cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influences of Salinity and Light Availability on Abundance and Distribution of Tidal Freshwater and Oligohaline Submersed Aquatic Vegetation

Submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) communities have undergone declines worldwide, exposing them to invasions from non-native species. Over the past decade, the invasive species Hydrilla verticillata has been documented in several tributaries of the lower Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. We used annual aerial mapping surveys from 1998 to 2007, integrated with spatial analyses of water quality data, to analyze the patterns and rates of change of a H. verticillata-dominated SAV community and relate them to varying salinity and light conditions. Periods of declining SAV coverage corresponded to periods where salinities exceeded 7 and early growing season (April to May) Secchi depths were <0.4 m. Increases were driven by the expansion of H. verticillata along with several other species into the upper estuary, where some areas experienced an 80% increase in cover. Field investigations revealed H. verticillata dominance to be limited to the upper estuary where total suspended solid concentrations during the early growing season were <15 mg l−1 and salinity remained <3. The effect of poor early growing season water clarity on annual SAV growth highlights the importance of water quality during this critical life stage. Periods of low clarity combined with periodic salinity intrusions may limit the dominance of H. verticillata in these types of estuarine systems. This study shows the importance of the use of these types of biologically relevant episodic events to supplement seasonal habitat requirements and also provides evidence for the potential important role of invasive species in SAV community recovery.
Rapid microchip-based electrophoretic immunoassays for the detection of swine influenza virus

Towards developing rapid and portable diagnostics for detecting zoonotic diseases, we have developed microchip-based electrophoretic immunoassays for sensitive and rapid detection of viruses. Two types of microchip-based electrophoretic immunoassays were developed. The initial assay used open channel electrophoresis and laser-induced fluorescence detection with a labeled antibody to detect influenza virus. However, this assay did not have adequate sensitivity to detect viruses at relevant concentrations for diagnostic applications. Hence, a novel assay was developed that allows simultaneous concentration and detection of viruses using a microfluidic chip with an integrated nanoporous membrane. The size-exclusion properties of the in situ polymerized polyacrylamide membrane are exploited to simultaneously concentrate viral particles and separate the virus/fluorescent antibody complex from the unbound antibody. The assay is performed in two simple steps—addition of fluorescently labeled antibodies to the sample, followed by concentration of antibody–virus complexes on a porous membrane. Excess antibodies are removed by electrophoresis through the membrane and the complex is then detected downstream of the membrane. This new assay detected inactivated swine influenza virus at a concentration four times lower than that of the open-channel electrophoresis assay. The total assay time, including device regeneration, is six minutes and requires <50 μl of sample. The filtration effect of the polymer membrane eliminates the need for washing, commonly required with surface-based immunoassays, increasing the speed of the assay. This assay is intended to form the core of a portable device for the diagnosis of high-consequence animal pathogens such as foot-and-mouth disease. The electrophoretic immunoassay format is rapid and simple while providing the necessary sensitivity for diagnosis of the illness state. This would allow the development of a portable, cost-effective, on-site diagnostic system for rapid screening of large populations of livestock, including sheep, pigs, cattle, and potentially birds.
Effects of early low-level lead exposure on human brain structure, organization and functions

Advanced neuroimaging techniques offer unique insights into how childhood lead exposure impacts the brain. Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging affords anatomical information about the size of global, regional and subcomponent structures within the brain. Diffusion tensor imaging provides information about white matter architecture by quantitatively describing how water molecules diffuse within it. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy generates quantitative measures of neuronal, axonal and glial elements via concentration levels of select metabolites. Functional magnetic resonance imaging infers neuronal activity associated with a given task performed. Employing these techniques in the study of the Cincinnati Lead Study, a relatively homogeneous birth cohort longitudinally monitored for over 30 years, one can non-invasively and quantitatively explore how childhood lead exposure is associated with adult brain structure, organization and function. These studies yield important findings how environmental lead exposure impacts human health.
Computer-aided design in civil engineering

The paper reviews the development and current status of computer-aided design (CAD) in structural-engineering, a branch of civil engineering. The Similarities to and differences from electrical engineering practice are emphasized. The presentation deals first with well-developed CAD application areas, namely those supporting analysis, component selection and the preparation of design documents, Problematic areas, still subject to intense research, in synthesis, optimization, the representation of design specifications, the use of databases and the role of software engineering tools are briefly described.
Loss of the AE3 Cl−/HCO−3 exchanger in mice affects rate-dependent inotropy and stress-related AKT signaling in heart

Cl-/HCO3- exchangers are expressed abundantly in cardiac muscle, suggesting that HCO3- extrusion serves an important function in heart. Mice lacking Anion Exchanger Isoform 3 (AE3), a major cardiac Cl-/HCO3- exchanger, appear healthy, but loss of AE3 causes decompensation in a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) model. Using intra-ventricular pressure analysis, in vivo pacing, and molecular studies we identified physiological and biochemical changes caused by loss of AE3 that may contribute to decompensation in HCM. AE3-null mice had normal cardiac contractility under basal conditions and after -adrenergic stimulation, but pacing of hearts revealed that frequency-dependent inotropy was blunted, suggesting that AE3-mediated HCO3- extrusion is required for a robust force-frequency response (FFR) during acute biomechanical stress in vivo. Modest changes in expression of proteins that affect Ca2+-handling were observed, but Ca2+-transient analysis of AE3-null myocytes showed normal twitch-amplitude and Ca2+-clearance. Phosphorylation and expression of several proteins implicated in HCM and FFR, including phospholamban, myosin binding protein C, and troponin I were not altered in hearts of paced AE3-null mice; however, phosphorylation of Akt, which plays a central role in mechanosensory signaling, was significantly higher in paced AE3-null hearts than in wild-type controls and phosphorylation of AMPK, which is affected by Akt and is involved in energy metabolism and some cases of HCM, was reduced. These data show loss of AE3 leads to impaired rate-dependent inotropy, appears to affect mechanical stress-responsive signaling, and reduces activation of AMPK, which may contribute to decompensation in heart failure.
Surface salt bridges stabilize the GCN4 leucine zipper

We present a study of the role of salt bridges in stabilizing a simplified tertiary structural motif, the coiled-coil. Changes in GCN4 sequence have been engineered that introduce trial patterns of single and multiple salt bridges at solvent exposed sites. At the same sites, a set of alanine mutants was generated to provide a reference for thermodynamic analysis of the salt bridges. Introduction of three alanines stabilizes the dimer by 1.1 kcal/mol relative to the wild-type. An arrangement corresponding to a complex type of salt bridge involving three groups stabilizes the dimer by 1.7 kcal/ mol, an apparent elevation of the melting temperature relative to wild type of about 22 degrees C. While identifying local from nonlocal contributions to protein stability is difficult, stabilizing interactions can be identified by use of cycles. Introduction of alanines for side chains of lower helix propensity and complex salt bridges both stabilize the coiled-coil, so that combining the two should yield melting temperatures substantially higher than the starting species, approaching those of thermophilic sequences.
Hepatic arterial chemotherapy: role of angiography.

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy increases the hepatic concentration of chemotherapeutic agents without increasing systemic toxicity. Both percutaneous (most commonly left transbrachial) and surgical approaches are currently used for infusion catheter placement. Surgical catheter and pump placement has proved to be a reliable means of delivering drugs to the liver and has been commonly used for hepatic arterial chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Meticulous angiographic evaluation of the hepatic vascular anatomy, its variations, and hemodynamics is necessary for correct catheter placement to achieve total liver perfusion without significant extrahepatic perfusion. Satisfactory hepatic perfusion should be documented before drug infusion. Hepatic arterial radionuclide flow imaging with technetium-99m-labeled macroaggregated serum albumin remains the most reliable means of assessing hepatic perfusion following catheter placement. Transcatheter techniques have been used to facilitate cathe...
Significance of borderline counts in screening programs for bacteriuria

The conservative approach to bacterial counis appears to be reasonable in thesymptomatic patients. The question remains whether or not borderline counts are of similar significance in routine screening of asymptomatic patients under field conditions. The current report attempts to provide information on this point by analysis of the emergence of persistent significant bacteriuria in relation to the initial bacterial count obtained among school girls routinely screened at yearly intervals for 5 years.
The site densities of solid catalysts

Abstract The number of catalytically-active sites per unit area, the site density, is often several orders of magnitude less than usually supposed. From the results obtained for representative systems, it is estimated that in 20–40% of modern catalytic systems the site densities are 1011 cm−2 (i.e., 0.01% coverage) or less, with many site densities 109 cm−2 or less. Several unrelated methods of obtaining site densities lead to the same general conclusion. The catalysts of the representative systems are amorphous and crystalline acidic oxides, transition metal and rare earth oxides, transition metals, and salts. The reactions discussed are hydrocarbon isomerization, cracking, and polymerization; decomposition of NH3, HCOOH, and alcohols; oxidation, hydrogenation, and dehydrogenation; O transfer, p-o H2 conversion, and H2D2 equilibration. It is shown that in spite of the frequency of occurrence of low site densities, that high site densities are often uncritically assumed. Therefore, attempts to correlate surface properties with catalytic activity are open to question.
Asymmetrical Federal Systems: Self-determination, Cultural Identity, and Political and Fiscal Decentralization

McGarry argues that asymmetrical federalism may be an optimal form of governance for culturally heterogeneous societies when—as is often the case—different communities, be they “national” or “regio...
A “piecewise-linear” method for triangulating 3-manifolds

In [ 121, E. E. Moise proved a piecewise-linear approximation theorem for homeomorphisms between 3-manifolds, which implies the triangulation theorem and Hauptvermutung for 3-manifolds without boundary. Moise’s proof, and the later proof given by Bing [3], depend on deep point-settheoretic techniques. The present author, in his Ph.D. thesis (Harvard, Fall 1971), gave a proof of this approximation theorem in which all the work was done in the piecewise-linear (PL) category; the main tools were the so-called Dehn lemma and the loop theorem, fundamental piecewise-linear results due to the late C. D. Papakyriakopoulos, which had been unavailable when [ 121 and [3] were written. Since then other proofs have appeared in 14, 7, 14 ]; all use the Dehn lemma and the loop theorem in combination with various point-set-theoretic methods or more advanced PL methods. The author’s original goal in the research leading to his thesis was to provide a proof of the theorem that would seem natural, straightforward and intuitively comprehensible from the viewpoint of standard 3-dimensional PL topology, and would use nothing more difficult than Dehn’s lemma and the loop theorem. He hopes that the present paper, which is a new piece of work incorporating many ideas from his thesis, achieves that goal. The theorem that is proved here is actually a refinement of Moise’s original result, and was first proved by Bing [ 2) and independently by Moise [ 13 ]. If E is a positive-valued continuous function on a space X, and iff and g are maps of X into a space Y(distance function) d, we say that g Eapproximates f (or is an s-approximation to f) if d(f(x), g(x)) < E(X) for every x E X. An embedding is a l-l map (not necessarily “proper”). A mamyold may have a boundary.
Data base design methodology for structural analysis and design optimization

A methodology to design data bases for finite element analysis and structural design optimization is described. The methodology considers three views of data organization-conceptual, internal, and external. Tabular and matrix forms of data are included. The relational data model is used in the data base design. Entity, relation, and attributes are considered to form a conceptual view of data. First, second, and third normal forms of data are suggested to design an internal model. Several aspects such as processing, iterative needs, multiple views of data, efficiency of storage and access time, and transitive data are considered in the methodology.
Rat nigral xenografts survive in the brain of MHC class II-, but not class I-deficient mice

Abstract We have examined the role of the indirect pathway of antigen recognition and T cells in neural xenografts rejection by using major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-deficient mice as xenograft recipients. Dissociated embryonic ventral mesencephalic tissue from Sprague–Dawley rats was stereotaxically injected as a cell suspension into the striatum of MHC class II-deficient adult mice as well as MHC class I-deficient and wild-type mice as controls. All of the MHC class II-deficient mice had surviving grafts in the striatum 4 weeks post-grafting. In contrast, only a few of the MHC class I-deficient mice exhibited very small grafts and none of the wild-type mice had any surviving grafts. The mean number of surviving transplanted dopamine neurons in the MHC class II-deficient group was significantly larger than that observed in the other two groups. Moderate levels of MHC class I antigen expression were seen in the transplantation sites of some animals in the MHC class II-deficient group. No helper or cytotoxic T cells were observed infiltrating into the graft sites of this group. However, there were markedly increased levels of expression of MHC class I and class II antigens, and a number of T cells infiltrating in the graft sites in both the MHC class I-deficient and wild-type groups. These results show that rat embryonic nigral tissue can survive transplantation in the brain of the MHC class II-deficient mice for at least 4 weeks without any overt signs of rejection, suggesting that the indirect pathway of foreign antigen recognition mediated by host MHC class II molecules and helper T cells plays an important role in the rejection responses to intracerebral xenografts.
Fiber optic video monitoring system for remote CT/MR scanners clinically accepted

With the proliferation of CT travel to distant scanners to review images before their patients can be released. We designed a fiber-optic broadband video system to transmit images from seven scanner consoles to fourteen remote monitoring stations in real time. This system has been used clinically by radiologists for over one years. We designed and conducted a user survey to categorize the levels of system use by section (Chest, GI, GU, Bone, Neuro, Peds, etc.), to measure operational utilization and acceptance of the system into the clinical environment, to clarify the system''s importance as a clinical tool for saving radiologists travel-time to distant CT the system''s performance and limitations as a diagnostic tool. The study was administered directly to radiologists using a printed survey form. The results of the survey''s compiled data show a high percentage of system usage by a wide spectrum of radiologists. Clearly, this system has been accepted into the clinical environment as a highly valued diagnostic tool in terms of time savings and functional flexibility.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Prediction of the magnetotoroidic effect from atomistic simulations.

An effective Hamiltonian technique is used to investigate the effect of applying curled electric fields on physical properties of stress-free ${\mathrm{BiFeO}}_{3}$ dots being under open-circuit electrical boundary conditions. It is discovered that such fields can lead to a control of not only the magnitude but also the direction of the magnetization. Such control originates from the field-induced transformation or switching of electrical vortices and their couplings with oxygen octahedral tilts and magnetic dipoles. This control involves striking intermediate states and constitutes a novel phenomenon that can be termed a ``magnetotoroidic'' effect.
Pharmacy patronage: identifying key factors in the decision making process using the determinant attribute approach.

Abstract Objective To use the determinant attribute approach, a research method commonly used in marketing to identify the wants of various consumer groups, to evaluate consumer pharmacy choice when having a prescription order filled in different pharmacy settings. Design Cross sectional. Setting Community independent, grocery store, community chain, and discount store pharmacies in Georgia between April 2005 and April 2006. Participants Convenience sample of adult pharmacy consumers (n = 175). Intervention Survey measuring consumer preferences on 26 attributes encompassing general pharmacy site features (16 items), pharmacist characteristics (5 items), and pharmacy staff characteristics (5 items). Main outcome measure 26 potential determinant attributes for pharmacy selection. Results 175 consumers were surveyed at community independent (n = 81), grocery store (n = 44), community chain (n = 27), or discount store (n = 23) pharmacy settings. The attributes of pharmacists and staff at all four pharmacy settings were shown to affect pharmacy patronage motives, although consumers frequenting non- community independent pharmacies were also motivated by secondary convenience factors, e.g., hours of operation, and prescription coverage Conclusion Most consumers do not perceive pharmacies as merely prescription- distribution centers that vary only by convenience. Prescriptions are not ]ust another economic good. Pharmacy personnel influence pharmacy selection; therefore, optimal staff selection and training is likely the greatest asset and most important investment for ensuring pharmacy success.
Toward Genomic Based Personalized Mathematical Models for Breast Cancer Tumor Growth

Our Genomic Relevance Parameterization (GReP) model aims to explore a possible relationship between gene expression values from breast cancer patients and mathematical tumor growth modeling parameters calculated using data from clinical and preclinical measurements. We introduce two methods to relate genomic information and the tumor growth measurements. One method explores the impact of exponentiation of gene expression values, whereas the other utilizes the correlation between co-regulated genes and the growth parameters. As inputs to our GReP model, we used patient tumor volume measurements and genomic information for 74 breast cancer related genes from the I-SPY 1 TRIAL. We performed a preliminary validation of GReP model using experimental data from literature including MDA-MB-231 cell line, MDA-MB-231 cell line with CXCL12 gene over-expressed, and the MDA MB-231 sub-cell lines 1834 and 4175. Tumor growth curves generated by GReP model, for the initial exponential phase of tumor growth, closely match the pre-clinical data reported in the literature. These promising results show that it may be possible to build tools combining clinical information and genomic data to model cancerous tumor growth.
Escape-from-Shock Training following Exposure to Inescapable Shock:

In this experiment we have studied the effects of exposing rats to non-terminable shock on their subsequent utilization of bar pressing as a means of terminating the shock. Our main findings were: (a) that a 15-min. period of prior exposure significantly delayed the first press in training and significantly reduced the number of presses within a 35-min. session; and (b) that a 15-min. period of exposure between training and extinction altered the shape rather than the initial slope of the extinction curves, producing a significantly more rapid decline in the rate of pressing. These results indicate that competing behavior is acquired when no authorized escape response is available, and that this behavior interferes with the escape response when this is at a low strength but is itself suppressed when the escape response is at a high strength.
A preliminary assessment of relative sensitivities to foreign red blood cell challenges in the northern bobwhite for potential evaluation of immunotoxicity

Many environmental toxins have been shown to suppress the immune system across taxa. The foreign red blood cell (RBC) challenge is an important part of a complement of tests used to assess immunocompetence in the laboratory because it can assess an individual’s humoral response without impacting its health. This challenge is used commonly across species and measures antibody titers in response to an intraperitoneal, intravenous, or subcutaneous injection of foreign RBCs. Determination of the best appropriate foreign RBC challenge is therefore important when designing tests for evaluation of humoral responses. The northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) is a commonly used species for avian toxicity tests, however little is known about the relative sensitivities of its humoral responses to foreign erythrocytes. In this pilot study, we exposed adult quail to intravenous injections of 5% solutions of sheep, rat, rabbit, bovine, or chicken erythrocytes and performed antibody titers [hemagglutination assay for ...
Formation of monodisperse lead aerosols and identification of particle number concentration by ice nucleation

Abstract Lead aerosols were generated to investigate the conditions for the formation of monodisperse aerosols in nitrogen stream. Aerosols of high monodispersity could be obtained by vaporizing lead at a temperature in the range of 1000° to 1150°C and by flowing nitrogen at a rte of 1.5 l/min. In order to produce “lead iodide aerosols” portions of the lead aerosols were conducted into a test chamber in which the atmosphere of iodine vapor had previously been prepared. This mixture containing the aerosols with low concentration was moderately stirred under different temperatures. “The lead iodide aerosols” were sampled with a syringe to be injected into a modified Bigg's test device for ice nucleation. The aerosols injected rapidly changed into ice crystals, which could grow in size. As the number of ice crystals could give that of lead iodide aerosols, the reactivity of lead aerosols with iodine vapor was investigated under various temperatures. An increase in temperature during the ageing of lead aerosols with iodine vapor promoted their reactivity.
Regulation of osteoclastic bone resorption by glucose.

Abstract Osteoclasts degrade bone by pumping molar quantities of HCl to dissolve the calcium salts of bone, an energy intensive process evidently supported by abundant mitochondria. This is the first study to directly examine the ability of various metabolites to serve as potential energy sources for osteoclastic bone resorption. Glucose, and to a lesser extent lactate, supported osteoclastic bone degradation. However, fatty acids (palmitate, myristate and stearate), essential amino acids plus 20 mM alanine, or ketone bodies (acetoacetate, β-hydroxybutyrate and α-ketoglutarate) did not support bone degradation. Resorption declined to 10-30% of glucose controls when fatty acids or ketoacids were substituted for glucose. Resorption was glucose concentration dependent, with maximal activity at ∼7 mM (KM∼3 mM). Glucose transport was linear for ∼15 minutes, specific for D-glucose, and inhibited by cytochalasin B. Osteoclasts cultured on bone transported glucose at almost twice the rate of those off bone (Vmax23 versus 13 nmols/mg/min, respectively) and medium acid accumulation paralleled glucose uptake, while the KMwas unchanged. We conclude that glucose is the principal energy source required for bone degradation. Further, characteristics of glucose transport are consistent with the hypothesis that fluctuations in serum glucose concentration are an important component in regulation of osteoclastic bone degradation.
831 WISKOTT-ALDRICH SYNDROME: IMMUNE STATUS AFTER BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION

An 18 month old boy with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) received a marrow transplant from an HLA-matched sister after being conditioned with cyclophosphamide and dimethyl-myleran; post transplant methotrexate was given for 6 weeks. Complete hematologic reconstitution with donor cells occurred. In vitro immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis was determined with a direct and an indirect hemolytic plaque assay using pokeweed mitogen activation and co-culture techniques. Before transplantation, Ig secretion of B cells was impaired; T-cells provided adequate help and suppressor T-cells were not detected. Following transplantation, a transient impairment of IgG secretion by patient's B-cells in the presence of autologous or normal allogeneic T-cells was observed. During three months of post-transplant study, T-helper activity was persistently defective and Ig secretion by normal B and T cells was suppressed (> 95%) by the patient's T cells. Recovery from the transplant procedure was rapid and 3 months after the transplant the patient was infection-free and without signs of graft versus host disease; serum immunoglobulin concentrations were normal and isohemagglutinins became demonstrable; he responded to bacteriophage OX 174 with adequate antibody titers and in vitro lymphocyte transformation to mitogens was 16-51% of normal. Presently, eight months after the transplant, he is asymptomatic and thriving. These observations indicate that hematologic and immunologic reconstitution can be achieved in WAS without total body irradiation prior to marrow infusion, and that the appearance of donor derived suppressor T cells may play a role in the homeostasis between the host and graft.
Dispersion-Compensation in High-Q Silica Microspheres for Parametric Oscillation

We demonstrate that under suitable conditions high-Q silica microspheres can exhibit anomalous cavity-mode dispersion, which permits phase matching for nonlinear interactions. Such dispersion control is used to demonstrate low-threshold four-wave mixing parametric oscillation.
The evaluator as program consultant

Abstract This paper presents a model for the role of the evaluator in which the evaluator acts as a Program Consultant who operates in three domains: Program Development, Planned Change, and Evaluation Technology. This permits the performance of evaluations that have greater validity and utility. The model is presented both from the theoretical perspective of linkage and from the context of the evaluation of a Case Management program operated by a Community Action Agency. Each of the domains is discussed with examples from the Case Management Evaluation. The paper concludes with a discussion of the contexts in which the model is best applied.
Diterpenes of helianthus rigidus and H. Salicifolius

Abstract The chloroform extract of Helianthus rigidus gave ciliaric acid and 16-hydroxy-11-kauren-19-oic acid. H. salicifolius furnished these compounds as well as (−)-kauranol.
Field Testing Alternative Criteria for Chronic Migraine

The criteria for chronic migraine (CM), as proposed by the Second Edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-2) is very restrictive, excluding most patients that evolve from episodic migraine. In this study we empirically tested three recent proposals for revised criteria for CM. We included individuals with transformed migraine (TM) with or without medication overuse, according to the criteria proposed by Silberstein and Lipton. All individuals had headache calendars for at least three consecutive months. We assessed the proportion of subjects that fulfilled ICHD-2 criteria for CM or probable chronic migraine with probable medication overuse (CM+). We also tested three proposals for making the CM criteria more inclusive. In proposal 1, CM/CM+ would require at least 15 days of migraine or probable migraine per month. Proposal 2 suggests that CM/CM+ would be classified in those with ≥15 days of headache per month, where at least 50% of these days are migraine or probable migrai...
The Progress and Poverty Centenary: Advocates and Opponents Will Enjoy and Learn from the Papers Given at One Celebration

. The Committee on Taxation. Resources and Economic Development, a group of American fiscal economists, commemorated the centenary of the publication of Henry George's classic, Progress and Poverty, with a conference reported in the book. Land Value Taxation. It raises, typically from a variety of perspectives, the major issues engendered by George's analysis and policy recommendations. Economists who are at least open-minded on George recognize him as a true progressive, a believer in the distribution of income in accordance with productive contribution and a convincing advocate of the social appropriation of economic rent on scientific and moral grounds. George was fundamentally correct in the idea that some form of land value taxation is an especially suitable mode of financing government, though the notion that this could be the single tax is and was unrealistic. The case for this as a cure for poverty is substantially exaggerated but it would remove one source of economic inequality. George, like Edward Bellamy, in promoting equality of opportunity rallied public support for the long-developing movement for pluralist economic democracy.
An energy-aware data-centric generic utility based approach in wireless sensor networks

Distinct from wireless ad hoc networks, wireless sensor networks are data-centric, application-oriented, collaborative, and energy-constrained in nature. In this paper, formulate the problem of data transport in sensor networks as an optimization problem whose objective function is to maximize the amount of information (utility) collected at sinks (subscribers), subject to the flow, energy and channel bandwidth constraints. Also, based on a Markov model extended from G. Bianchi (2000), we derive the link delay and the node capacity in both the single and multi-hop environments, and figure them in the problem formulation. We study three special cases under the problem formulation. In particular, we consider the energy-aware flow control problem, derive an energy aware flow control solution, and investigate via ns-2 simulation its performance. The simulation results show that the proposed energy-aware flow control solution can achieve high utility and low delay without congesting the network.
Modulator Recognition Factor 1, an AT-Rich Interaction Domain Family Member, Is a Novel Corepressor for Estrogen Receptor α

Cardiovascular tissues are important targets of estrogen action. Vascular cells express the two known estrogen receptors (ERs), ERα and ERβ, ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate gene transcription through interactions with both coactivator and corepressor molecules. To isolate ERα coregulators in vascular cells, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen for ERα-interacting proteins using a human aorta library. Here we report the identification of modulator recognition factor 1 (MRF1) as an ERα-interacting corepressor protein. Full-length MRF1 binds to both the N terminus and the C terminus of ERα. ERα and MRF1 coimmunoprecipitate in an estradiol-independent manner, and recombinant ERα binds to both full-length and COOH-terminal MRF1 in the absence of estradiol. MRF1 also interacts in a ligand-dependent manner with thyroid receptor α, retinoid X receptor α, and androgen receptor, and in a ligand-independent manner with ERβ and the retinoic acid receptor. MRF1 RNA is highly expressed in aorta, ...
Paradoxes in Advance Care Planning: The Complex Relationship of Oncology Patients, Their Physicians, and Advance Medical Directives

Purpose Many seriously ill patients with cancer do not discuss prognosis or advance directives (ADs), which may lead to inappropriate and/or unwanted aggressive care at the end of life. Ten years ago, patients with cancer said they would not like to discuss ADs with their oncologist but would be willing to discuss them with an admitting physician. We assessed whether this point of view still held. Patients and Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 75 consecutively admitted patients with cancer in the cancer inpatient service. Results Of those enrolled, 41% (31 of 75) had an AD. Nearly all (87%, 65 of 75) thought it acceptable to discuss ADs with the admitting physician with whom they had no prior relationship, and 95% (62 of 65) thought that discussing AD issues was very or somewhat important. Only 7% (5 of 75) had discussed ADs with their oncologist, and only 23% (16 of 70) would like to discuss ADs with their oncologist. When specifically asked which physician they would choose, 48% (36...
Elasticity Imaging Using Conventional and High-Frame Rate Ultrasound Imaging: Experimental Study

High-frame rate ultrasound imaging is necessary to track fast deformation in ultrasound elasticity imaging, but the image quality may be degraded. Previously, we investigated the performance of strain imaging using numerical models of conventional and ultrafast ultrasound imaging techniques. In this paper, we performed experimental studies to quantitatively evaluate the strain images and elasticity maps obtained using conventional and high frame rate ultrasound imaging methods. The experiments were carried out using point target and tissue mimicking phantoms. The experimental results were compared with the results of numerical simulation. Our experimental studies confirm that the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and axial/lateral resolution of the displacement and strain images acquired using high-frame rate ultrasound imaging are slightly lower but comparable with those obtained using conventional imaging. Furthermore, the quality of elasticity images also exhibits similar trends. Thus, high-frame rate ultrasound imaging can be used reliably for static elasticity imaging to capture the internal tissue motion if the frame rate is critical.
Comparative long-term results of mitral valve repair in adults with chronic rheumatic disease and degenerative disease: is repair for "burnt-out" rheumatic disease still inferior to repair for degenerative disease in the current era?

Objective Mitral valve repair is perceived to be of limited durability for advanced rheumatic disease in adults. We aim to examine the long-term outcomes of repair for rheumatic disease, identify predictors of durability, and compare with repair for degenerative disease. Methods Rheumatic and degenerative mitral valve repairs in patients aged 40 years or more were prospectively analyzed. The primary outcomes investigated were mortality, freedom from reoperation, and valve failure. Logistic regression analysis was performed to define predictors of poor outcome. Results Between 1997 and 2011, 253 rheumatic and 148 degenerative mitral valves were repaired. The age of patients in both groups was similar, with a mean of 54.1 ± 8.4 years versus 55.6 ± 7.3 years ( P = .49). Freedom from reoperation for rheumatic valves at 5 and 10 years was 98.4%, comparable to 95.3% ( P = .12) for degenerative valves. Freedom from valve failure at 5 and 10 years was 91.4% and 81.5% for rheumatic repairs and 82.5% and 75.4% for degenerative repairs, respectively ( P = .15). The presence of residual mitral regurgitation greater than 2+ before discharge was the only significant independent predictor of reoperation, whereas residual mitral regurgitation greater than 2+ and leaflet procedures were significant risk factors for valve failure. Conclusions The durability of rheumatic mitral valve repair in the current era has improved and is comparable to the outstanding durability of repairs for degenerative disease, even in the adult rheumatic population. Modifications of standard repair techniques, adherence to the importance of good leaflet coaptation, and strict quality control with stringent use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography have all contributed to the improved long-term results.
The Biological Properties of Chlorindanol, A New Antiseptic Agent*

7-Chloro-4-indanol in concentrations of 1:1,000–1:3,000 is rapidly lethal to vegetative bacteria, Trichophyton sp., C. albicans, E. histolytica cysts and trophozoites, T. vaginalis , and spermatozoa in vitro . Systemic toxicity is low; it is well tolerated by skin, eyes, genital mucosa; it is nonallergenic; it appears to be suitable for use as. topical antiseptic or sanitizer.
Probiotics and prebiotics in dermatology

The rapid increase in the medical use of probiotics and prebiotics in recent years has confirmed their excellent safety profile. As immune modulators, they have been used in inflammatory skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. We review the literature regarding the use of probiotics and prebiotics in dermatology. Probiotics and prebiotics appear to be effective in reducing the incidence of atopic dermatitis in infants, but their role in atopic dermatitis treatment is controversial. Their role in acne, wound healing, and photoprotection is promising, but larger trials are needed before a final recommendation can be made.
Venture Capital and Industrial "Innovation"

For the sample period of 1965-1992, Kortum and Lerner (2000) …nd that venture capital (“VC”) investment has a positive impact on patent counts at the industry level, and that this impact is larger than that of R&D expenditures. We con…rm that this positive impact continued to be present and became even stronger in late 1990s during which VC industry experienced an unprecedented growth. We then proceed to study whether this positive impact of VC is also present on productivity growth, which is a measure of innovation alternative to patent
Global characteristics of protein sequences and their implications

Computational studies of the relationships between protein sequence, structure, and folding have traditionally relied on purely local sequence representations. Here we show that global representations, on the basis of parameters that encode information about complete sequences, contain otherwise inaccessible information about the organization of sequences. By studying the spectral properties of these parameters, we demonstrate that amino acid physical properties fall into two distinct classes. One class is comprised of properties that favor sequentially localized interaction clusters. The other class is comprised of properties that favor globally distributed interactions. This observation provides a bridge between two classic models of protein folding—the collapse model and the nucleation model—and provides a basis for understanding how any degree of intermediacy between these two extremes can occur.
Power Amplifier Linearization and Efficiency Improvement Techniques for Commercial and Military Applications

This paper presents some recent developments in the area of power amplifier (PA) linearization and efficiency improvement techniques. Advanced digital pre-distortion (DPD) architectures implemented with digital signal processing (DSP) are discussed. Various results of improvements in intermodulation distortion (IMD) when applied to high power RF amplifiers are presented. Crest factor reduction (CFR) has been shown to substantially increase the power output, and hence the efficiency of PAs operating with high peak-to-average waveforms. The combination of DPD and CFR is shown to improve both efficiency and linearity to levels previously unachievable with analog technologies alone for commercial wireless applications. Independent of these signal processing techniques, polar transmitter circuit architectures have been proposed to improve PA efficiency. A combination of a polar transmitter architecture operating in combination with DPD and CFR is proposed in this paper to address more demanding military wireless communications applications.
Farm fatalities to youth 1995-2000: A comparison by age groups.

Problem: Although a myriad of research illustrates the safety issues related to farm fatalities in youth populations, very little empirical evidence exists that includes work and non-work related farm fatalities to all youths under 20 years of age at the national level. Methods: This research will use death certificate data for the six years from 1995 to 2000 that were collected by NIOSH from all 50 state vital statistics registries. Demographic data from the 1998 CAIS were used in rate calculations. In addition to providing annual fatality rates and descriptions of the general causes of death, this research will examine the variation between age groups. Results: Analysis of 695 total farmrelated youth fatalities shows an average annual fatality rate of 9.3 fatalities per 100,000 youths. Males account for 80% of these fatalities. The most prevalent causes of death are: machinery (25%), motor vehicle (17%), drowning (16%), suicide (8%) and homicide (6%). Of all youth fatalities occurring while at work, 45% are to youths less than 16 years of age. This same age group accounts for 71% of all non-work related fatalities. Summary: This research will provide farm families and researchers more detailed information on farm hazards that contribute to the deaths of youths. As these youths may encounter hazards while working or playing in their daily environment, identification and elimination of these hazards will increase overall safety on the farm. This research also indicates the need to include youths under 16 years of age in future comprehensive farm safety research. D 2004 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Consumption of High-Oleic Acid Ground Beef Increases HDL-Cholesterol Concentration but Both High- and Low-Oleic Acid Ground Beef Decrease HDL Particle Diameter in Normocholesterolemic Men

On the basis of previous results from this laboratory, this study tested the hypothesis that ground beef high in MUFA and low in SFA would increase the HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration and LDL particle diameter. In a crossover dietary intervention, 27 free-living normocholesterolemic men completed treatments in which five 114-g ground beef patties/wk were consumed for 5 wk with an intervening 4-wk washout period. Patties contained 24% total fat with a MUFA:SFA ratio of either 0.71 (low MUFA, from pasture-fed cattle) or 1.10 (high MUFA, from grain-fed cattle). High-MUFA ground beef provided 3.21 g more 18:1(n-9), 1.26 g less 18:0, 0.89 g less 16:0, and 0.36 g less 18:1(trans) fatty acids per patty than did the low-MUFA ground beef. Both ground beef interventions decreased plasma insulin and HDL(2) and HDL(3) particle diameters and increased plasma 18:0 and 20:4(n-6) (all P ≤ 0.05) relative to baseline values. Only the high-MUFA ground beef intervention increased the HDL-C concentration from baseline (P = 0.02). The plasma TG concentration was positively correlated with the plasma insulin concentration (r = 0.40; P 0.50), indicating that reductions in these measures were not coordinately regulated. The data indicate that dietary beef interventions have effects on risk factors for cardiovascular disease that are independent (insulin, HDL diameters) and dependent (HDL-C) on beef fatty acid composition.
Ability of troponins to predict adverse outcomes in patients with renal insufficiency and suspected acute coronary syndromes: a case-matched study

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of cardiac troponin T and troponin I for predicting outcomes in patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndromes and renal insufficiency relative to that observed in similar patients without renal disease. Background Cardiac troponin T and troponin I have shown promise as tools for risk stratification of patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, there is uncertainty regarding their cardiac specificity and utility in patients with renal disease. Methods We measured troponin T, troponin I and creatine kinase MB in 51 patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndromes and renal insufficiency and in 102 patients without evidence of renal disease matched for the same peak troponin T or I value, selected from a larger patient cohort. Blood samples were obtained at presentation to an emergency room 4 hours, 8 hours and 16 hours later. The ability of biochemical markers to predict adverse outcomes in both groups including infarction, recurrent ischemia, bypass surgery, heart failure, stroke, death or positive angiography/angioplasty during hospitalization and at six months was assessed by receiver-operator curve analysis. The performance of both troponins was compared between groups. Results Thirty-five percent of patients in the renal group and 45% of patients in the nonrenal group experienced an adverse initial outcome; over 50% of patients in all groups had experienced an adverse outcome by 6 months, but these differences were not significant. The area under the curve (AUC) for the ROC curve for troponin T as predictor of initial outcomes was significantly lower in the renal group than in the nonrenal group: 0.56 ± 0.07 and 0.75 ± 0.07, respectively. The area under the curve was also significantly lower in the renal group compared with the nonrenal group for troponin T as predictor of six month outcomes: 0.59 ± 0.07 and 0.74 ± 0.07, respectively. The area under the curve was also significantly lower in the renal group compared to the nonrenal group for troponin I as predictor of both initial and six month outcomes: 0.54 ± 0.06 vs. 0.71 ± 0.07 and 0.53 ± 0.06 vs. 0.65 ± 0.07, respectively. The sensitivity of troponin T for both initial and six month adverse outcomes was significantly lower in the renal group than in the nonrenal group at a similar level of specificity (0.87): 0.29 vs. 0.60 and 0.45 vs. 0.56, respectively. Troponin I also exhibited similar differences in sensitivity in the renal group (0.29 vs. 0.50 and 0.33 vs. 0.40, respectively). Conclusions The ability of cardiac troponin T and troponin I to predict risk for subsequent adverse outcomes in patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndromes is reduced in the presence of renal insufficiency.