cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dramas, Metaphors, and Structures*

It is argued that dramaturgical sociology/social psychology must be examined as a continuation of the methods and practices of dramatism. Such an examination will reveal answers to the persistent questions regarding the work of Erving Goffman: Is he using a metaphor, simile, analogy, etc.! Is he a symbolic interactionist! Is his work a form of structuralism! What is the relationship between the sociologist and the drama of human relations! What is the relationship between interactionism and structuralism! The answers to these questions, it appears, are that drama is not used as a simple analogy in the study of human relations and that the separation of structuralism and interactionism is yet another essay in the confrontation between Heraclitus' flux and Zeno's paradox. You cannot step twice into the same river; for fresh waters are ever flowing in upon you. Heraclitus In which case, you cannot step even once into the river: there will in fact be no river. after Parmenides, Zeno etc.
Transcutaneous DNA immunization following waxing-based hair depilation elicits both humoral and cellular immune responses

Previously, we showed that transcutaneous (TC) DNA immunization by applying plasmid DNA onto a mouse skin area wherein the hair follicles were induced into growth stage by plucking the hair using warm waxing induced strong and functional antigen-specific antibody responses. In the present study, using plasmids that encode β-galactosidase gene or ovalbumin (OVA) gene, we showed that this mode of TC DNA immunization not only induced specific antibody responses, but also induced antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses. In fact, TC DNA immunization using a plasmid that encodes OVA gene prevented the growth of OVA-expressing B16-OVA tumor cells in the immunized mice. Moreover, we provided additional evidence supporting that hair follicles are essential for this mode of TC DNA immunization.
The role of store-operated calcium influx in skeletal muscle signaling

In cardiac and skeletal muscle Ca2+ release from intracellular stores triggers actomyosin cross-bridge formation and the generation of contractile force. In the face of large fluctuations of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) that occur with contractile activity, myocytes are able to sense and respond to changes in workload and patterns of activation through calcium signaling pathways which modulate gene expression and cellular metabolism. Store-operated calcium influx has emerged as a mechanism by which calcium signaling pathways are activated in order to respond to the changing demands of the myocyte. Abnormalities of store-operated calcium influx may contribute to maladaptive muscle remodeling in multiple disease states. The importance of store-operated calcium influx in muscle is confirmed in mice lacking STIM1 which die perinatally and in patients with mutations on STIM1 or Orai1 who exhibit a myopathy exhibited by hypotonia. In this review, we consider the role of store-operated Ca2+ entry into skeletal muscle as a critical mediator of Ca2+ dependent gene expression and how alterations in Ca2+ influx may influence muscle development and disease.
Remote sensing of mineral dust aerosols in the UV/visible and IR regions

Mineral aerosols present a particularly difficult case in climate and remote sensing studies, because their absorption and scattering of atmospheric radiation depend strongly on the dust source region, morphology (i.e. shape and size), mineralogy, and state of mixture with other species. Current aerosol retrievals rely on numerous poorly justified assumptions such as spherical shapes of dust particles and prescribed refractive indices. This study examines how the realistic particle morphology and composition affect the dust optical properties and implications for remote sensing at solar and infrared wavelengths.
Observation of nonsequential ionization of helium and its impact on intensity monitoring

The authors have measured the ion yields for helium and neon ionized by 120 femtosecond, 614 nanometer laser pulses with intensities up to 10{sup 16} watts per square centimeter. They have found that the He II and Ne II data exhibit features incompatible with standard nonresonant sequential ionization. These features reduce the usefulness of optical field ionization for monitoring laser intensity. For the experiment, they expect dynamic resonances to have little effect on the ionization, and they attribute the features to nonsequential ionization based on the simultaneous saturation of the features and the singly ionized charge states.
Is the academic pediatric neurologist an endangered species

Some argue that the physician-researcher is an endangered specie and that the 'bedside connection' is severely strained. Our survey of recent graduates of pediatric neurology training programs does not substantiate this. Almost one-half of graduating pediatric neurology residents are embarking on full-time, university-based careers. Laboratory experience seems to play a decisive role in career orientation, confirming the intention of those interested in an academic career, and dissuading those who ultimately decide on private practice. Finally, a large number of young pediatric neurology trainees have taken additional years of fellowship training, although primarily in clinical neurology. This survey indicates that even more people would be inclined toward fellowship training if stipends were somewhat higher. In summary, despite considerable uncertainties about grant support and low salaries, a substantial number of graduates of pediatric neurology training programs are planning careers as physician-researchers.
On an Inequality That Implies the Lower Bound Formula for the Probability of Correct Selection in the Levin-Robbins-Leu Family of Sequential Binomial Subset Selection Procedures.

Abstract We study a key inequality that implies the lower bound formula for the probability of correct selection and other selection-related events of interest in the Levin-Robbins-Leu family of sequential binomial subset selection procedures. We present a strategy for the proof of the key inequality, and a mostly complete general proof is given. The strategy provides an entirely complete and rigorous proof of the inequality for as many as seven competing populations using computer-assisted symbolic manipulation.
Impact of disseminating quality improvement programs for depression in managed primary care: A randomized controlled trial.

ContextCare of patients with depression in managed primary care settings often fails to meet guideline standards, but the long-term impact of quality improvement (QI) programs for depression care in such settings is unknown.ObjectiveTo determine if QI programs in managed care practices for depressed primary care patients improve quality of care, health outcomes, and employment.DesignRandomized controlled trial initiated from June 1996 to March 1997.SettingForty-six primary care clinics in 6 US managed care organizations.ParticipantsOf 27,332 consecutively screened patients, 1356 with current depressive symptoms and either 12-month, lifetime, or no depressive disorder were enrolled.InterventionsMatched clinics were randomized to usual care (mailing of practice guidelines) or to 1 of 2 QI programs that involved institutional commitment to QI, training local experts and nurse specialists to provide clinician and patient education, identification of a pool of potentially depressed patients, and either nurses for medication follow-up or access to trained psychotherapists.Main Outcome MeasuresProcess of care (use of antidepressant medication, mental health specialty counseling visits, medical visits for mental health problems, any medical visits), health outcomes (probable depression and health-related quality of life [HRQOL]), and employment at baseline and at 6- and 12-month follow-up.ResultsPatients in QI (n = 913) and control (n = 443) clinics did not differ significantly at baseline in service use, HRQOL, or employment after nonresponse weighting. At 6 months, 50.9% of QI patients and 39.7% of controls had counseling or used antidepressant medication at an appropriate dosage (P<.001), with a similar pattern at 12 months (59.2% vs 50.1%; P = .006). There were no differences in probability of having any medical visit at any point (each P≥.21). At 6 months, 47.5% of QI patients and 36.6% of controls had a medical visit for mental health problems (P = .001), and QI patients were more likely to see a mental health specialist at 6 months (39.8% vs 27.2%; P<.001) and at 12 months (29.1% vs 22.7%; P = .03). At 6 months, 39.9% of QI patients and 49.9% of controls still met criteria for probable depressive disorder (P = .001), with a similar pattern at 12 months (41.6% vs 51.2%; P = .005). Initially employed QI patients were more likely to be working at 12 months relative to controls (P = .05).ConclusionsWhen these managed primary care practices implemented QI programs that improve opportunities for depression treatment without mandating it, quality of care, mental health outcomes, and retention of employment of depressed patients improved over a year, while medical visits did not increase overall.
Large spin limit of AdS5×S5 string theory and low energy expansion of ferromagnetic spin chains

Abstract By considering AdS 5 × S 5 string states with large S 5 angular momenta one can provide non-trivial quantitative checks of the AdS/CFT duality. A string rotating in S 5 with two angular momenta J 1 , J 2 is dual to an operator in N =4 SYM theory whose conformal dimension can be computed by diagonalizing a (generalization of) spin 1/2 Heisenberg chain Hamiltonian. It was recently argued and verified to lowest order in a large J = J 1 + J 2 expansion, that the Heisenberg chain can be described using a non-relativistic low energy effective 2d action for a unit vector field n i which exactly matches the corresponding large J limit of the classical AdS 5 × S 5 string action. In this paper we show that this agreement extends to the next order and develop a systematic procedure for computing higher orders in such large angular momentum expansion. This involves several non-trivial steps. On the string side, we need to choose a special gauge with a non-diagonal world-sheet metric which insures that the angular momentum is uniformly distributed along the string, as indeed is the case on the spin chain side. We need also to implement an order by order redefinition of the field n i to get an action linear in the time derivative. On the spin chain side, it turns out to be crucial to include the effects of integrating out short wave-length modes. In this way we gain a better understanding of how (a subsector of) the string sigma model emerges from the dual gauge theory, allowing us to demonstrate the duality beyond comparing particular examples of states with large J .
Empirical scaling of Fourier spectrum amplitudes of recorded strong earthquake accelerations in terms of Modified Mercalli Intensity, local soil conditions and depth of sediments

Abstract Empirical scaling equations of Fourier spectrum amplitudes in terms of the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI), local soil conditions (‘rock’, stiff soil, and deep soil), and local geologic conditions (depth of sediments) are presented. It is shown that both soil and geological site effects should be used together in estimation of the site specific Fourier amplitude spectra.
Cancer of the Prostate

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. New advances in screening and imaging allow earlier diagnosis, and improved surgical techniques have reduced sexual dysfunction and incontinence that often resulted from radical prostatectomy. However, many questions remain. How can prostate cancer best be detected in an early curable form? What is the role of tumor markers? Who should be screened and how? What prognostic tools can help with decisions about appropriate therapy?
Oscillatory growth of directionally solidified ammonium chloride dendrites

Abstract Isothermal studies of ammonium chloride dendrites grown from water solutions indicate that the growth orientation depends on the degree of undercooling, switching over a narrow temperature range from slow 〈1 0 0〉 oriented dendrites to fast 〈1 1 1〉 oriented dendrites. However, when ammonium chloride–water alloys are directionally solidified, oscillations between two growth modes are observed over a range of drive velocities. This phenomenon will be described and a comparison with isothermal experiments will be presented.
Fault-tolerant quantum computation versus Gaussian noise

We study the robustness of a fault-tolerant quantum computer subject to Gaussian non-Markovian quantum noise, and we show that scalable quantum computation is possible if the noise power spectrum satisfies an appropriate “threshold condition.” Our condition is less sensitive to very-high-frequency noise than previously derived threshold conditions for non-Markovian noise.
Prospective evaluation of colonic obstruction with computed tomography

Background: To determine whether computed tomography (CT) can satisfactorily diagnose and evaluate patients with suspected colonic obstruction.
EGF signaling comes of age: Promotion of healthy aging in C. elegans

More than 400 genes have been noted to modulate Caenorhabditis elegans longevity. Recent studies testing the role of proposed secreted insulin-binding proteins unexpectedly revealed a potent role for the EGF signaling pathway in promoting healthy aging and longevity in C. elegans. Activation of EGF receptor LET-23 is associated with increased mean and maximum lifespan, maintained pharyngeal pumping, extended locomotory function, and low lipofuscin and advanced glycation end product accumulation. Conversely, reducing the activity of the EGF pathway is associated with system-wide evidence of progeria. The EGF pathway appears to work in a manner largely independent of the insulin/IGF-like pathway, in that effects are additive with reduction of DAF-2/InsR activity and are not affected by DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor deficiency. Two novel regulators of EGF signaling, called HPA-1 and HPA-2 (for the high performance in advanced age locomotory phenotypes that their disruption confers), negatively regulate EGF action, possibly by binding and sequestering EGF. Interestingly, whereas HPA-1 appears to control aging of the animal overall, HPA-2 exerts an effect primarily on locomotory aging. As such, HPA-2 is an example of a protein with an effect on healthspan but not lifespan, a gene class that may have been missed in screens focused on longevity endpoint. To date, roles for EGF signaling in adult maintenance (particularly in non-dividing tissues) have not been addressed in other organisms-should EGF signaling exert a conserved impact on healthy aging, testing this hypothesis could hold implications for anti-aging therapies.
Through the Internet of Things -- A Management by Delegation Smart Object Aware System (MbDSAS)

The management of smart objects (SObjs) is an important task because they are huge in number and applications. Such huge number of SObjs may lead the Internet of Things (IoT) to face severe network conditions, in terms of network congestion and large delays. Thus, the management of SObjs is fundamental to avoid future IoT network problems. In such a management, network boxes, also called gateways, have been configured to manage SObjs with software updates or reconfiguration followed by a warm start. However, gateways configuration become soon outdated because SObjs join and leave the network quite frequently. Therefore, we propose an approach called MbDSAS to reconfigure gateways without the need of a software updating or patching to manage and detect SObjs and deal with the dynamicity of the IoT network. An evaluation of MbDSAS was performed through an airport modeled scenario. In addition, MbDSAS was experimentally tested to be qualified as a management solution to IoT scenarios and to determine the best performance combination of technologies to implement MbDSAS.
Some visual functions of a unilaterally color-blind person. I. Critical fusion frequency in various spectral regions.

A new case of unilateral dichromatism is described. She is a young woman with normal color vision in one eye and dichromatic vision of a primarily deuteranopic type in the other.Critical fusion frequency functions for a centrally fixated 28-min field were determined in ten spectral regions, ranging from one having a spectral centroid at 452 mμ to one with a spectral centroid at 682 mμ, on both eyes of this unilaterally dichromatic subject. Determinations were also made with white light. Measurements extended over a range of approximately 3.5 log millilamberts. For all colors except red, the curve of critical fusion frequency vs log luminance for the color-blind eye is displaced downward on the critical fusion frequency axis with respect to the curve for the normal eye. For any given spectral region, the displacement is approximately constant over the luminance range tested and the two curves do not reach the same maximum fusion frequency. The magnitude of the shift varies with wavelength. It is greatest in the green, next in the blue-green, yellow-green, blue, and yellow; there is a slight loss in the orange and no detectable loss in the red. The data for white light data also show reduced critical fusion frequencies for the color-blind eye.These findings are taken to reflect a reduction in the dichromatic eye of the number of receptors (of a type especially sensitive to green) available for excitation by the spectral range from about 450 mμ to 625 mμ.Some measurements of critical fusion frequency with a 1° green and a 2° white field are also reported. They display the same general trends as the data for small fields, but the extent of the downward shift of the color-blind function is in each case less than that for the corresponding pair of curves with the 28-min area. The reduction in the amount of downward displacement with larger test fields comes about through a proportionately greater increase in critical fusion frequency with area for the color-blind than for the normal eye. The results are formulated in terms of a nonuniform distribution of color receptors across the fovea.
Introduction: A Cognitive Science Slam in Honor of Guy Van Orden

Guy Van Orden (October 6, 1952–May 11, 2012) was a brilliant scientist and a generous collaborator. He had a habit of pushing his ideas further than what seemed safe—just to see if he could break t...
An extension of a theorem on cycles containing specified independent edges

We give an alternative proof of a conjecture due to Wang (J. Graph Theory 26 (1997) 105) in a stronger form. The main theorem states that for any integer k ≥ 2 if G is a graph of order n ≥ 4k - 1 and d(u) + d(υ) ≥ n + 2k - 2 for each pair of non-adjacent vertices u and υ of G, then, for any k independent edges e1,... ,ek of G, there exist k vertex-disjoint cycles C1,..., Ck in G such that (i) ei ∈ E(Ci) for all 1 ≤ i ≤ k, (ii) V(C1)∪ ... ∪V(Ck) = V(G), and (iii) #{i ≤ k||Ci| a > n - 4k + 2). It strengthens the conjecture of Wang, which was first proven by Egawa et al. (Graphs Combin. 16 (2000) 81).
Recombinational DNA repair and sister chromatid exchanges.

Abstract We show that a recombinational repair mechanism for DNA lesions can be expected to produce exactly the types of exceptions to the usually observed semiconservative segregation of newly synthetized DNA that have been reported in the literature. This removes the obstacles their occurrence appearance to present to the interpretation that the eukaryote chromosome is mononeme, containing but a single DNA double helix prior to replication. We further note that such a recombinational repair system would generate single sister chromatid exchange (SCE) events but not twin SCE events. This, along with other factors, complicates the interpretation of single: twin ratios in terms of any particular model of eukaryote chromosome structure.
CP violation and rare Kaon/Hyperon decays at KTeV experiment

Abstract The status of the Fermilab's search for direct CP violation through a precision measurement of Re( ϵ′ ϵ ) is presented (KTeV-E832 experiment). Recent results from the rare K L and hyperon run are also presented (KTeV-E799II experiment).
Image analysis identification of broken and sound shelled corn bulk samples

Multispectral image analysis was used to identify broken and sound kernels in bulk samples of corn. Images in a 512 X 512 pixel format were acquired with 50 nm bandpass filters in the visual and near infrared regions of the spectrum. Samples of broken and sound corn kernels were assessed. A search for pixels which represented endosperm and sound tissue of the kernels was done by relating the gray values from different bandwidth images at the same topological location. Data analysis was done using means of 4 X 4 arrays of normalized pixel values and derived features to create a pattern for sample recognition. The most effective bandwidths for identification of endosperm tissue was determined followed by a search of pixel coordinates to identify endosperm areas. Binarization of the endosperm areas, reflective spots and shade between kernels was done as a preprocessing step. Samples were then classified by evaluation of 256 X 256 pixel subimages of each sample. A 100% correct recognition rate of the broken and sound corn classes was achieved.
A simple ventilator suitable for neurophysiologic studies of small animals

Abstract An inexpensive ventilator which produces intermittent positive pressure ventilation of the lungs is described. The device is usable with any respiratory gas mixture and permits continual adjustments of rate, stroke volume and inspiratory-expiratory duty ratio during operation. As judged by electrical, acoustical and blood gas measurements, the ventilator has proved to be quite satisfactory for the long term maintenance (up to 6 hr) of proper rodent respiration during microelectrode studies of the central auditory system.
The RNA superhighway: axonal RNA trafficking of kappa opioid receptor mRNA for neurite growth

Neurons are highly polarized cells with extensive sub-cellular compartmentalization to accommodate diverse local needs. Information flows between the pre-synaptic (axon) and post-synaptic (dendrite) compartments, as well as between the soma and the nerve termini. It is critical that a neuron controls efficient molecular transfer/transport through its axon. But this is extremely challenging to study because of the long distance molecules must travel through axons and the apparent contextual difference in the axons' various local environments, which should not be examined in isolation. Understanding the action in neurons of drug-responsive neurotransmitter receptors such as opioid receptors has been hindered by the lack of information on the control of molecular flow between such various sub-cellular neuron compartments. Recent studies have uncovered new transport systems other than the classical vesicle transport in neurons, particularly those utilizing various granules containing certain RNAs including protein-coding mRNAs. Through integrated approaches exploiting various experimental systems, tools, and methodologies, studies have provided solid evidence for functional roles of specific RNA granules in several biological processes crucial for the survival and function of neurons. These include neurons' transport of molecules/information, stress response, and local axonal translation. By using the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) as a model, studies have also revealed a novel physiological function of KOR in mediating growth factor-stimulated neurite outgrowth during a critical period of development, which requires specific KOR mRNA untranslated sequences that direct spatially and temporally specific expression of KOR.
Platelet–Monocyte Aggregates Bridging Thrombosis and Inflammation

Thrombus formation within a coronary vessel is the precipitating event in unstable coronary syndromes. The angiographic severity of coronary stenoses may not predict sites of subsequent acute coronary events, inasmuch as rupture of atheromatous plaque with thrombosis in relatively mildly stenosed vessels may underlie many acute coronary syndromes. The intact endothelium normally prevents platelet activation, but the intimal injury associated with endothelial denudation and plaque rupture exposes subendothelial collagen and von Willebrand factor, which support prompt platelet adhesion and activation. Circulating platelets can adhere either directly to collagen or indirectly, via the binding of von Willebrand factor, to the glycoprotein Ib/IX complex. Local platelet activation promotes thrombus formation and additional platelet recruitment by supporting cell surface thrombin formation and releasing potent platelet agonists, such as adenosine 5′-diphosphate, serotonin, and thromboxane A2. The central role of platelet activation in acute coronary syndromes is supported by increased platelet-derived thromboxane and prostaglandin metabolites detected in patients with acute coronary syndromes1 and the clear clinical benefit of treatment with aspirin for prevention of acute coronary events.2 See p 2166 The importance of platelet-dependent thrombosis has made the platelet aggregate a common therapeutic target in acute coronary syndromes. Recently, such therapies have included the use of aspirin, thienopyridines, and direct glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Although the mechanism of action of these various agents differs, they all inhibit fibrinogen-dependent platelet–platelet associations (ie, platelet aggregation). However, as highlighted by the recent disappointing clinical results of trials using oral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors,3 merely preventing the process of platelet aggregation may not always translate into clinical efficacy. Recent data suggest that patients with acute coronary syndromes have not only increased interactions between platelets (homotypic aggregates) but also increased interactions between platelets and leukocytes (heterotypic aggregates) detectable in circulating blood. These aggregates form when platelets are …
Leakage of Anthocyanins from Skin of Raw and Cooked Highbush Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

Factors affecting the tendency of thawed blueberries to leak pigmented exudate were investigated. Drip and anthocyanin leakage rates (ALR) were determined spectrophotometrically. Leakage vs time curves were linear or two-phase linear, ALR varying with cultivar, ripeness, and berry condition. Dewaxing increased ALR with most cultivars. ALR did not correlate with berry anthocyanin content, surface area, or cuticle thickness. ALR and amount of drip were poorly correlated. ALR varied from berry-to-berry within samples. Leakage was observed to be nonuniform on berry surfaces, appearing at skin cracks and ruptures, the calyx area, and other point sources. An hypothesis relating leakage to skin condition, fluid accumulation, and anthocyanin content is presented.
Family functioning in the caregivers of patients with dementia.

Background Caregiver burden has been extensively studied in the dementia population. The marital relationship has been suggested as a mediational model through which variables influence the caregiver and contribute to the experience of burden or reward. Objectives This study examines family functioning, caregiver burden and reward and quality of life in 38 family members caring for a relative with dementia. Methods Caregivers of out-patients with dementia completed self report questionnaires. Results 63% of caregivers were female with a mean age of 62 years. Patient mean age was 73 years. The average number of caregiving years was 3.1. Caregivers were more likely to be spouses (61%) than children (29%) or other relatives (11%). Despite the fact that caregivers reported that their relatives were moderately disabled, they perceived more reward than burden. Caregivers who reported poor family functioning had higher ratings of strain and burden. Family functioning in these caregivers was poorest in the dimensions of affective responsiveness, problem solving and communication but it was also impaired in roles and affective involvement. Conclusions Assessing a family's functioning may be an important factor in the care of the dementia patient and his/her family. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children's Perception of Research Participation: Examining Trauma Exposure and Distress.

USING THE REACTIONS TO RESEARCH Participation Questionnaire for Children (RRPQ-C), this study examined perceptions of research participation among 181 school-aged children with and without trauma histories. As part of two larger studies, children completed non-trauma related tasks to assess emotion understanding and cognitive ability. Parents (and not children) reported on children's interpersonal (e.g., sexual abuse, physical abuse, witnessing domestic violence, witnessing community violence) and non-interpersonal (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, medical traumas, natural disasters) trauma exposure. Children's perceptions of costs and benefits of research participation and understanding of informed consent did not vary as a function of trauma exposure. The number of traumatic events experienced was unrelated to children's perceptions. Furthermore, children across trauma-exposure groups generally reported a positive cost-benefit ratio, and understanding of the consent information. Implications of these data are discussed. Language: en
Description of a Novel Murine Model for Ileocystoplasty and Early Histologic Changes

There is concern that bladder augmentation with bowel segments predisposes toward the development of carcinoma. Additionally, patients with neurogenic bladder and bladder cancer often present with advanced stage and have poor survival. Cellular hyperproliferation at the urointestinal junction (UIJ) has been implicated in this scenario. We aimed to develop a reproducible murine model of ileocystoplasty (ICP). We also performed preliminary analysis of any early histologic changes with focus on cellular proliferation at the UIJ. Fifteen 6- to 8-week-old female C57BL/6 mice underwent ICP, where a 1-cm ileal segment was used for bladder augmentation. Four sham mice underwent cystotomy and closure, and four mice did not undergo surgery. The mice were euthanized at 12 weeks postsurgery, and paraffin sections were stained for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Cellular proliferation was investigated using Ki-67. A novel model of ICP in mice was developed and demonstrated to be technically feasible in approximately 60 min under the operating microscope. Twelve-week postsurgical survival rates were 80% (12 of 15). The surviving mice had a similar weight gain as the sham mice. H&E sections showed thickened urothelium (six to 10 cell layers) at the UIJ, but sparse mitotic figures and no dysplastic changes. Ki-67 staining was rare in the urothelium, and showed no differences between the sham and ICP mice in the bladder or at the UIJ. We here demonstrate the first murine model of ICP. Preliminary studies did not show evidence of early hyperproliferation at the UIJ or in the bladder, but further long-term studies as well as studies with transgenic mice are warranted.
The role of mTOR inhibition in renal transplant immune suppression

The mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTOR-Is) sirolimus and everolimus represent a class of proliferation signal inhibitors with a wide spectrum of activities, including suppression of T-cell proliferation and reduction of tumor growth. In solid-organ transplantation, mTOR inhibitors are an option for maintenance immune suppression due to their relative lack of nephrotoxicity compared with the current backbone of most regimens, the calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). This property, in conjunction with their unique pharmacology, allows mTOR-Is to be used as an adjunct or alternative to CNIs. Earlier studies of their use in de novo renal transplantation have delineated potential strategies for use of this class of drugs in groups of patients in whom mTOR inhibition may be useful. From recent kidney studies it appears that the time for introduction of mTOR-I therapy may be prior to the development of proteinuria or signiﬁcant graft deterioration. Consideration should also be given to the use of mTOR-Is in patients with or at high risk of post-transplant malignancy. Due to potential toxicities, knowledge of the adverse effects and pharmacokinetic proﬁles of mTOR-Is is necessary for proper management of patients receiving these agents.
Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics of topotecan in a phase I trial of topotecan, tamoxifen, and carboplatin, in the treatment of recurrent or refractory brain or spinal cord tumors.

Purpose This study was designed to ascertain the dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) and maximally tolerated doses of the combination of fixed-dose tamoxifen and carboplatin, with escalating doses of topotecan, and to determine the pharmacokinetics of topotecan in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid.
The Participant's Dilemma: Bringing Conflict and Representation Back In

ijur_965 496..511 Innovations in democratic participation involving small-scale, long-term focused governing bodies have increased citizen influence in poor American urban neighborhoods. Scholars have described these emerging forms of participation as essentially cooperative in spirit and directly democratic in nature. I argue that the new participatory regimes continue to involve social processes of representation and conflict inherent to more traditional forms of engagement. Participants move dynamically between cooperation and conflict and between participating as individuals and representing constituencies. This article presents a careful study of how a single decision developed and was implemented in such a participatory experiment, the American Street Empowerment Zone in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, between 1994 and 2008. Archival and interview data support the general perspective shared by articles in this symposium — that participation involves dynamic movement between conflict and cooperation. This article suggests that the durability of the participatory regime depends not on the level of conflict but on how participants move between displaying identification with either government or their community constituents. This article uses the concept of intermediation to describe this kind of dynamism and to reflect the flexibility a participatory structure must nurture to endure.
A Study Of Academically Talented Students? Participation In Extracurricular Activities.

In this study, we surveyed the participation rates of academically talented students across 9 areas: dance, solo instrument, choral music, band, athletics, student government, academic clubs, ethnic/cultural clubs, and an “other activities” category. Participants consisted of 2 independent cohorts (Cohort 1, N = 842; Cohort 2, N = 290) attending a summer program. Results indicated that athletics was the activity in which males and females reported greatest participation across cohorts. Significant differences in rates were found for participation in athletics, choral music, and dance in the direction of gender-stereotypical expectations. Differences were also found among ethnic groups and across grade levels in certain activities. We concluded that the results contradict the nonathletic stereotype sometimes associated with students who are academically talented.
Recent advances in wired networking

With the Internet quickly becoming a part of everyone's life and wireless devices being adopted by an increasingly mobile work force, networking has lately experienced an unprecedented number of advances. These advances have resulted in pushing high-speed networking into new domains. Significant progress has also been made in the design of new networking applications and middleware, and toward solving complex regulatory issues. This article looks into the latest advances in wired networking. Excessive focus on one element of networking at the expense of others has led to many widely publicized networking technology failures. Business customers have only slowly been adopting VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technologies. The future of many premium services that require multicasting or high-speed network support from Internet service providers (ISPs) will depend entirely on how those ISPs perceive user needs and on how fast new business models can be developed.
The effects of ADC nonlinearities on digital beamformers

The output beam pattern of a digital beamformer (DBF) using the full dynamic range of a high-speed (HS) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) was investigated. A simple model for the full-range HS ADC nonlinearity was developed. It is shown that the nonlinearities in an HS ADC can cause substantial degradation in a digital beamforming array when interference is present. This degradation is caused by the appearance of 'phantom' interferers created by the nonlinearity of the ADCs. These phantom interferers are harmonics of the original interferer and signal. >
Contract Incompleteness, Globalization and Vertical Structure: an Empirical Analysis

This paper studies the eects of international openness and contracting institutions on vertical integration. It …rst derives a number of predictions regarding the interactions between trade bar- riers, contracting costs, technology intensity, and the extent of vertical integration from a simple model with incomplete contracts. Then it investigates these predictions using a new dataset of over 14000 …rms from 45 developing countries. Consistent with theory, the eect of technology in- tensity of domestic producers on their likelihood to vertically integrate is decreasing in the quality of domestic contracting institutions and in international openness. Contract enforcing costs are particularly high in developing countries and their eects on the vertical structure of technological intensive …rms may have signi…cant welfare costs. If improving domestic contracting institutions is not feasible an equivalent solution is to increase openness to international trade. This would discipline domestic suppliers reducing the need for vertical integration.
Boundary correction for total variation regularized L^1 function with applications to image decomposition and segmentation

The total variation model with L^1 norm fidelity term (TVL^1) has been proposed to serve as an effective cartoontexture image decomposition tool because of its unique scale-dependent decomposition ability. Nevertheless, one of its largely overlooked limitations is its inability to perfectly retain the original contours of the selected patterns when the fidelity term is not sufficiently weighted. In this paper, we propose a boundary correction method to refine the contours of extracted patterns under such circumstances. A scale-driven image segmentation algorithm extended from the boundary correction method is presented as an application. Experimental results demonstrate that our works overcome the drawbacks of existing TV-L^1 model and provide an alternative segmentation method.
Biomedical ontologies in action: role in knowledge management, data integration and decision support.

Objectives: To provide typical examples of biomedical ontologies in action, emphasizing the role played by biomedical ontologies in knowledge management, data integration and decision support. Methods: Biomedical ontologies selected for their practical impact are examined from a functional perspective. Examples of applications are taken from operational systems and the biomedical literature, with a bias towards recent journal articles. Results: The ontologies under investigation in this survey include SNOMED CT, the Logical Observation Identifiers, Names, and Codes (LOINC), the Foundational Model of Anatomy, the Gene Ontology, RxNorm, the National Cancer Institute Thesaurus, the International Classification of Diseases, the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS). The roles played by biomedical ontologies are classified into three major categories: knowledge management (indexing and retrieval of data and information, access to information, mapping among ontologies); data integration, exchange and semantic interoperability; and decision support and reasoning (data selection and aggregation, decision support, natural language processing applications, knowledge discovery). Conclusions: Ontologies play an important role in biomedical research through a variety of applications. While ontologies are used primarily as a source of vocabulary for standardization and integration purposes, many applications also use them as a source of computable knowledge. Barriers to the use of ontologies in biomedical applications are discussed.s in
CFD Model Validation and Prediction of Mist/Steam Cooling in a 180-Degree Bend Tubes

To achieve higher efficiency target of the advanced turbine systems, the closed-loop steam cooling scheme is employed to cool the airfoil. It is proven from the experimental results at laboratory working conditions that injecting mist into steam can significantly augment the heat transfer in the turbine blades with several fundamental studies. The mist cooling technique has to be tested at gas turbine working conditions before implementation. Realizing the fact that conducting experiment at gas turbine working condition would be expensive and time consuming, the computational simulation is performed to get a preliminary evaluation on the potential success of mist cooling at gas turbine working conditions. The present investigation aims at validating a CFD model against experimental results in a 180-degree tube bend and applying the model to predict the mist/steam cooling performance at gas turbine working conditions. The results show that the CFD model can predict the wall temperature within 8% of experimental steam-only flow and 16% of mist/steam flow condition. Five turbulence models have been employed and their results are compared. Inclusion of radiation into CFD model causes noticeable increase in accuracy of prediction. The reflect Discrete Phase Model (DPM) wall boundary condition predicts better than the wall-film boundary condition. The CFD simulation identifies that mist impingement over outer wall is the cause for maximum mist cooling enhancement at 45° of bend portion. The computed results also reveals the phenomenon of mist secondary flow interaction at bend portion, adding the mist cooling enhancement at the inner wall. The validated CFD simulation predicts that average of 100% mist cooling enhancement can be achieved by injecting 5% mist at elevated GT working condition.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Genetic Basis of the Association of Sulphonamide Resistance with Methionine Auxotrophy in Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Selection by sulphonamides was investigated in Neisseria gonorrhoeae because a sulphonamide-resistant (Sulr), methionine-requiring (Met-) phenotype that was common in the era of sulphonamide therapy became rare in the penicillin era. Cultures of wild-type (SulsMet+) gonococci on a conventional medium containing sulphadiazine (2–10 µg ml-1) yielded numerous, nonidentical mutations of two met genes. The requirement of MetI- mutants was satisfied only by methionine, whereas MetI-1 mutants utilized either homocysteine or methionine. My theory that increased resistance to sulphonamides is a pleiotropic effect of methionine auxotrophy was confirmed by the return of sulphonamide susceptibility in all Met+ spontaneous mutants. Furthermore, the SulrMet- traits were introduced or eliminated together by DNA-mediated transformation. Sulphonamides are known to inhibit dihydropteroate synthase; consequently, they interrupt the entire sequence of reactions in the folate pathway including the methyl group transfer from N 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine to form methionine. The increased sulphonamide resistance of these Met- mutants is discussed in terms of conservation of the pool of essential tetrahydrofolate derivatives. The ease with which spontaneous forward and reverse met mutations can be obtained is unique among gonococcal genes.
Culture of Juvenile Atlantic Surfclams, Spisula solidissima solidissima and Spisula solidissima similis, in Forced‐Flow Upwellers in a Bivalve Hatchery in Coastal Georgia

Four experimental growth studies for juvenile Atlantic surfclams, Spisula solidissima solidissima and Spisula solidissima similis, under hatchery conditions were conducted in 10-cm diameter forced-flow upweller units. Experiments were designed to determine optimum food ration (2%, 5%, and 8% g dry weight of algae/g wet weight of clam), water culture temperature (20, 25, and 30°C), flow rate (2, 4, and 6 Lpm), and stocking density (7, 14, and 21 g wet weight of clams) for rearing juvenile clams in upweller units. Each experimental trial was performed for a 14-d period. Nested Analysis of Variance showed that juvenile surfclams Spisula solidissima similis grew significantly faster at a temperature of 20°C and food rations of 5% and 8%. In all four experiments, clam mortalities were not observed except in the temperature experiment, where total mortality occurred for clams cultured at 30°C. Clam growth in biomass and size decreased significantly with increases in culture temperature. For Spisula solidissima solidissima, clam growth was significantly reduced in terms of size and biomass at a flow rate of 6 Lpm. No difference in size or biomass was determined between clams grown at a flow rate of 2 or 4 Lpm. Surfclams at the lowest stocking density of 7 g wet weight significantly increased more in net biomass compared to those at higher stocking densities. Clams were significantly larger in shell length when grown at the two lower stocking densities compared to those at the highest stocking density. Hatchery-rearing protocol for juvenile surfclams is discussed.
Photon sieve telescope

The creation of next generation, ultra-large space telescopes (>20m diameter) will require novel technologies. Many current concepts involve curved membrane reflectors but the problem is creating a diffraction-limited, three-dimensional surface. Here we present the idea of using a flat diffractive element which requires no out-of-plane deformation and is thus much simpler to deploy. The primary is a photon sieve--a diffractive element consisting of a large number of precisely positioned holes distributed over a flat surface. Photon sieves can be simply designed to any conic, apodization and operating bandwidth. The photon sieve is easier to fabricate than the better known Fresnel zone plate as a single substrate can be used since there are no connected regions requiring support. Presented here are results of prototypes capable of diffraction-limited imaging over wide fields and useful bandwidths.
Are Human Translated Pseudogenes Functional

By definition, pseudogenes are relics of former genes that no longer possess biological functions. Operationally, they are identified based on disruptions of open reading frames (ORFs) or presumed losses of promoter activities. Intriguingly, a recent human proteomic study reported peptides encoded by 107 pseudogenes. These peptides may play currently unrecognized physiological roles. Alternatively, they may have resulted from accidental translations of pseudogene transcripts and possess no function. Comparing between human and macaque orthologs, we show that the nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution rate ratio (ω) is significantly smaller for translated pseudogenes than other pseudogenes. In particular, five of 34 translated pseudogenes amenable to evolutionary analysis have ω values significantly lower than 1, indicative of the action of purifying selection. This and other findings demonstrate that some but not all translated pseudogenes have selected functions at the protein level. Hence, neither ORF disruption nor presence of protein product disproves or proves gene functionality at the protein level.