cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Large-scale cosmic microwave background anisotropies in isocurvature baryon open universe models

The large-angular-scale cosmic microwave background anisotropy is calculated in a low-density baryon-dominated universe with isocurvature primordial inhomogeneities. In models in which the initial power spectra of perturbations are steeper than white noise, predictions for the quadrupole moment of the anisotropy are found to be in conflict with existing observational limits, if the universe remained fully ionized and Compton drag inhibited growth of inhomogeneities until z = about 100. In order to lower the amplitude of the anisotropy, it is necessary to substantially prolong the duration of the growth phase of density perturbations, while smearing out fine-scale anisotropies, thereby requiring reionization to occur at a redshift smaller than 100, but larger than the redshift of the last scattering surface (in a reionized model).
Cerebrovascular geometry in the anterior circulation: an analysis of diameter, length and the vessel taper

Background A study was undertaken to determine the typical length, diameter and taper of vessels in the anterior cerebral circulation. Methods The sample size was calculated at 100 patients based on similar measurements in the literature and divided into cohorts based on gender and side. These patients were consecutively collected from a population that had undergone CT angiography and did not have any vascular abnormality. The arterial diameter was measured at the proximal cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA), the ICA terminus, the middle cerebral artery (MCA) origin and an M2 origin. The length between these endpoints was calculated along the center line. The vessel taper was calculated for the ICA as the change in caliber per unit length. Results The mean length of the ICA from the proximal cavernous segment to the ICA terminus was 33.1±6.1 mm. The mean diameter at the cavernous ICA and the ICA terminus was 5±0.6 mm and 3.6±0.4 mm, respectively. The mean ICA taper was 0.04±0.02 mm/1 mm. For the MCA, the diameter at the MCA and M2 origins measured 3.1±0.4 mm and 2.4±0.4 mm, respectively. The mean MCA length was 22.5±8.1 mm. There was no significant difference based on gender or between right and left sides. Patients aged >60 years had longer ICAs (p=0.02), larger cavernous ICA (p=0.003), ICA terminus (p Conclusion ICA and MCA vessel size did not change based on gender or side. Older patients had more redundant vessels based on diameter and length. The ICA has a gentle taper from its proximal cavernous segment to the ICA terminus. This information can be important in planning interventions or designing endovascular devices.
Use of Transition Modeling to Enable the Computation of Losses for Variable-Speed Power Turbine

To investigate the penalties associated with using a variable speed power turbine (VSPT) in a rotorcraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing, various analysis tools are required. Such analysis tools must be able to model the flow accurately within the operating envelope of VSPT. For power turbines low Reynolds numbers and a wide range of the incidence angles, positive and negative, due to the variation in the shaft speed at relatively fixed corrected flows, characterize this envelope. The flow in the turbine passage is expected to be transitional and separated at high incidence. The turbulence model of Walters and Leylek was implemented in the NASA Glenn-HT code to enable a more accurate analysis of such flows. Two-dimensional heat transfer predictions of flat plate flow and two-dimensional and three-dimensional heat transfer predictions on a turbine blade were performed and reported herein. Heat transfer computations were performed because it is a good marker for transition. The final goal is to be able to compute the aerodynamic losses. Armed with the new transition model, total pressure losses for three-dimensional flow of an Energy Efficient Engine (E3) tip section cascade for a range of incidence angles were computed in anticipation of the experimental data. The results obtained form a loss bucket for the chosen blade.
Pathogenicity of anti-DNA/glomerular autoantibodies – weighing the evidence

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the appearance of autoantibodies against a variety of nucleosomal and kidney antigens. Targeting of glomeruli, the basic units of filtration in the kidneys, by these autoantibodies is one of the crucial events initiating nephritis, leading to the chronic renal insufficiency seen in lupus. Here we review published reports that directly tested the in vivo pathogenicity of antinuclear/glomerular autoantibodies, which indicate that intermediating nucleosomal bridges might be what empower antibodies to target glomeruli. Further studies that systematically evaluate the contribution of clearly non-DNA binding nephritogenic antibodies, and elucidate the additional factors essential for renal pathology to ensue once the golmeruli are targeted, remain to be done.
Supervision rating scale: A measure of functional outcome from brain injury

Abstract Objective: To introduce a new outcome rating scale, the Supervision Rating Scale (SRS), which measures the level of supervision that a patient receives from caregivers. The SRS rates level of supervision on a 13-point ordinal scale that can optionally be grouped into five ranked categories (Independent, Overnight Supervision, Part-Time Supervision, Full-Time Indirect Supervision, and Full-Time Direct Supervision). Design: Descriptive correlational study of the scale's interrater reliability and criterion-related validity. Setting: Brain injury program of a freestanding rehabilitation hospital. Patients: Referred case series of 114 patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (mean time postinjury=3.8 years) who resided in the community or a nonhospital facility. Intervention: None. Main Outcome Measures: Functional outcome as measured by the Disability Rating Scale (DRS), Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), type of living arrangement, and independence in self-care and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL). Results: SRS ratings showed consistent relationships with type of living arrangement and with independence in self-care and instrumental ADL. SRS ratings were also strongly associated with ratings on the DRS and GOS. Interrater reliability of the SRS was evaluated in a subsample of 19 patients and found to be satisfactory (intraclass correlation=.86, weighted kappa=.64). Conclusions: The results suggest that the SRS should have sufficient reliability and validity to serve as a measure of functional outcome from brain injury. Because SRS ratings are based on observed behaviors, the SRS may have a smaller subjective component as compared to the DRS and GOS.
Transformations and translations from the point of view of generalized finite automata theory

The objective of this work is to expand the study of generalized finite automata theory by introducing generalized finite state mappings (finite state mappings of trees). In the process, we hope to provide an algebraic framework in which to study formalizations of transformations (in the sense that linguists use the term) and translations of natural and artificial languages. The concepts, “syntax directed translation” [2,18,19, 22, 29] and “transformation” [11, 25] can be formulated quite neatly within this framework. Sections 2 and 3 present basic concepts of generalized finite automata theory and its relationship to context-free languages. We provide some general notation for transformations in Section 4 and in the following four sections, two basic kinds of transformations will be introduced and certain fundamental properties proved. In Section 9, these definitions will be related to others in the literature and several areas for further investigation will be indicated.
A Novel Signaling Mechanism for Soluble CD95 Ligand SYNERGY WITH ANTI-CD95 MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES FOR APOPTOSIS AND NF-κB NUCLEAR TRANSLOCATION

Abstract Soluble CD95 (Fas) ligand (sFasL) is known to be deficient in transducing signals upon engagement with membrane Fas. Here we report that sFasL tranduces, in synergy with non-cytotoxic anti-Fas monoclonal antibody (mAb), signals for apoptosis and nuclear translocation of the NF-κB (p65/p50) heterodimer. Activation of the specific signaling pathways correlates with target Fas-associated death domain-like interleukin-1β-converting enzyme inhibitory protein expression. Synergy with anti-Fas mAb was demonstrated with a trimeric unit of sFasL bearing a single binding site for Fas trimer. In contrast, membrane-bound FasL as expressed on cell-derived vesicles was fully competent in transducing Fas-mediated signals for apoptosis and NF-κB nuclear translocation. We propose a model in which the trimeric sFasL signaling requires target expression of a high focal density of Fas, which is induced by the signaling-incompetent anti-Fas mAb. Membrane-bound FasL induces powerful Fas-mediated signals because it possesses both Fas-focusing and signal-transducing functions.
Using feminist phase theory to portray women in the principalship across generations in the USA

The literature provides insufficient data on women’s experiences of the principalship across generations in the USA and thus provides little understanding as to how the writing of women into the history of educational leadership has changed or maintained the social order. Research that addresses biases experienced by women who wish to advance in educational leadership frame this study, together with Joan Scott’s groundbreaking article ‘Gender: A Useful Category of Historical Analysis’ that posed the question ‘How does gender give meaning to the organization and perception of historical knowledge?’ The purpose of this study was to seek out women’s experiences in the principalship across generations to understand how gender interacts with history and societal expectations during certain periods of time to better understand why women are still missing in top leadership roles.
Future experimental needs to support applied aerodynamics - A transonic perspective

Advancements in facilities, test techniques, and instrumentation are needed to provide data required for the development of advanced aircraft and to verify computational methods. An industry survey of major users of wind tunnel facilities at Langley Research Center (LaRC) was recently carried out to determine future facility requirements, test techniques, and instrumentation requirements; results from this survey are reflected in this paper. In addition, areas related to transonic testing at LaRC which are either currently being developed or are recognized as needing improvements are discussed.
Ultimate sensitivity of space-camera imaging devices with particular reference to the slow- scan vidicon.

Ultimate sensitivity of space camera imaging devices with particular reference to slow scan vidicon
An Upper Proterozoic unconformity in northern Wedel Jarlsberg Land, southwest Spitsbergen: lithostratigraphy and tectonic implications

Recent field studies of Upper Proterozoic rocks in northern Wedel Jarlsberg Land, southwest Spitsbergen, have shed new light on the pre-Caledonian evolution of the region. A regional angular unconformity divides the greenschist-facies metasedimentary rocks into two distinct tectono-siratigraphic sequenees. The sub-unconformity (Nordbukta) sequence, exposed in the southwestern part of the study area, consists mainly of quartzites, phyllites and dolomites, and may be correlative with Proterozoic rocks exposed east of Recherchebreen (Magnethogda sequence) and south of Torellbreen (Dcilegga sequence). The Nordbukta sequence was affected by large-scale recumbent folding during late (?) Proterozoic tectonism. Strata above the unconformity (Dunderbukta-Recherchefjorden sequence) include conglomerates, dolomites, green and black phyllites, meta-basalts and Vendian (?) diamictites, with laterally complex depositional relationships. The continuation of this sequence south of Torellbreen is the Sofiebogen Group in the Hornsund area. The apparent continuity of both sub- and supra-unconformity Proterozoic rocks across Recherchebreen and Torellbreen is not compatible with the hypothesis that a major late Devonian strike-slip terranc boundary lies beneath these glaciers.
Preparing Students with Learning Disabilities for Large-Scale Writing Assessments.

This article provides recommendations for teachers to better prepare 3rd through 12th grade students with learning disabilities for large-scale writing assessments. The variation across large-scale writing assessments and the multiple needs of struggling writers indicate the need for test preparation to be embedded within a comprehensive, evidence-based writing curriculum. In addition, students with learning disabilities can benefit from instruction in self-monitoring and self-evaluation of their writing and in understanding writing test formats. Finally, teachers should support the affective needs of students when they are taking large-scale writing assessments. Teacher vignettes as illustrative examples are provided for each recommendation.
Pharmacologic pain management in children: A review of intervention research

In the past decade, an explosion of interest in pediatric pain has resulted in the proliferation of research studies. This review examines 41 studies that focus on pharmacologic interventions in children during the last decade. Criteria for inclusion in this paper were studies that (1) tested a pharmacological intervention prospectively, (2) were conducted with children only, (3) had a sample size over 30, (4) randomly assigned participants to two or more groups, and (5) provided sufficient methodological and statistical detail for critique. Studies focused on postoperative and procedural pain, were conducted most frequently with pre-school-aged children or older, and demonstrated the efficacy of pharmacologic interventions.
Links between replication, recombination and genome instability in eukaryotes

Double-strand breaks in DNA can be repaired by homologous recombination including break-induced replication. In this reaction, the end of a broken DNA invades an intact chromosome and primes DNA replication resulting in the synthesis of an intact chromosome. Break-induced replication has also been suggested to cause different types of genome rearrangements.
An infinite dimensional Schur–Horn Theorem and majorization theory

The main result of this paper is the extension of the Schur–Horn Theorem to infinite sequences: For two nonincreasing nonsummable sequences ξ and η that converge to 0, there exists a positive compact operator A with eigenvalue list η and diagonal sequence ξ if and only if ∑j=1nξj⩽∑j=1nηj for every n if and only if ξ=Qη for some orthostochastic matrix Q. When ξ and η are summable, requiring additionally equality of their infinite series obtains the same conclusion, extending a theorem by Arveson and Kadison. Our proof depends on the construction and analysis of an infinite product of T-transform matrices.
Ligand blotting with 125I-fluoresceinamine-heparin

A highly sensitive method for ligand blotting with heparin has been developed. This ligand-blotting method is successful largely due to the ability to prepare heparin derivatives of high radiospecific activity. Heparin was modified with fluoresceinamine according to the method of C.G. Glabe, P.K. Harty, and S.D. Rosen [1983) Anal. Biochem. 130, 287-294), and this fluoresceinamine-derivatized heparin can be radioiodinated to a specific activity of 100,000 cmp/ng of uronic acid. This is a 500-fold increase in specific activity over Bolton-Hunter-modified heparin, as prepared by A.D. Cardin, K.R. Witt, and R.L. Jackson [1984) Anal. Biochem. 137, 368-373). 125I-Fluoresceinamine-derivatized heparin retains its ability to interact specifically with heparin-binding proteins such as human protease nexin-I and antithrombin III. 125I-Fluoresceinamine-derivatized heparin can be used to visualize and quantify heparin binding proteins on nitrocellulose. Protease nexin-I can be visualized at the nanogram level. In addition, ligand blotting with 125I-fluoresceinamine heparin can be combined with Cleveland digestion (D.W. Cleveland, S. Fisher, M.W. Kirschner, and U.K. Laemmli (1977) J. Biol. Chem. 252, 1102-1106) in order to identify heparin binding fragments of proteins with heparin binding domains.
Oil droplets of the retinal epithelium of the rat

Oil droplets are observed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of both light- and dark-adapted rats. The accumulation of these droplets is strongly correlated with the clearance of large phagosomes that are found on a circadian basis in the RPE. Although strongly correlated with phagosomes in this way, the composition of the oil droplets does not resemble the lipid composition of rod outer segments (ROS). The important differences are that most of the 18:0 fatty acid (stearic) and virtually all of the polyunsaturated ones (principally docosahexaenoic, 22:6) are absent from the droplets. The major (greater than 95%) constituents of the droplets are triglycerides admixed with small amounts of vitamin A esters (less than 5%). This result suggests that certain of the ROS lipids, especially the polyunsaturated fatty acids, are cleared quickly from the RPE and are, perhaps, recycled to the neural retina. Such a process would account for the known ability of the retina to conserve the polyunsaturates despite dietary deficiencies.
Amino Acid Residues 226–240 of τ Which Encompass the First Lys‐Ser‐Pro Site of τ, Are Partially Phosphorylated in Alzheimer Paired Helical Filament‐τ

A synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 226-240 (E9 peptide) of human tau, which contains an Lys-Ser-Pro motif, was used to raise a polyclonal antibody. The antibody, E9, was 10-fold less reactive with phospho-E9 peptide than with native E9 peptide. E9 antibody was used to study the extent of phosphorylation in a modified form of tau (PHF-tau) that is found in Alzheimer's disease brain and is incorporated into paired helical filaments (PHFs). E9 immunolabeled Alzheimer's disease neurofibrillary tangles and abnormal neurites in brain sections intensely, with increased immunoreactivity detected after pretreatment of sections with phosphatase. On immunoblots and ELISA, E9 reacted with PHF-tau and recombinant human tau but not with the high and middle molecular weight neurofilament proteins. Phosphatase treatment of PHF-tau improved the E9 immunoreactivity by 30-50%. Dephosphorylated high but not middle molecular weight neurofilament protein became reactive with E9. These results indicate that < 50% of the PHF-tau is phosphorylated in the subregion corresponding to residues 226-240 of tau and suggest that the phosphorylation of this region may not be essential for PHF formation.
Diagnosis of Aortic Root Dissection by Echocardiography

Six patients with aortic root dissection confirmed by angiography, surgery, or autopsy were studied by echocardiography. All showed marked parallel widening of the anterior (16 to 21 mm) and/or posterior (10 to 13 mm) aortic walls together with enlargement of the aortic root image. (Normal mean aortic wall thickness 5.7 mm, sd 1.2; aortic valve disease patients 6.7 mm, sd 1.5.) In five patients slender aortic valve cusps were recorded moving to the periphery of the inner lumen in systole and not extending to the outer lumen. This finding is useful in excluding calcification of the aortic valve which may produce confusing multiple echoes within the aortic root. Two patients showed 8 to 20 mm variations in the width of the aortic image with slight change in the direction of the transducer indicating that the dissecting hematoma was not uniform in thickness. Other associated findings on the echogram seen in three patients included the demonstration of pericardial fluid collection and mitral diastolic flutter suggestive of aortic regurgitation. Demonstration of enlargement of the aortic root with marked parallel widening of anterior and/or posterior walls appears to be specific for aortic root involvement in dissecting aneurysm of the aorta.
Theoretical modeling and equivalent electric circuit of a bimorph piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer

An electric circuit model for a circular bimorph piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) was developed for the first time. The model was made up of an electric mesh, which was coupled to a mechanical mesh via a transformer element. The bimorph PMUT consisted of two piezoelectric layers of the same material, having equal thicknesses, and sandwiched between three thin electrodes. The piezoelectric layers, having the same poling axis, were biased with electric potentials of the same magnitude but opposite polarity. The strain mismatches between the two layers created by the converse piezoelectric effect caused the membrane to vibrate and, hence, transmit a pressure wave. Upon receiving the echo of the acoustic wave, the membrane deformation led to the generation of electric charges as a result of the direct piezoelectric phenomenon. The membrane angular velocity and electric current were related to the applied electric field, the impinging acoustic pressure, and the moment at the edge of the membrane using two canonical equations. The transduction coefficients from the electrical to the mechanical domain and vice-versa were shown to be bilateral and the system was shown to be reversible. The circuit parameters of the derived model were extracted, including the transformer ratio, the clamped electric impedance, the spring-softening impedance, and the open-circuit mechanical impedance. The theoretical model was fully examined by generating the electrical input impedance and average plate displacement curves versus frequency under both air and water loading conditions. A PMUT composed of piezoelectric material with a lossy dielectric was also investigated and the maximum possible electroacoustical conversion efficiency was calculated.
High-temperature protonic conduction in mixed perovskite ceramics

Abstract Protonic conduction of both stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric mixed perovskite ceramics with the general formula A 2 ( B ′ 1+x B″ 1−x ) O 6−δ ( A = Sr 2+ , Ba 2+ ; B ′= Ga 3+ , Gd 3+ , Nd 3+ ; B ″= Nb 5+ , Ta 5+ ; x=0−0.2) has been investigated. The B-site occupancies of B and B can be ordered or disordered depending on the ionic radius of the A ion and the ionic radius difference of the B and B ions. Samples are treated in H2O vapor at 900°C to incorporate protons (or D2O vapor for deuterons) and the amount of water uptake is measured by the weight change. None of the stoichiometric samples (x=0) shows any proton incorporation. For nonstoichiometric samples the amount of water uptake varies from 5% to 50% of the maximum theoretical amount, depending on the material and thermal history. Protonic conductivity of the nonstoichiometric materials is measured by ac impedance analysis in a frozen-in condition following the pre-treatment in water vapor. The conductivity is found to be higher and the activation energy lower for the slowly cooled materials, with magnitudes comparable to that of Yb-doped SrCeO3. All of the nonstoichiometric samples show non-classical isotope effect of the conductivity, in the sense that the activation energy is slightly higher (by ∼0.04 eV) for deuteronic than for protonic conduction, similarly to results reported earlier for SrCeO3 and BaCeO3. Finally, the conductivity shows stage II behavior with activation energy equal to the proton migration enthalpy, but the number of free carriers is smaller than the total proton uptake.
Personalized Therapeutics: HIV Treatment in Adolescents

Adolescents infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) represent a heterogeneous group of pubertal children and young adults. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) in adolescents is complex and depends on multiple factors. The continued use of higher (weight- or surface-based) pediatric doses can result in potentially toxic drug exposure, whereas early introduction of lower adult doses can lead to the development of drug resistance and virologic failure. The physiological and psychosocial changes during puberty create strong grounds for an individualized therapeutic approach in HIV-infected adolescents.
Primate Feeding and Foraging: Integrating Studies of Behavior and Morphology

Given that something as fundamental as food acquisition is subject to selection pressure, it follows that morphological and behavioral diversity among primates is reflective of a range of adaptations to diet, feeding, and foraging. The recognition of these adaptations, however, is operationally difficult because it is the interaction between morphological and ecological variables that serves to define the particular adaptation. Researchers have addressed this problem of recognition of adaptation by integrating functional and biomechanical measures of morphological performance with observations of foraging and feeding behavior of primates in natural habitats. These disparate approaches traditionally resided in separate laboratory and field domains, but technological and analytical advances have blurred the distinction between them. The success with which this integration of approaches has elucidated the nature of primate foraging adaptations is reviewed with respect to (a) ingestive strategies, (b) locomot...
Subpicosecond Luminescence Studies of Carrier Dynamics in Nitride Semiconductors Grown Homoepitaxially By MBE On GaN Templates

Abstract : A new technique is presented that employs luminescence downconversion using an ultrashort gating pulse to enable the characterization of UV light emission from III-nitride semiconductors with subpicosecond temporal resolution. This technique also allows one to measure PL rise times and fast components of multiple decays in the subsequent time evolution of the PL intensity. Comparison of luminescence emission intensity and lifetime in GaN and AlGaN with approx. 0.1 Al content grown homoepitaxially on GaN templates with the same quantities measured in heteroepitaxial layers grown on sapphire indicate significant improvement in the homoepitaxial layers due to reduction in dislocation density. Fast (<15 ps) initial decays in the AlGaN are attributed to localization associated with alloy fluctuations and subsequent recombination through gap states.
Landscape and climatic effects on the evolutionary diversification of the Perognathus fasciatus species group

We evaluated evolutionary relationships of taxa within silky pocket mice of the Perognathus fasciatus species group, composed of 3 species, P. fasciatus, P. flavescens, and P. apache. These species are distributed throughout the Great Plains, Wyoming Basin, Colorado Plateau, and northern Chihuahuan Desert biogeographic regions in North America. We tested a previously postulated hypothesis of Pleistocene species divergence and introgression by analyzing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). Both mtDNA and AFLP data support several genetic lineages in the fasciatus species group that are geographically structured. Molecular clock estimates reject a Pleistocene speciation hypothesis in favor of a deeper, more complex evolutionary history of initial divergence in the Miocene followed by secondary diversification beginning in the middle Pliocene and progressing through the Pleistocene. Results support recognition of an additional species within the group. Temporal and spatial congruence between the mtDNA clades in the fasciatus species group and other codistributed species of Perognathus appear to support a hypothesis of concerted diversification throughout the Chihuahuan Desert, Colorado Plateau, and Great Plains.
Analytical modeling for EVM in OFDM transmitters including the effects of IIP3, I/Q imbalance, noise, AM/AM and AM/PM distortion

In this paper, we present a method for accurately calculating the Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) of OFDM transmitters based on their IQ mismatch, IIP3, noise, AM/AM and AM/PM distortion. The effects of these impairments are correlated. Thus, modeling and analyzing them in isolation results in large errors. We derive the analytical relation of the received symbol when all types of impairments are present at once and compute EVM based on this overall relation. This method helps test engineers to compute the EVM based on already measured parameters and eliminates the need to develop and set-up EVM measurements. Simulations and hardware measurements show that this calculation can be done with less than 1% error for a large range of EVM values. This error level has been shown to be within the uncertainty bounds of EVM measurements.
The low temperature electrical properties of some anisotropic crystals

Abstract The principal complex dielectric constants have been studied at audio frequencies over the temperature range 5.5–380K for α-quartz, sapphire, magnesium fluoride, and calcite. For some samples, the imaginary part of the dielectric constant revealed the presence of dipolar or thermally activated loss mechanisms which are attributed to trace impurities. The effects of these impurities are considered in arriving at values of the real part of the dielectric constants for each of the materials.
Are outcomes after total knee arthroplasty worsening over time? A time-trends study of activity limitation and pain outcomes

To examine whether function and pain outcomes of patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are changing over time. The Mayo Clinic Total Joint Registry provided data for time-trends in preoperative and 2-year post-operative activity limitation and pain in primary TKA patients from 1993-2005. We used chi-square test and analysis for variance, as appropriate. Multivariable-adjusted analyses were done using logistic regression. In a cohort of 7,229 patients who underwent primary TKA during 1993-2005, mean age was 68.4 years (standard deviation (SD), 9.8), mean BMI was 31.1 (SD, 6.0) and 55% were women. Crude estimates showed that preoperative moderate-severe overall limitation were seen in 7.3% fewer patients and preoperative moderate-severe pain in 2.7% more patients in 2002-05, compared to 1992-95 (p < 0.001 for both). At 2-years, crude estimates indicated that compared to 1992-95, moderate-severe post-TKA overall limitation was seen in 4.7% more patients and moderate-severe post-TKA pain in 3.6% more patients in 2002-05, both statistically significant (p ≤ 0.018) and clinically meaningful. In multivariable-adjusted analyses that adjusted for age, sex, anxiety, depression, Deyo-Charlson index, body mass index and preoperative pain/limitation, patients had worse outcomes 2-year post-TKA in 2002-2005 compared to 1993-95 with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval (CI); p-value) of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.76, p = 0.037) for moderate-severe activity limitation and 1.79 (95% CI: 1.17, 2.75, p = 0.007) for moderate-severe pain. Patient-reported function and pain outcomes after primary TKA have worsened over the study period 1993-95 to 2002-05. This time-trend is independent of changes in preoperative pain/limitation and certain patient characteristics.
Nonprofit Advocacy and Civic Engagement on the Internet

This study extends prior work on the social role of nonprofits by investigat ing Web site use for e-advocacy and e-democracy (civic engagement). Building from interviews with 200 nonprofit executive directors, results reveal that rights groups, environmental organizations, and policy entrepre neurs are consistently likely to mention advocacy and promote civic engage ment on their Web sites. By contrast, funding structure and resource dependence generally fail to explain nonprofit use of Web sites for social purposes, suggesting that external controls may not constrain nonprofits. In light of these results, the study concludes with an agenda for future research on the relationship between civic engagement and advocacy.
Overdrive: Managing in Crisis-Filled Times

The article reviews the book “Overdrive: Managing in Crisis-Filled Times,” by Michael Silva and Terry McGann.
Christian Ethics and Natural Law

The life history of certain philosophical and theological terms and concepts constitutes in itself an interesting matter for consideration and reflection. None is more interesting than that of natural law. Many studies have traced the development of natural law philosophy from its early precursors among the Pre-Socratics through Plato and Aristotle, the Stoics, St Thomas, and the early British empiricists; have noted its demise in the nineteenth century, largely as a result of the criticism of Hume; and have observed its renaissance in the twentieth century. Despite this undeniable revival of interest in the theory (if, indeed it can be called a theory, given the wide diversity of philosophers who have identified themselves with it) in the present century, a moral philosopher uses the term only at great risk, for no philosophical theory has been so vigorously attacked and so thoroughly ‘refuted’ as natural law.
On the Vortex-Induced Oscillation of Long Structural Elements

Previous solutions to the vortex-induced vibration of structures have been primarily based on modal analysis, using a one or two-mode approximation. Such an analysis is generally meaningful only when the vortex shedding frequency is locked onto a natural frequency of the structure. In very large structures, typical of those found in some ocean engineering applications, modes are closely spaced, and it is not reasonable to assume total spanwise correlation in the fluid forces or response. The approach used herein avoids the limitations associated with the modal solution of such problems by implementing a solution based on the traveling wave nature of the response. Results presented indicate that the amplitude of response of a long cable is smaller than is predicted by a conventional modal analysis. The drag forces on such a structure may therefore be overestimated by current design approaches.
Independent Case-Control Studies

Case-control study designs are frequently used in public health and medical research to assess potential risk factors for disease. These study designs are particularly attractive to investigators researching rare diseases, as they are able to sample known cases of disease vs. following a large number of subjects and waiting for disease onset in a relatively small number of individuals.
Consed: a graphical editor for next-generation sequencing

Summary: The rapid growth of DNA sequencing throughput in recent years implies that graphical interfaces for viewing and correcting errors must now handle large numbers of reads, efficiently pinpoint regions of interest and automate as many tasks as possible. We have adapted consed to reflect this. To allow full-feature editing of large datasets while keeping memory requirements low, we developed a viewer, bamScape, that reads billion-read BAM files, identifies and displays problem areas for user review and launches the consed graphical editor on user-selected regions, allowing, in addition to longstanding consed capabilities such as assembly editing, a variety of new features including direct editing of the reference sequence, variant and error detection, display of annotation tracks and the ability to simultaneously process a group of reads. Many batch processing capabilities have been added. Availability: The consed package is free to academic, government and non-profit users, and licensed to others for a fee by the University of Washington. The current version (26.0) is available for linux, macosx and solaris systems or as C++ source code. It includes a user’s manual (with exercises) and example datasets. http://www.phrap.org/consed/consed.html Contact: ude.wu@nodrogd Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Secure Cooperative Sensing in IEEE 802.22 WRANs Using Shadow Fading Correlation

Cooperative (or distributed) sensing has been recognized as a viable means to enhance the incumbent signal detection by exploiting the diversity of sensors. However, it is challenging to secure such distributed sensing due mainly to the unique features of dynamic spectrum access networks-openness of low-layer protocol stacks in software-defined radio devices and the absence of interactions/coordination between primary and secondary devices. To meet this challenge, we propose an attack-tolerant distributed sensing protocol (ADSP) for DTV signal detection in IEEE 802.22 WRANs, under which sensors in close proximity are grouped as a cluster, and sensors within a cluster cooperate to safeguard the integrity of sensing. The heart of ADSP is a novel filter based on shadow-fading correlation, by which the fusion center cross-validates reports from the sensors to identify and penalize abnormal sensing reports. By realizing this correlation filter, ADSP significantly reduces the impact of an attack on the performance of distributed sensing, while incurring minimal processing and communication overheads. ADSP also guarantees the detectability requirements of 802.22 to be met even with the presence of sensing report manipulation attacks by scheduling sensing within the framework of sequential hypothesis testing. The efficacy of ADSP is validated on a realistic 2D shadow-fading field. Our extensive simulation-based study shows that ADSP reduces the false-alarm rate by 99.2 percent while achieving 97.4 percent of maximum achievable detection rate, and meets the detection requirements of IEEE 802.22 in various attack scenarios.
On the meaning of density dependence

Despite a long history, the term “density dependence” lacks a generally accepted definition. A definition is offered that seems consistent with most other definitions and general usage, that is, a density-dependent factor is any component of the environment whose intensity is correlated with population density and whose action affects survival and reproduction. This definition is used in evaluating the role of territorial behavior, the availability of nest sites, and competition in determining the size of a population. Because neither territory size nor the number of nest sites is correlated with either density or with changes in the birth and death rates of these populations, these cannot be considered density-dependent factors. Competition determines who does breed and who does not rather than the number of breeders, and thus it is not a density-dependent factor determining a population's size.
Chloride intracellular channel 4 is required for maturation of the cerebral collateral circulation

The number and diameter of native collaterals in tissues of healthy mice vary widely, resulting in large differences in tissue injury in occlusive diseases. Recent studies suggest similar variation may exist in humans. Collateral variation in mice is determined by genetic background-dependent differences in embryonic collateral formation, by variation in maturation of the nascent collaterals, and by environmental factors such as aging that cause collateral rarefaction in the adult. Recently, formation of the collateral circulation in the brain was found to involve a unique VEGF-A-dependent "arteriolar" angiogenic sprouting-like mechanism. Elsewhere, chloride intracellular protein 4 (CLIC4) was implicated but not investigated directly, prompting the present study. Deletion of Clic4 had no effect on embryonic collaterogenesis. However, during collateral maturation from embryonic day 18.5 to postnatal day 7, reduced mural cell investment was observed and excessive pruning of collaterals occurred. Growth in collateral diameter was reduced. This resulted in 50% fewer collaterals of smaller diameter in the adult and thus larger infarct volume after middle cerebral artery occlusion. During collateral maturation, CLIC4 deficiency resulted in reduced expression of Vegfr2, Vegfr1, Vegfc, and mural cell markers, but not notch-pathway genes. Overexpression of VEGF-A in Clic4(-/-) mice had no effect on collaterogenesis, but rescued the above defects in collateral maturation by preventing mural cell loss and collateral pruning, thus restoring collateral number and diameter and reducing stroke severity in the adult. CLIC4 is not required for collaterogenesis but is essential for perinatal maturation of nascent collaterals through a mechanism that supports VEGF signaling.
Host defenses in murine malaria: analysis of the mechanisms of immunity to Plasmodium berghei generated in response to immunization with formalin-killed blood-stage parasites.

Abstract Syngeneic B6D2F1 (C57Bl/6 x DBA/2) mice were immunized with a nonliving antigen prepared from mixed blood forms of Plasmodium berghei strain NYU-2. Consistently greater than 80% of the vaccinated mice survived virulent challenge, and protective immunity was demonstrable from 1 week through at least 4 months after immunization. However, vaccination did not prevent the development of patient infection after challenge. Instead, infections in vaccinated mice progressed to about 10% parasitemia and were then subsequently cleared. In contrast, infections initiated in nonvaccinated mice progressed beyond 10% parasitemia and were uniformly fatal within 4 weeks. Sera collected from normal mice, nonvaccinated mice infected with P. berghei, or vaccinated mice before challenge failed to passively protect recipients against virulent infection. On the other hand, sera collected from vaccinated mice after recovery from a challenge infection conferred upon passively immunized recipients protection from homologous virulent challenge, which was manifest as a delay in the onset of overt infection. It was concluded, therefore, that vaccination altered the immunological potential of the host in such a way as to allow the production of a protective humoral factor, probably specific antibody, in response to infection with the virulent parasites.
Oncogenic Ras Induces Gastrin Gene Expression in Colon Cancer

Background & Aims: The expression of gastrin, as a tumor growth factor, is significantly increased in some colon cancers compared with the low levels found in normal mucosa. The aim of this study was to elucidate the transcriptional mechanisms of gastrin induction in colon cancer. Methods: Gastrin messenger (mRNA) levels and K-ras genotype were determined in colon cancer cell lines and surgical specimens. Colon cancer cells were transfected with oncogenic ras expression vectors, and transcriptional activity was assayed with gastrin-luciferase reporter genes. Results: Colon cancer cell lines and tissues with K-ras mutations all had significantly higher gastrin mRNA levels than those that were ras wild type. Treatment of several ras mutant cell lines with PD98059, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, resulted in a decrease in endogenous gastrin mRNA levels. The effects of ras on gastrin expression appeared to be mediated through the gastrin promoter because transfection of oncogenic ras and activated raf expression vectors both induced gastrin-promoter, luciferase-reporter genes. The inductive effects of oncogenic ras could be blocked by the coexpression of dominant negative forms of raf and extracellular regulated kinase. Conclusions: Oncogenic ras induces gastrin gene expression through activation of the Raf-MEK-ERK signal transduction pathway.
Government intervention and the nation's diet: the slippery slope of inaction.

The nation has come alive with activities to improve diet in hopes of preventing problems such as obesity and diabetes. The White House, Congress, legislatures and Attorneys General in the states, ...
High-speed adaptive optics for imaging of the living human eye

The discovery of high frequency temporal fluctuation of human ocular wave aberration dictates the necessity of high speed adaptive optics (AO) correction for high resolution retinal imaging. We present a high speed AO system for an experimental adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO). We developed a custom high speed Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor and maximized the wavefront detection speed based upon a trade-off among the wavefront spatial sampling density, the dynamic range, and the measurement sensitivity. We examined the temporal dynamic property of the ocular wavefront under the AOSLO imaging condition and improved the dual-thread AO control strategy. The high speed AO can be operated with a closed-loop frequency up to 110 Hz. Experiment results demonstrated that the high speed AO system can provide improved compensation for the wave aberration up to 30 Hz in the living human eye.
Functional localization of adenosine receptor-mediated pathways in the LLC-PK1 renal cell line.

The functional localization of three adenosine receptor-mediated signal transduction pathways in the LLC-PK1 renal cell line was investigated. LLC-PK1 cells were grown on Millicell-CM filter inserts, which allow for the independent exposure of the apical or basolateral side of a confluent cell monolayer to hormones. Adenosine stimulated inositol phosphate turnover, inhibition of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation (A1 receptor), and stimulation of cAMP accumulation (A2 receptor). Adenosine (10 microM) selectively applied to the basolateral side induced a significant (P 0.05). However, adenosine (30 nM) presented to the basolateral side produced a significant decrease (approximately 23%, P < 0.05) in forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels. A high dose (100 microM) of adenosine elicited a significant increase (P < 0.05) in cAMP levels when presented to either the apical or the basolateral cell surface. Adenosine (100 microM) applied to the apical side elicited significantly higher cAMP levels (P < 0.05) than the same dose applied basolaterally. LLC-PK1 cells grown on permeable supports exhibit a polarity of functional responses following activation by adenosine. These data support a topographic separation of the multiple adenosine signaling systems in a renal epithelial cell line.
Chromosomes of the North American Chipmunk Genus Eutamias

Chromosomes were analyzed from metaphase bone marrow cells of 15 of the 16 species and 59 of the 75 subspecies of American members of the genus Eutamias. All specimens examined have a 2N chromosome number of 38 and are characterized by one of two karyotypes, Eutamias Karyotype A or B. Each species is chromosomally homogeneous except for Eutamias minimus, which has some subspecies exhibiting each of the two karyotypes. Along with considerations of pelage, body and cranial measurements, baculum and os clitoris characteristics, a cytological approach using chromosomes provides an additional means for systematic evaluation of the genus.
Metal-Molecule-Silicon Junctions Produced by Flip Chip Lamination of Dithiols: Effect of Molecular Length and Backbone

The integration of organic molecules with silicon is increasingly being studied for potential as hybrid electronic devices. Creating dense and highly ordered organic monolayers on silicon with reliable metal contacts still remains a challenge. A novel technique, flip chip lamination (FCL), has been developed to create uniform metal-molecule-semiconductor junctions. FCL uses nanotransfer printing to covalently attach self-assembled monolayers to a hydrogen-passivated Si(111) surface. Several dithiol molecules were studied to explore the role of molecular length and chemical structure on the physical and electronic properties of the molecules. The effects of the FCL process on the chemical and physical properties of the imbedded molecular layer were interrogated with polarized-backside reflectance absorption infrared spectroscopy. Electrical measurements were also performed to characterize device structure and to offer better insight into the mechanisms at play in the electronic transport.