cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perception versus reality: A National Cohort Analysis of the surgery-first approach for resectable pancreatic cancer

Introduction Although surgical resection is necessary, it is not sufficient for long-term survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We sought to evaluate survival after up-front surgery (UFS) in anatomically resectable PDAC in the context of three critical factors: (A) margin status; (B) CA19-9; and (C) receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods The National Cancer Data Base (2010-2015) was reviewed for clinically resectable (stage 0/I/II) PDAC patients. Surgical margins, pre-operative CA19-9, and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy were evaluated. Patient overall survival was stratified based on these factors and their respective combinations. Outcomes after UFS were compared to equivalently staged patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis. Results Twelve thousand and eighty-nine patients were included (n = 9197 UFS, n = 2892 ITT neoadjuvant). In the UFS cohort, only 20.4% had all three factors (median OS = 31.2 months). Nearly 1/3rd (32.7%) of UFS patients had none or only one factor with concomitant worst survival (median OS = 14.7 months). Survival after UFS decreased with each failing factor (two factors: 23 months, one factor: 15.5 months, no factors: 7.9 months) and this persisted after adjustment. Overall survival was superior in the ITT-neoadjuvant cohort (27.9 vs. 22 months) to UFS. Conclusion Despite the perceived benefit of UFS, only 1-in-5 UFS patients actually realize maximal survival when known factors highly associated with outcomes are assessed. Patients are proportionally more likely to do worst, rather than best after UFS treatment. Similarly staged patients undergoing ITT-neoadjuvant therapy achieve survival superior to the majority of UFS patients. Patients and providers should be aware of the false perception of 'optimal' survival benefit with UFS in anatomically resectable PDAC.
Examining the Pathoplastic Moderating Role of Education on the Association between Depressive Mood and Self-Rated Health among Cancer Survivors: A Population-Based Study.

Objective: Self-rated health (SRH) is a salient patient outcome for cancer survivors, and depressive mood and education are known determinants of cancer survivors’ SRH. Moving beyond the well-established direct association between depressive mood, education, and SRH among cancer survivors, this epidemiological study investigated the pathoplastic role of education on depressive mood in relation to SRH among a nationally representative sample of cancer survivors in the United States. Methods: The 2019 National Health Interview Survey was analyzed using data from adult participants (≥18 years old) who self-reported as cancer survivors (n = 3844). Ordered logistic regression was used to evaluate the direct impact of depressive mood and education in relation to SRH. In addition, the pathoplastic moderating effect was evaluated using ordered logistic regression with an interaction term of depressive mood and education in the regression model. All analyses adjusted for complex sample weights so that findings are nationally representative. Results: After adjusting for all covariates, U.S. cancer survivors’ depressive mood was significantly associated with lower SRH, and U.S. cancer survivors’ higher education was significantly associated with higher SRH. As a pathoplastic moderator, cancer survivors’ education significantly moderated the association between depressive mood and SRH. The negative association between depressive mood and SRH was significantly greater among those with higher education. Conclusion: Moving beyond the direct association between depressive mood, education, and SRH, education served as a pathoplastic moderator in relation to depressive mood and SRH. Psycho-oncology providers need to be mindful of the “protective-risk” effect of education in relation to cancer survivors’ depressive mood and SRH.
Gender differences in the risk of stroke during support with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device

Background There is increasing recognition that the risk of stroke after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation varies based on gender, with a higher risk in female patients. We reviewed our own data to determine gender differences in the risk of stroke. Methods Frequency of stroke, including intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic stroke, was retrospectively evaluated in 110 heart failure patients (mean age 49.6 ± 13.6 years, 32% women) discharged from the hospital after implantation of a HeartMate II ( N = 74) or HeartWare ( N = 36) LVAD. Competing outcomes analysis was used to determine which clinical risk factors were associated with the risk of stroke and death, with the primary end-point being time to first stroke event. Results During a median follow-up of 1.3 years, 26 patients had a stroke (23.6%, 0.14 case per person-year). The median time to first stroke was 0.7 (interquartile range 0.3 to 1.4) years. After adjusting for covariates, risk of stroke was higher for women than for men (hazard ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 6.9; p = 0.007). There was no difference in overall survival between men and women. Conclusion The risk of stroke after LVAD varies based on gender, with a higher risk in female patients. More research is needed to fully understand these differences, and whether device management strategies should be tailored based on gender.
Coherence bandwidth in turbulence

Two statistics — coherency and spectrum of amplitude difference — are used to estimate bandwidth limitations for radio wave propagation in a turbulent atmosphere. The statistics are used to estimate the available bandwidth for radio frequencies in close proximity with the 60 GHz molecular oxygen resonant line. Predicted results of .01 % for the rms differential amplitude variations are obtained for a fluctuation frequency passband from 10−5 Hz to 10−1 Hz for a radio frequency passband of 5 GHz centered at 60 GHz and a 1 km path length.
Data mining techniques for enhancing protein function prediction

Proteins are the most essential and versatile macromolecules of life, and the knowledge of their functions is crucial for obtaining a basic understanding of the cellular processes operating in an organism as well as for important applications in biotechnology, such as the development of new drugs, better crops, and synthetic biochemicals such as biofuels. Recent revolutions in biotechnology has given us numerous high-throughput experimental technologies that generate very useful data, such as gene expression and protein interaction data, that provide high-resolution snapshots of complex cellular processes and a novel avenue to understand their underlying mechanisms. In particular, several computational approaches based on the principle of Guilt by Association (GBA) have been proposed to predict the function(s) of the protein are inferred from those of other proteins that are ”associated” to it in these data sets. In this thesis, we have developed several novel methods for improving the performance of these approaches by making use of the unutilized and under-utilized information in genomic data sets, as well as their associated knowledge bases. In particular, we have developed pre-processing methods for handling data quality issues with gene expression (microarray) data sets and protein interaction networks that aim to enhance the utility of these data sets for protein function prediction. We have also developed a method for incorporating the inter-relationships between functional classes, as captured by the ontologies in Gene Ontology, into classification-based protein function prediction algorithms, which enabled us to improve the quality of predictions made for several functional classes, particularly those with very few member proteins (rare classes). Finally, we have developed a novel association analysis-based biclustering algorithm to address two major challenges with traditional biclustering algorithms, namely an exhaustive search of all valid biclusters satisfying the definition specified by the algorithm, and the ability to search for small biclusters. This algorithm makes it possible to discover smaller sized biclusters that are more significantly enriched with specific GO terms than those produced by the traditional biclustering algorithms. Overall, the methods proposed in this thesis are expected to help uncover the functions of several unannotated proteins (or genes), as shown by specific examples cited in some of the chapters. To conclude, we also suggest several opportunities for further progress on the very important problem of protein function prediction.
Lithospheric control on the spatial pattern of Azores hotspot seafloor anomalies: Constraints from a model of plume‐triple junction interaction

[1] The Azores hotspot is located near a plate boundary triple junction (TJ) consisting of the Terceira Rift (TER) and two branches of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). The seafloor expression of the Azores hotspot has a complex spatial pattern. Latitudinal anomalies in seafloor depth and other data along the MAR extend farther to the south of the inferred location of the mantle heterogeneity than to the north. Longitudinal anomalies span a greater distance to the east of the MAR (along the TER) than to the west. A finite element model is used to investigate how the divergence of three plates away from a TJ may affect the spatial dispersion of thermally buoyant material simulating a mantle plume. Prescribed plate motion vectors approximate the kinematics of the Azores TJ during a main phase of plateau formation ∼7 Ma. The plume is located off axis to the southeast of the simulated triple junction, following several studies that suggest that the present-day conduit is located near the islands of Faial and Pico. Asymmetry in the divergence of the three plates with respect to the triple junction tends to drive plume material preferentially southward and eastward, consistent with observed anomalies.
Knee and Ankle Joint Angles Influence the Plantarflexion Torque of the Gastrocnemius.

Background: The gastrocnemius (GA) is the lone bi-articular muscle of the leg, crossing both the knee and ankle. As with any bi-articular muscle, both joints affect its length/tension curve. The role of the GA as a plantarflexor is firmly established; however, no current research has investigated how changes in knee and ankle joint positions on its ability to generate a plantarflexion (PF) torque. This paper reports on the PF force generated by the GA at specific knee and ankle joint combinations. Methods: The right GA of 26 participants was electrically stimulated via surface electrodes following a standardized protocol at 24 knee and ankle joint combinations. Three stimulations were applied at each of the 24 positions. Data were recorded on three dependent measures: the passive moment, which was the PF moment created by the tissue without stimulation, the maximum moment, which was the highest PF moment during the stimulation and included the passive moment, and the stimulated moment, which reflected the PF moment during stimulation minus the passive moment. Results: A straight knee and dorsiflexed ankle create the position in which the GA generates the greatest PF moment, but it is also the position of greatest length. This finding is in contrast to conclusions from previous research with bi-articular muscles, which has consistently shown that the greatest length is not a muscle’s optimal length. The full ranges of motion for the knee and ankle apparently do not elongate the GA beyond its optimal length for producing a PF moment. Clinicians commonly evaluate GA status with the patient seated and the foot subject to gravity. Conclusions: The present results indicate that manual testing of the GA in isolation should be performed, whenever possible, with the knee extended and the ankle dorsiflexed to potentially elicit the maximum PF torque from the GA. J Clin Med Res. 2015;7(8):602-606 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jocmr2107w
Embedded-circuit meta-materials for novel design of tunable electro-ferromagnetic permeability, band-gap, and bianisotropic media

Utilizing the available materials in nature one can almost achieve any dielectric material with a relatively large permittivity property, however, the atoms and molecules have more restrictions to design a magnetic medium specially in gigahertz range. It is highly desirable if one could design a material with both permittivity and permeability parameters with a prescribed spectral characteristics. In this paper. we introduce an embedded-circuit meta-material composed of periodic high Q resonant circuits that it offers novel electromagnetic functionalities, namely, simultaneous high permittivity and permeability electro-ferromagnetic property, tunable band-gap, and tunable bianisotropic characteristics The electro-ferromagnetic property refers to a material whose permeability can be varied electronically by an applied DC electric field. The electronic tunability of electro-ferromagnetic, band-gap, and bianisotropic media is achieved by introducing BST varactors in the embedded-circuits. Exact analytical formulations for the effective parameters of the aforementioned embedded-circuit meta-materials are obtained using a transmission line analogy for a medium supporting TEM waves. A powerful finite difference time domain numerical technique is also employed to verify the analytical formulations and provide the wideband comprehensive characterization of the complex periodic structure.
Listeriosis: how concerned should a pregnant woman be? (1019.27)

Background: Every year, at least one major Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) outbreak occurs within the United States. If pregnant women are uninformed of possible ramifications of contracting List...
Controlled formation of biosilica structures in vitro

Herein we describe the controlled formation of biosilica structures by manipulation of the physical reaction environment; we were able to synthesize arched and elongated silica structures using a synthetic peptide; the results presented here are evidence that in vitro biocatalysis may be controlled in order to form desired silica structures.
An Efficient Delayless Sub-band Filtering for Adaptive Feedback Compensation in Hearing Aid

Acoustic feedback, or signal leakage between the loudspeaker and microphone of hearing aids, creates some irritations to the users of these devices and degrades the performance of the hearing aids. Among various methods proposed to cancel the negative effect of acoustic feedback, Instrumental Variable Method Adaptive Feedback Canceller (IVM-AFC) has shown superb performance. IVM-AFC exploits two kinds of adaptive filters to pre-filter the signals and to estimate the feedback path transfer function, respectively. This AFC method typically uses Partitioned Block Frequency Domain Normalized Least Mean Square (PBFD- NLMS) algorithm for the feedback path estimation. In this paper, two alternative algorithms are introduced in addition to PBFD-NLMS. One is Discrete Fourier Transform Multi-Delay block Frequency domain NLMS (DFT-MDF-NLMS) algorithm not used for this application before. The other one is a new delayless sub-band filtering algorithm. The algorithms are evaluated using speech as the input of hearing aid. Based on the experimental results, the new sub-band filtering method possesses low computational complexity and high capability of tracking the changes in the feedback path.
Acid mucopolysaccharides of tadpole tail fin and back skin

An acid mucopolysaccharide preparation from the tail fins and back skin of Rana catesbeiana tadpoles has been isolated and fractionated. In both of these tissues at least 96% of the mucopolysaccharide preparation was found to be hyaluronic acid. The remaining 4% has not been fully characterized, but does not appear to be chondroitin sulfate B.
1-Aminopropane, 2-aminopropane, and 2-methyl-2-aminopropane: vibrational assignments, conformational analyses, and chemical thermodynamic properties

Molecular spectra of the three title compounds and of aminoethane, included for comparison, were interpreted by molecular vibrational analyses. Calorimetric entropy values for the three title compounds were used to obtain further understanding of the molecular energetics. Tables of the chemical thermodynamic properties were compiled.
Influence of environmental zinc on the association between environmental and biological measures of lead in children

Exposure to lead, a common environmental contaminant found at hazardous waste sites, has been associated with adverse health effects to humans. Zinc, a nutritionally essential metal, may influence both the absorption and the toxicity of lead. The purpose of this study was to determine if zinc levels present in the environment affect the association between environmental lead measured in two small communities in the northeastern United States and biological measurements of lead in the residents of these communities. Soil and dust sampled in and around the homes of all participants were tested for lead and zinc. Residents aged 6 months to 14 years (n=214) provided blood samples for the determination of blood lead concentrations. Soil and dust measurements of environmental lead were positively associated with blood lead, regardless of the corresponding zinc levels in these samples. However, the magnitude of this association was 20% to 46% lower in areas with high environmental measures of zinc. The interactions between environmental lead and environmental zinc levels and blood lead concentrations suggest that zinc may influence the association between soil and dust lead and corresponding blood lead levels.
Effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in apolipoprotein AI deficient mice.

Abstract During the past decade a number of investigators have attempted to develop mouse models of diabetic macrovascular disease. Hyperglycemia might increase vascular damage because it increases oxidant stress. For this reason we studied animals that were deficient in HDL; HDL is widely believed to protect against oxidant stress. An inbred line of mice doubly deficient in LDL receptor and apoAI was made diabetic with streptozotocin (STZ); control mice had an average glucose of 7.2±2 mmol/l and STZ-treated mice had an average glucose of 19.4±6.5 mmol/l. The animals were fed a high cholesterol but low fat diet leading to plasma cholesterol levels of 9.4±1.6 mmol/l in control animals and 10.1±1.8 mmol/l in STZ-treated mice. The control and STZ-treated animals had similar plasma lipoprotein profiles. Atherosclerosis assessed at 23 weeks averaged 38154 μm2 in control and 32962 μm2 in STZ-treated mice. Therefore STZ-induced diabetes does not alter plasma lipoproteins or atherosclerosis in HDL deficient mice.
Mobile interventions for severe mental illness: design and preliminary data from three approaches

Mobile devices can be used to deliver psychosocial interventions, yet there is little prior application in severe mental illness. We provide the rationale, design, and preliminary data from 3 ongoing clinical trials of mobile interventions developed for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Project 1 used a personal digital assistant to prompt engagement in personalized self-management behaviors based on real-time data. Project 2 employed experience sampling through text messages to facilitate case management. Project 3 was built on group functional skills training for schizophrenia by incorporating between-session mobile phone contacts with therapists. Preliminary findings were of minimal participant attrition, and no broken devices; yet, several operational and technical barriers needed to be addressed. Adherence was similar to that reported in nonpsychiatric populations, with high participant satisfaction. Therefore, mobile devices seem feasible and acceptable in augmenting psychosocial interventions for severe mental illness, with future research in establishing efficacy, cost effectiveness, and ethical and safety protocols.
Trans-Hydrogen-Bond h2JNN and h1JNH Couplings in the DNA A−T Base Pair: Natural Bond Orbital Analysis

Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis described here demonstrates that trans-hydrogen-bond (trans-H-bond) NMR J couplings in the DNA A-T base pair, h2JNN and h1JNH, are determined largely by three terms: two Lewis-type contributions (the single-orbital contribution from the adenine lone pair and the contribution from the sigmaN3H3 natural bond orbital of the thymine ring) and one contribution from pairwise delocalization of spin density (between the lone pair in adenine and the sigma* antibonding orbital linking N3 and H3 of thymine). For h2JNN coupling, all three contributions are positive, whereas for h1JNH coupling, the delocalization term is negative, and the other two terms are positive, resulting in a small net positive coupling constant. This result rationalizes the experimental findings that the two-bond coupling (h2JNN approximately 9 Hz) is larger than the one-bond coupling (h1JNH approximately 3 Hz) and demonstrates that the same hyperconjugative and steric mechanisms that stabilize the H-bond are involved in the transmission of J coupling information. The N1...H3-N3 H-bond of the DNA A-T base pair is found to exhibit significant covalent character, but steric effects contribute almost equally to the trans-H-bond coupling.
Purification and subunit structure of mouse liver cystathionase

Abstract Cystathionase has been purified from mouse liver by ammonium sulfate precipitation, ethanol precipitation, column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and on hydrox-ylapatite, as well as Sephadex G-200 gel filtration. These procedures yielded a chromatographically homogeneous enzyme which was purified more than 1000-fold relative to whole liver extract. Overall recovery was approximately 4%. The purified enzyme does not contain detectable carbohydrate and migrates as a single protein component on analytical disc gel electrophoresis. A sedimentation coefficient of 8.3 S has been determined for the active enzyme by rate zonal centrifugation in glycerol gradients. This value suggests a molecular weight for the native enzyme of approximately 160,000 g/mol, a value similar to that estimated by gel filtration. Following sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis in the presence of reducing agent and at different gel concentrations, a single protein component with a molecular weight of 40,000 g/mol was obtained. Thus, the enzyme appears to consist of four subunits of equal size. The Km value for cystathionine at pH 8.1, 37 °C, and in the presence of 1 m m dithioerythritol is approximately 1 m m .
Webwrap and the Law of Contracts

Abstract The Internet provides a prime location to anyone who wishes to conduct business. An individual with a product or service to sell can operate out of his garage and do business on the Internet. Even the smallest businesses can establish a presence and conduct transactions anywhere in the world and at a fraction of the cost of traditional marketing methods.
Requirements and Evaluation of Standards for Integration of Sensor Data with Building Information Models

Nowadays, many buildings are equipped by Building Automation Systems, which utilize numerous sensors acquiring large amounts of data. Such data is useful to assess the performance of existing building systems and hence to support a variety of decisions made during facility operations and maintenance. However, sensor data alone typically does not support analyses of conditions of a facility since there is a need to understand the context under which data is collected. Therefore, data about sensors, and data collected by sensors and the corresponding spatial contextual information from a building information model are required to be analyzed in an integrated way. Although existing standards provide specifications to represent some aspects of sensor metadata (e.g. SensorML) and building information (e.g. IFC), an approach, which integrates information about sensors and building elements, is still needed. In relation to this, the authors first discuss requirements for a model integrating both sensor metadata and building information and then present possible approaches for developing such a model. The discussions include a synthesis and analyses of existing standards for supporting representation of sensor metadata and building information models, and overview of a prototype implemented to generate integrated models of sensors and building information.
Association and decontamination of Bacillus spores in a simulated drinking water system

The objective of this work was to elucidate the disinfectant susceptibility of Bacillus anthracis Sterne (BA) and a commercial preparation of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spores associated with a simulated drinking water system. Biofilms composed of indigenous water system bacteria were accumulated on copper and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe material surfaces in a low-flow pipe loop and uniformly mixed tank reactor (CDC biofilm reactor). Application of a distributed shear during spore contact resulted in approximately a 1.0 and 1.6 log10 increase in the number of spores associated with copper and PVC surfaces, respectively. Decontamination of spores in both free suspension and after association with biofilm-conditioned pipe materials was attempted using free chlorine and monochloramine. Associated spores required 5- to 10-fold higher disinfectant concentrations to observe the same reduction of viable spores as in suspension. High disinfectant concentrations (103 mg/L free chlorine and 49 mg/L monochloramine) yielded less than a 2-log10 reduction in viable associated spores after 60 min. Spores associated with biofilms on copper surfaces consistently yielded higher Ct values than PVC.
Presence of antibiotic-resistant commensal bacteria in samples from agricultural, city, and national park environments evaluated by standard culture and real-time PCR methods.

This study examined the presence of antibiotic-resistant commensal bacteria among cattle operations representing areas heavily affected by agriculture, city locations representing areas affected by...
Glucocorticoid, androgen, and retinoic acid regulation of glutathione S-transferase gene expression in hamster smooth muscle tumor cells.

Abstract A mu class glutathione S-transferase gene (hGSTYBX) is expressed in the DDT 1 MF-2 hamster smooth muscle tumor cell line. This gene is glucocorticoid responsive, and near maximal induction was found to occur within 24 h. The induced mRNA was very stable with a half-life of more than 48 h. Serum had no effect on either constitutive or glucocorticoid induced hGSTYBX expression. Although dibutyryl cAMP, phenobarbital, and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate did not alter hGSTYBX expression, testosterone and retinoic acid were each able to increase hGSTYBX expression in a concentration dependent manner. These results demonstrate a unique pattern of responsiveness of the hamster gene compared to the glutathione S-transferase genes of other species.
Etechnology Educated Groceries: The Internet of Things on the Rise

The Internet of Things is a combination of services, automatic identification, ubiquitous wireless networking, and distributed information processing that connects everyday objects to the Internet. It is possibly the “next big thing.” While not a new idea, it is gaining momentum with the advent of IPv6 and the maturation of a host of other enabling technologies.
Bragg Imaging In The Reflection Mode And Designs For Improved Optics

The right angle geometry between the sound field and the interrogating light wedge suggests that Bragg imaging should be well suited for the study of reflected images. In an effort to improve the intensity and clarity of the reflected images a pulsed dye laser has been developed and tested. Image photographs of various test objects and some anatomical structures were taken and comparisons to earlier transmission mode images were made. Results suggest the possibility that the technique of reflection Bragg imaging can be developed into a viable clinical tool. Efforts have also been directed to improve the optical design for Bragg imaging systems. Those systems previously described in the literature incorporate several optical components which must have dimensions comparable to the desired image size, and, for optimal imaging, these components should also have low f-numbers and be diffraction limited. Alternate lens systems have been studied and designs realized which incorporate large and small cylindrical triplet lenses and prisms. Design specifications for two such systems will be presented.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Geodesics on a hot plate: an example of a two-dimensional curved space

The equation of the geodesics on a hot plate with a radially symmetric temperature profile is derived using the Lagrangian approach. Numerical solutions are presented with an eye towards (a) teaching two-dimensional curved space and the metric used to determine the geodesics, (b) revealing some characteristics of two-dimensional curved spacetime and (c) providing insight into understanding the curved space which emerges in teaching relativity. In order to provide a deeper insight, we also present the analytical solutions and show that they represent circles whose characteristics depend on curvature of the space, conductivity and the coefficient of thermal expansion.
Metabolite profiling of praziquantel and its analogs during the analysis of in vitro metabolic stability using information-dependent acquisition on a hybrid triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer

Rapid determination of in vitro metabolic stability and metabolite profiling of new chemical entities using microsomes or other liver preparations is one of the most important steps in drug discovery. In this paper, we report the use of liquid chromatography-hybrid triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometry for the simultaneous analysis of metabolic stability, metabolite profiling, and the kinetics of metabolite formation of praziquantel and three structural analogs. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scans were used to quantify the disappearance of parent compounds and the formation of metabolites. MRM-information dependent acquisition-enhanced product ion (MRM-IDA-EPI) scans were used for the identification of the metabolites formed. Metabolic stability of these anthelmintics were studied in human liver microsomes (HLM) using MRM as a survey scan, which resulted in the identification of a higher number of metabolites compared to neutral loss (NL), precursor ion (PI), and enhanced mass spectrometry (EMS) scans. MRM-IDA-EPI scans resulted in the generation of similar calibration curves to MRM-only quantitative analysis. Therefore, the quantitative capabilities of the method was not affected by the additional qualitative information obtained during the same run. The formation of major metabolites was also simultaneously monitored, which could be used to understand the kinetics and mechanism of metabolite formation. Finally, our data demonstrate that the three analogs had higher metabolic stability than the anthelmintic prototype (praziquantel).
Mitochondria in Neuroplasticity and Neurological Disorders

Mitochondrial electron transport generates the ATP that is essential for the excitability and survival of neurons, and the protein phosphorylation reactions that mediate synaptic signaling and related long-term changes in neuronal structure and function. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that divide, fuse, and move purposefully within axons and dendrites. Major functions of mitochondria in neurons include the regulation of Ca 2+ and redox signaling, developmental and synaptic plasticity, and the arbitration of cell survival and death. The importance of mitochondria in neurons is evident in the neurological phenotypes in rare diseases caused by mutations in mitochondrial genes. Mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress, perturbed Ca 2+ homeostasis, and apoptosis may also contribute to the pathogenesis of prominent neurological diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases; stroke; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; and psychiatric disorders. Advances in understanding the molecular and cell biology of mitochondria are leading to novel approaches for the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders.
Hybrid neural network models for environmental process control (The 1998 Hunter Lecture)

A model that includes both first principles differential equations and an artificial neural network is used to forecast and control an environmental process. The inclusion of the first principles knowledge in this hybrid model is shown to improve substantially the stability of the model predictions in spite of the unmeasurability of some of the key parameters. The hybrid model estimates the unobservable parameters, and because of the constraints provided by the first principles equations, provides sensible extrapolations to the model. Thus, it can be used for process optimization as well as prediction. The hybrid model is compared with both a simple neural network with no a priori information, as well as some standard modern nonparametric statistical methods. For a variety of simulated parameter values, the hybrid model is shown to be comparable in predictive ability when used for interpolation and far superior when used for extrapolation. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Earnings per Share: Stylized Facts and New Paradigms

The paradigm that inspired the equity price bubble of the 1990s is inconsistent with the long-term earnings expectations that a rational agent could draw from the stylized facts available in real time. The paper identifies the stylized facts that characterize the behavior of accounting earnings per share (EPS) that Standard & Poor's has reported for the S&P 500 index since 1935. Estimation of an unobserved components model in state-space form shows that the long-run component of earnings is predictable, and that its growth rate has obeyed a deterministic process for three-quarters of a century. It is impossible to reconcile a deterministic slope in log EPS with the new paradigms and other delusions regarding earnings that periodically generate equity bubbles. The evidence is inconsistent with market rationality, and buttresses a behavioral theory of finance in which folly occasionally occupies center stage.
A Lightweight Framework for Web Services Implementations on Mobile Devices

Web services continue to gain an increased popularity in the Information and Telecommunication sector. However, despite the recent advancements in mobile devices and wireless technology, direct implementation of SOAP-based Web Services on mobile devices is still a challenge due to the fact that mobile devices are still resources-constrained compared to stationary dedicated servers and workstations by their limited processing power, limited memory as well as limited bandwidth and intermittent nature of wireless connectivity. This paper proposes a lightweight framework for hosting and consuming Web services on mobile devices while considering their natural limitations and constraints. The proposed framework is based on the existing Web services and mobile devices technology standards. The framework fully conforms to the REST architectural style design principles to facilitate the provision and access to Web services hosted by mobile devices.
Limited Effect of Dietary Saturated Fat on Plasma Saturated Fat in the Context of a Low Carbohydrate Diet

We recently showed that a hypocaloric carbohydrate restricted diet (CRD) had two striking effects: (1) a reduction in plasma saturated fatty acids (SFA) despite higher intake than a low fat diet, and (2) a decrease in inflammation despite a significant increase in arachidonic acid (ARA). Here we extend these findings in 8 weight stable men who were fed two 6-week CRD (12%en carbohydrate) varying in quality of fat. One CRD emphasized SFA (CRD-SFA, 86 g/d SFA) and the other, unsaturated fat (CRD-UFA, 47 g SFA/d). All foods were provided to subjects. Both CRD decreased serum triacylglycerol (TAG) and insulin, and increased LDL-C particle size. The CRD-UFA significantly decreased plasma TAG SFA (27.48 ± 2.89 mol%) compared to baseline (31.06 ± 4.26 mol%). Plasma TAG SFA, however, remained unchanged in the CRD-SFA (33.14 ± 3.49 mol%) despite a doubling in SFA intake. Both CRD significantly reduced plasma palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) indicating decreased de novo lipogenesis. CRD-SFA significantly increased plasma phospholipid ARA content, while CRD-UFA significantly increased EPA and DHA. Urine 8-iso PGF2α, a free radical-catalyzed product of ARA, was significantly lower than baseline following CRD-UFA (−32%). There was a significant inverse correlation between changes in urine 8-iso PGF2α and PL ARA on both CRD (r = −0.82 CRD-SFA; r = −0.62 CRD-UFA). These findings are consistent with the concept that dietary saturated fat is efficiently metabolized in the presence of low carbohydrate, and that a CRD results in better preservation of plasma ARA.
Media Convergence: Grand Theft Audio: Negotiating Copyright as Composers

Abstract Today, writing often requires composers to draw upon multiple modes of meaning making. Today's computers and robust networks allow writers to choreograph audio, video, other visual elements, text, and more. This is new. Admittedly, some professionals have been mixing media for years to create advertisements, movies, and CDs, for instance, but access to these technologies is now available in ways we haven’t seen before—and multimedia composing rubs against issues of intellectual property in ways we haven’t seen before, at least not in the writing classroom. In this manuscript, we address issues of copyright trouble and fair use related to multimedia composing in our current cultural context of media convergence. Specifically, we use a piece of work titled Grand Theft Audio as a launching point to discuss the ways in which copyright trouble is inevitable in multimedia composing. The piece draws on appropriated, remixed, and reconfigured audio, video, text, and images to pose a particular argument about the affordances of media convergence and issues of negotiating copyright permissions. We scaffold our discussion of Grand Theft Audio with the work of scholars including Martine Rife, John Logie, and Lawrence Lessig to push at the ways digital composing is situated in a free use vs. “permission culture” climate.
Genetic skin diseases with altered aging.

Integration, redundancy of function are hallmarks of important biological processes. Individual gene defects may overcome and override normal homeostatic systems and lead to dramatic, recognizable phenotypes by profoundly altering 1 or more physiological systems. Classical human geneticists interested in a monogenetic disease began at the level of altered function and struggled to determine the genomic defect of that disease. In the past 1½ decades, many monogenetic defects have been identified by positional cloning, and the abnormal gene has been characterized. A challenge for current investigators is to understand how a genetic defect, identified by a DNA mutation, leads to the altered phenotype. This effort is not trivial, since there are multiple metabolic and structural consequences of a single altered gene. Further complexity results from individual genetic changes being modified by the genetic diversity of the human host. Pleiotropy refers to the phenomenon of multiple phenotypic effects of a single gene. Arch Dermatol. 1997;133:1293-1295
Measurement and analysis of packages with differential signaling scheme

The characterization of packages with differential input lines involves the implementation of mixed mode S-parameters based on the even and odd modes of propagation. The device under test is a 100 I/O quad flat package with a differential signaling scheme. Under simplified assumptions of uncoupled transmission test system, this analysis can be performed using the conventional vector network analyzer and specially designed calibration and test fixtures; making use of conversion equations from a single mode measurement to a mixed mode calculation. The calibration is a standard "short open load thru" (SOLT) calibration, with specially designed fixtures to de-embed the effects of the test network used. Consideration is given to the co-efficients of calibration as expected frequency of operation extends up to 26GHz at which the parasitics of the vias are suspected to cause some distortion. The test fixture is the unpowered IC under consideration that has an unpowered terminal impedance of 52 ohms. With the provisions above, a comprehensive model of the package can be determined.
Method to Double the Surface Concentration and Control the Orientation of Adsorbed (3-Aminopropyl)dimethylethoxysilane on Silica Powders and Glass Slides

We have developed a two-step method using preadsorbed ethylenediamine (EDA) to catalyze the reaction of (3-aminopropyl)dimethylethoxysilane (APDMES) on silica surfaces. The amount of adsorbed APDMES is nearly twice the amount obtained when the same reaction is performed without the preadsorbed EDA or when monoamines such as propylamine or triethylamine are used instead of EDA. In addition, the use of preadsorbed EDA leads to an increase in the number of chemisorbed APDMES with free aminopropyl groups extending from the surface. Preadsorbed monoamines such as triethylamine, pyridine, or propylamine do not alter the adsorbed amount or change the number of free amine groups extending from the surface because they are easily displaced from the surface by APDMES. Infrared spectroscopy is used to follow the surface reactions on silica powder, and contact angle measurements show that this method also works on glass slides.
Numerical approach and experimental verification for interface shape determination between layered fluids subject to a magnetic field

Abstract Various applications of magnetic fluids involve interface phenomena. The analysis of the hydrostatic interface shape between two immiscible liquid layers, especially under magnetic field influence, is the first step to understand the accompanying complex dynamic phenomena as well as to providing reliable numerical capabilities for their accurate prediction. This study presents a relatively simple numerical approach, and the accompanying theory, to reliably define the meniscus shape in a two-layered fluid system in presence of a horizontal magnetic field with a vertical gradient. In the course of the study, two dimensionless parameters have been derived to describe the magnetic pressure jump at the interface and the magnetic body force throughout the volume. These parameters are used to interpret the results of the analysis and to show that a horizontal magnetic field tends to flatten the meniscus shape at the interface despite of the direction of its vertical gradient.
Identification of the region of AT2 receptor needed for inhibition of the AT1 receptor-mediated inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate generation

Increase in the intracellular inositol triphosphate (IP3) levels in Xenopus oocytes in response to expression and activation of rat angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor AT1 was inhibited by co-expression of rat AT2 receptor. To identify which region of the AT2 was involved in this inhibition, ability of three AT2 mutants to abolish this inhibition was analyzed. Deletion of the C-terminus of the AT2 did not abolish this inhibition. Replacing Ile249 in the third intracellular loop (3rd ICL) of the AT2 with proline, corresponding amino acid in the AT1, in the mutant M6, resulted in slightly reduced affinity to [125I]Ang II (K(d)=0.259 nM), however, did not abolish the inhibition. In contrast, replacing eight more amino acids in the 3rd ICL of the AT2 (at positions 241-244, 250-251 and 255-256) with that of the AT1 in the mutant M8, not only increased the affinity of the AT2 receptor to [125I]Ang II (K(d)=0.038 nM) but also abolished AT2-mediated inhibition. Interestingly, activation of the M8 by Ang II binding also resulted in increase in the intracellular IP(3) levels in oocytes. These results imply that the region of the 3rd ICL of AT2 spanning amino acids 241-256 is sufficient for the AT2-mediated inhibition of AT1-stimulated IP3 generation. Moreover, these nine mutations are also sufficient to render the AT2 with the ability to activate phospholipase C.
Layered multicast scheduling for the L∞ objective

Layered multicast is a scalable solution to data dissemination over the Internet. The performance of layered multicast hinges upon the transmission schedule. In this paper, we study the scheduling problem in the layered multicast context. This work generalizes the extensively studied multicast scheduling problem (layered and non-layered) by introducing simultaneously the data popularity and the interaction among layers, and addresses the strictest L∞ objective, i.e., to find a schedule which is good for all individual layers. Compared to the previous work, this paper presents a polynomial-time approximation algorithm that uses a different approach and can address the general layered multicast scheduling problem with an arbitrary number of layers. This algorithm is 1.334-approximation for the two-layer case and 1.862-approximation for the general multilayer cases.
Study of Water Adsorption on Activated Carbons with Different Degrees of Surface Oxidation.

A carbon of wood origin was oxidized with different oxidizing agents (nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonium persulfate). The microstructural properties of the starting material and the oxidized samples were characterized using sorption of nitrogen. The surface acidity was determined using Boehm titration and potentiometric titration. The changes in the surface chemistry were also studied by diffuse reflectance FTIR. Water adsorption isotherms were measured at three different temperatures close to ambient (relative pressure from 0.001 to 0.3). From the isotherms the heats of adsorption were calculated using a virial equation. The results indicated that the isosteric heats of water adsorption are affected by the surface heterogeneity only at low surface coverage. In all cases the limiting heat of adsorption was equal to the heat of water condensation (45 kJ/mol).
Mechanism of recruitment and activation of the endosome-associated deubiquitinase AMSH.

AMSH, a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) with exquisite specificity for Lys63-linked polyubiquitin chains, is an endosome-associated DUB that regulates sorting of activated cell-surface signaling receptors to the lysosome, a process mediated by the members of the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) machinery. Whole-exome sequencing of DNA samples from children with microcephaly capillary malformation (MIC-CAP) syndrome identified recessive mutations encoded in the AMSH gene causatively linked to the disease. Herein, we report a number of important observations that significantly advance our understanding of AMSH within the context of the ESCRT machinery. First, we performed mutational and kinetic analysis of the putative residues involved in diubiquitin recognition and catalysis with a view of better understanding the catalytic mechanism of AMSH. Our mutational and kinetic analysis reveals that recognition of the proximal ubiquitin is imperative for the linkage specificity and catalyti...