cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between appearance of urinary red blood cell/white blood cell casts and the onset of renal relapse in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which urinary sediment findings (changes in red blood cells [RBCs], white blood cells [WBCs], and the appearance of RBC and WBC casts) predict the onset of renal relapse (defined as a specific increase in proteinuria and/or serum creatinine level) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Seventeen SLE patients with biopsy-proven diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis at initial presentation were followed prospectively for 1,129 patient-months under a study protocol. Semiquantitative urinalyses were performed at 2-month intervals during periods with little or no SLE activity and, more frequently, during periods with increased SLE activity. Each urinalysis was accompanied by a clinical evaluation and a panel of screening tests relevant to the evaluation of SLE activity. During this study, 877 semiquantitative urinalyses were performed and 43 renal relapses were observed in 14 patients. No relapse occurred in three patients. Of the renal relapses, 30 were defined as proteinuria relapses (mean baseline proteinuria increased from 0.8 ± 0.1 g/24 hr to 2.7 ± 0.3 g/24 hr; P P P P P P P
Calcium regulation of parathyroid and C cell function in familial benign hypercalcemia.

The roles of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT) in the pathogenesis of familial benign hypercalcemia (FBH, or hypocalciuric hypercalcemia) are uncertain. Thus we performed studies in 26 patients with FBH, 12 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT), and 20 normal volunteers, to answer these questions: are plasma levels of intact or biologically active PTH frequently elevated in FBH? Is plasma intact PTH nonsuppressible during calcium infusion? Is there blunting of the C cell CT response to calcium infusion as occurs in primary HPT? We used three methods for measurement of PTH: a mid region-specific radioimmunoassay (iPTH, antiserum GP-1M), an extraction-concentration bioassay (bioPTH, stimulation of cAMP generation in osteoblastlike cells), and a two-site immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) for intact PTH. PTH levels were significantly elevated in primary HPT by all three methods, but mean PTH was normal in FBH and 85–92% of values overlapped the normal range. During 5 minute calcium infusions (2 mg Ca2+ per kg) iPTH values fell little, but bioPTH and intact PTH fell sharply in all three groups. Mean calcium-induced decreases of intact and bioPTH were indistinguishable from normal in FBH, but PTH levels generally remained elevated at 5 minutes in primary HPT. In FBH basal and postinfusion CT levels were normal. The data show that, in the majority of patients with FBH, PTH concentrations and bioactivity in blood are within the normal range and are suppressed rapidly to very low levels with further increases of calcium. The data suggest that the abnormality of parathyroid function in FBH differs from that in primary HPT. There was no deficiency of CT or C cell responsiveness in FBH, another difference from primary HPT. Nonetheless, in 8–15% of cases, measurement of PTH could not discriminate FBH from primary HPT.
Shiverer and normal peripheral myelin compared: basic protein localization, membrane interactions, and lipid composition.

: We have correlated membrane structure and interactions in shiverer sciatic nerve myelin with its biochemical composition. Analysis of x-ray diffraction data from shiverer myelin swollen in water substantiates our previous localization of an electron density deficit in the cytoplasmic half of the membrane. The density loss correlates with the absence of the major myelin basic proteins and indicates that in normal myelin, the basic protein is localized to the cytoplasmic apposition. As in normal peripheral myelin, hypotonic swelling in the shiverer membrane arrays occurs in the extracellular space between membranes; the cytoplasmic surfaces remain closely apposed notwithstanding the absence of basic protein from this region. Surprisingly, we found that the interaction at the extracellular apposition of shiverer membranes is altered. The extracellular space swells to a greater extent than normal when nerves are incubated in distilled water, treated at a reduced ionic strength of 0.06 in the range of pH 4–9, or treated at constant pH (4 or 7) in the range of ionic strengths 0.02–0.20. To examine the biochemical basis of this difference in swelling, we compared the lipid composition of shiverer and normal myelin. We find that sulfatides, hydroxycerebroside, and phosphatidylcholine are 20–30% higher than normal; non-hydroxycerebroside and sphingomyelin are 15–20% lower than normal; and ethanolamine phosphatides, phosphatidylserine, and cholesterol show little or no change. A higher concentration of negatively charged sulfatides at the extracellular surface likely contributes to an increased electrostatic repulsion and greater swelling in shiverer. The cytoplasmic surfaces of the apposed membranes of normal and shiverer myelins did not swell apart appreciably in the pH and ionic strength ranges expected to produce electrostatic repulsion. This stability, then, clearly does not depend on basic protein. We propose that P0 glycoprotein molecules form the stable link between apposed cytoplasmic membrane surfaces in peripheral myelin.
State space approach to design of continuous time sigma delta ADC with delay in feedback path

Excess loop delay is one of the major factors limiting the performance of continuous time sigma delta modulator (CTM). A solution is to provide an additional feedback path just before quantizer to compensate for this delay. Modified z- transform has been previously used as a technique to design the CTM incorporating the delay. In this paper we extend the work in (R. Schreier and B. Zhang, 1996) and present a state space based method to design such modulators. State space approach is preferred since it helps to automate the calculation of co-efficient using MATLAB. For the modulators with resonators in the loop filter, it is shown that using some results from z-transform techniques greatly simplify the design procedure.
Heterozygous effects of multilocus deletions

Article de synthese sur les systemes modeles capables de detecter les degâts genetiques et la transmission a la descendance de mutations specifiques d'un locus en reponse a des agents environnementaux mutagenes
Nonpharmacologic Approaches to the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter

The high prevalence of atrial fibrillation, the associated morbidity and mortality, the absence of safe and effective drug therapy, and an increased understanding of the pathophysiologic basis of atrial fibrillation and flutter have collectively led to the development of novel nonpharmacologic treatments for the management of these arrhythmias, including the CORRIDOR and MAZE surgical procedures, catheter-based ablation and modification of AV conduction, catheter-based ablation of atrial flutter and fibrillation, and internal atrial defibrillation. These surgical and catheter-based techniques offer potentially curative therapy while sparing the long-term risk of antiarrhythmic drug therapy. For patients with typical atrial flutter, catheter ablation affords to cure rate in excess of 70%. As technological innovations further facilitate identification and ablation of the critical isthmus in the floor of the right atrium, success rates should improve substantially. For patients with atrial fibrillation, AV junction ablation with implantation of a rate-responsive ventricular pacemaker should be considered palliative therapy, as should modification of AV junction conduction. The MAZE procedure offers very high cure rates, but because it currently involves open heart surgery, patient selection is critical. Catheter-based procedures emulating aspects of the MAZE procedure may one day offer cure rates comparable to those of the surgery itself, but additional research and technological development are necessary to further define and refine the minimal effective procedure, and then to facilitate the placement of contiguous, full-thickness lesions in precise three-dimensional configurations. In the interim, the implantable automatic atrial defibrillator may offer a means for rapidly restoring sinus rhythm without the risks of long-term antiarrhythmic drug therapy.
The Combination of Thermal and Electrical Improvements in a 1U 100A VRM

The voltage regulator module (VRM) has been the standard in higher-power computers for some time thanks to their better cooling capability and less use of motherboard space compared to VR down. Physical size keeps diminishing to allow for more space savings and so the trend is to go for a small form factor such as 1U. The scaling down of CPU voltages demands more current from the VRM to meet ever-increasing power levels. This paper presents some low-cost methods for improving thermal capability while still allowing for excellent electrical design. The use of these combined improvements led to a 9% decrease in peak device temperature and 18% decrease in system average temperature which is enough to eliminate the need for a heat sink with 400 LFM airflow, 25degC ambient and no derating. The VRM is used as an example but the process is generalized so that it can be applied to may other systems.
Nephritogenic autoantibodies but absence of nephritis in Il-12p35-deficient mice with pristane-induced lupus.

Nephritogenic autoantibodies but absence of nephritis in Il-12p35–deficient mice with pristane-induced lupus. Background There is strong evidence that Th1 cytokines are essential for disease in murine models of lupus. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is essential for Th1 cell differentiation and induces interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production. Paradoxically, it has been suggested that an IL-12 defect drives the pathogenesis of lupus, although its precise role remains unclear. We investigated the role of IL-12 for lupus-like disease induced by pristane. IL-12p35–deficient (-/-) and control (+/+) BALB/c mice were treated with pristane or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Methods Proteinuria was measured and renal pathology evaluated 10 months after treatment. Sera were analyzed for autoantibodies and total immunoglobulin levels. Cytokine expression and production was analyzed. Results Pristane induced nephritogenic autoantibodies and renal immunoglobulin and complement deposition in both IL-12 -/- and +/+ mice. However, proliferative pathology and proteinuria were absent in IL-12-/- mice, whereas pristane induced severe nephritis in one third of the +/+ mice. As expected, cytokine balance was skewed toward a Th2 response in pristane-treated IL-12 -/- mice. Conclusion These data indicate that renal immune complex deposition can occur in the absence of IL-12p35, but that structural renal damage requires the presence of IL-12p35 or mediators induced by this molecule, such as IFN-γ. In contrast to the abrogation of nephritogenic autoantibodies by the lack of IFN-γ, such antibodies are induced by pristane in IL-12p35–deficient mice. Absence of structural renal disease, despite the presence of nephritogenic autoantibodies in pristane-treated IL-12-/- mice, indicates that antibody deposition alone is not sufficient for the development of lupus nephritis in this model.
Relationship of StAR expression to mitochondrial cholesterol transfer and metabolism.

Experiments in Y-1 and primary adrenal cells have established that basal StAR mRNA is sufficient for maximum cAMP-stimulated cholesterol metabolism providing that newly synthesized p37 StAR precursor is phosphorylated, transferred to the matrix and proteolytically cleaved to pp30. This form is active at the inner membrane. The majority of mitochondrial StAR redistributes, perhaps with cholesterol, to matrix vesicles but no longer facilitates intermembrane transfer even when appropriately phosphorylated. MA10 cells utilize a similar to Y01 cells mechanism, but sustain a higher rate of cholesterol metabolism at comparable StAR levels and exhibit much higher maximum rates. In Y-1 adrenal cells cholesterol metabolism is fully activated prior to increased StAR expression which then does not affect the rate. Thus factors other than StAR are at least as important in determining overall rates of cholesterol delivery.Following cAMP stimulation StAR is predominantly expressed as the 3.5kb form which arises from alt...
Methodological problems associated with the IISS military balance

Abstract The Military Balance, an annual publication of the London‐based International Institute for Strategic Studies, has long served as the standard summary of worldwide military forces. In recent years, however, the figures and analyses presented in The Military Balance have come under fire as inaccurate and even as reflecting political biases. An assessment of Military Balance figures over the past decade reveals major discrepancies that lend themselves to such charges. A helpful corrective measure would be the preparation of an Adelphi Paper on Military Balance methodology and the creation of a standing panel on the same topic that would meet at all future IISS annual conferences.
Sequential virus infections, bacterial superinfections, and fibrogenesis.

Parainfluenza 1 (Sendai) and influenza A virus pneumonitis cause severe lung damage, which, upon resolution, is followed by persistent alveolitis and parenchymal changes characterized by patchy consolidation and collagen deposition in the affected areas. To determine whether these long-term sequelae of the virus pneumonias are cumulative, mice were infected by aerosol inhalation with Sendai virus, influenza A virus, or Sendai followed 30 days later by influenza virus infection. At 90 days after the initial infection, mice were killed for assay of long-term parenchymal changes as quantitated lung hydroxyproline (Hpr) content, morphometric analysis, and total and differential lavage cell counts. Sendai virus infection did not alter the proliferation of influenza virus in the lungs as quantitated by infectious virus titers on Day 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 of influenza infection. At Day 90, lung Hpr content was cumulative in dual-infected mice, with a concomitant increase in the persistent alveolitis. To determin...
Effects of density-restricted food encounter on some single-level competition models

Abstract A family of two-species competition models in which density-restricted rates of food enounter are explicitly incorporated generates the following results: 1. 1. Sigmoidal growth . A new model for sigmoidal single-species growth is produced, but one whose inflection point always falls below half the carrying capacity. 2. 2. Comparison with simpler models . In models having shared and exclusive resources, the one or two stable nodes of simpler models may no longer occur in the first quadrant. Such models can simulate how one species by consuming enough overlapping resource can cause another species, unable to maintain itself on its exclusive resources, to go extinct. In models for interspecific interference competition (resource competition purely intraspecific), one or even two more intersections of the zero-isoclines may occur, or the isoclines may intersect once, but with different relative slopes than in the simpler models. 3. 3. Alternative communities . A new model is produced for alternative communities. Conditions for this situation, phrased in terms of parameters measuring feeding and competitive abilities, are rather narrow.
Need Threat Can Motivate Performance After Ostracism

Ostracism threatens fundamental needs of belonging, self-esteem, control, and meaningful existence, which should motivate participants to respond to this threat. However, research has yet to examine the role of need threat in producing motivation after ostracism. In the current work, participants completed a "cognitive ability" (antisaccade) task following Cyberball-induced ostracism or inclusion. In two experiments, it was found that when ostracized, participants do not see antisaccade performance as a means of responding to the concerns produced by need threat; they respond only to the social threat, leading to worse performance than included participants (Experiments 1 and 2). However, when participants see an avenue of response (the Cyberball players can compare antisaccade performances), ostracized participants outperform included participants (Experiment 2). Moreover, this effect was mediated by the need for belonging, suggesting that ostracized participants were motivated to elevate their inclusionary status by demonstrating their worth on the cognitive ability task.
A new separation medium for DNA capillary electrophoresis: self-assembly behavior of Pluronic polyol E99P69E99 in 1X TBE buffer

Abstract The unique sol–gel transition property of E99P69E99 (with E and P being poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide), respectively), a Pluronic polyol F127, could become a useful separation medium in the miniaturization and automation of capillary electrophoresis (CE). Static light scattering (SLS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and small-angle X-ray scattering were used to study the solution property and the gel-like structures of F127 in a CE buffer (1X TBE) for DNA separation. F127 in the CE forms core-shell micelles with a closed-association process. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) decreases and the micellar association number increases with increasing temperature. At larger solution concentrations, small-angle X-ray scattering results showed that the gel-like structure formed by close packing of the micelles had a face centered cubic (fcc) lattice. In the gel-like region the association number and also the micellar size were not affected by concentration changes. With F127 solution as a separation medium, CE could be performed successfully with a detection length of only 4 cm for separation of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) fragments.
Autonomous system for cross-country navigation

Autonomous cross-country navigation is essential for outdoor robots moving about in unstructured environments. Most existing systems use range sensors to determine the shape of the terrain, plan a trajectory that avoids obstacles, and then drive the trajectory. Performance has been limited by the range and accuracy of sensors, insufficient vehicle-terrain interaction models, and the availability of high-speed computers. As these elements improve, higher- speed navigation on rougher terrain becomes possible. We have developed a software system for autonomous navigation that provides for greater capability. The perception system supports a large braking distance by fusing multiple range images to build a map of the terrain in front of the vehicle. The system identifies range shadows and interpolates undersamples regions to account for rough terrain effects. The motion planner reduces computational complexity by investigating a minimum number of trajectories. Speeds along the trajectory are set to provide for dynamic stability. The entire system was tested in simulation, and a subset of the capability was demonstrated on a real vehicle. Results to date include a continuous 5.1 kilometer run across moderate terrain with obstacles. This paper begins with the applications, prior work, limitations, and current paradigms for autonomous cross-country navigation, and then describes our contribution to the area.
Comparisons between calculated ionospheric absorption and riometer measurements

Abstract Calculations of the absorption which a given riometer system would expect to measure are made for both solar maximum and solar minimum conditions. These calculations utilize ray-tracing procedures and are based on available electron density and collision frequency or temperature profiles. For middle latitudes during the solar minimum, nearly all cosmic noise absorption occurs in the D - and E -layers and is the result of electron-neutral collisions. During the solar maximum, about half of the total absorption occurs in the F -layer. Approximately half of the apparent F -layer absorption is a result of the window effect, while the remaining half arises through electron-ion collisions. A comparison between calculated and measured absorption leads to the conclusion that high nighttime absorption levels observed at many stations is the result of errors in setting the level of the quiet-day curve. It is also argued that daytime absorption levels are significantly affected by the presence of solar noise during the solar maximum period.
Sequential decision plans for the management of cotton arthropods in south-east Queensland

An outline of a pest management plan for cotton insects has been developed that is essentially based on three sets of sequential sampling plans. These plans utilize the binomial sampling theory and treatment levels for pests during three phenological stages of cotton plant growth. The plans also provide a known level of accuracy in making management decisions and frequently will require less time than other sampling techniques.
The application of metallographic techniques to the study of the tempering of HSLA-100 steel

Abstract A study of a quenched, and a quenched and tempered low-carbon, copper-containing steel (HSLA 100) was conducted. The primary investigative technique employed was transmission electron microscopy. Quenching the steel from the austenitizing temperature yielded a microstructure that was predominantly lath martensite. However, a significant amount of retained austenite was also present. Niobium carbide particles were also documented in the as-quenched structures. Tempering at 605°C for 1–3 h yielded a heterogeneous distribution of eCu, much of which was associated with the lath boundaries. The austenite was highly resistant to decomposition during tempering at 605°C and, as a consequence, little evidence of cementite precipitation was found.
Moderate and vigorous exercise programs in children with asthma: Safety, parental satisfaction, and asthma outcomes†

Background Previous research suggests that physical activity programs may improve fitness and reduce symptoms in children with asthma, but few studies have included severe asthmatics and focused on safety and parental satisfaction with the programs. Objective To examine safety, parental satisfaction, and pre- to post-intervention changes in symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in a pilot study of the impact of vigorous physical activity (swimming) and moderate-intensity activity (golf) on inner-city children with asthma. Design/Methods Children with asthma (7–14 years old) residing in Milwaukee's highest asthma prevalence zip codes were randomized to a 9-week swimming or golf program. Pre- and post-intervention data were obtained on safety, parental satisfaction, asthma symptoms, quality of life, and urgent asthma physician visits. Results Twenty-eight children in the swimming group and 17 in the golf group completed the program. Combined group analysis (N = 45) revealed that only six symptom exacerbations occurred during 1,125 person-sessions of swimming and golf (all resolved with bronchodilator therapy), 92% of parents were very or extremely satisfied with the program, and post-exercise decreases were observed in asthma symptom severity scores (9.3–7.3, P < 0.001), improved parental QOL (4.9–5.4, P < 0.001), and reduced urgent physician visits for asthma (1.3–0.2 visits per person, P = 0.04). The study lacked sufficient power to perform intergroup comparisons. Conclusions Findings from this pilot study indicate that vigorous (swimming) and moderate-intensity (golf) physical activity programs are well-tolerated, safe, and achieve high parental satisfaction. Participants and parents reported reduced childhood asthma symptoms and physician office visits and improved parental QOL. These findings suggest a potentially beneficial role for moderate to vigorous physical activity in childhood asthma. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2008; 43:1175–1182. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
ASSOCIATION OF SURGICALLY ACQUIRED MOTOR AND LANGUAGE DEFICITS ON OVERALL SURVIVAL AFTER RESECTION OF GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME

OBJECTIVE: Balancing the benefits of extensive tumor resection with the consequence of potential postoperative deficits remains a challenge in malignant astrocytoma surgery. Although studies have suggested that increasing extent of resection may benefit survival, the effect of new postoperative deficits on survival remains unclear. We set out to determine whether new-onset postoperative motor or speech deficits were associated with survival in our institutional experience with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of all patients (age range, 18-70 years; Karnofsky Performance Scale score, 80-100) who had undergone GBM resection between 1996 and 2006 at a single institution. Survival was compared between patients who had experienced surgically acquired motor or language deficits versus those who did not experience these deficits. RESULTS: Three hundred six consecutive patients (age, 54 ± 11 years; median Karnofsky Performance Scale score, 80) underwent primary GBM resection. Nineteen patients (6%) developed surgically acquired motor deficits and 15 (5%) developed surgically acquired language deficits. Median survival was decreased in patients who acquired language deficits (9.6 months; P < 0.05) or motor deficits (9.0 months; P < 0.05) versus patients without surgically acquired deficits (12.8 months). Two-year survival was 8% and 0% for patients with surgically acquired motor or language deficits, respectively, versus 23% for patients without new-onset deficits. CONCLUSION: In our experience, the development of new perioperative motor or language deficits was associated with decreased overall survival despite similar extent of resection and adjuvant therapy. Although it is well known that surgically induced neurological deficits affect quality of life, our results suggest that these surgical morbidities may also affect survival. Care should be taken to avoid surgically induced deficits in the management of GBM.
TAR DNA-Binding Protein 43 Immunohistochemistry Reveals Extensive Neuritic Pathology in FTLD-U: A Midwest-Southwest Consortium for FTLD Study

TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a major component of the inclusions in frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated inclusions (FTLD-U). We studied TDP-43 pathology in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of autopsy brains from patients with FTLD-U (n = 68), dementia lacking distinctive histopathology (n = 4), other neurodegenerative diseases (n = 23), and controls (n = 12) using a sensitive immunohistochemistry protocol. Marked enhancement of staining of TDP-43-positive dystrophic neurites (DNs) was obtained, and we observed 2 previously unrecognized pathologic patterns (i.e. frequent long DNs in the CA1 region and frequent dot-like DNs in the neocortical layer 2) in 39% and 15% of the FTLD-U cases, respectively. Frequent long DNs, but not dot-like DNs, were significantly associated with progranulin mutations. Based on this evaluation, 4 FTLD-U cases showed no TDP-43 pathology and were reclassified as "FTLD-U, non-TDP-43 proteinopathy," and 3 cases of dementia lacking distinctive histopathology were reclassified as FTLD-U. Of the cases with other neurodegenerative diseases, 43% showed TDP-43 pathology in the hippocampus, but only 4% showed TDP-43 pathology in the frontal cortex. No TDP-43 pathology was seen in controls. These results indicate that the sensitivity of the TDP-43 immunohistochemistry method affects both the extent and type of abnormalities detected. Moreover, assessment of abnormalities in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex may be diagnostically important in FTLD-U.
Loop Diuretic Absorption

Objectives. The present study was undertaken to determine if direct blockade of angiotensin II receptors by losartan potassium as compared to ACE inhibition might result in greater tolerability in patients with congestive heart failure in whom ACE inhibition resulted in hyperkalemia and azotemia. Background. Blockade of angiotensin II receptors by losartan potassium may produce similar benefits in congestive heart failure as ACE inhibition. However, some observations suggest losartan potassium may have different effects on renal function than ACE inhibition. Methods. Five consecutive patients with severe congestive heart failure were identified in whom treatment with ACE inhibition was complicated by hyperkalemia (K>5.7) and azotemia. In three of these patients losartan potassium was substituted for ACE inhibition while losartan potassium was added to treatment with ACE inhibition in the remaining two. The mean of four serial values of potassium, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were compared before and after change in treatment using a two tailed t test. Results. The addition or substitution of losartan potassium resulted in statistically insignificant reductions in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and a significant reduction in potassium from 5.7±0.1 to 4.9±0.3, p<0.03. Two patients who had required kayexalate were withdrawn. In all patients, hyperkalemia resolved and did not reoccur. Conclusions. There appear to be fundamental differences between the effects of losartan potassium and ACE inhibitors on potassium excretion in congestive heart failure patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency. Losartan potassium may also be associated with less azotemia in such patients. These differences may have important clinical implications, particularly in the subset of patients in whom ACE inhibition is poorly tolerated as a result of hyperkalemia and azotemia.
Transverse ageostrophic circulations associated with elevated mixed layers

The nature of the frontogenetically forced transverse ageostrophic circulations connected with elevated mixed layer structure is investigated as a first step toward diagnosing the complex vertical circulation patterns occurring in the vicinity of elevated mixed layers within a severe storm environment. The Sawyer-Eliassen ageostrophic circulation equation is reviewed and applied to the elevated mixed layer detected in the SESAME IV data set at 2100 GMT of May 9, 1979. The results of the ageostrophic circulation diagnosis are confirmed and refined by considering an analytic specification for the elevated mixed layer structure.
KINETIC ANALYSIS OF LIGNIN PYROLYSIS USING NON- ISOTHERMAL TGA DATA

Abstract The kinetics of lignin pyrolysis were investigated using TGA in the range 20–800°C at atmospheric pressure. The present study utilized an improved analytical technique for calculating the kinetic parameters from lignin pyrolysis data. The activation energy appears to depend linearly on conversion up to 0.4 conversion level ( E ′ = 13.96 + 69.42 X ′, kcal g-mol −1 ) and then the activation energy remains constant at 41 kcal g-mol −1 . It appears that a conversion-dependent activation energy model is simply a special case of a Gaussian distribution of an activitation energy model; both models suggest a variation in bond energies with the degree of ring condensation.
1,25-DIHYDROXYVITAMIN D3 AND TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-BETA ACT SYNERGISTICALLY TO OVERRIDE EXTINCTION OF LIVER/BONE/KIDNEY ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE IN OSTEOSARCOMA HYBRID CELLS

In this study, a somatic cell genetic approach was used to study the regulation of liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) gene expression in osteoblasts. ALPL plays an important role in skeletal mineralization and serves as a good index of bone formation. A series of intertypic hybrids constructed by fusion of the human osteosarcoma TE-85 with the mouse fibrosarcoma La−t−demonstrated a 10-fold reduction of ALPL steady-state mRNA and enzyme activity, a phenomenon termed extinction. Hybrid subclones which reexpressed ALPL contained reduced numbers of fibroblast chromosomes compared to earlier passages. This suggests that atrans-acting negative regulatory factor expressed from the fibroblast genome regulates ALPL expression. Two factors known to influence ALPL expression are 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(1,25D3) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1). 1,25D3is involved in mobilizing bone calcium stores and TGFβ1 plays a critical role in bone remodeling. The extinguished hybrids were exposed to 1,25D3, TGFβ1, and a combination of these factors. For two hybrids, the combination induced reexpression of ALPL activity to levels comparable to the TE-85 parent, indicating a competition between the factors and the extinguisher(s). Neither factor alone could induce ALPL reexpression to the levels observed with the combination. In only one hybrid, the combination of factors synergistically increased ALPL expression. These data help define thecissequence element(s) in the ALPL promoter which are involved in the negative regulation of this gene.
Reinforcement learning aided smart-home decision-making in an interactive smart grid

In this paper, a complete hierarchical architecture is presented for the Utility-customer interaction, which tightly connect several important research topics, such as customer load prediction, renewable generation integration, power-load balancing and demand response. The complete interaction cycle consists of two stages: (1) Initial interaction (long-term planning) and (2) Real-time interaction (short-term planning). A hidden mode Markov decision process (HM-MDP) model is developed for customer real-time decision making, which outperforms the conventional Markov decision process (MDP) model in handling the non-stationary environment. To obtain a low-complexity, real-time algorithm, that allows to adaptively incorporate new observations as the environment changes, we resort to Q-learning based approximate dynamic programming (ADP). Without requiring specific starting and ending points of the scheduling period, the Q-learning algorithm offers more flexibility in practice. Performance analysis of both exact and approximate algorithms are presented with simulation results, in comparison with other decision making strategies.
Type IV collagen contains two distinct chains in separate molecules.

Abstract Type IV collagen from the EHS sarcoma, a basement membrane producing tumor, was characterized. Acid extracts of tumor grown in lathyritic animals contain proteins with two predominant collagen chains of apparent molecular weights of 160,000 and 140,000 daltons, designated α1(IV) and α2(IV). In addition, dimers and larger polymers formed by covalent crosslinking of the α1(IV) and α2(IV) chains are also present. These two chains were found to be distinct from one another in amino acid composition and in the peptide patterns obtained following treatment with cyanogen bromide and S. aureus V8 protease. Precipitation of native collagen from acid solutions by the stepwise addition of NaCl yielded mixtures of the two chains with varying ratios suggesting that the two chains reside in different macromolecules.
Increased frequency of heterozygotes for α 1 antitrypsin variants in individuals with either sex chromosome mosaicism or trisomy 21

THERE have been two reports1,2 of an association of alpha-l antitrypsin (α1AT) variants and sex chromosome mosaicism. The data suggest that decreased α1AT activity, as found in individuals heterozygous or homozygous for α1AT variants, gives rise to abnormal chromosome segregation during mitosis. We report here further data which support those previous studies and suggest that decreased α1AT activity is also an aetiological factor in trisomy 21.
New self-expanding patent foramen ovale occlusion device.

Our purpose was to evaluate a new self-expanding device for closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO). A transeptal catheter passage through the flap of the fossa ovalis was performed with a transeptal needle inside a catheter, creating a PFO in two minipigs. In an additional five animals, a naturally occurring PFO was found. The device is made from 0.005 inch nitinol wire mesh with polyester fabric inside, similar in construction to the Amplatzer atrial septal occluder. However, the left atrial disc is smaller (18 mm) than the right atrial disc (26 mm). Both discs are connected by a very short flexible waist (3 mm) that allows free movement of both retention discs. Pulmonary and right atrial angiography were performed after placement, at 1 month, and at 3 months follow-up. Placement of the device was technically successful in six animals. One animal died from ventricular fibrillation during placement. Pulmonary angiography and echocardiography showed complete occlusion of the PFO in six animals. Two animals were sacrificed after 1 month and four animals after 3 months. In the animals sacrificed at 1 month, histopathological examination showed partial (n = 2) endothelialization, and in the 3 months follow-up group (n = 4) endothelialization was complete. The device appears to be highly effective for occlusion of PFOs. This procedure may be performed as an outpatient procedure due to the small 7 Fr delivery system sheath. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 47:370–376, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Biochemical and serological characteristics of soluble yeast phase antigens of Histoplasma Capsulatum

Soluble antigens of whole yeast-phase cells were extracted with a 0.1 M phosphate buffer containing 0.1 M sodium chloride and 0.02% iodoacetate. After being separated by differential filtration into fractions less than or greater than 50,000 daltons, these antigens were purified by molecular sieve and chromatographic separations on ionic exchange resins. Two high molecular weight fractions obtained from diethylaminoethyl-cellulose (DEAE) at pH 8.0 and 7.0 with tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (Tris) buffer were M antigens; those obtained at pH 4.0 and 4.0 with salt were H antigens. The four fractions had protein to carbohydrate ratios of 7.3, 14.0, 8.4, and 6.5 respectively, and all had essentially the same amino acid composition with no methionine and tyrosine and little histidine, arginine, phenylalanine and lysine. They had high concentrations of glucose, less mannose and traces of galactose. The low molecular weight fractions had the new complex ‘Y antigen’, M antigen, and H antigen with protein to carbohydrate ratios of 1.4, 1.4 and 0.3 respectively. The amino acid and sugar composition of Y antigen strongly resembled the composition of the low molecular weight H and M antigens. Unlike the high molecular weight antigens, these low molecular weight antigens had methionine in relatively high concentrations; they had the same sugars as their respective high molecular weight counterparts. The yeast phase antigens differed from their respective mycelial counterparts in the following ways: glucose was the major sugar in the yeast phase with less amounts of mannose and traces of galactose, whereas in the mycelial antigens, mannose was the major sugar, with lesser amounts of galactose, glucose, and hexosamine. The H and M antigens of the yeast phase had high concentrations of glycine and alanine, whereas in the mycelial phase, these antigens had high concentrations of threonine and proline; the H and M antigens of the yeast phase had 5 to 16 times the protein to carbohydrate ratio observed for the same antigens of histoplasmin.
SCHEDULING DUPLICATE SERIAL STATIONS IN TRANSFER LINES

Abstract To support the production rate, some transfer line stations with long cycle times must be duplicated. A job is processed in only one of the duplicate stations. If laid out in parallel, this duplication essentially doubles the capacity, but, for practical reasons, these duplicate stations are often laid out in a series. The serial layout has a capacity less than the parallel's, and also raises some operational questions. We enunciated and analysed this actual problem of operating duplicate stations in series. We simulated an existing closed-loop transfer-line with duplicate stations in series using the actual failure and repair characteristics of the automated stations, and compared a new heuristic with three simple policies.
Plasmacytoid DCs and T(reg) cells: casual acquaintance or monogamous relationship?

Dendritic cells initiate immune responses but also influence regulatory T cell activity and homeostasis. Functional outcomes of dendritic cell–T cell interactions depend on the immunological context of their encounter.
Adaptive Linear Predictor Tracks Implanted Radiopaque Markers

Radiopaque markers implanted in the heart's wall permit one to observe absolute motion of the heart in closed-chest animals and humans using X-rays. The resulting data, however, are very tedious to analyze because human operators must digitize the observed marker motion from cineradiographic films (or stored video images). This paper describes an algorithm that tracks the trajectories of markers implanted in the endocardium. The algorithm uses a least-mean-squares adaptive linear predictor. By solving the marker tracking problem, one moves closer to a fully automated endocardial marker data acquisition system. The algorithm is also used to detect errors in data acquired using manual digitizing procedures. Tests run with data from nine dogs showed that the algorithm could successfully track and identify 95?100 percent of the markers in 40 out of the 60 film segments and 90?100 percent of the markers in 52 out of 60. The root-mean-square distance between the identified marker trajectories and the manually determined trajectories, a measure of accuracy, was about one-half the marker size when averaged over all of the film segments tested.
Socialtagger - collaborative tagging for blogs in the long tail

Social bookmarking is the process through which users share tags for online resources like blogs with others. Such collaborative tags provide valuable metadata for retrieval systems. While the successes of collaborative tagging systems have been demonstrated by popular websites like Del.icio.us, these sites cover only a small fraction of the available blogs on the web. The vast majority of the blogs are not available on any collaborative tagging system and are often tagged only by the authors. This lack of coverage of collaborative tags is a considerable roadblock in using the tag metadata in a web scale information retrieval system. To solve this problem we propose and implement a system to automatically recommend collaborative tags for a blog. The automatically generated tags will help to surface the blogs by making them available on social book marking sites and allow them to be easily discovered and potentially further tagged by a wider population.
Development and Psychometric Properties of the Decision Conflict and Cooperation Questionnaire (DCCQ)

Research examining the positive effects of cognitive conflict and controversy has relied largely on laboratory protocol and case studies. This work develops a field-based instrument to assess decision conflict and cooperation. This study of 63 practicing managers indicates a robust three factor solution for the 10 item DCCQ instrument.
Bounds on charged higgs properties from CP violation

Abstract We examine bounds from CP violation in the neutral K system on charged Higgs masses and couplings in models with two Higgs doublets. While CP violation is still due only to a non-zero phase in the Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix, there are additional short-distance contributions involving charged Higgs exchange rather than W exchange. By having CP violation in the mass matrix, but not in K → ππ decay amplitude, largely due to Higgs exchange, it is possible to obtain a small value of ϵ ′/ ϵ .
Theorems of structural variation: a simplification

An equation related to the ‘first theorem of structural variation’ is simplified for computational purposes.
QCD hamiltonian approach for the glueball spectrum

Abstract A new, comprehensive relativistic many-body approach utilizing the Coulomb gauge QCD Hamiltonian is advanced for hadron physics. The formalism properly incoporates renormalization for regularizing divergences and also manifests the Nambu-Goldstone realization of chiral symmetry. Using standard many-body techniques, calculations for the constitutuent quark, gluon condensates and masses and gluon spectrum are found to be in good agreement with QCD sum-rules and quenched lattice gauge results.
Carnap’s 1934 Objections to Wittgenstein’s Say/Show Distinction

In sections 18 and 73 of Carnap’s Logical Syntax of Language, Carnap famously presents what he understands to be decisive objections to Wittgenstein’s Tractarian distinction between saying and showing. However, Carnap has been criticized in recent literature for severely misinterpreting that distinction. Against this criticism it is argued that Carnap reads that distinction as applying to two distinct classes of expressions (Unsinn and sinnlos) that he holds to emerge from his reading of Tractatus 4.1212 and related Tractarian theses. It is then argued that Carnap’s counterexamples to Wittgenstein’s theses are successful given his reading, and that our analysis of his counterexamples puts us in a unique position to reevaluate his conventionalism.
Efficient single-shot Z-shim EPI via spatial and temporal encoding

Echo planar imaging (EPI) is used widely for neurological fMRI studies. However, in regions of magnetic field inhomogeneity—particularly near the nasal sinuses—EPI suffers from signal dropout. Z-shim methods are one approach to recover this lost signal, where a z gradient is employed prior to the EPI readout echo train to counter phase accumulation in the signal dropout region. Typically, two separate images of the same region are acquired under different z-shim gradient strengths, and then combined into a composite image. Single-shot z-shim methods give improved temporal resolution, but with a cost of longer echo trains, which increases geometric distortion. Here, we combine parallel MR imaging (pMRI) with a single-shot z-shim method to achieve short echo train lengths. We also employ temporal encoding to counter Nyquist ghost effects, which improves the pMRI calibration. We demonstrate the method with phantom images, and evaluate its suitability for fMRI applications.
Fluidic photonic integrated circuit (FPIC) cytometric detection

We present a fluidic photonic integrated circuit (FPIC) performing the detection function for flow cytometry. An array waveguide design was chosen to achieve superb sensitivity and the time-of-flight measurement for each particle flowing by.
Implementing OCLC's WMS (Web-Scale Management Services) Circulation at Pepperdine University

This article describes the reasons why Pepperdine University Libraries decided to move to the next-generation technology of WMS as our library system. WMS is an integrated library system hosted by OCLC that is “in the Cloud.” Pepperdine was one of the first libraries to go live with WMS, and in the article we focus on implementation process, circulation, course reserves, and holds. Although WMS is not a perfect system, we believe that libraries are poised to benefit from the next generation of library systems, such as WMS.
Reasoned and Inspired Beliefs: A Study of Islamic Theology

: In most cases, Islamic theology has been examined as a sub-field of Islamic legal studies. Ignaz Goldziher and Joseph Schacht for instance, see a link between Islamic law and theology. However, Islamic materials from the formative period of Islamic thought show that Muslim scholars distinguished between disciplines dealing with theological themes and those dealing with legal and jurisprudential topics. In this article, the author defines theology and identifies the major trends that contributed to the development of theological doctrines in Sunni and Shi‘ite Islam. He argues that, during the various historical periods, the scope and reach of Islamic theology depended on the political, social, and intellectual environment. He concludes that, in the end, Muslim theology could only be understood in a context radically different from its counterpart in Judaism and Christianity.