cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sarcoid and cytotoxic lung antibodies.

Abstract Fifteen cases of Sarcoidosis were investigated for the presence of complement dependent cytotoxicity against human lung cells grown in tissue culture. Significant levels were found in eleven cases. Absorption studies revealed that these antibodies associated with sarcoidosis could be absorbed by human lung fibroblasts but not by fibroblasts derived from human foreskin or kidney. Although we found a similar antibody frequently associated with extrinsic asthma we have only rarely found these antibodies in cases of tubercolosis, carcinoma of the lung, emphysema and intrinsic asthma.
TNF Receptor I Mediates Chemokine Production and Neutrophil Accumulation in the Lung Following Systemic Lipopolysaccharide

Background. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a critical effector of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury, and its effects are mediated by two structurally related receptors, RI and RII. Cellular adhesion molecules and C-X-C chemokines (Keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) and macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]-2) regulate tissue neutrophil polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) accumulation in a multitude of inflammatory states. We hypothesized that TNFRI signaling dictates PMN accumulation in the lung via regulation of chemokine molecule production. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to (1) delineate LPS-induced lung TNF-α production and (2) characterize the contribution of both TNF receptors to lung chemokine production and neutrophil influx following systemic LPS. Methods. Wild-type or TNFRI and TNFRII knockout (KO) mice were injected with vehicle (saline) or LPS (Escherichia coli 0.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally). After 2, 4, 6, or 24 h, lungs were analyzed for TNF-α and chemokine (KC and MIP-2) protein expression (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and PMN accumulation (myeloperoxidase assay). Results. There was an increase in total lung TNF-α (vehicle, 5.0 ± 1.2 pg/mg total protein vs LPS, 950 ± 318; P < 0.05) after LPS. Lung chemokine production and PMN accumulation were also increased compared to vehicle-injected mice. Lung chemokine production and PMN accumulation were significantly lower in TNFRI KO, but not TNFRII KO, mice, despite no difference in TNF-α production (TNFRI KO, 925 ± 301 vs TNFRII KO, 837 ± 267, P = 0.82). Conclusions. Acute lung injury following systemic LPS administration is characterized by increased lung (1) TNF-α production, (2) C-X-C chemokine production, and (3) neutrophil accumulation. The maximal effect of LPS-induced lung neutrophil accumulation appears to be dependent upon the TNFRI receptor but not the TNFRII receptor.
Microsatellite instability in gallbladder carcinoma

The genetic abnormalities involved in the pathogenesis of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) remain unclear. Microsatellite instability (MSI) has been described in many carcinomas, but little is known about the significance of mismatch repair in gallbladder carcinogenesis. Additionally, methylation status of long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1), a surrogate marker of global DNA methylation, has defined distinct subsets of other cancer types but has not been explored in GBC. Immunohistochemical expression of MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2 and LINE-1 mRNA in situ hybridization was evaluated in 67 primary and 15 metastatic GBCs from 77 patients. Amplification of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) was evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Genotyping for 24 genes involved in carcinogenesis was performed using a multiplex PCR-based platform. MSI was present in 6 of 77 GBCs (7.8 %). Loss of MSH2/MSH6 was detected in five cases and loss of MLH1/PMS2 in one case. MSI status was not associated with Lynch syndrome, tumor grade, extracellular mucin, or tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. There was no significant difference in mean overall survival of patients with and without MSI. Strong LINE-1 staining was identified in none of the GBC with MSI and in 36 of 69 (52 %) of those without MSI (p = 0.005), suggesting that LINE-1 in the former cohort was hypermethylated. All MSI tumors were negative for HER2 amplification, and TP53 and NRAS mutations were only found in GBC without MSI. MSI was identified in a minority of GBC cases. The strong correlation between global DNA methylation as measured by LINE-1 and loss of mismatch repair proteins suggests that methylation may account for the loss of these proteins. These hypermethylated tumors appear to represent a genetically unique cohort of gallbladder neoplasms, and the data suggests that demethylating agents may have a therapeutic value in this class of tumors.
The effects of chemical composition on asphalt microstructure and their association to pavement performance

The primary objective of this paper was to investigate the impact of asphalt chemical composition on the microstructure and performance characteristics of asphalt binder. The methods implemented in this study include adsorption–desorption chromatography analysis and a range of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and chemical force microscopy techniques. It was revealed through the study that certain asphalt chemical parameters have a consistent and measureable effect on the asphalt microstructure that is observed with AFM. Particular microstructures that emerged via chemical doping were then discovered to have unique chemical polarity, which explicitly impact durability and performance of asphalt. In fact, a surprising correlation was found between the saturates chemical parameter and the effects of oxidative aging on asphalt behaviour. The findings from this research directly contribute to the improvement of modelling capability while also creating new prospects for enhancing the performance characteristics an...
Assessing Project Implementation Risk: A Methodological Approach

Successful implementation of OR/MS is increasingly becoming a concern of researchers and practitioners in the field. Research efforts to date have resulted in various conceptual models of the implementation process. While offering general insight, these conceptual models provide little assistance to an OR/MS implementor in managing the implementation process or more specifically assessing the nature and extent and resolving implementation problems. This paper proposes a project-risk assessment methodology which could assist the OR/MS implementor in this determination, pointing out the need for development of relevant implementation strategies directed at increasing the chances of successful implementation. Specifically, the methodology involves the use of a discriminant function to: 1 identify high, marginal, or low risk implementation situations; and 2 point out particular “risk factors” that reduce the chances of successful implementation. The paper emphasizes that knowledge of the risk factors specific to an implementation situation is essential for developing relevant strategies to mitigate their influence. It is suggested that the search for viable implementation strategies by the OR/MS implementor would lead to selective review of existing theories of implementation and their use. An illustration of the proposed methodology is provided by the development and use of a discriminant function based on case study data.
Attitudes toward prenatal genetic testing for Treacher Collins syndrome among affected individuals and families

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is a craniofacial syndrome that is both phenotypically variable and heterogeneous, caused by mutations in the TCOF1, POLR1C, and POLR1D genes. We examined attitudes towards TCS prenatal genetic testing among affected families using a telephone questionnaire. Participants were 31 affected adults and relatives recruited primarily through families cared for in the mid-Atlantic region. Nineteen participants (65%) reported that they would take a TCS prenatal genetic test which could not predict degree of disease severity. Interest in TCS genetic testing was associated with higher income, higher concern about having a child with TCS, lower religiosity, lower concern about genetic testing procedures, and having a sporadic rather than familial mutation. Over half reported that their decision to have TCS genetic testing would be influenced a great deal by their desire to relieve anxiety and attitudes toward abortion. Ten participants (32%) reported that they would be likely to end the pregnancy upon receiving a positive test result; this was lower amongst TCS affected individuals and higher amongst participants with children with TCS. Genetics healthcare providers need to be aware of affected individuals' and families' attitudes and interest in prenatal genetic testing for TCS, and the possible implications for other craniofacial disorders, so that patients' information needs can be met.
MEMS Gyro Modal Analysis and Design Tool

A gyroscope is used to measure angular rates for may applications such as automotive applications, navigation applications, military applications, consumer electronics applications, and robotics applications, etc. For our specific automotive applications, the gyro is used to sense the yaw, roll, and pitch angular rates for ride stabilization and rollover detection. The tuning-fork gyro device used is a double gimbaled vibratory gyroscope supported by flexures with the vibrating mechanical element made of silicon. In order to drive the gyro device with a low voltage and a high quality factor (Q), the sensing element is sealed in a high-vacuumed package. The operational resonant frequencies are very critical to the ASIC control circuit. The purpose of this study is to perform modal analyses, validate the simulation results with testing data, and provide a design tool for quick gyro element resonant frequency predictions in order to reduce design and product development cycle time. The process tolerance and design limit can also be quickly evaluated before the wafer is built.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Analysis of isotropic chemical shift data from high-resolution solid-state NMR studies of hydrogen-bonded organic compounds

Abstract The importance of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to the development of modern-day organic chemistry cannot be overestimated. Nevertheless, until very recently routine NMR analyses had to be performed on solutions. In this paper, the application of high-resolution solid-state NMR methods, in particular 13C CP/MAS NMR, to the study of structural properties and hydrogen-bonded solids is reviewed. As a complementary tool to X-ray crystallography, NMR offers the ability to study non-crystalline and heterogeneous materials as well as single crystals and polycrystalline samples, to collect data rapidly (minutes to hours), to use chemically non-destructive methods, and to probe specific nuclei in the sample independently. The two types of spectral information that are usually analyzed are chemical shifts, which are related to the local chemical and electronic environment of an atom, and relaxation times, which are related to dynamic properties of the sample. Examples presented here of the use of solid-state NMR to study molecular structures include the study of keto—enol tautomers in the solid state, packing patterns of organic molecules with inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonds, phase changes in hydrogen-bonded solids, and proton transfer in the solid state.
The job climate for women in traditionally male blue-collar occupations

Rapid growth has been observed in recent years in the number of women entering traditionally male blue-collar occupations, yet researchers have paid little attention to this pioneering group. The present study undertook a comparison of the job conditions of two groups of nontraditional women workers, tradeswomen (N=71), and transit workers (N=151); a third group, school secretaries (N=389), was studied as a comparison group of traditionally female workers. Results from a 16-page mail questionnaire revealed that women in traditionally male occupations encountered significantly more adverse working conditions than did their traditional counterparts, and, in addition, reported significantly less satisfaction and more stress at work. Tradeswomen were the most likely to experience sexual harassment and sex discrimination, and black tradeswomen to experience race discrimination. The degree of job satisfaction expressed by the secretaries was unexpected, since most evidence suggests that clerical workers lack autonomy, and encounter boredom and routinization on the job. These findings are discussed in terms of gender segregation and the need to focus future research efforts on specific occupational groups in order to make appropriate policy recommendations as well as to provide help for women in these jobs.
Nearest common root of polynomials, approximate greatest common divisor and the structured singular value

In this paper the following problem is considered: given two coprime polynomials, find the smallest perturbation in the magnitude of their coefficients such that the perturbed polynomials have a common root. It is shown that the problem is equivalent to the calculation of the structured singular value of a matrix arising in robust control and a numerical solution to the problem is developed. A simple numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the method for two polynomials of low degree. Finally, problems involving the calculation of the approximate greatest common divisor of univariate polynomials are considered, by proposing a generalization of the definition of the structured singular value involving additional rank constraints.
Rates of volcanic activity along the southwest rift zone of Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii

Flow by flow mapping of the 65-km-long anbaerial part of the southwest rift zone and adjacent flanks of Mauna Loa Volcano, Hawaii, and about 50 new14C dates on charcoal from beneath these flows permit estimates of rates of lava accumulation and volcanic growth over the past 10,000 years. The sequence of historic eraptions along the southwest rift zone, beginning in 1868, shows a general pattern of uprift migration and increasing eruptive volume, culminating in the great 1950 eruption. No event comparable to 1950, in terms of volume or vent length, is evident for at least the previous 1,000 years. Rates of lava accumulation during the historic period were several times higher than the average rate for the preceding few thousand years along the southwest rift zone and adjacent flanks. Rates of lava accumulation along the zone have been subequal to those of Kilauea Volcano during the historic period but they were much lower in late prehistoric time (anpubl. Kilauea data byR.T. Holcomb). Thus, only about 30% of the surface of the southwest side of Mauna Loa has been covered by lava during the last 1,000 years, as contrasted with about 90% of the subaerial surface of Kilauea. Rates of surface covering and volcanic growth have been markedly asymmetric along Mauna Loa’s southwest rift zone. Accumulation rates have been about half again as great on the northwest side of the rift zone in comparison with the southeast side. The difference apparently reflects a westward lateral shift of the rift zone of Mauna Loa away from Kilauea Volcano, which may have acted as a barrier to symmetrical growth of the rift zone.
Evaluation of an alternative to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for flow cytometric histogram comparisons.

Abstract Background : The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test is a valid statistical test for comparing distributions that has been recommended for flow cytometric histogram analysis. However, this test is frequently found to be too sensitive for flow cytometric histogram comparisons. Here, a parametric alternative to the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test is proposed that is based on fitting suitable models to flow cytometric data. Methods : Several flow cytometric histograms derived from cell surface immunophenotyping for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on K562 cells were analyzed using numerical modeling. The prediction intervals derived from the modeling were used for decision making. Results : The residuals after peak fitting flow cytometric data are normally distributed and this permits the use of the prediction limit methodology. The usefulness of the approach for analyzing flow cytometry histograms is examined and the method is shown to avoid the “sensitivity” disadvantages associated with the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Conclusions : The prediction limit method is a viable alternative to the Kolmogorov–Smirnov method.
Nuclear breakup of Borromean nuclei

We study the eikonal model for the nuclear-induced breakup of Borromean nuclei, using ${}^{11}\mathrm{Li}$ and ${}^{6}\mathrm{He}$ as examples. The full eikonal model is difficult to realize because of six-dimensional integrals, but a number of simplifying approximations are found to be accurate. The integrated diffractive and one-nucleon stripping cross sections are rather insensitive to the neutron-neutron correlation, but the two-nucleon stripping does show some dependence on the correlation. The distribution of excitation energy in the neutron-core final state in one-neutron stripping reactions is quite sensitive to the shell structure of the halo wave function. Experimental data favor models with comparable amounts of $s$ and $p$ waves in the ${}^{11}\mathrm{Li}$ halo.
Bose-Einstein condensation in the alkali gases: Some fundamental concepts

The author presents a tutorial review of some ideas that are basic to our current understanding of the phenomenon of Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) in the dilute atomic alkali gases, with special emphasis on the case of two or more coexisting hyperfine species. Topics covered include the definition of and conditions for BEC in an interacting system, the replacement of the true interatomic potential by a zero-range pseudopotential, the time-independent and time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equations, superfluidity and rotational properties, the Josephson effect and related phenomena, and the Bogoliubov approximation.
Mechanisms of calcium oxalate crystal attachment to injured renal collecting duct cells

Mechanisms of calcium oxalate crystal attachment to injured renal collecting duct cells. Background Renal cell or tissue injury results in a loss of membrane lipid asymmetry and/or loss of cell polarity, and both events lead to changes on the surface of the cell membranes that enhance crystal attachment. We have proposed two distinct mechanisms of crystal attachment following membrane changes induced by various modes of injury. Methods Annexin V was used to determine whether phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure on the cell membrane surface plays a role in calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystal attachment to cells that have lost their polarity as well as to cells that have lost their lipid asymmetry. We utilized two different experimental models of injury to renal epithelial cells in culture. The first model used calcium ionophore A23187 to induce a loss of lipid asymmetry, and the second model used EGTA to break down tight junctions and lose cell polarity. Results Inner medullary collecting duct cells that have lost lipid asymmetry demonstrated an increase in the number of cells that bound annexin V. However, when cells lost their polarity, they did not bind annexin V. In addition, the attachment of crystals to cells following a loss of cell polarity was not inhibited by annexin V. Conclusions This study indicates that both individual cell injury (loss of lipid asymmetry) and generalized cell monolayer injury (loss of cell polarity) result in the presentation of different cell surfaces and that both forms of injury result in an increased affinity for crystal attachment. Both mechanisms could be important independently or collectively in the retention of microcrystals to renal collecting duct cells in urolithiasis.
Zinc, cadmium, and mercury complexes with fluorinated selenolate ligands.

Reductive cleavage of C6F5SeSeC6F5 with elemental M (M = Zn, Cd, and Hg) in pyridine results in the formation of (py)2Zn(SeC6F5)2, (py)2Cd(SeC6F5)2, and Hg(SeC6F5)2. Structural characterization of ...
Intercostal Muscle Pacing with High Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation in Dogs

High frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) is a novel and more physiologic method of inspiratory muscle activation which involves stimulation of spinal cord pathways. In the present study, we determined if activation of the inspiratory intercostal muscles alone by this technique could be utilized to maintain artificial ventilation. In 7 anesthetized dogs, following C2 spinal cord section and bilateral phrenicotomy, trains of electrical stimulation (12 times/min) were applied at the T2 level. Eucapnea was maintained during an initial 5.5h period of continuous stimulation. During a subsequent 0.5h period, stimulus parameters were increased to induce hyperventilation resulting in a sustained fall in end-tidal P(CO(2)) to 29.3 + or - 0.4 mmHg. Single motor unit peak firing frequencies of the intercostal muscles during HF-SCS were similar to those occurring during spontaneous breathing. This technique holds promise as a method to restore ventilation in ventilator-dependent tetraplegics who do not have adequate phrenic nerve function for diaphragm pacing.
Psychosocial and sociodemographic correlates of benefit-finding in men treated for localized prostate cancer.

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) treatment involves decrements in quality of life such as decreased sexual functioning and urinary/bowel incontinence. Prior work in other cancers has identified positive consequences (e.g. personal growth) following diagnosis and treatment, a phenomenon that has been referred to as benefit-finding (BF) and positively related to quality of life. Method: The present study evaluated demographic and psychosocial correlates of BF in men treated for localized PCa. Participants were 250 men who were 6–18 months post treatment, who completed measures of coping strategies, perceived social support, and BF. Results: In regression models both coping and social support were positively related to BF scores, even after controlling for income, education and ethnic identification. Conclusion: Active coping strategies and greater perceived social support are important correlates of greater BF following localized PCa treatment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proposition 203: A Critical Metaphor Analysis.

Abstract This project draws on Lakoff and Johnson's (1980) work with metaphor analysis to uncover the rhetorical strategies applied by supporters of the English for the Children organization during the 2000 Arizona Proposition 203 campaign. The data were collected from three sources: (a) The Arizona Republic; (b) the East Valley Tribune; and (c) the 2000 Arizona Voter Information Pamphlet. Grounded in Critical Discourse Analysis (Fairclough & Wodak 1997; Johnstone 2002; Schiffrin 2002), Santa Ana's (2002) metaphor analysis framework was applied to expose the metaphors used to denigrate bilingual education and those who support it, as well as the underlying ideology behind biased legislation like Proposition 203. Metaphors were analyzed in terms of the cognitive entailments produced by their source and target domains. In general, the overall debate between bilingual education and Proposition 203 was characterized as a WAR. The results show that extra emphasis was placed on portraying bilingual education as...
Certain Endocrine and Metabolic Facets of the Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome

Clinical features of Cushing's syndrome developed in 22 male patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who received prednisone, 30 mg daily, and zinc corticotropin (ACTH), 40 U every other day, for 3 months in addition to antituberculous chemotherapy. The prednisone was tapered during an additional 3-week period and the zinc ACTH was continued throughout the tapering period for an additional 4 days. Following discontinuation of prednisone-ACTH therapy, the patients developed features of the steroid withdrawal syndrome—anorexia, nausea, lethargy, arthralgia, weakness, desquamation and weight loss. The integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system was evaluated in 13 patients while steroid withdrawal symptoms were present, and in randomly chosen controls with tuberculosis by measuring the response of plasma and urine steroids to the administration of methopyrapone (Su-4885) and to exogenous ACTH. The base line levels of plasma and urine steroids and response to ACTH were similar in the steroid-ACTH with...
Meditation as a Voluntary Hypometabolic State of Biological Estivation

Meditation, a wakeful hypometabolic state of parasympathetic dominance, is compared with other hypometabolic conditions, such as sleep, hypnosis, and the torpor of hibernation. We conclude that there are many analogies between the physiology of long-term meditators and hibernators across the phylogenetic scale. These analogies further reinforce the idea that plasticity of consciousness remains a key factor in successful biological adaptation.
Two Probability Models of Pyramid or Chain Letter Schemes Demonstrating that Their Promotional Claims are Unreliable

A variety of chain letters and pyramid schemes continue to be offered to the public. This article reviews two probability models which were developed in response to requests by attorneys faced with prosecuting promoters of such ventures. The two models were designed to establish the fraud underlying a quota pyramid scheme which places a limit on the maximum number of participants and a chain letter in which a participant could sell only two letters unless he purchases a new letter. The models emphasize how dependent a participant's potential earnings are to his time of entry in the process and show that although a small percentage of participants some early entrants will make money, most will lose so that pyramid scheme investors, as a class, are defrauded.
Critical Literacy among the Working Poor: Individualism and Pseudostructural Interpretive Narratives of Health Inequalities:

Critical literacy is akin to a sociological imagination as it involves the ability to distinguish between private troubles and public issues and the competency to use such distinctions to facilitate and engage in social change. This article is a case study of low-income rural Whites' personal interpretations of health and income inequalities with a concern for understanding the potential effectiveness of a community action program (CAP) designed to enhance their critical literacy. Findings reveal that low-income rural Whites predominantly use ideologies of individualism to interpret the inequalities experienced by others, they employ a pseudostructural level analysis tempered by individualism to interpret their experience of health and income inequalities, and they respond collectively along racial and national lines when considering overall inequalities. Based on these findings, I provide suggestions on how CAPs can more effectively elevate the critical literacy of low-income rural Whites.
Dynamic Stresses, Coulomb Failure, and Remote Triggering and to Surface‐Wave Potential for Triggering Tectonic (Nonvolcanic) Tremor

Hill (2008) and Hill (2010) contain two technical errors: (1) a missing factor of 2 for computed Love‐wave amplitudes, and (2) a sign error in the off‐diagonal elements in the Euler rotation matrix. Correction 1 : The equations for Love‐wave stresses (equation 21 in Hill, 2008, and equation A8 in Hill, 2010), are correct. A factor of 2 in these equations, however, was inadvertently omitted in the computational code. Accordingly, the corrected Love‐wave stress amplitudes are double those published in Hill (2008) and Hill (2010). Correction 2 : The Euler rotation matrix B that was used in Hill (2008) and Hill …
JHDM2A, a JmjC-Containing H3K9 Demethylase, Facilitates Transcription Activation by Androgen Receptor

Summary Covalent modification of histones plays an important role in regulating chromatin dynamics and transcription. Histone methylation was thought to be an irreversible modification until recently. Using a biochemical assay coupled with chromatography, we have purified a JmjC domain-containing protein, JHDM2A, which specifically demethylates mono- and dimethyl-H3K9. Similar to JHDM1, JHDM2A-mediated histone demethylation requires cofactors Fe(II) and α-ketoglutarate. Mutational studies indicate that a JmjC domain and a zinc finger present in JHDM2A are required for its enzymatic activity. Overexpression of JHDM2A greatly reduced the H3K9 methylation level in vivo. Knockdown of JHDM2A results in an increase in the dimethyl-K9 levels at the promoter region of a subset of genes concomitant with decrease in their expression. Finally, JHDM2A exhibits hormone-dependent recruitment to androgen-receptor target genes, resulting in H3K9 demethylation and transcriptional activation. Thus, our work identifies a histone demethylase and links its function to hormone-dependent transcriptional activation.
Multi-resource packing for cluster schedulers

Tasks in modern data parallel clusters have highly diverse resource requirements, along CPU, memory, disk and network. Any of these resources may become bottlenecks and hence, the likelihood of wasting resources due to fragmentation is now larger. Today's schedulers do not explicitly reduce fragmentation. Worse, since they only allocate cores and memory, the resources that they ignore (disk and network) can be over-allocated leading to interference, failures and hogging of cores or memory that could have been used by other tasks. We present Tetris, a cluster scheduler that packs, i.e., matches multi-resource task requirements with resource availabilities of machines so as to increase cluster efficiency (makespan). Further, Tetris uses an analog of shortest-running-time-first to trade-off cluster efficiency for speeding up individual jobs. Tetris' packing heuristics seamlessly work alongside a large class of fairness policies. Trace-driven simulations and deployment of our prototype on a 250 node cluster shows median gains of 30% in job completion time while achieving nearly perfect fairness.
Pathway-Specific Genetic Attenuation of Glutamate Release Alters Select Features of Competition-Based Visual Circuit Refinement

A hallmark of mammalian neural circuit development is the refinement of initially imprecise connections by competitive activity-dependent processes. In the developing visual system retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons from the two eyes undergo activity-dependent competition for territory in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). The direct contributions of synaptic transmission to this process, however, remain unclear. We used a genetic approach to reduce glutamate release selectively from ipsilateral-projecting RGCs and found that their release-deficient axons failed to exclude competing axons from the ipsilateral eye territory in the dLGN. Nevertheless, the release-deficient axons consolidated and maintained their normal amount of dLGN territory, even in the face of fully active competing axons. These results show that during visual circuit refinement glutamatergic transmission plays a direct role in excluding competing axons from inappropriate target regions, but they argue that consolidation and maintenance of axonal territory are largely insensitive to alterations in synaptic activity levels.
Chronic chorioamnionitis displays distinct alterations of the amniotic fluid proteome

Acute chorioamnionitis of infectious origin and chronic chorioamnionitis of immunological origin are two major placental lesions of spontaneous preterm birth with elevated amniotic fluid interleukin-6 and CXCL10 concentrations, respectively. The changes in the amniotic fluid proteome associated with intra-amniotic infection and acute chorioamnionitis are well defined, yet alterations unique to chronic chorioamnionitis remain to be elucidated. This study was conducted to determine those amniotic fluid proteins changing specifically in the presence of chronic chorioamnionitis. Amniotic fluid obtained from acute chorioamnionitis, chronic chorioamnionitis and gestational age-matched controls were analysed by two-dimensional (2D) difference in gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF analyses. The type of histological inflammation was used to define each condition in preterm labour cases (n = 125) and term not in labour cases (n = 22), and the amniotic fluid concentrations of interleukin-6, CXCL8, CXCL10 and prostaglandin F(2α) were also measured by specific immunoassays. Among preterm labour cases, 31 differentially expressed proteins were identified in chronic chorioamnionitis cases as compared to both acute chorioamnionitis and control cases. Importantly, glycodelin-A, which maintains maternal tolerance against an allogeneic fetus, was decreased in chronic chorioamnionitis, while haptoglobin was increased. We report the amniotic fluid proteome of chronic chorioamnionitis for the first time, and the findings herein strongly suggest that there is a pathophysiological association between the changes of immunomodulatory proteins in the amniotic fluid and chronic chorioamnionitis, a histological manifestation of maternal anti-fetal allograft rejection.
Risk Factors of Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Logistic Regression Tree Analysis

Purpose of the Study:A novel logistic regression tree-based method was applied to identify fall risk factors and possible interaction effects of those risk factors. DESIGN AND METHODS: A nationally representative sample of American older adults aged 65 years and older (N = 9,592) in the Health and Retirement Study 2004 and 2006 modules was used. Logistic Tree with Unbiased Selection, a computer algorithm for tree-based modeling, recursively split the entire group in the data set into mutually exclusive subgroups and fit a logistic regression model in each subgroup to generate an easily interpreted tree diagram. RESULTS: A subgroup of older adults with a fall history and either no activities of daily living (ADL) limitation and at least one instrumental activity of daily living or at least one ADL limitation was classified as at high risk of falling. Additionally, within each identified subgroup, the best predictor of falls varied over subgroups and was also evaluated. IMPLICATIONS: Application of tree-based methods may provide useful information for intervention program design and resource allocation planning targeting subpopulations of older adults at risk of falls. Language: en
In Situ Fluorescence Probing of the Chemical Changes during Sol–Gel Thin Film Formation

Pyranine (8-hydroxy-1,3,6-trisulfonated pyrene) was used as an in situ fluorescence probe to monitor the chemical evolution during sol-gel thin film deposition of silica by the dip-coating process. The sensitivity of pyranine luminescence to protonation/deprotonation effects was used to quantify changes in the water/alcohol ratio in real time as the substrate was withdrawn from the sol reservoir. The spatially resolved spectral results showed that preferential evaporation of alcohol occurred, and that the solvent composition in the vicinity of the drying line reached values in excess of 80 vol% water. Correlation of the luminescence results with the interference pattern of the depositing film allowed the solvent composition to be mapped as a function of film thickness. HE sol-gel process is a method of preparing inorganic oxide T glasses and ceramics from polymeric or colloidal sols at temperatures well below those used in traditional processing technique^.'-^ Interest in sol-gel thin films has grown in recent years as a number of applications have emerged in areas such as protective and optical coatings, high and low dielectric constant films, electrochromics, waveguides, ferroelectric thin films, sensors, and membrane^.^ The films can be produced readily by several different methods including spin coating and dip coating.5 Dip coating is perhaps more important technologically since a uniform coating can be deposited onto substrates of large dimensions and complex geometries. In the dip-coating process the substrate is immersed into the coating sol and then withdrawn at a constant rate. Brinker, Hurd, and co-workers have carried out extensive work, both experimental and theoretical, and have established how various physical and chemical parameters involved in dip coating affect the structure and properties of the final film.5 In the dip-coating process, a substrate is withdrawn slowly at constant speed (typically 10-20 cm/min) from a sol which contains polymeric or colloidal species in suspension (see
DNA vaccines in veterinary use

DNA vaccines represent a new frontier in vaccine technology. One important application of this technology is in the veterinary arena. DNA vaccines have already gained a foothold in certain fields of veterinary medicine. However, several important questions must be addressed when developing DNA vaccines for animals, including whether or not the vaccine is efficacious and cost effective compared with currently available options. Another important question to consider is how to apply this developing technology in a wide range of different situations, from the domestic pet to individual fish in fisheries with several thousand animals, to wildlife programs for disease control. In some cases, DNA vaccines represent an interesting option for vaccination, while in others, currently available options are sufficient. This review will examine a number of diseases of veterinary importance and the progress being made in DNA vaccine technology relevant to these diseases, and we compare these with the conventional treat...
Simultaneous, noninvasive observation of elastic scattering, fluorescence and inelastic scattering as a monitor of blood flow and hematocrit in human fingertip capillary beds.

We report simultaneous observation of elastic scattering, fluorescence, and inelastic scattering from in vivo near-infrared probing of human skin. Careful con- trol of the mechanical force needed to obtain reliable reg- istration of in vivo tissue with an appropriate optical sys- tem allows reproducible observation of blood flow in capillary beds of human volar side fingertips. The time dependence of the elastically scattered light is highly cor- related with that of the combined fluorescence and Raman scattered light. We interpret this in terms of turbidity the impeding effect of red blood cells on optical propagation to and from the scattering centers and the changes in the volume percentages of the tissues in the irradiated volume with normal homeostatic processes. By fitting to a model, these measurements may be used to determine volume fractions of plasma and RBCs. © 2009 Society of Photo-Optical
Effect of Membrane Polyunsaturation on Carrier-Mediated Transport in Cultured Retinoblastoma Cells: Alterations in Taurine Uptake

Neural cell membranes naturally contain a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acid, but the functional significance of this is unknown. An increase in membrane polyunsaturation has been shown previously to affect the high-affinity transport systems for choline and glycine in cultured human Y79 retinoblastoma cells. To test the generality of membrane polyunsaturation effects on transport, we investigated the uptake of other putative neurotransmitters and amino acids by these cells. Taurine, glutamate, and leucine were taken up by both high- and low-affinity transport systems, whereas serine, gamma-aminobutyrate, and alpha-aminoisobutyrate were taken up only by low-affinity systems. The high-affinity taurine and glutamate and low-affinity serine uptake systems were Na+ dependent. Arachidonic acid (20:4) supplementation of Y79 cells produced enrichment of all the major microsomal phosphoglycerides with 20:4, while docosahexaenoic acid (22:6) supplementation produced large increases in the 22:6 content of all fractions except the inositol phosphoglycerides. Enrichment with these polyunsaturated fatty acids facilitated taurine uptake by lowering the K'm of its high-affinity transport system. By contrast, enrichment with oleic acid did not affect taurine uptake. Glutamate, leucine, serine, gamma-aminobutyrate, and alpha-aminoisobutyrate uptake were not affected when the cells were enriched with any of these fatty acids. These findings demonstrate that only certain transport systems are sensitive to the polyunsaturated fatty acid content of the retinoblastoma cell membrane. The various transport systems either respond differently to changes in membrane lipid unsaturation, or they are located in lipid domains that are modified to different extents by changes in unsaturation.
Two-dimensional echocardiographic identification of multiple cardiac tumors in a newborn.

Abstract We describe identification of multiple intracardiac tumors in a newborn by real time two-dimensional echocardiography. All three tumors were successfully resected.
The dying patient in the ICU: role of the interdisciplinary team

Expert opinion supports the application of broad interdisciplinary team approaches to the care of the dying patient in the intensive care unit (ICU). Current literature contains many suggestions about how core team members-physicians, nurses, and patients/family members-could systematically enhance interdisciplinary collaboration in the care of the dying patient. In the few studies of ICU interdisciplinary collaborative care of the dying patient, investigator shave demonstrated improvement in care. In addition, ethics consultants and interdisciplinary palliative care teams, working with the core team members, have improved care for the dying. Further studies are needed to document alternative interdisciplinary models for achieving improved and durable patient, family,and provider outcomes in the care of the dying ICU patient.
Evolution and the Change in Electromagnetic State

We suggest that a single field vector Φ be used to characterize a living organism, where Φ is the electromagnetic field due to the time-varying electric charge distribution within the organism. This representation has interesting advantages over the traditional biological description universally given in terms of visible characteristics. The H field is easily generalized to include species, and it leads naturally to a novel biological concept, that of the “supergenome,” covering all life as a whole. It is also consistent with an operational definition of the interaction between environment and genome, resulting in an alternate way of thinking about the evolutionary process. In this view, the meaning of environment is widened to include natural selection, and evolution is regarded as little more than the accommodation of living things to physical laws.
Older adults' perceptions of clinical fall prevention programs: a qualitative study.

Objective. To investigate motivational factors and barriers to participating in fall risk assessment and management programs among diverse, low-income, community-dwelling older adults who had experienced a fall. Methods. Face-to-face interviews with 20 elderly who had accepted and 19 who had not accepted an invitation to an assessment by one of two fall prevention programs. Interviews covered healthy aging, core values, attributions/consequences of the fall, and barriers/benefits of fall prevention strategies and programs. Results. Joiners and nonjoiners of fall prevention programs were similar in their experience of loss associated with aging, core values they expressed, and emotional response to falling. One difference was that those who participated endorsed that they “needed” the program, while those who did not participate expressed a lack of need. Conclusions. Interventions targeted at a high-risk group need to address individual beliefs as well as structural and social factors (transportation issues, social networks) to enhance participation.
A Kronecker limit formula for totally real fields and arithmetic applications

We establish a Kronecker limit formula for the zeta function ζF(s,A) of a wide ideal class A of a totally real number field F of degree n. This formula relates the constant term in the Laurent expansion of ζF(s,A) at s=1 to a toric integral of a \({SL}_{n}({\mathbb {Z}})\)-invariant function logG(Z) along a Heegner cycle in the symmetric space of \({GL}_{n}({\mathbb {R}})\). We give several applications of this formula to algebraic number theory, including a relative class number formula for H/F where H is the Hilbert class field of F, and an analog of Kronecker’s solution of Pell’s equation for totally real multiquadratic fields. We also use a well-known conjecture from transcendence theory on algebraic independence of logarithms of algebraic numbers to study the transcendence of the toric integral of logG(Z). Explicit examples are given for each of these results.
Activist Hedge Funds, 'Golden Leash' Special Compensation Arrangements, and Advance Notice Bylaws

The tactics used by activist hedge funds to target companies continue to command the attention of corporate executives and board members. This report discusses recent cases highlighting activist efforts to replace directors at target companies. It also examines the use of controversial special compensation arrangements sometimes referred to as “golden leashes,” the arguments for and against such payments, their prevalence, and the parallel evolution of advance notification bylaws (ANBs) to require disclosure of third party payments to directors.
PropBank: Semantics of New Predicate Types

This research focuses on expanding PropBank, a corpus annotated with predicate argument structures, with new predicate types; namely, noun, adjective and complex predicates, such as Light Verb Constructions. This effort is in part inspired by a sister project to PropBank, the Abstract Meaning Representation project, which also attempts to capture who is doing what to whom in a sentence, but does so in a way that abstracts away from syntactic structures. For example, alternate realizations of a ‘destroying’ event in the form of either the verb ‘destroy’ or the noun ‘destruction’ would receive the same Abstract Meaning Representation. In order for PropBank to reach the same level of coverage and continue to serve as the bedrock for Abstract Meaning Representation, predicate types other than verbs, which have previously gone without annotation, must be annotated. This research describes the challenges therein, including the development of new annotation practices that walk the line between abstracting away from language-particular syntactic facts to explore deeper semantics, and maintaining the connection between semantics and syntactic structures that has proven to be very valuable for PropBank as a corpus of training data for Natural Language Processing applications.
Conflicts and the Basic Incompatibility

The discussion in Chapter 3 shows that classical physics is incapable of providing an adequate description of blackbody radiation and the photoelectric effect. There is another set of experimental results that demonstrates the inadequacy of classical concepts even more dramatically. The results all concern atomic structure and the light (or radiation) emitted by atoms.
Krannert Special Collection: The Story of Treasures in Economics at Purdue University and How They Found Their Way to Indiana.

Abstract In the Management &Economics Library at Purdue University is a unique and valuable collection of the history on economic thought, numbering over 3,000 books, pamphlets and periodical titles published between 1502 and 1875. This article chronicles the acquisition and development of this collection from its discovery in a London bookstore by Nathan Rosenberg through the compilation of a book catalog by librarian John Houkes. The story includes excerpts of the letters between the Krannert Graduate School of Management and Economics Dean and others involved in the major purchase. The article also includes a look at the major works in the collection, pictures of several of these books and the furnishings of the room.
Organs as a Source of Factors Capable of Eliciting the Shwartzman Phenomenon.

SummaryFractions prepared from pancreas, testis, liver, kidney, brain, placenta, muscle, breast, and uterus were shown to possess provocative Shwartzman phenomenon factors, although the results were irregular in some cases. Similar fractions from spleen gave negative results. Only the fractions from the first 3 of these tissues were also tested for preparatory potency, and were found to elicit positive reactions in some of the rabbits.We wish to express our appreciation to Dr. Gregory Shwartzman of The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, for his suggestions and criticism.