cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of phospholipids on the transformation of amorphous calcium phosphate to hydroxyapatitein vitro

The conversion of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) to crystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) was studiedin vitro in the presence or absence of phosphatidyl serine (PS) and other phospholipids. ACP transformation and HA crystal growth were monitored by electron microscopy, selected-area electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction, and by measuring supernatant calcium and phosphate. PS, and other acidic phospholipids, had a significant stabilizing effect on ACP. With preformed ACP at ratios of only 1 lipid molecule per 30–50 Ca atoms, PS markedly delayed HA crystal formation. When PS was present during ACP precipitation, inhibition of conversion to HA was less pronounced, but crystal habit and aggregation were greatly altered resulting in stacks of thin, membrane-like sheets approximately 38–42 A thick. PS appeared to be most effective in blocking ACP to HA conversion when oriented primarily on the surface; it most affected subsequent crystal formation when distributed throughout the amorphous precursor. Phospholipids possessing anionic, and hence Ca-binding properties, were effective in stabilizing ACP; neutral zwitterion lipids, which have amphipathic properties but do not bind Ca, were not. In view of the presence of anionic lipids in matrix vesicles and their association with early mineral deposits, the current findings add further evidence that lipids may play a role in the control of normal mineralizationin vivo.
The additional benefits of hormone replacement therapy

Abstract The menopause is a time of significant physiological change in the lives of women. In addition to the multiple hormonal changes and symptoms of menopause, aging women are at increased risk for serious medical illness. The benefits of estrogen replacement therapy for the preservation of bone and decreased fracture incidence, improvement of lipid profile, and prevention of cardiovascular disease are well known. In addition, recent research has revealed a potential role for estrogen therapy in the prevention of colon cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and macular degeneration. Large prospective trials have demonstrated a significant reduction in the development of colon cancer among current users of estrogen replacement therapy compared with in non-users. Alzheimer’s disease is a significant health problem that affects older adults and therefore, postmenopausal women. A fair number of observational studies have suggested that estrogen may play a role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Additional studies have suggested that estrogen may improve cognitive function among menopausal women without dementia, but it appears to have little effect on cognitive function in women with established Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness among menopausal women. Several studies have suggested that the use of estrogen may reduce the incidence of macular degeneration compared with non-users. Epidemiological studies have shown a potential benefit of estrogen in the areas of colon cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and macular degeneration. However, prospective, randomized trials are necessary to definitively answer these questions.
A Novel Method to Analyze Electromagnetic Scattering of Complex Objects

The finite-difference time-domain (FD-TD) method is proposed as a means of accurately computing electromagnetic scattering by arbitrary-shaped extremely complex metal or dielectric objects excited by an external plane wave. In the proposed method, one first uses the FD-TD method to compute the near total fields within a rectangular volume which fully encloses the object. Then, an electromagnetic-field equivalence principle is invoked at a virtual surface of this rectangular volume to transform the tangential near scattered fields to the far field. To verify the feasibility of this method, the surface currents, near scattered fields, far scattered fields, and radar cross section of two canonical two-dimensional objects are presented. For these cases, it is shown that the FD-TD method provides magnitude of current and field predictions which are within ± 2.5 percent and further phase values within ± 30 of values predicted by the method of moments ( MOM) at virtually every point including in shadow regions.
Modelling near-surface soil temperature and moisture for germination response predictions of post-wildfire seedbeds

A major contributor to degradation on rangelands in the western United States is the expansion of undesirable annual weeds following wildfire or other disturbance. The Simultaneous Heat and Water (SHAW) model was applied to three soil types (loamy sand, sandy loam, and silt loam) to simulate near-surface soil temperature and water for predicting potential seed germination in post-wildfire revegetation. Three parameterization methods including initial parameter estimates, calibrated parameters, and measured moisture-release curve parameters were compared to assess the effect of parameter uncertainty on germination prediction. Initial parameters for the sandy loam soil resulted in an underprediction of germination times by 4.7 days for cheatgrass to 12.8 days for bluebunch wheatgrass compared to germination estimated from measured soil temperature and water conditions. Initial parameters resulted in predicted germination within 2 days of estimates for the other two soils. Model calibration to optimize the surface 20-cm water-content did not necessarily improve predicted germination. Model simulations using measured moisture-release curves resulted in germination prediction within a few days relative to estimates for all sites. Results suggest that the model can be used for long-term simulations of seedbed microclimate necessary to evaluate potential germination response of revegetation species and their weedy competitors.
Phenology and climate relationships in aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) forest and woodland communities of southwestern Colorado

Abstract Trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) occurs over wide geographical, latitudinal, elevational, and environmental gradients, making it a favorable candidate for a study of phenology and climate relationships. Aspen forests and woodlands provide numerous ecosystem services, such as high primary productivity and biodiversity, retention and storage of environmental variables (precipitation, temperature, snow–water equivalent) that affect the spring and fall phenology of the aspen woodland communities of southwestern Colorado. We assessed the land surface phenology of aspen woodlands using two phenology indices, start of season time (SOST) and end of season time (EOST), from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) database of conterminous U.S. phenological indicators over an 11-year time period (2001–2011). These indicators were developed with 250 m resolution remotely sensed data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer processed to highlight vegetation response. We compiled data on SOST, EOST, elevation, precipitation, air temperature, and snow water equivalent (SWE) for selected sites having more than 80% cover by aspen woodland communities. In the 11-year time frame of our study, EOST had significant positive correlation with minimum fall temperature and significant negative correlation with fall precipitation. SOST had a significant positive correlation with spring SWE and spring maximum temperature.
Turbulent diffusion in the Ekman boundary layer

Abstract Numerical models are developed to simulate and quantitatively predict the dispersion of pollutants emitted from a ground source in the Ekman boundary later for three different boundary conditions. It is shown that the maximum concentration generally shifts toward the right in the Northern Hemisphere, left in the Southern Hemisphere, with increasing height as a consequence of the effects of the Coriolis and frictional forces in the planetary boundary layer. In the case of reflecting upper and lower boundaries, concentration tends to be uniformly distributed along the vertical as the radial distance increases. In the case of total absorption upper boundary and a reflecting lower boundary, at all points the concentration is lower than that in the previous case, as expected. In the case of total absorption upper and lower boundary, the distribution of concentration becomes different from the two previous cases in that the maximum concentration occurs at higher levels. In the two latter cases, the maximum concentration axis at lower levels is at a large angle to the geostrophic wind while at higher levels it is close to the geostrophic wind direction. These results indicate that diffusion in the planetary boundary layer differs greatly from that in the surface boundary layer.
Interactive support for secure programming education

Software flaws are a root cause of many of today's information security vulnerabilities. Current curricula emphasis on traditional information security issues does not address this root cause. We propose educating students on secure programming techniques through interactive tool support in the Integrated Development Environment (IDE). We believe this approach can complement other curricula efforts by teaching and providing continuous reinforcement of practices throughout programming tasks. In this paper, we evaluate our prototype tool, ASIDE, which provides instant security warnings, detailed explanations of vulnerabilities, and code generation. We report the results of an observational study on 20 students from an advanced Web programming course. The results provide early evidence that our tool could potentially help students learn about and practice secure programming in the context of their programming assignments.
Feeling dissimilar and helping others? A conceptual analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how perceived visible, work value, and informational dissimilarity affect an individual's helping behavior. Additionally, it investigates the moderating roles of the need for affiliation and need for achievement. Design/methodology/approach – A theoretical analysis was performed. Findings – It is proposed that perceived visible, work value, and informational dissimilarity will have a negative impact on an individual's helping behavior. Additionally, it is posited that the need for affiliation and need for achievement will positively moderate the negative relationship between perceived dissimilarity and helping behavior. Research limitations/implications – This paper provides additional insight into antecedents of helping behavior, and offers a theoretical basis for future research that examines the relationship between subjective diversity and discretionary behaviors in organizations. Practical implications – This paper has several important implications. ...
The retinoids of seven species of mantis shrimp.

Eyes of stomatopod crustaceans, or mantis shrimps, contain the greatest diversity of visual pigments yet described in any species, with as many as ten or more spectral classes present in a single retina. In this study, the eyes of seven species of mantis shrimp from three superfamilies of stomatopods were examined for their content of retinoids. Only retinal and retinol were found; neither hydroxyretinoids nor dehydroretinoids were detected. The principal isomers were 11 -cis and all-trans. The eyes of most of these species contain stores of 11 -cis retinol, principally as retinyl esters, and in amounts in excess of retinal. Squilla empusa is particularly noteworthy, with over 5000 pmoles of retinol per eye.
Biomechanical significance of the instantaneous center of rotation: The human temporomandibular joint

Abstract This paper demonstrates that the use of the instantaneous center of rotation (ICR) leads to results that are significantly different from those obtained using a fixed axis of rotation at the center of the condyle (CC) and that these results are in better agreement with the known functions of the masticatory muscles. Specifically, it is found that in the rest position the closing moments that the muscles are capable of generating are about 175 per cent greater using the ICR. In the open position, using the CC, all moments show a 10–20 per cent decrement; all muscles behave similarly. Using the ICR, masseter and internal pterygoid show a large decrement of 80–90 per cent, anterior temporalis shows a 10 per cent decrement, but posterior temporalis shows an increase to 180 per cent. The relationships of the different lines of action of the muscles to the instantaneous center of rotation are discussed.
The Brookhaven Segment Interconnect

We have performed a high energy physics experiment using a multisegment Brookhaven FASTBUS system. The system was composed of three crate segments and two cable segments. We discuss the segment interconnect module which permits communication between the various segments.
THE FIRE‐DRIVE AND THE EXTINCTION OF THE TERMINAL PLEISTOCENE FAUNA

THE subject of extinction has a perennial, an almost morbid fascination. The total disappearance of a species, of a unique and never-to-be-duplicated genetic pattern, hbas in it, moreover, something of the mystery that lingers about the origins of those same patterns. And when, in addition, that disappearance is found to be correlated in time with the first human intrusions into the New World, then, indeed, our speculations multiply. The adage "let there be some uncertainty about your departure" is sure advice for the creation of that romantic aura which lingers about the unknown and the unexplainable. The terminal Pleistocene fauna took just that mode of exit from the stage of life. As a result its scientific immortality is certain, not alone among paleontologists, but among students of mankind as well. Yet fascinating though the subject of extinction is, it is perhaps significant that-so far as I am aware-there exists no volume in English devoted to its elucidation. There is a simple reason for this. Theories are many, but most unprovable. Or pertinent objections to their general usefulness can be raised, even if we grant their applicability in particular instances. It is this situation that causes the biologist to despair as he surveys the extinction of so many species and genera in the closing Pleistocene. Are there many particularistic explanations chancing to correlate roughly in time? Or did the climatic events attendant on the glacial retreat in some manner affect animals of quite diverse habits and physical structure? In beginning a survey of this subject, one can not do better than to peruse Henry Fairfield Osborn's now almost forgotten paper, "The Causes of Extinction of Mammalia," which appeared in 1906.1 In addition to valuable data, there appear in this paper certain theories which, interestingly enough, have been repeated in later times by writers deeming themselves original. Actually only two new theories have added anything of a very startling nature to the information assembled by Osborn nearly forty years ago. And even in one of these instances, Osborn had already projectedin the less exact terminology of that time-something of the underlying idea of the S~ewall Wright hypothesis. One fact which constantly confronted Osborn in his treatment of extinction was the extent to which natural disasters in the shape of epidemic disease or climatic catastrophe are sufficient to explain an enormous reduction in the numbers of a particular species, but are yet inadequate to illuminate the reason for the inability of the species to rebound, in a few years, from its decimated condition. He comments on the fatal influence of inbreeding, noticeable in some
Urine concentration and dilution: effect on red cell survival.

ConclusionSurvival time of 51Cr-labeled red cells was determined in dogs subjected to water restriction excreting concentrated urine and again following a 6-week period of ad lib. water intake. During water restriction, RBC survival was reduced to one-seventh of normal. In rats with untreated diabetes insipidus, 51Cr RBC survival was reduced 30% as compared to the pitressin-treated state. It appears that RBC survival may be influenced by osmotic stress associated with the state of urine concentration and dilution.
The Yeoman Farmer and Westward Expansion of U. S. Cotton Production

In spite of the recognized difficulties of dividing the white population of the antebellum South into two distinct classes—slaveowners and poor whites—historians have persisted in differentiating the roles of the small slaveholder and nonslaveholder vis-a-vis that of the large slaveholder or plantation owner. It is the purpose of this dissertation to evaluate the roles of the nonslaveholding and small slaveholding farmer in comparison with that of the large slaveholder in the westward expansion of the antebellum cotton economy.
Radiation-induced alcohol dehydrogenase mutants in maize following allyl alcohol selection of pollen

The alcohol dehydrogenase-1 gene in maize presents advantages for mutational analysis. Foremost among these is the ability to chemically select ADH-negative and ADH-low gametophytes owing to their resistance to allyl alcohol vapour. Immature tassels were irradiated with either 220 kV X-rays or 400 MeV/amu accelerated neon-ions; spontaneous mutants were also selected and recovered. RBE for neon-20 was about 5. A total of 70 presumptive mutants were placed into one of four classes on the basis of allozyme profiles following electrophoresis and ADH staining: (A) dysfunction, (B) underproducer, (C) overproducer, and (D) up- Adh2 gene. Mutants have been recovered and confirmed in the first three classes. These include two male-transmissible deletion-type lesions induced by X-rays, five underproducer transpositions and one overproducer transposition induced by neon-20. Certain of the neoninduced alleles are unstable in their expression. All 70 mutants are chromosomal aberrations; no intragenic lesions were recovered although our experimental design would have preferentially recovered them if they had occurred. The Discussion considers the mutagenic action of ionizing radiation, and especially the well-documented differences between maize and Drosophila data. In particular, the effect of these chromosome derangements on the ‘programmable’ component(s) of the Adhl cistron is discussed.
Effect of Composition on the Electromechanical Properties of (1‐x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−XPbTiO3 Ceramics

Ceramic lead magnesium niobate–lead titanate ((1-x)PMN-xPT) of different compositions has been prepared by the columbite precursor method. This study discusses compositions ranging from 0.94PMN–0.06PT to 0.60PM–N0.40PT, focusing on two areas of the (1-x)PMNxPT system: compositions that exhibit electrostrictive behavior, and those that show piezoelectric behavior. In electrostrictive compositions where x is in the range of 0.06–0.20, the dielectric constant and electromechanical coupling factor dependencies on the bias field are evaluated. The optimal electromechanical properties are obtained with the composition 0.82PMN–0.18PT, measured at temperature T=Tm (the temperature of maximum dielectric constant) = 80°C and with a dc bias of 5 kV/cm. X–ray diffractometry is used to show that the (1-x)PMN-xPT system has a compositionally wide two–phase region and that 0.655PMN–0.345PT is the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition. Electromechanical property evaluation shows that the optimal piezoelectric properties (piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33) value of 720 pC/N, dielectric constant (K) value of 5400, and electromechanical planar and thickness coupling coefficient (kp and kt, respectively) values of 62% and 46%, respectively) are obtained at the MPB composition.
D is for Dillydally

Evidence from online assignments in an intermediate microeconomics course suggests that nonprocrastinators (both early-starters and front-loaders) score higher than their dilly-dallying counterparts. Students who are busier in school tend to start their assignments earlier.
Hyper-X Program Status

This paper provides an overview of the objectives and status of the Hyper-X program, which is tailored to move hypersonic, airbreathing vehicle technology from the laboratory environment to the flight environment. The first Hyper-X research vehicle (HXRV), designated X-43, is being prepared at the Dryden Flight Research Center for flight at Mach 7. Extensive risk reduction activities for the first flight are completed, and non-recurring design activities for the Mach 10 X-43 (third flight) are nearing completion. The Mach 7 flight of the X-43, in the spring of 2001, will be the first flight of an airframe-integrated scramjet-powered vehicle. The Hyper-X program is continuing to plan follow-on activities to focus an orderly continuation of hypersonic technology development through flight research.
Update on the Role of Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata in the Regulation of Seizures

The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR) represents an endogenous seizure suppressing system, which may be targeted to develop treatments for generalized or multifocal epilepsies. This review summarizes the region-, age-, and sex-specific features of the SNR-based seizure-controlling network.
Regulation of DNA synthesis in cytochalasin B (CB)-induced binucleate HeLa cells

Abstract The effects of timing and duration of cytochalasin B (CB) treatment on the kinetics of the initiation of DNA synthesis in mono- and binucleate HeLa cells, synchronized in the G1 phase of the cell cycle by the reversal of a mitotic block (N 2 O at 80 PSI), were studied. In the control, bi-, tri- and tetranucleate cells entered S phase slightly earlier than the mononucleate cells at a rate proportional to the number of their nuclei. The difference between any two adjacent sub-populations was less than 0.5 h. However, the binucleate cells produced by a 90 min CB treatment immediately after the reversal of the mitotic block exhibited a considerably shorter G1 period as compared to mononucleate cells (a difference of 1.5 h). This exaggerated difference in the duration of G1 period between mono- and binucleate cells disappeared when the CB treatment was delayed by 75 or 90 min indicating that it was an experimental artifact. From this study, we conclude that there is naturally some degree of nuclear cooperation in the multinucleate systems, particularly with regard to the initiation of DNA synthesis, which is not influenced by CB treatment.
Forecasting Technique Familiarity, Satisfaction, Usage, and Application

A ten-year retrospective study of Mentzcr and Cox (1984) was undertaken to answer the question 'Have sales forecasting practices changed over the past ten years?' A mail survey of 207 forecasting executives was employed to investigate this important question. Findings revealed both discrepancies and similarities between today's sales forecasting practices and those of ten years ago. One particular finding indicated greater reliance on and satisfaction with quantitative forecasting techniques today versus ten years ago. Another indicated that forecasting accuracy has not improved over the past ten years, even though the familiarity and usage of various sophisticated sales forecasting techniques have increased. Future research and managerial implications arc discussed based on these and other findings.
Microprocessor implementation of non-recursive linear delta-modulation filters

An implementation of non-recursive linear delta-modulation filters based on a general-purpose microprocessor, is presented. The two main characteristics of this implementation are simplicity and low cost.
Selective Labeling of Proteins with Chemical Probes in Living Cells

Selective labeling of proteins with small molecules introduces novel chemical and physical properties into proteins, enabling the target protein to be investigated or manipulated with various techniques. Different methods for labeling proteins in living cells have been developed by using protein domains, small peptides, or single amino acids. Their application in cells and in vivo has yielded novel insights into diverse biological processes.
Hospital-based factors predict outcome after carotid endarterectomy.

Objective Patient, hospital, and surgeon factors affect outcome after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The nature and importance of hospital-specific factors, especially those unrelated to procedural volume, that affect post-CEA outcome remains poorly defined. We used a statewide database to determine the impact of several hospital-associated factors on outcome after CEA. Methods Hospital factors were established by telephone survey and validated by repeated survey as well as by the Connecticut Hospital Association, Connecticut state, and individual hospital internet Websites. All CEA in Connecticut non-federal hospitals between 1991 and 2002 were examined, including perioperative mortality, stroke, and cardiac complications. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze data. Results There were 14,288 CEAs performed with 0.5% mortality, 1.3% stroke, and 2.4% cardiac complications. The only hospital factor independently predictive of perioperative mortality was few number of hospital beds (less than 132 beds; odds ratio (OR) 2.78, P = 0.032). Factors predictive of perioperative stroke included few number of beds (OR 1.96, P = 0.001) and absence of a critical pathway (OR 1.39, P = 0.038). Factors predictive of perioperative cardiac complications included few number of beds (OR 3.01, P = 0.003), absence of a critical pathway (OR 1.50, P = 0.001), and absence of dedicated vascular recovery beds (OR 1.35, P = 0.03). Combined mortality, stroke, or cardiac complications were independently predicted by few hospital beds (OR 4.58, P = 0.002), absence of a critical pathway (OR 1.81, P ≤ 0.0001), or inability to perform cardiac angiography (OR 3.92, P = 0.024). Conclusions Hospital-based factors, such as greater bed capacity, use of critical pathways, ability to perform cardiac angiography, or presence of a dedicated vascular recovery unit predict reduced perioperative mortality, stroke and cardiac complications from CEA. These results suggest that hospital-associated factors do impact surgical outcome and that surgeons need to optimize these factors, extrinsic to the patient and surgeon, to provide maximal quality of care.
Quantitative In Situ Differential Reflectance Spectroscopy Analysis of Polycrystalline Platinum Oxidation in an Aqueous Acidic Electrolyte

A method is herein described that allows the coverage of the two forms of oxide believed to form on polycrystalline Pt, Pt(poly), surfaces in aqueous solutions to be determined based on the analysis of in situ differential reflectance spectroscopy, R/R, and voltammetric data recorded simultaneously. The model employed assumes R/R can be expressed as the sum of contributions due to each type of surface site, i, represented by the product of their potential dependent coverage, θi(E), and a linear function of E obtained empirically. Values of θi(E) for the unoxidized and oxidized sites are calculated by solving a system of three non-linear equations that relate θi(E) to the charge associated with the formation of the oxide layer based on coulometric analyses and accepted values for the number of electrons transferred for each of the oxides. Data collected for Pt(poly) electrodes in aqueous 0.1 M HClO4 was found to be consistent with the coexistence of the two forms of Pt oxide and unoxidized sites on the surface over a potential range extending from ca. 1.0 to 1.25 V. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (CC BY, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse of the work in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0061509eel] All rights reserved.
Ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness is reduced in immature mice.

During ozone (O3) exposure, adult mice decrease their minute ventilation (V˙e). To determine whether there are age-related differences in the ventilatory response to O3, A/J mice, aged 2, 4, 8, or ...
Automatic Detection of Causal Relations for Question Answering

Causation relations are a pervasive feature of human language. Despite this, the automatic acquisition of causal information in text has proved to be a difficult task in NLP. This paper provides a method for the automatic detection and extraction of causal relations. We also present an inductive learning approach to the automatic discovery of lexical and semantic constraints necessary in the disambiguation of causal relations that are then used in question answering. We devised a classification of causal questions and tested the procedure on a QA system.
Optimal truncation and optical efficiency of an apertured coherent lidar focused on an incoherent backscatter target.

Two earlier computations of the optimal truncation of Gaussian beams for a simple, focused, coherent lidar that used an incoherent backscatter target with identical circular transmitter and receiver apertures differ because they refer to different receiver geometries. The definitions of heterodyne and system-antenna efficiencies are reviewed in light of the discrepancy and are used to compare the optical performance of systems with apertures illuminated by beam profiles that are not Gaussian. The heterodyne efficiency is less than 0.5 for all cases considered here.
Action of streptolysin S, the group D hemolysin, and phospholipase C on whole cells and spheroplasts.

Davie, Joseph M. (Indiana University, Bloomington), and Thomas D. Brock. Action of streptolysin S, the group D hemolysin, and phospholipase C on whole cells and spheroplasts. J. Bacteriol. 91:595–600. 1966.—The effect of streptolysin S, the group D hemolysin, and phospholipase C (the α toxin of Clostridium perfringens) on whole cells and spheroplasts or protoplasts of three strains of streptococci and Micrococcus lysodeikticus was tested. Viability, C14-glycine uptake, and lysis were measured. The group D hemolysin and phospholipase C were active against whole bacteria; streptolysin S was not. All three substances were active on spheroplasts. A partially resistant mutant derived from a strain sensitive to the group D hemolysin was also partially resistant to streptolysin S and phospholipase C. Antimycin A protected spheroplasts from streptolysin S but not from the group D hemolysin.
Hypoxia Alters MicroRNA Expression in Rat Cortical Pericytes

Microvascular adaptation to metabolic stress is important in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Nowhere is this more important than in the central nervous system (CNS) where the cellular constituents of the neurovascularture including endothelial cells, pericytes and some astroglia must make fine-tuned autoregulatory modulations that maintain the delicate balance between oxygen availability and metabolic demand. miRNAs have been reported to play an important regulatory role in many cellular functions including cell differentiation, growth and proliferation, lineage determination, and metabolism. In this study, we investigated the possible role of miRNAs in the CNS capillary pericyte response to hypoxic stress. Micro-array analysis was used to examine the expression of 388 rat miRNAs in primary rat cortical pericytes with and without exposure to low oxygen (1%) after 24 or 48 hr. Pericytes subjected to hypoxia showed 27 miRNAs that were higher than control and 31 that were lower. Validation and quantification was performed by Real Time RT-PCR on pericytes subjected to 2 hr, 24 hr, or 48 hr of hypoxia. Hypoxia induced changes included physiological pathways governing the stress response, angiogenesis, migration and cell cycle regulation. miRNAs associated with HIF-1α (miR-322[1], miR-199a [2]), TGF-β1 (miR-140[3], miR-145[4], miR-376b-3p[5]) and VEGF (miR-126a[6], miR-297[7], miR-16[8], miR-17-5p[9]) were differentially regulated. Systematic and integrative analysis of possible gene targets analyzed by DAVID bioinformatics resource (http://david.abcc.ncifcrf.gov) and MetaSearch 2.0 (GeneGo) for some of these miRNAs was conducted to determine possible gene targets and pathways that may be affected by the post-transcriptional changes after hypoxic insult.
An approach to model formulation for systems of systems

This work presents and reviews the use of multimethodologies (specifically methodology enhancement) as a framework for model formulation of systems of systems. Multimethodologies have been considered as a valid instrument to intervene complex systems; but systems of systems (SoS) problems are a new generation of complex problems that are challenging the traditional practice of systems engineering (SE). SoS has special characteristics that limit the potentiality of multimethodologies, especially in the model formulation and system design phases; this paper points out some of those limitations through the review of a practical case: the model formulation for a port security system. Finally, some concluding remarks about the need for a more robust approach to accomplish the SoSE efforts are presented.
Microsatellite analysis of maternity and the mating system in the Gulf pipefish Syngnathus scovelli, a species with male pregnancy and sex‐role reversal

Highly variable microsatellite loci were employed to study the mating system of the sexually dimorphic Gulf pipefish Syngnathus scovelli. In this species, like others in the family Syngnathidae, 'pregnant' males provide all parental care. Gulf pipefish were collected from one locale in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and internally carried broods of 40 pregnant males were analysed genetically. By comparing multilocus microsatellite fingerprints for the inferred mothers against expected genotypic distributions from the population sample, it was determined that: (i) only one male had received eggs from more than a single female; and (ii) on two separate occasions, two different males had received eggs from the same female. Given the high power to detect multiple matings by males, the first finding indicates that only rarely are individual males impregnated by multiple females during the course of a pregnancy. Conversely, given the lower power to detect multiple matings by females due to sampling constraints, the second finding suggests a high frequency of multiple successful matings by females. Thus, this population of Gulf pipefish displays a polyandrous genetic mating system. The relevance of these genetic findings is discussed with regard to the evolution of secondary sex traits in this species, and in other syngnathids.
Examining the Mediators of Agenda Setting: A New Experimental Paradigm Reveals the Role of Emotions

Over two decades ago, Maxwell McCombs (1981) called for serious investigation of the mediators and moderators of media effects. Without rich, theory-based understanding of why and when agenda setting happens, he said, we cannot truly appreciate the phenomenon or its implications. This manuscript reports the results of a new experimental paradigm to examine the cognitive mechanism(s) of agenda setting. Challenging the assumption that accessibility is responsible for shifts in importance judgments, the current research shows that the content of news stories is a primary determinant of agenda setting. Rather than solely relying on what is accessible in memory, people pay attention to the content of news stories—to the extent that the content arouses negative emotions, national importance judgments follow.
A Peircian approach to professional ethics instruction

The author presents a method for using C.S. Peirce's (1867) three conceptual categories to present a compact historical overview of major ethical theories to PEs (professional engineers) during professional ethics training seminars. The use of this method helps the seminar participant to easily grasp the "big picture" of ethical thought and to discover his or her own place within that picture. The benefit of this is that the participant is then more engaged when discussing codes of ethics and case studies.
B-spline surfaces for ship hull design

The use of true sculptured surface descriptions for design applications has been proposed by numerous authors. The actual implementation and use of interactive sculptured surface description techniques for design and production has been limited. The use of such techniques for ship hull design has been even more limited. The present paper describes a preliminary implementation of such a system for the design of ship hulls and for the production of towing tank models using numerical control techniques. The present implementation is based on a Cartesian product B-spline surface description. Implementation is on an Evans and Sutherland Picture System supported by a PDP-11/45 minicomputer.The B-spline surface is manipulated by its associated polygonal net. Both surface and net are three-dimensional. Techniques both good and bad for 3-D picking of a polygon point when the net, its associated surface, and the 3-D picking cue independently exist and can be independently manipulated in three space are presented and discussed.The shape of a B-spline surface of fixed order is controlled by the location of the polygon net points, the number of multiple points at a particular net point, and the knot vector. Frequently multiple points imply multiple knot vectors. Practical techniques for controlling and shaping the surface with and without this assumption are discussed and the results illustrated.Experience attained by interactively fitting a single fourth order B-spline surface patch to the forebody half of an actual ship hull described by three dimensional digitized points is discussed and the results illustrated.
Abstract 14883: Remodeling of the Mononuclear Phagocyte Network Underlies Chronic Inflammation and Disease Progression in Heart Failure: Importance of the Cardiosplenic Axis

Rationale: The role of mononuclear phagocytes in chronic heart failure (HF) is unknown. Objective: To comprehensively evaluate monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) in HF and the contribution of the spleen to this network and to cardiac remodeling. Methods and Results: C57Bl/6 mice underwent coronary ligation and were evaluated after 8 weeks in the context of chronic HF. As compared with sham-operated controls, HF mice exhibited: 1) increased pro-inflammatory CD11b+F4/80+CD206– macrophages in the heart and pro-inflammatory CD11b+F4/80+Ly6C/Gr-1hi monocytes in peripheral blood, and a diminished CD11b+F4/80+Ly6C/Gr-1hi monocyte reservoir in the spleen, 2) significantly augmented CD11c+B220– classical DCs (cDCs) and CD11c+/lowB220+ plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) in both the heart and spleen, increased cDCs in peripheral blood, and increased pDCs in the bone marrow, and 3) profound splenic remodeling with more abundant white pulp follicles, variability of follicular size, and markedly increased size of the marginal zone and germinal centers. Splenectomy in mice with established HF reversed long-term cardiac remodeling. Adoptive transfer of splenocytes from mice with HF, but not from sham-operated mice, induced long-term cardiac dilatation, dysfunction, and fibrosis in normal syngeneic recipient mice. Recipient mice also exhibited monocyte activation and splenic remodeling similar to HF mice. Conclusions: Activation of the mononuclear phagocyte network is central to the progression of cardiac remodeling in HF and heightened antigen processing in the spleen plays a critical role in this process. Splenocytes (presumably splenic monocytes and DCs) promote immune-mediated injurious responses in the failing heart, and retain this immune memory upon adoptive transfer.
SDH in the access network

This chapter describes how SDH technology is used to support the delivery of a broad portfolio of products and services. Experience from the BT network is used to describe and discuss the technology's generic functionality, deployment and potential. As stated earlier in this chapter. BT has. and continues to evolve, SDH transmission equipment in the core network. At the same time, deployment of access SDH (stage 1) equipment is well under way both in access and the outer core; discussions as to how and when to introduce the stage 2 component of access SDH are ongoing. An investigation is under way to explore the options open for both core and access technologies to understand how best to meet the needs of both customers (for interface flexibility and cost) and operator networks (primarily for reducing cost and manag ing capacity) with an agreed portfolio of equipment. This will undoubtedly involve deployment of Access SDH equipment in parts of the core network and within some customer segments, whereas other segments will require and could only be served by deployment of core SDH equipment. Resolution of this area is critical and proposals should be forthcoming in the very near future, but it is clear that there is a role for both technology options within the UK network.
Powering Earth’s dynamo with magnesium precipitation from the core

Earth’s global magnetic field arises from vigorous convection within the liquid outer core. Palaeomagnetic evidence reveals that the geodynamo has operated for at least 3.4 billion years, which places constraints on Earth’s formation and evolution. Available power sources in standard models include compositional convection (driven by the solidifying inner core’s expulsion of light elements), thermal convection (from slow cooling), and perhaps heat from the decay of radioactive isotopes. However, recent first-principles calculations and diamond-anvil cell experiments indicate that the thermal conductivity of iron is two or three times larger than typically assumed in these models. This presents a problem: a large increase in the conductive heat flux along the adiabat (due to the higher conductivity of iron) implies that the inner core is young (less than one billion years old), but thermal convection and radiogenic heating alone may not have been able to sustain the geodynamo during earlier epochs. Here we show that the precipitation of magnesium-bearing minerals from the core could have served as an alternative power source. Equilibration at high temperatures in the aftermath of giant impacts allows a small amount of magnesium (one or two weight per cent) to partition into the core while still producing the observed abundances of siderophile elements in the mantle and avoiding an excess of silicon and oxygen in the core. The transport of magnesium as oxide or silicate from the cooling core to underneath the mantle is an order of magnitude more efficient per unit mass as a source of buoyancy than inner-core growth. We therefore conclude that Earth’s dynamo would survive throughout geologic time (from at least 3.4 billion years ago to the present) even if core radiogenic heating were minimal and core cooling were slow.
Dynamic MCU Placement for Video Conferencing on Peer-to-Peer Network

In this paper, we investigate a novel Multipoint Video Conferencing (MVC) architecture potentially suitable for Peer-to-Peer (P2P) platform, such as Gnutella. In particular, we present an election protocol (extension to Gnutella) where the Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) of the MVC is dynamically migrated among peers when new peer joins or leaves. Simulation result shows that this improves overall conferencing performance compared to the system with static MCU by minimizing total traffic, individual node hotness, and video composition delay.
Cerebral Oxygen Extraction Decreases with Age in Preoperative Neonates With Congenital Heart Defects

Diffuse optical spectroscopy is used to quantify cerebral oxygen saturation, total hemoglobin concentration, & oxygen extraction fraction in neonates with congenital heart defects. Preoperative cerebral oxygen extraction increased with day of life.
Followup of Ureterosigmoidostomy Diversion for Bladder Exstrophy—Behavioral Biofeedback as an Alternative Treatment for Fecal-Urinary Incontinence: A Case Report

AbstractA total of 6 children underwent primary ureterosigmoidostomy diversion between 1972 and 1979. Despite preoperative testing of rectal competence all 6 children now experience rectal leakage. Behavioral biofeedback has been used in a 7-year-old boy who had learned to isolate and to contract the perineal muscles appropriately by 12 months of followup. The incidence of incontinence has been reduced from 15 to 5 per cent of the total hours recorded. The amount of waking hours in which the patient is wet has decreased from 31 to 6 per cent. Satisfaction of the child and parents is high.
Homotransplantation of the aortic valve.

Success with arterial homografts encouraged DeBakey and others to experiment with similar replacements for diseased heart valves. Here he reported on a trial with 16 dogs in his lab, concluding that valve homografts might also be used clinically.
Preoperative Therapy for Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcomas appear to be an ideal tumor type for delivering preoperative therapy. The rationale for preoperative therapy is that it is delivered to undisturbed tissue planes with well-oxygenated tissue. This is of great benefit for radiation therapy, because with new computed tomography scan treatment planning it is possible to completely delineate the tumor without surgical clips or postoperative hematoma (or both) obscuring the tumor margin.
System View and Event History

In this chapter, we propose to use an intermediate layer, which we callsystem viewto provide a unified representation of the information provided by different types of systems.
Effect of glycemic index and carbohydrate intake on kidney function in healthy adults

Replacing carbohydrate with protein acutely increases glomerular filtration rate (GFR) but is associated with faster, long-term kidney disease progression. The effects of carbohydrate type (i.e. glycemic index, GI) on kidney function are unknown. We conducted an ancillary study of a randomized, crossover feeding trial in overweight/obese adults without diabetes or kidney disease (N = 163). Participants were fed each of four healthy, DASH-like diets for 5 weeks, separated by 2-week washout periods. Weight was kept constant. The four diets were: high GI (GI ≥65) with high %carb (58 % kcal) (reference diet), low GI (≤45) with low %carb (40 % kcal), low GI with high %carb; and high GI with low %carb. Plasma was collected at baseline and after each feeding period. Study outcomes were cystatin C, β2-microglobulin (β2M), and estimated GFR based on cystatin C (eGFRcys). Mean (SD) age was 52 (11) years; 52 % were women; 50 % were black. At baseline, mean (SD) cystatin C, β2M, and eGFRcys were 0.8 (0.1) mg/L, 1.9 (0.4) mg/L, and 104 (16) mL/min/1.73 m2. Compared to the high GI/high %carb diet, reducing GI, %carb, or both increased eGFRcys by 1.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95 % CI: 1.1, 2.7; P < 0.001), 3.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 (1.9, 4.0; P < 0.001), and 4.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 (3.5, 5.4; P < 0.001), respectively. Increases in eGFRcys from reducing GI were significantly associated with increases in eGFRcys from reducing %carb (P < 0.001). Results for cystatin C and β2M reflected eGFRcys. Reducing GI increased GFR. Reducing %carb by increasing calories from protein and fat, also increased GFR. Future studies on GI should examine the long-term effects of this increase in GFR on kidney injury markers and clinical outcomes. Clinical Trials.gov, number: NCT00608049 (first registered January 23, 2008)
Multimodality imaging of placental masses: a pictorial review

Placental masses are uncommonly identified at the time of obstetric ultrasound evaluation. Understanding the pathologies presenting as placental masses is key for providing a differential diagnosis and guiding subsequent management, which may include additional imaging with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Potential benign entities include chorioangiomas and teratomas. Larger chorioangiomas can cause fetal cardiovascular issues from volume overload. Placental mesenchymal dysplasia has an association with fetal anomalies and detailed fetal evaluation should be performed when it is suspected. Identifying other cystic masses such as partial and complete moles is crucial to prevent erroneous pregnancy termination. This review addresses normal imaging appearance of the placenta on ultrasound and MR imaging and describes various trophoblastic and nontrophoblastic placental masses. Potential placental mass mimics including uterine contractions and thrombo-hematomas are also presented.