cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diabetes on the College Campus

The college campus presents a unique scenario where older adolescents and young adults find themselves in an independent environment. The students with pre-existing diabetes face immense responsibility regarding their diabetes care and decision making, without the immediate presence of their parents and the pediatric diabetes team. In addition, there are many other students who may be faced with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus first identified in college. Current diabetes management strategies offer comprehensive care, which results in improved glycemic control and near-normal lifestyle. Continued effort at comprehensive diabetes education goes a long way toward giving these students healthy lives. This article reviews issues involving care of college students with diabetes.
Repeated intraperitoneal injections of saline attenuate the antibody response to a subsequent intraperitoneal injection of antigen.

Abstract The results of two experiments with male C3H HeJ mice indicated that repeated intraperitoneal (ip) injections of sterile saline over a 2-week period resulted in an attenuated antibody response to the subsequent ip injection of a soluble protein antigen, keyhole limpet hemocyanin. There were no differences among experimental groups that received a different number of preimmunization injections of saline, and comparable effects were obtained simply by the daily handling of mice. Neither repeated ip injections nor handling altered preimmunization (baseline) corticosterone levels, and only previously unmanipulated mice showed an elevation in corticosterone levels 30 min after ip immunization. These latter results suggest that the depressed IgM and IgG responses were not due to the immunosuppressive effects of endogenously elevated adrenocortical steroids.
Phaseless method of gain characterization for circularly polarized antennas for mmWave and THz band

Millimeter wave and terahertz band antennas are of growing interest due to applications in radar, imaging and communications. Specifically, circularly polarized (CP) antennas find special interest in satellite communications and applications involving mobile transceivers. For mm-Wave and THz band, gain characterization for CP antennas is a difficult task due to phase errors in alignment. To avoid practical difficulties in traditional CP gain measurement method, we propose a simple, phase-less measurement method. The method relies only on amplitude based measurements, utilizing scattering from readily available structures. In this work, we develop the theory and demonstrate the measurement results for a radial line slot array antenna (RLSA) operating at 106 GHz.
The effect of anti-CD40 ligand antibody on B cells in human systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective To determine the immunologic effects of anti–CD40 ligand (anti-CD40L) therapy in 5 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis who participated in an open-label study of a humanized anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody. Methods Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained before, during, and after treatment, and the frequency of Ig and anti-DNA antibody–secreting B cells was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunospot assay and by analysis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–transformed B cell lines. To determine the effect of treatment on somatic mutation of Ig genes, reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction was performed on messenger RNA from 4 patients, using primers specific for the DP-47 heavy chain gene and for IgG. Finally, B cell phenotype was investigated using flow cytometry. Results Even a brief period of treatment with anti-CD40L markedly reduced the frequency of IgG and IgG anti-DNA antibody–producing B cells, and these changes persisted for several months after cessation of treatment. To confirm these findings, EBV-transformed B cell lines were screened from each of 3 patients, and a 10-fold decrease in anti-DNA antibody–secreting cell lines was found after treatment in all 3 patients. Few differences in mutation patterns were observed before and after treatment; however, the frequency of germline-encoded DP-47 sequences was significantly increased before treatment and normalized following treatment. Flow cytometric analysis of B cells revealed expansion of a CD27−/IgD− B cell subset in some of the patients, which did not change with treatment. Conclusion These are the first mechanistic studies of the effect of anti-CD40L therapy in human autoimmune disease. The results suggest that further studies of CD40L blockade are warranted.
Algorithms for a stochastic model of human fertility under contraception

Abstract A basic component of a computer system, designed to yield—among other things—solutions to the problem of estimating the number of acceptors of contraception required to attain a crude birth rate target, is a model predicting subsequent fertility of a woman after she accepts contraception for the first time. Such a model, accomodating not only age and parity dependence but also switching among methods of contraception, is developed in this paper. Attention is focused on the construction of algorithms necessary for incorporating the model into a computer simulation system. The basic theme underlying the construction of the stochastic process presented in this paper is that of linking together a sequence of absorbing, age-dependent semi-Markov processes.
Comprehensible Models for Reconfiguring Enterprise Relational Databases to Avoid Incidents

Configuring enterprise database management systems is a notoriously hard problem. The combinatorial parameter space makes it intractable to run and observe the DBMS behavior in all scenarios. Thus, the database administrator has the difficult task of choosing DBMS configurations that potentially lead to critical incidents, thus hindering its availability or performance. We propose using machine learning to understand how configuring a DBMS can lead to such high risk incidents. We collect historical data from three IT environments that run both IBM DB2 and Oracle DBMS. Then, we implement several linear and non-linear multivariate models to identify and learn from high risk configurations. We analyze their performance, in terms of accuracy, cost, generalization and interpretability. Results show that high risk configurations can be identified with extremely high accuracy and that the database administrator can potentially benefit from the rules extracted to reconfigure in order to prevent incidents.
Brain and Visceral Involvement during Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection of Guinea Pigs

The virologic and histologic characteristics of congenital cytomegalovirus infection (CMV) were defined in 65 neonatal guinea pigs born from 27 mothers infected pregnancy. Infectious virus or tissue lesions were present in 54% of the neonates tested. Guinea pig CMV was detected most often in the salivary glands (72%) and spleen (33%) of infected guinea pigs. Less frequently, virus was also detected in the brain, lung, pancreas and liver. Tissue lesions were most frequently observed in the brain and kidney, but also occurred in the salivary glands, liver, pancreas, thymus and spleen. The histopathology was identical to that observed in infants with congenital CMV infection. Infectious virus and histopathology were present in newborn guinea pigs born from mothers infected at any time during gestation. Newborns from mothers infected during early stages of gestation and virus present most frequently in the salivary glands, whereas offspring of mothers infected in late pregnancy had virus present in several tissues. Acute maternal guinea pig CMV infection produced generalized CMV infection of the offspring which was followed by persistent infection in neonatal salivary glands. Lesions remained present in several neonatal tissues including the brain. The long term consequences of such lesions in affected guinea pigs remain to be determined. The results of the study emphasize the similarities between human congenital CMV infection and congenital guinea pig CMV infection, thereby underlining the utility of this animal model as a means of understanding human congenital CMV infection.
Kinetic and equilibrium studies on the reversal of calcium-induced intramitochondrial alkalinity by permeant anions.

Abstract Equilibrium and kinetic studies were undertaken on the permeant anion-induced reversal of the intramitochondrial pH increase due to calcium. These were made at various extramitochondrial pH and bromothymol blue (BTB) was used as an indicator of intramitochondrial pH. The degree of neutralization by anions at any particular concentration decreased with increasing pH. 5,5 Dimethyl-2,4 oxazolidinedione (DMO) was found to be a very efficient BTB color-reversing agent in both rate and amount. The rate of reversal of BTB color by citrate or DMO was found to be highest at pH 7.0. The rate due to phosphate or acetate was similar at pH 6.4 and 7.0 but dropped sharply at higher pH. First-order rate constants calculated from t 1 2 values and from log(a − x) vs. time plot were in good agreement over the pH range tested, which showed that first-order kinetics were followed over decades. The variations in the rate constants for citrate or DMO at different pH were not significant. For acetate it dropped from pH 6.4 to 7.0 and then changed little at higher pH. For phosphate the rate constants did not change much at pH 6.4 and 7.0, but dropped appreciably at higher pH. Succinate was found to be most efficient at pH 7.0 for providing energy of calcium transport across mitochondrial membrane. Localization of BTB is obtained in inner mitochondrial membrane which showed its similarity with intact mitochondria toward BTB responses with calcium, phosphate, and FCCP. It has also been shown that the inner membrane binds most of the BTB in the presence of calcium and the indicator is not released to the medium upon addition of phosphate or FCCP. Inner membrane, however, was found to be relatively leaky. It is postulated from these studies that the primary interaction of anions takes place at a positively charged site depicted as the primary carrier or active center for anion transport. The rate-pH data on the BTB color reversal by anions suggest that the active center has a pK of 7.0. Reactivity of DMO (pK = 6.3) at higher pH in BTB color reversal and also its similarity with phosphate in causing changes in BTB color and reduced pyridine nucleotide fluorescence in calcium-induced alkaline mitochondria, suggest that DMO enters the mitochondria predominantly in the anionic form.
Cognitive restructuring: An alternative method for the treatment of communication apprehension

(1979). Cognitive restructuring: An alternative method for the treatment of communication apprehension. Communication Education: Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 129-133.
The Jesus People Movement: A Generational Interpretation

The Jesus People, as members of a distinctive age stratum, exhibit many attributes common to the counterculture: subjectivism, informality, spontaneity, new forms and media of communication. As members of a distinctive religious orientation, they exhibit attributes common to fundamentalist and Pentacostal Christianity: the inerrancy of scripture, emphasis on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to “one way” to God. This phenomenological study of the Jesus People suggests that the movement can best be seen as the result of a youthful cohort's “fresh contact” (using Mannheim's concept) with the fundamentalist tradition in Christianity, set within the context of structural conditions in American society in the 1960s and in organized American religion, plus the distinctive life style and orientations of the broader youth counterculture movement. It is suggested that this unique generational movement represents a potential for change in American religious institutions.
Simultaneous in-process inspection of surface form and roughness of machined sculptured surfaces

A noncontact measuring system for the simultaneous in-process inspection of surface form and surface roughness of sculptured machined surfaces is described. Previous presented work demonstrated successful algorithms for open-loop and closed-loop convergence to a specified, or desired, surface form. In this paper, results of implementing these algorithms with the new measuring system are briefly described. A new methodology is presented which extends the concept to enable convergence to both the desired surface form and the desired surface roughness. Two scanning procedures for simultaneous form and roughness inspection are presented. Software modules for surface roughness planning and control have been developed and incorporated into an Integrated Mold Production System (or IMPS).
Static mechanics of excised whole lung: theoretical framework and experimental studies.

A theoretical framework is presented in which to view models of static pulmonary mechanics. To test common simplifying assumptions of these models, we performed a set of experiments using normal lungs excised from dogs. Transpulmonary pressure (Ptp) and lung volume (VL) were measured for air-filled lungs in air and saline-filled lungs in saline during stepwise-static deflations at different vascular volumes and temperatures. Simultaneously, we measured displacements between points on the lung surface. Changes in vascular volume shift the location but not the shape of the Ptp-VL relationship. As long as the vascular pressure is in the normal range, changes in the volume (and weight) of the perfusate do not significantly stiffen the parenchyma. Furthermore, Ptp-VL data obtained between 16°C and 40°C were superimposable, indicating that parenchymal mechanical properties evaluated at room temperature are valid at body temperature. Finally, the common assumptions of uniform deflation, homogeneity, and isotropy of bulk lung tissue appear consistent with the relationship between surface displacement and volume changes.
The search behavior of 12 to 14 month-old infants on a five-choice invisible displacement hiding task

Twelve- to 14-month-old infants were presented with a series of invisible displacement hiding trials at a first location (A) and, subsequently, at a second location (B). Infants had to choose among five salient alternative search locations on each trial. Contrary to Piaget's Stage V task predictions, infants did not make the “A, not B” search error. That is, infants seldom searched at A during B-hiding trials. Instead, beginning with the first hiding trial at B (and at A), search responses tended to cluster at or near the correct hiding location. The results are interpreted in terms of a memory hypothesis which suggests that infants are generally able to encode, store, and retrieve at least some information concerning the current spatial location of objects during invisible displacements.
Rehabilitation of orthopedic and rheumatologic disorders. 4. Rheumatoid arthritis and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease.

Abstract Shih VC, Kamen LB, Kaplan RJ, Stitik TP, Bitar AA, Vo AN. Rehabilitation of orthopedic and rheumatologic disorders. 4. Rheumatoid arthritis and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease. This self-directed learning module highlights a clinical vignette of 2 patients: (1) a woman with bilateral, distal, upper-limb pain assessed by differential diagnosis, laboratory work-up, and treatment of rheumatologic disorders frequently seen in the physiatric practice setting and (2) a 57-year-old man with an acute recurring monoarthritis of the knee and addresses clinical presentation, assessment, medical management, and rehabilitation approaches. It is part of the chapter on rehabilitation of orthopedic and rheumatologic disorders in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This article specifically focuses on 2 aspects: (1) the differential diagnosis of polyarthralgia, distal upper-limb pain, criteria for classification of rheumatoid arthritis, synovial fluid analysis, and comprehensive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic and (2) the differential diagnosis, clinical diagnostic considerations, current pharmacotherapy, invasive procedure options, and orthotic and exercise interventions for a patient with calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate-induced monoarthritis of the knee. Overall article objectives (a) Clinical evaluation, diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation strategies in persons with initial presentations of inflammatory distal upper-limb pain and (b) clinical evaluation of an individual with crystal-induced monoarthritis and differentiation of the pathophysiology, assessment, and treatment of chondrocalcinosis.
Strategy and Human Resource Management Integration in Fast Growth Versus Other Mid‐sized Firms1

SUMMARY The nature and integration of strategy and human resource management practices, and the effects of such integration on firm performance were examined in two groups of mid-sized flrms: fast-growth firms and a random sample of similar sized mature firms. The results indicated that the fast-growth firms emphasized fewer human resource activities and experienced a lower degree of strategy-human resource integration than the mature firms. Some evidence was found that the relation between the level of integration and firm performance was moderated by the organization's stage of development.
The effect of model fidelity on colonoscopic skills acquisition. A randomized controlled study

Introduction Colonoscopic simulators offer the opportunity for skill acquisition in the preclinical setting. Currently available simulators vary widely with respect to level of fidelity and technological sophistication. Despite the belief that more realistic is better, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the relative effectiveness of simulator fidelity (high vs low) on the acquisition of basic colonoscopic skills. We hypothesized that novice learners can acquire basic colonoscopic skills using simulators, however fidelity of the simulator does not make a difference. Methods We randomly assigned novice third-year and fourth-year medical students to practice on either a low-fidelity or high-fidelity colonoscopy model. The low-fidelity model used is described in the module 16 of the American College of Surgeons/Association of Program Directors in Surgery surgical skills curriculum for residents, Phase 1: basic or core skills and tasks 〈 http://elearning.facs.org/mod/resource/view.php?1d=450 〉. The high-fidelity model was the AccuTouch colonoscopy simulator, Immersion Medical (AccuTouch CS) that has 6 different simulated scenarios for diagnostic colonoscopy (level 1‐6). Both groups had 16 students and were given standard instruction by an expert with respect to the procedure and instrument handling on both models. Both groups were pretested and posttested on level 1 of the AccuTouch CS. The high-fidelity group practiced on level 2 and 4 of the AccuTouch CS, whereas the low-fidelity group practiced on the low-fidelity model for 2 sessions of 1 hour each. The computer-based evaluation parameters available on the AccuTouch CS were used to compare performances. Results Both groups had similar demographics. There were no significant differences in the baseline performances of either group. Each group demonstrated significant improvement for insertion time and percentage of mucosa visualized. However, there were no significant differences between the groups on posttesting on any of the measured parameters. Conclusions Colonoscopic skill training on a low-fidelity model appears to be as effective as high-fidelity model training for basic endoscopic skill acquisition for novice learners.
Teachers' Views on No Child Left Behind: Support for the Principles, Concerns about the Practices

In this article, we describe teachers' views of the behavioral responses the No Child Left Behind legislation has elicited and the extent to which research reveals evidence of these responses and their effects on the distribution of student achievement. We focus on teachers' reactions to three aspects of NCLB that are particularly relevant to them: 1) the testing requirements and the rules determining "Adequate Yearly Progress" (AYP) under NCLB; 2) the sanctions imposed on schools that fail to meet AYP; and 3) the requirement that all teachers of core academic subjects be "highly qualified" in their areas of teaching assignment. Overall, we find that teachers overwhelmingly support the principles underlying the No Child Left Behind legislation, including that schools should be held accountable for educating all children well. However, teachers are concerned that the incentives created by some provisions of the law have elicited unintended responses that reduce the quality of education provided to at least some children.
Curve Tracking Control for Legged Locomotion

Recent developments in legged mobile robots call for curve tracking control laws that enable safe movements in complex environment. The lateral leg spring (LLS) model captures planar locomotion dynamics that are platform independent. We derive a hybrid feedback control law for the LLS model so that the center of mass of a legged runner follows a curved path in horizontal plane. The control law enables the runner to change the placement and the elasticity of its legs to move in a desired direction. Stable motion along a curved path is achieved using curvature, bearing and relative distance between the runner and the curve as feedback. Constraints on leg parameters determine the class of curves that can be followed. These results are applicable to a wide range of legged robots.
Atomic scale defects in the Si/SiON system and the negative bias temperature instability

This paper reviews the present day understanding of several atomic scale defects and defect/hydrogen interactions found in Si/SiO/sub 2/-SiON systems which are likely involved in the negative bias temperature instability.
New thermodynamic function, fugergy

A new thermodynamic function, fugergy, g, has been defined to facilitate computation of the flow availability function, B. The definition of fugergy is dBT=RTo dln g where R is the gas constant and To is the external temperature. A formula for the computation of fugergy is also presented; tabulated values of the fugergy are obtained and presented as a function of: the reduced pressure, the reduced temperature and the reduced external temperature. Formulas for fugergy for the special case of a gas obeying the virial equation as well as Van der Waal's equation are presented in the paper. Finally, the method to compute the changes in the flow availability using the fugergy tables is shown. This is illustrated by means of a numerical example.
Chloroplast redox regulation of nuclear gene transcription during photoacclimation

The role of the redox state of ferredoxin/thioredoxin within the chloroplast is well established for the feedback regulation of enzyme activity in the Calvin cycle. However, evidence has emerged also suggesting that chloroplast electron transport components regulate plastid and nuclear gene expression. Using the unicellular green alga, Dunaliella tertiolecta, as a model organism, we have shown that the cell acclimates to changes in growth irradiance by altering the abundance and activities of photosynthetic components, in particular the light harvesting complexes (LHC). Pharmacological data suggests that light intensity is sensed through the redox status of the plastoquinone pool leading to the regulation of nuclear encoded genes, such as Lhcb. This signal may be transduced through a redox regulated protein kinase that (in)directly interacts with the nuclear transcription apparatus. The redox state of the plastoquinone pool seems to play a pivotal role in sensing cellular energy status and in regulating photosynthetic capacity. Other cellular pathways, including carbon fixation, carbohydrate metabolism and nutrient assimilation have been shown to have feedback influences on photosynthesis, that may be sensed by the redox state of the plastoquinone pool.
Anion binding: A new direction in porphyrin-related research

A new approach to the chelation of anionic substrates, based on the use of large, pyrrole-containing macrocycles, the so-called "expanded porphyrins", is described. This anion binding, which is without precedent in simpler porphyrin-type systems, is manifest both in the solid state and in solution. In the present paper, it is illustrated in terms of solid state structural results obtained from single-crystal X-ray diffraction structural analyses of various anion complexes of three prototypic systems, namely the sapphyrins, anthraphyrins, and rubyrins.
A novel concept utilizing conductive polymers on power connectors during hot swapping in live modular electronic systems

Power connectors are often used during hot plugging in a live system. Hot plugging is defined as when daughtercards are cycled with power on. When the power connectors are hot plugged the contact plating becomes degraded over numerous mating cycles due to the arcing phenomenon (high discharge of energy). The arcing causes the plating to degrade or wear away, which would lead to an open circuit or even system fires. In today's high-speed electronic systems it is critical that such failure does not occur because backplanes are not easily assessable for repairs. This paper presents a novel concept that utilizes conductive polymers to discharge the energy when power connectors are hot swapped in live systems. By utilizing this new concept, it eliminates the use of utilizing sacrificial power contacts for hot swapping power connectors in live systems. And in turn prevent the degradation of the contact plating, reduce system failures, and reduce system cost. The power connectors are also tested according to the UL1977 specifications for hot swapping power connectors to validate the design concept.
Direct measurement of isothermal flow stress of metals at elevated temperatures and high strain rates with application to Ta and TaW alloys

A technique is developed for measuring the flow stress of metals over a broad range of strains, strain rates, and temperatures, in uniaxial compression. It utilizes a recent, enhanced version of the classical (Kolsky) compression split Hopkinson bar (l), in which a sample is subjected to a single stress pulse of a predefined profile, and then recovered without being subjected to any other additional loading. For the present application, the UCSD's split Hopkinson bar is further enhanced by the addition of a new mechanism by means of which the incident and transmission bars of the split Hopkinson construction are moved into a constant-temperature furnace containing the sample, and gently brought into contact with the sample, as the elastic stress pulse reaches and loads the sample. The sample's temperature is measured by thermocouples which also hold the sample in the furnace. Since straining at high strain rates increases the sample's temperature, the sample is allowed to attain the furnace temperature after each controlled incremental loading, and then is reloaded. using the same stress pulse and strain rate. The technique also allows for checking any recoveries that may occur during unloading and reloading. Using several samples of the same material and testing them at the same strain rate and temperature, but different incremental strains, an accurate estimate of the material's isothermal flow stress can be obtained. Additionally, the modified Hopkinson technique allows the direct measurement of the change in the (high strain-rate) flow stress with a change of the strain rate, while the strain and temperature are kept constant, i.e., the strain rate can be increased or decreased during the high strain-rate test. The technique is applied to obtain both quasi-isothermal and adiabatic flow stresses of tantalum (Ta) and a tantalum-tungsten (Ta-W) alloy at elevated temperatures. These experimental results show the flow stress of these materials to be controlled by a simple long-range plastic-strain-dependent barrier, and a short-range thermally activated Peierls mechanism. For tantalum, a model which fits the experimental data over strains from a few to over loo%, strain rates from quasi-static to 40 000/s, and temperatures from -200 to 1000°C. is presented and discussed. Copyright 0 1997 Acta Metallurgica Inc.
Anti-inflammatory function of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor

Macrophages respond to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by producing a battery of alarm signals and defense molecules, a response that can be beneficial or detrimental to the host depending on its scale. To explore the regulation of LPS response, we compared cell lines from two strains of mice congenic for a locus markedly affecting LPS sensitivity. Differential display detected a transcript expressed in a macrophage cell line derived from LPS-hyporesponsive mice (Lpsd) but not in macrophages derived from congenic LPS-responsive mice (Lps n). The cloned cDNA encodes a protein homologous to human secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), previously regarded as an epithelial cell-derived inhibitor of leukocyte serine proteases. In macrophages, SLPI production correlates inversely with response to LPS. Phagocytes are important sources of SLPI. Besides LPS, taxol, lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and two anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-10 and IL-6, are capable of inducing SLPI expression in macrophages. Stable transfecti...
Neural Injury Alters Proliferation and Integration of Adult-Generated Neurons in the Dentate Gyrus

Neural plasticity following brain injury illustrates the potential for regeneration in the central nervous system. Lesioning of the perforant path, which innervates the outer two-thirds of the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus, was one of the first models to demonstrate structural plasticity of mature granule cells (Parnavelas et al., 1974; Caceres and Steward, 1983; Diekmann et al., 1996). The dentate gyrus also harbors a continuously proliferating population of neuronal precursors that can integrate into functional circuits and show enhanced short-term plasticity (Schmidt-Hieber et al., 2004; Abrous et al., 2005). To examine the response of adult-generated granule cells to unilateral complete transection of the perforant path in vivo, we tracked these cells using transgenic POMC-EGFP mice or by retroviral expression of GFP. Lesioning triggered a marked proliferation of newborn neurons. Subsequently, the dendrites of newborn neurons showed reduced complexity within the denervated zone, but dendritic spines still formed in the absence of glutamatergic nerve terminals. Electron micrographs confirmed the lack of intact presynaptic terminals apposing spines on mature cells and on newborn neurons. Newborn neurons, but not mature granule cells, had a higher density of dendritic spines in the inner molecular layer postlesion accompanied by an increase in miniature EPSC amplitudes and rise times. Our results indicate that injury causes an increase in newborn neurons and lamina-specific synaptic reorganization indicative of enhanced plasticity. The presence of de novo dendritic spines in the denervated zone suggests that the postlesion environment provides the necessary signals for spine formation.
Renal Microvascular Disease Determines the Responses to Revascularization in Experimental Renovascular Disease

Background—Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) is the most frequent therapeutic approach to resolving renal artery stenosis (RAS). However, renal function recovers in only 30% of the cases. The causes of these poor outcomes are still unknown. We hypothesized that preserving the renal microcirculation distal to RAS will improve the responses to PTRA. Methods and Results—RAS was induced in 28 pigs. In 14, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-165 0.05 μg/kg was infused intrarenally (RAS+VEGF). Single-kidney function was assessed in all pigs in vivo using ultrafast CT after 6 weeks. Observation of half of the RAS and RAS+VEGF pigs was completed. The other half underwent PTRA and repeated VEGF, and CT studies were repeated 4 weeks later. Pigs were then euthanized, the stenotic kidney removed, renal microvascular (MV) architecture reconstructed ex vivo using 3D micro-CT, and renal fibrosis quantified. The degree of RAS and hypertension were similar in RAS and RAS+VEGF. Renal function and MV ...
A multiscale front tracking method for compressible free surface flows

We present an overview of multiscale computations for free surface flows based on the front tracking method. Our approach combines theory, numerical algorithm development, simulation-based scientific studies, and the analysis of experimental data.
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders persist in the era of potent antiretroviral therapy: CHARTER Study.

Objectives: This is a cross-sectional, observational study to determine the frequency and associated features of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in a large, diverse sample of infected individuals in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (CART). Methods: A total of 1,555 HIV-infected adults were recruited from 6 university clinics across the United States, with minimal exclusions. We used standardized neuromedical, psychiatric, and neuropsychological (NP) examinations, and recently published criteria for diagnosing HAND and classifying 3 levels of comorbidity (minimal to severe non-HIV risks for NP impairment). Results: Fifty-two percent of the total sample had NP impairment, with higher rates in groups with greater comorbidity burden (40%, 59%, and 83%). Prevalence estimates for specific HAND diagnoses (excluding severely confounded cases) were 33% for asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment, 12% for mild neurocognitive disorder, and only 2% for HIV-associated dementia (HAD). Among participants with minimal comorbidities (n 843), history of low nadir CD4 was a strong predictor of impairment, and the lowest impairment rate on CART occurred in the subset with suppressed plasma viral loads and nadir CD4 200 cells/mm 3 (30% vs 47% in remaining subgroups). Conclusions: The most severe HAND diagnosis (HAD) was rare, but milder forms of impairment remained common, even among those receiving CART who had minimal comorbidities. Future studies should clarify whether early disease events (e.g., profound CD4 decline) may trigger chronic CNS changes, and whether early CART prevents or reverses these changes. Neurology ®
Flexible Classification on Heterogenous Multicore Appliance Platforms

Emerging heterogeneous multicore systems are suitable platforms for efficient deployment of application- specific service components. Easily virtualizable and reprogrammable platforms, these 'appliances' for future information services make it possible to run familiar software stacks created with common development tools, in addition to offering acceleration capabilities for performance critical software components. Of particular importance are the efficient and scalable execution of the content-based services prevalent in future Internet applications, including flexible methods for data classification and forwarding. This paper provides a brief description of representative platform hardware and software components. It then describes in more detail the feasibility of supporting a range of flexible and reconfigurable application-specific classification operations necessary for future Internet applications.
Metal-Responsive Transcription Factors That Regulate Iron, Zinc, and Copper Homeostasis in Eukaryotic Cells

Iron, copper, and zinc are all essential nutrients. The electron transfer properties of iron and copper are fundamental to processes such as respiration and photosynthesis. Zinc forms the catalytic center in numerous enzymes and has an important structural role in a wide range of proteins. However, all these metals can be toxic if their levels and distribution are not carefully regulated, as their inappropriate binding may compromise cellular function. The uncontrolled redox activity of iron and copper can also lead to the generation of damaging oxygen radicals. Therefore, organisms maintain cytoplasmic metal concentrations at a nontoxic level that is sufficient for growth. A variety of homeostatic mechanisms have been identified, which include the control of translation and RNA stability by iron-regulatory proteins and the metal-dependent trafficking or degradation of metal transporters (39, 109, 138). This review focuses on the role that metal-responsive transcription factors have in regulating trace metal metabolism. These factors are able to sense changes in metal concentrations and coordinate the expression of genes that are involved in the acquisition, distribution, sequestration, and use of metals. Consequently, the ability to mediate metal-responsive gene expression is an important aspect of metal homeostasis in those organisms that contain these factors.
Ascorbic acid regeneration by bovine iris-ciliary body.

Ocular tissues appear to require high levels of ascorbic acid and the elucidation of the mechanisms by which those tissues maintain the vitamin in its reduced state remains an important objective. The regeneration of ascorbate from its oxidative by-product, dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA), was studied in bovine iris-ciliary body. Iris-ciliary body was removed by scalpel, weighed, minced, and homogenized in 20 mM MOPS, 62 mM sucrose, and 0.1 mM EDTA at pH 7.0. The homogenate was centrifuged and precipitated with ammonium sulfate such that maximal DHAA reducing activity was enhanced in a 50–75% ammonium sulfate fraction. This fraction was employed for subsequent characterization of DHAA reduction by iris-ciliary body. Results indicate that the iris-ciliary body enzymatically reduces DHAA to ascorbate at a rate significantly greater than can be accounted for by a nonenzymatic glutathione-dependent mechanism. In addition, saturation kinetics are observed, and the enzymatic activity is dependent on protein concent...
Sequence and expression of a fused mitochondrial gene, associated with Petunia cytoplasmic male sterility, compared with normal mitochondrial genes in fertile and sterile plants

The mitochondrial genome of plants specifies the trait known as cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). By comparing recombinant mitochondrial genomes present in Petunia CMS and fertile somatic hybrids, a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) region associated with the sterility phenotype was identified. This CMS-associated mtDNA region carries a gene fusion (termed Pcf) which contains coding region homologous to an ATP synthase proteolipid gene (atp9), a cytochrome oxidase subunit II gene (coxII), and an unidentified reading frame, designated urf S. The 5' flanking sequences are identical to those of a normal atp9 gene in the CMS mtDNA; the source of the 3' flanking sequences has not been identified. SI nuclease protection experiments have identified three Pcf gene transcripts, whose termini map to the same 5' locations as three transcripts of two normal atp9 genes in CMS and fertile plants. In a fertile Petunia line, an additional transcribed atp9 gene with a divergent 5' flanking region was identified. Although transcript abundance of homologous atp9 genes did not vary significantly between leaves and anthers in CMS and fertile lines, Pcf gene transcripts were four to five times higher in anthers than in leaves of the CMS plants.
Cinematic Perspectives On Organizational Mentoring

Properly conceived and conducted, organizational mentoring can bestow benefits on the suppliant, the mentor and the firm. If prospective proteges assess the context of a mentoring relationship before they enter into one, they can enjoy a bonding experience that facilitates psychological satisfaction and furthers professional advancement. The movie medium is an educative means of appreciating and attaining these positive outcomes. The instructive lens of drama can complement traditional curricular materials in courses on behavioral dynamics. Over the past seven years, the author has assigned a film project in his Leadership classes at the undergraduate and MBA level. Of the 120 films chosen for students projects, five compellingly capture functional and dysfunctional aspects of protege-protector linkages. After analyzing these films, the paper proposes ten precepts that will enhance the mentoring experience for workplace aspirants.
Ratio cut partitioning for hierarchical designs

Circuit partitioning for hierarchical VLSI design is addressed. A partitioning approach called ratio cut is proposed. It is demonstrated that the ratio cut algorithm can locate the clustering structures in the circuit. Finding the optimal ratio cut is NP-complete. However, in certain cases the ratio cut can be solved by linear programming techniques via the multicommodity flow formulation. Also proposed is a fast heuristic algorithm running in linear time with respect to the number of pins in the circuit. Experiments show good results in all tested cases. >
Discriminant Shopping Values

An exploration of convenience and recreational shopping value orientations among men and women in various age categories was performed. Tour hundred and eighty five consumers responded to a questionnaire requesting information about their shopping values. The findings suggest that, although men and women have similar values, there are differences when age category is considered. For example, it appears that older women more strongly value convenience factors, whereas older men are interested in the recreational aspects of shopping. The discussion includes some implications for retail marketing and future research.
The Effect of Temperature on the Stress-Strain Isotherms of Polyisobutylene Networks at High Elongation

Abstract Three chemically cured, unfilled polyisobutylene networks were studied in elongation to their rupture points at several temperatures in the range 15–80°C. At the lower temperatures, the stress-strain isotherms obtained were similar to those reported for unfilled networks of natural rubber and several other polymers in that they showed an anomalous, marked increase in the modulus or reduced force at high elongations. At intermediate temperatures, this upturn in the force is significantly diminished, however, and the networks rupture at lower elongations. At the higher temperatures, there is no evidence whatever for an upturn in the force, and the elongation at rupture is further reduced. These results on polyisobutylene networks implicate strain-induced crystallization rather than limited chain extensibility as the origin of the pronounced increase in the force at high elongations. The reinforcement provided by the crystallites formed in this manner would account for the increased extensibility of...
REPLICATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF PRIMARY ISOLATES OF THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS TYPE 1 IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONONUCLEAR CELLS, PRIMARY MACROPHAGES AND CD4+ TRANSFORMED T-CELL LINES

Macrophage-tropic strains of HIV-1 are selectively transmitted and play a significant role in HIV-1 persistence, dissemination and disease progression. Most primary HIV-1 isolates productively infect primary macrophages but fail to infect or induce syncytium (non-syncytium-inducing or NSI) in CD4+ transformed T-cell lines. Therefore, NSI isolates are considered to be macrophage-tropic. In order to select truly macrophage-tropic primary HIV-1 isolates for pathogenesis studies the replicative characteristics of a panel of eight primary (predominantly NSI) HIV-1 isolates were examined in primary macrophage cultures. This was not previously done. Stocks of these isolates were prepared in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and their replication in peripheral blood-derived macrophages and in CD4+ transformed T-cell lines examined based on the p24 antigen level in the cultures. Seven of the eight isolates did not replicate or induce syncytia (non-syncytium-inducing or NSI) in MT-2 cells, but one isolate replicated efficiently and induced large syncytia (syncytium-inducing or SI) in both the MT-2 and another transformed T-cell line (CEMx174). When replication of the isolates in peripheral blood-derived macrophages was examined, six of the seven NSI isolates replicated indicating that not all NSI isolates were capable of replicating in primary macrophages. Further, one of the six NSI isolates replicated (but did not induce syncytia) in the CEMx174 cell line, illustrating that characterization of primary isolates based on replication in one cell system does not allow predictions for other cell systems
Water droplet spreading and imbibition on superhydrophilic poly(butylene terephthalate) melt-blown fiber mats

Abstract Water droplet spreading and imbibition on alkaline hydrolyzed melt-blown poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) fiber mats is studied with both experiments and numerical simulations to elucidate the influence of surface hydrolysis. Melt-blown PBT fiber mats were exposed to a NaOH–methanol solution for controlled periods of time, resulting in surface hydrolysis of the fiber mats and the transformation of their surface wetting properties from hydrophobic to superhydrophilic. Visualization experiments reveal the influence of the hydrolysis time on the rate of droplet absorption by superhydrophilic hydrolyzed PBT fiber mats, and are used to characterize droplet spreading and imbibition. A mathematical model was employed to understand the observed spreading and imbibition behavior and the lower effective permeability seen for long hydrolysis times.
Computational Fluid Dynamics for Hydrokinetic Turbines

Hydrokinetic energy extraction (HEE) has received increasing attention recently as a sustainable means to alleviate the strain on current energy technologies. HEE extracts kinetic energy, rather than potential (as in traditional hydropower dams), and can be applied to tidal, some ocean, and river energy applications. In this paper, we will focus primarily on river hydrokinetic energy extraction. Although many new types of hydrokinetic devices have been proposed, there has been a dearth of research applying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to further our fundamental understanding of these systems. Furthermore, the bulk of work in this field continues to draw conclusions for hydrokinetic turbine performance purely based on wind turbine theory. In our previous publications, we have shown that this is, at best, a broad estimate. The comparisons of wind turbine theory to hydrokinetic governing principles and CFD are discussed in this paper. This work presents a CFD analysis for a submerged water wheel turbine for both 2D and 3D cases. Insights into the resulting flow, behavior, and the implications for power extraction and the environmental impact are discussed.© 2009 ASME
A Time-Dependent Model of Survival for Adverse Events in Bridge To Transplant Patients

endpoints included the impact of anemia on 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) scores, and rates of readmission to hospital. Results: Ninety-one patients were included (mean age = 55 year, 65% male, 78% HeartMate II, 41% bridge-to-transplant). The prevalence of anemia at 360 days post-implant was significantly reduced compared to the pre-operative rate (61.4% vs 79.1%, respectively; p = 0.032). When stratifying according to anemia status pre-implant, the rate of anemia after one year of support was significantly higher in patients who were anemic prior to implantation when compared to those who were not (68.9 vs 33.3 percent, respectively; p= 0.02). There were no significant differences in the 6MWD (367 ± 98 m vs 378.5 ± 67 m, p = 0.732) and overall KCCQ scores (71.36 ± 16.74 vs 75.06 ± 17.85, p = 0.815) between the anemic and non-anemic patients at 180 days. However, 65.4% of anemic patients and 34.6% of non-anemic patients were readmitted at least once (p = 0.067). The median number of readmissions in the anemic compared to the non-anemic group was 4 [IQR 2-6] versus 1.5 [IQR 1-3], respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, among those who experienced more than 3 readmissions during the first year, 19 were anemic compared to one patient who was not anemic (p < 0.001). Finally, of the nine patients that expired during the study period, seven were anemic at the last recorded time point before death. Conclusion: Anemia remains a prevalent condition while on CF-LVAD support, particularly in those who were anemic prior to implantation. Persistent anemia is associated with a significant increase in the number of hospital readmissions during the first year of device support.