cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IRS2 takes center stage in the development of type 2 diabetes.

The etiology of type 2 diabetes is characterized by obesity, insulin and leptin resistance, and compensatory β cell hyperplasia followed by islet degeneration, resulting in the eventual dysregulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis. The recent identification of insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) as a central player in the pathophysiology of many of these processes suggests a potentially unifying molecular link underlying the initiation and progression of type 2 diabetes.
APOBEC3A is a potent inhibitor of adeno-associated virus and retrotransposons

APOBEC3 proteins constitute a family of cytidine deaminases that provide intracellular resistance to retrovirus replication and transposition of endogenous retroelements [1]. One family member, APOBEC3A (hA3A), is an orphan, without any known antiviral activity. We show that hA3A is catalytically active and that it, but none of the other family members, potently inhibits replication of the parvovirus adeno-associated virus (AAV). hA3A was also a potent inhibitor of the endogenous LTR retroelements, MusD, IAP, and the non-LTR retroelement, LINE-1. Its function was dependent on the conserved amino acids of the hA3A active site, consistent with a role for cytidine deamination, although mutations in retroelement sequences were not found. These findings demonstrate the potent activity of hA3A, an APOBEC3 family member with no previously identified function. They also highlight the functional differences between APOBEC3 proteins. The APOBEC3 family members have distinct functions and may have evolved to resist various classes of genetic elements.
ESTIMATING DORMANCY AND SURVIVAL OF A RARE HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL USING MARK–RECAPTURE MODELS

Mark-recapture statistics have rarely been applied to plants, yet they can be useful for estimating plant demographic traits where individuals may be missed or unob- servable. We applied mark-recapture statistics based on an information theory approach to estimate annual probabilities of dormancy in a five-year study of a threatened, perennial plant, the small yellow lady's slipper orchid ( Cypripedium calceolusssp. parviflorum (Sal- isb.) Fernald). The aboveground states of 548 genets in eight patches were monitored over five years. Apparent survival probabilities (f), corrected for dormancy, were calculated. The best-fit model suggested that apparent survival was constant throughout the study for all patches, while dormancy varied additively with time among patches. The mean prob- ability of dormancy was 0.320 6 0.024, with a mean maximum overestimation of 0.067 as calculated using an estimate of the probability of detection. Dormancy typically lasted for no longer than two consecutive years, although dormancy as long as four years was observed. Dormancy displayed a strong covariate relationship with spring frost days, al- though effects of precipitation and mean spring temperature were almost equally strong. Mean apparent survival probabilities were high in each patch ( f5 0.878), but dormancy probabilities varied considerably among patches (d 5 0.188-0.672). Conventional re- sprouting probabilities underestimated apparent survival by a mean difference of 0.288 (range: 0.150-0.589). This novel application of mark-recapture statistics to plant demog- raphy allowed robust survival estimates that accounted for uncertainty due to an unob- servable, dormant life stage.
EFNEP's impact on the quality of life of its participants and educators.

Objective: Determine whether the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) affects the quality of life (QOL) of its participants and educators. Design: Longitudinal, where QOL was measured 3 times for participants (pre, post, 3-month delayed post) and educators (before and 6 and 12 months after training). Setting: Participants’ and educators’ QOL was measured in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Georgia and Texas measured educators; Minnesota and Virginia measured participants. Participants: English speaking EFNEP participants and educators. Main Outcome Measures: The investigators used the QOL Profile to measure QOL in 3 domains: Being (who one is), Belonging (connection with social and physical environment), and Becoming (achieving personal goals). Analysis: Chi-square and t tests compared group demographics; repeated-measures ANOVA detected changes over time; ANCOVA examined the influence of demographic variables. Results: Both groups had QOL Profile scores above 1.5, which is considered acceptable. Participants improved from pre to post in the Being domains including Overall Being (least square means [standard error of the mean], 3.1 [0.2] to 4.1 [0.3]), and in Social Belonging (3.5 [0.3] to 3.8 [0.3]); most improvements were sustained at 3 months. Educators improved in the Belonging domains, and a number of scores continued to improve at 1 year after training, for example, Social Belonging (4.2 [0.5], 5.0 [0.5], and 5.8 [0.6]); and Community Belonging (3.5 [0.5], 3.8 [0.5], and 4.7 [0.5]) at the 3 time points, respectively. Conclusions and Implications: EFNEP improved the QOL of participants, primarily in the Being domain, andofeducators,primarilyintheBelongingdomain.TheQOLprofilehas thepotentialto broaden the assessment of EFNEP impacts.
Circularization of small DNAs in the presence of ethidium: A theoretical analysis

A rigorous theory is developed for ethidium binding to linear and circular DNAs and for the ratios of topoisomers produced upon ligation of an equilibrium population of noncovalently closed circles in the presence of ethidium. Assuming an unwinding angle ϕE = 26° for intercalated ethidium, optimum values of the intrinsic binding constant, KE = 7.16 × 104M−1, the intrinsic twist, l0 = 23.746 turns, and twist energy parameter, Et = 5250, are obtained by fitting the present theory to the data of Shore and Baldwin [(1993) Journal of Molecular Biology, Vol. 170, pp. 983–1007] for a 247 base pair DNA. A very good fit is achieved with these optimum values, but a poor fit results when the parameters estimated by Shore and Baldwin are employed in the same theory. Three assumptions employed in the analysis of Shore and Baldwin are found to be not strictly valid. Adoption of the present substantially larger Et value as representative of their short DNAs would allow the Et vs N data of Shore and Baldwin to conform to the shape predicted by Shimada Yamakawa [(1985) Journal of Molecular Biology, Vol. 184, pp. 319–329] and Frank-Kamenetskii et al. [(1985) Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Vol. 2, pp. 1005–1012], and would imply that all of their DNAs exist in a substantially stiffer than normal state. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A fully heterogeneous viscoelastic finite element model for full-scale accelerated pavement testing

Abstract This paper presents a full-scale fully heterogeneous finite element (FE) pavement model developed from X-ray computed-tomography images of asphalt concrete (AC) samples. The model was first developed to simulate a laboratory shear test. Second, model parameters determined for the laboratory shear tests were used to develop FE models for full-scale pavement test sections. A virtual strain gauge was also included in the models for calibration. Calibrated models were used to evaluate the strain-displacement distributions for all test sections. Recommendations are also presented for future use of the model developed in this study to investigate important problems in the design of asphalt pavements.
Theory of Infrared Optical Properties of Fluorite Crystals

This paper provides a theoretical background for, and some interpretation of, recent measurements of the infrared optical properties of fluorite crystals particularly Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, Sr${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, Ba${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, and Cd${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$. A quantum-mechanical derivation of the optical properties in the harmonic approximation is given. The most reasonable procedure for the phenomenological treatment of damping effects is described. The physical origin of damping effects is discussed and it is shown how the perturbation theoretic results may be simplified in the low-frequency limit. Damping functions for the above materials are presented as a function of frequency and temperature.
Pro-drug-use myths and competing constructs in the prediction of substance use among youth at continuation high schools: a one-year prospective study

Abstract Experimentation with drugs among adolescents often is preceded by faulty beliefs (myths) regarding drug effects. The present study provides empirical demonstration of the utility of a drug use myths index in the prediction of subsequent drug use in a prospective study of substance use among high-risk adolescents. Drug use was measured as an index of recent cigarette, alcohol and marijuana use. A belief-type drug use myths index was compared as a predictor of drug use with four other frequently researched correlates of drug use. The other measures were of social influence, outcome expectancies, attitudes toward wrongness of drug use and sensation seeking. The belief-type drug use myths, attitudes toward wrongness and sensation seeking indices were found to be significant predictors of drug use among our sample of 1074 youth when controlling for gender, ethnicity and prior drug use. These findings have implications for understanding factors contributing to individual differences in drug use behaviors and could benefit the development of drug education programs for high-risk individuals.
Combining Electronic Structure Methods with the Calculation of Hydrogen Vibrational Wavefunctions: Application to Hydride Transfer in Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase

This paper presents an application of a computational approach combining electronic structure methods with the calculation of hydrogen vibrational wavefunctions. This application is directed at elucidating the nature of the nuclear quantum mechanical effects in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol catalyzed by liver alcohol dehydrogenase (LADH). The hydride transfer from the benzyl alcohol substrate to the NAD+ cofactor is described by a 148-atom model of the active site. The hydride potential energy curves and the associated hydrogen vibrational wavefunctions are calculated for structures along minimum energy paths and straight-line reaction paths obtained from electronic structure calculations at the semiempirical PM3 and ab initio RHF/3-21G levels. The results indicate that, for these levels of theory, the hydride transfer is adiabatic and hydrogen tunneling does not play a critical role along the minimum energy path. In contrast, nonadiabatic effects and hydrogen tunneling are shown to be important along t...
The iron-responsive element binding protein: A method for the affinity purification of a regulatory RNA-binding protein

A method of affinity purification of a regulatory protein that binds specific RNA sequences is described. RNAs containing the regulatory sequences are transcribed in vitro from oligonucleotide templates, biotinylated, and incubated with unfractionated cytosol. Specific RNA-protein complexes are bound in solution to avidin, and the resulting complex is bound to biotin-agarose beads. The cytosolic binding protein is released from the RNA in high salt, and a second round of purification yields an essentially homogeneous protein. Using this method, we have identified the protein in human liver that binds iron-responsive RNA regulatory sequences. Iron-responsive elements (IREs) are RNA stem-loops present in the mRNAs encoding ferritin and the transferrin receptor. IREs form the basis for the translational regulation of ferritin gene expression and the regulation of transferrin receptor mRNA degradation rates. The IRE binding protein purified by this technique migrates as a 90-kDa polypeptide on SDS/PAGE. The interaction of the purified protein with IRE-containing RNAs can be detected by gel-mobility shift assays or by covalent crosslinking induced by UV irradiation.
Analysis of bending behavior of native and engineered auricular and costal cartilage.

A large-deflection elasticity model was used to describe the mechanical behavior of cartilaginous tissues during three-point bending tests. Force-deflection curves were measured for 20-mm long × 4-mm wide × ≈1-mm thick strips of porcine auricular and costal cartilage. Using a least-squares method with elastic modulus in bending as the only adjustable parameter, data were fit to a model based on the von Karman theory for large deflection of plates. This model described the data well, with an average RMS error of 14.8% and an average R2 value of 0.98. Using this method, the bending modulus of auricular cartilage (4.6 MPa) was found to be statistically lower (p 0.05), reaching only about a third of the values of native samples. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 68A: 597–602, 2004
Role of interleukin-4 in atherosclerosis.

Vascular endothelial cell injury or dysfunction has been implicated in the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis. A number of previous studies have demonstrated that the pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory pathways within vascular endothelium play an important role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Recent evidence has provided compelling evidence to indicate that interleukin-4 (IL-4) can induce pro-inflammatory environmentvia oxidative stress-mediated up-regulation of inflammatory mediators such as cytokine, chemokine, and adhesion molecules in vascular endothelial cells. In addition, apoptotic cell death within vascular endothelium has been hypothesized to be involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that IL-4 can induce apoptosis of human vascular endothelial cells through the caspase-3-dependent pathway, suggesting that IL-4 can increase endothelial cell turnover by accelerated apoptosis, the event which may cause the dysfunction of the vascular endothelium. These studies will have a high probability of revealing new directions that lead to the development of clinical strategies toward the prevention and/or treatment for individuals with inflammatory vascular diseases including atherosclerosis.
D-fiber holographic diffraction gratings

Diffraction gratings have been holographically fabricated on the "flat" surface of pre-etched D-fibers. The D-fibers are single mode with cutoff wavelengths of 633, 820, and 1300 nm. The gratings range in periodicity from less than 0.9 to 1.4 μm. Maximum total free-space coupling efficiencies of up to 82% are reported with a grating periodicity of 1.4 μm over a length of about 5 to 7 mm. Guided-mode to free-space coupling is enhanced by reducing the core-to-flat distance of the D-fiber. This distance is controlled by chemically etching the fiber by means of an in situ monitored etching technique. The different etch rates between the cladding and the silica cause a recessed contour in the cladding centered over the core. This recess causes difficulties when patterning submicron photoresist gratings over the core. Photoresist gratings are fabricated holographically by means of a Lloyd's mirror arrangement. Masked etching with hydrofluoric acid writes the gratings into the cladding structure of the fiber. Incorporating diffraction gratings into optical fibers miniaturizes integrated diffraction grating devices and eliminates the need to remove a signal from its fiber environment for processing.
Absence of Both IL-7 and IL-15 Severely Impairs the Development of CD8+ T Cell Response against Toxoplasma gondii

CD8+ T cells play an essential role in the protection against both acute as well as chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection. Although the role of IL-15 has been reported to be important for the development of long-term CD8+ T cell immunity against the pathogen, the simultaneous roles played by both IL-15 and related γ-chain family cytokine IL-7 in the generation of this response during acute phase of infection has not been described. We demonstrate that while lack of IL-7 or IL-15 alone has minimal impact on splenic CD8+ T cell maturation or effector function development during acute Toxoplasmosis, absence of both IL-7 and IL-15 only in the context of infection severely down-regulates the development of a potent CD8+ T cell response. This impairment is characterized by reduction in CD44 expression, IFN-γ production, proliferation and cytotoxicity. However, attenuated maturation and decreased effector functions in these mice are essentially downstream consequences of reduced number of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, the absence of both cytokines did not impair initial CD8+ T cell generation but affected their survival and differentiation into memory phenotype IL-7Rαhi cells. Significantly lack of both cytokines severely affected expression of Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein, but minimally affected proliferation. The overarching role played by these cytokines in eliciting a potent CD8+ T cell immunity against T. gondii infection is further evidenced by poor survival and high parasite burden in anti IL-7 treated IL-15−/− mice. These studies demonstrate that the two cytokines, IL-7 and IL-15, are exclusively important for the development of protective CD8+ T cell immune response against T. gondii. To the best of our knowledge this synergism between IL-7 and IL-15 in generating an optimal CD8+ T cell immunity against intracellular parasite or any other infectious disease model has not been previously reported.
Studies of Deformation Induced Texture Development in Sheet Materials Using Diffraction Techniques

Abstract Crystallographic texture measurements were made on a series of rolled aluminum sheet specimens deformed in equi-biaxial tension up to a strain level of 0.11. The measurement techniques used were neutron diffraction with a 4-circle goniometer, electron backscatter diffraction, conventional powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and XRD using an area detector. Results indicated a complex texture orientation distribution function which altered in response to the applied plastic deformation. Increased deformation caused the {1 1 0} planes, to align parallel to the plane of the sheet. The different techniques produced results that were very consistent with each other. The advantages and disadvantages of the various methods are discussed, with particular consideration of the time taken for each method, the range of orientation space accessible, the density of data that can be obtained, and the statistical significance of each data set with respect to rolled sheet product.
Factors related to hospitalization in elderly manic patients with early and late-onset bipolar disorder

Objective To identify factors contributing to relapse and hospitalization in elderly patients with bipolar disorder. Method Retrospective chart review surveyed consecutive patients over age 65 admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital for a manic episode over a five year period (n = 73). Factors precipitating index admission were compared in patients with early-onset bipolar disorder ( age 45, n = 35). Results The distribution of ages of onset of bipolar disorder was most consistent with a bimodal pattern with a cut-point at age 45. Early-onset patients were more likely to have been aggressive and threatening prior to admission (p = 0.014) compared to late-onset patients and were more likely to have been brought to the emergency room on emergency petition for evaluation (p = 0.028). Early-onset patients were also more likely to have been non-adherent with prescribed psychiatric medication (p = 0.032). Conclusions Relapse and rehospitalization were common among elderly manic patients with early-onset and late-onset bipolar disorder. Strategies which improve medication adherence are needed to help prevent recurring hospitalization. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The coalescence of supported gold nanoparticles induced by nanosecond laser irradiation

Gold nanoparticles supported on a quartz substrate are fabricated by e-beam lithography and subjected to nanosecond laser irradiation to induce coalescence. In combination with ex-situ scanning electron microscopy and optical extinction spectra, transmission is monitored in-situ to determine the characteristic coalescence time, the threshold fluence for the onset of coalescence and the produced particle morphology. Parallel molecular dynamics simulation is employed and shown to reasonably predict the coalescence time, thus explaining the experimental results.
On the measurement of local strain and temperature during the formation of adiabatic shear bands

Abstract A series of experiments was performed to study the process of adiabatic shear band initiation and formation in steels. The steels include a low carbon cold-rolled steel and three martensitic steels (HY-100 and two tempers of AISI 4340 VAR steel of varying hardness). In each case the specimens are machined as thin-walled tubes that are deformed dynamically in a torsional Kolsky bar (torsional split Hopkinson bar). Shear band initiation and formation are observed by ultrahigh-speed photography of a fine grid pattern deposited on the specimen's surface. It is shown that the critical strain for shear band initiation depends on the magnitude of a preexisting defect, in accordance with the predictions of Molinari and Clifton, J. Appl. Mech., 54 (1991) 806–812. Ultrahigh-speed photographs of the grid pattern show that local strains of 100–1000% may be attained and that the local strain rates reach 10 5 s −1 . In addition, the local temperature in the shear band is measured by employing an array of small high-speed infrared detectors that provide a plot of temperature as a function of time and position. Within the shear band region, temperatures of 600 °C have been measured.
Complexities of teaching and learning: contexts, orientations and interpretations

This issue of Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice features seven articles from five countries. Each article describes complexities inherent in the teaching-learning situation. Taken together...
Quantitative capillary electrophoresis and its application to the polyanionic quinobene

Abstract Factors affecting the accuracy of capillary electrophoresis (CE) assays in general are discussed. Methods to improve the reproducibility and reliability of these assays are suggested. The improvements are demonstrated by developed CE assays for quinobene and suramin. The assays were reproducible (RSD −1 ( r 2 = 0.999).
Microvessel Density Is a Prognostic Indicator for Patients with Astroglial Brain Tumors

BACKGROUND Microvessel density in tumors, a measure of angiogenesis, has been shown to be a prognostic indicator that correlates with an increased risk of metastasis in various epithelial cancers and with overall and relapse free survival in patients with breast cancer. Astrocytic brain tumors, particularly malignant astrocytomas, are recognized to be highly vascular tumors with potent angiogenic activity. However, the prognostic significance of microvessel density in these tumors is not known. METHODS Sections from formalin fixed paraffin embedded tumor tissue from 93 unselected adult patients with supratentorial astrocytic brain tumors were immunostained for factor VIII-related antigen in order to highlight microvessel endothelial cells. Microvessels were counted at 200× and 400× magnification. Microvessel density was graded as 1+ to 4+ on 1 low power field, without knowledge of clinical outcome. Microvessel count and microvessel grade were correlated with postoperative survival using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. The prognostic significance of microvessel count and grade were also compared with established prognostic indicators, including patient age, Karnofsky performance status, and tumor histology using multivariate analyses. RESULTS Both microvessel grade and microvessel count correlated significantly with postoperative survival by univariate analysis in both previously untreated and treated patients. Patients with tumors containing a microvessel Grade of 3+ or 4+ had significantly shorter survival time than patients with a microvessel Grade of 1+ or 2+ (P = 0.0022). Likewise, patients with microvessel counts of 70 or greater had significantly shorter survival than those with microvessel counts of fewer than 70 (P = 0.041). Patient age, Karnofsky performance status, tumor histology, and extent of resection were also correlated with survival by univariate analysis. Microvessel count was further shown to be an independent prognostic indicator by multivariate analyses. There were correlations between microvessel density and patient age and between microvessel density and astrocytic tumor grade. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the importance of microvessel density as a prognostic indicator of postoperative survival of patients with astroglial brain tumors. Regional tumor heterogeneity may limit the use of these techniques for routine pathologic examination. Cancer 1996;77:362-72.
On the nature and crystallographic orientation of subsurface cracks in high cycle fatigue of Ti-6Al-4V

Subsurface fatigue damage, in the form of cracking of the α phase, was observed in Ti-6A1-4V during high cycle fatigue of total hip prostheses tested in a simulated physiological test geometry and environment. The subsurface cracking was found only in the region of highest fatigue stresses and was present in a zone between 50 and 700 μm beneath the surface. The density of these cracks appeared to depend on the fabrication process used to form the part, where the direction of forging deformation strongly influenced the texture and grain morphology of the near-α bimodal microstructure. A novel scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique, using selected area channeling patterns (SACPs) and electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI), is described and was used to determine the crystallographic orientation of the fracture plane in the a phase. The texture resulting from the forming operation appeared to be such that the basal pole of the hcp lattice became oriented in the direction of flow. Also, the deformation substructure (in the form of dislocation subcells) influenced the formation of the subsurface cracks. Observations based on four independent fractured grains, using the channeling analysis techniques, indicated that the fracture plane for these subsurface fatigue cracks is the pyramidal plane of the hcp lattice.
Population analysis of ethnicity and first-phase insulin release.

Abstract Objective A mechanistic, physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PK/PD) model was developed to describe the biphasic insulin release and evaluate the racial effects on the glucose–insulin kinetics in response to intravenous glucose. Methods Fifteen African-American and 18 Caucasian children and adolescents between 8 and 18 years of age were enrolled in the study. Intravenous bolus of glucose (250 mg/kg) was administered and blood samples collected at frequent intervals for three hours following the glucose injection. A nonlinear mixed-effect population kinetic analysis with covariate structure was performed using Monolix. Results A significantly higher initial insulin secretion from a readily releasable pool, which is responsible for the first-phase insulin secretion, was detected in African-Americans compared to Caucasians ( p Conclusions The proposed kinetic model is able to describe the glucose-stimulated insulin response, account for the first-phase insulin release and identify a racially-based pharmacokinetic difference in insulin's biphasic secretion behavior. It is hypothesized that the first-phase insulin component may play an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes. The proposed mechanistic model provides a quantitative analysis of the biphasic insulin release that may be useful in the early detection of diabetes.
Expression of multiple type 1 phosphoprotein phosphatases in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Type 1 phosphoprotein Ser/Thr phosphatases (PP1) are highly conserved enzymes found in all eukaryotes. These enzymes have multiple functions in fungal and animal cells but little is known of their function and regulation in plants. Previous studies in our laboratory indicated that maize and Arabidopsis contain a family of PP1 genes and/or pseudogenes. In this study, we report the isolation of five distinct Arabidopsis cDNA clones (TOPP1, TOPP2, TOPP3, TOPP4 and TOPP5) which encode the catalytic subunit (PP1c) of type 1 protein phosphatases. Genomic Southern blot analyses indicate that these clones are the products of five distinct genes and that an additional 2–3 PP1c genes and/or pseudogenes may be present in the Arabidopsis genome. The derived amino acid sequences of the TOPP clones are very similar to published sequences of PP1c from animals, fungi and plants. Four of the TOPP amino acid sequences show unique structural features not observed in other PP1c sequences from fungi or animals. All of the TOPP genes are expressed in Arabidopsis roots, rosettes and flowers, although TOPP1, TOPP2 and TOPP3 appear to be expressed at higher levels in these tissues than TOPP4 and TOPP5.
WORK TRAVEL MODE CHOICE MODELING WITH DATA MINING: DECISION TREES AND NEURAL NETWORKS

Among discrete choice problems, travel mode choice modeling has received the most attention in the travel behavior literature. Most traditional mode choice models are based on the principle of random utility maximization derived from econometric theory. Alternatively, mode choice modeling can be regarded as a pattern recognition problem in which multiple human behavioral patterns reflected by explanatory variables determine the choices between alternatives or classes. The capability and performance of two emerging pattern recognition data mining methods, decision trees (DT) and neural networks (NN), for work travel mode choice modeling were investigated. Models based on these two techniques are specified, estimated, and comparatively evaluated with a traditional multinomial logit (MNL) model. For comparison, a unique three-layer formulation of the MNL model is presented. The similarities and differences of the models' mechanisms and structures are identified, and the mechanisms and structures in the models' specifications and estimations are compared. Two performance measures, individual prediction rate and aggregate prediction rate, which represent the prediction accuracies for individual and mode aggregate levels, respectively, were applied to evaluate and compare the performances of the models. Diary data sets from the San Francisco, California, Bay Area Travel Survey 2000 were used for model estimation and evaluation. The prediction results show that the two data mining models offer comparable but slightly better performances than the MNL model in terms of the modeling results, while the DT model demonstrates the highest estimation efficiency and most explicit interpretability, and the NN model gives a superior prediction performance in most cases.
Likelihood of seizure remission in an adult population with refractory epilepsy

Objective We aimed to determine the likelihood of remission and its clinical predictors in adult patients meeting a strict definition of refractory epilepsy. We also wanted to investigate the influence of treatment regimen on remission. Methods A total of 246 patients with treatment refractory epilepsy (having at least 1 seizure per month and having not responded positively to at least 2 antiepileptic drugs) were identified in 2000 and followed for 3 years. We used Kaplan–Meier methods to estimate the rate of achieving a 6-month terminal seizure remission and Cox regression analysis to evaluate clinical predictors for seizure remission. Results The estimated 6-month terminal seizure remission rate was 19% (95% confidence interval, 14–26%) for all cases and 14% (95% confidence interval, 10–21%) when limited to those treated only with medication. Negative predictors for remission included a history of status epilepticus, younger age at intractability, number of failed drug therapies, and presence of mental retardation. No specific drug was significantly associated with remission, and frequently, no clear intervention led to terminal remission. Interpretation Fifteen percent (approximately 5% per year) of a drug refractory epilepsy population obtained a 6-month terminal seizure remission. Our results signify that no matter how many antiepileptic drug therapies have failed, there is always hope of a meaningful seizure remission in this population. Furthermore, we have elucidated four clinical predictors that can aid the epileptologist in prognostication. Ann Neurol 2007
MDSA: Multi-dimensional slotted ALOHA MAC protocol for low-collision high-throughput wireless communication systems

In wireless communication networks the collision rates increase due to the fact that multiple users may transmit simultaneously. Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols are employed to lower the collision rates through organizing the access to the communication channels. The simplicity of future wireless networks such as Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) implies the need for rather simple MAC protocols, which would, in-turn require collision resolution between the packets simultaneously transmitted by multiple users. Slotted-ALOHA is a simple MAC protocol which has a limited throughput (36%) that is still very low to support future wireless applications. The goal of this paper is to gain deep understanding of how to improve the throughput and reduce the collision rate of slotted-ALOHA MAC protocol. In particular, we propose a novel Multi-Dimensional Slotted ALOHA (MDSA) protocol that combines the advantages of TDMA, FDMA and CDMA. MDSA protocol utilizes three dimensional reservation bands, i.e., time dimension, frequency dimension and code dimension. In this paper, we show theoretically how the successful reservation rates increase and the collision rates decrease with MDSA under idle and noisy channel conditions, which qualify our proposed scheme to be a reliable MAC protocol for wireless communication systems.
l-Arginine reduces endothelial inflammation and myocardial stunning during ischemia/reperfusion

Background. This study evaluated whether the nitric oxide precursor l-arginine could reduce ischemia/reperfusion injury by preventing leukocyte—endothelial interactions. Methods. Normothermic regional ischemia was induced in the open-chest working pig heart for 30 minutes followed by 90 minutes of reperfusion. A preischemic 10-minute intravenous infusion of 4 mg · kg −1 · min −1 of l-arginine (n = 12) was compared with 12 control pigs. Nitric oxide release was measured from the coronary sinus using an amperometric probe. Left ventricular function, malonaldehyde, creatine kinase, myocardial oxygen extraction, and the soluble adhesion molecules (intracellular adhesion molecule-1, endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) were measured. Results. Nitric oxide release was significantly reduced from baseline throughout ischemia/reperfusion only in the control group. Systolic and diastolic function, and myocardial oxygen extraction were also significantly decreased during early reperfusion in the control compared with the l-arginine group. Peak creatine kinase release was not significantly different between groups. The incidence of ventricular fibrillation, malonaldehyde release, and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1, endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were each significantly decreased during reperfusion in the l-arginine group. Conclusions. l-Arginine reduced lipid peroxidation, plasma levels of soluble adhesion molecules, myocardial stunning, and arrhythmias. These results support an excessive endothelial injury/inflammatory response after regional ischemia/reperfusion that can be ameliorated through augmented nitric oxide.
Separation and determination of antimycins.

Abstract Several alternative assay methods for antimycins are described. A manometric procedure based on inhibition of yeast respiration can be completed within 1–2 hr., and thus permits close control of production and purification procedures. The presence and relative amounts of several active fractions in crude antimycin fermentation broths were established by means of paper chromatography. Improvements in the procedure for isolation of antimycin A and the further purification of this antibiotic are also described.
Lanthanum and lanthanides in atmospheric fine particles and their apportionment to refinery and petrochemical operations in Houston, TX

Abstract A study was conducted in Houston, TX focusing on rare earth elements (REEs) in atmospheric fine particles and their sources. PM2.5 samples were collected from an ambient air quality monitoring site (HRM3) located in the proximity of a large number of oil refineries and petrochemical industries to estimate the potential contributions of emissions from fluidized-bed catalytic cracking operations to ambient fine particulate matter. The elemental composition of ambient PM2.5, several commercially available zeolite catalysts, and local soil was measured after microwave assisted acid digestion using inductively coupled plasma—mass spectrometry. Source identification and apportionment was performed by principal component factor analysis (PCFA) in combination with multiple linear regression. REE relative abundance sequence, ratios of La to light REEs (Ce, Pr, Nd, and Sm), and enrichment factor analysis indicated that refining and petrochemical cat cracking operations were predominantly responsible for REE enrichment in ambient fine particles. PCFA yielded five physically meaningful PM2.5 sources: cat cracking operations, a source predominantly comprised of crustal material, industrial high temperature operations, oil combustion, and sea spray. These five sources accounted for 82% of the total mass of atmospheric fine particles (less carbon and sulfate). Factor analysis confirmed that emissions from cat cracking operations primarily contributed to REE enrichment in PM2.5 even though they comprised only 2.0% of the apportioned mass. Results from this study demonstrate the need to characterize catalysts employed in the vicinity of the sampling stations to accurately determine local sources of atmospheric REEs.
It turns out the Armoire is your mother: Narratives of addiction in two cable television organization programs

An ideological analysis was conducted of two cable television programs which offer strategies on how to organize the “stuff” accumulated by individuals: Clean Sweep, which airs on the TLC cable channel, and Clean House, which airs on the Style cable channel. Both programs send in energetic team of experts to help couples identify and dispose of items that they believe (and the couples agree) are negatively impacting their lives. The assumption emerging from these programs is that the unbridled passion of the guests for accumulation – of collectibles, and of just plain “stuff” – has begun to damage their lives. Rather than simply help these individuals get rid of what they no longer need, these programs sustain an ideology that suggests that the individuals who appear on these programs are addicts, desperately in need of a nationally televised intervention.
A case study of system power efficiency loss mechanisms in a multijunction, spectral splitting, concentrator solar cell system

In multijunction solar cell concentrator systems, it is important for system and cell designers to understand the relative magnitude of each loss mechanism. This investigation of potential system power efficiency improvements for a high-efficiency concentrator system focuses on quantifying the effects that various known loss mechanisms have on the overall system performance. Each of the loss mechanisms that were investigated play a part in the degradation of the device's performance and each of these losses can be reduced by appropriate engineering. This paper will address the extensive optimization of the system power efficiency of a multijunction concentrator solar cell system for the DARPA Very High Efficiency Solar Cell (VHESC) project. These results are useful to the system and cell designers and guide the efforts to reduce losses and to maximize the system power efficiency.
Amyloid β-peptide alters thrombin-induced calcium responses in cultured human neural cells

The presence ofprothrontbin, thrombin receptors and thrombin inhibitors in the brain, together with recent evidence that thrombin can affect neuronal outgrowth and survival, suggests that thrombin signaling may be involved in neuronal plasticity and injury. In Alzheimer 's disease, thrombin is associated with plaques comprised largely of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). Because recent studies have shown that 4β can destabilize neuronal calcium homeostasis, and because thrombin receptors are linked to inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and elevation of [Ca2+]i, we tested the hypothesis that Aβ modifies [Ca2+]i responses to thrombin. Studies using thrombin receptor antibodies and antisense oligodeoxynucleotide technology to suppress expression of thrombin receptors demonstrated that human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells expressed thrombin receptors linked to Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Relatively short term pretreatment (1 to 3 h) of the SH-SY5Y cells with Aβ25–35 or 4β1–40 resulted in a significant two-to thr...
The composition of government spending: does it make any difference?

This paper divides USA government expenditures into an investment component and a consumption component in three different ways, and seeks to determine whether this distinction has any real world impact. Greater government investment spending is not more likely to get politicians reelected. Nor does government have a larger macroeconomic effect than government consumption spending. Government investment does, however, tend to increase business productivity; government consumption, in contrast, tends to reduce business productivity.
SDWT requires tools to be successful

This paper will describe two Harris Semiconductor success stories and discuss the SDWT (self-directed work team) tools used to be successful. The first story concerns a union factory that, faced with the potential loss of a major customer, tried a new approach to creating dialog between teams from each company. The second story concerns a wafer fabrication line where teams were in place for two years with little signs of improvement. By introducing TOC and TPM, in combination with a structured team environment, the same group of people made significant operational improvements within six months (40% increase in volume, 2x improvement in die yield (quality), 23% reduction in cycle time, and 16% improvement in line yield).
"Helping" versus "Being a Helper": Invoking the Self to Increase Helping in Young Children.

Can a subtle linguistic cue that invokes the self motivate children to help? In two experiments, 3- to 6-yearold children (N = 149) were exposed to the idea of “being a helper” (noun condition) or “helping” (verb condition). Noun wording fosters the perception that a behavior reflects an identity—the kind of person one is. Both when children interacted with an adult who referenced “being a helper” or “helping” (Experiment 1) and with a new adult (Experiment 2), children in the noun condition helped significantly more across four tasks than children in the verb condition or a baseline control condition. The results demonstrate that children are motivated to pursue a positive identity. Moreover, this motivation can be leveraged to encourage prosocial behavior. What motivates young children to help others? Helping is inherently social behavior (Warneken & Tomasello, 2006) and indeed making social goals salient has been shown to increase helping in young children (Over & Carpenter, 2009). Yet we suggest that, ironically, a focus on the individual self can also motivate helping. In addition to its social function, helping can indicate that the helper has positive qualities. Could a subtle cue that signals that helping would imply something positive about the self—that it would make one “a
Translingual Document Representations from Discriminative Projections

Representing documents by vectors that are independent of language enhances machine translation and multilingual text categorization. We use discriminative training to create a projection of documents from multiple languages into a single translingual vector space. We explore two variants to create these projections: Oriented Principal Component Analysis (OPCA) and Coupled Probabilistic Latent Semantic Analysis (CPLSA). Both of these variants start with a basic model of documents (PCA and PLSA). Each model is then made discriminative by encouraging comparable document pairs to have similar vector representations. We evaluate these algorithms on two tasks: parallel document retrieval for Wikipedia and Europarl documents, and cross-lingual text classification on Reuters. The two discriminative variants, OPCA and CPLSA, significantly outperform their corresponding baselines. The largest differences in performance are observed on the task of retrieval when the documents are only comparable and not parallel. The OPCA method is shown to perform best.
The Tg.AC mouse model passes test by failing to respond.

This issue highlights two companion articles, Selection of Drugs to Test the Specificity of the Tg.AC Assay by Screening for Induction of the gaddl53 Promoter in Vitro by Karol L. Thompson and Frank D. Sistare (pp. 260-270) and Evaluation of the Tg.AC Assay: Specificity Testing with Three Noncarcinogenic Pharmaceuticals that Induce Selected Stress Gene Promoters in Vitro and the Inhibitory Effects of Solvent Components by Karol L. Thompson, Barry A. Rosenzweig, James L. Weaver, Jun Zhang, Karl K. Lin, and Frank D. Sistare (pp. 271-278). These articles outline a unique paradigm for selecting and assaying chemicals for carcinogenic activity using the short-term in vivo Tg.AC mouse model. This Tg.AC mouse model was the primary focus of the work; however, the strategy employed could be exploited for the other alternative mouse models.
“Underwater” EMR without submucosal injection for large sessile colorectal polyps (with video)

Background Submucosal injection is widely performed before EMR of large sessile colorectal polyps to facilitate resection and decrease perforation risk. We developed a novel method of water immersion ("underwater") EMR (UEMR) that eliminates submucosal injection. Objective To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of UEMR without submucosal injection for large sessile colorectal polyps. Design Prospective, observational study. Setting Single, tertiary-care referral center. Intervention The standardized EMR technique involves full water immersion for the entire procedure and piecemeal resection with a 15-mm "duck bill" snare. Main Outcome Measurements Complete resection, bleeding, perforation, postpolypectomy syndrome, residual or recurrence adenoma. Results Sixty patients with 62 large sessile colorectal polyps underwent UEMR. The mean/median polyp size was 34/30 mm, and the mean/median resection time was 21/18 minutes. Histology revealed the following: tubular adenoma (n = 22), tubulovillous adenoma (n = 19), villous adenoma (n = 4), serrated adenoma (n = 11), and high-grade dysplasia/carcinoma in situ (n = 6). The mean/median interval until a follow-up colonoscopy in 54 patients (90%) was 20.4/15.2 weeks. One of 54 patients (2%) had an adenoma smaller than 5 mm outside of the postresection scar, consistent with a residual lesion missed on index UEMR. Complications There was no perforation or postpolypectomy syndrome. Delayed bleeding occurred in 3 patients and was managed conservatively. Limitations Limited follow-up; single-center, single-endoscopist, uncontrolled study. Conclusions The underwater resection technique enables complete removal of large sessile colorectal polyps without submucosal injection. The technique was safe in a large patient cohort, and the early recurrence rate appears low. Use of a water interface for UEMR has potential advantages that deserve further study.