cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Study of the Isolated Dark Globule DC 314.8-5.1: Extinction, Distance, and a Hint of Star Formation

The southern dark globule DC 314.8-5.1 contains a reflection nebula illuminated by a normal B9 V star, HD 130079. This serendipitous association provides the opportunity to evaluate the distance to the globule with greater accuracy than would otherwise be possible, subject to accurate accounting for the effects of interstellar extinction and reddening. It is shown that the dust in the line of sight has optical properties characterized by elevated values of the ratio of extinction to reddening (RV = AV/EB-V) and the wavelength of maximum polarization (λmax), signifying growth that most probably results from grain-grain coagulation within the globule. Taking this into account yields a distance of 342 ± 50 pc, significantly lower than previous estimates that assume the standard diffuse interstellar medium average extinction law. Comparison of this result with the loci of other major sources of extinction along the line of sight suggests that the globule is isolated; it appears to not be physically associated with the adjacent Circinus molecular cloud and star formation complex G317.0-4.0. Estimates are made of the mean number density (nH 9 × 103 cm-3) and mass (30-100 M⊙) of DC 314.8-5.1. A stellar census of the region using the Two Micron All Sky Survey suggests that it is not a site of vigorous star formation, although two (out of 387) sources are identified that appear to be good candidates for young stellar object status on the basis of their near-infrared colors. A deep mid-infrared survey will be needed to determine whether DC 314.8-5.1 is, indeed, starless (with respect to indigenous birth) or a site of sedentary low-mass star formation. The globule may also prove to be a valuable laboratory for future study of the interaction of dense molecular gas and dust in a quiescent core with the relatively soft UV radiation field emanating from the embedded B9 V star.
Decision science and cervical cancer.

Mathematical modeling is an effective tool for guiding cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment decisions for patients and policymakers. This article describes the use of mathematical modeling as outlined in five presentations from the Decision Science and Cervical Cancer session of the Second International Conference on Cervical Cancer held at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, April 11-14, 2002. The authors provide an overview of mathematical modeling, especially decision analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis, and examples of how it can be used for clinical decision making regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cervical cancer. Included are applications as well as theory regarding decision science and cervical cancer. Mathematical modeling can answer such questions as the optimal frequency for screening, the optimal age to stop screening, and the optimal way to diagnose cervical cancer. Results from one mathematical model demonstrated that a vaccine against high-risk strains of human papillomavirus was a cost-effective use of resources, and discussion of another model demonstrated the importance of collecting direct non-health care costs and time costs for cost-effectiveness analysis. Research presented indicated that care must be taken when applying the results of population-wide, cost-effectiveness analyses to reduce health disparities. Mathematical modeling can encompass a variety of theoretical and applied issues regarding decision science and cervical cancer. The ultimate objective of using decision-analytic and cost-effectiveness models is to identify ways to improve women's health at an economically reasonable cost.
Abstract A35: Predicting drugs effect on transcription factor activity by regulatory network analysis of drug perturbed cellular states

Phenotypic changes during pathophysiological processes can be efficiently captured by genome-wide gene expression signatures or molecular phenotypes. Transcription factors (TFs) are the key components of the transcriptional regulatory network that integrates intracellular and extracellular stimuli and generates a response in the form of specific gene expression signatures. We have shown the existence and dissected the components of this integrative logic layer in several pathologic and physiologic processes. Moreover, perturbation of key components of this machinery can be efficiently used to induce desired phenotypic changes. However, TFs have been rather elusive targets for pharmacological intervention. Here, by using a cell-context specific network-based approach, we generated a comprehensive map between small compounds and TF activity. We leveraged the large collection of expression profiles in response to small molecule perturbagens from CMAP to first reverse-engineer transcriptionally regulatory networks in 3 different cellular context (Breast: MCF7, Prostate:PC3 and Myeloma:HL60) by the ARACNe algorithm, and then interrogate these networks with the MARINa algorithm to identify TFs whose activity is affected by the profiled compounds. We show two different evidences that validate our method. First, we correctly identified ESR1 as the very top TF whose activity is affected by the estrogen antagonists tamoxifen, raloxifen and clomifene. Second, we selected 10 compounds from the 1,400 represented in the MCF7 CMAP dataset that our method predict as STAT3 perturbagens. From these, 4 showed a significant inhibition of STAT3 activity in a cell-based STAT3 reported assay. Citation Format: Yao Shen, Mariano Alvarez, Sergey Pampou, Jorida Coku, Andrea Califano. Predicting drugs effect on transcription factor activity by regulatory network analysis of drug perturbed cellular states [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chemical Systems Biology: Assembling and Interrogating Computational Models of the Cancer Cell by Chemical Perturbations; 2012 Jun 27-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(13 Suppl):Abstract nr A36.
Instructional redesign: Developing learning communities in academia

Traditionally, learning is provided in a unidirectional manner from instructor to learner. This practice can be limiting to all individuals involved in the learning process. To develop quality instructional materials, the learning team can participate in instructional design and development (ID) as partners. This article discusses a proposed learning community to be created during the process of course redesign. Human performance technology and ID professionals who use learning community practices can improve their designs by including all relevant stakeholders.
Self-punitive behavior: Nonreinforcement procedure of extinction

Two groups of rats were given escape training in an automated double runway. During a nonreinforcement procedure of extinction (no shock offset in the goal/startboxes), punishment was introduced to one group by increasing the alleyways’ shock intensity above that of the goal/startboxes. The other group was not punished. The results revealed that the punished group was more resistant to extinction. This finding enables a more direct comparison of results obtained under appetitive and aversive motivation conditions and supports the need for a motivational factor split.
Blade Number Effects in a Scaled Down Wind Farm

Abstract Two 3 × 4 scaled down wind farms were analyzed to understand differences in wind turbine boundary layers when turbines operating at identical power coefficients have two or three blades. Mean streamwise velocities in two bladed turbine near wakes ranged between 10 and 100% larger than those in the three bladed case with large differences just behind the nacelle. In the rotor swept region of far wakes, mean velocity differences between the two arrays were about 10% (max) and became smaller with increasing streamwise direction. Contrary to these findings, regions above and below rotors become less similar deep in the array. Incoming flow to downstream turbines was shown to have greater Reynolds streamwise normal stress for three bladed rotors. Percentage differences ranged between about 30% for the second turbine down to 10% for the fourth turbine. Additionally, there is qualitative evidence that suggests incoming streamwise Reynolds normal stress becomes similar between the two types of turbines, indicating that asymptotically two and three bladed turbines could have similar fatigue loading properties. These results show that use of two bladed turbines would have the most impact when used in a wind farm's first two rows.
Topology of laminar flow on a spheroid at incidence

Abstract Numerical solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations were obtained for steady, incompressible, laminar flow around a prolate spheroid of axes ratio six at incidences up to 30° to elucidate the changes in flow topology and separation patterns. The results clarify observations and speculations based on earlier flow visualizations, and provide details in the separated flow that were not accessible to previous calculations. In particular, a closed or singular separation, joining singular points of the skin-friction lines, is found at all incidences, and it is accompanied by one or more lines of the so-called open (or free-vortex, or ordinary) separation at higher incidences.
Semi-active control systems for seismic protection of structures: a state-of-the-art review

As passive structural control systems begin to see an increased acceptance within the earthquake engineering community, strong research efforts have been shifted towards the development of semi-active structural control systems. To place semi-active control systems within a proper frame of reference, this paper begins with a qualitative description and comparison of passive, active, and semi-active control systems for protecting structures subjected to earthquake induced ground motion. A detailed literature review of semi-active control systems is then provided which provides references to both theoretical and experimental research but concentrates on describing the results of experimental work. Specifically, the review focuses on descriptions of the dynamic behavior and distinguishing features of various systems which have been experimentally tested both at the component level and within small-scale structural models. The semi-active systems which are reviewed include stiffness control devices, electrorheological dampers, magnetorheological dampers, friction control devices, fluid viscous dampers, tuned mass dampers and tuned liquid dampers. The review clearly demonstrates that semi-active control devices have the potential for improving the seismic behavior of full-scale civil structures.
An upper bound on the product of eigenvalues of an optimal linear system

Explicit relations between the weighting factors of a quadratic performance criterion and the closed-loop system are developed. A best possible upper bound on the product of the eigenvalues of the closed-loop system is attained.
Soundness of data refinement for a higher-order imperative language

Using a set-theoretic model of predicate transformers and ordered data types, we give a semantics for an Oberon-like higher-order imperative language with record subtyping and procedure-type variables and parameters. Data refinement is shown to be sound for this language: It implies algorithmic refinement when suitably localized. All constructs are shown to preserve simulation, so data refinement can be carried out piecewise.
Nutritional hepatic steatosis and mortality after burn injury in rats

Abstract Aims: To investigate the effects of diet composition and starvation on hepatic steatosis and mortality after severe burn injury in rats. Methods: Experiment 1: rats received either normal chow (55% of energy carbohydrates, 14% fat, 31% protein), a high-fat (40% carbohydrates, 40% fat, 20% protein), or a high-carbohydrate diet (81% carbohydrates, 4% fat, 15% protein) ad libitum for 6 days. Another three groups received these diets ad libitum for 6 days after 48 h starvation. Experiment 2: mortality after 60% total body surface area scald burn was determined in a control group of rats and a group with nutritionally induced hepatic steatosis. Hepatic steatosis was induced by feeding the rats a high-fat diet (40% carbohydrates, 4% fat, 15% protein) ad libitum for 6 days. Results: Without starvation, liver triglyceride content (mg/g liver) increased in response to the high-fat diet (25.6±6.9) compared to normal chow (9.4±3.8; P P 2 =0.72; P P Conclusions: Diet composition and preceeding starvation independently manipulate hepatic fat content in rats. Hepatic steatosis increases mortality after burn injury. Thus, nutritional interventions to reduce hepatic fat accumulation may be beneficial.
Impact of Phytotherapy on Utility Scores for 5 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia/Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Health States

Purpose: Given the wide variety of lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, we ascertained the impact on quality of life for 5 domains of benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms progression. In addition, with the increasing number of patients using alternative therapies to alleviate bother from benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms, we investigated whether utility scores differed between phytotherapy users and nonusers.Materials and Methods: Using an office based population 40 consecutive patients were identified as surgically naive with benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms based on the American Urological Association Symptom Index. A trained interviewer administered 2 surveys to the patients, that is a time trade-off questionnaire assessing the health states of urinary retention, urinary tract infection, incontinence, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction, as well as an alternative therapy questionnaire. Pat...
Non-lethal blast wave interactions with a human head

Abstract Numerical simulations are used to investigate the transient shock physics and loads that arise when a non-lethal blast wave impinges upon an unprotected human head located atop a complete, anatomically-correct body. Two non-lethal, hemispherical blast waves, each of which corresponds to the detonation of a high explosive charge, are considered for configurations in which the body is facing either towards or away from the explosive charge. The shock wave interactions that arise when the blast wave impinges upon the head are characterized and correlated with the resulting transient surface pressures, forces, and moments on the head. The transient forces and moments are compared to those of an analytical model based upon the work of Zaslavskii et al. [J Appl Mech Tech Phys 2001;42(3):533–7], who derived expressions for the drag force on an arbitrary-shaped body due to the interaction with a weak to moderate strength shock wave. The results of this study indicate that Zaslavskii et al.’s model provides a straightforward means of estimating the transient loads on the head during a non-lethal blast wave interaction.
Stagnant Perceptions of Nursing Among High School Students: Results of a Shadowing Intervention Study

To gain insight into high school students' perceptions of the role of the nurse and to explore students' impressions of nursing following a nurse-shadowing intervention. Often nurses abandon staffing positions in the first 1-2 years, reporting a "poor fit" with nursing. Few studies have examined expectations and perceptions of nursing among high school students; a population of potential nurses in whom a more accurate view of nursing opportunities and professionalism may be fostered. High school students from two North Carolina counties participated in a nurse-shadowing intervention. Constant comparison and thematic coding were used for analysis of post-intervention in-depth interviews. Sixteen of 24 students completed the study. Misperception of nursing was the dominant theme. Five sub-themes were professional role responsibility, teamwork, caring relationships, tools and technology, and medication management. Experiential knowledge of nursing was a core need for students interested in nursing careers. These data suggest that a nurse shadowing program may positively influence perceptions of nursing, and may result in improved recruitment and retention in the workplace.
Reduced pH and chloride levels in exhaled breath condensate of patients with chronic cough

Background: Increased hydrogen and reduced chloride ionic environments of the airways are conducive to the stimulation of cough. However, the constituents of the local milieu of the airways of patients with chronic cough are unknown. Methods: The pH and chloride levels in exhaled breath condensate and capsaicin cough threshold (C5) were measured in 50 patients with chronic cough and in 16 healthy controls. pH and chloride measurements were repeated after capsaicin challenge in those with cough. The cause of cough was asthma (n = 13), postnasal drip/rhinitis (n = 7), gastro-oesophageal reflux (n = 5), bronchiectasis (n = 5), but remained unidentified in 20. Results: Compared with controls, patients with chronic cough had lower pH (mean 7.9 v 8.3, 95% CI of difference −0.5 to −0.2, p<0.0001), chloride levels (median 4 v 6 mmol/l, 95% CI −3.1 to −0.2, p = 0.007), and C5 (median 3.9 v 125 μM, 95% CI −270.0 to −17.6, p = 0.002). The pH levels were different in the six subgroups including controls, and were reduced in all diagnostic subgroups of patients with cough compared with controls but did not differ between them. Chloride levels were significantly different in the six subgroups but were lower than controls in only the gastro-oesophageal reflux subgroup. There was a weak but significant correlation between chloride levels and C5 when all participants were analysed together, but not between pH and C5 or chloride levels. pH and chloride levels did not change after capsaicin challenge. Conclusions: The epithelial lining fluid of patients with chronic cough has a reduced pH and reduced chloride levels which could contribute to the enhanced cough reflex.
Use of unsafe condoms and unsafe use of good condoms

FOLLOWING from the article on unsafe condoms and other unsafe sex accessories by Ditmore and Neth in your November 2006 journal I would like to point out that the practice of unsafe use of good quality condoms is also an issue that needs to be addressed. In a study among 47 sex workers that I recently concluded in 2005 in Sri Lanka almost half the women (44.7%) said they had experienced breakage of condoms during their professional life. This seemed very high considering the fact that the average number of years they had been in the sex trade was 5.4 years (SD 5.62).Upon further inquiry it became clear that the condom-breakage was due not to accidental damage or the poor quality of condoms but the result of purposeful condom damage on the part of clients. Sex workers said that they soon come to know when a condom is broken as they can feel it. Condom breakage they said was often preceded by the man slipping his penis out of the vagina seemingly inadvertently and manually re-inserting it. During the re-insertion the man would purposely damage the condom with his fingernails. This was not inadvertent but an attempt to deceive the sex worker. When the sex worker realised the condom had been broken she would stop sexual activity to get the client to put on another one. A few of the women also said they verbally abused clients who did such things. (excerpt)
Synchronous occurrence of metastatic wilms tumor and ganglioneuroma

We describe a 4-year-old female patient with a persistent paraspinal mass following chemotherapy for Wilms tumor. A discordant response to chemotherapy prompted biopsy of the persistent mass, which revealed a ganglioneuroma. This report highlights the synchronous occurrence of different tumors in the same patient, and suggests that repeat biopsies should be considered when contiguous tumor masses do not respond as expected. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:562–565. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The general approach to the treatment of patients with diastolic hypertension

Abstract The case history, physical examination and laboratory evaluation of the patient with diastolic hypertension should lead to a planned way of life in which diet, hours of sleep and of exercise, long periods of rest and frequent vacations away from the problems of home and stress of business are planned and put into effect, if possible before institution of drug therapy.
State-specific estimates of complete smoke-free home rules among postpartum women, 2010.

article i nfo Background: Secondhand smoke exposure increases an infant's risk of morbidity and mortality. We provide state-specific estimates for and characterize postpartum women with complete smoke-free home rules. Methods: Data were analyzed from 26 states and New York City (n = 37,698) from the 2010 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, a population-based survey of women who recently delivered live-born infants. We calculated state-specific estimates of complete rules and assessed associations between complete rules and selected characteristics. Results: Overall, 93.6% (95% CI: 93.1-94.1) of women with recent live births had complete smoke-free home rules (86.8% (West Virginia) to 98.6% (Utah)). Demographic groups with the lowest percentage of rules were women who smoked during pregnancy/postpartum (77.6%), were non-Hispanic Black (86.8%), never initiated breastfeeding (86.8%), b20 years of age (87.1%), b$15,000 annual income (87.6%), b12 years of education (88.6%), unmarried (88.6%), initiated prenatal care late/had no prenatal care (88.8%), had Medicaid coverage (89.7%), had an unintended pregnancy (90.3%), and enrolled in WIC (90.6%). Conclusions: Prevalence of complete smoke-free home rules was high among women with recent live births; however, disparities exist by state and among certain sub-populations. Women, particularly smokers, should be educated during and after pregnancy about secondhand smoke and encouraged to maintain 100% smoke-free
Effectiveness of polyethylene glycol antegrade gut lavage bowel preparation for colonoscopy—timing is the key!

PURPOSE: Polyethylene glycol gut lavage is an effective bowel preparation for colonoscopy. The quality of the preparation is not uniform however, and most studies report a rate of suboptimal cleansing of 10 percent or more. One of the possible reasons for a poor preparation is the length of time between the lavage and the examination. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of timing of polyethylene glycol gut lavage on the quality of the preparation achieved. METHODS: Patients referred for elective outpatient colonoscopy with afternoon appointments were randomized to take polyethylene glycol gut lavage either the same morning as their examination (Group 1) or the afternoon of the day before (Group 2). The colonoscopist was unaware of the preparation timing until after the examination was over. During the examination the endoscopist scored the quality of bowel preparation in the cecum, ascending colon, and transverse and left colon. Patient demographics and clinical data were recorded. RESULTS: There were 157 patients in Group 1 (colonoscopy complete in 152 patients) and 160 in Group 2 (colonoscopy complete in 159 patients). The groups were similar in age and gender, indication for colonoscopy, and previous colonic surgery. Patients who drank gut lavage on the morning of their colonoscopy had a greatly better preparation in all areas of the colon than the patients who took their preparation the night before. In the cecum, 97 Group 1 patients had an excellent preparation (vs. 14 Group 2 patients), 45 had a good preparation (vs. 103 Group 2 patients), and 10 had a fair preparation (vs. 33 Group 2 patients). In the ascending colon, numbers of patients with excellent, good, fair, and poor results were 103, 45, 5, and 0 for Group 1 and 12, 107, 32, and 7 for Group 2. Results in the transverse and left colons were 102, 50, 5, 0 and 93, 55, 7, 2 for Group 1 and 15, 116, 27, 5 and 18, 114, 24, 3 for Group 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: The timing of administration of polyethylene glycol-based gut lavage is a major determinant of the quality of the bowel preparation achieved.
Adsorption, isosteric heat and commensurate-incommensurate transition of methane on graphite

We report a molecular simulation study of methane adsorption and phase transitions on a graphite substrate. Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations have been carried out to study the adsorption isotherm and heat of adsorption at 77·5 K, using a uniform 10–4–3 substrate potential. Good agreement with experiment is found. Several layering transitions are observed at this temperature. Freezing transitions in the monolayer are found in the simulations, and are in qualitative agreement with experiment. Canonical Monte Carlo simulations have been used to study the commensurate-incommensurate transition of methane on a graphite substrate at conditions near the complete monolayer at 40·0 K, using a periodically varying adsorbate-adsorbent potential. The results are in qualitative agreement with experiments. A new method has been proposed to make a more realistic choice of the dimensions of the simulation cell. The effect of varying the corrugation of the fluid-wall potential on the commensurate and incommensurate...
Applications of a symbolic algebra manipulation language for composite structures analysis

Abstract The computer is frequently used in the solution of structural problems involving composite materials. The algebraic manipulations required to cast the problem into a form suitable for direct computer solutions have become the most tedious and error-prone parts of the solution process. This step may now be markedly simplified by using a symbolic aglebra manipulation language. The use of PL/I FORMAC for this purpose is described.
Influence of Method of Administering Thiouracil on Thyroid Variability

Abstract Five quail populations were utilized to determine if water supplementation of thiouracil would result in less variation in thyroid size than dietary supplementation. Birds in one experimental group received a 28% protein diet with 0.1% thiouracil added to the drinking water, while a second group of birds received a 28% protein diet containing 0.2% thiouracil. Duplicate groups of 12 birds per subclass were weighed at 2 and 4 weeks of age with thyroids removed at four weeks. Significant (P
A unique exchange property for bases

Abstract We define the concept of unique exchange on a sequence (X1,…, Xm) of bases of a matroid M as an exchange of x ϵ Xi for y ϵ Xj such that y is the unique element of Xj which may be exchanged for x so that (Xi − {x}) ∪ {y} and (Xj − {y}) ∪ {x} are both bases. Two sequences X and Y are compatible if they are on the same multiset. Let UE(1) [UE(2)] denote the class of matroids such that every pair of compatible basis sequences X and Y are related by a sequence of unique exchanges [unique exchanges and permutations in the order of the bases]. We similarly define UE(3) by allowing unique subset exchanges. Then UE(1), UE(2), and UE(3) are hereditary classes (closed under minors) and are self-dual (closed under orthogonality). UE(1) equals the class of series-parallel networks, and UE(2) and UE(3) are contained in the class of binary matroids. We conjecture that UE(2) contains the class of unimodular matroids, and prove a related partial result for graphic matroids. We also study related classes of matroids satisfying transitive exchange, in order to gain information about excluded minors of UE(2) and UE(3). A number of unsolved problems are mentioned.
A comparative review of methods for comparing means using partially paired data

In medical experiments with the objective of testing the equality of two means, data are often partially paired by design or because of missing data. The partially paired data represent a combinati...
Double Strand Break Repair

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the most dangerous form of DNA damage and can lead to death, mutation, or malignant transformation. Mammalian cells use three major pathways to repair DSBs: homologous recombination (HR), classical nonhomologous end joining (C-NHEJ), and alternative end joining (A-NHEJ). Cells choose among the pathways by interactions of the pathways with CtIP and 53BP1. HR is restricted to S and G2 phases of the cell cycle, utilizing homologous newly replicated DNA for error-free repair. Inherited mutations in the HR genes BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 cause susceptibility to breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. C-NHEJ operates during all phases of the cell cycle and during V(D)J recombination of the antibody and T-cell receptor genes, joining DNA ends while minimizing nucleotide loss and addition for error-prone repair. Inherited mutations in the C-NHEJ genes DNA-PKcs, Artemis, and XLF cause the syndrome of radiation sensitivity with severe combined immunodeficiency. A-NHEJ is a backup pathway for C-NHEJ, joining DNA ends after resection back to regions of microhomology for error-prone repair. A-NHEJ is responsible for creating the chromosomal translocations seen in cancer. Thus, understanding DSB repair pathways will lead to insights for immunology and cancer.
Ba2+ and amiloride uncover or induce a pH-sensitive and a Na+ or non-selective cation conductance in transitional cells of the inner ear.

The membrane potential V m the cytosolic pH (pHi), the transference numbers (t) for K+, Cl− and Na+/ non-selective cation (NSC) and the pH-sensitivity of V m were investigated in transitional cells from the vestibular labyrinth of the gerbil. V m, pHi, $$t_{K^ + } , t_{Cl^ - } , t_{Na^ + /NSC} $$ , and the pHi sensitivity of V m were under control conditions were −92±1 mV (n=89 cells), pHi 7.13±0.07 (n=11 epithelia), 0.87±0.02 (n=22), 0.02±0.01 (n=19), 0.01±0.01 (n=24) and −5 mV/pH unit (n=13 cells/n=11 epithelia), respectively. In the presence of 100 μmol/l Ba2+ the corresponding values were: −70±1 mV (n=32), pHi 7.16±0.08 (n=6), 0.31±0.05 (n=4), 0.06±0.01 (n=6), 0.20±0.03 (n=10) and -16 mV/pH-unit (n=15/n=6). In the presence of 500 μmol/l amiloride the corresponding values were: −72±2mV (n=34), pHi 7.00±0.07 (n=5), 0.50±0.04 (n=6), 0.04±0.01 (n=11), 0.28±0.04 (n=9) and −26 mV/pH-unit (n=20/n=5). In the presence of 20 mmol/l propionate plus amiloride the corresponding values were: −61±2 mV (n=27), pHi 6.72±0.06 (n=5), 0.30±0.02 (n=6), 0.06±0.01 (n=5) and 0.40±0.02 (n=8), respectively. V m was depolarized and $$t_{K^ + } $$ and pHi decreased due to (a) addition of 1 mmol/l amiloride in 150 mmol/l Na+ by 38±1 mV (n=8), from 0.82±0.02 to 0.17±0.02 (n=8) and by 0.13±0.01 pH unit (n=6), respectively; (b) reduction of [Na+] from 150 to 1.5 mmol/l by 3.3±0.5 mV (n=30), from 0.83±0.02 to 0.75±0.04 (n=9) and by 0.33±0.07 pH unit (n=4), respectively and (c) addition of 1 mmol/l amiloride in 1.5 mmol/l Na+ by 20±1 mV (n=11) and from 0.83±0.03 to 0.53±0.02 (n=5), respectively. These data suggest that the K+ conductance is directly inhibited by amiloride and Ba2+ and that Ba2+ and amiloride uncover or induce a pH-sensitive and a Na+/NSC conductance which may or may not be the same entity.
Unlearning Whiteness, rethinking race issues in graduate music education

This paper examines the experiences of music education graduate students and their instructor during a fifteen-week seminar course entitled Race issues in music teaching. Excerpts from students’ journal entries and the instructor's responses to those journals are constructed in this paper as dialogue vignettes which provide insight into the process through which the students came to understand the notion of cultural Whiteness as embedded in North American society and education systems. As has been identified in previous studies (Rich & Cargile, 2004; Solomon, Portelli, & Daniel, 2005), students’ reactions to course readings about Whiteness ranged from denial to frustration to eventual acceptance of the concept of Whiteness, although due to the racial homogeneity of the students and their instructor, some reactions contrast with those described in the previous studies, which were conducted with participants of more diverse racial identities. Analysis of the journals indicates the emergence of renewed commi...
Formation of enamine Schiff bases by ring cleavage of pyridine

Abstract On treatment with diphenyldichloromethane or anisal chloride in the presence of acetone and aqueous sodium hydroxide, pyridine undergoes condensation and ring cleavage to yield the enamine Schiff bases 1,1-diphenyl-2-azadeca-1,3Z,5Z,7E-tetraen-9-one (1) and 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-azadeca-1E,3Z,5Z,7E-tetraen-9-one (7). The reaction proceeds through attack of acetonyl carbanion on the initially formed bis-pyridinium salt, followed by ring scission with elimination of one equivalent of pyridine. The structure and stereochemistry of the 2-azatetraene (1) was confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
Role of Matrix and Fusion Proteins in Budding of Sendai Virus

Paramyxoviruses are assembled at the surface of infected cells, where virions are formed by the process of budding. We investigated the roles of three Sendai virus (SV) membrane proteins in the production of virus-like particles. Expression of matrix (M) proteins from cDNA induced the budding and release of virus-like particles that contained M, as was previously observed with human parainfluenza virus type 1 (hPIV1). Expression of SV fusion (F) glycoprotein from cDNA caused the release of virus-like particles bearing surface F, although their release was less efficient than that of particles bearing M protein. Cells that expressed only hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) released no HN-containing vesicles. Coexpression of M and F proteins enhanced the release of F protein by a factor greater than 4. The virus-like particles containing F and M were found in different density gradient fractions of the media of cells that coexpressed M and F, a finding that suggests that the two proteins formed separate vesicles and did not interact directly. Vesicles released by M or F proteins also contained cellular actin; therefore, actin may be involved in the budding process induced by viral M or F proteins. Deletion of C-terminal residues of M protein, which has a sequence similar to that of an actin-binding domain, significantly reduced release of the particles into medium. Site-directed mutagenesis of the cytoplasmic tail of F revealed two regions that affect the efficiency of budding: one domain comprising five consecutive amino acids conserved in SV and hPIV1 and one domain that is similar to the actin-binding domain required for budding induced by M protein. Our results indicate that both M and F proteins are able to drive the budding of SV and propose the possible role of actin in the budding process.
Congenital Heart Surgery Outcomes in Down Syndrome: Analysis of a National Clinical Database

OBJECTIVE: We describe patient characteristics and postoperative morbidity and mortality rates for patients with Down syndrome undergoing congenital heart disease surgery. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database to compare patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes for patients (0–18 years) with or without Down syndrome who underwent surgery in 2000–2008. RESULTS: A total of 45 579 patients (4350 patients with Down syndrome and 41 229 without Down syndrome) were included (median age: 7 months [interquartile range [IQR]: 47 days to 4 years]; 56% male). Patients with Down syndrome were younger at surgery, with the exception of those undergoing tetralogy of Fallot repair or atrioventricular septal defect repair. Mortality rates for patients with or without Down syndrome did not differ significantly. Lengths of stay were prolonged for patients with Down syndrome undergoing atrial septal defect closure (median: 4 days [IQR: 3–5 days] vs 3 days [IQR: 2–4 days]; P P P P CONCLUSION: In this large, contemporary cohort, Down syndrome did not confer a significant mortality risk for the most common operations; however, postoperative morbidity remained common.
White blood cell count as a predictor of mortality: results over 18 years from the Normative Aging Study.

Abstract The ubiquitous white blood cell count (WBC) has rarely been analyzed as a predictor of future mortality. We examined WBC measured in prospective examinations of 2011 initially healthy men in the Normative Aging Study (mean age 47.5), followed for an average of 13.6 years with 27,402 man-years of observation. Between 1970 and 1987, 183 participants died. Mortality rates for men with baseline WBC over 9000 were 12.2/1000 man-years, 1.8−2.5 times those of men with lower WBC in each of three age groups. Proportional hazards models controlling for established risk factors including age, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking status, found WBC at the baseline exam to be an independent predictor of mortality over the following years. Even within the normal range, a difference of 1000 in the initial WBC increased the risk ratio by 1.2 (95% CI 1.1, 1.3). The relation of initial WBC to mortality was not affected by baseline age, body mass index (BMI), smoking or blood pressure. These findings are not explained by medication effects. We conclude that the WBC is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality.
Streptomycin resistant variants obtained from recently isolated cultures of tubercle bacilli.

ConclusionStreptomycin resistant variants were obtained from 25 out of 57 (43.5%) recently isolated strains of tubercle bacilli.
Diffusional characteristics of freeze/thawed poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels: applications to protein controlled release from multilaminate devices

The incorporation of a model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel films during the freezing and thawing process and its subsequent release behavior were investigated. The effect of the number of freezing and thawing cycles as well as the stability of BSA were examined. BSA release profiles were not significantly different from gels prepared after 3 or 5 cycles. However, the rate and overall amount of PVA dissolution were considerably higher for gels prepared after 3 cycles. These observations were then applied to the development of novel, freeze/thawed PVA laminates. Laminates containing gel layers prepared after 3 or 5 cycles were successfully prepared with good stability over a 6 month swelling period. These structures, containing distinct layers of very specific properties, could be used to achieve zero-order release behavior.
Quantitative Models of Mammalian Cell Signaling Pathways

This teaching resource provides lecture notes and slides for a class on mathematical modeling of mammalian signaling pathways. This lecture was part of the course "Cell Signaling Systems: A Course for Graduate Students" and focused on quantitative modeling. The lecture describes how different types of mathematical representations are applied to different signaling systems to provide insight into how a signaling system controls cell behavior. The development of an ordinary differential equation–based model for a bistable switch and the predictions that can be obtained from the model are described. The lecture concludes with a description of how models can be tested experimentally and modified when the details of the models and the resultant predictive behavior are not confirmed by experimentation.
The Effects of Globalization on U.S. Monetary Policy

This paper analyzes the linkages between the effects of globalization on U.S monetary policy. It states that the effects of globalization on monetary policy may be perceived through its impact on the financial and economic environment in which it is implemented. Thus, international phenomena have significant influences on the domestic economy and on the ability to achieve domestic goals. This topic is empirically of particular interest at least for three main reasons: First, the current economic and financial crisis affects the World’s economy. Second, world financial markets are currently experiencing substantial turbulence starting with the “subprime” mortgage crisis in the United States and its prominent propagating role through international financial linkages in all the continents. We will review some problems that international considerations are creating for the U.S. economy over the coming decades, such as the more globally connected a country is, the less flexibility it has with its monetary policy. Third, an alternative to using monetary policy to guide the economy toward meeting its international goals is trade policy designed to affect the level of exports and imports and the inflation rate. Finally, we conclude our study by exploring how to restore international trade balance to the U.S. Economy. So as long as other countries are willing to accept U.S. assets in payment for the goods they produce, the United States will continue to run a trade deficit at the current exchange rate.
Effects of membrane peptide dynamics on high-resolution magic-angle spinning NMR

Depuis une quinzaine d'annees, des cas d'interference entre la dynamique de molecules et la manipulation coherente de l'aimantation nucleaire realisee dans le cadre d'experiences de resonance magnetique nucleaire (RMN) ont ete identifies et etudies en detail, qu'il s'agisse du decouplage de spins, de la polarisation croisee ou de la rotation a l'angle magique (magic-angle spinning, ou MAS). Des experiences recentes realisees dans notre laboratoire nous apportent des details concernant la nature d'une perturbation responsable de l'elargissement des raies 13 C et 15 N dans le cas de molecules modeles, celle de l'interference entre un mouvement moleculaire et le decouplage des protons. Le meme effet est demontre ici pour la premiere fois dans le cas d'un peptide membranaire, la gramicidine A (gA), dans une bicouche lipidique hydratee. Les experiences presentees ici constituent la premiere observation d'un spectre RMN solide 13 C a haute resolution d'un C a de peptide membranaire en bicouche lipidique. De plus, le developpement de strategies destinees a contourner l'effet d'elargissement des raies nous permet d'extraire des informations concernant la dynamique de gA dans des conditions physiologiques.
Routes of FA delivery to cardiac muscle: modulation of lipoprotein lipolysis alters uptake of TG-derived FA.

Long-chain fatty acids (FA) supply 70–80% of the energy needs for normal cardiac muscle. To determine the sources of FA that supply the heart, [14C]palmitate complexed to bovine serum albumin and [...
Motivating the industrial sales force in the sales forecasting process

Abstract Previous research has recognized the value of the industrial salesperson's role in the sales forecasting process, and offered normative descriptions of what that role should be. However, no studies have been conducted to determine the variables that motivate industrial sales force involvement in and contribution to the sales forecasting process. This study employed depth interviews and survey research to develop and test a conceptual model of industrial sales force forecasting motivation. The research identifies five environmental signals that can be employed by managers to impact an industrial salesperson's level of satisfaction with, effort directed towards, and seriousness placed in the sales forecasting process.
Space Astronomy: Present Reality and Future Prospects

Results of the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO) observations of comets, novae, and galaxies are described as benefits from maintaining a continuous observing capability in space. The increased capabilities of the next two OAOs are cited as providing the basis for future astronomy missions. A practical and economical approach to space astronomy is developed on the basis of commonalty at the subsystem level. This approach, space telescopes for astronomical research, called Project STAR, provides the capability of flying optical telescopes with diameters of up to 120 inches, as well as major solar and X-ray instruments. The potential of resupply missions based on the space shuttle concept is developed.
A Probabilistic Classification Framework for Urban Structural Damage Estimation Using Satellite Images

Recent research endeavors in civil engineering have attempted to apply remote sensing technology to urban damage estimation following large-scale urban disasters. Different from a general change detection problem, wherein categorical or mostly binary change states ('changed' or 'unchanged') are associated with pixels, urban structural damage is usually described on a per-object basis using qualitative damage states, such as 'fully collapsed', 'partially collapsed', or 'intact' for individual structures or sub-areas. In addition to this difference, another limitation in past attempts of image-based urban damage estimation is the use of a deterministic approach to estimate damage states, such that resulting damage statistics have no confidence levels. To address these limitations, probabilistic learning theory is applied in this paper to estimate structural damage on a per-object basis. The result is individually categorized structures or sub-areas in terms of different damage states, which can quickly be assessed via color-rendered damage maps. Such a result, particularly where probabilities are associated with the estimated damage states, is useful for post-event reconnaissance and recovery.
Riemannian 4-symmetric spaces

This thesis studies the theory of Riemannian 4-symmetric spaces. It follows the methods first introduced by E. Cartan to study ordinary symmetric spaces, and extended by J. Wolf and A. Gray and by Kac. The theory of generalized n-symmetric spaces was initiated by A. Ledger in 1967, and 2- and 3-symmetric spaces have already been classified. The theory of generalized n-symmetric spaces is completely new. The thesis naturally divides into two chapters. The first chapter treats the geometry of the spaces. Their homogeneous structure and their invariant connections are studied. The existence of a canonical invariant almost product structure is pointed out. A fibration over 2-symmetric spaces with 2-symmetric fibers is obtained. Root systems are used to obtain geometric invariants. Finally a local characterization in terms of curvature is obtained. Chapter II centres on the problems of classification. A local classification is given for the compact spaces in terms of simple Lie algebras. A global formulation is given for the compact classical simple Lie algebras. A final section is devoted to invariant almost complex structures. A characterization is given in terms of their homogeneous structure. It is shown that they can bear both Hodge and non-Kahler structures.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Coronary Artery Calcium Score as Indications of Subclinical Atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE To determine the ability of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) to detect subclinical atherosclerosis in a young to middle-aged, low-risk, primary-prevention population. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients aged 36 to 59 years who underwent determination of CIMT and CACS at our institution between May 1, 2004, and April 1, 2008, were included in the study. Those with diabetes mellitus or a history of coronary, peripheral, or cerebral vascular disease were excluded. Other information, such as Framingham risk score (FRS), was obtained by a review of clinical and laboratory data. RESULTS Of 118 patients, 89 (75%) had a CACS of zero and 94 (80%) were men; mean ± SD age was 48.9±5.7 years. The mean FRS of this group was 4.0; 86 patients (97%) were considered at low risk ( CONCLUSION Subclinical vascular disease can be detected by CIMT evaluation in young to middle-aged patients with a low FRS and a CACS of zero. These findings have important implications for vascular disease screening and the implementation of primary-prevention strategies.