cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Affirmed: A Study of Criminal Appeals and Decision‐Making Norms in a California Court of Appeal

The work of state intermediate appellate courts is often described as “correcting legal errors” and “supervising” trial courts. But what do these labels mean in practice? This article explores the intermediate appellate process through a study of criminal appeals in a California Court of Appeal. Part I describes the characteristics and dispositions of criminal appeals. Contrary to popular impression, a conviction was reversed in only about 5 percent of these appeals. To explain the low reversal rate, part II draws upon interviews with justices of the Court of Appeal to examine the institutional norms and perspectives guiding the court's decisions. The basic decision norms described by the justices are norms of affirmance: for example, the harmless error rule and the substantial evidence rule incline the court to affirm despite certain legal errors or factual questions. Moreover, the particularistic approach the court typically takes in its decision making apparently sensitizes it to the substantive characteristics prevailing in criminal appeals: the crimes are serious and there is little doubt about factual guilt. The low reversal rate and the analysis of the court's norms suggest that intermediate appellate review of criminal convictions is narrower and more constrained than the “error correction” and “supervision” labels imply. Part III explores the implications of the case study for appellate policy.
Toxoplasma GRA7 effector increases turnover of immunity-related GTPases and contributes to acute virulence in the mouse

The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii enjoys a wide host range and is adept at surviving in both naive and activated macrophages. Previous studies have emphasized the importance of the active serine-threonine protein kinase rhoptry protein 18 (ROP18), which targets immunity-related GTPases (IRGs), in mediating macrophage survival and acute virulence of T. gondii in mice. Here, we demonstrate that ROP18 exists in a complex with the pseudokinases rhoptry proteins 8 and 2 (ROP8/2) and dense granule protein 7 (GRA7). Individual deletion mutant ∆gra7 or ∆rop18 was partially attenuated for virulence in mice, whereas the combined ∆gra7∆rop18 mutant was avirulent, suggesting these proteins act together in the same pathway. The virulence defect of the double mutant was mirrored by increased recruitment of IRGs and clearance of the parasite in IFN-γ–activated macrophages in vitro. GRA7 was shown to recognize a conserved feature of IRGs, binding directly to the active dimer of immunity-related GTPase a6 in a GTP-dependent manner. Binding of GRA7 to immunity-related GTPase a6 led to enhanced polymerization, rapid turnover, and eventual disassembly. Collectively, these studies suggest that ROP18 and GRA7 act in a complex to target IRGs by distinct mechanisms that are synergistic.
Clinical Effects of Parenteral Narcotics in Hospitalized Medical Patients

Of 38,221 hospitalized medical patients monitored by a drug surveillance program, 1821 (4.8 per cent) received morphine, 504 (1.3 per cent) received codeine, 493 (1.3 per cent) received papaveretum, 115 (0.3 per cent) received hydromorphone, and 101 (0.3 per cent) received methadone parenterally. Hydromorphone had an unusually high adverse reaction rate (18 per cent); therefore, it probably should not be used since other equally effective strong analgesics are available. Adverse reactions occurred in 2 per cent of papaveretum recipients, in 4 per cent of methadone and codeine recipients, and in 6 per cent of morphine recipients. Gastrointestinal reactions (primarily nausea, vomiting, and constipation) were most common. Central nervous system disturbances (primarily respiratory depression, drowsiness, and confusion) were second most common. Adverse reactions occurred more often with higher doses of morphine and codeine; the dose-response relationship could not be evaluated for the other three drugs. Life-threatening adverse reactions were reported in 28 patients. Respiratory depression was the most common life-threatening reaction. Most patients with these reactions were seriously ill, and many received other drugs that may have contributed to the event.
Evidence of increased oxidative stress in aged mesenteric lymphatic vessels.

Abstract Background: We have previously shown that aging is associated with weakened rat mesenteric lymphatic vessel (MLV) contractility. However, the specific mechanisms contributing to this aging-associated contractile degeneration remain unknown. Aging is often associated with elevations in oxidative stress, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to reduce the contractility of MLV. Thus in the present study, we sought to assess whether aging is associated with increased levels of oxidative stress and oxidative damage in MLV. Methods and Results: MLV were isolated from 9-mo- and 24-mo-old Fischer-344 rats and subjected to the following experimental techniques: measurement of total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; estimation of lipid peroxidation levels via measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); detection of superoxide and mitochondrial ROS in live MLV; Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemical labeling of the SOD isoforms and nitro-tyrosine proteins. We found...
Role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in the aggressive tumor growth of HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells.

We have developed a model system of human fibrosarcoma cell lines that do or do not possess and express an oncogenic mutant allele of N-ras. HT1080 cells contain an endogenous mutant allele of N-ras, whereas the derivative MCH603 cell line contains only wild-type N-ras. In an earlier study (S. Gupta et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 20:9294–9306, 2000), we had shown that HT1080 cells produce rapidly growing, aggressive tumors in athymic nude mice, whereas MCH603 cells produced more slowly growing tumors and was termed weakly tumorigenic. An extensive analysis of the Ras signaling pathways (Raf, Rac1, and RhoA) provided evidence for a potential novel pathway that was critical for the aggressive tumorigenic phenotype and could be activated by elevated levels of constitutively active MEK. In this study we examined the role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) in the regulation of the transformed and aggressive tumorigenic phenotypes expressed in HT1080 cells. Both HT1080 (mutant N-ras) and MCH603 (wild-type N-ras) have similar levels of constitutively active Akt, a downstream target of activated PI 3-kinase. We find that both cell lines constitutively express platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and PDGF receptors. Transfection with tumor suppressor PTEN cDNA into HT1080 and constitutively active PI 3-kinase–CAAX cDNA into MCH603 cells, respectively, resulted in several interesting and novel observations. Activation of the PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway, including NF-κB, is not required for the aggressive tumorigenic phenotype in HT1080 cells. Activation of NF-κB is complex: in MCH603 cells it is mediated by Akt, whereas in HT1080 cells activation also involves other pathway(s) that are activated by mutant Ras. A threshold level of activation of PI 3-kinase is required in MCH603 cells before stimulatory cross talk to the RhoA, Rac1, and Raf pathways occurs, without a corresponding activation of Ras. The increased levels of activation seen were similar to those observed in HT1080 cells, except for Raf and MEK, which were more active than HT1080 levels. This cross talk results in conversion to the aggressive tumorigenic phenotype. This latter observation is consistent with our previous observation that overstimulation of the activity of endogenous members of Ras signaling pathways, activated MEK in particular, is a prerequisite for aggressive tumorigenic growth.
Comparison of Methodologies to Predict Bridge Deterioration

Two methods for the estimation of bridge condition states were examined, one based on the Bayesian approach and the other using a binary probit model. The Bayesian approach was considered so that experts' opinions could be combined with observed data. Prior transition probabilities, based on bridge inspectors' experiences, were assumed to follow Dirichlet distribution. Observed data followed a multinomial distribution. The updated transition probabilities were used to predict bridge condition states. In the second approach, deterioration models were developed for each condition state. The dependent variable is a zero/one indicator variable for condition switching state. The binary probit models developed considered the discreteness of condition states and they explicitly linked deterioration to relevant explanatory variables. This approach also incorporated heterogeneity and state dependence due to the use of panel data. An application of these methodologies was demonstrated for substructure element using the Indiana bridge data base.
Uncertainties and dynamic problems of bolted joints and other fasteners

This review article provides an overview of the problems pertaining to structural dynamics with bolted joints. These problems are complex in nature because every joint involves different sources of uncertainty and non-smooth non-linear characteristics. For example, the contact forces are not ideally plane due to manufacturing tolerances of contact surfaces. Furthermore, the initial forces will be redistributed non-uniformly in the presence of lateral loads. This is in addition to the prying loading, which is non-linear tension in the bolt and non-linear compression in the joint. Under environmental dynamic loading, the joint preload experiences some relaxation that results in time variation of the structure's dynamic properties. Most of the reported studies focused on the energy dissipation of bolted joints, linear and non-linear identification of the dynamic properties of the joints, parameter uncertainties and relaxation, and active control of the joint preload. Design issues of fully and partially restrained joints, sensitivity analysis to variations of joint parameters, and fatigue prediction for metallic and composite joints will be discussed.
Segregation of Pt at Clean Surfaces of (Pt, Ni)3Al

Abstract Experimental evidence for surface segregation of Pt at (1 1 1) surfaces of ternary (Pt, Ni) 3 Al alloys is presented, based upon Auger electron spectroscopy, low energy ion scattering, and angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Density functional calculations in the dilute limit confirm that Pt segregation is energetically favored.
Marfan syndrome: An update on pregnancy

Abstract Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder with significant implications for affected women who are contemplating pregnancy. Because of the maternal and fetal risks, women with Marfan syndrome should be referred for preconception counseling with a perinatologist, cardiologist, and clinical geneticist. In contrast to findings in the older literature, the majority of women with minimal cardiovascular disease can be expected to tolerate pregnancy well.
Circulatory Status and Response to Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients With Heart Failure

Background We recently reported that some patients with heart failure and exercise intolerance exhibit severe hemodynamic dysfunction during exercise, whereas others have normal cardiac output responses to exercise. We postulated that patients with preserved cardiac output responses to exercise are limited by deconditioning and would respond to exercise training, whereas patients with reduced cardiac output responses are limited by skeletal muscle underperfusion and would not improve with exercise training. The present study was undertaken to test this hypothesis. Methods and Results Thirty-two patients with heart failure were studied. Hemodynamic response to maximal treadmill exercise was measured; then patients were enrolled in a standard 3-month cardiac rehabilitation program. Peak exercise Vo2, lactate threshold, and quality-of-life questionnaires were assessed at 1, 2, and 3 months. Twenty-one patients had normal cardiac output responses to exercise. All 21 patients participated in the rehabilitation...
Farm labor dynamics in Southern New Mexico: A transborder phenomenon

This study synthesizes and updates data from a number of studies of farm labor in New Mexico during the 1990's. Major conclusions include: 1) Attempts to improve farm labor conditions and to limit immigration by the passage of numerous federal laws has largely failed on both counts. 2) Cheap labor benefits producers but has little impact on retail food prices. 3) Farm labor contractors are often the scapegoats for abuses that arise out of an economic system that generates many pressures to shortcut the rules.
Hyperosmolar states in the chronically ill.

Three chronically ill patients with hyperosmolar states of different origin were studied. The discussion involves hyperglycemic nonketotic coma, coma due to tube feeding of high-protein nutrients, and hyperosmolality following diuretic administration and an inadequate intake of fluids. The hypertonic dehydration of these patients was caused by a deficit of water and an excess of solutes. Common to all 3 cases were urinary-tract infections with probable pyelonephritis. The loss of concentrating power in the pyelonephritic kidney results in a reduction of the ability to conserve body water. In older patients, there is an increase in the obligatory water loss via the urine because tubular function in the aging arteriosclerotic kidney is diminished. Other important factors in the pathogenesis of hyperosmolar states are fever, infection, inability to respond to thirst, impairment of glucose tolerance, and the frequent use of diuretics. The essential elements of management are early recognition and prompt correction with hypotonic solutions.
The MPTP-Induced Parkinsonian Syndrome in the Goldfish Is Associated with Major Cell Destruction in the Forebrain and Subtle Changes in the Optic Tectum ☆

The neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) can induce a parkinsonian syndrome in humans and nonhuman primates, which is susceptible to treatment and prevention by drugs such as L-DOPA and L-deprenyl. Recently, we have reported that MPTP can also cause a parkinsonian syndrome in the common goldfish, which appears to faithfully mirror the neurochemical and behavioral aspects of the action of MPTP in the higher vertebrates. In addition, we recently identified the likely teleost equivalent of the substantia nigra in the goldfish forebrain, the "nucleus pars medialis," on the basis of its destruction by MPTP and selective protection by the MAO-B blocker L-deprenyl. In the present work we substantiate this conclusion by examining tissue destruction the goldfish forebrain at increasing MPTP concentrations, up to the the LD50 of 200 mg/kg. In addition, we show that at the highest MPTP dose subtle changes also occur with low frequency in nondopaminergic cells in the optic tectum, and in ependymal cells lining the midbrain ventricle. The effects on ependymal cells are similar to those previously noted in the forebrain. We conclude that the goldfish model continues to faithfully mimic the histologic pattern of parkinsonian tissue destruction engendered by MPTP in primate models.
A method for enrichment of hybrid somatic cells: complementation studies in certain lysosomal enzymopathies.

An improved method, which combines a number of published techniques, is described for the polyethyleneglycol-induced fusion of mononuclear human skin fibroblasts in the presence of phytohaemagglutinin-P and for the subsequent isolation of polynuclear cells by Ficoll gradient sedimentation. Enriched cultures contain between 60 and 75% multinucleated cells and may be maintained in culture without fetal calf serum for up to 14 days without significant overgrowth by the few contaminating mononuclear parental cells. Complementation appears not to occur between GM1 gangliosidosis and mucopolysaccharidosis, type VIB (Morquio) cell strains; this experimental observation provides support for the earlier hypothesis that the mutations for these conditions are allelic. Earlier observations that complementation does not occur between selected phenotypic variants (viz., neuronopathic forms and those without neurological involvement) of sphingomyelin storage (Niemann-Pick) disease or Gaucher's disease are confirmed.
Transatrial intrapericardial tricuspid annuloplasty.

Abstract Objectives This study sought to demonstrate transcatheter deployment of a circumferential device within the pericardial space to modify tricuspid annular dimensions interactively and to reduce functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in swine. Background Functional TR is common and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. There are no reported transcatheter tricuspid valve repairs. We describe a transcatheter extracardiac tricuspid annuloplasty device positioned in the pericardial space and delivered by puncture through the right atrial appendage. We demonstrate acute and chronic feasibility in swine. Methods Transatrial intrapericardial tricuspid annuloplasty (TRAIPTA) was performed in 16 Yorkshire swine, including 4 with functional TR. Invasive hemodynamics and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed at baseline, immediately after annuloplasty and at follow-up. Results Pericardial access via a right atrial appendage puncture was uncomplicated. In 9 naive animals, tricuspid septal-lateral and anteroposterior dimensions, the annular area and perimeter, were reduced by 49%, 31%, 59%, and 24% (p Conclusions Transatrial intrapericardial tricuspid annuloplasty is a transcatheter extracardiac tricuspid valve repair performed by exiting the heart from within via a transatrial puncture. The geometry of the tricuspid annulus can interactively be modified to reduce severity of functional TR in an animal model.
Heat transfer enhancement in laminar impinging flows with a non-newtonian inelastic fluid

Abstract Non-Newtonian rheology, even when relatively benign, can alter the developing velocity field characteristics in laminar and turbulent impinging flows and thereby affect heat transfer distributions along the impinging surface. We consider steady laminar axisymmetric impinging jet flow of an inelastic Carreau fluid and analyze the effects of rheology on Nusselt number profiles at the impinging surface. Numerical calculations are presented for nozzle Reynolds numbers up to 750 and geometrical aspect ratios from 1 4 to 4, while the chosen rheological parameter range allows for local viscosity variation of three orders of magnitude within high strain rate domains in the wall jet region of the flow. Our results demonstrate that substantial enhancement in heat transfer rates occur both in the impinging zone and in the wall jet. The calculations show that the local Nusselt number can be up to an order of magnitude larger, and the enhancement may persist for several nozzle diameters downstream of the stagnation point. The inclusion of even moderate temperature dependent viscosity behavior serves to augment the enhancement. We use the numerical results to identify those features of the developing velocity field that are primarily responsible for the observed heat transfer enhancement, and conclude that different underlying mechanisms are relevant in the impinging zone and in the wall jet region of the flow. Consideration also is given to the effects of viscous heating, which are shown to depend significantly on the geometrical aspect ratio. Suitably defined average Nusselt numbers are computed to quantify the extent of heat transfer enhancement as a function of the governing parameters describing fluid rheology and the developing flow field, and specific results are presented for impinging jet heat transfer with a 0.125% polyacrylamide solution.
Aryl N- and O-trimethylsilyl substituents: reactivity toward organolithium compounds

Abstract The efficacy of using the trimethylsilyl group for protection of aryl amino and hydroxy substituents during reactions involving organolithium reagents has been assessed. Bromotrimethylsiloxy-benzenes or -pyrimidines reacted with n -butyl lithium by initial metal-halogen exchange followed by intra- or intermolecular rearrangement of trimethylsilyl from oxygen to the carbanionic center. Trimethysilyl groups on aryl nitrogen are stable to conditions of organolithium coupling reactions. It is suggested that for aryl 0- and aryl N-trimethylsilanes, the observed differences in reactivity at silicon are owing to the marked differences in basicity of the respective leaving groups (PhOH ⇌ Ph0-, pKA - 10, pHNH2 ⇌ PhNH−, pKA − 25).
Prey Items of the Western Ribbon Snake, Thamnophis proximus

Abstract Western ribbon snakes (Thamnophis proximus) were collected at the Old Sabine Bottom Wildlife Management Area, Smith Co., Texas. Distended individuals were palpated to recover recently ingested prey, which resulted in discovery of five new prey items. This report also provides updated nomenclature of previously reported prey items. After comparing previously reported localities of prey items with current range descriptions and taxonomy, it was concluded that two anurans should be removed as documented prey items of T. proximus.
BIOMECHANICS OF PELVIC FIXATION

This article reviews a series of biomechanical studies performed in the author's laboratory, evaluating the instabilities produced by the more common and problematic pelvic ring fracture patterns and the increasingly popular and newly developed modes of internal fixation. Topics that are discussed include the following: anteroposterior compression injuries and the disrupted sacroiliac joint; sacral fractures; anteroposterior compression injuries and symphyseal fixation; new symphyseal plate designs; unstable pubic rami fractures; unstable fractures of the iliac wing; and resuscitation fixator biomechanics.
Changes of enzymic activity in mesonephros as a function of age.

Abstract 1. 1. The results show a gradual decrease of the ten enzymic activities in mesonephros after maximal growth. The decrease in enzymic activity is not entirely due to bound enzyme, e.g. isocitrate dehydrogenase and glutamicoxaloacetic transaminase. 2. 2. Studies of the cellular fractions of mesonephros reveal a greater decrease of mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase, lysosomal and microsomal acid phosphatase and microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase activities during regression than their corresponding soluble enzyme activity.
Ichnology of rhythmically bedded Demopolis Chalk (Upper Cretaceous, Alabama); implications for paleoenvironment, depositional cycle origins, and tracemaker behavior

Ichnofossils typically are well expressed at bed transitions within rhythmically bedded marine sequences, owing to high contrast between ambient sediments and burrow fills derived from overlying layers. These piped zones can provide important information on paleoenvironments, paleoceanographic mechanisms responsible for depositional cyclicity, and tracemaker behavior. This is illustrated via quantitative analysis ofpiped-zone ichnofabrics at the transitions between chalk and marl beds within the Campanian Demopolis Chalk, western Alabama. The Demopolis Chalk is characterized by an ichnocoenosis dominated by Anconichnus, Chondrites, Planolites, Taenidium, Teichichnus, Thalassinoides, and Zoophycos. This ichnocoenosis reflects deposition in a quiet, well-oxygenated outer-shelf setting and indicates that redox and scour cycles were not important controls of carbonate cyclicity. A statistically significant positive relationship is observed between piped-zone burrow densities and carbonate contents of overlying strata. This relationship, when modeled in the context offluctuations in sedimentation rate and associated changes in the residence time of sediment in the zone of active bioturbation, is consistent with a clastic-dilution mechanism for carbonate cyclicity. The sediment fills of most piped-zone ichnofossils can be readily linked to ambient andlor overlying sediments. These linkages, combined with relationships among burrow densities, carbonate contents, and, indirectly, organic carbon contents of associated sediments, provide evidence for animal behavior. Such relationships in the Demopolis Chalk support the surface detritus feeder model for Zoophycos and invalidate previous interpretations of Taenidium and Teichichnus, at least for some pelagic carbonate substrates.
Development of an open loop fuzzy logic urea dosage controller for use with an SCR equipped HDD engine

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems have been shown to be the most promising exhaust aftertreatment system for near term in-use applications to meet the stringent US 2010 oxides of nitrogen (NOx ) emissions regulations of 0.2 g/bhp-hr for on-highway heavy duty diesel engines. SCR systems use the ammonia-containing compound urea, as a reducing agent. In order to control the urea dosage during transient operation of the engine, sophisticated control strategies are needed. This study discusses the development of an open loop, non-sensor based fuzzy logic urea dosage controller. The goal of the fuzzy logic based control was to achieve maximum NOx emission reduction, while limiting the amount of ammonia slip. The open loop controller was implemented on a heavy duty diesel engine equipped with a catalyzed diesel particulate filter (DPF) and a SCR system. The control system was quantified by operating the engine over different test cycles on an engine dynamometer. This study shows that the fuzzy logic approach is a simple and effective way to control NOx , as well as ammonia slip.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Clinical virology of Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF): Virus, virus antigen, and IgG and IgM antibody findings among EHF patients in Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1995

Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) patients treated at Kikwit General Hospital during the 1995 outbreak were tested for viral antigen, IgG and IgM antibody, and infectious virus. Viral antigen could be detected in virtually all patients during the acute phase of illness, while antibody was not always detectable before death. Virus was also isolated from patients during the course of their febrile illness, but attempts to quantify virus in Vero E6 cells by standard plaque assay were often unsuccessful. IgG and IgM antibody appeared at approximately the same time after disease onset (8-10 days), but IgM persisted for a much shorter period among the surviving convalescent patients. IgG antibody was detectable in surviving patients through about 2 years after onset, the latest time that samples were obtained. Detection of Ebola virus antigens or virus isolation appears to be the most reliable means of diagnosis for patients with suspected acute EHF, since patients with this often-fatal disease (80% mortality) may not develop detectable antibodies before death.
Tariffs, quotas and welfare in a monetary economy

Abstract The effects of tariffs and quotas on welfare in a monetary economy are considered. It is shown that while both policies improve the balance of payments they have different lifetime welfare implications even when they are equivalent in the long run. The speed of adjustment is shown to be more rapid under a tariff than under a quota. Therefore, adjustment costs associated with changes in money holdings are lower under a tariff while those associated with changes in consumption are higher. Simulation results are used to examined the implications of various structural parameters for lifetime utility under the two policies.
Is the voltage gate of connexins CO2-sensitive? Cx45 channels and inhibition of calmodulin expression.

The sensitivity of Cx45 channels to CO2, transjunctional voltage (V j) and inhibition of calmodulin (CaM) expression was tested in oocytes by dual voltage clamp. Cx45 channels are very sensitive to V j and close with V j preferentially by the slow gate, likely to be the same as the chemical gate. With a CO2-induced drop in junctional conductance (G j), both the speed of V j-dependent inactivation of junctional current (I j) and V j sensitivity increased. With 40-mV V j-pulses, the τ of single exponential I j decay reversibly decreased by ˜40% during CO2 application, and Gj steady state/Gj peak decreased multiphasically, indicating that both kinetics and V j sensitivity of chemical/slow V j gating are altered by changes in [H+]i and/or [Ca2+]i. CaM expression was inhibited with oligonucleotides antisense to CaM mRNA. With 15 min CO2, relative junctional conductance (G jt/G jt0) dropped to 0% in controls, but only by ˜17% in CaM-antisense oocytes. Similarly, V j sensitivity was significantly lessened in CaM-antisense oocytes. The data indicate that both the speed and sensitivity of V j-dependent inactivation of the junctional current of Cx45 channels are affected by CO2 application, and that CaM plays a key role in channel gating.
Differences in the gait characteristics of people with diabetes and transmetatarsal amputation compared with age-matched controls.

Although qualitative reports in the surgical literature suggest that people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) walk well with regular shoes and a toe-filler, recent data indicates that this population has multiple complications and difficulty with functional mobility. A thorough description of their gait characteristics may provide insights to the cause of these difficulties. The purpose of this study was to compare selected gait characteristics of people with DM and TMA to age-matched controls. We studied 15 subjects with DM and a TMA, and 15 age-matched controls with an overall mean age of 62.3+/-9.2 years. Data were collected with computer assisted video as subjects walked across a force platform. Range-of-motion (ROM), moments, and power were estimated at the ankle, knee, and hip in the sagittal plane using standard link-segment methods. People with DM and TMA had decreased ROM excursion, peak moments, and peak power at the ankle. At the hip, people with DM and a TMA had decreased ROM excursion, an earlier onset of the hip flexor moment, but no differences in peak moments or peak power. Since people with DM and TMA have reduced ability to generate plantar flexor power at the ankle, they appear to rely more heavily on 'pulling' their leg forward from the hip using their hip flexor muscles. This compensation is not complete, however, as people with DM and a TMA take shorter steps and walk slower than controls. Additional research is needed to determine methods to improve or better compensate for these gait deviations during late stance phase. Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved
Dynamic Social Networks and Physical Aggression: The Moderating Role of Gender and Social Status Among Peers

We examined three interrelated questions: (1) Who selects physically aggressive friends? (2) Are physically aggressive adolescents influential? and (3) Who is susceptible to influence from these friends? Using stochastic actor-based modeling, we tested our hypotheses using a sample of 480 adolescents (ages 11–13) who were followed across four assessments (fall and spring of 6th and 7th grade). After controlling for other factors that drive network and behavioral dynamics, we found that physically aggressive adolescents were attractive as friends, physically aggressive adolescents and girls were more likely to select physically aggressive friends, and peer-rejected adolescents were less likely to select physically aggressive friends. There was an overall peer influence effect, but gender and social status were not significant moderators of influence.
Capacitor-less VAR compensator based on matrix converter

Reactive power compensation in the electrical utility system employs static VAR compensators (SVCs) and static compensators (STATCOMs). However, these solutions are based upon large banks of capacitors, a component known to have reliability problems. Over decades of service life, these capacitors must be continuously monitored and periodically replaced - adding maintenance and operational costs. This paper proposes a VAR compensator based on a 3/3 matrix converter that uses inductors instead, which are maintenance-free, rugged, and do not suffer from the same wear-out mechanisms that limit the service life of capacitors. The proposed compensator is seen as a better solution to reactive power compensation in view of its higher reliability and long-term levelized cost benefits.
Development of Thermospray Interfaced HPLC-FAAS System for Studies on Cadmium Speciation in Human Body Fluids

Abstract Early work on cadmium speciation of body fluids using GC-AA indicated the presence of CdCl2, but other non-volatile Cd compounds were not detected (1). Such compounds may be detected by LC-AA. To this end, an HPLC-Flame AA system (FAAS) has been developed using a thermospray. This device greatly increased the sensitivity of the flame AA system. Its use revealed the presence of numerous non-volatile cadmium compounds in urine and perspiration and confirmed our earlier observation that perspiration is a major process for removing cadmium from the body. Using data obtained, the half life of cadmium in the body is about 18 months rather than 20–30 years as currently believed.
Chlorophyll production, degradation, and sedimentation: Implications for paleolimnology1

Chlorophyll a production, degradation, and sedimentation were studied simultaneously during summer stratification in three lakes with contrasting plankton communities. Pigment budgets showed that chlorophyll production and pigment resuspension were both major sources of water column pigments. Photodegradation rates were rapid and indicated that detritus particles that remained in the epilimnion for periods longer than about 3 days lost nearly all detectable pigments. Therefore, only rapidly sinking detrital particles or those produced in deep layers at low light intensity could make appreciable contributions to sedimentary chlorophyll degradation products. Pheophorbide a, a grazing indicator, was the dominant chlorophyll a degradation product found in sediment traps. Pigment sedimentation increased significantly with mean size of cladocerans and omnivorous copepods. In contrast, sedimentation rates of chlorophyll degradation products did not increase with primary production. In these lakes, the deposition of chlorophyll degradation products in sediments depended primarily on the size and biomass of grazers.
The NRIF3 Family of Transcriptional Coregulators Induces Rapid and Profound Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells

Many anticancer drugs kill cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. Despite the progress in understanding apoptosis, how to harness the cellular death machinery to selectively deliver tumor-specific cytotoxicity (while minimizing damage to other cells) remains an important challenge. We report here that expression of the NRIF3 family of transcriptional coregulators in a variety of breast cancer cell lines induces rapid and profound apoptosis (nearly 100% cell death within 24 h). A novel death domain (DD1) was mapped to a short 30-amino-acid region common to all members of the NRIF3 family. Mechanistic studies showed that DD1-induced apoptosis occurs through a novel caspase 2-mediated pathway that involves mitochondrial membrane permeabilization but does not require other caspases. Interestingly, the cytotoxicity of NRIF3 and DD1 appears to be cell type specific, as they selectively kill breast cancer or related cells but not other examined cells of different origins. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of selectively inducing cytotoxicity in a specific cancer and suggests that breast cancer cells contain a novel "death switch" that can be specifically triggered by NRIF3 or DD1. Strategies utilizing NRIF3 and/or DD1 and/or targeting this death switch may lead to the development of novel and more selective therapeutics against breast cancer.
Steady state and dynamic modeling of RO desalination modules and system using EES

In this article, we introduce a powerful software tool Engineering Equation Solver (EES) and apply it to create steady state and dynamic models for a reverse osmosis (RO) desalination system. EES is a general equation-solving program that can numerically solve thousands of coupled nonlinear algebraic equations. It can also be used to solve differential equations and optimization problems. In RO desalination system design, amount of coupled differential equations related to mass balance and momentum balance need to be solved to develop system model. Hence, by applying EES to solve differential equations is a very efficient and effective method to build RO desalination system model. Comparing with Matlab, EES has the advantage of easy programming and fast convergence speed. It significantly reduces the time spending for programming to solve nonlinear equations and researchers can focus on RO system optimal design and analysis.
A 5' RNA stem-loop participates in the transcription attenuation mechanism that controls expression of the Bacillus subtilis trpEDCFBA operon.

The trp RNA-binding attenuation protein (TRAP) regulates expression of the Bacillus subtilis trpEDCFBA operon by transcription attenuation. Tryptophan-activated TRAP binds to the nascent trp leader transcript by interacting with 11 (G/U)AG repeats. TRAP binding prevents formation of an antiterminator structure, thereby promoting formation of an overlapping terminator, and hence transcription is terminated before RNA polymerase can reach the trp structural genes. In addition to the antiterminator and terminator, a stem-loop structure is predicted to form at the 5′ end of the trp leader transcript. Deletion of this structure resulted in a dramatic increase in expression of a trpE′-′lacZ translational fusion and a reduced ability to regulate expression in response to tryptophan. By introducing a series of point mutations in the 5′ stem-loop, we found that both the sequence and the structure of the hairpin are important for its regulatory function and that compensatory changes that restored base pairing partially restored wild-type-like expression levels. Our results indicate that the 5′ stem-loop functions primarily through the TRAP-dependent regulatory pathway. Gel shift results demonstrate that the 5′ stem-loop increases the affinity of TRAP for trp leader RNA four- to fivefold, suggesting that the 5′ structure interacts with TRAP. In vitro transcription results indicate that this 5′ structure functions in the attenuation mechanism, since deletion of the stem-loop caused an increase in transcription readthrough. An oligonucleotide complementary to a segment of the 5′ stem-loop was used to demonstrate that formation of the 5′ structure is required for proper attenuation control of this operon.
Molecule for Electronics: A Myriad of Opportunities Comes with Daunting Challenges

Molecule for Electronics: A Myriad of Opportunities Comes with Daunting Challenges Since the invention of Integrated Circuit (IC) in 1958, we have seen an unprecedented growth in Si-based electronics industry; ICs are currently used in almost all electronic gadgets. However, it is now very much clear that this era of growth we have been witnessing for the last five decades will soon hit the brick wall, once the transistor size reaches the physical limit of miniaturization.
Diastereoselective Self‐Condensation of Dihydroxyfumaric Acid in Water: Potential Route to Sugars

Jack of all trades: water-soluble salts of DHF underwent self-condensation to afford the threo diastereomer of pentulosonic acid, through differing reaction pathways contingent on the metal salt used. This transformation exemplifies the diverging roles of DHF as a nucleophile (a synthon for α-hydroxyacetyl anion) and an electrophile (an α-carboxyglycolaldehyde equivalent).
Combination Therapy with Ocular Photodynamic Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Exudative AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50 years old in the Western world. Choroidal neovascularization found in exudative AMD appears to be a multifactoral process involving inflammatory, vascular, and angiogenic components. Commercially available treatments for exudative AMD primarily target a solitary component of this multifactoral disease. Combining various treatment modalities for exudative AMD targets multiple components of choroidal neovascularization and has the potential for improving efficacy and reducing treatment frequency.
Distributed multiaccess in hierarchical cognitive radio networks

The problem of distributed multiuser medium access of a hierarchical cognitive radio network with multiple primary and secondary users is considered. Each primary user has a licensed channel; it allows access by secondary cognitive users under certain collision constraints. The secondary cognitive users seek to capture transmission opportunities while avoiding collisions with primary and other secondary users. Under tight collision constraints, we establish the maximum throughput region achievable by distributed multiaccess of secondary users when the number of secondary users is less than the number of primary channels using a scheme referred to as the Distributed Orthogonal and Periodic Sensing with Memoryless Access (DOPS-MA). Packet-level simulations are used to validate the performance prediction.
Role of ORF74-Encoded Viral G Protein-Coupled Receptor in Human Herpesvirus 8 Lytic Replication

The human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) viral G protein-coupled receptor (vGPCR) has been implicated in virus-associated disease pathogenesis due principally to its ability to induce the production of angiogenic cytokines involved in this process. However, the role of the vGPCR in normal virus biology is understudied and remains unknown. Here we provide evidence from vGPCR gene knockout and depletion experiments that vGPCR is a positive regulator of HHV-8 productive replication and, through experimental utilization of Gα-coupling variants of vGPCR, that signaling via Gαq activation and targeted mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways is of particular relevance to this activity.
Parasites in paradise: patterns of helminth distribution in hawaiian stream fishes

Of the 13 species of helminths that parasitize stream fishes in Hawai'i, seven species are considered to be native to the archipelago and the remaining six species to be introduced by man. Sources of colonization for native species are piscivorous birds for three species, and marine fishes for four species. Non-native helminths have been brought to Hawai'i in association with the importation of parasitized exotic species of poeciliids introduced into streams for mosquito control and as aquarium releases. Many of these introduced parasites have broad host specificity and now infect the five species of native gobioid stream fishes. Exotic parasites, including a roundworm Camallanus cotti , a tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi and a leech Myzobdella lugubris , are more widely distributed among Hawaiian streams than are native species.
A feedback-based distributed phased array technique and its application to 60-GHz wireless sensor network

A feedback-based approach is proposed to achieve phase-frequency synchronization among physically isolated sensors. This will enable forming a distributed phased array to significantly increase the communication range between energy-limited sensor fields and the central information collector. A three-element distributed phased array is prototyped based on a 60-GHz wireless sensor network. A 9.2 dB of distributed beamforming gain is demonstrated.
Bias in interspecific allometry: examples from morphological scaling in varanid lizards

The traditional approach to allometric analysis entails the fitting of a straight line to logarithmic transformations of the data, after which parameters in a two-parameter allometric equation are estimated by back-transformation to the original scale. We re-examined published data for dimensions of the limbs in 22 species of varanid lizards to illustrate the biases that can be introduced into allometric analyses by applying the aforementioned protocol. Statistical models fit to the original data by linear and nonlinear regression conformed better with underlying assumptions than did models obtained by back-transformation from logarithms, and the former generally were better than the latter for describing limb dimensions over the full range in body size. Allometric exponents estimated by the traditional method therefore were based on inappropriate and inaccurate statistical models and, consequently, were biased and misleading. Investigators can avoid problems such as these by performing preliminary graphical and statistical analyses on data in their original scale and by validating the fitted model. Logarithmic transformations should be used sparingly and only for cause. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 96, 296–305.
Role of Lenalidomide in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma and Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Objective:To evaluate lenalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).Data Sources:Clinical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–August 2005), Science Citation Index (1980–August 2005), and Proceedings of the American Society of Hematology (2000–2004).Data Synthesis:New analogs of thalidomide have been synthesized that are more potent and less toxic. Lenalidomide (CC-5013) is currently in Phase III trials for the treatment of multiple myeloma and MDS. Phase II trials demonstrated lenalidomide's efficacy in patients refractory to thalidomide. The full potential of this agent has yet to be proven, but preliminary data seem promising.Conclusions:Lenalidomide is a potent immunomodulating drug that offers different mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential for the treatment of multiple myeloma, MDS, and other malignancies.
ACUTE PULMONARY FUNCTION RESPONSE TO OZONE IN YOUNG ADULTS AS A FUNCTION OF BODY MASS INDEX

Recent studies have shown enhanced responsiveness to ozone in obese mice. Adiposity has not been examined as a possible modulator of ozone response in humans. We therefore examined the relationship between body mass index and the acute spirometric response to ozone (O3) exposure among 197 nonasthmatic young adults (aged 18–35 yr) studied in our human exposure facility from 1992 to 1998. Each subject had been exposed to 0.42 ppm O3 for 1.5 h with intermittent exercise designed to produce a minute ventilation of 20 L/min/m2 body surface area (BSA). Spirometry (pulmonary function) was measured pre- and immediately postexposure to determine acute ozone-induced changes. The decrement in forced expiratory volume in 1s (ΔFEV1) as percent of baseline was significantly correlated with BMI, r = −0.16, p = .03, with a slightly stronger correlation in women (n = 75), r = −0.22, p = .05, and no significant correlation in men. BMI had a greater range in women than in men in our study. In women greater ozone-induced dec...
Development of an Experimental Prototype Multi-Modal Netted Sensor Fence for Homeland Defense and Border Integrity

Potential terrorists/adversaries can exploit a wide range of airborne threats against civilian and military targets. There is no effective, low-cost solution to robustly and reliably detect and identify small, low-flying airborne vehicles such as fixed-wing aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that might be carrying out chemical, biological or nuclear attacks, or smuggling drugs or illegal immigrants across the border. This paper presents a low-cost and low-power methodology for performing key 24/7 sentry functions that can be used for the protection and the surveillance of critical infrastructure from airborne threats. The methodology is based on joint multi-sensor fusion technology. It consists of a forward-based fence comprised of a mixture of selected low cost, low power, netted sensors including a simple radar, acoustic microphone array and optical (infrared and visible) cameras to detect, track and discriminate potential airborne targets. An experimental prototype end-to-end proof of concept system with deploy able software, hardware and connectivity is built using COTS component. Multi-modal senor fusion algorithms employing Kalman filter for target tracking and acoustic and image recognition algorithm for target classification are implemented. Results from field tests reveal reasonable detection and discrimination among candidate aircraft.