cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cluster analysis of marine sediments and waste deposits in New York bight

Cluster analysis of some chemical characteristics of marine sediments and associated waste deposits in the New York Bight reveals the existence of four cluster facies. Cluster facies I is the sediment containing dredged wastes from New York Harbor. Cluster facies II is the widespread sand and gravel deposit of the continental shelf. Cluster facies III is the finergrained material in the Hudson Channel and the material accumulated in the sewage sludge disposal area. Cluster facies IV is not easily identified; it may correspond to some relict sedimentary feature in the area.
Boundary Element Analysis of Stresses in an Axisymmetric Soil Mass Undergoing Consolidation.

A time domain boundary element method (BEM) for evaluating stresses in an axisymmetric soil mass undergoing consolidation has been developed. Previous BEM work on axisymmetric poroelasticity for boundary displacements and pore pressures is extended to permit the computation of stresses at both boundary and interior points. The stress formulation preserves the surface-only discretization. The boundary displacement integral equation is progressively differentiated to obtain the related stress and strain integral equations. Explicit expressions for the steady-state axisymmetric fundamental solutions are derived in this process. The transient components of the integrands are obtained directly from the transformation of the three-dimensional kernels into a cylindrical system. Numerical implementation of these integral equations is carried out within a general purpose BEM computer code and several illustrative examples are presented to validate the method.
Agency Problems in Entrepreneurial Firms

Researchers have long been interested in understanding how top managers may affect firm performance and value. They paid particular attention to the differences in performance of firms with owner-managers and those with hired managers, with the principal-agent problem being a core explanation for the observed variations. However, this stream of research has largely overlooked young entrepreneurial and family firms, where the principal-agent problem was assumed to be nonexistent or minimal. In this paper, we challenge this assumption. We examine whether the principal-agent conflict affects the performance of young entrepreneurial ventures with hired managers and determine whether their performance is more sensitive to the monitoring costs or effort incentives of hired managers. We find that, similar to established corporations, young entrepreneurial ventures also suffer from the principal-agent problem. However, unlike corporations, entrepreneurial ventures are much more sensitive to the hired managers’ in...
Anxiety, pain, and depression surrounding elective surgery: a multivariate comparison of abdominal surgery patients with kidney donors and recipients.

Abstract Anxiety, depression, and pain were psychometrically assessed in 67 abdominal surgery patients on the day before surgery, on the first postoperative day, and on the third postoperative day. Patients were divided into kidney donor, kidney recipient, and general surgery groups, and a multi-variate analysis of variance was performed in order to compare the trends of response over days across groups. There were significant group differences in the pattern of scores over the three days. Trait anxiety was related to post-surgical pain, anxiety, and depression in general surgery and renal recipient patients, but not in kidney donors. Results suggest that the meaning attached to the stress of surgery significantly affects the subjective state changes surrounding the operation.
Vagal activity, gastric motility, and weight gain in massaged preterm neonates.

Objective Multiple studies have documented an increase in weight gain after 5 to 10 days of massage therapy for preterm neonates. The massaged preterm neonates did not consume more calories than the control neonates. One potential mechanism for these effects might involve massage-induced increases in vagal activity, which in turn may lead to increased gastric motility and thereby weight gain. Study design The present randomized study explored this potential underlying mechanism by assessing gastric motility and sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity in response to massage therapy (moderate pressure) versus sham massage (light pressure) and control conditions in a group of preterm neonates. Results Compared with preterm neonates receiving sham massage, preterm neonates receiving massage therapy exhibited greater weight gain and increased vagal tone and gastric motility during and immediately after treatment. Gastric motility and vagal tone during massage therapy were significantly related to weight gain. Conclusion The weight gain experienced by preterm neonates receiving moderate-pressure massage therapy may be mediated by increased vagal activity and gastric motility.
Dynamic marginal structural modeling to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of more or less aggressive treatment intensification strategies in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Purpose Chronic disease care typically involves treatment decisions that are frequently adjusted to the patient's evolving clinical course (e.g., hemoglobin A1c monitoring and treatment intensification in diabetes patients). Thus, in comparative effectiveness and safety research (CER), it often is less clinically relevant to contrast the health effects of static treatment decisions than to compare the effectiveness of competing medical guidelines, that is, adaptive treatment strategies that map the patient's unfolding clinical course to subsequent treatment decisions. With longitudinal observational studies, treatment decisions at any point in time may be influenced by clinical factors that also are risk factors for the outcome of interest. Such time-dependent confounders cannot be properly handled with standard statistical approaches, because such confounders may be influenced by previous treatment decisions and may thus lie on causal pathways between the very outcomes and early treatment decisions whose effects are under study. Under explicit assumptions, we motivate the application of inverse probability weighting estimation to fit dynamic marginal structural models (MSMs) in observational studies to address pragmatic CER questions and properly adjust for time-dependent confounding and informative loss to follow-up. Methods We review the principles behind this modeling approach and describe its application in an observational study of type 2 diabetes patients to investigate the comparative effectiveness of four adaptive treatment intensification strategies for glucose control on subsequent development or progression of urinary albumin excretion. Results Results indicate a protective effect of more aggressive treatment intensification strategies in patients already on two or more oral agents or basal insulin. These conclusions are concordant with recent randomized trials. Conclusions Inverse probability weighting estimation to fit dynamic MSM is a viable and appealing alternative to inadequate standard modeling approaches in many CER problems where time-dependent confounding and informative loss to follow-up are expected. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peripheral arterial missile embolization: A case report and 22-year literature review

Abstract The present case report is that of an air pistol missile injury with perforation of a common femoral artery and subsequent arterioarterial embolization to the anterior tibial artery. Included in this report is a review and analysis of a 22-year experience in the vascular trauma literature with missile injuries resulting in cardioarterial or arterioarterial embolization. In-depth analysis of this collective literature review revealed small weapon caliber (79%), usually .22. Soft tissue tamponade at the injury site in the form of mediastinal hematoma, retroperitoneal hematoma, or hemopericardium preventing exsanguination occurred in 37% of cases. Cardiac and thoracic aortic entry sites represented 70% of the series with distinct patterns of peripheral vascular embolization found resulting from anatomic relationships and laminar flow. Diagnostic evaluation by means of remote x-ray screening documented 86% of the emboli and was supplemented with arteriographic studies in 36%. Direct transverse arteriotomy overlying the projectile was favored; most of the delayed embolectomies stemmed from a failure to recognize those patients with peripheral embolization and a compensated asymptomatic limb. An appropriate management plan and diagnostic algorithm for this rare vascular phenomenon have been generated by this study. (J VASC SURG 1987;5:773-8.)
Joint Estimation of Porosity And Saturation By Combining a Rock Physics Model And Constrained Pre-stack Seismic Waveform Inversion

Porosity and saturation are the two flow parameters often required in reservoir characterization. The estimation of these parameters from seismic data is not a trivial task since most seismic models ignore poro-elasticity. A sequential method first estimates porosity and then predicts saturation by keeping the porosity fixed this may be subject to error. Estimation of porosity and saturation from inverted elastic parameters , and density will also lead to error due to
Identity proton-transfer reactions from C-H, N-H, and O-H acids. An ab initio, DFT, and CPCM-B3LYP aqueous solvent model study.

Identity proton-transfer reactions between 21 acids, Y−X−H, and their conjugate bases, -X−Y, were studied according to the reaction scheme, Y−X−H + -X−Y → (Y−X−H····-X−Y)cx → [Y−X···H···X−Y]ts → (Y−X-····H−X−Y)cx → Y−X- + H−X−Y, where cx indicates an ion−molecule complex and ts indicates the proton-transfer transition state. All species were optimized at the MP2/6-311+G** level, and these geometries were used for single-point calculations by other methods: coupled-cluster, DFT (gas phase), and a polarizable continuum aqueous solvent model (COSMO). All methods gave enthalpies of deprotonation which correlate well with experimental measurements of ΔHACID (gas) or pKa (aq). Calculated gas-phase enthalpies of deprotonation (ΔHACID) and enthalpies of activation (ΔH⧧) are poorly correlated except for small, carefully selected sets. This result stands in contrast to the many aqueous phase Bronsted correlations of kinetic and equilibrium acid strength. On the other hand, gas-phase enthalpies of complexation and ...
Myosin heavy chain composition in rat laryngeal muscles after denervation

Objectives The effects of denervation on myosin heavy chain (MHC) expression in specific laryngeal muscles are characterized using gel electrophoresis. Observed temporal changes in MHC composition will then be used as a biologic marker in studies designed to develop strategies for laryngeal reinnervation and gene therapy. Study design Animal study using an adult rat model for laryngeal paralysis. Methods In anesthetized rats the left recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve were divided. Animals were survived for 7, 14, 28, 90, and 180 days. Animals were euthanized and the thyroarytenoid (TA), vocalis (VOC), posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA), lateral cricoarytenoid (LCA), and cricothyroid (CT) muscle excised. Each muscle was processed for sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and densitometric measurements were obtained to determine composition of MHC fiber types. Results The changes in relative MHC composition are described for each specific laryngeal muscle. In general, a decrease in type IIB and an increase in IIA and IIX are seen after denervation. Expression of IIL in the denervated condition is variable and the relative change in type I is minimal. Conclusion This study supports previous work using rat soleus muscle in which IIA/IIX expression is favored in conditions with decreased neuromuscular activity, and conversely, IIB expression is activity dependent. Expression of type I appears to be independent of neural activity. Further study will be undertaken to quantify expression of MHC components and to study factors modulating expression.
The reversible masking of the lysine residue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone

Abstract 1. 1. α-Melanotropin has been converted to the trifluoroacetyl derivative in which the ϵ-amino group of the lysine residue os trifluoroacetylated. The histidine and arginine residues are apparently unaffected. 2. 2. This analog was found to have an intrinsic melanophore stimulating activity of 1·10 9 –2·10 9 units/g or approx. 5–10% of that of the free hormone. 3. 3. The trifluoroacetyl group was removed and essentially full biological activity restored. 4. 4. Advantage has been taken of the marked increase in the solubility of the trifluoroacetyl derivative in organic solvents for separation of the derivative from the unmodified hormone, and the value of this increased solubility in less polar solvents is discussed in relation to its usefulness in connection with other problems.
PRYMNESIUM PARVUM POPULATION DYNAMICS DURING BLOOM DEVELOPMENT: A ROLE ASSESSMENT OF GRAZERS AND VIRUS

Schwierzke, Leslie, Daniel L. Roelke, Bryan W. Brooks, James P. Grover, Theodore W. Valenti, Jr., Mieke Lahousse, Carrie J. Miller, and James L. Pinckney, 2010. Prymnesium parvum Population Dynamics During Bloom Development: A Role Assessment of Grazers and Virus. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(1):63-75. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2009.00391.x Abstract: The toxic haptophyte Prymnesium parvum is a harmful alga known to cause fish-killing blooms that occur worldwide. In Texas (United States), P. parvum blooms occur in inland brackish water bodies and have increased in frequency and magnitude in recent years. In this study we conducted three consecutive field experiments (Lake Whitney) to investigate the influence of zooplankton and viruses on P. parvum bloom dynamics during the time of year when blooms are still typically active in Texas (early spring). A localized P. parvum bloom developed during our study that involved increasing levels of toxicity (based on Pimephales promelas and Daphnia magna bioassays). Only in our last experiment, during later stages of bloom development and under highly toxic conditions, did the presence of grazers show a statistically significant, negative effect on P. parvum population dynamics. During this experiment, a rotifer-dominated zooplankton community emerged, composed mostly of Notholca laurentiae, suggesting that this species was less sensitive than other grazers to toxins produced by P. parvum. Microzooplankton may have also been important at this time. Similarly, only our final experiment demonstrated a statistically significant, negative effect of viruses on P. parvum. This exploratory study, resulting in observed impacts on P. parvum populations by both grazers and virus, enhances our understanding of P. parvum ecology and highlights direction for future studies on resistance of zooplankton to prymnesin toxins and algal-virus interactions.
SU‐E‐T‐706: A GEANT4 Simulation of Light‐Ion Beams in Water

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation has been to study the Bragg peaks of energetic light‐ions including H, Li, B, C, N, O, and Ne in water via a GEANT4 simulation to reveal potential benefits for radiation therapy. Methods: Electromagnetic processes for energy losses of hadrons and leptons are defined in GEANT4 as either “standard” (SP) or “low energy” (LEP). Our study used LEP for an extension of particle cutoff energies below that of SP. The hadronic interactions for proton and neutron were simulated using low energy elastic interactions and a binary cascade model. Other light‐ion hadronic interactions were simulated through the application of quasi‐molecular dynamics (QMD) model. A 27 liter water phantom consisting of 3000 packed rectangular detector discs (30 cm × 30 cm × 0.1 mm) was used in this simulation. The energy deposition in each disc was monitored to produce Bragg peaks. The simulations for each ion were carried out by 1 million incident particles with a pencil beam of 1 mm diameter. The energies of the ion beams were selected in order to create Bragg peak positions in three depths: 5, 15, and 25 cm. Results: The dose ratio of tail to peak was found to be 1.7 times higher for Ne compared to Li at 25 cm Bragg peak depth. It was found that Bragg peak widths at the 50% level decrease with increase of the atomic mass and this trend can be modeled with a power law. The entrance to peak dose ratio was found to be 1.35 times higher for Ne compared to protons at the 25 cm Bragg peak depth. At shallower depths, this dose increase with increasing atomic mass was not seen. Conclusions: This preliminary simulation demonstrates that GEANT4 is able to model multiple light‐ion beams for potential use in radiation therapy.
The Performance of GNVQ Entrants on Undergraduate Business Courses

abstract The academic achievement, failure rates and withdrawal rates of 125 GNVQ entrants on the first year of full‐time undergraduate business courses were compared with ‘A’ Level entrants. Although ‘A’ Level entrants tended to achieve higher marks on average, the differences between the means of the two groups were significant for only two out of eleven assessments. There was no difference in the proportions of GNVQ and ‘A’ Level entrants failing assessments in five out of six assessments compared. There was no difference in the proportions of students withdrawing from their courses except on HND Business and Finance where GNVQ students were less likely to withdraw. These results suggest that students entering Higher Education with a GNVQ in Business were not disadvantaged in their first year of study.
Rigid and non-rigid classification using interactive perception

Robotics research tends to focus upon either non-contact sensing or machine manipulation, but not both. This paper explores the benefits of combining the two by addressing the problem of classifying unknown objects, such as found in service robot applications. In the proposed approach, an object lies on a flat background, and the goal of the robot is to interact with and classify each object so that it can be studied further. The algorithm considers each object to be classified using color, shape, and flexibility. Experiments on a number of different objects demonstrate the ability of efficiently classifying and labeling each item through interaction.
Direct measurement of the energy variation of ? for U233, U235, and Pu239

A technique is described that measures directly the energy variation of η, the number of fission neutrons produced per neutron absorbed. When combined with total cross sections, the method is capable of giving fission cross sections as well. Results are presented in the energy region near thermal, of importance to reactor design, for U233, U235, and Pu239. Comparison with η computed from total and fission cross sections shows good agreement for U233 and U235 but a disagreement outside experimental error for Pu239. An auxiliary experiment demonstrates that ν, the number of neutrons per fission, is constant with energy in the region of interest for Pu239, hence that the discrepancy cannot be ascribed to a ν variation.
Roles of ATM and ATR-Mediated DNA Damage Responses during Lytic BK Polyomavirus Infection

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is an emerging pathogen whose reactivation causes severe disease in transplant patients. Unfortunately, there is no specific anti-BKPyV treatment available, and host cell components that affect the infection outcome are not well characterized. In this report, we examined the relationship between BKPyV productive infection and the activation of the cellular DNA damage response (DDR) in natural host cells. Our results showed that both the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM)- and ATM and Rad-3-related (ATR)-mediated DDR were activated during BKPyV infection, accompanied by the accumulation of polyploid cells. We assessed the involvement of ATM and ATR during infection using small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdowns. ATM knockdown did not significantly affect viral gene expression, but reduced BKPyV DNA replication and infectious progeny production. ATR knockdown had a slightly more dramatic effect on viral T antigen (TAg) and its modified forms, DNA replication, and progeny production. ATM and ATR double knockdown had an additive effect on DNA replication and resulted in a severe reduction in viral titer. While ATM mainly led to the activation of pChk2 and ATR was primarily responsible for the activation of pChk1, knockdown of all three major phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-like kinases (ATM, ATR, and DNA-PKcs) did not abolish the activation of γH2AX during BKPyV infection. Finally, in the absence of ATM or ATR, BKPyV infection caused severe DNA damage and aberrant TAg staining patterns. These results indicate that induction of the DDR by BKPyV is critical for productive infection, and that one of the functions of the DDR is to minimize the DNA damage which is generated during BKPyV infection.
Protein aggregation in the pathogenesis of familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease

Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is a slowly progressive, age-related, neurodegenerative disorder. The cause and mechanism of neuronal death have been elusive. However, recent genetic, postmortem and experimental evidence show that protein accumulation and aggregation are prominent occurrences in both sporadic and familial PD. The relevance of these events to other cellular and biochemical changes, and to the neurodegenerative process, is being unraveled. It is increasingly evident that one or a combination of defects, including mutations, oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment and dysfunction of the ubiquitin–proteasome system, lead to an excess production and aggregation of abnormal proteins in PD. In this respect, altered protein handling appears to be a central factor in the pathogenic process occurring in the various hereditary and sporadic forms of PD. This suggests that manipulation of proteolytic systems is a rational approach in the development of neuroprotective therapies that could modify the pathological course of PD.
1141249460 A novel three‐dimensional in vitro system of trophoblast–endothelium cell interaction

Introduction: Preeclampsia and IUGR have been linked to improper trophoblast migration that impairs maternal spiral artery transformation minimizing vessel dilation and therefore restricting blood flow to the developing fetus. Endothelial cells are thought to play an essential role in directing trophoblast migration and transformation, although the mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood. We have developed a novel in vitro system that evaluates endothelial-trophoblast interaction and signaling in a three-dimensional environment. Methods: An immortalized human endometrial endothelial cell line (HEEC) (Krikun et al., 2004) and first trimester trophoblast cell lines HTR-8 and Swan.71 were used. Endothelial transformation into vessel-like structures occurred in Matrigel Basement Membrane Matrix. Cell membrane linker dye and OpenLab Image Analysis software were used to monitor trophoblast migration and transformation. Cytokine and chemokine production was determined using a multiplex bead assay. Results: Upon differentiation in matrigel, endothelial cells undergo a shift in cytokine production characterized by an increased secretion of chemokines. First trimester trophoblast cells migrate toward the differentiated endothelium, and reach it within 4–8 hr. Complete replacement of the endothelium is seen by 48 hr. The transformed tubes maintain structure and remain functional for several weeks allowing for further co-culture studies. Conclusion: We report the characterization of a novel three-dimensional in vitro system of trophoblast–endothelium cell interaction. We found significant changes in the phenotype (cytokine expression and LPS responses) of endothelial cells upon differentiation in matrigel as compared to the monolayer culture. These changes may be necessary for the endothelium to direct trophoblast migration. Furthermore, this model represents an ideal co-culture system to evaluate the role of additional cell types, e.g. immune cells, involved in the process of spiral artery transformation.
Evaluation of HPC Applications on Cloud

HPC applications are increasingly being used in academia and laboratories for scientific research and in industries for business and analytics. Cloud computing offers the benefits of virtualization, elasticity of resources and elimination of cluster setup cost and time to HPC applications users. However, poor network performance, performance variation and OS noise are some of the challenges for execution of HPC applications on Cloud. In this paper, we propose that Cloud can be viable platform for some HPC applications depending upon application characteristics such as communication volume and pattern and sensitivity to OS noise and scale. We present an evaluation of the performance and cost tradeoffs of HPC applications on a range of platforms varying from Cloud (with and without virtualization) to HPC-optimized cluster. Our results show that Cloud is viable platform for some applications, specifically, non communicationintensive applications such as embarrassingly parallel and tree-structured computations up to high processor count and for communication-intensive applications up to low processor count.
An NL hierarchy

Abstract We introduce a new nondeterministic oracle model. Our model is significantly different from all previous space-bounded oracle models, and has the following properties: First, it permits a nontrivial NL-hierarchy, which does not collapse without a similar consequence for the polynomial-time hierarchy. This is immediate from the result that ∑ k p is exactly the 2 k th level in our NL-hierarchy, for all k ⩾1. On the other hand, it still behaves very well in relativised worlds. In particular, the new model satisfies the Immerman-Szelepcsenyi theorem and Savitch's theorem in the relativized worlds for oracle sets in each level of the polynomial-time hierarchy.
Is it time to move on from two-dimensional transesophageal to three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography for assessment of left atrial appendage? Review of existing literature.

Left atrial appendage (LAA) has unique anatomical and physiological properties, which make it a common site for thrombus formation in many cardiovascular and systemic diseases. Assessment of LAA for thrombus thus becomes important in many clinical situations and two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D TEE), which allows excellent quality images of LAA because of its close proximity to esophagus is routinely used for this purpose. However, it is a semiinvasive procedure, requires more time and involves some degree of patient discomfort. With some training and experience, two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D TTE) can visualize LAA in most patients with good acoustic windows. A disadvantage of both 2D TTE and 2D TEE is that they provide only a thin slice or section of cardiac structures at any given time limiting their utility in comprehensively assessing the LAA for thrombus. On the other hand, live/real time three-dimensional (3D) TTE overcomes this limitation of both 2D TTE and 2D TEE because of its ability to encompass whole of the LAA in three-dimensions in the acquired data set, which can then be cropped and sectioned systematically at any desired angulation to more definitively look for clot. 3D TTE is also useful in differentiating a clot from pectinate muscles in the LAA, which can mimic a thrombus resulting in patient mismanagement. In addition, 3D TTE is helpful in sectioning a clot for lysis, which has implications in clot resolution. We reviewed the existing literature comparing the relative advantages and disadvantages of 3D TTE versus 2D TEE and found that in patients with good acoustic windows 3D TTE had similar efficacy for detecting LAA thrombus. (Echocardiography 2012;29:112-116)
Diagnosis of Nosocomial Bacterial Pneumonia in Acute, Diffuse Lung Injury

Nosocomial bacterial pneumonia as a complication of acute, diffuse lung injury may be difficult to distinguish clinically from other pathologic processes. To determine the reliability of findings commonly used to diagnose pneumonia in this setting, we compared clinical predictions of bacterial pneumonia with postmortem histology. Pneumonia was present histologically in 58 percent of the study patients, 36 percent of whom had been thought to have only lung injury. Among patients who had only diffuse lung injury histologically, 20 percent were thought to have pneumonia by clinical evaluation. Overall, 29 percent of cases were misdiagnosed. Improved diagnostic techniques will be required before the efficacy of preventive or therapeutic measures for pneumonia in the setting of acute, diffuse lung injury can be accurately determined.
Theoretic curves of drift transistor current gain

Intrinsic common-base, short-circuit current gain analysis of drift transistors may be aided by means of a simplified approximation equation. The accuracy of the equation may be controlled by the investigator. A graphic solution for determining this parameter of moderate drift field transistors may be obtained by using the arcs of circles. The interrelation between the graphic analysis and the theoretic approximation provides a flexible yet accurate method of analyzing this parameter.
Hemodynamic shear stress and the endothelium in cardiovascular pathophysiology

Endothelium lining the cardiovascular system is highly sensitive to hemodynamic shear stresses that act at the vessel luminal surface in the direction of blood flow. Physiological variations of shear stress regulate acute changes in vascular diameter and when sustained induce slow, adaptive, structural-wall remodeling. Both processes are endothelium-dependent and are systemically and regionally compromised by hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes and inflammatory disorders. Shear stress spans a range of spatiotemporal scales and contributes to regional and focal heterogeneity of endothelial gene expression, which is important in vascular pathology. Regions of flow disturbances near arterial branches, bifurcations and curvatures result in complex spatiotemporal shear stresses and their characteristics can predict atherosclerosis susceptibility. Changes in local artery geometry during atherogenesis further modify shear stress characteristics at the endothelium. Intravascular devices can also influence flow-mediated endothelial responses. Endothelial flow-induced responses include a cell-signaling repertoire, collectively known as mechanotransduction, that ranges from instantaneous ion fluxes and biochemical pathways to gene and protein expression. A spatially decentralized mechanism of endothelial mechanotransduction is dominant, in which deformation at the cell surface induced by shear stress is transmitted as cytoskeletal tension changes to sites that are mechanically coupled to the cytoskeleton. A single shear stress mechanotransducer is unlikely to exist; rather, mechanotransduction occurs at multiple subcellular locations.
Abatacept in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting 1% of the population. The immunologic dysfunction underlying this immune disorder is complex and intricate with the involvement of various immune cells as well as cytokines and surface molecules. While inhibition of TNF-α has changed the outlook of patients with this disorder, it regulates only one aspect of the inflammatory cascade associated with RA. This is corroborated by experience in the clinic, where a significant proportion of the patients do not have clinical benefit with such therapies. Furthermore, a number of patients experience blunting of the initial therapeutic benefits of TNF-α-targeted therapies. Thus, a different approach to regulate the immune dysfunction associated with RA is necessary. T cells are considered important in the pathogenesis of RA and abatacept, a fusion protein, was developed to abolish the activation of the T cell by blocking its interaction with the antigen-presenting cell. Abatacept has demonstrat...
Pedestrian Navigation Systems: a Case Study of Deep Personalization

Requirements Engineering (RE) focuses on obtaining the user goals and environmental constraints of a proposed system. In traditional RE, users are treated as a consumer-class: what holds for one member is assumed to hold for the rest. Personalization comes through providing options that a user can set at runtime to tailor features of the system to his or her personal preferences. In our work, we take up the personalization issue in more detail. In particular, we believe that some systems require a "deep personalization" that includes knowledge of an individual user's skills and limitations. In some cases, these skills and limitations might not be self-aware, i.e., a user cannot accurately self-reflect on his or her skills and weaknesses. In this paper, we will demonstrate the notion of deep personalization in the domain of personal navigation systems. We find this an interesting domain for several reasons: (1) There is a domain theory of navigation skills that draws from both Cartography and Psychology. (2) There are individual differences in navigation skills. (3) An individual user may not be self-aware of his or her skills. (4) If a system is delivered that does not match the skills of the user, it may be less than effective, and at worst, abandoned.
NAPL Source Zone Depletion Model and Its Application to Railroad-Tank-Car Spills

We developed a new semi-analytical source zone depletion model (SZDM) for multicomponent light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) and incorporated this into an existing screening model for estimating cleanup times for chemical spills from railroad tank cars that previously considered only single-component LNAPLs. Results from the SZDM compare favorably to those from a three-dimensional numerical model, and from another semi-analytical model that does not consider source zone depletion. The model was used to evaluate groundwater contamination and cleanup times for four complex mixtures of concern in the railroad industry. Among the petroleum hydrocarbon mixtures considered, the cleanup time of diesel fuel was much longer than E95, gasoline, and crude oil. This is mainly due to the high fraction of low solubility components in diesel fuel. The results demonstrate that the updated screening model with the newly developed SZDM is computationally efficient, and provides valuable comparisons of cleanup times that can be used in assessing the health and financial risk associated with chemical mixture spills from railroad-tank-car accidents.
Intra-articular decorin influences the fibrosis genetic expression profile in a rabbit model of joint contracture

Objectives The goal of this study was to determine whether intra-articular administration of the potentially anti-fibrotic agent decorin influences the expression of genes involved in the fibrotic cascade, and ultimately leads to less contracture, in an animal model. Methods A total of 18 rabbits underwent an operation on their right knees to form contractures. Six limbs in group 1 received four intra-articular injections of decorin; six limbs in group 2 received four intra-articular injections of bovine serum albumin (BSA) over eight days; six limbs in group 3 received no injections. The contracted limbs of rabbits in group 1 were biomechanically and genetically compared with the contracted limbs of rabbits in groups 2 and 3, with the use of a calibrated joint measuring device and custom microarray, respectively. Results There was no statistical difference in the flexion contracture angles between those limbs that received intra-articular decorin versus those that received intra-articular BSA (66° vs 69°; p = 0.41). Likewise, there was no statistical difference between those limbs that received intra-articular decorin versus those who had no injection (66° vs 72°; p = 0.27). When compared with BSA, decorin led to a statistically significant increase in the mRNA expression of 12 genes (p < 0.01). In addition, there was a statistical change in the mRNA expression of three genes, when compared with those without injection. Conclusions In this model, when administered intra-articularly at eight weeks, 2 mg of decorin had no significant effect on joint contractures. However, our genetic analysis revealed a significant alteration in several fibrotic genes. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:82–8.
Lead levels in blood from cattle residing near a lead smelter.

Concentrations of Pb in whole blood from 222 cattle (Bos taurus L.) representing nine herds were determined. Lead blood levels were significantly (P≤0.05) elevated for herds near a primary lead smelter compared to a backgronnd berd. Herd Pb blood levels were significantly correlated to distance from the smelter (r=-0.86), and to soil Pb concentrations (r=0.96). They were also moderately correlated (r=0.61) to vegetation Pb levels. Soil may be more important than forage as a source of Pb for these cattle
Design and methods of the Pro-B Type Natriuretic Peptide Outpatient Tailored Chronic Heart Failure Therapy (PROTECT) Study.

Background Serial measurements of N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) provide prognostic information in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). Changes in NT-proBNP concentrations parallel prognosis; however, it remains unclear whether HF care with a goal to maximize medical therapy and also lower NT-proBNP concentrations is superior to standard HF care alone. Aims The aim of the study was to evaluate the hypothesis that an HF strategy guided by NT-proBNP reduces cardiovascular events compared to standard of care HF management. Methods In a prospective randomized single-center trial, subjects with New York Heart Association class II to IV systolic HF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%) will be enrolled. Both groups will receive standard HF management (with a goal for minimizing HF symptoms and achieving maximal dosages of therapies with proven mortality benefit in HF), whereas one group ("NT-proBNP") will also have treatment adjustments to reduce NT-proBNP concentrations ≤1,000 pg/mL. The primary end point of the trial is total cardiovascular events for a 1-year period; secondary end points will include effects of NT-proBNP-guided care on cardiac structure and function, quality of life, and total costs of care. Results Enrollment began in 2006; of the original 300 planned, thus far, 151 subjects have been randomized. Interim analysis in November 2009 indicated significant reduction of events in the NT-proBNP arm. Full results are expected in 2010. Conclusions The Pro-B Type Natriuretic Peptide Outpatient Tailored Chronic Heart Failure Therapy (PROTECT) Study will test the hypothesis that therapy guided by NT-proBNP concentrations will be superior to standard of care HF management (www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00351390).
Sensor Network Component-Based Simulator

The emergence of wireless sensor networks brought many open issues to network designers. Traditionally, the three main techniques for analyzing the performance of wired and wireless networks are analytical methods, computer simulation, and physical measurement. However, because of many constraints imposed on sensor networks, such as energy limitation, decentralized collaboration, fault tolerance, algorithms for sensor networks tend to be quite complex and usually defy analytical methods that have been proved to be fairly effective for traditional networks. Furthermore, few sensor networks have come into existence, for there are still many unsolved research problems, so measurement is virtually impossible. It appears that simulation is the only feasible approach to the quantitative analysis of sensor networks.
Using Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing to Measure Changes in the Projected Area of Individual Cells

We used an electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) technique to measure changes in the projected area of individual cells. The projected area of the cell plays a significant role in cellular behavior, including cell spreading, cell growth, cell death and cell adhesion. We built a custom impedance sensing setup; we recorded real time impedance spectra of individual adherent cells; and we used two parameters extracted from each impedance spectrum to measure the changes in the projected area of the cell. The projected area of the cell determines how much electrical current was measured using ECIS; therefore, it directly governed the values of two extracted impedance parameters.
Structure and Tc of La1−xYbxBa2Cu3O7-y Layered Perovskite Superconductors

After the discovery of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-y with an unusually high superconducting transition temperature (T c ), around 95 K [1], similar compounds were made by completely replacing Y by the other rare-earth elements. It was found that RBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-y (RBCO; R = rare-earth) possessed the same orthorhombically distorted layered perovskite structure and virtually the same T c for almost all R [2–8]. The exceptions are compounds with R = Ce, Pr and Tb. The stable tetravalent state of these three R elements, as contrasted with the stable trivalent state of the other R elements, may be the reason behind this problem [9]. But there are also problems in producing single-phase, high T c samples with La, Yb and Lu substitutes [10–12]. One of the reasons for this may be the size of these R ions: the difference between their radii and that of Y 3+ is comparably large. Here we present the results of our systematic study of the structure and transport properties of the series of compounds La 1−x Yb x BCO (0.05 ≤ × ≤ 0.95).
Geant4 Based Monte Carlo Dose Calculation Engine for Radiation Therapy

Radiation dose calculation engine as a base for X-ray radiation treatment planning has been developed using Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit and applying highly efficient voxel geometry with flexible material definition. With this engine we can easily customize flexible patient and beam modules, thus obtaining a common backend applicable to various radiation therapy planning systems. The engine was tested using the available experimental data for a water phantom and using the real CT data in X-ray therapies; the calculated doses were compared also against the MCNP5/X values. The results show that this Geant4 based radiation dose calculation engine has much higher computational speed than the models generated by an MCNP5/X-based treatment planning tool without any loss of accuracy. In addition, Geant4 is an open source code and applies no restrictions to the users.
Validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for quantification of glycopyrrolate in horse plasma.

A rapid, sensitive, and specific ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with heated electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC ‐HESI-MS ‐MS) method to detect and quantify glycopyrrolate in horse plasma has been developed and validated. We also determined glycopyrrolate in plasma after oral and intravenous administration of clinically relevant doses to Thoroughbred horses. Calibration was accomplished by weighted, linear regression analysis using a deuterated analogue of glycopyrrolate as internal standard (IS). Glycopyrrolate (GLY) and the IS (GLY-d 3) were isolated from plasma matrices via weak cation exchange using a simple solid-phase extraction technique. Chromatographic analysis was achieved by reversed-phase UHPLC on a C 18 Acquity™ column. Extracts were analyzed in positive electrospray ionization mode and precursor and product ions were detected and quantified by MS ‐MS using a triple-stage quadrupole (TSQ) instrument. The method was characterized by a linear range of 0.125 ‐25 pg/mL ( R2 > 0.998), a lower limit of quantification of 0.125 pg/mL and a lower limit of detection of 0.025 pg/mL. Recovery of GLY ranged from 78% to 96%, and intra- and interbatch precision were 3.3 ‐14.4%CV and 3.4 ‐14.4%CV, respectively. Glycopyrrolate was stable in plasma for up to 170 days at ‐80°C, through three freeze/thaw cycles, and for up to 48 h after extraction under 20°C autosampler conditions.
Dynamic mechanisms of the gulf surge

[1] The gulf surge is a summertime phenomenon associated with the North American Monsoon that transports moisture from the Gulf of California into western portions of the United States. This phenomenon has been acknowledged operationally and by researchers for over 30 years. The surge is typically linked to the presence of some sort of low-pressure system such as an easterly wave, mesoscale convective system, or hurricane located near the southern end of the Gulf of California. Proposed mechanisms for the gulf surge are gravity currents, ageostrophic flows, Kelvin, or Rossby edge waves. The purpose of this paper is to describe the fundamental dynamics of each of these mechanisms and assess their plausibility through scale analyses and idealized numerical simulations and to suggest signatures that may appear in data and output of more sophisticated numerical models.
TRANSITION PREDICTION FOR A TWO DIMENSIONAL NAVIER-STOKES SOLVER APPLIED TO WIND-TURBINE AIRFOILS

A boundary-layer transition prediction methodology is presented and applied to a two-dimensional Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes solver. The prediction method identifies several boundary-layer transition mechanisms and utilizes the calculated boundary-layer velocity profiles to strongly couple the flow solution to the predicted transition location. This methodology is used to predict transition onset for the NLF(l)-0416 and S809 single element wind-turbine airfoils. Results obtained with numerical caIcuIations are found to agree well with experimental observations.
The infection process and symptom expression of verticillium disease of Agaricus bisporus

(1993). The infection process and symptom expression of verticillium disease of Agaricus bisporus. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology: Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 74-80.
Quinolones in the Treatment of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a severe systemic disease. Treatment with appropriate antibiotics is essential for enteric fever. Development and rapid dissemination of resistance to chloramphenicol, ampicillin, and cotrimoxazole have complicated the treatment of enteric fever. Therapeutic options for the treatment of multidrug-resistant strains are limited to third generation cephalosporins or fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Recent clinical experiences have shown that quinolones are the drugs of choice for treatment of enteric fever. Studies have shown that shorter courses may be sufficient to cure uncomplicated typhoid fever.
Exploring the structure and chemical activity of 2-D gold islands on graphene moiré/Ru(0001)

Au deposited on Ru(0001)-supported extended, continuous graphene moire forms large 2-D islands at room temperature that are several nanometers in diameter but only 0.55 nm in height, in the apparent absence of typical binding sites such as defects and adsorbates. These Au islands conform to the corrugation of the underlying graphene and display commensurate moire patterns. Several extended Au structure models on graphene/Ru(0001) are examined using density functional theory calculations. Close-packed Au overlayers are energetically more stable, but all interact weakly with the support. Preliminary tests found the Au islands/graphene/Ru(0001) surface to be active for CO oxidation at cryogenic temperature, which suggests that the Au itself is the locus of catalytic activity.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Misunderstood Psychophysiological Affliction

Irritable bowel syndrome is a benign, chronic, gastrointestinal disorder that affects much of the general population. Misunderstanding and lack of patient education often result in increased anxiety and physical distress. Counselors can be instrumental in recognizing the condition in afflicted clients and providing emotional support and stress management training.