cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipid biomarkers, hormone therapy and the risk of venous thromboembolism in women.

Summary. Background: Published reports of a relationship between lipids and incident venous thromboembolism (VTE) are conflicting. Objectives: To clarify the relationship between lipids and VTE risk in healthy women, including potential effect modification by hormone therapy (HT). Patients/methods: Among 27 081 initially healthy women followed prospectively for incident VTE, we measured a full panel of lipid biomarkers, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides and apolipoproteins A-I (apo A-I) and B100. Results: During a median follow-up of 11.4 years, VTE occurred in 355 women. We observed no relationship between any of the lipids and VTE risk. However, when unprovoked VTE was considered separately (n = 161), both HDL-C and apo A-I were positively associated with risk. Fully adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for extreme tertiles of HDL-C and apo A-I were 1.75 (1.13–2.73) and 1.70 (1.10–2.62), respectively. After stratifying by HT use, this relationship was present only among HT users; the HRs for unprovoked VTE for extreme tertiles of HDL-C and apo A-I were 3.58 (1.69–7.58) and 2.88 (1.29–6.42) among users, but only 0.79 (0.39–1.62) and 0.89 (0.50–1.57) among non-users. The interactions were statistically significant (each Pinteraction <0.05). Conclusions: We observed little evidence that lipid levels predict risk of incident VTE among non-users of HT. High levels of HDL-C and apo A-I associate with unprovoked VTE risk among HT users. This observation likely reflects prothrombotic effects of HT that are concomitant with HDL-C and apo A-I levels, rather than direct effects of those lipids.
A single resource scheduling problem with job-selection flexibility, tardiness costs and controllable processing times

We consider single-resource scheduling when candidate jobs may be accepted (producing job-specific profit) or rejected. Our solution approaches seek to maximize the profitability of the resulting schedule under job-specific tardiness costs and reducible processing times (at a cost). We present an algorithm that maximizes schedule profit for a given sequence of jobs, along with two heuristic approaches for generating good job sequences. A set of computational tests on randomly generated problem instances demonstrates the relative effectiveness of our proposed heuristic approaches.
Disruption of mRad50 causes embryonic stem cell lethality, abnormal embryonic development, and sensitivity to ionizing radiation

The Mre11/Rad50 protein complex functions in diverse aspects of the cellular response to double-strand breaks (DSBs), including the detection of DNA damage, the activation of cell cycle checkpoints, and DSB repair. Whereas genetic analyses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have provided insight regarding DSB repair functions of this highly conserved complex, the implication of the human complex in Nijmegen breakage syndrome reveals its role in cell cycle checkpoint functions. We established mRad50 mutant mice to examine the role of the mammalian Mre11/Rad50 protein complex in the DNA damage response. Early embryonic cells deficient in mRad50 are hypersensitive to ionizing radiation, consistent with a role for this complex in the repair of ionizing radiation-induced DSBs. However, the null mrad50 mutation is lethal in cultured embryonic stem cells and in early developing embryos, indicating that the mammalian Mre11/Rad50 protein complex mediates functions in normally growing cells that are essential for viability.
Mucolipidosis II and III: different residual activity of beta‐galactosidase in cultured fibroblasts*

A biochemical difference is found between the mucolipidoses II and III which may be correlated with their clinical phenotypes. In homogenates of mass-cultured I-cells from patients with MLII (I-cell disease), the residual specific activity of beta-galactosidase is between 3 and 5 times lower than that in the I-cells from patients with MLIII (pseudo-polydystrophy). This difference is confirmed in several covershlip culture experiments where conditions of inoculation, propagation, harvest and enzyme assays are rigidly controlled. MLIII cells also hydrolyse the natural substrates asialofetuin-(H)3-galactoside and GM1-(H)2-galactoside more easily. This observation offers support to the hypothesis that beta-galactosidase may play a role in the physiopathology of these mucolipidoses.
A GIS-based decision support system for analysis of route choice in congested urban road networks

Urban congestion patterns have become ubiquitous and complex. Traditional, “static” approaches are no longer adequate for analyzing network flows and conducting minimum cost routing. This paper reports on a GIS-based decision support tool for modeling dynamic network congestion and conducting minimum cost routing. The system predicts network flows at a detailed level of temporal resolution, capturing dynamic congestion propagation effects. A Route Planner module solves for the combined departure time and minimum cost routing required for a trip to reach its destination by a given deadline. The GIS provides effective decision support through its database management capabilities, graphical user interfaces and cartographic visualization. This supports analyses of “what-if?” scenarios for strategic planning and tactical management subject to unplanned network disturbances.
Rat primary hepatocyte cultures are a good model for examining metallothionein-induced tolerance to cadmium toxicity.

The effect of Zn-induced metallothionein (MT) on the toxicity, uptake, and subcellular distribution of cadmium (Cd) was examined in rat primary hepatocyte cultures and compared to results obtained earlier in this laboratory from intact animals. Hepatocytes were isolated and grown in monolayer culture for 22 h and subsequently treated with ZnCl2 (100 μM) for 24 h, which increased MT concentration about 15-fold. After Zn pretreatment, hepatocytes were exposed to Cd for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was assessed by enzyme leakage, intracellular potassium loss, and cellular glutathione content. The toxicity of Cd was much less in Zn-pretreated cells than in control cells, similar to that previously demonstrated in the intact animal. Zn pretreatment had no appreciable effect on the hepatocellular uptake of109Cd, but markedly altered its subcellular distribution, with more Cd accumulating in the cytosol and less in the nuclear, mitochondrial, and microsomal fractions. In the cytosol of Zn-pretreated cells, Cd was associated mainly with MT; in contrast, cytosolic Cd in control cells was mainly associated with non-MT macromolecules. Zn-induced changes in the subcellular distribution of Cd in vitro are identical to those observed in vivo in Zn-pretreated rats challenged with Cd. In summary, Zn pretreatment of rat primary hepatocyte cultures protects cells against Cd toxicity. Protection seems to be due to MT-promotes sequestration of Cd and reduction of the amount of Cd associated with critical organelles and proteins. These observations are similar to those noted in the whole animal. These results indicate that cultured hepatocytes are an ideal model for examining MT-induced tolerance to Cd hepatotoxicity.
Perceptual weighting of relative amplitude and formant transition cues in aided CV syllables.

The current study explored the changes in weighting of relative amplitude and formant transition cues that may be caused by a K-amp circuit. Twelve listeners with normal hearing and 3 listeners wit...
A note on livestock breeding policies in stable and development situations

Multi-stage linear programming is used to develop sheep replacement policies in a number of different situations. Policies are developed for eight and sixteen year periods assuming, firstly a constant feed supply, and secondly, an increasing feed supply over the period. The results show the optimal flock composition together with the sheep sale activities for each year of the plan. The marginal value products indicate which constraints are the most important and whether any should be relaxed in order to make the model more realistic. It is concluded that it is not necessary to use a very long planning period in order to determine the activities for the early years. The results from the shorter planning period appear to be consistent with long-term goals.
Model for Surface Erosion of Cohesive Soils

AbstractA model is proposed for the surface erosion of cohesive soils on the basis of the physical interaction of turbulent bursts with the sediment bed. More specifically, the model deals with floc-by-floc erosion, appropriate for conditions of relatively low shear stress. The role of turbulent burst structures on the entrainment of particles has been well-established. A number of models have been developed for soil erosion on the basis of the interaction of turbulent burst structures with sediment beds in open-channel flow. What has been lacking in this type of model and in other models for the surface erosion of cohesive soils in general is an understanding of the aggregate size distribution in cohesive sediment beds. In this study, a relationship is developed for the aggregate size distribution as a function of the bed bulk density and fractal dimension of aggregates in soils, and this relationship is incorporated in a turbulent burst erosion model. The model is applied to experimental data, and the r...
The evolving role of alemtuzumab (Campath‐1H) for immunosuppressive therapy in organ transplantation

Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal anti-CD52 antibody, which has been used extensively off label in solid organ transplantation. Its primary use has been as an induction agent at the time of organ transplantation, although there is limited experience using it to treat steroid-resistant rejection. Prolonged lymphocyte depletion can be expected following alemtuzumab treatment even with one dose of 30 mg intravenously. The nature and kinetics of lymphocyte repopulation depend on the maintenance immunosuppression being administered. In comparison with Thymoglobulin, a polyclonal depleting antibody preparation, alemtuzumab offers significant practical benefits with lower cost, fewer side effects in administration, and no specific issues with i.v. access. The risks and benefits of depleting induction agents, such as alemtuzumab, are compared with nondepleting agents, such as anti-CD25 induction therapy. While the majority of experience in solid organ transplantation has been in kidney transplantation, there is more limited experience in liver, pancreas, islet, small bowel, and lung transplantation. We herein review some of the lessons learned from clinical experience to date in solid organ transplantation using alemtuzumab as an immunosuppressant.
The invasive forb, Centaurea maculosa, increases phosphorus availability in Montana grasslands

Abstract Centaurea maculosa Lam. (Asteraceae, spotted knapweed) was introduced to the United States from Eurasia in the late 1800s and now covers over 3 million ha in Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Several recent studies have suggested that the success of C. maculosa may be partly due to its ability to outcompete native species for phosphorus (P), through high root mass and/or association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. We used a combination of field and greenhouse studies to explore the P efficiency of C. maculosa and its effects on soil P levels. C. maculosa was P efficient in both the field study and greenhouse experiment. In the field, P concentration in C. maculosa was more than twice that of three native species (Pseudorogneria spicata, Festuca idahoensis, and Lupinus sericeous). In the greenhouse experiment, even at extremely low levels of soil P availability, uptake of P by C. maculosa was six times greater than that by the native, Lupinus argenteus. However, soil P levels were elevated in sites invaded by C. maculosa, which is the opposite of what would be expected if root or mycorrhizal uptake were responsible for the higher P efficiency. These results indicate that the success of C. maculosa may be due to its greater ability to acquire P than native species, but do not indicate that C. maculosa is actually outcompeting natives for the P that it acquires. In contrast, C. maculosa appears to have the ability to increase the availability of P in some soils.
Antifungal prophylaxis in lung transplantation

Fungal infections are among the most serious complications of lung transplantation. The 1-year cumulative incidence of invasive fungal infections in lung transplant recipients is 6 to 10%, which is higher than most other solid organ transplant recipients. Aspergillus spp. are the most common etiologic agents, but Candida spp., non-Aspergillus mycelial fungi, Cryptococcus, Pneumocystis, and endemic mycoses can cause active infections in this population. Clinical manifestations of fungal infection in lung transplant recipients are protean, and include invasive pulmonary disease, airway and anastomotic infections, posttransplant empyemas, and disseminated infections. Most centers employ either universal or targeted antifungal prophylaxis in some form, but the agents, doses, durations, and monitoring strategies vary widely from one center to another. This review discusses the salient fungal organisms responsible for infection in lung transplant recipients and management strategies for prevention.
Jarosite growth zoning as a recorder of fluid evolution

Abstract Growth zoning in jarosite, an Fe3+-bearing sulfate mineral, can generally be characterized by variation of Na+ for K+ in the crystallographic A site or by Al3+ for Fe3+ in the octahedral (B) site. Growth zoning in a sample from Post Pit, NV, however, is more complicated than has been observed in other jarosite samples examined in this study and by previous work, and is characterized by varying Ba, Sr, P, and As. In this sample, these elements define a coupled substitution in which Ba2+ and Sr2+ substitute for K+ in the crystallographic A site, and are balanced by the substitution of P5+ and As5+ for S6+ in the tetrahedral (X) site. The Post Pit sample also exhibits a high concentration of V, which does not appear to participate in the aforementioned coupled substitution. Analysis of mineral stoichiometry and charge balance reveal that V is likely tetravalent, and represents a charge excess in the B site. The occurrence of V-bearing goethite in this sample records fluctuating fluid pH, resulting in the alternating stability of jarosite and goethite. Measurement of the REEs in jarosite by SIMS, indicate that Ce is trivalent in the Post Pit sample; reduced relative to Ce4+ found in the remainder of the sample suite. The presence of V4+ and Ce3+ indicate that the Post Pit sample was deposited in a less oxidizing environment than the remainder of the sample suite. This study illustrates how jarosite crystal chemistry can be used to place relative constraints on fluid conditions (pH, Eh, chemistry, etc.) in the terrestrial environment, and characterizes possible major and trace element coupled substitutions into the jarosite crystal structure. Furthermore, this study provides a framework for future studies to examine mineral–fluid partition coefficients (D values) which may place more absolute constraints on fluid chemistry in the jarosite depositional environment.
The emergence of cognitive discrepancies in preclinical Alzheimer's disease: A six-year case study

We present neuropsychological data from an 81-year-old individual who was followed over a six-year period, initially as a healthy control participant. She performed above age-adjusted cutoff scores for impairment on most neuropsychological tests, including learning and memory measures, until the final assessment when she received a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite generally normal scores on individual cognitive tests, her cognitive profile revealed increasingly large cognitive discrepancies when contrasting verbal versus visuospatial tasks, and complex versus basic-level tasks. The present case provides intriguing evidence that cognitive-discrepancy measures could improve our ability to detect subtle changes in cognition at the earliest, preclinical stages of AD.
In-flight propulsion system characterization for both Mars Exploration Rover Spacecraft

Two Mars Exploration Rover spacecraft were dispensed to red planet in 2003, culminating in a phenomenally successful prime science mission. Twin cruise stage propulsion systems were developed in record time, largely through heritage with Mars Pathfinder. As expected, consumable usage was minimal during the short seven-month cruise for both spacecraft. Propellant usage models based on pressure and temperature agreed with throughput models with in a few percent. Trajectory correction maneuver performance was nominal, allowing the cancellation of near-Mars maneuvers. Spin thruster delivered impulse was 10-12% high vs. ground based models for the intial spin-down maneuvers, while turn performance was XX-XX% high/low vs. expectations. No clear indications for pressure transducer drift were noted during the brief MER missions.
Effect of Gonadal Hormones on Aromatic Amino Acid Decarboxylase in the Rat Uterus

Serotonin synthesis from 5-hydroxytryptophan was measured in homogenates of rat uterus as an index of the activity of the enzyme, aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. It was found that the level of function of this enzyme in rat uterus is markedly influenced by ovarian hormones. The capacity of the uterus to synthesize serotonin is decreased during estrus. Decarboxylase activity is increased in uteri from oophorectomized, hypophysectomized and immature rats, and is reduced to normal adult levels when such animals are treated with estradiol. Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase activity in liver is not altered when rats are oophorectomized or treated with estradiol. (Endocrinology 78: 1135, 1966)
Study on Agriculture Decision-Makers Behavior on Sustainable Energy Utilization

Phytomass cultivation for energy use is increasingly popular in Europe for high profits guaranteed by subsidy. Although public interest in ecology is on an increasing level, direct combustion is still preferred even though scholars have been warning about formations of hazardous compounds for a long-time. However, the reduction of subsidies would negatively affect an already bad situation in Czech agriculture, since most farmers became fully dependent on subsidies due to quotas, restrictions, and other unequal business conditions in European Union. It was proved in a commercial scale that an alternative phytomass energy utilizing technology consisting of steam explosion and subsequent anaerobic fermentation may be run solely on the waste heat without any further addition of chemicals. Behavior analysis of present and future agriculture decision-makers showed that none of the farmers who visited the facility cared about ecological consequences. On the other hand, ost students from the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of the Economy answered the questionnaire with higher environmental responsibility. We assume this is caused by high average age of farmers in Czech Republic who are more aware of the ongoing economical difficulties and perceive differently the risk of higher acquisition costs.
A Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Health Care and Mortality Inequalities in China

Two geographers specializing in China TYalyze that country's health care inequality from 1990 to 2008, for the purpose of: (1) examining spatial-temporal variations of health care inequality at multiple scales (the regional, provincial, and county levels); (2) exploring whether economic growth and transition to a market economy have exacerbated the unevenness of health care; and (3) analyzing the impact of health care inequality on health outcomes, especially mortality. The authors apply GIS-based spatial statistical methods to detect spatial-temporal patterns of health care, and use multilevel regression to examine the linkages between health care, mortality, and regional economic inequality, and ultimately to assess the sensitivity of health care inequality to geographic scale and examine whether reforms implemented to date have resulted in more equitable access to health care. The paper also demonstrates how the concurrent transitions of decentralization, marketization, globalization, and urbanization ...
Corticotropin releasing factor receptor type II (CRF2) messenger ribonucleic acid levels in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus of the infant rat are reduced by maternal deprivation

The stress neurohormone corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) activates at least two receptor types. Expression of corticotropin releasing factor receptor type II (CRF2) has been demonstrated in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMH) of the adult and developing rat, but the physiological functions of VMH-CRF2 have not been elucidated. The VMH has been documented as an important participant in the regulation of food intake and its interactions with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and circadian rhythms. Regulation of VMH-CRF2 may thus play a role in the interplay of physiological alterations in metabolic state with the neuroendocrine and anorexic effects of CRF. This study determined the regulation of CRF2-mRNA expression in infant rats by the physiological consequences of maternal deprivation, i.e., fasting and stress. Using in situ hybridization, maternally deprived pups had an average 62% reduction of VMH-CRF2-mRNA levels compared with stress-free controls. Maternal deprivation also resulted in elevated plasma corticosterone levels (3.8 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.3 +/- 0.1 microg/dl) and an average 5.7% body weight loss. This study demonstrates that maternal deprivation, via fasting and HPA activation, leads to a dramatic decrease of CRF2-mRNA levels in the VMH. These results are consistent with a role for CRF2 activation in mediating some of the complex interactions of CRF (or urocortin) with regulation of food intake in the developing rat.
Mitochondrial biogenesis in human fibroblasts

It is not known whether limitation of lifespan represents a programmed genetic event or is a result of environmental factors imposed by the conditions of culture. An investigation of the factors surrounding the limitedin vitro lifespan of human diploid fibroblasts has been undertaken. We have investigated the role of mitochondria in the finite lifespan of WI-38 human lung fibroblasts. Mitochondrial function was depressed in a controlled manner by treating cells with ethidium bromide and chloramphenicol both of which inhibit normal biogenesis. These antibiotics decrease cytochrome oxidase activity, change cell ultrastructure, and inhibit growth at high concentration. At lower concentrations the antibiotics do not affect cell proliferation for several generations. However, their effect is cumulative and after several generations the cells enlarge, stop dividing and die. Removal of antibiotics from the culture media before death restores proliferative capacity. At still lower concentrations cytochrome oxidase activity was decreased but continuous growth in the presence of the antibiotics caused no decrease inin vitro lifespan. Thus, the potential for oxidative metabolism appears to be in excess of that needed for cell proliferation at all stages of thein vitro lifespan of a culture. The importance of cytoplasmic protein synthesis was evaluated using cycloheximide, a specific inhibitor of this process. Cycloheximide was used to try to distinguish between the effects due to general inhibition and that due to specific inhibition of mitochondrial biogenesis. Exposure of cultures to concentrations of cycloheximide which inhibited growth drastically caused no decrease in cytochrome oxidase activity.
Temperature‐induced conformational changes in human tearlipids hydrocarbon chains

As a first step to characterize human meibum and tear lipids, infrared spectroscopy was applied to characterize the molecular structure/conformation and packing of hydrocarbon chains. Temperature-induced phase transitions were fit to a sigmoid equation and were experimentally reproducible and were similar for multiple samples collected from the same person. No hysteresis was observed. Hydration of polar tear lipids increased their phase transition cooperativity, enthalpy and entropy. Hydrophobic interactions in meibum lipid (ML) were stronger than in tear-fluid lipids (TL), as reflected by the higher entropy and enthalpy of the gel to liquid crystalline phase transition of ML. The results of this study provide further evidence of the differences in the composition and structure of ML and TL. The conformational changes observed in the hydrocarbon chains of ML with temperature suggest that the observed therapeutic increased delivery of ML with eye lid heating could be related to the increased disorder in the packing of the hydrocarbon tails. This work also highlights the power of infrared spectroscopy to characterize molecular structure/conformation, and packing of human tear lipids and provides a basis for future studies of tear film lipid composition-structure-function relationships and lipid-protein interactions in relation to age, sex, and dry eye symptoms.
Lensfree 3D Tracking of Sperms at High-throughput

A lensfree holographic imaging platform which can track the 3D motion of >1,500 human sperms within an observation volume of 8-17 mm^3 is developed to reveal the statistics of the rare (~4.4%) and mostly right-handed (~90%) helical trajectories.
Hematopoietic growth factors activate the tyrosine phosphorylation of distinct sets of proteins in interleukin-3-dependent murine cell lines.

Abstract By immunoblotting with antibodies for phosphotyrosine, we have demonstrated that the hematopoietic growth factors interleukin-2, interleukin-3, interleukin-4, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor stimulate the tyrosine phosphorylation of specific sets of proteins in murine hematopoietic progenitor cell lines. The stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation is a receptor-dependent transient event. The effect of these hematopoietic growth factors on protein tyrosine phosphorylation was not mediated through protein kinase C.
Parallel MOPEX: Computing mosaics of large-area Spitzer surveys on a cluster computer

The Spitzer Science Center's MOPEX software is a part of the Spitzer Space Telescope's operational pipeline that enables detection of cosmic ray collisions with the detector array, masking of the corrupted pixels due to these collisions, subsequent mosaicking of image fields, and extraction of point sources to create catalogs of celestial objects. This paper reports on our experiences in parallelizing the parts of MOPEX related to cosmic ray rejection and mosaicking on a 1,024-processor cluster computer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The architecture and performance of the new Parallel MOPEX software are described. This work was done in order to rapidly mosaic the IRAC shallow survey data, covering a region of the sky observed with one of Spitzer's infrared instruments for the study of galaxy clusters, large-scale structure, and brown dwarfs.
Patient and Nurse Experiences of Theory-Based Care

The pre-surgery nursing practice model derived from Newman's theory was developed to change the delivery of nursing care in a pre-surgical clinic. Guided by the theoretical knowledge of health as expanding consciousness, transpersonal caring, and reflective practice, key practice changes included a) incorporating Newman's praxis process, b) changing the physical space, and c) providing opportunities to reflect on practice. The purpose of this study was to utilize a phenomenological approach to evaluate a new model of care among 31 patients and 4 nurses.
‘‘Isothermal’’ density perturbations in an axion-dominated inflationary universe

In inflationary models of the Universe which are axion dominated both adiabatic and isothermal density perturbations arise. We point out that the isothermal perturbations can be more important than the adiabatic perturbations and discuss a model for which this is the case. With isothermal perturbations the spectrum of density perturbations when structure formation begins is flatter and we briefly discuss the implications of this fact. That the amplitude of isothermal fluctuations not be too large provides yet another constraint on models of inflation.
Multipoint affected sibpair linkage methods for localizing susceptibility genes of complex diseases.

Recently, Liang et al. ([2001] Hum. Hered. 51:64-78) proposed a general multipoint linkage method for estimating the chromosomal position of a putative susceptibility locus. Their technique is computationally simple and does not require specification of penetrance or a mode of inheritance. In complex genetic diseases, covariate data may be available which reflect etiologic or locus heterogeneity. We developed approaches to incorporating covariates into the method of Liang et al. ([2001] Hum. Hered. 51:64-78) with particular attention to exploiting age-at-onset information. The results of simulation studies, and a worked data example using a family data set ascertained through probands with schizophrenia, suggest that utilizing covariate information can yield substantial efficiency gains in localizing susceptibility genes.
POLITICAL OBLIGATION AND THE PARTICULARITY PROBLEM

Natural duty theorists of political obligation try to base a moral duty to obey the law on some natural duty, such as the duty to promote justice. Their critics say they confront an insurmountable obstacle in the particularity problem: Since natural duties do not bind us to some persons and institutions more strongly than to others, they cannot support a duty to one particular state or society. I solve the particularity problem, by developing a version of the political obligation thesis, giving a natural duty argument for it and showing that the particularity problem does not arise for the argument. I reply to some likely objections to my view.
Injectable neuromodulatory agents: botulinum toxin therapy

Botulinum toxin therapy is a diverse treatment option for various dysfunctions of the lower urinary tract. The limited but growing clinical experience reveals that temporary chemodenervation with reduction or loss of neuronal activity at the target organ may be achieved with minimal risk. This highly favorable risk-benefit ratio in urology is derived from the clinical ability to treat an end-organ condition effectively with controllable site-specific delivery (eg, subcutaneous, intramuscular, or instillation) combined with high affinity for toxin uptake by the peripheral cholinergic nerves. Although many questions remain regarding the optimal use of this minimally invasive option for urologic applications, the opportunity for expanding indications will provide urologists with more options for addressing difficult challenges in voiding dysfunction.
Optical elements with ultrahigh spatial-frequency surface corrugations.

In this paper we discuss the properties of optical elements fabricated by holographically recording an ultrahigh spatial-frequency pattern in a photoresist mask followed by reactive ion etching to transfer this pattern into the surface of a quartz substrate. Such optical elements are environmentally durable, potentially easy to replicate, and exhibit diffraction efficiencies in excess of 85%. In addition, two other properties are reported for the first time. Such elements at normal (0°) incidence are antireflective, with broadband reflection coefficients as low as 0.035%. Also, the elements exhibit artificially produced birefringence making them useful as wave plates. These results may be particularly significant in the UV and IR, where damage-resistant antireflection coatings and transparent birefringent materials may not exist.
Relations between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and specific cephalometric measurements, body mass index, and apnea-hypopnea index.

Purpose To evaluate the relation of specific cephalometric landmarks, body mass index, and the apnea-hypopnea index in patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and treated with functional upper airway surgery. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective cohort analysis of 89 consecutive patients over a 3-year period diagnosed with overnight-attended polysomnogram-confirmed OSAS who underwent functional upper airway surgery. Five predetermined specific cephalometric parameters were analyzed: posterior airway space, soft palate length, hyoid to mandibular plane angle, sella-nasion to mandibular plane angle, and gonion to gnathion length. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to establish a relation between independent and dependent variables. Results There were no statistically significant associations between the 5 specific cephalometric craniofacial structures in combination with other potential confounders, body mass index and apnea-hypopnea index, and the presence of OSAS. Conclusions No one skeletal or soft tissue parameter can be directly linked to OSAS.
Triplet extended supersymmetric standard model

We revisit an extension of the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) by adding a hypercharge-neutral, $SU(2)$-triplet chiral superfield. Similar to the next-to-minimal supersymmetric standard model , the triplet gives an additional contribution to the quartic coupling in the Higgs potential, and the mass of the lightest $CP$-even Higgs boson can be greater than ${M}_{Z}$ at tree level. In addition to discussing the perturbativity, fine-tuning, and decoupling issues of this model, we compute the dominant 1-loop corrections to the mass of the lightest $CP$-even Higgs boson from the triplet sector. When the Higgs-Higgs-Triplet coupling in the superpotential is comparable to the top Yukawa coupling, we find that the Higgs mass can be as heavy as 140 GeV even without the traditional contributions from the top--s-top sector, and at the same time consistent with the precision electroweak constraints. At the expense of having Landau poles before the grand unified theory scale, this opens up a previously forbidden region in the MSSM parameter space where both s-tops are light. In addition to having relatively small fine-tuning (about one part in 30), this leads to a gluophilic Higgs boson whose production via gluon-gluon fusion at the CERN LHC can be twice as large as the standard model prediction.
Stability analysis of the latency insertion method using a block matrix formulation

The latency insertion method (LIM) has been demonstrated as an optimum algorithm for the transient simulation large networks. However, its stability is not unconditional. The method is analogous to the finite difference time domain (FDTD) used in electromagnetic. Stability depends on the proper choice of the time step. This paper examines the stability issues and presents an approach that allows a proper choice for the time step that will guarantee stability.
The establishment of reactive power/energy standard at China electric power research institute and its comparison with NRC

A reactive power standard, based on the current comparator power bridge, established at CEPRI, for calibrating active/reactive power/energy meters under sinusoidal conditions is described. It allows calibration of active/reactive power and energy meters at voltages between 60 V to 600 V and currents between 0.1 A to 200 A, any power factor from zero lag through unity to zero lead, and test frequencies of 45 Hz to 65 Hz. The Type B uncertainty of the reactive power standard is estimated to be 30 µvar/VA at k = 2. A comparison of reactive power meter calibrations between CEPRI and NRC will also be presented and discussed, including the sources of errors and corresponding uncertainties.
A novel non-registration based segmentation approach of 4D dynamic upper airway MR images: minimally interactive fuzzy connectedness

There are several disease conditions that lead to upper airway restrictive disorders. In the study of these conditions, it is important to take into account the dynamic nature of the upper airway. Currently, dynamic MRI is the modality of choice for studying these diseases. Unfortunately, the contrast resolution obtainable in the images poses many challenges for an effective segmentation of the upper airway structures. No viable methods have been developed to date to solve this problem. In this paper, we demonstrate the adaptation of the iterative relative fuzzy connectedness (IRFC) algorithm for this application as a potential practical tool. After preprocessing to correct for background image non-uniformities and the non-standardness of MRI intensities, seeds are specified for the airway and its crucial background tissue components in only the 3D image corresponding to the first time instance of the 4D volume. Subsequently the process runs without human interaction and completes segmenting the whole 4D volume in 10 sec. Our evaluations indicate that the segmentations are of very good quality achieving true positive and false positive volume fractions and boundary distance with respect to reference manual segmentations of about 93%, 0.1%, and 0.5 mm, respectively.
Neoichnology of an Arctic fluvial point bar, North Slope, Alaska (USA)

This study is the first to describe the neoichnology of an Arctic fluvial point bar (Colville River, Alaska, USA) and examine the sedimentological effects of tracemakers in this sedimentary setting. Seasonal extremes in discharge and sediment deposition in this system result in sandwaves, current ripples, gravel bars and mud veneers, with the latter forming extensive mudcracks. Organismal traces are abundantly represented in sandy mudflats on the downstream portion of the point bar and are characterized by: (1) abundant shallow horizontal invertebrate burrows and surface trails, directly comparable to Treptichnus, Cochlichnus and Aulichnites; (2) avian tracks and (3) large mammal tracks. Treptichnus-like burrows are attributed to dipteran larvae tracemakers, whereas Cochlichnus- and Helminthoidichnites-like trails were likely from nematodes or oligochaetes. Avian tracks are primarily from seagulls, geese, swans and plovers; mudcracks were connected directly to tracks, which developed as a result of increased amounts of sunlight available during the polar summer. Mammal tracks were dominated by those of caribou (Rangifer tarandus), but include grizzly bear (Ursos arctos) and other mammals. Caribou herds significantly impacted emergent and submergent mudflat surfaces through advection of saturated thixotropic muds and dry sand, while also fracturing mudcracked zones, and hence actively produced mud clasts. Vertebrates thus can cause considerable mixing, redistribution and erosion of sediments in Arctic point bars with only a few months of activity. Ichnodiversity was low but accompanied by high trace abundance, reflecting favorable hydrodynamic, solar and atmospheric conditions throughout a polar summer. In contrast, sedimentation and bioturbation are absent during winter months, when ice cover prevents organismal interactions with fluvial sediments. As a result, the ichnocoenose does not fit easily into paradigms of previously defined continental ichnofacies (e.g., Mermia and Scoyenia) and is more like a composite ichnofacies. These findings can thus serve as a starting point for more detailed studies of circumpolar point bars, while also adding new perspectives to the interpretation of trace fossils in circumpolar fluvial environments.
Fractionation during condensation of vapor mixtures

Partial condensers of the reflux type are capable of producing substantial fractionation of vapor mixtures. For vapor products having low dew points they may be preferred to conventional equipment for adiabatic distillation plus total condensation. Experimental studies of a condenser used to fractionate mixtures of ethylene dichloride and toluene show that observed mass transfer effects are in agreement with the Colburn-Drew film theory, which accounts for the influence of the net mass exchange on the relative mass transfer rates of the components. In an adaptation of the transfer-unit concept to partial condensation, new equations are derived relating the number of transfer units to liquid- and gas-phase resistances, surface area, and amount of condensation. Observed resistances to mass transfer agree qualitatively with values independently measured; the diffusional resistance of the liquid phase has a pronounced effect on the fractionation, which does not conform to the Rayleigh theory of equilibrium differential condensation. Partial condensers appear, to require more interracial area than adiabatic distillation equipment in order to produce the same fractionation at the same heat load; for the same interfacial area condensers require more heat removal. Although only the system ethylene dichloride-toluene was investigated here, the results of this work are believed pertinent binary liquid mixtures also. Knowledge of the vapor-liquid equilibrium relationship of the new system and of the liquid and vapor-phase transfer coefficients is required in order to employ the calculation methods introduced here.
OCTOPUS: An On-Demand Communication Topology Updating Strategy for Mobile Sensor Networks

Mobile sensor networks are characterized by dynamic changes in communication links and network topology caused mainly due to node mobility. In such networks, it is a challenge to build a communication system that lasts longer and requires less reconfiguration and less communication overhead. In this paper, we propose an on-demand topology reconfiguration approach for mobile sensor networks aimed at enhancing the connectivity and performance. The proposed strategy groups nodes, elects cluster-heads, and, finally, selects gateways for inter-cluster communication. Neural networks are used to form clusters. Cluster-heads are elected based on the concept of minimum dominant set and the gateways are selected based on a willingness function. We demonstrate through simulations that the proposed strategy results in a well connected network.
DsCWeaver: Synchronization-Constraint Aspect Extension to Procedural Process Specification Languages

Correct synchronization among activities is critical in a business process. Current process languages such as BPEL specify the control flow of processes procedurally, which can lead to inflexible and tangled code for managing a crosscutting aspectâ€”synchronization constraints that define permissible sequences of execution for activities. In this article, we present DSCWeaver, a tool that enables a synchronization-aspect extension to procedural languages. It uses DSCL (directed-acyclic-graph synchronization constraint language) to achieve three desirable properties for synchronization modeling: fine granularity, declarative syntax, and validation support. DSCWeaver then automatically generates executable code for synchronization. We demonstrate the advantages of our approach in a service deployment process written in BPEL and evaluate its performance using two metrics: lines of code (LoC) and places to visit (PtV). Evaluation results show that our approach can effectively reduce the development effort of process programmers while providing performance competitive to unwoven BPEL code.
Health status and resources of recently bereaved older persons.

This prospective, comparative study investigated variables in 60 recently widowed older men and women at three to four months and nine to 10 months after bereavement and compared them with an age-matched of nonbereaved. Major sections of the Duke University Older Americans' Resources and Services multidimensional functional assessment questionnaire were used to measure physical and mental health and social and economic resources. The Zung self-rating depression. scale (ZSDS) was used to evaluate the amount of depression. Subjects' scores were compared at Times 1 and 2 with scores of the comparison group. The bereaved were most impaired on physical health and economic resources: 18 percent were classified as moderately to severely depressed by the ZSDS and at both Times 1 and 2 they had significantly poorer scores than nonbereaved on all variables except social resources. For both groups, social and economic resources correlated highly with physical and mental health. Only for nonbereaved did age show a relationship to physical health and depression. Further research should focus on specific components of social resources and on evaluating interventions to reestablish social networks and mobilize social resources.
Measuring Radioactivity in the Environment — The Quality of the Data

Laboratory intercomparison studies involving samples of most environmental media are conducted on a continuing basis by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Environmental Resea...
Modification of Host Cell Phagocytic Compartments by Intracellular ToxoplasmaGondii

The success of Toxoplasma as an intracellular parasite can be attributed to a capacity to infect a wide range of host cell types, both phagocytic and nonphagocytic, and to extensive modification of host cell endocytic vacuoles. Within macrophages, Toxoplasma occupy membrane bound vacuoles that are uniquely modified to resist host cell killing and digestion. Consistent with this, Toxoplasma cells survive the microbicidal capacity of normal macrophages where they occupy vacuoles which fail to stimulate production of oxygen intermediates (Wilson et al. 1980) and resist fusion with lysosomes (Jones and Hirsch 1972). In activated macrophages, which produce elevated levels of oxygen intermediates, Toxoplasma are killed within vacuoles that readily undergo fusion with lysosomes and are digested (Wilson et al. 1980).
Somatic effects of P element activity in Drosophila melanogaster: pupal lethality.

Nonautonomous P elements normally excise and transpose only when a source of transposase is supplied, and only in the germline. The germline specificity depends on one of the introns of the transposase gene which is not spliced in somatic cells. To study the effects of somatic P activity, a modified P element (Δ2-3) lacking this intron was used as a source of transposase. Nonautonomous P elements from a strain called Birmingham, when mobilized in somatic cells by Δ2-3, were found to cause lethality, although neither component was lethal by itself. The three major Birmingham chromosomes acted approximately independently in producing the lethal effect. This lethality showed a strong dependence on temperature. Although temperature sensitivity was limited to larval stages, the actual deaths occurred at the pupal stage. Survivors, which could be recovered by decreasing the temperature or by reducing the proportion of the Birmingham genome present, often showed multiple developmental anomalies and reduced longevity reminiscent of the effects of cell death from radiation damage. Although the genetic damage occurred in dividing imaginal disc cells, the phenotypic manifestations—death and abnormalities—are not observed until later. The survivors also showed gonadal dysgenic (GD) sterility, a well-known characteristic of P-M hybrid dysgenesis. To explain these findings, we suggest that pupal lethality and GD sterility are both caused by massive chromosome breakage in larval cells, resulting from excision and transposition of genomic P elements acting as substrate for the transposase.
CRT-200.04 Diagnostic Coronary Angiography: Initial Results of a Simulation Program

Although there has been rapid adoption of simulators by numerous teaching consortiums, the use of simulator-based teaching in cardiology has unfortunately lagged behind other procedural specialties. This study investigates the utility of a simulator-based training program for fellows in
Theory of Multicapillary Columns for HPLC

Colonnes de hautes performances a condition d'avoir la meme vitesse (a 1% pres) de phase lqiuide dans tous les capillaires