cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potent and Selective Stimulation of Memory-Phenotype CD8+ T Cells In Vivo by IL-15

Proliferation of memory-phenotype (CD44hi) CD8+ cells induced by infectious agents can be mimicked by injection of type I interferon (IFN I) and by IFN I-inducing agents such as lipopolysaccharide and Poly I:C; such proliferation does not affect naive T cells and appears to be TCR independent. Since IFN I inhibits proliferation in vitro, IFN I-induced proliferation of CD8+ cells in vivo presumably occurs indirectly through production of secondary cytokines, e.g., interleukin-2 (IL-2) or IL-15. We show here that, unlike IL-2, IL-15 closely mimics the effects of IFN I in causing strong and selective stimulation of memory-phenotype CD44hi CD8+ (but not CD4+) cells in vivo; similar specificity applies to purified T cells in vitro and correlates with much higher expression of IL-2Rbeta on CD8+ cells than on CD4+ cells.
An Analysis of a Frictional Coupling Mechanism in Rolling Variators With Initial Point Contact

This paper presents an analysis of the frictional coupling mechanism in rolling variators with initial point contact. Rolling variators are continuously variable transmissions where the power is transmitted by frictional contact between nonflexible rotating elements. The essential feature of this type of transmission is that the adjoining surfaces rotate when the rolling elements roll against each other resulting in drilling-type friction due to drilling-type motion. The performance characteristics of rolling variators are thus evaluated on the basis of both the drilling-type friction and tangential forces, which transmit the power. Relationships between the characteristic parameters of frictional coupling elements are derived and expressed in the form of integrals, which can be readily evaluated numerically for the tangential force utilization coefficient, power loss coefficient, and geometric efficiency. The analysis of the frictional coupling mechanism in rolling variators constitutes a tangible contribution to the theory dealing with the design of this type of continuously variable transmissions.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Internalization and Degradation of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Ovine Luteal Cells: Effects of Inhibition of Protein Synthesis*

Studies were undertaken to investigate the possibility that receptors for LH in monolayer cultures of enzymatically dissociated ovine luteal cells are recycled. Cultured cells (3–10 × 105 total steroidogenic cells/dish) were incubated with or without cycloheximide (CHX; 10-4 M) and 2 × 106 cpm [125I] iodo-hCG in the presence or absence of 30 ng nonradioactively labeled hCG for 0, 12, 24, 36, or 48 h. At each time point, the amounts of radioactivity bound to the cells (bound [125I]iodohCG), located intracellularly (intracellular [125I]iodo-hCG), and degraded and returned to the medium as [125I]monoiodotyrosine (degraded [125I]iodo-hCG) were determined. The number of receptors for LH was determined by Scatchard analysis. Cell viability was also monitored by: 1) trypan blue dye exclusion, 2) the ability of the cells to synthesize protein, and 3) basal and hCG-stimulated secretion of progesterone. More than 90% of the cells remained viable after 48 h of culture, and CHX had no effect on cell viability. Protei...
Exact Multiple Comparisons of Three or More Regression Lines: Pairwise Comparisons and Comparisons with a Control

The problem of finding exact simultaneous confidence bounds for differences in regression models for k groups via the union-intersection method is considered. The error terms are taken to be iid normal random variables. Under an assumption slightly more general than having identical design matrices for each of the k groups, it is shown that an existing probability point for the multivariate studentized range can be used to find the necessary probability point for pairwise comparisons of regression models. The resulting methods can be used with simple or multiple regression. Under a weaker assumption on the k design matrices that allows more observations to be taken from the control group than from the k - 1 treatment groups, a method is developed for computing exact probability points for comparing the simple linear regression models of the k - 1 groups to that of the control. Within a class of designs, the optimal design for comparisons with a control takes the square root of (k - 1) times as many observations from the control than from each treatment group. The simultaneous confidence bounds for all pairwise differences and for comparisons with a control are much narrower than Spurrier's intervals for all contrasts of k regression lines.
The canalith repositioning procedure for benign positional vertigo: a meta-analysis.

Objective: To review the effectiveness of the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) with a critical review of the literature and meta-analysis. Study Design: Meta-analysis. Methods: Studies eligible for inclusion were randomized, controlled trials of the CRP performed on clearly defined cases of BPPV. A total of nine studies meeting inclusion criteria were identified by two independent literature searches of Medline. Treatment and control groups were compared for symptom resolution and elimination of a positive Dix-Hallpike test. Results: Patients treated with CRP were more likely to demonstrate symptom resolution (odds ratio [OR] 4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8–7.6) and negative Dix-Hallpike (OR 5.2; 95% CI 3.0–8.8) at the time of first follow-up. The effect of CRP for symptom improvement was strongest within the first month after treatment (OR 4.1; 95% CI 3.1–5.2) with some decline thereafter (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.7–3.9). Conversely, the ability of CRP to produce a negative Dix-Hallpike strengthened between the first month after treatment (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.8–4.0) and later follow-up times (OR 5.0; 95% CI 3.9–6.1). Conclusions: The CRP is more effective than control in resolving vertigo and positive Dix-Hallpike associated with BPPV. This finding was consistent among a variety of studies using different study designs. Untreated patients may demonstrate symptom improvement with time; however, many will continue to have a positive Dix-Hallpike when examined. Resolution of vertigo in untreated patients is therefore most likely because of avoidance of provocative positions.
Does using a femoral nerve block for total knee replacement decrease postoperative delirium

Background: The effect of peripheral nerve blocks on postoperative delirium in older patients has not been studied. Peripheral nerve blocks may reduce the incidence of postoperative opioid use and its side effects such as delirium via opioid-sparing effect. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in patients who underwent total knee replacement. Baseline cognitive function was assessed using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Postoperative delirium was measured using the Confusion Assessment Method postoperatively. Incidence of postoperative delirium was compared in two postoperative management groups: femoral nerve block ± patient-controlled analgesia and patient-controlled analgesia only. In addition, pain levels (using numeric rating scales) and opioid use were compared in two groups. Results: 85 patients were studied. The overall incidence of postoperative delirium either on postoperative day one or day two was 48.1%. Incidence of postoperative delirium in the femoral nerve block group was lower than patient controlled analgesia only group (25% vs. 61%, P = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference between the groups with respect to postoperative pain level or the amount of intravenous opioid use. Conclusions: Femoral nerve block reduces the incidence of postoperative delirium. These results suggest that a larger randomized control trial is necessary to confirm these preliminary findings.
Shape Recognition Using A CMAC Based Learning System

This paper discusses pattern recognition using a learning system which can learn an arbitrary function of the input and which has built-in generalization with the characteristic that similar inputs lead to similar outputs even for untrained inputs. The amount of similarity is controlled by a parameter of the program at compile time. Inputs and/or outputs may be vectors. The system is trained in a way similar to other pattern recognition systems using an LMS rule. Patterns in the input space are not separated by hyperplanes in the way they normally are using adaptive linear elements. As a result, linear separability is not the problem it is when using Perceptron or Adaline type elements. In fact, almost any shape category region is possible, and a region need not be simply connected nor convex. An example is given of geometric shape recognition using as features autoregressive model parameters representing the shape boundaries. These features are approximately independent of translation, rotation, and size of the shape. Results in the form of percent correct on test sets are given for eight different combinations of training and test sets derived from two groups of shapes.
Foreign Aid and Domestic Politics: Voting in Congress and the Allocation of USAID Contracts across Congressional Districts

This paper investigates the relationship between congressional support for foreign aid and the distribution of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) contract spending across congressional districts within the United States. The extent to which such a relationship matters has become increasingly important in recent years, as the end of the Cold War and the advent of the Republican-controlled Congress have eroded the traditional base of support for foreign aid. We develop a model to illustrate how the distribution of contract spending could be used to increase support for foreign aid, but at the expense of development impact, in effect trading quality for quantity. Data on domestic foreign aid contract spending and votes in the 104th Congress House of Representatives allow us to test whether the geographic distribution of USAID contract spending within the United States is consistent with a systematic attempt to build support for foreign aid in Congress. Econometric results provide little evidence of such attempts, apparently because voting on this issue is insensitive to the distribution of contract spending.
Near-infrared spectroscopic approach to assess tissue viability following a thermal injury

A recurrent problem in the assessment of thermal injuries is the ability to accurately identify the depth and extent of injury. Generally, the depth of a burn injury determines and is inversely related to the ability of the skin to restore and regenerate itself. Burns involve damage to the dermis in varying amounts, reducing the dermal blood supply and altering the skin hemodynamics. Near infrared spectroscopic imaging was used to non-invasively assess the changes that occur in the early (1-3 h) post-burn period. The study used an accurate porcine model to investigate the potential of near infrared spectroscopic imaging to accurately distinguish between burns of varying severity. Data analysis was carried out using a two-way and three-way data decompositions techniques to investigate the spectral changes related to burns. Burn injuries drastically alter the physical and optical properties of the tissue. Thermal destruction of cutaneous vasculature disrupts perfusion and oxygen delivery to the affected tissue. The results demonstrated that near infrared spectroscopic imaging might provide a new tool for an objective clinical assessment of burn injuries.
Strength of Surface Micromachined Diaphragms

This paper presents the study of the strength of surface micromachined diaphragms. It is found that the diaphragm strength strongly depends on the diaphragm boundary conditions. A new fabrication technique which does not change the mask and fabrication process is proposed to improve the common step-up boundary condition. Test diaphragms with diameters from 200 µm to 800 µm and three different boundary conditions have been fabricated using silicon nitride/PSG and silicon nitride/polysilicon surface micromachining processes. Experimentally, it is found that the strength of the diaphragms is significantly improved with the new boundary conditions. The application of this technique to other surface micromachined structures is also described.
Comparing teacher salaries: Insights from the U.S. census

Abstract Teachers are more likely to be found in rural communities and low-wage metropolitan areas than are college-educated workers in other occupations. This analysis explores the extent to which the geographic distribution of teachers explains the relatively low average wage found in other studies. The analysis suggests that excluding geographic indicators from the analysis downwardly biases estimates of relative teacher wages. One important implication of these findings is that researchers should pay attention to geographic wage variations when making earnings comparisons between teaching and other occupations.
Effect of repeated electroconvulsive shock on striatal L-DOPA and dopamine metabolism: an in vivo study

A course of treatments with electroconvulsive shock (ECS) has been reported to reestablish L-dopa efficacy in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. We wished to determine if ECS could modify L-dopa and dopamine metabolism in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. Therefore, we administered repeated ECS (8 ECS at 48 hr intervals) to rats with partial destruction of the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway and used the cerebral microdialysis technique to monitor extracellular concentrations of dopamine and dopamine metabolites (DOPAC and HVA) in the corpus striatum. The control group of animals received sham-ECS treatments. Basal dopamine levels were decreased by 20% in animals receiving repeated-ECS versus sham-ECS. DOPAC levels, on the other hand, were increased by 84% in animals receiving repeated-ECS. HVA levels were equal in the two groups. Following L-dopa administration, dopamine and HVA levels increased equally in control animals and animals which had previously received repeated-ECS. DOPAC concentrations were uniformly greater in rats receiving repeated-ECS. When ECS was administered acutely, dopamine levels increased 390% and returned to baseline values in 75 minutes, DOPAC and HVA were unchanged, and 5HIAA levels decreased 30%. We conclude that 1) acute ECS administration produces a transient, marked release of striatal dopamine and 2) repeated ECS can reset the level of basal dopamine release, a finding compatible with ECS-induced dopamine receptor supersensitivity, and 3) neither single nor repeated administration of ECS has a major effect on the formation of dopamine or HVA from exogenously administered L-dopa although there was a strong tendency for increased DOPAC formation. ECS may exert its putative antiparkinsonian effect by enhancing dopamine receptor sensitivity.
Bactericidal Effects of Anacardic Acid and Totarol on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Growth of two strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was inhibited by 6.25 μg/ml of anacardic acid and 0.78 μg/ml of totarol, and these two compounds were found to be bactericidal. Anacardic acid was bactericidal against MRSA at any stage of growth.
Theoretical and empirical relations in forecasting breakers and surf

The relations are given which govern the transformation of waves in shallow water and upon which practical methods for forecasting breakers and surf have been based. For each relation the theoretical background is stated, together with a brief summary of empirical evidence. The discussion includes examples of the application of some of the relations.
The Spectrum of Transposition of the Great Arteries With Specific Reference to Developmental Anatomy of the Conus

One hundred and sixty five cases of various types of transposition complexes were studied. Based on this and on recent studies of the embryology of the conotruncus, the following observations were made. Regardless of their relations with the ventricles, the semilunar valves may show d-transposition or l-transposition. In the situs solitus heart, the d-type of semilunar transposition is found in the bulboventricular heart, double outlet right ventricle type II, Taussig-Bing malformation, complete transposition of the great arteries, and double outlet left ventricle. This type of transposition of the great arteries results from lack of conotruncal inversion and the differences between the various entities are manifestations of varying degrees of leftward shift of the conoventricular junction and conal absorption. In l-transposition, the conotruncus rotates in the wrong direction. This may occur as an isolated process as in anatomic corrected transposition of the great arteries or with l-looping as in physio...
Urinary posture and motor laterality in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) at two shelters

Abstract Motor laterality is the preference shown for using one limb or lateral half of the body over the other. In domestic dogs, most laterality studies have examined forelimb preferences during staged tasks. We focused instead on hindlimb preferences during urination when males use the raised-leg posture and females the squat-raise. We observed individual dogs during walks at two shelters (Tompkins County SPCA and Cortland Community SPCA) and recorded posture used for each urination and hindlimb raised, if any. First, we examined whether raising a hindlimb during urination varied with sex, age class, or reproductive status (females, anestrous intact or spayed; males, intact or neutered). Second, for dogs that raised a hindlimb during urination, we determined whether a population bias existed. Finally, for dogs with at least 10 urinations in which a hindlimb was raised, we examined whether a significant hindlimb preference existed. For some analyses, we had sufficient dogs at only one shelter. We found that males were more likely than females to raise a hindlimb during urination ( P P = 0.82, Cortland). Seniors were more likely than adults, which, in turn, were more likely than juveniles, to raise a hindlimb during urination ( P
4D electron microscopy visualization of anisotropic atomic motions in carbon nanotubes.

We report the anisotropic atomic expansion dynamics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, using 4D electron microscopy. From time-resolved diffraction on the picosecond to millisecond scale, following ultrafast heating at the rate of 1013 K/s, it is shown that nanotubes expand only in the radial (intertubule) direction, whereas no significant change is observed in the intratubular axial or equatorial dimensions. The non-equilibrium heating occurs on an ultrafast time scale, indicating that the anisotropy is the result of an efficient electron–lattice coupling and is maintained up to equilibration. The recovery time, which measures the heat dissipation rate for equilibration, was found to be on the order of ∼100 μs. This recovery is reproduced theoretically by considering the composite specimen–substrate heat exchange.
Regenerative functions and microbial ecology of coral reefs: Labelled bacteria in a coral reef microcosm☆

Abstract Representative coral reef organisms and substrata assembled in a laboratory microcosm removed radioactively labelled bacteria from water circulated over them. A similar experiment with a reef clam and its algal-encrusted base gave similar results. Biochemical fractionation of selected organisms in these experiments suggested digestion and possible assimilation of bacterial proteins. In view of previous results concerning the microbial ecology of coral reefs, it is suggested that reef infaunal metazoa are adapted to utilize internal sedimentary processes and regenerative functioning through suspension- (and deposit-)feeding mechanisms. A model ecosystem is presented to suggest the possible feedback of these mechanisms as they operate within a reef.
EXCHANGE-DEGENERATE REGGE TRAJECTORIES AND MESON--NUCLEON CHARGE-EXCHANGE SCATTERING.

Based on exchange degeneracy and $\mathrm{SU}(3)$ symmetry, a Regge-pole model fitting the differential cross sections for pion-nucleon and kaon-nucleon charge exchange and $\ensuremath{\eta}$ production as well as polarization in ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}n$ is given. Besides the $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{-}{A}_{2}$ trajectory, a conspiring and exchange-degenerate ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{-}{{A}_{2}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ trajectory with the same slope as $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{-}{A}_{2}$ but with an intercept near zero is taken into account. The residues are assumed to have $\frac{1}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}(\ensuremath{\alpha})}$ behavior. A four-parameter fit gives good agreement with the experimental data.
Thermal Sonic Analysis of Polymer Matrices and Composites

A commercially available sonic Pulse Propagation Meter (PPM-5R) was utilized in this study to monitor kinetic changes of matrix polymers that may be encountered in process ing operations of fiber-reinforced composites. Both thermoplastic polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and thermosetting epoxy resins and their carbon fiber composites were examined. During cure, the epoxy samples displayed obvious velocity changes at the initial softening and final cure transitions. For the neat PEEK samples, the sonic velocity decreased slowly as the temperature increased and the velocity dropped rapidly at a transition temperature of 160°C. Samples of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy and PEEK composites were also in vestigated to examine the effect of fibers on the sonic velocity responses. The results show that the reinforcing fibers whose orientation coincides with the probe orientation have the most dampening effect on the detection of transitions using the sonic technique. Overall, the sonic technique for process monitoring ...
A Design for a List Merging Network

In inverted file database systems (and in a number of other applications), much of the processing consists of merging two or more previously sorted lists based on a Boolean expression. Conventional general purpose computers are not well suited for this type of operation, with even well written programs utilizing less than 10 percent of the available memory capacity for actual processing of data. However, a low-cost special purpose backend processor can be used to efficiently handle the list merging operations, freeing the conventional processor for other uses.
SEM with simplicity and accuracy

Professor Iacobucci has provided a useful introduction to the computer program LISREL, as well as to several technical topics in structural equation modeling (SEM). However, SEM has not been synonymous with LISREL for several decades, and focusing on LISREL's 13 Greek matrices and vectors is not the most intuitive way to learn SEM. It is possible today to do model specification via a path diagram without any need for filling in matrix elements. The simplest alternative is based on the Bentler-Weeks model, whose basic concepts are reviewed. Selected additional SEM topics are discussed, including some recent developments and their practical implications. New simulation results on model fit under null and alternative hypotheses are also presented that are consistent with statistical theory but in part seem to contradict those reported by Iacobucci.
Mutant LexA proteins with an increased rate of in vivo cleavage.

Abstract LexA repressor of Escherichia coli is inactivated by a specific cleavage reaction that requires activated RecA protein in vivo. This cleavage reaction can proceed in vitro in the presence of activated RecA or as an intramolecular RecA-independent reaction, termed autodigestion, that is stimulated by alkaline pH. Here we describe a set of LexA mutant proteins that undergo a greatly increased rate of specific cleavage in vivo, compared with wild-type LexA. Efficient in vivo cleavage of these mutant proteins also took place without RecA. Several lines of evidence suggest that cleavage occurred via a mechanism similar to autodigestion. These mutations changed Gln-92, which lies near the cleavage site, to tyrosine, phenylalanine, or tryptophan. The latter mutation increased the rate of cleavage approximately 500-fold. These findings imply that the rate of wild-type LexA cleavage has been optimized during evolution to make the SOS system properly responsive to DNA-damaging treatments. Availability of these mutants will aid in the understanding of rate-limiting steps in intramolecular reactions.
High resolution 3D fluorescence tomography using ballistic photons

We are developing a ballistic-photon based approach for improving the spatial resolution of fluorescence tomography using time-domain measurements. This approach uses early photon information contained in measured time-of-fight distributions originating from fluorescence emission. The time point spread functions (TPSF) from both excitation light and emission light are acquired with gated single photon Avalanche detector (SPAD) and time-correlated single photon counting after a short laser pulse. To determine the ballistic photons for reconstruction, the lifetime of the fluorophore and the time gate from the excitation profiles will be used for calibration, and then the time gate of the fluorescence profile can be defined by a simple time convolution. By mimicking first generation CT data acquisition, the sourcedetector pair will translate across and also rotate around the subject. The measurement from each source-detector position will be reshaped into a histogram that can be used by a simple back-projection algorithm in order to reconstruct high resolution fluorescence images. Finally, from these 2D sectioning slides, a 3D inclusion can be reconstructed accurately. To validate the approach, simulation of light transport is performed for biological tissue-like media with embedded fluorescent inclusion by solving the diffusion equation with Finite Element Method using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation. The reconstruction results from simulation studies have confirmed that this approach drastically improves the spatial resolution of fluorescence tomography. Moreover, all the results have shown the feasibility of this technique for high resolution small animal imaging up to several centimeters.
Impact factor: good reasons for concern.

This commentary emphasizes the importance of Hernan's contention that the impact factor's strong dependence on nonquality factors makes it utterly flawed as a way to evaluate quality of journals or papers.
Intrasession and intersession habituation in mice: from inbred strain variability to linkage analysis

When placed in a novel environment, mice tend to explore for a period of time, and then reduce the level of exploration. This reduction in locomotor or exploratory behavior is known as habituation and can occur within a single session or across sessions, respectively, termed intrasession and intersession habituation. Recent research indicates that there is a genetic component to habituation behavior and that some of the genes involved differ between the two types of habituation. The genetic evidence also suggests that intrasession habituation and intersession habituation are measuring somewhat different conceptual entities and with more such evidence may eventually help us understand the different pathways involved. Some of the genetic methods and tools used to unravel the roles of specific genes in both types of habituation are outlined here, with examples from the literature, as well as new data, to illustrate that this seemingly simple behavior is actually very complicated in terms of genetics. Evidence to date suggests that a number of genetic regions play roles in one or both types of habituation, and further research will be necessary to determine the specific genes involved.
Microstructures of an amelogenin gel matrix.

Abstract The thermo-reversible transition (clear ↔ opaque) of the amelogenin gel matrix, which has been known for some three decades, has now been clarified by microstructural investigations. A mixed amelogenin preparation extracted from porcine developing enamel matrix (containing “25K,” 7.4%; “23K,” 10.7%; “20K,” 49.5%; and smaller peptides, 32.4%) was dissolved in dilute formic acid and reprecipitated by adjusting the pH to 6.8 with NaOH solution. Amelogenin gels were formedin vitroby sedimenting the precipitate in microcentrifuge tubes. The gels were fixed with Karnovsky fixative at 4 and 24°C, which was found to preserve their corresponding clear (4°C) and opaque (24°C) states. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were employed for the microstructural characterization of the fixed clear and opaque gels. The amelogenin gel matrix was observed to possess a hierarchical structure of quasi-spherical amelogenin nanospheres and their assemblies. The nanospheres of diameters 8–20 nm assemble to form small spherical assemblies of diameters 40–70 nm that further aggregated to form large spherical assemblies of 70–300 nm in diameter. In the clear gel, most of the large assemblies are smaller than 150 nm, and the nanospheres and assemblies are uniformly dispersed, allowing an even fluid distribution among them. In the opaque gel, however, numerous spherical fluid-filled spaces ranging from 0.3 to 7 μm in diameter were observed with the majority of the large assemblies sized 150–200 nm in diameter. These spaces presumably result from enhanced hydrophobic interactions among nanospheres and/or assemblies as the temperature increased. The high opacity of the opaque (24°C) gel apparently arises from the presence of the numerous fluid-filled spaces observed compared to the low-temperature (4°C) preparation. These observations suggest that the hydrophobic interactions among nanospheres and different orders of amelogenin assemblies are important in determining the structural integrity of the dental enamel matrix.
Webbing Cyberfeminist Practice: Communities, Pedagogies, and Social Action. Kristine Blair, Radhika Gajjalaand, and Christine Tulley (Eds.)

Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press, 2008. 364pp. Webbing Cyberfeminist Practice is a collection of theoretical works and case studies that analyze the “‘alliance’ or ‘connection’ between women and techno...
Influence of urine creatinine concentrations on the relation of albumin-creatinine ratio with cardiovascular disease events: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Background Higher urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, an association that is stronger than that between spot urine albumin on its own and CVD. Urine creatinine excretion is correlated with muscle mass, and low muscle mass also is associated with CVD. Whether low urine creatinine concentration in the denominator of the ACR contributes to the association of ACR with CVD is uncertain. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Setting & Participants 6,770 community-living individuals without CVD. Predictors Spot urine albumin concentration, the reciprocal of the urine creatinine concentration (1/UCr), and ACR. Outcome Incident CVD events. Results During a mean of 7.1 years of follow-up, 281 CVD events occurred. Geometric mean values for spot urine creatinine concentration, urine albumin concentration, and ACR were 95 ± 2 (SD) mg/dL, 0.7 ± 3.7 mg/dL, and 7.0 ± 3.1 mg/g. Urine creatinine concentration was lower in older, female, and low-weight individuals. Adjusted HRs per 2-fold higher increment in each urinary measure with CVD events were similar (1/UCr: 1.07 [95% CI, 0.94-1.22]; urine albumin concentration: 1.08 [95% CI, 1.01-1.14]; and ACR: 1.11 [95% CI, 1.04-1.18]). ACR ≥10 mg/g was associated more strongly with CVD events in individuals with low weight (HR for lowest vs highest tertile: 4.34 vs 1.97; P for interaction=0.006). Low weight also modified the association of urine albumin concentration with CVD ( P for interaction=0.06), but 1/UCr did not ( P for interaction=0.9). Limitations We lacked 24-hour urine data. Conclusions Although ACR is associated more strongly with CVD events in persons with low body weight, this association is not driven by differences in spot urine creatinine concentration. Overall, the associations of ACR with CVD events appear to be driven primarily by urine albumin concentration and less by urine creatinine concentration.
Gα12 and Gα13 subunits define a fourth class of G protein α subunits

Abstract Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) are central to the signaling processes of multicellular organisms. We have explored the diversity of the G protein subunits in mammals and found evidence for a large family of genes that encode the alpha subunits. Amino acid sequence comparisons show that the different alpha subunits fall into at least three classes. These classes have been conserved in animals separated by considerable evolutionary distances; they are present in mammals, Drosophila, and nematodes. We have now obtained cDNA clones encoding two murine alpha subunits, G alpha 12 and G alpha 13, that define a fourth class. The translation products are predicted to have molecular masses of 44 kDa and to be insensitive to ADP-ribosylation by pertussis toxin. They share 67% amino acid sequence identity with each other and less than 45% identity with other alpha subunits. Their transcripts can be detected in every tissue examined, although the relative levels of the G alpha 13 message appear somewhat variable.
Estimation and Use of Protein Backbone Angle Probabilities

Abstract A procedure is described for estimating the probabilities for the backbone φ-ψ angles of a protein molecule from the data base of known protein structures. The procedure is basically an adaptation of a published secondary structure prediction scheme, applied to the φ-ψ angle bins rather than to the secondary structural types. The φ-ψ angle probabilities estimated this way include all effects of local sequence and are "context sensitive" in that the probabilities for a given residue type depend on its position along the sequence. These probabilities can be used to predict the three-dimensional structure of short polypeptides that are stabilized mainly by local interactions only and to predict the protein folding initiation sites, with moderate to good success rates in each case. They are also potentially useful for efficient sampling in a Monte Carlo scheme of protein tertiary structure prediction methods.
Calcium Redistribution into Subcutaneous Fat at Parturition in the Dairy Cow

Blood samples and subcutaneous fat biopsies from six dairy cows at -14, 0, 14, and 28 days of parturition were analyzed to test the hypothesis that movement of calcium into subcutaneous fat contributes to hypocalcemia of parturient paresis. Plasma and subcutaneous fat calcium decreased while plasma free fatty acids increased at parturition. No trends were significant in magnesium or total lipid content of subcutaneous fat. Calcium content of subcutaneous fat was related positively to calcium concentration in plasma.
Multi-phase coronary magnetic resonance angiography using a 3D cones trajectory

3D whole-heart free-breathing coronary MRA simplifies prescription effort, requires less patient cooperation, and supports retrospective reformats at arbitrary planes. However, this technique can require long scan times and must account for respiratory and cardiac motion.
Song mimicry, song dialects, and behavioural context of songs in brood-parasitic Straw-tailed Whydahs, Vidua fischeri

Straw-tailed Whydahs, Vidua fischeri, mimic the songs and calls of their host species, the Purple Grenadier, Granatina ianthinogaster, and they also have songs that do not mimic the hosts. Neighbouring male whydahs match song themes with each other, while males a few km distant have another set of song themes. Certain song themes were given associated with aggressive contexts and sexual displays (three themes in sustained chase of an intruding male, four other themes in display to a visiting female). Song matching among neighbouring male whydahs is similar to that in Village Indigobirds, V. chalybeata, and suggests that social organisation is similar in the whydahs and indigobirds. A few males have songs like those of distant males and those songs are apparent markers of dispersal. The distribution of song behaviour traits among species points to early phylogenetic origins of the elaborate song repertoires and the mimicry of songs of their host species in brood-parasitic Vidua finches.
Semi-analytical solution of a constrained fourth-order integro-differential equation of steady flow–structure interaction in a model collapsible tube

Abstract We provide accurate, non-perturbative, semi-analytical solutions to a constrained fourth-order integro-differential equation derived by Djorjevic and Vukobratovic [On a steady, viscous flow in two-dimensional channels, Acta Mech. 163 (2003) 189–205] in the study of a steady incompressible flow through a flexible 2D tube. Our numerical experiments motivate the introduction of a global parameter that monitors the deformation of the tube as a function of material properties and flow characteristics. Physically, this parameter is proportional to the work done by the longitudinal tension on the wall. An example is provided on how this global parameter can be used to monitor coronary lesion progression. In particular, this parameter is used to define an index of criticality of such lesions.
Pulse Fourier Transform Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Recent advances in NMR spectroscopy allow one to study extremely dilute systems or nuclei which occur in low natural abundance and/or have poor sensitivity for NMR detection. This paper describes various pulse and pulse Fourier transform NMR techniques. Included in this introduction are: (1) a brief review of the nuclear relaxation phenomenon, (2) sensitivity enhancement using the pulse technique, (3) pulse instrumentation, and (4) the analytical applications of pulse Fourier transform NMR.
Precise Similarity of Many Human Proteins to Proteins of Prokarya

Proteins originated in early forms of life and have long survived, because they have always been required. Some recognizably similar proteins are found in all sequence comparisons between species, no matter how distant, including prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Reported here are observations on the relationships of human proteins to the proteins of 458 prokaryotes for which protein libraries are available. Each of these libraries includes a protein that matches a human protein with a BLAST score of 573 or more, indicating excellent conservation of certain amino acid sequences. A majority of these proteins also match a yeast protein and other eukaryote proteins with comparable accuracy, indicating that protein conservation is responsible in most cases rather than the horizontal transfer (HGT) between eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Rare examples of HGT are apparently also seen. Very many significant matches are seen as the criterion is opened, including 20,596 human proteins that match at least one prokaryote protein with expectation of 10-3 or less. Individual prokaryote proteins accurately match parts of many modern human proteins that have a wide range of functions showing directly that many proteins of different functions have evolved from an ancestral protein by duplication, rearrangement and divergence of function. The implication is that most or all modern proteins derive from the proteins of the last common ancestor with prokaryotes through many such events.
Secondary syphilis presenting as pseudolymphoma of the skin

Secondary syphilis most commonly presents with a papulosquamous eruption that involves the palms, soles, and mucous membranes. The papulonodular variant has only been described 11 times in the literature. We describe a case of papulonodular secondary syphilis presenting as an atypical lymphoid hyperplasia suggestive of cutaneous lymphoma.
Pulmonary Complications of Novel Antineoplastic Agents for Solid Tumors

Antineoplastic agent-induced pulmonary toxicity is an important cause of respiratory failure. Although the incidence of antineoplastic agent-induced pulmonary toxicity seems to be low, more cases can be expected, with increasing numbers of patients receiving the new generations of antineoplastic agents. Antineoplastic agents have previously been associated with bronchospasm, hypersensitivity reactions, venous thromboembolism, and pulmonary hemorrhage. Physicians should be aware of the clinical and radiographic presentations of the pulmonary toxicities associated with the newer antineoplastic agents. The approach to diagnosis, risk factors, and possible mechanisms of antineoplastic agent-induced pulmonary toxicity are discussed in this article.
Domain-specific information extraction structures

Information describing an event can frequently be found on several Web pages, each of which is often poorly structured and incomplete; the set of pages is typically repetitive, often contradictory and verbose. In order to deliver high quality information to a variety of devices in different contexts and roles, we need to provide information that is more succinct. Our approach to this problem is to use domain-specific templates to extract information selectively from the original pages into XML documents, which act as a canonical structure. The extracted information can then be transformed into a form suitable for the intended application. A further series of output transformations are then applied to format the information appropriately, e.g. as speech. simple text or published on the Web. We illustrate our approach with an application in reporting soccer matches.
A 4-MeV Experimental Separated-Orbit Cyclotron

A small experimental Separated-Orbit Cyclotron is being built to provide experience in the design and operation of this new type of accelerator. It will permit examination of the sensitivity of the SOC design to methods of construction and to errors in alignment. Some features are variable so that the flexibility of this class of machines for the acceleration of various particles and the applicability to high beam intensities can be evaluated.
Maternal methadone dose and neonatal withdrawal.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether maternal methadone dosage correlates with neonatal withdrawal in a large heroin-addicted pregnant population. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of all maternal/neonatal records of pregnancies that were maintained on methadone therapy in our institution was conducted. After in-hospital stabilization, women were given daily methadone therapy under direct surveillance, with liberal dosage increases according to maternal withdrawal symptoms. Neonatal withdrawal was assessed objectively by the neonatal abstinence score. The average methadone dose in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy and the last methadone dose before delivery (cutoffs of 40, 60, or 80 mg) were correlated to various objective measures of neonatal withdrawal. RESULTS: One hundred mother/neonate pairs on methadone therapy were identified. Women who received an average methadone dose of P =.1). Women who received an average methadone dose of P >.5). For all cutoffs that were used for high versus low dose and for both the average and last methadone dosage analyses, neonatal withdrawal was similar. CONCLUSION: The maternal methadone dosage does not correlate with neonatal withdrawal; therefore, maternal benefits of effective methadone dosing are not offset by neonatal harm.
On the magnitude of Random telegraph noise in ultra-scaled MOSFETs

Random telegraph noise (RTN) has been shown to be a more severe scaling issue than the Random Dopant Effect (RDE). However this observation relies heavily on studies which focus only on threshold voltage (V TH ) fluctuations. V TH measurements make separation of these two scaling issues (RTN and RDE) difficult. Since future scaled devices may use channels with no or low doping, it is important to examine the impact of RTN without the influence of RDE. In this work, we experimentally verify the “hole in the inversion layer” model of RTN and then use it to examine the magnitude of RTN in ultra-scaled devices without the influence of RDE. This analysis strongly suggests that RTN is a serious issue even in the absence of RDE.
Pediatric ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: functional outcomes and quality of life

Abstract Background/purpose The aim of this study was to assess and correlate functional outcomes and surgical results with health-related quality of life after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in pediatric patients. Methods Functional outcome was determined by questionnaire and telephone interview. Surgical results were determined by retrospective chart review. Results Data were gathered from 26 patients (mean age at IPAA, 12 years; mean follow-up, 3.7 years). Diagnoses were ulcerative colitis in 18, indeterminate colitis in 4, and familial polyposis in 4. Indications for IPAA included intractability, medication toxicity, growth delay, and cancer prophylaxis. Short-term complications (5 patients; 19%) included partial small bowel obstruction, stomal revision, pouch abscess, and negative exploration. Long-term complications (8 patients; 31%) were chronic pouchitis and anal stricture. The average number of stools per 24 hours was 3.9. No incontinence was reported; dietary restrictions were negligible. Although there were minimal differences from population norms, parental anxiety remained high. Chronic pouchitis correlated negatively with physical summary score. Nocturnal stooling negatively affected psychosocial quality of life. Conclusions Pediatric IPAA resulted in excellent bowel health. Quality of life, physical function, mental health, and self-esteem were equivalent to those of healthy children. These data may help families and physicians make informed surgical decisions.
Keratin 8 Phosphorylation by Protein Kinase C δ Regulates Shear Stress-mediated Disassembly of Keratin Intermediate Filaments in Alveolar Epithelial Cells

Phosphorylation of keratin intermediate filaments (IF) is known to affect their assembly state and organization; however, little is known about the mechanisms regulating keratin phosphorylation. In this study, we demonstrate that shear stress, but not stretch, causes disassembly of keratin IF in lung alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) and that this disassembly is regulated by protein kinase C δ-mediated phosphorylation of keratin 8 (K8) Ser-73. Specifically, in AEC subjected to shear stress, keratin IF are disassembled, as reflected by their increased solubility. In contrast, AEC subjected to stretch showed no changes in the state of assembly of IF. Pretreatment with the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, bisindolymaleimide, prevents the increase in solubility of either K8 or its assembly partner K18 in shear-stressed AEC. Phosphoserine-specific antibodies demonstrate that K8 Ser-73 is phosphorylated in a time-dependent manner in shear-stressed AEC. Furthermore, we showed that shear stress activates PKC δ and that the PKC δ peptide antagonist, δ V1-1, significantly attenuates the shear stress-induced increase in keratin phosphorylation and solubility. These data suggested that shear stress mediates the phosphorylation of serine residues in K8, leading to the disassembly of IF in alveolar epithelial cells. Importantly, these data provided clues regarding a molecular link between mechanically induced signal transduction and alterations in cytoskeletal IF.