cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transactivation of the proenkephalin gene promoter by the Tax1 protein of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I

Abstract Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), an etiologic agent for adult T-cell leukemia, is strongly associated with certain neurological diseases. The HTLV-I genome encodes a protein, Tax1, that transactivates viral gene transcription. CD4-positive T helper lymphocytes express the proenkephalin gene, and enkephalins have been implicated as neuroimmunomodulators. We have investigated the effect of Tax1 on the proenkephalin gene promoter in C6 rat glioma cells and demonstrated its transactivation. Analysis using 5' deletion mutants of the promoter region showed that sequences upstream of base pair -190 are necessary for maximal transactivation. Forskolin, a cAMP modulator, synergistically increased Tax1-mediated transactivation of the proenkephalin promoter. Neither Tax1 transactivation alone nor Tax1/cAMP synergism exclusively involved cAMP-responsive elements. Endogenous proenkephalin gene expression increased in Tax1-expressing C6 cells. Since HTLV-I infects lymphocytes, which express proenkephalin mRNA, Tax1 transregulation of proenkephalin expression may provide bidirectional communication between the nervous and immune systems in HTLV-I-related diseases.
Axisymmetrical deformation of multi-layer circular sandwich cylindrical shells

Abstract The governing differential equations for the multi-layer circular sandwich cylindrical shells are derived by means of a variational theorem. The derivation is based on the shells consisting of two cores and three facings but the governing equations may be applied directly to any number of cores, provided the total thickness is still small compared to the other dimensions. The facings are considered as membranes, and an example in the form of a supported circular cylindrical shell under uniform pressure, illustrates the theory.
Comparison of step‐stress data among multiple groups

Ecotoxicological studies may use organism fitness (e.g., time until exhaustion in a swim test experiment) as an indicator of the impact of some toxic chemical. Failure time studies can use constant stress or may use a protocol in which the stress level is increased at specific times. In these step-stress tests, the units are tested at a given stress level for a predetermined amount of time. At the end of that time, if there are units surviving, the stress level is increased and held constant for another amount of time. This process is repeated until all of the test units fail or the predetermined test time has expired. The purpose of this study is to suggest a method for analyzing responses from step-stress studies. A likelihood-ratio test is developed for comparing the failure times in multiple groups based on a piecewise constant hazard assumption. This likelihood-ratio test can be extended to other piecewise distributions. A small simulation study compares this analysis procedure to other methods currently used to compare multiple groups with regard to type 1 error rate and power.
Separation of Selected Bile Acids by TLC. III. Separation on Various Stationary Phases

Abstract The aim of our study was to determine the optimum conditions of the separation of selected bile acids, such as cholic acid (C), glycocholic acid (GC), glycolithocholic acid (GLC), deoxycholic acid (DC), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDC), glycodeoxycholic acid (GDC), and lithocholic acid (LC) using thin‐layer chromatography on aluminum plates which are precoated with silica gel 60 (E. Merck, #1.05553), silica gel 60F 254 (E. Merck, #1.05554), a mixture of silica gel 60 and Kieselguhr F 254 (E. Merck, #1.05567), as well as on glass plates which are precoated with silica gel 60F 254 (E. Merck, #1.05715) and on glass plates precoated with silica gel 60F 254 with a concentrating zone (E. Merck, #1.11798) using n‐hexane–ethyl acetate–acetic acid in various volume compositions as mobile phases. The retardation factor (R f), and separation factors ΔR f and R S of each pair of examined bile acids were obtained. All bile acids have been successfully separated only on glass and aluminum plates precoated with sili...
Copeptin as a marker of relative arginine vasopressin deficiency after pediatric cardiac surgery

Relative arginine vasopressin (AVP) deficiency after pediatric cardiac surgery has recently been described. Copeptin, a more stable and easily measured product of pro-AVP processing, may be a means of identifying these patients. We aimed to determine if copeptin was correlated with AVP in these children and whether it can be a surrogate marker of relative AVP deficiency. Patients <6 years of age with basic Aristotle scores ≥7 requiring surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were prospectively enrolled. Plasma AVP and copeptin concentrations were measured pre-cardiopulmonary bypass and 4 and 24 h post-cardiopulmonary bypass. Relative AVP deficiency was defined a priori based on our previous work as AVP <9.2 pg/ml at 4 h post-cardiopulmonary bypass. Of 41 children enrolled, relative AVP deficiency was present in 13 (32 %). AVP and copeptin concentrations were significantly lower in these 13 children at 4 h post-cardiopulmonary bypass as compared to the other 28 patients. A significant positive association between plasma AVP and copeptin concentrations over time was determined. Based on log-transformed analyses, a 1 % increase in plasma AVP led to a 0.19 % increase in copeptin. Further, copeptin <1.12 ng/ml at 4 h post-cardiopulmonary bypass had a sensitivity of 92 % and a negative predictive value of 95 % for relative AVP deficiency. Plasma AVP and copeptin are positively associated in children undergoing cardiac surgery. Copeptin may represent a useful means of identifying relative AVP deficiency in these patients.
The use of the Karhunen-Loegve procedure for the calculation of linear Eigenfunctions

Abstract It is shown that the Karhunen-Loeve decomposition may be used to determine the eigenfunctions of a general class of linear operators from an ensemble of realizations that are derived from that system. Given a moderate size data set (either numerical or experimental) from a linear system, good approximations to the eigenfunctions that characterize the underlying equations can be computed by performing the Karhunen-Loeve procedure. Two numerical examples are presented: the vibration of a thin membrane in a rectangular domain and in a stadium. These are used to determine the convergence and accuracy of the method. It is found that this method yields accurate results for the first few eigenfunctions with relatively few realizations. Eigenfunctions with less energy are accurately resolved as the size of the ensemble increase. The method is shown to be an efficient and practical procedure for determining the eigenfunctions of systems in complex geometries and in cases where the governing equations are not known a priori. The effect of random noise contamination of the data set is also investigated and it is found that the Karhunen-Loeve procedure can still achieve accurate results despite the presence of substantial background noise.
Phase Behavior of Binary Stockmayer and Polarizable Lennard-Jones Fluid Mixtures Using Adiabatic Nuclear and Electronic Sampling

The effect of polarization on the phase behavior of binary fluid mixtures has been investigated using grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations with histogram reweighting. The adiabatic nuclear and electronic sampling (ANES) algorithm of Chen and Siepmann (Theor. Chem. Acc. 1999, 103, 87) is used to incorporate polarization into the simulations. We apply the ANES algorithm to mixtures of Stockmayer and polarizable Lennard-Jones (LJ) fluids, including two model colloidal systems and a mixture of methanol and methane at 330 K. It is found that the critical point (temperature, composition, and pressure) of the mixture decreases with increasing polarizability. Significant deviations from the nonpolarizable fluid system are also seen in the liquid-phase behavior of the phase diagram. Incoporation of polarization into a methanol-methane mixture more accurately reproduces the experimental results.
Detection of file-based race conditions

Multiprocessing environments such as Unix are susceptible to race conditions on the file space, since processes share files in the system. A process accessing a file may get unexpected results while executing in a critical section if the binding between the file name and the file object is altered by another process. Such errors, called time-of-check-to-time-of-use (TOCTTOU) binding flaws, are among the most prevalent security flaws. This paper presents a model that detects TOCTTOU binding flaws by checking the integrity of bindings between file names and file objects at run time and a simplified prototype of the detection model. We discuss the properties of the detection model and its run-time overhead, based on the results of experiments on the prototype .
SU-FF-T-162: Quality Assurance for a Tomotherapy Machine: New Procedures and Comparison to TG-40 Recommendations for Conventional Linear Accelerators

Purpose: To compare daily and monthly quality assurance, QA, procedures on a TomoTherapy machine with TG‐40 recommendations for a conventional linear accelerator.Method and Materials: A commercially available diode check‐unit is retrofitted for use in daily and monthly TomoTherapy QA. Output consistency is checked with this unit. The housing of the check unit is equipped with 1‐mm diameter lead markers that provide for checks of megavoltage CTimaging, laser alignment, and couch motion. On a monthly basis more quantitative checks of laser alignment, beam energy, beam profiles, and couch motion are done with a diode array. A very efficient test procedure has been developed that uses this array. Results: On a daily schedule, output consistency, laser alignment, and couch motion are check with a single measurement that takes approximately 10 minutes. Daily output checks over 118 days of operation show the output to vary with a 1‐standard deviation of 2%. Based on megavoltage imaging of the morning check unit, the vertical and superior‐inferior green‐laser alignment and couch motion are found to vary by less than 1 mm. In this time period, the left‐to‐right green‐laser drifted past a 2 mm limit and adjustments were made to correct the alignment. On a monthly schedule absolute beam output was measured for 1, 2.5 and 5.0‐cm jaw widths and found to vary by ±1%. Beam energy shifts were found to be ±1.2%. Monthly comparisons to commissioning profiles indicate small changes in the left‐to‐right direction, which are indicative of small changes in beam energy. Conclusion: New procedures and tolerances had to be developed for daily and monthly checks of the TomoTherapy unit. Over a five month period the machine stability has been acceptable. Many TG‐40 checks for conventional linear accelerators are not applicable to a TomoTherapy machine.
Pig lmp7 proteasome subunit cDNA cloning and expression analysis.

Received: 15 May 1998 / Revised: 23 June 1998The nucleotide sequence data reported in this paper have beensubmitted to the GenBank nucleotide sequence database andhave been assigned the number AF059493H. R. Gaskins (Y)University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,1207 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, USAT. Chun 7 H. R. GaskinsDepartment of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois atUrbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USAC. J. Aldrich 7 E. HermelEvansville Center, Indiana University School of Medicine,Evansville, IN 47712, USA
Irradiation for unresectable pancreatic cancer

At present, the treatment of unresectable non-metastatic pancreatic cancer remains palliative. In selected patients, aggressive treatment programs of irradiation and chemotherapy may result in median survivals of approximately 12 months and 2-year survival rates of 20%. Long-term survivors are rare. Future efforts will be directed toward evaluation of irradiation with new agents such as paclitaxel and gemcitabine.
Effects of field-aligned and associated currents on spherical harmonic geomagnetic models

High-latitude ionospheric and magnetospheric current systems are coupled via field-aligned currents (FACs). Because these highly temporal currents and associated fields are not fixed to geographic coordinates, analysis of satellite magnetic data by means of spherical harmonics has largely been restricted to periods of relative magnetic quiescence which are thought to be devoid of the effects of FACs. In principle, however, if a set of instantaneous (neglecting propagation time) worldwide satellite measurements were available, the fields of the vertical component of FACs could readily be removed from the satellite data, because they are not curl-free and thus they would not contribute to the spherical harmonic coefficients (SHCs) obtained in a spherical harmonic analysis (SHA) of the field. In this paper, some simple cases of radial currents and FACs with idealized ionospheric and magnetospheric closure currents are considered to show in what way sources internal and external to the satellite orbit would contribute to the internal and external terms of the spherical harmonic expansion. A method is then discussed for separating external and internal sources of the geomagnetic field in real satellite data, based on the non-curl free source conditions of FACs and the assumption that the distribution of the quiet-time ionospheric-magnetospheric coupling circuit and other sources of polar magnetic variations are a local geomagnetic time phenomenon.
Agglomeration, isolation and dissolution of commercially manufactured silver nanoparticles in aqueous environments

The increasing use of manufactured nanoparticles ensures these materials will make their way into the environment. Silver nanoparticles in particular, due to use in a wide range of applications, have the potential to get into water systems, e.g., drinking water systems, ground water systems, estu- aries, and/or lakes. One important question is what is the chemical and physical state of these nanoparticles in water? Are they present as isolated particles, agglomerates or dissolved ions, as this will dictate their fate and transport. Furthermore, does the chemical and physical state of the nanoparticles change as a function of size or differ from micron- sized particles of similar composition? In this study, an electrospray atomizer coupled to a scanning mobility particle sizer (ES-SMPS) is used to inves- tigate the state of silver nanoparticles in water and aqueous nitric acid environments. Over the range of pH values investigated, 0.5-6.5, silver nanoparticles with a bimodal primary particle size distribution with the most intense peak at 5.0 ± 7.4 nm, as determined from transmission electron microscopy (TEM), show distinct size distributions indicating agglomeration between pH 6.5 and 3 and isolated nanoparticles at pH values from 2.5 to 1. At the lowest pH investi- gated, pH 0.5, there are no peaks detected by the SMPS, indicating complete nanoparticle dissolution. Further analysis of the solution shows dissolved Ag ions at a pH of 0.5. Interestingly, silver nanoparticle dissolution shows size dependent behavior as larger, micron-sized silver particles show no dissolution at this pH. Environmental implications of these results are discussed.
Male-Female Differences in the Association of Managerial Style and Personal Values

Abstract We investigated the relationship between Rokeach's terminal and instrumental values and six managerial styles measured by McClelland's Managerial Style Questionnaire among 130 male and 125 female managers in the southeastern United States. Instrumental values were clearly linked with managerial styles but in substantially different ways for men and women. The link between terminal values and managerial style was less common but also showed gender differences. Managerial style was not affected by gender.
Spatial Analysis of Great Lakes Regional Icing Cloud Liquid Water Content

Abstract Clustering of cloud microphysical conditions, such as liquid water content (LWC) and drop size, can affect the rate and shape of ice accretion and the airworthiness of aircraft. Clustering may also degrade the accuracy of cloud LWC measurements from radars and microwave radiometers being developed by the government for remotely mapping icing conditions ahead of aircraft in flight. This paper evaluates spatial clustering of LWC in icing clouds using measurements collected during NASA research flights in the Great Lakes region. We used graphical and analytical approaches to describe clustering. The analytical approach involves determining the average size of clusters and computing a clustering intensity parameter. We analyzed flight data composed of 1-s-frequency LWC measurements for 12 periods ranging from 17.4 minutes (73 km) to 45.3 minutes (190 km) in duration. Graphically some flight segments showed evidence of consistency with regard to clustering patterns. Cluster intensity varied from 0.06, indicating little clustering, to a high of 2.42. Cluster lengths ranged from 0.1 minutes (0.6 km) to 4.1 minutes (17.3 km). Additional analyses will allow us to determine if clustering climatologies can be developed to characterize cluster conditions by region, time period, or weather condition. Introduction
Wet-Chemical Synthesis and Consolidation of Stoichiometric Bismuth Telluride Nanoparticles for Improving the Thermoelectric Figure-of-Merit

Bismuth telluride nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized using a low-temperature wet-chemical approach from bismuth(III) oleate and tri-n-octylphosphine telluride. The size and shape of the NPs can be controlled by adjusting the temperature, reaction time, and nature of the surfactants and solvents. Aromatic hydrocarbons (toluene, xylenes) and ethers (phenyl- and benzyl-ether) favor the formation of stoichiometric Bi2Te3 NPs of platelike morphology, whereas the presence of oleylamine and 1-dodecanethiol yields Bi-rich Bi2Te3 spherical NPs. XRD, IR, SEM, TEM, and SAED techniques have been used to characterize the obtained products. We show that the surfactants can be efficiently removed from the surface of the NPs using a two-step process employing nitrosonium tetrafluoroborate and hydrazine hydrate. The surfactant-free NPs were further consolidated into high density pellets using cold-pressing and field-assisted sintering techniques. The sintered surfactant-free Bi2Te3 showed electrical and thermal pro...
Analysis of tuning of FDDI media access control protocol

The fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) provides a 100 Mb/s communication system to interconnect computer and peripheral equipment using fiber optics as the transmission medium in a ring configuration. The performance of the FDDI media-access control (MAC) protocol, a timed-token protocol, is analyzed. The FDDI MAC priority mechanism supports two classes of traffic: synchronous and asynchronous. The focus is on the relationship between the FDDI MAC parameter settings, the ring configuration, and the performance of the asynchronous priority levels. A procedure to calculate estimates for the throughput of each asynchronous priority level over a range of frame-arrival rates is developed. Performance results are presented to demonstrate characteristics of the FDDI priority mechanism. A procedure is described that can be used to tune the FDDI parameters so that given performance objectives for the various priority levels are achieved. >
The evolving role of bisphosphonates.

Abstract Bisphosphonates, analogs of pyrophosphate, bind to bone at sites of active bone remodeling. In clinical settings of rapid bone turnover and/or excessive osteolytic activity, they have been shown to have beneficial clinical effects. These settings include Paget's disease of bone, osteoporosis from a variety of clinical causes, and malignant bone disease. Bisphosphonate inhibition of osteolysis in cancer has been shown to be effective therapy for malignancy-associated hypercalcemia and as adjunctive therapy for the delay or prevention of cancer-related skeletal morbidity, including bone pain, pathologic fractures, and need for radiation therapy. Animal models of bone metastasis prevention by bisphosphonate treatment have provided the preclinical background for the adjuvant use of bisphosphonates in primary cancers. The success of these clinical trials has provided strong impetus for new research on bone disease and malignancy, as well as the development and testing of new and more potent bisphosphonates.
Studies of Dirhodium(II) Tetrakis(trifluoroacetate). 6. The First Structural Characterization of Axial Alkyne Complexes, Rh2(O2CCF3)4(Ph2C2)n (n = 1, 2): Diphenylacetylene as a Bifunctional Ligand

The solid-state reactions of Rh2(O2CCF3)4 with diphenylacetylene (Ph2C2) have produced the first two dirhodium(II,II) carboxylate complexes with coordinated alkynes having overall compositions of 1...
Oncolysis of canine tumor cells by myxoma virus lacking the serp2 gene.

Objective—To determine the oncolytic efficacy of an attenuated form of myxoma virus lacking the serp2 gene in canine tumor cells. Sample—Primary cells were isolated from tumors that were surgically removed from dogs and from connective tissue obtained from the cadaver of a dog. Cells of various established cell lines from tumors and nontumorous tissues were obtained. Procedures—Experiments were performed with cells in monolayer culture. Cell cultures were inoculated with wild-type myxoma viruses or myxoma viruses lacking the serp2 gene, and measures of cytopathic effects, viral growth kinetics, and cell death and apoptosis were determined. Results—Myxoma viruses replicated in cells of many of the primary and established canine tumor cell lines. Canine tumor cells in which expression of activated protein kinase B was upregulated were more permissive to myxoma virus infection than were cells in which expression of activated protein kinase B was not upregulated. Myxoma viruses lacking the serp2 gene caused m...
On the optimal prediction of nonlinear magnetic device geometries by finite element and dynamic programming

This paper presents a new technique for the design of nonlinear magnetic devices using a numerical synthesis technique. The method utilizes 2D finite elements and dynamic programming for predicting the geometries of magnetic circuits and wlnding areas. This new technique i s applicable for both low and high frequency designs, as well as in handling magnetic material non-linearites. Device parameter, such as inductances and winding resistances can also be obtained.
Cryptographic Versus Trust-based Methods for MANET Routing Security

Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs) allow wireless nodes to form a network without requiring a fixed infrastructure. Early routing protocols for MANETs failed to take security issues into account. Subsequent proposals used strong cryptographic methods to secure the routing information. In the process, however, these protocols created new avenues for denial of service (DoS). Consequently, the trade-off between security strength and DoS vulnerability has emerged as an area requiring further investigation. It is believed that different trust methods can be used to develop protocols at various levels in this trade-off. To gain a handle on this exchange, real world testing that evaluates the cost of existing proposals is necessary. Without this, future protocol design is mere speculation. In this paper, we give the first comparison of SAODV and TAODV, two MANET routing protocols, which address routing security through cryptographic and trust-based means respectively. We provide performance comparisons on actual resource-limited hardware. Finally, we discuss design decisions for future routing protocols.
Near-Optimal Bounds for Cross-Validation via Loss Stability

Multi-fold cross-validation is an established practice to estimate the error rate of a learning algorithm. Quantifying the variance reduction gains due to cross-validation has been challenging due to the inherent correlations introduced by the folds. In this work we introduce a new and weak measure called loss stability and relate the cross-validation performance to this measure; we also establish that this relationship is near-optimal. Our work thus quantitatively improves the current best bounds on cross-validation.
Smart inverter volt/var control functions for high penetration of PV on distribution systems

Small- and large-scale wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) generation systems are interconnecting to the distribution system at a rapid pace. Penetration limits are often imposed due to the impact these additional distributed resource can have on voltage. In order to accommodate high penetration scenarios without impacting power quality or reliability, additional control functions must be utilized. A recent industry collaborative effort has identified key functions that allow these additional resources to coordinate with grid operations and provide a more grid-friendly response. This paper addresses one of these functions, inverter volt/var control. Simulations are performed to illustrate the effectiveness of this type of control for PV deployment on the distribution system.
Predictive Value of Brachial Flow-Mediated Dilation for Incident Cardiovascular Events in a Population-Based Study The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Background— Although brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) predicts recurrent cardiovascular events, its predictive value for incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in adults free of CVD is not well established. We assessed the predictive value of FMD for incident CVD events in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Methods and Results— Brachial artery FMD was measured in a nested case-cohort sample of 3026 of 6814 subjects (mean±SD age, 61.2±9.9 years) in MESA, a population-based cohort study of adults free of clinical CVD at baseline recruited at 6 clinic sites in the United States. The sample included 50.2% female, 34.3% white, 19.7% Chinese, 20.8% black, and 25.1% Hispanic subjects. Probability-weighted Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to examine the association between FMD and 5 years of adjudicated incident CVD events, including incident myocardial infarction, definite angina, coronary revascularization (coronary artery bypass grafting, percutaneous transluminal cor...
The hydrodynamic resolution of optical isomers

A potentially simple and effective technique is proposed for separating enantiomorphic crystal pairs from each other, or separating individual enantiomorphs from optically active impurities. This method consists essentially of settling under conditions controlling orientation of the asymmetric particles and taking advantage of the tensorial nature of their friction factors.
Comparative analysis of therapeutic options used for myasthenia gravis

Objective: To compare clinical and economic outcomes following plasma exchange (PLEX) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in U.S. patients with primary diagnoses of myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: Our cohort was identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for years 2000–2005 using codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition. Multivariate regression analyses were used to identify predictors of mortality, complications, length of stay, and total inpatient cost. Results: Among 1,606 hospitalized patients, the unadjusted mortality rate of MG crisis remained higher than those without crisis (0.44% vs 4.44%, p 0.05). Acute respiratory failure, major cardiac complications, and acute renal failure were associated with an increased mortality rate (p < 0.001). Age and respiratory failure were associated with an increased complication rate (p < 0.001). Length of stay was significantly longer for MG (6 vs 4 days, p < 0.001) and MG crisis (10 vs 5 days, p < 0.001) patients receiving PLEX. Inpatient costs were higher for MG ($26,662 vs $21,124, p < 0.01) and MG crisis ($53,801 vs $33,924, p < 0.001) patients receiving PLEX. Interpretation: Compared to PLEX, IVIG appears of similar clinical (mortality and complications) and perhaps of superior economic (length of stay and total inpatient charges) outcomes in the treatment of MG. Elderly and those with complex comorbid diseases including acute respiratory failure may be better treated with IVIG. ANN NEUROL 2010;68:797–805
Effect of estradiol on secretion of luteinizing hormone during the follicular phase of the bovine estrous cycle.

Mean concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LII) increase during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle in cows. The working hypotheses in the present study were (1) that increasing concentrations of l7�3-estradiol (E2) during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle cause an increase in mean concentration of LII by increasing amplitude of pulses of LII, and (2) that increasing E2 concentrations during this stage of the estrous cycle decrease frequency of pulses of LII in bovine females. Day of estrus was synchronized in seventeen mature cows. Treatments were initiated on Day 16 of the experimental estrous cycle (Day 0 = estrus). At Hour 0 (on Day 16), 4 cows were lutectomized. Lutectomy of these cows (EE; n = 4) allowed for endogenous secretion of E2. The remaining cows were ovariectomized at Hour 0 and were assigned to one of three E2 treatments: luteal phase E2 (LE, n = 5), increasing then decreasing E2 (DE, n = 5), and no E2 (NE, n = 3). Cows in the group that received LE were administered one E2 implant at Hour 0, which provided low circulating concentrations of E2 similar to those observed during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. Cows in the group that received DE were administered one E2 implant at Hour 0, and additional implants were administered at 8-h intervals through Hour 40; then, two implants were removed at Hours 48 and 56, and one implant was removed at Hour 64. This protocol mimicked the normal preovulatory rise and fall of circulating concentrations of E2. Blood samples were collected (at 12-mm intervals) from Hour 2 through Hour 80. The response of mean concentration of LII over time was quadratic for cows receiving the DE, LE, and NE treatments. Linear and quadratic responses in the amplitudes of pulses of LII over time were determined in the cows receiving the DE, LE, and NE treatments. Amplitudes of pulses of LH increased at a greater rate through Hour 40 in the cows receiving the DE treatment (time of increasing concentrations of E2 in DE treatment) as compared to those receiving either the LE or NE treatments. The overall quadratic
A numerical model for transport in heat pipes considering wick microstructure effects

A three-dimensional flow and heat transfer model for heat pipes and vapor chambers is presented. The Navier-Stokes equations along with the energy equation are solved numerically for the liquid and vapor flows in the heat pipe. A porous medium formulation is used for the wick region. Evaporation and condensation at the liquid-vapor interface are modeled using kinetic theory. The effect of the microstructured wick on evaporation and condensation mass fluxes at the liquid-vapor interface is accounted for by integrating a microstructure-level evaporation model (micromodel) with the device-level model (macromodel). Meniscus curvature in the wick is calculated at every location as a result of this coupling. The model accounts for the change in interfacial area in the wick pore, thin-film evaporation, and Marangoni convection effects during phase change at the liquid-vapor interface. The coupled model is used to predict the performance of a screen-mesh wick in a heat pipe and the implications of the coupling are discussed.
Blood Viscosity in Broilers: Influence on Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome

Abstract Elevation in apparent blood viscosity may enhance the pulmonary hypertension that leads to pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) and 1ascites in fast-growing broilers. We investigated the importance of packed cell volume (PCV) and shear rate in modifying apparent viscosity of the blood from broilers assigned to normal, preascites, and ascites groups. Apparent viscosity of broiler blood increased at all shear rates as PCV increased; the increase in apparent viscosity became greater as the shear rate decreased at PCV above 0.30. At the PCV of normal broilers (0.30 or below), apparent viscosity was nearly shear rate independent, at least down to 11.25 per second, the lowest shear rate studied. Apparent viscosity, at any given PCV and shear rate, was significantly lower in the blood of birds with ascites than in normal birds; however, the relative viscosity was not different between those groups, indicating that lower plasma viscosity in the birds with PHS was responsible for the finding. The results show that the principal factor responsible for increased apparent viscosity of blood in birds with PHS is the increase in PCV. The increased resistance to flow of blood as the result of higher blood viscosity may contribute to the pulmonary hypertension.
Evaluating a prediction model for infant hearing loss

Objectives/Hypothesis The objective of this study was to determine whether a prognostic model using risk factors for hearing loss could predict the chance that infants who failed a newborn hearing screen would subsequently be found to have hearing loss diagnosed by auditory brainstem response testing. Study Design Individual retrospective case-control study. Methods We studied 229 infants with hearing loss compared with 458 infants with normal hearing. All infants had undergone natural sleep or sedated auditory brainstem response, predominantly for not passing a newborn hearing screen. Risk factors, birth history, and other information were extracted via medical record review. Multiple logistic regression analyses identified independent predictors of hearing loss. Results Four risk factors were independently predictive of hearing loss diagnosed by sleep or sedated auditory brainstem response: prematurity, 5-minute APGAR score ≤ 6, intracranial complication, and craniofacial abnormality. A prognostic model developed from these risk factors was associated with a 15% rate of hearing loss in stage I, 52% rate of hearing loss in stage II, and 96% rate of hearing loss in stage III. Conclusions The presence of any one of four independently predictive risk factors in infants who did not pass newborn hearing screen was associated with a 50% rate of hearing loss; having three or more was associated with a 90% rate of hearing loss. Knowing that an infant is at high risk of hearing loss can motivate parents to follow up with diagnostic auditory brainstem response testing so that early identification can lead to early intervention. Level of Evidence 2b. Laryngoscope, 123:2873–2879, 2013
UFOs and the US intelligence community

UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) phenomena have been a prominent feature of the cultural landscape in the US for the past half century. Throughout this entire period, US intelligence agencies have been involved in one way or another with these phenomena. This article describes how, as an unintended consequence, that involvement has fostered public acceptance of the belief that some UFOs are spacecraft from another world.
Immunoglobulin and complement deposition in skin of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was differentiated from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by direct immunofluorescent techniques on skin specimens, using monospecific antisera for IgG, IgM, C3, C1q, properdin, and fibrin. Of 30 patients with RA studied, 20 had dermal vessel deposits of immunoglobulins and complement components in unaffected skin without the characteristic dermal-epidermal junctional fluorescence of SLE. Of 24 SLE patients studied, 24 had granular deposits of immunoglobulins and complement components in unaffected skin at the dermal-epidermal junction.
Diarrhea as a risk factor for acute lower respiratory tract infections among young children in low income settings

Background Diarrhea and acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years of age. We sought to quantify the correlation of diarrhea and respiratory infections within an individual child and to determine if infection with one illness increases the risk of infection with the other during the same time period. Methods We quantified the likelihood of an ALRI and a diarrhea ep isode occurring during the same week compared to the likelihood of each occurring independently in two cohorts of children under 3 years of age using a bivariate probit regression model. We also quantified the likelihood of an ALRI episode conditioned on a child’s diarrhea history and the likelihood of a diarrhea episode conditioned on a child’s ALRI history using Cox Proportional Hazard models. Results In Indian and Nepali children, diarrhea and ALRI occurred simultaneously more than chance alone. Incidence of ALRI increased in both cohorts as the number of days with diarrhea in the prior 28 days increased; the greatest incident rate ratio was reported among children with 20 or more days of diarrhea (1.02, 95% confidence in terval (CI) 1.01 – 1.03 in Nepal and 1.07, 95% CI 1.05 – 1.09 in South India). Incidence of diarrhea was affected differently by ALRI prevalence depending on the season. Conclusions Diarrhea may be a direct risk factor for ALRI among children under 3 years of age. The risk of comorbidity increases as disease severity increases, providing additional rationale for prompt community case–management of both diarrhea and pneumonia.
Total synthesis of (±)-8S, 14-cedranediol

Abstract A total synthesis of (±)-8s, 14-cedranediol (I) is described. The synthesis employed the intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction of an alkenylcyclopentadiene prepared in situ through the retro Diels-Alder reaction of the corresponding alkenyldicyclopentadiene. Regiospecific ring expansion of the cyclization product provided access to the natural product.
Tater Stiks and Sir Salty: Two Mini-Cases in Brand Management Strategy

The authors present two “mini-cases” designed to highlight some key strategic issues in brand management; the first (Tater Stiks) has two parts and focuses on brand positioning, and the second (Sir Salty) focuses on the management of a brand icon. The cases can be used to facilitate classroom discussion in a variety of ways and in the authors’ experience have been valuable as a supplement to theory-based brand management lectures.
Designing Variable-Geometry Extrusion Dies That Utilize Planar Shape-Changing Rigid-Body Mechanisms

This paper presents a kinematic synthesis methodology for planar shape-changing rigid-body mechanisms that addresses constraints arising in the design of variable-geometry polymer extrusion dies. Such a die is capable of morphing its orifice in order to create extrusions of non-constant cross section. A variable-geometry shape-changing die problem is defined by a set of design profiles of different shapes and arc lengths, which approximate various cross sections of the extrusion. The primary advantage of the presented methodology is addressing the need for bodies in the mechanism formed by fusing links in the shape-changing portion of the chain. Previous methodologies included such fused links, but only at the end of the synthesis process where revolute joints were seen to be underutilized. A new method is needed to control, or even eliminate the use of revolute joints in the shape-changing chain of rigid links. The result of this new work is an iterative method which generates an optimized morphing chain to best match the design profiles while minimizing the number of prismatic and revolute joints needed to do so. The additional variable-geometry design constraints also require a generalization to the definition of fixed-end profiles previously proposed, also allowing chain ends to be defined by prismatic joints on a fixed line of slide. A virtual-chain method is also proposed to solve closure problems caused by the reduction in the number of revolute joints.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Lymph node interdigitating reticulum cell sarcoma.

A 67-year-old man presented with a malignant tumor involving abdominal lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and lungs, with associated protracted fever and night sweats. The tumor consisted of large pleomorphic cells, often surrounding microabscesses. Intracytoplasmic S1000 protein, surface T6, Leu-3a (T4), and HLA-DR antigens were demonstrated. The malignant cells also possessed ATPase activity. Ultrastructurally, the cells exhibited numerous interdigitating cell processes but no Birbeck granules. The anatomic distribution of the tumor, its ultrastructural features, immunologic phenotype, and enzymatic profile are all consistent with a derivation from lymph node interdigitating reticulum cell. The tumor was unresponsive to the chemotherapeutic agents administered, and the patient soon died.
Physical, psychosocial, and social health of men who identify as bears: a systematic review

Aims and objectives This article examines the existing qualitative and quantitative research on physical, psychosocial and social health of men who identify as Bears, a subcultural group in the gay community. Background During the 1980s, one of the first Bear communities emerged in San Francisco. Using the United States as an example, other Bear communities were created throughout the world. Today, Bear-related organizations and events are found globally. Methods A systematic review was conducted exploring the health of men who identify as Bears. Design To identify articles addressing the health outcomes of men who identify as Bears, the researcher systematically reviewed articles indexed through CINAHL, PsycINFO, Humanities International Index, Cochrane Library, Medline, and LGBT Life. Results The major findings across the 11 articles were systematically grouped into physical, psychosocial, and social health categories. Men identifying as Bears were more likely to have a higher body mass index, engage in risky sexual behaviours and have a lower self-esteem. Conclusions Future implications for research and practice regarding the health of men who identify as Bears are addressed. Relevance to clinical practice Men who identify as Bears have unique health care needs and respond to health care providers who are sensitive towards their needs. Health care providers should understand and acknowledge the unique health needs of men who identify as Bears to better care for these men.
Ultrasonography in the emergency setting.

Summary US is the imaging modality of choice in many situations encountered in the Emergency Department. It is particularly useful in evaluating renal colic, pain or vaginal bleeding in the pregnant patient, and pelvic pain in the nonpregnant woman; and in diagnosing gallbladder disease, appendicitis, proximal lower extremity DVT, and pericardial effusion. The information presented in each section, including sonographic findings and the role of US, should be helpful in choosing the most appropriate test in the evaluation process.
Mitigation Opportunities from Land Management Practices in a Warming World: Increasing Potential Sinks

Climate change will create changes in CO 2 , temperature, and precipitation in the plant and soil environment. The changes will not be uniform in time or space creating further uncertainty about the magnitude of the impact of climate change on agricultural systems. Increases in CO 2 will enhance plant growth; however, these increases will be offset by increased heat stress and soil water use leading to potential water deficits. Variations in observed CO 2 emissions are closely related to soil temperatures, thus increasing global temperatures may stimulate soil heterotrophic processes and increase soil organic carbon decomposition. Mitigation of N 2 O will result from improved N management; however, the impact will be dependent upon the soil water regime. Effective mitigation of CO 2 or N 2 O emissions will require an understanding of how the processes that affect emissions are influenced by climate change and how we can most effectively incorporate this knowledge into improved soil and crop management practices.
Why Study Globalization? Developments, Actors, Resistance

‘In ‘Why Study Globalization?’ Portnoi highlights the broad developments and trends that have been central to the heightened nature of contemporary globalization since WWII. Highlighted developments include technological advances, especially in the area of information and communications technology; economic globalization and the retreat of the welfare state; the shift from post-Fordism to Fordism; the advent of the global knowledge economy; international mobility and transnational migration; and shifting cultural patterns. Another area of focus is the launch of the aid and development regime, and the various types of global governance institutions that have emerged. Portnoi also explores the development of the neoliberal Washington and post-Washington Consensus that have guided international aid and development since the 1970s and highlights resistance to neoliberal globalization.
Incidence, survival, pathology, and genetics of adult Latino Americans with glioblastoma

Latino Americans are a rapidly growing ethnic group in the United States but studies of glioblastoma in this population are limited. We have evaluated characteristics of 21,184 glioblastoma patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute. This SEER data from 2001 to 2011 draws from 28% of the U.S. population. Latinos have a lower incidence of GBM and present slightly younger than non-Latino Whites. Cubans present at an older age than other Latino sub-populations. Latinos have a higher incidence of giant cell glioblastoma than non-Latino Whites while the incidence of gliosarcoma is similar. Despite lower rates of radiation therapy and greater rates of sub-total resection than non-Latino Whites, Latinos have better 1 and 5 year survival rates. SEER does not record chemotherapy data. Survivals of Latino sub-populations are similar with each other. Age, extent of resection, and the use of radiation therapy are associated with improved survival but none of these variables are sufficient in a multivariate analysis to explain the improved survival of Latinos relative to non-Latino Whites. As molecular data is not available in SEER records, we studied the MGMT and IDH status of 571 patients from a UCLA database. MGMT methylation and IDH1 mutation rates are not statistically significantly different between non-Latino Whites and Latinos. For UCLA patients with available information, chemotherapy and radiation rates are similar for non-Latino White and Latino patients, but the latter have lower rates of gross total resection and present at a younger age.