cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The C-Terminal αI Domain Linker as a Critical Structural Element in the Conformational Activation of αI Integrins

The activation of α/β heterodimeric integrins is the result of highly coordinated rearrangements within both subunits. The molecular interactions between the two subunits, however, remain to be characterized. In this study, we use the integrin αLβ2 to investigate the functional role of the C-linker polypeptide that connects the C-terminal end of the inserted (I) domain with the β-propeller domain on the α subunit and is located at the interface with the βI domain of the β chain. We demonstrate that shortening of the C-linker by eight or more amino acids results in constitutively active αLβ2 in which the αI domain is no longer responsive to the regulation by the βI domain. Despite this intersubunit uncoupling, both I domains remain individually sensitive to intrasubunit conformational changes induced by allosteric modulators. Interestingly, the length and not the sequence of the C-linker appears to be critical for its functionality in α/β intersubunit communication. Using two monoclonal antibodies (R7.1 and CBR LFA-1/1) we further demonstrate that shortening of the C-linker results in the gradual loss of combinational epitopes that require both the αI and β-propeller domains for full reactivity. Taken together, our findings highlight the role of the C-linker as a spring-like element that allows relaxation of the αI domain in the resting state and controlled tension of the αI domain during activation, exerted by the β chain.
The evolution of the hospitalist model in the United States.

In the 1990s, a competitive market for health care emerged in the United States, one in which patients and purchasers began to seekout less expensive (and high-quality) care delivery systems. These pressures to more efficiently use hospital resources, coupled with new technologies and organizational innovations that displaced a significant amount of hospital care to ambulatory and short-stay environments, prompted a rethinking of the organization of inpatient care in the United States. In 1996, Wachter and Goldman [1] described a model of care in the United States, in which a new group of physicians—termed hospitalists— provide inpatient care in place of primary care physicians or 1 month per year attendings in academic medical centers. The authors cited several forces promoting this change, including the cost pressures and increased acuity in hospital care, the time pressures on primary care physicians in the office, the shrinking inpatient volumes of most primary physicians, and the evidence that practice seems to ‘‘make perfect’’ in other medical fields. The authors predicted that the hospitalist movement would grow, and ultimately become a, if not the, dominant model for inpatient care in the United States. Finally, the authors argued that judgments regarding the hospitalist model should be informed by data on cost, quality, education, and patient satisfaction. Movement toward the hospitalist model comes in the midst of a debate regarding the relative merits of specialty versus generalist care. Advocates of the latter cite the merits of comprehensiveness and continuity. Recent literature, however, has confirmed volume-to-outcome relationship in the care of patients with organ- or system-specific problems such as acute myocardial infarction [2], with complex diseases such as AIDS, [3] and in the performance of procedures such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty [4] and esophageal surgery [5]. Although the notion of a site-defined Med Clin N Am 86 (2002) 687–706
A model study of circulation and cross-shelf exchange on the west Antarctic Peninsula continental shelf

Abstract Exchange of warm, nutrient-rich Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) onto Antarctic continental shelves and coastal seas has important effects on physical and biological processes in these regions. The present study investigates the locations of this exchange and their dynamics in the west Antarctic Peninsula with a high-resolution three-dimensional numerical model. The model circulation is forced by daily wind stress along with heat and salt fluxes calculated by bulk formulae. All surface fluxes are modified by an imposed climatological ice cover. The model circulation compares favorably to general schematics of the flow based on dynamic topography, water properties from recent hydrography, and ADCP measurements. The sea-surface temperature is similar to satellite estimates except that the model temperatures are slightly higher than observations in the summer and lower in the winter. The seasonal variation of the depth and temperature of the model mixed layer matches observations reasonably well. Sub-pycnocline temperature shows evidence of persistent intrusion of warm CDW onto the shelf, for example, at the shelf break offshore of Adelaide Island. There is a significant correlation between the curvature of the shelf break and the volume transport across the shelf break, indicating that circulation crosses the shelf break in places where the tendency of the flow to maintain a given direction would have it cross a strongly curved bathymetric contour. A momentum term balance shows that momentum advection helps to force flow across the shelf break in specific locations due to the curvature of the bathymetry. For the model to create a strong intrusion of CDW onto the shelf, it appears two mechanisms are necessary. First, CDW is driven onto the shelf at least partially due to momentum advection and the curvature of the shelf break. Then, the general shelf circulation pulls the CDW into the interior.
IMPROVING THE NUMERICAL PERFORMANCE OF STATIC AND DYNAMIC AGGREGATE DISCRETE CHOICE RANDOM COEFFICIENTS DEMAND ESTIMATION

The widely used estimator of Berry, Levinsohn, and Pakes (1995 )p roduces estimates of consumer preferences from a discrete-choice demand model with random coefficients, market-level demand shocks, and endogenous prices. We derive numerical theory results characterizing the properties of the nested fixed point algorithm used to evaluate the objective function of BLP’s estimator. We discuss problems with typical implementations, including cases that can lead to incorrect parameter estimates. As a solution, we recast estimation as a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints, which can be faster and which avoids the numerical issues associated with nested inner loops. The advantages are even more pronounced for forward-looking demand models where the Bellman equation must also be solved repeatedly. Several Monte Carlo and real-data experiments support our numerical concerns about the nested fixed point approach and the advantages of constrained optimization. For static BLP, the constrained optimization approach can be as much as ten to forty times faster for large-dimensional problems with many markets.
IL-1 receptor–type expression in relation to atopy

Abstract Background: IL-1 has 2 receptors, type I (IL-1RI) and type II (IL-1RII), which have 2 forms each, membrane (m) and soluble (s). When IL-1 binds to mIL-1RI, the active receptor, an inflammatory response is initiated, which does not occur when IL-1 binds to mIL-1RII, the decoy receptor. Both sIL-1RI and sIL-1RII function as IL-1–mopping mechanisms. We hypothesized that the ratio of active (mIL-1RI) to inactive (mIL-1RII, sIL-1RI, and sIL-1RII) receptors is important in determining the amount of inflammation produced in allergic reactions. Objective: Our aim was to compare the concentrations of mIL-1RI and mIL-1RII on cultured PBLs and sIL-1RI, sIL-1RII, and IL-1β in sera and supernatants of cultured PBMCs from atopic and nonatopic subjects. Methods: The membrane receptors, soluble receptors, and IL-1β concentrations were measured by ELISA with specific mAbs. Results: Although there was no difference in the level of serum IL-1β between the 2 groups, PBMCs from atopic persons spontaneously secreted higher levels of IL-1β than those from nonatopic donors ( P P P P P Conclusion: This augmentation of mIL-1RI concomitant with a reduction in soluble receptors may be an important contributory factor to the inflammation that occurs with allergen exposure. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:1100-7.)
Telomere Length in Male Germ Cells Is Inversely Correlated with Telomerase Activity

Telomeres, the noncoding sequences at the ends of chromosomes, progressively shorten with each cellular division. Spermatozoa have very long telomeres but they lack telomerase enzymatic activity that is necessary for de novo synthesis and addition of telomeres. We performed a telomere restriction fragment analysis to compare the telomere lengths in immature rat testis (containing type A spermatogonia) with adult rat testis (containing more differentiated germ cells). Mean telomere length in the immature testis was significantly shorter in comparison to adult testis, suggesting that type A spermatogonia probably have shorter telomeres than more differentiated germ cells. Then, we isolated type A spermatogonia from immature testis, and pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids from adult testis. Pachytene spermatocytes exhibited longer telomeres compared to type A spermatogonia. Surprisingly, although statistically not significant, round spermatids showed a decrease in telomere length. Epididymal spermatozoa exhibited the longest mean telomere length. In marked contrast, telomerase activity, measured by the telomeric repeat amplification protocol was very high in type A spermatogonia, decreased in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, and was totally absent in epididymal spermatozoa. In summary, these results indicate that telomere length increases during the development of male germ cells from spermatogonia to spermatozoa and is inversely correlated with the expression of telomerase activity. spermatogenesis, testes
Effects of isopropyl alcohol treatment of soya bean meal on nitrogen utilization by ruminants

Lynch, G.L., Berger, L.L., Fahey, G.C., Jr. and Baker, E.C., 1986. Effects of isopropyl alcohol treatment of soya bean meal on nitrogen utilization by ruminants. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol., 14: 127-137. Soya bean meal (SBM) treated with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or n-propyl alcohol (NPA) was used to study effects of alcohol treatments on SBM nitrogen (N) utilizatinn by ruminants. The IPA treatments simulated removal of oil from whole soya beans normally extracted with hexane. In an in situ experiment comparing 85.0, 87.7 or 90.5% (wjw) IPA, a hexane (H) control and an untreated SBM control, less soluble N was washed from the hags at 0 h for the 3 IPA and H treatments compared to untreated SBM. At 2, 4 and 6 h, more N remained in the 85% (74.4, 67.5 and 46.0% of the original N at 2, 4 and 6 h, respectively) and 87.7% IPA bags (72.6, 64.4 and 46.9%) than for the H (66.2. 58.8 and 38.8%) or control SBM bags (61.1, 52.2 and 33.4%). No difference was noted among treatments in the rate of N disappearance between 2 and 12 h. A chick bioassay revealed that N availability in the small intestine was not affected by alcohol treatment. Average daily gain, feed intake and feed:gain were not reduced for 85,87.7 or 90.5% IPA or 40% NPA treatments compared to control SBM. A lamb metabolism trial using 20-kg lambs was conducted using 85 or 87.7% IPA-treated SBM, 40% NPA· treated SBM , untreated SBM or urea as protein supplements to a corncob basal diet. No differences in N retention, absorption or digestion were observed among treatments. The same protein sources were used to study rumen ammonia (NHJ ) levels in relation to time after feeding. At 4 and 8 h, 40% NPA resulted in lower rumen NH) levels (11.2 and 4.8 mg %, respectively) than did control SBM (16.3 and 9.1 mg %) and urea (17.6 and 10.1 mg %). At 6 h, both 85% IPA and 40% NPA resulted in lower (7.4 and 4.9 mg %, respectively) NH) levels than did control SBM or urea (11.8 and 13.4 mg %, res' pectively).
New Insights on US Aggregate and State Level Trade with the China Region

Aggregate trade data with breakdown into related and non-related party components show that US multinational enterprises use different trading strategies in the China region relative to other countries. US trade with the China region in 2002–2007 is characterized by arm's-length transactions. State-level trade data show great variability in state engagement with the region through trade: exports to the region range from 1 to 28 percent of state exports. In addition, compared to exports to other countries, exports to the region are highly concentrated. At the extreme, for some states, 96–98 percent of exports to the region are computer and electronic products. Finally, gravity regressions show that state exports to Hong Kong are positively associated with the relative size of the Hong Kong-born population in the states. There is no evidence that stricter labor regimes lead to lower state exports.
Oxysteroids: a new class of steroids with autocrine and paracrine functions

Oxysteroids are a new classification for sterol intermediates in cholesterol synthesis that undergo enzyme-catalyzed stereo-specific 25R,26-hydroxylation and thus bypass cholesterol as the expected end-product. Recently, they were identified in micromolar amounts in the plasma of patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS). An additional three oxysteroids, the 25,26-hydroxy derivatives of lanosterol, zymosterol, and desmosterol, respectively, were generated in vitro by CYP27A1-transfected bacteria. As there are 19 steps between cholesterol and lanosterol, the first post-squalene sterol, a potentially large class of oxysteroids exists. Limited studies of 25r,26-7-dehydrocholesterol indicate a traditional role as a ligand for nuclear receptors, but complete evaluation of oxysteroids for novel biologic activities is lacking. Currently, the lack of authentic oxysteroid standards limits both their detection in biologic fluids and evaluation of their biologic effects.
Carbon Monoxide Production and Excitation in Comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp): Isolation of Native and Distributed CO Sources

Abstract The release of carbon monoxide from Comet C/1995 O1 Hale-Bopp was studied between June 1996 and September 1997 using high resolution infrared spectroscopy near 4.7 μm. The excitation of CO molecules in the coma was assessed through measurement of the rotational temperature on several dates at an angular resolution of ∼1 arcsecond. An increase in T rot with distance from the nucleus was revealed, most likely because of photolytic heating by fast H-atoms. Observed temperature profiles varied from date to date, but overall the degree of heating was most pronounced near perihelion. The similar rotational temperatures observed for CO and HCN may indicate control of rotational populations by collisions with electrons. The spatial distribution of CO molecules in the coma revealed two distinct sources for CO, one being CO ice native to the nucleus, and another being CO released from a progenitor distributed in the coma. Only the native source was seen when the comet was beyond 2 AU from the Sun. Based on pre- and post-perihelion observations on five dates with heliocentric distance R h between 4.10 and 2.02 AU, a heliocentric dependence Q CO,native =(1.06±0.44)×10 30 R h −1.76±0.26 molecules s −1 was obtained. Within R h ∼1.5 AU, however, both native and distributed sources were consistently present on all dates of observation. The total CO produced was the sum of the two sources and, based on seven dates, obeyed Q CO,total =(2.07±0.20)×10 30 R h −1.66±0.22 molecules s −1 . This heliocentric dependence was consistent with that found for water (Q H 2 O αR h −1.88±0.18 between 0.93 and 1.49 AU) and for mm-sized dust (R h −1.7±0.2 between 0.9 and 2.5 AU). Our derived total mixing ratio for CO was Q CO,total /Q H 2 O =0.241±0.009, with native and distributed sources each contributing an abundance of approximately 12 percent that of water. This was the case even after correcting measured CO and H 2 O column densities, and hence production rates, for opacity in the solar pump. The distributed source exhibited behavior consistent with thermal destruction of a precursor material. The observed variations in its production rate and spatial distribution along the slit suggested contributions from both a diffuse source in the coma and possibly from one or more jets enriched in CO or CO-containing material, such as CHON grains.
Operative treatment of malunion of a fracture of the proximal aspect of the humerus

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records, operative reports, and preoperative and postoperative radiographs of thirty-nine patients who had been managed operatively for malunion of a fracture of the proximal aspect of the humerus. The malunions were categorized according to the presence of osseous abnormalities, including malposition of the greater or lesser tuberosity (type I; twenty-eight patients), incongruity of the articular surface (type II; twenty-six patients), and malalignment of the articular segment (type III; sixteen patients). Soft-tissue abnormalities, such as soft-tissue contracture, a tear of the rotator cuff, and impingement, were also recorded. At an average of forty-four months (range, twelve to fifty-three months) postoperatively, the patients were assessed for pain relief, the range of motion of the shoulder, and the ability to perform activities of daily living. The result was satisfactory for twenty-seven patients (69 per cent) and unsatisfactory for the remaining twelve (31 per cent) at the latest follow-up evaluation. Of the twenty-seven patients who had a satisfactory result, twenty-six (96 per cent) had had complete operative correction of all osseous and soft-tissue abnormalities. Of the twelve patients who had an unsatisfactory result, four had had complete operative correction of these abnormalities (p < 0.0001). Twenty-six patients (67 per cent) had incongruity of the glenohumeral joint at the time of presentation. Twenty-three of these patients had the incongruity corrected with prosthetic arthroplasty (twenty-two) or arthrodesis of the glenohumeral joint (one); the result was satisfactory for seventeen (74 per cent). In contrast, the result was unsatisfactory for all three patients in whom the incongruity had not been corrected at the time of the operation (p = 0.01). Eleven patients had malposition of the greater or lesser tuberosity but a congruent joint surface preoperatively. Ten patients in this group were managed with either osteotomy of the tuberosity or acromioplasty, and nine of them had a satisfactory result at the latest follow-up evaluation. The result was unsatisfactory for one patient who was managed with only correction of a soft-tissue contracture (that is, no treatment of the malposition) (p = 0.05). Both osseous and soft-tissue abnormalities were identified as the cause of pain and stiffness in patients who had malunion of a fracture of the proximal aspect of the humerus. We concluded that operative management of these patients is successful only if all osseous and soft-tissue abnormalities are corrected at the time of the operation.
The primary dental care workforce.

With health care reform at the forefront of our nation9s policy agenda, an assessment of the current status of the dental primary care workforce is required as an essential reform component. There has been much written in the literature about manpower but relatively little about the primary dental care workforce. The purpose of this paper is three-fold: 1) to describe the current primary dental care workforce; 2) to identify the distribution of this workforce; and 3) to describe the current delivery system. Characteristics, distribution, and delivery systems of the primary dental care workforce in the private and public sectors are described, and workforce issues relevant to health care reform are identified for future discussion.
Antimalarial Activities of Various 4-Pyridinemethanols with Special Attention to WR-172,435 and WR-180,409

Pilot appraisals of the activities of 10 specially selected 2,6-substituted-4-pyridinemethanols against acute Plasmodium falciparum infections in owl monkeys identified three derivatives that were two to three times as active as chloroquine against infections with a 4-aminoquinoline-susceptible strain and, at the same doses, were equally effective against infections with a strain fully resistant to treatment with maximally tolerated doses of chloroquine, quinine, and pyrimethamine. Two of these derivatives, WR-172,435 and WR-180,409, deemed worthy of evaluation in human volunteers, were studied in greater depth in owl monkeys infected with either the multidrug-resistant Smith strain of P. falciparum or the pyrimethamine-resistant Palo Alto strain of P. vivax. These studies showed (i) that at the same total oral dose, 3-day and 7-day treatment schedules were equally effective and slightly superior to a single-dose schedule; (ii) that WR-172,435 was slightly more active than WR-180,409 in each treatment regimen; (iii) that intravenous delivery of WR-180,409 phosphate was feasible and effective; (iv) that both compounds effected control of parasitemia more rapidly than any standard or newly discovered antimalarial drug; and (v) that WR-172,435 and WR-180,409 had therapeutic indexes at least four to eight times those exhibited by chloroquine in infections with 4-aminoquinoline-susceptible strains, indexes retained by these pyridinemethanols against infections with various drug-resistant strains.
Intra- and interspecific phenotypic characteristics of fish-pathogenic Edwardsiella ictaluri and E. tarda

Intra- and interspecific characteristics of fish-pathogenic Edwardsiella ictaluri, and E. tarda were determined by numerical analysis of gel electrophoresed protein profiles, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and immunoblotting. The 18 E. ictaluri isolates revealed a high degree of homogeneity (70% similarity or higher) in their protein profiles and 95% similarity in their FAME, while the nine E. tarda isolates revealed 30% similarity in their protein profiles and 95% similarity in their FAME. Immunoblots probed for antigenic epitopes with goat antiserum produced against E. ictaluri and E. tarda, respectively, revealed that E. ictaluri were more homogeneous compared with the E. tarda isolates. Overall, there was a considerable degree of relatedness between the two species. Our findings suggest that phenotypically E. ictaluri represents a clonal bacterial population structure compared with the less monomorphic E. tarda.
A technique for extrapolating the end-to-end performance of HDLC links for a range of lost packet rates

A technique based on importance sampling is presented for extrapolating the end-to-end delay performance of a high-level data link control (HDLC) network. The lost packets can arise from bit errors or discarding due to network congestion. The technique works well for a substantial range of loads, as long as the desired performance is at an error rate less than the observed rate (the environment most frequently encountered). It is applicable across a range of error rates. The technique was tested on a simple HDLC link but would generalize to other link-level protocols. The extrapolation technique can be based on simulation or measurement. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate its effectiveness. >
Changes in mitral annular and left ventricular dimensions and left ventricular pressure–volume relations after off-pump treatment of mitral regurgitation with the Coapsys device

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in mitral annular and left ventricular dimensions and left ventricular pressure – volume relations produced by the Myocor Coapsys device that has been developed to treat functional mitral regurgitation (MR) offpump. Methods: The Coapsys device, which consists of anterior and posterior epicardial pads connected by a sub-valvular chord, was implanted in seven dogs with functional MR resulting from pacing induced cardiomyopathy. The Coapsys device was then sized by drawing the posterior leaflet and annulus toward the anterior leaflet. During sizing, MR grade was assessed using color flow Doppler echocardiography. Final device size was selected when MR was eliminated or minimized. Following implantation, heart failure was maintained by continued pacing for a period of 8 weeks. Mitral annular and left ventricular dimensions and left ventricular pressure – volume relations were evaluated by two-dimensional echocardiography and a conductance catheter, respectively, at pre-sizing, post-sizing, and after 8 weeks. Results: All implants were performed on beating hearts without cardiopulmonary bypass. Mean MR grade was reduced from 2.9 ^ 0.7 at pre-sizing to 0.7 ^ 0.8 at post-sizing ðP , 0:001Þ; and was maintained at 0.8 ^ 0.8 after 8 weeks ðP , 0:01Þ: The septal –lateral dimensions were significantly reduced at both mitral annular level [2.4 ^ 0.2 cm at pre-sizing, 1.5 ^ 0.3 cm at post-sizing ðP , 0:001Þ; and 1.8 ^ 0.3 cm after 8 weeks ðP , 0:05Þ] and mid-papillary level [4.1 ^ 0.4 cm at pre-sizing, 2.4 ^ 0.2 cm at post-sizing ðP , 0:001Þ; and 3.3 ^ 0.4 cm after 8 weeks ðP , 0:001Þ]. The end-systolic pressure – volume relation shifted leftward at post-sizing with a significantly steeper slope ðP ¼ 0:03Þ: There was a significant ðP ¼ 0:03Þ leftward shift of the end-diastolic pressure – volume relation at post-sizing. After 8 weeks, these changes in pressure – volume relations tended to return to pre-sizing relations. Conclusions: The Coapsys device significantly reduced MR by treating both the mitral annular dilatation and the papillary muscle displacement. Despite these significant dimensional changes, the Coapsys device did not negatively affect the left ventricular pressure – volume relations. q 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Genotyping-by-sequencing for Populus population genomics: An assessment of genome sampling patterns and filtering approaches

Continuing advances in nucleotide sequencing technology are inspiring a suite of genomic approaches in studies of natural populations. Researchers are faced with data management and analytical scales that are increasing by orders of magnitude. With such dramatic advances comes a need to understand biases and error rates, which can be propagated and magnified in large-scale data acquisition and processing. Here we assess genomic sampling biases and the effects of various population-level data filtering strategies in a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) protocol. We focus on data from two species of Populus, because this genus has a relatively small genome and is emerging as a target for population genomic studies. We estimate the proportions and patterns of genomic sampling by examining the Populus trichocarpa genome (Nisqually-1), and demonstrate a pronounced bias towards coding regions when using the methylation-sensitive ApeKI restriction enzyme in this species. Using population-level data from a closely related species (P. tremuloides), we also investigate various approaches for filtering GBS data to retain high-depth, informative SNPs that can be used for population genetic analyses. We find a data filter that includes the designation of ambiguous alleles resulted in metrics of population structure and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium that were most consistent with previous studies of the same populations based on other genetic markers. Analyses of the filtered data (27,910 SNPs) also resulted in patterns of heterozygosity and population structure similar to a previous study using microsatellites. Our application demonstrates that technically and analytically simple approaches can readily be developed for population genomics of natural populations.
Finite-State Markov Chain Models for the Intensity of Nakagami Fading

For the design, analysis, and simulation of communication systems with Nakagami-m fading channels, it is very convenient to model the fading by finite-state Markov chains in which the states represent fade levels or signal-to-noise ratios in decibels. Our approach to the development of such Markov chain models is to work with the intensity of the fading process, which is proportional to the logarithm of squared envelope of the faded signal. We demonstrate that all the parameters of the Markov chains can be determined from the bivariate distribution of the intensity of the Nakagami-m fading process. Several analytical results are derived from the bivariate distribution of the intensity, including expressions for the chain’s transition probabilities for both adjacent and nonadjacent states and the asymptotic distribution of the intensity for deep fades. For several values of m, we verify the accuracy of our Markov chain models as simulation tools by comparisons of the state probabilities and level-crossing rates obtained from simulations of the Markov chain with those obtained from our analytical expressions.
The Numerical Simulation and Design of a Homogeneous Nonisothermal Multi-pass Shell-and-Tube Reactor

The simulation of a multi-pass shell-and-tube reactor requires the solution of a nonlinear two-point boundary-value problem. Six nonlinear ordinary differential equations describing the production of ethanolamines in 1–2 and 1–4 shell-and-tube reactors are solved numerically using both a quasi-linearization algorithm and a classical shooting method. Despite the presence of five unknown initial values, the shooting-method approach proved superior for this particular problem. The simulation revealed that for exothermic reactions the optimum tube-side temperature profile (and therefore the minimum-size reactor) was most closely approached by designing for the lowest overall heat transfer coefficient and cooling-water flow rate and highest inlet cooling-water temperature, subject to the constraint of a maximum-reaction mixture temperature.
Terrorism and right-wing extremism: the changing face of terrorism and political violence in the 21st century: the virtual community of hatred

There are no psychological characteristics or psychopathology that separates terrorists from the general population. Rather it is group dynamics, with a particular emphasis on collective identity that helps explain terrorist psychology. Just as there is a diverse spectrum of terrorisms, so too is there a spectrum of terrorist psychologies. Four waves of terrorism can be distinguished: the Anarchist wave, associated with labor violence in the United States in the late 19th century; the Anti-Colonial wave (nationalist-separatist), with minority groups seeking to be liberated from their colonial masters or from the majority in their country; the New Left wave (social revolutionary); and now the Religious wave. With the communications revolution, a new phenomenon is emerging which may presage a fifth wave: lone wolf terrorists who through the Internet are radicalized and feel they belong to the virtual community of hatred. A typology of lone wolf terrorism is proposed.
Preconditioning and postconditioning for neuroprotection: The most recent evidence

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with perioperative stroke being an important complication in the practice of anaesthesia. Unfortunately, pharmacological treatment options are very limited and often not applicable in the perioperative period. The notion of applying a subtoxic stimulus prior to an otherwise lethal event is termed preconditioning. The main focus of the article is on describing the different concepts of preconditioning, including remote ischaemic preconditioning and anaesthetic preconditioning, as well as postconditioning and summarizing the most recent discoveries in this exciting field.
Myosin X regulates sealing zone patterning in osteoclasts through linkage of podosomes and microtubules

Osteoclasts use actin-rich attachment structures in place of focal adhesions for adherence to bone and non-bone substrates. On glass, osteoclasts generate podosomes, foot-like processes containing a core of F-actin and regulatory proteins that undergo high turnover. To facilitate bone resorption, osteoclasts generate an actin-rich sealing zone composed of densely packed podosome-like units. Patterning of both podosomes and sealing zones is dependent upon an intact microtubule system. A role for unconventional myosin X (Myo10), which can bind actin, microtubules, and integrins, was examined in osteoclasts. Immunolocalization showed Myo10 to be associated with the outer edges of immature podosome rings and sealing zones, suggesting a possible role in podosome and sealing zone positioning. Further, complexes containing both Myo10 and β-tubulin were readily precipitated from osteoclasts lysates. RNAi-mediated suppression of Myo10 led to decreased cell and sealing zone perimeter, along with decreased motility and resorptive capacity. Further, siRNA-treated cells could not properly position podosomes following microtubule disruption. Osteoclasts overexpressing dominant negative Myo10 microtubule binding domains (MyTH4) showed a similar phenotype. Conversely, overexpression of full-length Myo10 led to increased formation of podosome belts along with larger sealing zones and enhanced bone resorptive capacity. These studies suggest that Myo10 plays a role in osteoclast attachment and podosome positioning by direct linkage of actin to the microtubule network.
Low complexity receivers for CDMA communications in frequency-selective channels

A number of studies show that multiuser detection in CDMA communications can be performed blindly even in a frequency-selective fading environment. However, the computational cost of these blind approaches is magnitudely higher than that of adaptive MMSE receivers which require knowledge of the desired user's signature waveform. The problem is alleviated by Tsatsanis and Bora (see IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing, 1997) where a low complexity blind algorithm is proposed at the expense of reception performance. In this paper, we present a totally blind adaptive method which yields near optimum performance with complexity comparable to that of the nonblind MMSE receivers.
The novel antiangiogenic VJ115 inhibits the NADH oxidase ENOX1 and cytoskeleton-remodeling proteins

Targeting tumor vasculature represents a rational strategy for controlling cancer. (Z)-(+/−)-2-(1-benzylindol-3-ylmethylene)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-3-ol (denoted VJ115) is a novel chemical entity that inhibits the enzyme ENOX1, a NADH oxidase. Genetic and small molecule inhibition of ENOX1 inhibits endothelial cell tubule formation and tumor-mediated neo-angiogenesis. Inhibition of ENOX1 radiosensitizes tumor vasculature, a consequence of enhanced apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these observations are not well understood. Herein, we mechanistically link ENOX1-mediated regulation of cellular NADH concentrations with proteomics profiling of endothelial cell protein expression following exposure to VJ115. Pathway Studios network analysis of potential effector molecules identified by the proteomics profiling indicated that a VJ115 exposure capable of altering intracellular NADH concentrations impacted proteins involved in cytoskeletal reorganization. The analysis was validated using RT-PCR and immunoblotting of selected proteins. RNAi knockdown of ENOX1 was shown to suppress expression of stathmin and lamin A/C, proteins identified by the proteomics analysis to be suppressed upon VJ115 exposure. These data support the hypothesis that VJ115 inhibition of ENOX1 can impact expression of proteins involved in cytoskeletal reorganization and support a hypothesis in which ENOX1 activity links elevated cellular NADH concentrations with cytoskeletal reorganization and angiogenesis.
EVALUATION OF MAJOR GENETIC LOCI CONTRIBUTING TO INBREEDING DEPRESSION FOR SURVIVAL AND EARLY GROWTH IN A SELFED FAMILY OF PINUS TAEDA

The magnitude of fitness effects at genetic loci causing inbreeding depression at various life stages has been an important question in plant evolution. We used genetic mapping in a selfed family of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) to gain insights on inbreeding depression for early growth and viability. Two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified that explain much of the phenotypic variation in height growth through age 3 and may account for more than 13% inbreeding depression in this family. One of these QTLs maps to the location of cad-nl, a lignin biosynthesis mutation. Both QTLs show evidence of overdominance, although evidence for true versus pseudo-overdominance is inconclusive. Evidence of directional dominance for height growth was noted throughout the genome, suggesting that additional loci may contribute to inbreeding depression. A chlorophyll-deficiency mutation, spf, did not appear to be associated with growth effects, but had significant effects on survival through age 3. Previously identified embryonic viability loci had little or no overall effect on germination, survival, or growth. Our results challenge, at least in part, the prevailing hypothesis that inbreeding depression for growth is due to alleles of small effect. However, our data support predictions that loci affecting inbreeding depression are largely stage specific.
Diagnostic Imaging, Radiation Exposure, and Carcinogenic Risk: Let’s Be Realistic, Reasonable, and Rational

Cardiovascular imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and nuclear cardiology procedures have a wealth of evidence on their effectiveness but also expose a patient to ionizing radiation. Clinical decision making must therefore balance the benefits of incremental diagnostic information
Growth of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis in Albumen and Yolk Contents of Eggs Inoculated with This Organism onto the Vitelline Membrane

By using an in vitro model simulating the potential opportunities for Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) to proliferate within eggs contaminated with this organism following oviposition, we investigated growth of SE in eggs. Seventy to 140 CFU of one of three SE strains originating either from egg contents, chicken meat, or a human infection were experimentally inoculated onto the vitelline membrane of eggs collected from specific-pathogen-free flocks of chickens and incubated at 25 degrees C. SE organisms were detected in 6 of 71 yolk contents of the eggs inoculated with any of the test strains attaining levels ranging from 2.0 x 10(2) to 4.2 x 10(8) CFU/ml by day 6. The organisms were also detected in the albumen from 38 of 55 eggs tested, growing to levels ranging from 1.0 x 10(2) to 4.3 x 10(8) CFU/ml by day 6 after inoculation. An additional three yolk contents and 15 albumen samples were culture positive for SE following enrichment. There was no correlation between the number of the organisms in the yolk contents and that in the albumen from each of the eggs. When 73 to 91 CFU of the egg strain were inoculated into samples of separated albumen obtained from eggs that were stored at 4 degrees C for 1 to 4 weeks or at 25 degrees C for 1 week, slight growth (3.0 x 10(2) to 7.4 x 10(3) CFU/ml) was found in only 3 of the 60 albumen samples by day 6 after inoculation, but the organisms were recovered from 52 samples following enrichment. The results suggest that the environment on or near the vitelline membrane can be conducive to SE proliferation over time.
Automatic Extraction of Morphological Lexicons from Morphologically Annotated Corpora

We present a method for automatically learning inflectional classes and associated lemmas from morphologically annotated corpora. The method consists of a core languageindependent algorithm, which can be optimized for specific languages. The method is demonstrated on Egyptian Arabic and German, two morphologically rich languages. Our best method for Egyptian Arabic provides an error reduction of 55.6% over a simple baseline; our best method for German achieves a 66.7% error reduction.
Evaluation of “Transfer Factor” Potency and Prediction of Clinical Response

In this manuscript we will cover four specific points regarding “transfer factor”: First, its efficacy. Second, its specificity. Third, the potency of various preparations; how potency assays were devised and their use. Fourth and last, a model we developed to study human tumors in tolerized animals; the model is illustrated by experiments using antigen specific transfer factor induced in rabbits, hamsters, and other animals by injecting antigen from osteosarcoma cells.
Abstract WP196: Race-Ethnic Disparities in Cardiometabolic Risk among Stroke Survivors with Undiagnosed Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes

BACKGROUND Diabetes/pre-diabetes can be associated with elevated risk of vascular events after stroke, a risk that may be reduced with tight vascular risk factor control. We recently determined that 1 in 3 US stroke survivors are unaware that they have pre-diabetes and 4% have undiagnosed diabetes; however, little is known regarding cardiometabolic factors among these individuals. Understanding race/ethnic variations may guide implementation of targeted interventions. OBJECTIVE To assess race/ethnic differences in vascular risk factors among a nationally representative sample of stroke survivors with undiagnosed diabetes/pre-diabetes. METHODS Retrospective analysis of adults (≥20 years) with self-reported stroke who participated in NHANES 1999-2010 (n=1070). Among individuals with undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes (HbA1c ≥6.5% and HbA1c 5.7-6.4% without self-reported physician-diagnosis), BP, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride (TG) levels were compared across race/ethnic groups, adjusting for age, sex, antihypertensive and lipid medication use, HbA1c level, and NHANES cycle. Estimates were weighted in order to obtain nationally representative estimates. RESULTS An estimated 1,099,535 stroke survivors had undiagnosed pre-diabetes: 38% of non-Hispanic blacks (NHBs), 32% of non-Hispanic whites (NHWs) and 26% of Hispanics. An estimated 125,832 had undiagnosed diabetes: 7.5% of NHBs, 4.4% of Hispanics, and 3.1% of NHWs. Overall, 10% had HbA1c levels ≥6.5%, 23% smoked, 65% had hypertension, 48% had hypercholesterolemia, 67% were on antihypertensive agents, and 40% were on lipid medications. Mean SBP and DBP were higher in NHBs vs. NHWs (145 vs.135 and 75 vs. 70 mm Hg; p 130/80 mm Hg (adjusted HR 2.25, 95% CI 1.06-4.74). However, NHBs had higher mean HDL (52 vs. 48 mg/dL; p=0.06) and lower mean TG (116 vs. 148 mg/dL, p=0.03) levels than NHWs. CONCLUSIONS Among stroke survivors, cardiometabolic profiles vary by race/ethnicity. NHBs have the highest prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes/pre-diabetes and are over twice as likely as NHWs to have poorly controlled BP; however, they have better lipid profiles, suggesting a need for targeted screening and tailored interventions
A Public Transportation Decision-Making Model within a Metropolitan Area

Understanding the decision-making factors associated with public transportation is essential in strategic development of public transportation to improve acceptance and utilization of mass transit systems. This research analyzes factors affecting attitudes toward public transportation and the choice of transportation mode by investigating the public transportation decision-making process of working professionals using a survey methodology. The objectives of this research are to model the transportation decision-making process of public transportation users in a metropolitan area and to determine key factors that affect the public transportation choices made by potential public transportation users. This study contributes to the literature by developing and testing an integrated theoretical framework for modeling an individual's public transportation decision-making process using four independent variables: Perceived Public Transportation Security, Knowledge, Price, and Convenience. We develop the proposed theoretical framework based upon the extant literature and tested it using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and utility theory, we develop the factors and refine associated items using confirmatory factor analysis.
Dynamics of thin-film piezoelectric vertical-rotational scanning actuator

Certain advanced optical endomicroscopy techniques, including dual axes confocal and multi-photon microscopy, require the ability to perform a combination of large displacement axial and fast lateral scanning in a small form factor, to generate real-time vertical cross sectional images in vivo. Vertical translational microactuators with 200 μm or more of axial scanning range have been coupled with passive internal scanning mirrors achieving up to ±6° mechanical scanning angle, suitable for imaging applications. This paper examines the influence of nonlinearities associated with large axial stroke on actuator dynamics. Coupling of internal mirror platform resonance with lateral compliance of the axial scanning stage is found to produce dramatic variation in resonant frequency of the mirror at varying stage heights. Smaller non-idealities are identified in asymmetrical stage rotation and piezoelectric forcing.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Community Settlement Patterns at Chan Chan, Peru

A recent surface survey was conducted at the site of Chan Chan, Peru, for purposes of investigating the nature of community settlement patterns. Previous writers have tended to view these in terms of the speculated sociological implications of specific largescale architectural features known as ciudadelas. In doing so they have neglected an extremely important body of information regarding the many small and inconspicuous building units that are closely associated with the ciudadelas. The present survey concentrated on the smaller complexes and provided data that were relevant to studying aspects of community settlement patterning such as house types, distribution of public buildings, street layouts, distribution of population types, population size and density. The results indicate that the range of social activities that were engaged in at Chan Chan during its flourish cannot possibly be understood in terms of the implications of large-scale architecture. It is suggested here that the overall community settlement pattern of Chan Chan is coincidental to the configuration described by Sjoberg (1965) for the typical preindustrial city. The hypotheses and suggestions generated by this study provide a base or foundation for future research at the site. DURING THE PERIOD of June-October, 1964, a small one-man survey was conducted at the archaeological site of Chan Chan near the modem city of Trujillo, Peru, a distance of approximately 530 km. up the coast from Lima. The general purpose of this project was to study the remains of architecture and other habitation patterns with the following specific objectives in mind: 1. To add to the existing body of descriptive information by investigating those sectors of the site that have not been previously
NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF HEAT TRANSFER EFFECTS IN MICROCHANNELS UNDER H2 BOUNDARY CONDITION

Study of fluid flow characteristics at microscale level is gaining importance with shrinking device sizes. Better understanding of fluid flow and heat transfer in microchannels will have important implications in biomedical industry, MEMS, electronic chip cooling, heat exchangers, and microfluidic devices. Also, due to short lengths employed in microchannels, entrance header effects can be significant and needs to be investigated. In this work, three dimensional model of microchannels, with aspect ratios (α=a/b) ranging from 0.1 to 10, are numerically simulated using CFD software, FLUENT. Heat transfer effects in the entrance region of microchannel are presented by plotting average Nusselt number as a function of non-dimensional thermal entrance length x*. The numerical simulations with both circumferential and axial uniform heat flux (H2) boundary conditions were performed for four wall, three wall and two wall cases. Large numerical data sets, generated in this work for rectangular cross sectional microchannels for three walls and two walls H2 boundary condition, can provide better understanding and insight into the transport processes in the microchannel.