cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytokeratin 7: a re‐evaluation of the ‘tried and true’ in triple‐negative breast cancers

Davion S M, Siziopikou K P & Sullivan M E (2012) Histopathology 61, 660–666 Cytokeratin 7: a re-evaluation of the ‘tried and true’ in triple-negative breast cancers Aims: Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are often poorly differentiated tumours that can present clinically as metastases of an unknown primary. Immunohistochemical panels are frequently used to determine the likelihood of a breast primary, but in this tumour subset cytokeratin (CK)7 may be the only positive finding. In this study we aimed to evaluate a commonly employed immunohistochemical panel using a large group of TNBCs (both basal-like and unclassified), and to analyse the CK7 staining patterns. Methods and results: Tissue microarrays containing 138 TNBCs were stained with antibodies against CK7, CK20, gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 (GCDFP-15), and mammaglobin. CK5/6 staining was used to identify basal-like tumours. CK7 staining was notably heterogeneous, with 14.5% of all cases demonstrating ≤20% tumour cell staining. A greater proportion of basal-like TNBCs than of unclassified TNBCs showed focal staining. GCDFP-15 and mammaglobin were not expressed in the majority of TNBCs, and were less frequently positive in basal-like than in unclassified TNBCs. Conclusions: TNBCs are commonly negative for most immunomarkers indicative of breast origin, with the exception of CK7. As about one in five TNBCs showed only focal CK7 positivity, use of this marker must be interpreted with caution, especially in small samples, so that the possibility of a breast primary is not overlooked.
Influence of Salinity and Temperature on the Germination of Haloxylon recurvum Bunge ex. Boiss.

Abstract The stem succulent perennial halophyte Haloxylon recurvum Bunge ex. Boiss. grows and produces seed under highly saline conditions and seeds are deposited in saline soils. Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of salinity and temperature on the germination of seeds. Results indicate that seeds can germinate at very high salt concentrations (500 m m ). However, highest germination percentages were obtained in distilled water. Cooler thermoperiods promoted germination, while high temperatures significantly inhibited the germination of seeds at all NaCl concentrations tested. Rate of germination decreased with increases in salinity. At higher thermoperiods the rate of germination was significantly lower in comparison to lower thermoperiods. Seeds recover after being transferred to distilled water and recovery was higher from higher salinity concentrations and lower thermoperiods. Final recovery germination percentages in high salt treatments were significantly lower than non-saline controls, indicating that exposure to high concentration of NaCl permanently inhibited germination.
Sex as a Factor in Delayed-Response and Reduced-Cue Discrimination Learning by Previously Irradiated Monkeys

Earlier study showed female rhesus monkeys to be superior to males on spatial delayed-response learning performance. The superiority of the female monkeys was attributed to their greater attentiveness, as experimentally demonstrated, rather than to a sex difference in intellectual ability. The present study was conducted to determine whether similar sex differences were present in an independent group of monkeys that had previously been exposed to a nuclear radiation. Delayed-response and reduced-cue discrimination tasks were used to test 56 rhesus (Macaca mulatta) monkeys, ranging in age from 30 to 42 months, which had been exposed to a nuclear radiation at the Nevada Test Site approximately 14 months earlier. The estimated total dose varied from 273 to 670 rem ( gamma plus neutron radiation). Training was conducted in a modified version of the Wisconsin General Test Apparatus. The females improved performance significantly faster than did the males on reduced-cue discrimation learning. Performance of the females on delayed-response training was significantly superior to that of males, although rate of improvement with practice did not differentiate the sexes. Hence, these findings confirm the superiority of female rhesus monkeys over male rhesus monkeys on spatial delayed- response performance. The results also show a difference ofmore » a similar nature on reduced-cue discrimination performance, a task incorporating elements of both object quality discrimination and delayed-response prcblems. These results provide added evidence for the need to evaluate the sex factor before generalization of the results of any learning study involving monkeys of both sexes. (BBB)« less
Towards a diffusion model of acoustic energy flow in large undamped structures

It is shown that energy transport parameters for vibrations in a complex structure may be extracted from the kind of data that might be obtained from limited and cost effective direct numerical simulations (DNS). A diffusion model is proposed which promises to avoid the requirement of statistical energy analysis (SEA)-like substructuring. The model is successfully fit to simulated data with an underlying nature which is unambiguously diffusive, as opposed to DNS data where the underlying nature is in question. The data is constructed with noise that mimics the sorts of fluctuations expected in practice. The algorithm's robustness depends heavily on the number of adjustable parameters.
Disregarding the Suffering of Others: Narrative, Comedy, and Torture

This paper examines how comedy is used in torture to disregard the suffering of the victims and how narratives about torture make use of comedy for the same purpose. After situating the current use of torture by the United States in the larger narrative context that provided the milieu for the resurgence of torture, the paper focuses on how the comic dimensions of torture are not only essential for perpetuating the torture but also instrumental within the torture, as seen in the photographs from and subsequent polemics about Abu Ghraib. The paper ends with a discussion of recent medical narratives about torture.
ON DIMENSION THEORY FOR COMPLEXES

Passage from the category of modules to the derived category gives insight into some classical results of homological dimension theory, and also yields a proof of the nondegeneracy of the Yoneda multiplication, where the argument is a noetherian module (or a finite complex with noetherian homology) and is a regular local ring. Bibliography: 9 titles.
The effect of inhaled β2-agonists on clinical outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract The major clinical outcomes measured in evaluating the responses to pharmacotherapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include the severity of dyspnea, exercise capacity, exacerbations, and health status. Various studies have demonstrated that testing for acute bronchodilator reversibility in the pulmonary function laboratory does not predict the clinical responses to a trial of bronchodilator therapy in patients with COPD. Separate studies have shown that inhaled albuterol, both a single dose (300 μg) and 2 weeks of therapy (200 μg/4×/day), reduces dyspnea. There is more published information available about the effects of long-acting (≥12 hours' duration of action) inhaled β 2 -agonists because of greater interest in considering clinical outcomes at the time of drug testing. In one randomized clinical trial, formoterol reduced symptoms (as recorded in a home diary) and improved health status. Nine clinical studies have examined the effects of salmeterol on clinical outcomes. Salmeterol reduced the perception of breathlessness (in 6 of 9 studies) and improved health status (in 3 of 4 studies). These results collectively demonstrate that long-acting inhaled β 2 -agonists not only relax bronchial smooth muscle but also provide important clinical benefits in symptomatic patients with COPD. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;110:S298-303.)
Dietary exposure to mercury in nestling wood storks (Mycteria americana) in Georgia

The United States breeding population of the wood stork (Mycteria americana) was listed as endangered in 1984; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the determination of potential contaminant hazards as a task important to the recovery of the species. Storks nest in colonies and adult storks forage over wide areas and return with prey items to feed to nestlings. The most recently consumed prey items are usually regurgitated by nestlings when they are handled. In 1995, over 200 food items from four wood stork colonies were collected while banding nestlings between 20 and 40 days old, and total mercury determined in individual food items. Two colonies were located on the Atlantic coast and two in inland areas. Overall dietary mercury concentration for each colony was calculated based on the biomass of each type of food item within the diet. Freshwater prey items had higher mercury concentrations than saltwater items most frequently chosen by storks. Daily Hg doses were estimated for a range of nestling sizes and daily food consumption rates. Risk factors were calculated based on two lowest observable adverse effect concentrations (LOAECs) from previous avian mercury ingestion studies. Based on one LOAEC, all four colonies in this study were at risk of sublethal effects due to mercury in the diet of nestling wood storks. More extensive studies of sublethal effects in avian species from mercury contamination are necessary for more accurate risk assessment.
Naphthalene distribution in tissues of laying pullets, swine, and dairy cattle.

Previous studies showed that higher-order animals can accumulate the entire range of hydrocarbons to which they are exposed through their food source. The purpose of the present studies was to obtain baseline data on the uptake and distribution of naphthalene in food-producing animals (laying pullets, swine, and dairy cattle) and the retention of this toxicant in consumable products (meats, eggs, and milk).
Fundamental modular region, Boltzmann factor, and area law in Lattice gauge theory

Abstract The thermodynamic limit of lattice gauge theory is derived in a gauge which is optimized to make all link variables as close to unity as possible. The derivation rests upon (1) a precise bound on the fundamental modular region and (2) a direct evaluation of the functional integral of the Wilson lattice by the saddle-point method that is valid in the thermodynamic limit. The result confirms the calculational scheme obtained previously, which differs from the Faddeev-Popov scheme by the incorporation of non-perturbative effects, but which remains perturbatively renormalizable. The lattce Faddeev-Popov propagator, which appears in the modified action, acquires a dipole singularity at zero momentum, characteristic of long-range correlations. This is sufficient to produce an area law for Wilson loops, provided that unevaluated terms to not cancel the effect found.
Microwave Losses In High Tc Superconducting Microstrip Ring Resonators

Microwave properties of high Tc superconducting films sputtered on MgO were measured using a closed-loop ring resonator circuit. Unloaded Q values of Y-Ba-Cu-O and Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O resonators were compared to gold plated resonators of identical design. The attenuation of yttrium-barium-copper oxide films on a MgO substrate is approximately 31% lower than gold films at 6.6 GHz and 33% lower at 19.2 GHz for temperatures below 50 K.
Malignant Sertoli cell tumor of the testis.

Sertoli cell tumors are among the most common canine testicular tumors. They may be associated with hyperestrogenism and they sometimes produce distant metastases. Human testicular supporting tissue tumors are rare. There are only a few publications of human testicular Sertoli cell tumors and only occasional distant metastases have been reported. An 8-year-old boy had had a testicular mass for 3 years. Retroperitoneal lymph nodes were enlarged. A left inguinal orchiectomy was followed by- bilateral retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. The primary tumor and the metastases were histologically similar to canine testicular Sertoli cell tumor. The patient is free of disease 2 years after initial therapy. The presence of metastases from a tumor which is most often considered benign indicates the importance of thorough preoperative studies and possible routine retroperitoneal exploration and lymphadenectomy.
The role of the anaesthetist in chronic pain management

The role of the anaesthetist in the continuing care of patients suffering from chronic pain has been discussed. Many of the techniques, both invasive and non-invasive, which are currently available for the treatment of chronic pain have been reviewed.
Two genes encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) are clustered and similar but differentially regulated

Abstract A 17-kilobase (kb) region of the zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) genome has been sequenced and contains two genes, CP-ACC1A and CP-ACC1B, encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACC synthase; S-adenosyl-L-methionine methylthioadenosine-lyase, EC 4.4.1.14). The genes are transcribed convergently and are separated by a 5.7-kb intergenic region. Their coding regions are interrupted by four introns located in identical positions. While the DNA identity in their coding regions is 97%, their 5' and 3' flanking regions are highly divergent. Transcription of CP-ACCIA is rapidly induced by wounding in fruit and etiolated hypocotyls and by indoleacetic acid (IAA)/benzyladenine/LiCl only in fruit tissue. Conditions that induce CP-ACC1B expression have not been found. Protein synthesis inhibition derepresses the expression of CP-ACC1A and other unidentified ACC synthase genes, suggesting that they may be under negative control. The amino acid sequences deduced from the nucleotide sequences of the genes are 493 and 494 residues long with 95% identity. The most notable feature of the amino acid sequence is the presence of 11 of the 12 invariant amino acid residues involved in the binding of the substrate and pyridoxal-5'-phosphate in various aminotransferases. We conclude that ACC synthase is encoded by a multigene family of which certain members are differentially induced by auxin in a tissue-specific manner. Furthermore, ACC synthase, a pyridoxal-containing enzyme, may have an evolutionary relationship with the superfamily of aminotransferases.
The Military Burden and Basic Human Needs

This study examines ways in which military factors influence the provision of basic human needs once the effects of aggregated social wealth and certain political aspects of the state are removed. Three channels of influence are examined: the defense burden on the economy, the scope of military participation in society, and military control of the ruling regime. We analyze these influences by regressing an index of physical well-being, the PQLI, on measures of each factor for a sample of 116 contemporary national societies. Our findings indicate that military attributes do indeed have some impact on the provision of basic needs even with other important influences removed. Military participation is found to make a positive contribution to welfare performance; military spending, on the other hand, appears to inhibit welfare outcomes, but only when controlling for the size of the military establishment. Military control of the government has no discernible effect on our measure of welfare performance.
Determining Inertial Orientation of a Spinning Body With Body-Fixed Sensors

A methodology for determining absolute inertial angular orientation of a spinning body is demonstrated utilizing independent angular measurements for two arbitrary body- fixed sensor systems. A particular application is denoted utilizing Army Research Laboratory Solar Likeness Indicating Transducers and magnetoresistive sensors which provide body- fixed, independent angular measurements with regard to their respective local fields. Knowledge of the local field orientations and a coordinate transformation provide the inertial orientation angles, commonly called psi and theta, useful for evaluation and development of advanced flight bodies and as a navigation aid for brilliant munitions. The device is called POINTER: Projectile Orientation In Navigation TERms for a spinning body containing optical and magnetic sensors. Typical sensor data and reduction processes are reviewed and alternative field measurements are discussed.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Characterization of Plutonium Contaminated Soils From the Nevada Test Site for Remediation Method Selection

Plutonium (239/240 Pu) contamination in soils is an environmental concern at many U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sites. Remediation actions have been attempted using different technologies, and clean-up plans have been implemented at several sites, such as the Nevada Test Site (NTS). During the 1950’s and early 1960’s, nuclear weapons testing at and near the NTS resulted in soil contaminated with plutonium particles. Clean-up efforts are continuing using conventional remediation techniques. However, the DOE desires to obtain technologies that can further reduce risks, reduce clean-up costs, and reduce the volume of contaminated soil for disposal. Low levels of plutonium contamination are distributed somewhat uniformly throughout the NTS soils and, as a result, it is difficult to obtain volume reductions above 70%. The subject of this research was to characterize the plutonium-contaminated soil from the Tonopah Test Range (TTR) north of the NTS. In order to select remediation methods, it is important to gain a better understanding of how plutonium is bound to the contaminated soil; thus, size separation, magnetic separation, and the sequential extraction (SE) methods were used for this purpose. The SE method consisted of targeting five operationally defined geochemical phases: ion exchangeable, bound to carbonates, bound to iron and manganese oxides (reducible), bound to organic matter, and resistant. Radiometric measurements were used to determine plutonium in each of these defined phases in the soil. Selected stable elements were also determined, to compare the operation of the SE method to other investigators. The SE experiments were performed with two types of samples: soil without heat treatment and soil with heat treatment. The MF treatment was used to destroy the organic content in the soil so as to further evaluate the SE procedure. Particle size analysis indicated that approximately 37% of the TTR soil by weight was larger than 300 micrometers and this fraction contained little plutonium, < 100 pCi/g. Thus, size separation may be useful as part of a remediation process. Magnetic separation tests showed that the magnetic fraction of the TTR soils is very small, and the non-magnetic fraction still contained the majority of the plutonium. Thus, a magnetic separation step in a treatment process would not be useful. Following SE, analysis results of the stable elements agreed with reported values. The SE results also indicated an association of plutonium with the organic and resistant defined phases. The main change in 239/240 Pu distribution following heat treatment was an increase of plutonium recovery in the reducible phase. The SE results showed that fairly aggressive chemical treatment would be required if leaching were part of a remediation process.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CLOSED-LOOP FLIGHT CONTROLLER FOR LOCALIZED FLOW CONTROL AND GUST ALLEVIATION USING BIOMIMETIC FEATHERS ON AIRCRAFT WINGS

On avian wings, significant flow control is accomplished using localized control loops, both active and passive, between leading- and trailing-edge feathers. Conversely, most man-made flight control systems respond to perturbations in inertial measurements (global states) rather than the flow itself (local states). This paper presents the design of a distributed, biomimetic flow control system and a characterization of its performance compared to a wing with traditional control surfaces relying on inertial measurements. This new design consists of a skeletal wing structure with a network of feather-like panels installed on the upper and lower surfaces, extending beyond the trailing edge and replacing leading- and trailing-edge flaps/ailerons. Each feather is able to deform into and out of the boundary layer, thus permitting local airflow manipulation and transpiration through the wing. For this study, two airfoil sections are compared — a standard wing section with a trailing-edge flap, and section with multiple trailing-edge feathers. COMSOL Multiphysics is used to model the flow field under various flight conditions and flap deflections. A dynamics model of the wing is also simulated in order to compute the disturbances caused by wind gusts. Continuous gusts are simulated, and the disturbance rejection capabilities of the baseline and feathered wing cases are compared.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A dynamical constraint on particulate sizes for Saturn's B ring spokes

The exponential charge decay time for particulates constituting the spokes in Saturn's B ring is presently proposed as a dynamical time scale for their evolution. Mean particulate radius is determined to be 0.01 + or - 0.03 microns, on the basis of a consideration of solar UV photoemission as the charge decay mechanism which leads to the determination of a dynamical constraint that can be placed on the particulate sizes.
Using the Synthesizer-Generator to teach principles of programming language semantics

The Synthesizer-Generator (or simply Syn-Gen) is a software tool for building context sensitive editors. It has been applied to a wide variety of applications, ranging from programing language editors to editors that insure balanced chemical equations. The context sensitivity is provided by using attribute grammars. We provide an introduction to Syn-Gen and illustrate how it can be used to build programming language editors that only allow input of source code that compiles successfully. We then discuss use of Syn-Gen in two classes:- the study of attribute grammars in a graduate course on the formal specification of programming languages; in this course students completed a lab exercise dealing with the implementation of a context sensitive editor for a mini programming language.- the study of operational semantics in a junior level course; students used an editor implemented with Syn-Gen to study programming language translation and also completed an assignment to implement a very small piece of this editor dealing with the resolution of label numbers at the assembly language level.We found that assignments involving the details of Syn-Gen implementation were challenging due to the syntactic complexity of the Syn-Gen system. For such assignments to be successful, it was necessary to keep a tight rein on this complexity. Using Syn-Gen as a context sensitive editor without worrying about implementation was quite successful. In the future, we plan to explore the use of Syn-Gen to develop editors for mini-languages to help teach introductory students about the various programming paradigms: imperative, functional and logical.
Surgical management of locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the rectum.

Approximately 5% of rectal cancers are locally advanced with adherence to the vagina, uterus, bladder, prostate, or other structures. Sacral involvement is fortunately rare in primary cancers. In about 50% of patients there is histologic confirmation of tumor invasion in the area of adherence. It is important to recognize the nature of these tumors pre-operatively so that the patient can be prepared for an exenterative procedure should this be necessary. When these tumors are removeden bloc, 5-year survival rates of 50% can be obtained with survival depending on the presence or absence of regional metastasis and also the presence or absence of histologic tumor invasion into adjacent structures.
Induction with cross-classified categories

One of the main functions of categories is to allow inferences about new objects. However, most objects are cross-classified, and it is not known whether and how people combine information from these different categories in making inferences. In six experiments, food categories, which are strongly crossclassified (e.g., a bagel is both a bread and a breakfast food), were studied. For each food, the subjects were told fictitious facts (e.g., 75% of breads are subject to spoilage from Aspergillus molds) about two of the categories to which it belonged and then were asked to make an inference about the food (e.g., how likely is a bagel to be subject to spoilage from Aspergillus molds?). We found no more use of multiple categories in these cases of cross-classification than in ambiguous classification, in which it is uncertain to which category an item belongs. However, some procedural manipulations did markedly increase the use of both categories in inferences, primarily those that focused the subjects’ attention on the critical feature in both categories.
Modified Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Problem Solving for Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

The impact of a modified dialectical behavior therapy and problem-solving model is examined on the work environment of a patient with an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). A case study is presented examining the impact this client's OCPD behavior in the work environment and on his subordinates. Discussed are interventions that were useful in treating a motivated patient employing cognitive-behavioral models of treatment for this disorder. The case study focuses on the work setting and the issues tied to the work environment wherein subordinates are required to work under a supervisor with OCPD. Lessons learned, issues and import for further study are offered.
Chronic pain and hepatitis C virus infection in opioid dependent injection drug users.

ABSTRACT It is unknown whether infection with hepatitis C is a risk factor for pain among people who have used injection drugs. Multivariate regression was used to determine whether hepatitis C was associated with greater likelihood of reporting significant chronic pain and discomfort intolerance in a cohort of 97 injection drug users dependent on opioids. Study results suggest that participants with hepatitis C may be more likely to experience chronic pain (aOR = 1.98; 95% confidence interval = 0.76 to 5.12, p= 0.16). Furthermore, hepatitis C was found to be associated with a higher discomfort intolerance scale score, reflecting intolerance to physical discomfort (β= 2.34; 95% confidence interval = 0.06 to 4.62; p= 0.04). Hepatitis C may be a cause for chronic pain and discomfort intolerance that is overlooked among injection drug users dependent on opioids.
Cyclic seesaw optimization with applications to state-space model identification

In cyclic (or alternating) method, the full parameter vector is divided into two or more subvectors and the process proceeds by sequentially optimizing each of the subvectors while holding the remaining parameters at their most recent values. One example of the advantage of the scheme is the preservation of large investments in software while allowing for an extension of capability to include new parameters for estimation. A specific case involves cross-sectional data represented in state-space form, where there is interest in estimating the mean vector and covariance matrix of the initial state vector as well as parameters associated with the dynamics of the underlying differential equations (e.g., power spectral density parameters). This paper shows that under reasonable conditions the cyclic scheme will converge to the joint estimate for the full vector of unknown parameters. Convergence conditions here differ from others in the literature
Relaxation training and cognitive behavioral procedures to reduce violent temper outbursts in a moderately retarded woman

Abstract Relaxation training, cue conditioning, and cognitively oriented procedures were used to establish self-control of violent temper outbursts in a moderately retarded adult female. Additional components of treatment included time-out and positive reinforcement. The frequency of temper outbursts in a sheltered workshop setting decreased from three a week to less than one a month. When programming was applied to a residential living situation a similar decrease was noted. Follow-up at one year indicated maintenance of therapeutic gains. It is concluded that relaxation training, self-control, and cognitive procedures may be effectively employed with retarded clients.
The tiny difference between foraging and communication buzzes uttered by the Mexican free-tailed bat, Tadarida brasiliensis.

Echolocating insectivorous bats consummate prey captures using a distinct vocal motor pattern commonly known as the terminal or feeding buzz, which is widely considered a fixed motor pattern executed independently of auditory feedback influences. The Mexican free-tailed bat, Tadarida brasiliensis, offers an opportunity to explore the role of sensory feedback in buzzing because they emit similar buzzes both in flight during foraging and while stationary as communication sounds. Here we compared the spectral and temporal patterns of foraging and communication buzzes to address whether or not auditory feedback may influence buzz patterns. We found that while foraging buzzes uttered in open space were composed of generic FM calls, communication buzzes were composed of an adapted CF–FM call similar to the call type used by T. brasiliensis when navigating in confined spaces. This provides the first evidence that some bats can make significant context-dependent changes in the spectral parameters of calls within their buzz. We also found that inter-pulse intervals, but not call durations, were different within the two buzz types. These observations indicate that though a common pattern generator hierarchically organizes all buzzes, T. brasiliensis retains a significant capacity to adapt the spectral and temporal patterns of elements within its buzzes.
The etiology of depression in Parkinson's disease patients.

Depression is the major psychiatric complication of Parkinson's disease, and it occurs in approximately one-third of all cases. Diagnosis of depression is complicated by the overlap of depressive and parkinsonian symptoms. Its etiology is not fully understood but involves changes in dopamine and serotonin. Depression has significant clinical impact; depressed patients are more disabled (less independent). The depressive symptoms respondto treatment with antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy.
Single-Molecule Photoactivation and Localization of Signaling Complexes in T cells

In T cells, membrane receptor and ligand engagement initiates a signaling cascade. Ligand binding is relayed through specific membrane receptors, protein tyrosine kinases, and critical adaptors to regulate downstream activation of transcription factors, cytokine production and cell proliferation. The membrane segregation and relocalization of these signaling components display highly dynamic protein networks in response to distinct stimulations. However, the membrane-protein and protein-protein interactions involved in the formation of signaling complexes are still poorly understood. We are currently using a high-resolution imaging technique to visualize the early stage of signal transduction events at the single-molecule level with photoactivatable or photoconvertable fluorescent markers. The photoactivation and localization of T-cell signaling components allow measurements of molecular spatial and temporal correlation in response to different stimulations. With dual-color application, molecular correlation functions will enhance the understanding of the protein-protein interactions in signaling complexes.
Analysis of an observational rating scale for repetition, posture, and force in selected manufacturing settings.

Objective: The aim of this work was to quantify the interrater reliability of a set of scales that assess repetition, posture, and force as used on site when examining industrial work. Background: ...
Prospective, Randomized Comparison of Lansoprazole Suspension, and Intermittent Intravenous Famotidine on Gastric pH and Acid Production in Critically ill Neurosurgical Patients

There is a paucity of studies comparing stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) agents in high-risk neurosurgical patients. In this prospective, randomized study, critically ill neurosurgical patients received lansoprazole 30 mg suspension via NG/NJ tube daily or famotidine 20 mg IV q12 h for SUP. Gastric pH and residual volumes were recorded for 3 days and adverse events for 7 days after admission. There were 51 patients randomized to lansoprazole (n = 28) or famotidine (n = 23) who received SUP for ≥3 days. All patients had at least two risk factors for SRMD, and 75% had a baseline GCS < 9. On day 1 of therapy, more famotidine patients had a gastric pH ≥ 4 at least 80% of the time as compared to lansoprazole patients (74 vs. 36%, P = 0.01, respectively); however, there was no difference on days 2 and 3. Enteral feedings on day 1 predicted a pH ≥ 4 (P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in the percentages of time gastric residual volumes <28 ml (P = NS). Heme-positive aspirates were present in 18–39% of patients (P = NS); one patient receiving famotidine met the criteria for overt bleeding. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 17% in the famotidine group and 4% in the lansoprazole group (P = NS). Neurosurgery ICU patients receiving famotidine for SUP achieved a gastric pH ≥ 4 more often than lansoprazole-treated patients, but only on day 1 of the 3-day study period. Both agents were equally effective in reducing gastric acid production. There was no difference in the incidence of mucosal damage and thrombocytopenia.
Variation in feed quality traits for beef cattle in Steptoe × Morex barley population

Barley is a major feed source for livestock in the western regions of North America. Feed quality of beef cattle has been neglected as a selection criterion because of lack of understanding of the feed characteristics that could be responsive to selection and would improve feedlot performance. A Steptoe × Morex population was planted in irrigated and rain-fed environments, and collected data were used to evaluate the genetic variation in dry matter and starch digestibilities, acid detergent fiber, protein and starch contents, and to map quantitative trait loci controlling the variation in these traits. Transgressive genotypes indicate the wide genetic variation of these traits. High heritability estimates for these traits suggest that early selection for these traits during breeding would be achievable. A total of 32 main effect QTL and five epistatic QTL were identified which conditioned feed traits on different barley chromosomes. QTL for acid detergent fiber and starch contents overlapped on chromosome 6H at the Nar7 locus. Tight negative correlation between the two traits suggest the usability of Nar7 as anchor marker in marker-assisted selection programs to develop barley with low acid detergent fiber and high starch content.
Sources of variability in epidemiological studies of sleep using repeated nights of in-home polysomnography: SWAN Sleep Study.

Study Objective:To quantify sources of night-to-night variability.Methods:This project was conducted in 285 middle-aged African American, Caucasian, and Chinese women from the Study of Women's Heal...
JEF VERSCHUEREN , Understanding pragmatics . (Understanding language series.) London: Arnold; New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. Pp. xiv, 295. Pb £13.99, $19.95.

As Verschueren writes in his preface, this book is an attempt to meet a double challenge: (a) to present a coherent theory of pragmatics, describing research to date and setting parameters for future research; and (b) to serve as a textbook that is accessible to all students with a basic linguistics background. This is no easy task, but Verschueren has managed to write a book that is accessible to the nonspecialist student and also provides a valuable synthesis of the pragmatic perspective for language specialists in a variety of disciplines. Most chapters have detailed summaries and are followed by suggestions for future research and additional reading.
Genetic adaptive control for an inverted wedge: experiments and comparative analyses

Abstract The inverted wedge is a planar robot with two degrees of freedom and a single control input (i.e., it is “underactuated”). The goal is to develop a digital controller that can balance the wedge in the inverted position by shifting a weight on the top of the wedge. Because it is underactuated and has complicated nonlinear dynamics, the inverted wedge is a good testbed for the development of nonconventional advanced control techniques and comparative analysis between control methods. We begin with the development of a nonlinear state feedback controller and direct and adaptive fuzzy controllers, that we will later use as a baseline comparison to show what type of performance is possible for this testbed. Control routines based on the GA have been found to apply to several practical applications in simulation and off-line optimization. Here, we will show that a GA can be used on-line in real-time to produce a particularly effective adaptive control method and this is the main contribution of this work. Computational and real-time implementation issues will be discussed and the genetic adaptive strategy will be compared with the state feedback and fuzzy control methods.
Inhibition of opiate tolerance by non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists.

Our laboratory and others have previously reported that the non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, MK-801, interferes with the development of tolerance to the analgesic effects of morphine. The present studies were performed in order to further characterize the role of NMDA receptors in opiate tolerance. The results demonstrate that opiate tolerance is inhibited rapidly, and at low doses, by four different non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists (MK-801, ketamine, dextrorphan and phencyclidine), suggesting that this inhibition results from blockade of NMDA receptors rather than from the 'side-effect' of a particular drug. The NMDA antagonists were found to inhibit the development but not the expression of opiate tolerance; i.e. they were able to prevent but not reverse tolerance. Finally, the results suggest that NMDA receptor antagonists do not interfere with associative tolerance; instead it appears that these drugs may specifically inhibit non-associative tolerance. It thus appears that NMDA receptors may have a fundamental role in the development of opiate tolerance, and that non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists may be effective adjuncts to opiates in the treatment of chronic pain.
Demographic profile of patients undergoing catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Demographic Profile of Patients Undergoing AF Ablation. Background: Catheter ablation is a widely accepted treatment for drug refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of our study was to examine secular trends in the demographic profile of patients undergoing AF ablation. Methods and Results: Data for 792 patients who underwent catheter ablation for AF at Johns Hopkins Hospital between years 2001 and 2009 were systematically reviewed. There has been a steady increase in total number of procedures and repeat procedures. The majority of patients undergoing AF ablation at our institution are men (76.6%). Females accounted for 36.0% of patients in 2001 versus 19.6% in 2009. A total of 93.3% of patients undergoing AF ablation were Caucasian. The mean age of patients has increased over time (52 years in 2001 to 60 years in 2009, P = 0.015) and the number of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) used prior to first ablation has decreased (2.3 to 1.2, P = 0.009). In addition, the mean duration of AF prior to first referral has decreased (7.8 years in 2001 vs 4.2 years in 2009). Conclusion: There is a significant gender and racial disparity in patients undergoing AF ablation favoring Caucasian men that warrants further investigation. We also observed a significant increase in age of patients, decrease in number of AADs, and increase in number of repeat procedures. These results are important when interpreting outcomes of AF ablation and designing future trials. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 994-998, September 2011)
Effects of Sulindac on in vitro immunologic function and on prostaglandin production by human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes

Prostaglandins (PG) appear to regulate immune-mediated inflammation, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Several families of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) have been observed to inhibit PG synthesis. Among these drugs, sulindac sulfide is a potent inhibitor of PG production while its parent pro-drug, sulindac sulfoxide (sulindac), lacks PG synthesis inhibitory activity in cell-free systems. We have studied the effects of sulindac sulfoxide on the blastogenic response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated by exposure to alloantigens and mitogens in vitro. Sulindac inhibited proliferation of activated PBMC in a dose-dependent manner but had little effect on the proliferation of unstimulated cells. The inhibition of mitogen-induced blastogenesis correlated with both the uptake of radiolabeled drug and the inhibition of in vitro production of PG (PGE and PGF) by mitogen-activated PBMC. These data indicate a functional relationship between PG synthesis and immune cell activation which may also apply to PBMC activated in vivo by autoimmune disease. Metabolism of sulindac sulfoxide by PBMC in vitro produced too little sulindac sulfide to adequately explain the inhibition of PG production. These data suggest that immunomodulation by sulindac may be due to a direct inhibition of cellular activation. Thus, it is proposed that decreased PG production may be a result rather than the cause of the hypoproliferative response.
Acceleration effects for linearly-stratified flow over long ridges

The time-dependent motion of long ridges through a linearly stratified fluid otherwise at rest is investigated in a series of laboratory experiments. Similarity conditions for relating such flows to the atmosphere are deduced from the equations of motion and boundary conditions for the respective systems. Experiments concerning end-wall effects in towing experiments with linearly stratified fluid systems are conducted. For obstacles extending across the entire width of the tow tank it is shown that the upstream conditions are continually changing so that a final “steady state” motion may never be realized. Isolated topographies are shown to induce significantly less effect on the far upstream fluid motions. Case studies for the flow past long ridges for which the motion at large times is to be that of single, double and triple mode lee-waves and breaking lee vortices are conducted for impulsively started and uniformly accelerated and decelerated obstacle transverses. The final flow configuration under certain situations is shown to be relatively insensitive to the starting conditions. In other cases the final flow can be highly dependent on the time history of the ridge traverse through the tank. For example, for the case in which a breaking lee vortex is expected as the final flow, small initial uniform accelerations from a zero velocity lead to the formation of a strong rotor along the free surface of the tank and in the lee of the obstacle. This rotor is maintained in an approximate equilibrium position as the ridge speed reaches a value for which a breaking lee vortex (having no rotor) should be expected; i.e., the type of flow obtained for impulsively started or rapidly accelerating ridges, other parameters being fixed. The phenomenon of the oscillation of the structure of the wake flow between a relatively smooth laminar lee-wave pattern and lee waves that break into turbulence is investigated for impulsively started ridges. By defining the parameterN w as the number of waves downstream of the first trough that are clearly identifiable it is shown that the tendency for wake breakdown into turbulence increases with increasing internal Froude number, other parameters being fixed. No definitive period was found relating the alternating nature of the wake between breakdown, into turbulence, relaminarization and so on.
Rank-Ordered Multifractal Analysis (ROMA) of probability distributions in fluid turbulence

Abstract. Rank-Ordered Multifractal Analysis (ROMA) was introduced by Chang and Wu (2008) to describe the multifractal characteristic of intermittent events. The procedure provides a natural connection between the rank-ordered spectrum and the idea of one-parameter scaling for monofractals. This technique has successfully been applied to MHD turbulence simulations and turbulence data observed in various space plasmas. In this paper, the technique is applied to the probability distributions in the inertial range of the turbulent fluid flow, as given in the vast Johns Hopkins University (JHU) turbulence database. In addition, a new way of finding the continuous ROMA spectrum and the scaled probability distribution function (PDF) simultaneously is introduced.
Genetic Models of Aerobic Endurance Running Capacity in Rats

INTRODUCTION. The accumulation of atmospheric oxygen starting about 2 billion years ago was permissive for the evolution of complex aerobic metabolic pathways[1,4]. It is thus axiomatic that aerobic capacity defines both a large part of our biology and a divide in the continuum between health and disease[2]. While heritability studies predict a genetic component that accounts for as much as 70 to 90% of the variation in aerobic capacity[3], the genes causative of the difference between low and high capacity have not been defined. In 1996 we started artificial selection for low and high aerobic treadmill-running capacity in rats. The purpose was to create low-capacity runners (LCR) and high-capacity runners (HCR) that could ultimately be developed into contrasting strains for intrinsic (i.e., untrained) aerobic capacity. Here we report the response to selection across nine generations of divergent artificial selection for aerobic treadmill-running capacity.
“Science and technology: Genes, brain, stress and evolution”

Life exists through maintenance of a complex dynamic equilibrium, or homeostasis, that is constantly challenged by intrinsic or extrinsic adverse forces, or stressors. Stress is the state of threatened or perceived as threatened homeostasis re-established by a complex repertoire of physiologic and behavioral adaptive responses. Neuroendocrine hormones play crucial roles in the coordination of both basal and threatened homeostasis and mediate the pathogenesis of dyshomeostatic or cacostatic disease states. The stress response is subserved by the stress system, located both in the central nervous system and periphery. The principal central effectors are highly interlinked, and include the hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone, arginine vasopressin, and proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides, and the brainstem locus caeruleus and central autonomic norepinephrine centers. The targets of these effectors are the brain, including the executive/cognitive, reward, and fear systems and the wake/sleep centers, the growth, thyroid and reproductive axes, as well as the gastrointestinal, cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and immune systems. Appropriate basal activity and responsiveness of the stress system to stressors is a crucial prerequisite for a sense of wellbeing, successful performance of tasks, and positive social interactions. By contrast, inappropriate basal activity and responsiveness of this system may impair growth, development and body composition, and account for many neurobehavioral, endocrine, metabolic, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and allergic disorders.
Optical Fabrication and Post Processing Techniques for Improving Laser Damage Resistance of Fused Silica Optics

With improved optical fabrication and new post-treatments, the laser resistance of fused silica optical surfaces has increased dramatically in the past 12 years, enabling practical optic lifetimes during high laser fluence operation.