cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serum Proteomics of Older Patients Undergoing Major Cardiac Surgery: Identification of Biomarkers Associated With Postoperative Delirium

Background Postoperative delirium (POD) is an acute altered mental state commonly encountered after cardiac surgery. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying POD remain unclear. We aimed to identify circulating proteins significantly altered after major cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We also aimed to enable inferences on associations with POD. Methods Serum and whole blood samples were collected before CPB (n = 16 patients; n = 8 with POD) and again from the same patients on postoperative day 1. All patients were clinically evaluated for POD on postoperative days 1-3. An aptamer-based proteomics platform (SOMAscan) was used to quantify serum protein abundance in patients with POD compared with non-POD controls. We also performed a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-based in vitro functional analysis (TruCulture) on whole blood samples from patients with POD and non-POD controls to approximate surgical stress. Cytokine levels were determined using a Luminex immunoassay. Results Cardiac surgery with CPB resulted in a significant (padj < 0.01) change in 48.8% (637 out of 1,305) of proteins detected by SOMAscan. Gene set enrichment showed that the most impacted biological processes involved myeloid cell activation. Specifically, activation and degranulation of neutrophils were the top five highest-scoring processes. Pathway analyses with the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) showed that metabolic enzymes, particularly those of glycolysis, were elevated in serum concentration after surgery. Several proteins were significantly increased postoperatively in patients diagnosed with POD relative to the non-POD controls, with interleukin-6 (IL-6) showing the greatest fold-change. LPS stimulation of whole blood samples confirmed these findings. Linear regression analysis showed a highly significant correlation between Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) scores and CPB-mediated changes in cGMP-inhibited 3',5'-cyclic phosphodiesterase A (PDE3A). Conclusions Cardiac surgery with CPB resulted in inflammasome changes accompanied by unexpected increases in metabolic pathways. In exploratory analyses, we found that POD was associated with changes in the expression level of various proteins, most notably IL-6 and PDE3A. This study and ongoing protein biomarker studies will likely help quantify risk or confirm the diagnosis for POD and increase understanding of its pathophysiological mechanisms.
Thyroidal Iodide Transport

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the thyroidal iodide transport or I – transport. In the normal thyroid, I – transport and the subsequent steps of thyroid hormone formation occur simultaneously. Under certain normal or pathologic conditions I – transport may be the only step of those involved in the production of thyroid hormones that the gland is capable of carrying out. Organic binding of iodine by the thyroid can be virtually stopped with relatively large doses of I – , which are small enough to be significantly concentrated above serum levels by the thyroid. Thyroidal I – transport is usually studied after “chemical dissection” with an antithyroid drug. Moreover, the performance of the thyroidal I – transporting mechanism is usually assessed by measuring the thyroid:serum radioiodide concentration ratio (T*/S*). However, in thyroids which change their size the thyroidal radioiodide space may be a better measure of concomitant changes in I – transport activity than the T*/S*. Unidirectional radioiodide clearance by the thyroid can be an even more meaningful measure in other conditions.
E-Learning Today: A Review of Research on Hypertext Navigation

Use of hypertext is pervasive in education today—it is used for all online course delivery as well as many stand-alone delivery methods such as educational computer software and compact discs (CDs). This article will review Kintsch’s ConstructionIntegration and Anderson’s Adaptive Control of ThoughtRational (ACT-R) cognitive architectures and examine how each explains the empirical evidence of comprehension problems related to the use of hypertext systems. This article also discusses design tools based on those two architectures (Cognitive Walkthrough for the Web [CWW] and Scent-Based Navigation and Information Foraging in the ACT [SNIF-ACT] respectively) that can help educational content developers screen their hypertext products for possible comprehension problems prior to its release. As more and more course material is delivered in distance learning, it becomes of increasing importance to deploy course material that can be used with little or no formal training with the user interface. Currently, over 84% of 4-year colleges and universities in the United States offer distance courses, most of which are delivered online (U.S. Senate, 2002). In addition to postsecondary education, many rural high schools are beginning to use online courses as a means of supplementing their course offerings. It is likely this trend will continue downward through the educational system, with middle and elementary schools engaging in online instruction as well. This will be especially true of small, rural schools struggling with declining enrollments and finding it difficult to afford, or even find, qualified teachers.
Valuation and Dividend-Based Debt Policy

It is widely recognized in the field of corporate finance, when valuing a levered project or firm, that the debt tax shield adds value to the unlevered project or firm. However, the value of the tax shield remains subject of debate as Luehrman (1997) points out. Research studies have tended to focus on either the fixed debt policies of Modigliani and Miller (1963) or the value-based debt policies of Miles and Ezzell (1980). This paper introduces an innovative valuation model where the debt tax shield risk depends on dividends paid out. These are based on the Lintner (1956) dividend model. Two noteworthy implications of this debt policy arise. First, it corroborates that dividend policy and optimal investment are independent variables, whereas debt policy is treated as a dependent variable. Second, the applicable rate with which tax shields are discounted can be even smaller than the cost of debt. Hence, the value of such a tax shield is greater than that of a fixed debt policy.
Influence of Relative Humidity on the Survival of Some Airborne Viruses

Abstract A system for studying the effects of relative humidity (RH) and temperature on biological aerosols, utilizing a modified toroid for a static aerosol chamber, is described. Studies were conducted at 23 C and at three RH levels (10, 35, and 90%) with four viruses (Newcastle disease virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and Escherichia coli B T3 bacteriophage). Virus loss on aerosol generation was consistently lower at 90% than at 10 or 35% RH. When stored at 23 C, Newcastle disease virus and vesicular stomatitis virus survived best at 10% RH. Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus and E. coli B T3 bacteriophage survived storage at 23 C best at 90% RH.
Recovery from Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain with Psychodynamic Consultation and Brief Intervention: A Report of Three Illustrative Cases

Objective. Most physicians are unaware of the potential for complete remission from chronic mus- culoskeletal pain through a purely psychological approach. We report three cases in which various types of chronic musculoskeletal pain were suc- cessfully treated using a small-group psychological workshop combined with a single consultative session. Design. Case report. Setting and Patients. Hospital-based clinic; retro- spectively selected cases among patients with at least a 4-year history of chronic musculoskeletal pain prior to intervention. Measures. Structured interview. Results. Each of three patients discussed reported pain-free status at last follow-up, which was at least 6 months following the intervention. Conclusion. Certain individuals with chronic mus- culoskeletal pain may greatly benefit from a prima- rily psychodynamic approach to treatment, even when standard approaches to pain treatment have failed.
EM simulation and design of frequency reconfigurable planar antenna

This paper presents the EM analysis and design of a frequency reconfigurable antenna for the mobile handset and wireless terminal applications. The proposed antenna has a simple planar layout and utilizes RF switches to provide the multiband frequency reconfigurable capabilities. Two designs are presented and their multimode antenna performances within the 0.8 to 2.45 GHz band are analyzed in terms of current density distributions and radiation characteristics.
An enhanced archive facilitating climate impacts and adaptation analysis.

We describe the expansion of a publicly available archive of downscaled climate and hydrology projections for the United States. Those studying or planning to adapt to future climate impacts demand downscaled climate model output for local or regional use. The archive we describe attempts to fulfill this need by providing data in several formats, selectable to meet user needs. Our archive has served as a resource for climate impacts modelers, water managers, educators, and others. Over 1,400 individuals have transferred more than 50 TB of data from the archive. In response to user demands, the archive has expanded from monthly downscaled data to include daily data to facilitate investigations of phenomena sensitive to daily to monthly temperature and precipitation, including extremes in these quantities. New developments include downscaled output from the new Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) climate model simulations at both the monthly and daily time scales, as well as simulations of...
How integrated resource planning for US electric utilities affects shareholder interests

Abstract Integrated resource planning (IRP) seeks to identify the mix of resources that can best meet the future energy-service needs of customers. These resources include new sources, types, and owners of power plants plus demand-side management (DSM) programs. However, little explicit attention is given to utility shareholders in the typical resource-planning proceeding. Because of the complexity of state regulatory practices and tax policies, it seems unlikely that different resources that provide comparable services to customers will yield comparable returns to shareholders. This study examines a typical US investor-owned utility's financial operations and performance using a spreadsheet model we developed for this project. The model simulates an electric utility's financial operations, and produces an annual income statement, balance sheet, and cash-flow statement. We calculated the net present value of realized (cash) return on equity as the primary factor used to represent shareholder interests. We examined shareholder returns for these resources as functions of public utility commission regulation, taxes, and the utility's operating environment. Given the increasingly competitive nature of electricity markets, we examined shareholder returns for these resources in an environment where the utility competes with other suppliers solely on the basis of electricity price.
Distribution of preprodynorphin mRNA and dynorphin-a immunoreactivity in the sheep preoptic area and hypothalamus.

Abstract Endogenous opioid peptides (EOP) are important modulators in a variety of neuroendocrine systems, including those mediating reproduction, energy balance, lactation, and stress. Recent work in the ewe has implicated the EOP, dynorphin (DYN), in the inhibitory effects of progesterone on pulsatile gonadotropin releasing hormone secretion. Although DYN is involved in a number of hypothalamic functions in the sheep, little is known regarding the localization of preprodynorphin (PPD) expression and its major product DYN A (1–17). In this study, we determined the distribution of PPD mRNA and DYN A-containing cell bodies in the brains of ovary-intact, luteal ewes. To detect PPD mRNA, an ovine PPD mRNA was subcloned by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction from sheep hypothalamus and used to create a 35 S-labeled riboprobe for in situ hybridization. Neurons that expressed PPD mRNA and DYN A immunoreactivity were widely distributed in the ovine preoptic area and hypothalamus. PPD mRNA-expressing cells were seen in the supraoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, preoptic area, anterior hypothalamus area, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, ventromedial nucleus (VMN), dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, and the arcuate nucleus. All of these regions also contained DYN A-positive cell bodies except for the VMN, raising the possibility that PPD is preferentially processed into other peptide products in the VMN. In summary, based on the expression of both mRNA and peptide, DYN cells are located in a number of key hypothalamic regions involved in the neuroendocrine control of homeostasis in sheep.
Does Thompson's Thatcher Effect Reflect a Face-Specific Mechanism?

The Thatcher Illusion or Thatcher Effect (TE—Thompson 1980, Perception9 483–484) reflects the difficulty in perceiving the local inversion of parts when the whole object, generally a face, is globally inverted. We tested the generality of the TE with a range of faces and non-face objects, and observed the TE with many non-face categories including cars, buildings, bikes, and letter strings. In terms of magnitude, the face TE is not exceptionally large compared to other object categories, and the magnitude of the TE can be predicted by performance on this task for upright stimuli, regardless of whether the object is a face or not. We did not observe evidence for a unique mechanism contributing to the TE for faces. We discuss factors that influence the magnitude of the TE, some common across domains and others more specific to a particular category.
Are CT angiography source images accurate for evaluating infarct volume

Noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) has been considered the standard test for determining eligibility for thrombolysis from the beginning of the thrombolytic era. CT angiography (CTA) reveals the cranio-cervical vessel and the occlusion site. Furthermore, the source image (SI) of the CTA (CTA-SI) reflects cerebral blood volume and can detect the infarct core as hypoattenuated areas with higher sensitivity than ischemic changes on NCCT. However, it was recently reported that the CTA-SI using fast acquisition protocol significantly overestimated the infarct core mostly on the basis of the poor collaterals. On the other hand, CTA-SI using standardized protocol was reported to be good predictor for final infarct extension. Imaging used in the setting of acute stroke should accurately address the presence and size of an irreversible ischemic core. Further studies are required to confirm whether another measure or adjustment in CTA-SI values can be more reliable for evaluating the infarct core.
Trends In Complicated Newborn Hospital Stays & Costs, 2002–2009: Implications For The Future

Background With the steady growth in Medicaid enrollment since the recent recession, concerns have been raised about care for newborns with complications. This paper uses all-payer administrative data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), to examine trends from 2002 through 2009 in complicated newborn hospital stays, and explores the relationship between expected sources of payment and reasons for hospitalizations.
4-Nitroimidazole Binding to Horse Metmyoglobin: Evidence for Preferential Anion Binding

The ionization of 4-nitroimidazole to 4-nitroimidazolate was investigated as a function of ionic strength. The apparent pKa varies from 8.99 to 9.50 between 0.001 and 1.0 M ionic strength, respectively, at 25°C. The ionic strength dependence of this ionization is anomalous. The binding of 4-nitroimidazole by horse metmyoglobin was studied between pH 5.0 and 11.5 and as a function of ionic strength between 0.01 and 1.0 M. The association rate constant is pH-dependent, varying from 24 M−1s−1 at pH 5 to a maximum value of 280 M−1s−1 at pH 9.5 and then decreasing to 10 M−1 s−1 at pH 11.5 in 0.1 M ionic strength buffers. The dissociation rate constant has a much smaller pH dependence, varying from 0.082 s−1 at low pH to 0.035 s−1 at high pH, with an apparent pKa of 6.5. The binding affinity of 4-nitroimidazole to horse metmyoglobin is about 2.5 orders of magnitude stronger than that for imidazole and this increased affinity is attributed to the much slower dissociation rate for 4-nitroimidazole compared to that of imidazole. Although the ionic strength dependence of the binding rate is small and secondary kinetic salt effects can account for the ionic strength dependence of the association rate constant, the pH dependence of the rate constants and microscopic reversibility arguments indicate that the anionic form of the ligand binds more rapidly to all forms of metmyoglobin than does the neutral form of the ligand. However, the spectrum of the complex is similar to model complexes involving neutral imidazole and not imidazolate. The latter observation suggests that the initial metmyoglobin/4-nitroimidazolate complex rapidly binds a proton and the neutral form of the bound ligand is stabilized, probably through hydrogen binding with the distal histidine.
IMPROVED FLUIDS FOR ANATOMICAL EMBALMING AND STORAGE.

An improved embalming fluid has been developed for anatomical use. Potassium pyrophosphate and magnesium chloride are used to decrease the rigidity associated with formalin fixation. Substitution of sodium pentachlorophenate for phenol improves color relationships and eliminates most of the unpleasant cadaver odor. It gives as much, or more, protection against bacteria and fungi. Sorbitol replaces glycerine as a humectant with less browning of tissues, and a wetting agent is incorporated to facilitate distributionand penetration of the fluid. Wet storage of cadavers is recommended, and a vat fluid is described for use with the new embalming formula.
Retelling Anxious Events: Effects on Trait and State Anxiety

Abstract Our goal was to evaluate an effective method for inducing experimental anxiety which would (a) be personally relevant, (b) be based on ‘real-life’ anxiety and (c) require as little experimenter intervention as possible. Undergraduates varying in trait anxiety (STAI) were videotaped while describing a very anxiety-producing and a happy event from their past. Participants experienced more anxiety when describing the anxiety-producing event than when describing the happy event and showed a decrease in state anxiety as the experiment progressed. The higher the subjects' degree of trait anxiety, the higher their degree of state anxiety, their anxiety about being videotaped, and their anxiety over the possibility of being negatively evaluated by others. The procedure investigated shows promise as an effective ethical method for generating anxiety with particular applicability for studies of anxiety in helping relationships.
The Significance of Location: Patterns of School Exclusionary Disciplinary Practices in Public Schools.

An exploratory analysis is conducted across 3 years on school exclusionary disciplinary practices from all 56 high schools in one district. Using geographical information systems mapping and other statistical analysis, this study analyzes how socioeconomic status, racial composition, and geographical region relate to a school’s usage of exclusionary discipline. Results show that opportunity transfer, suspension, and expulsion rates vary within the district with the lowest exclusionary practices in high income areas and highest in low income areas. Findings suggest that suspensions are correlated with opportunity transfers and expulsions. However, there is no linear relation between opportunity transfers and expulsions. Poverty, student race/ethnic composition at school site, and school year are found to be predictors of exclusionary practices. Implications for future research are considered.
Role of Pin1 in the Regulation of p53 Stability and p21 Transactivation, and Cell Cycle Checkpoints in Response to DNA Damage

DNA damage leads to stabilization and accumulation of p53, which plays a pivotal role in transcriptional activation of p21 and cell cycle arrest. The increase in p53 stability depends critically on its phosphorylation on serine/threonine residues, including those preceding a proline (Ser(P)/Thr-Pro). The Ser(P)/Thr-Pro moiety exists in the two distinct cis and trans conformations and their conversion is catalyzed specifically by the prolyl isomerase Pin1. Pin1 regulates the conformation and function of certain phosphorylated proteins and plays an important role in cell cycle regulation, oncogenesis, and Alzheimer's disease. However, nothing is known about the role of Pin1 in DNA damage. Here we found that DNA damage enhanced the interaction between Pin1 and p53, which depended on the WW domain in Pin1 and Ser33/46-Pro motifs in p53. Furthermore, Pin1 regulates the stability of p53 and its transcriptional activity toward the p21 promoter. As a result, p53 and p21 barely increased after DNA damage in Pin1 knock-out embryonic fibroblasts or in neoplastic cells depleted of Pin1. Moreover, Pin1 null cells displayed significant defects in cell cycle checkpoints induced by DNA damage. These results demonstrate a new role of Pin1 in regulating p53 function during DNA damage.
The Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea project concluded with a fourth Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea-symposium held in Uppsala, Sweden

Summary The Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea Project concluded with the Fourth Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea-symposium held in Uppsala (Svezia). The most important steps of the Project, the work plan of the Flora and the results of the Fourth Symposium on the Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea held in Uppsala between 9 and 12 of Novembre 2009 are illustrated. An official plea to the Academic Authorities of the University of Florence on behalf of the Centro Studi Erbario Tropicale (FT) supported and voted by all participants in order to garantee its internationsl role, is also reported.
Quality of care for decompensated heart failure: comparable performance between academic hospitalists and non-hospitalists.

Background Hospitalists improve efficiency, but little information exists regarding whether they impact quality of care.
409 RADIONUCLIDE TEST FOR GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX (GER) IN CHILDREN

A simple and reliable means of detecting abnormal GER in children is needed. A radionuclide method was evaluated in a series of 25 patients with documented GER (positive pH reflux test). Symptomatic patients with abnormal pH reflux test (pH < 4.0) were studied. With the patient supine or semi-upright, 200 uci of TC-99m sulfur colloid in apple juice was given orally. Patients were allowed to drink until sated (volume 60-300cc). Gamma camera images were then made in the basal state, with hand pressure and at graded increments of external abdominal pressure (blood pressure cuff around abdomen) up to 100 mm Hg. Any visible activity in the esophagus was interpreted as an abnormal test. In addition, all patients had lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) determinations as well as barium cine-gastroesophagograms. The radionuclide study was easy to perform and well tolerated. Evidence of reflux was detectable in 20 patients using this method. The LESP was 12 mm Hg or less in 14 patients. The barium x-ray study was abnormal in 15 patients. Radionuclide gastroesophagography is a sensitive technique for detecting GER in infants and children. Additional studies to further assess clinical utility and specificity appear warranted.
Profile and prevalence of aspirin resistance in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Abstract We determined the prevalence and clinical predictors of aspirin resistance by prospectively studying 325 patients with stable cardiovascular disease who were receiving aspirin (325 mg/day for ≥7 days) but no other antiplatelet agents. We also compared the detection of aspirin resistance with optical platelet aggregation, a widely accepted method, with a newer, more rapid method, the platelet function analyzer (PFA)-100, a whole blood test that measures platelet adhesion and aggregation ex vivo. Blood samples were analyzed in a blinded fashion for aspirin resistance by optical aggregation using adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid, and by PFA-100 using collagen and/or epinephrine and collagen and/or ADP cartridges to measure aperture closure time. Aspirin resistance was defined as a mean aggregation of ≥70% with 10 μM ADP and a mean aggregation of ≥20% with 0.5 mg/ml arachidonic acid. Aspirin semiresponders were defined as meeting one, but not both of the above criteria. Aspirin resistance by PFA-100 was defined as having a normal collagen and/or epinephrine closure time (≤193 seconds). By optical aggregation, 5.5% of the patients were aspirin resistant and 23.8% were aspirin semiresponders. By PFA-100, 9.5% of patients were aspirin resistant. Of the 18 patients who were aspirin resistant by aggregation, 4 were also aspirin resistant by PFA-100. Patients who were either aspirin resistant or aspirin semiresponders were more likely to be women (34.4% vs 17.3%, p = 0.001) and less likely to be smokers (0% vs 8.3%, p = 0.004) compared with aspirin-sensitive patients. There was a trend toward increased age in patients with aspirin resistance or aspirin semiresponders (65.7 vs 61.3 years, p = 0.06). There were no differences in aspirin sensitivity by race, diabetes, platelet count, renal disease, or liver disease.
Cytokines and autoimmunity: redundancy defines their complex nature.

Abstract Cytokines are critical mediators in autoimmunity and a better understanding of their mode of action should contribute to the development of strategies for controlling harmful autoimmune reactions. Their complicated nature makes it difficult to classify them as pro- or anti-inflammatory mediators; redundancy in their mode of action has been widely reported. Their complexity is further exemplified by the fact that several cytokines display redundancy in their receptor usage, with the recently identified IL-12 and IL-10 families being prototypical examples. Several aspects — including kinetics of expression, mode of induction, regulation of receptor expression and competition for occupancy, and the stage (acute vs chronic) of the disease — are critical to the net effect, and all these aspects need to be understood if we are to define a cytokine’s whole nature.
Overexpression of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-α (PTP-α) but not PTP-κ Inhibits Translocation of GLUT4 in Rat Adipose Cells

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) are likely to play important roles in insulin action. We recently demonstrated that the nontransmembrane PTPase PTP1B can act as a negative modulator of insulin-stimulated translocation of GLUT4. We now examine the role of PTP-alpha and PTP-kappa (two transmembrane PTPases) in this metabolic action of insulin. Rat adipose cells were transfected with either PTP-alpha or PTP-kappa and effects of these PTPases on the translocation of a cotransfected epitope-tagged GLUT4 were studied. Cells overexpressing wild-type PTP-alpha had significantly lower levels of cell surface GLUT4 in response to insulin and a threefold decrease in insulin sensitivity when compared with control cells expressing only tagged GLUT4. Co-overexpression of PTP-alpha and PTP1B did not have additive effects, suggesting that these PTPases share common substrates. Cells overexpressing either wild-type PTP-kappa or catalytically inactive mutants of PTP-alpha had dose-response curves similar to those of control cells. Since overexpression of PTP-alpha, but not PTP-kappa, had effects on translocation of GLUT4, our data suggest that PTPalpha may be a specific negative modulator of insulin-stimulated glucose transport.
Studies of the mechanism of carcass fat depletion in experimental cancer.

Abstract Loss of body fat is commonly associated with both experimental and human cancers. A direct effect of cancer upon free fatty acid mobilization from host adipose tissue could potentially explain this lipid depletion. Rates of free fatty acid (FFA) production were measured in epididymal adipose tissue removed from normal-control rats and rats bearing the Walker 256 carcinoma either intramuscularly (i.m.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.). By the 4th day after i.p. transplantation and by the time the i.m. tumor mass reached 4% of body weight (b.w.), basal lipolytic rates were 2–3 times higher in adipose tissue from tumor bearing than age matched control rats. Body neutral lipids were not yet significantly reduced at this early time. The high rates of adipose tissue lipolysis were maintained as the cancer progressed and body neutral lipids became significantly reduced once the i.m. tumor attained 6–7% of b.w. The mechanism by which cancer causes this increased fatty acid mobilization is yet unclear. The Walker 256 tumor might produce a lipolytic factor which directly stimulates adipose tissue lipolysis, since ascites serum from i.p. tumor bearing rats could stimulate adipose tissue lipolysis in vitro . However, blood serum from tumor bearing rats did not seem to stimulate adipose tissue lipolysis in vitro more than blood serum from control rats. Severe chronic stress seems an unlikely explanation for the early stimulated lipolysis in cancer, particularly the i.p. tumor. However, rats with even small i.m. tumors, although appearing stress free, possessed enlarged adrenal glands and somewhat atrophied thymus glands, classic markers for the presence of a stress situation. The cancer, in some unknown manner, might induce some special stress reaction.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MICROWAVEABLE PORK CHOPS

Blade tenderized whole muscle cuts and restructured chops were conventionally cooked (CO), microwave cooked (MW), and precooked/microwave reheated (CMW) and stored for 2, 15, and 21 days. Blade tenderization did not affect (P > 0.05) these sensory traits evaluated with the exception of texture. Precooked products had higher (P < 0.05) TBA values than conventionally cooked samples for both whole and restructured chops. TBA values increased (P < 0.05) with storage time for up to 21 days. Whole muscle chops that were conventionally cooked had the lowest (P < 0.05) peak force values and the highest (P < 0.05) texture scores. After 21 days of storage of whole muscle samples, overall flavor scores decreased (P < 0.05) and juiciness scores improved (P < 0.05) when compared to samples held for 2 days. Storage time had a minimal relationship to peak force values and no effect on sensory scores of restructured samples.
The new employment relationship versus the mutual investment approach: Implications for human resource management

With increasing globalization and hypercompetitive markets, most employers have resorted to headcount management to gain flexibility, remain competitive, and ensure survival. A new employment relationship has emerged. The bond between employer and employee no longer is a long-term relationship involving loyalty and commitment, but a contractlike economic exchange. The authors take a closer look at this new employee relationship in the context of the more traditional employer-employee relationship still found in many organizations. The economic value of the new employee relationship may be less attractive than previously perceived. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oriented semiconducting polymer nanostructures: photon statistics and far-field dipole interactions

We summarize recent experiments probing photon statistics and collective interactions amongst individual z-oriented semiconducting polymer nanostructures. We show that oriented nanostructures from single molecules of a conducting polymer act as highly robust room-temperature single-photon sources. These results suggest the feasibility of an inexpensive "push-button" technology for polymer-based single-photon sources in photonic-based quantum information processing applications. In addition, fluorescence lifetime measurements on pairs of uniformly z-oriented polymer nanostructures that reveal far-field coherent coupling persisting on a distance scale of several optical wavelengths. Farfield photonic coupling between pairs of oriented luminescent polymer nanostructures is manifested by an oscillatory modulation in the fluorescence decay rate as a function of interparticle distance (both enhancement and inhibition of spontaneous luminescence relative to isolated particles), that results from modification of the vacuum field at the position of the probe dipole by the presence of the second radiating dipole.
Computing Least Median of Squares Regression Lines and Guided Topological Sweep

Abstract Given a set of data points pi = (xi, yi ) for 1 ≤ i ≤ n, the least median of squares regression line is a line y = ax + b for which the median of the squared residuals is a minimum over all choices of a and b. An algorithm is described that computes such a line in O(n 2) time and O(n) memory space, thus improving previous upper bounds on the problem. This algorithm is an application of a general method built on top of the topological sweep of line arrangements.
Authority, power, and morality in classroom discourse

Abstract This paper examines the complex relationships among authority, power, and morality in classroom discourse. We begin by suggesting that teacher authority is an ever-present feature of classroom interaction. We further point out how theoretical and empirical research has demonstrated convincingly that teaching nearly always involves unequal power relations and at the same time is fundamentally moral in nature. We then outline Bernstein's (Pedagogy, symbolic control and ideology: Theory, research, critique, Taylor & Francis, Bristol, PA, 1996) notion of pedagogic discourse as a means of clarifying the relations among authority, power, and morality as they are played out in classroom discourse. We analyze an extract from a transcript of a writer's chair activity in a third-grade US classroom, focusing on two dilemmas of authority that the teacher faced in this activity; we suggest that these dilemmas can be best conceptualized in terms of Bernstein's twin notions of regulative discourse and instructional discourse, the two components of pedagogic discourse which reflect the twin notions of power and morality. Finally, we consider the implications of the analysis for a deeper understanding of the moral dimension of classroom discourse.
Plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines rise rapidly during ECMO-related SIRS due to the release of preformed stores in the intestine

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving support system used in neonates and young children with severe cardiorespiratory failure. Although ECMO has reduced mortality in these critically ill patients, almost all patients treated with ECMO develop a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) characterized by a 'cytokine storm', leukocyte activation, and multisystem organ dysfunction. We used a neonatal porcine model of ECMO to investigate whether rising plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines during ECMO reflect de novo synthesis of these mediators in inflamed tissues, and therefore, can be used to assess the severity of ECMO-related SIRS. Previously healthy piglets (3-week-old) were subjected to venoarterial ECMO for up to 8 h. SIRS was assessed by histopathological analysis, measurement of neutrophil activation (flow cytometry), plasma cytokine concentrations (enzyme immunoassays), and tissue expression of inflammatory genes (PCR/western blots). Mast cell degranulation was investigated by measurement of plasma tryptase activity. Porcine neonatal ECMO was associated with systemic inflammatory changes similar to those seen in human neonates. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentrations rose rapidly during the first 2 h of ECMO, faster than the tissue expression of these cytokines. ECMO was associated with increased plasma mast cell tryptase activity, indicating that increased plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines during ECMO may result from mast cell degranulation and associated release of preformed cytokines stored in mast cells. TNF-alpha and IL-8 concentrations rose faster in plasma than in the peripheral tissues during ECMO, indicating that rising plasma levels of these cytokines immediately after the initiation of ECMO may not reflect increasing tissue synthesis of these cytokines. Mobilization of preformed cellular stores of inflammatory cytokines such as in mucosal mast cells may have an important pathophysiological role in ECMO-related SIRS.
Greenhouse carbon balance of wetlands: methane emission versus carbon sequestration

Carbon fixation under wetland anaerobic soil conditions provides unique conditions for long-term storage of carbon into histosols. However, this carbon sequestration process is intimately linked to methane emission from wetlands. The potential contribution of this emitted methane to the greenhouse effect can be mitigated by the removal of atmospheric CO 2 and storage into peat. The balance of CH 4 and CO 2 exchange can provide an index of a wetland's greenhouse gas (carbon) contribution to the atmosphere. Here, we relate the atmospheric global warming potential of methane (GWP M ) with annual methane emission/carbon dioxide exchange ratio of wetlands ranging from the boreal zone to the near-subtropics. This relationship permits one to determine the greenhouse carbon balance of wetlands by their contribution to or attenuation of the greenhouse effect via CH 4 emission or CO 2 sink, respectively. We report annual measurements of the relationship between methane emission and net carbon fixation in three wetland ecosystems. The ratio of methane released to annual net carbon fixed varies from 0.05 to 0.20 on a molar basis. Although these wetlands function as a sink for CO 2 , the 21.8-fold greater infrared absorptivity of CH 4 relative to CO 2 (GWP M ) over a relatively short time horizon (20 years) would indicate that the release of methane still contributes to the overall greenhouse effect. As GWP M decreases over longer time horizons (100 years), our analyses suggest that the subtropical and temperate wetlands attenuate global warming, and northern wetlands may be perched on the “greenhouse compensation” point. Considering a 500-year time horizon, these wetlands can be regarded as sinks for greenhouse gas warming potential, and thus attenuate the greenhouse warming of the atmosphere. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.2001.530501.x
Differences in magnetically induced motion of diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and superparamagnetic microparticles detected by cell tracking velocimetry.

Magnetic separation in biomedical applications is based on differential magnetophoretic mobility (MM) of microparticulate matter in viscous media. Typically, the difference in MM is obtained by selectively labeling the target cells with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). We have measured the MM of monodisperse, polystyrene microspheres (PSMs), with and without attached SPIONs as a model of cell motion induced by nanoparticle magnetization, using variable H field and cell tracking velocimetry (CTV). As a model of paramagnetic microparticle motion, the MM measurements were performed on the same PSMs in paramagnetic gadolinium solutions, and on spores of a prokaryotic organism, Bacillus globigii (shown to contain paramagnetic manganese). The CTV analysis was sensitive to the type of the microparticle magnetization, producing a value of MM independent of the applied H field for the paramagnetic species, and a decreasing MM value with an increasing field for superparamagnetic species, as predicted from theory. The SPION-labeled PSMs exhibited a saturation magnetization above H ≅ 64 000 A m−1 (or 0.08 tesla). Based on those data, the average saturation magnetizations of the SPIONs was calculated and shown to vary between different commercial sources. The results demonstrate sensitivity of the CTV analysis to different magnetization mechanisms of the microparticles.
Computational studies of protein regulation by post-translational phosphorylation

Post-translational modifications of amino acids in proteins are important in regulating many cellular functions. Phosphorylation is the most well-studied post-translational modification, both experimentally and computationally. The introduction of a phosphate group, generally carrying a -2 charge at neutral pH, is a large electrostatic perturbation that alters the free energy landscape underlying protein structure and interactions. Much progress has been made in studying the structural basis of protein regulation by phosphorylation, and atomistic computational simulations are increasingly being used to complement and drive experiment. We focus on three areas: (1) protein kinases, where computational simulations have helped to provide a better understanding of the structural consequences of activation loop and glycine-rich loop phosphorylation; (2) peptide systems, for which molecular dynamics has enabled understanding of structural ordering induced by phosphorylation, and (3) phosphoregulation of membrane proteins. As the use of computation to elucidate principles of phosphoregulation is in its infancy, we also discuss areas for future progress.
Inequalities for functions of transition matrices

Abstract The paper consists of two parts. In the first part, we consider two matrices that appear in the literature in the study of irreducible Markov chains. The first matrix N is equal to the mean first passage of the Markov chain except on the diagonal where N vanishes. The other matrix K is equal to JA d # - A , where J is the all-1 matrix, A is the identity minus the transition matrix of the Markov chain, and A d # is the diagonal matrix whose diagonal entries are the corresponding diagonal entries of the group inverse of A . Both N and K are known to be invertible. We show that the diagonal entries of N - 1 and of K - 1 are strictly negative in sufficiently high dimensions ( ⩾ 3 for N and ⩾ 4 for K ). These results lead to a number of inequalities of independent interest, one of which we study in greater detail probabilistically. In the second part of the paper, we address a problem raised by Kemeny and Snell of determining whether a given Markov chain is primitive only from its first mean passage matrix, without having to compute the transition matrix. We derive several simple conditions of the mean first passage matrix which are helpful in determining whether the corresponding transition matrix is primitive.
Joint detection, estimation and system identification

Recent results of Middleton and Esposito (1968) and Lainiotis (1969) on single-shot joing detection-estimation for discrete data are extended to the single-shot continuous data case and generalized to joint Bayesian detection-estimation-system identification. Moreover, previous results were generalized to the case of causal estimator. Specifically, it is shown that the above problem constitutes a class of nonlinear mse estimation problems, with the attendant difficulties in realizing the optimal nonlinear estimators. However, by utilizing the adaptive approach, closed form integral expressions are given. These are given in terms of the generalized likelihood ratio gλ(t) , which is a sufficient statistic for Bayes-optimal compound detection. The latter in turn is specified by a continuum (for continuous θ ) θ -conditional likelihood ratious λ(t/θ) each of which is the LR for testing for the model specified by the parameter value θ . The latter LR's are, moreover, given in terms of optimal mse causal estimators. In essence then, it has been shown that system identification is equivalent to multihypothesis testing, with a continuum or finite sequence of hypotheses, respectively, for continuous or finite discrete range of θ .
Antebellum southern rental contracts

Abstract Evidence from antebellum Southern rental and sharecrop leases is presented that shows that tenancy was not new to the postbellum South, but had been carried on during the 40 years preceding the Civil War. This evidence shows that antebellum tenancy, like postbellum tenancy, was governed by written contracts that detailed the rights and obligations of tenant and landlord alike. Landlords closely negotiated and continuously administered these contracts. This evidence further discredits the traditional judgment of tenancy, and especially of sharecropping, as inherently inefficient. It sheds little light, however, on why one tenure was chosen over another.
Image fusion on radar sensor networks

Owning to Rician fading and white gaussian noise, the scattered back image signal of radar sensors would be distorted to some extend. In this paper, we apply two schemes named Equal Gain Combination (EGC) and Maximal Ration Combination (MRC) respectively for RSN image fusion. Simulation results show that image fusion by means of MRC can provide much better image quality based on both minimum mean squared error (MMSE) and the mean of structural similarity (MSSIM) index if the channel estimation offers satisfying channel side information at receiver (CSIR). However, EGC itself does not require any channel estimation scheme and thus more simple to implement.
On the nature of interaction of dodecyl sulfate with proteins. Evidence from uncharged polypeptides

Abstract Circular dichroism and equilibrium dialysis measurements in aqueous solution reveal no strong interaction between dodecyl sulfate and the unionized polypeptides poly(N5-ω-hydroxyethyl-L-glutamine), poly(N5-ω-hydroxypropyl-L-glutamine) and poly(N5-bis(ω-hydroxyethyl)-L-glutamine). Dodecyl sulfate does not affect the stability of the helical forms of poly(N5-ω-hydroxypropyl-L-glutamine) and poly(N5-bis(ω-hydroxyethyl)-L-glutamine) in water.
Isolation and restriction mapping of plasmids containing ribosomal DNA sequences from the rrn B cistron of E. coli

Recombinant plasmids containing the entire 16S RNA gene from the rrn B cistron of E. coli inserted in Col E1 and pBR322 plasmid vectors have been constructed. These plasmids have been mapped using several restriction endonucleases as well as by DNA-RNA hybridization. These maps reveal previously undetected restriction sites in the rrn B cistron and in Col E1 plasmid DNA.
HMG-CoA reductase inhibition reverses LCAT and LDL receptor deficiencies and improves HDL in rats with chronic renal failure

Dyslipidemia is a prominent feature of chronic renal failure (CRF) and a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and the progression of renal disease. CRF-induced dyslipidemia is marked by hypertrigl...
Fermiology of YBa2Cu4O8

Abstract We present angle-resolved photoemission results of YBa 2 Cu 4 O 8 (124). The energy distribution curves are very similar to those observed in the related compound YBa 2 Cu 3 O 69 (123). The structure of the 124 compound is very similar to that of the 123, except that the 124 possesses two chain bands instead of one crossing the Fermi energy. This has an effect of lowering the density of states at E F and making the 124 compound more stable, to oxygen content. Otherwise, their observed electronic structures are very similar, including the sharp peaks at E F at the X and Y symmetry points, and the very sharp state at 1 eV binding energy at the S point The states at E F along the Γ-S line exhibit the same symmetry as those in the 123, i.e. d 2 x 2 −y , while the states at X and Y exhibit d xy symmetry