cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using GIS vector data to build virtual environments for agent based models

After focusing on proofs of principle and feasibility, the new generation of agent-based applications is becoming more realistic. The use of real-world data, particularly geospatial information system (GIS) data, to set up the environment is one of the resulting challenges to be solved. This paper compares two possible approaches: discrete and continuous agent space modeling. NetLogo, Swarm, Repast, OBEUS, and UrbanSim are evaluated with regard to support of these ideas for agent space modeling. The results presented show that first applications are possible, but that more community support is needed.
High-performance fluidic adaptive lenses

High-performance fluidic lenses with an adjustable focal length spanning a very wide range (30 mm to infinite) are demonstrated. We show that the focal length, F-number, and numerical aperture can be dynamically controlled by changing the shape of the fluidic adaptive lens without moving the lens position mechanically. The shortest focal length demonstrated is less than 30 mm for a 20-mm lens aperture. The fluidic adaptive lens has a nearly perfect spherical profile and shows a resolution better than 40 line pairs/mm in a plano-convex structure and 57 line pairs/mm in a biconvex structure.
Nonmetropolitan GLBTQ Parents: When and Where Does Their Sexuality Matter?

Twenty-two parents, representing 15 GLBTQ-parent families living in nonmetropolitan communities in Illinois, were interviewed about their interactions with others in community settings. A total of 345 interactions were coded by sexual orientation salience (no, yes) and setting (private, public, organizational). Roughly half of the interactions (N = 156, 45%) were those in which parents said that their sexual orientation did not matter; nonsalience was more likely to occur in private or organizational settings rather than public. Regarding salience, parents described a slightly higher proportion of interactions in which their sexual orientation did matter (N = 189, 55%). Of these, salience was most likely to occur in organizational settings rather than public or private. Parents most commonly described salience that occurred in organizational settings as negative rather than positive. Regarding desired resources, parents prioritized support and socialization for their children rather than for themselves, b...
A View from the City: Local Government Perspectives on Neighborhood-Based Governance in Community-Building Initiatives

This article explores the perspective of local governments on the neighborhood-based governance entities being developed by community-building initiatives within their jurisdictions. In general, the governance entities created by these initiatives are seen within a pluralist framework in which they are treated as one of a number of organizations operating on behalf of a neighborhood with which government can choose to work in a number of ways. Public officials see a benefit in working with and through identifiable organizations and community leaders who can broker relationships and provide apparent legitimacy to government activities in the neighborhood. Nevertheless, public officials have identified a number of limitations of such entities, and it is unclear how best to structure their roles, responsibilities, expectations, and lines of accountability.
Cataract surgery in patients with left ventricular assist device support

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been increasingly used for 20 years in terminally ill patients with advanced heart failure or awaiting cardiac transplantation. Despite improvement in morbidity and mortality from use of these devices, quality of life may be limited by cataract. Access to cataract surgery in this predominantly elderly population is essential but limited by unfamiliarity with these devices. We describe phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in 2 patients with LVADs. The patients had extensive preoperative cardiology evaluations and were instructed to continue warfarin through the day of surgery. Monitored sedation was used with fentanyl and midazolam. Both patients experienced significant improvement in visual acuity and quality of life. Neither experienced intraoperative hemodynamic instability. Cataract surgery may be safely performed in patients with LVAD support when adequate monitoring resources are available. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
A theory of integumental penetration.

Abstract The penetration of many compounds through animal integuments follows first-order kinetics. Fick's Law is usually used to describe these results; however, the theoretical assumptions required to derive Fick's Law are not fulfilled by animal integuments or by situations in which intermolecular interactions are not negligible. A general mathematical treatment using matrix algebra is presented. It also yields the observed first-order kinetics. It assumes: 1. (1) integuments are composed of immiscible phases with first order penetration kinetics between them; 2. (2) diffusion of penetrating substances from the subintegumental tissues back into the integument is negligible. These assumptions are examined and found to be fewer and better verified than the assumptions required to derive Fick's Law.
Analysis of the Okazaki Fragment Distributions along Single Long DNAs Replicated by the Bacteriophage T4 Proteins

Abstract Rolling circle replication from M13 DNA circles was previously reconstituted in vitro using purified factors encoded by bacteriophage T4. The products are duplex circles with linear tails >100 kb. When T4 DNA polymerase deficient in 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity was employed, electron microscopy revealed short single-stranded DNA "flaps" along the replicated tails. This marked the beginning of each Okazaki fragment, allowing an analysis of the lengths of sequential Okazaki fragments on individual replicating molecules. DNAs containing runs of Okazaki fragments of similar length were found, but most showed large length variations over runs of six or more fragments reflecting the broad population distribution.
Solubilisation of phospholipid membranes by human plasma high density lipoproteins.

HUMAN plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) seem to have a protective effect against the development of atherosclerosis1,2. Glomset proposed that unesterified cholesterol diffuses from cell membranes into the HDL particle following esterification of cholesterol in HDL by the action of plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase3. In tissue culture experiments, HDL4 and complexes of its apoproteins with phospholipids5 removed cholesterol from arterial smooth muscle cells, and the principal HDL apoprotein, apo-A1, adsorbed to and removed phospholipid from Land-schutz ascites cells6. We show that intact HDL releases part of its apoprotein when incubated with synthetic phospholipid membranes, leading to the formation of soluble, discoidal phospholipid–apoprotein complexes. The residual apoprotein-deficient HDL particles seem to undergo fusion.
Flatulence Activity of the Smooth‐Seeded Field Pea as Indicated by Hydrogen Production in the Rat

The objective of this study was to evaluate the distribution of flatulence-causing components within the seeds of smooth-seeded field peas. Fractionation studies showed that separated components could be re-combined without significantly changing the quantity of hydrogen produced by the laboratory rat. Hydrogen production was closely associated with the quantity of oligosaccharides remaining in the seed meal. However, the flatulence activity of the whole seed appears to be equally due to the indigestible oligosaccharides, and components of the cell-wall fiber.
THEOREMS FOR EXACT LOCAL EXCHANGE POTENTIAL

Theorems for the exact local Kohn-Sham exchange potential in density-functional theory are reviewed. Trial exchange potentials based on these theorems are illustrated.
SEARCHING FOR GRAVITATIONAL WAVES WITH THE HILBERT–HUANG TRANSFORM

Gravitational waves are a consequence of Einstein's theory of general relativity applied to the motion of very dense and massive objects such as black holes and neutron stars. Their detection will reveal a wealth of information about these mysterious objects that cannot be obtained with electromagnetic probes. Two projects are underway to attempt the detection of gravitational waves: LISA, a space based mission being designed to search for waves from supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies, and LIGO, a ground based facility that is now searching for waves from supernovae, pulsars, and the coalescence of black hole and neutron star systems. Because general relativity is an inherently nonlinear theory, many of the predicted source waveforms show strong frequency modulation. In addition, the LIGO and LISA detectors are highly sensitive devices that produce a variety of nonlinear, transient noise features. Thus the unique capabilities of the HHT, the extraction of intrawave modulation and the characterization of nonlinear and nonstationary signals, have a natural application to both signal detection and experimental characterization of the detectors.
Neuronal migration abnormality in peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme defect

Patterns of brain dysgenesis that resemble those in the Zellweger syndrome were demonstrated in a boy with an isolated defect of the peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme. There was bilateral centrosylvian pachygyria and polymicrogyria, diffuse hemispheric hypomyelination with heterotopic neurons, Purkinje cell heterotopias, and simplified convolutions of the dentate nucleus and inferior olive. This association of Zellweger syndrome-like brain dysgenesis with a defect of a single peroxisomal enzyme provides new opportunities for the study of pathogenetic mechanisms in peroxisomal disorders.
The pharmacology of dietary nitrate and the origin of urinary nitrate

From results of nitrate balance studies and analysis of ileostomy fluid it is concluded that, in man, ingested nitrate is absorbed from the upper digestive tract and is secreted in saliva and sweat. The nitrate concentrations in saliva and sweat reach maximum values within 1 hr of nitrate ingestion and return to almost zero within a further 5 hr. Urinary nitrate reaches a maximum concentration 4-6 hr after nitrate challenge and returns to the baseline value within 24 hr. Approximately 65-70% of a challenge dose of nitrate is excreted in urine in the following 24 hr and less than 1% is excreted in faeces; the remainder of the challenge dose is secreted in sweat or is degraded in the saliva or other digestive secretions by bacterial action. It is concluded that the urinary nitrate found when volunteers eat a 'nitrate-free' diet is likely to be due to undetected dietary nitrate rather than to endogenous nitrate synthesis.
Trapezoidal phase-shifting method for 3D shape measurement

We propose a novel structured light method, namely trapezoidal phase-shifting method, for 3-D shape measurement. This method uses three patterns coded with phase-shifted, trapezoidal-shaped gray levels. The 3-D information of the object is extracted by direct calculation of an intensity ratio. Theoretical analysis showed that this new method was significantly less sensitive to the defocusing effect of the captured images when compared to the traditional intensity-ratio based methods. This important advantage makes large-depth 3-D shape measurement possible. If compared to the sinusoidal phase-shifting method, the resolution is similar, but the processing speed is at least 4.5 times faster. The feasibility of this method was demonstrated in a previously developed real-time 3-D shape measurement system. The reconstructed 3-D results showed similar quality as those obtained by the sinusoidal phase-shifting method. However, since the processing speed was much faster, we were able to not only acquire the images in real time, but also reconstruct the 3-D shapes in real time (40 fps at a resolution of 532 x 500 pixels). This real-time capability allows us to measure dynamically changing objects, such as human faces. The potential applications of this new method include industrial inspection, reverse engineering, robotic vision, computer graphics, medical diagnosis, etc.
A performance appraisal system for quality assurance and utilization review fellows.

There is now increased interest in developing con tinuing education and career training progams in quality assurance and utilization review. These pro grams frequently involve on-site practicum experi ences for which the performance appraisal system described here was developed. Incorporating a new evaluation technology known as the rating grid, this system is discussed here in terms of its underlying rationale, its rating factors, and the observation and scoring factors used by the observer-evaluator. The system can be used by observers to give feedback to physicians and others undergoing training in quality assurance and utilization review.
TH-A-116-07: Validation of Patient Contours for Head and Neck Treatments Using Population-Based Metrics

Purpose: To develop a statistical and anatomical population‐based model that can be used to validate the accuracy and integrity of head and neck normal tissue structures of individual patients for use in preplanning and/or online adaptive radiation therapy. Methods: Normal tissue contours from 29 patients treated for head and neck cancers were used in development of the model. For each patient, DICOM plan and structure files were exported from the treatment planning system to an in‐house developed software program which calculated anatomic metrics for volume, shape, and intra‐structure distances for all structures. A statistical analysis of these metrics produced population specific rules that were used within the software program to evaluate the accuracy of head and neck contours for subsequent patients. The contour assessment program included only metrics for which the standard deviation was less than a heuristically determined limit of 15% of the mean for that metric. To verify the softwares utility, 42 common contouring errors were intentionally introduced within 9 specific structures for 9 different patients. These errors included incorrect laterality, position, size and shape, inclusion of small isolated pixels, deleted segments, and empty structures. The evaluation of all 9 head and neck structure sets was blinded to the nature and number of the generated errors. Results: The contour accuracy and integrity program correctly identified 40 of 42 generated errors. Small modifications to the structures shape and volume were the most difficult to correctly identify; however the program correctly identified all positional and laterality errors, deleted/isolated segments, small pixels, and deleted contours. Conclusion: Rules developed from a statistical analysis of anatomic population‐based metrics can provide much of the necessary information to correctly and efficiently evaluate the accuracy and integrity of a unique patient contour structure set for IMRT preplanning or for an online adaptive radiation therapy protocol.
Beta-alpha angular correlations in mass 8

A detailed study of the β∓-α angular correlations in the 8Li(β-) and 8B(β+) decays was performed. Since these decays proceed to the 2α continuum, detection of both alpha particles enabled determination of various correlations as functions of the final-state energy. The experimental results show a small (≈ 15% of weak magnetism) deviation from the conserved vector current prediction which is dependent on the final-state energy. An effect of this size cannot be interpreted as convincing evidence for the presence of second-class currents or a breakdown of conserved vector current theory. However, the inclusion of the vector second-forbidden terms in the nuclear weak current as predicted by the conserved vector current theory is crucial to obtain even approximate agreement with the experimental results.
A Model for the Growth of Silicon Particles from Laser-Heated Gases

Laser-synthesized silicon powder is spherical and nonagglomerated when produced under proper conditions. Otherwise it consists of agglomerates of very small particles or fused aggregates of larger particles. A synthesis model has been developed that includes silane decomposition kinetics, interdiffusion of reactant and annular gases, particle growth by collision coalescence of Si droplets, and a measured temperature distribution. Predicted particle size distributions agree closely with a measured distribution. Variation in the growth time for different flow streams primarily broadens the mass distribution, whereas intermixing of the silane flow with the annular gas primarily broadens the number distribution.
Building a Robust Relational Implementation of Topology

Topologically structured data models often form the core of many users’ spatial databases. Topological structuring is primarily used to ensure data integrity; it describes how spatial objects share geometry. Supporting topology within the context of a relational database imposes additional requirements – the complex topological model must retain integrity across transactional boundaries. This can be a problematic requirement given the complexities associated with implementing safe referential integrity structures in relational databases (e.g., bulk data loading into a topologically structured model) [19, 5]. Common implementation techniques such as allowing dangling pointers (i.e., null foreign keys) complicates the issues for client applications that consume these models. In this paper, we revisit the problem of building a robust and scalable relational implementation of a topologically structured data model. We propose a different approach to representing such models that avoids many of the traditional relational database problems associated with maintaining complex semantic models.
The Metabolism of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3

VITAMIN D plays a major role in the maintenance of extracellular fluid calcium and phosphorus concentrations, the mineralization of bone, and the maintenance of skeletal integrity (1–3). The vitamin increases active calcium and phosphorus transport in the duodenum and proximal intestine; rachitic animals and humans have increased feeal losses of calcium that are reversed by the administration of vitamin D. Furthermore, there is evidence that the vitamin or its metabolites have direct effects upon muscle metabolism and on isolated bone cells, and upon the mobilization of calcium from isolated bone (1). Finally, the vitamin has pronounced effects upon the maintenance of adequate growth in experimental animals and in man (1, 3). The present review will focus upon some of the more recent findings concerning the regulation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 lα-hydroxylase activity and upon the peripheral metabolism of vitamin D3 homologs. History In 1919, Sir Edward Mellanby demonstrated that rickets could be cured by th...
Primitive reflex profile: a quantitation of primitive reflexes in infancy

This report describes quantitative standardization data on nine primitive reflexes for a cohort of 381 normal infants evaluated longitudinally at each visit between birth and two years of age. Normality was confirmed by the use of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at one year of age. The standardization of this new examination technique complements the traditional infant neurological examination and may allow primitive reflexes to become a useful adjunct to the prediction of motor disability in early infancy.
Parametric Optimization by Primal Method in Multilevel Systems

This paper deals with optimal control in multilevel systems. The decomposition of a system into N subsystems is presented as a problem of formulating the performance index P(m) as a function of N components P(P1, P2,..., PN) and of transforming the system constraint m?R into a set of constraints m1?IR1(v), m2?R2(v),..., v?Rv, where v is the coordination variable. Ways of achieving this goal as applicable to typical systems are presented. Some aspects of choosing the coordination variable and the tradeoffs involved are discussed. Lagrangian methods as used previously by Lasdon and Pearson are shown to be a particular case of parametric optimization, and the range of their applicability is specified. Simple examples of static optimization serve to illustrate the approach.
Representational Momentum for the Human Body: Awkwardness Matters, Experience Does Not

Perception of the human body appears to involve predictive simulations that project forward to track unfolding body-motion events. Here we use representational momentum (RM) to investigate whether implicit knowledge of a learned arbitrary system of body movement such as sign language influences this prediction process, and how this compares to implicit knowledge of biomechanics. Experiment 1 showed greater RM for sign language stimuli in the correct direction of the sign than in the reverse direction, but unexpectedly this held true for non-signers as well as signers. Experiment 2 supported two biomechanical explanations for this result (an effect of downward movement, and an effect of the direction that the movement had actually been performed by the model), and Experiments 3 and 4 found no residual enhancement of RM in signers when these factors were controlled. In fact, surprisingly, the opposite was found: signers showed reduced RM for signs. Experiment 5 verified the effect of biomechanical knowledge by testing arm movements that are easy to perform in one direction but awkward in the reverse direction, and found greater RM for the easy direction. We conclude that while perceptual prediction is shaped by implicit knowledge of biomechanics (the awkwardness effect), it is surprisingly insensitive to expectations derived from learned movement patterns. Results are discussed in terms of recent findings on the mirror system.
A comparison of different aspects of self‐concept for young, middle‐aged, and older women

Previous research that focused on self-esteem in adult women has yielded a variety of contradictory results, with some studies that report more positive self-concepts in the middle-aged in comparison to older and younger women and others that report the opposite. Similar conflicting findings have been presented for women over 60. This study compared women in four age groups: 18 to 22, 29 to 39, 40 to 55, and 60 to 75 on the Tennessee Self Concept Scale, which yields self-esteem scores on different life aspects such as family relations, morality, and physical self as well as a general self-esteem measure. The age groups did not differ significantly in overall level of self-esteem, but they could be discriminated on the more specific aspects of self-concept; the 40- to 55-year-olds reported more positive feelings about themselves in their family relations and morality than did the 18 to 22 year olds. Women over 60, compared to the other age groups, showed more defensiveness and also gave responses more similar to a diagnosed psychotic group.
New Teachers: why Do They Leave and how Can Principals Retain Them?

Good beginning teachers often leave education after a year or two in the classroom. The writer first explores the reasons and then provides a plan of action that principals can follow.
Civil-Military Relations In Ethiopia:

Ethiopia's imperial regime was overthrown by a coalition of civilian and military forces. However, civil-military relations deteriorated when civilian groups demanded a democratically elected government, to which the military was unwilling to concede. The ruling military council's (PMAC) reluctance to share power with civilians, whom they distrust, and the failure of civilian groups to present a united front against the PMAC led to their demise. A military oligarchy headed by Mengistu has consolidated its power and outmaneuvered civilian opposition by militarizing the society and the bureaucracy, and by controlling urban and peasant associations. Civil-military relations in Ethiopia have thus evolved from a period during imperial rule when the armed forces were small and excluded from politics to one (in 1974) of active civil-military cooperation, to the current situation-in which the military wields unprecedented political power-with no prospects for a democratic government.
Protein kinase C stimulates HuD‐mediated mRNA stability and protein expression of neurotrophic factors and enhances dendritic maturation of hippocampal neurons in culture

HuD protein is an RNA-binding protein involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression for synaptogenesis, neuronal differentiation, and learning and memory, and is up-regulated and redistributed by a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent pathway in neurons. Here, we show a PKC-regulated mechanism on HuD-mediated mRNA stability and expression of several neurotrophic factors (NTFs) in cultured hippocampal neurons. HuD pull-down assays showed that HuD is associated with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and neurotrophin (NT)-3 mRNAs. Reduction of HuD expression with short hairpin RNAs decreased BDNF, NGF, and NT-3 mRNAs and NTFs expression. Bryostatin, a PKC activator, treatment enhanced their association with HuD and increased these transcripts' stability. Bryostatin induced HuD phosphorylation, which was inhibited by Ro 32-0432, a specific PKC inhibitor. Activated PKC specifically phosphorylated coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1), which methylates HuD and negatively modulates HuD-mRNA interactions during neuronal differentiation, and inhibited its methyltransferase activity, resulting in decrease in CARM1-mediated HuD methylation. Furthermore cotreatment of bryostatin and AMI-1, a specific CARM1 inhibitor, potentiated PKC-dependent HuD-mRNA interactions and enhanced dendritic arborization. These results demonstrate that PKC may play an important role in neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis via stimulating HuD-mediated mRNA stability and inhibiting CARM1 in hippocampal neurons.
Genital transmission of HPV in a mouse model is potentiated by nonoxynol-9 and inhibited by carrageenan

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and virtually all cases of cervical cancer are attributable to infection by a subset of HPVs (reviewed in ref. 1). Despite the high incidence of HPV infection and the recent development of a prophylactic vaccine that confers protection against some HPV types, many features of HPV infection are poorly understood. It remains worthwhile to consider other interventions against genital HPVs, particularly those that target infections not prevented by the current vaccine. However, productive papillomavirus infection is species- and tissue-restricted, and traditional models use animal papillomaviruses that infect the skin or oral mucosa. Here we report the development of a mouse model of cervicovaginal infection with HPV16 that recapitulates the establishment phase of papillomavirus infection. Transduction of a reporter gene by an HPV16 pseudovirus was characterized by histology and quantified by whole-organ, multispectral imaging. Disruption of the integrity of the stratified or columnar genital epithelium was required for infection, which occurred after deposition of the virus on the basement membrane underlying basal keratinocytes. A widely used vaginal spermicide, nonoxynol-9 (N-9), greatly increased susceptibility to infection. In contrast, carrageenan, a polysaccharide present in some vaginal lubricants, prevented infection even in the presence of N-9, suggesting that carrageenan might serve as an effective topical HPV microbicide.
Steady state analysis of three phase unbalanced distribution systems with interconnection of photovoltaic cells

With the deregulation of the electric power industry and the advancement of new technologies, the attention of the utilities has been drawn towards adapting Distributed Generation (DG) into their existing infrastructure. In this paper photovoltaic (PV) systems are modeled to study the effects of their interconnection in a distribution system. The system is a combination of the PV array, DC-DC boost converter with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control and DC-AC inverter. With increasing penetration of PV, reverse power may flow on the grid which is associated with voltage rise that may lead to violation of various standards. The impact depends upon the size and location of the PV system. Studies are conducted on the real time data obtained from DTE Energy utility. Voltages of the feeder, two way flow of power and the voltage regulation under various levels of PV penetration are analyzed for an IEEE test system utilizing unbalanced power flow solution.
After the Massacre: Commemoration and Consolation in Ha My and My Lai

After the Massacre: Commemoration and Consolation in Ha My and My Lai. Heonik Kwon. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2006. 217 pp.
Design of Complex Cyber Physical Systems with Formalized Architectural Patterns

The design of cyber physical systems (CPS) presents many challenges because of their complexity, strong safety requirements, distribution, and real-time nature. We propose a novel paradigm, based on the idea of using simplicity to control complexity, to achieve highly reliable CPS designs. The goal is to embody design rules of this complexity-control nature in highly reusable, very robust, and formally verified architectural patterns. We discuss some preliminary work and experiments illustrating how this can be done for CPS systems.
Self Development of Venezuelan Adolescents: A Test of Kegan's Theory and Subject-Object Interview in Another Culture

This study explores Kegan's theory of self development in a sample of 72 Venezuelan adolescents (aged 12 to 18). This study tests (a) whether Kegan's stages are found in a sample of Venezuelan adolescents and if they are equivalent to those found in U.S. adolescents of the same ages, (b) whether Kegan's Subject-Object Interview can be successfully used in a culture other than the United States, (c) whether age, gender, and their interaction have an effect on the stages of self development of this Venezuelan sample, and whether that effect is equivalent to that found in the U.S. subjects. Results show that, as predicted (given the information about U.S. samples), Stages 2, 3, and 4 are found among Venezuelan adolescents; that the instrument can be successfully used to assess these stages; that age has a significant effect, but gender has no effect.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme expression in human carotid artery atherosclerosis.

Abstract —Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce the progression of atherosclerosis in animal models and reinfarction rates after myocardial infarction in humans. Although expression of components of the renin-angiotensin system has been reported in human coronary arteries, no data regarding their presence in carotid arteries, a frequent site for the occurrence of atherosclerosis plaques, are available. The following study sought to determine whether ACE mRNA and protein can be detected in human carotid atheromatous lesions. Twenty-four intact endarterectomy specimens were obtained from patients with severe carotid occlusive disease (17 males and 7 females, aged 68±1 years) and fixed within 30 minutes. Carotid artery specimens contained advanced Stary type V and VI lesions, and human ACE mRNA expression and protein were localized in cross sections by the combination of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Cell type–specific antibodies were used to colocalize ACE to smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, macrophages, or lymphocytes. ACE protein was localized in the intima, whereas the overlying media was largely free of ACE staining. In less complicated lesions, ACE staining was modest and could be visualized in scattered clusters of macrophages and on the luminal side of carotid artery vascular endothelium. Smooth muscle cells were largely negative. ACE staining increased as lesions became more complex and was most prominent in macrophage-rich regions. The shoulder regions of plaques contained numerous ACE-positive macrophage foam cells and lymphocytes. In these areas, microvessels were positive for endothelial cell and smooth muscle cell ACE expression. However, microvessels in plaques free of inflammatory cells were stained only faintly for ACE expression. Labeling for ACE mRNA mirrored the pattern of protein expression, localizing ACE mRNA to macrophages and microvessels within the intima. In conclusion, atherosclerosis alters carotid artery ACE production, increasing transcription and translation within regions of plaque inflammation. These data provide another important mechanism by which inflammation associated with increased ACE expression may contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis.
An out-of-order execution technique for runtime binary translators

A dynamic translator emulates an instruction set architccturc by translating source instructions to native code during execution. On statically-scheduled hardware, higher performance can potentially be achieved by reordering the translated instructions; however, this is a challenging transformation if the source architecture supports precise exception semantics, and the user-level program is allowed to register exception handlers. This paper presents a software technique which allows a translator to achieve the out-of-order execution of user-level programs, while preserving all sequential semantics. The design combines a translator, an interpreter, and a set of operating system services. Using the proposed techniques, a dynamic translator can optimistically reorder instructions and speculate them across branch boundaries. If a mispeculated operation causes an exception, the recovery algorithm reverts the application state to a safe point, then retranslates the faulty code without reordering to disable further exceptions.
SKCa Channels Mediate the Medium But Not the Slow Calcium-Activated Afterhyperpolarization in Cortical Neurons

Many neurons, including pyramidal cells of the cortex, express a slow afterhyperpolarization (sAHP) that regulates their firing. Although initial findings suggested that the current underlying the sAHP could be carried through SKCa channels, recent work has uncovered anomalies that are not congruent with this idea. Here, we used overexpression and dominant-negative strategies to assess the involvement of SKCa channels in mediating the current underlying the sAHP in pyramidal cells of the cerebral cortex. Pyramidal cells of layer V exhibit robust AHP currents composed of two kinetically and pharmacologically distinguishable currents known as the medium AHP current ( I mAHP) and the slow AHP current ( I sAHP). I mAHP is blocked by the SKCa channel blockers apamin and bicuculline, whereas I sAHP is resistant to these agents but is inhibited by activation of muscarinic receptors. To test for a role for SKCa channels, we overexpressed KCa2.1 (SK1) and KCa2.2 (SK2), the predominant SKCa subunits expressed in the cortex, in pyramidal cells of cultured brain slices. Overexpression of KCa2.1 and KCa2.2 resulted in a fourfold to fivefold increase in the amplitude of I mAHP but had no detectable effect on I sAHP. As an additional test, we examined I sAHP in a transgenic mouse expressing a truncated SKCa subunit (SK3-1B) capable of acting as a dominant negative for the entire family of SKCa–IKCa channels. Expression of SK3-1B profoundly inhibited I mAHP but again had no discernable effect on I sAHP. These results are inconsistent with the proposal that SKCa channels mediate I sAHP in pyramidal cells and indicate that a different potassium channel mediates this current.
High-protein Weight-loss Diets: Are They Safe and Do They Work? a Review of the Experimental and Epidemiologic Data

Recommendations for increased consumption of protein are among the most common approaches of popular or fad diets. This review summarizes the effects of dietary protein on satiety, energy intake, thermogenesis, and weight loss, as well as its effect on a variety of health outcomes in adults. In short-term studies, dietary protein modulates energy intake via the sensation of satiety and increases total energy expenditure by increasing the thermic effect of feeding. Whereas these effects did not contribute to weight and fat loss in those studies in which energy intake was fixed, one ad libitum study does suggest that a high-protein diet results in a greater decrease in energy intake, and therefore greater weight and fat loss. In terms of safety, there is little long-term information on the health effects of high-protein diets. From the available data, however, it is evident that the consumption of protein greater than two to three times the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance contributes to urinary calcium loss and may, in the long term, predispose to bone loss. Caution with these diets is recommended in those individuals who may be predisposed to nephrolithiasis or kidney disease, and particularly in those with diabetes mellitus.
Perceived Barriers to Including Students with Visual Impairments in General Physical Education

The purpose of this study was to examine barriers perceived by teachers when including students with visual impairments in general physical education. Teachers (52 males, 96 females) who had children with visual impairments in their physical education classes were surveyed prior to in-service workshop participation. The most prevalent barriers were professional preparation, equipment, programming, and time. A logistic regression analysis, regressing gender, in-service training, number of students with visual impairments taught, masters degree attained, masters hours spent on visual impairments (yes or no), undergraduate hours spent on visual impairments (yes or no), and years of experience failed to indicate significant predictors of professional preparation as a barrier, Model χ2 (6, n = 148) = 4.48, p > .05.
A space-time diffusion scheme for peer-to-peer least-squares estimation

We consider a sensor network in which each sensor takes measurements, at various times, of some unknown parameters, corrupted by independent Gaussian noises. Each node can take a finite or infinite number of measurements, at arbitrary times (i.e., asynchronously). We propose a space-time diffusion scheme that relies only on peer-to-peer communication, and allows every node to asymptotically compute the global maximum-likelihood estimate of the unknown parameters. At each iteration, information is diffused across the network by a temporal update step and a spatial update step. Both steps update each node's state by a weighted average of its current value and locally available data: new measurements for the time update, and neighbors' data for the spatial update. At any time, any node can compute a local weighted least-squares estimate of the unknown parameters, which converges to the global maximum-likelihood solution. With an infinite number of measurements, these estimates converge to the true parameter values in the sense of mean-square convergence. We show that this scheme is robust to unreliable communication links, and works in a network with dynamically changing topology.
Metastatic phenotype in CWR22 prostate cancer xenograft following castration

Background CWR22 is a human xenograft model of primary prostate cancer (PCa) that is often utilized to study castration recurrent (CR) PCa. CWR22 recapitulates clinical response to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), in that tumors regress in response to castration, but can recur after a period of time. Methods Two cohorts of mice, totaling 117 mice were implanted with CWR22, allowed to develop tumors, castrated by pellet removal and followed for a period of 32 and 50 weeks. Mice presenting with tumors >2.0 cm3 at the primary site, moribund appearance, or palpable masses other than the primary tumor were sacrificed prior to the endpoint of the study. Tumor tissue, serum, and abnormal lesions were collected upon necropsy and analyzed by IHC, H&E, and PCR for presence of metastatic lesions arising from CWR22. Results Herein, we report that CWR22 progresses after castration from a primary, hormonal therapy-naive tumor to metastatic disease in 20% of castrated nude mice. Histological examination of CWR22 primary tumors revealed distinct pathologies that correlated with metastatic outcome after castration. Conclusion This is the first report and characterization of spontaneous metastasis in the CWR22 model, thus, CWR22 is a bona-fide model of clinical PCa representing the full progression from androgen-sensitive, primary PCa to metastatic CR-PCa. Prostate 76:359–368, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. The Prostate published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetics of the double-antibody, liquid-phase radioimmunoassay for rat gonadotropins.

The liquid phase, double antibody radioimmunoassays for rat LH and FSH were studied with respect to the minimum duration required for their completion using NIAMDD (National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism and Digestive Diseases) reagents at their recommended dilutions. The minimum assay duration, which still allows maximum sensitivity, at temperatures not exceeding room temperature is 3 days for the LH assay and 4 days for the FSH assay. The extra day for the FSH assay is due to apparently nonreversible binding of rat FSH to anti-rat FSH. Such nonequilibrium binding was also observed under certain conditions with the LH assay. The greatest tracer binding was observed at a I-Ab (rabbit anti-LH or anti-FSH) incubation of 1 day at 27C plus 1 day at 4C followed by 1 additional day at 4C with the II-Ab (antirabbit γ-globulin).
Athletic Compliance at Texas Tech

This article discusses the ways that Texas Tech is working to comply with the rules and regulations of the NCAA and Big 12 Conference rules. Brian Shannon, the Faculty Athletic Representative for Texas Tech University, outlines the various responsibilities that institutional employees, coaches, student-athletes, and boosters must adhere to. The article points out three responsibilities: Education, Monitoring, and Enforcement.
Gang Intervention in the United States: Legal and Extra-Legal Attempts at Peacemaking

This chapter examines legalistic interventions in criminal justice as well as non-legal community and cultural forces including music, religion, and the work of current and ex-gang members, all of which have been tapped to help broker peace in the annals of American gang history at one time or other. Although such peacemaking efforts have proven popular, they can be counterproductive. Criminal justice intervention has proven suppressive and suspect in communities where police brutality and racial profiling are systemic. Likewise, cultural strategies can complicate peacemaking efforts and can even provide justification for violence. Music and religion have been used to justify divinely willed destruction, which seemingly contradicts the idea of “intervention.” The chapter concludes by commenting on future prospects for peacemaking through gang-intervention efforts. As a normative note of caution, this part tempers faith in intervention strategies since, the very forces propagating peace can just as easily provoke violence. Moreover, peacemaking is complicated by criminal justice policies at both federal and state levels; some of the war in gangland is due to government policies which directly contribute to increased gang membership and activity. Finally, in addition to these obstacles, the chapter asserts that intervention strategy must contend with prison gangs and how they factor into peacemaking on the streets. The role of prison gangs has been overlooked in long-term strategies for interventionist success, yet it may be that peacemaking is possible only under an arrangement that works in tandem with prison gangs.This proposition is not a capitulation to collusion with gang structures, but encapsulates the raw power of prison gangs to disrupt any interventionist strategy at will, the acknowledgment of which might lead to more effective intervention strategies based on a more holistic understanding of the gang problem.
Evaluating the impact of infliximab use on surgical outcomes in pediatric Crohn's disease.

Abstract Background The impact of infliximab (IFX) on surgical outcomes is poorly defined in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). We evaluated our institution's experience with IFX on postoperative complications and surgical recurrence. Methods A retrospective review of children who underwent intestinal resection with primary anastomosis for CD from 1/2002 to 10/2014 was performed. Data collected included IFX use and surgical outcomes. Preoperative IFX use was within 3 months of surgery. Results Seventy-three patients were included with median age 15 years (range: 9–18). The most frequent indications for operation were obstruction (n = 26) and fistulae (n = 19). Nine patients (13%) had a surgical recurrence at a median of 2.3 years (IQR 0.7–3.5). Twenty-two patients received preoperative IFX at median of 26 days (IQR 14–46). There were 7 postoperative complications: 2 bowel obstructions, and 5 superficial wound infections. Outcomes of patients stratified by IFX were not different. When stratified by indication, refractory disease was associated with higher preoperative IFX use (IFX use 55% vs. no IFX use 28%, p = 0.027). No specific indication was associated with increased reoperation rates. Conclusion Pediatric CD patients treated with preoperative IFX undergo intestinal resection with primary anastomosis with acceptable morbidity. The heterogeneous approach to medical management underscores the need for guidelines to direct treatment.
The Enslavement of Africans: A Demographic Model

RESUMECe modele concerne l'impact, au XVIIle siecle de la traite transatlantique et transsaharienne des esclaves sur la composition et la croissance des pouplaiions africaines. L'Afrique est divisee en deux regions exportatrices: la Cote, qui alimente le marche du Nouveau Monde avec des esclaves, en majorite masculine; et l'Interieur, qui fournit des esclaves a predominance feminine au monde musulman. Pour chaque region, le modele indique la repartition par âge et par sexe des ravisseurs d'esclaves, des populations subissant les razzias, des esclaves exportes et des esclaves retenus en Afrique. Les previsions demographiques du modele sont confrontees aux donnees historiques disponibles sur la composition des populations africaines