cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IL‐10 deficiency blocks the ability of LPS to regulate expression of tolerance‐related molecules on dendritic cells

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in regulating the local inflammatory immune response, but regulatory mechanisms of this cytokine have not been fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that IL-10 deficiency renders LPS treatment ineffective in regulating the expression of CD40, CD80, CD86, B7-H2, and B7-DC on dendritic cells (DCs) and blocks upregulation of IL-27. This inability to respond to LPS was found in both IL-10−/− bone marrow derived and splenic DCs. Compared with wild-type DCs, IL-10−/− DCs expressed similar levels of TLR4 and CD14, but produced less LPS-binding protein. The deficiency in LPS-binding protein production may explain the failure of IL-10−/− DCs to respond normally to LPS.Moreover, lack of IL-10 modulated the proportions of CD11c+CD8+ and CD11c+B220+ DCs, which play an important role in local inflammatory responses and tolerance. IL-10 deficiency also blocked expression of galectin-1, CD205, and CD103, which are necessary for central and peripheral tolerance. While they did not respond to LPS, IL-10−/− DCs produced increased levels of IL-6 and CCL4 after TNF-α treatment. Together, our results demonstrate that IL-10 deficiency affects the immune functions of DCs, which may contribute to the increased severity of autoimmune diseases seen in IL-10−/− mice.
The induction of mutants of bacteriophage T2 by 5-bromouracil. III. Nutritional and structural evidence regarding mutagenic action.

A study has been made of the induction of mutants of bacteriophage T2 by thymine analogues, in particular by 5-bromouracil (BrU) and 5-bromouracil deoxyriboside. BrU was mutagenic only when the host bacteria were subjected to thymine deficiency brought about in the present work by the addition of sulfanilamide. In media containing sulfanilamide and BrU, E. coli B exhibited an absolute requirement for uracil, which was eliminated upon phage infection. The induction of phage mutants by BrU was greatly influenced by the various nutrients provided in the medium. To obtain reproducible results, a defined medium was derived which contained salts, glucose, sulfanilamide, valine, methionine, xanthine, and uracil. In this medium three substances prevented BrU mutagenesis, adenine and serine partially and thymidine completely; these substances are involved in DNA synthesis. BrU was incorporated into phage DNA in place of thymine in large amounts (nearly 100% in two experiments). This incorporation was always accompanied by the appearance of a high proportion of mutants and a yet higher proportion of non-infective phage, which were also unable to kill E. coli. The infective population of phages grown in sulfa and BrU were more sensitive to u.v. light than were normal phages. Of the many pyrimidine analogues tested, only chlor-, bromo-, and iodouracil (not fluorouracil) and especially the deoxyriboside of BrU, exhibited mutagenic activity, which was in all cases specifically prevented by thymidine. All four of these compounds can substitute for thymine in phage DNA. The hypothesis is put forward that BrU mutagenesis is mediated through its incorporation into DNA, but that the incorporation per se is insufficient to cause the mutagenesis.
The Differential Diagnosis of Jaundice: The Relative Value of the Clinical Impression, Laboratory Tests, and Aspiration Liver Biopsy

Summary 1.Fifty unselected patients with jaundice and hepatomegaly were studied with multiple liver function tests and needle biopsies. 2.The data obtained by history confirm the relatively higher incidence of portal cirrhosis in males and the high rate of alcoholism in patients with this condition. 3.Ascites, when not associated with portal cirrhosis, was due to malignancy. 4.The size of the liver and the presence or absence of splenomegaly, fever, and anemia were of no significance in the differential diagnosis of portal cirrhosis and post-hepatic obstruction. 5.The cephalin flocculation and alkaline phosphatase tests were the tests of liver function which were most consistently helpful in the differential diagnosis. 6.In 72 per cent of the patients the laboratory data and histologic findings were consistent with the clinical diagnosis. 7.In an additional 12 per cent the clinical diagnosis was substantiated by the needle biopsy, although it was not in agreement with the initial interpretation of the liver function tests. 8.In 4 per cent of the series the liver function tests altered the original clinical impression and were upheld by biopsy. 9.In 8 'per cent of the patients the histologic examination of tissue obtained by needle biopsy added to or altered the diagnosis made on the basis of clinical findings and laboratory data. 10.The biopsy findings were misleading or inadequate in 4 per cent of the cases. This failure occurred only in patients having more than one disease process involving the liver. 11.By careful correlation of the history, physical examination, laboratory liver function tests and needle biopsy of the liver, a positive diagnosis was made without surgical exploration in 94 per cent of 50 patients with jaundice and hepatomegaly.
Spatio-temporal aggregates over streaming geospatial image data

Geospatial image data obtained by satellites and aircraft are increasingly important to a wide range of applications, such as disaster management, climatology, and environmental monitoring. Because of the size of the data and the speed at which it is generated, computing spatio-temporal aggregates over geospatial image data is extremely demanding. Due to the special characteristics of the data, existing spatio-temporal aggregation model and evaluation approaches are not suitable for computing aggregates over such data. In this paper, we outline the key challenges of computing spatio-temporal aggregates over streaming geospatial image data, and present three goals of our research work. We also discuss several preliminary results and future research directions.
DCM control scheme for single-inductor multiple-output DC-DC converter with no cross-regulation

Single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) switching DC-DC power converter architecture is a cost-effective alternative to multiple individual switching power converters solution in many power distribution system applications where multiple voltage rails are required. However, with multiple output voltage rails coupled to the same switching node, the SIMO power converters suffer from cross regulation among the multiple outputs, which complicates the closed-loop controller design of the SIMO converter and degrades performance. In this paper, an inductor continues conduction mode (DCM) power-multiplexed control (PM-DCM control) scheme is proposed aiming to completely decouple the multiple outputs from one another. The proposed PM-DCM control scheme results in eliminating the cross regulation among the multiple outputs while maintaining desired voltage regulation performance for each output under both steady-state and dynamic operations. Moreover, low-cost microcontroller or analog circuitries can be used to implement the proposed controller. Simulation and preliminary experimental results are given to verify the feasibility and advantages of the proposed concept.
SEU-tolerant QDI circuits [quasi delay-insensitive asynchronous circuits]

This paper addresses the issue of single-event upset (SEU) in quasi delay-insensitive (QDI) asynchronous circuits. We show that an SEU can cause abnormal computations in QDI circuits beside deadlock, and we propose a general method to make QDI circuits SEU-tolerant. We present simplified SEU-tolerant buffer implementations for CMOS technology. Finally, we present a case study of a one-bit comparator and show SPICE-simulation results.
Feature-based modeling for automatic mesh generation

Automatic meshing algorithms for finite element analysis are based on a computer understanding of the geometry of the part to be discretized. Current mesh generators understand the part as either a boundary representation, an octree, or a point set. A higher-level understanding of the part can be achieved by associating engineering significance and engineering data, such as loading and boundary conditions, with generic shapes in the part. This technique, called feature-based modeling, is a popular approach to integrating computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing through the use of machinable shapes in the CAD model. It would seem that feature-based design also could aid in the finite element mesh generation process by making engineering information explicit in the model.
Industrial mycology and the new genetics

The genetic investigation of fungi has been extended substantially by DNA-mediated transformation, providing a supplement to more conventional genetic approaches based upon sexual and parasexual processes. Initial transformation studies with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae provided the model for transformation systems in other fungi with regard to methodology, vector construction and selection strategies. There are, however, certain differences between S. cerevisiae and filamentous fungi with regard to type of genomic insertion and the availability of shuttle vectors. Single-site linked insertions are common in yeast due to the high level of homology required for recombination between vectored and genomic sequences, whereas mycelial fungi often show a high frequency of heterologous and unlinked insertions, often in the form of random and multiple-site integrations. While extrachromosomally-maintained or replicative vectors are readily available for use with yeasts, such vectors have been difficult to construct for use with filamentous fungi. The development of vectors for replicative transformation with these fungi awaits further study. It is proposed that replicative vectors may be inherently less efficient for use with mycelial fungi relative to yeasts, since the mycelium, as an extended and semicontinuous network of cells, may delimit an adequate diffusion of the vector carrying the selectable gene, thus leading to a high frequency of abortive or unstable transformants.
25.4: Micro‐Patterned Carbon Nanotube Arrays Using Pen‐Writable Lyotropic Liquid Crystals

We have fabricated carbon nanofibers and nanotubes using disk-rod assemblies of lyotropic liquid crystals in which the orientation of graphene layers can be manipulated using surface anchoring techniques common to liquid crystal displays. The bulk material properties of the graphene can be controlled by the spatial arrangement of the layers due to their anisotropic nature. We have also demonstrated a method to pattern arrays of nanotubes using an automated printing technique. Carbon nanotubes are being considered for a number of display applications.
Paleozoic History of Southeastern Colorado and Adjacent Areas: ABSTRACT

The structural backbone of southeastern Colorado is formed by the Front Range, the Wet Mountains, and a buried ridge, the Apishapa-Sierra Grande uplift, which extends southeastward from the Wet Mountains. The Las Animas arch, of later origin, plunges off this buried ridge to the northeast. Parts of three major structural basins are present in the area--the Hugoton embayment of the Anadarko basin, the Denver basin, and the Raton basin. Southeastern Colorado was first covered by Paleozoic seas in late Cambrian time, when coarse clastics (Lamotte sandstone) derived mainly from the north were deposited in front of a low landmass that extended from Union County, New Mexico, northwestward to the vicinity of Canon City. The seas gradually encroached on this landmass, depositing additional upper Cambrian (Bonneterre dolomite) and lower Ordovician (Arbuckle group) rocks farther southwest. Near the close of early Ordovician time, gentle upwarping, possibly related to the development of the Transcontinental arch of Eardley, raised the central part of southeastern Colorado above sea-level. Seas of middle and late Ordovician age lapped upon the eastern and western slopes of this upwarping, depositing the sediments of the Simpso group and the Viola limestone. After the close of Ordovician time, uplifting, probably with some faulting, along the present trend of the Front Range, Wet Mountains, and Ahishapa-Sierra Grande uplift permitted the removal by erosion of most of the Cambrian and Ordovician rocks from that area. In Mississippian time the seas advanced from the Anadarko basin, lapping on the gently sloping landmass. During Meramec time the seas probably completely covered the landmass and at the end of Meramec time began a withdrawal into the Anadarko basin. During Chester time the seas appear to have been restricted to the Hugoton embayment in the southeasternmost part of Colorado. At the beginning of Pennsylvanian time, the Morrow seas advanced upon the flanks of the low landmass of eastern Colorado, bringing clastic material from the southeast. Near the end of Morrow time major uplifting with faulting elevated the Apishapa-Sierra Grande uplift, the Wet Mountains, and the Front Range, which supplied clastic material to transgressing seas during the remainder of Pennsylvanian time. A cross-flexure marking the earliest beginnings of the Las Animas arch seems to have occurred near the end of Missouri time. During early Permian time the seas gradually covered the Apishapa-Sierra Grande landmass, and during late Permian time the shore line remained fairly stable, until the seas receded at the close of the period. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2613------------
Peripheral neuropathy in patients with chronic renal failure: A treatable source of discomfort and disability

Uremic polyneuropathy occurs in about half of patients undergoing dialysis and is characterized by axonal degeneration with secondary segmental demyelination. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis halts the progress of polyneuropathy but usually does not bring improvement. However, improvement invariably occurs with successful renal transplantation. Mononeuropathies resulting from placement of forearm arteriovenous fistulas are also seen and include the commonly encountered carpal tunnel syndrome and the rare but catastrophic ischemic monomelic neuropathy. The latter constitutes a medical emergency; immediate surgical closure of the fistula is required to avoid severe and permanent neurologic dysfunction.
A combination of time-scale calculus and a cross-validation technique used in fitting and evaluating fractional models

Abstract In this work, we demonstrate how fractional calculus and time-scale calculus can be combined beautifully to solve and fit a modeling problem. In addition, a cross-validation technique is used to evaluate the fitted model. The specific application that we consider is the one-compartment model. The one-compartment model is a first-order differential equation that describes drug concentration over time. It turns out that approximating the solution by using a fractional model allows us to get more accurate results for model fitting. To quantitatively verify this insight, we compare between a first-order model and an α -order fractional model using real data for drug concentration. Then the mean squared error and a cross-validation method are used to determine the model that provides the best fit and predictions for unseen data.
Acoustic cues mediate inter-male spacing in a neotropical frog

Males of the neotropical anuran species Eleutherodactylus diastema produce a high-frequency, tonal, advertisement call when aggregated into breeding choruses. Within the chorus, males occupy elevated call sites scattered through large forest patches. The hypothesis that males use the amplitude of their neighbours' calls as a proximate cue for positioning themselves, was tested. Call characteristics were analysed, inter-male distances and neighbour call amplitudes were measured, and perch availability was assessed. Males were non-randomly distributed within the aggregation and perch availability did not determine inter-male spacing. Neighbour call amplitudes were kept within a narrow range, and relative variability in neighbour call amplitude was much, less than variability in inter-male distances. These results support the hypothesis that males in this species use the amplitude of neighbours' calls as the proximate cue for maintaining inter-male distance, and hence the spatial organization of the chorus.
Diazoxide Cardioprotection Is Independent of Adenosine Triphosphate-Sensitive Potassium Channel Kir6.1 Subunit in Response to Stress

Background The sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel (sK ATP ), composed primarily of potassium inward rectifier (Kir) 6.2 and sulfonylurea receptor 2A subunits, has been implicated in cardiac myocyte volume regulation during stress; however, it is not involved in cardioprotection by the adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel (K ATP ) channel opener diazoxide (7-chloro-3-methyl-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1,1-dioxide [DZX]). Paradoxically, the sK ATP channel subunit Kir6.2 is necessary for detrimental myocyte swelling secondary to stress. The Kir6.1 subunit can also contribute to K ATP channels in the heart, and we hypothesized that this subunit might play a role in myocyte volume regulation in response to stress. Study Design Isolated cardiac myocytes from either wild-type mice or mice lacking the Kir6.1 subunit (Kir6.1[−/−]) were exposed to control Tyrode's solution (TYR) for 20 minutes, test solution (TYR, hypothermic hyperkalemic cardioplegia [CPG], or CPG + K ATP channel opener DZX [CPG + DZX]) for 20 minutes, followed by TYR for 20 minutes. Myocyte volume and contractility were measured and analyzed. Results Both wild-type and Kir6.1(−/−) myocytes demonstrated substantial swelling during exposure to stress (CPG), which was prevented by DZX. Wild-type myocytes also demonstrated reduced contractility during stress of CPG that was prevented by DZX. However, Kir6.1(−/−) myocytes did not show reduced contractility during stress. Conclusions These data indicate that K ATP channel subunit Kir6.1 is not necessary for DZX's maintenance of cell volume during the stress of CPG. The absence of Kir6.1 does not affect the contractile properties of myocytes during stress, suggesting the absence of Kir6.1 improves myocyte tolerance to stress via an unknown mechanism.
Ultrafast Electron Crystallography. 2. Surface Adsorbates of Crystalline Fatty Acids and Phospholipids

In this account, the second in this series, we report our detailed studies of the structures and dynamics of adsorbates of crystalline fatty acids and phospholipids, using ultrafast electron crystallography (UEC). These macromolecules serve as model systems for biomembranes and allow for systematic studies under controlled conditions. The systems investigated are arachidic (eicosanoic) acid and dimyristoyl phosphatidic acid (DMPA), deposited on a substrate by the Langmuir−Blodgett technique. We studied these systems in monolayer, bilayer, and multilayer structures, and under different conditions (pH, pressure, and temperature) and on different substrates (hydrophobic and hydrophilic). The subunit cell −CH_2−CH_2−CH_2− distances were determined for all structures. For fatty acid samples, the structure is orthorhombic, and a_0 and b_0 have the values, depending on conditions, of 4.7−4.9 A and 8.0−8.9 A, respectively. The c_0 value is 2.54 A and for a given sample the accuracy is milliangstrom. Structural dynamics, after an ultrafast temperature jump in the underlying substrate, were studied by observing changes of the diffraction patterns: Bragg spot position, intensity, width, and the rocking curves. All structures exhibit a coherent anisotropic nonequilibrium expansion along the aliphatic chains, accompanied by transient structural ordering on the ultrafast time-scale. This wave-type, not diffusive, motion is followed by contraction and restructuring at longer times due to energy redistribution and diffusion. The transient behavior is entirely different from that reported here at equilibrium temperatures, in the range of 100−380 K. From these results, we are able to draw a general picture for the structural dynamics of amphiphilic chain molecules and elucidate the important role of nonequilibrium behavior at short times.
Age and Body Mass Index Are Independent Risk Factors for the Development of Postoperative Paralytic Ileus After Radical Cystectomy

Objectives To identify the risk factors that would aid in the identification of patients at the greatest risk of developing postoperative paralytic ileus (POI). POI is a common complication after radical cystectomy and can result in a prolonged hospital stay and delayed recovery. Methods A retrospective cohort study design was used to analyze data from consecutive patients presenting to our institution for radical cystectomy with pelvic nodal dissection. POI was declared if patients were without evidence of bowel function beyond the anticipated discharge goal of 6 days. The association between several clinical features and the occurrence of POI was examined. Results Of 283 patients, 43 (15.2%) developed POI. Of the 43 patients, 38 (88.4%) were given total parenteral nutrition for nutritional supplementation. No difference in the incidence of POI was observed between the sexes, previous abdominal operations, estimated blood loss, transfusion requirement, operative time, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, or previous radiotherapy. POI was observed in 11.3% of normal and overweight patients (body mass index [BMI] 2 ) compared with 25.6% of obese patients (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m 2 ; P = .005). On multivariate analysis adjusted for the influence of competing variables, increasing age (hazard ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.16, P = .008) and BMI (hazard ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.17, P = .007) were significantly associated with the presence of POI. Conclusions Our results showed that increasing age and BMI were significantly associated with the presence of POI in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.
Continuous Piecewise Linear Delta-Approximations for Univariate Functions: Computing Minimal Breakpoint Systems

For univariate functions, we compute optimal breakpoint systems subject to the condition that the piecewise linear approximator, under-, and over-estimator never deviate more than a given $$\delta $$?-tolerance from the original function over a given finite interval. The linear approximators, under-, and over-estimators involve shift variables at the breakpoints allowing for the computation of an optimal piecewise linear, continuous approximator, under-, and over-estimator. We develop three non-convex optimization models: two yield the minimal number of breakpoints, and another in which, for a fixed number of breakpoints, the breakpoints are placed such that the maximal deviation is minimized. Alternatively, we use two heuristics which compute the breakpoints subsequently, solving small non-convex problems. We present computational results for 10 univariate functions. Our approach computes breakpoint systems with up to one order of magnitude less breakpoints compared to an equidistant approach.
The incorporation of 2-[14C]glycine into porcine lens protein

Abstract A series of experiments was conducted to estimate the apparent turnover rate of lens soluble protein, the incorporation rate of 2-[ 14 C]glycine into various soluble protein components and the effect of nutritional stress on the disappearance of radioactivity with time. Evidence is presented that there are two fractions of soluble lens protein with different turnover rates: one is a fast turnover fraction with a half-life of 20·8 hr and the other is a metabolically inert fraction with an infinitely long half-life. It is postulated that the fast turnover fraction is present in the newly-formed younger fibers in the periphery, whereas the inert fraction is in the old lens fibers of the cortex and nucleus. Sephadex G-200 column chromatography was used to separate the soluble lens protein into four components: A, B, C and D in the order of elution. The changes in specific activities of the four components with the time course after injection were followed. Prolonged starvation did not affect the disappearance of carbon incorporated into lens protein with the time course after injection, suggesting normal synthesis and degradation of lens protein without regard to dietary stress.
Early pulmonary response of the rat lung to inhalation of high concentration of diesel particles

Light microscopy was used to study the pathologic alterations in the rat lung after timed diesel exposures to 6000 micrograms m-3 of diesel particulates ranging from 6 h to 9 weeks. As a general reaction, an increase in alveolar macrophages containing diesel particles, an increase in type II pneumocytes, and an accumulation of inflammatory cells within the alveoli and septal walls was observed. Histochemical differentiation between type II cells and alveolar macrophages was clearly delineated by the use of the PAS (periodic acid Schiff) stain in which macrophages stained positive and type II cells negative for this reaction. After the 9-week exposure, the accumulation of macrophages and accompanying type II cell reaction resulted in the formation of alveolar complexes that seemed to be preferentially localized near the terminal bronchioles. The similarity of the lesion to that of 'macrophage alveolitis' produced in animals repeatedly exposed to coal dust is emphasized, although the ultimate clinical significance of the complex formation cannot be assessed within the time limits of the experimental observation.
Three-dimensional analysis and computer simulation of shape rolling by the finite and slab element method

Abstract In this study a new simplified 3-D numerical method and the associated computer program have been developed to simulate the shape rolling process. The 2-D rigid-plastic finite element method (FEM), used for the generalized plane-strain condition, is combined with the slab method. This method, called FSEM (finite and slab element method), reduces the computational effort without losing much accuracy obtained in the 3-D computer simulation of the shape rolling process. The FSEM has been used to develop a computer program, called TASKS for three-dimensional analysis of shape-rolling as a kinematically steady-state process. The program TASKS has been used to simulate the metal flow and the bulge profile in flat rolling of slabs, the shape rolling of a simple H section, and the rolling of a practical H-beam section. In flat rolling, predicted spreads agreed well with experimental results, given in the literature. The metal flow in rolling of a simple H section was compared with results of a full 3-D simulation, obtained by other investigators. The comparison indicated that the present predictions give quite good results. Finally, the predictions made for a practical pass, used in rolling H sections, also compared well with experimental data.
Short-Term Visual Deprivation, Tactile Acuity, and Haptic Solid Shape Discrimination

Previous psychophysical studies have reported conflicting results concerning the effects of short-term visual deprivation upon tactile acuity. Some studies have found that 45 to 90 minutes of total light deprivation produce significant improvements in participants' tactile acuity as measured with a grating orientation discrimination task. In contrast, a single 2011 study found no such improvement while attempting to replicate these earlier findings. A primary goal of the current experiment was to resolve this discrepancy in the literature by evaluating the effects of a 90-minute period of total light deprivation upon tactile grating orientation discrimination. We also evaluated the potential effect of short-term deprivation upon haptic 3-D shape discrimination using a set of naturally-shaped solid objects. According to previous research, short-term deprivation enhances performance in a tactile 2-D shape discrimination task – perhaps a similar improvement also occurs for haptic 3-D shape discrimination. The results of the current investigation demonstrate that not only does short-term visual deprivation not enhance tactile acuity, it additionally has no effect upon haptic 3-D shape discrimination. While visual deprivation had no effect in our study, there was a significant effect of experience and learning for the grating orientation task – the participants' tactile acuity improved over time, independent of whether they had, or had not, experienced visual deprivation.
Oxytocin: anti-insulin-like effects in isolated fat cells.

Abstract Oxytocin has both insulin-like and insulin antagonistic actions in fat cells in vitro. The anti-insulin-like effects of oxytocin in dispersed rat fat cells have been studied. The magnitude of the anti-insulin-like activity varies with the metabolic pathway of glucose utilization; oxidation [14CO2 production], 32%; glycogen synthesis ( d -[U-14C] glucose incorporation into glycogen), 77%. In addition, direct inhibition of the activation of fat cell glycogen synthase has been shown. These inhibitory effects depend upon an intact disulfide ring, since the ability of N-ethylmaleimide-reacted oxytocin to inhibit insulin-stimulated processes was reduced by more than 90% when compared to the intact molecule.
On the Division of Labour and International Trade: or, Adam Smith's Explanation of Intra‐Industry Trade

Adam Smith's dictum that the division of labour is limited by the extent of the market is invoked as an explanation of observed intra‐industry trade. The strongest results from empirical studies of intra‐industry trade (relating it to level of development, time, falling trade barriers, and a manufacturing dummy) are all consistent with this view. Moreover, it makes it unnecessary to argue whether such trade reflects an aggregation problem, or to rely on new theories of international trade based on product differentiation and scale economies (neither of which have performed well in econometric work in this area).
Time of hypotension and discharge outcome in children with severe traumatic brain injury.

ABSTRACT We performed a retrospective study at a level I pediatric trauma center of patients admitted between 1998 and 2005 to determine the time after severe pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) that hypotension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] of <5th percentile) is most strongly associated with poor outcome. One hundred forty-six patients of <18 years of age with TBI, head Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) of ≥3, and PICU admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of <9 formed the analytic sample. Available SBP readings through the first 72 h after severe TBI were collected. SBP of <5th percentile was defined as hypotension. Discharge Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score of <4 defined poor outcome. Of 146, 59 (40%) patients had discharge GOS of <4 and 12% died. The adjusted risk of poor outcome associated with hypotension stabilized by 8 h (adjusted risk ratio [RR] 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–2.6) after injury. The risk of poor outcome peaked with hypotension occurring within the first 6 h after inju...
p130Cas substrate domain signaling promotes migration, invasion, and survival of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cells.

Elevated Src tyrosine kinase activity is commonly observed in breast cancer and likely contributes to neoplasia and malignancy. p130Cas (“Crk-associated substrate”) is a major Src substrate found at the sites where integrins mediate cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Src phosphorylates multiple tyrosines in the p130Cas “substrate domain” (SD) and this signaling event has been implicated in the promotion of cell motility, primarily from studies on fibroblasts. In breast cancer, studies on p130Cas have focused on its role in conferring antiestrogen resistance to cells that express the estrogen receptor (ER+). However, little is known regarding the role of p130Cas in the more aggressive estrogen receptor negative (ER-) breast cancers for which there is a need for development of effective targeted therapies. We found high levels of p130Cas SD tyrosine phosphorylation to be a common characteristic of ER− breast cancer cell lines, with particularly high levels observed for the BT-549 cell line. Using RNA interference to knock down p130Cas expression in BT-549 cells, combined with rescue by WT p130Cas versus a signaling-deficient control, we provide evidence that p130Cas SD tyrosine phosphorylation is an important signaling event in the migration, invasion, proliferation, and survival of this ER-breast cancer cell line.
The Effects of Intellectual Property Rights Violations on Economic Growth

This paper examines the relationship between intellectual property rights (IPRs) and the growth rate of per capita GDP during the period 1996-2006 in a sample 71 countries. Using software piracy data as a proxy for IPR violations, we find that countries with increasing rates of software piracy have lower growth rates. We also find that states with strong commitments to enact policies to protect intellectual property rights are able to achieve higher growth rates.
Emergent surgical complications of genitourinary infections

Most genitourinary (GU) infections, including acute pyelonephritis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and epididymitis, are easily treated medically with antibiotics, analgesics, and antipyretics. In some cases, however, these primary diagnoses might obscure a more severe process that requires emergent surgical intervention. This article discusses the recognition and treatment of emphysematous pyelonephritis; perinephric, renal, tubo-ovarian, and periurethral abscesses; and Fournier’s gangrene. The presentation and diagnosis of testicular torsion, a surgical emergency that might also masquerade as a nonsurgical GU infection, are also presented. Emphysematous pyelonephritis Background
A numerical study of the common narrow-leaved taxa of chenopodium occurring in the Western United States

A numerical taxonomic study was conducted on the common narrow-leaved members of the genusChenopodium that occur in the western United States. As many as six and as few as two species have been recognized. Thirty-five individual popu lations were used as OTU’s, and 35 characters were considered. The data were subjected to cluster (both the weighted-pair group method and the within-group dispersion method) and principal component analysis. The results of both analyses are in general agreement and suggest phenetic relationships that differ from current interpretations in the literature. It is concluded thatC. desiccatum var.leptophylloides is much more closely related phenetically toC. atrovirens (and may not be distinct from it) than it is toC. desiccatum var.desiccatum. Chenopodium hians andC. leptophyllum appear to be phenetically distinct despite the fact that they have sometimes been viewed as conspecific.Cheno podium subglabrum is not very similar toC. leptophyllum, and should probably be treated as a separate species rather than as a variety of the latter. Popu lations referable toC. incognitum form a rather loose cluster that appears some what intermediate between populations ofC. desiccatum var.leptophylloides,C. atrovirens, C. hians, andC. leptophyllum.
Energy analysis of the structures of industrial organizations

Abstract Energy analysis, data and research are reviewed. Methods to determine the energy required to maintain the structures of industrial organizations are described. Results for six organizations reconfirm earlier findings: (i) there are diseconomies of scale, i.e. smaller firms are more energy efficient (in Btu/employee-year) in maintaining structure than are larger firms; (ii) private-sector firms are more energy efficient than public firms; (iii) service-producing firms are more energy efficient than goods-producing firms; (iv) a public-sector service-provider spent its dollars on goods and services that required more energy (Btu/$) than any of the other five firms. The ratio of total energy used or controlled by each organization to energy needed to maintain structure (TE/SE) is a measure of environmental impact.
Spermidine Stimulates T Cell Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase-mediated Protection of Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function

The gene locus encoding protein-tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Expression of the PTPN2 gene product, T cell protein-tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP), in intestinal epithelial cells has been shown to play an important role in the protection of epithelial barrier function during periods of inflammation by acting as a negative regulator of the proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ. Therefore, agents that increase the activity of TCPTP are of general interest as modifiers of inflammatory signaling events. A previous study demonstrated that the small molecule spermidine is a selective activator of TCPTP in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate whether activation of TCPTP by spermidine was capable of alleviating IFN-γ-induced, proinflammatory signaling and barrier dysfunction in human intestinal epithelial cells. Studies revealed that treatment of T84 and HT29/cl.19A colonocytes with spermidine increased both TCPTP protein levels and enzymatic activity, correlating with a decrease in the phosphorylation of the signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 and 3, downstream mediators of IFN-γ signaling, upon coadministration of spermidine to IFN-γ-treated cells. On a functional level, spermidine protected barrier function in the setting of inflammation, restricting the decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance and the increase in epithelial permeability induced by IFN-γ in coincubation experiments. These data implicate spermidine as a potential therapeutic agent to treat conditions associated with elevated IFN-γ signaling and a faulty mucosal barrier.
Peroxynitrite and protein tyrosine nitration of prostacyclin synthase

When working on the regulation of prostacyclin synthase (PGIS), we found that PGIS was selectively inhibited by peroxynitrite (ONOO-), a potent oxidant formed by the combination of superoxide anion and nitric oxide (NO) at a rate of diffusion-controlled. None of the cellular antioxidants studied (i.e. GSH, Vitamins C and E, and others) prevented the inhibition of ONOO- on PGIS. This unexpected behavior was explained by a catalytic reaction of the iron-thiolate center of PGIS with ONOO- anion. In contrast, ONOO- activated both thromboxane A2-synthase and cyclooxygenases. In addition, we demonstrated that sub-micromolar levels of ONOO- inhibited PGI2-dependent vasorelaxation and triggered a PGH2-dependent vasospasm, indicating that ONOO- increased PGH2 formation as a consequence of PGIS nitration. We have subsequently demonstrated that endogenous ONOO- caused PGIS nitration and TxA2 activation in several diseased conditions such as atherosclerotic vessels, hypoxia-reperfusion injury, cytokines-treated cells, diabetes, as well as hypertension. Since NO is produced physiologically it seems that excessive formation of superoxide not only eliminates the vasodilatory, growth-inhibiting, anti-thrombotic and anti-adhesive effects of NO and PGI2 but also allows and promotes an action of the potent vasoconstrictor, prothrombotic agent, growth promoter, and leukocyte adherer, PGH2. We conclude that the nitration of PGIS nitration might be a new pathogenic mechanism for superoxide-induced endothelium dysfunction often observed in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemia, endotoxic shock, and diabetes.
Component Modes Damping Assignment Methodology for Articulated, Multiflexible Body Structures

To simulate the dynamical motion of articulated, multiflexible body structures, one can use multibody simulation packages such as DISCOS. To this end, one must supply appropriate reduced-order models for all of the flexible components involved. The component modes projection and assembly model reduction (COMPARE) methodology is one way to construct these reduced-order component models, which when reassembled capture important system input-to-output mapping of the full-order model at multiple system configurations of interest. In conjunction, we must also supply component damping matrices which when reassembled generate a system damping matrix that has certain desirable properties. The problem of determining the damping factors of components' modes to achieve a given system damping matrix is addressed here. To this end, we must establish from first principles a matrix-algebraic relation between the system's modal damping matrix and the components' modal damping matrices. An unconstrained/constrained optimization problem can then be formulated to determine the component modes' damping factors that best satisfy that matrix-algebraic relation. The effectiveness of the developed methodology, called ModeDamp, has been successfully demonstrated on a high-order, finite element model of the Galileo spacecraft.
An exploratory study of college students' perceptions of freedom in leisure and shyness

Abstract Social and psychological variables have been suggested as the most significant constraints on the leisure experience. Researchers have identified shyness as one of these social and psychological leisure constraints. An examination of the characteristics of shyness (lack of social confidence, lack of cognitive control, and cognitive distractions) and the subcomponents of perceived freedom in leisure (perceived leisure competence, perceived leisure control, leisure needs, depth of leisure involvement, and playfulness) suggests that shyness may be negatively related to experiencing leisure. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between shyness and perceived freedom in leisure. An available sample of university students completed the Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale and Leisure Diagnostic Battery (Version A, Section 1). Results indicated significant negative correlations between shyness and perceived freedom in leisure and each of its subcomponents. Multiple regression analysis indica...
ETHICAL DILEMMAS CONFRONTING CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCHERS

ABSTRACT Criminological researchers confront complex ethical issues ranging from questions regarding fabrication of data, plagiarism and confidentiality to subject rights and deceptions. Ethical dilemmas also arise when a researcher is asked to appear as an expert witness in a court proceeding; questions regarding the qualifications of the expert, monetary compensation, and interpretation. This research, which builds on Longmire's study in 1980, attempts to determine the frequency with which criminological researchers are confronted with various dilemmas. Based upon a survey of the American Society of Criminology officers and executives from 1988-1993, the data indicate that at least half of the respondents noted they experienced some dilemma relating to questions of subject consent, confidentiality, or deception; others expressed concerns regarding neglected areas of inquiry because of funding restrictions and non-publication of research due to perceived racial overtones. Finally, respondents expressed c...
Convergence and divergence of nutrient stoichiometry during forest litter decomposition

General theory of forest floor dynamics indicates convergence of properties during detrital decomposition. This study examined the hypothesis that nutrient stoichiometry, i.e. the relative amounts of nutrients, converges during litter decomposition. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) foliar litters that decomposed in their respective forests were analyzed for N, P, Ca, Mg, K, S, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu. A novel approach quantified the stoichiometric difference as the angle between nutrient vectors. The approach was also used to synthesize data from 11 previously published studies representing a broad array of litter types and locations. The stoichiometries of the Douglas-fir and red alder litters converged during the first 2 years of decomposition, but diverged in the subsequent 4 years. This temporal trajectory was explained by two competing sets of processes: stoichiometric convergence occurs when different litters decompose in the same environment, and divergence occurs when the same litter decomposes in different environments. Manganese, Fe, and Ca were important contributors to stoichiometric differences. Stoichiometric convergence processes often dominate over divergence processes. Consideration of multi-nutrient stoichiometries may enhance the understanding of the functions of litter, including rates of decomposition and relative rates at which nutrients are released.
The Body of the Text: Literacy's Corporeal Constant

The role of bodily routines and practices as an essential component in the study of literacy is considered. The author examines an unusual but not unknown practice by physicians in the late ninetee...
Transport of Prostaglandin F2α Pulses from the Uterus to the Ovary at the Time of Luteolysis in Ruminants Is Regulated by Prostaglandin Transporter-Mediated Mechanisms

In ruminants, prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF(2alpha)) is the uterine luteolytic hormone. During luteolysis, PGF(2alpha) is synthesized and released from the endometrium in a pulsatile pattern. The unique structure of the vascular utero-ovarian plexus (UOP) allows transport of luteolytic PGF(2alpha) pulses directly from the uterus to the ovary, thus bypassing the systemic circulation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not known. The objective of the present study was to determine a role for PG transporter protein (PGT) in the compartmental transport of PGF(2alpha) from uterus to ovary through the UOP at the time of luteolysis using the sheep as a ruminant model. [(3)H]PGF(2alpha), with or without a PGT inhibitor, was infused into UOP, and PGF(2alpha) transport and PGT protein expression were determined. Results indicate that PGT protein is expressed in tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia of the utero-ovarian vein and the ovarian artery of the UOP, and the expression levels are higher on d 10-15 compared with d 3-6 of the estrous cycle. Pharmacological inhibition of PGT prevented transport of exogenous [(3)H]PGF(2alpha) as well as oxytocin-induced endogenous luteolytic PGF(2alpha) pulse up to 80% from uterine venous blood into ovarian arterial blood through the UOP at the time of luteolysis in sheep. Taken together, these results indicate that at the time of luteolysis, transport of PGF(2alpha) from uterus to ovary through the UOP is regulated by PGT-mediated mechanisms. These findings also suggest that impaired PGT-mediated transport of PGF(2alpha) from the utero-ovarian vein into the ovarian artery could adversely influence luteolysis and thus affect fertility in ruminants.
Immigration and Students’ Relationship With Teachers:

Students’ relationship with teachers is a building block toward student progress and success. Little is known, however, about the relationships the children of immigrants have with their teachers, which is particularly relevant today in the midst of the current social, political, and economic debate over the influence of immigration in U.S. schools. Analyses, which draw from the public-use Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 and multiple regression analyses, indeed reveal imperative findings. Most notably, first-generation immigrant students report having strong relationships with teachers, but that relationship steadily deteriorates across immigrant generations. This article also discusses the importance of understanding the schooling of the children of immigrants in this nation’s educational system.
Systolic eccentricity index identifies right ventricular dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract Systolic eccentricity index (sEI) has been shown to correlate with pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, its relative value with regards to other echocardiographic indices of right ventricular (RV) size and function in PH has not been studied. Consequently, several echocardiographic variables were collected from 103 patients (mean age 54±15 years, 46 males) with a mean PASP 62±37 mm Hg (range 24 to 130 mm Hg). Of the studied variables sEI was the only multivariate predictor of PH ( p