cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxygen-adapted rats and lung-disaturated lecithin

THE RESPONSE of the rat lung to increased inspired oxygen has been studied extensively.'-" Rosenbaum et al ~ observed that the lungs of rats exposed to 0.85 atm oxygen responded consistently with increased cellularity. More specifically, Crapo et al ~' have observed that the number of alveolar Type II epithelial cells was increased by 102% following exposure to 0.85 atm oxygen for seven days. The proliferation of AEP lI cells in response to hyperoxia has been considered to be related to the role of the AEP II cell as progenitor of the alveolar epithelial Type I cell? Injury to AEP I cells may stimulate proliferation of AEP 11 cells in order to repair the epithelial injury. Because the AEP II cell also is purported to be the site of synthesis of pulmonary surfactant? we sought to use this model to determine if lungs with increased numbers of AEP II cells had altered pulmonary surfactant dynamics. METHODS AND MATERIALS Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (Hilltop Lab Animals, Inc., Scottsdale, Pa.) were exposed to room air or 0.85 atm oxygen in lucite chambers at flow rates of 2 1/minute/rat for nine days. Temperature was maintained at 23 to 25~ and carbon dioxide levels were less than 0.5%. At the end of the exposure period, control and oxygen-treated animals were weighed, killed, and their lungs removed and weighed. Portions (0.5 gin) were sliced thinly and incubated with 10 ~Ci 1-~C-palmitic acid (57.9 mCi/mmol, Amersham/Searle, Arlington Heights, Ill.) and 30/~Ci carrier-free ~P-orthophosphate (New England Nuclear Corporation, Boston, Mass.) in 6.2 ml modified Ringer solution pH 7.4 at 37~ for. three hours in a shaking water bath. The flasks were flushed, with 1.0 atm oxygen which was hydrated and warmed. At the end of the incubation period, the tissue was homogenized and extracted in chloroform:methanol (2:1) as described by Folch et al ~ and the constituent phospholipids characterized and quantitated as previously describedY' The DSPC was quantitated by the methods of Henderson and Clayton ~' and Mason and associates? ~ and comparable results were observed. A lamellar body fraction was derived using modifications of the procedures described by Paul
Strengthening of concrete as a result of filling of the pores and cavities

A technology of strengthening of concrete based on the procedure of filling of the pores and cavities with liquid materials capable of polymerization or crystallization after a certain period of time is theoretically substantiated. The conditions of growth of cracks formed on the contour of a circular hole under the conditions of compression are established. We also study the influence of stiffness of the material of the filler on the efficiency of strengthening of the body containing a hole and cracks.
Exploring the theoretical framework of cultural competency training

Cultural competency has become an important component of physician assistant education. How to implement the cultural competency training is still daunting to many PA educators. Theoretical frameworks of cultural competency training emphasize moving from exposure to diversity and fostering cultural awareness, to obtaining cultural knowledge and cultural skills, and then applying the knowledge and skills to actual diverse patient populations. Only by moving through the phases of the theoretical frameworks will students sincerely understand culture and the importance of cultural competency training in decreasing health care disparity.
A sparse bayesian approach to multistatic radar imaging

We tackle the problem of multistatic radar image formation by simultaneously exploiting the sparsity and covariance structure of radar images measured by a local GSM distribution of wavelet coefficients. Our aim is to gauge the extent to which such local statistical information can be leveraged in addition to the commonly used l 1 sparsity constraint. Though we assume knowledge of the covariance structure of the source image, this provides a benchmark for subsequent relaxation of this assumption and its generalization to more complex probabilistic models of scene structure.
Role of verbal mediation in performance of motor tasks by Korsakoff patients.

9 patients with Korsakoff's disease were examined for their ability to learn a finger maze (verbally mediated) and a pursuit-rotor (non-verbally mediated) task. Such patients (matched on IQ and age) were significantly worse than either 9 alcoholic or 9 normal control patients on the finger-maze task but were similar to both groups on the pursuit-rotor task. It was concluded that the verbal encoding deficit of Korsakoff patients can explain their difficulty in learning motor tasks involving verbal mediation.
Risk Factor Combinations for Estimating the Probability of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema.

Background: LE is a common complication from BC surgery, leading to a decreased quality of life. In our previous study; both the risk and severity of LE were associated with 1) infection of the arm and breast, 2) body mass index (BMI), and 3) the level of hand use (p Method: A retrospective review was undertaken of the 2983 women treated surgically for breast cancer at MWH of the UPMC from 1990-2000. Fifty-two women were identified for whom the diagnosis of LE was established and data existed on the study variables. The design was a n:m matched case control study; data were analyzed on 52 patients with LE and 126 available controls matched on age, radiation therapy, and type of operation. In conjunction with conditional logistic regression and published estimates of LE incidence rates, Bayes9 Theorem was used to estimate the probability of developing LE. This probability was estimated for 8 combinations of BMI, infection, and level of hand use. Results: LE probabilities of 8 combinations for 6 different incidence rates of LE are shown in Table 1. For example, assuming a 16% incidence rate of LE a BMI Conclusion: This study demonstrates that in both high and low risk situations for the development of LE that control of predisposing factors can have a marked effect on the probability of LE formation. Low risk patients with poor control of predisposing factors have a higher probability of developing LE than high risk patients in whom known predisposing factors are avoided. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 5115.
Signal processing, communication, and networking requirements for synchrophasor systems

The synchrophasor technology has become focus of many theoretical, conceptual and practical studies lately due to an increased opportunity to improve power system reliability and security through enhanced monitoring, protection and control. The paper provides a survey of signal processing, communication and networking issues surrounding this topic so that professionals from related areas can benefit from better understanding the needs for their input and contribution in the overall smart grid integration of synchrophasor technology.
Characterizing end-to-end packet reordering with UDP traffic

Packet reordering (RO) is an Internet event that degrades the performance of both TCP and UDP-based applications. In this paper, we present an end-to-end measurement study of packet reordering of UDP traffic. The goal of our measurement study is to characterize packet reordering in the current Internet as it is reflected by PlanetLab infrastructure. Overall, our analysis shows that current UDP traffic reordering is consistent to prior 1990's studies, despite increased Internet load and technology advancements. In addition, our study adds to the previous results by identifying additional reordering characteristics. More specifically, we show that packet reordering is asymmetric as well as temporal and site-dependent, packet size does influence the likelihood of reordering, that there exists a time-of-the-day dependency, and reordering primarily exists at two timescales (a few milliseconds or multiple tens of milliseconds.)
W-band gallium nitride MMIC amplifiers for cloud Doppler radar arrays

We present an effort in developing W-band (75–110 GHz) gallium nitride (GaN) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) amplifiers for radar arrays. Due to GaN's high electric field breakdown capability and good 2D electron gas mobility in heterostructure field effect transistors, GaN power amplifiers provide best performance for high output power, high efficiency and small MMIC form factor amplifiers at W-band frequencies. GaN low noise amplifiers can also provide large receiver input dynamic range, reduce receiver noise figure and can be more tolerant of input power leakage from the transmitter without the need of protective limiter circuitry. All these, characteristics are crucial for high frequency arrays where design require small circuit spacings, high efficiency to reduce power consumption and heating, and the minimization of circuit components for manufacturability and reliability. We will discuss results of power, driver and low noise amplifiers that we have designed, fabricated and characterized for radar array applications.
Phosphorylation of brush border myosin at threonine on its 20 kDa light chains by a calmodulin-independent kinase activates its ATPase.

Abstract A calmodulin-independent kinase isolated from chicken intestinal brush border phosphorylates brush border myosin mainly at an apparently single threonine on its 20 kDa light chains. Phosphorylation to 1.9 mol phosphate/mol myosin activated the myosin actin-activated ATPase about 12-fold, to about 100 nmol/min per mg. Brush border myosin ATPase can thus be activated by phosphorylation either at threonine, by calmodulin-independent kinase, or at serine, by calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase, as previously shown [(1987) FEBS Lett. 223, 262–266].
Repeating particles associated with an electrolyte-transport membrane.

Abstract Cells of the pseudobranch gland and chloride cells of the gill filaments of marine Fundulus are characterized by an extensive, interconnected tubular network which is contiguous with the plasma membrane. Treatment with lanthanum salts during fixation results in the deposition within the tubules of an electron-dense substance, which serves as a negative stain for the underlying surface. The outer layer of the plasma membrane is characterized by repeating units 25 A in diameter similar to those which have been seen on numerous negatively-stained membrane types after isolation. These particles are hypothesized to function in the electrolyte transport activity of the cell types involved.
A 3-V 340-mW 14-b 75-Msample/s CMOS ADC with 85-dB SFDR at Nyquist input

This paper describes the design of a 14-b 75-Msample/s pipeline analog-to-digital converter (ADC) implemented in a 0.35-/spl mu/m double-poly triple-metal CMOS process. The ADC uses a 4-b first stage to relax capacitor-matching requirements, buffered bootstrapping to reduce signal-dependent charge injection, and a flip-around track-and-hold amplifier with wide common-mode compliance to reduce noise and power consumption. It achieves 14-b accuracy without calibration or dithering. Typical differential nonlinearity is 0.6 LSB, and integral nonlinearity is 2 LSB. The ADC also achieves 73-dB signal-to-noise ratio, and 85-dB spurious-free dynamic range over the first Nyquist band. The 7.8-mm/sup 2/ ADC operates with a 2.7- to 3.6-V supply, and dissipates 340 mW at 3 V.
Real-time BRDF editing in complex lighting

Current systems for editing BRDFs typically allow users to adjust analytic parameters while visualizing the results in a simplified setting (e.g. unshadowed point light). This paper describes a real-time rendering system that enables interactive edits of BRDFs, as rendered in their final placement on objects in a static scene, lit by direct, complex illumination. All-frequency effects (ranging from near-mirror reflections and hard shadows to diffuse shading and soft shadows) are rendered using a precomputation-based approach. Inspired by real-time relighting methods, we create a linear system that fixes lighting and view to allow real-time BRDF manipulation. In order to linearize the image's response to BRDF parameters, we develop an intermediate curve-based representation, which also reduces the rendering and precomputation operations to 1D while maintaining accuracy for a very general class of BRDFs. Our system can be used to edit complex analytic BRDFs (including anisotropic models), as well as measured reflectance data. We improve on the standard precomputed radiance transfer (PRT) rendering computation by introducing an incremental rendering algorithm that takes advantage of frame-to-frame coherence. We show that it is possible to render reference-quality images while only updating 10% of the data at each frame, sustaining frame-rates of 25-30fps.
In situ synthesis and characterization of porous polymer-ceramic composites as scaffolds for gene delivery

Abstract The use of three-dimensional scaffolds in gene delivery has emerged as a popular and necessary delivery vehicle for obtaining controlled gene delivery. In this report, techniques to synthesize composite scaffolds by combining natural polymers such as agarose and alginate with calcium phosphate (CaP) are described. The incorporation of CaP into the agarose or alginate hydrogels was performed in situ and the presence of CaP was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystallite size of the CaP particles was determined to be 7.20 nm. Lyophilized, porous composites were examined under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to estimate the size of the pores, an essential requirement for an ideal scaffold. The swelling properties of the composite samples were also investigated to study the effect of CaP incorporation on the behavior of the hydrogels. By incorporating CaP into the hydrogel, the aim is to synthesize a scaffold that is mechanically strong and chemically suitable for use as a gene delivery vehicle in tissue engineering.
Surfactant Protein C (SP-C) in Ventilated Premature Lamb Lung † 1677

Background. Synthetic surfactants have theoretical advantages of uniform composition, consistency of properties, lower risk, and lower cost. Synthetic surfactants that contain only lipids and recombinant SP-C can be as effective as natural surfactants for the treatment of surfactant deficiency in preterm animals. However, there is no information about the fate of this very hydrophobic protein in the preterm lung. Hypothesis. Because other surfactant components are cleared very slowly from the preterm lung, we hypothesized that SP-C would also be cleared slowly. Methods. We compared alveolar and total lung clearances of 125I-natural SP-C(nSP-C), 125I recombinant SP-C(rSP-C, phenylalanine in positions 4 and 5 and isoleucine in position 32 of the human sequence, provided by Byk Gulden, Konstanz, Germany) with the clearance of14 C-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPC). Preterm lambs at 128 d gestation were given treatment doses of 100 mg/kg 125I-nSP-C labeled natural sheep surfactant (n=6), 125I-rSP-C labeled natural sheep surfactant (n=9) or 125I-rSP-C labeled synthetic surfactant (n=9) and recoveries were measured at 5 h. Trace doses of 125I-rSP-C and14 C-DPC also were given to 135 d gestation lambs without surfactant treatment and recoveries were measured at 0 (n=3), 2 (n=5), 5 (n=6), or 10 h(n=5). Results. 5 h after surfactant treatments, the 3 groups of lambs had the same pC02 values (50-54 mmHg), the same ventilator pressure requirements (18-20) cmH20, and similar compliances(0.46-0.51), indicating equivalent physiological lung function. The alveolar recoveries were 17-24% for 14C-DPC and 13-16% for labeled125 I-nSP-C and rSP-C for the 3 groups of lambs. Total lung recoveries were about 70% for the 14C-DPC and labeled nSP-C and rSP-C. All recoveries for nSP-C and rSP-C were similar and similar to those for DPC. In 135 d GA lambs not treated with surfactant,% recovery of 14C-DPC in alveolar lavage decreased from 45.2±2.5(0 h) to 11.3±0.4 at 10 h. There was no loss of the 14C-DPC from the total lungs. The recoveries of 125I-rSP-C decreased from 42.0±2.4% (0 h) in the alveolar lavage to 6.4±1.0% (10 h). Although about 20% of the radiolabeled rSP-C was lost from the total lung over first 2 h, there were no further loss to 10 h. Conclusions. The surfactants containing rSP-C and nSP-C were functionally similar and the two SP-C proteins were cleared slowly and in parallel with DPC.
Effect of Varying Dwell Time During Non-melt Laser Annealing of Boron Implanted Silicon

As the fabrication for the CMOS technology trends to decreasing the size of transistors for the benefit of increased performance and device density, the implant and annealing process technologies are being forced to meet increasingly challenging demands for ultra-shallow junctions. As the current annealing preferences shift from rapid thermal annealing toward sub-second RTP technologies such as flash and laser annealing, the dynamics of micro-structural evolution on the order of milliseconds and microseconds become of increasing importance. To investigate the kinetics in this ultra-fast annealing regime, this study investigated the effect of varying the temperature and time of a scanning laser anneal in the millisecond and microsecond timeframe. Amorphous layers were created in silicon substrates using a 30 keV silicon implant at a dose of 1x1015 ions/cm3. These wafers were then processed using a scanning continuous wave near infra-red laser at varying temperatures and scan rates in order to vary the dwell time of each condition. A combination of sheet resistance, optical interferometry, and secondary ion mass spectrometry characterization techniques were used in order to investigate the activation and diffusion of these laser annealed samples. The regrowth temperature across all samples showed a positive correlation to the sheet resistance; trending toward lower values as temperatures increased. Dwell time, however, showed an inverse effect at lower temperatures. The microsecond anneal at 1200 °C showed a lower Rs than the millisecond anneal, while at higher temperatures the trend reversed. This trending shows an obvious competition between activation and diffusion mechanisms and their dependence on regrowth temperature.
Identity Implications of Influence Goals: A Revised Analysis of Face-Threatening Acts and Application to Seeking Compliance with Same-Sex Friends.

Although politeness theory offers one explanation for how threats to face arise during compliance-gaining episodes, it neither predicts the conditions under which seeking compliance will create multiple face threats nor explains how such threats arise within specific contexts. The authors challenge and revise politeness theory by analyzing potential implications for both parties' face when the logical preconditions for seeking compliance are framed by specific influence goals. In a test of a revised analysis of face threats, young adults imagined asking favors, giving advice, and enforcing obligations with same-sex friends. Perceived face threats, interaction goals, and message qualities varied substantially across compliance-gaining situations defined by these goals. Directions for exploring the identity implications of influence goals across relationships and cultures are discussed.
Plastids of the Venus Flytrap ( Dionaea muscipula )

THREE different kinds of plastids have been observed in Venus flytrap, each in cells which perform a unique function in the plant. In the same cells, however, there are other organelles (for example, mitochondria) which are the same in all cells of the plant and similar to those in cells of most other plants. We have compared the fine structure and its relationship to the respective function of three types of plastids: the chloroplasts of the leaf cells, the plastids of the cells of the digestive gland, and the plastids of the cells of the trigger hairs.
A robust real-time structure from motion for situational awareness and RSTA

Maintaining real-time situational awareness of military combat vehicles (manned/unmanned) with onboard vision sensors for either autonomous mobility or reconnaissance missions such as moving target indication (MTI) and automatic target recognition (ATR) while the vehicle is on the move has been technically and operationally challenging. In this paper, we investigate and present a practical implementation of a robust real-time structure from motion technique that allows moving robotic vehicles to be able to reconstruct 3D models from observed 2D features with dynamically adjusting motion parameters. We also demonstrate applications that locate and track moving targets within the structured environment built by the SFM and recognize the targets such as vehicles and humans through a hierarchical shape model.
Humans and pets as sources of salmonellae.

Reported non-typhoid salmonella infections in man have increased in the United States from 723 in 1946 to 20,040 in 1966, and this may represent only 1% of the salmonella infections actually occurring. The temporary carrier state following infections in man represents an important source for the spread of infection to other persons. Pets including dogs, cats, Easter chicks and ducklings, and turtles can also be a source of human salmonella infections. Approximately 15–20% of normal household dogs may be infected with salmonellae, although documented human infections traced to dogs are rare. Pet Easter chicks and ducklings have been incriminated frequently as a source of infection in young children. More than 100 cases of salmonellosis have been traced to pet turtles. Only by the implementation of appropriate control measures attacking each one of these potential sources of infection can we hope to reduce the increasing incidence of salmonellosis in the United States.
Automated Bug Neighborhood Analysis for Identifying Incomplete Bug Fixes

Although many static-analysis techniques have been developed for automatically detecting bugs, such as null dereferences, fewer automated approaches have been presented for analyzing whether and how such bugs are fixed. Attempted bug fixes may be incomplete in that a related manifestation of the bug remains unfixed. In this paper, we characterize the “completeness” of attempted bug fixes that involve the flow of invalid values from one program point to another, such as null dereferences, in Java programs. Our characterization is based on the definition of a bug neighborhood, which is a scope of flows of invalid values. We present an automated analysis that, given two versions P and P' of a program, identifies the bugs in P that have been fixed in P', and classifies each fix as complete or incomplete. We implemented our technique for null-dereference bugs and conducted empirical studies using open-source projects. Our results indicate that, for the projects we studied, many bug fixes are not complete, and thus, may cause failures in subsequent executions of the program.
Bayesian estimation of renewal function for inverse Gaussian renewal process

Two approximation methods are used to obtain the Bayes estimate for the renewal function of inverse Gaussian renewal process. Both approximations use a gamma-type conditional prior for the location parameter, a non-informative marginal prior for the shape parameter, and a squared error loss function. Simulations compare the accuracy of the estimators and indicate that the Tieney and Kadane (T–K)-based estimator out performs Maximum Likelihood (ML)- and Lindley (L)-based estimator. Computations for the T–K-based Bayes estimate employ the generalized Newton's method as well as a recent modified Newton's method with cubic convergence to maximize modified likelihood functions. The program is available from the author.
US access to the global LNG market

This paper discusses U.S. participation in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market. Although recent U.S. production of natural gas is up, Canadian production is fairly stable and LNG imports by the United States have been on the rise. The current U.S. portfolio of LNG importers is described and the future prospects for each of the current importers are discussed. Changing conditions in the global marketplace have resulted in higher prices and more recent declines in U.S. importation of LNG. With temporary increases in U.S. domestic supply and transportation costs rising, the U.S. will find it increasingly difficult to compete with other global consumers of LNG. Overcapacity of regasification and high prices are pushing the industry into increased integration. Under these conditions, it seems unlikely that consumers of LNG will experience price declines. In addition, because of global reserve distribution, increased reliance on LNG may jeopardize even further U.S. energy security.
Algorithm of Hierarchical Reduction Based on Rough Entropy

We propose a scheme based on rough entropy to cluster the concept hierarchy for resolving the problem of discovering knowledge from large databases. The paper defines rough entropy and establishes the relation between the information system knowledge and rough entropy. It offers a new algorithm based on rough entropy and attribute significance to construct information. The attributes are classified to different parts allocated at several layers, so the knowledge in the information system can be presented hierarchically with multiple granularities at multiple layers. The time complexity of the algorithm is analyzed and the algorithm is used to a control decision, which verifies the effectiveness.
Too Much of a Good Thing? Treating the Emerging Syndrome of Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia

Pain is the primary reason individuals seek health care, and chronic pain is the leading cause of disability. Patients with chronic pain often require treatment with strong analgesics, including opioids. Mounting evidence shows that very high opioid doses or rapidly escalating doses may lead to a paradoxical syndrome of increasing pain that is nonresponsive to opioid therapy. A review of the published literature describing the phenomenon of opioid-induced hyperalgesia was conducted, and management strategies were reviewed. A systematic search of PubMed using Medical Subject Headings terms to narrow search criteria identified 3 treatment strategies. The strategies evaluated in this literature review include opioid rotation, coadministration of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, and coadministration of opioid antagonists. Further research is needed to draw conclusive recommendations. As of now, the safest and most effective treatment strategy showing the best evidence involves the use of opioid rota...
Acetazolamide and Urolithiasis

Abstract: Interviews were conducted with 515 individuals between the ages of 20 and 80 years to gather data on acetazolamide therapy and the occurrence of urolithiasis. One hundred forty-eight patients were treated with chronic oral acetazolamide therapy for one week to 348 months (mean 40.9 months). The overall occurrence of individuals developing one or more stones was significantly higher in the group treated with acetazolamide than in the group not treated with acetazolamide ( P = 0.01, logistic multiple regression). Twelve patients developed one or more stones during acetazolamide therapy (interval between the initiation of therapy and the occurrence of the first stone was one to 108 months, mean 14.4 months. The rate of individuals developing one or more stones per year during acetazolamide treatment was 11 times higher than the rate in the group not treated with acetazolamide. The rate of individuals developing one or more stones per year during acetazolamide treatment was 15 times higher than the rate in the acetazolamide group prior to the initiation of acetazolamide therapy. Nine of the 12 individuals (75%) who developed calculi during acetazolamide therapy did so within the first 12 months of treatment. Ten of these patients were maintained on acetazolamide therapy and five (50%) developed a second stone in one to 88 months (mean 29.2 months). Eight patients with a history of a single episode of idiopathic urolithiasis were treated subsequently with acetazolamide (mean duration of therapy 28.8 months) without developing a second stone. The results of this study support the clinical impression that chronic acetazolamide therapy is associated with an increased occurrence of urolithiasis.
Relationship Between Placental Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression and Placental/Endometrial Vascularity in the Pig

We investigated the temporal association between placental vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent stimulator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability, and changes in placental/endometrial vascularity on selected days throughout gestation in the pig. Placental and endometrial tissues were collected from sows on Days 25 (n = 4), 36 (n =6), 44 (n = 6), 70 (n =5), 90 (n =5 ), and 112 (n = 7) of gestation. Cross sections of the placental/endometrial interface of each conceptus were used to estimate the number of blood vessels per unit area via image analysis and the intensity of VEGF staining via immunohistochemistry. Placental tissues were also collected on these days to evaluate VEGF mRNA expression. Placental VEGF mRNA expression and the numbers of blood vessels per unit area of placental and adjacent endometrial tissue were low and decreasing from Day 25 to Day 44, before increasing (P < 0.05) markedly and progressively through Day 112. These data are consistent with the marked increase in VEGF immunostaining in the chorionic and uterine luminal epithelium from early to late gestation. Further, these increases in placental VEGF mRNA were positively correlated with fetal weight (r = 0.73; P < 0.0001) and placental efficiency (fetal weight/placental weight ratio; r = 0.66, P < 0.0001). These data are consistent with a role for VEGF in increasing the number of blood vessels at the placental endometrial interface, resulting in an increased capacity for nutrient transfer from the maternal to the fetal compartment.
Vascular and inflammatory stresses mediate atherosclerosis via RAGE and its ligands in apoE–/– mice

Endothelial dysfunction is a key triggering event in atherosclerosis. Following the entry of lipoproteins into the vessel wall, their rapid modification results in the generation of advanced glycation endproduct epitopes and subsequent infiltration of inflammatory cells. These inflammatory cells release receptor for advanced glycation endproduct (RAGE) ligands, specifically S100/calgranulins and high-mobility group box 1, which sustain vascular injury. Here, we demonstrate critical roles for RAGE and its ligands in vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerotic plaque development in a mouse model of atherosclerosis, apoE-/- mice. Experiments in primary aortic endothelial cells isolated from mice and in cultured human aortic endothelial cells revealed the central role of JNK signaling in transducing the impact of RAGE ligands on inflammation. These data highlight unifying mechanisms whereby endothelial RAGE and its ligands mediate vascular and inflammatory stresses that culminate in atherosclerosis in the vulnerable vessel wall.
Procedural and Conceptual Print-Related Achievements in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders:

A comparative analysis between emergent procedural and conceptual print-related achievements was conducted for 32 children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) aged 4 to 8 years. To minimize the influence of linguistic competence on the assessment, the ASD print-related profile was compared with that of a language-matched sample of typically developing peers. Two factors associated with young children’s print-related achievements, their print motivation and home-based experiences, were illustrated for the matched participants. We found that children with ASD earned significantly higher scores on a parentally reported composite measure of emergent procedural (e.g., letter name identification) than conceptual (e.g., pretend reading) print-related accomplishments. The children with ASD were more often reported by their parents as motivated by letters but less likely to request or enjoy shared reading than their language-matched peers. Findings provide a preliminary profile of emergent print-related accomplis...
A project oriented approach to the teaching of machine perception

A set of computer simulation projects that have been assigned at various times during offerings of an advanced graduate level course on machine perception is discussed. The format of the projects is presented, and student results are discussed. The projects are novel in that they require advanced techniques of machine vision and are open-ended in that there are no specific solutions. The problems represent the mainstream of machine perception research without requiring more effort than is possible in a one semester course. Students have responded with algorithms developed in a variety of computer languages and on various machines. >
Organ-specific hematopoietic changes induced by a recombinant human interferon-α in mice

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is a naturally occurring cytokine that mediates numerous biological activities and has demonstrated therapeutic potential in a variety of malignancies. Encouraging activity against HIV-1 replication has also been observed with IFN-alpha in the treatment of AIDS, although hematotoxicity has been a frequently observed side effect. In addition, in vitro studies have suggested that IFN-alpha may function as a down-regulator of myelopoiesis. A recombinant hybrid of subtypes of human IFN-alpha, rHuIFN-alpha A/D, has antiviral activity in murine cells in vitro and in vivo. This study examines the effect of acute and subchronic exposure to rHuIFN-alpha A/D on hemopoietic and immune parameters in C57Bl/6 mice. IFN-alpha was administered ip at 0, 1000, 10,000, and 100,000 units/day for either 1 or 10 consecutive days. Many of the known effects of IFN-alpha in humans such as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia were observed in mice following subchronic exposure, with the latter two effects also manifested following acute exposure. Further analysis showed that this leukopenia was not selective. Both splenic and bone marrow cells were examined following 10 days of dosing with the high dose of IFN-alpha. Lymphocytes were reduced in both compartments, while granulocytes were increased in both compartments. Bone marrow cells programmed to differentiate into granulocytes (CFU-G) were suppressed, while macrophage progenitors (CFU-M) were stimulated. Erythroid cells decreased in the marrow but increased in the spleen, suggesting that the microenvironment may play a significant role in the effect of IFN-alpha. The proliferative capacity of both B and T splenic lymphocytes was significantly suppressed in a dose-related fashion following multiple exposure to IFN-alpha. Clinically, IFN-alpha is most often given in multiple doses and the present data suggest that such a regimen is toxic to both erythroid and myeloid cells, as well as being immunotoxic to splenic B and T lymphocytes.
Nitrogen attenuation of terrestrial carbon cycle response to global environmental factors

[1] Nitrogen cycle dynamics have the capacity to attenuate the magnitude of global terrestrial carbon sinks and sources driven by CO2 fertilization and changes in climate. In this study, two versions of the terrestrial carbon and nitrogen cycle components of the Integrated Science Assessment Model (ISAM) are used to evaluate how variation in nitrogen availability influences terrestrial carbon sinks and sources in response to changes over the 20th century in global environmental factors including atmospheric CO2 concentration, nitrogen inputs, temperature, precipitation and land use. The two versions of ISAM vary in their treatment of nitrogen availability: ISAM-NC has a terrestrial carbon cycle model coupled to a fully dynamic nitrogen cycle while ISAM-C has an identical carbon cycle model but nitrogen availability is always in sufficient supply. Overall, the two versions of the model estimate approximately the same amount of global mean carbon uptake over the 20th century. However, comparisons of results of ISAM-NC relative to ISAM-C reveal that nitrogen dynamics: (1) reduced the 1990s carbon sink associated with increasing atmospheric CO2 by 0.53 PgC yr 1 (1 Pg = 10 15 g), (2) reduced the 1990s carbon source associated with changes in temperature and precipitation of 0.34 PgC yr 1 in the 1990s, (3) an enhanced sink associated with nitrogen inputs by 0.26 PgC yr 1 , and (4) enhanced the 1990s carbon source associated with changes in land use by 0.08 PgC yr 1 in the 1990s. These effects of nitrogen limitation influenced the spatial distribution of the estimated exchange of CO2 with greater sink activity in high latitudes associated with climate effects and a smaller sink of CO2 in the southeastern United States caused by N limitation associated with both CO2 fertilization and forest regrowth. These results indicate that the dynamics of nitrogen availability are important to consider in assessing the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of terrestrial carbon sources and sinks.
Effect of Fiber and Phytate Source and of Calcium and Phosphorus Level on Phytate Hydrolysis in the Chick

Broiler chicks were fed a corn-soybean meal diet or a corn-soybean meal diet containing either 15% rice bran, 15% wheat bran, 15% alfalfa meal, 10% cellulose, or 10% cottonseed hulls. All diets contained 3190 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy, 22.8% protein, and either 1.0% calcium and .5% nonphytate phosphorus (Pnp) or .85% calcium and .42% Pnp. The diets were fed for 3 weeks at which time a digestion trial was conducted to determine the amount of phytate hydrolyzed. Chicks consuming diets containing the lower levels of calcium and Pnp hydrolyzed more phytate than those fed the higher levels of calcium and Pnp except when the diet contained rice bran. Less phytate was hydrolyzed in the rice bran diet at the lower calcium and Pnp levels. Phytate hydrolysis was not affected by wheat bran but was reduced by cottonseed hulls. At the lower levels of calcium and Pnp, alfalfa meal and cellulose significantly increased phytate hydrolysis by chicks. The hydrolysis of phytate was influenced more by calcium and by source than by fiber or by level of phytate fed.
Receptor Internalization in Yeast Requires the Tor2-Rho1 Signaling Pathway

Efficient internalization of proteins from the cell surface is essential for regulating cell growth and differentiation. In a screen for yeast mutants defective in ligand-stimulated internalization of the α-factor receptor, we identified a mutant allele of TOR2, tor2G2128R. Tor proteins are known to function in translation initiation and nutrient sensing and are required for cell cycle progression through G1. Yeast Tor2 has an additional role in regulating the integrity of the cell wall by activating the Rho1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor Rom2. The endocytic defect in tor2G2128R cells is due to disruption of this Tor2 unique function. Other proteins important for cell integrity, Rom2 and the cell integrity sensor Wsc1, are also required for efficient endocytosis. A rho1 mutant specifically defective in activation of the glucan synthase Fks1/2 does not internalize α-factor efficiently, and fks1Δ cells exhibit a similar phenotype. Removal of the cell wall does not inhibit internalization, suggesting that the function of Rho1 and Fks1 in endocytosis is not through cell wall synthesis or structural integrity. These findings reveal a novel function for the Tor2-Rho1 pathway in controlling endocytosis in yeast, a function that is mediated in part through the plasma membrane protein Fks1.
480 GSample/s time stretch transient digitizer

Photonic time stretch is a powerful technique in measuring the ultrafast transient signal beyond electronic limits. The bandwidth of time stretch is traditionally limited by a dispersion-induced frequency fading phenomenon. To overcome this limitation, we propose and demonstrate a new implementation of time stretch using phase diversity along with the maximum ratio combining technique. Transient signal measurements at 480 GSample/s with the intrinsic bandwidth 96 GHz are demonstrated.
Morphology and phase separation of hydrophobic clusters of soy globular protein polymers.

Protein hydrophobic interaction has been considered the most important factor dominating protein folding, aggregation, gelling, self-assembly, adhesion, and cohesion properties. In this paper, morphology and phase separation of hydrophobic clusters, networks, and aggregates of soy globular protein polymers, induced by using a reducing agent (NaHSO3), are studied using microscopic instruments. The morphology and phase separation of these hydrophobic clusters are sensitive to protein structure and composition, pH, and ionic-strength (Im). Most of the clusters are in spherical-shape architecture and mainly consist of hydrophobic polypeptides. Rod-shape clusters were also observed at higher ionic strength, and mainly consist of hydrophilic polypeptides. The ratio of hydrophobic/hydrophilic (HB/HL) polypeptides is important to facilitate the formation of clusters in an environment with a certain pH value and ionic strength. At HB/HL 0.8, uniform spherical clusters were observed and diameters ranged from 30 to 70 nm. At HB/HL <0.8, large spherical clusters were formed with diameters ranging from 100 to 1000 nm, and at HB/HL � 1.8, large hydrophobic aggregates formed, and size of aggregates can be up to 2500 nm. When solid content increased from 3% to
Zebrafish visual sensitivity is regulated by a circadian clock.

We have recently developed a behavioral assay, based on the escape response of fish to a threatening object, to analyze quantitatively the visual sensitivity of zebrafish. During the course of dark adaptation, we measure the threshold light intensity required to evoke an escape response. Under a normal light-dark (LD) cycle, thresholds for both the cone and rod systems are considerably lower in late afternoon hours than in early morning hours. Over a period of 24 h, zebrafish are most sensitive to visual stimuli prior to light off and least sensitive prior to light on. Under conditions of constant illumination, this rhythm of visual sensitivity persists for several days but is gradually lost. In constant light (LL), the rhythm persists 1-2 days; thereafter, visual thresholds at all times of the day converge at a level similar to thresholds measured in late afternoon hours in control animals. In constant darkness (DD), the rhythm persists at least 5 days; thereafter, it dampens to a level about a half-log unit less sensitive to that measured in the late afternoon hours in control animals. These data suggest that visual sensitivity in zebrafish is regulated by an endogenous circadian clock which functions to decrease the visual sensitivity.
What Brings Children to the Park? Analysis and Measurement of the Variables Affecting Children's Use of Parks

Problem: Children make little use of many neighborhood parks even though they have facilities for active recreation. Purpose: We examined the factors that bring children to parks, and aimed to understand how park visitation patterns differ between boys and girls, among children of different races and ethnicities, and between inner-city and suburban children. Methods: We surveyed children and their parents in 12 middle schools and analyzed the results. Our team also observed children at 50 inner-city and 50 suburban parks, and we used multiple regression models containing park- and neighborhood-level variables to relate them to the numbers of children using parks. Results and conclusions: The study confirms that many middle-school children make little use of parks. This is primarily explained by their own lack of interest in the existing park activities and their households' lack of time and concerns about safety. Active recreation facilities and organized sport programs, natural features, and good levels ...
On the Use of 3dB Qualification Margin for Structural Parts on Expendable Launch Vehicles

The standard random vibration qualification test used for Expendable Launch Vehicle components is Maximum Predicted Environment (MPE) + 6dB for a duration of 4 times the service life of the part. This can be a severe qualification test for these fatigue-sensitive structures. This paper uses flight data from several launch vehicles to establish that reducing the qualification approach to MPE+3dB for the duration of the peak environment (1x life) is valid for fatigue-sensitive structural components. Items that can be classified as fatigue-sensitive are probes, ducts, tubing, bellows, hoses, and any non-functional structure. Non-functional structure may be flight critical or carry fluid, but it cannot include any moving parts or electronics. This reduced qualification approach does not include primary or secondary structure which would be exclusively designed by peak loads, either transient or quasi-static, that are so large and of so few cycles as to make fatigue a moot point.
The Actin Regulatory Protein HS1 Is Required for Antigen Uptake and Presentation by Dendritic Cells

The hematopoietic actin regulatory protein hematopoietic lineage cell-specific protein 1 (HS1) is required for cell spreading and signaling in lymphocytes, but the scope of HS1 function in Ag presentation has not been addressed. We show that dendritic cells (DCs) from HS1 −/− mice differentiate normally and display normal LPS-induced upregulation of surface markers and cytokines. Consistent with their normal expression of MHC and costimulatory molecules, HS1 −/− DCs present OVA peptide efficiently to CD4 + T cells. However, presentation of OVA protein is defective. Similarly, MHC class I-dependent presentation of VSV8 peptide to CD8 + T cells occurs normally, but cross-presentation of GRP94/VSV8 complexes is defective. Analysis of Ag uptake pathways shows that HS1 is required for receptor-mediated endocytosis, but not for phagocytosis or macropinocytosis. HS1 interacts with dynamin 2, a protein involved in scission of endocytic vesicles. However, HS1 −/− DCs showed decreased numbers of endocytic invaginations, whereas dynamin-inhibited cells showed accumulation of these endocytic intermediates. Taken together, these studies show that HS1 promotes an early step in the endocytic pathway that is required for efficient Ag presentation of exogenous Ag by DCs.
EVALUATION OF A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE PROGRAM AND IN SITU TRAINING BY PARENTS TO TEACH ABDUCTION‐PREVENTION SKILLS TO CHILDREN

Child abduction is a serious problem; therefore, it is essential that researchers evaluate the efficacy of commercially available abduction-prevention programs. A multiple baseline design across participants (ages 6 to 8 years) was used to evaluate the effects of a training program, The Safe Side. Experimenters assessed safety responses in situ in two different situations (knock on the door and interaction by a stranger in public). Results revealed that participants did not demonstrate the safety skills following Safe Side training. All participants subsequently received in situ training (IST) implemented by the parent. Additional assessments and IST were conducted until each participant performed the skills to criterion. All participants demonstrated criterion performance following IST and maintained the skills over time.
Should I offer vagus nerve stimulation as part of my neurology practice

Summary Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a safe and effective adjunctive therapy approved for patients with partial-onset seizures. A pulse generator, which is implanted in the chest wall, delivers programmed electrical pulses through an electrode that is attached to the left vagus nerve. VNS plays an important role in the treatment of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. It is currently offered in academic as well as private practice settings. After a comprehensive workup is performed, VNS should be offered to patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who are not candidates for surgery.