cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transport level mechanisms for bandwidth aggregation on mobile hosts

Present mobile computing does not support the simultaneous use of multiple heterogeneous network interfaces for a single transport layer connection. We describe a solution for channel aggregation at the transport layer, which provides increased bandwidth to mobile nodes. We present R-MTP (reliable multiplexing transport protocol), a rate-based reliable transport protocol capable of multiplexing data from a single application data stream across multiple network interfaces. Due to the lossy nature of wireless links in mobile environments, R-MTP tracks packet interarrival time for discrimination between congestion-based and transmission-based losses as well as better bandwidth estimation. The challenges to such a reliable protocol lie in the coordination of packets across streams with varying channel characteristics. Our experimental results validate R-MTP's bandwidth estimation and loss characterization techniques. Successful bandwidth aggregation is demonstrated in ideal and lossy environments.
Precision cleaning samples for science analysis using a gas-based dust removal tool

Current Mars science goals require the removal of dust from the surface of samples to expose the rock beneath the dust layer for imaging. A simple cold gas system is proposed to fill this need. A series of tests were conducted to investigate the dust suspension and entrainment phenomena under the influence of a cold gas jet in the near vacuum conditions at Mars. This paper describes the experimental set-up and results of these tests. Data was collected for more than 400 different tests in order to evaluate the influence of mass flow rate, molecular weight of the working gas, back pressure of the ambient gas, height of the nozzle above the surface, and the nozzle design. The results of these tests are summarized and presented. The test program showed that the use of a cold gas system is an effective means of clearing dust from the surface of samples and determined which design parameters are key for system performance.
Cavity generation for enhanced well productivities

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a cavity-generation model for sand production from weakly consolidated formations. The model is integrated into a fully coupled, three-dimensional, poroplastic, and multicomponent reservoir simulator. The program couples porous flow and poroplastic deformations with a natural extension of the volume balance approach used in standard reservoir simulators. The program is capable of modeling cavity generation and poroplastic deformations for black-oil and fully compositional reservoir simulations and uses a finite-volume discretization for porous flow and a finite-element discretization for deformations. A cavity is modeled as a weakened elastic material that develops when regions near the well experience large plastic shear strains or experience tensile effective stresses. Plastic straining and cavity generation can significantly increase the productivities of producing wells.
Temperature-dependent Henry's Law constants of 4-alkyl branched-chain fatty acids and 3-methylindole in an oil-air matrix and analysis of volatiles in lamb fat using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE 4-Alkyl branched-chain fatty acids and 3-methylindole are characteristic flavor compounds associated with sheep meat. Determining their partitioning behavior between the gas and condensed phase and ultimately developing a correlation between the compound's headspace concentration and sensory descriptive grouping are important for high-throughput characterization and grading classification. METHODS The headspace concentrations of 3-methylindole, 4-methyloctanoic acid, 4-ethyl-octanoic acid, and 4-methylnonanoic acid above corn-oil-based standard solutions and lamb fat samples were measured using selected ion flow tube-mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS). The standard solutions were equilibrated at 80, 100, 110 and 125°C while the fat samples were equilibrated at 125°C. Statistical evaluation, linear and polynomial regression analyses were performed to establish the compound-specific and temperature-dependent Henry's Law constants, enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) of phase changes. RESULTS The Henry's Law constants (kHcp ) were calculated from the regression analysis with a high degree of confidence (p 0.99). The kHcp increased with increase in equilibrium temperature. The empirical calculation of ΔH and ΔS at different temperatures confirmed the temperature-dependence of the Henry's Law constants. The headspace concentrations of the lamb-flavor compounds were determined above actual lamb fat samples and the corresponding condensed-phase concentrations were successfully derived. CONCLUSIONS The temperature-dependent Henry's Law constants, ΔH, and ΔS of phase changes for 3-methylindole, 4-methyloctanoic acid, 4-ethyloctanoic acid, and 4-methylnonanoic acid in an air-oil matrix were empirically derived. The effectiveness of SIFT-MS for the direct, real-time, and rapid determination of key flavor compounds in lamb fat samples was established.
Early, regular breast-milk pumping may lead to early breast-milk feeding cessation

Objective To estimate the effect of early, regular breast-milk pumping on time to breast-milk feeding (BMF) and exclusive BMF cessation, for working and non-working women. Design Using the Infant Feeding Practices Survey II (IFPS II), we estimated weighted hazard ratios (HR) for the effect of regular pumping (participant defined) compared with non-regular/not pumping, reported at month 2, on both time to BMF cessation (to 12 months) and time to exclusive BMF cessation (to 6 months), using inverse probability weights to control confounding. Setting USA, 2005-2007. Subjects BMF (n 1624) and exclusively BMF (n 971) IFPS II participants at month 2. Results The weighted HR for time to BMF cessation was 1·62 (95 % CI 1·47, 1·78) and for time to exclusive BMF cessation was 1·14 (95 % CI 1·03, 1·25). Among non-working women, the weighted HR for time to BMF cessation was 2·05 (95 % CI 1·84, 2·28) and for time to exclusive BMF cessation was 1·10 (95 % CI 0·98, 1·22). Among working women, the weighted HR for time to BMF cessation was 0·90 (95 % CI 0·75, 1·07) and for time to exclusive BMF cessation was 1·14 (95 % CI 0·96, 1·36). Conclusions Overall, regular pumpers were more likely to stop BMF and exclusive BMF than non-regular/non-pumpers. Non-working regular pumpers were more likely than non-regular/non-pumpers to stop BMF. There was no effect among working women. Early, regular pumpers may need specialized support to maintain BMF.
Suspected Chorioamnionitis and Myometrial Contractility: Mechanisms for Increased Risk of Cesarean Delivery and Postpartum Hemorrhage

Objective:Chorioamnionitis is associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery and uterine atony. We hypothesized that the onset of maternal fever is temporally associated with decreased uter...
Thrombosis of Cranial Veins and Sinuses: Brain Parenchymal Effects

The blood contained within the intracranial sinuses and veins comprises 70% of the total cerebral blood volume [6]; therefore, interrupting the flow of blood through one of the large intracranial sinuses could have disastrous consequences for the entire brain circulation. Nevertheless, because of abundant interconnections among sinuses and some of the larger veins, some portions of the sinuses may be surgically occluded without undesirable consequences. In contrast, thrombosis of a cerebral cortical vein almost always is followed by serious effects [21,22]; this is because these cortical cerebral veins lack collateral anastomoses [6,23]. The region of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) extending caudal to the Rolandic veins is critical; sudden interruption of flow in this region, including the vein of Galen and major tributaries, may have disastrous results. Gradual dural sinus occlusion of the type that is induced by slow growing tumors, such as a meningioma, is much better tolerated than acute occlusion secondary to either trauma or surgical intervention [24].
Abstract 3173: Have Door-to-Balloon Times Improved After Initiation of the D2B Alliance? An Analysis of the Get-with-the-Guidelines Registry

In an effort to improve DTB times, the D2B Alliance enrolled ~900 PCI hospitals across the U.S. in a large quality improvement initiative. We compared changes in DTB times for hospitals in the GWTG Registry that enrolled in the D2B Alliance with those that did not. We used data on DTB times from Jul 06 to Mar 08 to allow for 1 quarter of baseline data prior to the D2B Alliance launch and 1 year of follow-up data. We limited our analysis to STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI and excluded transfer-in cases. DTB times were defined from hospital arrival to first device. We evaluated the % of patients treated within 90 minutes using GEE models to examine trends over time, with interaction terms added to assess the specific effect of the D2B Alliance. 5801 patients at 167 hospitals - 98 in the D2B Alliance and 69 that were not - were included. No significant differences were noted in age, gender, race, prior CAD and rates of compliance with composite AMI performance measures between patients at D2B Alliance and non-D2B Alliance hospitals; however, more D2B Alliance hospitals had on-site cardiac surgery (89% vs. 74%). At baseline 54.6% and 53.1% of patients at D2B Alliance and non-D2B Alliance hospitals were treated within 90 minutes, respectively; these numbers increased to 75.3% and 71.6% (both p<0.001) by the end of the study period (Figure[⇓][1]). However, no significant differences were noted in rate of change between D2B Alliance and non-D2B Alliance hospitals. The proportion of STEMI patients treated within 90 minutes improved since initiation of the D2B Alliance. Among GWTG hospitals, this improvement was not limited to facilities that directly participated. ![][2] [1]: #graphic-1 [2]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Structural Modification of c-abl in Lymphoma and Leukemia

Vertebrate DNA contains a gene, named c-abl, that was disclosed by a rapidly oncogenic retrovirus, Abelson murine leukemia virus (A-MuLV)- A-MuLV carries a portion of c-abl (Goff et al., 1980) including a region encoding a protein-tyrosine kinase which is essential to the oncogenic activity of A-MuLV (Prywes et al., 1983). The cellular protein product of c-abl, like that of v-abl, is an active protein kinase (Konopka et al., 1985; Ben-Neriah et al., 1986a).
Esophagitis and Esophageal Disease

Acute esophagitis is a rare disorder due either to irritating agents or viral inflammation. The course may vary from a few days’ duration in viral inflammation to one of life-long treatment after a caustic burn.
Energy dissipation in mammalian collagen fibrils: Cyclic strain-induced damping, toughening, and strengthening.

Abstract As the fundamental structural protein in mammals, collagen transmits cyclic forces that are necessary for the mechanical function of tissues, such as bone and tendon. Although the tissue-level mechanical behavior of collagenous tissues is well understood, the response of collagen at the nanometer length scales to cyclical loading remains elusive. To address this major gap, we cyclically stretched individual reconstituted collagen fibrils, with average diameter of 145 ± 42 nm, to small and large strains in the partially hydrated conditions of 60% relative humidity. It is shown that cyclical loading results in large steady-state hysteresis that is reached immediately after the first loading cycle, followed thereafter by limited accumulation of inelastic strain and constant initial elastic modulus. Cyclic loading above 20% strain resulted in 70% increase in tensile strength, from 638 ± 98 MPa to 1091 ± 110 MPa, and 70% increase in toughness, while maintaining the ultimate tensile strain of collagen fibrils not subjected to cyclic loading. Throughout cyclic stretching, the fibrils maintained a steady-state hysteresis, yielding loss coefficients that are 5–10 times larger than those of known homogeneous materials in their modulus range, thus establishing damping of nanoscale collagen fibrils as a major component of damping in tissues. Statement of Significance It is shown that steady-state energy dissipation occurs in individual collagen fibrils that are the building blocks of hard and soft tissues. To date, it has been assumed that energy dissipation in tissues takes place mainly at the higher length scales of the tissue hierarchy due to interactions between collagen fibrils and fibers, and in limited extent inside collagen fibrils. It is shown that individual collagen fibrils need only a single loading cycle to assume a highly dissipative, steady-state, cyclic mechanical response. Mechanical cycling at large strains leads to 70% increase in mechanical strength and values exceeding those of engineering steels. The same cyclic loading conditions also lead to 70% increase in toughness and loss properties that are 5–10 times higher than those of engineering materials with comparable stiffness.
Secondary cell wall biosynthesis.

Contents Summary 1703 I. Introduction 1703 II. Cellulose biosynthesis 1705 III. Xylan biosynthesis 1709 IV. Glucomannan biosynthesis 1713 V. Lignin biosynthesis 1714 VI. Concluding remarks 1717 Acknowledgements 1717 References 1717 SUMMARY: Secondary walls are synthesized in specialized cells, such as tracheary elements and fibers, and their remarkable strength and rigidity provide strong mechanical support to the cells and the plant body. The main components of secondary walls are cellulose, xylan, glucomannan and lignin. Biochemical, molecular and genetic studies have led to the discovery of most of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary wall components. Cellulose is synthesized by cellulose synthase complexes in the plasma membrane and the recent success of in vitro synthesis of cellulose microfibrils by a single recombinant cellulose synthase isoform reconstituted into proteoliposomes opens new doors to further investigate the structure and functions of cellulose synthase complexes. Most genes involved in the glycosyl backbone synthesis, glycosyl substitutions and acetylation of xylan and glucomannan have been genetically characterized and the biochemical properties of some of their encoded enzymes have been investigated. The genes and their encoded enzymes participating in monolignol biosynthesis and modification have been extensively studied both genetically and biochemically. A full understanding of how secondary wall components are synthesized will ultimately enable us to produce plants with custom-designed secondary wall composition tailored to diverse applications.
Single cell analysis of aged RBCs: quantitative analysis of the aged cells and byproducts

This study initially focused on characterizing the aging process of red blood cells by correlating the loss of hemoglobin and the translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) in expired human red blood cells, hRBCs. Five pre-storage, leukoreduced hRBC units in AS-5 solution were stored between 1 and 6 °C for 42 days. Aliquots from each of these units were stained with Annexin-V FLUOS, which binds to externalized PS, and the hemoglobin within the cells was placed in a methemoglobin state with sodium nitrite, metHb. These aliquots were subsequently sorted into four sub-populations, ranging from no PS expression to high PS expression using a BD FACS ARIAIII. Each of these sub-fractions were introduced into the cell tracking velocimetry apparatus which measured both the magnetically-induced and the gravity-induced velocity. Subsequently, the samples were removed from the cell tracking velocimetry instrument and characterized using the Multisizer 4e Coulter Counter. From the magnetically-induced velocity, the amount of hemoglobin, in pg Hb per cell can be determined, and using an average value of the density of RBCs, the size can be determined. For the PS negative sub-fraction of RBCs, the size of the RBC was as expected but the average hemoglobin, Hb, content was below the threshold which defines anemia. In contrast, unexpected results were observed with the various levels of expression of PS. First, virtually all of the PS expressing cells were significantly smaller, on the order of 1 micron, than a normal RBC after 42 days of storage; yet the density of these small cells/microvesicles was such that they had settling velocities similar to normal-sized RBCs. Further, while the total amount of Hb per small cell/microvesicle was only approximately 25% of the full-sized RBCs, the volume of these small cells/microvesicles is only 1/200 of the PS negative RBCs. This suggests that these PS expressing cells are shrunken RBCs, or shrunken microvesicles from RBCs that concentrated the Hb internally. These results suggest not only a relationship between the loss of hemoglobin and the amount of PS exposed on the cellular outer wall, but also a mechanism by which these aged RBCs break down. It is not known at this time whether this is an artifact of storage or similar mechanisms occur in circulation within the human body.
Modeling random walkers on growing random networks

Abstract We present continuum models that describe the evolution of the position of a random walker on a growing network using four different growth algorithms. Three of these involve a random element, including one in which the motility rate of the random walker controls the network topology. For motility rates in which the position of the walker can be treated as quasi-stationary, we present accurate approximations to replace pair probabilities that allow us to numerically solve an otherwise intractable system of equations.
The effect of surgical setting on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction outcomes.

Objective: Ambulatory surgical centers (ASC’s) have emerged as an alternative to the traditional hospital- based outpatient department (HOPD). We aim to determine the effect of surgical setting on ...
Emergence of Stemphylium Leaf Blight of Onion in New York Associated With Fungicide Resistance.

A complex of foliar diseases affects onion production in New York, including Botrytis leaf blight (Botrytis squamosa), purple blotch (Alternaria porri), Stemphylium leaf blight (SLB; Stemphylium ve...
An Experimental Reversed Heat Flux Investigation of the Helium-Cooled Modular Divertor with Multiple Jets

AbstractThe Georgia Institute of Technology group has performed studies to characterize the thermal hydraulics of a single “finger” module of the helium-cooled modular divertor with multiple jets (...
The Political Ideologies of Law Clerks

In order to study the political ideologies of judicial law clerks in the United States, we construct a novel dataset that combines information on the identity of clerks with a measure of political ideology based on political donations. We then use this data to empirically investigate several important questions about the ideologies of clerks. First, we examine whether clerks tend to share the liberal ideology of other lawyers or the more conservative ideology associated with federal judges and find that clerks tend to be disproportionately liberal. Second, we investigate how the ideologies of clerks compares to the ideologies of lawyers and find that liberal lawyers are more likely to have clerked than conservatives. Third, we assess whether the ideologies of clerks differs based on the level of clerkship and find that the liberal skew becomes less pronounced as the prestige of the clerkship increases. Fourth, we analyze the relationship between ideology and the hiring of clerks and find that the ideology of judges is strongly correlated with the ideology of their clerks.
Continuous In Situ Nutrient Analyzers Pinpoint the Onset and Rate of Internal P Loading under Anoxia in Lake Erie’s Central Basin

Lake Erie’s central basin experiences seasonal anoxia, contributing to internal sediment phosphorus (P) loading and exacerbating eutrophication. The precise conditions required for internal loading...
Senolytics: Potential for Alleviating Diabetes and Its Complications.

Therapeutics that target cellular senescence, including novel "senolytic" compounds, hold significant promise for treating or preventing obesity-induced metabolic dysfunction, type 2 diabetes, and the multiple complications of diabetes and obesity. Senolytics selectively clear senescent cells, which accumulate with aging and obesity and represent a fundamental mechanism of aging that contributes to metabolic dysfunction and diabetes pathogenesis. In addition to improving metabolic function, targeting senescent cells holds promise as a preventative strategy to reduce incidence and severity of diabetes complications. The intermittent administration schedule utilized for senolytic therapy may confer benefits in terms of improving adherence and limiting adverse effects. It is necessary to design effective clinical trials that will safely translate discoveries from preclinical models into human studies that may pave the way for a novel therapeutic class for treating obesity, diabetes, and their complications. In this review, we outline what is known regarding the role of cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and its complications, present evidence from preclinical models that targeting cellular senescence is beneficial, review senolytic drugs, and outline the features of clinical trials investigating the role of targeting senescent cells for diabetes.
Three new species in the genus Latouchia Pocock, 1901 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Halonoproctidae) from Vietnam

The current taxonomy of the trapdoor spider genus Latouchia is discussed, and three new species are described from southern Vietnam. Latouchia stridulans sp. nov. and L. schwendingeri sp. nov. are described from both sexes, L. huberi sp. nov. is described from females only. Significant morphological difference between the first species and the second two species indicates that Latouchia may need to be split into two or more genera when more information becomes available.
Chapter 7 Regulation of Cell Adhesion and Development of Epithelial Cell Surface Polarity

Publisher Summary The understanding of the interrelationship between cell adhesion and cell morphogenesis and the mechanisms that lead to cellular remodeling and differentiation is relatively poor. To approach these problems, a model system of renal transporting epithelial cells, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells have been researched. In the absence of cell–cell contact, MDCK cells have a relatively poor degree of cellular polarity. However, the activation of the cell adhesion protein E-cadherin results in the formation of specific cell–cell contacts and subsequent remodeling of cells into a monolayer of polarized transporting epithelial cells. This chapter discusses the roles of cell–cell adhesion through E-cadherin, assembly of the membrane cytoskeleton, and membrane protein, sorting pathways in the context of mechanisms that may be involved in this cellular remodeling process. The fact that cadherins mediate cell–cell recognition and adhesion and that direct linkage, between cadherins and cytoplasmic (cytoskeletal) proteins, is important in cell adhesion and cellular morphogenesis. However, the mechanism(s) involved in transducing extracellular cell–cell adhesion, through cadherins, into the reorganization of cell structure and function is unknown. The mechanism could involve increased local concentrations of cadherins at sites of cell–cell contact that cause multivalent stabilization of weak interactions, with cytoplasmic proteins, through the cytoskeleton. Several examples of this type of mechanism have been found, including the activation of complement by the binding of Clq to cell surface antigen-IgG complexes and cellular degranulation triggered by extracellular cross-linking of IgE-receptor complexes.
International evidence on output-inflation tradeoffs: A bootstrap analysis

Abstract A bootstrap analysis of existing data on international output-inflation tradeoffs is performed. In contrast to some previous empirical work, the results of the bootstrap analysis strongly support Lucas' (1973) rational expectations model of the natural rate hypothesis.
Elder Abuse Detection and Intervention: A Collaborative Approach by B. Brandl, C. B. Dyer, C. J. Heisler, M. J. Otto, L. A. Stiegel, and R. W. Thomas

As anyone familiar with elder rights issues must know by now, ours is an aging society, one that will continue to grow older well into 2050. Projected along with the burgeoning population of older ...
Total Quality Management

(2000). Total Quality Management. Administration in Social Work: Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 85-103.
Structured singular value with repeated scalar blocks

The structured singular value, μ, is an important linear algebra tool to study a class of matrix perturbation problems, [Doy]. It is useful for analyzing the robustness of stability and performance of dynamical systems [DoyWS]. This paper studies uncertainty structures involving repeated scalar parameters in more detail than in [Doy]. In [DoyP], it was shown that the frequency domain μ tests of [DoyWS] can conceptually be reduced to a single constant matrix μ test, but the uncertainty structure must be augmented with a large repeated scalar block. This paper studies the properties of μ and the upper bound with these types of uncertainty blocks, and compares the frequency domain vs. state space μ based tests, assuming that the upper bound is what can be reliably computed.
Friendly fire: redirecting herpes simplex virus-1 for therapeutic applications

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a relatively large double-stranded DNA virus encoding at least 89 proteins with well characterized disease pathology. An understanding of the functions of viral proteins together with the ability to genetically engineer specific viral mutants has led to the development of attenuated HSV-1 for gene therapy. This review highlights the progress in creating attenuated genetically engineered HSV-1 mutants that are either replication competent (viral non-essential gene deleted) or replication defective (viral essential gene deleted). The choice between a replication-competent or -defective virus is based on the end-goal of the therapeutic intervention. Replication-competent HSV-1 mutants have primarily been employed as antitumor oncolytic viruses, with the lytic nature of the virus harnessed to destroy tumor cells selectively. In replacement gene therapy, replication-defective viruses have been utilized as delivery vectors. The advantages of HSV-1 vectors are that they infect quiescent and dividing cells efficiently and can encode for relatively large transgenes.
When the long run matters

Roughly 20 percent of current CO2 emissions will likely remain in the atmosphere for thousands of years (Solomon et al. 2008). Despite this, climate damages attributable to current emissions that occur beyond 150 years or so have almost no effect on the current optimal carbon tax in typical integrated assessment models. The source of this strong result is conventional economic discounting. The current paper builds on recent work by Gerlagh and Liski (2013) and Iverson (J Environ Econ Manag 66:598–608, 2013a, b) to demonstrate this fact in a simple way and to show that it is not robust to plausible changes in the calibration approach for discounting parameters. Specifically, when time preference rates decline, a possibility supported by a wide variety of studies from psychology and economics, long run consumption impacts are potentially very important and so are long run features of the carbon cycle. The paper follows (Gerlagh and Liski 2013) in showing that this remains true even when the discounting parameters are calibrated to match historical interests rates, thus avoiding the main economic critique of the Stern Review (Stern 2007; Nordhaus 2008; Weitzman Rev Econ Stat 91:1–19 2009). The effects are quantified using a formula for the optimal carbon tax from Iverson (J Environ Econ Manag 66:598–608, 2013a, b), which we use to decompose the current optimal tax into the cumulative contribution from consumption impacts at different horizons.
Preview-based output tracking for periodic switching systems

We study the output tracking of systems across switches in system parameters. The goal is to remove transient tracking errors during the switch. The parameter change (switch) is assumed to be periodic at known time instants. This is in contrast to systems where the switches may be signal driven and may not be known in advance. It is also assumed that preview information about the desired output is available. The paper presents a methodology to use the preview infermation to achieve online output-tracking across parameter switches for periodic switching systems.
Two transcription pause elements underlie a σ70-dependent pause cycle

The movement of RNA polymerase (RNAP) during transcription elongation is modulated by DNA-encoded elements that cause the elongation complex to pause. One of the best-characterized pause sequences is a binding site for the σ(70) initiation factor that induces pausing at a site near lambdoid phage late-gene promoters. An essential component of this σ(70)-dependent pause is the elemental pause site (EPS), a sequence that itself induces transcription pausing throughout the Escherichia coli genome and underlies other complex regulatory pause elements, such as the ops and his operon pauses. Here, we identify and provide a detailed kinetic analysis of a transcription cycle analogous to abortive cycling that underlies the σ(70)-dependent pause. We show that, in σ(70)-dependent pausing, the elemental pause acts primarily to modulate the rate at which complexes attempt to disengage the σ(70):DNA interaction. Our findings establish the σ(70)-dependent pause-encoding region as a multipartite element in which several pause-inducing components make distinct mechanistic contributions to the induction and maintenance of a regulatory transcription pause.
Severe metabolic alkalosis in the emergency department

A case of severe metabolic alkalosis (MA) resulting from ingestion of baking soda (sodium bicardonate) is presented. On admission to the emergency department, the patient was alert and stable with an initial examination that was remarkable only for carpopedal spasm. Shortly thereafter, the patient had a sudden, unexpected cardiopulmonary arrest. Following resuscitation, without administration of sodium bicarbonate, the arterial blood gas revealed a pH of 7.73, pO 2 of 51 mm Hg, and pCO 2 of 52 mm Hg. After admission to the intensive care unit, the patient's MA was corrected using IV 0.25 N hydrochloric acid. The patient remained comatose as a result of severe anoxic encephalopathy and died two weeks after admission. We believe this is the first reported case of severe MA resulting in sudden cardiopulmonary arrest in a previously ambulatory patient.
A computational model integrating electrophysiology, contraction, and mitochondrial bioenergetics in the ventricular myocyte

An intricate network of reactions is involved in matching energy supply with demand in the heart. This complexity arises because energy production both modulates and is modulated by the electrophysiological and contractile activity of the cardiac myocyte. Here, we present an integrated mathematical model of the cardiac cell that links excitation-contraction coupling with mitochondrial energy generation. The dynamics of the model are described by a system of 50 ordinary differential equations. The formulation explicitly incorporates cytoplasmic ATP-consuming processes associated with force generation and ion transport, as well as the creatine kinase reaction. Changes in the electrical and contractile activity of the myocyte are coupled to mitochondrial energetics through the ATP, Ca 2+ , and Na + concentrations in the myoplasmic and mitochondrial matrix compartments. The pseudo steady-state relationship between force and oxygen consumption at various stimulus frequencies and external Ca 2+ concentrations is reproduced in both model simulations and direct experiments in cardiac trabeculae under normoxic conditions, recapitulating the linearity between cardiac work and respiration in the heart. Importantly, the model can also reproduce the rapid time-dependent changes in mitochondrial NADH and Ca 2+ in response to abrupt changes in workload. The steady-state and dynamic responses of the model were conferred by ADP-dependent stimulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and Ca 2+ -dependent regulation of Krebs cycle dehydrogenases, illustrating how the model can be used as a tool for investigating mechanisms underlying metabolic control in the heart.
Assessment of hand vibration exposure on an assembly line.

This paper describes a study undertaken to evaluate and control vibration exposure associated with pneumatic screwdrivers used in an electrical appliance assembly plant. The study was motivated by management's concern about reports of cumulative trauma disorders in the upper extremities of workers who used pneumatic screwdrivers. Vibration exposure from power hand tools on an assembly line is difficult to predict due to highly variable conditions and techniquies used between operators. Vibration exposure was measured using observation samples of tool vibration obtained on the assembly line for individual assembly tasks. Typical tool one-third octave band acceleration spectra estimated from laboratory measurements were used in conjunction with the measured exposure times to compare workers' risk of exposure to the hazards associated with operating vibrating hand tools. Characteristic vibration produced by the tools during phases of operation were separated and analyzed individually to identify and control ...
Influence of serum factors on the interaction of concanavalin A with inert and biological surfaces

Abstract The plastic surfaces of tissue culture dishes bind about 5 × l02 molecules of concanavalin A (ConA)/μ2. This binding is virtually uninhibited by alpha-methyl-mannoside (α-MM). If the plastic is treated with fetal calf or dog serum, binding of ConA increases to about 8 × 103 molecules/μ2, but is almost completely inhibited by α-MM. The level of binding of ConA to human red blood cells (RBC)—about 1.4 × 104 molecules/μ2—does not increase if cells are first treated with fetal calf or dog serum; human RBC treated with dog serum, however, are about 100 times more agglutinable by ConA than are untreated cells. Our results show that: (a) serum components can increase the binding of ConA to inert surfaces; (b) serum components can increase the sensitivity of human RBC to agglutination by ConA; and (c) ConA can bind to surfaces by at least two mechanisms (one involving sites sensitive to inhibition by α-MM, and the other not).
Effect of cis-hydroxyproline on collagen and other proteins in skin wounds, granuloma tissue, and liver of mice and rats.

Abstract Acute and chronic pharmacologic effects of cis-hydroxyproline (cis-Hyp) were studied in mice and rats. Given as a single dose intraperitoneally, cis-Hyp is relatively non-toxic and the LD50 approaches that of l-proline. Chronic administration of cis-Hyp (200 mg/kg/day) to mice did not affect breaking strength of dermal wounds or content and specific activity of noncollagenous protein in the liver. Although cis-Hyp produced a significant decrease tn noncollagenous protein content of polyvinyl alcohol sponge induced granuloma tissue, collagen content and rate of synthesis in granuloma tissue and liver were increased significantly. Rats given cis-Hyp (200 mg/kg/day subcutaneously in divided doses every 12 hr) and control animals demonstrated identical hepatic microsomal protein, cytochrome P450 and cytochrome b5 content. Breaking strength of dermal wounds was increased significantly in treated animals. Ultrastructural analysis of rat liver failed to demonstrate any structural alterations of cellular organelles due to cis-hyp treatment. We conclude that chronic in vivo administration of cis-Hyp does not inhibit collagen synthesis or accumulation in normal or repaired tissues and does not decrease the breaking strength of skin wounds. Other effects on protein metabolism could result from nonspecific, chronic toxicity of cis-Hyp.
Mary Anne Warren on “Full” Moral Status

The Pr inc ip le of Full Mora l S ta tus : The degree to which an entity E possesses moral status is proportional to the degree t o which E possesses morally relevant properties until a threshold degree of morally relevant properties possession is reached, whereupon the degree to which E possesses morally relevant properties may continue to increase, but the degree to which E possesses moral status remains the same.
A functional TOC complex contributes to gravity signal transduction in Arabidopsis

Although plastid sedimentation has long been recognized as important for a plant's perception of gravity, it was recently shown that plastids play an additional function in gravitropism. The Translocon at the Outer envelope membrane of Chloroplasts (TOC) complex transports nuclear-encoded proteins into plastids, and a receptor of this complex, Toc132, was previously hypothesized to contribute to gravitropism either by directly functioning as a gravity signal transducer or by indirectly mediating the plastid localization of a gravity signal transducer. Here we show that mutations in multiple genes encoding TOC complex components affect gravitropism in a genetically sensitized background and that the cytoplasmic acidic domain of Toc132 is not required for its involvement in this process. Furthermore, mutations in TOC132 enhance the gravitropic defect of a mutant whose amyloplasts lack starch. Finally, we show that the levels of several nuclear-encoded root proteins are altered in toc132 mutants. These data suggest that the TOC complex indirectly mediates gravity signal transduction in Arabidopsis and support the idea that plastids are involved in gravitropism not only through their ability to sediment but also as part of the signal transduction mechanism.
When background becomes foreground: Toward context‐sensitive evaluation practice

This article aims to bring context from the background into the foreground of our work. Especially in more quantitative, outcome-focused efforts, context continues to play a character role. Though we recognize that context affects what we do and that it affects the programs and policies we study, the attention often is more implicit than explicit, and more as an afterthought when the work does not go as planned or findings are difficult to interpret. In this article, the goal is to give context more of a leading role by offering a framework for thinking about context and how we can enhance our practice by including an explicit focus on context in our evaluation inquiry. The article describes a strategy for contextsensitive practice that balances attention to context, stakeholder needs, and rigor. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
On Structural Interpretation of Several Distance Related Topological Indices

We consider the role that individual bonds play in bond-additivities in order to better understand the structural basis of various topological indices. In particular we consider indices closely related to the Wiener index (W) and the distance matrix and search for optimal weights of terminal and interior CC bonds in alkanes for a selection of physicochemical properties. It is interesting to note that different properties are associated with different relative roles of the exterior and the interior CC bonds.
Hilar cholangiocarcinoma: the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience

Background/purpose Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is a rare cancer with a low resectability rate, frequent recurrence after resection and an overall poor outcome. It is widely accepted that en bloc partial hepatectomy is a necessary part of the surgical therapy, but controversy surrounds other areas, including extent of lymphadenectomy and preoperative use of biliary drainage of the future liver remnant (FLR). This study analyzes the authors’ experience with HCCA, emphasizing outcome after resection in a more recent cohort.
Long term outcomes of neuroendocrine carcinomas (high-grade neuroendocrine tumors) of the colon, rectum, and anal canal.

Summary Introduction and aim Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) of the large intestine are rare and aggressive neoplasms. This study was designed to review the experience at a single institution and analyze the outcomes to improve our understanding of these tumors. Methods The patients with NEC (high-grade neuroendocrine tumor) of the colon, rectum, and anal canal were identified from June 1993 to April 2011. Clinical features studied were patient demographics, presenting symptoms, tumor location, tumor stage, treatment status and length of follow-up. Results Twenty-five patients were identified. Stages of the diseases were I ( n = 5), II ( n = 1), III ( n = 10) and IV ( n = 9). Locations of the tumors were: colon (36%); rectum (28%) and anal canal (36%). Rectal bleeding (36%) and pain (32%) were the most common symptoms but 16% of patients were asymptomatic. Among the patients with local or locally advanced disease, only five patients had surgery alone. The remainder of the patients underwent chemotherapy with/without radiation. Mean follow-up was 33.7 ± 8.4 months after diagnosis. NEC of the large bowel and anal canal has very distinctive pathologic features and a very poor prognosis. More than one third of the patients with NEC had metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. When these tumors are in an advanced stage none of the treatment modalities impact on survival. Conclusion The present study showed the poor prognosis of these rare tumors.
Reversal of Antipsychotic- Induced Working Memory Deficits by Short-Term Dopamine D1 Receptor Stimulation

Chronic blockade of dopamine D2 receptors, a common mechanism of action for antipsychotic drugs, down-regulates D1 receptors in the prefrontal cortex and, as shown here, produces severe impairments in working memory. These deficits were reversed in monkeys by short-term coadministration of a D1 agonist, ABT 431, and this improvement was sustained for more than a year after cessation of D1 treatment. These findings indicate that pharmacological modulation of the D1 signaling pathway can produce long-lasting changes in functional circuits underlying working memory. Resetting this pathway by brief exposure to the agonist may provide a valuable strategy for therapeutic intervention in schizophrenia and other dopamine dysfunctional states.
Primordial nucleosynthesis with decaying particles. I. Entropy-producing decays. II. Inert decays

The effect of a nonrelativistic particle X, which decays out of equilibrium, on primordial nucleosynthesis is investigated, including both the energy density of the X particle and the electromagnetic entropy production from its decay. The results are parametrized in terms of the X particle lifetime and the density parameter rm(X), where m(X) is the X particle mass and r is the ratio of X number density to photon number density prior to nucleosynthesis. The results rule out particle lifetimes greater than 1-10 s for large values of rm(X). The question of a decaying particle which produces no electromagnetic entropy in the course of its decay is addressed, and particles which produce both entropy and an inert component in their decay are discussed.
The reciprocal dance between cancer and development.

Cellular proliferation is indispensable for the development of every multicellular organism and tissue; ironically, however, the genetic program that controls proliferation is frequently subverted during the process of carcinogenesis. Indeed, the very reliance of multicellular organisms on proliferation for normal development renders them susceptible to cancer. The effects of ovarian hormones on the breast aptly illustrate the relation between development and carcinogenesis. Estrogens and progesterone, which are essential for the development of the mammary gland, regulate the proliferation and differentiation of mammary epithelium during puberty and pregnancy. Yet, ovarian hormones also have a preeminent role in the development of breast . . .
Silicon Valley reinvents the company town

Abstract California's Silicon Valley, famous for its innovative high-technology corporations, makes an ideal laboratory for exploring certain cultural inventions. It is a bellwether for a particular kind of social order—one dominated by work. In anthropology we encounter many frameworks through which life is organized—kinship, religion, and politics. Work is another lens through which life can be filtered. People may move to California for the weather, but they go to Silicon Valley to work. High-technology work draws on a global pool of talent and shifting skills that creates a culturally complex community. Migrants to Silicon Valley bring and enact an image of a place to do cutting-edge work. Leaders and pundits in the region consciously market the idea that the Valley can reinvent itself to continue to dominate its distinctive economic niche. Out of this reinvention a novel version of the company town has emerged, a twenty-first century reworking of a community where work penetrates and dominates the lives of its inhabitants.
Security Threats against the Communication Networks for Traffic Control Systems

Actuated signal controllers (ASC) are widely deployed to control various intelligent traffic devices. However, there is not enough research on the security of the communication between a control console and the ASC. The communication protocol is SNMP for the management of the ASC. In this paper we will identity the major security threats against the SNMP-based ASC systems and propose possible defense techniques. First, we address the major attacks against the ASC systems, including UDP flooding attack, man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, and VLAN hopping attack. Second, we launch these attacks against the ASC systems. Third, we demonstrate how to defend these attacks.
Growth and size-selective mortality of stocked muskellunge: Effects on size distributions

Abstract Sport fisheries for muskellunge Esox masquinongy are often sustained by stocking. Size-selective mortality has been identified as an important factor affecting stocked muskellunge, However, this mortality is difficult to assess because its effects on the population can be confounded by growth. To partition observed shifts in length frequencies of stocked muskellunge into growth and mortality effects, two lots each of approximately 1,000 hatchery-reared muskellunge fingerlings were sorted into 10-mm size-groups, marked with size-specific fin clips, and stocked into two northwestern Wisconsin lakes. Beginning 30 d after stocking, we used electrofishing to examine length distributions and estimate abundance of stocked fish. Shifts in the length-frequency distributions after stocking were found to be caused by size-selective mortality and growth. Mortality was highest for the smallest fish. A size-based analysis indicated that growth in fall contributed far more than size-selective mortality contribu...
Perspectives on the N-methyl-D-aspartate/nitric oxide cascade and opioid tolerance

Opioid tolerance can be modulated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate/nitric oxixde (NMDA/NO) cascade. Evidence exploring a daily injection paradigm indicates that agents antagonizing NMDA receptors can prevent tolerance to morphine and delta drugs, but not kappa agents. Drugs work regardless of whether they act as competitive or noncompetitive antagonists. Even an agent acting as an antagonist on the glycine site of the NMDA receptor is effective. Blockade of nitric oxide synthase has similar effects on opioid tolerance, preventing morphine and delta tolerance but not that of kappa drugs. Even methylene blue, which can inhibit guanylyl cyclase activity, is effective, presumably by blocking cGMP formation resulting from NO release. These results demonstrate the importance of an intact NMDA/NO cascade in the production of opioid tolerance and open new possibilities in the design of agents acting on opioid tolerance.
Acoustic and Airflow Spectral Analysis of Voice Tremor

Acoustic spectral analysis has been used to describe voice tremor with some success, but no feature distinguishing pathological from normal tremor has been clearly identified. To assist in monitori...