cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
377: Differences in Gene Expression after Mechanical Circulatory Support with Pulsatile and Non-Pulsatile Left Ventricular Assist Devices Utilizing Gene Arrays

comes in heart failure. The myocardial interstitium is a dynamic structure influenced by systemic neurohormonal and inflammatory activation. Recently, we and others identified novel biomarkers that might correlate with severity and prognosis in chronic HF (CHF). Reverse remodelling is found in CHF-patients after mechanical circulatory support (MCS) by ventricular assist devices (VAD). Thus, we analysed putative biomarkers for myocardial remodeling in MCSpatients. Methods and Materials: Plasma samples of 40 VADand 15 total artificial heart (TAH) -patients pre and 30 days post MCS-implantation were analysed and compared to 40 healthy blood donors controls. We used commercially available ELISAs for: tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), tenascin-C (TNC), galectin-3 (GAL3), osteopontin (OPN), chromogranin-A (CGA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and the C-terminal peptide of collagen I alpha-1 (CICP). BNP was measured as a control. Results: TIMP1, TNC, GAL3, OPN, CGA and BNP were significantly increased pre MCS, whereas MMP2 and CICP were not elevated. OPN was significantly increased in patients with need for biventricular support compared to those receiving LVAD-support. However, only BNP plasma levels were reduced by MCS, whereas concentrations of remodeling biomarkers remained elevated after MCS. OPN and CICP even increased during MCS-support. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that reverse remodeling of the myocardial extracellular matrix is either not achievable in CHF patients by MCS or is not reflected by a reduction of remodeling biomarkers in plasma, respectively. However, OPN which was reported to be relevant for pulmonary hypertension might indicated risk for right heart failure.
Computer simulation of the dartmouth process for separation of dilute Ethanol/Water mixtures

High energy costs are associated with the recovery of ethanol from fermentation broths. This paper discusses a computer simulation of the Dartmouth Process, which aims to reduce these costs by the use of IHOSR distillation, extensive heat integration, and extractive distillation using a salt.
New oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation: a review of clinical trials.

Background: Warfarin had been the only oral anticoagulant for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) for decades. Direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors are new anticoagulants recently approved for prevention of stroke or systemic embolism in patients with AF. Objective: The aim of this article was to provide a systematic review of recently published clinical data on the direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors in the management of AF. Methods: A search of the ClinicalTrials.gov registry was conducted using the subject terms dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban. Each search was limited to clinical trials that included patients with AF. Completed studies with warfarin as the main comparator were identified. From the yielded results, the national clinical trial identifier was inputted in PubMed (1966‐ November 2011) for a search of published literature. Results: Three Phase III clinical trials reported the efficacy of each agent in patients who have AF and risk factors for stroke or embolic complications. The Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy (RE-LY) study reported dabigatran 150 mg was associated with a lower rate of stroke and systemic embolism, whereas dabigatran 110 mg was associated withasimilarrateforsucheventswhencomparedwith warfarin (relative risk0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53‐0.82; P 0.001; and relative risk 0.91; 95% CI, 0.74‐1.11; P 0.34, respectively). From the intention-to-treat analysis of the Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared With Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET AF) study, rivaroxaban was reported to be noninferior to warfarin in reducing stroke or systemic embolism (2.1% vs 2.4% per year; hazard ratio 0.88; 95% CI, 0.75‐1.03;P0.001). The Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thrombotic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) trial reported that apixaban reduced stroke or systemic embolic events by 21% when compared with warfarin (1.27% vs 1.60% per year, respectively; hazard ratio 0.79; 95% CI, 0.66‐0.95; P 0.001). All 3 agents were associated with similar bleeding when compared with warfarin. Conclusions: Published data suggest that all 3 agents are at least as efficacious as dose-adjusted warfarin, with similar major bleeding profiles. For patients who are unwilling to adhere to regular coagulation monitoring or whose therapeutic effect using warfarin is not optimal despite adequate monitoring and management, the inhibitors of direct thrombin or factor Xa may provide alternative choices in anticoagulation. (Clin Ther. 2012;34:894‐901) © 2012 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.
Mesh-free sparse representation of multidimensional LiDAR data

Modern LiDAR collection systems generate very large data sets approaching several million to billions of point samples per product. Compression techniques have been developed to help manage the large data sets. However, sparsifying LiDAR survey data by means other than random decimation remains largely unexplored. In contrast, surface model simplification algorithms are well-established, especially with respect to the complementary problem of surface reconstruction. Unfortunately, surface model simplification algorithms are often not directly applicable to LiDAR survey data due to the true 3D nature of the data sets. Further, LiDAR data is often attributed with additional user data that should be considered as potentially salient information. This paper makes the following main contributions in this area: (i) We generalize some features defined on spatial coordinates to arbitrary dimensions and extend these features to provide local multidimensional statistics. (ii) We propose an approach for sparsifying point clouds similar to mesh-free surface simplification that preserves saliency with respect to the multidimensional information content. (iii) We show direct application to LiDAR data and evaluate the benefits in terms of level of sparsity versus entropy.
The Valley of Fear Political Change, Housing Reform, and Anticommunism in Phoenix, 1950 to 1970

In 1949 a good government group in Phoenix began a long period of political dominance. Despite winning every mayoral and council election for two decades, during this era the group suffered a major...
Structure of lipid A and cell activation

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the principal antigen of Gram-negative bacteria. The free lipid A is derived by mild acid hydrolysis of the LPS. The structures of lipid A from three select sources were compared. The toxic lipid A of Enterobacteriaceae LPS contains 6 fatty acids (C14 or C12) whereas the nontoxic penta-acyl diphosphoryl lipid A derived from the LPS of Rhodobacter sphaeroides (RsDPLA) contains short-chain fatty acids (C10). The nontoxic penta-acyl lipid A from Chlamydia trachomatis contains long-chain fatty acids (C20). This analysis shows that the toxic property of lipid A is determined by the fatty acid composition. Clearly, there is a fine structural requirement for toxicity (and biological activities) of lipid A (including LPS). As an effective antagonist in both human and murine cell lines, RsDPLA is a useful reagent for studying toxic LPS-induced signaling. RsDPLA appears to bind to the putative physiological receptor and does not allow the toxic LPS to bind and initiate signaling. This ap...
Beta-Blockers as Therapy for Infantile Hemangiomas

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are common benign vascular tumors seen in children. Although the majority will improve spontaneously without treatment, a small subset will require therapy due to a variety of complications. Less than a decade ago, propranolol replaced corticosteroids as first-line treatment for most IH and it has proven to be a relatively safe, effective therapy. After initiation of propranolol, most hemangiomas show evidence of significant improvement relatively rapidly, often within days. Although propranolol is generally felt to have a more limited side-effect profile than systemic corticosteroids, its use has been infrequently associated with adverse events, including sleep disturbances, acrocyanosis, hypotension, bradycardia, respiratory events, and hypoglycemia. Rarely, hypoglycemic seizures have been reported, usually occurring in the setting of prolonged fasting.
Functional characterization of the twin-arginine translocation system in Campylobacter jejuni.

Abstract Human campylobacterosis is one of the most commonly occurring types of bacterial food poisoning in the United States and other developed countries. Most human cases are due to Campylobacter jejuni that is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of chickens. The twin-arginine translocase (TAT) secretion system uses N-terminal peptide tags with a distinct twin-arginine–containing motif to identify partially or fully folded proteins and directs them across the cytoplasmic membrane. In other bacteria, the TAT system contributes to diverse phenotypes, including virulence, but the role of this secretion system in Campylobacter pathophysiology is still not well defined. Genome sequence of C. jejuni revealed TAT pathway genes as well as several proteins that contain TAT pathway targeting motifs. The predicted Tat substrates are highly conserved among all sequenced C. jejuni strains. Phenotypic analyses revealed that the tatC knockout has defects in biofilm formation, motility, and flagellation, as w...
Hyperbaric Oxygen: A Therapy in Search of Diseases§

The application of HBO to the therapy of various human diseases developed over a 300 year period. Like most of medicine, the basis of these applications was and continues to be pragmatic in nature, and involves uncritical and untested judgments. The possibility of risks has been understated and possible benefits have been overstated. Individual physicians offering HBO and organized groups, such as the Undersea Medical Society, advocating its use may well be highly motivated, well meaning, and sincerely convinced that HBO is an important therapeutic approach. It may be that, buried among the host of indications, will be some disorders for which HBO is uniquely and highly effective. If so, the present nonsystem for evaluating responses to HBO will require modification, so that these potentially valuable additions to therapeutics are not lost. Because of its almost global application to a wide variety of diseases, HBO therapy lends itself easily to medical adventurism (therapy in search of a disease) and economic exploitation. If there is some patient benefit to come from the experience of the last 300 years, changes in approach, initiated by baromedical devotees or by medicine generally, or resulting from pressures outside of medicine, will be required.
EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF FRICTION COEFFICIENT AND LIQUID NITROGEN LUBRICATION EFFECT IN CRYOGENIC MACHINING

Cryogenic machining is considered an environmentally safe alternative to conventional machining where cutting fluid is used. However, the improved machinability in cryogenic machining has been attributed to the cooling effect of liquid nitrogen (LN2) in past research. Our recent studies indicate that LN2 may possess a lubrication effect in machining, as evidenced by a reduction of tool wear, the apparent coefficients of friction calculated by a mathematical model, and the secondary deformation in chip metallurgy. However, there is a need for a direct proof of LN2's lubrication effect before it can be claimed to be a lubricant in cryogenic machining. This paper presents the methodology and data from an experiment that measures the normal force and friction force directly in an altered machining setup. This procedure simulates the pure frictional behavior of the tool-chip interface in cryogenic cutting. The results show that LN2 cooled condition has a significantly lower coefficient of friction than dry con...
Tort Reform and Manufacturer Payout - An Early Look at the California Experience*

Manufacturers actively lobbied in the 1980s for legislative intervention in the tort system that would ease the burden on defendants in products liability cases. In response, all states enacted some type of general tort reform. California eliminated joint and several liability for noneconomic damages with the approval by voters in 1986 of Proposition 51. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of the California reform on manufacturer outcomes in products liability cases. The results suggest that manufacturers are paying a lower proportion of plaintiff awards than they would have in the absence of Proposition 51.
Airflow structures and nano-particle deposition in a human upper airway model

Considering a human upper airway model, or equivalently complex internal flow conduits, the transport and deposition of nano-particles in the 1-150 nm diameter range are simulated and analyzed for cyclic and steady flow conditions. Specifically, using a commercial finite-volume software with user-supplied programs as a solver, the Euler-Euler approach for the fluid-particle dynamics is employed with a low-Reynolds-number k-ω model for laminar-to-turbulent airflow and the mass transfer equation for dispersion of nano-particles or vapors. Presently, the upper respiratory system consists of two connected segments of a simplified human cast replica, i.e., the oral airways from the mouth to the trachea (Generation GO) and an upper tracheobronchial tree model of G0-G3. Experimentally validated computational fluid-particle dynamics results show the following; (i) transient effects in the oral airways appear most prominently during the decelerating phase of the inspiratory cycle; (ii) selecting matching flow rates, total deposition fractions of nano-size particles for cyclic inspiratory flow are not significantly different from those for steady flow; (iii) turbulent fluctuations which occur after the throat can persist downstream to at least Generation G3 at medium and high inspiratory flow rates (i.e., Q in ≥ 30 1/min) due to the enhancement of flow instabilities just upstream of the flow dividers; however, the effects of turbulent fluctuations on nano-particle deposition are quite minor in the human upper airways; (iv) deposition of nano-particles occurs to a relatively greater extent around the carinal ridges when compared to the straight tubular segments in the bronchial airways; (v) deposition distributions of nano-particles vary with airway segment, particle size, and inhalation flow rate, where the local deposition is more uniformly distributed for large-size particles (say, d p = 100 nm) than for small-size particles (say, d p = 1 nm); (vi) dilute 1 nm particle suspensions behave like certain (fuel) vapors which have the sarne diffusivities; and (vii) new correlations for particle deposition as a function of a diffusion parameter are most useful for global lung modeling.
Application of Multivariable Non-Linear Decoupling Control Based on Neural Network

Aimed at Neural Network can approach any nonlinear system with arbitrary accuracy, the frame of distributed NN decoupling system are proposed to decouple the MIMO nonlinear system. In this paper, we designed and finished the Distributed Control System based on ABB’s Freelance 800F, and collected experimental data to model the thermostatic heater, then we have carried out the mathematical model by means of MATLAB dynamic simulation. In sequence, we trained the neural network controller in MATLAB. When the decoupling is completed, we used controller to control the MIMO nonlinear system in DCS. Experiment result shows that it is conscientiously feasible and deserves to be widely applied in the process of controlling industry.
Protecting bus-based hardware IP by secret sharing

Our work addresses protection of hardware IP at the mask level with the goal of preventing unauthorized manufacturing. The proposed protocol based on chip locking and activation is applicable to a broad category of electronic systems with a primary bus. Such designs include (1) numerous IP offerings for USB, PCI, PCI-E, AMBA and other bus standards typically used in system-on-a-chip designs and computer peripherals, (2) SRAM-based FPGAs that are programmed through an input bus, (3) general-purpose and embedded microprocessors, including soft cores, (4) DSPs, (5) network processors, and (6) game consoles. Our key insight is that such designs can be locked by scrambling the central bus by controlled reversible bit-permutations and substitutions. To securely establish a unique code per chip to control bus scrambling, we employ true random number generators and Diffie-Hellman cryptography during activation.
A theory of 1/f noise

Letu(θ) be an absolutely integrable function and define the random process where thet i are Poisson arrivals and thes i, are identically distributed nonnegative random variables. Under routine independence assumptions, one may then calculate a formula for the spectrum ofn(t), S n(ω), in terms of the probability density ofs, ps(α). If any probability density ps(α) having the property ps(α) ∼ I for small α is substituted into this formula, the calculated Sn(ω) is such that Sn(ω)∼ 1 ω for small ω. However, this is not a spectrum of a well-defined random process; here, it is termed alimit spectrum. If a probability density having the property ps(α) ∼α δ for small α, where δ > 0, is substituted into the formula instead, a spectrum is calculated which is indeed the spectrum of a well-defined random process. Also, if the latter ps is suitably close to the former ps, then the spectrum in the second case approximates, to an arbitrary, degree of accuracy, the limit spectrum. It is shown how one may thereby have 1/f noise with low-frequency turnover, and also strict 1/f 1−δ noise (the latter spectrum being integrable for δ > 0). Suitable examples are given. Actually, u(θ) may be itself a random process, and the theory is developed on this basis.
Genetic polymorphisms in head and neck cancer risk.

Objective To assess whether genetic polymorphisms implicated as risk factors for other tobacco-associated malignancies are associated with altered risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Design Case-control study. Subjects One hundred sixty patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma recruited from a university-based head and neck oncology clinic and 149 population-based controls. Methods Genotyping of the CYP1A1 (Ile462Val), GSTM1 (null), GSTP1 (Ile105Val), GSTT1 (null), and P53 (Arg72Pro) genes was performed by polymerase chain reaction–based techniques on DNA prepared from peripheral blood. In addition, a questionnaire was used to collect demographic information from each subject. Results Cases were significantly older (p < .0001) and had significantly greater tobacco use (p < .0001) and were more likely to be male (p < .0001) than were control subjects, thus confirming known risk factors for this disease. When cases and controls were compared by simple chi-square analysis, only the frequency of CYP1A1 (Ile462Val) polymorphism was significantly different between cases and controls (OR = .42; 95% CI = .18–.99; p < .04). However, with a logistic regression model to control for known risk factors, we were unable to demonstrate a significant association with head and neck cancer for any of the polymorphisms tested, including CYP1A1. Conclusions This population fails to identify a relationship between the above-mentioned polymorphisms and head and neck cancer. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 22: 609–617, 2000.
The client-as-hypnotist: furthering hypnotherapeutic change.

Abstract A novel hypnotherapeutic procedure is described wherein the client reverses roles and serves as hypnotist for the therapist. Relevant theoretical processes are discussed as are mutual hypnosis, modeling, and the uncommon techniques of Erickson (1964). 3 case illustrations are presented and implications discussed. It is hypothesized that the “client-as-hypnotist” may in certain special situations further hypnotherapy by: (a) increasing client motivation; (b) enhancing therapeutic rapport; (c) increasing both client trust and skills in utilizing unconscious processes; (d) overcoming resistance and increasing hypnotizability; (e) providing a useful psychodiagnostic and behavior assessment index; (f) presenting a role “model” for dealing with feelings, alterations in consciousness, and self-control; (g) providing a client-centered framework for subsequent therapeutic interventions; (h) increasing client self-esteem, mastery, and ego strength; and (i) increasing client self-control skills. Potential r...
Antihypertensive medication class and pulse pressure in the elderly: analysis based on the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey☆

Abstract Background Widened pulse pressure is an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes in older persons. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between antihypertensive medication class and the magnitude of pulse pressure among persons receiving treatment for hypertension in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data on 1429 subjects aged 60 years or older who reported receiving one or two hypertensive drugs from the following medication classes: beta-blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The sample represented about 9 million people in the noninstitutionalized U.S. population. Results For the sample as a whole, no significant pulse pressure difference was found for any medication class when compared with the referent beta-blocker group after adjustment for covariates, including mean arterial pressure. In a subgroup analysis stratified by median age, mean pulse pressure was lower in subjects older than 72 years who used diuretics alone (difference = –7 mm Hg, P P Conclusion Older hypertensive subjects who used diuretics alone or in combination with beta-blockers had lower mean pulse pressure as compared with those using beta-blockers alone. These findings lend support to recommendations for use of diuretics in older hypertensive patients.
Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging ablation of hepatic tumors

Abstract Background The use of hepatic ablation of tumors for both primary and secondary cancers has continued to increase at a significant rate. The most significant increase in the use of hepatic ablation has come from image-guided techniques with computed axial tomography and ultrasound. Limitations to targeting hepatic lesions by these techniques remain morbid obesity, abnormal hepatic parenchyma, and inability to visualize lesions without the use of intravenous contrast. In contrast, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has continued to provide a high contrast of soft tissue-to-lesion conspicuity without the need for intravenous dye. The recent development of open-configuration magnetic resonance scanners—which have allowed improved patient access, near real-time imaging, and more available MRI-compatible equipment—has opened up an entire new area of image-guided surgical and interventional procedures. Methods The principles and indications for all types of image-guided hepatic ablations are described. Results The success and limitations of image-guided ablation techniques. Conclusions Image-guided hepatic ablation represents a useful technique in managing hepatic tumors. Intraoperative MRI represents a new technique with initial success that has been limited to European centers. Further evaluation in United States centers has demonstrated intraoperative MRI to be useful for certain hepatic tumors that cannot be adequately visualized by ultrasound or computed axial tomography. A multidisciplinary approach involving a surgical oncologist and interventional radiologist remains integral to the short- and long-term success of image-guided ablation.
Safety and Efficacy of a Circumferential Clip-Based Vascular Closure Device in Cirrhotic and Coagulopathic Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Doxorubicin Drug-eluting Beads Transarterial Chemoembolization

This study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the circumferential clip-based (StarClose) vascular closure device (VCD) in coagulopathic and cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after doxorubicin drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB TACE). Consecutive cirrhotic patients with HCC, who underwent DEB TACE from November 2009 to February 2012, were included in the study. Based on platelet count (PC) and international normalized ratio (INR), these patients were further divided into group A (PC ≥ 150 k/dl), B (PC = 50–149 k/dl), C (PC 1.5). StarClose VCD was attempted in each case. Technical success was defined as complete hemostasis achieved within 3 min after the closure. Periprocedural complications were studied. A total of 350 DEB TACEs were performed in 195 patients (mean age 61.6 years, SD 9.1). StarClose VCD was attempted in all cases. StarClose device was not deployed in 2.2 % (8/350) of cases due to improper femoral punctures and severe atherosclerotic disease. Technical success rate was 97.1 % (332/342). All groups (A–F) were similar in age, sex, body mass index, and technical success rate (P > 0.05). Minor complications occurred after 1.8 % (6/342) of cases. VCD was repeatedly used in 92 patients with 96.2 % (230/239) of technical success rate. There was no major complication related to VCD. There was no access site infection, leg ischemia, and pseudoaneurysm or symptomatic groin hematoma. Circumferential clip based (StarClose) arterial closure device achieved effective and rapid hemostasis after DEB TACE with minimal complications in cirrhotic patients with HCC and coagulopathy. StarClose deployment and reaccess in patients with PC 1.2 are safe and effective.
A regional approach to estimating recreation benefits of improved water quality

Abstract Recreation demand and value are estimated with the travel-cost method for fishing, camping, boating, and swimming on a site-specific regional basis. The model regional in that 179 sites are defined for the Pacific Northwest. A gravity model is employed to estimate the number of trips from each origin to its destination in the region, and these data are the basic input in the travel-cost demand curves. The model is illustrated by estimating the recreation benefits that would result from meeting the national environmental goal of “fishable and swimmable” rivers. The main finding is that potential recreation benefits are concentrated in a few select areas, which are accessible to large population centers.
Assessment of dynamic analyses for deploying space truss structures

A selected list of references on the analysis of the deployment concepts for large space truss structures are reviewed. The stability of the deployment process is discussed, and stable methods of deployment mentioned. Analytical and experimental needs to assess feasibility and performance of proposed deployment concepts are outlined.
Comment on "Human time-frequency acuity beats the Fourier uncertainty principle".

A Comment on the Letter by J. N. Oppenheim and M. O. Magnasco Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 044301 (2013).
Is Predatory Mortgage Lending Activity Spatially Clustered

U.S. housing policy strengthens the local specificity of capital through support for homeownership and the mortgage lending industry. As access to capital and homeownership rates have grown, predatory lending has emerged as a significant danger to homeowners and their surrounding communities. The geographic distribution is not well understood, likely due to the unavailability of mortgage data to identify instances of predatory lending. This article examines the spatial distribution of predatory lending in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, using public mortgage and property data. Predatory lending is spatially clustered within the city, suggesting a spatial component of abusive lending patterns not previously addressed. U.S. housing policy and intervention strategies designed to prevent and reduce the incidence of predatory lending should address the spatial aspects of predatory lending to target efforts and prevent weakening local connections between capital and communities.
Activation of the M2 ion channel of influenza virus: a role for the transmembrane domain histidine residue

To test the hypothesis that transmembrane domain histidine residue 37 of the M2 ion channel of influenza A virus mediates the low pH-induced activation of the channel, the residue was changed to glycine, glutamate, arginine, or lysine. The wild-type and altered M2 proteins were expressed in oocytes of Xenopus laevis and membrane currents were recorded. The mass of protein expressed in individual oocytes was measured using quantitative immunoblotting and correlated with membrane currents. Oocytes expressing the M2-H37G protein had a voltage-independent conductance with current-voltage relationship similar to that of the wild-type M2 channel. The conductance of the M2-H37G protein was reversibly inhibited by the M2 ion channel blocker amantadine and was only very slightly modulated by changes in pHout over the range pH 5.4 to pH 8.2. Oocytes expressing the M2-H37E protein also had a voltage-independent conductance with a current-voltage relationship similar to that of the wild-type M2 channel. The conductance of the M2-H37E protein was reversibly inhibited by amantadine and was also only very slightly modulated by changes in pHout over the range pH 5.4 to pH 8.2. These slight alterations in conductance of the mutant ion channels on changes in pHout are in striking contrast to the 50-fold change in conductance seen for the wild-type M2 channel over the range pH 4.5 to pH 8.2. The specific activity of the M2-H37G protein was 1.36 +/- 0.37 microA/ng and the specific activity of the M2-H37E protein was 30 +/- 3 microA/ng at pH 6.2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
High conservation of upstream regulatory sequences on the human and mouse vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) genes

The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) gene is subject to complex transcriptional regulation resulting in expression of the encoded peptides in distinct subpopulations of neurons in most structures of the nervous system, and tissue-specific changes in expression in response to a variety of hormone and environmental factors. This diverse regulation allows the encoded peptides to carry out putative neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, trophic, neuroendocrine, and immune functions. Despite the potential significance of the processes governing its expression, only the human gene has been studied in any depth, and only a single regulatory element has been identified, a cAMP-responsive sequence less than 100 bp upstream from the transcriptional start site. Because tissue-specific patterns of VIP expression are remarkably well conserved between rodents and humans, we isolated the mouse VIP gene and compared 5′ flanking sequences with that of the human gene to identify homologous regions which might be...
Adaptive changes of juxtamedullary glomerular filtration in the remnant kidney.

The participation of surviving juxtamedullary nephrons in the adaptive changes of glomerular filtration that occur in response to loss of functioning nephron mass was examined by direct micropuncture of the rat renal papilla. The solitary remnant kidney (RK) in rats with an 85% reduction of renal mass demonstrated strikingly elevated values for single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) in both superficial (46.1±3.2 nl/min) and juxtamedullary (73.5±6.1 nl/min) nephrons in comparison to respective values observed in normal hydrophenic rats (superficial SNGFR=15.0±1.9nl/min,P<0.001, and juxtamedullary SNGFR=30.2±3.2 nl/min,P<0.001). In RK rats, the proximal portions of both superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons exhibited a marked increase in absolute fluid reabsorption as well as a markedly enhanced delivery of fluid to more distal portions of the nephron. These observations indicate that similar, not preferential, functional adaptations in glomerular filtration occur concommitantly in both superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons consequent to reduction of renal mass.
A Quantitative Assay for Subclassing IgG Alloantibodies Implicated in Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

Traditionally, IgG subclassing has been performed using qualitative assays. Quantitation of IgG subclasses may have prognostic value in evaluating alloimmunized pregnancies. A quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was implemented for measuring IgG subclasses of red blood cell (RBC) antibodies (AB) isolated by adsorption/elution from the sera of alloimmunized pregnant women. The assay is a sandwich enzyme immunoassay using monoclonal antibodies specific for the relevant IgG subclasses and anti-human IgG peroxidase conjugate to quantitate the amount of bound IgG. The sensitivities of the assay for IgG1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, were 4, 23, 4 and 2 micrograms/l. The results for each subclass for a given AB were expressed as a percentage of the total. In a series of pregnant mothers with ABs: E (4), Fya (2), Jka (1) and S (1), the mean percentage +/- 1SD of each subclass was: IgG1 61 +/- 34; IgG2 14 +/- 22; IgG3 18 +/- 28 and IgG4 4 +/- 17. IgG1 or IgG3 accounted for greater than 50% of the AB subclass distribution in 5 cases that resulted in hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Although only a small number of samples was studied, changes in the concentrations of IgG1 or IgG3 during gestation suggest a correlation with the presence or absence of HDN. The ELISA may be used to quantitate the IgG subclasses of RBC ABs and may be valuable in predicting the severity of HDN in alloimmunized pregnancies.
Measurement of body fluid volume change using multisite impedance measurements

Previous electrical impedance studies that predict body fluid volume and body fat used a single measurement site between the wrist and ankle Calculations based on an electrical model of the thorax suggest that with a single wrist-to-ankle measurement only the electrical characteristics of the legs and arms will contribute significantly to a prediction of the total body fluid volume. In this study, the impedance of the arms, legs and trunk were measured separately at 100 kHz and the values were correlated with weight change that occurred on 11 patients undergoing haemodialysis. Using multiple linear regression analysis combining data from the arms, legs and trunk gave a correlation coefficient of 0·87, whereas the correlation coefficient for measurements between the wrist and the ankle was 0·64. These results suggest that multisite impedance measurements will allow more reliable body fluid and body fat determinations to be made.
Effects of Three Years of Regrowth Inhibition on the Resilience of a Clear-cut Northern Hardwood Forest

Clearcutting is a common silvicultural practice in the deciduous forests of northern New England. Subsequent regrowth is usually rapid, largely due to regenerative capacities of successional plants, particularly pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica L.). The forest cover of an experimental watershed (W2) in Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH was clearcut and then treated with herbicides for 3 years to prevent regrowth. This experimental treatment delayed plant growth and caused extensive nutrient losses from the watershed-ecosystem, thereby diminishing factors normally promoting revegetation. This article addresses the question of whether, or to what degree, resilience, defined here as the trajectory of recovery back to a prior state following a perturbation, was reduced by this treatment. Performance metrics for resilience were aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and biomass accumulation. Data collected over seven intervals for the first 31 years of regrowth show that a primary component of resilience—pin cherry density—was reduced, and that ANPP and biomass accumulation were initially below normal compared with other clear-cut sites. After approximately a decade of regrowth, however, trajectories for both ANPP and biomass fell within the lower margins of variability measured in other regional examples.
The High-Resolution Wave-Propagation Method Applied to Meso- and Micro-Scale Flows

The high-resolution wave-propagation method for computing the nonhydrostatic atmospheric flows on meso- and micro-scales is described. The design and implementation of the Riemann solver used for computing the Godunov fluxes is discussed in detail. The method uses a flux-based wave decomposition in which the flux differences are written directly as the linear combination of the right eigenvectors of the hyperbolic system. The two advantages of the technique are: 1) the need for an explicit definition of the Roe matrix is eliminated and, 2) the inclusion of source term due to gravity does not result in discretization errors. The resulting flow solver is conservative and able to resolve regions of large gradients without introducing dispersion errors. The methodology is validated against exact analytical solutions and benchmark cases for non-hydrostatic atmospheric flows.
Fine Analysis of Genetic Diversity of the tpr Gene Family among Treponemal Species, Subspecies and Strains

Background The pathogenic non-cultivable treponemes include three subspecies of Treponema pallidum (pallidum, pertenue, endemicum), T. carateum, T. paraluiscuniculi, and the unclassified Fribourg-Blanc treponeme (Simian isolate). These treponemes are morphologically indistinguishable and antigenically and genetically highly similar, yet cross-immunity is variable or non-existent. Although all of these organisms cause chronic, multistage skin and systemic disease, they have historically been classified by mode of transmission, clinical presentations and host ranges. Whole genome studies underscore the high degree of sequence identity among species, subspecies and strains, pinpointing a limited number of genomic regions for variation. Many of these “hot spots” include members of the tpr gene family, composed of 12 paralogs encoding candidate virulence factors. We hypothesize that the distinct clinical presentations, host specificity, and variable cross-immunity might reside on virulence factors such as the tpr genes.
Growth and nodulation characteristics of subclover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and Rhizobium leguminosarum BV. Trifolii at different soil water potentials

Abstract Optimal pasture productivity in western Oregon and California requires annual self-seeding legumes such as subclover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) to reestablish upon the onset of Fall rains. During the drought years of the 1980s, Fall rains were delayed and of low intensity resulting in seedling germination and primary development occurring at low soil water potential values. The objectives of this work were: (1) to characterize subclover nodulation and seedling development in a silty-clay loam of the Abiqua series (Cumulic Ultic Haploxeroll) maintained at water potential values of −0.03 MPa and below, and (2) to determine if inter-strain variation in growth at low water potential might influence which members of the resident soil population of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolu nodulated subclover. The majority (78%) of “Nangeela” subclover seeds germinated and underwent early seedling development at a soil water potential between −1.1 and −1.3 m Pa. Although root growth was significant at all incremental increases in soil water potential ⩾ 1.3 m Pa, nodulation was not detected until soil water potential reached −0.8 m Pa, and significant numbers of nodules did not develop until soil water potential was −0.6 m Pa. Shoot growth lagged behind root growth until a soil water potential of −0.4 m Pa was established. Serotype AS6 was the dominant nodule occupant regardless of water potential. Isolates of major and minor nodule-occupying serotypes could not undergo cell division at water potential values ⩽ 0.8 m Pa. Despite this modest lower water potential limit of growth, isolates recovered their reproductive capacity rapidly when soil water potential was raised instantaneously from potentials as low as −18 to −0.03 m Pa
The Growth Machine versus the Antigrowth Coalition The Battle for our Communities

In 1987, in their book Urban Fortune: The Political Economy of Place, Logan and Molotch argued that growth is not usually in the community interest. They proposed a strategy to alter the ability of...
A planar ion trapping microdevice with integrated waveguides for optical detection

A planar ion trap with an integrated waveguide was fabricated and characterized. The microdevice, consisting of a 1 mm-diameter one-hole ring trap and multi-mode optical waveguides, was made on a glass wafer using microfabrication techniques. The experimental results demonstrate that the microdevice can trap 1.5 μm- to 150 μm-diameter charged particles in air under an alternating electric field with the amplitude and frequency varying from 100 V to 750 V, and 100 Hz to 700 Hz, respectively. The on-chip waveguide is capable of detecting the presence of a particle in the trap, and the particle secular motion frequency was found to depend on the input alternating signal amplitude and frequency.
The Einstein viscosity correction in n dimensions

Abstract The effective viscosity of a dilute suspension of rigid n- dimensional hyperspheres in a viscous fluid at small particle Reynolds numbers is determined; the result being μ eff =μ 1+ n+2 2 φ . Expressions are also given for the n- dimensional Stokes velocity and pressure fields for a hypersphere in a pure straining flow.
Numerical modeling of tracer transport within and out of the lower tropospheric Arctic region

The dispersion of passive tracer within and out of the Arctic region is studied using a three-dimensional general circulation model with a Lagrangian particle module. Emphasis is placed on the lower troposphere by releasing numerical tracer particles in a layer near the surface within the Arctic circle to mimic the potential release of aerosol particles from the Arctic Ocean and the observed variability of Arctic haze. This study is also intended to investigate the characteristics of the quasi-horizontal mixing in transporting the air from high latitudes to mid- and low latitudes; a process which has extensively been studied mostly for the stratospheric regime. The model calculation shows that the Lagrangian passive tracer contours can correlate well with the isentropic potential vorticity field. This indicates that the identified large-scale mixing processes due to Rossby wave breaking and chaotic advection in the stratosphere may also occur in the lower troposphere.
Magnetic properties of the lightly doped t-J model: A study through high-temperature expansions.

We develop high-temperature expansions for the complete q-dependent static structure factor of the two-dimensional t-J model for arbitrary parameter ratio t/J and particle density p. The analysis of the series reveals several different types of magnetic behavior. The spin-spin correlations are peaked at the antiferromagnetic vector (π,π) at half filling (p=1). For small t/J, these correlations stay commensurate even with moderate doping down to as low a temperature as is accessible to our extrapolations; they become incommensurate at large dopings at temperatures below J
UV polymerization of hydrodynamically shaped fibers

Most natural and man-made fibers have circular cross-sections; thus the properties of materials composed of non-circular fibers are largely unexplored. We demonstrate the technology for fabricating fibers with predetermined cross-sectional shape. Passive hydrodynamic focusing and UV polymerization of a shaped acrylate stream produced metre-long fibers for structural and mechanical characterization.
Preservation of Ejaculation in Patients Undergoing Nerve-Sparing Postchemotherapy Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Metastatic Testicular Cancer

Objectives To evaluate the clinical parameters associated with the recovery of ejaculation after nerve-sparing postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) for nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. Methods We queried our institutional database for all patients who had undergone nerve-sparing PC-RPLND from 1995 to 2005 using a bilateral template. Nerve sparing was performed whenever technically feasible and oncologically prudent. Antegrade ejaculation was defined as any seminal fluid expulsion and was determined by patient report. We evaluated the recovery of antegrade ejaculation using clinical and pathologic parameters and fit a logistic regression model to determine which preoperative variables were associated with antegrade ejaculation. Results A total of 341 patients had undergone PC-RPLND during the study period, 136 (40%) with nerve-sparing techniques. Postoperative antegrade ejaculation was reported by 107 of 136 patients (79%) with information available. On multivariate analysis, a right-sided primary testicular tumor (odds ratio 0.4, 95% confidence interval 0.1-1.0, P = .044) and residual masses ≥5 cm (odds ratio 0.1, 95% confidence interval 0.0-0.7, P = .020) were associated with retrograde ejaculation. However, 40 of 54 patients (74%) with right-sided primary tumors and 4 of 9 patients (44%) with a mass ≥5 cm reported antegrade ejaculation. The 5-year relapse-free survival rate was 98%, with a median follow-up of 39 months (interquartile range 19-66). Conclusions Nerve-sparing PC-RPLND is associated with excellent functional return of antegrade ejaculation, is feasible in select patients with bulky disease, and results in excellent oncologic outcomes.
Natasha Trethewey's WHITE LIES

In colloquial use, the title phrase white lies refers to relatively harmless fibs that save embarrassment. Natasha Trethewey's “White Lies” opens with that subject but, as the narration develops, c...
The 1914 Case

This paper will employ techniques of content analysis to examine some features of top-level communications between national policy makers during a momentous period of stress. It is concerned with the effects of stress upon: (1) the manner in which decision-makers perceive time as a factor in their formulation of policy; (2) the contrasting ways in which they view policy alternatives for their own nations, for their allies, and for their adversaries; and (3) the flow of communications among them. Specifically, the following hypotheses will be tested with data from the 1914 crisis leading up to the Great War in Europe: Hypothesis 1. As stress increases in a crisis situation: (a) time will be perceived as an increasingly salient factor in decision-making. (b) decision-makers will become increasingly concerned with the immediate rather than the distant future.
Development of a Low-Cost, Multi-Disciplinary Rotorcraft Simulation Facility

A low-cost rotorcraft simulation facility was developed for use in university-based multidisciplinaryresearchprograms.Theobjectivewastodevelopaflexibleandeffectiveresearch facility with a low initial cost and minimal recurring costs. The simulation facility was constructedentirelyfromcommerciallyavailablecommodityhardwarecomponents.Several computers are linked together via a local area network to form a “graphical cluster,” which allows for interaction between multiple computing nodes and multiple displays. The facility uses the open source FlightGear flight simulation code and the U.S.Army/NASA GENHEL flight dynamics model. In addition, a graphical user interface and a suite of data processing and analysis tools were developed using MATLAB. The system is being used for advanced research programs in the areas of flight control design, advanced rotorcraft flight dynamics modeling, and near real-time acoustics simulation.The use of open source software provides needed flexibility and cost-effectiveness, although incomplete or nonexistent documentation presented challenges. Overall, the simulation facility fulfills the needs of the university research environment in the areas of control design and rotorcraft acoustics. Some weaknesses related to control feel were noted, but were found to be acceptable relative to the low-cost nature of the facility.