cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Speculations how specific are antibodies

Abstract An important assumption underlies some theories of antibody diversity; namely, that a single immunoglobulin is complementary to a single antigen or a group of structurally related antigens. These are thought to bind at a single combining site on the immunoglobulin molecule. This review discusses the evidence for and against this idea. We also consider the biological and genetic implications of the possible existence of immunoglobulins with multiple binding functions.
Bone cell proliferation on carbon nanotubes

We explored the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as suitable scaffold materials for osteoblast proliferation and bone formation. With the aim of controlling cell growth, osteosarcoma ROS 17/2.8 cells were cultured on chemically modified single-walled (SW) and multiwalled (MW) CNTs. CNTs carrying neutral electric charge sustained the highest cell growth and production of plate-shaped crystals. There was a dramatic change in cell morphology in osteoblasts cultured on MWNTs, which correlated with changes in plasma membrane functions.
Modulation of gastrointestinal vagal neurocircuits by hyperglycemia

Glucose sensing within autonomic neurocircuits is critical for the effective integration and regulation of a variety of physiological homeostatic functions including the co-ordination of vagally-mediated reflexes regulating gastrointestinal functions. Glucose regulates gastrointestinal functions via actions at multiple sites of action, from modulating the activity of enteric neurons, endocrine cells and glucose transporters within the intestine, to regulating the activity and responsiveness of the peripheral terminals, cell bodies and central terminals of vagal sensory neurons, to modifying both the activity and synaptic responsiveness of central brainstem neurons. Unsurprisingly, significant impairment in gastrointestinal functions results occurs in pathophysiological states where glucose levels are dysregulated, such as diabetes. A substantial obstacle to the development of new therapies to modify the disease, rather than treat the symptoms, are the gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms by which glucose modulates gastrointestinal functions, particularly vagally-mediated responses and a more complete understanding of disease-related plasticity within these neurocircuits may open new avenues and targets for research.
Control of firing by small (S)-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazolepropionic acid-like inputs in hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing-hormone (GnRH) neurons

Abstract Episodic release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is obligatory for mammalian reproduction. The contribution of synaptic input to intermittent firing of GnRH neurons is unclear. GnRH neurons have very few synapses and most post-synaptic currents are small. Therefore, the impact of synaptic currents on firing in GnRH neurons was directly examined using simulated ( S )-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-like inputs applied with the method of dynamic current clamping. Tightly synchronized inputs and 50 ms bursts of excitatory input resulted in action potentials that were coincident with the stimulus. Neither input pattern resulted in sustained firing. When ongoing patterns of simulated inputs were applied over a range of parameters, action potentials were associated with clusters of AMPA-like inputs of 250 pS (approximately 15 pA amplitudes), while single inputs of 500 pS (approximately 30 pA amplitudes) resulted in action potentials. Ongoing inputs of 500 pS drove firing at 4–9 Hz. These findings provide evidence that small, simulated glutamatergic inputs can control firing in GnRH neurons and suggest that despite the small amplitudes, endogenous synaptic input mediated by glutamate may contribute to firing in GnRH neurons.
Tumor necrosis factor α-dependent proinflammatory gene induction is inhibited by cyclic tensile strain in articular chondrocytes in vitro

Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are characterized by consistent inflammation of multiple joints and marked destruction of cartilage and bone (1–3). Accumulated evidence suggests that tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) are the pivotal mediators of the disease processes (1,4–6). Both of these cytokines are found in the synovial fluid of arthritic joints. Furthermore, the arthritogenic potential of TNFα has been demonstrated by the presence of severe joint inflammation and cartilage destruction in mice overexpressing TNFα (7,8). TNF neutralization by anti-TNF antibodies has been shown to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief in patients with RA (9). TNFα is involved primarily in the onset of arthritis, and induces catabolic responses in chondrocytes by stimulating expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and proteases, including stromelysin and collagenase (10–12). TNFα also synergizes with IL-1 to enhance cartilage destruction in vivo (7). Furthermore, in addition to stimulating cartilage degradation, TNFα inhibits synthesis of aggrecan and type II collagen (CII) (13,14). Collectively, induction of catabolic enzymes and inhibition of matrix synthesis by TNFα and IL-1β drive cartilage destruction in chronic inflammatory diseases such as RA or OA (1–14). A number of antiarthritic therapies aimed at neutralizing the effects of cytokines are currently being investigated. Physical therapies such as continuous passive motion have been shown to mediate reparative/anabolic effects on diseased or inflamed synovial joints, although only limited information is available regarding the mechanisms of their intracellular actions (15–20). Their effects have been attributed mainly to increased circulation and dissemination of inflammatory mediators from the inflamed joint (17,21). We have recently shown that, in vitro, cyclic tensile strain (CTS) suppresses actions of IL-1β on chondrocytes by inhibiting expression of multiple proinflammatory genes such as iNOS, COX-2, and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) (22,23). Additionally, CTS actions include proteoglycan synthesis and induction of reparative proteins such as tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2). Because of the pivotal role of TNFα in the pathogenesis of inflammatory joint diseases, in this study we examined whether the antiinflammatory effects of CTS are also mediated via suppression of TNFα actions. By exposing articular chondrocytes to CTS in vitro, we demonstrate that CTS is a potent antagonist of TNFα actions and exerts its effects via transcriptional regulation of TNFα response elements.
Discrepant Responding across Self-Report Measures of Men's Coercive and Aggressive Sexual Strategies

Researchers have worked to refine the measurement of women's experiences with sexual victimization. Less is known about the validity and reliability of measures that assess men's use of sexual coercion and aggression. These studies explore the consistency of men's responses to two distinct, but similar, measures of sexual coercion and aggression. The two measures both assess historical use of verbal coercion, sexual assault involving drugs or alcohol, and sexual assault through threat or force. Study 1 used college men as participants (N = 398), whereas Study 2 used a mixed sample of college and community men (N = 184). In both studies, participants' responses were largely inconsistent across the two measures. This article explores potential measurement issues that may account for the observed reporting discrepancies and offers suggestions for future research.
Institutional Trading, Information Production, and the SEO Discount: a Model of Seasoned Equity Offerings

We develop a model of the seasoned equity offering (SEO) process, starting from the SEO announcement, through pre-offer trading, and ending in the offering itself. We use our model to advance a new rationale for the existence of the SEO discount and SEO underpricing, and to analyze the role of institutional investors in SEOs. We show that the SEO discount is positively related to the extent of information asymmetry a firm faces, and SEOs with greater pre-offer net buying by institutional investors have higher institutional allocations, greater oversubscription, and lower SEO discounts. Furthermore, our model predicts a positive link between the pre-offer net buying by institutional investors and the magnitude of SEO underpricing and the long-run post-SEO operating performance.
The use of the neutral diet and hydration in the treatment of toxemias of pregnancy

Abstract 1. 1. Patients with toxemias of pregnancy admitted to the University Hospital are generally managed conservatively. 2. 2. Toxemias of pregnancy are treated by what we call the hydration method, consisting of abundant fluids, neutral diet, ammonium chloride, bed rest, and mild sedation. 3. 3. If, and when, this conservative regime fails to control the toxemia, termination of pregnancy by the most conservative means suited to the particular individual is carried out. 4. 4. During the period 1931 to 1938, the maternal mortality rate has dropped to 2.6 per cent, the fetal mortality rate to 16.4 per cent, which is approximately one-half the death rate for patients treated during the years 1901 to 1931. 5. 5. There has been one maternal death in the group of 152 toxemias of pregnancy treated by the hydration method since 1933.
Abstract LB-78: Effects of rapamycin and fasting-cycles therapy on differential stress resistance and sensitization in breast cancer mouse models

Short-term starvation (STS) has been shown to be effective in both protection of normal cell and tissues and the sensitization of a variety of tumors during chemotherapy treatment. This condition of protection/sensitization of different cell types under the same condition has been named differential stress resistance (DSR). Although the effects of fasting have been mainly attributed to reduced glucose and circulating IGF1 levels, the involvement of signaling genes regulated by glucose and growth factors in these effects of fasting remain poorly understood. In this study we have administered the mTor inhibitor rapamycin in combination with STS and with the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin to shed light on the role of mTOR in the STS response and on its role in mediating DSR. In a mouse allograft model for breast cancer (4T1) we show that STS and rapamycin have an additive effect in reducing tumor progression, which confirms the possibility that STS-mediated effects on cancer cells are not due to the up-regulation of mTOR. Surprisingly, we observed that the administration of rapamycin during chemotherapy sensitizes the mice to the drug leading to an increased mortality. However, this sensitizing effect could be reversed by STS. In summary, the combination of mTor inhibition by rapamycin and STS have additive effects in retarding breast cancer tumor growth and also prevent the chemotherapy-dependent sensitization of normal cells caused by rapamycin alone. Because rapamycin is used for the treatment of certain tumors in humans, these results may have important implications for the safety of therapies using a combination of rapamycin and chemotherapy and indicate that the combination of Tor inhibitors and STS should be tested clinically. Citation Format: Stefano Di Biase, Sebastian Brandorst, Min Wei, Valter Longo. Effects of rapamycin and fasting-cycles therapy on differential stress resistance and sensitization in breast cancer mouse models. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-78. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-LB-78
Deceased-donor kidney perfusate and urine biomarkers for kidney allograft outcomes: a systematic review

Background Accurate and reliable assessment of kidney quality before transplantation is needed to predict recipient outcomes and to optimize management and allocation of the allograft. The aim of this study was to systematically review the published literature on biomarkers in two mediums (the perfusate from deceased-donor kidneys receiving machine perfusion and deceased-donor urine) that were evaluated for their possible association with outcomes after kidney transplantation. Methods We searched the Ovid Medline and Scopus databases using broad keywords related to deceased-donor biomarkers in kidney transplantation (limited to humans and the English language). Studies were included if they involved deceased-donor kidneys, measured perfusate or urine biomarkers and studied a possible relationship between biomarker concentrations and kidney allograft outcomes. Each included article was assessed for methodological quality. Results Of 1430 abstracts screened, 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 23 were studies of perfusate (16 biomarkers examined) and 6 were studies of urine (18 biomarkers examined). Only 3 studies (two perfusate) met the criteria of 'good' quality and only 12 were published since 2000. Perfusate lactate dehydrogenase, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and aspartate transaminase were all found to be significantly associated with delayed graft function in a majority of their respective studies (6/9, 4/6 and 2/2 studies, respectively). Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, GST, Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity and kidney injury molecule-1 were found to be significantly associated with allograft outcomes in single studies that examined diverse end points. Conclusion Higher quality studies are needed to investigate modern kidney injury biomarkers, to validate novel biomarkers in larger donor populations and to determine the incremental predictive value of biomarkers over traditional clinical variables.
Dwarf Mutants in Maize — The Gibberellin Biosynthetic Pathway and its Molecular Future

Single gene dwarf mutants have been used to unravel the GA biosynthetic pathway in shoots of Zea mays (maize) [18, 19]. These GA mutants have provided critical evidence leading to the conclusion that GA1 is the main endogenous gibberellin active per se in the control of shoot growth in maize [17]. The mutants also provide definitive evidence that shoot elongation is dependent on the level of endogenous GA1, not on the total amount of GAs in the plant [19].
Human antisperm monoclonal antibodies constructed postvasectomy.

Sperm and spermatogenic cell antigens escaping the blood-testis/blood-epididymal barrier elicit an autoimmune response in patients following vasectomy. In this study antisperm antibody-positive sera and peripheral blood lymphocytes were obtained 6-9 months following vasectomy. Serum antisperm antibody levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence. Lymphocyte-myeloma hybridomas were constructed by fusing peripheral blood lymphocytes harvested from antisperm antibody-positive sera with a hypoxanthine guanine-phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT)-negative mouse myeloma line. Immunoglobulin-secreting colonies surviving drug selection were detected by ELISA and screened for antisperm activity. Antisperm antibody-producing cultures were cloned and expanded for bulk antibody production both in culture and as ascites in athymic nude mice. 8 mouse-human fusions yielded 205 hybridomas secreting human monoclonal antibody of which 11 demonstrated anti-sperm reactivity by ELISA. 2 of these hybridomas are described in detail: HAS-1 which secretes human immunoglobulin M (IgM kappa)-recognizing epitopes located on the sperm mid-piece and HAS-2 (IgM lambda) which secretes monoclonal antibody-recognizing epitopes located on the entire sperm tail. The results indicate successful capture of human antisperm autoantibody from the postvasectomy autoimmune state using somatic cell hybridization techniques. (authors)
Synchronization of Dynamical Systems in Sense of Metric Functionals of Specific Constraints

In this chapter, a theory for synchronization of multiple dynamical systerns under specific constraints is developed from a theory of discontinuous dynamical systems. The metric functionals based on specific constraints are proposed to describe the synchronicity of the two or more dynamical systems to such specific constraints. The synchronization, desynchronization and penetration of multiple dynamical systems to multiple specified constraints are discussed through such metric functionals, and the necessary and sufficient conditions for such synchronicity are developed. The synchronicity of two dynamical systems to a single specific constraint is presented, and the synchronicity of the two systems to multiple specific constraints is investigated as well. The chapter provides a theoretic frame work in or der to control slave systems which can be synchronized with master systems though specific constraints in a general sense.
Gecko toe and lamellar shear adhesion on macroscopic, engineered rough surfaces.

The role in adhesion of the toes and lamellae – intermediate-sized structures – found on the gecko foot remains unclear. Insight into the function of these structures can lead to a more general understanding of the hierarchical nature of the gecko adhesive system, but in particular how environmental topology may relate to gecko foot morphology. We sought to discern the mechanics of the toes and lamellae by examining gecko adhesion on controlled, macroscopically rough surfaces. We used live Tokay geckos, Gekko gecko, to observe the maximum shear force a gecko foot can attain on an engineered substrate constructed with sinusoidal patterns of varying amplitudes and wavelengths in sizes similar to the dimensions of the toes and lamellae structures (0.5 to 6 mm). We found shear adhesion was significantly decreased on surfaces that had amplitudes and wavelengths approaching the lamella length and inter-lamella spacing, losing 95% of shear adhesion over the range tested. We discovered that the toes are capable of adhering to surfaces with amplitudes much larger than their dimensions even without engaging claws, maintaining 60% of shear adhesion on surfaces with amplitudes of 3 mm. Gecko adhesion can be predicted by the ratio of the lamella dimensions to surface feature dimensions. In addition to setae, remarkable macroscopic-scale features of gecko toes and lamellae that include compliance and passive conformation are necessary to maintain contact, and consequently, generate shear adhesion on macroscopically rough surfaces. Findings on the larger scale structures in the hierarchy of gecko foot function could provide the biological inspiration to drive the design of more effective and versatile synthetic fibrillar adhesives.
Signaling networks regulating β1 integrin‐mediated adhesion of T lymphocytes to extracellular matrix

T-cell recognition of foreign antigen and migration to specific anatomic sites in vivo involves transient adhesive contacts between b1 integrins expressed on T cells and cell surface pro- teins or extracellular-matrix components. Engage- ment of the CD3-T-cell receptor (CD3-TCR) com- plex initiates a complex signaling cascade involving coordinated regulation and recruitment of tyrosine and lipid kinases to specific regions or microdo- mains in the plasma membrane. Although consid- erable attention has been focused on the signaling events by which the CD3-TCR complex regulates transcriptional events in the nucleus, CD3-TCR signaling also rapidly enhances integrin-mediated adhesion without increasing surface expression of integrins. Recent studies suggest that CD3-TCR signaling to b1 integrins involves coordinated re- cruitment and activation of the Tec family tyrosine kinase Itk by src family tyrosine kinases and phos- phatidylinositol 3-kinase. These signaling events that regulate integrin-mediated T-cell adhesion share both common and distinct features with the signaling pathways regulating interleukin-2 gene transcription. J. Leukoc. Biol. 69: 874-880; 2001.
A comparison of two adaptive detection schemes

Two schemes for adaptive detection are compared: Kelly's generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) and the mean level adaptive detector (MLAD). Detection performance, P/sub D/, is predicted for the two schemes under the assumptions that the input noises are zero-mean complex Gaussian random variables that are temporally independent but spatially correlated; and the amplitude of the desired signal is Rayleigh distributed. P/sub D/ is computed as a function of the false alarm probability, the number of input channels, the number of independent samples per channel, and the matched filtered output signal-to-noise (S/N) power ratio. In this analysis the GLRT is shown to have better detection performance than the MLAD. The difference in detection performance increases as one uses fewer input samples. However, the required number of samples necessary to have only a 3 dB detection loss for both detection schemes is approximately the same. This is significant since for the present, the MLAD is considerably less complex to implement than the GLRT. >
Link-adaptation-enhanced dynamic channel allocation for MIMO-OFDM wireless networks

We propose a link-adaptation (LA)-based system infrastructure and develop the corresponding dynamic channel allocation (DCA) algorithm for downlink data transmissions over MIMO-OFDM wireless networks. By integrating a set of LA techniques, our system can dynamically select transmit antennas, modulation levels, and transmission power for different mobile users. Jointing with the proposed system infrastructure, we develop the DCA algorithm to maximize the total system throughput. In designing the DCA algorithm, we first focus on CDMA-based MIMO-OFDM systems with any given spreading gain G. Deriving the optimal G to achieve the maximum throughput, we prove that the optimal spreading gain is G = 1. This implies that the system without using spread spectrum (SS) is optimal in terms of maximizing the throughput. Extensive simulations show that the system throughput increases significantly with the numbers of transmit antennas, receive antennas, and mobile users. Moreover, our DCA algorithm can significantly improve the system throughput performance as compared with the conventional fixed channel allocations (FCA).
The Oneness-Trinitarian Pentecostal Dialogue: Exploring the Diversity of Apostolic Faith

The Nicene Creed and the subsequent development of Trinitarian orthodoxy have been regarded by many as essential to the apostolic faith of the churches. For example, the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed without the filioque clause was made the starting point of the World Council of Churches' Commission on Faith and Order study program entitled, “Towards the Common Expression of the Apostolic Faith Today.” Not so well known, however, is the existence of a growing movement of Pentecostal Christians globally that seeks to preserve the apostolic faith of the churches in significant measure by rejecting the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed along with the Trinitarian dogma that historically it had supported. Commonly called Oneness or Apostolic Pentecostals, they are estimated to have from 14 to over 17 million followers globally and growing rapidly in Mexico, China, and the United States.1
Transient simulation of heterojunction photodiodes-part I: computational methods

A novel approach is presented for incorporating the transient solution of one-dimensional semiconductor drift-diffusion equations within a general circuit simulation tool. This approach allows simple representation of localized carrier transport models of simulated devices through equivalent circuit elements such as voltage controlled current sources and capacitors. It also lends itself to mixed-mode transient simulation of devices and circuits. The utility of the new simulation approach in state-of-the-art device design is demonstrated by the transient response analysis of a GaAs heterojunction p-i-n photodiode, and by the time-domain analysis of an integrated photoreceiver circuit. >
Generating gestural scores from articulatory data using temporal decomposition

This work on the automatic generation of gestural scores from articulatory data is a follow-up to Jung (1996). The a priori information used to place gestures on the gestural score has been replaced by a statistical method based on the temporal decomposition reconstruction weights. Comparisons with Jung's gestural scores are reported.
A 50-Year-Old Man With Skin Lesions and Multiple Pulmonary Nodules

(CHEST 2004; 125:2322–2327) A 50-year-old heterosexual man presented to the emergency department for evaluation of a diffuse rash that started 10 weeks prior to hospital admission. He reported that the lesions began as small (0.3 cm), pink papules on his upper extremities, which progressed into large (3 cm), red, annular, plaque-like lesions that developed a thin scale within several days of onset. Subsequently, the lesions spread to his scalp, face, trunk, genitals, and lower extremities. He reported subjective fevers, chills, occasional drenching night sweats, and a 10-lb weight loss. Simultaneous with the onset of the skin lesions, he had an intermittent nonproductive cough, without dyspnea. Six weeks prior to presentation, he described the onset of sinus congestion with occasional epistaxis and left eye conjunctivitis, at which time he received a course of antibiotics. He denied any significant medical history. He also denied tobacco use, animal exposures, or recent travel. He worked as a cartographer in Colorado. On physical examination, he had a temperature of 38.1°C and a normal room air oximetry result. The left conjunctiva was injected with an erythematous plaque around the lateral canthus. The nasal mucosa had an area of septal ulceration. There were a number of anterior cervical, posterior cervical, and inguinal lymph nodes that were nontender and 1 cm. He had inspiratory crackles at the right base. Skin examination revealed multiple 0.2- to 0.3-cm nontender, pink papules on the lower extremities
Effects of Immunonutrition for Cystectomy on Immune Response and Infection Rates: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract After radical cystectomy (RC), patients are at risk for complications including infections. The expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) after surgery may contribute to the lower resistance to infection. Immune response and postoperative complications were compared in men consuming either specialized immunonutrition (SIM; n =14) or an oral nutrition supplement (ONS; n =15) before and after RC. MDSC count (Lin− CD11b+ CD33+) was significantly different between the groups over time ( p =0.005) and significantly lower in SIM 2 d after RC ( p p =0.061). Neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio was significantly lower in SIM compared with ONS 3h after the first incision ( p =0.039). Participants receiving SIM had a 33% reduction in postoperative complication rate (95% confidence interval [CI], 1–64; p =0.060) and a 39% reduction in infection rate (95% CI, 8–70; p =0.027) during late-phase recovery. The small sample size limits the study findings. Patient summary Results show that the immune response to surgery and late infection rates differ between radical cystectomy patients receiving specialized immunonutrition versus oral nutrition supplement in the perioperative period. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01868087.
Distribution and Association of Sediment Gravity Flow Deposits and Glacial/Glacial-Marine Sediments Around the Continental Margin of Antarctica

Marine resedimentation processes, in particular processes involving sediment mass movement, play a key role in determining the ultimate facies associations found in the glacialmarine environment of the Antarctic. This paper discusses the known distribution of sediment gravity flow deposits (as recognized from DSDP data, piston or Phleger core coverage, and from echo-sounding techniques) around the Antarctic continental margin, with particular emphasis upon the association of these mass transport deposits with glacial and glacial-marine sediments. Variations in glacial, bathymetric, and oceanographic conditions appear to most significantly influence the final distribution of slump deposits, debris flow deposits, and turbidites in the Weddell, Ross, and Bellingshausen Seas, and along the Wilkes Land Coast. Because much of the deep Antarctic continental margin is isolated from marine reworking by wind-generated currents, and because local gradients (up to 15°) on the glacially scoured continental shelf may easily exceed those on the continental slope, sediment gravity flow processses locally become the most effective agents of sediment transport and sorting. Due to their widespread depth distribution on the Antarctic margin, sediment gravity flow deposits are intimately interbedded with glacial and glacial-marine sediments. The association of clean turbidite sands with glacial or glacial-marine sediments of the continental shelf highlights the potential danger of assigning either depth significance or a non-glacial origin to ancient turbidite/mixtite associations. Although continental shelf topography in several areas restricts transport of sediment across the shelf and onto the continental slope, sediment has been delivered to the abyssal plain both via submarine canyons and via the intercanyon continental slope. The transport of sand to the abyssal plain via the intercanyon slope is volumetrically of lesser significance; however, this process involves the transition from slumped lithic glacial sediment to well sorted, clean turbidite sand over distances of <10 km. Transport of sand within submarine canyon systems has been active since earliest Miocene time, and has probably been the largest contributor to the total volume (up to 662,000 km2 in Weddell Sea alone) of abyssal plain sands. The activation of canyon systems by the commonly-accepted eustatic model is problematic for the isostatically depressed (average shelf depth = 450 m) Antarctic continental margin. It is possible, however, that (1) scouring at or near the canyon heads by Locally impinging contour currents or (2) an advanced ice margin, have supplied sediment to the deep canyons.
The Acquisition and Consequences of Cumulative Protection under the Copyright and Trade Mark Laws of Singapore

Intellectual property rights in Singapore are governed by separate statutes as well as the common law. While there are instances where cumulative protection under more than one intellectual property regime is either expressly acknowledged or restricted, there are other situations which are not so dealt with. This article examines one such situation, viz, how it may be possible to acquire both copyright as well as trade marks protection, and the consequences of such cumulative protection.
Zinc transporter Slc39a14 regulates inflammatory signaling associated with hypertrophic adiposity.

Zinc is a signaling molecule in numerous metabolic pathways, the coordination of which occurs through activity of zinc transporters. The expression of zinc transporter Zip14 (Slc39a14), a zinc impo...
A Gradient Inelastic Flexibility-Based Frame Element Formulation

AbstractThis paper introduces a novel gradient inelastic beam theory and a corresponding flexibility-based (FB) frame element formulation to treat major weaknesses of existing FB formulations in the presence of softening section constitutive relations (or softening material response). These weaknesses include (1) strain localization and loss of objectivity and (2) instabilities and convergence failures of the numerical solution algorithms. These weaknesses are shown to emanate from the pathogenies of Navier’s beam theory in the presence of softening section constitutive relations. These pathogenies include (1) loss of solution uniqueness; and (2) loss of spatial continuity of the strain field, under a continuous force field. The proposed gradient inelastic beam theory is derived by enriching Navier’s beam theory with nonlocal section deformation variables through gradient-based equations. For the proposed theory, a FB formulation is developed. This FB formulation (1) results in a single set of algebraic e...
Comparison of outcomes using AlloDerm versus FlexHD for implant-based breast reconstruction.

BackgroundProsthetic reconstruction using human acellular dermis (ADM) is a common practice in breast reconstruction. AlloDerm and FlexHD are two different forms of ADM, each with unique characteristics. No studies have directly compared the postoperative complications of these 2 products.MethodsThe
Relationships of Coaching Behaviors to Student-Athlete Well-Being

Research on the association between coaching behaviors and student-athlete well-being has revealed significant relationships among coaching behaviors and a range of outcomes including anxiety, burnout, self-confidence, college choice satisfaction, and willingness to cheat to win. Findings from multiple studies suggested the need for improvements in coaching education. Overall, this review of extant literature suggested the need for additional research and empirically supported practices for coach and athlete development that support well-being.
Analysis of Complications and Patient Satisfaction in Pedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous and Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate complications and patient satisfaction after pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction at a single institution. There were 346 patients identified from 1999 to 2006 who
Interspecific Parasitism between Two Aphid Hyperparasitoids, Dendrocerus carpenteri (Hymenoptera: Megaspilidae) and Asaphes lucens (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

Laboratory experiments suggested that defensive behavior by the larva of the hyperparasitoid Dendrocerus carpenteri (Curtis) greatly reduced the possibility of interspecific tertiary parasitism by the hyperparasitoid Asaphes lucens (Provancher) to an average of 5.0% during the last 9 d of the 15-d development of D carpenteri within the aphid mummy.
Intrauterine inseminations with washed human spermatozoa does not induce formation of antisperm antibodies.

Because spermatozoa are immunologically foreign to women and intrauterine insemination involves the placement of washed motile spermatozoa directly into the uterine cavity, bypassing the protective cervical filtration mechanism, it has been postulated that antisperm antibodies may appear in circulation after IUI. In this study we address this hypothesis by testing women for the development of serum antisperm antibodies after repeated IUI procedures
Investigation of a cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity response as a means of detecting Salmonella dublin infection in cattle.

Delayed hypersensitivity reactions developed 48 to 96 h after intradermal injection of killed Salmonella dublin in 25 of 28 cattle which had been inoculated intravenously, and in five of 10 cattle which had been inoculated orally with S dublin 24 to 493 days previously. Control animals showed no delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Persistence of infection in five of the intravenously inoculated and in four of the orally inoculated animals was confirmed by isolation of 5 dublin from the carcases at necropsy one week after skin testing. Failure to isolate the organism from the carcases of 21 animals which had reacted positively to the intradermal test did not eliminate the possibility of their being carriers of 5 dublin. Skin testing was concluded to be a reliable means of identifying animals which had been, and possibly still were, infected systemically with S dublin. However recovered animals might be falsely identified as infected. Repeated testing gave misleading results.
Ureteral Rupture and Bone Scintigraphy

AbstractThe scintigraphic findings are described of upper ureteral rupture seen incidentally on bone scan in a 30-year-old patient after retrograde pyelography. This case is presented to alert physicians to look for non-osseous abnormalities on the bone scan.
Altering the Proteoglycan State of Transforming Growth Factor β Type III Receptor (TβRIII)/Betaglycan Modulates Canonical Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Hyperactive Wnt/β-catenin signaling is linked to cancer progression and developmental abnormalities, making identification of mechanisms controlling Wnt/β-catenin signaling vital. Transforming growth factor β type III receptor (TβRIII/betaglycan) is a transmembrane proteoglycan co-receptor that exists with or without heparan and/or chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan (GAG) modifications in cells and has established roles in development and cancer. Our studies here demonstrate that TβRIII, independent of its TGFβ co-receptor function, regulates canonical Wnt3a signaling by controlling Wnt3a availability through its sulfated GAG chains. Our findings revealed, for the first time, opposing functions for the different GAG modifications on TβRIII suggesting that Wnt interactions with the TβRIII heparan sulfate chains result in inhibition of Wnt signaling, likely via Wnt sequestration, whereas the chondroitin sulfate GAG chains on TβRIII promote Wnt3a signaling. These studies identify a novel, dual role for TβRIII/betaglycan and define a key requirement for the balance between chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate chains in dictating ligand responses with implications for both development and cancer.
Competing on Quality of Care: Developing a Competition Policy for Health Care Markets

As American health care moves from a professionally dominated to a market-dominated model, concerns have been voiced that competition, once unleashed, will focus on price to the detriment of quality. Although quality has been extensively analyzed in health services research, the role of quality in competition policy has not been elucidated. While economists may theorize about nonprice competition, courts in antitrust cases often follow simpler models of competition based on price and output, either ignoring quality as a competitive dimension or assuming that it will occur in tandem with price competition. This unsystematic approach is inadequate for the formulation of policy in the health care industry, where quality is a central concern of both consumers and society. Instead, courts need a framework with which to analyze the implications for quality of various market structures and to understand the welfare implications of proposed market changes. A competition policy would seek to evaluate the potential for private markets to protect and improve quality in the health care system. This article examines the present influence of antitrust law on price-quality and quality-quality tradeoffs in health care, explores the issues that would be confronted in developing a true competition policy and outlines a research agenda that would begin to accomplish that task.
Fritz Martini, Das Wagnis der Sprache: Stuttgart, Ernst Klett Verlag, 1954. Pp. 529.

(1957). Fritz Martini, Das Wagnis der Sprache. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 32, No. 3, pp. 233-234.
Dual Null Steering and Limited Beam Peak Steering Using Triple-Mode Circular Microstrip Patch Antenna

A compact triple-mode circular microstrip patch antenna capable of creating two nulls in the upper hemisphere and steering them independently is presented. The antenna consists of a central circular patch supporting TM11 mode, a TM21 mode shorted annular ring around it and another shorted annular ring supporting TM31 mode encompassing the other two radiators. Each mode is fed using two feed points to create right-handed circular polarization. Analytical and simulation studies show that by controlling the individual mode amplitude and phase ratios, radiation pattern can be reconfigured. Especially, two nulls can be generated in upper hemisphere and can be steered independently based on the ratio of applied excitation to each mode. This is a highly desirable feature for satellite receives antenna system with antijamming capability. To calculate the required modes excitation ratios, a MATLAB optimization code using a hybrid method of particle swarm optimization and pattern search was used. To apply the calculated excitation, an analog beamforming network consisting of digital variable gain attenuators, digital phase shifters, and low-noise amplifiers was used. This antenna was fabricated and tested for radiation patterns showing full hemispherical null steering along with limited beam peak steering.
The Economics of Computing Workload Aggregation: Capacity, Utilization, and Cost Implications

According to the nist definition, one key characteristic of cloud computing is “resource poolingto serve multiple consumers using a multitenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to consumer demand.” In other words, instead of running in silos, workloads with time-varying demands or processing intensities are often aggregated, assigned, and provisioned into a shared pool of resources. One obvious example is cloud computing, where workloads—say, claims processing, shopping carts, and video transcoding—from multiple customers—say, insurers, ecommerce companies, and online streaming entertainment firms—are aggregated together, mapped to a shared pool of physical resources such as servers, and then execute on those resources. This is similar to the way that lodging needs of travelers are aggregated together; guests are assigned actual hotel rooms; and then are checked in and move their luggage up to their room for the duration of their stay.
Randomised controlled trials for complex physiotherapy interventions are perfectly possible.

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are widely recognised as the strongest scientific approach to measuring the effects of interventions. If a clinician chooses to ignore evidence from RCTs to make clinical decisions and rely only on clinical observation, overestimation of treatment effects is very likely to occur. The latter occurs because changes in outcomes and the effects of interventions are completely different constructs. Change in a given outcome is all a clinician can observe in clinical practice, and is basically the difference between an outcome measured after the intervention compared with the baseline assessment (ie, within-group difference). However, there are a number of factors that play a key role on the changes in outcomes. These factors are scientifically known as confounders and include (1) natural history, (2) regression to the mean, (3) placebo effect, (4) polite patients and (5) recall bias. Improvements observed in patients in clinical practice are contaminated with these …
Implementing a secure rlogin environment: a case study of using a secure network layer protocol

This paper describes our experiences building a secure rlogin environment. With minimal changes to the rlogin server and the use of a secure network layer protocol, we remove the vulnerability of hostname-based authentication and IP source address spoofing. We investigate how applications such as rlogin interact with this new layer, and propose extensions to the rlogin server that can utilize these services. We believe rlogin presents a situation where the application layer seems the most appropriate location for enforcing security policy, instead of in a lower layer. Our layered approach to rlogin security achieves functionality similar to the Kerberos klogin client and the encrypted telnet packages, without their complexity or loss of generality. Implementing the application layer rlogin server extensions required fewer than ninety lines of code. Even if our rlogin application layer extensions are omitted, rlogin connections still benefit from secure network layer services.
Development of the Stone-Čech Compactification

A compactification of a topological space X is a compact space K together with an embedding e: X→K with e[X] dense in K. We will usually identify X with e[x] and consider X as a subspace of K. Our main topic is a very special type of compactification—one in which X is embedded in such a way that every bounded, real-valued continuous function on X will extend continuously to the compactification. Such a compactification of X will be called a Stone-Cech compactification and will be denoted by βX. In this chapter, several constructions of βX will be examined. We will find that βX is a useful device to study relationships between topological characteristics of X and the algebraic structure of the real-valued continuous functions defined on X and that many topological properties of X can be translated into properties of βX. The discussion will proceed in a rough approximation of historical order, although many anachronisms have been included to smooth the way and at the same time to introduce material that will be useful later.
Resolution: Choosing Among Explanations

When an utterance is understandable using the current grammar, the result of the Parse/Recovery Cycle is one or more meaning representations of the sentence (APTs) at a particular deviation-level. Although each APT represents an action to be performed in the domain, there is no guarantee that all APTs represent the same action or that any represented action is meaningful in the context established by the contents of the calendar and airline schedule. The Resolution phase of processing is responsible for enforcing database constraints, establishing a single meaning for the utterance, and performing the database action represented by that meaning (to review the position of the Resolution phase in the complete understanding process see Figure 4-1). There are three essential issues in resolution. First, do any of the represented actions correspond to the user’s intent? This question must be asked hen more than one effect is present or when there is a single effect at a non-zero always pertinent. Third, what form should interaction with the user take? This question relates to the first one—determining the user’s intent often requires user interaction.
Parametric Models With Explanatory Variables

In this chapter, we consider parametric statistical models that contain individual characteristics as explanatory variables. The explanatory variables that we use are the same as those used for estimating the proportional hazards model in the last chapter. Our estimates of the effects of these explanatory variables on time until recidivism turn out to be very similar to the estimates from the proportional hazards model. However, the parametric models of this chapter impose much more structure on the form of the distribution of time until recidivism than the proportional hazards model did. Accordingly, they lead to rather different predictions of recidivism than those of the proportional hazards model.
A Two-Grid Acceleration Scheme for the Multigroup Sn Equations with Neutron Upscattering

A two-grid acceleration scheme for the multigroup S[sub n] equations with neutron upscattering is developed. Although it has been tested only in one-dimensional slab geometry with linear-discontinuous spatial differencing, previous experience suggests that it should be applicable in any geometry with any spatial differencing scheme for which an unconditionally efficient diffusion-synthetic acceleration scheme exists. The method is derived, theoretically analyzed, and computationally tested. The results indicate that the scheme is unconditionally effective in terms of error reduction per iteration and highly efficient in terms of computational cost.
TOLERANCE TO CONTACT SENSITIVITY--A ROLE FOR SUPPRESSOR T CELLS?

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the criteria which may be helpful in defining systems for showing specific immunologic suppression via T cells. The criteria describes that an immunologically specific positive response must be demonstrable, that is, there should be something to suppress. The components of the response should be known in cellular terms, whether it involves T cells only, B cells only, or T and B cells. If it is a T cell response, it is favorable to measure it by looking at T cell function rather than solely by looking at a B cell product. The role of accessory cells, for example macrophages, should be known. It should be known that whether antibody is produced and whether it regulates the response. Ideally, this response should be seen in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, suppression of this positive response must be demonstrable.