cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) increases endothelin-1 release by endothelial cells

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) increases endothelin-1 release by endothelial cells. Hypertension is a major complication of rHuEPO therapy in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We have previously reported that patients receiving rHuEPO intravenously (i.v.) had higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) and plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels than those in which the hormone was administered subcutaneously (s.c). To test whether the increased serum ET-1 levels associated with i.v. rHuEPO administration are the result of a direct effect of the hormone on ET-1 release by the endothelial cells (EC), we examined the effects of rHuEPO in vitro . Bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAEC) were exposed to doses of rHuEPO of 0.8; 1.6; 3.3 and 6.6 U/ml. A 24 hour-time course showed maximal ET-1 production at 12 hours for all the doses tested. A significant increase in cell proliferation over controls was observed at 24 hours, for all rHuEPO doses, and no correlation was found between ET-1 values and cell proliferation. Inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide (10 µg/ml) abolished the stimulation of ET-1 release by rHuEPO. Thrombin (4 U/ml) and angiotensin II (10 -7 M), two potent stimulators of ET-1 release, had additive effects to those of rHuEPO. Specific thrombin and angiotensin II antagonists blocked these additive effects, reducing ET-1 release to the level of rHuEPO stimulation alone. In summary, rHuEPO stimulates vascular EC in culture to increase ET-1 release through an increase in synthesis and in a time dependent fashion. The routes of stimulation seem to differ from other known ET-1 secretogoges. Our data also confirm a significant mitogenic effect of rHuEPO on the endothelial cell.
Urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women: effect of hormone therapy and risk factors.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of hormone therapy on urinary tract infection frequency and to examine potential risk factors. METHODS: We used data from the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study, a randomized, blinded trial of the effects of hormone therapy on coronary heart disease events among 2763 postmenopausal women aged 44–79 with established coronary heart disease. Participants were randomly assigned to 0.625 mg of conjugated estrogens plus 2.5 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate or placebo and followed for a mean of 4.1 years. History of physician-diagnosed urinary tract infections and risk factors were assessed by self-report at baseline and each annual visit. RESULTS: Urinary tract infection frequency was higher in the group randomized to hormone treatment, although the difference was not statistically significant (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99, 1.37). Statistically significant risk factors for urinary tract infections in multivariable analysis included: women with diabetes on treatment (insulin OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.40, 2.34), oral medications OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.09, 1.90), poor health (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14, 1.57), childbirth (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.00, 1.90), vaginal itching (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.07, 2.50), vaginal dryness (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.04, 1.67), and urge incontinence (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.30, 1.75). Urinary tract infections in the previous year were strongly associated with a single urinary tract infection (OR 7.00, 95% CI 5.91, 8.29) as well as multiple urinary tract infections (OR 18.51, 95% CI 14.27, 24.02). CONCLUSIONS: Oral hormone therapy did not reduce frequency of urinary tract infections. Potentially modifiable risk factors in postmenopausal women are different from those in younger women, and include diabetes, vaginal symptoms, and urge incontinence.
Fatigue Crack Behavior and Fracture Toughness of Gamma Irradiated 1900H and GUR 1050 UHMWPE

Gamma irradiation, oxidation and crosslinking of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) may influence the material’s resistance to delamination in reciprocating sliding experiments and in knee simulators. It may also alter fracture toughness and fatigue crack propagation resistance. While 1900H components displayed less delamination wear as compared to machined GUR 415 [1], strength and ductility were reduced in aged, gamma irradiated, compression molded 1900H as compared to GUR 1050 [2]. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of gamma irradiation crosslinking, at different levels of irradiation, on the fatigue crack growth resistance and fracture toughness of 1900H and GUR 1050 UHMWPE. It was hypothesized that, for both resins, fatigue crack resistance and fracture toughness would decrease when gamma irradiation was applied, and that decreases would be dosage dependent. We further conjectured that the GUR 1050 resin would, overall, outperform the 1900H resin.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Perceptions of Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles: A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis was conducted to compare perceptions of Duchenne smiles, smiles that include activation of the cheek raiser muscle that creates crow's feet around the eyes, with perceptions of non-Duchenne smiles, smiles without cheek raiser activation. In addition to testing the overall effect, moderator analyses were conducted to test how methodological, stimulus-specific and perceiver-specific differences between studies predicted the overall effect size. The meta-analysis found that, overall, Duchenne smiles and people producing Duchenne smiles are rated more positively (i.e., authentic, genuine, real, attractive, trustworthy) than non-Duchenne smiles and people producing non-Duchenne smiles. The difference between Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles was greater when the stimuli were videos rather than photographs, when smiles were elicited naturally rather than through posing paradigms and when Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles were not matched for intensity of the lip corner puller in addition to other ...
Structure-activity relationships of 2'-deoxy-2',2'-difluoro-L-erythro-pentofuranosyl nucleosides.

Following the recent discoveries that some l-nucleosides are more or equal potent than their d-counterparts, we synthesized 2‘-deoxy-2‘,2‘-difluoro-l-erythro-pentofuranosyl nucleosides as potential antiviral agents. The target compounds were synthesized via the key intermediates 7a or 7b from l-gulono γ-lactone. Compound 2 was oxidatively cleaved and coupled with ethyl bromodifluoroacetate in the presence of activated zinc under Reformatsky conditions to obtain a diastereomeric mixture of 4(R) and 4(S), in a 4:1 ratio. The major 4(R) isomer was cyclized and treated appropriately to obtain the mesylate 8a or 8b, which was condensed with various silyl-protected pyrimidines. Condensation of the alcohol 7a or 7b with 6-chloropurine under Mitsunobu conditions afforded the 6-chloropurine analogs 53a or 53b and 54a or 54b. Further treatment of the compounds 53a, 54a and 53b, 54b afforded the inosine and adenine derivatives 57−60, respectively. The condensation of 2-amino-6-chloropurine with compound 8a and subse...
PP028. To assess maternal and neonatal outcomes of women on an antihypertensive agent with gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension or preeclampsia

Introduction There is a lack of evidence regarding antihypertensive medicine use in pregnancy. Objectives To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes of women on an antihypertensive agent with gestational hypertension (GHTN), chronic hypertension (CHTN) and preeclampsia (preE). Methods The Consortium on Safe Labor electronic database from 19 hospitals across the US with 228,668 deliveries during 2002–2008 was used to extract data on gravidas with GHTN, CHTN, and preE on a calcium channel blocker, methyldopa, or beta blocker. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results There were 637 women on beta blockers, 207 on calcium channel blockers, 249 on Methyldopa, and 6869 women with hypertension on no agent (control group). Women on beta blockers had an increased risk of ICU admission, OR 3.74 (95% CI 1.8-7.6). Risk of thrombosis was increased in women on beta blockers, OR 3.6 (95% CI 1.4-9.2) and calcium channel blockers, OR 10.6 (95% CI 3.8-29.2). There was no increased risk of small for gestational age babies. There was a small, increased risk of NICU admission for babies of women on calcium channel blockers, OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.2-2.6) and methyldopa, OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.4-2.7). Conclusion Beta and calcium channel blocker use was associated with significant risks of morbidity compared to Methyldopa use by gravid women with hypertensive disease.
Characterization of In Vitro Endothelial Linings Grown Within Microfluidic Channels

In vivo, endothelial cells grow on the inner surface of blood vessels and are shaped to conform to the vessel's geometry. In the smallest vessels this shape entails substantial bending within each cell. Microfabricated channels can replicate these small-scale geometries, but endothelial cells grown within them have not been fully characterized. In particular, the presence of focal adhesions and adherens junctions in endothelial cells grown in microchannels with corners has not been confirmed. We have fabricated square microfluidic channels (50 μm wide, 50 μm deep) and semicircular microfluidic channels (60 μm wide, 45 μm deep) in polydimethylsiloxane and cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) within them. Immunofluorescent staining and three-dimensional reconstruction of image stacks taken with confocal microscopy confirmed that HUVEC are capable of forming adherens junctions on all channel walls in both channel geometries, including the sidewalls of square profile channels. The presence of shear stress is critical for the cells to form focal adhesions within both channel geometries. Shear stress is also responsible for the conforming of HUVEC to the channel walls and produces a square cross-sectional geometry of in vitro endothelial linings within square profile channels. Thus, geometry and applied shear stress are important design criteria for the development of in vitro endothelial linings of microvessels.
Gluon recombination in high parton density QCD: Inclusive pion production

We argue that the collinear factorization of the fragmentation functions in high energy hadron and nuclei collisions breaks down at transverse momenta k{sub T} < or approx. Q{sub s}/g due to high parton densities in the colliding hadrons and/or nuclei. We calculate, at next-to-leading order in projectile parton density and to all orders in target parton density, the double-inclusive cross-section for production of a pair of gluons in the scalar J{sup PC}=0{sup ++} channel. Using the low energy theorems of QCD we find the inclusive cross-section for {pi}-meson production.
Partial high-resolution structure of phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated leucine-rich amelogenin protein adsorbed to hydroxyapatite

The formation of biogenic materials requires the interaction of organic molecules with the mineral phase. In forming enamel, the amelogenin proteins contribute to the mineralization of hydroxyapatite (HAp). Leucine-rich amelogenin protein (LRAP) is a naturally occurring splice variant of amelogenin that comprises amelogenin's predicted HAp binding domains. We determined the partial structure of phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated LRAP variants bound to HAp using combined solid-state NMR (ssNMR) and ssNMR-biased computational structure prediction. New ssNMR measurements in the N-terminus indicate a largely extended structure for both variants, though some measurements are consistent with a partially helical N-terminal segment. The N-terminus of the phosphorylated variant is found to be consistently closer to the HAp surface than the non-phosphorylated variant. Structure prediction was biased using 21 ssNMR measurements in the N- and C-terminus at five HAp crystal faces. The predicted fold of LRAP is similar at all HAp faces studied, regardless of phosphorylation. Largely consistent with experimental observations, LRAP's predicted structure is relatively extended with a helix-turn-helix motif in the N-terminal domain and some helix in the C-terminal domain, and the N-terminal domain of the phosphorylated variant binds HAp more closely than the N-terminal domain of the non-phosphorylated variant. Predictions for both variants show some potential binding specificity for the {010} HAp crystal face, providing further support that amelogenins block crystal growth on the a and b faces to allow elongated crystals in the c-axis.
The importance of streamlining in influencing fish community structure in channelized and unchannelized reaches of a prairie stream

Channelized and unchannelized sections of a prairie stream in northwestern Iowa were compared to determine how differences in microhabitats affected fish species abundance and diversity and the incidence of streamlined species. Channelized sections had significantly more fish per unit area (P < 0.05) but significantly less biomass (P < 0·05). Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) and stonecats (Noturus flavus) were common in the unchannelized sections but rare or absent in the channelized ones. Small native minnows (Cyprinidae), especially the bigmouth shiner (Notropis dorsalis), dominated channelized sections. Species diversity was lower in channelized sections, but differences were not statistically significant (P = 0·06). Family diversity was significantly lower in channelized sections (P < 0·05). Channelized sections exhibited less heterogeneity of widths, velocities and substrates and contained more stremlined forms than did unchannelized sections. Unchannelized sections, characterised by greater diversity of velocities and substrate types, supported more centrarchids and ictalurids, fishes that are not optimally streamlined. Although many other factors besides streamlining influence the fish community structure in streams, in reaches without refuges from the current, streamlining may be a factor determining which species persist there.
Effects of data dimension on empirical likelihood

SUMMARY We evaluate the effects of data dimension on the asymptotic normality of the empirical likelihood ratio for high-dimensional data under a general multivariate model. Data dimension and dependence among components of the multivariate random vector affect the empirical likelihood directly through the trace and the eigenvalues of the covariance matrix. The growth rates to infinity we obtain for the data dimension improve the rates of Hjort et al. (2008).
Intrinsic Creep Resistance of Two Solid Oxygen Fuel Cell Electrolytes: Cubic Zirconia Versus Doped Lanthanum Gallate

Abstract : Knowledge of the creep parameters for cubic zirconia and doped lanthanum gallate allowed for a determination of the intrinsic creep resistance of each material in the temperature range from 800 to 1000 deg C, where they are to be utilized as electrolytes in solid oxygen fuel cells. The results revealed that the intrinsic creep resistance of cubic zirconia is much higher than that of doped lanthanum gallate. This is most likely a result of their different crystal structures.
NUCLEATION NEAR THE SPINODAL IN LONG-RANGE ISING MODELS

Properties of metastable long-range Ising models (LRIMs) are studied for deep quenches near the mean-field spinodal with Monte Carlo simulations using Glauber dynamics. The theory of spinodal-assisted nucleation is found to agree well with the data. Nucleating droplets are shown to have the same structure as large clusters in random long-range bond percolation.
Black-white differences in social and economic consequences of obesity.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate social and economic effects of obesity for black and white females, and to explore possible explanations for race differences in obesity effects. SUBJECTS:1354 non-Hispanic black and 3097 non-Hispanic, non-black, women aged 25–33 y in 1990 from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979–1990. MEASUREMENTS:Body mass index (BMI) evaluated at age 17–24 y (1982) and 25–33 y (1990). METHODS:Logistic and linear regression of six labour market and marriage outcomes on early or attained BMI. Detailed controls for family socioeconomic background. RESULTS: Socioeconomic effects of obesity appear larger for whites than blacks. Obesity is associated with low self-esteem among whites, but not blacks. Differences in self-esteem do not account for race differences in the effects of obesity on socioeconomic status. Lower probability of marriage and lower earnings of husbands among those who marry account for the majority of the income differences between obese white women and those of recommended weight. Occupational differences account for more than one fifth of the effect of obesity on the hourly wages of both white and black women. CONCLUSION:Cultural differences may protect black women from the self-esteem loss associated with obesity for whites. However, differences in self-esteem do not account for the effects of obesity on socioeconomic status. Because the effect of obesity on the economic status of white women works primarily through marriage, it may therefore be less amenable to policy intervention to improve the labor market prospects of obese women.
The Shetland Islands: A Bibliographic Survey of Printed Material on Ethnography, Folk Life, Folklore and Local History:

A critical and analytical bibliography of printed materials on the eth nography, folk life, folklore, and local socio-cultural history of the Shet land Islands to the north of Scotland. The primary emphasis has been placed upon the relevant local Shetlandic publications which are rarely seen in libraries beyond the Shetlands, the Orkney Islands and Scotland. Ethnographically speaking many of these local publications are of a sur prisingly high quality.
The IUSR project and the common industry reporting format

For 3 years, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been leading the Industry USability Reporting (IUSR) project. The purpose of the project is to increase the visibility of software usability. Participants are from major software suppliers and customer organizationsThis poster presents an overview of the IUSR project. Major emphasis is placed on the Common Industry Format (CIF) for reporting the results of usability tests. The current focus of the group centers around Pilot Testing to validate the use of the CIF. Additional information about the IUSR project can be found at: iusr@nist.gov.
Discontinuous galerkin time-domain calculation of single particle scattering: A tutorial example

The elementary features of discontinuous Galerkin methods in calculating scattering properties of single particles are discussed in the context of a simple 1-dimensional problem. A comparison with finite difference methods is shown.
Climatic niche breadth and species richness in temperate treefrogs

Aim Patterns of species richness are often closely linked with climate, but the specific mechanisms by which species' climatic niches underlie large-scale richness patterns remain poorly understood. It has been hypothesized that reduced temperature seasonality in the tropics promotes the evolution of species with narrow temperature niche breadths, and that this hypothesis helps explain high tropical richness. However, the relationship between species' climatic niche breadths and species richness has yet to be tested. We have addressed this issue using treefrogs (Hylidae) in eastern North America. Location Eastern North America. Methods We characterized climatic niches and niche breadths for all 24 hylid species in eastern North America using temperature and precipitation variables. We then examined the relationships between species richness, climatic niche positions and climatic niche breadths using phylogenetic comparative methods. Results Species richness was negatively associated with mean climatic niche breadth, such that high-richness climates had species with narrower climatic niches. Our results also supported the roles of niche conservatism and the time-for-speciation effect in generating the relationship between climate and species richness in the region (more species in warm, wet regions that have been inhabited longer). Importantly, we show that the invasion of low-richness climates has occurred primarily through recent intraspecific niche expansion into these climates rather than evolution of species that are narrowly specialized for these conditions (although the two hylid clades studied showed somewhat different patterns). Main conclusions We found that climatic zones with high species richness contain more species with narrower climatic niche breadths. Our results suggest that this pattern arose because narrow climatic niche breadths restricted the dispersal of most hylid species out of the ancestral, warm, moist climatic zones, allowing more time for speciation to build up higher species richness in these zones.
Project Evaluation: Collected Papers

These essays by the distinguished economist Arnold C. Harberger cover the theory of project evaluation and its applications, with emphasis on public-sector investments designed to promote economic development.
TOX3 is expressed in mammary ER(+) epithelial cells and regulates ER target genes in luminal breast cancer

A breast cancer susceptibility locus has been mapped to the gene encoding TOX3. Little is known regarding the expression pattern or biological role of TOX3 in breast cancer or in the mammary gland. Here we analyzed TOX3 expression in murine and human mammary glands and in molecular subtypes of breast cancer, and assessed its ability to alter the biology of breast cancer cells. We used a cell sorting strategy, followed by quantitative real-time PCR, to study TOX3 gene expression in the mouse mammary gland. To study the expression of this nuclear protein in human mammary glands and breast tumors, we generated a rabbit monoclonal antibody specific for human TOX3. In vitro studies were performed on MCF7, BT474 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines to study the effects of TOX3 modulation on gene expression in the context of breast cancer cells. We found TOX3 expression in estrogen receptor-positive mammary epithelial cells, including progenitor cells. A subset of breast tumors also highly expresses TOX3, with poor outcome associated with high expression of TOX3 in luminal B breast cancers. We also demonstrate the ability of TOX3 to alter gene expression in MCF7 luminal breast cancer cells, including cancer relevant genes TFF1 and CXCR4. Knockdown of TOX3 in a luminal B breast cancer cell line that highly expresses TOX3 is associated with slower growth. Surprisingly, TOX3 is also shown to regulate TFF1 in an estrogen-independent and tamoxifen-insensitive manner. These results demonstrate that high expression of this protein likely plays a crucial role in breast cancer progression. This is in sharp contrast to previous studies that indicated breast cancer susceptibility is associated with lower expression of TOX3. Together, these results suggest two different roles for TOX3, one in the initiation of breast cancer, potentially related to expression of TOX3 in mammary epithelial cell progenitors, and another role for this nuclear protein in the progression of cancer. In addition, these results can begin to shed light on the reported association of TOX3 expression and breast cancer metastasis to the bone, and point to TOX3 as a novel regulator of estrogen receptor-mediated gene expression.
The Neurobiology of the Narcoleptic Syndrome

Relevant electroencephalagraphic, psychopharmacologic, and genetic research reports are described in support of a neurobiological explanation of the narcoleptic syndrome. Despite increased support in this realm, no single neurobiological theory has won unanimous approval among sleep researchers, which has led toward speculation that the condition may be heterogeneous in nature. A multifactorial perspective, including psychological as well as neurobiological influences, appears to be the most productive model for research. Future investigation of sleep disorders utilizing such a model may enhance the understanding of neurobiological correlates of behavioural disorders.
Sensitive Ionization System for the Detection of Permanent Gases and Organic Vapours by Gas Chromatography

THE two most commonly used high-sensitivity detection devices for gas chromatography, the ‘flame ionization’1 and the ‘argon ionization’ detectors2, are insensitive to permanent gases. During an investigation into the various mechanisms responsible for ionization phenomena within the latter class of devices it was noted that under certain conditions of field and radioactive source strength, detector geometry and operating temperature, a simple ionization system using argon as carrier gas could be utilized to detect extremely low concentrations of permanent gases. The limit of sensitivity of this new mode of detector operation is up to 1,000 times greater than that reported with an earlier device3. In addition to this extraordinary response to fixed gases this same detector when operated at a different potential was found to retain certain characteristics, including the high sensitivity toward organic molecules as that noted by Lovelock2 for the conventional small ‘argon detector’.
NeuD plays a role in the synthesis of sialic acid in Escherichia coli K1.

The polysialic acid capsule of Escherichia coli K1 is an essential virulence determinant. The kps gene cluster, which encodes the proteins necessary for polymer synthesis and transport, is divided into three functional regions. In this report, we present evidence that the neuD gene from region 2 is involved in sialic acid synthesis. A non-polar chromosomal deletion in neuD was constructed. The defect was complemented by neuD in trans or by the addition of exogenous sialic acid. A NeuD homologue, NeuIIID, from serotype III Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) also restored capsule expression to the neuD deletion strain. These data confirm the role of neuD in E. coli sialic acid capsule synthesis and demonstrate that the neuIIID homologue from GBS shares a similar enzymatic function.
Functional genomics analysis of foliar condensed tannin and phenolic glycoside regulation in natural cottonwood hybrids

Regulation of leaf condensed tannins (CT) and salicylate-derived phenolic glycosides (PG) in fast- and slow-growing cottonwood backcrosses was analyzed by metabolic profiling and cDNA microarray hybridization. Seven hybrid lines of Populus fremontii L. and P. angustifolia James exhibiting growth/CT-PG phenotypes ranging from fast/low (Lines 18 and 1979) to slow/high (Lines 1012 and RL2) and intermediate (Lines NUL, 3200 and RM5) were investigated. Methanol-extractable leaf metabolites were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the results evaluated by principal component analysis. The hybrid lines formed separate clusters based on their primary metabolite profiles, with cluster arrangement also reflecting differences in CT-PG phenotype. Nitrogen (N) supply was manipulated to alter CT-PG partitioning and to obtain molecular insights into how primary metabolism interfaces with CT-PG accumulation. Three backcross lines (RM5, 1012, 18) exhibiting differential CT-PG responses to a 10-day hydroponic N-deprivation treatment were chosen for metabolite and gene expression analyses. The fast- growing Line 18 showed a minimal CT-PG response to N deprivation, and a reduction in photosynthetic gene expression. Line 1012 exhibited a strong phenylpropanoid response to N deprivation, including a doubling in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene expression, and a shift from CT accumulation in the absence of stress toward PG accumulation under N-deprivation conditions. Amino acid concentrations were depressed in Lines 18 and 1012, as was expression of nitrate-sensitive genes coding for transketolase (TK), and malate dehydrogenase (MDH). Genes associated with protein synthesis and fate were down-regulated in Line 1012 but not in Line 18. Line RM5 exhibited a comparatively large increase in CT in response to N deprivation, but did not sustain decreases in amino acid concentrations, or changes in PAL, TK or MDH gene expression. Molecular characterization of the variable CT-PG responses shows promise for the identification and future testing of candidate genes for CT-PG trait selection or manipulation.
Early neurologic complications following coronary bypass surgery.

BackgroundCoronary artery bypass surgery is associated with central and peripheral nervous system complications in the period following surgery. Recognising these complications may help in their prevention or early treatment.MethodsWe reviewed medical records of all the patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery at our institution over a period of two years. We studied their risk factors, reasons for surgery, operative variables, and post operative neurologic complications.ResultsOf the 587 coronary artery bypass surgeries performed at our centre over a two year period. We found that 2.04% of these patients developed neurologic complication in the two weeks following the surgery. Fifty percent of these patients suffered from cerebrovascular insults and 50% suffered from cognitive decline. No patients in this group developed seizures or peripheral nerve lesions.Patients with renal failure, carotid stenosis, history of cerebral strokes, and redo coronary bypass surgery were more predisposed to de...
Binary hypothesis testing with structured adaptive networks

The problem of design and evaluation of binary hypothesis tests based on a set of available observations is considered. A so-called structured adaptive network (SAN) configuration for the modeling and implementation of a wide class of such tests is introduced. A general framework for the analysis and performance evaluation of a SAN is developed. >
Ubiquitous Agent-Based Communication in Construction

A large amount of information is generated, shared, and exchanged during a construction project. However, several studies have shown that effective communication in construction is seriously hamper...
Modulation of the electrophoretic mobility of the linker for activation of T cells (LAT) by the calcineurin inhibitors CsA and FK506: LAT is a potential substrate for PKC and calcineurin signaling pathways

The linker for activation of T cells (LAT) is essential for T cell activation. Cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506, inhibitors of T cell proliferation, have been very useful for preventing autoimmune and inflammatory disease and graft rejection. However, both compounds are associated with side effects. We show that TCR ligation in the presence of FK506 or CsA induced rapid modifications in LAT that modulate the electrophoretic mobility of the molecule in SDS-PAGE. Calcineurin, a target for CsA and FK506, dephosphorylated LAT in vitro and restored its electrophoretic mobility. Stimulating T cells with the protein kinase C (PKC) activator PMA induced a shift in the mobility of LAT, whereas inhibitors of PKC blocked the effect of PMA. Thus, manipulating calcineurin or PKC activation alters the electrophoretic mobility of LAT. These results shed light on the molecular actions of CsA and FK506 in T cells and implicate LAT in mediating the drugs' actions.
Analysis of NBS Coal Standard Reference Materials 1632a and 1635 by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

NBS SRM 1635 and NBS SRM 1632a were analyzed for trace and minor element contents by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The results of these analyses show excellent agreement with NBS certified values and/or literature values.
An estimation of market efficiency in the NFL point spread betting market

In an efficient NFL beting market, point spreads incorporate all relevant information contained in past game outcomes. Efficiency implies that trading rules based on past game outcomes should not be able to produce a consistent pattern of winners over losers. This study identifies 15 trading rules based on historical game outcomes and, using simulated gambling, tests them over the 1984–1986 NFL seasons. The study's main finding indicates that the NFL betting market is efficient, but does identify a small set of profitable trading rules over this time period.
All-optical nanoscale read/write bit formation

The rapid development of optical processing in optical circuitry (optical computing) is spawning the need for fully optical nonvolatile memory schemes. Nonvolatile memory schemes typically involve diffraction-limited writing techniques like those found in high-density DVDs and CDs. This need limits their memory density by placing a lower boundary on bit size, which is determined by the wavelength of light used in writing the bit. Using near-field optics can provide a revolutionary approach to optical storage, breaking the diffraction limit by a factor of 10, allowing for significantly enhanced data densities. In this approach, the high-frequency components of the near field are used "to write" information in nanostructured composite ultra-thin films with feature sizes of 200 nm. Fully optical readouts are possible at data densities approaching 100 MBits/mm2. Because of the all-optical nature of this technique, this method can be fully compatible with the next generation of optical computing platforms. It is anticipated that through this research program, this approach will open new vistas in the creation of subwavelength optical circuits, optical processing, and optical data storage.
Developing a hybrid computational model of AFM indentation for analysis of mechanically heterogeneous samples

Standard analysis methods for atomic force microscope (AFM) indentation experiments use Hertzian contact mechanics to extract local elastic properties assuming a homogeneous sample material. In contrast, most biological materials have heterogeneous structure and composition. We previously introduced a non-Hertzian analysis method to detect depth-dependent elastic properties from indentation depth, force and geometry information. In this study we employ a modified Eshelby model to characterize the elastic properties of heterogeneous substrates with discrete embedded inclusions. In this hybrid computational model, we estimate the contribution of inclusions with known size and moduli to the overall indentation response of a heterogeneous substrate based on the effective volume fraction of constituents within the indentation field. For wide ranges of indenter size and inclusion geometry, simulations reveal a consistent ellipsoidal indentation field, suggesting the Eshelby model may be applicable for large discrete inclusions. This novel technique provides a potential means to calculate inclusion properties of heterogeneous materials, such as cells and tissues, using AFM indentation without physical deconstruction of the composite sample.
Diffusional exchange of isotopes in a metal hydride sphere

Abstract A model is developed that simulates exchange of one hydrogen isotope with another hydrogen isotope in a spherical metal hydride particle. This is one of the fundamental physical processes operative during isotope exchange in a bed of spherical metal particles and is thus one of the key components in any comprehensive physics-based model of exchange. A critical aspect that must be considered is that the diffusion of one isotope depends not only on its own concentration gradient, but also on the concentration gradient of the other isotope. This coupling arises because the chemical potential of each isotope depends on the concentrations of all isotopes as well as the presence of vacancies within the metal hydride. This thermodynamic coupling is derived from the Gibbs free energy of mixing and the excess chemical potential due to elastic and electronic interactions. Unknown diffusion coefficients appearing in this formulation of isotope transport are determined by fitting to available experimental data. Example calculations illustrate times required for isotope exchange and the asymmetries observed between forward and reverse exchanges due to differences in isotope stoichiometry and diffusivity.
The forces that move chromosomes in mitosis

CONTENTS PERSPECTIVES AND OVERVIEW 431 FORCE ESTIMATES 432 FORCE MEASUREMENTS • 434 Approach... ..... 434 Results 436 Implications 436 COMPARISONS WITH OTHER MOTILE SySTEMS 439 FORCE MEASUREMENTS FROM ELASTIC CONSTANTS 441
Molecular mechanics and performance of crosslinked amorphous polymer adhesives

Amorphous polymers are among the most common materials used in adhesives, and a clear understanding of the effects of molecular scale features on macroscopic responses is necessary to design new, better performing adhesives. While many features have been investigated, including effects of molecular weight, inclusion of filler materials, and some effects of crosslinking, much of the understanding of the adhesive response remains empirical. Specifically, choosing the appropriate combination of polymer properties that optimize the work required to debond is still a challenge and the interplay between mechanical and chemical properties of polymers at interfaces is largely unknown. Here, we perform molecular dynamics simulations on a simple coarse-grained polymer model to directly investigate the role of crosslinking in determining the adhesive response of amorphous polymers at the molecular level. We find that crosslinking has a dramatic effect on the mechanical properties even at relatively low crosslink densities, and that crosslinking alone can be effective for optimizing the adhesive response of amorphous polymer adhesives. We observe a clear transition from cohesive to adhesive failure as the crosslink density is increased which coincides with the optimal toughening in the films. Furthermore, we find that our model captures the key molecular scale deformation mechanisms that control the adhesive response. For low crosslink densities, increased crosslinking improves the adhesive response by inhibiting chain sliding and allowing the structures to achieve large deformations, but as the crosslink density is increased further, the adhesive response is diminished due to reduced overall deformability. Our results provide simple but important insights into how crosslinking in amorphous polymer adhesives can be used to tune the mechanical response and ultimately to optimize adhesive performance for various applications.
Dynamic Queue Scheduling Using Fuzzy Systems for Internet Routers

Quality of service (QoS) in the Internet depends on queuing and sophisticated scheduling in routers. In this paper, we address the issue of managing traffic flows with different priorities. In our reference model, incoming packets are first classified based on their priority, placed into different queues with different capacities, and then multiplexed onto one router link. The fuzzy nature of the information on Internet traffic makes this problem particularly suited to fuzzy methodologies. We propose a new solution that employs a fuzzy inference system to dynamically and efficiently schedule these priority queues. The fuzzy rules are derived to minimize the selected Lyapunov function. Simulation experiments show that the proposed fuzzy scheduling algorithm outperforms the popular weighted round Robin (WRR) queue scheduling mechanism
A Scalability Study of Enterprise Network Architectures

The largest enterprise networks already contain hundreds of thousands of hosts. Enterprise networks are composed of Ethernet subnets interconnected by IP routers. These routers require expensive configuration and maintenance. If the Ethernet subnets are made more scalable, the high cost of the IP routers can be eliminated. Unfortunately, it has been widely acknowledged that Ethernet does not scale well because it relies on broadcast, which wastes bandwidth, and a cycle-free topology, which poorly distributes load and forwarding state. There are many recent proposals to replace Ethernet, each with its own set of architectural mechanisms. These mechanisms include eliminating broadcasts, using source routing, and restricting routing paths. Although there are many different proposed designs, there is little data available that allows for comparisons between designs. This study performs simulations to evaluate all of the factors that affect the scalability of Ethernet together, which has not been done in any of the proposals. The simulations demonstrate that, in a realistic environment, source routing reduces the maximum state requirements of the network by over an order of magnitude. About the same level of traffic engineering achieved by load-balancing all the flows at the TCP/UDP flow granularity is possible by routing only the heavy flows at the TCP/UDP granularity. Additionally, requiring routing restrictions, such as deadlock-freedom or minimum-hop routing, can significantly reduce the network's ability to perform traffic engineering across the links.
Impact of WHO recommendations to eliminate industrial trans-fatty acids from the food supply in Latin America and the Caribbean

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) has deemed that there is enough evidence to recommend the elimination of industrially produced trans-fatty acids (TFA) from the food supply. This article evaluates government-led public health strategies in countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and factors perceived to affect following WHO's recommendation to eliminate industrially produced TFA. Methods Descriptive, prospective multiple case studies integrated data from open-ended questionnaires to representatives of ministries of health, and systematic review of internal and publicly available documents in 13 LAC countries. Findings Overall, government efforts to follow WHO recommendations have not been well co-ordinated throughout the region. Evidence for this includes the lack of standardization of TFA definitions. For example, some countries exclude naturally occurring TFA from the definitions, whereas others leave the option open to their inclusion. As a consequence, the criteria for trans-free nutrient claims and labelling requirements are inconsistent across the region. Government-led strategies varied from banning or limiting TFA content in the food supply to voluntary labelling of TFA. The identified challenges to the implementation of policies to reduce TFA include the shortage of information on TFA content of diets and foods, consumer unawareness of TFA and lack of monitoring and surveillance. The identified enabling factors were intersectoral collaboration with industry, mandatory labelling regulation and international and national visibility of the topic, which facilitated reduction of TFA content. Interpretation A co-ordinated effort is required to achieve virtual elimination of all TFA in the region, as recommended by WHO. Standardization of the definition of TFA across the region would facilitate regulation, consumer education efforts and monitoring and surveillance efforts. Simultaneously, countries need to determine their level of exposure to TFA through the implementation of small surveys to assess blood TFA levels using blood spots, and the evaluation of TFA in fat sources that are commonly used.
Preparation and Perceptions of Speech-Language Pathologists Working with Children with Cochlear Implants.

This study examined the level of preparedness of North Carolina speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who serve school-aged children with cochlear implants (CIs). A survey distributed to 190 school-b...
Vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin are required for prostate regeneration.

BACKGROUND The regulation of the prostate size by androgens may be partly the result of androgen effects on the prostatic vasculature. We examined the effect of changes in androgen levels on the expression of a variety of angiogenic factors in the mouse prostate and determined if vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and the angiopoietins are involved in the vascular response to androgens.
Single Gene Control of Postzygotic Self-Incompatibility in Poke Milkweed, Asclepias exaltata L.

Most individuals of Asclepias exaltata are self-sterile, but all plants lack prezygotic barriers to self-fertilization. To determine whether postzygotic rejection of self-fertilized ovules is due to late-acting self-incompatibility or to extreme, early acting inbreeding depression, we performed three diallel crosses among self-sterile plants related as full-sibs. The full-sibs segregated into four compatibility classes, suggesting that late acting self-incompatibility is controlled by a single gene (S-locus). Crosses between plants sharing one or both alleles at the S-locus are incompatible. An additional diallel cross was done among full-sib progeny from a cross of a self-sterile and a self-fertile plant. These progeny grouped into two compatibility classes, and plants within classes displayed varying levels of self-fertility. This suggests that the occasional self-fertility documented in natural pollinations is caused by pseudo-self-fertility alleles that alter the functioning of the S-locus.
SEX-BIASED WINTER DISTRIBUTION AND TIMING OF MIGRATION OF HERMIT THRUSHES (CATHARUS GUTTATUS) IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA

Abstract We analyzed distribution of Hermit Thrushes (Catharus guttatus faxoni) wintering in the eastern United States and northeastern Mexico using data from 2,077 specimens collected in winter or during migration. Hermit Thrushes collected in winter showed a sex-biased latitudinal distribution, with the female mean 1.2° south of the male mean. Three general, nonmutually exclusive hypotheses have been proposed to account for that pattern in other species: (1) dominance of males over females, which forces females to lower latitudes; (2) larger body size of males, which permits males to overwinter in colder areas; and (3) earlier arrival by males on breeding grounds, which selects for males to winter closer to the breeding grounds. The dominance hypothesis requires that females be subordinate, an assumption that is not supported by previous research with wintering Hermit Thrushes. We also found no difference in sex ratio among habitats, despite strong differences in habitat quality. The body-size hypothesi...
Comparison of Observed and Modeled Drifter Trajectories in Coastal Regions: An Improvement through Adjustments for Observed Drifter Slip and Errors in Wind Fields

Abstract Lagrangian particle tracking using three-dimensional (3D) numerical modeling approaches has become an important tool in coastal oceanography. In this note, an approach is described that can reduce the difference between observed and numerical drifter trajectories in the coastal ocean by including corrections to the water velocity due to differences between observed winds and the wind field used to drive the 3D circulation model and some specific characteristics of the observed drifters in the algorithm that estimate the numerical trajectory. Quantitative improvements are obtained whereby the separation distance between the numerical and observed drifters is almost halved (in this particular field case from 2.6 to 1.4 km day−1).
The Impact of the Source of Changes in Marginal Tax Rates on Participation in Individual Retirement Accounts

This paper uses a series of two‐year panels of tax return data to estimate the effects of two sources of tax rate changes on the participation in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). This paper uses a panel logit approach to control for individual specific fixed effects, which may also influence IRA participation behavior. This paper examines participation during the years of open eligibility for IRAs, as well as examining the impact of the 1986 tax reform on participation. A key finding of this paper is that taxpayers' IRA participation decisions are more sensitive to changes in tax rates due to changes in taxable income than to direct changes in the tax tables.
Approach to the Intensive Care Unit

An intensive care unit (ICU) is an area of a hospital that provides aggressive therapy, using state-of-the-art technology, and both invasive and noninvasive monitoring for critically ill and high-risk patients. In these units the patient’s physiological variables are reported to the practitioner on a continuous basis, so that titrated care can be provided.