cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kainate receptors are critical for Th2 immune responses in allergic disease (HYP7P.286)

Asthma is a complex disease in which many cell types play a pathogenic role. The asthmatic response requires T cells to make appropriate cytokines, B cells to make antigen specific IgE, mast cells to bind IgE and react upon subsequent antigen encounter, and lung cells to respond to MC derived mediators. To date there have been no pharmacologic interventions that can address all of these aspects of the disease, thus polytherapy is the norm. A serendipitous discovery made in our laboratory led to the pivotal finding that kainate receptors (KARs) are present in the immune system. In our hands, an antagonist of this receptor was shown to strongly inhibit polyclonal IgE production in in vitro human cultures. We have extended these studies to demonstrate that in the murine in vitro system, the KAR is also critical for the in vitro production of IgE and that signaling through this receptor also leads to increased ADAM10 activity, production of soluble CD23 release, and subsequent IgE production. Furthermore, we determined in vivo relevance for this receptor. Mice deficient in the KAR post antigen challenge produce significantly less antigen specific IgE and mucus production in a house dust mite (HDM) model of allergic asthma. Interestingly, these mice have normal Th1 immune response upon challenge with Ova/CFA. Thus, KARs may serve as an innovative specific pharmacological target for the treatment of asthma and other IgE mediated disease.
Anomalous resistivity in a Z-pinch system

Microturbulence-mediated anomalous resistivity is a possible cause of observed anomalous heating in z-pinch implosions. Conditions seen in MHD z-pinch simulations suggest that the ion-acoustic instability could be a significant generator of turbulence. We employ a quasilinear kinetic theory to investigate electron heating in the presence of ion-acoustic turbulence in a moderately strong magnetic field. To lowest order, turbulence increases the effective electron-ion collision frequency. Simple scaling arguments for developed turbulence show that the collision frequency could be enhanced by one or two orders of magnitude in typical z-pinch plasmas. Turbulent, strong-magnetic field heating produces depressed-tail electron distributions, but with local enhancements. The effect on resistivity of distribution function shape depends on the magnetic field, but turbulence always increases resistivity because of the higher effective collision frequency. Electrical resistivity of z-pinch plasmas is calculated as a function of turbulence level.
Energy relaxation of electrons in the (100) n-channel of a Si-MOSFET: II. Surface phonon treatment

Abstract The electron energy relaxation is investigated as a function of the “electron temperature” Te in the n-channel of a (100) surface silicon MOSFET device by inspecting the phenomenological energy relaxation time τe(Te). τe is determined theoretically and compared to experimental results in order to identify the energy relaxation mechanism(s) present at the interface. Two dimensional electron transport is assumed. Single activation temperature (θ) Rayleigh wave scattering and acoustic Rayleigh wave scattering are studied as possible energy loss processes. The effects of electric subbanding near the surface are included. τe is calculated for Te ≲ 15 K in the electric quantum limit. We find that a single θ = 12.0 K Rayleigh phonon fits theory to experiment for a single electron inversion density (Ninv) case, but can not provide a fit simultaneously for more than one Ninv value. Theory and experiment disagree when Rayleigh wave acoustic scattering is assumed.
Update on pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes

Hereditary cancer syndromes in children and adolescents are becoming more recognized in the field of pediatric hematology/oncology. A recent workshop held at the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) 2012 Annual Meeting included several interactive sessions related to specific familial cancer syndromes, genetic testing and screening, and ethical issues in caring for families with inherited cancer risk. This review highlights the workshop presentations, including a brief background about pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes and the importance of learning about them for the practicing pediatric hematologists/oncologists. This is followed by a brief summary of the newly described cancer predisposition syndromes including Rhabdoid Tumor Predisposition Syndrome, Hereditary Paragangliomas and Pheochromocytoma Syndrome, and Familial Pleuropulmonaryblastoma Tumor Predisposition (DICER1) Syndrome. The next section covers genetic testing and screening for pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes. Ethical issues are also discussed including preimplantation genetic diagnosis or testing (PGD/PGT), suspicious lesions found on tumor screening, and incidental mutations discovered by whole genome sequencing. Finally, the perspective of a family with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome is shared.
Crowdsourcing Ontology Verification

As the scale and complexity of ontologies increases, so too do errors and engineering challenges. It is frequently unclear, however, to what degree extralogical ontology errors negatively affect the application that the ontology underpins. For example, "Shoe SubClassOf Foot" may be correct logically, but not in a human interpretation. Indeed, such errors, not caught by reasoning, are likely to be domain-specific, and thus identifying salient ontology errors requires consideration of the domain. There are both automated and manual methods that provide ontology quality assurance. Nevertheless, these methods do not readily scale as ontology size increases, and do not necessarily identify the most salient extralogical errors. Recently, crowdsourcing has enabled solutions to complex problems that computers alone cannot solve. For instance, human workers can quickly and more accurately identify objects in images at scale. Crowdsourcing presents an opportunity to develop methods for ontology quality assurance that overcome the current limitations of scalability and applicability. In this work, I aim (1) to determine the effect of extralogical ontology errors in an example domain, (2) to develop a scalable framework for crowdsourcing ontology verification that overcomes current ontology Q/A method limitations, and (3) to apply this framework to ontologies in use. I will then evaluate the method itself and also its effect in the context of a specific domain. As an example domain, I will use biomedicine, which applies many large-scale ontologies. Thus, this work will enable scalable quality assurance for extralogical errors in biomedical ontologies. Terminology
Phase equilibrium for the hydrogenation of polystyrene in CO2–swollen solvents

Abstract Polystyrene (PS) can be hydrogenated using a heterogeneous catalyst suspended in a solvent swollen by supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). Various phase equilibria are involved in this system. First, the application of scCO2 to a solution of PS can cause the polymer to precipitate. Therefore, the effect of CO2 pressure and temperature on the phase behavior of various solvents containing dissolved PS was investigated, leading to the selection of decahydronaphthalene (DHN) for in-depth study. It was found that the CO2 pressure required to precipitate PS from DHN increased with the temperature. The volume of solutions containing various concentrations of PS in DHN increased considerably as the CO2 pressure was increased. Volume expansions of 35–40% were obtained between 40 and 150 °C and between 3 and 9 wt.% PS. Moreover, calculations using the Peng–Robinson equation of state showed that the H2 concentration in the liquid phase was higher in CO2–swollen DHN than in the pure solvent, at a constant H2 partial pressure. The rate constant for PS hydrogenation was found to be higher in CO2–swollen DHN than in the pure solvent.
Mixed models and reduction techniques for large-rotation nonlinear problems

Abstract Mixed models and reduction techniques are presented for the large-rotation nonlinear analysis of curved beams. A total Lagrangian description of the beam deformation is used, and the analytical formulation is based on a form of Reissner's large-deformation theory with the effects of transverse shear deformation and extensibility of the centerline included. Only planar deformations are considered, and the fundamental unknowns consist of the three internal forces and the three generalized displacements of the beam. The element characteristic arrays are obtained by using the Hellinger-Reissner mixed variational principle. The polynomial interpolation (or shape) functions used in approximating the internal forces are, in general, of different degree than those used for approximating the generalized displacements, and the forces are discontinuous at interelement boundaries. The use of reduction methods in conjunction with the mixed models is outlined and the advantages of mixed models over displacement models are delineated. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the high accuracy and effectiveness of both the mixed models and the reduction techniques.
Rubidium-Strontium and Potassium-Argon Age of Lunar Sample 15555

The lunar mare basalt 15555 from the edge of Hadley Rille has been dated at 3.3 b.y. by both rubidium-strontium and potassium-argon techniques. Age and trace element abundances closely resemble those of the Apollo 12 mare basalts. Data from lunar basalts obtained thus far indicate that they cannot be derived by simple fractionation from a homogeneous source.
Could Privatization Increase the Efficiency of Tax Administration in Less‐Developed Countries?

In spite of the fact that state tax collection systems in less-developed countries generally are characterized by high levels of tax evasion and official corruption, little experimentation with privatized tax collection has occurred in these countries. This is due in part to: (1) The fact that the literature on privatization has not focused on tax collection, and (2) the existence of prevalent misconceptions regarding the effects of privatized tax collection in earlier periods. This paper uses agency theory and privatization research to discover the conditions under which privatized tax collection may be an efficient alternative to state tax collection, and to show that these conditions are present in many less-developed countries.
High-efficiency inverter for photovoltaic applications

We introduce a circuit topology and associated control method suitable for high efficiency DC to AC grid-tied power conversion. This approach is well matched to the requirements of module integrated converters for solar photovoltaic (PV) applications. The topology is based on a series resonant inverter, a high frequency transformer, and a novel half-wave cycloconverter. Zero-voltage switching is used to achieve an average efficiency of 95.9% with promise for exceeding 96.5%. The efficiency is also projected to improve as semiconductor transistor technology develops further. Design and control considerations for the proposed approach are presented, along with experimental results that validate the approach.
Modeling and conventional/adaptive PI control of a Lathe cutting process

A mathematical model for predicting dynamics between the feedrate and cutting force in the lathe cutting process is presented. The model comes from combinations of a parameter identification technique and geometrical consideration for chip thickness time variation. The model prediction of transient responses is in good agreement with the experimental results. The model is used for tuning a PI controller for regulating the cutting force as well as to show performance limitations of the conventional PI controller. A simple adaptive control scheme that makes use of the model structure is proposed. Experimental results from laboratory evaluation of the proposed controllers are presented.
Association of Stress Management Skills and Perceived Stress with Physical and Emotional Well-Being Among Advanced Prostrate Cancer Survivors Following Androgen Deprivation Treatment

Advanced prostate cancer (APC) is associated with disruptions that compromise health related quality of life (HRQOL). Treatment often includes androgendeprivation therapy (ADT), which results in a range of side effects (e.g., fatigue, urinary dysfunction) that further impact HRQOL. Despite these challenges, there are limited evaluations of the impact of stress and stress management skills on HRQOL among APC survivors on ADT. This study evaluated relationships among stress, stress management skills, and HRQOL, and it was hypothesized that better stress management skills would relate to greater physical and emotional well-being by mitigating perceived stress levels. Participants (N = 77) were 69.7 years old (SD = 9.8), 18.6 months post-treatment (SD = 17.5), and ethnically diverse (65 % Non-Hispanic White, 13 % Hispanic, 21 % African-American). Measures included the Measure of Current Status for stress management skills, the Perceived Stress Scale for perceived stress, and the Medical Outcomes Study—Short Form (MOS SF-36; physical functioning and emotional well-being subscales) for HRQOL. Direct effects and mediation models were evaluated to determine the relationships between perceived stress, stress management skills, and HRQOL domains, controlling for relevant covariates. Stress management skills and perceived stress were significantly associated with physical functioning (β = .24, p < .05 and β = −.43, p < .01, respectively) and emotional well-being (β = .35, p < .01 and β = −.64, p < .01, respectively). Regression analyses supported the hypothesis that reduced perceived stress mediated the relationship between stress management skills and both physical functioning and emotional well-being. These results demonstrate that one way stress management skills may impact HRQOL is by lessening ongoing perceptions of stress.
On definition and estimation of wind risk

Abstract Wind risk may be defined as the probability that a selected intensity measurement at a site exceeds a specified threshold within a time period of interest. In the majority of wind risk assessments only the information on a variate of prime interest has been used. In fact, it is possible to improve the inference concerning the risk by utilizing the additional information available on related variates. This article presents a simple procedure for risk calculation for wind and makes use of the intensity as the main variable and the time interval between record wind speeds as the related variate.
Nutritional implications of staple food crop successions in Usambara, Tanzania

Archival and ethnographic research carried out in northeastern Tanzania provides evidence of significant changes in production and consumption of staple food crops between 1850 and the present. The banana, which provided the bulk of calories and other nutrients in precolonial times, has been successively replaced by Irish potatoes, maize, and cassava in different localities. The reasons for the adoption of each of these introduced crops are explored, and their implications for human nutrition in the area are discussed.
Towards geometric control of max-plus linear systems with applications to queueing networks

The max-plus linear systems have been studied for almost three decades, however, a well-established system theory on such specific systems is still an on-going research. The geometric control theory in particular was proposed as the future direction for max-plus linear systems by Cohen et al. [Cohen, G., Gaubert, S. and Quadrat, J.P. 1999, ‘Max-plus Algebra and System Theory: Where we are and Where to Go Now’, Annual Reviews in Control , 23, 207--219]. This article generalises R.E. Kalman's abstract realisation theory for traditional linear systems over fields to max-plus linear systems. The new generalised version of Kalman's abstract realisation theory not only provides a more concrete state space representation other than just a ‘set-theoretic’ representation for the canonical realisation of a transfer function, but also leads to the computational methods for the controlled invariant semimodules in the kernel and the equivalence kernel of the output map. These controlled invariant semimodules play key roles in the standard geometric control problems, such as disturbance decoupling problem and block decoupling problem. A queueing network is used to illustrate the main results in this article.
Recordmaking, Recordkeeping and Landholding – Chanceries and Archives in Ethiopia (1700–1974)

This essay addresses the origins and functions of Ethiopian church archives. It investigates the processes used in making documents and the procedures implemented to ensure their preservation and access. While recognizing their commemorative and symbolic functions, this essay emphasizes that written records were created in the first instance for practical purposes. It argues that the change in recordmaking and recordkeeping activities that is discernible in the eighteenth century was inspired by a corresponding change in the patterns of landholding in Ethiopia. Resume: Cet article interroge les origines et fonctions des archives ecclesiastiques en Ethiopie en analysant les processus menant a la fabrication de documents et les procedures implementees pour en assurer leur preservation et acces. Outre leur fonction commemorative et symbolique, ces documents ecrits ont d’abord ete crees pour des raisons pratiques. Cet article postule que les changements survenus au dix-huitieme siecle en matiere de creation et de tenue reguliere de registres correspondent aux modifications de la propriete fonciere en Ethiopie.
Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy of the deuterated acetylene dimers: The interconversion tunneling motions of (DCCD) 2 , (DCCH) 2 , DCCDDCCH, DCCHDCCD, HCCHDCCD, and HCCHDCCH

Abstract Microwave spectra of the deuterated acetylene dimers, produced in a molecular beam at 1 K from samples of HCCH, DCCH, and DCCD, were observed using a Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. We observed all variations of deuterated acetylene dimers in which a deuterium atom participates in the hydrogen bond; i.e., (DCCD) 2 , (DCCH) 2 , DCCDDCCH, DCCHDCCD, HCCHDCCD, and HCCHDCCH. Deuterated acetylene dimers with the hydrogen atom located in the hydrogen bond could not be detected. Precise molecular constants were determined for each species. Among the dimers identified, (DCCD) 2 , (DCCH) 2 , DCCDDCCH, and DCCHDCCD showed evidence of an interconversion tunneling motion like the tunneling observed for (HCCH) 2 . The tunneling potential of (DCCD) 2 was analyzed using a one-coordinate model and the potential depth was determined to be V 4 = 35.577 cm −1 , which is 2.371 cm −1 deeper than that of (HCCH) 2 studied by Fraser et al. ( J. Chem. Phys. 89 , 6028–6045 (1988)). A one-coordinate model was also applied to the other deutered acetylene dimers by adopting a further assumption of a composite potential.
Straight-line repair followed by rotation advancement repair for wide unilateral lip clefts.

THE presence of either a very wide cleft or a steeply canted Cupid’s bow may hinder a smooth performance of Millard’s rotation advancement repair. Advancement of sufficient tissue into the cleft tends to steal from the lateral element. Rotation of sufficient medial tissue into the cleft may leave inadequate material for the base of the nose and the upper part of the philtrum. After a taxing tussle which has coaxed Cupid’s bow into a proper horizontal lie, the surgeon may be dismayed to find that the upper part of the lip is tight and both nostrils are distorted. He can take consolation in the fact that the problem will diminish and may well disappear as the wounds mature, but
Functional Roles of Glutamate Transport in Modulating Phasic and Tonic Neurotransmitter Signaling

Transporters act over wide ranges of time and space in the brain: they help prevent excitotoxicity by limiting tonic NMDA receptor activation, and in addition they maintain the specificity of neuronal communication by limiting spillover of synaptically released glutamate. In this work we show how small changes in transporter density can lead to supralinear changes in ambient extracellular glutamate, which may play a role in certain neuropathologies. In addition, we show data suggesting that the role of transporters in limiting NMDA receptor activity during synaptic transmission is complex and depends strongly on the frequency of synaptic activity. We show that in physiological conditions, Mg2+ block rather than glutamate transport plays a dominant role in restricting NMDA receptor activity during low frequency activity. During higher frequency activity, including frequency ranges associate with induction of long-term potentiation and learning, a pool of glutamate-bound and Mg2+-blocked NMDARs signal in a phase-shifted manner governed by glutamate transport.
A direct-conversion receiver integrated circuit for WCDMA mobile systems

A prototype of a 3-V SiGe direct-conversion receiver integrated circuit for use in third-generation (3G) WCDMA mobile cellular systems has been completed. The goal of its design was to minimize current draw while meeting WCDMA receiver rf specifications with margin. The design includes a bypassable low-noise amplifier, quadrature downconverter, and first-stage variable-gain baseband amplifiers integrated on chip. The design is optimized for use with a single-ended off-chip bandpass surface-acoustic-wave filter with no external matching components. The prototype design represents a first step toward a fully integrated monolithic WCDMA/UMTS receiver system-on-a-chip. A rigorous set of performance tests are used to characterize the noise and linearity performance of the packaged IC across its full frequency band of operation. A receiver test-bed system with a software baseband demodulator is used to determine the bit-error-rate performance of the receiver integrated circuit (IC) at sensitivity. Measured results are compared with estimated system performance requirements to determine compliance with key WCDMA rf specifications.
Reasoning in a restricted temporal logic

Abstract We consider RTL, a linear time propositional temporal logic whose only modalities are the [formula] (eventually) operator and its dual [formula] (always). Although less expressive than the full temporal logic, RTL is the fragment of temporal logic that is used most often and in many verification systems. Indeed, many properties of distributed systems discussed in the literature are RTL properties. Another advantage of RTL over the full temporal logic is in the decidability procedure; while deciding satisfiability of a formula in full temporal logic is a PSPACE complete procedure, doing so for an RTL formula is in NP. We characterize the class of ω-regular languages that are definable in RTL and show simple translations between ω-regular sets and RTL formulae that define them. We explore the applications of RTL in reasoning about communication systems. Finally, we relate variants of RTL (when interpreted over a real line segments) to several fragments of Interval Modal Logic and show that the satisfiability problem for RTL when interpreted over a real line is NP-complete.
Opiate Antagonist Prevents μ- and δ-Opiate Receptor Dimerization to Facilitate Ability of Agonist to Control Ethanol-altered Natural Killer Cell Functions and Mammary Tumor Growth

In the natural killer (NK) cells, δ-opiate receptor (DOR) and μ-opioid receptor (MOR) interact in a feedback manner to regulate cytolytic function with an unknown mechanism. Using RNK16 cells, a rat NK cell line, we show that MOR and DOR monomer and dimer proteins existed in these cells and that chronic treatment with a receptor antagonist reduced protein levels of the targeted receptor but increased levels of opposing receptor monomer and homodimer. The opposing receptor-enhancing effects of MOR and DOR antagonists were abolished following receptor gene knockdown by siRNA. Ethanol treatment increased MOR and DOR heterodimers while it decreased the cellular levels of MOR and DOR monomers and homodimers. The opioid receptor homodimerization was associated with an increased receptor binding, and heterodimerization was associated with a decreased receptor binding and the production of cytotoxic factors. Similarly, in vivo, opioid receptor dimerization, ligand binding of receptors, and cell function in immune cells were promoted by chronic treatment with an opiate antagonist but suppressed by chronic ethanol feeding. Additionally, a combined treatment of an MOR antagonist and a DOR agonist was able to reverse the immune suppressive effect of ethanol and reduce the growth and progression of mammary tumors in rats. These data identify a role of receptor dimerization in the mechanism of DOR and MOR feedback interaction in NK cells, and they further elucidate the potential for the use of a combined opioid antagonist and agonist therapy for the treatment of immune incompetence and cancer and alcohol-related diseases.
Differential effects of methadone dose/contingency management combinations on abstinence from heroin and cocaine

Continued illicit drug use remains a significant problem among patients in methadone maintenance. This study examined the interaction between a pharmacological and a behavioral intervention in patients using illicit heroin and cocaine while in methadone maintenance therapy. The behavioral intervention (contingency management) reinforced abstinence from heroin and cocaine. The pharmacological intervention was a 30-mg methadone dose increase. Methadone-maintained outpatients (N=XXX) were randomly assigned to 4 groups: dose increase & contingent vouchers (given separately for heroin- and cocaine-negative urine screens); dose increase & noncontingent vouchers (independent of urine screen results); no dose increase & contingent vouchers; no dose increase & noncontingent vouchers. The intervention lasted 12 weeks. Analysis of thrice-weekly urine screen results showed that an increase in methadone dose (from 70 to 100 mg/d) significantly reduced heroin use, but not cocaine use, while contingent vouchers significantly reduced both heroin and cocaine use. The effects on heroin use were enhanced by combining the contingency and dose increase interventions, an effect not found in a previous study with lower methadone doses (50 and 70 mg/d; Preston et al., Arch Gen Psychiatry 57, 395–404, 2000), nor found for cocaine in this study. Thus, the interaction between methadone and the behavioral treatment was pharmacologically specific and sensitive to dose. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P21–P21; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.079
Investigating local sustainable environmental perspectives of Kenyan community members and teachers

Efforts to conserve and preserve the environment in developing or marginalized locales frequently involve a one-way transfer of knowledge and materials from a source in a more developed location. This situation often degenerates into a short-term donor project which risks little to no long-term impacts on local or indigenous relationships with the environment. This research study with educators in Narok, Kenya investigates the current perspectives of local key stakeholders on the environment and sustainability with the purpose of sharing these understandings among local groups to generate a locally constructed meaning of environmental conservation and sustainability. It is the researchers’ aim that through locally constructed meanings of environmental hazards and conservation, the Maasai community will empower themselves to transform their relationship with their environment and begin to construct and enact sustainable alternatives to destructive environmental practices. The approach used in this study is a qualitative study of representative stakeholders’ environmental perspectives called photovoice. Two major themes emerged during the data analysis: How do we co-habit? and How do we modernize? This community demonstrated a complex understandings including navigate traditional practices, made connections to a larger system, and describing positive ways in which humans influence our environment.
Minor products from the pyrolysis of thin films of poly(hexamethylene adipamide)

Abstract The products of pyrolysis of poly(hexamethylene adipamide), which are volatile at 220°C, have been separated and identified using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometric techniques. Particular attention has been paid to materials with retention times of less than 25 min which are believed to be generated during elimination and chain end reactions. Although the elimination of lactams has not been reported previously for this system, the appearance of cyclopentanone derivatives produced at the polymer chain ends may carry more significance in commercial areas.
Experts Examine Role Scientists Play in Oil Transportation Issues

U.S. hydrocarbon production is on the rise, meaning that transporting hydrocarbons—whether by pipelines, trucks, or trains—is as well. However, increasing environmental concerns, mixed with other issues such as energy independence and landowner rights, is making this transportation a hot-button issue.
Induced voltage, magnetization waveforms and the spectral response at the grain boundaries of YBCO superconductors and the critical state model

Abstract Critical state model for granular superconductors is applied to study the nonlinear a.c. response of YBaCuO superconductors at the grain boundaries. The measured induced voltage waveforms are studied and explained at different temperatures and the corresponding calculated waveforms are shown to match the data. The intergranular hysteretic magnetization losses and the first 10 spectral components of the a.c. harmonic response are also measured and calculated at different temperatures.
Contrasting patterns of ascites formation in hepatic cirrhosis.

In two patients with hepatic cirrhosis and massive ascites, the composition of lymph (thoracic duct, intestinal, and hepatic) and ascitic fluid pointed to a different pathogenesis of ascites and portal hypertension. Measurements of hepatic blood flow, splenoportography, selective arteriography, and laparotomy delineated the contrasting portal circulatory dynamics. The data suggest that in the first patient excess thoracic duct lymph and ascitic fluid originated primarily from the liver in response to increased resistance to hepatic venous outflow. In the second patient these fluids originated primarily from the extrahepatic portal bed in response to increased resistance to portal venous inflow. Portal hypertension in the first patient was due to moderately increased postsinusoidal resistance coupled with high portal blood flow, and in the second it was due to very high presinusoidal resistance but low portal blood flow. Surgical treatment was designed accordingly.
Chest pain with elevated troponin assay in adolescents

Objective We sought to describe the evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of adolescents who presented to a single institution with chest pain and an elevated troponin I value in the absence of typical symptoms of pericarditis or myocarditis. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective review of patients in the age group of 10–18 years of age with no history of significant heart disease admitted to our institution from 2000 to 2010 after presenting with chest pain and an elevated troponin I value. Results A total of 16 patients were identified with a median age of 16.5 years (range 11.2–17.8 years). Of these 13 (81%) were male and 10 (63%) showed evidence of localised ST elevations on electrocardiogram. The median peak troponin I level was 17.8 nanograms per millilitre (range 0.89–227, normal less than 0.4). There were eight patients (50%) with a diagnosis of coronary vasospasm, three patients (20%) with atypical myopericarditis, one patient with coronary anomaly, one patient with hypercoagulable disorder, and one patient with prolonged supraventricular tachycardia. In two patients, no definitive diagnosis was made. There was one patient who needed catheter-based intervention, which involved stenting of a coronary artery after a procedure-related complication. Conclusions In our cohort of adolescents without history of significant cardiac disease, chest pain and elevated troponin I levels were attributed to a variety of causes. Although coronary vasospasm and atypical myopericarditis were seen most commonly, coronary anomaly was identified in one case. Magnetic resonance imaging proved a useful diagnostic tool to assess coronary artery anatomy and myocardial changes suggestive of myocarditis. On the basis of these results and a review of the literature, a general evaluation algorithm is presented.
Perspectives de la théorie des cinq facteurs (TCF) : traits et culture

Resume Le modele des cinq facteurs (MCF) est une classification hierarchique des traits de personnalite, qui se veut a la fois exhaustive et universelle. Des centaines de recherches portant sur le MCF ont revele le mecanisme des traits, et la theorie des cinq facteurs (TCF) a ete developpee afin d'integrer ces resultats et de montrer comment la personnalite se developpe et fonctionne. Un point d'une importance capitale pour la TCF est la distinction entre les tendances fondamentales (qui comprennent les traits du MCF) et les adaptations caracteristiques, qui decoulent des interactions des traits avec l'environnement. Nous esquissons les grandes lignes de la TCF en accordant une attention particuliere au role joue par la culture. Selon la TCF, la culture a une influence reduite ou meme nulle sur les traits eux-memes, mais des effets spectaculaires sur les habitudes, les croyances, les valeurs, les roles et les relations qui constituent les adaptations caracteristiques. Des modifications de la TCF sont envisagees.
Differential Adaptations of Muscle Architecture to High-Velocity Versus Traditional Strength Training in Cerebral Palsy

Background. Everyday activities for youth with cerebral palsy (CP) require muscle power, but the velocity component of muscle contraction is neglected with traditional strength training (ST). Objec...
Electrochemical Characterization and Durability of Sputtered Pt Catalysts on TiO2 Nanotube Arrays as a Cathode Material for PEFCs

In the present study, we describe an approach to address both the catalytic activity and the durability issues synergistically for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) by using robust TiO 2 nanotube (TONT) arrays as an alternative support to replace carbon. We formed sputtered Pt on TONT arrays, which were prepared by the electrochemical anodizing procedure, and evaluated the resulting catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics and for accelerated durability tests (ADTs). The high ORR activity of the Pt/TONT catalyst is attributed to a synergistic effect between Pt and TONT and to the increase in electrochemical active surface area. Kinetic analysis reveals that the number of electrons for the Pt/TONT catalyst is ca 3.94, which indicates a preferential four-electron transfer reaction. Moreover, the ADT result for the Pt/TONT catalyst shows a small decrease in the Pt active surface, which is attributed to the strong and stabilized physical interaction between the Pt catalyst and the TONT support. A strong metal-support interaction effect may prevent the agglomeration and dissolution of Pt catalysts on the TONT support, thereby producing a catalyst with an extended life.
Methods for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of some hydroxystilbenes

Paper, thin-layer, and gas chromatographic systems for the separation of 2-hydroxy-, 4-hydroxy-, 4, 4′-dihydroxy-, and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxystilbene have been developed. Quantitative analysis of 4-hydroxy- and 4, 4′-dihydroxystilbene via spectrofluorimetry on thin-layer plates is described along with an assay of these compounds as their trimethylsilyl ethers using vapor phase chromatography (VPC) with flame ionization detection. The use of electron capture detection in the quantitative VPC analysis of three derivatives of 4-hydroxy- and 4, 4′-dihydroxystilbene has been investigated. A colorimetric assay, based on the reduction of blue tetrazolium, has been devised for 4, 4′-dihydroxystilbene.
Carbon flow from 13C-labeled clover and ryegrass residues into a residue-associated microbial community under field conditions

Abstract Microbial colonization of soil-incorporated, 13 C-labeled, crimson clover and ryegrass straw residues was followed under western Oregon field conditions from late summer (September) to the following early summer (mid-June) by measuring the 13 C content of phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) extracted from residues recovered from soil. Residue type influenced the rate of appearance of specific PLFA during early decomposition, with branch chain bacterial PLFA (i15:0, a15:0, i16:0) appearing on clover and ryegrass residues in October and November, respectively. By April, additional PLFA (16:1 ω 5, 16:1 ω 7, cy17:0, 18:0, 18:1 ω 9) had appeared on both residues. Between April and June, microbial community structure shifted again with significant increases (cy17:0, 18:0, 18:1 ω 9), and decreases (18:1 ω 7+10Me18:0) detected in the quantities of specific PLFA on both residue types. In the case of clover, the PLFA-C was derived primarily from residue C (85–100%), whereas in the case of ryegrass, both residue C (57–66%), and soil C contributed substantially to the PLFA-C.
pp32 overexpression induces nuclear pleomorphism in rat prostatic carcinoma cells.

. Nuclear pleomorphism is an important diagnostic factor in tumour pathology. Traditionally, nuclear pleomorphism is evaluated qualitatively or semiquantitatively, often as a component of tumour grade; the molecular basis of nuclear pleomorphism, however, remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the quantitative effects on nuclear morphology of overexpressing pp32, a recently described nuclear phosphoprotein highly expressed in self-renewing and neoplastic cell populations. Assessment of Feulgen-stained transfected and control lines of AT3.1, a rat prostatic carcinoma cell line, using a computerized Cellular Image Analysis System (BD CAS-200) showed that stable overexpression of human pp32 in AT3.1 cells is accompanied by marked increases in the coefficient of variation of nuclear shape, nuclear size and chromatin textures but not in DNA content. In contrast, stable transfection with control vector, with ras, or with bcl-2 failed to affect nuclear morphology. Cell cycle analysis further showed that pp32-related increases in variation of nuclear structure manifested principally in G1. These studies suggest that pp32 plays a role either directly or indirectly in the control of nuclear shape of G1 cells.
THE CARBOHYDRATE OF BASEMENT MEMBRANES OF HUMAN KIDNEY GLOMERULI.

Abstract It has been shown by fluorescent antibody technique that rabbit anti-sera against rat kidney glomeruli basement membranes and lens capsule cross-react with each other as well as other basement membranes but not with collagen fibers of connective tissue 1,2 . It has been, furthermore, reported that the lens capsules of cattle 3 and rabbit 4 contain chains of glucose and galactose linked to collagen and a sialofucoglycan in a glycoprotein. This suggested that one or both of these glycans may be the common or cross-reacting antigen in the lens capsule and basement membranes. This report brings evidence that the basement membrane of human kidney glomeruli contains both these types of carbohydrate; one consisting of glucose and galactose linked to collagen, and the other a sialofucohexosaminoglycan.
Airborne Tunable Diode Laser System For Trace Gas Measurements

Sachse et al. (1976) have reported the development of an airborne tunable diode laser (TDL) system, named the Differential Absorption CO Monitor (DACOM). The absorption path was 10 m long and located in the free airstream along the fuselage of a C-54 aircraft. The present investigation is concerned with a modification of the DACOM instrument. Differences between the new instrument and the original one are related to a replacement of the external absorption path with a White cell. The instrument has the capability to suppress TDL excess noise. The laser refrigerator has been redesigned to permit an alternative method of cooling the TDL when electric power is not available.
Posttranscriptional Regulation of Gene Expression in Hepadnaviruses

Abstract The hepadnaviruses utilize multiple nested promoters on the same DNA strand to transcribe several mRNA species, all of which terminate at the same polyadenylation site. While most studies of hepadnaviral gene expression have concentrated on transcriptional initiation, it has become clear that there exist viral cis -elements that are important in posttranscriptional events. This review will describe recent data on transcriptional elongation, transcriptional termination, and RNA export in hepadnaviruses and compare them with the corresponding processes in the distantly related retroviruses.
Development of an Evaluation Tool for Online Food Safety Training Programs

The objective of this study was to provide the person in charge and food safety instructors an assessment tool to help characterize, identify strengths and weaknesses, determine the completeness of the knowledge gained by the employee, and evaluate the level of content presentation and usability of current retail food safety training platforms. An existing evaluation tool was modified to assess online food safety training programs that contained 5 areas of emphasis: content and instruction, learners, job transfer, design and packaging, and operation. Participation included watching 3 food safety training modules and afterwards evaluate what degree the module content met objectives. More than 85% of the participants responded positively to the scale-based items of the course evaluation. Items addressing the content and instruction received positive responses. The assessment tool helped panelists to objectively evaluate an online food safety training program that provided numeric data for a valid comparison.
Infrared Radiance of Mount Etna, Sicily

Abstract Please click here to download the map associated with this article. Thermal and short-wave infrared images of Mount Etna, acquired using the ASTER sensor on-board the EOS Terra satellite, are presented. The data from the short-wave infrared (SWIR) channel is plotted as a three-dimensional surface map showing the spatial distribution of radiance emitted from the summit craters of the volcano. The utility of using short-wave infrared data in producing such maps, as opposed to using long-wave infrared data, lies in allowing individually active craters to be discerned and differences in their radiant emissions to be quantified. This is an improvement over purely qualitative findings which can be drawn from the use of visual or thermal infrared imagery (TIR) of the same surfaces. The additional advantage of using SWIR bands is that in some cases, the quantitative observations can be related to the physical processes occurring at the volcano at the time of acquisition, thereby negating the requirement ...
Collagen and elastin synthesis in the developing chick aorta.

Abstract Thoracic aortas from 8- to 18-day embryonic chicks were incubated in vitro for 30 min with [ 3 H]glycine and the newly synthesized, labeled proteins were subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate. The gels were fractionated and the incorporation of label into procollagen (125,000 M r ) and tropoelastin (70,000 M r ) was estimated by summation of the radioactivity found in the appropriate regions of the gel. The analyses showed that at Day 8 approximately 14% of the incorporated [ 3 H]glycine was found in procollagen and 22% in tropoelastin. In the following 6 days of development, there was a significant decline in the relative incorporation into procollagen and an increase into tropoelastin so that at Days 14–18 less than 10% of the label was found in collagen and 40% was now found in tropoelastin. Since glucocorticoids have been shown to alter the rate of synthesis of other proteins in the developing chick, 150 μg of hydrocortisone was injected into 8-day eggs and 24 h later the aortas were incubated and treated as described above. The pattern of protein synthesis exhibited by the hormone-treated aortas resembled that of 14- to 18-day embryos. Furthermore, incubation of 8-day aortas with 10 −8 m hydrocortisone for 24 h produced a significant increase in the rate of elastin synthesis relative to that of other proteins. These results demonstrate that collagen and elastin synthesis vary during development of the chick aorta and they suggest that glucocorticoids may be involved in the control of their synthesis.
Classical rotational and centrifugal sudden approximations for atom-molecule collisional energy transfer

Abstract The application of centrifugal and rotational sudden approximations to classical trajectory studies of rotational energy transfer in atom—molecule collisions to examined. Two different types of approximations are considered: a centrifugal sudden (CS) approximation, in which the orbital angular momentum is assumed to be constant during collisions, and a classical infinite order sudden (CIOS) approximation, in which the CS treatment is combined with an energy sudden approximation to totally decouple translational and rotational equations of motion. The treatment of both atom plus linear and nonlinear molecule collisions is described, including the use of rotational action-angle variables for the rotor equations of motion. Applications of both CS and CIOS approaches to rotational energy transfer in He + I 2 collisions are presented. We find the calculated CS and CIOS rotationally inelastic cross sections are in generally good agreement [errors of (typically) 10–50%] with accurate quasiclassical (QC) ones, with the CS results slightly more accurate than CIOS. Both methods are less accurate for small |Δ j | transitions than for large |Δ j | transitions. Computational savings for the CS and CIOS applications is about a factor of 3 (per trajectory) compared to QC. We also present applications using the CS method to rotational energy transfer in He, Ar, Xe + O 3 collisions, making comparisons with analogous QC results of Stace and Murrell (SM). The agreement between exact and approximate results in these applications is generally excellent, both for the average energy transfer at fixed impact parameters, and for rotationally inelastic cross sections. Results are better for He + O 3 and Ar + O 3 than for Xe + O 3 , and better at low temperatures than at high. Since SM's quasiclassical treatment considered only total internal energy transfer without attempting a partitioning between vibration and rotation, while our CS calculation considers only rotational energy transfer, the observed good agreement between our and SM's cross sections indicates that most internal energy transfer in He, Ar, Xe + O 3 is rotational. The relation of this result to models of the activation process in thermal unimolecular rate constant determination is discussed.