cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrokinetic studies on fibrinogen. IV. The effect of thrombin and heparin on the fibrinogen-solid interfacial potential

Abstract Streaming-potential studies were done to evaluate the effect of heparin and also thrombin on the ζ-potential of fibrinogen solutions in contact with capillary surfaces. It is found that unclotted mixtures of thrombin and fibrinogen streamed through clean capillaries have ζ-potentials higher than the fibrinogen in the pH range of 5.5–8. Polymerizing mixtures have ζ-potentials slightly below those for fibrinogen. Heparin is found to increase the ζ-potential of fibrinogenated Teflon and Pyrex capillaries. It is demonstrated that the previous history of the capillary surface influences the extent of these increases. Higher ζ-potentials for mixtures of heparin and fibrinogen are obtained with clean surfaces than with coated capillaries at several pH values. The effect of increasing the heparin concentration in the mixtures streamed through clean capillaries for several fibrinogen concentration levels at pH 7.4 was investigated. It is observed that the ζ-potentials increase to a maximum and remain constant thereafter as the heparin concentration is increased. These results are discussed in terms of electrostatic interaction and a mass-action mechanism.
Heavy metals and the origin of life

The functional value of heavy metals in proto-cells was immense and involved critical roles in catalysis of molecular synthesis, translation, electrical neutrality and conduction, energy capture, cross-linking and precipitation (stabilizers of protective cell walls), and to a limited extent, osmotic pressure control. Metals must have modulated the evolutionary choices of the types of building blocks, such as ribose sugars as a constituent of RNA, or the the chirality and enantiopurity of many biomolecules. The formation of an enclosing membrane led to intracellular prokaryotic life (believed to have originated in an anaerobic environment) and much enhanced control over primary metabolism, the uptake and incorporation of heavy metals and the management of biomolecules (especially RNA, DNA and proteins) that were formed. Cells of the most primitive organisms (archaebacteria) reveal complex mechanisms designed specifically to deal with selective pressures from metal-containing environments including intra- and extra-cellular sequestration, exclusion by cell wall barrier, removal through active efflux pumps, enzymatic detoxification, and reduction in sensitivity of cellular targets to metal ions. Adaptation to metals using a variety of chromosomal, and transposon and plasmid-mediated systems began early in the evolution of life on Earth. Recent studies, however, show that the roles played by many heavy metals have changed over time. Divalent lead, for instance, has relinquished its unique catalytic role in the conversion of carbohydrates into ribose in the prebiotic world. The putative elements that dominated the primordial biochemistry were V, Mo, W, Co, Fe(II) and Ni; with the development of oxygenated atmosphere, these elements gave way to Zn, Cu and Fe(III) in their metabolic functions.
First atmospheric neutrinos seen by the super-kamiokande detector

We give a brief description of the first atmospheric neutrinos seen in the 22.5 kiloton fiducial volume of the Super-Kamiokande ring-imaging water Cerenkov detector. Considering only sub-GeV (less than 1.33 GeV) fully contained events, 257 events are found in 36.68 days of livetime.
Use of Virtual 3-Dimensional Surgery in Post-Traumatic Craniomaxillofacial Reconstruction

Traumatic craniofacial injuries often present as difficult reconstructive challenges for maxillofacial surgeons. Reconstruction is often complicated by significant soft tissue loss, comminuted bony fragments, a tenuous blood supply, and wound contamination. For panfacial injuries, restoration of normal facial width, facial height, and sagittal projection may be difficult to achieve. Marked swelling may limit the surgeons' ability to palpate and recognize subtle bony defects and malunion. Furthermore, a true 3-dimensional assessment of bony alignment may not be possible with traditional surgical exposures to the craniofacial skeleton. This article builds on previous work that introduced the use of 3-dimensionally guided surgery for microvascular free-flap reconstruction of the craniofacial skeleton. Use of this technology improves the planning, timing, and overall precision of microvascular reconstructive surgery. Based on this experience, a similar approach to reconstructing patients with significant craniofacial trauma has been adopted.
A moment generating function (MGF)-based approach for performance evaluation of space-time coded communication systems

A few years back, a generic analysis approach referred to as the MGF method was introduced for the purpose of simplifying the evaluation of the performance of digital communication over fading channels. A particular case of high interest that fell under the umbrella of the methodology was the evaluation of the average error probability performance of systems that employ receive diversity to combat multipath as well as the possible inclusion of error-correcting coding/decoding for improving power efficiency. In this paper, we extend the methodology to space-time coded systems. Illustrative examples are explicitly given for space-time trellis coding. The emphasis of the paper is on the performance analysis tools and their application, as opposed to the design of the space-time codes themselves. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of ARIMA and Random Forest time series models for prediction of avian influenza H5N1 outbreaks

Time series models can play an important role in disease prediction. Incidence data can be used to predict the future occurrence of disease events. Developments in modeling approaches provide an opportunity to compare different time series models for predictive power. We applied ARIMA and Random Forest time series models to incidence data of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in Egypt, available through the online EMPRES-I system. We found that the Random Forest model outperformed the ARIMA model in predictive ability. Furthermore, we found that the Random Forest model is effective for predicting outbreaks of H5N1 in Egypt. Random Forest time series modeling provides enhanced predictive ability over existing time series models for the prediction of infectious disease outbreaks. This result, along with those showing the concordance between bird and human outbreaks (Rabinowitz et al. 2012), provides a new approach to predicting these dangerous outbreaks in bird populations based on existing, freely available data. Our analysis uncovers the time-series structure of outbreak severity for highly pathogenic avain influenza (H5N1) in Egypt.
Clinical and laboratory evaluation of visible light-cured denture base resins and their application to orthodontics

A series of investigations is being conducted to examine the applicability of visible light-cured resins to orthodontics. The experimental vehicle is the Hawley retainer, which is made from autopolymerized (AP), heat-cured (HC), thermoplastic Biocryl 2 (BC), and Traid visible light-cured (VLC) resins. In all physical property testing, it was found that VLC resins met or exceeded required values as established by ADA Specification No. 12 for denture base polymers. In vitro bacterial adherence studies showed that more organisms adhered to heat-cured specimens than to the other specimens. In vivo studies using split-palate Hawley retainers demonstrated slightly less bacterial adherence to BC than to the other resins. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations have shown the BC surface to be the smoothest, although surface chemistry also seems important. None of the materials being tested appears to cause any significant change in the subjacent subgingival bacterial flora. There was no adverse tissue reaction under any of the materials when observed clinically. Manipulation characteristics and time of fabrication appear to be dependent on the depth of the palate and the skill of the operator.
Asymptotic stability of beneš filters

The asymptotic behavior of the explicit solution to the Benes filtering problem is studied. It is shown that there is a universal, data-dependent change of location that renders any Benes filter asymptotic to a fixed normal distribution. Asymptotic stability of Benes filters follows as a result; that is, the variational distance between any two, differently initialized solutions of the Kushner-Stratonovich equation converges to zero in the infinite time limit. It is also shown the relative entropy between differently initialized solutions converges to zero. More careful relative entropy bounds are used to derive exponential convergence of the variational distance between filters
Growth Hormone Regulates Ternary Complex Factors and Serum Response Factor Associated with the c-fos Serum Response Element

For insight into the mechanisms of gene regulation by growth hormone (GH), the regulation of transcription factors associated with the serum response element (SRE) located upstream of c-fos was examined. The SRE can mediate induction of reporter expression in response to GH. For insight into the mechanism by which GH regulates transcription factors, regulation of SRE-associated proteins by GH was examined. In nuclear extracts from 3T3-F442A fibroblasts, several SRE-binding complexes were identified by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. GH treatment for 2-10 min transiently increased binding of two complexes; binding returned to control values within 30 min. The two GH-stimulated complexes were supershifted by antibodies against the serum response factor (SRF), indicating that they contained SRF or an antigenically related protein. One of the GH-stimulated complexes was supershifted by antibody against Elk-1, suggesting that it contains a ternary complex factor (TCF) such as Elk-1 in addition to SRF. Induction of binding by GH was lost when the SRF binding site in the SRE was mutated, and mutation of either the SRF or TCF binding site altered the pattern of protein binding to the SRE. Mutation of the SRF or TCF binding site in SRE-luciferase plasmids inhibited the ability of GH to stimulate reporter expression, supporting a role for both SRF and TCF in GH-induced transcription of c-fos via the SRE. The TCF family member Elk-1 is capable of mediating GH-stimulated transcription, since GH-stimulated reporter expression was mediated by the transcriptional activation domain of Elk-1. Consistent with this stimulation, GH rapidly and transiently stimulated the serine phosphorylation of Elk-1. The increase was evident within 10 min and subsided after 30 min. Taken together, these data indicate that SRF and TCF contribute to GH-promoted transcription of c-fos via the SRE and are consistent with GH-promoted phosphorylation of Elk-1 contributing to GH-promoted transcriptional activation via the SRE.
Effects of Strength, Permeability, and Air Void Parameters on Freezing-Thawing Resistance of Concrete with and without Air Entrainment

The present research is aimed at investigating effects of concrete properties, particularly concrete rapid chloride permeability, strength, and air void parameters, on freezing-thawing (FT) resistance. In this study, concrete mixtures are made with different types of cement (Types I with 15 % class C fly ash and Type IP cements), different water-to-binder ratios (w/b=0.25, 0.35, 0.45, and 0.55), and with or without air entraining agent. The 28-day compressive strength, rapid chloride permeability, and FT durability of the concrete are determined according to ASTM C873, C1202, and C666A, respectively. The air void parameters of the concrete are measured with air void analyzer, Rapid Air, and porosity (ASTM C642) tests. The results indicate that although concrete made with a low w/b (≤0.35) has low rapid chloride permeability (≤1320 C), it generally still requires proper air entrainment for a desirable FT resistance (with a durability factor of ≥85 %), except for the concrete having very low rapid chloride permeability (520 C) and very high 28-day compressive strength (88 MPa or 12 760 psi). For the non-air-entrained concrete studied, there are clear relationships between FT durability and porosity, w/b, and permeability. However, such relationships do not exist for air-entrained concrete. The FT resistance of air-entrained concrete is largely dependent on the concrete air void characteristics.
The structure of the gene encoding the human skeletal muscle alpha 1 subunit of the dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type calcium channel (CACNL1A3).

The structure of the gene encoding the human skeletal muscle {alpha}{sub 1} subunit (CACNL1A3) of the dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-dependent calcium channel was determined by isolation of overlapping genomic DNA clones from human cosmid, phage, and P1 libraries. Genomic fragments containing exons were subcloned, and the sequences of the exons and flanking introns were defined. Knowledge of the genomic structure of the CACNL1A3 gene, which spans 90 kb and consists of 44 exons, will facilitate the search for additional mutations in CACNL1A3 that cause neuromuscular disease. 12 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
Effects of PRE and POST therapy drug-pressure selected mutations on HIV-1 protease conformational sampling

Conformational sampling of pre- and post-therapy subtype B HIV-1 protease sequences derived from a pediatric subject infected via maternal transmission with HIV-1 were characterized by double electron–electron resonance spectroscopy. The conformational ensemble of the PRE construct resembles native-like inhibitor bound states. In contrast, the POST construct, which contains accumulated drug-pressure selected mutations, has a predominantly semi-open conformational ensemble, with increased populations of open-like states. The single point mutant L63P, which is contained in PRE and POST, has decreased dynamics, particularly in the flap region, and also displays a closed-like conformation of inhibitor-bound states. These findings support our hypothesis that secondary mutations accumulate in HIV-1 protease to shift conformational sampling to stabilize open-like conformations, while maintaining the predominant semi-open conformation for activity.
REACTIVITY TO STRESS IN RATS AS A FUNCTION OF INFANTILE EXPERIENCE.

Levine(4) has suggested that rats stimulated during infancy may be more reactive to, but also recover more rapidly from, stress as adults than non-stimulated rats. These rats have a higher output of corticosterone and steroid production is greater in the 15-minute period following stress. Similarly, Bell, Reisner, and Linn(1) reported that recovery from electroconvulsive shock (ECS) is more rapid in rats handled the first 5 days of life, as compared with rats that were either handled or unhandled at later periods. They defined recovery from ECS by blood glucose levels taken 24 hours after ECS and immediately following ether anesthesia. Blood glucose levels did not differ for subjects handled the first five postnatal days that did or did not receive ECS. Furthermore, differences were found for subjects not so handled. Since ether anesthesia is a stressor in and of itself, however, 2 alternative conclusions could be drawn. Recovery from ECS may have been complete in all subjects 24 hours after ECS. Conseque...
A narrative analysis revealing strategic intent and posture

Purpose – This paper examines the letters to shareholders of Nike, Inc. and Reebok over the period 1990‐1999. Using narrative analysis, the purpose of this paper is to show how strategic intent of these two companies is revealed through their letters to shareholders.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative narrative analysis incorporating literary genres and strategic narratives and applying them to strategic schools of thought.Findings – Nike uses many narrative styles, suggesting they view events in a variety of ways in their sensemaking. Reebok, on the other hand, used a limited number of narrative styles, suggesting a limited view or interpretation of events.Research limitations/implications – Future research could include additional documents of the companies, both public and private.Practical implications – This analysis shows that companies can successfully use polyplotted and flexible narrative styles, whereas the old school of strategy suggested a single, unwavering course.Originality/value – ...
Chemical modification of polyester fiber surfaces by amination reactions with multifunctional amines

The feasibility of incorporating amine groups into the surface of polyester (PET) fibers by reaction with multifunctional amines was investigated. Reactions of diethylenetriamine (DETA), trethylenetetramine (TETTA), and tetraethylenepentamine (TTEPA) with PET monofilaments and with a multifilament yarn were studied. Microspectrophotometric examination of aminated fibers stained with an acid dye at low pH revealed the location and concentration of amine groups. Amination could be confined to the periphery and was found to be uniform on the fiber surface. The rate of the reaction, as revealed by acid dye staining, was characterized by an induction period followed by an autoaccelerated stage. Extent of incorporation of amine groups was found to be similar for the three amines. There is a significant improvement in water wettability due to surface amination, and the interfacial shear strength of TTEPA-treated PET monofilaments embedded in an epoxy resin matrix was almost doubled. As the amination reaction proceeds, there is a weakening of the reacted zone in the PET due to chain scission leading to a decrease in the interfacial shear strength. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed that failure occurred within the filament most probably between the reacted and unreacted zones. The tensile properties of the TTEPA-treated PET filaments were hardly affected at the investigated extents of amination.
The Impact of Gender on Binge Drinking Behavior Among U.S. College Students Attending a Midwestern University: An Analysis of Two Gender Measures

Using a critical feminist framework, the authors examine the relationship between gender role orientation and binge drinking among college students. Two measures of gender identity are employed: The Bem Sex Role Inventory and the Personal Attributes Questionnaire. The authors test the hypothesis that traditional masculine gender role orientation is predictive of contemporary binge drinking behavior among college students. Gender role orientation, as measured by each scale (independently and combined), has a significant impact on drinking. Masculine gender identity is a significant predictor of binge drinking while controlling for respondent’s sex. Binge drinking and its implications are discussed in the context of alcohol-related crime and victimization.
Gliding movements in Myxococcus xanthus.

Prokaryotic gliding motility is described as the movement of a cell on a solid surface in the direction of the cell9s long axis, but its mechanics are unknown. To investigate the basis of gliding, movements of individual Myxococcus xanthus cells were monitored by employing a video microscopy method by which displacements as small as 0.03 micron could be detected and speeds as low as 1 micron/min could be resolved. Single cells were observed to glide with speeds varying between 1 and 20 microns/min. We found that speed variation was due to differences in distance between the moving cell and the nearest cell. Cells separated by less than one cell diameter (0.5 micron) moved with an average speed of 5.0 micron/min, whereas cells separated by more than 0.5 micron glided with an average speed of 3.8 microns/min. The power to glide was found to be carried separately at both ends of a cell.
Photo‐assisted peptide enrichment in protein complex cross‐linking analysis of a model homodimeric protein using mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry analysis of cross-linked peptides can be used to probe protein contact sites in macromolecular complexes. We have developed a photo-cleavable cross-linker that enhances peptide enrichment, improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the cross-linked peptides in mass spectrometry analysis. This cross-linker utilizes nitro-benzyl alcohol group that can be cleaved by UV irradiation and is stable during the multiple washing steps used for peptide enrichment. The enrichment method utilizes a cross-linker that aids in eliminating contamination resulting from protein based retrieval systems, and thus, facilitates the identification of cross-linked peptides. Homodimeric pilM protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2192 (pilM) was investigated to test the specificity and experimental conditions. As predicted, the known pair of lysine side chains within 14A was cross-linked. An unexpected cross-link involving the protein’s amino terminus was also detected. This is consistent with the predicted mobility of the amino terminus that may bring the amino groups within 19A of one another in solution. These technical improvements allow this method to be used for investigating protein-protein interactions in complex biological samples.
A neural computation for canonical representations of nonlinear functions

An efficient constructive method to compute a canonical representation of any continuous nonlinear function with a neural network is presented. This neural network consists of only one hidden layer and the number of nodes in the hidden layer is estimated. A particular initial condition is chosen so that the backpropagation algorithm converges to a solution with an error between the neural network realization and the given function less than a given delta >0. Two simulation examples are used to demonstrate the method, and a simple application of this method to the design of a negative device is given. >
Regulatory factors for initial T lymphocyte lineage specification.

Purpose of review: Initiation of T lymphocyte development depends on balanced regulatory inputs from multiple essential transcription factors. This review highlights contributions of E2A, hematopoietic transcription factor PU.1, growth factor independence (Gfi)-1, T cell factor (TCF)-1, and Runx factors and their interactions with the Notch pathway to promote T cell development. Recent findings: E2A and Runx family factors have been implicated in establishing competent precursors in which Notch signaling can induce the T cell program. An early role was also indicated for PU.1. Later PU.1 activities are antagonistic to pro-T cell factors, however, including E proteins, Myb, Gfi-1, and TCF-1. Diversion to a non-T lineage can be promoted by PU.1, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein, or even GATA and TCF, but these diversion mechanisms are blocked by Notch signaling. An emergent gene network summarizes the cross-regulatory relationships among these factors. Summary: Entry into the T-cell pathway is controlled by a dynamic balance among essential regulatory factors that depend on Notch signaling not only to trigger initiation of the T-cell program but also to maintain the lineage fidelity of their collective action.
Ras inhibits thyroglobulin expression but not cyclic adenosine monophosphate-mediated signaling in Wistar rat thyrocytes.

We previously reported that microinjection of purified Ras protein stimulated DNA synthesis in quiescent Wistar rat thyrocytes and that TSH (TSH)-stimulated DNA synthesis was Ras-dependent. In contrast to these results, microinjection of cellular or oncogenic Ras significantly reduced TSH-stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) expression, a marker of thyrocyte differentiation. Microinjection of a dominant inhibitory Ras mutant had no effect on TSH-stimulated Tg expression. As the Tg promoter is cAMP-responsive and Ras was previously reported to interfere with entry of catalytic (C) subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase into the nucleus, experiments were performed to assess the effects of Ras on cAMP-mediated signaling. Microinjection of either cellular or oncogenic Ras had no effect on TSH-stimulated entry of C subunit into the nucleus. Consistent with these data, Ras did not reduce TSH-stimulated cAMP response element binding protein phosphorylation, or cAMP response element-regulated gene expression. Thes...
William James, the Self, and the Selective Industry of the Mind

William James observed that there was a "selective industry of the mind, " by which he meant that people attend to and define as meaningful those stimuli and experiences that they perceive as personally relevant and as suiting their private interests. James considered "selective industry " to be integral to all basic cognitive processes but to hold a special place with respect to the self system because of its role in the formation of identity and the energization and direction of behavior. In James's discussion of the self, selective industry is manifested as (a) the selection of identities to be valued and invested in and (b) the selective processing of information to support advantaged standing on valued domains. This article discusses major developments in the contemporary psychology of the self that demonstrate and elaborate on these two forms of "industry" and discusses at least one lapse in James's thinking about the self and one of his observations awaiting exploitation.
Plume heat flow is much lower than CMB heat flow

Plumes rising from the core‐mantle boundary (CMB) are often assumed to transport most, or all, of the heat conducted across the CMB. Here this assumption is explored using numerical convection models in idealized geometries that lead to a single plume under steady-state or near steady state conditions. Plume heat transport is calculated for different internal heating rates using two methods and compared to the CMB heat flux. For these conditions, it is found that the heat flux transported by plumes in the upper mantle is only a fraction of the core heat flux and, thus, core heat flow estimates derived from observed hotspots could be multiplied by a factor of several. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Discovery of a metabolic alternative to the classical mevalonate pathway

Eukarya, Archaea, and some Bacteria encode all or part of the essential mevalonate (MVA) metabolic pathway clinically modulated using statins. Curiously, two components of the MVA pathway are often absent from archaeal genomes. The search for these missing elements led to the discovery of isopentenyl phosphate kinase (IPK), one of two activities necessary to furnish the universal five-carbon isoprenoid building block, isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP). Unexpectedly, we now report functional IPKs also exist in Bacteria and Eukarya. Furthermore, amongst a subset of species within the bacterial phylum Chloroflexi, we identified a new enzyme catalyzing the missing decarboxylative step of the putative alternative MVA pathway. These results demonstrate, for the first time, a functioning alternative MVA pathway. Key to this pathway is the catalytic actions of a newly uncovered enzyme, mevalonate phosphate decarboxylase (MPD) and IPK. Together, these two discoveries suggest that unforeseen variation in isoprenoid metabolism may be widespread in nature. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00672.001
Identity of Comparative Psychology: Its Status and Advances in Evolutionary Theory and Genetics

Recent developments in theories in evolution, development and comparative psychology indicate that a redefinition of comparative psychology may be useful. A brief review of the marginalization of the scientific and academic identity of comparative psychology indicates the need to integrate contemporary thinking in evolutionary biology, genomics and developmental theory. Schneirla’s concept of integrative levels, punctuated equilibrium and exaptation theory elaborated by Eldredge, Gould, and Vrba, and advances in genomics (e.g., retrotransposon function) would be helpful in countering the marginalization of comparative psychology. A provisional redefinition is offered for discussion by those who identify themselves as members of the discipline; comparative psychology is the science of the elucidation of similarities and differences in the evolution and development of the activity of all species to illume the processes by which their activity contributes to the beneficence of their relationship to the abiotic and biotic aspects of the environment. Comparative psychology as a “science” emphasizes methods of investigation relating to all levels of the integration of processes that are relevant to the evolution and development of the activity of all species.
Blood Transfusion–Acquired Hemoglobin C

Unexpected and confusing laboratory test results can occur if a blood sample is inadvertently collected following a blood transfusion. A potential for transfusion-acquired hemoglobinopathy exists because heterozygous individuals show no significant abnormalities during the blood donor screening process. Such spurious results are infrequently reported in the medical literature. We report a case of hemoglobin C passively transferred during a red blood cell transfusion. The proper interpretation in our case was assisted by calculations comparing expected hemoglobin C concentration with the measured value. A review of the literature on transfusion-related preanalytic errors is provided.
Pharmacokinetics of tofacitinib, a janus kinase inhibitor, in patients with impaired renal function and end-stage renal disease.

The pharmacokinetics (PK) of tofacitinib were assessed in patients with mild (Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance >50 and ≤80 mL/min), moderate (≥30 and ≤50 mL/min), and severe (<30 mL/min) renal impairment, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis. Six patients each with normal, mild, moderate, or severely impaired renal function, and 12 patients with ESRD, received single tofacitinib doses of 10 mg. PK data were obtained from blood and dialyzate (patients with ESRD only) samples prior and subsequent to dosing and/or hemodialysis (patients with ESRD only). Relative to patients with normal renal function, mean (90% CI) AUC(0-∞) ratios were 137% (97-195), 143% (101-202), and 223% (157-316) in patients with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment, respectively. Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax ) were similar across the four treatment groups. Terminal phase half-life (t1/2 ) increased with severity of renal impairment. Mean AUC(0-∞) in patients with ESRD on a non-dialysis day was similar to that in patients with moderate renal impairment and approximately 40% greater than healthy volunteer data. Mean (SD) dialyzer efficiency (ratio of dialyzer clearance/blood flow entering the dialyzer) was 0.73 (0.15). However, due to extensive non-renal clearance, dialysis procedure is unlikely to result in significant elimination of tofacitinib.
Controlling hopping height of a pneumatic monopod

We describe a model-based height controller for a hopping robot with a pneumatically powered leg. The controller explicitly models variation in the leg angle and height. Using an explicit model of the physics of the pneumatic spring and some symmetry assumptions, we derive the desired leg-length setting to regulate apex hopping height using a PD controller. Simulation experiments of hopping in the sagittal plane show reasonable height regulation. For low-speed running, we take advantage of the small variations in the leg angle about the vertical, and demonstrate that the original symmetry assumptions may be relaxed by restricting the leg angle to /spl pi//2. Simulations show that the restricted model outperforms the original model by a small but significant amount.
Clustering analysis of SAGE data using a Poisson approach

Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) data have been poorly exploited by clustering analysis owing to the lack of appropriate statistical methods that consider their specific properties. We modeled SAGE data by Poisson statistics and developed two Poisson-based distances. Their application to simulated and experimental mouse retina data show that the Poisson-based distances are more appropriate and reliable for analyzing SAGE data compared to other commonly used distances or similarity measures such as Pearson correlation or Euclidean distance.
Self-reports of sexual abuse, mental health status, and perceived confusion of family roles : a retrospective study of college students

This study examined the possibility that mental health problems which may result from sexual abuse are exacerbated by a confusion of family roles in the victim's perception of the family of origin. A sample of 234 undergraduate students completed a questionnaire. Analyses confirmed associations between (1) perceived sexual abuse and indicators of mental health problems, (2) confusion of family roles and perceived sexual abuse, and (3) mental health problems and confusion of family roles. A good prediction of the occurrence of mental health problems could only be obtained if both perceived sexual abuse and the confusion of family roles were considered.
Evidence-based clinical decision support improves the appropriate use of antibiotics and rapid strep testing

Commentary on: McGinn TG, McCullagh L, Kannry J, et al. Efficacy of an evidence-based clinical decision support in primary care practices: a randomised clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med 2013;173:1584–91.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Various forms of clinical decision support (CDS) involve the use of data entered within the electronic health record (EHR) containing components of clinical documentation and results. This study addresses the clinical impact of CDS for pharyngitis on evidence-based practices and evaluates challenges to achievement of large-scale adoption rates. The research findings include outcome and process measures that can be used to determine the efficacy of clinical prediction rules within the provider work flow. A randomised clinical trial evaluated two evidence-based clinical prediction rules (CPR) used in ambulatory primary care clinics by physicians, residents, fellows and nurse practitioners. The study used both clinical outcomes and process measures to determine the efficacy and … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJAMA%2BIntern%2BMed%26rft.volume%253D173%26rft.spage%253D1584%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1001%252Fjamainternmed.2013.8980%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23896675%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.8980&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=23896675&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F3%2F118.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000325210600005&link_type=ISI
Imaging of the Calcaneus

The anatomy of the calcaneus is complex with multiple processes and grooves for support of related bony and soft tissue structures. With respect to imaging, the calcaneus and its articulations are a diagnostic challenge to radiologists and clinicians. This article focuses on the use of commonly employed radiologic modalities with respect to the anatomy of the calcaneus and some of the more common and challenging conditions that affect the calcaneus.
Paleohydrologic bounds and extreme flood frequency of the Upper Arkansas River, Colorado, USA

article i nfo Article history: The Upper Arkansas River basin has experienced notable large floods, including the event of 2-6 June 1921 that devastated the city of Pueblo, Colorado. We investigated flood and paleoflood hydrology at strategic sites to determine the frequency and geographic extent of extreme floods within the basin for a dam safety application. Streamgage, historical, and paleoflood data were utilized to develop frequency curves at sites near Salida, Cotopaxi, Parkdale, and Pueblo. Soil/stratigraphic descriptions, radiocarbon dating, and hydraulic modeling were used to estimate paleoflood nonexceedance bounds at the four sites, which ranged from 400 to 2200 YBP for late Holocene surfaces to late Pleistocene surfaces near Cotopaxi. Peak-flow data are from lower-magnitude snowmelt runoff in May and June in the upper basin and from high-magnitude rainfall runoff from June to August in the lower basin. Flood frequency curves reflect this transition near Parkdale from snowmelt to extreme rainfall-runoff. For similar return periods, paleoflood peak discharges increase from about 480 m 3 /s upstream at Loma Linda to about 4250 m 3 /s downstream near Pueblo. This increase is attributed to the larger rainfall component derived from lower elevations between Loma Linda and Pueblo. Return periods for design floods at Pueblo Dam exceeded 10,000 years based on paleoflood frequency curve extrapolations.
Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapy of Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Major technical advances in the medical and surgical therapy for congenital heart defects (CHD) over the last 40 years have allowed the majority of infants born with CHD to survive to adulthood. Indeed, roughly two thirds of all CHD patients in the USA are now adults. Despite their improved survival, these patients continue to face the sequelae of their original defects and of their surgical correction. One of the principal predictors of long-term outcomes in patients with both palliated and unpalliated CHD is the state of the pulmonary vasculature and the presence or absence of pulmonary vascular disease. Over the past two decades, there have been dramatic strides in the understanding of the pathophysiology of pulmonary vascular disease, and this improved understanding has permitted the development of targeted drug therapies for pulmonary hypertension. A growing body of clinical research has documented impressive results when patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH) are treated with these new agents. While the clinical research on subjects with PAH related to congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) has lagged behind that for iPAH patients, emerging data are establishing a clear role for these advanced therapeutic strategies in patients with PAH-CHD. This chapter will provide a basic overview of the pathophysiology of PAH-CHD and review the current evidence-based pharmacotherapy for this population of patients.
Chapter 38 – Sentinel Node Assays

Unfortunately, therapeutic cancer vaccines have not yet been as successful as prophylactic bacterial or viral vaccines. This may be attributed to numerous factors including the presence of cancer-associated immune dysfunction and pre-existing tolerance to cancer antigens. To improve cancer vaccine strategies, it is necessary to dissect the response to cancer vaccines so that obstacles to successful immune therapy can be identified and addressed. The induction of effective tumor immunity by cancer vaccines depends on multiple sequential events. 1 antigen delivery to antigen-presenting cells
Barriers in food allergy prevention

Exposure to food antigens, especially on inflamed skin, may promote the development of food allergy in some people. Identifying who is at risk is difficult because food allergy occurs at such a young age. Now, Kelleher and colleagues describe a significant association between skin barrier dysfunction in 2-day-old babies and the diagnosis of food allergy at age 2. These data may aid early identification of infants who can benefit from preventative interventions. The authors measured transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a measure of skin barrier function, at birth and at 2 and 6 months in 1903 infants. Later, when the children were 2 years of age, they screened 1260 for food sensitization and food allergy. The mean newborn TEWL was 7.32 gwater/m2/h, which increased to 10.97 at 2 months and 10.71 at 6 months. There were significant associations between atopic dermatitis (an inflammatory skin disease) at all time points and food sensitization and food allergy, as well as with food sensitization/food allergy at 2 years of age. Fully 74.5% of the children who had food allergy at age 2 were in the top 25% for skin barrier dysfunction on day 2 of life. These infants were over 3 times more likely than the others to have food allergies at 2 years of age. Even prior to the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, infants at high risk of food allergy can be identified at 2 days of life. The authors also discovered that in children with food allergy but no atopic dermatitis at age 2, 60% had high TEWL at birth and were 3.5 times more likely to have food allergy at 2 years of age. Thus, in the absence of any symptomatic skin inflammation or atopic dermatitis, a dysfunctional skin barrier at 2 days of life increased the risk of food allergy at 2 years of age. A deficient skin barrier can be present without symptoms and may lead to later sensitization and food allergy. The rising prevalence of food allergy and atopic dermatitis requires both primary and secondary prevention strategies. These new results point to a noninvasive test that may be used in combination with other factors to identify children most at risk for food allergy. M. M. Kelleher et al ., Skin barrier impairment at birth predicts food allergy at 2 years of age. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol . 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.12.1312 (2016). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(16)00113-5/pdf
Attraction of Harrisina americana and Acoloithus falsarius Males (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae) to (R)-(−)-2-butyl-(Z)-7-tetradecenoate

Males of two species of Zygaenidae, the grapeleaf skeletonizer, Harrisina americana (Guerin), and Acoloithus falsarius Clemens, were attracted to ( R )-(−)-2-butyl-( Z )-7-tetradecenoate in field trapping tests. Presence of the ( S )-(+) enantiomer in racemic 2-butyl-( Z )-7-tetradecenoate appeared to reduce trap catches of males of both species. Pure ( R )-(−)-2-butyl-( Z )-7-tetradecenoate may be useful as an attractant for monitoring emergence of grapeleaf skeletonizer moths and their population cycles in grape vineyards.
Automatic Speed Control System for Vehicle Approaching and Driving on a Curve

Based on the curvature information for an upcoming road, an automatic speed control system regulates vehicle speed to improve vehicle curve following performance. The road information is extracted from a digitally stored map using the current vehicle position obtained from Global Positioning System (GPS) data. Then, a safe curve speed is determined using the lateral dynamics of vehicle in turn to ensure proper curve handling. Other factors, such as vehicle characteristics, driver preferences, and road and environment conditions are also considered so that vehicle safety and driver comfort are enhanced. An acceleration command is generated from the current vehicle speed and the desired curve speed profile. Driving mode, such as conservative, normal, or aggressive mode, can be selected from the console for a desired driving style. The gain and preview time to determine the vehicle cornering speed are selected according to driver’s preference. The functional blocks of the system include computation of the road curvature, determination of a desired curve speed profile for the best cornering performance for an upcoming curve, and regulation of vehicle speed toward the desired speed. Signal input blocks and actuator control blocks are added to interface with the bus oriented sensors and actuators. The entrance and exit conditions block checks for various vehicle status signals to enter or exit the curve speed control mode gracefully. It also generates a diagnostic message when map data is absent or an error occurs on acceleration command computation. The vehicle studies indicated that the curve speed control system is effective in regulating vehicle speed during curve following maneuvers.Copyright © 2008 by General Motors
The shape of things to come

This novel excerpt introduces the reader to characters who find themselves in unusual circumstances, trying to make sense of a world they no longer understand. They are struggling to find peace, not only with themselves, but with the people they love.
The long history: the test ban debate

A ban on nuclear weapons tests is regarded by some as unfinished business in the attempt to inhibit. the spread of nuclear weapons and by others as a potential threat to natzonal securiti. This article traces briefly the long and complzcated hzstory of the negotzatzons to achieve a complete test ban.
Review Essay: The Clinic and the Court: Law, Medicine, and Anthropology. Edited by Ian Harper, Tobias Kelly, and Akshay Khanna (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2015). The Role of Social Science in Law. Edited by Elizabeth Mertz (Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2008).

This essay reviews The Clinic and the Court (Ian Harper, Tobias Kelly, and Akshay Khanna eds., 2015) and The Role of Social Science in Law (Elizabeth Mertz ed., 2008). One edited volume focuses on medicine; the other on social science. Each shows how expert discourses interact with the expert discourse of law, being shaped by it and shaping it from the inside. And each provides a chance to consider how we can study the role of context in law: how to recognize moments where legal actors pick out aspects of the world as relevant, how to evaluate their interpretations of those aspects, and how to trace those interpretations as they make their way into the law. Each piece brings face to face two expert discourses, each of which sometimes claims for itself a uniquely powerful, monolithic status. The challenge, then, is to believe neither at the same time: to show how both have porous borders, internally complex organization, and characteristics that are subject to change. That means imagining law and other expert disciplines not as complete, bounded wholes colliding on the field of the social, but as continuously interpenetrating influences on partly formed, partly developing tendencies. The essays in these important volumes usefully illuminate fissures in the walls that law builds to set itself off, showing how non-legal knowledges and methodologies operate in the very core of legal discourse, influencing legal decisions and processes from the inside. And they provide tools and approaches to use in illuminating other such areas. At the same time, I worry that at least parts of these books take a bit for granted the internal structure, and specifically the unity, of law itself. After all, the nature of legal action depends crucially on distributions of authority, divisions of labor, tropes of legitimation, and traditions of practice among the diverse persons and institutions that make up the state: the expert discourse of law itself is highly internally variegated. Even in these essays, where agency regulation permeates the action, the go-to image of the legal setting is the courtroom, with its judges, litigators, and opinions. What effect, I wonder, does the unmarked nature of that image — which captures such a tiny portion of actual legal practice — have on how we formulate scholarship about the law, and how we imagine that scholarship interacting with legal discourse?
Multicenter evaluation of the performance and clinical utility in longitudinal monitoring of the Bayer Immuno 1 complexed PSA assay.

Abstract We conducted a multicenter evaluation of the analytical and clinical performance of the automated Bayer Immuno 1 complexed PSA (cPSA) assay, and compared assay performance to the Bayer Immuno 1 PSA assay. We sought to determine whether measurements of cPSA could be of clinical utility in the management of patients with prostate cancer. Results of the 10-day imprecision across three evaluation sites produced total CV < 2.50% and an analytical sensitivity of 0.02 microgram/L. There was an increased trend in clinical sensitivity for prostate cancer with increasing stage of disease (71-86%). Clinical specificity for patients with benign urogenital disease was 74.8%, and for other nonprostate diseases ranged from 91.1-100%. Retrospective serial monitoring of 155 patients with prostate cancer demonstrated concordance of cPSA measurements to clinical status for 97% of the patients analyzed. Results from the clinical studies using the Bayer Immuno 1 cPSA assay were comparable to results obtained with the Bayer Immuno 1 PSA assay. The Bayer Immuno 1 cPSA assay demonstrates analytical performance and clinical effectiveness in the management of prostate cancer patients during the course of disease and therapy.