cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morphological correlates of hearing loss after cochlear implantation and electro-acoustic stimulation in a hearing-impaired Guinea pig model.

Hybrid or electro-acoustic stimulation (EAS) cochlear implants (CIs) are designed to provide high-frequency electric hearing together with residual low-frequency acoustic hearing. However, 30-50% of EAS CI recipients lose residual hearing after implantation. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanisms of EAS-induced hearing loss in an animal model with high-frequency hearing loss. Guinea pigs were exposed to 24 h of noise (12-24 kHz at 116 dB) to induce a high-frequency hearing loss. After recovery, two groups of animals were implanted (n = 6 per group), with one group receiving chronic acoustic and electric stimulation for 10 weeks, and the other group receiving no stimulation during this time frame. A third group (n = 6) was not implanted, but received chronic acoustic stimulation. Auditory brainstem responses were recorded biweekly to monitor changes in hearing. The organ of Corti was immunolabeled with phalloidin, anti-CtBP2, and anti-GluR2 to quantify hair cells, ribbons and post-synaptic receptors. The lateral wall was immunolabeled with phalloidin and lectin to quantify stria vascularis capillary diameters. Bimodal or trimodal diameter distributions were observed; the number and location of peaks were objectively determined using the Aikake Information Criterion and Expectation Maximization algorithm. Noise exposure led to immediate hearing loss at 16-32 kHz for all groups. Cochlear implantation led to additional hearing loss at 4-8 kHz; this hearing loss was negatively and positively correlated with minimum and maximum peaks of the bimodal or trimodal distributions of stria vascularis capillary diameters, respectively. After chronic stimulation, no significant group changes in thresholds were seen; however, elevated thresholds at 1 kHz in implanted, stimulated animals were significantly correlated with decreased presynaptic ribbon and postsynaptic receptor counts. Inner and outer hair cell counts did not differ between groups and were not correlated with threshold shifts at any frequency. As in the previous study in a normal-hearing model, stria vascularis capillary changes were associated with immediate hearing loss after implantation, while little to no hair cell loss was observed even in cochlear regions with threshold shifts as large as 40-50 dB. These findings again support a role of lateral wall blood flow changes, rather than hair cell loss, in hearing loss after surgical trauma, and implicate the endocochlear potential as a factor in implantation-induced hearing loss. Further, the analysis of the hair cell ribbons and post-synaptic receptors suggest that delayed hearing loss may be linked to synapse or peripheral nerve loss due to stimulation excitotoxicity or inflammation. Further research is needed to separate these potential mechanisms of delayed hearing loss.
International Space Law: Into the Twenty-First Century

A look at issues of space law, both international and domestic, likely to be relevant in the 21st century.
Commentary: what’s behind the price tag: understanding cost transparency?

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to understand “Why Should Companies Embrace Cost Transparency”. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a thought piece in response to the paper by Simintiras et al. (2015), “Should Consumer’s Request Cost Transparency?” Findings – Arguments based on past research and company practices show that companies practicing cost transparency can increase their customer following, brand loyalty, differentiation and ultimately the profits. Practical implications – The paper showcases examples of how companies have implemented cost transparency to differentiate their customer offerings. The paper also shows that conscious consumers are now demanding more cost transparency, and companies have already started to heed this call. Originality/value – The paper specifically outlines arguments and recent examples to show why companies should embrace cost transparency.
Evolution of a Vortical Structure Associated with the Bursting Event in a Channel Flow

The temporal evolution of a horseshoe vortex structure in a ehannel is investigated by a numerical simulation. A spectral numerical method is employed to integrate the time-dependent, three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. The initial vortical structure is obtained by applying a conditional sampling technique to a data base generated from a direct simulation of a turbulent channel flow. The evolution of this vortical structure under the influence of the self-induced motion and the mean shear is presented. It is shown that the initial sheet-like vortical structure rolls up into a vortex tube as it is convected downstream. Turbulence characteristics associated with the vortex are investigated. Production of vortic-ity due to vortex stretching is high inside the vortex legs, although it is also substantial in the tip region and above the legs. High Reynolds shear stress is produced near the tip of the vortex.
A Decision-theoretic Multi-dimensional Model for Meeting Users' Information Filtering Needs

The overall objective of this study is to comprehensively investigate the various factors that lead to effective information filtering. We propose a decision-theoretic approach for the information filtering process. The novelty of the current study lies in the focus on the user aspect and the coverage of the knowledge it produces. A decision-theoretic multi-dimensional model from a user-centered viewpoint is derived, and the model is used to describe user information filtering needs can be met effectively and efficiently.
A Parallel Iterative Solution Method for Systems of Nonlinear Hyperbolic Equations

An iterative algorithm suitable for the solution of a system of nonlinear hyperbolic partial differentiation equations in multiple dimensions is discussed. Current numerical methods for systems of nonlinear PDEs have limited parallelism due to strong coupling between the equations. This method decouples the PDEs by linearizing the convention coefficient for a space-time domain. This provides large grain parallelism. The linearization also allows the treatment of some terms in the equations as source terms, providing more freedom to choose from a wider variety of numerical methods. Smaller grain parallelism may be exploited within the solves for each equation. Thus, the method has potential for parallelism at several levels.
Trinity, Simplicity and the Status of God's Personal Relations

It is commonly argued by Christian philosophers and theologians that the traditional doctrine of divine simplicity is incompatible with the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity. First, it would seem that the presence of relations in God suggests a composition of substance and accidents in him. Second, if all that is in God is God, as simplicity claims, then it would seem that one could not maintain the real distinctions between the divine persons, as the Trinity requires. In answer to these challenges this article seeks to recover Thomas Aquinas' and the Reformed scholastics' emphasis upon the subsistence and pure actuality of the personal relations in God. The article concludes that while God's personal relations are really distinct from each other, there is no real distinction between the personal relations and the divine substance and that the Trinity and the doctrine of divine simplicity are thus agreeable.
Atomic physics Shaping atoms in optical lattices

Carefully crossed laser beams can hold cool atoms in a lattice, sitting at the point of constructive interference between the beams, one wavelength apart. Because they are under such precise external control, these optical lattices allow some textbook solid-state physics phenomena to be observed cleanly. Now they are also being used to push at the apparent barriers of quantum mechanics -- to transiently squeeze atoms to a smaller size than the usual quantum limit, for example.
Experimental Investigation on the Wake Characteristics and Aeromechanics of Dual-Rotor Wind Turbines

An experimental study was carried out to investigate the aeromechanics and wake characteristics of dual-rotor wind turbines (DRWTs ) in either co-rotating or counter-rotating configuration, in comparison to those of a conventional single-rotor wind turbine (SRWT). The experiments were performed in a large-scale Aerodynamic/Atmospheric Boundary Layer (AABL) wind tunnel available at Iowa State University with the oncoming Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) airflows under neutral stability conditions. In addition to measuring the power output performance of DRWT and SRWT models, static and dynamic wind loads acting on those turbine models were also investigated. Furthermore, a high resolution digital particle image velocimetry (PIV) system was used to quantify the flow characteristics in the near wakes of the DRWT and SRWT models. The detailed wake flow measurements were correlated with the power outputs and wind load measurement results of the wind turbine models to elucidate the underlying physics to explore/optimize design of wind turbines for higher power yield and better durability.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The Effect of Glossectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ObjectiveDetermine the effect of glossectomy as part of multilevel sleep surgery on sleep-related outcomes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Data SourcesPubMED, Scopus.Review MethodsTwo independent researchers conducted the review using PubMed-NCBI and Scopus literature databases. Studies on glossectomy for obstructive sleep apnea that reported pre- and postoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score with 10 or more patients were included.ResultsA total of 18 articles with 522 patients treated with 3 glossectomy techniques (midline glossectomy, lingualplasty, and submucosal minimally invasive lingual excision) met inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses (baseline vs post surgery) showed a significant improvement in AHI (48.1 ± 22.01 to 19.05 ± 15.46, P < .0001), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS; 11.41 ± 4.38 to 5.66 ± 3.29, P < .0001), snoring visual analog scale (VAS; 9.08 ± 1.21 to 3.14 ± 2.41, P < .0001), and Lowest O2 saturation (76.67 ± 10.58 to 84.09 ± 7.90, P < .0001). Surgical success rate was 59.6...
Time-varying control of wind turbines

This paper introduces the use of time-varying modern control theory for wind turbine applications. The dynamics of an operating wind turbine are periodic in time due to the rotational motion of its blades. One cannot then use common linear time-variant control principles to guarantee closed-loop stability or desirable performance. Periodic state-space control can be employed, whereby both the feedback gains and state estimator are periodic. Such ideas have been utilized in simulation studies to yield superior results for multi-objective problems.
Addressing the challenges of refugee health: Experiences from the University of Louisville interprofessional refugee immunization clinic

Addressing the health needs among refugee populations requires an approach that recognizes social, cultural and language issues and has a platform for interventions that actively use the strengths and competencies from a variety of healthcare disciplines. An interprofessional practice model was implemented in 2012 at the University of Louisville as part of a program aimed at providing age-appropriate vaccines for newly arriving refugees in the Louisville community. During 2012-2014, the program involved more than 35 faculty, 22 residents and fellows, 278 students, 28 support staff and 16 researchers in collaborative work representing nursing, medicine, public health, pharmacy, and social services disciplines in addition to students and faculty from business and engineering. As of early 2015, more than 20,000 doses of vaccine have been safely provided to more than 5,000 refugees. The processes and outcomes have been deemed as beneficial by the refugees and healthcare providers. This type of interprofessional practice model may serve as a deliberative learning platform for other refugee health services.
Xanthine oxidoreductase and cardiovascular disease: molecular mechanisms and pathophysiological implications

There is substantial evidence that oxidative stress participates in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. Biochemical, molecular and pharmacological studies further implicate xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) as a source of reactive oxygen species in the cardiovascular system. XOR is a member of the molybdoenzyme family and is best known for its catalytic role in purine degradation, metabolizing hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid with concomitant generation of superoxide. Gene expression of XOR is regulated by oxygen tension, cytokines and glucocorticoids. XOR requires molybdopterin, iron-sulphur centres, and FAD as cofactors and has two interconvertible forms, xanthine oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenase, which transfer electrons from xanthine to oxygen and NAD(+), respectively, yielding superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and NADH. Additionally, XOR can generate superoxide via NADH oxidase activity and can produce nitric oxide via nitrate and nitrite reductase activities. While a role for XOR beyond purine metabolism was first suggested in ischaemia-reperfusion injury, there is growing awareness that it also participates in endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and heart failure. Importantly, the XOR inhibitors allopurinol and oxypurinol attenuate dysfunction caused by XOR in these disease states. Attention to the broader range of XOR bioactivity in the cardiovascular system has prompted initiation of several randomised clinical outcome trials, particularly for congestive heart failure. Here we review XOR gene structure and regulation, protein structure, enzymology, tissue distribution and pathophysiological role in cardiovascular disease with an emphasis on heart failure.
Combustion generated instabilities in a hydrocarbon-air planar mixing layer

Abstract The effects of combustion with high heat release on the initial instabilities of a mixing layer were investigated experimentally in a two-stream planar mixing layer with hydrocarbon fuels. Experiments were performed with non-premixed reactants under two distinct conditions where the lean reactant (air) was placed in either the high-speed (AHS) or low-speed stream (FHS) such that the location of heat release was changed relative to the mixing layer. Results show a significantly lengthened instability wavelength and higher growth rate for the AHS case and a reduced spacing and smaller growth rate for the FHS case as compared to non-reacting results. These observed trends in the combustion generated instability qualitatively agree with those predicted by the linear instability analysis of Trouve et al. [12] using a heat release-modified density field. The modified density field causes a higher mixture fraction in the ‘internal’ mixing layer which supports a relatively stationary reaction zone. As all heat release parameters were kept the same in the AHS and FHS cases, the changes in instability can not be attributed to the dilation or baroclinic torque effects in vorticity reduction, or the increase in viscosity associated with the heat release, but are fundamentally linked to a change in the instability at the splitter plate. Tripped (turbulent) inlet conditions caused no discernable change in the structure of the mixing layer suggesting that the effects of heat release manifest in the instability dominate the mixing behavior of the layer.
Do birth cohorts matter? Age-period-cohort analyses of the obesity epidemic in the United States

Many studies have cited the importance of secular changes or "period effects" as causes of the U.S. obesity epidemic. Unfortunately, relatively little attention has been devoted to the possible influence of cohort-related mechanisms. To address this current gap in the scientific literature, this investigation utilized the responses from 1.7 million participants in the 1976-2002 National Health Interview Surveys to determine how birth cohorts may have contributed to the rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity. Results from hierarchical age-period-cohort (HAPC) models confirmed that period effects are principally responsible for the U.S. obesity epidemic. However, HAPC models also demonstrated that birth cohort membership is influential. Independent of age and period effects, the predicted probability of obesity at age 25 increased by 30% for cohorts born between 1955 and 1975. Our results also showed that age, period and cohort effects varied by race/gender and educational attainment. For instance, increases in the predicted probabilities of obesity were particularly sharp for recent cohorts of Black females. Our investigation successfully demonstrated that both secular change and birth cohort membership have independently contributed to elevated odds of obesity among recent generations of Americans, suggesting that cohort-specific strategies may be needed to combat disconcertingly high rates of obesity in the U.S.
A study of proton hole states in 1f72 Nuclei by the (p, 2p) reaction at 46 MeV

Abstract Proton hole states in the 1 f 7 2 nuclei 46 Ti, 54 Fe, 56 Fe, 58 Ni and 60 Ni have been studied using the (p, 2p) reaction with 46 MeV protons. The measured binding energies and angular correlations are consistent with the binding energies and orbital angular momentum assignments (1 f 7 2 , 2 s 1 2 and 1 d 3 2 ) obtained from proton pick-up reactions.
Ethanol diet increases the sensitivity of rats to pancreatitis induced by cholecystokinin octapeptide

Abstract Background & Aims: Although alcoholism is a major cause of pancreatitis, the pathogenesis of this disorder remains obscure. Failure to produce experimental alcoholic pancreatitis suggests that ethanol may only increase predisposition to pancreatitis. This study sought to develop a model of ethanol pancreatitis by determining if an ethanol diet sensitizes rats to pancreatitis caused by cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8). Methods: Rats were fed intragastrically either control or ethanol diet for 2 or 6 weeks. The animals were then infused for 6 hours with either saline or CCK-8 at a dose of 3000 pmol · kg −1 · h −1 , which by itself did not induce pancreatitis. The following parameters were measured: serum amylase and lipase levels, pancreatic weight, inflammatory infiltration, number of apoptotic acinar cells, pancreatic messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of cytokines and chemokines, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity. Results: All measures of pancreatitis, as well as NF-κB activity and mRNA expression for tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, macrophage inflammatory protein 2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, were significantly increased only in rats treated with ethanol plus CCK-8. Conclusions: An ethanol diet sensitizes rats to pancreatitis caused by CCK-8. The combined action of ethanol and CCK-8 results in NF-κB activation and up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the pancreas. These mechanisms may contribute to the development of alcoholic pancreatitis. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1999;117:706-716
ANOPHELES STEPHENSI SALIVARY GLANDS BEAR RECEPTORS FOR REGION I OF THE CIRCUMSPOROZOITE PROTEIN OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM

In the mosquito, Plasmodium sporozoites rupture from oocysts found on the midgut wall, circulate in the hemolymph and invade salivary glands where they wait to be injected into a vertebrate host during a bloodmeal. The mechanisms by which sporozoites specifically attach to and invade salivary glands are not known but evidence suggests that it is a receptor-mediated process. Here we show that the major surface protein of sporozoites, the circumsporozoite protein (CS), binds preferentially to salivary glands when compared to other organs exposed to the circulating hemolymph. In addition, we show that a peptide encompassing region I, a highly conserved sequence found in all rodent and primate Plasmodium CS proteins, inhibits binding of CS to mosquito salivary glands.
The solar electric future

Perspectives d'avenir pour le marche de la production d'electricite par utilisation des piles solaires photovoltaiques: marches traditionnels et nouvelles opportunites, technologies (evolution des technologies actuelles, nouveaux produits, applications spatiales, technologies futures), commercialisation, developpement des ressources humaines
Unsteady Laminar Buoyant Flow Through Rectangular Vents in Large Enclosures

This computational study concentrates on transient laminar flow of air through rectangular vents in horizontal partitions between two large enclosures. For a vent aspect ratio of 1, three flow regimes were identified as the Rayleigh number (Ra) was varied from 1 x 103 to 5 x 10 4 based on flow parameters in the vent and corresponding modes of heat transfer through it. The Rayleigh number was found to be the critical control parameter, which determined the flow regimes of conduction, countercurrent, and oscillatory flow regimes. As the effective driving potential decreased with time, flow changed from one regime to the other so that higher-Rayleigh-number results showed all three regimes over time. Circulation patterns within the vent for the conduction regime (Ra < 1500) appeared to follow Chandrasekhar's well-known linear stability results. At higher Ra, sudden bursts of upflow with corresponding downflow have been documented and compared with experimental observations in the literature. The time traces of velocity and temperature fields for this flow regime reveal interesting mechanisms, which have been explained.
Empoasca fabae (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) identification and population studies with allozyme electrophoresis

Various populations presumed to be potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), were collected from various host plants and locations, and then e1ectrophoretically assayed for 12 enzyme loci. There was no evidence of genetic differentiation between populations. Small populations of E. kraemeri , E. erigeron , and E. compare perlonga were assayed. E. kraemeri is a cryptic member of the fabae complex, and may occur together with E. fabae . Diagnostic alleles were found to distinguish between E. fabae and the 3 other Empoasca species.
Plasmid transfer to indigenous marine bacterial populations by natural transformation

Horizontal gene transfer among microbial populations has been assumed to occur in the environment, yet direct observations of this phenomenon are rare or limited to observations where the mechanism(s) could not be explicitly determined. Here we demonstrate the transfer of exogenous plasmid DNA to members of indigenous marine bacterial populations by natural transformation, the first report of this process for any natural microbial community. Ten percent of marine bacterial isolates examined were transformed by plasmid DNA while 14% were transformed by chromosomal DNA. Transformation of mixed marine microbial assemblages was observed in 5 of 14 experiments. In every case, acquisition of the plasmid by members of the indigenous flora was accompanied by modification (probably from genetic rearrangement or methylation) that altered its restriction enzyme digestion pattern. Estimation of transformation rates in estuarine environments based upon the distribution of competency and transformation frequencies in isolates and mixed populations ranged from 5 × 10−4 to 1.5 transformants/1 day. Extrapolation of these rates to ecosystem scales suggests that natural transformation may be an important mechanism for plasmid transfer among marine bacterial communities.
Kinetic Study of the OH + Isoprene and OH + Ethylene Reactions between 2 and 6 Torr and over the Temperature Range 300−423 K

The rate constants for the OH + isoprene and OH + ethylene reactions have been measured in He with 10% O2 (P = 2−6 Torr) and over the temperature range 300−423 K using a discharge-flow system coupled with laser-induced fluorescence. The measured rate constants for the OH + ethylene reaction are in good agreement with previously reported values. The termolecular rate constant (k0) at the low-pressure limit for the OH + ethylene reaction was determined to be (2.62 ± 0.25) × 10-29 cm6 molecule-2 s-1 at 300 K where the uncertainty represents 2 standard errors. An Arrhenius expression of k0 = (4.9 ± 0.2) × 10-31 exp[(1210 ± 130)/T] cm6 molecule-2 s-1 was obtained from a weighted linear least-squares fit of the k0 data versus temperature. The observed negative activation energy (-Ea/R) is larger than the currently recommended value. Unlike the OH + ethylene reaction, the rate constant for the OH + isoprene reaction is independent of pressure between 2 and 6 Torr at 300 K. The measured rate constant of (1.10 ± 0...
Prophetic Jesus, Prophetic Church: A Response to Luke Timothy Johnson

Luke Timothy Johnson’s Prophetic Jesus, Prophetic Church defends the book of Acts against those who reject it for being a triumphalist departure from the prophetic ministry of Jesus highlighted in the Gospels. To lift up the prophetic nature of the Church in Acts, Johnson places Acts next to Luke in order to highlight the prophetic themes that Luke develops between the two books. While affirming Johnson’s basic arguments, the following article seeks among other things to strengthen the links between Luke and Acts by emphasizing the role of Jesus as the exalted Lord who imparts the Spirit.
The Influence of Type A and B Behavior Patterns on the Perceived Quality of Dating Relationships1

This study examined the influence of Type A and B behavior on the reported satisfaction of dating couples. It was hypothesized that the competitive style of the Type A would hinder the smooth functioning of intimate relationships, particularly when exhibited by the female partner. Results supported this prediction and further indicated that Type A females were involved in relationships that developed to the stage of intimacy (i.e., dating) nearly twice as quickly as relationships involving Type B women. These results suggest the importance of the Type A and B patterns in the investigation of interpersonal relationships.
A genetic model for sympatric speciation through habitat diversification and seasonal isolation

Based on studies with natural populations, we offer a genetic model for sympatric speciation that could have broad application to polyphagous animals with habitat differences. The model comprises three steps, each of which includes simple genetic changes and plausible selective forces.
Differential toxicity of silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on Drosophila melanogaster development, reproductive effort, and viability: size, coatings and antioxidants matter.

Abstract Silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles are known to induce oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. Here we test if they impact development, mating success, and survivorship in Drosophila melanogaster, and if so, if these effects are reversible by antioxidants. Ingestion of nanotitanium dioxide during the larval stage of the life cycle showed no effects on development or survivorship, up to doses of 200 μg mL−1. Conversely, ingestion of nanosilver had major dose, size, and coating-dependent effects on each of these aspects of life history. Each of these effects was partially or fully reversible by vitamin C. Larvae growing on nanosilver supplemented with vitamin C showed a greater than twofold increase in survivorship compared to flies reared on nanosilver alone, and a threefold increase in mating success. Vitamin C also rescued cuticular and pigmentation defects in nanosilver fed flies. Biochemical assays of superoxide dismutase and glutathione show these markers respond to nanotitanium dioxide and nanosilver induced oxidative stress, and this response is reduced by vitamin C. These results indicate that life history effects of nanosilver ingestion result from oxidative stress, and suggest antioxidants as a potential remediation for nanosilver toxicity. Conversely, the lack of nanotitanium dioxide life history toxicity shows that oxidative stress does not necessarily result in whole organism effects, and argues that nanoparticle toxicity needs to be examined at different levels of biological organization.
STUDY OF NEUTRAL PION PRODUCTION IN PROTON-PROTON COLLISIONS

A large lead glass \ifmmode \check{C}\else \v{C}\fi{}erenkov counter has been used to measure the energy spectrum of gamma rays resulting from neutral pions produced in proton-proton collisions. A liquid hydrogen target was bombarded with protons of 447 Mev, 415 Mev, and 397 Mev. Gamma rays emitted at 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to the incident proton beam were detected by a counter telescope comprised of an anticoincidence counter, a $\frac{1}{8}$-in. lead converter, two coincidence counters, and the lead glass counter. Pulses from the lead glass counter were fed through a gating circuit into a one-hundred channel pulse-height analyzer. The three pulse-height spectra obtained have been compared with those predicted from the phenomenological theory, to estimate the contributions of the various possible final angular momentum states. It is found that the spectra are consistent with isotropic emission of the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}'\mathrm{s}$ in the center-of-mass system. The differential cross sections for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ production are 12.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.0, 9.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.9, and 7.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.7 microbarns/sterad at 445, 415, and 397 Mev, respectively.
Extrapolation with spline-collocation methods for two-point boundary value problems I: Proposals and justifications

Asymptotic expansions for the error in some spline interpolation schemes are used to derive asymptotic expansions for the truncation errors in some spline-collocation methods for two-point boundary-value problems. This raises the possibility of using Richardson extrapolation or iterated deferred corrections to develop efficient high-order algorithms based on low-order collocation in analogy with similar codes based on low-order finite difference methods; some specific such procedures are proposed.
SIMULATION OF RHEUMATIC RESPONSE TO STREPTOCOCCAL CARBOHYDRATE IN RABBITS BY USE OF ADJUVANT

Previous studies from this laboratory demonstrated that patients with inactive rheumatic valvular disease generally maintain elevated levels of antibody to Group A streptococcal carbohydrate (A-antibody) following acute rheumatic fever, while A-antibody levels fall to normal in other post-streptococcal states. Immunization of rabbits with killed Group A streptococci was performed to define the conditions necessary to produce sustained A-antibody. A-antibody was assayed by the Farr technique utilizing 14C-A-carbohydrate. Rabbits immunized by Lancefield's schedule of thrice-weekly IV injections for 4 weeks produced very high A-antibody levels which promptly fell; boosting with a similar schedule induced the same response. Transient low A-antibody levels followed a single IV immunization, peaking at 6-8 days and falling by 14-20 days. Single IV boosts consistently recalled transient A-antibody responses. In contrast, a single subcutaneous (SC) dose of vaccine in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) led to sustained high A-antibody levels. Peak levels were reached by 35-45 days and remained elevated for at least 120-185 days. SC vaccine without CFA induced low level A-antibody which declined promptly and disappeared by 50 days. Because adjuvant effect appears to correlate with slow antigenic release from the depot, these data support the possibility that the sustained serum A-antibody levels in rheumatic heart disease represent chronic anti-genic stimulation by streptococcal A-carbohydrate or by cross-reactive tissue antigens.
Predictors of Latent Growth in Sexual Risk Taking in Late Adolescence and Early Adulthood

The goals of this study were to examine latent growth in a composite index of sexual risk taking (defined in terms of number of sexual partners and condom nonuse) on five occasions between ages 14–15 and 22–23 years, and to identify associations between latent growth parameters and covariates. As part of the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth—1979 (CNLSY-79), 740 adolescents provided data at two-year intervals between 1994 and 2004. Latent growth models revealed quadratic growth in youths' sexual risk taking. High initial levels of risk were attributable to early adolescent family structure, the expectation of teenage parenthood, early autonomy from parents, young age at dating initiation, and delinquency. Linear and quadratic growth terms were explained by early adolescent family structure, perceived academic competence, substance use, and delinquency. These associations persisted when time-varying covariates of other contraceptive use and relationship status were modeled.
PPARγ signalling and vascular cells in 2003

Abstract Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a transcription factor belonging to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. PPARγ binds the insulin-sensitizing thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and is prominently upregulated in intimal vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) after mechanical injury to the vessel wall. Several TZD PPARγ ligands have been shown to inhibit neointima formation. Suppression of intimal hyperplasia by PPARγ ligands likely results from their activity to inhibit VSMC growth and to promote apoptosis. This review summarizes molecular pathways through which PPARγ regulates the expression and function of multiple cell cycle and apoptosis genes resulting in decreased VSMC proliferation and inhibition of neointima formation.
Combined therapy with digoxin and nitroprusside in heart failure complicating acute myocardial infarction

Abstract The hemodynamic effects of digoxin plus nitroprusside were compared with those of nitroprusside alone in 11 patients with congestive heart failure complicating acute myocardlal infarction. Hemodynamic measurements were made using a Swan-Ganz thermodilution catheter and a bedside thermodilution cardiac output computer. Patients received increasing doses of nitroprusside until mean arterial pressure decreased to 70 mm Hg or pulmonary arterial wedge pressure decreased to 16 mm Hg. The infusion rate of nitroprusside was then held constant for 120 minutes. After 30 minutes of constant nitroprusside infusion, 0.5 mg of digoxin was given intravenously. Hemodynamic measurements were obtained before treatment with nitroprusside and immediately before and 30, 60 and 90 minutes after the administration of digoxin. Nitroprusside produced a significant decrease in pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (24 to 16 mm Hg), mean arterial pressure (92 to 85 mm Hg and systemic vascular resistance (1,816 to 1,480 dynes sec cm −5 ) and a significant increase in cardiac index (2.19 to 2.51 liters/min per m 2 ). Ninety minutes after the administration of digoxin, cardiac index was further increased (2.51 to 28.2 liters/min per m 2 , P = 0.03) and systemic vascular resistance was tower (1,480 to 1,320 dynes sec cm −5 , P = 0.03). Pulmonary arterial wedge pressure was not further decreased by the addition of digoxin. Thus, the addition of digoxin further increases cardiac output in patients with congestive heart failure complicating myocardial infarction who are receiving nitroprusside but does not produce any further decrease in pulmonary arterial wedge pressure.
The Anchor Peg Experience: Plug & Play

Glenoid loosening remains the single most concerning issue regarding the longevity of total shoulder replacement. Although reports suggest a high incidence of radiographic lucent lines at the bone-cement interface, clinical failure of the component remains relatively infrequent. New efforts have resulted in the design of a glenoid implant that depends on host bone in-growth to provide fixation. Laboratory data on the canine model has proven the validity of this novel fixation technique. Recent multi-center human studies by several authors substantiate its success with follow-up approaching five years.
Polarization instabilities in all normal dispersion supercontinuum from Yb-doped modelocked lasers

Polarization instabilities have been found in all normal dispersion supercontinuum seeded by an ultrafast laser. Measurements indicate fluctuations in polarized local regions of the spectra are larger than the total polarized power fluctuations.
Regulated over-expression of DNA polymerase β mediates early onset cataract in mice

Base excision repair (BER) is a tightly coordinated mechanism for repair of DNA base damage (via alkylation and oxidation) and base loss. From E. coli to yeast to human cells, subtle alterations in expression of BER proteins lead to mutagenic or genome instability phenotypes. DNA polymerase β (β-pol), the major BER polymerase, has been found to be over-expressed in human tumor tissues and more recently it has been shown that over-expression of β-pol results in a mutator and genome instability phenotype. These previous reports imply that β-pol over-expression is deleterious and suggests that such an imbalance may cause an overall functional deficiency in the BER pathway. In the present study, we have developed a bicistronic tetracycline-responsive transgenic system to over-express β-pol in mice. We find that over-expression of β-pol in the lens epithelium results in the early onset of severe cortical cataract, with cataractogenesis beginning within 4 days after birth. In utero and post-natal suppression of transgenic Flag-β-pol expression by doxycycline administration completely prevents cataract formation through adulthood, yet cataract is subsequently observed following removal of doxycycline and re-expression of the transgene. Cataract development accompanies increased expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in the lenticular fibers of the lens, implicating oxidative stress in the development of this cataractous phenotype. Although the mechanism for the transgene mediated cataractogenesis is not clear at this time, it is nevertheless intriguing that increased expression of β-pol leads to such a phenotype. These results suggest that either a β-pol expression imbalance negatively affects overall fidelity and/or BER capacity or that β-pol has a role in lens epithelial cell differentiation.
Biosynthesis of long-chain fatty alcohols inPhytophthora cactorum

Phytophthora cactorum, cultured on a synthetic medium, produced a mixture of long-chain fatty alcohols (primary:even) in the homologous series between 22 and 32 C atoms. [2-14C]Acetate, but not [2-14C]mevalonate, was actively incorporated into this mixture.
Properties of fly‐ash bricks produced for environmental applications

Abstract The effects of pressure and temperature on preparation of bricks made from fly ash have been investigated. Bricks from Texas lignite fly ash and fly ash‐clay (kaolinite or montmorillonite) mixtures were prepared. It has been found that bricks with 20% kaolinite and 5% montmorillonite have green strengths high enough to handle without any additives. Samples were pressed under the pressure ranging from 35 MPa to 350 MPa. Lamination occurred at pressures higher than 270 MPa and plerospheres cracked under applied pressure. Fly ash with and without clay pellets were fired at 1000°C for 3 hours. Surface and bulk properties of fired and unfired samples were investigated and devitrification/sintering processes analyzed by x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques and the results are reported.
Cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata L.) response to ozone and ethylenediurea (EDU)

Abstract Cutleaf coneflower ( Rudbeckia laciniata L.) seedlings were placed into open-top chambers in May, 2004 and fumigated for 12 wks. Nine chambers were fumigated with either carbon-filtered air (CF), non-filtered air (NF) or twice-ambient (2×) ozone (O 3 ). Ethylenediurea (EDU) was applied as a foliar spray weekly at 0 (control), 200, 400 or 600 ppm. Foliar injury occurred at ambient (30%) and elevated O 3 (100%). Elevated O 3 resulted in significant decreases in biomass and nutritive quality. Ethylenediurea reduced percent of leaves injured, but decreased root and total biomass. Foliar concentrations of cell-wall constituents were not affected by EDU alone; however, EDU × O 3 interactions were observed for total cell-wall constituents and lignocellulose fraction. Our results demonstrated that O 3 altered the physiology and productivity of cutleaf coneflower, and although reducing visible injury EDU may be phytotoxic at higher concentrations.
Analysis of a crosslinked peptide from calf bone collagen: evidence that hydroxylysyl glycoside participates in the crosslink.

Abstract A crosslinked, double-chained peptide has been isolated from calf bone collagen after digestion with crude bacterial collagenase. Initially, the 3 H-labelled peptide was isolated from collagen that had been treated with [ 3 H]-NaBH 4 , but an almost identical peptide was also isolated from collagen without prior reduction. After periodate oxidation of the reduced peptide the two component chains were resolved by further chromatography. Amino acid compositions showed that the peptide probably derived from an intermolecular crosslink between a carboxyterminal sequence of the collagen molecule and a sequence near the aminoterminus that previously has been shown to be the site of a glycosylated hydroxylysine residue. The crosslinking compound in the reduced peptide, hydroxylysinohydroxynorleucine, appeared to have derived mainly by reduction with borohydride of hydroxylysinooxonorleucine, the keto-amine rearranged form of the dehydro crosslink. The remaining hydroxyl group of the crosslink, the one not derived by reduction of the keto group, appeared to be glycosylated.
Unwanted sexual experiences and sexual risks in gay and bisexual men: Associations among revictimization, substance use, and psychiatric symptoms

Unwanted sexual experiences are associated with high‐risk sexual practices for HIV infection. The current study examined histories of unwanted sexual contact in childhood and adulthood in relation to HIV risk behavior in men who have sex with men. Men attending a large gay pride event in Atlanta, Georgia (N = 595) completed anonymous surveys measuring sexual history, substance use, sexual risk behavior, and symptoms of dissociation, trauma‐related anxiety, and borderline personality. Results showed that men who had been sexually coerced into unwanted sexual activity as adults were more likely to report being treated for substance abuse as well as use of crack cocaine and nitrite inhalants in the past 6 months. Sexually coerced men were also more likely to report high‐risk sexual behaviors and symptoms of dissociation, trauma‐related anxiety, and borderline personality. History of sexual victimization in childhood and revictimization in adulthood was not, however, associated with increased risk behavior ov...
The Symmetric Moment-of-Fluid interface reconstruction algorithm

The Symmetric Moment-of-Fluid (MoF) interface reconstruction algorithm is proposed. This new scheme modifies the existing MoF scheme to operate in a pairwise manner, utilising both the moment of the material being extracted, and the moment of the materials remaining. The Symmetric MoF scheme is shown, via a number of two- and three-material test cases, to deal with errors in the reference moment data with greater accuracy and robustness. Furthermore, due to the symmetric nature of the scheme, gains in computational efficiency over the existing MoF scheme are seen.
Regulation of 130-kDa Smooth Muscle Myosin Light Chain Kinase Expression by an Intronic CArG Element

The mylk1 gene encodes a 220-kDa nonmuscle myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), a 130-kDa smooth muscle MLCK (smMLCK), as well as the non-catalytic product telokin. Together, these proteins play critical roles in regulating smooth muscle contractility. Changes in their expression are associated with many pathological conditions; thus, it is important to understand the mechanisms regulating expression of mylk1 gene transcripts. Previously, we reported a highly conserved CArG box, which binds serum response factor, in intron 15 of mylk1. Because this CArG element is near the promoter that drives transcription of the 130-kDa smMLCK, we examined its role in regulating expression of this transcript. Results show that deletion of the intronic CArG region from a β-galactosidase reporter gene abolished transgene expression in mice in vivo. Deletion of the CArG region from the endogenous mylk1 gene, specifically in smooth muscle cells, decreased expression of the 130-kDa smMLCK by 40% without affecting expression of the 220-kDa MLCK or telokin. This reduction in 130-kDa smMLCK expression resulted in decreased phosphorylation of myosin light chains, attenuated smooth muscle contractility, and a 24% decrease in small intestine length that was associated with a significant reduction of Ki67-positive smooth muscle cells. Overall, these data show that the CArG element in intron 15 of the mylk1 gene is necessary for maximal expression of the 130-kDa smMLCK and that the 130-kDa smMLCK isoform is specifically required to regulate smooth muscle contractility and small intestine smooth muscle cell proliferation.
Choline Chloride Improves the Desiccation Tolerance of Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells

Recently there has been much interest in using sugars such as trehalose to preserve mammalian cells in a dry state as an alternative to cryopreservation (1–5). However, some studies indicate that sugars alone may not be sufficient to prevent cell injury during drying. Other factors like sodium toxicity, ionic imbalance and pH excursions during dehydration are a few of the mechanisms that have been hypothesized to decrease the viability of mammalian cells. In the present study, we investigated whether or not substituting sodium chloride with choline chloride (2-hydroxy-N, N,N-trimethylethanaminium chloride) in the preservation medium improves desiccation tolerance of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells.© 2010 ASME
Memory for spatial location: Cue effects as a function of field rotation

We developed theoretical extensions of Huttenlocher, Hedges, and Duncan’s (1991) category-adjustment model of human spatial memory to incorporate the use of fuzzy boundaries and cue-determined prototypes. In two experiments, people reproduced locations of dots in a circle, while the number of external reference cues varied. In Experiment 1, the task field was stable and results were consistent with the use of fixed categories unaffected by number of cues. In Experiment 2, the task field was made dynamic by rotation on most trials, with results evaluated for nonrotation trials. The large cue effects observed for angular bias were consistent with the proposed cue-based fuzzy-boundary model. Large cue effects were also observed for absolute error, consistent with a model in which proximity to cues predicts stability of memory. Results point to the key role of orientation to the task environment in determining whether categorical encoding is based on cues.
Hydrogen abstraction on photolysis of a naphthocarborane

Abstract Photolysis of ‘naphtho-o-carborane’ in the presence of excellent hydrogen donors such as 1,4-cyclohexadiene leads to quantitative double hydrogen abstraction. Other molecules, including supercoiled DNA, similarly act as hydrogen atom donors towards photolyzed naphtho-o-carborane. A diradical intermediate is proposed.