cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A unique digital electrocardiographic repository for the development of quantitative electrocardiography and cardiac safety: the Telemetric and Holter ECG Warehouse (THEW)

The sharing of scientific data reinforces open scientific inquiry; it encourages diversity of analysis and opinion while promoting new research and facilitating the education of next generations of scientists. In this article, we present an initiative for the development of a repository containing continuous electrocardiographic information and their associated clinical information. This information is shared with the worldwide scientific community to improve quantitative electrocardiology and cardiac safety. First, we present the objectives of the initiative and its mission. Then, we describe the resources available in this initiative following 3 components: data, expertise, and tools. The data available in the Telemetric and Holter ECG Warehouse (THEW) includes continuous electrocardiogram signals and associated clinical information. The initiative attracted various academic and private partners whom expertise covers a large list of research arenas related to quantitative electrocardiography; their contribution to the THEW promotes cross-fertilization of scientific knowledge, resources, and ideas that will advance the field of quantitative electrocardiography. Finally, the tools of the THEW include software and servers to access and review the data available in the repository. To conclude, the THEW is an initiative developed to benefit the scientific community and to advance the field of quantitative electrocardiography and cardiac safety. It is a new repository designed to complement the existing ones such as Physionet, the American Heart Association - Beth Israel Hospital (AHA-BIH) arrhythmia database, and the Common Standard for Electrocardiography (CSE) database. The THEW hosts unique datasets from clinical trials and drug safety studies that, so far, were not available.
Rate dependencies and energy absorption characteristics of nanoreinforced, biofiber, and microcellular polymer composites

The effects of loading rate on bio-, nano-, and microcellular composite systems have been studied. Fiber–resin systems have been manufactured and dynamically tested at various speeds to assess their strain-rate dependencies (rate hardening) and energy-dissipation characteristics compared to conventional materials. The following composite systems have been fabricated and studied: polypropylene/sisal fiber biocomposite, hemp/vinyl ester biocomposite, thermoplastic olefin/nanoclay composite, microcellular polypropylene/sisal fiber biocomposite, and microcellular thermoplastic olefin/nanoclay composite. It has been determined that the biocomposite systems studied possess unique energy dissipation characteristics and muted rate dependence, while the nanocomposite system did not. In addition, microcellular foaming of these materials further enhanced the effects. Though the exact mechanisms at play are not fully understood at this point, it has been found that in addition to the microcellular voids, the anatomical vasculature of the natural fibers may play a role in energy dissipation processes in these hybrid materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Abstract 1551: Targeting myeloid derived suppressor cells as novel strategy to enhance immunotherapy in murine prostate cancer models

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Purpose: Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a major component of the immunosuppressive environment responsible for immune tolerance in cancer. These cells facilitate carcinogenesis and tumor progression by impairing T and NK cells activation and contributing to regulation of angiogenesis. In current study, we evaluated whether accumulation of MDSCs occur in two murine prostate cancer models: a castrate resistant, syngenic transplantable tumor (CR Myc-Cap) and the Hi-myc transgenic tumor models. Tasquinimod is an anti-angiogenic agent tested in prostate cancer and has been found to bind to an inflammatory protein S100A9 and therefore have the potential to affect accumulation and function of MDSCs. We investigated whether tasquinimod affects the induction and function of MDSCs and facilitate vaccine therapy in these castrate resistant prostate cancer models. Experimental design: Splenocytes and blood cells were isolated from naive and CR Myc-Cap tumor bearing mice. Blood samples were taken from Hi-myc transgenic mice and age-matched littermates at different ages. All these splenocytes and blood samples were subjected to staining with MDSCs markers, Gr1 and CD11b, and to flow cytometry analysis. CR Myc-Cap tumor bearing mice were treated with either vehicle, tasquinimod (1mg/kg), modified survivin vaccine peptide SurVaxM, or combination. Tumor growth, MDSCs accumulation and function upon treatments were monitored. Results: The peripheral MDSCs (in blood and spleen) significantly increased in tumor bearing mice. The MDSCs number increase correlated with disease progression in the transgenic model. Low doses of tasquinimod (1-5mg/kg) did not change the CD11b+Gr1high MDSCs number, but CD11b+Gr1high, CD11b+Gr1int, CD11b+Gr1− cells were differently accumulated in vehicle or tasquinimod treated mice. Tasquinimod in vivo treatment reduced peripheral CD11b+Gr1int, CD11b+Gr1− cells number. Low doses of tasquinimod have minimal effect on CD11b+Gr1high MDSCs function and did not enhance the SurVaxM vaccine therapy in CR Myc-Cap model.Conclusions: In summary, our study demonstrates MDSCs accumulation in two prostate cancer models and suggests that MDSCs may contribute to immune tolerance in prostate cancer. The study also suggests low dose tasquinimod affect maturation of MDSCs into other immunosuppressive cell types (CD11b+Gr1int, CD11b+Gr1−). Higher doses of tasquinimod (≥10mg/kg) are being tested for their potential to affect MDSCs accumulation and function in prostate cancer models. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1551. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1551
Effects of pH and temperature on the in vitro growth of Sporothrix schenckii.

Five strains of Sporothrix schenckii were grown in liquid shake cultures at 35°C, 37°C, 39°C and 41°C and pH of 5·6, 7·0 and 7·4. Minimum generation time (MGT) for all strains occurred during the first 24 h at either 35°C or 37°C. At 39°C, 4 strains exhibited an MGT during the second day of growth and 1 strain during the third day. MGT for the 5 strains grown at pH 5·6 ranged from 5·6 to 10·9 h, at pH 7·0 from 1·2 to 4·8 h and at pH 7·4 from 2·4 to 3·9 h. Maximum total growth occurred at 35°C in broth at pH 7·0. Generally, all strains exhibited an extended lag phase and a reduced total growth when incubated at 39°C or 41°C.
The Prostaglandin E2 Receptor, EP2, Stimulates Keratinocyte Proliferation in Mouse Skin by G Protein-dependent and β-Arrestin1-dependent Signaling Pathways

The prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), EP2, plays important roles in mouse skin tumor development (Chun, K. S., Lao, H. C., Trempus, C. S., Okada, M., and Langenbach, R. (2009) Carcinogenesis 30, 1620–1627). Because keratinocyte proliferation is essential for skin tumor development, EP2-mediated signaling pathways that contribute to keratinocyte proliferation were investigated. A single topical application of the EP2 agonist, butaprost, dose-dependently increased keratinocyte replication via activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and PKA signaling. Because GPCR-mediated activation of EGFR can involve the formation of a GPCR-β-arrestin-Src signaling complex, the possibility of a β-arrestin1-Src complex contributing to EP2-mediated signaling in keratinocytes was investigated. Butaprost induced β-arrestin1-Src complex formation and increased both Src and EGFR activation. A role for β-arrestin1 in EP2-mediated Src and EGFR activation was demonstrated by the observation that β-arrestin1 deficiency significantly reduced Src and EGFR activation. In agreement with a β-arrestin1-Src complex contributing to EGFR activation, Src and EGFR inhibition (PP2 and AG1478, respectively) indicated that Src was upstream of EGFR. Butaprost also induced the activation of Akt, ERK1/2, and STAT3, and both β-arrestin1 deficiency and EGFR inhibition (AG1478 or gefitinib) decreased their activation. In addition to β-arrestin1-dependent EGFR activation, butaprost increased PKA activation, as measured by phospho-GSK3β (p-GSK3β) and p-cAMP-response element-binding protein formation. PKA inhibition (H89 or RP-adenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate (RP-cAMPS)) decreased butaprost-induced cAMP-response element-binding protein and ERK activation but did not affect EGFR activation, whereas β-arrestin1 deficiency decreased EGFR activation but did not affect butaprost-induced PKA activation, thus indicating that they were independent EP2-mediated pathways. Therefore, the results indicate that EP2 contributed to mouse keratinocyte proliferation by G protein-independent, β-arrestin1-dependent activation of EGFR and G protein-dependent activation of PKA.
A note on the relation between scrotal wool cover and fertility in Merino rams

Mating trials were conducted to test the fertility of rams having a range of scrotal wool cover. These revealed that rams with heavier scrotal wool cover had reduced fertility in comparison with those having lighter scrotal wool cover.
Self-consistent-field Xα scattered-wave calculation of the electronic structure of arsenic chalcogenide molecules

We have carried out self-consistent-field X\ensuremath{\alpha} scattered-wave calculations for the arsenic chalcogenide molecules ${\mathrm{As}}_{4}$${\mathrm{S}}_{4}$, ${\mathrm{As}}_{4}$${\mathrm{Se}}_{4}$, and ${\mathrm{As}}_{4}$${\mathrm{S}}_{6}$. Results include the decomposition of the state charge with respect to the geometric partitioning of the molecules, angular momentum decomposition of the state charge around each atom, molecular ionization potentials, energies of the optical transitions, and the charge densities associated with the different bonds. Calculated densities of states compare well with the several x-ray photoemission spectra measured on the corresponding amorphous solids. The joint densities of states agree with the basic features of the ${\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{2}$(\ensuremath{\omega}) of the amorphous solids. The charge-density contour maps show good transferability of the arsenic-chalcogen bond among different molecules. Analysis of the arsenic homopolar bonding explains differences in the stability of the molecules.
Airway epithelial cell responses to ozone injury.

The airway epithelial cells is an important target in ozone injury. Once activated, the airway epithelium responds in three phases. The initial, or immediate phase, involves activation of constitutive cells, often through direct covalent interactions including the formation of secondary ozonolysis products--hydroxyhydroperoxides, aldehydes, and hydrogen peroxide. Recently, we found hydroxyhydroperoxides to be potent agonists of bioactive eicosanoid formation by human airway epithelial cells in culture. Other probable immediate events include activation and inactivation of enzymes present on the epithelial surface (e.g., neutral endopeptidase). During the next 2 to 24 hr, or early phase, epithelial cells respond by synthesis and release of chemotactic factors, including chemokines--macrophage inflammatory protein-2, RANTES, and interleukin-8. Infiltrating leukocytes during this period also release elastase, an important agonist of epithelial cell mucus secretion and additional chemokine formation. The third (late) phase of ozone injury is characterized by eosinophil or monocyte infiltration. Cytokine expression leads to alteration of structural protein synthesis, with increases in fibronectin evident by in situ hybridization. Synthesis of epithelial antiproteases, e.g., secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor, may also increase locally 24 to 48 hr after elastase concentrations become excessive. Thus, the epithelium is not merely a passive barrier to ozone injury but has a dynamic role in directing the migration, activating, and then counteracting inflammatory cells. Through these complex interactions, epithelial cells can be viewed as the initiators (alpha) and the receptors (omega) of ozone-induced airway disease.
Licensed practical nurses in critical care areas: intensive care unit nurses' perceptions about the role

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine critical care nurses' perceptions about the reintroduction of the licensed practical nurse into critical care areas. Design A qualitative research design was used, with focus groups used as the method for data collection. Setting A large midwestern university-affiliated medical center. Subjects Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) employed in the medical center's critical care units. Procedures RNs and LPNs were interviewed separately in groups of 3 to 8 members. Open-ended questioning was used to collect information about nurses' perceptions concerning the reintroduction of the LPN role into critical care units. Data were analyzed for themes within and across groups. Results Registered nurses were unprepared for reintroduction of the role and were unsure of legal versus hospital-directed restrictions on LPN practice. LPNs were frequently placed in situations in which they assumed patient assignments outside those described in job descriptions or unit standards. Conclusion When LPNs are reintroduced into critical care units, clear descriptions of roles and responsibilities are needed as is orientation of RNs to the roles of delegator and resource nurse.
Multi-GPU acceleration of direct pore-scale modeling of fluid flow in natural porous media

Abstract Modified Moving Particle Semi-implicit (MMPS) is a particle-based method used to simulate pore-scale fluid flow through disordered porous media. We present a multi-GPU implementation of MMPS for hybrid CPU–GPU clusters using NVIDIA’s Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA). Message Passing Interface (MPI) functions are used to communicate between different nodes of the cluster and hence their respective GPUs. The accuracy and stability of the GPU implementation of MMPS are verified through careful comparison with the results obtained on conventional CPU-only clusters. We then examine the speedup and scalability of the GPU implementation for pore-scale flow simulations in samples with various sizes taken from the same natural porous system. We achieve a 134 × speedup with 60 graphics cards compared to 6 CPU cores while maintaining a linear scalability. Incompressible fluid flow simulation to reach steady-state through a 1 mm×1 mm×8 mm microtomography image of Bentheimer sandstone is also performed in less than 1 h.
A class of Cartesian grid embedded boundary algorithms for incompressible flow with time-varying complex geometries

Abstract We present a class of numerical algorithms for simulating viscous fluid problems of incompressible flow interacting with moving rigid structures. The proposed Cartesian grid embedded boundary algorithms employ a slightly different idea from the traditional direct-forcing immersed boundary methods: the proposed algorithms calculate and apply the force density in the extended solid domain to uphold the solid velocity and hence the boundary condition at the rigid-body surface. The principle of the embedded boundary algorithm allows us to solve the fluid equations on a Cartesian grid with a set of external forces spread onto the grid points occupied by the rigid structure. The proposed algorithms use the MAC (marker and cell) algorithm to solve the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. Unlike projection methods, the MAC scheme incorporates the gradient of the force density in solving the pressure Poisson equation, so that the dipole force, due to the jump of pressure across the solid–fluid interface, is directly balanced by the gradient of the force density. We validate the proposed algorithms via the classical benchmark problem of flow past a cylinder. Our numerical experiments show that numerical solutions of the velocity field obtained by using the proposed algorithms are smooth across the solid–fluid interface. Finally, we consider the problem of a cylinder moving between two parallel plane walls. Numerical solutions of this problem obtained by using the proposed algorithms are compared with the classical asymptotic solutions. We show that the two solutions are in good agreement.
Lens Hydration in Transgenic Mice Containing HIV-1 Protease Linked to the Lens αA-Crystallin Promoter

Abstract Two constructs of transgenic mice, TG 61 and TG 72 , containing HIV-1 protease linked to lens αA-crystallin promoter develop cataract. The TG 61 construct exhibits cataractogenesis in utero, while in the TG 72 construct frank opacities appear 24 days (homozygotes) and 26 days (hemizygotes) after birth. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis studies indicate that the hydration of lenses is strongly correlated with cataractogenesis. In all clear lenses (normal and precataractous) the total water content was the same, 68%, and increased upon opacification. The bound water, measured as percentage nonfreezable water of the total water, decreased upon cataract formation, indicating a syneretic process. On the other hand, the bound water expressed as grams of nonfreezable water per gram dry weight increases upon opacification. This implies that proteolysis and subsequent enhanced hydration is the primary supramolecular event in cataractogenesis and that syneresis in the lens of transgenic mice is of secondary importance.
Good News for Buyers and Sellers: Acquisitions in the Lodging Industry

Abstract Takeovers in the lodging industry generally have resulted in gains for both the acquired and the acquirers—unlike many other industries.
Tyrosine kinase mediated regulation of PAI-1 production in HEL299 fibroblasts and HepG2 hepatoma cells

Summary Objective: To determine why interleukin-6 (IL-6) regulates plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) production in HEL299 but not in HepG2 hepatoma cells. Design: Since HEL299 and HepG2 cells are IL-6-responsive in various ways, both cells must have IL-6 receptors. Therefore the difference in the PAI-1 response could be due to differences in numbers or affinities of IL-6 receptors on the two cell types, or to differences manifested later in the IL-6 signaling pathway. IL-6 receptors were characterized in labeled ligand binding assays. Potential differences in tyrosine kinase signaling pathways in the two cell types were probed using different tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g. Genistein, Tyrphostin-25, etc). Cells were treated with or without IL-6 in the presence or absence of the inhibitors and PAI-1 was measured by ELISA. Results: IL-6 increases PAI-1 levels 2-fold over basal levels in HEL299 cells, but has no effect on HepG2 cells. In contrast, IL-1β does induce PAI-1 levels in HepG2 cells, indicating that PAI-1 is capable of cytokine response in the cells. HEL299 cells have 1250 low affinity (1.2 nM) receptors per cell. Since HepG2 cells have four times as many low affinity receptors, the inability of IL-6 to stimulate PAI-1 production in HepG2 cells is not due to the absence of insufficient number of IL-6 receptors in the HepG2 cells. All tyrosine kinase inhibitors tested reduce both basal and IL-6-stimulated PAI-1 levels in HEL299 cells. Only Genistein blocks basal levels in HepG2 cells. Conclusions: IL-6 induces PAI-1 gene expression in HEL299 cells via a signaling pathway mediated by tyrosine kinases sensitive to multiple inhibitors. Likewise basal PAI-1 production also involves tyrosine phosphorylation sensitive to all tyrosine kinase inhibitors tested. HepG2 cell basal PAI-1 production involves a Genistein sensitive tyrosine kinase(s) that is not sensitive to other tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Therefore HEL299 cells may have one or more unique kinases sensitive to all the inhibitors different from those in HepG2 cells.
Exercise for people with osteoporosis: Translating the science into clinical practice

The "holy grail" of inquiry regarding exercise and osteoporosis has been identifying a type of exercise that builds bone. Investigation using animal models has provided many insights into how bone responds to mechanical loading, but translating these findings into an exercise prescription for patients with osteoporosis is difficult. Patients expect bone to respond to exercise in a linear fashion, such as they are accustomed to experiencing with muscles in response to progressive strength training or with the cardiopulmonary system in response to endurance training. If the skeleton accrued greater mass in response to increasing intensity and duration of mechanical strain, our bones would weigh so much that we could not move. A unique requirement of bone is that adaptations to loading produce the strongest and the lightest structure. More exercise is not always better, but we are not yet sure exactly what and how much is enough and what and how much is too much. This complexity stymies clear communication, both in the clinic and in public health initiatives.
Reduction of remnant nephron hypermetabolism by protein restriction

To study the metabolic mechanisms involved in the protective effect of dietary protein restriction on the progression of chronic renal failure, experiments were performed in Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to five-sixths nephrectomy and pair-fed on isocaloric low (4%) protein (LP) or high (50%) protein (HP) diets. Protein restriction reduced the severity of uremia, with lower blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations (8.9 +/- 1.1 v 30.0 +/- 2.9 mmol/L [25 +/- 3 v 84 +/- 8 mg/dL] both n = 12, P less than 0.01), and resulted in lower mortality at 2 weeks (0% v 33%, P less than 0.05), 4 weeks (16% v 58%, P less than 0.05), and 10 weeks (16 v 83%, P less than 0.01). Isolated perfusion of the remnant kidney at 3 weeks demonstrated reduced O2 consumption (QO2) (0.77 +/- 0.2 v 2.56 +/- 0.5 mumol/min/g, both n = 7, P less than 0.05) in the absence of significant differences in inulin clearance (239 +/- 53 v 341 +/- 39 microL/min/g, NS) and net sodium reabsorption (34 +/- 8 v 49 +/- 6 mumol/min/g, NS) in rats fed the LP diet. A lower renal QO2 in protein-restricted animals was also demonstrated in vivo (4.1 +/- 0.9 v 13.8 +/- 2.7 mumol/min/g, P less than 0.01). In vivo P-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies of remnant kidneys did not demonstrate any difference in the steady-state tissue concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or inorganic phosphate between rats fed LP and HP diets. Dietary protein restriction decreases the severity of uremia and diminishes renal QO2 in the remnant kidney model.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Safety and efficacy of external beam radiation therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in patients with prior 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan radioimmunotherapy

BACKGROUND. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) are radiosensitive tumors. Recent trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of beta irradiation delivered by monoclonal antibodies conjugated to radioisotopes such as yttrium-90 or iodine-131. Many patients eventually relapse after radioimmunotherapy (RIT) and require additional treatment. The goal of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) delivered after RIT. METHODS. We reviewed the records of 135 patients with relapsed B-cell NHL who had received RIT with 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan to identify patients who subsequently received EBRT. The response rates and radiation-induced toxicity from the EBRT were assessed. RESULTS. Nineteen of 135 (14%) patients received EBRT to a total of 39 tumor sites. Complete radiation therapy records were available for 16 patients (36 tumor sites), which formed the basis for this analysis. The median EBRT dose was 28.5 Gy (range, 10–40 Gy), with a median fraction size of 2 Gy (range, 1–5 Gy). Response data were available for 29 treated sites. The overall response rate was 90% (26/29) with 12 complete responses (41%), 7 complete clinical responses (24%), 7 partial responses (24%), and 3 stable (10%). Toxicities were generally transient, reversible, and corresponded to the anatomic regions irradiated. CONCLUSIONS. EBRT can produce tumor responses at sites of NHL that relapse after RIT with acceptable toxicity. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Politics and Civic Professionalism: Legal Elites and Cause Lawyers

Over the past 15 years, a great deal of heat and quite a bit of light have been generated about lawyers' economic behavior. Lawyers have been characterized as economic maximizers bent on a project of market control and collective status mobility. This point of view had the felicitous result of demystifying a great deal of lawyerly self-congratulation, and it established a bracing counterpoint to the innocence of the uncritical functionalist theories that preceded it. Yet the concentrated focus on economic behavior has diverted attention from an equally or more important agenda-the politics of lawyers and their impact on political liberalism. The export of a strongly North American model of lawyers' collective action, which placed strong emphasis on the control of markets, blinded scholarship on legal professions to the
Alien Hand Syndrome: Influence of Neglect on the Clinical Presentation of Frontal and Callosal Variants

Abstract Three patients with mesial frontal and extensive callosal lesions due to anterior cerebral artery infarction manifested an alien hand syndrome (AHS) with varied features. Patient 1 with left hemispheric lesion showed right hand's impulsive reaching and grasping and left hand's antagonistic movements to the right (intermanual conflict; IMC). Patients 2 and 3 with right hemispheric lesion manifested a left hemihypokinesia which was thought to have suppressed the frequency and amplitude or even the occurrence of left hand's reaching and grasping. IMC and other left hand's non-antagonistic, irrelevant movements to the right remained. Because the term “IMC” is often misused and not strictly defined, its association with right hand's reaching and grasping is quite uncommon, its significance as a sign of callosal disconnection is not well validated, and because left hand's reaching and grasping tend to be suppressed by motor neglect, a trend may then develop for the right hand to be the sole focus of pathological behaviour in patients with the so-called frontal AHS (Feinberg, Schindler, Flanagan et al., 1992)
Nonverbal Behavior, Race, and Attitude Attributions

Abstract Participants viewed a videotape of either an African–American or White confederate delivering a freely chosen or assigned speech using high persuasive or low persuasive nonverbal behavior. Participants made stronger attitude attributions when speakers ostensibly had a choice about which speech to deliver than when speeches were assigned. Speakers using high persuasive nonverbal behavior (e.g., frequent eye contact, low self-touching, and few filler words) were rated as holding opinions more consonant with the speech than speakers using low persuasive nonverbal behavior. Attitude attributions about African–American speakers using high persuasive nonverbal behavior were more extreme than inferences about speakers in the other conditions. These results underscore the importance of including dynamic behavior and race when studying social interactions.
Characterization of Rac and Cdc42 Activation in Chemoattractant-stimulated Human Neutrophils Using a Novel Assay for Active GTPases

A major function of Rac2 in neutrophils is the regulation of oxidant production important in bacterial killing. Rac and the related GTPase Cdc42 also regulate the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton, necessary for leukocyte chemotaxis and phagocytosis of microorganisms. Although these GTPases appear to be critical downstream components of chemoattractant receptor signaling in human neutrophils, the pathways involved in direct control of Rac/Cdc42 activation remain to be determined. We describe an assay that measures the formation of Rac-GTP and Cdc42-GTP based on their specific binding to the p21-binding domain of p21-activated kinase 1. A p21-binding domain glutathione S-transferase fusion protein specifically binds Rac and Cdc42 in their GTP-bound forms both in vitro and in cell samples. Binding is selective for Rac and Cdc42 versusRhoA. Using this assay, we investigated Rac and Cdc42 activation in neutrophils and differentiated HL-60 cells. The chemoattractant fMet-Leu-Phe and the phorbol ester phorbol myristate acetate stimulate formation of Rac-GTP and Cdc42-GTP with distinct time courses that parallel cell activation. We also show that the signaling pathways leading to Rac and Cdc42 activation in HL-60 cells involve G proteins sensitive to pertussis toxin, as well as tyrosine kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activities.
Infrared-Optical Techniques Applied to Oceanography I. Measurement of Total Heat Flow from the Sea Surface

The heat flow from the sea surface at night by evaporation and air conduction is from the interface. The radiation loss comes from the top 0.02 mm. Water temperature at greater optical depths was measured experimentally by infrared radiometry with wavelength regions selected for 1/k = 0.06 and 0.50 mm. Calculation of the heat flow by conduction through this half-millimeter layer is within experimental error of the total heat flow from the surface. This result indicates that the heat transfer by convection in this layer is small compared to conduction, and that such equipment, preferably airborne, can be used to measure the total heat flow from the sea at night.
No genetic substructuring in Artemisia subgenus Tridentatae despite strong ecotypic subspecies selection

Abstract Phylogenetic relationships within the subgenus Tridentatae of Artemisia (Asteraceae) were investigated using nuclear ITS and plastid intronic and intergenic sequences in the region of trn L Although the studied taxa are quite distinct morphologically and ecologically, extremely low levels of genetic divergence (average nucleotide differences among haplotypes is π =0.0040 and π =0.0019, for ITS and trn L, respectively) were observed. Haplotype networks indicate the common haplotypes are widely distributed both geographically and taxonomically and are marked by a high connectivity to other haplotypes. These patterns are consistent with older alleles distributed in populations. These results imply that differentiation within the Tridentatae is the result of strong ecotypic selection over a background of widespread hybridization.
Ferromagnetism in metallic hydrogen

Abstract Hydrogen at high densities is expected to undergo a transition from a molecular to a metallic state. It is shown here that in a range of metallic densities hydrogen is likely to possess partial spin polarization, analogously to iron. It is suggested that this is the origin of magnetic fields in planets and stars.
Solid phase synthesis of growth hormone-release inhibiting factor

Abstract The growth hormone-release inhibiting factor (GH-RIF) tetradecapeptide , was prepared by the cyclization of a linear, disulfhydryl peptide intermediate by treatment with potassium ferricyanide. The linear peptide was synthesized by an automated solid-phase technique. The cyclic material inhibited the secretion of radioimmunoassayable growth hormone in vitro at doses as low as 0.1 μg. A high molecular weight compound formed during the cyclization reaction and believed to be predominantly dimer also possessed considerable inhibitory activity.
Experimental assessment of the Ru-Al-Ni ternary phase diagram at 1000 and 1100 °C

Abstract Knowledge of phase equilibria in the Ru–Al–Ni ternary system is relevant to the development of new single crystal Ni-based superalloys as well as to new high temperature protective coating systems for these alloys. A series of diffusion couple investigations have been performed across the Ru–Al–Ni ternary system in order to establish phase fields and possible diffusion paths. A continuous B2 phase has been shown to exist across the Ru–Al–Ni ternary between the RuAl and NiAl phases at temperatures of 1000 and 1100 °C. Ternary isothermal sections for Ru–Al–Ni at 1000 and 1100 °C are presented.
Talking about Literacy: A Cultural Model of Teaching and Learning Untangled.

In this article, we explore how members of a teacher conversation group, focused on primary students' learning, circulated and instantiated a cultural model of what teaching for literacy meant and how young children learned.We show how, over time, particular discourses around literacy as a quantifiable and measurable skill populated teachers', literacy specialists' and the principal's talk, and were privileged in conversations about learners. We offer insights into how such talk regarding young children's learning might be problematized, analyzed, and made salient for teachers' pedagogy.
Microearthquake Imaging of the Parkfield Asperity

Microearthquake data from a downhole seismometer network on the San Andreas fault appear to outline two aseismic asperities that may correspond to the locations of the foreshocks and main shocks of the Parkfield characteristic earthquakes. The source parameters of the microearthquakes show that a few of the earthquakes have significantly higher stress drops than most. Furthermore, the magnitude-frequency statistics suggest that at local magnitude 0.6, the cumulative number of small events begins to fall off the usual Gutenberg-Richter ( b = -1) relation, in which the number of events increases exponentially with decreasing magnitude. The downhole seismometer data establish a baseline from which the evolution of the earthquake process at Parkfield can be monitored and suggest that different mechanical conditions than those that lead to the typical Gutenberg-Richter relation may be operating for the smallest of Parkfield microearthquakes.
Characterization of liquid and gaseous micro- and nanojets using microcantilever sensors

Abstract This paper reports the development of microelectromechanical metrology tools to characterize liquid and gaseous jets generated from microfabricated nozzles with diameters ranging from 1 to 12 μm. Microcantilever sensors with either piezoresistive elements or integrated heating elements have been fabricated and applied to measure thrusts, velocities, and heat transfer characteristics of micro/nanojets. Piezoresistive cantilever measurements showed that liquid butane microjets from a 6 μm diameter nozzle achieved velocities 40–60 m/s for driving pressures 0.6–1.4 MPa. Jet velocities estimated from cantilever measurements agreed well with shadowgraphy results within 12.5% without any correction factor. A microcantilever with integrated heating elements measured cooling capacities of liquid butane microjets on the order of 10 −5 W/K.
Predicting Intention to Remain in College Among Ethnic Minority and Nonminority Students

Abstract Models predicting ethnic minority and nonminority students' intentions to remain enrolled in college were tested for equivalence. On the basis of previous research, the predictors were coping with college, self-esteem, academic integration, identification with the university, and experience of disrespect because of race, ethnicity, or religion. Participants were 139 ethnic minority and 507 nonminority students at a U.S. university. Results indicate similarities and differences in the models for predicting commitment for ethnic minority and nonminority students. The relationship between academic achievement and commitment to remain in college was strong only for ethnic minority students. Identification with the university was positively related and experience of disrespect was negatively related to commitment for all students. When students perceived the environment as unwelcoming because of race, ethnicity, or religion, their desire to continue attending college diminished. Ethnic minority studen...
Performance modeling and analysis of flash-based storage devices

Flash-based solid-state drives (SSDs) will become key components in future storage systems. An accurate performance model will not only help understand the state-of-the-art of SSDs, but also provide the research tools for exploring the design space of such storage systems. Although over the years many performance models were developed for hard drives, the architectural differences between two device families prevent these models from being effective for SSDs. The hard drive performance models cannot account for several unique characteristics of SSDs, e.g., low latency, slow update, and expensive block-level erase. In this paper, we utilize the black-box modeling approach to analyze and evaluate SSD performance, including latency, bandwidth, and throughput, as it requires minimal a priori information about the storage devices. We construct the black-box models, using both synthetic workloads and real-world traces, on three SSDs, as well as an SSD RAID. We find that, while the black-box approach may produce less desirable performance predictions for hard disks, a black-box SSD model with a comprehensive set of workload characteristics can produce accurate predictions for latency, bandwidth, and throughput with small errors.
The prediction of diffusion rates in porous materials at different pressures

Abstract Two current models for diffusion in porous catalysts are applied to diffusion data obtained over the pressure range 1–20 atm, using 12 porous materials with widely different pore-size distributions. The results of this study confirm a previous study of Satterfield and Cadle in two respects—a model of a porous structure by Johnson and Stewart can be used to predict diffusion rates to within a factor of 2 with occasional exceptions, and this model is good for extrapolating data obtained at one pressure to another pressure. In addition, the present investigation found little choice between the absolute predictive capabilities of the Johnson and Stewart model and one of Wakao and Smith, although the latter is inadequate for extrapolation with pressure. Evidence indicates that the infrequent, though serious, exceptions may be the result of severe pore constrictions. A possible converging trend of the value of (observed flux/predicted flux) when using the Wakao and Smith model at higher pressures is also observed and discussed.
Travel behavior of low-income residents: studying two contrasting locations in the city of Chennai, India

Data on travel behavior in developing countries like India is minimal. This is especially true for the relatively poor residents of urban India. They are dependent on fewer options for transportation and have little choice in terms of employment location given their dependence on walking or bicycles. This is significant in cities like Chennai because employment is highly concentrated in the center of the city. In this study, the results of a survey of 70 households in Chennai were analyzed to estimate statistical models of travel behavior with respect to mode choice and trip frequency. The households were located in two different parts of the city: one group of households lived close to the city center (in a settlement called Srinivasapuram) and the other at the periphery (in a location called Kannagi Nagar). We analyze the differences in travel behavior due to differences in accessibility to employment and services between the two settlement locations. The results indicate that differences in accessibility appear to strongly affect travel behavior. Residents in the centrally located settlement were more likely to use non-motorized modes for travel (walk or bicycle) than the peripherally located residents. It is vital therefore that, policy makers in India consider location of employment in the planning of new housing for low-income households.
Behavior analysis of low-literate users of a viral speech-based telephone service

We studied the behavior of users of a simple telephone-based voice modification and forwarding system, which has operated in Pakistan for about a year, attracting 165,000 users who interacted with the system by telephone over 636,000 times and generated very rich interaction data. Trying to cluster the users based on their activity profile, we found that they form a continuum rather than truly distinct clusters. We did discover that, with experience, users respond faster to menus (using more barge-in) and make fewer mistakes and abortive attempts. Finally we studied how users' choice of activity evolved over time, and found that with experience users show an increasing interest in message sending, become more explorative of the system's capabilities, and better adapt themselves to its constraints. Many new users seem to arrive with some preexisting knowledge of Polly's functionality, presumably through some back-channel information from their friends. Long-term users engage in lengthier calls from the start, and take a more active interest in voice modification and forwarding features.
Recovery-Oriented Practices of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Staff in an Acute Hospital Setting

BACKGROUND: There is a national initiative to integrate recovery-oriented practices into the delivery of mental health services. Few empirical studies have been conducted to measure these practices in psychiatric-mental health (PMH) nursing, particularly in short-term acute hospital settings. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the reliability of the Recovery Self Assessment–Registered Nurse Version (RSA-RN) and explored recovery practices of PMH nurses and nursing staff in an acute treatment setting. DESIGN: A descriptive one-group design with convenience sampling was employed. One hundred and five participants completed the RSA-RN and the demographic data form. RESULTS: The RSA-RN full-scale instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency, and the five subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. Significant, favorable relationships were found between RSA-RN scores and nursing staff who (a) had formal education in mental health recovery, (b) considered themselves knowledgeable about recover...
Metabolic complications of androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

Purpose: Androgen deprivation therapy has a variety of well recognized adverse effects including vasomotor flushing, loss of libido, fatigue, gynecomastia, anemia and osteoporosis. This review focuses on the more recently described metabolic complications of androgen deprivation therapy including obesity, insulin resistance and lipid alterations as well as the association of androgen deprivation therapy with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the medical literature using the PubMed® search terms prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, obesity, insulin resistance, lipids, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction. We provide a focused review and our perspective on the relevant literature.Results: Androgen deprivation therapy decreases lean mass and increases fat mass. It also decreases insulin sensitivity while increasing low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyce...
Availability of well-defined iron colloids to the marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii

Three different types of iron oxo-hydroxo colloids with well-defined sizes and chemistries have been synthesized by hydrolysis of Fe(III) in acidic and alkaline medium as well as by oxidative hydrolysis of Fe(U), resulting in solutions of &FeOOH (30 nm), a hexanuclear complex (HN, 2 nm), and a polynuclear oxidation product (OP, 3 nm). These colloids were tested for their availability to the coastal diatom Thalussiosiru weissflogii. Iron-limited cells were grown in synthetic seawater containing O-O.5 PM of total iron in colloidal form as the only iron source. We found no evidence of direct uptake of colloids by the algae. The P-FeOOH colloids, which dissolve exceedingly slowly in the light or in the dark, did not support diatom growth. In contrast, maximal growth rates and cell yields were observed in the presence of either 50 nM OP or HN. Photoreduction accounted for the availability of HN. In the case of OP, thermal (dark) dissolution of the colloid appears sufficient to satisfy the iron requirement of the diatom.
Quantitative Modeling of Communication Cost for Global Service Delivery

IT service providers are increasingly utilizing globally distributed resources to drive down costs, reduce risk through diversification and gain access to a larger talent pool. However, fostering effective collaboration among geographically distributed resources is a difficult challenge. In this paper, we present our initial attempt to quantify the increased overhead in leveraging distributed resources as one of the project costs. We associate this overhead cost measurement with metrics that measure communication quality, such as reduction in productivity and communication delay. These metrics can in turn be computed as functions of underlying project parameters. To achieve this goal, we first build a project communication model (PCM) to categorize different types of collaborative communication. We then represent communication efficiency and changes in resource availability in terms of information theoretic concepts such as reduced channel capacity, information encoding efficiency and channel availability. This analysis is used to help determine the cost associated with team formation and task distribution during the project planning phase.
Articular cartilage repair using allogeneic perichondrocyteseeded biodegradable porous polylactic acid (PLA): A tissue‐engineering study

Efforts to expand treatment options for articular cartilage repair have increasingly focused on the implantation of cell-polymer constructs. The purpose of this study is to determine the suitability of porous D,D-L,L-polylactic acid as a carrier for delivering repair cells obtained from rib perichondrium into full-thickness articular cartilage defects. In vitro characterization of perichondrocyte-polylactic acid composite grafts was combined with in vivo assessment of the early articular cartilage repair in a clinically relevant model. Using a fluorescent double-stain protocol to visualize live and dead cells in situ, primary cells cultured from perichondrium were found to be capable of attaching to and surviving within a porous D,D-L,L-polylactic acid matrix. These perichondrocyte-polylactic acid composite grafts were then implanted within osteochondral defects drilled into the left medial femoral condyles of 16 adult New Zealand white rabbits. Experimental animals were sacrificed 6 weeks after implantation and the repair tissue was evaluated grossly, histologically, and biochemically. Grossly, 96% (15/16) of the experimental animals demonstrated repairs consisting of a smooth, firm neocartilage which appeared similar in color and texture to the surrounding articular surface. Matrix staining for cartilaginous protein was seen surrounding chondrocyte-like cells in the cartilage regions of the repair. Cellular alignment was found to be related to scaffold architecture. These results suggest that scaffolds composed of porous D,D-L,L-polylactic acid support the growth of cartilaginous repair tissue and are compatible with both in vitro and in vivo survival of chondrogenic cells.