cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A GENERAL ROTATION-CONTORTION HAMILTONIAN WITH STRUCTURE RELAXATION : APPLICATION TO THE PRECESSING INTERNAL ROTOR MODEL

Abstract A general computer program has been written to compute rotation–contortion energy levels, using the semirigid-bender structure-relaxation Hamiltonian, for any molecule having one large amplitude (contortional) degree of freedom. In an application it is necessary to input the contortional potential energy function and the expressions for the molecule fixedxyzcoordinates of the nuclei as functions of the contortional coordinate. The contortional coordinate can be of any type, such as an internal rotation, an inversion, or a bend, but the boundary conditions in the numerical integration part of the program must be chosen appropriately; these boundary conditions are in a separate subroutine. The code is applied to the model of a tilted and precessing internally rotating CH3+group in protonated methane, CH5+. From the results we can determine quantitatively the effect of the approximations present in the Hamiltonian of X-Q. Tan and D. W. Pratt [J. Chem. Phys.100,7061–7067 (1994)] when the angle of tilt of the internal rotation axis becomes large.
Death Receptor-Mediated Cell Death and Proinflammatory Signaling in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a public health problem worldwide. A subset of patients develop an inflammatory disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by steatosis, hepatocellular death, macrophage and neutrophil accumulation, and varying stages of fibrosis. Hepatocyte cell death triggers the cellular inflammatory response, therefore reducing cell death may be salutary in the steatohepatitis disease process. Recently, a better understanding of hepatocyte apoptosis in NASH has been obtained and new information regarding other cell death modes such as necroptosis and pyroptosis has been reported. Hepatocyte lipotoxicity is often triggered by death receptors. In addition to causing apoptosis, death receptors have been shown to mediate proinflammatory signaling, suggesting that apoptosis in this context is not an immunologically silent process. Here, we review recent developments in our understanding of hepatocyte cell death by death receptors and its mechanistic link to inflammation in NASH. We emphasize how proapoptotic signaling by death receptors may induce the release of proinflammatory extracellular vesicles, thereby recruiting and activating macrophages and promoting the steatohepatitis process. Potential therapeutic strategies are discussed based on this evolving information.
Effect of color of the environment on task performance and mood of males and females with high or low scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test.

On etudie les effets de la couleur de l'environnement sur les performances des sujets soumis a une epreuve complexe d'anagramme a une seule solution ainsi que sur leur etat d'humeur. On a classe les sujets au prealable en fonction de leurs reponses au Scholastic Aptitude Test
METHODS FOR THE QUANTITATIVE EXTRACTION AND SEPARATION OF THE PLASTID PIGMENTS OF TOBACCO.

During the past year, in making pigment studies of several types of mosaic on tobacco, the writer has used rather extensively the methods of Willstatter and Stoll as modified by Schertz (1) for the extraction and separation of chlorophyll, carotin, and xanthophyll. The method has proved to be effective and sufficiently accurate for comparative studies of the mosaic diseases of tobacco. It has been possible, however, to make several short cuts in the method without the sacrifice of accuracy, and to eliminate, at the same time, the hazard of emulsion formation in the separation of carotin and xanthophyll. By making a slight change in the method it has been possible also to obtain and measure that portion of the green pigments which is in an altered condition in the plant tissues at the time of extraction. This fraction either has been lost in other methods of extraction and separation (1) or has been measured as part of the unaltered chlorophyll (3).
Effect of psycho-pedagogical preparation before gastric bypass

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is the treatment of choice for morbid obesity, however all patients do not achieve the same weight loss post surgery, for reasons that might be partially psychological. Objective: The goals of our study were (1) to evaluate changes in psychological factors three years post gastric bypass and (2) to explore the predictive value of psychological factors on weight loss three years post surgery. Method: Ninety-eight patients filled in self-report questionnaires on psychological health (HAD for anxiety and depression) and eating disorders (EDI-2) before bariatric surgery and were contacted to fill in them again three years postoperatively. Fifty-nine percent (N = 58) of patients accepted to participate. Results: There were no differences between people who accepted to participate and those who did not. Overall, three years after surgery, mean Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly decreased from 46.6 kg/m2 (SD = 9.0) to 31.0 kg/m2 (SD = 7.8). Eating disorder dimensions, such as bulimia or body dissatisfaction, and symptoms of depression improved. Higher BMI at baseline and greater symptoms of depression were related to a poorer excess weight loss (EWL). Discussion: A confirmation of the relationship between the depression subscale of the self-report questionnaire HAD and EWL would facilitate the detection of patients in need of a careful follow up post surgery. Conclusion: Results argue in favour of a careful psychological evaluation of patients before bariatric surgery with specific attention to patients showing symptoms of depression. A complex psycho-pedagogical preparation should be proposed before bariatric surgery but also after.
Intracellular Ca2+ signalling is modulated by K+ channel blockers in colonie epithelial cells (HT-29/B6)

We investigated the inhibitory action of K+ channel blockers on carbachol-stimulated Ca2+ entry into human Cl−-secretory colonic epithelial cells (HT-29/B6). Digital imaging of the fluorescent calcium indicator dye fura-2 was performed to monitor effects of K+ channel blockers on cytosolic calcium in resting and carbachol-stimulated HT-29/B6 cells. Stimulation with the muscarinic agonist carbachol (100 μM) caused a clearly biphasic intracellular calcium (Cai response: Cai was stimulated from resting levels (85±3 nM, n=100) to a sudden transient peak (821±44 nM) followed by a sustained plateau (317±12 nM). The maintained elevation was dependent on external Ca2+ and represented a new steady state between Ca2+ entry and exit across the plasma membrane. A monophasic Ca2+ response was induced in the absence of external Ca2+ and after the initial peak Cai returned to baseline. The Cai plateau was reduced to resting levels by either the muscarinic antagonist atropine (1 μM) or the inorganic Ca2+ channel blocker lanthanum (effective concentration for 50% inhibition of Ca1 plateau EC50=68±18 nM), but it was unaffected by the organic Ca2+ channel blockers verapamil and nifedipine. Barium, lidocaine and 4-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate (NPPB), well-known blockers of basolateral K+ channels of HT-29/B6 cells, rapidly and reversibly reduced carbachol-stimulated Ca2+ entry. The Cai plateau was calculated to be 50% inhibited by barium (96±2 μM), lidocaine (74±3 μM) and NPPB (27±10 μM). The Cai plateau was transiently increased by 1 μM and 10 μM NPPB to 50% and 34%, respectively, probably via hyperpolarization of the membrane potential by blockade of Cl− channels (so that the membrane potential approached VK). The resting Cai was transiently increased by 50 μM and 300 μM NPPB to 308±13 nM and 447±153 nM, respectively, suggesting that NPPB induced a Ca2+ release from internal Ca stores. We conclude that carbachol-stimulated Ca2+ entry into HT-29/B6 cells (a) requires muscarinic receptor occupation, (b) is highly sensitive to lanthanum and (c) is dependent on membrane potential and therefore inhibited by channel blockers that depolarize the cell potential. Also, the sensitivity of Cai levels to K+ channel blockers indicates that there are feedback relationships among rates of Ca2+ entry, activity of Ca2+-activated K+ and Cl− channels and membrane potential.
Abstract A31: Intestinal resistance to celecoxib in Min/+ mice involves ECM changes and an expanded population of TGFβ-expressing myofibroblasts

Abstracts: Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research 2008 A31 The COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, inhibits prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and intestinal adenoma formation in mice and in humans. Previously, we showed that treatment of Min/+ mice with dietary celecoxib for 3 weeks reduced PGE2 and induced tumor regression, whereas treatment for 5 months resulted in increased PGE2 and tumor growth (Carothers et al. Cancer Res. 2006; 66: 6432-8). In the small intestine, cross-talk between epithelial and stromal cells occurs across the extracellular matrix (ECM). Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) within the ECM sequester and modulate the activities of growth factors and latent TGFβ ligands. TGFβ stimulates differentiation of fibroblasts into PGE2-producing myofibroblasts. These stromal cells play important roles in intestinal tumorigenesis and in the chemopreventive effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We tested the hypothesis that celecoxib resistance in the intestine of Min/+ mice involves ECM regulation of HSPGs and TGFβ signaling in epithelial and stromal cells. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), we compared the non-tumor mucosa and adenomas of untreated Min/+ controls with Min/+ mice treated with celecoxib for 3 weeks and for 5 months. We performed IHC for the HSPG membrane protein syndecan-1, cytokines TGFβ1, 2, 3 (TGFβ), and the nuclear downstream TGFβ effector, Smad4. IHC was also performed to characterize subepithelial stromal cells using F4/80, a macrophage-specific marker, as well as α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and vimentin, myofibroblast-specific markers. In comparison to untreated Min/+ small intestine, celecoxib treatment for 3 weeks increased membrane-localized syndecan-1, TGFβ, and nuclear Smad4 in crypt and villus enterocytes. Under these conditions, few αSMA+ and vimentin+ myofibroblasts or F4/80+ macrophages were present in the pericryptal submucosa and lamina propria. Thus, brief treatment may sequester latent TGFβ and growth factors in the ECM, blocking their downstream signaling. A reciprocal effect was produced by 5 month treatment, in which there was markedly reduced expression of membrane-localized syndecan-1, TGFβ, and nuclear Smad4 in the crypt and villus enterocytes. There was also a dramatic increase in the number of myofibroblasts in the lamina propria and pericryptal submucosa ( P <.01). Thus, celecoxib resistance was associated with TGFβ-induced differentiation of fibroblasts into PGE2-producing myofibroblasts. These results suggest that the duration of celecoxib treatment affects the cross-talk between epithelial and stromal cells through the ECM, providing a novel mechanism for celecoxib resistance. Moreover, elevated numbers of myofibroblasts in the human colon may be predictive of chemoprevention failure. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A31.
Effects of prolactin and growth hormone on protein synthesis in larval and adult frogs (Rana pipiens).

Frogs and tadpoles (Rana pipiens) were treated with mammalian prolactin or growth hormone for several days, then injected with 14C-leucine. Fourteen to sixteen hours later the animals were killed and the amount of label incorporated into protein of muscle, liver, and gut was measured. Growth hormone stimulated the incorporation of leucine into protein of gastroenemius muscle and small intestine, but not liver, of the frog. Prolactin had no effect on amino acid incorporation in any of these tissues in the frog. Prolactin stimulated the incorporation of leucine into protein of tail muscle, intestine and liver of tadpoles. The effect was not entirely consistent, and was of a smaller magnitude than was expected on the basis of the growth-promoting effects of prolactin in tadpoles. This problem is discussed. Growth hormone had no effect on protein synthesis in any of these tissues in any experiment.
Regulation of calmodulin binding to the ATP extractable 110 kDa protein (myosin I) from chicken duodenal brush border by 1,25-(OH)2D3

Abstract In earlier studies we observed that the active vitamin D metabolite 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 increased the calmodulin content of purified duodenal brush-border membrane vesicles where it bound principally to the 110 kDa protein myosin I. In this study we further evaluated the regulation of calmodulin binding to ATP releasable myosin I. Whole brush borders (BB) or purified brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were prepared from duodena of vitamin D-deficient rachitic chicks treated 12–18 h before killing with either 625 pmol 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 or vehicle. The ATP extractable myosin I from BB resulted in an 1.6-fold increase of calmodulin binding to the 110 kDa band after treatment with 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 . In contrast to BB, ATP extraction of myosin I from purified BBMV required alamethicin for ATP entry. As for BB extracts, calmodulin binding to the 110 kDa band in BBMV extracts was also increased about 2.4-fold by 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 . It was concluded that both intact BB and purified BBMV showed the same type of increase in calmodulin binding to ATP releasable myosin I by 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 . To see whether 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 increased the intrinsic affinity of calmodulin binding to myosin I, the ATP extractable myosin I from BB was purified from rachitic chicks treated with 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 or vehicle. In contrast to ATP extracts of BB or BBMV, calmodulin binding to the purified myosin I was not different between preparations from 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 - or vehicle-treated chicks. We conclude that 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 does not change the affinity of calmodulin binding to myosin I but increases the amount of myosin I in the membrane or alters its ATP releasability. It was further investigated whether phosphorylation is involved in these 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 dependent posttranslational changes of myosin I. Phosphorylation of brush-border membrane proteins in vivo was performed by incubation of [ 32 P]P i in the lumen of a ligated duodenal loop in situ for 15 min. Brush-border membrane proteins were phosphorylated in vitro by incubating BB or BBMV with [γ- 32 P]ATP for 1 min. Incubation experiments in vivo and in vitro in fact resulted in phosphorylation of several proteins including 110 kDa proteins. However, there was no specific effect of 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 on phosphorylation of 110 kDa proteins. We conclude that the effects of 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 on protein phosphorylation are minimal and not likely to explain 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 stimulated calmodulin binding to ATP extractable brush-border membrane myosin I and 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 stimulated changes of calcium uptake across the brush-border membrane.
Integrating the HIV-1 assembly/maturation pathway

In PNAS, Jurado et al. (1) describe an unexpected mechanism of action of a new class of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) integrase (IN) inhibitors. Several years ago it was discovered that the HIV-1 IN was targeted to sites in chromatin by the host protein lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF)/p75 (2). The site of interaction between IN and LEDGF/p75 was defined, and inhibitors to block that interaction were sought and identified. In PNAS, Jurado et al. (1) show that although these inhibitors (termed Allosteric IN inhibitors, or ALLINIs) have some potency to block steps involved in integration, their most dramatic effect is to cause the virus particle to assemble into a noninfectious structure.
Shedding weights: More with less

Traditional connectionist models place an emphasis on learned weights. Based on neurobiological evidence, a new approach is developed and experimentally shown to be more robust for disambiguating novel combinations of stimuli. It does not require variable weights and avoids many training related issues. This approach is compared with traditional weight-learning methods. The network is better able to function in different scenarios and can recognize multiple stimuli even if it is only trained on single stimuli.
MM-Cubing: computing Iceberg cubes by factorizing the lattice space

The data cube and iceberg cube computation problem has been studied by many researchers. There are three major approaches developed in this direction: (1) top-down computation, represented by MultiWay array aggregation (Zhao et. al., 1997) which utilizes shared computation and performs well on dense data sets; (2) bottom-up computation, represented by BUC (Beyer and Ramakrishnan, 1999), which takes advantage of Apriori Pruning and performs well on sparse data sets; and (3) integrated top-down and bottom-up computation, represented by Star-Cubing (Xin, et. al., 2003), which takes advantages of both and has high performance in most cases. However; the performance of Star-Cubing degrades in very sparse data sets due to the additional cost introduced by the tree structure. None of the three approaches achieves uniformly high performance on all kinds of data sets. In this paper; we present a new approach that compute Iceberg Cubes by factorizing the lattice space according to the frequency of values. This approach, different from all the previous dimension-based approaches where the importance of data distribution is not recognized, partitions the cube lattice into one dense subspace and several sparse subspaces. With this approach, a new method called MM-Cubing has been developed. MM-Cubing is highly adaptive to dense, sparse or skewed data sets. Our performance study shows that MM-Cubing is efficient and achieves high performance over all kinds of data distributions.
Cause and effects of voltage collapse - case studies with dynamic simulations

Voltage collapse studies are made to gain an insight into mechanisms that drive a system into collapse. The inter-play of generator controls in local and external areas are explored. Simulations are carried out on a medium sized network by a transient dynamic simulation program. Simulation results help to better understand remediation strategies. The time dependent characteristics of corrective controls are investigated.
Incumbents, innovation, and competence: the emergence of recorded jazz, 1920 to 1929

Abstract We examine recorded jazz as a musical innovation of the early twentieth century. Consistent with much research on radical innovations, the dominant incumbent record companies exhibited hesitance and limited competence in offering jazz in its radical form. In contrast to much research, these same incumbent firms were first movers in recording an “illegitimate,” (but profitable) form of jazz. However, they would distance themselves from these early efforts, and they eventually responded to elite pressure against jazz by inserting symphonic elements (recording “orchestras” and white musicians) into the original, but illegitimate, form. We draw upon research on cultural industries to understand this and examine the competence of dominant incumbents in recording jazz. Using data on Midwest jazz recordings, our findings suggest diminished competence when they did record non-white jazz musicians. At the same time, these firms recorded jazz “orchestras,” with increased competence.
BH3-only proteins and their effects on cancer.

Apoptosis, a form of cellular suicide is a key mechanism involved in the clearance of cells that are dysfunctional, superfluous or infected. For this reason, the cell needs mechanisms to sense death cues and relay death signals to the apoptotic machinery involved in cellular execution. In the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, a subclass of BCL-2 family proteins called the BH3-only proteins are responsible for triggering apoptosis in response to varied cellular stress cues. The mechanisms by which they are regulated are tied to the type of cellular stress they sense. Once triggered, they interact with other BCL-2 family proteins to cause mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization which in turn results in the activation of serine proteases necessary for cell killing. Failure to properly sense death cues and relay the death signal can have a major impact on cancer. This chapter will discuss our current models of how BH3-only proteins function as well as their impact on carcinogenesis and cancer treatment.
Soil-surface CO2 efflux and its spatial and temporal variations in a young ponderosa pine plantation in northern California

Soil-surface CO2 efflux and its spatial and temporal variations were examined in an 8-y-old ponderosa pine plantation in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California from June 1998 to August 1999. Continuous measurements of soil CO2 efflux, soil temperatures and moisture were conducted on two 20 3 20 m sampling plots. Microbial biomass, fine root biomass, and the physical and chemical properties of the soil were also measured at each of the 18 sampling locations on the plots. It was found that the mean soil CO2 efflux in the plantation was 4.43 mmol m ‐2 s ‐1 in the growing season and 3.12 mmol m ‐2 s ‐1 in the nongrowing season. These values are in the upper part of the range of published soil-surface CO2 efflux data. The annual maximum and minimum CO2 efflux were 5.87 and 1.67 mmol m ‐2 s ‐1 , respectively, with the maximum occurring between the end of May and early June and the minimum in December. The diurnal fluctuation of CO2 efflux was relatively small ( 14%. Understanding the spatial and temporal variations is essential to accurately assessment of carbon budget at whole ecosystem and landscape scales. Thus, this study bears important implications for the study of large-scale ecosystem dynamics, particularly in response to climatic variations and management regimes.
Two Truisms and the ‘Price’ Inflation

THERE ARE TWO DIFFICULTIES arising in current economic discourse which could be obviated by the application of two hoary economic truisms. The first is Say's Law of Markets and the second is the dictum: want is not demand. There are other problems involved in some statements of Say's Law on which economists are-still in disagreement but they are all in agreement on one thing: Say's Law says that all prices are income to somebody. In other words, "supply" and "demand" are the same transactions looked at from two angles. The arena in which recalling Say's Law would help understanding of economic problems is that of the present (postwar) price situation. Economists are, many of them, referring to this situation as one of "high prices." But, since all prices are income to somebody, the national income is high in exact proportion to prices. This truism indicates that the problem of "high prices" is not one of prices at all but one of distribution of income. Recognition of this fact would focus attention on the current distribution of income instead of on the level of prices. Say's Law says in effect: the level of prices is unimportant; what matters is the distribution of income. It is not the purpose of this communication to go into the reasons for the mistake made by economists in treating the current situation as a price situation instead of as an "income situation," which Say's Law tells them to do. Nor is it to the point here to indicate the sort of reform proposals which stem from such treatment. It is probable that economists are concerned over "high prices" because their own families fall into that proportion of the population adversely affected by the present distribution of income the 75 per cent of the nation's families which receive less than $4,000 per year. They are also concerned over the fact that 40 per cent of the national income goes to those families in the $ 5,000-a-year-and-above bracket, and they are concerned, not because these people have more income than they themselves do (sour grapes), but because these people, unable to spend their large incomes, are "investing" them. This process of "investment" (speculation) threatens to wreck the economy through its inflationary results and will accomplish this wrecking job very soon. That is, it will do so unless it is checked by eliminating the income tax discrimina-
Supervision As Pedagogy: Attending to Its Essential Instructional and Learning Processes

The various supervision models each emphasize particular interventions. But to conceptualize supervision as a teaching-learning process permits a common framework and attention to supervision's basic change mechanisms. This article discusses the four learning strategies of modeling, feedback, direct instruction, and self-directed learning through reflective practice, arguing that their effects are mediated by the quality of the supervisory relationship. As well, it makes the case that feedback grounds a developmental continuum that extends from direct instruction when supervisees are learning new skills to reflective practice, which becomes increasingly prominent as the supervisee gains experience.
Influence of the Number of Malignant Regional Lymph Nodes Detected by Endoscopic Ultrasonography on Survival Stratification in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Background & Aims: The nodal staging of esophageal cancer accounts for the absence or presence of metastatic lymph nodes (N0 or N1, respectively). Surgical data suggest that patients have worse survival when esophagectomy specimens contain higher numbers of regional malignant lymph nodes. It has been proposed that the staging system for esophageal cancer be modified to include the number of malignant lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the number of malignant-appearing regional lymph nodes detected on endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) on survival in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods: Historical case series involved patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma who underwent EUS staging at a single center between 1994 and 2004. Endoscopy reports were reviewed to determine the number of malignant-appearing periesophageal lymph nodes seen on EUS examination. Subjects were categorized as having 0, 1–2, or >2 periesophageal lymph nodes. A regional cancer registry prospectively obtained survival data. Results: Among 85 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, the Kaplan-Meier curves showed distinct survival advantages in those with fewer malignant-appearing regional lymph nodes (P = .0008). The median survivals were 66 months, 14.5 months, and 6.5 months for 0, 1–2, and >2 malignant-appearing lymph nodes, respectively. Survival was also influenced by celiac lymph nodes and tumor length, both of which were associated with increased number of malignant nodes. Conclusions: The number of malignant-appearing periesophageal lymph nodes detected by EUS is associated with improved survival stratification in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma and should be considered in the presurgical staging of esophageal cancer.
Getting leaders to think: Effects of training, threat, and pressure on performance

Abstract It has been argued that leaders rely on case-based, or experiential, knowledge when attempting to solve organizational problems. To test this proposition, undergraduates were provided with instruction in strategies for working with cognitive (e.g. causes) or social (e.g. actors) knowledge in solving leadership problems. It was found that both forms of instruction contribute to better vision formation, better planning, and generation of more creative solutions to leadership problems. The effects of training were not moderated by time pressure. However, it was found that calling leaders' attention to threats could compensate for training. The implications of these findings for understanding leader cognition are discussed.
Dynamic range of externally modulated analog optical links: optical amplification versus coherent detection

Two externally modulated analog optical links (a direct detection link using an optical preamplifier and a coherent AM link) are analyzed and compared with the conventional direct detection link. For received optical power less than 1 mW, the optical preamplified link and the coherent AM link have a better performance than the direct detection link. However, the coherent AM link is more susceptible to relative intensity noise (RIN) than the direct detection links (both amplified and unamplified) and have a RIN-limited spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of 4 dB less than that of the direct detection links. Therefore, optically preamplified direct detection links may be more attractive in improving the SFDR of analog systems. >
Impedance estimation in small endotracheal tubes with forced random noise analysis

Small endotracheal tubes of the sizes commonly used in ventilated neonates are modeled as linear systems below 20 Hz. Adequate power is transmitted via these small tubes with a bandwidth sufficiently wide to make the determination of pulmonary impedance possible. Endotracheal tube impedance is determined from flow, input pressure and output pressure signals and is relatively independent of load. Endotracheal tube output pressure is reliably predicted from flow, input pressure, and endotracheal tube impedance. Results from this study indicate that predicted endotracheal tube output pressure, along with flow, can be used to determine respiratory system impedance. >
A Computational Analysis of Error in Locating the Rotational Axes of the Tibiofemoral Joint With an Instrumented Spatial Linkage

A method to measure the two kinematic axes of the tibiofemoral joint, the flexion-extension (F-E) axis and longitudinal rotation (LR) axis [1], was developed by Gatti [2]. This method used an instrumented spatial linkage (ISL), a series of six instrumented revolute joints that can measure motion between two rigid bodies. While Gatti’s method demonstrated success in locating the F-E and LR axes, defining the axes and their errors using anatomically relevant coordinate systems would improve clinical relevance. While errors due to revolute joint transducer resolution were computed, errors due to nonlinearity and hysteresis in the transducers were not examined, and errors due to different applied tibiofemoral motions were not examined. Thus the objective was to computationally determine, using anatomically relevant coordinate systems, the errors in locating the F-E and LR axes due to nonlinearity and hysteresis in the revolute joint transducers for three different simulations of applied tibiofemoral motion.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Aging, Mental Health, and the Criminal Justice System: A Content Analysis of the Literature

Whereas older adults in the criminal justice system are a significant public health concern, there has been little research examining mental health among this population. This content analysis attempts to fill that gap by examining the international peer-reviewed empirical journal articles on mental health and older adults in the criminal justice system. English-language articles that examined mental health among older adults in the criminal justice system were locating through a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed journals of Academic Search Premier Literature databases, which included MEDLINE and PsycLIT. Trained researchers extracted data on the research methods and major findings on mental health among older adults in the criminal justice system. Thirty-one empirical studies were identified as meeting the study criteria. Content analysis was conducted using deductive (frequency counts) and analytic strategies (thematic analysis of major findings across studies). Results indicated that between 1988 a...
Viruses as co-factors for the initiation or exacerbation of lung fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains exactly that. The disease originates from an unknown cause, and little is known about the mechanisms of pathogenesis. While the disease is likely multi-factorial, evidence is accumulating to implicate viruses as co-factors (either as initiating or exacerbating agents) of fibrotic lung disease. This review summarizes the available clinical and experimental observations that form the basis for the hypothesis that viral infections may augment fibrotic responses. We review the data suggesting a link between hepatitis C virus, adenovirus, human cytomegalovirus and, in particular, the Epstein-Barr gammaherpesvirus, in IPF. In addition, we highlight the recent associations made between gammaherpesvirus infection and lung fibrosis in horses and discuss the various murine models that have been used to investigate the contribution of gammaherpesviruses to fibrotic progression. We review the work demonstrating that gammaherpesvirus infection of Th2-biased mice leads to multi-organ fibrosis and highlight studies showing that gammaherpesviral infections of mice either pre- or post-fibrotic challenge can augment the development of fibrosis. Finally, we discuss potential mechanisms whereby viral infections may amplify the development of fibrosis. While none of these studies prove causality, we believe the evidence suggests that viral infections should be considered as potential initiators or exacerbating agents in at least some cases of IPF and thereby justify further study.
Human behavior inspired cognitive radio network design

Cognitive radio networks are supposed to be capable of sensing their operating environment (with little or no prior information) and learning to adapt their behavior accordingly. We note that such a cognitive process is inherent in human behavior as well. One application of these networks is in dynamic spectrum access. Human beings evolve by learning to interact with each other for survival, common good, economic gain, and so on. Can models for these interactive behaviors be used by nodes in a cognitive radio network? Will we then see cognitive radio networks evolve into some human societies? Will we observe previously unseen societal behaviors emerge as a result of random perturbations due to fading, mobility, and sensory failures? We also note that some shortcomings (e.g., inability to address irrational behavior) in using microeconomic game theory and Nash equilibrium to study interacting cognitive radio nodes may be overcome by using anthropological models.
Anti-Herpesvirus Action of Isoprinosine

Anti-herpesvirus effects of Isoprinosine were found to be condition-dependent in vitro and in vivo. A herpes type 1 strain, grown in primary rabbit kidney cells, was not susceptible to Isoprinosine when cytopathic effect was evaluated, but was modestly inhibited when plaque-forming methocel overlay was used in the same cell line. However, the growth of a herpes type 2 strain was inhibited by Isoprinosine in this system when cytopathic effect was evaluated. Both viruses produced an encephalitis in hamsters after application by corneal abrasion. The encephalitis produced by a 1.5 mean lethal dose of herpesvirus was strikingly suppressed by large doses of Isoprinosine given ad libitum in the drinking water; this protection was not seen, however, at 15 mean lethal doses. Anti-herpes effects of Isoprinosine were suppressed by additional treatment with cortisone, both in tissue culture and in vivo. Isoprinosine, in the absence of virus infection, produced significant effects on the metabolism, structure, and function of brain ribosomes. In vivo, RNA components were labeled more rapidly and gave up their radioactivity more slowly after treatment with Isoprinosine. This enhanced cytoplasmic radioactivity was associated with a loss of incorporated radioactivity located in the nucleus and an increase in radioactivity located in a ribonucleo-protein fraction >4S and <18S. Ribosomes from treated brains gave physical evidence of being more compact (less orthochromic). Isoprinosine treatment increased the incorporation of [(14)C]phenylalanine into nascent protein in a cell-free system examining protein synthesis in brain polyribosomes. The addition of the exogenous messenger ribonucleic acid, polyuridylic acid, produced a significant age-dependent inhibition in the incorporation of [(14)C] phenylalanine. This inhibition was significantly greater when ribosomes were isolated from animals pretreated with Isoprinosine. These and other observations suggest that the Isoprinosine stimulation of host ribonucleic acid metabolism may be coupled to the production of ribosomes that do not effectively translate exogenous messenger ribonucleic acid.
Tax Benefits For Education Part Two

The past ten years have been a time of great change in the tax treatment of education expenses. Part I of this research covered the HOPE Scholarship, Lifetime Learning Credits, deductibility of student loan interest, eligibility for tuition deduction, and comparison of credits versus deductions. This article (Part II) provides an overview of Qualified Tuition Programs which are referred to as Sec. 529 plans. These plans were authorized by Congress in 1996 and expanded in 2001. These tax-advantaged savings benefits were set to expire on December 31, 2010. However, Section 1304 in title XIII of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 approved by Congress permanently eliminated the “sunset” provision, thereby making Section 529 plans permanent. This article provides an overview of Section 529 plans as well as Coverdell Education Savings Accounts which are, in essence, IRAs established exclusively for the purpose of paying qualified educational expenses.
Proton Beam Therapy

Proton beam therapy exploits subatomic particles with mass rather than x-rays to deliver radiation dose. It has gained increasing interest primarily due to its advantageous physical property. When passing through tissue, a proton deposits increasing dose slowly until reaching a sharp increase (Bragg peak) at its maximum depth of penetration, eliminating the exit dose seen with photons. Initial studies in prostate cancer, used a lower energy proton beam applied as a conformal perineal boost after initial photon therapy. In the early 1990s, the first hospital-based facility was established with higher energy protons, allowing prostate treatment with the now traditional, opposed lateral beam arrangement. Several single institutions, population database, and other nonrandomized, retrospective, comparative effectiveness analyzes have been reported since, but there is no randomized evidence comparing protons to other curative prostate cancer therapies. As proton therapy becomes increasingly available at a number of centers, there is a call for high-level evidence to support its use in the setting of increased cost.
Differences and Trends in DNR Among California Inpatients With Heart Failure.

Abstract Background Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders reflect an important means of respecting patient autonomy while minimizing the risk of nonbeneficial interventions. We sought to clarify trends and differences in rates of DNR orders for patients hospitalized with heart failure. Methods We used statewide data from California's Healthcare Cost and Utilization dataset (2007–2010) to determine trends in DNR orders within 24 hours of admission for patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of heart failure. Results Among 347,541 hospitalizations for heart failure, the rate of DNR order within 24 hours increased from 10.4% in 2007 to 11.3% in 2010 ( P P P Conclusion DNR order use among inpatients with heart failure is low but increasing slowly and varies by patient demographics and hospital characteristics.
Chronic total occlusion revascularization: Achilles' heel or golden opportunity for PCI?

Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are frequently identified during diagnostic coronary angiography (approximately 20% of studies) [(1)][1], and successful recanalization reduces angina, lowers ischemic burden, and improves left ventricular function [(1,2)][1]. Despite the steady refinement of
Discontinuous Solutions of Conservation Laws

In this chapter we shall begin the study quasi-linear systems of the form $$ {u_t} + f{\left( u \right)_x} = 0, $$ (15.1) where u = (u1,…, u n ) ∈ R n , n ≥ 1, and (x, t) ∈ R x R+. We assume that the vector-valued function f is C2 in some open subset Ω ⊂ R n . These equations are commonly called conservation laws in analogy to the examples of such systems which arise in physics; see the examples below.
Using kaon regeneration to probe the quark mixing parameter cos2beta in B --> psiK decays.

We suggest a novel method to determine the sign of $\mathrm{cos}2\ensuremath{\beta}$ in the decays $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\psi}K$, by creating interference between ${K}_{L}$ and ${K}_{S}$ final states via ``regeneration,'' that is propagation through a matter target region to convert some ${K}_{L}$ to ${K}_{S}$. The determination of this quantity resolves an ambiguity between $\ensuremath{\beta}$ and $90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\beta}$ that remains after the standard measurements of $\mathrm{sin}2\ensuremath{\beta}$ and may turn out to be important in resolving whether the result is in agreement with standard model predictions or indicates the presence of new physics. We find the measurement is feasible at a $B$ factory, but requires several years of high-luminosity running with a regeneration target affecting a significant fraction of the detector.
A Word of Warning from a Woman: Arbitrary, Categorical, and Hidden Religious Exemptions Threaten LGBT Rights

Religious exemptions have already undermined women’s rights. Now exemptions threaten gays and lesbians. The Constitution protected women’s equality and liberty until religious exemptions eroded them. Today, as gays and lesbians stand on the threshold of marriage equality, religious exemptions threaten to diminish their hard-earned constitutional right. For this reason, I argue it is past time to reject the religious exemption theory of religious liberty, which privileges religion over civil and constitutional rights, in favor of neutral laws that govern all. Religious exemptions pervade American law in numerous ways that are harmful to civil rights. In this essay, I identify three types of religious exemptions — arbitrary, categorical, and hidden — that first developed to restrict women’s rights and now threaten LGBT equality.
Sources of New Technology

Technology can be acquired in different ways. It can be internally developed by R&D or discovery, it can be obtained by buying or otherwise acquiring an innovation resulting from R&D or discovery, during various stages of the innovation process, or after the technology has been largely perfected and approaches maturity. Methods of technology acquisition are quite diverse and include purchase, transfer, and licensing, which in turn may involve acquisition of knowledge, process, product, or right to use of the technology. Technology acquisition is complex because it combines efforts of protection of the rights of the owner and those of the acquirer.
Numerical modeling of radiative properties of patterned wafers with sub-micron features

Decreasing feature sizes in the microelectronics industry have led to numerous processing problems with thin film semiconductors. Non-uniform temperature distributions, due to microscale radiation effects on the radiative properties of the thin film structures, are responsible for wafer defects. These microscale radiation effects become significant as pattern spacing and film thicknesses reach the same order of magnitude as the wavelengths of the heat-source radiation. A numerical model has been developed in which normal emissivities for patterned wafers are calculated, using an effective index of refraction technique. In this study various patterns at temperatures critical to the thermal processing are examined.
Interactions of Parasites and a Hyperparasite in Biological Control of Citrus Blackfly, Aleurocanthus woglumi (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), in Florida

Citrus blackfly (CBF), Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby, was discovered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 1976. Parasites Encarsia opulenta (Silvestri) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and Amitus hesperidum Silvestri (Hymenoptera: Platygasteridae) were released in infested areas. CBF populations declined and control is now mainly due to the k-selected parasite E. opulenta . On Merritt Island, however, a third parasite, now known to be a facultative hyperparasite on E. opulenta , was released: Encarsia smithi (Silvestri). Parasite and CBF populations were monitored on Merritt Island from 1981 to 1984. The three parasite species progressed through an initial dominance by A. hesperidum , to intermediate dominance by E. smithi , to final dominance by E. opulenta .
Effect of inflammatory markers on early outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients

Objective To study the effect of inflammatory marker,hs-CRP,on early outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients.Methods Two hundred and seventy-two acute ischemic stroke patients were devided into hs-CRP3mg/L group(n=116)and hs-CRP≤3mg/L group(n=156). Their TOAST grade,NIHSS score,Barthel index(BI)score and modified Rankin scale(mRS) score were recorded after admission.Their white blood cells,serum levels of fasting blood glucose,homocysteine and hs-CRP were measured.The independent risk factors for the poor ealy outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results The age was older,the TOAST grade,the incidence of atrial fibrillation and cerebral embolism,the serum levels of homocysteine and fasting blood glucose,the number of white blood cells,the NIHSS score on days 1,7,14after admission and the mRS score on days 1,7,14,90after admission were significantly higher,whereas the BI score on days 1,7,14after admission was significantly lower in hs-CRP3mg/L group than in hs-CRP≤3mg/L group(P0.01).hs-CRP, white blood cells,hyperlipidemia and BI score 1day after admission were the independent risk factors for the poor early outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients.Conclusion Increased serum hs-CRP level and white blood cells may be the independent risk factors for the poor early outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients.
Epidemiological Characteristics of 150 Cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in Pinggu District of Beijing

[Objective]To realize the epidemiological characteristics of reported cases of influenza A(H1N1) in Pinggu district of Beijing,explore the epidemic pattern of this disease in Pinggu area,and evaluate the effect of the control measures.[Methods]The data of 150 cases of influenza A(H1N1) reported by epidemic situation network in Pinggu district in 2009 were statistically analyzed to investigate the basic characteristics of prevalence.By associating with the control strategies in different periods,the control measures were evaluated.[Results]Among 150 cases of influenza A(H1N1),the sex ratio(male: female) was 1.23 ∶1.The majority of patients(98) were in 10～19 years group,which accounted for 65.33% of total patients.101 patients were middle school students,which accounted for 67% of total patients.The patients in towns accounted for 62.67% of total patients,which the number was more than that in countryside.The epidemic of influenza A(H1N1) reached the peak in September,then showed a decreasing trend,and kept low and stable prevalence in November.[Conclusion]The epidemiological characteristics of influenza A(H1N1) in Pinggu area are in accordance with the general epidemiological characteristics in Beijing.Adjustment of the prevention and control measures timely play an important role in delaying the disease spread and preventing the multi-outbreak of influenza A(H1NI).
Nonlinear Principal Component Analysis for Feature Extraction of SEMG

In connection with the character of Surface Electromyography signal (SEMG), a new method that uses nonlinear Principal Component Analysis (NLPCA) to extract feature from SEMG was proposed. After filtering SEMG, it utilizes NLPCA to achieve data compression, which transforms multi-way SEMG to one dimensional feature data saying principal component, and then,outputs the extraction in principal curve.NLPCA basing on auto-associative neural networks was utilized to extracted principal component from two-way SEMG, which derived from ulnar extensor muscle and ulnar flexor muscle of wrist respectively. Experimental results showed that, after processing SEMG of four hand motion patterns that including fist clenching, fist unfolding, wrist intorsion and wrist extortion with this method, principal curves with good character of category division were produced. According to the shape features of principal curves, motion of hand can be recognized efficiently.