cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incorporating Residential Smart Electric Vehicle Charging in Home Energy Management Systems

Electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to drastically increase residential electricity consumption and could provide a significant source of flexible demand. Aggregating smart EV charge controllers with other smart home devices through a home energy management system can lead to more optimal outcomes that benefit homeowners, utilities, and grid operators. Control strategies should consider occupant convenience by accounting for the need for fully charged EVs near the EV departure time. In this paper, we develop an EV charging framework that accounts for occupant convenience using OCHRE, a residential energy model, and foresee, a home energy management system. We simulate a community with high EV penetration and show that integrated, smart EV charging reduces peak demand and smooths night-time energy consumption. Simulation results show that the proposed control strategy nearly eliminates peak period EV charging and reduces the daily peak demand from EVs by 23%.
The Information Effect of Monetary Policy

A large empirical literature documents that central bank monetary policy changes signal information about future economic fundamentals to the private sector. The canonical Gali (2008) model is modified to analyze this mechanism and understand the information effect of monetary policy. We assume the central bank observes a private signal of future economic fundamentals and uses the filtered information in its Taylor rule. As a result, the nominal interest rate serves an additional function as a noisy signal of future economic fundamentals and there is an information effect of monetary policy. We find that a contractionary monetary policy induces an expansionary information effect, but for reasonable calibrations, the net effect is contractionary.
Phonons in nanocrystalline Ni 3 Fe

Inelastic neutron-scattering spectra were measured to obtain the phonon density of states (DOS) of nanocrystalline fcc ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}\mathrm{Fe}.$ The materials were prepared by mechanical alloying, and were also subjected to heat treatments to alter their crystallite sizes and internal strains. In comparison to material with large crystallites, the nanocrystalline material shows two distinct differences in its phonon DOS. The nanocrystalline DOS was more than twice as large at energies below 15 meV. This increase was approximately proportional to the density of grain boundaries in the material. Second, features in the nanocrystalline DOS are broadened substantially. This broadening did not depend in a simple way on the crystallite size of the sample, suggesting that it has a different physical origin than the enhancement in phonon DOS at energies below 15 meV. A damped harmonic oscillator model for the phonons provides a quality factor ${Q}_{u},$ as low as 7 for phonons in the nanocrystalline material. The difference in vibrational entropy of the bulk and nanocrystalline ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}\mathrm{Fe}$ was small, owing to competing changes in the nanocrystalline phonon DOS at low and high energies.
Generic Drug Regulation in the US Under the Hatch-Waxman Act

Generic drugs are bioequivalent copies of original drugs patented by brand-name companies. The regulation of generic drugs in the US has paralleled that of brand-name drugs. They were first allowed under US regulations in 1938 upon the initiation of the ‘modern era’ of drug regulation with the enactment of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). As with brand-name drugs, regulation of generics underwent significant change in the wake of the 1962 amendments to the FDCA, particularly with the passage of the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, commonly referred to as the Hatch-Waxman Act.
Glutaminase A of Escherichia coli. Subunit structure and cooperative behavior.

Abstract Glutaminase A of Escherichia coli is a tetrameric protein consisting of subunits of molecular weight 28,000. The subunits are apparently identical as judged by the observation of a single component on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, and by the stoichiometry of binding of 6-diazo-5-oxo[14C]norleucine (DON) to the intact enzyme (3.7 eq per molecule). A highly cooperative conformational transition accompanies dissociation of protons from the enzyme with a midpoint at about pH 5.5. This transition can be observed by its effects both upon the kinetic behavior of the enzyme (i.e. in substrate saturation curves) and upon chemical reactivity, as seen in susceptibility to photooxidation. The conformational change has a half-time on the order of minutes under appropriate conditions. Substrates and protons bind only to one state of the enzyme so that hyperbolic substrate saturation kinetics are observed below the transition pH while sigmoid curves are seen above this point. Thus, protons act as positive heterotropic effectors. At nonsaturating levels the substrate analogue, DON, acts as a pseudohomotropic activator. The presence of covalently bound DON in some of the protomeric subunits of the tetramer stabilize the remaining protomers in the active (protonated) state at pH values above the normal transition point. As a consequence, substrate saturation curves are shifted to hyperbolic form and reaction of [14C]DON with the enzyme is promoted at pH 6, at which pH such reaction does not occur in the native enzyme.
Characterization of nano-meter scale roughness of CVD silicon and silicon dioxide films for 3-D device integration

A wavelet-based approach for characterization of surface roughness of thin films of Si and SiO/sub 2/, describes a local sharp variation in atomic force microscope (AFM) scans as a combination of local Holder exponent and summit decay rate. Increased deposition time, in combination with higher nucleation rate, and etched-back low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) films result in increasingly smooth summits and less overall roughness. No roughness dependence on surface cleaning method is observed.
APPLICATION OF SELF NULLING EDDY CURRENT PROBE TECHNIQUE TO THE DETECTION OF FATIGUE CRACK INITIATION AND CONTROL OF TEST PROCEDURES

A major part of fracture mechanics is concerned with studying the initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks. This typically requires constant monitoring of crack growth during fatigue cycles and the knowledge of the precise location of the crack tip at any given time. One technique currently available for measuring fatigue crack length is the Potential Drop method [1]. The method, however, may be inaccurate if the direction of crack growth deviates considerably from what was assumed initially or the curvature of the crack becomes significant. Another popular approach is to optically view the crack using a high magnification microscope, but this entails a person constantly monitoring it. The present proposed technique uses an automated scheme, in order to eliminate the need for a person to constantly monitor the experiment. Another technique under development elsewhere is to digitize an optical image of the test specimen surface and then apply a pattern recognition algorithm to locate the crack tip.
Oxidation of the sulfhydryl and disulfide groups by the nitroxyl radical.

Abstract Evidence has been obtained which indicates that the nitroxyl radical is capable of oxidizing the sulfhydryl group to the sulfonic acid. The radical also possesses the capacity to oxidize the disulfide bond to the same derivative when 6 n hydrochloric acid is present.
Accumulation of inhibitors of protein synthesis after valine starvation. II. Effect on polyphenylalanine synthesis and the binding of phenylalanyl transfer RNA.

Abstract The 105000 × g supernatant from valine-starved cells of Streptococcus faecalis 9790 inhibits the polyuridylic acid-directed synthesis of polyphenylalanine in an Escherichia coli system. The inhibitory fraction affected the binding of phenylalanyl tRNA to Escherichia coli ribosomes. A similarly prepared soluble fraction from exponentially growing cells was not inhibitory. Inhibition of phenylalanyl tRNA binding was not due to ribonuclease activity or to deacylation of the aminoacyl tRNA. Amino acid-starved cell supernatants contained four peaks of inhibitory activity in the basic chromatographic fraction. Two of these chromatographic peaks were present, but in lower level in normal cell supernatants. The inhibitory activity of an isolated peak fraction was destroyed by proteolytic enzymes.
Research studies of Koob and colleagues: the "vasopressin dual action theory".

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the arginine vasopressin (AVP)/memory research studies of Koob and associates carried out between 1981 and 1986, and those propositions of the “VP dual action theory” relevant to this research. With the exception of two physiological studies, this experimental research manipulated peripheral or central levels of VP, primarily by injection of AVP and analogs (agonists and antagonists), and examined the effect on retention behavior in appetitive as well as aversive tasks. Koob and associates employed the same multitrial pole-jump active avoidance and single-trial inhibitory avoidance paradigms used by De Wied and colleagues. The experimental findings replicated the reported VP-induced facilitation of long-term memory in aversive tasks and demonstrated a similar outcome for appetitive tasks. The research evidence led Koob and associates to reject the VP/OT central memory theory proposal that vasopressin treatment facilitates retention by a direct action on central VP-ergic receptor sites involved in memory processing. Instead, these researchers formulated the VP dual action theory, which proposes that the retention effect is secondary to an AVP-induced increase in behavioral arousal, achieved by independent mechanisms depending on whether the peptide is administered by peripheral or central injection.
Microtubule Disruption Utilizes an NFκB-dependent Pathway to Stabilize HIF-1α Protein *

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α levels are elevated in normoxic cells undergoing physiological processes involving large scale microtubule reorganization, such as embryonic development, wound healing, and tumor cell metastasis. Although alterations in microtubules affect numerous cellular responses, no data have yet implicated microtubule dynamics in HIF-1α regulation. To investigate the effect of microtubule change upon HIF-1α regulation, we treated cells with the microtubule-depolymerizing agents (MDAs) colchicine, vinblastine or nocodazole. We demonstrate that these agents are able to induce transcriptionally active HIF-1. MDA-mediated induction of HIF-1α required microtubule depolymerization, since HIF-1α levels were unchanged in cells treated with either the microtubule-stabilizing agent paclitaxel, or an inactive form of colchicine, or in colchicine-resistant cells. HIF-1 induction was dependent upon cellular transcription, as transcription inhibitors abrogated HIF-1α protein up-regulation. The ability of transcriptional inhibitors to interfere with HIF-1α accumulation was specific to the MDA-initiated pathway, as they were ineffective in preventing hypoxia-mediated HIF-1 induction, which occurs by a distinct post-translational pathway. Moreover, we provide evidence implicating a requirement for NFκB transcription in the HIF-1 induction mediated by MDAs. The ability of MDAs to induce HIF-1α is dependent upon activation of NFκB, since inhibition of NFκB either pharmacologically or by transfection of an NFκB super-repressor plasmid abrogated this induction. Collectively, these data support a model in which NFκB is a focal point for the convergence of MDA-mediated signaling events leading to HIF-1 induction, thus revealing a novel aspect of HIF-1α regulation and function.
Constraint query languages

We investigate the relationship between programming with constraints and database query languages. We show that efficient, declarative database programming can be combined with efficient constraint solving. The key intuition is that the generalization of a ground fact, or tuple, is a conjunction of constraints over a small number of variables. We describe the basic constraint query language design principles and illustrate them with four classes of constraints: real polynomial inequalities, dense linear order inequalities, equalities over an infinite domain, and boolean equalities. For the analysis, we use quantifier elimination techniques from logic and the concept of data complexity from database theory. This framework is applicable to managing spatial data and can be combined with existing multi-dimensional searching algorithms and data structures. KEYWORDS: database queries, spatial databases, data complexity, quantifier elimination, constraint logic programming, relational calculus, Datalog.
Estrogen Stimulates Postsynaptic Density-95 Rapid Protein Synthesis via the Akt/Protein Kinase B Pathway

Estrogens induce synaptogenesis in the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus during the estrous cycle of the female rat. Functional consequences of such estrogen-mediated synaptogenesis include cyclic changes in neurotransmission and memory. At the molecular level, estrogen stimulates the rapid activation of specific signal transduction pathways, and of particular interest is the activation of Akt (protein kinase B), a key signal transduction intermediate that initiates protein translation by alleviating the downstream translational repression of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). Using a well established in vitro model system of differentiated NG108-15 neurons to investigate such rapid signaling effects of estrogen, we show that estrogen stimulates the phosphorylation of Akt, an indication of kinase activation, as well as the phosphorylation of 4E-BP1. In turn, the activation of these signaling intermediates suggests a non-genomic mechanism by which estrogen might likewise lead to protein translation of dendrite-localized mRNA transcripts in the hippocampus in vivo . We therefore considered the translation of the dendritic spine scaffolding protein postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95). Although estrogen does not stimulate a rapid increase in PSD-95 mRNA levels in NG108-15 neurons, we show here that estrogen does however stimulate a rapid increase in PSD-95 new protein synthesis in vitro and that this new protein synthesis is Akt dependent. These results demonstrate an essential role for Akt in estrogen-stimulated dendritic spine protein expression, describe for the first time a signal transduction pathway in PSD-95 expression, and delineate a novel, molecular mechanism by which ovarian hormones might translationally regulate synaptogenesis via activating protein synthesis for dendritic function.
Compassion's wake-up call

This summer has been marked by apathy and hostility to refugees in Europe, despite many drowning in the Mediterranean while trying to reach the continent. Then the public mood suddenly changed. The catalyst was an image of one Syrian boy who died in the sea trying to reach Greece. That a lone tragedy energized sympathy for refugees, when the deaths of many had not, seems odd, but this numbness to large-scale disaster is borne out by psychological research: studies show we feel strongly and are more willing to donate for single identifiable victims. Here, Cameron says it took the story of a drowned child to end apathy to mass refugee deaths on Europe's shores which shouldn't be the way
High-Throughput Construction of Gene Deletion Cassettes for Generation of Neurospora crassa Knockout Strains

The availability of complete genome sequences for a number of biologically important fungi has become an important resource for fungal research communities. However, the functions of many open reading frames (ORFs) identified through annotation of whole genome sequences have yet to be determined. The disruption of ORFs is a practical method for loss-of-function gene analyses in fungi that are amenable to transformation. Unfortunately, the construction of knockout cassettes using traditional digestion and ligation techniques can be difficult to implement in a high-throughput fashion. Knockout cassettes for all annotated ORFs in Neurospora crassa were constructed using yeast recombinational cloning. Here, we describe a high-throughput knockout cassette construction method that can be used with any fungal transformation system.
Reliability design for a novel central control system

General Electric Global Research Center has been developing a novel centralized computer control system with redundancy in order to achieve very high system reliability and safety to protect distributed critical power supply system. During the concept and prototype design, there are various system reliability and safety issues need to be addressed: capturing of customer's voice on system reliability and safety, comparing reliability and safety of this novel design with the current design (local protection system) in market to ensure that the new design has better market value, and obtaining a well established system model to be used by GE business in real product design, manufacturing, marketing and service. This paper summarizes these efforts in this new system design.
Geographic clustering of elevated blood heavy metal levels in pregnant women

Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) exposure is ubiquitous and has been associated with higher risk of growth restriction and cardiometabolic and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, cost-efficient strategies to identify at-risk populations and potential sources of exposure to inform mitigation efforts are limited. The objective of this study was to describe the spatial distribution and identify factors associated with Cd, Pb, Hg, and As concentrations in peripheral blood of pregnant women.
Structure and properties of halogenated and nonhalogenated soy-based polyols

Four polyols intended for application in polyurethanes were synthesized by oxirane ring opening in epoxidized soybean oil with hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, methanol, and hydrogen. The structures of the polyols were characterized by spectroscopic, chemical, and physical methods. The brominated polyol had 4.1 hydroxy groups, whereas the other three polyols had slightly lower functionality. The densities, viscosities, viscous-flow activation energies, and molecular weights of the polyols decreased in the following order: brominated > chlorinated > methoxylated > hydrogenated. All the polyols were crystalline solids below their melting temperature, displaying multiple melting peaks. The methoxylated polyol was liquid at room temperature, whereas the other three were waxes. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 3900–3910, 2000
Eliciting futuristic end-user requirements through contributory appreciative inquiry

The phase of requirements elicitation is specifically important due to its widespread impact on the succeeding phases of software development. Elicitation of requirements from varying perspectives is an active research issue concerning the researchers and practitioners for decades. The aim of this research study is to strengthen and optimize the elicitation of ‘futuristic requirements’ by proposing a technique named as, ‘Contributory Appreciative Inquiry’. The technique is based on philosophy of appreciative perspective rather than deficit based perspective. The technique along with various constituents and building components is presented. Afterwards a comprehensive comparative analysis is conducted to evaluate its performance in comparison to other competing techniques. Results indicate a marked improvement in eliciting futuristic and unique requirements as compared to Observation, Interviewing, Brainstorming and Appreciative Inquiry itself.
Post–myocardial infarction β-blocker therapy: The bradycardia conundrum. Rationale and design for the Pacemaker & β-blocker therapy post-MI (PACE-MI) trial

Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated beta-blockers improving survival after myocardial infarction (MI). Patients with "bradycardia-related" contraindications to beta-blockers, such as those with asymptomatic bradycardia or AV conduction abnormalities, have been excluded from clinical trials of beta-blockers and continue to be excluded from post-MI beta-blocker therapy in routine clinical practice. These patients tend to be elderly and have a high 1-year mortality. If beta-blockers provide benefit to the post-MI patient independent of their heart rate-lowering effect, then these patients could benefit substantially from initiation of beta-blocker therapy. However, in this particular group of patients, beta-blockers can be safely initiated only if more severe or significant bradycardia can be prevented by pacemaker implantation. It is unclear whether adverse effects related to pacemaker implantation could also negate some or all of the hypothesized benefit of beta-blocker therapy. Although beta-blockers are particularly effective in the elderly, the benefit of beta-blocker therapy in patients with bradycardia-related contraindications to beta-blockers has not been established. The PACE-MI trial is a randomized controlled trial that will address whether beta-blocker therapy enabled by pacemaker implantation is superior to no beta-blocker and no pacemaker therapy after MI in patients with rhythm contraindications to beta-blockers or in those who have developed symptomatic bradycardia due to beta-blockers. The trial will randomize 1124 patients to standard therapy (not to include beta-blockers as patients must have a contraindication to be enrolled) or standard therapy plus pacemaker implantation and beta-blocker. The primary end point is the composite end point of total mortality plus nonfatal reinfarction.
Regulation by light and ethanol of the synthesis of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding protein of photosystem II in Euglena

In dark-grown Euglena, a single 122-kdalton (kDa) precursor to the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding protein of photosystem II (pLHCPII) was synthesized at a very low rate and LHCPII synthesis was undetectable as determined by pulse-labeling with [35S]sulfate and immunoprecipitation with a specific antibody against Euglena LHCPII. Synthesis of a 207-, 161-, 122- and 110-kDa pLHCPII was detected after light exposure, with the 207-kDa pLHCPII being the most abundant pLHCPII synthesized. The rate of synthesis of all four pLHCPIIs and the 25.6-kDa and 27.2-kDa LHCPIIs increased in the first 12–24 h of light exposure and then declined. The maximal rate of LHCPII synthesis in the light was 50–100-fold greater than the rate in darkness. Addition of ethanol at the time of light exposure inhibited LHCPII synthesis, indicating that induction is catabolite-sensitive. The halflife of pLHCPII in the light or in darkness was 20 min. Therefore, the light induction of LHCPII is the result of an increased rate of synthesis rather than a decreased rate of degradation. Transfer of illuminated cells to darkness resulted in an 80% decrease in the rate of pHLCPII synthesis during the first 0.5 h. Illuminated cells returned to darkness continued to synthesize both 207-kDa pLHCPII and LHCPII for at least 5 h. Light exposure or ethanol addition did not increase the level of translatable RNA for LHCPII. The 50–100-fold catabolite-sensitive increase in the rate of LHCPII synthesis in the absence of a concomitant increase in the level of translatable RNA for LHCPII indicates that in Euglena, the synthesis of LHCPII is controlled at the translational rather than at the transcriptional level.
Surfactant-induced increases of permeability of rat oral mucosa to non-electrolytes in vivo

The effect of non-ionic, cationic and anionic surfactants on non-electrolyte permeability of rat oral mucosa in vivo was tested. The surfactants caused an increase in mucosal permeability to oil-soluble compounds and small and large water-soluble compounds. The effect was concentration-dependent, and both the cationic and anionic surfactants were more potent than the non-ionic compounds. Surfactant-treated tissue showed widening of the stratum corneum due to separation of layers and loss of surface layers. Measurement of the permeability to sodium lauryl sulphate indicated that this anionic surfactant produced damage to the permeability barrier.
The role of mineralocorticoids in the pathogenesis of hypokalemic periodic paralysis.

ABSTRACT The possibility that excessive mineralocorticoid action might play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypokalemic periodic paralysis has been supported by previous evidence that paralysis can be induced by the administration of several mineralocorticoids and by ACTH but not by glucocorticoids, and that patients can be protected from spontaneous and induced paralysis by sodium deprivation and by spironolactone. In the present patient with hypokalemic periodic paralysis: 1) quadriplegia reproducibly resulted from injections of ACTH-gel but could not be induced by the administration of aldosterone (alone or together with hydrocortisone), angiotensin II or deoxycorticosterone acetate; 2) paralysis resulting from the administration of glucose and insulin could be greatly ameliorated or prevented by spironolactone, while ACTH-induced paralysis was reduced or prevented by metyrapone and by SU-9055, of which the predominant actions are to block 11- and 18- hydroxylation in the adrenal cortex, respe...
Regulation of lipoprotein lipase synthesis and 3T3-L1 adipocyte metabolism by recombinant interleukin 1

When fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were exposed to purified, recombinant murine interleukin 1 (rIL-1), a dose-dependent suppression of lipoprotein lipase activity was observed. The loss of activity reached a maximum of 60-70% of control and appeared to be due to an effect on the synthesis of the enzyme as judged by a suppression of the ability to incorporate [35S]methionine into immunoprecipitable lipoprotein lipase. There was no general effect on protein synthesis as determined by radiolabel incorporation into acid precipitable protein; however, after a 17 h exposure of the 3T3-L1 cells to recombinant interleukin 1, the synthesis of two proteins (molecular weights, 19,400 and 165,000 daltons) was enhanced several-fold. When the effect of Il-1 on the major metabolic pathways of the adipocyte was investigated, lipolysis as measured by glycerol release from the cells was markedly enhanced after a 17 h incubation with the hormone, while no effect was observed on de novo fatty acid synthesis. These effects on the metabolism of the adipocytes occur at concentration on a basis of molecules per cell, similar (only a 3-fold difference) to those required for stimulation of [3H]thymidine incorporation into mouse thymocyte DNA, suggesting that IL-1 may be a physiologically significant effector of adipocyte metabolism.
Modification of nanostructured materials for biomedical applications

Adaptation (or incorporation) of nanostructured materials into biomedical devices and systems has been of great interest in recent years. Through the modification of existing nanostructured materials one can control and tailor the properties of such materials in a predictable manner, and impart them with biological properties and functionalities to better suit their integration with biomedical systems. These modified nanostructured materials can bring new and unique capabilities to a variety of biomedical applications ranging from implant engineering and modulated drug delivery, to clinical biosensors and diagnostics. This review describes recent advances of nanostructured materials for biomedical applications. The methods and technologies used to modify nanostructured materials are summarized briefly, while several current interests in biomedical applications for modified and functionalized nanostructured materials are emphasized.
Influence of Certain Foodstuffs on Lesions of Endamoeba Histolytica Infection.

It has been shown1,2 that raw liver and liver extract are distinctly beneficial to dogs suffering from acute amebic enteritis. On the other hand, ventriculin was found to be consistently harmful to the host. Furthermore, one of us (E.C.F.) discovered several years ago that dogs which were resistant to amebic infection on a balanced diet, could usually be infected when they were fed canned salmon. Our present inquiry is directed to the nature of the complex relations produced by these 3 foodstuffs on the wall of the large intestine, when the host has amebic enteritis. This report outlines our findings up to the present time and offers no explanations for the results obtained.Twenty-six healthy young dogs have been used in the study. None were naturally infected with amebae. All were inoculated intracecally3 with the same human strain of Endamoeba histolytica. All were suffering from acute amebiasis of a few days standing when the tests were made. Fresh pig's liver, ventriculin (furnished by Parke, Davis an...
Complex empirical mode decomposition, Hilbert-Huang transform, and fourier transform applied to moving objects

A review of current signal analysis tools show that new techniques are required for an enhanced fidelity or data integrity. Recently, the Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) and its inherent property, the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) technique, have been formerly investigated. The technique of Complex EMD (CEMD) was also explored. The scope of this work was to assess the CEMD technique as an innovative analysis tool. Subsequent to this, comparisons between applications of the Hilbert transform (HT) and the Fast-Fourier transform (FFT) were analyzed. MATLAB® was implemented to model signal decomposition and the execution of mathematical transforms for generating results. The CEMD technique successfully decomposed the data into its oscillatory modes. After comparative graphical analysis of the HT and FFT, application of the HT provided marginal enhancements of the data modeled previously by the FFT. Altogether, the HHT could not be determined as a helpful analysis tool. Nevertheless, the CEMD technique, an inherent component of the HHT, exhibited a possible improvement as an analysis tool for signal processing data. Further evaluation of the CEMD technique and the HHT is needed for ultimate determination of their usefulness as an analysis tool.
Comparison of the effects of AT1 receptor blockade and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition on atherosclerosis

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce the development of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic animals across a wide range of species. Although the mechanism for these effects has not been well delineated, it has been assumed generally that both angiotensin II suppression and interference with the breakdown of bradykinin are involved. To determine whether angiotensin II receptor blockade provides similar effects as those observed with ACE inhibition, we examined the influence of irbesartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, on aortic atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits using the identical protocol that was employed in our earlier studies involving ACE inhibitors. At a dose of irbesartan (30 mg/kg/day), which was selected because it appeared to block most of the pressor effects of infused angiotensin in rabbits, no effect on atherosclerosis was observed. However, a higher dose of irbesartan (75 mg/kg/day) caused reductions in blood pressure and aortic atherosclerosis similar to those seen in earlier studies with ACE inhibitors. The decrease in aortic intimal surface involvement with irbesartan was from 38.9 +/- 3.8% in controls to 24.1 +/- 3.0% in the treated group (P < .01). Aortic cholesterol content was also significantly reduced in those animals (P < .02). The findings indicate that suppression of the renin-angiotensin system by AT1 receptor blockade in a genetically hypercholesterolemic rabbit model causes comparable inhibition of aortic atherosclerosis as that achieved by ACE inhibition, and that a mild reduction of blood pressure induced by both classes of agents may contribute to their antiatherosclerotic action in this model.
Bacteremia after endoscopic injection sclerosis

Endoscopic injection sclerosis is a therapeutic alternative in the management of esophageal varices. Complications of sclerotherapy have been minor, including fever, bacteremia, and abnormal chest x-ray. We performed a prospective study to evaluate the frequency of postsclerosis bacteremia. Bacteremia was detected in 14 procedures (50%). There were no cases of bacteremia in a group of control patients with esophageal varices undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy without sclerosis (p
The longitudinal effects of after-school program experiences, quantity, and regulatable features on children's social–emotional development

Experiences of 298 children with their caregivers in after-school programs (ASPs) were examined as predictors of social-emotional functioning across the first through fifth grade. Moderating effects of previous social-emotional problems, child gender, family income, quantity of care, and program regulatable features were also estimated. On average, ASP experiences negatively predicted externalizing problems and positively predicted social self-control and assertion. Interestingly, positive ASP experiences did not predict decreased externalizing behaviors, but instead children with negative experiences had higher levels of externalizing behavior problems. Changes in ASP experiences positively predicted changes in self-control scores, but only for boys. Finally, staff experience, staff wages, and changes in child-to-caregiver ratios predicted children's ASP experiences and levels of social-emotional development.
Prostatron 30-minute update: where do we stand

The urologic management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) beyond pharmaco-therapy has changed dramatically over the last decade. Open prostatectomy and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) have been the mainstays of surgical intervention for BPH. These procedures were initially reserved for patients with obstructive uropathy, prostatic bleeding, or bladder calculi. With improved techniques and lower morbidity, TURP is currently the "gold standard" of treatment for patients with BPH and troubling lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and patients are being treated prior to the development of these adverse sequelae. Nevertheless, TURP is still major surgery, requiring either a spinal or general anesthetic and an inpatient hospital stay. Furthermore, TURP is not uniformly successful. Up to 30% of patients report dissatisfaction from the procedure. Complications have been well described and include bleeding, bladder-neck contracture, erectile dysfunction retrograde ejaculation, urinary incontinence, and fluid/electrolyte imbalance (post-TUR syndrome). The mortality rate for TURP is approx. 2 - 10/1000 cases. Over the past decade, the number of TURPs being performed has been decreasing as minimally invasive therapies, including alpha-adrenergic blockers, are being used as "first-line" management with increasing frequency and success. In addition, urologists no longer just treat ill patients in urinary retention. The treatment paradigm has evolved to include patients with persistently troubling symptoms of bladder-outlet obstruction, prior to the development of such adverse sequelae. Furthermore, patients see the care of a urologist on an elective basis, and they frequently wish to avoid surgery. As described in prior chapters, advancements in our understanding of the pathophysiology of BPH have led toimprovements in its medical management and have delayed or precluded surgery in many patients. However, when pharmacotherapy fails, further treatment options need to be discussed. Minimally invasive therapies for BPH have evolved out of this need to "bridge the gap" between medical and surgical managment. This chapter describes the current modalities of minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic obstruction caused by prostatic lobar hyperplasia, and their respective roles in our office practice.
Different Subjects: Postmodern Selves in Psychology and Religion

This paper explores the postmodern suspicion toward the notion of a unified self in light of the scholarship of Michel Foucault and Michel Certeau. Foucault’s analysis critiques modern subjectivity by highlighting the dangers of the human sciences and the pastoral power of Christianity. His ethical alternative of re-appropriating classical concepts of caring for the self is intriguing but remains unfinished after Foucault’s death. Drawing on Foucault’s ideas, Certeau articulated alternative psychoanalytic and Christian mystical perspectives that describe human subjectivity based not on unity, rationality, and universality but on multiplicity, myth, and possibility.
Solubilization and functional reconstitution of the branched-chain alpha-keto acid transporter from rat heart mitochondria.

Abstract The mitochondrial branched-chain alpha-keto acid transporter was solubilized from rat heart mitochondria and its function was reconstituted in phospholipid vesicles. The transporter was extracted from mitoplasts with Triton X-114 in the presence of exogenous cardiolipin and alpha-ketoisocaproate. Upon incorporation of this extract into asolectin vesicles by the freeze-thaw-sonication technique, a p-chloromercuribenzoate-sensitive, protein-dependent transport of alpha-ketoisocaproate into the proteoliposomes was observed. Significant inhibition of alpha-ketoisocaproate transport was observed in the reconstituted system with branched-chain alpha-keto acids (64-83%) and the related carboxylates alpha-ketocaproate (58%) and alpha-ketovalerate (49%), but not with substrates for the pyruvate carrier (less than 5%). The reconstituted carrier was substantially inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents, by the histidine-specific reagent diethyl pyrocarbonate, and by the tyrosine-specific reagent N-acetylimidazole. The extraction and functional reconstitution of the branched-chain alpha-keto acid transporter represents an important first step towards purification and molecular characterization of this anion carrier.
The future threat to computers and composition: Nontenured instructors, intellectual property, and distance education

Abstract In this article, I argue that recent initiatives concerning the use of computer-mediated instruction to improve writing skills in large lecture classes often work to undermine the professional status of composition teachers in North American universities. I trace the use of computer-assisted instruction, specifically distance-education initiatives. To further the cause of a just implementation of CAI, I discuss recent contractual language and explore the current practice of hiring computers and writing specialists into nontenurable staff positions. I posit that writing program administrators need to fight for stable, long-term positions for faculty who teach with computers and within computer-mediated spaces. I also argue that compositionists must seek to regulate and control the ownership of their intellectual property and course materials.
Charge transfer excited states of hydroxyl ion impurities in alkali halide crystals

Abstract A theoretical investigation of the u.v. absorption anisotropy factor g and the transition energies of OH − molecule in alkali halide crystals is presented in terms of a charge transfer model and the free OH − ground wave-function. Comparison of calculated and observed transition energies for OH − in KBr and NaCl shows reasonable agreement between theory and experiment. For KCl:OH − , a reasonable result for the transition energy is also obtained through a confinement of the free K 4 s function used for the one-electron transfer function. The model fails, however, to explain the value of about 0·3 for the anisotropy factor which is observed in a number of host crystals.
Passive Cavity Optical Rotation Sensor

The drift performance of an optical rotation sensor employing a passive ring cavity is presented. With a square cavity of about 17 cm on a side, and a 1 mW external laser, the rms fluctuation in the measurement of rotation was 0.45°/hour for an integration time of 1 second. This is consistent with the shot-noise-limited performance expected for the present setup.
A mathematical model of mass transport in a long permeable tube with radial convection

Laplace transforms and regular double asymptotic expansions are used to solve the problem of ordinary chemical mass transport in a permeable tube, where there is small radial convection through the membrane wall and where the length-to-diameter ratio is large. The system is taken to be dilute and Newtonian and the solution is found to higher order in two small parameters. Results indicate that the exit concentration decreases markedly as the diameter, membrane permeability and tube length increase, and that changes in mass transport owing to variations in radial convection are much more significant than those due to the same order of magnitude changes in the resistance of the chemical solute to passage through the membrane (transmittance). In addition, the maximum effects of changes in the radial convection and transmittance are not at the membrane itself ( r = 1), but rather roughly at radial values of 0·6 and 0, respectively.
Stress Changes in Intervertebral Discs of the Cervical Spine After Partial Fusion

A detailed and validated 3D FE model of human cervical spine (Sadegh et al. 2000) was altered to simulate partial fusion. Five single level partially fused new models, one at each disc level, were used to study the change in stresses in adjacent levels. Two cases of partial fusion, 80% and 60% were considered. The fused models were loaded with a 50 N compressive pre-load and with a 1.5 Nm moment in flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. The previously obtained results of the unfused model (Tchako et al. 2002) and of the fused models were used to study the change in stresses in adjacent levels. The results indicate that, in general, there are stress changes as high as 94%, depending on the loading mode and location, in adjacent discs after discectomy and fusion. However, the difference between the stress change of 80% and 60% of partial fusion is insignificant.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in children with severe sepsis.

In 1994, the Food and Drug Administration issued a regulation for labeling drugs and biologicals for pediatric use. Known as the “pediatric rule,” it permits the Food and Drug Administration to label a product for a pediatric disease based on efficacy findings in adults. This extrapolation of efficacy from adult data are limited to situations in which the disease is similar and the drug behaves in a similar manner (ie, the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and/or side-effect profile) in adults and children. Barton et al1 describe results of a nonrandomized, dose-finding study of drotrecogin alfa in 83 pediatric patients with sepsis. Over the age range of pediatric patients studied (term newborn to 18 … Address correspondence to Karen D. Weiss, MD, Food and Drug Administration, 1401 Rockville Pike, Ste 380, Rockville, MD 20852. E-mail: weissk{at}cber.fda.gov
Mechanisms of Aspirin Desensitization

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease is a clinical syndrome characterized by severe, persistent asthma, hyperplastic eosinophilic sinusitis with nasal polyps, and reactions to aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs that preferentially inhibit cyclooxygenase 1. The mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of aspirin desensitization remain poorly understood. Recent studies suggest that the clinical benefits may occur through direct inhibition of tyrosine kinases and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 signaling pathway, which results in inhibition of interleukin 4 production. In this article, the current understanding of the mechanisms of aspirin desensitization is reviewed and future areas of investigation are discussed.
Nuclear receptors and metabolism: from feast to famine

The ability to adapt to cycles of feast and famine is critical for survival. Communication between multiple metabolic organs must be integrated to properly metabolise nutrients. By controlling networks of genes in major metabolic organs, nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) play central roles in regulating metabolism in a tissue-specific manner. NHRs also establish daily rhythmicity by controlling the expression of core clock genes both centrally and peripherally. Recent findings show that many of the metabolic effects of NHRs are mediated through certain members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. This review focuses on the roles of NHRs in critical metabolic organs, including adipose tissue, liver and muscle, during the fed and fasted states, as well as their roles in circadian metabolism and downstream regulation of FGFs.
Mechanism of Siglec-8-induced human eosinophil apoptosis: Role of caspases and mitochondrial injury

Sialic acid binding immunoglobulin like lectin (Siglec)-8 crosslinking with specific antibodies causes human eosinophil apoptosis. Mechanisms by which Siglec-8 crosslinking induces apoptosis are not known. Peripheral blood eosinophils were examined for caspase, mitochondria and reactive oxygen species (ROS) involvement after incubating the cells with anti-Siglec-8 crosslinking Abs or control Abs, in the presence or absence of selective inhibitors. Siglec-8 crosslinking induced rapid cleavage of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 in eosinophils. Selective caspase-8 and/or caspase-9 inhibitors inhibited this apoptosis. Siglec-8 crosslinking on eosinophils increased dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential upstream of caspase activation. Rotenone and antimycin, inhibitors of mitochondrial respiratory chain components, completely inhibited apoptosis. Additional experiments with an inhibitor of ROS, diphenyleneiodonium, demonstrated that ROS was also essential for Siglec-8-mediated apoptosis and preceded Siglec-8-mediated mitochondrial dissipation. These experiments show that Siglec-8-induced apoptosis occurs through the sequential production of ROS, followed by induction of mitochondrial injury and caspase cleavage.
Crystal structure of a transcriptionally active Smad4 fragment.

Abstract Background: Smad4 functions as a common mediator of transforming growth factor β (TGF- β ) signaling by forming complexes with the phosphorylated state of pathway-restricted SMAD proteins that act in specific signaling pathways to activate transcription. SMAD proteins comprise two domains, the MH1 and MH2 domain, separated by a linker region. The transcriptional activity and synergistic effect of Smad4 require a stretch of proline-rich sequence, the SMAD-activation domain (SAD), located N-terminal of the MH2 domain. To understand how the SAD contributes to Smad4 function, the crystal structure of a fragment including the SAD and MH2 domain (S4AF) was determined. Results: The structure of the S4AF trimer reveals novel features important for Smad4 function. A Smad4-specific sequence insertion within the MH2 domain interacts with the C-terminal tail to form a structural extension from the core. This extension (the TOWER) contains a solvent-accessible glutamine-rich helix. The SAD reinforces the TOWER and the structural core through interactions; two residues involved in these interactions are targets of tumorigenic mutation. The solvent-accessible proline residues of the SAD are located on the same face as the glutamine-rich helix of the TOWER, forming a potential transcription activation surface. A tandem sulfate-ion-binding site was identified within the subunit interface, which may interact with the phosphorylated C-terminal sequence of pathway-restricted SMAD proteins. Conclusions: The structure suggests that the SAD provides transcriptional capability by reinforcing the structural core and coordinating with the TOWER to present the proline-rich and glutamine-rich surfaces for interaction with transcription partners. The sulfate-ion-binding sites are potential ‘receptors' for the phosphorylated sequence of pathway-restricted SMAD proteins in forming a heteromeric complex. The structure thus provides a new model that can be tested using biochemical and cellular approaches.