cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photoaffinity labeling of tubulin subunits with a photoactive analogue of vinblastine.

A photoactive, radioactive analogue of vinblastine, N-(p-azido(3,5-/sup 3/H)benzoyl)-N'-(beta-amino-ethyl)vindesine (( /sup 3/H)NABV), was used to localize the Vinca alkaloid binding site(s) on calf brain tubulin after establishing that its in vitro interactions with tubulin were comparable to those of vinblastine. Microtubule assembly was inhibited by 50% with 2 microM NABV or vinblastine. At higher drug concentrations, NABV and vinblastine both induced tubulin aggregation, and both drugs inhibited tubulin-dependent GTP hydrolysis. Vinblastine and NABV inhibited each other's binding to tubulin, but the binding of neither drug was inhibited by colchicine. Two classes of binding sites for NABV and vinblastine were found on calf brain tubulin. High-affinity sites had apparent KD values of 4.2 and 0.54 microM for NABV and vinblastine, respectively, whereas the low-affinity binding sites showed apparent KD values of 26 and 14 microM for NABV and vinblastine, respectively. Mixtures of tubulin and (/sup 3/H)NABV were irradiated at 302 nm and analyzed for incorporation of radioactivity into protein. Photolabeling of both the alpha- and beta-subunits of tubulin with increasing concentrations of (/sup 3/H)NABV exhibited a biphasic pattern characteristic of specific and nonspecific reactions. Nonspecific labeling was determined in the presence of excess vinblastine. Saturable specific covalent incorporation into both subunits ofmore » tubulin was observed, with an alpha:beta ratio of 3:2 and maximum saturable incorporation of 0.086 and 0.056 mol of (/sup 3/H)NABV/mol of alpha-tubulin and beta-tubulin, respectively. Such photolabeling of the tubulin subunits will permit precise localization of Vinca alkaloid binding sites, including identification of the amino acid residues involved, an essential requirement for understanding the interactions of these drugs with tubulin.« less
Heat-Driven Release of a Drug Molecule from Carbon Nanotubes: A Molecular Dynamics Study

Hydrophobicity and the ability to absorb light that penetrates through living tissues make carbon nanotubes (CNTs) promising intracellular drug delivery agents. Following insertion of a drug molecule into a CNT, the latter is delivered into a tissue, is heated by near-infrared radiation, and releases the drug. To assess the feasibility of this scheme, we investigate the rates of energy transfer between CNT, water, and the drug molecule and study the temperature and concentration dependence of the diffusion coefficient of the drug molecule inside CNTs. We use ciprofloxacin (CIP) as a sample drug: direct penetration of CIP through cell membranes is problematic due to its high polarity. The simulations show that a heated CNT rapidly deposits its energy to CIP and water. All estimated time scales for the vibrational energy exchange between CNT, CIP, and water are less than 10 ps at 298 K. As the system temperature grows from 278 to 363 K, the diffusion coefficient of the confined CIP increases 5−7 times, depe...
Seizure Activity Results in a Rapid Induction of Nuclear Factor-κB in Adult but Not Juvenile Rat Limbic Structures

Previous studies have indicated that increased formation of oxygen free radicals is likely to participate in the cascade of events leading to neuronal damage following kainic acid (KA)-induced seizure activity. As reactive oxygen species are involved in signal transduction pathways leading to nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation, we examined the effects of KA treatment on the activation of NF-kappaB in adult and juvenile rat brain. For comparison, changes in two other transcription factors, activator protein-1 (AP-1) and Sp1, were also determined. In adult rat piriform cortex and hippocampus, significant induction of NF-kappaB was observed at 4 h after KA injection, and the maximal increase was reached at 8-16 h posttreatment. NF-kappaB binding activities returned to control levels by 5 days after injection. NF-kappaB binding activities were slightly decreased in adult rat cerebellum at 8 and 16 h after KA treatment. In the juvenile rat, no significant changes in NF-kappaB binding activity were observed in piriform cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum after KA injection. Changes in AP-1 binding activity were qualitatively similar to those observed with NF-kappaB in adult but not juvenile rat brain, as AP-1 was significantly induced in juvenile piriform cortex and hippocampus following KA injection. On the other hand, little or no changes in Sp1 activity were detected in adult and juvenile rat brain. Our results provide further evidence that oxidative stress participates in neuronal damage resulting from KA-induced seizure activity.
Exposure and visualization of the glottis for phonomicrosurgery

Adequate exposure of the vocal folds is a prerequisite for successful phonomicrosurgery. Paramount to this success is a glottiscope that can be inserted easily while providing stereoscopic exposure at all magnifications, and is conformed distally to the triangular shape of the glottis. The position of the glottiscope is optimally maintained in elevated vector suspension by a gallows rather than a fulcrum torsion laryngoscope-holder. In most circumstances, external counter-pressure further enhances microlaryngoscopic exposure of the vocal folds. A recent investigation suggests that flexion-flexion of the head an neck is the ideal position for the difficult intubation rather than the extension-flexion [sniffing/Boyce-Jackson position], which is classically taught. However, Boyce-Jackson position remains as the optimal position for phonomicrosurgery.
High-Performance Separation of Nanoparticles with Ultrathin Porous Nanocrystalline Silicon Membranes

Porous nanocrystalline silicon (pnc-Si) is a 15 nm thin free-standing membrane material with applications in small-scale separations, biosensors, cell culture, and lab-on-a-chip devices. Pnc-Si has already been shown to exhibit high permeability to diffusing species and selectivity based on molecular size or charge. In this report, we characterize properties of pnc-Si in pressurized flows. We compare results to long-standing theories for transport through short pores using actual pore distributions obtained directly from electron micrographs. The measured water permeability is in agreement with theory over a wide range of pore sizes and porosities and orders of magnitude higher than those exhibited by commercial ultrafiltration and experimental carbon nanotube membranes. We also show that pnc-Si membranes can be used in dead-end filtration to fractionate gold nanoparticles and protein size ladders with better than 5 nm resolution, insignificant sample loss, and little dilution of the filtrate. These perfo...
L-threodops increases extracellular norepinephrine levels in the brain: an in vivo study.

Extracellular norepinephrine levels in the striatum of normal rats increased significantly following the administration of l-threodops. When peripheral decarboxylase activity was inhibited with carbidopa, administration of the same dose of l-threodops induced a 2.5-fold greater increase in norepinephrine levels.
Synthesis of titania–silica xerogels by co-solvent induced gelation at ambient temperature

Abstract A series of binary titania–silica mixed oxides was prepared by sol–gel synthesis at room temperature. The hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide (Ti(iOPr)4) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) was facilitated by co-solvent induced gelation in acidic media. The resulting gels were dried, calcined, and then characterized by powder X-ray diffraction analysis, nitrogen sorption studies (at 77 K), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Raman microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The nitrogen sorption studies indicate that the porosities could be tuned when simple aromatic solvents such as toluene, p-xylene, or mesitylene were added as a co-solvent to the synthesis gel. The binary mixed metal oxide materials obtained in this study showed high activity towards the degradation of phenol, and possessed high surface areas, and large pore volumes with narrow pore size distribution without the need for additional hydrothermal synthesis or supercritical drying.
Modal coupling and acoustic intensity measurements

Acoustic-intensity measurement techniques for highly resonant coupled structural-acoustic systems are discussed. Frequency-averaging effects are shown to cause inaccurate results in such systems, and it is recommended that the analysis bandwidth be selected carefully to account for the response modal density and Q factor. The applicability of these findings to the analysis of reverberation chambers is indicated.
The models of public relations in India

Developing countries are fast becoming the emerging markets in a ‘global village’. Yet few systematic analyses exist about public relations in developing nations. This study uses Grunig's models of public relations to explore the nature of public relations in a sample of four types of organisations in India. Data were collected from 18 organisations and 40 public relations professionals using the survey method and ethnographic analysis. Whereas the self‐reported questionnaires revealed that respondents engaged in two‐way symmetrical communication, the ethnographic data suggested that the press agentry/publicity model was predominantly used by all the organisations. In addition, a new model, the personal influence model, was found to be most popular in the sample organisations.
Eye findings of diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis and multiple choroidal infiltrates associated with neural larva migrans due to baylisascaris procyonis

Abstract Purpose To report childhood infection with Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon round worm) manifesting as diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) and choroidal infiltrates in association with neurologic disease (neural larva migrans). Methods Observational case series, one with eye manifestations of DUSN, the other with choroidal infiltrates, both with severe neurologic degeneration. Results Indirect immunofluorescence assays on serum and cerebrospinal fluid were positive for B. procyonis in one and serially positive and increasing in the other. Both children had a history of pica and raccoon exposure. Conclusions Baylisascaris procyonis infection is associated with two cases of severe neurologic degeneration with ocular lesions: DUSN and choroidal infiltrates. Although B. procyonis is known to cause DUSN, these cases indicate that concomitant ocular migration may accompany neural larva migrans. These are the third and forth cases in the US literature of neural larva migrans due to B. procyonis with eye findings.
Re-engineering the GIS&T Body of Knowledge

A computational framework is presented for re-engineering the Geographic Information Science and Technology Body of Knowledge GIS&T BoK. At its core is an ontology that is meant to simplify and extend the original BoK hierarchical structure to better capture relationships existing among concepts. Our approach builds on several key ideas. First is the notion of a knowledge corpus, an aggregate of both the internal cognitive forms of knowledge held by domain actors and the content of external artifacts that are produced and consumed by domain activities. Second is the notion of a reference system within which such artifacts are located and relationships among artifacts can be expressed. Third is the idea that by structuring the GIS&T concepts through the use of semantic web standards for formal ontologies and envisaging it as a reference system for GIS&T artifacts, activities, and actors, a fundamentally different approach to the redesign, content generation, and maintenance of the GIS&T BoK is enabled. This new approach affords replacing the top-down strategies used to generate the original GIS&T BoK, with a bottom-up strategy that combines analytical and participatory components. On the analytical side, computational and visual techniques are used to provide alternative means for accessing BoK content, examining the semantic consistency of current BoK structures, transforming the existing hierarchy into a semantic network, identifying overlaps and gaps in the current BoK, and performing projection of knowledge artifacts onto the BoK to inform its maintenance and update. Participatory approaches to bottom-up restructuring and maintenance of the BoK will support authoring, editing, and validation of concepts using a wiki-like community editing service. The system we describe is deployed as a web service that can be accessed by a range of applications for visualization, analysis, exploration, and contextualization of concepts and their related classes in the new GIS&T Body of Knowledge. The goal is for the new GIS&T BoK2 to evolve into the centerpiece of a cyberinfrastructure ecosystem for the GIS&T domain.
Alloys of Sn and Ge on Nb surfaces

An investigation of possible surface effects on the formation of the superconducting compounds Nb3Sn and Nb3Ge is reported. Low‐energy electron diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy were used to determine the symmetries and approximate compositions of surface compounds formed by reactions of fractional monolayers of Sn and Ge with the Nb[100] and Nb[110] surfaces. A number of ordered surface structures were observed for each of these elements when reacted with Nb, but epitaxial growth of Nb3Sn or Nb3Ge was not observed. With deposition of sufficient Sn, a disordered growth of Nb3Sn crystallites was obtained at temperatures up to 940 °C; however, deposits of Ge greater than about one atomic layer diffused into the Nb interior when heated, and no bulk Nb‐Ge compounds were observed.
Gynecomastia: Pathophysiology, Evaluation, and Management

Gynecomastia, defined as benign proliferation of male breast glandular tissue, is usually caused by increased estrogen activity, decreased testosterone activity, or the use of numerous medications. Although a fairly common presentation in the primary care setting and mostly of benign etiology, it can cause patients considerable anxiety. The initial step is to rule out pseudogynecomastia by careful history taking and physical examination. A stepwise approach that includes imaging and laboratory testing to exclude neoplasms and endocrinopathies may facilitate cost-effective diagnosis. If results of all studies are normal, idiopathic gynecomastia is diagnosed. The evidence in this area is mainly of observational nature and lower quality.
Framework-catenation isomerism in metal-organic frameworks and its impact on hydrogen uptake.

A strategy to control framework-catenation in MOFs has been presented; contributions to hydrogen uptake from interpenetration and unsaturated metal centers have been resolved.
Rapid decline in the behavioral response of paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis) to prostaglandin F2α treatment

Abstract Prostaglandins (PGs) can affect sexual behavior in a range of vertebrates including goldfish, paradise fish, lizards, frogs, hamsters, and rats. Behavioral responsiveness to PG treatment has not previously been reported to correlate with reproductive condition. Earlier work (Villars et al. , 1985) has suggested that in paradise fish, response to PG treatment may be limited to the period immediately following spawning. In the present experiment, pre-spawned females were tested for their response to intraperitoneal injection of PGF α (300 ng/g body wt) at 1 ( n = 10), 3 ( n = 8), or 5 ( n = 8) days postspawning. Only pairs tested 1 day postspawning responded to PG treatment of the female with spawning acts (curving or inverting). Moreover, 1 day PG-treated females showed significantly increased sexual motivation, as measured by the time the female spent under the nest with a nest-building male and by the frequency of female sexual solicitation, while the 3-day and the 5-day postspawning females showed no discernible response to PG treatment. Though differential behavioral experience had been suspected to account for female unresponsiveness seen in earlier work, it now seems possible that physiological changes post spawning may render the females unresponsive to PG treatment.
Dorsal medullary injection of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) excites vagal efferents and inhibits gastric motility.

Abstract Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF)-immunoreactive fibers are found in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMN) along with receptors for that peptide. Previous investigations showed that ANF injections into the DMN did not influence cardiovascular functions. Since the DMN is largely (but not exclusively) involved with the control of gastrointestinal functions, we hypothesized that ANF may act on gastric, rather than cardiovascular vagal efferents. Injections of ANF (20 pmol rat atriopeptin III in 20 nl) into the DMN evoked a vagally dependent reduction in gastric motility. In a separate electrophysiological study, 10 of 15 (66%) antidromically identified DMN neurons were excited by micropressure-applied ANF (25–500 fmol in 50–1000 pl). We propose that ANF-containing neurons in the DMN reduce gastric motility by activating vagal efferents that synapse with inhibitory neurons in the gastric enteric nervous system.
Pattern of pyramidal tract collateralization to medial thalamus, lateral hypothalamus and red nucleus in the cat

Stimulating electrodes were placed in the red nucleus, lateral hypothalamus and medial thalamus in order to determine whether pyramidal tract (PT) neurons send collaterals to those sites. The red nucleus projections are well-known, but it was discovered that PT neurons also project into the other two sites. All of the fibers that sent collaterals to all three sites originated from fast PT neurons. Those that responded to stimulation of the skin and that sent collaterals to two or three sites were predominantly fast PT neurons. Those neurons that responded only to cerebral peduncle stimulation were predominantly slowly-conducting, when compared with the set of PT neurons in response to cerebral peduncle stimulation. The patterns of collateral branching to red nucleus and to lateral hypothalamus were similar, suggestimg a similar synaptic effect of the pyramidal system in the two sites. Measurement of the speed of conduction from three sites along the length of corticospinal fibers revealed large changes on some, but not all, fibers; there was no evident pattern to these changes that might be associated with collateral branching. A new hypothesis concerning the functional role of fast PT neurons in regulating movement is presented.
Infected total ankle arthroplasty: risk factors and treatment options.

Background:Infections in total ankle arthroplasty are a serious complication, about which there is little information in the current literature.Methods:This is a retrospective review of infected total ankle arthroplasty at one institution from 1995 to 2012. Risk factors were compared between patients with infected total ankle arthroplasty and age- and sex-matched patients who did not have infection (control patients) within the same time period.Results:966 patients with total ankle arthroplasty were reviewed, and 29 cases of infected total ankle arthroplasty (3.2%) were identified. The incidence of infection in primary ankle arthroplasty was 2.4% and in revision arthroplasty was 4%. Risk factors for infection in our cohort included diabetes, prior ankle surgery, and wound healing problems more than 14 days postoperatively. No significant difference was found between groups with respect to risk factors including smoking, body mass index, and operative time. At latest follow-up, none of the patients had sig...
Towards an Artbeat: New Media in Los Angeles

A rt in Los Angeles is not dead. It merely has an erratic pulse. Unlike New York, there is no single, cultural nucleus from which art emanates. Here, there, and everywhere, we Angelinos experience art when and where we can, and often have to drive through miles of advertisement-clad buses, air pollution-stained, anti-smoking billboards, and bumper-stickered Acuras in pursuit of its experience. I was awaiting the next screening of a short, experimental video (one of many installations that night) at LA Freewaves' Festival Finale-held at the Vermont Cafe, Karaoke and Billiards-when I wandered into the "non-festival" zone and found myself gazing at four men from outside a karaoke booth window. They were singing with and to each other. At once, they turned and sang to me. They twirled lyrically and counterclockwise from the spinning disco ball above them. The pink, reflected image of the video at hand bounced from the mirror to the window, and into my eyes. It was Britney Spears's "Hit Me Baby, One More Time." The performance drew to a close, they emerged, and we embraced. This quartet had inadvertently become the subject, and I the audience. Both parties caught in a wacky, guerrilla art exchange in the most unlikely of places. Granted, this rendering of Spears in her most classic phase was not a designated part of the festival, but its spirit was.
Group I and II metabotropic glutamate receptors are necessary for the activity-dependent regulation of ribosomes in chick auditory neurons.

Abstract Elimination of eighth-nerve activity results in the death of 30% of the neurons in the chick cochlear nucleus, nucleus magnocellularis (NM). One early event in this cell death cascade is the disruption of ribosomes in NM neurons which can be observed within 1 h following deafferentation. These rapid changes in ribosomes can be visualized using Y10B, a monoclonal antibody that recognizes ribosomal RNA. Previous studies using a brain slice preparation of the avian brain stem auditory system have shown that activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) is necessary for the activity-dependent maintenance of Y10B antigenicity. The purpose of the present study was to determine if group I and/or II mGluRs are necessary for this activity-dependent regulation. This was accomplished by selectively blocking group I or II receptors while unilaterally stimulating the auditory nerve in vitro. In normal media, unilateral stimulation of the auditory nerve resulted in darker Y10B immunolabeling of NM neurons on the stimulated side of the slice. The group I antagonist (RS)-1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid (AIDA) and the group II antagonists LY341495 and (S)-α-ethylglutamic acid (EGLU) all prevented the activity-dependent difference in Y10B immunolabeling. These data suggest that both group I and II mGluRs play vital roles in the activity-dependent regulation of ribosomes in NM.
Ecologically valid support for the link between cognitive and psychosocial functioning in bipolar disorder.

Abstract Prior research into the link between cognitive and psychosocial functioning in bipolar disorder has examined primarily asymptomatic patients, has measured these domains concurrently, and has failed to establish convergent validity in the assessment of psychosocial dysfunction. The present study examines the relation between cognitive and psychosocial functioning at the time of discharge from hospitalization for acute mood disturbance. We obtained measures of psychosocial functioning that were both close and distant to the time of neuropsychological testing; the former from the discharging psychiatrists, and the latter from reports of formally recognized disability status, determined by persons wholly unrelated to the present research. Sixty-three patients with bipolar I disorder, hospitalized for acute mood disturbance, completed a neuropsychological test battery 24 to 48 h prior to discharge. We compared patients with versus without formal disability status on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale and on scores of neuropsychological tests. We also tested associations between GAF scores and cognitive test scores. Results supported the convergent validity in the measurement of psychosocial disability, underscored the robust connection between cognitive and psychosocial impairment, and highlighted the presence of this connection during an important clinical state — time of discharge from psychiatric hospitalization.
Sequencing analysis of mutations induced by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea at different sampling times in mouse bone marrow.

In our previous study (Wang et al., 2004, Toxicol. Sci. 82: 124–128), we observed that the cII gene mutant frequency (MF) in the bone marrow of Big Blue mice showed significant increase as early as day 1, reached the maximum at day 3 and then decreased to a plateau by day 15 after a single dose of carcinogen N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) treatment, which is different from the longer mutation manifestation time and the constancy of MFs after reaching their maximum in some other tissues. To determine the mechanism underlying the quick increase in MF and the peak formation in the mutant manifestation, we examined the mutation frequencies and spectra of the ENU-induced mutants collected from different sampling times in this study. The cII mutants from days 1, 3 and 120 after ENU treatment were randomly selected from different animals. The mutation frequencies were 33, 217, 305 and 144 × 10−6 for control, days 1, 3, and 120, respectively. The mutation spectra at days 1 and 3 were significantly different from that at day 120. Considering that stem cells are responsible for the ultimate MF plateau (day 120) and transit cells are accountable for the earlier MF induction (days 1 or 3) in mouse bone marrow, we conclude that transit cells are much more sensitive to mutation induction than stem cells in mouse bone marrow, which resulted in the specific mutation manifestation induced by ENU. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Description of component model for automated generation of scene statistics and comparison of algorithm performance applied to both natural and hypothetical spectral scenes

There is a need to assess hyperspectral image processing algorithms in a way that does not require applying the algorithm to a large set of spectral scenes. The statistical nature of hyperspectral scenes can be modeled as a set of means and covariances. In this model, each mean-covariance pair describes some physical component of the scene. Modeling the scene in this fashion allows non-gaussian nature of scene to be explored, with the assumption that the scene statistics are linear sums of gaussians. Once this component model of a scene is constructed, filter performance can be assessed quickly by applying the filter to the ensemble of means of covariances. Furthermore, filter performance can be predicted for scenes not yet collected, as scene models may be artificially generated from statistics of physical components. As a validation of the model we generate plots of target probability of detection versus probability of false alarm for natural scenes and models based on those scenes.
Philosophy of Sport

(1990). Philosophy of Sport. Journal of the Philosophy of Sport: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 41-50.
Immunization of a controverted belief through group discussion

An extension of McGuire's inoculation theory, from the area of cultural truisms to the realm of controverted beliefs, was investigated by manipulating previous attack as part of a group discussion situation in which actual defense of an issue was considered essential for having an inoculating effect. Results ( p < 0.05) favored the main hypothesis when group 1 (requiring defense in response to a written verbal attack) was compared with the control group, but there were no significant differences between group 1 and group 2 (requiring discussion but no defense since there was no verbal attack).
The Role of Work-in-Process Inventory in Serial Production Lines

In serial production systems, storage may be provided between processes to avoid interference due to lack of synchronization. This paper investigates the behavior of lines buffered in this way and explores the distribution and quantity of work-in-process WIP inventory that accumulates. We study simple, generic production systems to gain insight into the behavior of more complex systems. The authors are surprised by the sometimes counterintuitive results, but are joined in this surprise by both academics and practitioners with whom the study has been discussed. Results are presented for: identical workstations with and without buffers; balanced lines in which variability of processing times differs between stations; unbalanced lines; and lines with unreliable workstations. In general, buffers between workstations increase system capacity but with sharply diminishing returns. Position as well as capacity of the buffers are important. These results are preliminary, to be confirmed and extended by further study-indeed, a primary purpose of this paper is to stimulate such study. However, even these preliminary results yield design guidelines that should be useful in industrial practice.
Interphase mass transfer in binary liquid systems — Laminar liquid jets

Interphase mass transfer was investigated in binary liquid systems using the laminar jet technique. A mathematical model of the mass transfer process was developed and appropriate experimental measurements were made in the cyclohexanol-water, isobutanol-water and ethyl acetate-water systems. Good correspondence was obtained between predicted and measured mass transfer rates, which was taken to validate the use of the model. In particular the results indicated that, within the limits of experimental accuracy, interfacial equilibrium prevails in these systems for contact times on the order of one-half second. On a etudie le transfert de masse entre phases, dans des systemes liquides d'ordre binaire, en utilisant la methode au jet laminaire. On a mis au point un modele mathematique representant le procede de transfert de masse et fait des mesures experimentales et appropriees dans le cas des systemes cyclohexane-eau, alcool isobuty-lique-eau et acetate d'ethyle-eau. On a obtenu une bonne concordance entre la vitesse de transfert de masse predite et celle qu'on a mesuree, ce qui supporte l'utilite d'un modele. Les resultats ont indique particulierement que, dans les limites de precision des experiences, un equilibre entre deux faces prevaut dans les dits systemes pour des temps de contact de l'ordre d'une demi-seconde.
An integrated data model verifier with property templates

Most modern web applications are built using development frameworks based on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern. In MVC-based web applications the data model specifies the types of objects used by the application and the relations among them. Since the data model forms the foundation of such applications, its correctness is crucial. In this paper we present a tool, IDAVER, that 1) automatically extracts a formal data model specification from applications implemented using the Ruby on Rails framework, 2) provides templates for specifying data model properties, 3) automatically translates the verification of properties specified using these templates to satisfiability queries in three different logics, and 4) uses automated decision procedures and theorem provers to identify which properties are satisfied by the data model, and 5) reports counterexample instances for the properties that fail. Our tool achieves scalable automated verification by exploiting the modularity in the MVC pattern. IDAVER does not require formal specifications to be written manually; thus, our tool enables automated verification and increases the usability by combining automated data model extraction with template-based property specification.
Characterization of myeloid and lymphoid subsets in dendritic cells derived from cord blood and adult blood

Abstract Dendritic cells (DC) are antigen presenting cells that play a critical role in T cell dependent immune responses. Two distinct DC subsets have been identified based on surface phenotype, cytokine requirements, and immunologic function. Myeloid DCs are GM-CSF dependent and express CD11c + and CD45RO + . Lymphoid DCs are IL-3 dependent and express CD45RA + and CD123 + . Myeloid DCs initiate Th1 immune responses, whereas lymphoid DCs regulate Th2 responses. We sought to characterize these subsets in freshly isolated CD4 + DCs and in monocyte-derived DCs from cord and adult blood. CD4 + DCs were isolated from blood mononuclear cells using antibody-linked magnetic microbeads, first to deplete B cells, T cells, monocytes and NK cells, then to select for CD4 + DCs. Monocytes were isolated from blood by positive selection using anti-CD14 linked magnetic microbeads. Monocytes were cultured in GM-CSF and IL-4 for 7 days. TNF-α was added on day 5. Surface phenotypes of CD4 + DCs and monocyte-derived DCs were evaluated by flow cytometry for lineage, MHC, adhesions, co-stimulatory, and cytokine receptor molecules. We found that CD4 + DCs included both subsets with a predominance of lymphoid DCs. In contrast, monocyte derived DCs exhibited a myeloid surface phenotype (CD11c + and CD45RO + ). No differences in DC subsets were observed between cord blood and adult blood. We conclude that distinct DC subsets can be generated from blood based upon the method of isolation. We speculate that DC-based strategies might be feasible for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in newborn infants.
Abscisic acid ameliorates atherosclerosis by suppressing macrophage and CD4+ T cell recruitment into the aortic wall

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a natural phytohormone which improves insulin sensitivity and reduces adipose tissue inflammation when supplemented into diets of obese mice. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which ABA prevents or ameliorates atherosclerosis. apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice were fed high-fat diets with or without ABA for 84 days. Systolic blood pressure was assessed on Days 0, 28, 56 and 72. Gene expression, immune cell infiltration and histological lesions were evaluated in the aortic root wall. Human aortic endothelial cells were used to examine the effect of ABA on 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and nitric oxide (NO) production in vitro. We report that ABA-treated mice had significantly improved systolic blood pressure and decreased accumulation of F4/80(+)CD11b(+) macrophages and CD4(+) T cells in aortic root walls. At the molecular level, ABA significantly enhanced aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and tended to suppress aortic vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression and plasma MCP-1 concentrations. ABA also caused a dose-dependent increase in intracellular concentrations of cAMP and NO and up-regulated eNOS mRNA expression in human aortic endothelial cells. This is the first report showing that ABA prevents or ameliorates atherosclerosis-induced hypertension, immune cell recruitment into the aortic root wall and up-regulates aortic eNOS expression in ApoE(-/-) mice.
Periodontal and Endodontic Regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is effective in halting tissue and bone destruction and promoting new tissue and bone formation. Although the goal of complete and predictable regeneration still remains elusive, many techniques and materials have been developed that show good clinical and histologic outcomes. The most commonly used materials in GTR include bone replacement grafts from numerous sources, nonresorbable and bioabsorbable membranes, and recently growth hormones/cytokines and other host modulating factors. This article reviews the biologic rationale behind current techniques used for tissue/bone regeneration, reviews the most common materials and techniques, and attempts to explain the factors that influence the outcomes of these therapies.
Competence-difficulty gaps, ethics and the new social welfare theory

Abstract The contemporary consumer choice and New Institutional Economics literatures embody a number of recurring themes. Among these are the growth and dissemination of information relative to decision makers' cognitive limits, the endogeneity of preference and value structures and the role of ethical norms. At issue, inter alia , is the empirical content and internal consistency of neoclassical theory's behavioral postulates. The purpose of this paper is to show that when explicit account is taken of these phenomena, the logic of the “new” social welfare theory is called into question. The complexity of the decision environment is such that neither the welfare frontier nor the social welfare function can meaningfully be employed in assessing distributional and other economic policies. Granting this, attention should focus less on “getting the prices right” and more on “getting the institutions right.” Interest might appropriately center on which institutions minimize the deleterious effects of decision makers' growing competence-difficulty gaps and, at the same time, encourage transaction (and other) cost-minimizing ethical behavior.
Evidence For Variation In The Quantity Of Dna Among Plastids Of Acetabularia

The DNA content of individual plastids of the giant unicellular algae Acetabularia mediterranea, and Polyphysa cliftoni was studied. Four methods were used for localizing DNA: acridine orange staining, radioautography following actinomycin D-3H treatment, electron microscopy of thin tissue sections, and electron microscopy of osomotically disrupted plastids. With each method, DNA was readily detected in 20–35% of plastids, but no DNA was observed in the remaining 65–80%. The results further showed that in those plastids with detectable DNA the amount of DNA present was variable. The sensitivity and reliability of the localization methods are discussed, and the possible implications of these findings are considered.
Coordinated multihop scheduling: a framework for end-to-end services

In multihop networks, packet schedulers at downstream nodes have an opportunity to make up for excessive latencies due to congestion at upstream nodes. Similarly, when packets incur low delays at upstream nodes, downstream nodes can reduce priority and schedule other packets first. The goal of this paper is to define a framework for design and analysis of coordinated multihop scheduling (CMS) which exploits such internode coordination. We first provide a general CMS definition which enables us to classify a number of schedulers from the literature, including G-EDF, FIFO+, CEDF, and work-conserving CJVC as examples of CMS schedulers. We then develop a distributed theory of traffic envelopes which enables us to derive end-to-end statistical admission control conditions for CMS schedulers. We show that CMS schedulers are able to limit traffic distortion to within a narrow range resulting in improved end-to-end performance and more efficient resource utilization. Consequently, our technique exploits statistical resource sharing among flows, classes, and nodes, and our results provide the first statistical multinode multiclass admission control algorithm for networks of work conserving servers.
Computer Vision Algorithms for Quantifying the Growth and Behavior of Neurons Cultured on Nanofabricated Surfaces

Neuron growth on nanofabricated silicon surfaces, once understood, is fundamental to engineer circuits involving neurons and electronic components, leading to applications such as next-generation brain implants, and high-throughput neurologic drug screening assay systems. Precise quantification of neuronal growth and behavior from image samples requires computer vision algorithms for automatic tracing of neurons, and flexible algorithms for reliable registration and analysis of multi-fluorophore imagery. The tracing algorithms must be robust to high levels of clutter and common imaging artifacts, process discontinuities, and quantum noise, especially when live neurons are imaged. Finally, the large numbers of images that must be processed for a hypothesis test or assay call for computationally efficient algorithms. A fully automated neuron tracing algorithm based on the use of robust detection and estimation principles is described here that meets the above needs. It takes 2 seconds to trace and extract morphological statistics from a typical 1280 × 1024 image on a Pentium III, 1 GHz personal computer. It was validated against manually generated traces and the errors were in the range of 1-5% per image.
Adjoint-based Probabilistic Characterization of Contaminant Sources in Water Distribution Systems under Realistic Flow and Sampling Conditions

If a chemical or biological agent is released into a water distribution system, sensors that are installed in the pipe network may detect the contamination as it travels through the system. We developed an adjoint-based backward modeling approach that uses the collected sensor data to characterize the source of contamination in a probabilistic manner. In prior work, we used a travel time probability density function (PDF) conditioned on the sensor measurements to identify the time of release and node of release for an instantaneous source of contamination in a system with steady demands. In this work, we generalize the approach to characterize sources of contamination that occur over a finite duration under transient flow conditions, with imperfect sensor measurements. We demonstrate the method using a hypothetical water distribution system and a hypothetical release scenario.
Comment on “Stable phase domains of the TiO2–Ti3O5–Ti2O3–TiO–Ti(CxOy)–TiC system examined experimentally and via first principles calculations” by J. Kim and S. Kang, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014, 2, 2641

The free energy of mixing in the Ti(O,C) shows negative deviation from ideality. A recent paper in Journal of Materials Chemistry A erroneously shows a large positive deviation from ideality.
Effects of chronic activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α or high-fat feeding in a rat infarct model of heart failure

Intracardiac accumulation of lipid and related intermediates (e.g., ceramide) is associated with cardiac dysfunction and may contribute to the progression of heart failure (HF). Overexpression of n...
Single Institutional Experience with Nephron-sparing Surgery for Pathologic Stage T3bNxM0 Renal Cell Carcinoma Confined to the Renal Vein

Objective To assess our institution's experience with the management of pathologic stage T3bNxM0 renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus confined to the renal vein treated with nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). Methods Of the 492 patients who have undergone NSS at Columbia University from 1998 to 2009, 8 patients were found to have stage T3bNxM0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) on final pathology. Records were reviewed for indication for NSS, imaging studies, perioperative management, surgical details, pathology, and both functional and disease-specific outcomes. Postoperative renal function was estimated by most recent glomerular filtration rate using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Recurrence of RCC was monitored using serial axial imaging. Results The 8 patients were presumed to be clinical stage T1aN0M0 RCC before surgery; however, tumor thrombus was identified in the renal vein intraoperatively and on final pathology in 4, and 4 cases, respectively, corresponding to stage T3bNxM0 RCC by current American Joint Committee on Cancer–Tumor-Necrosis-Metastasis 2002 criteria. After a median follow-up of 19.8 months, the patients experienced a mean decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate of 27.1%. One patient developed new-onset renal failure, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate below 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Clean surgical margins were obtained in 7 patients. Carcinoma was identified at the parenchymal margin in 1 patient. No patients have evidence of recurrence of RCC by serial axial imaging. Conclusions NSS does not seem to have had a negative impact on a small series of patients with pathologic stage T3bNxM0 RCC limited to the renal vein and may be a feasible option when the clinical situation indicates a need for preservation of renal function.
Nox1 NADPH oxidase is necessary for late but not early myocardial ischaemic preconditioning

Aims Ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) is an adaptive mechanism that renders the myocardium resistant to injury from subsequent hypoxia. Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to both the early and late phases of IPC, their enzymatic source and associated signalling events have not yet been understood completely. Our objective was to investigate the role of the Nox1 NADPH oxidase in cardioprotection provided by IPC. Methods and results Wild-type (WT) and Nox1-deficient mice were treated with three cycles of brief coronary occlusion and reperfusion, followed by prolonged occlusion either immediately (early IPC) or after 24 h (late IPC). Nox1 deficiency had no impact on the cardioprotection afforded by early IPC. In contrast, deficiency of Nox1 during late IPC resulted in a larger infarct size, cardiac remodelling, and increased myocardial apoptosis compared with WT hearts. Furthermore, expression of Nox1 in WT hearts increased in response to late IPC. Deficiency of Nox1 abrogated late IPC-mediated activation of cardiac nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and induction of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the heart and circulation. Finally, knockdown of Nox1 in cultured cardiomyocytes prevented TNF-α induction of NF-κB and the protective effect of IPC on hypoxia-induced apoptosis. Conclusions Our data identify a critical role for Nox1 in late IPC and define a previously unrecognized link between TNF-α and NF-κB in mediating tolerance to myocardial injury. These findings have clinical significance considering the emergence of Nox1 inhibitors for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
LATENCY COMPENSATION FOR DIFFERENTIAL GPS

Differential GPS (DGPS) has the potential to reduce spherical position error standard deviation to approximately 1 m. However, two practical issues affect the accuracy that can be achieved in real-time applications: long sampling periods and data latency. Low-bandwidth communications channels can result in differential corrections with sampling periods greater than 5 s. A time delay (latency) is inherent between the generation of pseudorange corrections and their application by the user. For real-time applications (e.g., autonomous vehicle navigation), low DGPS correction update rates and data latency are a fundamental performance limitation. This paper analyzes the modeling of differential corrections, uses the resulting optimal models for differential correction latency compensation, and analyzes the resulting accuracy by comparison with the first-order polynomial predictors recommended in the RTCM-104 standard. The comparison shows that, as long as the base station produces appropriate coefficients for the polynomial predictor, there is no significant accuracy improvement achieved by an optimal (i.e., Kalman filter-based) predictor over the RTCM-recommended polynomial predictor.
Estimating Organic Carbon from Loss-On-Ignition in Northern Arizona Forest Soils

Many studies in ecology, soil science, and global climate change require accurate estimates of soil organic C (SOC). When calibrated with direct SOC determinations, loss-on-ignition (LOI) has been proposed as a rapid, inexpensive, and accurate method for estimating SOC. We collected 0- to 15- and 15- to 50-cm mineral soil samples from 102 plots within a 110000-ha ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa P. & C. Lawson) landscape to develop regression equations between LOI and SOC measured with an elemental C analyzer. We tested nine LOI temperature-duration combinations ranging from 300 to 600°C and 2 to 6 h to discern optimal combinations for estimating SOC, used the optimal combination to develop regressions for 100 samples each of 0- to 15- and 15- to 50-cm depths, and assessed whether stratifying samples into ecosystem types improved LOI-SOC equations. Pearson r 2 values between LOI and SOC did not exceed 0.74 for any LOI temperature-duration combination. These values showed no consistent trend to change with increasing duration, but tended to be slightly higher at the lowest temperature (300°C). Multiple regressions, including LOI and clay concentration, explained only 78 (0-15 cm) and 64% (15-50 cm) of the variation in SOC. Relationships between LOI and SOC found in this study are among the weakest reported in the soil literature, and it remains unclear precisely why observed relationships were weak. Our results suggest that LOI may be useful for roughly estimating SOC in this region, but other methods or modifications to LOI are needed when more accurate SOC measurements are required.