cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of calcium in neurohumoral and neurohormonal extrusion processes

CALCIUM is a divalent cation, ubiquitous in its biological occurrence, important in its physiological significance. It is an ion of particular interest to investigators of neural and neuro-effector systems. Reviews have appeared that cite the role of calcium in excitation-contraction coupling of striate muscle (Sandow, 1965) and in the maintenance of the nerve membrane during nervous transmission (Abood, 1967). The intention of this review will be to summarize the various experimental evidences that implicate calcium in its role as a necessary factor in the processes of neurohumoral and neurohormonal extrusion. The diversity of physiological foci considered has meant that the discussion could not feasibly cite all primary references. Consequently, an attempt has been made, when applicable, to note recent and well prepared reviews.
Rotational positioning of nucleosomes facilitates selective binding of p53 to response elements associated with cell cycle arrest

The tumor suppressor protein p53 exhibits high affinity to the response elements regulating cell cycle arrest genes (CCA-sites), but relatively low affinity to the sites associated with apoptosis (Apo-sites). This in vivo tendency cannot be explained solely by the p53-DNA binding constants measured in vitro. Since p53 can bind nucleosomal DNA, we sought to understand if the two groups of p53 sites differ in their accessibility when embedded in nucleosomes. To this aim, we analyzed the sequence-dependent bending anisotropy of human genomic DNA containing p53 sites. For the 20 CCA-sites, we calculated rotational positioning patterns predicting that most of the sites are exposed on the nucleosomal surface. This is consistent with experimentally observed positioning of human nucleosomes. Remarkably, the sequence-dependent DNA anisotropy of both the p53 sites and flanking DNA work in concert producing strong positioning signals. By contrast, both the predicted and observed rotational settings of the 38 Apo-sites in nucleosomes suggest that many of these sites are buried inside, thus preventing immediate p53 recognition and delaying gene induction. The distinct chromatin organization of the CCA response elements appears to be one of the key factors facilitating p53-DNA binding and subsequent activation of genes associated with cell cycle arrest.
Modeling human performance with low light sparse color imagers

Reflective band sensors are often signal to noise limited in low light conditions. Any additional filtering to obtain spectral information further reduces the signal to noise, greatly affecting range performance. Modern sensors, such as the sparse color filter CCD, circumvent this additional degradation through reducing the number of pixels affected by filters and distributing the color information. As color sensors become more prevalent in the warfighter arsenal, the performance of the sensor-soldier system must be quantified. While field performance testing ultimately validates the success of a sensor, accurately modeling sensor performance greatly reduces the development time and cost, allowing the best technology to reach the soldier the fastest. Modeling of sensors requires accounting for how the signal is affected through the modulation transfer function (MTF) and noise of the system. For the modeling of these new sensors, the MTF and noise for each color band must be characterized, and the appropriate sampling and blur must be applied. We show how sparse array color filter sensors may be modeled and how a soldier's performance with such a sensor may be predicted. This general approach to modeling color sensors can be extended to incorporate all types of low light color sensors.
Hyperbolicity of the cyclic splitting graph

We define a new graph on which \(Out(F_n)\) acts by simplicial automorphisms, the cyclic splitting graph of \(F_n\), and show that \(FZ_n\) is hyperbolic using a method developed by Kapovich and Rafi (Hyperbolicity of the free factor complex, 2012).
Discrimination between activators and nonactivators of the alternative pathway of complement: regulation via a sialic acid/polyanion binding site on factor H.

The alternative complement pathway is capable of discriminating human cells and tissues from a wide variety of potential pathogens. It has been recently demonstrated that attachment of complement component C3b to activator-derived molecules (e.g., small polysaccharides) restricts inactivation of C3b by factors H and I in a manner similar to activator surfaces. It is now shown that restriction is reversed by certain soluble polyanions (e.g., sialoglycopeptides, heparin, or dextran sulfate) that mimic the effects of sialic acid and glycosaminoglycans on human cells and tissues. Fluid-phase polyanions enhanced binding of factor H to C3b attached to activating particles, indicating that the effect resulted from increased affinity between C3b and factor H. The enhancement was specific for activator-bound C3b since no enhancement was observed on nonactivating particles. While several polyanions could cause this effect, some polyanions could not, indicating specificity. The active polyanions also inhibited lysis of cells via the alternative pathway. The binding site for sialic acid appears to reside on factor H, since factor H bound to heparin-agarose and to sialic acid-bearing fetuinagarose, whereas C3b bound to neither under the same conditions. These observations suggest that occupation of a specific site on factor H by polyanions induces an increase in the C3b-H affinity, resulting in discrimination of host cells and tissues from alternative pathway-activating foreign cells.
A Dynamic Model Utilizing Linear Operators for the Characterization of Stochastic Gene Expression

Gene expression events happen stochastically because of the low number of DNA, mRNA and protein in single cells. A theoretical model for central dogma is needed to explain the variation of molecular number among cell population. Most of the analytical models in literature assume that this stochastic gene expression occurs in a stable system. However, especially in single cell organisms, gene expressions are often accompanied with rapid cell growth, division and environmental fluctuations, which are more dynamic compared to biomacromolecules synthesis and degradation. Based on this, we develop a linear operator model that takes into account other types of stochastic events besides gene expression. This model provides a theoretical explanation for how cells maintain molecular concentration homeostasis during volume expansion and molecule redistribution into daughter cells in the process of cell division. Additionally, using this approach, we are able to distinguish protein concentration reductions caused by degradation, dilution and cell division, as well as compare the effects from various types of extrinsic noise including difference between individual cells and fluctuations in intracellular substrate level and extracellular environment. This dynamic model is confirmed by numerical simulation and experimental observations.
FPGA based 802.11n MIMO interoperability testbed

IEEE 802.11n is the most recent amendment to the modern wireless technology commonly known as Wi-Fi [1]; it builds upon previous 802.11 standards by defining new physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) sublayer features. The most notable improvement of 802.11n is a maximum data rate of up to 600 Mbps, due to new high-throughput (HT) features including multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO), beamforming, and doubling channel bandwidth to 40 MHz [2].
Novel voltage-dependent non-selective cation conductance in murine colonic myocytes.

Two components of voltage-gated, inward currents were observed from murine colonic myocytes. One component had properties of L-type Ca2+ currents and was inhibited by nicardipine (5 × 10−7m). A second component did not ‘run down’ during dialysis and was resistant to nicardipine (up to 10−6m). The nicardipine-insensitive current was activated by small depolarizations above the holding potential and reversed near 0 mV. This low-voltage-activated current (ILVA) was resolved with step depolarizations positive to -60 mV, and the current rapidly inactivated upon sustained depolarization. The voltage of half-inactivation was -65 mV. Inactivation and activation time constants at -45 mV were 86 and 15 ms, respectively. The half-recovery time from inactivation was 98 ms at -45 mV. ILVA peaked at -40 mV and the current reversed at 0 mV. Ilva was inhibited by Ni2+ (IC50= 1.4 × 10−5m), mibefradil (10−6 to 10−5m), and extracellular Ba2+. Replacement of extracellular Na+ with N-methyl-d-glucamine inhibited ILVA and shifted the reversal potential to -7 mV. Increasing extracellular Ca2+ (5 × 10−3m) increased the amplitude of ILVA and shifted the reversal potential to +22 mV. ILVA was also blocked by extracellular Cs+ (10−4m) and Gd3+ (10−6m). Warming increased the rates of activation and deactivation without affecting the amplitude of the peak current. We conclude that the second component of voltage-dependent inward current in murine colonic myocytes is not a ‘T-type’ Ca2+ current but rather a novel, voltage-gated non-selective cation current. Activation of this current could be important in the recovery of membrane potential following inhibitory junction potentials in gastrointestinal smooth muscle or in mediating responses to agonists.
Data Mining and Its Applications in Higher Education

This chapter examines the theoretical basis for data mining, one of the essential knowledge management processes, and uses a case study to describe its application and impact.
Structural models for [M(CO)3(H2O)3]+ (M=Tc, Re): fully aqueous synthesis of technetium and rhenium tricarbonyl complexes of tripodal oxygen donor ligands

Abstract The reaction of [M(H2O)3(CO)3]+ (M=Tc, Re) with Na[CpCo[PO(OR)2]3] (NaLOR; R=Me, Et) in water produced the compounds M(CO)3(LOR), all of which were yellow solids, in yields varying from 55 to 89%. The two compounds M(CO)3(LOEt) were structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. In both cases, the ligand LOEt was bound to the metal center in a tridentate fashion utilizing an {OOO} donor set. The ligands LOR can be used as models for facially coordinated triaqua groups owing to their position in the spectrochemical series. Therefore, these four compounds, M(CO)3(LOR), can be considered structural models for [M(H2O)3(CO)3]+. Crystal data for Tc(CO)3(LOEt) are as follows: molecular formula C20H35CoO12P3Tc, MW=717.32, monoclinic, a=11.5661(11) A, b=18.671(2) A, c=13.7852(13) A, β=92.770(2)°, V=2973.5(5) A3, space group P21/n, Z=4, final R1=0.0669, wR2=0.1361. Crystal data for Re(CO)3(LOEt) are as follows: molecular formula C20H35CoO12P3Re, MW=805.52, monoclinic, a=11.5113(7) A, b=18.6022(12) A, c=13.7397(8) A, β=92.7580(10)°, V=2938.7(3) A3, space group P21/n, Z=4, final R1=0.0384, wR2=0.0760.
Are prehospital stroke scales better than a coin toss at predicting acute stroke

Acute therapy for ischemic stroke is exquisitely time sensitive.1 Patients treated within 90 minutes of symptom onset fare far better than patients treated beyond 90 minutes,2 with a 1.5 greater likelihood of ambulating independently at discharge, a 1.3 greater likelihood of discharge to home, and a 0.74 lower likelihood of dying in hospital. Yet only 1%–8% of all ischemic stroke patients are currently treated within the “golden hour” after the onset of stroke symptoms.3 This persists even in urban settings, where the majority of patients live within 60 minutes of an acute stroke center.4 As a community of neurologists, we have improved our systems of care,4 shortened our door-to-needle times, and embarked on new innovations and technologies such as telestroke or ambulances with CT scanners.3 In addition, we have conducted trials of neuroprotective agents in the prehospital setting.5 All in an effort to bring our treatment to stroke patients within the golden hour.
A Markov analysis of estimating student enrollment transition in a trimester institution

Abstract This paper presents an application of Markov analysis. The analysis includes an explanation, application and discussion of the use of Markov analysis in forecasting student enrollment variations for a “real-world” academic institution. This paper also discusses the limitations of Markov analysis and presents suggestions on how these limitations can be overcome. The results of the application illustrate the usefulness of Markov analysis in forecasting student enrollments and suggest extensions for further research.
No REST for fibroids.

Good news: A long-awaited model for uterine fibroid tumor research is upon us (1). Historically, there has been a paucity of in vivo models for the study of fibroid tumors (i.e., leiomyomas), benign female pelvic organ tumors characterized by clonal proliferation of smooth muscle cells and expression of genes involved in fibrosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. This is staggering, considering that prevalence rates of leiomyomata in women at 50 y of age are nearly 70% in white women and more than 80% in black women (2). This level of penetrance contributes to the high number of hysterectomies performed every year in the United States that equates to crippling medical costs reported to be greater than $2 billion annually (3, 4).
A Theoretical Note on Aggregation of Linear Programming Models of Production

Linear programming models have been used widely to solve the firm's resource allocation problem. If the model is specified properly, then its solution will give the firm's profit-maximizing levels of output and factor use. The model's ability to predict firm adjustment to changes in a variety of exogenous factors is well-known. It is the model's flexibility and easy application that inevitably led to its use in aggregate studies. The transition from firm level to regional, industrial, or even national analysis is the source of the aggregation problem. As all firms are not alike, we wish ideally to model every firm and sum up their solution vectors to generate an aggregate solution. The modeling of individual firms of an industry or region of any size, however, is unmanageable, and thus, firms are partitioned into "homogenous" groups. The question becomes how best to form these groups. Studies which have attempted to define empirical rules and practical guidelines include Frick and Andrews, Sheehy and McAlexander, and Buckwell and Hazell. A theoretical curiosity, however, has emanated. Stated simply, do there exist conditions under which a group of firms can be represented by an aggregate model with no loss of information? Day first proposed a set of such conditions upon which subsequent attacks of various sorts have been mounted by Miller, Lee,
Monozygotic twins with a severe form of Alagille syndrome and phenotypic discordance.

Alagille syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder affecting multiple organ systems, predominantly the liver, heart, skeleton, eye, face, and kidney. The phenotype in Alagille syndrome is highly variable both within and between families. We report monozygotic twins with Alagille syndrome concordant for a mutation in Jagged1 but discordant for clinical phenotype. The twins' monozygosity was confirmed by molecular testing. A de novo splice site mutation was identified in exon 6 (1329 + 2T --> G) in both children. Both twins display a severe form of Alagille syndrome; however, one twin has a severe pulmonary atresia with mild liver involvement, while the other has tetralogy of Fallot and severe hepatic involvement, which has required liver transplantation. Potential mechanisms for phenotypic variability among monozygotic twins are discussed. This is the first reported case of discordance in phenotype in monozygotic twins with Alagille syndrome. This case implies that genotypic variations alone do not explain the clinical variability seen in Alagille syndrome and supports the contributory role of nongenetic factors in phenotype determination.
Radiation therapy in the treatment of superior vena caval obstruction

The obstruction of the superior vena cava by tumor is recognized as an acute or subacute oncologic emergency. Rapid high-dose irradiation to the mediastinum is shown to be effective therapy for a superior vena caval obstruction. In our series 35 patients have been treated with rapid high-dose irradiation between January 1971 and July 1977. The present treatment consists of 400 rad given in a daily midplane dose for 3 days, and then slowing to 150 rad midplane per day to a total dose of 3000 rad over 15 fractions. There have been no instances of exacerbations of symptoms or severe complications from this treatment. There have been 2 failures of the 35 patients treated with this regimen. Both were shown at autopsy to have massive thrombi obstructing the superior vena cava. Six years of experience using this regimen has proven to be a safe and effective means of treatment for superior vena caval obstruction.
Approach to Space Shuttle Main Engine Health Monitoring Using Plume Spectra

Current SpaceShuttlemain enginefault detection systemsrely on sensor data analysis viaredundant rule-based expertsystemsalongwithvisualobservationsforthereal-timeassessmentofenginehealth.Anovelalternativetothe traditional health-monitoring approachispredicated on theacquisitionand subsequent neuralnetwork processing of electromagnetic plume emissions. Spectrometric examination of an emission spectrum provides a means for the identie cation and quantie cation of metallic species indigenous to the main engine plume e ow. Knowledge of the metallic species eroding could pinpoint the specie c location of component degradation within the engine, as well as identify serious component failures at an early stage. Such an approach is advantageous because it allows for the detection of numerous internal failures that would otherwise go unnoticed by traditional monitoring methods. A radial basis function neural network architecture that is capable of inferring metallic state from a given plume spectrum is detailed. Specie cally, a comprehensive discussion of the methodologies necessary for the development and implementation of the neural network approach is provided. The resulting neural networks are validated with actual test-stand data from the January 1996 failure of a Space Shuttle main engine at NASA Stennis Space Center.
Cesium diuranate (Cs2U2O7): heat capacity (5 to 350 K) and thermodynamic functions to 350 K. A re-evaluation of the standard enthalpy of formation and the thermodynamics of (cesium + uranium + oxygen)

Abstract The low-temperature (5 to 350 K) heat capacity of a well-characterized sample of β-Cs2U2O7 has been measured by adiabatic calorimetry. No anomalies were observed in the plot of heat capacity against temperature, the curve having the normal sigmoid shape. These measurements were used to calculate thermodynamic functions to 350 K. At T = 298.15 K, the following results were obtained: C ° = (231.23±0.46) J K −1 ; S ° (T) = (327.75±0.66) J K −1 mol −1 {H ° (T)−H ° (0)} = (45544±91)J mol −1 ; {G ° (T)−H ° (0)/T =−()175.00±0.35} J K −1 mol −1 . Because of recent critical re-evaluations of thermochemical quantities for UO2Cl2, the published value for ΔHfo(Cs2U2O7, c, β, 298.15 K) has been revised to −(3220±1.8) kJ mol−1. A discussion of the thermodynamics of (cesium + uranium + oxygen) at high temperatures is included.
“Click” Grafting of High Loading of Polymers and Monosaccharides on Surface of Ordered Mesoporous Silica

The azide−alkyne cycloaddition “click” reaction was used to covalently bond high loadings of polymers and monosaccharides to the surface of an ordered mesoporous silica. The functionalization process was followed using thermogravimetry, gas adsorption, small-angle X-ray scattering, and infrared spectroscopy. Large-pore SBA-15 silica with cylindrical mesopores of diameter ∼15 nm was synthesized using triisopropylbenzene as a micelle expander. The surface of the silica was modified with aminopropyl groups that were converted to propargyl-bearing groups through a reaction with 4-pentynoyl chloride. Thus prepared “clickable” pores were reacted with azide-functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and oligo(ethylene glycol) as well as protected and deprotected d-galactose. The new “grafting to” procedure allowed us to introduce uniform polymer films of thickness up to about 2 nm without any appreciable pore blocking, even for the polymer loading as high as 25 wt %. Uniform layers of monosaccharides with l...
Effect of powder characteristics on the sinterability of a microwave-plasma-synthesized iron nanopowder

Abstract Compacts, made from a microwave-plasma-synthesized Fe nanopowder, were sintered under H2 at increasing temperatures. Despite its initial nanosize, we did not observe any enhanced, low-temperature sintering behavior with the powder. Using FESEM, XRD, and BET surface area, we found that the primary nanoparticles are aggregated into micrometer-sized dendritic structures that hinder sintering and densification.
Bacteremias and Fungemias in Oncologic Patients With Central Venous Catheters: Changing Spectrum of Infection

• Ninety central venous catheters were inserted into 80 patients undergoing therapy for malignant neoplasms. Bacteremia and fungemia occurred in 18 of 41 treatment courses in patients with acute leukemia and in nine of 55 treatment courses in patients with solid tumors and lymphomas. Although gram-negative organisms accounted for nine (33%) cases of infection, the majority of disseminated infections were caused by gram-positive organisms (12 [45%] cases) or fungi (six [22%] cases). Central venous catheters may be helpful in the treatment of patients undergoing intensive therapy with cytotoxic agents, but the shift in spectrum of infection to gram-positive bacteremias in patients with these catheters compared with patients treated using peripheral vein access must be appreciated. (Arch Intern Med1982;142:1456-1459)
Femtosecond laser deep hole drilling of silicate glasses in air

Femtosecond laser pulses are ideal for many precise and delicate laser processing applications. In this work, we demonstrate that femtosecond laser pulses can be used to produce microscopic holes ( 1 mm) in silicate glasses at atmospheric pressures. These experiments indicate that self-focusing is an important factor affecting hole depth at high laser intensity.
Analytic models of the chemical evolution of galaxies

Techniques are described for constructing analytic models of the chemical evolution of galaxies subject to infall of metal-poor material onto a maturing disk. A class of linear models is discussed which takes the star-formation rate within a defined region to be proportional to the mass of interstellar gas within that region, and the instantaneous recycling approximation is adopted. The solutions are obtained by approximately matching the infall rate to parametrized familiies of functions for which the equations are exactly soluble. The masses, the primary and secondary metallicities, and the gas concentrations of radioactive chronometers can all then be analytically expressed. Surveys of galactic abundances in location and in time can be compared to the parameter spaces of the analytic representations.
Transient Behavior of Thin-Film Deposition: Coupling Micro- and Macro-Scale Transport

The transient behavior of the thin-film deposition process in a chemical vapor deposition reactor is numerically investigated, considering gallium nitride as the deposited material. The numerical modeling involves coupling of microscale transport mechanisms and chemical reactions at the surface with the macroscale convective heat and mass transfer. The results obtained provide a detailed understanding of the entire process, including the microscale phenomena at the surface. The study also presents information that can be used to control the system operating time and the consumption of input power and precursors, which are generally quite expensive.
Noninvasive measurement of lipid and water in food using magnetic resonance imaging

Structural properties and quality of many foods depend on changes in the state and distribution of food components. However, information on distribution of food components and their role in providing structure has been difficult to investigate in foods. Noninvasive, dynamic measurement of foods was investigated with nuclear magnetic resonance imaging to simultaneously investigate lipid and water separately. Different relaxation values exhibited by each component allowed resolution of oil and water through relaxation weighted images. This approach is applicable to study of food structure, dynamics, and component interactions.
Laser Scanning Camera

The laser scanning camera system, one of the most recent and innovative methods of photography, dates back to the early 1960's, coincident with the development of more reliable and powerful cw lasers. The laser scanning camera differs from more conventional cameras in that it generates imagery, or rather electrical analog signals of imagery, in a serial rather than parallel manner as a laser beam is scanned across some target scene. This principle has found wide application, especially in the field of nighttime aerial photography. The subjects discussed in this paper are the basic operating components, including some of the possible variations, a development and growth history at Perkin-Elmer, a description of a few of the present and potential applications, and prospects for future growth.
Configurational disorder and the local field effects in nonlinear optical systems.

We argue that in nonlinear optical systems with atoms randomly distributed in crystals or amorphous hosts one should go beyond the Clausius-Mossoti limit in order to take into account the effect of local field fluctuations induced by configurational disorder in atom position. This effect is analyzed by means of a random local mean field approach with neglect of correlations between dipole moments of different atoms. The formalism is applied to 3-level Λ type systems with quantum coherence possessing an absorptionless index of refraction and lasing without inversion. We show that the effect of configurational fluctuations results in the suppression of the atom susceptibility compared with the predictions based on the Clausius-Mossoti equation.
(Re)considering normal: queering social norms for parents and teachers

Recent debates regarding same‐sex marriage and gay and lesbian adoption highlight the role of schools as sociopolitical institutions. Accordingly, teachers operating within social norms have considerable influence through their interactions with students and their families. Previous research points to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) parents’ frustrations with their children’s schools, particularly as teachers resist representing LGBT families within curricula and fail to intervene when homophobic comments are made. Yet teachers’ capacity to embrace diverse family structures while adhering to cultural expectations for teachers remains unexplored. This study, rooted in queer theory, explores the social norms teachers name for parenting in school settings and the way teachers position LGBT parents within these norms. Findings point to social norms for teachers and parents which indicate that teachers operate within heteronormative frameworks. They consider heterosexuality to be normal, while p...
The Method of Moments in Electromagnetics

The method of moments is a generic name given to projective methods in which a functional equation in an infinite dimensional function space is approximated by a matrix equation in a finite dimensional subspace. Any projective method can be put into the language and notation of the method of moments, hence the concept is very general. Any linear field problem can be formulated either by differential equations (Maxwell's equations plus boundary conditions) or by integral equations (Green's functions plus superposition). Furthermore, neither the differential formulation nor the integral formulation for any particular problem is unique. The method is applied to electromagnetic scattering from conducting bodies. Computational examples are given for a sphere to illustrate a numerical implementation of the method.
Impact of comorbidity on survival after surgical resection in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

Objective: As the mean age in patients with non–small cell lung cancer increases, the proportion of patients with serious comorbidity who are considered for surgical resection also increases. Patients with non–small cell lung cancer have been shown to have a higher burden of comorbidity than do patients with tumors of other sites, such as breast, prostate, colon, and head and neck. The goal of this review was to determine the impact of comorbidity on postoperative and long-term survival after surgical resection in patients with stage I non–small cell lung cancer. Methods: A database analysis of our hospital's tumor registry included 451 patients who underwent surgical resection for pathologic stage I non–small cell lung cancer between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 1999. Comorbidity severity was prospectively determined with the Kaplan-Feinstein Index. Survival data were collected for each patient from the date of operation, with a mean duration of follow-up of 35.7 months. Bivariate statistics and Cox proportional hazards model analyses were used. Results: The mean age was 64.4 years, and 249 (55%) patients were male. The distribution of overall comorbidity severity was none, 142 (31.5%); mild, 150 (33.3%); moderate, 115 (25.5%); and severe, 44 (9.8%). The overall in-hospital mortality was 2.2% (n = 10/451). There was a nonsignificant trend toward higher hospital mortality with greater comorbidity: none, 0.7% (n = 1/142); mild, 3.3% (n = 5/150); moderate, 0.9% (n = 1/115); and severe, 6.8% (n = 3/44, P = .055). Kaplan-Meier estimated survivals at 3 years for each level of comorbidity were as follows: none, 85.6%; mild, 74.8%; moderate, 68.8%; and severe, 70.0% (P < .002). After adjustment for age, sex, T status, and tumor histologic type, the relative risks of death as a function of comorbidity were mild, 1.44 (95% confidence interval 0.89-2.34); moderate, 2.28 (95% confidence interval 1.43-3.65); and severe; 1.94 (95% confidence interval 1.023-3.70). Conclusions: Comorbidity has a significant impact on survival after surgical resection of patients with stage I non–small cell lung cancer. These data may help to explain the lower than expected survival results for patients after surgical resection for stage I non–small cell lung cancer.
Asymmetric localization of natural antisense RNA of neuropeptide sensorin in Aplysia sensory neurons during aging and activity.

Despite the advances in our understanding of transcriptome, regulation and function of its noncoding components continue to be poorly understood. Here we searched for natural antisense transcript for sensorin (NAT-SRN), a neuropeptide expressed in the presynaptic sensory neurons of gill-withdrawal reflex of the marine snail Aplysia californica. Sensorin (SRN) has a key role in learning and long-term memory storage in Aplysia. We have identified NAT-SRN in the central nervous system (CNS) and have confirmed its expression by northern blotting and fluorescent RNA in situ hybridization. Quantitative analysis of NAT-SRN in micro dissected cell bodies and processes of sensory neurons suggest that NAT-SRN is present in the distal neuronal processes along with sense transcripts. Importantly, aging is associated with reduced levels of NAT-SRN in sensory neuron processes. Furthermore, we find that forskolin, an activator of CREB signaling, differentially alters the distribution of SRN and NAT-SRN. These studies reveal novel insights into physiological regulation of natural antisense RNAs.
Letter by Pieroni et al Regarding Article, “Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of a Patient With Chloroquine-Induced Cardiomyopathy Confirmed by Endomyocardial Biopsy”

To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Reffelmann et al1 describing a case of chloroquine-induced cardiomyopathy. Regarding the images provided by the authors, we would like to emphasize that magnetic resonance and mostly ultrastructural findings cannot univocally be referred to as chloroquine toxicity, because they might also represent …
Readability Level of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Notices of Privacy Practices Utilized by Academic Medical Centers

Recently enacted Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act legislation requires health care professionals to provide patients with a "Notice of Privacy Practices" (NPP) document as part of their informed consent process to participate in assessment and treatment. We were interested in the readability of these forms. We attempted to find a NPP from an academic medical center in each state plus the District of Columbia where documents were placed on the institution's Web site. Documents were obtained from 40 jurisdictions and were then analyzed utilizing two measures of readability. The majority (65%) of these documents were written beyond the 12th grade reading level, and almost the entire sample (90%) fell in the difficult range of reading ease. Academic medical centers have an ethical obligation to improve the readability of these documents and should do so to improve clinical practice and reduce liability.
cDNA cloning, sequencing and in situ localization of a transcript specific to both sublingual demilune cells and parotid intercalated duct cells in mouse salivary glands.

Abstract A cDNA clone derived from mouse sublingual gland was isolated from a λ-phage cDNA library. Northern blot hybridization indicated that the transcript from which it was derived was approx. 700 nucleotides in length. This mRNA encoded a protein of about 20 kDa, as determined by hybrid selection and cell-free translation. Conceptual translation of the cDNA clones showed that p20 is 170 amino acids in length. The putative protein is hydrophobic in nature, is neither a mucin-like protein nor does its amino acid sequence or composition resemble the other known mouse proteins. However, the amino acid sequence of p20 suggests that it may be from a gene or gene family homologous to rat common salivary protein 1. The p20 mRNA also appears to share a non-random degree of sequence homology with the cysteine-rich domains of bovine and porcine submandibular mucins. The p20 mRNA is abundant in the mouse sublingual gland, and its expression is approx. nine times greater than in the parotid gland. In situ hybridizations localized the p20 mRNA exclusively in the demilune cells of the sublingual gland and in the intercalated duct cells of the parotid gland. It is detectable in the neonatal and adult submandibular gland at very low levels, but is absent from liver, heart, brain, thymus, spleen, lens and lacrimal glands.
Exercise interventions for older adults with high blood pressure: From efficacy to adherence

This paper reviews studies on the effects of aerobic exercise upon blood pressure in older hypertensives. Controlled evaluations indicate average decreases in systolic and diastolic resting blood pressure of 8.8 rnm Hg systolic and 7.8 mm Hg, respectively, indicating a moderate, yet clinically important reduction. However, few studies have independently focused on the older adult hypertensive, an increasingly important source of cardiovascular morbidity, mortality, and costly health care utilization. Still fewer studies address the critically' related problem of adherence, including the demonstration of eficacious methods of enhancing adherence to exercise with this population. Some factors associated with higher exercise adherence rates in the older adult include participation in low-intensity exercise that is perceived as reinforcing and safe. Research also indicates the potential value of home-based exercise programs in promoting compliance to the regimen. Several suggestions for further research are o...
The effects of reward structure, media richness and gender on virtual teams

Abstract This study explores the dynamics of virtual teams. We hypothesize that the use of a mixed-incentive reward structure will increase team member satisfaction, affect group cohesion and decrease perceived social loafing in a virtual team environment. We also hypothesize that team member satisfaction and team cohesion will increase and perceived social loafing will decrease with the use of a richer technology medium in a virtual team environment. In addition, we hypothesize that in a virtual team environment, team member satisfaction, group cohesion and perceived social loafing will differ between males and females. Using eighty-nine MBA students at a large southeastern university as participant's for our study, we find that perceived social loafing decreases with the use of a mixed-incentive reward structure in a virtual team environment. We also find that perceived social loafing decreases with the use of a richer technology medium in a virtual team environment. Finally, we find that perceived social loafing differs between males and females and that females perceive more social loafing when there is not a mixed-incentive scheme. The results shed light on the role of gender in virtual teams.
Timing during predator–prey encounters, duration and directedness of a putative pursuit-deterrent signal by the zebra-tailed lizard, Callisaurus draconoides

[Some prey attempt to deter pursuit by signaling to a predator that they have detected it and can escape if attacked. Zebra-tailed lizards ( Callisaurus draconoides ) wag their boldy patterned tails when approached. Wagging is related to predation risk, as predicted for pursuit deterrence, and likely alternative functions have been eliminated. To examine the role of tail-waving in pursuit-deterrence, I studied stages of predator–prey encounters when it occurred, its duration and its directedness. Tail-waving occurred before, during and after escape runs, and in all combinations of these times. Display performed before fleeing putatively deters pursuit; during and after fleeing it also might deflect attacks to the autotomizable tail. Tail-waving was brief before and during escape, but lasted up to 13 s after runs ended. Undetected ambushers at new locations attack rapidly and displaying may attract additional predators. Therefore, prolonged display for deflection is unlikely. Lizards display briefly, flee to reduce risk and possibly demonstrate escape ability, then engage in more prolonged signaling. As predicted for a directed signal, tail-waving frequency was higher for lizards oriented at angles that exposed the ventral tail to view than at hid it from view. Tail-waving appears to be a pursuit-deterrent signal directed to predators., Some prey attempt to deter pursuit by signaling to a predator that they have detected it and can escape if attacked. Zebra-tailed lizards ( Callisaurus draconoides ) wag their boldy patterned tails when approached. Wagging is related to predation risk, as predicted for pursuit deterrence, and likely alternative functions have been eliminated. To examine the role of tail-waving in pursuit-deterrence, I studied stages of predator–prey encounters when it occurred, its duration and its directedness. Tail-waving occurred before, during and after escape runs, and in all combinations of these times. Display performed before fleeing putatively deters pursuit; during and after fleeing it also might deflect attacks to the autotomizable tail. Tail-waving was brief before and during escape, but lasted up to 13 s after runs ended. Undetected ambushers at new locations attack rapidly and displaying may attract additional predators. Therefore, prolonged display for deflection is unlikely. Lizards display briefly, flee to reduce risk and possibly demonstrate escape ability, then engage in more prolonged signaling. As predicted for a directed signal, tail-waving frequency was higher for lizards oriented at angles that exposed the ventral tail to view than at hid it from view. Tail-waving appears to be a pursuit-deterrent signal directed to predators.]
Prediction of Pulse Radar Performance

A method of calculating the range performance of a pulse radar is presented which is simple, yet which leads to more consistent results than do other methods commonly used. The factors entering into the calculation are discussed in detail, and graphs are given which greatly simplify the procedure.
Field study identifying barriers and delays in data-to-decision with small unmanned aerial systems

This paper reports on lessons learned in rapidly getting data from a small tactical unmanned aerial system (sUAS) to an incident commander during a 2012 high fidelity hazardous materials exercise. In order to capture the Public Safety data-to-decision path, observational data was collected on three flights of an AirRobot 100B sUAS, used extensively by the US Army, with HazMat specialists as part of a chemical train derailment exercise at the 2012 Summer Institute at Disaster City®. The Summer Institute found that (i) the data path requires an average of 4 steps to go from the field to the incident commander, (ii) there is no standard data format which reduces the value of the data nor agreed upon paths for submission which leads to “broken” paths, (iii) redundant data-to-decision paths are essential in order to ensure information flow, and (iv) the average time from when the data was seen by the sUAS to its arrival at incident command was 27.8 minutes. The observations also led to three recommendations for companies producing devices: (i) sUAS should have a reliable capability to record to USB flash drive; (ii) all video and photographic imagery should have the relevant GPS and heading information embedded in the data; and (iii) systems should have the ability to provide cellular and wireless transmission capabilities (including web browsers and email) as responders may not have access to public phone Wi-Fi and internal Ethernet networks. The analysis also suggests that current measures of quality of service (QoS) focus only on device-to-device transfer rates, not the when the decision maker sees the data and if it is in a form to act upon.
Accelerating the initial rate of hydrolysis of methyl parathion with laser excitation using monolayer protected 10 nm Au nanoparticles capped with a Cu(bpy) catalyst.

Using a low power green laser, we have demonstrated a rate acceleration of ∼2-fold for the hydrolysis of methyl parathion by irradiating the plasmon absorption band of Au nanoparticles capped with a Cu(bpy) catalyst.
Optimization models for environmental pollution control: A synthesis

Abstract The optimization models presented here represent a synthesis between input-output analysis and mathematical programming models for environmental pollution control. The pivotal construct is a social cost for each unit of consumption; it is derived from the input-output analysis and is used in the objective function of the mathematical programming models which seek to optimize the final value of bill of goods and bads. The theory of optimization with relative bounded variables in nonlinear programming is developed and utilized.
Current Trends and Future Directions in Data Curation Research and Education

Digital research data have introduced a new set of collection, preservation, and service demands into the tradition of digital librarianship. Consequently, the role of an information professional has evolved to include the activities of data curation. This new field more specifically addresses the needs of stewarding and preserving digital research data. In this article, the authors offer an overview of data curation research and education in the field of library and information science, focusing specifically on the current state of professional practice, trends in education and workforce development, and future directions for both basic and applied research. Drawing on the proceedings from two data curation summits held in late 2010, the authors highlight and build on the major insights and recommendations that emerged from discussions among more than 50 leading experts from government agencies, data centers, the field of library and information science, and the publishing industry. Specifically, they no...
Contamination of green bay water with lead and cadmium by a 37-m long, 2-m draft research vessel

During late April 1989, Green Bay, Lake Michigan water was sampled for dissolved concentrations of lead and cadmium. Samples used to document horizontal contamination of the water by a research vessel were collected using a rubber boat rowed 2, 50, 100, and 200 m upwind of the anchored mother ship. Samples used to document vertical contamination of the water column by the research vessel were collected from the vessel at water depths of 0.2, 2, 5, 10, and 20 m. Both lead and cadmium blanks were < 0.5 ng/l and below their limits of detection at the 95% level of confidence of 3.5 and 0.98 ng/l, respectively. Concentrations of lead in the horizontal direction varied between 3.5 ng/1 at 200 m from the ship and 7.7 ng/1 at 2 m from the ship. Cadmium concentrations varied from 2.8 ng/l at 2 m from the ship to 1.5 ng/1 at 200 m from the ship. Lead concentrations in the vertical direction varied between 8.4 ngll at a depth of 0.2 m and 3.3 ng/l at 5 m. Cadmium concentrations ranged between 4.5 ng/l at 2 m and 2.2 ng/1 at 20 m. The vertical studies were inconclusive and appeared to be influenced by resuspension of bottom sediments. Uncontaminated samples can be collected as close as 100 m to the research vessel.
Gene rearrangement patterning and DNase-I hypersensitive sites within the T-cell receptor Jα locus

For several years, the relationship between αβ and γδ T-cell progenitors has been a topic of debate. Some argue that a subset of T-cell progenitors is “pre-committed” to the αβ lineage and is thus programmed to rearrange α, but not δ genes. It is further argued that the deletion of the δ locus by a unique rearrangement, δrec-ΨJα, may be the critical forerunner to V-Jα joins in αβ committed cells and that a hypersensitive site (HS) termed 5'TEA might regulate such rearrangement. Here we present an alternative hypothesis. We first emphasize that directed Jα gene rearrangements do not exclusively target the ΨJα gene, but that clustered gene rearrangements occur throughout the Jα locus during T-cell development. We describe the existence of not one, but at least two HS sites distributed along the Jα locus which might serve as regulators for the gene rearrangement event. Finally, we suggest that progenitor T-cells are not committed to a particular δ or α gene rearrangement, but that a flexible progenitor responds to complex interactions between environmental signals and multiple regulatory elements interspersed among δα genes.
Segregation of mitochondrial DNA in human somatic cell hybrids.

The maintenance of mtDNA has been examined in human intraspecific hybrid cells constructed from the fusion of HEB7A, a HeLa tumor cell line carrying the mitochondrially coded chloramphenical (CAP) resistance mutation, and GM 2291, a limited lifespan human diploid fibroblast which is CAP sensitive. These two cells can be distinguished by a polymorphism in a site for the restriction endonuclease, HaeIII. Independently isolated clones of hybrid cells were characterized for their growth properties (either normal limited lifespan or transformed and “immortal”). Whole cell DNA preparations were made from each hybrid, digested with HaeIII, and the resultant fragments were detected by hybridization to 32P labelled mouse mtDNA as probe. Experiments with mixtures of HEB7A and GM2291 DNA reveal that HEB7A mtDNA can be detected when it constitutes as little as 5% of the total cell mtDNA. The results indicate that the HEB7A mtDNA is lost from most hybrids, and when it does persist it is usually a minor component of total mtDNA. The addition of CAP at the time of fusion slightly increases the quantity of HEB7A mtDNA, but not enough to confer CAP resistance. Furthermore, five limited lifespan hybrids contained no detectable HEB7A mtDNA, while three transformed hybrids contained varying quantities of HEB7A mtDNA, suggesting that retention of this tumor form of mtDNA is associated with tumor growth behavior. These results suggest that cytoplasmic genetic incompatibility occurs in intraspecific hybrids.