cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conceptualizing stress to study effects on health: Environmental, perceptual, and emotional components

Abstract Stress has been operationalized in numerous ways across studies of physical and mental health, raising questions about the appropriate definition of stress and the construct validity of stress measures. The present paper discusses the theoretical and operational strengths of three prominent approaches to stress definition and then attempts to integrate them into a comprehensive and robust multidimensional definition of stress. In a study of socioeconomically disadvantaged pregnant women, structural equation modelling techniques were used to test whether a single latent construct underlies environmental, perceptual, and response-based indicators of stress. Results suggested a two-factor, rather than a single-factor, model of stress. Stress perception and emotion were part of a single underlying latent factor, a phenomenological stress construct, whereas environmental conditions in the form of major life events represented a second and distinct component of stress. Failure to find a single latent s...
A computer program for the study of synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction

Abstract The study of synaptic biopotentials at the neuromuscular junction has proven to be an invaluable tool in understanding the pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms underlying chemical synaptic transmission and exploring the pathogenesis of neuromuscular disorders. Computer technology has become an important part of these experiments as it increases accuracy and automates the process, allowing more data to be collected and quantitatively analysed. This paper presents a computer program for IBM PC compatible computers capable of recording and analysing the spontaneously occurring miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPs), neurally evoked end-plate potentials (EPPs) and muscle fiber action potentials (APs). The program performs its basic analysis immediately following the sampling of biopotentials from a muscle fiber, thus providing the user with immediate feedback on the status of the experiment; 45 parameters of neuromuscular transmission are computed on-line and displayed on the monitor along with the signal-averaged waveforms. After a series of fibers has been recorded, the program will compile the data into summary tables. The program is designed to provide an experimenter with an easy-to-use, comprehensive method of performing electrophyiological measurements and analysis at the neuromuscular junction.
The relationship between interpersonal perception and post‐traumatic stress disorder‐related functional impairment: a social relations model analysis

This study used Kenny's social relations model to examine the relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder-related impairment and interpersonal perceptions. Participants were 124 students who had previously completed the Post-traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale as part of a larger study. After engaging in brief dyadic conversations with 3 other students, participants recorded perceptions of personality traits for themselves, their interaction partners and how they believed their partners saw them (metaperceptions). Results indicated that those with more severe post-traumatic stress disorder-related impairment saw themselves negatively and believed their interaction partners also viewed them negatively. However, these individuals were not seen differently by others, except that they were rated as less dependable. Our findings suggest that post-traumatic stress disorder is associated with negative beliefs about the self that may influence self-esteem and interpersonal relationships.
Paramagnetic-to-Antiferromagnetic Phase Boundaries of Fe F 2 from Ultrasonic Measurements

The attenuation of longitudinal ultrasonic waves in Fe${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ exhibits a $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ anomaly at the paramagnetic-to-antiferromagnetic (P-AF) transition, both in zero and in finite magnetic fields. The P-AF phase boundaries in the $H\ensuremath{-}T$ plane were determined in magnetic fields up to 200 kG directed along the [001] and [110] directions. These boundaries are well described by the relation ${T}_{N}\ensuremath{-}T=C{H}^{2}$, where $C=10.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}11}$ \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K/${\mathrm{G}}^{2}$ for $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}\ensuremath{\parallel}[001]$, and $C=2.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}11}$ ${\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}\mathrm{K}/\mathrm{G}}^{2}$ for $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}\ensuremath{\parallel}[110]$. The N\'eel temperature is ${T}_{N}=(78.35\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03)$ \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The experimental results for the P-AF phase boundaries are in reasonable agreement with the results of detailed calculations carried out in the molecular field approximation. These calculations include the effects of the anisotropy on ${T}_{N}$, and on the coefficient $C$ for fields parallel and perpendicular to the preferred axis. The more general problem of the effect of a single-ion anisotropy on the response of a spin to an effective magnetic field is also considered. A thermodynamic relation, derived by Skalyo et al., for the P-AF phase boundary with $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}\ensuremath{\parallel}[001]$ is fairly well satisfied. An unusual behavior was observed for longitudinal waves propagating along [110] with $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}$ along [001]. In this configuration, the magnitude of the $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ anomaly in the attenuation, at the P-AF phase boundary, increased rapidly with $H$.
Expression of unique and developmental myosin heavy chain isoforms in adult human digastric muscle.

Digastric muscle (DGM) is a powerful jaw-opening muscle that participates in chewing, swallowing, breathing, and speech. For better understanding of its contractile properties, five pairs of adult human DGMs were obtained from autopsies and processed with immunocytochemistry and/or immunoblotting. Monoclonal antibodies against α-cardiac, slow tonic, neonatal, and embryonic myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms were employed to determine whether the DGM fibers contain these MHC isoforms, which have previously been demonstrated in restricted specialized craniocervical skeletal muscles but have not been reported in normal adult human trunk and limb muscles. The results showed expression of all these MHC isoforms in adult human DGMs. About half of the fibers reacted positively to the antibody specific for the α-cardiac MHC isoform in DGMs, and the number of these fibers decreased with age. Slow tonic MHC isoform containing fibers accounted for 19% of the total fiber population. Both the α-cardiac and slow tonic M...
Is there a role for maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation

Recent studies have indicated that outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation who are managed with rate control and anticoagulation are similar to those in patients who have maintenance of sinus rhythm. These studies did not include important groups of patients with atrial fibrillation in whom antiarrhythmic therapy may be appropriate. This perspective argues for the maintenance of sinus rhythm and for the use of antiarrhythmic therapy that includes medications, invasive procedures, and a combination of both in appropriate patients.
Aging Considerations in the Development of Time-Dependent Seismic Fragility Curves

This paper presents the formulation of a time-dependent seismic fragility format for bridges, as well as new insights into the potential effects of aging and deterioration on seismic vulnerability traditionally neglected in fragility modeling, including joint impacts of multiple component deterioration not investigated to date. The study evaluates the impact of lifetime exposure to chlorides from deicing salts on the seismic performance of multispan continuous highway bridges, considering corrosion of reinforced concrete columns and steel bridge bearings. The components' degradation and their influence on seismic response are illustrated through three-dimensional nonlinear dynamic analysis. A full probabilistic analysis accounting for variation in bridge, ground motion, and corrosion parameters is conducted to develop time-dependent seismic fragility curves. These fragility curves indicate the evolving potential for component and system damage under seismic loading considering time-dependent corrosion-induced deterioration. The results indicate that while corrosion may actually decrease the seismic vulnerability of some components, most critical components suffer an increase in vulnerability. Quadratic models depicting the change in lognormal seismic fragility parameters are proposed to capture the time-dependent effect of aging on the fragility of the bridge system. Overall, the seismic vulnerability significantly increases throughout the lifetime of the representative bridge geometry, with a 32% shift in the median value of complete damage fragility near the end of the bridge's life.
Gender-specific selection on codon usage in plant genomes

Currently, there is little data available regarding the role of gender-specific gene expression on synonymous codon usage (translational selection) in most organisms, and particularly plants. Using gender-specific EST libraries (with > 4000 ESTs) from Zea mays and Triticum aestivum, we assessed whether gender-specific gene expression per se and gender-specific gene expression level are associated with selection on codon usage. We found clear evidence of a greater bias in codon usage for genes expressed in female than in male organs and gametes, based on the variation in GC content at third codon positions and the frequency of species-preferred codons. This finding holds true for both highly and for lowly expressed genes. In addition, we found that highly expressed genes have greater codon bias than lowly expressed genes for both female- and male-specific genes. Moreover, in both species, genes with female-specific expression show a greater usage of species-specific preferred codons for each of the 18 amino acids having synonymous codons. A supplemental analysis of Brassica napus suggests that bias in codon usage could also be higher in genes expressed in male gametophytic tissues than in heterogeneous (flower) tissues. This study reports gender-specific bias in codon usage in plants. The findings reported here, based on the analysis of 1 497 876 codons, are not caused either by differences in the biological functions of the genes or by differences in protein lengths, nor are they likely attributable to mutational bias. The data are best explained by gender-specific translational selection. Plausible explanations for these findings and the relevance to these and other organisms are discussed.
Lessons from the Gang Lu Murders

This paper offers a critical review and reflection of the 1991 University of Iowa shootings. Gang Lu, a disgruntled Iowa graduate student, was initially angered over perceived slights he was receiving from his academic department. When he felt that his concerns were left unanswered by the University, he decided to seek revenge on those whom he felt were responsible. In doing so, he murdered five individuals and paralyzed another before taking his own life. This paper seeks to reflect on these shootings twenty years after the occurrence and to offer a discussion of some of the larger societal themes raised by this tragedy.
Very low density lipoprotein receptor regulates dendritic spine formation in a RasGRF1/CaMKII dependent manner

Very Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor (VLDLR) is an apolipoprotein E receptor involved in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. However, it is unknown how VLDLR can regulate synaptic and cognitive function. In the present study, we found that VLDLR is present at the synapse both pre- and post-synaptically. Overexpression of VLDLR significantly increases, while knockdown of VLDLR decreases, dendritic spine number in primary hippocampal cultures. Additionally, knockdown of VLDLR significantly decreases synaptophysin puncta number while differentially regulating cell surface and total levels of glutamate receptor subunits. To identify the mechanism by which VLDLR induces these synaptic effects, we investigated whether VLDLR affects dendritic spine formation through the Ras signaling pathway, which is involved in spinogenesis and neurodegeneration. Interestingly, we found that VLDLR interacts with RasGRF1, a Ras effector, and knockdown of RasGRF1 blocks the effect of VLDLR on spinogenesis. Moreover, we found that VLDLR did not rescue the deficits induced by the absence of Ras signaling proteins CaMKIIα or CaMKIIβ. Taken together, our results suggest that VLDLR requires RasGRF1/CaMKII to alter dendritic spine formation.
Celebrating 50 years of experience: An ECFMG perspective

AbstractAs indicated in its mission statement, the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), established in 1956, “promotes quality health care for the public by certifying IMGs for entry into U.S. graduate medical education, and by participating in the evaluation and certificati
Rethinking Oxytocin Protocols in the Augmentation of Labor

: Over the past 30 years oxytocin has been used extensively to augment labor. The physiologic responses of the uterus to oxytocin are reviewed in relation to current practices in the augmentation of labor. The data suggest that excessive doses are being used in routine obstetric care, and that a much more cautious approach is needed, as well as clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of high- and low-dose protocols.
Data mining for response shift patterns in multiple sclerosis patients using recursive partitioning tree analysis

Aims To examine evidence of QOL response shift in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) using recursive partitioning tree analysis (RPART) technique.
Radar network scanning coordination based on ensemble transform Kalman filtering variance optimization

In this work, the variance of the error of analyzed wind fields obtained from an ensemble Kalman filter is used as a criterion with which to optimize radar network scanning strategies. The measurement equation in the Kalman filter approach is obtained from variational wind retrieval and, thus, is a function of the retrieval scanning parameters. It is shown that the mapping from radar parameters to the variance of the error is differentiable. The ensemble transform is introduced to facilitate the computational effort. The approach presented in principle may be used to optimize the scanning strategy in a network with any number of radars. Numerical examples are presented with networks consisting of two, four and nine radars using a quasi-Monte Carlo optimization scheme. Error estimates for the approximation of the optimal strategies are discussed.
A method that allows easy characterization of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.

Abstract A method was developed to compare the lymphocytic infiltrates in regressing vs. progressing experimental mouse tumors using a model for human papillomavirus-16 (HPV-16) oncoprotein-linked cancer. Tumor cells mixed with matrigel, composed of natural matrix substances that provide a basement membrane structure for adherent cells, were inoculated into mice vaccinated with an efficacious vaccine to the E7 oncoprotein or a vaccine to a control antigen. The tumor cells remained within the solidified gel and recruited a cellular infiltrate that could readily be analyzed upon removal of the gelatinous mass containing progressing or regressing tumors. The results show that tumors recruit activated CD8 + T cells regardless of their antigen specificity. In regressing tumors expressing an appropriate target antigen for the vaccine-induced CD8 + T cells, a strong increase of the tumor antigen-specific T cell population was observed over time. Progressing tumors that lacked the target antigen for the activated CD8 + T cell population did not show this selective enrichment.
Optimum linear and nonlinear viscoelastic designer functionally graded materials—Characterizations and analysis

A pilot study of the elastic and viscoelastic behavior of functionally graded materials (FGMs) is presented by considering them solely and primarily as having prescribed nonhomogenous mechanical properties, such as relaxation moduli and/or failure envelopes. Such an umbrella FGM definition, of course, includes composites. The consequences of FGM prescriptions on solution patterns are examined in detail. Protocols are formulated for the analytic determination of material properties tailored to specific service conditions. The inherent difficulties associated with such inverse approaches used to generate expressions for designer FGMs are discussed.
A model of inflation and expectations in Latin America

Abstract This paper attempts to overcome certain shortcomings in the existing tests of various theories of inflation and cyclical income growth. It does so by appending a simple model of expectations formation to a simple macroeconomic simultaneous equation model of aggregate supply and demand. Some of the theoretical building blocs are reformulated so as to be more realistic for developing countries. Simultaneous equation estimation techniques are applied to a pooled sample of time series data for 16 Latin American countries. The authors provide empirical evidence supporting the revised hypotheses and offering new insights into the relationships among the actual and expected rates of inflation, the rate of income growth, and the growth rate of the money supply.
Recent developmentsin respiratory care pharmacology

Bronchoactive inhaled aerosol drugs target the respiratory tract directly andseek to minimize systemic exposure and reduce side effects. Common delivery devices such as the metered dose inhaler, the small volume nebulizer, or the dry powder inhaler each deliver approximately the same fraction of dose (10%) to the lungs, although their dose amounts are not equivalent. Major respiratory drug groups are reviewed, and include the β-adrenergic and anticholinergic bronchodilators, mucolytic agents, corticosteroids, mediator antagonists, anti-infective agents, and exogenous surfactants. New agents in each group are identified and briefly described, along with the clinical use and most commonly observed side effects for each class of drugs.
Recurrent Burkholderia gladioli Suppurative Lymphadenitis associated with Neutralizing Anti-IL-12p70 Autoantibodies

IntroductionBurkholderia gladioli is a rare human pathogen, and pul-monary infections occur almost exclusively in cystic fibro-sis, chronic granulomatous disease and lung transplant pa-tients [1–3]. A single case of disseminated disease wasdescribed in a woman with anti-interferon gamma (IFNγ)autoantibodies [4]. Other opportunistic infections are com-mon with defects in the IFNγ/Interleukin-12 (IL-12) path-way [5]. While high-titer neutralizing anti-IL-12 autoanti-bodies can occur with thymoma, their association with in-fections has not been clearly established [6–8]. We report acase of severe B. gladioli infection associated with autoan-tibodies to IL-12p70 in a Southeast Asian woman withrecurring B. gladioli suppurative lymphadenitis.Case ReportA 45-year-old Cambodian woman presented with 2 monthsof progressive left-sided cervical lymphadenitis and tonsil-litis. Approximately 2 years earlier she had similar findingson the right side of her neck when excisional lymph nodebiopsy revealed B. gladioli. She received 3 weeks of oralantibiotics followed by 6 weeks of meropenem for pre-sumed melioidosis. Although she reported continued painand restricted neck motion, her acute infection appeared tohave resolved.As an adolescent in Cambodia, she had worked in ricepaddies before immigrating to the United States over30 years earlier. She had not been in Cambodia since thattime. She had intractable bloody diarrhea during her preg-nancy 13 years prior with large rectal granulomata.Postpartum, she developed perirectal and pelvic abscesseswith fistulae which required multiple surgeries and6monthsof oral antibiotics before resolution. The etiologic agent wasnever identified. Her daughter is healthy without recurrentinfections.She was a thin, chronically-ill appearing woman withbilateral tender, fluctuant cervical and submandibularlymphadenopathy and tonsillar swelling. Notable labs in-cluded a normocytic anemia, leukocytosis without elevatedband forms, and negative HIV serologies. There was noevidence of a monoclonal gammopathy on serum proteinelectrophoresis with immunofixation. Her cervical lymphnodes were massively enlarged and suppurative upon exci-sion, and histopathology revealed granulocytes and histio-cytes with intracellular gram-negative bacilli (Fig. 1) anddid not suggest any lymphoproliferative disease. B. gladioliwas isolated from all excised tissues and confirmed bycomparative 16S ribosomal RNA analysis by the Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Complement,superoxide production, immunoglobulin levels, and T cellquantitation were normal. An intradermal tuberculin test was
A goitre survey in Ukinga, Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika)

Abstract 1. (1) A goitre survey in the Ukinga Division of Tanzania is described. 3,002 people were examined and 2,279 (75·9%) were found to have goitre. 13·3% of the goitres were adenomatous. The goitre incidence was high among school children, both males and females, but in adults the rate was considerably higher in women. 2. (2) A case of goitrous cretinism in a male 4 years old is reported. This is believed to be the first report of endemic cretinism in Tanzania. 3. (3) The possible roles of iodine deficiency and the goitrogenic effects of cabbage in the aetiology of goitre in this endemic area are discussed. 4. (4) The goitre rate of 75·9% is the highest so far reported in Africa, although rates of around 70% have been reported from Sierra Leone, Cameroun and South-West Africa. 5. (5) The goitre incidence in Ukinga is compared with the much lower rates in the Rufiji District and the Central Region of Tanzania. 6. (6) Iodization of salt with potassium iodate to produce an iodine level of 1 part iodine to 20,000 parts salt is recommended as a preventive measure.
Selected Nutrients in Ground and Mechanically Separated Veal

Paired samples of ground veal (GV) and mechanically separated veal (MSV) were analyzed for moisture, protein, crude fat, ash, cholesterol, purine bases and nucleic acids. The MSV product was lower than the GV in protein and hypoxanthine and higher in crude fat, ash, cholesterol, adenine and guanine, DNA and total nucleic acids than the ground product. There were no differences between the products in moisture, xanthine, RNA or total purines. The data are limited but indicate that until more data are available, care should be exercised in using high levels of this product in formulations to be consumed by people with a tendency to hyperuricemia or hypercholesterolemia.
THERMODYNAMIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR THERMAL WATER SPLITTING PROCESSES AND HIGH TEMPERATURE ELECTROLYSIS

A general thermodynamic analysis of hydrogen production based on thermal water splitting processes is presented. Results of the analysis show that the overall efficiency of any thermal water splitting process operating between two temperature limits is proportional to the Carnot efficiency. Implications of thermodynamic efficiency limits and the impacts of loss mechanisms and operating conditions are discussed as they pertain specifically to hydrogen production based on high-temperature electrolysis. Overall system performance predictions are also presented for high-temperature electrolysis plants powered by three different advanced nuclear reactor types, over their respective operating temperature ranges.
From chills to chilis: mechanisms for thermosensation and chemesthesis via thermoTRPs

Six highly temperature-sensitive ion channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family have been implicated to mediate temperature sensation. These channels, expressed in sensory neurons innervating the skin or the skin itself, are active at specific temperatures ranging from noxious cold to burning heat. In addition to temperature sensation thermoTRPs are the receptors of a growing number of environmental chemicals (chemesthesis). Recent studies have provided some striking new insights into the molecular mechanism of thermal and chemical activation of these biological thermometers.
Giant magnetic moments of B and C doped cuboctahedral Mn13 clusters

Using first-principles calculations based on gradient corrected density functional theory we show that an otherwise distorted icosahedric Mn13 ferrimagnetic cluster, when doped with six B or C atoms, transforms into a ferromagnetic cuboctahedral cluster with a magnetic moment that is an order of magnitude larger than that of the pure Mn13 cluster. The origin of this magnetic transition is attributed to the change in the Mn–Mn interatomic distance resulting from the structural transformation. These doped clusters remain ferromagnetic with giant moments even after the removal of a B or C atom. However, similar doping with N atom does not lead to ferromagnetic ordering and Mn13N6 remains ferrimagnetic with a magnetic moment of only 3 μB, just as in its parent Mn13 cluster.
Flat Space. Fourier Analysis on ℝm

There was no time to waste. It’s possible to grasp alef-null-sized collections once you’re in your aethereal body…but you need some to look at. My job right now was to generate infinities.
Cryo preparation of isolated rabbit pancreatic islets

A Flotronic silver membrane has been used as a vehicle to process, via freeze substitution, collagenase-derived rabbit pancreatic islets. The procedure provides: (1) a simple, inexpensive method for handling larger numbers of tightly clustered islet aggregates; (2) a metal surface for rapid heat transfer from specimen to cryogen resulting in an increased circumferential zone of fine structural preservation; (3) the elimination of possible artifacts associated with impact or rotation of biological specimens against a cooled, highly polished metal block; (4) superior preservation of structural components not usually observed by conventional modes of fixation; (5) retention of metabolic components which may subsequently be available for immunocytochemical or X-ray energy dispersive procedures.
Measuring and increasing protein stability

Recently, it has become possible to construct proteins to order and this has promoted interest in learning how to increase their stability. This article describes recent developments in the methods used to measure the conformational stability of globular proteins, and discusses the approaches being used to increase their stability.
The Shapes and Stability of Captive Rotating Drops

Computer-aided means are presented for constructing entire families of solutions to Young and Laplace’s nonlinear partial differential equation of capillarity, with the enclosed volume prescribed, and of determining the stability of the solutions and bifurcations between families having different three-dimensional symmetry properties; equivalently, these are means for surveying the topography of corresponding energy surfaces in especially convenient finite-dimensional function spaces spanned by socalled finite element bases in which both the solutions and variations of them are represented. The means are a finite element algorithm employing Newton iteration and, for the stability and bifurcation eigenproblem, a block-Lanczos method. The algorithm is applied to gyrostatic liquid drops of fixed volume held captive between two co-rotating, parallel, concentric faces or contact circles and acted on by surface tension and centrifugal force. The results for the special case of captive cylindrical drops compare well with published and new results of conventional stability and bifurcation analysis. Axisymmetric drop shapes that evolve from rest shapes of constant mean curvature are found to form a one-parameter family in rotational Bond number £ = Q 2 R 3 Ap/8cr. Bifurcating axisymmetric and three-dimensional families are calculated. The limit of stability is found to lie in the family of simplest axisymmetric drops, except in the case of very fat ones, which exchange stability with G-shaped drops, a remarkable fact. Implications for the experiments of Plateau, Carruthers & Grasso, and others are discussed.
Magneto-optical Scattering from Multi-layer Magnetic and Dielectric Films

The problem of the scattering (reflection and transmission) of light by multi-layer magnetic and dielectric films is solved by means of 4 2 4 characteristic (transfer) matrices. The characteristic matrices are calculated for either w or k taken as gyrotropic (skew symmetric) tensors having off-diagonal elements characterized by the complex, dimensionless, parameters p and q, respectively. Solutions are given for the polar, longitudinal and transverse orientations between the magnetization, the light propagation vector and the reflecting surface. Useful general results include the similarity invariants of characteristic matrices and the precise specification of minimum-equivalent multi-layer structures. A salient feature of magneto-optical scattering is the transfer of energy from two otherwise non-interacting polarization modes, namely modes with H perpendicular or parallel to the incidence plane, respectively. The conversion efficiency (conversivity) depends on two factors: (1) ohmic loss in the magnetic...
Stress analysis of a double-wall vacuum vessel for ITER

The preliminary structural analyses performed in support of the design of the vacuum vessel for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) are described. A thin, double-wall, all-welded structure is the proposed design concept analyzed. The results of the static stress analysis indicate the adequacy of such a structure. The effects of the proposed high-aspect-ratio design configuration on loading and stresses are also discussed. It is concluded that the thin-wall 'sandwich' structure is a feasible alternative to the ITER baseline thick-wall design. The vacuum vessel could be easily cooled and operated with a reasonable factor of safety during a plasma disruption. Further development and design could easily eliminate any problem areas or stress concentrations remaining in the vacuum vessel design. The analysis of the HARD (high-aspect-ratio design) configuration revealed some changes in load distribution and magnitude, reflected in lower stresses than in the ITER CDA design. >
Role of collecting duct endothelin in control of renal function and blood pressure.

Over 26,000 manuscripts have been published dealing with endothelins since their discovery 25 years ago. These peptides, and particularly endothelin-1 (ET-1), are expressed by, bind to, and act on virtually every cell type in the body, influencing multiple biological functions. Among these actions, the effects of ET-1 on arterial pressure and volume homeostasis have been most extensively studied. While ET-1 modulates arterial pressure through regulation of multiple organ systems, the peptide's actions in the kidney in general, and the collecting duct in particular, are of unique importance. The collecting duct produces large amounts of ET-1 that bind in an autocrine manner to endothelin A and B receptors, causing inhibition of Na+ and water reabsorption; absence of collecting duct ET-1 or its receptors is associated with marked salt-sensitive hypertension. Collecting duct ET-1 production is stimulated by Na+ and water loading through local mechanisms that include sensing of salt and other solute delivery as well as shear stress. Thus the collecting duct ET-1 system exists, at least in part, to detect alterations in, and maintain homeostasis for, extracellular fluid volume. Derangements in collecting duct ET-1 production may contribute to the pathogenesis of genetic hypertension. Blockade of endothelin receptors causes fluid retention due, in large part, to inhibition of the action of ET-1 in the collecting duct; this side effect has substantially limited the clinical utility of this class of drugs. Herein, the biology of the collecting duct ET-1 system is reviewed, with particular emphasis on key issues and questions that need addressing.
Formation of the RFX gene regulatory complex induces folding of the interaction domain of RFXAP.

Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II (MHCII) molecules have a central role in the mammalian adaptive immune response against infection. The level of the immune response is directly related to the concentration of MHCII molecules in the cell, which have a central role in initiating the immune response. MHCII molecules are therefore a potential target for the development of immunosuppressant drugs for the treatment of organ transplant rejection and autoimmune disease. The expression of MHCII molecules is regulated by a cell specific multi-protein complex termed the MHCII enhanceosome. The RFX complex is the key DNA binding component of the MHCII enhanceosome. The RFX complex is comprised of three proteins – RFX5, RFXAP, and RFXB – all of which are required for activation of expression of the MHCII genes. We have identified the precise regions of RFX5, RFXAP, and RFXB, that interact to form the RFX complex and have characterized the individual domains and the complexes they form. In addition, we have shown that the interaction between RFX5 and RFXAP promotes folding of RFXAP and this increases the affinity RFXAP has for RFXB.
The influence of groundwater chemistry on arsenic concentrations and speciation in a quartz sand and gravel aquifera)

We examined the chemical reactions influencing dissolved concentrations, speciation, and transport of naturally occurring arsenic (As) in a shallow, sand and gravel aquifer with distinct geochemical zones resulting from land disposal of dilute sewage effluent. The principal geochemical zones were: (1) the uncontaminated zone above the sewage plume [350 μM dissolved oxygen (DO), pH 5.9]; (2) the suboxic zone (5 μM DO, pH 6.2, elevated concentrations of sewage-derived phosphate and nitrate); and (3) the anoxic zone [dissolved iron(II) 100–300 μM, pH 6.5–6.9, elevated concentrations of sewage-derived phosphate]. Sediments are comprised of greater than 90% quartz but the surfaces of quartz and other mineral grains are coated with nanometer-size iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) oxides and/or silicates, which control the adsorption properties of the sediments. Uncontaminated groundwater with added phosphate (620 μM) was pumped into the uncontaminated zone while samples were collected 0.3 m above the injection point. Concentrations of As(V) increased from below detection (0.005 μM) to a maximum of 0.07 μM during breakthrough of phosphate at the sampling port; As(III) concentrations remained below detection. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that naturally occurring As(V) adsorbed to constituents of the coatings on grain surfaces was desorbed by phosphate in the injected groundwater. Also consistent with this hypothesis, vertical profiles of groundwater chemistry measured prior to the tracer test showed that dissolved As(V) concentrations increased along with dissolved phosphate from below detection in the uncontaminated zone to approximately 0.07 and 70 μM, respectively, in the suboxic zone. Concentrations of As(III) were below detection in both zones. The anoxic zone had approximately 0.07 μM As(V) but also had As(III) concentrations of 0.07–0.14 μM, suggesting that release of As bound to sediment grains occurred by desorption by phosphate, reductive dissolution of Fe oxides, and reduction of As(V) to As(III), which adsorbs only weakly to the Fe-oxide-depleted material in the coatings. Results of reductive extractions of the sediments suggest that As associated with the coatings was relatively uniformly distributed at approximately 1 nmol/g of sediment (equivalent to 0.075 ppm As) and comprised 20%-50% of the total As in the sediments, determined from oxidative extractions. Quartz sand aquifers provide high-quality drinking water but can become contaminated when naturally occurring arsenic bound to Fe and Al oxides or silicates on sediment surfaces is released by desorption and dissolution of Fe oxides in response to changing chemical conditions.
Complex) Derivative and (Curvilinear) Integrals

This short chapter is comprised of very basic and very easy material, probably familiar to most readers in one form or other. Even the reader with only modest experience can probably supply his own proofs for most of these results as quickly as he can read mine! We record them here for later reference and to fix notation and terminology.
New Strategies in Colorectal Cancer: Biomarkers of Response to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Monoclonal Antibodies and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways

Initial experience with the epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies (EGFR MoAb) in unselected patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) showed that most of the treated patients did not derive therapeutic benefit. This outcome has driven the search for biomarkers for this population. Recent advances have further shown the heterogeneous nature of this disease with multiple interlinked pathways being implicated. Two such pathways downstream to the EGFR, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) PI3K, have gained increasing attention and become targets for development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic agents. Here, we highlight recent progress.
The New Dynamism: Part 3

Businesses and institutions increasingly depend upon information systems for competitive advantage. Many investments in computerized systems have not paid off or had overruns in time and money. Reasons include lack of clearly defined business objectives and their measurements. To help this, a taxonomy business of information systems is defined-transaction systems, increasingly computerized, and decision support systems DSSs, of multiple media and transmission modes, not well computerized, and often directed too high in organizations for operational effectiveness. Finally, installation of new information systems must go slowly to obtain employee understanding and acceptance.
Corrosion detection with piezoelectric wafer active sensors using pitch-catch waves and cross-time–frequency analysis

A time-frequency analysis-based signal processing study for detecting active corrosion in aluminum plate-like structure utilizing the broadband piezoelectric wafer active sensors is presented in this article. Tests were conducted on an aluminum plate with a network of sensors installed on one side of the plate for Lamb wave generation and reception. The corrosion was emulated as material loss of an area of 50 � 38mm 2 on the opposite side of the plate. The corroded area resulted in a thickness loss on the plate and a change in wave propagation as well. The experimental data were first evaluated by a statistical damage index (DI) based on root mean square values and then the Cohen's class motivated cross-time-frequency analysis. The cross-time-frequency analysis was found more reliable and precise for detecting the corrosion progression when compared to the DI method. Not only can the proposed metric correctly evaluate the phase difference of specific frequency and time, it also carries useful information of phase difference, which is strongly correlated to the physics of corrosion detection using Lamb waves. Novel aspects of this study include a sensing approach that can sense corrosion damage on both external and internal surfaces of a given structure, the employment of effective tuning in corrosion detection, and using cross-time-frequency analysis to quantitatively evaluate thickness loss. Though the corrosion studied herein is an idealized and simplified situation, the subject work on phase difference and cross-time-frequency analysis is useful first-step effort and opens a new way to perform Lamb wave-based corrosion detection. The results presented in this article combine easy-to-examine corrosion assumptions together with low- frequency antisymmetric Lamb wave analysis to provide a stepping stone for more complicated analysis needed for further real life corrosion assessment.
Optimal power management of plug-in HEV with intelligent transportation system

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) have demonstrated their capability of improving the fuel economy and emission. The plug-in HEV (PHEV), utilizing more battery power, has become a more attractive upgrade of HEV. The charge-depletion mode is more appropriate for the power management of PHEV, i.e. the state of charge (SOC) is expected to drop to a low threshold when the vehicle reaches the destination of the trip. In the past, the trip information has been considered as future information for vehicle operation and thus unavailable a priori. This situation can be changed by the current advancement of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) based on the use of on-board geographical information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS) and advanced traffic flow modeling techniques. In this paper, a new approach of optimal power management of PHEV in the charge-depletion mode is proposed with driving cycle modeling based on the historic traffic information. A dynamic programming (DP) algorithm is applied to reinforce the charge-depletion control such that the SOC drops to a specific terminal value at the final time of the cycle. The vehicle model was based on a hybrid SUV. Only fuel consumption is considered for the current stage of study. Simulation results showed significant improvement in fuel economy compared with rule-based power management. Furthermore, simulations on several driving cycles using the proposed method showed much better consistency in fuel economy compared to the rule-based control.
Portal Hypertension Workup by DSA

To provide information for preoperative planning, combined, selective intravenous (IV) and intraarterial (IA) digital subtraction angiography (DSA) studies were performed on 42 portal hypertension patients scheduled for portal systemic shunt procedures. Selective IV-DSA was performed to demonstrate the hepatic venous system, left renal vein, and inferior vena cava. Portal venous anatomy, direction of flow, and portal systemic collaterals were evaluated by selective IA-DSA. In addition, selective IA-DSA was performed postoperatively on 8 patients to assess shunt patency. Technically adequate DSA studies, suitable for surgical planning or postoperative assessment, were obtained in all of the 50 patients examined. Patient or internal organ motion was not a limiting factor in any study. Such use of DSA represents an efficacious, safe, and cost-effective alternative to conventional film-screen angiography for the evaluation of patients with portal hypertension.
Functional importance of αIle-346 and αIle-348 in the catalytic sites of Escherichia coli ATP synthase.

We studied the functional role of highly conserved VISIT-DG sequence residues αIle-346 and αIle-348 in the catalytic sites of Escherichia coli F1Fo ATP synthase. αIle-346 is in close proximity, 2.98 and 3.63 A, to the two known phosphate binding residues αR376 and βR182; αIle-348 is situated within 3.66 A from βR182. Single or double mutants of both αI346 and αI348 resulted in a variable loss of oxidative phosphorylation and ATPase activity. Azide, fluoroaluminate, and fluoroscandium caused insignificant to significant inhibition of mutants. Whereas the wild-type enzyme was completely inhibited by NBD-Cl (7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1, 3-diazole), a variable extent of inhibition was observed for αI346 and αI348 mutants. MgPi protection against NBD-Cl induced inhibition of wild-type, αI346, and αI348 demonstrated that, although strongly conserved, αI346 and αI348 have no direct role in phosphate binding. Insertion of Arginine in the form of αI346R/βR182A, αI346R/αR376A, or αI348R/βR182A was able to compensate for the absence of known phosphate-binding Arginine residues βR182 and αR376. Results also suggest that αIle-346 and αIle-348 seem to have functional importance in upholding the phosphate-binding subdomain and transition state stabilization in the catalytic sites of E. coli ATP synthase.
Immature myeloid cell (ImC)- mediated immunosuppression in advanced renal cell cancer (RCC)

10042 Background: RCC affects the immunsystem by inhibiting the process of differentiation of antigen-resenting cells from their myeloid precursors by secreting tumor-derived factors such as VEGF. ...
Abstract B66: Aggressiveness of MMTV‐Wnt‐1 mammary tumors corresponds with enrichment of a CD44+/CD24− putative cancer stem cell population

MMTV‐Wnt‐1 transgenic mice develop heterogeneous mammary tumors that accurately recapitulate human basal‐like breast cancer. Additionally, targeted alterations in the Wnt signaling pathway in mammary epithelial cells preferentially induce mammary cancers from progenitor cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that MMTV‐Wnt‐1 mammary tumors harbor cells with cancer stem cell characteristics. To test this hypothesis, we characterized (in vitro and in vivo) two newly generated, clonal mammary epithelial cell lines (WA4 and WG4) from a MMTV‐Wnt‐1 transgenic mouse tumor. The cell lines were analyzed using flow cytometry for CD44 and CD24 cell surface markers (a CD44+/CD24− profile is indicative of putative human and murine mammary cancer stem cells), mammosphere formation (low density seeding on non‐adherent plates in stem‐cell media), in vitro scratch assay (to measure wound healing), and by an in vitro Matrigel invasion chamber assay (to quantitate cell invasion). Finally, unsorted WA4 and WG4 cell lines were transplanted into syngeneic mammary fat pads of C57BL/6 mice (1×10^7 cells/mouse; n=5/cell line), and tumor burden was assessed after 3 weeks. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the percentage of CD44+/CD24− cells was 62.2% in the WA4 line and 2.4% in the WG4 line. Serum starvation enriched the WA4 line for CD44+/CD24− cells (from 62.2% to 82.0%), without altering the composition of the WG4 line. Approximately 30% of unsorted WA4 cells, but In vivo , the WA4 cell line was associated with larger, more aggressive tumors on average (+SD) than the WG4 line (2.09 +/−0.68 g and 0.03 +/−0.02 g, respectively, p Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):B66.
Limited hemorrhoidectomy: results and long-term follow-up.

Purpose Three-column excision has traditionally been the preferred treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease in patients failing nonoperative treatments. There are few data evaluating focused surgical management of only the symptomatic hemorrhoidal complexes by limited hemorrhoidectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient outcome after one-quadrant or two-quadrant hemorrhoidectomy for symptomatic hemorrhoids. Methods We retrospectively studied patients undergoing a one-quadrant or two-quadrant hemorrhoidectomy as initial surgical treatment of symptomatic columns from April 1987 to July 1993. Patients undergoing a traditional three-quadrant hemorrhoidectomy during the same time period were used as controls. Statistical analysis was used to determine significance. Results There were 115 evaluable patients who had undergone a one-quadrant or two-quadrant hemorrhoidectomy. One hundred thirty-three three-quadrant patients were studied as the control group. The mean follow-up was 8.1 years and 7.2 years for the limited and three-quadrant hemorrhoidectomy group, respectively. The majority of patients (96 percent limited and 98 percent three-quadrant) experienced initial relief of symptoms after surgery. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the development of recurrent anorectal symptoms (34 percent limited and 29 percent three-quadrant), in the need for additional medical therapy (11.3 percent limited and 15.8 percent three-quadrant), or in the need for additional interventional therapy (2.9 percent limited and 0.8 percent three-quadrant). No patients in either group required additional surgical hemorrhoidectomy. Conclusions The majority of patients with hemorrhoidal disease requiring excision can be managed effectively by focused treatment of the problematic columns. With this approach fewer than 2 percent of patients will require further procedural intervention of their hemorrhoidal disease.