cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control measures of electrical hazards: An analysis of construction industry

Abstract The construction industry has adopted control measures of electrical hazards for decades, however construction workers are still electrocuted in the workplace every year. This problem leads to a need for assessing the quality of control measures. The goal of this study is to assess the control measures of electrical hazards using a perspective of hierarchy of controls (HOC). HOC counts control measures of five levels in descending effectiveness, which are Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administration, and Personal protective equipment. This study uses mixed methods of narrative text analysis and statistical analysis in examining 486 NIOSH recommended controls from fatality investigations. Findings reveal that behavioral controls remain prevalent in electrical hazard mitigation even though the knowledge of construction safety and health has increased in the past decades. This study also finds that effectiveness of controls is not statistically different by construction type nor occupation. Proposing a solution, the authors suggest that construction managers strictly stick to HOC rules by giving priority to higher level of controls and highly recommend that the U.S. construction industry leverage its prevention strategy by embracing more technological innovations and incentivizing prevention through design.
Asthma Patients' Assessments of Health Care and Medical Decision Making: The Role of Health Literacy

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to measure health literacy and its associations with asthma patients' assessments of care and their desire to participate in making decisions about their treatment. A total of 175 patients completed the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults and questions about satisfaction with asthma status, access to care, quality of care, and the desire to participate in treatment decisions. Patients' mean age was 42 years and 83% were women. Lower literacy was associated with less satisfaction with asthma status and worse assessment of quality of care received for asthma and other medical conditions (p < or = .005). Patients with lower literacy also were more likely not to want to participate in decisions about their care (OR .29, 95% CI .13, .65). These relationships persisted after controlling for demographic and asthma characteristics. These results provide additional incentives for physicians to find better ways to explain asthma treatments to low literacy patients.
An antiprogestin, CDB4124, blocks progesterone's attenuation of the negative effects of a mild stress on sexual behavior

These experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that a progesterone receptor antagonist would block progesterone's ability to reduce the negative effects of a 5 min restraint on female rat sexual behavior. Ovariectomized Fischer rats were injected with 10 μg estradiol benzoate. Two days later, rats were injected subcutaneously (sc) with the progesterone receptor antagonist, CDB4124 (17α-acetoxy-21-methoxy-11β-[4-N,N-dimethyaminopheny]-19-norpregna-4,9-dione-3,20-dione) (60 mg/kg), or vehicle (20% DMSO+propylene glycol). One hour later, rats were injected sc with 500 μg progesterone or vehicle (sesame seed oil). Rats were assigned to one of three different treatment conditions: (1) (ECV) estradiol benzoate, CDB4124, sesame seed oil vehicle, (2) (ECP) estradiol benzoate, CDB4124, progesterone, and (3) (EVP) estradiol benzoate, DMSO/propylene glycol vehicle, progesterone. That afternoon sexual behavior was examined before and after a 5 min restraint experience. Before restraint, lordosis behavior was comparable across treatment conditions but only progesterone-treated rats exhibited proceptive behavior. CDB4124 did not block progesterone's induction of proceptivity. However, after restraint, CDB4124 attenuated the positive effects of progesterone on all sexual behaviors examined. The restraint experience inhibited sexual behavior in rats treated with estradiol benzoate and CDB4124 and in rats treated with estradiol benzoate, CDB4124, and progesterone but not in rats given estradiol benzoate and progesterone without CDB4124. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that progesterone receptors mediate progesterone's ability to reduce the negative sexual behavioral effects of a mild stressor.
Stability in a frontal plane model of balance requires coupled changes to postural configuration and neural feedback control

Postural stability depends on interactions between the musculoskeletal system and neural control mechanisms. We present a frontal plane model stabilized by delayed feedback to analyze the effects of altered stance width on postural responses to perturbations. We hypothesized that changing stance width alters the mechanical dynamics of the body and limits the range of delayed feedback gains that produce stable postural behaviors. Surprisingly, mechanical stability was found to decrease as stance width increased due to decreased effective inertia. Furthermore, due to sensorimotor delays and increased leverage of hip joint torque on center-of-mass motion, the magnitudes of the stabilizing delayed feedback gains decreased as stance width increased. Moreover, the ranges of the stable feedback gains were nonoverlapping across different stance widths such that using a single neural feedback control strategy at both narrow and wide stances could lead to instability. The set of stable feedback gains was further reduced by constraints on foot lift-off and perturbation magnitude. Simulations were fit to experimentally measured kinematics, and the identified feedback gains corroborated model predictions. In addition, analytical gain margin of the linearized system was found to predict step transitions without the need for simulation. In conclusion, this model offers a method to dissociate the complex interactions between postural configuration, delayed sensorimotor feedback, and nonlinear foot lift-off constraints. The model demonstrates that stability at wide stances can only be achieved if delayed neural feedback gains decrease. This model may be useful in explaining both expected and paradoxical changes in stance width in healthy and neurologically impaired individuals.
Editorial Review: Engineering Modelling and Intelligent Computing are Synergistic in Translational Medicine Research

The field of engineering modelling and intelligent computing research has developed a large and substantial body of knowledge, based mostly in medical, healthcare, science and engineering programs. The basic paradigm has been the use of engineering and computational techniques, with the randomised clinical trial forming the main basis for progress. Quantitative models to analyse questions related to healthcare and personalised medicine have been used to design, validate and support the effective clinical applications. The use of advanced engineering and computational models to solve biomedical and healthcare problems for optimal design or resource allocations are key components of personalised medicine for decades. The development, implementation and transfer into clinical practice of data-driven models to support biological and medical research is an important research area in related fields. This special issue contains several ongoing research projects aimed at developing current signal and imaging and functional informatics techniques focusing on modern engineering modelling and computational medicine. Those papers represent important original scientific contributions to the modern biomedical and healthcare fields.
The Ultrastructure of the Compound Eye of Two Species of Marine Ostracodes (Crustacea: Ostracoda: Cypridinidae)

Ultrastructurally, the compound eyes of the luminescent marine ostracodes Vargula graminkola and V. tsujii are similar. These ostracodes have two lateral compound eyes, with relatively few ommatidia (13 and 20 respectively). They exhibit apposition type compound eyes as seen in many other arthropods. Each ommatidium includes: a flat, ectodermal cuticular covering, corneagen cells, two long cone cells that give rise to a large conspicuous crystalline cone, retinular cells, pigment cells, a microvillar rhabdom and proximal axonal neurons. The axons merge to form an optic nerve that extends into the brain through a short, muscular stalk that is surrounded externally by a cuticle. The number of retinular cells is typically six per ommatidium in V. graminicola and eight per ommatidium in V. tsujii. Screening pigment cells surround each ommatidium forming a layer that is about 5–15 pigment granules thick. In addition to pigment cells, the cytoplasm of the retinular cells includes numerous screening pigment granules. In light/dark adaptation, there are no obvious morphological differences in the orientation of the rhabdom or in the organization of the screening pigments. Both Vargula species studied are nocturnally active and bioluminescent suggesting that these eyes are capable receptors of the bright conspecific luminescence.
Dengue virus neutralization by human immune sera: Role of envelope protein domain III-reactive antibody

Dengue viruses (DENV) are the etiological agents of dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). The DENV complex consists of four closely related viruses designated DENV serotypes 1 through 4. Although infection with one serotype induces cross reactive antibody to all 4 serotypes, the long-term protective antibody response is restricted to the serotype responsible for infection. Cross reactive antibodies appear to enhance infection during a second infection with a different serotype. The goal of the present study was to characterize the binding specificity and functional properties of human DENV immune sera. The study focused on domain III of the viral envelope protein (EDIII), as this region has a well characterized epitope that is recognized by strongly neutralizing serotype-specific mouse monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). Our results demonstrate that EDIII-reactive antibodies are present in primary and secondary DENV immune human sera. Human antibodies bound to a serotype specific epitope on EDIII after primary infection and a serotype cross reactive epitope on EDIII after secondary infection. However, EDIII binding antibodies constituted only a small fraction of the total antibody in immune sera binding to DENV. Studies with complete and EDIII antibody depleted human immune sera demonstrated that EDIII binding antibodies play a minor role in DENV neutralization. We propose that human antibodies directed to other epitopes on the virus are primarily responsible for DENV neutralization. Our results have implications for understanding protective immunity following natural DENV infection and for evaluating DENV vaccines.
Effects of a School-based Obesity-prevention Intervention on Menarche (United States)

Objective: Early menarche is a risk factor for breast cancer. Since body composition influences age at menarche we decided to estimate the effects of a school-based intervention for the prevention of obesity on the initiation of menses in young girls. Methods: Ten schools were randomized to a modified curriculum or no curricular changes for 2 school-years. Data of 508 pre-menarcheal girls at baseline (age range: 10–13 years) were analyzed. Results: Girls attending an intervention school experienced menarche less frequently than girls attending control schools during the intervention period (intervention schools = 54%, control schools = 59%; RR = 0.76; 95% CI [0.66, 0.87]). Attending an intervention school was also associated with lower increase in BMI (−0.3 kg/m2; p = 0.003), lower gains in triceps skinfold thickness (−1.5 mm; p = 0.007), decreased television viewing (−0.6 h/day; p<0.0001) and increased physical activity (3.1 MET-h/week; p = 0.032). Including these changes as predictors of menarche incidence attenuated the intervention effect (RR = 0.94; 95% CI [0.80, 1.10]). Conclusions: The intervention delayed menarche in this group of girls. The delay was produced by increased physical activity, reduced television viewing and changes in BMI and fat distribution. These findings may have implications for the primary prevention of breast cancer.
New localized/delocalized emitting state of Eu2+ in orange-emitting hexagonal EuAl2O4.

Eu2+-activated phosphors are being widely used in illuminations and displays. Some of these phosphors feature an extremely broad and red-shifted Eu2+ emission band; however, convincing explanation of this phenomenon is lacking. Here we report a new localized/delocalized emitting state of Eu2+ ions in a new hexagonal EuAl2O4 phosphor whose Eu2+ luminescence exhibits a very large bandwidth and an extremely large Stokes shift. At 77 K, two luminescent sites responsible for 550 nm and 645 nm broadband emissions are recognized, while at room temperature only the 645 nm emission band emits. The 645 nm emission exhibits a typical radiative lifetime of 1.27 μs and an unusually large Stokes shift of 0.92 eV. We identify the 645 nm emission as originating from a new type of emitting state whose composition is predominantly that of localized 4f65d character but which also contains a complementary component with delocalized conduction-band-like character. This investigation provides new insights into a unique type of Eu2+ luminescence in solids whose emission exhibits both a very large bandwidth and an extremely large Stokes shift.
Process adjustment and quality control

To be competitive in the international market-place, modern manufacturers need to pay keen attention to quality monitoring and control. In this paper, we discuss process quality monitoring, control and adjustment from a modern statistical time series analysis point of view. In particular, we show how several approaches can be reconciled.
Relative elevation of late Pleistocene high sea level stands: Barbados uplift rates and their implications

Abstract Calculations confirm that the uplift of Barbados during the past 130,000 yr has been at nearly constant relative rates in the Clermont and Christ Church standard traverses, and that sea levels responsible for Barbados terraces I (82,000 yr B.P.) and II (105,000 yr B.P.) attained approximately the same level which was 20–25 m below the level represented by Barbados III (125,000 yr B.P.). Preference for the correlation of Barbados III with the prominent first interglacial 18 O peak in stage 5 is stated once again. Further, correlation with Eemian and Pangaion of the European pollen record is suggested.
Architectural Research in the Use of Foam Plastics

This program of research is being sponsored by the Agency for International Development of the U. S. Department of State in the interest of exploring the possibility of using foam plastics as a basic structural material for application in underdeveloped areas of the world. The preliminary investigation included a study of the mechanical properties of cellu lar plastics, methods for producing such ma terials (alone or in combination with other materials), as well as erection techniques which could result from the use of these ma terials. On the basis of this investigation certain conclusions were reached as to the kinds of structures which would make logical use of foam plastics, utilizing their unique properties and designing around their short comings.
Optical properties of aged Asian aerosols observed over the U.S. Pacific Northwest

[1] A suite of gas-phase and aerosol measurements were made during spring 2008 and spring 2009 at the Mount Bachelor Observatory (2763 masl), located in Oregon. Here we focus on multiwavelength observations of low RH submicron (μm) aerosol scattering (σsp) and absorption (σap), made with an integrating nephelometer and a particle soot absorption photometer. Using a combination of in situ observations, trajectory calculations and satellite observations, we identified seven plumes of Asian origin. These plumes included many of the highest σsp (34.8 Mm−1) and σap (5.7 Mm−1) hourly average values observed at MBO over the 2008 and 2009 campaigns. Of interest in this analysis is (1) whether the intensive optical properties differ between these seven plumes, (2) whether these differences can be linked to differences in composition, and (3) whether the intensive optical properties change during transpacific transport. Results show that the plumes clustered in terms of their optical properties; plumes hypothesized to contain a large fraction of mineral dust were the most distinct. We observed variability between plumes in the scattering Angstrom (As) exponent. The average submicrometer As for all seven plumes was significantly larger than the same parameter observed closer to Asia. Therefore, we hypothesize that the aerosol size distribution shifts toward smaller particles during transpacific transport. The average submicrometer low-RH aerosol single scatter albedo (ω) observed at MBO (0.88) was slightly larger than previous observations closer to the Asian coast, and the average backscatter fraction (b) was smaller, on the order of 20%.
Quantum-efficiency measurements on carbon–hydrogen-alloy-based solar cells

Abstract Solar cell devices have been fabricated with amorphous, hydrogenated carbon (a-C : H) as the primary semiconducting material. These devices clearly demonstrate photovoltaic behavior as determined by their I – V curves. To identify photon energies that contribute to the photogenerated current, quantum efficiency measurements have been performed. The fabricated solar cells exhibit a maximum quantum efficiency response in the ultraviolet region. Using the measured quantum efficiency curves, the short-circuit currents for a global AM1.5 spectrum at an irradiance of 1000 W/m 2 have been calculated. These values are comparable to the actually measured short-circuit currents.
Generation of functional hemangioblasts from human embryonic stem cells

Recent evidence suggests the existence of progenitor cells in adult tissues that are capable of differentiating into vascular structures as well as into all hematopoietic cell lineages. Here we describe an efficient and reproducible method for generating large numbers of these bipotential progenitors—known as hemangioblasts—from human embryonic stem (hES) cells using an in vitro differentiation system. Blast cells expressed gene signatures characteristic of hemangioblasts, and could be expanded, cryopreserved and differentiated into multiple hematopoietic lineages as well as into endothelial cells. When we injected these cells into rats with diabetes or into mice with ischemia-reperfusion injury of the retina, they localized to the site of injury in the damaged vasculature and appeared to participate in repair. Injection of the cells also reduced the mortality rate after myocardial infarction and restored blood flow in hind limb ischemia in mouse models. Our data suggest that hES-derived blast cells (hES-BCs) could be important in vascular repair.
Spinodal decomposition without diffuse interface theory, II: K(β) and comparisons☆

A recent mean field pair interaction (MFPI) formulation of the theory of spinodal decomposition is extended with quantitative calculations based on representative pair potentials. These include a nearneighbor potential, a screened impurity potential, and various inverse power law potentials. For the nearneighbor potential, as well as for power law potentials with exponents n ≥ 5, results in accord with the standard theory are obtained. For power law exponents n < 5 (for systems in which long-range intermolecular potentials are important), the amplification factor, R(β), is expected to decrease less rapidly with increasing wavenumber at large β than predicted by the standard theory, and R(β) should not be quadratic in β for small β. The predictions of the MFPI formulation are compared with experimental data on the kinetics of phase separation. A qualitative preference for the MFPI formulation seems indicated: but in quantitative detail, the agreement between theory and experiment still leaves much to be desired. The needs for further extensions of the theory, and most importantly for reliable experimental data on initially homogeneous specimens, are emphasized.
The Influence of Goal Orientation on Task Performance: A Substantively Meaningful Suppressor Variable1

The present study investigated the relationship between performance goal orientation and performance on a complex task. It was hypothesized that cognitive interference would mediate this relationship. In addition, it was hypothesized that cognitive ability would moderate the relationship between cognitive interference and task performance. A three-variable suppressor relationship indicated that, although the direct effect of performance goal orientation on performance was one that produced better performance, the indirect effect of performance goal orientation indicated that performance orientations were associated with increases in cognitive interference, and these increases in cognitive interference were associated with poorer performance. Thus, the beneficial aspect of performance goal orientation (i. e., the direct effect) was counterbalanced by the dysfunctional aspects of performance goal orientation (i. e., the associated increase in cognitive interference). Support was also found for the proposed moderation of ability on the cognitive interference-task performance relationship for final, but not initial performance. The results are interpreted in light of recent discussions regarding the influence of goal orientation on task performance and cognitive interference.
Influence of Family Perceptions of Acting White on Acculturative Stress in African American College Students

This study examined family-oriented stressors on acculturative stress in 83 African American college students attending a predominately White university. Results showed that family pressure for participants not to acculturate, pressure to maintain ethnic group language, perception of Acting White, and acculturation level were related to higher acculturative stress for participants. After controlling for acculturation and general stress, family pressure to maintain the ethnic group’s language and perception of Acting White accounted for a statistically significant proportion of the variance in acculturation stress. The findings emphasize the need to recognize culture-specific stressors of college students. Implications for mental health providers are discussed.
Prolonged Intraperitoneal Dwell Decreases Ultrafiltration Coefficient in Rabbits

In rabbits undergoing peritoneal dialysis, hypertonic (6% dextrose) dialysis solution increased the net ultrafiltration rate (UF) from 233 to 462 μL/kg/min, which was not proportional to the increment in the osmotic gradient, so the ultrafiltration coefficient decreased. As intraperitoneal dwell of hypertonic dialysate was prolonged, the gross and net UFs and ultrafiltration coefficients decreased, and the OF per dextrose absorption declined. The decrement in OF was multifactorial, including a component of fluid and solute stagnation, increasing the distance over which osmotic forces must exert their effects. Excessively hypertonic dialysis fluid should be used only briefly to achieve ultrafiltration efficiently and to avoid the high dextrose loading. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.
Response of Lithium-Drifted Silicon Radiation Detectors to High Energy Charged Particies

The measured response characteristics of lithium-drifted silicon radiation detectors at 295°K and 79°K are presented for protons with energies from 315 to 3.5 MeV; for positive pions with energies from 50.2 to 206 MeV; and for electrons with energies from 265 keV to 767.2 MeV. Analysis of the energy loss spectra confirms that the energy is being deposited by the protons and pions in the silicon purely through collision losses, whereas it appears that the silicon absorbs additional energy lost by the high energy electrons through interaction of the bremsstrahlung radiation in the depletion region. The charge collection efficiency determined by gamma rays is shown to agree with the charge collection efficiency determined by minimum ionizing particles. Nonlinear effects caused by unequal electron and hole trapping lengths and surface effects lead to reduced charge collection efficiencies for low energy electrons which do not completely penetrate the detector depletion region, in agreement with theory and with observations in the X-ray region. Apparent recombination effects also lead to reduced charge collection efficiencies at low fields or for protons with energies below about 100 MeV under constant bias conditions. The present data support the conclusion that the charge conversion factor ? at any one temperature is constant to within 1% for electrons, pions and protons over the entire energy span measured.
Hierarchical Bayesian Analysis of Correlated Zero-inflated Count Data

This article presents two-component hierarchical Bayesian models which incorporate both overdispersion and excess zeros. The components may be resultants of some intervention (treatment) that changes the rare event generating process. The models are also expanded to take into account any heterogeneity that may exist in the data. Details of the model fitting, checking and selecting alternative models from a Bayesian perspective are also presented. The proposed methods are applied to count data on the assessment of an efficacy of pesticides in controlling the reproduction of whitefly. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Reduction of magnetic susceptibility broadening in NMR by susceptibility matching

Abstract A method is presented to reduce severe magnetic susceptibility broadening of NMR spectra of powders. It involves surrounding the particles of the powder with a liquid of the same magnetic susceptibility as the powder. Results are shown for the NbH x , system.
Widespread occurrence of the Tc1 transposon family: Tc1-like transposons from teleost fish

We characterized five transposable elements from fish: one from zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio), one from rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), and three from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). All are closely similar in structure to the Tc1 transposon of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. A comparison of 17 Tc1-like transposons from species representing three phyla (nematodes, arthropods, and chordates) showed that these elements make up a highly conserved transposon family. Most are close to 1.7 kb in length, have inverted terminal repeats, have conserved terminal nucleotides, and each contains a single gene encoding similar polypeptides. The phylogenetic relationships of the transposons were reconstructed from the amino acid sequences of the conceptual proteins and from DNA sequences. The elements are highly diverged and have evidently inhibited the genomes of these diverse species for a long time. To account for the data, it is not necessary to invoke recent horizontal transmission.
Dynamical interactions and the black-hole merger rate of the Universe

Binary black holes can form efficiently in dense young stellar clusters, such as the progenitors of globular clusters, via a combination of gravitational segregation and cluster evaporation. We use simple analytic arguments supported by detailed $N$-body simulations to determine how frequently black holes born in a single stellar cluster should form binaries, be ejected from the cluster, and merge through the emission of gravitational radiation. We then convolve this ``transfer function'' relating cluster formation to black-hole mergers with (i) the distribution of observed cluster masses and (ii) the star formation history of the Universe, assuming that a significant fraction ${g}_{\mathrm{cl}}$ of star formation occurs in clusters and that a significant fraction ${g}_{\mathrm{evap}}$ of clusters undergo this segregation and evaporation process. We predict future ground-based gravitational wave detectors could observe $\ensuremath{\sim}500({g}_{\mathrm{cl}}/0.5)({g}_{\mathrm{evap}}/0.1)$ double black-hole mergers per year, and the presently operating LIGO interferometer would have a chance (50%) at detecting a merger during its first full year of science data. More realistically, advanced LIGO and similar next-generation gravitational wave observatories provide unique opportunities to constrain otherwise inaccessible properties of clusters formed in the early Universe.
Design of passive piezoelectric damping for space structures

Passive damping of structural dynamics using piezoceramic electromechanical energy conversion and passive electrical networks is a relatively recent concept with little implementation experience base. This report describes an implementation case study, starting from conceptual design and technique selection, through detailed component design and testing to simulation on the structure to be damped. About 0.5kg. of piezoelectric material was employed to damp the ASTREX testbed, a 500kg structure. Emphasis was placed upon designing the damping to enable high bandwidth robust feedback control. Resistive piezoelectric shunting provided the necessary broadband damping. The piezoelectric element was incorporated into a mechanically-tuned vibration absorber in order to concentrate damping into the 30 to 40 Hz frequency modes at the rolloff region of the proposed compensator. A prototype of a steel flex-tensional motion amplification device was built and tested. The effective stiffness and damping of the flex-tensional device was experimentally verified. When six of these effective springs are placed in an orthogonal configuration, strain energy is absorbed from all six degrees of freedom of a 90kg. mass. A NASTRAN finite element model of the testbed was modified to include the six-spring damping system. An analytical model was developed for the spring in order to see how the flex-tensional device and piezoelectric dimensions effect the critical stress and strain energy distribution throughout the component. Simulation of the testbed demonstrated the damping levels achievable in the completed system.
Relative testosterone deficiency in older men: clinical definition and presentation.

Systemic testosterone exposure falls with increasing age, resulting in a state of relative (to young men) androgen deficiency. Serum testosterone levels below the normal range of young healthy adult men may be associated with symptoms that can be ascribed to the chemical deficiency. Considerable indirect evidence supports the existence of a clinically definable syndrome characterized by a sufficiently low serum testosterone concentration in conjunction with compatible clinical manifestations. Whether this putative chemical/clinical condition will benefit from reversal with testosterone supplementation has not been established by randomized placebo controlled studies. Best practice guidelines premised upon normative reference ranges derived from young healthy adults require a total testosterone of less than 250 mg/dL (8.7 nmol/L) on two occasions, and suggestive clinical features are required for a presumptive diagnosis of relative androgen deficiency. The authors believe such men are candidates (after careful individual assessment of comorbidities) for replacement testosterone therapy.
Ionizing radiation (Ir) Alters functional activity of cell surface fas and fas ligand (Fasl) In human bone marrow stromal cells

Abstract Hematopoietic homeostasis requires a network of cytokines that balances proliferation and differentiation with apoptosis of stem/progenitor cells. We have reported that Fas and FasL, principal mediators of apoptosis, are modulated at the cell surface by IR (Albanese and Dainiak, Radiat Res 153:49, 2000). Here, we examined expression and functional activity of Fas and FasL in a cytokine-producing, human bone marrow stromal cell line (HS-5), before and after exposure to IR. Plasma membranes were purified from HS-5 cells, solubilized in Triton-X 100 and subjected to Western blot analysis. Proteins of 40 and 48 kDal, corresponding to FasL and Fas, respectively, were observed, a finding confirmed by flow cytometry and RT-PCR. Despite the presence of Fas receptor, anti-Fas antibodies DX-2 and CH.11 (100–500 ng/ml), failed to induced cell death in HS-5 cells, as determined by the MTT assay. Hs-5 cells exposed to IR (0–10 Gy), displayed a dose-dependent increase in levels of surface Fas and FasL, as assessed by flow cytometry. To examine the biological activity of FasL expressed by HS-5 cells, irradiated and non-irradiated HS-5 cells (effectors) were co-cultured with Jurkat cells (targets), a cell line sensitive to FasL. Viability of target cells was determined using the MTT assay following a 24 hr co-incubation period. We observed that Jurkat cell viability increased in a dose-dependent manner in samples co-cultivated with HS-5 cells exposed to 0–10 Gy of IR. A maximum increase (relative to non-irradiated HS-5 cells) in target cell survival was observed in Jurkat cell samples co-cultered with HS-5 cells that were previously irradiated (10 Gy). These findings suggest that HS-5 cells express FasL at their surface in a biologically active form and that functional activity of FasL is diminished following exposure to IR. Whether the reduction in apoptosis-inducing activity of FasL results from direct damage by IR to the protein or to the protein's lipid microenvironment is unclear. The finding that Fas is expressed by HS-5 cells in an inactive form may explain why these cells fail to undergo apoptosis when grown in monolayer.
Endocannabinoid system in cancer cachexia.

Purpose of review More than 60% of advanced cancer patients suffer from anorexia and cachexia. This review focuses on the possible mechanisms by which the endocannabinoid system antagonizes cachexia–anorexia processes in cancer patients and how it can be tapped for therapeutic applications. Recent findings Cannabinoids stimulate appetite and food intake. Hepatocytes express functional cannabinoid type 1 receptors, activation of which increases the expression of lipogenic genes (e.g those encoding sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c, acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase-1, and fatty acid synthase in the liver and hypothalamus) and increase de-novo fatty acid synthesis, which contributes to development of diet-induced obesity. Both ghrelin and cannabinoids stimulate AMP-activated protein kinase in the hypothalamus, whereas they inhibit it in the liver and adipose tissues. Both anandamide and synthetic cannabinoid type 1 receptor agonists such as HU210 and the plant-derived cannabinoid tetrahydro-cannabinol also significantly inhibit tumor necrosis factor-α. Summary Cannabinoid type 1 receptor activation stimulates appetite and promotes lipogenesis and energy storage. Further study of cancer–cachexia pathophysiology and the role of endocannabinoids will help us to develop cannabinoids without psychotropic properties, which will help cancer patients suffering from cachexia and improve outcomes of clinical antitumor therapy.
Correlation analysis of surface slope metrology measurements of high quality x-ray optics

We discuss an application of correlation analysis to surface metrology of high quality x-ray optics with the aim of elicitation and, when possible, suppression of the instrumental systematic errors in the final metrology results. We describe and present the mathematical foundation for a novel method consisting of the randomization of the systematic error by the averaging of multiple measurements, specially arranged to mutually anti-correlate. We also discuss the possibility to apply correlation analysis to the entire residual surface slope distribution in order to find anti-correlation parameters of the distribution. In this case, repeated measurements with the corresponding change of the experimental arrangement (position of the surface and/or its overall tilt) can be used to identify the origin of the observed anticorrelation features by analyzing the difference between the measurements. If the corresponding minimum of the autocorrelation function is due to a systematic error, averaging over the repeated measurements will provide an efficient suppression of the systematic error. If the observed anti-correlation properties are due to the polishing process, and therefore belong to the surface itself, we suggest that the possibility of re-polishing the surface based on the correlation analysis be considered. Throughout the present work we have discussed correlation analysis of surface slope metrology data. However, a similar consideration can be applied to surface topography in the height domain measured with other metrology instrumentation, for example: interferometers and interferometric microscopes.
Organophosphate and Carbamate Insecticides in Agricultural Waters and Cholinesterase (ChE) Inhibition in Common Carp ( Cyprinus carpio )

Cholinesterase (ChE) activity was used as a biomarker for assessing exposure of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides from irrigated agricultural waters. Carp were collected from a lake (Royal Lake) that receives most of its water from irrigation return flows and from a reference lake (Billy Clapp Lake) outside of the irrigation system. Results indicated that the mean whole-brain ChE activity of carp from Royal Lake (3.47 μmol/min/g tissue) was 34.2% less than that of carp from Billy Clapp Lake (5.27 μmol/min/g tissue) (p = 0.003). The depressed ChE activity in brain tissue of Royal Lake carp was in response to ChE-inhibiting insecticides detected in water samples in the weeks prior to tissue sampling; the most frequently detected insecticides included chlorpyrifos, azinphos-methyl, carbaryl, and ethoprop. Neither sex nor size appears to be a covariable in the analysis; ChE activity was not correlated with fish length or weight in either lake and there was no significant difference in ChE activity between the two sexes within each lake. Although organophosphate and carbamate insecticides can break down rapidly in the environment, this study suggests that in agricultural regions where insecticides are applied for extended periods of the year, nontarget aquatic biota may be exposed to high levels of ChE-inhibiting insecticides for a period of several months.
Pyramiding QTL for multiple lateral branching in cucumber using inbred backcross lines

Multiple lateral branching (MLB) is a quantitatively inherited trait associated with yield in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.; 2n = 2x = 14). Although quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been identified for MLB and QTL-marker associations have been verified by marker-assisted selection, the individual effects of these QTL have not been characterized. To test the effects of pyramiding QTL for MLB, molecular genotyping was utilized to create two sets (standard- and little-leaf types) of inbred backcross (IBC) lines possessing various numbers of QTL that promote branching. These IBC lines were evaluated for lateral branch number in two Wisconsin environments at three plant densities. Highly significant differences in the number of primary lateral branches were detected between spacings, leaf types, and lines, but not between locations. Lateral branch number decreased at higher plant densities in all genotypes, while genotype by environment and QTL by environment interactions were marginally non-significant. As the number of QTL increased among IBC lines, the number of branches did not generally change in the little-leaf lines, but decreased in the standard-leaf lines, demonstrating an epistatic effect related to genetic background during lateral branch development. The genomic location with the greatest effect on MLB was confirmed as the QTL that was previously mapped near the little-leaf locus (ll), while the addition of one specific QTL consistently decreased the number of lateral branches in standard-leaf lines. Although pyramiding QTL for MLB did not uniformly increase the number of lateral branches, pyramiding QTL in IBC lines allowed further characterization of individual QTL involved in MLB. Our results, coupled with those of previous studies indicate that lateral branch development in cucumber is determined by growing environment (i.e., plant spacing), genetic background, and QTL composition.
Performance evaluation of dynamic point selection CoMP scheme in heterogeneous networks with FTP traffic model

High traffic demand is considered as one of the key challenge in modern wireless communication systems which are typically limited by amount of available spectrum. Recently heterogeneous networks (HetNet) have been proposed as an attractive approach to cope with this problem, by enabling cell splitting gain via deployment of an additional layer of pico-cells. While low power and small antenna height of pico-cell base stations simplify search of the site location, the efficiency of cell splitting gain in HetNet is typically limited by small coverage area of pico-cells. To address the issue of HetNet performance in LTE-A Rel-11, coordinated multipoint (CoMP) traffic management schemes were considered. In particular a combination of dynamic point selection (DPS) with dynamic point blanking (DPB) was identified as a promising mechanism to provide cell load balancing and interference mitigation in HetNet. Dynamicity of CoMP schemes is expected to provide performance benefits in various scenarios including non-full buffer traffic models, where scheduling decisions of DPS/DPB can be based on the instantaneous cell's loading conditions. In this paper we provide detailed system level performance analysis for DPS/DPB CoMP scheme in HetNet scenario with non-full buffer FTP traffic model. The performance results are conducted for different traffic loadings of the cells and DPS/DPB scheduling decision granularities.
Surface phonons of Ag(110): The importance of odd-symmetry modes in seeking accurate interaction models

Abstract Inelastic electron scattering measurements and lattice dynamical analysis of the vibrational properties of Ag(110) surfaces are presented. The measurements include detection of odd-symmetry shear horizontal modes throughout the two-dimensional Brillouin zone, and the lattice dynamical analysis explores the effects on surface interaction models arising from the requirement that shear mode properties are correctly accounted for by the model. This new constraint leads to a lattice dynamical model which is significantly different from models which are deduced on the basis of only evensymmetry surface vibrational modes.
Interaction of the B subunit of cholera toxin with endogenous ganglioside GM1 causes changes in membrane potential of rat thymocytes.

The fluorescent anionic dye, bisoxonol, and flow cytometry have been used to monitor changes in the membrane potential of rat thymocytes exposed to the B subunit of cholera toxin. The B subunit induced a rapid hyperpolarization, which was due to activation of a Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel. Reduction of extracellular Ca2+ to <1 μm by the addition of [ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid immediately abolished the hyperpolarization caused by the B subunit. Cells treated with quinine and tetraethylammonium lost their ability to respond to the B subunit, whereas 4-aminopyridine did not have any effect. Thus, calcium-sensitive and not voltage-gated K+ channels appeared to be responsible for the hyperpolarization. The results of ion substitution experiments indicated that extracellular Na+ was not essential for changes in membrane potential. Further studies with ouabain, amiloride and furosemide demonstrated that electrogenic Na+/K+ ATPase, Na+/H+ antiporter and Na+/K+/Cl− cotransporter, respectively, were not involved in the hyperpolarization process induced by the B subunit. Thus, crosslinking of several molecules of ganglioside GM1 on the cell surface of rat thymocytes by the pentavalent B subunit of cholera toxin modulated plasma membrane permeability to K+ by triggering the opening of Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels. A role for gangliosides in regulating ion permeability would have important implications for the function of gangliosides in various cellular phenomena.
Pelvic ultrasonography in the evaluation of central precocious puberty: comparison with leuprolide stimulation test.

Objective To compare the ovarian and uterine structure demonstrated sonographically with baseline and leuprolide-stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol values in females with suspected precocious puberty. Study design Retrospective chart review. Fifty females (age 3.1 to 9.5 years) underwent stimulation testing with leuprolide (20 μg/kg) and pelvic ultrasonography. Subjects were grouped as (1) prepubertal (baseline and stimulated LH and estradiol in prepubertal range); (2) early pubertal (baseline LH and estradiol in prepubertal range but stimulated LH or estradiol in pubertal range); and (3) pubertal (baseline and stimulated LH or estradiol in pubertal range). Sonographic data were compared with baseline and leuprolide-stimulated LH and estradiol. Results Baseline and stimulated LH and stimulated estradiol significantly correlated with ovarian and uterine volumes. Ovarian and uterine volumes were significantly higher in females in the pubertal group than in females in the prepubertal group. No significant differences were noted in the ovarian or uterine dimensions between the prepubertal and early pubertal groups. There was significant overlap in ovarian and uterine volumes among females in all three groups. Conclusion Contrary to leuprolide stimulation, pelvic ultrasonography alone cannot distinguish between prepubertal females and those in the early stages of puberty.
Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Refractory Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

The purpose of this article is to discuss the indications for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), physiologic and mechanical issues that arise in patients managed with ECPR, and optimal patient selection for ECPR. ECPR can provide very good outcomes for some children who, in all likelihood, would otherwise have died. Having the capability to routinely offer ECPR represents an enormous institutional commitment of people and resources. For ECPR to be successful, it must be rapidly deployed, patients must be selected with care, and consistently excellent conventional CPR must take place while awaiting ECPR.
Does drainage of intraabdominal pus reverse multiple organ failure

Intraabdominal abscess induced multiple organ failure in 21 patients. Sepsis was most often due to perforation of the colon and was located with almost equal frequency in the upper and lower abdomen. Four patients died after single laparotomy for drainage. Seventeen were drained operatively more than once (average 3.4 operations) at mean intervals of 10 days. Sixteen of the 21 patients (76 percent) died with multiple organ failure despite drainage. Organ function improved temporarily in only one patient. Autopsy showed that pus had persisted or recurred in three patients. No significant predictors of survival were identified, although the advantage appears to lie with the younger patient in whom multiple organ failure develops relatively late after sepsis (mean 13 days) and who needs ventilatory assistance for less than 1 week. The location, size, and bacteriologic characteristics of abscesses do not appear to influence outcome. This study shows that early and repeated drainage of intraabdominal pus will not reverse multiple organ failure in the majority of patients.
A Quality-Oriented Approach to Pressure Ulcer Management in a Nursing Facility

The Jewish Home and Hospital for Aged, Bronx Division, is an 816-bed nursing facility that has developed a strategy for pressure ulcer management which relies on documentation, data flow, and feedback. Our system incorporates principles of Quality Improvement, and has resulted in a remarkably low nosocomial ulcer prevalence rate of 3.1%. We discuss Quality Improvement in the nursing facility and examine the value of pressure ulcer prevalence as a quality indicator. We present details of our system, highlighting the flow of information which comprises the Quality Improvement infrastructure, and include a discussion of benefits and costs of our system.