cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic shifting: a novel approach for controlling vector-borne diseases

Rendering populations of vectors of diseases incapable of transmitting pathogens through genetic methods has long been a goal of vector geneticists. We outline a method to achieve this goal that does not involve the introduction of any new genetic variants to the target population. Rather we propose that shifting the frequencies of naturally occurring alleles that confer refractoriness to transmission can reduce transmission below a sustainable level. The program employs methods successfully used in plant and animal breeding. Because no artificially constructed genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are introduced into the environment, the method is minimally controversial. We use Aedes aegypti and dengue virus (DENV) for illustrative purposes but point out that the proposed program is generally applicable to vector-borne disease control.
Unsuccessful attempts to transfer morphine tolerance and passive avoidance by brain extracts.

SEVERAL positive and negative reports have been reviewed recently1,2 on the possibility of transferring acquired behaviour from animal to animal by injecting brain extract from a trained donor into an untrained recipient. We were interested in the possibility of transferring morphine tolerance from rats to mice, as reported by Ungar and Galvan3. We failed to replicate this finding, as had other investigators4,5. Nevertheless, we felt it worthwhile to search for the appropriate conditions and chose Ungar's simpler system of “fear transfer” as a model6,7. Here rats are overtrained (by means of foot shock) to avoid entering a black box; recipient mice are then tested in the same box. To enable us to follow accurately the published procedures one of us (A. G.) spent a few days in Ungar's laboratory. In the next 3 months we carried out eighteen unsuccessful experiments with 125 donor rats and 383 recipient and saline control mice. We then did a blind test in our mice using control and trained donor extracts provided by Dr Ungar. Next, we sent 100 of our mice to Houston, for testing as recipients concurrently with the local strain. Finally, we selected, from all our experiments, those mice (of both sexes) which seemed to avoid the black box more often after receiving the extracts. These animals were bred and the offspring were tested as recipients. We hoped to select for recipient capability that might be under genetic influence. The results of all these experiments were negative or equivocal.
Hepatitis A: Report of a Common-Source Outbreak with Recovery of a Possible Etiologic Agent. II. Laboratory Studies

During investigation of a food-borne outbreak of hepatitis A among university students in a southwestern metropolitan community, immune electron microscopic examination of a concentrated stool suspension pooled from seven acutely ill individuals revealed viruslike particles 17-nm in diameter. These particles were initially coated by antibody contained in the convalescent-phase serum of one of the ill students as well ad by antibody in convalescent plasma of a prison volunteer originally infected with the MS-1 strain of hepatitis A virus. Rises in titer of antibody to this particle were demonstrated by immune electron microscopy in acute and convalescent sera from student patients as well as in pre-inoculation and convalescent sera from the prison volunteer. Two chimpanzees inoculated intravenously with the concentrated preparation of pooled human stools developed viral hepatitis. During acute illness their feces contained particles morphologically identical to those in the inoculum. These findings represent the first reported recovery of the presumed etiologic agent of hepatitis A from a naturally occurring community outbreak of disease in the United States.
Comparison of Headspace Volatiles of Germfree-Reared and Conventionally-Reared Chickens

Abstract IN assessing the factors which may influence chicken flavor, the role of intestinal microorganisms has merited consideration. That intestinal flora of the chicken might affect flavor of chicken muscle was postulated by Shrimpton (1966). Studies to determine the role of intestinal microorganisms in producing flavor compounds have been limited. Experiments by Shrimpton and Grey (1965) demonstrated that many of the flavor components of chicken breast meat were also found in the ceca of cannulated birds. Earlier studies by Harris et al. (1968) demonstrated that a taste panel could determine flavor differences in germfree-reared chickens when compared with conventionally-reared chickens. Using taste panels Lonsdale et al. (1969) more recently indicated that slightly more chicken flavor constituents but fewer off-flavor components may be present in gnotobiotic birds than in conventionally-reared birds. Their data, however, are difficult to interpret. The objective of this study was to determine by use of gas chromatography whether…
Effect of isopropyl-3-chlorocarbanilate and isopropyl-3-chlorohydroxycarbanilate analogs upon oxidative phosphorylation in plant mitochondria

Abstract The effects of the herbicide, isopropyl-3-chlorocarbanilate, and its hydroxylated metabolites, isopropyl-5-chloro-2-hydroxycarbanilate and isopropyl-3-chloro-4-hydroxycarbanilate, upon NADH oxidation, P i uptake or release, and ATP formation were studied in corn mitochondria. The results indicated that 0.1 m M isopropyl-3-chlorocarbanilate and the 2-hydroxy-metabolite inhibited NADH oxidation by 30% whereas only the 2-hydroxy-metabolite inhibited NADH-linked ATP formation (85–100%). Dinitrophenol and the 2-hydroxy-metabolite exerted similar effects upon respiration, phosphorylation, and ATPase activity. The 4-hydroxy-metabolite (0.1 m M ) exerted no effect upon respiration, phosphorylation, or ATPase activity. The β- O -glucoside conjugates of the hydroxymetabolities of isopropyl-3-chlorocarbanilate did not inhibit NADH-linked respiration or phosphorylation at 0.1 m M concentrations. Comparative studies with corn, cucumber, and soybean mitochondria indicated that the parent herbicide and its metabolites affected respiration and phosphorylation activities in a similar manner.
Attachment as a mediator between community violence and posttraumatic stress symptoms among adolescents with a history of maltreatment

Experiences that are detrimental to the attachment relationship, such as childhood maltreatment, may reduce feelings of safety among survivors and exacerbate the effects of exposure to subsequent violence, such as witnessing community violence. Though attachment style has been examined in regard to posttraumatic stress in adults who have a history of exposure to violence in childhood, less is known about the influence of attachment on the relationship between exposure to violence and posttraumatic stress symptoms in children and adolescents. The current study aimed to explore the role of attachment in the link between exposure to community violence and posttraumatic stress symptoms in adolescents with a history of childhood abuse. Participants included adolescents (aged 15-18 years) who had a history of maltreatment (N=75) and a matched sample without a childhood abuse history (N=78) from the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect (Salzinger, Feldman, & Ng-Mak, 2008). A conditional process model using bootstrapping to estimate indirect effects showed a significant indirect effect of insecure attachment on the relationship between exposure to community violence and posttraumatic stress symptoms for adolescents with a history of childhood physical abuse, but not for adolescents without this history. Implications for a cumulative risk model for post-trauma pathology starting in adolescence are discussed.
Activation of phosphofructokinase by stimulants of cell multiplication.

THE growth of chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF) in culture is markedly slowed by reducing the pH of the medium and removing serum1, 2. DNA synthesis is gradually reduced in the culture as a whole due to an increase in length of the G1 period and consequent decrease in the fraction of cells making DNA at any time. This fraction increases a few hours after initial pH and serum concentrations have been restored1. Sugar transport is similarly but more quickly affected by alterations to the medium1. These events simulate the effects of cell population density on the growth of cells3. Manipulation of the cells by varying pH and serum concentration therefore offers a well defined way of studying the physiological basis for growth regulation.
A class of new silylating reagents. I. A mild method for introduction of the tert-butyldimethylsilyl group.

Abstract t -Butyldimethylsilyl enol ethers of pentane-2,4-dione and methyl acetoacetate react rapidly at room temperature to give high isolated yields of the t-butyldimethylsilyl ethers of a variety of alcohols.
Contract Broiler Grower Returns: A Long-Term Assessment

Abstract This study evaluates annual returns for a typical broiler house constructed in 1986 with a significant upgrade in technology in 1990. The results demonstrate the long-term nature of poultry house investments. This facility experienced minimal early return, but returns became much more substantial after debt repayment. Projected returns to the grower's land, labor, and management during maximum debt repayment years ranged from approximately 3.0% of initial investment for a below average grower to nearly 11% for an above average grower. The models used in this study indicate that returns for broilers were consistently less variable and more positive than those for other selected agricultural products for the period evaluated. Broiler growers appear to have long-term returns equal to or greater than those of U.S. agricultural producers in general.
The separation and disposal of carbon dioxide from power station flue gases

Abstract This paper considers a technical option for the abatement of CO2 emissions from modern coal fired power stations in the UK. The power station is modified for fuel combustion in an atmosphere of O2 and recirculated CO2, and the CO2 separated from the flue gas by a cryogenic distillation technique. The CO2 and N2, the by-product of O2 production, are then used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Estimated demand curves for CO2 and N2 for EOR in the UK sectors of the North Sea are presented for the period 2000 to 2025, and the economic and environmental benefits of two supply scenarios analysed. EOR, using both CO2 and N2, offers the possibility of gaining revenue to balance the cost of gas separation and transport although the additional power requirements of N2 transport significantly reduces the power plant output. The alternative of supplying only CO2 for use in EOR is more attractive as an abatement option, since the net power available is a greater fraction of the original power plant output.
Recombinant P selectin glycoprotein ligand ameliorates chronic ischemia and reperfusion injury after rat intestinal transplantation

Previous studies have demonstrated that the blockade of P selectin through the administration of recombinant P Selectin Glycoprotein Ligand (rPSGL-1Ig) in a model of rat intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) afforded short-term improvement in outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term consequences of such therapy. IRI was induced in a model of isogeneic intestinal transplantation (ITx) using Lewis rats wherein intestines were procured, cold preserved in lactated Ringer solution for 6 h, and transplanted orthotopically. rPSGL-1Ig (0.4 mg/kg/dose) or saline was administered intravascularly into the intestine prior to storage and into the recipient prior to reperfusion. Separate survival and analysis groups were undertaken. For analysis, animals were sacrificed at day 3, 7, 30, and 100 after ITx. Transplanted ileal tissue was procured and stored for analysis that included histopathology, quantitative cytokine rtPCR, and hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-xl) protein expression. Statistical comparison was performed using a Student’s t test. Survival at 100 days was markedly (P < 0.05) improved in the rPSGL-1Ig treated group (90%) versus saline-treated control group (40%). Histopathology was markedly improved at 100 days. At all time points, rtPCR demonstrated significantly (P < 0.05) lower mRNA production in treated animals of the cytokines: TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, and β-FGF. Western blot analysis demonstrated increased production of the protective proteins HO-1, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xl with rPSGL-1Ig treatment. Early blockade of P selectin at the time of ITx-associated IRI using rPSGL-1Ig led to significant improvement in survival, reductions in tissue injury on histopathology, reduction in mRNA production for chronic inflammatory cytokines, and increased protection of cellular protective proteins. This data indicate that the control of the early events associated with IRI leads to improvement in long-term isograft inflammatory parameters in a model of rat ITx.
What are C and h ?: inequalities for the analysis and design of finite element methods

Abstract Increasing mathematical analysis of finite element methods is motivating the inclusion of mesh-dependent terms in new classes of methods for a variety of applications. Several inquualities of functional analysis are often employed in convergence proofs. In the following, Poincare-Friedrichs inequalities, inverse estimates and least-squares bounds are characterized as tools for the error analysis and practical design of finite element methods with terms that depend on the mesh parameter. Sharp estimates of the constants of these inequalities are provided, and precise definitions of mesh size that arise naturally in the context of different problems in terms of element geometry are derived.
The Principles of Scientific Management by Fred Taylor: Exposures in print beyond the private printing

This paper documents the publishing exposure of Frederick W. Taylor’s The Principles of Scientific Management subsequent to the February 1911 private printing. In doing so, the paper completes a chronology of the multiple occasions that Taylor’s classic occurred in print. Landmarks in the publishing history of Taylor’s “principles” following the private printing include its appearance in The American Magazine and The Journal of Accountancy. Following these serialized mediums, the trade edition ‐ the most familiar version ‐ was published. These and various other forms of Taylor’s “principles” were basically the same discourse. However, the details of the various occurrences and Taylor’s related personal correspondence proffer glimpses of the personality of the man and of his motives.
20 GHz Pulse Generation with a Stabilized Optical Frequency Comb Generator

20 GHz pulses were generated by a Fabry-Perot modulator based optical frequency comb generator. We demonstrate high-fidelity 20 GHz sub-picosecond pulses with low residual microwave AM and PM noises.
Technetium-99m-labeled red blood cell scans in the investigation of gastrointestinal bleeding

PURPOSE: Technetium-99m-labeled red blood cell scans (Tc99m RBC scan) are recommended to confirm gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. It is controversial whether these scans are sufficient to localize the site of bleeding. This study evaluated the efficacy of RBC scans in confirming and localizing GI bleeding. Our hypothesis was that these scans were effective in localizing GI bleeding if positive within the continuous phase of imaging. METHOD: Tc99m RBC scans were performed on a total of 80 patients over a four-year period to localize GI bleeding (59 male, 21 female; age range 6–88 (mean, 48) years). Films of 75 of the 80 patients were reread by a nuclear medicine physician who was blinded to the original reading and identity and history of the patient. Results of scans were compared with confirmatory studies. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients had positive scans (28 percent). Of these, the site of bleeding in 16 of 21 patients (76 percent) was confirmed by angiography (4/16), endoscopy (10/16), surgery (10/16), or a combination of these. In 14 of the 16 confirmed studies (88 percent), RBC scan correctly localized site of bleeding by our rigid definition. In six patients (4 not confirmed, 2 erroneously localized), scans were positive only at greater than 15 hours. Ten of the 14 correctly localized studies and none of the incorrectly localized studies were positive in the continuous phase of imaging. CONCLUSION: Tc99m RBC scan is effective in localizing GI bleeding when positive within the continuous phase of imaging. In this population supplemental angiography or endoscopy for the purpose of localization would seem unnecessary.
Increasing the Relevance of Evidence‐Based Treatment Review to Practitioners and Consumers

Numerous obstacles complicate efforts to identify evidence-based treatments and disseminate them to practicing clinicians, and thus to their clients. The multi-disciplinary, statewide effort by Bruce Chorpita and the Hawaii Task Force addresses a number of these obstacles very thoughtfully, taking significant steps toward bridging mental health research and practice. We highlight lessons derived from their work that can be applied by other groups engaged in evidence review and we note methodological challenges that continue to require close attention by all of us engaged in evidence review and treatment classification.
An infrared high resolution silicon immersion grating spectrometer for airborne and space missions

Broad-band infrared (IR) spectroscopy, especially at high spectral resolution, is a largely unexplored area for the far IR (FIR) and submm wavelength region due to the lack of proper grating technology to produce high resolution within the very constrained volume and weight required for space mission instruments. High resolution FIR spectroscopy is an essential tool to resolve many atomic and molecular lines to measure physical and chemical conditions and processes in the environments where galaxy, star and planets form. A silicon immersion grating (SIG), due to its over three times high dispersion over a traditional reflective grating, offers a compact and low cost design of new generation IR high resolution spectrographs for space missions. A prototype SIG high resolution spectrograph, called Florida IR Silicon immersion grating spectromeTer (FIRST), has been developed at UF and was commissioned at a 2 meter robotic telescope at Fairborn Observatory in Arizona. The SIG with 54.74 degree blaze angle, 16.1 l/mm groove density, and 50x86 mm 2 grating area has produced R=50,000 in FIRST. The 1.4-1.8 um wavelength region is completely covered in a single exposure with a 2kx2k H2RG IR array. The on-sky performance meets the science requirements for ground-based high resolution spectroscopy. Further studies show that this kind of SIG spectrometer with an airborne 2m class telescope such as SOFIA can offer highly sensitive spectroscopy with R~20,000-30,000 at 20 to 55 microns. Details about the on-sky measurement performance of the FIRST prototype SIG spectrometer and its predicted performance with the SOFIA 2.4m telescope are introduced.
Immunobiology of Aging

: Normal immune functions can begin to decline shortly after an individual reaches sexual maturity. Although changes in cellular environment are partially responsible, the decline is due primarily to changes within the cells, especially the T cells and to some extent the stem cells. This is reflected in their inability to proliferate and differentiate efficiently. What needs to be resolved is whether the altered properties of T cells and stem cells are permanent or reversible and, if permanent, whether they are due to a stochastic or a genetically programmed event. The decline with age in certain normal immune functions is associated with an increase in the frequency of autoimmune and immune complex diseases, certain types of cancer, and viral and fungal infections. These diseases compromise normal immune functions in short-lived strains of mice. In long-lived mice and in humans, however, the decline in immune functions to threshold levels seems to predispose in-individuals to illness. Three general approaches recently have been used to improve the immune system of aging mice: a) dietary manipulation, b) drug therapy, and c) cellular therapy. Preliminary results of ongoing studies have been most encouraging. Future immu-nopathogenic studies of aging mice with such an improved immune system should clarify the role of fidelity of the immune system in diseases of the aged. The immune system continues to serve as an excellent model for: a) the etiology of aging at the cellular and molecular levels, b) the pathogenesis of aging, and c) effective approaches to improve the quality of life for the aged.
High Activity Platinum Electrocatalysts for the Direct Anodic Oxidation of Saturated Hydrocarbons

The fact that hydrocarbon fuels can be directly oxidized at reasonable current densities using fuel cells with platinum anodes and acidic electrolytes has been demonstrated previously. The next logical step was to reduce the amount of platinum electrocatalyst required for a given current density. Two approaches have been taken toward this objective: the preparation of higher activity unsupported electrocatalysts, and the use of conducting support materials to permit more effective utilization of the platinum. Results are reported for the anodic oxidation of both gaseous and liquid normal saturated hydrocarbons using a number of unsupported and carbon‐supported electrocatalysts. Indications are that power densities of about 35 mw/cm2 (resistance‐free) are possible with a propane‐oxygen fuel cell using 36 m/o (mole per cent) hydrofluoric acid at 105°C as the electrolyte with an anode containing 10 mg Pt/cm2 as a carbon‐supported electrocatalyst.
China State Grid Information Data Platform Construction for Energy Efficiency Services

In the global carbon emission reduction and energy saving environment, the State Grid Corporation is actively establishing energy service system, building a national grid of energy efficiency services data platform. The data through three ways, such as submitted, the existing data extraction and on-line monitoring, are captured for largest energy users, and then uploaded to the company's headquarter data platform through a variety of communication means of the State Grid Corporation private and public network. Headquarter platform take energy efficiency modeling and data analysis with mass data storage, data mining, OLAP, and other technologies.
Genome-wide profiling reveals stimulus-specific functions of p53 during differentiation and DNA damage of human embryonic stem cells

How tumor suppressor p53 selectively responds to specific signals, especially in normal cells, is poorly understood. We performed genome-wide profiling of p53 chromatin interactions and target gene expression in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in response to early differentiation, induced by retinoic acid, versus DNA damage, caused by adriamycin. Most p53-binding sites are unique to each state and define stimulus-specific p53 responses in hESCs. Differentiation-activated p53 targets include many developmental transcription factors and, in pluripotent hESCs, are bound by OCT4 and NANOG at chromatin enriched in both H3K27me3 and H3K4me3. Activation of these genes occurs with recruitment of p53 and H3K27me3-specific demethylases, UTX and JMJD3, to chromatin. In contrast, genes associated with cell migration and motility are bound by p53 specifically after DNA damage. Surveillance functions of p53 in cell death and cell cycle regulation are conserved in both DNA damage and differentiation. Comparative genomic analysis of p53-targets in mouse and human ESCs supports an inter-species divergence in p53 regulatory functions during evolution. Our findings expand the registry of p53-regulated genes to define p53-regulated opposition to pluripotency during early differentiation, a process highly distinct from stress-induced p53 response in hESCs.
Expression of the insulin-like growth factor-1 gene and its receptor in preimplantation mouse embryos; is it a marker of embryo viability?

development. We examined IGF-1 and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) gene expression in a single blastomere of an early mouse embryo and compared it with subsequent embryo development in culture. Fertilized eggs and 2-cell embryos were obtained by tubal flushing in superovulated and mated female mice. Single cells were removed from embryos at cleavage stage between 3 and 8 cells using the standard embryo biopsy techniques. Individual blastomeres from each embryo were then assayed for the presence of IGF-1 and IGF-1R mRNA using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The biopsied embryos were washed in medium and placed in co-culture with murine endometrial cells. Embryonic development in culture was assessed and blastocyst grading was performed. IGF-1 gene expression was then examined for an association with in-vitro development. Eighty-seven embryos were biopsied. IGF-1R gene expression was detected in the majority of embryos tested and IGF-1 gene expression was detected in 34 of 81 (42%) embryos. A significant association between IGF-1 expression and blastocyst formation in vitro was found (P < 0.01). There was no association between IGF-1R expression and subsequent embryo development. We conclude that IGF-1 gene expression could potentially be used as a marker of embryo quality.
Choosing the Limits on the Convolution Integral

This short paper offers a convenient method for determining the smallest interval of integration on the convolution integral. Two functions to be convolved are described, analytically, with the aid of step functions. These functions are then substituted into the general form of the convolution integral, and the integrand containing the step functions is interpreted to find the limits. The paper contains a table listing possible combinations of functions to be convolved and the resulting limits on the integral.
A Simultaneous Pricing and Inventory Control Model for a Single Product with Capacitated Working Capital

The simultaneous stochastic pricing and inventory management with capacitated cash-on-hand is a profit maximization problem faced by a firm, which has limited working capital for its liabilities. In addition to this working capital constraint, the company has to dynamically price its products and determine inventory levels to minimize its expected cost. In our study, we tackle this complicated problem by assuming a single product, periodic review inventory model with finite multiple periods, and imperfect market information. We also assume no fixed cost in order to relax the complexity of the problem and perform numerical analysis for providing managerial implications. We investigate several research questions to extend our understanding of this complicated but very practical problem faced by numerous decision-makers in organizations. A discussion of possible optimal policies for this complicated unanswered problem with working capital constraints is explored.
Large-aperture, polarization-preserving optical circulator

We demonstrate a polarization-preserving optical circulator for large aperture directional beam separation at 1.5 mum. The device utilizes a magnetless latching Faraday rotator to enable large, 11-mm aperture and high-power handling up to 100 W/cm2
Society of Toxicology Board of Publications Best Paper Award for 2015.

The Board of Publications (BOP) Best Paper Award is given to a paper published in Toxicological Sciences from the July issue of the previous year through the June issue of the calendar year preceding the Annual Meeting at which the award is presented. The Editor-in-Chief and 2 Associate Editors review all papers from that time period and nominate papers for consideration. The Associate Editors then vote to identify up to 6 of the most worthy papers. These papers, along with others nominated from the Society membership, are then forwarded to the BOP to determine the overall winner and to identify any honorable mentions. Papers that include Associate Editors or BOP members are excluded from consideration. At the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting held in San Diego the Best Paper Award was presented to:
Young Adults with Behavioral Disorders: A Comparison with Peers with Mild Disabilities

The adult adjustment 3 years after graduation of individuals with mild disabilities, with specific emphasis on individuals with behavioral disorders, was investigated in this study. Of the initial statewide random sample of 561 graduates from resource programs, 473 were interviewed: 24 young adults with behavioral disorders, 374 young adults with learning disabilities, and 75 individuals with mental disabilities. Data are presented on: (a) general status variables, such as living independently, postsecondary education, and leisure activities; (b) employment status, such as percentage employed, those working full time, and fringe benefits; and (c) job status. Results are presented in terms of adjustment 3 years after graduation and changes in adjustment from 1 to 3 years following graduation. The adult adjustment of individuals with behavioral disorders is contrasted to the adjustment of individuals from the other disability groups.
Advances in pediatric asthma in 2013: Coordinating asthma care

Last year's "Advances in pediatric asthma: moving toward asthma prevention" concluded that "We are well on our way to creating a pathway around wellness in asthma care and also to utilize new tools to predict the risk for asthma and take steps to not only prevent asthma exacerbations but also to prevent the early manifestations of the disease and thus prevent its evolution to severe asthma." This year's summary will focus on recent advances in pediatric asthma on prenatal and postnatal factors altering the natural history of asthma, assessment of asthma control, and new insights regarding potential therapeutic targets for altering the course of asthma in children, as indicated in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology publications in 2013 and early 2014. Recent reports continue to shed light on methods to understand factors that influence the course of asthma, methods to assess and communicate levels of control, and new targets for intervention, as well as new immunomodulators. It will now be important to carefully assess risk factors for the development of asthma, as well as the risk for asthma exacerbations, and to improve the way we communicate this information in the health care system. This will allow parents, primary care physicians, specialists, and provider systems to more effectively intervene in altering the course of asthma and to further reduce asthma morbidity and mortality.
New Method for Concurrent Dynamic Analysis and Fatigue Damage Prognosis of Bridges

A new methodology for concurrent dynamic analysis and structural fatigue prognosis is proposed in this paper. The proposed methodology is on the basis of a novel small time scale formulation of material fatigue crack growth that calculates the incremental crack growth at any arbitrary time within a loading cycle. It defines the fatigue crack kinetics on the basis of the geometric relationship between the crack tip opening displacement and the instantaneous crack growth rate. The proposed crack growth model can be expressed as a set of first-order differential equations. The structural dynamics analysis and fatigue crack growth model can be expressed as a coupled hierarchical state-space model. The dynamic response (structural level) and the fatigue crack growth (material level) can be solved simultaneously. Several numerical problems with single degree-of-freedom and multiple degree-of-freedom cases are used to show the proposed methodology. Model predictions are validated using coupon testing data from open literature. Following this, the methodology is demonstrated using a steel-girder bridge. The proposed methodology shows that the concurrent structural dynamics and material fatigue crack growth analysis can be achieved. The cycle-counting method in the conventional fatigue analysis can be avoided. Comparison with experimental data for structural steels and aluminum alloy shows a satisfactory accuracy using the proposed coupled state-space model.
Down-weighting overlapping genes improves gene set analysis.

The identification of gene sets that are significantly impacted in a given condition based on microarray data is a crucial step in current life science research. Most gene set analysis methods treat genes equally, regardless how specific they are to a given gene set. In this work we propose a new gene set analysis method that computes a gene set score as the mean of absolute values of weighted moderated gene t-scores. The gene weights are designed to emphasize the genes appearing in few gene sets, versus genes that appear in many gene sets. We demonstrate the usefulness of the method when analyzing gene sets that correspond to the KEGG pathways, and hence we called our method P athway A nalysis with D own-weighting of O verlapping G enes (PADOG). Unlike most gene set analysis methods which are validated through the analysis of 2-3 data sets followed by a human interpretation of the results, the validation employed here uses 24 different data sets and a completely objective assessment scheme that makes minimal assumptions and eliminates the need for possibly biased human assessments of the analysis results. PADOG significantly improves gene set ranking and boosts sensitivity of analysis using information already available in the gene expression profiles and the collection of gene sets to be analyzed. The advantages of PADOG over other existing approaches are shown to be stable to changes in the database of gene sets to be analyzed. PADOG was implemented as an R package available at: http://bioinformaticsprb.med.wayne.edu/PADOG/ or http://www.bioconductor.org .
Hypertensive Emergency in Aortic Dissection and Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm—A Review of Management

Over the last few decades, treatment for aortic dissection and thoracic aortic aneurysms has evolved significantly with improvement in outcomes. Treatment paradigms include medical, endovascular and surgical options. As aortic dissection presents as a hypertensive emergency, diligent control of BP is of utmost importance in order to reduce the progression of dissection with possible aortic branch malperfusion. Treatment should begin on arrival to the emergency department and continues in the intensive care unit, endovascular suite or the operating room. Novel antihypertensive medications with improved pharmacological profile and improved surgical techniques, have improved the prognosis of patients with aortic aneurysm and/or aortic dissection. Nevertheless, morbidity and mortality remain high and hypertensive emergency poses a significant challenge in aortic dissection and thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Syndecan-4: a novel regulator of collagen synthesis and deposition in the pressure-overloaded myocardium

This editorial refers to ‘Syndecan-4 is a key determinant of collagen cross-linking and passive myocardial stiffness in the pressure-overloaded heart’ by K.M. Herum et al. , doi:10.1093/cvr/cvv002. Approximately one in 10 deaths in developed countries is attributed to heart failure, and the prevalence of heart failure (HF) is expected to increase 50% by 2030.1 Diastolic dysfunction is central to HF development and is defined as increased stiffness of the left ventricle (LV) resulting in abnormal relaxation, decreased compliance, and impaired filling. On the molecular level, myocardial stiffness can develop as a result of altered sarcomere structure and function and extracellular matrix (ECM) reorganization.2,3 Herum et al .4 investigated the impact of syndecan-4 deletion on myocardial stiffness and LV remodelling in a mouse model of pressure overload induced by aortic banding. Syndecan-4 null mice showed reduced concentric hypertrophic remodelling after banding, resulting in significantly lower passive tension. Passive tension was not affected by altered cardiomyocyte function, as there was no change in the ratio of compliant to …
Transgenic rabbits as models for atherosclerosis research

Several characteristics of the rabbit make it an excellent model for the study of lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis. New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits have low plasma total cholesterol concentrations, high cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity, low hepatic lipase (HL) activity, and lack an analogue of human apolipoprotein (apo) A-II, providing a unique system in which to assess the effects of human transgenes on plasma lipoproteins and atherosclerosis susceptibility. Additionally, rabbit models of human lipoprotein disorders, such as the Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic (WHHL) and St. Thomas' Hospital strains, models of familial hypercholesterolemia and familial combined hyperlipidemia, respectively, allow for the assessment of candidate genes for potential use in the treatment of dyslipoproteinemic patients. To date, transgenes for human apo(a), apoA-I, apoB, apoE2, apoE3, HL, and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), as well as for rabbit apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic poly-peptide 1 (APOBEC-1), have been expressed in NZW rabbits, whereas only those for human apoA-I and LCAT have been introduced into the WHHL background. All of these transgenes have been shown to have significant effects on plasma lipoprotein concentrations. In both NZW and WHHL rabbits, human apoA-I expression was associated with a significant reduction in the extent of aortic atherosclerosis, which was similarly the case for LCAT in rabbits having at least one functional LDL receptor allele. Conversely, expression of apoE2 in NZW rabbits caused increased susceptibility to atherosclerosis. These studies provide new insights into the mechanisms responsible for the development of atherosclerosis, emphasizing the strength of the rabbit model in cardiovascular disease research.
Effects of Fenofibrate on Cardiac Remodeling in Aldosterone-Induced Hypertension

Hypertension and cardiac remodeling are associated with myocardial fibrosis, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, and diastolic heart failure. Fenofibrate suppresses aldosterone-mediated increases in myocyte matrix metalloproteinase activity and extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation. It is unknown whether the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha agonist, fenofibrate, improves cardiac remodeling in a model of aldosterone-induced hypertension and LV hypertrophy. Twelve-week-old uninephrectomized FVB mice received 1% NaCl drinking water. Miniosmotic pumps delivered saline or aldosterone for 4 weeks. Mice were either untreated (n=14) or treated with fenofibrate 100 mg/kg per day (n=12) for 1 week before and 4 weeks after surgery. Aldosterone increased systolic blood pressure in untreated mice versus saline-untreated mice (134+/-3 versus 91+/-3 mm Hg; P<0.01). This was unaffected by fenofibrate (131+/-3 mm Hg). Aldosterone increased LV end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions, which were significantly attenuated by fenofibrate (3.8+/-0.1 versus 3.5+/-0.1 mm, and 1.5+/-0.1 versus 1.15+/-0.1 mm, respectively). Fenofibrate also decreased aldosterone-induced LV hypertrophy (LV weight/body weight, 4.1+/-0.2 versus 4.6+/-0.1 mg/g) and improved percent LV fractional shortening (67+/-7% versus 60+/-2%). Additionally, fenofibrate ameliorated the increased matrix metalloproteinase-2/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 ratio and fibrosis seen in aldosterone-untreated hearts (P<0.05 for both). Furthermore, in aldosterone-untreated hearts, fenofibrate decreased transforming growth factor-beta, collagen type III (P<0.05 for both), and collagen type I (P<0.01) protein expression. Conversely fenofibrate increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha expression, and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase phosphorylation (P<0.05 for all) in aldosterone-infused hearts; uncoupling protein-3 and medium-chain acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase protein expression decreased with fenofibrate (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively, versus aldosterone-infused), suggesting that improved myocardial remodeling is independent of fatty acid oxidation. Thus, fenofibrate improved aldosterone-induced LV hypertrophy independently of an effect on blood pressure with decreased fibrosis and altered extracellular matrix.
Nodular fasciitis: spontaneous resolution following diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration

Nodular fasciitis can be histologically mistaken for a sarcoma. Typical cases are less than 5 cm and enlarge rapidly over days or weeks before diagnosis. The natural history of nodular fasciitis is unknown, since the diagnosis is usually based on excised lesions. Fine-needle aspiration of nodular fasciitis has been described, and features benign-appearing spindle cells (singly and in groups), collagen, and myxoid material. We describe 11 cases in which nonsurgical observation led spontaneously to complete resolution. Our study includes 7 males and 4 females (24 to 73 years of age; median = 42). Lesions were located in the arm (4), thigh (3), temporal area (2), breast (1) and the parotid (1) and ranged from 0.5 to 5.0 cm. (median = 1.5). They had been present for from less than 1 to 4 weeks (median = 2). In 9 cases, spontaneous resolution occurred in from 3 to 8 weeks (median = 4). Two other patients were lost to follow-up for up to 11 months, after which resolution was noted. Small palpable masses in the subcutaneous soft tissues which evolve over a short period of time and show the cytologic features of nodular fasciitis should be managed nonsurgically. If resolution does not occur within a few weeks, surgery can then be performed.
Correlates of Population Recovery Goals in Endangered Birds

Endangered species recovery plans commonly set goals for population size that are used to define the success of recovery efforts. We examined variation in these population recovery goals for bird species listed under the U. S. Endangered Species Act to determine whether there were simple predictors of recovery population size. The median population sizes that must be met for a species to be removed from the list or downlisted to the threatened category are 4000 and 1500 respectively, but the thresholds varied considerably. Most variation in population recovery goals ( � 75%) was explained by the population size when the recovery plan was written. Species listed when their population's size was relatively large have higher population re- covery goals, whereas those listed when populations were small have lower population goals. Population sizes set for recovery also increased over time and were higher for species listed throughout the United States rather than for part of the country. In combination, these three variables explained 86% of the variance in population goals for delisting and 94% of the variance in goals for downlisting. Body mass, annual fecundity, maximum lifespan, whether the population was listed as threatened or endangered, and whether a formal population viability analysis was conducted were variables not significantly associated with population re- covery goals. Thus, we found that variables relating to the circumstances under which the populations were listed could explain almost all of the variance in recovery population goals, and that biological traits of the endangered birds explained little of the variance.
The Effects of Post-Annealing on the Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Percolated Perpendicular Media

In this paper the effects of post-deposition annealing on the microstructure and magnetic properties of Co-Pt-SiO2 percolated perpendicular media (PPM) have been examined. Co-Pt-SiO2 perpendicular thin films were grown on a Ru underlayer by an alternating sputtering method at room temperature. The as-deposited microstructure is similar to that of Co-alloy/oxide granular media. Desired PPM microstructure was obtained upon post-deposition annealing. The as-deposited films have a low coercivity, whereas high coercivity was found after they were annealed. Transmission electron microscopy investigations indicated that the microstructure of the media did not change much after annealing at temperatures of 600 degC or lower. The desired microstructure and thus good magnetic properties occured after about 5 min at 650 degC. When the annealing temperature is greater than 650 degC and/or the annealing time is longer than 10 min, the SiO 2 pinning sites become larger and less dense
Estimating the Bayes Point Using Linear Knapsack Problems

A Bayes Point machine is a binary classifier that approximates the Bayes-optimal classifier by estimating the mean of the posterior distribution of classifier parameters. Past Bayes Point machines have overcome the intractability of this goal by using message passing techniques that approximate the posterior of the classifier parameters as a Gaussian distribution. In this paper, we investigate alternative message passing approaches that do not rely on Gaussian approximation. To make this possible, we introduce a new computational shortcut based on linear multiple-choice knapsack problems that reduces the complexity of approximating Bayes Point belief propagation messages from exponential to linear in the number of data features. Empirical tests of our approach show significant improvement in linear classification over both soft-margin SVMs and Expectation Propagation Bayes Point machines for several real-world UCI datasets.
Schottky diode with cutoff frequency of 400 GHz fabricated in 0.18 [micro sign]m CMOS

TiSi/sub 2/-Si Schottky diodes for RF rectification were fabricated using a 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process without any process modifications. These diodes are intended to be used with forward bias and small-signal amplitude. At 0 V bias, the diodes with an area of 0.45/spl times/0.45 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ achieve a cutoff frequency of over 400 GHz. This is the highest cutoff frequency compared to that for the previously reported Schottky diodes fabricated in foundry CMOS processes. The turn-on voltage of the diodes is /spl sim/0.30 V.
IDEA 2004: Final Regulations and the Reauthorized Functional Behavioral Assessment

This article discusses school administrators' continued legal support for their use of functional behavioral assessment and positive behavioral interventions and strategies for supporting children with disabilities who exhibit problem behaviors under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and its implementing regulations. This article will help school and legal administrators unacquainted with concepts versant to behaviorists, close the knowledge gap and learn the functional behavioral assessment's purpose, application and implementation to more effectively train and manage personnel through the process. The outcome for school administrators in obtaining the legal and practical knowledge presented here will be to improve school climate.
Assessing Anger, Aggression, and Violence

Anger, aggression, and violence are commonly observed in clinical settings. Although these responses may be the primary reason for referral in forensic assessment and anger management treatment, these responses may also occur secondary to other referral problems including psychiatric disorders, marital distress, occupational problems, or physical ailments. Given the ubiquity of anger, aggression, and violence across clinical settings, both forensic and general practitioners should be prepared to assess the risk and severity of these behaviors. An initial strategy is presented for quantifying current level of anger, aggression, or violence. A more elaborate model is provided to assist the practitioner in conceptualizing and estimating the likelihood of future episodes of pathological anger, aggression, or violence. Aggression and violence are often low frequency, high amplitude behaviors which creates difficulty for predicting future episode of pathological aggression or violence. We describe an assessment approach that interprets actuarial data in light of developmental psychopathology theory and contemporary theories of anger, aggression, and violence. Several brief case examples are provided to highlight the assessment and conceptualization processes.