cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the Traffic of Voice Core Domain in UMTS Network through RNC Re-homing

The past few years have seen mobile operators transition to next-generation mobile networks, specifically from third-generation networks 3G to long term evolution LTE. This paper describes the basic architecture and topology of UMTS R4 core network and introduces two options in network planning, i.e., flat structure or layered structure. This paper introduces the re-homing of radio network controller RNC and base station controller BSC and studies the impact on the performance of voice core of UMTS networks. The proposed RNC re-homing models are created and analyzed for voice core of UMTS networks. The paper concludes that the appropriate RNC re-homing optimizes the traffic of voice core in UMTS network.
Evaluation of a hospitalist-run acute care for the elderly service†

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive care for frail older inpatients may improve selected outcomes and reduce harm. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a Hospitalist-run Acute Care for the Elderly (Hospitalist-ACE) service. DESIGN: Quasi-randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Urban academic medical center. PATIENTS: Medical inpatients age ≥70 years. INTERVENTION: Hospitalist-ACE service components: 1) selected hospitalist attendings; 2) daily interdisciplinary rounds; 3) standardized geriatric assessment; 4) clinical focus on mitigating harm and discharge planning; 5) novel inpatient geriatrics curriculum. MEASURES: The primary outcome was recognition of abnormal functional status by the primary medical team. Secondary outcomes included: recognition of abnormal cognitive status and delirium by the primary medical team; use of physical restraints and sleep aids; documentation of code status; hospital charges, length of stay, readmission rates, discharge location, and falls. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two Hospitalist-ACE patients were compared to 95 usual care patients. Hospitalist-ACE patients had significantly greater recognition of abnormal functional status (65% vs 32%, P < 0.0001), and abnormal cognitive status (57% vs 36%, P = 0.02), and greater use of “Do Not Attempt Resuscitation” orders (39% vs 26%, P = 0.04). There were no differences in use of physical restraints, or sleep aids, falls, or discharge location. Hospitalist-ACE patients and usual care patients had similar mean lengths of stay in days (3.4 ± 2.7 vs 3.1 ± 2.7, P = 0.52), mean charges ($24,617 ± $15,828 vs $21,488 ± $13,407, P = 0.12), and 30-day readmission rates (12% vs 10%, P = 0.50). CONCLUSIONS: A Hospitalist-ACE service may improve care processes without significantly increasing resource consumption. No impact on key clinical outcomes was observed. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;6:313–321. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Upper mantle S velocities beneath Afar and Western Saudi Arabia from Rayleigh wave dispersion

Two-station methods are employed to determine Rayleigh wave phase velocities along three paths crossing the Afro-Arabian dome. Phase velocities are modeled using a grid-search technique, and the range of successful models indicate that the uppermost mantle beneath Afar and western Saudi Arabia is characterized by pronounced negative S wave velocity gradients and S wave velocities that are 0.2–0.8 km/s lower than PREM at 100 km depth. These results are consistent with a thermal plume model for Afar, provided that there is a few percent of partial melt present within the mantle. The low velocity anomaly beneath western Saudi Arabia could be caused by migrating plume material from Afar, upwelling mantle material associated with Red Sea rifting, or isolated small-scale convection.
Characterization of silica-functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in water

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have the potential to enhance the strength, toughness, and multifunctional ability of composite materials. However, suitable dispersion and interfacial bonding remain as key challenges. Composites that are formed by reactions with water, like Portland cement concrete and mortar, pose a special challenge for dispersing the inherently hydrophobic nanotubes. The hydration of Portland cement also offers a specific chemical framework for interfacial bonding. In this study, nanoscale silica functional groups are covalently bonded to CNTs to improve their dispersion in water while providing interfacial bond sites for the proposed matrix material. The bond signatures of treated nanotubes are characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In situ dispersion is characterized using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and point of zero charge (PZC) measurements. At the nanoscale, interparticle spacing was greatly increased. A slight increase in the PZC after treatment indicates the importance of steric effects in the dispersion mechanism. Overall, results indicate successful functionalization and dramatically improved dispersion stability in water.
Decision support for climate change adaptation planning in the US: why it needs a coordinated internet-based practitioners' network

Decision support resources are emerging across the United States to address the adaptation and mitigation challenges associated with climate variability and change. In theory, climate-related decision support identifies the need to move beyond the linear dissemination of information from experts to decision-makers. Interviews with researchers and federal program managers, however, show that in practice there are still wide gaps between the development of climate science and its application. Lessons learned in two example cases of decision support experiments are discussed to highlight some of the on-going challenges in applying climate science, e.g. defining decision support, involving decision-makers, and determining effectiveness. The published literature also shows these reoccurring challenges but emphasizes more collaboration between science and decision-makers as this improves the relevance, compatibility, and accessibility of climate science information and can increase users’ receptiveness. This article proposes that the US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) can help the development of decision support resources, in one way, by coordinating an Internet-based practitioners’ network. A coordinated network could provide opportunities for climate-related decision support practitioners to build collaborative partnerships, share lessons-learned, provide feedback to the USGCRP, and thereby assist the transition of science into decision-making processes to better address adaptation planning.
The interpeduncular nucleus regulates nicotine's effects on free-field activity.

PARTIAL lesions were made with kainic acid in the interpeduncular nucleus of the ventral midbrain of the rat. Compared with sham-operated controls, lesions significantly (p < 0.25) blunted the early (<60 min) free-field locomotor hypoactivity caused by nicotine (0.5 mg kg -1 , i.m.), enhanced the later (60-120 min) nicotine-induced hyperactivity, and raised spontaneous nocturnal activity. Lesions reduced the extent of immunohistological staining for choline acetyltransferase in the interpeduncular nucleus (p <0.025), but not for tyrosine hydroxylase in the surrounding catecholaminergic A10 region.. We conclude that the interpeduncular nucleus mediates nicotinic depression of locomotor activity and dampens nicotinic arousal mechanisms located elsewhere in the brain.
Effect of image reconstruction bias upon spectroscopy-based quantification of chromophorcs in near-infrared tomography

Accuracy of chromophore concentrations in near-infrared tomography is affected by negative bias in the recovery of absorption coefficients and availability of limited wavelengths. The effect of these factors has been studied with suitable error models.
Effects of Information on Risk Perception regarding the Use of Booster Seats

Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death and injury for children of all ages in the U.S., despite improved crashworthiness of vehicles and more effective restraint systems. Children who are too large for child safety seats (a child restraint system for children birth to 4 years old) are often restrained improperly or not at all. For effective protection, these children should be restrained in a booster seat (child safety seat for children 4–8 years of age) used with vehicle lap/shoulder belts. For this reason, the use and correct use of occupant protection for 4–8 year old children needs attention.A field study with 64 participants was conducted using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires to test the hypotheses that informational pamphlets will induce an increase in risk perception regarding the use of booster seats. Analyses indicated that an informational pamphlet intervention increased risk perception.
Effect of reinforcement contingencies in increasing programmed reading and mathematics behaviors in first-grade children

Abstract Three reinforcement techniques were combined to determine their effect on programmed instruction in 21 first-grade children. Completing a fixed ratio schedule in reading (increased five times in 20 sessions) and mathematics (increased four times in 17 sessions) was the contingency for participating in highly reinforcing subject-selected activities. Baseline was established under nonreinforced conditions during 15 reading and 13 mathematics sessions. Repeated baseline-nonreinforcement and reinforcement condition changes were initiated. Response was measured by mean number of words read, and mean number of mathematics frames completed. Response rate increase above baseline was 700% in reading and 160% in mathematics with high retention and comprehension and decreased to approximate baseline values under a no reinforcement condition. The use of positive reinforcement greatly increased the effectiveness of programmed instruction.
Quantum Efficiencies of Some Inorganic Phosphors

Absolute quantum efficiencies of several inorganic phosphors have been measured with excitation in the spectral region 1500 to 2900 A. In contrast to the results of Butaeva and Fabrikant no efficiencies greater than unity were found. The measurements were made by comparing excitation spectra with absolute quantum efficiency determinations under excitation by 2537-A mercury resonance radiation. A method for determining quantum efficiencies, using only relative radiance measurements on a series of phosphors having different activator concentrations, was used to confirm the results obtained with vacuum ultraviolet excitation.
Scattering of Lamb waves from a rivet hole with edge cracks

Lamb waves propagating in an infinite plate containing a circular hole, with or without edge cracks, are investigated both theoretically and experimentally in this paper. The theoretical analysis is accomplished by means of a hybrid method called the global local finite element method, in which a bounded region enclosing the hole and the cracks is discretized into finite elements, while the field external to this region is represented analytically in terms of Lamb wave modes. The scattered field is calculated through the application of the boundary conditions at the interface between the discretized region and the unbounded exterior. In the experiments the incident Lamb wave of a specific mode is generated by means of a wedge transducer and the waves scattered by the hole is recorded in conventional contact type transducers located on the plate surface. The measured time histories and amplitude spectra of the transmitted and reflected waves are compared with those calculated from the hybrid model. The agreement between the theoretical and experimental results is found to be excellent in the cases considered. Application of the technique to non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of corrosion and fatigue induced defects in aging structural components is discussed.
Editorial Policy on Candidate Gene Association and Candidate Gene-by-Environment Interaction Studies of Complex Traits

The literature on candidate gene associations is full of reports that have not stood up to rigorous replication. This is the case both for straightforward main effects and for candidate gene-by-environment interactions (Duncan and Keller 2011). As a result, the psychiatric and behavior genetics literature has become confusing and it now seems likely that many of the published findings of the last decade are wrong or misleading and have not contributed to real advances in knowledge. The reasons for this are complex, but include the likelihood that effect sizes of individual polymorphisms are small, that studies have therefore been underpowered, and that multiple hypotheses and methods of analysis have been explored; these conditions will result in an unacceptably high proportion of false findings (Ioannidis 2005). Because of this, the Editor and Editorial Board have increasingly erred on the side of caution in considering candidate gene association studies of complex traits. To avoid publishing findings that will not replicate, we recommend that authors conduct a direct replication analysis (Sullivan 2007), prior to publication, such that the same predictor(s), outcome variable, and statistical model are tested in an independent sample. Such replication does not guarantee that the result is correct as there are still many ways to obtain and replicate an artifactual result, but it does reduce the probability that the original finding was due to chance (a Type-I error) or to biases of other kinds that are more difficult to quantify. Direct replication should be a minimum requirement for candidate gene association studies of complex traits, especially when reporting complex interaction effects based on novel phenotypes and groupings. Of course, we understand that this has not been done routinely—sometimes it is not practical—and so authors have preferred to publish the initial paper without such replication. We also recognize that there are historical examples where early failures to replicate were themselves misleading because of heterogeneity or poor methodology. However, for a candidate gene or candidate gene-byenvironment interaction study of a complex trait to be considered for publication in Behavior Genetics it should usually have one or more of the following characteristics:
The Toxins of the Psittacosis-Lymphogranuloma Group of Agents II. Effect of Aureomycin and Penicillin upon the Toxins of Psittacosis Viruses

In a previous publication (Manire and Meyer, 1950), the toxicity for mice of 39 strains of viruses in the psittacosislymphogranuloma group was reported. Following the intravenous injection of yolk sac suspensions into groups of mice, two-phase death curves were plotted from the death rates of mice injected with the Louisiana, Illinois, meningopneumonitis and feline pneumonitis viruses, but definite two-phase curves for the remaining strains were not demonstrated.
Suboptimal control of linear time-invariant systems subject to control structure constraints

A method is presented for designing controllers for linear time-invariant systems whose states are not all available or accessible for measurement and where the structure of the controller is constrained to be a linear time-invariant combination of the measurable states of the system. Two types of structure constraints are considered: 1) each control channel is constrained to be a linear, time-invariant combination of one set of measurable states; 2) each control channel is constrained to he a linear, time-invariant combination of different sets of measurable states. The control system, subject to these constraints is selected such that the resulting closed-loop system performs as "near" to some known optimal system as is possible, i.e., suboptimal. The nearness of the optimal system to the suboptimal system is defined in two ways and thus, two types of suboptimal controllers are found.
A silver solution for surface-enhanced Raman scattering

Abstract A silver solution has been prepared from the reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under basic conditions for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Reaction conditions such as temperature, time, absence of oxygen, pH of the reaction mixture, and reagent purity have been found to be important factors contributing to the reaction process and the SERS performance of the substrate product. These factors have been evaluated and optimized. It was found that the T=0°C, long reaction period, nitrogen or inert gas purging, and alkaline conditions are essential for preparing the SERS-active silver solution. The purity of reagents is as important as other factors. One major advantage of this reduction process for producing the substrate for SERS is the reduction or elimination of spectral interference caused by the reaction by-products. Two series of experiments have been conducted to test the shelf life and the aging effect of the substrate on the SERS intensity. Some SERS activities of the silver solution substrate have been compared with those of other sols. An excitation profile as well as the dependence of SERS data on UV illumination, oxidizing agent and reducing agent have been collected and discussed in terms of SERS phenomena.
Cholesterol and fatty acid content of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) egg

Abstract The cholesterol and fatty acid composition of guinea fowl eggs laid during the eighth, twelfth and sixteenth weeks of lay were determined. Over the three periods mean cholesterol content was 552 mg and 1599 mg/ 100 g for whole egg and yolk, respectively. Cholesterol levels in the yolk ranged from 1528 to 1830 mg/ 100 g. Fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. The major unsaturated fatty acid was oleic acid (C 18:1 ) while the major saturated fatty acid was palmitic acid (C 16:0 ). Myristic acid (C 14:0 ) was present in measurable quantities and with arachidonic acid (C 20:4 ) constituted the fatty acids present in the least amounts. Overall 49 % of the fatty acids were saturated while 51 % were unsaturated. There was no significant ( P > 0·05) difference in the fat composition of the eggs laid during the three periods.
Computational verification of the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture for individual elliptic curves

We describe theorems and computational methods for verifying the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjectural formula for specific elliptic curves over Q of analytic ranks 0 and 1. We apply our techniques to show that if E is a non-CM elliptic curve over Q of conductor < 1000 and rank 0 or 1, then the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjectural formula for the leading coefficient of the L-series is true for E, up to odd primes that divide either Tamagawa numbers of E or the degree of some rational cyclic isogeny with domain E. Since the rank part of the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture is a theorem for curves of analytic rank 0 or 1, this completely verifies the full conjecture for these curves up to the primes excluded above.
The Formation of Massive Stars by Accretion through Trapped Hypercompact H II Regions

The formation of massive stars may take place at relatively low accretion rates over a long period of time if the accretion can continue past the onset of core hydrogen ignition. The accretion may continue despite the formation of an ionized H II region around the star if the H II region is small enough that the gravitational attraction of the star dominates the thermal pressure of the H II region. The accretion may continue despite radiation pressure acting against dust grains in the molecular gas if the momentum of the accretion flow is sufficient to push the dust grains through a narrow zone of high dust opacity at the ionization boundary and into the H II region where the dust is sublimated. This model of massive star formation by continuing accretion predicts a new class of gravitationally trapped, long-lived, hypercompact H II regions. The observational characteristics of the trapped hypercompact H II regions can be predicted for comparison with observations.
Variability-aware architecture level optimization techniques for robust nanoscale chip design

The design space for nanoscale CMOS circuits is vast, with multiple dimensions corresponding to process variability, leakage, power, thermal, reliability, security, and yield considerations. These design issues in the form of either objectives or constraints can be handled at various levels of digital design abstraction, such as architectural, logic and transistor. At the architectural level (a.k.a. Register-Transfer Level, RTL), there is a balanced degree of freedom for fast design exploration by exploring various values of design parameters. Correct design decisions at an early phase of the design cycle ensure that design errors are not propagated to lower levels of circuit abstraction, where it is costly to correct them. Moreover, design optimization at higher levels of abstraction provides a convenient way to deal with design complexity, facilitates design verification, and increases design reuse through intellectual property (IP) cores. To achieve power-performance trade-offs, different architectural-level techniques have been proposed in the existing literature. This paper will briefly discuss selected RTL techniques which account for process variation. These existing approaches handle the optimization of different power components independently but do not effectively account for the inherent variation of process and design parameters. Thus, in this paper, a novel process variation aware statistical RTL optimization approach is presented. Assuming dual values of T"o"x,V"t"h, and V"D"D, gate-oxide leakage, subthreshold leakage, dynamic power, and performance are estimated for architectural units. Statistical variations in the parameters (T"g"a"t"e,V"t"h,V"D"D, and L"e"f"f), are explicitly taken into account by using Monte Carlo simulations while characterizing the architectural units. The proportion of values of gate-oxide and subthreshold leakage and dynamic power in the total power consumption of these units is then analyzed. This analysis in essence gives a relative and integrated perspective of various power-performance tradeoffs against the baseline case, thus serving as a guideline to help designers make appropriate decisions. Experiments on several benchmarks show a significant reduction in gate-oxide and subthreshold leakage, dynamic, and total power.
Online Brain Image Database System for Diagnosis of Subtle Brain Injury

Subtle changes in brain tissue that reflect the pathological processes of disorders such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are much more difficult to observe on a patient's magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan than those obvious abnormalities such as large strokes or tumors. Thus, it is necessary to develop an automated computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system which will be more efficient and accurate than the manual and quantitative analysis of functional brain images. In this paper, we present an online human brain image database system with its associated image processing, diagnosis and visualization functions for determination of subtle brain injury. The current system provides the capability of MCI diagnosis which accuracy is 94.1% by using the trained support vector machine (SVM)-based classifier.
A model of sensitivity: 1,3-butadiene increases mutant frequencies and genomic damage in mice lacking a functional microsomal epoxide hydrolase gene.

The specific role that polymorphisms in xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes play in modulating sensitivity to 1,3-butadiene (BD) genotoxicity has been relatively unexplored. The enzyme microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) is important in detoxifying the mutagenic epoxides of BD (butadiene monoepoxide [BDO], butadiene diepoxide [BDO(2)]). Polymorphisms in the human mEH gene appear to affect the function of the enzyme. We exposed mice with normal mEH activity (WT) and knockout mice without mEH activity (KO) to 20 ppm BD (inhalation) or 30 mg/kg BDO(2) (intraperitoneal [IP] injection). We then compared Hprt mutant frequencies (MFs) among these groups. KO mice exposed to BD exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) 12.4-fold increase in MF over controls and a significant 5.4-fold increase in MF over exposed WT mice. Additionally, KO mice exposed to BDO(2) exhibited a significant 4.5-fold increase in MF over controls and a significant 1.7-fold increase in MF over exposed WT mice. We also compared genomic damage in WT and KO mice (comet tail moment) following IP exposure to 3 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg BDO(2). KO mice exposed to 3 mg/kg exhibited significantly more DNA damage than controls (7.5-12.1-fold increase) and exposed WT mice (3 mg/kg; 4.8-fold increase). KO mice exposed to 30 mg/kg BDO(2) exhibited significantly more DNA damage than all other groups (2.3-27.9-fold increase). Correlation analysis indicated that a significant, positive relationship (r(2) = 0.92) exists between comet-measured damage and Hprt MFs. The lack of mEH activity increases the genetic sensitivity of mice exposed to BD and BDO(2). This model should facilitate a mechanistic understanding of the observed variation in human genetic sensitivity following exposure to BD.
Pyrogen in the Urine of Febrile Patients with Hodgkin's Disease

THE mechanism whereby bacterial infections induce fever has been elucidated in some detail1,2. Bacteria and bacterial pyrogens (exogenous pyrogen) interact with polymorphonuclear granulocytes of the host, resulting in release into the circulation of a soluble product of the granulocyte (endogenous pyrogen) which is the proximate cause of the fever through its action on the temperature control centre of the host. Exogenous pyrogen arid endogenous pyrogen may be distinguished in several ways, but the most striking difference between their actions is that tolerance to the first develops rapidly, whereas endogenous pyrogen continues to cause fever after a long sequence of daily injections.
Dual Use of Amphiphilic Macromolecules As Cholesterol Efflux Triggers and Inhibitors of Macrophage Athero-inflammation

Activated vascular wall macrophages can rapidly internalize modified lipoproteins and escalate the growth of atherosclerotic plaques. This article proposes a biomaterials-based therapeutic intervention for depletion of non-regulated cholesterol accumulation and inhibition of inflammation of macrophages. Macromolecules with high scavenger receptor (SR)-binding activity were investigated for SR-mediated delivery of agonists to cholesterol-trafficking nuclear liver-X receptors. From a diverse feature space of a family of amphiphilic macromolecules of linear and aromatic mucic acid backbones modified with varied aliphatic chains and conjugated with differentially branched poly(ethylene glycol), a key molecule (carboxyl-terminated, C12-derivatized, linear mucic acid backbone) was selected for its ability to preferentially bind scavenger receptor A (SR-A) as the key target. At a basal level, this macromolecule suppressed the pro-inflammatory signaling of activated THP-1 macrophages while competitively lowering oxLDL uptake in vitro through scavenger receptor SRA-1 targeting. To further deplete intracellular cholesterol, the core macromolecule structure was exploited to solubilize a hydrophobic small molecule agonist for nuclear Liver-X Receptors, which regulate the efflux of intracellular cholesterol. The macromolecule-encapsulated agonist system was found to reduce oxLDL accumulation by 88% in vitro in comparison to controls. in vivo studies were designed to release the macromolecules (with or without encapsulated agonist) to injured carotid arteries within Sprague Dawley rats fed a high fat diet, conditions that yield enhanced cholesterol accumulation and macrophage recruitment. The macromolecules lowered intimal levels of accumulated cholesterol (50% for macromolecule alone; 70% for macromolecule-encapsulated agonist) and inhibited macrophage retention (92% for macromolecule; 96% for macromolecule-encapsulated agonist; 4 days) relative to non-treated controls. Thus, this study highlights the promise of designing bioactive macromolecule therapeutics based on scavenger receptor targeting, for potential management of vascular arterial disease.
Aerodynamic steering of a 10 cm high-speed running robot

Turning while running at high speeds remains a difficult task for legged robots, but this capability is crucial for maneuvering quickly in a real-world environment. In this work we present a 10 cm long novel robot, SailRoACH, the first running robot that uses aerodynamic forces to turn. We present a scale analysis of aerodynamic steering, showing this steering method is most effective for small robots. Modeling and simulations were performed, and validated with experiments, that showed the robot is capable of stably turning in a 1.2 m radius at 1.6 ms-1. We also show that aerodynamic steering is superior for high speed turns at high forward velocity, compared to existing methods. Additionally, aerodynamic steering allows us to introduce a constant yaw disturbance to the robot. This is useful for studying legged locomotion, and is difficult to achieve otherwise.
In vitro binding evaluation of 177Lu-AMBA, a novel 177Lu-labeled GRP-R agonist for systemic radiotherapy in human tissues

Members of the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) family and its analogs bombesin (BBN) have been implicated in the biology of several human cancers including prostate, breast, colon and lung. To date, three mammalian GRP/BBN receptor subtypes have been cloned and characterized: the neuromedin B receptor (NMBR), the GRP receptor (GRPR) and the BBN-receptor subtype 3 (BB(3)). The fourth BBN receptor subtype, BB(4), has only been identified in amphibian and at present no mammalian equivalent of this receptor has been described. GRPR analogs have been used as carriers to deliver drugs, radionuclides and cytotoxins to target various cancer types that are GRPR positive. We investigated the in vitro binding properties of (177)Lu-AMBA, a novel radiolabelled BBN analog currently undergoing clinical trial as systemic radiotherapy for hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) patients. Pharmacological analyses of the (177)Lu-AMBA was determined using in vitro binding studies using membrane target system containing specific receptor subtypes. We investigated the distribution of binding sites for (177)Lu-AMBA by receptor autoradiography on human neoplastic and non-neoplastic tissues. Pharmacological characterizations of (177)Lu-AMBA shows, high affinity towards NMB and GRP receptors, while little or no affinity towards BB(3) receptor. Among the 40 different types of non-neoplastic tissues tested seven of them showed limited but specific binding of (177)Lu-AMBA. Fourteen of 17 primary prostate cancers, six of 13 primary breast cancers expressed binding sites for (177)Lu-AMBA. Furthermore, no apparent differences in (177)Lu-AMBA-binding sites expression were observed between matched pairs (primary vs. secondary) of prostate and breast cancer tissues. These data represent the molecular basis for clinical applications of (177)Lu-AMBA for diagnosis and treatment of GRP-R and NMB-R positive tumors.
Protecting privacy while sharing information in electronic communities

A great deal of economically useful information is distributed among many people. Collecting and utilizing this information could potentially provide many useful services not only for the people from whom the information is obtained but also others with similar interests. For instance, recommendation systems rely on feedback about the quality or suitability of various items from those who have used them in the past. As another example, the development of reputations through dealing with a number of people can help future transactions with new people by establishing well-regarded brand names. Reputations are extremely valuable in the context of electronic commerce, for they provide a mechanism to establish trust and reduce the costs and risks involved in transactions.
Evidence for Multiple Stages in the Processing of Ambiguous Words in Syntactic Contexts.

A variable time delay naming latency paradigm was used to investigate the processing of noun—verb lexical ambiguities (e.g., watch) in syntactic contexts which either biased the noun or verb reading (e.g., I bought the watch; I will watch). Target words related to either the noun or verb reading were presented at 0, 200, and 600 msec following the sentence-final ambiguous word. At 0 msec, naming latencies related to either reading were facilitated regardless of the biasing context. By 200 msec, facilitation obtained only for targets related to the reading of the ambiguous word biased by the context. The results support a two-stage model in which all readings of ambiguous words are initially accessed and then the inappropriate readings are rapidly suppressed.
Stress, Scrunching And Tethering: The Roles Of The Connecting Template Strand In Initiation By T7 RNA Polymerase

T7 RNA polymerase is the most well characterized single subunit RNA polymerase. It possesses high activity in vitro and shows high specificity for its DNA promoter. It is also functionally similar to the multi subunit RNA polymerases, making it an ideal model to study the mechanistic aspects of RNA polymerase during its transition through the three phases of transcription; initiation, elongation and termination.Like all DNA-dependent RNA polymerases, T7 RNA polymerase carries out de novo synthesis of RNA from a double stranded template. The enzyme melts open the duplex, initiates synthesis of a dinucleotide RNA, and moves along the template DNA extending and ultimately displacing the RNA transcript. In the initially transcribing phase, the bubble expands as the RNA:DNA hybrid grows. This phase is associated with large structural rearrangements in the complex and is characterized by an instability leading to the release of short, abortive RNA products.It was proposed many years ago that the release of abortive products results from a growing “stress” in the system. Recent crystal structures have suggested that “scrunching” of the template (single) strand connecting the initiation site to the duplex promoter region contributes substantially to this stress.In order to probe the role of this connecting single strand, we have created various constructs in which regions of this single stranded DNA have been nicked, deleted (gapped) or overlapped and then have asked how this effects both 1) the initial positioning of the template DNA and 2) the stability of constructs stepping away from the promoter (abortive cycling). These results provide a direct test of the scrunching model for stress during the initially transcribing phase of transcription.
Murine mercury-induced autoimmunity: a model of chemically related autoimmunity in humans.

Human exposure to certain compounds or therapeutic drugs can result in the development of an autoimmune syndrome. Mercury (Hg) induced autoimmunity is one of the few animal models in which administration of a chemical induces a specific loss of tolerance to self-antigens. After receiving subtoxic doses of Hg or other heavy metals, susceptible mouse strains rapidly develop highly specific antibodies to nucleolar antigens. In addition, these animals display a general activation of the immune system, especially pronounced for the Th2 subset and a transient glomerulonephritis with immunoglobulin deposits. Like many human autoimmune diseases, this syndrome is associated with the expression of susceptible major histocompatibility complex (MHC) classII genes. In this article, we review the essential features of this model, and we discuss the putative mechanisms by which Hg creates such a severe immune dysfunction.
Inhibition of Human Synovial β-Glucuronidase by Steroidal Compounds

AbstractIntroductionIn our laboratory we have focused on several enzymes, among them β-glucuronidase, which have been shown to be released in abnormal quantities during chronic inflammatory diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.1,2 This enzyme, which is involved in the catalysis of β-glucuronides, has been characterized in mammalian tissues.3 In previous studies4,5 we have demonstrated that it was inhibitied by a number of synthetic antiinflammatory gold (I) complexes, such as gold (I) thiomalate (Myochrisin) and gold (I) thiosulfate (Solganol). although the mechanism of inhibition has not been verified we have suggested from these and previous studies6 that a thiol group on the enzyme may be the primary site of binding to the gold complex.
Evidence for voltage-sensitive reaction steps in the mechanism of the red beet plasma membrane H+-ATPase

Abstract The effects of an imposed voltage on the ATP hydrolytic and transport activities of the red beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) plasma membrane H + -ATPase were examined following its purification and reconstitution into proteoliposomes or a planar bilayer membrane. When a large opposing (interior-positive) membrane voltage was established in proteoliposomes, ATP hydrolytic activity of the plasma membrane H + -ATPase decreased, but its sensitivity to vanadate was also reduced. Although an opposing voltage decreased ATP-dependent electrical current generation by the H + -ATPase, little change in the vanadate sensitivity of this activity was observed. These results were interpreted in terms of a voltage-sensitive reaction occurring at the E 1 P → E 2 P transition step in the enzyme reaction mechanism. The close fit of current-voltage (I/V) data to a two-state reaction-kinetic model for the red beet plasma membrane H + -ATPase, in a planar bilayer or proteoliposomes, was also consistent with the presence of a voltage-sensitive step in the mechanism being involved in charge translocation. Moreover, direct measurement of rate constants for the E 1 P → E 2 P reaction based upon dephosphorylation kinetics confirmed voltage-sensitivity for this step. The results of this study are discussed in terms of a role for the E 1 P → E 2 P reaction step in H + translocation and the possibility of the plant plasma membrane H + -ATPase displaying “slip” in the presence of an opposing membrane voltage.
Restoration of spontaneous exploratory behaviors with an intrathecal NMDA receptor antagonist or a PKC inhibitor in rats with acute pancreatitis.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the influence of a glutamate receptor antagonist or a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor on the central visceral nociceptive amplification process present in an experimental pancreatitis model. The acute pancreatitis model was produced by combining intraductal infusion of an irritative bile salt, glycodeoxycholic acid (GDOC), with intraperitoneal injection of a CCK analogue, caerulein, in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Exploratory activities were measured with an automated photobeam activity system and compared among different treatment groups. To confirm the inflammation, the pancreas was weighed and compared histologically with those taken from naive rats. Exploratory activity changed significantly in rats with experimental pancreatitis (i.e., rearing events, rearing time, active time, distance traveled, and total activity all were decreased; whereas resting time was increased). The inflamed pancreatic tissues were edematous, with moderate to marked acinar atrophy and inflammatory infiltrate. Intrathecal administration (at the T7–T9 spinal levels) of an NMDA receptor antagonist (D-AP5, 1 μg) or a selective PKC inhibitor (GF109203X, 0.15 μg) significantly reversed the changes in exploratory activity when compared with the vehicle-treated group of rats with experimental pancreatitis. Our results demonstrate that pancreatitis pain is the result of central pain processes that play a role in the amplification of responses to peripheral visceral input through NMDA receptor activation and PKC phosphorylation signaling pathways.
The Reaction of Carboxylates with Chloromethyldimethylchlorosilane

Abstract The ambidentate substrate chloromethyldimethylchlorosilane reacts with carboxylates to form both the mono and bis derivatives C1CH2Si(CH3)2O2CR RCO2CH2Si(CH3)2O2CR depending on the experimental conditions. Reaction in THF at room temperature favors the mono derivative, while reflux in DMF produces the bis derivatives. When the group attached to the carbonyl is large, reaction at room temperature is very slow and in refluxing DMF a mixture of mono and bis derivatives is formed. Transsilylation of trimethylsilylbenzoate with chloromethyldimethylchlorosilane produces the mono derivative. Attempts to make the mono carbon substituted derivative failed. The IR of all derivatives contain normal ester carbonyl stretching vibrations and therefore none have coordination to silicon.
Capsaicin preferentially affects small-diameter acutely isolated rat dorsal root ganglion cell bodies.

The effects of capsaicin were tested on 221 acutely isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons of the rat, which ranged in diameter from 15 to 55 μm. In a subpopulation of these cells, ranging in diameter from 17.5 to 33 μm (n=117), capsaicin (1 μM) produced an inward shift in holding current that was associated with an increase in membrane conductance in most cells (114 of 117). These effects of capsaicin were reversible upon washout of the drug. Other cells ranging in diameter from 15 to 52.5 μm (n=104) were unaffected in this manner by the 1 μm concentration of capsaicin. Capsaicin-sensitive cells had, on average, significantly longer duration action potentials and expressed significantly less IH than capsaicin-insensitive cells. The relatively long duration action potentials and/or small cell body diameter and paucity of IH observed in most of the capsaicin-sensitive cells is consistent with their representing C- or Aδ-type sensory neurons.
How I assess comorbidities before hematopoietic cell transplantation

The hematopoietic cell transplantation-comorbidity index (HCT-CI) is a comorbidity tool suited for recipients of HCT. The index has been shown to sensitively capture the prevalence and magnitude of severity of various organ impairments before HCT and to provide valuable prognostic information after HCT. Many investigators have validated the discriminative power of the HCT-CI, but others have not. One concern is the consistency in comorbidity coding across different evaluators, particularly in view of the relatively recent addition of the HCT-CI to the transplant evaluation process. In this article, comorbidity scoring was tested across different evaluators, and only a fair interobserver agreement rate could be detected. To address these issues, a brief training program is proposed here, consisting of systematic methodology for data acquisition and consistent guidelines for comorbidity coding that were summarized in a Web-based calculator. In a validation patient cohort, this training program was shown to improve the interevaluator agreement on HCT-CI scores to an excellent rate with weighted κ values in the range of 0.89 to 0.97. This proposed training program will facilitate reliable assessment of comorbidities in the clinic and for research studies leading to standardization of the use of comorbidities in prediction of HCT outcomes.
Design and Implementation of MP3 Player Based on FPGA

The paper adopts a method of a low speed processer and FPGA based hardware accelerator SOC units to develop the MP3 player, added with some peripheral devices. The experimental results show that the system has implemented the basic functions of the MP3 player, having its own advantage on increasing the decoding speed and reducing the system consumption. The system is convenient to redesign for more function in the future because its designed based on FPGA. In conclusion, it has a wide application prospect.
Hearing loss with semicircular canal transection and Pseudomonas aeruginosa otitis media

OBJECTIVE: To determine if Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) otitis media (OM) increases the risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) with semicircular canal transection in the guinea pig model.METHODS: PA was injected transtympanically into both middle ears of pigmented guinea pigs. Saline-injected animals served as controls. Two to 4 days after injection, one horizontal semicircular canal was transected and sealed. Hearing was tested using electrocochleography before and after transection.RESULTS: PA-OM was induced in all PA-injected ears. Five days after semicircular canal transection, click-evoked thresholds were significantly elevated in ears with PA-OM (P = 0.00009) but not in saline-injected ears (P = 0.398).CONCLUSION: Violation of the inner ear in the presence of PA-OM is associated with increased risk of SNHL in the guinea pig.SIGNIFICANCE: Factors unique to PA infection may be responsible for SNHL with labyrinthine injury in humans with chronic otitis media.
Movement of the biotin carboxylase B-domain as a result of ATP binding.

Abstract Acetyl-CoA carboxylase catalyzes the first committed step in fatty acid synthesis. In Escherichia coli, the enzyme is composed of three distinct protein components: biotin carboxylase, biotin carboxyl carrier protein, and carboxyltransferase. The biotin carboxylase component has served for many years as a paradigm for mechanistic studies devoted toward understanding more complicated biotin-dependent carboxylases. The three-dimensional x-ray structure of an unliganded form of E. coli biotin carboxylase was originally solved in 1994 to 2.4-A resolution. This study revealed the architecture of the enzyme and demonstrated that the protein belongs to the ATP-grasp superfamily. Here we describe the three-dimensional structure of theE. coli biotin carboxylase complexed with ATP and determined to 2.5-A resolution. The major conformational change that occurs upon nucleotide binding is a rotation of approximately 45o of one domain relative to the other domains thereby closing off the active site pocket. Key residues involved in binding the nucleotide to the protein include Lys-116, His-236, and Glu-201. The backbone amide groups of Gly-165 and Gly-166 participate in hydrogen bonding interactions with the phosphoryl oxygens of the nucleotide. A comparison of this closed form of biotin carboxylase with carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase is presented.
Modeling Discretionary Accrual Reversal and the Balance Sheet as an Earnings Management Constraint

ABSTRACT: This study presents conceptual and empirical analyses of discretionary accrual reversal in the earnings management context. We specifically focus on the extent that income-increasing (de...
Spontaneous brain parenchymal hemorrhage: an approach to imaging for the emergency room radiologist

Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage is a neurological emergency commonly encountered by the emergency radiologist. This article reviews the approach to spontaneous brain parenchymal hemorrhage, including common causes and the role of various neuroimaging modalities in the diagnostic workup. We emphasize the need for a primary survey directed at conveying information needed for emergent clinical management of the patient and a secondary survey directed at identifying the etiology of the hemorrhage.
MICROBIOLOGICAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF FERMENTED COWPEAS (Vigna sinensis) AND CHICKPEAS (Cicer arietinum)

Cowpeas and chickpeas were allowed to undergo natural fermentation for 4 days at room temperature (25°C). The average pH and titratable acidity (as percent lactic acid) attained for cowpeas were 4.12 and 1.32%, respectively, and for chickpeas, 3.92 and 1.02%, respectively. No toxic substance was detected in fermented cowpeas and chickpeas as determined by the in vivo tests in chicken embryos.
Autocorrelation sidelobe considerations in the characterization of multipath errors

The effects of autocorrelation sidelobes on multipath errors in pseudorandom noise (PRN) ranging systems are investigated. It is shown that both medium-delay (i.e., on the order of 1 PRN chip) as well as long-delay multipath errors are affected. Results are applied to the case of the Global Positioning System (GPS).