cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inability of vascular smooth muscle cells to proceed beyond S phase of cell cycle, and increased apoptosis in symptomatic carotid artery disease.

Abstract Objective: Microemboli passing through the cerebral artery downstream from high-grade carotid artery stenosis produce transient ischemic symptoms and may result in stroke. Rupture of carotid artery plaque is the main source of microemboli in high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis. However, the mechanisms underlying plaque rupture are unclear. We hypothesized that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from plaque in patients with symptoms of carotid artery stenosis undergo increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation, compared with VSMC in patients without symptoms. Methods: VSMC were isolated by means of enzymatic dissociation from plaque removed at carotid endarterectomy in patients with symptoms of carotid artery stenosis, eg, hemispheric transient ischemic attacks, amaurosis fugax, or stroke, and patients with high-grade stenosis without symptoms. VSMC were cultured and immunostained with smooth muscle α-actin and caldesmon antibodies to ensure purity. TUNEL assay and annexin V labeling were performed to identify VSMC undergoing apoptosis. Proliferation assay with [3H] thymidine incorporation was performed in VSMC stimulated with fetal bovine serum (FBS), and cell cycle profile was analyzed with DNA staining with Vindelov reagent. Results: We isolated VSMC from symptomatic plaque that showed gross ulceration, and asymptomatic plaque. Apoptosis, as measured with the TUNEL assay, in VSMC from symptomatic plaque was 5.45% ± 0.8%, and in asymptomatic plaque was 1.20% ± 0.2%. Annexin V labeling revealed that 26.8% ± 3.8% cells were labeled for phosphatidylserine in VSMC in symptomatic plaque, compared with 4.8% ± 0.3% cells in asymptomatic plaque. VSMC in asymptomatic plaque showed significantly increased uptake of [3H] thymidine at all concentrations of FBS, compared with symptomatic plaque. In the presence of 10% FBS, VSMC from asymptomatic plaque progressed through the S phase of the cell cycle, whereas significantly increased numbers of VSMC from symptomatic plaque were arrested in the S phase. Conclusion: Increased numbers of VSMC from symptomatic plaque undergo apoptosis, compared with VSMC from asymptomatic plaque. This could be due to inability of VSMC from symptomatic plaque to progress beyond the S phase of the cell cycle. Decreased proliferation and increased loss of VSMC as a result of apoptosis in symptomatic plaque may result in plaque rupture, leading to development of symptoms.
Investigation by site‐directed mutagenesis of the role of cytochrome P450 2B4 non‐active‐site residues in protein–ligand interactions based on crystal structures of the ligand‐bound enzyme

Residues located outside the active site of cytochromes P450 2B have exhibited importance in ligand binding, structural stability and drug metabolism. However, contributions of non-active-site residues to the plasticity of these enzymes are not known. Thus, a systematic investigation was undertaken of unique residue-residue interactions found in crystal structures of P450 2B4 in complex with 4-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazole (4-CPI), a closed conformation, or in complex with bifonazole, an expanded conformation. Nineteen mutants distributed over 11 sites were constructed, expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Most mutants showed significantly decreased expression, especially in the case of interactions found in the 4-CPI structure. Six mutants (H172A, H172F, H172Q, L437A, E474D and E474Q) were chosen for detailed functional analysis. Among these, the K(s) of H172F for bifonazole was ∼ 20 times higher than for wild-type 2B4, and the K(s) of L437A for 4-CPI was ∼ 50 times higher than for wild-type, leading to significantly altered inhibitor selectivity. Enzyme function was tested with the substrates 7-ethoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)coumarin, 7-methoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)coumarin and 7-benzyloxyresorufin (7-BR). H172F was inactive with all three substrates, and L437A did not turn over 7-BR. Furthermore, H172A, H172Q, E474D and E474Q showed large changes in k(cat)/K(M) for each of the three substrates, in some cases up to 50-fold. Concurrent molecular dynamics simulations yielded distances between some of the residues in these putative interaction pairs that are not consistent with contact. The results indicate that small changes in the protein scaffold lead to large differences in solution behavior and enzyme function.
Cultivating a Guerrera Spirit in Latinas: The Praxis of Mothering

In this article I argue that mothering in the home is an educational tool for creating positive self-agency in Latina girls. This essay articulates the ways in which my lived experiences as a Latina mother informs the socialization of guerrera girls. I engage in a process of testimonio to demonstrate how mothering, by using tools such as storiescuentos, advise- consejos, conversations- platicas can create instances where learning can occur for both mother and daughter that disrupt the racist discourses Latinas face in their everyday lives. I discuss how the use of a decolonial imaginary process provides both mothers and daughters ways to re-create the daily lived experiences of marginalization so that they become instances of regenerative resistance. As a tool of Latina mothering, I propose the use of suspended spaces within moments of everyday life where individuals simultaneously suspend the social hierarchies that constrain personas to have platicas that promote a guerrera spirit. Finally, this essay is testament to the strong guerrera spirit Latina mothers carry and share for future generations of guerreras.
Protein kinase D-mediated phosphorylation at Ser99 regulates localization of p21-activated kinase 4.

p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are effectors of RhoGTPases. PAK4 contributes to regulation of cofilin at the leading edge of migrating cells through activation of Lin-11/Isl-1/Mec-3 kinase (LIMK). PAK4 activity is regulated by an autoinhibitory domain that is released upon RhoGTPase binding as well as phosphorylation at serine 474 in the activation loop of the kinase domain. We here add another level of complexity to PAK4 regulation by showing that phosphorylation at serine residue 99 is required for its targeting to the leading edge. This phosphorylation is mediated by protein kinase D1 (PKD1). Phosphorylation of PAK4 at S99 also mediates binding to 14-3-3 protein, and is required for the formation of a PAK4/LIMK/PKD1 complex that regulates cofilin activity and directed cell migration.
The effect of ozone inhalation on metabolic functioning of vascular endothelium and on ventilatory function

The primary purpose of this research was to determine the effect of ozone inhalation on pulmonary vascular endothelium. Male Fischer-344 rats were exposed to 0.5 or 0.7 ppm ozone, 20 hr/day for 7 days. Lungs were excised and perfused with Krebs medium containing [14C]serotonin or [14C]hippurylhistidylleucine (HHL). When compared to controls, the animals exposed to the lower ozone concentration showed no statistically significant changes in serotonin removal. In contrast, the higher ozone concentration resulted in a 32% decrease (p less than 0.0001) in serotonin removal, but had no effect on HHL. Rats similarly exposed to 0.7 ppm ozone but allowed to recover for 14 days in clean air showed no decrease in serotonin removal compared to their controls. Animals exposed sequentially to 0.5 ppm ozone for 7 days and then to 0.7 ppm for 7 days showed no alteration in serotonin metabolism, suggesting the development of tolerance initiated by the lower dose. After 7 days exposure to 0.7 ppm ozone, lung ventilatory function measurements revealed small though significant decreases in several parameters. Electron microscopic evaluation of lung capillary endothelium from animals exposed to the 0.7 ppm ozone showed no changes. Positive control animals exposed to greater than 95% oxygen, 20 hr/day for 2 days showed a 23% decrease in serotonin removal (p less than 0.03) and a 12% decrease in HHL removal (p less than 0.017). These studies indicate that inhalation of ozone can induce functional alterations in the lung endothelium, and that this effect occurs at a dosage of ozone that produces minimal ventilatory changes and no observable endothelial ultrastructural changes.
Variational asymptotic micromechanics modeling of heterogeneous porous materials

Abstract This paper presents a numerical technique to predict the effective elastic properties of heterogeneous fluid-filled porous media where the heterogeneity may result from dissimilar solid and fluid phase properties or due to mismatch in porous microstructure. The technique is based on the variational asymptotic method of homogenization where finite element method is employed for discretization. Biot’s theory of poroelasticity is used to describe porous media where both solid and fluid phase motions ( u − U formulation) are considered with associated strain measures. The method estimates the poroelastic constitutive law in single analysis which makes it very efficient compared to other finite element based homogenization techniques. The method is also general enough to compute all 28 elements of an anisotropic constitutive matrix. Other than estimating the effective properties the micro-stress/strain distribution is also obtained at no additional cost. The method is successfully applied for homogenization of porous media, fluid-filled cavity and finally for effective property estimation of bone lamella. In absence of any other direct method of porous media homogenization, the present technique is compared with classical homogenization methods with fluid approximated as solid of very high Poisson’s ratio. The suitability of this approximation and various other alternatives are also discussed. It is shown that the present homogenization method can be an efficient tool for bone property estimation where fluid-filled porous hierarchical micro-/nanostructure must be respected at all steps.
Nonocclusive coronary disease associated with Prinzmetal's angina pectoris.

A variant form of angina pectoris (Prinzmetal's angina) associated with normal coronaries is described. Some of the possible mechanisms of production of Prinzmetal's angina are discussed. Marked ST segment elevation and pain were accompanied by second degree atrioventricular block.
Impact of Gender in Renal Cell Carcinoma: An Analysis of the SEER Database

Abstract Objective To evaluate gender differences in initial presentation, pathology, and outcomes with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and methods The 1973–2004 Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 17-registries database was analyzed for renal tumors from 1988 to 2004 coded as primary site "kidney and renal pelvis." After various exclusions, a final study group of 35,336 cases with complete data was obtained. Demographic variables analyzed included age, sex, and race. Tumor variables included size, stage at diagnosis, grade, and histology. Primary outcome variables included overall and cancer-specific survival. Results Of the patients, 22,288 were male (63%). Females presented with smaller tumors (5.9 vs. 6.1cm, p p p p p p =0.960), whereas overall survival was significantly longer for females (HR, 0.92, p Conclusions Men present with larger, higher stage, higher grade RCC than women. Overall survival is better in women, whereas cancer-specific survival is not significantly different.
On Waves of Historical Sociology

Dans cet article, l'A discute de l'ouvrage Remaking Modernity, consacre a la sociologie historique aux Etats-Unis, et se penche plus particulierement sur l'introduction et la conclusion generale des quatres co-editeurs
Deposition of laminated shale: A field and experimental study

Intermittently laminated shale of the Jemtland Formation in Maine is characterized by thin lenticular silt segregations interlaced with argillaceous and organic material (including graptolites). This shale is thinly interbedded with nonlaminated shale, siltstone, and thicker turbidite graywacke beds. Experiments suggest that the intermittently laminated shale was deposited by silt/clay-laden currents and may have been part of an upward turbidite progression from parallel-laminated silt (>60% silt), through intermittently laminated mud (40 to 60% silt), to nonlaminated mud (20 to 40% silt). Intermittently laminated mud may be produced from silt/clay flows that are: decelerating at a constant silt content, losing silt at constant velocity; or both decelerating and losing silt.
Hemoglobin allostery: Resonance raman spectroscopy of kinetic intermediates

The end states, R and T, of the allosteric transition in hemoglobin (Hb) are structurally well characterized, but there is little information on intermediate structures along the allosteric pathway. These intermediates were examined by means of time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy in the nanosecond-to-microsecond interval after HbCO photolysis. Complementary spectra of the heme group and of the tyrosine and tryptophan residues were recorded during laser excitation at 436 and 230 nanometers. These spectra reveal a sequence of interleaved tertiary and quaternary motions during the photocycle, motions involving the proximal and distal helices, and the alpha 1 beta 2 subunit interface. This sequence leads to a modified form of the T state, in which the alpha 1 beta 2 interface is deformed as a result of two carbon monoxide molecules binding to the same dimer within the tetramer.
The Effects of Marine Bacteria on Barite Growth and Morphology

Several studies have shown that bacteria can influence calcite (CaCO3) crystal growth, although little is known about the effects of bacteria on barite (BaSO4). Calcite and barite are found in comparable environments- namely under oceanic or sedimentary conditions. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the effects of a marine gram-negative bacterial strain on the growth and morphology of barite (BaSO4). Using an atomic and lateral force microscopy, we established the typical crystal growth pattern and step velocity in supersaturated BaSO4(aq) solution.
Ouabain pretreatment does not compromise the hemodynamic and myocardial energetic effects of CK‐3197, a selective positive inotropic agent, in dogs with propranolol‐induced heart failure

We examined the interaction between ouabain and CK-3197, a new selective positive inotrope, on the hemodynamic and myocardial energetic parameters of anesthetized dogs with propranolol-induced heart failure (PIHF). Mongrel dogs (13–18kg) of either sex were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (35mg/kg, i.v.) and instrumented for routine hemodynamic measurements using an open-chest, artificially ventilated preparation. PIHF was produced by decreasing left ventricular (LV) dp/dt max by 50% from control values with an intial infusion of 0.5 mg/kg of propranolol followed by continuous infusion of 0.02 to 0.08 mg/kg of propranolol to maintain PIHF. This was followed by infusion of saline (2ml, i.v., n=8/group) or ouabain (25 μ/kg, i. v., n=8/group). Thirty minutes later one-half of the saline and ouabain treated animals (Groups I and II;n =4/group) were given two increasing doses of saline or CK-3197 (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg, i. v.; n= Groups III and IV; n =4/group) 30 min apart. Hemodynamic paramters were monitored continuously, while myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) was monitored 15 and 30 min after each dose of drug. CK-3197 increased LV DP/dTmax and LV dP/dTmin by 41 and 78%, respectively. Mean arterial pressure increased by 16 and 6%. Heart rate decreased by 6 and 8%, while LV end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) decreased by 3mmHg after CK-3197 (0.3 mg/Kg, i.v.). CK-3197 increased LV work and LV contractile efficiency. Ouabain did not affect the hemodynamic and myocardial energetic profile of CK-3197. These data support the conclusions that CK-3197 is a selective positive inotrope which increases myocardial contractile efficiency in the dog with PIHF without any significant interaction with ouabain.
Kinetic Model of Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization in Microemulsions

A simplified kinetic model for RAFT microemulsion polymerization has been developed to facilitate the investigation of the effects of slow fragmentation of the intermediate macro-RAFT radical, termination reactions, and diffusion rate of the chain transfer agent to the locus of polymerization on the control of the polymerization and the rate of monomer conversion. This simplified model captures the experimentally observed decrease in the rate of polymerization, and the shift of the rate maximum to conversions less than the 39% conversion predicted by the Morgan model for uncontrolled microemulsion polymerizations. The model shows that the short, but finite, lifetime of the intermediate macro-RAFT radical (1.3 x 10 ―4 ―1.3 x 10 ―2 s) causes the observed rate retardation in RAFT microemulsion polymerizations of butyl acrylate with the chain transfer agent methyl-2-(O-ethylxanthyl)propionate. The calculated magnitude of the fragmentation rate constant (k f = 4.0 x 10 1 ―4.0 x 10 3 s ―1 ) is greater than the literature values for bulk RAFT polymerizations that only consider slow fragmentation of the macro-RAFT radical and not termination (k f = 10 ―2 s ―1 ). This is consistent with the finding that slow fragmentation promotes biradical termination in RAFT microemulsion polymerizations.
The Importance of Resources in the Internationalization of Professional Service Firms: The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly

To further knowledge about the bases of internationalization, we examined the importance of two firm resources: human capital, and relational capital derived from relations with corporate clients a...
'C'est moi l'Amérique': Canada, Haiti and Dany Laferrière's Port-au-Prince/Montréal/Miami textual transmigrations of the hemisphere

AbstractThis article explores the trans-American parameters of Dany Laferriere's provocative sign, L'Amerique, in order to understand its multiple, nuanced, often contradictory valences in the writer's diasporic Une Autobiographie americaine. It examines Laferriere's textual transmigrations as movements remapping America and the American: by shifting critical focus onto Antillean and Canadian transmigrant circuits, Laferriere challenges his readers to rethink North American histories, identities, and sites of cultural exchange. The article also explores how Laferriere, as 'trans-American', disrupts nationalistic parameters within the Americas – particularly, those of the USA – and maps new spaces for thinking about nation, nationality, and diaspora. Having theorized the import of Haiti in the Americas elsewhere, the article then emphasizes Canada as American, focusing on Laferriere's Port-au-Prince/Montreal/Miami textual transmigrations and what they reveal about the country and the hemisphere.
Simple PowerPoint Animation

The use of animation as a teaching tool has long been of interest to the readers of and contributors to this journal.1–5 While the sophisticated techniques presented in the cited papers are excellent and useful, there is one overlooked technique that may be of interest to the teacher who wants something quick and simple to enhance classroom presentations: PowerPoint animation.
Chimeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotide-based gene therapy

Chimeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotide-based gene therapy. Background Chimeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotides, emerging as a potential strategy for gene therapy, have been shown to induce site-specific correction of point mutations in several genetic disease models. Methods Six recent studies of chimeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotide-based gene therapy in genetic disease models are reviewed. Chimeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotides, complementary to 25 to 30 residues of genomic DNA flanking the mutation site with the exception of a mismatch in the center, were delivered via different routes and delivery vehicles to target different tissues and organs. Corrections of the mutation at genotypic and phenotypic levels were assessed using various methods, including allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assay, restriction enzyme digestion, colony-lifting assays, sequencing, Northern and Western blot analyses, enzyme activity assay, immunohistochemical staining, and functional studies. Results The gene correction frequency varied, ranging from less than 1% to more than 40%. This represented several magnitudes higher conversion rate compared with homologous recombination frequency, which is in the range of 10 −5 to 10 −6 . The resulting phenotype changes lasted longer than one year in some studies. Conclusion Chimeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotide-based gene therapy has the potential to develop into powerful therapeutic modality for genetic diseases. It can offer permanent expression and normal regulation of corrected genes in appropriate cells or tissues. Further efforts to elucidate the mechanisms of chimeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotide-based gene therapy are warranted in order to increase the efficacy and safety of this method.
Mechanisms of Disease: inborn errors of bile acid synthesis

Inborn errors of bile acid synthesis are rare genetic disorders that can present as neonatal cholestasis, neurologic disease or fat-soluble-vitamin deficiencies. There are nine known defects of bile acid synthesis, including oxysterol 7alpha-hydroxylase deficiency, Delta(4)-3-oxosteroid-5beta-reductase deficiency, 3beta-hydroxy-Delta(5)-C(27)-steroid dehydrogenase deficiency, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (also known as sterol 27-hydroxylase deficiency), alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase deficiency, and Zellweger syndrome (also known as cerebrohepatorenal syndrome). These diseases are characterized by a failure to produce normal bile acids and an accumulation of unusual bile acids and bile acid intermediaries. Individuals with inborn errors of bile acid synthesis generally present with the hallmark features of normal or low serum bile acid concentrations, normal gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase concentrations and the absence of pruritus. Failure to diagnose any of these conditions can result in liver failure or progressive chronic liver disease. If recognized early, many patients can have a remarkable clinical response to oral bile acid therapy.
Jump-Diffusions with Controlled Jumps: Existence and Numerical Methods

A comprehensive development of effective numerical methods for stochastic control problems in continuous time, for reflected jump-diffusion models, is given in earlier work by the author. While these methods cover the bulk of models which have been of interest to date, they do not explicitly deal with the case where the jump itself is controlled in the sense that the value of the control just before the jump affects the distribution of the jump. We do not deal explicitly with the numerical algorithms but develop some of the concepts which are needed to provide the background which is necessary to extend the proofs of earlier work to this case. A critical issue is that of closure, i.e., defining the model such that any sequence of (systems, controls) has a convergent subsequence of the same type. One needs to introduce an extension of the Poisson measure (which serves a purpose analogous to that served by relaxed controls), which we call the relaxed Poisson measure, analogously to the use of the martingale measure concept given earlier to deal with controlled variance. The existence of an optimal control is a consequence of the development.
The impact of skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in patients with Stage III breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and postmastectomy radiation.

Purpose The safety and efficacy of skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with immediate reconstruction (IR) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer are unclear. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of women with noninflammatory Stage III SSM with IR vs. non–SSM-treated women who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant radiation therapy (XRT). Methods and Materials Between October 1997 and March 2010, 100 consecutive patients (40 SSM with IR vs. 60 non-SSM) with Stage III breast cancer received anthracycline- and/or taxane-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy, and adjuvant XRT. Clinical stage (SSM with IR vs. for non-SSM) was IIIA (75% vs. 67%), IIIB (8% vs. 18%), and IIIC (8% vs. 8%). Tumors greater than 5 cm were found in 74% vs. 69%; 97% of patients in both groups were clinically node positive; and 8% vs. 18% had T4b disease. Results The time from initial biopsy to XRT was prolonged for SSM–IR patients (274 vs. 254 days, p = 0.04), and there was a trend toward XRT delay of more than 8 weeks (52% vs. 31%, p = 0.07) after surgery. The rate of complications requiring surgical intervention was higher in the SSM–IR group (37.5% vs. 5%, p p = not significant). Conclusions In our small study with limited follow-up, SSM with IR prolonged overall cancer treatment time and trended toward delaying XRT but did not impair oncologic outcomes. Complication rates were significantly higher in this group. Longer follow-up is needed.
Nanostructured Inorganic−Organic Composites as a Basis for Solid Polymer Electrolytes with Enhanced Properties

A family of lithium electrolyte materials based on a polymer−inorganic hybrid is described. The base material is a blend of poly(ethylene oxide) and an organic−inorganic composite made from polyether-functionalized methoxysilanes and aluminum alkoxides. Lithium is incorporated through addition of a salt. The resulting materials are shown through a combination of methods, including transmission electron microscopy and solid-state NMR, to consist of an amorphous inorganic network, with nanoscopic voids, which stabilize the added polymer. The composite polymer electrolytes show good resistance to crystallization and good conductivity, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry and impedance measurements, respectively. The nanoscale structure of the underlying inorganic material is concluded to be responsible for the bulk properties of the system, especially those that differ from the properties of similar, pure salt-in-polymer electrolytes.
Effectiveness of Trager Psychophysical Integration in Promoting Trunk Mobility in a Child with Cerebral Palsy

The purpose of this case report is to present the results of a series of Trager bodywork treatments to a thirteen-year-old male with severe spastic diplegia. Bilateral hip and knee and trunk mobility was limited with soft tissue tightness being a major contributing factor. The goal of the treatment was to increase trunk and bilateral hip and knee range of motion (ROM). The patient was treated weekly with ROM measurements taken before and after each treatment. Treatment of the trunk consisted of gentle passive rocking and stretching of the back, neck, abdomen, and rib case of the patient. Treatment of the legs consisted of long axis hip distraction, passive hip internal and external rotation and general hip and knee mobilization. Results of the treatment indicated substantial improvement in both passive and active trunk ROM in all trunk motions and some improvement of hip and knee motion bilaterally. In this case, Trager bodywork was effective in increasing ROM in a boy with long-standing restricted range ...
Exchange-rate variability and U.S.-French trade flows: evidence from industry data

Recent studies have greatly expanded the literature on the effects of exchange-rate volatility on industry-level bilateral trade flows. In this study, we examine the case of the United States and France, applying cointegration analysis to a set of 146 U.S. export and 115 U.S. import industries. We find that the majority of industries show little or no relationship between risk and trade volumes, but that small industries—particularly for exports—show more sensitivity than do large ones. A disproportionate share of industries respond positively to increased volatility, particularly among U.S. importers, suggesting the presence of “risk loving” behavior.
Sound Localization: Information Theory Analysis

Three experiments were performed which examined the applicability of the Hick-Hyman law to the design of an auditory interface for a vehicle collision avoidance warning system. All trials used a single broadband noise signal emanating from one of a subset of six loudspeakers equally spaced around the subject in the azimuthal plane. Both the size of the sub-set and the balance of relative probabilities from speaker to speaker were altered to evaluate the relationship between information content and the dependent variable, choice reaction time. Choice reaction time was found to be related to the information content of the sound stimulus in all cases. It was also found to be related to the presence of pairs of speakers which were symmetrically opposed to one another in front of and behind the subject.
A Novel Magnetic Communication System for Wireless Transmission Operating at 14.9MHz

This paper describes a novel magnetic communication system for wireless transmission operating at 14.9 MHz. A transmitter coil with 283 mA current value and three receivers coils located 1.8 m far from it are used to realize the overall design. The model is simulated by means of a commercial full wave electromagnetic tool based on the finite integration technique (FIT) implement in the frequency domain. In order to validate the numerical electromagnetic model the results of the calculated magnetic field are compared with those due to analytical formulation. The corresponding voltages across the receiver coils are then evaluated and some guidelines for the analysis of this kind of wireless devices are discussed
Repurposing Space in a Science and Engineering Library: Considerations for a Successful Outcome

Abstract In response to the growth of digital collections, services, and changes in legacy operations, Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering at The University of Alabama prepared a plan to re-emphasize the “library as place.” Changing expectations and needs of users was another catalyst for change. A major project followed to repurpose substantial space formerly used to house collections and deliver services linked to physical collections. As part of the change, the library streamlined legacy operations and added new services such as specialized academic software and new technology. The library was developed as a place where students can collaborate, share, and perform a wide variety of research and instructional activities using special technologies and modern facilities. Importantly, the library was designed as a flexible environment with emphasis on mobile furnishings and technologies. To create ambience and build an inviting atmosphere, library space was embellished with attractive art and high-demand accessories such as casual seating and cafe services. This paper reports on repurposing an area of about 13,000 ft 2 in the Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering. The project was completed in about one year. Preliminary assessment data revealed that in the year following space repurposing, library use increased dramatically with patron visits up about 43% over the prior year.
The supreme struggle: ‘Obamacare’ and the new limits of federal regulation

Abstract On June 28, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected legal challenges to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as ‘Obamacare,’ by a vote of 5-4. In National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012) , a majority of the justices affirmed Congress's power to expand Medicaid and impose an individual mandate requiring people to obtain health insurance or face increasing tax penalties. The Court's decision was widely condemned as a dramatic expansion of federal power that threatened state sovereignty and individual liberty. The Court was heavily criticized for betraying the principles of federalism and limited government in the U.S. Constitution. The harshest criticism was reserved for Chief Justice John Roberts, a Republican appointee who—though considered a conservative justice—authored the Court's opinion and cast the critical deciding vote to uphold the Act. In reality, far from dramatically expanding federal power, the Court's decision placed groundbreaking limits on Congress's power to regulate commerce and use federal funds to pressure states into doing its bidding. These aspects of the Court's decision received less attention in the popular media, but may actually prove to have a more significant impact on the scope of federal regulation in the future. This installment of Business Law & Ethics Corner explains how those aspects of the Court's decision place new limits on the nature and scope of federal regulation.
Innate immunity: quo vadis?

The next decade will probably witness the development of new concepts that will incorporate the presently unexplained aspects of innate immunity.
Microanalysis of “biometallic” compounds using nuclear and atomic activation

A novel method for the characterization of metal containing biological compounds has been developed which utilizes both nuclear activation [e.g.,12C(3He, α)11C] and atomic activations (X-ray emission) induced by 8 MeV3He bombardment. Detection limits for carbon (≈1 μg), oxygen (≈1μg), and metals (1 to 10 ng for elements between P and Zn) were obtained under routine experimental conditions. The metal stoichiometry of six different compounds (alkaline phosphatase, amylase, carbonic anhydrase, diamine oxidase, my oglobin, vitamin B12) were determined with typical relative precisions of ±25% for a 40 μg sample. A comparison of these ratios with carbon and metal measurements obtained by other methods showed a relative accuracy of 1 to 20%.
Human proliferation-related protein p120 interacts with HSRP1.

Protein p120 is a proliferation-related nucleolar protein, which is detectable early in the G1-phase of the cell cycle and peaks early in the S-phase. Most human malignant tumor cells contain much higher levels of protein p120 than do normal resting cells. To learn more about p120-associated proteins, a yeast two-hybrid screen was carried out using protein p120 as the bait. Five positive clones were identified from 2 million clones for further analysis. Three of them encoded portions of the same protein, which had identity to human SRP1. The recombinant p120 and HSRP1 proteins produced in Sf9 cells are assocated with each other, confirming the results of the yeast genetic assay. Protein SRP1 was originally characterized as a suppressor of RNA polymerase I mutations, and recently human SPR1 was identified as a receptor for nuclear localization sequences. In the present study, use of deletion mutations revealed that the binding of human SRP1 to p120 required the p120 nuclear localization signal (amino acids 96–119) and the C-terminus of human SPR1 (amino acids 453–491).
The uptake of 14C by Stylifer linckiae (Mollusca: Prosobranchia) from its echinoderm host, Linckia multifora

Abstract 1. 1. Specimens of Linckia multifora were fed a mixed culture of marine diatoms, Ulva sp., Jania sp. and Chlamydomonas sp., which all had been labeled with 32 P and by comparison Jania appears to be the preferred food as reflected by the greater amountof radioactivity in the starfish. 2. 2. 14 C-labeled Jania cells were fed to L. multifora harboring the prosobranch Stylifer linckiae and subsequently, radioactivity was detected in the mollusc, thus providing direct evidence of the uptake of materials by the symbiotic mollusc from its host and hence the establishment of its true parasitic nature.
Lamotrigine analysis in plasma by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry after conversion to a tert.-butyldimethylsilyl derivative

Abstract Lamotrigine (lamictal) is a new anticonvulsant drug recently approved by the FDA for clinical use. Therapeutic monitoring of lamotrigine is useful for patient management (therapeutic range 1–4 μg/ml). Here we describe a gas chromatography–mass spectrometric identification and quantitation of lamotrigine after extraction from human serum and derivatization. Lamotrigine was extracted from alkaline serum with chloroform and derivatized with N -methyl- N -( tert .- butyldimethysilyl) trifluoroacetamide containing 2% tert .-butyldimethylchlorosilane. Oxazepam-d 5 was used as an internal standard. The tert .-butyldimethylsilyl derivative of lamotrigine showed distinct molecular ions at m/z 483 and 485 as well as other peaks at m/z 426, 370 and 334 for unambiguous identification. The base peak was observed at m/z 199. Similarly, the tert .-butyldimethysilyl derivative of oxazepam-d 5 showed molecular ions at m/z 519 and 521 along with other characteristic peaks at m/z 462, 376 and 318. For the analysis of lamotrigine, the mass spectrometer was operated in the selective ion monitoring mode. The within-run and between-run precisions were 4.3% (mean=3.01, S.D.=0.13 μg/ml) and 5.1% (mean=2.93, S.D.=0.15 μg/ml), respectively at a serum lamotrigine concentration of 3.0 μg/ml. The within-run and between-run precisions were 8.2% (mean=0.49, S.D.=0.04 μg/ml) and 10.6% (mean=0.47, S.D.=0.05 μg/ml), respectively at a serum lamotrigine concentration of 0.5 μg/ml. The assay was linear for serum lamotrigine concentrations of 0.5–20 μg/ml. The detection limit was 0.25 μg/ml. The assay was free from interferences from common tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, other common anticonvulsants, salicylate and acetaminophen.
Spatiotemporal Variability of Hourly Precipitation over the Eastern Contiguous United States from Stage IV Multisensor Analyses

Abstract The statistical character of precipitation events from hourly stage IV analyses is documented for the eastern United States during the cool [December–February (DJF)] and the warm [June–August (JJA)] seasons for the four years of 2002–05. Isotropic e-folding distances and in situ e-folding times are computed for mesh sizes that vary from 4 km (the minimal stage IV pixel size) to 32 km for two thresholds: light (1 mm h−1) and heavy (5 mm h−1) precipitation rates. Marked seasonal variability characterizes the e-folding times. They typically run between 2 and 3 h during winter and 1 and 2 h during summer for light events, and they run an hour shorter for heavy rainfall during both seasons. Spatial decorrelation estimates also reveal considerable seasonal and geographical variability; e-folding distances typically lie between 60 and 180 km during the winter and between 30 and 60 km during the summer for light episodes, and they are approximately a factor of 2 to 3 shorter for heavy events. Anisotropic...
Epstein–Barr virus, rapamycin, and host immune responses

Purpose of reviewTo summarize recent advances that contribute to our understanding of the pathobiology of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD), the host immune response to virally infected B cells, and the molecular basis for the effects of mammalian
Identifying methadone maintenance clients at risk for poor treatment response: pretreatment and early progress indicators.

Abstract Exhaustive searches have uncovered few demographic or other pretreatment factors that reliably predict performance in substance abuse treatments. In this study we evaluate whether early treatment response offers improved prediction of treatment response 6 and 9 months later. New admissions to methadone maintenance treatment ( n =59) were dichotomized into outcome groups based on treatment retention and ongoing drug use as revealed by urinalysis results 6 and 9 months after admission. Regression analyses revealed two early (week 2) performance measures, counseling attendance and opiate abstinence, could be used to correctly classify the outcomes of more than 80% of the sample. Strikingly, of the 20 participants who neither submitted an opiate-negative urine sample in week 2 nor attended at least two scheduled counseling sessions by that time, not one achieved a superior 6-month outcome. The odds of having a superior outcome increased considerably for those who submitted two opiate negative urine samples and attended two counseling sessions by week 2. Thus, 6-month outcomes were well predicted by treatment performance in week 2. Similar results are reported for month 9 outcomes.
Cytokine secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from cows infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis.

Objective—To compare cytokine secretion patterns of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy cows and cows subclinically and clinically infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Animals—5 noninfected cows, 6 cows with subclinical paratuberculosis, and 4 cows with clinical paratuberculosis. Procedure—PBMC were isolated, and concentrations or activities of secreted interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL- 6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interferon−γ (IFN-γ) were measured after in vitro stimulation of cells with concanavalin A (ConA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or a whole-cell sonicate of M paratuberculosis (MpS). Proliferative responses of PBMC were also determined after stimulation with ConA, phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen (PWM), or MpS. Results—After stimulation with ConA, cells from subclinically infected cows secreted significantly more, and cells from clinically infected cows secreted significantly less, IFN-γ, compared with cells from control cows. Cells from cows with subclinical para...
Improved total variation algorithms for wavelet-based denoising

Many improvements of wavelet-based restoration techniques suggest the use of the total variation (TV) algorithm. The concept of combining wavelet and total variation methods seems effective but the reasons for the success of this combination have been so far poorly understood. We propose a variation of the total variation method designed to avoid artifacts such as oil painting effects and is more suited than the standard TV techniques to be implemented with wavelet-based estimates. We then illustrate the effectiveness of this new TV-based method using some of the latest wavelet transforms such as contourlets and shearlets.
Factor Structure of the Sociocultural Scales

The measurement of sociocultural characteristics is an accepted component of research as well as clinical practice; however, few standardized measures exist to assist scholars and clinicians in its assessment. The Sociocultural Scales, an important component of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (Mercer & Lewis, 1977), is one of the few instruments designed for this use. This study examined the factor structure of the Sociocultural Scales, utilizing data on 436 Anglo, Black, and Mexican-American children from middle- and lower-class homes. Both iterated principal axis and principal components factor analyses were used. Modest support is found for the factor structure of the four major Sociocultural Scales, although only 38% of the total test variance is accounted for under this model, and estimates of internal consistency are generally low. A number of test items seem to detract from the Scales' effectiveness. The integrity of the Anglicization factor also is questioned.
Curvilinear path steplength algorithms for minimization which use directions of negative curvature

The Armijo and Goldstein step-size rules are modified to allow steps along a curvilinear path of the formx(α) + x + αs + α2d, wherex is the current estimate of the minimum,s is a descent direction andd is a nonascent direction of negative curvature. By using directions of negative curvature when they exist, we are able to prove, under fairly mild assumptions, that the sequences of iterates produced by these algorithms converge to stationary points at which the Hessian matrix of the objective function is positive semidefinite.
Characterization of alloy electrocatalysts for direct oxidation of methanol: new methods

The most active catalysts known for the direct electrochemical oxidation of methanol have a bimetallic or multimetallic composition, which are usually used in practice with the metals dispersed on an inert, electronically conductive support. One of the limitations to understanding the behavior of such catalysts has been the absence of methods for the systematic characterization of these complex materials, eg whether the metals are present in alloy phases, the particle size and surface area of the alloy phases, the surface composition, etc. The purpose of this paper is to review recent developments in characterization methodologies, both in situ and ex situ, and to show how these may be applied to multimetallic electrocatalysts.
Conformational Stability of (+)-Epichlorohydrin

Vibrational absorption and circular dichroism spectra of (+)-epichlorohydrin have been recorded for the neat liquid and in organic solvents CCl4, CS2, CHCl3, CH2Cl2, and CH3I. These spectra are compared with the ab initio predictions of absorption and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra obtained with density functional theory using the B3LYP/6-311G(2d,2p) basis set for three different conformers of (S)-epichlorohydrin. The Boltzmann populations, obtained from Gibbs free energies, indicate that the populations of gauche-II, gauche-I, and cis conformers for isolated molecule are 65, 32, and 3%, respectively. The analysis of experimental and theoretical absorption data indicates that the population ratios of conformers gauche-II:gauche I:cis are: ∼35.7%:∼54.6%:9.7% (neat liquid); ∼58.6%:∼34.0%:7.4% (CCl4); ∼51.0%:∼40.6%:8.4% (CS2); ∼46.1%:∼44.8%:9.1% (CHCl3); ∼42.2%:∼48.5%:9.3% (CH3I); ∼37.2%:∼53.3%:9.5% (CH2Cl2). These compositions are consistent with the experimental VCD spectra. This information...
Classifying an Object using Class Differentiators

This paper discusses a supervised classification method. The method classifies an object using class differentiators. The class differentiators are the smallest set of values in a class that effectively distinguish one class from the others. The class membership is determined by the degree of homology between the test object and the class differentiators. Unlike many rule based classifiers, the algorithm proposed in this paper does not require input parameters and always produces the same results from the same data set. The algorithm is designed to work with categorical data, and is particularly useful when the quantification of the data is infeasible. We present an experimental result to show the validity of the algorithm.
Some aspects of the geospatial reality perception in human stereopsis-based defense display systems

In this paper we describe multidisciplinary experimental research concentrated on stereoscopic presentation of geospatial imagery data obtained from various sensors. Source data were different in scale, texture, geometry and content. None of image processing techniques allows processing such a data simultaneously. However, augmented reality system allows subjects to fuse multi-sensor, multi-temporal data and terrain reality into single model. Augmented reality experimental set, based on head-mounted display was designed to efficiently superimpose LIDAR point-clouds for comfortable stereoscopic perception. Practical research experiment performed indicates feasibility of the stereoscopic perception data obtained on-the-fly. One of the most interesting findings is that source LIDAR point-clouds do not have to be preprocessed or enhanced for being in the experiments described.