cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrated design toolbox for tripod-based parallel kinematic machines

This paper presents a concept and implementation of a toolbox for design and application of tripod-based parallel kinematic machines (PKMs). The toolbox is a suite of design tools to support users from conceptual design to actual application of tripod-based PKMs. These design tools have been individually developed in different languages and development environments, and are integrated seamlessly using a JAVA-based platform. Users can access all the design tools through a friendly graphical user interface (GUI). It is the first computer-aided design system specially developed for tripod-based PKMs. The toolbox includes some innovative methodologies, such as a forward kinematics solver, the concept of joint workspace, on-line monitoring based on forward kinematics, and the concept of motion purity. The paper gives an overview on the toolbox architecture and some key technologies.
Geology and mine exploration trends of Prestea Goldfields, Ghana

Abstract Prestea Goldfields occurs in the Precambrian Upper Birimian series which is represented by northeasterly dipping phyllites, metatuffs, metagreywackes and carbonaceous phyllites. The mineralized zone is made up of three channels, namely; the main reef channel, the west reef channel, and the ‘B’ or east reef channel. The ore bodies are localized in these three channels. The occurrence of tectonic movements has resulted in the formation of extensive fault gouges along one or both contacts of the reef and wall rocks, but in places, the fault gouges cut through the reef. Wall rock alteration occurs in the form of pyritization, arsenopyritization, sericitization, chloritization, silicification, and carbonatization. The most abundant ore minerals are pyrite and arsenopyrite, each making up 20–30% of all the ore minerals. Gold is commonly associated with bournonite and bonanza ores are associated with mariposite. This paper analyses the present method of exploration. Initial drilling into the footwall has shown good values in the metavolcanic rocks.
The prolyl isomerase PIN1: a pivotal new twist in phosphorylation signalling and disease

Phosphorylation is a universal regulatory mechanism that induces changes in protein conformation. However, certain phosphorylated motifs can be further regulated by the prolyl isomerase PIN1, which is of increasing importance in aspects of physiology and disease. Protein phosphorylation regulates many cellular processes by causing changes in protein conformation. The prolyl isomerase PIN1 has been identified as a regulator of phosphorylation signalling that catalyses the conversion of specific phosphorylated motifs between the two completely distinct conformations in a subset of proteins. PIN1 regulates diverse cellular processes, including growth-signal responses, cell-cycle progression, cellular stress responses, neuronal function and immune responses. In line with the diverse physiological roles of PIN1, it has also been linked to several diseases that include cancer, Alzheimer's disease and asthma, and thus it might represent a novel therapeutic target.
Transforming ras genes from human melanoma : a manifestation of tumour heterogeneity?

Variability in the phenotype of cells comprising individual tumours is a striking feature of animal and human cancer and is generally referred to as tumour heterogeneity. Studies of clonally derived cell populations from tumours that originated presumably from a single transformed cell have shown that tumours are made up of cells that differ in a variety of traits, including drug resistance, antigen expression and metastatic potential. The origin and maintenance of tumour heterogeneity are unclear, but mutational and epigenetic mechanisms are thought to be involved. Here we report the results of a search for transforming genes in human melanoma which have raised the possibility that ras gene activation follows the same variable pattern as other traits involved in tumour heterogeneity. DNA from 4 of 30 melanoma cell lines yielded transforming ras genes in the NIH/3T3 assay. Of five cell lines originating from separate metastatic deposits of a single patient, only one contained activated ras, indicating heterogeneity in ras activation in this case and suggesting that ras activation was not involved in tumour initiation or maintenance in this patient.
On the Cultural Foundations for Universal Healthcare: Implications From Late 20th‐Century U.S. and Canadian Health‐Related Discourse

Social constructionists approach framing as a process of “sense-making” within which elites and journalists strive to produce content that resonates with their audiences. From this perspective, long-term stability in media content may be viewed as due to cultural limitations on authors' framing efforts. This article provides evidence that Canadians' consistent framing of health-related matters in terms of their common welfare was likely more a recalcitrant cause than a passive response to changes between 1965 and 1999 in their means of healthcare provision. In contrast, concomitant U.S. health-related framing alternated among economic, welfare, and other frames, leaving citizens to consider policy proposals more in terms of “why” than “how” they do or do not make sense.
Concealed digitalis-induced arrhythmias unmasked by electrical stimulation of the heart

Abstract The relationship between the action of acetyl strophanthidin and pacemaker stimuli was studied experimentally. In all animals, single pacemaker impulses were able to induce repetitive firing immediately before the appearance of the glycoside-induced tachycardia, as well as up to 30 minutes after its disappearance. This phenomenon was seen with impulses falling in any part of diastole, as well as in the responsive portion of systole. Hence, vulnerability could be ruled out as the underlying mechanism. The intensities required for repetition were as low as control threshold values. It appears that electrical stimuli with intensities in the range of those used in commercially available pacemakers can unmask concealed digitalis toxicity. It is possible that this peculiar type of sensitivity to pacemaker stimuli in digitalized animals could be due to a loss of cellular potassium induced by the electrical discharge.
ATP as a mediator of macula densa cell signalling.

Within each nephro-vascular unit, the tubule returns to the vicinity of its own glomerulus. At this site, there are specialised tubular cells, the macula densa cells, which sense changes in tubular fluid composition and transmit information to the glomerular arterioles resulting in alterations in glomerular filtration rate and blood flow. Work over the last few years has characterised the mechanisms that lead to the detection of changes in luminal sodium chloride and osmolality by the macula densa cells. These cells are true “sensor cells” since intracellular ion concentrations and membrane potential reflect the level of luminal sodium chloride concentration. An unresolved question has been the nature of the signalling molecule(s) released by the macula densa cells. Currently, there is evidence that macula densa cells produce nitric oxide via neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) through cyclooxygenase 2 (COX 2)-microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES). However, both of these signalling molecules play a role in modulating or regulating the macula-tubuloglomerular feedback system. Direct macula densa signalling appears to involve the release of ATP across the basolateral membrane through a maxi-anion channel in response to an increase in luminal sodium chloride concentration. ATP that is released by macula densa cells may directly activate P2 receptors on adjacent mesangial cells and afferent arteriolar smooth muscle cells, or the ATP may be converted to adenosine. However, the critical step in signalling would appear to be the regulated release of ATP across the basolateral membrane of macula densa cells.
CFD Evaluations of Unconventional Film Cooling Scaling Parameters on a Simulated Turbine Blade Leading Edge

While it is well understood that certain nondimensional parameters, such as freestream Reynolds number and turbulence intensity, must be matched for proper design of film cooling experiments, uncertainty continues on the ideal method to scale film cooling flow rate. This debate typically surrounds the influence of the coolant to freestream density ratio and whether mass flux ratio or momentum flux ratio properly accounts for the density effects. Unfortunately, density is not the only fluid property to differ between typical wind tunnel experiments and actual turbine conditions. Temperature differences account for the majority of the property differences; however, attempts to match density ratio through the use of alternative gases can exacerbate these property differences.A computational study was conducted to determine the influence of other fluid properties besides density — namely specific heat, thermal conductivity, and dynamic viscosity. CFD simulations were performed by altering traditional film cooling nondimensional parameters as well as others such as the Reynolds number ratio, Prandtl number ratio, and heat capacity ratio to evaluate their effects on adiabatic effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient. A cylindrical leading edge with a flat afterbody was used to simulate a turbine blade leading edge region. A single coolant hole was located 21.5° from the leading edge, angled 20° to the surface and 90° from the streamwise direction. Results indicated that thermal properties can play a significant role in understanding and matching results in cooling performance. Density effects certainly dominate; however, variations in conductivity and heat capacity can result in 10% or higher changes in the resulting heat flux to the surface when scaling ambient rig configurations to engine representative conditions.
Rational design of chiral nanoscale adamantanoids

Utilizing coordination as a motif, the self-organization of six ditopic and four tritopic building blocks leads to the formation of nanoscale adamantanoid frameworks.
Quantitative assessment of insect olfactometer performance by experimental flow analysis.

Abstract Biocontrol organisms respond to olfactory cues with behavior which can affect their efficacy as pest control agents. Investigations into olfactory stimuli and responses often use four-armed olfactometers for laboratory experiments. Performance evaluations of the olfactometers have generally been qualitative and based on visual assessment. A quantitative technique for characterizing the air flow and gas mixing in a four-armed olfactometer was developed. Ethylene gas was injected into the flow stream for each channel of the olfactometer. Samples of air at various locations in the olfactometer chamber were drawn through hypodermic probes and the concentration of ethylene in the samples were determined by gas chromatography. Flow boundaries between adjacent channels were not distinct and mixing between channels was observed, although concentration spatial gradients were high in the boundary regions. Mixing increased as flow neared a central outlet. Gross assessments of organism behavior in olfactometers appear valid in spite of flow mixing.
A statistical study of the derailment hazard for U.S. class I railways

A simple probabilistic model is proposed for the collision and derailment experience for freight trains of U.S. Class I railways. By means of this model, asymptotic confidence intervals are constructed for the probability per mile of a derailment accident as a function of train speed and train length which utilize data available from records for U.S. Class I railways kept by the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Association of American Railroads [l]. Allowance is made in the model for the grouping of data by train length and speed. The theory is applied to a particular summary of accident data for all U.S. Class I railways for the years 1952 through 1955. On the basis of this data, confidence intervals for the derailment probability are computed for speeds in excess of 10 mph and train lengths of from 11 to 130 cars in groups of 5 cars. In addition, a statistical test of one of the more crucial model hypotheses is performed. An appendix containing the relevant derivations is included. In particular, a new version of a theorem of Slutsky due to LeCam is stated which greatly facilitates the derivations of the asymptotic distributions for the estimates of the derailment probabilities and the statistic employed in the above mentioned hypothesis test.
Evaluation of compressive strength of hydraulic silicate-based root-end filling materials.

Abstract Introduction Hydraulic silicate cements such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) have many clinical advantages. Newer hydraulic silicate materials have been developed that improve on the limitations of mineral trioxide aggregate such as the long setting time and difficult handling characteristics. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of saline and fetal bovine serum (FBS) on the setting and compressive strength of the following hydraulic silicate cements: ProRoot MTA (white WMTA; Dentsply International, Tulsa Dental Specialties, Johnson City, TN), EndoSequence Root Repair Material (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA), MTA Plus (MTAP; Avalon Biomed Inc, Bradenton, FL), and QuickSet (QS; Avalon Biomed Inc, Bradenton, FL). Methods Samples of root-end filling materials were compacted into polyethylene molds. Samples were exposed to FBS or saline for 7 days. A universal testing machine was used to determine the compressive strengths. Results QS had significantly lower compressive strength than all other materials ( P P = .003). ERRM, MTAP mixed with gel, and QS were not affected by the exposure to FBS. Conclusions New silicate-based root-end filling materials, other than QS, have compressive strength similar to MTA. Within the limits of this study, premixed materials and those mixed with antiwashout gel maintain their compressive strength when exposed to biological fluids.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Effect of Rules on Employee Performance

The way in which rules impact workplace performance has been a topic of discussion in the Organizational Behavior Management literature for some time. Despite this interest, there is a dearth of empirical research on the topic. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of rules and goal setting in the workplace. Participants included two employees at an intensive residential treatment facility. The dependent variable was the percentage of sign-out / sign-in cells completed on a daily checklist. During ba-seline, data were collected on the percentage of cells correctly completed. During the treatment evaluation phase, employees were given 1 of 2 randomly assigned goal-rules in an alternating fashion: a praise goal-rule and a reprimand goal-rule. The corresponding contingency described in the goal-rule (i.e., praise or reprimand) was delivered contingent upon employee goal completion. Results showed that performance increased over baseline levels after the introduction of the goal-rules. In additi...
The In Situ Adaptive Tabulation (ISAT) Algorithm for Reacting Flow Computations With Complex Surface Chemistry

The In Situ Adaptive Tabulation (ISAT) procedure, originally developed for the efficient computation of homogeneous reactions in chemically reacting flows, is adapted and demonstrated for reacting flow computations with complex heterogeneous (or surface) reactions. The treatment of heterogeneous reactions within a reacting flow calculation requires solution of a set of nonlinear differential algebraic equations at boundary faces/nodes, as opposed to the solution of an initial value problem for which the original ISAT procedure was developed. The modified ISAT algorithm, referred to as ISAT-S, is coupled to a three-dimensional unstructured reacting flow solver, and strategies for maximizing efficiency without hampering accuracy and convergence are developed. These include use of multiple binary tables, use of dynamic tolerance values to control errors, and periodic deletion and/or re-creation of the binary tables. The new procedure is demonstrated for steady-state catalytic combustion of a methane-air mixture on platinum using a 24-step reaction mechanism with 19 species, and for steady-state three-way catalytic conversion using a 61-step mechanism with 34 species. Both reaction mechanisms are first tested in simple 3D channel geometry with reacting walls, and the impact of various ISAT parameters is investigated. As a final step, the catalytic combustion mechanism is demonstrated in a laboratory-scale monolithic catalytic converter geometry with 57 channels discretized using 354,300 control volumes (4.6 million unknowns). For all of the cases considered, the reduction in the time taken to perform surface chemistry calculations alone was found to be a factor of 5–11.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
On a nonlinear iterative method in applied mechanics-part 1

In Part I of this paper, a particular iterative method used in applied mechanics is shown to belong to a general class of methods termed SOR-Newton-(mk) iterative methods. The purpose here is to make a case study of the method and compare its performance with Newton iteration and Newton-SOR iteration. The numerical experiments are designed to examine the range of convergence of the mk = 1 step method, rates of convergence, and the effect of relaxation.
Marching NATO eastward: Can international relations theory keep pace?

Summary Despite the different approaches taken by the various authors, it is interesting to note that at least one conclusion is almost universally shared: while many factors influenced NATO enlargement, there is a general consensus that the US was the driving force behind the policy, and that the US's preponderance of power is an important part of the explanation. It is interesting to note that while the contributors often disagree over the degree to which NATO's level of institutionalization and specific organizational characteristics matter, there is agreement that they do matter to some extent. Readers will find that the volume also provides an excellent example of how practically and non‐dogmatically to use theory to explain particular political events. None of the contributors to this volume, for instance, is so wedded to a theory that he or she forces the facts to fit. Most of the contributors show a clear willingness to point out the limitations of their own framework rather than lead readers astr...
Use of watershed characteristics to select control streams for estimating effects of metal mining wastes on extensively disturbed streams

Impacts of sediments and heavy metals on the biota of streams in the copper-mining district of southwestern Montana were examined by comparing aquatic communities of impacted streams with those of control streams. Control streams were chosen through the use of a technique that identifies similar streams based on similarities in their watershed characteristics. Significant differences between impacted and control sites existed for surface substrate, riparian vegetation, and the number of macroinvertebrate taxa. These results revealed that: (a) chemical and physical habitats at the impacted sites were disrupted, (b) the presence of trout was an inadequate measure of ecological integrity for these sites, and (c) watershed classification based on a combination of mapped terrestrial characteristics provided a reasonable method to select control sites where potential control sites upstream and downstream were unsuitable.
The role of arrhythmogenic auditory stimuli in sudden cardiac death

Abstract A possible relation between auditory stimulation and susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation and sudden death emerges from review of clinical and pathologic studies. Evaluation of circumstances related to sudden cardiac death events revealed that there are numerous cases, either in young subjects with structurally normal hearts or in congenital anomalies involving the ear and heart such as the long QT syndrome, in which an auditory neural stimulus may induce lethal arrhythmia. A possible mechanism would be an auditory stimulus triggering an efferent pathway that arises in the hypothalamus and quadrigeminal bodies (which are an innervation site of the central auditory pathways), traverses the reticular formation, and is channeled via the stellate ganglia and the cardiac sympathetic nerves to the heart. In addition, since sudden noises may be alarming, they induce increased sympathetic activity, whether by neural or neurohumoral action, and predispose the heart to ventricular fibrillation even in the absence of any impaired coronary flow.
An Empirical Study on MBASE and LeanMBASE

From 1998-2005, the successful model-based (systems) architecting and software engineering (MBASE) had been used as a set of guidelines for the keystone two-semester real-client team project graduate software engineering course sequence. However, to fit with small-sized and limited schedule projects, MBASE was trimmed to reduce the huge amount of efforts in documentation. Consequently, LeanMBASE, which is a light-weight software process framework that helps teams identify the high-value activities and helps balance the workload of a development, is being used in the software engineering course. This paper reports the comparison and improvement of the projects that use MBASE and LeanMBASE in terms of content, performance, and customer satisfaction.
Unfolded HLA class I α chains and their use in an assay of HLA class-I-peptide binding

Abstract Unfolded HLA class I α chains were isolated from B-cell lysates by alkaline denaturation and subsequent gel filtration and used for the detection of HLA class-I-peptide binding. Binding to specific peptides in the presence of excess β 2 -microglobulin induced the unfolded α chains to refold and acquire a conformation that is specific to folded α chains. This conformational change was measured by a specific RIA that involves inhibition of the binding of 125 I-labeled HLA-A2 α/β dimers and rabbit anti-HLA-B7 serum absorbed with β 2 -microglobulin. This assay procedure does not require labeling of either test peptides or test class I proteins and does not seem to have specificity degeneracy. It is applicable to the detection of peptide binding by all HLA class I allelic proteins. Evaluation of the assay conditions and HLA allelic specificity of the peptide binding defined by the use of synthetic peptides are described here, including the technical details, specificity, and reproducibility.
A survey of methodologies for the treatment of missing values within datasets: limitations and benefits

Knowledge discovery in ergonomics is complicated by the presence of missing data, because most methodologies do not tolerate incomplete sample instances. Data-miners cannot always remove sample instances when they occur. Imputation methods are needed to ‘fill in’ estimated values for the missing instances in order to construct a complete dataset. Even with emerging methodologies, the ergonomics field seems to rely on outdated imputation techniques. This survey presents an overview of a variety of imputation methods found in current academic research, which is not limited to ergonomic studies. The objective is to strengthen the communities’ understanding of imputation methodologies and briefly highlight their benefits and limitations. This survey suggests that the multiple imputation method is the current state-of-the-art missing value technique. This method has proven to be robust to many of the shortcomings that plague other methods and should be considered the primary choice for missing value problems f...
A hydrogen peroxide block to polyspermy in the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata.

Abstract Fertilization by more than one sperm in sea urchins inevitably leads to uneven division and death of the embryo. We provide evidence for a block against this polyspermy involving the hydrogen peroxide release by the egg during fertilization that is triggered by entry of the successful sperm. Polyspermy in 100% of fertilized eggs was demonstrated when catalase was added to destroy hydrogen peroxide immediately after fertilization. Soybean trypsin inhibitor, another polyspermic agent, is shown to prevent the formation of hydrogen peroxide in the fertilized egg. This suggests that the protease released from egg cortical granules during fertilization plays a role in the hydrogen peroxide generating system.
Impaired Vascular KATP Function Attenuates Exercise Capacity in Obese Zucker Rats

Objective Obese subjects exhibit decreased exercise capacity (VO2max). We have shown that vascular KATP channel mediates arteriolar dilation to muscle contraction. We hypothesize that exercise capacity is decreased in obesity due to impaired vascular KATP function. Methods The VO2max was measured in LZR and OZR by treadmill running before and following treatment with the KATP blocker glibenclamide i.p. One week later, the spinotrapezius muscle was prepared for in vivo microscopy. Arcade arteriolar diameters were measured following muscle contraction or application of the KATP opener cromakalim before and after glibenclamide application. In additional animals, LZR and OZR were treated with apocynin for five weeks. VO2max and arteriolar dilation experiments were repeated. Results The OZR exhibited decreased VO2max, functional and cromakalim-induced vasodilation as compared with LZR. Glibenclamide had no effect on VO2max and functional vasodilation in OZR, but significantly inhibited responses in LZR. Vascular superoxide levels and NADPH oxidase activity were increased in OZR, but reduced in apocynin-treated OZR. Apocynin increased the VO2max, functional and cromakalim-induced vasodilation in OZR with no effect in LZR. Conclusions Exercise capacity is dependent on vascular KATP channel function. The reduced exercise capacity in OZR appears to be due in part to superoxide-mediated impairment in vascular KATP function.
Dynamic Tempered Transitions for Exploring Multimodal Posterior Distributions

We develop and apply here a new MCMC algorithm based initially on tempered transitions of simulated annealing but adding a dynamic element that allows the chain to self-tune its annealing schedule in response to current posterior features. While simulated annealing provides easy movement throughout the posterior space by “heating up” the distribution, it also dictates an overly-rigid cooling schedule that monotonically returns the posterior to its original state regardless of mixing or convergence status. In contrast, our approach extends Neal’s (1996) idea that within-step heating and cooling transitions can provide better mixing by offering more varied Metropolis-decision alternatives. The extension provided in this paper makes these within-step transitions sensitive to the second derivative on the surface of the posterior distribution while preserving key features of the Markov chain needed to assert convergence.
Miniaturized optogenetic neural implants: a review

Optogenetics is an exciting new technology that allows targetable fast control and readout of specific neural populations in complex brain circuits. With the rapid development of light-sensitive microbial opsins, substantial gains in understanding the causal relationships between neural activity and behavior in both healthy and diseased brains have been achieved during the last decade. However, the intricate and complex interactions between different neural populations in mammalian brains require novel, implantable, neural interfaces that are capable of manipulating and probing targeted neurons at multiple sites and with high spatiotemporal resolution. Advanced microtechnology has offered the highest potential to meet these demands of optogenetic applications. In this paper, we review a variety of miniaturized optogenetic neural implants developed in recent years, based on different light sources, including lasers, laser diodes, and light-emitting diodes. We then summarize the specifications of these microimplants and their related microfabrication approaches and discuss the major challenges of current techniques and the vision for the future of the field.
Periodicity and chaos from switched flow systems: contrasting examples of discretely controlled continuous systems

Two examples of the discrete control of a continuous variable system are analyzed. These examples exhibit what may be regarded as the two extremes of complexity of the closed-loop behavior: one is eventually periodic, the other is chaotic. The examples are derived from sampled deterministic flow models. These are of interest in their own right but have also been used as models for certain aspects of manufacturing systems. In each case, the authors give a precise characterization of the closed-loop behavior. >
Chlorambucil, vinblastine, procarbazine, and prednisone. An effective but less toxic regimen than MOPP for advanced‐stage Hodgkin's disease

The toxicity of MOPP chemotherapy, including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and neuropathy, can limit patient compliance. Alternative regimens employing oral alkylating agents and vinblastine have been designed to ameliorate these toxicities. The authors reviewed their experience in 24 patients with advanced-stage Hodgkin's disease who were treated with chlorambucil, vinblastine, procarbazine, and prednisone (ChlVPP). Complete responses were obtained in 92% (11/12) of previously untreated patients and in 92% (11/12) of patients who relapsed after radiation (10/10) or chemotherapy (one of two). Overall, relapse-free survival is 82% with a median duration of follow-up of 5.5 years. Toxicity was minimal with myelo-suppression being the dose-limiting toxicity. Severe nausea and vomiting occurred in only two patients and was considered secondary to procarbazine. Mild nausea occurred in six other patients. Minimal alopecia was seen in three patients and only two patients developed a mild peripheral neuropathy. The authors conclude that ChlVPP appears as effective as MOPP chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease in comparable presentations but is a less toxic regimen. Thus, it may be useful in situations where poor compliance and patient acceptance may compromise optimal dose and frequency of drug administration.
Trust Your Compatriots, but Count Your Change: The Roles of Trust, Mistrust and Distrust in Democracy:

Although trust is clearly central to human relations of all kinds, it is less clear whether there is a role for trust in democratic politics. In this article, I argue that trust is central to democratic institutions as well as to democratic political participation, and that arguments which make distrust the central element of democracy fail. First, I argue for the centrality of trust to the democratic process. The voluntary compliance that is central to democracies relies on trust, along two dimensions: citizens must trust their legislators to have the national interest in mind and citizens must trust each other to abide by democratically established laws. Second, I refute arguments that place distrust at the centre of democratic institutions. I argue, instead, that citizens must be vigilant with respect to their legislators and fellow citizens; that is, they must be willing to ensure that the institutions are working fairly and that people continue to abide by shared regulations. This vigilance – which i...
Acute Hypotensive Transfusion Reactions

Acute hypotensive transfusion reactions (AHTRs) are characterized by early and abrupt onset of hypotension as the predominant clinical manifestation. The drop in blood pressure typically resolves quickly once the transfusion is stopped. Disturbances in the production and metabolism of bradykinin cause the pathophysiology of these reactions. Bradykinin is produced after Factor XII becomes activated due to contact with negatively charged surfaces such as tubing systems, dialysis membranes, and blood filters used for leukoreduction. Bradykinin, a vasoactive peptide that binds to receptors on the endothelium and causes hypotension, is primarily metabolized by the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). An increase in the recognition of AHTRs has been due to the growing use of ACE inhibitors, the use of negatively charged leukoreduction filters and both genetic and induced alterations in bradykinin kinetics. This review describes the epidemiology of AHTRs, current understandings about the pathophysiology, and prevention measures.
Management of information sharing in wireless environments

Presents a strategy for sharing intelligent transportation systems (ITS) information in a wireless, two-way automatic communications environment such as digital cellular and personal communications services (networks). It is assumed that communications can be initiated by the mobile or the service, with or without user intervention. Based on the demand of information, the availability of data channels, the server can dynamically move the clients from channel to channel in order to achieve better use of both network resources and information.
Identification of Serum Markers of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma by Global and Targeted Metabolic Profiling

Background & Aims We aimed to identify new serum biomarkers of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Methods We performed metabolomic analyses of serum samples from 2 sets of case-control pairs in the discovery phase, each consisting of 30 patients with histologically confirmed EAC (cases) from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and 30 matched subjects without EAC (controls). We identified metabolites whose levels differed significantly between cases and controls and validated those with the greatest difference in an analysis of 321 EAC cases and 331 controls. We generated a metabolite risk score (MRS) for the metabolites. Results The levels of 64 metabolites differed significantly between EAC cases and controls in the discovery phase. The metabolites with the greatest difference were amino acid L-proline (LP), ketone body 3-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and carbohydrate D-mannose (DM); these differences were confirmed in the validation set. Cases had lower mean levels of LP than controls (22.78 ± 6.79 μg/mL vs 28.24 ± 8.64 μg/mL; P P P P = .005). Higher levels of LP were associated with significant decrease in risk of EAC (odds ratio [OR], 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18−0.38). A significant increase in risk of EAC was associated with higher levels of BHBA (OR, 4.05; 95% CI, 2.84−5.78) and DM (OR, 7.04; 95% CI, 4.79−10.34). Levels of all 3 metabolites associated with EAC risk in a dose response manner; the level of risk conferred by the metabolites increased jointly with smoking status and body mass index. Individuals with high MRS had significant (7.76-fold) increase in risk of EAC vs those with low MRS. Smokers with high MRS had the greatest risk of EAC (OR, 23.40; 95% CI, 10.95−50.00), compared with never smokers with low MRS. Conclusions On the basis of a case vs control metabolic profile analysis, levels of LP, BHBA, and DM are associated with risk of EAC. These markers might be used as risk and prognostic factors for patients with EAC.
Measurement and analysis of temperature and pressure in high altitude air shipments

This study was performed (at the request of the FAA) to measure temperature and pressure conditions observed by standard packages in the FedEx ‘Next Day Air’ network and the environmental conditions of passenger aircrafts. To measure the single parcel environment, two destinations known to be served by non-pressurized feeder and pressurized aircrafts in the USA, San Luis Obispo, California, and Twin Falls, Idaho, were used to represent higher altitude paths. Test packages (0.30 × 0.30 × 0.30 m) containing one MadgeTech PRTemp110 recorder were shipped Priority Overnight by FedEx from East Lansing, Michigan. For 6 weeks, two test packages were shipped to each destination. To measure the passenger aircraft environment, test packages (0.14 × 0.11 × 0.06 m) were both carried in the passenger cabin and checked with luggage. Results show temperature ranges, pressure drop rates, and maximum altitudes observed from 52 flights (17 feeder aircrafts) in the FedEx environment and from eight commercial passenger flights. This study compares these results with the ASTM D6653-01 test procedure with respect to suggested test pressure, pressure change rate, temperature, and test duration. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flossiping: a new routing protocol for wireless sensor networks

In this paper we present a new routing protocol, flossiping, for wireless sensor networks. It can be regarded as an enhancement to existing flooding and gossiping approach by using a single branch gossiping with low-probability random selective relaying in order to achieve a better overall performance. By letting each sensor node decide its own activity in the routing procedure, we implement a simple zero-overhead resource-aware routing protocol. It has the advantages of flexibility in delay-power tradeoff, affordability in terms of resource consumptions, and reliability in terms of packet lost-free. Simulation results show that a range of optimal operating points considering delay and power consumption tradeoff can be found with user-customized cost functions.
New Directions in Modelling Production and Distribution Problems

Production and distribution problems have historically been a major category of research in Operations Research. Yet, applications of OR/MS methods in production and distribution practice remain limited and OR/MS groups are not thriving in industry. The reason may be in the way problems are approached in practice, which then has consequences for modelling and solution methods. Perhaps a slightly different perspective for OR/MS could lead to significantly greater successes in applications to production and distribution problems.
Transcriptome profiling of spinal muscular atrophy motor neurons derived from mouse embryonic stem cells.

Proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an early onset, autosomal recessive motor neuron disease caused by loss of or mutation in SMN1 (survival motor neuron 1). Despite understanding the genetic basis underlying this disease, it is still not known why motor neurons (MNs) are selectively affected by the loss of the ubiquitously expressed SMN protein. Using a mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) model for severe SMA, the RNA transcript profiles (transcriptomes) between control and severe SMA (SMN2+/+;mSmn−/−) mESC-derived MNs were compared in this study using massively parallel RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). The MN differentiation efficiencies between control and severe SMA mESCs were similar. RNA-Seq analysis identified 3,094 upregulated and 6,964 downregulated transcripts in SMA mESC-derived MNs when compared against control cells. Pathway and network analysis of the differentially expressed RNA transcripts showed that pluripotency and cell proliferation transcripts were significantly increased in SMA MNs while transcripts related to neuronal development and activity were reduced. The differential expression of selected transcripts such as Crabp1, Crabp2 and Nkx2.2 was validated in a second mESC model for SMA as well as in the spinal cords of low copy SMN2 severe SMA mice. Furthermore, the levels of these selected transcripts were restored in high copy SMN2 rescue mouse spinal cords when compared against low copy SMN2 severe SMA mice. These findings suggest that SMN deficiency affects processes critical for normal development and maintenance of MNs.
Nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibition and rebound excitation in canine colon depend on nitric oxide

Nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) nerves regulate slow waves along the submucosal border of the canine proximal colon. Experiments were performed to determine the role of nitric oxide (NO) in NANC responses. NANC responses are characterized by hyperpolarization and reduction in slow-wave amplitude and duration during the period of stimulation. This is followed by a "rebound" excitation (increase in amplitude and duration) of the slow wave immediately after the stimulus. These responses were blocked by L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase and by tetrodotoxin (TTX). Exogenous NO mimicked NANC responses, including the poststimulus rebound excitation. Responses to NO were unaffected by L-NAME or TTX. Responses to NANC nerve stimulation and NO were blocked by oxyhemoglobin but not by methemoglobin. Rebound excitation was reduced by pretreatment with indomethacin, suggesting that an eicosanoid may mediate this phase of NANC responses. Taken together, these data suggest that NO mediates NANC nerve responses in the proximal colon. NO appears to directly cause the inhibitory response, but the rebound response may depend on release of an eicosanoid.
Chromatin Structure and Gene Activity: The Role of Nonhistone Chromosomal Protein

(1982). Chromatin Structure and Gene Activity: The Role of Nonhistone Chromosomal Protein. Critical Reviews in Biochemistry: Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 1-86.
Good News Only, Please: An (In-)Equivalence Result of Collusion under Hard and Soft Information

This note shows that the optimal collusion-proof contract under soft information is equivalent to that under hard information if and only if all the collusion-proof constraints are binding in the latter environment. A necessary (but not sufficient) condition is that the supervisor improves the principal's information by bringing a 'good' news. That is, the agent is more likely to be an efficient type. An application of the analysis shows that contingent (external) auditing should target a report of bad news.
The Reliability of Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Aortic Root Dissection

Criteria for the echocardiographic diagnosis of aortic root dissection have been previously described. These include dilatation of the aortic root to 42 mm or more, widening of the aortic walls (16 mm or more when the anterior wall is involved and 10 mm or greater for posterior wall dissection, normal width 5–7 mm), intimal echo thinner than the outer margin and moving parallel or nearly parallel to it throughout the cardiac cycle, and the presence of normal valve cusp echoes contained in the true lumen. These criteria were based on a total number of 6 cases examined by ultrasound. An additional 11 cases of proved aortic root dissection have been studied by us during the past 5 years and have provided the basis for evaluating the reliability of the current diagnostic criteria.
Dynamic Incentive Mechanism for Traffic Surveillance

Participatory sensing conducted through mobile phones allows communities to collect useful information from phone users. In this paper, we focus on designing an incentive mechanism to encourage mobile phone users to report traffic status continuously in order to monitor the traffic network without installing traditional sensors. It benefits the power utilities in estimating power demand and managing power supply for the entire network. Under a budget constraint, we address two problems: 1) whom to pay? and 2) how much to pay for each message? We argue the benefit of collecting messages regarding the same event occurred at the same location decreases as the number of collected messages increases. Thus, we propose an incentive mechanism which dynamically adjusts rewards that are paid to users. The incentive mechanism is evaluated on a sample network and the performance comparison result with a RADP-VPC incentive mechanism shows that our proposed mechanism outperforms it with metrics of the total benefit and the total number of mistakes.
Chinese hamster ovary cell mutants resistant to DNA polymerase inhibitors

Isolation and characterization of Chinese hamster ovary cell mutants resistant to different DNA polymerase ase inhibitors (aphidicolin, ara-A and ara-C) have been described. A particular mutant (JK3-1-2A) characterized in detail was found to grow and synthesize DNA in medium containing an amount of aphidicolin tenfold greater than that which completely inhibited the growth and the DNA synthesis of the wild-type cells. An almost twofold increase in the specific activity of the DNA polymerase α was seen in this mutant. The mutant DNA polymerase showed altered aphidicolin inhibition kinetics of dCMP incorporation; the apparent Km for dCTP and the apparent Ki for aphidicolin were increased in the mutant. These alterations in the kinetic parameters were, however, abolished upon further purification of the enzyme. Ara-CTP was found to act as a competitive inhibitor of the dCMP incorporation by both the wild type and mutant enzymes. In contrast, the effect of aphidicolin on dCMP incorporation was either competitive (wild-type enzymes) or noncompetitive (mutant enzyme). The data presented showed that the sites of action for aphidicolin and ara-CTP were distinct; likewise the dCTP binding site appeared to be separate from other dNTP(s) binding sites. The drug resistance of the mutant was inherited as a dominant trait.
Constructing the Information Transmission Platform for Network Direct Reporting System by Adopting Virtual Private Network Technology

The paper introduces the tunnel exchange technology,expounds the detailed protocol of the primary phase project of Virtual Private Network(VPN) in network direct reporting system,as well as the concrete protocol for updating and re-constructing of the primary phase project with tunnel exchange technology.It discusses how to build a convenient and secure information transmission platform for the system by applying the VPN technology.
Sialylated O-glycans and L-selectin sequentially mediate myeloid cell rolling in vivo

Leukocyte rolling precedes firm adhesion and emigration in inflammatory cell recruitment. Both P-selectin, an endothelial lectin that binds to sialylated O-glycans containing sialyl-Lewisx (sLex) on the granulocyte surface, and leukocyte L-selectin have been shown to mediate leukocyte rolling in vivo. Here, we investigate rolling of isolated human neutrophils (PMN), HL-60 promyelocytes, and an L-selectin-transfected cell line (300.19-L) during trauma-induced inflammation in rat mesenteric venules. HL-60 cells, which express no L-selectin but abundant sLex, rolled effectively immediately after abdominal surgery. HL-60 cell rolling was almost completely abolished by pretreatment with sialidase or monoclonal antibody (MoAb) AM-3 recognizing sLex, and was reduced by about 80% by O-sialoglycoprotein-endopeptidase (OSGP). By contrast, 300.19-L cells rolled poorly immediately after surgery but rolled well between 40 and 120 minutes after surgery. Their rolling was completely inhibited by the blocking L-selectin MoAb LAM1–3, but not by a binding control MoAb. PMN express both L-selectin and clustered, sialylated glycoproteins including P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1). PMN showed effective rolling at all times, which was abolished by sialidase or MoAb AM-3 pretreatment during the first 30 minutes after surgery, but not later, when PMN rolling was largely L-selectin-dependent. We conclude that in trauma-induced inflammation, a two-step mechanism accounts for most of myeloid cell rolling, which initially requires O-glycans and subsequently depends on L-selectin function.
The End of American Urban Policy—Or a Beginning

This evaluation of American urban policy considers future directions during the twenty-first century. It concludes that it is no longer fruitful to treat cities and other urban places as special interests with special problems to successfully address urban inequalities. The most critical forces now shaping urban America overwhelmingly are found beyond it. Future policies should concentrate on making the whole intergovernmental environment more just with the national government at the center of dual strategies. One promotes universalistic and individualistic social programs. The other alters the nation’s excessively decentralized intergovernmental system to limit self-defeating games of local governmental economic warfare.