cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of the Composition of the Extracellular Matrix by Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein-1 ACTIVITIES BASED ON REGULATION OF mRNA EXPRESSION

Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) is a catabolic receptor for extracellular matrix (ECM) structural proteins and for proteins that bind to ECM. LRP-1 also is implicated in integrin maturation. In this study, we applied a proteomics strategy to identify novel proteins involved in ECM modeling that are regulated by LRP-1. We show that LRP-1 deficiency in murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) is associated with increased levels of type III collagen and pigment epithelium-derived factor, which accumulate in the substratum surrounding cells. The collagen receptor, uPAR-AP/Endo-180, is also increased in LRP-1-deficient MEFs. Human LRP-1 reversed the changes in protein expression associated with LRP-1 deficiency; however, the endocytic activity of LRP-1 was not involved. Instead, regulation occurred at the mRNA level. Inhibition of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) blocked type III collagen expression in LRP-1-deficient MEFs, suggesting regulation of JNK activity as a mechanism by which LRP-1 controls mRNA expression. The ability of LRP-1 to regulate expression of the factors identified here suggests a role for LRP-1 in determining blood vessel structure and in angiogenesis.
Characterization of myosin heavy chain by cyanogen bromide peptide maps

Procedures have been developed for the preparation of pure myosin heavy chain (h-myosin) by preparative gel electrophoresis, and for the characterization of h-myosin by cyanogen bromide peptide mapping. Major sources of error are the oxidation of methionine and the proteolytic splitting of the chain during purification. These errors have been eliminated. A peculiar feature is the doubling or quadrupling of a peptide of molecular weight 17 000. The results show structural differences between isomyosins derived from myonal types within the same animal, as well as interspecies differences.
An initial value problem method for a class of two-point weakly singular nonlinear boundary value problems

We present an iterative method, based on the solution of singular initial value problems, for the numerical integration of a class of two-point weakly singular nonlinear boundary value problems.
IL-1R1 Signaling Facilitates Munro’s Microabscess Formation in Psoriasiform Imiquimod-Induced Skin Inflammation

Munro's microabscesses contain polymorphonuclear leukocytes and form specifically in the epidermis of psoriasis patients. The mechanism whereby the neutrophils are recruited into the epidermis is poorly understood. Using a combination of human and mouse primary keratinocyte cell cultures and the imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model of skin inflammation, we explored the role of IL-1 signaling in microabscess formation. In vitro imiquimod stimulated production of IL-1α and neutrophil recruiting chemokines. Imiquimod-activated chemokine expression was dependent upon adenosine signaling and independent of IL-1α and IL-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1); nevertheless, IL-1α could enhance chemokine expression initiated by imiquimod. Topical application of imiquimod in vivo led to epidermal microabscess formation, acanthosis, and increased IL-1α and chemokine expression in the skin of wild-type mice. However, in IL-1R1-deficient mice these responses were either absent or dramatically reduced. These results demonstrate that IL-1α and IL-1R1 signaling is essential for microabscess formation, neutrophil recruiting chemokine expression, and acanthosis in psoriasis-like skin inflammation induced by imiquimod.
Measuring the Psychological Complexity of Software Maintenance Tasks with the Halstead and McCabe Metrics

Three software complexity measures (Halstead's E, McCabe's u(G), and the length as measured by number of statements) were compared to programmer performance on two software maintenance tasks. In an experiment on understanding, length and u(G) correlated with the percent of statements correctly recalled. In an experiment on modification, most significant correlations were obtained with metrics computed on modified rather than unmodified code. All three metrics correlated with both the accuracy of the modification and the time to completion. Relationships in both experiments occurred primarily in unstructured rather than structured code, and in code with no comments. The metrics were also most predictive of performance for less experienced programmers. Thus, these metrics appear to assess psychological complexity primarily where programming practices do not provide assistance in understanding the code.
Trace analysis of aldehydes by pre-column fluorigenic labeling with 1,3-cyclohexanedione and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A reagent used for the analysis of total aldehyde concentrations, 1,3-cyclohexanedione, was adapted to the trace analysis of aldehydes using high-performance liquid chromatography. Experiments were performed to determine the optimal reagent composition, stability of the derivatives, reproducibility and reagent clean up. Many of the optimal reaction conditions with 1,3-cyclohexanedione were found to be very similar to those with an analogous reagent, dimedone. However, 1,3-cyclohexanedione has some advantages, namely that it is more soluble in water than dimedone, making reagent preparation easier, and the derivatization reaction occurs at a lower temperature. Removal of contaminants from the reagent is readily achieved with a method employing disposable cartridges of reversed-phase material. Applications to environmental samples are reported.
Direct illumination from dynamic area lights

Area light sources are common in the real world, and thus important in realistic images. However, interactive rendering with area light sources is challenging, as each surface in a scene can receive light from every point in the area light. This problem is similar in nature to the rendering of single-bounce indirect illumination, and can be addressed with similar techniques.
Effect of a Pseudomonas Fraction on Oxidase Activity of Mitochondria and Monocytes.

SummaryA commercially prepared polysaccharide (Piromen) from a species of Pseudomonas inhibited both succinic and cytochrome oxidases of mouse liver mitochondria in vitro. Piromen alters rate of reaction rather than completely suppressing it. Cytochrome oxidase activity seemed to be more sensitive to Piromen than succinoxidase activity. Similar studies utilizing mouse monocytes indicated that succinoxidase activity could be reduced or completely abolished, but cytochrome oxidase activity was relatively insensitive to Piromen inhibition. Inhibition of monocyte succinoxidase activity was proportional to concentration of Piromen used.The excellent technical assistance of Mr. John Meacham is gratefully acknowledged.
Biomechanical evaluation of the pins of a mandibular external distractor.

Purpose Our goal was to establish whether the pins of an external distractor were capable of overcoming tissue resistance to distraction. Materials and methods The study was carried out in 2 parts. The first part of the study determined the bending rigidity of the distractor’s pins. To accomplish this, the distractor was installed on the mandible of a stereolithographic model using 4 regular 2.0-mm steel pins. An osteotomy was not performed. The distractor was activated using a torque gauge, and the bending rigidity of the pins was recorded. The second part of the study determined the tissue resistance to mandibular distraction using fresh cadavers. Six cadavers were divided into 2 groups to determine tissue resistance to angular and linear distraction, respectively. The devices used to measure tissue resistance were a modified external multiplanar distractor and a torque gauge. Results In the anteroposterior direction, the tissue resistance to linear distraction clearly exceeded the bending rigidity of the pins for the first 7.5 mm of activation. After this, the opposite was true. In the vertical direction, the tissue resistance clearly exceeded the bending rigidity of the pins for the first 8.0 mm of activation. After this, the opposite was true. For the first 15.0° of angular distraction in the sagittal plane, the tissue resistance was almost identical to the bending rigidity of the pins. After this, the tissue resistance significantly exceeded the bending rigidity of the pins. For the first 7.0° of angular distraction in the transverse plane, the tissue resistance was marginally greater than the bending rigidity of the pins. After this, the bending rigidity of the pins increased significantly. Conclusion The 2.0-mm steel pins used in most external multiplanar distractors are not capable of overcoming the tissue resistance to linear or angular distraction.
Knowledge-based systems: A qualitative formalism

This paper examines knowledge-based systems (KBS's) and considers how they may be applied in the social sciences. KBS's are programs which use artificial intelligence techniques to solve complex problems. Characteristics of KBS's are illustrated with an example knowledge-based program (“N-ACT”) written in PROLOG which uses Goffman's dramaturgical model to analyze social interaction. The paper argues that KBS's offer a qualitative formalism capable of being applied to concepts and phenomena which have been beyond the scope of traditional mathematical models. KBS's can create explicit, reproducible, logically powerful knowledge systems while avoiding the Procrustean bed of mathematical formalism.
Antithrombin III replacement in animal models of acquired antithrombin III deficiency

Plasma antithrombin III (AT III) levels decrease early during Gram-negative septicaemia, and even a moderate decrease in this major inhibitor of the coagulation system is associated with serious disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This study reports the efficacy of high dose (at least 250 units/kg) AT III replacement in three animal models of Escherichia coli endotoxaemia or bacteraemia. Highlights of our findings are: 1. Endotoxaemic rat model: DIC occurs early, before the appearance of deleterious cardiovascular abnormalities; AT III prophylaxis attenuates DIC; and AT III prophylaxis increases permanent survival. 2. Endotoxaemic sheep pulmonary dysfunction model: AT III prophylaxis prevents the typical decrease in arterial oxygen partial pressure and AT III prophylaxis combined with alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor significantly attenuates indices of pulmonary dysfunction. 3. E. coli bacteraemic baboon model: AT III prophylaxis and treatment significantly attenuates indices of DIC and organ damage, and prevents death in an otherwise 100% lethal bacterial challenge. In conclusion, prophylactic treatment with high doses of AT III may be efficacious in disease states of impending DIC such as Gram-negative septicaemia. Data presented herein demonstrate that plasma levels of AT III must be maintained at levels markedly higher than normal to be efficacious in animal models of Gram-negative endotoxaemia or bacteraemia.
Magnetism of the lower crust: Observations from the Chipman Domain, Athabasca Granulite Terrain, northern Canada

Abstract Magnetic properties of lower crustal rocks produce anomalies seen in satellite, aeromagnetic, and ground studies, and are assumed to be responsible for observed long wave-length anomalies (LWA) of +/− 20 nT. The soon to be launched SWARM satellites will provide extensive data on the magnetization of the lower to middle crust. In anticipation of this event we are investigating magnetic properties in a superbly exposed section of lower crust in northern Saskatchewan. The Athabasca Granulite Terrain (AGT) is a complex region of felsic and mafic lower crustal rocks, part of the Snowbird Tectonic zone, stretching NE–SW across the Canadian Shield. The AGT is composed of a sequence of rocks identified as lower crustal in origin by their high pressure (> 1.0 GPa) and high temperature (~ 800 °C) metamorphism, dated at 2.6 Ga and 1.9 Ga, with uplift and exhumation at 1.85–1.80 Ga. The AGT is characterized by low (negative) aeromagnetic anomalies with distinct large positive anomalies in the southern and central regions. The Chipman Domain, on the east side, consists of tonalites, mafic granulites, and granite, intruded by the Chipman dike swarm at ~ 1.9 Ga, where anomalies cut across mapped lithologic boundaries. Susceptibility measurements from both field and lab readings range over several orders of magnitude, from 1 × 10− 5 to 3 × 10− 1 SI, with higher values related to both mafic granulite and some tonalite samples. Remanence values also show considerable variability, from 0.1 mA/m to 90 A/m, with the weakest magnetization found in the Chipman dikes and the Fehr granite. Forty samples out of 89 have Koenigsberger ratios greater than 1, but low initial remanence limits its influence on anomalies. Hysteresis and low temperature measurements identify magnetite as the predominant iron oxide. This section of lower crustal rocks has paramagnetic granites and dikes, with ferromagnetic mafic granulites and bimodal tonalites, defined by geographic location.
Ancient Geodynamics and Global-Scale Hydrology on Mars

Loading of the lithosphere of Mars by the Tharsis rise explains much of the global shape and long-wavelength gravity field of the planet, including a ring of negative gravity anomalies and a topographic trough around Tharsis, as well as gravity anomaly and topographic highs centered in Arabia Terra and extending northward toward Utopia. The Tharsis-induced trough and antipodal high were largely in place by the end of the Noachian Epoch and exerted control on the location and orientation of valley networks. The release of carbon dioxide and water accompanying the emplacement of ∼3 × 10^8 cubic kilometers of Tharsis magmas may have sustained a warmer climate than at present, enabling the formation of ancient valley networks and fluvial landscape denudation in and adjacent to the large-scale trough.
Relación entre el conocimiento de los mecanismos de transmisión del VIH y la percepción del riesgo de infección en Guayaquil, Ecuador

Normal 0 21 false false false ES X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Tabla normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:6.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} Objective: Determine the effects of knowledge of HIV transmission on risk perception. Materials and methods: Using a survey of 1,400 individuals in Guayaquil, Ecuador, information was collected on socioeconomic variables and behavior and knowledge related to HIV/AIDS. The results were analyzed in two phases. First, an ordered logical regression model was estimated, between a knowledge index of correct HIV transmission mechanisms and an index of incorrect mechanisms. Second, an ordered logical regression model was estimated between risk perception and prediction of the level of correct knowledge, determined in the first regression, and sexual behavior variables. Results: A positive link was identified between correct knowledge and false beliefs. (OR= 1.71, CI 95%=1.35-2.43). The interaction between knowledge and the number of sexual partners increased risk perception. (OR=2.8,CI 95% 1.44- 5.39). Discussion: The operational mechanism between knowledge and risk perception is through the joint effect of sexual behavior and recognition that this is a potential mechanism of HIV transmission. Given that the effectiveness of interventions depends on this relationship, studies of this nature are important in providing this type of information.
What the soil reveals: Potential total ecosystem C stores of the Pacific Northwest region, USA

How much organic C can a region naturally store in its ecosystems? How can this be determined, when land management has altered the vegetation of the landscape substantially? The answers may lie in the soil: this study synthesized the spatial distribution of soil properties derived from the state soils geographic databasewith empirical measurements of old-growth forest ecosystem C to yield a regional distribution of potential maximum total-ecosystem organic C stores. The region under consideration is 179,000 square kilometers extending from the southern Oregon border to the northern Washington border, and from the Pacific Ocean to the east side of the Cascade Mountains. Total ecosystem organic C (TEC) was measured in 16 diverse old-growth forests encompassing 35 stands and 79 pedons to a depth of 100 cm. The TEC ranged between 185 and 1200 Mg C ha � 1 . On an average, 63% of TEC was in the vegetation, 13% in woody detritus, 3% in the forest floor, 7% in the 0‐20 cm mineral soil, and 13% in 20‐100 cm mineral soil. The TEC was strongly related to soil organic C (SOC) in the 0‐ 20 cm mineral soil, yielding a monotonically increasing, curvilinear relation. To apply this relation to estimate the TEC distribution throughout the region, 211 map units of the state soils geographic database (STATSGO) were used. The SOC in the 0‐20 cm mineral soil of the map units was consistent with values from previously measured pedons distributed throughout the region.Resamplingof 13second-growthforests25yearsafterinitialsamplingindicated noregionalchangeinmineralSOC, and supported the use of a static state soils map. The SOC spatial distribution combined with the quantitative old-growth TEC‐SOC relationyieldedan estimate ofpotential TEC storagethroughout theregionunder thehypothetical conditionof old-growthforest coverage. The area-weighted TEC was 760 Mg C ha � 1 . This is � 100 Mg C ha � 1 more than a previous estimate based on a coarser resolution of six physiographic provinces, and � 400 Mg C ha � 1 more than current regional stores. The map of potential TEC may be useful in forecasting regional C dynamics and in land-management decisions related to C sequestration. # 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Diagnostic exercise: hemolysis and sudden death in lambs

Within a 24-hour period, 7 out of 200 three- to four-week-old pastured Katahdin lambs died after showing clinical signs of hemoglobinuria, red-tinged feces, weakness, and recumbency. One of the lambs that was examined clinically before natural death also had abdominal pain, trembling, tachycardia, and severe anemia with a packed cell volume of 4%. Pathologic findings included icterus, hemoglobinuric nephrosis, dark red urine, pulmonary edema, hydrothorax, splenomegaly, and acute centrilobular to midzonal hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis with cholestasis. The differential diagnoses and diagnostic workup to achieve the diagnosis are briefly discussed.
CODEX-aligned dietary fiber definitions help to bridge the ‘fiber gap’

A comprehensive dietary fiber (DF) definition was adopted by the CODEX Alimentarius Commission (CAC) (1) to reflect the current state of knowledge about DF, (2) to recognize that all substances that behave like fiber regardless of how they are produced can be named as DF if they show physiological benefits, and (3) to promote international harmonization for food labeling and food composition tables. This review gives the history and evolution of the state of DF knowledge as looked at by refinements in DF methods and definitions subsequent to the launch of the DF hypothesis. The refinements parallel both interventional and epidemiological research leading to better understanding of the role of DF in contributing to the numerous physiological benefits imparted by all the various digestion resistant carbohydrates. A comparison of the CODEX definition (including its footnote that authorizes the inclusion of polymers with DP 3–9) and approved CODEX Type 1 methods with other existing definitions and methods will point out differences and emphasize the importance of adoption of CODEX-aligned definitions by all jurisdictions. Such harmonization enables comparison of nutrition research, recommendations, food composition tables and nutrition labels the world over. A case will be made that fibers are analogous to vitamins, in that they vary in structure, function and amount needed, but each when present in the right amount contributes to optimal health. Since the intake of DF is significantly below recommended levels throughout the world, the recognition that ‘all fibers fit’ is an important strategy in bridging the ‘fiber gap’ by enfranchising and encouraging greater intake of foods with inherent and added DF. Fortifying foods with added DF makes it easier to increase intakes while maintaining calories at recommended levels.
Transgressors’ guilt and shame A longitudinal examination of forgiveness seeking

The current study examines forgiveness from the perspective of the transgressor, an often overlooked aspect of interpersonal forgiveness and a model of forgiveness seeking is proposed. Using a 2-wave longitudinal design, 166 participants completed measures of the characteristics of their transgressions, their feelings of guilt and shame, and their forgiveness-seeking behaviors. Cross-lagged correlational analysis indicated that guilt at time 1 was related to forgiveness seeking at time 2, but the opposite was not true. Path analyses revealed that guilt mediated the impact of transgression and relationship factors (i.e., transgression severity, responsibility, rumination, and relationship commitment) on forgiveness-seeking behavior over time. Shame, however, did not demonstrate any unique relationship with forgiveness-seeking behaviors. These findings suggest that guilt serves as a primary motivator for forgiveness seeking, indicating that it is a particularly important element to consider when working wit...
Ron receptor signaling is protective against DSS-induced colitis in mice.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the intestine that result in painful and debilitating complications. Currently no cure exists for IBD, and treatments are pri...
Partitions with initial repetitions

A variety of interesting connections with modular forms, mock theta functions and Rogers-Ramanujan type identities arise in consideration of partitions in which the smaller integers are repeated as summands more often than the larger summands. In particular, this concept leads to new interpretations of the Rogers-Selberg identities and Bailey’s modulus 9 identities.
Some Macroeconomics for the 21st Century

This note describes a numerical simulation of a model of economic growth, a simplified version of Robert Tamura's (1996) model of world income dynamics, based on technology diffusion. The model makes predictions for trends in average world income growth and about the evolution of the relative income distribution that accord well with observation. The model is used to forecast the course of world income growth and income inequality over the century to come.
An Evaluation of Carbon Steel Corrosion under Stagnant Seawater Conditions

Corrosion of 1020 carbon steel coupons in natural seawater over a 1-year period was more aggressive under strictly anaerobic stagnant conditions than under aerobic stagnant conditions as measured by weight loss and instantaneous corrosion rate (polarization resistance). Under oxygenated conditions, a two-tiered oxide layer of lepidocrocite/goethite formed. The inner layer was extremely tenacious and resistant to acid cleaning. Under anaerobic conditions, the corrosion product was initially a non-tenacious sulphur-rich corrosion product, mackinawite, with enmeshed bacteria. As more sulphide was produced the mackinawite was transformed to pyrrhotite. In both aerobic and anaerobic exposures, corrosion was more aggressive on horizontally oriented coupons compared to vertically oriented samples.
‘Doing the right thing’ Organisational structure and process for democratic governance in the firm

Can businesses be viable, effective, and generally democratic organisations? Several literatures bearing on the democratic firm are reviewed, examining democratic governance, participative management, new forms of ownership and how these affect firm performance. A small, espousedly democratic grocery store in upstate New York illustrates characteristic behaviours, structures and processes consistent with financial viability and economic effectiveness.
SCALLOP: A Highly Scalable Parallel Poisson Solver in Three Dimensions

SCALLOP is a highly scalable solver and library for elliptic partial differential equations on regular block-structured domains. SCALLOP avoids high communication overheads algorithmically by taking advantage of the locality properties inherent to solutions to elliptic PDEs. Communication costs are small, on the order of a few percent of the total running time on up to 1024 processors of NPACI's and NERSC's IBM Power-3 SP sytems. SCALLOP trades off numerical overheads against communication. These numerical overheads are independent of the number of processors for a wide range of problem sizes. SCALLOP is implicitly designed for infinite domain (free space) boundary conditions, but the algorithm can be reformulated to accommodate other boundary conditions. The SCALLOP library is built on top of the KeLP programming system and runs on a variety of platforms.
‘Unfortunate Arabia’: The United States, Great Britain and Yemen, 1955–63

As it emerged from a long, self‐imposed diplomatic isolation after 1955 and then plunged into revolution and civil war in 1962, Yemen confronted its Arab neighbours, the United States, and Great Britain with difficult political challenges. This study of Anglo‐American diplomacy concerning Yemen in the late 1950s and early 1960s reveals the very different British and American interests and priorities in Arabia at the height of the Cold War and underscores the different tactics employed by each nation in pursuit of its regional goals. It also points out the strikingly different attitudes of officials in Washington and London to the phenomenon of Arab nationalism. Further, it highlights the importance of stability in the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula to US and British strategies for ensuring the uninterrupted flow of Persian Gulf petroleum to the West. Finally, this examination of events in southwest Arabia demonstrates how traditional rivalries and animosities in the region shaped the conditi...
The postspinel boundary in pyrolitic compositions determined in the laser-heated diamond anvil cell

In situ multianvil press (MAP) studies have reported that the depth and the Clapeyron slope of the postspinel boundary are significantly less than those of the 660 km discontinuity inferred from seismic studies. These results have raised questions about whether the postspinel transition is associated with the discontinuity. We determined the postspinel transition in pyrolitic compositions in the laser-heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC) combined with in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The Clapeyron slope was determined to be −2.5 ± 0.4MPa/K and did not vary significantly with compositions and used pressure scales. Using Pt scales, our data indicate that the postspinel transition occurs in pyrolitic compositions at 23.6–24.5GPa (1850K). The transition pressure and slope are consistent with the depth and topography of the 660 km discontinuity. Our data reveal that inaccuracy in pressure scales alone cannot explain the discrepancy and technical differences between MAP and LHDAC contribute significantly to the discrepancy.
Dexamethasone can stimulate G1-S phase transition in human airway fibroblasts in asthma

Corticosteroids are the first line of therapy for asthma. Whether they alter the progression of airway remodelling in asthma is, as yet, unknown. To determine whether corticosteroids could alter the fibroblast cell cycle the current authors studied the effect of dexamethasone on cultured airway fibroblasts obtained from nine mild-to-moderate, steroid-naive asthmatics (forced expiratory volume in one second 78+/-4% predicted), and seven normal controls. Fibroblasts were cultured from endobronchial biopsies obtained via bronchoscopy. Cells were exposed to dexamethasone (10(-9)-10(-7) M) and studied at 72 h to determine differences in progression through the cell cycle. In asthmatic fibroblasts, dexamethasone, at concentrations of 10(-8)M and 10(-7)M, nearly doubled the number of cells in the S phase (17.8+/-3.0% and 18.4+/-3.1%, respectively) compared with untreated fibroblasts (10.3+/-1.4%). There was no significant effect in normal control fibroblasts. Dexamethasone induced hyperphosphorylation of the tumour suppressor, retinoblastoma (RB) in asthmatic fibroblasts; fibroblasts from normal controls had significantly less hyperphosphorylation of RB. No difference in protein expression of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha between the two groups was detected. This study suggests that dexamethasone can stimulate G1-S phase cell cycle transition in human airway fibroblasts obtained from asthmatics. Whether this leads to enhanced airway remodelling in some individuals remains to be determined.
Bayliss, myogenic tone and volume-regulated chloride channels in arterial smooth muscle

The muscular coat of the arteries reacts, like smooth muscle in other situations, to a stretching force by contraction.’ (Bayliss, 1902)
A TRAC-PF1 Analysis of LOFT Steam-Generator Feedwater Transient Test L9-1

The Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC-PF1) calculations were compared to test data from Loss-of-Fluid Test (LOFT) L9-1, which was a loss-of-feedwater transient. This paper includes descriptions of the test and the TRAC input and compares the TRAC-calculated results with the test data. We conclude that the code predicted the experiment well, given the uncertainties in the boundary conditions. The analysis indicates the need to model all the flow paths and heat structures, and to improve the TRAC wall condensation heat-transfer model.
Plant response to evapotranspiration and soil water sensor irrigation scheduling methods for papaya production in south Florida

An irrigation study was conducted to determine the effects of implementing different irrigation practices on growth and yields of papaya plants in south Florida. Treatments included using automated switching tensiometers based on soil water status, irrigation based on ET calculated from historic weather data and a set schedule irrigation regime. The study consisted of two trials (2006–2007 and 2008–2009). Water volumes applied, plant height and diameter, leaf gas exchange, leaf petiole nutrient levels, fruit yields and fruit total soluble solids were measured throughout the study. For both trials, significantly more water was applied in the set schedule irrigation treatment than in all other treatments; historic ET and soil water based treatments received only about 31–36% of the water applied in the set schedule irrigation. Trunk diameter and plant height per unit water volume applied values for the set schedule treatment were significantly lower than those from all other treatments during both trials. The set schedule treatment in both trials also had the lowest crop production water use efficiency (CP-WUE); CP-WUE values among all other treatments were generally not significantly different from each other. Soil water and historic ET-based irrigation methods were identified as more sustainable practices compared to set schedule irrigation due to the lower water volumes applied while maintaining plant nutrient content, growth, photosynthetic rates, and fruit yields for this production system.
Water on Venus

It is proposed that Venus may have polar seas which are acidic and thus cannot precipitate calcium carbonate. This leaves the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The argument is that the great equatorial land masses always have been too hot for liquid water and thus could not be weathered to give the sea salts necessary to form the precipitate. The action of steam on rocks is to liberate acids which are volatile and would dissolve in the polar seas. The volcanic vapors issuing in the early times consisting mainly of water and carbon dioxide would have begun polar seas at once since the expected equatorial (black body) surface temperature of the bare planet is too high (464 K) due to proximity of the sun. The accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would have ensured the continued increase of the temperature due to the greenhouse effect. On earth, on the contrary, condensation over most of the planetary surface probably was possible from the beginning. Liquid water, ice-weathering, and river transport of salts to the seas all probably occurred from the beginning.
Can night-time light data identify typologies of urbanization? A global assessment of successes and failures

The world is rapidly urbanizing, but there is no single urbanization process. Rather, urban areas in different regions of the world are undergoing myriad types of transformation processes. The purpose of this paper is to examine how well data from DMSP/OLS nighttime lights (NTL) can identify different types of urbanization processes. Although data from DMSP/OLS NTL are increasingly used for the study of urban areas, to date there is no systematic assessment of how well these data identify different types of urban change. Here, we randomly select 240 sample locations distributed across all world regions to generate urbanization typologies with the DMSP/OLS NTL data and use Google Earth imagery to assess the validity of the NTL results. Our results indicate that where urbanization occurred, NTL have a high accuracy (93%) of characterizing these changes. There is also a relatively high error of commission (42%), where NTL identified urban change when no change occurred. This leads to an overestimation of urbanization by NTL. Our analysis shows that time series NTL data more accurately identifies urbanization in developed countries, but is less accurate in developing countries, suggesting the need to exert caution when using or interpreting NTL in developing countries.
Critical Mass of What? Exploring Community Growth in WikiProjects

Fledgling online communities often hope to achieve critical mass so that the community becomes sustainable. This concept however is not well understood. At what point does a community achieve critical mass, and how does the community know this? Furthermore, online communities become sustainable when they achieve a mass of what? We explore this question by analyzing growth in a large number of online communities on Wikipedia. We find that individual communities often have different patterns of growth of membership from its pattern of growth of contribution or production. We also find that in the early stages of community development, building membership has a greater impact on community production and activity in later periods than accumulating many contributions early on, and this is especially true when there is more diversity in the early participants in a community. We also show that participation from a community's "power users" in its early stage is not as valuable to sustainability as the collective contributions of those who make only small contributions. We argue that critical mass is established by developing a diverse set of community members with heterogeneous interests and resources, and not purely by accumulating content.
Increasing Robustness of Protection Schemes

Use of intelligent wait-to-restore for reducing the time that circuits are on protect while also reducing the amount of switch-toggling in the network. This paper also proposes a new reporting scheme to reduce isolation time.
Acetylcholine increases pulmonary blood flow in intact fetuses via endothelium-dependent vasodilation.

In vitro, acetylcholine causes vasodilation by releasing endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) from endothelial cells. EDRF may be nitric oxide, derived from the amino acid L-arginine (L-Arg),...
A High-Pressure Kinetics Model for the Ignition of Natural-Gas Fuel Blends

*† Shock-tube data and chemical kinetics simulations have been used to optimize a combustion mechanism for the ignition of methane-based fuel blends. This work is part of an on-going project to measure the combustion characteristics of natural-gas fuel blends at practical conditions. The model was assembled from various literature sources based on the well-known methane chemistry of GRI-Mech 3.0. Additional compounds and reactions were added to account for oxidation pathways that become important at gas-turbine operating pressures, i.e. 20 – 30 atm, and to model C2- and C3-compounds. The starting mechanism was updated with recent data, especially the H2/O2 mechanism and the enthalpy of formation of OH. Sensitivity and pathway analyses were used to identify the important elementary reactions, whose rates were then modified, within their experimental uncertainty, to best-fit experimental data collected at pressures from 10 – 50 atm and temperatures from 1000 – 1500 K. Results are presented for mixtures of H2/O2/Ar, CH4/O2/Ar, CH4/Air, CH4/H2/Air, and CH4/C2H6/Air. The new model is able to reproduce the experimental ignition times for all mixtures over the range of conditions studied. While further work is planned to measure a broader range of fuels and blending, the present work documents the modeling process that will be used throughout and provides excellent performance at the conditions studied thus far. This model has practical applications in the design and operation of gas-turbine power generation systems and of propulsion systems operating at similar conditions.
Numerical Modeling of Multi-Phase, Multi-Material Blast- Structure Interactions

This paper describes results of a combined experimental and computational effort intended to validate predictions of a coupled CFD/CSD methodology of a multi-plate steel structure response to blast loading. To improve our understanding of the complex controlling physical mechanisms we formulated a simplified, multi-step approach. First, we investigated a precision test of a single event, the response of a single steel plate to a close-in bare charge. Next, we added a second plate to examine the response of the second plate to blast and flyer plate loading. Finally, we placed water-filled tube s under the first plate, to investigate the feasibility of using water tubes to disperse and di ssipate flyer-plate kinetic energy. The modeling of blast and structure (flyer plate) inter action with water required the development of a new numerical algorithm that combines flow solvers for both the gas and the liquid via an immersed body approach. Both solvers run concurrently. In the gas phase region (i.e. compressible flow), the velocities of the liquid were imposed wherever liquid is present. For the liquid region (incompressible (+VO F)), the pressures of the gas region were imposed wherever gas was present. This multiphase flow solver is then coupled to our structural mechanics solver to calculate structural response to blast and the feasibility of using fluid dampers. The results demonstrate that t he approach taken here is capable of efficiently modeling complex multiphase problems.
Raman and Optical Properties of the Pulsed Laser Annealing Phase of Si

Raman measurements of temperature reported earlier have been repeated using a doubled Nd: YAG pulse for excitation and an electronically delayed dye laser pulse. These results, together with a variety of experimental tests of the Raman method, confirm the validity of the small temperature rise during pulsed laser annealing. Transmission measurements spanning the visible and near IR show that there exists a thin (∼ 70 nm) layer at the surface in which the induced absorption coefficient is ∼ 7 × 105 cm−1.
Integrating Pharmacogenomics into Clinical Practice: Promise vs Reality

Abstract Background Limited information is available regarding primary care clinicians' response to pharmacogenomic clinical decision support (PGx-CDS) alerts integrated in the electronic health record. Methods In February 2015, 159 clinicians in the Mayo Clinic primary care practice were sent e-mail surveys to understand their perspectives on the implementation and use of pharmacogenomic testing in their clinical practice. Surveys assessed how the clinicians felt about pharmacogenomics and whether they thought electronic PGx-CDS alerts were useful. Information was abstracted on the number of CDS alerts the clinicians received between October 2013 and the date their survey was returned. CDS alerts were grouped into 2 categories: the alert recommended caution using the prescription, or the alert recommended an alternate prescription. Finally, data were abstracted regarding whether the clinician changed their prescription in response to the alert recommendation. Results The survey response rate was 57% (n = 90). Overall, 52% of the clinicians did not expect to use or did not know whether they would use pharmacogenomic information in their future prescribing practices. Additionally, 53% of the clinicians felt that the alerts were confusing, irritating, frustrating, or that it was difficult to find additional information. Finally, only 30% of the clinicians that received a CDS alert changed their prescription to an alternative medication. Conclusions Our results suggest a lack of clinician comfort with integration of pharmacogenomic data into primary care. Further efforts to refine PGx-CDS alerts to make them as useful and user-friendly as possible are needed to improve clinician satisfaction with these new tools.
Research on valence of OPV effect in Shanghai

[Objective] To provide reliable data for supplement and update of equipment of cold-chain system,through understanding the efficiency of OPV in each CDC and MTU that provides service of immunization. [Methods] 80 OPV were collected from service sites of immunization and CDC of each district or county in Shanghai.Valence of OPV were detected. [Results] Valence of OPV from all sampling sites was qualified. [Conclusion] The assessed OPV are of good quality.The cold-chain system for service of immunoprophylaxis in Shanghai is running well.
Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Since 1964 there has been a steady improvement in the management and survival of patients with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. The discussion focuses on the pathology; clinical, laboratory, and x-ray observations; supportive therapy; and surgical management of this problem. Intestinal malabsorption continues to be a significant problem in such patients, but in the author’s experience it generally resolves within a month of reconstitution of gastrointestinal continuity.
Supporting On-demand Elasticity in Distributed Graph Processing

While distributed graph processing engines have become popular for processing large graphs, these engines are typically configured with a static set of servers in the cluster. In other words, they lack the flexibility to scale-out or scale-in the number of servers, when requested to do so by the user. In this paper, we propose the first techniques to make distributed graph processing truly elastic. While supporting on-demand scale-out/in operations, we meet three goals: i) perform scale-out/in without interrupting the graph computation, ii) minimize the background network overhead involved in the scale-out/in, and iii) mitigate stragglers by maintaining load balance across servers. We present and analyze two techniques called Contiguous Vertex Repartitioning (CVR) and Ring-based Vertex Repartitioning (RVR) to address these goals. We implement our techniques in the LFGraph distributed graph processing system, and incorporate several systems optimizations. Experiments performed with multiple graph benchmark applications on a real graph indicate that our techniques perform within 9% and 21% of the optimum for scale-out and scale-in operations, respectively.
A role for salivary estriol in predicting postterm pregnancies

Abstract Objective: We examined the role of salivary estriol (sE3) in predicting postterm pregnancies. We compared the difference in sE3 values before 39 weeks of gestation between term and postterm pregnancies. Methods: In a prospective, multicentered trial, 615 term and 27 postterm singleton pregnancies with spontaneous labor onset provided standardized 1-mL samples of saliva collected weekly from 22 to 25 weeks to term. Unconjugated sE3 values were determined using an established ELISA. We evaluated sE3 levels in term and postterm patients using descriptive statistics. Results: A positive sE3 test result (≥2.1 ng/mL) prior to 39 weeks of gestation had a positive predictive value of 98% for delivery prior to 42 weeks of gestation. For term deliveries, 59% of subjects had a positive sE3 test result prior to 39 weeks, whereas only 33.3% of postterm deliveries had a positive sE3 test result prior to 39 weeks of gestation (2-tailed Fisher’s exact test P = 0.014). Mothers and fetuses destined to undergo parturition >42 weeks of gestation demonstrated: 1) persistently lower sE3 levels and 2) did not demonstrate sE3 “surge” prior to 39 weeks. Conclusions: Patients destined to deliver postterm obtain their sE3 surges later then subjects who deliver at term or preterm. For a patient who has a positive test result (≥2.1 ng/mL) by 39 weeks of gestation, there is a 98% chance that the patient will deliver prior to 42 weeks of gestation.
INTER‐INSTITUTIONAL JOB MOBILITY IN TWO‐YEAR COLLEGES AND INSTITUTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Career histories, including characteristics of institution of employment, of a national sample of two‐year college administrators are used to determine if administrator mobility is associated with selected institutional variables: state, region, mission, size and resource level. Proceeding from the knowledge that two‐year colleges constitute a labor market for administrators, this study extends the work of Smolansky (1984) who found that region, type of control, mission, size and resource level form barriers to administrator mobility for administrators in four‐year colleges and universities. Findings suggest that state and region are particularly powerful structures affecting mobility of two‐year college administrators. Mission, size and resource level do not exert the same influence on administrator mobility in this sector.