cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Systems Model for Lymphocyte Interactions with Macrophages at Biomaterial Surfaces

A mechanistic mathematical model of cell population dynamics was developed to describe lymphocyte interactions with macrophages at biomaterial surfaces. The chemical properties of a biomaterial surface are expected to modulate its interaction with cells. Quantitative aspects of the relationship of surface characteristics to cellular adhesion were studied. Surfaces with hydrophobic, hydrophilic/neutral, hydrophilic/anionic, and hydrophilic/cationic characteristics were used in an in vitro co-culture system. The mathematical model represents monocyte adherence onto the surface, differentiation into macrophages, and fusion into foreign body giant cells (FBGCs) as well as concurrent lymphocyte adherence onto the surface and interaction with monocytes, macrophages, and FBGCs. Also, the model describes apoptosis and detachment of adherent monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes from the surface as well as proliferation of adherent lymphocytes. Based on this mechanistic model, computer simulations simulate the dynamic responses of these cell populations in the presence of different biomaterial surfaces. This computational model provides a major advance toward quantitative predictability of biomaterial-dependent cellular adhesion processes.
Parsimonious 2D prestack Kirchhoff depth migration

Efficiency of Kirchhoff migration can be much improved by using slope information from the seismic section to estimate the incident wave directions. Ray tracing is performed only back along the incident wave directions and so is much reduced. Unlike in conventional Kirchhoff implementations, there is no need to build traveltime tables, so relatively little memory and input/output use are required. Compression of the input data and restricting the contribution of each time sample to the image to lie within a Fresnel zone of its ray path further reduces the computation time. Synthetic and field data tests show that the new algorithm is about 30 times faster than traditional Kirchhoff migration for 2-D poststack data. The main structural features may be imaged very quickly at the expense of some details. There is a tradeoff between speed and image quality; the optimal compromise is implemented by the choice of migration parameters.
The binding of various long-chain fatty acids by serum albumin.

Abstract The binding of various long-chain fatty acid anions: oleate, linolenate, stearate, palmitate and myristate, by serum albumin was measured both by turbidimetric and tensiometric methods at pH = 6.4 and at pH = 7.4, at 25° C and 37° C. Serum albumin binds more oleic than stearic acid, while successive addition of oleate (stearate) to albumin-stearate(-oleate) complexes show that one anion does not replace the other under these conditions. Experiments involving simultaneous addition of oleate and stearate to albumin show that there is no selective binding of stearate or oleate by the albumin. Striking differences in the tensiometric curves obtained with stearate and oleate were observed. For example at pH = 7.4, the albumin binds firmly about 6 moles of oleate per mole of albumin and loosely about 9 moles of oleate, while virtually no stearate is bound loosely to the albumin. On the other hand there is not much difference in the binding of oleate and linolenate by the albumin. The amount of glycerol monostearate bindable by the albumin was found to be very small.
An approach to ventricular efficiency by use of carbon 11-labeled acetate and positron emission tomography

Background Positron emission tomography-derived11C-labeled acetate kinetics have been shown to reflect myocardial oxidative metabolism. The objective of the study was to use this metabolic imaging technique in combination with an evaluation of left ventricular work as an index of ventricular mechanical efficiency.
Density jump in helicon discharges

Helicon discharges characteristically exhibit a sharp jump from low to high density as the radiofrequency power is raised. This is usually explained by the transition from an inductively coupled plasma mode to a helicon mode when the dispersion relation for helicon wave propagation is satisfied at a critical power or magnetic field. Experiments have suggested a different mechanism for the sudden jump, a mechanism that depends on overcoming the parasitic circuit losses. This effect is analysed computationally, and agreement with measurements is obtained.
Current Approaches to Seasonal to Interannual Climate Predictions

This review paper presents an assessment of the current state of knowledge and capability in seasonal climate prediction at the end of the 20th century. The discussion covers the full range of issues involved in climate forecasting, including (1) the theory and empirical evidence for predictability; (2) predictions of surface boundary conditions, such as sea surface temperatures (SSTs) that drive the predictable part of the climate; (3) predictions of the climate; and (4) a brief consideration of the application of climate forecasts. Within this context, the research of the coming decades that seeks to address shortcomings in each area is described. Copyright © 2001 Royal Meteorological Society
Heat transfer with upstream thermal penetration in flow through porous plate passages

The objective of this study is to develop a series solution for determination of the temperature field in parallel-plate ducts with prescribed wall heat flux. Consideration is also given to ducts filled with fluid saturated porous materials. A simple transformation is used to improve the convergence of this series solution. Temperature variations and heat transfer coefficients are determined for infinitely long parallel-plate ducts when the walls undergo a step change in the applied wall heat flux. Axial thermal penetration near the applied wall heat flux location is studied. The solutions with the contribution of axial conduction in these fluid passages are acquired using a modified Graetz-type solution. Finally, this technique is augmented by the contribution of frictional heating.
Implementation of natural frequency analysis and optimality criterion design

A description is presented of an effective optimality criterion computer design approach for member size selection to improve frequency characteristics for moderately large structure models. It is shown that the implementation of the simultaneous iteration method within a natural frequency structural design optimization provides a method which is more efficient in isolating the lowest natural frequency modes than the frequently applied Stodola method. Additional computational advantages are derived by using previously converged eigenvectors at the start of the iterations during the second and the following design cycles. Vectors with random components can be used at the first design cycle, which, in relation to the entire computer time for the design program, results in only a moderate computational penalty.
Facility for spectral irradiance and radiance responsivity calibrations using uniform sources

Detectors have historically been calibrated for spectral power responsivity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology by using a lamp-monochromator system to tune the wavelength of the excitation source. Silicon detectors can be calibrated in the visible spectral region with combined standard uncertainties at the 0.1% level. However, uncertainties increase dramatically when measuring an instrument's spectral irradiance or radiance responsivity. We describe what we believe to be a new laser-based facility for spectral irradiance and radiance responsivity calibrations using uniform sources (SIRCUS) that was developed to calibrate instruments directly in irradiance or radiance mode with uncertainties approaching or exceeding those available for spectral power responsivity calibrations. In SIRCUS, the emission from high-power, tunable lasers is introduced into an integrating sphere using optical fibers, producing uniform, quasi-Lambertian, high-radiant-flux sources. Reference standard irradiance detectors, calibrated directly against national primary standards for spectral power responsivity and aperture area measurement, are used to determine the irradiance at a reference plane. Knowing the measurement geometry, the source radiance can be readily determined as well. The radiometric properties of the SIRCUS source coupled with state-of-the-art transfer standard radiometers whose responses are directly traceable to primary national radiometric scales result in typical combined standard uncertainties in irradiance and radiance responsivity calibrations of less than 0.1%. The details of the facility and its effect on primary national radiometric scales are discussed.
Mapping optical ray trajectories through island wake vortices

Optical wave propagation through the atmosphere is complicated by organized atmospheric structures, spanning a wide range of length and time scales, which induce spatio-temporal variability in refraction. Therefore, when considering long-range optical ray trajectories, the influence of such structures on the propagation path becomes significantly more complex compared to a hypothetically homogeneous atmosphere. In this paper, we use a coupled mesoscale model and ray tracing framework to analyze the refractive anomalies associated with the wake vortices induced by three geographically diverse islands under various meteorological conditions. We identify organized mesoscale wake vortices (e.g., von Karman vortices) which are sometimes capable of distorting optical ray trajectories, through ray bending, tens of meters at a range of approximately 50 km. In addition, we find in some cases that vertical oscillations, or perturbations, to the simulated ray trajectories share a frequency with the vortex shedding frequency on the order of hours. At the same time, it is also observed that the intensity and predictability of the wake vortex-induced ray bending varies from case to case. Collectively, these results highlight the value of using mesoscale models in optical wave propagation studies above conventional approaches which do not explicitly consider horizontally heterogeneous atmospheres.
Short Time Behavior of Solutions to Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations in One and Two Space Dimensions

We examine the behavior for small times of solutions to certain nonlinear Schrodinger equations u t = iΔ u + q(u), with initial data u(0) = u 0, with emphasis on cases where u 0 is compactly supported and piecewise smooth, with jump discontinuity, on ℝ n , with n = 1 or 2. A main point is to provide a first order correction to the solution to the corresponding linear equation, and to estimate the error of this approximation. The error estimates are more than adequate to display nonlinear variants of the Gibbs phenomenon (a result first established by DiFranco, 2004 for the defocusing cubic NLS, when n = 1) and also, when n = 2, a nonlinear variant of the Pinsky phenomenon.
Learning-based modeling of multimodal behaviors for humanlike robots

In order to communicate with their users in a natural and effective manner, humanlike robots must seamlessly integrate behaviors across multiple modalities, including speech, gaze, and gestures. While researchers and designers have successfully drawn on studies of human interactions to build models of humanlike behavior and to achieve such integration in robot behavior, the development of such models involves a laborious process of inspecting data to identify patterns within each modality or across modalities of behavior and to represent these patterns as “rules” or heuristics that can be used to control the behaviors of a robot, but provides little support for validation, extensibility, and learning. In this paper, we explore how a learning-based approach to modeling multimodal behaviors might address these limitations. We demonstrate the use of a dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) for modeling how humans coordinate speech, gaze, and gesture behaviors in narration and for achieving such coordination with robots. The evaluation of this approach in a human-robot interaction study shows that this learning-based approach is comparable to conventional modeling approaches in enabling effective robot behaviors while reducing the effort involved in identifying behavioral patterns and providing a probabilistic representation of the dynamics of human behavior. We discuss the implications of this approach for designing natural, effective multimodal robot behaviors. Categories and Subject Descriptors H.1.2 [Models and Principles]: User/Machine Systems —human factors, software psychology; H.5.2 [Information Interfaces and Presentation]: User Interfaces—evaluation/ methodology, user-centered design General Terms Design, Human Factors
Effluent taxes, market structure, and the rate and direction of endogenous technological change

This paper studies the effects of effluent taxes on firms’ allocation of resources to cost-reducing and emission-reducing R&D, and on entrepreneurs’ decisions to develop new goods and enter the market. A tax set at an exogenous rate that does not depend on the state of technology reduces growth, the level of consumption of each good, and raises the number of firms. The induced increase in the variety of goods is a benefit not considered in previous analyses. In terms of environmental benefits, the tax induces a positive rate of pollution abatement that offsets the “dirty” side of economic growth. A tax set at an endogenous rate that holds constant the tax burden per unit of output, in contrast, has ambiguous effects on growth, the scale of activity of each firm and the number of firms. Besides being novel, the potential positive growth effect of this type of effluent tax is precisely what makes this instrument effective for welfare-maximizing purposes. The socially optimal policy, in fact, requires the tax burden per unit of output to equal the marginal rate of substitution between the growth rate of consumption and abatement. Moreover, a tax/subsidy on entry is needed, depending on whether the contribution of product variety to pollution dominates consumers’ love of variety.
98. A self-report questionnaire to screen for prodromal schizophrenia

nitive deficits that are comparable to those characterizing adolescents at genetic risk. The potential of intervention during the prodrome to prevent schizophrenia is a complex and often controversial issue. Ratings obtained from clinicians indicate that the majority of adolescents treated with atypical anti-psychotics (either Olanzapine or Risperidone) in the RAPP clinic have either been stabilized or have shown substantial improvement. The question of whether such clinical benefits are sufficient to outweigh side effects, stigma and the high rate of false positives will also be discussed.
Rapid Determination of Avilamycin in Fermentation Broths

Abstract Avilamycin is a member of the orthosomycin family of antibiotics which is produced by Streptomyces viridochromogenes. Avilamycin is commonly used as a feed additive for a wide variety of domestic animals. To date, the only published assay procedure for the determination of avilamycin was performed by gas chromatography1. Several arlicles have detailed the separation of avilamycin factors on a preparative scale2-4 however, no melhod has been published for the determination of avilamycin in fermentation broth. In this work, a rapid isocratic HPLC assay is described for the determination of avilamycin in fermenlation broth.
Time-varying noise

We obtain the exact Wigner spectrum for non-white Gaussian noise. As a special case the Wigner spectrum for the Wiener process is obtained.
Male Adolescent Bullying and the School Shooter

An extensive review of the literature reveals that adolescent male victims of peer bullying suffer somatic and emotional consequences from being victimized. Limited research on school shooters found that a significant number of them were adolescents who were targets of bullies and claimed their shootings were in response to their victimization. To date, there is no profile of the school shooter, although research has suggested various dynamics that contribute to an environment that can predispose a community to a school shooting. No published nursing research has examined the relationship between bullying and the school shooter or that of adolescents who experience peer bullying. Despite findings from other disciplines, such as law enforcement, education, sociology, and psychology, school nurses need to be part of the team to recognize the bullied teen and intervene before there are serious life-threatening consequences.
Protein kinase mediated phosphorylation of the rat liver plasma membrane.

Partially purified protein kinase from rat liver has been found to phosphorylate the isolated rat liver plasma membrane. The level of phosphorylation is increased two fold by 10−6M cyclic AMP. Glucagon and epinephrine at 10−6M to 10−7 M also stimulated the kinase dependent phosphorylation of the membrane, glucagon being more effective than epinephrine. The phosphorylated membrane has been found to bind more Ca++ than the control membrane. These studies suggest a new role for certain hormones. These hormones may influence the structure and function of the membrane, in particular the permeability of the membrane, by controlling the degree of phosphorylation and bound calcium.
Dynamic changes in circulating leukocytes during the induction of equine laminitis with black walnut extract.

Abstract Administration of black walnut heartwood extract (BWHE) via nasogastric tube induces acute laminitis in horses. However, the processes responsible for the development of laminitis, including laminitis induced with BWHE, remain unclear. The results of recent studies indicate that administration of BWHE initiates an inflammatory response in the laminar tissues and that this response may be due to extravasation of activated leukocytes from the circulation. This study examines the effects of BWHE administration on the dynamics of circulating neutrophils and monocytes, and the capacity of blood leukocytes to produce radical oxygen species (ROS) over the time period from administration of BWHE to the development of lameness consistent with Obel grade I laminitis. Individual horses, free of pre-existing musculoskeletal disease, were administered either 6 l of BWHE or an equal volume of water at time 0 ( T = 0). Blood samples were collected prior to dosing and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h after dosing, or until the onset of Obel grade I laminitis. For each sample, total leukocyte counts were determined followed by collection of buffy coats and removal of erythrocytes by hypotonic lysis. Leukocytes were either fixed for flow cytometric assessment of differential counts or maintained in culture to measure endogenous and phorbol ester-induced production of ROS. At each sample time, the number of cells recovered and the flow cytometric differential counts were compared with corresponding total leukocyte counts determined by the Clinical Pathology laboratory. Horses administered BWHE had a significant reduction in circulating leukocytes at 3–4 h relative to values for horses administered the same volume of water. Horses that developed Obel grade I laminitis had a significant reduction in circulating leukocytes when compared to values for horses administered BWHE that did not become lame. Flow cytometric analysis revealed a consistent decrease in the total number of monocytes obtained from horses that developed laminitis. In these same horses, the endogenous level of ROS production was significantly higher at T = 0 than for horses that did not become lame. Furthermore, production of ROS by leukocytes from horses that developed laminitis increased significantly and coincided with the decrease in circulating leukocytes. Collectively, these findings support a role for systemic activation of leukocytes and induction of inflammation by BWHE as a factor in the early pathogenesis of acute laminitis. Because laminitis often develops as a sequel to diseases characterized by systemic inflammatory events, activation and emigration of neutrophils and monocytes may be important factors in the early pathogenesis of laminitis in clinical cases.
B56α/Protein Phosphatase 2A Inhibits Adipose Lipolysis in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Lipolysis and lipogenesis are two opposite processes that control lipid storage in adipocytes. Impaired adipose lipolysis has been observed in both obese human subjects and animal models. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying impaired adipose lipolysis in a high-fat diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse model. DIO models were created using male C57BL/6 mice. Our results show that beta3 adrenergic receptor-specific agonist BRL37344 induced adipose lipolysis was significantly blunted in DIO mice. The levels of Ser660 phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) were significantly decreased in the epididymal fat of DIO mice. However, protein levels of HSL, adipose triglyceride lipase and its coactivator comparative gene identification-58 were similar between DIO and control mice. It is known that upon lipolytic hormone stimulation, protein kinase A phosphorylates HSL Ser660 and activates HSL, whereas protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) dephosphorylates and inactivates HSL. Interestingly, our study shows that high-fat feeding did not alter epididymal fat cAMP and protein kinase A protein levels but significantly increased the expression of the alpha-isoform of PP2A regulatory subunit B' (B56alpha). To study the role of B56alpha in obesity-associated lipolytic defect, B56alpha was overexpressed or knocked down by adenovirus-mediated gene transduction in cultured 3T3-L1CARDelta1 adipocytes. Overexpression of B56alpha significantly decreased HSL Ser660 phosphorylation. In contrast, knocking down B56alpha increased hormone-stimulated HSL activation and lipolysis in mature 3T3-L1CARDelta1 adipocytes. These results strongly suggest that elevated B56alpha/PP2A inhibits HSL and lipolysis in white adipose tissue of DIO mice.
Mutations in human gonadotropin genes and their physiologic significance in puberty and reproduction

Abstract Objective: Human gene mutations provide an opportunity to study the pathophysiology of the disease process as well as normal physiology. The purpose of the present report was to review known human gene mutations that affect gonadotropin secretion. Design: A retrospective analysis of studies of human gene mutations that affect hypothalamic, pituitary, and gonadal function was conducted. Result(s): Mutations have been identified for at least three genes that cause inherited hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In addition, gene mutations for the β-subunits of FSH and LH have been characterized. Both activating and inactivating mutations have been identified for the gonadotropin receptor genes. Conclusion(s): The identification of human gene mutations has furthered our understanding of the normal processes of pubertal development and fertility.
Mn+(H2)n and Zn+(H2)n Clusters: Influence of 3d and 4s Orbitals on Metal−Ligand Bonding

Equilibrium methods were used to measure Δ as a function of temperature for the sequential clustering of up to six H2 ligands to the Mn+(3d54s1 7S) and Zn+(3d104s1 2S) core ions. The resulting binding energies are by far the lowest in the first-row transition metal series, ranging from 3.75 kcal/mol for Zn+(H2) and 1.9 for Mn+(H2) down to 1−1.5 kcal/mol for the highly ligated clusters. Density functional theory calculations using the B3-LYP parametrization were performed to provide information on structures, vibrational frequencies, and orbital populations, which, together with the experimental data, give insight into the types of bonding that are present. It was found that the repulsion between the singly occupied 4s orbital and the H2 σ orbital accounts for the low binding energies and that the 4p orbitals play a key role in reducing this repulsion.
Temperature Dependent Structure of Adsorbed Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate at the Al2O3/Water Interface

The structure of adsorbed sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on Al 2 O 3 was observed by infrared attenuated total reflection (IR ATR) spectroscopy as a function of temperature, and the band positions (v), widths (Δv), and relative absorptivities (E) were compared with those of the various crystalline phases and the H α hexagonal and L α lamellar liquid crystalline (LC) phases of SDS. The structures of both bilayers and monolayers of SDS adsorbed onto Al 2 O 3 were most similar to that of SDS micelles; neither v nor Δv of adsorbed SDS IR ATR bands were similar to those of crystalline phases of SDS. IR ATR linear dichroism results indicated that the terminal methyl groups were not in the trans conformation expected for crystalline SDS in either monolayers or bilayers of adsorbed SDS. Furthermore, ATR spectra of adsorbed SDS were dissimilar from both the H α and L α LC SDS phases; the e 2922 /e 2854 ratio was much higher than that in the LC phases. A loss ofgauche chain conformers was indicated by a bathochromic shift in the 2922 cm -1 CH2 band upon adsorption (∼2 cm -1 ), but further ordering did not occur down to 4 °C, which is well below the Kraft and critical micelle temperatures (12-15 °C ) for SDS in water. The previous, necessary assumption that e did not change significantly upon adsorption was shown to be valid for the CH X , bands down to 4 °C. The narrowed bands and increased e indicative of purely all-trans chain conformation were absent, but the loss of gauche conformers upon adsorption reinforced the all-trans chain model widely used to interpret linear dichroism results for adsorbates.
Sacral nerve stimulation results may be improved by electrodiagnostic techniques.

Sacral nerve electrical stimulation (sacral neuromodulation) therapy for patients with refractory urge incontinence, frequency and urgency, and non-obstructive retention yields an effective 75%–80% success rate. Electrodes are surgically implanted if initial percutaneous stimulation testing has a successful clinical response. Unfortunately, up to 50% of patients are denied surgical implantation because of an unsuccessful response to the test stimulation. In this descriptive study, adding electrodiagnostic monitoring to the currently used biological monitoring techniques was associated with a reduction in the number of tested patients denied implantation to 20%. These findings suggest that the incorporation of electrodiagnostic techniques may improve the clinical efficacy of sacral stimulation therapy. Randomized prospective testing of this hypothesis is suggested.
Alternative models for predicting the extraction of water and uranyl nitrate in the two-phase system: water-uranyl nitrate-tributyl phosphate-Amsco 125-82

ABSTRACT Experimental data for the distribution of uranyl nitrate and water between an aqueous phase and an organic phase containing 5-100 vol % trlbutyl phosphate (TBP) in an odorless kerosene-like diluent (Amsco 125-82) have been reexamined by considering alternative models in which competitive equilibria involving water and uranyl nitrate are assumed. These models are compared and contrasted with earlier analyses which assumed the existence of only a single extractive equilibrium in the two-phase system. Although the new models are not quite as accurate as the earlier model for uranium extraction, they contain fewer adjustable parameters, are mathematically simpler, and can be used to help predict the extraction of water as well as uranyl nitrate
Gonadotropin stimulation of testosterone production in primary culture of adult rat testis cells.

Abstract Testis cells from adult hypophysectomized rats were cultured in serum-free medium. Treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin caused an initial increase and a subsequent decline in testosterone production, followed by a recovery in steroidogenesis on day 10 of culture. The recovery in testosterone production was inhibited by the addition of serum in culture media. Luteinizing hormone, dibutyryl adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate or cholera toxin, but not follicle stimulating hormone or prolactin, stimulated testosterone production which was potentiated by a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. This is the first report of a primary culture of adult testis cells with retention of androgen synthetic capacity.
Analytical approach to free and forced vibrations of axially loaded cracked Timoshenko beams

Wave vibration analysis of an axially loaded cracked Timoshenko beam is presented in this paper. It includes the effects of axial loading, shear deformation and rotary inertia. From wave standpoint, vibrations propagate, reflect and transmit in a structure. The transmission and reflection matrices for various discontinuities on an axially loaded Timoshenko beam are derived. Such discontinuities include cracks, boundaries and changes in section. The matrix relations between the injected waves and externally applied forces and moments are also derived. These matrices are combined to provide a concise and systematic approach to both free and forced vibration analyses of complex axially loaded Timoshenko beams with discontinuities such as cracks and sectional changes. The systematic approach is illustrated using several numerical examples.
Host defenses trigger salmonella's arsenal.

Salmonella survives in macrophages by using a molecular syringe to deliver proteins into the host-cell cytosol where they manipulate phagocyte physiology. Arpaia and colleagues (Arpaia et al., 2011) show that deployment of this virulence factor is triggered by the very responses that are intended to confer host resistance.
Entrepreneurial alertness in the pursuit of new opportunities

Abstract The recognition and development of new opportunities are at the heart of entrepreneurship. Building from Kirzner's (1973, 1999) work, cognition theory, and McMullen and Shepherd's (2006) recent development, we offer a model involving three distinct elements of alertness: scanning and search, association and connection, and evaluation and judgment. We then conduct multiple studies to develop and validate a 13-item alertness scale that captures these three dimensions. Results demonstrate appropriate dimensionality, strong reliability, and content, convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity. The resultant instrument provides researchers with a valuable tool for probing the entrepreneurial opportunity development process including antecedents and outcomes.
Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry of cyanogenic glycosides

The potential of positive and negative Ion fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry in the examination of cyanogenic glycosides has been demonstrated by the analysis of linamarin, prunasin, neolinustatin and amygdalin.
Incorporating GIS Building Data and Census Housing Statistics for Sub-Block-Level Population Estimation

This article presents a deterministic model for sub-block-level population estimation based on the total building volumes derived from geographic information system (GIS) building data and three census block-level housing statistics. To assess the model, we generated artificial blocks by aggregating census block areas and calculating the respective housing statistics. We then applied the model to estimate populations for sub-artificial-block areas and assessed the estimates with census populations of the areas. Our analyses indicate that the average percent error of population estimation for sub-artificial-block areas is comparable to those for sub-census-block areas of the same size relative to associated blocks. The smaller the sub-block-level areas, the higher the population estimation errors. For example, the average percent error for residential areas is approximately 0.11 percent for 100 percent block areas and 35 percent for 5 percent block areas.
GSK-3β inhibition promotes cell death, apoptosis, and in vivo tumor growth delay in neuroblastoma Neuro-2A cell line

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. While survival rates are high for localized disease, treatment response remains poor for a subset of patients with large tumors or disseminated disease. Thus, there remains much room for improvement in treatment strategies for this disease. Using in vitro and in vivo systems, we present glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibition as a potential mechanism to treat neuroblastoma. Using the specific GSK-3β inhibitor SB415286, we demonstrate that GSK-3β inhibition decreases the viability of Neuro-2A cells, as determined by cell proliferation assay and clonogenic survival. Moreover, we show that GSK-3β inhibition induces apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells, as determined by Annexin V staining and confirmed with DAPI staining. Using flow cytometry, we are able to demonstrate that SB415286 induces the accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Finally, we show that these in vitro results translate into delayed tumor growth in vivo using a heterotopic tumor model in nude mice treated with SB415286. These findings suggest that GSK-3β is a potential molecular target for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
High-Gain, Low-Noise-Figure, and High-Linearity Analog Photonic Link Based on a High-Performance Photodetector

We report a high-gain, low-noise-figure, and high-linearity analog photonic link. The link combines a high-power and low-noise fiber laser, a Mach–Zehnder modulator, a high-gain erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA), and a high-performance charge-compensated modified unitraveling-carrier photodiode. The critical characteristics of the photodiode include 16-GHz bandwidth, 200-mA saturation current, and >35 dBm third-order intercept point. In the link, low biasing is utilized to reduce the noise and maximize the signal-to-noise ratio, and an EDFA is used to provide sufficient optical input to the MUTC photodiode to ensure that the link can achieve high gain and high output RF power. The combination of high-power low-noise fiber laser and high-bandwidth high-power photodiode, we have enabled high gain (27.8 dB at 6 GHz and 24.5 dB at 12 GHz), low noise figure (4.7 dB at 6 GHz and 6.9 dB at 12 GHz), and high spur free dynamic range (>120 dB · Hz2/3) in the frequency range 6–12 GHz.
Promoting Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries

Over 100 developing nations have investment promotion offices or agencies, reflecting a sense of competition to attract foreign direct investment, most of which flows to a few favorite countries. The investment promotion function is often underfunded and haphazard. This article outlines policy choices for investment promotion and discusses alternative modes of organizing this crucial activity. It proposes a novel bounty / royalty scheme whereby investment can be attracted.
Modulation of rhythmic function in the posterior midbrain.

Abstract Recordings of single unit activity in the posterior midbrain of the cat were carried out in the “fictive spontaneous locomotion” preparation. Neuronal activity was studied in relation to the onset, alternation and termination of cyclic hindlimb neurographic activity in the precollicular-postmammillary transected animal. Histochemical identification of pedunculopontine (nicotinamide adenine dinuceotide phosphate-diaphorase positive) neurons allowed the localization of recording sites in relation to this nucleus. Neurons located in the area of the cuneiform nucleus dorsal to the pedunculopontine nucleus were found to be related preferentially to cyclic (bursting) neurographic activity, while neurons in the area of the pedunculopontine were found to be related preferentially to the onset (“on”) or termination (“off”) of cycling episodes. Different populations of cells in the area appeared to be related to the frequency of alternation (bursting) compared with the duration of the cyclic episodes (on/off). While the area of the cuneiform-pedunculopontine nucleus has been found to be equivalent to the mesencephalic locomotor region, the same area has been found to be related to other rhythmic activities (e.g. respiratory, masticatory, sleep cycle, pressor, vesico-motor, etc.). A hypothesis is proposed to account for the weight of evidence implicating the same region in a host of distinct rhythmic activities. This hypothesis suggest that an oscillatory reverberation between cholinergic (pedunculopontine, laterodorsal tegmental nuclei) and aminergic (locus coeruleus, substantia nigra) centers is responsible for generating the various function-related “frequencies” (bursting) or “states” (on/off) of activity.
Localization and extinction of bacterial populations under inhomogeneous growth conditions.

The transition from localized to systemic spreading of bacteria, viruses, and other agents is a fundamental problem that spans medicine, ecology, biology, and agriculture science. We have conducted experiments and simulations in a simple one-dimensional system to determine the spreading of bacterial populations that occurs for an inhomogeneous environment under the influence of external convection. Our system consists of a long channel with growth inhibited by uniform ultraviolet (UV) illumination except in a small “oasis”, which is shielded from the UV light. To mimic blood flow or other flow past a localized infection, the oasis is moved with a constant velocity through the UV-illuminated “desert”. The experiments are modeled with a convective reaction-diffusion equation. In both the experiment and model, localized or extinct populations are found to develop, depending on conditions, from an initially localized population. The model also yields states where the population grows everywhere. Further, the model reveals that the transitions between localized, extended, and extinct states are continuous and nonhysteretic. However, it does not capture the oscillations of the localized population that are observed in the experiment.
Disruption of aldo-keto reductase genes leads to elevated markers of oxidative stress and inositol auxotrophy in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A large family of aldo-keto reductases with similar kinetic and structural properties but unknown physiological roles is expressed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Strains with one or two AKR genes disrupted have apparently normal phenotypes, but disruption of at least three AKR genes results in a heat shock phenotype and slow growth in inositol-deficient culture medium (Ino(-)). The present study was carried out to identify metabolic or signaling defects that may underlie phenotypes that emerge in AKR deficient strains. Here we demonstrate that pretreatment of a pentuple AKR null mutant with the anti-oxidative agent N-acetyl-cysteine rescues the heat shock phenotype. This indicates that AKR gene disruption may be associated with defects in oxidative stress response. We observed additional markers of oxidative stress in AKR-deficient strains, including reduced glutathione levels, constitutive nuclear localization of the oxidation-sensitive transcription factor Yap1 and upregulation of a set of Yap1 target genes whose function as a group is primarily involved in response to oxidative stress and redox balance. Genetic analysis of the Ino(-) phenotype of the null mutants showed that defects in transcriptional regulation of the INO1, which encodes for inositol-1-phosphate synthase, can be rescued through ectopic expression of a functional INO1. Taken together, these results suggest potential roles for AKRs in oxidative defense and transcriptional regulation.
The Course of Somatization and Its Effects on Utilization of Health Care Resources

Patients with somatization disorder (SD), subthreshold somatization, and somatization that is comorbid with an other mental or physical disorder use a remarkably high level of general medical services. Because these patients view themselves as more seriously ill than do patients in the general medical population, their use of health care services mnay be as high as nine times greater than that of the general population. It is important to understand the course and prevalence of SD because 1) these patients tend to overuse health care resources and services, and 2) the associated costs are enormous. It is vital that expert clinical care and research be directed at this important patient group so that appropriate treatment regimens can be developed to help these patients and control the overutilization of limited healthcare resources.
Magnetic field induced residual dipolar couplings of imino groups in nucleic acids from measurements at a single magnetic field

For base-paired nucleic acids, variations in (1) J (NH) and the imino (1)H chemical shift are both dominated by hydrogen bond length. In the absence of molecular alignment, the (1) J (NH) coupling for the imino proton then can be approximated by (1) J (NH) = (1.21Hz/ppm)delta(H) - 103.5 +/- 0.6 Hz, where delta(H) represents the chemical shift of the imino proton in ppm. This relation permits imino residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) resulting from magnetic susceptibility anisotropy (MSA) to be extracted from measurement of ((1) J (NH) + RDC) splittings at a single magnetic field strength. Magnetic field-induced RDCs were measured for tRNA(Val) and the alignment tensor determined from magnetic-field alignment of tRNA(Val) agrees well with the tensor calculated by summation of the MSA tensors of the individual nucleobases.
Time to achieve stable pulse oximetry values in VLBW infants in the delivery room

Abstract Objective To study the time needed to obtain a reliable, functioning pulse oximeter signal during the resuscitation of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Methods This is a retrospective review of data from the resuscitation of preterm, VLBW infants at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center. Resuscitation teams consisted of a neonatal physician, a nurse, and respiratory therapist. Pulse oximetry was routinely used in all preterm deliveries. During resuscitation, the respiratory therapist attempted to place a pulse oximeter probe on the right hand or wrist immediately after birth. The BioPAC MP-150 Data Acquisition System was used to record analog data during the resuscitation, including the SpO 2 value. From the analog tracing, the time at which a reliable pulse oximetry signal was obtained was determined. Results 50 VLBW (≤1500g) preterm patients were studied. Mean gestational age was 27+4 weeks (range: 23–35 weeks). Mean birth weight was 920±287g (range: 360–1445g). Mean time to achieve functioning pulse oximetry was 79±42s (range: 40–240s). The median time was 67s (interquartile range: 50–93s). 86% of infants had a reliable SpO 2 value obtained prior to 120s of life. Conclusions Our data show that an experienced respiratory therapist can apply a pulse oximeter and achieve reliable SpO 2 values for the majority VLBW infants by 120s of life as recommended by current NRP guidelines.
Stomach nematodes (Mastophorus muris) in rats (Rattus rattus) are associated with coconut (Cocos nucifera) habitat at Palmyra Atoll.

Abstract Black rats (Rattus rattus) and their stomach nematodes (Mastophorus muris) were historically introduced to islets at Palmyra Atoll in the central Pacific Line Islands. To investigate patterns of parasitism, we trapped rats and quantified nematodes on 13 islets of various sizes and habitat types. Most rats were parasitized (59%) with an average of 12 worms per infected rat. Islet size did not greatly influence parasite population biology. Nematodes also did not appear to affect rat condition (weight to skull length). The only strong and consistent factor associated with the mean abundance of nematodes in rats was habitat (dominant cover and locally dominant plant species). Thus, nematodes were much more abundant in rats from sites dominated by coconut trees (Cocos nucifera). Coconut trees may also be an introduced species at Palmyra Atoll.
Variation in pelvic size between males and females

Selection intensity and phenotypic variability are inversely related. It has been hypothesized that, owing to opposing selection pressures on pelvic morphology in females between efficiency in locomotion and obstetric adequacy, female pelvic morphology is less variable than that in males. The hypothesis was supported based on data derived from observational methods of sexing pelves (Meindl et al., 1985). The hypothesis was tested in the present study based on a metrical analysis of the true pelvis. The results show that there are no sexual differences in pelvic variability. Consequently, while males and females are equally variable in the dimensions of the true pelvis, the visual cues that osteologists use to sex pelves are more variable in males.
A common plasmid of Chlamydia trachomatis

A 7.4-kb plasmid is a common and perhaps essential component of the Chlamydia trachomatis genome. This plasmid occurs as 10 copies per chlamydial chromosomal equivalent. It is unable to replicate in Escherichia coli. Complete plasmid genomes from eight serovars of C. trachomatis have been isolated in E. coli as cloned sequences ligated to pBR322. Restriction enzyme cleavage site mapping indicates that these plasmids are closely related. Homologous plasmid sequences have also been detected by DNA hybridization in all of the 200 clinically isolated strains of C. trachomatis which have been examined. DNA sequences homologous to the C. trachomatis plasmid were not found in eucaryotic DNA nor in a plasmid of similar size isolated from C. psittaci. C. trachomatis plasmid genes are expressed in vivo and the plasmid encoded gene products may play a role in the intracellular growth of this organism. Plasmid encoded genes were also expressed from the cloned C. trachomatis plasmid in E. coli minicells and using an E. coli S-30 in vitro transcription translation extract.
Relating the bilinear distributions and the evolutionary spectrum

The authors present the theoretical relationship connecting the short time Fourier transform (STFT), the class of bilinear distributions (BDs) and the evolutionary periodogram to the Wold-Cramer evolutionary spectrum. They show that the STFT and the BD can be viewed as estimators of the evolutionary spectrum, thereby allowing comparison of the various estimators. A further comparison of the estimators is achieved by means of measures such as window bandwidth and computational complexity. An example is given to illustrate the performance of the differences estimators, and some of the advantages of the evolutionary periodogram over the other estimators. >
Improved results with conventional management of infrarenal aortic infection

Abstract Purpose: Interest in alternative methods, such as autogenous vein grafts and aortic allografts, for the management of infrarenal aortic infection (IRAI) has been stimulated by the historically disappointing results with conventional surgical management. Recently, there have been dramatic improvements in the results of axillofemoral bypass grafting (AXFB) followed by excision of the IRAI that have gone relatively unrecognized. The purpose of this report is the presentation of modern-day results in the treatment of IRAI with conventional surgical methods. Methods: From January 1, 1983, through June 30, 1998, patients with IRAI underwent treatment with AXFB and complete excision of the IRAI. The patients were followed for survival, limb salvage, and AXFB graft patency. The results were tabulated with life-table methods. Results: During the 15-year study period, 60 patients (51 men, nine women; mean age, 68 years) underwent treatment for IRAI (50 graft infections, including 16 graft-enteric fistulae, and 10 primary aortic infections). The mean follow-up period was 41 months. The perioperative mortality rate was 13% (12% for graft infection, and 20% for primary infection). The overall 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 67% and 47%, respectively. The limb salvage rates at 2 and 5 years were 93% and 82%, respectively. The 5-year primary AXFB graft patency rate was 73%. Conclusion: These results show an improvement with the conventional management of IRAI equal or superior to those results reported with alternative methods, including femoral vein grafts or aortic allografts. These results should be regarded as the modern standard with which alternative therapies can be compared. (J Vasc Surg 1999;30:76-83.)