cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal Task Reallocation in Heterogeneous Distributed Computing Systems with Age-Dependent Delay Statistics

This paper presents a general framework for optimal task reallocation in heterogeneous distributed-computing systems and offers a rigorous analytical model for the stochastic execution time of a workload. The model takes into account the heterogeneity and stochastic nature of the tasks' service and transfer times, servers' failure times, as well as an arbitrary task-reallocation policy. The stochastic service, transfer and failure times are assumed to have general, age-dependent (non-exponential) distributions, resulting in a tandem distributed queuing system with non-Markovian dynamics. Auxiliary age variables are introduced in the analysis to capture the memory associated with the non-Markovian stochastic times, thereby enabling a regenerative age-dependent analytical characterization of the statistics of the execution time of a workload. The model is utilized to devise task reallocation policies that optimize three metrics: the average execution time of a workload, the quality-of-service in executing a workload by a prescribed deadline and the reliability in executing a workload. Implications of the non-exponential event times on these metrics are also studied. Key results are verified experimentally on a distributed-computing testbed.
Competition, Predation, and the Structure of the Ambystoma-Rana Sylvatica Community

Populations of six species of amphibians were manipulated in field enclosures to study the biological tractability of current concepts of the organization of natural communities. Experimental communities with a known composition of mature eggs were introduced into screen enclosures in a pond to assay the importance of competition and predation to the ecology of amphibian larvae in temporary ponds. The competitive ability of each population was measured by its survivorship, mean length of its larval period, and mean weight at metamorphosis. Three simultaneous experiments (requiring 70 enclosures and 137 populations) were replicated in a randomized complete—block design for variance analysis. The assumptions of the classical Lotka—Volterra model of competition were tested by raising Ambystoma laterale, Ambystoma tremblayi, and Ambystoma maculatum in all combinations of three initial densities (0, 32, and 64). All three measures of competitive ability were affected by competition with other species. Higher—o...
Preferencias divergentes de los lectores y de los periodistas en las noticias on-line

Este articulo analiza un fenomeno nuevo en el periodismo de las sociedades desarrolladas, como es la divergencia entre los intereses y demanda de contenidos de los lectores y los criterios de los periodistas profesionales a la hora de seleccionar las noticias. Explica el autor su metodo de investigacion para apoyar esta hipotesis, y los cambios y evolucion que estan poniendo en jaque al periodismo en Europa y los Estados Unidos.
On a dynamic theory for the kernel of ann-person game

In this paper, a dynamic theory for the kernel ofn-person games given byBillera is studied. In terms of the (bargaining) trajectories associated with a game (i.e. solutions to the differential equations defined by the theory), an equivalence relation is defined. The “consistency” of these equivalence classes is examined. Then, viewing the pre-kernel as the set of equilibrium points of this system of differential equations, some topological, geometric, symmetry and stability properties of the pre-kernel are given.
Adjustability and error propagation for true replacement sensor models

Abstract True replacement sensor models, or TRSM, are those based on construction of dense object–image grids using the rigorous physical sensor model. Photogrammetric exploitation of image sensing applies the TRSMs since, like the physical models, they possess the same three important characteristics: (1) Accurate ground-to-image function; (2) Rigorous error propagation that is essentially of the same accuracy as the physical model; and, (3) Adjustability, or the ability to upgrade the TRSM parameters when additional control information becomes available after replacing the physical model. The ground-to-image functions are commonly achieved via fitting rational polynomial coefficients, RPC, to the dense grids which encompass the entire ground volume covered by the image under consideration. A novel approach for rigorous error propagation, without using added parameters, has been developed at Purdue University. The approach resolves the problem of rank deficiency of the covariance matrix associated with RPC by theeigen-values and eigen-vectors approach. This paper summarizes the new approach and presents further development to address the adjustability characteristic. Results from its application to imagery from an aerial frame camera, an airborne pushbroom sensor, and a spaceborne linear array sensor, are presented for both simulated as well as real image data. The results show essentially negligible differences when compared to those from the rigorous physical sensor models.
Lack of function of histamine H1 and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors of mouse neuroblastoma cells grown in serum-free medium.

Mouse neuroblastoma cells (Clone N1E-115) were grown in serum-free (defined) medium, defined medium supplemented with serum, and control medium to determine whether serum-free medium could substitute for serum-containing medium in our studies of the histamine H1 and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors of these cells. The function of these receptors as determined by measurement of receptor-mediated cyclic [3H]GMP formation was absent in cells grown in serum-free medium and increased as the percentage of serum was increased in the defined medium, but never attained the levels found with control cells. Muscarinic receptor number for cells grown in defined medium was 60% above that found for control cells with no change in the affinity of the receptor for the radioligand (−)[3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate. Guanylate cyclase and acetylcholinesterase activities for cells grown in defined medium were 23 and 66% of those found in control cells, respectively. This marked reduction of guanylate cyclase activity in large part explains the lack of function of these receptors.
Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Ratios as Environmental Indicators: Anomalous Results from Carbonate Shells from Beach Sediments of Lake Managua, Nicaragua

THE value of carbon and oxygen isotope ratios in determining the nature of the depositional environment for various types of carbonate rocks has been pointed out by a number of workers1–3, who showed that freshwater limestones are enriched in carbon-12 and oxygen-16 relative to the marine varieties. Moreover, detailed variations in 12C/13C ratios were found to be preserved in the Vanport limestone of Pennsylvanian age4; the ratios increase regularly toward the shoreline of the estuarine–deltaic basin complex and presumably indirectly reflect variations in salinity concurrent with the mixing of carbon-12 enriched continental bicarbonate of the distributary with carbon-13 enriched bicarbonate of the ocean.
A Hybrid Digital/Optical Computer System

A brief review of the principles of optical data processing (ODP) with its high throughput data rate and parallel processing potential is given, followed by a description of a viable on-line electron-beam addressed electrical-to-optical input transducer. A proposed on-line hybrid digital/optical two-dimensional processing system is then described. An output plane optical-to-digital interface and several applications of the system to high bit-rate on-line data processing situations are included.
One-pot aqueous phase growth of biocompatible 15–130 nm gold nanoparticles stabilized with bidentate PEG

Abstract We describe a new, single pot, aqueous phase method for synthesizing water soluble gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) over a size range of 15–130 nm. Poly(ethylene glycol)-appended thioctic acid ligands were used to control the growth rates and stabilize the AuNPs. Critical factors that enable the controlled growth of the AuNPs over this size range include the pH, the choice of reducing agent, the reaction temperature and the sequential addition of gold precursor and ligand with specific ligand-to-gold ratios. We describe the synthetic procedure in detail. Optical and structural characterization of the AuNPs was accomplished using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy.
Minkowski sums of rotating convex polyhedra

Minkowski sum is an important operation due to it’s fundamental role in many geometric applications. Many methods have been proposed during the last three decades to compute Minkowski sums; see the surveys in [1, 3, 6]. In 3dimensions, several methods [1,2,4,5] are known to compute the Minkowski sum of convex polyhedra efficiently. In this work, we developed a method that efficiently computes the Minkowski sum of rotating convex polyhedra. It is well known that the Minkowski sum of two polyhedra can be dramatically different from the Minkowski sum of the same polyhedra after rotation. To the best of our knowledge, all existing methods recompute a new Minkowski sum every time when P or Q rotates. A main problem of recomputing the Minkowski sum from scratch is that it requires the same computation even when a small amount of rotation is applied to P or Q. Computing the Minkowski sum of polyhedra undergoing small rotations can be found in many problems, such as general penetration depth estimation for physically-based simulation and configuration-space obstacle approximation for robotic motion planning. Our work is motivated by the observation described above. Thus, our objective is to compute the Minkowski sums of rotating convex polyhedra without recomputing the entire Minkowski sum repetitively. The main idea in our method is to generate the Minkowski sum from the previous Minkowski sum. More specifically, we generate the new Minkowski sum by correcting the ‘errors’ introduced by rotation. More details of our method are described in the following section. The preliminary results shown in Table 1 and in the video are very encouraging. From our experiments, we observe that the number of ‘errors’ is small and the effort to correct these errors is far cheaper than computing the Minkowski sum from scratch. This allows us to generate a sequence of Minkowski sums (10 to 500 times) much more efficiently
Should orthotopic heart transplantation using marginal donors be limited to higher volume centers

Background This study examined whether institutional volume impacts outcomes after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) utilizing marginal donors. Methods Adult patients undergoing OHT with the use of marginal donors between 2000 and 2010 were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing database. A previously derived and validated donor risk score (range, 1 to 15) was used to define marginal donors as those in the 90th percentile of risk (score ≥7). Patients were stratified into equal-size tertiles based on overall institutional OHT volume. Posttransplant outcomes were compared between these center cohorts. Results A total of 3,176 OHTs utilizing marginal donors were identified. In Cox regression analysis, recipients undergoing OHT at low-volume centers were at significantly increased risk of 30-day (hazard ratio 1.82 [1.31 to 2.54], p p = 0.002), and 5-year posttransplant mortality (hazard ratio 1.29 [1.10 to 1.52], p = 0.02). These findings persisted after adjusting for recipient risk, differences in donor risk score, and year of transplantation (each p p = 0.003). Drug-treated rejection within the first post-OHT year was more common in low-volume versus high-volume centers (34.3% versus 24.2%, p p = 0.01) or infection (6.2% versus 4.1%, p = 0.02). Conclusions Consolidating the use of marginal donors to higher volume centers may be prudent in improving post-OHT outcomes in this higher risk patient subset.
A minimization problem concerning subsets of a finite set

Let F be the set of subsets of a finite set S, and for H @? F, let H' denote the elements of F which are contained in some element of H. Given integers m"l and m"l"+"1 does there exist a subset H of F consisting of exactly m"ll-element subsets of S and m"l"+"1 (l+1)-element subsets of S such that no two elements of H are related by set-wise inclusion, and if such sets H do exist what the smallest |(l-1)(H')| can be, where |(l-1)(H')| is the number of (l-1)-element subsets of S in H'? A generalization of this problem, which was posed by G. Katona, is solved in this paper with the help of the generalized Macaulay theorem [2].
Evaluation of peptide-peptide interactions using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

The separation of peptides during RP-HPLC depends mainly upon differential hydrophobic interactions of the individual peptides being separated with the C18 group of the stationary phase. We have examined the behavior of dimeric disulfide-linked model peptides during RP-HPLC in order to study self-induced conformational effects. A set of 18 analogues of the amphipathic α-helical sequence Ac-LKLLKKLLKKLKKLLKKL-NH2 was used for this study. These analogues differed only by the successive replacement of each position with a cysteine. Strong peptidepeptide interactions, occurring through interchain hydrophobic forces, resulted in a presenting face to the C18 group, consisting primarily of lysine residues and, in turn, in early retention times. Three homo-dimers were also found to be strongly α-helical in water as determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy.
Decreased expression of endometrial decay accelerating factor (DAF), a complement regulatory protein, in patients with luteal phase defect

PROBLEM : We investigated the level of decay accelerating factor (DAF) in the endometrium of luteal phase defect (LPD) patients, before and after treatment with progesterone. METHODS : Endometrial samples from fourteen normal-cycling controls and six samples from infertility patients with LPD before and four samples after progesterone treatment were stained by anti-DAF IgG using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS : Mean DAF OD in LPD patients was 15% compared to 60% in the control group. The mean DAF OD was 88% after treatment with progesterone. CONCLUSION : Results support interpretation that progesterone upregulates DAF while decreased progesterone may be associated with reduced expression of the DAF in LPD patients.
Pharmacogenetics place in modern medical science and practice.

Abstract Pharmacogenetic evidence-based treatment strategies will have major implications for all aspects of the product pipeline, including drug discovery, high throughput target screening protocols, lead optimization, and drug formulation to produce series of medicines for a particular disease which will meet the efficacy needs of the majority of patients. The initial proof of principle experiments involves whole genome screening for DNA variants and determination of specific patterns of variants associated with adverse events of marketed products [SNP Print sm ]. Pharmacogenetics has the potential of changing the pipeline model of drug discovery, clinical development, and mass customization marketing.
A numerical model for linearized gravity and acoustic waves

Abstract A numerical model is designed for studying the time-dependent properties of linearized and vertically propagating gravity and acoustic waves in the atmosphere. A finite-difference scheme with second-order accuracy is developed and analyzed for stability and other computational properties. Test computations are made and presented for gravity waves with and without a critical level, and for an acoustic wave. In all three cases the numerical results compare satisfactorily with theoretical results.
A Mouse Homeo Box Gene Is Expressed in Spermatocytes and Embryos

The MH-3 gene, which contains a homeo box that is expressed specifically in the adult testis, was identified and mapped to mouse chromosome 6. By means of in situ hybridization with adult testis sections and Northern blot hybridization with testis RNA from prepuberal mice and from Sl/Sld mutant mice, it was demonstrated that this gene is expressed in male germ cells during late meiosis. In the embryo, MH-3 transcripts were present at day 11.5 post coitum, a stage in mouse development when gonadal differentiation has not yet occurred. The MH-3 gene may have functions in spermatogenesis and embryogenesis.
Production of an antibody to bovine parathyroid hormone.

Abstract The preliminary experiments reported in this communication provide the first published evidence of the production of a specific antibody to parathyroid calcium mobilizing hormone, indicated by Rasmussen and Craig (1961, 1962) to be a polypeptide with a molecular weight of the order of 9000.
Multi-Gaussian Representation of the Cox–Munk Distribution for Slopes of Wind-Driven Waves

Abstract The Cox–Munk probability density function (PDF) for slopes (γx, γy) of wind-driven ocean waves was obtained about 50 years ago and until now has remained the most complete result. This PDF is widely used in different applications. With respect to the problem of wave scattering from a sea surface, this PDF completely determines the scattering lidar cross sections. For Ku and C bands this PDF is important for radars and thermal radiation at small grazing angles. Unfortunately, the analytical representation of the Cox–Munk PDF has an imperfection because in certain regions of slopes it leads to negative probabilities. This feature is a consequence of the general theorem proven by Marcinkiewicz that any truncated cumulant expansion (except in the case of Gaussian distribution) cannot represent a true PDF. An alternative representation of a non-Gaussian multivariate PDF is used. Any non-Gaussian PDF is presented as a linear combination of Gaussian functions having different weights, mean values γx, γy...
Cytokine-induced calgranulin C expression in keratocytes

Abstract The authors have identified a corneal stromal protein (CO-Ag) that may be involved in the pathogenesis of Mooren's ulcer. The CO-Ag cDNA sequence is identical to that of human neutrophil calgranulin C (CaGC). This study sought to demonstrate expression of the CaGC gene in the human cornea and in corneal keratocytes after cytokine stimulation.In situhybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to localize CaGC mRNA and protein in normal and diseased human corneas, including a specimen with Mooren's ulcer. Cultured bovine keratocytes were stimulated with IL-1α or TNF-α, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) was performed to amplify CaGC cDNA from cytokine-stimulated keratocytes and unstimulated controls. Southern blotting verified the specificity of the RT–PCR amplification products.In situhybridization detected human CaGC mRNA in the stroma of corneas with Fuchs' dystrophy, postinfection corneas, and a cornea with Mooren's ulcer. In cultured bovine keratocytes, peak levels of CaGC mRNA were reached 6 h after cytokine stimulation. Southernblots with an oligonucleotide probe specific forCaGC detected the RT–PCR products of expected sizes (273 bp) and confirmed that the amplifiedCO-Ag sequence was identical to that of CaGC. These studies are the first to demonstrate the presence of CaGC in the human cornea and the ability of stromal keratocytes to produce CaGC (CO-Ag). The up-regulation of CaGC gene expression by corneal keratocytes due to proinflammatory cytokines from trauma or inflammation may induce autoimmunity that ultimately results in Mooren's ulceration.
Bright solitons with second-order nonlinearities

We investigate the mutual trapping of intense fundamental and second-harmonic waves propagating in materials with second-order nonlinearity. Consistent with Menyuk’s robustness hypothesis of solitons, we numerically observe that solitonlike waves emerge from the input signal over a wide range of excitation conditions for both signs of the phase mismatch and in the presence of moderate linear walk-off between the interacting waves. The solitons exist above a threshold intensity and in general arise as oscillating states. The trapping of the waves is governed by the sign of the phase mismatch, by the beam or pulse width, and by the absolute value of the phase mismatch through the ratios among the characteristic lengths of the wave evolution, namely, the diffractive, walk-off, and nonlinear interaction lengths.
Inferring chromospheric flare heating from hydrogen-line wings

Strong flare heating that penetrates deeply into the solar chromosphere is examined, and a simple model that is supported by a numerical radiative transfer simulation is applied to study how elevated free electron densities produce markedly increased Stark emission in the wings of hydrogen Lyman and Balmer lines. The proportionality that exists between the observed Stark wing intensity and the total energy deposition in the partially ionized layer is calculated for various Lyman and Balmer lines. It is concluded that when the effects of background opacity sources on the wing enhancements are not important, the magnitude of the nonthermal heating that penetrates the chromosphere may be inferred from the observed line wings. It is predicted that Ly-alpha extended wings will exhibit enhancement of Stark shape, even when inherent damping wing opacity exceeds Stark wing opacity over the entire absorption profile.
My Career as a Planner

AbstractIn this essay, the author traces her development from a political scientist to an urban planner. Looking back on more than 40 years as a scholar and professor of planning, Fainstein deems issues of inequality derived from class, ethnicity, and gender to have been the focus of her teaching and scholarship. At first, she approached these questions through empirical investigations of citizen participation and theoretical exploration of the neo-Marxist literature and her early research focused on the politics of planning in American cities, the contributions of community groups, and the roles played by business interests. Later, she examined redevelopment and housing programs in London and Amsterdam to contrast these more welfare-oriented European cities to the American model and examined the relationship between gender and planning. Eventually, she brought together her empirical and theoretical research to develop a theory of urban justice and to suggest policies at the local level that were in line ...
O(4) Symmetry and Regge Pole Theory.

For reactions in which the initial and final states in the $t$ channel contain equal-mass particles (e.g., $N\overline{N}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}$) of masses $m$ and ${m}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, we show, using analytic continuation and Lorentz invariance, that the on-mass-shell helicity amplitudes in the region $t=0$, ${(m\ensuremath{-}{m}^{\ensuremath{'}})}^{2}\ensuremath{\leqq}s\ensuremath{\leqq}{(m+{m}^{\ensuremath{'}})}^{2}$ are invariant under the group $O(4)$. Decompositions of the amplitudes in irreducible representations of $O(4)$ (four-dimensional partial-wave expansions) are obtained and related to conventional partial-wave expansions. Poles classified according to the $O(4)$ group are shown to lead to infinite families of Regge poles. The formalism is developed for arbitrary spins, and the case of nucleon-nucleon scattering is studied in detail. Our results for the Regge-pole structure in $\mathrm{NN}$ scattering are stronger than those of the conspirator theory.
Identification of Giardia duodenalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in an epizoological investigation of a laboratory colony of prairie dogs, Cynomys ludovicianus

Since 2005, black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) have been collected for use as research animals from field sites in Kansas, Colorado, and Texas. In January of 2012, Giardia trophozoites were identified by histology, thin-section electron microscopy, and immunofluorescent staining in the lumen of the small intestine and colon of a prairie dog euthanized because of extreme weight loss. With giardiasis suspected as the cause of weight loss, a survey of Giardia duodenalis in the laboratory colony of prairie dogs was initiated. Direct immunofluorescent testing of feces revealed active shedding of Giardia cysts in 40% (n = 60) of animals held in the vivarium. All tested fecal samples (n = 29) from animals in another holding facility where the index case originated were PCR positive for G. duodenalis with assemblages A and B identified from sequencing triosephosphate isomerase (tpi), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and β-giardin (bg) genes. Both assemblages are considered zoonotic, thus the parasites in prairie dogs are potential human pathogens and indicate prairie dogs as a possible wildlife reservoir or the victims of pathogen spill-over. Molecular testing for other protozoan gastrointestinal parasites revealed no Cryptosporidium infections but identified a host-adapted Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotype group.
Fatal Loeffler's endocarditis due to hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a rare disorder that can manifest in various organ systems. We report the case of a 54-year-old woman with a remote history of seizure disorder who presented with early signs of right-sided heart failure. Laboratory studies showed significant eosinophilia (8 × 109 l−1). Computed tomography showed heterogeneity of the liver, mild ascites, moderate pleural effusion, multiple small pulmonary emboli, and a large right ventricular mass. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the right ventricular mass was due to thrombus and extensive endomyocardial fibrosis, consistent with Loeffler's endocarditis. Bone marrow biopsy showed marked eosinophilia but no abnormal myeloid maturation or a lymphoproliferative disorder; flow cytometry showed no clonality. Extensive infectious, immunologic, and toxicological studies were negative. Despite resolution of peripheral eosinophilia with medical management, including corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents, anticoagulation for pulmonary emboli and ventricular thrombus, and conventional treatment for heart failure, she developed worsening anasarca and died from ventricular fibrillation within 4 weeks of presentation. Autopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Loeffler's endocarditis, usually a late manifestation of HES, is characterized by fibrous thickening of the endocardium, leading to apical obliteration and restrictive cardiomyopathy, resulting in heart failure, thromboembolic events, or atrial fibrillation. HES is a potentially fatal disease with less than 50% reported 10-year survival. This case presentation is unusual in its rapidly progressive course leading to sudden death. Am. J. Hematol. 82:920–923, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Four questions for risk communication

Over the past nearly 30 years, a flood of work on risk communication initiatives and analyses has appeared. And yet the practice of risk communication by corporations, federal agencies, and ideal government in many respect seem little changed from practice decades ago. The time is overdue to address some tough questions for the architects and craftsmen who shape and implement the practice of risk communication. This retrospective proceeds with four major questions:What major successes and failures can we point to that shed light on what has been learned and not learned since the 1989 NRC report?Assessing and communicating uncertainty often befuddles decision-makers and risk managers. How are these needs handled, and how well, in current practice and analysis? How can we do better?While risks are an inescapable part of the governance and democratic process, the reservoir of social trust is and has been in long-term decline. How successfully is declining trust handled in risk governance processes?Can the le...
Ranolazine, an Inhibitor of the Late Sodium Channel Current, Reduces Postischemic Myocardial Dysfunction in the Rabbit:

Ranolazine is a selective inhibitor of the late sodium current relative to peak sodium channel current, and via this mechanism, it may decrease sodium-dependent intracellular calcium overload during ischemia and reperfusion. Ranolazine reduces the frequency of angina attacks, but there is little information on its effects on myocardial stunning after short-term ischemia. The objective of this study was to test the effects of ranolazine on left ventricular (LV) function and myocardial stunning after ischemia/reperfusion in rabbits. Myocardial stunning was induced in rabbits by 15 minutes of coronary artery occlusion (CAO) followed by 3 hours reperfusion. Ten minutes before CAO, rabbits were randomly assigned to vehicle (n = 15) or ranolazine (2 mg/kg bolus plus 60 microg/kg/min infusion, IV, n = 15). Myocardial stunning was assessed by LV 2-dimensional echocardiography using, as a marker of severity, ischemic free-wall fractional thickening (FWft; systolic wall thickness - diastolic wall thickness/diastolic wall thickness). Regional ejection fraction (EF) was also assessed. During CAO, FWft was depressed in both groups, indicating an ischemic insult (FWft was reduced from 0.62 +/- 0.05 at baseline to 0.10 +/- 0.04 in vehicle and from 0.73 +/- 0.05 to 0.26 +/- 0.07 in ranolazine, P < 0.05, ranolazine vs vehicle). After reperfusion, previously ischemic myocardium remained stunned; however, FWft recovered significantly better in ranolazine (0.51 +/- 0.05) than in vehicle (0.35 +/- 0.04, P = .027). Baseline EF was 0.65 +/- 0.02 in the ranolazine and 0.68 +/- 0.02 in vehicle (P = ns). During CAO, EF was reduced by 36% +/- 6% in vehicle versus only 20% +/- 6% in ranolazine (P < .05). At the end of reperfusion, EF remained depressed in both groups, but the reduction in the vehicle group (25% +/- 5%) was significantly worse than in ranolazine (9% +/- 4%, P = .017). Improvement in function was independent of necrosis (negligible) or differences in hemodynamics (no differences between groups). Ranolazine treatment reduced myocardial stunning following brief ischemia/reperfusion suggesting that inhibiting the late sodium channel current may be a novel approach to treating stunning independent of effects on hemodynamics.
Network topology measures

Networks have emerged as a unifying modeling tool across a diverse set of problem domains. Evolving methods for the analysis and design of networks must be able to address network performance in the face of increasing demands, contain and control local network disturbances, and efficiently determine network topologies that accurately represent the underlying process. Central to this effort is the identification of network-invariant functions that measure relevant topological features such as connectivity and sparsity. Results concerning network topology measures and their relationship to global and local network structures are surveyed. WIREs Comp Stat 2011 3 557-565 DOI: 10.1002/wics.180
Reported Use and Perceived Understanding of Sodium Information on US Nutrition Labels

Introduction Comparing nutrition labels and choosing lower sodium foods are tactics to help reduce excessive sodium intake, a major risk factor for hypertension. Our objective was to assess US adult consumers' reported use and perceived understanding of sodium information on nutrition labels by sociodemographic and health status. Methods We analyzed responses to questions from 3,729 adults aged 18 years or older participating in 2 national cross-sectional mail panel surveys in 2010. Results We found that 19.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.2%-21.6%) of respondents agreed they were confused about how to figure out how much sodium is in the foods they eat; 57.9% (95% CI, 55.4%-60.5%) reported that they or the person who shops for their food buy items labeled low salt or low sodium; and 46.8% (95% CI, 44.3%-49.4%) reported they check nutrition labels for sodium content as a tactic to limit salt. Consumers with a high school education or less were more likely than college graduates to report they were confused about sodium content on labels (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.8) and less likely to check labels for sodium as a tactic to limit salt intake (AOR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-0.98). Conclusion Most survey respondents in our study reported buying low sodium food items. However, a higher proportion of respondents with low education than respondents with high education reported confusion with and less use of sodium content information, suggesting enhanced efforts may be needed to assist this group. Opportunity exists for health care professionals to educate patients about using and understanding nutrition labels and consuming a diet consistent with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan.
Polarization and fluence dependence of the polarized emission in nanosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract Several studies have appeared in the past two years reporting that the continuum emission produced by the laser ablation of solid materials is strongly polarized. In a paper that appears to conflict with these findings, Asgill et al. report that they did not observe a significant amount of polarization produced by nanosecond laser excitation of nitrogen gas and laser ablation of copper and steel ( M.E. Asgill, H.Y. Moon, N. Omenetto, D.W. Hahn, Investigation of polarization effects for nanosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, Spectrochim. Acta Part B (2010) xxx–xxx [7]). Here we show that the apparent discrepancy is resolved when laser fluence and polarization are taken into account. Using a 532 nm Nd:YAG laser to ablate Al samples in air, we find that the degree of polarization, P, of the continuum is greater for s- vs. p-polarized excitation and that P decreases with increasing fluence. We show that P would be 60% is obtained at low fluences with s-polarized excitation. We also confirm that at high fluence the polarization of the discrete emission is much smaller than that of the continuum.
Endoscopic transanal rectal mucosal ablation in the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis: preliminary results of a novel technique.

We describe a new technique that endoscopically eradicates rectal stump mucosa after total colectomy for ulcerative colitis. Seven patients (5 males; median age, 56 (range, 36–72) years) underwent attempted endoscopic transanal rectal mucosal ablation using the 28-French-gauge urologic resectoscope, either at the time of total colectomy and ileostomy for failed medical therapy (5 patients) or as an alternative to completion proctectomy (2 patients) with rectal stump discharge. All had declined restorative proctocolectomy. Clinical, endoscopic, and histologic follow-up was undertaken during a mean of 15 (range, 3–28) months. The operative technique evolved during these cases; mucosal ablation was successfully performed leaving a denuded muscular rectal tube in situ in six patients. Mean operative time was 45 minutes. Postoperative endoscopic surveillance has not demonstrated any viable rectal mucosa in these six patients, with only granulation tissue detected histologically. Narrowing of the rectal tube has occurred in two patients. Although all patients report insignificant rectal discharge, urinary and sexual function have remained unchanged. Diathermy ablation of the rectal mucosa via endoscopic transanal rectal mucosal ablation avoids the complications of pelvic dissection and might offer an effective alternative to proctectomy for ulcerative colitis.
Fast Method for Sidelobe Nulling in a Partially Adaptive Linear Array Using the Elements Positions

The authors present a technique that is capable of steering nulls in the antenna pattern in the directions of strong interference signals. The technique is based on dividing a large array into two contiguous subarrays symmetrical about the array center. The element positions of one of the subarrays are used to form the nulls in the antenna pattern. This technique frees the phase shifters to be used solely for steering the main beam. It also freezes the positions of the elements in the other subarray.
The online industry and telephone deregulation in the US — an overview

The American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) divestiture and the resulting changes in telephone company regulation in the United States have allowed telephone companies to diversify into non‐regulated businesses including the online information services industry. How and when US telephone companies enter potential information markets is determined in large part by the changes in regulation that have occurred and will occur over the next few years.
Nocturnal subcanopy flow regimes and missing carbon dioxide

a b s t r a c t Two distinct nocturnal subcanopy flow regimes are observed beneath a tall (16 m) open pine forest canopy. The first is characterized by weaker mixing, stronger stability, westerly downslope flow decou- pled from the flow above the canopy and much smaller than expected ecosystem respiration from the eddy flux plus storage measurements compared to estimates based on chambers (missing carbon diox- ide). The second regime is characterized by stronger mixing, weaker stability, southerly flow coupled to the flow above the canopy and good agreement between the eddy flux plus storage estimate and the chamber-based estimate of ecosystem respiration. The observations show that the inferred advection terms dominate the carbon dioxide budget in the first regime and are small relative to the eddy flux plus storage terms in the stronger mixing second regime, where the advection is estimated as a residual taking chamber-based measurements of respiration as truth. The friction velocity, standard deviation of vertical velocity, bulk Richardson number, Monin-Obukhov length scale and the subcanopy 3-m wind direction are all good indicators of missing carbon dioxide at this site.
The preimplantation pig embryo: cell number and allocation to trophectoderm and inner cell mass of the blastocyst in vivo and in vitro.

Total cell number as well as differential cell numbers representing the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm were determined by a differential staining technique for preimplantation pig embryos recovered between 5 and 8 days after the onset of oestrus. Total cell number increased rapidly over this time span and significant effects were found between embryos of the same chronological age from different females. Inner cells could be detected in some but not all embryos of 12–16 cells. The proportion of inner cells was low in morulae but increased during differentiation of ICM and trophectoderm in early blastocysts. The proportion of ICM cells then decreased as blastocysts expanded and hatched. Some embryos were cultured in vitro and others were transferred to the oviducts of immature mice as a surrogate in vivo environment and assessed for morphology and cell number after several days. Although total cell number did not reach in vivo levels, morphological development and cell number increase was sustained better in the immature mice than in vitro. The proportion of ICM cells in blastocysts formed in vitro was in the normal range.
A Novel Estrogen Receptor α-Associated Protein Alters Receptor-Deoxyribonucleic Acid Interactions and Represses Receptor-Mediated Transcription

Estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) serves as a ligand-activated transcription factor, turning on transcription of estrogen-responsive genes in target cells. Numerous regulatory proteins interact with the receptor to influence ER alpha-mediated transactivation. In this study, we have identified pp32, which interacts with the DNA binding domain of ER alpha when the receptor is free, but not when it is bound to an estrogen response element. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that endogenously expressed pp32 and ER alpha from MCF-7 breast cancer cells interact. Although pp32 substantially enhances the association of the receptor with estrogen response element-containing DNA, overexpression of pp32 in MCF-7 cells decreases transcription of an estrogen-responsive reporter plasmid. pp32 Represses p300-mediated acetylation of ER alpha and histones in vitro and inhibits acetylation of ER alpha in vivo. pp32 Also binds to other nuclear receptors and inhibits thyroid hormone receptor beta-mediated transcription. Taken together, our studies provide evidence that pp32 plays a role in regulating transcription of estrogen-responsive genes by modulating acetylation of histones and ER alpha and also influences transcription of other hormone-responsive genes as well.
Are Macrophages the Foot Soldiers in the War Waged by Aldosterone Against the Heart

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is present in a myriad of extrarenal tissues, including endothelial cells,1 vascular smooth muscle cells, and cardiac myocytes.2 The physiological role played by the MR in these tissues remains unclear because, as yet, aldosterone seems to have only deleterious effects at these receptors. The study by Rickard et al3 adds macrophages to the list of cells where aldosterone has pathophysiological effects. This group has shown that aldosterone, or MR activation, is intrinsically involved in cardiac fibrosis and that inflammation and macrophage infiltration are precursors to this.4,5 The latest article highlights the importance of macrophages in this process and assigns a key role to the MR in macrophages (Figure). This elegant study used macrophage-specific MR knockout mice. When treated with deoxycorticosterone (DOC), wild-type mice develop hypertension, cardiac fibrosis, and inflammation concomitant to macrophage infiltration. Knockout mice show macrophage infiltration but do not develop fibrosis or hypertension. This tells us 2 things. First, macrophages may infiltrate a tissue without having detrimental effects. Second, the macrophage MR is needed to mediate the blood pressure and fibrogenic responses but not for infiltration. Figure. Macrophage-specific deletion of the MR does not impair adhesion or infiltration in response to DOC but does prevent the formation of cardiac fibrosis. That is only one side of the story. The role played by aldosterone in the inflammatory response becomes complicated when one considers the infiltration process. The study by Rickard et al3 suggests the macrophage MR does little to control infiltration. However, studies by Caprio et al1 suggest that …
Interval estimation of disease loci: development and applications of new linkage methods

Three variants of the confidence set inference (CSI) procedure were proposed and applied to both the simulated and the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) data. For each of the two applications, we first performed a preliminary genome scan study based on the microsatellite markers using the GENEHUNTER+ software to identify regions that potentially harbor disease loci. For each such region, we estimated the sibling identity-by-descent sharing probability distribution at the putative disease locus. Based on these estimated probabilities, the CSI procedures were employed to further localize the disease loci using the single-nucleotide polymorphism markers, leading to confidence intervals/regions for their locations. For our analysis with the simulated data, we had knowledge of the simulating models at the time we performed the analysis.
Bicarbonate Activation of Adenylyl Cyclase Via Promotion of Catalytic Active Site Closure and Metal Recruitment

In an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway, ‘soluble’ adenylyl cyclases (sACs) synthesize the ubiquitous second messenger cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) in response to bicarbonate and calcium signals. Here, we present crystal structures of a cyanobacterial sAC enzyme in complex with ATP analogs, calcium and bicarbonate, which represent distinct catalytic states of the enzyme. The structures reveal that calcium occupies the first ion-binding site and directly mediates nucleotide binding. The single ion–occupied, nucleotide-bound state defines a novel, open adenylyl cyclase state. In contrast, bicarbonate increases the catalytic rate by inducing marked active site closure and recruiting a second, catalytic ion. The phosphates of the bound substrate analogs are rearranged, which would facilitate product formation and release. The mechanisms of calcium and bicarbonate sensing define a reaction pathway involving active site closure and metal recruitment that may be universal for class III cyclases. The ubiquitous second messenger cAMP regulates a large variety of essential physiological processes such as gene expression, chromosome segregation and cellular metabolism. In mammalian cells, cAMP is synthesized by a family of nine transmembrane adenylyl cyclases (tmACs) and one sAC 1 . Unlike tmACs, which localize to the cellular membrane and respond to extracellular stimuli via heterotrimeric G proteins 1 , sAC is found in various intracellular compartments such as the mitochondria and the nucleus 2 . Its localization near intracellu
Array lessons from the heart: focus on the genome and transcriptome of cardiomyopathies

Our understanding of the cardiovascular system has evolved through the years by extensive studies emphasizing the identification of the molecular and physiological mechanisms involved in its normal function and disease pathogenesis. Major discoveries have been made along the way. However, the majority of this work has focused on specific genes or pathways rather than integrative approaches. In cardiomyopathies alone, over 30 different loci have shown mutations with varying inheritance patterns, yet mostly coding for structural proteins. The emergence of microarrays in the early 1990s paved the way to a new era of cardiovascular research. Microarrays dramatically accelerated the rhythm of discoveries by giving us the ability to simultaneously study thousands of genes in a single experiment. In the field of cardiovascular research, microarrays are having a significant contribution, with the majority of work focusing on end-stage cardiomyopathies that lead to heart failure. Novel molecular mechanisms have been identified, known pathways are seen under new light, disease subgroups begin to emerge, and the effects of various drugs are molecularly dissected. This cross-study data comparison concludes that consistent energy metabolism gene expression changes occur across dilated, hypertrophic, and ischemic cardiomyopathies, while Ca2+ homeostasis changes are prominent in the first two cardiomyopathies, and structural gene expression changes accompany mostly the dilated form. Gene expression changes are further correlated to disease genetics. The future of microarrays in the cardiomyopathy field is discussed with an emphasis on optimum experimental design and on applications in diagnosis, prognosis, and drug discovery.