cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Underdiagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome in Non-Hispanic Black Adolescents: A Call for Ethnic-Specific Criteria

Childhood obesity is a risk factor for the development of both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). One marker that can be used to predict T2DM is the metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS, a cluster of cardiovascular factors associated with insulin resistance, is defined by central obesity, impaired fasting glucose, hypertension, elevated triglycerides (TG), and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Some have advocated using a diagnosis of MetS to trigger increased intervention in children. However, ethnic differences in MetS may hamper identification of at-risk children. For example, non-Hispanic blacks are diagnosed with MetS less frequently than non-Hispanic whites, despite having higher rates of T2DM and CVD. These differences in MetS are predominantly due to a low frequency of hypertriglyceridemia in non-Hispanic blacks. Compared with non-Hispanic whites and Mexican Americans, non-Hispanic blacks have lower TG levels at baseline but exhibit worsening insulin resistance with increasing TG. Therefore “normal” TG levels appear to be falsely reassuring among insulin-resistant non-Hispanic blacks. Ethnic-specific tools may be needed to more accurately predict risk for T2DM and CVD in minorities.
Model for general acid-base catalysis by the hammerhead ribozyme: pH-activity relationships of G8 and G12 variants at the putative active site.

We have used nucleobase substitution and kinetic analysis to test the hypothesis that hammerhead catalysis occurs by a general acid−base mechanism, in which nucleobases are directly involved in deprotonation of the attacking 2‘-hydroxyl group and protonation of the 5‘-oxygen that serves as the leaving group in the cleavage reaction. We demonstrate that simultaneous substitution of two important nucleobases, G8 and G12, with 2,6-diaminopurine shifts the pH optimum of the cleavage reaction from greater than 9.5 to approximately 6.8 in two different hammerhead constructs. Controls involving substitution with other nucleobases and combinations of nucleobases at G5, G8, and/or G12 do not show this behavior. The observed changes in the pH−rate behavior are consistent with a mechanism in which N1 protonation−deprotonation events of guanine or 2,6-diaminopurine at positions 8 and 12 are essential for catalysis. Further support for the participation of G8 and G12 comes from photochemical cross-linking experiments,...
The role of inequalities in the analysis of many-body systems†

We discuss the strategy of determining properties of many-body systems by applying successively more stringent limitations on the domain on which solutions can lie, i.e., sharpening the degree of resolution of the results obtained. A rough division is made into universal, or system-independent inequalities and system-dependent ones, which are joined by equalities or sum rules. General examples include Fermion ground states and classical fluids in thermal equilibrium, and for the latter, the effect of estimation by saturating inequalities. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
The minimum genus of a two-point universal graph

A graph G is two-point universal if, given any two vertices A and B, there is a vertex jointed to both, a vertex joined to neither, a vertex joined to A but not B, and a vertex joined to B but not A. Erdos asked whether there is an infinite family of such graphs of some genus γ. In this note, we show that the number of vertices of a two-point universal graph of genus γ satisfies n ≤ 216(2γ + 1)2 so that there are most finitely many of each genus.
THE TIMING OF INORGANIC FERTILIZATION OF SUNFISH PONDS

Abstract Fertilization with diammonium phosphate (20 kg/ha per application) was initiated at different dates in each of four treatments replicated three times in 0.04-ha ponds. Although there were some differences in averages of total and filtrable orthophosphate concentrations and phytoplankton abundance among treatments ( P P > 0.05). Phytoplankton blooms did not develop in any of the treatments until late spring or early summer. The failure of phytoplankton to respond to fertilization in late winter and early spring was apparently related to low water temperature and competition by macrophytes. In larger, deeper ponds (> 0.5 ha), inorganic fertilization will cause phytoplankton blooms in early spring even when water temperatures are low.
Using inexpensive experimental methodology for testing methods for decision under uncertainty

An approach for testing methods for decision-making under uncertainty is proposed by the authors and their coworkers. The testing approach uses data for which the generating mechanism and probability distribution is unknown. The approach simulates a very large number of decisions and outcomes of uncertain events to test methods. The study presented in this paper follows the above approach to test methods for decision under uncertainty experimentally on a decision problem involving two decision makers, an inventor and a financier who want to develop and market a new device. Real-life data for simulating the outcomes of the project were collected using 133 slider-crank mechanisms that undergraduate students constructed. The mechanisms were constructed and measured to simulate the entire risky venture of developing and marketing a new device or product. The data obtained were used to simulate thousands of decisions of the inventor and the financier on a computer, using different methods for decision under un...
Regulation of Constitutive Cargo Transport from the trans-Golgi Network to Plasma Membrane by Golgi-localized G Protein βγ Subunits

Observations of Golgi fragmentation upon introduction of G protein βγ (Gβγ) subunits into cells have implicated Gβγ in a pathway controlling the fission at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) of plasma membrane (PM)-destined transport carriers. However, the subcellular location where Gβγ acts to provoke Golgi fragmentation is not known. Additionally, a role for Gβγ in regulating TGN-to-PM transport has not been demonstrated. Here we report that constitutive or inducible targeting of Gβγ to the Golgi, but not other subcellular locations, causes phospholipase C- and protein kinase D-dependent vesiculation of the Golgi in HeLa cells; Golgi-targeted β(1)γ(2) also activates protein kinase D. Moreover, the novel Gβγ inhibitor, gallein, and the Gβγ-sequestering protein, GRK2ct, reveal that Gβγ is required for the constitutive PM transport of two model cargo proteins, VSV-G and ss-HRP. Importantly, Golgi-targeted GRK2ct, but not a PM-targeted GRK2ct, also blocks protein transport to the PM. To further support a role for Golgi-localized Gβγ, endogenous Gβ was detected at the Golgi in HeLa cells. These results are the first to establish a role for Golgi-localized Gβγ in regulating protein transport from the TGN to the cell surface.
Regression of myocardial hypertrophy: III. Alterations in left ventricular performance.

Abstract Parameters of left ventricular function were measured during the regression of pressure-overload induced left ventricular hypertrophy. Supravalvar aortic stenosis was produced in rats by constricting their ascending aorta with a metal band. Sham operated rats served as controls. Four weeks after constriction the bands were removed from a group of rats. Other rats with aortic constriction and sham operated controls underwent a sham operation. Two, 4 or 8 weeks later rats from each group underwent a hemodynamic study in situ. The left ventricular-aortic gradient was completely abolished upon removal of the band. Left ventricular weight rapidly decreased toward that of the sham operated control within the first 2 weeks. Cardiac output and stroke volume were similar in the control and banded animals. However, in the debanded animals both parameters fell below the levels of the sham operated control rats and the rats with continued aortic constriction by 2 weeks. By 8 weeks cardiac output and stroke volume in these rats returned to normal. Peak flow velocity was decreased in both the banded and the debanded rats, but returned to control levels by four weeks after debanding. The data suggest that although a normal cardiac output can be maintained by the hypertrophied, pressure-overloaded myocardium, myocardial pump function diminishes during the early regression of hypertrophy coinciding with the loss of myocardium. Function does recover, however, after a longer period of regression. This phenomenon may be related to an abnormality in the hypertrophied myocardial muscle and to the decreased synthesis of myocardial muscle previously demonstrated during the regression of hypertrophy.
Forest Dislocations in Silver Single Crystals

Abstract The distributions of primary and forest dislocations in silver single crystals deformed in single glide by varying amounts into stage I and stage II of the work-hardening curve have been studied by the etch-pitting technique. The distributions of the primary dislocations found are in agreement with previous etch-pitting studies on f.c.c. metals. The distributions of forest dislocations are markedly different from those of the primary dislocations in that dense ‘strings’ of dislocations lying roughly perpendicular to the primary Burgers vector and parallel to the primary glide plane were found throughout stage I and into stage II. The number of strings and the dislocation density within them increase with strain while the density of the forest dislocations outside of the strings remains approximately equal to that of the virgin, as-grown crystal until the onset of stage II. The etch-pitted strings are believed to correspond to the primary dislocation bundles seen in transmission electron microscopy.
MECHANISM OF ANAPHYLACTIC DEATH IN THE MOUSE.

GUINEA-PIG anaphylaxis has for many years been considered the classical example of anaphylaxis. In this animal, challenged intravenously, anaphylactic shock is believed to be due to liberation of histamine with subsequent contraction of smooth muscle. Contraction of the bronchial musculature completely shuts off the alveoli and prevents exhalation of air, and the animals die of asphyxia. If the shocking dose of antigen is given by the intraperitoneal or subcutaneous route, death in many cases is not due to asphyxia, but occurs slowly (protracted anaphylaxis), and cannot be attributed to respiratory failure1,2. In other animals, anaphylactic death has also been associated with a ‘selectively’ shocked organ. Thus, in the rabbit, the constriction of pulmonary arterioles and extreme dilation of the right heart lead to acute fatal heart failure. In the dog, marked liver congestion seems to be responsible for death3.
Optimum conditions for superradiant damping

Abstract The conditions are investigated under which cooperative or superradiant effects are greatest in an inhomogeneously broadened atomic system that is excited by a coherent light pulse. The coupled non-linear atomic equations of motion are solved numerically for excitation pulses of various areas. It is shown that the absolute intensity of the response decreases strongly with decreasing pulse are below π, but that the relative superradiant contribution increases with decreasing pulse area. The reasons for this are discussed, and it is suggested that excitation by a pulse in the neighborhood of π/2 may represent an optimum compromise for the observation of superradiance.
The distribution of the branchial nerve in Mytilus edulis and its relation to the problem of nervous control of ciliary activity

The branchial nerve of Mytilus edulis, traced by means of serial sections, has been found to be limited entirely to the epithelial and connective tissues bordering the axis of the gills. Most of the numerous branches which originate from the branchial nerve extend posteriorly and lie close to the interfibrillar matrix of the connective tissue which supports the epithelium of this region. Fibers of these nerves have been traced to this epithelium. The chitinous supporting structures of the gills lie in close proximity to these nerves, yet neither nerves nor nerve fibers have been observed to penetrate them. Moreover, a careful study of the gill tissues fails to reveal the presence of structures which might be interpreted as nerves or nerve fibers. Since no innervation of the gills has been demonstrated, it seems probable that the ciliary activity of the gill epithelium is not regulated by means of fibers connected with the central nervous system.
Plasmolipin: The Other Myelin Proteolipid. A Review of Studies on its Structure, Expression, and Function*

Proteolipids were discovered by Marjorie B. Lees and Jordi Folch-Pi in 1951 (1) when they isolated the myelin proteolipid protein (PLP). PLP is a major constituent of CNS myelin where it represents at least 40% of the total myelin protein. Since then, proteolipids have been associated with a variety of other membrane domains and organelles (2-4). However with few exceptions (5) all proteolipids described thus far show little homology with each other. In this review we describe the properties of a proteolipid, plasmolipin, which is restricted to specific plasma membranes of kidney and brain (6,7). Plasmolipin is particularly relevant to a Neurochemical Research issue dedicated to Marjorie Lees, since the studies on this protein were inspired by her work on PLP and, like PLP, it is a major myelin protein (8). This review covers our knowledge to date of plasmolipin and describes its structure, localization, devel-
Comment on "Correspondence principle in free-electron lasers"

We show that the derivation of the small-signal gain given by Friedland (Phys. Rev. A 29, 1310 (1984)) actually applies for an incoherent stimulating field with amplitude and phase fluctuations obeying a stationary Gaussian process rather than the standard situation where the stimulating field is assumed to be coherent. The gains are identical in either case; however, the photon statistics are different. We also try to rectify some confusing remarks about the quantum limit of the free-electron laser.
Selling Music With Sex: The Content And Effects Of Sex In Music Videos on Viewer Enjoyment

SUMMARY Sexual content in music videos has long been the focus of attention within communication research, although few communication scholars have illuminated the relationship between sex in a music video, viewer enjoyment, and actual product purchase intention. This article examines the presence of sexual content in music videos as well as the relationship between sexual content and enjoyment. The paper challenges scholars from communication, advertising, and marketing to establish links among their disciplines to develop a thorough understanding of how sex in music videos may increase liking of a video and subsequent purchase intention.
NANA: A nano-scale active network architecture

This article explores the architectural challenges introduced by emerging bottom-up fabrication of nanoelectronic circuits. The specific nanotechnology we explore proposes patterned DNA nanostructures as a scaffold for the placement and interconnection of carbon nanotube or silicon nanorod FETs to create a limited size circuit (node). Three characteristics of this technology that significantly impact architecture are (1) limited node size, (2) random node interconnection, and (3) high defect rates. We present and evaluate an accumulator-based active network architecture that is compatible with any technology that presents these three challenges. This architecture represents an initial, unoptimized solution for understanding the implications of DNA-guide self-assembly.
Book Review: Time Series Analysis and Inverse Theory for Geophysicists David Gubbins Cambridge University Press, 2004 Hardcover: ISBN 0521819652, $100 Softcover: ISBN 0521525691, $50

Two fundamental mathematical subjects in a geophysics education are analysis of time and spatial series and solving and understanding inverse and parameter estimation problems. In my experience in the U.S. educational system, these subjects are commonly covered in two full-length, semester- (or at least quarter-) long classes taught at the beginning graduate-student level. I was therefore somewhat astonished when I found out that David Gubbins was writing a single text, Time Series and Inverse Theory for Geophysicists , that would strive to cover both of these central topics in only about 250 pages! The introduction emphasizes the centrality of digital data to geophysics. I suspect that this is largely preaching to the choir for the majority of today's students, who mayor may not find the historical perspective and discussion of digital fundamentals to be pertinent to their interests …
Transcriptional profiling of root-knot nematode induced feeding sites in cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) using a soybean genome array

The locus Rk confers resistance against several species of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp., RKN) in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Based on histological and reactive oxygen species (ROS) profiles, Rk confers a delayed but strong resistance mechanism without a hypersensitive reaction-mediated cell death process, which allows nematode development but blocks reproduction. Responses to M. incognita infection in roots of resistant genotype CB46 and a susceptible near-isogenic line (null-Rk) were investigated using a soybean Affymetrix GeneChip expression array at 3 and 9 days post-inoculation (dpi). At 9 dpi 552 genes were differentially expressed in incompatible interactions (infected resistant tissue compared with non-infected resistant tissue) and 1,060 genes were differentially expressed in compatible interactions (infected susceptible tissue compared with non-infected susceptible tissue). At 3 dpi the differentially expressed genes were 746 for the incompatible and 623 for the compatible interactions. When expression between infected resistant and susceptible genotypes was compared, 638 and 197 genes were differentially expressed at 9 and 3 dpi, respectively. In comparing the differentially expressed genes in response to nematode infection, a greater number and proportion of genes were down-regulated in the resistant than in the susceptible genotype, whereas more genes were up-regulated in the susceptible than in the resistant genotype. Gene ontology based functional categorization revealed that the typical defense response was partially suppressed in resistant roots, even at 9 dpi, allowing nematode juvenile development. Differences in ROS concentrations, induction of toxins and other defense related genes seem to play a role in this unique resistance mechanism.
Control in computing systems: Part II

This is the second part of a paper that provides an overview of some applications of control theory to computing systems. With the advent of cloud computing and more affordable computing infrastructures, computing engineers are looking for control theory to provide rigorous tools to analyze and design computing systems and algorithms. On the other hand, control systems have greatly benefited from the advent of distributed and affordable computing infrastructure. In the second part of the paper, we will focus on control applications at the server level, specifically CPU utilization control.
Self-managing systems: a control theory foundation

Summary form only given. The high cost of ownership of computing systems has resulted in a number of industry initiatives to reduce the burden of operations and management by making systems more self-managing. A major challenge in realizing self-managing systems is understanding how automated actions affect system behavior, especially system stability. Other disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, and aeronautical engineering make use of control theory to design feedback systems. The talk uses control theory as a way to identify a number of requirements for and challenges in building self-managing, or autonomic, systems. In essence, the autonomic computing architecture describes feedback control loops for self-managing systems. The talk has three goals: (1) educating systems oriented computer science researchers and practitioners on the concepts and techniques needed to apply control theory to computing systems; (2) describing how control theory can aid in building self-managing systems and identifying the challenges in doing so; (3) describing a deployable testbed for autonomic computing that is intended to foster research that addresses the challenges identified.
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Nonstructural Protein NS2 Antagonizes the Activation of Beta Interferon Transcription by Interacting with RIG-I

A wide variety of RNA viruses have been shown to produce proteins that inhibit interferon (IFN) production and signaling. For human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the nonstructural NS1 and NS2 proteins have been shown to block IFN signaling by causing the proteasomal degradation of STAT2. In addition, recombinant RSVs lacking either NS1 or NS2 induce more IFN production than wild-type (wt) RSV in infected cells. However, the mechanisms by which the NS proteins perform this function are unknown. In this study, we focused on defining the mechanism by which NS2 inhibits the induction of IFN transcription. We find that NS2 is required for the early inhibition of IFN transcription since the infection of cells with NS2-deletion RSV resulted in a higher level of IRF3 activation at early time points postinfection compared with that of wt or NS1-deletion RSV infection. In addition, NS2 expression inhibits IFN transcription induced by both the RIG-I and TLR3 pathways. Furthermore, we show that NS2 inhibits RIG-I-mediated IFN promoter activation by binding to the N-terminal CARD of RIG-I and inhibiting its interaction with the downstream component MAVS (IPS-1, VISA, Cardif). Thus, the RSV NS2 protein is a multifunctional IFN antagonist that targets specific components of both the IFN induction and IFN signaling pathways.
Child health promotion and protection among Mexican mothers

For numerous reasons children of Mexican descent experience many health disparities. One strategy for addressing these disparities is to increase health promotion and protection behaviors that mothers use with their preschool children. Limited literature is available on such practices used by mothers of Mexican descent with their healthy preschool children. This study explored child health promotion and protection practices used by mothers of Mexican descent. A naturalistic design guided by Spradleys ethnographic interview techniques was selected for this study. The sample included 9 Mexican-descent mothers from an urban U.S. community with healthy preschool children. Despite significant challenges participants promoted and protected the health of their preschool children by al cuidado (taking care) and by being al pendiente (being mindful) of balancing the health of their childrens bodies minds and souls. Understanding these mothers approaches allows the creation of culturally sensitive health programs that can build on existing maternal strengths.
Incidence of Intravenous Site Reactions in Neurotrauma Patients Receiving Valproate or Phenytoin

OBJECTIVE:To determine the incidence of intravenous site reactions to phenytoin and valproate in a large population of patients with neurotrauma.DESIGN:Retrospective chart review of two double-blind, randomized clinical trials evaluating the use of antiepileptic drugs to prevent posttraumatic seizures in patients with neurotrauma: phenytoin versus placebo (n = 390), and valproate versus phenytoin with placebo (n = 385). Information collected from the charts included the number, type, and location of intravenous lines and intravenous site events.SETTING:Tertiary care trauma and university teaching hospital.MAIN RESULTS:Intravenous site reactions occurred in 18% and 25% of patients receiving valproate or phenytoin, respectively, with the majority of events (70%) occurring in the first intravenous site. Patients received the neurosurgery study drug (NSSD) by either central or peripheral lines; all intravenous site reactions occurred in peripheral administration sites. When patients who received the drug by c...
Oxygen-mediated enzymatic polymerization of thiol–ene hydrogels

Materials that solidify in response to an initiation stimulus are currently utilized in several biomedical and surgical applications; however, their clinical adoption would be more widespread with improved physical properties and biocompatibility. One chemistry that is particularly promising is based on the thiol–ene addition reaction, a radical-mediated step-growth polymerization that is resistant to oxygen inhibition and thus is an excellent candidate for materials that polymerize upon exposure to aerobic conditions. Here, thiol–ene-based hydrogels are polymerized by exposing aqueous solutions of multi-functional thiol and allyl ether PEG monomers, in combination with enzymatic radical initiating systems, to air. An initiating system based on glucose oxidase, glucose, and Fe2+ is initially investigated where, in the presence of glucose, the glucose oxidase reduces oxygen to hydrogen peroxide which is then further reduced by Fe2+ to yield hydroxyl radicals capable of initiating thiol–ene polymerization. While this system is shown to effectively initiate polymerization after exposure to oxygen, the polymerization rate does not monotonically increase with raised Fe2+ concentration owing to inhibitory reactions that retard polymerization at higher Fe2+ concentrations. Conversely, replacing the Fe2+ with horseradish peroxidase affords an initiating system is that is not subject to the iron-mediated inhibitory reactions and enables increased polymerization rates to be attained.
Clinical comparison of the resin-containing BACTEC 26 Plus and the Isolator 10 blood culturing systems.

The new resin-containing BACTEC 26 Plus blood culturing system (Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Instrument Systems, Towson, Md.) was compared with the Isolator 10 system (Wampole Laboratories, Cranbury, N.J.). Blood samples were drawn by syringe, and equal 10-ml volumes were evaluated in each blood culture system by the recommended methods. Both systems were incubated aerobically with 5% CO2. Of 11,506 acceptable study specimens, 1,788 aerobic isolates were recovered. Overall, recoveries was similar for the two systems, with 626 bacteria or fungi recovered in the BACTEC 26 Plus system only, 499 recovered in the Isolator system only, and 663 recovered in both systems. Of 345 gram-negative rods, 62 grew in the BACTEC system only and 109 grew in the Isolator system only (P less than 0.001). Thirty-three of these Isolator-only gram-negative organisms were Acinetobacter spp. Of 209 yeasts, 38 grew in BACTEC only and 81 grew in Isolator only (P less than 0.001). Of 200 streptococci and enterococci, 98 were recovered in BACTEC only and 26 grew in Isolator only (P less than 0.001). Two hundred twenty-eight independent episodes of gram-negative rod bacteremia occurred. Isolator was the first system positive in 59 of 197 episodes, compared with 45 of 197 for BACTEC when Acinetobacter episodes were excluded. Times to detection were similar for the two systems. High colony counts correlated with repeat positive blood cultures. Isolator and BACTEC had similar overall recoveries, with individual merits and deficiencies for both systems. The additional quantitative information derived from Isolator had utility in our institution.
Development and reliability of ultra-thin chip on plastic bonding for flexible liquid crystal displays

The development of portable and flexible liquid crystal displays (LCDs) has led to a change in the substrate panel material. In the driver integrated circuit (IC) packaging process, ultra-thin chip on plastic (UTCOP) bonding is required to impart flexibility to plastic LCDs. In his study, the performance of 50-μm-thick ultra-thin chips on transparent polyimide (PI) substrate was investigated. To study the temperature distribution effect of bonding structures on the contact resistance during the anisotropic conductive adhesive (ACA) bonding process, three kinds of structures were evaluated: (1) a chip thickness of 670 μm, (2) a chip thickness of 50 μm, and (3) a 50-μm-thick chip with a 420-μm carrier IC of attached by thermo-release film. To determine the relationship between daisy-chain resistance and ACA-chip interface temperature, in-situ daisy-chain resistance and temperature during the bonding process were measured. The effect of the bonding structures on the UTCOP temperature distribution was analyzed using 3-D finite element (FE) modeling. The reliability of UTCOP was evaluated by thermal humidity storage testing (THST) at 85°C and 85% RH, thermal cycle testing (TCT) from −55°C to 125°C, and static bending testing at 10 mm radius of curvature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) cross sections of ACA joints and profiles of chip backs after bonding were analyzed to determine the failure reasons. Our results indicate that the temperature distribution of the bonding structure affected the electrical conductivity and reliability of the ACA joints. Structures with the lowest thermal conductivity had the best electrical contact resistance and reliability because that the structure-induced temperature distribution affects the ACA flow during bonding process. Optimizing this process made it possible to develop a highly reliable UTCOP assembly with ACA interconnections, greatly enhancing its potential for use in flexible LCDs in the near future.
A Numerical Study of the Modulation of Short Sea Waves by Longer Waves

The spatial spectrum of short sea waves is locally modulated by the presence of longer waves or currents; in the remote sensing literature, this process is described by the hydrodynamic modulation transfer function (HMTF). Such modulations are important in understanding radar images of sea waves with water wavelengths longer than the radar range resolution. Existing models for the HMTF utilized in remote sensing are based on approximations derived from consideration of conservation of wave action. However, the accuracy of these approximations has been quantified only through comparison with experimental data; in such comparisons, numerous empirical models for terms such as wind forcing and breaking wave dissipation are required, which make direct evaluation of the hydrodynamic effects difficult. A method for providing direct insight into the hydrodynamic modulation of short sea waves by longer waves is described in this paper, through use of numerical nonlinear hydrodynamic codes for sea surface evolution. The codes applied are reviewed, and a Monte Carlo simulation process based on a stochastic spectrum of short waves propagating over a single deterministic long wave is described, including the data analysis techniques developed to extract a numerical HMTF from the simulated surfaces. HMTF values obtained from the simulations are compared with those from a first-order wave action solution and are found to be in reasonable agreement, although differences on the order of 10% are observed. A numerical evaluation of long wave effects on the short wave dispersion relation is also provided
On Dynamic Fracture of Rock Under Bit Impact Loads

A characterization of the dynamic interaction between an impacting tool and rock is presented. The analysis is based on the concept of rock fracture energy and on simple representations of the amount of fracturing and energy storage in the rock during fracture propagation. The governing equations are not complicated. They contain a small number of parameters and impose minimum restrictions on the form or sophistication of the model of the impacting tool. Simulation results are shown for bit-tooth drop tests on Indiana limestone under different values of the differential pressure across the rock face and for various heights of drop. The predicted dynamic force-penetration curves, force-time, displacement-time and velocity-time histories agree well with reported Laboratory data and demonstrate that the essential elements of tooth drop loading are adequately represented by the model.
Quality control of transmembrane domain assembly in the tetraspanin CD82

Retention of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a primary mechanism of quality control. To discover whether quality control can monitor assembly inside the hydrophobic ER membrane, we characterized the folding and transport of the tetraspanin glycoprotein CD82. Truncated forms of CD82 that are missing one or more transmembrane segments remain in the ER. A construct (TM 2–4) that is missing the first transmembrane segment remains in the ER, even though its extracellular domain, which is facing the ER lumen, has folded to the native structure. Transport to the cell surface is restored by co-expressing the missing segment (TM 1) as a separate polypeptide. Prior to leaving the ER, CD82 transiently associates with the membrane-bound chaperone calnexin but not with its soluble homolog calreticulin. TM 2–4, in contrast, remains in a prolonged interaction with calnexin that is partially reversed by co-expressing TM 1. These findings establish a simple system to study transmembrane domain assembly, show that ER quality control can directly monitor assembly inside the lipid bilayer and suggest that calnexin may play a role in this process.
Personalized ranking for digital libraries based on log analysis

Given the exponential increase of indexable context on the Web, ranking is an increasingly difficult problem in information retrieval systems. Recent research shows that implicit feedback regarding user preferences can be extracted from web access logs in order to increase ranking performance. We analyze the implicit user feedback from access logs in the CiteSeer academic search engine and show how site structure can better inform the analysis of clickthrough feedback providing accurate personalized ranking services tailored to individual information retrieval systems. Experiment and analysis shows that our proposed method is more accurate on predicting user preferences than any non-personalized ranking methods when user preferences are stable over time. We compare our method with several non-personalized ranking methods including ranking SVMlight as well as several ranking functions specific to the academic document domain. The results show that our ranking algorithm can reach 63.59% accuracy in comparison to 50.02% for ranking SVMlight and below 43% for all other single feature ranking methods. We also show how the derived personalized ranking vectors can be employed for other ranking-related purposes such as recommendation systems.
An Exploratory Analysis of Terrorism Prevention and Response Preparedness Efforts in Municipal Police Departments in the United States: Which Agencies Participate in Terrorism Prevention and Why?

In the post 9/11 era of homeland security in the United States, American local law enforcement agencies are expected to play an integral role in terrorism prevention and response. Literature suggests that local police agencies are more likely to engage in terrorism response activities than prevention activities because: (1) policymakers place greater emphasis on response, and (2) the prevention component of homeland security is incompatible with traditional policing functions. Missing from the literature is an explanation of why some agencies engage in terrorism prevention activities whereas others do not. To address this research question and other issues concerning terrorism prevention efforts, this study evaluates data from the United States Bureau of Justice Statistics' 2003 Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics Survey. Results show that agencies engaged in terrorism prevention activities were more likely to invest in a few areas of terrorism response preparedness, but they were not...
Priming reduces input activity in right posterior cortex during stem completion

A recent positron emission tomography (PET) study showed reduced blood flow in the right posterior cortex for primed words during a stem completion task, suggesting reduction in processing demand in this area for primed tasks. The time course of this attenuation was studied using event-related potentials (ERPs) in 40 normal subjects. As compared to the unprimed stems, primed stems elicited significantly less positive ERP in the right posterior channels between 60 and 200 ms after presentation of the stem. The results, while confirming the PET findings, implicate involvement of right posterior cortex in bottom-up processing of primed stimuli. In addition to right posterior channels, the primed stems also had attenuated positivity in the right frontal channels after 250 ms of stem presentation, indicating reduced requirement for explicit recall process.
Age effect on fibrinogen and albumin synthesis in humans

A strong association has been reported between atherosclerotic diseases and fibrinogen levels, and a decreased whole body protein synthesis has also been reported with aging. We investigated the ef...
Systems Biology of the MAPK1,2 Network

The Raf/MEK/ERK signaling was the first MAP kinase cascade to be characterized. It is probably one of the most well-known signal transduction pathways among biologists because of its implication in a wide variety of cellular functions as diverse – and occasionally contradictory – as cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, terminal differentiation, and apoptosis. This chapter deals with the role played by the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway from a systems perspective. Data from large-scale and high-throughput experiments indicate that there is extensive cross talk between individual signaling cascades, including the MAPK cascade, leading to the notion of large highly connected signaling networks. The behavior of such complex networks cannot be predicted by simple intuitive approaches but requires sophisticated models and computational simulations. The purpose of such models is to generate experimentally testable hypotheses and to find explanations for unexpected experimental results. Here, we discuss the need for, and the future impact of, mathematical models for exploring MAPK signal transduction in different biological contexts. While the methods and tools are advancing, it is their iterative and combinatorial application that defines the systems biology approach.
Graduate education and training in surgical oncology.

Abstract Training programs in surgical oncology have been developed at a number of institutions in the United States, employing guidelines developed by the Society of Surgical Oncology. Eight training programs have been approved by the Society. The program at the UMDNJ‐New Jersey Medical School is described in detail with comments on its evolution and current methods of training. The extensive advanced training in cancer surgery is complemented by rotations in medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical pathology, and by both laboratory and clinical research experience. In addition, a course in the basic science of oncology is given. Increasing numbers of surgeons‐in‐training are applying to such programs. A list of selected publications in surgical oncology is provided.
Probing E/Z Isomerization on the C10H8 Potential Energy Surface with Ultraviolet Population Transfer Spectroscopy

The excited-state dynamics of phenylvinylacetylene (1-phenyl-1-buten-3-yne, PVA) have been studied using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet depletion spectroscopy, and the newly developed method of ultraviolet population transfer spectroscopy. Both isomers of PVA (E and Z) show a substantial loss in fluorescence intensity as a function of excitation energy. This loss in fluorescence was shown to be due to the turn-on of a nonradiative process by comparison of the laser-induced fluorescence spectrum to the ultraviolet depletion spectrum of each isomer, with a threshold 600 cm(-1) above the electronic origin in Z-PVA and 1000 cm(-1) above the electronic origin in E-PVA. Ab initio and density functional theory calculations have been used to show that the most likely source of the nonradiative process is from the interaction of the pi pi* state with a close lying pi sigma* state whose minimum energy structure is bent along the terminal CCH group. Ultraviolet population transfer spectroscopy has been used to probe the extent to which excited-state isomerization is facilitated by the interaction with the pi sigma* state. In ultraviolet population transfer spectroscopy, each isomer was selectively excited to vibronic levels in the S(1) state with energies above and below the threshold for fluorescence quenching. The ultraviolet-excited populations are then recooled to the zero point levels using a reaction tube designed to constrain the supersonic expansion and increase the collision cooling capacity of the expansion. The new isomeric distribution was detected in a downstream position using resonant-2-photon ionization spectroscopy. From these spectra, relative isomerization quantum yields were calculated as a function of excitation energy. While the fluorescence quantum yield drops by a factor of 50-100, the isomerization quantum yields remain essentially constant, implying that the nonradiative process does not directly involve isomerization. On this basis, we postulate that isomerization occurs on the ground-state potential energy surface after internal conversion. In these experiments, the isomerization to naphthalene was not observed, implying a competition between isomerization and cooling on the ground-state potential energy surface.
Self-consistent perturbation theory for interacting electron systems: II. Semi-empirical treatment for two closed-shell molecules and an application to the Diels-Alder reaction

The self-consistent perturbation theory of the preceding paper is simplified for the use in semi-empirical valence-shell SCF calculations. The validity and limitations of the procedure are tested f...
Osteopontin ablation ameliorates muscular dystrophy by shifting macrophages to a pro-regenerative phenotype

In the degenerative disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy, inflammatory cells enter muscles in response to repetitive muscle damage. Immune factors are required for muscle regeneration, but chronic inflammation creates a profibrotic milieu that exacerbates disease progression. Osteopontin (OPN) is an immunomodulator highly expressed in dystrophic muscles. Ablation of OPN correlates with reduced fibrosis and improved muscle strength as well as reduced natural killer T (NKT) cell counts. Here, we demonstrate that the improved dystrophic phenotype observed with OPN ablation does not result from reductions in NKT cells. OPN ablation skews macrophage polarization toward a pro-regenerative phenotype by reducing M1 and M2a and increasing M2c subsets. These changes are associated with increased expression of pro-regenerative factors insulin-like growth factor 1, leukemia inhibitory factor, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator. Furthermore, altered macrophage polarization correlated with increases in muscle weight and muscle fiber diameter, resulting in long-term improvements in muscle strength and function in mdx mice. These findings suggest that OPN ablation promotes muscle repair via macrophage secretion of pro-myogenic growth factors.
Research of Extinguishing Agent Supplying for the Fire of LNG Spillage

Liquefied natural gas(LNG) as a kind of new energy has been widely focused and significantly developed due to its high calorific value and less pollution.This paper determines the risks of LNG through analyzing the physicochemical properties of LNG.And the supply intensity of water extinguishing agent,dry powder extinguishing agent and foam extinguishing agent are identified with comparing to LPG.Some calculation formulas for the power of extinguishing agent supplying have been provided with combining extinguishing agent supply intensity.The scheme of extinguishing agent supplying and announcements of fire attacking have been proposed for LNG spillage fire.
Functional significance and neural basis of larval lamprey startle behaviour.

1. The vibration-evoked startle response mediates rapid withdrawal in burrowed larval lampreys (ammocoetes). Ammocoetes withdraw in response to vibration by contracting pre-existing lateral bends in the trunk and tail, thus pulling their heads deeper into the burrow. 2. The motor effects of an ammocoete startle response are dependent on pre-existing posture. Areas of lateral body curvature contract more and exhibit larger electromyogram (EMG) amplitudes on their inner sides than on their outer sides. 3. Both of the anterior Mth and posterior Mth9 (Mauthner) cells and both of the B1 and B2 (bulbar) Muller cells fired action potentials in response to vibration of the otic capsules. Both B3 and B4 Muller cells were inhibited by vibration, while M (mesencephalic) and I1 (isthmic) Muller cells were inhibited by ipsilateral vibration and excited by contralateral vibration. 4. Simultaneous action potentials in both of the anterior Mth cells were appropriate and sufficient for initiating the startle response EMG in a semi-intact preparation. 5. This study demonstrates a Mauthner-initiated startle response which activates musculature on both sides of the body to produce a rapid withdrawal movement and is thus adapted to the eel-like form and burrowed lifestyle of larval lampreys.
Circadian rhythms and enhanced athletic performance in the National Football League.

Circadian rhythms produce daily changes in critical elements of athletic performance. We explored the significance of performing at different circadian times in the National Football League (NFL) over the last 25 seasons. West Coast (WC) NFL teams should have a circadian advantage over East Coast (EC) teams during Monday Night Football (MNF) games because WC teams are essentially playing closer to the proposed peak athletic performance time of day. Retrospective data analysis was applied to all games involving WC versus EC teams playing on MNF with start times of 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) from the 1970-1994 seasons. Logistic regression analysis of win-loss records relative to point spreads and home-field advantage was examined. West Coast teams win more often (p < 0.01) and by more points per game than EC teams. West Coast teams are performing significantly (p < 0.01) better than is predicted by the Las Vegas odds (the point spread). This apparent advantage enhances home-field advantage for WC teams and essentially eliminates the beneficial effects of home-field advantage for EC teams during MNF games. These results support the presence of an enhancement of athletic performance at certain circadian times of the day.
Imaging for Regenerative Therapy for PAD

Abstract Angiographic techniques are excellent at assessing patency and status of the larger arteries within the lower extremity in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), but are not quantitative and are unable to assess smaller vessels, including collaterals, or perfusion at the tissue level. The ability to image smaller vessels and measure tissue perfusion are an unmet clinical need in the evaluation of patients with PAD who are candidates for regeneration therapy with stem cells or other angiogenic therapies. Potential improvements with these therapies are more likely to be at the microvascular level, which cannot be assessed by traditional angiography. In this regard, newer techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) perfusion imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEU) are in various stages of development for this important use.