of interest is stronger for white women, than for black women. Additional analyses further examine the impact of neighborhood racial composition on social class influences. We conclude that investigating race-specific patterns of social class influences is one important strategy for understanding how social class patterns influence breast cancer disparities, as well as identifying possible avenues for intervention. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A4.
Fate of nitrate in seepage from a restored wetland receiving agricultural tailwater

Abstract Constructed and restored wetlands are a common practice to filter agricultural runoff, which often contains high levels of pollutants, including nitrate. Seepage waters from wetlands have potential to contaminate groundwater. This study used soil and water monitoring and hydrologic and nitrogen mass balances to document the fate and transport of nitrate in seepage and surface waters from a restored flow-through wetland adjacent to the San Joaquin River, California. A 39% reduction in NO 3 -N concentration was observed between wetland surface water inflows (12.87 ± 6.43 mg L −1 ; mean ± SD) and outflows (7.87 ± 4.69 mg L −1 ). Redox potentials were consistently below the nitrate reduction threshold (∼250 mV) at most sites throughout the irrigation season. In the upper 10 cm of the main flowpath, denitrification potential (DNP) for soil incubations significantly increased from 151 to 2437 mg NO 3 -N m −2 d −1 when nitrate was added, but showed no response to carbon additions indicating that denitrification was primarily limited by nitrate. Approximately 72% of the water entering the wetland became deep seepage, water that percolated beyond 1-m depth. The wetland was highly effective at removing nitrate (3866 kg NO 3 -N) with an estimated 75% NO 3 -N removal efficiency calculated from a combined water and nitrate mass balance. The mass balance results were consistent with estimates of NO 3 -N removed (5085 kg NO 3 -N) via denitrification potential. Results indicate that allowing seepage from wetlands does not necessarily pose an appreciable risk for groundwater nitrate contamination and seepage can facilitate greater nitrate removal via denitrification in soil compared to surface water transport alone.
4D-CT Lung registration using anatomy-based multi-level multi-resolution optical flow analysis and thin-plate splines

Purpose The accuracy of 4D-CT registration is limited by inconsistent Hounsfield unit (HU) values in the 4D-CT data from one respiratory phase to another and lower image contrast for lung substructures. This paper presents an optical flow and thin-plate spline (TPS)-based 4D-CT registration method to account for these limitations.
Lies, damned lies, and project plans: Recurring human errors that can ruin the project planning process

Abstract Project-based work has become a critical component of global industrial activity. Among other functions, projects are used to develop new products and services, improve operations flows, implement innovative information technologies, and conduct primary RD even ‘successful’ examples typically run well over budget and behind schedule. This article addresses some of the reasons why projects and project management have failed to live up to lofty expectations, arguing that the seeds of failure are often sown from the outset through flawed project planning. Citing the more common errors in human judgment and drawing on numerous examples, we offer guidelines by which project planning can begin to work as it was intended: on behalf of the project rather than at cross-purposes with the project's goals.
On Thermoelastic and Hygrometric Response of Sandwich Beams with Laminate Facings and Honeycomb Cores: Part IV—A Dynamic Theory

The systematic development of a dynamic theory for a sandwich beam is presented leading to the governing equations of equilibrium and the natural boundary conditions. Using Timoshenko beam theory [I], a function 1' is introduced in terms of the kinetic and strain energies of the system consisting of both laminate facings and honeycomb core. Reissner's variational theorem is used in conjunction with Hamilton's principle in order to obtain a new set of governing equations of motion, which is accomplished by letting the variation of D vanish. In addition, the natural boundary conditions are obtained in the process of the development of the theory. The constitutive equations for the beam are recovered as an outcome of the variational analysis. The static equations of equilibrium are obtained as a special case.
Optimal rate-oriented routing for distributed source coding in wireless sensor network

Recent Advances in Distributed Source Coding (DSC) motivate the mission-driven wireless sensor network application that relates to compression of multiple correlated sensor outputs, such as real time target tracking and environment monitoring. The characteristic of multiple rates in DSC applications requires the associated sensor network to support Rate-Oriented Routing (ROR) in order to extend the network life time. In this paper, we propose a novel optimal Rate-Oriented Routing based on the Distributed Energy Usage Scheduling (DEUS) for mission-driven DSC applications. The ROR adopts a new method called rate assignment instead of the traditional rate adaptation method in wireless networks to extend the network life time. The maximum network lifetime is achieved by constructing multiple rate-oriented paths between the source and sink, which balance the loads and lead to energy-efficient transmissions to meet the DSC application needs. Our simulation has shown that the Rate-Oriented Routing can extend the network life time and save energy significantly under the DSC application requirements
Surface reconstructions and growth mode transitions of AlAs(100)

Abstract The surface reconstructions of AlAs(100) layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on GaAs(100) were mapped as a function of substrate temperature and arsenic flux. Three main reconstructions were observed - a c (4 × 4) at lower temperatures and higher arsenic fluxes, a (2 × 4) at middle temperatures, and a (3 × 2) at higher temperatures and lower arsenic fluxes. Growth of AlAs on AlAs(100) is layer-by-layer for the high temperature and low temperature reconstructions. In the mid-temperature region, AlAs grows rough on (2 × 4) reconstructed AlAs(100) as indicated by rapidly damped reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) intensity oscillations and the appearance of three-dimensional (3D) features. The addition of fractional layers of Ga enhances the smooth growth of AlAs. A metastable (5 × 2) reconstruction was observed when a fraction of a layer of Ga was present on the surface. The results indicate that Ga segregates during the growth of AlAs on GaAs(100) at temperatures at least as low as 500°C, and that annealing at temperatures above 700°C removes most of the Ga from the surface.
A semiparametric additive rates model for recurrent event data

Recurrent event data often arise in biomedical studies, with examples including hospitalizations, infections, and treatment failures. In observational studies, it is often of interest to estimate the effects of covariates on the marginal recurrent event rate. The majority of existing rate regression methods assume multiplicative covariate effects. We propose a semiparametric model for the marginal recurrent event rate, wherein the covariates are assumed to add to the unspecified baseline rate. Covariate effects are summarized by rate differences, meaning that the absolute effect on the rate function can be determined from the regression coefficient alone. We describe modifications of the proposed method to accommodate a terminating event (e.g., death). Proposed estimators of the regression parameters and baseline rate are shown to be consistent and asymptotically Gaussian. Simulation studies demonstrate that the asymptotic approximations are accurate in finite samples. The proposed methods are applied to a state-wide kidney transplant data set.
A point focusing double parabolic trough concentrator

This article shows that a point focusing solar concentrator can be made from two reflective parabolic troughs, a primary and a secondary, by orienting their longitudinal axes in perpendicular directions and separating them by the difference of their focal lengths along the optical axis. This offers a new alternative to the conventional 3-D paraboloidal concentrator permitting more flexibility in designs for applications requiring high concentrations. Both advantages and disadvantages are discussed. The intensity concentration ratio distribution is calculated in the focal plane and has elliptically shaped contours due to the inherent compensation of errant rays by the concave secondary. The ratio of the major to minor axes was 2.61 for the case considered, resulting in a concentration ∼2.61 times that of a comparable concentrator without the compensation afforded by a concave secondary. Still, geometrical constraints limit the concentration to about 2000 suns for mirror quality errors of 5 mr. Optimization of the compensation effect holds potential for improved performance for other concentrator designs. Finally, the functional dependence of the peak concentration and shading factor upon design parameters are presented.
Ankylosis of the jaw in a patient with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

A case of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is presented. This uncommon connective tissue disease tends to produce progressing ectopic osteogenesis. Because there are no reported curative procedures for TMJ ankylosis occurring in this condition, a palliative surgical approach is described. Etiology, diagnosis, and prognosis of the disease is reviewed. Recent research in BMP cytokine-induced bone repair may allow new approaches to treating this debilitating disease in the future.
Closed-form solutions to fractional-order linear differential equations

The definitions and properties of widely used fractional-order derivatives are summarized in this paper. The characteristic polynomials of the fractional-order systems are pseudo-polynomials whose powers of the complex variable are non-integers. This kind of systems can be approximated by high-order integer-order systems, and can be analyzed and designed by the sophisticated integer-order systems methodology. A new closed-form algorithm for fractional-order linear differential equations is proposed based on the definitions of fractional-order derivatives, and the effectiveness of the algorithm is illustrated through examples.
Tandem ring-contraction/decarbonylation of 2,4-diphenyl-3H-1-benzazepine to 2,4-diphenylquinoline

Attempted free-radical bromination of 2,4-diphenyl-3H-1-benzazepine (3) with NBS led to an unusual ring-contraction reaction, giving rise to 2,4-diphenylquinoline (5) in high yield. This is a convenient path for the synthesis of a quinoline in one step from the easily accessible 1-benzazepine. We have elucidated the mechanism of ring-contraction reaction using 13C-labeled and deuterated benzazepines, and DFT calculations. There is strong experimental evidence that the departing carbon atom is initially part of a reactive intermediate dibromomethyl cation, which leads to methyl formate upon reaction with methanol. In the absence of methanol, water can complete the ring-contraction. In this case, the departing carbon atom is in the form of carbon monoxide.
Evaluating effects of an expanding mountain goat population on native bighorn sheep: a simulation model of competition and disease

Abstract Biological invasions create serious conservation problems at local to global scales, and decisions about their management require evaluation of the likely environmental consequences of an expanding population. An expanding population of exotic mountain goats ( Oreamnos americanus ) occupy an area near Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA (RMNP), an area managed for preservation of natural communities and processes. If mountain goats colonized RMNP, they could have detrimental impacts on native bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis ) in the Park. A simulation model was used to evaluate population-level interactions of these species. Simulated mountain goats and bighorn sheep each attained total population sizes of about 950 in the absence of disease or competition. Disease and competition resulted in bighorn sheep populations that were an average of 31% (moderate competition) and 47% (strong competition) smaller than populations without these influences, while competition reduced mountain goat populations by an average of 9%. Competition was responsible for most (>75%) of the reduction in average size of bighorn sheep populations, but disease increased variation in population size by a factor of 5. The combined population-level effects of competition (reduced average size) and disease (increased variance) represent a substantial risk to native bighorn sheep populations in RMNP.
Extraction of thermalized projectile fragments from gas

The NSCL gas cell and quadrupole ion-guide system has been used to study the thermalization of fast nuclear reaction products in a buffer gas. The fraction of radioactive ions that can be extracted from the gas cell is dramatically suppressed by space charge created by the stopping ions. The results of a review of the ion yields from the NSCL and from other gas cells from the literature with different sizes and different incident particle energies shows an overall consistency with a dramatic decline in extraction efficiency at high ionization rates.
Web and database software for identification of intact proteins using "top down" mass spectrometry.

For the identification and characterization of proteins harboring posttranslational modifications (PTMs), a “top down” strategy using mass spectrometry has been forwarded recently but languishes without tailored software widely available. We describe a Web-based software and database suite called ProSight PTM constructed for large-scale proteome projects involving direct fragmentation of intact protein ions. Four main components of ProSight PTM are a database retrieval algorithm (Retriever), MySQL protein databases, a file/data manager, and a project tracker. Retriever performs probability-based identifications from absolute fragment ion masses, automatically compiled sequence tags, or a combination of the two, with graphical rendering and browsing of the results. The database structure allows known and putative protein forms to be searched, with prior or predicted PTM knowledge used during each search. Initial functionality is illustrated with a 36-kDa yeast protein identified from a processed cell extra...
Reasoning with belief structures: non monotonic compatibility relations

Our concern is with getting information about one variable using knowledge of a second variable. We use of Dempster-Shafer belief structure to provide a representation, in a granular form, of knowledge about a variable when we have some uncertainty in our knowledge. We introduce compatibility relations for representing the possible joint values of two variables. Our inference scheme involves using a compatibility relation and a belief structure on one variable to infer a belief structure on the second variable. Our concern is with the representation of different types of compatibility relations. A distinction introduced is between monotonic and non-monotonic compatibility relations. We provide for the representation of both types.
Applications, techniques, and microfluidic interfacing for nanoscale biosensing

Biosensors based on nanotechnology are rapidly developing and are becoming widespread in the biomedical field and analytical chemistry. For these nanobiosensors to reach their potential, they must be integrated with appropriate packaging techniques, which are usually based on nano/microfluidics. In this review we provide a summary of the latest developments in nanobiosensors with a focus on label-based (fluorescence and nanoparticle) and label-free methods (surface plasmon resonance, micro/nanocantilever, nanowires, and nanopores). An overview on how these sensors interface with nano/microfluidics is then presented and the latest papers in the area summarized.
Canine uncemented porous-coated anatomic total hip arthroplasty: results of a long-term prospective evaluation of 50 consecutive cases.

Objective— To evaluate the long-term clinical and radiographic results of a canine uncemented porous-coated anatomic (PCA) total hip arthroplasty (THA). Study Design— Prospective study of consecutive clinical patients using survival analysis. Animals— Forty-one dogs that underwent PCA THA; nine had bilateral PCA THA (50 prostheses). Methods— Gait observation, orthopedic examination, and radiographic assessment were conducted before THA, 6 months after THA, and yearly thereafter. A zonal analysis system was used to document osseous changes in the femur and the acetabulum. Acetabular cup and femoral stem subsidence and migration, femoral canal fill, and implant orientation were measured. Survival analysis of the procedure was conducted. Results— Long-term follow-up was available for 37 dogs (46 prostheses). The median follow-up was 63 months. Limb function was normal for 37 limbs and abnormal for 9 limbs because of dislocation (n= 3), lumbosacral disease (n= 2), degenerative myelopathy (n= 1), autoimmune disease (n= 1), brain tumor (n= 1), or osteosarcoma of the femur (n= 1). All prosthetic stems and cups were fixed by bone ingrowth fixation. Osteolysis was not observed. Bone infarction occurred in five femoral canals (four dogs). The 6-year survival rate for the procedure was 87% (95% confidence interval, 72%-96%). Conclusions— Long-term fixation of the uncemented PCA acetabular cup and stem is successful in dogs, and long-term clinical function is excellent.
Investigation of Spin Tunneling in Carbon Monoxide Recombination with β Hemoglobin

A magnetic-field-induced optical linear dichroism has been observed in photolyzed $\ensuremath{\beta}$-hemoglobin at temperatures below 20 K. Nonadiabatic reaction rate theory for spinforbidden processes predicts a magnetic modulation of the tunneling rate which may account for the signal observed. The effect observed should be sensitive to crystal-field energy-level splittings for the iron atom in the heme group.
One-step synthesis of alloyed dual-emitting semiconductor nanocrystals

Alloyed Zn1−x−yCdxMnySe nanocrystals exhibiting bright intrinsic dual emission attractive for ratiometric optical nanothermometry are reported. Relative to earlier materials with related dual emission, these alloy nanocrystals require shorter syntheses, contain less Cd2+, and show dual emission that is less sensitive to nanocrystal shape, size, or surfaces.
CVQE: a metric for continuous video quality evaluation at low bit rates

Many current quality evaluation models were designed to produce a single estimate of perceived quality for a video sequence coded at relatively high rates. These metrics perform a multi-channel decomposition to simulate the processes of the Human Visual System (HVS), followed by a distortion pooling stage that collapses the channels over frequency, time and space. Estimating quality at short intervals over the length of a video sequence, however, may be more useful for long video sequences than a single estimate, particularly in such applications as two pass video coding and video quality monitoring. This paper presents an objective metric designed to perform this task on video sequences coded at low bit rates. The metric implements a wavelet transform-based model of the human visual system and a method of temporal error pooling suited to continuous estimation of perceived quality. A time series distance metric based on piecewise linear representations is also introduced in order to quantify performance. The metric is evaluated on a wide range of low bit rate video content and shown to perform well in terms of the shape and overall mean of the output perceived quality waveform.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of fluorescent cobalamin analogues with high quantum efficiencies.

Cobalamin tethered to fluorescein or Rhodamine 6G has been synthesized and characterized. The fluorophore is conjugated to the ribose-5′-OH of cobalamin through a rigid linker to prevent the fluorophore from folding back through space and interacting with the corrin ring of cobalamin. This increases the fluorescence quantum yield. This new family of cobalamin analogues may be suitable for use as tumor markers to tag cancer cells for surgical resection.
Phenyl N-Tert-Butyl Nitrone Forms Nitric Oxide as a Result of Its Fe(Iii)-Catalyzed Hydrolysis Or Hydroxyl Radical Adduct Formation

Phenyl N-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) is commonly employed in spin-trapping studies. We report here evidence that PBN in aqueous solutions is decomposed by two pathways leading to the generation of nitric oxide (.NO). The first pathway is by hydrolysis of PBN, which is strongly catalyzed by ferric iron. The second pathway is via PBN-hydroxyl radical adduct formation. .NO was trapped in the presence of cysteine and ferrous iron to form a [(cys)2Fe(NO)2]-3 complex, which was measured by use of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. A concomitant metabolite, benzaldehyde, was detected from both reaction mixtures. We propose that PBN is hydrolyzed by Fe3+ or attacked by hydroxyl radical, leading eventually to a common transient species, tert-butyl hydronitroxide [t-BuN(O.)H], which is further oxidized to a .NO source, t-BuNO. Our data imply that PBN may decompose to .NO when used in biological models with oxidative stress conditions.
To dispute or not to dispute: Ethical REBT with religious clients

Disputation of irrational beliefs is the most commonly utilized therapeutic strategy among therapists practicing from a Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) framework. Very little attention has been given to the unique ethical concerns that arise when REBT practitioners treat devoutly religious clients or clients presenting with uniquely religious problems. Ignoring client religious variables altogether or directly challenging and disputing specific religious beliefs both appear ethically problematic. This article offers a summary of the changing perspective on the compatibility of REBT and religion and an exploration of the ethics of disputing with religious clients. Finally, the author offers a preliminary model for both general and specialized use of disputational techniques with religious clients.
Note on the Doppler principle and Bohr's frequency condition

When an atomic system emits or absorbs radiation, the frequency of the radiation is connected with the change of energy of the system by Bohr's frequency condition δE = hv. This equation is usually applied to the transition of an atom from one stationary state to another, the frequency of the radiation being measured in a frame of reference in which the atom as a whole is at rest, both before and after the transition. It has been pointed out by Bohr that difficulties arise when no natural frame of reference presents itself in which to measure the frequency, which is the case for non-isolated systems, or even for isolated systems when the process of radiation is connected with a change of momentum.
Spiramycin in the Treatment of Cryptosporidiosis

Spiramycin, a macrolide antibiotic, has been advocated for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. The disease most commonly occurs in patients with AIDS and can be debilitating, as diarrhea and malnutrition may be contributing factors in the death of these patients. Until recently, treatment for cryptosporidiosis has been largely symptomatic. Response rates with drug therapy such as metronidazole, quinidine-clindamycin, and pentamidine have been extremely poor. Although response to spiramycin has appeared promising, there have been several reported cases of treatment failure. Further investigation with the agent is advocated to determine its role in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis.
STUDIES ON THE CORNEA. II. THE FINE STRUCTURE OF DESCEMET'S MEMBRANE

Descemet's membrane, previously thought to be "structureless," has been found to be characterized by a fine structure of great regularity. Sections perpendicular to the plane of the membrane surface appeared to be cross-striated, with narrow dark bands separated by wide light bands traversed by fine filaments. Tangential sections showed a two-dimensional array of dark nodes and thin internodal filaments which connected each node with the six others around it to form a hexagonal figure. The average distance between nodes, and between the dark bands in transverse sections, was about 1070 A; the width of the nodes was about 270 A; and the width of the connecting filaments was less than 100 A. This pattern has been found in all species of Descemet's membrane so far examined, although it appeared to be better developed in some forms than in others. So far as is known, it has not been observed in any other type of tissue. The differentiation of Descemet's membrane has been followed in the chick embryo. It appeared late and developed slowly but showed the characteristic fine structure from the time it could be clearly identified. The evidence for placing Descemet's membrane in the collagen class of proteins is strongly supplemented by the results obtained from x-ray diffraction examination by Rougvie and Bear.
Epigenetic regulation of transposable element derived human gene promoters

It was previously thought that epigenetic histone modifications of mammalian transposable elements (TEs) serve primarily to defend the genome against deleterious effects associated with their activity. However, we recently showed that, genome-wide, human TEs can also be epigenetically modified in a manner consistent with their ability to regulate host genes. Here, we explore the ability of TE sequences to epigenetically regulate individual human genes by focusing on the histone modifications of promoter sequences derived from TEs. We found 1520 human genes that initiate transcription from within TE-derived promoter sequences. We evaluated the distributions of eight histone modifications across these TE-promoters, within and between the GM12878 and K562 cell lines, and related their modification status with the cell-type specific expression patterns of the genes that they regulate. TE-derived promoters are significantly enriched for active histone modifications, and depleted for repressive modifications, relative to the genomic background. Active histone modifications of TE-promoters peak at transcription start sites and are positively correlated with increasing expression within cell lines. Furthermore, differential modification of TE-derived promoters between cell lines is significantly correlated with differential gene expression. LTR-retrotransposon derived promoters in particular play a prominent role in mediating cell-type specific gene regulation, and a number of these LTR-promoter genes are implicated in lineage-specific cellular functions. The regulation of human genes mediated by histone modifications targeted to TE-derived promoters is consistent with the ability of TEs to contribute to the epigenomic landscape in a way that provides functional utility to the host genome.
Targeting Autophagy Addiction in Cancer

Joseph D. Mancias 1 and Alec C. Kimmelman 2 1 Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA 2 Division of Genomic Stability and DNA Repair, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA Received: December 12, 2011; Accepted: December 15, 2011; Published: December 19, 2011; Keywords: Autophagy, Ras, Metabolism, Cancer, tumor, therapy, Correspondence: Alec Kimmelman, email: // // Abstract Autophagy inhibition is a novel cancer therapeutic strategy in the early stages of clinical trial testing. The initial rationale for using autophagy inhibition was generated by research revealing that autophagy is upregulated in response to external stresses, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Combining autophagy inhibition with agents that induce autophagy as a pro-survival response may therefore increase their therapeutic efficacy. Recent research has shown that some cancer cells, particularly those driven by the K-Ras oncogene, also depend on elevated levels of autophagy for survival even in the absence of external stressors. In multiple in vitro as well as in vivo systems, oncogenic Ras-mediated transformation and tumor growth are dependent on autophagy to evade metabolic stress and cell death. These studies have subsequently led to further early phase clinical testing whether autophagy inhibition is a viable and effective strategy for targeting Ras-driven tumors. Even before the clinical results are available from these ongoing clinical trials, much work remains to optimally develop the approach of autophagy inhibition clinically; most notably reliably detecting levels of autophagy in human tumor samples, pharmacodynamics of currently available autophagy inhibitors (chloroquine and the derivative hydroxychloroquine), and new target identification and drug development.
Expression of functional receptor activity modifying protein 1 by airway epithelial cells with dysregulation in asthma

Background Epithelial cell expression of calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) is a feature of provoked asthma. Receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) and the calcitonin receptor–like receptor combine to form the CGRP1 receptor. Objective To determine whether functional RAMP1 is expressed by airway epithelial cells and whether there are alterations in asthma. Methods BEAS-2B and A549 cells lines were studied by RT-PCR, confocal microscopy, a quantitative immunofluorescence assay, and ELISA. Bronchial biopsies from normal subjects and subjects with asthma were examined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Results Inflammatory cytokines induced CGRP release and CGRP mRNA in BEAS-2B and A549 epithelial cell lines. RAMP1 was highly expressed by resting, unstimulated BEAS-2B and A549 cells. CGRP induced internalization of RAMP1 and IL-6 production, both of which were inhibited by the CGRP antagonist, CGRP 8-37 . Activation of BEAS-2B and A549 cells by inflammatory cytokines induced CGRP secretion, binding of CGRP to RAMP1, and RAMP1 internalization, which was blocked by CGRP 8-37 . RAMP1 immunoreactivity and RAMP1 mRNA expression in bronchial biopsies from subjects with asthma were significantly lower than in normal subjects ( P = .002 and P = .007, respectively). Inhalational challenge of atopic subjects with asthma with allergen-derived peptides produced a significant decrease in the numbers of RAMP1-positive epithelial cells in responders ( P = .027) but not nonresponders. Conclusion Receptor activity modifying protein 1 was expressed both by airway epithelial cells in culture and in bronchial biopsies from normal subjects and internalized after epithelial cell activation through autocrine feedback of CGRP. There is an apparent dysregulation of RAMP1 in asthmatic epithelium, suggesting continuous stimulation of pathways involving CGRP.
A mathematical model of the trafficking of acid‐dependent enveloped viruses: Application to the binding, uptake, and nuclear accumulation of baculovirus

A quantitative understanding of virus trafficking would be useful in treating viral-mediated diseases, developing protocols for viral gene therapy, designing infection regimens for viral expression systems, and optimizing vaccine and recombinant protein production. Here, we present a mathematical model of the attachment, internalization, endosomal fusion, lysosomal routing, and nuclear accumulation of baculovirus in SF21 insect cells. The model accounts for multivalent bond formation of the virus with cell surface receptors. The model mimics accurately the experimental trafficking dynamics of the virus at both low and high virion to cell ratios, and estimates a receptor number of 11,000 per cell. A significant amount of virus was degraded intracellularly. Independent of the virion to cell ratio, half of the internalized virus was degraded with the rest accumulating in the nucleus. The formalism used in the model may be generally useful for other acid-dependent enveloped viruses. A subset of the model has been used previously to describe the trafficking of Semliki Forest virus, an acid-dependent enveloped RNA virus.Two pathways have previously been implicated for the in vitro entry of the budded form of the baculovirus: adsorptive endocytosis and plasma membrane fusion. Experimental evidence is presented which strongly suggests that the physical number of viruses entering by plasma membrane fusion is not significant relative to receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Neighbor stability routing in MANETs

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are characterized by wireless connectivity through multi-hops, frequently changing network topology among wireless mobile devices. These characteristics require routing algorithms to be dynamic and adaptive to constantly changing environments. In this paper, we describe a new routing algorithm which is based on the cumulative relative stability among neighbor mobile nodes. This NSR (neighbor stability routing) algorithm selects the most historically and accumulatively stable mobile nodes to form a path between the source node and destination node. The relative stability is then propagated from the collective data by all the nodes along a path. The cumulative collective data, or stability factor, reflects the historical neighborhood stability among neighbors. When a node or segment on the path is down, NSR will dynamically find an alternative most stable path. In simulation, our NSR algorithm outperforms some major ad hoc routing protocols such as AODV and DSR in packet delivery ratio and number of paths rerouted. NSR also handles some issues such as group node mobility and temporary node unavailability well.
Business Transformation Workbench: A Practitioner's Tool for Business Transformation

Business transformation is a key management initiative that attempts to align people, process and technology of an enterprise more closely with its business strategy and vision. It is an essential part of the competitive business cycle. Existing consulting methods and tools do not address issues such as scalability of methodology, knowledge management, asset reuse, and governance well, to name a few. This paper presents business transformation workbench, a practitioner's tool for business transformation addressing these problems. It implements a methodical approach that was devised to analyze business transformation opportunities and make business cases for transformation initiatives and thereby provides decision-support to the consultants. It provides an intuitive way to evaluate and understand various opportunities in staff and IT consolidation and process standardization. It embodies structured analytical models, both qualitative and quantitative, to enhance the consultants' practices. BT workbench has been instantiated with data from finance management domain and applied to address a client situation as a case study. An alpha testing of the tool was conducted with about dozen practitioners. 90% of the consultants who tested the BT workbench tool felt that the tool would help them do a better job during a client engagement. The tool is currently being piloted with customer engagements in a large IT consulting organization.
Language Proficiency, Development, and Behavioral Difficulties in Toddlers

The aim of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to explore the relation of language proficiency, behavioral difficulties, and development in infants and toddlers. Surveyed were 118 parents/caregivers of preschool children (76 boys, 42 girls). The children were a mean age of 27 months (range, 18-35 months), and 32 (27.1%) had no language delay, 8 (6.8%) had expressive delay, 14 (11.9%) had receptive delay, and 64 (54.2%) had mixed receptive-expressive delay. Children with expressive delay were more likely to have social-emotional problems. Those with receptive delay were more likely to have pervasive developmental problems. Children with receptive-expressive delay were more substantially delayed in all developmental domains; they were more withdrawn and more likely to have pervasive developmental problems. When parents of toddlers report problems, especially behavior problems, a search for delayed language is warranted as these children may be at risk for future social and emotional problems.
Day-to-day reproducibility of responses to right ventricular programmed electrical stimulation: implications for serial drug testing.

Abstract The day-to-day reproducibility of responses to right ventricular programmed electrical stimulation was analyzed in 77 patients studied in the baseline state twice within 72 hours. Of 66 in whom ventricular tachycardia (VT) was inducible at the first study (C1), VT was reproduced in 53 (80%) at the second control study (C2). Among 41 patients in whom VT was inducible using 1 or 2 programmed electrical stimuli (PES) at C1, VT remained inducible in 39 (95%) at C2, whereas only 14 of 25 patients (56%) who required 3 or more PES for VT induction at C1 had VT reproduced at C2. The difference in the reproducibility of VT induction in these 2 patient groups was highly significant (p
Purification of Rat and Mouse Astrocytes by Immunopanning

We describe the use of immunopanning to purify rodent astrocytes. Immunopanning of astrocytes permits the prospective isolation of astrocytes from the rodent brain. Prospective isolation refers to the direct selection of cells without multiple steps that extend over a few days, thereby permitting the selection of a representative proportion of the astrocytes from the cortex. Because immunopanning is a very gentle process, the cells are viable at the end of the preparation and can be cultured in a serum-free medium containing heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF), the critical survival factor of astrocytes in vitro, for at least 2 wk. This protocol was initially established and verified with rats, but modifications for the purification of mouse cells are also described here.
Universality in Quantum Random Magnetic Chains

In recent years a great deal of interest has been devoted to the study of disordered systems. The disorder can be of two types: i) In terms of stochastic variables denoting random, masses, exchange constants, on site energies, symmetry breaking fields, etc. but conserving a one-to-one correspondence between the points or bonds of a periodic lattice and ii) amorphous systems where the disorder is also in the topology of the lattice. Here we will talk about the first type of models and will deal with magnetic systems with random exchange constants.
The design and implementation of a parallel persistent object system

This report describes Anga, an experimental persistent object system that we have developed that utilizes parallelism in a fundamental way to enhance performance. Parallelism is incorporated into the design of the system at all levels. We begin with an implicitly parallel transaction language that includes a full higher-order programming language and the "list comprehension," a notation similar to SQL but more general. Transactions are compiled into code for a multi-threaded abstract machine called P-RISC, whose central feature is fine grain parallelism with data-driven execution. P-RISC code is emulated on each processor of a MIMD machine with multiple disks. Coarse grain parallelism is used to distribute computations of a transaction over the nodes of a parallel machine, and fine grain parallelism is used within a node to overlap useful computation with long-latency operations such as disk I/O. A prototype of Agna is operational, running on both a network of workstations and an Intel iPSC/2 Hypercube with thirty-two processors and thirty-two disks. Experimental results demonstrate that parallelism is exploited on both uniprocessor and multiprocessor platforms. Performance of Agna approaches that of state of the art relational and object-oriented database systems, and relies heavily on compiler optimizations and aggressive pursuit of parallelism.
NDetermin: inferring nondeterministic sequential specifications for parallelism correctness

Nondeterministic Sequential (NDSeq) specifications have been proposed as a means for separating the testing, debugging, and verifying of a program's parallelism correctness and its sequential functional correctness. In this work, we present a technique that, given a few representative executions of a parallel program, combines dynamic data flow analysis and Minimum-Cost Boolean Satisfiability (MinCostSAT) solving for automatically inferring a likely NDSeq specification for the parallel program. For a number of Java benchmarks, our tool NDetermin infers equivalent or stronger NDSeq specifications than those previously written manually.
Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in 8 Division I Female Lacrosse Athletes: A Case Series

XERTIONAL RHABDOMYOLYSIS (ER) is a complication of exercise that can be fatal if not recognized and treated appropriately. It is defined as the dissolution of skeletal muscle that produces a nonspecific clinical syndrome that causes leakage of toxic intracellular contents into the circulatory system. 1 This dissolution is manifested by increased extracellular myoglobin, potassium, phosphate, creatine kinase (CK), or urate that is released by the damaged myocytes. Release of these products into the bloodstream can result in decreased cellular function, renal failure, and even death in severe cases. 2 Most cases of ER are a result of muscle overexertion, alcohol abuse, muscle compression, or the use of certain medications. Initially, ER presents with symptoms similar to those observed with cases of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Both DOMS and ER can occur after moderately strenuous physical exertion. Because of the similar manifestations of DOMS and ER, it is essential to obtain a proper history of an athlete’s activity levels, hydration levels, and medical history to ensure a proper course of treatment. 2 The pathophysiology of ER is a direct result of the energy requirements exceeding the athlete’s ability to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). As these requirements exceed production, the ATP-dependent sodium-potassium pump begins to fail, which results in an electrochemical disruption across the cell membrane and increased intracellular calcium levels. This increase initiates normally dormant enzymes that destroy the cell membrane, resulting in leakage of intracellular contents into the local circulation. ER is typically characterized by the release of intracellular contents into the local circulatory system that are signaled by an elevation in CK levels. 1,3 There are no toxic properties in CK, but elevated CK levels serve as a marker for increased permeability of muscle membranes. Although slightly elevated levels of CK might be observed in cases of DOMS, ER alone results in gross elevations of serum CK. 1 Serious complications of ER include renal failure, cardiac dysrhythmias, compartment syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, lactic acidosis, and possibly death. 4 These can all be avoided with early recognition and treatment.
The Futility of Coherence: The ALI's Principles of the Law of Family Dissolution, Compensatory Spousal Payments

In this paper, I explore the tradeoffs that underlie the ALI's proposed system of compensatory spousal payments in light of the tortured history of alimony. I maintain, first, that the ALI is certainly correct that the existing law, with its emphasis on need, is incoherent at best, and insulting or archaic at its worst. Second, I agree that the idea of compensation provides the alternative to need that has the best hope of bringing a measure of coherence to the existing cases. Third, however, I show that at the core of the provision for compensatory payments lies a fundamental dilemma: the refusal to recognize fault necessarily limits the provisions for compensation, not just with respect to the non-financial losses the ALI principles acknowledge, but with respect to some of the financial concerns at the heart of the proposals. I nonetheless conclude that bringing fault back into the system is too costly to contemplate for all kinds of reasons, but that the failure to acknowledge it directly will fuel - and should fuel - resistance to some of the ALI principles. The result of this analysis is be an ironic one. I maintain that for a project that seeks to articulate "principles" and "emerging legal concepts," seamless consistency is not an appropriate objective. Instead, the question we should ask is whether the ALI has done justice to the interests at stake in modern divorce, and whether its principles provide an appropriate basis for compromise among irreconcilable positions. In this process, the internal inconsistencies of the principles may become virtues, and the quest for coherence an obstacle to success.
Declining Controversial Cases: How Marriage Equality Changed the Paradigm

Until recently, state attorneys general defended their states’ laws as a matter of course. However, one attorney general’s decision not to defend his state’s law in a prominent marriage equality case sparked a cascade of attorney general declinations in other marriage equality cases. Declinations have also increased across a range of states and with respect to several other contentious subjects, including abortion and gun control. This Essay evaluates the causes and implications of this recent trend of state attorneys general abstaining from defending controversial laws on the grounds that those laws are unconstitutional, focusing on the marriage equality cases as its example. It argues that reputational factors, in addition to legal and political considerations, play a role in determining whether attorneys general will defend their states’ laws when they may have a basis for declining to do so. Moreover, the impact of nondefense goes beyond the directly connected litigation and can have negative ramifications for the public’s perception of the legal system and for the functioning of direct democracy.