cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrated Energy-Water Planning in the Western and Texas Interconnections

While long-term regional electricity transmission planning has traditionally focused on cost, infrastructure utilization, and reliability, issues concerning the availability of water represent an emerging issue. Thermoelectric expansion must be considered in the context of competing demands from other water use sectors balanced with fresh and non-fresh water supplies subject to climate variability. An integrated Energy-Water Decision Support System (DSS) is being developed that will enable planners in the Western and Texas Interconnections to analyze the potential implications of water availability and cost for long-range transmission planning. The project brings together electric transmission planners (Western Electricity Coordinating Council and Electric Reliability Council of Texas) with western water planners (Western Governors’ Association and the Western States Water Council). This paper lays out the basic framework for this integrated Energy-Water DSS.
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast: sensitivity to cisplatinum-based chemotherapy

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the breast is a rare malignancy whose optimal treatment and prognosis are unknown. A patient with SCC whose tumor responded dramatically to chemotherapy as part of multimodal treatment is presented. A 61-year-old woman had a palpable 5.5-cm tender left breast mass with overlying skin edema and erythema and irregular margins by mammography. Fine needle aspiration revealed malignant squamous cells with keratinization; incisional biopsy confirmed SCC. Extensive evaluation for an extramammary primary site of disease was negative. Neoadjuvant cisplatinum and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) led to tumor shrinkage and complete resolution of pain and erythema. Modified radical mastectomy with post-operative chest wall radiation were performed. Neither residual invasive carcinoma nor metastatic nodal disease was found, though intraductal carcinoma with marked squamous features was identified. The patient remains disease-free 2.5 years after diagnosis. Cisplatinum-based chemotherapy should be considered in the treatment regimen of this disease.
Bereavement from Suicide as Compared to other Forms of Bereavement

Bereavement from suicide results in a difficult and complex adjustment for the surviving friends and family members. As compared to other forms of bereavement, suicide survivors are likely to exper...
Substitute for apology: manipulation of cognitions to reduce negative attitude toward self.

This study dealt with a class of events which contribute to the development of negative attitudes. These events involve one person who takes advantage of or usurps the rights of another person with varying degrees of deliberation. A frequently employed tactic of offenders in such situations is the apology. The present study investigated an alternate tactic involving a cognitive restructuring of the offensive experience for the target of the offense. This tactic minimizes the admission-of-guilt associated with apology and emphasizes the target's voluntary participation in the offensive interaction (e.g., “Thank you for waiting for me,” versus, “I am sorry I was late.”). It was found that apology was superior to cognitive restructuring if the offensive event was unambiguous; however, the two tactics were equally effective if the offensive event was a relatively ambiguous one.
Random-phase-approximation approach to optical and magnetic excitations in the two-dimensional multiband Hubbard model.

As a convenient qualitative approach to strongly correlated electronic systems, an inhomogeneous Hartree-Fock plus random-phase approximation is applied to response functions for the two-dimensional multiband Hubbard model for cuprate superconductors. A comparison of the results with those obtained by exact diagonalization by Wagner, Hanke, and Scalapino [Phys. Rev. B 43, 10 517 (1991)] shows that overall structures in optical and magnetic particle-hole excitation spectra are well reproduced by this method. This approach is computationally simple, retains conceptual clarity, and can be calibrated by comparison with exact results on small systems. Most importantly, it is easily extended to larger systems and straightforward to incorporate additional terms in the Hamiltonian, such as electron-phonon interactions, which may play a crucial role in high-temperature superconductivity.
Evaluation of diimine ligand exchange on Cu(I).

Four ligands have been prepared, 8,8-dimethyl-6,7,9-trihydropyrido[1,2-b]acridine and three 4,4‘,6,6‘-tetrasubstituted derivatives of 2,2‘-bipyrimidine where the substituents are methyl, phenyl, and p-tolyl. The corresponding [CuL2]+ salts of these ligands evidence nonequivalent NMR signals that allow an estimation of the ligand exchange barrier in both acetonitrile and chloroform solution. Lower barriers are found in the former solvent and attributed to solvent participation in the exchange process. Corresponding differences in the oxidation potentials of the complexes are explained in a similar manner. The electronic absorption properties of the complexes are also consistent with the steric and electronic properties of the ligands. [Cu(2c)2](PF6), where 2c = 4,4‘,6,6‘-tetraphenyl-2,2‘-bipyrimidine, was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and found to crystallize in the space group Pccn with a = 14.761(2) A, b = 15.007(2) A, c = 24.407(4) A, and Z = 4. The internal and external phenyl rings are disposed quite ...
Identification of a Zn2+-binding site on the dopamine D2 receptor

Zinc (II) modulates the function of many integral membrane proteins. To identify the Zn(2+)-binding site responsible for allosteric modulation of the D(2) dopamine receptor, we first demonstrated that the binding site is likely located in extracellular loops or in transmembrane regions that are accessible from the extracellular milieu. We mutated every histidine in these regions to alanine; two mutants, H394A and H399A, exhibited a reduced response to Zn(2+). Combined mutation of H394 and H399 caused a larger effect of zinc than did either single mutation. Mutation of other potential Zn(2+)-binding residues predicted to be in proximity to H394 or H399 did not substantially alter the potency of Zn(2+). The double mutant H394A/H399A was similar to D(2) in affinity for [(3)H]spiperone and ability to inhibit cyclic AMP accumulation. We conclude that binding of Zn(2+) to H394 and H399 on the dopamine D(2) receptor contributes to allosteric regulation of antagonist binding.
Surgery for urethra and sphincter - Which technique when?

With emerging solutions to the difficult problem of urethral and sphincteric injury, it is necessary to understand which surgical techniques are optimal and when they are best employed. We review recent advances in the areas of male and female urethroplasty as well as sphincter reconstruction. There is no panacea, and numerous diverse factors must be weighed to maximize success.
The Benefit of Student-Generated Data in an Introductory Statistics Class.

Abstract This study focused on the benefit of student-generated data in two undergraduate classes in introductory statistics. Whereas one section was taught using data provided by the instructor, students in the other class were asked to collect their own data. The dependent variables were the students' scores on the Attitudes Toward Statistics scale (Wise, 1985), a Likert scale that assesses a student's attitude toward the course as well as the perceived usefulness of statistics. Results indicate that students who generated data reported a decrease in their appreciation of the use of statistics; I found no significant differences in student attitudes toward the course.
Transforming Small, Medium, and Microscale Enterprises? Information-Communication Technologies (Icts) and Industrial Change in Tanzania

The changing structure of international trade offers new opportunities for Africa, and some believe that new information communication technologies (ICTs)—especially mobile phones, the Internet, and computers—can accelerate and deepen the region's integration into the world economy. This paper evaluates such claims through an in-depth empirical analysis of ICT use and its contribution to small, medium, and microscale enterprises (SMMEs) and industrial development in Tanzania's wood products and furniture sector. Drawing on concepts from time geography and sociotechnical transition theory, the analysis determines whether, how, and why (not) ICTs are enabling SMMEs to overcome constraints on their activities and whether the industrial regime governing and guiding the activities of firms is being transformed through ICT-driven changes in communication and information management practices. The findings detail the ways in which ICTs are (not) becoming integrated into the everyday industrial practices, highligh...
Formation of Ice Crystals and Dissipation of Supercooled Fog by Artificial Nucleation, and Variations of Crystal Habit at Early Growth Stages

Abstract The early stages of ice crystal formation in supercooled fogs were studied in detail by electron microscopy, and ice nucleation experiments using liquid propane seeding were conducted in a thermostatically controlled coldroom. Ice crystals, formed by rapid cooling created by the evaporation of liquid propane from a fine nozzle at temperatures from −0.1 to −40°C, were collected and replicated on filmed grids for electron microscope examinations. Most of the ice crystals formed immediately after the liquid propane seedings were spherical (although ∼20% were hexagonal) with diameters ranging from 0.3 to 3 μm and with a mean diameter of 1.5 μm. Electron microscopy revealed a grain boundary in some of the ice crystals. The production rates of ice crystals per gram of liquid propane seeding were measured at temperatures from −0.1 to −20°C. The production rate increased exponentially at temperatures from −0.1 to −4°C, and remained at about 1011 ice crystals per gram of liquid propane seeding at temperat...
Mast Cells Contribute to Scar Formation During Fetal Wound Healing

Scar formation is a potentially detrimental process of tissue restoration in adults, affecting organ form and function. During fetal development, cutaneous wounds heal without inflammation or scarring at early stages of development; however, they begin to heal with significant inflammation and scarring as the skin becomes more mature. One possible cell type that could regulate the change from scarless to fibrotic healing is the mast cell. We show here that dermal mast cells in scarless wounds generated at embryonic day 15 (E15) are fewer in number, less mature, and do not degranulate in response to wounding as effectively as mast cells of fibrotic wounds made at embryonic day 18 (E18). Differences were also observed between cultured mast cells from E15 and E18 skin, with regard to degranulation and preformed cytokine levels. Injection of mast cell lysates into E15 wounds disrupted scarless healing, suggesting that mast cells interfere with scarless repair. Finally, wounds produced at E18, which normally heal with a scar, healed with significantly smaller scars in mast cell-deficient Kit(W/W-v) mice compared with Kit(+/+) littermates. Together, these data suggest that mast cells enhance scar formation, and that these cells may mediate the transition from scarless to fibrotic healing during fetal development.
Socio-economic influences on health information searching in the USA: the case of diabetes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the effect of demographic differences on the motivations and abilities of individuals with diabetes in their search for health information online. Using data gathered from a qualitative study of 30 individuals, the paper examined instances of user-based health motivation and abilities using the lens of demographic differences to identify the influence on health information searching and potential health outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – The paper utilized an interpretive, mixed methodology research design. The paper was composed of a user “experience” that served as a critical incident to the paper, where each participant was prompted to do online searching for health and nutrition information. This was followed by open-ended interviews to gain a deeper understanding of each participants’ online searching experience. Findings – The theoretical model used was the Integrated Model of E-Health Use by Dutta-Bergman (2006) which frames the influence of g...
Methods for propagation and characterization of human gi and other cells for study of hiv

Human gastrointestinal (GI) cell cultures are very important models to study a variety of diseases. This paper describes methods to initiate cultures of normal and malignant human GI cells from fresh tissue specimens and use of these cells to study an infectivity by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
LDH-B genotype-specific hatching times of Fundulus heteroclitus embryos.

The evolutionary significance of protein polymorphisms has long been debated. Exponents of the balanced theory advocate that selection operates to maintain polymorphisms, while those of the neoclassical school argue that most genetic variability is selectively neutral1. As the ‘neutralist’ hypothesis implies that allelic isozymes are functionally equivalent, some investigators have examined the biochemistry of protein polymorphisms2–15, while others have concentrated on life history correlates16–23. Few studies, however, have established that in vitro functional differences are reflected at the whole organism level5,21–23, yet this is a critical link in understanding the significance of protein polymorphisms. We have studied the effects of the kinetically different lactate dehydrogenase-B (LDH-B) allelic isozymes on the rate of development and physiological performance of the fish, Fundulus heteroclitus, and report here that hatching time is highly correlated with LDH-B genotype: LDH-BaBa individuals hatch before LDH-BbBb fish while heterozygote (LDH-BaBb) hatching is intermediate. The basis for this phenomenon may be a differential ability to deliver oxygen to respiring tissues. As precisely timed hatching is critical to the survival of Fundulus24, such differences in hatching time between LDH-B genotypes may be an important component of the species' evolutionary strategy.
RhoA/ROCK-mediated switching between Cdc42- and Rac1-dependent protrusion in MTLn3 carcinoma cells

Rho GTPases are versatile regulators of cell shape that act on the actin cytoskeleton. Studies using Rho GTPase mutants have shown that, in some cells, Rac1 and Cdc42 regulate the formation of lamellipodia and filopodia, respectively at the leading edge, whereas RhoA mediates contraction at the rear of moving cells. However, recent reports have described a zone of RhoA/ROCK activation at the front of cells undergoing motility. In this study, we use a FRET-based RhoA biosensor to show that RhoA activation localizes to the leading edge of EGF-stimulated cells. Inhibition of Rho or ROCK enhanced protrusion, yet markedly inhibited cell motility; these changes correlated with a marked activation of Rac-1 at the cell edge. Surprisingly, whereas EGF-stimulated protrusion in control MTLn3 cells is Rac-independent and Cdc42-dependent, the opposite pattern is observed in MTLn3 cells after inhibition of ROCK. Thus, Rho and ROCK suppress Rac-1 activation at the leading edge, and inhibition of ROCK causes a switch between Cdc42 and Rac-1 as the dominant Rho GTPase driving protrusion in carcinoma cells. These data describe a novel role for Rho in coordinating signaling by Rac and Cdc42.
Modification of Troe's fall-off broadening

Abstract Accurate parameterization of theoretical unimolecular rate coefficients into simple analytical expressions is an important requirement for effective modeling of large chemical kinetic systems. Currently available parameterization schemes predict rate coefficients that could deviate from the “exact” theory by as much as a factor of two. It is suggested in this study to replace the Loretz-type pressure broadening of Troe's fall-off formula for unimolecular rate coefficients with a Gaussian form. Numerical tests were performed for several decomposition reactions over wide ranges of pressure and temperature using “rigid” RRKM calculations and solutions of master equations. The results demonstrate that the use of Gaussian broadening improves substantially the accuracy of Troe's formula.
mRNA structure, in situ, as assessed by microscopic techniques

The secondary and tertiary structure of RNA, in situ, is thought to be involved in distinct functions such as directing association of the RNA with the cytoskeleton, enzymatic activity of some RNAs, and the control of translation. In situ transcription (IST), a procedure by which cDNA is synthesized in situ, has been used to assess mRNA structure in situ using fixed cells or tissues. Distinct banding patterns were noted for mouse and rat POMC. Unique IST banding patterns were observed when an oligonucleotide complementary to a putative POMC stem-loop structure was used to prime IST. Indeed local changes in banding patterns could be elicited by pharmacological agents which modulate POMC translation. Inhibition of POMC synthesis with NaF or dexamethasone decreased the number of POMC mRNAs in the polysome fractions and increased the intensity of high molecular weight IST-derived bands. Forskolin, a stimulator of POMC synthesis, had the opposite effect. One mechanism by which translational control is thought to occur is by regulation of ribosome movement down the mRNA by specific binding of cytosolic proteins to RNA structure. Cytosolic protein fractions from AtT20 pituitary cells have been shown to specifically bind to the IST-predicted RNA structure. These findings suggest that 1) mRNA structure can be assessed in situ, 2) translation may be altered by the secondary and tertiary structure of mRNAs, and 3) a predicted stem-loop structure exists in situ in the 5'-end of POMC mRNA.
The Big House in a Small Town: Economic and Social Effects of a Correctional Facility on its Host Community

Rural America has faced significant economic distress since the 1980's, triggered by the decline in natural resource and agricultural industries. Changes in the world economic order have made the "smokestack chasing" strategies of economic development that communities have traditionally pursued less promising. Community leaders are turning to new strategies in an effort to revitalize flagging economies. One such strategy involves recruiting new correctional facilities. In this study, the effects of a maximum security correctional facility, the Potosi Correctional Center (PCC), on its host community, Potosi, Missouri are examined. Economic and social changes that have occurred in a defined area of impact from the time construction on the prison began through the present are analyzed and discussed, as are citizens' perceptions of changes.This study demonstrates that prisons can be a viable economic strategy and can assist in revitalizing declining communities. Ironically, though, as prisons gain increasing acceptance as a pathway to economic revitalization, and as competition between communities grows stronger, community leaders may be overly generous in offering subsidies during the bidding process. Ultimately, host communities will reap fewer benefits from correctional facilities. Nevertheless, correctional facilities are part of a stable enterprise that can be expected to be a major employer in an area for years to come. They provide a wide variety of jobs with opportunities for advancement.Decisions made during the process of siting the facility can affect the nature of social changes a community will experience. Economic gains may be limited if certain conditions, such as hiring and purchasing locally, and reimbursement for public services, are not established in the negotiations made in the siting phase. Public perception about the nature of these changes is related to initial support for or opposition to the prison.
Social Spending, Human Capital, and Growth in Developing Countries: Implications for Achieving the Mdgs

Using panel data from 120 developing countries from 1975 to 2000, this paper explores the direct and indirect channels linking social spending, human capital, and growth in a system of equations. The paper finds that both education and health spending have a positive and significant direct impact on the accumulation of education and health capital, and thus can lead to higher economic growth. The paper also finds that other policy interventions, such as improving governance, reducing excessive budget deficits, and taming inflation, can also be helpful in moving countries toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). As such, higher spending alone is not sufficient to achieve the MDGs.
Lewy body pathology in Alzheimer's disease.

Lewy bodies, the characteristic pathological lesion of substantia nigra neurons in Parkinson’s disease (PD), are frequently observed to accompany the amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangle pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However the typical anatomic distribution of Lewy bodies in AD is distinct from PD. The most common site of occurrence is the amygdala, where Lewy bodies are observed in approximately 60% of both sporadic and familial AD. Other common sites of occurrence include the periamygdaloid and entorhinal cortex, while neocortical and brainstem areas develop Lewy bodies in a lower percentage of cases. In contrast, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), defined by widespread neocortical and brainstem Lewy bodies but frequently accompanied by variable levels of AD-type pathology, represents the other end of a spectrum of pathology associated with dementia. The observation of Lewy bodies in familial AD cases suggests that like neurofibrillary tangles, the formation of Lewy bodies can be induced by the pathological state caused by Aβ-amyloid over-production. The role of Lewy body formation in the dysfunction and degeneration of neurons remains unclear. The protein α-synuclein appears to be an important structural component of Lewy bodies, an observation spurred by the discovery of point mutations in the α-synuclein gene linked to rare cases of autosomal dominant PD. Further investigation of α-synuclein and its relationship to pathological conditions promoting Lewy body formation in AD, PD, and DLB may yield further insight into pathogenesis of these diseases.
Synthesis and NMR studies of some imidazo[4,5-d]pyridazine nucleosides

Unlike imidazo[4,5-d]pyridazin-4(5H)-one (1a), which undergoes ribosylation at N-6 in the Vorbruggen procedure for nucleoside synthesis, the 5-benzyloxymethyl derivative 12 undergoes ribosylation at N-1 and N-3 to give a separable mixture of 14 and 15. Removal of the N-5 blocking groups from 14 and 15 by treatment with boron trichloride at −78° affords the intermediates 16 and 17, which were debenzoylated to give the 4-oxo nucleosides 5 and 6. Thiation of 16 and 17, followed by S-methylation and ammonolysis leads to the 4-amino nucleosides 2 and 3. The glycosylation sites of these nucleosides were assigned by using a combination of 1H and 13C nmr data, especially measurements of the spin-lattice relaxation times (T1) of the base protons. Using these techniques, it is shown that a nucleoside previously reported to be 3 is in fact the N-6 isomer.
Availability during human consumption of the arsenic in tissues of chicks fed arsanilic-74As acid.

Abstract When tissues of chicks fed arsanilic- 74 As acid were consumed by human subjects, there was a rapid fecal excretion of the arsenic-74. There were no statistical differences between the urinary and fecal recoveries of tissue 74 As and pure arsanilic- 74 As acid.
A Study of the Readability of Selected Commercial Patterns

The purpose of this study was to analyze the readability of 112 commercial patterns acquired from a local fabric store. The objectives of the study were to ascertain (a) the range of readability of the pattern texts; (b) the average readability of the pattern envelopes, glossary texts, and guide sheet texts; (c) any significant differences among the three types of passages; and (d) the degree of consistency in readability among the passages. The passage instructions possessed wide ranges of readability. The average readability of the passages ranged from grade 5 for the guide sheet texts to grade 8 for the pattern envelopes. Significant differences existed among the means of the three passages, and there was little consistency in readability among the passages.
The Role of Social Policy in Post-Conflict Reconstruction

This article argues for greater priority for social policy in post-conflict reconstruction, presenting normative and economic contributions that social policy can make in such contexts. Social policy provides a foundation for judging the level and type of social justice within a polity. Public perceptions of justice, based on levels of inclusion, promote political stability. Social policy can also provide the minimum level of human security needed for labour market engagement by helping reconstruct employment opportunities. The article argues that, despite the importance of social policy, it does not appear at the top of the reconstruction agenda. Instead a narrower, project-centred focus has dominated. Because social policy has not traditionally been integrated into post-conflict reconstruction, much of the present article is devoted to making the theoretical case for its incorporation. The article uses the case of social policy in post-conflict Kosovo to illustrate the underlying theory.
The role of herbivory by wood-boring insects in mangrove ecosystems in Belize

The roles wood-boring insects play in modifying mangrove ecosystems were examined on small, offshore mangrove islands in Belize. Several species of xylem- and phloem-feeding woodborers consume the wood of living mangrove trees. By girdling, pruning, and hollowing, woodborers killed over 50% of the Rhizophora mangle canopy in experimental plots arrayed across a tidal-elevation gradient. In contrast, leaf-feeding herbivores removed less than 6% of the canopy. In the plots, stem girdlers killed over three branches per tree. The patterns of herbivory by three functional feeding groups were heterogeneous and did not vary consistently with tidal elevation. Because R. mangle lacks viable axillary buds or the ability to produce epicormic shoots to replace pruned branches, the canopy architecture was significantly modified by this damage. The branches that were pruned by stem girdlers created numerous small holes or gaps in the mangrove canopy. Shoot growth and flowering increased in R. mangle trees with 50% of their branches experimentally girdled. Because branches and twigs attacked by woodborers lost their leaves prematurely as greenfall, the quantity and quality of leaf litter were altered when a leaf-bearing branch was girdled or hollowed. These changes suggest that wood-boring insects also significantly affect internal and external nutrient cycling processes in mangrove ecosystems.
Efficacy and safety of felodipine, a new dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, in elderly hypertensive patients.

Felodipine is a new dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker with a number of properties that enhance its suitability as a first-line antihypertensive drug for the elderly. Felodipine has a 100-fold selectivity for inhibiting the contribution of vascular smooth muscle compared with cardiac muscle. Negative inotropic action appears minimal while selectivity appears to increase with age. Felodipine has a minimal effect on smooth muscle of venous capacitance vessels, thereby greatly reducing the likelihood of orthostatic hypotension. Renal effects are favorable; the glomerular filtration rate is
Broadband feedback amplifiers with AlInAs/GaInAs transferred-substrate HBT

Broadband amplifiers with AlInAs/GaInAs transferred-substrate heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) are described. A simple Darlington configuration with resistive feedback has 50 GHz 3 dB bandwidth and 10 dB gain. This high bandwidth results from the high device bandwidth of transferred-substrate HBTs fabricated in an IC process.
Conformational states of poly(L-tyrosine) in aqueous solution.

Poly(L-tyrosine) [(L-Tyr)n] has been characterized in aqueous solution using circular dichroism (CD) and infrared (ir) spectroscopy, and ultracentrifugal analysis. Most of the experiments were carried out at 0.01% polymer or less to avoid the complications caused by precipitation previously encountered by others. This permitted us to study solutions of (L-Tyr)n at lower pH values than had been attained previously. Our results show that a transition to an antiparallel-β conformation occurs at pH 11.32 upon titration from higher pH. The β structure is intramolecular when first formed and aggregates with time or upon titration below pH 11. Ultracentrifugal analysis of the intramolecular β conformation shows that it is quite compact, with a frictional coefficient ratio, f/fmin, of 1.09. In addition to the β structure, a nonordered form of the polymer has been obtained below pH 11 by rapid titration of the ionized polyelectrolyte. This form is nonaggregated and was found to have an f/fmin of 1.01, and is therefore almost spherical. The aggregated β form was found to be thermodynamically more stable than the nonordered form at pH 10.7.
Oxygen Tension Modulates Differentiation and Primary Macrophage Functions in the Human Monocytic THP-1 Cell Line

The human THP-1 cell line is widely used as an in vitro model system for studying macrophage differentiation and function. Conventional culture conditions for these cells consist of ambient oxygen pressure (∼20% v/v) and medium supplemented with the thiol 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) and serum. In consideration of the redox activities of O₂ and 2-ME, and the extensive experimental evidence supporting a role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the differentiation and function of macrophages, we addressed the question of whether culturing THP-1 cells under a more physiologically relevant oxygen tension (5% O₂) in the absence of 2-ME and serum would alter THP-1 cell physiology. Comparisons of cultures maintained in 18% O₂versus 5% O₂ indicated that reducing oxygen tension had no effect on the proliferation of undifferentiated THP-1 cells. However, decreasing the oxygen tension to 5% O₂ significantly increased the rate of phorbol ester-induced differentiation of THP-1 cells into macrophage-like cells as well as the metabolic activity of both undifferentiated and PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells. Removal of both 2-ME and serum from the medium decreased the proliferation of undifferentiated THP-1 cells but increased metabolic activity and the rate of differentiation under either oxygen tension. In differentiated THP-1 cells, lowering the oxygen tension to 5% O₂ decreased phagocytic activity, the constitutive release of β-hexosaminidase and LPS-induced NF-κB activation but enhanced LPS-stimulated release of cytokines. Collectively, these data demonstrate that oxygen tension influences THP-1 cell differentiation and primary macrophage functions, and suggest that culturing these cells under tightly regulated oxygen tension in the absence of exogenous reducing agent and serum is likely to provide a physiologically relevant baseline from which to study the role of the local redox environment in regulating THP-1 cell physiology.
Parental Experiences Transitioning Their Adolescent With Epilepsy and Cognitive Impairments to Adult Health Care

Abstract Introduction The objective of this study was to explicate processes that parents of adolescents with epilepsy and cognitive impairments undergo as they help their adolescents transition to adult health care. Method A qualitative grounded theory methodology was used in this study. Theoretical sampling techniques were used to recruit seven ethnically diverse parents of adolescents 18 years or older with epilepsy and cognitive impairments from the community in a large metropolitan area in the southern United States. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously using coding and constant comparison analysis. Results The substantive theory Journey of Advocacy was developed from interviewing the participants. The theory has five categories: crisis sparks transition, parents in turmoil, parents as advocates, web of information, and captive waiting. Parents emerged as strong advocates in the transition process. Discussion Transitioning this group of adolescents to adult health care was an unplanned, complex, multisystem process. This study affirms the need to develop a transition program that acknowledges the unique challenges of transitioning adolescents with cognitive impairments and the interrelationship between these parents and other systems.
Estimating factors affecting project task size in product development-an empirical study

This paper addresses the methodology used to determine the amount of human resources needed to develop products. It is based on an empirical study of five firms in different industries. The methods rely on technical experts operating within budget constraints. The specific methods vary from relatively ad-hoc approaches to database-driven, centralized, and validated approaches. This variation is largely correlated with project and overall product development organization scale in a logical fashion in that larger projects and organizations move away from individual decision-makers toward centralized, objective, and validated methods. The project characteristics used by the experts and implicitly utilized in the database models to assess project complexity are also detailed in this paper. These characteristics are categorized based on a project complexity framework. We found that the scale of a project and the amount of "stretch" are the two most widely used characteristics for estimating project complexity. We found no utilization of the level of either component or task interactions in estimating project complexity by the firms studied. We also found no empirical evidence for interactions being a determinant of project difficulty despite a fair amount of theoretical concern with their importance in project complexity. In addition, we analyzed the accuracy of methods and conclude that since the accuracy at a higher level masks resource allocation problems at a lower level, the accuracy should be followed at multiple levels.
A method for fast approximate computation of discrete time transforms

The fast approximated discrete transform is proposed as a method for reducing the time necessary to compute the discrete transform of a finite-length sequence. It is based on a subband decomposition and can be viewed as a link between the fast transform methods (like the fast Fourier transform), which compute all points in the transform domain, and the variety of methods to evaluate the discrete transforms at a given set of points. The method uses knowledge about the input signal to obtain an approximation to its transform by discarding the computations in bands that have little or no energy contribution. In a number of practical cases the proposed fast approximation is reasonably accurate, and in all cases the method can be iterated to yield the exact transform, if necessary. >
Serotonin and cholecystokinin synergistically stimulate rat vagal primary afferent neurones

Recent studies indicate that cholecystokinin (CCK) and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) act via vagal afferent fibres to mediate gastrointestinal functions. In the present study, we characterized the interaction between CCK and 5-HT in the vagal primary afferent neurones. Single neuronal discharges of vagal primary afferent neurones innervating the duodenum were recorded from rat nodose ganglia. Two groups of nodose ganglia neurones were identified: group A neurones responded to intra-arterial injection of low doses of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8; 10–60 pmol); group B neurones responded only to high doses of CCK-8 (120–240 pmol), and were also activated by duodenal distention. CCK-JMV-180, which acts as an agonist in high-affinity states and as an antagonist in low-affinity states, dose dependently stimulated group A neurones, but inhibited the effect of the high doses of CCK-8 on group B neurones. Duodenal perfusion of 5-HT evoked dose-dependent increases in nodose neuronal discharges. Some neurones that responded to 5-HT showed no response to either high or low doses of CCK-8. A separate group of nodose neurones that possessed high-affinity CCK type A (CCK-A) receptors also responded to luminal infusion of 5-HT. Further, a subthreshold dose of CCK-8 (i.e. 5 pmol) produced no measurable electrophysiological effects but it augmented the neuronal responses to 5-HT. This potentiation effect of CCK-8 was eliminated by CR 1409. From these results we concluded that the vagal nodose ganglion contains neurones that may possess only high- or low-affinity CCK-A receptors or 5-HT3 receptors. Some neurones that express high-affinity CCK-A receptors also express 5-HT3 receptors. Pre-exposure to luminal 5-HT may augment the subsequent response to a subthreshold dose of CCK.
GENETIC AND EPIGENETIC ALTERATIONS IN COLON CANCER

▪ Abstract Colorectal cancer affected approximately 135,000 people in the United States in 2001, resulting in 57,000 deaths. Colorectal cancer develops as the result of the progressive accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations that lead to the transformation of normal colonic epithelium to colon adenocarcinoma. The loss of genomic stability is a key molecular and pathophysiologic step in this process and serves to create a permissive environment for the occurrence of alterations in tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. Alterations in these genes, which include APC, CTNNB1, K-RAS, MADH4/SMAD4, and TGFBR2, appear to promote colon tumorigenesis by perturbing the function of signaling pathways, such as the TGF-s signaling pathway, or by affecting genes that regulate genomic stability, such as the mutation mismatch repair genes.
Progress and challenges in high‐resolution refinement of protein structure models

Achieving atomic level accuracy in de novo structure prediction presents a formidable challenge even in the context of protein models with correct topologies. High-resolution refinement is a fundamental test of force field accuracy and sampling methodology, and its limited success in both comparative modeling and de novo prediction contexts highlights the limitations of current approaches. We constructed four tests to identify bottlenecks in our current approach and to guide progress in this challenging area. The first three tests showed that idealized native structures are stable under our refinement simulation conditions and that the refinement protocol can significantly decrease the root mean square deviation (RMSD) of perturbed native structures. In the fourth test we applied the refinement protocol to de novo models and showed that accurate models could be identified based on their energies, and in several cases many of the buried side chains adopted native-like conformations. We also showed that the differences in backbone and side-chain conformations between the refined de novo models and the native structures are largely localized to loop regions and regions where the native structure has unusual features such as rare rotamers or atypical hydrogen bonding between β-strands. The refined de novo models typically have higher energies than refined idealized native structures, indicating that sampling of local backbone conformations and side-chain packing arrangements in a condensed state is a primary obstacle. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Full-field and real-time surface plasmon resonance imaging thermometry.

The feasibility of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging thermometry is tested as a potential tool for full-field and real-time temperature field mapping for thermally transient liquid mediums. Using the well-known Kretschmann's analysis [Physik 241, 313 (1971)]. parametric examinations are performed to delineate the effects of important optical properties, including seven different prism materials with different refractive index values and seven different measured dielectric constants for thin gold (Au) films (approximately 47.5 nm in thickness), on the temperature dependence of SPR reflectance intensity variations. Furthermore, a laboratory-implemented real-time SPR thermometry system demonstrates the full-field mapping capabilities for transient temperature field developments in the near-wall region when a hot water droplet (80°C) contacts the Au metal surface (20°C) and spreads either in an air- or in a water-surrounded environment.
Nitrotyrosine impairs mitochondrial function in fetal lamb pulmonary artery endothelial cells

Nitration of both protein-bound and free tyrosine by reactive nitrogen species results in the formation of nitrotyrosine (NT). We previously reported that free NT impairs microtubule polymerization and uncouples endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC). Because microtubules modulate mitochondrial function, we hypothesized that increased NT levels during inflammation and oxidative stress will lead to mitochondrial dysfunction in PAEC. PAEC isolated from fetal lambs were exposed to varying concentrations of free NT. At low concentrations (1-10 μM), NT increased nitration of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) protein subunit complexes I-V and state III oxygen consumption. Higher concentrations of NT (50 μM) caused decreased microtubule acetylation, impaired eNOS interactions with mitochondria, and decreased ETC protein levels. We also observed increases in heat shock protein-90 nitration, mitochondrial superoxide formation, and fragmentation of mitochondria in PAEC. Our data suggest that free NT accumulation may impair microtubule polymerization and exacerbate reactive oxygen species-induced cell damage by causing mitochondrial dysfunction.
Prediction of cooling energy use in buildings using an enthalpy-based cooling degree days method in a hot and humid climate

Abstract The cooling degree days (CDD) method has widely been used for predicting the cooling energy consumption of buildings with air conditioning. The conventional CDD values primarily are based on outdoor dry-bulb temperatures that neglect the influence of latent heat on the total energy load. This study proposes an enthalpy-based CDD method to account for latent heat as well as sensible heat. Two institutional buildings were used to examine the applicability and accuracy of the proposed enthalpy-based CDD, as compared to the conventional temperature-based CDD. To achieve this examination, multiple linear regression analyses were first performed to determine the base temperature/enthalpy points for each building during the different data periods (weekdays, weekends, and all week). Next, the CDD values were separately calculated using the determined base temperature/enthalpy points, and linear regression models were developed to predict the cooling energy use. Each individually-predicted cooling energy use employing the temperature- and enthalpy-based CDD methods was then compared to the measured cooling energy use. As a result, the comparison utilizing the enthalpy-based CDD method resulted in a percent error of approximately 2% less than that of the temperature-based CDD method.
Functional improvement after ventricular assist device implantation: is ventricular recovery more common than we thought?

He who's down one day can be up the next, unless he really wants to stay in bed, that is …—Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote ([1][1]) Of the roughly 5.8 million Americans with heart failure, approximately 10% will have Stage D heart failure, defined as symptoms at rest despite optimal
Scalable classification for large dynamic networks

We examine the problem of node classification in large-scale and dynamically changing graphs. An entropy-based subgraph extraction method has been developed for extracting subgraphs surrounding the nodes to be classified. We introduce an online version of an existing graph kernel to incrementally compute the kernel matrix for a unbounded stream of these extracted subgraphs. After obtaining the kernel values, we adopt a kernel perceptron to learn a discriminative classifier and predict the class labels of the target nodes with their corresponding subgraphs. We demonstrate the advantages of our learning techniques by conducting empirical evaluations on two real-world graph datasets.
Antipsychotic-induced akathisia in delirium: A systematic review.

Objective:Akathisia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by subjective and objective restlessness. It is a common side effect in patients taking antipsychotics and other psychotropics. Patients with delirium are frequently treated with antipsychotic medications that are well known to induce akathisia as a side effect. However, the prevalence, phenomenology, and management of akathisia in patients with delirium remain largely unknown. The purpose of this review was to examine the medical literature in order to establish the current state of knowledge regarding the prevalence of antipsychotic-induced akathisia in patients with delirium.Method:A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases. Ten studies addressing the incidence of akathisia in patients taking antipsychotic medication for delirium were identified and included in our review.Results:The included studies reported a variable prevalence of antipsychotic-induced akathisia. A higher prevalence was found in patients taking haloperidol. Among atypical antipsychotics, paliperidone and ziprasidone were associated with a higher risk of akathisia. The risk for akathisia appeared to be a dose-related phenomenon.Significance of results:Studies using specific scales for evaluation of akathisia in delirium are lacking. Some populations, such as patients with cancer or terminally ill patients in palliative care settings taking antipsychotics for the treatment of delirium, could be at higher risk for development of akathisia as a side effect.
Strategic and operational services for workload management in the cloud

In hosting environments such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) clouds, desirable application performance is typically guaranteed through the use of Service Level Agreements (SLAs), which specify minimal fractions of resource capacities that must be allocated by a service provider for unencumbered use by customers to ensure proper operation of their workloads. Most IaaS offerings are presented to customers as fixed-size and fixed-price SLAs, that do not match well the needs of specific applications. Furthermore, arbitrary colocation of applications with different SLAs may result in inefficient utilization of hosts' resources, resulting in economically undesirable customer behavior. In this thesis, we propose the design and architecture of a Colocation as a Service (CaaS) framework: a set of strategic and operational services that allow the efficient colocation of customer workloads. CaaS strategic services provide customers the means to specify their application workload using an SLA language that provides them the opportunity and incentive to take advantage of any tolerances they may have regarding the scheduling of their workloads. CaaS operational services provide the information necessary for, and carry out the reconfigurations mandated by strategic services. We recognize that it could be the case that there are multiple, yet functionally equivalent ways to express an SLA. Thus, towards that end, we present a service that allows the provably-safe transformation of SLAs from one form to another for the purpose of achieving more efficient colocation. Our CaaS framework could be incorporated into an IaaS offering by providers or it could be implemented as a value added proposition by IaaS resellers. To establish the practicality of such offerings, we present a prototype implementation of our proposed CaaS framework.
School-Based Prevention of Problem Behaviors

Sex and violence are the major sources of morbidity and mortality among American youth. Problem-behavior prevention programs based in schools have been found to be feasible, acceptable, and desirable to school personnel, parents, and students for improving students' health status and educational outcomes.