cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting oxygen uptake during counterclockwise arm crank ergometry in men with lower limb disabilities

Abstract Objective: This study was conducted to develop a new equation for predicting oxygen uptake (VO 2 ) during counterclockwise arm crank ergometry (ACE) in men with lower limb disabilities, cross-validate the new equation in a similar group of men, and compare the predictive accuracy of the new equation to previously published equations for clockwise ACE. Patients: The metabolic responses of 55 men, 17 to 69 years of age, with spinal cord injuries ( n = 50) or lower limb fractures ( n = 5) were recorded during maximal ACE-graded exercise tests. Participants were volunteers from area hospital rehabilitation centers, and wheelchair sport teams. Design: Subjects were partitioned by level of injury and randomly assigned to a prediction (PRE) or validation (VAL) group. Results: No differences were found between the PRE and VAL groups for age, anthropometric or peak exercise variables. Using stepwise regression, a prediction equation (EXP) was derived from the PRE group data. The resulting model: VO 2 (mL/min) = 127.06 + 7.201 (Watts) + 4.502 (weight in kg) + 0.033 (Watts 2 ) explained 89.8% of the variance in the PRE group VO 2 , standard error of estimate (SEE) = 151.9mL/min. The equation performed similarly in the VAL group (SEE = 144.OmL/min). Conclusions: In this sample, the EXP equation had less prediction error than equations derived for clockwise ACE. Accuracy was not substantially influenced by level of injury. Comparison of the data to that published previously for clockwise ACE by men with paraplegia suggests greater metabolic economy for counterclockwise as compared with clockwise ACE.
Frequency and implications of discordant gene expression profile class in posterior uveal melanomas sampled by fine needle aspiration biopsy.

Purpose To determine the frequency of discordant gene expression profile (GEP) classification of posterior uveal melanomas sampled at 2 tumor sites by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Design Prospective single-institution longitudinal study performed in conjunction with a multicenter validation study of the prognostic value of GEP class of posterior uveal melanoma cells for metastasis and metastatic death. Methods FNAB aspirates of 80 clinically diagnosed primary choroidal and ciliochoroidal melanomas were obtained from 2 tumor sites prior to or at the time of initial ocular tumor treatment and submitted for independent GEP testing and classification. Frequency of discordant GEP classification of these specimens was determined. Results Using the support vector machine learning algorithm favored by the developer of the GEP test employed in this study, 9 of the 80 cases (11.3% [95% confidence interval: 9.0%–13.6%]) were clearly discordant. If cases with a failed classification at 1 site or a low confidence class assignment by the support vector machine algorithm at 1 or both sites are also regarded as discordant, then this frequency rises to 13 of the 80 cases (16.3% [95% confidence interval: 13.0%–19.6%]). Conclusion Sampling of a clinically diagnosed posterior uveal melanoma at a single site for prognostic GEP testing is associated with a substantial probability of misclassification. Two-site sampling of such tumors with independent GEP testing of each specimen may be advisable to lessen the probability of underestimating an individual patient's prognostic risk of metastasis and metastatic death.
Testing for Fiscal Illusion in Wisconsin Towns

Abstract Fiscal illusion, a theory of the impact of government revenue structures on voter decision-making, has been studied extensively by economists and political scientists; however, empirical verification has been limited. This study builds on Lowery's (1987a) work by examining the relationship between suggested illusionary revenues and measures of electoral stress. Here, electoral stress is measured as constituent contacting—one possible measure of voter influence—for local government officials up for re-election. Using a combination of survey data from over 1,000 Wisconsin town board members, audited fiscal data and U.S. Census data, we were able to test for fiscal illusion. Our findings show that when looking at five revenue types (conditional grants, unconditional grants, property taxes, user fees and charges, and debt service) there is some evidence suggesting officials seeking another term in office will tend to support fees and charges as a revenue structure over other structures. Overall, ther...
General Spin-Wave Dispersion Relations

The general spin-wave dispersion relation obtained by a simultaneous solution of the equation of motion of the magnetization and Maxwell's equations is given. In contrast to previous calculations, the effects of conductivity, relaxation, exchange, and propagation are all properly taken into account. The resulting algebraic equation, being biquadratic in the square of the wave number, ${k}^{2}$, has four possible pairs of solutions. Some of these solutions correspond to growing plane waves while others represent attenuated ones in the direction of propagation. Whereas an analytical solution for $k$ could be easily obtained for the special case where the wave vector k is in the direction of the static magnetic field (${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{k}=0$), the solution for the cases where ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{k}\ensuremath{\ne}0$ could be conveniently obtained only by numerical solution. The solutions for the latter cases have been obtained by using an IBM 709 computer and some of the representative results are given in this paper in graphical form. When relaxation and eddy current damping are neglected, our result reduces to that of Herring and Kittel in the static limit ($\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$). Furthermore, it was found that the uniform precessional mode ($k=0$) can truly exist only under very special conditions, namely, under the condition of zero permeability for one of the two normal modes in a gyromagnetic medium.
Join congruence relations and closure relations

In this paper we show that, given a complete lattice $$ \mathcal{L} $$ , the following three lattices are the same: (1) the lattice of closure relations on $$ \mathcal{L} $$ , (2) the lattice of meet-closed subsets of $$ \mathcal{L} $$ , and (3) the lattice of complete join congruence relations on $$ \mathcal{L} $$ .
Primary care pediatricians’ experience, comfort and competence in the evaluation and management of child maltreatment: Do we need child abuse experts?

Abstract Objective We assessed the self-reported experience, comfort and competence of primary care pediatricians in evaluating and managing child maltreatment (CM), in rendering opinions regarding the likelihood of CM, and in providing court testimony. We examined pediatricians’ need for expert consultation when evaluating possible maltreatment. Methods A questionnaire was mailed to 520 randomly selected AAP members. Pediatricians were asked how frequently they evaluated and reported children for suspected maltreatment, and whether child abuse pediatricians were available to and used by them. Pediatricians were asked to rate their knowledge, comfort and competence in the management of CM. Demographic information was also gathered. Pediatricians’ experience with CM, their comfort, self-reported competence, and need for expert assistance is described. Logistic regression was used to assess factors that predicted pediatricians’ sense of competence while controlling for covariates found to be significant in bivariate analyses. Results One hundred forty-seven questionnaires were eligible for analysis. The majority of respondents had little experience evaluating and reporting suspected CM, and was interested in having expert consultation. While pediatricians often felt competent in conducting medical exams for suspected maltreatment, they felt less competent in rendering a definitive opinion, and did not generally feel competent to testify in court. Sense of competence was particularly low for sexual abuse. Increased practice experience and more courses in CM led to increased sense of competence in some areas. Conclusions Pediatricians acknowledged many limitations to providing care to maltreated children, and expressed interest in subspecialist input. Practice implications These findings add additional support to the American Board of Pediatrics’ decision to create a Child Abuse Pediatrics subspecialty. The findings also indicate a need to ensure funding for fellowship training programs in this field.
Evidence that smoking alters prostacyclin formation and platelet aggregation in women who use oral contraceptives

Smoking markedly intensifies the risk of cardiovascular disease in women who use oral contraceptives. The mechanism of this effect is not known, but evidence in vitro and in male smokers suggests that nicotine and cigarette smoke can alter prostaglandin formation and platelet function. However, these effects had not been studied with regard to women. We evaluated the effects of smoking on prostacyclin formation and platelet aggregation in 38 women who were matched according to age and weight. These included 24 women who used oral contraceptives (15 smokers, 9 nonsmokers) and 7 smokers who did not use oral contraceptives. In addition, a control group comprised seven healthy, nonsmoking women who did not take oral contraceptives. Prostacyclin formation, reflected by the excretion rate of its stable metabolite 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, was measured by means of radioimmunoassay in 4-hour urine specimens obtained during a smoking-free period and after participants had inhaled smoke from four high-nicotine cigarettes. In addition, ex vivo platelet aggregation in response to adenosine diphosphate and the stable thromboxane/endoperoxide analog U 46619 was evaluated before and after the inhalation of cigarette smoke. Oral contraceptive users who smoked greater than or equal to 5 years had a lower basal 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha level than nonsmokers or those with a smoking history of less than 5 years (84 +/- 11 versus 159 +/- 28 versus 171 +/- 18 ng/gm of creatinine, p less than 0.01). Inhalation of smoke from four high-nicotine cigarettes did not alter 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha in the smokers who did not use oral contraceptives. However, excretion of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha was further reduced in the smokers who used oral contraceptives (133 +/- 20 to 86 +/- 9 ng/gm of creatinine, p less than 0.05). Platelet aggregation did not change after inhalation of cigarette smoke in the women who did not take oral contraceptives, but aggregation increased in participants who used oral contraceptives. These results suggest that prostacyclin inhibition may be an important mechanism for the increased cardiovascular risk in women smokers who take oral contraceptives.
Where Do Centers Come From

A ‘center’ is a marked place in space or time or in a collection of objects, and surrounding it is a structure or pattern that supports it. The questions that concern us here are: ‘Why are there centers at all?’ ‘Why is a center at a particular X?’ Historical and combinatorial processes of centralization are reviewed, and a phenomenology and mechanisms are provided. Models considered include: stochastic markets with increasing returns to scale, codes as in DNA, combinatoric processes as in statistical mechanics, and differentiation in biology. Polycenters.
The role of approach contingencies in phobic behavior

A distinction is drawn between avoidance responses and phobic behavior, based upon the relative presence or absence of approach contingencies. Implications of the proposed model of phobic behavior for clinical research, therapeutic techniques, and experimental analogues are discussed. Application to current theoretical problems is pointed out.
Possible Cooperation of Differential Adhesion and Chemotaxis in Mound Formation of Dictyostelium

In the mound stage of Dictyostelium discoideum, pre-stalk cells sort and form a tip at the apex. How this pattern forms is as yet unknown. A cellular level model allows us to simulate both differential cell adhesion and chemotaxis, to show that with differential adhesion only, pre-stalk cells move to the surface of the mound but form no tip. With chemotaxis driven by an outgoing circular wave only, a tip forms but contains both pre-stalk and pre-spore cells. Only for a narrow range of relative strengths between differential adhesion and chemotaxis can both mechanisms work in concert to form a tip containing only pre-stalk cells. The simulations provide a method to determine the processes necessary for patterning and suggest a series of further experiments.
Immune alterations in three mouse strains following 2-deoxy-d-glucose administration

Using 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG)-induced stress, our laboratory has developed studies to define stress effects on immune responses. Here, we report effects of increasing doses of 2-DG on the immune response of BALB/c, C57BL/6 and BDF(1) mice 2 h after three injections of 0 to 2000 mg/kg of 2-DG. Female 4- to 5-week-old mice were euthanized and blood and spleens were collected. A suspension of partially purified mature T splenocytes was obtained by negative selection using J11.d2 antibodies. Glucose and corticosterone levels were measured in the plasma of each mouse. Splenocyte and mature T splenocyte suspensions were tested in in vitro proliferation assays with or without concanavalin A. Splenocytes were analyzed for the following cell-surface markers: CD3, TCR alpha/beta, CD4, CD8 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class II. Significant increases in blood glucose levels were observed in C57BL/6 and BALB/c strains with the highest 2-DG dose (p<0.05). Corticosterone levels were higher in BDF(1) mice and C57BL/6 mice following the administration of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of 2-DG, respectively (p<0.01). In vitro proliferation of mature T splenocytes in the presence of concanavalin A was decreased in BDF(1) (p<0.05) but not in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. In addition, in BDF(1) mice the decrease was highly correlated with an increase of CD3+ and TCR alpha/beta+ cells in the spleen. These results demonstrated high variability in the response of different mouse strains to 2-DG-induced stress.
Phase enhancement for precise determination of small radiofrequency phase angles

Abstract For multiple-quantum NMR, digital phase shifters generate the nonquadrature phase shifts. Though the required phase increments must be rather small (ca. 1.4°) to separate very high-order coherences, these increments must also be set to great precision since, compared to a single-quantum coherence, an n -quantum coherence is n times more sensitive to any phase error. This paper indicates qualitatively the effect of digital phase shifter errors on multiple-quantum spectra and demonstrates a highly accurate method for measuring the relative phase of small rf phase increments. The method relies on frequency multiplication to enhance these small phase shifts.
Effectiveness of Differential Reinforcement as a Function of past Reinforcement and Present Schedule

The effectiveness of three techniques in reducing lever-pressing behavior was studied as a function of past reinforcement history and present schedule of reinforcement. 30 children (mean age 5 yr.,...
Municipal solid waste combustion ash: State-of-the-knowledge

Over the past several years there has been significant controversy concerning the proper management of the residues from combusting municipal solid waste (MSW) and their regulatory classification as hazardous or non-hazardous waste. This controversy and other factors (e.g., lack of federal guidance, heavy metal content, etc.) have resulted in inconsistent management requirements among several states and uncertainty about beneficial utilization of the residues. Heavy metal content and leaching of these metals (especially in the TCLP test) is most often cited as the reasons the material should be managed as a hazardous waste. If not managed properly, contamination of ground water by leaching of soluble salts from the ashes may also be a concern. The United States lags behind some countries in ash utilization. Although research and demonstration projects have indicated that the ashes can be beneficially utilized, less than 5% of the ashes are utilized in the United States. Other countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan are further advanced in ash utilization and in establishment of a systematic process for evaluating and selecting disposal and utilization options. This paper discusses ash characteristics, the state of ash management in the United States, federal initiatives, results of laboratory and field characterization of leachates from the ashes, barriers to ash utilization in the United States, and international perspectives.
Thermal residual stresses in functionally graded and layered 6061 Al/SiC materials

The thermal residual stresses that develop in spray atomized and codeposited functionally graded and layered 6061 Al/SiC metal-matrix composites (MMCs) during cooling from the codeposition temperature to ambient temperature were studied using thermo-elastoplastic finite element analysis. In an effort to investigate the effect of layered and graded structures on the residual stress distribution, the composites with homogeneous distribution of SiC particulates were also analyzed. The effect of SiC volume fraction in the SiC-rich layers and the effect of SiC-rich layer thickness on the residual stresses were investigated. Based on the present study, it was found that the residual stress distribution is very distinct for the aluminum and the SiC-rich layers in the layered materials. As the volume fraction of SiC increases in the SiC-rich layer, the magnitude of residual stresses also increases. The radial stress was found to be tensile in the aluminum layers and compressive in the SiC-rich layers. It was also found that, as the thickness of the SiC-rich layer increases, the magnitude of radial stress in the aluminum layers increases, and that in the SiC-rich layers decreases. In the graded material, the lower region of each layer exhibits tensile radial stress, and the upper region of each layer shows compressive radial stress in order to maintain continuity between layers during cooldown. In general, the layered and the graded materials have greater residual stresses and more complicated stress distribution, as compared with those in the composite materials with homogeneous distribution of SiC particulates.
Lineage labeling of zebrafish cells with laser uncagable fluorescein dextran.

A central problem in developmental biology is to deduce the origin of the myriad cell types present in vertebrates as they arise from undifferentiated precursors. Researchers have employed various methods of lineage labeling, such as DiI labeling1 and pressure injection of traceable enzymes2 to ascertain cell fate at later stages of development in model systems. The first fate maps in zebrafish (Danio rerio) were assembled by iontophoretic injection of fluorescent dyes, such as rhodamine dextran, into single cells in discrete regions of the embryo and tracing the labeled cell's fate over time3-5. While effective, these methods are technically demanding and require specialized equipment not commonly found in zebrafish labs. Recently, photoconvertable fluorescent proteins, such as Eos and Kaede, which irreversibly switch from green to red fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light, are seeing increased use in zebrafish6-8. The optical clarity of the zebrafish embryo and the relative ease of transgenesis have made these particularily attractive tools for lineage labeling and to observe the migration of cells in vivo7. Despite their utility, these proteins have some disadvantages compared to dye-mediated lineage labeling methods. The most crucial is the difficulty we have found in obtaining high 3-D resolution during photoconversion of these proteins. In this light, perhaps the best combination of resolution and ease of use for lineage labeling in zebrafish makes use of caged fluorescein dextran, a fluorescent dye that is bound to a quenching group that masks its fluorescence9. The dye can then be "uncaged" (released from the quenching group) within a specific cell using UV light from a laser or mercury lamp, allowing visualization of its fluorescence or immunodetection. Unlike iontophoretic methods, caged fluorescein can be injected with standard injection apparatuses and uncaged with an epifluorescence microscope equipped with a pinhole10. In addition, antibodies against fluorescein detect only the uncaged form, and the epitope survives fixation well11. Finally, caged fluorescein can be activated with very high 3-D resolution, especially if two-photon microscopy is employed 12,13. This protocol describes a method of lineage labeling by caged fluorescein and laser uncaging. Subsequenctly, uncaged fluorescein is detected simultaneously with other epitopes such as GFP by labeling with antibodies.
Efficient wastewater treatment process for brine water

Abstract This feature describes a project whose objective is to develop a simple, economically feasible process for purifying salt water (brine) solutions.
Challenge: ultra-low-power energy-harvesting active networked tags (EnHANTs)

This paper presents the design challenges posed by a new class of ultra-low-power devices referred to as Energy-Harvesting Active Networked Tags (EnHANTs). EnHANTs are small, flexible, and self-reliant (in terms of energy devices that can be attached to objects that are traditionally not networked (e.g., books, clothing, and produce), thereby providing the infrastructure for various novel tracking applications. Examples of these applications include locating misplaced items, continuous monitoring of objects (items in a store, boxes in transit), and determining locations of disaster survivors. Recent advances in ultra-low-power wireless communications, ultra-wideband (UWB) circuit design, and organic electronic harvesting techniques will enable the realization of EnHANTs in the near future. In order for EnHANTs to rely on harvested energy, they have to spend significantly less energy than Bluetooth, Zigbee, and IEEE 802.15.4a devices. Moreover, the harvesting components and the ultra-low-power physical layer have special characteristics whose implications on the higher layers have yet to be studied (e.g., when using ultra-low-power circuits, the energy required to receive a bit is an order of magnitude higher than the energy required to transmit a bit). These special characteristics pose several new cross-layer research problems. In this paper, we describe the design challenges at the layers above the physical layer, point out relevant research directions, and outline possible starting points for solutions.
Suppression of lymphocyte adenosine 3′ : 5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol

Abstract Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major psychoactive component of marijuana. Suppression of mitogen-stimulated blastogenesis of human lymphocytes in vitro by THC was previously demonstrated. This effect was shown to be concentration dependent with the non-toxic concentrations 5, 7.5, and 10 μg THC/ml showing the greatest suppression. However, the mechanism(s) by which THC induces suppression are still unclear. The current study examines the effect of THC on the adenosine 3′ : 5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) pathway second messenger system, which is involved in activation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Lymphocyte cAMP levels were stimulated using three hormone receptor stimulators, isoproterenol, histamine, or 5′-N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine (NECA), each of which utilizes a different receptor to enhance cAMP production. THC suppressed cAMP levels independently of the hormone and receptor utilized. Levels of cAMP in non-mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plastic non-adherent lymphocytes, as well as cells stimulated with phytohemmagglutinin, were suppressed by THC. Suppression of cAMP production by THC was further examined to determine whether inhibition involved a GTP-binding protein (Gi), which is known to down-regulate cAMP production. Cells were pre-treated with pertussis toxin to inhibit Gi activity; this blocked the THC-induced suppression of cAMP production. These results suggest that THC can exert its effects on second messenger systems at the lymphocyte membrane level, and that a pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi protein may be involved. Thus, second messenger regulated pathways may be involved in THC-induced immune suppression. However, the relationship between alteration of cAMP production and suppression of lymphocyte function due to the presence of THC in the medium remains to be established.
Ten Years of Vegetation Change in Northern California Marshlands Detected Using Landsat Satellite Image Analysis

The Landsat Ecosystem Disturbance Adaptive Processing System (LEDAPS) methodology was applied to detect changes in perennial vegetation cover at marshland sites in Northern California reported to have undergone restoration between 1999 and 2009. Results showed extensive contiguous areas of restored marshland plant cover at 10 of the 14 sites selected. Gains in either woody shrub cover and/or from a recovery of herbaceous cover that remains productive and evergreen on a year round basis could be mapped out from the image results. However, LEDAPS may not be highly sensitive changes in wetlands that have been restored mainly with seasonal herbaceous cover (e.g., vernal pools), due to the ephemeral nature of the plant greenness signal. Based on this evaluation, the LEDAPS methodology would be capable of fulfilling a pressing need for consistent, continual, low-cost monitoring of changes in marshland ecosystems of the Pacific Flyway.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children: a single center experience.

Background & Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common disorder seen in pediatric hepatology practice. However, little is known about the clinical, biochemical, and histologic features of the disorder. In addition, there have been no reports of the natural history of NAFLD in the pediatric age group. Methods: Therefore, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of children diagnosed with NAFLD in our institution between January 2000 and March 2007. Results: One hundred six children (82 male and 24 female) were diagnosed with NAFLD. Mean age at diagnosis was 13.4 years (range, 4–18 years). Liver biopsy was done in all patients. Fibrosis was noticed in 6 of 15 patients with normal liver enzymes. Eighteen children had a follow-up liver biopsy during an average period of 28 months. In 8 patients there was no change in fibrosis. Seven patients had progression of fibrosis, whereas 3 patients had regression or disappearance of fibrosis after losing weight. Conclusions: The entire spectrum of histologic features of NAFLD can be seen in children with normal liver enzymes. Rapid progression might be seen in a large proportion of patients and can happen during a short period of time. Larger studies with long duration follow-up are needed to better understand the pathogenesis and the natural history of the disease in the pediatric age group.
Tierra Blanca: an Unusual Achondrite from West Texas

Tierra Blanca is an achondrite (sensu stricto) composed chiefly of orthopyroxene, olivine, plagioclase and clinopyroxene. The mineralogy, major element chemistry and texture are similar to Winona and also Mt. Morris, Acapulco and Antarctic meteorite ALHA 77081 to some degree. The designation of this group as “Winonaites,” as suggested by Prinz et al. (1980), seems justified and useful.
Ergostanoids from Petunia parodii

Abstract Leaves of Petunia parodii gave three new petuniolides, one of which has a 9,11-double bond. Of the other two, one has a 9β-OH with an 11,12-double bond and the second has a 9β, 19-cyclopropyl system as well as an 11β-OH and a 12-keto group. Also present are six new petuniasterones which arise from rearrangement of the D-ring epoxides, petuniasterones K and L. A 13,17- seco -petuniasterone was also present.
Ethanol Cytotoxicity to a Transfected HepG2 Cell Line Expressing Human Cytochrome P4502E1

Abstract The effect of ethanol on the viability of a HepG2 cell model which was developed to constitutively express human CYP2E1 was studied in an attempt to establish a linkage between CYP2E1, reactive oxygen intermediates, and ethanol toxicity. Assays of toxicity included leakage of lactate dehydrogenase, trypan blue uptake, morphology, and formazan production. Ethanol was toxic to HepG2 E9 cells, which express CYP2E1, but not to HepG2 MV5 cells, which do not express CYP2E1. The ethanol toxicity was dependent on the concentration of ethanol, starting with 10 mM ethanol, and on the time of incubation with ethanol. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, which increases the expression of CYP2E1 in this model, increased the toxicity by ethanol. Ethanol toxicity was prevented by 4-methylpyrazole and by diallyl sulfide, inhibitors of CYP2E1. The ethanol toxicity was also prevented by radical trapping agents such as N-acetylcysteine and N-t-butyl-α-phenylnitrone, antioxidative agents such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, thiourea, and uric acid, and inhibitors of lipid peroxidation, such as vitamin E phosphate, Trolox, and diphenylphenylenediamine. Besides ethanol, other substrates such as Me2SO, CCl4, isoniazid, and N,N-dimethylnitrosamine were cytotoxic to cells expressing CYP2E1 but not to control cells. These results indicate that ethanol was toxic to HepG2 cells which express human CYP2E1 by a pathway sensitive to inhibitors of CYP2E1 and to a variety of antioxidative agents. This model appears to be useful in efforts to establish a CYP2E1-dependent ethanol hepatotoxicity system and to evaluate the role of oxidative stress and reactive radical species in the toxicity by ethanol.
Governmental policy preferences and foreign capital allocation: The case of China

This paper compares the determination of foreign direct investment and World Bank loans in China, with a focus on the role of its government. The statistical analysis reveals that World Bank loans responded sensitively to the major regional policy changes since the mid-1990s, but foreign direct investment did not. These findings pose an analytic challenge to the “strong” version of the state-centered approaches to the politics of economic development represented by the developmental state literature. However, they lend support for a “weak” version of the state-centered approaches developed by American political scientists Stephen Krasner and Theda Skocpol.
Real-time imaging implementation of the Army Research Laboratory synchronous impulse reconstruction radar on a graphics processing unit architecture

High computing requirements for the synchronous impulse reconstruction (SIRE) radar algorithm present a challenge for near real-time processing, particularly the calculations involved in output image formation. Forming an image requires a large number of parallel and independent floating-point computations. To reduce the processing time and exploit the abundant parallelism of image processing, a graphics processing unit (GPU) architecture is considered for the imaging algorithm. Widely available off the shelf, high-end GPUs offer inexpensive technology that exhibits great capacity of computing power in one card. To address the parallel nature of graphics processing, the GPU architecture is designed for high computational throughput realized through multiple computing resources to target data parallel applications. Due to a leveled or in some cases reduced clock frequency in mainstream single and multi-core general-purpose central processing units (CPUs), GPU computing is becoming a competitive option for compute-intensive radar imaging algorithm prototyping. We describe the translation and implementation of the SIRE radar backprojection image formation algorithm on a GPU platform. The programming model for GPU's parallel computing and hardware-specific memory optimizations are discussed in the paper. A considerable level of speedup is available from the GPU implementation resulting in processing at real-time acquisition speeds.
TCP over multihop 802.11 networks: issues and performance enhancement

Analyzing TCP operation over 802.11 multihop ad hoc networks involves a cross-layer study. In this work, we investigate the effect of congestion and MAC contention on the interaction between TCP and on-demand ad hoc routing protocol in the 802.11 ad hoc networks. Our study reveals several problems stemming from lack of coordination and sharing in such networks. It is observed that TCP induces the over-reaction of routing protocol and hurts the quality of end-to-end connection. So, one of the critical sources of lowering TCP throughput lies in the TCP window mechanism itself. To fix this problem, we propose a fractional window increment (FeW) scheme for TCP to prevent the over-reaction of the on-demand routing protocol by limiting TCP's aggressiveness. The proposed scheme is applicable to a wide range of transport protocols using the basic TCP mechanism, and the protocol behavior is analytically tractable. Our simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can dramatically improve TCP performance and network stability in a variety of 802.11 multihop networks. For example, in some chain-like topologies, the proposed scheme outperforms basic TCP by over 90%, and recent related variants of TCP (ADTCP, LRED) by over 70%.
U.S. Geological Survey research on the tectonics of the San Andreas Fault System, California: Introduction

The U.S. Geological Survey's National Center for Earthquake Research (NCER) was established in Menlo Park, California, by the Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall in October 1965 for the purpose of organizing a broad, interdisciplinary program of earthquake research. The goal of NCER is to reduce earthquake hazards through improved knowledge of the fundamental nature and causes of earthquakes that may eventually lead to earthquake prediction. In general, the program of NCER follows the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Panel on Earthquake Prediction of the Office of Science and Technology and the Ad Hoc Interagency Working Group for Earthquake Research of the Federal Council for Science and Technology. Although the NCER program is national in scope, initial emphasis has been placed on the San Andreas fault system, California. Research on the tectonics of the San Andreas fault system includes geologic studies, seismological studies, and strain studies. These and related studies in experimental geology and engineering geology are coordinated by the NCER Executive Committee.
SPECIES INTERACTION STRENGTH: TESTING MODEL PREDICTIONS ALONG AN UPWELLING GRADIENT

A recent model predicts that species interactions in benthic marine communities vary predictably with upwelling regimes. To test this model, we studied the Pisaster–Mytilus interaction at 14 rocky intertidal sites distributed among three oceanographic regions along a 1300-km stretch of the U.S. West Coast. Regions included an intermittent-upwelling region (northern), a persistent-upwelling region (central), and a region of weak and infrequent upwelling (southern). We quantified predation rates by the sea star Pisaster ochraceus on its main prey Mytilus californianus by transplanting mussels into the sea star's low-zone foraging range and comparing the rate of mussel loss in +Pisaster plots to those in −Pisaster plots. To evaluate the relation between predation rates and key ecological processes and conditions, we quantified phytoplankton concentration and rates of mussel recruitment, mussel growth, mussel abundance, and sea star abundance. Predictions of the model are expressed as responses of predator an...
A novel reactive processing technique: using telechelic polymers to reactively compatibilize polymer blends.

Difunctional reactive polymers, telechelics, were used to reactively form multiblock copolymers in situ when melt-blended with a blend of polystyrene and polyisoprene. To quantify the ability of the copolymer to compatibilize the blends, the time evolution of the domain size upon annealing was analyzed by SEM. It was found that the most effective parameter to quantify the ability of the copolymer to inhibit droplet coalescence is Kreltstable, the relative coarsening constant multiplied by the stabilization time. These results indicate that intermediate-molecular-weight telechelic pairs of both highly reactive Anhydride-PS-Anhydride/NH2-PI-NH2 and slower reacting Epoxy-PS-Epoxy/COOH-PI-COOH both effectively suppress coalescence, with the optimal molecular weight being slightly above the critical molecular weight of the homopolymer, Mc. The effects of telechelic loading were also investigated, where the optimal loading concentration for this system was 0.5 wt %, as higher concentrations exhibited a plastici...
A Review of the Exoskeleton and Human Augmentation Technology

This paper is written for the plenary talk of 2008 ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Conference in Ann Arbor Michigan and gives an overview of the exoskeleton technology and human augmentation. Human-Robot integration outlines the future of robotics. The technology associated with exoskeleton systems and human power augmentation can be divided into lower extremity exoskeletons and upper extremity exoskeletons. The reason for this was two-fold; firstly, one could envision a great many applications for either a stand-alone lower or upper extremity exoskeleton in the immediate future. Secondly, and more importantly, the reason for the division is that it is unclear if an integrated upper extremity-lower extremity exoskeleton is a scientifically-valid concept in logistical operations (i.e., lifting and carrying heavy objects).Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Comparison of 1997–98 U.S. Temperature and Precipitation Anomalies to Historical ENSO Warm Phases

Seasonal precipitation totals and mean air tempera- tures from the 1997 El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) warm event are evaluated in light of nine his- torical warm events (and their nine-member mean) oc- curring from 1951 through 1987. Comparisons between the 1997 and historical warm events are made for 177 precipitation and 191 temperature records within the continental United States for the winter and spring sea- sons immediately following the onset of the warm phase. The winter and spring of 1998 contain the peak impacts for the 1997 event and encompass the mature and decay stages of this ENSO warm phase. The authors' goal is to provide a historical record of the winter and spring anomalies associated with the 1997 warm event. We hope to show that the 1997 warm phase was associated with anomalies both similar to and unique from historical warm events. In addition, we outline some of the potential causes for event to event variability in the ENSO response over the United States. Pattern shifts in seasonal total precipitation and mean temperature are identified through comparison of the 1998 anomalies to the nine-member composite winter and spring anomalies. Ranking the anomalies versus nine historical warm phases identifies extreme 1998 sea- sonal anomalies and places these anomalies in a his- torical context. The warm phase of ENSO has been shown by many authors (e.g., Ropelewski and Halpert 1986) to signif- icantly impact both the temperature and precipitation patterns over the United States. The warm phase typi- cally brings heavy rains to the Gulf Coast states and drier weather to the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, warmer winters are expected for the northern plains and Midwest. The warm phase is also associated with highly
Human and other mammalian bite injuries of the hand: evaluation and management.

The hand is the most common site for bite injuries. Because of specific characteristics of hand anatomy, bite mechanics, and organisms found in human and animal saliva, even small wounds can lead to aggressive infections. Failure to recognize and treat hand bites can result in significant morbidity. Human and animal bites most commonly lead to polymicrobial bacterial infections with a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Pasteurella species are commonly found in dog and cat bite wounds, and Eikenella is characteristic of human wounds. Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and anaerobic bacterial species are common to all mammals. Although public health measures in developed countries have been highly effective at reducing rabies transmission, dog bites remain the most common source of rabies infection worldwide. Human bites can transmit HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, especially when contaminated blood is exposed to an open wound. Appropriate management of any mammal bite requires recognition, early wound cleansing, evaluation of injured structures, and infection prophylaxis. Structural repair is performed as indicated by the severity and contamination of the injury, and wounds may require delayed closure. Wound infections typically require debridement, empiric antibiotics, and delayed repair or reconstruction.
Manipulating sets in common Lisp

Sets are fundamental theoretical elements and yet Common Lisp does not provide any comprehensive representation for them. Several representations for sets are available, but they have serious problems. This paper defines a small family of primitive operations and uses them to evaluate existing Common Lisp set representations. This analysis characterizes how well sets are supported and suggests how the current situation could be improved.
Christianity, the Pagan Past, and the Rituals of Construction in William Golding's The Spire

The author analyzes The Spire by William Golding in the context of the medieval construction industry and the tension between Christianity and paganism. Jocelin, dean of the cathedral on which the ...
Preclinical evaluation of a ricinoleic acid poloxamer gel system for transdermal eyelid delivery.

Abstract Our previous study has shown that pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO gel) made of ricinoleic acid has the potential for use as a transdermal eyelid delivery system. The present study deals with the evaluation of ocular tissue concentrations of dexamethasone in a rabbit model following topical application of the gel formulation onto the eyelids. The PLO gel formulation containing dexamethasone was applied to the outside of the eyelid skin. Rabbits were sacrificed at regular time intervals of 2, 4, 8, 12, 20 and 24 h. Maxidex® eye drops were used as a control. Rabbits were sacrificed and dexamethasone concentrations were analyzed in anterior segment tissues such as the cornea, conjunctiva, aqueous humor, lens, and iris-ciliary body by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Rabbit eyes were also examined for ocular irritation and scored using the modified Draize scoring system. No significant irritation or redness was observed in the eyes as compared to the control rabbit eyes. PLO gel formulation resulted in constant dexamethasone concentrations in the anterior segment tissues for up to 24 h, which was equivalent or higher than Maxidex® eye drops. The findings of this investigation indicate that the ricinoleic acid PLO gel formulation may be clinically effective as a new treatment modality for anterior segment diseases.
Antibody Pressure by a Human Monoclonal Antibody Targeting the 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Virus Hemagglutinin Drives the Emergence of a Virus with Increased Virulence in Mice

ABSTRACT In 2009, a novel H1N1 influenza A virus (2009 pH1N1) emerged and caused a pandemic. A human monoclonal antibody (hMAb; EM4C04), highly specific for the 2009 pH1N1 virus hemagglutinin (HA), was isolated from a severely ill 2009 pH1N1 virus-infected patient. We postulated that under immune pressure with EM4C04, the 2009 pH1N1 virus would undergo antigenic drift and mutate at sites that would identify the antibody binding site. To do so, we infected MDCK cells in the presence of EM4C04 and generated 11 escape mutants, displaying 7 distinct amino acid substitutions in the HA. Six substitutions greatly reduced MAb binding (K123N, D131E, K133T, G134S, K157N, and G158E). Residues 131, 133, and 134 are contiguous with residues 157 and 158 in the globular domain structure and contribute to a novel pH1N1 antibody epitope. One mutation near the receptor binding site, S186P, increased the binding affinity of the HA to the receptor. 186P and 131E are present in the highly virulent 1918 virus HA and were recently identified as virulence determinants in a mouse-passaged pH1N1 virus. We found that pH1N1 escape variants expressing these substitutions enhanced replication and lethality in mice compared to wild-type 2009 pH1N1 virus. The increased virulence of these viruses was associated with an increased affinity for α2,3 sialic acid receptors. Our study demonstrates that antibody pressure by an hMAb targeting a novel epitope in the Sa region of 2009 pH1N1 HA is able to inadvertently drive the development of a more virulent virus with altered receptor binding properties. This broadens our understanding of antigenic drift. IMPORTANCE Influenza viruses accumulate amino acid substitutions to evade the antibody response in a process known as antigenic drift, making it necessary to vaccinate against influenza annually. Mapping human monoclonal antibody (hMAb) epitopes is a necessary step towards understanding antigenic drift in humans. We defined the specificity of an hMAb that specifically targeted the 2009 pH1N1 virus and describe a novel epitope. In addition, we identified a previously unappreciated potential for antibody escape to enhance the pathogenicity of a virus. The escape mutation that we identified with in vitro immune pressure was independently reported by other investigators using in vivo selection in nonimmune mice. Although in vitro generation of escape mutants is unlikely to recapitulate antigenic drift in its entirety, the data demonstrate that pressure by a human monoclonal antibody targeting a novel epitope in the hemagglutinin of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus can inadvertently drive the development of escape mutants, of which a subset have increased virulence and altered receptor binding properties.
A comprehensive database for the small nucleolar RNAs from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are involved in cleavage of rRNA, modification of rRNA nucleotides and, perhaps, other aspects of ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotic cells. Scores of snoRNAs have been discovered in recent years from various eukaryotes, and the total number is predicted to be up to 200 different snoRNA species per individual organism. We have created a comprehensive database for snoRNAs from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae which allows easy access to detailed information about each species known (almost 70 snoRNAs are featured). The database consists of three major parts: (i) a utilities section; (ii) a master table; and (iii) a collection of tables for the individual snoRNAs. The utilities section provides an introduction to the database. The master table lists all known S. cerevisiae snoRNAs and their major properties. Information in the individual tables includes: alternate names, size, family classification, genomic organization, sequences (with major features identified), GenBank accession numbers, occurrence of homologues, gene disruption phenotypes, functional properties and associated RNAs and proteins. All information is accompanied with appropriate literature references. The database is available on the World Wide Web (http://www.bio.umass. edu/biochem/rna-sequence/Yeast_snoRNA_Database/snoRNA_ DataBase.html), and should be useful for a wide range of snoRNA studies.