cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microcirculatory alterations in shock states

Functional components of the microcirculation provide oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products from the tissue beds of the body's organs. Shock states overwhelmingly stress functional capacity of the microcirculation, resulting in microcirculatory failure. In septic shock, inflammatory mediators contribute to hemodynamic instability. In nonseptic shock states, the microcirculation is better able to compensate for alterations in vascular resistance, cardiac output, and blood pressure. Therefore, global hemodynamic and oxygen delivery parameters are appropriate for assessing, monitoring, and guiding therapy in hypovolemic and cardiogenic shock but, alone, are inadequate for septic shock.
Site-specific chemical modification of recombinant proteins produced in mammalian cells by using the genetically encoded aldehyde tag

The properties of therapeutic proteins can be enhanced by chemical modification. Methods for site-specific protein conjugation are critical to such efforts. Here, we demonstrate that recombinant proteins expressed in mammalian cells can be site-specifically modified by using a genetically encoded aldehyde tag. We introduced the peptide sequence recognized by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident formylglycine generating enzyme (FGE), which can be as short as 6 residues, into heterologous proteins expressed in mammalian cells. Cotranslational modification of the proteins by FGE produced products bearing a unique aldehyde group. Proteins bearing this “aldehyde tag” were chemically modified by selective reaction with hydrazide- or aminooxy-functionalized reagents. We applied the technique to site-specific modification of monoclonal antibodies, the fastest growing class of biopharmaceuticals, as well as membrane-associated and cytosolic proteins expressed in mammalian cells.
Evaluation of simplified stream-aquifer depletion models for water rights administration

We assess the predictive accuracy of Glover's (1974) stream-aquifer analytical solutions, which are commonly used in administering water rights, and evaluate the impact of the assumed idealizations on administrative and management decisions. To achieve these objectives, we evaluate the predictive capabilities of the Glover stream-aquifer depletion model against the MODFLOW numerical standard, which, unlike the analytical model, can handle increasing hydrogeologic complexity. We rank-order and quantify the relative importance of the various assumptions on which the analytical model is based, the three most important being: (1) streambed clogging as quantified by streambed-aquifer hydraulic conductivity contrast; (2) degree of stream partial penetration; and (3) aquifer heterogeneity. These three factors relate directly to the multidimensional nature of the aquifer flow conditions. From these considerations, future efforts to reduce the uncertainty in stream depletion-related administrative decisions should primarily address these three factors in characterizing the stream-aquifer process. We also investigate the impact of progressively coarser model grid size on numerically estimating stream leakage and conclude that grid size effects are relatively minor. Therefore, when modeling is required, coarser model grids could be used thus minimizing the input data requirements.
On Programming under Uncertainty

The duality theory of programming under uncertainty is developed for the special case of proportional penalties and normal probability distributions, and from this an approximately optimal sampling plan is determined by the solution to a separable nonlinear programming problem with linear constraints. The duality theory is interesting per se; in particular, it evidences clearly the specific roles of the means and standard deviations in determining the solution. The duality theory of programming under uncertainty has been available for some time, at least in principle, by application of the general theory. It is worthwhile, however, to examine specially structured problems in finer detail, and that is the purpose of this paper.
Control of plant stem cell function by conserved interacting transcriptional regulators

Plant stem cells in the shoot apical meristem (SAM) and root apical meristem are necessary for postembryonic development of aboveground tissues and roots, respectively, while secondary vascular stem cells sustain vascular development. WUSCHEL (WUS), a homeodomain transcription factor expressed in the rib meristem of the Arabidopsis SAM, is a key regulatory factor controlling SAM stem cell populations, and is thought to establish the shoot stem cell niche through a feedback circuit involving the CLAVATA3 (CLV3) peptide signalling pathway. WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX 5 (WOX5), which is specifically expressed in the root quiescent centre, defines quiescent centre identity and functions interchangeably with WUS in the control of shoot and root stem cell niches. WOX4, expressed in Arabidopsis procambial cells, defines the vascular stem cell niche. WUS/WOX family proteins are evolutionarily and functionally conserved throughout the plant kingdom and emerge as key actors in the specification and maintenance of stem cells within all meristems. However, the nature of the genetic regime in stem cell niches that centre on WOX gene function has been elusive, and molecular links underlying conserved WUS/WOX function in stem cell niches remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that the Arabidopsis HAIRY MERISTEM (HAM) family of transcription regulators act as conserved interacting cofactors with WUS/WOX proteins. HAM and WUS share common targets in vivo and their physical interaction is important in driving downstream transcriptional programs and in promoting shoot stem cell proliferation. Differences in the overlapping expression patterns of WOX and HAM family members underlie the formation of diverse stem cell niche locations, and the HAM family is essential for all of these stem cell niches. These findings establish a new framework for the control of stem cell production during plant development.
Relations Between Multidimensional Scaling and Three-Mode Factor Analysis.

A combination is achieved of two lines of psychometric interest: a) multidimensional scaling and b) factor analysis. This is accomplished with the use of three-mode factor analysis of scalar product matrices, one for each subject. Two of the modes are the groups of objects scaled and the third mode is the sample of subjects. Results are an object space, a person space, and a system for changing weights given to dimensions and of angles between dimensions in the object space for individuals located at different places in the person space. The development is illustrated with data from an adjective similarity study.
Leveling-sharpening: its relation to repression-sensitization and memory.

The purpose of this investigation was to study the relationships between leveling-sharpening and (a) repression-sensitization and (b) shortand long-term memory. Two separate measures of repression-sensitization, the Byrne R-S Scale and the Rorschach Index of Repressive Style, were used. Repression-sensitization and leveling-sharpening were not related nor was the hypothesized relationship between leveling-sharpening and memory obtained.
Executives, Legislatures, and Decentralization

This article considers the role of executives and legislatures in authoring decentralizing legislation to study the type of decentralization each sought to achieve. I find that differences across branches are more significant than differences across political parties. The executive played a significant role in the process of decentralization emphasizing administrative forms of decentralization. Congressional efforts to write laws, on the contrary, focused on the political aspects. Thus, the involvement of both branches in policymaking contributed to the multidimensional form and high degree of decentralization in
The evolution and development of the dens of the mammalian axis

Certain members of the extinct reptilian group from which mammals evolved possessed both a dens and an atlas body. Available paleontologic evidence supports the conclusion that the dens evolved as an addition to the atlas body. There-fore, the dens is not homologous with the atlas body as is generally claimed on the basis of supposed developmental evidence. The atlas body is large in the most primitive of living mammals, the monotremes, which also possess a dens of typical mammalian proportions. In metatherian and most eutherian mammals, both a dens and an atlas body remnant of variable size are present. The development of the dens in the Virginia opossum, Didelphis marsupialis, confirms the fact that the dens arises from, but does not replace, the atlas body anlage. The dens evolved as a functional replacement of the atlanto-axial articular processes which were lost when the mammalian atlanto-axial joint became specialized for rotational movement.
The Quadrant Multiplier Phototube, a New Star-Tracker Sensor

The quadrant multiplier phototube developed for use as a navigational aid is described. The tube contains four independent and adjacent semitransparent photocathode quadrants in a common image plane. By means of a retarding field three of the four photocathode segments are biased off during a quarter cycle while emission from the fourth is collected by the electron multiplier. Operating sequentially the photocathode quadrants perform the function of four multiplier phototubes in an all-electronic nulling-type tracker. No rotating reticles or mechanical choppers are required in the optical system. Position information of the image is discussed in relation to the size of the image spot. The performance characteristics are given in terms of nulling precision and signal-to-noise ratio for stars of different visual magnitudes.
Visual cues that are effective for contextual saccade adaptation.

The accuracy of saccades, as maintained by saccade adaptation, has been shown to be context dependent: able to have different amplitude movements to the same retinal displacement dependent on motor...
A demand paging simulator

A simulator is presented that allows a student to quickly write a demand paging memory management system. The simulator provides a job stream, support routines (such as read a page into memory), extensive error checking and debugging, and performance evaluation.This simulator is intended for a first course in operating systems to acquaint a student with the mechanics involved in demand paging or a second course where more time would be spent developing and evaluating page removal algorithms and job scheduling algorithms.
Prodromal bullous pemphigoid

Background Prodromal bullous pemphigoid (PBP) can be difficult to diagnose. Early recognition in its early stages may decrease the morbidity and progression of the disease. Clinical presentations and current treatments available for PBP will be described. Methods A retrospective review was performed on 53 patients diagnosed with PBP. Results Overall, the average disease duration of PBP was 11.8 months. The average age of presentation of PBP was 70.8 years. The most common presentations were urticaria-like plaques (67.9%), eczema-like lesions (11.3%), and dermatitis herpetiformis-like lesions (9.4%). The majority of patients responded well to low doses of systemic corticosteroids, tetracycline, and/or high potency topical corticosteroids. Conclusions Patients with PBP tend to be in their sixth or early seventh decade of life and, on average, the duration of disease is 1 year. The most common presentation of disease is urticaria-like plaques.
Communication Style in the Salesperson- Customer Dyad

The authors report a study designed to evaluate the use of communication style by salespeople and their customers. Using a paradigm suggested by Sheth in which the communication styles of customers...
Separating the swarm: categorization methods for user sessions on the web

Understanding user behaviors on Web sites enables site owners to make sites more usable, ultimately helping users to achieve their goals more quickly. Accordingly, researchers have devised methods for categorizing user sessions in hopes of revealing user interests. These techniques build user profiles by combining users' navigation paths with other data features, such as page viewing time, hyperlink structure, and page content. Previously, we have presented complex techniques of combining many of these data features to cluster user profiles. In this paper, we introduce a user study and a systematic evaluation of these different data features and their associated weighting schemes. We present the results of our study, including accuracy measures for a number of clustering approaches, and offer recommendations for Web analysts. While further investigation over more sites is needed to definitively settle on a robust scheme, we have characterized this analytic space
A multichannel digital demodulator for LVDT/RVDT position sensors

The architecture, VLSI implementation, and test results for a mixed analog and digital multichannel demodulator used with linear/rotary-variable-differential-transformer (LVDT/RVDT) position sensors are presented. The monolithic multichannel demodulator has four regular demodulation channels and a fifth channel for system tests. Each channel has a first-order Sigma - Delta analog-to-digital converter implemented in switched-capacitor circuits, and a dedicated digital demodulator with a 32-b word length. The outputs of the analog-to-digital converters are digitally demodulated, down-sampled, and filtered. The digital demodulator uses an adaptive AM demodulation algorithm based on prediction techniques. Simulation of the digital circuitry as well as a placement and routing of the mixed signal circuitry was done using a bit-serial compiler. The design was fabricated in a 1.2- mu m p-well bulk CMOS process and contains 83000 transistors in a die size of 325*330 mil/sup 2/. Test results show that absolute accuracies of +or-0.2% of full scale are achieved without calibration. >
Orbital magnetism of mesoscopic metals : extension to the nonperturbative regime

We extend our investigation of orbital magnetic response of mesoscopic metallic systems to the limit of temperature and inelastic level broadening being comparable to or less than the average interlevel spacing. We address the role of level repulsion and derive a level density correlation function that interpolates between the perturbation result and the Wigner-Dyson statistics. We plot out the magnetic-field dependence of the magnetic moment of the system for the entire range of experimentally relevant temperatures, including the limiting dependence at near-zero temperature. We address the relation of our results to the response of ideal rings and classically integrable systems in the context of their respective level structures. We emphasize the semblance between the response of small metals and (compound) atomic and nuclear systems, in particular, the interplay of Curie orientational paramagnetism, Van-Vleck polarization paramagnetism, and Langevin precession diamagnetism. We also touch upon the related issues in the subject of quantum chaos.
National ultrasound curriculum for medical students

Ultrasound (US) is an extremely useful diagnostic imaging modality because of its real-time capability, noninvasiveness, portability, and relatively low cost. It carries none of the potential risks of ionizing radiation exposure or intravenous contrast administration. For these reasons, numerous medical specialties now rely on US not only for diagnosis and guidance for procedures, but also as an extension of the physical examination. In addition, many medical school educators recognize the usefulness of this technique as an aid to teaching anatomy, physiology, pathology, and physical diagnosis. Radiologists are especially interested in teaching medical students the appropriate use of US in clinical practice. Educators who recognize the power of this tool have sought to incorporate it into the medical school curriculum. The basic question that educators should ask themselves is: "What should a student graduating from medical school know about US?" To aid them in answering this question, US specialists from the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound and the Alliance of Medical School Educators in Radiology have collaborated in the design of a US curriculum for medical students. The implementation of such a curriculum will vary from institution to institution, depending on the resources of the medical school and space in the overall curriculum. Two different examples of how US can be incorporated vertically or horizontally into a curriculum are described, along with an explanation as to how this curriculum satisfies the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competencies, modified for the education of our future physicians.
Kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR1) modulates multiple kit-ligand-dependent mast cell functions.

The intricately regulated Ras pathway coordinates multiple kit-ligand−induced mast cell functions, including chemotaxis, proliferation, and degranulation. However, the intracellular proteins that modulate the intensity and duration of stem cell factor−induced signals and the consequent cellular response are incompletely understood. Scaffolding proteins coordinate the spatial organization of mitogen-activated protein kinase proteins that may potentiate and/or inhibit cell functions. The kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR1) protein is known to function as a molecular scaffold and coordinates the organization of Raf/Mek/Erk in response to receptor tyrosine kinases. However, the impact of KSR1 in myeloid mast cell functions and in response to stem cell factor remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of KSR1 in regulating cellular functions of bone marrow−derived mast cells of KSR1 -deficient ( −/− ) mice. Genetic disruption of KSR1 resulted in both striking reductions in kit-ligand−mediated proliferation and degranulation, which are commonly attributed to mitogen-activated protein kinase signals. Surprisingly, disruption of the KSR1 scaffold also resulted in a decline in migration that is generally not linked to Raf-Erk signals. We found that loss of KSR1 does impact the biochemical activation of p21-activated kinase, a kinase that is known to modulate Raf-Erk signals and also F-actin polymerization key to mast cell migration. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that the scaffolding protein KSR1 has an important role in multiple kit-ligand−mediated mast cell functions. This study elucidates varied mast cell physiological functions for KSR1, including those related to cytoskeletal organization, and it suggests a novel molecular target for attenuating mast cell−mediated inflammation.
Observations on the effects of insecticides on glasshouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westw.))

SUMMARY In trials on a commercial cucumber nursery in Kent in 1971, malathion high-volume sprays gave good control of whitefly adults and young ‘scales’. Malathion applied at ultra-low volume (‘Turbair’) or as an aerosol was less effective. Malathion dust controlled only adults. Nicotine and petroleum oil were ineffective. In laboratory and glasshouse experiments in 1972, 16 chemicals as sprays, dips, drenches, smokes or fumigants were tested against each stage of a malathion-susceptible and a malathion-resistant whitefly population cultured on French beans. Adults and larval instars of the susceptible population were well controlled by sprays (adults) and dips (larvae) of organophosphorus insecticides, DDT, bioresmethrin and pyrethrum; but only thionazin, DDT, bioresmethrin and pyre-thrum gave adequate control of the resistant population. Thionazin drenches were moderately effective against susceptible larvae but gave poor control of resistant larvae. Dichlorvos and naled fumigants and DDT/gamma-BHC smoke controlled susceptible larvae but only DDT/gamma-BHC smoke was effective against resistant larvae. Excepting dips of cartap and DDT, treatments had little effect upon eggs. Larvae became more difficult to kill as age increased; only bioresmethrin (0·02 and 0·04 per cent active ingredient) gave good control of pupae.
Genetic mechanisms of susceptibility to oxidative lung injury in mice

Genetic background is a known predisposing risk factor for many acute and chronic pulmonary disorders and responses to environmental oxidants. Variation in lung injury responses to oxidative stimuli such as ozone, particles, hyperoxia, and chemotherapeutic agents between genetically standardized inbred mouse strains has been demonstrated. In this review, we discuss quantitative trait loci (QTLs) which contain candidate genes that confer differential susceptibility to oxidative stimuli between strains in mouse models of airway toxicity and disease. We addressed multiple inflammatory, immunity, and antioxidant genes identified as candidate genetic determinants following these strategies, which include tumor necrosis factor (Tnf), toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4), and the transcription factor NF-E2, related factor 2 (Nrf2). Mice with targeted deletion of these and related genes have provided initial proof of concept for their importance in the respective models. Interestingly, a few regions of the genome appear to have important roles in determining susceptibility to a number of stimuli which may suggest common genetic mechanisms in mice. Though more complete examination of functional association is required, results have potential implications for the role of these candidate genes in the pathogenesis of human pulmonary diseases including asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and emphysema.
Interaction of Collagen-Like Peptide Models of Asymmetric Acetylcholinesterase with Glycosaminoglycans: Spectroscopic Studies of Conformational Changes and Stability†

The effect of heparin on the conformation and stability of triple-helical peptide models of the collagen tail of asymmetric acetylcholinesterase expands our understanding of heparin interactions with proteins and presents an opportunity for clarifying the nature of binding of ligands to collagen triple-helix domains. Within the collagen tail of AChE, there are two consensus sequences for heparin binding of the form BBXB, surrounded by additional basic residues. Circular dichroism studies were used to determine the effect of the addition of increasing concentrations of heparin on triple-helical peptide models for the heparin binding domains, including peptides in which the basic residues within and surrounding the consensus sequence were replaced by alanine residues. The addition of heparin caused an increased triple-helix content with saturation properties for the peptide modeling the C-terminal site, while precipitation, with no increased helix content resulted from heparin addition to the peptide modeling the N-terminal site. The results suggest that the two binding sites with a similar triple-helical conformation have distinctive ways of interacting with heparin, which must relate to small differences in the consensus sequence (GRKGR vs GKRGK) and in the surrounding basic residues. Addition of heparin increased the thermal stability of all peptides containing the consensus sequence. Heparan sulfate produced conformational and stabilization effects similar to those of heparin, while chondroitin sulfate led to a cloudy solution, loss of circular dichroism signal, and a smaller increase in thermal stability. Thus, specificity in both the sequence of the triple helix and the type of glycosaminoglycan is required for this interaction.
Real-Time Support on IEEE 802.11 Wireless Ad-Hoc Networks: Reality vs. Theory

The usable throughput of an IEEE 802.11 system for an application is much less than the raw bandwidth. Although 802.11b has a theoretical maximum of 11Mbps, more than half of the bandwidth is consumed by overhead leaving at most 5Mbps of usable bandwidth. Considering this characteristic, this paper proposes and analyzes a real-time distributed scheduling scheme based on the existing IEEE 802.11 wireless ad-hoc networks, using USC/ISI's Power Aware Sensing Tracking and Analysis (PASTA) hardware platform. We compared the distributed real-time scheduling scheme with the real-time polling scheme to meet deadline, and compared a measured real bandwidth with a theoretical result. The theoretical and experimental results show that the distributed scheduling scheme can guarantee real-time traffic and enhances the performance up to 74% compared with polling scheme.
N.M.R. studies of chlorinated polycyclodiene pesticides.

Abstract Complete n.m.r. coupling constants for aldrin, dieldrin, isodrin, endrin, and photodieldrin were derived by double, triple, and, where necessary, quadruple resonance studies. Both the normal “W” long-range couplings as well as “non-W” long-range couplings were prevalent. Large paramagnetic shifts were induced by Eu(DPM)3, and plots of the change in chemical shift versus the reciprocal of the cube of the distance from europium permitted tentative configurational assignment of the migrated proton in photodieldrin. Transannular, through-space coupling of the migrated proton with the nearby bridgehead proton confirmed this assignment.
Covariant chronogeometry and extreme distances. III. Macro-micro relations

A theory is proposed that provides a coherent, concise, and nonparametric analysis of major features of the fundamental physical structure of the universe, from micro- to macroscopic. In particular it indicates that gravity is essentially the transform of the aggregate of the basic microscopic forces under conformal inversion, and not a specific force in irself. The theory also suggests a natural form for elementary particle structure that implies a nonparametric cosmological effect and indicates an intrinsic hierarchy among the microscopic forces.
Effect of topography on propagation of waves in stratified fluids

Abstract A ray theory argument is used to construct a solution to the variable depth wave guide. The solution consists of waves in which the amplitude and phase may vary with position. Two special theoretical solutions have been tested experimentally.
Targeted therapy in metastatic colon cancer

Colorectal cancer, the third leading cause of cancer and cancer-related mortality in both men and women in the USA, is certainly a major public health concern. The annual incidence of colorectal cancer has increased from 130,200 in 2000 to 142,820 in 2013 [1,2]. In 2000, it accounted for a total of 56,300 deaths, whereas in 2013, the number of estimated deaths slightly declined to an estimated 50,830 individuals [1,2]. Although the outcomes have improved in general, there has only been a modest improvement in long-term overall survival of metastatic colorectal cancer, particularly in African–Americans [1]. Conversely, the cost of colorectal cancer care has dramatically increased, and continues to rise. The National Cancer Institute has projected the cost of colorectal cancer care (all stages) to increase from an estimated US$7.49 billion in 2000 to an estimated US$14.03 billion in 2020, if it follows the current epidemiologic trend [3]. In this article, I discuss the pattern of changes in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer, the long-term outcomes and the associated cost. Management recommendations & long-term outcomes The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) clinical practice guidelines are evidence-based and consensusdriven recommendations, which are frequently used by medical oncologists for decision-making and by insurance companies to decide on reimbursements. NCCN colorectal guidelines are closely followed in clinical practice in NCCN institutions and are taken as a benchmark to measure quality. I reviewed the NCCN colorectal cancer guidelines from 2000, 2007 and 2014 to determine the changes in the recommendations for the management of metastatic colorectal cancer [4–6]. The more recent guidelines recommend routine CT scan of chest, PET for potentially surgically curable disease (2007), MRI abdomen/pelvis if a CT scan is deemed inadequate, testing for KRAS gene status and multidisciplinary evaluation (2014). There is a greater emphasis on the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in borderline resectable disease. Adjuvant, neoadjuvant or definite chemotherapy armamentarium was expanded to include several regimens,
Thermolysis of the phenyltin chlorides, PhxSnCl4-x, (x=1-3): products and pathways

The thermal degradation of triphenyltin chloride, diphenyltin dichloride and phenyltin trichloride has been studied by pyrolysis at 375°C in sealed tubes for various time periods. In all cases, biphenyl and tin(II) chloride are produced. For both phenyltin trichloride and diphenyltin dichloride, ter- and poly-phenyls are also obtained. In some cases tin(IV) chloride or elemental tin are obtained. Pathways that account for all observed products are presented.
The Impact of a New Retail Brand In-Store Boutique and its Perceived Fit with the Parent Retail Brand on Store Performance and Customer Spending

With data from a specialty apparel retailer, we present two studies that investigate the impact of an in-store boutique displaying merchandise of a new retail brand on overall performance of the parent stores in which the boutiques are placed, and on customer spending on merchandise offered by each of the two brands. Findings from the two studies generally support that the in-store boutique enhances three key store-level metrics: average customer transaction value per store visit; comparable sales growth from one year to the next; and customer conversion ratio. At the customer-level both studies show that average customer transaction value on merchandise offered by the new brand is negatively related to average customer transaction value on the parent brand, and vice versa. Furthermore, both studies reveal that the relationship between the perceived fit between the two brands and average customer transaction value on the parent brand increases at an increasing rate (positive main and quadratic effects of perceived fit), but that the impact of perceived fit on average customer transaction value on the in-store boutique brand increases at a deceasing rate (positive main effect, but a negative quadratic effect of perceived fit). Implications for retail practice and theory are offered.
Limiting distributions for additive functionals on Catalan trees

Additive tree functionals represent the cost of many divide-and-conquer algorithms. We derive the limiting distribution of the additive functionals induced by toll functions of the form (a) nα when α > 0 and (b) log n (the so-called shape functional) on uniformly distributed binary trees, sometimes called Catalan trees. The Gaussian law obtained in the latter case complements the central limit theorem for the shape functional under the random permutation model. Our results give rise to an apparently new family of distributions containing the Airy distribution (α = 1) and the normal distribution [case (b), and case (a) as α ↓ 0]. The main theoretical tools employed are recent results relating asymptotics of the generating functions of sequences to those of their Hadamard product, and the method of moments.
Proteomic analysis of bone cancer: a review of current and future developments.

The ability of sophisticated proteomic approaches to scrutinize the dynamic nature of protein expression, cellular and subcellular protein distribution, post-translational modifications, and protein–protein interactions has culminated in the identification of many potential new therapeutic targets and an abundance of cancer-related biomarkers. From a proteomics perspective, amongst the most under-studied diseases are bone cancers, such as myeloma, osteosarcoma and breast and prostate cancer bony metastases. This review focuses on the recent advances in proteomic technology that have thrust the skeletal cancer field into this exciting age of proteomics, and highlights the future work that is required to adapt this technology to specifically interrogate the skeletal consequences of malignancy.
Effect of Relative Humidity on Repetitive Impact Behavior of Machined Silicon Nitride

Silicon nitride is a promising candidate material to replace metallic valves in internal combustion engines. Its attractive mechanical properties relative to conventional alloys are expected to lead to reduced valve wear. As valves operate under combined conditions of impact and sliding contact, the durability of Si3N4 under a repetitive 45° impact was studied to assess the performance of these materials as valves. A significant effect of relative humidity on the impact behavior of Si3N4 was noticed. Humid conditions resulted in a significant increase in impact wear resistance. This increase appears to be related to the differences in fracture modes under humid versus dry conditions. A possible mechanism for the observed humidity effects in Si3N4 is advanced to explain the change in fracture modes. Increased impact resistance is expected to be a useful property for valve materials, as engine atmospheres contain significant amounts of water vapor resulting from the combustion reactions.
Network synthesis using legendre and hermite polynomials

Abstract The range and variety of networks to be synthesized are extended by making use of the Legendre and modified Hermite polynomial functions. The Legendre polynomial transmission networks produce the least amount of ripple in the pass-band for a specific amount of skirt selectivity, and the least amount of group delay distortion as compared to that of the Tschebyscheff networks. Synthesis techniques are used to obtain the low-pass prototypes of these networks on a normalized unitary basis as regards both frequency and impedance level scaling. The low-pass prototype networks are then resealed to the real frequency domain and impedance desired of the particular network. The uniform dissipation predistortion technique is used to compensate for incidental dissipation present in the reactive elements used in the physical construction of the networks. The transient response to a unit impulse or delta function is worked out for a Legendre low-pass prototype network. A Legendre low-pass filter is constructed. Experimental measurements made on this structure are compared with their theoretical characteristics.
Long-lifetime luminescence of lanthanide-doped gadolinium oxide nanoparticles for immunoassays

Abstract This paper reports the luminescence spectra and lifetimes of lanthanide-doped Gd2O3 nanoparticles to identify long-lifetime luminescent reporters for immunoassays. The particles were prepared by gas-phase condensation and then annealed to obtain crystalline single-phase particles. Tb3+, Dy3+, and Eu3+ provide strong emission lines at 544, 573, and 611 nm, respectively. Of these three dopants, Dy3+ was the most sensitive to concentration quenching, but retained a lifetime of 120 μs at a concentration of ∼1%.
Peripheral mechanisms of erectile dysfunction in a rat model of chronic cocaine use.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the peripheral mechanisms of erectile dysfunction (ED) in a rat model of triple-binge cocaine administration. Methods Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats ( n =24) were divided into two groups: group 1, control rats receiving vehicle (saline); group 2, rats receiving binge cocaine injections. After completion of triple-binge cocaine or saline injections, both groups underwent an in vivo, neurogenic-mediated erectile response protocol to assess intracavernosal pressure (ICP). Penile endothelin-A and -B receptors (ET A R and ET B R), plasma levels of big endothelin-1 (big-ET-1), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein expression were assessed. To analyze nitric oxide (NO) production, we measured plasma nitrate-nitrite levels and quantitated myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in cavernosal tissues to determine reactive oxygen species generation. Endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation responses were evaluated in vitro. Data were analyzed with Student t test . Results Triple-binge cocaine administration caused significantly decreased erectile responses as measured by ICP in vivo. Plasma big-ET-1 levels were significantly increased in the triple-binge cocaine treatment group compared with control animals. In the penis, triple-binge cocaine administration significantly increased ET A R expression compared with saline controls, while ET B R expression was not altered. Cocaine-treated rats had significantly decreased eNOS expression and NO production. The activity of tissue MPO was significantly increased in the cocaine group compared with control rats. Organ bath studies demonstrated that triple-binge cocaine resulted in a 64% reduction in maximal relaxation compared with the control group. Conclusion This study demonstrates that triple-binge cocaine administration significantly reduces erectile function in rats. The pathophysiologic mechanisms that are likely involved include increased plasma big-ET-1 levels, increased penile ET A R expression, increased penile MPO activity, and reduced penile eNOS expression.
Broken down by age and sex: Projecting the American jewish population

L'objectif de cet article est de proposer une serie limitee de projections de la croissance ou du declin futurs de la population juive americaine, en se basant sur la connaissance actuelle des conditions demographiques et sociales. Il n'apparait pas clairement ou se situe la limite entre les inquietudes individuelles des Juifs americains et les inquietudes institutionnelles des chefs juifs en ce qui concerne le nombre et la composition de la communaute. L'article enumere une variete d'implications a cause de ce changement qui apparait dans le nombre et la composition de la population juive.
A four-dimensional formulation of defect dynamics and some of its consequences

Abstract A 4-dimensional formulation of the equations of defect dynamics is given through use of concepts from the exterior calculus. The formulation provides a clear separation of the three basic effects; geometric responses of bodies to loadings, evolution of dislocations, and evolution of disclinations. The theory is shown to admit a 45-fold gauge group and a system of natural gauge conditions whereby the elastic and the plastic parts of the responses may be disentangled. The gauge conditions also lead to both spatial and temporial nonlocality. Self-equilibrating dislocations and disclinations (i.e. those for which there is no plastic distortion or velocity) are shown to exist and conditions for their elimination are given. A complete analogy is established between defect dynamics and co-occupying systems of electromagnetic fields with both electric and magnetic charges and currents. Analogous magnetic charges and currents are shown to vanish only if there are no disclinations present. The gauge group structure and the electrodynamic analogy provide expectations of parallels with Yang-Mills type unified gauge theories. A constitutive theory is obtained through use of the practices of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, one example of which leads to a natural implementation of a yield criteria, an incremental law of plastic distortion, and a proof of Drucker's postulate.
Retrospective analysis of the results of liver transplantation for adults with severe hepatopulmonary syndrome

The hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), consisting of elevated alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient and intrapulmonary vascular abnormalities in the presence of advanced liver disease, is associated with high mortality. Liver transplantation (LT) has been used for the treatment of HPS; however, the success of LT for the treatment of HPS is not uniformly documented. We reviewed our experience over a 5-year period and identified eight adult patients with incapacitating respiratory symptoms compatible with HPS. Inclusion criteria included hypoxemia, normal lung volumes, reduced oxygen diffusing capacity (D(L)CO), and the presence of intrapulmonary shunting. Underlying liver disease was caused by hepatitis C (2 patients), primary biliary cirrhosis (1 patient), cryptogenic cirrhosis (1 patient), alcohol (2 patients), and hepatitis C with alcohol (2 patients). Six out of eight patients required preoperative oxygen support. Severe hypoxemia was present in seven patients (Pa(O2) 51.5 +/- 8.2 mm Hg). Three patients had complicating pulmonary hypertension. All patients exhibited a severely reduced D(L)CO (44.6 +/- 12.2% of predicted value). Six patients were transplanted, with five requiring oxygen support at the time of discharge. Resolution of oxygen dependency occurred in all patients but was delayed in the two patients exhibiting complicating pulmonary hypertension (288.5 +/- 37.4 v 53.5 +/- 35.7 days). All patients exhibited O2 saturations greater than 98% on room air. Currently, three patients are alive and off oxygen. The current report documents successful resolution of hypoxemia after LT in this pilot cohort. This supports the newly implemented United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) criteria, that LT for HPS may be extended to include patients with Pa(O2) < 60 mm Hg.
Neurocardiogenic Injury in Neurovascular Disorders

cardiac injury occurs frequently after stroke; and the most widely investigated form of neurocardiogenic injury is aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Echocardiography and screening for elevated troponin and B-type natriuretic peptide levels may help prognosticate and guide treatment of stroke. Cardiac catheterization is not routinely recommended in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients with left ventricular dysfunction and elevated troponin. The priority should be treatment of the underlying neurologic condition, even in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Cardiac injury that occurs after subarachnoid hemorrhage appears to be reversible. In contrast to subarachnoid hemorrhage patients, patients with ischemic stroke are more likely to have concomitant significant heart disease. For patients who develop brain death, cardiac evaluation under optimal conditions may help increase the organ donor pool.
The Physics of Tablet Compression. II. The Influence of Degree of Compression on Properties of Table

A study has been made of the influence of compressional force employed in tablet compression on the apparent density, porosity, hardness, disintegration time, and average primary particle size of compressed tablets, The data obtained for the sulfathiazole granulations studied indicate that there is a logarithmic relationship between the compressional force and the apparent density or the porosity of the tablets and that the pressure distribution inside the die cavity during the compressional process appears to be quite uniform. Neither hardness nor disintegration time seems to be strongly influenced by granulation size distribution. The following appear to have linear relationships: the plot between Strong Cobb Hardness and the logarithm of the compressional force; hardness and porosity; and the logarithm of disintegration time when plotted against the compressional force. The specific surface areas of compressed tablets undergo marked changes during the compressional process, exhibiting pronounced maxima at 2,500 lbs. for 3/8‐inch tablets.
Crime, public opinion and trial courts: An analysis of sentencing policy

Much recent research on public opinion and trial courts demonstrates a link between local attitudes and sentencing in highly visible criminal cases. However, such crimes are not typical of most trial court work. Our research examines relationships between public opinion, crime rates, and sentencing in routine cases, including armed and unarmed robbery, burglary, larceny, and possession of narcotics. The research includes over 6000 cases and measures public opinion in all twenty of Florida's trial court circuits. Except for possession of narcotics, no significant correlations were discovered between public opinion and sentencing, but high crime rates generally produced lenient sentences. The research questions the impact of public opinion on most litigation and suggests that judicial elites usually act without concern for local public opinion.
The use of immobilized osteogenic growth peptide on gradient substrates synthesized via click chemistry to enhance MC3T3-E1 osteoblast proliferation.

In this study, we report the use of surface immobilized peptide concentration gradient technology to characterize MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cell response to osteogenic growth peptide (OGP), a small peptide found naturally in human serum at μmol/L concentrations. OGP was coupled to oxidized self assembled monolayer (SAM) gradients by a polyethylene oxide (PEO) linker using click chemistry. After 4 h incubation with MC3T3-E1 cells, OGP functionalized surfaces had higher cell attachment at low peptide concentrations compared to control gradients. By day 3, OGP gradient substrates had higher cell densities compared to control gradients at all concentrations. MC3T3-E1 cell doubling time was 35% faster on OGP substrates relative to SAM gradients alone, signifying an appreciable increase in cell proliferation. This increase in cell proliferation, or decrease in doubling time, due to OGP peptide was reduced by day 7. Hence, immobilized OGP increased cell proliferation from 0 days to 3 days at all densities indicating it may be useful as a proliferative peptide that can be used in tissue engineering substrates.
Photon Arrival-Time Interval Distribution (PAID): A Novel Tool for Analyzing Molecular Interactions

Photon arrival-time interval distribution (PAID) analysis is a new method for monitoring macromolecular interactions. PAID uses fluorescence fluctuations to extract simultaneously coincidence, brightness in multiple channels, diffusion time, and concentration of fluorescently labeled molecules diffusing in a confocal detection volume. PAID is based on recording arrival times of photons detected on one or more detection channels and plotting two-dimensional histograms of photon pairs, where one axis is the time interval between each pair of photons 1 and 2 (in general not consecutive or detected in the same channel) and the second axis is the number of other photons detected (not necessarily detected in the same channels as photons 1 and 2) in the time interval between detection of photons 1 and 2. PAID is related to fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) by a collapse of the PAID histogram onto the time interval axis. PAID extends auto- and crosscorrelation FCS by measuring the brightness of fluorescent species. Studies of fluorescently labeled DNA demonstrate the capabilities of PAID to analyze interactions: PAID detected that DNA carrying two copies of the fluorophore Cy3B is twice as bright as DNA carrying only one copy (simulating dimer vs monomer). PAID also distinguished well between DNA carrying only one fluorophore (Cy3 or Cy5) and DNA carrying both Cy3 and Cy5 (simulating complex vs free components). Solutions containing mixtures of these DNA fragments were successfully analyzed. Studies of Escherichia coli RNA-polymerase-DNA interactions demonstrate the ability of PAID to analyze the complex mixtures expected in studies of macromolecular interactions. The statistical accuracy of PAID matches the accuracy of other fluorescence fluctuation methods while providing additional information.
Children in the public eye: The functioning of Pastors' children.

Pastors' children have been thought to have more behavioral problems than other children since they face high expectations and are part of families that are often under public scrutiny. The purpose of this study was to describe the social competencies and behavioral problems of a national sample of pastors' children, aged 4–16, and to compare them to age and sex standardized norms. Data were obtained on 98 children from a random sample of 62 families, using the Child Behavior Checklist. Results indicate that scores for both boys and girls at each age grouping fell within the acceptable norms for both social competencies and behavioral problems.