cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Steroid and non-steroid UDP glucuronyltransferase: Glucuronidation of synthetic estrogens as steroids

Abstract The hepatic microsomal glucuronidation profiles of eight substrates were investigated; p-nitrophenol (PNP), 4-methylumbelliferone (MUB), 1-naphthol (N), diethylstilbestrol (DES), β-estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), testosterone (T), and phenolphthalein (P). Three differences between microsomal steroid and non-steroid glucuronidations were characterized: (1) non-steroid undine diphosphoglucuronyltransferase (UDPGT) exhibited a developmental peak about the time of birth such that hepatic activity in one-day-old animals exceeded adult levels whereas this peak was not observed for steroid UDPGT, (2) non-steroid UDPGT was TCDD-inducible whereas steroid UDPGT was not, and (3) non-steroid UDPGT exhibited significant activity in kidney and uterus whereas steroid glucuronidation rates were low or non-detectable in these tissues. PNP, MUB, and N were glucuronidated as non-steroids and E2, E1, T, DES, and P were clearly in the steroid class. A positive correlation existed between the existence of steroidal activity and the occurrence of steroid glucuronidation characteristics. No apparent qualitative differences were evident between glucuronidation of E2 at the 3- and 17-positions.
Responsiveness of an SV40-immortalized hepatocyte cell line to growth hormone

Abstract The response of an SV40-immortalized hepatocyte cell line (CWSV-1) derived from adult male rat hepatocytes to human growth hormone (hGH) was investigated. CWSV-1 cells, which have been characterized extensively, retain certain differentiated functions of normal liver (Woodworth and Isom, Mol Cell Biol 7 : 3740–3748, 1987). This cell line consists of tightly associated polygonal, mononucleated cells that grow as monolayers. These cells showed no significant morphological changes with the addition of hGH. Northern blot analysis showed that continuous treatment of the CWSV-1 cells with hGH induced the expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and 5α-reductase RNAs. In addition, continuous exposure to hGH resulted in the induction of expression of the growth hormone receptor/growth hormone binding protein (GHR/GHBP) genes. This study indicates that the CWSV-1 cells may serve as a valuable in vitro model system for studying the signaling pathway of GH.
An Interaction between Bcl-xL and the Voltage-dependent Anion Channel (VDAC) Promotes Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uptake

The role of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL in regulating mitochondrial Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]mito) handling was examined in wild-type (WT) and Bcl-xL knock-out (Bcl-xL-KO) mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-generating agonist evoked cytosolic Ca(2+) transients that produced a larger [Ca(2+)]mito uptake in WT cells compared with Bcl-xL-KO. In permeabilized cells, stepping external [Ca(2+)] from 0 to 3 μm also produced a larger [Ca(2+)]mito uptake in WT; moreover, the [Ca(2+)]mito uptake capacity of Bcl-xL-KO cells was restored by re-expression of mitochondrially targeted Bcl-xL. Bcl-xL enhancement of [Ca(2+)]mito uptake persisted after dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential but was absent in mitoplasts lacking an outer mitochondrial membrane. The outer membrane-localized voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is a known Ca(2+) permeability pathway that directly interacts with Bcl-xL. Bcl-xL interacted with VDAC1 and -3 isoforms, and peptides based on the VDAC sequence disrupted Bcl-xL binding. Peptides reduced [Ca(2+)]mito uptake in WT but were without effect in Bcl-xL-KO cells. In addition, peptides reduced [Ca(2+)]mito uptake in VDAC1 and VDAC3 knock-out but not VDAC1 and -3 double knock-out mouse embryonic fibroblast cells, confirming that Bcl-xL interacts functionally with VDAC1 and -3 but not VDAC2. Thus, an interaction between Bcl-xL and VDAC promotes matrix Ca(2+) accumulation by increasing Ca(2+) transfer across the outer mitochondrial membrane.
Cassini/Huygens: a challenge in international interface design, integration, and cooperation

The Cassini mission is a joint venture between NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), and Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI). A major interface is between the NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) provided Orbiter and the ESA provided Atmospheric Probe. The Orbiter is designed to orbit the planet Saturn, while the Probe will descend into the atmosphere and impact the surface of Titan. After years of study and scientific meetings between NASA, JPL, and ESA, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between NASA and ESA on 17 December 1990. Project teams were formed at JPL and ESA and work began on the interface definition and integration of the Probe onto the Orbiter. Unique challenges were presented due to the fact that this was the first such atmospheric probe designed and developed in Europe, the complicated mechanical and electrical interface between the Probe and the Orbiter, and the nine hour time difference between JPL and ESA. As with the Galileo mission to Jupiter, the Orbiter provides an environmentally acceptable vehicle for the Probe during the long cruise phase, a communication link to Earth for periodic Probe checkouts during this cruise phase, a stable and accurately pointed platform for Probe separation, and a relay link to Earth for the actual Probe mission descent into the Titan atmosphere. Management and technical interchange tools were developed to address these challenges. The Probe design and its interface with the Orbiter are the result of this effort.
Attentional Control as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Difficulties Accessing Effective Emotion Regulation Strategies and Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance is inversely associated with a number of negative outcomes, including multiple forms of psychopathology. Research suggests that difficulties accessing effective emotion regulation (ER) strategies may adversely affect the willingness and/or ability to tolerate distress. Additionally, research has shown that attentional control (i.e., the skillful control of higher-order executive attention in regulating bottom-up emotional responses) can be used to effectively regulate distress. Using a community sample of adults (N = 93), the present study sought to examine whether attentional control moderates the relationship between difficulties accessing effective ER strategies and distress tolerance. As predicted, difficulties accessing effective ER strategies was inversely related to behaviorally-indexed distress tolerance, but only among individuals with relatively lower attentional control. Results suggest that attentional control may be a protective factor against distress intolerance. Clinically, findings suggest that attention training interventions may be helpful in reducing risk for psychopathology among individuals with less access to effective ER strategies.
Intracystic papillary carcinoma of breast: interrelationship with in situ and invasive carcinoma and a proposal of pathogenesis: array comparative genomic hybridization study of 14 cases

Classifying intracystic papillary carcinoma under invasive or in situ ductal carcinoma is still a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to explore the genomic relationship of this tumor to its concurrent invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ using array comparative genomic hybridization. Intracystic papillary carcinoma cases were classified into three categories: pure, with concurrent ductal carcinoma in situ or with concurrent invasive ductal carcinoma. Each component was dissected using laser capture microdissection. DNA was extracted and array comparative genomic hybridization was performed. The test of difference in copy number changes among the three tumors was carried out using CGHMultiArray. Intracystic papillary carcinoma clustered with four of five concurrent ductal carcinoma in situ cases and with two of two invasive ductal carcinoma cases. Intracystic papillary carcinoma showed the highest proportions of genome copy number aberration, followed by ductal carcinoma in situ, and then by invasive ductal carcinoma (P=0.06). Comparing intracystic papillary carcinoma with invasive ductal carcinoma vs without invasive ductal carcinoma, the former had 11q22.1-23.3 loss (P=0.031) and chr5 gain (P=0.085), and was enriched with matrix metalloproteinase genes. Comparing intracystic papillary carcinoma with ductal carcinoma in situ vs without ductal carcinoma in situ, the former had gain in 5q35.3 (P=0.041), 8q24.3 (P=0.041) and 21q13.2 to 21q13.31 (P=0.011). Comparing intracystic papillary carcinoma with ductal carcinoma in situ, the latter acquired a group of genes involved in cell adhesion and motility, whereas intracystic papillary carcinoma differentially expressed genes that are involved in papillary carcinomas of other organs (thyroid and kidney). We conclude that the overall molecular change in intracystic papillary carcinoma is closer to ductal carcinoma in situ than to invasive ductal carcinoma, which may explain the indolent behavior of this tumor. We offer herein a proposal of intracystic papillary carcinoma pathogenesis through its relation to invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ.
A Computational Approach to the Economic Lot Scheduling Problem

In practice, the economic lot quantity problem and the scheduling problem often are treated separately in production planning. However, when a number of items must be supplied continuously and the same means of production must be employed for several of the items non-concurrently, the “economic lot scheduling problem” may have to be dealt with. Addressing itself to a reduced version of this problem, the article outlines a computational approach to finding a feasible and minimum cost set-up plus storage production schedule for a group of items which must be available continuously though produced consecutively in a single production center.
δ-Crystallin gene expression in embryonic chick lens epithelia cultured in the presence of insulin

Abstract Previous investigations have shown that the cells of the 6-day-old embryonic chick lens epithelium elongate in defined medium supplemented with fetal calf serum or porcine insulin. In the presence of fetal calf serum, this cell elongation is associated with a differential increase in δ-crystallin synthesis which can be accounted for by accumulation of δ-crystallin messenger RNA (mRNA) during the 5th and 24th hours of culture. We have examined whether δ-crystallin gene expression is also regulated in the cultured lens epithelium when fetal calf serum is replaced by insulin. Embryonic lens epithelia cultured in insulin were labeled with [3H]valine, and δ-crystallin was purified by high-resolution sodium dodecyl sulfate-gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; δ-crystallin mRNA was quantitated by molecular hybridization with δ-crystallin [3H]cDNA. The results showed that δ-crystallin synthesis increases and that δ-crystallin mRNA accumulates in the lens epithelial cells between 5 and 24 h of culture in the presence of insulin. Stimulation of total protein synthesis, including δ-crystallin synthesis, occurred without an increase in δ-crystallin mRNA content/cell during the first 5 h of culture with insulin, as was previously shown to occur during the first 5 h in vitro with fetal calf serum. Thus δ-crystallin synthesis is stimulated initially by an increase in translational efficiency and secondarily by an increase in the amount of δ-crystallin mRNA when the embryonic lens epithelia are maintained in a chemically defined medium containing insulin.
Some Physical Properties of Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Impression Pastes

These preparations which have been dis­ cussed require considerable cutting with either steel, diamond or carborundum disks and wheels. The cutting must be precise. Therefore, it is often necessary to use a local anesthetic so that the pa­ tient’s discomfort will be minimized. Whether anesthetized or not, the prepa­ ration should be done with a stream of luke-warm water. This prevents over­ heating of the tooth and keeps the stones clean so that they will cut faster. Teeth traumatized by overheating often remain lame months after the restorations have been placed, and occasionally the pulp deteriorates from this abusive treatment. 1546 Medical Arts Building
Digital Collections: Transforming the Work of Libraries

ABSTRACT While recent years have seen an increase in the number of digital collections being produced by academic, public, and special libraries, these endeavors represent a new direction. Libraries engaged in initiating, implementing, and maintaining digital collections are expanding their traditional roles of collecting, organizing, and providing access to resources. Their new roles include creating content and in some ways, also creating the access. Libraries are involved in the “business” of producing digital collections–a task made possible and also easier by the technology developed and available, but a task often begun with scant initial funding and achieved by “converting” staff members already dedicated to other tasks at the institution. This article will look to the bright future and usability of digital collections, while remembering digitization's humble beginnings and the lessons we are learning along the way.
On the Dimension of a Face Exposed by Proper Separation of Convex Polyhedra

Whenever two nonempty convex polyhedra can be properly separated, a separating hyperplane may be chosen to contain a face of either polyhedron. It is demonstrated that, in fact, one or the other of the polyhedra admits such an exposed face having dimension no smaller than approximately half the larger dimension of the two polyhedra. An example shows that the bound on face dimension is optimal, and a linear programming representation of the problem is given.
A 128 K*8 70-MHz multiport video RAM with auto register reload and 8*4 block WRITE feature

An 80-ns 1-Mb multiport video random-access memory (VRAM) can be organized as 128 K*8 or 256 K*4. Uninterrupted serial data streams of 70 MHz are achieved by combining pipelining and interleaving techniques with an internally triggered automatic memory-to-register transfer mechanism. DRAM bandwidth is enhanced by a block WRITE feature which can write as many as four column address locations in every CAS cycle. The write-per-bit feature has been expanded by including an on-chip write-per-bit latch and an extended mode of operation to simplify its use in a wider range of systems. The VRAM is fabricated in a 1 mu m CMOS technology using double-level poly/polycide, single level metal, and trench DRAM storage capacitors for high noise immunity. >
Editorial: ''Enriching the Brain''—The Link Between Contemporary Neuroscience and Early Childhood Traditions

While browsing through a conference program I noticed a session on ‘‘brain-based learning.’’ My first reaction was, ‘‘I certainly hope so!’’ What would make anyone think that it is possible to learn without using the brain? The headline of an online newsbyte article proclaimed, ‘‘Students Being Encouraged to Fidget’’—no doubt an oversimplification of the finding that physical activity supports development. I also visited a school in which every child had a bottle of water at his or her desk. The explanation given by the administrator was that ‘‘the research says that children’s bodies need to be hydrated in order for them to learn efficiently.’’ After mulling over such efforts to link basic research with educational practice, I finally found the opportunity to read Eric Jensen’s (2006) book, Enriching the Brain: How to Maximize Every Learner’s Potential .A fan of his previous work (Jensen 1998), I was eager to see what advances had been made in neuroscience during the eight intervening years between these two works. For me—and, no doubt, for many educators in the United States—the word ‘‘enrichment’’ elicits images of gifted and talented programs, art classes at the museum, or student internships/apprenticeships out in the community. Jensen (2006) acknowledges this history for the term ‘‘enrichment’’ but goes on to provide a very different definition which is the thesis of the book: ‘‘Enrichment is a positive biological response to a contrasting environment in which measurable, synergistic, and global changes have occurred within the brain’’ (p. 158, emphasis added). As with the word ‘‘development,’’ Jensen’s view of enrichment hinges on the contrast between baseline behavior and the level of performance that occurs after a learning experience. Jensen enumerates several, research-based ways of improving learning that include: an attentional mind-set; low to moderate stress; coherent, meaningful tasks; repetition of tasks and massed practice; and learnercontrolled feedback. The question that immediately came to mind was, ‘‘How has the field of early childhood education fared in attending to each of these recommendations, even before a research base in neuroscience existed to support them?’’ The answer is ‘‘very well.’’ What follows is early childhood education’s—if you will—report card on endorsing teaching methods that respect the way the human brain functions.
DESIGN OF A POST-FRAME BURLEY TOBACCO CURING STRUCTURE FOR WIRE-FRAME RACKS

Abstract The purpose of this research was to develop a post-frame structure to utilize wire-frame racks in the curing of burley tobacco in nontraditional growing areas. Since the 2004 federal tobac...
Using clustering techniques to detect usage patterns in a Web‐based information system

Different users of a Web-based information system will have different goals and different ways of performing their work. This article explores the possibility that we can automatically detect usage patterns without demographic information about the individuals. First, a set of 47 variables was defined that can be used to characterize a user session. The values of these variables were computed for approximately 257,000 sessions. Second, principal component analysis was employed to reduce the dimensions of the original data set. Third, a two-stage, hybrid clustering method was proposed to categorize sessions into groups. Finally, an external criteria-based test of cluster validity was performed to verify the validity of the resulting usage groups (clusters). The proposed methodology was demonstrated and tested for validity using two independent samples of user sessions drawn from the transaction logs of the University of California's MELVYL® on-line library catalog system (www.melvyl.ucop.edu). The results indicate that there were six distinct categories of use in the MELVYL system: knowledgeable and sophisticated use, unsophisticated use, highly interactive use with good search performance, known-item searching, help-intensive searching, and relatively unsuccessful use. Their characteristics were interpreted and compared qualitatively. The analysis shows that each group had distinct patterns of use of the system, which justifies the methodology employed in this study.
Approximate yield criteria for anisotropic porous ductile sheet metals

Abstract An approximate macroscopic yield criterion for anisotropic porous sheet metals is developed under plane stress conditions in this paper. The metal matrices are assumed to be rigid perfectly plastic and incompressible. The Hill quadratic and non-quadratic anisotropic yield criteria are used to describe the matrix normal anisotropy and planar isotropy. The voids in sheet metals are assumed in the form of through-thickness holes. Under axisymmetric loading, a closed-form upper bound macroscopic yield criterion is derived as a function of the anisotropy parameter R , defined as the ratio of the transverse plastic strain rate to the through-thickness plastic strain rate under in-plane uniaxial loading conditions. The plane stress upper bound solutions for different in-plane strain ratios can be fitted well by the closed-form macroscopic yield criterion.
The fabricated radial forearm flap in pharyngolaryngeal surgery: saliva leakage and its prevention

Abstract Reconstruction of the circular pharyngo-oesophageal defect continues to represent a formidable challenge for the head and neck surgeon. The fabricated radial forearm flap can provide thin and pliable skin and has potential in this one-stage reconstructive surgery. However, major problems with this technique are saliva leakage, fistula formation and stricture of the oesophageal anastomosis. Our experience with this flap for 11 pharyngooesophageal reconstructions has given us a better understanding of how to prevent these complications. Fistula formation and stricture were problems in our first two cases. With the 9 following cases, prevention of these complications was achieved by positioning the T-shaped suture lines of the tubed flap posteriorly. Our results suggest that adequate protection of the T-shaped suture lines during fabrication and anastomosis of the forearm flap is important in the prevention of saliva leakage.
Why “What Data Are Necessary for This Project?” and Other Basic Questions are Important to Address in Public Health Informatics Practice and Research

Despite the likelihood of poor quality data flowing from clinical information systems to public health information systems, current policies and practices are pushing for the adoption and use of even greater numbers of electronic data feeds. However, using poor data can lead to poor decision-making outcomes in public health. Therefore public health informatics professionals need to assess, and periodically re-evaluate, the quality of electronic data and their sources. Unfortunately there is currently a paucity of tools and strategies in use across public health agencies. Our Center of Excellence in Public Health Informatics is working to develop and disseminate tools and strategies for supporting on-going assessment of data quality and solutions for overcoming data quality challenges. In this article, we outline the need for better data quality assessment and our approach to the development of new tools and strategies. In other words, public health informatics professionals need to ask questions about the electronic data received by public health agencies, and we hope to create tools and strategies to help informaticians ask questions that will lead to improved population health outcomes.
Fluorescence Efficiency and Visible Re-emission Spectrum of Tetraphenyl Butadiene Films at Extreme Ultraviolet Wavelengths

A large number of current and future experiments in neutrino and dark matter detection use the scintillation light from noble elements as a mechanism for measuring energy deposition. The scintillation light from these elements is produced in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) range, from 60{200 nm. Currently, the most practical technique for observing light at these wavelengths is to surround the scintillation volume with a thin lm of Tetraphenyl Butadiene (TPB) to act as a uor. The TPB lm absorbs EUV photons and reemits visible photons,
A low cost single phase to three phase static power converter

A low-cost single-phase-to-three-phase converter using only two power semiconductor switches is presented. The circuit complexity of the topology is minimal, and, with the use of advanced pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques, high-quality balanced three-phase output voltages are guaranteed. A unique advantage of the proposed system is that the static converter kVA rating is only 50% of the three-phase output kVA. Analysis and simulation results are presented to show the high-performance features of the proposed converter. Design procedures for selecting the reactive components are also discussed. Selected results were verified experimentally on a laboratory prototype converter powering a three-phase induction motor. >
RoboBat: Dynamics and Control of a Robotic Bat Flapping Flying Testbed

This paper investigates the control of the phase difference in between three different motions of bat flight: pitching, mapping, and lead-lag. For active control, a robotic bat test bed capable of simulating different wing motions is used to test the control of these wing motions and the phase differences using central pattern generators (CPG's). Previous work with the robotic bat is expanded upon by modifying the robotic bat test bed to allow for three dimensional motions of the entire bat, instead of only the wings. This is done by mounting the robotic bat onto a 3D pendulum. Experiments analyzing the steady state behavior of the bat's flight with varying phase differences showed a change of pitch while elevation and forward velocity remains constant. This shows promising results regarding the relation between phase differences of wing motions and longitudinal stability.
Is There a Judicially Enforceable Limit to Congressional Power Under the Commerce Clause

In United States v. Lopez the Supreme Court struck down the Gun Free School Zones Act on the ground that the law making it a federal crime to possess a gun in or near a school exceeded the power of Congress under the Commerce Clause. This article argues that the real significance of Lopez is symbolic, the Court firing a warning shot across the bow of Congress, reminding everyone that the Federal Government is, at least in theory, a government of limited and enumerated powers. The article also argues that it was not unreasonable for the Supreme Court to strike down the Gun Free School Zones Act, even though the case is unlikely to lead to a major rethinking of the commerce power.
White blood cell transfusions.

The first question concerning the ratio of suspected to proven neonatal sepsis is a good one. Our ratio was so low because of the strict clinical criteria that we adhered to for patient entry into study. Because we are a tertiary children9s hospital and do not have an obstetrical unit attached to our institution, most patients referred to our institution are very critically ill. In our area, the vast majority of neonates for whom sepsis is ruled out are being taken care of at intermediate centers, and I agree that most of the ratios of suspected to proven neonatal sepsis are probably quite high in those centers.
Map-based localization using the panoramic horizon

Presents an approach to solve the localization problem, in which an observer is given a topographic map of an area and dropped off at an unknown location. The solution to this problem requires establishing correspondences between viewer-centered observable features and their location on the map. The feature the authors select is the panoramic horizon curve, defined as the sky-ground boundary perceived by the observer as he performs a full 360/spl deg/ in place. In the authors' approach, they first precompute, offline, these horizon curves at a set of locations on a grid, from the topological map. These curves are approximated by polygons with different line fitting tolerances to gain robustness to noise in the authors' representation. These polygons are grouped into overlapping super segments, which are then encoded and stored in a table. The online computation consists of acquiring the panoramic view and extracting (with human help) the horizon curve. This curve is approximated by a polygon and the resulting super segments, used as indices in the data base, allow one to retrieve candidate locations. The best candidate is selected during a verification step which applies geometric constraints. This process uses local features and can therefore tolerate significant occlusion likely to occur in real environments. The authors illustrate the performance of the approach on results obtained from real data.
The impact of smoking and pre-existing illness on the relationship between body-mass index and mortality

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the influence of smoking and pre-existing illness on the relationship between body-mass index (BMI) and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Methods: Study subjects were 168,828 men and 290,149 women, 45–64 years of age who participated in the Cancer Prevention Study I with 12 years of follow-up. We examined participants in four strata: (1) healthy never smokers, (2) healthy current smokers, (3) unhealthy never smokers and (4) unhealthy current smokers. Cox proportional hazard models with a piece-wise quadratic spline with 8 knots for BMI were used to plot the BMI-mortality relationship. Interactions of smoking and pre-existing illness with BMI were tested. Results: Three-way interactions between BMI, smoking and pre-existing illness were statistically significant for all 3 mortality outcomes for both men and women. Healthy never-smoking participants tended to have the lowest hazard ratios at low BMI levels and the highest hazard ratios at high levels of BMI. Pre-existing illness tended to modify this effect more than smoking status. Conclusion: Pre-existing illness and smoking modify associations between BMI and mortality and should be carefully considered in an analysis of the BMI-mortality association.
Nonlinear feedback control with global stabilization

Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman theory is shown to provide a unified framework for nonlinear feedback control laws for special classes of nonlinear systems. These classes include Jurdjevic-Quinn type systems, as well as minimum phase systems with relative degree {1, 1, ..., 1}. Several examples are given to illustrate these results. For the controlled Lorenz equation, results obtained by Vincent and Yu are extended. Next, for spacecraft angular velocity stabilization with two torque inputs, a family of nonlinear feedback control laws that globally asymptotically stabilize angular velocity is established. Special cases of this family of control laws include generalizations of the locally stabilizing control laws of Brockett and Aeyels to global stabilization as well as the globally stabilizing control laws of Irving and Crouch and Byrnes and Isidori. Finally, the results are applied to spacecraft angular velocity stabilization with only one torque input. These last results extend control laws given by Outbib and Sallet.
The Mirror Drawing Experiment: A Brief Historical Note

(1952). The Mirror Drawing Experiment: A Brief Historical Note. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 46, No. 1, pp. 63-72.
Asynchronous and Timing Jitter Insensitive Data Echo Cancellation

An approach to the implementation of asynchronous and timing jitter insensitive data echo cancellation is described. This approach introduces a small amount of jitter in the transmitted data signal, or alternatively in the received signal sampling, and uses a simple digital phase-locked loop together with the storage of two sets of echo canceler coefficients. The effect of derived timing jitter on the echo cancellation accuracy is completely eliminated for a loop timed transceiver (as in a digital subscriber loop network termination transceiver), and is easily reduced to negligible levels for a nonloop timed transceiver (as in a digital subscriber loop line card transceiver or a voiceband data modem). In the case of a voiceband data modem, this approach is one method to achieve asynchronous echo cancellation without the need to recover and resample a continuous-time far-end data signal.
Transplantation or removal of intra-abdominal adipose tissue prevents age-induced glucose insensitivity

Abstract Increases in intra-abdominal fat, a common feature associated with aging, is an established risk factor for insulin resistance, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. To examine the direct contribution of intra-abdominal fat in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance we altered fat volume via removal or transplantation in a naturally occurring age-induced moderate model of obesity and insulin resistance. This was accomplished by bilateral removal of epididymal white adipose tissue (Lipx) or transplantation of donor fat into the intra-abdominal side of the peritoneal cavity of 28-week old rats. Control animals received sham surgery. Glucose tolerance was evaluated at baseline and 4 and 8 weeks post-surgery in all groups, and fasting insulin and leptin were additionally measured in 28-week old rats. In addition, fasted and fed triglyceride, cholesterol and fatty acid concentrations were measured. Before surgery 28-week old rats weighed more and were glucose intolerant compared with 8-week old controls. Both Lipx and transplantation significantly prevented age-induced decreases in glucose tolerance, with Lipx causing improvement at 4 weeks which declined by 8 weeks; and with a significant transplantation improvement at 8 weeks only. Lipx significantly increased insulin secretion 15 min after a bolus injection of 0.75 mg/kg dextrose at 4 and 8 weeks compared with controls, while transplantation caused a significant (∼ 220%) increase in fasted leptin level at 4 weeks only. Taken together, these data suggest that surgical removal or addition of intra-abdominal fat prevents age-induced insulin resistance by different mechanisms and is a suitable model to investigate naturally occurring obesity.
Klugiella xanthotipulae gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Microbacteriaceae.

An actinobacterium, designated strain 44C3T, was isolated in Michigan, USA, from the hindgut of the larvae of Tipula abdominalis, an aquatic crane fly, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strain represented a separate clade within the family Microbacteriaceae. It showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Cryobacterium psychrotolerans 0549T (96.5 %). Strain 44C3T had a novel B-type peptidoglycan. The peptidoglycan contained the diamino acid lysine, the peptide Gly–d-Glu was detected in the partial hydrolysate and alanine was the N terminus of the interpeptide bridge. No other amino acids found in other B-type peptidoglycans (including diaminobutyric acid, ornithine, homoserine and hydroxyglutamic acid) could be detected. The major menaquinones were MK-12 and MK-11, the major fatty acids were ai-C15 : 0, ai-C17 : 0 and i-C16 : 0 and the DNA G+C content was 60.9 mol%. Analysis of the chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data suggested that strain 44C3T represented a novel species of a new genus within the family Microbacteriaceae, for which the name Klugiella xanthotipulae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Klugiella xanthotipulae is 44C3T (=DSM 18031T =ATCC BAA-1524T).
Tissue-Dependent Plastid RNA Splicing in Maize: Transcripts from Four Plastid Genes Are Predominantly Unspliced in Leaf Meristems and Roots

Most plastid gene products do not accumulate to high levels in meristem proplastids or in the specialized plastids of roots. To assess whether a modulation of plastid splicing activities might play a role in this tissue-dependent expression of the plastid genome, the ratio of spliced to unspliced transcripts from the atpF, petB, petD, and rpl16 genes was compared between several tissues of maize. Although these transcripts are predominantly spliced in green leaf tissue (both bundle sheath and mesophyll cells), spliced atpF, petB, and petD transcripts are underrepresented relative to their unspliced precursors in roots and leaf meristems. The ratio of spliced to unspliced rpl16 transcripts varies in a similar fashion, but the magnitude of the differences between tissues is not as great. The proportion of RNA that is spliced reflects the tissue of origin and not photosynthetic competency, chlorophyll content, or exposure to light since the leaves of photosynthetic mutants and of seedlings grown in the absence of light contain spliced and unspliced transcripts in normal ratios. These results raise the possibility that low RNA splicing activities are in part responsible for the limited expression of the plastid genome in meristematic and root tissue.
The Thematic Apperception Test: Rationale, Administration, and Interpretation

Le style c’est l’homme Writers, from the creators of classics to comic strip hacks, put their own values, their own personalities into their works. Who would doubt that Dickens was a moralistic, sentimental person, or that Swift was bitter and lonely? It is a commonplace of literary criticism to point out, as was widely done, for example, of Thomas Wolfe’s Look Homeward,Angel, that the story has much of autobiography in it; the somewhat subtler psychological exegesis of a man’s less obviously autobiographic works is also frequently found in contemporary letters. When we go beyond the step of reading simply to be distracted or to lose ourselves in the excitement of a yarn, we turn to a new novelist or poet to see what aspect of experience he has found most vivid and has passed on to us; we try to get a fresh perspective on the world—and we seldom hesitate to assume that this perspective is the author’s own. The more we read of his work, the more we can see what remains constant while individual stories change; through the nature of these constancies we get a feeling for the author as a man.
Uncertainty Quantification of Time-Dependent Reliability Analysis in the Presence of Parametric Uncertainty

Limited data of stochastic load processes and system random variables result in uncertainty in the results of time-dependent reliability analysis. An uncertainty quantification (UQ) framework is developed in this paper for time-dependent reliability analysis in the presence of data uncertainty. The Bayesian approach is employed to model the epistemic uncertainty sources in random variables and stochastic processes. A straightforward formulation of UQ in time-dependent reliability analysis results in a double-loop implementation procedure, which is computationally expensive. This paper proposes an efficient method for the UQ of time-dependent reliability analysis by integrating the fast integration method and surrogate model method with time-dependent reliability analysis. A surrogate model is built first for the time-instantaneous conditional reliability index as a function of variables with imprecise parameters. For different realizations of the epistemic uncertainty, the associated time-instantaneous mo...
Circumstances preceding homicide-suicides involving child victims: a qualitative analysis

Homicide-suicide incidents involving child victims can have a detrimental impact on survivors of the violence, family members and friends of the decedents, and other community members, but the rare occurrence of these acts makes using quantitative data to examine their associated antecedents challenging. Therefore, using qualitative data from the 2003-2011 National Violent Death Reporting System, we examined 175 cases of homicide-suicide involving child victims in an effort to better understand the complex situational factors of these events. Our findings indicate that 98% of homicide-suicides with child victims are perpetrated by adults (mostly parents) and propelled by the perpetrators' intimate partner problems, mental health problems, and criminal/legal problems. These events are often premeditated, and plans for the violence are sometimes disclosed prior to its occurrence. Findings provide support for several theoretical perspectives, and implications for prevention are discussed.
Postural Stress Theory

Letter to the Editor: I am writing in response to the recent article by Michael J Mueller and Katrina S Maluf titled “Tissue Adaptation to Physical Stress: A Proposed ‘Physical Stress Theory’ to Guide Physical Therapist Practice, Education, and Research” (April 2002). The authors have offered a comprehensive explanation of the proposed “Physical Stress Theory” (PST) and depicted its application to physical therapist practice, education, and research. I commend their efforts and believe that the theory certainly offers “food for thought”; however, I am hesitant to embrace the theory in its totality. I am specifically concerned with 2 tenets presented in the theory. First, the authors appear to equate increased stress tolerance with tissue hypertrophy. However, hypertrophy is not always a response to stress and is not necessarily a measure of fitness. As the authors note, different levels of exercise may have a beneficial or detrimental effect on tissue remodeling. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of exercise may differ depending on the exercise regimen. The authors remark that “physical stress is a composite value, defined by the magnitude, time, and direction of stress application” (Fundamental Principle H of the PST). Indeed, research indicates that muscle responds differently to the amount and type of activity to which it is subjected. Aerobic exercise (low-magnitude/high-frequency stress) results in increased mitochondrial content and respiratory capacity of muscle fibers, but does not result in hypertrophy. Resistance exercise (high-magnitude/low-frequency stress) results in muscle hypertrophy and higher contractile force (see Booth and Thomason1 for a complete review). The authors suggest that the role of the physical therapist is to instruct people in an exercise regimen that will “provide an adequate stimulus for hyper-trophy of intended tissues.” With respect to muscle tissue, the goals of a rehabilitative exercise protocol may not include hypertrophy. Second, the authors assert that …
Abstract 3302: Subtype-specific radiation response in a mouse model of human breast cancer

Radiation therapy is an important component of multimodal treatment for women with breast cancer. However, breast radiotherapy is currently delivered uniformly, regardless of breast cancer subtype. Recent clinical data have suggested that different subtypes of breast cancer may respond differently to radiation. Understanding the intrinsic variation of radiation response in breast cancer subtypes would lay the foundation for individualized radiotherapy designed to limit toxicity in those with radiation responsive cancers. Furthermore, identification of molecular targets can be used to modulate treatment outcomes in patients with radiation resistant tumors. Our previous in vitro studies have identified an association between breast cancer subtype and gene expression profiles in response to radiation in breast tumor cell lines. Cell lines with the greatest response to radiation were luminal subtype and exhibited preferential induction of genes involved in programmed cell death, such as FAS. In this study, we investigated tumor growth and FAS induction in response to radiation in a mouse model of breast cancer. MCF7 (luminal) or SUM159 (basal) cells were implanted orthotopically into the dorsal mammary fat pad of athymic nude mice. These mice were then treated with different doses of radiation. Our results showed that radiation treatment inhibited MCF7 tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner, while radiation treatment had little effect on SUM159 tumor growth. In addition, FAS was induced in MCF7 tumors 24 hour after radiation, but there was no change in FAS expression in SUM159 tumors. However, injection of FAS-stimulating antibody intratumorally led to downstream caspase 8 and PARP activation, suggesting that the FAS signaling pathway remains intact and can be used to modulate radiation response in the resistant SUM159 cells. In conclusion, these results suggest that there is intrinsic variation in radiation response among breast cancer subtypes and that stimulation of FAS may have the potential to modulate radiation response. Citation Format: Chen-Ting Lee, Yingchun Zhou, Sharareh Siamakpour-Reihani, Kingshuk R. Choudhury, Mark W. Dewhirst, Janet K. Horton. Subtype-specific radiation response in a mouse model of human breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3302. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3302
Vagal and splanchnic sensory pathways mediate inhibition of gastric motility induced by duodenal distension

Afferent pathways mediating gastric corpus relaxation after duodenal distension were studied in urethan-anesthetized rats in which the sensory neurotoxin capsaicin (1%) or its vehicle was applied directly to the cervical vagus nerve trunks or the celiac-superior mesenteric ganglia 10-20 days before experiments. Distension (0.05-0.5 ml) of a closed loop of proximal duodenum decreased gastric intraluminal pressure. Perineural capsaicin treatment to the vagus nerves decreased by 73 and 80% the response to low volumes of distension (0.05 and 0.1 ml). Perineural capsaicin treatment of the celiac-superior mesenteric ganglia significantly attenuated by 46-88% the response to all volumes of distension. Bilateral cervical vagotomy or ganglionectomy reduced the response to all volumes of duodenal distension and, in combination, abolished the response. It is concluded that the decrease in gastric corpus motility after duodenal distension is dependent on the extrinsic innervation to the upper gastrointestinal tract and is mediated by both vagal and spinal capsaicin-sensitive afferents. Capsaicin-sensitive vagal afferents mediate responses to low volumes of distension that may be physiological. Capsaicin-sensitive spinal afferents mediate the gastric response to higher volumes of distension and may be involved in mediating visceral and somatic responses to pathophysiological intestinal obstruction.
Reversal of White Matter Edema in Hypertensive Encephalopathy

We report a case of hypertensive encephalopathy in which MR imaging contributed to the early diagnosis in a patient with unusual clinical symptoms and CT findings. Serial MR provided pathophysiologic information regarding this condition
Thin/Cambered/Reflexed Airfoil Development for Micro Air Vechhicle Applications at Reynolds Numbers of 60,000 to 100,000

Airfoil development for micro-air vehicle applications is dominated by laminar separation bubble formation. XFOIL, a low Reynolds number airfoil analysis tool is utilized in an effort to understand and document the role camber plays in laminar separation bubble formation, size, and location. In addition, the direct effect camber has in the production of lift and drag is evaluated through assessment of the maximum coefficient of lift and maximum coefficient of lift/coefficient of drag attained by airfoils of varying camber. Camber values of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9% chord are evaluated at Reynolds numbers of 60,000, 80,000, and 100,000 for angles of attack over a range from 0 to 10 degrees. Results show a direct relationship between the camber and maximum coefficient of lift with a growing dependence on Reynolds number at higher camber values. Maximum coefficient of lift / coefficient of drag showed a peak in performance for mid to high range camber values and a low dependency on Reynolds number.
A Modified Transmission Line Approach to The Analysis of Superconducting Microwave Resonators

A technique for modeling a superconductor contacted piezoelectric microwave resonator is presented. A transmission line method of modeling the superconductor as a two fluid model is shown to agree with the London penetration depth, and is modeled to take into account the superconductor to normal transition. By including both the normal conductor effects along with the superconductor effects, crystal quality can be factored into this model using an analytical approximation. A two dimensional model for the superconductor, applying experimental results from Y1Ba2Cu3O7-x for circuit elements, is analyzed. The superconducting layer is modeled as an electrical circuit in combination with an acoustical circuit to model its effect on a piezoelectric resonator. The acoustical equivalent of the superconductor including mass loading effects and terminations are taken into account in the Mason model acoustical equivalent circuit.