cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sydney's Water Woes

Desalination plan and recycle/reuse options have the capability of delivering a solution to the Sydney's water supply problem. The Australian Competition Tribunal has hence permitted Services Sydney Pty Ltd. to mine sewage water to produce recycled water, which would help in solving the water problem to some extent.
The limitations of magnetic resonance angiography in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis: comparative analysis with conventional arteriography.

Purpose Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is commonly used as a screening modality for the detection of renal artery stenosis. However, evidence supporting its utility in clinical practice is lacking; few rigorous studies have compared MRA with contrast arteriography (CA). After making anecdotal clinical observations that MRA sometimes overestimated the degree of renal artery stenosis, we decided to determine the interobserver variability, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of MRA compared with CA. Methods From September 1999 to April 2003, we evaluated 68 renal arteries in 34 patients with clinically suspected renal artery stenosis using both MRA and CA. All studies were independently reviewed by four blinded observers. Renal arteries were categorized by MRA as normal, 50% stenosis/occlusion. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRA detection of renal artery stenosis were compared to CA as the gold standard. Interobserver variability (κ) was also calculated. Results MRA demonstrated 87% sensitivity, 69% specificity, 85% accuracy, 95% negative predictive value, and 51% positive predictive value for the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis. Interobserver agreement was moderate for MRA (κ = 0.53) and good for CA (κ = 0.76). In 21 arteries (31%), MRA was falsely positive. Conclusions In patients with a high clinical suspicion of renal artery stenosis, MRA is 87% sensitive in the detection of >50% stenosis. However, MRA is relatively nonspecific compared with CA and results in significant overestimation of renal artery stenosis in nearly one third of patients. To reduce unnecessary CA, clinicians should consider supplemental studies.
The prevalence of Hirschsprung disease in premature infants after suction rectal biopsy.

Background: The prevalence of Hirschsprung disease (HD) in the premature infant population is not well documented. However, delayed passage of stool is common in premature infants, and suction rectal biopsy (SRB) is often used to evaluate for HD in this population. The use of SRB is unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the role of SRB in premature infants with abnormal stooling patterns. Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective study was conducted on all infants having an SRB performed to exclude HD from January 2000 to December 2010. Infants were divided into two groups according to gestational age (premature < 37 wk; term � 37 wk). Demographics, diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes were collected. A subset analysis was performed on patients diagnosed with HD. Results: Two hundred sixty-nine infants were identified (113 premature and 156 term). Six premature infants (5.3%) and 79 term infants (50.6%) were found to have HD (P < 0.01). As expected, gestational age was significantly different between groups (31.7 versus 38.9 wk, P< 0.01) (Table 1). Premature infants were less likely to have prenatal care (35% versus 55%, P < 0.01) and had longer lengths of hospital stay (45.6 versus 17.6 d, P < 0.01). The most common locationofaganglionosiswasrectosigmoidinbothgroups(group1,50%;group2,33%,P ¼0.7). Conclusions: HD occurs significantly less often in premature infants than in term infants. Alternative diagnoses should be investigated in this population when delayed stooling patterns are encountered. SRB should be used more selectively in this group.
Life Prediction Based on Material State Changes in Ceramic Matrix Composite Materials

Monolithic ceramics and continuous fiber reinforced ceramic composites are being developed for use in high temperature applications such as combustor liners in gas turbines, thrust deflectors for jet engines, and thruster nozzles. Ceramic composite materials possess the high temperature resistance properties of ceramics, but have better creep and cyclic properties. However, the properties of these materials change somewhat with time at service temperatures, i.e., their material state changes as a function of service conditions and history. The authors have developed a methodology for representing and combining the effects of high temperature material state changes in CMCs, along with changes in applied stress / strain conditions during service, to estimate remaining strength and life of ceramic composite materials and components. Fatigue, creep rupture, and time dependent deformation are combined by a strength metric in integral form to create a time-resolved, point-wise estimate of current remaining strength and life in material elements. Application of this methodology in discrete element representations of mechanical behavior of structural elements with nonuniform stress / strain states has been implemented.
Instrument for the automatic measurement of the electrode admittance

Summary An instrument is described which will automatically plot the in-phase and quadrature components of the electrode admittance in the fashion of a polarogram. Correction for uncompensated series resistance is achieved by positive feedback, and synchronous rectification is used for signal detection. The limitations of the instrument are discussed, and illustrations of its applicability are given.
Shape change in the receptor for gliding motility in Plasmodium sporozoites

Sporozoite gliding motility and invasion of mosquito and vertebrate host cells in malaria is mediated by thrombospondin repeat anonymous protein (TRAP). Tandem von Willebrand factor A (VWA) and thrombospondin type I repeat (TSR) domains in TRAP connect through proline-rich stalk, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domains to the parasite actin-dependent motility apparatus. We crystallized fragments containing the VWA and TSR domains from Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum in different crystal lattices. TRAP VWA domains adopt closed and open conformations, and bind a Mg2+ ion at a metal ion–dependent adhesion site implicated in ligand binding. Metal ion coordination in the open state is identical to that seen in the open high-affinity state of integrin I domains. The closed VWA conformation associates with a disordered TSR domain. In contrast, the open VWA conformation crystallizes with an extensible β ribbon and ordered TSR domain. The extensible β ribbon is composed of disulfide-bonded segments N- and C-terminal to the VWA domain that are largely drawn out of the closed VWA domain in a 15 A movement to the open conformation. The extensible β ribbon and TSR domain overlap at a conserved interface. The VWA, extensible β ribbon, and TSR domains adopt a highly elongated overall orientation that would be stabilized by tensile force exerted across a ligand-receptor complex by the actin motility apparatus of the sporozoite. Our results provide insights into regulation of “stick-and-slip” parasite motility and for development of sporozoite subunit vaccines.
Connecting Work-Family Policies to Supportive Work Environments

This research provides a theory-driven approach to study the relationship between the availability of work—family policies and family-supportive organization perceptions (FSOPs) and supervisory sup...
The chemical ionization mass spectrometric analysis of phenylthiohydantoin and 2-anilino-5-thiazolinone amino acids obtained from the Edman degradation of proteins and peptides.

Abstract The development of accelerated automated methods for the sequence analysis of peptides and proteins has resulted in the need for an unambiguous and rapid method for identification of phenylthiohydantoin amino acids obtained from the Edman degradation. Chemical ionization mass spectrometry has been shown to be an extremely rapid, sensitive, and reliable method for the identification of all amino acid derivatives. Phenylthiohydantoin amino acids are identified by their protonated molecular ion or fragment ions which are characteristic of each amino acid derivative. This method can be used for identification of thiohydantoin as well as the thiazolinone derivatives of amino acids. Currently the chemical ionization method represents the fastest, easiest, and most versatile single method for identification of these amino acid derivatives. This method should facilitate the development of a totally automated system for the sequence analysis of peptides and proteins.
Benefits and Risks in Secondary Use of Digitized Clinical Data: Views of Community Members Living in a Predominantly Ethnic Minority Urban Neighborhood

Background: There is potential to increase the speed of scientific discovery and implement personalized health care by using digitized clinical data collected on the patient care experience. The use of these data in research raises concerns about the privacy and confidentiality of personal health information. This study explored community members’ views on the secondary use of digitized clinical data to (1) recruit participants for clinical studies; (2) recruit family members of persons with an index condition for primary studies; and (3) conduct studies of information related to stored biospecimens. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used to examine the bioethical issues outlined from the perspective of urban-dwelling community members. Focus groups were used for data collection, and emergent content analysis was employed to organize and interpret the data. Results: Thirty community members attended one of four focus groups ranging in size from 4 to 11 participants. Five critical themes emerge...
HREM and STEM of intergranular films at zinc oxide varistor grain boundaries

Grain boundaries in model ZnO–Bi2O3 and ZnO–Bi2O3–CoO varistors and a commercial multicomponent varistor have been characterized by high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), in order to determine the relationship between Bi grain boundary segregation and formation of thin intergranular films. By controlling Bi2O3 content, applied pressure and temperature, the grain boundary Bi excess has been systematically varied from nearly zero to ΓBi = 1 × 1015 cm−2 (≈ 1 monolayer), as measured by HB 603 STEM using an area-scan method. HREM shows that intergranular amorphous films are clearly distinguishable in samples with ΓBi > 8 × 1014 cm−2. These films range in thickness, depending on the Bi excess, from 0.6 to 1.5 nm. Similar films of ≈ 1 nm thickness are widely observed in the commercial varistor. The composition of the films is a ZnO–Bi2O3 solid solution, which is in all cases more enriched in ZnO than the bulk eutectic liquid. The Bi-doped grain boundaries in ZnO varistors therefore contain an intergranular amorphous film which has not only an equilibrium thickness, but also a distinct equilibrium composition.
Recent racial/ethnic disparities in stroke hospitalizations and outcomes for young adults in Florida, 2001-2006.

Background: Black-white disparities in stroke mortality are well documented, but few recent studies have examined racial/ethnic disparities in stroke hospitalizations among young ad
Long-Term Observations on the Southern Flank of Georges Bank. Part I: A Description of the Seasonal Cycle of Currents, Temperature, Stratification, and Wind Stress

Abstract Nearly continuous current measurements at 45 and 75 m were made from May 1975 to March 1979 at 40°51′N, 67°24′W on the southern flank of Georges Bank in water 85 m deep. Measurements at 15 and 84 m were made less often. The mean flow at 45 and 75 m was southwestward at approximately 8.5 and 3.7 em s−1, respectively. At 45 m the monthly along-bank flow ranged from 2 to 17 cm s−1, and the average seasonal change was approximately 6 cm s−1; strongest southwestward flow was in September and weakest flow was in March. Most of this seasonal change was driven by the seasonal change in the cross-bank density field. At 75 m there was no significant seasonal change in the monthly mean along-bank flow. In winter, only about 21 percent of the along-bank flow at 45 m can be explained by tidal rectification, the density field, and wind stress. In contrasts, in late summer almost all of the flow at 45 m can be explained by these three driving mechanisms. The monthly averaged cross-bank flow was very weak, confi...
Damping of ion-acoustic waves in the presence of electron-ion collisions

The properties of ion-acoustic waves in a plasma are investigated by analytically solving the electron Fokker-Planck (FP) and cold-ion fluid equations for arbitrary electron-ion ({ital e}-{ital i}) collision strength. This is achieved by developing a reduced form of the FP equation with a generalized collision frequency. It is demonstrated that the effective wave damping can be treated as a combination of collisional and collisionless mechanisms. Contrary to several previous reports, weak {ital e}-{ital i} collisions are shown to increase the damping rate above the collisionless electron Landau limit.
Period of the bifilar pendulum for large amplitudes

SynopsisThe primary object of the investigation is to derive a convergent series for the period of the bifilar pendulum corresponding to any feasible finite amplitude of vibration. The material is conveniently divided in three parts. In part (a) attention is called to the unsatisfactory state of the literature of the problem. Then a set of rigorous equations are given which lead to a hyperelliptic integral as the formula for the period.In part (b) this integral is expanded into two related series which depend upon a fundamental series the law of development of which is evident. It is shown that the second and third approximation terms of the two final series may be either independently or simultaneously positive, or zero, or negative. Numerical illustrations are then presented.In part (c) the domain of convergence of the series is discussed and shown to depend upon points lying between certain straight and parabolic lines in a Cartesian diagram.
Histology and ultrastructure of the tube foot epithelium in the phanerozonian starfish, Astropecten.

Abstract The pointed tube feet of the primitive phanerozonian starfish Astropecten were examined by both light and electron microscopy. The cuticle overlying the whole tube foot is composed, in part, of acidic mucopolysaccharides, and ultra structurally consists of two layers: an inner layer of loosely packed fibers and a more dense fibrous outer layer. The outer epithelium of the tube foot tip possesses at least four distinct structural cell types: ciliated cells, vacuolated cells, cells containing small, dense spherical granules (80-160 mμ ), and cells with long rows of dense oval secretory granules (500 x 800 mμ The larger secretory granules are composed of both neutral and acidic mucopolysaccharides and lack the complex substructure of similar secretory granules in the suckered tube feet of more advanced starfish. The possible functions of the cuticle and cell types as well as the relationship between the ultrastructure, chemical nature, and function of the large secretory granules are discussed.
Peritoneal fluid cytodifferential changes associated with the administration of cortisone

L'administration par voie s.c. a des souris femelles adultes, d'une dose quotidienne (de l'ordre de 0,025 a 5 mg) de cortisone en solution saline pendant 21 jours, fait diminue le nombre des lymphocytes et des cellules mesotheliales du liquide peritoneal. Il est possible que la cortisone inhibe la production de ces cellules. Ces donnees suggerent aussi une transformation des cellules mesotheliales en «daisy cells» a noyaux vides. L'irritation produite par les tres fortes doses de cortisone pourrait, en partie, expliquer l'elevation du nombre des leucocytes a noyaux polymorphes.
Piety, Power, and the Purse: Religious Economies Theory and Urban Reform in the Holy Roman Empire

The religious economies model has been influential in the sociology of religion. Yet, propositions drawn from the model have been difficult to test in the comparative and historical study of religion, generally for lack of appropriate data. We develop a general theory of religious disestablishment and apply it to the Reformation in 16th-century Europe to explain variation in the abolition of the Catholic monopoly. We suggest three principal factors—changes in demand, entry control mechanisms, and political incentives—that explain why incumbent religious firms may lose their monopoly. We then analyze the resulting hypotheses in a systematic analysis of cities in the Holy Roman Empire. Our analysis yields mixed support for demand-side factors and entry control mechanisms, and firm support for political incentives in the institution of reform.
ALL CHILDREN ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL: PRWORA'S UNCONSTITUTIONAL RESTRICTION ON IMMIGRANT CHILDREN'S ACCESS TO FEDERAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS

The lack of health insurance for children is a serious problem in the United States, especially for those children in families that earn too little to get private health insurance and too much to qualify for Medicare. Even within this subclass of children, immigrant children are particularly vulnerable to the problems faced by lack of health care. Nevertheless, with the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) by Congress, equality interests of low-income immigrant children are undermined when immigrant children are denied federal benefits for the first 5 years of residency in the United States. The first part of this Note examines the importance of child health care and the long-term problems with uninsured children, especially with uninsured immigrant children and pregnant women. The next part introduces Medicaid as well as State Children's Health Insurance Program, a supplemental federal program designed to increase health care coverage to all children, while contrasting these programs in light of the restrictive anti-immigrant PRWORA provisions. The third part explains the passage of PRWORA, its anti-immigrant provisions, and how these provisions prevent needy immigrant children from receiving federally funded health care. Then, the fourth part uses both the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment to argue the unconstitutionality of the anti-immigrant provisions. Finally, the last part lays out the recommendation to amend the Social Security Act so that the PRWORA barriers can be removed and recent immigrant children can receive federally funded health care.
The impact of body image and Afrocentric appearance on sexual refusal self-efficacy in early adolescent African American girls

Research examining the association between body image and sexual risk-taking has been mostly limited to clinical and/or White female samples. It is unclear whether body image plays a role in sexual risk-taking among African American early adolescent females. Moreover, research has neglected to consider body image within a cultural and ethnic framework. A positive sense of Afrocentric appearance may influence, either positively or negatively, sexual attitudes and behaviors among African American early adolescent girls. The purpose of this study, conducted with 156 urban African American early adolescent females, was to examine the relationships among body image, Afrocentric appearance, and sexual refusal self-efficacy. Results found no significant association between body image and sexual refusal self-efficacy. However, structural equation modeling found that a positive sense of Afrocentric appearance significantly predicted increased sexual refusal self-efficacy. Implications of this study in regard to cu...
Propagating phase boundaries: Formulation of the problem and existence via the Glimm method

This paper treats the hyperbolic-elliptic system of two conservation laws which describes the dynamics of an elastic material having a non-monotone strain-stress function. FollowingAbeyaratne &Knowles, we propose a notion of admissible weak solution for this system in the class of functions of bounded variation. The formulation includes an entropy inequality, a kinetic relation (imposed along any subsonic phase boundary) and an initiation criterion (for the appearance of new phase boundaries). We prove theL1-continuous dependence of the solution to the Riemann problem. Our main result yields the existence and the stability of propagating phase boundaries. The proofs are based onGlimm's scheme and in particular on the techniques ofGlimm andLax. In order to deal with the kinetic relation, we prove a result of pointwise convergence of the phase boundary.
Binding of p300/CBP co-activators by polyoma large T antigen.

Small DNA tumor viruses such as simian virus 40 (SV40) and polyomavirus (Py) take advantage of host cell proteins to transcribe and replicate their DNA. Interactions between the viral T antigens and host proteins result in cell transformation and tumor induction. Large T antigen of SV40 interacts with p53, pRb/p107/p130 family members, and the cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP)/p300. Py large T antigen is known to interact only with pRb and p300 among these proteins. Here we report that Py large T binds to CBP in vivo and in vitro. In co-transfection assays, Py large T inhibits the co-activation functions of CBP/p300 in CREB-mediated transactivation but not in NF-κB-mediated transactivation. p53 appears not to be involved in the functions of CREB-mediated transactivation and is not essential for large T:CBP interaction. Mutations introduced into a region of Py large T with homology to adenovirus E1A and SV40 large T prevent binding to the co-activators. These mutant large T antigens fail to inhibit CREB-mediated transactivation. The CBP/p300-binding Py mutants are able to transform established rat embryo fibroblasts but are restricted in their ability to induce tumors in the newborn mouse, indicating that interaction of large T with the co-activators may be essential for virus replication and spread in the intact host.
The enterotoxic effect of zonula occludens toxin on rabbit small intestine involves the paracellular pathway.

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Zonula occludens toxin is a novel toxin elaborated by Vibrio cholerae that modulates intestinal tight junctions. The aim of this study was to establish whether the permeabilizing effect of the toxin leads to intestinal secretion. METHODS: Rabbit intestine was mounted in Ussing chambers and exposed to increasing concentrations of purified toxin. The tissues were also fixed, exposed to zonula occludens toxin, and processed for fluorescence microscopy to determine the distribution of the toxin receptor within the intestine. Then purified toxin was simultaneously perfused in three distinct rabbit intestinal segments in vivo, and water and electrolyte absorption were measured. RESULTS: Zonula occludens toxin induced a time- and dose- dependent decrease of tissue resistance starting at a toxin concentration of 1.1 x 10(-13) mol/L. When tested in vivo, the toxin induced a secretion of water and chloride and the passage of polyethylene glycol 4000 in the bloodstream. Both the in vitro and in vivo effects of the toxin were observed only in the small intestine but not in the colon and paralleled the distribution of the toxin receptor within the intestine. CONCLUSIONS: The intestinal secretion induced by zonula occludens toxin follows the opening of tight junctions caused by the toxin, possibly representing a novel mechanism of intestinal secretion. (Gastroenterology 1997 Mar;112(3):839-46)
Evaluation of a commercial mammography image-enhancement system.

A commercial mammography image-enhancement system manufactured by Damon Corporation (Needham, MA) is evaluated. Using a dedicated computer, the system implements a real-time video local adaptive image processing algorithm based on the Wallis equation. Radiographs of a mammographic QA phantom (Nuclear Associates Model 76-001-4) containing five groups of simulated breast microcalcifications ranging in diameter from 0.12 to 0.35 mm were viewed by four investigators under three viewing conditions: on a light box with the unaided eye, on the image enhancer in magnified “bypass” (unenhanced) mode, and on the enhancer using all features for optimum enhancement. A mammogram was then overlaid on the radiographs, and the composite images were viewed under the same three conditions. Using the enhancer, as compared to using a light box alone, average increases of 1.4 and 1.1 microcalcifications per radiograph were observed for the phantom and phantom-with-mammogram radiographs, respectively. High-contrast resolution and spatial distortion were also measured.
Fast decoding for open vocabulary spoken term detection

Information retrieval and spoken-term detection from audio such as broadcast news, telephone conversations, conference calls, and meetings are of great interest to the academic, government, and business communities. Motivated by the requirement for high-quality indexes, this study explores the effect of using both word and sub-word information to find in-vocabulary and OOV query terms. It also explores the trade-off between search accuracy and the speed of audio transcription. We present a novel, vocabulary independent, hybrid LVCSR approach to audio indexing and search and show that using phonetic confusions derived from posterior probabilities estimated by a neural network in the retrieval of OOV queries can help in reducing misses. These methods are evaluated on data sets from the 2006 NIST STD task.
Comparative effectiveness of macrolides and quinolones for patients hospitalized with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses of randomized trials have found that antibiotics are effective in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), but there is insufficient evidence to guide antibiotic selection. Current guidelines offer conflicting recommendations. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of macrolides and quinolones for AECOPD DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using logistic regression, propensity score–matching, and grouped treatment models. SETTING: A total of 375 acute care hospitals throughout the United States. PATIENTS: Age ≥40 years and hospitalized for AECOPD. INTERVENTION: Macrolide or quinolone antibiotic begun in the first 2 hospital days. MEASUREMENTS: Treatment failure (defined as the initiation of mechanical ventilation after hospital day 2, inpatient mortality, or readmission for AECOPD within 30 days), length of stay, and hospital costs. RESULTS: Of the 19,608 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 6139 (31%) were treated initially with a macrolide and 13,469 (69%) with a quinolone. Compared to patients treated initially with a quinolone, those who received macrolides had a lower risk of treatment failure (6.8% vs. 8.1%; P < 0.01), a finding that was attenuated after multivariable adjustment (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78–1.01), and disappeared in a grouped-treatment analysis (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.75–1.35). There were no differences in adjusted length of stay (ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–1.00) or adjusted cost (ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99–1.02). After propensity score–matching, antibiotic-associated diarrhea was more common with quinolones (1.2% vs. 0.6%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Macrolide and quinolone antibiotics are associated with similar rates of treatment failure in AECOPD; however, macrolides are less frequently associated with diarrhea. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:267–267. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
A comparison of joint stability between anterior cruciate intact and deficient knees: A new canine model of anterior cruciate ligament disruption

Transection of the canine anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a well-established osteoarthritis (OA) model. This study evaluated a new method of canine ACL disruption as well as canine knee joint laxity and joint capsule (JC) contribution to joint stability at two time points (16 and 26 weeks) after ACL disruption (n=5/time interval). Ten crossbreed hounds were evaluated with force plate gait analysis and radiographs at intervals up to 34 weeks after monopolar radiofrequency energy (MRFE) treatment of one randomly selected ACL. Each contralateral ACL was sham treated. The MRFE treated ACLs ruptured approximately eight weeks (mean 52.5 days, SEM+/-1.0, range 48-56 days) after treatment. Gait analysis and radiographic changes were consistent with established canine ACL transection models of OA. Anterior-posterior (AP) translation and medial-lateral (ML) rotation were measured in each knee at 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees of flexion with and then without JC with loads of 40 N in AP translation and 4 Nm in ML rotation. A statistically significant interaction in AP translation included JC by cruciate (P=0.02), and there was a trend for a cruciate by time (P=0.07) interaction. Significant interactions in ML rotational testing included the presence of joint capsule (P=0.0001) and angle by cruciate (P=0.0012). This study describes a model in which canine ACLs predictably rupture approximately eight weeks after arthroscopic surgery and details the contribution of JC to canine knee stability in both ACL intact and deficient knees. The model presented here avoids the introduction of potential surgical variables at the time of ACL rupture and may contribute to studies of OA pathogenesis and inhibition. This model may also be useful for insight into the pathologic changes that occur in the knee as the ACL undergoes degeneration prior to rupture.
Energy in Northeast Asia: Resources for Conflict or Cooperation? An Introduction

Although Northeast Asia typically is seen as an arena for conflict over energy supplies, complementary economic relationships would seem to make the region ripe for energy cooperation: Russia possesses major oil and gas resources, while China, Japan, South and North Korea all depend on imported energy. The four papers in this issue raise a number of important and, at times, neglected issues about the prospects for energy cooperation in Northeast Asia. While focusing on specific projects for energy supply and conservation, the authors implicitly raise broader theoretical questions about the prospects for and consequences of regional energy cooperation.
Extracellular hydrophobic regions in scavenger receptor BI play a key role in mediating HDL-cholesterol transport

The binding of high density lipoprotein (HDL) to scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) is responsible for whole-body cholesterol disposal via reverse cholesterol transport. The extracellular domain of SR-BI is required for HDL binding and selective uptake of HDL-cholesterol. We identified six highly hydrophobic regions in this domain that may be important for receptor activity and performed site-directed mutagenesis to investigate the importance of these regions in SR-BI-mediated cholesterol transport. Non-conservative mutation of the regions encompassing V67, L140/L142, V164 or V221 reduced hydrophobicity and impaired the ability of SR-BI to bind HDL, mediate selective uptake of HDL-cholesterol, promote cholesterol efflux, and enlarge the cholesterol oxidase-sensitive pool of membrane free cholesterol. In contrast, conservative mutations at V67, V164 or V221 did not affect the hydrophobicity or these cholesterol transport activities. We conclude that the hydrophobicity of N-terminal extracellular regions of SR-BI is critical for cholesterol transport, possibly by mediating receptor-ligand and/or receptor-membrane interactions.
Interferon Regulates Expression of mda-6/WAF1/CIP1 and Cyclin-Dependent Kinases Independently from p53 in B16 Murine Melanoma Cells

Interferons (IFNs) induce growth arrest and terminal differentiation through regulation of proliferative genes in a variety of cell types including tumor cells. Growth of melanoma cells is believed to be controlled by the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, mda-6/WAF1/CIP1 gene. IFNs affect the expression of WAF1 in several cell types, including human melanomas. In our earlier reports we demonstrated the antitumor and anticellular activities of different IFN-types on B16 murine melanoma cells. The present study aimed to demonstrate the involvement of mda-6/WAF1 and related cyclin-dependent kinases in antitumor action of different IFN-types in B16 melanoma cells. IFN-alpha has been proven to be a potent inducer of mda-6/WAF1, also inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases, such as cdc2- and cdk2-kinase. This induction is p53-independent. However, IFN-gamma affects B16 cells differently, it induces p53 activity without inducing WAF1. The combination of IFN-alpha plus IFN-gamma is additive rather than synergistic. Our data demonstrate differential effects of different IFNs on murine B16 melanoma cells which may have relevance in nonsurgical treatment of melanomas.
Travel Report: Kosovo and Macedonia, April 9–20, 2012

The author, the Library of Congress librarian responsible for Albanian materials, describes a trip he and a fellow staff member made to Kosovo and Macedonia in April 2012. The trip was funded by the US Department of State, and the two gave lectures on library-related topics.
Magnesium blocks the loss of protein kinase C, leads to a transient translocation of PKCα and PKCε, and improves recovery after anoxia in rat hippocampal slices

Abstract Magnesium is a potent neuroprotective agent against damage to synaptic transmission during cerebral anoxia and reoxygenation. We investigated the mechanisms of anoxic transmission damage and magnesium neuroprotection by examining the response of PKC isoforms to an anoxic insult in the rat hippocampal slice model. A 2-min anoxic period, which resulted in almost complete recovery of synaptic function, did not result in PKC downregulation. In contrast, inducing long-term damage with 10-min anoxia resulted in the downregulation of the conventional PKCs βI, βII and γ immediately after the insult and after 1-h reoxygenation. There was additional loss of PKCα and PKCe after 1-h reoxygenation. Magnesium treatment improved the recovery of synaptic transmission, blocked the loss of PKC and resulted in a transient translocation of PKCα and PKCe to the membrane fraction. Selective downregulation of cPKCs and PKCe correlated with permanent damage to synaptic transmission while translocation of PKCα and PKCe correlated with preservation of synaptic function. The mechanisms of magnesium neuroprotection may include altering the PKC response to an anoxic insult.
Synthesis of carbon-11 labeled methylcarbamates from [11C]-methylchloroformate

[ 11 C]-Methylchloroformate, a novel [ 11 C]-acylating agent, was generated in situ from [ 11 C]-methanol and phosgene. To explore the utility of [ 11 C]-methylchloroformate, this agent was reacted with several amines to yield their corresponding [ 11 C] -labeled methylcarbamates. The average synthesis (including purification and formulation) required approximately 23 minutes from end of bombardment. The average specific activity was calculated to be approx. 607 mCi/μmole at end of synthesis with an average radiochemical yield of 6%, decay corrected to starting [ 11 C]-methanol. Preliminary results reveal that [ 11 C]-methylchloroformate is a useful general reagent for the preparation of [ 11 C]-methyl carbamates of both primary and secondary amines
On integration of Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equation.

Integration of Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equation using Euler equations and Legendre transform - classical example of wave fronts or parallel surfaces
Use of steroids to suppress vascular response to radiation

A quantitative measure of the vascular permeability surface area product (PS) for albumin has been made using a double isotope technique. PS was significantly elevated in irradiated rat lung, heart, skin, and muscle, between 19 and 26 days following 18 or 25 Gray thorax irradiation. Administration of dexamethasone from 2 days before irradiation through the day of measurement suppressed the expected increase in PS in lung, heart, and muscle, but not in skin. Shorter periods of steroid administration were not as effective in suppressing this response to radiation exposure. Increased vascular permeability following radiation may be an essential element in the development of radiation fibrosis. We hypothesize that the ability to suppress this response could result in a long term reduction in the incidence of fibrosis.
Refinement of the smallest commonly deleted segment of chromosome 20 in malignant myeloid diseases and development of a PAC-based physical and transcription map.

A deletion of the long arm of chromosome 20, del(20q), is a recurring abnormality in malignant myeloid diseases. In previous studies, we delineated a commonly deleted segment (CDS) of 5 Mb within band 20q12 flanked by D20S206 (proximal) and D20S481 (distal). We have generated a detailed physical map of P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) clones of this interval as well as a transcriptional map. The contig consists of 81 clones to which 152 markers (27 genes, 45 unique expressed sequence tags (ESTs) or UniGenes, 24 polymorphisms, and 56 sequence-tagged sites) have been mapped. Using PAC clones for fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of myeloid leukemia cells with reciprocal translocations of 20q, or unbalanced rearrangements leading to loss of 20q, we have narrowed the CDS to an ∼250-kb interval encompassing two overlapping PACs, P201E16 and P29M7 (between EST AA368224 and D20S481). This interval is gene-rich and contains 5 characterized genes, 4 UniGenes, and 9 single ESTs. The development of a transcriptional map and the identification of the smallest CDS will facilitate the molecular cloning of a myeloid leukemia suppressor gene on 20q.
Is India Part of Asia

In casting Asia as Europe's ‘Other’, it is often assumed that European spatial imaginaries are unproblematically assimilated by the peoples of Asia themselves. In this paper I challenge this assumption by charting the changing characterization of India, from being virtually synonymous with Asia for centuries to being virtually excluded from the reigning conceptions of Asia. I provide a thumbnail sketch of the spatial imaginaries of some of the peoples inhabiting the cartographic quadrant labeled ‘Asia‘. Against this background, I examine how these imaginaries were subverted by the incorporation of Asia within the capitalist world system. I then chart the impact of modernization theories on the newly independent states of the region. I argue that as several major centers of capital accumulation emerged in Asia, and capitalism ceased to be a Euro-American narrative, a new conception of Asia emerged in the 1980s. If India's lack of industrial development marginalized it from these imaginaries, it is suggeste...
Effect of Architecture on the Strength of Braided Tubes Under Biaxial Tension and Compression

Braided preforms of carbon fiber are under consideration for structural applications because of the potential for automated fabrication and possible improvement in through-the-thickness properties, although some loss of in-plane properties is expected. In the present investigation, the biaxial compressive strength properties of triaxial braided cylinders are measured experimentally, and the effects of four different sets of braid architectures are considered. The results show that fiber direction strain can correlate the results of biaxial tensile and compression failure tests. The braid parameters are found to have an effect on measured strengths, primarily through the introduction of defects into the fiber paths. The axial compression strength was found to be sensitive to waviness in the fiber path that was produced by uneven braiding coverage. Braid direction compression and tension strength is significantly lower than axial strength, and is also affected by braid parameters.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsillar area treated with radical irradiation

Summary This is an analysis of 136 patients treated with radiation therapy alone (104) or in conjunction with plannedneck dissection (32) for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsillar area between October 1964 and August 1983. All patients have a 2-year follow-up and 94 (69%) have a minimum 5-year follow-up. Patients were excluded from analysis of disease control at the primary site and/or neck if they died within 2 years of treatment with that site continuously disease-free. All patients were treated with continuous-course irradiation; those treated with the planned split-course technique are, not included. Once-a-day fractionation was used in 105 patients and twice-a-day fractionation in 31 patients. External beam alone was used in 93 patients, and external beam followed by a radium needle implant boost to the primary site was employed in 43 patients. Rates of initial local control with irradiation and ultimate local control after surgical salvage of irradiation failures are as follows: T1, 10/12 (83%) and 12/12; T2, 36/46 (78%) and 41/46 (89%); T3, 28/39 (72%) and 28/39 (72%); T4, 5/16 (31%) and 5/16 (31%). Local control data are also presented as a function of tumor site within the tonsillar area, total dose, dose per fraction, and external beam alone versus external beam plus radium needle implant. The 5-year determinate survival rates by modified AJCC stage are as follows: I, 3/3; II, 13/14; III, 14/17; IVA, 6/14; and IVB, 4/19.
Infrared holography using the thermochromic material Cu 2 HgI 4

Thermochromic materials can be used to record infrared holograms at 10.6 microm as has been demonstrated by others. The objective here was to determine quantitatively the capability of holographic recording techniques that utilize thermochromics. Particular emphasis is placed on cuprous mercuric iodide, but the procedure developed is valid for other thermochromic materials. The thermochromic Cu(2)HgI(4) mixed with a suitable binder and coated onto a temperature controlled substrate was used to record holograms at a wavelength of 10.6 microm. Thermal diffusivity and conductivity of the recording material (Cu(2)HgI(4) + binder) were measured and used to analyze the thermal behavior of the detector. Theory shows that a resolution of 50 l/mm can be attained. Experiments were conducted to demonstrate the theoretical predictions. Holograms were recorded and reconstructed at the wavelength of 10.6 microm.
Static and Dynamic Variable Voltage Scheduling Algorithms for Real-Time Heterogeneous Distributed Embedded Systems

This paper addresses the problem of static and dynamic variable voltage scheduling of multi-rate periodic task graphs (i.e., tasks with precedence relationships) and aperiodic tasks in heterogeneous distributed real-time embedded systems. Such an embedded system may contain general-purpose processors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Variable voltage scheduling is performed only on general-purpose processors. The static scheduling algorithm constructs a variable voltage schedule via heuristics based on critical path analysis and task execution order refinement. The algorithm redistributes the slack in the initial schedule and refines task execution order in an efficient manner. The variable voltage schedule guarantees all the hard deadlines and precedence relationships of periodic tasks. The dynamic scheduling algorithm is also based on an initially valid static schedule. The objective of the on-line scheduling algorithm is to provide best-effort service to soft aperiodic tasks, as well as to reduce the system power consumption by determining clock frequencies (and correspondingly supply voltages) for different tasks at run-time, while still guaranteeing the deadlines and precedence relationships of hard real-time periodic tasks.
StomaphyX vs a Sham Procedure for Revisional Surgery to Reduce Regained Weight in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Patients : A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Revisional laparoscopic surgery after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been linked to substantial complications and morbidity. Objective To investigate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic gastric plication with the StomaphyX device vs a sham procedure for revisional surgery in RYGB patients to reduce regained weight. Design, Setting, and Participants A prospective, single-center, randomized, single-blinded study from July 2009 through February 2011, evaluating revisional surgery using StomaphyX was conducted in patients with initial weight loss after RYGB performed at least 2 years earlier. We planned for 120 patients to be randomized 2:1 to multiple full-thickness plications within the gastric pouch and stoma using the StomaphyX device with SerosFuse fasteners or a sham endoscopic procedure and followed up for 1 year. The primary efficacy end point was reduction in pre-RYGB excess weight by 15% or more excess body mass index (BMI) (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) loss and BMI less than 35 at 12 months after the procedure. Adverse events were recorded. Results Enrollment was closed prematurely because preliminary results indicated failure to achieve the primary efficacy end point in at least 50% of StomaphyX-treated patients. One-year follow-up was completed by 45 patients treated with StomaphyX and 29 patients in the sham treatment group. Primary efficacy outcome was achieved by 22.2% (10) with StomaphyX vs 3.4% (1) with the sham procedure ( P P ≤ .05). There was one causally related adverse event with StomaphyX, that required laparoscopic exploration and repair. Conclusions and Relevance StomaphyX treatment failed to achieve the primary efficacy target and resulted in early termination of the study. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00939055
Analytic solutions for LLCC parallel resonant converter simplify use of twoand three-element converters

A practical method for steady-state design of parallel resonant DC/DC power converters is presented. The method uses a set of prederived equations from a two-inductor two-capacitor series-parallel resonant converter (LLCC-SPRC). Although four-tank elements are present in an LLCC-SPRC, only two ratios of the tank elements are needed during design. The values of the four-tank elements can be found from the design results. In addition to designing an LLCC-SPRC, the prederived equations can also be used to design and analyze the conventional one-inductor two-capacitor (LCC)-type SPRCs (LCC-SPRCs), two-inductor one-capacitor (LLC)-type PRCs (LLC-PRCs) and inductor-capacitor (LC)-type PRCs (LC-PRCs). In other words, the four converters can be designed by the same equations. A design procedure along with design examples is given. Experimental circuits are implemented and measured based on the design results to verify the validity of the derived equations and the design procedure.
Twenty Years of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act—How Should Dietary Supplements Be Regulated?

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 defines the FDA's statutory authority to regulate dietary supplement products in the United States. The dietary supplement industry has rapidly expanded since 1994, presenting an obvious need for "DSHEA 2.0." Current regulations surrounding dietary supplements have been increasingly and reasonably scrutinized, given their widespread use by over one-half of the US population as well as highly publicized safety concerns over the past 20 y. As the market continues to expand and evolve, so too must the laws that protect consumers from potential harm and misleading communication. This article is meant to begin a scientific dialogue on how regulations may be improved to provide both ease of access and safer products to the consumer by focusing on 4 topics: premarket approval, label claims, current Good Manufacturing Practices, and adverse event reporting.