cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relative incapacitation contributions of pressure wave and wound channel in the Marshall and Sanow data set

The Marshall and Sanow data set is the largest and most comprehensive data set available quantifying handgun bullet effectiveness in humans. This article presents an empirical model for relative incapacitation probability in humans hit in the thoracic cavity by handgun bullets. The model is constructed by employing the hypothesis that the wound channel and ballistic pressure wave effects each have an associated independent probability of incapacitation. Combining models for these two independent probabilities using the elementary rules of probability and performing a least-squares fit to the Marshall and Sanow data provides an empirical model with only two adjustable parameters for modeling bullet effectiveness with a standard error of 5.6% and a correlation coefficient R = 0.939. This supports the hypothesis that wound channel and pressure wave effects are independent (within the experimental error), and it also allows assignment of the relative contribution of each effect for a given handgun load. This model also gives the expected limiting behavior in the cases of very small and very large variables (wound channel and pressure wave), as well as for incapacitation by rifle and shotgun projectiles.
Solvation of Calcium-Phosphate Headgroup Complexes at the DPPC/Aqueous Interface.

The effects of sodium (Na(+) ) and calcium (Ca(2+) ) cations on model zwitterionic dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) monolayers spread on metal chloride salt solutions are investigated by means of vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) and heterodyne-detected (HD)-VSFG spectroscopy. VSFG and HD-VSFG spectra in the OH stretching region reveal cation-specific effects on the interfacial water's H-bonding network, knowledge of which has been limited to date. It is found that low-concentrated Ca(2+) more strongly perturbs interfacial water organization relative to highly concentrated Na(+) . At higher Ca(2+) concentrations, the water H-bonding network at the DPPC/CaCl2 interface reorganizes and the resulting spectrum closely follows that of the bare air/CaCl2 interface up to ∼3400 cm(-1) . Most interesting is the appearance of a negative band at ∼3450 cm(-1) in the DPPC/CaCl2 Im χs ((2)) spectra, likely arising from an asymmetric solvation of Ca(2+) -phosphate headgroup complexes. This gives rise to an electric field that orients the net OH transition moments of a subset of OH dipoles toward the bulk solution.
Low conversion ratio VRM design

This paper discusses the design considerations for low conversion ratio voltage regulation modules (VRMs) for the next generation of microprocessors, focusing on the handling of large, high-slew-rate current transients. A DC-DC power converter topology which deploys an inductive clamp to handle the unloading transients, while operating at a modest switching frequency, low current ripple and low power dissipation, is discussed. The clamp response is analyzed, and simulation results for a 1 MHz, 100 A, 12-to-1 V VRM are presented.
Race as an Antecedent Condition in the Framing of Heisman Finalists

Previous literature has established the widespread use of frames that contrast athletes’ physical (i.e., the “brawn” frame, often used for Black athletes) and mental abilities (i.e., the “brain” frame, often used for White athletes) in mediated sports content, particularly oral commentary, which tends to be more spontaneous in nature. The current study analyzed the presence and salience of brawn and brain frames of Heisman finalists in newspaper articles as a function of reporter race; extending previous research by examining (a) written content and (b) reporter race as an antecedent condition. Results confirm the existence of “brawn” and “brain” biases in written sports content, with no influence of reporter race on these patterns. The lack of influence of reporter race—a finding that contradicts research on oral commentary—suggests an institutional influence on frame use in written sports coverage as a function of the more planned nature of “print” media.
Multiple hormone responses to clonidine administration in depressed patients and healthy volunteers.

Abstract Abnormalities in several hypothalamic-pituitary-target organ axes in depression may reflect alterations in central neurotransmitter receptor function. As the α 2 -adrenergic receptor has been implicated in a variety of neuroendocrine abnormalities in depression, we assessed the role of α 2 -adrenoceptor dysfunction in mediating response abnormalities of growth hormone, cortisol, and prolactin after intravenous clonidine administration (an α 2 -adrenergic receptor agonist) in 18 patients with major depression (12 with melancholic features, 6 without melancholic symptoms) and 9 healthy volunteers. In particular, we examined the hypothesis that these abnormalities might be more evident in patients with DSM-III melancholic depression. After clonidine, the mean growth hormone response was significantly lower in melancholic depressives compared to controls ( p = 0.02), and the shape of the growth hormone response profile was also significantly different in melancholic patients ( p = 0.04). There was an overall decrease in the mean cortisol concentration after clonidine in melancholic patients and control subjects ( p = 0.02), as well as a larger cumulative prolactin response in melancholic patients compared to those without melancholic features ( p = 0.02). The present results confirm prior observations of a blunted growth hormone response after clonidine and suggest that alterations in α 2 -adrenergic receptor activity might also contribute to several neuroen-docrine abnormalities in patients with melancholic depression.
Functionality of Single-Cysteine Mutants in Subunit III of Rhodobacter sphaeroides Cytochrome c Oxidase

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) catalyzes the reduction of oxygen to water using ferrocytochrome c and conserves the energy of this reaction by translocating protons across the bacterial or inner-mitochrondrial membrane. COX from Rhodobacter sphaeroides is a four subunit transmembrane protein that serves as a model for the mitochondrial enzyme. Subunit I and II contain the redox centers and proton pathways necessary for redox chemistry and proton translocation. The indispensable role of subunit III is an area still being investigated. This work examines the functionality of three mutant forms of COX - one in which all cysteines have been removed from the enzyme (CA1CS3), and two in which single cysteines are reintroduced into CA1CS3 at specific locals in subunit III (A4C, S187C). The single cysteine mutants provide a means to specifically target thiol-reactive probes to areas of interest in COX subunit III. The A4C mutant allows for a probe to be placed at the mouth of the D-channel - an important proton-conducting pathway necessary for the pumping and redox activities of COX. Bioconjugation of S187C would place a probe on an exterior loop which is thought to undergo redox-linked transient conformational changes. All three mutants were expressed and purified, and their absorbance spectra are identical to wildtype, indicating that the heme active centers are unperturbed. SDS-PAGE gels show that all three mutants retain wildtype subunit composition. The oxygen reduction activity of the mutants are also comparable to wildtype, with values between 1200-1600 e−/s∗mol at pH 7.4. In conclusion, these results indicate that the cysteine-free mutant and two mutants in which single cysteines are reintroduced at non-conserved locations retain wildtype functionality, indicating that cytochrome c oxidase subunit III is a candidate for cysteine scanning-mutagenesis studies utilizing thiol-reactive probes.
Diabetic gastroparesis: a review.

Diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) was first described by Rundles in 1945 as part of a generalized autonomic neuropathy.’ Kassander in 1954 coined the phrase “gastroparesis diabeticorum” to describe the syndrome.* Since these original descriptions much has been learned, but fundamental questions concerning the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the DGP syndrome remain unanswered.
The Human Capacity to Thrive in the Face of Potential Trauma

For decades, researchers have documented remarkable levels of resilience in children who were exposed to corrosive early environments, such as those in which poverty or chronic maltreatment were present; however, relatively little research has examined resilience in children or adults who were exposed to isolated and potentially traumatic events. The historical emphasis on psychological and physiologic dysfunction after potentially traumatic events has suggested that such events almost always produce lasting emotional damage. Recent research, however, has consistently shown that across different types of potentially traumatic events, including bereavement, serious illness, and terrorist attack, upward of 50% of people have been found to display resilience. Research has further identified substantial individual variation in response to potentially traumatic events, including 4 prototypical and empirically derived outcome trajectories: chronic dysfunction, recovery, resilience, and delayed reactions. Factors that promote resilience are heterogeneous and include a variety of person-centered variables (eg, temperament of the child, personality, coping strategies), demographic variables (eg, male gender, older age, greater education), and sociocontextual factors (eg, supportive relations, community resources). It is surprising that some factors that promote resilience to potentially traumatic events may be maladaptive in other contexts, whereas other factors are more broadly adaptive. Given the growing evidence that resilience is common, psychotherapeutic treatment should be reserved for those in genuine need.
The Effects of Heart Failure on Renal Function

Heart-kidney interactions have been increasingly recognized by clinicians and researchers who study and treat heart failure and kidney disease. A classification system has been developed to categorize the different manifestations of cardiac and renal dysfunction. Work has highlighted the significant negative prognostic effect of worsening renal function on outcomes for individuals with heart failure. The etiology of concomitant cardiac and renal dysfunction remains unclear; however, evidence supports alternatives to the established theory of underfilling, including effects of venous congestion and changes in intra-abdominal pressure. Conventional therapy focuses on blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system with expanding use of direct renin and aldosterone antagonists. Novel therapeutic interventions using extracorporeal therapy and antagonists of the adenosine pathway show promise and require further investigation.
Formation of Pores in Escherichia coli Cell Membranes by a Cecropin Isolated from Hemolymph of Heliothis virescens Larvae

The insect humoral defense system produces antibacterial peptides called cecropins. Cecropins were initially isolated from Hyalophora cecropia pupae and have since been isolated and identified in various insects. In this study, we have isolated and identified a cecropin from Heliothis virescens larvae. Rabbit IgG were raised against synthetic cecropin B. Affinity chromatography with the rabbit anti-(cecropin B) IgG was used to isolate a cecropin from hemolymph of H. virescens larvae. Acid gel electrophoresis followed by a bacterial-overlay analysis showed that Heliothis cecropin is a basic peptide of low molecular mass with bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli K12 D31. Heliothis cecropin is therefore analogous to synthetic cecropin B. One unresolved issue concerning cecropins and other antibiotic peptides is the mode of action by which they kill bacteria. By means of electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry with gold-labeled rabbit anti-cecropin IgG, binding of purified and synthetic cecropin to the cell membranes of E. coli K12 D31 cells was observed. Small lesions in the cell membrane were seen that had a diameter of 9.6 nm and internal pore of 4.2 nm. The Heliothis cecropin was found to be a pore-forming molecule that causes lesions in the cell membrane of E. coli K12 D31. The lesions lead to leakage of cytoplasmic contents and death of bacteria.
Module base design for a portfolio of institutional decision support systems

Abstract Recently, there has been a trend toward utilizing artificial intelligence techniques in decision support systems (DSSs) to enhance system capabilities and support. This paper focuses on using one such technique (productions or rules) for enhancing module representation, access, execution and maintenance flexibility in a class of systems called institutional DSSs. In the approach we propose, an organization maintains a portfolio of such DSSs. An individual system contains, in its knowledge base, only the “structural”, “invocational” and “presentation” knowledge of the modules used by that system. Executable representations of all of the modules in the portfolio and the associated “procedural” knowledge are generated and stored in an external organizational model base (OMB). We discuss representation schemes for the three types of module-related knowledge in each DSS as well as the architecture for the system-user interface.
Differential Expression of Toy Play by Preschoolers With and Without Mental Retardation

Abstract Analyses of the peak and predominant toy play of 17 preschool children with mental retardation and 17 preschool children without mental retardation are presented. Groups were matched on developmental age and sex and observed during both a home-based independent play situation and classroom-based free play. Results are presented for 1) a comparison of predominant play between setting for each group, 2) a comparison of peak play between setting for each group, 3) between-group analyses of predominant and peak play, and 4) a comparison of predominant and peak play. The results provide additional support for, and extend efforts to understand, contextual variation of children's toy play by demonstrating an advantage of home-based play over classroom-based play for both groups as well as an advantage of children with mental retardation over children without mental retardation during the home-based play situation. These data can be used to promote positive perceptions of, and attitudes toward, children ...
Vaginal birth after cesarean: a prenatal scoring tool

Objective The objective of the study was to develop a tool that predicts vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) based exclusively on prenatal factors. Study Design This was a cohort study of 10,828 primiparous women with 1 prior cesarean, who had a subsequent delivery of a singleton term gestation. After randomizing these women to a score development or a score validation group, we investigated the association among 16 prenatal factors and trial of labor outcome, using univariate and multivariate analyses in the score development group. Factors found to be associated with VBAC were placed in a scoring tool, which was tested for reproducibility in the score validation group. Results The scoring tool based on 3 factors associated with VBAC showed that increasing score was associated with increased likelihood of VBAC. These results were validated. Conclusion This tool may be used in early prenatal care to facilitate the decision of whether to undergo a trial of labor.
Participation of the spinal TRPV1 receptors in formalin-evoked pain transduction: a study using a selective TRPV1 antagonist, iodo-resiniferatoxin

The involvement of spinal transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in formalin-evoked pain has remained unclear, because investigation of this kind of pain with selective antagonists has not been conducted. The purpose of this study is to investigate the participation of spinal TRPV1 in formalin-evoked pain with iodo-resiniferatoxin (I-RTX), a potent TRPV1-selective antagonist. I-RTX given intrathecally dose-dependently and significantly decreased the number of flinching responses in the formalin-evoked 1st and 2nd phase with ID50 values (drug dose producing 50% inhibition of response) of 1.0 and 3.8 microg, respectively, and concentration-dependently suppressed capsaicin-evoked calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) release from rat spinal cord slices with an IC50 value (drug concentration producing 50% inhibition of response) of 86 nM. Capsazepine, a classical non-selective TRPV1 antagonist, given intrathecally also inhibited formalin-evoked flinching in both the 1st and 2nd phase with ID50s of 420 and 200 microg, respectively, and CGRP-LI release from rat spinal cord slices with an IC50 of 7.8 microM. Ratios of in-vivo analgesic potencies of I-RTX and capsazepine well reflected their intrinsic in-vitro activity. These findings suggest that spinal TRPV1 participates in the transduction system of formalin-evoked pain.
A mixed finite element approximation of the Navier-Stokes equations

We study in this paper the convergence of a new mixed finite element approximation of the Navier-Stokes equations. This approximation uses low order Lagrange elements, leads to optimal order of convergence for the velocity and the pressure, and induces an efficient numerical algorithm for the solution of this problem.
Measuring Stigma in Older and Younger Adults with HIV/AIDS: An Analysis of an HIV Stigma Scale and Initial Exploration of Subscales:

The purpose of this study is to explore the validity of a scale designed to measure HIV stigma and identify potential subscales. A nonrandom sample of 88 individuals, 44 between the ages of 20 and 39 and 44 ages 50 and older, living with HIV/AIDS were interviewed and completed a 13-item HIV Stigma Scale. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) found 12 of the 13 items loaded cleanly into three subscales labeled as Distancing, Blaming, and Discrimination, with an overall Cronbach’s alpha of .83. The three newly identified subscales were found to have convergent validity with social support as expected. Overall, older adults were found to have higher, but nonsignificant scores on the Blaming subscale, whereas those 20 to 39 years old had significantly higher scores related to discrimination. The 13-item HIV stigma scale can discriminate experiences of stigma in older adults and support three subscales while maintaining internal consistency.
Sectoral Analysis of the Causal Relationship Between Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Consumption and Real Output in the US

Abstract This study examines the causal relationship between renewable and non-renewable energy consumption by sector and real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the US using annual data from 1949 to 2006. The Toda-Yamamoto long-run causality tests reveal the absence of Granger-causality between commercial and industrial renewable energy consumption and real GDP, respectively. Bidirectional Granger-causality exists between commercial and residential non-renewable energy consumption and real GDP, respectively. Finally, the results indicate unidirectional causality from residential renewable energy consumption and industrial non-renewable energy consumption, respectively to and real GDP.
Identifying protein-protein interaction in Drosophila adult heads by Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP).

Genetic screens conducted using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) have made numerous milestone discoveries in the advance of biological sciences. However, the use of biochemical screens aimed at extending the knowledge gained from genetic analysis was explored only recently. Here we describe a method to purify the protein complex that associates with any protein of interest from adult fly heads. This method takes advantage of the Drosophila GAL4/UAS system to express a bait protein fused with a Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) tag in fly neurons in vivo, and then implements two rounds of purification using a TAP procedure similar to the one originally established in yeast1 to purify the interacting protein complex. At the end of this procedure, a mixture of multiple protein complexes is obtained whose molecular identities can be determined by mass spectrometry. Validation of the candidate proteins will benefit from the resource and ease of performing loss-of-function studies in flies. Similar approaches can be applied to other fly tissues. We believe that the combination of genetic manipulations and this proteomic approach in the fly model system holds tremendous potential for tackling fundamental problems in the field of neurobiology and beyond.
Software Protection through Anti-Debugging

This article focuses on describing state-of-the-art attacks on debuggers to prevent reverse engineering. You can use the information we present as part of your strategy to protect your software or to assist you in overcoming the anti-debugging tricks present in malicious software. Currently, there are enough anti-debugging techniques available to software engineers to sufficiently protect software against most threats, likewise, most state-of-the-art malware can be sufficiently reverse-engineered with patience and skill to enable security researchers to continue to defend their networks. However, advances in software protection techniques and reverse engineering might alter the balance.
The role of oncology nurses in gene therapy.

Summary In February 2001, the Human Genome Project international consortium announced the publication of a draft sequence and initial analysis of the human genome. Although a definitive count of human genes must await further experimental and computational analysis, scientists now estimate that the human genome contains 30 000–35 000 genes — a much smaller number than initially estimated. The advances in treatment which will result from this research and our improved understanding of cancer at a molecular level will rapidly change the management of cancer. Gene therapy represents one new approach to treatment, but is currently still experimental. This article reviews the important role of the oncology nurse as a member of the multidisciplinary team caring for patients who receive gene therapy as part of a clinical trial.
Factors influencing neuronal growth in primary cultures derived from 3-day-old chick embryos

Abstract We compared neuronal growth patterns in primary cultures prepared by dissociating 3-day-old chick embryos, either whole embryo (E3WE) or head only (E3H) and plating the dispersed cells onto Petri dishes coated with either poly- l -lysine, collagen or laminin. The culture medium was Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), supplemented with either 5 or 10% fetal bovine calf serum (FCS). As we have previously described, in E3WE cultures on poly- l -lysine the neuronal primary growth patterns were aggregation with neuritic fasciculation, presence of growth cones with microspikes and very few flat cells. In contrast with cultures grown on poly- l -lysine, in cultures grown on collagen or laminin the distinct growth pattern was extensive networks of isolated and differentiated neurons lying on acquired monolayers of flat cells. When 5% PCS was used, as compared to 10% PCS, neuronal aggregates were fewer and smaller on poly- l -lysine; on collagen or laminin a tendency to aggregate was observed. Several differences were observed in the E3H cultures when compared to E3WE: (a) aggregates were less numerous with the prevailing pattern being a web-like, self-contained aggregate; (b) aggregates connected with other aggregates or flat cells were rare and the aggregate adhesivity was minimized; (c) neurons on collagen or laminin formed networks with the exception of a few, small aggregates displaying no fasciculation; (d) flat cells did not form a monolayer but islets which hosted the neuronal meshy networks. We attribute these differences in the growth patterns between the various types of cultures to be the combined result of a variety of environmental signals, derived from the provided substrata, the serum and the nonneuronal cell factors and cell surface, all primarily regulating neuronal adhesivity.
Uniaxial-stress anisotropy of the double superconducting transition in UPt3.

We study the specific heat of single-crystal UPt_3 for uniaxial stress 0≤S≤4 kbar. For S∥c^, the lower and upper superconducting transitions move towards each other in temperature and merge by S=2 kbar and T=485 mK. In the normal state, the Sommerfeld constant γ increases 12% by 2 kbar and then plateaus. By contrast, for S∥a^, γ decreases steadily and the onset T_c’s of the two superconducting transitions remain essentially unchanged, although the specific-heat peaks broaden markedly. Residual strain in the basal plane may account for some crystals of UPt_3 showing only one broad superconducting transition.
Mass and spin-parity character of the Τ-meson

In this paper we present analyses of 41 Τ- and Τ′-meson decay events. Since the emulsion density was accurately known, and an improved range-energy curve is available, aQ-value for the Τ-decay was obtained which is more precise than that available heretofore. It is 75.08 ± 0.20 MeV. Analysis to determine the character of the Τ-meson was made by comparing the experimental data with the 5 spin-parity combinations that lead to unique energy and angular distributions. It is found on employing a χ2 test that there is a probability of 18% that the χ2 for the (0,−) choice may exceed that observed, whereas the next most probable choice, (3, −), yields a probability of only 2.8%. The data could not distinguish between the (0,−) and (2,−) states of the Τ-meson. The Τ′/Τ ratio observed is 0.25 ± 0.12, which is consistent with the hypothesis of charge independence. The energy distribution of the π+-meson in the Τ′-decay is consistent with a decay scheme Τt → π+ + 2π0, and an associated electron pair also confirms this supposed mode of decay.
Deriving the wage–wage and price–price Phillips curves from a model with efficiency wages and imperfect information

Abstract This study derives reduced-form equations for the wage–wage Phillips curve and the price–price Phillips curve from firms' optimizing behavior, under the assumptions that firms pay efficiency wages and that workers' expectations of average wages or prices are partly adaptive.
Twain's Law of Politics

This article models the electoral process as a game of incomplete information in which voters choose between candidates on the basis of the likelihood that each will fulfill the campaign promises made. The electorate's uncertainty about the future behavior of its representatives means that some candidates will win seats even though they are not committed to performing as promised. Moreover, because such candidates have more actions available to them than do their honest counterparts, they enjoy an electoral advantage until voters have acquired full information about them. This advantage makes a political career more attractive to dishonest individuals than to honest members of the same occupational class, so that dishonest people will tend disproportionately to enter politics.
The biology and immunopathology of simian immunodeficiency virus infection

Since the initial report (Daniel et al, Science 1985, 228:1201-1204) of the isolation of a lentivirus that was related to the human immunodeficiency virus (HN) from rhesus macaque monkeys (Mucucu mukztta) and the subsequent demonstration that experimental infection of macaques with this virus resulted in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-like disease (Letvin et al., Science 1985, 230:71-73) multiple isolates of the simian immunodeficiency viruses (SNs) have been obtained from a variety of non-human primates. These include sooty mangabey monkeys (Cercoce6us a@$, pig-tailed macaques (Maraca nemestrinu), cynomolgus monkeys (Mucucu fascic~lati) and African green monkeys (Cercopitbecus uethiops). With the exception of SNagm isolates, which have not been tested extensively, experimental infection of macaques with other SN isolates results in immunosuppressive disease that has remarkable simlarities to the disease induced by HIV-1 and HIV-2 in humans. Although the overall natural history of SN infection parallels that of HN infection, variations are observed in the pathogenesis not only of different SN isolates in the same species of monkey but also of the same SN isolate in different species of monkey. An aspect of SN infection that may prove valuable in future studies is the observation that the pathology induced in vivo by some SN isolates appears to have in vitro counterparts; that is, specific in vitro properties can be correlated with in vivo properties.
The pessimistic induction and the exponential growth of science reassessed

My aim is to evaluate a new realist strategy for addressing the pessimistic induction, Ludwig Fahrbach’s (Synthese 180:139–155, 2011) appeal to the exponential growth of science. Fahrbach aims to show that, given the exponential growth of science, the history of science supports realism. I argue that Fahrbach is mistaken. I aim to show that earlier generations of scientists could construct a similar argument, but one that aims to show that the theories that they accepted are likely true. The problem with this is that from our perspective on the history of science we know their argument is flawed. Consequently, we should not be impressed or persuaded by Fahrbach’s argument. Fahrbach has failed to identify a difference that matters between today’s theories and past theories. But realists need to find such a difference if they are to undermine the pessimistic induction.
LDL stimulates mesangial fibronectin production and chemoattractant expression

LDL stimulates mesangial fibronectin production and chemoattractant expression. Hyperlipidemia has been associated with glomerulosclerosis and a glomerular monocyte infiltrate in models of progressive renal insufficiency. The pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia-induced renal injury remains unknown. We postulated that the effect of hyperlipidemia may be mediated through LDL-induced activation of mesangial cells, which have recently been shown to possess LDL receptors. To test this hypothesis, cultured human mesangial cells were co-incubated with human LDL. Monolayers treated with LDL demonstrated a greater level of tissue culture supernatant fibronectin than control mesangial cells. This correlated with enhanced expression of fibronectin mRNA in LDL-treated mesangial cells. Additionally, LDL conditioning of mesangial cells caused a dose- and time-dependent increase in the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA, a monocyte specific chemotactic factor, as well as an increase in the monocyte chemotactic activity of mesangial supernatants. Thus, the deleterious effects of hyperlipidemia on the kidney may be mediated by the mesangial cell through an increase in production of mesangial matrix and recruitment of inflammatory cells to the glomerulus.
Age‐dependent increase of peritoneal B‐1b B cells in SCID mice

The impact of increasing age upon immunoglobulin production and B-lymphocyte generation in "leaky" severe combined immune-defective (SCID) mice was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry. By 1 year of age, the mice had normal numbers of B cells in their peritoneal cavity, while their spleen had very few immunoglobulin M-positive (IgM+) cells. The majority of B cells expressed the CD11b marker characteristic of the B-1b subset. B-1a (CD5+) cells were present at a lower frequency and B-2 cells were absent. The frequency of mice producing detectable immunoglobulin increased with age, and isotype diversity within individual mice was variable. IgM production was most frequently observed followed by IgG3 and IgG2a, then IgG1, and finally IgA. The selective persistence of the B-1 B-cell subset in the peritoneal cavity of aging SCID mice is a natural model for the study of those genetic and environmental influences that determine lymphocyte longevity.
Satellite and hydrographic observations of eddy-induced shelf-slope exchange in the northwestern Gulf of Alaska

[1] Satellite and hydrographic observations of oceanographic conditions in the northwestern Gulf of Alaska indicate that anticyclonic eddies propagating adjacent to the continental shelf alter the structure of the shelf break front and, in doing so, influence the shelf-slope exchange of biota and water mass properties. Eddies typically form in the northern Gulf of Alaska during fall and winter and propagate southwestward within an ∼200 km wide corridor along and above the continental slope. Eddy activity within this corridor diminishes in the downstream direction. The trajectories of faster propagating (>4 km/day) eddies tend to lie closer to the shelf break than do the trajectories of slower propagating (∼1.5 km/day) eddies. The interaction between azimuthal eddy currents and the shelf break frontal jet (1) establishes an upwelling zone, associated with the leading flank of the eddy, that strengthens cross-slope gradients, (2) weakens cross-slope gradients and promotes shelf-slope exchange where the eddy is adjacent to the shelf, and (3) reestablishes a weak upwelling zone associated with the trailing flank of the eddy.
The Chromatin Remodeling Protein, SRCAP, Is Critical for Deposition of the Histone Variant H2A.Z at Promoters

Studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicate the histone variant H2A.Z is deposited at promoters by the chromatin remodeling protein Swr1 and plays a critical role in the regulation of transcription. In higher eukaryotes, however, little is known about the distribution, method of deposition, and function of H2A.Z at promoters. Using biochemical studies, we demonstrated previously that SRCAP (SNF-2-related CREB-binding protein activator protein), the human ortholog of Swr1, could catalyze deposition of H2A.Z into nucleosomes. To address whether SRCAP directs H2A.Z deposition in vivo, promoters targeted by SRCAP were identified by a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-on-chip assay. ChIP assays on a subset of these promoters confirmed the presence of SRCAP on inactive and active promoters. The highest levels of SRCAP were observed on the active SP-1, G3BP, and FAD synthetase promoters. Detailed analyses of these promoters indicate sites of SRCAP binding overlap or occur adjacent to the sites of H2A.Z deposition. Knockdown of SRCAP levels using siRNA resulted in loss of SRCAP at these promoters, decreased deposition of H2A.Z and acetylated H2A.Z, and a decrease in levels of SP-1, G3BP, and FAD synthetase mRNA. Thus, these studies provide the first evidence that SRCAP is recruited to promoters and is critical for the deposition of H2A.Z.
Multi-layered poly-dimethylsiloxane as a non-hermetic packaging material for medical MEMS

Poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is an attractive material for packaging implantable biomedical microdevices owing to its biocompatibility, ease in application, and bio-friendly mechanical properties. Unfortunately, devices encapsulated solely by PDMS lack the longevity for use in chronic implant applications due to defect-related moisture penetration through the packaging layer caused by conventional deposition processes such as spin coating. This paper describes an effort to improve the performance of PDMS as a packaging material by constructing the encapsulant from multiple, thin roller casted layers of PDMS as a part of a polymeric multi-material package.
Selective modulation of autophagy, innate immunity, and adaptive immunity by small molecules.

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process that directs cytoplasmic proteins, organelles and microbes to lysosomes for degradation. Autophagy acts at the intersection of pathways involved in cellular stress, host defense, and modulation of inflammatory and immune responses; however, the details of how the autophagy network intersects with these processes remain largely undefined. Given the role of autophagy in several human diseases, it is important to determine the extent to which modulators of autophagy also modify inflammatory or immune pathways and whether it is possible to modulate a subset of these pathways selectively. Here, we identify small-molecule inducers of basal autophagy (including several FDA-approved drugs) and characterize their effects on IL-1β production, autophagic engulfment and killing of intracellular bacteria, and development of Treg, TH17, and TH1 subsets from naive T cells. Autophagy inducers with distinct, selective activity profiles were identified that reveal the functional architecture of connections between autophagy, and innate and adaptive immunity. In macrophages from mice bearing a conditional deletion of the essential autophagy gene Atg16L1, the small molecules inhibit IL-1β production to varying degrees suggesting that individual compounds may possess both autophagy-dependent and autophagy-independent activity on immune pathways. The small molecule autophagy inducers constitute useful probes to test the contributions of autophagy-related pathways in diseases marked by impaired autophagy or elevated IL-1β and to test novel therapeutic hypotheses.
Selected wind tunnel test results for the Darrieus wind turbine

Five blade configurations of a 2-m-diam Darrieus wind turbine have been tested in the Vought Corporation 4.6-x6.1-m (15-x20-ft) Low-Speed Wind Tunnel. Rotor solidity, Reynolds number, and freestream velocities tested were in the following ranges: solidity, 13-30%; Reynolds number, 1-3 x l O 5 ; freestream velocity, 7-11 m/s. The airfoil selection for all configurations was NACA 0012. The parameters measured were rotor torque, rotor rotational speed, and tunnel conditions. Data are presented in the form of power coefficient as a function of tip-speed ratio along with comparative results from an analytical model.
Helium and Hydrogen Induced Rotational Relaxation of H2CO Observed at Temperatures of the Interstellar Medium

We have performed pressure broadening and time resolved double resonance studies on three rotational transitions (212 ← 111, 211 ← 110, and 313 ← 212) of formaldehyde (H2CO) in collision with helium and hydrogen at low temperatures (T ≤ 16 K). This was achieved by applying the collisional cooling method. The purpose of this study was to compare laboratory measurements with the theory used to explain the anomalous absorption of interstellar formaldehyde against the 2.7 K background. Our laboratory measurements are generally consistent with this theory for H2CO-He collisions. However, we observe significantly different pressure broadening cross sections for H2CO-H2 collisions, which calls into question the substitution of helium for hydrogen as a collision partner in astrophysical calculations.
Probability distributions for locations of calling animals, receivers, sound speeds, winds, and data from travel time differences

A new nonlinear sequential Monte Carlo technique is used to estimate posterior probability distributions for the location of a calling animal, the locations of acoustic receivers, sound speeds, winds, and the differences in sonic travel time between pairs of receivers from measurements of those differences, while adopting realistic prior distributions of the variables. Other algorithms in the literature appear to be too inefficient to yield distributions for this large number of variables (up to 41) without recourse to a linear approximation. The new technique overcomes the computational inefficiency of other algorithms because it does not sequentially propagate the joint probability distribution of the variables between adjacent data. Instead, the lower and upper bounds of the distributions are propagated. The technique is applied to commonly encountered problems that were previously intractable such as estimating how accurately sound speed and poorly known initial locations of receivers can be estimated from the differences in sonic travel time from calling animals, while explicitly modeling distributions of all the variables in the problem. In both cases, the new technique yields one or two orders of magnitude improvements compared with initial uncertainties. The technique is suitable for accurately estimating receiver locations from animal calls.
PML: a tumor suppressor essential for neocortical development.

Brain development requires precise control of progenitor proliferation and differentiation. PML appears to be a crucial regulator of cortical progenitors, limiting proliferation and promoting the generation of committed neuronal precursors.
Effects of thermal neutron irradiation on the frequency of crown gall and bacterial canker resistance in seedlings of Prunus rootstocks

Abstract Seeds of Prunus persica (peach), P. amygdalus (bitter almond), P. mahaleb (cherry), and P. cerasifera (myrobalan plum) used for rootstocks were irradiated with thermal neutrons or X-radiation. Comparisons of seed germination, seedling growth, and leaf abnormalities caused by different dosages and kinds of irradiation were made in a pilot experiment to determine the radiosensitivity of the seeds. Thermal neutron dosages of approximately 2·0 × 1013 for peach and almond and 1·5 × 1013 neutrons/cm2/sec for plum and cherry were used in subsequent experiments on disease resistance. The combined results of a 4-year glasshouse study involving 3000 seeds of each Prunus species showed that the frequency of crown gall (Agrobacterium tumefaciens) resistant seedlings was 2·0–8·3 per cent higher in irradiated populations of almond and peach but 6·9 per cent lower in cherry compared with non-irradiated controls. In contrast, bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae) resistant seedlings were 2·1–22·4 per cent less frequent in irradiated populations of almond and plum but 14·6 per cent more frequent in cherry. Seedlings with combined resistance to canker and crown gall were retested under orchard conditions. No change was found for the canker resistance of plum and cherry; however, some seedlings of peach and almond gave positive reactions to canker, and some seedlings of all stone fruits gave weak crown gall reactions. After the orchard evaluations there were still seedlings of plum, almond, and cherry that had combined resistance to both diseases but their frequency in control and irradiated populations was not significantly different.
Zebrafish model: worth considering in defining tumor angiogenesis.

The process of angiogenesis is essential for tumor progression and metastasis; however, antiangiogenesis therapy–induced hypoxia and inflammation are perhaps the driving force for tumor escape and metastasis formation, thereby compromising its efficacy. This warrants the complete understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of antiangiogenesis therapy and necessitates the identification of potential signaling events in the host microenvironment, which are involved in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, to improve the treatment of cancer. In this context, the zebrafish/tumor xenograft model represents an emerging vertebrate system to study the correlation between tumor angiogenesis, inflammation, and metastasis and to better understand the modification of tumor microenvironment by antiangiogenesis therapy. This review article describes the necessity to study the microenvironment of host-tumor interface by introducing basic concepts of angiogenesis, emerging paradigms, and challenges of antiangiogenesis therapy and provides an update on the importance of the zebrafish/tumor xenograft model to address these issues.
Analysis of an active tubular liquid-feed direct methanol fuel cell

Abstract A two-dimensional, two-phase, non-isothermal model was developed for an active, tubular, liquid-feed direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The liquid–gas, two-phase mass transport in the porous anode and cathode was formulated based on the multi-fluid approach in the porous media. The two-phase mass transport in the anode and cathode channels was modeled using the drift-flux and the homogeneous mist-flow models, respectively. Water and methanol crossovers through the membrane were considered due to the effects of diffusion, electro-osmotic drag, and convection. The model enabled a numerical investigation of the effects of various operating parameters, such as current density, methanol flow rate, and oxygen flow rate, on the mass and heat transport characteristics in the tubular DMFC. It was shown that by choosing a proper tube radius and distance between the adjacent cells, a tubular DMFC stack can achieve a much higher energy density compared to its planar counterpart. The results also showed that a large anode flow rate is needed in order to avoid severe blockage of liquid methanol to the anode electrode due to the gas accumulation in the channel. Besides, lowering the flow rate of either the methanol solution or air can lead to a temperature increase along the flow channel. The methanol and water crossovers are nearly independent of the methanol flow rate and the air flow rate.
Levocarnitine and muscle metabolism in patients with end-stage renal disease

Levocarnitine is a molecule required in mammalian energy metabolism. It removes the potentially toxic acyl groups from the cell helping to maintain normal metabolic functions. In addition, it facilitates the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane for beta oxidation and subsequent energy production in skeletal muscle and myocardium. It has been shown in numerous studies that levocarnitine metabolism is abnormal in patients with end-stage renal disease. Significant dialytic loss of levocarnitine has been reported in addition to dietary changes undertaken in this population, which may decrease dietary levocarnitine intake. Recent studies have shown that levocarnitine administration to hemodialysis patients has improved exercise performance, intradialytic muscle cramps and hypotension episodes, and overall well-being. Ongoing and future studies will help to formulate more definite recommendations on the dose and the duration of levocarnitine therapy in dialysis patients.
Supply Chain Coordination and Cooperation Mechanisms: An Attribute-Based Approach

SUMMARY Coordination within a supply chain is a strategic response to the problems that arise from inter-organizational dependencies within the chain. A coordination mechanism is a set of methods used to manage interdependence between organizations. Given the increasing importance of high-performance supply, and the advantages to be gained through supply chain coordination, the challenge to an organization is how to select the appropriate coordination mechanism to manage organizational interdependencies. This paper develops and illustrates an attribute-based, systematic process for selecting coordination mechanisms in a supply chain.
Initial bladder closure of the cloacal exstrophy complex: Outcome related risk factors and keys to success

Abstract Purpose This study examines a large single-institution experience with cloacal exstrophy patients, analyzing patient demographics and surgical strategies predictive of bladder closure outcomes. Methods One hundred patients with cloacal exstrophy were identified. Complete closure history including demographics, operative history, and outcomes was available on 60 patients. Twenty-six patients with a history of failed initial bladder closure were compared to 34 with a history of successful initial bladder closure. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to compare the two groups. Results Median follow up time after initial closure was 9years (range: 13months-29years). A 1cm increase in pre-closure diastasis resulted in a 2.64 increase in the odds of initial closure failure (p=0.004). Protective strategies against failure included delaying closure (per month) (OR=0.894, p=0.009), employing pelvic osteotomies (OR=0.095, p Conclusion Patients with a large diastasis are more likely to fail initial closure. Delaying initial closure for at least 3months, performing pelvic osteotomy, and using an external fixation device post-operatively are strategies that improve closure success.