cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of cytochrome c and dATP/ATP hydrolysis in Apaf‐1‐mediated caspase‐9 activation and apoptosis

Apaf-1 plays a critical role in apoptosis by binding to and activating procaspase-9. We have identified a novel Apaf-1 cDNA encoding a protein of 1248 amino acids containing an insertion of 11 residues between the CARD and ATPase domains, and another 43 amino acid insertion creating an additional WD-40 repeat. The product of this Apaf-1 cDNA activated procaspase-9 in a cytochrome c and dATP/ATP-dependent manner. We used this Apaf-1 to show that Apaf-1 requires dATP/ATP hydrolysis to interact with cytochrome c, self-associate and bind to procaspase-9. A P-loop mutant (Apaf-1K160R) was unable to associate with Apaf-1 or bind to procaspase-9. Mutation of Met368 to Leu enabled Apaf-1 to self-associate and bind procaspase-9 independent of cytochrome c, though still requiring dATP/ATP for these activities. The Apaf-1M368L mutant exhibited greater ability to induce apoptosis compared with the wild-type Apaf-1. We also show that procaspase-9 can recruit procaspase-3 to the Apaf-1-procaspase-9 complex. Apaf-1(1-570), a mutant lacking the WD-40 repeats, associated with and activated procaspase-9, but failed to recruit procaspase-3 and induce apoptosis. These results suggest that the WD-40 repeats may be involved in procaspase-9-mediated procaspase-3 recruitment. These studies elucidate biochemical steps required for Apaf-1 to activate procaspase-9 and induce apoptosis.
Comparative sensitivity of human and rat neural cultures to chemical-induced inhibition of neurite outgrowth.

Abstract There is a need for rapid, efficient and cost-effective alternatives to traditional in vivo developmental neurotoxicity testing. In vitro cell culture models can recapitulate many of the key cellular processes of nervous system development, including neurite outgrowth, and may be used as screening tools to identify potential developmental neurotoxicants. The present study compared primary rat cortical cultures and human embryonic stem cell-derived neural cultures in terms of: 1) reproducibility of high content image analysis based neurite outgrowth measurements, 2) dynamic range of neurite outgrowth measurements and 3) sensitivity to chemicals which have been shown to inhibit neurite outgrowth. There was a large increase in neurite outgrowth between 2 and 24 h in both rat and human cultures. Image analysis data collected across multiple cultures demonstrated that neurite outgrowth measurements in rat cortical cultures were more reproducible and had higher dynamic range as compared to human neural cultures. Human neural cultures were more sensitive than rat cortical cultures to chemicals previously shown to inhibit neurite outgrowth. Parallel analysis of morphological (neurite count, neurite length) and cytotoxicity (neurons per field) measurements were used to detect selective effects on neurite outgrowth. All chemicals which inhibited neurite outgrowth in rat cortical cultures did so at concentrations which did not concurrently affect the number of neurons per field, indicating selective effects on neurite outgrowth. In contrast, more than half the chemicals which inhibited neurite outgrowth in human neural cultures did so at concentrations which concurrently decreased the number of neurons per field, indicating that effects on neurite outgrowth were secondary to cytotoxicity. Overall, these data demonstrate that the culture models performed differently in terms of reproducibility, dynamic range and sensitivity to neurite outgrowth inhibitors. While human neural cultures were more sensitive to neurite outgrowth inhibitors, they also had a lower dynamic range for detecting chemical-induced neurite outgrowth inhibition and greater variability from culture-to-culture as compared to rat primary cortical cultures.
Multi-mode propagation on a medium frequency twin-lead transmission line with earth return

This work presents research in the development of medium frequency communications systems that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is performing in support of the 2006 MINER Act. In this work, a 280-m twin-lead (30-cm separation, 725-ohm) transmission line (TL) was constructed and used to measure complex input impedance and line currents resulting from open and shorted terminations at medium frequencies (MF). The line was placed in free space and positioned close to a lossy earth surface. This 3-conductor system (two wires and earth) was chosen to be a starting point to investigate the multimodal nature TLs may possess inside a coal mine. Although the TL was constructed to be physically isolated from the ground, measurements indicate the existence of common mode (CM) currents which are characteristic of a three-conductor system; hence, the ground affected the MF propagation characteristics. In this paper, full-wave computational models using moment methods are compared with the experimental measurements as a way to determine the origin of the CM currents. In the future, related experiments will be performed in underground mines in an effort to predict how multimodal MF signals will propagate in the presence of similar multiple-conductor systems.
Plastic anisotropy and geometrical hardening in quartzites

Abstract Lattice rotation in crystals which creates a characteristic preferred orientation in deformed tectonites takes place whenever slip (dislocation glide) is involved in the deformation process. The crystal lattice either rotates to an orientation favorable for further slip or to one that is unfavorable, resulting in an overall hardening or softening of the polycrystal during deformation. This effect of plastic anisotropy which arises due to changes in the crystal orientation distribution is analyzed quantitatively for quartz polycrystals using the Taylor model. The results indicate that in easy {basal}〈a〉 slip region (low temperature), quartzites become softer in flattening with increasing strain, whereas in easy {prism} 〈a〉 slip region (high temperature), quartzites become softer in elongation with increasing strain. Accordingly, deformation is facilitated by flattening at low temperature and by elongation at high temperature if it can be heterogeneous to a certain degree. This is borne out by geological observations, which indicate that at low metamorphic grade flattening to plane strain is the most frequently observed strain mode (e.g., Moine thrust), whereas at high metamorphic grade constriction is favored (e.g., Sambagawa belt). The strain distribution in a large geological body may depend on internal anisotropic plastic properties such as preferred slip systems as well as imposed external boundary conditions. Heterogeneities are also observed on the hand specimen scale. Grains in orientations where easier slip systems are difficult to activate remain relatively undeformed in a ductile matrix consisting of grains in which strain is accommodated mostly by easier slip systems. Some aspects of the Taylor model for creep rate sensitivity are discussed.
Infrared Spectra of CH3−MoH, CH2MoH2, and CH⋮MoH3 Formed by Activation of CH4 by Molybdenum Atoms

Reaction of laser-ablated Mo atoms with CH4 in excess argon forms the CH3−MoH, CH2MoH2, and CH⋮MoH3 molecules, which are identified from infrared spectra by isotopic substitution and density functional theory frequency calculations. These simple methyl, methylidene, and methylidyne molybdenum hydride molecules are reversibly interconverted by α-H transfers upon visible and ultraviolet irradiations. The methylidene dihydride CH2MoH2 exhibits CH2 and MoH2 distortion and agostic interaction to a lesser degree than CH2ZrH2. Molybdenum methylidyne trihydride CH⋮MoH3 is a stable C3v symmetry molecule.
Correlates and effect of non-response in a postpartum survey of obstetrical care quality

Abstract This study investigated the differences between unprompted respondents, prompted respondents, and non-respondents to a postpartum postal survey, and determined the likely impact of non-response on the accuracy of calculations of patient assessments of obstetrical care quality. Birth certificate and hospital discharge data were obtained for 1664 live births at three hospitals in Washington State between 8/91–10/91 and linked with 1268 completed postpartum maternal postal surveys. Non-white race, public insurance payer, unmarried status, and smoking in pregnancy were independent risk factors for non-participation. Among participants, nonwhite race, unmarried status, and having an infant who was low birthweight, preterm, or discharged late were independent risk factors for prompted response. The inclusion of prompted respondents did not substantially alter the calculated proportion of women rating obstetrical care quality as low, and these figures were similar to proportions estimated for the entire intended cohort using a modification of Drane's method. A one-time mailing of an obstetrical care quality survey can provide information similar to that obtained with more extensive follow-up even though substantial differences may exist between unprompted and prompted respondents, and with adjustment for factors related to non-participation and timing of response, it may be possible to obtain accurate estimation of outcome prevalences for the entire intended cohort.
Rheological and Hydraulic Properties of Welan Gum Fluids in Straight and Coiled Tubings

This study involves experimental investigation of the hydraulic characteristics of aqueous based welan gum fluids of concentrations 1.4 kg/m 3 , 2.9 kg/m 3 , 5.7 kg/m 3 , and 8.6 kg/m 3 in both straight and coiled tubings at 21 °C, with particular emphasis on the effect of polymer concentration and coiled tubing curvature ratio. The flow loop available at the Well Construction Technology Center of the University of Oklahoma, consisting of 1.27 cm straight and coiled tubings (with curvature ratios of 0.01, 0.019, and 0.031), was utilized. It was observed that for all welan gum fluids investigated, friction losses in coiled tubing were significantly higher than those in straight tubing. In addition, increasing coiled tubing curvature ratio brings about higher friction loss for all fluids investigated. Rheological data for these fluids were obtained using a Model 35 Fann viscometer. Friction pressure data gathered from flow experiments are analyzed and correlations for friction pressure loss prediction of welan gum fluids have been developed for both straight and coiled tubings. These correlations, which represent the industry's first attempt in the fundamental investigation of friction loss prediction of welan gum fluids, are found to provide good accuracy when compared to the experimental data. Flow behavior of welan gum fluids is compared with 4.9 kg/m 3 guar fluid. It is found that in both straight and coiled tubings, the guar fluid exhibited higher drag reduction when compared to the welan gum fluids investigated in this study.
Second Harmonic Generation in Multilayer Langmuir-Blodgett Films of Blue Transparent Organic Polymers

Multilayer Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) films were fabricated with two blue transparent nonlinear optical polymers in which the orientation of the nonlinear optical chromophore in one polymer is reversed with respect to the other. The intensity of the frequency-doubled light generated in these multilayers increases quadratically, with the increasing number of bilayers indicating that the macroscopic optical nonlinearity, χ(2), of the bilayer is a linear sum of the macroscopic optical nonlinearities of the individual monolayer. Also, multilayer LB films of each blue transparent polymer were made by alternate deposition with a spacer polymer, poly(tert-butyl methacrylate). The intensity of the frequency-doubled light generated by these multilayer films was approximately 4 times smaller than that generated by multilayer films of two blue transparent polymers with the same number of layers, indicating that the use of another nonlinear optical active polymer in the place of passive poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) poly...
An investigation of short-term solar wind modulation of atmospheric electricity at Mauna Loa Observatory

Abstract A search has been made for short-term signatures in the global electric circuit of solar wind modulated inputs into the atmosphere, using atmospheric electricity observations made at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, in 1976–1984. The short-term events were Forbush decreases of the galactic cosmic ray flux (characterized by decreases in neutron monitor count rates); geomagnetic disturbances (characterized by the Ap index); and ring current changes (characterized by the Dst index). Each set of events was designated by a set of key days, which were used in superposed epoch analyses of the time-series of daily averages of the atmospheric electricity parameters. The observations consisted of measurements of air-earth current density, potential gradient, positive conductivity, and negative conductivity. The Mauna Loa observatory is at an altitude of 3.4 km in a relatively clean and dust free oceanic environment. The meteorologically-induced electrical noise there is less than at most other atmospheric electricity observatories, with the exception of high altitude sites on the polar ice caps. Nevertheless the noise level was still a problem even after making superposed epoch analyses using several tens of events. We find responses similar to those expected from solar wind inputs but of marginal statistical significance. Diurnal and annual variations were found to be well defined, and consistent with those found by others.
Metric Models for Random Graphs

Many problems entail the analysis of data that are independent and identically distributed random graphs. Useful inference requires flexible probability models for such random graphs; these models should have interpretable location and scale parameters, and support the establishment of confidence regions, maximum likelihood estimates, goodness-of-fit tests, Bayesian inference, and an appropriate analogue of linear model theory. Banks and Carley (1994) develop a simple probability model and sketch some analyses; this paper extends that work so that analysts are able to choose models that reflect application-specific metrics on the set of graphs. The strategy applies to graphs, directed graphs, hypergraphs, and trees, and often extends to objects in countable metric spaces.
Spatial and temporal characteristics of plankton-rich layers in a shallow, temperate fjord

Between June and October 2005, a CTD profiler with mounted fluorometer identified the presence and extent of plankton-rich layers (PRLs), i.e. horizontal patches of high plankton con- centrations bordered by steep gradients, in East Sound, a shallow fjord in Washington, USA. The suit- ability of this profiling approach for identifying the meter-scale plankton layers was verified through correlation analysis, which showed that in situ fluorescence was significantly correlated with all sub- sequent proxy measurements of phytoplankton abundance, including extracted chlorophyll a con- centration and plankton biomass. Species abundance and community composition within and outside the layers were analyzed during peak layer occurrence in July 2005. Layers contained up to an order of magnitude more phytoplankton biomass than surrounding waters. Furthermore, this analysis showed that (1) plankton layers were horizontally coherent, because the species composition of sam- ples from within PRLs from up to 5 stations collected on any given day were statistically indistinguish- able; (2) layers were not continuous in time, since species composition changed significantly between sampling days; and (3) layers could have formed within East Sound, since no differences were observed in species composition among samples collected at any depth. Phytoplankton biomass was dominated by the diatom genus Chaetoceros (up to 95%), whereas heterotrophic protists (5 to 200 µm) were dominated by thecate dinoflagellates (up to 80% of biomass), with oligotrich ciliates and athecate dinoflagellates at times abundant (up to 40% of biomass). Motile heterotrophic protists were significantly aggregated within phytoplankton prey layers, which confirmed predictions from prior laboratory and modeling work. Biomass of phytoplankton prey species within PRLs uniformly exceeded the dominant predator's survival threshold, whereas prey concentrations outside PRLs would not support growth in all but 3 samples. These observations suggest that PRLs may be bio- logical hot spots where trophic and demographic rates are enhanced and that biological processes could drive plankton layer formation, persistence, and decline.
Models of Traumatic Brain Injury

We present a review of the currently popular preclinical models of non-penetrating traumatic brain injury (TBI). This article focuses on animal models that cause TBI by applying mechanical energy to the head, skull or dura. It attempts to provide a compendium of the main characteristics of each of these experimental models of TBI in respect to acute and chronic histological findings and behavioral impairment in neurologic motor and cognitive function. Finally, several limitations of the described models are discussed briefly.
The control of digestion in the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans. Enzyme activity in relation to the size and nature of the meal

Abstract A linear relationship between midgut protease activity and meal size is established 24 hr after the ingestion of a blood meal and persists throughout the hunger cycle. A similar relationship is established after feeding on a series of dilutions of whole blood in saline, indicating that the volume of fluid ingested controls the appearance of active enzyme in the midgut and not the quantity of blood in the meal. However, the relationship is not established after feeding on saline alone, indicating that at least some blood must be present in the meal before active midgut protease can be produced. Flies fed on blood serum produce large quantities of protease, whereas flies fed on washed corpuscles suspended in saline produce no more enzyme than is found in the unfed, teneral fly or the fly fed on saline alone. The absence of a nervous connexion between the crop and the midgut indicates that the production of protease is controlled humorally through the distension of the crop acting on the neuroendocrine system. However, the presence of serum is necessary for the production of active enzyme in the midgut lumen.
A statistically and computationally efficient method for frequency estimation

Abstract Traditional methods of estimating frequencies of sinusoids from noisy data include periodogram maximization and nonlinear least squares, which lead to efficient estimates with the rate O (n −3/2 ) . To actually compute these estimates, some iterative search procedures have to be employed because of the high nonlinearity in the frequency parameters. The presence of many local extrema requires the search be started with a very good initial guess – the required precision is typically o (n −1 ) , which is not readily available even from the fast Fourier transform of the data. To overcome these problems, we consider an alternative approach, the contraction-mapping (CM) method. Contributions of this paper include: (a) the establishment, for the first time, of the crucial connection between the accuracy of the initial guess required for convergence in the fixed-point iteration and the precision of the CM estimator as the fixed point of the iteration; (b) the quantification of the asymptotic relationship between the initial guess and the final CM estimator, together with limiting distributions and almost sure convergence of the fixed point; and (c) the construction of a single algorithm adaptable to possibly poor initial values without requiring separate procedures to provide initial guesses. It is shown that the CM algorithm, endowed with an adaptive regularization parameter, can accommodate possibly poor initial values of precision O (1) and converge to a final estimator whose precision is arbitrarily close to the optimal O (n −3/2 ) .
Hierarchical Analysis of Genetic Partitioning by Tamias minimus and T. umbrinus

We examined the geographic structure of allozymic variation in the least ( Tamias minimus ) and Uinta chipmunks (T. umbrinus) from across the Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah. We used a hierarchical sampling strategy based on populations within drainages and drainages within slopes. As hierarchical level increased from populations to drainages to slopes, distances among populations and resistance to dispersal (in the form of higher mountain ridges) increased. We examined samples for allelic diversity and levels of heterozygosity at 29 loci, of which six were polymorphic. We used hierarchical F -statistics to show partitioning of variation across the hierarchy and estimate levels of gene flow at each spatial scale. Number of alleles, proportion of polymorphic loci, and observed heterozygosity were similar for both species. The two species also exhibited similar patterns of gene flow, with high rates within drainages, low rates among drainages, and negligible levels between slopes. Comparative magnitudes of gene flow, however, differed for each species at different spatial scales, with each exhibiting high levels of gene flow across the scale in which their habitat was most common. Results suggest that gene flow decreases with increasing spatial scale, random genetic drift is not acting locally upon the six marker loci, and differences in genetic patterns between the two species are influenced by availability of habitat and differences in use of habitat.
Multiple collision analysis of characteristic X-rays from 50 to 600 keV argon stopping in Mg, Al, and Si

Abstract Target K-shell ionization and Ar-ion L X-ray production cross sections were measured in order to determine the Ar L-vacancy lifetime and fluorescence yield in solid Mg, Al, and Si. The analysis is based on steady-state equilibrium of the L vacancies produced by Sdδ + −3dπ + −3dσ rotational coupling in the collision quasimolecule, followed by transfer of the vacancy to a target-atom K shell via 2pπ + −2pσ rotational coupling in a second collision. The results are compared with model expectations.
Regulation of the synthesis and activity of urokinase plasminogen activator in A549 human lung carcinoma cells by transforming growth factor-beta

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) is a regulator of cellular proliferation which can alter the proteolytic activity of cultured cells by enhancing the secretion of endothelial type plasminogen activator inhibitor and affecting the secretion of plasminogen activators (PAs) in cultured fibroblastic cells. We used the TGF beta-responsive malignant human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 to study the relationships between the known TGF beta-induced growth inhibition and the effects of TGF beta on the secretion of PA activity by A549 cells. PA activity was quantitated by caseinolysis assays, and characterized by urokinase mRNA analysis, immunoprecipitation, and zymography assays. PA-inhibitor production was observed in autoradiograms of SDS-polyacrylamide gels and reverse zymography assays. It was found that TGF beta enhanced the production of PA activity by these cells, in accordance with an enhancement of urokinase mRNA levels. A concomitant stimulation of type 1 PA-inhibitor production was also observed in A549 cells in response to TGF beta. In contrast to the observations of A549 cells, TGF beta caused a decrease in the expression of both urokinase and the tissue-type PA mRNA in human embryonic WI-38 lung fibroblasts indicating opposite regulation of the expression of PAs in these cells. The results suggest that TGF beta may play a role in the regulation of the invasive, proteolytically active phenotype of certain lung carcinoma cells.
The existence of oscillatory and superhyperbolic motion in Newtonian systems

We establish the existence of solutions for the collinear Newtonian four body problem where the maximum spacing between particles exceeds any given function of time as t → ∞. As an example, there exist solutions where the maximum spacing separates faster than any constant multiple of time. Also, it is shown that the three and four body problems admit oscillatory solutions.
Palliative and End-of-Life Care Training During the Surgical Clerkship

Abstract Background In 2000, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education required that all medical schools provide experiential training in end-of-life care. To adhere to this mandate and advance the professional development of medical students, experiential training in communication skills at the end-of-life was introduced into the third-year surgical clerkship curriculum at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. Materials and methods In the 2007–08 academic year, 97 third-year medical students completed six standardized end-of-life care patient scenarios commonly encountered during the third-year surgical clerkship. Goals and objectives were outlined for each scenario, and attending surgeons graded student performances and provided formative feedback. Results All 97 students, 57.7% female and average age 25.6 ± 2.04 y, had passing scores on the scenarios: (1) Adult Hospice, (2) Pediatric Hospice, (3) Do Not Resuscitate, (4) Dyspnea Management/Informed Consent, (5) Treatment Goals and Prognosis, and (6) Family Conference. Scenario scores did not differ by gender or age, but students completing the clerkship in the first half of the year scored higher on total score for the six scenarios (92.8% ± 4.8% versus 90.5% ± 5.0%, P = 0.024). Conclusions Early training in end-of-life communication is feasible during the surgical clerkship in the third-year of medical school. Of all the scenarios, “Conducting a Family Conference” proved to be the most challenging.
SEED DISPERSAL OF DENDROMECON: ITS ECOLOGIC, EVOLUTIONARY, AND TAXONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

A B S T R A C T Both species of Dendromecon are diplochorous, that is, the seeds are first scattered from the mother plant by violently dehiscing capsules and then transported further away by ants, which are strongly attracted to the e]aiosome at the micropylar end of the seed. The tensions that cause the capsule to explode develop between the two carpels and also between lateral and central fiber strands in the capsular valves. The elaiosome is unusual in that it contains large quntities of starch in addition to the commonly present fatty oils and that it is more drought resistant than most known elaiosomes. Seed dispersal is very efficient over short distances, but migration barriers a few hundred meters or more cannot be crossed except by chance dispersal. Dendromecon differs strikingly from most ant-dispersed plants in being woody and xerophytic; so far, D. rigida is the only chaparral plant known to be habitually dispersed by ants. The presence of an autochorous-myrmecochorous type of seed dispersal in D. rigida may partly explain the polymorphism of this species, since this type of seed dispersal tends to keep local populations isolated. The nearly complete correspondence, anatomically, morphologically, and functionally, between the fruit of Dendromecon and that of Eschscholzia strongly supports the idea of a close taxonomic relationship between these two genera. The seed appendage is believed to be a "recent" specialization in Dendroniecon, phylogenetically independent from seed appendages facilitating dispersal by ants in other genera of the Papaveraceae. DISPERSAL ECOLOGY, the study of dispersal processes and mechanisms, is an underdeveloped, mostly neglected sector of botany, despite the fact that ecologists, evolutionists, plant geographers, and evolutionary taxonomists all would profit from increased teaching and research activity in this classical field. A particularly interesting and rewarding aspect for study is myrmecochory, i.e., seed dispersal by ants. Only a very few plants in North America are known to be regularly dispersed by ants: Uvularia grandiflora Sm. (Robertson, 1897), Sanguinaria canadensis L. (Robertson, 1897; Kerner, 1898;
Atypical Protein Kinase Cι Plays a Critical Role in Human Lung Cancer Cell Growth and Tumorigenicity

Atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) isozymes function in epithelial cell polarity, proliferation, and survival and have been implicated in cellular transformation. However, the role of these enzymes in human cancer is largely unexplored. Here, we report that aPKCι is highly expressed in human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines, whereas the closely related aPKC isozyme PKCζ is undetectable in these cells. Disruption of PKCι signaling reveals that PKCι is dispensable for adherent growth of non-small cell lung cancer cells but is required for transformed growth in soft agar in vitro and for tumorigenicity in vivo. Molecular dissection of signaling down-stream of PKCι demonstrates that Rac1 is a critical molecular target for PKCι-dependent transformation, whereas PKCι is not necessary for NFκB activation in vitro or in vivo. Expression of the PB1 domain of PKCι (PKCι-(1-113)) blocks PKCι-dependent Rac1 activity and inhibits cellular transformation indicating a role for this domain in the transforming activity of PKCι. Taken together, our data demonstrate that PKCι is a critical lung cancer gene that activates a Rac1→Pak→Mek1,2→Erk1,2 signaling pathway required for transformed growth. Our data indicate that PKCι may be an attractive molecular target for mechanism-based therapies for treatment of lung cancer.
On the existence of almost greedy bases in Banach spaces

We consider several greedy conditions for bases in Banach spaces that arise naturally in the study of the Thresholding Greedy Algorithm (TGA). In particular, we continue the study of almost greedy bases begun in [3]. We show that almost greedy bases are essentially optimal for n-term approximation when the TGA is modified to include a Chebyshev approximation. We prove that if a Banach space X has a basis and contains a complemented subspace with a symmetric basis and finite cotype then X has an almost greedy basis. We show that c0 is the only L∞ space to have a quasi-greedy basis. The Banach spaces which contain almost greedy basic sequences are characterized.
Understanding differences between high and low volume hospitals for radical prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives We evaluated the impact of the specialized medical and ancillary services available at low vs. high volume prostatectomy centers on prolonged length of stay (LOS) outcomes after radical prostatectomy. Methods Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified patients who underwent prostatectomy (n = 9,266) for prostate cancer in 2003 using ICD-9 codes. Hospital characteristics were ascertained using the American Hospital Association file. Differences in health services availability according to hospital prostatectomy volume were estimated using logistic regression. Logistic models were fitted to measure the effect of available health services on a prolonged LOS (>90 percentile for sample was 5 days). Results Among patients undergoing radical prostatectomy in 2003, 19.0% and 5.4% of patients had a prolonged LOS at low and high volume hospitals, respectively (unadjusted OR 4.2, 95% CI 2.5–6.9). After adjusting for differences in patients and availability of select health services, those treated at low volume centers were 3.3 times more likely to have a prolonged hospitalization compared with those treated at high volume hospitals (95% CI 1.9–5.6). Adjusting for hospital differences attenuated the volume effect by 14.8%. Conclusions There are substantial differences in the health care environment according to radical prostatectomy volume. Generally, high volume hospitals offer a much wider array of health care services specific to both post-prostatectomy and general medical care.
Healthy vs Diseased Transport and Mixing in the Human Left Ventricle

It has become increasingly clear that the dynamics of the left ventricle (LV) plays a major role in dictating overall cardiac health. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PCMRI) and Doppler-ultrasound echocardiography can measure flow characteristics inside the human left ventricle in vivo, including diagnostic data useful for evaluating pathological conditions such as cardiomyopathies. Studying these flow patterns is a potential avenue for heart failure diagnosis. Traditional studies based on Eulerian measures computed from instantaneous velocity data, e.g. streamlines, vorticity, Q-criterion, etc., can be insufficient or unreliable to fully understand unsteady blood flow behavior. We used the Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponent (FTLE) approach to compute Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS) to gain insight into how blood is transported inside the LV. LCS can be thought of as special moving boundaries in the flow that partition regions with different dynamics, and whose coordinated motion organizes transport and mixing.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Removal of fine and ultrafine particles from indoor air environments by the unipolar ion emission

Abstract The continuous emission of unipolar ions was evaluated in order to determine its ability to remove fine and ultrafine particles from indoor air environments. The evolution of the indoor aerosol concentration and particle size distribution was measured in real time with the ELPI in a room-size (24.3 m3) test chamber where the ion emitter was operating. After the results were compared with the natural decay, the air cleaning factor was determined. The particle aerodynamic size range of ∼0.04–2 μm was targeted because it represents many bioaerosol agents that cause emerging diseases, as well as those that can be used for biological warfare or in the event of bioterrorism. The particle electric charge distribution (also measured in the test chamber with the ELPI) was rapidly affected by the ion emission. It was concluded that the corona discharge ion emitters (either positive or negative), which are capable of creating an ion density of 105–106 e± cm−3, can be efficient in controlling fine and ultrafine aerosol pollutants in indoor air environments, such as a typical office or residential room. At a high ion emission rate, the particle mobility becomes sufficient so that the particle migration results in their deposition on the walls and other indoor surfaces. Within the tested ranges of the particle size and ion density, the particles were charged primarily due to the diffusion charging mechanism. The particle removal efficiency was not significantly affected by the particle size, while it increased with increasing ion emission rate and the time of emission. The performance characteristics of three commercially available ionic air purifiers, which produce unipolar ions by corona discharge at relatively high emission rates, were evaluated. A 30-minute operation of the most powerful device among those tested resulted in the removal of about 97% of 0.1 μm particles and about 95% of 1 μm particles from the air in addition to the natural decay effect.
Robust bayes analysis in normal linear regression with an improper mixture prior

This paper examines the linear regression model when prior information of the regression parameterβ ∊ Rk and the error varianceσ2 > 0 is represented by the improper mixture pdf , where π0 is the usual normal inverted gamma base priorq is a specific noninformative prior and (1-∊),0 ≤ ∊ ≤ 1, is the degree of confidence about π0. This prior is specially useful in multiparameter situations since no new hyperparameters are required in the specification of q. The prior to posterior analysis is shown to produce a mixture pdf which may be multimodal. Robustness is obtained in the following sense:if π0 is notcompatible withthe data,its influence inthe posterior is discounted, and more weight is automatically placed on the posterior that emerges with the noninformative prior. A numerical example is presented that illustrates the ideas developed in the paper.
Robotics and intelligent systems for social and behavioral science undergraduates

In this article, we share our experiences offering an original course entitled Intelligent Systems targeted at undergraduate social and behavioral science students. Intelligent Systems provides a rigorous introduction to robotics and surveys selected topics in artificial intelligence. This course is tailored to students with little mathematical background and no programming experience. We offer best practices and information from successful course components and ideas for tailoring course content to social and behavioral science students.The motivation for this course comes from the wide interdisciplinary appeal of robotics and artificial intelligence. They have been leveraged to improve recruitment to the major and to expose students in other disciplines to computational thinking. However, no offerings of CS0 that exclusively cater to the large social and behavioral science population are available that focus on intelligent systems. Robots and AI systems are affordable and accessible to this group of students. We propose our solution to this problem and argue for offering multiple, interdisciplinary CS0 offerings.
Communication, incentive, and structural variables in interpersonal exchange and negotiation ☆

Abstract An experimental game based on the exchange of chips having costs and values for the subjects was developed. Variations in incentive and in type of communication were studied, as were the effects of requiring vs. making optional an explicit bargain about each exchange. Absence of any communication beyond the simple exchange of chips led to very poor performance and to large differences between the outcomes of the two members of dyads. Transmission of almost any kind of information was helpful. Where subjects could make requests of one another, outcomes were highest and differences between the dyad-members were small. Provisions for either optional or required bargains about exchanges led to reasonably high outcomes, but the lack of such a requirement enabled the lower-scoring subject within a dyad to avoid consistent domination by his higher-scoring partner. Among all but the no-communication dyads, outcomes improved as interaction continued. And in general, high incentive (pay for performance) led to more effective behavior. It did not do so when the experimental procedure allowed subjects to alternately take advantage of one another.
Palivizumab Use in Very Premature Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of young hospitalized premature (born ≤30 weeks’ gestational age) infants to achieve serum levels of palivizumab that are protective against RSV infection. Methods. Palivizumab, 15 mg/kg per dose intramuscularly, was administered every 28 days to stable premature infants who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit starting at 1 month of postnatal life. Palivizumab concentrations were assayed in serum samples that were drawn from infants who remained in the hospital at 14 days (midpoint concentration) and at 28 days (trough concentration) after each dose was administered. Results. The gestational age of the 24 infants who were enrolled was 27.5 ± 1.8 weeks (mean ± standard deviation), and birth weight was 928 ± 159 g. Midpoint palivizumab concentrations in the 24 infants after the first dose were 45.6 ± 13.0 μg/mL; 71% (17 of 24) of the infants maintained optimal palivizumab concentrations (≥40 μg/mL). The concentrations dropped subsequently; trough concentrations just before the second dose were 32.2 ± 10.5 μg/mL, and only 23% (5 of 22) of the infants had concentrations in the optimal range. Sixteen infants were given 2 doses and 6 were given three doses of palivizumab while in the neonatal intensive care unit. Midpoint concentrations after the second dose were significantly higher than those after the first dose. Likewise, trough concentrations before the third dose were 51.9 ± 7.8 μg/mL and higher than those before the second dose; the concentrations were >40 μg/ml in all 6 infants tested. Conclusions. Very premature infants had sustained optimal protective serum concentrations only after the second dose of palivizumab; 77% of infants tested had trough concentrations
Isotope Fractionation by Thermal Diffusion in Silicate Melts

Isotopes fractionate in thermal gradients, but there is little quantitative understanding of this effect in complex fluids. Here we present results of experiments and molecular dynamics simulations on silicate melts. We show that isotope fractionation arises from classical mechanical effects, and that a scaling relation based on Chapman-Enskog theory predicts the behavior seen in complex fluids without arbitrary fitting parameters. The scaling analysis reveals that network forming elements (Si and O) fractionate significantly less than network modifiers (e.g., Mg, Ca, Fe, Sr, Hf, and U).
Structure of human ADAM‐8 catalytic domain complexed with batimastat

The role of ADAM-8 in cancer and inflammatory diseases such as allergy, arthritis and asthma makes it an attractive target for drug development. Therefore, the catalytic domain of human ADAM-8 was expressed, purified and crystallized in complex with a hydroxamic acid inhibitor, batimastat. The crystal structure of the enzyme–inhibitor complex was refined to 2.1 A resolution. ADAM-8 has an overall fold similar to those of other ADAM members, including a central five-stranded β-sheet and a catalytic Zn2+ ion. However, unique differences within the S1′ binding loop of ADAM-8 are observed which might be exploited to confer specificity and selectivity to ADAM-8 competitive inhibitors for the treatment of diseases involving this enzyme.
Fate and behavior of metal(loid) contaminants in an organic matter-rich shooting range soil: Implications for remediation

This study investigates the fate and behavior of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), antimony (Sb), and arsenic (As) in a shooting range soil. The soil samples were collected from the surface (0–15 cm) and the subsurface (15–40 cm and 40–55 cm) of a grassy and wood chip covered impact area behind a firing position. Optical microscopy images indicate significant amounts of corroded bullet fragments and organic wood chips in the surface soil. Analysis by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) showed that metallic Pb was transformed into lead oxides (litharge PbO and massicot PbO) and lead carbonates (hydrocerussite Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2, cerussite PbCO3, and plumbonacrite Pb5(CO3)3O(OH)2). Rietveld quantification indicated the surface soil contained 14.1% metallic Pb, 17.9% hydrocerussite, 5.2% plumbonacrite, 5.9% litharge, and 3.9% massicot on a dry weight basis, or a total of 39.7% Pb, far in excess of lead concentrations typically found in US shooting range soils. Metallic Cu (bullet jacket material) appeared stable as no secondary minerals were detected in the surface soil. As and Sb concentrations were on the order of 1,057 mg/kg and 845 mg/kg respectively. The elevated soil pH coupled with high organic carbon content is thought to have caused downward migration of metals, especially for Pb, since 4,153 mg Pb/kg was observed at a depth of 55 cm. More than 60% of Pb was concentrated in the coarse soil (> 0.425 mm) fraction, suggesting soil clean-up possible by physical soil washing may be viable. The concentrations of Pb, As, and Sb in the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) extracts were 8,869 mg/L, 6.72 mg/L, and 6.42 mg/L respectively, were above the USEPA non-hazardous regulatory limit (As and Pb) of 5 mg/L. The elevated Sb and As concentrations draw concern because there is historically limited information concerning these metals at firing ranges and several values exceeded local soil cleanup criteria. As the high Pb concentrations appeared to be linked to the presence of organic-rich berm cover materials, the use of wood chips as berm cover to prevent soil erosion requires reconsideration as a shooting range management practice.
Wettability of Nonwoven Fabrics: Effect of Laundering on Water Absorption

The effects of laundering on the wetting properties of nonwoven fabrics have been investigated. Fabric specimens were laundered (washed and dried) 1, 5 and 10 times with steel balls as an agitation source. Most fabrics laundered 5 times showed an increase in water absorption; however, water absorption decreased in the fabrics after 10 launderings. Laundering 5 times influenced the water absorption of regular Tyvek® and unfinished SMS fabrics. The fluorochemical (FC) finished Sontara® and unfinished SMS fabrics showed a slight; increase in water penetration after all levels of laundering; however, the level of laundering did not significantly change the rate of water uptake in the FC finished SMS fabrics. The corona treated Tyvek® exhibited a decrease in water absorption after 5 and 10 launderings. At the maximum number (10) of laundering cycles, the corona treated Tyvek® exhibited the least amount of water uptake among the nonwoven fabrics evaluated in this study. The fiber contact angle and the fabric po...
Synergistic bone marrow toxicity of pyrimethamine and zidovudine in murine in vivo and in vitro models: mechanism of toxicity.

Abstract Pyrimethamine (Pyr) is commonly used for treatment of toxoplasmic encephalitis in AIDS patients; however, in two clinical studies, an increased number of deaths were observed when Pyr was coadministered with zidovudine (ZDV). The BALB/c mouse was chosen as a model to study the mechanism underlying the unexpected toxicity from coadministration of these drugs. Daily administration by oral gavage of 60 mg/kg Pyr and 240 mg/kg ZDV resulted in 100% lethality after 30 days. These dose levels produced no effect when the drugs were given individually for the same period. Administration of combinations of Pyr and ZDV resulted in macrocytic anemia and leukopenia with synergistic decreases in lymphocyte and neutrophil numbers. To examine the mechanism of this hematotoxicity at the cellular level, mouse bone marrow colony-forming unit (mCFU) assays were employed. A combination of ZDV with various concentrations of Pyr resulted in synergistic decreases in numbers of erythroid and granulocyte-macrophage precursors (mCFU–E and mCFU–GM). mCFU–GM precursors appeared more sensitive than erythroid precursors to combinations of Pyr and ZDV. Incorporation of 14 C-ZDV into cellular DNA was increased in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of increasing concentrations of Pyr in the mCFU–GM assay. This suggested that inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase by Pyr and accompanying inhibition of dTTP synthesis allows preferential incorporation of ZDV into DNA, with resulting strand breakage and cell death. 14 C-ZDV incorporation was also observed when human GM cultures were analyzed, however, incorporation was less and required higher concentrations of Pyr.
Syntheses, properties, and use of fluorescent N-(5'-phospho-4'-pyridoxyl)amines in assay of pyridoxamine (pyridoxine) 5'-phosphate oxidase.

Abstract A sensitive and simple fluorometric assay has been developed for detection of pyridoxamine (pyridoxine) 5′-phosphate oxidase. This technique utilizes fluorescent N -(5′-phospho-4′-pyridoxyl)amines as substrates that, upon incubation with the oxidase, release the free fluorescent amine. The substrates were prepared by condensation of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate with fluorescent amines and subsequent hydrogenation of the Schiff bases. Since N -(1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine is 15 times less fluorescent in the intramolecularly quenched substrate than the product amine, the direct increase of fluorescence, as well as selective extraction of more fluorescent product, can be utilized for assay. The apparent K m value for this substrate is 8 μ m , which is slightly less than that of pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate; V is larger than the natural substrate value. The greater sensitivity gained by this fluorimetric method allows detection of the oxidase in smaller quantities than can be determined by the conventional colorimetric assay.