cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heptachlor and the mitogen-activated protein kinase module in human lymphocytes.

Abstract The organochlorine pesticide heptachlor constitutes a potential health hazard because of its persistence in nature, its reported contamination in food and milk, and its possible carcinogenic effects. As a tumor promoter, heptachlor induces human myeloblastic leukemia cells to differentiate, and also down-regulates the tumor suppresser gene p53 in human immune cells. In this study, the heptachlor signaling pathway in human lymphocytes was studied. Addition of heptachlor to human CEM x174 lymphocytic cells reduced the cellular levels of MAP kinase (MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase) cascade proteins, including ERK1 (a 44-kDa MAPK), ERK2 (a 42-kDa MAPK), a 85-kDa and a 54-kDa MAP kinase, MEK1 (a 45-kDa ERK kinase) and MEKK (a 78-kDa MEK kinase). However, heptachlor treatment caused a marked increase in the expression of the activated (Thr- and Tyr-dually phosphorylated) ERK1 and ERK2 in the cells. These studies indicate that mitogen-activated protein kinases are important intermediates in the signal transduction pathway of immune cells upon heptachlor exposure, and the observation of stimulation of activated MAP kinases without a simultaneous accumulation of basal enzymes may suggest the involvement of a negative feedback control mechanism in the pathway.
Air transportation energy consumption - Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

The energy consumption by aviation is reviewed and projections of its growth are discussed. Forecasts of domestic passenger demand are presented, and the effect of restricted fuel supply and increased fuel prices is considered. The most promising sources for aircraft fuels, their availability and cost, and possible alternative fuels are reviewed. The energy consumption by various air and surface transportation modes is identified and compared on typical portal-to-portal trips. A measure of the indirect energy consumed by ground and air modes is defined. Historical trends in aircraft energy intensities are presented and the potential fuel savings with new technologies are discussed.
Cdc28 and Cdc14 Control Stability of the Anaphase-promoting Complex Inhibitor Acm1

The anaphase-promoting complex (APC) regulates the eukaryotic cell cycle by targeting specific proteins for proteasomal degradation. Its activity must be strictly controlled to ensure proper cell cycle progression. The co-activator proteins Cdc20 and Cdh1 are required for APC activity and are important regulatory targets. Recently, budding yeast Acm1 was identified as a Cdh1 binding partner and APCCdh1 inhibitor. Acm1 disappears in late mitosis when APCCdh1 becomes active and contains conserved degron-like sequences common to APC substrates, suggesting it could be both an inhibitor and substrate. Surprisingly, we found that Acm1 proteolysis is independent of APC. A major determinant of Acm1 stability is phosphorylation at consensus cyclin-dependent kinase sites. Acm1 is a substrate of Cdc28 cyclin-dependent kinase and Cdc14 phosphatase both in vivo and in vitro. Mutation of Cdc28 phosphorylation sites or conditional inactivation of Cdc28 destabilizes Acm1. In contrast, inactivation of Cdc14 prevents Acm1 dephosphorylation and proteolysis. Cdc28 stabilizes Acm1 in part by promoting binding of the 14-3-3 proteins Bmh1 and Bmh2. We conclude that the opposing actions of Cdc28 and Cdc14 are primary factors limiting Acm1 to the interval from G1/S to late mitosis and are capable of establishing APC-independent expression patterns similar to APC substrates.
Modeling river/reservoir system management with the expanded WRAP

The Water Rights Analysis Package (WRAP) is a generalized modeling system for simulating water resources development, management, allocation, and control in river basins located anywhere in the world. WRAP is used to assess reliabilities in meeting water supply, hydroelectric power, and environmental instream flow needs. Capabilities for tracking salinity, assessing short-term reliabilities, and simulating reservoir operations for flood control were recently added. The modeling system continues to be expanded to address a broadening range of applications with major new modeling capabilities being released during 2009–2010. The Texas Water Availability Modeling (WAM) System consists of the generalized WRAP and input datasets for the 23 river basins of Texas. The Texas WAM System supports regional and statewide planning, administration of a water allocation permit system with over 8,000 active permits, and other water resources management functions. Activities of an array of water management entities operating 3,435 reservoirs and other facilities in accordance with various water allocation systems and other institutional arrangements are modeled.
Electrical and flexural anisotropy in freeze tape cast stainless steel porous substrates

Abstract Engineered metal foams have strong potential in applications such as fuel cell electrodes, sensors, variable springs, filtering media, and compositionally graded composite structures. In this study, the variation in mechanical and electrical properties was characterized in engineered porous metal foams with aligned porosity to ascertain the degree of anisotropy that can be induced in these substrates. Porous substrates were prepared by freeze tape casting of powdered ferritic stainless steel. After directional solidification of the slurry, the solvent was sublimed from ~ 1 mm thick tapes, yielding porous green metal compacts which were sintered in a protective atmosphere. The resulting disks exhibit long range ordered acicular pores with substantial anisotropy in the mechanical and electrical properties that is related to the cross sectional pore morphology and connectivity. DC conductivity testing revealed up to 61% variation depending on direction of measurement relative to the alignment of pores. Also, an 89% variation in flexural rigidity in relation to pore orientation was observed in identical disks.
Prospects for high luminosity B-factories

Abstract The requirements for high luminosity B-factories and the accelerator physics of five possible approaches are reviewed.
The role of associativity and commutativity in the detection and transformation of loop-level parallelism

The study of theoretical and practical issues in automatic parallelization across application and language boundaries is an appropriate and timely task. In this paper, we discuss theory and techniques that we have determined useful in parallelizing recurrences and reductions in computer programs. We present a framework for understanding such parallelism based on an approach which models loop bodies as {\em coalescing loop operators}. Within this framework we distinguish between associative coalescing loop operators and associative and commutative coalescing loop operators. We present the result of the application of this theory in a case study of a modern C$^{++}$ semantic retrieval application drawn from the digital library field.
Interactions of temperature, size and photoperiod on growth and smoltification of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Abstract Underyearling fall chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) were reared at two temperatures (9 and 15°C) and three photoperiods simulating winter (WIN), spring—summer (SS), and natural (NAT) conditions. The two artificial photoperiods were adjusted according to fish size so that an equinoctial photoperiod was synchronized with a hypothesized optimum size range for smolting (8–14 cm fork length). Fish exposed to a winter (WIN) photoperiod had the slowest growth rate. Fish under the SS photoperiod at both temperatures and under the WIN photoperiod at 9°C displayed hypoosmoregulatory capability near the equinoctial daylength. Thyroxine concentrations in fish reared under a natural photoperiod remained at basal levels during the period of early saltwater adaptiveness and throughout the remainder of the experiment. Thyroxine titers showed significant increases under all experimental photoperiod—temperature combinations near the equinoctial daylength with the exception of the 15°C/SS treatment.
Polarization-dependent transmission through subwavelength anisotropic aperture arrays.

The use of polarized light as an approach to further control the extraordinary transmission (EOT) through nanostructured metallic films has recently gained attention. In this work, it is shown that aperture shape and orientation not only determine the intensity of the polarized light emitted, corroborating the previous work of others, but also can be used to spectrally tune the relative peak intensity of surface plasmon polaritons modes. The high extinction ratio of high aspect ratio apertures lends itself to the creation of micron-sized structures that emit at different wavelengths depending upon the orientation of linearly polarized incident light. This has many potential applications including the prospect of color shifting pixels for high definition television (HDTV) and thin film electroluminescent (TFEL) devices as well as novel polarization mode dispersion control components.
Ribosome specificity for the formation of guanosine polyphosphates

Abstract Ribosomes obtained from Bacillus brevis (ATCC 8185) were slightly active in synthesizing guanosine polyphosphates, which activity was greatly stimulated by addition of Escherichia coli stringent factor. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplast ribosomes did not produce guanosine polyphosphates on incubation but responded with abundant synthesis to addition of the stringent factor from E. coli . In contrast, cytoplasmic ribosomes from the same organism did not respond. Interchange experiments between either subunit from chloroplasts with the E. coli counterparts showed good activity. When the small subunit of cytoplasmic Chlamydomonas ribosomes was combined with the large subunit of E. coli or of chloroplasts, a small but definite response was obtained.
Nonuniform Fast Cosine Transform and Chebyshev Pstd Algorithms - Abstract

We propose highly accurate forward and inverse nonuniform fast cosine transform (NUFCT) algorithms for data sampled nonuniformly. Using the fast interpolation with regular Fourier matrices, the NUFCT algorithms requires only O(N log2 N) arithmetic operations. These algorithms are then utilized in the Chebyshev pseudospectral time- domain (PSTD) method to solve Maxwell's equations on a nonuniform grid. Representing the fields and their derivatives in terms of Chebyshev polynormials, the derivatives on a nonuniform grid can be calculated with the NUFCT algorithms. The Chebyshev PSTD methods only requires π cells per wavelength on the average. Numerical results show the efficiency of the fast NUFCT and Chebyshev PSTD algorithms.
Issues and Uncertainties in Estimating the Health Benefits of Air Pollution Control

The estimation of health benefits from reductions in ambient air pollution requires information both about the relationship between concentrations and health effects and about the ultimate value of health outcomes. In this commentary, I discuss significant issues and uncertainties that must be addressed for both elements. Critical issues for concentration-response estimation include the shape of the concentration-response curve at current and projected ambient levels, the relevant exposure period, the existence of high-risk subpopulations, and the ability to generalize across study settings. Health outcomes can be valued using either health-based measures like quality-adjusted life years or economic measures like value of statistical life; the choice of measure has a significant effect on the magnitude and distribution of health benefits. Analysts estimating health benefits for ultimate benefit-cost applications should provide results using multiple valuation frameworks and multiple assumptions about health evidence to facilitate interpretation and to determine whether policy decisions depend on these assumptions.
Couplet Care: The Magic Within

Childbearing Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program Keeping mothers and newborns together in couplet care after delivery has many benefits. The purpose of this project was to enhance the delivery experience and provide excellent outcomes for the mother and newborn by incorporating evidence‐based care. Proposed Change Before the implementation of couplet care, newborns were taken to the newborn nursery shortly after delivery where they remained for several hours. Many were then placed in the nursery at night so the mother could rest. Although labor and delivery nurses placed the newborn skin‐to‐skin with the mother immediately after birth and worked to facilitate breastfeeding, there was an interruption in the natural care process when transferring newborns to the nursery. The goal was transition from traditional nursery care to couplet care. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation The beginning phase of this process included a literature review along with contacting comparable hospitals. Our women's health team met to discuss the proposed process change and identify possible barriers and necessary resources. An algorithm was constructed to outline the process that guided newborn care from birth to the postpartum unit. While on the labor and delivery unit, a transition nurse from the nursery would care for the newborn and a labor and delivery nurse would care for the mother. This allowed the mother and newborn to remain together skin‐to‐skin while each received care from their specialty nurse. When the dyad is transferred to postpartum unit, couplet care and rooming‐in are reinforced. A fact sheet and brochure were designed to educate parents and visitors on the benefits of couplet care. All healthy newborns remain with their mothers throughout their stays to empower parents to guide their newborns' care. The outcomes revealed that couplet care was very successful with only positive outcomes. A notable increase in patient satisfaction was evidenced by follow‐up phone calls. Parents reported they felt more confident in caring for their newborns. Staff satisfaction and unit relationships improved. A considerable decrease in tachypneic and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was reported. Positive anecdotal reports from mothers have sparked our interest in further research. Implications for Nursing Practice Nursing culture has transitioned from traditional care to evidence‐based practice care. The change has enhanced interprofessional collaboration and communication, and nurses have been empowered to make changes that affect the care, satisfaction, and outcomes of their patients. There has been improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
The Thyroxine Secretion Rate of Turkey Poults

Abstract RESULTS of recent studies involving chickens and ducks suggest a possible close relationship between the secretory rate of the thyroid gland and growth rate and skeletal maturation. Schultze and Turner (1945) found the thyroxine secretion rate on a body weight basis to be higher for White Leghorn cockerels than for White Plymouth Rock cockerels. The growth patterns of the two breeds differ markedly as the White Leghorn has a more rapid early rate of growth and their growth curve levels off sooner. These investigators also found that under the conditions of their experiments Barred Plymouth Rocks had a higher secretion rate than did the White Plymouth Rocks which paralleled differences in their growth rate. However, as was pointed out, differences in the seasons in which the experiments were conducted makes the results of this latter comparison questionable. Also Glazener, Shaffner and Jull (1949) recently demonstrated that fast growing strains of . . .
A graphic interactive application monitor

The development of interactive graphic application programs, designed for fast response, high productivity, and moderate system load, is dificult and time-consuming. Therefore, a structured approach has to be employed using function distribution in system design and application support program development. This paper describes a comprehensive interactive graphic system that provides an environment for development and execution of graphic applications. It features an interactive graphic command language, a hierarchical structure of system, semantics, and storage, a set-oriented data concept, and library facilities.
CYP2E1 Active Site Residues in Substrate Recognition Sequence 5 Identified by Photoaffinity Labeling and Homology Modeling

Despite its biological importance, our knowledge of active site structure and relevance of critical amino acids in CYP2E1 catalytic processes remain limited. In this study, we identified CYP2E1 active site residues using photoaffinity labeling with 7-azido-4-methylcoumarin (AzMC) coupled with a CYP2E1 homology model. In the absence of light, AzMC was an effective competitor against substrate p-nitrophenol oxidation by CYP2E1. Photoactivation of AzMC led to a concentration-dependent loss in CYP2E1 activity and structural integrity resulting from the modification of both heme and protein. The photo-labeling reaction degraded heme and produced a possible heme adduct. Probe incorporation into the protein occurred at multiple sites within substrate recognition sequence 5 (SRS-5). Based on a CYP2E1 homology model, we hypothesize AzMC labels SRS-5 residues, Leu363, Val364, and Leu368, in the active site. In addition, we propose a series of phenylalanines, especially Phe106, mediate contacts with the coumarin.
Vancomycin-bearing Synthetic Bone Graft Delivers rhBMP-2 and Promotes Healing of Critical Rat Femoral Segmental Defects

Background Bone grafts simultaneously delivering therapeutic proteins and antibiotics may be valuable in orthopaedic trauma care. Previously, we developed a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (pHEMA-nHA) synthetic bone graft that, when preabsorbed with 400-ng rhBMP-2/7, facilitated the functional repair of critical-size rat femoral defects. Recently, we showed that pHEMA-nHA effectively retains/releases vancomycin and rhBMP-2 in vitro. The success of such a strategy requires that the incorporation of vancomycin does not compromise the structural integrity of the graft nor its ability to promote bone healing.
The role of nicotinic acid metabolites in flushing and hepatotoxicity.

Flushing and hepatotoxicity are important adverse effects of nicotinic acid. This article reviews the role of metabolism of nicotinic acid in the production of these side effects. The suggestion that nicotinic acid (NUA) formation produces flushing is traced to a correlation of flushing with NUA Cmax (maximal concentration) and the observation that aspirin inhibits NUA formation and flushing. The former does not establish causation and the latter can be explained by inhibition of prostaglandin formation. Recent characterization of the GPR109A receptor that mediates prostaglandin release by Langerhans cells to produce flushing has shown nicotinic acid, not NUA, is responsible. The suggestion that nicotinamide metabolites produce hepatotoxicity is not supported by any data. The mechanism of hepatotoxicity is unknown and a toxic metabolite of nicotinic acid has not been identified. Different nicotinic acid formulations produce different metabolite patterns due to nonlinear pharmacokinetics, but there is no evidence that these differences have any clinical importance.
Interpolation of Variationally Obtained Scattering Cross Sections

Standard variational methods are shown to contain the information necessary to construct the Jost function, a quantity which was previously shown to yield readily to interpolation. This allows narrow resonances to be found and characterized without extensive explicit computations.
Cervical Assessment via Ultrasound Elastography: Calibrated Reference Material Development

The human cervix serves a dual structural function throughout pregnancy. Prior to term, the cervix remains closed and firm to support the increasing weight of the fetus. At term, it must soften (i.e., ripen) and dilate to permit birth. Timing of cervical ripening is critical for pregnancy outcome. Cervical insufficiency, or preterm ripening, is diagnosed if a cervix is not stiff enough to support the pregnancy to term and may cause miscarriage or preterm labor. This is sometimes observed mid-pregnancy when funneling at the internal os or shortening of the cervix is observed during a routine ultrasound. Women with a shorter cervix are at a higher risk for spontaneous preterm delivery.1,2 While cervical length is not a definitive predictor of preterm delivery, a short cervix increases the risk. Moreover, the exact length at which the cervix is considered to be ‘short’ is poorly defined. While transvaginal B-mode ultrasound can identify a short cervix, this procedure is performed when clinically indicated. Cervical ripening and effacement is asymptomatic and thus is often missed until after a patient has suffered a second or third trimester miscarriage.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
First- Versus Second-Order Latent Growth Curve Models: Some Insights From Latent State-Trait Theory

First order latent growth curve models (FGMs) estimate change based on a single observed variable and are widely used in longitudinal research. Despite significant advantages, second order latent growth curve models (SGMs), which use multiple indicators, are rarely used in practice, and not all aspects of these models are widely understood. In this article, our goal is to contribute to a deeper understanding of theoretical and practical differences between FGMs and SGMs. We define the latent variables in FGMs and SGMs explicitly on the basis of latent state-trait (LST) theory and discuss insights that arise from this approach. We show that FGMs imply a strict trait-like conception of the construct under study, whereas SGMs allow for both trait and state components. Based on a simulation study and empirical applications to the CES-D depression scale (Radloff, 1977) we illustrate that, as an important practical consequence, FGMs yield biased reliability estimates whenever constructs contain state components, whereas reliability estimates based on SGMs were found to be accurate. Implications of the state-trait distinction for the measurement of change via latent growth curve models are discussed.
Silent (clinically nonfunctioning) pituitary adenomas

Silent, or clinically nonfunctioning, pituitary adenomas can arise from any anterior pituitary cell type. Some are “clinically silent” in that they result in a supranormal serum concentration of the hormonal product of the cell type from which the adenoma arose but do not cause the clinical manifestations typical of excessive levels of that hormone. Others are “totally silent” in that they result in neither hormonal excess nor clinical manifestations. Gonadotroph and null cell adenomas are the most prevalent types and are typically silent. Somatotroph and corticotroph adenomas typically cause clinical syndromes but occasionally are clinically or totally silent. Those that are silent are usually larger and grow more aggressively than those that cause clinical syndromes. Silent adenomas are usually not discovered until they become very large and cause neurologic defects, such as visual impairment, but are also often discovered incidentally when neuroimaging is performed for another reason. Silent adenomas may become, rarely, clinically apparent over time. The diagnosis of a silent pituitary adenoma begins with the detection of a sellar mass by MRI. Biochemical testing can identify the adenoma cell type in those that are clinically silent. Silent adenomas that cause neurologic deficits require transsphenoidal surgery, but those that do not can be followed by MRI. Residual or recurrent disease is treated by radiation therapy, which is usually effective in preventing further growth but results in hormonal deficiencies in about half of patients. Dopamine agonists and somatostatin analogs are usually ineffective, but occasionally have been associated with reduced adenoma size.
Comparison of standard immunosuppression with adjuvant antilymphoblast globulin in primary cadaver kidney transplant survival.

Abstract Adjuvant, prophylactic, antilymphoblast globulin and standard immunosuppression have produced comparable long-term cadaver kidney graft survivals at separate institutions. A comparison was made of 35 primary cadaver kidney grafts into recipients treated with prophylactic, adjuvant antilymphoblast globulin to 55 recipients of primary cadaver kidney grafts treated with standard immunosuppression. Antilymphoblast globulin delayed early rejection episodes (P under 0.05), making early post-transplant management simpler. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to graft losses due to rejection at any interval beyond one month.
An Evaluation of the One Percent Clustered Sample of the 1990 Census of China

We describe and evaluate a one percent clustered sample of the 1990 Census of China the largest publicly-available micro sample of any Chinese census using direct inspection as well as comparisons with published data drawn from the complete enumeration. In the absence of official documentation we elucidate the basis of the clustering; detect duplicate cases; report corrected totals; and make comparisons between the sample data and tabulations based on the complete enumeration at the province and county levels. Although the sample contains several anomalies we conclude that it is broadly serviceable. (authors)
Profile of prostanoid release following antigen challenge in vivo in the skin of man

We have previously characterized the kinetics of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) production at cutaneous sites of allergic inflammation employing a blister-chamber model. In this study, a more complete profile of prostaglandins released in vivo was obtained. PGD2 release, as measured by radioimmunoassay and by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, was evident within 1 h after antigen challenge with maximal levels occurring 3-4 h post-challenge. The 11-ketoreductase metabolite of PGD2, 9 alpha, 11 beta-prostaglandin F2 was present in blister fluid from three of six patients at the time of maximal levels of PGD2. The stable non-enzymatic hydrolysis product of prostacyclin, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, was significantly elevated in blister fluid from five of six patients following antigen challenge. In these subjects, the levels of 6 kappa-PGF1 alpha were highest in samples obtained 1 and 2 h after antigen challenge and remained significantly elevated until 5 h post-challenge. Levels of prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2 alpha and thromboxane B2 did not vary significantly. These studies suggest that following antigen challenge two fatty-acid cyclo-oxygenase products of arachidonic acid are released, PGD2 and prostacyclin. The 11-ketoreductase metabolism of PGD2 to 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2 could represent a mechanism by which the biological effects of PGD2 are prolonged in cutaneous tissue. The presence of 6 kappa-PGF1 alpha in the blister fluid suggests that significant prostacyclin release occurs as the result of antigen challenge and could represent a mechanism by which the prolonged microvascular response in cutaneous tissue may occur.
Secondary bonding in a six-coordinate Mn(II) complex as a model of associative substitution

Abstract The new hexadentate, bis-pincer ligand, (dipyCH2)MeNCH2CH2NMe(CH2dipy) (dipy = 2,2′-dipyridyl-6-yl) forms a crystallographically characterized Mn(II) complex in which each half of the ligand binds a separate Mn(OAc)2 unit. The structure consists of a distorted N3Mn(η2-OAc)(η1-OAc) core with six normal coordinate bonds and a long (2.85 A) secondary bond to a seventh ligand atom, an oxygen of the η1-acetate. In addition to demonstrating an interesting coordination mode, the structure also mimics a predicted transition state in the associative ligand exchange of octahedral Mn(II) complexes.
A comparison of Class II treatment changes noted with the light wire, edgewise, and Fränkel appliances.

The purpose of this study was to determine if selected cephalometric changes noted in groups of growing patients with Class II, Division 1 malocclusions treated with the Frankel function regulator (FR-2), the edgewise technique, and the light-wire (Begg) mechanism were different and characteristic of a specific technique. To this end, the changes in the SNA, SNB, N-S-Gn, and the SN-GoGn angles, face height (N-M), the anterior movement of pogonion, and the annualized mandibular growth increment (AR-Gn) in a group of patients treated with the FR-2 were compared to the changes noted in similar groups of patients treated by the edgewise technique and the light-wire mechanism. The methods used to compare the groups were an analysis of variance and a discriminant analysis. A reduction in the SNA angle was observed in all groups. It was -0.37 degrees with light wire treatment, -0.60 degrees with Frankel appliance use, and -1.47 degrees with edgewise therapy. The SNB angle increased in all three groups, ranging from 0.29 degrees in the edgewise group to 0.56 degrees in the Frankel group. In the light-wire group it was 0.34 degrees. The N-S-Gn angle in the Frankel group remained essentially the same (0.06 degrees), while in the light-wire and edgewise groups it increased 0.81 degrees and 0.82 degrees. The SN-GoGn angle opened slightly in all groups, ranging from a low of 0.46 degrees with Frankel therapy to 0.58 degrees with edgewise treatment to 1.25 degrees with the use of the light-wire appliance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A modified porometry approach towards characterization of MF membranes

Abstract Gas–liquid porometry is a common method for characterizing microfiltration (MF) membranes. This paper provides a modified approach to analyze data from it. Herein, we combine porometry results with porosity measurements to improve prediction of the gas and liquid permeances through the membranes. Pore size distribution (PSD) and porosity measurements were performed for a range of membranes including symmetric and asymmetrically-stacked symmetric membranes, and an intrinsically asymmetric membrane. Our modified approach determines the tortuosity for each pore size bin (range) during the estimation of the PSD. For the symmetric MF membranes, there was high discrepancy between the measured mean pore size and the manufacturer's data, thus, reinforcing the importance of knowing the basis for membrane ratings. Our study also examined the effect of asymmetry on the measured PSD. The asymmetric membranes were found to give a smaller mean pore size compared to their symmetric component membranes. Additionally, the orientation of asymmetric membranes provided different results for both the mean pore size and tortuosity. A comparison between the common and modified approaches to analyze the data was made through the estimation of liquid permeances. Better correlation (at least a 7% improvement) of measured and estimated permeances for several fluids was found for our modified approach as compared to the classical methods because of the inclusion of a specific tortuosity for each pore size bin. The average tortuosity of the membranes under study varied from 0.936 to 5.020 with the larger nominal pore membranes having higher values compared to the smaller ones.
Nematocyte development in Hydra attenuata is dependent on both the interstitial cells and the epithelial cells

Abstract The aberrant, a morphological mutant of Hydra attenuata, has altered patterns of the development and distribution of nematocytes. The number of nematoblasts and nematocytes is higher in the aberrant than in the normal. Stenotele differentiation is incomplete and the numbers of desmonemes and holotrichous isohrizas mounted on the body column are much higher than normal. Because nematocytes arise by differentiation from the interstitial cells, epithelial cell/interstitial cell chimeras between the aberrant and normal strains were made to determine whether the lesion giving rise to the alterations in the mutant was due to the epithelial cells or a cell type in the nematocyte lineage. Only the chimera in which both cell types were derived from the aberrant exhibited the altered nematocyte development. If the chimera contained a normal cell type, either epithelial cell or interstitial cell, nematocyte development was normal. Thus, both epithelial cells and cells of the nematocyte lineage are involved in the control of nematocyte development. A defect in one of the lineages can be compensated for by the other cell type.
Freeze substitution as means of preserving meningeal vessel morphology

Abstract This study compares freeze substitution with formaldehyde fixation as a mans of opreserving meningeal vessel morphometry. The diameter of vessels fixed by freeze substitution correlated very well with the in vivo diameters of the same vessels (correlation coefficient 0.9766). On the other hand, diameters of vessels perfusion fixed with 10% buffered formalin displayed poor correlation with in vivo diameters of the same vessels (correlation coefficient 0.1594().
Calcium regulation by lens plasma membrane vesicles

The role of the plasma membrane in the regulation of lens fiber cell cytosolic Ca2+ concentration has been examined using a vesicular preparation derived from calf lenses. Calcium accumulation by these vesicles was ATP dependent, and was releasable by the ionophore A23187, indicating that calcium was transported into a vesicular space. Calcium accumulation was stimulated by Ca2+ (K1/2 = 0.08 microM Ca2+) potassium (maximally at 50 mM K+), and cAMP-dependent protein kinase; it was inhibited by both vanadate (IC50 = 5 microM) and the calmodulin inhibitor R24571 (IC50 = 5 microM), indicating that this pump was plasma-membrane derived and likely calmodulin dependent. Valinomycin, in the presence of K+, stimulated calcium uptake, suggesting that the calcium pump either countertransports K+, or is regulated in an electrogenic fashion. Inhibition of calcium uptake by selenite and p-chloromercuribenzoate demonstrates the presence of an essential -SH group(s) in this enzyme. Calcium release from calcium-filled lens vesicles was enhanced by Na+, demonstrating that these vesicles also contain a Na:Ca exchange carrier. p-Chloromercuribenzoate and p-chloromercuribenzoate sulfonic acid also promoted calcium release from calcium-filled vesicles, suggesting that this release, like calcium uptake, is in part mediated by a cysteine-containing protein. We conclude that lens fiber cell cytosolic Ca2+ concentration could be regulated by a number of plasma membrane processes. The sensitivity of both calcium uptake and release to -SH reagents has implications in lens cataract formation, where oxidation of lens proteins has been proposed to account for the elevated cytosolic Ca2+ in this condition.
Thin-film resistance thermometers on silicon wafers

We have fabricated Pt thin-film resistors directly sputtered on silicon substrates to evaluate their use as resistance thermal detectors (RTDs). This technique was chosen to achieve more accurate temperature measurements of large silicon wafers during semiconductor processing. High-purity (0.999 968 mass fraction) platinum was sputter deposited on silicon test coupons using titanium and zirconium bond coats. These test coupons were annealed, and four-point resistance specimens were prepared for thermal evaluation. Their response was compared with calibrated platinum–palladium thermocouples in a tube furnace. We evaluated the effects of furnace atmosphere, thin-film thickness, bond coats, annealing temperature and peak thermal excursion of the Pt thin films. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was performed to evaluate the effect of impurities on the thermal resistance coefficient, α. We present typical resistance versus temperature curves, hysteresis plots versus temperature and an analysis of the causes of uncertainties in the measurement of seven test coupons. We conclude that sputtered thin-film platinum resistors on silicon wafers can yield temperature measurements with uncertainties of less than 1 °C, k = 1 up to 600 °C. This is comparable to or better than commercially available techniques.
Quality-of-life in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease: The patient’s perspective

This study determines the impact of symptoms associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease on quality-of-life. Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients in the Inherited Neuropathies Consortium Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network Contact Registry were surveyed. The survey inquired about 214 symptoms and 20 themes previously identified as important to Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients through patient interviews. Symptom population impact was calculated as the prevalence multiplied by the relative importance of each symptom identified. Prevalence and symptom impact were analyzed by age, symptom duration, gender, Charcot-Marie-Tooth type, and employment status. 407 participants returned the survey, identifying foot and ankle weakness (99.7%) and impaired balance (98.6%) as the most prevalent themes. Foot and ankle weakness and limitations with mobility were the themes with the highest impact. Both symptom prevalence and impact gradually increased with age and symptom duration. Several themes were more prevalent in women with Charcot-Marie-Tooth, including activity limitations, pain, fatigue, hip-thigh weakness, and gastrointestinal issues. All of the themes, except emotional or body image issues, were more prevalent among unemployed individuals. There were minimal differences in symptom prevalence between Charcot-Marie-Tooth types. There are multiple symptoms that impact Charcot-Marie-Tooth quality-of-life in adults. These symptoms have different levels of importance, are readily recognized by patients, and represent critical areas of Charcot-Marie-Tooth health.
A mathematical basis for power-reduction in digital VLSI systems

Presented in this paper is a mathematical basis for power-reduction in VLSI systems. This basis is employed to: (1) derive lower bounds on the power dissipation in digital systems; and (2) unify existing power-reduction techniques under a common framework. The proposed basis is derived from information-theoretic arguments. In particular, a digital signal processing algorithm is viewed as a process of information transfer with an inherent information transfer rate requirement of R bits/s. Architectures implementing a given algorithm are equivalent to communication networks each with a certain capacity C (also in bits/s). The absolute lower bound on the power dissipation for any given architecture is then obtained by minimizing the signal power such that its channel capacity C is equal to the desired information transfer rate R. By including various implementation constraints, increasingly realistic lower bounds are calculated. The usefulness of the proposed theory is demonstrated via numerical calculations of lower bounds on power dissipation for simple static CMOS circuits. Furthermore, a common basis for some of the known power-reduction techniques such as parallel processing, pipelining and adiabatic logic is also provided.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in CKD: A Systematic Review

Summary Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) confers morbidity and mortality benefits to selected patients with heart failure. This systematic review examined effects of CRT in CKD patients (estimated GFR [eGFR] 2 ). Design, setting, participants, & measurements MEDLINE and Scopus (from 1990 to December 2012) and conference proceedings abstracts were searched for relevant observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Studies comparing the following outcomes were included: ( 1 ) CKD patients with and without CRT and ( 2 ) CKD patients with CRT to non-CKD patients with CRT. Mortality, eGFR, and left ventricular ejection fraction data were extracted and pooled when appropriate using a random-effects model. Results Eighteen studies (14 observational studies and 4 RCTs) were included. There was a modest improvement in eGFR with CRT among CKD patients (mean difference 2.30 ml/min per 1.73m 2 ; 95% confidence interval, 0.33 to 4.27). Similarly, there was a significant improvement in left ventricular ejection with CRT in CKD patients (mean difference 6.24%; 95% confidence interval, 3.46 to 9.07). Subgroup analysis of three RCTs reported lower rates of death or hospitalization for heart failure with CRT (versus other therapy) in the CKD population. Survival outcomes of CKD patients (compared with the non-CKD population) with CRT differed among observational studies and RCTs. Conclusions CRT improves left ventricular and renal function in the CKD population with heart failure. Given the increasing use of cardiac devices, further studies examining the effects of CRT on mortality in CKD patients, particularly those with advanced kidney disease, are warranted.
Idiopathic orbital myositis

Idiopathic orbital myositis is a subtype of nonspecific orbital inflammation primarily involving the extraocular muscles. It occurs most frequently in young to middle-aged adults with a 2 to 1 female predominance. The cardinal clinical feature is orbital pain exacerbated by eye movement. Other common findings include diplopia, proptosis (which is generally minimal), conjunctival injection and chemosis, and periorbital edema. Thyroid eye disease is commonly confused with orbital myositis, but the latter is characterized by a more acute onset, more severe pain, and a rapid response to systemic corticosteroid therapy. Echography and CT scanning reveal enlarged muscle bellies and thickened tendons, with low internal reflectivity echographically. Although the cause of orbital myositis is unknown, an immune-mediated pathophysiologic mechanism is likely. This review summarizes recent findings regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of idiopathic orbital myositis.
The Spectra of Random Graphs with Given Expected Degrees

In the study of the spectra of power law graphs, there are basically two competing approaches. One is to prove analogues of Wigner's semicircle law while the other predicts that the eigenvalues follow a power law distributions. Although the semicircle law and the power law have nothing in common, we will show that both approaches are essentially correct if one considers the appropriate matrices. We will show that (under certain conditions) the eigenvalues of the (normalized) Laplacian of a random power law graph follow the semicircle law while the spectrum of the adjacency matrix of a power law graph obeys the power law. Our results are based on the analysis of random graphs with given expected degrees and their relations to several key invariants. Of interest are a number of (new) values for the exponent β where phase transitions for eigenvalue distributions occur. The spectrum distributions have direct implications to numerous graph algorithms such as randomized algorithms that involve rapidly mixing Ma...
Emergency department visits for pediatric trampoline-related injuries: an update.

Objectives To describe the epidemiology of emergency department (ED) visits for trampoline-related injuries among U.S. children from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2005, using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) and to compare recent trampoline injury demographics and injury characteristics with those previously published for 1990-1995 using the same data source. Methods A stratified probability sample of U.S. hospitals providing emergency services in NEISS was utilized for 2000-2005. Nonfatal trampoline-related injury visits to the ED were analyzed for patients from 0 to 18 years of age. Results In 2000-2005, there was a mean of 88,563 ED visits per year for trampoline-related injuries among 0-18-year-olds, 95% of which occurred at home. This represents a significantly increased number of visits compared with 1990-1995, when there was an average of 41,600 visits per year. Primary diagnosis and principal body part affected remained similar between the two study periods. Conclusions ED visits for trampoline-related injuries in 2000-2005 increased in frequency by 113% over the number of visits for 1990-1995. Trampoline use at home continues to be a significant source of childhood injury morbidity. Language: en
A new state observer and flight control of highly maneuverable aircraft

In this paper, a new nonlinear observer (θ - D observer) is proposed to estimate the feedback states for optimal control of a highly maneuverable aircraft. This observer is derived by constructing the dual of a recently developed nonlinear optimal control technique-known as the θ - D technique. The θ - D optimal control approach provides an approximate closed-form solution to the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. An optimal flight controller using this technique is designed for a highly maneuverable aircraft operating at high angle of attack where the θ - D observer is employed to estimate the states for feedback. The structure of this observer is similar to the State Dependent Riccati Equation Filter (SDREF). However, the new method provides a closed-form observer gain and does not need time-consuming online computations of the algebraic Riccati equation at each instant as the SDREF. The theoretical results about this new observer are given. The simulation shows that the θ - D control and observer exhibit excellent performance for this flight control problem.
Vitamin E deficiency and psychomotor dysfunction in adults with primary biliary cirrhosis

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin E deficiency in adults with chronic cholestatic liver disease and to quantify the association between their psychomotor performance and vitamin E status. In 42 female patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, 43.5% met two standard criteria for vitamin E deficiency. Vitamin E-deficient patients performed less well than did healthy control subjects on six of eight neuropsychologic tests of psychomotor capacity (p less than 0.01). Vitamin E-sufficient patients did not differ significantly from normal control subjects. Serum vitamin E concentrations were significantly lower in the group classified as significantly psychomotor-impaired by two independent neuropsychologists (blind to vitamin E status) whereas liver-injury measures failed to distinguish between these two groups. Patients with low serum vitamin E exhibited clinically evident neurologic abnormalities. These data suggest that vitamin E deficiency may, in part, underlie psychomotor and neurologic disturbance found in adult patients with chronic cholestatic liver disease.
Emerging techniques for the in situ analysis of reaction intermediates on photo-electrochemical interfaces

Using light excitation to perform uphill chemical reactions is an attractive strategy for powering alternative energy sources, producing renewable fuels, and providing efficient methods for environmental remediation. In particular, photoelectrochemical reactions at wide-bandgap semiconducting electrodes and their colloidal particles have been thoroughly studied for the last 40 years. Although materials such as TiO2, SrTiO3, and ZnO among others have found a myriad of applications, from dye-sensitized solar cells to formulations for self-cleaning street pavement, many questions still remain regarding their surface reaction mechanisms. The need to understand these systems in situ and in operando schemes has become invigorated by the interest in plasmonics, co-catalysts, and bandgap engineering for enhancing their performance. Thus, elucidating the impact of these technologies on the photogenerated surface chemical intermediates can reveal relevant mechanistic differences. Do the reactivities and properties of reactive oxygen species depend on the wavelength of excitation on engineered materials? What is the impact of metal deposits and defects on the formation and properties of surface species? Are there any recent developments in techniques that could shed new light on new materials interactions at the nanoscale? In this review, we seek to provide a fresh perspective on existing and emerging in situ analytical methods applied to semiconducting photocatalysts for answering these and other modern aspects of surface intermediates.