cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct-write/cure conductive polymer nanocomposites for 3D structural electronics

The use of direct-write (DW) in the fabrication of conductive structures offers dramatic benefits over traditional technologies in terms of low-cost, print-on-demand conformal manufacturing. This DW process can be combined with direct-cure (DC) process as one-step manufacturing of conducting elements, whereas conventional methods need a manufacturing process of conducting elements followed by a relatively long time post-curing/baking process. A hybrid technology combined with direct-write/cure (DWC) and projection microstereolithography (PμSL) is presented in this work. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were dispersed in a photopolymer solution to introduce conductivity. The developed PμSL was used to create 3D structures, and DWC of conductive photopolymers with CNTs was utilized to produce conductive paths. To show the capabilities of the developed system and materials, a 3D structure with embedded conductive paths was designed and fabricated. Based on the experiments, it is thought that the suggested manufacturing process and materials are promising to produce 3D structural electronics.
Longitudinal assessment of blood pressures in black and white children.

The prevalence of hypertension is greater for blacks than whites. Whether black children have higher blood pressure than white children is less clear. We investigated this issue through a prospective longitudinal assessment of blood pressure in 345 white children and 164 black children. Each child had his or her blood pressure measured every 6 months for 2 to 5.5 years. The means for systolic and diastolic blood pressures for each individual were calculated, and the rate of change in blood pressure over time for each subject was estimated. The mean blood pressure and the mean rate were compared between gender-specific black and white groups. For both boys and girls, the mean systolic blood pressure was 2 mm Hg higher in black children than white children (P = .0008). Boys had a higher systolic blood pressure than girls (P = .0048). The mean diastolic blood pressure was 1.5 mm Hg higher in black children than in white children (P = .0270); no significant gender difference in diastolic blood pressure was observed. Age, weight, height, and body mass index were highly correlated with blood pressure. When accounting for these variables, for girls the racial difference in systolic blood pressure remained significant, whereas the difference in diastolic blood pressure in boys and girls was no longer significant. The rate of increase in blood pressure over time was significantly greater in blacks than whites: for systolic blood pressure, P = .0002, and for diastolic blood pressure, P = .009.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Moments of elliptically distributed random variates

Abstract This paper presents an inductive method for computing the moments of an elliptically distributed random variate. A sequence of new parameters relating higher-order to second moments is introduced. The known kurtosis parameter is shown to be a member of this sequence.
An investigation of the trade-offs between electronic protection and processing efficiency in a multistatic noise radar network

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has developed an experimental multistatic ultrawideband (UWB) random noise (RN) radar to produce highly accurate, highly resolved imagery. Recent experimental studies have shown sub-meter range resolution performance. A focus of current research is the reduction of signal processing and network latency in multistatic range calculations, while maintaining a high level of electronic protection (EP). Investigated here is the development and application of a software model to accelerate exploration of new concepts in support of this research. The software model, developed using Simulink®, was verified component-by-component and as a whole with both theoretical and measured performance of the UWB-RN radar hardware. The Simulink® model was then applied to qualitatively analyze the EP performance of known pseudorandom template play-back strategies as compared to traditional RN waveforms. Key to this concept is the fact these templates are captured from a thermal noise source and are therefore truly wide-sense stationary, uncorrelated waveforms. The analysis reveals that properly designed pseudorandom templates provide an equivalent level of EP and may provide up to a 75% increase in multistatic processing efficiency.
Structured Assurance Case Methodology for Assessing Software Trustworthiness

We describe ongoing NIST research into software assurance as an important requirement for evaluating software trustworthiness. We describe our efforts to apply a structured assurance case toward assuring selected software properties.
A temperature-dependent model of reemergence of Ips calligraphus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae).

Reemergence of Ips calligraphus (Germar) was studied at nine constant temperatures from 10 to 37.5°C. The relationship of adult residence time to temperature formed a backward "J"-shaped curve. Median residence times ranged from 6.25 days at 30°C to 163.5 days at 10°C. The distributions of residence times changed with temperature and were nearly uniform at the low temperatures, peaked and skewed to the right at the intermediate temperatures, and nearly symmetric at the high temperatures. Greater than 93% of all adults reemerged at temperatures from 12.5 to 35°C but only 56% reemerged at 37.5°C. Female residence time was about 26% longer than the male. A mathematical function of reemergence rates versus constant temperatures and a distribution function of normalized reemergence times predicted percentage reemergence of a population through time. In simulations, a multiple-cohort procedure was applied using frequency distributions of field attacks to identify the starting times of the model. Model predictions compared favorably with reemergence from three trees in each of four field plots.
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) Year Class Strength in Relation to River Flow in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Estuary, California

Abstract Striped bass, Morone saxatilis, abundance indices were developed from two analyses of sport-fishing party boat catch statistics for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Estuary. These analyses cover the periods 1938–1954 and 1958–1972. The abundance indices provided evidence that the size of the fishable population fluctuated by a factor of 3.7 during the latter period and that river flows in the first summer of life affected recruitment during both periods.
Verification Testing&#8212;A Pseudoexhaustive Test Technique

A new approach to test pattern generation which is particularly suitable for self-test is described. Required computation time is much less than for present day automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) programs. Fault simulation or fault modeling is not required. More patterns may be obtained than from standard ATPG programs. However, fault coverage is much higher—all irredundant multiple as well as single stuck faults are detected. The test patterns are easily generated algorithmically either by program or hardware.
Writing about emotions versus goals: effects on hostility and medical care utilization moderated by emotional approach coping processes.

Objectives. The study compared emotionally disclosive writing and writing about goals as the ‘best possible self’ to a control condition and evaluated coping through emotional processing (EP) and expression (EE) as moderators of effects at 1-month follow-up. Method. Undergraduates (N = 63) were randomly assigned to emotional disclosure (EMO), best possible self (BPS), or a control condition (CTL). Outcomes were hostility, medical visits, depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and blood pressure. Results. At 1 month, hostility decreased in high-EP participants in EMO relative to BPS and decreased in low-EP participants in BPS relative to EMO. Low-EP participants had fewer medical visits in BPS, whereas high-EP participants had more visits in BPS relative to other conditions. Conclusions. Benefits may accrue when the expressive task is matched to the individual's preferred coping strategy.
Baking High-Ratio White Layer Cakes with Microwave Energy

Microwave energy was evaluated as a means of baking high-ratio white-layer cakes by considering the effects of various processing conditions and amounts of ingredients. Minimal water in cakes baked with microwave energy did not result in surface collapse as with cakes baked by conventional means. As the amount of monocalcium phosphate monohydrate in the baking powder blend was increased, volume and specific volume decreased and crumb firmness and internal score increased. There was no evidence of any significant internal nor surface batter flow in the conventional cake, while in the microwave cake considerable batter flow was observed on the surface and internally in the upper central regions of the cake. Scanning electron micrograph showed differences in cell structure between both types of cake. The cells in the center of the cake baked with microwave energy were more irregular and had thicker cell walls than the conventional cake.
Shape-Selective Sensing of Lipids in Aqueous Solution by a Designed Fluorescent Molecular Tube

The design, synthesis, and recognition properties of two isomeric calixnaphthalene-type molecular tubes is described. The anti isomer showed strong fluorescence quenching upon titration with various simple lipid guests in water, in which the more hydrophobic guests associated with higher affinity. The syn isomer bound long straight-chain guests tightly with a similar fluorescence-quenching response. However, the syn isomer was more selective, giving an increase in fluorescence upon titration of guests which could not thread through the tube. Thus, the syn isomer is a selective fluorescent sensor for long straight-chain lipids.
Membrane ultrastructure of the giant synapse of the squidLoligo pealei

Abstract The ultrastructure of the ‘giant synapse’ of the stellate ganglion of the squid was studied with freeze-fracture and thin-sectioning techniques. A sheath of glial cells separates the pre- and post-synaptic axons. At intervals, round-topped processes of the postsynaptic axon pierce the sheath to contact the presynaptic axon. This area of synaptic contact is marked by a widened intercellular cleft containing electron-dense material and by a cluster of synaptic vesicles within the presynaptic cytoplasm. The number of synaptic vesicles in such clusters was greatly reduced by electrical stimulation of the synapse during fixation. Freeze-fracture reveals a roughly circular patch (0.3 μm diameter) of 10 nm particles on the cytoplasmic leaflet of the presynaptic membrane. A similar patch of particles lies on the external leaflet of the apposed postsynaptic membrane. The squid giant synapse thus consists of multiple small pre- and postsynaptic active zones where neurotransmitter is released from the presynaptic terminal and sensed by postsynaptic receptors. Comparison of the structure of these postsynaptic active zones with those at synapses where the transmitter or transmitter action is known suggests that the excitatory transmitter at this synapse is an amino acid. Presumptive gap junctions, marked by particles in the cytoplasmic leaflet, are found between small-diameter axons in the stellate ganglion but not at the giant synapse. Glial-cell membranes contain aggregates of particles and pits suggestive of gap junctions. The aggregates of pits are embedded within linear arrays of particles which somewhat resemble tight junctions.
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection after chemotherapy

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection after chemotherapy (PC-RPLND) plays a crucial role in managing patients with advanced germ cell tumours (GCTs). In the last few years improvements in radiographic staging, a better understanding of the role of serum tumour markers, and the introduction of cisplatin-based chemotherapy have all contributed to this surgical therapy. PC-RPLND is necessary when residual radiographic abnormalities are present after chemotherapy. The need for a PC-RPLND in the face of normal findings from computed tomography (CT) is controversial. CT criteria alone are not sufficiently reliable to distinguish viable tumour or teratoma from necrosis. No combination of variables can predict negative retroperitoneal pathology with sufficient accuracy after induction chemotherapy. Unresected teratoma or viable GCT are at least partly chemorefractory and, if untreated, will progress. So completeness of resection is an independent and consistent predictive variable of clinical outcome. In PC-RPLND surgical margins should not be compromised in an attempt to preserve ejaculation, although nerve-sparing dissections are possible in patients with marker normalization after chemotherapy and necrotic tissue in frozen-section histology. In these patients nerve-sparing techniques and the reduction of surgical field to the left- or right-sided template are applicable to preserve antegrade ejaculation and consecutive fertility. The size and location of residual masses coupled with the retroperitoneal desmoplastic reaction make PC-RPLND a technically demanding procedure that should be performed by experienced surgeons in dedicated referral centres.
Sex differences in self-reported and physiological response to oral cocaine and placebo in humans.

Self-report and physiological data from 27 male and 8 female cocaine-abusing volunteers exposed to cocaine (80 mg/70 kg po) and placebo were examined for sex differences in their responses. Females reported significantly greater baseline ratings on the Pentobarbital-Chlorpromazine-Alcohol Group (PCAG) (sedation) and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) (dysphoria) subscales of the Addiction Research Center Inventory–Short Form (ARCI) relative to males. In addition, females reported significantly greater ratings on the Visual Analogs Scales (VAS) Bad Drug Effects and Anxious/Nervous scales relative to males, regardless of drug. Cocaine produced greater increase in systolic blood pressure in males following cocaine, whereas females showed greater increases following placebo. These results suggest that a placebo control is necessary to determine sex differences in response to an active drug.
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) mRNA copy numbers in immunohistochemically ERα-positive-, and negative breast cancer tissues

Background The presence of ERα is the basis for treating breast cancer patients with targeted molecular therapies that block estrogen stimulation of breast cancer cell division. To select patients for the above therapies, currently, the ERα presence in breast cancer tissues is determined in clinical laboratories by microscopically scoring the slides subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC). This method is not quantitative, highly subjective and requires large amount of tumor tissue, therefore, cannot be applied to sterotactic and ultrasound guided biopsy samples. To circumvent these problems, we previously developed quantitative real-time PCR based molecular assay that can be applied to determine mRNA copies of ERα in picogram amounts of total RNA from tumor samples. However, it is not known how the mRNA copy numbers correlate to IHC positive and negative status.
Prevalence and structure of ultrasound curricula in emergency medicine residencies

Emergency medicine (EM) residency program directors were surveyed to determine the presence and structure of curricula for teaching ultrasound to EM residents. For those EM programs without an ultrasound curriculum (USC), information was requested on plans to implement one within the next 12 months. Ninety of 116 (78%) EM programs replied to the survey. One-half of EM residencies surveyed have USCs, and another 30% plan to implement one in the near future.
Identification of the sulfur inclusion body inBeggiatoa alba B18LD by energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis

Dense inclusion bodies were observed under the STEM mode of a scanning electron microscope to occupy peripheral locations in air-dried filaments ofBeggiatoa alba B18LD, and they were determined by energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis to consist almost entirely of sulfur. These inclusions conform in position and size (220–275 nm in diameter) to bodies seen in thin sections to be both membrane-bounded and enclosed within pockets penetrating the individual cell from the cytoplasmic membrane.
Urethral prolapse formation after urodynamic testing: a case report

Urodynamic testing is a widely used modality for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms with minimal morbidity to the patient. We report a case of strangulated urethral prolapse in a 74-year-old female that occurred right after urodynamic evaluation. The urethral prolapse was managed conservatively and the patient fully recovered without the need for surgical intervention.
The World as a Whole

Against the Husserlian schema of levels, Martin Heidegger’s Being and Time 1 sets out to conceive understanding, feeling, and action as elements of a structural whole, and sets out to conceive this structural whole in its relationship with the environment as a world, the world. There is a diplopia in Heidegger’s holistic accounts of the world. On the one hand, Being-in-the-world, where “in” has to be understood as “inhabit,” signified that indwelling is an encompassing of the whole world. In Being and Time this dwelling is characterized as care, and is effected in using and manipulating implements in the practicable field. The world is the distribution, the layout as such, teleological finality, order, ordinance, cosmos. It is the system or network of instrumental connections. The practicable field, a layout of relays, is later characterized as openness. This openness is suspended in the abysses of nothingness, death. In this account, our existence figures as ecstasis, projection, freedom. Yet the things, which open the paths and highways of the world, are also described as rafts and refuges which we originally cling to in fleeing the uncanny sense of nothingness that the sense of openness opens upon.
Adsorption of cyclopentene on the Si(001) surface: A first-principles study

We study the adsorption of cyclopentene on the Si(001) surface by first-principles density-functional calculations within the generalized-gradient approximation. At low coverages cyclopentene molecules favor adsorption on alternate Si dimers rather than on neighboring dimers along a dimer row, because of the repulsive hydrogen-hydrogen interaction between adsorbed molecules. Once such adsorption completely fills the surface, further adsorption occurs via a ``three-atom'' intermediate state with some energy barriers. Based on the energetics of various adsorption configurations we present a simple picture for the adsorption of cyclopentene on Si(001).
Comparative Study of Time-Resolved Photoluminescence Properties of Terbium-Doped Thiosalicylic-Capped CdS and ZnS Nanocrystals

We report on the time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) properties of terbium ion doped in CdS and ZnS nanocrystals (NCs). The NCs are capped with thiosalcylic acid (TSA) with size ranging from 3 to 5 nm and studied in aqueous solutions. We found that, although the sensitization of terbium PL in both CdS and ZnS nanocrystals takes place through the same route, namely via the TSA, the dynamics and intensity of terbium PL strongly depend on the nanocrystal type. The observed differences are explained through the different binding modes of the TSA capping molecule with the surface ions of CdS and ZnS nanocrystals. Our results corroborate recent studies on binding of thiol acids with cadmium and zinc chalcogenide nanocrystals.
Association of patterns of labial salivary gland inflammation with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Analysis of 618 patients with suspected Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To determine the association between patterns of inflammation in labial salivary glands (LSG) and the ocular component of Sjogren's syndrome (SS). METHODS We classified LSG biopsy specimens from 618 patients with suspected SS as showing focal lymphocytic sialadenitis (FLS), other chronic sialadenitis (CS), or other diagnoses. We then determined the association of the other component of primary SS, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), with FLS, CS, parotid flow rate, and xerostomia. RESULTS FLS, rather than CS, was associated with a diagnosis of KCS (chi 2 = 191, P < 0.0001). The severity of KCS correlated directly with the severity of FLS (r = 0.52, P < 0.0001), but not of CS, and correlated inversely with parotid flow rate in those patients who had FLS (r = -0.29), but not in those who had CS (r = -0.03). Xerostomia was marginally associated with KCS (chi 2 = 5, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION The stronger KCS association found in patients whose LSG biopsies show FLS makes FLS the best criterion presently available for diagnosing the salivary component of SS. CS is a common feature of labial salivary glands but is neither associated with SS nor an end stage of primary SS. Histopathologic examination of salivary tissue is currently essential for diagnosing primary SS as well as secondary SS in which KCS is lacking, especially cases to be included in studies of SS.
Two-dimensional motion of the retinal image during monocular fixation.

A new modification of the contact lens technique was employed to record simultaneously vertical and horizontal components of eye movements. These were trigonometrically transformed to yield information about retinal image motion parallel to eight retinal meridia. It was found that eye movements occur predominantly in a small range of directions, which differs from subject to subject. Correlational and other statistical analyses of drift and saccadic movements led to the following conclusions about the nature of visual fixation: (1) Saccades compensate for the displacement of the retinal image away from some optical locus, but their probability of occurrence may increase with time since the last saccade, rather than with displacement. (2) The error signal to which saccades respond is probably generated 0.10 sec prior to their occurrence. (3) Parallel to those meridia where saccade compensation is poor, compensation by drifts becomes appreciable.
A Means Not an End

Ryan and Ford (2010) asserted that the identity of I-O psychology is blurred with other allied disciplines (OB, HRM, IR, ODC, etc.). I agree. They are concerned with identifying what sets I-O psychology apart from these other disciplines and concluded that the science (italics in original) component of I-O psychology is the critical differentiating marker variable. I disagree. Ryan and Ford equate “I-O psychologists” with “I-O psychological knowledge”; therefore, only individuals trained as I-O psychologists can produce I-O psychological knowledge. The less-than-subtle implication that only I-O psychologists are scientists is not born out by the scientific literature. Our top scientific journals (i.e., those that have the P-word in the title) have had editors, associate editors, and members of the editorial review boards whose academic training is not in psychology. Articles published in these journals are also authored by nonpsychologists. The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) has given awards and granted fellowship status to nonpsychologists whose scholarly work has been deemed to be of special merit and significance. Quite clearly, I-O psychologists do not have a monopoly on I-O psychological research.
Specificity of androgen resistance in Mus caroli kidney.

Androgen controls the expression of β-glucuronidase and several other proteins in the kidney of the standard laboratory mouse,Mus musculus. Other species within the genusMus exhibit a variety of response patterns for kidney β-glucuronidase and other markers of androgen action. We have investigated the mechanism of androgen action inM. caroli, aMus species that does not produce β-glucuronidase in response to testosterone. The failure of testosterone to induce β-glucuronidase inM. caroli females cannot be overcome by treatment with dihydrotestosterone, with pharmacological doses of testosterone propionate or dihydrotestosterone propionate, or with a variety of potent androgen analogues. All of these compounds induce kidney β-glucuronidase inM. musculus females and kidney ornithine decarboxylase, submandibular gland renin, and submandibular gland epidermal growth factor in bothM. caroli andM. musculus females. Furthermore, kidney androgen receptor proteins fromM. caroli andM. musculus animals have the same sedimentation characteristics on sucrose density gradients. These data indicate that androgen resistance inM. caroli is not due to deficient 5α-reductase or aberrant hormone metabolism producing suboptimal levels of functional androgen and is not caused by a defective androgen receptor. They suggest that the resistance of β-glucuronidase inM. caroli kidney to induction by androgen occurs at the level of the β-glucuronidase gene.
Anion permeation in an apical membrane chloride channel of a secretory epithelial cell

Single channel currents though apical membrane Cl channels of the secretory epithelial cell line T84 were measured to determine the anionic selectivity and concentration dependence of permeation. The current-voltage relation was rectified with single channel conductance increasing at positive potentials. At 0 mV the single channel conductance was 41 +/- 2 pS. Permeability, determined from reversal potentials, was optimal for anions with diameters between 0.4 and 0.5 nm. Anions of larger diameter had low permeability, consistent with a minimum pore diameter of 0.55 nm. Permeability for anions of similar size was largest for those ions with a more symmetrical charge distribution. Both HCO3 and H2PO4 had lower permeability than the similar-sized symmetrical anions, NO3 and ClO4. The permeability sequence was SCN greater than I approximately NO3 approximately ClO4 greater than Br greater than Cl greater than PF6 greater than HCO3 approximately F much greater than H2PO4. Highly permeant anions had lower relative single channel conductance, consistent with longer times of residence in the channel for these ions. The conductance sequence for anion efflux was NO3 greater than SCN approximately ClO4 greater than Cl approximately I approximately Br greater than PF6 greater than F approximately HCO3 much greater than H2PO4. At high internal concentrations, anions with low permeability and conductance reduced Cl influx consistent with block of the pore. The dependence of current on Cl concentration indicated that Cl can also occupy the channel long enough to limit current flow. Interaction of Cl and SCN within the conduction pathway is supported by the presence of a minimum in the conductance vs. mole fraction relation. These results indicate that this 40-pS Cl channel behaves as a multi-ion pathway in which other permeant anions could alter Cl flow across the apical membrane.
Angiotensin II Decreases Nitric Oxide Synthase 3 Expression via Nitric Oxide and Superoxide in the Thick Ascending Limb

NO produced by NO synthase type 3 (NOS3) in medullary thick ascending limbs (mTHALs) inhibits Cl(-) reabsorption. Acutely, angiotensin II stimulates thick ascending limb NO production. In endothelial cells, NO inhibits NOS3 expression. Therefore, we hypothesized that angiotensin II decreases NOS3 expression via NO in mTHALs. After 24 hours, 10 and 100 nmol/L of angiotensin II decreased NOS3 expression by 23+/-9% (n=6; P<0.05) and 50+/-5% (n=7; P<0.001), respectively, in primary cultures of rat mTHALs. NO synthase inhibition by 4 mmol/L of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride prevented angiotensin II from decreasing NOS3 expression (Delta=-5+/-8%; n=5). In the presence of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, the addition of exogenous NO (1 micromol/L spermine NONOate) restored the angiotensin II-induced decreases in NOS3 expression (-22+/-6%; n=7; P<0.013). In addition, NO scavenging with 10 micromol/L of carboxy-PTIO abolished the effect of angiotensin II in NOS3 expression (Delta=-1+/-8% versus carboxy-PTIO alone; n=6). Angiotensin II increases superoxide, and superoxide scavenges NO. Thus, we tested whether scavenging superoxide enhances the angiotensin II-induced reduction in NOS3 expression. Surprisingly, treatment with 100 micromol/L of Tempol, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, blocked the angiotensin II-induced decrease in NOS3 expression (Delta=-3+/-7%; n=6). This effect was not because of increased hydrogen peroxide. We concluded that angiotensin II-induced decreases in NOS3 expression in mTHALs require both NO and superoxide. Decreased NOS3 expression by angiotensin II in mTHALs could contribute to increased salt retention observed in angiotensin II-induced hypertension.
Comparisons of some learning models for response bias in signal detection

The effects of variations in signal probability and varying degrees of correct feedback on response bias were studied in a yes-no auditory signal detection task. The main finding was that the bias towards saying yes was an increasing function of the frequency of signal feedback events, but did not depend on the correctness of the feedback. Several learning models coupled with a simple psychophysical and decision model yielded predictions about overall biases and certain sequential statistics. Only one model, which can be decribed as an “informational” model, gave a good account of both observed overall biases and sequential statistics. This model assumes the observer’s response bias is strengthened for the feedback-reinforced response when the observer’s sensory information is ambiguous or is contradicted by the feedback information.
Exploring characteristics and effects of user participation in online social Q&A sites

People are seeking more meaningful and customized information than what is obtained by keywords-based queries and document retrieval through a search engine. In this paper, we look at a set of such services, referred to as social Q&A sites. With sites such as Google Answers, and primarily Yahoo! Answers, we attempt to understand various characteristics of user participation and their possible effects on the design and success of the site. We discuss these social Q&A sites by comparing their designs based on user participation and point out the effects and defects of each. We show that active user participation is the core component of these sites. We further analyze rich data collected from more than 55,000 Yahoo! Answers user profiles to understand the nature of user participation, and the quality of this participation. With our analysis we discover that Yahoo! Answers model implicitly encourages users to make an active contribution. An important contribution of the work reported here is the framework with which various factors relating to user participation in social Q&A sites can be studied.
Functional response of the rabbit urinary bladder to anoxia and ischemia

The effects of in-vitro anoxia and in-vivo ischemia on bladder function were studied using the in-vitro whole-bladder model. In addition to assessing the ability of the bladder to empty, this system provides a quantitative measurement of contractile activity. Anoxia was produced by equilibrating the isolated bladder with nitrogen instead of oxygen and ischemia was produced by clamping the arteries supplying the bladder for a period of one hour. The results of these studies can be summarized as follows: (1) The contractile response of the bladder to bethanechol did not decrease until the oxygen tension fell below 20% of normal; below this value the response decreased rapidly. (2) The ability of the bladder to contract declined gradually, as did the intracellular concentration of adenosine triphosphate. (3) The ability of the bladder to empty was lost immediately upon changing to an anoxic medium, as was the ability of bethanechol to produce a sustained contraction. (4) The bladder was able to fully recover from 60 minutes of in-vitro anoxia, whereas 60 minutes of in-vivo ischemia resulted in a permanent reduction in the contractile response to bethanechol.
The role of angiotensin II in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now considered the most prevalent chronic liver disease, affecting over 30% of the US adult population. NAFLD is strongly linked to insulin resistance and is considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. Activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) is known to play a role in the hypertension observed in the metabolic syndrome and also is thought to play a central role in insulin resistance and NAFLD. Angiotensin II (AngII) is considered the primary effector of the physiological outcomes of RAAS signaling, both at the systemic and local tissue level. Herein, we review data describing the potential involvement of AngII-mediated signaling at multiple levels in the development and progression of NAFLD, including increased steatosis, inflammation, insulin resistance, and fibrosis. Additionally, we present recent work on the potential therapeutic benefits of RAAS and angiotensin II signaling inhibition in rodent models and patients with NAFLD.
The dialectical logic of Thucydides' Melian dialogue

If the realist tradition has underappreciated the formalizable quality of Thucydides' scientific investigations, neorealist teachers and writers have generally failed to see the normative and dramatical features of Thucydides' political science, each an expression of his dialectical epistemology and ontology. Nicholas Rescher's partial formalization of dialectics as a controversy-oriented approach to knowledge cumulation and Kenneth Burkes dramaturgical approach to textual understanding are both shown to fit Thucydides' argumentation in the Melian dialogue. Thus argumentation produces new knowledge about the inner determinants of Athenian imperialism; simultaneously it dramatically reveals the constituting practical rationale of Athenian actions to be unjust. Once Thucydides' determining essences of power politics are properly uncovered, their false “eternal, mathematical necessity” can be appropriately criticized. A case is thus suggested for a “neoclassical polimetrics” more fundamentally grounded in “political argumentation” about practical choices in particular contexts than in ahistorical laws, inductive statistics or deductive mathematics.
Pseudotyping Incompatibility between HIV-1 and Gibbon Ape Leukemia Virus Env Is Modulated by Vpu

The Env protein from gibbon ape leukemia virus (GaLV) has been shown to be incompatible with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in the production of infectious pseudotyped particles. This incompatibility has been mapped to the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail of GaLV Env. Surprisingly, we found that the HIV-1 accessory protein Vpu modulates this incompatibility. The infectivity of HIV-1 pseudotyped with murine leukemia virus (MLV) Env was not affected by Vpu. However, the infectivity of HIV-1 pseudotyped with an MLV Env with the cytoplasmic tail from GaLV Env (MLV/GaLV Env) was restricted 50- to 100-fold by Vpu. A Vpu mutant containing a scrambled membrane-spanning domain, VpuRD, was still able to restrict MLV/GaLV Env, but mutation of the serine residues at positions 52 and 56 completely alleviated the restriction. Loss of infectivity appeared to be caused by reduced MLV/GaLV Env incorporation into viral particles. The mechanism of this downmodulation appears to be distinct from Vpu-mediated CD4 downmodulation because Vpu-expressing cells that failed to produce infectious HIV-1 particles nonetheless continued to display robust surface MLV/GaLV Env expression. In addition, if MLV and HIV-1 were simultaneously introduced into the same cells, only the HIV-1 particle infectivity was restricted by Vpu. Collectively, these data suggest that Vpu modulates the cellular distribution of MLV/GaLV Env, preventing its recruitment to HIV-1 budding sites.
Comparative Assessment of Liver Tumor Motion Using Cine–Magnetic Resonance Imaging Versus 4-Dimensional Computed Tomography

Purpose To compare the extent of tumor motion between 4-dimensional CT (4DCT) and cine-MRI in patients with hepatic tumors treated with radiation therapy. Methods and Materials Patients with liver tumors who underwent 4DCT and 2-dimensional biplanar cine-MRI scans during simulation were retrospectively reviewed to determine the extent of target motion in the superior–inferior, anterior–posterior, and lateral directions. Cine-MRI was performed over 5 minutes. Tumor motion from MRI was determined by tracking the centroid of the gross tumor volume using deformable image registration. Motion estimates from 4DCT were performed by evaluation of the fiducial, residual contrast (or liver contour) positions in each CT phase. Results Sixteen patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (n=11), cholangiocarcinoma (n=3), and liver metastasis (n=2) were reviewed. Cine-MRI motion was larger than 4DCT for the superior–inferior direction in 50% of patients by a median of 3.0 mm (range, 1.5-7 mm), the anterior–posterior direction in 44% of patients by a median of 2.5 mm (range, 1-5.5 mm), and laterally in 63% of patients by a median of 1.1 mm (range, 0.2-4.5 mm). Conclusions Cine-MRI frequently detects larger differences in hepatic intrafraction tumor motion when compared with 4DCT most notably in the superior–inferior direction, and may be useful when assessing the need for or treating without respiratory management, particularly in patients with unreliable 4DCT imaging. Margins wider than the internal target volume as defined by 4DCT were required to encompass nearly all the motion detected by cine-MRI for some of the patients in this study.
Participation of oxygen in the local control of skeletal muscle microvasculature

The control of the local supply of oxygen to a skeletal muscle vascular bed was analyzed by: (1) determining if a relative oxygen lack causes vascular dilation, (2) ascertaining the vascular elements responsible for the dilation, and (3) attempting to elucidate the mechanism of the dilation. When the concentration of oxygen in the inspiratory air was reduced from that in room air to 18% without increasing the carbon dioxide concentration or inducing a fall in systemic arterial blood pressure, a dilation significant at the 5% level was observed in the terminal arterioles, the metarterioles, and the distribution arterioles of the cremaster muscle of the rat; all of these vessels were oriented transversely to the skeletal muscle fibers and had diameters of less than 40µ. The magnitude of the dilation, expressed as a percent of the control diameter, was inversely related to the vessel's average control diameter. No significant dilation was noted in the precapillary sphincters or the major arterioles with cont...
OPTIMUM PLASTIC DESIGN OF A PORTAL FRAME FOR ALTERNATIVE LOADS.

Abstract : Minimum-weight design of a portal frame for alternative combinations of horizontal and vertical loads is discussed. It is shown that the usual proof of the existence of a Foulkes mechanism as a necessary condition for minimum weight cannot be carried over to this problem. (Author)
Abstract MP88: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) and Risk of Stroke in Black and White Americans: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Cohort (REGARDS)

Introduction: The association of DHEAS with coronary risk has been extensively studied, but little information is available on stroke risk. DHEAS levels are lower with stroke risk factors such as atrial fibrillation, arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis, but only one paper evaluated stroke risk and showed an inverse association of DHEAS and stroke risk in female nurses. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that lower DHEAS level is associated with increased ischemic stroke risk. Methods: REGARDS enrolled 30,239 US participants aged 45 and older in 2003-07 (41% black, 59% white, 55% living in the southeastern stroke belt). Baseline serum DHEAS was measured in 1,578 participants; 963 in a cohort random sample and 544 with first-time ischemic stroke during 5.4 years of follow up. Cox proportional hazard models with weights to account for the case cohort design were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) of stroke by quartiles of DHEAS levels. Results: DHEAS was significantly lower with older age, white race, female sex, and history of heart disease. DHEAS in the first compared to the fourth quartile was associated with increased risk of stroke (HR 1.7, CI: 1.2-2.4), although this association was not present after adjusting for age (or other stroke risk factors: HR 1.0, CI: 0.7-1.6). These findings were similar in men and women. Stratifying on age, as shown in the table, in those 65 years (HR 0.8, CI: 0.5-1.4). Conclusion: There was no overall association of lower DHEAS and stroke risk in this bi-racial cohort of men and women from across the US, although a possible difference by age was observed. More research is needed to determine association of DHEAS with stroke risk. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Simulation of various randomization strategies for a clinical trial in sickle cell disease.

Objective: To use numerical simulation to evaluate various randomization strategies for a clinical trial in sickle cell disease (SCD).Methods: The Inhaled Mometasone to Promote Reduction in Vaso-occlusive Events trial* is a randomized, controlled, feasibility study of inhaled mometasone for individuals with SCD who do not have asthma. The target sample size is 45 patients and one goal is to limit imbalance with respect to two important covariates (1) hydroxyurea use and (2) historical emergency department (ED) utilization. We compared three methods of patient allocation (simple randomization, block randomization, and biased-coin adaptive randomization) using numerical simulation (10 000 trials). The primary outcome measure was the proportion of simulated trials with numerically apparent differences in the two covariates: hydroxyurea use (binary) and ED utilization (three-level ordinal).Results: Overall, only 1.6% of simulated trials had any covariate comparison with P < 0.3 across groups for simple random...
Simplified Estimation Algorithms for Aircraft Structural Damage Effects Using an Artificial Immune System

The development of simplified models for the estimation of flight envelope reduction under damages to aircraft structural components, within the artificial immune system paradigm, is presented in this paper. The proposed methodology is part of a comprehensive and integrated framework for aircraft abnormal condition detection, identification, evaluation, and accommodation aimed at ensuring aircraft high survivability rates and operation safety. An artificial immune system built through simulation for a fighter aircraft is used in conjunction with a hierarchical multi-self strategy for estimating ranges of flight envelope relevant variables under structural damages affecting the wing, the horizontal tail, and the vertical tail. Flight envelope ranges are predicted when the lift-generating capabilities of the main aerodynamic surfaces are reduced, based on algorithms that are tailored to the nature and characteristics of the failure and 2-dimensional self projections. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated using ad-hoc metrics and demonstrated successfully through simulation tests in a motion-based flight simulator.
Distribution of Phony Peach Vectors in South Carolina

The objective of this research was to determine the distribution of leafhopper vectors of phony peach disease in South Carolina. Eleven collection sites were chosen from. Coastal Plain and Piedmont areas to account perhaps for the pattern of disease range. Leafhoppers were trapped in 1965-66 by using Tangle-foot®-covered traps hung in peach trees, and sweeping of Vegetation under the trees. The major vector, Homalodisca coagulata , (Say), was found to be distributed mainly in the Coastal Plain area, peach trees. Oncometopia orbona (F.) and Graphocephala versuta (Say) were collected from all sites. Cuerna costalis (F.) was taken from several spots, but nowhere was it abundant. The distribution of H. insolita (Walker) was nearly the same as that of H. coagulata even though it was collected in fewer numbers. Although G. versuta, C. costalis , and H. insolita , are classified mainly as grass feeders, their having beencollected from several traps indicates their association with peach trees.
Gas-phase Raman spectra of s-trans- and s-gauche-1,3-butadiene and their deuterated isotopologues.

The gas-phase Raman spectra of 1,3-butadiene and its 2,3-d2,1,1,4,4-d4 and d6 isotopologues have been recorded using intense (6 W) green laser excitation and sensitive CCD detection. Hundreds of bands have been observed and assigned for each isotopologue. These spectra provide the best data to date for the s-trans conformer and also provide the first direct observation of the gas-phase Raman bands of the s-gauche conformer. Spectra recorded at elevated temperatures up to 250 °C for the d0 and d6 species help confirm the assignment of bands for the gauche rotamer. DFT computations were utilized to complement the studies. For the most part, the observed gas-phase gauche bands are in good agreement with previous matrix isolation studies. A best set of frequencies are reported for the fundamentals of the gauche rotamer of the d0 and d6 species.
Abstract 1098: Cys141 glutathionylation of human p53: Studies using specific polyclonal antibodies in cancer samples and cell lines

Purpose: We previously described that human p53 is functionally inactivated by S-glutathionylation at Cys 141 during oxidative and genotoxic stresses (Biochemistry 46, 7765-7780, 2007). To study the dynamics of this posttranslational modification in human cancers and normal tissues, polyclonal antibodies specifically recognizing the thiolated p53 were generated and characterized. Experimental Design: An 18 residue p53 peptide harboring a mixed disulfide with GSH at Cys141 was synthesized, and antibodies were raised in 5 rabbits. After initial assessment of the sera for the presence of specific (p53-glut) antibodies, it was affinity purified. The antibodies were tested in ELISA, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry applications using human cancer cell lines and tumor tissue microarrays. Results: The p53-glut antibodies recognized the antigenic peptide but not the unmodified counterpart, with high sensitivity in ELISA. In immunoblot analyses, the purified antibodies did not react with unmodified p53 or recombinant p53 (rp53), but readily detected the glutathionylated or cysteinylated or small molecule ethanediol-modified rp53 only under non-reducing conditions. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry in HCT116 cells showed low basal levels of thiolated p53 in untreated cells which increased markedly after acute oxidative stress induced by H2O2, diamide and DNA damage by cisplatin or doxorubicin. The glut-p53 decreased sharply after passage of cells to oxidant-free media. The mutant p53 present in HT29 cells was also recognized. In human prostatatic tissues, the apparently normal prostate adjacent to the tumor and most prostate cancers showed abundant presence of glut-p53 in luminal epithelium, a site well known to generate reactive oxygen species, hydrogen peroxide, and lack antioxidant enzymes such as GST-pi. The melanoma and colon cancer were also positive while gastric cancers were negative. Further, the glut-p53 was degraded faster than unmodified p53 in the presence of rabbit reticulocyte lysates. Conclusions: Our findings provide first evidence for the presence of glut-p53 in human cells and cancer specimens. Glut-p53 found in prostate tissues may reflect the chronic oxidative stress and an alternative route to functional inactivation of p53. This is a first description of thiolation-specific antibodies for any protein. The glut-p53 antibodies should provide a valuable tool to study p53 inactivation in sustained redox imbalance states found in cancer and degenerative diseases, as well as the therapy-induced negative regulation of p53. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1098.