cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cl− channel is required for CXCL10-induced neuronal activation and itch response in a murine model of allergic contact dermatitis

Persistent itch often accompanies allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We previously demonstrated that CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling activated a subpopulation of cutaneous primary sensory neurons and mediated itch response after contact hypersensitivity (CHS), a murine model of ACD, induced by squaric acid dibutylester. The purpose of this study was to determine the ionic mechanisms underlying CXCL10-induced neuronal activation and allergic itch. In whole cell recordings, CXCL10 triggered a current in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervating the area of CHS. This current was modulated by intracellular Cl- and blocked by the general Cl- channel inhibitors. Moreover, increasing Ca2+ buffering capacity reduced this current. In addition, blockade of Cl- channels significantly suppressed CXCL10-induced Ca2+ response. In behavioral tests, injection of CXCL10 into CHS site exacerbated itch-related scratching behaviors. Moreover, the potentiating behavioral effects of CXCL10 were attenuated by either of two Cl- channel blockers. Thus we suggest that the Cl- channel acts as a downstream target mediating the excitatory and pruritic behavioral effects of CXCL10. Cl- channels may provide a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of allergic itch in which CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling may participate.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The ionic mechanisms underlying CXCL10-induced neuronal activation and allergic itch are largely unexplored. This study revealed that CXCL10 evoked an ionic current mainly carried by Cl- channels. We suggest that Cl- channels are likely key molecular candidates responsible for the CXCL10-evoked neuronal activation and itch-like behaviors in a murine model of allergic contact dermatitis induced by the antigen squaric acid dibutylester. Cl- channels may emerge as a promising drug target for the treatment of allergic itch in which CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling may participate.
The “Accountability” of NGO Accountability Research: Improving the Quality of Qualitative Research

Case-study research in the field of NGO accountability is intended to improve the quality of NGO performance, yet the existing literature remains largely silent about the quality of its own studies...
New Constraints on the Geometry and Kinematics of Matter Surrounding the Accretion Flow in X-ray Binaries from $Chandra$ HETG X-ray Spectroscopy

The narrow, neutral Fe K{\alpha} fluorescence emission line in X-ray binaries (XRBs) is a powerful probe of the geometry, kinematics and Fe abundance of matter around the accretion flow. In a recent study it has been claimed, using $Chandra$ High-Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) spectra for a sample of XRBs, that the circumnuclear material is consistent with a solar-abundance, uniform, spherical distribution. It was also claimed that the Fe K{\alpha} line was unresolved in all cases by the HETG. However, these conclusions were based on ad hoc models that did not attempt to relate the global column density to the Fe K{\alpha} line emission. We revisit the sample and test a self-consistent model of a uniform, spherical X-ray reprocessor against HETG spectra from 56 observations of 14 Galactic XRBs. We find that the model is ruled out in 13/14 sources because a variable Fe abundance is required. In 2 sources a spherical distribution is viable but with non-solar Fe abundance. We also applied a solar-abundance Compton-thick reflection model, which can account for the spectra that are inconsistent with a spherical model, but spectra with a broader bandpass are required to better constrain model parameters. We also robustly measured the velocity width of the Fe K{\alpha} line and found full width half maximum values up to ~5000 km s$^{-1}$. Only in some spectra was the Fe K{\alpha} line unresolved by the HETG.
CryoEM structure of the human SLC4A4 sodium-coupled acid-base transporter NBCe1

Na+-coupled acid-base transporters play essential roles in human biology. Their dysfunction has been linked to cancer, heart, and brain disease. High-resolution structures of mammalian Na+-coupled acid-base transporters are not available. The sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1 functions in multiple organs and its mutations cause blindness, abnormal growth and blood chemistry, migraines, and impaired cognitive function. Here, we have determined the structure of the membrane domain dimer of human NBCe1 at 3.9 A resolution by cryo electron microscopy. Our atomic model and functional mutagenesis revealed the ion accessibility pathway and the ion coordination site, the latter containing residues involved in human disease-causing mutations. We identified a small number of residues within the ion coordination site whose modification transformed NBCe1 into an anion exchanger. Our data suggest that symporters and exchangers utilize comparable transport machinery and that subtle differences in their substrate-binding regions have very significant effects on their transport mode.
Monopoly versus Competitive Leveraging of Reputation through Umbrella Pricing

The Klein-Leffler model explains how the benefit of future reputation can induce firms to produce high quality experience goods, either in a monopoly or an industry with competing firms. We show that reputation can be leveraged across products, but only by a firm with a monopoly on at least one product. Such a firm, however, may be able to capture the market for a competitive product by using umbrella pricing to make higher quality more credible than for firms without a monopoly base. Such monopoly extension increases social welfare, and can even benefit consumers, despite the increase in price. The expanding monopolist does not need to use bundling, and consumers are left better off, but otherwise this looks like classic monopoly leverage.
Anisotropic viscoplasticity explains slow-slip M 0 -T scaling at convergent plate margins

Abstract In this study, we quantify the mechanisms that govern two related observations with regard to deep (15–50 km) subduction-zone aseismic slow-slip events (SSEs): (i) the linear scaling relationship between seismic moments (M0) and event durations (T), and (ii) the direction-dependent slow-slip rupture speeds. Geological observations suggest that deep-subduction slow-slip shear zones are anisotropic and viscoplastic; the anisotropy is due to the presence of dip-parallel mafic lineaments created by seamount subduction, whereas the viscoplasticity is due to deformation of mixed brittle mafic and ductile felsic materials. We postulate that a dip-parallel (=slip direction) mafic lineament in an overall felsic slow-slip shear zone acts as a stress guide, which localizes initial slow-slip rupture in the dip direction. Subsequent stress concentration along the dip-parallel edges of the early ruptured lineament leads to along-strike rupture, with the rupture front propagating through the felsic shear zone. The second-phase slip-area expansion maintains a constant dip-parallel rupture-zone length, inherited from the length of the early ruptured mafic lineament. By combining an energy balance equation with a two-phase rupture model outlined above, we obtain the first analytical expression of the observed linear scaling law in the form of M0 = c0T, where c 0 = 4 γ 1 Δ z G 2 L 2 μ ¯ s − μ ¯ d ρgH Δ z η e cos δ + V FW 2 L Δ z μ ¯ s 2 − μ ¯ d 2 ρgH 2 − 4 γ 1 G L + Δ z − ρ Δ zLG V FW + v a 2 ; the observed value of this empirical constant is between 1011.5 and 1013.5 J/s. In the above expression, L, H, Δz, δ, G, ηe, μ ¯ s , and μ ¯ d are length, depth, thickness, dip angle, shear rigidity, effective viscosity, and effective coefficients of static and dynamic friction of the slow-slip shear zone, γ1 is surface-energy density of the initially ruptured mafic lineament, ρ is overriding-plate density, VFW and va are subducting-plate and slow-slip velocities, and g is surface gravity. Our model, based on the assumed shear-zone anisotropy, successfully predicts fast (~100 km/h) dip-parallel rupture along high-viscosity (~1020 Pa s) mafic lineaments and slow (2–10 km/day) strike-parallel rupture through low-viscosity (~1017 Pa s) felsic materials during a deep-subduction slow-slip event.
iPads or computer labs? A technical communication classroom study:

For some schools, using iPads instead of computer labs can be a cost- and space-saving endeavour. We decided to test students’ attitudes toward tablet functions and confidence in classroom objectiv...
On the asymptotics of Bessel functions in the Fresnel regime

Abstract We introduce a version of the asymptotic expansions for Bessel functions J ν ( z ) , Y ν ( z ) that are valid whenever | z | > ν (which is deep in the Fresnel regime), as opposed to the standard expansions that are applicable only in the Fraunhofer regime (i.e. when | z | > ν 2 ). As expected, in the Fraunhofer regime our asymptotics reduce to the classical ones. The approach is based on the observation that Bessel's equation admits a non-oscillatory phase function, and uses classical formulae to obtain an asymptotic expansion for this function; this in turn leads to both an analytical tool and a numerical scheme for the efficient evaluation of J ν ( z ) , Y ν ( z ) , as well as various related quantities. The effectiveness of the technique is demonstrated via several numerical examples. We also observe that the procedure admits far-reaching generalizations to wide classes of second order differential equations, to be reported at a later date.
Hydrogen bonding structure of confined water templated by a metal-organic framework with open metal sites

Water in confinement exhibits properties significantly different from bulk water due to frustration in the hydrogen-bond network induced by interactions with the substrate. Here, we combine infrared spectroscopy and many-body molecular dynamics simulations to probe the structure and dynamics of confined water as a function of relative humidity within a metal-organic framework containing cylindrical pores lined with ordered cobalt open coordination sites. Building upon the agreement between experimental and theoretical spectra, we demonstrate that water at low relative humidity binds initially to open metal sites and subsequently forms disconnected one-dimensional chains of hydrogen-bonded water molecules bridging between cobalt atoms. With increasing relative humidity, these water chains nucleate pore filling, and water molecules occupy the entire pore interior before the relative humidity reaches 30%. Systematic analysis of rotational and translational dynamics indicates heterogeneity in this pore-confined water, with water molecules displaying variable mobility as a function of distance from the interface.
Performance Benchmark using Machine Learning

Software Performance testing is one of the important aspects of testing a product. It is more important when we have a cloud application, i.e. not a standalone application but a web application. Many of us use various tools like JMeter to test the performance of different web requests. But how do we analyze the results of JMeter? A failed Request is easy to catch. What about performance degradation? How do we know if a request performed worse than the previous runs or not? How do we take into consideration other environmental parameters – memory, processing power, operating system limits, etc? Performance benchmark using machine learning is one of the ways using which we can take care of some of these manual study and detection of performance regressions which may otherwise go unnoticed.
Path Analysis Testing the Development of Personality and Psychological Well-being Model:

The purpose of this study was to test the development of personality and psychological well-being model. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive design. The 448 participants were recruited from old...
Initiating Intensive Care Unit Bedside Report for Respiratory Care Practitioners: A Pilot Perspective

Background: Long-term adherence to bedside report (BSR) in the ICU is difficult to achieve for many respiratory departments. BSR has shown to improve: patient safety and staff accountability, prioritizing workload, communication with multidisciplinary team, opportunity to ask off going RCP questions while observing patients, and feeling more aware of patients’ issues. BSR studies are nursing-centric with a dearth of RCP focused research. The UC Davis Health, Respiratory Care leadership team set forth to create a positive culture change for BSR through administrative support, education, resolution of barriers, and sustained adherence. Methods: An investigator-developed Quality Report Survey (QRS) was given to a convenience sample of n=34 RCP staff to determine the perception of need for BSR pre-pilot change. Literature review education, barriers addressed, and instructions on how to perform BSR was given by a shift supervisor following the QRS survey; standardized report elements established in current policy. BSR was initiated in two of nine ICUs: MICU and NICU. Portable EMR carts and clipboards provided to each ICU. RCP Leadership conducted shift-change rounding in pilot units to remind/support staff from initiation to the third month. Audit for adherence via anonymous surveillance with n=56 observations performed during the fourth month. Investigator-developed BSR Feedback Survey (FBS) given to a convenience sample of n=34 at month seven. Results: QRS with a four-point Likert scale determined a moderately-severe need for BSR. The anonymous adherence surveillance resulted in MICU performing BSR 50% of 30 observations; NICU resulted in 65% of 26 observations. BSR FBS questionnaire showed 80% of those that self-reported to have performed BSR ≥10 times found BSR beneficial. Forty-six percent found BSR beneficial of those that self-reported to have performed BSR 0-9 times. Fifty percent of staff had at least one instance of BSR helping to answer patient care questions from oncoming RCP. Sixty-two percent of staff experienced patient condition changed from previously visualizing patient at least once when performing BSR. Seventy-four percent of staff received or gave helpful information to other multidisciplinary team members during BSR. Conclusions: Overall adherence of 57% in the pilot ICUs, as well as 63% of surveyed staff found BSR to be beneficial. Diligent administrative report, education, resolution of barriers, and surveillance of adherence provided improved outcomes in RCP staff performing BSR.
Outcomes of Alternative Reservoir Placement in the Lateral Retroperitoneum During Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Placement.

Objectives To describe outcomes of reservoir placement, exchange, and extraction from the lateral retroperitoneum (LR) in complex patients with a three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients that underwent placement of an IPP from 2009 to 2019. Patients with placement of the reservoir in the LR were identified. Intraoperative complications during reservoir placement, exchange, or removal, reservoir-related outcomes, and secondary device-related outcomes were collated and compared to patients who underwent traditional Space of Retzius reservoir placement. Results A total of 587 men underwent primary IPP placement with 321 patients undergoing reservoir placement in the SOR and 266 in the LR. No significant differences were found in intra-operative reservoir-related outcomes (P=.272) between the 2 groups during placement, replacement, or extraction. Bowel injury occurred in 1 patient in the LR group during placement. No significant differences were found in postoperative reservoir complications (P= .534). Both groups each had one instance of patient reported bulge and pain at reservoir site (P= .6777). Two (0.6%) patients in the SOR group and 3 (1.1%) patients in the LR group had a reservoir failure or leak. There was a trend towards a lower rate of device infections in the LR group (1.9%) compared to the SOR group (4.7%) (P= .063). There were no significant differences in overall device mechanical failure rates between both groups (P= .919). Conclusions Reservoir placement in the LR is safe in patients with complex pelvic anatomy with equivalent device durability and no difference in surgical outcomes compared to standard retropubic reservoir placement.
An Ensemble Approach Towards Adversarial Robustness.

It is a known phenomenon that adversarial robustness comes at a cost to natural accuracy. To improve this trade-off, this paper proposes an ensemble approach that divides a complex robust-classification task into simpler subtasks. Specifically, fractal divide derives multiple training sets from the training data, and fractal aggregation combines inference outputs from multiple classifiers that are trained on those sets. The resulting ensemble classifiers have a unique property that ensures robustness for an input if certain don't-care conditions are met. The new techniques are evaluated on MNIST and Fashion-MNIST, with no adversarial training. The MNIST classifier has 99% natural accuracy, 70% measured robustness and 36.9% provable robustness, within L2 distance of 2. The Fashion-MNIST classifier has 90% natural accuracy, 54.5% measured robustness and 28.2% provable robustness, within L2 distance of 1.5. Both results are new state of the art, and we also present new state-of-the-art binary results on challenging label-pairs.
Network dismantling on factor graphs: break long loops and spare local structures

A new solution framework for the task of network dismantling is recently developed, based on a two-scale bipartite factor-graph representation of the original graph where local structures are abstracted as factor nodes. This technique leads to advancement of extant dismantling algorithms, among which the belief-propagation decimation (BPD) algorithm has an efficient counterpart (factor BPD, i.e., FBPD) on the factor graph, building upon a mean-field spin-glass theory developed for the underlying long-loop feedback vertex set (FVS) problem. In this paper, I (1) demonstrate the advantage as well as disadvantage of the new factor-graph approach, and investigate the varying choice of factors, (2) show that the method can be supported by an alternative microscopic picture, and the two distinct spin-glass theories derive equivalent outcomes, whose analytical results serve as lower bounds for the FVS size on random regular factor graphs, besides (3) an extra mathematical lower bound from the result on random regular (original) graphs. Performances of graph/factor-graph algorithms are compared on various real networks. It shows empirically and analytically that the factor-graph approach does not interfere with what we could achieve without applying this technique; the new approach does a good job where traditional algorithms may perform poorly.
Abstract 19195: Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility Index Predicts Right Ventricular Failure Following LVAD Surgery

Introduction: Identification of pre-operative right ventricular dysfunction may improve patient selection for isolated LVAD surgery. The pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PaPi) is a recently described hemodynamic metric. We evaluated baseline PaPi as a predictor of post-operative right ventricular failure (RVF) following LVAD surgery. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 132 consecutive LVAD implantations at our hospital. Demographic, clinical, hemodynamic and echocardiographic data were evaluated for their association with the development of RVF. RVF was defined as need for RVAD or inotrope dependence for greater than 14 days. PaPi was calculated as [(systolic pulmonary artery pressure-diastolic pulmonary artery pressure)/right atrial (RA) pressure]. Univariate analysis was performed to identify baseline predictors of RVF. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for baseline RA pressure. Results: RVF occurred in 31 of 132 patients (23%); all cases were due to prolonged inotropes. PaPi was lower among patients with RVF compared to those without (no RVF: mean 2.75± SD1.17 vs RVF: 1.38±0.46, P<0.0001). RA pressure, RA to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ratio (RA/PCWP) and RV stroke work index (RVSWI) were also associated with RVF. Previously identified markers of RV function including mean pulmonary artery pressure and qualitative RV dysfunction by 2D echo were not associated with RVF. Comparison of the area under the curve from receiver operator characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that a PaPi<1.85 was most predictive of RVF (Figure). PaPi remained an independent predictor of RVF after adjusting for RA pressure in a multivariate model. Conclusions: PaPi is a routinely available and easily calculated hemodynamic variable associated with RVF following LVAD surgery superior to established markers. Further evaluation of PaPi as part of a risk prediction model to guide clinical decision making may be warranted. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
An Integral Active Contour Model for Convex Hull and Boundary Extraction

This paper presents a new deformable model capable of segmenting images with multiple complex objects and deep concavities. The method integrates a shell algorithm, an active contour model and two active convex hull models. The shell algorithm automatically inscribes every image object into a single convex curve. Every curve is evolved to the boundary's vicinity by the exact solution of a specific form of the heat equation. Further, if re-parametrization is applied at every time step of the evolution the active contour will converge to deep concavities. But if distance function minimization or line equation is used to stop the evolution, the active contour will define the convex hull of the object. Set of experiments are performed to validate the theory. The contributions, the advantages and bottlenecks of the model are underlined at the end by a comparison against other methods in the field.
Dynamics of Photoinitiated Hole and Electron Injection in Duplex DNA

The structure, biological function, and physical properties of duplex DNA have long been the subject of fascination, speculation, and investigation for biological and physical scientists. From a structural perspective, the unique features of DNA are its hydrophilic, helical sugar-phosphate backbone and its hydrophobic, hydrogen-bonded base pairs, which constitute the core of DNA [1, 2]. The base pairs form an extended, one-dimensional -stacked array with an average stacking distance of 3.4 A. Weak excitonic interactions between base pairs are responsible for the characteristic UVabsorption and circular dichroism spectra of duplex DNA [3]. The possibility that the -stacked base pairs of DNA might function as a one-dimensional conductor or molecular wire was first advanced by Eley and Spivey [4] shortly after Watson and Crick deduced the double-helical structure of DNA [5]. Pulsed radiolysis studies of DNA at low temperatures established that oxidation of DNA results in the formation of “holes” localized on guanine, the most readily oxidized of the nucleobases, and that reduction of DNA results in electron attachment to thymine or cytosine, the most readily reduced of the nucleobases [6]. These studies also indicated that both holes and electrons can migrate over short distances prior to being trapped by the appropriate base. Interest in the wire-like behavior of DNA was kindled in the early 1990s by a series of papers by Barton and Turro suggesting that ultrafast, photoinitiated electron transfer between intercalated electron donors and acceptors could occur over long distances in DNA [7–9]. These reports stimulated experimental studies of photoinitiated electron transfer processes in DNA as well as their theoretical interpretation. DNA electron transfer has since been the subject of numerous commentaries and reviews and no small measure of controversy [10–18]. In 1997 we reported our initial studies of the distance-dependent dynamics of hole injection and charge recombination in synthetic DNA hairpins [19]. In these experiments, the singlet state of a stilbenedicarboxamide hairpin linker serves as the hole donor and a guanine located in the base-paired hairpin stem as the hole 93
The Theatrics of Self-Sentiment in A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Charlotte Charke

(2009). The Theatrics of Self-Sentiment in A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Charlotte Charke. a/b: Auto/Biography Studies: Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 194-209.
Spaces of Terror and Death: September 11th, Public Memory, and the High School Imaginary

September 11 th 2001 is forever cloaked in affective resonances: feelings, emotions, and desires that remain in bodies after that fateful day. However, the memories and events of 9-11 are centered in the creation and reproduction of spaces of terror and death that traverse global boundaries, linked by historical precedents rooted in European colonization. Although 9-11 was a tragic day for the lives lost, this event has signaled a new era in the hegemony of global capitalism, the United States, and the surveillance technologies that have arisen. September 11 th now exists in the memory as justification for a host of problematic relationships occurring globally. In this article, the author moves across multiple traditions to rethink 9-11 in the context of space, postcolonialism, the body, and the forging of public memories. He ends by sparking his utopian imaginary, resisting dominant conceptions of that fateful day and rethinking September 11 th through alternative narrative understandings.
Cutting Edge: Helminth Infection Induces IgE in the Absence of μ- or δ-Chain Expression

Infections with helminth parasites are associated with an IgE isotype switch and high serum IgE concentrations. IgE is rapidly bound by the high affinity IgE receptor (FceRI), thereby sensitizing FceRI-bearing basophils and mast cells for IgE-inducible effector functions such as IL-4 production. The development of Ab-secreting B cells is dependent on IgM and consequently, μMT mice, which lack surface IgM, are considered devoid of Abs. In this study we report the unexpected finding that C57BL/6 μMT mice generate robust IgE responses upon infection with three distinct helminth parasites, Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Trichuris muris, and Schistosoma mansoni. IgE is produced despite an apparent block in B cell development and licenses basophils for IgE-induced IL-4 production. Our findings reveal the existence of an evolutionarily conserved, IgM-independent pathway for the production of IgE upon infection with helminth parasites.
A dynamic analysis of the size distribution of firms: the case of the US dairy industry

This article develops a time-varying Markov process of the aggregate size distribution of firms in an industry. This is used to specify and estimate an econometric model of the regional evolution of the number and size of US dairy farms. The empirical results provide evidence concerning the effects of milk price and feed cost on the structure of dairy production in selected regions.
Quantitative analysis of Si/GexSi1-x/Si heterojunction bipolar transistors with linearly graded Ge profile

A new experimental methodology for the analysis of Si/GexSi1–x/Si HBT yields quantitative values for the important transistor parameters, such as the energy gap reduction and the built-in electric field due to Ge, and the minority-carrier base diffusion length, lifetime and transit time. The method also enables a charge-control analysis of the base current to be made. A demonstration is presented for a GeSi heterojunction bipolar transistor with a linearly graded Ge profile in the base. The methodology can be extended for arbitrary material composition and doping profile in the base.
Phenomenological study of the North Dakota flood experience and its impact on survivors' health

Abstract Grand Forks, North Dakota, was devastated by an unprecedented flood, forcing the evacuation of an entire community of 50,000 residents in 72 hours. A qualitative descriptive study with use of phenomenological methods was conducted 6 months after the flooding. Its purpose was to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of a traumatic flood experience and its influence on the health of the residents of Grand Forks. Data were generated through interviews, observations, and media repors. The sample included 3 female and 3 male residents of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, who ranged in age from 26 to 77 years. Five essential themes were identified: (1) shock and disbelled, (2) uncertainty, (3) grief and loss, (4) emotional exhaustion, and (5) hope and meaning. The participants' descriptions of emotional exhaustion were similar to those found with survivors of posttraumatic stress disorder. Older adults appeared to be especially vulnerable. Nurses who are aware of the effects of natural disasters, particularly flooding, may be better able to identify vulnerable populations and understand the health needs of other survivors.
Mortality patterns among workers exposed to styrene in the reinforced plastic boatbuilding industry: an update.

Background Mortality was updated through 1998 for 5,204 workers exposed to styrene between 1959 and 1978 at two reinforced plastic boatbuilding plants. The a priori hypothesis: leukemia and lymphoma excesses would be found. Methods Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) used Washington State and U.S. rates. Results Overall, 860 deaths occurred (SMR 1.09, CI 1.02–1.17), with excess mortality for esophageal cancer (n = 12, SMR 2.30, CI 1.19–4.02), prostate cancer (n = 24, SMR 1.71, CI 1.09–2.54), and accidents (n = 99, SMR 1.26, CI 1.02–1.53). Among 2,062 highly exposed workers, urinary tract cancer (n = 6, SMR 3.44, CI 1.26–7.50) and respiratory disease (n = 12, SMR 2.54, CI 1.31–4.44) rates were elevated. Urinary tract cancer SMR increased with duration of employment. Conclusions We found no excess leukemia or lymphoma mortality. Unanticipated excess urinary tract cancer and respiratory disease mortality, possibly associated with styrene exposure, are difficult to interpret and could be chance findings. Am. J. Ind. Med. 45:165–176, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF HIGH GLUCOSE ON FETAL LUNG MATURATION IN VITRO AS A FUNCTION OF GESTATIONAL AGE

Hyperglycemia has been implicated as a cause of delayed fetal lung maturation in the diabetic pregnancy. Previous work has shown that high glucose levels inhibit biochemical and morphologic maturation of fetal lung in vitro. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of high glucose on fetal lung development at different times during gestation. Fetal rat lung explants (17.5-21.5 days) were grown for 48 hr in media containing 10, 50, or 100mM glucose, pulsed with H3-choline, and the rate of incorporation into phosphatidylcholine assayed. Significantly decreased rates of choline incorporation were seen with 19.5 and 20.5 day lungs grown in 100mM glucose, compared to those grown in 10mM glucose (27% and 29% inhibition, respectively; p<.001). Earlier in gestation (17.5 and 18.5 days) 100mM glucose resulted in significant increases in choline incorporation rate (26% acceleration; p<.01)(Fig). Explants grown in 50 mM glucose had effects similar to, but of lesser magnitude than, those grown in 100mM glucose. Equiosmolar mannitol controls did not have equivalent inhibitory or acceleratory effect. These results suggest that high glucose exerts differing effects on fetal lung development at different times during gestation. The critical period for inhibition appears limited to a time late in gestation, consistent with our previous in vivo data.
Photodissociation dynamics of O3− at 523 nm

Abstract The photodissociation dynamics of O 3 − at 523 nm have been studied using fast-ion-beam translational energy spectroscopy. Translational energy and angular distributions of coincident O − + O 2 products from the process O 3 − + hv → O − + O 2 were measured. O 3 − was generated by electron-impact in a pulsed beam from two precursors — neat O 2 and a seeded beam of O 3 . The observed photodissociation dynamics are very different in the two cases, indicating a great difference in internal excitation of ozonide in the two sources.
Sawt Al-Arab or Sawt Al-Nasser? The Case of Mass Media under Gamal Abdel Nasser and the Convoluted Rise of Pan-Arabism

Abstract Under the rule of Gamal Abdel Nasser from 1956 to 1970, The Voice of the Arabs or Sawt Al-Arab–a radio broadcasting program created by Nasser himself–played a prominent role in strengthening the Pan-Arabian identity, fueling anti-colonial sentiments and nationalist ideologists. This paper looks into the factors that led to the success of the radio as a medium of mass media, followed by a close analysis of the methods and forms of propaganda employed by Nasser through the radio program to promote and maintain these ideologies. Radio thrived within the Arab world as it was considered as an extension of cultural features rooted in the Arabic culture and one which complimented the tradition of oral communication. The region's familiarity with this media platform led them to overlook Nasser's true intentions. Such associations only masked the capacity for the people to recognize methods of propaganda which dominated the airwaves, in an effort to strengthen the gap between the state and society. Ultimately, this paper seeks to prove that The Voice of the Arabs played a significant role in enabling Gamal Abdel Nasser to maintain Pan-Arabism in the Middle East, as it was employed as state apparatus to spread propaganda, fueling an atmosphere of anti-colonial discontent and, amongst other ideas, the dissemination of nationalist ideologies.
Indexing repetitive to single ventricular premature complexes: a new concept in acute drug testing.

Abstract The clinical application of acute drug testing for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias is limited by epidemiologic, statistical and therapeutic uncertainties. The suppression of ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) is confounded by statistical analyses that require high-grade suppression simply to confirm a true response 1,2 and by the lack of clinical evidence of efficacy with respect to mortality. 3 Repetitive forms of VPCs are generally considered more important than single VPCs, 4 and improved clinical outcome has been associated with the high-grade suppression of repetitive forms in selected high-risk subgroups. 5 However, the spontaneous variability of repetitive forms is frequently even more marked than single VPCs, rendering statistical analysis nearly impossible. 6 Although these uncertainties have directed attention to the suppression of sustained and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, both in drug development and therapies, there remains a clinical need to test acutely the efficacy of antiarrhythmic drugs against manifest ventricular arrhythmias. We report a new approach to this evaluation.
Let swarms of bees optimize your future communication antennas

Optimization is the process of upgrading something to perform better. Engineers constantly look for improving their designs in multi parametric solution space. Imagine that you will be able to use nature's evolutionary processes to obtain the best parameters for your designs. This is the subject of this presentation. The ever increasing advances in computational power have fueled the temptation of using global optimization techniques. The well-known brute force design methodologies are systematically being replaced by the state-of-the-art Evolutionary Optimization (EO) techniques. In recent years, EO techniques are finding growing applications to the design of all kind of systems with increasing complexity. Among various EO's, nature inspired techniques such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) have attracted considerable attention. PSO is a robust stochastic evolutionary computation technique based on the movement and intelligence of swarms of bees looking for the most fertile feeding location applying their cognitive and social knowledge. This presentation will focus on: (a) an engineering introduction to PSO by describing in a novel fashion the underlying concepts and recent advances for those who have used these techniques and for those who have not had any experiences in these areas, (b) ease of deployment of PSO on parallel computational platforms, (c) demonstration of the potential applications of PSO to a variety of communication antenna designs including advanced cellphone antennas, E-shaped antennas for multiband and broadband MIMO applications, novel reconfigurable antennas and array antennas, and (d) assessment of the advantages and limitations of this technique.
Antagonists of growth hormone‐releasing hormone inhibit the proliferation of human benign prostatic hyperplasia cells

BACKGROUND Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), besides stimulating the secretion of GH from the pituitary gland, acts as an autocrine/paracrine growth factor in many cancers. Antagonists of GHRH inhibit growth of experimental human tumors, but their effects on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have not been studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated the effects of GHRH and GHRH antagonists JMR-132, MZ-5-156, MIA-601, and MIA-479 on the proliferation rate of human BPH-1 cells. We also measured by Western blot the influence of GHRH and GHRH antagonist JMR-132 on the expression of the PCNA and the activation of ERK1/2 and JAK/STAT3. RESULTS BPH-1 cells express GHRH and GHRH-receptor proteins. The proliferation rate of BPH-1 cells is increased by GHRH and inhibited by all the GHRH antagonists, the latest analogs MIA-601 and MIA-479 being the most potent. The stimulatory effect of GHRH is nullified by GHRH antagonists. GHRH strongly activates and GHRH antagonists significantly suppress the expression of the PCNA and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JAK2/STAT3 pathways in these cells. Treatment with JAK2 inhibitor (AG490) decreases the proliferation rate of BPH-1 cells, and AG490 does nullify the effect of GHRH. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates for the first time that GHRH can act as a growth factor in BPH-1 cells and that GHRH antagonists can reverse its stimulatory effect. New observations are provided on the mechanism of action of GHRH antagonists in BPH. Our findings support the merit of further work on the development of GHRH antagonists for therapy of BPH. Prostate 70: 1087–1093, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A general concept of scoring rules: General definitions, statistical inference, and empirical illustrations

We develop the general conceptual, mathematical and statistical foundations of behavioral social choice for scoring rules. Traditional scoring rules are difficult to assess empirically because one rarely observes the deterministic complete linear orders that they require as input. We provide a general concept of scoring rules in terms of a broad range of mathematical representations of preference or utility, namely arbitrary finite binary relations, probability distributions over such relations, real valued multi-criteria utility vectors and real valued random utility representations. We extend Regenwetter et al.’s (Behavioral social choice. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2006) statistical framework to a more general setting. We illustrate the general modeling and statistical tools by applying them to four well known sets of survey data. We illustrate two potential problems that have previously received little attention and that deserve systematic study in the future: (1) Scoring rule outcomes can suffer from model dependence in that the social welfare functions computed from ballot, survey, or hypothetical data may depend on implicit or explicit modeling assumptions. (2) Scoring rule outcomes may suffer from low statistical confidence in that the correct assessment of social orders from empirical data can be far from certain. We also illustrate the empirical congruence among conceptually competing social choice methods.
Evidence for estradiol-induced apoptosis and dysregulated T cell maturation in the thymus

In an attempt to delineate the immunological alterations that may occur following treatment with estrogen, groups of C57BL/6 mice were treated with 75mg/kg body weight of beta-estradiol-17-valerate (E2) or the vehicle. The thymus from these mice were harvested on days 1, 4 and 7 following treatment. The thymocytes from E2-treated mice when cultured in vitro for 24h, showed increased levels of apoptosis when compared to controls. The apoptosis was demonstrable by both TUNEL assay and AnnexinV/propidium iodide (PI) staining. Also, thymic atrophy and increased apoptosis of thymocytes when cultured in vitro were seen when lower doses of E2 (5mg/kg) were administered. The thymus from E2-treated mice on days 4 and 7 also showed a decrease in the percentage of CD4(+)CD8(+) (DP) T cells and an increase in the percentage of CD4(-)CD8(-) (DN), CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. However, the total cellularity of all T cell subsets in the thymus was decreased following E2 treatment. Earlier studies from our laboratory and elsewhere have demonstrated that in thymocytes undergoing apoptosis, there is increased expression of surface markers including CD3, alphabetaTCR and CD44 with a simultaneous decrease in the expression of J11d. Similar changes were observed in thymocytes from mice on days 4 and 7 following E2 treatment. These data therefore confirmed that the thymocytes were indeed undergoing apoptosis following E2 treatment. Together, our studies suggest for the first time that estrogen may induce thymic atrophy by triggering apoptosis.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for hypochondriasis, or severe health anxiety: a pilot study.

Abstract In spite of the existence of evidence-based treatments for hypochondriasis, or severe health anxiety, recovery rates are low and morbidity is high. Therefore, more treatment options are needed for this prevalent condition. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) interventions have been gaining research and clinical attention for the treatment of mood, and more recently anxiety disorders. A small, uncontrolled pilot study of an 8-week group MBCT intervention for hypochondriasis was conducted. Ten subjects (five females and five males) with a mean age of 35.6 (range = 25–59) recruited from an academic community health network met criteria and completed the study. There were significant improvements in measures of health anxiety, disease-related thoughts, somatic symptoms, and mindfulness at the end of treatment, and these benefits were sustained at 3-month follow-up. Participants evidenced high treatment satisfaction, with no drop-outs or adverse events. These findings provide the basis for a larger, more rigorous, controlled trial of this promising treatment approach.
The determination of atomic force constants in cubic solid solutions

Abstract The microscopic elastic theory of Matsubara-Kanzaki-Krivolglaz has been applied to the determination of the atomic force constants in disordered Cu 3 Au from the diffuse scattering pattern due to local atomic order and static atomic displacements. The analysis of the effect of experimental errors and the assumptions underlying this method of analysis indicate, however, that these results may be considerably in error. A discussion of the source of these errors and their influence on the determination of the atomic force constants in solid solution alloys is presented. It will be shown that it is not possible to determine these constants from X-ray diffraction data from clustering alloys, but in some cases for ordering alloys, this may be possible.
Characteristics of single-pulse excimer laser beam profile on the low-temperature poly-Si TFTs

In this study, the effects of laser beam profiles were investigated on the crystallization of poly-Si films. `One Pulse' laser crystallized poly-Si was analyzed by SEM and alpha-step to distinguish the effects of non-uniform laser beam profiles. Surface smoothness of poly-Si films with various laser-overlapping ratios was also measured to investigate the effects of laser beam profiles. Then the relationship of TFT characteristics and laser overlapping ratios will be discussed.
The dynamics of software project scheduling

Software project scheduling is one of the major problem areas faced by software project managers today. While several quantitative software project resource and schedule estimation methods have been developed, such techniques raise some important, but as yet unresolved, dynamic issues. A systems dynamics (SD) approach is used to analyze several key dynamic software project scheduling issues.
Historical perspectives in postmenopausal hormone therapy: defining the right dose and duration.

Recommended dosages of postmenopausal estrogen therapy (ET) and estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT), like those of oral contraceptives, have decreased markedly since oral estrogens were first introduced. Recently, the movement toward lower doses of ET/EPT has accelerated because of the results of the Women's Health Initiative, which showed that lower-dose ET/EPT may provide similar efficacy and an improved safety profile compared with higher-dose preparations. For example, lower ET/EPT doses effectively relieve vasomotor and vulvovaginal symptoms associated with menopause, prevent bone loss, protect the endometrium, and are better tolerated than commonly prescribed doses. Current guidelines suggest the use of the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals, benefits, and risks for the individual woman. However, the impact of treatment discontinuation should be considered when advising women to use hormone therapy for relieving menopausal symptoms for the shortest possible duration.
A tritium permeation model for conceptual fusion reactor designs

A transient tritium permeation model is developed based on a simplified conceptual DT-fueled fusion reactor design. The major design features described in the model are a solid breeder blanket, a low pressure purge gas in the blanket, and a high pressure helium primary coolant. Tritium inventory in the breeder is considered to be due to diffusive hold-up and solubility effects. It is assumed that diffusive hold-up is the dominant factor in order to separate the solution for the breeder tritium concentration. The model was applied to the STARFIRE-Interim Reference Design, whose system parameters yielded a breeder tritium inventory on the order of grams, based on an average pellet radius of 10−3 cm. The breeder pellets reach their steady-state tritium content in approximately 1.4×104 s from system start-up, assuming continuous full power operation. Both the steady-state breeder tritium concentration and the time to reach that steady-state are proportional to the pellet radius squared. Other candidate solid breeders were considered, and their effect on the blanket tritium inventory was noted. The addition of oxygen to the primary coolant loop was required in order to keep the tritium losses through the heat exchanger to within the design goal of 0.1 Ci/day.