cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxidative Stress Produced with Cell Migration Increases Synthetic Phenotype of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is important in vascular pathogenesis. Understanding how these factors relate to cell migration can improve design of therapeutic interventions to control vascular disease. We compared the proliferation, protein content and migration of cultured aortic VSMC from wild type (WT) versus transgenic mice (Tgp22phox), in which overexpression of p22phox was targeted to VSMC. Also, we compared H2O2 generation and expression of specific phenotypic markers of non-migrating with migrating WT versus Tgp22phox VSMC in an in vitro wound scratch model. Enhanced H2O2 production in Tgp22phox versus WT VSMC (p < 0.005) significantly correlated with increased protein content, proliferation, and migration. VSMC migrating across the wound edge produced more H2O2 than non-migrating VSMC (p < 0.05). The expression of synthetic phenotypic markers, tropomyosin 4 and myosin heavy chain embryonic (SMemb), was enhanced significantly, while the expression of contractile marker, smooth muscle alpha-actin, was reduced significantly in migrating versus non-migrating cells, and also in Tgp22phox versus WT (p < 0.005) VSMC. These results are consistent with increased production of ROS accelerating the switch from the contractile to the synthetic phenotype, characterized by increases in proliferation, migration, and expression of TM4 and SMemb and decreased alpha-actin.
In vivo and in vitro studies on the residual allergenicity of partially hydrolysed infant formulae.

Aim: Because allergen-reduced formulae are widely used in the prevention and treatment of cow's milk allergy in children and because anaphylactic reactions have been reported for some hydrolysed formulae, it is of clinical relevance to know about the residual allergenicity of so-called hypoallergenic formulae. Method: We therefore studied the reactions of 20 children (mean age 1.6 years) with proven cow's milk allergy to a variety of formulae, using skin prick test, specific IgE in serum, protein content and RAST inhibition. Results: Whereas all but two children with a clinically relevant cow's milk allergy had a positive skin prick test to cow's milk, some children still showed positive responses to the partially hydrolysed formulae. No child had a positive skin test to the amino acid formula. Specific IgE to the partially hydrolysed whey formula (median 0.28 U/ml) was significantly lower (p < 0.003) than to cow's milk. Specific IgE to the partially hydrolysed whey/casein formula, soy/pork collagen hydrolysate and the amino acid formula was in a low range (median values 0.19, 0.23 and 0.21 U/ml, respectively. While determination of the protein content of the formulae gave no valid information, RAST/EAST inhibition was highest for cow's milk, followed by the partially hydrolysed whey formula, partially hydrolysed whey/casein formula, soy/pork collagen formula, and the amino acid formula. Conclusion: Skin prick test and RAST inhibition test are suitable methods for determining the residual allergenicity of hydrolysed infant formulae, while determination of protein content using the applied modified Lowry method is not helpful.
A top 10 list of developments and issues impacting crop management and ecology during the past 50 years

Colleagues from around the world contributed to this paper, all via e-mail. This was in response to a solicitation I made of those who aligned themselves with the Crop Ecology, Management, and Quality division of Crop Science Society of America (CSSA Division C-3). I asked for their nominations of the most important developments and/ or issues impacting their profession during the past 50 yr. Their responses were used to develop a top 10 list. Ranking within the list was based on frequency of nominations (i.e., professional recognition). The list was: no. 10, alternative crops and alternative uses for crops (18 nominations); no. 9, improved water management (20 nominations); no. 8, improved mechanization (31); no. 7, precision technology (global positioning system, GPS, and geographical information system, GIS) (32); no. 6, a shift of the Land Grant purpose and domain to industry and the launching of big ag (35); no. 5, conservation tillage (CT) (40); no. 4, the environmental movement and sustainability (43); no. 3, government programs and policies (45); no. 2, substitution management or the replacement of crop rotations and animals with chemicals (96); and no. 1, improved crop genetics, whether via conventional plant breeding or bioengineered crops (112). In addition to the top 10, there were 10 other nomination categories that received a total of 72 bids; these are noted in the text.
Lack of Catabolism of 5-Ribosyluracil in Man

THE presence of two molecules of 5-ribosyluracil in alanine transfer RNA1, together with its earlier isolation from “soluble” fractions of RNA2–4, has aroused (interest in this nucleoside because of its unusual structure, which has been established as 5-β-D-ribofuranosyluracil5. Its presence in a pentanucleotide sequence common to all types of yeast transfer RNA6 suggests a specific contribution to the structure and correct functioning of transfer RNA.
Coordinating ordering/shipment policy for buyer and supplier: Numerical and empirical analysis of influencing factors

Abstract The deficiencies in previous quantitative models for buyer–supplier coordination in a just-in-time (JIT) environment are corrected. An expanded model incorporating additional factors is developed and the factors are ranked through a detailed numerical analysis. Factor ranks are then compared with results of a series of semi-formal interviews with supplier and purchasing representatives.
Using Patterns to Teach Parallel Computing

In this paper, we describe the results of teaching a parallel programming course using a pattern programming approach in a course taught across the State of North Carolina on a televideo network in Fall 2013. Five universities participated in this study. The course begins with a higher-level tool called the Seeds framework that creates and executes high-level message passing patterns such as a workpool without writing low level MPI code. To avoid going directly to MPI next, we used another tool (Paraguin compiler) which uses compiler directives to create MPI code for patterns. Once students understand the pattern programming approach we then present low level MPI routines and their more complex parameters but now with the knowledge of parallel patterns. An independent professional evaluator is employed to deploy survey instruments and produce an analysis of the results. The lessons we learned from this data collected in Fall 2013 are: 1) Teaching parallel computing in the context of patterns has a positive impact on student learning, 2) Teaching the lower level tools first would be beneficial, 3) The improvements made to the Paraguin compiler directives significantly improved the students confidence in using the tool, and 4) The lower level tools can still be taught in the context of patterns.
Solid‐State 13C‐NMR detection of the isotropic carbonyl line shape in blends of poly(vinylphenol) with main‐chain polyesters

The solid-state NMR isotropic line shape of the carbonyl 13C resonance is useful as a qualitative diagnostic probe of the polyester component′s morphology and molecular mobility in partially miscible blends with poly(vinylphenol), PVPh. The main-chain polyesters chosen for investigation in this study are poly(ethylene succinate), poly(ethylene adipate), poly(butylene adipate), and poly(caprolactone). A crystalline phase exists for polyester-rich mixtures in all cases. Verification of this claim is provided by DSC endothermic tran-sitions that map out melting point depression in the temperature-composition phase dia-grams. The carbonyl 13C-NMR signal in the crystalline domains exhibits a full width at half height of 1–2 ppm when the glass transition temperature of the blends is below the temperature of the NMR experiment. In all cases, a single concentration-dependent glass-transition temperature is measured by DSC, which increases monotonically from below ambient for polyester-rich blends to well above ambient for blends that are rich in poly(vinylphenol). When the concentration of the amorphous proton donor PVPh is suf-ficient to thwart crystallization of the polyester and increase the glass transition temperature of the blends above the temperature of the NMR experiment, the line width of the carbonyl resonance increases three- to fourfold to ca. 5–6 ppm. When the blends are completely amorphous and Tg is above ambient, the polyester carbonyl 13C line shape reveals at least two morphologically inequivalent microenvironments. A partially resolved carbonyl signal in rigid amorphous blends is (a) identified at higher chemical shift relative to the crystalline component, and (b) attributed to hydrogen bonding in the amorphous phase. This inter-action-sensitive hydrogen-bonded carbonyl signal accounts for an increasing fraction of the overall NMR absorption envelope of the carbonyl carbon site when the polyester is saturated with PVPh. The main-chain polyesters were chosen to probe the effect of chemical structure of the proton acceptor on the potential for hydrogen-bond formation. Aliphatic CH2 spacers between the carbonyl groups dilute the concentration of interacting sites, and the dependence of the carbonyl 13C-NMR line shape on blend concentration reveals unique spectroscopic behavior in each of the four blend systems investigated. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Glucose enhancement of a facial recognition task in young adults.

Abstract Numerous studies have reported that glucose administration enhances memory processes in both elderly and young adult subjects. Although these studies have utilized a variety of procedures and paradigms, investigations of both young and elderly subjects have typically used verbal tasks (word list recall, paragraph recall, etc.). In the present study, the effect of glucose consumption on a nonverbal, facial recognition task in young adults was examined. Lemonade sweetened with either glucose (50 g) or saccharin (23.7 mg) was consumed by college students (mean age of 21.1 years) 15 min prior to a facial recognition task. The task consisted of a familiarization phase in which subjects were presented with “target” faces, followed immediately by a recognition phase in which subjects had to identify the targets among a random array of familiar target and novel “distractor” faces. Statistical analysis indicated that there were no differences on hit rate (target identification) for subjects who consumed either saccharin or glucose prior to the test. However, further analyses revealed that subjects who consumed glucose committed significantly fewer false alarms and had (marginally) higher d-prime scores (a signal detection measure) compared to subjects who consumed saccharin prior to the test. These results parallel a previous report demonstrating glucose enhancement of a facial recognition task in probable Alzheimer's patients; however, this is believed to be the first demonstration of glucose enhancement for a facial recognition task in healthy, young adults.
554 MOTHER'S BIRTH WEIGHT: DOES IT PREDICT LARGE FOR GESTATIONAL AGE BABIES?

The search for factors that can predict a large for gestational age (LGA) infant has, thus far, uncovered only maternal diabetes, large maternal size and seme uncommon genetic and metabolic syndromes. This study examined the relationship between mother's birth weight and the probability of producing a LGA (>90 percentile for age and sex) infant using prospectively collected data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project (Buffalo center). Among 1337 white women without preexisting diabetes delivering liveborn singleton infants, the percentage of LGA births was 2.4% for mothers weighing 4-5.9 lbs at birth, 7.3% for mothers weighing 6-7.9 lbs at birth, and 13.6% for mothers weighing 8 or more pounds at birth. (There were too few women weighing <4 lbs at birth to provide stable rates.) The association between the rate of LGA births and increasing maternal birth weight was highly significant (p<. 001). The odds ratios for delivering a LGA infant were adjusted for maternal height, weight, weight gain, smoking, age, education, socio-economic status, gravidity and glycosuria during pregnancy. After adjusting for all these factors, women weighing 8 lbs or more at birth were 5.1 times as likely, and women weighing 6-7.9 lbs at birth were 2.8 times as likely as women weighing 4-5.9 lbs at birth to have an LGA baby (p=.003 and .049, respectively). As a predictor of LGA births, mother's birth weight was better than either current maternal height or weight.
Nonparametric Tests of Cost Minimizing Behavior: A Study of Indian Farms

We extend existing nonparametric methods of analyzing production efficiency to allow some inputs to be quasi-fixed. Varian's Weak Axiom of Cost Minimization is modified to derive the Weak Axiom of Variable Cost Minimization. The methodology is applied to farm level data from West Bengal, India, which are analyzed for consistency with cost minimizing behavior. There is strong evidence against overall cost minimization, a result that cannot be rationalized in terms of production uncertainty and risk aversion. However, violation of either technical efficiency or of variable cost minimization is much less serious. This suggests that failure of cost minimization is principally due to imperfections in the markets for capital and land.
The Importance of Context in Understanding Homelessness and Mental Illness: Lessons Learned From a Research Demonstration Project

Research reports on the housing outcomes for persons who are homeless and mentally ill have focused on client characteristics, program type, and services as independent variables, with mixed results. From social work practice, evaluation theory, and public policy perspectives, context is an important variable. Yet, it has received scant research attention in studies of the outcomes of persons who are mentally ill and homeless. This article summarizes research results from a demonstration project providing outreach or linkage services to this target population, illustrating the significant impact of context variables (site and recruitment source) on client characteristics, implementation, qualitative and quantitative service assessments, and housing outcomes. The discussion suggests how these contextual factors may operate, and it goes on to make recommendations to improve social work research and practice concerning the important dimensions of context that should be assessed.
The Regulator’s Dilemma: Hedge Funds in the International Financial Architecture

Hedge funds have been the subject of considerable recent commentary, much of it not entirely favorable. Malaysia’s Mahathir bin Mohamad famously accused them of precipitating the Asian currency and financial crisis. Joseph Yam of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority accused them of coordinating short sales on the Hong Kong Exchange with short sales of the Hong Kong dollar (the so-called ‘double whammy’ or ‘double play’). And the Reserve Bank of Australia has accused them of manipulating the market in the Australian dollar by coordinating their position taking and signalling that they were about to attack the currency. Hedge funds had substantial positions in Russian GKDs in the summer of 1998 and suffered large losses from Russia’s default; in the rush to cover their positions and restore their liquidity, they may have played a major role in last autumn’s credit crunch. And then there was the all-but-failure of Long-Term Capital Management (LTCM) and the threat this may have posed to the stability of the global financial system.
Developing Leaders via Experience: The Role of Developmental Challenge, Learning Orientation, and Feedback Availability

Prior research offers limited insight into the types of work experiences that promote leadership skill development and the ways that the person and context shape the developmental value of these experiences. In this article, the authors develop a series of hypotheses linking leadership skill development to features of the experience (developmental challenge), person (learning orientation), and context (feedback availability). Based on 225 on-the-job experiences across 60 managers, their results demonstrate that the relationship between developmental challenge and leadership skill development exhibits a pattern of diminishing returns. However, access to feedback can offset the diminishing returns associated with high levels of developmental challenge.
Heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy for lysine NH3 groups in proteins : Unique effect of water exchange on 15N transverse relaxation

In this paper, we present a series of heteronuclear NMR experiments for the direct observation and characterization of lysine NH3 groups in proteins. In the context of the HoxD9 homeodomain bound specifically to DNA we were able to directly observe three cross-peaks, arising from lysine NH3 groups, with 15N chemical shifts around approximately 33 ppm at pH 5.8 and 35 degrees C. Measurement of water-exchange rates and various types of 15N transverse relaxation rates for these NH3 groups, reveals that rapid water exchange dominates the 15N relaxation for antiphase coherence with respect to 1H through scalar relaxation of the second kind. As a consequence of this phenomenon, 15N line shapes of NH3 signals in a conventional 1H-15N heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) correlation experiment are much broader than those of backbone amide groups. A 2D 1H-15N correlation experiment that exclusively observes in-phase 15N transverse coherence (termed HISQC for heteronuclear in-phase single quantum coherence spectroscopy) is independent of scalar relaxation in the t(1) (15N) time domain and as a result exhibits strikingly sharper 15N line shapes and higher intensities for NH3 cross-peaks than either HSQC or heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC) correlation experiments. Coherence transfer through the relatively small J-coupling between 15Nzeta and 13Cepsilon (4.7-5.0 Hz) can be achieved with high efficiency by maintaining in-phase 15N coherence owing to its slow relaxation. With the use of a suite of triple resonance experiments based on the same design principles as the HISQC, all the NH3 cross-peaks observed in the HISQC spectrum could be assigned to lysines that directly interact with DNA phosphate groups. Selective observation of functional NH3 groups is feasible because of hydrogen bonding or salt bridges that protect them from rapid water exchange. Finally, we consider the potential use of lysine NH3 groups as an alternative probe for larger systems as illustrated by data obtained on the 128-kDa enzyme I dimer.
General Henry M. Robert and his rules of order

(1969). General Henry M. Robert and his rules of order. Today's Speech: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 15-19.
Fetal brain disruption sequence

The fetal brain disruption sequence is a recognizable pattern of defects that includes moderate to profound microcephaly, overlapping sutures, occipital bone prominence, and scalp rugae. The condition is postulated to arise from partial brain disruption during the second or third trimester with subsequent fetal skull collapse resulting from decreased intracranial hydrostatic pressure. Proposed causes include prenatal viral or parasitic infections and vascular disruptions. We report seven infants with the fetal brain disruption sequence. Two of these patients died. A changing phenotype with time was seen in three. Recognition of this phenotype is critical because the condition has a uniformly poor prognosis for infants but the recurrence risk in future pregnancies is low.
Analysis of Error Sensitivity of a System for Electrowetting Force Measurement

Electrowetting systems are commonly studied by measuring contact angle changes with applied voltage. However many applications such as digital droplet manipulation require information about the force applied to a drop to improve performance. This paper analyses a previously demonstrated method of measuring the electrowetting forces to estimate the sensitivity of force measurements to potential errors such as droplet evaporation, variation in volume, and alignment accuracy. The most significant force errors are introduced by uncertainty in droplet volume as by evaporation. However, analysis shows that this can be controlled by lowering the measurement tip to compensate for evaporation. Errors in tangential force due to alignment are shown to be small for alignment errors below 1°.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Comprehensive echocardiographic assessment of the hemodynamic parameters of 285 tricuspid valve bioprostheses early after implantation.

Background Doppler-derived hemodynamic data for normal tricuspid valve bioprostheses are limited. Methods A comprehensive retrospective Doppler echocardiographic assessment of 285 normal Carpentier-Edwards Duraflex, Medtronic Mosaic, St. Jude Medical Biocor, Carpentier-Edwards Perimount, and Medtronic Hancock II tricuspid valve bioprostheses was performed early after implantation. All the important Doppler-derived hemodynamic variables reported to date for mitral valve prostheses were used. Mean values for hemodynamic variables were obtained by averaging measurements of five and nine consecutive cardiac cycles. Results No clinically significant difference was found in the mean values obtained for the Doppler parameters when measurements were averaged from five or nine consecutive cardiac cycles. The mean value for the mean gradient was 5.2 mm Hg. Regardless of valve type and body surface area, pressure half-time was Conclusions This study establishes parameters for Doppler-derived hemodynamic data for various types of normal tricuspid valve bioprostheses. These threshold values (mean + 2 standard deviations) are specific, but not sensitive, for identifying tricuspid valve bioprosthesis dysfunction. Prostheses with hemodynamic values that are higher than these threshold values are likely dysfunctional, but in select cases, tricuspid valve bioprosthesis dysfunction may be present even when hemodynamic values are lower than these thresholds.
Carbon K-edge XANES spectromicroscopy of natural graphite

Abstract Carbon K-edge soft X-ray spectromicroscopy was used to obtain information on the orientation, purity and chemical composition of graphite within natural samples. Highly crystalline natural graphite had spectra indistinguishable from highly ordered pyrolytic graphite, but contained a wide variety of internal structures in the 100–500 nm size range. These structures were both physical (domains with differing sheet orientations) and chemical in nature. Graphite sheet orientations could vary from normal to the X-ray beam to nearly perpendicular within a few hundred nanometers. Chemical compositions ranged from pure crystalline material to nearly amorphous carbon. Little evidence for significant addition of O- or N-bearing groups was observed in these samples, although this may have been a result of the extraction techniques used. The range of carbon types found in the environment may provide clues to the types of thermal alteration and source mechanisms behind graphitic kerogen fractions.
Pantographic tracings of mandibular movements and occlusion

Abstract Inconsistencies exist in the literature concerning the relationship of functional mandibular movements and border tracings recorded by pantographs. This study was undertaken to determine the relationship of functional movement and border tracings. A pantograph was assembled to clutches attached to anterior teeth. Chewing studies were performed on four subjects using different test foods. The functional movements of two subjects contacted the border tracing frequently from centric relation while the functional movements of two subjects were restricted to the tracings made from centric occlusion and influenced by occlusal interferences. The occlusion of one of the subjects with restricted functional movements was adjusted, and subsequently, the functional movements frequently contacted the border tracings. This study suggests that occlusion in harmony with border tracings may be the most physiologic.
Climate change and mutualism

Climate change is likely to have a profound impact on the distribution of life on this planet. As Diana Six explains, mutualistic relationships will be affected particularly severely.
Traditional management of onychomycosis

The traditional management of onychomycosis includes mechanical, chemical, and surgical approaches, as well as topical and oral antifungal medications. Topical preparations have been consistently disappointing, and the tendency in later years has been to rely on two systemic agents-griseofulvin and ketoconazole-for management of more severe or recalcitrant infections. However, both drugs require a long duration of therapy (4 to 6 months for fingernails, 10 to 18 months for toenails). Even with such prolonged treatment, the overall success rate is only about 15% to 30% for toenail infections and 50% to 70% for fingernail infections. Furthermore, both griseofulvin and ketoconazole have numerous potential side effects and drug/drug interactions. Therefore, laboratory monitoring should be performed during the course of treatment with these agents and they should be used only after evaluation of the patient's current medical status and a review of concomitant medications.
The Creation of Linguistic Structure1

Recent sociolinguistic work on variation and the permeability of speech community boundaries (Gumperz 1971, 1982; Labov 1972) makes comprehensible what earlier generations of linguists regarded as "error" deviating from clearly delineated structures. Proper contemporary use of texts elicited earlier--and in many cases, such texts are the only records of languages no longer spoken--require a hermeneutic attempt to recover the intents of linguists and informants in the original context,2 as well as the problematic(s) motivating the work and the theories through which data were filtered (and dictations heard). The kinds of cautions needed to use work based on classical elicitation procedures can be clarified by considering what was typical in the best elicitation-based fieldwork, viz., that of Fang-Kuei Li. Two fundamental lessons from the first generation of sociolinguists that context matters to the patterns of language use, and that the world is not split into hermetically sealed units call into question the empirical status of linguistic structures reported from classic elicitation from a single informant. 1. Before the advent of portable soundrecording equipment, linguists necessarily slowed down their informants' speech to a pace requi ing careful pronunciation, providing informants opportunities to reflect on how they should speak (in contrast to how they usually spoke unself-consciously). At a pace somewhere between a morpheme at a time and truncated clauses, distinctions not usually made may be made (Samarin 1967:54; Blom and Gumperz 1972:415), and syntax and phonology may be "cleaned up" because extraordinary attention is being paid to how the informant is speaking (see the systematic differences found by Labov [1972]). 2. As the codifier of American structuralist
History of Smoking and Postcessation Weight Gain among Weight Loss Surgery Candidates

Smoking cessation often results in weight gain. Although smoking cessation frequently is recommended to patients presenting for weight loss surgery (WLS), the relationship between smoking cessation and weight gain among WLS candidates is poorly understood. Thus, we sought to document the history and prevalence of smoking and smoking-related weight gain among WLS candidates. Subjects (N=67) presenting for bariatric surgery provided demographic information, were interviewed about smoking, and were weighed and measured prior to operation. Sixty-seven percent of patients reported a lifetime history of smoking, and 26.9% were current smokers. Among lifetime smokers who had attempted to quit, the average maximum amount of weight gained following smoking cessation was 28.1 lb, but there was wide variability in postcessation weight gain. These data suggest that smoking among candidates for bariatric surgery is prevalent and that previous cessation attempts were associated with considerable weight gain. Because patients often receive recommendations to quit smoking and lose weight prior to surgery, additional information on the impact of presurgical smoking cessation on long-tem weight control in this population is needed.
Evaluation of an ARPS-Based Canopy Flow Modeling System for use in Future Operational Smoke Prediction Efforts

[1] Efforts to develop a canopy flow modeling system based on the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) model are discussed. The standard version of ARPS is modified to account for the effect of drag forces on mean and turbulent flow through a vegetation canopy, via production and sink terms in the momentum and subgrid-scale turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) equations. Additionally, a downward decaying net radiation profile inside the canopy is used to account for the attenuation of net radiation by vegetation elements. As a critical step in the model development process, simulations performed with the new canopy model, termed ARPS-CANOPY, are examined and compared to observations from the Canopy Horizontal Array Turbulence Study (CHATS) experiment. Comparisons of mean and turbulent flow properties in a statistically homogeneous atmosphere are presented for two cases, one when the trees are dormant without leaves and another when the trees are full of mature leaves. The model is shown to reproduce the shape of the vertical profiles of mean wind, temperature, and TKE observed during the CHATS experiment, with errors generally smaller in the afternoon and in the case with stronger mean flow. Sensitivity experiments with relatively coarse (90 m) horizontal grid spacing retain the overall mean profile shapes and diurnal trends seen in the finer-resolution simulations. The work described herein is part of a larger effort to develop predictive tools for close-range (on the order of 1km from the source) smoke dispersion from low-intensity fires within forested areas.
Multidimensional methods for the formulation of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines

Determining and preserving the higher order structural integrity and conformational stability of proteins, plasmid DNA, and macromolecular complexes such as viruses, virus-like particles, and adjuvanted antigens are often a significant barrier to the successful stabilization and formulation of biopharmaceutical drugs and vaccines. These properties typically must be investigated with multiple lower resolution experimental methods because each technique monitors only a narrow aspect of the overall conformational state of a macromolecular system. This review describes the use of empirical phase diagrams (EPDs) to combine large amounts of data from multiple high-throughput instruments and construct a map of a target macromolecule's physical state as a function of temperature, solvent conditions, and other stress variables. We present a tutorial on the mathematical methodology, an overview of some of the experimental methods typically used, and examples of some of the previous major formulation applications. We also explore novel applications of EPDs including potential new mathematical approaches as well as possible new biopharmaceutical applications such as analytical comparability, chemical stability, and protein dynamics.
Thermal Issues in Lithium-Ion Batteries

This paper reviews various studies carried out on thermal issues in lithium-ion batteries. Although thermal behavior of Li-ion batteries plays an important role in performance, life cycle and safety of these batteries, it has not been studied as intensely as chemical characteristics of these batteries. In this review paper, studies concerning thermal issues on Li-ion batteries are classified based on their methodologies and the battery components being investigated. The methodologies include mathematical thermal modeling, calorimetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and thermal management system method. The battery components that have been studied include anode, cathode, electrolyte and the whole cell.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
A Longitudinal Study on Human Outdoor Decomposition in Central Texas

The development of a methodology that estimates the postmortem interval (PMI) from stages of decomposition is a goal for which forensic practitioners strive. A proposed equation (Megyesi et al. 2005) that utilizes total body score (TBS) and accumulated degree days (ADD) was tested using longitudinal data collected from human remains donated to the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF) at Texas State University-San Marcos. Exact binomial tests examined the rate of the equation to successfully predict ADD. Statistically significant differences were found between ADD estimated by the equation and the observed value for decomposition stage. Differences remained significant after carnivore scavenged donations were removed from analysis. Low success rates for the equation to predict ADD from TBS and the wide standard errors demonstrate the need to re-evaluate the use of this equation and methodology for PMI estimation in different environments; rather, multivariate methods and equations should be derived that are environmentally specific.
Supplemental oxygen increases arterial stiffness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract Study objectives: Recently, we demonstrated significantly improved baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and autonomic balance after 31% supplemental oxygen (S upp O 2 ) in resting patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In order to investigate whether peripheral arterial stiffness changes may play a role, we evaluated changes in peripheral arterial stiffness and BRS after S upp O 2 . Design: Single blinded crossover design. Setting: Pulmonary exercise testing laboratory. Participants: Seventy subjects with moderate to severe COPD. Interventions: We measured arterial vascular stiffness using the augmentation index via contour analysis of the radial pulse obtained from applanation tonometry. BRS was derived using the sequence method before and after treatments with compressed air (CA) and 30% S upp O 2 in 70 individuals with COPD via a counterbalanced crossover design. Results: Paired t -tests indicated significant differences in oxygen saturation (SaO 2 ) following S upp O 2 when compared to CA ( x 96.0±2.0% S upp O 2 versus x 92.6±3.6% CA, P upp O 2 compared to CA ( x 3.5±2.3ms/mmHg S upp O 2 versus x 3.1±2.1 CA ms/mmHg, P upp O 2 when compared with CA ( x 13.3±6.1% S upp O 2 versus x 10.8±4.9% CA, P Conclusions: Our findings indicate that oxygen supplementation ameliorates BRS by changes in vasomotor activity. The amelioration of the BRS into a more normal range is a move towards the restoration of more normal physiology.
The UCSC Genome Browser database: update 2011

The University of California, Santa Cruz Genome Browser (http://genome.ucsc.edu) offers online access to a database of genomic sequence and annotation data for a wide variety of organisms. The Browser also has many tools for visualizing, comparing and analyzing both publicly available and user-generated genomic data sets, aligning sequences and uploading user data. Among the features released this year are a gene search tool and annotation track drag-reorder functionality as well as support for BAM and BigWig/BigBed file formats. New display enhancements include overlay of multiple wiggle tracks through use of transparent coloring, options for displaying transformed wiggle data, a ‘mean+whiskers’ windowing function for display of wiggle data at high zoom levels, and more color schemes for microarray data. New data highlights include seven new genome assemblies, a Neandertal genome data portal, phenotype and disease association data, a human RNA editing track, and a zebrafish Conservation track. We also describe updates to existing tracks.
Psychological Responses to Acute Exercise in Sedentary Black and White Individuals

Background: Racial differences in psychological determinants of exercise exist between non-Hispanic blacks (blacks) and non-Hispanic whites (whites). To date, no study has examined racial differences in the psychological responses during and after exercise. The objective of this study was to compare psychological outcomes of single exercise bouts in blacks and whites. Methods: On 3 separate occasions, sedentary black (n = 16) and white (n = 14) participants walked on a treadmill at 75%max HR for 75 minutes. Questionnaires assessing mood, state anxiety, and exercise task self-efficacy were administered before and after each exercise bout. In-task mood and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured every 5 minutes during exercise. Results: Exercise self-efficacy and psychological distress significantly improved in both blacks and whites. However during exercise blacks reported more positive in-task mood and lower RPE compared with whites. Conclusions: These data suggest that racial differences exist i...
Registration and integration of textured 3-D data

In general, multiple views are required to create a complete 3-D model of an object or of a multi-roomed indoor scene. In this work, we address the problem of merging multiple textured 3-D data sets, each of which corresponds to a different view of a scene or object. There are two steps to the merging process: registration and integration. To register, or align, data sets we use a modified version of the Iterative Closest Point algorithm; our version, which we call color ICP, considers not only 3-D information, but color as well. We show that the use of color decreases registration error by an order of magnitude. Once the 3-D data sets have been registered we integrate them to produce a seamless, composite 3-D textured model. Our approach to integration uses a 3-D occupancy grid to represent likelihood of spatial occupancy through voting. In addition to occupancy information, we store surface normal in each voxel of the occupancy grid. Surface normal is used to robustly extract a surface from the occupancy grid; on that surface we blend textures from multiple views.
Changes in Number and Size Distribution of U. S. Soybean Processing Firms

Rapid growth in soybean processing was accompanied by declining processor numbers between 1946 and 1971. Large firm concentration rose through 1965, then stabilized. Processor size distributions after 1953 tended toward lognormality. Future industry structure may be significantly influenced by public policies affecting competitive viability of intermediate size firms.
Test set compaction algorithms for combinational circuits

This paper presents two new algorithms, Redundant Vector Elimination (RVE) and Essential Fault Reduction (EFR), for generating compact test sets for combinational circuits under the single stuck at fault model, and a new heuristic for estimating the minimum single stuck at fault test set size. These algorithms together with the dynamic compaction algorithm are incorporated into an advanced ATPG system for combinational circuits, called MinTest. MinTest found better lower bounds and generated smaller test sets than the previously published results for the ISCAS85 and full scan version of the ISCAS89 benchmark circuits.
Preferred fiber orientations in healthy arteries and veins understood from netting analysis

In this paper we analyze the reinforcement of blood vessels by collagen fibers using the concept of netting analysis from composite theory. To this end, we interpret preferred fiber reinforcement as the solution to a weighted optimization problem having two competing targets, minimal pulse pressure and minimal material usage, under the constraint of mechanical stability against buckling in a physiologically reasonable range of blood pressures. We demonstrate that the solution to this optimization problem for large arteries is a helical reinforcement with fibers oriented diagonally and for small arteries and veins an orthogonal reinforcement consisting of axial and circumferential fibers. Both findings agree well with experimental data reported by others, which suggests the existence of an underlying mechanical principle for the establishment and maintenance of vascular fiber orientations under normal conditions.
Aristotle and the Politicization of the Soul

In Book I of the Politics Aristotle argues that men are by nature the rulers of women. The conclusion of the argument, which has to do with relationships between people — in particular, political relationships between men and women — is said to be based on what is known about relationships within people: in particular, relationships between the rational and irrational elements of the human soul. That is, this part of Aristotle’s political theory is said to rest on his metaphysics or theory of the soul. I hope to show that not the least of the reasons for examining Aristotle’s argument is that doing so sheds light on the question of whether metaphysical positions are politically innocent. To ask this question is a defining if not necessarily a distinguishing characteristic of a feminist perspective in philosophy.
Pharmacists' earnings determinants: differences by ethnic group

Objectives The purpose of this paper was to explore the behaviour of wage-and-salary earnings of non-Hispanic white, black and Hispanic pharmacists. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the responses to a survey questionnaire. The survey was administered to licensed pharmacists in South Florida between September 2006 and March 2007. The main outcome measures of the study were the response of pharmacists' wage-and-salary earnings to the number of hours worked, human-capital stock and job-related preferences. Key findings The earnings responses of non-Hispanic white and Hispanic pharmacists largely conformed to patterns reported in the literature, but the earnings of black pharmacists did not. Significant ethnic differences in the effect of the explanatory variables were detected. Conclusions The earnings-determination model developed here was suitable for non-Hispanic white and Hispanic pharmacists, but not for black pharmacists. Pharmacists' earnings-determination processes must address ethnicity-related issues.
Theory and application of wave propagation and scattering in random media

This paper presents a review of basic theories and recent advances in the studies of wave propagation and scattering in random media. Examples of the random media include the atmosphere, the ocean, and biological media whose characteristics are randomly varying in time and space. The study of electromagnetic, optical, and acoustic waves in such media has become increasingly important in recent years in the areas of communication, detection, and remote-sensing. Topics covered in this paper are divided into "waves in randomly distributed scatterers," "waves in random continua," and "remote-sensing of random media." Transport theory with various approximate solutions and multiple scattering theories are discussed and their relationships are clarified. Included in the analyses are propagation characteristics of intensities, wave fluctuations, pulse propagation and scattering, coherence bandwidth, and coherence time of communication channels through random media. Remote-sensing techniques include recent advances in the use of inversion techniques to deal with ill-posed problems.
After the Gold Rush - Part I: Hamdi, 9/11, and the Dark Side of the Enlightenment

Suppose, in deciding war-on-terror cases, the Supreme Court took seriously the question posed by Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Zizek: What if the true purpose of the war [on terror] is to pass to a global emergency state? How might the Court have approached the legal controversy in Hamdi v. Rumsfeld if we were a nation willing to openly debate our ambitions in constructing a pax Americana global order enforced through unilateral military might unencumbered by international law? This article confronts this question of national identity through a textual exploration of the Hamdi opinion. It thus investigates Hamdi's meaning within our culture, with what the opinion reveals and what it hides, and ultimately with what it portends in a society that may be sliding precariously into what might be called the dark side of the Enlightenment. Dark side? The war against terrorism, when rhetorically decoded, is packaged as a fight against the dark side, a fight to preserve our Enlightenment heritage by averting the onset of a new dark age. Do we, then, respond by bracketing as an extravagance that we can ill-afford in this defense of Enlightenment the trial by jury, which is itself the quintessential vitalizing expression of our Enlightenment heritage? What is signified by doing so? More provocatively, ought we accept the premise that a new dark age is what threatens us, that it is darkness from another source (to wit, Islamic terrorists, which have replaced godless communists) that we must avert? Or is the situation considerably more complicated and disturbing - are we faced with a dark age immanent within our Enlightenment culture, one that has already descended upon us? This exploration into the narrative that drives the Hamdi opinion offers the following concluding hypothesis: The epistemology of due process within Hamdi is predicated on an ontology that situates so-called enemy combatants (read: terrorists) as the impediment to a global order moving inexorably towards worldwide free markets and ubiquitous democracy. But what it shields from view, through legalistic (and hence, seemingly apolitical) reasoning, is the new post-Cold War reality of a global order maintained by a level of unilateral force and violence never witnessed in human history - a global order that ultimately eviscerates the distinction between war and peace. The administrative decisional process of categorizing enemy combatants forges a meaning of our nation and its pax Americana aspirations that is studiously removed from genuine debate and argument within our juridical institutions and within the public sphere generally. What more profound issue is there, for our courts and for us as citizens, than the choice between preserving our republic and pursuing empire? Buried within Hamdi, this article seeks to show, is that unexplored choice.
Expanding Public Sector Communications: Moving beyond Public Affairs to Facilitate Collaborative Public Relations

Traditionally, public sector agencies communicate to their publics to inform and resolve conflicts. By using a review of the literature, this study describes broadening the role of public sector communications by moving beyond a traditional public affairs model to a more collaborative public relations model utilizing two-way symmetrical communications. Technology and social media in today’s society can be an asset to public agencies in terms of communications that allow for a collaborative model. Results of the study illustrate public sector agencies using two-way symmetrical communications can build stronger relationships with their publics that can benefit the agency and their publics in building and maintaining collaborative long-term relationships.