cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engineered T-cell receptor tetramers bind MHC-peptide complexes with high affinity.

In this study we extend tetramerization technology to T-cell receptors (TCRs). We identified TCR αβ pairs in the absence of accessory molecules, ensuring isolation of high-affinity TCRs that maintain stable binding characteristics after tetramerization. Subtle changes in cognate peptide levels bound to the class I molecule were accurately reflected by parallel changes in the mean fluorescence intensity of cells that bound TCR tetramers, allowing us to accurately assess the binding affinity of a panel of peptides to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. Using a TCR tetramer specific for the Mamu-A*01 allele, we identified animals expressing this restricting class I allele from a large cohort of outbred rhesus macaques. TCR tetramers should facilitate analysis of the MHC-peptide interface and, more generally, the design of immunotherapeutics and vaccines.
Alcohol consumption and its effect on the dietary patterns of Hualapai Indian women.

Studies of Native American diet have ignored the nutritional and dietary effects of alcohol consumption. Studies of Native American alcohol consumption have largely ignored the socio‐economic characteristics and drinking behaviors of women. Seven‐day 24‐hour dietary recalls collected from 28 Hualapai Indian women revealed that 12 participants (43%) drank alcoholic beverages. Drinkers frequently skipped meals, yet maintained an energy intake higher than non‐drinkers by consuming high calorie alcoholic and non‐alcoholic beverages and by eating large restaurant meals. Despite energy intake differences, drinkers and non‐drinkers did not differ in body weight or percent body fat. Drinkers were not at risk for protein malnutrition as reported for other female drinkers, but Hualapais’ tendency to fast while drinking may increase their risk of liver disease. In contrast to reports of Native American males, female drinkers in this sample were often high school graduates with full‐time jobs.
Hospitals with percutaneous coronary intervention capability have greater adherence to established myocardial infarction guidelines.

AbstractThe American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for acute myocardial infarction related to process of care aim to decrease morbidity and mortality and provide a standard of care for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Currently, there are limited data comparing adherence between centers providing fibrinolytic therapy alone and those that provide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Reported compliance with AMI performance measures was analyzed using data from the United States Department of Health and Human Services Hospital Compare Web site from 2007, including aspirin administration, β-blocker administration, angiotensin-converting enzyme or angiotensin receptor blocking agents, and smoking cessation counseling. Adherence to all reported measurements was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in hospitals that reported PCI capability, compared with hospitals that reported only fibrinolytic use in AMI patients.
Effects of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine on gonadotropin-releasing hormone-induced secretion of luteinizing hormone in vitro.

Recent evidence indicates that catecholamines may directly alter anterior pituitary function. In the present study, an in vitro perifusion system was used to investigate whether catecholamines affect the gonadotrope. Pituitary tissue from castrated ram lambs was incubated in the presence of epinephrine (EPI), norepinephrine (NE), or dopamine (DA). During a 2-h treatment period, neither DA (10−8 m), NE (10−7 m), nor EPI (10−7-10−9 m) significantly affected basal LH secretion. In contrast, the LH response to a subsequent 10−10 m GnRH challenge was significantly potentiated by NE and EPI. NE increased the amount of LH secreted in response to GnRH 14 ± 1.1% (P < 0.01). Likewise, 10−7, 10−8, and 10−9 m EPI resulted in 22 ± 1.4% (P < 0.001), 13 ± 1.2% (P < 0.001), and 6 ± 1.3% (P < 0.03) increases, respectively. The stimulatory effect of 10−7 m EPI was blocked by pretreatment with propranolol (a β-adrenergic blocker), but not with phentolamine (an aadrenergic blocker). The β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol enh...
The effects of cascading and metastable atoms on the determination of electron temperature from relative line intensities in a tenuous helium plasma.

Abstract The effects of cascading and electron-metastable atom interactions on he determination of electron temperature from the relative intensities of helium singlet and triplet series spectral lines are considered. It is found that the presence of metastable atoms will have a small effect if cascading effects are measured experimentally. Limitations on the applicability of the technique and criteria for determining its validity are presented.
Preparation, characterization, biological activity and metabolism of all-trans retinoyl fluoride

Abstract All- trans retinoyl fluoride was prepared by treating all- trans retinoic acid with diethylaminosulfurtrifluoride. The crystalline product, which was characterized by melting point, infrared, 1 H-NMR, 19 F-NMR and elementary analysis, showed λ max at 382 nm in hexane ( e = 4.98·10 4 M −1 ·cm −1 ) and at 392 nm in methanol ( e = 4.60·10 4 M −1 ·cm −1 ). Its biological activity in the rat growth assay, relative to all- trans retinyl acetate, was 22% ± 10%. Upon oral administration for 5 days to vitamin A-depleted rats, retinoyl fluoride (1020 μg) was rapidly metabolized to a polar metabolite fraction and, in the intestine, to an unstable retinol-like metabolite, purpotedly 15-fluororetinol. Upon administering intraperitoneally smaller doses (47–94 μg) of [11- 3 H]retinoyl fluoride, which was synthesized from [11- 3 H] retinoic acid, radioactive retinoic acid was noted in the liver and plasma but not in the intestine. As expected, a radioactive polar fraction appeared in the intestine and liver, but radioactive retinol, retinyl ester and some common oxidation products were not detected. Of the administered radioactivity, 72% was excreted in the urine, and only 4% was found in the feces over a 7-day period. Hydrolysis of the urine gave a radioactive fraction with a polarity similar to that of retinoic acid. Retinoyl fluoride also reacts readily with glycine to yield N -retinoyl glycine. Thus, the biological activity of retinoyl fluoride can be attributed to the formation of retinoic acid, probably by way of N -retinoyl derivatives. A possible pathway for its metabolism is presented.
Isolation of novel animal cell lines defective in glycerolipid biosynthesis reveals mutations in glucose-6-phosphate isomerase.

Glycerolipids are structural components for membranes and serve in energy storage. We describe here the use of a photodynamic selection technique to generate a population of Chinese hamster ovary cells that display a global deficiency in glycerolipid biosynthesis. One isolate from this population, GroD1, displayed a profound reduction in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and triglycerides but presented high levels of phosphatidic acid and normal levels of phosphatidylinositol synthesis. This was accompanied by a reduction in phosphatidate phosphatase 1 (PAP1) activity. Expression cloning and sequencing of the cDNA obtained from GroD1 revealed a point mutation, Gly-189 → Glu, in glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI), a glycolytic enzyme involved in an inherited disorder that results in anemia and neuromuscular symptoms in humans. GPI activity was reduced by 87% in GroD1. No significant differences were found in DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, and ATP levels, whereas glycerol 3-phosphate levels were increased in the mutant. Expression of wild-type hamster GPI restored GPI activity, glycerolipid biosynthesis, and PAP1 activity in GroD1. Two additional, independently isolated GPI-deficient mutants displayed similar phenotypes with respect to PAP1 activity and glycerolipid biosynthesis. These findings uncover a novel relationship between GPI, involved in carbohydrate metabolism, and PAP1, a lipogenic enzyme. These results may also help to explain neuromuscular symptoms associated with inherited GPI deficiency.
Origin of Comb Layering and Orbicular Structure, Sierra Nevada Batholith, California

A new descriptive term, comb layering , is proposed to replace the informal term Willow Lake-type layering , first introduced by Poldervaart and Taubeneck (1959) to describe layering in granitoid rocks in which constituent crystals are oriented approximately perpendicular to individual layers. The term schlieren layering is proposed to describe the “normal” layering of granitic rocks defined by alternating layers enriched or depleted in the normal mafic minerals. In such layers, elongate minerals commonly lie in the plane of the layering. Comb layering is widespread in plutonic rocks of California and is commonly associated with orbicular diorites. Evidence from a detailed study of three localities in the Sierra Nevada indicates that comb layering forms chiefly in overturned troughs along overhanging walls of plutons or along walls of dikes or pipes that cut country rocks adjoining plutons. Orbicular rocks associated with the comb layering are formed by a nucleus surrounded by multiple comb layers. The growth direction in comb layers can be determined by the branching and widening of plagioclase and hornblende crystals and is invariably toward the parent pluton. Field data indicate that comb layering cannot have formed from silicate magma, and further suggest that the layers have been deposited by large volumes of aqueous fluids that migrated upward along contacts between magma and wallrock or along the interface between magma and previously solidified melt. Comb layering and orbicules are largely restricted to structural traps into which upwardly migrating, solute-rich water was channeled owing to its low density. The comb layers grew on the solid walls of fluid-filled channels, whereas orbicules formed by precipitation of comb layers on hobbling inclusions suspended within the upward-flowing fluid.
Getting Power to the People

Nuclear energy? Carbon capture? Solar power? As the debate over climate change heats up and the demand for energy grows, what is the best alternative? The answer lies in the marketplace.
Conformational and configurational dynamics of a highly fluorinated hydrazone.

Formula chem. The relative populations of two rotamers in the hydrazone of 2H -perfluoro-2-methyl-3-pentanone can be altered from one extreme to the other by increasing the Lewis basicity of the solvent, and the equilibrium E/Z ratio grows correspondingly. Both trends reflect an increase in the effective size of the amino group as a result of hydrogen bonding. The rate of EIZ interconversion is insensitive to the choice of solvent, consistent with the conclusion that the isomerization occurs via N-inversion and not C=N bond rotation.
The Latin American Debt Burden: Consequences for International Adjustment and Agricultural Trade

This paper attributes the origins of the Latin American external debt problem to the oil price and real interest rate increases and debtor country and international bank policies. Next, it briefly examines the implications of economic adjustments to service the debt. Finally, in order to facilitate research on the linkages between debt and agricultural trade, the paper suggests some factors to consider in modeling import behavior and international borrowing.
Integrating empirical methods into computer science

Empirical skills are playing an increasingly important role in the computing profession and our society. In addition to being problem-solvers and designers/engineers, computer scientists must also be capable experimenters in order to develop, test, and evaluate complex hardware and software systems. The widespread use of computers as tools for interdisciplinary research also demands a strong grounding in the scientific method.This panel is designed to promote discussion about innovative methods for integrating empirical skills within the traditional computer science curriculum. Each panelist will define a set of core empirical concepts and skills that they see as essential to computer scientists, with a brief rationale for each. In conjunction, they will describe classroom practices that serve to demonstrate the key concepts and/or develop skills they have identified. Sufficient time will be allocated for discussion and contributions from the audience.
Production of cyclic AMP from extracellular ATP by intact LM cells

Abstract Intact LM cells, a line of cultured mouse fibroblasts, exhibited and adenylate cyclase (APT pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1) activity in the presence exogenous [α-32]ATP which was 20–30% of that observed with comparable preparations of lysed cells. The extent of NaF and prostaglandin E1 stimulation was comparable in intact cells and lysed cells. 96% of the added ATP and 92% of the cyclic AMP produced by intact cells could be isolated extracellularly in the incubation medium. Cellular integrity under assay conditions was monitored by trypan blue exclusion. These data suggest that LM cells contain an endenylate cyclase activity whic is accessible to extracellular ATP.
The Effects of an Interview on Attitudes and Behavior

(1971). The effects of an interview on attitudes and behavior. The Journal of Sex Research: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 138-152.
Ecologies of scale: strategies for designing culturally and environmentally relevant neighborhoods in Doha, Qatar

Abstract In the past decade, Qatar's population has experienced unprecedented growth. The country has nearly trebled in size, from 522,000 residents in 1997, to over 1,500,000 today. Of that total, 82% is said to live in the metropolitan area of Doha. As phenomenal as this growth may be, however, it is both environmentally and culturally unsustainable. Until now, the tendency has been to build in a speculative manner — a tendency to build all at once without full consideration of how to fill it. As a result, a sprawl of air-conditioned two and three story buildings dominates the landscape. The climatic constraints are real: while the weather is quite livable for half the year, the hottest four to six months of the year can be difficult to bear, with little rainfall to offset the extreme temperatures. Architects and urban designers address these issues in a manner that is unique to the design field, an approach that can be termed ‘design research’. It is both quantitative and qualitative in nature, and necessitates an iterative approach whereby proposals, based on initial collection of data, are created and then refined as a result of reflection on the artifact created. In this sense, the act of creation itself becomes part of the research, and a means towards a solution. For this project, the solution proposed centers on an idealized box, a simple yet carefully calibrated object that accommodates a plethora of programs, structural options and enclosures. The box can accept myriad functions and can be easily transported to the site on an as-needed basis. A variety of facade and roof strategies based on performative criteria can help reduce solar gain and create a richly diverse architectural language. Orientation and function dictate not only the facade direction, but also the building massings, as well as height and distance between buildings, thereby resulting in shaded and well-ventilated streets. With a set of basic rules, the aggregation of buildings can occur organically over time, as opposed to the current model. At each stage of development, appropriately-scaled public spaces accompany the buildings, including the garden, the courtyard and the plaza.
A software environment for problem-oriented systems

The command language concept, which is used in some large time-sharing systems, has been adapted to construct single-user systems with real-time capabilities. These systems share a common core, whose structure is sketched by a description of three implemented systems. The modularity and generality of much of the core makes it possible to use the same code in systems with widely differing objectives.
The Differential Effects of Foot Sole Sensory on Plantar Pressure Distribution between Balance and Gait.

Abstract Foot sole tactile sensation provides valuable feedback to the central nervous system. Acutely reduced foot sensation changes plantar pressure distribution in standing and gait; however, the effect of chronic foot sole sensory impairment on plantar pressure distribution is unclear. Purpose This study aims to examine the effects of peripheral neuropathy (PN) induced chronic sensory loss on plantar pressure distribution in walking and standing. Methods Foot sole sensitivity was tested at the five sites: big toe (BT), 1st metatarsal (M1), 5th metatarsal (M5), mid-foot (MF) and heel (HL). Relative peak pressures (RPP) of the five sites were collected during a 20-s walking on a treadmill at .45m/s and a 30-s quiet standing with eyes open. Five-way MANOVA was used to examine the influence of sensitivity of each site on overall plantar pressure distribution for standing and walking separately. Tukey's test was used to examine the significant associations. Results In standing, the sensitivity of BT affected average RPP at BT significantly ( P P Conclusions Feedback from foot sole tactile sensation in gait is not as significant as in standing, showing standing balance control relies more on feedback control mechanism while gait control relies more on feed forward control mechanism.
Comparison of field- and laboratory-developed estuarine benthic communities for toxicant-exposure studies

The structures of macrobenthic communities that colonized sand-filled boxes in laboratory and field were compared to learn if laboratory-developed assemblages of animals used in toxicity studies realistically simulate those in nature. Laboratory boxes were colonized for eight weeks in the Spring and Fall by planktonic larvae from continuously-supplied unfiltered seawater; field boxes, by naturally-occurring estuarine animals. Laboratory communities had larger numbers, but fewer species than field communities. One-fourth of the species found in field boxes also occured in laboratory boxes. Species density, diversity, and dominance were similar in both environments in the Fall, but differed in the Spring. The degree of similarity of laboratory assemblages of benthic animals to the highly variable assemblages in the field indicates applicability of laboratory toxicity studies to nature.
DNA Lesion Alters Global Conformational Dynamics of Y-family DNA Polymerase during Catalysis

A major product of oxidative damage to DNA, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanine (8-oxoG), can lead to genomic mutations if it is bypassed unfaithfully by DNA polymerases in vivo. However, our pre-steady-state kinetic studies show that DNA polymerase IV (Dpo4), a prototype Y-family enzyme from Sulfolobus solfataricus, can bypass 8-oxoG both efficiently and faithfully. For the first time, our stopped-flow FRET studies revealed that a DNA polymerase altered its synchronized global conformational dynamics in response to a DNA lesion. Relative to nucleotide incorporation into undamaged DNA, three of the four domains of Dpo4 undertook different conformational transitions during 8-oxoG bypass and the subsequent extension step. Moreover, the rapid translocation of Dpo4 along DNA induced by nucleotide binding was significantly hindered by the interactions between the embedded 8-oxoG and Dpo4 during the extension step. These results unprecedentedly demonstrate that a Y-family DNA polymerase employs different global conformational dynamics when replicating undamaged and damaged DNA.
Boundary scattering in superconductors

Boundary scattering in gallium single crystals produces little shift of the superconducting critical temperature ${T}_{c}$ consistent with the assumption of specular reflection of quasiparticles at the sample boundary.
Practical framework constraints

Framework constraints are used to represent recommendations or restrictions on the use of the framework's primitives in a way that is amenable to automatic checking. The goal is to support the framework's users in making the best use of the framework without overwhelming the users with documentation. In this work, we show how we realized this goal using a small set of abstract framework constraints and a collection of heuristics. We took a real-life complex framework and extracted from its support history a set of framework constraints that we refined into five abstract framework constraints. We then developed heuristics to enable the easy specification and the automatic checking of instances of these constraints using a static analysis tool. The result is a system that allows one to define practical framework constraints and provides a mechanism to check them automatically in the user's code.
Structures of Z-(nitrostilbene)chromium tricarbonyl complexes: The effect of metal coordination on the nonplanarity of the stilbene system

The structures of the nitrostilbene complexes Z-(4-R−C6H4−CH=CH−C6H4-4′-NO2)Cr(CO)3 (R=Me2N,1; H,2; F3C,3), are reported. The copounds were prepared as part of a study of the synthesis of organometallic complexes with potential nonlinear optics applications. For Z-(4-Me2N−C6H4−CH=CH−C6H4-4′-NO2)Cr(CO)3,1, triclinic, $$P\bar 1$$ ,a=7.214 (3) A,b=7.340 (3) A,c=17.238 (9)A, α=88.23 (5)°, β=88.76 (4)°, γ=87.66 (3) °,Z=2. For Z-(C6H5−CH=CH−C6H4-4′-NO2)Cr(CO)3,2, monoclinic, P21/C,a=12.255 (3) A,b=9.415 (1) A,c=13.579 (4) A, β=105.60 (2)°,Z=4. For Z-(4-F3C−C6H4−CH=CH−C6H4-4′-NO2)Cr(CO)3,3, triclinic, $$P\bar 1$$ ,a=7.094 (2) A,b=8.057 (5) A,c=17.295 (9) A, α=87.95 (5)° β=85.94 (4)°, γ=64.24 (5)°,Z=2. The structural data show that the Z isomers exhibit bond lengths and angles similar to those observed in the E isomers, but the stilbene fragment is considerably more nonplanar. As a consequence, these molecules are unlikely to behave as NLO materials.
Internal initiation of translation of the TrkB mRNA is mediated by multiple regions within the 5′ leader

Translational regulation of the dendritically localized mRNA encoding for the neurotrophin receptor TrkB has important ramifications for synaptic function. We examined whether the TrkB mRNA is translated through an internal initiation entry site (IRES). The human TrkB 5′ leaders are derived from the use of alternative promoters and alternative splicing, but all 5′ leaders share a common exon. Insertion of a full-length 5′ leader, as well as the common exon into the intercistronic region of a dicistronic luciferase construct, yielded luciferase activity generated from the second cistron that was either equivalent or higher than that observed from the encephalomyocarditis virus IRES. Moreover, inhibiting cap-dependent translation ex vivo and in in vitro lysates had only a minimal effect on the translation of mRNA containing the TrkB 5′ leader. Dissecting the 5′ leader showed that the IRES is located in the exon common to all TrkB 5′ leaders. Moreover, six regions ranging from 2 to 25 nt were identified that either promoted or inhibited IRES activity. Taken together, these results suggest that the 5′ leader of the human TrkB mRNA contains multiple cis-elements that regulate internal initiation of translation and that this mechanism may contribute significantly to the translation of the TrkB mRNA in neuronal dendrites.
Medical Management of Persistent or Recurrent Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

This article presents an overview of medical management of persistent or recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer, in particular focusing on monitoring strategy and treatment plans. Most patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma can be successfully rendered to be free of disease with initial treatments, and those with persistent or recurrent disease can still expect long-term survival when they are monitored properly and treated accordingly. Along with serum thyroglobulin, neck ultrasonography, and radioactive iodine whole-body scans, the use of cross-sectional imaging studies and (18F) fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography have facilitated the effort in localizing lesions and traditional treatments can be implemented effectively. For disease resistant to conventional therapies, there are new treatment modalities emerging and being tested, including several agents targeting specific signaling pathways, each of which may offer the potential remedy.
The State of the Union: Sexual Health Disparities in a National Sample of US College Students

Abstract Objective: To examine sexual health disparities between blacks and whites in a national sample of US college students. Participants and Method Summary: Analyses utilized secondary data from 44,165 nonmarried undergraduates (aged 18–24; M = 20.1) responding to the Spring 2007 American College Health Association–National College Health Assessment; 64% were female and 94.7% were white. Results: Whites reported more experience in oral and anal sex, were less likely to use condoms for oral, anal, and vaginal sex, and less likely to have been tested for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) compared with blacks. However, blacks reported more sex partners, lower use of hormonal contraceptives, and higher rates of adverse sexual health outcomes, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. Sexual behaviors and outcomes also varied across gender. Conclusions: This study highlights a need to increase access to hormonal contraceptives and early STI screening/treatment among blacks, ...
Application of observation operators for field scale soil moisture averages and variances in agricultural landscapes

Summary Scale difference between in situ and remotely sensed soil moisture observations and model grid size has been an issue for validation of remote sensing data, soil moisture data assimilation and calibration of hydrologic models. This study aims to link two different scales of soil moisture estimates by upscaling single point measurements to field averages for representing field-scale agricultural areas (∼2 ha) located within the Upper Cedar Creek Watershed in northeastern Indiana. Several statistical methods, mainly focusing on cumulative distribution function (CDF) matching, are tested to upscale point measurements to spatially representative soil moisture. These transforming equations are termed observation operators. The CDF matching is found to be the most successful upscaling method followed by the mean relative difference method using temporally stable point measurements. This study also tests the temporal and spatial (horizontal and vertical) transferability of the different observation operators. Results indicate that the two observation operators from the CDF matching approach and the mean relative difference method using a temporally stable location are transferable in space, but not in time. Rainfall characteristic is most likely the dominant factor affecting the success of observation operator transferability. In addition, the CDF matching approach is found to be an effective method to deduce spatial variability (standard deviation) of soil moisture from single point measurements.
A simple modification on the vacuum system of the Beckman automated sequencer to improve the efficiency of Edman degradation.

Abstract A simple modification of the high-vacuum system of the Beckman automated sequencer is described. The air cylinder controlling the high vacuum to the reaction cup has been replaced with an electrically operated stainless-steel solenoid valve. The system maintains better high vacuum without the necessity for frequent oil changes. The efficiency has been demonstrated by the results of extended amino acid sequence analysis of various unknown proteins and peptides.
Lyman-Birge-Hopfield emissions from electron-impact excited N2

Relative electron-impact-induced emission cross sections for the a 1?g (v' = 3)?X 1?+g (v'' = 0) and a 1?g (v' = 2)?X 1?+g (v'' = 0) transitions are presented. Critical comparison is made with existing cross sections showing significant discrepancy with the widely accepted excitation function of Ajello and Shemansky (1985 J. Geophys. Res. 90 9845?61) at energies below ~80 eV. A series of extensive measurements are presented that were performed to rule out any possible systematic or random errors in the present experimental apparatus and methodology. These efforts lead to the conclusion that the current measurements are robustly reproducible and, thus, should supplant the LBH cross-section shape of Ajello and Shemansky (1985 J. Geophys. Res. 90 9845?61).
Tubulovillous adenomas in a continent ileostomy after proctocolectomy for familial polyposis.

This is a case report of the first description of tubulovillous adenomas in a continent ileostomy following proctocolectomy for Gardner's syndrome.
Multiple Intelligences Theory: A Framework for Personalizing Science Curricula

This case study reports on the experiences of a high school science teacher, Dave, as he explored multiple intelligences (MI) theory within the context of an action research group. The theory was used as a framework to make decisions about how he would structure learning experiences for his grade nine students in a science unit on space and astronomy. Through participation in the project, Dave believed he was able to offer his students a more student-centered, engaging science curriculum that catered to individual learning needs. Thus, the case provides insight into the nature of MI theory and how the framework of MI theory can be used to make science accessible to students and to assist them in achieving high levels of scientific literacy.
Conserving software-based artwork through software engineering

A long term strategy is offered for conserving software-based digital art in perpetuity based on software engineering practice. Software engineering is a rigorous, formalized practice approach to preservation that engages all stakeholders, including: artists, curators, and conservators; offering a breadth of methodologies and degrees of rigor that may be adapted by organizations of all sizes. In this paper the focus is on the software engineering maintenance process, and how it converts digital art into formats that should make it preservable and displayable in the deep future.
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and unexplained abdominal pain: Clinical and manometric study

Unexplained, biliary-type abdominal pain is often attributed to an abnormal pressure profile of the sphincter of Oddi. In spite of this assumption, the true prevalence of this type of motor dysfunction among cholecystectomized patients with unexplained abdominal pain is not known. We studied 64 postcholecystectomy patients who were thought to have sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Radiologically, other than a dilated common bile duct in some, they had no anatomic derangement of their pancreatobiliary tract to explain their symptoms. They were categorized into three groups on the basis of four objective findings suggesting abnormal biliary emptying mechanism. Basal sphincter of Oddi pressure, frequency of phasic contractions, and proportion of retrograde, contractions were determined in all patients. Twenty-six (41%) of the patients demonstrated at leas one motor abnormality, 16 (25%) had two, and 10 (16%) had all three abnormal parameters. The pressure profile of the sphincter was normal in 38 or 59% of the patients. Seventy-three percent (73%) of the patients in group I, who had three or four of the objective findings for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, demonstrated at least one motor abnormality. Sixty percent of this group demonstrated an increased basal sphincter of Oddi pressure. On the other hand, only 19% of the patients in group III, who had none of the objective findings, revealed a motor abnormality. Increased basal sphincter of Oddi pressure, was noted in 7% of this group. We conclude that, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, as diagnosed manometrically, explains the recurrent biliary type abdominal pain in a minority of patients. Moreover, presence of objective findings suggestive of a compromised biliary emptying significantly increases the diagnostic yield of manometry. In our opinion, these criteria must be utilized for selection of the patients for sphincter of Oddi manometry.
Pre-injury beta blocker use does not affect the hyperdynamic response in older trauma patients.

PURPOSE: Trauma dogma dictates that the physiologic response to injury is blunted by beta-blockers and other cardiac medications. We sought to determine how the pre-injury cardiac medication profile influences admission physiology and post-injury outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trauma patients older than 45 evaluated at our center were retrospectively studied. Pre-injury medication profiles were evaluated for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors / angiotensin receptor blockers (ACE-I/ARB), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, amiodarone, or a combination of the above mentioned agents. Multivariable logistic regression or linear regression analyses were used to identify relationships between pre-injury medications, vital signs on presentation, post-injury complications, length of hospital stay, and mortality. RESULTS: Records of 645 patients were reviewed (mean age 62.9 years, Injury Severity Score >10, 23%). Our analysis demonstrated no effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressures from beta-blocker, ACE-I/ARB, calcium channel blocker, and amiodarone use. The triple therapy (combined beta-blocker, calcium channel blocker, and ACE-I/ARB) patient group had significantly lower heart rate than the no cardiac medication group. No other groups were statistically different for heart rate, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-injury use of cardiac medication lowered heart rate in the triple-agent group (beta-blocker, calcium channel blocker, and ACEi/ARB) when compared the no cardiac medication group. While most combinations of cardiac medications do not blunt the hyperdynamic response in trauma cases, patients on combined beta-blocker, calcium channel blocker, and ACE-I/ARB therapy had higher mortality and more in-hospital complications despite only mild attenuation of the hyperdynamic response. Language: en
A surveillance system for monitoring, public reporting, and improving minority access to cancer clinical trials.

BackgroundThe Institute of Medicine (IOM) has recommended that each person with cancer should have access to clinical trials, which have been associated with improving care quality and disparities. With no effective enrollment monitoring system, patterns of trial enrollment remain unclear.PurposeWe developed a population-based, statewide system designed to facilitate monitoring of cancer trial enrollment and targeting of future interventions to improve it.MethodsPerson-level cancer incidence data from the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry (NCCCR), person-level treatment trial accrual data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and county-level Area Resource Files (ARF) measures for 12 years, 1996–2007, were studied. Deidentified person-level data necessitated county-level analysis. Enrollment rates were estimated as the ratio of trial enrollment to cancer incidence for each race, gender, year, and county combination. Multivariable analysis examined factors associated with trial accrual. Sensitivit...
Effects of life history variation on vertical transfer of toxicants in marine mammals

Toxicant bioaccumulation poses a risk to many marine mammal populations. Although individual-level toxicology has been the subject of considerable research in several species, we lack a theoretical framework to generalize the results across environments and life histories. Here we formulate a dynamic energy budget model to predict the effects of intra- and interspecific life history variation on toxicant dynamics in marine mammals. Dynamic energy budget theory attempts to describe the most general processes of energy acquisition and utilization in heterotrophs. We tailor the basic model to represent the marine mammal reproductive cycle, and we add a model of toxicant uptake and partitioning to describe vertical transfer of toxicants from mother to offspring during gestation and lactation. We first show that the model predictions are consistent with qualitative patterns reported in empirical studies and previous species-specific modeling studies. Next, we use this model to examine the dependence of offspring toxicant load on birth order, food density, and interspecific life history variation.
An approach to the study of intracellular proteins related to the excitability of the squid giant axon.

The technique for covalently labeling proteins with 125I-labelled Bolton-Hunter reagent was used to determine the quantities of proteins released from the axoplasmic side of the squid axon membrane. The reagent could be introduced into the interior of the axon by the technique of intracellular perfusion, the radioiodination reaction being carried out in situ. Alternatively, the reaction could be carried out in vitro, i.e., by mixing the reagent with samples of proteins dissolved in the intracellular perfusion fluid collected from the axon. This technique was found to be sensitive enough to permit analysis of a large number of protein samples collected from a single axon. By the method of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, it was found that proteins of approx. 56 000 daltons were released into the perfusate when a solution of potassium chloride or potassium bromide was introduced into the interior of an axon. Suppression of axonal excitability was associated with this release of proteins. The significance of these findings in relation to the structure and function of the axon is discussed.
Potential antiradiation drugs: α‐alkyloximinonitriles

Of three α -alkyloximinonitriles tested for radiation protection, two were very toxic and inactive, while one with low toxicity gave slight protection.
The big picture: An overview

A system office for community college institutional research manages five basic assets to fill a role in higher education policy that serves both the individual community colleges in a state and the general public.
Machine Learning Based Predictive Modeling of Machining Induced Microhardness and Grain Size in Ti–6Al–4V Alloy

Titanium and its alloys are today used in many industries including aerospace, automotive, and medical device and among those Ti–6Al–4 V alloy is the most suitable because of favorable properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio, toughness, superb corrosion resistance, and bio-compatibility. Machining induced surface integrity and microstructure alterations size play a critical role in product fatigue life and reliability. Cutting tool geometry, coating type, and cutting conditions can affect surface and subsurface hardness as well as grain size. In this paper, predictions of machining induced microhardness and grain size are performed by using 3D finite element (FE) simulations of machining and machine learning models. Microhardness and microstructure of machined surfaces of Ti–6Al–4 V are investigated. Hardness measurements are conducted at elevated temperatures to develop a predictive model by utilizing FE-based temperature fields for hardness profile. Measured hardness, grain size, and fractions ...
Total Joint Arthroplasty in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A United States Experience From 1992 Through 2005

To determine whether total joint arthroplasty (TJA) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is decreasing, we collected Nationwide Inpatient Sample database information (1992 through 2005) on (1) the number of primary TJAs for all patient diagnoses, (2) the number of primary TJAs for patients with RA, and (3) distribution of age and sex in both groups. To account for population growth, a given year's arthroplasty estimate was normalized against its population. The trends over time were analyzed using a multivariable Poisson regression model (significance, P < .05). We found that the number of primary TJA procedures increased in the general and RA populations but that, after adjusting for population growth, age, and sex, the rate was significantly lower in patients with RA.
Foreign body aspiration: potential cause of coughing and wheezing.

As many as half of routine ill-patient visits in pediatrics practice involve respiratory symptoms. It is not surprising that we see so much coughing and wheezing when we consider that children are still developing immunologically and are, therefore, more susceptible to infection. In early life, most of these infectious diseases occur in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. In addition, the gradual exposure of the constitutionally allergic child to environmental allergens pre-disposes to the development of respiratory symptoms. Childhood is also a time for congenital defects of the cardiopulmonary system to become apparent. A sometimes overlooked cause of respiratory symptoms in infants and young children—and one that can become rapidly and severely complicated if misdiagnosed—is the aspiration of foreign bodies. Aspiration or ingestion of foreign bodies remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Children between 8 months and 4 years of age are at highest risk. Not all cases of aspiration are of the acute, obstructive variety, and pediatricians should consider a foreign body as a possible cause of coughing and wheezing even when no definite history of aspiration is obtained. Children of course are curious and their natural tendency is to reach out and explore new objects. Bringing objects to their mouths to taste and to test textures is common.
Inhibitory Effect of Gobaltous Ions on Multiplication of Influenza Virus.

SummaryThe growth of the virus of influenza in embryonated eggs is inhibited by cabal tons ion. This inhibition is overcome by the subsequent addition of histidine, cysteine and sodium thioglycolate.
Nifedipine in ulnar artery occlusion.

With the introduction of the calcium channel blocker, Nifedipine, potent peripheral vasodilatation has been demonstrated. 1-22 Its main action is on the peripheral arterioles and venules with decreased peripheral resistance. Calcium affects most smooth muscle cells of the peripheral arteries and arterioles. Any small increase in the radius of a peripheral vessel or collateral increases the blood flow by an increment of four square. It is not surprising, therefore, that the calcium entry blocker exerts a vasodilatory effect. That effect varies with the intensity of the disease in the vascular bed in the different patients.
Influence of variable plate separation on fringing electric fields in parallel-plate capacitors

Measurement of bulk physical properties in dielectric materials is typically performed using a parallel-plate capacitor configuration, where a dielectric material is placed between two conducting plates and the complex permittivity is found by measuring capacitance and conductance between the electrodes. Fringing electric fields exist between any two parallel conducting plates of finite length and the additional capacitance these fields add is not easily accounted for. It is important to account for edge effects in many capacitive sensing applications in order to ensure accurate results. Unfortunately, these edge effects are not easily quantifiable and are subject to change with varying sensor geometries. A quantitative relationship between fringing field strength and sensor geometry will improve the accuracy of many capacitive sensing applications. This work presents finite element simulations showing the influence of variable plate separation on fringing field effects in a system designed to measure the dielectric properties of a fluid. A quantitative relationship is established that relates the sensor response to the plate distance and fluid position. This relationship can be applied to experimental data in order to compensate for any edge effects present in the system.
Prolactin as a mammalian mitogen and tumor promoter.

Abstract Cellular proliferation and differentiation of the mammalian mammary gland requires a medley of hormones including the anterior pituitary hormone, PRL. Recent evidence extends the role of PRL as a mammalian mitogen to cells in several physiological systems not directly involved in reproductive functions, such as liver and lymphocytes. PRL administration induces biochemical markers expressed during the G 1 phase of cell cycle and activates DNA synthesis in rat liver. Chronic PRL treatment causes hepatomegaly, reflecting its stimulation of the proliferative process. In vitro , a lactogen-dependent cell line, the Nb2 rat node lymphoma cell, serves as a useful paradigm to study PRL action on mitogenesis. These cells, when cultured in the presence of lactogens, proliferate in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of various pharmacological agents on discrete phases of the cell cycle may be readily assessed in these cells since PRL-stimulated entry into cycle is signalled by an elevation of ODC activity at 6 hr and entry into S-phase at 6–12 hr. The parallel effects of phorbol ester tumor promoters and PRL on cell cycle progression in Nb2 lymphoma cells and in hepatic proliferation suggest that PRL may likewise mediate proliferation in aberrant growth conditions such as neoplasia. The data presented support the hypothesis that PRL is capable of promoting hepatocarcinogenesis. Its chronic administration after a hepatic initiating agent stimulated the development of histochemical and biochemical markers characteristic of preneoplasia. Further, the effect of PRL was comparable to that of the hepatocarcinogen when either was administered alone. Thus, hyperprolactinemia may serve to promote the development of hepatic tumors. Phorbol esters are thought to promote tumorigenesis by directly activating PKC. In the Nb2 lymphoma cell model, tumor promoting phorbol esters mimic the effects of PRL. Similarily, PRL-stimulated enzyme induction in liver is mirrored by phorbol ester treatment, and inhibitors of PKC block PRL-stimulated mitogenesis in Nb2 cells. Further, PRL or TPA administration to rats causes translocation of PKC activity from the hepatic cytosol to the membrane fraction, reflecting kinase activation. Therefore, PRL activation of PKC appears to be a physiological phenomenon of general significance, occurring as the result of lactogen receptor stimulation and serving to transmit intracellular signals linked to the regulation of mitogenesis. Further study is required to more fully define the scope of PRL-mediated mitogenic actions as well as its effects on the expression of differentiated products in tissues and cells.
Economic Policy, Institutions, and Capital Flows: Portfolio and Direct Investment Flows in Developing Countries

Scholars examining the cross-national mobility of capital have followed two distinct paths. Economists tend to focus on the determinants and economic effects of cross-country capital movements while political scientists largely concentrate on the political impact of capital mobility. This study fills an important gap in the literature by examining the effects of economic policy outcomes on capital inflows to developing countries, explicitly comparing the reactions of portfolio and direct investors. I find that portfolio investors are in fact sensitive to past government behavior and fiscal policy outcomes; portfolio investors reallocate funds as new information about government policy becomes available. Direct investors, on the other hand, are not sensitive to macrolevel economic policy outcomes but are concerned with political institutions. Countries with more stable and democratic political institutions attract more FDI. These findings have implications for developing country governments as they consider the sequence of market liberalizing reforms.