cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Algorithms using Java for Spreadsheet Dependent Cell Recomputation

Abstract : Java implementations of algorithms used by spreadsheets to antomatically recompute the set of cells dependent on a changed cell are described using a mathematical model for spreadsheets based on graph theory. Theses solutions comprise part of a Java API that allows a client application to read, modify, and maintain spreadsheet data without using the spreadsheet application program that produced it. Features of the Java language that successfully improve the running time performance of the algorithms are also described.
Psychosocial health in displaced Iraqi care-seekers in non-governmental organization clinics in Amman, Jordan: an unmet need.

Introduction: Populations displaced by conflict face numerous threats to their psychological well-being; consequently, the prevalence of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder can be elevated as compared to populations who have not experienced forced displacement. Problem: Little is known about the mental health needs of displaced Iraqis. The factors associated with a need for psychological services among patients at seven clinics served by two NGOs that are known sources of care for the displaced Iraqi population in Amman, Jordan were explored. Methods: The survey was conducted in January and February 2008 and included a random sample of care seekers from seven clinics selected using interval sampling. Interviews on the health needs of displaced Iraqis and their access to services, including mental health services lasting approximately 20 minutes were conducted. Results: Of the 664 survey participants, 49% (95% CI = 45–53%) of respondents reported needing mental health services and 5% (95% CI = 3–8%) of those in need had access to services. The length of time spent in Jordan (adjusted OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.00–1.11) was associated with the need for mental health services and the adjusted odds of requiring psychological services was 39% less for individuals from outside of Baghdad as compared to Baghdad residents (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.38–0.98). Responders citing violence as a factor were twice as likely to be from Baghdad (OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.03–6.91), while interviewees reporting displacement as a cause for needing mental health services were twice as likely to be female (OR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.12–4.18). In individuals 35–44 years of age (OR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.14–0.87) the need for mental health services due to displacement decreased by 64%, while being a part of a female-headed household decreased the need by 81% (OR = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.06–0.57%). Conclusions: More attention should be given to expanding the local Jordanian health system capacity for the provision of mental service. Targeted social and psychiatric interventions that are culturally sensitive and aligned with Inter-Agency Standing Committee recommendations should be developed to compliment and expand the existing mental health service capacity in Jordan.
Potential renovascular hypertension, space missions, and the role of magnesium.

Space flight (SF) and dust inhalation in habitats cause hypertension whereas in SF (alone) there is no consistent hypertension but reduced diurnal blood pressure (BP) variation instead. Current pharmaceutical subcutaneous delivery systems are inadequate and there is impairment in the absorption, metabolism, excretion, and deterioration of some pharmaceuticals. Data obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration through the Freedom of Information Act shows that Irwin returned from his 12-day Apollo 15 mission in 1971 and was administered a bicycle stress test. With just three minutes of exercise, his BP was >275/125 mm Hg (heart rate of only 130 beats per minute). There was no acute renal insult. Irwin’s apparent spontaneous remission is suggested to be related to the increase of a protective vasodilator, and his atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) reduced with SF because of reduced plasma volume. With invariable malabsorption and loss of bone/muscle storage sites, there are significant (P < 0.0001) reductions of magnesium (Mg) required for ANP synthesis and release. Reductions of Mg and ANP can trigger pronounced angiotensin (200%), endothelin, and catecholamine elevations (clearly shown in recent years) and vicious cycles between the latter and Mg deficits. There is proteinuria, elevated creatinine, and reduced renal concentrating ability with the potential for progressive inflammatory and oxidative stress-induced renal disease and hypertension with vicious cycles. After SF, animals show myocardial endothelial injuries and increased vascular resistance of extremities in humans. Even without dust, hypertension might eventually develop from renovascular hypertension during very long missions. Without sufficient endothelial protection from pharmaceuticals, a comprehensive gene research program should begin now.
Allometry in the Syntax of Street Networks: Evolution of Adriatic and Ionian Coastal Cities 1800–2010:

Urban growth is discussed according to the impact of size on metric and topological space syntax measures that describe street networks. The quantitative analysis of three historical stages of cities on the Adriatic and Ionian coastline is supported by a unique database of historical maps and axial map representations. The empirical evidence demonstrates strong and significant allometric relationships of total length of lines to the area of urbanized territory, and total length, total connectivity, overall depth, total choice (betweenness), and total depth entropy to axial map size. In this paper allometric equations are derived for the measures and it is shown that comparative analysis based on means of measures traditionally used in space syntax does not comply with the observed ontogenetic relationships. The allometric trends of length to area and of connectivity to network size are shown to have sublinear scaling exponents, whereas allometric relationships of length, depth, choice, and entropy to network size are expressed with superlinear exponents. The comparison among three historical stages shows that allometry of depth to axial map size maintains statistical equivalence at the ontogenetic scale that transcends various types of street patterns, growth models, and physiographic conditions. In contrast, allometric relationships of depth, choice, and entropy to size reveal distinct universality classes between cities on the Italian and Balkan coasts, and between cities with and without gridiron street patterns.
A sphingosine kinase 1 mutation sensitizes the myocardium to ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Objective Sphingosine kinase (SphK) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive sphingolipid. SphK is involved in ischemic preconditioning (IPC). To date no studies in genetically altered animals have examined the role of SphK1 in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury and IPC. Methods and results Wild-type and SphK1 null mouse hearts were subjected to IR (50 min global ischemia and 40 min reperfusion) in a Langendorff apparatus. IPC consisted of 2 min of global ischemia and 2 min of reperfusion for two cycles. At baseline, there were no differences in left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), ±d P /d t max, and LV end-diastolic pressure (EDP) between SphK1 mutant and wild-type (WT) mouse hearts. In the mutants, total SphK enzyme activity was reduced by 44% and S1P levels were decreased by 41%. SphK1 null hearts subjected to IR exhibited more cardiac damage compared with WT: LVDP and ±d P /d t max decreased, LVEDP increased, and infarct size increased ( n =6, P <0.05). Apoptosis was markedly enhanced in SphK1 mutant IR mouse hearts. IPC was cardioprotective in WT hearts, but this protection appeared to be ineffective in SphK1 null hearts. There was no change in infarct size in the IPC+IR group compared to the IR group in the null hearts (50.1±5.0% vs 45.0±3.8%, n =6, P =NS). IPC remained ineffective in the null hearts even when the index ischemia time was shortened by 10 min. Conclusions Deletion of the SphK1 gene sensitizes the myocardium to IR injury and appears to impair the protective effect of IPC. These data provide the first genetic evidence that the SphK1-S1P pathway is a critical mediator of IPC and cell survival.
The effect of varicoceles on testicularblood flow in man

Abstract Objectives. To assess the effect of varicoceles on testicular blood flow in man. Methods. Testicular blood flow was measured in 248 consecutive men attending an infertilityclinic and 34 fertile volunteers using color duplex ultrasonography. Results. The testicular blood flow of men with either clinical and/or subdinical varicoceles was not significantly different from controls without varicoceles. Conclusions. Varicoceles do not significantly alter testicular blood flow in man.
Characterizing the gender gap in introductory physics

Previous research [S. J. Pollock et al., Phys. Rev. ST Phys. Educ. Res. 3, 1 (2007)] showed that despite the use of interactive engagement techniques, the gap in performance between males and females on a conceptual learning survey persisted from pretest to post-test at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Such findings were counter to previously published work [M. Lorenzo et al., Am. J. Phys. 74, 118 (2006)]. This study begins by identifying a variety of other gender differences. There is a small but significant difference in the course grades of males and females. Males and females have significantly different prior understandings of physics and mathematics. Females are less likely to take high school physics than males, although they are equally likely to take high school calculus. Males and females also differ in their incoming attitudes and beliefs about physics. This collection of background factors is analyzed to determine the extent to which each factor correlates with performance on a conceptual post-test and with gender. Binned by quintiles, we observe that males and females with similar pretest scores do not have significantly different post-test scores $(pg0.2)$. The post-test data are then modeled using two regression models (multiple regression and logistic regression) to estimate the gender gap in post-test scores after controlling for these important prior factors. These prior factors account for about 70% of the observed gender gap. The results indicate that the gender gap exists in interactive physics classes at our institution but is largely associated with differences in previous physics and math knowledge and incoming attitudes and beliefs.
The 13–14 December 2001 IMPROVE-2 Event. Part I: Synoptic and Mesoscale Evolution and Comparison with a Mesoscale Model Simulation

Abstract This paper describes the large-scale synoptic and mesoscale features of a major precipitation event that affected the second Improvement of Microphysical Parameterization through Observational Verification Experiment (IMPROVE-2) study area on 13–14 December 2001. The fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5) was used to simulate both the synoptic and mesoscale features of the storm. Extensive model verification was performed utilizing the wealth of observational assets available during the experiment, including in situ aircraft measurements, radiosondes, radar data, and surface observations. The 13–14 December 2001 storm system was characterized by strong low-level cross-barrier flow, heavy precipitation, and the passage of an intense baroclinic zone. The model realistically simulated the three-dimensional thermodynamic and kinematic fields, the forward-tilted vertical structure of the baroclinic zone, and the associated major precipitation band. Deficiencies in th...
Preliminary issues associated with the next generation nuclear plant intermediate heat exchanger design

Abstract The Next Generation Nuclear Plant, with emphasis on production of both electricity and hydrogen, involves helium as the coolant and a closed-cycle gas turbine for power generation with a core outlet/gas turbine inlet temperature of 850–950 °C. In this concept, an intermediate heat exchanger is used to transfer the heat from primary helium from the core to the secondary fluid, which can be helium, a nitrogen/helium mixture, or a molten salt. This paper assesses the issues pertaining to shell-and-tube and compact heat exchangers. A detailed thermal-hydraulic analysis was performed to calculate heat transfer, temperature distribution, and pressure drop inside both printed circuit and shell-and-tube heat exchangers. The analysis included evaluation of the role of key process parameters, geometrical factors in heat exchanger designs, and material properties of structural alloys. Calculations were performed for helium-to-helium, helium-to-helium/nitrogen, and helium-to-salt heat exchangers.
Flowmeter Design for Continuous Immediate Measurement of Red Cell Velocity-Profile in Microvessels

Flowmeter Design for Continuous Immediate Measurement of Red Cell Velocity-Profile in Microvessels
Life Stories of the Terminally Ill: Therapeutic and Anthropological Paradigms

Nurses and counselors at Hospice in North Carolina noticed that terminally ill clients often tell life stories to caregivers and family. Hospice wanted to sensitize staffmembers to recognize, respect, and respond effectively. I co-directed a project to videotape four Hospice clients reviewing their lives. Subsequently, we held a conference where academics and health care providers shared perspectives on life story. With story narration, the teller can symbolically transcend dependencies and isolation associated with terminal diagnosis. Hospice staff emphasized therapeutic aims in life review, believing that negotiation about life experience can help clients resolve problematic feelings. This article explores resolution of tensions between a therapeutic paradigm and an anthropological priority of maximizing storyteller autonomy. In addition, the analysis explores potential pitfalls of anthropological praxis in such projects. If life review becomes reimbursable, cultural and economic forces may reify and de...
Toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin to brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) during early development

The sensitivity of early life stages of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) toxicity was investigated. Newly fertilized eggs were exposed for 48 h to water containing either acetone or a range of concentrations of [3H]TCDD dissolved in acetone. Eggs were then transferred to TCDD-free water and observed through development. TCDD concentrations of 101 to 470 pg/g in the eggs caused dose-related increases in sac-fry mortality associated with yolk-sac edema, hemorrhages, and arrested development. These signs of TCDD-induced toxicity resemble blue-sac disease. The NOELs and LOELs for sac-fry mortality were 135 and 185 pg TCDD/g egg, respectively, whereas the LD50 and LD100 (95% fiducial limits) were 200 (179-215) and 324 (283-488) pg/g egg, respectively. The time course and signs of TCDD toxicity to brook trout during early development are essentially identical to those observed in both rainbow trout and lake trout following TCDD exposure of their eggs via water or injection, and in lake trout exposed to maternally derived TCDD. Brook trout sac fry are intermediate in sensitivity to TCDD-induced lethality compared to lake trout and rainbow trout.
Impact of examiners on candidate scores: An introduction to the use of multifacet Rasch model analysis for oral examinations

This article presents an introduction to Rasch model analysis and its application to examinations that require examiners. The introduction begins with a discussion of the Rasch model and its assumptions and then presents the multifacet Rasch model to include examiners. The article concludes with an example of an application to an oral examination administered by a medical specialty board.
A Monte Carlo method for simulating dispersion and transport through horizontal rotating cylinders

Abstract Monte Carlo simulation is used to extend the simple model originally derived by Vahl and Kingma for the flow of powder through a rotating cylinder to include dispersion. The concept of a random normally distributed angle of descent along the powder bed surface is employed in the Monte Carlo simulation to provide an adequate amount of dispersion. An empirical relationship between the standard deviation of the normal distribution and the fractional filling of the rotating cylinder is given. Results predicted by the Monte Carlo model are shown to accurately reproduce experimental results and the solution to the one-dimensional axial dispersion model.
SU‐EE‐A4‐06: Longitudinal Correlations in a Small‐Animal PET Studies

Purpose: One area of interest in the rapidly developing field of small‐animal imaging is preclinical evaluations of cancertherapeutics. It is clear that longitudinal imaging studies reduce the number of animals necessary for such evaluations by following a single cohort over multiple timepoints. However, there is additional benefit to longitudinal data for comparisons between timepoints. Of particular interest in preclinical studies are comparisons between the disease status at the onset of treatment and later timepoints after treatment has been completed. Positive correlations between timepoints add statistical power to tests of differences. In this work, we investigate correlations in quantitative features across timepoints in small‐animal positron emission tomography(PET)images of a mouse model of breast cancer.Method and Materials: We investigate a mammary intraepithelial neoplasia outgrowth (MIN‐O) model in FVB mice. Transplant development in these animals is similar to the neoplastic progression of breast carcinoma from preinvasive ductal carcinoma in situ to invasive carcinoma in humans. A cohort of mice were imaged 5 times on a dedicated small‐animal PET scanner after injection of a commonly used radiotracer (FDG). After reconstruction, quantitative features such as functionally active volume, maximum uptake and total uptake were computed as markers of development. Results: Quantitative features document development of disease in these animals over time. Positive person correlation coefficients ranging over 0.3 and > 0.9 have been observed between timepoints for the extracted features. This leads to substantial gains in statistical power. Conclusion: Features extracted from volumetric PETimages in the MIN‐O mouse model correspond with development of disease. Because of the variability in disease progression and proliferation between lesions, there is a considerable statistical advantage to longitudinal studies. Correlations between timepoints measured for this work lead to quantifiable gains in statistical power.
A comparison of cost-effectiveness of three protocols for diagnosis and treatment of gonococcal and chlamydial infections in women in Africa

Background: The cost-effectiveness of different STD diagnosis and treatment approaches has not been evaluated previously. Goals: The goals of the study were to compare the cost-effectiveness of “gold standard” care (GS) syndromic management (SM) and mass treatment (MT) protocols for the treatment of cervical gonococcal and chlamydial infections in a hypothetical model of 1 million women in Africa. Study Design: A decision tree model was constructed for each of the protocols. Sensitivity analyses were conducted and 10000 Monte Carlo simulations were run to test the robustness of the cost-effectiveness estimates to changes in underlying assumptions. Results: MT with doxycycline for chlamydia was the most costeffective protocol in terms of cost per cure. SM protocol had the lowest total programmatic costs. For the GS protocol using azithromycin for chlamydial infections was found to be more cost-effective than using doxycycline. For both the GS and SM protocols the total cost of the program was most sensitive to the percentage of women seeking STD treatment and the prevalence of non-STD vaginal discharge whereas the cost of MT was almost exclusively determined by coverage rates. Conclusions: No single protocol carries with it all the desired conditions of an optimal cost-effective program. The treatment-seeking behavior STD prevalence and coverage of each locale must be evaluated to determine the most cost-effective and highest impact program. MT was found to be the most cost-effective protocol in terms of cost per woman treated when compared with the SM and GS protocols for STDs in women. (authors)
Oxidation, tyrosine nitration and cytostasis induction in the absence of inducible nitric oxide synthase.

In the present study, we evaluated the impact of the lack of the gene for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on oxidation, tyrosine nitration and cytotoxicity reactions triggered by immunostimulation. In mice injected with E. coli endotoxin (bacterial lipopolysaccharide, LPS, 50 mg/kg i.p.), there was a significant increase in the degree of oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123 to rhodamine 123. This response was attenuated by inhibition of NO biosynthesis with NG-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMA, 30 mg/kg i.p.). In mice lacking functional iNOS gene (iNOS knock-out mice), the degree of the LPS-induced, L-NMA inhibitable increase in dihydrorhodamine oxidation was decreased, but not completely abolished. LPS stimulation induced a marked increase in the immunoreactivity for nitrotyrosine (an indicator of peroxynitrite formation), as measured in the aorta and lung. An L-NMA inhibitable increase in nitrotyrosine staining induced by LPS was also observed in the tissues of the iNOS knockout animals. LPS treatment induced the appearance of DNA single strand breakage and a suppression of mitochondrial respiration in peritoneal macrophages ex vivo. A significant degree of LPS-induced DNA single strand breakage and suppression of mitochondrial respiration was still observed in the peritoneal macrophages obtained from the iNOS knockout animals. Macrophages from wild-type mice stimulated with LPS and interferon-gamma suppressed the proliferation of various target cells (P815 mastocytoma, L929 fibrosarcoma and embryonic lung fibroblast cell line): this effect was abolished by in vitro treatment with L-NMA (1 mM). Macrophages from the iNOS knockout animals exhibited a reduced degree of target cell cytostatic activity. The remainder of the cytostasis in iNOS knockout macrophages was abolished by preventing cell contact and neutralizing tumor necrosis factor a. The present results demonstrate that the lack of iNOS gene does not fully abolish oxidation, tyrosine nitration and cytostatic activity in response to immunostimulation. The current findings may have implications for the development of NO-based approaches for the experimental therapy of inflammation.
Economies of Scale and the Profitability of Marginal-Cost Pricing: A Note

We are grateful to John Scott [1979] for detecting and noting the computational error in our polynomial example. However, it requires only accurate algebra to construct a correct example. In particular, C (y) = y [2 (y 1)3], for 0 < y < 1.5, is a well-defined cost function for which average cost is strictly decreasing and yet for which average and marginal cost somewhere coincide. Here, AC(y) = 2 (y -1)3, MC(y) = 2 (4y 1) (y 1)2, and at y = 1, both average and marginal costs are 2. Despite decreasing average costs, a marginal-costpricing firm would exactly break even at that scale of operation. The other purpose of Scott's note is" ... to point up problems of using a narrowly defined production technology to define the economies of scale relevant for understanding industrial concentration" [Scott, 1979, p. 741]. Of course, we agree that a measure of technological scale economies would not reflect other effects of a firm's size on its costs. However, we maintain that any analysis of the relationships between costs and output levels must include consideration of the technological returns to scale, and that the measures S and S developed in our paper [Panzar and Willig, 1977] are appropriate tools for such studies. The proof of Theorem 2 in Panzar and Willig [1977, p. 490] shows that S equals the ratio of cost to the revenue from marginal cost pricing, no matter what complex of considerations determines costs. In contrast, S is defined with reference to only the technology. When costs are determined by efficient choices from the technology set, at parametric input prices, then S = S, given the regularity conditions. However, if other considerations were to influence costs, S would deviate from S, the deviation between them would be an indicator of the scale effects of the other considerations, and still, S would be an important determinant of S. For an example reflecting some of Scott's concerns, suppose that the unit price faced by a firm for each of its factors depends on the quantity of the factor that it purchases: i.e., w= w (xi). Extending a result of Fergueson [1969] to our multi-output framework, we obtain, under our regularity conditions,
Electrodisintegration of the Deuteron. II. Final-State Interactions

The effects of interactions between the outgoing nucleons on the cross sections for the inelastic electron-deuteron scattering process $e+d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}e+p+n$ are examined in detail. Results are presented as corrections to the theoretical cross sections which were calculated in a previous paper with a relativistic theory but neglecting final-state interactions. The changes are significant for the determination of the electromagnetic form factors of the neutron from the experimental cross sections. The method of the paper follows the treatment of final-state interactions given by Durand, extended to include the $D$ state of the deuteron and the coupling between final-state partial waves of the same total angular momentum and parity. The resulting expressions for the quasielastic peak cross sections are expected to be valid in the momentum-transfer range $0\ensuremath{\lesssim}{q}^{2}\ensuremath{\lesssim}1.0$ ${(\mathrm{B}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$. An alternative approach is suggested for the analysis of experiments at larger ${q}^{2}$ using an absorption model of the type which has been applied successfully to high-energy particle reactions.
New Wine in an Old Bottle: The Chinese Family Firm Reexamined in Light of the Changing Family

Since the economic reforms that began in the late 1970s, family businesses have reemerged in China. In general, social scientists have treated the Chinese family firm as a cultural and economic phe...
Cost of early snowmelt in terms of reduced irrigation deliveries

Climate change and windborne dust are expected to change snowmelt timing. Dust from agricultural activities is estimated to cause snow to melt two to four weeks earlier in some regions. Early snowmelt may decrease deliveries of irrigation water when reservoirs provide flood protection and irrigation water. To date, the quantity decrease has not been determined. We identify when early snowmelt causes earlier water release, and calculate the quantity decrease in water deliveries downstream. Irrigation reductions are negligible unless the dam capacity is less than twice the quantity of annual runoff, and unless snowmelt occurs more than four weeks early.
Serum Progestins and Luteinising Hormone Levels in Non-suckled Primiparous Heifers

PRIMIPAROUS heifers normally have a longer interval from parturition to oestrus, ovulation and subsequent conception than do mature cows. Lactation also extends this interval. We have therefore measured simultaneously luteinising hormone (LH) and individual progestins within the same serum sample throughout the postpartum interval in the bovine species in order to elucidate the endocrine events that occur before the first oestrus.
Structure-based discovery of inhibitors of thymidylate synthase

A molecular docking computer program (DOCK) was used to screen the Fine Chemical Directory, a database of commercially available compounds, for molecules that are complementary to thymidylate synthase (TS), a chemotherapeutic target. Besides retrieving the substrate and several known inhibitors, DOCK proposed putative inhibitors previously unknown to bind to the enzyme. Three of these compounds inhibited Lactobacillus casei TS at submillimolar concentrations. One of these inhibitors, sulisobenzone, crystallized with TS in two configurations that differed from the DOCK-favored geometry: a counterion was bound in the substrate site, which resulted in a 6 to 9 angstrom displacement of the inhibitor. The structure of the complexes suggested another binding region in the active site that could be exploited. This region was probed with molecules sterically similar to sulisobenzone, which led to the identification of a family of phenolphthalein analogs that inhibit TS in the 1 to 30 micromolar range. These inhibitors do not resemble the substrates of the enzyme. A crystal structure of phenolphthalein with TS shows that it binds in the target site in a configuration that resembles the one suggested by DOCK.
Interaction dynamics of an orbiter and a flexible space structure undergoing incremental in-space construction

A theoretical investigation is presented pertaining to the use of a Shuttle based remote manipulator system to construct and assemble the Space Station at the primary stage. The equations of motion for an on-orbit Space Shuttle with flexible or rigid remote manipulator system are developed including the effect of librational motion, starting and stopping motion constraints, and contact/impact conditions in maneuvering the Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS). Preliminary results indicated that the orbiting system may become unstable when certain disturbances have been triggered that provided a guideline in maneuvering the SRMS.
7-Spirobenzocyclohexyl Derivatives of Naltrexone, Oxymorphone, and Hydromorphone as Selective Opioid Receptor Ligands

On the basis of previous structure−activity studies of the highly potent and selective δ-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole (1) and the spiroindanyl anologues 2 and 3, we have synthesized epimeric pairs of spirobenzocyclohexyl derivatives of naltrexone, oxymorphone, and hydromorphone (4−9). Pharmacologic evaluation in smooth muscle assays has revealed that the oxymorphone derivatives (6, 7) are δ-selective agonists and possess receptor binding profiles that are consistent with their agonist activity. It is proposed that the spirobenzocyclohexyl group of 6 and 7 orients its benzene moiety orthogonally with respect to the C ring of the opiate in a manner similar to that of the spiroindanyl analogue 3. It is suggested that this orthogonal orientation serves as an “address” to facilitate activation of δ receptors. The finding that the hydromorphone analogues (8, 9) were full μ agonists and exhibited only partial δ agonist activity suggests that the 14-hydroxyl group also contributes to the δ agonist activ...
Blockade of Kv1.3 Potassium Channels Inhibits Differentiation and Granzyme B Secretion of Human CD8+ T Effector Memory Lymphocytes

Increased expression of the voltage-gated potassium channel Kν1.3 on activated effector memory T cells (TEM) is associated with pathology in multiple sclerosis (MS). To date, most studies of Kν1.3 channels in MS have focused on CD4+ TEM cells. Much less is known about the functional relevance of Kv1.3 on CD8+ TEM cells. Herein, we examined the effects of Kν1.3 blockade on CD8+ T cell proliferation, differentiation into cytotoxic effector cells, and release of granzyme B (GrB), a key effector of CD8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. We confirmed the expression of Kv1.3 channels on activated human CD8+ T lymphocytes by immunofluorescent staining. To test the functional relevance of the Kv1.3 channel in CD8+ T cells, we inhibited this channel via pharmacological blockers or a lentiviral-dominant negative (Kv1.xDN) approach and determined the effects of the blockade on critical pathogenic parameters of CD8+ T cells. We found that blockade of Kv1.3 with both lentivirus and pharmacologic agents effectively inhibited cytotoxic effector memory cells’ proliferation, secretion of GrB, and their ability to kill neural progenitor cells. Intriguingly, the KvDN transduced T cells exhibited arrested differentiation from central memory (TCM) to effector memory (TEM) states. Transduction of cells that had already differentiated into TEM with KvDN led to their conversion into TCM. CD8+ TEM have a critical role in MS and other autoimmune diseases. Our present results indicate a critical role for Kv1.3 in the conversion of CD8+ T cells into potential pathogenic effector cells with cytotoxic function.
a generalized network flow model with application to power supply‐demand problems

The conventional network flow model is generalized by replacing the capacity constraints on the flow of each arc by a constraint that the set of flows lies in a compact set; the resulting model is called the compact flow network model. A necessary condition for the maximal compact flow is presented. The max-flow-min-cut theorem is generalized to compact flow networks. The condition that is required for the maximal flow to be equal to the minimal cut is examined. The max-flow-min-cut theorem is used to derive a necessary and sufficient condition for feasibility of the multiterminal supply-demand problem based on the compact flow model. As an application, the electric power supply-demand problem is discussed from the compact flow point of view.
Translocation (8;13)(q24.2;q33) in a Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor of the Liver

A case of malignant rhabdoid tumor of the liver associated with hypercalcemia of malignancy was studied. The karyotype of the liver primary was 46,XY,t(8;13)(q24.2;q33)[7]/46,XY[13], and of the brain metastasis 46,XY,t(8;13)(q24;q33)[5]/46,XY,t(7;13)(p14;q22) [3]/46,XY,t(1;2;3)(q25;q21;p21) [2]/46,XY[13], respectively. Band 8q24 was previously reported to be rearranged in two malignant rhabdoid tumors, one renal and one hepatic.
Generation of tunable octave-spanning mid-infrared pulses by filamentation in gas media

The continued development of femtosecond mid-infrared (IR) sources with ultrabroad spectral width is critical for probing and controlling complex molecular structural dynamics on an ultrafast timescale. We report on a sub-20 fs, coherent mid-IR source with an octave-spanning spectral bandwidth (>2000 cm−1) tunable from 2–8 micrometers (37.5–150 THz), with energy >0.4 μJ/pulse at 1 kHz. The mid-IR pulses are generated by four-wave mixing during the filamentation of intense 800 nm and 400 nm pulses in various gas media. Spectral tunability is achieved by the choice of gas, pressure and input 800 nm pulse energy.
Bisphosphonate uptake in areas of tooth extraction or periapical disease.

Purpose Bisphosphonates (BPs) are widely used for the management of bone diseases such as osteoporosis and bone malignancy. However, osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) is a serious complication of BP treatment. ONJ lesions mainly occur after extraction of teeth deemed unrestorable or around teeth with active periodontal or periapical disease. Because socket healing or dental disease shows higher bone turnover, the authors hypothesized that preferentially high BP accumulation would be observed in these areas. Materials and Methods The authors tested the uptake of fluorescein-labeled zoledronic acid (5-FAM-ZOL) in sites of tooth extraction or experimental periapical disease in mice. Maxillary molars were extracted or the crowns of mandibular molars were drilled to induce pulp exposure. Animals were injected with 5-FAM-ZOL 200 μg/kg at various times after intervention and fluorescence was measured at healthy versus intervention sites. Fluorescein injections were used as controls. Data were analyzed by t test and mixed effects linear models were constructed because the animals had repeated measurements over time and at the 2 sites. Results A statistically significant ( P ≤ .001 to .002) time-dependent uptake of 5-FAM-ZOL was detected in the areas of extraction socket and in the alveolar ridge around teeth with periapical disease compared with the healthy contralateral sites of the same animals. For the 2 conditions, the uptake reached a maximum 3 days after experimental intervention and decreased thereafter. Conclusions These data suggest that sites with increased bone turnover, such as extraction sites or areas of periapical inflammation, are exposed to higher BP doses than the remaining alveolar ridge and could explain, at least in part, the susceptibility of such areas to ONJ.
Computer Use With Young Children: Present Perspectives and Future Possibilities

Literature related to the use of computers with young children reveals a lack of objective information about the effects of the technology on learning. Much of the current information is based on subjective evaluations of personal experiences or on descriptive studies in which specific skills were taught through the use of computers. If significant contributions are to be made by the technology, a concerted effort must be made to objectively analyze the extant information and to focus on future investigations that might indicate those areas of the educational process most likely to benefit from technology. The purpose of this article is to provide an analysis of the current status of this approach in young child education and to present suggestions for future directions in research efforts.
The Glassmelting Process: II, Glass Structure and the Effects of “Melting History” on Glass Properties

Interpretations are made of experimental and practical aspects of glass structures in terms of a postulated distribution of anionic structures in glass. The existence of effects determined by the “melting history” of a glass is demonstrated by specially programmed experiments on viscosity and tensile strength. The viscosity curve of glass melted at a relatively low temperature lies above that for the same glass which had been previously melted at high temperatures. The two curves merge in the high-temperature region. It also is found that the tensile strength of glass fibers increases as the maximum melting temperature increases.
Nonlinear pressure coupling in cylindrical shell analysis

Abstract : Two well known thin shell theories are used to evaluate and compare shears and moments at the juncture of two pressurized cylindrical shells. For highly pressurized cylinders with large radius-thickness ratios the numerical results indicate that nonlinear coupling effects of pressure significantly influence computed values of discontinuity shears and moments.
On optimal strategies in protecting computer networks

Strategies of defending a computer network against random attacks are modeled by probabilistic methods. A single-stage model is introduced to find the optimal allocation of the resources of the administrator when the network has multiple possible targets. The location of the actual attack is random, the probability of which can be assessed by the administrator from previous interactions with the attacker and based on intelligence information. The expected value and the variance are combined to find the certain equivalent of the outcome, which depends on the allocation of the resources of the administrator between the vulnerabilities of the network. The mathematical model is a nonconvex programming problem, so application of standard optimization techniques cannot guarantee global optimum. By introducing new decision variables the problem can be transformed into a convex problem, the optimal solutions of which can be determined by a simple algorithm by solving a single-variable monotonic equation. This procedure makes the administrator able to find optimal resource allocations very fast and therefore can respond almost instantaneously.
Comparison Of Eating Disorder Inventory (edi2) Scores Of Male Bodybuilders To The Male College Student Subgroup.

Abstract Male bodybuilders report high-protein, low-fat hypocaloric diet patterns similar to those seen in college females with anorexia nervosa and bulimia. The intensity and effort that bodybuilders put into their training suggests obligatory-type behavior, not unlike compulsive eaters and/or compulsive alcohol drinkers, or those with eating disorders. This study surveyed volunteers who identified themselves as competitive or recreational bodybuilders regarding eating behaviors using the Eating Disorder Inventory 2 (EDI2), which has been assessed to be a reliable and valid instrument to screen for tendencies toward eating disorders. Male subjects (n=65) were recruited through announcements in two midwestern and one western university weight lifting clubs, announcements strategically placed on each campus, and phone and/or personal contact by the researchers. A control group (non-bodybuilders/non-weight lifters) (n=41) was recruited from students in non-athletic classes. Subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire composed of questions from the Eating Disorders Inventory 2 (EDI2) and an additional pool of questions. In addition to descriptive statistics, a t-test was used to examine relationships (p ≤ .05) between independent variables (control vs bodybuilder) and dependent variables (EDI2 scores), and between independent variables. EDI2 scores for bodybuilders were significantly different between the subjects and control groups on the Interpersonal Distrust scale. Since this comparison was based on average results for the groups, it does not rule out the possibility that some of the subjects exhibit characteristics typical of eating disorders. It is also possible that the EDI2 is not an appropriate scale to measure eating disorder tendencies in males, especially bodybuilders.
Lithium–oxygen batteries—Limiting factors that affect performance

Abstract Lithium–oxygen batteries have recently received attention due to their extremely high theoretical energy densities, which far exceed that of any other existing energy storage technology. The significantly larger theoretical energy density of the lithium–oxygen batteries is due to the use of a pure lithium metal anode and the fact that the cathode oxidant, oxygen, is stored externally since it can be readily obtained from the surrounding air. Before the lithium–oxygen batteries can be realized as high performance, commercially viable products, there are still many challenges to overcome, from designing their cathode structure, to optimizing their electrolyte compositions and elucidating the complex chemical reactions that occur during charge and discharge. The scientific obstacles that are related to the performance of the lithium–oxygen batteries open up an exciting opportunity for researchers from many different backgrounds to utilize their unique knowledge and skills to bridge the knowledge gaps that exist in current research projects. This article is a summary of the most significant limiting factors that affect the performance of the lithium–oxygen batteries from the perspective of the authors. The article indicates the relationships that form between various limiting factors and highlights the complex yet captivating nature of the research within this field.
The Extraordinary Active Site Substrate Specificity of pp60c−src A MULTIPLE SPECIFICITY PROTEIN KINASE

Abstract We report the first active site substrate specificity analysis of a tyrosine-specific protein kinase, namely pp60c−src. Like the cAMP-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C, pp60c−src will phosphorylate an assortment of achiral residues attached to active site-directed peptides. Furthermore, pp60c−src phosphorylates both aromatic and aliphatic alcohols. However, the substrate specificity of pp60c−src is much broader than that of the two previously examined serine/threonine-specific protein kinases. We have previously shown that both the cAMP-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C will utilize a wide array of non-amino acid residues as substrates, as long as the distance between the hydroxyl moiety and the adjacent peptide backbone is comparable with that present in serine and threonine (Kwon, Y.-G., Mendelow, M., and Lawrence, D. S.(1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 4839-4844). In marked contrast, pp60c−src does not discriminate against substrates on the basis of chain length, catalyzing the phosphorylation of residues that contain anywhere from 2-12 carbons between the alcohol functional group and the adjacent peptide bond. In addition, pp60c−src phosphorylates L-serine in an active site-directed peptide. The possible structural basis for the multiple specificity of pp60c−src is discussed. Finally, the active site specificity of pp60c−src is not just limited to L-amino acid residues, but also extends into the realm of D-amino acids as well.
Surface reconstruction: A physical realization of two-dimensional Ising and XY-models

Abstract The reconstruction transitions on certain clean metal surfaces are shown to be isomorphous with two-dimensional models of phase transitions. Specifically, the Pt, Ir, and Au(110) transitions correspond to the 2d-Ising model, the W(100) transition to the 2d−XY model with cubic anisotropy. The Mo (100) reconstruction is described in terms of the Kosterlitz-Thouless picture of the 2d-XY model. Experiments (LEED or He diffraction) are suggested to check theories of 2d systems.
Activation of focal adhesion kinase by Salmonella suppresses autophagy via an Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and promotes bacterial survival in macrophages.

Autophagy has emerged as an important antimicrobial host defense mechanism that not only orchestrates the systemic immune response, but also functions in a cell autonomous manner to directly eliminate invading pathogens. Pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella have evolved adaptations to protect themselves from autophagic elimination. Here we show that signaling through the non-receptor tyrosine kinase focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is actively manipulated by the Salmonella SPI-2 system in macrophages to promote intracellular survival. In wild-type macrophages, FAK is recruited to the surface of the Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV), leading to amplified signaling through the Akt-mTOR axis and inhibition of the autophagic response. In FAK-deficient macrophages, Akt/mTOR signaling is attenuated and autophagic capture of intracellular bacteria is enhanced, resulting in reduced bacterial survival. We further demonstrate that enhanced autophagy in FAK−/− macrophages requires the activity of Atg5 and ULK1 in a process that is distinct from LC3-assisted phagocytosis (LAP). In vivo, selective knockout of FAK in macrophages resulted in more rapid clearance of bacteria from tissues after oral infection with S. typhimurium. Clearance was correlated with reduced infiltration of inflammatory cell types into infected tissues and reduced tissue damage. Together, these data demonstrate that FAK is specifically targeted by S. typhimurium as a novel means of suppressing autophagy in macrophages, thereby enhancing their intracellular survival.
An embedded feature-based stereo vision system for autonomous mobile robots

Stereo vision systems have recently become an essential part for most autonomous mobile robots. There are several commercially available stereo vision products, which have been used for autonomous functions in mobile robot platforms. However, most of them are not suitable for compact sized robots. This paper presents an embedded stereo vision system that provides flexible baseline for robots of compact size. In terms of hardware, it provides baseline flexibility, and can be easily fitted into any robot. In terms of software, a feature based stereo vision algorithm is proposed to improve the real-time performance of the stereo vision system. The proposed featured-based method is evaluated by comparing it with the area-based method using standard test images. The results show that the computational time is significantly reduced (reduced by 60% in a relatively complex image). The proposed method is also implemented in real world environments in order to test its effectiveness.