cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The puzzling association between smoking and hypertension during pregnancy.

Abstract Objective: The object of this study was to examine the association between maternal smoking and hypertension during pregnancy. Study Design: We used data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a large prospective cohort study that collected detailed information on blood pressure, proteinuria, smoking, and placental morphologic and histologic characteristics. A total of 9651 healthy primigravid women without chronic hypertension who had been enrolled in the study at the first or second trimester (average 18 weeks' gestation) and had had ≥3 prenatal visits were included. Gestational hypertension was defined as diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg on 2 occasions from 24 weeks' gestation to 2 weeks post partum. Preeclampsia was defined as gestational hypertension plus ≥2 urine samples containing ≥1+ protein according to dipstick measurement during the same gestational period. Results: After we controlled for prepregnancy body mass, age, socioeconomic status, and race, both past smoking and smoking during pregnancy were associated in a dose-response pattern with reduced risks of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. For women who smoked ≥10 cigarettes/d the relative risks with respect to women who had never smoked were 0.6 (95% confidence interval, 0.4-0.9) for gestational hypertension and 0.5 (95% confidence interval, 0.4-0.7) for preeclampsia. This protective effect was observed both for mild and severe gestational hypertension and for preeclampsia. The more and the longer a woman had smoked previously, the lower was her risk of development of hypertension during pregnancy. This association could not be explained by confounding factors, by changes in placental morphologic or histopathologic characteristics, by maternal net weight gain, or by elevated liver enzyme bioactivity. Conclusion: Smoking is associated with a reduced risk of hypertension during pregnancy. The protective effect appears to continue even after cessation of smoking. Further basic research on this issue is warranted. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:1407-13.)
Vietnamese Amerasians: The relationship between biological father, psychological distress, and self-destructive behavior

Vietnamese Amerasians are children who were fathered by U.S. serviceman and civilians during the Vietnam War. Although several studies have been conducted with this population, none have addressed the issue of the biological American fathers and its effect on mental health. This study examines the cognitions and feelings of Vietnamese Amerasians (N = 169) towards their biological fathers and the effect of this on psychological distress and self-destructive behavior. The findings of the study showed that Vietnamese Amerasians' cognitions about their biological American father were significant predictors of both psychological distress and self-destructive behavior. Ethnic and gender differences were found. Implications of findings are discussed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Multiplicative intrinsic component optimization (MICO) for MRI bias field estimation and tissue segmentation

This paper proposes a new energy minimization method called multiplicative intrinsic component optimization (MICO) for joint bias field estimation and segmentation of magnetic resonance (MR) images. The proposed method takes full advantage of the decomposition of MR images into two multiplicative components, namely, the true image that characterizes a physical property of the tissues and the bias field that accounts for the intensity inhomogeneity, and their respective spatial properties. Bias field estimation and tissue segmentation are simultaneously achieved by an energy minimization process aimed to optimize the estimates of the two multiplicative components of an MR image. The bias field is iteratively optimized by using efficient matrix computations, which are verified to be numerically stable by matrix analysis. More importantly, the energy in our formulation is convex in each of its variables, which leads to the robustness of the proposed energy minimization algorithm. The MICO formulation can be naturally extended to 3D/4D tissue segmentation with spatial/sptatiotemporal regularization. Quantitative evaluations and comparisons with some popular softwares have demonstrated superior performance of MICO in terms of robustness and accuracy.
Transition criteria for two-phase flow patterns in vertical upward flow

Abstract The present paper advances three simple models and uses them to determine, semi-heuristically, the transition criteria from bubble to slug flow and from slug to froth flow. The bubble-slug transition is assumed to be governed by a criterion which expresses the conditions under which two aligned bubbles are driven to coalesce by the velocity field in the wake of the forward bubble, which is translated into a criterion on separation between bubbles. The slug-froth transition is thought to occur by one of two mechanisms. The first one is also a criterion of coalescence, resulting in the determination of a critical separation l ∗ . The second is supposed to occur when the thin film between the wall and a Taylor bubble becomes unstable. Of the two mechanisms, the second prevails when the distance between two Taylor bubbles exceeds the critical value l ∗ . The results, interpreted broadly, agree well with those of Taitel et al., but the impression that the field is in need of much further development cannot be ignored. The equations make it possible to study the sensitivity of the boundaries to pipe diameter, bubble diameter and fluid properties. A sample map in the usual U LS vs U GS coordinates is presented.
Optics of two-stage photovoltaic concentrators with dielectric second stages

Two-stage photovoltaic concentrators with Fresnel lenses as primaries and dielectric totally internally reflecting nonimaging concentrators as secondaries are discussed. The general design principles of such two-stage systems are given. Their optical properties are studied and analyzed in detail using computer ray trace procedures. It is found that the two-stage concentrator offers not only a higher concentration or increased acceptance angle, but also a more uniform flux distribution on the photovoltaic cell than the point focusing Fresnel lens alone. Experimental measurements with a two-stage prototype module are presented and compared to the analytical predictions.
A Conditional Logic Approach for Strengthening Mixed 0-1 Linear Programs

We study a conditional logic approach for tightening the continuous relaxation of a mixed 0-1 linear program. The procedure first constructs quadratic inequalities by computing pairwise products of constraints, and then surrogates modified such inequalities to produce valid linear restrictions. Strength is achieved by adjusting the coefficients on the quadratic restrictions. The approach is a unifying framework for published coefficient adjustment methods, and generalizes the process of sequential lifting. We give illustrative examples and discuss various extensions, including the use of more complex conditional logic constructs that compute and surrogate polynomial expressions, and the application to general integer programs.
A 1-year follow-up of Raynaud's patients treated with behavioral therapy techniques.

The purpose of this study was to assess to what degree learned control of digital temperature and vasospastic attacks can be retained by Raynaud's patients over a full year period. Subjects were 19 patients suffering from diagnosed idiopathic Raynaud's disease who had undergone behavioral training. These patients had been trained to increase digital temperature using either autogenic training, biofeedback, or a combination of autogenic training and temperature biofeedback. Results indicated that the mean number of vasospastic attacks per day occurring 1 year after training was approximately equal to the number occurring at the end of the initial training (1.2-1.3 per day). Patient satisfaction with the treatment program was above average (3.5 on a 5-point scale). The patients' ability to maintain digital temperature during the cold stress challenge was impaired, however. At 1-year follow-up, digital temperature readings taken in the laboratory were identical to baseline levels.
The Structure of Coping in AIDS Caregivers: A Factor Analytically Derived Measure1

We report on the development of a new coping inventory. Findings demonstrate factorial invariance for 3 factors across 3 groups of caregivers. From a 19-item summative inventory, we derived a 3-factor model including direct problem management. positive outlook, and reality-based coping. The model, inclusive of 9 items. appears to have consistent factor structure across groups. Results offer evidence that the 3-factor structure is robust and may be generalized across other groups of caregivers. The model provides an acceptable fit with coping concepts of direct problem management, cognitive, and perceptual management of meaning. Findings suggest that caregivers are similar in these 3 dimensions of coping; that domain-specific caregiving experiences are responsible for selection of coping efforts comprising these coping dimensions.
ACTH diazotized to agarose: effects on isolated adrenal cells.

Abstract ACTH coupled in an azo linkage to an agarose support induces steroidogenesis in free adrenal cells in the same manner as does free ACTH. Observation of incubates of adrenal cells and ACTH-agarose indicates that 1) agarose-ACTH is not adherent to the cell surface, 2) entrance of ACTH into the cell may not be a prerequisite to the initiation of steroidogenesis, 3) the continuous presence of ACTH is not necessary to maintain maximal steroid production in cellular incubates, and 4) induction does not alter the functional integrity of the bound corticotropin.
A thermodynamic framework for Mg2+ binding to RNA.

We present a model describing how Mg2+ binds and stabilizes specific RNA structures. In this model, RNA stabilization arises from two energetically distinct modes of Mg2+ binding: diffuse- and site-binding. Diffusely bound Mg2+ are electrostatically attracted to the strong anionic field around the RNA and are accurately described by the Poisson–Boltzmann equation as an ensemble distributed according to the electrostatic potentials around the nucleic acid. Site-bound Mg2+ are strongly attracted to specifically arranged electronegative ligands that desolvate the ion and the RNA binding site. Thus, site-binding is a competition between the strong coulombic attraction and the large cost of desolvating the ion and its binding pocket. By using this framework, we analyze three systems where a single site-bound Mg2+ may be important for stability: the P5 helix and the P5b stem loop from the P4-P6 domain of the Tetrahymena thermophila group I intron and a 58-nt fragment of the Escherichia coli 23S ribosomal RNA. Diffusely bound Mg2+ play a dominant role in stabilizing these RNA structures. These ions stabilize the folded structures, in part, by accumulating in regions of high negative electrostatic potential. These regions of Mg2+ localization correspond to ions that are observed in the x-ray crystallographic and NMR structures of the RNA. In contrast, the contribution of site-binding to RNA stability is often quite small because of the large desolvation penalty. However, in special cases, site-binding of partially dehydrated Mg2+ to locations with extraordinarily high electrostatic potential can also help stabilize folded RNA structures.
ESTIMATION OF SAMPLING VARIANCE OF CORRELATIONS IN META‐ANALYSIS

Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to compare the performance of the traditional (Fisher, 1954) and mean (Hunter & Schmidt, 1990) estimators of the sampling variance of correlations in meta-analysis. The mean estimator differs from the traditional estimator in that it uses the mean observed correlation, averaged across studies, in the sampling variance formula. The simulations investigated the homogeneous (i.e., no true correlation variance across studies) and heterogeneous case (i.e., true correlation variance across studies). Results reveal that, compared to the traditional estimator, the mean estimator provides less negatively biased estimates of sampling variance in the homogeneous and heterogeneous cases and more positively biased estimates in the heterogenous case. Thus, results support the use of the mean estimator unless strong, theory-based hypotheses regarding moderating effects exist.
Views of Evidence-Based Practice: Social Workers' Code of Ethics and Accreditation Standards as Guides for Choice.

Different views of evidence-based practice (EBP) include defining it as the use of empirically-validated treatments and practice guidelines (i.e., the EBPs approach) in contrast to the broad philosophy and related evolving process described by the originators. Social workers can draw on their code of ethics and accreditation standards both to select a view of EBP that is most faithful to related obligations and to address obstacles to implementing it. For example, the Code of Ethics (National Association of Social Workers, 1999) calls on social workers to draw on practice- and policy-related research findings, to honor informed consent guidelines, and to respect clients and empower them.
Computation of free-molecular flow in nuclear materials

Generally the transport of gases and vapors in nuclear materials is adequately described by the diffusion equation with an effective diffusion coefficient. There are instances however, such as transport through porous or cracked media (nuclear fuels, cladding and coating materials, fuel-cladding gap, graphite, rocks, soil) where the diffusion description has limitations. In general, molecular transport is governed by intermolecular forces and collisions (interactions between multiple gas/vapor molecules) and by molecule-surface interactions. However, if nano-scale pathways exist within these materials, as has been suggested, then molecular transport can be characterized as being in the free-molecular flow regime where intermolecular interactions can be ignored and flow is determined entirely by molecule-surface collisions. Our purpose in this investigation is to focus on free molecular transport in fine capillaries of a range of shapes and to explore the effect of geometry on this transport. We have employed Monte Carlo techniques in our calculations, and for simple geometries we have benchmarked our results against some analytical and previously available results. We have used Mathematica® which has exceptional built-in symbolic and graphical capabilities, permitting easy handling of the complicated geometries and good visualization of the results. Our computations provide insights into the role of geometry inmore » molecular transport in nuclear materials with narrow pathways for flows, and also will be useful in guiding computations that include intermolecular collisions and more realistic gas-surface collision operators.« less
Pharmacokinetics of thalidomide in an elderly prostate cancer population

Abstract Thalidomide, a glutamic acid derivative, has recently been shown to inhibit in vitro angiogenesis, the process of formation of new blood vessels. This Phase II study examined the pharmaco‐kinetics of thalidomide in patients with clinically progressive hormone‐refractory prostate cancer. Patients (aged 55 to 80 years) were randomized to two different arms, low dose versus high dose. Patients in the low‐dose group were given 200 mg of thalidomide and patients in the high‐dose group received 200 mg of thalidomide, with subsequent dose escalations to 1200 mg. Serial serum or blood samples were obtained for pharmacokinetic assessment after administration of a single oral dose or multiple daily dosing of thalidomide and were assayed by reversed‐phase HPLC. Pharmacokinetic parameters for both the single and multiple dosing were calculated with ADAPT II. A one‐compartment model best fit the data. After single dosing, the oral clearance and apparent volume of distribution for the low‐dose regimen ( n = 13) were 7.41 ± 2.05 L/h and 66.93± 34.27 L, respectively, whereas for the high‐dose regimen ( n = 11), these values were 7.21 ± 2.89 L/h and 165.81 ± 84.18 L, respectively. The elimination half‐lives for the low and high dose were 6.52 ± 3.81 and 18.25 ± 14.08 h, respectively. After the multiple dosing of thalidomide, the oral clearance and apparent volume of distribution for the low‐dose group ( n = 10) were 6.35 ± 1.64 L/h and 64.63 ± 23.20 L, respectively, whereas for the high‐dose group ( n = 11), these values were 7.73 ± 2.27 L/h and 167.85 ± 82.08 L, respectively. The elimination half‐lives for the low and high dose were 7.08 ± 1.87 and 16.19 ± 9.57 h, respectively. For both the single and multiple dosing of thalidomide, the apparent volume of distribution and half‐life were significantly higher for the high‐dose group than those for the low‐dose group. The higher apparent volume of distribution may be attributable to several factors, such as change in absorption, protein binding, etc. A dose‐proportional increase in thalidomide steady‐state concentrations was seen after multiple daily dosing of thalidomide.
Reversible effects of antimitotic agents on cortical morphogenesis in the marine ciliate Condylostoma magnum.

Effects of antimitotic agents on morphogenesis in the marine ciliate Condylostoma were tested. Surgically transected cells or early predividers were placed in solutions of Colcemid, colchicine, vinblastine, griseofulvin, or chloral hydrate in varying concentrations and for varying periods of time. Although early dividers proceeded to complete cytokinesis and, in at least some instances, macronuclear fission while in the drug solutions, development of normal form and oral organelles in daughter cells and regeneration and remodeling in operated fragments were completely blocked by appropriate drug concentrations. Inhibition was in almost all cases reversible: blocked cells, when washed and returned to sea water, underwent normal morphogenesis. Like other ciliates, Condylostoma has in its ectoplasm highly organized systems of microtubules associated with kinetosomes of the body ciliature and the oral apparatus. Electron micrographs of Colcemid-treated cells show that preexisting cortical microtubules are not destroyed by treatments that prevent morphogenesis. They thus resemble ciliary and kinetosomal microtubules of other cells in being resistant to agents that cause the disappearance of most cytoplasmic and spindle microtubules. Most of the recognizable events of morphogenesis involve the growth and migration of microtubular organelles, and these events did not occur in the presence of the inhibiting agents. It is concluded that microtubule growth is necessary for the development of structure and pattern in Condylostoma.
Photostriction effect in silicon observed by time-resolved X-ray diffraction

Abstract We have observed by X-ray diffraction the contraction of the lattice in silicon due to electron-hole pairs excited by laser light. The observed change in lattice parameter Δa/a (≅ 10-5) is consistent with a photostriction constant β five times greater than the currently accepted value.
Cloning and characterization of a sixth adenylyl cyclase isoform: types V and VI constitute a subgroup within the mammalian adenylyl cyclase family.

Abstract A sixth member of the mammalian adenylyl cyclase family has been isolated from a canine cardiac cDNA library. This isoform is more highly homologous to type V than to the other adenylyl cyclase types; sequence similarity is apparent even in the transmembrane regions where the greatest divergence among the types exists. Type VI mRNA expression is most abundant in heart and brain; however, unlike type V, a low level of expression is also observed in a variety of other tissues examined. Type VI adenylyl cyclase can be stimulated by NaF, guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate, and forskolin but not by Ca2+/calmodulin, whereas it is inhibited by adenosine and its analogues. Comparison of both their structural and biochemical properties suggests that types V and VI constitute a distinct subgroup of the mammalian adenylyl cyclase family.
Receptor Binding and Biological Activity of 18 Oxocortisol

Recently, 18-hydroxycortisol (11 beta,17 alpha,18,21-tetrahydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione) was isolated and identified from extracts of urine and adrenal incubates of patients with primary aldosteronism. The receptor-binding activity to the renal gluco- and mineralocorticoid receptors and its biological activity as a glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid were investigated using synthetic 18-hydroxycortisol. The ability of 18-hydroxycortisol to compete with [3H]aldosterone for renal binding to the receptor was 0.13% that of unlabeled aldosterone. The addition of a specific glucocorticoid, RU-26988 (11 beta,17-dihydroxy-21-methyl-17 alpha-pregna-1,4,6-triene-20-yn-3-one) decreased the competing ability to 0.02%, indicating significant binding to the glucocorticoid receptor. The ability to compete with [3H]dexamethasone for the renal cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor was 0.1% that of unlabeled dexamethasone. The mineralocorticoid activity of 18-hydroxycortisol was undetectable. Its glucocorticoid activity using an in vitro bioassay based on the induction of tyrosine aminotransferase in the HTC cell was detectable at 10(-5) M, but was too low for adequate quantification. In a second in vitro glucocorticoid bioassay, inhibition of cell growth of the L929 fibroblast, 18-hydroxycortisol also showed minimal activity. In summary, it is unlikely that 18-hydroxycortisol plays a role in the metabolic syndrome in those patients who produce it in excess due to its inactivity as a gluco- or mineralocorticoid.
Ergonovine-induced esophageal spasm in patients with chest pain resembling angina pectoris

We studied the effect of ergonovine maleate (EM) on esophageal motor activity in 18 consecutive patients with angina-like chest pain. Significant coronary artery disease was excluded in each patient by cardiac catheterization studies. Baseline esophageal motility was abnormal in 12 patients (66%). After injection of EM, ten patients developed their typical chest pain at the onset of repetitive contractions. Thus, chest pain and esophageal dysfunction were clearly linked. Compared with saline injection, only the repetitive contractions were significantly increased after EM in these patients (P<0.01). Amplitude and duration of contractions were increased after EM, but not significantly. Due to potentially serious adverse effects, however, EM cannot be recommended for routine use as a provocative agent.
Markov chain Monte Carlo method for tracking myocardial borders

Cardiac magnetic resonance studies have led to a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease. Manual segmentation of myocardial borders, a major task in the data analysis of these studies, is a tedious and time consuming process subject to observer bias. Automated segmentation reduces the time needed to process studies and removes observer bias. We propose an automated segmentation algorithm that uses an active surface to capture the endo- and epicardial borders of the left ventricle in a mouse heart. The surface is initialized as an ellipsoid corresponding to the maximal gradient inverse of variation (GICOV) value. The GICOV is the mean divided by the normalized standard deviation of the image intensity gradient in the outward normal direction along the surface. The GICOV is maximal when the surface lies along strong, constant gradients. The surface is then evolved until it maximizes the GICOV value subject to shape constraints. The problem is formulated in a Bayesian framework and is implemented using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique.
The Last Word: Advice from Uncle Charles

The idea that computers are tools perhaps points to more generally applicable advice. Solving problems is immensely satisfying.
Multibeam, laser-imploded cylindrical plasmas.

Four orthogonal line-focused 351-nm beams have been used to implode 2-mm-long, 100-\ensuremath{\mu}m-diam thin Al cylinders. The resulting linear, high-density, high-temperature plasma has characteristics suitable as an x-ray-laser medium.
Correlation of submicron dust observed in DIII-D during plasma operation with plasma operating parameters

Abstract A database of dust events observed using the Thomson scattering systems on DIII-D has recently been expanded to incorporate over 2500 discharges over a 9-month period from 2004 to 2005 campaign. The system is sensitive to dust particles of radius ≲50 nm. Over this period of time, 5130 dust events were observed in the upper SOL region of the plasma and 4159 events in the lower divertor region. In the observation channels nearest the wall, the dust density is observed to be about 1.2 × 104 m−3 in the upper region and about 6 × 104 m−3 in the lower divertor. In both regions, the density drops sharply approaching zero at the last closed flux surface. Dust observation rate increases with increasing injected beam power in both regions. In the upper region, the observation rate increases sharply for a brief period after switching from operation with a dominant lower null to a dominant upper null. For a few shots after major disruptions, the observation rate increases slightly in the lower divertor but decreases slightly in the upper SOL.
Frequency agile OPO-based transmitters for multiwavelength DIAL

We describe a first generation mid-infrared transmitter with pulse to pulse frequency agility and both wide and narrow band capability. This transmitter was used to make multicomponent Differential Absorption LIDAR (DIAL) measurements in the field.
Changes in ventilation homogeneity from preschool through young adulthood as determined by moment analysis of nitrogen washout.

ABSTRACT. This study was designed to assess potential differences in ventilation homogeneity related to growth. One hundred thirty-three healthy subjects representing four stages of growth were studied: group 1, preschool, ages 34–74 months; group 2, preadolescent, ages 8–10 yr; group 3, postpubertal, ages 15–17 yr; group 4, young adult, ages 26–40 yr. Ventilation homogeneity was assessed by moment analysis of multibreath nitrogen washout with functional residual capacity, the ratio of the 1st to 0th moment (MR 1/0), and the ratio of the 2nd to 0th moment (MR 1/0) being the outcome variables of interest. Across the four groups functional residual capacity increased as a curvilinear function of height. At all heights functional residual capacity was larger in males than females and the slope of the regression was steeper in males than females (p < 0.001). Both MRs 1/0 and 2/0 were significantly higher in group 1 than the other groups, indicating that ventilation washout was less homogeneous in the preschool subjects than in older children or adults. Males of group 1 had significantly higher values for both moment ratios (more ventilation nonuniformity) than females. In the other groups there were no significant sex based differences although there was a trend for males to have a lower MR 1/0 than females in the young adults, p = 0.08. The results indicate that both age and sex are important determinants of the growth of distribution of ventilation.
Comparative studies of heparin and heparin fragments: distribution and toxicity in the rat

To control blood levels of heparin during extracorporeal therapy, the use of a blood filter containing heparinase, a heparin-specific enzyme that cleaves heparin to small fragments with less anticoagulant activity, has been proposed. These fragments have anti-factor Xa activity but no anti-thrombin activity. The potential toxicity of heparin fragments as compared to heparin was examined in rats by identifying presumptive sites of drug-related toxicity by whole-body autoradiography and by histological examination of major organs. Radioautograms of rats sacrificed 5 hr after dosing with [35S]heparin fragments indicated no potential targets different from what was observed in rats dosed with [35S]heparin. In addition, the faster urinary clearance of heparin fragments resulted in a lower concentration of these fragments than of heparin in all common target organs. No hemorrhages or other lesions were found in rats injected intravenously with heparin fragments (100 mg/kg) and sacrificed after 5 hr. In addition, no mortality or delayed toxic effects were observed in a similar group of animals sacrificed 2 weeks after dosing. In contrast, 80% of rats injected with heparin (100 mg/kg) showed hemorrhages of the lungs at the time of necropsy.
Redox-active antioxidant modulation of lipid signaling in vascular endothelial cells: vitamin C induces activation of phospholipase D through phospholipase A2, lipoxygenase, and cyclooxygenase.

We have earlier reported that the redox-active antioxidant, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), activates the lipid signaling enzyme, phospholipase D (PLD), at pharmacological doses (mM) in the bovine lung microvascular endothelial cells (BLMVECs). However, the activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), another signaling phospholipase, and the modulation of PLD activation by PLA2 in the ECs treated with vitamin C at pharmacological doses have not been reported to date. Therefore, this study aimed at the regulation of PLD activation by PLA2 in the cultured BLMVECs exposed to vitamin C at pharmacological concentrations. The results revealed that vitamin C (3–10 mM) significantly activated PLA2 starting at 30 min; however, the activation of PLD resulted only at 120 min of treatment of cells under identical conditions. Further studies were conducted utilizing specific pharmacological agents to understand the mechanism(s) of activation of PLA2 and PLD in BLMVECs treated with vitamin C (5 mM) for 120 min. Antioxidants, calcium chelators, iron chelators, and PLA2 inhibitors offered attenuation of the vitamin C-induced activation of both PLA2 and PLD in the cells. Vitamin C was also observed to significantly induce the formation and release of the cyclooxygenase (COX)- and lipoxygenase (LOX)-catalyzed arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites and to activate the AA LOX in BLMVECs. The inhibitors of PLA2, COX, and LOX were observed to effectively and significantly attenuate the vitamin C-induced PLD activation in BLMVECs. For the first time, the results of the present study revealed that the vitamin C-induced activation of PLD in vascular ECs was regulated by the upstream activation of PLA2, COX, and LOX through the formation of AA metabolites involving oxidative stress, calcium, and iron.
International law and international relations: Collaboration and tension

This essay analyses the unstable relationship between the dominant juris‐prudential approach taken by international law (IL) with respect to war as an instrument of policy, and clarifies a series of unsatisfactory efforts either to bring law to bear on war or, as an alternative, exempt war from legal accountability. The essay goes on to discuss these contradictory pressures on the core relationship between law and war, and indicates why there is no viable solution given the statist character of world order. It discusses the response of International Relations (IR) to the same challenge, and indicates why from the perspective of human well being it, too, seems quite unacceptable. The final section argues that ‘the cure’ cannot be found within the present framework of world order, making the endeavors of both IL and IR subject to frustration, which grows particularly acute if the risks of large‐scale war or appeasement seem high.
Tunable diode laser measurements of absolute linestrengths in the HNO3 ν2 band near 5.8 μm

Abstract Absolute linestrengths of selected lines in the υ2 band of HNO3 have been measured using a tunable diode laser spectrometer operating in a sweep integration mode. The direct measurement technique has been employed to obtain line intensities at 296 K for 22 isolated lines in the 1720–1725 cm-1 region. The reported linestrengths have estimated uncertainties of 4%, a significant portion of this uncertainty arising from spectral interference from hot band transitions. From these linestrength measurements, an integrated band intensity of 1375 cm-2-atm-1 at 296 K is inferred.
On the antiphase structure in transition metal aluminides

Abstract Investigations of the cold worked structures of βAlNi and FeAl using diffraction methods show significant differences in the broadening of the superstructure reflections from the two intermetallics. These results indicate the relative ease with which an antiphase structure can develop in FeAl compared to βAlNi upon deformation.
Fractures of the proximal humerus.

Abstract Proximal humeral fractures are common, with low-energy injuries occurring in the elderly population and less frequent high-energy fractures striking young people. This article discusses the anatomy, clinical evaluation, and treatment of these fractures.
Roles of women’s higher education institutions in international contexts

Women’s colleges and universities persist around the world, even as the vast majority of tertiary institutions are open to men and women. In nearly every nation, women can attend even the most elite formerly all-male universities, and in several nations women are the majority of all college students. Questions therefore arise about the continued need for a single-sex sector in the 21st century. In this study I examined the contribution of these institutions to their national systems of education and society. I used a qualitative, comparative, multiple case study approach to understand 14 diverse women’s colleges and universities in nine nations on five continents. Five key roles emerged: access, campus climate, gender empowerment, leadership development, and cultural paradox. I make recommendations for research and practice.
Sociological theory in medical sociology in the early twenty-first century

This article examines current trends in theory in medical sociology and finds that the use of theory is flourishing. The central thesis is that the field has reached a mature state and is in the early stage of a paradigm shift away from a past focus on methodological individualism (in which the individual is the primary unit of analysis) toward a growing utilization of theories with a structural orientation This outcome is materially aided by research methods (for example, hierarchal linear modeling, biomarkers) providing measures of structural effects on the health of the individual that were often absent or underdeveloped in the past. Both quantitative and qualitative methods can be utilized in such research and qualitative studies based on symbolic interaction or social constructionism are not disqualified because of their methodologies and focus. Structure needs to be accounted for in any social endeavor and contemporary medical sociology appears to be doing precisely that as part of the next stage of its evolution.
Cubic TaN diffusion barrier for Cu interconnects using an ultra-thin TiN seed layer

Abstract Epitaxial metastable cubic TaN (B1-NaCl) thin films were grown on Si (001) substrates using an ultra-thin TiN (B1-NaCl) seed layer, as thin as ~ 1 nm. The TiN/TaN stacks were deposited by pulsed laser deposition and kept below 25 nm, with the TiN thickness systematically reduced from 15 nm to ~ 1 nm. Detailed microstructural studies including X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM, and, preliminary Cu diffusion experiments all suggest that, the TiN seed layer thickness (~ 1 nm–15 nm) has little or no obvious effects on the overall microstructure and the diffusion barrier properties of the TaN/TiN stacks.
When Do They Learn? A Study of Drug Awareness in Children in a Rural Elementary School.

The “awareness” of drugs among rural elementary school students was studied with a word-association test of drug slang and words with no drug connotations given to students randomly selected from each of the six grades. The first grades were conscious primarily of alcohol. The significant rise in drug-related responses came between the third and fourth grades, while the biggest shift to non-alcohol drug responses came between the fourth and fifth grades. The study suggests that rural students are not immune to the influence of the drug culture. Curriculum planners should determine when the local students develop an awareness of drugs.
Single source noise reduction of received HF audio: experimental study

This paper visits the application of single-source noise reduction on received audio over a HF channel. The noise reduction algorithm is typically used in vocoder noise processing at the transmitter before encoding. This study presents the results of the algorithm effects by objectively measuring audio quality through the use of industry standard PESQ analysis.
Continuous Backbone “Continuum” Robot Manipulators

This paper describes and discusses the history and state of the art of continuous backbone robot manipulators. Also known as continuum manipulators, these robots, which resemble biological trunks and tentacles, offer capabilities beyond the scope of traditional rigid-link manipulators. They are able to adapt their shape to navigate through complex environments and grasp a wide variety of payloads using their compliant backbones. In this paper, we review the current state of knowledge in the field, focusing particularly on kinematic and dynamic models for continuum robots. We discuss the relationships of these robots and their models to their counterparts in conventional rigid-link robots. Ongoing research and future developments in the field are discussed.
Teaching about Terrorism: Lessons Learned at SWOTT

This article discusses some of the challenges and lessons for teaching undergraduate-level courses related to terrorism. The author outlines some of the primary issues that instructors can expect to face, and provides strategies for dealing with several of these challenges. The goal is to relay useful information to those teaching, or planning to teach, courses on terrorism, with the larger hope of strengthening the community of ter- rorism scholars and possibly developing some best practices for teaching courses on terrorism.
When Patients Are Normal People: Strategies for Managing Dual Relationships.

A significant number of generalist physicians, particularly those in rural areas, often find themselves participating in the care of patients for whom the therapeutic relationship overlaps with another relationship (e.g., social or professional). Although psychiatrists and psychologists are typically advised to avoid such "dual relationships," no such prohibition exists for generalists. Little, if any, guidance exists to aid in the management of such dual relationships for the generalist who provides treatment for psychiatric conditions for his or her patients. The author, a generalist with experience in the treatment of mood disorders, describes potential challenges faced by the generalist who chooses to provide care for "dual relationship" patients and outlines strategies for successfully meeting these challenges.
Is there a sweet spot for Nrf2 activation in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease

Diabetes-associated chronic kidney disease (CKD) continues to be a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the U.S. and the world. Diabetic kidney disease is the most common reason that Americans are started on renal replacement therapy (1), and as the incidence of diabetes continues to increase, the health and economic consequences of nephropathy and other complications will rise in parallel (2). Unfortunately, there are no known treatments to reverse or arrest progression of diabetic kidney disease. Current treatment guidelines recently published by the National Kidney Foundation demonstrate the paucity of targeted therapies (3). The main recommendations include treatment of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, and use of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system if the patient has significant albuminuria. Thus, there is significant interest in identifying new therapeutic targets to prevent both development and progression of diabetic kidney disease. Oxidative stress and inflammation have been implicated as contributors to the progression of CKD from a variety of causes, including diabetes. Recently, a particularly active area of investigation has focused on modulation of the transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2−related factor 2). Nrf2 induces protective, so-called phase 2 antioxidant genes by interacting with cis -acting response elements in their respective promoters (4). This transcription factor is degraded by a ubiquitin ligase complex, which includes Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1). A series …
Thread-safety in an MPI implementation: Requirements and analysis

The MPI-2 Standard has carefully specified the interaction between MPI and user-created threads. The goal of this specification is to allow users to write multithreaded MPI programs while also allowing MPI implementations to deliver high performance. However, a simple reading of the thread-safety specification does not reveal what its implications are for an implementation and what implementers must be aware (and careful) of. In this paper, we describe and analyze what the MPI Standard says about thread-safety and what it implies for an implementation. We classify the MPI functions based on their thread-safety requirements and discuss several issues to consider when implementing thread-safety in MPI. We use the example of generating new context ids (required for creating new communicators) to demonstrate how a simple solution for the single-threaded case does not naturally extend to the multithreaded case and how a naive thread-safe algorithm can be expensive. We then present an algorithm for generating context ids that works efficiently in both single-threaded and multithreaded cases.
Renal Blood Flow and Renin Activity in Renal Venous Blood in Essential Hypertension

The intrarenal distribution of blood flow measured by the 133 xenon washout method and the renin activity of renal venous blood were determined in 16 patients with early essential hypertension. None of the patients had evidence of systemic disease except for the elevation in blood pressure (> 150/100 mm Hg). Fifteen of the subjects received a controlled sodium diet during 7 to 9 days before study, at the time of renal angiography. An inverse relationship was noted between the cortical component of the renal blood flow and renin activity of renal venous blood (r = 0.64, P P P P P
NKG2D ligands as therapeutic targets

The Natural Killer Group 2D (NKG2D) receptor plays an important role in protecting the host from infections and cancer. By recognizing ligands induced on infected or tumor cells, NKG2D modulates lymphocyte activation and promotes immunity to eliminate ligand-expressing cells. Because these ligands are not widely expressed on healthy adult tissue, NKG2D ligands may present a useful target for immunotherapeutic approaches in cancer. Novel therapies targeting NKG2D ligands for the treatment of cancer have shown preclinical success and are poised to enter into clinical trials. In this review, the NKG2D receptor and its ligands are discussed in the context of cancer, infection, and autoimmunity. In addition, therapies targeting NKG2D ligands in cancer are also reviewed.
Strabismic Amblyopia: When to Treat the Amblyopia, When to Operate

Introduction: Strabismic amblyopia is frequently encountered by pediatric ophthalmologists and orthoptists. An understanding of its onset and of the timing of treatment may lead to better long-term treatment results. Methods: A review was conducted of past and recent literature pertaining to strabismic amblyopia. Articles relevant to further understanding the onset, course, and management of strabismic amblyopia were included. Results: The timing of suggested surgical alignment and amblyopia treatment in the literature has shifted. In contrast to recommendations of the past, it is now more accepted to perform strabismus surgery as soon as possible, in conjunction with continuous amblyopia therapy. Both patients with moderate amblyopia associated with infantile esotropia and those with partially accommodative esotropia may benefit from a longer duration of amblyopia therapy preoperatively. Conclusions: Patients with strabismic amblyopia need to be followed closely pre- and postoperatively. Recent research has suggested that for most patients with strabismic amblyopia, therapy should begin at once, followed closely by surgery, and continued amblyopia therapy postoperatively if needed. Though parents may feel more relaxed about their child’s condition, good education by the orthoptist and pediatric ophthalmologist should help to encourage the parents to continue to work toward their child’s best visual outcome.
Extending the applicability of scalar replacement to multiple induction variables

Scalar replacement or register promotion uses scalar variables to save data that can be reused across loop iterations, leading to a reduction of the number of memory operations at the expense of a possibly large number of registers. In this paper we present a compiler data reuse analysis capable of uncovering and exploiting reuse opportunities for array references that exhibit Multiple-Induction-Variable (MIV) subscripts, beyond the reach of current data reuse analysis techniques. We present experimental results of the application of scalar replacement to a sample set of kernel codes targeting a programmable hardware computing device — a Field-Programmable-Gate-Array (FPGA). The results show that, for memory bound designs, scalar replacement alone leads to speedups that range between 2x to 6x at the expense of an increase in the FPGA design area in the range of 6x to 20x.
A reconfigurable approach to hardware implementation of neural networks

Hardware inefficiency of neural synapse multiplication has placed an upper limit on the neural network size that can be implemented on a single FPGA. In this paper, we make use of distributed arithmetic and internal lookup tables of FPGA structures to improve the efficiency of synapse multiplication. We propose a weight clustering optimization method to further reduce area requirements of the target hardware. Applying our proposed method to a sample neuron, we were able to reduce the hardware requirements of synapse multiplier by 30%. Our parameterized approach can be utilized for automation of neural network synthesis onto FPGA devices.
Mechanically Verifying a Family of Multiplier Circuits

A methodology for mechanically verifying a family of parameterized multiplier circuits, including many well-known multiplier circuits such as the linear array, the Wallace tree and the 7-3 multiplier is proposed. A top level specification for these multipliers is obtained by abstracting the commonality in their behavior. The behavioral correctness of any multiplier in the family can be mechanically verified by a uniform proof strategy. Proofs of properties are done by rewriting and induction using an automated theorem prover RRL (Rewrite Rule Laboratory). The behavioral correctness of the circuits is established with respect to addition and multiplication on numbers. The automated proofs involve minimal user intervention in terms of intermediate lemmas required. Generic hardware components are used to segregate the specification and the implementation aspects, enabling verification of circuits in terms of behavioral constraints that can be realized in different ways. The use of generic components aids reuse of proofs and helps modularize the correctness proofs, allowing verification to go hand in hand with the hardware design process in a hierarchical fashion.