cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research to practice: Effectiveness of controlled workplace interventions to reduce musculoskeletal disorders in the manufacturing environment—critical appraisal and meta-analysis

Previous studies on the effectiveness of interventions in reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in manufacturing facilities had contradictory results, indicating a need for a quality assessment of these studies followed by a quantitative assessment of the overall effectiveness of the interventions. These assessments may also provide suggestions for practical implementations. The first objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of controlled workplace interventions to reduce the occurrence of MSD in the manufacturing environment by utilizing meta-analysis integrated with the study quality score. The second objective is to translate the research findings into practical guidelines. Two hypotheses were tested pertinent to the first objective: (1) Controlled workplace interventions are effective in reducing the occurrence of MSD in different body regions among manufacturing workers and (2) the study quality scores do not depend on the evaluator. The study quality was assessed for all articles, however, meta effect size (meta-OR) was calculated only for the articles that reported prevalence of low back disorders (LBDs), using the MantelHaenszel method. The effect of study quality was included into meta-OR. The chi-square test of independence was employed to test the second hypothesis. Seven articles were identified. Study quality was poor (0.39 out of 2) to moderate (0.97). Insignificant reduction in LBDs prevalence (meta-OR = 0.925; 95% CI: 0.5661.512) was found. Integration of the study quality did not have a substantial effect on the meta-OR (meta-OR = 0.933; 95% CI: 0.5711.525). Each evaluator's study quality scores were not independent from the agreed quality scores (p < 0.01). The results suggested that practitioners should consider scientific evidence during design and implementation of an intervention, especially in terms of study duration, confounders, outcome measures, and data analysis. The articles reviewed exhibited the following: (1) the statistical insignificance of the meta-OR; (2) the relatively low methodological quality of studies; and (3) the small number of studies included in the meta-OR. The extent of the generalizability of meta-OR for LBD to other body regions was also in question. Future research should consider the following: (1) the physical and nonphysical work environment should be assessed to determine the workplace-specific needs, and the intervention should be structured around these needs; (2) group comparability, participation rate, subject loss, and randomization of subjects should be taken into account; (3) exposure and outcome measurement methods should be reported, as well as blinding of the observers and subjects, when applicable, to ensure reliability and validity; and (4) data analysis should be conducted adjusting for covariates and confounders, different lengths of follow-up, and level of exposure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long-term experience with the transpancreatic sphincter pre-cut approach to biliary sphincterotomy.

Background: The transpancreatic duct pre-cut to gain access to the bile duct for diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers has been described as useful, but questions of efficacy and safety remain to be resolved. Methods: To further evaluate this technique, we performed a review on 200 consecutive endoscopic sphincterotomies. Standard direct biliary sphincterotomy was performed in 143 patients and transpancreatic duct pre-cut in 51 patients. Results: The overall complication rate for the standard sphincterotomy was 2.1%; that for the transpancreatic approach was 1.96%. There were no cases of post-ERCP pancreatitis after transpancreatic duct pre-cut sphincterotomy. The length of hospital stay was 1 day or less for 192 patients, 2 days for 5 patients, 4 days for 1 patient and 7 days for 2 patients. In 2 patients there was failure to enter the bile duct despite the pre-cut. In one, the procedure was successful at a second attempt 48 hours later. Conclusions: Transpancreatic duct pre-cut is a safe and effective method for gaining quick access to the bile duct in patients in whom cannulation is difficult.
A FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF METROPOLITAN COMMUNITIES

Five major approaches to the functional classification of communities have been offered. Although most of them allow the recognition of a community as specialized in more than one function, their application necessitates consideration of the several individual functions one at a time. This paper offers a method for classification that takes account of the entire configuration of selected functions. Eight industrial groups were used in determining which SMSA’s of 1960 had similar configurations of functional activity. The procedure for determining this similarity, which reduced the job to a manageable size, is described as are the distinguishing functional configurations.
Making Microtubules and Mitotic Spindles in Cells without Functional Centrosomes

Summary Centrosomes are considered to be the major sites of microtubule nucleation in mitotic cells (reviewed in [1–3]), yet mitotic spindles can still form after laser ablation or disruption of centrosome function [4–7]. Although kinetochores have been shown to nucleate microtubules [3], mechanisms for acentrosomal spindle formation remain unclear. Here, we performed live-cell microscopy of GFP-tubulin to examine spindle formation in Drosophila S2 cells after RNAi depletion of either γ-tubulin, a microtubule nucleating protein [8], or centrosomin, a protein that recruits γ-tubulin to the centrosome [7, 9]. In these RNAi-treated cells, we show that poorly focused bipolar spindles form through the self-organization of microtubules nucleated from chromosomes (a process involving γ-tubulin), as well as from other potential sites, and through the incorporation of microtubules from the preceding interphase network. By tracking EB1-GFP (a microtubule-plus-end binding protein) in acentrosomal spindles, we also demonstrate that the spindle itself represents a source of new microtubule formation, as suggested by observations of numerous microtubule plus ends growing from acentrosomal poles toward the metaphase plate. We propose that the bipolar spindle propagates its own architecture by stimulating microtubule growth, thereby augmenting the well-described microtubule nucleation pathways that take place at centrosomes and chromosomes.
An Appraisal of Two Simplified Inelastic Methods of the ASME Code

In this work, two simplified inelastic analysis rules existing in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code have been appraised. The first rule is intended as a correction for plasticity due to Poisson’s ratio effects. Based on a number of analytical and experimental evaluations, it is shown that the variable Poisson’s ratio approach helps bring the simplified elastic analyses in line with inelastic analysis findings. This is carried out by multiplying the elastically calculated stresses (that are based on an assumed Poisson’s ratio of 0.3) by the factor Kν to reflect changes in the Poisson’s ratio associated with local plastic deformation. The second rule makes use of a fatigue enhancement factor, Ke which is employed when the linearized elastically calculated stress ranges exceed twice the material yield strength, thus necessitating inelastic evaluations. An analytical approach based on local strain method, as well as the expressions used in the Japanese MITI code has been used for comparison. A number of practical situations have been cited to illustrate the application of these rules.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Relationships Between Abrasive Wear, Hardness, and Grinding Characteristics of Titanium-Based Metal-Matrix Composites

The objective of this work was to support the development of grinding models for titanium metal-matrix composites (MMCs) by investigating possible relationships between their indentation hardness, low-stress belt abrasion, high-stress belt abrasion, and the surface grinding characteristics. Three Ti-based particulate composites were tested and compared with the popular titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. The three composites were a Ti-6Al-4V-based MMC with 5% TiB2 particles, a Ti-6Al-4V MMC with 10% TiC particles, and a Ti-6Al-4V/Ti-7.5%W binary alloy matrix that contained 7.5% TiC particles. Two types of belt abrasion tests were used: (a) a modified ASTM G164 low-stress loop abrasion test, and (b) a higher-stress test developed to quantify the grindability of ceramics. Results were correlated with G-ratios (ratio of stock removed to abrasives consumed) obtained from an instrumented surface grinder. Brinell hardness correlated better with abrasion characteristics than microindentation or scratch hardness. Wear volumes from low-stress and high-stress abrasive belt tests were related by a second-degree polynomial. Grindability numbers correlated with hard particle content but were also matrix-dependent.
NMR determination of the orientation of the magnetic susceptibility tensor in cyanometmyoglobin: a new probe of steric tilt of bound ligand.

The experimentally determined paramagnetic dipolar shifts for noncoordinated amino acid side-chain protons in the heme pocket of sperm whale cyanometmyoglobin were used to determine in solution the orientation of the principal axes for the paramagnetic susceptibility tensor relative to the heme iron molecular coordinates. The determination was made by a least-squares search for the unique Euler rotation angles which convert the geometric factors in the molecular (crystal) coordinates to ones that correctly predict each of 41 known dipolar shifts by using the magnetic anisotropies computed previously. An excellent fit to experimental shifts was obtained, which also provided predictions that allowed subsequent new assignments to be made. The magnetic axes are oriented so that the z axis is tipped {approximately}15{degree} from the heme normal toward the heme {delta}-meso-H and coincides approximately with the characterized FeCO tilt axis in the isostructural MbCO complex. Since the FeCO and FeCN units are isostructural, the authors propose that the dominant protein constraint that tips the magnetic z axis from the heme normal is the tilt of the FeCN by steric interactions with the distal residues. It is shown that the proximal His ring nonlabile proton hyperfine shifts provide direct and exquisitely sensitive indicators of themore » degree of the z axis tilt that may serve as a valuable probe for characterizing variable steric interactions in the distal pocket of both point mutants and natural genetic variants of myoglobin.« less
Safety and effect of topical recombinant human interleukin-1β in the management of pressure sores

Interleukin-1beta is produced by numerous cell types including monocytes and fibroblasts. It has been shown to stimulate multiple cell types including fibroblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. Previously, interleukin-1beta was shown to accelerate healing in partial-thickness and full-thickness wounds in animals and was also shown to be safe when applied topically in Phase I human trials. Therefore a prospectively randomized, blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed with patients with chronic pressure ulcers. Doses of interleukin-1beta of .01 microg, .10 microg, and 1.0 microg per square centimeter did not show acceleration of healing of the pressure ulcers. Therefore use of recombinant human interleukin-1beta in this study was safe but, at the dose levels tested, did not result in improvement in the healing ratio.
Anti-Corruption Commissions in the African State: Burying the Problem or Addressing the Issue?

Endemic corruption is one the leading obstacles to political, economic and social development; corrupt acts not only undermine the rule of law but also hinder the effectiveness and sustainability of any reform programs. There is a recent trend, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, for governments to establish anti-corruption commissions - distinct, independent, national agencies charged with combating corruption. The multilateral development banks, aid agencies, and anti-corruption NGO's have all promoted the establishment of such bodies, claiming that they form an integral part of a country's National Integrity System ("NIS"). The recent UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) also makes specific provision for their establishment. However, anti-corruption commissions are costly to establish and to effectively run. Furthermore, they have often attracted criticism for being ineffective and politicized. The purpose of the paper is to undertake an institutional analysis of the value-added that independent anti-corruption bodies provide in an anti-corruption strategy, and identify the various models and factors that may make such bodies effective in the African state. This paper addresses the experiences of three established anti-corruption commissions in Africa, and assesses why they have proven to be successful or weak. These include:- Botswana's Directorate for Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC)- Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)- Kenya's Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC)The general arguments that frame the paper are that such bodies can play a critical role in the anti-corruption strategies of African states, provided they have certain structures and functions. Another objective of this paper is to inform those African states with newly established anti-corruption commissions or those that are in the process of establishing anti-corruption commissions, with some best practice guidelines.
Relevance of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of exemestane and synergism with sulforaphane for disease prevention

Exemestane (6-methyleneandrosta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione) is a synthetic steroidal inhibitor of the aromatase reaction that catalyzes the terminal and rate-limiting step of the biosynthesis of estrogens. It is active clinically in preventing, delaying progression of, and treating mammary cancers, many of which are estrogen receptor-positive. A striking feature of the structure of exemestane is an extended system of conjugated Michael reaction functions, which is also characteristic of inducers of a broad network of chemoprotective genes regulated by the Keap1 (Kelch-like ECA-associated protein)/Nrf2 (nuclear factor E2-related factor 2)/ARE (antioxidant response element) signaling system. These genes are largely involved in xenobiotic metabolism and antioxidative and anti-inflammatory protection, as well as the synthesis and reduction of glutathione. We show here that exemestane transcriptionally activates NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), typical chemoprotective gene products, in a wide variety of mouse, rat, and human cells. It protects several cell lines against oxidative toxicity of tert-butyl hydroperoxide and 4-hydroxynonenal, against free radical damage arising from hypoxia–reoxygenation, and against UVA radiation damage. Exemestane also inhibits the inflammatory increases in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in mouse macrophages exposed to LPS (lipopolysaccharide), thereby resembling the isothiocyanate sulforaphane derived from broccoli. Remarkably, combinations of exemestane and sulforaphane act highly synergistically, and this property is also displayed by several other phytochemicals. Thus, exemestane has a wide range of previously unrecognized protective activities, probably unrelated to aromatase inhibition. Its potential for reducing the risk, not only of breast cancer, but also of other chronic diseases that arise from inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA-damaging electrophiles, requires exploration, particularly in view of the synergism with other phytochemicals.
The role of intervention in established allergy: Avoidance of indoor allergens in the treatment of chronic allergic disease

Avoidance of exposure to indoor allergens is an important element in the treatment of allergic disease. The results of several studies provide strong evidence in support of a role for allergen avoidance; however, strategies that optimize allergen reduction in houses have not been determined. Complex issues regarding the efficacy of physical and chemical measures that target house dust mite, pet, and cockroach allergens in the home are discussed. The greatest challenge is to educate allergic patients so that they can play an important role in controlling their own disease.
A Low Flicker-Noise Direct Conversion Mixer in 0.13 um CMOS with Dual-Mode DC offset Cancellation Circuits

A low flicker-noise CMOS mixer for multi-standard receiver in 130-nm CMOS is presented. The mixer which consists of an AC coupled passive mixer and a low noise buffer amplifier with CMFB achieves a low flicker noise corner frequency of 50 kHz. Dual-mode DC offset cancellation circuits are used to compensate the mixer DC offset for multi-standard communications. It provides conversion gain of 13.2 dB, IIP3 of 4.5 dBm, DSB NF of 12.3 dB@100 kHz, white DSB NF of 11 dB, and output DC offset of less than 0.5 mV. This mixer consumes 5.5 mA at a supply voltage of 1.5 V
Developing service assessment metrics

Developing performance metrics for assessing the efficiency of services is a growing need within organizations. The Engineering Information Technology (EIT) Department at Michigan Technological University (MTU) is a service-based organization. The User Services branch of EIT responds to a wide range IT service requests from users and attempts to resolve them with as little delay as possible. This paper presents a methodology to develop a metric that can be used to establish the level of service for MTU EIT. The current service delivery was assessed using a two pronged approach: by statistically characterizing the service times using historical service request records, and by accounting for both the service providers' and users' perception of the current service delivery using a structured survey. Using this analysis, and the idea of a service being a shared platform for co-creation of value, between service provider and customer, a trade-off based model was developed to identify the level of service that EIT can deliver given its resource constraints. A Senior Design project team in the Service Systems Engineering program conducted the work in this paper.
Impact of Physician BMI on Obesity Care and Beliefs

Using a national cross-sectional survey of 500 primary care physicians conducted between 9 February and 1 March 2011, the objective of this study was to assess the impact of physician BMI on obesity care, physician self-efficacy, perceptions of role-modeling weight-related health behaviors, and perceptions of patient trust in weight loss advice. We found that physicians with normal BMI were more likely to engage their obese patients in weight loss discussions as compared to overweight/obese physicians (30% vs. 18%, P = 0.010). Physicians with normal BMI had greater confidence in their ability to provide diet (53% vs. 37%, P = 0.002) and exercise counseling (56% vs. 38%, P = 0.001) to their obese patients. A higher percentage of normal BMI physicians believed that overweight/obese patients would be less likely to trust weight loss advice from overweight/obese doctors (80% vs. 69%, P = 0.02). Physicians in the normal BMI category were more likely to believe that physicians should model healthy weight-related behaviors-maintaining a healthy weight (72% vs. 56%, P = 0.002) and exercising regularly (73% vs. 57%, P = 0.001). The probability of a physician recording an obesity diagnosis (93% vs. 7%, P < 0.001) or initiating a weight loss conversation (89% vs. 11%, P ≤ 0.001) with their obese patients was higher when the physicians' perception of the patients' body weight met or exceeded their own personal body weight. These results suggest that more normal weight physicians provided recommended obesity care to their patients and felt confident doing so.
150 years of the poultry industry

(1975). 150 years of the Poultry Industry. World's Poultry Science Journal: Vol. 31, No. 1, pp. 27-31.
Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of two different schedules of oxaliplatin, irinotecan, Fluorouracil, and leucovorin in patients with solid tumors.

Purpose: We sought to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and evaluate the toxicities and clinical activity of two irinotecan (CPT-11), fluorouracil (FU), leucovorin (LV), and oxaliplatin schedules in patients with advanced solid tumors. Additionally, we investigated the effect of CPT-11 on oxaliplatin pharmacokinetics. Patients and Methods: Thirteen patients (cohort 1) received intravenous CPT-11 (infusion) and FU/LV (bolus) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 and oxaliplatin (infusion) on days 1 and 15 every 6 weeks for a total 37 courses (median, three courses) at three dose levels. Twenty-two cohort 2 patients received intravenous CPT-11/oxaliplatin (infusion, day 1) and FU/LV (90-minute bolus infusion, days 2 to 5) every 3 weeks for a total of 122 courses (median, four courses) at three dose levels. Pharmacokinetic and neurotoxicity assessments were performed at the cohort 2 MTD. Results: Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) seen in both cohorts at the starting dose required dose de-escalation. Cohort 1 DLT incl...
Insulin receptor isoform switching in intestinal stem cells, progenitors, differentiated lineages and tumors: evidence that IR-B limits proliferation

Despite evidence for the impact of insulin on intestinal epithelial physiology and pathophysiology, the expression patterns, roles, and regulation of insulin receptor (IR) and IR isoforms in the intestinal epithelium are not well characterized. IR-A is thought to mediate the proliferative effects of insulin or insulin growth factors (IGFs) in fetal or cancer cells. IR-B is considered to be the metabolic receptor for insulin in specialized tissues. This study used a novel Sox9-EGFP reporter mouse that permits isolation of intestinal epithelial stem cells (IESCs), progenitors, enteroendocrine cells and differentiated lineages, the ApcMin/+ mouse model of precancerous adenoma and normal human intestinal and colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. We tested the hypothesis that there is differential expression of IR-A or IR-B in stem and tumor cells versus differentiated intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and that IR-B impacts cell proliferation. Our findings provide evidence that IR-B expression is significantly lower in highly proliferative IESCs and progenitor cells versus post-mitotic, differentiated IECs and in subconfluent and undifferentiated versus differentiated Caco-2 cells. IR-B is also reduced in ApcMin/+ tumors and highly tumorigenic CRC cells. These differences in IR-B were accompanied by altered levels of mRNAs encoding muscleblind-like 2 (MBNL2), a known regulator of IR alternative splicing. Forced IR-B expression in subconfluent and undifferentiated Caco-2 cells reduced proliferation and increased biomarkers of differentiation. Our findings indicate that the impact of insulin on different cell types in the intestinal epithelium might differ depending on relative IR-B∶ IR-A expression levels and provide new evidence for the roles of IR-B to limit proliferation of CRC cells.
Differential regulation of NADPH oxidase in sympathetic and sensory Ganglia in deoxycorticosterone acetate salt hypertension

We demonstrated recently that superoxide anion levels are elevated in prevertebral sympathetic ganglia of deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive rats and that this superoxide anion is generated by reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase. In this study we compared the reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase enzyme system of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and sympathetic celiac ganglion (CG) and its regulation in hypertension. The reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity of ganglion extracts was measured using fluorescence spectrometry of dihydroethidine; the activity in hypertensive dorsal root ganglion was 34% lower than in normotensive DRG. In contrast, activity was 79% higher in hypertensive CG than normotensive CG. mRNA for the oxidase subunits NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, p47(phox), and p22(phox) were present in both CG and DRG; mRNA for NOX4 was significantly higher in CG than in DRG. The levels of mRNA and protein expression of the membrane-bound catalytic subunit p22(phox) and of the regulatory subunits p47(phox) and Rac-1 were measured in CG and DRG in normotensive and hypertensive rats. p22(phox) mRNA and protein expression was greater in CG of hypertensive rats but not in DRG. Compared with normotensive controls, p47(phox) mRNA and protein, as well as Rac-1 protein, were significantly decreased in hypertensive DRG but not in CG. Immunohistochemical staining of p47(phox) showed translocation from cytoplasm to membrane in hypertensive CG but not in hypertensive DRG. This suggests that reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activation in sympathetic neurons and sensory neurons is regulated in opposite directions in hypertension. This differential regulation may contribute to unbalanced vasomotor control and enhanced vasoconstriction in the splanchnic circulation.
Protein disulfide isomerase interacts with soluble guanylyl cyclase via a redox-based mechanism and modulates its activity

NO binds to the receptor sGC (soluble guanylyl cyclase), stimulating cGMP production. The NO-sGC-cGMP pathway is a key component in the cardiovascular system. Discrepancies in sGC activation and deactivation in vitro compared with in vivo have led to a search for endogenous factors that regulate sGC or assist in cellular localization. In our previous work, which identified Hsp (heat-shock protein) 70 as a modulator of sGC, we determined that PDI (protein disulfide-isomerase) bound to an sGC-affinity matrix. In the present study, we establish and characterize this interaction. Incubation of purified PDI with semi-purified sGC, both reduced and oxidized, resulted in different migration patterns on non-reducing Western blots indicating a redox component to the interaction. In sGC-infected COS-7 cells, transfected FLAG-tagged PDI and PDI CXXS (redox active site 'trap mutant') pulled down sGC. This PDI-sGC complex was resolved by reductant, confirming a redox interaction. PDI inhibited NO-stimulated sGC activity in COS-7 lysates, however, a PDI redox-inactive mutant PDI SXXS did not. Together, these data unveil a novel mechanism of sGC redox modulation via thiol-disulfide exchange. Finally, in SMCs (smooth muscle cells), endogenous PDI and sGC co-localize by in situ proximity ligation assay, which suggests biological relevance. PDI-dependent redox regulation of sGC NO sensitivity may provide a secondary control over vascular homoeostasis.
Recent Publications in Natural History

Principal Review: Edwards, Stephen R., Bruce M. Bell, and Mary Elizabeth King, comps. Pest control in museums: a status report (1980). Principal Review: Dubos, Rene. The Wooing of Earth: new perspectives on man's use of nature.
Topology, assembly, and electronics: three pillars for designing supramolecular polymers with emergent optoelectronic behavior

“Emergence-upon-assembly” – where unique properties arise following the formation of hierarchical superstructures – is a common strategy employed by biology to produce materials that possess advanced optical and electronic properties. Supramolecular polymers are periodic macromolecules, whose monomers are held together by noncovalent bonding, and they display emergence-upon-assembly when sufficient consideration is given to topology, assembly, and orbital interactions. Herein we discuss the criteria to consider when designing supramolecular polymers with emergent optoelectronic properties by placing particular emphasis on the contributions of topology, assembly mechanism, and intramolecular electronic communication in donor–acceptor systems.
ChoreoSave: A digital dance preservation system prototype

This paper presents the design and implementation of a short-term digital dance preservation solution called ChoreoSave. The author created a prototype system that identifies what components comprise a dance work and how such components can be represented using EPrints software hosted on an Amazon EC2 instance. Suggestions for future development are discussed based on evaluation and challenges encountered in the course of research.
Environment, behavior and physiology: do birds use barometric pressure to predict storms?

Severe storms can pose a grave challenge to the temperature and energy homeostasis of small endothermic vertebrates. Storms are accompanied by lower temperatures and wind, increasing metabolic expenditure, and can inhibit foraging, thereby limiting energy intake. To avoid these potential problems, most endotherms have mechanisms for offsetting the energetic risks posed by storms. One possibility is to use cues to predict oncoming storms and to alter physiology and behavior in ways that make survival more likely. Barometric pressure declines predictably before inclement weather, and several lines of evidence indicate that animals alter behavior based on changes in ambient pressure. Here we examined the effects of declining barometric pressure on physiology and behavior in the white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys . Using field data from a long-term study, we first evaluated the relationship between barometric pressure, storms and stress physiology in free-living white-crowned sparrows. We then manipulated barometric pressure experimentally in the laboratory and determined how it affects activity, food intake, metabolic rates and stress physiology. The field data showed declining barometric pressure in the 12–24 h preceding snowstorms, but we found no relationship between barometric pressure and stress physiology. The laboratory study showed that declining barometric pressure stimulated food intake, but had no effect on metabolic rate or stress physiology. These data suggest that white-crowned sparrows can sense and respond to declining barometric pressure, and we propose that such an ability may be common in wild vertebrates, especially small ones for whom individual storms can be life-threatening events. * AIC : Akaike's information criterion CORT : corticosterone EIA : enzyme immunoassay lme : linear mixed effects PTO : paratympanic organ
Molecular Mechanism of Anti-Prostate Cancer Activity of Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract

Scutellaria baicalensis is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine historically used in antiinflammatory and anticancer therapy. The goals of the study were to 1) determine its in vitro and in vivo anti-prostate cancer activity, 2) investigate its molecular mechanism directed at cell proliferation control including cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclins/cdks pathways, and 3) compare it with those of PC-SPES (PC stands for prostate cancer and spes is Latin for hope), a former herbal mixture for prostate cancer treatment of which S. baicalensis is a major constituent. Two human prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, androgen dependent, and PC-3, androgen independent) were assessed for growth inhibition. S. baicalensis exerted dose- and time-dependent increased growth inhibition in both cell lines. However, the PC-3 cells IC50 (50% growth inhibition concentration) were slightly more sensitive than LNCaP cells (IC50=0.15 mg/ml), although the former is androgen independent. S. baicalensis was more effective in inhibition of cell growth compared with PC-SPES (IC50=0.38 mg/ml for PC-3 cells). Significant reduction of PGE2 synthesis in both cells after treatment with S. baicalensis resulted from direct inhibition of COX-2 activity rather than COX-2 protein suppression. S. baicalensis also inhibited prostate-specific antigen production in LNCaP cells. Finally, S. baicalensis suppressed expression of cyclin D1 in LNCaP cells, resulting in a G1 phase arrest, while inhibiting cdk1 expression and kinase activity in PC-3 cells, ultimately leading to a G2/M cell cycle arrest. Animal studies showed a 50% reduction in tumor volume after a 7-wk treatment period. This study demonstrated that S. baicalensis may be a novel anticancer agent for the treatment of prostate cancer.
A Novel Method of Static Security Analysis Based on Multithread Technology

With the UHV (Ultra High Voltage) power grid construction and the interconnection of regional power grids, the scale of power grids in China is increasing rapidly. At the same time, significant uncertainty and variability is being introduced into power grid operation with the integration of large-scale renewable energy in power systems. All of these pose an enormous challenge to the operation control of power systems in China. For a long time, online static security analysis, as an important part of EMS (Energy Management System), has been an effective tool for power grid operation. However, it is increasingly difficult for traditional static security analysis in serial computing mode to be online applied in bulk power grids in China. A new practical parallel approach for online static security analysis is put forward in this paper. A multithread parallelism is introduced into contingency screening, detailed contingency evaluation and decision support for reducing the execution time. By employing the multithread technology, the hardware resources of multi-processor/multi-core computer can be fully used and the program can be speeded up effectively. The performance of the parallel static security analysis is demonstrated by tests on two large-scale power systems. The test results show that the proposed method can be online applied in real bulk power grids.
Selections from current literature: magnesium, myocardial infarction and meta-analysis.

If the results of LIMIT-2, the two meta-analyses reviewed and the cumulative meta-analysis by Lau et al. are viewed in aggregate, there can be very little doubt regarding the beneficial effects of i.v. magnesium on mortality in suspected acute MI. The results of ISIS-4 should strengthen these odds ratios and help clarify the role of magnesium and arrhythmias in acute MI. Furthermore, the combined effect of i.v. magnesium and thrombolytics will again be focused upon. Though the cardioprotective effects of magnesium are unknown, this should only spur more studies to elucidate these mechanisms and should not be a reason to delay the inclusion of i.v. magnesium in the usual regimen for treating suspected acute MI. The regimen of i.v. magnesium needs to be standardized. Further studies are also needed to evaluate whether oral magnesium can be used as tertiary prevention for MI. Finally, meta-analyses are studies of studies that are valid and reliable if they follow certain rules. This is true of all types of research. Due to the exponential increase in the medical literature of these types of studies, and the fact that they may eventually supplant the traditional narrative review, it is incumbent upon physicians to understand the process by which a meta-analysis is conducted.
Fluid mechanics in the perivascular space

Perivascular space (PVS) within the brain is an important pathway for interstitial fluid (ISF) and solute transport. Fluid flowing in the PVS can affect these transport processes and has significant impacts on physiology. In this paper, we carry out a theoretical analysis to investigate the fluid mechanics in the PVS. With certain assumptions and approximations, we are able to find an analytical solution to the problem. We discuss the physical meanings of the solution and particularly examine the consequences of the induced fluid flow in the context of convection-enhanced delivery (CED). We conclude that peristaltic motions of the blood vessel walls can facilitate fluid and solute transport in the PVS.
Probing biomolecular machines with graphics processors

GPU acceleration and other computer performance increases will offer critical benefits to biomedical science.
Institutionalizing Imagination: National Defense and Defense of the Humanities in The 9/11 Report

This essay analyzes The 9/11 Report, exploring its connection between the defense of the nation and the defense of the humanities. Comparing American civic engagement with the work of literary criticism, the report argues that America's “most important failure” before 9/11 “was one of imagination.” Significantly, each of its four major recommendations for improving future intelligence work parallels a specific literary-critical skill. Grounding these skills in the work of the humanities classroom, The 9/11 Report concludes that America's global power requires the imagination and the ethics central to a liberal arts education.
Analysis on the measles IgG antibody level of healthy population in dong guan city in 2009

Objective:To understand the measles IgG antibody level of healthy population in dong guan city in 2009.Methods: To collect the serum from different age healthy population of houjie town of Dongguan city,to test the measles IgG antibody level by ELISA.Results: Total 261 people were tested,154 males and 107 females,the geometric mean titer(GMT) was 1∶4173.249 people were measles IgG antibody positive,the positive rate was 95.4%.242 people reached to the protective level,the protective rate was 92.7%.11 infants aged 7,8 months were tested,only 2 infants are positive,the positive rate was 18.2%.Conclusion: Except for 7,8 months old infants,the measles IgG antibody level and antibody titer of all age groups have a high level.
Time-domain behavior of transient electromagnetic field signalunder ground and on the surface of the earth

Transient electromagnetic sounding is a prospecting method for accurate exploration developing rapidly recent years.In this paper,the delaying and absorbing phenomena of transient field are analyzed,by means of time-domain finite difference approach which provides a forward modeling base for further time-frequencey analyzing and higher dimensional inversion.
Binding of oxalate to mitochondrial inner membranes of rat and human kidney.

AbstractOxalate bound specifically to homogenates of rat kidney and liver but not to homogenates prepared from heart, lung, skeletal muscle, spleen, stomach, small or large intestine. In the renal cortex, binding was localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane where it was enriched fourfold when compared to homogenate. Binding of the oxalate reached equilibrium in two minutes at 23C. Analysis of the binding sites by Scatchard plot indicated that the maximum binding capacity was 49pmol./mg. protein and the apparent dissociation constant (Kd) was 43nM. The IC50 of oxalate was 0.25μM. Among the inhibitors studied the IC50 was in the following order: oxalate < oxamate < parabanate < glyoxalate < oxaloacetate < malate < citrate = glycollate. Heat and treatment with lubrol abolished the binding completely. Binding was not enhanced by the presence of calcium in the incubation medium; neither was it inhibited by the presence of calcium together with its transport inhibitors. A binding substance with some charac...
Subtyping for distributed object stores

The programming language community has come up with many definitions of the subtype relation. The goal is to determine when this assignment is legal in the presence of subtyping. Once the assignment has occurred, x will be used according to its “apparent” type T, with the expectation that if the program performs correctly when the actual type of x’s object is T, it will also work correctly if the actual type of the object denoted by x is a subtype of T.
WE-FG-207B-04: Noise Suppression for Energy-Resolved CT Via Variance Weighted Non-Local Filtration

Purpose: The photon starvation problem is exacerbated in energy-resolved CT, since the detected photons are shared by multiple energy channels. Using pixel similarity-based non-local filtration, we aim to produce accurate and high-resolution energy-resolved CT images with significantly reduced noise. Methods: Averaging CT images reconstructed from different energy channels reduces noise at the price of losing spectral information, while conventional denoising techniques inevitably degrade image resolution. Inspired by the fact that CT images of the same object at different energies share the same structures, we aim to reduce noise of energy-resolved CT by averaging only pixels of similar materials - a non-local filtration technique. For each CT image, an empirical exponential model is used to calculate the material similarity between two pixels based on their CT values and the similarity values are organized in a matrix form. A final similarity matrix is generated by averaging these similarity matrices, with weights inversely proportional to the estimated total noise variance in the sinogram of different energy channels. Noise suppression is achieved for each energy channel via multiplying the image vector by the similarity matrix. Results: Multiple scans on a tabletop CT system are used to simulate 6-channel energy-resolved CT, with energies ranging from 75 to 125 kVp. On a low-dose acquisition at 15 mA of the Catphan©600 phantom, our method achieves the same image spatial resolution as a high-dose scan at 80 mA with a noise standard deviation (STD) lower by a factor of >2. Compared with another non-local noise suppression algorithm (ndiNLM), the proposed algorithms obtains images with substantially improved resolution at the same level of noise reduction. Conclusion: We propose a noise-suppression method for energy-resolved CT. Our method takes full advantage of the additional structural information provided by energy-resolved CT and preserves image values at each energy level. Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute Of Biomedical Imaging And Bioengineering of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R21EB019597. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Real-Time Color B Scan

The dynamic range limitations of cathode-ray tubes present a problem in B-scan information display. Usable tissue echoes cover at least 45 decibels, which must somehow be restricted to 20 decibels or less for display. A summary of compression techniques will be given, with detailed discussion of a system developed to utilize a real-time color display. BCD coding of the video information permits interfacing with storage, processing, and image enhancement elements. Early clinical results will be discussed.
FEASIBILITY OF RAINWATER HARVESTING IN SOLVING WATER CRISIS DHAKA CITY

This paper assesses the feasibility of rainwater harvesting as a solution to the existing water crisis in Dhaka City – a mega city with a population of 15 million. Groundwater is the main source of Dhaka’s water supply. To meet the increasing demand, the groundwater table is decreasing at an alarming rate. Dhaka needs to find out otherpotential sources of water. Rivers surrounded by the city would be a solution but due to high pollution, most of those rivers are now out of consideration. In this context, rainwater harvesting could be a potential source of water that will be able to meet a significant part of water demand of the Dhaka city residents. Also a high rainfall rate during the monsoon period is an important factor in this regard. In this study, a six storied high rise building with 80+ residents was investigated. Rainwater harvesting is considered only for the purpose of toilet flushing, washing cloths and house cleaning. In order to understand the social impat of rainwater harvesting, a resident survey was conducted. 88% of the residents agreed that rainwater harvesting wouldbe an acceptable solution of the present water crisis.
Selective mutation accumulation: a computational model of the paternal age effect

Motivation As the mean age of parenthood grows, the effect of parental age on genetic disease and child health becomes ever more important. A number of autosomal dominant disorders show a dramatic paternal age effect due to selfish mutations: substitutions that grant spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) a selective advantage in the testes of the father, but have a deleterious effect in offspring. In this paper we present a computational technique to model the SSC niche in order to examine the phenomenon and draw conclusions across different genes and disorders. Results We used a Markov chain to model the probabilities of mutation and positive selection with cell divisions. The model was fitted to available data on disease incidence and also mutation assays of sperm donors. Strength of selective advantage is presented for a range of disorders including Apert's syndrome and achondroplasia. Incidence of the diseases was predicted closely for most disorders and was heavily influenced by the site-specific mutation rate and the number of mutable alleles. The model also successfully predicted a stronger selective advantage for more strongly activating gain-of-function mutations within the same gene. Both positive selection and the rate of copy-error mutations are important in adequately explaining the paternal age effect. Availability and implementation C ++/R source codes and documentation including compilation instructions are available under GNU license at https://github.com/anwala/NicheSimulation CONTACT: ewhel001@odu.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Detecting Weak Changes over a Network of Streaming Events

Large volume of event data are becoming increasingly available in a wide variety of applications, such as social network analysis, Internet traffic monitoring and healthcare analytics. Event data are observed irregularly in continuous time, and the precise time interval between two eventscarries a great deal of information about the dynamics of the underlying systems. How to detect changes in these systems as quickly as possible based on such event data? We present a novel online detection algorithm for high dimensional event data over networks. Our method is based on a likelihood ratio test for point processes, and it achieves weak signal detection by aggregating local statistics over time and networks. The computation of the detection statistic only requires aggregations over local neighborhood in the network, and hence it is scalable to the size of the network. Moreover, the detection statistic can be updated using an EM-like algorithm to include new samples and hence it can efficiently handle streaming data. Moreover, wederive highly accurate theoretical characterization of the false-alarm-rate, base on the change-of-measure technique and the mean field characterization for the multi-dimensional Hawkes process. We demonstrate the good performance of our algorithm via numerical examples and real-world twitter and memetracker datasets.
The psychosocial impact of acne, vitiligo, and psoriasis: a review

Introduction Chronic skin conditions have been well reported to affect a patient’s quality of life on multiple dimensions, including the psychosocial domain. Psychosocial is defined as the interrelation of social factors with an individual’s thoughts and behavior. The assessment of the psychosocial impact of skin disease on a patient can help direct the dermatologists’ treatment goals. To evaluate the psychosocial impact of skin disease, we conducted a review of the literature on three skin conditions with onsets at various stages of life: acne, vitiligo, and psoriasis.
The Macroeconomics of Consumer Finance

This paper studies the macroeconomic effects of consumer credit conditions in an incomplete-market, general equilibrium model where households hold unsecured debt, and firms use labor. I show that consumer finance disturbances can cause business cycle fluctuations through a rich interplay between credit and labor risks. As unemployment rises, households are more likely to default, translating into tighter credit conditions that reduce their consumption and cause further unemployment. Such feedback loop is reinforced by precautionary-saving motives among unconstrained households. Surprisingly, this mechanism can explain a large fraction of the volatility and persistence of U.S. unemployment even though it abstracts from traditional frictions like search or price stickiness.