cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preparation of mouse type I and type II insulins for immunologic studies

Mouse pancreata contain comparatively meager amounts of two insulin species, types I and II. When these insulins are to be prepared for immunogenetic studies, it is desirable to obtain equivalent amounts of both in concentrations suitable for immunization. Standard methods, based on isolating single species, favor recovery of one type. Moreover, published methods for separation of type I from type II produce very dilute insulin solutions. Methods are suggested here to overcome these disadvantages.
Half-space radiation by EMATs

A Green's function calculation of the far-field radiation patterns of EMATs is presented. The approach is based on (a) closed form expressions for the eddy current and static magnetic field distributions, established by the EMATs, which react to produce the driving Lorentz forces, and (b) a Green's function derived from the steepest descent approximation to the far-field response of an arbitrary surface point force on a half space. Numerical results are presented, illustrating the radiation patterns of the three common EMAT designs. Included are vertically polarized shear waves as radiated by both meander coil and periodic magnet EMATs and horizontally polarized shear waves as radiated by the latter.
Self-assembly and nanotechnology

Molecular self-assembly is a strategy for nanofabrication that involves designing molecules and supramolecular entities so that shape-complementarity causes them to aggregate into desired structures. Self-assembly has a number of advantages as a strategy: first, it carries out many of the most difficult steps in nanofabrication -- those involving atomic-level modification of structure -- using the very highly developed techniques of synthetic chemistry. Second, it draws from the enormous wealth of examples in biology for inspiration: self-assembly is one of the most important strategies used in biology for the development of complex, functional structures. Third, it can incorporate biological structures directly as components in the final systems. Fourth, because it requires that the target structures be the thermodynamically most stable ones open to the system, it tends to produce structures that are relatively defect-free and self-healing. Self-assembly also poses a number of substantial intellectual challenges. The brief summary of these challenges is that we do not yet know how to do it, and cannot even mimic those processes known to occur in biological systems at other than quite elementary levels. In addition, there are issues of function in self-assembled aggregates that need solution. The most promising avenues for self-assembly are presently those based on organic compounds, and organic compounds, as a group (although with exceptions), are electrical insulators; thus, many ideas for information processing and electrical/mechanical transduction will require either fundamental redesign in going from the macroscopic systems presently used to self-assembled systems, or the development of new types of organic molecules that show appropriate properties. This talk outlines some of these issues, and illustrates one of the approaches to self-assembled structures that has been particularly successful: that is, self- assembly on surfaces. There are now a range of different molecular systems that self-assemble -- that is, form ordered, monomolecular structures -- by the coordination of molecules to surfaces. These systems -- self-assembled monomlayers (SAMs) -- are reasonably well understood, and increasingly useful technologically. The crucial dimension in SAMs is the thickness perpendicular to the plane of the monolayer: this dimension, and the composition along this axis, can be controlled very simply at the scale of 0.1 nm by controlling the structures of the molecules making up the monolayer. (truncated)
A simulation model for the rent-or-buy decision:

The decision to rent or buy a home is probably the most important in family finance. Yet the analysis of this problem in the literature has been superfi cial and subject to many criticisms. This paper will develop a complete simulation model to investigate this decision and to look at many related questions such as the type of loan best suited to the family's financial policies, the price range that a given family can afford, and the type of other investments consistent with this decision.The model simulates the family income, expenses, and investment portfolio on a monthly basis over the planning period. The results are compared to a deterministic analysis based on a capital budgeting model of the family. Finally, a case study based on data obtained from a real family will be present ed. Further use of the simulation model to study many other capital budgeting problems associated with family finance will also be discussed.
Secondary organic aerosol from ozone-initiated reactions with terpene-rich household products

Abstract We analyzed secondary organic aerosol (SOA) data from a series of small-chamber experiments in which terpene-rich vapors from household products were combined with ozone under conditions analogous to product use indoors. Reagents were introduced into a continuously ventilated 198 L chamber at steady rates. Consistently, at the time of ozone introduction, nucleation occurred exhibiting similar behavior to atmospheric events. The initial nucleation burst and growth was followed by a period in which approximately stable particle levels were established, reflecting a balance between new particle formation, condensational growth, and removal by ventilation. Airborne particles were measured with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS, 10–400 nm) in every experiment and with an optical particle counter (OPC, 0.1–2.0 μm) in a subset. Parameters for a three-mode lognormal fit to the size distribution at steady state were determined for each experiment. Increasing the supply ozone level increased the steady-state mass concentration and yield of SOA from each product tested. Decreasing the air-exchange rate increased the yield. The steady-state fine-particle mass concentration (PM1.1) ranged from 10 to >300 μg m−3 and yields ranged from 5% to 37%. Steady-state nucleation rates and SOA mass formation rates were ∼10 cm−3 s−1 and ∼10 μg m−3 min−1, respectively.
Soil acidity and manganese in declining and nondeclining sugar maple stands in Pennsylvania.

For decades, the hardwood forests of northern Pennsylvania have been subjected to chronic atmospheric loading of acidifying agents. On marginal, high-elevation, unglaciated sites, sugar maples (Acer saccharum Marsh) have experienced severe decline symptoms and mortality. Accelerated soil acidification, base cation leaching, and increased availability of toxic metals have been suggested as predisposing factors contributing to this decline. Manganese, an essential micronutrient, is also a potentially phytotoxic metal that may be a factor associated with poor sugar maple health on soils vulnerable to acidification from anthropogenic sources. We measured Mn levels in four compartments of the soil-tree system (soil, foliage, xylem wood, and sap) on three sugar maple stands in northern Pennsylvania, two stands were classified as declining and one was in good health. Negative correlations were found between soil pH and Mn levels in the soil, foliage, sap, and xylem wood. Levels of Mn in these pools were consistently higher on declining sites, which correspondingly exhibited lower levels of Ca and Mg. Species differences between red maple (Acer rubrum L.) and sugar maple at the two declining sites suggested different tolerances to excessive Mn. Molar ratios of Mg/ Mn and Ca/Mn were different among sites and showed potential as indicators of soil acidification. Significant correlations among soil, sap, foliage, and xylem wood Mn were also noted. These results show clear Mn differences among sites and, when viewed with recent Mn toxicity experiments and other observational studies, suggest that excessive Mn may play a role in the observed decline and mortality of sugar maple.
Discrete Systems and Flowcharts

This paper points out the abstract similarities between problems arising in programming, discrete systems analysis in engineering, and network flow problems in operations research. The highly developed techniques of analyzing discrete systems of two terminal elements in electrical engineering become applicable to analyzing the complexity and execution time of computer programs.
Repeated amphetamine administration outside the home cage enhances drug-induced Fos expression in rat nucleus accumbens.

Induction of the immediate early gene protein product Fos has been used extensively to assess neural activation in the striatum after repeated amphetamine administration to rats in their home cages. However, this technique has not been used to examine striatal activation after repeated administration outside the home cage, an environment where repeated drug administration produces more robust psychomotor sensitization. We determined the dose-response relationship for amphetamine-induced psychomotor activity and Fos expression in nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen 1 week after repeated administration of amphetamine or saline in locomotor activity chambers. Repeated administration of amphetamine enhanced amphetamine-induced locomotor activity and stereotypy and Fos expression in nucleus accumbens, but not in caudate-putamen. In comparison, levels of Fos expression induced by 1 mg/kg amphetamine were not altered in nucleus accumbens or caudate-putamen by repeated amphetamine administration in the home cage. Double-labeling of Fos protein and enkephalin mRNA indicates that Fos is expressed in approximately equal numbers of enkephalin-negative and enkephalin-positive neurons in nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen following injections outside the home cage. Furthermore, repeated amphetamine administration increased drug-induced Fos expression in enkephalin-positive, but not enkephalin-negative, neurons in nucleus accumbens. We conclude that repeated amphetamine administration outside the home cage recruits the activation of enkephalin-containing nucleus accumbens neurons during sensitized amphetamine-induced psychomotor activity.
Connectivity restoration in delay-tolerant sensor networks using game theory

Due to limited resources and harsh environments, partitioning can be inevitable in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). To re-establish network connectivity, healthy mobile sensor nodes can be repositioned in an on-demand basis. However, the nodes are equipped with limited batteries and their movement requires excessive energy consumption. In this paper, we address the problem of minimising the movement cost when re-establishing network connectivity in delay tolerant WSNs by presenting a distributed heuristic approach based on Game Theory. Compared to centralised heuristics which assume complete knowledge of the network and failures, this approach is self-healing that can work with uncertain network/failure information. Under limited knowledge on partitions and failure locations, Game Theory is used to facilitate decision making on the selection of the nodes to be moved and their movement directions. Extensive simulations have revealed the efficiency of the proposed approach in terms of movement distance and network coverage.
Ameliorative Effects of Exposing DBA/2J Mice to an Augmented Acoustic Environment on Histological Changes in the Cochlea and Anteroventral Cochlear Nucleus

DBA/2J (D2) mice, which exhibit very early progressive sensorineural hearing loss, were treated nightly with an augmented acoustic environment (AAE) initiated before the onset of hearing, and consisting of repetitive bursts of a 70-dB sound pressure level (SPL), 4–25 kHz noise band. At 55 days of age, AAE-treated mice exhibited less elevation of auditory brainstem response thresholds, fewer missing hair cells, and greatly reduced loss of anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) volume and neuron number compared to untreated control mice. It was hypothesized that the central neuroprotective effect was associated with increased afferent input to AVCN neurons evoked by the AAE as well as a healthier cochlea.
The Pain Frequency-Severity-Duration Scale as a Measure of Pain: Preliminary Validation in a Pediatric Chronic Pain Sample

Typically, pain is measured by intensity and sensory characteristics. Although intensity is one of the most common dimensions of pain assessment, it has been suggested that measuring pain intensity in isolation is only capturing part of the pain experience and may not lead to an accurate measurement of how pain impacts a child's daily functioning. The current study aimed to develop a measure that would capture pain intensity along with frequency and duration in a clinical sample of youth diagnosed with chronic pain. The pain-frequency-severity-duration (PFSD) scale was developed and data were collected from a multidisciplinary pain clinic at a large, midwestern children's hospital. Validated measures of functional limitations and health related quality of life were also collected. Significant correlations were found between the PFSD composite score, functional limitations, and health related quality of life. Future research should continue to evaluate this questionnaire utilizing other validated pain measures and other areas potentially impacted by chronic pain and with more diverse samples. This initial finding suggests that the PFSD is a convenient self-reported measure and is strongly related to health related quality of life and functional disability.
Accumulation and discrimination in the postbellum South

Abstract Economic inequality between blacks and whites in the postbellum South can be attributed to two factors: racial discrimination and the absence of any redistribution of tangible wealth to accompany emancipation. This paper shows that the freedmen's initial lack of property was the most important cause of race-related income differences. The initial wealth gap between the freedmen and the whites was large enough to guarantee that a great deal of income inequality would have persisted long after emancipation, even if all markets had functioned perfectly. In addition, the actual rate at which the economic distance between blacks and whites was being reduced suggests the existence of forces which lengthened the time required to eradicate the effects of the initial wealth inequality.
Query expansion using UMLS Tools for health information retrieval

Four new automatic query expansion strategies based on UMLS Metathesaurus are proposed to improve the effectiveness of health information retrieval: String index with Concept expansion (SC), String index with Term expansion (ST), Word index with Concept expansion (WC), and Word index with Term expansion (WT). Results from a comparison evaluation study using Medline plus dataset indicated that 1) the Mean Average Precisions (MAPs) with term-level expansion are higher than those with concept level by 5.6% for 30 queries and 10.9% for short queries; 2) the MAPs based on the string index strategy are better than those based on the word index by 15.5% for 30 queries and 9.6% for short queries; and 3) the String index with Term expansion (ST) has the highest MAPs for both 30 queries and short queries. These results will help us better understand the effectiveness of different automatic query expansion strategies using UMLS Metathesaurus and further inform the design of future Healthcare IR system.
A top quark CP-violating asymmetry in supersymmetric models

The difference in the transverse energy distribution of leptons and antileptons from tt events at hadron colliders is a potential signal of non-standard-model CP violation. We investigate contributions to the asymmetry that may arise in supersymmetric models. The effect may be as large as a few times 10−3.
Homophobic Hallways: Is Anyone Listening?

Abstract Findings are presented from research in a teacher education course on diversity and the social studies that takes gender and sexuality as subject matter. Five themes emerge from five years of qualitative data related to teaching the course and following the experiences of graduates attempting to apply their learning to new teaching situations. The author offers ideas for infusing discussion of sexuality and homophobia into social studies teaching and teacher education as well as professional development workshops in schools.
The decomposition of 14C-labeled wheat straw and 15N-labeled microbial material

Abstract Changes in C and N fractions were followed during the decomposition of 14 C-labeled winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) and 15 N-labeled microbial cell material in sand at 25°C. CO 2 evolution and water-soluble, 6 n H 2 SO 4 hydrolyzable and 6 n H 2 SO 4 nonhydrolyzable C and N fractions were periodically measured for 30 days. The microbial material, regardless of fraction, was the preferred substrate during the first 4 days of exposure. Between days 4 and 8 the straw became the primary substrate. After 8 days of decomposition, 45% of the C and 33% of the N added in the microbial cells had been mineralized to CO 2 and NH 4 + + NO − 3 N compared with 19% of the C and 28% of the N from the straw. The fractionation procedure employed differentiated available, intermediately available, and resistant C fractions for the straw but not for the microbial material. Both substrates had low C-to-N ratios. Although some inorganic N was present in the straw, organic N from the microbial cells or straw was the preferred N source. No net immobilization of mineral N was observed and mineralization of both microbial cell N and straw N started immediately during incubation. The chloroform fumigation procedure underestimated the microbial biomass in this system.
Synthetic approach to analogues of the original structure of sclerophytin A.

A route to analogues of the original structure of sclerophytin A is described. The β-anomer of dideoxyribosyl nitriles 10a,b (prepared from glutamic acid) was converted into the methyl ketone 11. Addition of a silylated acetylide to 11 in diethyl ether/trimethylamine gave mainly 22a. Alkylation with methallyl halide and ozonolysis gave the ketone 24, which was then converted by hydrogenation and a second ozonolysis into the keto aldehyde 26. A two-step aldol process afforded the desired 3-pyrone 27 in good overall yield. However, several methods for the conversion of this enone 27 into the desired sclerophytin analogue 2 failed.
The effect of rhodium and copper analogs of cobalamin on human cells in vitro

Abstract Rhodium and copper analogs of various cobalamins have been found to produce an anti-vitamin B12 effect in bacteria, leading us to see if similar inhibitory activity could be demonstrated for human cells. The analogs competed effectively with cyanocobalamin for binding by human serum transcobalamins. Methylrhodibalamin and 5′-deoxyadenosylrhodibalamin also competed with cyanocobalamin for serum-mediated uptake by human blood cells and bone marrow cells, though the competition was relatively weak when compared to the effective competition for transcobalamin II binding. None of the analogs affected normoblastic bone marrow cells, using deoxyuridine suppression of [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA as the index of vitamin B12 sufficiency. In fact, methylrhodibalamin actively corrected the abnormality in vitamin B12-deficient bone marrow. However, 5′-deoxyadenosylrhodibalamin worsened the vitamin B12-deficient behavior of megaloblastic bone marrow and inhibited its correction by vitamin B12 and may even have adversely affected one of the five normoblastic marrows tested.
Preliminary Murine Aortic Tissue Material Properties From Pressure-Diameter Experiments

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common and deadly problem. The aortic diameter increases in association with a complex remodeling process that includes changes in the structure and content of key proteins, elastin and collagen. As these changes occur, the tissue mechanical properties also change. The natural history of AAA is progressive enlargement to a point of mechanical tissue failure typically followed by death. Currently, the marker used to predict the risk of impending rupture is the largest transverse diameter. After reaching a diameter threshold of 5.5 cm the aneurysm is surgically repaired. This criterion does not consider any patient-specific information or the known heterogeneity of the aneurysm that may, in some cases, lead to rupture before the aneurysm reaches the standard intervention threshold. Conversely, in many patients, continued observation beyond this threshold is safe.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Peer assisted VoD for set-top box based IP network

IP-enabled set-top boxes are becoming key devices in home entertainment networks. In addition to providing TV signals, STBs have been providing pay-per view service for a long time. But this service suffers from bandwidth requirements at the source server and has scaling problems. We propose a new design for providing a peer-assisted VoD service where peers co-operate in delivering the content to other peers. This design uses a Bittorrent like protocol for peer-to-peer topology management and DHT for data retrieval with low startup time, provision for VCR operation and admission control to guarantee QoS for subscribers. It utilizes the large storage of STBs for better viewing experience with reduced jitter and the underlying network architecture to do a location aware content fetching and reduce the expensive cross AS traffic over the Internet.
Counseling Mexican Americans: A Multimodal Approach

The author describes a culturally sensitive and relevant therapeutic framework for nonminority and minority counselors working with clients of Mexican-American heritage. Lazarus's multimodal approach provides the basis for this framework. Prior to the presentation of the framework, the current status of Mexican-American mental health service delivery and use is examined.
Factor VIII Related Antigen (von Willebrand's Factor) In Kawasaki Disease:

Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis in which secondary development of coronary artery aneurysms can occur. Because Factor VIII related antigen has been found increased in other vasculiditides, VIII R:Ag was measured serially in patients with Kawasaki disease. Factor VIII related antigen was prospectively evaluated in the acute phase of ten patients with Kawasaki disease, all of whom showed increased values at this stage (p greater than 0001). In six children a second sample was drawn at the convalescent phase, and all were normal. Of the original ten patients, two developed coronary artery aneurysms. Acute Factor VIII related antigen levels were not higher nor did Factor VIII related antigen fail to return to baseline in these two patients. Based on our findings, Factor VIII related antigen is elevated in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease and returns to normal levels in the convalescent phase.
Excess risk of chronic physical conditions associated with depression and anxiety

Depression and anxiety have been reported to be associated with chronic physical conditions. We examined the excess risk of chronic physical conditions associated with depression and/or anxiety within a multivariate framework controlling for demographic and modifiable lifestyle risk factors. We used a retrospective cross-sectional study design. Study participants were adults aged 22–64 years from 2007 and 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. We defined presence of depression-anxiety based on self-reported depression and anxiety and classified adults into 4 groups: 1) depression only; 2) anxiety only; 3) comorbid depression and anxiety 4) no depression and no anxiety. We included presence/absence of arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and osteoporosis as dependent variables. Complementary log-log regressions were used to examine the excess risk associated with depression and/or anxiety for chronic physical conditions using a multivariate framework that controlled for demographic (gender, age, race/ethnicity) and modifiable lifestyle (obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking) risk factors. Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was applied and p ≤0.007 was considered statistically significant. Overall, 7% had only depression, 5.2% had only anxiety and 2.5% had comorbid depression and anxiety. Results from multivariable regressions indicated that compared to individuals with no depression and no anxiety, individuals with comorbid depression and anxiety, with depression only and with anxiety only, all had higher risk of all the chronic physical conditions. ARRs for comorbid depression and anxiety ranged from 2.47 (95% CI: 1.47, 4.15; P = 0.0007) for osteoporosis to 1.64 (95% CI: 1.33, 2.04; P < 0.0001) for diabetes. Presence of depression only was also found to be significantly associated with all chronic conditions except for osteoporosis. Individuals with anxiety only were found to have a higher risk for arthritis, COPD, heart disease and hypertension. Presence of depression and/or anxiety conferred an independent risk for having chronic physical conditions after adjusting for demographic and modifiable lifestyle risk factors.
Effect of isolation on brain monoamines and the behavior of mice in tests of exploration, locomotion, anxiety and behavioral 'despair'.

Abstract We have recently found that, besides an increase in aggression, isolation increases social interaction in NIH Swiss mice. In the present study the effect of isolation in other behavioral paradigms and their relation to brain monoamine concentrations were investigated. Mice, isolated for 0–20 days, were tested in the holeboard test of exploration and locomotor activity, the plus-maze test of anxiety, and Porsolt's swim test of behavioral ‘despair.’ Isolation reduced exploratory head-dipping, increased locomotor activity and increased the preference of mice for the open arms of the plus-maze. The immobility time in the swim test was shortenedin mice isolated for 2 or 5 days, suggesting an improved ability to cope with stressful situations. Monoamine assays failed to show significant changes in the noradrenaline, dopamine, HVA, 5-HT or 5-HIAA contents in the amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus or brain stem. The results indicate that isolation of NIH Siwss mice for less than three weeks induces several behavioral changes, but is not particularly stressful.
A sensitivity analysis of the radiation use efficiency for gross photosynthesis and net carbon accumulation by wheat

Radiation use efficiency (RUE) provides a useful diagnostic approach for estimating carbon accumulation by terrestrial plant communities. A model for instantaneous gross photosynthesis by a canopy, considering sunlit and shaded leaves, variation of maximum rate of leaf photosynthesis within the canopy and a solution of the radiative transfer equation for propagation of direct and diffuse photosynthetically active radiation within the canopy, is numerically integrated in space (angular variation of radiances and depth within the canopy) and time (diurnal variation) to obtain daily total gross photosynthesis. Then, to obtain net carbon accumulation, growth and maintenance respiration at a prescribed temperature are calculated from nitrogen content of foliage, stem and root using field measurements for 27 canopies representing two cultivars of winter wheat and average data for five cultivars of spring wheat. The leaf area index ( L0) of these canopies varies between 0.5 and 5.2. The results show that for any given irradiance, the coefficient of variation of RUE for gross photosynthesis and net carbon accumulation due to changes in L0 is generally less than 10%. Strongly linear relationships are found between the RUE and diffuse fraction of the incident radiation, with slope varying with L0. Temperature appears as an important factor determining RUE under predominantly cloudy conditions. The calculated RUE values are compared with observations. ©2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
On the analysis of count data of birth-and-death process type: with application to molecularly targeted cancer therapy.

For molecularly targeted cancer therapy, potency of a novel monoclonal antibody is typically studied in vitro in order to observe directly the effect of the antibody on a malignant tumour cell population. Numbers of viable cells of the population are counted over time to evaluate how the antibody may change the population growth pattern. Usually, such count data is analysed by a log-linear model to estimate the average antibody effects, but it is based on a Poisson-like process and is not appropriate for modelling the growth pattern of the tumour cells. In this paper, we propose to analyse the count data from the point of view of a birth-and-death process, which is a more natural description of the biological process in these experiments. Assuming a simple birth-and-death process and a naive regression model for the birth rate and death rate, we show that the log-linear relationship still holds for the average count and the covariates, although the linear predictor needs to satisfy a specific functional form. The estimation can be based on the quasi-likelihood method. The variance is not a simple function of the mean, but can be adequately approximated by a function of mean of either quadratic form or linear form, available in most standard statistical packages. We perform a simulation study to show that the proposed method provides consistent and robust estimations. The utility of the method is demonstrated by the analysis of a data set for experiment for anti-lymphoma monoclonal antibodies.
Anomalous muscle in the leg: Soleus accessorium

In the last 4 years we have had the opportunity to investigate an anomalous muscle mass on the medial aspect of the distal leg of three young athletes. A review of the clinical literature has revealed only nine reported cases of a similar muscle mass in this area. Surgical exploration was carried out in each of our three cases with relief of symptoms in two of the cases following decompression of the overlying fascial sheath.We believe this muscle to represent the soleus ac cessorius and its presence, which may be rare. The presence of this muscle should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a symptomatic or asymptomatic mass of the posteromedial aspect of the distal leg. Surgical exploration and fascial release is recom mended.
How Non-native Species in Lake Erie Influence Trophic Transfer of Mercury and Lead to Top Predators

Abstract Lake Erie's food web has been dramatically modified by exotic species. Both exotic dreissenid mussels and the round goby Neogobius melanastomus have shifted the food web from a pelagicbased to a benthic-based one, potentially creating a new pathway for contaminant transfer to top predators. Before the invasion of round gobies, few predators of dreissenids occurred in Lake Erie, allowing contaminants to be confined to these benthic organisms. The invasion of the round goby has produced a new pathway through which these contaminants can enter the food web. To characterize heavy-metal transfer through this new food web and to assess risk to humans, water, surficial sediment, dreissenid, round goby, and smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieui samples were collected at three sites during summers, 2002 and 2003, and analyzed for total lead (Pb), total mercury (Hg), and methyl mercury (MeHg). In addition, we compared smallmouth bass Pb and Hg concentrations to those measured in 1993/1994, before round gobies were prevalent. Pb biodiminished and MeHg biomagnified through the food web to smallmouth bass; patterns were similar among our three sites. Total Pb concentrations in smallmouth bass were higher before the incorporation of round gobies into their diet. We attributed this decline to changes in food web structure, changes in contaminant burdens in prey, or declines in sediment Pb concentrations in Lake Erie. By comparison, Hg concentrations in smallmouth bass changed little, before and after the round goby invasion, possibly due to a shift in diet that increased growth. Despite a decline in sediment Hg concentrations in Lake Erie, smallmouth bass continued to accumulate Hg at historical rates possibly because of their high consumption rates of benthivorous round gobies. As smallmouth bass continue to consume round gobies during their lives, their Hg concentrations may well continue to increase, potentially increasing the risk of Hg contamination to humans.
Navier-Stokes Solutions of Unsteady Flow in a Compressor Rotor

Afin d'effectuer des previsions plus precises de l'ecoulement non stationnaire dans un rotor de compresseur transsonique, une approche numerique existante a ete modifiee en incorporant un modele de turbulence. Les calculs sont effectues en resolvant les equations de Navier-Stokes compressibles et fonction du temps en utilisant l'algorithme de difference finie explicite de MacCormack. Les resultats sont compares avec les resultats numeriques obtenus sans utilisation d'un modele de turbulence (laminaire) pour un passage d'aube unique. L'accord avec des donnees experimentales est egalement ameliore
Leucine stimulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of neonatal pigs by enhancing mTORC1 activation

Skeletal muscle in the neonate grows at a rapid rate due in part to an enhanced sensitivity to the postprandial rise in amino acids, particularly leucine. To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which leucine stimulates protein synthesis in neonatal muscle, overnight-fasted 7-day-old piglets were treated with rapamycin [an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex (mTORC)1] for 1 h and then infused with leucine for 1 h. Fractional rates of protein synthesis and activation of signaling components that lead to mRNA translation were determined in skeletal muscle. Rapamycin completely blocked leucine-induced muscle protein synthesis. Rapamycin markedly reduced raptor-mTOR association, an indicator of mTORC1 activation. Rapamycin blocked the leucine-induced phosphorylation of mTOR, S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), and eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)4E-binding protein-1 (4E-BP1) and formation of the eIF4E·eIF4G complex and increased eIF4E·4E-BP1 complex abundance. Rapamycin had no effect on the association of mTOR with rictor, a crucial component for mTORC2 activation, or G protein β-subunit-like protein (GβL), a component of mTORC1 and mTORC2. Neither leucine nor rapamycin affected the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), PKB, or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)2, signaling components that reside upstream of mTOR. Eukaryotic elongation factor (eEF)2 phosphorylation was not affected by leucine or rapamycin, although current dogma indicates that eEF2 phosphorylation is mTOR dependent. Together, these in vivo data suggest that leucine stimulates muscle protein synthesis in neonates by enhancing mTORC1 activation and its downstream effectors.
Significant J-shaped association between body mass index (BMI) and diabetic foot ulcers.

Background Disagreement exists regarding the relationship between body weight and foot ulceration risk among diabetic persons. Methods We used a nested case-control design to estimate the association between body mass index (BMI) and 1-year and 5-year foot ulceration risk. We obtained data on all diabetic patients < 60 years of age who were treated in the US Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system in 2003. Patient characteristics and co-morbidities were obtained at baseline. For each individual with an incident foot ulcer (case), up to four individuals were randomly selected who matched the case on age, sex, race, marital status, and calendar time. Results Crude 1-year and 5-year incidence rates were 1.35 and 6.22% after a mean follow-up of 11.8 ± 1.2 months and 55.5 ± 12.8 months, respectively. Compared with individuals with BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2, those with BMI 40–44.9 kg/m2 and those with BMI ≥ 45 kg/m2 had 25% [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1–1.56] and 83% (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI, 1.44–2.32) higher 1-year risk and 1.4 (AOR = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.26–1.54) and 2.1 (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI, 1.86–2.32) times higher 5-year risk. BMI < 25 kg/m2 was associated with 30% higher risk at both 1 year (AOR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.04–1.58) and 5 years (AOR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.15–1.40). Conclusions Our data suggest a significant J-shaped association between BMI and diabetic foot ulcers. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
A computer-aided detection and classification method for concealed targets in hyperspectral imagery

Detecting concealed targets in an unknown environment presents a great challenge in hyperspectral image analysis since the prior knowledge about targets, the background and environment is not available. In this paper, a computer-aided detection and classification method (CADCM) for concealed targets is proposed. It is fully computer-automated and requires no a priori information at all. It consists of three successive processes: (1) a band selection procedure; (2) a band ratioing approach; and (3) an automatic target detection and classification algorithm (ATDCA). The effectiveness of the proposed CADCM is evaluated by HYperspectral Digital Imagery Collection Experiment (HYDICE) image scenes. The results show that targets which are concealed by shade, natural background or covered by man-made objects can be effectively detected and further classified by CADCM.
Optimization approach to controlling constrained nonlinear systems

The authors discuss the results of using the input-output geometric transformation method in the development of an efficient controller for nonlinear systems with constraints, while being easy and intuitive to tune and requiring minimal computational effort. While dynamic matrix control (DMC) and quadratic DMC (QDM-C) have been successfully applied in optimal control of industrial processes, they are restricted to linear/near-linear processes. An approach combining the transformation method with DMC for nonlinear systems with constraints that require low computational effort is reported. Using input-output linearization, a pseudolinear model of the system is derived that is valid for the entire region of operation. DMC is designed on this system, ignoring constraints. The DMC-computed input is checked for constraint violation, and a pointwise optimal feasible input is generated if such violation occurs. The performance of the proposed control scheme is demonstrated via simulation of two processes: a continuous stirred tank bioreactor (CSTBR), and an exothermic continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). >
Earmarks and Elections to the U.S. House of Representatives

Popular treatments of earmarks abound with allegations that members of Congress use them to aid their reelection campaigns, but the academic literature has yet to examine whether earmarking influences elections. To begin to fill this void, we search for relationships between earmarking and several facets of electoral competition and outcomes in the 2008 and 2010 House elections. There are three principal findings. First, in both election years, active earmarkers faced weaker primary election competition than other members. Second, in 2008 there was a positive correlation between earmarking and campaign receipts. Third, both of these correlations exist only among Democrats. These findings suggest that earmarks critics might be correct in charging that members, particularly Democrats, benefit from the earmarks they place into spending bills.
Charles West Churchman—Philosopher of Management An Interview With Richard O. Mason Conducted by Ian I. Mitroff

Two of C. West Churchman’s former students, Richard O. Mason and Ian I. Mitroff reflect on West’s career, his contributions to management and to science, and on their experience studying with and subsequently working with him. August 29, 2013, marked the 100th anniversary of Churchman’s birth. Known as “C. West” professionally and simply “West” to those close to him, Churchman was a philosopher, logician, statistician and, perhaps most importantly, a humanist who explored the intellectual and social foundations of management. He is especially well known in business circles for being one of the “founding fathers” of operations research and management science (OR/MS). He died from the complications of Parkinson’s disease on Sunday, March 21, 2004, in a Bolinas, California, nursing home, near his beloved sea-view cabin. For the most part, Ian I. Mitroff interviews Richard O. Mason.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Factor 1 Mediates Apoptosis Induced by Hepatitis C Virus and HIV Envelope Proteins in Hepatocytes

Patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have progressive liver disease that frequently leads to cirrhosis and death. We previously showed that hepatocytes exposed to HCV and HIV envelope proteins undergo apoptosis via an innocent-bystander mechanism as a result of the cell surface binding of these proteins, independent of direct viral infection. Here, we have defined the mechanism of this hepatocytic apoptosis. We observed enhanced signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 1 (STAT1) activation and phosphorylation after costimulation with HCV-E2 and HIV-gp120. Moreover, inhibitor studies indicated that Lyn kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and protein kinase Cd might be involved in STAT1 phosphorylation. To elucidate the downstream STAT1-mediated signaling, we overexpressed wild-type STAT1a and the C-terminal domain‐deleted mutant STAT1b. STAT1a overexpression increased cell apoptosis and Fas ligand expression, compared with STAT1b overexpression. STAT1a also enhanced the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria and caspase-3 activity. These studies indicate that the HCV/ HIV envelope proteins cooperatively induce hepatocytic apoptosis by activating a novel downstream STAT1 signaling pathway.
the enemy of every tribe: “bushman” images in Northern Athapaskan narratives

A variety of “bushman” images are found throughout the Northern Athapaskan area. They have been typically characterized as supernatural beliefs arising in response to fears of dangers in the natural and social environments and to ignorance of true causes of events. I argue in this paper that an understanding of the images must also take into account the cultural and social systems that govern their creation and use in personal narratives. In particular, the images within one region, the central Mackenzie River valley, must be understood in terms of the focal concerns of seasonality, supernatural power, social relationships, and technology, as well as the explanatory uses to which the narratives are put.
Data Interpretation for Spectral Sensors with Arbitrary Spectral Responses

Remote sensing of the earth's resources from space-based sensors has evolved in the past forty years from a scientific experiment to a commonly used technological tool. The scientific applications and engineering aspects of remote sensing systems have been studied extensively. However, most of these studies have been aimed at spectral sensors with non- overlapping bands, which means that the spectral responses of different bands have little between-band overlaps. Numerous conventional spectral sensors have dispersive bands which collect independent data in wavelength order [1].
Medical Management of Advanced Parkinson's Disease

The management of advancing Parkinson's disease (PD) is a daunting task, complicated by dynamic medication responses, side effects, and treatment-refractory symptoms in an aging patient population. The motor and nonmotor complications of advancing PD are reviewed, and practical treatment strategies are provided. Careful assessment in the context of the known natural history of advancing PD and rational treatment choices can create significant improvement in the lives of patients who have advancing PD.
Ausrichtung des Produktmarketing in der Assekuranz

Bis Anfang der 70er Jahre hatten etwa bei Mercedes Benz noch die Ingenieure der F&E Abteilungen uber Ausrichtung und Entwicklung neuer Modelle entschieden und den Prozess vorangetrieben. Die Modelllebens- und Innovationszyklen waren noch relativ lang. Auf den damaligen nationalen Wachstumsmarkten gehorten Wartezeiten beim Kauf von PKWs haufig zum Alltag. Preise von Modellen und deren Varianten wurden durch die Entwicklungs- und Produktionskosten sowie einer kalkulatorischen Gewinnmarge determiniert (Zuschlagskalkulation).
Apportioning Costs by Causation After Burlington Northern: Superfund Meets NCIS

In this Analysis & Perspective article Professor Alfred R. Light explores the implications of the Supreme Court's decision in Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway Co., 129 S. Ct. 1870 (2009), for Superfund jurisprudence through the use of a hypothetical episode of the long-running TV series, NCIS. For lawyers not yet addicted to the series, NCIS follows the activities of a team of federal agents headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area working for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Navy's equivalent of CSI.Light's hypothetical episode describes the roles of various NCIS operatives in investigating and resolving a case in which a military contractor, Plant, is sued to recover payment of cleanup costs at a site to which its toxic wastes, notably 'biaxin,' were sent. The NCIS mission is to determine the CERCLA liability of various PRPs, including Plant, and the extent of Plant's liability under Burlington's 'joint and several' liability standard. The text of the narrative is hypothetical but the footnotes and references are real.
TRH microdialysis into the RTN of the conscious rat increases breathing, metabolism, and temperature

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) injected into the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) of anesthetized rats produces a large, prolonged stimulation of ventilatory output (C. L. Cream, A. Li, and E. E. Nattie. J. Appl. Physiol. 83: 792-799, 1997). Here we inject or dialyze TRH into the RTN of conscious rats. In 6 of 17 injections (200 nl, 3.1 +/- 1.7 mM), ventilation (VE) increased 31% by 10 min, with recovery by 60 min. With dialysis, each animal of one group (n = 5) received, in random order, 10 mM TRH, 10 mM TRHOH (a metabolite of TRH), and artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF); each animal of a second group (n = 5) received aCSF and 1 mM TRH. TRHOH and aCSF had no sustained effects. TRH (1 mM) increased VE (32%, P < 0.02, by 10 min, with recovery by 60 min), O(2) consumption (VO(2); 19%, P < 0. 03), and body (rectal) temperature (T(re); 0.5 degrees C, P < 0.09). TRH (10 mM) increased VE (78%, P < 0.01, by 10 min, with no recovery at 60 min), VO(2) (48%, P < 0.01), and T(re) (1.0 degrees C, P < 0. 01). TRH also induced arousal. The tissue volume affected in dialysis, estimated by spread of dialyzed fluorescein (332.3 mol wt, mol wt of TRH = 362.4), was 1,580 +/- 256 nl for 10 mM (n = 5) and 590 +/- 128 nl for 1 mM (n = 5). We conclude that 1) the RTN is involved in the integration of VE, VO(2), T(re), and arousal and 2) TRH may establish the responsiveness of RTN neurons.