cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Practices of reasoning: persuasion and refutation in a seventeenth-century Chinese mathematical treatise of “linear algebra”

This article documents the reasoning in a mathematical work by Mei Wending, one of the most prolific mathematicians in seventeenth-century China. Based on an analysis of the mathematical content, we present Mei’s systematic treatment of this particular genre of problems, fangcheng, and his efforts to refute the traditional practices in works that appeared earlier. His arguments were supported by the epistemological values he utilized to establish his system and refute the flaws in the traditional approaches. Moreover, in the context of the competition between the Chinese and Western approaches to mathematics, Mei was motivated to demonstrate that the genre of fangcheng problems was purely a “Chinese” achievement, not discussed by the Jesuits. Mei’s motivations were mostly expressed primarily in the prefaces to his works, in his correspondence with other scholars, in synopses of his poems, and in biographical records of some of his contemporaries.
Rectal cancer in young patients: incidence and outcome disparities.

Background There is an alarming rise in incidence among young patients with rectal cancer. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Analysis (SEER) databases may help identify population level disparities in incidence and cancer-related outcomes. Methods A total of 197,178 patients within the SEER 18 registry and 221,886 patients from the NCDB database with rectal cancer were evaluated in this retrospective cohort study. The analyzed cohort consisted of young (<50), white or African American patients. Indication bias was mitigated by conducting inverse probability of treatment weighted analysis using binary logistic regression modeling to determine propensity score for being white or African American. Results A total of 6,144 young patients were identified from the SEER 18 registry and a total of 17,819 young patients were identified from the NCDB. From 1990 to 2016, there was a significant change in rectal cancer incidence, with a steadily increasing APC of 3.06 (P<0.05). The was no overall change in age-adjusted APC among young African American patients (APC 0.00, P=1); however, there was a significant increase among young white patients (APC 2.97, P<0.05). There was an increased incidence for both stage III and IV among young rectal cancer patients, with an age-adjusted APC of 5.35 and 3.83, respectively (P<0.05). After propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting, young African Americans had worse overall survival in both the NCDB and SEER (HR 1.1-1.3, P<0.05) databases. This disparity was also seen for cancer-specific survival (HR 1.5, P=0.002). Conclusions The current study adds to the growing body of literature demonstrating an alarming increase in incidence of rectal cancer among young patients. Moreover, the incidence appears to be increasing particularly among young white patients and driven by stage III disease.
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Benefit-Risk Considerations for Cefiderocol (Fetroja®).

In November 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved cefiderocol for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) including pyelonephritis caused by susceptible gram-negative bacteria in adults with limited to no alternative treatment options based on a randomized, double-blind, noninferiority cUTI trial (APEKS-cUTI). In a randomized, open-label trial (CREDIBLE-CR) in patients with cUTI, nosocomial pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or sepsis due to carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria, an increase in all-cause mortality was observed in patients treated with cefiderocol as compared to best available therapy. The cause of the increased mortality was not established, but some deaths were attributed to treatment failure. Preliminary data from a randomized, double-blind trial (APEKS-NP) in patients with nosocomial pneumonia due to carbapenem-susceptible gram-negative bacteria showed a similar rate of mortality as compared to meropenem. We describe the uncertainties and challenges in the interpretation of the CREDIBLE-CR trial and some benefit-risk considerations for the use of cefiderocol in clinical practice. Clinical trials registration NCT02714595.
Evaluating the ratio of electron and hole mobilities from a single bulk sample using Photo-Seebeck effect

Abstract When a semiconductor is under photoexcitation, the voltage response to a temperature gradient is the photo-Seebeck effect. Here we study this effect, focusing on the contribution from transport of photo-excited carriers. We demonstrate that by combining photo-Seebeck with photoconductivity measurements, one can determine the ratio between electron and hole mobilities, and hence both of them when one is known. This is found for the case of defect-free samples, where no detail on the absorbance, carrier lifetime or recombination is necessary. Our method reported here does not require chemical doping, which could introduce defects and is often not feasible. It applies to both thin film and bulk samples. Experiment-wise, photo-Seebeck effect is relatively easy to implement, or added to existing systems. In a broader context, for semiconductors with significant influence from defects, our result suggests that the photo-Seebeck behavior can still be understood. In this case another photo-transport property is necessary, in order to identify the mobilities of carriers and information regarding the defects. This framework integrates the information from photoexcitation and thermal gradients to provide a general method to determine fundamental electronic properties of materials.
Superconductivity in the Z 2 kagome metal KV 3 Sb 5

Here we report the observation of bulk superconductivity in single crystals of the two-dimensional kagome metal ${\mathrm{KV}}_{3}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{5}$. Magnetic susceptibility, resistivity, and heat capacity measurements reveal superconductivity below ${T}_{c}=0.93\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations further characterize the normal state as a ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ topological metal. Our results demonstrate that the recent observation of superconductivity within the related kagome metal ${\mathrm{CsV}}_{3}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{5}$ is likely a common feature across the $A{\mathrm{V}}_{3}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{5}$ ($A$: K, Rb, Cs) family of compounds and establishes them as a rich arena for studying the interplay between bulk superconductivity, topological surface states, and likely electronic density wave order in an exfoliable kagome lattice.
Effects of mentor-mentee discordance on Latinx undergraduates' intent to pursue graduate school and research productivity.

Owing to an undergraduate demographic transition in STEM, Latinx students are likely to work with faculty from different backgrounds when participating in undergraduate research experiences (UREs). However, the effects of mentor-mentee demographic discordance on student STEM development are unclear. This paper examines how mentoring discordance affects Latinx students' intentions to pursue graduate school and research productivity. We collected data from participants in a multiyear, multi-institutional URE program (n = 171 dyads), which we analyzed using multivariable generalized estimating equations. Results indicate that compared with gender concordance, gender discordance was associated with a 17% increase in intent to pursue graduate school for Latina students. Compared with racial/ethnic concordance, racial/ethnic discordance was associated with a 38% increase in intent to pursue graduate school for Latino students. When paired with gender discordant mentors, Latina students were 70% less likely to present their URE projects at a professional conference. When faculty mentors were culturally competent and interacted with mentees frequently, Latinx students became more interested in pursuing graduate school. Because mentors from different demographic backgrounds contribute to the development of Latinx STEM students in varied ways, URE program directors should integrate opportunities for multiple mentorships.
Perceptions of Role in Treatment Decision Making and Understanding of Late Effects Among Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors: Results From a National Survey HL Decision Making and Late Effects.

Abstract Background Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) survivors are at risk of treatment-related late effects (LEs). With these potential risks and increasing numbers of treatment options for newly diagnosed patients, communication and shared decision making are essential to supporting patients throughout the cancer care continuum. We aimed to gather perspectives of HL survivors about their actual role in treatment decision making and their understanding of LEs. Materials and Methods After initial pilot testing at a cancer survivor conference, we disseminated a 23-question survey in a single-wave e-mail through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's national listserv. We focused on 4 constructs: (1) patient's understanding of HL at diagnosis; (2) initial discussions with an oncologist; (3) factors in decision making of treatment, and (4) current health status. Results A total of 135 participants responded to the survey. While 73% of survey respondents perceived some involvement in decision making, one-half of respondents felt the treatment plan was a shared decision with their provider. Among patient-level factors, side effects/LEs were most frequently endorsed as important to treatment decisions. Eighty-four percent of respondents had been educated about risk for potential LEs. Thirty-six percent had been diagnosed with a LE at the time of survey completion with 3% reporting a second cancer diagnosis. Conclusion Survey respondents described their role in treatment decision making for newly diagnosed HL. Nearly half of patients did not endorse participating in shared decision making. A substantial number had experienced LEs. Future work should focus on improving patient-provider communication in decision processes for newly diagnosed HL.
Production and Financial Losses Associated with Preweaning Disease in Beef Cattle

Cost of preweaning pneumonia was calculated from the treatment cost ($6.02), calf price ($0.83/lb), morbidity rate (5.6 %), case fatality rate (6.0 %), and medium- weight calf loss (20.69 lbs-9.4 kg). Cost per case was $6.02 (treatment), $17.17 (weight loss) and $27.27 (percentage death loss) for a total of $50.46, not including labor. More importantly, this equates to a $2.83 per-calf cost for pneumonia, which can be used to determine the value of a preventive health program.
WITTGENSTEIN, Ludwig (2019). Correspondencia con Rudolf Koder. Traducción de Venancio Andreu Baldó e Isabel Gamero Cabrera. Madrid: Editorial Ápeiron.

Resena de: WITTGENSTEIN, Ludwig (2019). Correspondencia con Rudolf Koder. Traduccion de Venancio Andreu Baldo e Isabel Gamero Cabrera. Madrid: Editorial Apeiron.
Lectures on the Riemann zeta function

Classical topics Panorama of arithmetic functions Sums of basic arithmetic functions Tchebyshev's prime seeds Elementary prime number theorem The Riemann memoir The analytic continuation The functional equation The product formula over the zeros The asymptotic formula for N(T) The asymptotic formula for ?(x) The zero-free region and the PNT Approximate functional equations The Dirichlet polynomials Zeros off the critical line Zeros on the critical line The critical zeros after Levinson Introduction Detecting critical zeros Conrey's construction The argument variations Attaching a mollifier The Littlewood lemma The principal inequality Positive proportion of the critical zeros The first moment of Dirichlet polynomials The second moment of Dirichlet polynomials The diagonal terms The off-diagonal terms Conclusion Computations and the optimal mollifier Smooth bump functions The gamma function Bibliography Index
Relationship of organ weight and swimming performance in the albino rat.

Abstract The relationship between organ weight and swimming capacity was determined in 42 male albino rats. Upon completion of a 4-week training program, the animals were forced to swim to exhaustion with 2 percent of the body weight attached. They were sacrificed and specific gravity and organ weights determined. The results warrant the following conclusions: A significant (p < .05) but low correlation exists between the relative weight of the spleen and lungs with swimming performance. The correlation of relative heart weight and swimming performance approached statistical significance (p < .06). Attaching a weight proportional to the body weight to increase the energy cost of swimming penalizes the heavier animals. Correcting for the inverse relationship between body weight and swim time does not alter appreciably the relationships between organ weights and swim time.
Adenovirus E1A : transcription regulation and alteration of cell growth control

The small DNA tumor viruses, which include the adenovirus, Polyomavirus, and papillomavirus groups, have provided enormously valuable model systems with which to study complex events such as RNA processing, transcriptional regulation, and DNA replication, to name but a few examples. In addition, given the fact that these viruses also possess oncogenic activity under certain circumstances and indeed that the papillomaviruses are a significant cause of human cancer, these viruses have also provided insights into the mechanisms of cell growth control. A major advance in the understanding of viral oncogenesis came with the realization that a protein previously identified as an E1A-binding protein was actually the product of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene (Whyte et al. 1988). The rapid subsequent finding that each of the DNA tumor viruses encoded proteins that bound to the Rb protein demonstrated the general nature of this event. The importance of these findings was immediately obvious: the physical interaction of oncogenic viral proteins with a key tumor suppressor protein provided a mechanistic view for the oncogenic capacity of these viruses. Nevertheless, the precise molecular consequence of these events were left unclear.
REDUCTION OF SELENITE BY INTACT YEAST CELLS AND CELL-FREE PREPARATIONS.

Abstract Falcone, Giuseppe (Rutgers, The State University, New Brunswick, N.J.), and Walter J. Nickerson. Reduction of selenite by intact yeast cells and cell-free preparations. J. Bacteriol. 85:754–762. 1963.—Nonproliferating cell suspensions of Candida albicans rapidly reduced selenite to red, metallic selenium in the absence of added substrate. Cell suspensions reduced selenite optimally at pH 4.2. No added metabolite was found to be stimulatory; reduction was inhibited by methionine and formate as well as by fluoride, dinitrophenol, and certain sulfhydryl poisons. Cell-free preparations capable of reducing selenite were obtained from C. albicans and from baker's yeast disintegrated in a Hughes press. The enzymatic system had optimal activity at pH 7 with 10−2m selenite. Activity of the system was lost on dialysis but was restored upon the addition of dialyzable substances or of boiled, undialyzed extract.
Bilateral inhibition generates neuronal responses tuned to interaural level differences in the auditory brainstem of the barn owl

I investigated the neural algorithms by which neurons gain selectivity for interaural level difference in the brainstem of the barn owl (Tyto alba). Differences in the timing and in the level of sounds at the ears are used by this owl to encode, respectively, azimuthal and vertical position of sound sources in space. These two cues are processed in two parallel neural pathways. Below the level of the inferior colliculus, all neurons in the pathway that processes level differences show responses to this cue that are monotonic, and thus not selective for a particular level difference. Only in the inferior colliculus, which contains a map of auditory space, are neurons sharply tuned to specific interaural level differences. How are these response properties generated from those of the nuclei that provide input to the inferior colliculus? I show that the posterior subdivision of the nucleus ventralis lemnisci lateralis (VLVp) projects bilaterally to the lateral shell of the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus, the input stage to the map of auditory space. Both these nuclei are part of the pathway that processes interaural level differences. Manipulations of the responses in VLVp affected the responses to level differences in the inferior colliculus; responses to time differences were unaffected. By systematically increasing or decreasing neural activity in VLVp, I show that the VLVp on each side provides inhibition to the colliculus at large level differences. This results in a peaked response that is tuned to level differences in the inferior colliculus. Some cells in the lateral shell of the inferior colliculus appear to receive direct GABAergic inhibition from VLVp. I suggest that this circuitry and the algorithms it supports are the neural substrates that allow the barn owl to exploit level differences for computation of sound source elevation.
Two-Phase Mach Numbers in Heat Pipe Analysis

E analyzing one-dimensional flow of a compressible two-phase ixture in a heat pipe of constant vapor passage diameter D, Levy uses several plausible assumptions to obtain approximate digital integration of his equations. His solutions suggest without explicit proof infinite gradients in various properties at the downstream end of the evaporator. In this paper the gradients are re-examined after transforming them in terms of an equilibrium two-phase Mach number. It is then shown that the assumption of a uniform mass injection rate me = nDpgVn, where Vn is the radial mass injection velocity, apparently leads to infinite gradients; however, second law analysis rules out a constant me as well as a uniform heat addition rate per unit length of evaporator, Qe = me(hfg + Vn/2), leaving the gradients indeterminate. The subscripts / and g denote liquid and vapor phases.
Multichannel adaptive beamforming and interference mitigation in multiuser CDMA systems

In CDMA systems, multiple users produce cochannel interference that is only partially mitigated by user-dependent spreading codes. Limitations in any closed-loop transmitter power control can create received power variations at the base station that are potentially large. Multichannel multiuser detectors are data-adaptive receivers that provide interference mitigation as well as spatial and temporal diversity. These receivers are discussed in the context of CDMA applications. A maximum likelihood formulation of multiuser detection with antenna arrays is introduced to provide motivation and intuition. The proposed multiuser receiver incorporates space-time beamforming and time-domain interference cancellation. Performance examples using simulated and experimental data are given along with comparisons with a variety of receiver types.
Politics in a parallel universe

Abstract What is today referred to as ‘Cyberspace’ has, for the most part, developed and grown from its modest beginnings in the early 1970s into a globe-wide ‘matrix’ with relatively little directed input or interference from businesses or governments. However, with government, commercial and public attention turning towards the global Internet and the proposed US national information infrastructure, this is about to change. As this happens, it becomes increasingly obvious that cyberspace is too important to leave to specialists, or special interests. Therefore, as individuals become increasingly more aware of the intellectual, social, commercial and political leverage possible through participation in cyberspace, its potential importance is no longer just a function of convergent technologies but also that of its intelligent and deliberate use by an informed population. This artiicle focuses on these issues and, following a brief discussion of definitions and historical background, presents two alternative visions of the future of cyberspace and an exploration of possible topics of concern for policy making in the future ‘virtual polis’.
Dicer ablation promotes a mesenchymal and invasive phenotype in bladder cancer cells

Dicer expression is frequently altered in cancer and affects a wide array of cellular functions acting as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in varying contexts. It has been shown that Dicer expression is also deregulated in urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder (UCCB) but the nature of this deregulation differs between reports. The aim of the present study was to gain a better understanding of the role of Dicer in bladder cancer to help determine its contribution to the disease. The results showed that Dicer transcript levels were decreased in UCCB tumor tissues as compared to normal tissues, suggesting that Dicer is a tumor suppressor. However, consistent with previous results, we demonstrated that knockdown of Dicer decreases cell viability and increases the induction of apoptosis, suggesting that Dicer is an oncogene. To resolve this discrepancy, we assessed the effects of decreased Dicer expression on epithelial-to‑mesenchymal transition, migration and invasion. We showed that decreased Dicer levels promoted a mesenchymal phenotype and increased migration. Additionally, the results showed that Dicer protein ablation leads to increased cell invasion, higher levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2, and decreased levels of key miRNAs shown to inhibit invasion. The results of this study suggest that decreased Dicer levels may portend a more malignant phenotype.
Probing the microscopic corrugation of liquid surfaces with gas-liquid collisions.

We have measured the directions and velocities of Ne, Ar, and Xe atoms scattering from perfluorinated ether and hydrocarbon liquids to probe the relationship between the microscopic roughness of liquid surfaces and gas-liquid collision dynamics. Impulsive energy transfer is governed by the angle of deflection: head-on encounters deposit more energy than grazing collisions. Many atoms scatter in the forward direction, particularly at glancing incidence. These results imply that the incoming atoms recoil locally from protruding C-H and C-F groups in hard spherelike collisions.
Verifying the authentication of an information system user

This paper evaluates a number of methods for authentication and passwording. It first discusses the role of authentication as a component in an overall approach to information system security. It then classifies the various approaches to authentication into two categories: natural properties and artificial measures. Among the artificial measures, password is most common. The paper provides a quantitative measure for password robustness and 'lasting' power. It discusses encryption possibilities and provides a comparative evaluation of various password methods. The paper concludes by providing some guidelines for evaluating authentication methods.
The Relative Abundance of Hydrogen Isotopes

Samples of rain water collected at Princeton were decomposed by repeated passage over iron turnings heated to 510\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The hydrogen formed was analyzed with a mass-spectrograph to determine the abundance ratio ${\mathrm{H}}^{2}$: ${\mathrm{H}}^{1}$. The first fraction of hydrogen to be liberated from a particular sample of the water yielded a value given by ${\mathrm{H}}^{2}$: ${\mathrm{H}}^{1}$=1: 6500 while the last fraction gave 1: 4500. Another sample was prepared in which the decomposition was carried to completion and all of the hydrogen collected. The abundance found in this sample was 1: 5000. It is believed that this last figure represents a close approximation to the true abundance ratio for natural hydrogen. The value 1: 30,000 previously reported by Bleakney for electrolytic hydrogen may be in agreement with these measurements when account is taken of the separation introduced by the electrolysis. A fairly extensive bibliography is given of recent work on the hydrogen isotopes.
Some examples of the use of distances as coordinates for Euclidean geometry

Distance geometry provides us with an implicit characterization of the Euclidean metric in terms of a system of polynomial equations and inequalities. With the aid of computer algebra programs, these equations and inequalities in turn provide us with a coordinate-free approach to proving theorems in Euclidean geometry analytically. This paper contains a brief summary of the mathematical results on which this approach is based, together with some examples showing how it is applied. In particular, we show how it can be used to derive the topological structure of a simple linkage mechanism.
Energy Transfers between Sensitizer and Substrate. IV. Energy Levels in Solid Dyes

The work function, or ionization energy, for eight solid dyes has been measured. In each case it was found that this energy was equal to the sum of the electron affinity of the dye, as previously measured by the writer, and the energy required to produce a charge carrier in the solid dye. The data confirm the point of view that electron-transfer processes in dye sensitization are energetically possible.
Injury timing alters metabolic, inflammatory and functional outcomes following repeated mild traumatic brain injury.

Abstract Repeated head injuries are a major public health concern both for athletes, and members of the police and armed forces. There is ample experimental and clinical evidence that there is a period of enhanced vulnerability to subsequent injury following head trauma. Injuries that occur close together in time produce greater cognitive, histological, and behavioral impairments than do injuries separated by a longer period. Traumatic brain injuries alter cerebral glucose metabolism and the resolution of altered glucose metabolism may signal the end of the period of greater vulnerability. Here, we injured mice either once or twice separated by three or 20 days. Repeated injuries that were separated by three days were associated with greater axonal degeneration, enhanced inflammatory responses, and poorer performance in a spatial learning and memory task. A single injury induced a transient but marked increase in local cerebral glucose utilization in the injured hippocampus and sensorimotor cortex, whereas a second injury, three days after the first, failed to induce an increase in glucose utilization at the same time point. In contrast, when the second injury occurred substantially later (20 days after the first injury), an increase in glucose utilization occurred that paralleled the increase observed following a single injury. The increased glucose utilization observed after a single injury appears to be an adaptive component of recovery, while mice with 2 injuries separated by three days were not able to mount this response, thus this second injury may have produced a significant energetic crisis such that energetic demands outstripped the ability of the damaged cells to utilize energy. These data strongly reinforce the idea that too rapid return to activity after a traumatic brain injury can induce permanent damage and disability, and that monitoring cerebral energy utilization may be a tool to determine when it is safe to return to the activity that caused the initial injury.
Potential roles for the Master Curve in regulatory application

The Master Curve, as introduced by Wallin and co-workers in 1984, has evolved into a mature technology for characterizing the fracture toughness transition of ferritic steels. Considerable empirical evidence provides testament to the robustness of the Master Curve procedure. However, in 1997, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff detailed several technical issues requiring resolution prior to staff acceptance of applications of Master Curve technology to the fracture integrity assessment of nuclear reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) [1]. Current and recently completed research programs sponsored by both the NRC and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) focus on closure of these issues. This paper reviews the issues detailed in 1997, comments on their continued relevance in light of recent research results, and details areas where either additional research or a change or research focus is warranted.
THE OUTCOME OF INFANTS OF DRUG DEPENDENT MOTHERS BASED ON THE TYPE OF CAREGIVER

A comparison of the outcome of 181 infants of drug dependent mothers (IDDM) was done based on the type of caregiver: (A) Mother alone, N=107, (B) Mother with the help of a close relative, N=38, (C) Mother and father, N=19, (D) Relative alone, N=10, and (E) Court appointed foster care, N=7. RESULTS: Only 29% of the infants in Group A completed 5-6 well-baby visits for the first 6 months as compared to 61% in B. 55% in C, 50% in D, and 14% in E (A or E vs. B,C,D, p 0.10). The mental (MDI) and psychomotor (PDI) developmental scores of the infants in Groups A-D as assessed by the Bayley Test were within normal limits (MDI=112-120; PDI=100-113). Only 3 infants in Group E had complete evaluation at 6 months. Of these, 2 had body lengths below the 3rd percentile and their MDI and PDI scores were much lower than normal (MDI=72.5; PDI=81.5). SUMMARY: This study indicates that in general the drug addict mother is capable of providing adequate care for her infant as evidenced by its normal growth and development. However, better care and protection of the infant is achieved if someone helps the mother. The poorest outcome noted in infants cared for by court appointed foster parents suggest that this type of care-giver is least appropriate for the infant.
A Ca(2+)-sensing receptor mutation causes hypoparathyroidism by increasing receptor sensitivity to Ca2+ and maximal signal transduction.

Activating mutations of the Ca2+-sensing receptor (CaR) gene cause autosomal dominant hypoparathyroidism. Functional expression studies have been reported for several mutations, but have produced conflicting results. Thus, the mechanism by which these mutations activate the receptor is unclear. We describe here a new family with autosomal dominant hypoparathyroidism. The mother and three daughters experienced muscle spasms and/or seizures from early childhood. They were treated with oral calcium and vitamin D analogs, and all four patients developed hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, and renal insufficiency. In this family, we identified a heterozygous missense mutation(F612S) involving the extracellular region of the CaR. The mutation cosegregated with disease. It was not present in 50 normal control individuals. We used site-directed mutagenesis to introduce this mutation into the CaR cDNA, and then expressed the mutant receptor in human embryonic kidney(HEK)-293 cells. In these cells, the accumulation of inositol phosphates was measured as a function of extracellular Ca2+ concentration. Compared with the wild-type receptor, the mutant receptor showed a left-shift in the concentration-response curve and an increase in the maximal response to high Ca2+ concentrations. These effects did not appear to be mediated by changes in levels of receptor expression, as judged by ELISA, or by changes in receptor glycosylation, as judged by Western analysis. We conclude that this CaR mutation causes hypoparathyroidism by a dual increase in receptor sensitivity to extracellular Ca2+ and maximal signal transduction capacity.
Calcium and Protein Kinase C (PKC)-Related Kinase Mediate α1A-Adrenergic Receptor-Stimulated Activation of Phospholipase D in Rat-1 Cells, Independent of PKC

A previous study conducted in rat-1 cells expressing α1A-adrenergic receptors showed that phenylephrine (PHE) stimulates phospholipase D (PLD) activity. This study was conducted to determine the contribution of protein kinase C (PKC) to PHE-induced PLD activation in these cells. PKC inhibitors bisindolylmaleimide (BIM) I and Ro 31-8220, but not Go 6976 or a pseudosubstrate peptide inhibitor of PKCα, decreased PLD activity and arachidonic acid release elicited by PHE. However, antisense oligonucleotides directed against PKC α, δ, e, and η reduced PKC isoform levels by about 80% but failed to alter PHE-induced PLD activation, indicating that these PKC isoforms are not involved in PLD activation elicited by α1A-adrenergic receptor stimulation. Ectopic expression of a kinase-deficient mutant of the PKC-related kinase PKN significantly attenuated PHE-induced PLD activation. On the other hand, BIM I and Ro 31-8220 blocked PHE-mediated increase in intracellular Ca2+ but Go 6976 and the peptide inhibitor did not. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, PHE failed to increase PLD activity. These results indicate that α1A-adrenergic receptor-stimulated PLD activation is mediated by a mechanism independent of PKCα, δ, e, and η, but dependent on a PKC-related kinase, PKN. Moreover, PKC inhibitors BIM I and Ro 31-8220 block PHE-induced PLD activity by inhibiting calcium signal. Caution should be used in interpreting the data obtained with PKC inhibitors in vivo.
Flow field mapping in the anesthetized rat

This study measured the hemodynamics of peripheral arterial sites in the rat, using 20 MHz pulsed ultrasonic Doppler velocimeter (PUDVM) methods. The lower extremities of 14 male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. The targeted sites included the abdominal aorta, external iliac, proximal femoral, mid-femoral, and saphenous arteries. The hemodynamic variables of pulse period, maximum centerline velocity, lumen diameter, and mean volumetric flow were calculated interactively from temporal-spatial plots of local velocity distributions. An analysis of variance revealed significant differences between right and left sides for lumen diameter (P = 0.028) and mean volumetric flow (P less than 0.0001). The analysis showed no statistical difference for pulse period (P = 0.0836) among sites. However, three distinct groupings of sites: 1) abdominal aorta, 2) external iliac, proximal femoral, and mid-femoral arteries, and 3) saphenous artery were noted for the remaining hemodynamic variables (P less than 0.05). These results indicate that three hemodynamically distinct regions are available for microvascular research in the rat lower extremity arterial tree.
Scattering by thin dielectric strips

A plane wave incident on a thin dielectric strip with infinite length is considered, letting the incident electric field vector be parallel with the edges of the strip. The field is expanded in the dielectric region as the sum of three plane waves (the forced wave and two surface waves). The x -axis and y -axis propagation constants are known for each wave, and Galerkin's method is employed to determine the amplitudes of these waves. Finally, the far-zone scattered field is determined by considering the polarization currents radiating in free space. Numerical data are presented to illustrate the scattering properties of lossless and lossy dielectric strips as a function of the angle of incidence and the width of the strip. The calculations show excellent agreement with an earlier moment method using pulse bases and point matching.
Fatty Acid Infusion Selectively Impairs Insulin Action on Akt1 and Protein Kinase C λ/ζ but Not on Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3

To determine the mechanism(s) for insulin resistance induced by fatty acids, we measured the ability of insulin to activate phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and multiple distal pathways in rats. Following a 5-h infusion of lipid or glycerol (control), rats underwent a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Insulin stimulated IRS-1-associated PI3K activity in muscle of glycerol-infused rats 2.4-fold but had no effect in lipid-infused rats. IRS-2- and phosphotyrosine-associated PI3K activity were increased 3.5- and 4.8-fold, respectively, by insulin in glycerol-infused rats but only 1.6- and 2.3-fold in lipid-infused rats. Insulin increased Akt1 activity 3.9-fold in glycerol-infused rats, and this was impaired 41% in lipid-infused rats. Insulin action on Akt2 and p70S6K were not impaired, whereas activation of protein kinase C λ/ζ activity was reduced 47%. Insulin inhibited glycogen synthase kinase 3α (GSK-3α) activity by 30% and GSK-3β activity by ∼65% and increased protein phosphatase-1 activity by 40–47% in both glycerol- and lipid-infused rats. Insulin stimulated glycogen synthase activity 2.0-fold in glycerol-infused rats but only 1.4-fold in lipid-infused rats. Thus, 1) elevation of fatty acids differentially affects insulin action on pathways distal to PI3K, impairing activation of Akt1 and protein kinase C λ/ζ and 2) insulin action on glycogen synthase can be regulated independent of effects on GSK-3 and protein phosphatase-1 activity in vivo.
Chandra Observations of the Pulsar B1929+10 and Its Environment

We report on two Chandra observations of the 3 Myr old pulsar B1929+10, which reveal a faint compact (~9 -->'' × 5 -->'') nebula elongated in the direction perpendicular to the pulsar's proper motion, two patchy wings, and a possible short (~3 -->'') jet emerging from the pulsar. In addition, we detect a tail extending up to at least -->4' in the direction opposite to the pulsar's proper motion, aligned with the ~15 -->' long tail detected in ROSAT and XMM-Newton observations. The overall morphology of the nebula suggests that the shocked pulsar wind is confined by the ram pressure due to the pulsar's supersonic speed. The shape of the compact nebula in the immediate vicinity of the pulsar seems to be consistent with the current MHD models. However, since these models do not account yet for the change of the flow velocity at larger distances from the pulsar, they are not able to constrain the extent of the long pulsar tail. The luminosity of the whole nebula as seen by Chandra is -->LPWN ~ 1030 ergs s -->−1 in the 0.3-8 keV band, for the distance of 361 pc. Using the Chandra and XMM-Newton data, we found that the pulsar spectrum is composed of nonthermal (magnetospheric) and thermal components. The nonthermal component can be described by a power-law model with photon index -->Γ ≈ 1.7 and luminosity -->LnonthPSR ≈ 1.7 × 1030 ergs s -->−1 in the 0.3-10 keV band. The blackbody fit for the thermal component, which presumably emerges from hot polar caps, gives the temperature -->kT ≈ 0.3 keV and projected emitting area -->A⊥ ~ 3 × 103 m2, corresponding to the bolometric luminosity -->Lbol ~ (1–2) × 1030 ergs s -->−1.
Baseline testing and long-term monitoring of the Lambert Road Bridge for the long-term bridge performance program

The objective of the long-term bridge performance (LTBP) program is to collect, document, and make available high quality quantitative performance data for a representative sample of bridges nationwide. As such, the LTBP program will collect data, perform analyses, develop models, and enhance education and practices aimed at extending bridge service life. Data will be collected through live-load and dynamic testing, physical material testing, detailed inspections, NDT/NDE, and long-term structural health monitoring. As part of the pilot phase of the overall program, seven bridges across the United States have been tested and are in various stages of being instrumented for long-term structural health monitoring. This paper focuses on a two-span, post-tensioned, box girder bridge located near Sacramento, California, which is one of the initial pilot bridges. The initial live-load and dynamic testing, physical material testing, detailed visual inspection, and an NDE deck scan have already been performed to establish the baseline bridge condition for future comparisons. Long-term instrumentation including strain gauges, velocity transducers, tiltmeters, vibrating wire strain gauges, thermocouples, and a real time camera have been installed. Once long-term bridge behavior is understood, maintenance decision tools can be developed that will aid bridge owners and administrators in better practice management. This paper describes the initial testing, baseline evaluation, and the long-term monitoring program that was developed.
Exchange rates in the modern floating era: what do we really know?

Forecasting nominal exchange rates remains a remarkably difficult task, despite the proliferation of new floating currencies, the maturation of the floating rate period, the deepening of financial markets, and the development of more sophisticated econometric tests that make use of today’s more powerful computing possibilities. Despite these advances, the basic results of Meese and Rogoff in the 1980s stand up remarkably well—it is still extremely difficult to forecast exchange rates. To the extent that there is any forecasting power, the most promising models are those based on purchasing power parity or the current account, although it must be noted that these mainly predict the real exchange rate, rather than the nominal exchange rate. Thus, some of the adjustment takes place in prices. Finally, it should be noted that panel methods help in exchange rate forecasting, albeit mainly by allowing better estimation of nonstructural factors such as shift parameters.
Recent Legal Developments Criminal Justice Decisions of the United States Supreme Court, 2008 Term

During its 2010 term, the United State Supreme Court decided 28 cases that dealt with a criminal justice-related issue. While a number of these decisions will have only a slight impact on the daily...
Human recombinant DNA insulin-induced lipoatrophy in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Objective To present the first case of lipoatrophy occurring in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus who was treated with human recombinant DNA (rDNA)-derived insulin as her only exposure to exogenous insulin. Methods We describe the clinical findings in a 47-year-old woman with lipoatrophy after injection of human rDNA insulin for type 2 diabetes, and we review the related literature. Results Although a few case reports have documented lipoatrophy in patients with type 1 diabetes treated with human insulin, to our knowledge no previous reports have described patients with type 2 diabetes in whom lipoatrophy developed after injection of human rDNA insulin. This was our patient’s first exposure to exogenous insulin. No definite factor was found to be contributory to the development of lipoatrophy in this case, even though several factors may be related. Conclusion This is the first published case report of lipoatrophy occurring in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus who received human rDNA insulin as her only exposure to exogenous insulin. (Endocr Pract. 2000;6: 151-152)
Embedded nonlinear ultrasonics for structural health monitoring of satellite joints

Responsive space satellites must be assembled and tested in extremely short times. Integrity of structural joints is one of the major concerns during satellite assembly and qualification processes. A structural health monitoring (SHM) approach based on nonlinear ultrasonics is suggested for rapid diagnostics of structural connectors and joints. Embedded piezoelectric sensors are utilized to enable propagation of elastic waves through bolted aluminum panels. Signal parameters indicative of the nonlinear behavior are extracted from the received waveforms and are used for assessment of structural integrity. Experimental studies reveal variation of the nonlinear response of the joint due to applied structural loads. These changes are explored as diagnostic features of the method. We discuss theoretical aspects of the nonlinear wave propagation through joints and provide experimental data showing feasibility of the embedded nonlinear ultrasonics method for monitoring of structural integrity.
Accuracy of Registration Methods in Frameless Stereotaxis

The accuracy of image to patient registration is a critical issue in the intraoperative use of frameless stereotaxic instruments for surgical guidance. This study was performed to assess the accuracy of image to head phantom registration using several standard registration techniques and a clinical frameless stereotaxic instrument. Two types of radioopaque fiducial markers were fixed to a plastic head phantom, and a computed tomography scan of the phantom was performed in the routine fashion. Image to phantom registration was carried out using fiducial markers, fiducial markers plus surface fit, anatomic landmarks, and anatomic landmarks plus surface fit. After each registration, linear inaccuracy measurements were performed for each of 32 markers. Each registration was performed 10 times, and the overall mean error measurements and anterior and posterior error were computed and compared. The overall mean error was smallest for the fiducial registration alone (2.07 mm). The magnitude of error increased si...
Effects of Methylphenidate on the Auditory Processing Abilities of Children with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder

Stimulant medications are widely used as part of the treatment for children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The current study investigated the effects of methylphenidate on auditory vigilance, auditory processing abilities, and receptive language abilities of children with ADHD. Twenty subjects (17 males and 3 females) ranged in age from 7 to 13 years. Each subject had been diagnosed as having ADHD and had been prescribed methylphenidate for the control of hyperactivity. The test battery included the Auditory Continuous Performance Test (ACPT), SCAN (a screening test for auditory processing disorders in children), and the Token Test for Children. Results indicated that there was significant improvement in the children's performance on all measures when on methylphenidate. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Embedded-atom models of 12 cubic metals incorporating second- and third-order elastic-moduli data

An embeded-atom method (EAM) formulation that can reproduce identically the empirically determined second-order and third-order elastic moduli is employed in constructing the EAM models of 12 cubic metals (Ag, Al, Au, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, and Rb). The models yield phase stabilities, pressure-volume curves, and phonon-frequency spectra that are in generally good agreement with experiments.
On solving large maximum concurrent flow problems

The maximum concurrent flow problem (MCFP) is readily illustrated by problems such as traffic flow in road networks and message transfer in packet switched networks. The MCFP was introduced in [MA85] and can be solved using either linear programming techniques or using the flow routing algorithms [BM86, TM86]. Application of these techniques has typically been limited to problems of small size (40 vertices or less). We present a refinement of the algorithm in [BM86] which operates successfully on problems three times larger than those solved by the previous techniques. Empirical polynomially bounded storage and time complexity is demonstrated and applications in packet switched networks are investigated.
Molecular and biochemical evidence for the presence of type III adenylyl cyclase in human platelets.

The isoform(s) of adenylyl cyclase (AC) present in human platelets has not been identified, and evidence supporting a role for AC in platelet aggregation is equivocal. We recently characterized deaggregation as an active component of the platelet aggregation response that may be an important determinant of the extent and duration of aggregation. G i -coupled receptors are linked to the inhibition of AC and are targets of antiplatelet drugs. They also affect platelet aggregation by modulating deaggregation, suggesting a role for AC in modulating this response. The purpose of this study was to identify the AC isoform(s) present in human platelets and to identify its physiological modulators. RT-PCR screening of platelet, buffy coat layer cell and bone marrow megakaryocyte cDNA, and Western blot analysis with AC type III (AC-III) antibodies identified AC-III in platelets and in megakaryocytes. Human platelet AC-III was cloned and expressed in HEK293 cells and its characteristics compared to native platelet A...