cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blood pressure and the kidney cortex transcriptome response to high sodium diet challenge in female nonhuman primates

Blood pressure (BP) is influenced by genetic variation and sodium intake. Ninety percent of Americans consume more than the AHA recommended amount of sodium. Studies on the impact of genetic variation and sodium intake on BP in nonhuman primates (NHP) to date have focused on males. We hypothesized that variation in renal transcriptional networks correlate with BP response to high dietary sodium in female baboons. Sodium-naive female baboons (n=7) were fed a low-sodium (LS) diet for 6 weeks followed by a high sodium (HS) diet for 6 weeks. Sodium intake, serum 17 beta-estradiol, and ultrasound-guided kidney biopsies for RNA-Seq BP were collected at the end of each diet. BP was continuously measured for 64-hour periods throughout the study by implantable telemetry devices. On the LS diet, Na+ intake and serum 17 beta-estradiol concentration correlated with BP. Kidney transcriptomes differed by diet; analysis by unbiased weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed modules of genes correlated with BP on the HS diet. Cell type composition of renal biopsies was consistent among all animals for both diets. Network analysis of module genes showed causal networks linking hormone receptors, proliferation and differentiation, methylation, hypoxia, insulin and lipid regulation, and inflammation as regulators underlying variation in BP on the HS diet. Our results show variation in BP correlated with novel kidney gene networks with master regulators PPARG and MYC in female baboons on a HS diet. Identification of mechanisms underlying regulators that influence BP will inform better therapies towards greater precision medicine for women.
Ultrasound Computed Tomography using physical-informed Neural Network

Ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) is an important diagnostic technique for improved imaging in medical area. The reconstruction of tissue properties, such as attenuation, mass density, and speed of sound (SoS), can be used to monitor and analyze the tissue condition. In this paper, an optimized physical-based architecture called physics-informed neural network (PINN) is used to solve the inverse problems of USCT. This neural network leverages the physical information by adding the residuals of a system of Partial Differential Equations (PDE) to the loss function in the learning process. By incorporating all the information including the PDE, initial and boundary conditions, proposed nerual network can learn solutions of the wave equation. The results showed that PINN can extract the SoS value within an acceptable error.
Distributed linear time construction of colored trees for disjoint multipath routing

Disjoint multipath routing (DMPR) is an effective strategy to achieve robustness in networks, where data is forwarded along multiple link- or node-disjoint paths. DMPR poses significant challenges in terms of obtaining loop-free multiple (disjoint) paths and effectively forwarding the data over the multiple paths, the latter being particularly significant in datagram networks. One approach to reduce the number of routing table entries for multipath forwarding is to construct two trees, namely red and blue, rooted at a destination node such that the paths from a source to the destination on the two trees are link/node-disjoint. This paper develops the first distributed algorithm for constructing the colored trees whose running time is linear in the number of links in the network. The paper also demonstrates the effectiveness of employing generalized low-point concept rather than traditional low-point concept in the DFS-tree to reduce the average path lengths on the colored trees.
Towards in-situ data storage in sensor databases

The advances in wireless communications along with the exponential growth of transistors per integrated circuit lead to a rapid evolution of Wireless Sensor Devices (WSDs), that can be used for monitoring environmental conditions at a high fidelity. Following the current trends, WSDs are soon expected to automatically and continuously collect vast amounts of temporal data. Organizing such information in centralized repositories at all times will be both impractical and expensive. In this paper we discuss the challenges from storing sensor readings In-situ (at the generating sensor). This creates a network of tiny databases as opposed to the prevalent model of a centralized database that collects readings from many sensors. We also discuss some of the inherent problems of such a setting, including the lack of efficient distributed query processing algorithms for handling temporal data and the lack of efficient access methods to locally store and retrieve large amounts of sensor data. The presented solutions are in the context of the RISE (Riverside Sensor) hardware platform, which is a wireless sensor platform we developed for applications that require storing in-situ many MBs of sensor readings.
Convergence in Modal Synthesis

To accurately determine all of a system’s vibration modes with a frequency less than some frequency Ω, frequency those component modes with natural frequencies less than Ω or in the mathematical neighborhood of Ω need be included in the system equation-of-motion. The process of selecting component modes as generalized coordinates in a system equation of motion requires some knowledge of how these modes will contribute to the system solution. A development showing how the component eigenvalues can be used to establish bounds on the eigenvalues of the system is presented along with two convergence criteria for the system frequencies based on the component frequencies. Some numerical results show that these developments can help a user of this method minimize problem size and costs without sacrificing accuracy.
Abstraction and context in requirements engineering: Toward a synthesis

Most requirements engineering (RE) research and practice embodies a philosophy that we will call abstractionism, which involves the building of simplified models of domains of discourse and proposed systems. Abstractionists make much use of formal models, such as goal dependency networks. An alternative design philosophy is contextualism, according to which the particularities of the context of use of a system must be understood in detail before the requirements can be derived. Contextualists use qualitative methods to uncover and help interpret these particularities. In this paper, we analyze what it would mean to combine the best features of abstractionism and contextualism, and we ground our discussion in an illustration of abstractionist and contextualist thinking about RE through goal refinement (GR). In the context of the domain of meeting scheduling, we contrast a wholly abstractionist approach to GR with one that incorporates data gathered using two ethnographic methods. In doing so, we consider each step of the abstractionist approach, illustrating where ethnographic data obtained in our work environment affects the model produced. As we proceed, we summarize the general lessons learned. We then discuss how other abstractionist and contextualist methods could be integrated.
Increased X-Ray Opacity of GDP Capsules from High Intensity X-Ray Exposure

AbstractInertial confinement fusion capsules must be manufactured with a high degree of azimuthal symmetry to avoid degradation by Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities. Therefore, the azimuthal fluctuations of each capsule must be characterized. We have developed a precision radiography method capable of measuring X-ray optical depth fluctuations to 1 part in 104 with a spatial resolution of 120 μm. Achieving the measurement accuracy requires counting many photons.Recent measurements of glow discharge polymer (GDP) capsules show that the high X-ray intensity required to minimize measurement time modifies the GDP shell by increasing the oxygen atomic percent. An equatorial band forms that is more optically dense than the remainder of the capsule. We believe that free radicals are formed in the GDP as a result of the X-ray exposure. These free radicals preferentially absorb oxygen from the air. We will discuss how this optically dense band forms, how it is measured, and possible solutions to this issue.
Rapid, Efficient Procedure for Extraction of Drugs for Toxicological Analysis

The method involves extraction of nonionized acidic drugs and iodide ion pairs of amines by column chromatography. A yield of about 90% is obtained for acetylsalicylic acid and amphetamine.
A Management Accounting Challenge: Designing Performance Measures for Product Design

This study focuses on measurements used by executives and product design managers to evaluate the performance of individual product designers, product design groups, and product development teams. Primary data were collected from design managers at two workshops and via a questionnaire. The results suggested that firms that design and produce new products use varied financial and nonfinancial measures. Financial measures are mostly used to evaluate the performance of the product design group and the product development team; nonfinancial measures are used to evaluate individual designers in addition to the product design group and development team. Of the financial measures, product cost was most important in terms of current and desired emphasis. Of the nonfinancial measures that were considered desirable, the alignment between product design and corporate strategy was considered quite important, but was not consistently applied. This research suggests significant opportunities for improvement exist in design performance measurement.
Scholarly investigation into otitis media: who is receiving funding support from the National Institutes of Health?

Objectives/Hypothesis Otitis media (OM) is highly prevalent and represents a major public health concern. We evaluate National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding support for OM research and examine the role of otolaryngology primary investigators (PIs). Study Design Examination of bibliometrics and funding history of NIH grant recipients. Methods The NIH RePORTER database was examined for PIs funded for otitis media–related projects. The specialty, education level, academic department, scholarly impact (as measured by the h-index), and funding levels of PIs were obtained. Results There were 320 projects funded for 1,102 fiscal years supporting OM research. Since 2000, there has been >$280 million in support. PhDs received 47.5% of awards, more than any single medical specialty. Pediatricians received 54.8% of grants awarded to physicians followed by otolaryngologists (29.9%). Pediatric infectious disease specialists and pediatric otolaryngologists had the greatest funding per PI upon considering subspecialties, whereas non–fellowship-trained otolaryngologists had the lowest funding levels. Funded otolaryngologists had lower scholarly impact than several specialties. Aggregate funding levels to otolaryngologists decreased between 2000 and 2013. Conclusions The NIH provided considerable grant support for researchers studying OM as awards to practitioners in numerous specialties exceeded a quarter of a billion dollars since 2000. Although awards to otolaryngologists were significant, the share of grants awarded to otolaryngologists has declined, suggesting that increased recruitment of basic scientists and enhanced cooperation with other specialists may facilitate further scholarship. These findings suggest a need for improving initiatives that prepare otolaryngology trainees interested in translational OM research for the rigorous NIH peer-review grant process. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 125:1708–1714, 2015
Radiation Around the Earth to a Radial Distance of 107,400 km.

Radiation detectors and the radio-telemetry system for Pioneer III observations of the Earth's radiation belt are described. Information is given on the vehicle and its trajectory, and logs of flight and telemetry. Observation data and analysis of the data are presented under the following topics: intensity- structure of the region of trapped radiation; effective radial extent of the geomagnetic field; interplanetary value of cosmic-ray intensity; fluctuations in counting rate beyond 10 earth radii; and biological exposure levels. (J.H.M.)
Novel mechanistic concept of platelet inhibition.

Background: Activation of circulating platelets by exposed vessel wall collagen is a primary step in the pathogenesis of thrombotic diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Drugs that are capable of blocking platelet activation successfully reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. However, despite intensive research efforts in antithrombotic drug discovery and development, uncontrolled hemorrhage still remains the most common side effect associated with antithrombotic drugs that are currently in use. Objective: The selective inhibition of glycoprotein VI (GPVI), the central platelet collagen receptor, and/or its signaling may inhibit thrombosis without affecting hemostatic plug formation. However, the mechanism of GPVI signaling is not known, hindering the further development of this promising antithrombotic strategy. Methods: This review focuses on an innovative mechanistic concept of platelet inhibition. Results/conclusion: A novel model of GPVI signaling, the signaling chain homooligomerization ...
STORMSeq: an open-source, user-friendly pipeline for processing personal genomics data in the cloud.

The increasing public availability of personal complete genome sequencing data has ushered in an era of democratized genomics. However, read mapping and variant calling software is constantly improving and individuals with personal genomic data may prefer to customize and update their variant calls. Here, we describe STORMSeq (Scalable Tools for Open-Source Read Mapping), a graphical interface cloud computing solution that does not require a parallel computing environment or extensive technical experience. This customizable and modular system performs read mapping, read cleaning, and variant calling and annotation. At present, STORMSeq costs approximately $2 and 5–10 hours to process a full exome sequence and $30 and 3–8 days to process a whole genome sequence. We provide this open-access and open-source resource as a user-friendly interface in Amazon EC2.
The mechanism of ran import into the nucleus by nuclear transport factor 2.

The small GTPase Ran is essential for virtually all nucleocytoplasmic transport events. It is hypothesized that Ran drives vectorial transport of macromolecules into and out of the nucleus via the establishment of a Ran gradient between the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. Although Ran shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm, it is concentrated in the nucleus at steady state. We show that nuclear transport factor 2 (NTF2) is required to concentrate Ran in the nucleus in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To analyze the mechanism of Ran import into the nucleus by NTF2, we use mutants in a variety of nuclear transport factors along with biochemical analyses of NTF2 complexes. We find that Ran remains concentrated in the nucleus when importin-mediated protein import is disrupted and demonstrate that NTF2 does not form a stable complex with the transport receptor, importin-β. Consistent with a critical role for NTF2 in establishing and maintaining the Ran gradient, we show that NTF2 is required for early embryogenesis inCaenorhabditis elegans. Our data distinguish between two possible mechanisms for Ran import by NTF2 and demonstrate that Ran import is independent from importin-β-mediated protein import.
NONMEM: AN ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL PHARMACOKINETIC STUDIES IN PEDIATRIC POPULATIONS

Traditional pharmacokinetic studies provide valuable information for optimizing the clinical use of pharmacologic agents. These studies generally require careful and extensive sampling of blood from subjects to determine pharmacokinetic parameters, making them less useful and less feasible in pediatric practice. As a result, data from adult patients or volunteers are often erroneously extrapolated for pediatric use. Sheiner et al (J Pharmacokin Biopharm 5:445,1977) developed a computer program, NONMEM, to estimate population pharmacokinetic parameters from data generated during routine clinical care of patients. NONMEM uses the method of extended least squares and allows for pooling of data from many individuals, but explicitly adjusts for the correlation of data obtained from each individual. NONMEM's advantage is that it can be utilized when only a few blood samples are available from each patient, provided the overall size of the study population is large. Thus, NONMEM is an ideal method for estimating population pharmacokinetic parameters in the newborn and general pediatric populations, where the frequency and volume of sampling are important considerations. This will provide the capability to accurately determine population pharmacokinetic parameters for a number of potentially toxic drugs with which newborns and children are treated.
Pornography: A sociobiological attempt at understanding

Abstract It is now generally conceded that humans engage in sexually dimorphic mating strategies, due largely to the high female versus the low male genetic investment in the rearing of offspring. This uneven investment has, arguably, led to: a) female preference for monogamously receptive males who are prepared to protect and nurture the female and their mutual offspring, and b) male requirements that the chosen female assure the investor of his paternity. Pornography is addressed here as media information delivery of a physiological arousal experience with roots in male sexual strategy/fantasy. Should pornography sufficiently arouse a biologically determined male predisposition for polygamy, then its informational system may be contributing to contemporary male frustration and even aggressivity toward the female in general and monogamous patterns of sexuality in particular. It may be argued that if the visual data of pornography encourages distrust of female sexual fidelity and a distorted perception of female personhood, such data could encourage disdain and/or animosity toward heterosexual comradeship and the value of such comradeship for individual and social solvency.
Understanding Faculty-Student Conflict: Student Perceptions of Precipitating Events and Faculty Responses.

Handling conflicts with students is a part of most educators' academic lives. Surprisingly little research, however, has investigated student perceptions of sources of conflict or instructor responses to disputes. To gain insight into faculty-student conflict, we administered a survey to 122 undergraduates. Students indicated that they frequently communicated with professors regarding conflicts and were usually dissatisfied with their instructors' responses. We evaluated sources of conflict, faculty responses, and students' preferred responses to provide instructors with detailed information on students' perceptions. Potential benefits of understanding students' perceptions and preferences include improved course satisfaction and attitudes toward learning for students and maintenance of academic standards and heightened job satisfaction for faculty.
Electronic current transport in CNT-FETs for operation in ballistic region

Carbon nanotubes have exhibited excellent molecular adsorption properties and their dimensions are comparable to typical bio-molecules such as the DNA. Carbon nanotube field effect transistors (CNT-FETs) and integrated circuits are being explored for electrical sensing of bio-materials and gases. The adsorbed molecules by the carbon nanotube and the CNT-FET result in a change of the CNT conductance and electronic properties of the CNT-FET which can be easily monitored. It thus becomes very important to better understand electronic transport and model its behavior in relation to bio- and chemical sensing. Some of the recently developed compact analytical models for current transport in CNT-FETs are compatible with EDA tools for analysis and design of CNT-FET based integrated circuits but these are limited to applications in non-ballistic region. Since applications requiring a large number of bio-sensing using CNT-FETs are in 2- 20 nm range, in this work, the current transport model of CNT-FETs has been suitably modified for operation in the ballistic region for use in integrated circuit design and sensing applications. The surface potentials in a CNT-FET have been coupled with the current transport equations to obtain compact electronic current transport models for operation in the ballistic region. A p-type CNT-FET is considered for the analysis which can be easily applied in n-type CNT-FETs. The work is also compared with other electronic transport models and experimental measurements. A close agreement establishes the validity of our electronic transport model of the transistor operation in the ballistic region. It is also shown that two subbands in the valance band of CNT are sufficient for computation of current in CNT-FETs. The current transport model characterizing CNT-FET in the ballistic region is simple and compatible with EDA tools for bio-sensing chip design.
A 48-Core IA-32 message-passing processor with DVFS in 45nm CMOS

Current developments in microprocessor design favor increased core counts over frequency scaling to improve processor performance and energy efficiency. Coupling this architectural trend with a message-passing protocol helps realize a data-center-on-a-die. The prototype chip (Figs. 5.7.1 and 5.7.7) described in this paper integrates 48 Pentium™ class IA-32 cores [1] on a 6×4 2D-mesh network of tiled core clusters with high-speed I/Os on the periphery. The chip contains 1.3B transistors. Each core has a private 256KB L2 cache (12MB total on-die) and is optimized to support a message-passing-programming model whereby cores communicate through shared memory. A 16KB message-passing buffer (MPB) is present in every tile, giving a total of 384KB on-die shared memory, for increased performance. Power is kept at a minimum by transmitting dynamic, fine-grained voltage-change commands over the network to an on-die voltage-regulator controller (VRC). Further power savings are achieved through active frequency scaling at the tile granularity. Memory accesses are distributed over four on-die DDR3 controllers for an aggregate peak memory bandwidth of 21GB/s at 4× burst. Additionally, an 8-byte bidirectional system interface (SIF) provides 6.4GB/s of I/O bandwidth. The die area is 567mm2 and is implemented in 45nm high-к metal-gate CMOS [2].
Efficacy of telephone teaching of conservative therapy for infants with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux referred by pediatricians to pediatric gastroenterologists.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of a specific protocol of conservative therapy for infant gastroesophageal reflux. Study design Retrospective evaluation of the response to telephone teaching of conservative therapy by a single instructor as part of the screening process for a pharmacotherapy study of infantile reflux. Feeding modifications included the use of a protein-hydrolysate formula thickened with one tablespoon of dry rice cereal per ounce, at restricted volumes. Positioning changes included avoidance of seated and supine positions. Elimination of all tobacco smoke exposure was advised. Setting: Single-center, outpatient. Subjects: 394 infants Analysis: Efficacy: the percentage responding to conservative therapy instruction. Factors possibly predicting success for isolated conservative therapy instruction: evaluated as explanatory variables by χ 2 analysis; significance at P Results Ninety-six infants (24%) had sufficient symptom improvement and no additional intervention was required. Infants with isolated vomiting or irritability were more likely to respond than infants with both or other symptoms ( P Conclusions As many as 24% of infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease may respond to conservative therapy instruction provided by telephone. Benefits include savings of cost, time, and drug exposure of infants. (J Pediatr 2003;142:57-61)
Extracellular Matrix Components as Modulators of Adult Stem Cell Differentiation in an Adipose System

The viability of a cell-based device may be controlled post-implantation by managing the level of cellular differentiation. Cellular adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is fundamentally linked to tissue development, maintenance of tissue organization, and many pathological conditions. Cellular interaction with ECM regulates the proliferation and differentiation of cells. This study investigates the efficacy of ECM components (laminin and collagen) in modulating the differentiation of adult mouse bone marrow stem cells (D1) to adipocytes. This study should assist in the development of clinically viable soft-tissue implants.
Native and non-native secondary structure and dynamics in the pH 4 intermediate of apomyoglobin.

The partly folded state of apomyoglobin at pH 4 represents an excellent model for an obligatory kinetic folding intermediate. The structure and dynamics of this intermediate state have been extensively examined using NMR spectroscopy. Secondary chemical shifts, 1H−1H NOEs, and amide proton temperature coefficients have been used to probe residual structure in the intermediate state, and NMR relaxation parameters T1 and T2 and {1H}−15N NOE have been analyzed using spectral densities to correlate motion of the polypeptide chain with these structural observations. A significant amount of helical structure remains in the pH 4 state, indicated by the secondary chemical shifts of the 13Cα, 13CO, 1Hα, and 13Cβ nuclei, and the boundaries of this helical structure are confirmed by the locations of 1H−1H NOEs. Hydrogen bonding in the structured regions is predominantly nativelike according to the amide proton chemical shifts and their temperature dependence. The locations of the A, G, and H helix segments and the C...
Fertility and poverty in developing countries

Abstract High fertility strains budgets of poor families, reducing available resources to feed, educate, and provide health care to children. Conversely, many characteristics of poverty contribute to high fertility—high infant mortality, lack of education for women, too little family income to “invest” in children, inequitable shares in national income, and inaccessibility of family planning. Experience in China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Colombia, Korea, Sri Lanka, Cuba, and Costa Rica shows, however, that fertility can fall rapidly in low-income groups and countries when health care, education, and family planning services are made wisely available. It appears that adequate delivery and targeting of these services—services that most governments already play a major role in providing to their citizens—are a key to breaking the nexus between poverty and high fertility, and reducing the negative effects of both on the lives and prospects of children.
Correlates of sexual function following vulvar excision.

Abstract Objectives The objectives were to evaluate associations between size of excision, grade of VIN, demographic variables, location of excision and laterality and sexual function and quality of life (QOL) in women with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) following vulvar excision. Methods Forty-three women with VIN who had undergone a vulvar excision completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 (QLQ C-30) scale to provide an assessment of sexual function and QOL. Medical records of the participants were reviewed for pathology results, operative reports, and medication history. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to determine associations between collected variables and sexual function and QOL scores. Results Most participants (n = 43) were Caucasian (76.6%) and smoked (69.8%). Age significantly correlated with FSFI total score (Pearson r = − .470, p = .001), along with size of excision (r = − .412, p = .009). Neither VIN grade, location of excision, nor time since excision correlated with sexual function or QOL. Conclusions Older age and a more extensive vulvar excision were associated with poorer sexual function and QOL in women following surgical treatment for VIN. Further study with a larger sample and additional variables is needed to better understand the effect of vulvar excision on women's sexual function and QOL.
Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome: from gene discovery to molecularly targeted therapies.

Since the hallmark dermatologic features of Birt–Hogg–Dube (BHD) syndrome were first described by three Canadian physicians in 1977, the clinical manifestations of BHD have been expanded to include hamartomas of the hair follicle, lung cysts, increased risk for spontaneous pneumothorax and kidney neoplasia. Twenty-five years later the causative gene FLCN was identified, and the mutation spectrum has now been defined to include mainly protein truncating mutations, but also rare missense mutations and large gene deletions/duplication. Second “hit” FLCN mutations in BHD kidney tumors and loss of tumorigenic potential of the FLCN-null UOK257 tumor cell line when FLCN is re-expressed underscore a tumor suppressor role for FLCN. The identification of novel FLCN interacting proteins FNIP1 and FNIP2/L and their interaction with 5′-AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) has provided a link between FLCN and the AMPK-mTOR axis and suggested molecular targets for therapeutic intervention to treat BHD kidney cancer and fibrofolliculomas. The generation of FLCN-null cell lines and in vivo animal models in which FLCN (or FNIP1) has been inactivated have provided critical reagents to facilitate mechanistic studies of FLCN function. Research efforts utilizing these critical FLCN-deficient cell lines and mice have begun to uncover important signaling pathways in which FLCN and its protein partners may play a role, including TGF-β signaling, TFE3 transcriptional regulation, PGC1-α driven mitochondrial biogenesis, apoptotic response to cell stress, and vesicular transport. As the mechanisms by which FLCN inactivation leads to BHD manifestations are clarified, we can begin to develop therapeutic agents that target the pathways dysregulated in FLCN-deficient fibrofolliculomas and kidney tumors, providing improved prognosis and quality of life for BHD patients.
Tropical Pacific and Atlantic Climate Variability in CCSM3

Abstract Simulations of the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon and tropical Atlantic climate variability in the newest version of the Community Climate System Model [version 3 (CCSM3)] are examined in comparison with observations and previous versions of the model. The analyses are based upon multicentury control integrations of CCSM3 at two different horizontal resolutions (T42 and T85) under present-day CO2 concentrations. Complementary uncoupled integrations with the atmosphere and ocean component models forced by observed time-varying boundary conditions allow an assessment of the impact of air–sea coupling upon the simulated characteristics of ENSO and tropical Atlantic variability. The amplitude and zonal extent of equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature variability associated with ENSO is well simulated in CCSM3 at both resolutions and represents an improvement relative to previous versions of the model. However, the period of ENSO remains too short (2–2.5 yr in CCSM3 compared to 2.5...
Psychological aspects of fibromyalgia syndrome: a component of the dysfunctional spectrum syndrome

Many physicians believe, from the early years of their training, that a 'true' disease is based on pathological changes in the tissues. Macroscopic and microscopic visualization of such changes form the core of this traditional model. Any disease, condition or syndrome which fails to show these findings has been considered to represent a psychological entity or malingering. In 1977, Engel proposed that chronic diseases, irrespective of aetiology, cannot be described by a biomedical process alone, and coined the term 'biopsychosociai'. While the biopsychosocial factors have been recognized as important for a better understanding and management of chronic diseases like arthritis with demonstrable tissue damage (Parker et al, 1988, 1993), other chronic dysfunctional syndromes such as fibromyalgia have been relegated by some to the 'pure' psychosocial arena. Such a misunderstanding has lead to an attitude by many physicians that fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) exists 'all in the mind' of the patients, with no biophysiological basis. While this chapter predominantly deals with the psychological aspects of FMS, it will first briefly describe multiple, interacting biophysiological factors, so that the description of psychological aspects which follows can be understood in the proper context. Finally, dysfunctional spectrum syndrome--based on the concept that FMS and other dysfunctional syndromes share overlapping clinical and psychological features as well as biophysiological mechanisms--will be discussed.
Extending project time¿cost analysis by removing precedence relationships and task streaming

Faster completion of projects continues to be an important problem in project management. The traditional approach to reduce completion time has been to shorten the time required for performing a particular activity, often called crashing. In this paper, we propose the addition of two related approaches to expedite a project: increasing the parallel processing of tasks by completely removing precedence relationships, or streaming tasks by fractionally removing precedence relationships. We present a quadratic mixed integer programming approach for reducing project completion time that considers crashing as well as the removal and modification of precedence relationships. Our model extends the linear formulation of the deadline time–cost problem. Two examples are presented to illustrate the suggested approach. Project managers who wish to expedite their projects are advised to consider the benefits and costs of doing more tasks concurrently, or overlapping them, in addition to compressing task times.
Abstract 2573: Carnosol and carnosic acid, from rosemary, promote endoplasmic reticulum stress and androgen receptor degradation in prostate cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among men, especially in the United States. Previously, we have shown that carnosol, a dietary diterpene from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), has a unique function in that it is a dual disruptor of androgen and estrogen receptor alpha. Herein, we examined how carnosol and another dietary diterpene from rosemary, carnosic acid, promote endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and modulate the activity and expression of androgen receptor (AR). Materials and Methods: Experiments were performed using the prostate cancer cell lines 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells. Cell proliferation and cell viability were studied using BrdU and MTT assay respectively. Western blotting, ELISA and siRNA were used to evaluate the relationship between ER stress and androgen receptor degradation. Results: Both, carnosic acid and carnosol, inhibited growth and decreased the cell viability of 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-proliferative effect was associated with apoptosis as evidenced by a significant increase in levels of cleaved caspase-3 protein. Interestingly, these diterpenes modulated proteins associated with ER stress including BiP, IRE1 and CHOP. Furthermore, we saw a dose-dependent decrease in expression of AR in 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells when treated with either carnosol or carnosic acid. The proteasome has been shown to be regulated by multiple proteins including proteins associated with ER stress. The AR expression increased in presence of proteasome inhibitor, MG-132, suggesting that decrease in AR expression was due to proteasomal degradation. Carnosic acid and carnosol, also showed a decrease in expression of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Both, carnosic acid and carnosol, induce ER stress-mediated apoptotic cell death in prostate cancer cell lines, 22Rv1and LNCaP cells, leading to disruption of AR expression. Our data suggests that these natural diterpenes possess strong anticancer activity and should be evaluated further as potential chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic agents for controlling prostate cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2573. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2573
Detection of Salmonella enteritidis in Eggs and Chicken with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

An ELISA previously developed for the rapid detection of Salmonella enteritidis (SE) in environmental samples was modified and applied to food samples. A sandwich ELISA was designed that employs affinity-purified rabbit polyclonal antibodies for the capture stage and highly specific monoclonal antibodies for the detection stage. Thirty-nine species of bacteria other than SE, including 32 Salmonella species, were included in cross-reactivity testing with ELISA. Results showed no reactivity with any species tested besides SE. Salmonella enteritidis was added to homogenized food samples (chicken skin, meat, and eggs) to test ELISA sensitivity. The lower limit for ELISA detection of SE was 10(4) cells/mL for pure cultures and in 10% meat (wt/vol), 10(5) cells/mL in 10% skin (wt/vol), and 10(7) cells/mL in 10% eggs (wt/vol). Salmonella enteritidis detection with ELISA was confirmed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) method. Results were obtained within 24 h for ELISA method compared to 96 h for the BAM procedure. Results show that sensitivity of ELISA can vary with the type of food tested for detection of SE.
Mechanics and Multiple-Particle Tracking Microheterogeneity of α-Actinin-Cross-Linked Actin Filament Networks

Cell morphology is controlled by the actin cytoskeleton organization and mechanical properties, which are regulated by the available contents in actin and actin regulatory proteins. Using rheometry and the recently developed multiple-particle tracking method, we compare the mechanical properties and microheterogeneity of actin filament networks containing the F-actin cross-linking protein alpha-actinin. The elasticity of F-actin/alpha-actinin networks increases with actin concentration more rapidly for a fixed molar ratio of actin to alpha-actinin than in the absence of alpha-actinin, for networks of fixed alpha-actinin concentration and of fixed actin concentration, but more slowly than theoretically predicted for a homogeneous cross-linked semiflexible polymer network. These rheological measurements are complemented by multiple-particle tracking of fluorescent microspheres imbedded in the networks. The distribution of the mean squared displacements of these microspheres becomes progressively more asymmetric and wider for increasing concentration in alpha-actinin and, to a lesser extent, for increasing actin concentration, which suggests that F-actin networks become progressively heterogeneous for increasing protein content. This may explain the slower-than-predicted rise in elasticity of F-actin/alpha-actinin networks. Together these in vitro results suggest that actin and alpha-actinin provides the cell with an unsuspected range of regulatory pathways to modulate its cytoskeleton's micromechanics and local organization in vivo.
Vaginal recurrence of adenocarcinoma of the endometrium

During a 28-year period, 949 patients were treated for adenocarcinoma of the endometrium at the University of Minnesota Hospitals. Eighty-one of these patients presented with vaginal recurrence. The incidence of vaginal recurrence for patients receiving primary therapy at this institution was 0.9%. Sixty-nine percent of patients presented with vaginal bleeding, but 22% were asymptomatic. Seventy-three percent of patients eventually died of disease. Seventy-five percent of recurrences occurred within 3 years of primary therapy, but much longer intervals were noted. In patients with isolated vaginal recurrences, the interval to recurrence directly correlated with survival (P < 0.0005). The poor outcome of these patients indicates a need for evaluation of adjuvant therapy.
Does Preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists Score Relate to Complications After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Background For hip and knee arthroplasties, an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score greater than 2 is associated with an increased risk of medical and surgical complications. No study, to our knowledge, has evaluated this relationship for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (reverse TSA).
Historical trends affecting accumulation of sediment and phosphorus in Lake Pepin, upper Mississippi River, USA

This study was conducted to collect historical land use information that would help explain the historical patterns in accumulation of sediment and phosphorus in Lake Pepin documented by Engstrom et al. (J Paleolimnol, this issue). A wide range of historical factors including cropping systems, phosphorus applications from fertilizer and manure, human and animal populations, river flows and phosphorus discharges from waste water treatment plants were studied using statistical methods. Results showed that sediment losses from the Minnesota River basin are significantly correlated with historical increases in river flows, row crop production acreage and basin population. Total phosphorus accumulations in the sediments of Lake Pepin are significantly correlated with increased phosphorus discharges from metropolitan area wastewater treatment plants, and increases in row crop acreage and river flows. Total phosphorus inflows to Lake Pepin are significantly correlated with increases in river flows, row crop acreage and phosphorus fertilizer applied to agricultural lands.
Spectroscopic measurements of ion temperature and rotation of two ion components in C-2 FRC plasma

Ion temperature and rotational velocity were measured by means of spectroscopy for both main and major impurity ions in the C-2 FRC1 plasma. Charge-exchange recombination spectroscopy was used to measure the main ion temperature and rotational velocity for two radial locations with space resolution of ∼15 cm and time integration over ∼10 µs during the entire plasma lifetime. Parameters of the dominant impurity ions were obtained with higher spatial resolution of ∼2 cm and lower time resolution ∼100 µs, by implementing conventional spectroscopic methods. Both ion components were found to be nearly thermalized already at early times. The ion temperature decreases during the experiment from ∼700 eV to ∼200 eV, but it remains significantly higher than that of electrons ≲100 eV thoroughout the plasma lifetime. Main ions were observed to rotate in the ion-diamagnetic direction, quickly spinning up to ∼60 km/s and to stop rotating by the end of experiment. The impurity ions were found to counter-rotate with main ions, except at latest stage of the experiment. A plausible explanation of the early counter rotation is a reversed pressure gradient of the impurity ions and a stronger effect of the electric field for ions with higher charge. Later in the shot, both ion components are rotationally coupled either due to collisions or changing in time electric field. More detailed experiments with higher spatial resolution are required for better understanding of the ion rotation driving forces.
Functional Congruence: An Index of Neural Homogeneity and a New Measure of Brain Activity

Extremely high correlation between the probability that a single cell will fire and the amplitude of microelectrode electroencephalogram was established in on-line, real-time computer experiments. Such congruence between spike and wave shows orderly biological variation under sensory control. Congruence, as a measure of brain activity, provides an immediate estimate of regional neural homogeneity of function of cell populations in brain.
Heterogeneity of peripheral blood reticulocytes: A flow cytometric analysis with monoclonal antibody HAE9 and thiazole orange

The expression of a human erythroid cell surface antigen recognized by monoclonal antibody (mAB) HAE9 has been studied on peripheral blood reticulocytes by one- and two-color flow cytometry. Total reticulocyte count was determined using Thiazole Orange (TO) and flow cytometry. In normal individuals, 4.56% of reticulocytes were stained by FITC-labeled mAB HAE9. The correlation between reticulocyte percentage by TO and HAE9 staining was 0.828 (P less than 0.0001) in patients with hematocrits less than 0.25. A HAE9-positive reticulocyte percentage of 6-44% was observed when analyzed by two-color flow cytometry with TO and mAB HAE9. These findings, in conjunction with previous studies, suggest that mAB HAE9 recognizes an early, less differentiated population of peripheral blood reticulocytes. Enumeration of immature reticulocytes may be of clinical utility.
The Complexity and Endogeneity of Family Structure in Explaining Children's Misbehavior

This study examines the effects of family structure on child misbehavior, paying close attention to the complexity and endogeneity of family structure. We use longitudinal measures of childhood family structure to capture its complexity and fixed-effects models to control for the unobserved, time-invariant family and child characteristics, which contribute to the endogeneity of family structure. Our results suggest that, other things being equal, stability of intact, step-, and single-mother families is beneficial in lowering the risk of misbehavior, with a weaker effect for single-mother families. This finding challenges the consensus about a detrimental effect of alternative family structures and the incomplete institution thesis regarding step-families. Our analysis also provides two methodological findings: (1) duration of different types of current family structure is superior to other longitudinal measures, which, in turn, are superior to snapshot measures of family structure, and (2) conventional OLS models tend to produce downward bias for the effects of family structure on child misbehavior.
A Method for Projecting Age‐Specific Mortality Rates for Certain Causes of Death

A method is presented for projecting mortality rates for certain causes on the basis of observed rates during past years. This method arose from a study of trends in age-specific mortality rates for respiratory cancers, and for heuristic purposes it is shown how the method can be developed from certain theories of cancer induction. However, the method is applicable in the more common situation in which the underlying physical processes cannot be modeled with any confidence but the mortality rates are approximable over short time intervals by functions of the form a exp(bt), where b may vary in a continuous, predictable fashion as the time interval is varied. It appears from applications to historical data that this projection method is in some cases a substantial improvement over conventional curve-fitting methods and often uncovers trends which are not apparent from observed data.