cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Depression in Men With Peyronie's Disease Seeking Evaluation.

Abstract Background Peyronie's disease (PD) has negative impacts on the psychosocial status of men including depression warranting clinical evaluation in up to 50% of men. Aim To examine predictors of depression in patients with early PD seeking evaluation. Methods All PD patients at a high-volume PD practice underwent screening and curvature assessment after intracavernosal injection. Complex deformity was defined as any degree of multiplanar curvature, curvature >60 degrees, or presence of hourglass deformity. Men completed the PD questionnaire (PDQ), a validated depression questionnaire (CES-D) as well as the Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire. Scores of ≥16 on CES-D were considered indicative of moderate/severe depression. Predictors of the presence of depression were defined using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Outcomes Demographic, bother and curve related predictors of depression in men with PD. Results 408 men completed all questionnaires. Mean age was similar between depressed and nondepressed groups (57 ± 10 years overall, P = .60 between groups). Proportions of erectile dysfunction were similar between groups (P = .96). Mean PD duration was similar between groups (19 ± 35 months overall, P = .46 between groups). Mean degree of curvature was 38 ± 2 degrees in the depressed vs 33 ± 1 degrees in the nondepressed groups (P = .03). A complex deformity was seen in 64.5% in the depressed vs 61.5% in the nondepressed (P = .56). A total of 110 (27%) patients had CESD scores ≥16. 74% depressed men were in relationships compared to 84% nondepressed men (P Clinical Implications Providers must recognize that men with PD seeking evaluation have meaningful rates of depression for which early recognition is necessary. Strengths and Limitations Retrospective review of a large prospectively collected dataset from a single center of men with PD utilizing a validated screening tool for depression. Conclusion While no significant demographic, bother or curve related factors predicted depression in early PD men seeking evaluation, it remains a significant problem warranting further prospective evaluation. P. Nahid, N. Bruno, S. Carolyn, et al. Predictors of Depression in Men With Peyronie's Disease Seeking Evaluation. J Sex Med 2021;18:783–788.
Measured influence of overhead HVAC on exposure to airborne contaminants from simulated speaking in a meeting and a classroom.

Tracer gas experiments were conducted in a 158 m3 room with overhead supply diffusers to study dispersion of contaminants from simulated speaking in physically distanced meeting and classroom configurations. The room was contained within a 237 m3 cell with open plenum return to the HVAC system. Heated manikins at desks and a researcher operating the tracer release apparatus presented 8-9 thermal plumes. Experiments were conducted under conditions of no forced air and neutral, cooled, or heated air supplied at 980-1100 cmh, and with/out 20% outdoor air. CO2 was released at the head of one manikin in each experiment to simulate small ( 5× perfectly mixed conditions. Operation of two within-zone air cleaners together moving ≥400 cmh vertically in the room provided enough mixing to mitigate elevated exposure variations.
Novelty detection in early olfactory processing of the honey bee, Apis mellifera

Animals are constantly bombarded with stimuli, which presents a fundamental problem of sorting among pervasive uninformative stimuli and novel, possibly meaningful stimuli. We evaluated novelty detection behaviorally in honey bees as they position their antennae differentially in an air stream carrying familiar or novel odors. We then characterized neuronal responses to familiar and novel odors in the first synaptic integration center in the brain, the antennal lobes. We found that the neurons that exhibited stronger initial responses to the odor that was to be familiarized are the same units that later distinguish familiar and novel odors, independently of chemical identities. These units, including both projection neurons and local neurons, showed a decreased response to the familiar odor but an increased response to the novel odor. Our results suggest that the antennal lobe may assign a category of familiarity or novelty to an odor stimulus in addition to its chemical identity code. Therefore, the mechanisms for novelty detection may be present in early sensory processing, either as a result of local synaptic interaction or via feedback from higher brain centers.
Applying text mining to identify relevant literature in food science: Cold denaturation as a case study

In a research environment characterized by the five V's of big data, volume, velocity, variety, value, and veracity, the need to develop tools that quickly screen a large number of publications into relevant work is an increasing area of concern, and the data-rich food industry is no exception. Here, a combination of latent Dirichlet allocation and food keyword searches were employed to analyze and filter a dataset of 6102 publications about cold denaturation. After using the Python toolkit generated in this work, the approach yielded 22 topics that provide background and insight on the direction of research in this field, as well as identified the publications in this dataset which are most pertinent to the food industry with precision and recall of 0.419 and 0.949, respectively. Precision is related to the relevance of a paper in the filtered dataset and the recall represents papers which were not identified in the screening method. Lastly, gaps in the literature based on keyword trends are identified to improve the knowledge base of cold denaturation as it relates to the food industry. This approach is generalizable to any similarly organized dataset, and the code is available upon request. Practical Application: A common problem in research is that when you are an expert in one field, learning about another field is difficult, because you may lack the vocabulary and background needed to read cutting edge literature from a new discipline. The Python toolkit developed in this research can be applied by any researcher that is new to a field to identify what the key literature is, what topics they should familiarize themselves with, and what the current trends are in the field. Using this structure, researchers can greatly speed up how they identify new areas to research and find new projects.
Comment on “Large Bayesian vector autoregressions with stochastic volatility and non-conjugate priors”

Abstract Fully Bayesian inference in a vector autoregression with stochastic volatility (VAR-SV) typically relies on simulations from a multi-step Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm. Carriero et al. (2019) propose a new, faster, “triangular” algorithm (TA) to replace the systemwide algorithm (SWA) in the most time-consuming step of the VAR-SV’s standard MCMC algorithm. This paper analytically shows that the TA and SWA generally sample from different distributions, thereby disproving a central claim of Carriero et al. (2019). Replacing the SWA with the TA thus results in an ad hoc change to the MCMC algorithm’s transition kernel, leaving a priori unknown the formal relationship between the model’s posterior and simulations from the MCMC algorithm using the TA.
Attitudes of college women toward physical education and their relationship to success in physical education.

Abstract The Wear Attitude Inventory was administered to 188 college women in a variety of physical education activities. The final grade received for the activity course was used as the success factor. Attitudes were analyzed both as to values and as to activity groups and correlations were computed between attitude and success. Attitudes toward physical education were generally favorable, with the contributions of physical education to the physiological-physical values being higher than other values examined. There was a significant relationship between attitude and success at the .05 level. The higher significance accrued to those students having more favorable attitudes.
Honeycomb Auto Exhaust Catalysts Containing Copper Chromite and Palladium

A copper chromite ZRO2 honeycomb catalyst has been evaluated in the laboratory and to a limited extent on vehicles. When 650-850 grams of this catalyst (1.4-1.9 lbs.) is dispersed on two honeycombs and used to catalytically treat the exhaust of a 4500 lb, 400 in 3 Torino, the percent oxidation of CO and hydrocarbons during the Federal Test Procedure are close to, but less than that produced by present noble metal production catalysts. Catalysts containing a low level of palladium appear to offer a competitive alternative to the use of a high catalyst loading base metal catalyst. /GMRL/
Regulation of regulators of G protein signaling mRNA expression in rat brain by acute and chronic electroconvulsive seizures.

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling cascades may be key substrates for the antidepressant effects of chronic electroconvulsive seizures (ECS). To better understand changes in these signaling pathways, alterations in levels of mRNA's encoding regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) protein subtypes-2, -4, -7, -8 and -10 were evaluated in rat brain using northern blotting and in situ hybridization. In prefrontal cortex, RGS2 mRNA levels were increased several-fold 2 h following an acute ECS. Increases in RGS8 mRNA were of lesser magnitude (30%), and no changes were evident for the other RGS subtypes. At 24 h following a chronic ECS regimen, RGS4, -7, and -10 mRNA levels were reduced by 20–30%; only RGS10 was significantly reduced 24 h after acute ECS. Levels of RGS2 mRNA were unchanged 24 h following either acute or chronic ECS. In hippocampus, RGS2 mRNA levels were markedly increased 2 h following acute ECS. More modest increases were seen for RGS4 mRNA expression, whereas levels of the other RGS subtypes were unaltered. At 24 h following chronic ECS, RGS7, -8 and -10 mRNA levels were decreased in the granule cell layer, and RGS7 and -8 mRNA levels were decreased in the pyramidal cell layers. Only RGS8 and -10 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in hippocampus 24 h following an acute ECS. Paralleling neocortex, RGS2 mRNA content was unchanged in hippocampus 24 h following either acute or chronic ECS. In ventromedial hypothalamus, RGS4 mRNA content was increased 24 h following chronic ECS, whereas RGS7 mRNA levels were only increased 24 h following an acute ECS. The increased RGS4 mRNA levels in hypothalamus were significant by 2 h following an acute ECS. These studies demonstrate subtype-, time-, and region-specific regulation of RGS proteins by ECS, adaptations that may contribute to the antidepressant effects of this treatment.
Partial purification and properties of a ribonuclease from rabbit reticulocytes.

Abstract A ribonuclease has been partially purified from the soluble fraction of rabbit reticulocytes. The enzyme degraded RNA predominantly to oligonucleotides with an average chain length of six. It degraded polycytidylic acid and polyuridylic acid but not polyadenylic acid, polyguanylic acid, or polyinosinic acid. When natural RNA was the substrate, the oligonucleotide product had mainly uridine, guanosine, and some cytidine residues at the 3' end. The 3' terminus had a cyclic 2',3'-phosphodiester bond. The enzyme was capable of degrading polyribosomes. Hemin inhibited reticulocyte RNase. Hemin did not inhibit pancreatic RNase or RNase T1, but did inhibit pea leaf RNase. Both reticulocytes and pea leaves contain metalloporphyrin. An hypothesis is presented for the role of reticulocyte RNase in control of protein synthesis in these cells.
An Explanation for the Joint Evolution of Firm and Aggregate Volatility

The US economy has become more stable. At the same time, US firms have become more volatile. I present the evidence and I propose a common explanation, based on the idea that goods markets have become more competitive. Competition between firms magnifies the effects of idiosyncratic productivity shocks: This can explain the rise in firm volatility. On the other hand, for given nominal adjustment costs, competitive pressures will induce firms to increase the frequency of their price adjustments. As a result, the economy will be more resilient to aggregate demand shocks. My calibration suggests that competitive pressures have reduced the impact of demand shocks by roughly 40%.
Structure of V–Al2,O3 interfaces grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract V films were deposited on the (102) R-plane of sapphire by molecular beam epitaxy. Cross-sectional and plan-view specimens were prepared and the V–Al2O3 interface was investigated from different directions by conventional and high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM). It was found that the film grows in an epitaxial manner with respect to the substrate with a tilt angle of about 2°. Using selected-area diffraction patterns and HREM, the orientation relationship between V and Al2O3 was determined and the geometrical misfit dislocations and interfacial stacking faults were analysed. The misfit dislocations are a geometrical consequence of the large mismatch between interatomic spacings at the two sides of the V–Al2O3 interface and exist from the start of deposition. Because of the large lattice mismatch, the V–Al2O3 interface is expected to be incoherent; however, because of bonding between the atoms on the two sides of the interface, the atoms in the vicinity of the interface are displaced from t...
An adaptive analog-to-digital converter based on low-power dynamic latch comparator

This paper presents a low power adaptive flash A/D converter, which enables the dynamic trade-off between resolution and power consumption. Instead of using the traditional amp lifter-chain type comparators, the dynamic latch comparators are applied in order to achieve low power dissipation. Furthermore, the non-OP Amp architecture provides the design with ability to be fully compatible with standard digital VLSI process. Lower supply voltage and less mask steps is hence achievable. The A/D converter was designed with 0.5-mum CMOS technology and capable of operating up to 250 MHz with 5-bit, 6-bit and 7-bit precision. Benefiting from 50% less power consumption than conventional designs and exponentially reduced power with linearly reduced resolution, the design is applicable to wireless applications and various low power portable devices
AβPP-selective BACE inhibitors (ASBI): novel class of therapeutic agents for alzheimer's disease.

A systematic approach was used to identify AβPP-selective BACE inhibitors (ASBI) and to evaluate their in vivo ability to modulate AβPP processing selectively. We identified a bioflavonoid nutritional supplement as a molecular lead that acts as an ASBI in cell models, and show that increasing brain levels of this bioflavonoid through a pro-drug approach leads to reduction of Aβ42 in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model. ASBIs represent a novel class of candidate therapeutic agents for Alzheimer’s disease.
Analysis of the Axiomatic Foundations of Collaborative Filtering

The growth of Internet commerce has stimulated the use of collaborative filtering (CF) algorithms as recommender systems. Such systems leverage knowledge about the behavior of multiple users to recommend items of interest to individual users. CF methods have been harnessed to make recommendations about such items as web pages, movies, books, and toys. Researchers have proposed several variations of the technology. We take the perspective of CF as a methodology for combining preferences. The preferences predicted for the end user is some function of all of the known preferences for everyone in a database. Social Choice theorists, concerned with the properties of voting methods, have been investigating preference aggregation for decades. At the heart of this body of work is Arrow’s result demonstrating the impossibility of combining preferences in a way that satisfies several desirable and innocuous-looking properties. We show that researchers working on CF algorithms often make similar assumptions. We elucidate these assumptions and extend results from Social Choice theory to CF methods. We show that only very restrictive CF functions are consistent with desirable aggregation properties. Finally, we discuss practical implications of these results.
Forces and moments within layers of driven tearing modes with sheared rotation

For driven low amplitude tearing modes in a plasma with sheared rotation, forces on tearing layers due to Maxwell and Reynolds stresses are calculated. First moments about the center of the tearing layer, also due to Maxwell and Reynolds stresses, are also calculated. The forces tend to cause the tearing mode to lock to the phase of the driving perturbation, and the moments determine the evolution of the rotation shear within the layer. These forces and moments are calculated for two constant-ψ regimes of tearing modes, namely, the viscoresistive (VR) regime and the resistive-inertial (RI) regime, and an ordering in terms of the constant-ψ small parameter ϵ∼δΔ is introduced, with the velocity shear ordered as ∼ϵ. Here, δ is the layer width and Δ the logarithmic jump in the derivative of the flux function across the layer. The forces and first moments are reported to the lowest nonvanishing order in ϵ. The Reynolds moment is analogous to the effect that can drive zonal flows in other contexts. The treatmen...
Geographic correlation of multiple sclerosis with tick-borne diseases

An arboviral theory of multiple sclerosis (MS) is presented. Although high MS rates correlate with the distribution of certain population, high rates also correlate with the distribution of Ixodes genus tick viruses. These ticks and viruses are globally distributed by polar-migrating seabirds which are important food sources for island and coastal communities with high MS. Investigation of tick-borne viruses, especially those found in seabirds, in MS is warranted.
Viewpoint Neutral Zoning of Adult Entertainment Businesses

Zoning of strip clubs, adult video stores, and other adult entertainment businesses is a frequent source of controversy and litigation in many American cities. Community members often oppose strip clubs moving into their city and many cities try to keep these businesses as far from public life as possible. The Supreme Court's First Amendment law has not helped this struggle. In fact, the current “secondary effects” test used by the Supreme Court has actually made it more difficult for cities to zone adult businesses. Although a few commentators have expressed their disapproval of the secondary effects test, they have all complained that the test allows cities too much power or erodes constitutional freedoms. Surprisingly, no commentator has ever argued that the test actually does not defer enough to cities. This Article argues that the secondary effects test weakens the state zoning power and imposes an impossible task on cities in forcing them to ensure the economic success of adult businesses. After exploring the main flaws of the secondary effects test as demonstrated by lower court decisions following the Supreme Court's latest zoning decision in Alameda Books, this Article demonstrates how the Court can adopt a new “viewpoint neutral” approach that allows cities to protect adult entertainment expression while maintaining broad discretion under their zoning power.
Angiographic morphology of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Abstract Restenosis after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) occurs frequently. To better define the restenosis process, a quantitative analysis was performed of coronary angiographic morphologic characteristics at restenosis, before and immediately after PTCA. In 22 patients cine frames showing stenosis at its most severe narrowing were traced and quantitatively analyzed. Immediately after PTCA, stenosis diameter (0.7 ± 0.3 to 1.9 ± 0.6 mm, mean ± standard deviation, p
The occurrence formation and isolation of thiomethyladenosine.

Abstract Further experiments on the formation of adenine thiomethylriboside have been carried out. Several yeasts have been examined for their ability to accumulate the nucleoside. Some of them were found to rival S. cerevisiae and T. utilis in forming thiomethyladenosine, while others produce only small amounts of the nucleoside. Similar conditions were observed in some bacteria and molds. The presence of the nucleoside in rabbit liver is indicated. The survey of organic sulfur compounds for their ability to substitute for methionine as precursor of thiomethyladenosine has been extended. Methionine seems to be specific and its l -isomer is superior to the d -isomer. The conversion of methionine into the nucleoside can be accomplished in maceration juice. Directions for securing yeast suitable for the isolation of thiomethyl-adenosine are given and details of the purification are described.
Chronic stimulation of acetylcholine receptors: Differential effects on Na,K-ATPase isoforms in a myogenic cell line

The myogenic cell line, C2C12, expresses two isoforms of the Na,K-ATPase catalytic subunit (alpha 1 and alpha 2) following differentiation. Hyperpolarization in myotubes following long-term exposure to carbachol (Henning et al. (1993) Br. J. Pharmacol., 111:459-464) suggests that the activity of one or both of the isoforms is increased after chronic stimulation of the acetylcholine receptor. We have examined explicitly the abundance of the two isoforms following such an exposure. Immunoblotting with specific antibodies did not detect any changes in the abundance of the alpha 1 isoform after a 3-day exposure to carbachol (10 microM). In contrast, there was a 50% increase in the abundance of alpha 2. These results suggest that chronic stimulation of the acetylcholine receptor produced a differential effect on the abundance of the alpha isoforms.
Metal pollutants in agricultural soils and the St. Louis urban rainfall anomaly

The existence of a rainfall anomaly downwind of the St. Louis urban-industrial areas prompted a survey of area soils for elevated heavy metal concentrations. The goals of this work were to measure concentrations of Zn, Cd, and Ph, and to evaluate the role of the urban rainfall anomaly in their accumulation, in potentially-affected soils. Samples from three soil layers were collected from agricultural fields at 21 sites along two NE-SW transects. The samples were analyzed for pH, texture, cation exchange capacity, and total organic carbon, in addition to the three metals. The highest metal concentrations were observed near Granite City, Illinois, and coincided with an area of maximum Zn deposition in rain found in an earlier study. Only slight increases of the metals over background were found in the area of rainfall anomaly. Present rates of atmospheric deposition can account for these slightly elevated metal concentrations. However, the maximum concentrations found near Granite City cannot be accounted for by present atmospheric deposition rates. Other kinds of sources, or larger atmospheric deposition rates, perhaps during the operation of a local Zn smelter which closed about 1960, must have contributed.
Short-term, low-dose varenicline administration enhances information processing speed in methamphetamine-dependent users.

Abstract Long-term, high-dose methamphetamine (METH) use is associated with decrements in neurocognition and, given the association between impaired neurocognition and poorer treatment outcomes in individuals dependent on alcohol and drugs, it is considered to be a neglected area of critical concern. The objective of this study was to determine whether varenicline, a partial agonist at α4β2- and a full agonist at α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, enhances attention/information processing speed, episodic memory, and working memory in non-treatment seeking METH-dependent participants. Twenty-six participants were randomly assigned to receive oral placebo or oral varenicline (titrated up to 1 mg) over 5 days during three separate inpatient phases, and 17 completed each inpatient phase. Participants were predominately male (71%) and Caucasian (71%). Varenicline significantly improved reaction time on the n-back for visual stimuli (F(1,47) = 5.369, p = 0.025, η2 = 0.103), and a trend was observed for improvement in reaction time for auditory stimuli (F(1,47) = 3.141, p = 0.083, η2 = 0.063). For those study participants whose reaction time was in the lower half of the distribution at baseline, the effect was even more pronounced for auditory (F(1,22) = 5.287, p = 0.031, η2 = 0.194) and visual (F(1,22) = 11.981, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.353) stimuli relative to placebo. In contrast, varenicline did not modulate mean or maximum span of working memory or performance on tests of episodic memory or attention (p's > 0.05). Given the potential importance of this finding, it should be replicated in a larger sample over a longer treatment period with a higher dose of varenicline (2 mg). Trial registration clinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01571167.
Tectonics, fluid migration, and fluid pressure in a deformed forearc basin, Cook Inlet, Alaska

Faulting controls fluid migration within transpressive fault-propagation folds in the Cook Inlet forearc basin of south-central Alaska. Na-Ca-Cl brine migrates out of Mesozoic rocks through reverse and oblique-slip faults into the cores of anticlines, where the fluid spreads laterally outward into lower Tertiary strata by flow through cross faults and permeable beds. Precipitation of zeolite and carbonate cement and veins reduces the permeability of folded bedding and faults. Zeolite minerals are formed by chemical reactions between Na-Ca-Cl brine and sedimentary rocks. Carbonate minerals are precipitated when Na-HCO3 connate fluid in the Tertiary section reacts with rocks during diagenesis, and by mixing of migrated Na-Ca-Cl brine with the Na-HCO3 pore fluid. Carbonate cement is also precipitated by fluctuations in PCO2 during faulting and jointing. High fluid pressure is encountered while drilling through lower Tertiary and Mesozoic strata in some anticlines. High-pressure fluid is contained within porous beds that are intercalated with strata cemented by carbonate and zeolite minerals. Zeolite and carbonate cemented beds retard the dissipation of high fluid pressure, and channel fluid flow parallel to bedding within the anticlines. High fluid pressure may be generated by several processes, acting either alone or together. The evidence for fault-controlled migration of fluid out of the basement suggests that volumetric strain related to deformation is most important, but may be augmented by dynamo-thermal metamorphism, sedimentary compaction, alteration of organic-rich rock and hydrocarbons, and possibly glacial loading.
Adaptations for reproduction and development in the skin-brooding ghost pipefishes, Solenostomus

Ghost pipefishes comprise a small family (Solenostomidae) of skin-brooding fishes related to true pipefishes and seahorses (Syngnathidae).Solenostomus embryos develop within the fused pelvic fins of the female, unlike syngnathids in which males brood the eggs. Embryos, enclosed in egg envelopes, are attached to epidermal stalks, termed cotylephores, that occur only in brooding females. Cotylephores are cellular outgrowths of the epithelium on the inside surface of the pelvic fins. They attain a mean length of 687 ± 3.89 μm and diameter of 105 ± 3.38 μm. Cotylephores originate on the epithelial surface that lies over the lepidotrichia and they develop into multi-headed cylindrical branches approximately 125 ± 3.65 μm in length and 78 ± 2.19 μm in diameter. A mean of 26 ± 0.63 lateral branches are found on fully developed cotylephores. Each branch terminates in a wide apical calyx, approximately 112 ± 4.16 μm in diameter, to which the egg envelope adheres. Adjacent calyces of the same cotylephore establish attachments with the envelope of a single egg. Cotylephores are composed of a surface epithelium that is continuous with the skin and a fibrous connective tissue core that contains blood vessels that ramify into an apical capillary plexus. The plexus may function in maternal-embryonic metabolic exchange. The cotylephores ofSolenostomus closely resemble the epidermal stalks (cotylephores) that are the sites of egg attachment in the skin-brooding South American catfish,Platystacus cotylephorus. Based on similarity in structure and probable function, cotylephores in the two groups of fishes are an example of evolutionary convergence.
Tenascin-C induces inflammatory mediators and matrix degradation in osteoarthritic cartilage

Tenascin-C (TN-C) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that is involved in tissue injury and repair processes. We analyzed TN-C expression in normal and osteoarthritic (OA) human cartilage, and evaluated its capacity to induce inflammatory and catabolic mediators in chondrocytes in vitro. The effect of TN-C on proteoglycan loss from articular cartilage in culture was also assessed. TN-C in culture media, cartilage extracts, and synovial fluid of human and animal joints was quantified using a sandwich ELISA and/or analyzed by Western immunoblotting. mRNA expression of TN-C and aggrecanases were analyzed by Taqman assays. Human and bovine primary chondrocytes and/or explant culture systems were utilized to study TN-C induced inflammatory or catabolic mediators and proteoglycan loss. Total proteoglycan and aggrecanase -generated ARG-aggrecan fragments were quantified in human and rat synovial fluids by ELISA. TN-C protein and mRNA expression were significantly upregulated in OA cartilage with a concomitant elevation of TN-C levels in the synovial fluid of OA patients. IL-1 enhanced TN-C expression in articular cartilage. Addition of TN-C induced IL-6, PGE2, and nitrate release and upregulated ADAMTS4 mRNA in cultured primary human and bovine chondrocytes. TN-C treatment resulted in an increased loss of proteoglycan from cartilage explants in culture. A correlation was observed between TN-C and aggrecanase generated ARG-aggrecan fragment levels in the synovial fluid of human OA joints and in the lavage of rat joints that underwent surgical induction of OA. TN-C expression in the knee cartilage and TN-C levels measured in the synovial fluid are significantly enhanced in OA patients. Our findings suggest that the elevated levels of TN-C could induce inflammatory mediators and promote matrix degradation in OA joints.
Lensing time delays and cosmological complementarity

Time delays in strong gravitational lensing systems possess significant complementarity with distance measurements to determine the dark energy equation of state, as well as the matter density and Hubble constant. Time delays are most useful when observations permit detailed lens modeling and variability studies, requiring high resolution imaging, long time monitoring, and rapid cadence. We quantify the constraints possible between a sample of 150 such time delay lenses and a near term supernova program, such as might become available from an Antarctic telescope such as the KDUST and the Dark Energy Survey. Adding time delay data to supernovae plus cosmic microwave background information can improve the dark energy figure of merit by almost a factor 5 and determine the matter density ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{m}$ to 0.004, the Hubble constant $h$ to 0.7%, and the dark energy equation of state time variation ${w}_{a}$ to 0.26, systematics permitting.
Nitric oxide: a physiologic mediator of penile erection

Nitric oxide (NO) is a cytotoxic agent of macrophages, a messenger molecule of neurons, and a vasodilator produced by endothelial cells. NO synthase, the synthetic enzyme for NO, was localized to rat penile neurons innervating the corpora cavernosa and to neuronal plexuses in the adventitial layer of penile arteries. Small doses of NO synthase inhibitors abolished electrophysiologically induced penile erections. These results establish NO as a physiologic mediator of erectile function.
On crack-tip stress state: An experimental evaluation of three-dimensional effects

Abstract The extent of the region of three-dimensionality of the crack-tip stress field is investigated using reflected and transmitted caustics. The range of the applicability of two-dimensional near tip solutions is thus established experimentally. The experiments are performed using Plexiglass and high-strength 4340-steel compact tension specimens. A wide spectrum of thicknesses is investigated. At each thickness, measurements are performed at a variety of distances r from the crack tip, ranging from r/h = 0 to r/h = 2, where h is the specimen thickness. The results indicate that plane-stress conditions prevail at distances from the crack tip greater than half the specimen thickness, while no significant plane-strain region is detected. The experimental results are also compared to the crack-tip boundary-layer solution of Yang and Freund[1], and the numerical results of Levy, Marcal and Rice[2]. Their solutions are consistent with the results of this work and approach the plane stress field at r/h = 0.5. In addition, and unlike what might be commonly expected, the analytical solution[1] exhibits no plane-strain behavior very near the crack tip. This behavior is in good agreement with the results of both the transmission and the reflection experiments.
Routes to Non-reciprocity in Nanophotonics: with or without Magneto-optics

We review the basic requirement for isolators, and reiterate the well known fact that isolators require non-reciprocity. We then discuss means to achieve non-reciprocity, either with or without magneto-optics. 150-word Biography: Shanhui Fan is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Stanford University. He received his Ph. D in 1997 in theoretical condensed matter physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and was a research scientist at the Research Laboratory of Electronics at MIT prior to his appointment at Stanford. His research interests are in computational and theoretical studies of solid state and photonic structures and devices, especially photonic crystals, plasmonics, and meta-materials. He has published over 260 refereed journal articles that were cited over 17,000 times, has given over 210 invited talks, and was granted 44 US patents. Prof. Fan received a National Science Foundation Career Award (2002), a David and Lucile Packard Fellowship in Science and Engineering (2003), the National Academy of Sciences Award for Initiative in Research (2007), and the Adolph Lomb Medal from the Optical Society of America (2007). He is a Fellow of the IEEE, the American Physical Society, the Optical Society of America, and the SPIE. Article not available.
A Decision-Analytic System Concept Selection for a Public Project

This paper presents a decision-analytic system concept selection for a public project. In the proposed approach, the decision-maker (engineer) chooses a system concept and requests a budget for building the system. The unique customer (government) decides whether to approve the project but also has the option to cancel the project if the cost of the project exceeds the budget. Thus, at the time of system concept selection, the cost of the system, the government's criterion to approve the project, and its criterion to continue/cancel the project when the cost exceeds the budget are modeled as uncertainties. To model the uncertainty of project continuation, the engineer assumes that the government's criterion to continue/cancel the project is a linear combination of its initial criterion to approve the project and the budget. By analyzing the government's option to cancel the project, the engineer can optimize his or her choice of a system concept (technology and target system requirements) and budget.
Influence of Shock Wave on Turbine Vane Suction Side Film Cooling With Compound-Angle Shaped Holes

This paper studies the effect of shock wave on turbine vane suction side film cooling using a conduction-free Pressure Sensitive Paint (PSP) technique. Tests were performed in a five-vane annular cascade with a blow-down flow loop facility. The exit Mach numbers are controlled to be 0.7, 1.1, and 1.3, from subsonic to transonic flow conditions. Two foreign gases N2 and CO2 are selected to study the effects of two coolant-to-mainstream density ratios, 1.0 and 1.5, on film cooling. Four averaged coolant blowing ratios in the range, 0.4 to 1.6 are investigated. The test vane features 3 rows of radial-angle cylindrical holes around the leading edge, and 2 rows of compound-angle shaped holes on the suction side. Results suggest that the PSP is an accurate technique capable of producing clear and detailed film cooling effectiveness contours at transonic flow conditions. At lower blowing ratio, film cooling effectiveness decreases with increasing exit Mach number. On the other hand, an opposite trend is observed at high blowing ratio. In transonic flow, the rapid rise in pressure caused by shock benefits film-cooling by deflecting the coolant jet toward the vane surface at higher blowing ratio. Results show that denser coolant performs better, typically at higher blowing ratio in transonic flow. Results also show that the optimum momentum flux ratio decreases with density ratio at subsonic condition. In transonic flow, however, the trend is reversed and the peak effectiveness values plateau over a long range of momentum flux ratio.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A quantitative analysis of rhythmic leg movements during three different behaviors in the cockroach, Periplaneta americana

Abstract We report a quantitative comparison of three motor rhythms involving the legs of the cockroach Periplaneta americana . Each rhythm is associated with one of three behaviors—walking, grooming, or righting. Previous studies have defined a group of central oscillatory interneurons which appear to drive rhythmic leg movement in this species. It has been assumed that these cells drive walking behavior. Either walking or grooming is evoked by topical irritation of a cercus or lateral margin of the abdomen. Six legs are used for walking, but only one metathoracic leg is used for grooming. By experimentally limiting visual or antennal inputs, or by decapitation, the incidence of an insect's grooming behavior in response to chemical irritation is increased. The movements of single metathoracic legs are quantitatively very similar in walking and grooming. Only very slight differences are seen in the position of leg segments and in the total excursion of the leg joints in the two behaviors. Electrical activity in antagonistic leg muscles is very similar in walking, grooming and righting behaviors. Muscle burst durations, interburst intervals, and phasing between antagonists vary slightly among the behaviors. Each of these parameters is sensitive to sensory feedback from the moving leg itself. Experimental immobilization of the coxal-femoral joints during grooming alters some of the same parameters by which the three behaviors differ. When an animal grooms with one metathoracic leg and walks simultaneously with the contralateral leg, the relative timing of movements between contralateral legs is the same as when both legs are used together in walking. The close similarity among rhythmic leg movements and motor outputs among these three behaviors requires a reassessment of earlier work on the central oscillatory system for walking in this species. It now seems equally possible that the oscillator previously studied is, in fact, that for walking or for grooming. Alternatively, it is possible that the same central oscillator might control walking, grooming, and righting, or any two of these.
Are free radicals responsible for endothelial cell killing of Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract We have recently demonstrated that endothelial cells cultured on Gelfoam blocks, but not monolayer matrices can phagocytose and kill Staphyloccus aureus. Experiments determined that penicillin G, included in the endothelial cell growth medium, induces these cells to exhibit the observed bactericidal activity. In this communication, we report on studies aimed at elucidating the mechanism by which penicillin G-induced endothelial cells, cultured on Gelfoam blocks, kill S. aureus. Despite the fact that there is a substantial literature that demonstrates neutrophilic killing of bacteria can be mediated through free radical-dependent and free radical-independent mechanisms, considerably less is known about pathways by which endothelial cells can catalyze similar microbicidal activities. Studies described herein point to the fact that superoxide and products derived from this free radical were not responsible for endothelial killing of S. aureus. Likewise, a possible role for nitric oxide in bacterial killing was explored. As part of this inquiry, we stably transduced a NOS-2 encoding retrovirus into endothelial cells cultured on Gelfoam blocks in the absence of penicillin G. Even though these cells secreted nitric oxide at a rate of 0.5 μM/h per 1 × 106 cells, similar to what has been reported for murine macrophages induced with γ-interferon, in our model, nitric oxide was not found to kill S. aureus. Data presented demonstrate that the microbicidal activity of endothelial cells is mediated through free radical-independent pathways.
Mechanisms linking traffic-related air pollution and atherosclerosis

Purpose of review Recent discoveries in the field of air pollution toxicology highlight the potential impact of specific sources of air pollution, especially related to roadway emissions, on acute and chronic cardiovascular disease. This review covers potential mechanisms, both in terms of biological pathways and chemical drivers, to explain these observations.
Does Multimodal Presentation Encourage Integration of Multimedia Materials? A Pilot Study

Presenting instructional materials with a mixture of media increases the likelihood that people will learn the information. The hypothesis of this study is that these learning benefits are primarily the result of multimedia supporting the integration of instructional materials. For instance, replacing text with narrations improves learning (the modality effect) by taking advantage of humans' ability to perceive visual and auditory inputs simultaneously, allowing faster processing and aiding efficient integration of multimedia instructional materials. To test this hypothesis, study time will be manipulated to see if it influences the modality effect when verbal materials accompany visual images. This paper outlines results of a pilot study, study results will be presented at the conference.
RF performance of top-gated, zero-bandgap graphene field-effect transistors

We present the first experimental high-frequency measurements of graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs), demonstrating an fT of 14.7 GHz for a 500-nm-length device. We also present detailed measurement and analysis of velocity saturation in GFETs, demonstrating the potential for velocities approaching 108 cm/sec and the effect of an ambipolar channel on current-voltage characteristics.
Algorithm 851: CG_DESCENT, a conjugate gradient method with guaranteed descent

Recently, a new nonlinear conjugate gradient scheme was developed which satisfies the descent condition gTkdk ≤ −7/8 VgkV2 and which is globally convergent whenever the line search fulfills the Wolfe conditions. This article studies the convergence behavior of the algorithm; extensive numerical tests and comparisons with other methods for large-scale unconstrained optimization are given.
Who Owns the News Makes the News

Wolff, M. (2008). The man who owns the news. New York: Broadway Books. 464 pp., $29.95 (Hbk). The Man Who Owns the News is an epic. Michael Wolff's subjects are not just the man Rupert Murdoch and ...
Highly Z- and Enantioselective Ring-Opening/Cross-Metathesis Reactions Catalyzed by Stereogenic-at-Mo Adamantylimido Complexes

The first highly Z- and enantioselective class of ring-opening/cross-metathesis (ROCM) reactions is presented. Transformations are promoted in the presence of 98: 98:<2 Z:E) or predominantly (≥87:13 Z:E).
Confidence limits for twin efficiency values

Abstract Under the assumption of additive effects and normally distributed random errors, confidence limits for twin efficiency values ( E ) can be estimated. These limits are a function of the probability level desired, the estimate of E , and the number ( n ) of sets of twins on which the estimate of E is made. The 95% confidence limits for various values of n from 4 to 50 and E from 2 to 25 have been determined. For n n = 6 and E = 10, the confidence limits are 2 and 67. The width of these limits does not decrease very rapidly with increasing n . Uniformity trials designed to provide sensitive estimates of E would be worth while if a relatively large number of twins were available.
Being Prepared to Teach and Coach Students with Diabetes

With diabetes being one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, it is important for physical educators and coaches to be aware of or help create a management plan to ensure the safe participation of students with diabetes. This article provides key recommendations and resources for doing so.
Electron energy relaxation dynamics in GaAs quantum wells grown on Si: cool-hole effect

Cool hole effect on hot electron energy relaxation dynamics in GaAs quantum wells grown on Si was investigated using photoreflectance and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopies. It was demonstrated that for the quantum wells in which there is a two- dimensional light (heavy) mass hole gas the electron energy relaxation is dominated by electron-hole (electron-longitudinal optical phonon) energy exchange.
Autonomic nerve fiber function and bone mineral density in individuals with type 1 diabetes: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract Aims Experimental models support a role for the sympathetic nervous system in bone metabolism. Beta-adrenoreceptors have been demonstrated on osteoblast-like cells. Beta-blocker use is associated with higher bone mineral density (BMD) in some epidemiologic studies. The aim of this study was to determine if measures of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) were associated with reduced BMD in type 1 diabetes. Methods We studied 66 individuals with type 1 diabetes. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure BMD and bone mineral content (BMC). Measures of heart rate variability (HRV) (e.g., power spectral analysis, mean circular resultant) and circulating norepinephrine levels were used to evaluate autonomic function. Results BMD/BMC were examined by gender for individuals with a normal versus elevated low-frequency (LF) band (expressed in normalized units). No significant differences in BMD/BMC were shown for individuals with an elevated LF band. Direct-entry linear regression models with BMD/BMC as the dependent variable were performed. Duration, gender, BMI, HbA 1c , insulin dose/kg, activity energy expenditure, and measures of HRV were entered as potential independent variables. No measures of HRV, or norepinephrine, were independently associated with BMD/BMC. Conclusions The ANS, as assessed by measures of HRV, does not appear to impact BMD/BMC in type 1 diabetes.
Interhospital transfer of cardiac patients: does air transport make a difference?

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of interhospital transported cardiac patients for whom bias in selecting transport mode was removed due to helicopter unavailability. Methods: Patients with the diagnosis of unstable angina or myocardial infarction who underwent transport by ground only because helicopter transport was not available, were compared to patients transported by helicopter. Patients were matched by gender and referring hospital. Ninety-six patients were studied and both groups were comparable in age, diagnosis, Killip classification, treatment with thrombolytics and post-transport procedures. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for mean ICU days (5.3 air vs. 3.5 ground) and mean hospital days (9.9 vs. 8.2, respectively). No differences were detected in the proportions of deaths within 72 hours of arriving at the receiving institution (1/48 air vs. 0/48 ground), but air transportation was associated with more total deaths (9/48 vs. 1/48, respectively). Conclusion: It appears that the interhospital transport of cardiac patients by air offers no outcome advantage over ground transport.