cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of Neutrophil NADPH Oxidase in the Mechanism of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-induced NF-κB Activation and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression in Endothelial Cells

In this study, we explored a novel function of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) NAD(P)H oxidase in the mechanism of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha)-induced NF-kappaB activation and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in endothelial cells. Studies were made in mice lacking the p47(phox) subunit of NAD(P)H oxidase as well as in cultured mouse lung vascular endothelial cells (MLVEC) from these mice. In response to TNFalpha challenge, NF-kappaB activation and ICAM-1 expression were significantly attenuated in lungs of p47(phox)(-/-) mice as compared with wild-type (WT) mice. The attenuated NF-kappaB activation in p47(phox)(-/-) mice was secondary to inhibition of NIK activity and subsequent IkappaBalpha degradation. Induction of neutropenia using anti-PMN serum prevented the initial TNFalpha-induced NF-kappaB activation and ICAM-1 expression in WT mice, indicating the involvement of PMN NAD(P)H oxidase in signaling these responses. Moreover, the responses were restored upon repletion with PMN obtained from WT mice but not with PMN from p47(phox)(-/-) mice. These findings were recapitulated in MLVEC co-cultured with PMN, suggesting that NF-kappaB activation and resultant ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells occurred secondary to oxidants generated by the PMN NAD(P)H oxidase complex. The functional relevance of the PMN NAD(P)H oxidase in mediating TNFalpha-induced ICAM-1-dependent endothelial adhesivity was evident by markedly reduced adhesion of p47(phox)(-/-) PMN in co-culture experiments. Thus, oxidant signaling by the PMN NAD(P)H oxidase complex is an important determinant of TNFalpha-induced NF-kappaB activation and ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells.
A linguist looks at "A linguist looks at 'schizophrenic language'".

This note presents evidence in opposition to the position proposed by Chaika that schizophrenic speech can be characterized by six definable features. It is shown that, except for the disruption of the sequencing of ideas in discourse which can be attributed to nonlinguistic factors, all the features are prevalent in normal speech as exemplified by speech errors and “slips of the tongue.”
Evaluation of the anisotropic Green's function in three dimensional elasticity

A perturbation expansion technique for approximating the three dimensional anisotropic elastic Green's function is presented. The method employs the usual series for the matrix (I−A)-1 to obtain an expansion in which the zeroth order term is an isotropic fundamental solution. The higher order contributions are expressed as contour integrals of matrix products, and can be directly evaluated with a symbolic manipulation program. A convergence condition is established for cubic crystals, and it is shown that convergence is enhanced by employing Voigt averaged isotropic constants to define the expansion point. Example calculations demonstrate that, for moderately anisotropic materials, employing the first few terms in the series provides an accurate solution and a fast computational algorithm. However, for strongly anisotropic solids, this approach will most likely not be competitive with the Wilson-Cruse interpolation algorithm.
The intrauterine device: a good thing revisited.

Over the past decade intrauterine device (IUD) use by women in the United States has increased suggesting an improving comfort level by physicians and patients in choosing this method of long-acting reversible contraception. A better understanding of the reasons behind early discontinuation the development of new therapeutic uses and a better appreciated of the low risk of adverse outcomes associated with the IUD has spurred interest in this option for contraceptive and therapeutic intervention. In this article investigations addressing all three issues regarding the modern use of the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD system are discussed.
Colloid Retention in Porous Media: Mechanistic Confirmation of Wedging and Retention in Zones of Flow Stagnation

A three-dimensional particle tracking model for colloid transport in porous media was developed that predicts colloid retention in porous media in the presence of an energy barrier via two mechanisms: (1) wedging of colloids within grain to grain contacts; (2) retention of colloids (without attachment) in flow stagnation zones. The model integrates forces experienced by colloids during transport in porous media, i.e., fluid drag, gravity, diffusion, and colloid-surface Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek interactions. The model was implemented for a fluid flow field that explicitly represented grain to grain contacts. The model utilized a variable time stepping routine to allow finer time steps in zones of rapid change in fluid velocity and colloid-surface interaction forces. Wedging was favored by colloid: collector ratios greater than about 0.005, with this threshold ratio increasing with decreasing fluid velocity. Retention in flow stagnation zones was demonstrated for colloid: collector ratios less than about 0.005, with this threshold decreasing with increasing fluid velocity. Both wedging and retention in flow stagnation zones were sensitive to colloid-surface interaction forces (energy barrier height and secondary energy minimum depth). The model provides a mechanistic basis for colloid retention in the presence of an energy barrier via processes that were recently hypothesized to explain experimental observations.
Alteration of the T-cell receptor repertoire in A.CA mice expressing an Ead transgene.

In an effort to generate an A.CA mouse expressing Ed, the Ead gene has been introduced into A. CA mice which lack the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II E molecule. Flow cytometric analysis shows cell surface expression of the Eα chain on lymphocytes and macrophages in the transgenic mice. Analysis of T-cell receptor (Tcr) genes deleted in some E-expressing mouse strains demonstrates that T cells expressingTcrb-VS are partially deleted in these transgenic mice while those expressingTcrb-V8 andTcrb-11 are not. In addition, the expressed Eαd chain can promote Mycoplasma arthriditis mitogen (MAM)-induced T-cell proliferation. The expression of the Ea chain, presumably as an AsfEαd heterodimer, can alter the peripheral T-cell repertoire and T-cell reactivity to a microbial superantigen.
Role of the EHD2 Unstructured Loop in Dimerization, Protein Binding and Subcellular Localization

The C-terminal Eps 15 Homology Domain proteins (EHD1-4) play important roles in regulating endocytic trafficking. EHD2 is the only family member whose crystal structure has been solved, and it contains an unstructured loop consisting of two proline-phenylalanine (PF) motifs: KPFRKLNPF. In contrast, despite EHD2 having nearly 70% amino acid identity with its paralogs, EHD1, EHD3 and EHD4, the latter proteins contain a single KPF or RPF motif, but no NPF motif. In this study, we sought to define the precise role of each PF motif in EHD2’s homo-dimerization, binding with the protein partners, and subcellular localization. To test the role of the NPF motif, we generated an EHD2 NPF-to-NAF mutant to mimic the homologous sequences of EHD1 and EHD3. We demonstrated that this mutant lost both its ability to dimerize and bind to Syndapin2. However, it continued to localize primarily to the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane. On the other hand, EHD2 NPF-to-APA mutants displayed normal dimerization and Syndapin2 binding, but exhibited markedly increased nuclear localization and reduced association with the plasma membrane. We then hypothesized that the single PF motif of EHD1 (that aligns with the KPF of EHD2) might be responsible for both binding and localization functions of EHD1. Indeed, the EHD1 RPF motif was required for dimerization, interaction with MICAL-L1 and Syndapin2, as well as localization to tubular recycling endosomes. Moreover, recycling assays demonstrated that EHD1 RPF-to-APA was incapable of supporting normal receptor recycling. Overall, our data suggest that the EHD2 NPF phenylalanine residue is crucial for EHD2 localization to the plasma membrane, whereas the proline residue is essential for EHD2 dimerization and binding. These studies support the recently proposed model in which the EHD2 N-terminal region may regulate the availability of the unstructured loop for interactions with neighboring EHD2 dimers, thus promoting oligomerization.
Energy coupling in Hydrogenomonas eutropha.

1. Cell-free extracts from autotrophically grown Hydrogenomonas eutropha catalyzed oxidative phosphorylation yielding PO ratios of approx. 2.0 with H2 or NADH, 1.0 with succinate and 0.6 with ascorbate as the electron donors. 2. The phosphorylation coupled to the oxidation of H2 or NADH was inhibited by the flavoprotein inhibitors such as rotenone, amytal and atabrine; these inhibitors had little effect on the phosphorylation coupled to succinate oxidation. 3. With H2, NADH and succinate as electron donors, a marked inhibition of phosphorylation was caused by antimycin A or 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (HQNO). The phosphorylation coupled to ascorbate oxidation, however, was not affected by either the flavoprotein inhibitors or by antimycin A and HQNO. Although cyanide or azide had little or no effect on the oxidation of ascorbate, the coupled phosphorylation was strongly inhibited. 4. The oxidative phosphorylation with H2, NADH, succinate and ascorbate as electron donors was inhibited by various uncouplers such as 2,4-dinitrophenol, 2,6-dibromophenol, pentachlorophenol, m-chlorocarbonylcyanide phenylhydrazone (CCCP) and dicumarol without any appreciable inhibition of the O2 consumption. 5. The cell-free extracts also catalyzed a succinate- or ascorbate-linked ATP-dependent reversal of electron transfer from ferrocytochrome c to NAD+ and this process was inhibited by the flavoprotein inhibitors, antimycin A or HQNO and 2,3-dimercaptopropanol. The reverse electron flow was markedly sensitive to oligomycin as well as to various uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation.
Laminaria tent for cervical dilatation prior to intracavitary radium

Laminaria tents were used in 18 patients a total of 23 times to dilate the cervix prior to insertion of intracavitary radium. In two instances the patient became febrile and the laminaria was removed. In 21 instances the radium placement was successful. The laminaria tent has proved to be a satisfactory and simple method for dilating the cervix in selected patients.
Juvenile-onset loss of lipid-raft domains in attractin-deficient mice.

Mutations at the attractin (Atrn) locus in mice result in altered pigmentation on an agouti background, higher basal metabolic rate and juvenile-onset hypomyelination leading to neurodegeneration, while studies on human immune cells indicate a chemotaxis regulatory function. The underlying biochemical defect remains elusive. In this report we identify a role for attractin in plasma membrane maintenance. In attractin's absence there is a decline in plasma membrane glycolipid-enriched rafts from normal levels at 8 weeks to a complete absence by 24 weeks. The structural integrity of lipid rafts depends upon cholesterol and sphingomyelin, and can be identified by partitioning within of ganglioside GM{sub 1}. Despite a significant fall in cellular cholesterol with maturity, and a lesser fall in both membrane and total cellular GM{sub 1}, these parameters lag behind raft loss, and are normal when hypomyelination/neurodegeneration has already begun thus supporting consequence rather than cause. These findings can be recapitulated in Atrn-deficient cell lines propagated in vitro. Further, signal transduction through complex membrane receptor assemblies is not grossly disturbed despite the complete absence of lipid rafts. We find these results compatible with a role for attractin in plasma membrane maintenance and consistent with the proposal that the juvenile-onset hypomyelination and neurodegenerationmore » represent a defect in attractin-mediated raft-dependent myelin biogenesis.« less
Orientational Order of the Water Molecules Across a Fully Hydrated DMPC Bilayer: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study

The orientational order of water molecules located in different regions of a fully hydrated dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) membrane is analyzed and compared to that in pure water on the basis of an all-atom Monte Carlo simulation. The preferential orientation of the water molecules relative to the membrane as well as the relative orientation and hydrogen-bonding structure of neighboring molecules is discussed in detail. Due to the distribution of the charged groups of the lipid molecules, the water molecules in the interfacial region of the membrane are turning preferentially toward the membrane interior with their dipole moments, whereas in the hydrocarbon region the water dipoles are pointing toward the aqueous phase. The density of the water molecules in the hydrocarbon phase is found to be rather inhomogeneous; the few water molecules in this region are grouping together and form small hydrogen-bonded clusters. The long, mostly parallel lipid tails are forcing these water molecules to be aligne...
Faith, Hope, and Caritas in the Land of the Pyramids: Romania, 1990 to 1994

L'A. publie les resultats de ses recherches sur les activites du mouvement Caritas en Roumanie entre 1990 et 1994. Il le decrit comme une societe pyramidale implantee sur le modele de la franc-Maconnerie. Il s'interroge sur son caractere secret et cache, chiffre ses effectifs et questionne ses motivations. Il decrit la perception que le peuple roumain a de ce mouvement. Il evoque la nature du lien que l'organisation entretient avec l'argent. Il aborde la question de l'ordre moral dans ce contexte. Les rapport de Caritas avec la politique et le christianisme sont aussi explicitement abordes
Pterosaur From the Latest Cretaceous of West Texas: Discovery of the Largest Flying Creature

Three partial skeletons of a large pterosaur have been found in the latest Cretaceous nonmarine rock of West Texas. This flying reptile had thin, elongate, perhaps toothless jaws and a long neck similar to Pterodaustro and Pterodactylus. With an estimated wingspan of 15.5 meters, it is undoutbtedly the largest flying creature presently known.
Investigation of inanimate objects by the greater bushbaby (Otolemur garnettii)

Investigatory behavior with novel, inanimate objects by two groups of four juvenile greater bushbabies (Otolemur garnettii) was examined in the laboratory. Substantial investigatory behavior was shown by all subjects. In the first study, subjects showed interest in a wide variety of nonfood stimulus objects. In the second, subjects displayed sustained interest in and investigation of non-food stimulus objects over three sessions. Bushbabies showed preferences for larger, more manipulable objects and variations in total contact over days. Individual differences were observed in the duration and types of contact with objects. These observations contradict earlier reports that prosimians show little interest in inanimate, non-food objects.
An Evaluation of a Prototype Jobs Program Using an Event History Analysis of AFDC Cases

In January 1987, Kenosha County, Wisconsin implemented its work experience and job training program, a prototype job opportunities and basic skills training (JOBS) program. Kenosha's program requires participation, has broad coverage, and is relatively expensive. This article reports findings on the impacts the program has on aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) spells. The evaluation used administrative welfare data and an event history analysis. Findings suggest that Kenosha's program has no affect on AFDC-Basic spell lengths, has a positive impact on AFDC-Basic cases headed by never-married black teenagers, and has a negative impact on A FDC-Unemployed Parent cases.
Coparental and family group-level dynamics during infancy: Early family precursors of child and family functioning during preschool

This study examines longitudinal correlates of coparental and family group-level dynamics during infancy. Thirty-seven couples observed at play with their 8-11-month-old infants (15 boys, 22 girls) rated their child's internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and their own coparenting behavior 3 years later. Teachers also rated child behavior at the 3-year follow-up. Several significant relationships emerged between observed family process (high hostility-competitiveness, low family harmony, and high parenting discrepancies in the triad) at Time 1, and subsequent reports of child and coparenting behavior at Time 2. Larger parenting discrepancies at Time 1 predicted greater child anxiety as rated by teachers; greater hostility-competitiveness and lower harmony forecast higher child aggression. Time 1 family process continued to predict Time 2 aggression even after controlling for individual and marital functioning. Several links were also found between distressed family process and later parental reports of negative coparenting behavior. These parental reports of coparenting also explained unique variance in concurrent child behavior ratings. The significance of coparenting as a distinct family construct is discussed.
Effect of speaking style and speaking rate on formant contours

This paper presents the results of formant analysis using a newly developed formant contour model. We model formant contours with a linear combination of formant target values and coarticulation functions for /wVl/ and /tVl/ words. While formant target values are estimated globally over different speaking styles, coarticulation coefficients are estimated for individual tokens. The results show that the estimated coarticulation coefficients are inherently different between clear (CLR) and conversational (CNV) speech and that the movement of articulators when producing CLR speech is faster than when producing CNV speech. On the other hand, speaking rate is not a key determinant in movement of articulators at vowel onsets. The direct measure of F2 slope is strongly correlated with estimated coarticulation coefficients, which may lead to less parameters to estimate.
A SIMPLE MODEL FOR ROUTE GUIDANCE BENEFITS

Abstract This paper concerns the benefits from vehicle route guidance in urban networks. We suppose that routes can be altered in such a way as to achieve system optimal assignment. Benefits are measured by the savings in total travel time when comparing this assignment with the user equilibrium, which is assumed to occur in the absence of route guidance. A continuum approach is used to analyze an idealized corridor in which a freeway is superimposed over a dense grid of surface streets. The main role of route guidance is to divert traffic from the freeway whenever its marginal cost exceeds that of the street system. It is found that saving in total system travel time of the order of 3–4% can be achieved from route guidance. Benefits are quite sensitive to city street speed. At low speed more users would choose the freeway resulting in congestion, and the potential benefits of route guidance are relatively high. However, as street speed increases and approaches that of the freeway, route guidance would be of less value as more of the motorists would be choosing the city street on their own. Benefits can be enhanced if information is customized to motorists on the basis of their origins and destinations. Finally, it is shown that benefits are reduced when the freeway network is dense. This paper does not consider important aspects of the evaluation of route guidance, such as the equity issue stemming from increasing some trip times in order to achieve system optimum, or the local impact of diverted traffic.
Signaling stimulus presentation during treatment with noncontingent reinforcement: Visual versus vocal signals

The independent effects of two signals implemented during treatment with noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) were examined. First, functional analyses showed that problem behavior exhibited by two individuals with developmental disabilities was sensitive to social positive reinforcement. A reversal design was then used to compare the effectiveness of a timer (NCR-visual) to a vocal statement (NCR-vocal) indicating when the stimulus would be returned in the context of a NCR procedure. Results showed that NCR reduced problem behavior for both participants. In addition, for one participant, the NCR-visual condition reduced problem behavior to a greater degree than the NCR-vocal condition. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Globally accelerated reconstruction algorithm for diffusion tomography with continuous-wave source in an arbitrary convex shape domain

A new numerical imaging algorithm is presented for reconstruction of optical absorption coefficients from near-infrared light data with a continuous-wave source. As a continuation of our earlier efforts in developing a series of methods called "globally convergent reconstruction methods" [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A23, 2388 (2006)], this numerical algorithm solves the inverse problem through solution of a boundary-value problem for a Volterra-type integral partial differential equation. We deal here with the particular issues in solving the inverse problems in an arbitrary convex shape domain. It is demonstrated in numerical studies that this reconstruction technique is highly efficient and stable with respect to the complex distribution of actual unknown absorption coefficients. The method is particularly useful for reconstruction from a large data set obtained from a tissue or organ of particular shape, such as the prostate. Numerical reconstructions of a simulated prostate-shaped phantom with three different settings of absorption-inclusions are presented.
20.2 A variable-conversion-ratio 3-phase resonant switched capacitor converter with 85% efficiency at 0.91W/mm 2 using 1.1nH PCB-trace inductors

Switched-capacitor (SC) converters have shown significant promise for monolithic integration in a variety of mobile computing applications due to the relatively high energy-densities of modern capacitor technologies and the emergence of deep-trench technology [1-4]. Compared to more traditional buck and boost topologies, the SC approach provides better utilization of active and passive components, and is especially favorable when using submicron or deep-submicron CMOS technology because low-voltage devices can be configured in cascaded or hierarchical structures to interface across wide conversion ratios [5].
Crystal and molecular structure of cyclo(L-prolyl-glycyl)3. A cyclic hexapeptide with a cis peptide bond.

The crystal structure of cyclo(L-Pro-Gly)3 was solved using X-ray crystallographic techniques. The backbone of the peptide is asymmetric and is made up of five trans peptide units and one cis peptide. There is a hydrogen bonded water bridge that links the carbonyl oxygens, O1 and O4. The molecules exist as dimers in the crystal lattice. The two molecules of the dimer are related by crystallographic twofold symmetry and are linked by two N-H ... O hydrogen bonds. The crystals are trigonal, space group P3(2)12 with a = 11.379(3), c = 32.93(1) and z = 6. The structure was solved by multisolution methods and refined by least squares technique to an R of 0.083.
Effects of Internal Nozzle Geometry on Compression-Ramp Mixing in Supersonic Flow

An experimental study based onow visualization has been conducted in a constant-area duct ® tted with a swept-ramp fuel injector to explore mixing enhancement techniques for supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet) engines.ThemainowwasairatMach2,andthehydrogenfuelwassimulatedbyhelium injectedatMach 1.70 and by air injected at Mach 1.63. Mie scattering from ethanol-seeded helium or air was used to visualize the simulated fuelow injected into the main airstream. Six injector nozzle inserts for preconditioning the simulated fuel jet were tested to explore its interaction with the vorticalow produced by the ramp. The six nozzle inserts were as follows: circular nozzle (baseline), nozzle with three downstream facing steps in the divergent section, nozzle with four vortex generators, elliptical nozzle, tapered-throat nozzle, and trapezoidal nozzle. Mixing characteristics of the different inserts were inferred from image analysis. The results indicate that the mixing process is dominated by the ramp-generated vorticity, the injectors' inner geometry having a secondary effect. It also was found that the simulated fuel± air mixing in the far ® eld is nearly independent of the injector geometry, molecular weight of the injected gas, and the initial convective Mach number.
Mechanism of apparent transcription inhibition by methyl mercury in cerebellar neurons

We have investigated the mechanism of inhibition of RNA synthesis by methyl mercury (MeHg) in isolated neonatal rat cerebellar cells. Each of the three component steps involved in the incorporation of exogenous [3H]uridine into cellular RNA was examined separately in whole-cell and/or subcellular preparations. Nuclear RNA polymerase activity was measured in preparations containing both free nuclei and whole cells. Incorporation of [3H]UTP into nuclear RNA was found to be unimpaired at concentrations of MeHg that inhibited whole-cell incorporation of [3H]uridine by greater than 75%. Cellular uptake of [3H]uridine was assayed in cerebellar cells treated with KCN to deplete ATP levels and block subsequent phosphorylation reactions of transported uridine. Uptake activity under these conditions was unaffected by MeHg. Measurement of intracellular phosphorylation of [3H]uridine indicated that inhibition of this activity closely paralleled that of RNA synthesis. Quantitation of individual uridine nucleotides by polyethyleneimine-cellulose TLC revealed reduced levels of UTP and UDP whereas levels of UMP were elevated, suggesting that impairment of phosphorylation was not the result of cellular ATP depletion but, more likely, a direct effect on phosphouridine kinase enzymes. This mechanism of MeHg-induced inhibition of RNA synthesis was confirmed by assays of uridine phosphorylation using cell-free extracts in which exogenous ATP was supplied.
A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF THE PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS AMONG THE FRESHWATER, APICAL PORE FIELD-BEARING CYMBELLOID AND GOMPHONEMOID DIATOMS (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) 1

Relationships among the apical pore field-bearing diatom genera Brebissonia, Cymbella, Gomphonema, Gomphoneis, Didymosphenia, Gomphocymbella, and Reimeria and their close ally Encyonema were evaluated using cladistics. These biraphid genera are a polythetic group defined by chloroplast number and type, mode of sexual reproduction, valve orientation and presence of apical pore fields. Character states of valve as well as non-siliceous features were described and then polarized using the outgroup method, with the naviculoid genera Anomoeoneis and Placoneis serving as outgroups. The cladistic analysis suggests two groups of terminal taxa, corresponding to to a predominantly cymbelloid lineage and a gomphonemoid lineage. Didymosphenia, previously thought to be closely allied to gomphonemoid diatoms, is shown to be more closely related to Cymbella. Gomphonema appears to be without distinguishing characteristics. Relationships of the other genera are described. The systematic position of small, doubly-punctate Gomphonema species is discussed.
Structural abnormalities in the dermal collagen and elastic matrix from the skin of patients with inherited connective tissue disorders.

Skin from patients with inherited disorders of connective tissue metabolism (EDS Types I-IX, Marian's syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, and cutis laxa) has been examined by light and transmission electron microscopy for defects in the collagen and elastic fibrous connective tissue which may explain the clinical disorder and/or correlate with the biochemical defect (where known). Alterations were observed in the organization of the dermis and in the individual collagen and elastic fibers. The major alterations observed among collagen fibrils were hieroglyphic-shaped fibrils, collagen flowers, unravelled fibrils and fibrils of normal shape but abnormally large or small diameters or a mixed population of both. Elastic fibrils were sometimes fragmented, highly branched, granular, densely stained and had inclusions suggestive of cellular debris. These changes appeared to be a consequence of degradative processes. Other fibers were seen with a paucity of elastin matrix associated with the microfibrils or with totally separate deposition of the two elastic fiber components. Such fibers were barely visible by light microscopy. Alterations were observed in tissue concurrently regardless of whether the biochemical defect was related to only one of these connective tissue structures. The observations support an hypothesis that alterations in one component of the connective tissue matrix may influence the deposition and structure of others, ultimately, modifying the overall organization and mechanical properties of the tissue.
Segmentation of aneurysms via connectivity from MRA brain data

This paper describes techniques to visualize aneurysms in three dimensions from Magnetic Resonance Angiographic data sets to aid surgeons and radiologists in surgical planning and treatment of cerebrovascular (brain) aneurysms. Maximum Intensity Projection using ray tracing is implemented to highlight the aneurysm zones in 2d. Segmentation Via Voxel Connectivity (SVVC) supports the recognition of the blood vessels and aneurysms and presents them in 3d.
Microbleeds in the logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia

Abstract Background Microbleeds have been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), although it is unclear whether they occur in atypical presentations of AD, such as the logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA). We aimed to assess the presence and clinical correlates of microbleeds in lvPPA. Methods Thirteen lvPPA subjects underwent 3T T2*-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging and Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) positron emission tomography imaging. Microbleeds were identified on manual review and assigned a regional location. Total and regional white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden was measured. Results Microbleeds were observed in four lvPPA subjects (31%), most commonly in the frontal lobe. Subjects with microbleeds were older, more likely female, and had a greater burden of WMH than those without microbleeds. The regional distribution of microbleeds did not match the regional distribution of WMH. All cases were PiB positive. Conclusions Microbleeds occur in approximately one third of subjects with lvPPA, with older women at the highest risk.
Where is the unpaired electron in the phosphoranyl radicals H3PS− and H3PSH?

Abstract High-level, correlated electronic structure calculations on H 3 PS − and H 3 PSH indicate these two radicals to adopt trigonal bipyramidal geometries in which the unpaired electron is localized equatorially, although for the neutral species only the equatorially oriented mercaptan is stable to PS bond homolysis. The two radicals are otherwise fairly similar in both structure and predicted isotropic hyperfine splittings. Moreover, stereomutations on the H 3 PSH hypersurface are analogous to those predicted for H 3 POH.
Coordinating manufacturing and marketing in international firms

Abstract In this article, the authors argue that manufacturing experiences much of the turbulence and conflict imposed by the dynamic global marketplace through its relationship with marketing, because marketing is usually responsible for introducing changing competitive priorities and demand patterns to the organization. Through a survey of manufacturing and marketing managers within international firms, the authors develop a profile of manufacturing-marketing conflicts experienced in each of four international strategy environments: export, multidomestic, global, and transnational. As international strategies became more complex, firms made use of more techniques for coordinating between marketing and manufacturing, with more use of decentralized and informal approaches. Coordinating techniques included individual MBO-reward systems, joint task forces for problem-solving, and direct involvement of manufacturing and marketing in establishing the competitive priorities of the firm.
Light emission of sonoluminescent bubbles containing a rare gas and water vapor.

We present numerical simulations of sonoluminescent rare-gas bubbles in water, which account for (i) time variations of the water vapor content, (ii) chemical reactions, and (iii) the ionization of the rare gas and the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ dissociation products. Peak temperatures exceed 10 000 K at densities of a few hundred amagat $(\ensuremath{\approx}{10}^{28}$ particles per ${\mathrm{m}}^{3}).$ The gas mixture in the bubble is weakly ionized. Our model accounts for the light emission by electron-atom, electron-ion, and ion-atom bremsstrahlung, recombination radiation, and radiative attachment of electrons to hydrogen and oxygen atoms, which are all more or less important for single bubble sonoluminescence. Spectral shapes, spectral intensities, and durations of the light pulses are computed for helium, argon, and xenon bubbles. We generally obtain good agreement with the observations for photon numbers and pulse durations. Some calculated spectral profiles agree, however, less well with observations, especially in the case of the low water temperature and for helium bubbles. We try to identify the reasons why computed and observed spectral profiles might discernibly differ when all other computed features considered here seem to be quite consistent with observations. We show that by allowing the bubble to heat somewhat nonisotropically, agreement between observed and computed spectral profiles may be obtained, even in the case of helium bubbles at freezing water temperatures. In this case, charge exchange radiation and related processes involving helium atoms and ions become important.
Membranous Glomerulonephropathy: There Is No Significant Effect of Treatment With Corticosteroids

THE DISEASE known as membranous glomerulonephropathy has been defined clearly in renal biopsy material only in the past 15 yr. It is characterized histologically by subepithelial deposits along the glomerular capillary basement membrane, by intramembranous deposits, and by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, without significant associated cellular proliferation or other pathologic changes. 1-9 The term membranous glomerulonephropathy is used in the literature both in this restricted sense and more loosely, i.e., hypercellularity and other changes in the glomeruli have not been excluded clearly. To the extent possible, this analysis is confined to those series of patients in which the histologic findings are limited to thickening of the basement membrane with subepithelial and intramembranous deposits. Membranous glomerulonephropathy may occur in association with several diseases such as hepatitis, syphilis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be associated with thrombosis of the renal veins. Most frequently, the condition is of unknown origin. To the extent possible, we have taken pains for this analysis to exclude those patients having a systemic disease, malignancy, or possible toxic cause. Patients with renal vein thrombosis have also been excluded wherever possible. The disease is associated clinically with nephrotic syndrome in most instances, seems to progress relatively slowly, and remits in about 20% of cases. With this background we examine the role of treatment with steroids on this disease. Steroid treatment of nephrotic syndrome began about 30
Large wind integration challenges and solutions for operations and system reliability

Bonneville Power Administration is experiencing an unprecedented growth of wind generation resources in its Balancing Authority Area. In order to accommodate the amount of wind that is planned, BPA has had to create new processes in order to limit the amount of balancing resources being used due to the variation of wind. The calculation of the balancing resource requirements and the resulting short-term solutions will be discussed, and then the presentation will evolve to the solutions that are being worked on in BPA and across the industry, including multiple national labs, to mitigate the effects of variable generation on an interconnection.
Detained in occupied Iraq: Deciphering the narratives for neocolonial internment

The war in Iraq has prompted some criminologists to examine such matters as the illegality of the invasion and subsequent occupation, controversial economic transformations, and the abuse — torture — of detainees at Abu Ghraib. For the most part, criminologists have neglected the problem of mass detention aimed at the civilian population: by 2007, the US military held more than 26,000 Iraqis in a network of large camps. Those civilians remained in long-term custody because the American commanders deemed them ‘imperative threats’ but not criminal nor terrorist. In an effort to shed critical light on that aspect of the occupation, this work interprets the official narratives used to justify the detention process and the role of American-styled reintegration programs. By doing so, the analysis draws on colonial theory in ways that deepen our understanding of social control and discipline in the new Iraq. Mindful of human rights, the discussion confronts important facets of enduring domination inherent in modern colonial projects.
ScatterD: Spatial deployment optimization with hybrid heuristic/evolutionary algorithms

Distributed real-time and embedded (DRE) systems can be composed of hundreds of software components running across tens or hundreds of networked processors that are physically separated from one another. A key concern in DRE systems is determining the spatial deployment topology, which is how the software components map to the underlying hardware components. Optimizations, such as placing software components with high-frequency communications on processors that are closer together, can yield a number of important benefits, such as reduced power consumption due to decreased wireless transmission power required to communicate between the processing nodes.Determining a spatial deployment plan across a series of processors that will minimize power consumption is hard since the spatial deployment plan must respect a combination of real-time scheduling, fault-tolerance, resource, and other complex constraints. This article presents a hybrid heuristic/evolutionary algorithm, called ScatterD, for automatically generating spatial deployment plans that minimize power consumption. This work provides the following contributions to the study of spatial deployment optimization for power consumption minimization: (1) it combines heuristic bin-packing with an evolutionary algorithm to produce a hybrid algorithm with excellent deployment derivation capabilities and scalability, (2) it shows how a unique representation of the spatial deployment solution space integrates the heuristic and evolutionary algorithms, and (3) it analyzes the results of experiments performed with data derived from a large-scale avionics system that compares ScatterD with other automated deployment techniques. These results show that ScatterD reduces power consumption by between 6p and 240p more than standard bin-packing, genetic, and particle swarm optimization algorithms.
Reactions of laser-ablated iron atoms with N2O, NO, and O2 in condensing nitrogen. Infrared spectra and density functional calculations of ternary iron nitride oxide molecules

Reactions of laser-ablated Fe atoms with N2O, NO, and O2 in excess N2 during condensation at 10 K produced new absorptions with 15N and 18O shifts that are assigned to the new ternary iron nitride oxide molecules NFeO, NFeO2, and N2FeO. DFT calculations of structure and isotopic frequencies support these assignments.
Teaching world Englishes to native speakers of English in the USA

The global spread of English has increased opportunities for native English speakers in the US to interact with other speakers of world Englishes (WE). However, these native speakers are rarely encouraged to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for intercultural communication, often resulting in a one-way communicative burden imposed on the WE speakers. To explore ways to redress this problem, a pilot project was conducted in an English IV class at a public high school. The purposes were to raise students' awareness of the global spread of English and its implications and to have them explore ways to communicate effectively with WE speakers. This paper describes the instructional unit developed for the project and its effect on students' views on various issues related to communicating with WE speakers, and on their perceptions and comprehension of WE speech samples. The instructional effect was investigated by pre- and post-questionnaires and dictation tests, classroom observations, and post-study interviews. A total of 17 students participated. Results of t-tests for the questionnaires and dictation showed no significant effect except on beliefs about second language acquisition and perceived comprehension of the speech samples. Classroom observations and interviews revealed individual differences in the instructional effect. The paper offers implications and future directions.
Differences in murine gut-associated lymphoid tissues in generating broadly nonspecific cytotoxic cells in response to interferon α AD and interleukin 2

Abstract We examined the response of cells of murine gut-associated lymphoid tissues to agents that augment the activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Specifically, we studied the effect of polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) in vivo , and recombinant interferon α A D (rIFNα A D ) and recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL2) in vitro on lymphoid cells of mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and Payer's patches (PP) in generating cytotoxicity against NK-sensitive (YAC-1) and NK-insensitive (B16BL6) tumor targets. The effect of these agents on spleen cells was examined for comparison with their effect on MLN and PP cells and as a positive control. MLN and PP cells lacked spontaneous NK activity; however, NK activity could be augmented to different levels by the three agents. The treatment of mice in vivo with Poly I:C induced considerable cytotoxicity in the spleen and MLN but only a weak cytotoxic response in PP. The in vitro enhancement of NK activity by rIFNα A D was strong in the spleen, intermediate in MLN, and consistently poor in PP. The weak NK augmentation by rIFNα A D in PP was not restricted to a single mouse strain. PP cells from five strains of mice responded poorly to rIFNα A D . Furthermore, NK augmentation by rIFNα A D in PP cells did not improve after passing the responder cells through nylon wool, indicating that the lack of augmentation of NK activity was not the result of a preponderance of B cells or the masking of NK cells by adherent lymphoid populations in PP. In contrast to weak augmentation of NK activity by rIFNα A D , considerable IL2-induced lymphocyte-activated killer (LAK) activity against NK-insensitive B16BL6 tumor cells was induced in PP. Limitingdilution analysis showed that the frequency of LAK precursors in the MLN and PP was not markedly different from that of the spleen. The differences among spleen, MLN, and PP lymphoid populations in generating the broadly nonspecific cytotoxic effector cells in response to rIFNα A D or rIL2 may result from differences in the pools of different pre-NK cells or to differential sensitivity of the same pool of pre-NK cells to rIFNα A D and rIL2 in different anatomical locations.
VACCINATION TRIALS IN DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP AGAINST BLUETONGUE VIRUS

Immunization of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) against bluetongue virus was attempted by inoculation of live virus vaccine with a syringe and needle, by experimentally contaminated Culicoides gnats, the natural biological vectors, by bites of exposed Stomyxis calcitrans, which were considered to be natural mechanical vectors, and by incorporation of lyophilized vaccine in ground dry feed. Only the methods using the syringe and needle and the natural biological vector were effective.
Reduced surface expression of transforming growth factor beta receptor type II in mitogen-activated T cells from Sézary patients.

Abstract Sezary syndrome (SzS), the leukemic form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, is characterized by clonal proliferation of CD4+ T cells and immune dysfunctions, raising the possibility of cytokine-related abnormalities. We previously described a decreased response to the growth-inhibitory effects of transforming growth factor type beta (TGF-beta) in SzS T cells accompanied by apparent loss of surface type II TGF-beta receptor (TGF beta RII). To specifically determine if defects exist in TGF beta RII protein expression and/or transport in SzS patients, we developed a sensitive flow cytometric method to detect TGF beta RII on the surface and intracellularly in the CD4+ T cells. Our results indicate that unlike normal CD4+ T cells, CD4+ T cells from 9 of 12 SzS patients expressed little, if any, surface TGF beta RII in response to mitogen stimulation. At the intracellular level, however, pools of TGF beta RII were comparable to those in normal CD4+ T cells. This indicates that defective trafficking of this inhibitory cytokine receptor may contribute significantly to the development of this disease.
Mounier-Kuhn syndrome masquerading as obstructive lung disease

Abstract Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is present in 10.1% of the population and is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States while the prevalence of asthma in adults is 6.7%. 1 Patients presenting to primary care offices with lower respiratory tract symptoms like dyspnea and wheezing are often diagnosed with COPD or asthma and started on treatment. There are uncommon conditions like Mounier-Kuhn syndrome (MKS) that can present with similar symptoms and it is important for the primary care physician to keep them in mind when evaluating patients. It is important to identify MKS, as early recognition can lead to better management and prevention of complications. We describe a case of an older gentleman with recurrent symptoms of shortness of breath and intermittent spells of productive sputum who was misdiagnosed with COPD for years. Our diagnosis was supported by a clinical history and confirmed by radiographic evidence.