cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cleavage of β4 Integrin by Matrilysin

Abstract Overexpression of the matrix metalloproteinase matrilysin and the absence of β4 integrin are two features characteristic of human prostate carcinoma. In the following study we demonstrate that the β4 integrin, but not the α6 or β1 integrin subunits, is cleaved by matrilysinin vitro.A specific fragment of 90 kDa is generated using matrilysin, which is not observed with other proteases. Two putative cleavage sites for matrilysin within the extracellular domain of the β4 integrin at residues 107 (isoleucine, prior to the ligand-binding region) and 417 (leucine, prior to cysteine-rich region) are identified by sequence comparisons with known matrilysin substrates. The selective cleavage of the β4 integrin by matrilysin may partly explain the loss of β4 integrin expression in invasive prostate carcinoma.
Evaluation of Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Mixtures Using Advanced Material Characterization Tests

The objective of this study was to evaluate the material properties of a conventional (control) and fiber-reinforced asphalt mixtures using advanced material characterization tests. The laboratory experimental program included triaxial shear strength, dynamic (complex) modulus, repeated load permanent deformation, fatigue, crack propagation, and indirect tensile strength tests. The data was used to compare the performance of the fiber-modified mixture to the control. The results showed that the fibers improved the mixture’s performance in several unique ways against the anticipated major pavement distresses: Permanent deformation, fatigue cracking, and thermal cracking.
Morbid Obesity Causes Chronic Increase of Intraabdominal Pressure

Intraabdominal hypertension and the abdominal compartment syndrome are known to deleteriously affect a wide array of organ systems. We retrospectively reviewed 62 women who underwent either laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery or adjustable gastric banding. Their age, body mass index (BMI), and race were known. Their opening abdominal pressure was recorded by connecting a Verress needle to a pressure monitor. Linear regression was used to assess the contribution of age, race, and BMI to the observed variation in opening abdominal pressure. Neither variation in age or race explained the variation in opening pressure (P > .05). By contrast, variation in BMI explained 8% of the observed variation in opening pressure (P < .05). For every 1 kg/mm2 increase in BMI, there was on average a 0.07 mm Hg increase in opening pressure. Increases in BMI are associated with increases in intraabdominal pressure.
The enigma of yellow fever in East Africa.

Despite a safe and effective vaccine there are approximately 200000 cases including 30000 deaths due to yellow fever virus (YFV) each year of which 90% are in Africa. The natural history of YFV has been well described especially in West Africa but in East Africa yellow fever (YF) remains characterised by unpredictable focal periodicity and a precarious potential for large epidemics. Recent outbreaks of YF in Kenya (1992-1993) and Sudan (2003 and 2005) are important because each of these outbreaks have involved the re-emergence of a YFV genotype (East Africa) that remained undetected for nearly 40 years and was previously unconfirmed in a clinically apparent outbreak. In addition unlike West Africa and South America YF has yet to emerge in urban areas of East Africa and be vectored by Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti. This is a significant public health concern in a region where the majority of the population remains unvaccinated. This review describes historical findings highlights a number of disease indicators and provides clarification regarding the natural history recent emergence and future risk of YF in East Africa.
Community mental health concepts as demonstrated by suicide prevention programs in Florida.

There are certain basic principles of commuity mental health that may be demonstrated by the operation of a sucide prevention center. The most significant of these principles — that relating to the integration of each separate service into the total network of the health and welfare system of a community — can be achieved by the careful and deliberate planning of the administrative functions in the design of the service. This paper outlines a general organizational model in which the major unit is the Community Advisory Board. The members of this Board are able to effect the policies and procedures that enable the suicide prevention service and the other existing agencies to make maximum use of one another. Specific examples are reported to show how this model has worked in two communities of Central Florida.
Effects of herbicides on the light-activated, magnesium-dependent ATPase of isolated spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts

Abstract Isolated spinach ( Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts contain a Mg +2 -dependent ATPase that is activated by light in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT) and phenazine methosulfate (PMS). Effects of 11 herbicides, known to affect photophosphorylation in isolated chloroplasts, were measured on ATPase activity when added prior to illumination, on the postillumination dark activity of the ATPase, and on the light-induced synthesis of ATP mediated by DTT and PMS. When added prior to illumination, activity of the ATPase was stimulated by low, and inhibited by high, molar concentrations of chlorpropham, dicryl, dinoseb, ioxynil, oryzalin, perfluidone, propanil, and 4,6,7-trichloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzimidazole (TCTFB). The light activation of the ATPase was not affected by diuron, bromacil, or atrazine. Perfluidone, dinoseb, ioxynil, and TCTFB stimulated, whereas chlorpropham, dicryl, oryzalin, propanil, atrazine, bromacil, and diuron had no effect on postillumination hydrolytic activity. The light-induced synthesis of ATP mediated by DTT and PMS was inhibited strongly by chlorpropham, dicryl, dinoseb, ioxynil, oryzalin, perfluidone, propanil, and TCTFB. Because the ATPase reactions are considered to represent the reversal of the terminal reactions of photophosphorylation, inhibition of these reactions implies that the compounds tested, except for diuron, atrazine, and bromacil, have a site of action on the ATP-generating pathway that is separate from the site involved in the inhibition of the Hill reaction.
Policy Watch: Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards

Initially, the minimum corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) program was promoted as a policy to reduce U.S. vulnerability to oil shocks. In the past two years, however, concern about global warming has resulted in new political pressures to raise CAFE once again to reduce the growth in U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. In this paper, I do not attempt to provide a detailed critique of these two objectives. I simply take the goals as given and draw upon estimates from the empirical literature to show that CAFE is a very costly instrument for achieving them. In addition, I compare the costs of meeting the same objectives through a fuel or carbon tax.
Reproductive Performance of Bracon hebetor Females with More or Fewer than the Normal Number of Ovarioles

After recording the daily egg production of Bracon hebetor Say females (Whiting stock No. 33) for 5 days, we dissected them to determine their number of ovarioles. Wasps with fewer than 4 ovarioles (1, 2, or 3) produced proportionately fewer eggs than their “normal” 4-ovariole sisters. In females with 5–9 ovarioles, egg production did not increase significantly. The supply of vitellogenic materials is a limiting factor. Individuals with a decrease in ovarioles were obtained by screening large samples of untreated stocks. Supernumerary ovarioles were induced by cold storage of fourth instars.
Contradictions of Green Development: Human Rights and Environmental Norms in Light of Belo Monte Dam Activism

This paper offers a historical examination of the ways in which advocacy strategies and tactics have shifted in relation to political opportunities, using a case study of a hydroelectric dam project in the Brazilian Amazon, known as the Belo Monte Dam. Drawing on over three decades of resistance by transnational activist coalitions, the paper looks at how new tactics and political alignments have altered the dynamics of activism and norm diffusion in Brazilian domestic environmental, human rights and development policies. The paper argues that current theories of norm diffusion inadequately explain backslides and tend to underestimate the complexity of domestic political alignments. The case adds political insight to our understanding of the relationship of transnational advocacy strategy to environmental and human rights political realities in Brazil.
Effects of Magnesium Chloride Combined with Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate on Meat Emulsion Characteristics

The effects were determined of adding various combinations of magnesium and sodium chloride plus tetrasodium pyrophosphate on the stability, pH, solubilized protein, chopping times and textural characteristics of raw and cooked meat emulsions.The results of adding different combinations of magnesium and sodium chloride were quite similar whether ionic strength or chloride ion concentration was kept constant.Emulsion stability and raw emulsion pH were reduced with increased proportion of added magnesium chloride. However,the level of solubilized protein found in raw emulsions increased with increasing proportions of magnesium chloride.
Mixed connective tissue disease

Abstract Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) was first described by Gordon Sharp, 1 in 1972, as a distinct connective tissue disorder characterized by overlapping features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS), and dermato/polymyositis (DP/PM). This can be distinguished from other overlap syndromes of the connective tissue diseases by the presence of high titers of an antinuclear antibody with specificity for ribonuclear protein (RNP). 1,2 Initial reports described the following additional characteristics of MCTD patients: a good therapeutic response to systemic corticosteroid therapy, a very low incidence of significant renal involvement, and a better prognosis than for SLE or PSS. 1–4 Currentopinion is divided, but in general MCTD is considered to be an overlapping clinical expression in the evolution of a more classic connective tissue disease, usually PSS. The prognosis is less favorable than once thought, particularly when the MCTD is dominated by features of PSS. 5–8
Universal access: what have we learned from the E-rate?

Abstract The Telecommunications Act of 1996 mandated discounts for high-speed connectivity for schools, libraries and rural health care centers. Innovative although somewhat complex mechanisms were developed to implement this mandate. More than 5 years after the E-rate was implemented, this article considers what has been learned. The article reviews some of the innovative features of the E-rate, its implementation and examines possible reasons for disparity in take-up of the subsidies, even among states with significantly disadvantaged and/or rural populations. It then analyzes lessons learned from E-rate implementation in Alaska, and considers possible implications for other countries considering mechanisms to subsidize community or institutional Internet access.
AN EXPERIMENTAL PRETERM MODEL OF EXTRAUTERINE DEVELOPMENT

Liquid ventilation (LV) with oxygenated fluorocarbon (RIMAR 101R) was utilized to develop an extrauterine preterm lamb model. Fifteen preterm lambs ranging in age from 106 to 142 days gestation (0.70 to 0.95 gestation) were studied. At elective cesarean section, the fetal carotid artery, jugular vein and trachea were cannulated. The umbilical cord was clamped and the lamb was liquid ventilated through the tracheostomy. Controlled LV was delivered over 2 hrs at an FRC = 30 ml/kg; tidal volume = 15 ml/kg; frequency = 5-9 brth/min. Normothermia was maintained by radiant (heat lamp) and convective (warmed liquid fluorocarbon) heat exchange. Dextrose (6 mg/kg/min) and bicarbonate (1 mEq/kg/hr) were continuously infused. Hemodynamic parameters during LV ranged from: heart rate = 146-202 b/min; mean arterial pressure = 40-80 mmHg; central venous pressure = 0.7-9.8 mm/Hg; O2 consumption = 1.38-11.8 ml/min/kg. Stable gas exchange was demonstrated with; PaO2 = 158-222 mmHg; PaCO2 = 34-38 mmHg; and pH = 7.28-7.39. The extrauterine model provides general accessibility of the preterm animal thus enabling the necessary instrumentation for comprehensive evaluation. Of further importance, the viability of preterm animals is extended to an earlier gestational age, thereby enlarging the scope of developmental research. (Supported by NIH Grant HL22843 and 5T32HL0741405)
Identification of cells at early and late stages of polarization during odontoblast differentiation using pOBCol3.6GFP and pOBCol2.3GFP transgenic mice

Transgenic mouse lines in which GFP expression is under the control of tissue- and stage specific promoters have provided powerful experimental tools for identification and isolation of cells at specific stage of differentiation along a lineage. In the present study, we used primary cell cultures derived from the dental pulp from pOBCol3.6GFP and pOBCol2.3GFP transgenic mice as a model to develop markers for early stages of odontoblast differentiation from progenitor cells. We analyzed the temporal and spatial expression of 2.3-GFP and 3.6-GFP during in vitro mineralization. Using FACS to separate cells based on GFP expression, we obtained relatively homogenous subpopulations of cells and analyzed their dentinogenic potentials and their progression into odontoblasts. Our observations showed that these transgenes were activated before the onset of matrix deposition and in cells at different stages of polarization. The 3.6-GFP transgene was activated in cells in early stages of polarization, whereas the 2.3-GFP transgene was activated at a later stage of polarization just before or at the time of formation of secretory odontoblast.
Epidemiology and outcomes of in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the United States, 2000-2009.

Abstract Aim To examine temporal trends in the epidemiology and outcomes of in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) recipients at a population level. Methods Retrospective analysis of temporal trends in CPR incidence, survival to discharge, discharge disposition, hospital length of stay, and cost of hospitalization for CPR recipients (age ≥18years) captured in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2000–2009) in the United States. Results Between years 2000 and 2009, CPR incidence increased by 33.7%, from 1 case per 453 to 1 case per 339 hospitalized patients (annual percentage increase: 4.3%, 95% CI: 3.4–5.2%, p p p p p p p =0.006) and decedents ($3159–$4212, p Conclusions The rate of in-hospital CPR in the U.S. increased, and CPR recipients have become younger and sicker over time. Survival to discharge has improved by 41.3%. Functional outcomes after in-hospital CPR appear to have worsened, with considerable clinical and economic implications.
Why your mates shouldn't date

The structural characteristics of an inter-individual interaction topology have a large impact on the flow of genetic information throughout an evolving population. In this study, we systematically investigate the relationship between clustering in the network of observed mating events and the evolutionary dynamics of a panmictic genetic algorithm. This is achieved through the introduction of a new selection mechanism, which allows for a tunable degree of clustering in the emergent mating topology.
Use of arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction to study Salmonella ecology in a turkey production environment

Turkeys, liners, waterers, litter, air, and feed weighbacks were sampled for Salmonella. Salmonella species S. simsbury, S. kentucky, S. montevideo, S. senftenberg, and S. ealing were identified at a rate of 54.9, 38.0, 2.8, 2.8, and 1.4% respectively. All isolates were subjected to Salmonella-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and were confirmed as Salmonella-positive by the predicted product, a 457-bp DNA fragment. Biofingerprint patterns of each isolate were generated using arbitrary primer sets, LG6+LG8 and LG6+LG9. These primer sets differentiated between Salmonella serotypes except for S. simsbury and S. senftenberg. No differences in fingerprint patterns were observed among farm isolates that were the same serotype. This similarity suggested that these isolates were from a common origin or that primer sets could not distinguish isolates at the subserotype level. Frequency of Salmonella isolation decreased from Week 10 to 18 of the growout period. Resistance of older birds to Salmonella colonization, due to a more mature gut microflora, may account for this observation. Results demonstrate that arbitrarily primed-PCR (AP-PCR) can effectively differentiate among serotypes except for S. simsbury and S. senftenberg; results regarding potential to differentiate at the subserotype level were inconclusive.
Renal and systemic acid-base effects of chronic dichloroacetate administration in dogs.

Dichloroacetate (DCA) increases metabolic disposal of lactic acid secondary to activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase and consequent acceleration of pyruvate oxidation. DCA has thus been proposed as a therapeutic agent for clinical states of lactic acidosis. Yet, DCA has a potential metabolic acidosis-producing effect by virtue of reported effects of (A) increasing blood ketoacid concentration, (B) decreasing tubular reabsorption of filtered ketoacid anions, and (C) decreasing renal NH3 production. In the present study chronic administration of DCA, 50 mg/kg p.o. daily for 6-8 days, resulted in a cumulative increase in renal net acid excretion (NAE) (sigma delta NAE, +61 meq, p < 0.05). The increase in NAE was accounted for entirely by increased NH4+ excretion. Production of ammonia by the kidney appeared to be increased since the increased excretion of NH4+ was accompanied by an increase in urine pH (delta UpH, +0.18 +/- 0.07, p < 0.05). The increase in NAE was accompanied by a nearly identical increase in urinary anion gap (UAG) (UAG = [NH4+ + Na+ + K+] - [Cl- + HCO3- + HPO4(2-) + H2PO4-]). The increase in UAG was caused by increased urinary total organic anions, accounted for at least in part by a significant increase in urinary acetoacetate. No significant increase in urinary potassium or sodium excretion occurred. A change in plasma acid-base composition occurred that was consistent with a mild respiratory acidosis without associated primary metabolic acidosis or alkalosis. These findings indicate that chronic DCA administration results in (1) increased steady state endogenous noncarbonic organic acid production, and (2) retention of carbonic acid. Further investigation of the potential metabolic and respiratory acidosis-producing effects of DCA is required to determine its clinical efficacy in the treatment of clinical lactic acidosis.
Chip-Scale Localized Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes on Copper Microstructures via Inductive Heating

Synthesis of carbon nanotubes has been successfully demonstrated by locally heating suspended ring-shaped copper microstructures on a silicon substrate using an inductive heating system. Silicon specimen with electrodeposited copper rings of varying geometries were placed at different locations along the induction coil axis, and synthesized CNTs were obtained only on the locally-heated microstructures with none found on the substrate. An analytical expression for the normalized, generated EMF was derived for the induction heater revealing a quadratic dependence of the EMF with ring radius, and a local maximum of the normalized EMF at an axial distance of 6.55mm from the coil center. These trends were supported using high resolution CCD imaging. The average diameters of the predominantly base-growth CNTs increased from 8.1nm to 9.5nm from the hottest location to a distance of 120mum from the hottest location along the microstructure. No CNTs were synthesized beyond 220mum from the hottest spot. IV data were obtained illustrating a CNT resistance of HOkO. Also, localized synthesis of CNTs occurred on silicon specimen with multiple ring-shaped microstructures. As a result, such a synthesis method could be used to locally heat microstructures at a wafer scale for parallel synthesis and integration of CNTs.
Anal high-risk human papillomavirus infection and high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia detected in women and heterosexual men infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Background Although anal high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection and anal cytological abnormalities are highly prevalent among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM), there are insufficient data on these abnormalities among HIV-infected heterosexual men (HSM) and women. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of anal HR-HPV, cytological abnormalities, and performance of these screening tests in detecting high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN2+) among our cohort of HIV-infected MSM and non-MSM (HSM and women).
AN ANALYSIS OF A CYCLONE ON A SMALL SYNOPTIC SCALE1

Abstract A fast-moving, rapidly-deepening cyclone is analyzed mainly by means of hourly airways sequence reports in the Atlantic coastal plain of the United States. Six-hourly rainfall maps are presented showing the concentration of heavy rain along the cyclone path, and the strongly convective character of the cyclonic precipitation. Gusty surface winds are found mainly in the warm sector during the early stages of the cyclone. The momentum of the surface gusts is derived from that of higher layers and comes down to the surface in bursts through the unstable warm air. Because the stability of the frontal zone prevents the downward transport of gust momentum, the surface winds in the cold air are much lighter than in the warm air. However, in places the front is penetrated by the gusts, and the resulting vertical mixing brings warm air to the surface causing an acceleration of the surface warm front. As the cyclone deepens, the gust velocities increase in the cold air in proportion to the increase of pres...
Variational Calculation of the Polarizability of an Electron Trapped by a Point Defect

A variational method is used to determine the polarizability of an electron trapped by a positive point defect in an ionic crystal. The model Hamiltonian describing the interaction between the point defect and an electron in an ionic crystal is related to the model introduced by Simpson to calculate the charge distribution and energy levels of trapped electrons in ionic crystals. However, in the problem considered here, an applied electric field is also present, and consequently a somewhat different model is proposed. The polarizabilities are calculated for both the new model and Simpson's original model, and the results are compared with the results of a theoretical calculation by Adamov, Ledovskaya, and Rebane of the polarizability of an $F$ center in alkali halide crystals. In atomic units, the polarizabilities obtained for the new model range from 227 for NaF to 4280 for LiI.
Adjuvant Radiation Therapy Improves Local Control After Surgical Resection in Patients With Localized Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Purpose Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy known for high rates of local recurrence, though the benefit of postoperative radiation therapy (RT) has not been established. In this study of grossly resected ACC, we compare local control of patients treated with surgery followed by adjuvant RT to a matched cohort treated with surgery alone. Methods and Materials We retrospectively identified patients with localized disease who underwent R0 or R1 resection followed by adjuvant RT. Only patients treated with RT at our institution were included. Matching to surgical controls was on the basis of stage, surgical margin status, tumor grade, and adjuvant mitotane. Results From 1991 to 2011, 360 ACC patients were evaluated for ACC at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI). Twenty patients with localized disease received postoperative adjuvant RT. These were matched to 20 controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to stage, margins, grade, or mitotane. Median RT dose was 55 Gy (range, 45-60 Gy). Median follow-up was 34 months. Local recurrence occurred in 1 patient treated with RT, compared with 12 patients not treated with RT (P=.0005; hazard ratio [HR] 12.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-97.88). However, recurrence-free survival was no different between the groups (P=.17; HR 1.52; 95% CI 0.67-3.45). Overall survival was also not significantly different (P=.13; HR 1.97; 95% CI 0.57-6.77), with 4 deaths in the RT group compared with 9 in the control group. Conclusions Postoperative RT significantly improved local control compared with the use of surgery alone in this case-matched cohort analysis of grossly resected ACC patients. Although this retrospective series represents the largest study to date on adjuvant RT for ACC, its findings need to be prospectively confirmed.
An estuarine benthic index of biotic integrity (B-IBI) for Chesapeake Bay

A multimetric benthic index of biotic integrity (B-IBI) was developed using data from five Chesapeake Bay sampling programs conducted between 1972 and 1991. Attributes of the index were selected by comparing the response of 17 candidate measures of benthic condition (metrics) between a set of minimally affected reference sites and at all other sites for which data were available. This procedure was conducted independently for each of seven habitats defined by salinity and substrate. Fifteen of the 17 candidate metrics differed significantly between reference sites and other sites for at least one habitat. No metric differed significantly in all seven habitats; however, four metrics, species diversity, abundance, biomass, and percent of abundance as pollution-indicative taxa, differed in six habitats. The index was calculated by scoring each selected metric as 5, 3, or 1 depending on whether its value at a site approximated, deviated slightly from, or deviated greatly from conditions at the best reference sites. Validation based on independent data collected between 1992 and 1994 indicated that the index correctly distinguished stressed sites from reference sites 93% of the time, with the highest validation rates occurring in high salinity habitats.
Loss of Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Insecticides from Soil Surface in the Field

Four chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides, namely, DDT, endrin, aldrin, and Shell Development Company SD-4402 (1,3,4,5,6,7,8,8-octahcloro-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methanophthalan) were applied to the surface of the soil in the field and exposed at least for sometime to relatively high surface temperatures. The rate of loss of activity owing to physical, chemical, and biological processes was measured by bioassay procedure against an eye gnat Hippelates collusor (Townsend) and larvae of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say. After 24 hours of exposure the biological activity of all materials except DDT as measured against eye gnats, had decreased considerably. Approximately 50% of endrin was lost after a 24-hour exposure period as determined by both bioassay methods. The loss of DDT during the same period was about 10%. The overall loss of DDT determined by the gnat bioassay was greater than that obtained by the mosquito larvae bioassay. Greater loss of activity was recorded for Compound SD-4402 by both the mosquito and gnat bioassay procedure than for aldrin. The loss of activity of aldrin and DDT measured by mosquito bioassay method was lower than that measured by the eye-gnat bioassay method for each material. A partial explanation of this phenomenon is offered.
Host plant volatiles synergize responses of sex pheromone-specific olfactory receptor neurons in male Helicoverpa zea

Single-cell electrophysiological recordings were obtained from olfactory receptor neurons in antennal trichoid sensilla of male corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea. Spontaneous activity of the neuron specific for the major component (Z)-11-hexadecenal, the conspecific female-emitted sex pheromone, was not affected by exposure to host plant volatiles. However, stimulations with binary mixtures of a threshold dosage of the pheromone component and increasing dosages of either linalool or (Z)-3-hexenol significantly synergized the pheromone-specific neuron's firing rates compared with responses to the major pheromone component alone. Cross-adaptation studies confirmed that the enhanced impulses originated from the pheromone-component-tuned neuron. Because plant volatiles do not stimulate the pheromone-specific neuron when presented alone, the pheromone plus host odor blend would be interpreted as containing more pheromone than it actually does when processed by the pheromone-processing portion of the antennal lobe.
The problem of stability in queueing theory

The stability problem in queueing theory is concerned with the continuity of the mappingF from the setU of the input flows into the setV of the output flows. First, using the theory of probability metrics we estimate the modulus ofF-continuity providing thatU andV have structures of metric spaces. Then we evaluate the error terms in the approximation of the input flows by simpler ones assuming that we have observed some functionals of the empirical input flows distributions.
The Inflammation Hypothesis and Its Potential Relevance to Statin Therapy

Inflammatory cytokines have a central role in atherogenesis and plaque rupture. These mediators, including tumor necrosis factor, interleukins, and matrix metalloproteinases and transforming growth factor-β are also prominent in other chronic progressive diseases characterized by cell apoptosis and tissue fibrosis. This review extends the inflammation hypothesis to critical analysis of studies to bearing on the role of inflammation in chronic conditions that commonly accompany coronary disease. Because statins inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators, the review then analyzes the laboratory and clinical data that may justify trials of statins in nonatherosclerotic disease. In conclusion, despite far different clinical presentations, chronic progressive diseases characterized by apoptosis and fibrosis have persistence of inflammatory cytokines as a final common pathway, and thus may benefit from the pleiotropic effects of statin therapy.
Pose estimation for camera calibration and landmark tracking

An algorithm is proposed for pose estimation based on the volume measurement of tetrahedra composed of feature-point triplets extracted from an arbitrary quadrangular target and the lens center of the vision system. Using a pinhole model (lens distortion is taken into account separately) and a quadrangular target, for which only the six distance measurements between all pairs of feature points are known, the complete pose is determined using an all-geometric closed-form solution for the six parameters of the pose (three translation components and three rotation components). This method has been tested using synthetic and real data and shown to be efficient, accurate, and robust. Its speed, in particular, makes it a potential candidate for real-time robotic tasks. >
Phase II study of fixed dose rate gemcitabine with cisplatin for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Purpose Although gemcitabine remains the standard of care for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, additional improvements may be realized by combining therapeutic agents with synergistic activity, and optimizing drug delivery using pharmacokinetic principles such as fixed dose rate (FDR) infusion. The objectives of this study were to determine safety and efficacy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with FDR gemcitabine in combination with low-dose cisplatin. Patients and Methods Chemotherapy-naive patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma were treated with a combination of gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 at 10 mg/m2/min together with cisplatin 20 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Patient follow-up was performed using computerized tomographic scans and serial CA 19-9 measurements. Results A total of 51 patients were enrolled onto the study, with a median follow-up time of 215 days. Twenty-two of 40 patients (55.0%) with a baseline serum CA 19-9 level ≥ 2× the upper limit of ...
Health status and health care utilization.

In each issue of Health Affairs the trends of a significant quarter of the health sphere are tracked. The schedule is Fall: National Medical Care Spending; Winter: Trends in Health Manpower; Spring...
Peripheral-Conscious Scheduling on Energy Minimization for Weakly Hard Real-time Systems

In this paper, we present a dynamic scheduling algorithm to minimize the energy consumption by both the DVS processor and peripheral devices in a weakly hard real-time system. In our approach, we first use a new static approach to partition real-time jobs into mandatory and optional part to meet the weakly hard real-time constraints. We then adopt an on-line approach that can effectively exploit the run-time variations and reduce the preemption impacts to leverage the energy saving performance. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate that our approach can effectively reduce the system-wide energy consumption while guaranteeing the weakly hard constraints
New directions in information history

Recent decades have seen an upsurge in scholarly activity in the history of information science. It has emerged as a field of study distinct from library history and from the history of computing. This panel explores the relevance of other historical approaches and the potential for information history to reach other audiences. Haigh sets the context for the session with a look at the evolution of information history and an examination of the challenges and rewards of reframing work in the area to address different questions. Bowker pushes back the scope of information history beyond its conventional focus on the events of the past century or so, and explores the social and organizational dimensions of this work. His central thesis is that information seeking has most often been a collaborative activity occurring in specific social and cultural settings. Downey examines past, present, and future connections between the history of communication and the history of information, in terms of both research literature and classroom practices. Finally, Aspray concludes the presentations with a look at the use of history in the study of information-seeking behavior and of information in everyday life. Presentations will be kept short to leave plenty of time for interaction between the panelists and with other attendees. (Chair) Robert Williams, University of South Carolina Thomas Haigh, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, “Challenges and Opportunities in Information History” Greg Downey, University of Wisconsin, Madison, “Information history meets communication history.” Geoffrey Bowker, Santa Clara University, “‘Did that really happen?’ The search for the useful fact from the Enlightenment to the present” William Aspray, University of Texas, Austin, “The Use of History in Studying Information-Seeking Behavior in Everyday American Life “
Transcription factors that regulate growth and differentiation of myeloid cells.

Recently much progress has been made in our understanding of how myeloid progenitor cells undergo commitment and become mature granulocytes or monocytes/macrophages. Studies of normal and leukemic myeloid cells as well as those of cells derived from mice with targeted disruption showed that a series of transcription factors play a major role in both commitment and maturation of myeloid cells. This is primarily because these transcription factors direct an ordered pattern of gene expression according to a well-defined developmental program.PU.l, an Ets family member, is one of the master transcription factors identified to regulate development of both granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages. Further, C/EBPα and C/EBPϵ of the bZip family have important roles in directing granulocytic maturation. A number of additional transcription factors such as AMLI, RARα, MZF-l, Hox and STAT families of transcription factors, Egr-l and c-myb etc are shown to play roles in myeloid cell differentiation. Our laboratory has ...
Practical nearest neighbor search in the plane

This paper shows that using some very simple practical assumptions, one can design an algorithm that finds the nearest neighbor of a given query point in $\mathcal{O}(\log n)$ time in theory and faster than the state of the art in practice. The algorithm and proof are both simple and the experimental results clearly show that we can beat the state of the art on most distributions in two dimensions.
Dose‐Finding Based on Efficacy–Toxicity Trade‐Offs

We present an adaptive Bayesian method for dose-finding in phase I/II clinical trials based on trade-offs between the probabilities of treatment efficacy and toxicity. The method accommodates either trinary or bivariate binary outcomes, as well as efficacy probabilities that possibly are nonmonotone in dose. Doses are selected for successive patient cohorts based on a set of efficacy-toxicity trade-off contours that partition the two-dimensional outcome probability domain. Priors are established by solving for hyperparameters that optimize the fit of the model to elicited mean outcome probabilities. For trinary outcomes, the new algorithm is compared to the method of Thall and Russell (1998, Biometrics 54, 251-264) by application to a trial of rapid treatment for ischemic stroke. The bivariate binary outcome case is illustrated by a trial of graft-versus-host disease treatment in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Computer simulations show that, under a wide rage of dose-outcome scenarios, the new method has high probabilities of making correct decisions and treats most patients at doses with desirable efficacy-toxicity trade-offs.
Design of Street Curb Opening Inlets using a Decay-Based Clogging Factor

The current design procedure for sizing a single-unit curb opening inlet has been expanded to multiple-unit inlet designs. The decay function derived in this study can consistently convert a single-unit clogging factor to its multiple-unit clogging factor. The design procedure is then revised to apply the clogging factor to the length of on-grade inlets or to the opening area of sump inlets. The revised equation provides a consistent basis for comparison among various inlet sizes on continuous grade or in sump.
Hybrid genera in Liatrinae (Asteraceae: Eupatorieae)

Liatrinae is a small subtribe of Eupatorieae that occurs in North America with a center of generic-level diversity in the southeastern United States. Molecular phylogenetic data were sought to assess whether two monotypic genera, Garberia and Hartwrightia, are accurately placed in the subtribe, and to resolve questions of the generic-level classification of Carphephorus. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ITS/ETS and plastid DNA data indicated that Garberia is the basalmost diverging lineage, and that Hartwrightia is phylogenetically embedded in the subtribe. There was significant incongruence between the ITS/ETS and plastid DNA datasets in the placement of Hartwrightia and another monotypic genus, Litrisa, suggesting that both are of original hybrid origin. The results also showed that Carphephorus s.l. is not monophyletic, and even after removal of the two species of Trilisa, it is still paraphyletic to Liatris. The apparent hybrid origin of Hartwrightia, which is morphologically transgressive relative to its inferred parental lineages, suggests that reticulation between phylogenetically distinct lineages may be a recurrent problem for phylogenetic estimation in Asteraceae.
Recognition of Individuals Within and Between Groups of Free-Ranging Vervet Monkeys1

SYNOPSIS. The ability of animals to recognize and classify others reflects the selective pressures acting on individuals within a particular social framework. Data on recognition therefore allow us to consider social structure from the animal's point of view. Here we review data on recognition within groups of free-ranging vervet monkeys, and present evidence of recognition across groups. Within groups, experiments suggest that animals may proceed beyond simple discriminations of kin and non-kin to create a taxonomy in which group members are both distinguished as individuals and grouped into higher order units, apparently on the basis of matrilineal kinship. Across groups, observation indicates that male transfer is non-random, and that the exchange of males between groups is correlated with reduced aggression. Playback experiments demonstrate that monkeys associate the vocalizations of particular individuals with particular groups. We conclude that the social organization of vervet monkeys is best regarded as a “community” of groups, within which individuals recognize each other and share a high degree of genetic relatedness despite the maintenance of otherwise discrete social units.
An ultrasound based method for measuring multiple velocity components in opaque macro and micro flows

We report here on the development of an ultrasound-based particle image velocimetry (PIV) system for measurement of multiple velocity components in opaque flows. The method takes advantage of the non-linear backscatter characteristics of small (1-5 /spl mu/) gas-filled microbubbles used as markers of flow trajectories. PIV algorithms, modified for use with ultrasound data, are applied to calculate the local velocity vector. Preliminary data from in vitro and in vivo studies are presented. The method should be useful for a variety of fluid diagnostics applications where optical access (as is required for conventional PIV techniques) is not available. This includes biomedical imaging and MEMS micro-fluidic applications.
Solar and Greenhouse Gas Forcing and Climate Response in the Twentieth Century

Ensemble experiments with a global coupled climate model are performed for the twentieth century with time-evolving solar, greenhouse gas, sulfate aerosol (direct effect), and ozone (tropospheric and stratospheric) forcing. Observed global warming in the twentieth century occurred in two periods, one in the early twentieth century from about the early 1900s to the 1940s, and one later in the century from, roughly, the late 1960s to the end of the century. The model’s response requires the combination of solar and anthropogenic forcing to approximate the early twentieth-century warming, while the radiative forcing from increasing greenhouse gases is dominant for the response in the late twentieth century, confirming previous studies. Of particular interest here is the model’s amplification of solar forcing when this acts in combination with anthropogenic forcing. This difference is traced to the fact that solar forcing is more spatially heterogeneous (i.e., acting most strongly in areas where sunlight reaches the surface) while greenhouse gas forcing is more spatially uniform. Consequently, solar forcing is subject to coupled regional feedbacks involving the combination of temperature gradients, circulation regimes, and clouds. The magnitude of these feedbacks depends on the climate’s base state. Over relatively cloud-free oceanic regions in the subtropics, the enhanced solar forcing produces greater evaporation. More moisture then converges into the precipitation convergence zones, intensifying the regional monsoon and Hadley and Walker circulations, causing cloud reductions over the subtropical ocean regions, and, hence, more solar input. An additional response to solar forcing in northern summer is an enhancement of the meridional temperature gradients due to greater solar forcing over land regions that contribute to stronger West African and South Asian monsoons. Since the greenhouse gases are more spatially uniform, such regional circulation feedbacks are not as strong. These regional responses are most evident when the solar forcing occurs in concert with increased greenhouse gas forcing. The net effect of enhanced solar forcing in the early twentieth century is to produce larger solar-induced increases of tropical precipitation when calculated as a residual than for early century solar-only forcing, even though the size of the imposed solar forcing is the same. As a consequence, overall precipitation increases in the early twentieth century in the Asian monsoon regions are greater than late century increases, qualitatively consistent with observed trends in all-India rainfall. Similar effects occur in West Africa, the tropical Pacific, and the Southern Ocean tropical convergence zones.
Dynapenia and Aging: An Update

In 2008, we published an article arguing that the age-related loss of muscle strength is only partially explained by the reduction in muscle mass and that other physiologic factors explain muscle weakness in older adults (Clark BC, Manini TM. Sarcopenia =/= dynapenia. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2008;63:829-834). Accordingly, we proposed that these events (strength and mass loss) be defined independently, leaving the term "sarcopenia" to be used in its original context to describe the age-related loss of muscle mass. We subsequently coined the term "dynapenia" to describe the age-related loss of muscle strength and power. This article will give an update on both the biological and clinical literature on dynapenia-serving to best synthesize this translational topic. Additionally, we propose a working decision algorithm for defining dynapenia. This algorithm is specific to screening for and defining dynapenia using age, presence or absence of risk factors, a grip strength screening, and if warranted a test for knee extension strength. A definition for a single risk factor such as dynapenia will provide information in building a risk profile for the complex etiology of physical disability. As such, this approach mimics the development of risk profiles for cardiovascular disease that include such factors as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, hyperglycemia, etc. Because of a lack of data, the working decision algorithm remains to be fully developed and evaluated. However, these efforts are expected to provide a specific understanding of the role that dynapenia plays in the loss of physical function and increased risk for disability among older adults.
Pairwise Comparison Dynamics and Evolutionary Foundations for Nash Equilibrium

We introduce a class of evolutionary game dynamics — pairwise comparison dynamics — under which revising agents choose a candidate strategy at random, switching to it with positive probability if and only if its payoff is higher than the agent’s current strategy. We prove that all such dynamics satisfy Nash stationarity: the set of rest points of these dynamics is always identical to the set of Nash equilibria of the underlying game. We also show how one can modify the replicator dynamic and other imitative dynamics to ensure Nash stationarity without increasing the informational demands placed on the agents. These results provide an interpretation of Nash equilibrium that relies on large numbers arguments and weak requirements on payoff observations rather than on strong equilibrium knowledge assumptions.