cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breaking the Rule: H. T. Quan and Civilization's Contemporary Barbarism (for the Book Panel on H.L.T. Quan's 'Growth Against Democracy')

This book panel presentation will engage H. L. T. Quan's important book, Growth Against Democracy: Savage Developmentalism in the Modern World (2012), from the vantage point of several key figures of the Global African, Black Radical Tradition, most especially James Boggs, Walter Rodney and Amilcar Cabral as well as Ifi Amadiume. With all of their work in mind, I propose to explore how we can rethink, interrogate and even replace many of the more sacrosanct categories of contemporary political analysis – such as “modernity” (or “post-modernity”) and “development” as well as “democracy” in the same manner in which many of us have in times past demystified and dispensed with other moral-political categories such as “evolution” and “civilization” in the interests of anti-racism, anti-colonialism, anti-imperialism or what Frantz Fanon would call “a new humanity” for “The Wretched of the Earth.” How can we “delink” from the global political economy of capitalism and white racist empire as well as the cultural and epistemic or intellectual structure of capitalism and Occidentalism in the process? I plan to demonstrate how this Global African, Black Radical Tradition’s more renegade concepts of history, the state, matriarchy, “anti-state decentralized social/political systems,” and even maroonage might align with H.L.T. Quan’s more recent critical heresies in a most exhilarating fashion.
17-β-Estradiol-mediated activation of extracellular-signal regulated kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B-Akt and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor phosphorylation in cortical synaptoneurosomes

In addition to its well-known activational mechanism, the steroid hormone 17-β-estradiol (E2) has been shown to rapidly activate various signal transduction pathways that could participate in estrogen-mediated regulation of synaptic plasticity. Although the mechanisms underlying these effects are not clearly understood, it has been repeatedly suggested that they involve a plasma membrane receptor which has direct links to several intracellular signaling cascades. To further address the question of whether E2 acts directly at the synapse and through membrane-bound receptors, we studied the effects of E2 and of ligands of estrogen receptors on various signaling pathways in cortical synaptoneurosomes. Our results demonstrate that E2 elicits N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor phosphorylation and activates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signal transduction pathways in this cortical membrane preparation. Furthermore, we provide evidence for the presence of a membrane-bound estrogen receptor responsible for these effects in cortical synaptoneurosomes. Our study demonstrates that E2 directly acts at cortical synapses, and that synaptoneurosomes provide a useful system to investigate the mechanisms by which E2 regulates synaptic transmission and plasticity.
Observations on a possible association between the acid mucopolysaccharides and lysozyme

A method for total lysozyme extraction from mammalian connective tissue is presented. There seems to be a correlation in the anatomic distribution of lysozyme and the mucopolysaccharides in mammalian connective tissue. These constituents are found in the highest concentration in preosseous cartilage, among whose zones are additional concentration gradients. Because there are differences in cellularity among the connective tissues, a comparative study of lysozyme and the mucopolysaccharides is presented considering cellularity as well as tissue mass.
A survey of imagery techniques for semantic labeling of human-vehicle interactions in persistent surveillance systems

Understanding and semantic annotation of Human-Vehicle Interactions (HVI) facilitate fusion of Hard sensor (HS) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) in a cohesive way. By characterization, classification, and discrimination of HVI patterns pertinent threats may be realized. Various Persistent Surveillance System (PSS) imagery techniques have been proposed in the past decade for identifying human interactions with various objects in the environment. Understanding of such interactions facilitates to discover human intentions and motives. However, without consideration of incidental context, reasoning and analysis of such behavioral activities is a very challenging and difficult task. This paper presents a current survey of related publications in the area of context-based Imagery techniques applied for HVI recognition, in particular, it discusses taxonomy and ontology of HVI and presents a summary of reported robust image processing techniques for spatiotemporal characterization and tracking of human targets in urban environments. The discussed techniques include model-based, shape-based and appearance-based techniques employed for identification and classification of objects. A detailed overview of major past research activities related to HVI in PSS with exploitation of spatiotemporal reasoning techniques applied to semantic labeling of the HVI is also presented.
Use of coincident and non-coincident gamma-rays in Compton suppression neutron activation analysis

In the last decade Compton suppressed neutron activation analysis has had increasing popularity as a powerful method to significantly lower backgrounds and reduce overlapping peaks caused by spectral or nuclear interferences. We give a detailed descriptive evaluation of the unique features of this technique and its usefulness in many areas of research employing non-destructive neutron activation analysis.
Diagnosing selenium plasmas using SetXXVI and SetXXV line cluster ratios

Ratios of resonance and satellite line clusters in fluorinelike (Se XXVI) and neonlike (Se XXV) ions are used in the development of a diagnostics procedure for analyzing high density, optically thin selenium plasmas. The atomic model employed in this work to calculate line intensities for n=2\char21{}3 transitions includes detailed fine-structure levels for the n=3 excited configurations, n=3 inner-shell excited states at the configuration level, and lumped n=4 levels for both Se XXVI and Se XXV. All relevant atomic processes connecting these levels and all collisional couplings among the excited states are included in the model. The collisional and radiative data such as collisional excitation and ionization (including inner shell), and both radiative and dielectronic recombination rates, are obtained using several different sophisticated atomic codes. From these data, collisional-radiative equilibrium solutions to a fully coupled single set of rate equations are obtained for the populations of the ground as well as all excited levels, and used for the computation of the line intensities. For calculations of the satellite line intensities, populations of the doubly excited states are obtained from the sum of contributions from dielectronic recombination of ground states and inner-shell excitation of singly excited states. Because experimental L-shell spectra of the n=2\char21{}3 resonance and satellite lines contain many lines, often they are not spectroscopically resolved unless obtained under extremely high resolution. Therefore, instead of using individual lines which often cannot be separated experimentally from other overlapping lines, resonance line as well as satellite line configuration clusters in Se XXVI and Se XXV are used in this diagnostic work. The intensity ratios of the resonance and satellite line clusters are functions of both electron temperature and ion density and simultaneous determinations of these quantities are possible using contour plots of specific cluster ratios. These plots are obtained for a wide range of densities and temperatures, and they reflect the detailed effects of the different atomic processes on the intensities of the resonance and satellite lines as a function of plasma conditions.
SU-E-T-892: Calculation Uncertainty in CyberKnife Dosimetric Parameters of Brainstem

Purpose: It is important to understand the effect of dose calculation on the dosimetric parameters of a critical structure, which are often used to evaluate the risk of toxicity. We present the variation of some dosimetric parameters for brainstem as computed by two different dose algorithms. Methods: Both Ray Tracing and Monte Carlodose algorithms are commissioned for the CyberKnife planning system at Cooper. Study was performed for twenty seven intracranial patients treated with CyberKnife. Dose calculation was carried out in Multiplan workstation by Monte Carlo algorithm with heterogeneity corrections as well as Ray Tracing algorithm without heterogeneity corrections. Brainstem was delineated by the attending radiation oncologist during planning process. The same prescription and optimization as the actual treatment were employed in dose calculation for each patient. Results: Principle dosimetric parameters (D50, D10, D1cc, D0.1cc and maximum dose) of brainstem are derived for each patient. The difference in percentage between Ray Tracing and Monte Carlo calculation is plotted. Significant variation has been observed for each dosimetric parameter between two different dose algorithms. Also plotted is the variation of those dosimetric parameters against the volume of brainstem. Conclusions: The value of dosimetric parameters can be considerately different depending on dose algorithm used in calculation. The evaluation of dose tolerance for a critical structure using those dosimetric parameters needs to be cautious about dose computing methods.
The demonstration in the domestic guinea pig of a process resembling classical imprinting

Abstract The present study, consisting of 6 inter-related experiments with ginea pigs, investigated the hypothesis that an imprinting-like process (on which normal mammalian social behaviours may depend) exists in mammals. In general it showed that the guinea pig, if isolated from normal social contact, can be imprinted on an artificial object (a moving octagonal wood block), and that the resulting imprinted behaviour has definite social characteristics. The findings of the 6 experiments were as follows: Experiment 1 showed that infant subjects are attracted to and will respond socially to an artificial moving object, if not allowed normal social interaction; that is, guinea pigs isolated at birth respond socially to an imprinting object but control subjects do not. Experiment 2 showed that subjects isolated after 5 days of normal living behave similarly to those isolated at birth, when both are exposed to the imprinting object a few days (1 to 4) following the beginning of isolation. Experiment 3 showed that subjects reared by their mother in total darkness for five days are equally strongly attracted by the imprinting object, which indicates that the object is inherently attractive and not simply something that visually resembles the mother. Experiment 4 showed that subjects imprinted on days 7 and 9 continue to respond to the imprinting object after 40 days of isolation. Experiment 5 showed that subjects isolated at 5 days but not tested until the sixth week respond to the imprinting object at their first experience with it, indicating either wide generalization from early experience with the mother, or the possibility of an imprinting-like process at this advanced age. Experiment 6 showed that subjects given two 5-minute imprinting sessions in infancy respond significantly more strongly to the imprinting object at 6 weeks than do subjects given only one such imprinting session in infancy, a finding which suggests that the imprinted social attachment is a gradually learned phenomenon rather than a “one-shot” process. Thus the process of attachment of social responses to a model in the guinea pig resembles the imprinting studied in nidifugous birds in many ways. Attachment is probably possible over a much more extended period than in the Mallard, for example.
Role of interleukin-1β in the development of retinopathy in rats: Effect of antioxidants

PURPOSE Diabetic retinopathy is shown to share many similarities with chronic inflammatory disease, and in diabetes, accelerated apoptosis of retinal capillary cells is evident before histopathology can be seen. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of interleukin (IL)-1beta on capillary cell apoptosis in rat retina and to determine the effect of antioxidants on diabetes-induced changes in retinal IL-1beta. METHODS The effect of injection of IL-1beta into the vitreous (5 ng/5 microL) of normal rats on capillary cell apoptosis (detected by terminal transferase dUTP nick-end labeling [TUNEL]) and formation of acellular capillaries was investigated in the trypsin digested retinal microvessels. The levels of IL-1beta were quantified (by ELISA and Western blot) in the retina of rats diabetic for 2 months, and the effect of administration of antioxidants on diabetes-induced changes in retinal IL-1beta was determined. RESULTS The number of TUNEL-positive capillary cells in the retinal microvessels obtained from normal rats that received intravitreal injection of IL-1beta was increased by more than threefold and that of acellular capillaries by more than twofold, compared with the microvessels obtained from rats that received an intravitreal injection of PBS (5 microL) or BSA (5 ng/5 microL). IL-1beta also increased the levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (an indicator of oxidative stress) and nitric oxide by more than 40% and activated NF-kappaB by 35% to 55%. Two months of diabetes in rats increased retinal IL-1beta levels by more than twofold, and antioxidants inhibited such increases. CONCLUSIONS IL-1beta, by activation of NF-kappaB and an increase in oxidative stress, plays an important role in the retinal microvascular disease that is characteristic of diabetic retinopathy. Antioxidants inhibit diabetes-induced increases in retinal IL-1beta. These studies offer a possible rationale to test IL-1beta-targeted therapies to inhibit the development of retinopathy in diabetes.
Organic Matter Fractions from Organically and Conventionally Managed Soils: II. Characterization of Composition

Diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared (DR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the effects of organic and conventional management practices on soil organic matter (SOM) chemistry. We characterized physically and chemically isolated SOM fractions collected from Rodale's Farming Systems Trial (FST) experiment and used ratios of reactive (O-ontaining) and recalcitrant (C, H and/or N) functional group heights to characterize SOM fraction composition. Based on peak ratio comparisons, we determined that humic acid (HA) in the manure-amended organic rotation was more reactive than HA isolated from crop-residue-amended soils. Reactive/recalcitrant (O/R) peak ratios indicated that fulvic acid (FA) and particulate organic matter or light fraction (LF) isolated in April were most reactive in the organic cash-grain-based rotation. By June LF reactivity had changed; O/R ratios of LF and litter (LT) fractions isolated from the conventional and organic cash-grain soils were greater than the manure-amended soil's ratios. We did not draw any conclusions about management impacts on SOM composition from spectra of fine-clay(FC) and sand- (S) sized fractions. Using DR-FTIR we were able rank SOM fraction reactivity; average O/R ratios were FA > LT > HA > LF > FC. No consistent link between SOM fraction O/R ratios and reported C/N ratios or biological availability was made. Humic acid O/R ratios were most consistent with other estimates of overall SOM biological activity. More research is needed to clarify the relationship between the composition of specific SOM fractions and their functional significance in mineral soils.
Bacterial colonization of the respiratory tract following tracheal intubation—Effect of gravity: An experimental study*

Objective To explore the role of the horizontal orientation of endotracheal tube and neck on bacterial colonization of the respiratory tract in anesthetized sheep on mechanical ventilation, without use of antibiotics. Design Prospective animal study. Setting National Institutes of Health research laboratory. Subjects Anesthetized, paralyzed, and ventilated sheep. Interventions Sheep were randomized into five groups and managed as follows: Group IS contained sheep that were not intubated and were immediately killed. Group HU4 contained six sheep that were mechanically ventilated for 4 hrs, with head and endotracheal tube elevated 30 degrees from horizontal. Group HU72 contained seven sheep that were prone, mechanically ventilated for 72 hrs, and managed the same as group HU4. Groups G and Gf each contained seven sheep that were prone on a lateral body rotation device, mechanically ventilated for 72 hrs, with neck and endotracheal tube horizontal. Group Gf received nasogastric enteral feeding. Measurements and main results At the end of the study, sheep were examined postmortem, and a total of 11 tissue samples were taken from the trachea, the five lobar bronchi, and the five lobar parenchyma, for qualitative and quantitative culture. Group HU72 had significant decrease in Pao2/Fio2 and heavy bacterial colonization in all sheep. Groups G and Gf retained excellent lung function; lung bacterial colonization was no different from the IS group. Conclusions The horizontal orientation of the endotracheal tube and neck, through lateral body rotation, showed no altered airway colonization and maintained excellent gas exchange and lung function in our animal model.
The acute effects of 6-hydroxydopamine treatment on noradrenergic function in the rat hippocampus in vitro.

The electrophysiological consequences of in vitro treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) were examined in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampal slice. In control slices, norepinephrine (NE) increased the amplitude of the population spike response elicited by synaptic stimulation of hippocampal pyramidal neurons with a threshold of approximately 5 μM. When hippocampal slices were pretreated with 500 μM 6-OHDA for 10 min, perfusion with a subthreshold concentration of NE (0.5 μM) produced responses similar to those observed with a 10-fold higher concentration of NE in untreated slices. Baseline electrophysiological responses were unchanged following the 6-OHDA exposure. The potentiation of the response to NE by in vitro pretreatment with 6-OHDA was accompanied by a > 40% decreased in NE content and > 90% decreased in [3H]NE accumulation. In vivo treatment with 6-OHDA or N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine hydrochloride (DSP4) also potentiated the electrophysiological response to NE in a manner similar to that observed with acute in vitro 6-OHDA pretreatment. This action does not appear to be due to development of β-adrenergic receptor supersensitivity, because the apparent potency of isoproterenol in increasing the population spike amplitude was unaffected. These data suggest that the increase in the potency of NE in slices pretreated with 6-OHDA is due to the rapid disruption of the high-affinity NE uptake mechanism characteristic of noradrenergic nerve terminals.
Where are the missing elders? The decline in nursing home use, 1985 and 1995.

ABSTRACT: Findings from the 1995 National Nursing Home Survey suggest that elderly Americans are reducing their use of nursing home care. The numbers reflect a change in the role of the nursing home, as defined in this survey. By 1995 nursing facilities were increasingly focusing on patients with greater disability and postacute care needs. Preferred alternatives, most notably home-delivered care and assisted living, were likely filling the gap left by declining nursing home use. Better population-based studies are needed to track emerging trends and ascertain whether elders with disabilities are receiving the care they need. Such data could inform development of better public and private financing strategies for long-term care.
Glut4 is Upregulated Despite Decreased Insulin Signaling during Prolonged Fasting in Northern Elephant Seal Pups

Postprandial cellular glucose uptake is dependent on an insulin-signaling cascade in muscle and adipose tissue, resulting in the translocation of the insulin-dependent glucose transporter 4 (Glut4)...
Introduction to the special section on methods and implications of revising assessment instruments.

Development of this special section was inspired in large part by the recent trend in test revision. Test revision is a costly effort that requires extensive planning and development, which includes managing nationwide field trials and consolidating results of cross­ validation studies. Aspects of test revision may involve upward age extensions, additional sampling of select minorities, item analyses, and, of course, improving test validity. How to best consider and equate results from one test revision to the next is at the heart of this process. Variability in results based on differences between original test development and subsequent revisions are expected and derive from differing procedures, measurement scales, and normative bases. This special section addresses major issues related to test revision, with attention to both research and clinical practice. Many questions arise when revisions in tests are made. Are research findings that are based on outdated versions of a test accepted in the literature? When is test revision called for? What are the research and clinical implications of continuing to use the original versions of newly revised tests'? These are questions facing test users. They are practical questions whose answers have direct implications for the field of assessment. This special section addresses these questions in two ways: (a) by identifying and critically examining methods of test revision and (b) by reporting practical considerations involved in using revised tests. The first objective of this special section is to examine when a test should be revised and the best methods for doing this. The second objective is to ensure that ethical implica­ tions, clinical utility, research standards, and economical aspects are considered and discussed. Thus, the approach to developing this special section was broadly considered. Hence, it was neces­ sary to sacrifice attention to more specific aspects of test revision, such as multicultural or test-specific aspects. Instead, select cul­ tural groups and major psychological measures were used. This approach was not intended to diminish the importance of other cultural groups or tests. Rather, the intent was to offer a critical analysis of the test revision process within the confines of a single journal issue. The first objective of this special section, to critically examine methods of test revision, is developed across five articles. Reise,
Composite vertices that lead to soft form factors

The momentum-space cutoff parameter {Lambda} of hadronic vertex functions is studied in this paper. We use a composite model where we can measure the contributions of intermediate particle propagations to {Lambda}. We show that in many cases a composite vertex function has a much smaller cutoff than its constituent vertices, particularly when light constituents such as pions are present in the intermediate state. This suggests that composite meson-baryon-baryon vertex functions are rather soft, i.e., they have {Lambda} considerably less than 1 GeV. We discuss the geometrical origin of this softening of form factors as well as the implications of our findings on the modeling of nuclear reactions.
MDSC and TGFβ Are Required for Facilitation of Tumor Growth in the Lungs of Mice Exposed to Carbon Nanotubes

During last decades, changes have been observed in the frequency of different histological subtypes of lung cancer - one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality - with a declining proportion of squamous cell carcinomas and an increasing proportion of adenocarcinomas, particularly in developed countries. This suggests the emergence of new etiological factors and mechanisms including those defining the lung microenvironment promoting tumor growth. Assuming that the lung is the main portal of entry for broadly used nanomaterials and their established pro-inflammatory propensities, we hypothesized that nanomaterials may contribute to changes facilitating tumor growth. Here we report that an acute exposure to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) induces recruitment and accumulation of lung-associated myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and MDSC-derived production of TGF-β resulting in up-regulated tumor burden in the lung. The production of TGF-β by MDSC requires their interaction with both SWCNT and tumor cells. We conclude that pulmonary exposure to SWCNT favors the formation of a niche that supports ingrowth of lung carcinoma in vivo via activation of TGF-β production by SWCNT-attracted and pre-sensitized MDSC.
A phase II trial of paclitaxel (Taxol) as first line treatment in advanced breast cancer.

Paclitaxel (Taxol®) is a natural product with a broad spectrum of activity against various solid tumors. This report includes nineteen patients with advanced breast cancer who have not previously received chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Fifteen patients had received adjuvant chemotherapy, eight of which were doxorubicin based. Patients were treated with 135 mg/m2 over 24 hours by continuous infusion given every 21 days. There were 2 complete and 4 partial responses for an objective response rate of 32% (95% C.I.: 14%, 57%) and eight patients or 42% with stable disease. Three of eight patients (38%) who had received adjuvant doxorubicin did respond to paclitaxel. Responses occurred in lung, liver, and soft tissue. The primary toxicity was hematologic with 13 hospitalizations for febrile neutropenia in 180 cycles (7%). Paclitaxel has moderate activity in a small number of patients with metastatic breast cancer at the dose of 135 mg/m2 over 24 hours in this study.
A Model Checking Based Approach to Bounding Worst-Case Execution Time for Multicore Processors

As multicore processors are increasingly adopted in industry, it has become a great challenge to accurately bound the worst-case execution time (WCET) for real-time systems running on multicore chips. This is particularly true because of the inter-thread interferences in accessing shared resources on multicores, such as shared L2 caches, which can significantly affect the performance but are very difficult to be estimated statically.This article proposes an approach to analyzing WCET for multicore processors with shared L2 instruction caches by using a model checking based method. We model each concurrent real-time thread, including the inter-thread cache interferences with a PROMELA process, and derive the WCET by using a binary search algorithm. To reduce the state explosion problem, we propose several techniques for reducing the memory consumption by exploiting domain-specific information. Our experiments indicate that compared to the static analysis technique based on extended ILP (integer linear programming), our approach improves the tightness of WCET estimation by more than 31.1p for the benchmarks we studied. However, due to the inherent complexity of multicore timing analysis and the state explosion problem, the model checking based approach currently can only work with small real-time kernels for dual-core processors.
How Do Sperm Get to the Egg? Bioengineering Expertise Needed!

In order to provide better diagnosis and treatment of infertility and to develop better contraceptive methods, more needs to be learned about how sperm move through the female reproductive tract. Crucial phases of mammalian sperm transport include passage through the cervix and uterotubal junction, storage in the oviductal sperm storage reservoir, release from the reservoir, and location of the egg. There is some evidence for the existence of special passageways for sperm in the cervix, but this needs to be demonstrated and the mechanism of guiding sperm through the cervix needs to be elucidated. Passage of sperm through the uterotubal junction requires sperm to have certain proteins, but how these proteins function is not known. To release themselves from the oviductal storage reservoir, sperm undergo motility hyperactivation; however, the process is not understood. Finally, chemotactic agents emanating from the vicinity of the egg may modulate sperm flagellar movement; however, little is known about how motility is regulated and how changes in flagellar beat patterns enable sperm to reach the egg. There are three main areas in which bioengineers can provide crucial help for elucidating these mysteries: (1) by developing a method for measuring and comparing sperm flagellar bending patterns, (2) by improving optical methods for envisioning the movement of sperm within the female reproductive tract, and (3) by developing chambers that mimic the physical environment of the tract so that molecular mechanisms that regulate sperm movement can be identified.
Effect of simulated microgravity on oxidation-sensitive gene expression in PC12 cells

Oxygen utilization by and oxygen dependence of cellular processes may be different in biological systems that are exposed to microgravity (micro-g). A baseline in which cellular changes in oxygen sensitive molecular processes occur during micro-g conditions would be important to pursue this question. The objective of this research is to analyze oxidation-sensitive gene expression in a model cell line [rat pheochromocytoma (PC12)] under simulated micro-g conditions. The PC12 cell line is well characterized in its response to oxygen, and is widely recognized as a sensitive model for studying the responses of oxygen-sensitive molecular and cellular processes. This study uses the rotating wall vessel bioreactor (RWV) designed at NASA to simulate micro-g. Gene expression in PC12 cells in response to micro-g was analyzed by DNA microarray technology. The microarray analysis of PC12 cells cultured for 4 days under simulated micro-g under standardized oxygen environment conditions revealed more than 100 genes whose expression levels were changed at least twofold (up-regulation of 65 genes and down-regulation of 39 genes) compared with those from cells in the unit gravity (unit-g) control. This study observed that genes involved in the oxidoreductase activity category were most significantly differentially expressed under micro-g conditions. Also, known oxidation-sensitive transcription factors such as hypoxia-inducible factor-2α, c-myc, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ were changed significantly. Our initial results from the gene expression microarray studies may provide a context in which to evaluate the effect of varying oxygen environments on the background of differential gene regulation of biological processes under variable gravity conditions.
Simulation of light scattering by a pressure deformed red blood cell with a parallel FDTD method

Mature human red blood cells (RBCs) are light scatterers with homogeneous bodies enclosed by membranes and have attracted significant attention for optical diagnosis of disorders related to blood. RBCs possess viscoelastic structures and tend to deform from biconcave shapes isovolumetrically in blood flow in response to pressure variations. Elastic scattering of light by a deformed RBC provides a means to determine their shapes because of the presence of strong light scattering signals, and development of efficient modeling tools is important for developing bed-side instrumentation. The size parameters α, defined as α=2πα/λ with 2α as the characteristic size of the scatterer and λ as the light wavelength in the host medium, of the scatterer of RBCs are in the range of 10 to 50 for wavelengths of light in visible and near-infrared regions, and no analytical solutions have been reported for light scattering from deformed RBCs. We developed a parallel Finite-Difference-Time-Domain (FDTD) method to numerically simulate light scattering by a deformed RBC in a carrier fluid under different flow pressures. The use of parallel computing techniques significantly reduced the computation time of the FDTD method on a low-cost PC cluster. The deformed RBC is modeled in the 3D space as a homogeneous body characterized by a complex dielectric constant at the given wavelength of the incident light. The angular distribution of the light scattering signal was obtained in the form of the Mueller scattering matrix elements and their dependence on shape change due to pressure variation and orientation was studied. Also calculated were the scattering and absorption efficiencies and the potential for using these results to probe the shape change of RBCs will be discussed.
The impact of psoriasis on the quality of life of patients from the 16-center PUVA follow-up cohort.

Background: The impact of psoriasis on the quality of life of patients is likely to be principally related to alterations in individual appearance and consequent psychosocial disability. Quantifying the impact of psoriasis and related changes from therapy would help in the selection of optimal management. Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the impact of psoriasis on patients with severe disease who have had photochemotherapy (PUVA). Methods: In 1979 we interviewed 877 of 988 still participating patients who were enrolled in 15 of 16 centers in the PUVA Follow-up Study. We determined the impact of psoriasis on quality of life with a questionnaire that had been modified to incorporate measures of impairment that are likely to be affected by cutaneous disease. Results: Psoriasis had substantial impact on the quality of life. Women were more likely than men to report impairment in quality of life dimensions. The impact of disease decreased with increasing age. Moderate to high relative impact on total quality of life was more often reported by patients who had recently used UVB phototherapy than by those using PUVA or methotrexate. Conclusion: Psoriasis has a substantial impact on the quality of life. This impact seems to decrease with increasing age. Use of specific treatments are also associated with the extent to which psoriasis affects quality of life.
A comparison of field data and theoretical models for wave-current interactions at the bed on the continental shelf

Models for the combined effect of waves and currents on the continental shelf developed by Smith and by Grant and Madsen predict near-bottom velocity profiles and values of boundary shear stress that agree reasonably well with reanalyzed data collected byCacchione andDrake (Journal of Geophysical Research,87, 1952–1960, 1982) using the Geoprobe system in Norton Sound, Alaska. The data set includes velocity profiles recorded during a two-day storm, sequences of which were averaged to indicate the mean flow conditions during two periods of relatively steady flow. Estimates of the reduction in vertical diffusion of momentum and mass as a result of near-bottom suspended sediment indicate that no suspended sediment stratification correction is required in this case. The values of the shear velocity associated with the mean current, determined from the averaged velocity profiles after making a zero-plane adjustment, are better predicted by the wave-current interaction models than by a similar model that neglects the wave contribution. The results of theSmith (The sea,6, 539–577, 1977) model, presented for two different forms of the eddy viscosity, indicate a significant enhancement of the boundary shear velocity due to the current and the waves, compared to the slope of the velocity profile above the wave boundary layer, due to the current only.
Computational aspects of a pseudo-elastic constitutive model for muscle properties in a soft-bodied arthropod

Abstract In this paper we discuss the computational implementation of a new constitutive model that describes the muscle properties in a soft-bodied arthropod. Qualitatively, the muscle tissues behave similar to particle-reinforced rubber and are capable of large non-linear elastic deformations, show a hysteretic behavior, and display stress softening during the first few cycles of repeated loading. Such behavior can be described by the framework of pseudo-elastic transversely isotropic hyperelasticity. The computational model assumes compressible overall response, and is based upon a multiplicative split of the deformation gradient tensor into volumetric and isochoric parts. Details regarding the implementation of the computational model in the context of an implicit finite element solution procedure are presented. In particular, an explicit expression is provided for the material tangent stiffness tensor. Results obtained utilizing the new implementation are also presented.
Forest sector modeling: a synthesis of econometrics, mathematical programming, and system dynamics methods

Abstract Quantitative analysis and forecasting of forest product markets began in the 1950s, based almost exclusively on pure time-series analysis. Since then, considerable improvements have been made in the theoretical basis of the models, the statistical methods of estimation, and the coverage of the data. Especially noteworthy is the exploitation of panel data in the analysis of demand for final products. To model the industry supply of intermediate and final products, however, activity analysis seems more promising than econometrics. It allows for a detailed description of the techniques of production, and, therefore, a better modeling of technical change than the econometric approach. This paper presents a class of models, currently used for policy analysis and forecasting, that present a blend of econometric and mathematical programming, with a dash of system dynamics. Econometrically estimated demand and supply functions are combined with activity analysis of production and transportation, into optimizers to calculate spatial equilibria in multi-product markets. The shadow prices of the optimization are then the key inputs in predicting capacity change by region and process, in system dynamics fashion, and based on Tobin's q theory of investments.
Coordination of magnesium with adenosine 5'-diphosphate and triphosphate.

Abstract 31 P NMR chemical shifts of salts of adenosine 5′-triphosphate and diphosphate: ATPH 2− 2 2(Me 4 N + ) · H 2 O, ATPH 2− 2 2 Na + · 3.5 H 2 O, ATPH 2− 2 Mg 2+ · 4 H 2 O, ATPH 2− 2 Ca 2+ · 2 H 2 O, ADPH 2− 2(Me 4 N + ) · H 2 O and ADPH 2− Mg 2+ · 4 H 2 O have been measured in 0.02 M 2 H 2 O solutions at 145.7 MHz (22° C) at constant p 2 H values (8.20 and 6.20). The results are compared with those obtained from salts of adenosine 5′-monophosphate and other simpler phosphomonoesters, e.g. AMP 2− 2(Me 4 N + ), AMP 2− Mg 2+ , AMPH − Me 4 N + and (AMPH − ) 2 Mg 2+ . It is concluded that the effects exerted by Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ on the 31 P NMR shifts of dipoly- and tripolyphosphates relative to monovalent cations are due mainly to changes in conformation of the polyphosphate chain rather than to purely electronic factors associated with the binding of divalent cations to the phospho-oxyanions. The data are consistent with the existence of the following complexes at p 2 H 8.20: (MgP α P β )ADP − and (MgP α P γ )ATP 2− af (MgP α P β )ATP 2− af (MgP β P γ )ATP 2− with the latter equilibrium relatively fast in the NMR time scale. Monoprotonation of the terminal phosphate appears to weaken the Mg 2+ -polyphosphate binding, particularly at P β of MgADPH and at P β and P γ of MgATPH − . The Mg 2+ -polyphosphate binding weakens further at p 2 H 3.70, i.e. in MgATPH 2 . Possible implications of the results in the mechanism of actomyosin Mg 2+ -ATPase in muscle contraction are discussed.
Notes on Ostrogorski's paradox

This note has investigated the necessary conditions for the existence of Ostrogorski's Paradox, and it showed that the paradox depends on the sizes of the groups taking each possible set of stands on the salient issues. By revising its positions on relevant issues, the majority party can avert the paradox. With increased emphasis on single-issue voting observed in the United States and other Western democracies, the analysis of the paradox should guide the understanding of parties' responses to coalition formation processes among special interest groups. Indeed, the Apex conditions characterizing the paradox provide clues as to the strategy to be followed by the majority party in selecting its platform: the party should generally follow positions advocated by the largest group while presenting a coalition of all other groups.
The anatomy of the limbus

The limbus forms the border between the transparent cornea and opaque sclera, contains the pathways of aqueous humour outflow, and is the site of surgical incisions for cataract and glaucoma. Externally the epithelial cell border between conjunctiva and cornea possesses multipotential cells important for differentiation of the respective cell types. By the same token, the internal limbal border zone between corneal endothelium and anterior trabeculum appears to contain specialised cells some of which are activated to migrate and repopulate the trabecular meshwork after trabecular injury. The oblique interface between corneal and scleral stroma determines the appearance of the surgical limbus whose landmarks vary around the circumference of the globe but predictably correlate with structures of the anterior chamber angle. The vasculature of the limbus derives in primates primarily from the anterior ciliary arteries. Their superficial branches form arcades to supply the limbal conjunctiva and peripheral cornea. Perforating branches contribute to the vascular supplies of the deep limbal structures and the anterior uvea.
Destabilization of the RB Tumor Suppressor Protein and Stabilization of p53 Contribute to HPV Type 16 E7-Induced Apoptosis

Cells that express the human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 E7 oncoprotein are predisposed to undergo apoptosis. Transgenic mice that have E7 expression targeted to either the retinal photoreceptor cells or the lens cells exhibit signs of apoptosis in cells attempting to undergo differentiation. We established a cell culture system to study this process and have determined the domains of E7 that are required for predisposing cells to undergo apoptosis in response to growth arrest signals. Regions within the core pRB binding site of E7 were necessary but not sufficient for inducing apoptosis. Residues within the adenovirus conserved region 1 homology domain and the consensus casein kinase II phosphorylation site are also important for this effect on cell viability. Our data also demonstrate that the ability of E7 to induce destabilization of pRB and stabilization of p53 coincides with E7-mediated transformation and apoptosis.
Binding of Antithrombin III and Thrombin to Immobilized Heparin under Flow Conditions

The chemical immobilization of heparin onto polymeric materials through hydrophilic spacer groups was performed to improve the hemocompatibility of blood―contacting devices. Significant data have been gathered attesting to the biological activity of immobilized heparin in static in vitro studies (clotting times) and dynamic in vivo studies (thrombus formation). However, few studies have been performed to investigate the binding kinetics of spacer-immobilized heparin under flow (shear stress) with antithrombin III (ATIII) and thrombin. To help elucidate this binding mechanism, a mathematical model was developed which parallels experiments to measure protein binding and dissociation at the heparin immobilized surface under flow conditions. Heparinized tubing was prepared by chemically immobilizing a high-ATIII-affinity fraction of heparin onto the surface of poly(ethylene)-oxide grafted, poly(styrene-co-p-aminostyrene)-coated polyethylene tubing. ATIII was first bound onto the immobilized heparin, followed by the introduction of thrombin to interact with ATIII. The concentration of thrombin-ATIII complex (TAT) flowing from the tubing was determined, and the dissociation rate constants (k D ) of TAT from immobilized heparin were calculated as a function of flow rate. The results indicate that the dissociation rate constant of TAT varied with flow rate, especially low flow rates, high flow rates, and turbulent flow. As the TAT complex dissociates from immobilized heparin, this recovered heparin is available for subsequent binding of more ATIII and thrombin. These in vitro mathematical results may help support mechanisms and hypotheses generated for the biological activity of spacer-immobilized heparin observed during long-term in vivo and ex vivo experiments.
Modernization is associated with intensive breastfeeding patterns in the Bolivian Amazon

For many traditional, non-industrialized populations, intensive and prolonged breastfeeding buffers infant health against poverty, poor sanitation, and limited health care. Due to novel influences on local economies, values, and beliefs, the traditional and largely beneficial breastfeeding patterns of such populations may be changing to the detriment of infant health. To assess if and why such changes are occurring in a traditional breastfeeding population, we document breastfeeding patterns in the Bolivian Tsimane, a forager-horticulturalist population in the early stages of modernization. Three predictions are developed and tested to evaluate the general hypothesis that modernizing influences encourage less intensive breastfeeding in the Tsimane: 1) Tsimane mothers in regions of higher infant mortality will practice more intensive BF; 2) Tsimane mothers who are located closer to a local market town will practice more intensive BF; and 3) Older Tsimane mothers will practice more intensive BF. Predictions were tested using a series of maternal interviews (from 2003 to 2011, n ¼ 215) and observations of mother-infant dyads (from 2002 to 2007, n ¼ 133). Tsimane breastfeeding patterns were generally intensive: 72% of mothers reported initiating BF within a few hours of birth, mean (� SD) age of CF
Input, Intake, and Retention: Effects of Increased Processing on Incidental Learning of Foreign Language Vocabulary.

This study investigated the effects of text modification and task on incidental learning of foreign language vocabulary by reading. The focus of the study was on how different cue types (appositives and single and multiple-choice marginal glosses) and a task (translation) would affect processing of input, initial learning, and retention of the meaning of target words in a text. Two hundred thirty-one students in Japanese universities were randomly assigned to 10 condition groups. After a pretest, a reading task, and a cloze test, they were given a surprise vocabulary test. A week later, two unexpected delayed posttests were also given. The results indicated that (a) both single and multiple-choice marginal gloss conditions performed significantly better than the no cue and the appositive conditions, (b) no statistically significant difference existed between the single and the multiple-choice gloss conditions nor between the appositive and the no cue conditions, and (c) the translation task had no effect.
Mutans Streptococci Dose Response to Xylitol Chewing Gum

Xylitol is promoted in caries-preventive strategies, yet its effective dose range is unclear. This study determined the dose-response of mutans streptococci in plaque and unstimulated saliva to xylitol gum. Participants (n = 132) were randomized: controls (G1) (sorbitol/maltitol), or combinations giving xylitol 3.44 g/day (G2), 6.88 g/day (G3), or 10.32 g/day (G4). Groups chewed 3 pellets/4 times/d. Samples were taken at baseline, 5 wks, and 6 mos, and were cultured on modified Mitis Salivarius agar for mutans streptococci and on blood agar for total culturable flora. At 5 wks, mutans streptococci levels in plaque were 10x lower than baseline in G3 and G4 (P = 0.007/0.003). There were no differences in saliva. At 6 mos, mutans streptococci in plaque for G3 and G4 remained 10x lower than baseline (P = 0.007/0.04). Saliva for G3 and G4 was lower than baseline by 8 to 9x (P = 0.011/0.038). Xylitol at 6.44 g/day and 10.32 g/day reduces mutans streptococci in plaque at 5 wks, and in plaque and unstimulated sal...