cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Domains with highest heparan sulfate-binding affinity reside at opposite ends in BMP2/4 versus BMP5/6/7: Implications for function

Signaling proteins, including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), specifically interact with heparan sulfate (HS). These interactions regulate protein distribution and function and are largely mediated by domains rich in basic amino acids. The N-terminal region of BMP2 and BMP4 contains one such domain with a typical Cardin-Weintraub (CW) motif, but it is unclear whether the same occurs in BMP5, BMP6, and BMP7 that constitute a separate evolutionary subgroup. Peptides spanning the N-terminal domain of BMP2/4 interacted with substrate-bound HS with nanomolar affinity, but peptides spanning BMP5/6/7 N-terminal domain did not. We re-examined the entire BMP5/6/7 sequences and identified a novel CW-like motif at their C terminus. Peptides spanning this domain displayed high-affinity HS binding, but corresponding BMP2/4 C-terminal peptides did not, likely because of acidic or noncharged residue substitutions. Peptides pre-assembled into NeutrAvidin tetramers displayed the same exact binding selectivity of respective monomers but bound HS with greater affinity. Tests of possible peptide biological activities showed that the HS-binding N-terminal BMP2/4 and C-terminal BMP5/6/7 peptides stimulated chondrogenesis in vitro, potentially by freeing endogenous BMPs. Thus, HS interactions appear largely ascribable to domains at opposite ends of BMP2/4 versus BMP5/6/7, reiterating the evolutionary distance of these BMP subgroups and possible functional diversification.
Quantifying Vision Zero: Crash avoidance in rural and motorway accident scenarios by combination of ACC, AEB, and LKS projected to German accident occurrence

Objective: The Vision Zero initiative pursues the goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries. Today's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are an important part of the strategy toward Vision Zero. In Germany in 2018 more than 26,000 people were killed or severely injured by traffic accidents on motorways and rural roads due to road accidents. Focusing on collision avoidance, a simulative evaluation can be the key to estimating the performance of state-of-the-art ADAS and identifying resulting potentials for system improvements and future systems. This project deals with the effectiveness assessment of a combination of ADAS for longitudinal and lateral intervention based on German accident data. Considered systems are adaptive cruise control (ACC), autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and lane keeping support (LKS). Methods: As an approach for benefit estimation of ADAS, the method of prospective effectiveness assessment is applied. Using the software rateEFFECT, a closed-loop simulation is performed on accident scenario data from the German In-Depth Accident Study (GIDAS) precrash matrix (PCM). To enable projection of results, the simulative assessment is amended with detailed single case studies of all treated cases without PCM data. Results: Three categories among today's accidents on German rural roads and motorways are reported in this study: Green, grey, and white spots. Green spots identify accidents that can be avoided by state-of-the-art ADAS ACC, AEB, and LKS. Grey spots contain scenarios that require minor system modifications, such as reducing the activation speed or increasing the steering torque. Scenarios in the white category cannot be addressed by state-of-the-art ADAS. Thus, which situations demand future systems are shown. The proportions of green, grey, and white spots are determined related to the considered data set and projected to the entire GIDAS. Conclusions: This article describes a systematic approach for assessing the effectiveness of ADAS using GIDAS PCM data to be able to project results to Germany. The closed-loop simulation run in rateEFFECT covers ACC, AEB, and LKS as well as relevant sensors for environment recognition and actuators for longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. Identification of green spots evaluates safety benefits of state-of-the-art level 0-2 functions as a baseline for further system improvements to address grey spots. Knowing which accidents could be avoided by standard ADAS helps focus the evolution of future driving functions on white spots and thus aim for Vision Zero.
A Continued Assessment of Local Byproducts in Beef Finishing Diets in Honduras

ObjectivesThe continued objective was to further investigate the potential development of nutritionally complete diets using local feedstuffs and to develop replicable management strategies. Materials and MethodsDiets were designed to assess the gain potential of beef cattle in confined feeding systems across Honduras and the viability of local feedstuffs, rather than the intent of diet comparison. Three finishing diets were formulated using local Honduran feedstuffs such as palm kernel meal, poultry litter, and sugarcane for bulls in confinement. Diets were formulated on DM basis and targeted a positive balance of ruminal degradable protein. Management included vaccination, individual identification, implantation, and treatment of parasites on arrival to the feeding facilities. Additionally, monensin (Monsigran; Monensin Sodium 20; Brazil) was added to all diets. Treatments HM6 through HM11 were fed in the southwest region and HM12 was fed in the central region of Honduras. Cattle were Bos indicus crossed with Bos taurus and dairy type. Bulls were fed between 68 and 145 d with an average of 112 d. Initial BW ranged from 231 to 479 kg with an average of 363 kg. Bulls were fed to a minimum end point of 400 kg (unshrunk live final BW). Descriptive analyses were performed using UNIVARIATE procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) with pen within site as the experimental unit. ResultsConsidering all diets, dry matter intake ranged from 9.98 to 12.27 kg/d with an average of 10.73 kg/d. Average daily gain ranged from 0.40 to 2.41 kg with an average of 1.03 kg. Final BW averaged 482 kg with a modest variability (CV = 9.33%). Gain to feed followed similarly to ADG averaging 0.096. Hot carcass weight ranged from 197 to 347 kg with an average of 267 kg. Dressing percent reported an interval of 45.25 to 61.60% averaging 55.26% with low variability (CV = 4.77%). ConclusionAll diets were viable options for Honduran producers to finish beef cattle depending on feedstuff or byproduct availability. Local byproducts have been effectively blended with other more traditional feedstuffs such as corn to reach sufficient protein and energy. The role byproducts can have within Honduran beef finishing systems has been demonstrated through multiple diets, in various locations across Honduras. More consistent management practices have led to increased dressing percent driven by increased carcass weight. As dressing percent and carcass weight increase, the role of byproduct use to increase beef production are verified. Subsequently, the continued development of better management practices and increased information can be utilized to conduct more intensive research on local feedstuffs and diets across Honduras.
THREE-YEAR EVALUATION OF THE DETECTION OF ELDER ABUSE THROUGH EMERGENCY CARE TECHNICIANS PROJECT

EA is difficult to detect and often goes unreported. To address this important public health issue we developed the DETECT screening tool, which assists paramedics and EMT’s (medics) with determining whether or not to report a case of potential EA to APS while in the field providing medical services. In the current study, we investigate the effects of the DETECT screening tool on changes in reports of EA to APS over a period of approximately 3 years (January 2015 to March 2018). We used a differences in differences in differences (DDD) design to estimate the effect of the DETECT tool on both the number of reports for EA reports made each week as well as the probability of a report being validated by APS. After adjusting for changes in the number of EA reports non-medics and medics outside the service area, there were on average three times as many reports among medics after the implementation of the DETECT screening tool (RR=3.03, 95% CI:[2.06, 4.46]). No differences were seen in the probability of a valid report attributable to DETECT.
The Association Between Patient-reported Clinical Factors and 30-day Acute Care Utilization in Chronic Heart Failure.

Background Heart failure patients have high rates of repeat acute care use. Current efforts for risk prediction often ignore postdischarge data. Objective To identify postdischarge patient-reported clinical factors associated with repeat acute care use. Research design In a prospective cohort study that followed patients with chronic heart failure for 30 days postdischarge, for 7 days after discharge (or fewer days if patients used acute care within 7 days postdischarge), patients reported health status, heart failure symptoms, medication management, knowledge of follow-up plans, and other issues using a daily interactive automatic phone call. Subjects A total of 156 patients who had responded to phone surveys. Measures The outcome variable was dichotomous 30-day acute care use (rehospitalization or emergency department visit). We examined the association between each patient-reported issue and the outcome, using multivariable logistic regression to adjust for confounders. Results Patients were 63 years old (SD=12.4), with 51% African-American and 53% women. Within 30 days postdischarge, 30 (19%) patients used acute care. After adjustment, poor health status [odds ratio (OR)=3.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-11.76], pain (OR=2.44; 95% CI, 1.02-5.84), and poor appetite (OR=3.05; 95% CI, 1.13-8.23) were positively associated with 30-day acute care utilization. Among 58 reports of pain in follow-up nursing notes, 39 (67%) were noncardiac, 2 (3%) were cardiac, and 17 (29%) were indeterminate. Conclusions Patient-reported poor health status, pain, and poor appetite were positively associated with 30-day acute care utilization. These novel postdischarge markers require further study before incorporation into risk prediction to drive quality improvement efforts.
Variation in the pollinator community visiting invasive Cytisus scoparius L. Link (Fabaceae) along an elevation gradient

Invasive plants are a novel resource for the resident pollinator community, but may not be able to successfully attract pollinators if they have a specialized pollination system or restrictive floral morphology. Pollinator limitation may limit invasion success, but a plant able to attract many pollinators in different conditions will be a successful invasive species. In this study, we measured the pollinator community by capturing pollinators at several timepoints during the flowering season. Captures were made at six field sites along an elevation gradient. Measurements were specific to an invasive shrub with very low self-compatibility and a restrictive floral morphology, Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom). We found that the pollinator community varies along an elevation gradient, having more Apis mellifera at low elevation sites and more Bombus spp., especially Bombus sitkensis at higher elevations. We saw different higher pollination rates, but lower seed set at higher elevation sites. Although C. scoparius has been able to attract a variety of pollinators, pollen robbing by one species may result in decreased plant fitness.
Differential Sex-Dependent Regulation of the Alveolar Macrophage miRNome of SP-A2 and co-ex (SP-A1/SP-A2) and Sex Differences Attenuation after 18 h of Ozone Exposure.

Background: Human SP-A1 and SP-A2, encoded by SFTPA1 and SFTPA2, and their genetic variants differentially impact alveolar macrophage (AM) functions and regulation, including the miRNome. We investigated whether miRNome differences previously observed between AM from SP-A2 and SP-A1/SP-A2 mice are due to continued qualitative differences or a delayed response of mice carrying a single gene. Methods: Human transgenic (hTG) mice, carrying SP-A2 or both SP-A genes, and SP-A-KO mice were exposed to filtered air (FA) or ozone (O3). AM miRNA levels, target gene expression, and pathways determined 18 h after O3 exposure. RESULTS: We found (a) differences in miRNome due to sex, SP-A genotype, and exposure; (b) miRNome of both sexes was largely downregulated by O3, and co-ex had fewer changed (≥2-fold) miRNAs than either group; (c) the number and direction of the expression of genes with significant changes in males and females in co-ex are almost the opposite of those in SP-A2; (d) the same pathways were found in the studied groups; and (e) O3 exposure attenuated sex differences with a higher number of genotype-dependent and genotype-independent miRNAs common in both sexes after O3 exposure. Conclusion: Qualitative differences between SP-A2 and co-ex persist 18 h post-O3, and O3 attenuates sex differences.
Estradiol Action at the Median Preoptic Nucleus is Necessary and Sufficient for Sleep Suppression in Female rats

Abstract To further our understanding of how gonadal steroids impact sleep biology, we sought to address the mechanism by which proestrus levels of cycling ovarian steroids, particularly estradiol (E2), suppress sleep in female rats. We showed that steroid replacement of proestrus levels of E2 to ovariectomized female rats, suppressed sleep to similar levels as those reported by endogenous ovarian hormones. We further showed that this suppression is due to the high levels of E2 alone, and that progesterone did not have a significant impact on sleep behavior. We found that E2 action within the Median Preoptic Nucleus (MnPN), which contains estrogen receptors (ERs), is necessary for this effect; antagonism of ERs in the MnPN attenuated the E2-mediated suppression of both non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. Finally, we found E2 action at the MnPN is also sufficient for sleep suppression, as direct infusion of E2 into the MnPN suppressed sleep. Based on our findings, we predict proestrus levels of E2 alone, acting at the MnPN, mediate sex-hormone driven suppression of sleep in female rats.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: Lymph Node Transfer vs Lymphovenous Bypass for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.

Background Lymph node transfer (LNT) and lymphovenous bypass (LVB) have been described as 2 major surgical options for patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) who have failed conservative therapy. The objective of our study was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing LNT and LVB for the treatment of BCRL. Study design Rates of infection, lymph leak, and failure of LNT and LVB were obtained from a previously published meta-analysis. Failure of surgery was defined as the inability to cease compression therapy postoperatively. Procedural costs were calculated from Medicare reimbursement rates. Cost of conservative management of postoperative surgical site infection, lymph leak, and continued decongestive physiotherapy after failed surgery were obtained from literature review. Average utility scores for each health state were calculated using a visual analog scale survey, then converted to quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). A decision tree was constructed, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was assessed at $50,000/QALY. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of our findings. Results LNT was less costly ($22,492 vs $31,927) and more effective (31.82 QALY vs 29.24 QALY) than LVB. One-way (deterministic) sensitivity analysis demonstrated that LNT became cost-ineffective when its failure rate was more than 43.8%. LVB became more cost-effective than LNT when its failure rate was less than 21.4%. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis using Monte-Carlo simulation indicated that even with uncertainty present in the variables analyzed, the majority of simulations (97%) favored LNT as the more cost-effective strategy. Conclusions: LNT is a dominant, cost-effective strategy compared to LVB for the treatment of BCRL.
Endothelial Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans in Sepsis: The Role of the Glycocalyx.

There is increasing recognition of the importance of the endothelial glycocalyx and its in vivo manifestation, the endothelial surface layer, in vascular homeostasis. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are a major structural constituent of the endothelial glycocalyx and serve to regulate vascular permeability, microcirculatory tone, leukocyte and platelet adhesion, and hemostasis. During sepsis, endothelial HSPGs are shed through the induction of “sheddases” such as heparanase and matrix metalloproteinases, leading to loss of glycocalyx integrity and consequent vascular dysfunction. Less well recognized is that glycocalyx degradation releases HSPG fragments into the circulation, which can shape the systemic consequences of sepsis. In this review, we will discuss (1) the normal, homeostatic functions of HSPGs within the endothelial glycocalyx, (2) the pathological changes in HSPGs during sepsis and their consequences on the local vascular bed, and (3) the systemic consequences of HSPG degradation. In doing so, we will identify potential therapeutic targets to improve vascular function during sepsis as well as highlight key areas of uncertainty that require further mechanistic investigation.
Reinforcer interactions under concurrent schedules of food, water, and intravenous cocaine.

Responding by six rats was maintained under a concurrent chained fixed-ratio 1, fixed-ratio 9 schedule (conc chain FR1 FR9) of food, water, and morphine presentations. The subjects had continuous access to the schedule contingencies on a reversed 12-h light-dark cycle. Local rates and temporal patterns were very similar for responding maintained by the three reinforcers with food and water intake occurring predominantly during the dark cycle, while morphine infusions were evenly distributed. Food and water extinction (24-h duration) decreased the number of ratios completed on both the food and water levers. Moreover, food extinction resulted in a large increase in I.V. morphine self-administration. Morphine extinction increased responding on the morphine lever while almost eliminating responding on the water lever. Changes in the dose of morphine (2.5–40 mg/kg/injection) did not significantly affect food and water intake, but were inversely related to responding on the morphine lever. Saline substitutions resulted in effects similar to those observed during morphine extinction. The schedule used in this study provides a method for examining the specificity of a number of pharmacological and neurochemical manipulations.
From Shrimp to Foie Gras: Tales of Food, Gender, and Power in Contemporary China

Why would a Chinese restaurant that claims to be the true heir of local culinary and cultural traditions put Western-style baked goose liver on the menu, next to traditional dishes like stir-fried ...
Human Arm Stability in Relation to Damping-Defined Mechanical Environments in Physical Interaction with a Robotic Arm

This paper presents an experimental study that investigated how humans interact with viscous, damping-defined mechanical environments and quantified the lower bounds of robotic damping that they can stably interact with. Human subjects performed posture maintenance tasks for different arm postures while holding a robotic arm manipulator simulating unstable (negative) damping-defined environments and applying rapid perturbations to disturb the arm posture and challenge arm stability. The results of this study demonstrated that the lower bound of robotic damping for stable physical human-robot interaction was more than twice as low in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction than the medial-lateral (ML) direction, with lower limits of -50.3 Ns/m and -21.6 Ns/m in the AP and ML directions, respectively. The results further showed that the human arm is less capable of adjusting to the unstable environments when it is close to the body and laterally displaced for the AP and ML directions, respectively. Secondary analysis on the kinematic response in the phase space also demonstrated that arm stability in the unstable environments can be more easily achieved in the AP than ML direction. The outcomes of this study can be used to design less conservative robotic impedance or admittance controllers that utilize a wider range of robotic damping up to a certain extent of negative damping but do not compromise coupled stability of the human-robot system, which could improve the overall performance in physical human-robot interaction by achieving more agile operations and reducing user effort.
A review on biomass gasification syngas cleanup.

Abstract Energy, fuel and chemical production from biomass is increasingly attracting interest in the world. Gasification of biomass can produce raw syngas which contains CO, CO2, H2 and CH4. In addition, raw syngas contains minor but significant quantities of undesirable impurities – collectively known as syngas contaminants. Syngas contaminants are composed of tars, nitrogen based compounds (NH3, HCN, etc.), sulfur based compounds (H2S, COS, etc.), hydrogen halides (HCl, HF, etc.) and trace metals (Na, K, etc.). Raw syngas cleanup is an essential step prior to syngas utilization in downstream applications. In recent years, significant research attention has been devoted to syngas cleanup to reduce contaminants below tolerable limits. The present paper is a comprehensive review of cold gas and hot gas syngas cleanup for major contaminants in syngas (tar, NH3, H2S, HCl and trace metals). This review organizes and discusses investigations on syngas for all major contaminants, critically reviews important challenges in syngas cleanup and discusses recent advancements in hot and cold gas cleanup.
Characterization of Prostate Cancer, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Normal Prostates Using Transrectal 31Phosphorus Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Preliminary Report

We assessed the ability of 31phosphorus (31P) transrectal magnetic resonance spectroscopy to characterize normal human prostates as well as prostates with benign and malignant neoplasms. With a transrectal probe that we devised for surface coil spectroscopy we studied 15 individuals with normal (5), benign hyperplastic (4) and malignant (6) prostates. Digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were used to aid in accurate positioning of the transrectal probe against the region of interest within the prostate. The major findings of the in vivo studies were that normal prostates had phosphocreatine-to-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) ratios of 1.2 +/- 0.2, phosphomonoester-to-beta-ATP ratios of 1.1 +/- 0.1 and phosphomonoester-to-phosphocreatine ratios of 0.9 +/- 0.1. Malignant prostates had phosphocreatine-to-beta-ATP ratios that were lower (0.7 +/- 0.1) than those of normal prostates (p less than 0.02) or prostates with benign hyperplasia (1.1 +/- 0.2, p less than 0.01). Malignant prostates had phosphomonoester-to-beta-ATP ratios (1.8 +/- 0.2) that were higher than that of normal prostates (p less than 0.02). Using the phosphomonoester-to-phosphocreatine ratio, it was possible to differentiate metabolically malignant (2.7 +/- 0.3) from normal prostates (p less than 0.001), with no overlap of individual ratios. The mean phosphomonoester-to-phosphocreatine ratio (1.5 +/- 0.5) of prostates with benign hyperplasia was midway between the normal and malignant ratios, and there was overlap between individual phosphomonoester-to-phosphocreatine ratios of benign prostatic hyperplasia glands with that of normal and malignant glands. To verify the in vivo results, we performed high resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopy on perchloric acid extracts of benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue obtained at operation and on a human prostatic cancer cell line DU145. The extract results confirmed the differences in metabolite ratios observed in vivo. We conclude that transrectal 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy can characterize metabolic differences between the normal and malignant prostate.
Immune System and Blood Cells

The cell biology of the immune and hematopoietic systems is incredibly rich in detail, involving the generation and interaction of a large number of different cell types. Our understanding of the details is incomplete, yet enough has already been seen to appreciate the wide range of the body’s repair and defense mechanisms. We know more about the biology of blood cells than we do about most other tissues in the body because of the ease with which we may sample them. Hematologists have had a major advantage in that the blood is so accessible for microscopic, and now, molecular examination.
Spectrophotometric Measurement of Bilirubin in Serum with Special Reference to the Corrections for Hemolysis

In a recent Commentary on the reliability of bilirubin determinations in sera of newborn infants, Mather has correctly pointed out that the use of the diazo method has serious shortcomings, mainly because of the significant error introduced by hemolysis of even slight degree. Fortunately, spectrophotometric measurement of concentrations of bilirubin in serum is not only more accurate but simpler, and in the sera of newborn has the required specificity for bilirubin because of the low concentrations of lipochrome pigments during the early weeks of life.
Indexing cardiovascular and respiratory variables: allometric scaling principles

Abstract Objectives To describe the allometric scaling principles underlying appropriate indexing of cardiovascular and respiratory measurements obtained in adult mammals, and to propose guidelines for indexing experimental cardiovascular and respiratory data. Database used PubMed, using the terms ‘allometry’, ‘allometric’, ‘indexing’, ‘cardiovascular’ and ‘respiratory’. Conclusions Indexing of cardiopulmonary variables is commonly used in attempts to account for the effects of body size on measurements and to standardize them. Some cardiopulmonary variables have been indexed using various functions of body mass in a process that often ignores the underlying relationship between the variable of interest and body size, as described in the allometry literature. This can result in a failure to ideally reduce the effect of body size on measurements in a manner that highlights differences. We review how commonly measured cardiopulmonary variables are related to body mass in mammalian species according to the allometry literature, and offer suggestions on how this information can be used to appropriately index cardiopulmonary variables in a simple and informative manner.
Managing change in Higher Educational Institutions in South Africa: Some challenges

Higher Education has a vital role in developing an internationally competitive economy, a more affluent society and a sturdy democracy. The newly released National Plan for Higher Education in South Africa should recognise the current social and economic status in the country to realign its mission, and to reconsider the location and target audience of the various institutions in the country, to optimally serve the educational needs of the communities. The proposals in the National Plan, however, attempts to attain in a few years what other stabilised countries took years. That poses major challenges to education management. The aim of this paper is to evaluate some aspects of the managerial skills in the national education authorities. By analysing the National Plan, and testing the views of a number of teaching staff, the conclusion is that there are serious doubts regarding the management acumen in the educational leadership and that various important aspects are left out in the Plan.
Raman spectroscopy of InAs/GaAs quantum dots patterned by nano-indentation

Patterns of InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) grown by the combination of nanoindentation technique and molecular beam epitaxy were studied. The resulting QDs tend to preferentially nucleate on indented areas rather than other regions. We studied the strain on the indentations, regions surrounding the indents, and non-indented areas. The QD LO mode for the patterned areas shifts by 7 cm when compared to the nonpatterned area. The biaxial strain in the indented areas producing this shift is four times larger than that in non-indented areas, explaining the QD preferential formation within these areas. This larger strain suggests that QDs on the indentations can be formed by depositing a smaller InAs amount than that required to form QDs on non-indented areas, thus obtaining QDs only on the pattern.
Policy Responses during the Depth of the 2007-09 Financial Crisis: Instrument Innovations, Executive Reconfigurations, and Legacies for U.S. Governance

This study analyzes policy responses during the depth of the 2007-09 Financial Crisis by focusing on instrument innovations, executive-branch reconfigurations, and legacies for U.S. governance. The period September 2008 - March 2009 encompassed that part of the long-festering financial crisis severe enough to leave troubling legacies for the conduct of economic policies. Executive discretion in economic governance hurriedly expanded and centralized to address the depth of the crisis. The U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation acting in tandem, freely exercised emergency authority to prop up the financial system. This paper shows these interventions to have short-run benefits and long-run costs for market efficiency and stability.
Getting started on metrics-Jet Propulsion Laboratory productivity and quality

A description is given of the SPA (Software Product Assurance) Metrics Study, part of an effort to improve software quality and the productivity and predictability of software development. The first objective was to collect whatever data could be found from as many projects for which they were still available. Data were assembled on the basis of four basic parameters: source lines of code, dollars, work years, and defects. By using these four basic parameters, it was possible to construct quality and productivity baselines. Quality was defined as the number of defects per thousand lines of source code. Productivity was defined in two ways: dollars per source line of code and source lines of code per work month. Preliminary results of this study are presented. >
Related Party Transactions: Their Origins and Wealth Effects

Related party transactions are potential mechanisms for insiders to expropriate outside shareholders via self-dealing; however, there are also possible benefits to these arrangements for outside shareholders. This paper investigates the frequency, nature, and valuation consequences of related party transactions for a sample of firms in four industries. The evidence suggests that, on average, related party transactions are not harmful to outside shareholders. However, the average results obscure the fact that while transactions that pre-date a counterparty becoming a related party appear to be innocuous at worst, transactions initiated after a counterparty becomes a related party are associated with reduced shareholder wealth. We also find evidence that firms in which key executive positions are handed down to family members have lower valuations.
A rodent model of alcoholic heart muscle disease and its evaluation by echocardiography.

Background: Transthoracic echocardiography was used in a rodent animal model to determine whether long-term alcohol consumption (8 and 12 months) was associated with the development of a dilated cardiomyopathy. We also investigated whether alcohol-induced changes in cardiac structure corresponded to activation of the renin-angiotensin system and the natriuretic peptide (NP) system. Methods: Male rats received either the Lieber-DeCarli liquid alcohol diet (EtOH) (9%v/v) (n= 8) or control diet (CON) (n= 8). Echocardiography (echo) was used to determine left-ventricular (LV) dimensions, and isolated heart studies (Langendorff and atrium) were used to assess ex vivo contractility. Plasma and tissue angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) activity was measured. Gene expression, plasma, and tissue levels of the NPs were determined by northern blot analysis and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Results: After 8 months of alcohol consumption, there was a trend for the end diastolic dimension, end systolic dimension, and LV mass to be greater in the 8 month EtOH group compared with the CON group. However, after 12 months of alcohol consumption, significant increases were found between the groups in several echo parameters. Tissue ACE activity (nmoles/min/mg protein) was greater in the 12 month EtOH group compared with the 12 month CON and 8 month EtOH group (p < 0.05). We found no differences between groups in gene expression (messenger RNA), plasma, and tissue levels of the NPs. Conclusions: Echocardiography revealed that 8 to 12 months of alcohol consumption was associated with the development of a dilated cardiomyopathy. However, this was not preceded by an increase in tissue ACE activity, and these changes occurred in the absence of increased plasma and LV tissue levels of the NPs.
In Vivo Efficacy of Laparoscopic Assisted Percutaneous Renal Cryotherapy: Evidence Based Guidelines for the Practicing Urologist

Purpose: The treatment of small renal tumors continues to evolve in parallel with advances in ablative technology. We compared the lesion geometry of 3, 17 gauge cryoneedles to determine the most effective distance and configuration of the cryoneedles in an in vivo porcine kidney model.Materials and Methods: Argon gas based renal cryoablation was performed in 6 pigs using a laparoscopically assisted percutaneous approach. Cryoablation using a single cryoneedle and a template of 3 cryoneedles with various ice ball shapes, including elliptical, bulb-shaped and standard 17 gauge cryoneedles (Galil Medical, Plymouth Meadow, Pennsylvania) was performed in 3 pigs. Three additional pigs underwent renal cryoablation using elliptical cryoneedles in 3 triangular template configurations with the cryoneedles spaced 1, 1.5 and 2 cm apart, respectively. The animals were sacrificed a minimum of 2 weeks following treatment.Results: Elliptical cryoneedles achieved the largest area of necrosis when used in single and templ...
Repair of Atrial Septal Defect with Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return from the Left Upper Lobe

A patient with partial anomalous venous return from the left upper lobe in the presence of a large atrial septal defect is presented. The diagnosis was confirmed by selective angiographic studies. Two technical points are emphasized: first, that the exposure through a midsternal incision is excellent, and second, that the anomalous vein must be detached from its connection to the innominate or subclavian artery as high into the left chest as it is technically possible to reach. Postoperative cardiac catheterization and angiograms confirm the completeness of the repair.
STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS of PRESSURIZED CANS

To study the strength advantages of pressurized cans used for food packaging, two indicators of can strength, maximum axial load and maximum external pressure, were investigated experimentally. Unbeaded 303 × 406 steel cans having several thicknesses and tempers with various internal pressures were tested. Also tested were beaded steel cans and aluminum cans with 206 × 406 dimensions. Failure of the cans was by both buckling and yielding. the results indicated that steel can thicknesses could be significantly reduced, and beading eliminated, by using internal pressure to supplement can strength.
Ultrasensitive Raman Sensor Based on Highly Scattering Porous Structures

A substantially improved performance of a Raman sensor based on enhanced light scattering in porous structures is demonstrated.
Androgen and PARP-1 regulation of TRPM2 channels after ischemic injury

The calcium-permeable transient receptor potential M2 (TRPM2) ion channel was recently demonstrated to have a sexually dimorphic contribution to ischemic brain injury, with inhibition or knockdown of the channel protecting male brain preferentially. We tested the hypothesis that androgen signaling is required for this male-specific cell-death pathway. Additionally, we tested the hypothesis that differential activation of the enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is responsible for male-specific TRPM2 channel activation and neuronal injury. We observed that administration of the TRPM2 inhibitor clotrimazole (CTZ) 2 hours after onset of ischemia reduced infarct volume in male mice and that protection from ischemic damage by CTZ was abolished by removal of testicular androgens (castration; CAST) and rescued by androgen replacement. Male PARP-1 knockout mice had reduced ischemic damage compared with WT mice and inhibition of TRPM2 with CTZ failed to reduce infarct size. Lastly, we observed that ischemia increased PARP activity in the peri-infarct region of male mice to a greater extent than female mice and the difference was abolished in CAST male mice. Data presented in the current study indicate that TRPM2-mediated neuronal death in the male brain requires intact androgen signaling and PARP-1 activity.
Solution of Axisymmetric Potential Problem in Oblate Spheroid Using the Exodus Method

This paper presents the use of Exodus method for computing potential distribution within a conducting oblate spheroidal system. An explicit finite difference method for solving Laplace’s equation in oblate spheroidal coordinate systems for an axially symmetric geometry was developed. This was used to determine the transition probabilities for the Exodus method. A strategy was developed to overcome the singularity problems encountered in the oblate spheroid pole regions. The potential computation results obtained correlate with those obtained by exact solution and explicit finite difference methods.
Early loss of innervation of cornea epithelium in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats: improvement with ilepatril treatment.

PURPOSE. Cornea confocal microscopy is emerging as a clinical tool to evaluate the development and progression of diabetic neuropathy. The purpose of these studies was to characterize the early changes in corneal sensitivity and innervation in a rat model of type 1 diabetes in relation to standard peripheral neuropathy endpoints and to assess the effect of Ilepatril, a vasopeptidase inhibitor which blocks angiotensin converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase, on these endpoints. METHODS. Streptozotocin-diabetic rats 8 weeks duration were treated with or without Ilepatril for the last 6 weeks of the experimental period. Afterwards, standard diabetic neuropathy endpoints, subbasal corneal nerves and innervation of the epithelium, corneal sensitivity using a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer, and vascular reactivity of the posterior ciliary artery were examined. RESULTS. Diabetes caused a decrease in nerve conduction velocity, thermal hypoalgesia, and a reduction in intraepidermal nerve fiber profiles. In the cornea there was a decrease in corneal nerve fibers innervating the epithelium and corneal sensitivity, but subbasal corneal nerve fibers was not changed. Vascular relaxation in response to acetylcholine was decreased in the posterior ciliary artery. These defects were partially to completely prevented by Ilepatril treatment. CONCLUSIONS. These studies suggest that in type 1 diabetic rats decreased innervation of the cornea epithelium occurs early in diabetes and prior to a detectable decrease in subbasal corneal nerves and that these and other diabetic neuropathy-related defects can be partially to completely prevented by a vasopeptidase inhibitor. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012; 53:8067‐8074) DOI:10.1167/iovs.12-10826
Computer building of β-helical polypeptide models

A general method is presented for computing the atomic coordinates of helices in which a dipeptide is the repeating unit. The method will generate both single- and double-stranded model helices having idealized bond lengths and angles, and any arbitrary, user-specified, pitch and number of residues per turn. The variation of inter- and intrastrand hydrogen bonds with pitch and number of residues per turn can thus be examined. An application of the method is the construction of a β-helix having pitch of 6.3 A per turn and 4.85 residues per turn, a model which can pack nicely into the unit cell of crystals of cation-bound gramicidin A.
Modified transthecal digital block versus traditional digital block for anesthesia of the finger.

Abstract Purpose This study compared the modified transthecal digital block (MTDB) technique with the traditional digital block (TDB) according to the degree of discomfort caused by injection and to the onset and the duration of anesthesia. Methods This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, and controlled study. The same investigator performed all blocks to the middle fingers of each hand. The hand anesthetized and type of block (TDB or MTDB) received first were both randomized. An orientation was given to the 25 participants detailing how to evaluate their own degree of anesthesia. This orientation included establishing a baseline of sensation with a safety pin, a description and diagram of 12 zones of the finger, an explanation of the 10-cm visual analog pain scale, and an explanation of how to record anesthesia progress in the fingers. On completion of each block, the subjects recorded the degree of pain and time to anesthesia in each finger zone. Results Twenty-five subjects received 1 TDB and 1 MTDB for a total of 50 blocks. The TDB received a mean rating for pain of 2.972 versus 2.784 for the MTDB (p = .579). The TDB took 3.91 minutes on average to take effect, whereas the MTDB took 7.16 minutes, a difference of 3.25 minutes. This was statistically significant in 11 of the 12 zones. Overall, return to sensation from the MTDB took effect 4.63 minutes sooner than the TDB: on average 85.19 minutes versus 89.82 minutes, respectively. This was statistically significant in 2 of the zones. Conclusions The effect of MTDB is equal to that of TDB in terms of pain perception. For the dorsal and radial proximal zones, the TDB appears to have better distribution of anesthesia. The MTDB has slower onset to anesthesia than the TDB.
Evaluation of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in a rat model of postoperative pain.

Abstract Postoperative pain remains a significant problem despite optimal treatment with current pharmaceutical agents. In an effort to provide better postoperative pain control, there is a need to understand the factors that contribute to the development of pain after surgery. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine released from tissues after injury. We hypothesized that LIF expression in skin, muscle, and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) would increase after plantar incision. The mRNA and protein expression of LIF and LIF receptor (LIF-R) were measured after plantar incision in the rat. Pain behaviors, immunohistochemistry, and C-fiber heat responses to LIF were also studied. LIF expression increased after incision in skin and muscle, and LIF-R was present in large and small DRG neurons. LIF administration to the hindpaw increased pain behaviors, a process that was reversed by anti-LIF. However, LIF and anti-LIF treatment at the time of incision did not augment or ameliorate pain behaviors. LIF treatment activated the second messenger system, JAK-STAT3, in cultured DRG neurons, but failed to alter spontaneous activity or heat responses in C-fiber nociceptors. In conclusion, LIF is not a target for postoperative analgesia; LIF may be important for skin and muscle repair and regeneration after incision. Perspective This article highlights an incision pain model for the study of factors involved in nociception. The study demonstrates that LIF in is an unlikely target for novel early postoperative analgesics.
Tracking spin-glass barriers versus field and temperature in a-Gd 0.19 Si 0.81

Detailed signatures of the states of the low-temperature spin-glass phase in $a\text{-GdSi}$ films were followed using resistance fluctuations. Two-state switches between different spin-glass configurations were unambiguously identified by the field dependences of the occupation ratios of the states. The temperature dependences of the rates and occupation ratios were tracked in order to determine thermodynamic parameters of the switchers and the temperature dependences of barriers. A reasonable distribution of energy and entropy differences between states was found. Most importantly, the kinetic barriers were found to show no sign of divergence with lowering temperature, contrary to expectations based on prior theoretical and experimental works.
Renal complications of human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

More than 87,000 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were reported to the Centers for Disease Control in the United States, of whom more than half died through January 1989. When the AIDS epidemic is considered worldwide, these numbers probably should be doubled (1). This review examines the electrolyte disorders and renal complications observed in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) (formerly called HTLV-III) infection.
Group decision support system impact: multi-methodological exploration

Abstract This paper documents multi-methodological exploration of the impact of Group Decision Support Systems. Examples of our studies are used to illustrate the use of six methodologies: mathematical simulation, software engineering, case, survey, field study, lab experiment, and conceptual (subjective/ argumentative) based on an established taxonomy of MIS research methods. Examples of synergism attained through use of a multi-methodological approach are provided.
Role of endothelin and prostaglandins in radiocontrast-induced renal artery constriction.

Role of endothelin and prostaglandins in radiocontrast-induced renal artery constriction. Infusion of radiocontrast agents in vivo results in renal artery constriction and subsequent renal hypoperfusion. To examine the role of endothelin and of prostaglandins in radiocontrast-mediated renal vasoconstriction, rats were treated with an endothelin receptor antagonist, CP170687, and with indomethacin. The dose of CP170687 utilized was sufficient to reverse endothelin 1 -mediated constriction of isolated aortic rings and of renal blood flow in intact rats. In normal rats there was a transient drop in renal blood flow to 80% of baseline following sodium iothalamate injection, an effect which was not prevented by CP170687. In rats first given indomethacin, the drop in renal blood flow was more pronounced (to 63% of baseline) and was sustained. In this instance, CP170687 fully reversed the sustained decrease of renal perfusion. CP170687 also diminished the rise in systemic blood pressure seen following iothalamate injection. In the absence of indomethacin, iothalamate increased urinary prostaglandin E 2 to a maximum of sevenfold above baseline values. In summary, injection of radiocontrast results in an immediate decrease in renal blood flow that is counteracted by an increase in renal prostaglandin formation. When prostaglandin synthesis is inhibited, prolonged endothelin-mediated renal vasoconstriction is observed that is reversed by an endothelin receptor antagonist.
Verbal rehearsal and memory in children with closed head injury: A quantitative and qualitative analysis☆

Nine closed head injured (CRI) children (mean age = 11.4 years) with post-onset intervals of seven months to eight years were studied. The CRI children ranged from mild-moderate to severely impaired. Nine normally developing children (mean age = 10.9 years) served as controls. An overt rehearsal free recall task was used. Subjects were instructed to "think aloud" following presentation of each item to-be-recalled. Quantitative analyses suggested impaired verbal recall and inefficient, passive rehearsal strategy use in severely injured subjects. Mild-moderate subjects performed similarly to controls and exhibited active rehearsal strategy use. Qualitative analysis revealed differences between CRI subjects and controls' range of rehearsal strategies, monitoring and metamemory. Implications for clinical assessment and intervention with respect to use of rehearsal strategies are discussed.