cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) in neoplasms of dogs and cats.

Background: Receptor activator of nuclear factor K-B (RANK), RANK-ligand (RANKL), and the soluble decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) form a key axis modulating osteoclastogenesis. In health, RANKL-expressing bone stromal cells and osteoblasts activate osteoclasts through RANK ligation, resulting in homeostatic bone resorption. Skeletal tumors of dogs and cats, whether primary or metastatic, may express RANKL and directly induce malignant osteolysis. Hypothesis: Bone malignancies of dogs and cats may express RANKL, thereby contributing to pathologic bone resorption and pain. Furthermore, relative RANKL expression in bone tumors may correlate with radiographic characteristics of bone pathology. Animals: Forty-two dogs and 6 cats with spontaneously-occurring tumors involving bones or soft tissues were evaluated. Methods: A polyclonal anti-human RANKL antibody was validated for use in canine and feline cells by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. Fifty cytologic specimens were collected from bone and soft tissue tumors of 48 tumor-bearing animals and assessed for RANKL expression. In 15 canine osteosarcoma (OSA) samples, relative RANKL expression was correlated with radiographic characteristics of bone pathology. Results: Expression of RANKL by neoplastic cells was identified in 32/44 canine and 5/6 feline tumor samples. In 15 dogs with OSA, relative RANKL expression did not correlate with either radiographic osteolysis or bone mineral density as assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: In dogs and cats, tumors classically involving bone and causing pain, often may express RANKL. Confirming RANKL expression in tumors is a necessary step toward the rational institution of novel therapies targeting malignant osteolysis via RANKL antagonism.
Genetic differences in follicular DNA synthesis between two strains of hamsters

This study was designed to compare our previous results on ovarian follicular DNA synthesis by hamsters obtained from Sasco Laboratories with a different breeding colony: Harlan. Follicles from proestrous Harlan hamsters required twice as much [3H] thymidine and a minimum of 4 hr of in vitro exposure to 100 ng of ovine follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) before a significant increase in DNA synthesis was elicited compared with 30-120 min for the Sasco breed. Peak responsiveness to FSH was observed at 8-hr incubation for the Harlan strain with significant increases in DNA per follicle at 8-12 hr. Both strains increased DNA synthesis with as little as 25 ng of ovine FSH and the response was elicited in all growing follicles, from preantral stages with one to four layers of granulosa cells, lacking theca (Stages 1-4) to mature antral follicles (Stages 8-10). A recombinant bovine FSH, devoid of luteinizing hormone activity, was not as effective as ovine FSH (which has 4% luteinizing hormone contamination) in stimulating DNA synthesis by large preantral and antral follicles. In vitro responsiveness to ovine FSH was abolished in the absence of Ca2+ in the culture medium and 0.05 mM Ca2+ was the optimal amount. For both strains of hamsters, the highest rate of DNA synthesis in response to endogenous gonadotropins was on the morning of estrus--when the second surge of FSH was in progress--and Harlan follicles in vitro also showed maximal stimulation by FSH on this day. Where the two strains differed was that the Harlan strain did not show an increase in follicular DNA synthesis on the afternoon of proestrus--when the preovulatory increase in gonadotropins commenced. When expressed as DNA per follicle, DNA approximately doubled from Stages 1 to 5 and then entered a new growth phase at Stage 6 (large preantral follicles) with a steeper increase. Collectively, these experiments show that strain characteristics can alter the latency and degree of follicular DNA replication in response to endogenous or exogenous FSH.
Dynamic Bargaining and the Prospects for Learning in the Petroleum Industry: The Case of Kazakhstan

This article examines the bargaining interface between petroleum-rich developing countries and large multinational corporations, with an application to the case of Kazakhstan, formerly a Soviet Republic. In the analytic narrative tradition, this article combines a case study with an extensive form game, applying Theodore Moran's dynamic bargaining theory, which posits that, over time and through repeated interaction, developing countries do better for themselves, incrementally improving their outcomes through bargaining and strategic interaction, thereby advancing along a learning curve. The application of this theory is systematized through the utilization of game theory; an extensive game modeled on strategic, iterated bargaining behavior between the two actors is introduced. This dynamic game allows for the recalculation of strategies based on the players' revealed moves, allowing for the concept of learning while doing. The game is then applied to Kazakhstan's particular situation. The application of Moran's theory through the use of a generalizable game provides a method for resource-rich developing countries—particularly those in the nascent stages of developing these industries—to systematize the negotiation process and accelerate their ascent on a bargaining learning curve.
Macro 64-regions for uniform grids on GPU

Uniform grids are a spatial subdivision acceleration structure well suited for ray tracing. They are known for their fast build times and ease of use, but suffer from slow traversals in the presence of empty space. To address this issue, we present macro 64-regions, a new GPU based approach for finding and storing empty volumes in an underlying uniform grid. This allows for fast traversals through regions that do not contain scene geometry. Further, unlike previous solutions to this problem, we do not store a hierarchical structure and therefore the traversal steps are simplified. Because macro 64-regions are dependent on an underlying grid, we also introduce an improvement in the grid construction process. Our method does not rely on sorting as previous methods do, but instead uses atomic operators to manage bookkeeping during the build. Using our proposed methods, we show a substantial improvement in build time, trace time, as well as an improvement in the consistency of rendering times for randomly generated views.
Effect of patient support pads on image quality and dose in fluoroscopy

An investigation was performed of the changes in image quality and patient dose as a result of increasing filtration for fluoroscopy performed under automatic brightness control. Filtration was added either at the x-ray tube housing (i.e., scatter-free geometry) or adjacent to a tissue equivalent phantom simulating the patient (i.e., with-scatter geometry). Patient doses were expressed in terms of the total energy imparted to patients simulated by either a 10 cm (i.e., pediatric) or 20 cm (i.e., adult) acrylic phantoms. Changes in image quality were determined by measuring the relative visibility of circular disks in a Leeds Test Object 10 contrast-detail phantom. In the scatter-free geometry, the addition of 4 mm Al filtration reduced the energy imparted by 27% (10 cm phantom) and 20% (20 cm phantom). In the with-scatter geometry, the corresponding reductions in energy imparted were 17% and 9% for the 10 and 20 cm phantoms, respectively. The visibility of low contrast disks generally decreased as the thickness of the added aluminum increased but the location of the added Al (i.e., with-scatter or scatter-free geometry) had no significant effect on the resultant image quality. These results demonstrate that the use of patient support pads with a thickness of ∼4 mm Al will generally have an adverse impact on fluoroscopic image quality and result in modest reductions (∼10%) of adult patient doses.
Psychiatric Assessment of Young Children

In this article, the author reviews the characteristics of developmentally appropriate criteria for the identification of early childhood mental health symptoms and disorders and the key components of a comprehensive, empirically based, psychiatric assessment of young children and their families. In the first section, the author discusses the infant/early childhood mental health field's perspectives on mental health and mental health problems in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The author then provides an overview of the objections to diagnosis of psychiatric disorders in young children and different approaches to the definition of early childhood psychopathology, including descriptive, dimensional, and categorical approaches. In the second section, the author describes the six essential components of a comprehensive mental health assessment of young children: (1) multiple sessions (2) multiple informants (3) a multidisciplinary approach (4) a multicultural perspective (5) multiple modes of assessment, and (6) a multiaxial diagnostic formulation and treatment plan. The author ends with a discussion of the challenges of diagnosing and assessing mental health symptoms and disorders in children younger than 2 years.
On the Role of Antarctic Katabatic Winds in Forcing Large-Scale Tropospheric Motions

Abstract Katabatic winds are a dominant feature of the lower atmosphere over Antarctica. The radial diffluence displayed by the drainage flows implies that a continental-scale subsidence is present over Antarctica. From mass continuity considerations, a thermally direct meridional circulation must become established. The upper-level convergence above the Antarctic continent acting to feed the katabatic circulation generates cyclonic vorticity in the middle and upper troposphere. Model simulations show that a robust circumpolar circulation becomes established within a time scale of about a week. The adverse horizontal pressure gradients in the upper atmosphere result in a gradual decay of the low-level katabatic circulation. The katabatic wind regime appears to be an important forcing mechanism for the circumpolar vortex about the periphery of the Antarctic continent.
Causes of Breathing Inefficiency During Exercise in Heart Failure

Abstract Background Patients with heart failure (HF) develop abnormal pulmonary gas exchange; specifically, they have abnormal ventilation relative to metabolic demand (ventilatory efficiency/minute ventilation in relation to carbon dioxide production [V E /VCO 2 ]) during exercise. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the factors that underlie the abnormal breathing efficiency in this population. Methods and Results Fourteen controls and 33 moderate-severe HF patients, ages 52 ± 12 and 54 ± 8 years, respectively, performed submaximal exercise (∼65% of maximum) on a cycle ergometer. Gas exchange and blood gas measurements were made at rest and during exercise. Submaximal exercise data were used to quantify the influence of hyperventilation (PaCO 2 ) and dead space ventilation (V D ) on V E /VCO 2 . The V E /VCO 2 relationship was lower in controls (30 ± 4) than HF (45 ± 9, P 2 ) and higher V D /V T that contributed 40% and 47%, respectively, to the increased V E /VCO 2 ( P D /V T in the HF patients was the result of a tachypneic breathing pattern (lower V T , 1086 ± 366 versus 2003 ± 504 mL, P D (11.5 ± 4.0 versus 11.9 ± 5.7 L/min, P = .095). Conclusions The abnormal ventilation in relation to metabolic demand in HF patients during exercise was due primarily to alterations in breathing pattern (reduced V T ) and excessive hyperventilation.
Conversion of anisole in the presence of methanol over AlPO4−Al2O3 catalysts modified with fluoride and sulfate anions

The gas-phase microcatalytic conversion of anisole in the presence of methanol (methanol/anisole molar ratio=4) was studied at temperatures ranging from 523 to 673 K over anion treated (1–3 wt.% F or SO 4 2− ) AlPO4−Al2O3 (25 wt.% Al2O3) catalysts. Anisole conversion gave a mixture of dealkylated and C-alkylated products (C-alkylation preferentially in ortho-position) where dealkylation always predominates. The influences of the reaction temperature and both anion type and anion loading upon the conversion of anisole and the selectivities of the products were investigated. The higher increase in surface acidity by fluoride loading increases both the C-alkylation selectivity (mainly to 2-methylanisole) and dealkylation to phenol; so that a lower anisole conversion (smaller pseudokinetic constant) and higher methylanisoles selectivity is found for APAI-P-F catalysts related to unmodified one.
Deliberative Planning through Citizen Advisory Boards Five Case Studies from Military and Civilian Environmental Cleanups

Federal agencies are responsible for the cleanup of thousands of toxic sites in the United States and increasingly rely on Community Advisory Boards (CABs) to provide public participation in cleanu...
The kinetics of iodide oxidation by the manganese oxide mineral birnessite

Abstract The kinetics of iodide (I−) and molecular iodine (I2) oxidation by the manganese oxide mineral birnessite (δ-MnO2) was investigated over the pH range 4.5–6.25. I− oxidation to iodate ( IO 3 - ) proceeded as a two-step reaction through an I2 intermediate. The rate of the reaction varied with both pH and birnessite concentration, with faster oxidation occurring at lower pH and higher birnessite concentration. The disappearance of I− from solution was first order with respect to I− concentration, pH, and birnessite concentration, such that −d[I−]/dt = k[I−][H+][MnO2], where k, the third order rate constant, is equal to 1.08 ± 0.06 × 107 M−2 h−1. The data are consistent with the formation of an inner sphere I− surface complex as the first step of the reaction, and the adsorption of I− exhibited significant pH dependence. Both I2, and to a lesser extent, IO 3 - sorbed to birnessite. The results indicate that iodine transport in mildly acidic groundwater systems may not be conservative. Because of the higher adsorption of the oxidized I species I2 and IO 3 - , as well as the biophilic nature of I2, redox transformations of iodine must be taken into account when predicting I transport in aquifers and watersheds.
The Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-33) : A Problematic Wedding:

The passage in Ephesians that compares the union of husband and wife to that of Christ and the church is a favorite ecclesial image, yet it has always been problematic. It is not clear what is the ...
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension: A Summary of Study Results

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension multicenter trial examined the impact of dietary patterns on blood pressure in 459 adults with blood pressure < 160 mm Hg systolic and 80 to 95 mm Hg diastolic. After a 3-week run-in period on a control diet low in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, and with a fat content typical for Americans, participants were randomized for 8 weeks to either the control diet, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, or a combination diet that emphasized fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Body weight and sodium intake were held constant, and physical activity did not change during the intervention. Baseline mean +/- standard deviation systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 131.3 +/- 10.8 mm Hg and 84.7 +/- 4.7 mm Hg, respectively. Relative to the control diet, the combination diet reduced blood pressure by 5.5 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 3.0 mm Hg (P < .001). For those on the fruits and vegetables diet, blood pressure reductions relative to control were 2.8 mm Hg systolic (P < .001) and 1.1 mm Hg diastolic (P < .07). In 133 participants with hypertension, the combination diet produced a net blood pressure reduction of 11.4 and 5.5 mm Hg systolic and diastolic, respectively (P < .001). In participants without hypertension (n = 326), the corresponding blood pressure reductions were 3.5 mm Hg systolic (P < .001) and 2.1 mm Hg diastolic (P < .003). In other subgroup analyses, minorities showed relatively larger reductions in blood pressure than nonminorities (P < .001). We conclude that the dietary pattern reflected in the combination diet can substantially reduce blood pressure, and, accordingly, provides an additional lifestyle approach to preventing and treating hypertension.
Bulk and Surface Characterization of the Silicon Electrode

Abstract The properties of silicon as an electrode are investigated. Techniques for reproducible measurement of the doping level are described, techniques designed to avoid surface films associated with fluoride ions. A peak in the capacity/voltage curve that appears near the flatband voltage for both n- and p-type silicon is characterized in detail and shown to be associated with interface states between a surface oxide layer and the silicon. The possible chemical origin of the interface states when the electrode is in solution is discussed.
The Nexus Approach to Integrating Multithreading and Communication

Lightweight threads have an important role to play in parallel systems: they can be used to exploit shared-memory parallelism, to mask communication and I/O latencies, to implement remote memory access, and to support task-parallel and irregular applications. In this paper, we address the question of how to integrate threads and communication in high-performance distributed-memory systems. We propose an approach based on global pointer and remote service request mechanisms, and explain how these mechanisms support dynamic communication structures, asynchronous messaging, dynamic thread creation and destruction, and a global memory model via interprocessor references. We also explain how these mechanisms can be implemented in various environments. Our global pointer and remote service request mechanisms have been incorporated in a runtime system called Nexus that is used as a compiler target for parallel languages and as a substrate for higher-level communication libraries. We report the results of performance studies conducted using a Nexus implementation; these results indicate that Nexus mechanisms can be implemented efficiently on commodity hardware and software systems.
A Polynomial Time Algorithm for Rayleigh Ratio on Discrete Variables: Replacing Spectral Techniques for Expander Ratio, Normalized Cut, and Cheeger Constant

A general form of minimizing the Rayleigh ratio on discrete variables is shown here, for the first time, to be polynomial time solvable. This is significant because major problems in clustering, partitioning, and imaging can be presented as the Rayleigh ratio minimization on discrete variables and an orthogonality constraint. These challenging problems are modeled as the normalized cut problem, the graph expander ratio problem, the Cheeger constant problem, or the conductance problem, all of which are NP-hard. These problems have traditionally been solved, heuristically, using the “spectral technique.” A unified framework is provided here whereby all these problems are formulated as a constrained minimization form of a quadratic ratio, referred to here as the Rayleigh ratio. The quadratic ratio is to be minimized on discrete variables and a single sum constraint that we call the balance or orthogonality constraint. When the discreteness constraints on the variables are disregarded, the resulting continuous relaxation is solved by the spectral method. It is shown here that the Rayleigh ratio minimization subject to the discreteness constraints requiring each variable to assume one of two values in {-b,1} is solvable in strongly polynomial time, equivalent to a single minimum s,t cut algorithm on a graph of same size as the input graph, for any nonnegative value of b. This discrete form for the Rayleigh ratio problem was often assumed to be NP-hard. Not only is it shown here that the discrete Rayleigh ratio problem is polynomial time solvable, but also the algorithm is more efficient than the spectral algorithm. Furthermore, an experimental study demonstrates that the new algorithm provides in practice an improvement, often dramatic, on the quality of the results of the spectral method, both in terms of approximating the true optimum of the Rayleigh ratio problem on both the discrete variables and the balance constraint, and in terms of the subjective partition quality. A further contribution here is the introduction of a problem, the quantity-normalized cut, generalizing all the Rayleigh ratio problems. The discrete version of that problem is also solved with the efficient algorithm presented. This problem is shown, in a companion paper, to enable the modeling of features essential to clustering that are valuable in practical applications.
Modelling furnace operations using simulation and heuristics

The article addresses the heat treatment operation in a manufacturing plant. The heat treatment operation is characterized by process times ranging from 7 hours to 112 hours. The immediate prior operation to heat treatment is turning. Currently, the batches loaded in heat treatment, often do not use furnace capacity adequately. The paper describes the use of heuristics and simulation to model batch loading and scheduling in the furnace operation. The batch loading operation is complex and involves issues relating to geometry, and heterogeneity in the parts and their processing requirements. Currently, the batch loading is accomplished by operator ingenuity; however, parts available from turning for loading onto the furnaces, limit the operator. The limitation on parts available for batch loading is due primarily to the use of a conventional "push" system used for scheduling. The model being proposed here has two facets to address the batch loading and scheduling problems. A heuristic based approach is proposed for the batch loading task. This heuristic forms batches for heat treatment based on anticipated production from turning; in addition, the heuristic provides feedback to turning for adjustments to its production plan. Results from a solution to the batch loading problem are integrated into a discrete event simulation model for the heat treatment and turning operations.
Harmonizability,V-boundedness, (2,p)-boundedness of stochastic processes

Some new classes of discrete time non-stationary processes, related to the harmonizable andV-bounded classes, are introduced. A few characterizations are obtained which, in turn, unify theV-bounded theory. Our main results depend on a special form of Grothendieck's inequality.
Semigroup representation of the Vlasov evolution

The well-known van Kampen–Case treatment of the Vlasov equation leads to a spectrum on the real axis. In this paper we show that, by going to a ‘rigged’ Hilbert space, we can derive a spectral representation that is complex and breaks time symmetry. This leads to a semigroup description in which the decay rates due to the Landau damping appear explicitly in the spectrum. Moreover, we can then define an entropy. In this way, the relation between Landau damping and irreversibility is made explicit. The analogy with the well-known Friedrichs model is stressed.
Solubilization and delivery by GroEL of megadalton complexes of the λ holin

GroEL can solubilize membrane proteins by binding them in its hydrophobic cavity when detergent is removed by dialysis. The best-studied example is bacteriorhodopsin, which can bind in the GroEL chaperonin at two molecules per tetradecamer. Applying this approach to the holin and antiholin proteins of phage λ, we find that both proteins are solubilized by GroEL, in an ATP-sensitive mode, but to vastly different extents. The antiholin product, S107, saturates the chaperonin at six molecules per tetradecameric complex, whereas the holin, S105, which is missing the two N-terminal residues of S107, forms a hyper-solubilization complex with up to 350 holin molecules per GroEL, or approximately 4 MDa of protein per 0.8 MDa tetradecamer. Gel filtration chromatography and immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed the existence of complexes of the predicted masses for both S105 and S107 solubilization. For S105, negatively stained electron microscopic images show structures consistent with protein shells of the holin assembled around the chaperonin tetradecamer. Importantly, S105 can be delivered rapidly and efficiently to artificial liposomes from these complexes. In these delivery experiments, the holin exhibits efficient membrane-permeabilizing activity. The S107 antiholin can block formation of the hypersolubilization complexes, suggesting that their formation is related to an oligomerization step intrinsic to holin function.
Incorporation of allograft for acetabular reconstruction: Single photon emission CT in 21 hip arthroplasties followed for 2.5-5 years

We studied 21 hips in 20 patients who had acetabular reconstruction with a femoral head allograft in primary (n 2) and secondary (n 19) total hip arthroplasty. The fate of the graft was evaluated by serial bone SPECTs (single photon emission computed tomography). With a mean follow-up period of 37 (30-60) months, 14 of the 21 hips showed evidence of incorporation at earliest 13 (6-18) months after operation. There was no correlation between the fate of allograft and the compatibility of A, B, 0 blood typing between host and donor, the use of bone cement in the fixation of acetabular component, or loosening of the acetabular component.
Progress toward eliminating disparities in vaccination coverage among U.S. children, 2000-2008.

Background The goal year for the Healthy People 2010 initiative is approaching. Purpose This article aims to assess progress toward reaching the overarching goal of eliminating disparities in vaccination coverage among young children in the U.S. Methods Coverage for the 4:3:1:3:3:1 vaccine series (at least four doses of diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis, three poliovirus, one measles–mumps–rubella, three hepatitis B, three Haemophilus influenzae type B, and one varicella vaccine) was assessed among 185,516 children in the 2000–2008 National Immunization Surveys. Observed and adjusted disparities in coverage were evaluated for various sociodemographic groups previously associated with vaccination coverage. Linear trends in disparities were assessed. Results In 2000, disparities among population segments were significant ( p Conclusions Progress has been made toward eliminating vaccination coverage disparities among children in various sociodemographic groups in the U.S. As the end of the Healthy People 2010 goal period approaches, maintaining and advancing these reductions will require innovative strategies to reach underserved groups.
A regression based transmission/disequilibrium test for binary traits: the power of joint tests for linkage and association

In this analysis we applied a regression based transmission disequilibrium test to the binary trait presence or absence of Kofendred Personality Disorder in the Genetic Analysis Workshop 14 (GAW14) simulated dataset and determined the power and type I error rate of the method at varying map densities and sample sizes. To conduct this transmission disequilibrium test, the logit transformation was applied to a binary outcome and regressed on an indicator variable for the transmitted allele from informative matings. All 100 replicates from chromosomes 1, 3, 5, and 9 for the Aipotu and the combined Aipotu, Karangar, and Danacaa populations were used at densities of 3, 1, and 0.3 cM. Power and type I error were determined by the number of replicates significant at the 0.05 level. The maximum power to detect linkage and association with the Aipotu population was 93% for chromosome 3 using a 0.3-cM map. For chromosomes 1, 5, and 9 the power was less than 10% at the 3-cM scan and less than 22% for the 0.3-cM map. With the larger sample size, power increased to 38% for chromosome 1, 100% for chromosome 3, 31% for chromosome 5, and 23% for chromosome 9. Type I error was approximately 7%. The power of this method is highly dependent on the amount of information in a region. This study suggests that single-point methods are not particularly effective in narrowing a fine-mapping region, particularly when using single-nucleotide polymorphism data and when linkage disequilibrium in the region is variable.
Mitochondrial ATP Synthase CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF THE CATALYTIC F1 UNIT IN A VANADATE-INDUCED TRANSITION-LIKE STATE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR MECHANISM

Abstract ATP synthesis from ADP, Pi, and Mg2+ takes place in mitochondria on the catalytic F1 unit (α3β3γδϵ) of the ATP synthase complex (F0F1), a remarkable nanomachine that interconverts electrochemical and mechanical energy, producing the high energy terminal bond of ATP. In currently available structural models of F1, the P-loop (amino acid residues 156GGAGVGKT163) contributes to substrate binding at the β subunit catalytic sites. Here, we report the first transition state-like structure of F1 (ADP·Vi·Mg·F1) from rat liver that was crystallized with the phosphate (Pi) analog vanadate (VO3-4 or Vi). Compared with earlier “ground state” structures, this new F1 structure reveals that the active site region has undergone significant remodeling. P-loop residue alanine 158 is located much closer to Vi than it is to Pi in a previous structural model. No significant movements of P-loop residues of the α subunit were observed at its analogous but noncatalytic sites. Under physiological conditions, such active site remodeling involving the small hydrophobic alanine residue may promote ATP synthesis by lowering the local dielectric constant, thus facilitating the dehydration of ADP and Pi. This new crystallographic study provides strong support for the catalytic mechanism of ATP synthesis deduced from earlier biochemical studies of liver F1 conducted in the presence of Vi (Ko, Y. H., Bianchet, M., Amzel, L. M., and Pedersen, P. L. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 18875-18881; Ko, Y. H., Hong, S., and Pedersen, P. L. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 28853-28856).
Real-time adaptive motion correction in functional MRI

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain is often degraded by bulk head motion. Algorithms that address this by retrospective re-registration of images in an fMRI time series are all fundamentally limited by any motion that occurs through-plane. Here, a technique is described that can account for such motion by prospective correction in real time. A navigator echo is used before every image acquisition to detect superior/inferior displacements of the head. The displacement information is then used to adjust the plane of excitation of the ensuing single-shot echo-planar fMRI axial image. These correction updates can be completed in 100 mm with motion sensitivity at least as small as 0.5 mm. The efficacy of this method is documented in phantom and human studies.
Using questions to facilitate motor skill acquisition

For the process of question-guided problem-solving to work successfully, several conditions must exist: 1) presence of valid and reliable criteria for evaluating product (DO) and performance (DP), 2) development of learning resources such as life-sized examples, 3) training sessions in the application of criteria and use of the process for both faculty and students, and 4) faculty commitment to the process. The process helps to establish conditions in which learning occurs. Underlying its structure is the requirement for incorporation of discrimination tasks. Question-guided problem-solving structures the learner9s approach to the task in a way that facilitates the refinement of independent learning strategies over time. Further, it promotes effective use of time in laboratory or clinic. Through repeated interactions, the faculty may better monitor student progress, diagnose student learning problems, suggest remedial strategies, and evaluate their outcomes. By providing instruction that includes opportunities to practice the subskills of problem-solving in an interactive cooperative environment, students systematically monitor learning by asking good questions and, through questioning, are empowered to solve problems.
Ion Permeation through a Voltage- Sensitive Gating Pore in Brain Sodium Channels Having Voltage Sensor Mutations

Summary Voltage-gated sodium channels activate in response to depolarization, but it is unknown whether the voltage-sensing arginines in their S4 segments pivot across the lipid bilayer as voltage sensor paddles or move through the protein in a gating pore. Here we report that mutation of pairs of arginine gating charges to glutamine induces cation permeation through a gating pore in domain II of the Na V 1.2a channel. Mutation of R850 and R853 induces a K + -selective inward cationic current in the resting state that is blocked by activation. Remarkably, mutation of R853 and R856 causes an outward cationic current with the opposite gating polarity. These results support a model in which the IIS4 gating charges move through a narrow constriction in a gating pore in the sodium channel protein during gating. Paired substitutions of glutamine allow cation movement through the constriction when appropriately positioned by the gating movements of the S4 segment.
The Role of Behavioral and Cognitive Cultural Orientation on Mexican American College Students’ Life Satisfaction:

We examined the role of behavioral (acculturation and enculturation) and cognitive cultural orientation (independent and interdependent self-construal) on Mexican American college students’ life sa...
Calcium mishandling in diastolic dysfunction: Mechanisms and potential therapies

Diastolic dysfunction is characterized by slow or incomplete relaxation of the ventricles during diastole, and is an important contributor to heart failure pathophysiology. Clinical symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and pulmonary and peripheral edema, all contributing to decreased quality of life and poor prognosis. There are currently no therapies available that directly target the heart pump defects in diastolic function. Calcium mishandling is a hallmark of heart disease and has been the subject of a large body of research. Efforts are ongoing in a number of gene therapy approaches to normalize the function of calcium handling proteins such as sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase. An alternative approach to address calcium mishandling in diastolic dysfunction is to introduce calcium buffers to facilitate relaxation of the heart. Parvalbumin is a calcium binding protein found in fast-twitch skeletal muscle and not normally expressed in the heart. Gene transfer of parvalbumin into normal and diseased cardiac myocytes increases relaxation rate but also markedly decreases contraction amplitude. Although parvalbumin binds calcium in a delayed manner, it is not delayed enough to preserve full contractility. Factors contributing to the temporal nature of calcium buffering by parvalbumin are discussed in relation to remediation of diastolic dysfunction. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cardiomyocyte Biology: Cardiac Pathways of Differentiation, Metabolism and Contraction.
Monte Carlo simulation of transport in technologically significant semiconductors of the diamond and zinc-blende structures. I. Homogeneous transport

Monte Carlo simulations of electron transport in seven semiconductors of the diamond and zinc-blende structure (Ge, Si, GaAs, InP, AlAs, InAs, GaP) and some of their alloys (Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As, In/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As, Ga/sub x/In/sub 1-x/P) and hole transport in Si were performed at two lattice temperatures (77 and 300 K). The model uses band structures obtained from local empirical pseudopotential calculations and particle-lattice scattering rates computed from the Fermi golden rule to account for band-structure effects. Intervalley deformation potentials significantly lower than those which have been previously reported are needed to reproduce available experimental data. This is attributed to the more complicated band structures, particularly around the L- and X-symmetry points in most materials. Satisfactory agreement is obtained between Monte Carlo results and some experiments. >
The "loa" of Lisbon and the mythical substructure of "El burlador de Sevilla"

Beginning with verse 721 in Act I of El burlador de Sevilla Don Gonzalo de Ulloa speaks 137 uninterrupted lines. They describe Lisbon for King Alfonso of Castile. In them the Spaniard expresses not...
Measurements of ramp-rate limitation of cable-in-conduit conductors

The ramp-rate limitation found in the US-demonstration poloidal coil (US-DPC) test was studied in a laboratory scale experiment. The ramp-rate sensitivity has been identified on a 27-strand cable-in-conduit conductor at a background ramped field to 9.5 T with various ramp rates of 0.5 T/s to 2 T/s, simulating the US-DPC test conditions. A model assuming the existence of periodic disturbances is proposed in which the disturbance frequency is directly proportional to the ramp rate of the square of field. A semi-empirical formula was developed which fits the ramp-rate limitation data of both the US-DPC large coil and the 27-strand cable. The ramp-rate limitation does not occur for currents below the conventional limiting current. >
An algorithm for training multilayer perceptrons for data classification and function interpolation

This paper addresses the issue of employing a parametric class of nonlinear models to describe nonlinear systems. This model class consists of a subclass of artificial neural networks, multilayer perceptrons. Specifically, we discuss the application of a "globally" convergent optimization scheme to the training of the multilayer perceptron. The algorithm discussed is termed the conjugate gradients-trust regions algorithm (CGTR) and combines the merits of two well known "global" algorithms-the conjugate gradients and the trust region algorithms. In this paper we investigate the potential of the multilayer perceptron, trained using the CGTR algorithm, towards function approximation in two diverse scenarios: i) signal classification in a multiuser communication system, and ii) approximating the inverse kinematics of a robotic manipulator. Until recently, the most widely used training algorithm has been the backpropagation algorithm, which is based on the linearly convergent steepest descent algorithm. It is seen that the multilayer perceptron trained with the CGTR algorithm is able to approximate the desired functions to a greater accuracy than when trained using backpropagation. Specifically, in the case of the multiuser communication problem, we obtain lower probabilities of error in demodulating a given user's signal; and in the robotics problem, we observe lower root mean square errors in approximating the inverse kinematics function. >
Approaches to Organizing Public Relations Functions in Healthcare

SUMMARY This article provides health care audiences with a framework for understanding different perspectives of the role and functions of public relations in healthcare organizations and the resultant alternatives for organizing and enacting public relations functions. Using an example of a current issue receiving much attention in US healthcare (improving rates of organ donation), the article provides examples of how these different perspectives influence public relations goals and objectives, definitions of ‘public’, activities undertaken, who undertakes them and where they fit into the organizational hierarchy.
Strategies to reduce glucose exposure in peritoneal dialysis patients

Glucose has been used successfully for more than two decades in peritoneal dialysis, and in this regard, must be considered a safe and effective osmotic agent. Recently, however, insight has been growing about the potential for metabolic and peritoneal effects arising from long-term exposure to high glucose concentrations--for example, hyperlipidemia and loss of peritoneal ultrafiltration. Clinical concerns over exposure to excessive glucose and glucose degradation products (GDPs) during peritoneal dialysis can be significantly ameliorated by the use of non-glucose-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions, in combination with more biocompatible glucose-based formulations. Peritoneal exposure to GDPs can be reduced by using low-GDP-containing glucose formulations and non glucose solutions such as amino acids and icodextrin. Peritoneal glucose exposure, hyperosmolar stress, and carbohydrate absorption can be reduced by using a combination of icodextrin and amino acids.
Dissertation Summary: The Imprisoner's Dilemma: The Political Economy of Proportionate Punishment

As my title implies, I intend to treat the imprisoner - the central planner, the government itself - as no different from the traditional agents that economists so often analyze. I entertain the possibility that state authorities are no better informed or incentivized than the ordinary individuals within society, they are also tempted by the rewards of defection.
The Spinor Spanner

(1973). The Spinor Spanner. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 80, No. 9, pp. 977-984.
Coulomb corrections to experimental temperatures and densities in Fermi-energy heavy-ion collisions

The quantum-fluctuation method using Coulomb corrections is explored to extract temperatures and densities of hot nuclear systems produced in Fermi-energy heavy-ion collisions. The role of the neutron-proton asymmetry of the system was investigated. Temperature values were observed to not depend on the system neutron-proton asymmetry while a clear dependence is seen for density values. Coulomb corrections have been shown to lower temperature values by almost 2 MeV. On the other hand, density results exhibit a small variation.
Efficacy of pelvic floor electrical stimulation combined with muscle training in treatment of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of electrical stimulation combined with muscle training of pelvic floor muscles on postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction(PFD).Methods:A total of 337 women who were diagnosed with postpartum PFD in physical examination 42 days after delivery were divided into treatment group(n=158)and control group(n=179)according to their informed choice.Women in the treatment group were treated with electrical stimulation and pelvic floor muscle training,while those in the control group only by pelvic floor muscles training.Pelvic floor muscle tension and the occurrence of stress urinary incontinence 12 weeks after treatment were compared.Results:There was a significant difference in pelvic floor muscle strength before and after treatment in the treatment group(P0.05).The pelvic floor muscle tension in the treatment group was superior to that of the control group after treatment(P0.05).And the occurrence rate of stress urinary incontinence in the treatment group was less than that of the control group(P0.05).Conclusion:Pelvic floor muscles electrical stimulation combined with pelvic floor muscle training could have significant therapeutic effects on postpartum PFD,resulting in the improvement of patients' life quality.
Fetal Blood Sampling

Technique and interpretation of results in the acid-base composition of fetal capillary blood is now accepted as a useful index of the fetal well-being during labor; it correlates significantly with the clinical condition of the infant at birth.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in elderly hypertensive patients.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in elderly persons provides the clinician with the opportunity to determine blood pressures outside the office more accurately. Recent technologic developments in the recorders have greatly improved the feasibility of their use and the accuracy of their recordings. Correlations of the blood pressures obtained by ambulatory blood pressure recorders with standard mercury sphygmomanometers indicate that the measurements are accurate and may improve the assessment of risks related to hypertensive cardiovascular diseases. Clinicians should be aware of the applications of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and alert to situations in which it can be useful in clinical decision making.
Survivor! (?) The Story of S. Mitis on the Moon

The story of how bacteria from Earth survived for more than two years on the surface of the Moon is well known in the annals of the U.S. space program, and beyond. In places ranging from peer-reviewed journals to official space-agency sources, Wikipedia, and fringe-y Web sites such as the self-explanatory “UFO Updates List” and “Cosmic Ancestry,” an archive maintained by a “strong-panspermia” advocate, the account of how technicians at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) found viable Streptococcus mitis (S. mitis) bacteria inside equipment retrieved from the Moon and returned to Earth by astronauts has been replicated widely and reported as fact for decades.Some skeptics have argued over the years, however, that what have been described as bacteria that survived a roundtrip to the Moon and back were actually bacteria that never left Earth. The story involves a set of claims that were disputed when they were first made public and may still be in dispute today.In this chapter I will show how this story of the remarkable survival of Earth bacteria in the harsh lunar environment for a prolonged period of time is not fact but folklore. More than 30 years after the story was first told, it is not likely that it can be proven definitively true or false. However, the evidence now points to “false,” largely thanks to the unearthing of old visual records of clean-room procedures. I make the case here that the claim that S. mitis traveled from Earth to the Moon, returned to Earth, and came back to life in a lab does not qualify as scientific truth. I explore this story as an interesting case in the social construction of scientific facts, and I consider how a few pictures can belie thousands of words.
Vertical Gallium Nitride Technology

The evolution of LEDs, lasers and HEMTs using gallium nitride as the semiconductor has taught us about its many unique capabilities including high breakdown electric field, polarization-induced high charge density in the channel and reliable operation at high temperature, to name a few. These superior performances due to GaN’s exceptional material properties make GaN ideal for power switching besides RF applications. Thus, power electronics got recently added to GaN’s portfolio showing great progress. Lateral HEMTs, already available as products for RF application, were the obvious first choice for designing power electronic switches. The last ten years have witnessed an incredibly fast advancement in the lateral HEMT technology building a market space for GaN in medium (up to 15 kW) power electronic applications. Although the maximum industrially feasible and economically viable limits of power conversion using the lateral GaN technology are yet to be determined, vertical devices start to look attractive for power conversion ranging above 15–20 kW. The availability of bulk GaN substrates has stimulated the development of vertical GaN technology. Vertical GaN devices, analogous to Si-DMOSFETs in some ways, can uniquely be designed with a high-mobility AlGaN/GaN channel combined to a thick-drift region in bulk GaN to offer very low on-resistance and high breakdown voltage—the two key parameters of benchmarking a power switch. While the channel of a vertical device can be designed either horizontally or vertically along the sidewalls, the peak electric fields in these devices are always buried in the bulk material, far from the surface. This allows the device to be reasonably dispersion-free without involving field plates, unlike used in lateral HEMTs. Attaining high electron mobility in bulk GaN that forms the drift region will be of key importance to outperform the competing technologies based on Si and SiC. This chapter will focus on the design space, challenges, current performance, cost and roadmap of vertical GaN devices for next-generation power conversion.
CAR T-cell intrinsic PD-1 checkpoint blockade: A two-in-one approach for solid tumor immunotherapy

PD-L1/2 expression in solid tumors inhibits chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell efficacy. A PD-1 dominant negative receptor expressed in CAR T cells provides cell-intrinsic checkpoint blockade and augments antitumor efficacy. A combinatorial immunotherapeutic strategy of combining CAR T cells with checkpoint blockade is a promising treatment approach for solid tumors.