cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract A66: Apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA repair, immune, and metabolism pathway SNPs modify bladder cancer risk, recurrence, and survival

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in U.S. men. Current treatments for non-invasive bladder tumors often appear initially effective, yet the rates of recurrent disease are high. Clinically useful predictors of the recurrent bladder cancer phenotype have not yet been identified. Major biological processes involved in bladder carcinogenesis include apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA repair, immune surveillance, and xenobiotic metabolism. We hypothesized that genetic variation in genes involved in each of these pathways may modify bladder cancer susceptibility and prognosis. Methods: To examine the independent and interacting effects, we analyzed variant genotypes hypothesized to modify these processes in 818 transitional cell carcinoma cases and 1167 controls enrolled in a case – control study of incident bladder cancer conducted in New Hampshire, U.S.A. Cases were followed over time to ascertain recurrence and survival status. We evaluated gene–gene interactions using Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (MDR). Results: In the metabolism pathway, the variant form of the metabolism gene HSD3B2 was associated with increased risk (adjusted OR 1.85 95%CI 1.31–2.62) and ALDH2 variants had shorter time to first bladder cancer recurrence (adjusted HR non-invasive 1.94 95%CI 1.32–2.84). We observed longer survival among bladder cancer cases with non-invasive tumors associated with DNA repair XRCC4 heterozygous genotype compared with wildtype (adjusted HR 0.53 95%CI 0.38–0.74) and for invasive cases for immune pathway GATA3 heterozygotes (adjusted HR 0.11 95%CI 0.03–0.39). Conclusions: Our analysis suggests candidate SNPs for further clinical evaluation as prognostic markers and may lead to more personalized bladder cancer surveillance guidelines. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):A66.
Erratum to: The Stabilizing Effect of Moisture on the Solid-State Degradation of Gabapentin

Erratum to: AAPS PharmSciTech DOI 10.1208/s12249-011-9652-8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are grateful to the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology and Education (NIPTE) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for providing funds for this research. This study was funded by the FDA-sponsored contract “Development of Quality by Design (QbD) Guidance Elements on Design Specifications across Scales with Stability Considerations” (contract number HHSF223200819929C).
Postoperative coronary artery spasm after mitral valve replacement

Introduction Postoperative coronary artery spasm is an infrequent life-threatening event after cardiac surgery which can occur without an underlying coronary disease
The kineticist's workbench: Qualitative/quantitative simulation of chemical reaction mechanisms

Abstract The Kineticist's Workbench is a program combining symbolic and numerical techniques, and intended to assist chemists in simulating, understanding, and analyzing chemical reaction mechanisms. This paper describes the three major modules that currently comprise the Workbench: a numerical simulation module; a graphical analysis module that uses mechanism structure to make predictions about behavior; and a qualitative analysis module that interprets the numerical results of simulation and produces qualitative descriptions of those results.
The Ross Operation in Children: Effects of Aortic Annuloplasty

Background Autograft dilatation and progressive neoaortic regurgitation after the Ross procedure prompted us to perform routine aortic annuloplasty. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the success of this technical modification in preventing autograft failure requiring reoperation. Methods From 1994 to 2005, 46 children and young adults with a mean age of 12.9 ± 4.9 years (range, 14 months to 21 years) underwent a Ross procedure; 19 of 46 patients had prior aortic valve surgery. Neoaortic valve function and need for reintervention were compared between patients who had a Ross procedure without annuloplasty (n = 20) and those who had an annular reduction prior to the autograft anastomosis (n = 26). Results There were no early or late deaths during a mean follow-up of 65 ± 36 months. Mean hospital stay was 6.6 ± 2.9 days. Two patients required early intervention (eight days) for significant neoaortic regurgitation; one patient required repair of a left ventricular outflow tract pseudoaneurysm a month after emergent Ross procedure for endocarditis, and one patient required replacement of a stenotic homograft at five years. Five patients (13%) required autograft repair (n = 3) or replacement (n = 2) for progressive neoaortic regurgitation, two of the 26 patients had reduction annuloplasty (8%), and three of the 20 patients did not (15%) ( p = 0.6). There was a similar incidence of neo-sinus of Valsalva dilatation 37 mm or greater in patients with (53%) and without (36%) annuloplasty ( p = 0.5). Conclusions The Ross procedure remains an excellent option for valve replacement in children and young adults given the alternatives and can be performed with very low mortality. However, in this series of Ross operations in children, routine use of aortic annuloplasty failed to prevent neoaortic regurgitation requiring reoperation.
Habitat selection as a source of biological diversity

Question: What are the conditions required for natural selection to produce phenotypes specially adapted to the various habitats available in nature?
Laser fluorescence spectroscopy of 2B1 (K > 0) vibronic states of NO2

Abstract The low-pressure fluorescence spectrum of NO2 excited by the narrow (0.5 GHz) HeCd laser transition at 441.6 nm is found to be quite complex, indicating a rather high density of transitions to final states at this energy. Seven fluorescing states exhibiting perpendicular selection rules have been assigned to 2B1 (K > 0) vibronic states of NO2. From the presence of final states with v3″ = 2, a considerable amount of 2A2 electronic state character is attributed to at least some of these states.
Syndromic incidence of ovarian cancer after liver transplantation: Is breast cancer an antecedent risk?

Ovarian cancer is the gynecologic malignancy with the highest number of deaths in the United States. Previous studies had found a decreased incidence of female gynecological malignancies after liver transplantation. In order to estimate the incidence of ovarian carcinoma after liver transplantation, we evaluated 1,708 consecutive liver transplant recipients from 1984 to 2001. Of them, 770 (43%) were female. Routine follow-ups were performed at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years after transplantation. There were two cases of ovarian carcinoma. Both occurred in recipients with a previous history of breast cancer. Based on these data, we conclude that the incidence of ovarian cancer is 1:385 among all female liver transplant recipients, and 1:6.5 among those with a history of pretransplant breast cancer. We recommend that regular checkups be undertaken, especially in the population at highest risk. (Dig Dis and Sci 2003;48:187–189.)
Debt and the developing countries: A note on optimal international borrowing

This note re‐examines the economic model of optimal international borrowing for LDCs proposed by Gemmell [1988]. Pursuing a rigorous methodology, this note derives alternative optimal debt functions, and discusses the sufficient conditions under which the optimal debt level is positive. Interesting implications of the analysis in this note, inter alia, rest in identifying the appropriate role of social inter‐temporal consumption preferences in a more realistic setting, and in perceiving, unambiguously, the tendency of ‘overborrowing’ by LDCs that only service their debts over long periods.
Obstructive sleep apnea as a risk factor after shoulder arthroplasty

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been identified as an important risk factor in perioperative orthopaedic surgery outcomes despite limited evidence. Screening systems are being instituted in increasing frequency to prevent morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to determine if patients with OSA have a higher likelihood of postoperative in-hospital complications, length of stay, or increased costs after shoulder arthroplasty. Methods We utilized the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) to analyze 22988 patients undergoing TSA or hemiarthroplasty. Of these patients, 1983 (5.9%) were diagnosed with OSA. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression modeling was used to compare patients with and without OSA for various outcomes. Results Patients with obstructive sleep apnea had overall similar in-hospital mortality and complications including PE compared with those without OSA. OSA was not associated with increased postoperative charges ($39,741 in patients with OSA vs $39,334 in those without OSA) and resulted in a shorter length of stay (mean, 2.61 vs 2.91 days; P < .0001). Conclusion This study does not support OSA as a significant risk factor for in-hospital morbidity and mortality following shoulder arthroplasty. Our results suggest that a diagnosis of OSA does not increase perioperative morbidity and mortality including perioperative complications. Given the results of this study, further research is warranted to attempt to keep patient screening costs down while optimizing outcomes.
Evidence for DNA charge transport in the nucleus.

Oxidative damage to DNA bases in isolated HeLa nuclei occurs upon treatment with rhodium intercalators and photoactivation. Oxidation occurs preferentially at the 5‘-guanine of 5‘-GG-3‘ sites, indicative of base damage by DNA-mediated charge transfer chemistry. Moreover, oxidative damage occurs at protein-bound sites which are inaccessible to rhodium. Thus, on transcriptionally active DNA within the cell nucleus, DNA-mediated charge transport leads to base damage from a distance, and direct interaction of an oxidant is not necessary to generate a base lesion at a specific site. These observations require consideration in designing new chemotherapeutics and in understanding cellular mechanisms for DNA damage and repair.
A Statistical Analysis of Sequence Features within Genes from Neurospora crassa

Abstract Edelmann, S. E., and Staben, C. 1994. A statistical analysis of features within genes from Neurospora crassa. Experimental Mycology 18, 70-81. We analyzed gene sequences from Neurospora crassa deposited in GenBank or EMBL for GC content, codon usage, intron prevalence, intron length, exon length, translation initiation sites, and mRNA splice sites. Protein coding regions were 59% GC, and noncoding regions were 49% GC. Codon usage was biased, primarily due to a strong preference for C in the final position of the codons. Over 80% of N. crassa protein coding genes had introns, which are typically 60 nucleotides long. Exons varied greatly in length, but were typically much longer than introns. The distribution of nucleotides surrounding translation initiation and intron splice sites was clearly nonrandom. We derived a consensus translation initiation site of CAMMATGGCT, a 5′-intron donor site of G^GTAAGTnnYCnYY, an internal branchpoint of WRCTRACMnnnnnnYY, and a 3′-acceptor site of WACAG^.
The Carotenoids of Muskmelons

SUMMARY The carotenoid mixture of orange-fleshed muskmelons consisted predominantly of β-carotene. γ-Carotene was the next most abundant constituent. Small amounts of phytoene, phytofluene, α-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, luteoxanthins, and apparently neoxanthin were found. Monols and monoepoxide dials were found in small amounts, and a fraction, perhaps monoepoxide monols, in very small amount. In the ripening of the fruit there is a considerable buildup of p-carotene, and to a lesser extent of β-carotene.
Learning motor sequences with and without knowledge of governing rules.

Objective. To investigate the behavioral and neural effects of rule-based knowledge on motor sequence learning. Methods. The authors developed a novel 2-dimensional variant of the serial reaction t...
Data on and methodology for calculating space shuttle programme costs

Abstract This report presents data on the annual and total costs of NASA's Space Shuttle programme through fiscal year (FY) 1993. The total cost of the programme through FY 1993 is found to be $83.7 billion in 1992 dollars. This information has significance for pending policy decisions on the future of the Shuttle programme, its possible successors, and interrelated programmes, such as the Space Station.
Corticosteroids regulate 5-HT1A but not 5-HT1B receptor mRNA in rat hippocampus

The role of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors (MR and GR, respectively) in the regulation of serotonin receptors has not been clearly delineated. There is no consensus regarding the regulation of 5-HT1A receptors, and corticosteroid regulation of 5-HT1B mRNA has not been previously studied. We compared the effects of long-term (two week) adrenalectomy (no MR or GR activation) and several hormone replacement protocols designed to stimulate MR selectively (ALDO), MR and GR (HCT), and continuous MR with cyclical GR activation (SHAM adrenalectomy). 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B mRNAs were measured by in situ hybridization in hippocampus and raphe nuclei. None of the experimental manipulations altered 5-HT1B mRNA levels in the hippocampus or dorsal raphe, and also had no effect on 5-HT1A mRNA in dorsal or median raphe. However, 5-HT1A mRNA levels were regulated in a complex manner in the different subfields of hippocampus. We conclude that both MR and GR play an integrated role in regulating 5-HT1A mRNA levels in hippocampus while having no effect on 5-HT1B mRNA levels under these conditions.
Cycle extendability in graphs and digraphs

Abstract In 1990, Hendry conjectured that all chordal Hamiltonian graphs are cycle extendable, that is, the vertices of each non-Hamiltonian cycle are contained in a cycle of length one greater. Let A be a symmetric (0,1)-matrix with zero main diagonal such that A is the adjacency matrix of a chordal Hamiltonian graph. Hendry’s conjecture in this case is that every k × k principle submatrix of A that dominates a full cycle permutation k × k matrix is a principle submatrix of a ( k + 1 ) × ( k + 1 ) principle submatrix of A that dominates a ( k + 1 ) × ( k + 1 ) full cycle permutation matrix. This article generalizes the concept of cycle-extendability to S - extendable ; that is, with S ⊆ { 1 , 2 , … , n } and G a graph on n vertices, G is S -extendable if the vertices of every non-Hamiltonian cycle are contained in a cycle length i greater, where i ∈ S . We investigate this concept in directed graphs and in particular tournaments, i.e., anti-symmetric matrices with zero main diagonal.
Helminths and the IBD hygiene hypothesis

Helminths are parasitic animals that have evolved over 100,000,000 years to live in the intestinal track or other locations of their hosts. Colonization of humans with these organisms was nearly universal until the early 20th century. More than 1,000,000,000 people in less developed countries carry helminths even today. Helminths must quell their host's immune system to successfully colonize. It is likely that helminths sense hostile changes in the local host environment and take action to control such responses. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) probably results from an inappropriately vigorous immune response to contents of the intestinal lumen. Environmental factors strongly affect the risk for IBD. People living in less developed countries are protected from IBD. The “IBD hygiene hypothesis” states that raising children in extremely hygienic environments negatively affects immune development, which predisposes them to immunological diseases like IBD later in life. Modern day absence of exposure to intestinal helminths appears to be an important environmental factor contributing to development of these illnesses. Helminths interact with both host innate and adoptive immunity to stimulate immune regulatory circuitry and to dampen effector pathways that drive aberrant inflammation. The first prototype worm therapies directed against immunological diseases are now under study in the United States and various countries around the world. Additional studies are in the advanced planning stage. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008)
Seasonal and spatial trends in primary and secondary organic carbon concentrations in southeast Texas

Abstract Seasonal and spatial trends in organic carbon (OC) concentrations in fine particulate matter (PM) were examined using data collected through the regulatory fine PM monitoring network in southeast Texas, and data collected during the Gulf Coast Aerosol Research and Characterization Study (GC-ARCH or Houston Supersite). Primary OC concentrations in the aerosol were estimated by establishing a linear relationship between primary OC and elemental carbon (EC) from 24-hour integrated samples. The relationship between primary OC and EC varied by site and season. Secondary OC (SOC) was estimated as the difference between total OC and primary OC and was found to be between 0.65±1.11 and 1.15±1.52 μg m−3 among sites (mass of carbon only), averaged over 2 years. The mean fraction of SOC in PM2.5 was found to be between 0.05±0.06 and 0.10±0.33. Primary OC concentrations were on average higher than SOC concentrations at all locations, and were between 1.50±0.69 and 2.89±1.03 μg m−3 (mass of carbon only). Both primary and SOC have highest monthly mean concentrations in early fall through late winter throughout the region. Spatially, sites that are closer to urban emissions have, on average, higher primary and SOC concentrations. One exception to this trend is a remote site located in a forested area north of Houston, where primary and SOC tend to be as high as at urban/industrial locations.
Towards efficient execution of irregular applications: panel outline

This panel seeks to discuss the current challenges for the efficient execution of irregular applications and to propose directions for the development of next generation systems.
Distinct Role of Kruppel-like Factor 11 in the Regulation of Prostaglandin E2 Biosynthesis

Kruppel-like factor (KLF) proteins are emerging as key regulators of lipid metabolism, diabetes, and the biosynthesis of immunological cytokines. However, their role in the synthesis of prostaglandins, widely known biochemical mediators that act in a myriad of cell biological processes remain poorly understood. Consequently, in this study a comprehensive investigation at the cellular, biochemical, and molecular levels reveal that KLF11 inhibits prostaglandin E2 synthesis via transcriptional silencing of the promoter of its biosynthetic enzyme, cytosolic phospholipase A2α. Mechanistically, KLF11 accomplishes this function by binding to the promoter via specific GC-rich sites and recruiting the Sin3-histone deacetylase chromatin remodeling complex. Further functional characterization reveals that this function of KLF11 can be reversed by epidermal growth factor receptor-AKT-mediated post-translational modification of threonine 56, a residue within its Sin3-binding domain. This is the first evidence supporting a relevant role for any KLF protein in doing both: transcriptionally inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis and its reversibility by an epidermal growth factor receptor-AKT signaling-mediated posttranslational mechanisms.
Market Structure and Uncertainty in Oil and Gas Exploration

The occurrence of oil and gas, 544. — Steps in the exploratory process, 545. — Industry concentration, 546. — The success ratio, 550. — Risk, 554. — Access and risk preference, 556. — Uncertainty and information, 559. — The flow of information, 565. — The oil deal, 566. — Entry, 569.
Hydroxylated Polychlorinated Biphenyls Selectively Bind Transthyretin in Blood and Inhibit Amyloidogenesis: Rationalizing Rodent PCB Toxicity

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PCBs) are known to bind to transthyretin (TTR) in vitro, possibly explaining their bioaccumulation, rodent toxicity, and presumed human toxicity. Herein, we show that several OH-PCBs bind selectively to TTR in blood plasma; however, only one of the PCBs tested binds TTR in plasma. Some of the OH-PCBs displace thyroid hormone (T4) from TTR, rationalizing the toxicity observed in rodents, where TTR is the major T4 transporter. Thyroid binding globulin and albumin are the major T4 carriers in humans, making it unlikely that enough T4 could be displaced from TTR to be toxic. OH-PCBs are excellent TTR amyloidogenesis inhibitors in vitro because they bind to the TTR tetramer, imparting kinetic stability under amyloidogenic denaturing conditions. Four OH-PCB/TTR cocrystal structures provide further insight into inhibitor binding interactions.
Risk factors for recurrent shoulder dystocia, Washington state, 1987-2004.

Objective The objective of the study was to identify recurrent shoulder dystocia risk factors. Study Design This was a population-based case-control study in Washington state (1987-2004). Primary and recurrent shoulder dystocia incidences were calculated. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for subsequent shoulder dystocia risk factors. Results Primary and recurrent shoulder dystocia annual incidences were 2.3 of 100 and 13.5 of 100. Of 26,208 women with shoulder dystocia deliveries, 8991 had subsequent vaginal births, and of those, 1060 (11.8%) had a recurrent shoulder dystocia. Index pregnancy birthweight was associated with an increased risk of subsequent shoulder dystocia: 3500-3999 g, aOR 1.8 (95% CI 1.5 to 2.3); 4000-4499 g, aOR 3.3 (95% CI 2.6 to 4.1); 4500-4999 g, aOR 3.1 (95% CI 2.3 to 4.3); and 5000 g or greater, aOR 3.8 (95% CI 2.0 to 7.3). Vacuum delivery, aOR 1.4 (95% CI 1.2 to 1.7), and severe shoulder dystocia, aOR 2.1 (95% CI 1.6 to 2.7) in the index delivery, were also significant. Conclusion Birthweight of 3500 g or greater, vacuum delivery, or severe shoulder dystocia in the index delivery were independent risk factors for shoulder dystocia recurrence.
The networks of the Internet: an analysis of provider networks in the USA

Abstract The Internet is comprised of a large number of private and public networks, which function as autonomous systems within the overall network. The network structure of an individual network, which may have grown by acquisition, has an impact on its efficiency. Using graph theory, this paper examines the network structure of ten “backbone” provider networks in the USA. The networks exhibit very different structures, which affect both the competitive positions of the firms as providers of Internet service to their customers and the nature of integration of other networks.
Mechanical deformation induces proliferation of human colorectal carcinoma cells

The cell biology of intravascular tumor cells is clinically important but the many important variables of this environment have proved difficult to model. We studied the effects of repetitive mechanical deformation, a phenomenon affecting all intravascular cells, on human colon cancer cell line HCT 116 in vitro. Cell proliferation, assessed by [3H]-thymidine incorporation and cell count, increased by about 30% at two days in cells subjected to deformation at 30 cycles/min as compared to controls; levels of the nuclear proliferation antigen detected by monoclonal antibody MIB-1 were also increased. Deformation increased transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene expression sevenfold at two days, but mannose-6-phosphate did not affect cell proliferation, indicating that endogenous TGF-beta is not involved in the proliferative response. HCT 116 cells lack TGF-beta type II receptors, but stable transfection of TGF-beta type II receptor cDNA did not alter the cellular response to mechanical deformation, as assessed by cell proliferation, morphology, or gene expression. Mechanical deformation affects several important aspects of HCT 116 cell biology, suggesting that the intravascular environment may regulate tumor cell biology in general. Endogenous TGF-beta and TGF-beta receptor-mediated signaling are not responsible for the deformation-induced proliferative response in HCT 116.
Testing hypothesized predictors of change in conjoint behavioral alcoholism treatment for men.

Background: The model on which alcohol-related Behavioral Couples Therapy (ABCT) is based posits three primary domains related to alcohol consumption: individual factors, the quality and nature of the spouse's response to alcohol-related situations, and the nature and quality of the couple's marital interactions. Methods: This study tested the model underlying ABCT in a sample of 68 male alcoholics and their partners, who completed at least five sessions of a 15-session outpatient treatment study in which they received ABCT. Couples were assessed at baseline, during treatment, and for 6 months after treatment completion. Stepwise multiple regression was used to test specific predictors derived from the ABCT model. Results: Some support was provided for each component of the ABCT model. Individual drinker variables predicted drinking outcomes, both during and after treatment. Specifically, greater drinking severity and drinking frequency at baseline predicted poorer drinking outcomes. Older client age and more education predicted less frequent but more intense drinking. Spouse coping was related primarily to measures of drinking intensity, rather than drinking frequency. Less intense drinking during treatment was predicted by greater spousal use of problem solving and social support to deal with problems and less use of self-blame, wishful thinking, and avoidance. After treatment, however, spouse coping had a less consistent relationship to drinking intensity. In the marital domain, drinking during treatment was unrelated to pretreatment marital satisfaction measures. However, in the 6 months after treatment, men's ability to remain abstinent was predicted by the quality of the pretreatment marital relationship, and the intensity of their drinking was predicted by the degree of their marital happiness immediately after treatment. Conclusions: Results provided substantial support for the ABCT model, particularly in relationship to the role of the spouse in affecting heavy drinking.
Isolated Trigeminal Sensory Loss Secondary to a Distal Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm: Case Report

A previously healthy 25-year-old woman suddenly developed right-sided facial numbness and a headache. The neurological examination was within normal limits with the exception of meningismus and right-sided facial sensory loss. A computed tomographic scan and a magnetic resonance imaging study demonstrated an acute hematoma in the right cerebellopontine angle. A 4-vessel cerebral angiogram revealed no abnormalities. Posterior fossa exploration disclosed a large, partially thrombosed, fusiform anterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm, which indented the pons at the trigeminal root entry zone. The aneurysm was excised, and the patient made an excellent recovery. She was left with a persistent trigeminal sensory deficit. Anterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms are rare lesions that generally present with a cerebellopontine angle syndrome; occasionally, facial sensory loss is also a feature. Isolated trigeminal sensory findings, as illustrated in this case, are extremely unusual in posterior fossa vascular lesions.
Using frequency of dividing cells in estimating autotrophic picoplankton growth and productivity in the Chesapeake Bay

In situ incubations of natural autotrophic picoplankton populations during a 15 month study were used to test the frequency of dividing cells proceduresin estimating phototrophic picoplankton growth rates. These rates were estimated using dilution experiments and compared to the average frequency of dividing cells over the same time interval. The regression equation of µ = 2.85 × 10−3 (FDC) + 0.022 was calculated to relate autotrophic picoplankton growth rate and the frequency of dividing cells in this study. The resulting relationship was compared to 14C-bicarbonate derived growth rates. Productivity estimates using frequency of dividing cells correlated closely to sodium 14C-bicarbonate results and indicated a range of productivity by autotrophic picoplankton of 55.6% the total phytoplankton primary productivity in July to a January rate of 2.3%. Annual autotrophic picoplankton abundance varied seasonally in the lower Chesapeake Bay ranging from 7.26 × 106 cells 1−1 in winter to 9.28 × 108 cells 1−1 during late summer.
The use of laser technology (Er;Cr:YSGG) and stereolithography to aid in the placement of a subperiosteal implant: case study.

Abstract The use of laser technology has helped this clinician to provide treatment with less postoperative pain and increased healing. The subperiosteal implant is a modality that has been used fo...
Role of Spontaneous Activity in the Maturation of GABAergic Synapses in Embryonic Spinal Circuits

Spontaneous network activity (SNA) is displayed in many developing neural circuits shortly after synaptic connections form, and this activity is thought to be important for the maturation of the synaptic networks in which it is expressed. This chapter discusses the relationship between GABAergic signaling and SNA in the embryonic spinal cord. Spinal SNA consists of episodic bursts of spiking activity followed by quiescent periods. Episodes occur as a result of the highly excitable nature of these embryonic circuits. One of the important contributors to the excitable state of these developing networks is the depolarizing excitatory nature of GABAergic neurotransmission. This is due to high intracellular chloride levels in embryonic neurons, which set the GABAergic reversal potential (EGABA) to a level more depolarized than the resting potential. Recently, we have shown that SNA plays a role in adjusting the strength of immature spinal synapses through a general mechanism known as homeostatic plasticity. We propose that levels of SNA are homeostatically maintained through compensatory changes in synaptic strength. We find that the entire distribution of GABAergic miniature postsynaptic current (mPSC) amplitudes are increased by a multiplicative factor (scaled) after chronic blockade of SNA. We also have evidence that the scaling process is mediated by an increase in chloride accumulation.
Determining the intensities produced by reflected and refracted wave fronts in geometrical optics

The geometrical optics analysis of optical systems calls for an understanding of how an input energy intensity pattern is transformed after reflection or refraction. We present explicit formulas for the energy conservation equation, which relates input and output intensity patterns, and for the divergence factor, which describes the amplitude of an electric field after reflection or refraction. These formulas are obtained for optical systems consisting of a point source of energy, a single reflector or refractor, and a receiver surface. No symmetry requirements are imposed on either surface, nor is the receiver required to be a wave front of the system. In this general setting we derive the two expressions explicitly in terms of the polar radius of the reflector or refractor and its first and second partial derivatives. As an application we use our formulas to compute analytically the corresponding intensity expressions for conic surfaces. Finally, we present an algorithm for numerical computation of the output intensities. In addition to their use in optical systems, the derived formulas should be useful in the analysis of microwave antennas and radomes.
Noise Shielding Assessment of Hybrid Wing-Body Aircraft Configurations

This paper presents amethod based on theKirchhoff diffraction theory to predict the shielding of turbomachinery noise by the airframe of an advanced aircraft configuration. The key feature of this method is the fast computational time, even at very high frequencies, which makes it a useful tool to rapidly assess the noise footprint of an aircraft design. The offline part preprocesses the three-dimensional shielding geometry into a contour of its outline based on the source line of sight. Given this contour, the online part calculates the noise attenuation at a particular observer location and source frequency and can be called multiple times by an aircraft noise prediction program to add shielding estimates to its effective perceived noise level calculations. This method is most accurate for flat shielding objects characterized by edge-diffraction rays, rather than smooth, rounded objects characterized by creeping rays; shielding differences of up to 3 dB were observed in calculations using a sphere and a disk. Finally, the method is applied to a hybrid wing-body aircraft to assess and quantify the noise shielding benefit of its large planform area.
Adaptive uplink MAC for CDMA-based cognitive radio networks

This paper proposes an adaptive code division multiple access (CDMA) based cognitive medium access control (MAC) scheme for uplink cognitive radio networks. The proposed scheme addresses the joint channel sensing and data transmission, power and rate assignments, and long-term fairness. Under our proposed scheme, the secondary users (SUs) can adaptively select either the intrusive spectrum sharing or non-intrusive spectrum sharing operations to transmit data to secondary basestation (SBS) based on the channel utilization, traffic load, and the interference constraints. Our proposed scheme enables the SUs to efficiently utilize the frequency spectrum which is licensed to the primary users (PUs) while rigorously limiting the interference to the PUs. Also conducted are simulations to validate and verify our proposed scheme.
Exploring neuro-vascular and neuro-metabolic coupling in rat somatosensory cortex.

The existence of a coupling between changes in neuronal activity, cerebral blood flow and blood oxygenation is well known. The explicit relationship between these systems, however, is complex and remains a subject of intense research. Here, we use direct electrophysiological recordings to predict blood flow and oxygenation changes measured with optical methods during parametric stimulation applied to the somatosensory cortex in rat brain. Using a multimodal model of the cerebral functional unit, we estimate a neurovascular and a neuro-metabolic transfer function relating the experimentally measured neural responses with the inputs to a vascular model predicting hemodynamic and blood oxygenation changes. We show that our model can accurately predict experimentally measured parametric hemodynamic evoked responses by using a single linear transfer function relationship with a reduced number of state parameters to relate the level of neural activity to evoked cerebral blood flow and oxygen metabolism changes. At the same time, we characterize the metabolic and vascular neural response functions and interpret their physiological significance.
Momentum conservation implies anomalous energy transport in 1D classical lattices

Under quite general conditions, we prove that for classical many-body lattice Hamiltonians in one dimension (1D) total momentum conservation implies anomalous conductivity in the sense of the divergence of the Kubo expression for the coefficient of thermal conductivity, {kappa} . Our results provide rigorous confirmation and explanation of many of the existing ''surprising'' numerical studies of anomalous conductivity in 1D classical lattices, including the celebrated Fermi-Pasta-Ulam problem. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Insulin increases mRNA abundance of the amino acid transporter SLC7A5/LAT1 via an mTORC1-dependent mechanism in skeletal muscle cells

Abstract Amino acid transporters (AATs) provide a link between amino acid availability and mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activation although the direct relationship remains unclear. Previous studies in various cell types have used high insulin concentrations to determine the role of insulin on mTORC1 signaling and AAT mRNA abundance. However, this approach may limit applicability to human physiology. Therefore, we sought to determine the effect of insulin on mTORC1 signaling and whether lower insulin concentrations stimulate AAT mRNA abundance in muscle cells. We hypothesized that lower insulin concentrations would increase mRNA abundance of select AAT via an mTORC1-dependent mechanism in C2C12 myotubes. Insulin (0.5 nmol/L) significantly increased phosphorylation of the mTORC1 downstream effectors p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) and ribosomal protein S6 (S6). A low rapamycin dose (2.5 nmol/L) significantly reduced the insulin-(0.5 nmol/L) stimulated S6K1 and S6 phosphorylation. A high rapamycin dose (50 nmol/L) further reduced the insulin-(0.5 nmol/L) stimulated phosphorylation of S6K1 and S6. Insulin (0.5 nmol/L) increased mRNA abundance of SLC38A2/SNAT2 (P ≤ 0.043) and SLC7A5/LAT1 (P ≤ 0.021) at 240 min and SLC36A1/PAT1 (P = 0.039) at 30 min. High rapamycin prevented an increase in SLC38A2/SNAT2 (P = 0.075) and SLC36A1/PAT1 (P ≥ 0.06) mRNA abundance whereas both rapamycin doses prevented an increase in SLC7A5/LAT1 (P ≥ 0.902) mRNA abundance. We conclude that a low insulin concentration increases SLC7A5/LAT1 mRNA abundance in an mTORC1-dependent manner in skeletal muscle cells.
A New Technique for Residual Gas Estimation and Modeling in Engines

This paper addresses the longstanding problems of residual gas measurement during engine dynamometer testing, and of real-time residual modeling for engine control applications. A new method is described which is simple to apply, requiring only currently standard calibration test cell instrumentation. Experimental validation against measurements using direct in-cylinder CO2 sampling is presented, and a comprehensive error sensitivity analysis is included. A real-time capable, controls-oriented model is also described. Its accuracy is assessed by comparison to engine-simulation-generated residual values after using these values to determine the model parameters.
The Genesis of Capitalism Amongst a South American Peasantry: Devil's Labor and the Baptism of Money

What does wage labor and capital mean to a peasantry that is subjected to rapid rural proletarianization and what is the basis of that meaning? I wish to discuss an aspect of this question in the light of certain ideological reactions manifested by a South American lowland peasantry as expanding sugar plantations absorb their lands and peasants are converted into landless wage laborers. In the southern extremities of the Cauca Valley, Colombia, it is commonly thought that male plantation workers can increase their output, and hence their wage, through entering into a secret contract with the devil. However, the local peasants, no matter how needy they may be, never make such a contract when working their own plots or those of their peasant neighbors for wages. It is also thought that by illicitly baptizing money instead of a child in the Catholic church, that money can become interest bearing capital, while the child will be deprived of its rightful chance of entering heaven. Analysis of these beliefs in their social and historical context indicates that the lower classes' implicit understanding of the new mode of production is inherently critical and antagonistic and that the axiomatic basis of this antagonism rests on their conscious opposition of "use values" to "exchange values"-the opposition of the satisfaction of natural wants, on the one side, to the limitless search for profits and capital accumulation on the other. In making this distinction these people share a close affinity with the economic theorizing of the Schoolmen of the European Middle Ages, and with the economic philosophy of Aristotle, whose insights on this matter were often quoted favorably by Karl Marx himself, since the opposition of use value to exchange value was basic to his entire system of analysis.
Respiration in immature rat brain mitochondria.

—Respiration was studied polarographically in mitochondria isolated from immature rat cerebral hemispheres. Respiratory rates are compared as a function of age, substrate, and the requirement for a phosphate acceptor. 1. All respiratory rates are low in the first week of life. These rates increase during the first month and then decline to about the newborn rate by 5 weeks of age. 2. With the NAD-linked substrate pair, glutamate and malate, the changes with age are significant only for the rate of ADP-dependent respiration. With succinate as substrate, significant age-dependent changes in respiration occur only in ADP-independent respiration. 3. In mitochondria from animals less than five weeks of age, the ADP-dependent respiratory rate is significantly greater with the NAD-linked substrate pair than with succinate. In mitochondria from older animals, both ADP-dependent and ADP-independent rates are greater with succinate.
The Color Revolution by Regina Lee Blaszczyk

(2013). The Color Revolution by Regina Lee Blaszczyk. Fashion Theory: Vol. 17, No. 5, pp. 653-656.
Sodium Diffusion in Glass: II, Mixed Na-K Silicate Glasses

The isotope effect for 22Na/24Na diffusion was used to investigate the sodium ion transport mechanism in mixed Na-K silicate glasses. A combined vacancy-interstitialcy mechanism provided the best agreement with the experimental 22Na/24Na isotope effect data. At low temperatures sodium diffusion occurs predominantly by 2-atom interstitialcy jumps, but with increasing temperature an increasing fraction of the ions diffuse by a single-atom vacancy mechanism.
Signed-Digit Numbe Representations for Fast Parallel Arithmetic

This paper describes a class of number representations which are called signed-digit representations. Signed-digit representations limit carry-propagation to one position to the left during the operations of addition and subtraction in digital computers. Carry-propagation chains are eliminated by the use of redundant representations for the operands. Redundancy in the number representation allows a method of fast addition and subtraction in which each sum (or difference) digit is the function only of the digits in two adjacent digital positions of the operands. The addition time for signed-digit numbers of any length is equal to the addition time for two digits. The paper discusses the properties of signed-digit representations and arithmetic operations with signed-digit numbers: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and roundoff. A brief discussion of logical design problems for a signed-digit adder concludes the presentation.
Self-Report of Neuropsychological Dimensions of Self-Control

A central notion in research on individual differences in hemispheric specialization is that some people emphasize one hemisphere’s cognitive processes as a general mode of functioning. We begin this chapter by considering this construct of a lateralized cognitive style, and the methodological and theoretical problems it has raised. If the construct is to be scientifically useful, it must be supported by empirical assessment of cognitive performance — or at least cognitive strategy. For the neuropsychological approach to contribute uniquely to personality research, it will be important to relate the psychological traits to physiological measures of brain activity. In addition, an important observational method is self-report: given the appropriate questionnaire, we argue that most people can describe their cognitive and emotional functioning in ways that are meaningful to neuropsychological constructs of personality. We present preliminary data on the O’Connell Cognitive and Affective Style Scale (OCASS), a self-report scale designed to assess cognitive and emotional dimensions of self-control.
A comparison of two IIR filter structures for adaptive digital filtering

The interaction between IIR (infinite-impulse-response) filter structures and adaptive algorithms is examined with particular emphasis given to the IIR normal filter structure. The relationship between the direct form and normal IIR filter structures and the RLMS and SHARF algorithms is explored. The normal form is shown to improve the convergence behavior of the SHARF algorithm over implementations with the direct form. The error surfaces of the normal and direct form filters are examined and the desirable properties of the normal form surfaces are identified. >
What Is Living and What Is Dead in the Marxist Theory of History

During the 1980s and 1990s, the debate on the Marxist theory of history centred largely around the work of Robert Brenner’s property-relations-centred construal of it, and G.A. Cohen’s attempt to revive the classical, determinist argument. This article examines two influential arguments by Erik Wright and his colleagues, and by Alan Carling, which acknowledge important weaknesses in Cohen’s work, but which also try to construct a more plausible version of his theory. I show that the attempts to rescue Cohen are largely unsuccessful. And, to the extent that they render the argument plausible, they do so at the cost of turning it, willy-nilly, into a kind of class-struggle theory. I conclude that this spells the demise of the classical version of historical materialism, but also observe that this does not leave us with a voluntaristic understanding of history, as some of its defenders fear.
Bioretention Hydrologic Performance in an Urban Stormwater Network

Although many studies have evaluated the hydrologic effects of bioretention at the site-level, few have investigated the role bioretention plays when distributed throughout a watershed. This study aims to assess bioretention’s effects on an urbanized watershed in Blacksburg, Virginia by using two modeled scenarios: one where runoff from many land uses was routed through the practice, and another in which only runoff from large impervious areas was routed. Peak flows, volumes, and lag times from these models were compared to the watershed’s current and predeveloped conditions. Both scenarios provided reductions in peak flows with respect to existing conditions for modeled storm events, sometimes to levels below the predeveloped condition. Neither case was able to reduce volumes to predevelopment levels; the option to treat impervious areas had a negligible effect on runoff volume. Both cases were able to extend lag times from the existing development condition. On the basis of these results, bioretention a...