cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corticosteroid insensitivity in severe asthma: Impaired nuclear translocation of glucocorticoid receptor in airway smooth muscle cells

Background : Patients with severe asthma respond poorly to corticosteroids (CS). Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC) of severe asthma display CS insensitivity. CS mediate their effects through activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and suppression of NF-κB activity. Aims and objectives : Compare protein/mRNA, phosphorylation, and nuclear translocation of GR and NF-κB (p65). Methods : ASMC of the healthy (9), non-severe (NSA; 8) and severe asthmatics (SA; 8) were obtained from endobronchial biopsies, cultured at passage 4-5. Cells were treated with TNF-α (10 ng/ml)/dexamethasone (Dex; 10-7 or 10-6 M). Whole cell protein or nuclear extracts were assessed by Western Blot, mRNA by qRT-PCR. Results : TNF-α induced greater p65 in SA, whereas baseline and TNFα-induced nuclear abundance, and Dex suppression of p65 expression, were similar between groups. GR expressed in asthma was 49% of that in the healthy ( p <0.01), with no difference between NSA and SA. Dex-induced nuclear translocation of GR in SA was approximately 60% of that in either the healthy or NSA at 30 min-2h, whereas baseline levels were similar. In healthy subjects, Dex maximally induced GR phosphorylation at S211 at 1 hr (5.2-fold vs baseline; p <0.001), which was maintained over 4 hr; phosphorylation status at 2 hr showed no difference between groups. Conclusions : Baseline GR is decreased in ASMCs of asthma, while induced GR translocation is impaired only in SA. Although TNF-α induces greater p65 expression in SA, nuclear translocation and Dex suppression of p65 expression are similar between all groups. Impaired nuclear translocation may underlie the mechanism of CS insensitivity in SA.
The Non-relativistic Limit of the Euler Nordström System with Cosmological Constant

In this paper, we study the singular limit c → ∞ of the family of Euler–Nordstrom systems indexed by the parameters κ2 and c, where κ2 > 0 is the cosmological constant and c is the speed of light. Using Christodoulou's techniques to generate energy currents, we develop Sobolev estimates that show initial data belonging to an appropriate Sobolev space launch unique solutions to the system that converge to corresponding unique solutions of the Euler–Poisson system with the cosmological constant κ2 as c tends to infinity.
The effect of everolimus on body composition (BC) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

e13026Background: BC measurement can distinguish adipose tissue distribution, as well as the quantity and quality of muscle. Dysregulation in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling path...
Siglec-8 Signals Through a Non-Canonical Pathway to Cause Human Eosinophil Death In Vitro.

Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin (Siglec)-8 is a glycan-binding receptor bearing immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory and switch motifs (ITIM and ITSM, respectively) that is selectively expressed on eosinophils, mast cells, and, to a lesser extent, basophils. Previous work has shown that engagement of Siglec-8 on IL-5–primed eosinophils causes cell death via CD11b/CD18 integrin–mediated adhesion and NADPH oxidase activity and identified signaling molecules linking adhesion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cell death. However, the proximal signaling cascade activated directly by Siglec-8 engagement has remained elusive. Most members of the Siglec family possess similar cytoplasmic signaling motifs and recruit the protein tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1/2, consistent with ITIM-mediated signaling, to dampen cellular activation. However, the dependence of Siglec-8 function in eosinophils on these phosphatases has not been studied. Using Siglec-8 antibody engagement and pharmacological inhibition in conjunction with assays to measure cell-surface upregulation and conformational activation of CD11b integrin, ROS production, and cell death, we sought to identify molecules involved in Siglec-8 signaling and determine the stage of the process in which each molecule plays a role. We demonstrate here that the enzymatic activities of Src family kinases (SFKs), Syk, SHIP1, PAK1, MEK1, ERK1/2, PLC, PKC, acid sphingomyelinase/ceramidase, and Btk are all necessary for Siglec-8–induced eosinophil cell death, with no apparent role for SHP-1/2, SHIP2, or c-Raf. While most of these signaling molecules are necessary for Siglec-8–induced upregulation of CD11b integrin at the eosinophil cell surface, Btk is phosphorylated and activated later in the signaling cascade and is instead necessary for CD11b activation. In contrast, SFKs and ERK1/2 are phosphorylated far earlier in the process, consistent with their role in augmenting cell-surface levels of CD11b. In addition, pretreatment of eosinophils with latrunculin B or jasplakinolide revealed that actin filament disassembly is necessary and sufficient for surface CD11b integrin upregulation and that actin polymerization is necessary for downstream ROS production. These results show that Siglec-8 signals through an unanticipated set of signaling molecules in IL-5–primed eosinophils to induce cell death and challenges the expectation that ITIM-bearing Siglecs signal through inhibitory pathways involving protein tyrosine phosphatases to achieve their downstream functions.
Information mediation across heterogeneous government spatial data sources

Spatial information is a common component of databases maintained by governments at different hierarchical levels, from local to federal. Even within a single municipality, information about particular spatial objects may differ in measurement and representation type, content of attributes, data quality, amount and structure of metadata, currency, etc. Such heterogeneity becomes a serious obstacle in applications that require querying across multiple spatial databases. To address this problem, we extend the principles of conventional information mediation to processing of spatial queries against multiple heterogeneous spatial data sources and services. The spatial mediation infrastructure we are developing, includes a set of spatial wrappers which expose capabilities of spatial data sources and services in a homogeneous way, spatial mediators for query planning and orchestrating query execution, and spatial presentation services. This paper focuses on the specifics of spatial information mediation, presenting a model of source spatial capabilities for mediation. Using a running example, we demonstrate generation of feasible query evaluation plans based on source spatial coverage declaration and function signatures for all supported spatial data interchange and spatial data transformation functions.
Activation of Skeletal Muscle Phosphorylase Kinase by Adenosine Triphosphate and Adenosine 3',5'-Monophosphate

Abstract Rabbit skeletal muscle phosphorylase kinase has been obtained as a nearly homogeneous protein showing a single peak on electrophoresis and in the ultracentrifuge. Incubation of the purified kinase with γ32P-ATP in the presence of Mg++ ions activates the enzyme; this process is accompanied by phosphorylation of the protein. Activation and phosphorylation of phosphorylase kinase occur more rapidly when cyclic 3',5'-AMP or glycogen is present in activation reaction mixtures, but these two substances apparently act by different mechanisms since their effects are additive. Cyclic 3',5'-AMP and glycogen stimulate activation of the kinase more than they affect phosphorylation. No evidence was obtained to indicate that cyclic 3',5'-AMP undergoes any modification when it exerts its effect on phosphorylase kinase activation. Activation of the kinase was shown to be autocatalytic, but the possibility that cyclic 3',5'-AMP acts through stimulation of a second enzyme involved in the system was suggested by the failure to find any evidence for a significant degree of binding of this nucleotide to purified phosphorylase kinase.
Stress management intervention for women with breast cancer.

Why Use The Stress Management Intervention In Women With Breast Cancer? Empirical Research With The B-Smart Program Essentials Of The B-Smart Program Implementing The B-Smart Program - Special Considerations And Case Assessing Progress In The B-Smart Program.
A teaching strategy on euthanasia

The term euthanasia has developed a negative connotation over the last half century. Technically, the term was derived from the Greek "eu" meaning good and "thanatos" meaning death. Thus, euthanasia can be defined as "good death." But the term is often confused with mercy killing or a deliberate act which causes a death. Perhaps this controversy provides the impetus for the Euthanasia Education Council to change its name to Concern for Dying even though they function in basically the same capacity as in the past. For the purpose of this discussion, it is important to develop an operational definition of euthanasia and mercy killing.
CHOICE AS A DEPENDENT MEASURE IN AUTOSHAPING: SENSITIVITY TO FREQUENCY AND DURATION OF FOOD PRESENTATION

Previous investigations have shown that rate, latency, and percentage of trials with at least one response are somewhat insensitive measures of the strength of autoshaped responding. In the present studies, these measures were contrasted with the allocation of responding during simultaneous choice tests, a measure of response strength frequently used in operant paradigms. In two experiments, nine pigeons were exposed to a forward pairing autoshaping procedure. Training sessions consisted of the successive presentation of three stimuli, each followed by food on either 100%, 50%, or 0% of the trials. Choice testing involved the simultaneous presentation of the three stimuli. In Experiment I, all pigeons consistently directed their initial choice responses and the majority of subsequent responses to the stimulus always followed by food, despite the fact that during training sessions the response rates of most birds were highest in the presence of the stimulus followed by food on 50% of the trials. In Experiment II, rate, latency, and percentage of trials with at least one response did not change appreciably as a function of duration of feeder presentations. However, choice responding was lawfully affected by duration of feeder presentations. These data suggest that choice is perhaps a more sensitive measure of the strength of autoshaped responding than other, more commonly employed, indices.
Rotation-induced taste aversions in strains of rats selectively bred for strong or weak acquisition of drug-induced taste aversions

Sprague-Dawley-derived rats have been selectively bred as strong or weak learners of a cyclophosphamide-induced saccharin aversion. Resultant aversion acquisition appears to be under strong genetic control, but specific mechanisms of strain differentiation remain to be determined. Current research involves possible generality of strain separation across different modes of aversion induction. Naive offspring of strong and weak-conditioner parents of the F-6 selected generation were used to pair the normal CS saccharin solution with two different magnitudes of an alternate mode of aversion induction, rotational stimulation. Six minutes of intermittent rotation produced no evidence of conditioned aversions within either strain, and equivalent results were obtained from weak conditioners exposed to 10 min of rotation. However, strong conditioners exposed to 10 min of rotation acquired significant aversions, thereby demonstrating that strain separation is not simply a function of differential sensitivity to cyclophosphamide, the US basis of genetic selection.
An approximation algorithm for scheduling on three dedicated machines

Abstract We consider the scheduling problem of minimizing the makespan on three dedicated machines. We present a 7 6 - approximation algorithm, improving the previously best performance guarantee of 5 4 .
Robust estimation in growth curve models

The growth curve model introduced by potthoff and Roy 1964 is a general statistical model which includes as special cases regression models and both univariate and multivariate analysis of variance models. The methods currently available for estimating the parameters of this model assume an underlying multivariate normal distribution of errors. In this paper, we discuss tw robst estimators of the growth curve loction and scatter parameters based upon M-estimation techniques and the work done by maronna 1976. The asymptotic distribution of these robust estimators are discussed and a numerical example given.
Instability of pH gradients in isoelectric focusing on polyacrylamide gel.

Abstract During isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel of a crude human pancreatic extract, the pH gradient and the position of protein bands were found to be unstable with time in accordance with previous work (2,6). Instability of pH gradients in pI 3–10 or 3–6 Ampholine was monitored by measurement of pH changes and protein band displacement at the “isoelectric end point.” In pI 3–10 gels the results are consistent with the hypothesis that pH gradient instability is caused by a progressive electrophoretic migration of Ampholine from the neutral gel center toward the gel periphery. However, in a pI 3–6 gradient an acidic protein band was found to be displaced toward the cathode, indicating that displacement cannot occur by electrophoresis only. Instability is increased as a function of voltage (2) and decreased as a function of viscosity (6) and Ampholine concentration. It is not due to the presence of protein in the gel, to migration of Ampholine out of the gel, or to protein or Ampholine modification under the conditions of vinyl polymerization (8). It occurs regardless of whether the acid or basic (8) reservoir is positioned on top of the gel.
Fast coincidence counting with active inspection systems

This paper describes 2nd and 3rd order time coincidence distributions measurements with a GHz processor that synchronously samples 5 or 10 channels of data from radiation detectors near fissile material. On-line, time coincidence distributions are measured between detectors or between detectors and an external stimulating source. Detector-to-detector correlations are useful for passive measurements also. The processor also measures the number of times n pulses occur in a selectable time window and compares this multiplet distribution to a Poisson distribution as a method of determining the occurrence of fission. The detectors respond to radiation emitted in the fission process induced internally by inherent sources or by external sources such as LINACS, DT generators either pulsed or steady state with alpha detectors, etc. Data can be acquired from prompt emission during the source pulse, prompt emissions immediately after the source pulse, or delayed emissions between source pulses. These types of time coincidence measurements (occurring on the time scale of the fission chain multiplication processes for nuclear weapons grade U and Pu) are useful for determining the presence of these fissile materials and quantifying the amount, and are useful for counter terrorism and nuclear material control and accountability. This paper presents the results for a variety of measurements.
Characterization of Persistent Virus-Like Particles in Two Acetate-Fed Methanogenic Reactors

The objective of this study was to characterize the morphology, size-distribution, concentration and genome size of virus-like particles (VLPs) in two acetate-fed Methanosaeta-dominated reactors to better understand the possible correlation between viruses and archaeal hosts. The study reactors were dominated by a single genus of acetoclastic methanogen, Methanosaeta, which was present at 6 to 13 times higher than the combined bacterial populations consisting of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. Epifluorescent microscopy showed VLPs concentration of 7.1 ± 1.5×107 VLPs/ml and 8.4 ± 4.3×107 VLPs/ml in the two laboratory reactors. Observations of no detectable import of VLPs with the reactor feed combined long operational time since the last inocula were introduced suggests that the VLP populations were actively propagating in the reactors. Transmission electron microscopy images showed VLPs with morphology consistent with Siphoviridae in both reactors, and VLPs with morphologies consistent with Myoviridae in one of the reactors. The morphology, size-distribution and genome size of VLPs were distinct between reactors suggesting that unique viral populations inhabited each reactor, though the hosts of these VLPs remain unclear.
Tg/Tm for unsubstituted polymers

Polymers under discussion can be represented by [CH2)nR]p where R is CH2, CF2, O, S or CH = CH; and where n can vary from 0 to ∞. The copolymer, P(ethylene-alt-TFE) is also included. These polymers tend to be highly crystalline with resultant confusion about their Tg and hence their Tg/Tm values and a clarification scheme is proposed in which it is considered that each such polymer has a double glass transition, Tg(L)/f(χc), Tg(U) = F(χc); and a sub-glass T<Tg(L) at 0.75 Tg(L), where F(χc) signifies a function of fractional crystallinity, χc. T<Tg(L) and Tg(L) increase linearly with Tm. The ratio, Tg(L)/Tm, is therefore, not a constant but is close to 0.5. T<Tg(L)/Tg(L) is also not a constant but is close to 0.75. Tg(U) lies within a wedge whose top and bottom sides increase with Tm. The premelting, intracrystalline transition temperature, Tαc, is also a linear function of Tm. It is suggested that the scheme outlined above should help to resolve uncertainties in assigning transition temperatures for unsubstituted polymers. The low Tg/Tm values for these polymers is discussed in terms of their small da/dc ratios and small crosssectional areas per chain.
Pain as a risk factor for disability or death.

Objectives: To determine whether pain predicts future activity of daily living (ADL) disability or death in individuals aged 60 and older. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: The 1998 to 2008 Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative study of older community-living individuals. Participants: Twelve thousand six hundred thirty-one participants in the 1998 HRS aged 60 and older who did not need help in any ADL. Measurements: Participants reporting that they had moderate or severe pain most of the time were defined as having significant pain. The primary outcome was time to development of ADL disability or death over 10 yrs, assessed at five successive 2-year intervals. ADL disability was defined as needing help performing any ADL: bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting, eating, or walking across a room. A discrete hazards survival model was used to examine the relationship between pain and incident disability over each 2-year interval using only participants who started the interval with no ADL disability. Several potential confounders were adjusted for at the start of each interval: demographic factors, seven chronic health conditions, and functional limitations (ADL difficulty and difficulty with five measures of mobility). Results: At baseline, 2,283 (18%) participants had significant pain. Participants with pain were more likely (all P < .001) to be female (65% vs 54%), have ADL difficulty (e.g., transferring 12% vs 2%, toileting 11% vs 2%), have difficulty walking several blocks (60% vs 21%), and have difficulty climbing one flight of stairs (40% vs 12%). Over 10 years, participants with pain were more likely to develop ADL disability or death (58% vs 43%, unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.57�1.79), although after adjustment for confounders, participants with pain were not at greater risk for ADL disability or death (HR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.91�1.07). Adjustment for functional status almost entirely explained the difference between the unadjusted and adjusted results. Conclusion: Although there are strong cross-sectional relationships between pain and functional limitations, individuals with pain are not at higher risk of subsequent disability or death after accounting for functional limitations. Like many geriatric syndromes, pain and disability may represent interrelated phenomena that occur simultaneously and require unified treatment paradigms.
Visual masking in wavelet compression for JPEG-2000

We describe a nonuniform quantization scheme for JPEG2000 that leverages the masking properties of the visual system, in which visibility to distortions declines as image energy increases. Derivatives of contrast transducer functions convey visual threshold changes due to local image content (i.e. the mask). For any frequency region, these functions have approximately the same shape, once the threshold and mask contrast axes are normalized to the frequency's threshold. We have developed two methods that can work together to take advantage of masking. One uses a nonlinearity interposed between the visual weighting and uniform quantization stage at the encoder. In the decoder, the inverse nonlinearity is applied before the inverse transform. The resulting image- adaptive behavior is achieved with only a small overhead (the masking table), and without adding image assessment computations. This approach, however, underestimates masking near zero crossings within a frequency band, so an additional technique pools coefficient energy in a small local neighborhood around each coefficient within a frequency band. It does this in a causal manner to avoid overhead. The first effect of these techniques is to improve the image quality as the image becomes more complex, and these techniques allow image quality increases in applications where using the visual system's frequency response provides little advantage. A key area of improvement is in low amplitude textures, in areas such as facial skin. The second effect relates to operational attributes, since for a given bitrate, the image quality is more robust against variations in image complexity.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Coupled ionic equilibria in copper sulfate-sulfuric acid solutions

Abstract The coupling of the copper sulfate ion pair dissociation and the bisulfate ion dissociation in aqueous solutions is modeled mathematically. The problem is reduced to a cubic equation in the copper ion. Results for solutions representative of hydrometallurgical operations indicate that these ion interactions can significantly change the ionic concentrations, which could lead to errors in the evaluation of copper extraction kinetic data. The effect of temperature is also investigated and the hydrogen ion concentration is found to vary significantly with temperature.
A Comparison of Projection operator formalisms for the study of self-diffusion

Received April 18, 1973 The utility of projection operator formalisms for describing the dynamics of many-body systems is studied, and the compatibility of these formalisms with certain approximation schemes is evaluated in the light of known behavior of such systems. For simplicity the investigation is limited to the study of Brownian motion. Specifically, a memory kernel formalism and a kinetic equation formalism are compared for the calculation of the time evolution of the momentum autocorrelation function. Both perturbation expansions and averaged propagator approximations are investigated. The results from these studies suggest that the long-time behavior of the momentum autocorrelation function is sensitive to the long-range nature of the interparticle potential.
A neural network system for shape-based classification and coding of rotational parts

The classification and coding of parts for group technology applications continue to be labour intensive and time-consuming processes. In this paper a pattern recognition approach utilizing neural networks is presented for the automation of some elements of this critical activity. As an illustrative example, a neural network system is used to generate part geometry-related digits of the Opitz code from bitmaps of part drawings. It is found to generate codes accurately and promises to be a useful tool for the automatic generation of shape-based classes and codes.
Total Synthesis of Colombiasin A and Determination of Its Absolute Configuration

The total synthesis of the recently reported marine natural product colombiasin A (1) and determination of its absolute configuration are reported. Two Diels - Alder cycloadditions and a palladium-catalyzed rearrangement are employed as key reactions to construct the tetracyclic framework of the target molecule. The enantioselective synthesis of colombiasin A utilizes Mikami's [(S)-BINOL-TiCl 2 ] catalyst to asymmetrically introduce the first chiral center during the initial Diels-Alder reaction and, in conjunction with X-ray crystallographic analysis of a bromine containing derivative, led to the assignment of the absolute configuration of the natural product.
Prey Suitability of Galerucella pusilla Eggs for Two Generalist Predators, Coleomegilla maculata and Chrysoperla carnea

Abstract The leaf beetle, Galerucella pusilla, is an introduced natural enemy of purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria, in North America. The suitability of G. pusilla eggs for development and survival of Chrysoperla carnea and Coleomegilla maculata was quantified by measuring preimaginal development, survival, and adult weight. Individual first-instar predators were assigned to one of two diets: G. pusilla eggs or a diet of Ephestia kuehniella eggs and pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) alternated every 24 h. Chrysoperla carnea and C. maculata larvae that fed on G. pusilla eggs had lower survival rates, longer developmental times, and reduced adult weight. Galerucella pusilla eggs were not suitable prey for 95% of C. maculata larvae, but 37% of C. carnea larvae completed development on G. pusilla eggs. Because G. pusilla eggs may be utilized by these predatory species as alternative prey during periods of low availability of suitable prey, this predation could affect the biological control of L. salicaria.
The Human Phase Response Curve (Prc) to Melatonin is About 12 Hours out of Phase with the Prc to Light

Melatonin's timekeeping function is undoubtedly related to the fact that it is primarily produced during nighttime darkness; that is, melatonin and light occur at opposite times. The human phase response curve (PRC) to melatonin appears to be about 12h out of phase with the PRC to light. These striking complementarities, together with light's acute suppressant effect on melatonin production, suggest that a function for endogenous melatonin is to augment entrainment of the circadian pacemaker by the light-dark cycle. The melatonin PRC also indicates correct administration times for using exogenous melatonin to treat circadian phase disorders.
Synthesis of Deoxyribonucleic Acid as a Function of the Radiation Dose to the Liver in Partially Hepatectomized Rats

PREVIOUS autoradiographic and cytochemieal investigations1–4 have given results which suggest that radiation interferes with synthesis of DNA. The mean time of replication of the DNA of the hepatocytes was increased from 8 to 13 h following 3,000 r. of X-radiation delivered during the period of synthesis of DNA. The results of both the autoradiographic and cytochemical methods could therefore be interpreted as a radiation-induced reduction of rates of synthesis of DNA. The quantitative autoradiographic examination of DNA synthesis following irradiation recorded here was made to investigate the mechanism of action of irradiation from the characteristics of the dose response curve.
Combined injection potentiates the satiety effects of pancreatic glucagon, cholecystokinin, and bombesin.

Abstract Pancreatic glucagon (PG), cholecystokinin (CCK) and bombesin (BBS) were injected individually and in combination before nondeprived rats were offered condensed milk test meals. Peptide doses that were individually below the threshold for reliable inhibition of meal size (0.15 μg/kg CCK, 0.75 μg/kg BBS, 100 μg/kg PG) combined to inhibit meal size 19–40%. The inhibitions produced by combinations including CCK were 16–21% more than the sum of the inhibitions elicited by individual injections. This indicates a potentiation of inhibition. In contrast, when peptide doses were increased, the inhibitory effects of the combinations were similar to the sum of the individual injections. None of the peptide treatments disrupted the normal behavioral sequence of postprandial satiety and they did not reliably affect water intake in water-deprived rats. We conclude that exogenous CCK, BBS and PG can interact to potentiate postprandial satiety.
Studies on the gas-liquid chromatographic separation of diastereoisomeric esters.

Abstract In continuation of our studies on the mechanism of separation of diastereoisomeric esters by gas chromatography, we have examined the gas—liquid partition behavior of a number of structurally related isomeric pairs. Differences in free energies of distribution, Δ(Δ G °), have been measured for a series of methylalkylcarbinyl a -haloalkanoates in order to investigate the effect of polar substitution of groups attached to the acidic asymmetric center. The importance of electronic effects on the acid side of the molecule on separation is further indicated through a study of meta - and para -substituted 3-methyl-2-butyl mandalates and methylalkylcarbinyl a -methylalkanoates. The influence on separation of the structure of groups attached to the alcohol side of the molecule has been studied through a series of alkylvinylcarbinyl a -acetoxypropionates. The importance of chain length of an alkyl group attached to the alcoholic asymmetric center is indicated through the chromatographic behavior of a series of a -acetoxy- and a -hydroxypropionates of secondary alcohols. Using a 150 ft. capillary column, Δ(Δ G °) values as small as −3 cal/mole have been measured. These results are interpreted in part in terms of the influence of preferred conformations of the groups attached to the asymmetric centers on the differences in gas—liquid partition behavior of the isomeric pairs.
An FPGA implementation of bene" permutation networks

This work discusses an FPGA implementation study of the Bene Permutation Network (BPN). The BPN, originally developed for connecting devices in telephone switching, is a circuit of size O(n log n) and O(log n) depth, built from 2 x 2 switches, which is capable of performing an arbitrary permutation. The BPN provides an asymptotic improvement in area over the straightforward network built with multiplexers, and the work presented here shows that an FPGA implementation uses less area for networks as small as size 4. The implementation presented in this paper uses a special-purpose tool to synthesize and place and route the circuit. The place and route tool can be used to systematically explore alternative place and route strategies and was used to obtain significantly better area utilization and timing performance compared to general-purpose tools. In addition, several general improvements and extensions were discovered that further improve performance and reduce area.
Finding a place in history: Symbolic and social networks in creative careers and collective memory

Summary Boundaryless careers are pervasive, and yet we have little understanding of the boundaries imposed by categorization processes upon those engaged in boundaryless careers such as in creative industries and cultural fields. Categorization processes underlie symbolic and social boundaries and this study examines whether transgressing symbolic and social boundaries enhances the likelihood of soaring to eminence or sliding into relative obscurity. This study examined a relatively under-research area—the effects of boundary crossing at specific career stages and the capacity to attain eminence—a place in history. The study reveals the importance of symbolic networks and expanding symbolic boundaries though boundary objects such as buildings for attaining recognition and securing eminence in one’s career. Copyright # 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of Body Mass in Paleontology

Abstract Body Mass in Cercopithecidae (Primates, Mammalia): Estimation and Scaling in Extinct and Extant Taxa By Eric Delson, Carl J. Terranova, William L. Jungers, Eric J. Sargis, Nina G. Jablonski, and Paul C. Dechow (2000). Anthropological Papers, Number 83. New York: American Museum of Natural History. 159 pp. $16.50 (paperback). ISSN 0065-9452.
Connective tissue ulcers

Connective tissue disorders (CTD), which are often also termed collagen vascular diseases, include a number of related inflammatory conditions. Some of these diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), localized scleroderma (morphea variants localized to the skin), Sjogren's syndrome, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and mixed connective tissue disease. In addition to the systemic manifestations of these diseases, there are a number of cutaneous features that make these conditions recognizable on physical exam. Lower extremity ulcers and digital ulcers are an infrequent but disabling complication of long-standing connective tissue disease. The exact frequency with which these ulcers occur is not known, and the cause of the ulcerations is often multifactorial. Moreover, a challenging component of CTD ulcerations is that there are still no established guidelines for their diagnosis and treatment. The morbidity associated with these ulcerations and their underlying conditions is very substantial. Indeed, these less common but intractable ulcers represent a major medical and economic problem for patients, physicians and nurses, and even well organized multidisciplinary wound healing centers.
Caffeine and the calcium economy revisited

We report an analysis of data from 560 calcium balance studies carried out on 190 women aged 34.8–69.3 years at the time of study. The main purposes were to confirm a previously observed association between caffeine intake and calcium balance, and to attribute the association, if possible, to specific component(s) of balance. We found a caffeine relationship such that for every 6 fl oz (177.5 ml) serving of caffeine-containing coffee, calcium balance was more negative by 0.114 mmol/day (4.6 mg/day) (P<0.001). The relationship was localized to the input side of the balance equation, and both of its components (i.e. calcium intake and calcium absorption efficiency) were independently and inversely associated with caffeine intake. There was no evidence that the putative caffeine effect is confined to, or is greater among, subjects with low calcium intakes or those who are older or estrogen-deprived. The magnitude of the negative effect of caffeine on calcium balance suggests that it can be offset by increasing calcium intake by about 1 mmol (40 mg) for every 177.5 ml serving of caffeine-containing coffee.
Proteins and glycoproteins of the human intestinal brush border membrane.

Abstract Proteins associated with human jejunal and ileal epithelial brush borders and their subfractions were solubilized with dodecyl sulfate and separated by electrophoresis on acrylamide gels. Twenty-three bands, at least, have been found in the brush border membrane protein patterns, corresponding to a heterogeneous group of polypeptides of molecular weights ranging from 25 000 to over 400 000. The protein patterns obtained from jejunum and ileum are strikingly different. Thirty bands have been found in the protein subunit patterns with the most prominent band centered at 46 000–50 000 daltons. Two classes of proteins were present in the bursh border, the largest polypeptides belonging to the membrane, the smallest to the core fraction. About 13 glycoproteins with apparent molecular weight varying from 50 000 to over 400 000 have been detected in the brush border membrane. Most of them have been identified as membrane proteins.
The C-terminal portion of RAG2 protects against transposition in vitro

The assembly of antigen receptor genes by V(D)J recombination is initiated by the RAG1/RAG2 protein complex, which introduces double-strand breaks between recombination signal sequences and their coding DNA. Truncated forms of RAG1 and RAG2 are functional in vivo and have been used to study V(D)J cleavage, hybrid joint formation and transposition in vitro. Here we have characterized the activities of the full-length proteins. Unlike core RAG2, which supports robust transposition in vitro, full-length RAG2 blocks transposition of signal ends following V(D)J cleavage. Thus, one role of this non-catalytic domain may be to prevent transposition in developing lymphoid cells. Although full-length RAG1 and RAG2 proteins rarely form hybrid joints in vivo in the absence of non-homologous end-joining factors, we show that the full-length proteins alone can catalyze this reaction in vitro.
Differentiating Frontal Lobe Epilepsy from Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures

Patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) remain one of the most challenging patient populations. The misdiagnosis of PNES is costly to patients, the health care system, and to society. The first step in treatment is proper diagnosis. Video electroencephalography remains the gold standard for PNES diagnosis. Differentiating frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) from PNES can be difficult; however, clinical findings and laboratory advances are emerging that more clearly establish the diagnosis of PNES. This article provides clues to differentiating FLE from PNES so that neurologists and mental health providers are better equipped to offer treatments for PNES.
Dynamic Change in Mitral Annular Area and Motion During Percutaneous Mitral Annuloplasty for Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation: Preliminary Animal Study With Real-time 3-Dimensional Echocardiography

We used a novel 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic technique to evaluate the impact of a coronary sinus–based percutaneous transvenous mitral annuloplasty (PTMA) on dynamic changes in mitral annular geometry and motion during the cardiac cycle in 8 sheep with ischemic mitral regurgitation. Using real-time 3D echocardiographic data before and after PTMA, 10 points along the saddle-shaped annulus were identified. For every 3D volume/frame during a cardiac cycle, we assessed mitral annular area and excursion defined as the traveling distance of the annular center. The PTMA device reduced both minimum and maximal mitral annular area (9.5 ± 0.9-7.0 ± 0.6 and 12.8 ± 1.3-9.8 ± 1.5 cm 2 , P 2 , P P = .13). This 3D echocardiographic method noninvasively enabled dynamic study of mitral annular geometry and motion with quantitative analysis of the impact of PTMA.
A prostate cancer computer-aided diagnosis system using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging and targeted biopsy labels

We propose a new method for prostate cancer classification based on supervised statistical learning methods by integrating T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI images with targeted prostate biopsy results. In the first step of the method, all three imaging modalities are registered based on the image coordinates encoded in the DICOM images. In the second step, local statistical features are extracted in each imaging modality to capture intensity, shape, and texture information at every biopsy target. Finally, using support vector machines, supervised learning is conducted with the biopsy results to train a classification system that predicts the pathology of suspicious cancer lesions. The algorithm was tested with a dataset of 54 patients that underwent 164 targeted biopsies (58 positive, 106 negative). The proposed tri-modal MRI algorithm shows significant improvement over a similar approach that utilizes only T2-weighted MRI images (p= 0.048). The areas under the ROC curve for these methods were 0.82 (95% CI: [0.71, 0.93]) and 0.73 (95% CI: [0.55, 0.84]), respectively.
EDICT for computer ethics education

Abstract The authors have developed an instrument called EDICT (Ethical Dilemmas In Computing Test) for developing educational methodology addressing ethical issues associated with computer use. This tool is designed to determine the subject's stage of moral development through analysis of responses to computer-related scenarios involving ethical decisions. These scenarios have been effective in stimulating discussion and debate in computer law and ethics courses. The scenarios are summarized here and one is presented in its entirety. Observations from a study of free-form essay-style responses to the EDICT scenarios, and a second study restricting the response to a standardized, machine-gradable short answer are discussed. Results of this second study, involving 200 undergraduate students, are reported. Suggestions are made on the use of the instrument in computer-related ethical education.
Volcanic disasters in Latin America and the 13th November 1985 eruption of Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia

Volcanic eruptions in Latin America have claimed about 61,000 lives since 1600 A.D. and the region's volcanoes are responsible for about a quarter of the world's fatalities from this type of hazard. Nearly all loss of life from volcanism in Latin America is due to pyroclastic surges, pyroclastic flows and lahars or volcanic mudflows. Lahars generated during the 13th November, 1985 eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia claimed 25,000 lives, underscoring the great hazard from lahars, which can be generated from the fifty-six, active, ice-capped Central and South American volcanoes during even very small eruptions. The probability of specific prediction of the timing of such events is currently low, whereas the probability of a general prediction of volcanic eruption is high, giving sufficient time to install telemetered lahar alarm systems, which could largely avoid the loss of life.
Geometrical modeling of fault-related folds : a pseudo-three-dimensional approach

Abstract Area-balanced cross-sections of ramp anticlines and tip-line folds in thin-skinned fold-thrust belts can be quantitatively constructed using plane-strain fault-bend and fault-propagation fold models. Cross-sections alone, however, are somewhat inadequate for interpreting along-strike changes in thrust-related fold geometry. Complex interplay between along-strike changes in fault slip and fault shape determines a range of geometric configurations which are difficult to visualize without the aid of quantitative three-dimensional models. We extend conventional two-dimensional folding theories into the third dimension by allowing for continuous variations in fault slip and fault shape along strike. Geometric equations relating map-view angles between fold axial-surface traces are derived for a case assuming a uniform fault geometry and an along-strike displacement gradient. The resulting folds possess no unique fold axis, but rather are characterized by multiple fold hingelines each corresponding to bends in the fault. For typical displacement gradients observed in the field, analysis of the models suggests that discernible differences exist between map patterns of fault-bend folds and fault-propagation folds, whereas little difference exists between map patterns of similar and parallel fault-bend folds. Map-view angles between axial-surface traces for parallel fault-bend folds and fault-propagation folds are a function of both ramp cutoff angle and fault slip, whereas these same angles for similar fault-bend folds are solely a manifestation of fault slip. Examples assuming uniform shortening and continuously varying fault geometry along strike are also presented. Fault geometry is varied along strike to simulate oblique and lateral ramps. Depending upon model type and fault shape parameter modified, resulting folds exhibit either cylindrical or non-cylindrical fold geometries. Closure is generated by a decrease in fold amplitude where there is a decrease in ramp cutoff angle along strike or where a fault laterally cuts up section. In either instance, closure develops without varying shortening along strike. Model map patterns resemble actual thrust-related fold geometries and can be compared to maps of real structures to help predict subsurface geology.
Mechanistic aspects of the bromination of 10-substituted phenothiazines

The addition of 1 and 2 molar equivalents of bromine to a series of 10-alkylphenothiazines, 1a-d (methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, and isopropyl, respectively), yields the corresponding 3-bromo- and 3,7-dibromo-10-alkylphenothiazines (11a-d and 12a-d, respectively). Evidence which supports the typical clectrophilic aromatic substitution mechanism is presented. Radical cations (12a-d.+) arc produced when 12a-d are treated with 1 or 2 molar equivalents of bromine. Upon boiling in acetic acid these radical cations are converted predominantly to 1,3,7,9-lelrabromophenothiazine (5) and the parent 3,7-dibromo-10-alkylphenothiazine (12a-d) with the evolution of hydrogen bromide. The 10-methyl radical (12a) gives, in addition, 1,3,7-tribromo-10-methylphenothiazine (15). A mechanism if proposed for these reactions in which initial dealkylution of 12b-d.+ to 3.7-dibromophenothiazine radical cation (13) occurs followed by reduction of 13.+ by bromide ion to parent 3,7-dibromophenothiazine (13). Subsequent bromination of 13 by molecular bromine produced in the previous redox reaction yields 1,3,7-tribromo-(14) and 1,3,7,9-tetra-bromo-(5) phenothiazines. The small size of the methyl group allows 12a to be brominated at the 1-position prior to dealkylation. In addition to undergoing bromination at the 3- and 7-position, 10-isopropylphenothiazine (1d) is oxidized to the radical cation 12e.+ when treated with bromine. 10-Benzylphenothiazine (1e), however, undergoes oxidation to radical cation 1e.+ exclusively. This radical cation debenzylates readily at room temperature and is converted finally into phenothiazine.
Does "spreading" skin dose by rotating the C-arm during an intervention work?

Abstract Purpose To determine if C-arm rotation is beneficial for reducing peak skin dose (PSD) in interventional radiology (IR) and, if so, under what circumstances. Materials and Methods The Monte Carlo method was used to perform ray tracing for detailed analyses of the effect of C-arm rotation on PSD across a range of patient sizes, C-arm configurations, and procedure types. Automatic dose-rate control curves on modern fluoroscopic systems were measured for input into the simulations. Results Rotating the C-arm to reduce the PSD is in most cases contraindicated and results in increased PSD when the C-arm is rotated from an original posteroanterior projection, in some cases resulting in a PSD increase by a factor of 5 or more. When prophylactic rotation was performed before a procedure, however, and the C-arm was rotated between opposed, distinct oblique angles, substantial reduction in PSD was achieved for patients of any size. Conclusions Rotating the C-arm during a procedure with the aim of "spreading" dose on the skin of the patient may not result in a reduction in PSD and may increase PSD. However, when used as a prophylactic measure combined with tight x-ray beam collimation, C-arm rotation can be used as a tool to reduce PSD. Tight collimation greatly increases the benefit of C-arm rotation.
NMR studies of the stereospecificity of 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase☆

Abstract We (3,4) previously observed the reduction of 21-dehydrocorticosteroids in the presence of 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase proceeded at a faster rate than the reduction of the corresponding corticosteroids. The presence of adjacent carbonyl groups suggested the possibility that the increased rate of reduction of the 20-one,21-a1 steroid analogs resulted from a lack of specificity of the enzyme 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase for either the aldehyde or ketone group. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy indicated that the angular methyl groups of the steroid were sensitive probes for the constituents on the basic steroid skeleton. The C 18 methyl resonance of 17,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione and 17-hydroxy-3,20-dioxo-4-pregnene-21-a1 were 0.722 ppm and 0.728 ppm respectively. The magnitude and sign of the change in chemical shift of the C 18 methyl resonance for the enzymatic products of 17,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione and 17-hydroxy-3,20-dioxo-4-pregnene-21-a1 (+0.135 ppm and +0.144 ppm respectively) were consistent with a stereochemical assignment of 20β-hydroxyl.