cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Dimensionality, Stability, and Predictive Validity of the Developmental Profile II:

The Developmental Profile II (DPII), a widely used developmental assessment instrument, was evaluated for its dimensionality, stability, and predictive validity. A total of 349 children were tested at age 4 in prekindergarten. The children were tested again at age 6 in first grade. Teachers provided data on problems, defined as failure to meet promotion criteria and referral for special services. Although the test was designed to measure five areas of development, three factor analyses indicated that it is best described as measuring a single global dimension. Correlations among the five scales indicated that they are highly intercorrelated. In two logistic regression analyses, one using prekindergarten and the other using first-grade DPII scores, only the DPII Academic scales predicted problems. However, the correlations from both analyses, while significant, were too low to be used for prediction. For a subsample of 88 children the DPII scores, taken at both prekindergarten and first grade, did not pred...
Influence of network topology on the elasticity of the red blood cell membrane skeleton

A finite-element network model is used to investigate the influence of the topology of the red blood cell membrane skeleton on its macroscopic mechanical properties. Network topology is characterized by the number of spectrin oligomers per actin junction (phi a) and the number of spectrin dimers per self-association junction (phi s). If it is assumed that all associated spectrin is in tetrameric form, with six tetramers per actin junction (i.e., phi a = 6.0 and phi s = 2.0), then the topology of the skeleton may be modeled by a random Delaunay triangular network. Recent images of the RBC membrane skeleton suggest that the values for these topological parameters are in the range of 4.2
On the Wittrick-Williams algorithm for modes of flexible structures

We present a new proof of the oft-used Wittrick-Williams algorithm for finding modes of flexible structures, generalizing it at the same time a little, and noting the relation to positive-real transfer functions and electrical circuit theory.
The Effect of Election Administration on Voter Confidence: A Local Matter?

The 2000 presidential election was a wake-up call to elected leaders, public officials, and election scholars. The electoral fiasco—most prominent in Florida, but also taking place in states like New Mexico and Ohio—revealed many deficiencies in voting equipment (Caltech/MIT Voting Technology Project 2001). In addition to faulty equipment, registration mix-ups and problems with absentee ballots led to the loss of as many as six million votes (Caltech/MIT Voting Technology Project 2001). Confusing ballots, like the butterfly ballot in Florida's Dade County, were found to have led voters to vote incorrectly (Wand et al. 2001). While these problems have, no doubt, existed for a long time, the closeness of the 2000 presidential race and the fact that the number of lost votes had the power to change the election outcome have brought election administration questions to the forefront of policy making.Results were first presented at “The Future of Election Reform and Ethics in the States,” hosted by Kent State University, Department of Political Science, Columbus, Ohio, January 16–17, 2007, and the following paper was presented at the Midwest Political Science Association's Annual Meeting, Chicago, Illinois, April 12–15, 2007. Data were collected by monies generously provided by the University of New Mexico's Research Allocation Committee. We'd like to thank Luciana Zilberman, Lisa Bryant, Alex Adams, David Magleby, and the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy at Brigham Young University for their assistance with this project. Of course, any errors are our own.
Studies of surface structures and compositions of polyethylene and polypropylene by IR+visible sum frequency vibrational spectroscopy

Abstract IR+visible sum-frequency generation (SFG) was used to obtain surface vibrational spectra of polyethylene and polypropylene. It was found that low density and ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene have different surface structures. The latter has a surface mainly composed of orderly packed gauche conformers while the former has a surface with a more random distribution of polymer chains. The SFG spectra also show that surface structures of atactic and isotactic polypropylenes are different. Segregation of additives at surfaces of industrial polyethylene and polypropylene, that cannot be detected by IR and Raman spectroscopies, can be readily observed by SFG.
Inhibition of Muscle Differentiation by the Novel Muscleblind-Related Protein CHCR

Growth factor withdrawal from proliferating myoblasts induces the expression of muscle-specific genes essential for myogenesis. By suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), we have cloned a novel human cDNA that encodes a Cys3His zinc finger protein named CHCR (Cys3His CCG1-Required). CHCR is related to Muscleblind (Mbl), a Drosophila melanogaster protein required for terminal muscle differentiation. It also displays sequence similarity to EXP/MBNL, a human Mbl protein that interacts with CUG expansions associated with the degenerative muscular disease, myotonic dystrophy (DM1). This relationship with EXP/MBNL and Mbl suggests that CHCR also functions during muscle differentiation. We have found that CHCR mRNA and protein levels decrease upon differentiation of mouse myoblast cells. Constitutive expression of CHCR in C2C12 cells inhibits the induction of sarcomeric myosin heavy chain (MyHC) upon serum deprivation. Induction of myogenin, an earlier marker of muscle differentiation, is inhibited to a lesser extent, while expression of the cell cycle inhibitor, p21, remains unaffected. Loss of CHCR function by morpholino antisense oligonucleotide treatment accelerates MyHC induction during differentiation of myoblast cells. These complementary gain- and loss-of-function results suggest that CHCR is an inhibitor of myogenesis. CHCR represents the first muscleblind-related protein that antagonizes, instead of promotes, muscle differentiation.
Radioassays for quantitation of intact complement proteins C2 and B in human serum.

Availability of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies recognizing determinants on the major cleavage fragments of complement proteins C2 and B enabled development of sensitive radioassays which can be used to quantitate the intact proteins in human sera. Changes in C2 and B concentrations indicative of classical or alternative pathway activation, or both, were seen in normal serum after incubation with complement activators. We determined the normal range (x ± 2 SD) of C2 concentration to be 11–35 μg/ml in 32 healthy individuals, and that of protein B to be 74–286 μg/ml. Sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), septic shock, infections, and following orthopedic surgery were then assayed. Mean protein B concentration was significantly higher in SLE sera (P = 0.002) and in the infected and post-operative (acute-phase) sera (P < 0.001), and the mean C2 concentration in the septic shock group (P < 0.001) was significantly lower than the mean of healthy individuals. Intact C2 was not detected in known C2-dependent individuals. These assays allow parallel quantitation of the structurally and functionally homologous proteins of the classical (C2) and alternative (B) pathways, which is of interest in patients with genetic and acquired hypocomplementemia.
The 2002 Russian Census: Institutional Reform at Goskomstar

A specialist on Russian political institutions evaluates the performance of Russia's State Statistical Committee (Goskomstat) in preparing and conducting the national census of 2002. Standards drawn from practices in other countries are employed in the evaluation, including the responsiveness of the census to the data priorities of government and society, the reliability and level of non-politicization of data, and the accessibility of collected data. Conclusions are based largely on a systematic analysis of the journal Voprosy statistiki from 1985 to 2003 and on interviews conducted by the author during 2003-2004 with managers of the Census in Goskomstat offices in 11 regions of Russia.
Breast-conserving radiation therapy using combined electron and intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique.

Abstract Background and purpose : To explore the feasibility of a multi-modality breast-conserving radiation therapy treatment technique to reduce high dose to the ipsilateral lung and the heart when compared with the conventional treatment technique using two tangential fields. Materials and methods : An electron beam with appropriate energy was combined with four intensity modulated photon beams. The direction of the electron beam was chosen to be tilted 10–20° laterally from the anteroposterior direction. Two of the intensity-modulated photon beams had the same gantry angles as the conventional tangential fields, whereas the other two beams were rotated 15–25° toward the anteroposterior directions from the first two photon beams. An iterative algorithm was developed which optimizes the weight of the electron beam as well as the fluence profiles of the photon beams for a given patient. Two breast cancer patients with early-stage breast tumors were planned with the new technique and the results were compared with those from 3D planning using tangential fields as well as 9-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) techniques. Results : The combined electron and IMRT plans showed better dose conformity to the target with significantly reduced dose to the ipsilateral lung and, in the case of the left-breast patient, reduced dose to the heart, than the tangential field plans. In both the right-sided and left-sided breast plans, the dose to other normal structures was similar to that from conventional plans and was much smaller than that from the 9-field IMRT plans. The optimized electron beam provided between 70 to 80% of the prescribed dose at the depth of maximum dose of the electron beam. Conclusions : The combined electron and IMRT technique showed improvement over the conventional treatment technique using tangential fields with reduced dose to the ipsilateral lung and the heart. The customized beam directions of the four IMRT fields also kept the dose to other critical structures to a minimum.
Statistical Correlation Between Conducted Voltages on the Powerline and Those Measured with a Line-Impedance Stabilization Network

In measurements of physical parameters, it is not always possible to obtain consistent results because of the dependence on and interaction of a significantly uncontrolled variable element in the measurement. For consistent results to be obtained, the variation in the element may be eliminated by replacing the element with a simulated representative constant. Measurement of conducted powerline noise from electric/ electronic equipment is subject to such variation. Conducted-noise measurement procedures used in the United States, and also internationally, typically employ line-impedance stabilization networks (LISN's) which, in theory, eliminate the effects of variations in the ac power-distribution-network impedance on the measurement. The LISN is designed to be representative of the actual power-distribution- network impedance presented to equipment connected to the network. The LISN and power-network impedances are both frequency variant. Power-network impedances can assume a wide range of values at a fixed frequency, whereas the LISN impedance, assuming that any line-impedance effects are small, is a single value. This paper explores the correlation between conducted noise voltages measured in a LISN configuration and the actual noise voltages expected to be impressed on the power distribution system. The analysis is conducted at 1 MHz. The paper analytically relates the impedances of the LISN, power distribution system, and equipment. A LISN of the type used in the United States is used in the development; however, the concept and procedure presented is applicable to any LISN, frequency, and equipment.
Selective changes in gene expression in cortical regions sensitive to amphetamine during the neurodegenerative process.

Abstract Gene expression profiles in several brain regions of adult male rats were evaluated following a d -amphetamine (AMPH) exposure paradigm previously established to produce AMPH neurotoxicity. Escalating doses of AMPH (5–30 mg/kg) were given over the course of 16 h per day in an 18 °C environment for 2 days. This paradigm produces neurotoxicity but eliminates or minimizes the hyperthermia and seizure activity that might influence gene expression in a manner unrelated to the neurotoxic effects of AMPH. The expression of 1185 genes was monitored in the striatum, parietal cortex, piriform cortex and posteriolateral cortical amygdaloid nucleus (PLCo) using cDNA array technology, and potentially significant changes were verified by RT–PCR. Gene expression was determined at time points after AMPH when neurodegeneration was beginning to appear (16 h) or maximal (64 h). Expression was also determined 14 days after AMPH to find long-term changes in gene expression that might be biomarkers of a neurotoxic event. In the parietal cortex there was a two-fold increase in neuropeptide Y precursor protein mRNA whereas nerve growth factor-induced receptor protein I-A and I-B mRNA decreased 50% at 16 h after the end of AMPH exposure. Although these changes in expression were not observed in the PLCo, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 mRNA was increased two-fold in the PLCo at 16 and 64 h after AMPH. Changes in gene expression in the cortical regions were all between 1.2- and 1.5-fold 14 days after AMPH but some of these changes, such as annexin V increases, may be relevant to neurotoxicity. Gene expression was not affected by more than 1.5-fold at the time points in the striatum, although 65% dopamine depletions occurred, but the plasma membrane-associated dopamine transporter and dopamine D2 receptor were decreased about 40% in the substantia nigra at 64 h and 14 days post-AMPH. Thus, the 2-day AMPH treatment produced a few changes in gene expression in the two-fold range at time points 16 h or more after exposure but the majority of expression changes were less than 1.5-fold of control. Nonetheless, some of these lesser fold-changes appeared to be relevant to the neurotoxic process.
Variations in a regional fire regime related to vegetation type in San Diego County, California (USA)

This study considers variations in a regional fire regime that are related to vegetation structure. Using a Geographic Information System, the vegetation of San Diego County, Southern coastal California USA is divided into six generalized classes based on dominant plant form and include: herbaceous, sage scrub, chaparral, hardwood forest, conifer forest and desert. Mapped fire occurrences for the 20th century are then overlain to produce records of stand age, fire frequency and transitional stability for each of the vegetation classes. A ‘Manhattan’ similarity index is used to compare and group transition matrices for the six classes of vegetation. This analysis groups herbaceous, hardwood and conifer forests in one group, sage scrub and chaparral in a second, and desert in a third. In general, sage scrub and chaparral have burned more frequently than other vegetation types during the course of the 20th century. Temporal trends suggest that the rate of burning in shrub-dominated vegetation is either stable (chaparral) or increasing (sage scrub), while the rate of burning in both hardwood and conifer forest is declining. This is consistent with a pattern of increased fire ignitions along the relatively low elevation urban-wildland interface, and an increase in the efficiency of fire suppression in high elevation forests.
Electrical design and design automation for packaging

One important challenge in the electrical design of electronic packaging is encountered in the many systems requiring processors operating at clock frequencies in the hundreds of Megahertz. The competition to provide higher performance computers results in an increasing number of processors in a system and these processors are running at faster clock frequencies. The package needs to support wider buses at higher frequencies to connect the processors with each other and with cache and main memory data storage. Since the interconnects must run without interruption, the timing and noise characteristics of these paths must be characterized and managed. The short design cycle is supported by including the management of the timing and noise characteristics as an integral part of the high-level system design at the beginning of the project and then verifying that the same constraints are met for the formal design review before the finished designs are released into manufacturing. The principles we follow to design the packaging for multi-processor systems are presented. A methodology for design will be described which defines budgets and equations to efficiently calculate the timing and noise on the interconnects. This provides a means to include the electrical considerations in the optimal cost-performance choice of technology. The budgets and equations are then integrated into the design tools and provide guidance in the design of the power and signal distribution and the means for thorough post-design verification of the electrical performance of the package in the system.
Craig on the possibility of eternal damnation

In two recent papers, one a critique of two papers of mine, William Lane Craig has sought to put the Free Will Defence in the service of the traditional doctrine of hell; he has sought to establish, in other words, that the following proposition, which I shall call the Damnation Thesis (DT), is at least possibly true:(DT) There exists at least one sinner S such that S will never be reconciled to God and thus never be saved.
Development and implementation of a nurse-driven, sliding-scale nomogram for bivalirudin in the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

Purpose A simplified dosing nomogram to assist nurses in adjusting the rate of i.v. bivalirudin administration in cases of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is described. Summary To facilitate the availability of bivalirudin as an alternative direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) for patients with HIT at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC), a team of clinical pharmacists developed a nomogram designed to simplify infusion dosage adjustments by nurses. In contrast to bivalirudin nomograms requiring patient-specific, percentage-based dose adjustments, the nomogram developed at OSUWMC specifies fixed adjustments (0.005 or 0.01 mg/kg/hr) according to the current activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) value relative to aPTT goals. During pilot testing over three years, the nomogram was used to guide dosage adjustments in 65 adult patients receiving continuous infusions of bivalirudin for suspected or confirmed HIT in intensive care units. Overall, the use of the nomogram resulted in adequate anticoagulation, with 53.7% of all measured aPTT values in the target range; 30.5% of aPTT values were below target, and 15.8% of values were above target. The median time to steady state was 11.0 hours (range, 5.0–31.8 hours), and bleeding rates were consistent with those reported in the literature. Nurse adherence to the nomogram was 100%, and no dosing errors occurred during a total of 487 dosage changes. Based on the pilot study results, the nomogram was refined to improve initial dosing for patients with creatinine clearance values of >30 mL/min; other refinements were made to enhance the safety of bivalirudin therapy for HIT in patients with severe renal impairment. Conclusion A nurse-driven, sliding-scale nomogram for bivalirudin therapy in patients with HIT provided a simple dosing protocol and resulted in a high rate of adherence by nurses.
History of falls, balance performance, and quality of life in older cancer survivors

Older cancer survivors may be predisposed to falls because of the sequalae associated with cancer and its treatments. This study examined the association between the fall history, balance performance, and health-related quality of life (QoL) in older, community-dwelling cancer survivors who had completed primary cancer treatments. Forty-one cancer survivors (age = 67.9 ± 8.8 years) participated in the study. Balance performance was examined using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) and the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest). Scores from the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) of the SF-36v2 were obtained to assess the QoL. The demographics and health status were comparable between the fallers and non-fallers. While 54% of the participants had experienced at least one fall in the past 12 months, 30% had experienced two or more falls. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the outcomes from the ABC and the PCS (p < 0.001), and between the BESTest and the PCS (p < 0.001). Only the PCS significantly differentiated fallers from non-fallers (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis estimated that a one-unit increase in the PCS score significantly reduced the odds of falling by 13% (p < 0.01). The results demonstrate that in older cancer survivors, falls are a significant problem and balance control is a determinant of perceived physical function and well-being. Older cancer survivors reporting a poor QoL in the physical health domain may have higher risks of falling. Future studies are needed to examine the risk factor profiles of falls and the interventions to prevent falls in older cancer survivors.
Angiotensin-II induction of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene expression in astroglial cells of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rat brain.

Angiotensin-II (AII) stimulates plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene transcription, translation, and protein secretion from astroglial cells derived from normotensive [Wistar-Kyoto (WKY)] rat brain, an effect mediated by AII type 1 (AT1) receptors. Since abnormal expression of the brain AII system has been demonstrated in spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats, we investigated the regulation of PAI-1 gene expression by AII in astroglial cells from the brains of these animals. AII caused an increase in PAI-1 gene expression in SH rat astroglia in a manner similar to that observed in WKY-derived cultures. However, both the basal and AII-stimulated levels of PAI-1 mRNA in SH rat astroglia were only 20% of those observed in WKY rat astroglial cultures. Consequently, there was a significant reduction in the de novo synthesis and secretion of PAI-1 from astroglia of SH rat brain. The reduced synthesis and secretion of PAI-1 from SH rat brain astroglia was associated with lower numbers of AT1 receptors i...
Implantable Defibrillator Diagnostic Storage Capabilities: Evolution, Current Status, and Future Utilization

There has been a rapid and significant evolution in the stored diagnostic information available from implantable cardioverter defibrillatars (ICDs). The diagnostic information available in current generation ICDs has greatly enhanced the clinicians' ability to determine the rhythm triggering device therapy as well as to identify potential problems with the ICD system. Furthermore, this information may be useful in identifying triggers of ventricular arrhythmias in patients at high risk for sudden death. The history, evolution, value, and limitations of the stored diagnostic capabilities of implantable defibrillators are discussed.
Quantum computing and quadratically signed weight enumerators

We prove that quantum computing is polynomially equivalent to classical probabilistic computing with an oracle for estimating the value of simple sums, quadratically signed weight enumerators (QWGTs). The problem of estimating these sums is cast in terms of promise problems and has two interesting variants. An oracle for the unconstrained variant may be more powerful than quantum computing, while an oracle for a more constrained variant is efficiently solvable in the one-bit model of quantum computing. Thus, problems involving QWGTs yield new problems in BQPP (BQP promise problems) and a natural BQPP complete problem. They can be used to define and study complexity classes and their relationships to quantum computing.
15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase can be induced by dexamethasone and other glucocorticoids at the therapeutic level in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells ☆

Dexamethasone induced the expression of 15-PGDH in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Maximal induction was observed at 10nM. Induction of 15-PGDH expression was also achieved by other synthetic glucocorticoids. Induction was inhibited by the addition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and phorbol ester. These pro-inflammatory agents were also shown to induce COX-2 expression. PMA was found to be the most effective stimulator of COX-2 expression and the most potent inhibitor of dexamethasone-induced 15-PGDH expression. Attenuation of dexamethasone-induced 15-PGDH expression by PMA was, in part, due to a protein kinase C-mediated mechanism. The induction of 15-PGDH expression by dexamethasone was blocked by a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU 486 and by a nuclear translocation inhibitor geldanamycin, indicating that the induction is a genetic mechanism. The induction of 15-PGDH expression by dexamethasone and other glucocorticoids at the therapeutic level provides an additional biochemical mechanism for the anti-inflammatory action of these glucocorticoids.
Merging information versus speech recognition

Norris, McQueen & Cutler claim that all known speech recognition data can be accounted for with their autonomous model, “Merge.” But this claim is doubly misleading. (1) Although speech recognition is autonomous in their view, the Merge model is not. (2) The body of data which the Merge model accounts for, is not, in their view, speech recognition data.
Slow tapering from methadone maintenance in a program encouraging indefinite maintenance

Longitudinal studies have indicated that most opioid agonist-using patients are not able to successfully complete tapering attempts. Little is known, however, about tapering within a treatment environment that is supportive of indefinite agonist treatment and medication tapering. In this study, all records of patients beginning a slow methadone taper were reviewed (N = 30). No patient successfully completed methadone tapering. Four patients (13.3%) successfully switched to buprenorphine/naloxone, one of whom tapered off buprenorphine/naloxone. Three patients (10%) were continuing their taper at the study's end. One patient transferred to another program, one was administratively discharged, and one had his taper stopped for mishandling doses. The remaining patients (n = 20, 66.7%) stopped their tapers for the following reasons: feeling unstable/withdrawal symptoms (n = 4, 13.3%), drug use/positive urinalysis results (n = 12, 40%), psychiatric instability (n = 3, 10%), and pain management (n = 1, 3.3%). Only one patient prematurely left treatment secondary to a failed taper attempt. Patients attempting tapers should be informed about the difficulty involved and be monitored closely for signs of instability. For a few patients, a taper to a lower methadone dose and a switch to buprenorphine/naloxone are obtainable. Program policies that support both tapering attempts and indefinite maintenance are described in this article.
Rethinking the internationalization of environmental interest groups A regime approach to behaviour

Abstract The internationalization of environmental interest groups, especially within the minerals sector, has long been a recognized fact. The factors that may account for this have attracted little attention. This paper will examine both how and why environmental interest groups internationalize. Various factors thought to influence the formation of interest groups across national borders have been closely analysed. Trade, exchange rates, and transport are just some of the many variables which influence the formation and activity of these entities. We believe that interest group formation generally, and environmental interest groups specifically, may be more usefully scrutinized in light of the politics and theory of political social movements.
Laser-Saturated Fluorescence Measurements of Nitric Oxide in Laminar, Flat, C2H6/O2/N2 Flames at Atmospheric Pressure

Abstract We have performed both laser-saturated fluorescence (LSF) and linear laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements of NO in lean and rich atmospheric-pressure C2H6/O2/N2 flames. Unlike previous LSF measurements of OH, NH, and CH, the LSF measurements of NO require a broadband detection scheme, and thus we include a comprehensive theory for broadband LSF. Saturation of NO is found to be easily attainable at atmospheric pressure. When high laser energies are used to insure saturation of NO, background fluorescence often occurs from additional flame species; hence, a subtraction technique is introduced to eliminate this fluorescence from the NO signal. Calibration of both the LSF and LIF techniques was accomplished by doping lean flames with known quantities of NO. A comparison of the LSF and LIF signals from postflame gases at ~ 1700 K as a function of equivalence ratio suggests that the influence of stoichiometry on fluorescence quenching is nearly negligible. Finally, we discuss the relative meri...
Constituents from Gymnema sylvestre Leaves VIII: Isolation, Chemistry, and Derivatives of Gymnemagenin and Gymnestrogenin

Isolation of crystalline gymnemagenin and gymnestrogenin directly from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, together with preparation of various derivatives of the two aglycones, is described.
Arterial Stiffness and Hormone Replacement Use in Healthy Postmenopausal Women

Background. Arterial stiffness has been shown to be positively related to cardiovascular disease risk. Little, however, is known about the influence of hormone replacement use on arterial stiffness in females. Methods. Arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid augmentation index (AI, applanation tonometry) were measured in 34 healthy postmenopausal women, including users (n = 18) and nonusers (n = 16) of hormone replacement. Results. There were no significant group differences in any of the physical characteristics including resting blood pressure. None of the measures of arterial stiffness differed between users and nonusers of hormone replacement. Conclusions. The present cross-sectional study indicates that reduced arterial stiffness does not appear to be a likely mechanism contributing to the lower incidence of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement.
An OsII‐NiII‐PdII Trimetallic Complex as an Electro‐Switchable‐Photoinduced‐Electron‐Transfer Device

Photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer in a trimetallic complex can be controlled by an external redox couple. The design of the trimetallic complex enables the selective oxidation and reduction of the intermediate site, so that the photoinduced electron transfer takes place over a specified distance upon excitation of the chromophore (shown schematically on the right).
Unified theory of real-time task scheduling and dynamic voltage/frequency scaling on MPSoCs

Dynamic voltage/frequency scaling (DVFS) and adaptive body biasing (ABB) have shown to effectively reduce dynamic and leakage energy consumption in real-time embedded systems. Although these techniques exploit the slack time on a given task ordering, the task ordering may not provide a slack time distribution that DVFS/ABB can benefit from and this can limit the potential energy saving such techniques can provide. In this paper, we present an optimal network flow based solution for simultaneous static real-time scheduling and energy minimization (DVFS and ABB) on multiprocessors. Results show that our optimal solution reduces the energy dissipation by 47.84%, 26.21% and 17.46%, on average, in comparison with no-DVFS execution, voltage scaling algorithm with virtual continuous speed [1] and an optimal energy minimization algorithm without task re-ordering [2], respectively.
Undersulfated proteoglycans are induced by the ionophore monensin: study of possible mechanisms.

Abstract We have reported that the monovalent ionophore monensin causes undersulfated chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis in cultured chondrocytes. In order to clarify the mechanism of this diminished sulfation, we have measured the rate of incorporation of sulfate into chondrocytes and assayed the cellular ATP levels. We have also measured sulfatase activity, the incorporation of 35 SO 4 into 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phospho[ 35 S]sulfate and endogenous sulfotransferase activity in the cell-free extracts. We find that: (1) The incorporation of 35 SO 4 into the free sulfate pool in chondrocytes was not inhibited by monensin. (2) The ATP levels of monensin-treated chondrocytes were the same as control cells. (3) There was no sulfatase activity in both control and monensin-treated chondrocytes. (4) Enzymatic analyses revealed that 35 SO 4 incorporation into 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phospho[ 35 S]sulfate and subsequent sulfotransferase activity were not inhibited in the presence of monensin. At present the most tenable hypothesis to account for monensin causing undersulfated chondroitin sulfate synthesis is that the ionophore impairs the access of proteoglycans to the sulfotransferases in the luminal walls of the Golgi structures.
Geometric changes of the inferior vena cava in trauma patients subjected to volume resuscitation.

ObjectiveDynamic changes in anatomic geometry of the inferior vena cava from changes in intravascular volume may cause passive stresses on inferior vena cava filters. In this study, we aim to quant...
3-Deoxy-D-manno-octulosonate-8-phosphate synthase from Escherichia coli. Model of binding of phosphoenolpyruvate and D-arabinose-5-phosphate.

Abstract The crystal structure of 3-deoxy- d - manno -octulosonate-8-phosphate synthase (KDOPS) from Escherichia coli was determined by molecular replacement using coordinates given to us by Radaev and co-workers prior to publication. The KDOPS crystals reported by Radaev et al . were grown in the presence of 1.4 M (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 and 0.4 M (K/H) 3 PO 4 . They are in the cubic space group I 23 ( a =228.6 A) with a tetramer in the asymmetric unit; the structure has been refined with data to 2.4 A. Our crystals of E. coli KDOPS, grown in 24 % (w/v) polyethylene glycol (PEG) 1500 in the presence of the substrates, 2-phospho enol pyruvate (PEP) and d -arabinose-5-phosphate (A5P), are also in space group I 23 ( a =118.2 A), with one subunit in the asymmetric unit. The medium of crystallization, 1.8 M SO 4 /PO 4 versus 24 % PEG, does not significantly affect the conformation of KDOPS. The inter-monomer contacts in both structures are the same. The β 8 /α 8 loop (residues 246 to 251) situated near the entrance to the active site is not seen in the 229 A structure but can be traced in the 118 A structure. Most significantly, Radaev et al . interpreted two SO 4 /PO 4 sites in the 229 A structure as marking the phosphate positions of the substrates, PEP and A5P, after the precedent of DAHPS. In the 118 A structure the inner of these two SO 4 /PO 4 peaks is present at the same position as in the 229 A structure of KDOPS. The outer phosphate peak in the 118 A KDOPS is 3.7 A from the outer SO 4 /PO 4 peak in the 229 A structure and is within hydrogen bonding distance of Arg63 of the same subunit and Arg120 of another subunit. Based on the precedent of the d -erythrose-4-phosphate (E4P) modeled in the active site of DAHPS, we have modeled PEP and A5P in KDOPS and compared the coordination of PEP and A5P in KDOPS with that of PEP and E4P in DAHPS.
Wideband Guided-Wave Acoustooptic Bragg Deflectors And Applications

In this paper a review of recent progress on wideband guided-wave acoustooptic Bragg deflectors is made. The engineering aspects of guided-wave acoustooptic Bragg deflectors such as materials, design considerations and fabrication techniques are first reviewed. Design, evaluation and performance characteristics of several wideband deflectors which employ multiple surface acoustic waves in Y-cut LiNb03 substrate are then described. Finally, a number of potential applications using such wideband deflectors are discussed together with some performance figures.
Single spin asymmetry in inclusive hadron production in pp scattering from Collins mechanism

Abstract We study the Collins mechanism contribution to the single transverse spin asymmetry in inclusive hadron production in pp scattering p ↑ p → π X from the leading jet fragmentation. The azimuthal asymmetric distribution of hadron in the jet leads to a single spin asymmetry for the produced hadron in the Lab frame. The effect is evaluated in a transverse momentum dependent model that takes into account the transverse momentum dependence in the fragmentation process. We find the asymmetry is comparable in size to the experimental observation at RHIC at s = 200 GeV .
Corporations and the environment: A new perspective: A pilot study of the voluntary support given by seven multinationals to environmental goals and objectives

Summary The author presents the results of a pilot study which explored the voluntary support given by seven Pittsburgh multinationals to environmental goals and objectives through their foundations and operations. While much of the information is national in scope, the findings have international significance. Fundamental common key factors and patterns were identified which already have and will continue to guide most corporate international environmental activities. As interest grows in developing cooperative undertakings with the corporate community, it is important for environmental organizations, government, and academia to understand these patterns. Based on the findings and on suggestions by corporate representatives, recommendations are given as to how support of the goal of creating sustainable societies by the corporate and environmental communities can be improved and increased.
Type I interferon genes in cattle: restriction fragment length polymorphisms, gene numbers and physical organization on bovine chromosome 8.

Summary Multiple, superimposed Type I interferon (IFN) restriction fragments were resolved following 72–92 h of horizontal electrophoresis. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) for α IFN (IFNA), β IFN (IFNB), ωIFN (IFNW) and trophoblast IFN (IFNT) genes were identified in Hin dill, Eco RI and Taql digestions from 313 cattle. RFLPs with codominant segregation in cattle pedigrees were considered alleles, and 19 distinct polymorphic Type I IFN loci (5 IFNA, 4 IFNB, 8 IFNW and 2 IFNT) were identified. Allele frequencies and observed heterozygosity values were calculated for each locus and several loci were considered highly informative for linkage analysis. Bovine IFN gene numbers (10 IFNA, 6 IFNB, 20 IFNW and 6 IFNT) were estimated from the number of polymorphic loci plus additional monomorphic hybridizing bands present in Eco RI and Hindlll digestions. Physical linkage of the Type I IFN gene families on bovine chromosome 8 was demonstrated by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Hybridization of two or more IFN probes to similarly sized PFGE fragments suggested the tentative gene family order: IFNA/IFNW-IFNT-IFNB. These studies provide a basis for the development of more detailed genetic and physical maps of the bovine Type I IFNs.
Four Week Durability of Combined RF Ablation and Cryo-Anchoring Treatment for Mitral Valve Prolapse

Percutaneous approaches to mitral valve (MV) repair have received a great deal of interest, as they avoid open-chest surgery and are often the only option for patients with significant co-morbidities [1]. One technique currently in development is a combined radiofrequency (RF) ablation and cryo-anchoring catheter, and we recently demonstrated that reduction of MV leaflet surface area due to RF ablation is feasible in the proximity of cryo-anchoring [2]. This reduction of enlarged, diseased MV leaflets is designed to improve leaflet coaptation and reduce mitral regurgitation. However, myocardial infarcts treated with RF ablation re-dilated in 20–30 days without the application of a retaining patch [3]. Additionally, joint capsular tissues treated with RF ablation reduced in stiffness and ultimate strength over the first six weeks before regaining strength and stiffness [4]. Re-dilation of MV tissues treated with combined RF ablation and cryo-anchoring would reverse the effects of the treatment strategy. Therefore, we hypothesized that excised porcine MV leaflets treated with combined RF ablation and cryo-anchoring would undergo little to no re-dilation over four weeks. Biaxial mechanical testing at 0 and 4 week time points and picrosirius red (PSR) staining was used to assess the degree of re-dilation and collagen morphological changes following 4 week bioreactor treatment of cyclic uniaxial tension.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Cooperation of Multiple CCR5 Coreceptors Is Required for Infections by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

In addition to the primary cell surface receptor CD4, CCR5 or another coreceptor is necessary for infections by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), yet the mechanisms of coreceptor function and their stoichiometries in the infection pathway remain substantially unknown. To address these issues, we studied the effects of CCR5 concentrations on HIV-1 infections using wild-type CCR5 and two attenuated mutant CCR5s, one with the mutation Y14N at a critical tyrosine sulfation site in the amino terminus and one with the mutation G163R in extracellular loop 2. The Y14N mutation converted a YYT sequence at positions 14 to 16 to an NYT consensus site for N-linked glycosylation, and the mutant protein was shown to be glycosylated at that position. The relationships between HIV-1 infectivity values and CCR5 concentrations took the form of sigmoidal (S-shaped) curves, which were dramatically altered in different ways by these mutations. Both mutations shifted the curves by factors of approximately 30- to 150-fold along the CCR5 concentration axis, consistent with evidence that they reduce affinities of virus for the coreceptor. In addition, the Y14N mutation specifically reduced the maximum efficiencies of infection that could be obtained at saturating CCR5 concentrations. The sigmoidal curves for all R5 HIV-1 isolates were quantitatively consistent with a simple mathematical model, implying that CCR5s reversibly associate with cell surface HIV-1 in a concentration-dependent manner, that approximately four to six CCR5s assemble around the virus to form a complex needed for infection, and that both mutations inhibit assembly of this complex but only the Y14N mutation also significantly reduces its ability to successfully mediate HIV-1 infections. Although several alternative models would be compatible with our data, a common feature of these alternatives is the cooperation of multiple CCR5s in the HIV-1 infection pathway. This cooperativity will need to be considered in future studies to address in detail the mechanism of CCR5-mediated HIV-1 membrane fusion.
Scan Welding: Thermal Modeling and Control of Material Processing

This article provides a thermal analysis of scan welding, as a redesign of classical joining methods, employing computer technology to ensure the composite morphologic, material and mechanical integrity of the joint. This is obtained by real-time control of the welding temperature field by a proper dynamic heat input distribution on the weld surface. This distribution is implemented in scan welding by a single torch, sweeping the joint surface by a controlled reciprocating motion, and power adjusted by feedback of infrared temperature measurements in-process. An off-line numerical simulation of the thermal field in scan welding is established, as well as a linearized multivariable model with real-time parameter identification. An adaptive thermal control scheme is thus implemented and validated both computationally and experimentally on a robotic Gas-Tungsten Arc Welding setup. The resulting productivity and quality features of scan welding are comparatively analyzed in terms of material structure and properties of the joint.
Long-term dynamical evolution of the minor planet (4179) Toutatis

Abstract We have estimated the orbit of the minor planet (4179) Toutatis from 332 optical astrometric observations that span the period from 1934 to 1993. From this starting point, we have numerically integrated the orbit of Toutatis within the context of several dynamical models. Toutatis is currently in a 3:1 resonance with Jupiter and a weak.1:4 resonance with the Earth. We found the orbit of Toutatis to be extremely chaotic. However, the extreme degree of chaos found was due to the frequent close approaches to the terrestrial planets and not to the resonances. When the perturbations due to the terrestrial planets were included in the integration, the Lyapunov time was close to 50 years. Without the perturbations from the terrestrial planets the Lyapunov time was close to 10,000 years. Close approach distances and estimated uncertainties for all events that can be accurately predicted, based on the currently available astrometry, are presented. The closest approach to any terrestrial planet found in this study was to the Earth at a distance of 0.011 AU in 2004. The available astrometry does not support predictions beyond 2070 nor before 1407.
Synthesis of a new adrenal cortex imaging agent 6β-131 I-iodomethyl-19-nor cholest -5(10)-en-3β-ol (NP-59)

A new adrenal cortex imaging agent. 6β-131 I-iodomethyl-19-norcholest-5(10)-en-3β-ol (NP-59)[I] was synthesized by the homallylic rearrangement of 19-iodocholesterol or directly from cholest-5-ene-3β, 19-diol-19-toluene-p-sulfonate via homoallylic rearrangement with the iodide ion as a nucleophile and subsequent exchange with Na131I. NP-59 appears to concentrate 5 times better than 19-iodocholesterol in the rat adrenal and is currently being evaluated as a possible diagnostic agent in man.
Is It Possible to Become Happier? (And If So, How?)

Although some theory suggests that it is impossible to increase one’s subjective well-being (SWB), our ‘sustainable happiness model’ (Lyubomirsky, Sheldon, & Schkade, 2005) specifies conditions under which this may be accomplished. To illustrate the three classes of predictor in the model, we first review research on the demographic/circumstantial, temperament/personality, and intentional/experiential correlates of SWB. We then introduce the sustainable happiness model, which suggests that changing one’s goals and activities in life is the best route to sustainable new SWB. However, the goals and activities must be of certain positive types, must fit one’s personality and needs, must be practiced diligently and successfully, must be varied in their timing and enactment, and must provide a continued stream of fresh positive experiences. Research supporting the model is reviewed, including new research suggesting that happiness intervention effects are not just placebo effects. Everyone wants to be happy. Indeed, happiness may be the ultimate fundamental ‘goal’ that people pursue in their lives (Diener, 2000), a pursuit enshrined as an inalienable right in the US Declaration of Independence. The question of what produces happiness and wellbeing is the subject of a great deal of contemporary research, much of it falling under the rubric of ‘positive psychology’, an emerging field that also considers issues such as what makes for optimal relationships, optimal group functioning, and optimal communities. In this article, we first review some prominent definitions, theories, and research findings in the well-being literature. We then focus in particular on the question of whether it is possible to become lastingly happier in one’s life, drawing from our recent model of sustainable happiness. Finally, we discuss some recent experimental data suggesting that it is indeed possible to boost one’s happiness level, and to sustain that newfound level. A number of possible definitions of happiness exist. Let us start with the three proposed by Ed Diener in his landmark Psychological Bulletin