cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of co-morbidities on self-rated health in self-reported COPD: An analysis of NHANES 2001–2008

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) coexists with co-morbidities. While co-morbidity has been associated with poorer health status, it is unclear which conditions have the greatest impact on self-rated health. We sought to determine which, and how much, specific co-morbid conditions impact on self-rated health in current and former smokers with self-reported COPD. Using the 2001-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey we characterized the association between thirteen co-morbidities and health status among individuals self-reporting COPD. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were generated using ordinal logistic regression. Additionally we evaluated the impact of increasing number of co-morbidities with self-rated health. Eight illnesses had significant associations with worse self-rated health, however after mutually adjusting for these conditions, congestive heart failure (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.69-5.58), arthritis (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.13-2.52), diabetes (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.01-2.64), and incontinence/prostate disease (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.01-2.62) remained independent predictors of self-rated health. Each increase in co-morbidities was associated with a 43% higher chance of worse self-rated health (95% CI 1.27-1.62). Individuals with COPD have a substantial burden of co-morbidity, which is associated with worse self-rated health. CHF, arthritis, diabetes and incontinence/prostate disease have the most impact on self-rated health. Targeting these co-morbidities in COPD may result in improved self-rated health.
Shear bands in dense metallic granular materials

In this paper, the phenomenon of strain localization, i.e., shear banding, in densely distributed metallic assemblies has been studied. A discrete element methodology for analyzing metallic granular materials has been put forward. In this numerical model, elastoplastic contact, as well as friction, rolling resistance and cohesion between spheres, are explicitly taken into account. The calculations reveal that the shear banding mechanism in dense assemblies can be thought as an instability triggered by initial imperfections. Within a band, the motion, deformation and rearrangement of spheres soften the resistance of the aggregate, as these mechanisms create additional geometric imperfections. Additionally, the simulations showed that the shear-band width does not change conclusively with the friction, rolling resistance and plasticity parameters. However, cohesive strength, even in small amounts, drastically increased the shear-band width. Finally, the shear-band thickness and inclination angles are strongly dependent on the degree of initial imperfection. Whereas for a perfect assembly the shear band inclinations were consistently around 60degrees, more heterogeneous assemblies lead to shear band angles closer to the continuum mechanics solution, which is 45degrees. This was found to be in agreement with recent experimental observations. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A mixed halo / n-alkyl compound of chromium(III): synthesis, structure, and reactivity of Cr(n-Bu)2Cl[(Me2PCH2)3CMe]

Abstract Cr(n-Bu) 2 Cl[(Me 2 PCH 2 ) 3 CMe] has been synthesized, characterized, and subjected to a single-crystal X-ray structure determination of its toluene solvate. Space group Pcnb with (− 158°C) a 18.696(7) A, b 15.055(5), c 21.697(7), Z = 8 and R (F) = 0.0805. There is no evidence for agostic C-H-Cr interactions in the structure, but the alkyl groups cause a marked lengthening of Cr-P bonds in comparison to chlorine as the group trans to P. 1 H NMR spectra of the analogous methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl compounds reveal that only the γ and δ hydrogens of the alkyl substituent give detectable signals, while all hydrogens on the tripod ligand are observed.
Analysis of Tlr4-Mediated LPS Signal Transduction in Macrophages by Mutational Modification of the Receptor

In mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells), toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) is a limiting factor in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signal transduction. The expression of only 1-2 x 10(4) copies of recombinant Tlr4 per cell enhances sensitivity to LPS, shifting the EC50 by 30-fold to the left. Expression of the Tlr4(Lps-d) isoform of Tlr4 (found in C3H/HeJ mice) shifts the EC50 2600-fold to the right, essentially abolishing LPS responses. A truncated form of Tlr4, lacking a cytoplasmic domain, exerts only a weak inhibitory effect on signal transduction. Similarly, the normal or Tlr4(Lps-d) forms of protein lacking an ectodomain [corrected], cause modest inhibition of LPS signaling. Manipulations of Tlr4 structure and expression cause changes in LPS sensitivity that range over 3 to 4 orders of magnitude. These findings support the view that Tlr4 is an integral component of a solitary pathway for LPS signal transduction in macrophages and permit inferences related to the mechanism of signaling and its blockade.
Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infants and Toddlers

Objectives To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of an infant/toddler functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) as reported by parents in a representative community sample. Study design Mothers (n = 320) of children aged 0-3 years old were recruited in the US and completed a questionnaire about their child's and their own gastrointestinal symptoms. Results By Rome criteria, 27% of infants/toddlers qualified for FGIDs. Infant regurgitation was the most common disorder in infants and functional constipation in toddlers. No age, sex, or race differences were found in FGID diagnoses. Compared with those who did not meet Rome criteria, toddlers with FGID had lower quality of life (M = 80.1 vs M = 90.3, P P P P P = .02), but similar association was not found with loose stools. Conclusions FGIDs are common in infants and toddlers and can be identified in the general population. They do not vary with sex and race. Quality of life is reduced in those with FGIDs. More research is needed into these largely neglected conditions as it may improve the lives of a significant number of young children.
Selective mitochondrial glutathione depletion by ethanol enhances acetaminophen toxicity in rat liver

Chronic alcohol consumption may potentiate acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity through enhanced formation of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) via induction of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). However, CYP2E1 induction appears to be insufficient to explain the claimed magnitude of the interaction. We assessed the role of selective depletion of liver mitochondrial glutathione (GSH) by chronic ethanol. Rats were fed the Lieber-DeCarli diet for 10 days or 6 weeks. APAP toxicity in liver slices (% glutathione-S-transferase alpha released to the medium, GST release) and NAPQI toxicity in isolated liver mitochondria (succinate dehydrogenase inactivation, SDH) from these rats were compared with pair-fed controls. Ethanol induced CYP2E1 in both the 10-day and 6-week groups by approximately 2-fold. APAP toxicity in liver slices was higher in the 6-week ethanol group than the 10-day ethanol group. Partial inhibition of NAPQI formation by CYP2E1 inhibitor diethyldithiocarbamate to that of pair-fed controls abolished APAP toxicity in the 10-day ethanol group only. Ethanol selectively depleted liver mitochondrial GSH only in the 6-week group (by 52%) without altering cytosolic GSH. Significantly greater GSH loss and APAP covalent binding were observed in liver slice mitochondria of the 6-week ethanol group. Isolated mitochondria of the 6-week ethanol group were approximately 50% more susceptible to NAPQI (25-165 micromol/L) induced SDH inactivation. This increased susceptibility was reproduced in pair-fed control mitochondria pretreated with diethylmaleate. In conclusion, 10-day ethanol feeding enhances APAP toxicity through CYP2E1 induction, whereas 6-week ethanol feeding potentiates APAP hepatotoxicity by inducing CYP2E1 and selectively depleting mitochondrial GSH.
A substructural control technique for high-order systems

A substructural control technique consisting of local and global controllers is proposed for high order systems. The global controllers are used to minimize the effect of coupling between substructures, whereas the local controllers are employed to accomplish optimal performance and stability. The advantages of the proposed technique are demonstrated using a structure consisting of two flexible panels and a rigid hub
A technique for determining radio-signal propagation in an emulated wireless environment

The Mobile Ad hoc Network Emulator (MANE) test bed relies on accurate determination of radio signal propagation to emulate realistic mobile ad hoc network (MANET) connectivity. The determination of radio wave propagation is a very complex process that depends on numerous factors such as the transmitting medium (e.g., vacuum, air, or water), antenna properties of transmitters and receivers, and the geometrical environment (i.e. terrain). The Terrain-Integrated Rough-Earth Model (TIREM) software is an Army standard for computing the path loss of radio wave propagation, but it cannot currently be used directly by the MANE system software to determine network connectivity. This paper describes the implementation of an efficient preprocessing technique for using and integrating TIREM into the MANE software system to improve the precision of the calculated radio propagation path loss. The implemented technique has expedited the determination of connectivity and the decision to forward network packets in the MANE test bed.
Performance measurements of real-time feature-extraction modules

Performance measurements of several feature extraction modules used in an automatic target cuer and automatic target recognizer are described. The performance of these modules and the methods used to obtain the performance are shown. These performance measurements were obtained by observing the reaL-time system during analysis of video FLIR data. Parameter optimization methods are also outlined and the results obtained in the optimization process are described.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Inoculative releases of Trichogramma ostriniae for suppression of Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer) in sweet corn: field biology and population dynamics

Abstract The effectiveness of inoculative releases of Trichogramma ostriniae Pang and Chen for suppression of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) in sweet corn was assessed. Early-season, low-density (75,000 females ha −1 ) releases were made, and establishment, levels of parasitism and sex ratios of emerging T. ostriniae quantified. T. ostriniae established effectively for each season that they were released, but appeared to be unable to overwinter. Parasitism levels tracked egg mass numbers closely, and T. ostriniae persisted in fields even where insecticides were applied. Parasitism by indigenous Trichogramma species was ∼3%. Field populations of T. ostriniae were distinctly female biased (∼78%), with males produced in the majority of broods. Numbers of males did not increase linearly with number of O. nubilalis eggs parasitized, but appeared to remain constant above an egg mass size of about 20 eggs. A Type-I functional response to increasing egg and egg mass density was found under field conditions, where the proportion of egg masses parasitized remained constant with increasing egg mass density. A relatively consistent percentage of eggs per egg mass was parasitized, with a linear increase in number of eggs parasitized with increasing number of eggs per egg mass. These results show that T. ostriniae established viable reproductive populations in sweet corn following inoculative release, with the potential to contribute to reduced dependence on insecticides for the control of O. nubilalis in an integrated pest management program.
Oculomotor synchronization of visual responses in modeled populations of retinal ganglion cells

We have recently shown that fixational eye movements improve discrimination of the orientation of a high spatial frequency grating masked by low-frequency noise, but do not help with a low-frequency grating masked by high-frequency noise (M. Rucci, R. Iovin, M. Poletti, & F. Santini, 2007). In this study, we explored the neural mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. Models of parvocellular ganglion cells were stimulated by the same visual input experienced by subjects in our psychophysical experiments, i.e., the spatiotemporal signals resulting from viewing stimuli during eye movements. We show that the spatial organization of correlated activity in the model predicts the subjects' performance in the experiments. During viewing of high-frequency gratings, fixational eye movements modulated the responses of modeled neurons in a way that depended on the relative alignment of cell receptive fields. Responses covaried strongly only when receptive fields were aligned parallel to the grating's orientation. Such a dependence on the axis of receptive-field alignment did not occur during viewing of low-frequency gratings. In this case, the responses of cells on the parallel and orthogonal axes were similarly affected by eye movements. These results support a role for oculomotor synchronization of neural activity in the representation of visual information in the retina.
Fever: A Possible Strategy for Membrane Homeostasis during Infection

Although there is a generally accepted belief that fever has survival value in infection, the molecular mechanism behind the beneficial effects of elevated body temperature during disease has not been established. A substantial body of experimental studies and theoretical grounds concerning the benefit of fever considers the incremental effect of elevated temperature on various metabolic processes, including the immune system, as well as the attenuation of the viability of some pathogenic microorganisms at febrile temperature [1, 2]. Also, the evidence that fever occurs across a broad spectrum of the zoological kingdom conveys the impression that fever must be a beneficial physiological response to infection that has persisted in evolution [3, 4]. Considering the accumulated evidence Kluger [4] has said, "Fever evolved as an adaptive host-defense response." Nevertheless, debate about the biological value of fever continues. In this paper I put forward the hypothesis that besides the effect of temperature on various host-defense responses [5], fever also could be considered a homeostatic process in terms of maintenance of a constancy of cell membrane "condition" in the infected organism. Membrane condition is interpreted as a physical state of cell surface assigned to a functional interrelationship of two essential factors: (1) composition of the membrane's lipid components, and (2) actual temperature of the membrane. Specific physiological interplay of these two factors accounts for dynamic equilibrium of membrane with the environment and, in
Behavioral fever in newborn rabbits

Rabbit pups, 12 to 72 hours old, did not develop a fever when injected intraperitoneally with a pyrogen and maintained at an ambient temperature of 32 degrees C for 2 hours. When placed in a thermally graded alleyway, animals injected with pyrogen selected gradient positions that represented significantly higher temperatures than controls injected with saline (40.4 degrees in contrast to 36.4 degrees C). Allowing the pups to remain at their selected positions for 5 minutes caused a significant increase in the rectal temperatures of the pyrogen-injected pups but not that of the controls. Thus, newborn rabbits will develop a fever by behavioral means after a single injection of an exogenous pyrogen.
Realizable parasitic reduction for distributed interconnects using matrix pencil technique

With the increasing design complexity, integrating realizable reduction techniques into design flows has shown more advantages than the traditional model order reduction methods. In this paper, we propose a realizable parasitic reduction method for RLGC distributed interconnects. The proposed method obatains a reduced order model based on a modified matrix pencil method. By using a set of analytic formulas, this method provides synthesied RLGC elements. This new model is applied to power grid and antena circuits involving triangular input waveforms, lossy transmission lines and discontinuities of interconnects. The results show better reduction ratio than the standard macromodels and good accuracy compared with the theoretical values.
An algorithm for spatially constrained classification of categorical and continuous soil properties

The creation of spatially contiguous clusters from multiple sources of information is an important objective in many scientific disciplines. We describe a supervised spatial classification algorithm in which the primary goal is to stratify a landscape or other spatial data into a set of discrete patches based on available categorical and continuous data. The proposed method consists of four major steps: (1) data pre-processing, (2) initial allocation through spatially constrained cluster analysis, (3) spatial aggregation and peripheral re-allocation of individuals, and (4) an optional hierarchical or non-hierarchical classification to summarize individual patches in few classes. Parameters needed are the number of spatial clusters, the minimum size of a cluster and the weight assigned to the categorical variable(s). The proposed method was sensitive to the spatial association between continuous and categorical variables as well as to the spatial correlation structure of the continuous variables. Both determine the optimum weight assigned to the categorical information and, therefore, the effectiveness of the classification. The proposed clustering method was robust in terms of finding natural clusters, allows using categorical and continuous variables, and offers a reasonable compromise between geographic contiguity and class homogeneity. Possibilities for further modifications are outlined.
Cohesiveness and Performance on an Additive Task: Evidence for Multidimensionality.

Abstract This experiment contrasted two predictions regarding the effects of two types of cohesiveness on the performance of American students. Task-based cohesion and interpersonal cohesion were manipulated independently. Results show that high task cohesion facilitated performance, whereas interpersonal attraction had no apparent effect on production. Increases in interpersonal cohesion did, however, result in higher task commitment and more frequent interactions among group members. A path analysis suggested that potentially beneficial effects on production of increasing task commitment were obviated by the increased conversation also resulting from interpersonal cohesion. These data suggest that cohesiveness should be conceptualized as a multidimensional rather than as a unitary variable.
Serum Acetone and Liver Acetone Monooxygenase Activity in Pregnant Rats, Fetuses, and Neonates: Reversible Pretranslational Reduction of Cytochrome P450IIE1 (P450ILE1) During Pregnancy

Serum acetone in neonates was found to increase from <20 μM at 20 days gestation to 377 ± 107 μM 1 day after birth. This increase in acetone occurs concurrently with the initial expression of liver P450IIE1 in rat (Song et al., 1986, J. Biol. Chem. 261:16689-16697). Treating pregnant rats with drinking water containing 1% acetone did not result in a premature induction of liver acetone monooxygenase, a P450IIE1 catalyzed activity, in fetuses sacrificed at 20 days gestation. The data indicate that increased serum acetone levels are not responsible for the initial induction of P450IIE1 in neonates. However, acetone monooxygenase activity in their mothers was significantly less than acetone-treated females which were not pregnant, indicating a reduced activity of P450IIE1 during pregnancy although its induction by acetone was still observed. Acetone monooxygenase activity in 20 day pregnant rats given untreated drinking water was also less than in nongravid rats. These findings are supported by immunoblot data which show significant and progressive reductions in liver P450IIE1 in both untreated and acetone-treated rats during pregnancy. Northern mRNA blot analysis further revealed that the decreases in P450IIE1 activity and protein content were mainly due to pretranslational suppression with reduced level of its mRNA. However, their levels rapidly returned to the control level after parturition (within 1 day). Repeated administration of several exogenous hormones (estriol, pregnanediol, thyroxine) or peptide hormones (placental lactogen, prolactin, chorionic gonadotropin) failed to suppress P450IIE1 in nonpregnant rats, indicating a possibility of another factor(s) responsible for the P450IIE1 suppression during pregnancy.
Obstacle clustering and outlier detection

In this paper, we present our research on data mining approaches in the presence of obstacles. Many algorithms have been designed to detect clusters with obstacles in spatial databases. However, few considered to detect clusters and outliers simultaneously and interactively. Here we extend our original research on iterative cluster and outlier detection to study the problem of detecting cluster and outliers iteratively with the presence of obstacles. In many situations, clusters and outliers are concepts whose meanings are inseparable to each other, especially for those data sets with noise. Thus, it is necessary to treat clusters and outliers as concepts of the same importance in data analysis. In this algorithm, clusters are detected and adjusted according to the intra-relationship within clusters and the inter-relationship between clusters and outliers, and vice versa. The adjustment and modification of the clusters and outliers are performed iteratively until a certain termination condition is reached. This data processing algorithm can be applied in many fields such as pattern recognition, data clustering and signal processing.
Tenderness of Turkey Meat as Influenced by Pre-Cooling Before Processing and Hand Massaging

Abstract THE tenderness of turkey meat has been reported to be affected by various processing techniques. Shannon et al. (1957) observed that length of time in the scalder and scald temperature had a marked effect upon the shear values obtained from the breast muscles of chickens. Similar results were reported by Wise and Stadelman (1959) who observed that toughening was due to the length of time in the scalder, the scald temperature, and the depth to which the temperature had penetrated. By aging turkeys for 24 hours before processing, Wise and Stadelman (1961) were able to eliminate any toughening effects due to overscalding even when the skin was removed from the breast area. From these results, these workers concluded that the toughening effect of excessive scalding was a direct function of tissue temperature during the early post-mortem period, and that the presence of any substance such as skin or an environment…
Surface-Tethered Iterative Carbohydrate Synthesis: A Spacer Study

Comparative study of Surface-Tethered Iterative Carbohydrate Synthesis (STICS) using HPLC-assisted experimental setup clearly demonstrates benefits of using longer spacer-anchoring systems. The use of mixed self-assembled monolayers helps provide the required space for glycosylation reaction around the immobilized glycosyl acceptor. Both extension of the spacer length and using mixed self-assembled monolayers help promote the reaction, and the beneficial effects may include moving the glycosyl acceptor further out into solution and providing additional conformational flexibility. It is possible that surface-immobilized glycosyl acceptors with a longer spacer (C8-O-C8)-lipoic acid have a higher tendency to mimic a solution-phase reaction environment than acceptors with shorter spacers.
Evolution and petroleum geology of Amlia and Amukta intra-arc summit basins, Aleutian Ridge

Abstract Amlia and Amukta Basins are the largest of many intra-arc basins formed in late Cenozoic time along the crest of the Aleutian Arc. Both basins are grabens filled with 2–5 km of arc-derived sediment. A complex system of normal faults deformed the basinal strata. Although initial deposits of late Micocene age may be non-marine in origin, by early Pliocene time, most of the basinfill consisted of pelagic and hemipelagic debris and terrigenous turbidite deposits derived from wavebase and subaerial erosion of the arc's crestal areas. Late Cenozoic volcanism along the arc commenced during or shortly after initial subsidence and greatly contributed to active deposition in Amlia and Amukta Basins. Two groups of normal faults occur: major boundary faults common to both basins and ‘intra-basin’ faults that arise primarily from arc-parallel extension of the arc. The most significant boundary fault, Amlia-Amukta fault, is a south-dipping growth fault striking parallel to the trend of the arc. Displacement across this fault forms a large half-graben that is separated into the two depocentres of Amlia and Amukta Basins by the formation of a late Cenozoic volcanic centre, Seguam Island. Faults of the second group reflect regional deformation of the arc and offset the basement floor as well as the overlying basinal section. Intra-basin faults in Amlia Basin are predominantly aligned normal to the trend of the arc, thereby indicating arc-parallel extension. Those in Amukta basin are aligned in multiple orientations and probably indicate a more complex mechanism of faulting. Displacement across intra-basin faults is attributed to tectonic subsidence of the massif, aided by depositional loading within the basins. In addition, most intra-basin faults are listric and are associated with high growth rates. Although, the hydrocarbon potential of Amlia and Amukta Basins is difficult to assess based on existing data, regional considerations imply that an adequate thermal history conducive to hydrocarbon generation has prevailed during the past 6-5 my. The possibility for source rocks existing in the lower sections of the basins is suggested by exposures of middle and upper Miocene carbonaceous mudstone on nearby Atka Island and the implication that euxinic conditions may have prevailed during the initial formation of the basins. Large structures have evolved to trap migrating hydrocarbons, but questions remain concerning the preservation of primary porosity in a sedimentary section rich in reactive volcaniclastic debris.
Progress in lanthanides as luminescent probes.

Lanthanides have recently found applications in different fields of biomolecular and medical research. Luminescent lanthanide chelates have created interest mainly due to their unique luminescent properties, such as their long Stokes’ shift and exceptional decay times allowing efficient temporal discrimination of background interferences in the assays, such as immunoassays. Recently, new organometallic complexes have been developed giving opportunities to novel applications, in heterogeneous and homogeneous immunoassays, DNA hybridization assays, high-throughput screening as well as in imaging. In addition, encapsulating the chelates into suitable matrix in beads enables the use of new members of lanthanides extending the emission wavelength to micrometer range and decays from a few microseconds to milliseconds. As the luminescence is derived from complicated intrachelate energy transfer, it also gives novel opportunities to exploit these levels in different types of energy transfer based applications. This review gives a short overview of recent development of lanthanide chelate-labels and discusses in more details of energy levels and their exploitation in new assay formats.
Fire, plant invasions, and erosion events on western rangelands.

Millions of hectares of rangeland in the western United States have been invaded by annual and woody plants that have increased the role of wildland fire. Altered fire regimes pose significant implications for runoff and erosion. In this paper we synthesize what is known about fire impacts on rangeland hydrology and erosion, and how that knowledge advances understanding of hydrologic risks associated with landscape scale plant community transitions and altered fire regimes. The increased role of wildland fire on western rangeland exposes landscapes to amplified runoff and erosion over short- and long-term windows of time and increases the risk of damage to soil and water resources, property, and human lives during extreme events. Amplified runoff and erosion postfire are a function of storm characteristics and fire-induced changes in site conditions (i.e., ground cover, soil water repellency, aggregate stability, and surface roughness) that define site susceptibility. We suggest that overall postfire hydrologic vulnerability be considered in a probabilistic framework that predicts hydrologic response for a range of potential storms and site susceptibilities and that identifies the hydrologic response magnitudes at which damage to values-at-risk are likely to occur. We identify key knowledge gaps that limit advancement of predictive technologies to address the increased role of wildland fire across rangeland landscapes. Our review of literature suggests quantifying interactions of varying rainfall intensity and key measures of site susceptibility, temporal variability in strength/influence of soil water repellency, and spatial scaling of postfire runoff and erosion remain paramount areas for future research to address hydrologic effects associated with the increased role of wildland fire on western rangelands.
Protein Kinase C-α Signals Rho-Guanine Nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitor Phosphorylation and Rho Activation and Regulates the Endothelial Cell Barrier Function

The Rho-GDP guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) complexes with the GDP-bound form of Rho and inhibits its activation. We investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes in the mechanism of Rho activation and in signaling the loss of endothelial barrier function. Thrombin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced rapid phosphorylation of GDI and the activation of Rho-A in human umbilical venular endothelial cells. Inhibition of PKC by chelerythrine chloride abrogated the thrombin-induced GDI phosphorylation and Rho activation. Depletion of PKC prevented the thrombin-induced GDI phosphorylation and Rho activation, thereby indicating that these events occurred downstream of phorbol ester-sensitive PKC isozyme activation. The depletion of PKC or inhibition of Rho by C3 toxin also prevented the thrombin-induced decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance (a measure of increased transendothelial permeability), thus indicating that PKC-induced barrier dysfunction was mediated through Rho-dependent pathway. Using inhibitors and dominant-negative mutants, we found that Rho activation was regulated by PKC-alpha. Moreover, the stimulation of human umbilical venular endothelial cells with thrombin induced rapid association of PKC-alpha with Rho. Activated PKC-alpha but not PKC-epsilon induced marked phosphorylation of GDI in vitro. Taken together, these results indicate that PKC-alpha is critical in regulating GDI phosphorylation, Rho activation, and in signaling Rho-dependent endothelial barrier dysfunction.
Understanding traffic dynamics at a backbone POP

Spatial and temporal information about traffic dynamics is central to the design of effective traffic engineering practices for IP backbones. In this paper we study backbone traffic dynamics using data collected at a major POP on a tier-1 IP backbone. We develop a methodology that combines packet-level traces from access links in the POP and BGP routing information to build components of POP-to-POP traffic matrices. Our results show that there is wide disparity in the volume of traffic headed towards different egress POPs. At the same time, we find that current routing practices in the backbone tend to constrain traffic between ingress-egress POP pairs to a small number of paths. As a result, there is a wide variation in the utilization level of links in the backbone. Frequent capacity upgrades of the heavily used links are expensive; the need for such upgrades can be reduced by designing load balancing policies that will route more traffic over less utilized links. We identify traffic aggregates based on destination address prefixes and find that this set of criteria isolates a few aggregates that account for an overwhelmingly large portion of inter-POP traffic. We also demonstrate that these aggregates exhibit stability throughout the day on per-hour time scales, and thus they form a natural basis for splitting traffic over multiple paths in order to improve load balancing.
Assessment of energy savings potential from the use of demand controlled ventilation in general office spaces in California

A prototypical office building meeting the prescriptive requirements of the 2008 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24) was used in EnergyPlus simulations to calculate the energy savings potential of demand controlled ventilation (DCV) in five typical California climates per three design occupancy densities and two minimum ventilation rates. The assumed minimum ventilation rates in offices without DCV, based on two different measurement methods employed in a large survey, were 38 and 13 L/s per occupant. The results of the life cycle cost analysis show DCV is cost effective for office spaces if the typical minimum ventilation rate without DCV is 38 L/s per person, except at the low design occupancy of 10.8 people per 100 m2 in climate zones 3 (north coast) and 6 (south coast). DCV was not found to be cost effective if the typical minimum ventilation rate without DCV is 13 L/s per occupant, except at high design occupancy of 21.5 people per 100 m2 in climate zones 14 (desert) and 16 (mountains). Until the large uncertainties about the base case ventilation rates in offices without DCV are reduced, the case for requiring DCV in general office spaces will be a weak case. Under the Title 24 standard office occupant density of 10.8 people per 100 m2, DCV becomes cost effective when the base case minimum ventilation rate is greater than 42.5, 43.0, 24.0, 19.0, and 18.0 L/s per person for climate zones 3, 6, 12, 14, and 16, respectively.
A Methodology for Validating Numerical Ground Water Models

Ground water validation is one of the most challenging issues facing modelers and hydrogeologists. Increased complexity in ground water models has created a gap between model predictions and the ability to validate or build confidence in predictions. Specific procedures and tests that can be easily adapted and applied to determine the validity of site-specific ground water models do not exist. This is true for both deterministic and stochastic models, with stochastic models posing the more difficult validation problem. The objective of this paper is to propose a general validation approach that addresses important issues recognized in previous validation studies, conferences, and symposia. The proposed method links the processes for building, calibrating, evaluating, and validating models in an iterative loop. The approach focuses on using collected validation data to reduce uncertainty in the model and narrow the range of possible outcomes. This method is designed for stochastic numerical models utilizing Monte Carlo simulation approaches, but it can be easily adapted for deterministic models. The proposed methodology relies on the premise that absolute validity is not theoretically possible, nor is it a regulatory requirement. Rather, the proposed methodology highlights the importance of testing various aspects of the model and using diverse statistical tools for rigorous checking and confidence building in the model and its predictions. It is this confidence that will encourage regulators and the public to accept decisions based on the model predictions. This validation approach will be applied to a model, described in this paper, dealing with an underground nuclear test site in rural Nevada.
Gender Differences in the Attainment of Doctorates.

The study of gender inequality in academia is characterized by various conflicting positions (see Cole, 1979; Reskin, 1980). While it is clear such inequality exists, our knowledge of how it comes about is limited. Debate over the extent and interpretation of gender inequality in the academic labor market is exacerbated by this situation. The preliminary analysis reported here suggests that the inequality stems, in part, from different graduate training experiences encountered by female and male students.
Ultrathin Iron Oxide Nanowhiskers as Positive Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

In this paper, a highly innovative concept of using ultrathin iron oxide nanowhiskers as a positive (T1) contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is demonstrated. Iron oxide nanowhiskers with dimensions of approximately 2 nm × 20 nm are synthesized by heating an iron oleate/oleylamine complex under 150 °C. These nanostructures have very high surface-to-volume ratios, leading to strong paramagnetic signal, a property suitable for T1 contrast in MRI. The positive contrast enhancement of these nanowhiskers is demonstrated in vitro and in vivo in a rat model. Successful development of this technology has substantial commercial value in biomedical imaging, potentially leading to the advancement of human healthcare technologies.
Nanostructured Materials Synthesis in a Mixed Surfactant Mesophase

The mixed surfactant system of bis (2-ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate (AOT) and α-phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) forms a rigid gel-like mesophase in the presence of equal volumes of water and a hydrocarbon (isooctane). Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) results indicate that these structures undergo transitions from columnar hexagonal geometries to lamellar geometries depending on the water content and/or the temperature. The system is used to synthesize nanostructured ceramics (silica) in the aqueous microphase. Interpenetrating networks of poly-(hydroxyethylmethacrylate) and poly(styrene) are also synthesized using the aqueous microphase to support the water soluble monomer (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and the organic microphase (styrene). SANS results indicate that the template structure is maintained during materials synthesis.
On the performance of sensor node repositioning under realistic terrain constraints

Node mobility has been exploited in many context of Mobile Sensor Networks (MSNs) and Wireless Sensor and Actor Networks (WSANs) to improve network performance. In particular, network partitioning due to node failures has been addressed via repositioning of some of the mobile nodes. In all of these studies, the application terrain is assumed to be obstacle free and the movements are performed by following the direct path from the source to destination. However, in reality, this is not the case since the terrains would not be obstacle free and the nodes cannot move freely and smoothly to every requested location. The terrain type, elevation as well as the obstacles should be taken into account before the nodes start moving. In this paper, we claim that most of the existing approaches would either not work or produce wrong results if realistic assumptions regarding the terrain are not considered. To demonstrate our claims regarding the mobility issues, we consider two of the existing heuristics on the connectivity restoration problem in disjoint MSNs. Rather than following the direct path for movement as done in these works, we propose to use a path planning algorithm for determining the least-cost path in terms of energy consumption. In the experiments, we simulate several varieties of terrain types, obstacles and elevations in the region. Simulation results indicate that the movement cost is significantly higher and this should be taken into account to redesign the existing approaches.
TAT-mediated delivery of Tousled protein to salivary glands protects against radiation-induced hypofunction

Purpose: Patients treated with radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancer invariably suffer its deleterious side effect, xerostomia. Salivary hypofunction ensuing from the irreversible destruction of glands is the most common and debilitating oral complication affecting patients undergoing regional radiotherapy. Given that the current management of xerostomia is palliative and ineffective, efforts are now directed toward preventive measures to preserve gland function. The human homolog of Tousled protein, TLK1B, facilitates chromatin remodeling at DNA repair sites and improves cell survival against ionizing radiation (IR). Therefore, we wanted to determine whether a direct transfer of TLK1B protein to rat salivary glands could protect against IR-induced salivary hypofunction. Methods: The cell-permeable TAT-TLK1B fusion protein was generated. Rat acinar cell line and rat salivary glands were pretreated with TAT peptide or TAT-TLK1B before IR. The acinar cell survival in vitro and salivary function in vivo were assessed after radiation. Results: We demonstrated that rat acinar cells transduced with TAT-TLK1B were more resistant to radiation (D{sub 0} = 4.13 {+-} 1.0 Gy; {alpha}/{beta} = 0 Gy) compared with cells transduced with the TAT peptide (D{sub 0} = 4.91 {+-} 1.0 Gy; {alpha}/{beta} = 20.2 Gy). Correspondingly, retroductal instillation of TAT-TLK1B in rat submandibular glands better preserved salivarymore » flow after IR (89%) compared with animals pretreated with Opti-MEM or TAT peptide (31% and 39%, respectively; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The results demonstrate that a direct transfer of TLK1B protein to the salivary glands effectively attenuates radiation-mediated gland dysfunction. Prophylactic TLK1B-protein therapy could benefit patients undergoing radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancer.« less
On the viability of the superexchange mechanism in the primary charge separation step of bacterial photosynthesis

Abstract We investigate the feasibility of participation of the intermediate bacteriochlorophyll of the reaction center via a superexchange mechanism in the primary charge separation process of bacterial photosynthesis. When an internal charge transfer state of the special pair is incorporated into the theoretical model, an adequate rate of electron transfer can be attained without creating a discrepancy in the calculated singlet-triplet splitting of the charge-separated radical pair state, in contrast to results obtained by R.A. Marcus (Chem. Phys. Lett. 133 (1988) 471–477) without the internal charge transfer state.
Objective Cross-Sectional Analyses Incorporating Thermal Enhancement of the Observed Winds

Abstract Overlapping second-order Lagrangian polynomials are used to construct cross-sectional isentropic analyses from upper air sounding observations. Estimates of geostrophic winds are obtained through the thermal wind relationship. Thermal information is also combined with normal components of the observed wind to obtain a thermally enhanced, observed wind analysis. Results using these techniques are presented and compared with a previous objective analysis technique developed by Shapiro and Hastings (1973). Examination of the results indicates the applicability of the techniques both for operational and research purposes.
Interaction of fluorescence quenchers with the n-(9-anthroyloxy) fatty acid membrane probes

Abstract The fluorescence quenching of the n-(9- anthroyloxy ) (AO) fatty acid probes has been investigated in aqueous dispersions, vesicles of egg phosphatidylcholine and vesicles formed from red cell ghosts. Negatively charged (KI), neutral (acrylamide) and positively charged (CuSO4) quenchers were used to monitor the location of the probes. The fluorescence of the probes, with the exception of the shortest chain (11-(9-anthroyloxy)undecanoic acid) is not quenched by acrylamide when associated with vesicles. This indicates that in association with vesicles, the 9-anthroyloxy moiety of the long chain probes is buried within the hydrocarbon region and thus well shielded from the aqueous phase. Measurements with KI indicate that the probes are present in the membrane at depths corresponding to the position of the 9-anthroyloxy moiety on the fatty acid, and that the quencher itself forms a concentration gradient within the membrane. Very little or no CuSO4 quenching was observed for n- (9-anthroyloxy)stearic acid probes (n- AS)with n > 2 , suggesting that in these vesicles Cu2+ does not significantly penetrate the bilayer.
Importance of the amino acid in position 15 of VIP and secretin in influencing their interactions with membrane receptors on pancreatic acinar cells.

To explore the importance of the charge of the amino acid in position 15 in influencing the apparent affinities of VIP and secretin for their receptors on pancreatic acinar cells, we tested the synthetic C-terminal 23-peptide fragment of secretin (S5-27) and two analogues containing substitutions in position 15 for their abilities to interact with secretin-preferring and VIP-preferring receptors on pancreatic acinar cells. In inhibiting the increase in cyclic AMP caused by VIP acting through the VIP-preferring receptors, 15-Lys-S5-27 was equipotent with 15-Asn-S5-27, and these analogues were significantly more potent than S5-27. In inhibiting the increase in cyclic AMP caused by secretin acting through the secretin-preferring receptors, S5-27 was equipotent with 15-Asn-S5-27, and these peptides were significantly more potent than 15-Lys-S5-27. These findings indicate that the affinities of these 23-peptides for the VIPpreferring receptors and for the secretin-preferring receptors were influenced primarily by the absence of a particular charge in position 15 but not by the presence of the opposite charge.
Text processing and feedback: what have we learned?

This study began with the assumption that instructional assistance, particularly feedback, would assist readers' comprehension of assigned material (Langer, Keenan, & Medosch-Schonbeck, 1985). From the onset of the project, it should be noted, comprehension was defined in terms of memorial representations of the text. We had no way of recording the actual text processing, although we did attempt to influence the on-going processing strategies early in our program. The research began in the search for parameters that defined the positive effects of assistance on readers' comprehension. Ultimately, the project focused on the interactive effects of text content and instructional assistance, specifically feedback, on quahtatively different levels of memorial representations of text. Our studies have been done to integrate the two rather diverse areas of instructional psychology and cognitive psychology.
Unitarity-limited elastic collision rate in a harmonically trapped Fermi gas

We derive the elastic collision rate for a harmonically trapped Fermi gas in the extreme unitarity limit where the s-wave scattering cross section is $\ensuremath{\sigma}(k)=4\ensuremath{\pi}{/k}^{2},$ with $\ensuremath{\Elzxh}k$ the relative momentum. The collision rate is given in the form $\ensuremath{\Gamma}=\ensuremath{\gamma}{I(T/T}_{F})$---the product of a universal collision rate $\ensuremath{\gamma}{=k}_{B}{T}_{F}/(6\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\Elzxh})$ and a dimensionless function of the ratio of the temperature T to the Fermi temperature ${T}_{F}.$ We find that I has a peak value of $\ensuremath{\simeq}4.6$ at ${T/T}_{F}\ensuremath{\simeq}0.4,$ $I\ensuremath{\simeq}82{(T/T}_{F}{)}^{2}$ for ${T/T}_{F}l~0.15,$ and $I\ensuremath{\simeq}{2(T}_{F}{/T)}^{2}$ for ${T/T}_{F}g1.5.$ We estimate the collision rate for recent experiments on a strongly-interacting degenerate Fermi gas of atoms.