cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blunt Costophrenic Angle in a Patient with Pancreatitis.

A patient presented who had recurrent pancreatitis presented with new onset of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
A Theory of the Tax Avoidance (Tax Planning) Continuum

I model tax planning subject to challenges from a tax authority given an uneven tax code. The model captures the amount of deliberation required of the authority to properly challenge gray areas and the probability that it will prevail. The authority weighs these items when deciding whether to initiate the challenge. The ensuing unofficial shadow standard is a credible commitment which encourages less aggressive tax planning while saving the authority its deliberation costs. The shadow standard creates two groups – unchallenged taxpayers who abide by the shadow standard, and taxpayers with significantly more aggressive (and risky) positions. This explains the undersheltering paradox, and helps to resolve the longstanding lack agreement on precise definitions for tax aggressiveness and tax risk. Unlike the well-studied tax evasion paradigm (where more scrutiny induces more compliance), less scrutiny afforded by an increasing shadow standard may increase net tax collections under a tax planning paradigm.
Psychometric Analysis of an Ecological Vocal Effort Scale in Individuals With and Without Vocal Hyperfunction During Activities of Daily Living

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of an ecological vocal effort scale linked to a voicing task. Method Thirty-eight patients with nodules, 18 patients with muscle tension dysphonia, and 45 vocally healthy control individuals participated in a week of ambulatory voice monitoring. A global vocal status question was asked hourly throughout the day. Participants produced a vowel-consonant-vowel syllable string and rated the vocal effort needed to produce the task on a visual analog scale. Test-retest reliability was calculated for a subset using the intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC(A, 1). Construct validity was assessed by (a) comparing the weeklong vocal effort ratings between the patient and control groups and (b) comparing weeklong vocal effort ratings before and after voice rehabilitation in a subset of 25 patients. Cohen's d, the standard error of measurement (SEM), and the minimal detectable change (MDC) assessed sensitivity. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) assessed responsiveness. Results Test-retest reliability was excellent, ICC(A, 1) = .96. Weeklong mean effort was statistically higher in the patients than in controls (d = 1.62) and lower after voice rehabilitation (d = 1.75), supporting construct validity and sensitivity. SEM was 4.14, MDC was 11.47, and MCID was 9.74. Since the MCID was within the error of the measure, we must rely upon the MDC to detect real changes in ecological vocal effort. Conclusion The ecological vocal effort scale offers a reliable, valid, and sensitive method of monitoring vocal effort changes during the daily life of individuals with and without vocal hyperfunction.
Noncompliance and Decision-Making of Airline Pilots: An Analysis of Narratives From the Aviation Safety Reporting System

The purpose of this study was to identify self-reported flight deck noncompliance in aviation safety reports and explore the relationship between adaptive expertise, deliberate vs. non-deliberate a...
Enabling Automated FPGA Accelerator Optimization Using Graph Neural Networks.

High-level synthesis (HLS) has freed the computer architects from developing their designs in a very low-level language and needing to exactly specify how the data should be transferred in register-level. With the help of HLS, the hardware designers must describe only a high-level behavioral flow of the design. Despite this, it still can take weeks to develop a high-performance architecture mainly because there are many design choices at a higher level that requires more time to explore. It also takes several minutes to hours to get feedback from the HLS tool on the quality of each design candidate. In this paper, we propose to solve this problem by modeling the HLS tool with a graph neural network (GNN) that is trained to be used for a wide range of applications. The experimental results demonstrate that by employing the GNN-based model, we are able to estimate the quality of design in milliseconds with high accuracy which can help us search through the solution space very quickly.
Two years since SSAMS: Status of 14C AMS at CAIS

Abstract The NEC 250 kV single stage AMS accelerator (SSAMS) was installed two years ago at the Center for Applied Isotope Studies (CAIS), University of Georgia. The accelerator is primarily being used for radiocarbon measurements to test the authenticity of natural and bio-based samples while all other samples such as geological, atmospheric, marine and archaeological. are run on the 500 kV, NEC 1.5SDH-1 model tandem accelerator, which has been operating since 2001. The data obtained over a six months period for OXI, OXII, ANU sucrose and FIRI-D are discussed. The mean value of ANU sucrose observed to be slightly lower than the consensus value. The processed blanks on SSAMS produce lower apparent age compared to the tandem accelerator as expected.
A post-CMOS compatible smart yarn technology based on SOI wafers

Abstract Smart yarn and intelligent textiles have been extensively researched recently due to their significant roles in various entertainment, healthcare and military applications. However, most smart yarns and textiles developed so far do not come with sophisticated functionality due to the difficulty of integrating silicon-based sensors and CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) circuits. This paper reports an SOI (silicon-on-insulator)–CMOS compatible technology to fabricate smart yarn, enabling the monolithic and invisible integration of CMOS and sensors. A tubular shaped parylene smart yarn design with a reinforcing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) core has been developed. Isotropic XeF 2 silicon etching and conformal parylene coating were used to form the outer shell and release the electronic/sensing components from an SOI wafer. To prove the concept, silicon strain gauges and MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors) were integrated. Human arterial blood pulse detection on the wrist by a smart yarn fiber integrated with a silicon strain gauge has been demonstrated.
Empowerment, advocacy and self-determination: initiatives of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

This paper presents an overview of the program offices within the US Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Specifically the areas of empowerment, advocacy and self-determination are addressed and activities funded within the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research that focus on these areas are presented. The abstracts of the projects on empowerment, advocacy and self-determination being carried out under the Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers are presented. Major program areas of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Technology-related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988, State Technology Program, and The Independent Living Center program are also presented. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.
Fabrication of flexible blade models from a silicone‐based polymer to test the effect of surface corrugations on drag and blade motion

Macrocystis blades develop longitudinal corrugations in regions with strong current and wave action. This study examined the effect of corrugations on blade motion and blade drag by constructing flexible blades with different corrugation amplitude and a control blade with no corrugation. The models were designed to be dynamically and geometrically similar to natural blades. Acrylic molds were etched using a laser cutter and filled with a silicone-based polymer to create flexible model blades with sinusoidal corrugations. The corrugated and flat model blades were tested in a water channel using drag force measurements and video analysis. The corrugated blades experienced a drag per surface area reduction of up to 60% compared to the flat blade. Additionally, the corrugated models exhibited smaller motion, as quantified by the maximum vertical displacement. The reduction in drag may explain why corrugations are observed in exposed regions of high current and wave action, where a reduction in drag provides important protection against breakage.
Simulating the Performance of a Multiple Exchange Mechanism Market

The impact of a monopolist or monopsonist on the price and output performance in comparison with perfectly competitive markets is well documented. These markets are coordinated through spot market exchanges.
Clinical outcomes after combined meniscal allograft transplantation and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Background: Concomitant meniscal transplantation performed at the time of ligament surgery may help to protect the anterior cruciate ligament graft.Purpose: To determine the objective and subjective clinical outcomes after combined anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and meniscal allograft transplantation.Study Design: Uncontrolled retrospective review.Methods: Twenty-eight patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction along with meniscal transplantation were retrospectively evaluated postoperatively at an average of 2.8 years (range, 1.8 to 5.6).Results: On the International Knee Documentation Committee overall subjective assessment, 86% had normal or nearly normal scores. The SF-36 physical and mental component summary scores were at higher levels than those of the patients' age- and sex-matched populations. Objectively, nearly 90% had normal or nearly normal Lachman and pivot shift test scores. The KT-1000 arthrometer testing at 30 pounds and maximum manual both demonstrated an...
Initial studies of B-doped and alloyed Ni3Al

A l'interieur d'une etude de la chimie fine de la matrice et de la zone de joint de grains de Ni 3 Al dope et allie, on a fait des experiences pour determiner l'influence de differents parametres de la sonde atomique sur la precision des concentrations mesurees. Application a des echantillons de Ni 3 Al contenant du bore, du fer, du hafnium
Endothelin‐1 Receptor Binding and Cellular Signal Transduction in Cultured Human Brain Endothelial Cells

The kinetic properties of endothelin-1 (ET-1) binding sites and the production of inositol phosphates (IPs; IP1, IP2, IP3), cyclic AMP, thromboxane B2, and prostaglandin F2 alpha induced by various endothelins (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3, and sarafotoxin S6b) were examined in endothelial cells derived from human brain microvessels (HBECs). The presence of both high- and low-affinity binding sites for ET-1 with KD1 = 122 pM and KD2 = 31 nM, and Bmax1 = 124 fmol/mg of protein and Bmax2 = 909 fmol/mg of protein, respectively, was demonstrated on intact HBECs. ET-1 dose-dependently stimulated IP accumulation with EC50 (IP3) = 0.79 nM, whereas ET-3 was ineffective. The order of potency for displacing ET-1 from high-affinity binding sites (ET-1 > ET-2 > sarafotoxin S6b > ET-3) correlated exponentially with the ability of respective ligands to induce IP3 formation. ET-1-induced IP3 formation by HBEC was inhibited by the ETA receptor antagonist, BQ123. The protein kinase C activator phorbol myristate ester dose-dependently inhibited the ET-1-stimulated production of IPs, whereas pertussis toxin was ineffective. Cyclic AMP production by HBECs was enhanced by both phorbol myristate ester and ET-1, and potentiated by combined treatment with ET-1 and phorbol myristate ester. Data indicate that protein kinase C plays a role in regulating the ET-1-induced activation of phospholipase C, whereas interaction of different messenger systems may regulate ET-1-induced accumulation of cyclic AMP. ET-1 also stimulated endothelial prostaglandin F2 alpha production, suggesting that activation of phospholipase A2 is most likely secondary to IP3-mediated intracellular calcium mobilization because both ET-1-induced IP3 and prostaglandin F2 alpha were inhibited by BQ123. These findings are the first demonstration of ET-1 (ETA-type) receptors linked to phospholipase C and phospholipase A2 activation in HBECs.
Apport du médecin spécialiste dans le contrôle de la douleur

Resume L’echelle de l’Organisation mondiale de la sante (OMS) reste le standard pour la prise en charge de la douleur liee au cancer. Depuis son introduction en 1986, de nombreux progres ont ete realises dans la comprehension et le traitement des douleurs neuropathiques, une composante importante des douleurs cancereuses. Pour les stades douloureux avances, il faudra avoir recours a l’administration des medicaments par la voie intrathecale et a la neuromodulation ou encore a des techniques de neuroablation.
Effects of Pentoxifylline on Inflammatory Cytokine Expression and Acute Pleuropneumonia in Swine

Pentoxifylline, a methylxanthine derivative and nonspecific type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has been used to improve survival of animals with sepsis and to attenuate lung injury in acute lung inflammation. The purpose of this study was to examine whether pentoxifylline would inhibit the expression of inflammatory cytokines, particularly tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), and thereby decrease the pathophysiology of acute porcine pleuropneumonia. E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and bacterial extracts of A. pleuropneumoniae--induced elevations in TNF mRNA which were fully abrogated by addition of pentoxifylline in both alveolar macrophage and neutrophil cultures. A 30% reduction in the level of LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-1beta mRNA levels also was achieved in macrophages. Pentoxifylline did not affect either IL-1alpha or IL-8 expression in vitro. Pentoxifylline therapy in vivo significantly reduced the number of band neutrophils in swine but did not reduce the pathology associated with pleuropneumonia, including changes in serum zinc, iron, or haptoglobin. Neither did it alter TNF, IL-1, IL-6, or IL-8 expression. Measurement of pentoxifylline and its metabolites in pig sera suggested that efficacious doses of pentoxifylline were probably not achieved in vivo. However, subcutaneous doses of pentoxifylline higher than 25 mg/kg produced transient diarrhea, vomiting, and tremors. These results suggest that pentoxifylline is an effective pharmacological tool for the dissection of cytokine regulation in vitro, but inhibitory concentrations may not be achievable for in vivo pharmacological use in swine.
Ecthyma gangrenosum in a burned child

The history of ecthyma gangrenosum has been presented, as well as its pathological diagnosis, prognosis and natural history. The history of forms of treatment has been outlined and the grave prognosis is emphasized. A case presentation introduces the experience at the Cincinnati Shriners Burns Institute. From a review of the literature and the experience at the Shriners Burns Institute, a suggestion for optimal treatment has been proposed. The particulars of this treatment include: early recognition, general nutritional and metabolic support, as well as high-dose aminoglycoside and semi-synthetic penicillin therapy, administered parentally and by sub-eschar clysis. Despite the grave prognosis, attention to these factors should result in optimal survival of patients with ecthyma gangrenosum.
An E-Titan's Evolving Strategy and Business Model: Striving for Success in Challenging Times

eMarketMatch1 provides online marketplaces for the sale of goods and services, online payments, and online communication offerings. Their three primary business segments are: eMarketMatch marketplaces, payments, and communications. The marketplace platform has grown beyond the initial auction platform to include a number of other marketplaces for various applications and user audiences. Their partner firm, PayerFirm*, enables individuals and businesses to easily and securely transact payments. As the one of the top ten largest global online retailers, eMarketMatch's mission is to pioneer new communities around the world built on commerce, sustained by trust and inspired by opportunity. Their ability to maintain or enhance this position will depend on their ability to adapt to new technologies while facing increased competition and anticipating customers' needs. This paper will address management's philosophies, the corporate business model, its challenges, network relationships, and its corporate growth to date, as well as future horizons.
Choice of endpoints in antiplatelet trials: Which outcomes are most relevant to stroke patients?

The relative efficacies of different antiplatelet agents for stroke prevention are unclear because of differences in clinical trial design, a lack of direct comparisons between individual agents, and differences in the choice of primary endpoints. Individual endpoints in a clinical trial are often combined into a single primary endpoint cluster. Theoretically, a combined endpoint may reduce the sample size required to demonstrate significant benefits of an effective therapy. However, unless all components of a composite endpoint are affected in the same direction and to a similar degree, their inclusion may not provide the anticipated increase in statistical power. In fact, the use of a combined endpoint may lead to an underestimate of therapeutic benefits when patients at high risk for one particular endpoint are studied. For patients with stroke or TIA, the single outcome of stroke is particularly important because these patients have a higher risk of recurrent stroke than any other vascular outcome during the initial years after a stroke. Because of the low incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) in stroke trials, the inclusion of MI in the primary endpoint will usually have minimal influence on trial outcome, and antiplatelet therapy has not been shown to be beneficial in preventing nonvascular death. Chance variations in the incidence of MI or death may detract from the benefit of the agent for stroke prevention when it is included in a combined endpoint. The benefit of antiplatelet therapies for patients with recent cerebrovascular events is determined most accurately if stroke alone is chosen as the primary endpoint.
Sacral nerve stimulation: neuromodulation for voiding dysfunction and pain.

Voiding dysfunction, which includes incontinence, retention, and chronic pelvic pain, is a relatively frequent problem that can be difficult to manage. Neuromodulation via stimulation of the sacral nerves has been shown to improve thesesymptoms, although the exact mechanisms remain elusive. Techniques for nerve stimulation may vary, depending on the disease, location of pain, and the patient’s anatomy. In addition to placement of electrodes on the sacral nerve roots, modulation has also been reported by peripheral branches of the sacral nerves including the pudendal and posterior tibial nerves. Newer surgical techniques have significantly decreased the morbidity of the procedures and increased the probability of a successful outcome.
Microfiltration of skim milk and modified skim milk using a 0.1-µm ceramic uniform transmembrane pressure system at temperatures of 50, 55, 60, and 65°C1

Increasing the temperature of microfiltration (MF) to >50°C may allow for operation at higher fluxes and reduce the bacterial growth during MF. However, there is a concern that operating at higher temperatures could cause calcium phosphate precipitation that would lead to membrane fouling. Our objective was to determine the effect of operating a 0.1-µm ceramic uniform transmembrane pressure MF unit at temperatures of 50, 55, 60, and 65°C on membrane fouling and serum protein (SP) removal from skim milk with and without removal of low-molecular-weight soluble milk components by ultrafiltration (UF) before MF at a flux of 54kg/m(2) per hour. For each replicate, 1,000kg of pasteurized skim milk was split into 2 batches. One batch was ultrafiltered (with diafiltration) to remove an average of 89±2% of the lactose and a percentage of the soluble calcium and phosphorus. The retentate from UF was diluted back to the protein concentration of skim milk, creating the diluted UF retentate (DUR). On subsequent days, both the DUR and skim milk were run on the MF unit with the flux maintained at 54kg/m(2) per hour and a concentration factor of 3× and the system run in recycle mode. The temperature of MF was increased in 5°C steps from 50 to 65°C, with a 1-h stabilization period after each increase. During the run, transmembrane pressure was monitored and permeate and retentate samples were taken and analyzed to determine if any changes in SP, calcium, or phosphorus passage through the membrane occurred. Increasing temperature of MF from 50 to 65°C at a flux of 54kg/m(2) per hour did not produce a large increase in membrane fouling when using either skim milk or a DUR as the MF feed type as measured by changes in transmembrane pressure. Increasing the temperature to 65°C only caused a slight reduction in calcium concentration in the permeate (11±3%) that was similar between the 2MF feed types. Increasing processing temperature reduced the percentage of SP removal by the process, but the increased temperature also caused a decrease in casein contamination in the permeate with no evidence of membrane fouling.
Review of Stabilization of Clays and Expansive Soils in Pavements and Lightly Loaded Structures—History, Practice, and Future

Expansive clay soils—those that change significantly in volume with changes in water content—are the cause of distortions to structures that cost taxpayers several billion dollars annually in the United States. Much has been learned about their behavior over the past 60 years, and relatively successful methods have been developed to modify and stabilize them. This paper reviews some of the key advances developed over the past 60 years in improving our understanding of the nature and methods of modifying and stabilizing expansive clay soils. The state of the practice in stabilization is presented, and practical and research needs to help improve the state of the practice are discussed.
A study on hydrogen bonding in controlled-structure benzoxazine model oligomers

The synthesis procedure for controlled-structure benzoxazine model oligomers is described. To understand the complex hydrogen bonding structure, a series of benzoxazine model oligomers is characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The NMR resonances for model oligomers are newly assigned. The FT-IR spectra for model benzoxazine oligomers are carefully investigated both in crystalline and solution states. The distribution of hydrogen bonding species in benzoxazine model oligomers is quantitatively analyzed using FT-IR spectra. The cyclic conformations for the oligomers are also proposed.
Selective dissociation of free ribosomes of Escherichia coli by sodium ions.

Abstract It has been reported that the use of sodium ions instead of potassium ions in the preparation of gentle lysates of Escherichia coli prevents the appearance of 70 s ribosomes, which have accordingly been interpreted as initiation complexes formed during lysis in the presence of K + . In our hands, however, Na+ in the lysing fluid had no effect on the ribosome profile. In the analytical gradient, in contrast, Na + caused almost complete dissociation of the ribosomes in lysates containing primarily free ribosomes (obtained by polysome run-off), and very little in lysates containing primarily complexed ribosomes (obtained by polysome fragmentation). Moreover, labeling of the nascent polypeptide revealed that Na + selectively dissociated those 70 s ribosomes that lacked this ligand. By the use of this discriminatory reagent the 70 s peak from growing cells could be shown to be a mixture of free and complexed ribosomes.
Assay optimization and kinetic profile of the human and the rabbit isoforms of 11β-HSD1

Abstract Assay conditions for the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase have been optimized by adding phospholipids in the media buffer to increase and stabilize the enzymatic activity. The presence of phospholipids greatly facilitates the study of the binding of cortisone and NADPH at the enzyme catalytic site. Kinetic analyses conducted with the human and rabbit enzyme isoforms suggest that both enzymes behave according to an ordered sequential bi–bi mechanism where the NADPH is the first to bind at the active site followed by cortisone. The equilibrium dissociation constant, K i a as well as the apparent Michaelis–Menten constants K m a , K m b , k cat a , and k cat b for NADPH and cortisone, have been determined to be 147.5 μM, 14.4 μM, 43.8 nM, 0.21 min −1 , and 0.27 min −1 , respectively, for the human enzyme and 41.1 μM, 3.1 μM, 161.7 nM, 0.49 min −1 , and 0.52 min −1 , respectively, for the rabbit enzyme.
Substituent effects on the electronic structure and pKa of benzoic acid

The effects of substituents on the pKas of a set of 16 substituted benzoic acids have been examined using density functional theory [B3LYP/6-311G(d, p)] calculations. A variety of quantum chemical parameters were examined as indicators for the variations observed in the experimental pKas, including the Lowdin, Mulliken, AIM, and natural population analysis charges (QL, QM, QA, and Qn) on atoms of the dissociating carboxylic acid group, the energy difference (ΔEprot) between the carboxylic acid and its conjugate base, and the Wiberg bond index. Several of these calculated quantities yielded excellent correlations with the experimental pKa: ΔHprot, r2= 0.958; QL(H), r2= 0.963; Qn(CO2H), r2= 0.969; QL(CO), r2= 0.970; and QL(CO2H), r2= 0.978. The best correlation observed with the pKa, as expected, was from the empirical Hammett constants designed for this purpose (r2= 0.999). © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2002
Advanced particulate media for high density DASD

Barium ferrite and Co- gamma Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ particles comprise the leading particulate media for high-density direct-access storage devices (DASD). The physical, chemical, and magnetic properties of barium ferrite and Co- gamma Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ particles and media having film thicknesses of 0.25 mu m are compared. Magnetic and recording properties of isotropic and longitudinally oriented barium ferrite, Co- gamma Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/, and mixtures thereof confirm its potential for high-density DASD. Linear densities (-3 dB) exceeding 1400 fc/mm were achieved without equalization. Barium ferrite media show both particulate and metal-films noise behavior. >
Adiabatic Theory of an Electron in a Deformable Continuum

A scaling analysis of the adiabatic eigenstates of an electron placed in a deformable continuum with and without the presence of a Coulombic defect is set forth. This procedure enables us to obtain exact information about the system's adiabatic eigenstates for various models of the electron-lattice interaction.
Design and performance of an automatic gain control system for the high-energy x-ray timing experiment

The High Energy X-Ray Timing Experiment (HEXTE), currently under development for the X-Ray Timing Explorer (XTE) mission, employs a closed loop gain control system to attain 0.5 percent stabilization of each of eight-phoswich detector gains. This Automatic Gain Control (AGC) system utilizes a split window discriminator scheme to control the response of each detector pulse height analyzer to gated Am-241 X-ray events at 60 keV. A prototype AGC system has been implemented and tested within the gain perturbation environment expected to be experienced by the HEXTE instrument in flight. The AGC system and test configuration are described. Response, stability and noise characteristics are measured and compared with theoretical predictions. The system is found to be generally suitable for the HEXTE application.
Inter-sourcing: alternative IT sourcing solutions using student interns

Information Technology (IT) sourcing decisions are motivated by cost savings, skills acquisition, and staffing flexibility. The research in progress introduces a new alternative in sourcing, inter-sourcing. This practice incorporates the benefits of offshoring and outsourcing, while eliminating many of the challenges. University interns perform IT projects for corporations as employees of satellite offices. This paper presents the emergent themes from exploratory interviews with directors of three satellite offices, university staff members, and the director of the associated business incubator. Implications for theory and practice are discussed, along with future directions for this research.
Congratulations to Professor K. Itô

In this paper we describe a story how a Moscow mathematician solved an important problem in ergodic theory using Ito multiple stochastic integrals.
Association of tissue-specific changes in translation elongation after cyclosporin with changes in elongation factor 2 phosphorylation.

Abstract In studies of cyclosporin (CsA) toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats, CsA administered in vivo produced tissue-specific, dose-dependent changes in microsomal translation throughout the bodies of the animals. The most pronounced translation inhibition was in microsomes from the kidney, the organ in which dose-limiting CsA toxicity occurs. In contrast, translation was stimulated in microsomes from the liver. CsA produced changes at the level of translation elongation, which is regulated by the reversible phosphorylation of elongation factor 2 (EF2). Changes in translation elongation after CsA were found to be associated with, and most likely caused by, changes in EF2 phosphorylation. Reduced renal translation elongation was associated with increased EF2 phosphorylation, and increased hepatic elongation with decreased EF2 phosphorylation. EF2 is phosphorylated by Ca 2+ calmodulin-dependent protein kinase III (PKIII). Phosphorylated EF2 is a substrate for protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), but not calcineurin (protein phosphatase 2B or PP2B), the enzyme inhibited by CsA-cyclophilin complexes in T-cells. When CsA or inhibitors of PKIII (EGTA, trifluoperzine) were added in vitro to assays of EF2 phosphorylation in renal or hepatic cytoplasm, or to assays of renal or hepatic microsomal translation elongation, they were without significant effects. Addition in vitro of the PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid increased EF2 phosphorylation in renal and hepatic cytoplasms, but inconsistently produced an inhibition of microsomal translation. However, in less complex rabbit reticulocyte lysates, addition of okadaic acid inhibited PP2A, increased EF2 phosphorylation, and inhibited translation elongation. Furthermore, addition of EGTA and trifluoperazine to rabbit reticulocyte lysates inhibited Ca 2+ calmodulin-dependent PKIII activity, decreased EF2 phosphorylation, and stimulated translation elongation. CsA acting alone or as a complex with cyclophilin could alter EF2 phosphorylation by affecting transcriptional regulation or the enzymatic activity of PKIII, PP2A or EF2. Changes in EF2 phosphorylation and translation in body tissues suggest that CsA causes widespread disturbances in phosphorylation and dephosphorylation pathways regulating cellular processes including transcription and translation factor activity. These disturbances may underlie the broad spectrum of toxicities observed during CsA therapy.
Compression of time-dependent geometry

Methods for coding a time-dependent geometry stream (164, 165) include geometric transform coder, a basis decomposition coder, a column/row prediction coder, and space-time level of detail coder. The basis decomposition coder uses principal component analysis to decompose a time dependent geometry matrix into basis vectors and weights. The weights and basis vectors are coded separately. Optionally, the residual between a mesh constructed from the weight and basis vectors and the original mesh can be encoded as well. The column/row predictor exploits coherence in a matrix of time dependent geometry by encoding differences among neighboring rows and columns (166). Row and column sorting (163) optimizes this form of coding by re-arranging rows and columns to improve similarity among neighboring rows/columns. The space-time level of detail coder converts a time-dependent geometry stream into a hierarchical structure, including levels of detail in the space and time dimensions, and expansion records. The expansion records specify how to reconstruct (172) a mesh from deltas representing differences between levels of detail.
Fetal neurologic consultations

The pediatric neurologist can fulfill a useful role as a subspecialty consultant concerning the fetus with a suspected brain disorder, given that neurologic disease may occur before the intrapartum period. Brain disorders detected in the neonatal period may also reflect fetal brain damage before dysfunction is first documented. Medical conditions during the antepartum or intrapartum periods can alternatively predispose the fetus or neonate to express brain dysfunction at a later period, with either de novo or compounded brain injury. The pediatric neurologist must, therefore, consider maternal, placental, and fetal diseases on which a neonatal encephalopathy may be superimposed. This review article provides the neurologist with an integrative approach to fetal neurology, emphasizing perspectives from other subspecialties concerning maternal-fetal medicine, pathology, and neonatology, as well as other pediatric subspecialties. Evaluation of future strategies for either fetal or neonatal brain resuscitation will need to consider the developmental context in which a suspected brain injury occurred during the antepartum, intrapartum, and neonatal periods.
Inhibition of caspase proteases by CrmA enhances the resistance of human leukemic cells to multiple chemotherapeutic agents

Proteases that are members of the caspase (or interleukin-1β converting enzyme (ICE)) protease family have been shown to be important mediators of apoptosis induced by Fas activation, neurotrophic factor withdrawal, and detachment from extracellular matrix. In this report we have investigated the potential importance of caspase proteases in apoptosis induced by multiple chemotherapeutic agents. Human T leukemic cells engineered to overexpress the cowpox virus CrmA protein, a direct and specific inhibitor of caspase proteases, were studied for their resistance to 1-β-D-arabinofurasosyl-cytosine (Ara-C), etoposide (VP-16), doxorubicin (DOX), and cis-dichlorodiammine platinum (CP). Overexpression of CrmA dramatically inhibited drug-induced activation of caspases, as measured by processing of the inactive precursor form of caspase-3 and cleavage of caspase substrate proteins poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and lamin B. CrmA also significantly inhibited the kinetics of cell death induced by each of the four drugs. Moreover, when examined several days or weeks after initial exposure to drug, cultures of CrmA-expressing cells were found to have recovered and repopulated, whereas vector-transfected control cells did not. These studies demonstrate that caspase proteases play an important role in conferring sensitivity to multiple chemotherapy drugs, and that constitutive downmodulation of caspase activities can enhance chemoresistance.
Why is human evolution accelerating

For nearly two million years, ancient humans lived across Europe, Africa and Asia. They hunted ancient animals, lived short lives, and slowly adapted bigger brains, better minds, and more powerful forms of communication. Then, sometime around 100,000 years ago, something changed. A new way of life began to build, and a major dispersal of genes from ancient Africans carried biological adaptations to this new lifestyle. Living human populations owe most of their ancestry to this “out of Africa” event.
Stability of Response Process and Response

The process culminating in the response to an item in a personality inventory affects the value of that response's contribution to test score. Some response components are inappropriate from the ex...
The complex Hurwitz test for the stability analysis of induction generators

The paper proposes a new approach for the analysis of stability of induction generators. A PI-controlled doubly-fed induction generator is considered. The new method is based on a Hurwitz test for polynomials with complex coefficients. Using the test, stability of the PI controller is found to be guaranteed if a simple quadratic inequality relating the proportional and integral gains of the controller is satisfied. The application of the complex Hurwitz test is also demonstrated on another example. The method provides a new, systematic procedure for stability assessment and control design in induction machine problems.
On Regional Geomagnetic Charts

When regional geomagnetic charts for areas roughly the size of the United States were compiled by hand, some large local anomalies were displayed in the isomagnetic lines. Since the late nineteen sixties, when the compilation of charts using computers and mathematical models was started, most of the details available in the hand drawn regional charts have been lost. One exception to this is the Canadian magnetic declination chart for 1980. This chart was constructed using a 180 degree spherical harmonic model. It managed to show considerable detail, but even more detail might be useful. Suggestions are made about how more detail might be displayed in regional charts when adequate data are available.
The Developmental Paradiplomacy of South African Provinces: Context, Scope and the Challenge of Coordination

SummaryParadiplomacy, or the international relations of sub-national governments, has been a feature of South Africa’s international relations since 1995. However, despite a general recognition across all three spheres of government of the developmental value of the practice, aligning the paradiplomacy of most provincial and local governments to South Africa’s development and foreign policy priorities has remained an elusive goal.This article provides a rare insight into the paradiplomacy of South African provinces and explains why successive efforts at both the national and provincial levels to coordinate and rationalize paradiplomacy have been met with minimal success. It argues that although publicly acknowledging the potential benefits of paradiplomacy, national officials continue to harbour an attitude of ambivalence towards the international agency of provincial and local governments, which explains the half-hearted nature of most of the unsuccessful efforts to align paradiplomacy with South Africa’s foreign policy and national priorities. At the provincial level, efforts to manage paradiplomacy have largely been stymied by structural constraints that are embedded in South Africa’s constitutional framework, as well as an adverse political culture in the provinces.
Effect of Physical Fields on Solidification Structures of DC Casting AZ80 Magnesium Alloy Billets

AZ80 magnesium alloy was semi-continuously cast under different physical fields which were conventional direct chill (DC) casting, low frequency electromagnetic casting (LFEC), ultrasonic casting (USC) and electromagnetic-ultrasonic combined casting (ECUC), respectively. The effect of different physical fields on solidification structures of AZ80 alloys was investigated. The results show that compared with the conventional DC casting, structures of AZ80 alloys billets cast with LFEC and USC have been greatly refined. The effective refinement takes place in the edge of billets when LFEC is applied. However, the effective refinement takes place in the center of billets when USC is applied. When combination of low frequency electromagnetic and ultrasonic fields is applied during semi-continuous casting AZ80 magnesium alloy billet, structures of AZ80 alloys are refined significantly in the whole billets everywhere and more uniform.
Evaluation Design: Issues Confronting Evaluators of Gifted Programs

How should one evaluate a program for the gifted? Unique design concerns need to be taken into account when selecting a method for assessing gifted program outcomes. The author reviews design issues and proposes creative solutions to omnipresent dilemmas facing the would-be evaluator.
Behavior of amphipathic helices on analysis via matrix methods, with application to glucagon, secretin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide

A configuration partition function, which incorporates concepts embodied in the amphipathic helix hypothesis, has been formulated for a polypeptide in the presence of zwitterionic phospholipid. An enhanced probability is assigned to helix formation in any region of the polypeptide chain where side chains bearing charges of opposite sign will be situated on the same side of the α-helix but displaced from one another by one turn. This situation will arise when residues i − 4 (or i − 3) and i bear charges of opposite sign and residue i − 4 (or i − 3) through i are in a helical state. Illustrative calculations are performed for polypeptide chains in which the generalized nonionic amino acid residue serving as host has Zimm-Bragg parameters of σ = 10−4, s = 1. These calculations define conditions under which two interacting charged pairs can cooperate in a synergistic helix augmentation even when the two pairs are separated by significantly more than four generalized nonionic amino acid residues. Furthermore, the two interacting charged pairs, as well as the intervening amino acid residues, may become helical as one unit. Significant augmentation in helicity is observed with plausible values for the enhanced probablity assigned to helix formation for an interacting pair. This model predicts correctly that glucagon and secretin, but not vasoactive intestinal peptide, undergo a coil-to-helix trnsition in the presence of zwitterionic phospholipid. This prediction is made with plausible values for the parameter used to express the helicity enhancement. The experimental observation with zwitterionic phospholipids is the direct opposite of that seen for these three peptides in the presence of anionic lipids and detergents. In anionic lipids the amount of induced helicity is in the following order: glucagon < secretin < vasoactive intestinal peptide. Results obtained with these three peptides demonstrate that the nature of the head group of the lipid is important for lipid–protein interaction and that the resulting conformational changes can be rationalized by matrix methods.
Design and Implementation of Goalkeeper Defensive Strategy on the Soccer Robot Simulation Game

Robot soccer is a new research topic of artificial intelligence. The robot soccer game can be simply simulated by software. As the core part of defensive strategy, the goalkeeper's defensive is also a difficult subject in the soccer robot game. The site is devised by the rules, and the area of ball is as the center. This strategy does not consider the other player's position as well as their overall offensive state. It is not adopt to determine some special cases. A novel defensive strategy of goalkeeper is designed, and the experiments in different arithmetic are done and the results are noted. It needs to be further improved in guarantee real-time performance
Tachykinin-induced dyspnea in conscious guinea pigs.

Aerosol administration of neurokinin A (NKA) or substance P (SP) to conscious guinea pigs produced labored abdominal breathing (dydpnea). Time to onset of dyspnea was inversely related to tachykinin concentration. Aerosol administration of the neutral endopeptidase inhibitor thiorphan significantly potentiated tachykinin-induced without affecting responses to leukotriene D4 (LTD4), carbachol, histamine, platelet activating factor or serotonin (5-HT), indicating selectivity for tachykinins rather than a nonspecific effect on agonist reactivity. The rank order of potency for producing dyspnea was LTD⩾ NKA (with thiorphan) ⪢ SP (with thiorphan) > 5-HT = carbachol > histamine > platelet-activating factor. Pretreatment with propranol, phentolamine, methysergide, pyrilamine or the peptide leukotriene antagonist, ICI 198,165, did not alter dyspnea induced by NKA or SP. The dose-response curves for NKA and SP were shifted to small degrees (< 3-fold) to the right by atropine and to the left by indomethacin. Also, pretreatment with capsaicin did not affect responses to NKA or SP, indicating that they do not cause dyspnea by activating capsaicin sensitive C-fibers. These results suggest primarily direct effects of NKA and SP. This model may be useful for in vivo evaluation of tachykinin antagonists.
Adjuvant systemic therapy for elderly women with breast cancer

Although breast cancer is increasing in incidence, mortality from the disease is decreasing due to better treatment options. As the population ages, more women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at increasingly older ages. Tumors in elderly women tend to be more indolent than those in younger women, and physicians are sometimes reluctant to treat this cohort of patients simply because of their age. It is important for both primary care physicians and oncologists to be aware of breast cancer characteristics and treatments in the elderly in order to better serve this segment of the population. This review will discuss the benefits of both adjuvant chemotherapy and hormonal therapy in women with early stage breast cancer, with specific emphasis on the special attributes of elderly patients that should be considered when devising treatment plans.
Strategy for selective chemical cross-linking of tyrosine and lysine residues.

Chemical cross-linking of proteins combined with mass spectral analysis is a powerful technique that can be utilized to yield protein structural information, such as the spatial arrangement of multi-protein complexes or the folding of monomeric proteins. The succinimidyl ester cross-linking reagents are commonly used to cross-link primary amine-containing amino acids (N-terminus and lysine). However, in this study they were used to react with tyrosines as well, which allowed for the formation of cross-links between two primary amines, one primary amine and one tyrosine, or two tyrosines. This result is extremely important to the chemical cross-linking community for two reasons: (1) all possible cross-linked residues must be considered when analyzing data from these experiments to generate correct distance constraints and structural information, and (2) utilizing the versatility of these cross-linking reagents allows more information content to be generated from a single cross-linking reagent, which may increase the number of cross-links obtained in the experiment. Herein, we study the reactivity of the succinimidyl ester labeling and cross-linking reagents with angiotensin I and oxidized insulin β-chain. Using the succinimidyl acetate labeling reagent, the reactivity of the N-terminus was found to be greater than either lysine or tyrosine. However, a selectivity of the cross-linking reagent was observed for either tyrosine or lysine depending on the pH of the reaction solution. In acidic pH, it was observed that tyrosine was more reactive, while in alkaline pH lysine was more reactive. Exploiting this selectivity predominantly N-terminus-tyrosine or tyrosine-tyrosine cross-links were favored at acidic pH, while N-terminus-tyrosine or tyrosine-lysine cross-links were favored at alkaline pH.