cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel genetic score approach using instruments to investigate interactions between pathways and environment: application to air pollution.

Air pollution has been associated with increased systemic inflammation markers. We developed a new pathway analysis approach to investigate whether gene variants within relevant pathways (oxidative stress, endothelial function, and metal processing) modified the association between particulate air pollution and fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Our study population consisted of 822 elderly participants of the Normative Aging Study (1999–2011). To investigate the role of biological mechanisms and to reduce the number of comparisons in the analysis, we created pathway-specific scores using gene variants related to each pathway. To select the most appropriate gene variants, we used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) to relate independent outcomes representative of each pathway (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine for oxidative stress, augmentation index for endothelial function, and patella lead for metal processing) to gene variants. A high genetic score corresponds to a higher allelic risk profile. We fit mixed-effects models to examine modification by the genetic score of the weekly air pollution association with the outcome. Among participants with higher genetic scores within the oxidative stress pathway, we observed significant associations between particle number and fibrinogen, while we did not find any association among participants with lower scores (pinteraction = 0.04). Compared to individuals with low genetic scores of metal processing gene variants, participants with higher scores had greater effects of particle number on fibrinogen (pinteraction = 0.12), CRP (pinteraction = 0.02), and ICAM-1 (pinteraction = 0.08). This two-stage penalization method is easy to implement and can be used for large-scale genetic applications.
A novel virus genome discovered in an extreme environment suggests recombination between unrelated groups of RNA and DNA viruses

Viruses are known to be the most abundant organisms on earth, yet little is known about their collective origin and evolutionary history. With exceptionally high rates of genetic mutation and mosaicism, it is not currently possible to resolve deep evolutionary histories of the known major virus groups. Metagenomics offers a potential means of establishing a more comprehensive view of viral evolution as vast amounts of new sequence data becomes available for comparative analysis. Bioinformatic analysis of viral metagenomic sequences derived from a hot, acidic lake revealed a circular, putatively single-stranded DNA virus encoding a major capsid protein similar to those found only in single-stranded RNA viruses. The presence and circular configuration of the complete virus genome was confirmed by inverse PCR amplification from native DNA extracted from lake sediment. The virus genome appears to be the result of a RNA-DNA recombination event between two ostensibly unrelated virus groups. Environmental sequence databases were examined for homologous genes arranged in similar configurations and three similar putative virus genomes from marine environments were identified. This result indicates the existence of a widespread but previously undetected group of viruses. This unique viral genome carries implications for theories of virus emergence and evolution, as no mechanism for interviral RNA-DNA recombination has yet been identified, and only scant evidence exists that genetic exchange occurs between such distinct virus lineages. This article was reviewed by EK, MK (nominated by PF) and AM. For the full reviews, please go to the Reviewers' comments section.
Pediatric Enteric Feeding Techniques: Insertion, Maintenance, and Management of Problems

Enteral feeding is considered a widespread, well-accepted means of delivering nutrition to adults and children who are unable to consume food by mouth or who need support in maintaining adequate nutrition for a variety of reasons, including acute and chronic disease states. Delivery of enteral feeding to nutritionally deprived patients may be achieved by several means. In this article, the indications and insertion of enteral access in children will be reviewed. In addition, common complications and management of problems will be discussed.
Acid rain options modeled

Results from new computer models that could allow policymakers to compare different strategies for controlling acid rain will be presented at the AGU Spring Meeting in Baltimore, Md., May 18–21, 1987. The optimization models, developed by scientists from the Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, Md.), are set up so that competing goals—for instance, reducing the deposition of sulfur without wiping out the high-sulfur coal industry— can be taken into account.
A Golgi-Localized Pool of the Mitotic Checkpoint Component Mad1 Controls Integrin Secretion and Cell Migration

Summary Mitotic arrest deficient 1 (Mad1) plays a well-characterized role in the major cell-cycle checkpoint that regulates chromosome segregation during mitosis, the mitotic checkpoint (also known as the spindle assembly checkpoint). During mitosis, Mad1 recruits Mad2 to unattached kinetochores [1, 2], where Mad2 is converted into an inhibitor of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome bound to its specificity factor, Cdc20 [1, 3–6]. During interphase, Mad1 remains tightly bound to Mad2 [2, 3, 7, 8], and both proteins localize to the nucleus and nuclear pores [9, 10], where they interact with Tpr (translocated promoter region). Recently, it has been shown that interaction with Tpr stabilizes both proteins [11] and that Mad1 binding to Tpr permits Mad2 to associate with Cdc20 [12]. However, interphase functions of Mad1 that do not directly affect the mitotic checkpoint have remained largely undefined. Here we identify a previously unrecognized interphase distribution of Mad1 at the Golgi apparatus. Mad1 colocalizes with multiple Golgi markers and cosediments with Golgi membranes. Although Mad1 has previously been thought to constitutively bind Mad2, Golgi-associated Mad1 is Mad2 independent. Depletion of Mad1 impairs secretion of α5 integrin and results in defects in cellular attachment, adhesion, and FAK activation. Additionally, reduction of Mad1 impedes cell motility, while its overexpression accelerates directed cell migration. These results reveal an unexpected role for a mitotic checkpoint protein in secretion, adhesion, and motility. More generally, they demonstrate that, in addition to generating aneuploidy, manipulation of mitotic checkpoint genes can have unexpected interphase effects that influence tumor phenotypes.
Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of methacrolein with chlorine atoms in 1-950 Torr of N2 or N2/O2 diluent at 297 K.

The rate constant of the reaction of Cl atoms with methacrolein (k1) has been measured relative to that of Cl with propane (k2) or cyclohexane (k6) at ambient temperature and pressures varying from 1−950 Torr. The experiments were carried out by irradiation (350 nm) of Cl2/methacrolein/propane or cyclohexane mixtures in N2 or N2/O2 diluent at ambient temperature in a spherical (500 cm3) Pyrex reactor (GC/FID analyses) or a 140 L FTIR smog chamber. The measured relative rate constant ratios in the GC/FID experiments were k1/k2 = 1.464 ± 0.015(2σ) in N2 and k1/k2 = 1.68 ± 0.03(2σ) in N2/O2 diluent (O2 > 20 000 ppm). No pressure dependence was observed over the range studied in N2 (120−950 Torr) using the GC/FID. In the FTIR/smog chamber experiments values of k1/k6 = 0.645 ± 0.032, 0.626 ± 0.037, 0.586 ± 0.026, and 0.479 ± 0.024 were measured in 700, 100, 10, and 1 Torr, respectively, of N2 diluent. Using k2 = (1.4 ± 0.2) × 10−10 and k6 = (3.3 ± 0.5) × 10−10 high pressure limiting rate constants of k1 = (2.0...
Strategies for scheduling power plants producing both heat and electric energy

Abstract The configuration of an optimal energy generation system, which would serve a given energy demand efficiently and economically, is determined. Four plans for the supply of a given, non-transportation community, industrial, and commercial energy load, consisting of steam and electricity requirements, are examined and compared with a current method of generation. Consideration is given primarily to both the utilization of fuel and the economics of power generation. The primary conclusion of this study is that, with existing technology, it is possible to supply the energy requirements of a specific consumer sector using less fuel and at a lower consumer cost than through the current method of energy generation. The results of the analyses show that the autonomous heat and power method, by which an industrial concern generates all of its electrical and thermal energy requirements using a total energy system (TES), is the configuration of the optimal energy-generation system under current conditions. Cogeneration is an attractive alternative and may be advantageous in certain situations. The dispatched power method, in which the industrial concern operates a TES as a peaking unit for the local utility, has the greatest economic potential if proper utility-industry accommodations can be enacted.
Electrostatic-Discharge Awareness & Control ߝ An R&M 2000 Issue

As weapon systems become more sophisticated to meet multiple complex hostile threats, there will be an increasing reliance upon a high density of analog and digital microelectronic components, modules, and subsystems. Hybrid microelectronics are moving toward submicron geometries for semiconductor components, multilayer interconnects, and higher component densities on larger area substrates. This miniaturization increases the susceptibility of microelectronic circuitry to electrical overstress (EOS) and electrostatic discharge (ESD). Since EOS and ESD directly affect reliability and maintainability, procedures must be developed to account for them in engineering design, manufacturing, and testing. Over the past several years, there has been a concerted effort to raise ESD awareness at all levels of design and production at Motorola and other electronic firms. This paper briefly describes what measures should be considered and presents examples of their implementation at Motorola to increase reliability, lower costs, and reduce maintainability factors.
Neonatal and infant physiology—impact of cardiopulmonary bypass in the developing patient

Cardiopulmonary bypass has been extended to the very young patient undergoing operative correction of congenital heart defects. Growth and development of the central nervous, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal systems place significant metabolic and nutritional demands on cellular growth and repair. Immature homeostatic regulation and cellular function require modification of the approaches to preservation of organs and cardiovascular support used in older children and adults undergoing open-heart surgery. Aspects of newborn and infant physiology relevant to cardiopulmonary bypass and postoperative care are reviewed. Current approaches and future strategies designed to address the needs of the developing patient who requires cardiopulmonary bypass are discussed.
Signal reshaping of FM signal

An algorithm is proposed for signal reshaping based on FM zero-crossing. By means of this algorithm, the signal can be companded and clipped. By using the analogy between this process and the cyclic queue model for multiprogramming, a simple and nonexpensive technique is obtained to process the signal in FM zero-crossing digital form. >
Minimum Variance Unbiased Estimators for Poisson Probabilities

This paper considers the problem of estimating Poisson probabilities or relative frequencies and some extensions of that problem. It is shown how minimum variance unbiased estimators based on a simple random sample of 72 observations on a Poisson process may be easily developed. Variances of the estimators and estimators for their variances are derived. Comparisons with maximum likelihood estimators and with distribution-free relative frequency estimators are made and illustrated with two examples.
Core-level spectroscopy of the 4f states of rare earths

Abstract Soft X-ray appearance-potential spectroscopy (SXAPS) is a high resolution core-level technique for probing the local density of conduction-band states of solid surfaces. This technique has been exploited to investigate the distribution of 4f states of the rare earth metals. The spectra reflect the transitions of the N 4,5 (4d) electrons to the unoccupied 4f states. These states split into a multiplet as a result of the exchange interaction between the 4f electrons and 4d holes. Multiplicity of this configuration depends upon the number of 4f electrons. A systematic study of the spectral features of rare earth series metals does not reveal any regular or orderly changes, unlike the spectra of 3d transition series metals. These results confirm that the spectra of rare earths are amenable to interpretation in terms of the atomic-like transitions involving exchange interaction rather than in terms of the continuous interband transitions. The experimental results are discussed in the light of the above theoretical considerations.
Memory strength and recency judgments.

Two experiments were done to examine the effect of memory strength on numerical judgment of recency (JOR). In one experiment, the strong versus weak manipulation was defined by stimulus type (pictures vs. names); and in the other, it was defined by long versus short study durations of pictures. Two hypotheses were contrasted: (1) that strong items seem more recent than weak items (theactivation hypothesis), and (2) that JORs are more accurate for strong items than for weak items (theaccuracy hypothesis). Results of both experiments supported the activation hypothesis. On the basis of these and previous results, it is argued that recency is inferred partly from a memory’s strength or activation and partly from some other time-related clue to the age of the memory.
STUDIES OF CYCLIC AMP ACTION USING MUTANT TISSUE CULTURE CELLS

S49 mouse lymphoma cell mutants, each with a specific defect in its ability to generate or respond to cyclic AMP, have been isolated. Analysis of the properties of these cells has begun to provide information on complex and significant biologic problems related to the cyclic AMP system.
Visits of distant-living adult children and elderly parents

Abstract This article describes and analyzes the visiting patterns of 40 adult children and elderly parents who live at least 200 miles from each other. Visiting patterns are described as ritual of renewal in five stages: (1) preparation and planning; (2) travel and greetings; (3) adjustment; (4) settling in; and (5) separation and departure. The analysis considers a number of factors that influence distant visiting patterns and satisfaction including sociodemographic variables, extent of distance, parents' health status, and situational factors. Researchers concerned with intergenerational relationships and communications in complex societies should not restrict their inquiries to groups that remain bounded in ethnic and urban neighborhoods, but should begin to study relationships and communications beyond specially bounded communities.
COMPARISON OF THE POTENCY OF POLYVALENT ANTIMENINGOCOCCUS SERUM PRODUCED WITH FOUR AND SIX REPRESENTATIVE STRAINS AND THAT PRODUCED WITH SIXTY STRAINS, AS DETERMINED BY THE AGGLUTINATION TITER

The potency of a polyvalent antimeningococcus serum, as tested by its agglutination titer, was sacrificed by immunization with a large number of strains of the meningococcus. By immunization with a limited number of representative strains, four or six, carefully selected on account of their antigenic and agglutination properties, the potency was increased three- to tenfold without sacrificing the polyvalency; that is, as tested with at least 70 heterologous strains of the meningococcus. The agglutination titer, unfortunately, is not an entirely satisfactory criterion of therapeutic potency, but it is the only practical method available that determines also the polyvalent action of antimeningococcus serum.
The mechanism of the photooxidation of ammonia

Computer simulation of the product rates and quantum yields has been made to test the feasibility of mechanism alternatives for N2 and N2O formation in the photooxidation of NH3. It is concluded that the older Gesser mechanism for nitrogen formation is still consistent with all of the available kinetic information on this system: NH3 + hν → NH2 + H; NH2 + O2 → NO + H2O; NH2 + NO → N2 + H2O. The recent alternative mechanism of Jayanty, Simonaitis, and Heicklen may occur, but this remains unproven. Experiments are suggested which will allow a more definitive mechanism choice.
LARGE-ANGLE CORRELATIONS IN EVAPORATIVE PARTICLE EMISSION : SHAPE DISTORTION ? SURFACE EXPANSION ?

Evaporation-like emission of light particles (n, H, He...) has been observed for many nuclear reactions that populate composite nuclei with temperatures of up to ≤ 5 MeV and spins as high as ≤ 150h. The measured average energies for the light charged particles are often significantly lower than calculations for evaporation from spherical nuclei. Detailed calculations have not been reported for the role of deformation in evaporative emission patterns, and thus the interpretation of such data has been severely limited. In this paper we describe a method for making evaporation calculations for deformed nuclei, and we present results for several systems. The trends of the calculated results are compared to those for spherical emitters in order to get a feeling for those effects peculiar to the deformations. The patterns of calculated spectra and angular distributions encourage the notion that such studies can give valuable clues to the shapes and surface properties of these very hot nuclei. Comparisons are made to experimental data for 1H-4He and 4He-4He correlations in the reaction 337 MeV 40Ar + natAg. These comparisons point out some novel features of the nuclear surface.
Age-related differences in the biaxial biomechanical behavior of human abdominal aorta

The biomechanical response of abdominal aortic tissue to uniaxial loading conditions has been reported previously [1]. This testing identified the uniaxial mechanical response of aortic tissue to specimens oriented in the longitudinal and circumferential directions, but did not provide significant evidence for the isotropy or anisotropy of this tissue. The information taken from uniaxial tensile testing is insufficient for the characterization of the multi-axial mechanical response of aortic tissue. In particular, the uniaxial response of a biological tissue in a given direction does not incorporate the effects of loading in an orthogonal direction. For these reasons, there exists a need for an enhanced description of the mechanical response of aortic tissue to loading in multiple planar directions. For the current investigation, biaxial tensile testing was performed on normal abdominal aortic tissue in order to gain insight into the anisotropy and age related differences of the biomechanical response of this tissue.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Melanocytic nevi simulant of melanoma with medicolegal relevance

A group of melanocytic benign nevi are prone to be misdiagnosed as nodular or superficial spreading melanoma. This review illustrates the most frequent forms of these nevi in direct comparison with their malignant morphologic counterparts. The nevi are: hyper-cellular form of common nevus to be distinguished from nevoid melanoma, Spitz nevus (vs spitzoid melanoma), Reed nevus (vs melanoma with features of Reed nevus), cellular atypical blue nevus (vs melanoma on blue nevus), acral nevus (vs acral melanoma), Clark dysplastic nevus (vs superficial spreading melanoma), desmoplastic nevi (vs desmoplastic melanoma), benign proliferative nodules in congenital nevi (vs melanoma on congenital nevi), epithelioid blue nevus (vs animal type melanoma) and regressed nevus (vs regressed melanoma). For each single 'pair' of morphological look-alikes, a specific set of morphological, immunohistochemical and genetic criteria is provided.
Distribution of the anionic sites in the cell wall of apple fruit after calcium treatment: Quantitation and visualization by a cationic colloidal gold probe

The ripening and softening of fleshy fruits involves biochemical changes in the cell wall. These changes reduce cell wall strength and lead to cell separation and the formation of intercellular spaces. Calcium, a constituent of the cell wall, plays an important role in interacting with pectic acid polymers to form cross-bridges that influence cell wall strength. In the present study, cationic colloidal gold was used for light and electron microscopic examinations to determine whether the frequency and distribution of anionic binding sites in the walls of parenchyma cells in the apple were influenced by calcium, which was pressure infiltrated into mature fruits. Controls were designed to determine the specificity of this method for in muro labelling of the anionic sites on the pectin polymers. The results indicate that two areas of the cell wall were transformed by the calcium treatment: the primary cell walls on either side of the middle lamella and the middle lamella intersects that delineate the intercellular spaces. The data suggest that calcium ions reduce fruit softening by strengthening the cell walls, thereby preventing cell separation that results in formation of intercellular spaces.
Reaction of bulky monosubstituted phosphorus(III) halides with disodium tetracarbonylferrate. Steric and electronic factors in the synthesis of Fe(CO)4 complexes of diphosphene and phosphinidene ligands

Reaction of Na/sub 2/Fe(CO)/sub 4/ with a bulky monosubstituted phosphorus(III) halide RPCl/sub 2/ where R = Mes (2,4,6-Me/sub 3/C/sub 6/H/sub 2/), CH/sub 2/SiMe/sub 3/, CH(SiMe/sub 3/)/sub 2/, N(SiMe/sub 3/)/sub 2/, -OC/sub 6/H/sub 2/-2,6-t-Bu/sub 2/-4-Me, or -OC/sub 6/H/sub 2/-2,4,6-t-Bu/sub 3/ yields products in which the phosphorus center behaves as either a diphosphene or a bridging phosphinidene group. The type of product depends on the substituent used. The synthesis of two precursor ligands, 2,4,6,-t-Bu/sub 3/C/sub 6/H/sub 2/OPCl/sub 2/ and 4-Me-2,6-t-Bu/sub 2/C/sub 6/H/sub 2/OPCl/sub 2/, and eight iron carbonyl complexes involving various diphosphene and phosphinidene ligand are described and discussed in the context of the corresponding chromium carbonyl complexes.
Germ-line gene therapy: a new stage of debate.

Ethical debate on human germ-line gene therapy is in a new stage. After an era when only individual convictions could be examined, technology is on a threshold of real possibilities. Germ-line gene therapy can conceivably be carried out in either of two practical ways: 1) insertion of a gene into a pre-embryo, which is the subject of this paper, or 2) insertion of a gene into the germ cells of an individual. Transgenic animal research and pre-implantation embryo diagnosis have implications for human embryonic germ-line experiments to correct single gene disorders. When would such experiments be feasible and ethically acceptable? If further animal research supports it, we argue for a moral obligation to learn if human germ-line experiments are feasible and safe to attempt. The obligation is grounded in several social-ethical principles that lead society and researchers to set gods for studies that promisc to relieve and to prevent human suffering and premature death. These principles also shape the practices and restrictions of biomedical research.
Great expectations: can international emissions trading deliver an equitable climate regime?

Abstract Climate change equity debates tend to focus on achieving a fair and global ‘allocation’ of emission rights among countries. Allocation proposals typically envision, if implicitly, two purposes for international emissions trading. First, trading is expected to serve as a cost-effective means of promoting compliance with emissions targets. Second, trading is posited as a means to generate financial transfers, typically from industrialized to transitioning and developing countries. This article investigates the common assumption that international emissions trading will effectively serve both of these purposes. We conclude that the two purposes might not be mutually supportive, and that efforts to use international emissions trading as a financial transfer mechanism may potentially undermine cost-effectiveness goals. International emissions trading on a global scale would create new risks in terms of both cost-effectiveness and environmental performance, some of which will be challenging to manage. In particular, uncertainties over market prices and trading eligibility, coupled with the costs of participation, may together be the Achilles heel of some allocation proposals that entail large financial transfers from industrialized to developing countries. Any proposal for an ‘equitable’ allocation of emission allowances, we conclude, must be cognizant of the risks and costs implied by a reliance on international emissions trading. We offer some suggestions to this end.
Automatic generation of ModelSim-Matlab interface for RTL debugging and verification

We present a system Verilog/C code creation and compilation system that creates a ModelSim-Matlab shared memory interface optimized for the input/output specification of the user Verilog or VHDL. We describe how our interface approach is an improvement over the commercially available Mathworks Link for ModelSim, which requires the user to complete Verilog or VHDL data type conversion using slow m-files and to write interrupt-driven callback functions. Our interface approach frees the user from data type conversion and has the user write sequential test scripts but also takes advantage of a delayed-simulation execution technique to reduce simulation time. We demonstrate the utility of our interface approach by comparing a test script for a pipeline FFT processor to the corresponding Link for ModelSim version.
Earnings Benchmarks and the Information Content of Quarterly Foreign Earnings of U.S. Multinational Companies

The meeting of earnings benchmarks is considered important for investors. The chief financial officers of U.S. companies state that the three most important earnings thresholds to meet are the earnings in the same quarter last year, the analysts' earnings forecast for the current quarter, and zero earnings. These earnings benchmarks have been defined in terms of total earnings. For U.S. multinational firms, total earnings consist primarily of domestic earnings and foreign earnings. We conduct an event study where we examine (1) the stock market reaction to meeting or beating quarterly domestic and foreign earnings benchmarks and (2) the market reaction to the changes in quarterly domestic and foreign earnings, while we control for meeting or beating the analysts' earnings forecast and the analysts' earnings forecast surprise. We find that the quarterly financial statement disclosure of domestic and foreign earnings under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 supplies investors with valuable information that was not previously disseminated through financial analysts or other sources. The stock market reaction to meeting or beating foreign earnings from the same quarter in the prior year is stronger than the market reaction to meeting or beating domestic earnings from the same quarter in the prior year.
Disposition of drugs in cystic fibrosis. I. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.

The disposition of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, after constant rate intravenous administration (10 mg/kg/hr sulfamethoxazole and 2 mg/kg/hr trimethoprim for 1 hour), was investigated in adult patients with cystic fibrosis (n = 7) and in age-matched healthy subjects (control subjects, n = 8). The total plasma clearance of sulfamethoxazole was found to be increased in cystic fibrosis (0.0262 ± 0.0064 L/hr/kg) when compared with that found in control subjects (0.0188 ± 0.0043 L/hr/kg). This increase in clearance was found to be primarily attributable to an increase in the metabolic clearance of sulfamethoxazole to N4-acetylsulfamethoxazole (0.00903 ± 0.00247 versus 0.00355 ± 0.00049 L/hr/kg) with the renal clearance of sulfamethoxazole remaining unchanged. These conclusions were not altered when the pharmacokinetic parameters were computed for the unbound drug or when they were normalized with respect to body surface area. These data indicate that, in cystic fibrosis, the enzymes mediating the metabolism of sulfamethoxazole to N4-acetylsulfamethoxazole, N-acetyltransferase(s), may be induced, activated, or both, or that the uptake of sulfamethoxazole by cells that metabolize sulfamethoxazole to N4-acetylsulfamethoxazole is enhanced. The total plasma clearance of trimethoprim was also found to be increased in cystic fibrosis (0.1808 ± 0.0440 L/hr/kg) when compared with that found in control subjects (0.1139 ± 0.0193 L/hr/kg). In contrast to sulfamethoxazole, this increase in clearance was found to be primarily attributable to an increase in the renal clearance of trimethoprim (0.1240 ± 0.0299 versus 0.0720 ± 0.0166 L/hr/kg). These data indicate that the tubular secretion of trimethoprim may be enhanced in cystic fibrosis. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1991) 49, 402–409; doi:10.1038/clpt.1991.47
Micro-CT Image-Derived Metrics Quantify Arterial Wall Distensibility Reduction in a Rat Model of Pulmonary Hypertension

We developed methods to quantify arterial structural and mechanical properties in excised rat lungs and applied them to investigate the distensibility decrease accompanying chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Lungs of control and hypertensive (three weeks 11% O2) animals were excised and a contrast agent introduced before micro-CT imaging with a special purpose scanner. For each lung, four 3D image data sets were obtained, each at a different intra-arterial contrast agent pressure. Vessel segment diameters and lengths were measured at all levels in the arterial tree hierarchy, and these data used to generate features sensitive to distensibility changes. Results indicate that measurements obtained from 3D micro-CT images can be used to quantify vessel biomechanical properties in this rat model of pulmonary hypertension and that distensibility is reduced by exposure to chronic hypoxia. Mechanical properties can be assessed in a localized fashion and quantified in a spatially-resolved way or as a single parameter describing the tree as a whole. Micro-CT is a nondestructive way to rapidly assess structural and mechanical properties of arteries in small animal organs maintained in a physiological state. Quantitative features measured by this method may provide valuable insights into the mechanisms causing the elevated pressures in pulmonary hypertension of differing etiologies and should become increasingly valuable tools in the study of complex phenotypes in small-animal models of important diseases such as hypertension.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Clinical significance of persistent amniotic fluid leakage after genetic amniocentesis

Chronic amniotic fluid leakage is a rare complication of genetic amniocentesis. Pregnancy outcomes in two such patients are presented and six previous cases reviewed. Although chorioamnionitis has not been reported, potentially serious complications may occur including an increased risk for pre-term delivery and fetal skeletal deformity. While conservative management of post-amniocentesis amniotic fluid leakage is advocated, patients should be advised of these risks.
Using 2-Interactive Measures in Nonlinear Classifications

Within the classification algorithms based on signed fuzzy measures, an obvious limitation is the complexity of the algorithms due to the large number of interactions among attributes. For a data set with n attributes, the complexity of classification algorithm would be O (2n). But in the practical problems, the higher-order interactions among attributes are often not significant enough to the classification. So sometimes omitting them just sacrifices the accuracy a little but will save a lot of time and energy. Hence, a 2-interactive measure may be used to reduce the calculation complexity into O (n2). In this study, the Mobius Transformation and its reverse - Zeta Transformation are used to calculate the 2-interactions among attributes for the records. A comprehensive discussion on the semantic and geometric meanings of the parameters is given. The weighted Choquet integral with respect to a signed fuzzy measure serves as an aggregation tool to project the feature space onto a real axis to make the classification simple. To implement the classification, we need to determine the values of the signed fuzzy measure and the other parameters. This can be done by running an adaptive genetic algorithm based on a given training data set. The new classifier is tested by recovering the preset parameters from a set of artificial training data generated from these parameters.
Mobilization of Intracellular Copper Stores by the Ctr2 Vacuolar Copper Transporter

Copper plays an essential role in processes including signaling to the transcription and protein trafficking machinery, oxidative phosphorylation, iron mobilization, neuropeptide maturation, and normal development. Whereas much is known about intracellular mobilization of ions such as calcium, little information is available on how eukaryotic cells mobilize intracellular copper stores. We describe a mechanism by which the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ctr2 protein provides bioavailable copper via mobilization of intracellular copper stores. Whereas Ctr2 exhibits structural similarity to the Ctr1 plasma membrane copper importer, microscopic and biochemical fractionation studies localize Ctr2 to the vacuole membrane. We demonstrate that Ctr2 mobilizes vacuolar copper stores in a manner dependent on amino acid residues conserved between the Ctr1 and Ctr2 copper transport family and that ctr2Δ mutants hyper-accumulate vacuolar copper. Furthermore, a Ctr2 mutant that is mislocalized to the plasma membrane stimulates extracellular copper uptake, supporting a direct role for Ctr2 in copper transport across membranes. These studies identify a novel mechanism for copper mobilization and suggest that organisms cope with copper deprivation via the use of intracellular vesicular stores.
What education production functions really show: a positive theory of education expenditures

The accumulated results of empirical studies show that the public sector typically chooses spending on inputs such that the productivity of additional spending on books and instructional materials is 10 to 100 times larger than that of additional spending on teacher inputs (for example, higher wages, small class size). The authors argue that this pervasive and systemic deviation of actual spending from the technical optimum requires a political, not economic or technical, explanation. The evidence is consistent only with a class of positive models in which public spending choices are directly influenced by a desire for higher spending on teacher inputs, over and above their role in producing educational outputs. This desire could be due either to teacher power, or bureaucratic budget-maximizing behavior, or political patronage. The authors conclude by exploring the implications of these positive political models of educational spending behavior for various types of proposed educational reforms (localized control, parental participation, vouchers, and so on) which requires an examination of how the proposed reforms shift the relative powers of the stakeholders in the educational system: students and parents, educators, bureaucrats, and politicians.
The microdetermination of testosterone in human spermatic vein blood.

A procedure for microdetermination of testosterone in human spermatic vein blood is presented. C14-testosterone was added to the plasma to facilitate chemical studies. The plasma was extracted with ether and partitioned between petroleum ether and 70 per cent ethanol. The alcohol fraction was treated with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and the derivative was chromatographed on 2 different columns to constant specific activity. The validity of the method was tested further by changing the derivative obtained from dog plasmas to the free steroid, re-processing it, and demonstrating that the specific activity was not changed by these procedures. Data obtained from clinical material showed that the level of testosterone in human spermatic vein blood varies from 1.6 to 0.025 μg. per cc. of plasma, and decreases with aging.
Mechanism Design for Daily Deals

Daily deals are very popular in today's e-commerce. In this work, we study the problem of mechanism design for a daily deal website to maximize its revenue and obtain the following results. (1) For the Bayesian setting, we first design a revenue-optimal incentive-compatible (IC) mechanism with pseudo-polynomial time complexity. Considering the high computational complexity of the mechanism, we then develop a greedy mechanism that is much more computationally efficient yet maintains a constant competitive ratio regarding the Bayesian optimal revenue in expectation. (2) For the prior-independent setting, we first propose a randomized IC mechanism with a pseudo-polynomial time complexity that can achieve a constant competitive ratio. Then, by leveraging the greedy mechanism designed for the Bayesian setting, we come up with a new mechanism that can achieve a good tradeoff between computational efficiency and competitive ratio. After that, we discuss the robustness issue regarding the two mechanisms (i.e., they both use the trick of random partition and may perform badly for the worst-case partition) and propose an effective way to guarantee a constant competitive ratio even for the worst-case partition.
Distributed supply chain simulation in a DEVS/CORBA execution environment

The emerging electronic commerce and rapidly changing business environments place strong requirements on a next-generation supply-chain analyzer to simulate the flow of goods through the entire supply chain in a timely manner. Such requirements include scalable and efficient model execution and support for flexible future extensibility based on an open industry standard. This paper presents design considerations for a supply chain modeling and simulation environment to execute in a parallel and distributed manner on a DEVS/CORBA run time infrastructure. We recall that DEVS (Discrete Event System Specification) is a sound formal modeling and simulation framework based on generic dynamic systems concepts that can integrate into a parallel and distributed run time infrastructure. CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) is an open standard that is rapidly gaining universal business acceptance. It can be employed as middleware to support a heterogeneous, network-centric, distributed computing environment that includes modeling and simulation as well as other business objects. Implementing a distributed supply chain simulator in a DEVS/CORBA execution environment not only may significantly improve execution speed but also may provide an advanced supply chain model development capability based on the DEVS modeling and simulation framework.
Ménétrier’s Disease Therapy: Rebooting Mucosal Signaling

Menetrier’s disease, a rare hyperproliferative disorder of the stomach, is associated with chronic abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss, and edema, as well as an increased risk of gastric cancer. Therapy, other than surgical resection of the stomach, is limited to supportive measures and reflects the limited understanding of Menetrier’s disease pathogenesis. Data reported in this issue describe a promising targeted therapeutic approach and provide new insight into the causes of Menetrier’s disease.
Experimental Investigation of Steady and Unsteady Flow Field Downstream of an Automotive Torque Converter Turbine and Inside the Stator: Part I — Flow at the Exit of Turbine

The objective of this investigation is to understand the steady and the unsteady flow field at the exit of an automotive torque converter turbine and inside the stator with a view towards improving its performance. The measurements were conducted in a stationary frame of reference using a high frequency response five-hole probe and the data were processed to derive the flow properties in the relative (turbine) frame of reference. The experimental data were processed in the frequency domain by spectrum analysis and in temporal-spatial domain by ensemble averaging technique. The flow properties (e.g. pressure and velocity) were resolved into mean, periodic, aperiodic and unresolved components. A velocity profile similar to that of a fully developed flow was observed at all radii. The periodic data in relative reference frame revealed a small separation zone near the suction surface in the core region. The rms values of the unresolved component were found to be significantly higher in this region. The secondary flow vectors show underturning, radially inward flow in the entire passage with a small region of overturning near the separation zone. The overall flow at the turbine exit was nearly two dimensional in nature except in the zone of flow separation. The unsteady flow data shows that unresolved and aperiodic components dominate the unsteadiness in the pressure whereas the periodic components dominate the unsteadiness in velocities and flow angles. Pressure and velocity fluctuations were moderate whereas the flow angle fluctuations were found to be high. The overall flow at the exit of turbine was found to be highly unsteady.Copyright © 1995 by ASME
Phylogenetic Approaches to the Identification and Characterization of Protein Families and Superfamilies

With the advent of megabase genome sequencing, the need for computational analyses increases exponentially. Sequencing errors must be corrected, encoded proteins must be identified, functions must be assigned to these proteins, and distant phylogenetic relationships must be recognized in order to maximize the yield of information obtainable from genome sequencing projects. Both the computer and the human brain have their limitations, but using them in combination, the biologist can vastly extend his or her analytic capabilities. Computer techniques can be used to estimate protein structure, function, biogenesis, and evolution. In this review, the application of available computer programs to several protein families, particularly transport, receptor, and transcriptional regulatory protein families, illustrate our current capabilities and limitations. Although some multidomain protein families are evolutionarily homogeneous, others have mosaic origins. Evidence concerning the nature and frequency of occurr...
Rift to drift transition in the South Atlantic salt basins: A new flavor of oceanic crust

The crustal structure of the continent-ocean transition zone in the South Atlantic salt basins is poorly understood. Current interpretations place the limits of oceanic crust at the distal salt limits, with sub-salt crust consisting of rifted continental crust and, in some versions, varying amounts of exhumed mantle. Plate reconstructions that map these limits of oceanic crust onto appropriate-age restorations show poor geometric fits, with unexplained gaps and overlaps. One possible reason for the poor fits is that the distal salt limits are not the real limits of oceanic crust. In this paper we investigate this option by mapping rift basins and seaward-dipping reflectors whose seaward edges mark significant structural boundaries as much as 300 km inboard of the distal salt limits. We interpret these boundaries, which match geometrically in a salt-age (Aptian) plate reconstruction, to be the limits of oceanic crust. We suggest that salt was deposited as seafloor spreading commenced and that, as the South Atlantic opened, salt flowed over the ridge axis, sealing off the extrusive component of oceanic crust, resulting in formation of intrusive oceanic crust. Seafloor spreading eventually broke through the thinning salt, forming breakthrough volcanoes preserved today as basement ramps at the distal salt limits. These ramps formed diachronously, so the distal salt limits are not isochrons, explaining the poor fit of these features in plate reconstructions.
Optimum Flap Angles for Roll Control on Wings with Multiple Trailing-Edge Flaps

This research effort explores the use of multiple trailing-edge flaps for efficiently generating rolling moment on aircraft. Using the concept of basic and additional lift distributions, the induced drag of the wing is expressed in terms of the flap angles. The theory of relative extrema is then used to determine the optimum flaps angles for minimum induced drag with a constraint on the rolling moment. By setting the mean of the flap angle for operation of the wing within the low-drag range, profile drag is also minimized. The general methodology can also be used on tailless aircraft and to study the effect of failure modes such as a stuck flap. The results show that multiple flaps can be used to generate rolling moments with lower drag than when ailerons are used. They also provide redundancy that helps efficiently handle control failures such as stuck flaps. The current research serves as a starting point for further investigation into the use of multiple flaps for efficient aircraft control.
Interference with JH Production as a Possible Cause for the Effect of Precocene II on Sex Attractancy in the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Interference with sex attractancy in virgin males of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), results from topical application of precocene II. A relationship between JH and pheromone synthesis or release in virgin males is suggested by the finding that (1) enhancement of sex attractancy in juvenile hormone analog-treated males and (2) recovery of sex attractancy in precocene-treated males resulted from the application of the juvenile hormone analog, ZR-512. Precocene II application to virgin females 1 day posteclosion prevented ovary growth, indirectly supporting the belief that precocene acts by interfering with JH production in male flies. Lack of ovary growth in precocene-treated females was reversed by JH III application.
Cripping (with) Proust: Toward a Convalescent Athleticism

In a series of works from Contre Sainte-Beuve to Le Temps retrouve, Proust develops an insistently convalescent literary practice, one grounded in a resistance to cure as resolution in health. Reading Proust's writing as a process of subversive self-doctoring, rather than a means to curative rehabilitation, my project argues for a Proustian ‘convalescent athleticism’ as an affirmatively asthmatic variant of Artaud's affective athleticism. In this ‘crip’ literary practice, Proust anticipates, and perhaps even exceeds, both Deleuze's athletic literature as ‘little health’ and the critique, in contemporary disability studies, of the compulsory able-bodiedness that, as Robert McRuer argues, lies at the core of all composition.
CPER Theory ana Its Implementation

CPFR can help partners to establish more accurate forecasting and effective replenishment Planning. It can increase sales and reduce inventory while maintaining high-level Service. Based on a series of business processes, the partners set up the sales and operation plan. The sales plan and replenishment plan are updated by means of electronic communication, which improves the accuracy of planning and effectively re- duces the cost. The organization methods, data organization, business rules and hardware/software standards are suggested for the impementation of CPFR.