cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Origins, Development, and Passage of Medicare’s Revolutionary Prospective Payment System

This article explains the origins, development, and passage of the single most influential postwar innovation in medical financing: Medicare's prospective payment system (PPS). Inexorably rising medical inflation and deep economic deterioration forced policymakers in the late 1970s to pursue radical reform of Medicare to keep the program from insolvency. Congress and the Reagan administration eventually turned to the one alternative reimbursement system that analysts and academics had studied more than any other and had even tested with apparent success in New Jersey: prospective payment with diagnosis-related groups (DRGs). Rather than simply reimbursing hospitals whatever costs they charged to treat Medicare patients, the new model paid hospitals a predetermined, set rate based on the patient's diagnosis. The most significant change in health policy since Medicare and Medicaid's passage in 1965 went virtually unnoticed by the general public. Nevertheless, the change was nothing short of revolutionary. For the first time, the federal government gained the upper hand in its financial relationship with the hospital industry. Medicare's new prospective payment system with DRGs triggered a shift in the balance of political and economic power between the providers of medical care (hospitals and physicians) and those who paid for it--power that providers had successfully accumulated for more than half a century.
Quantifying force networks in particulate systems

Abstract We present mathematical models based on persistent homology for analyzing force distributions in particulate systems. We define three distinct chain complexes of these distributions: digital, position, and interaction, motivated by different types of data that may be available from experiments and simulations, e.g. digital images, location of the particles, and the forces between the particles, respectively. We describe how algebraic topology, in particular, homology allows one to obtain algebraic representations of the geometry captured by these complexes. For each complex we define an associated force network from which persistent homology is computed. Using numerical data obtained from discrete element simulations of a system of particles undergoing slow compression, we demonstrate how persistent homology can be used to compare the force distributions in different systems, and discuss the differences between the properties of digital, position, and interaction force networks. To conclude, we formulate well-defined measures quantifying differences between force networks corresponding to the different states of a system, and therefore allow to analyze in precise terms dynamical properties of force networks.
Immunolocalization of fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), its receptor (FGFR-1), and fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1) in inflammatory renal disease

Immunolocalization of fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), its receptor (FGFR-1), and fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1) in inflammatory renal disease. Background The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family has functions in development, cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. While FGF-2 induces fibrosis, the role of FGF-1 in inflammation and fibrosis is less defined. We examined the expression of FGF-1 and FGF receptor (FGFR-1) to determine if renal diseases with varying etiologies of inflammation, including lupus nephritis (LN), acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) and acute rejection superimposed on chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN), showed varying patterns of expression. We also examined the expression of fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1), which has been linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis, to determine whether it was linked to potential profibrotic and inflammatory FGF-1 mechanisms. Methods Proliferative LN (PLN) ( N = 12), nonproliferative lupus nephritis (NPLN) ( N = 5), AIN ( N = 6), CAN ( N = 4), and normal kidneys ( N = 3) were studied. FGF, FGFR-1, and FSP-1 were localized by immunohistochemistry, and intensity scored on a 0 to 3+ scale. Double staining with CD68 and separate immunohistochemical staining for CD4 and CD8 with serial sections analysis were done to identify if T lymphocytes or macrophages showed staining for FGF-1 and FGFR-1 or FSP-1. Results In normal kidneys, FGF-1 was expressed in mesangial cells (0.67 ± 0.58), glomerular endothelial (0.67 ± 0.58), visceral, and parietal epithelial cells (1.67 ± 0.58). FGFR-1 showed a similar pattern of staining but also was expressed in tubular epithelium, and arterial endothelium and smooth muscle. Expression of FGF-1 was increased over normal in glomerular parenchymal cells only in CAN in podocytes (2.30 ± 0.58 vs. 3.00 ± 0.00) ( P P Conclusion The expression of FGF-1 and FGFR-1 in infiltrating lymphocytes and macrophages, and of FGFR-1 in tubules, is supportive, but does not prove causality, of the possibility that FGF-1 might have both autocrine and paracrine functions in renal inflammation. However, the initial stimulus for renal inflammation, whether immune complex, hypersensitivity or rejection, did not alter expression patterns of FGF-1 or its receptor. The colocalization of inflammatory infiltrates with interstitial fibrosis supports the possibility of a contribution of FGF-1 for chemotaxis and associated fibrosis, further supported by interstitial FSP-1 expression closely associated with these inflammatory cells expressing FGF-1 and FGFR-1.
Interaction of potassium carbonate with surface oxides of carbon

Abstract Interactions between isotopically labelled potassium carbonate (K213CO3) and surface oxides on carbon were studied by temperature-programmed reaction, using carbons with different surface-oxide concentrations. 13CO2 was produced
The Cardiometabolic Benefits of Routine Physical Activity in Persons Living with Spinal Cord Injury

Health concerns related to aging have begun to play a greater role in the management of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). A particular concern that has emerged is cardiovascular disease (CVD); for long-term SCI, morbidity and mortality from CVD now exceeds that due to renal and pulmonary conditions. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for CVD, and this risk factor is particularly high in SCI. Physical activity in SCI is limited not only by the obvious physical barriers but also by availability of facilities and transportation, psychosocial barriers, and comorbidities. Structured programs of physical activity have been demonstrated to be beneficial for improving exercise capacity and reducing particular CVD risk factors in SCI, but there is inconsistency among the available studies. This article reviews the prevalence of CVD and associated cardiometabolic risk markers in SCI, and describes the available evidence supporting the benefits of physical activity in persons with SCI.
Endoscopic techniques in the diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma

At endoscopic examination of 7 exophytic, 20 infiltrative, and 11 ulcerating gastric carcinomas, correct visual diagnosis was made in 82%. Guided biopsy and brushing cytology together yielded a positive pathologic diagnosis in 84%. When endoscopic appearance, biopsy, and cytology were collated, a correct diagnosis was achieved in 97% of cases. Infiltrative and ulcerated lesions required the most assiduous study.
A clinicopathologic study of 30 cases of oligoastrocytoma including p53 immunohistochemistry

SummaryMixed gliomas have been difficult to define and subsequently diagnose due to the paucity of literature specifically examining this group of tumors. Thirty mixed gliomas in which the minor glial component comprised at least 20% of the total tumor were studied: 20 oligoastrocytomas (OA) and ten malignant oligoastrocytomas (MOA). Nineteen patients were male (mean age 36 years) and 19 patients (63%) presented with seizures. The tumor was located in the frontal lobe in 17 patients (57%) and the temporal lobe in nine patients (30%). The duration of preoperative symptoms in 25 patients ranged from five days to 14 years (mean 2.6 years). A mean follow-up of four years was available in 29 patients. Fourteen patients, seven with OA and seven with MOA, had recurrent tumor. One patient with MOA and four patients with OA (three with tumor progression and one with extensive leptomeningeal spread) died as a result of their tumor one to five years after diagnosis. Eighteen patients received chemotherapy and/or rad...
The identification of αA and αB collagen chains in hypertrophic scar

Abstract Hypertrophic scarring develop as a result of full thickness dermal destruction. The connective tissue matrix of this lesion is mostly collagen. Collagen extracted by limited pepsin digestion was partially characterized, using bulk salt and heat-gelling techniques. The different collagen types isolated were Types I, III, and V or AB collagen composed of αA and αB chains. The identity of these collagen types was established by stained protein band patterns on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis. The possible location of Type V or AB collagen in hypertrophic scar is discussed.
Finite pulse effects in self-amplified-spontaneous-emission

Abstract We study the effects of the electron density profile on self-amplified-spontaneous-emission (SASE). A general formalism in the linear regime is developed by deriving the coupled Maxwell-Klimontovich equations for an arbitrary density profile including the effects of the energy spread, diffraction, and the betatron oscillation. An explicit solution is obtained for the one-dimensional (1-D) case. The temporal and the spectral intensity profiles of SASE depend linearly on the initial electron correlation function. The correlation function consists of two terms, a term giving rise to the usual spontaneous radiation and its amplification to SASE, and a term representing the coherent bunched beam effect. The latter term has been neglected so far in the treatments of SASE, but it could be significant when there is a variation in the electron density at a length scale comparable to the wavelength. The theory reproduces the well-known results when the electron density is uniform. It also reproduces a recent theory for a finite top-hat density profile and a vanishing energy spread.
Maternal nutrient restriction upregulates growth signaling pathways in the cotyledonary artery of cow placentomes.

Abstract This study evaluated the role of MAPK/ERK1/2 and/or PI3-K/Akt signaling pathways in modulating bovine placentomal vascularity in response to maternal nutrient restriction. Beef cows were randomly assigned to control fed (Control, n = 15, 100% of requirements) or nutrient restricted (NR, n = 15, 50% requirements) diets from day 30 to day 125 of gestation. Ten cows from each dietary group were necropsied on day 125 (∼45% gestation), and the remaining cows in each diet group were then fed control diets and necropsied on day 250 (∼90% gestation). At day 125 of gestation, NR cows exhibited increased ( P = 0.06) COT vascularity, improved ( P P P
The LPD 17 Ship Design: Leading a Sea Change Toward Collaborative Product Development

In the summer of 2005, the lead ship of the LPD 17 Class was delivered to the US Navy. The LPD 17 is a highly capable amphibious assault warship, designed as a total ship system, which will provide significantly improved warfighting capabilities to support US Marine Corps and joint operations. Potential ship capabilities were initially explored as LX Concept Studies (1989–1990) and the final ship took form in the 1990s as Preliminary, Contract, and Detail Design progressed. Fabrication of the lead ship began in June 2000 and the LPD 17 was launched in July 2003. Currently, three ships have been delivered to the US Navy and five are under construction. The LPD 17 was the last contract design developed in-house under the leadership of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) ship design group utilizing NAVSEA's highly experienced ship design workforce. Many new and innovative concepts and approaches were introduced into the LPD 17 design and acquisition process. The LPD 17 was the first surface ship design to experience the benefits of Total Ship Systems Engineering, Integrated Product and Process Development (IPPD), Navy–Shipbuilder Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) collocated at the shipyard, and an Integrated Product Data Environment (IPDE). Such dramatic changes created many opportunities, hurdles, and even some pain. The Navy's Center for Innovation in Ship Design (CISD) championed a systems engineering case study of the LPD 17 ship design addressing all phases from requirements determination through detail design. This paper provides a retrospective of what occurred in order to document best ship design practices and lessons learned and to determine how the naval ship design process can be further improved. These lessons learned and best design practices will help transmit accumulated intellectual capital to other shipbuilding programs and future design leaders. The construction and delivery of ships is at a stage that provides a logical benchmark from which to make assessments. For example, the Secretary of the Navy recently received the US Marine Corps initial impressions of the LPD 17 Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL): “The Right Ship, The Right Size, The Right Capabilities.” Although a number of ship design process innovations contributed to a sound Contract Design technical package, it is now common knowledge that the LPD 17 lead ship was over budget and late. The authors conclude that the most significant best practice, or lesson learned in the case of LPD 17, is that there must be a tightly integrated, seamless, collaborative design-build approach between the Navy and the Shipbuilder(s) throughout the whole design-build process starting at the very beginning of ship design. There are new ship design projects like MPF(F) and CG(X) that could benefit from the innovations, best practices, and lessons learned of the LPD 17 Ship Design: leading a sea change toward collaborative product development.
Experimental Corroboration of the Mechanism of Biological Action of Quinones of the Type of Vitamin K

A HYPOTHESIS was suggested1,3 in the course of chemical and biochemical studies of the antihaemorrhagic compounds that the activity of the quinones of the vitamin K group is due to their bio-oxidative decomposition to phthalic acid and is largely a function of their capacity for transformation into this acid. It is phthalic acid that is apparently to be regarded as the carrier of the biological properties of such quinones.
Cnicin concentrations in Centaurea maculosa, spotted knapweed

Abstract Glandular trichomes on the epidermal surfaces of Centaurea maculosa contain the sesquiterpene lactone cnicin. The highest concentrations occurred in leaf tissues, with low quantities in the inflorescence branches, stems and heads. There was no cnicin in the roots. Concentrations in the rosette leaves ranged from about 0.5% dry weight in the spring, up to 1.0% after flowering in late summer. Leaves attached to the stems and inflorescence branches had the highest quantities of cnicin and exhibited greatest interplant variation. Their summer levels were close to 2% with peak concentrations in October after the tissue was dead and dehydrated. Cnicin was detected only at trace levels in the soils at the study site. The allelopathic potential of cnicin is discussed.
Large ice crystals in the nucleus of rapidly frozen liver cells

Abstract Evidence in the literature shows that ice crystals that form in the nucleus of many rapidly cooled cells appear much larger than the ice crystals that form in the surrounding cytoplasm. We investigated the phenomenon in our laboratory using the techniques of freeze substitution and low temperature scanning electron microscopy on liver tissue frozen by liquid nitrogen plunge freezing. This method is estimated to cool the tissue at 1000°C/min. The results from these techniques show that the ice crystal sizes were statistically significantly larger in the nucleus than in the cytoplasm. It is our belief that this finding is important to cryobiology considering its potential role in the process of freezing and the mechanisms of damage during freezing of cells and tissues.
Methods for the study of amphipod swimming: behavior, morphology, and fluid dynamics

A thorough hydrodynamic approach to the study of swimming in amphipods demands a multipronged attack. A possible first step would be to gather swimming behavior data and determine the biomechanics and kinematics of pleopod beat. This requires careful observation of the swimming modes, swimming speeds, body positions and other aspects of behavior and limb motion that are crucial to swimming. Secondly, it is important to describe the morphology of the body and swimming appendages. Detailed drawings of body shape and design, skeletomusculature, condylic structure, and setal density and distribution on the pleopods and pereopods, are the tools required to ascribe hydrodynamic function to specific limb and body morphology. Finally, the information gathered from behavioral observations bolstered by functional morphology studies is applied to fluid dynamic calculations of drag, lift, and thrust. The theoretical calculations are then compared with empirical determinations of drag, wake generation, vortex shedding frequency, and flow patterns around an amphipod. The fluid dynamic facet of this research is the most challenging and requires an excellent grasp of the fundamental concepts of fluid flow and access to some highly technical equipment. The proposed tripartite approach for the study of amphipod swimming is by no means an exhaustive review of all the techniques that can be employed to quantify amphipod swimming. It will nevertheless permit a rigorous and systematic study of amphipod swimming.
Do Parole Technical Violators Pose a Safety Threat? An Analysis of Prison Misconduct

We examined records of males incarcerated in a large southern state to assess the risk technical violators would pose to public safety by exploring their likelihood of engaging in prison misconduct. Data from official prison records provided by a large southern state’s primary corrections agency were examined using multiple counterfactual analytic techniques. Based on the official disciplinary records from male inmates readmitted to prison for technical violations and new offenses, technical violators were found to be significantly less likely to engage in any form of prison misconduct. Implications for research and policy are discussed, including the potential for recidivism research and prison reduction policies.
Life history and physical observations of primary burrowing crayfish (Decapoda: Cambaridae) Cambarus (Lacunicambarus) diogenes and Cambarus (Tubericambarus) polychromatus

Primary burrowing crayfish make up 15% of total crayfish species, but account for 32% of those imperiled. Primary burrowers are also much less studied as compared to secondary and tertiary burrowers. The purpose of this study was to observe the annual life cycles, and morphometric and morphological characteristics of two primary burrowing crayfish species: Cambarus (Lacunicambarus) diogenes Girard, 1852 and C. (Tubericambarus) polychromatus Thoma et al., 2005. Sampling occurred adjacent to two streams near Troy, AL, using hand excavation at one-month intervals from February 2011 to March 2012. A total of 195 C. diogenes (sex ratio = 1.3) and 194 C. polychromatus (sex ratio = 0.85) were collected. For a given size, C. diogenes had a broader carapace than C. polychromatus ( p< 0.001), and males had larger chelae than females for both species (p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively). Minimum carapace length at sexual maturity (smallest form I) was 32.7 mm for C. diogenes males, 41.2 mm for C. diogenes females, 27.4 mm for C. polychromatus males, and 32.2 for C. polychromatus females. The proportion of form I males for both species increased in summer and remained at an increased level through winter, though C. polychromatus males remained reproductively active longer than C. diogenes. Females of both species were reproductively active only in winter except for one form I C. polychromatus female. Four ovigerous C. diogenes and three ovigerous C. polychromatus were collected in March, and five young of the year of C. polychromatus were found in burrows in June, July, and September.
Superiority of brain natriuretic peptide as a hormonal marker of ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction and ventricular hypertrophy.

Atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) are produced by the heart, and their plasma concentrations are increased in human chronic congestive heart failure. Although separate studies have suggested that circulating levels of the biologically active C-terminal ANP, the biologically inactive N-terminal ANP, and BNP may have diagnostic utility in the detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction or left ventricular hypertrophy, no studies have directly assessed the relative value of these peptides prospectively. We therefore designed this study to compare the relative ability of the different natriuretic peptides to detect abnormal left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and left ventricular hypertrophy. Using a prospective study design, we investigated 94 patients referred for cardiac catheterization and 15 age-matched normal subjects. The diagnostic abilities of elevated plasma C-terminal ANP, N-terminal ANP-(1-30), and BNP concentrations to identify systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction 55 milliseconds, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure > 18 mm Hg), and left ventricular hypertrophy (left ventricular mass index > 120 g/m2) were objectively compared by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of BNP for detecting each of these abnormalities ranged from 0.715 to 0.908 and were significantly greater than those of C-terminal ANP or N-terminal ANP-(1-30). The sensitivity and specificity of an elevated plasma BNP, which we defined as greater than the mean + 3 SD of the 15 age-matched normal subjects, were 0.83 and 0.77, respectively, for detecting ejection fraction less than 45%, 0.85 and 0.70 for detecting the time constant of left ventricular relaxation greater than 55 milliseconds, 0.63 and 0.76 for detecting left ventricular end-diastolic pressure greater than 18 mm Hg, and 0.81 and 0.85 for detecting left ventricular mass index greater than 120 g/m2. The use of BNP and one other peptide increased sensitivity (0.90 to 0.96), albeit with lower specificity (0.56 to 0.71). An elevated plasma BNP was a more powerful marker of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and left ventricular hypertrophy than C-terminal ANP or N-terminal ANP-(1-30) in this population of patients with suspected cardiac disease. Measurement of BNP alone or in combination with C-terminal ANP or N-terminal ANP-(1-30) has potential utility for the detection of altered left ventricular structure and function in a patient population at risk for cardiovascular disease.
The Death of George of Laodicea

This study demonstrates the fallaciousness of the long-standing historiographical view that George of Laodicea escaped deposition at the Council of Constantinople in January 360 because he deserted the homoiousians for the newly ascendant homoians. It argues that George of Laodicea died in late 359, after the Council of Seleucia but before the Council of Constantinople. This conclusion follows from the demonstration that the ‘George’ of an unnamed see who is mentioned in several sources as collaborating with Acacius of Caesarea in the aftermath of the Council of Constantinople is not to be identified as George of Laodicea (as the older historiographical tradition had assumed), but his Alexandrian namesake.
Transformation of 17 s to 16 s ribosomal RNA using ribonuclease II of Escherichia coli

Abstract When a mutant, temperature-sensitive in the potassium-dependent RNase II, was cultured at 43 °C, cell growth became linear, and ribosomal precursors of 30 s and 50 s particles accumulated, the former containing the immature 17 s form of 16s ribosomal RNA. In vitro, purified RNase II or cell extracts promoted the transition of 17 s RNA to a 16 s form. The transition took place with the release of a fragment of RNA that behaves as if somewhat larger than 4 s. If mutant extracts were first heated to inactivate RNase II, or the potassium ions were left out of incubation mixtures, the 17 s to 16 s transition was suppressed. From the accumulation of both 30 s and 50 s ribosomal precursors in the mutant and the action of the enzyme in vitro, it is suggested that: (1) RNase II, or another enzyme that co-purified with it and is also temperature-sensitive in mutant N464, is required to make mature 16 s RNA from precursor 17 s RNA; (2) the transition from 17 s to 16 s RNA is required in vivo to make active ribosomes; and (3) either the enzyme is also required during the formation of mature 23 s RNA, or a precursor of 30 s ribosomes is required to help form mature 50 s ribosomes.
Nano-structured Li2O from LiOH by electron-irradiation

Abstract In this Letter, an electron beam of a transmission electron microscope was employed to activate the in situ transformation of LiOH to Li 2 O. It was found that the electron irradiation (200 kV) leads to a fast dissociation of large grains of LiOH into nano-structured Li 2 O, as nano-fibers of about 20 nm diameter and nano-particles of 30 nm. This facile transformation is attributed to the combined effect of irradiation-induced distortion of LiOH crystal structure and heating by irradiation.
Intracellular Ca2+ and Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Kinase II Mediate Acute Potentiation of Neurotransmitter Release by Neurotrophin-3

Neurotrophins have been shown to acutely modulate synaptic transmission in a variety of systems, but the underlying signaling mechanisms remain unclear. Here we provide evidence for an unusual mechanism that mediates synaptic potentiation at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) induced by neurotrophin-3 (NT3), using Xenopus nerve–muscle co-culture. Unlike brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which requires Ca2+ influx for its acute effect, NT3 rapidly enhances spontaneous transmitter release at the developing NMJ even when Ca2+ influx is completely blocked, suggesting that the NT3 effect is independent of extracellular Ca2+. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores, or blockade of inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3) or ryanodine receptors, prevents the NT3-induced synaptic potentiation. Blockade of IP3 receptors can not prevent BDNF-induced potentiation, suggesting that BDNF and NT3 use different mechanisms to potentiate transmitter release. Inhibition of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) completely blocks the acute effect of NT3. Furthermore, the NT3-induced potentiation requires a continuous activation of CaMKII, because application of the CaMKII inhibitor KN62 reverses the previously established NT3 effect. Thus, NT3 potentiates neurotransmitter secretion by stimulating Ca2+ release from intracellular stores through IP3 and/or ryanodine receptors, leading to an activation of CaMKII.
Observation of nonstandard Fickian diffusion at the interface of isotopically pure amorphous {sup 11}B on {sup 10}B by neutron reflectometry

As part of a larger study to investigate atomic-diffusion behavior in both elemental boron and refractory transition-metal borides, neutron reflectometry was used to examine the temperature-induced self-diffusion of isotopically enriched thin films of amorphous $^{11}\mathrm{B}$ on $^{10}\mathrm{B}$ deposited by electron-beam evaporation. The reflectometry studies were performed and model boron density profiles for samples annealed at various times and temperatures of 360 and 400 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C were fit to the reflectivity data. Although the $^{10}\mathrm{/}^{11}$B interface did not move relative to the air/boron interface upon annealing, the expected standard Fickian diffusion for the annealed samples was not observed. A pinned Fickian diffusion model, which imposes the boundary conditions of a fixed composition of $^{10}\mathrm{B}$ to $^{11}\mathrm{B}$ at the interface, fit the reflectivity data accurately and consistently. A typical equilibrium diffusion constant was determined to be \ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}17}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ ${\mathrm{s}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, measured at an annealing temperature of 360 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The measured diffusion constants are inconsistent with the high melting temperature of elemental boron, but are consistent with measured boron diffusion constants in other amorphous thin films. The presence of clusters in the boron film is proposed to explain the observed results.
Combinations of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (zidovudine) and phosphonoformate (foscarnet) against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and cytomegalovirus replication in vitro.

Abstract Combinations of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine and phosphonoformate produced a moderate synergistic inhibitory effect against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in vitro at concentrations that are easily achieved in humans. The synergistic effect was more pronounced with increasing concentrations and was not secondary to toxic effects of the drugs. 3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine neither inhibited the replication of human cytomegalovirus in human embryonic lung fibroblasts nor interfered with the anticytomegalovirus effect of phosphonoformate. By using partially purified reverse transcriptase of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase, various combinations of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine-5'-triphosphate and phosphonoformate produced strong indications of additive interactions. The synergistic interactions in infected cells and the additive effects observed at the reverse transcriptase level indicate that mechanisms other than the reverse transcriptase may be of importance for the inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus replication by these two compounds. A concomitant treatment of cytomegalovirus infections, such as cytomegalovirus retinitis, with phosphonoformate in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome receiving 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine may be appropriate, and this combination may also be useful in controlling human immunodeficiency virus infection.
Heterogeneous SOA yield from ozonolysis of monoterpenes in the presence of inorganic acid

Abstract The secondary organic aerosol (SOA) yield of a series of montoerpenes was investigated to determine the relative amounts of organic mass, which can be attributed to mass produced by heterogeneous acid-catalyzed reactions. Five monoterpenes ( α -pinene, terpinolene, d -limonene, Δ 2 -carene, β -pinene) were studied using a 2 m 3 indoor Teflon chamber and SOA was created in the presence of both acidic and neutral inorganic seed aerosol. The relative humidity was varied to create differing acidic seed environments. The heterogeneous aerosol production was influenced by the seed mass concentration, the acidity of the inorganic seed aerosol, and also molecular structure of the monoterpene ozonolysis products. This study also can be incorporated with our previously presented model of the kinetic expression for SOA mass production from heterogeneous acid-catalyzed reactions.
Coactivator MED1 ablation in keratinocytes results in hair-cycling defects and epidermal alterations.

The transcriptional coactivator complex Mediator (MED) facilitates transcription of nuclear hormone receptors and other transcription factors. We have previously isolated the MED complex from primary keratinocytes (KCs) as the vitamin D receptor–interacting protein complex. We identified a role for MED in KC proliferation and differentiation in cultured KCs. Here, we investigated the in vivo role of MED by generating a conditional null mice model in which a critical subunit of the MED complex, MED1, is deleted from their KCs. The MED1 ablation resulted in aberrant hair differentiation and cycling, leading to hair loss. During the first hair follicle (HF) cycle, MED1 deletion resulted in a rapid regression of the HFs. Hair differentiation was reduced, and β-catenin/vitamin D receptor (VDR)–regulated gene expression was markedly decreased. In the subsequent adult hair cycle, MED1 ablation activated the initiation of HF cycling. Shh signaling was increased, but terminal differentiation was not sufficient. Deletion of MED1 also caused hyperproliferation of interfollicular epidermal KCs, and increased the expression of epidermal differentiation markers. These results indicate that MED1 has a critical role in regulating hair/epidermal proliferation and differentiation.
Cancer of the kidney—natural history and staging

The natural history of renal cell carcinoma is kaleidoscopic. Growth may be indolent, intermittent, or rapid. The tumor may remain encapsulated for years. Ultimately it may invade intrarenal veins and lymphatics, thence to vena cava, aortic nodes, thoracic duct, and beyond. Spread to contiguous organs gives entry to portal and vertebral venous systems. Unusual metastases are common. Gross hematuria, loin pain, and mass occur together in only 10-15% and portend advanced neoplasm. Microscopic hematuria is found in about two-thirds. Non-specific signs and symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, gastrointestinal symptoms, fever, and anemia are misleading. Fascinating clues such as hypercalcemia, erythrocytosis, hepatopathy, polyneuritis, acute left varicocele, etc., may alert the wary clinician. Rare but titillating spontaneous regression of hypernephroma metastases, usually pulmonary and in older males, have occurred whether or not nephrectomy is done. About 60 cases have been reported. Understanding this apparent tumor-specific immunologic response may bring earlier diagnosis and control of metastases. Selection of best treatment requires surveying metastatic sites. Accurate staging at operation and at the time of recurrence is imperative to help determine cause and correction of treatment failures.
Cordycepin rapidly collapses the intermediate filament networks into juxtanuclear caps in fibroblasts and epidermal cells.

Abstract The nucleoside analog 3′-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin) rapidly collapses the intermediate filaments into juxtanuclear caps in interphase fibroblasts and keratinocytes. A minimum of 80 μg/ml cordycepin or 20 μg/ml cordycepin in combination with 2 μ/ml of the deaminase inhibitor erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenosine (EHNA) to inhibit its degradation is required to see these effects. This is the same concentration required for cordycepin to arrest cells at the onset of mitosis and depolymerize the microtubules to small asters. Cordycepin enters the cells rapidly and is phosphorylated to 3′-dATP with a concomitant drop in ATP levels. However, the direct reduction of ATP levels does not mimic the same rapid effects of cordycepin on either the intermediate filaments or microtubules. In addition, similar effects are not produced by a variety of other adenosine analogs with alterations in the 2′- and 3′-ribose positions. Although other pharmacological reagents result in alterations of the fibroblastic intermediate filaments, cordycepin is unusual because of the rapiditiy with which the fibroblastic intermediate filaments collapse into the juxtanuclear caps. The juxtanuclear caps have a morphology different from that of the perinuclear bundles of intermediate filaments that arise after long-term depolymerization of the microtubules. The keratin fibers in the epidermal cells retract to a perinuclear ring when treated with cordycepin
Insights into feedback and feedback signaling for beamformer design

Multi-site cooperative transmission is gaining industrial support in latest standard development. One key criteria to sucessfully implement a multi-site cooperative transmission system is the need to quantize an expanded set of channels. To maintain quantization precision, codebook size needs to scale roughly exponentially with the number of total antennas and renders quantizing the expanded channel set a computationally demanding task. In this paper, we identify a connection between noncoherent communication and the phase invariant property of beamforming vectors. We leverage techniques from the noncoherent communication literature to design an efficient beamforming vector quantization scheme. Our proposed scheme has a quantization complexity that grows linearly with number of antennas. Simulation results indicate this method has slightly more quantization distortion than RVQ while being significantly more efficient.
Using statistical models with duplication and compare for reduced cost FPGA reliability

Although highly reliable for fault mitigation, triple modular redundancy (TMR) in FPGAs comes with the price of increasing the circuit area (3–5x), decreasing the circuit clock rate (20+%), and increasing circuit power (3–5x). Techniques may exist that trade off some of the reliability of TMR for reduced costs in terms of area, timing, and power. This paper proposes one such technique which uses duplicate with compare (DWC) with the addition of a smart detector to predict which of the duplicated circuits is in error to choose the fault free circuit as output. The smart detector proposed in this paper is a simple statistical model with low-resource costs. The model and testing methodology employed is discussed as well as results from fault injection testing, which indicate that the proposed statistical smart detector exhibits 87% to 93% prediction accuracy.1 2 3
Cytokinin Activity: Localization in Transfer RNA Preparations

Transfer RNA from yeast, liver, and Escherichia coli has cytokinin activity in the tobacco callus bioassay, whereas ribosomal RNA from yeast is inactive. In contrast to fractions of yeast transfer RNA rich in serine acceptor and cytokinin activity, preparations (70 to 90 percent pure) of arginine transfer RNA2, glycine transfer RNA, phenylalanine transfer RNA, and valine transfer RNA1 and of highly purified alanine transfer RNA from yeast were inactive at concentrations of 20 to 2500 micrograms per liter. One molecule of 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino) purine per 20 molecules of yeast tRNA would account for the observed cytokinin activity. The number of major molecular species contributing to cytokinin activity of transfer RNA, therefore, must be small.
Proaction versus Reaction: Integrating Applied Anthropology into Fishery Management

Christopher L. Dyer is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of South Alabama. Mobile, Alabama 36688, and a research scientist with the Coastal Research Development Institute, University of South Alabama. An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Shrimp Trawl Bycatch Workshop, November 22-23, 1991, St. Petersberg, Florida, sponsored by the Center for Marine Conservation. Tony Lamberte and Richard Raulerson of the National Marine Fisheries Service and Steve Holland of the Socioeconomic Advisory Panel are to be thanked for their helpful editorial suggestions, and Dana Linderer and Julie Smith for their aid in manuscript and figure preparation.
Conceptual design of a combined device for normothermia and venous compression

Hypothermia and venous thrombosis can cause complications during perioperative and postoperative periods which can even be fatal to patients' conditions. Separative devices have currently been used to prevent those two problems. The device proposed here is to combine in a simple unobtrusive fashion the desirable effects of both temperature control and deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in perioperative patients. A design chart of the new device is provided and design issues are addressed.
An Experience Using Two Covert Channel Analysis Techniques On a Real System Design

This paper examines the application of two covert channel analysis techniques to a high level design for a real system the Honeywell Secure Ada Target (SAT). The techniques used were a version of the non-interference model of multilevel security due to Goguen and Meseguer and the shared resource matrix method of Kemmerer. Both techniques were applied to the Gypsy abstract model of the SAT. The paper discusses the application of the techniques and the nature of the covert channels discovered. The relative strengths and weaknesses of the two methods are discussed and criteria for an ideal covert channel tool are developed.
Psychosocial Correlates and Outcomes of Physical Activity Among Latinos: A Review

Despite the many physical and psychological benefits of physical activity, it is well documented that the general population does not engage in sufficient leisure time physical activity to accrue such benefits. In the Latino population the situation is even more dire. This review focuses on studies of the relationship between physical activity and psychosocial correlates and outcomes in Latino men and women. It was demonstrated that the majority of studies with Latino participants examined constructs similar to those studied in the general population, namely, self-efficacy, social support, and perceived barriers. The existing literature is discussed in terms of (a) the lack of information on the psychological/psychosocial constructs of physical activity for Latinos, (b) the lack of intervention research, (c) reporting results of studies as “minority correlates,” (d) the importance of Latino subcultures and the heterogeneity of Latinos, and (e) the measurement of physical activity.
On the wide-range bias dependence of transistor d.c. and small-signal current gain factors.

Critical reappraisal of the bias dependence of the dc and small-signal ac current gain factors of planar bipolar transistors over a wide range of currents. This is based on a straightforward consideration of the three basic components of the dc base current arising due to emitter-to-base injected minority carrier transport, base-to-emitter carrier injection, and emitter-base surface depletion layer recombination effects. Experimental results on representative n-p-n and p-n-p silicon devices are given which support most of the analytical findings.
Quadratic covariation estimates in non-smooth stochastic calculus

Abstract Given a Brownian Motion W , in this paper we study the asymptotic behavior, as e → 0 , of the quadratic covariation between f ( e W ) and W in the case in which f is not smooth. Among the main features discovered is that the speed of the decay in the case f ∈ C α is at least polynomial in e and not exponential as expected. We use a recent representation as a backward–forward Ito integral of [ f ( e W ) , W ] to prove an e -dependent approximation scheme which is of independent interest. We get the result by providing estimates to this approximation. The results are then adapted and applied to generalize the results of Almada Monter and Bakhtin (2011) and Bakhtin (2011) related to the small noise exit from a domain problem for the saddle case.
Is the Glass Ceiling Unbreakable?: Habitus, Fields, and the Stalling of Women and Minorities in Management

The phenomenon of the glass ceiling is examined through the lenses of macro-organizational and sociological theory. Presented are several theoretical bases for viewing the glass ceiling and its perpetuation as the consequences of U.S. history, the distribution of capital among its people, the actions of the powerful that help them retain power, and the reality that the majority of the powerful in America have White maleness in common.
20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid contributes to the inhibition of K+ channel activity and vasoconstrictor response to angiotensin II in rat renal microvessels

The present study examined whether 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) contributes to the vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin II (ANG II) in renal microvessels by preventing activation of the large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel (KCa) in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells. ANG II increased the production of 20-HETE in rat renal microvessels. This response was attenuated by the 20-HETE synthesis inhibitors, 17-ODYA and HET0016, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor AACOF3, and the AT1 receptor blocker, Losartan, but not by the AT2 receptor blocker, PD123319. ANG II (10-11 to 10-6 M) dose-dependently decreased the diameter of renal microvessels by 41 ± 5%. This effect was blocked by 17-ODYA. ANG II (10-7 M) did not alter KCa channel activity recorded from cell-attached patches on renal VSM cells under control conditions. However, it did reduce the NPo of the KCa channel by 93.4 ± 3.1% after the channels were activated by increasing intracellular calcium levels with ionomycin. The inhibitory effect of ANG II on KCa channel activity in the presence of ionomycin was attenuated by 17-ODYA, AACOF3, and the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U-73122. ANG II induced a peak followed by a steady-state increase in intracellular calcium concentration in renal VSM cells. 17-ODYA (10-5 M) had no effect on the peak response, but it blocked the steady-state increase. These results indicate that ANG II stimulates the formation of 20-HETE in rat renal microvessels via the AT1 receptor activation and that 20-HETE contributes to the vasoconstrictor response to ANG II by blocking activation of KCa channel and facilitating calcium entry.
Improving electromagnetic compatibility performance of packages and SiP modules using a conformal shielding solution

High-speed digital and wireless devices radiate unintentional electromagnetic noise, which can affect the normal operation of other devices within the same system, causing intra-system electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems, or contribute to the total radiated EMI from the system, resulting in potential system-level EMI issues. PCB and system level shielding may alleviate the system-level EMI between wireless PCB board and the outside environment, but seldom prevent the intra-system EMI within the shielding enclosure. Package and System in Package (SiP) level shielding is desirable to shield the unintended radiation and protect the other circuits on board. Traditionally an external metal lid is employed to isolate the radiation from an IC, but the package cost and the size penalty due to the solder pads for shield attachment make the solution unattractive. In this paper, a new shielding technology for IC packages based on metal spray coating (conformal shielding) is presented. By spraying a conductive material on the sides of the package, a very thin metal layer is constructed around the top and four sides of a package. This very thin sprayed metal layer adds zero penalty to the package size and works similar to a solid metal shielding with very good shielding effectiveness; hence, it is suitable for wireless infrastructure, tele-communications, and high-speed digital applications.
Statistical analysis of neutron resonance parameters

Abstract The neutron resonance parameter data have been examined with emphasis on recent measurements. The results obtained here provide general support for the theory of nuclear reactions and the statistical theory of spectra.
CRT-125 Do Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents Outperform First-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents When Used in “Full Metal Jacket” Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Procedures?

Diffuse coronary lesions are often treated with long and overlapping drug-eluting stents (DES) creating a full metal jacket, however the impact on clinical outcomes comparing different generation DES has not been described. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 98 patients with full metal jacket