cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression upregulates p21 and inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and independent of p53 and cyclic guanosine monophosphate.

Abstract Objective: Overexpression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene inhibits neointimal hyperplasia after arterial injury. The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanism by which nitric oxide (NO) inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, specifically focusing on signaling pathways known to be activated by NO, including cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), p53, and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Methods And Results: VSMCs that were subjected to iNOS gene transfer demonstrated a reduction in proliferation (80%) that was associated with a marked increase in p21 expression. The antiproliferative and p21 stimulatory effects of NO were not suppressed by the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ, implicating cGMP-independent signaling. The role of p53 in NO-mediated upregulation of p21 and inhibition of proliferation was evaluated using p53 –/– VSMCs. A similar reduction in cellular proliferation and upregulation of p21 expression were achieved with iNOS gene transfer as well as treatment with the NO-donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), demonstrating the p53-independent nature of these NO-mediated pathways. The transfer of the iNOS gene activated the p42/44 MAPK, and inhibition of this MAPK pathway with PD98059 partially blocked the antiproliferative effects of NO and completely inhibited the p21 stimulatory effects of NO. For confirmation that iNOS overexpression upregulated p21 in vivo, injured rat carotid arteries were infected with an adenoviral vector carrying the iNOS gene and demonstrated a marked upregulation of p21 expression at three days. However, the ability of NO to inhibit VSMC proliferation does not solely depend on p21 upregulation since the NO-donor SNAP-inhibited VSMC proliferation in p21 –/– VSMCs. Conclusion: Nitric oxide inhibits VSMC proliferation in association with the upregulation of p21; both occur independent of p53 and cGMP while being partially mediated through the p42/44 MAPK signaling cascade. This represents one potential mechanism by which NO inhibits VSMC proliferation. (J Vasc Surg 2000;31:1214-28.)
Hydrogen-ion microscopy of titanium

Abstract Hydrogen-ion microscopy of titanium reveals crystallographic and topographical features of the specimen. Surface films initially present on the specimen as prepared and those formed by air oxidation at a higher temperature are described. The interaction of hydrogen with the specimen during microscopy to produce low index facets is also discussed.
Calcium and forest systems: Diffusion from deep sources

Input-output budgets of temperate forest systems frequently indicate calcium depletion with time. Anthropic disturbances such as acidic deposition and forest harvesting are presumed to accelerate this loss, yet few studies have shown significant change in ecosystem Ca, including vegetation, surface
Differences of soluble CD40L in sera and plasma: Implications on CD40L assay as a marker of thrombotic risk

Introduction: Soluble CD40L (sCD40L) ELISA has emerged as a promising predictor of poor outcomes in acute coronary syndrome. Yet many blood processing techniques have been used with little consideration of their effect on the results. Methods: We measured sCD40L by ELISA in 10 patients with thrombocytopenia and 12 with normal or high platelet counts and 8 healthy controls using three sampling techniques: serum clotted on ice (serum-I) or at room temperature (serum-RT) and platelet poor plasma (PPP). Results: Serum-RT samples, compared to serum-I, gave significantly higher CD40L values (p=0.003), demonstrating that ex vivo sCD40L release by activated platelets is inhibited by cold temperature. Although serum-I and PPP were comparable in patients with normal platelet counts, serum-I gave significantly higher values than PPP in the thrombocytosis group (p=0.01), suggesting that cold inhibition is insufficient in the latter group. To estimate the fraction of sCD40L that was microparticle-bound CD40L (mp-CD40L), 16 samples underwent 0.1-μm filtration. 50.6% of sCD40L was mp-CD40L in serum-RT, whereas 21.3% and 29.9% were observed in serum-I and PPP, respectively. Lastly, plasma sCD40L was assayed in 46 patients with and 35 without thrombosis. Plasma sCD40L did not correlate with platelet count in non-thrombotic, non-inflammatory patients but did (p<0.01) in those with thrombosis. Conclusions: Sample processing and temperature profoundly affect sCD40L assay. Serum-I and PPP minimize the release of sCD40L ex vivo and better represent sCD40L in vivo. However, PPP may be preferable particularly in patients with thrombocytosis. The existence of mp-CD40L highlights the importance of centrifuge conditions.
Usa1 protein facilitates substrate ubiquitylation through two separate domains.

Background Defects in protein folding are recognized as the root of many neurodegenerative disorders. In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), secretory proteins are subjected to a stringent quality control process to eliminate misfolded proteins by the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. A novel ERAD component Usa1 was recently identified. However, the specific role of Usa1 in ERAD remains obscure. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we demonstrate that Usa1 is important for substrate ubiquitylation. Furthermore, we defined key cis-elements of Usa1 essential for its degradation function. Interestingly, a putative proteasome-binding motif is dispensable for the functioning of Usa1 in ERAD. We identify two separate cytosolic domains critical for Usa1 activity in ERAD, one of which is involved in binding to the Ub-protein ligase Hrd1/Hrd3. Usa1 may have another novel role in substrate ubiquitylation that is separate from the Hrd1 association. Conclusions/Significance We conclude that Usa1 has two important roles in ERAD substrate ubiquitylation.
Purpose in Life Is Associated With a Reduced Risk of Incident Disability Among Community-Dwelling Older Persons

Background Purpose in life is thought to be associated with positive health outcomes in old age, but its association with disability is unknown. Objective Test the hypothesis that greater purpose in life is associated with a reduced risk of incident disability, including impairment in basic and instrumental activities of daily living and mobility disability, among community-based older persons free of dementia. Design Participants were from the Rush Memory and Aging Project, a large longitudinal clinical-pathologic study of aging. Setting Retirement communities, senior housing facilities, and homes across the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Measurements All participants underwent baseline assessment of purpose in life and detailed annual clinical evaluations to document incident disability. Results The mean score on the purpose in life measure at baseline was 3.6 (standard deviation = 0.5, range: 2–5). In a series of proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, and education, greater purpose in life was associated with a reduced risk of disability in basic activities of daily living (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [C1] = 0.45–0.81), instrumental activities of daily living (HR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.40–0.78), and mobility disability (HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.44–0.84). These associations did not vary along demographic lines and persisted after the addition of terms to control for global cognition, depressive symptoms, social networks, neuroticism, income, physical frailty, vascular risk factors, and vascular diseases. Conclusions Among community-based older persons without dementia, greater purpose in life is associated with maintenance of functional status, including a reduced risk of developing impairment in basic and instrumental activities of daily living and mobility disability.
[Nalpha-benzylTyr1,cyclo(D-Asp5,Dap8)]- dynorphin A-(1-11)NH2 cyclized in the "address" domain is a novel kappa-opioid receptor antagonist.

The cyclic dynorphin A analogue [Nα-benzylTyr1,cyclo(d-Asp5,Dap8)]dynorphin A-(1−11)NH2 (Dap = 2,3-diaminopropionic acid) exhibits nanomolar affinity (30 nM) and high selectivity (Ki ratio (κ/μ/δ) = 1/194/330) for κ-opioid receptors. This analogue antagonizes dynorphin A-(1−13)NH2 at κ-opioid receptors in the adenylyl cyclase assay (KB = 84 nM). This is the first dynorphin A-based antagonist with modifications in the C-terminal “address” domain that alter efficacy and thus represents a novel selective κ-opioid receptor antagonist.
Why analytic approaches to performance appraisal cannot work

Abstract Researchers and practitioners alike have long been interested in finding ways to improve appraisal effectiveness. Kane and Kane (1992), and Bernardin (1992) present their proposal for improving appraisals, which they term an “Analytic Approach.” But this analytic approach makes certain assumptions about rater acquisition and processing of information, and about rater motivation to be accurate that may be unfounded. The present article discusses those assumptions and how they seem to argue against an analytic approach but seem more consistent instead, with an “Intuitive Approach” described by Feldman (1992).
Elastic constants of some NaCl type alkali halides

Second and third order elastic constants of NaCl, NaBr, KF, KCl, KBr, and RbBr have been calculated using the Born model of ionic solids. Short range repulsive interactions have been included up to second nearest neighbors using an expression of the form A exp (-r/b) where b is the repulsive parameter. A distinction is made between the like and unlike ion interactions. Van der Waals terms are also included. When the room temperature lattice parameter is used, the elastic constants satisfy the Cauchy relations. Experimental data show that many of the alkali halides fail to satisfy the Cauchy relations. This aspect is examined by using the quasi-harmonic approximation as developed by Leibfried and his associates. Linear temperature coefficients of the elastic constants are also calculated in the high temperature limit. In order to assess the contributions of the van der Waals terms, elastic constants are also calculated by dropping the van der Waals terms in the expressions for the elastic constants. Calculated values of the elastic constants are compared with the available experimental data. Die elastischen Konstanten zweiter und dritter Ordnung werden mit dem Bornschen Modell fur Ionenfestkorper fur NaCl, NaBr, KF, KCl, KBr und RbBr berechnet. Kurz-reichende Abstosungswechselwirkung wird bis zu den zweiten nachsten Nachbarn durch einen Ausdruck der Form A exp (-r/b), mit b als Abstosungsparameter, berucksichtigt. Es wird zwischen der Wechselwirkung gleicher und ungleicher Ionen unterschieden. Van der Waals-Terme werden ebenfalls berucksichtigt. Wenn die Gitterkonstante bei Zimmer-temperatur benutzt wird, erfullen die elastischen Konstanten die Cauchy-Relationen. Experimentelle Ergebnisse zeigen, das viele Alkalihalogenide die Cauchy-Relationen nicht erfullen. Diese Erscheinung wird mit der von Leibfried und Mitarbeitern entwickelten quasi-harmonischen Naherung untersucht. Im Grenzfall hoher Temperaturen werden auch die linearen Temperaturkoeffizienten der elastischen Konstanten berechnet. Um den Beitrag der Van der Waals-Terme abzuschatzen, werden die elastischen Konstanten berechnet, indem die Van der Waals-Terme in die Ausdrucke fur die elastischen Konstanten werden. Die berechneten Werte fur die elastischen Konstanten werden mit den zur Verfugung stehenden experimentellen Werten verglichen.
Low power floating-point multiplication and squaring units with shared circuitry

An architecture for a combinational floating point multiplier and squarer is described for the purpose of producing a low power floating point square with small area requirements. The floating-point multiplier and squarer architecture are compared to demonstrate the power advantage of the squarer. The multiplier and squarer are combined into one circuit in order to take advantage of the squarer power improvements with a minimal increase in area. Shared circuitry among the units provides justification for inclusion of a dedicated squarer since a small amount of additional circuitry is required and the power savings for squaring computations is significant as compared to the use of a general-purpose multiplier to generate a squared value.
Beta-arrestin 2 regulates zebrafish development through the hedgehog signaling pathway.

β-arrestins are multifunctional proteins that act as scaffolds and transducers of intracellular signals from heptahelical transmembrane-spanning receptors (7TMR). Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, which uses the putative 7TMR, Smoothened, is established as a fundamental pathway in development, and unregulated Hh signaling is associated with certain malignancies. Here, we show that the functional knockdown of β-arrestin 2 in zebrafish embryos recapitulates the many phenotypes of Hh pathway mutants. Expression of wild-type β-arrestin 2, or constitutive activation of the Hh pathway downstream of Smoothened, rescues the phenotypes caused by β-arrestin 2 deficiency. These results suggest that a functional interaction between β-arrestin 2 and Smoothened may be critical to regulate Hh signaling in zebrafish development.
A direct experimental estimate of the low energy parameters for π Λ scattering

Abstract The Λπ − angular distributions for the reaction K − d → Λπ − p for the Λπ − mass range from threshold to ∼ 1400 MeV have been analyzed using scattering length parameterizations. The Σ(1385), P 13 resonance amplitude is used as the reference amplitude. The πΛ (S 11 ) scattering length and the πΛ (P 11 ) phase shift are found to be negative. The results appear to be inconsistent with the predictions of simple current algebra.
Singularity spectrum for period n-tupling in area-preserving maps.

The singularity spectrum f(..cap alpha..) and the generalized dimension D(q) of the critical orbit is numerically obtained to study the global scaling behavior of period n-tupling (n = 2,3,4) in area-preserving maps. It is found that f(..cap alpha..) becomes quite different as n is changed, and the generalized dimension D(q) increases for all q as n increases. The global scaling behavior of conservative systems is different from that of dissipative systems. Moreover, for conservative systems, the global scaling behavior seems to depend on dimensionality.
Magnetic Translation Group

In this paper a group-theoretical approach to the problem of a Bloch electron in a magnetic field is given. A magnetic translation group is defined and its properties, in particular its connection with the usual translation group, are established.
Modal decoupling of systems described by three linear operators

This brief note demonstrates that the modal representation of the equation of motion of a forced dynamic system described by three linear operators always decouples whenever the system eignfunctions are complete. No symmetry properties of the system operators are assumed, but it is assumed that all three operators have well defined adjoints
Coriolis effects on turbulence structures in free surface jets

This paper examines the effects of background rotation on turbulence structures in free surface jets using physical experiments in a rotating laboratory. The experiments were conducted by discharging neutrally buoyant jets into a deep basin over a backward-facing step. Hot film anemometers were deployed for stationed measurements of two-dimensional turbulent velocities. By using the fluctuating velocities, an equivalent turbulence eddy was constructed and its principal angle and eddy ellipticity were defined. These two parameters are used to study the Coriolis effects on turbulence structures. In addition, the changes of the turbulence structures are manifested through statistical spectral distributions. Rotation is shown to affect the energy cascade, and the physical mechanisms for this result are examined through theoretical analyses. The Coriolis effects on these parameters and the spectra are inferred to affect the jet stream spreading.
Developmental toxicity evaluation of 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid in Sprague Dawley (CD) rats.

1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), proposed as a formaldehyde substitute in the treatment of permanent press fabrics, was evaluated for developmental toxicity. Timed-mated CD rats (25 per group) received BTCA 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg/day or vehicle (deionized/distilled water) by gavage on gestational days (gd) 6 through 19. Maternal feed and water consumption, body weight, and clinical signs were monitored throughout gestation. At termination (gd 20), confirmed-pregnant females (21 to 25 per group) were evaluated for clinical status and gestational outcome; live fetuses were examined for external, visceral, and skeletal malformations. One maternal death, reduced body weight, and reduced weight gain were noted at the high dose; confirmed pregnancy rates were 84 to 100% for each group. There were no treatment-related effects on fetal growth, survival, or morphologic development. The maternal toxicity NOAEL and LOAEL are 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively. The developmental toxicity NOAEL is ≥ 1000 mg/kg/day, and the LOAEL was not established in this study.
Megakaryocytic Leukaemia as a Phase of Myeloproliferative Disorders

2 cases of megakaryocytic leukaemia are presented as a variant of myeloproliferative disorders. The uncontrolled proliferation of the megakaryocyte-platelet cell line occurred after splenectomy and treatment of blastic phase. Applicability of the term megakaryocytic leukaemia is discussed as well as its relationship to similar disorders. It is suggested that an extensive neoplastic proliferation of megakaryocytes with abnormal maturation and thereby formation of large dysplastic platelets in extra-medullary organs especially the liver in the end stage of myelofibrosis is a possible mechanism for this disorder. Treatment with platelet-pheresis may be an effective part of therapy.
The reasonable person standard: a new perspective on the incentive effects of a tailored negligence standard

This paper compares the effects of a uniform reasonable person standard to a due care standard that is tailored to individual capabilities. This is done in a framework in which potential injurers can invest in developing greater capability. I show that the uniform reasonable person standard may induce better or worse investment incentives, depending on whether greater capability is represented by reduced precaution costs or reduced accident costs. In so doing, I show that recent results showing that the reasonable person standard creates better investment incentives are not general, but depend on the model of injurer capacity used. I go on to show the availability of “over-tailoring” of the negligence standard as a novel form of subsidy for investment in care technology. In some circumstances, holding an injurer to a lower standard of care than would be optimal in a perfectly static world can result in a trade-off between dynamic and static efficiency that is superior to that generated by either a uniform or tailored standard of care.
Organizational communication: A buffer in times of job insecurity?

Using Hobfoll’s Conservation of Resources (COR) theory as the theoretical framework, this study explored the effectiveness of organizational communication in attenuating the negative effects associ...
Brookhaven FASTBUS/UNIBUS Interface

A typical high energy physics experiment requires both a high speed data acquisiton and processing system, for data collection and reduction; and a general purpose computer to handle further reduction, bookkeeping and mass storage. Broad differences in architecture, format or technology, will often exist between these two systems, and interface design can become a formidable task. The PDP-11 series minicomputer is widely used in physics research, and the Brookhaven FASTBUS is the only standard high speed data acquisition system which is fully implemented in a current high energy physics experiment. This paper will describe the design and operation of an interface between these two systems. The major issues are elucidated by a preliminary discussion on the basic principles of Bus Systems, and their application to Brookhaven FASTBUS and UNIBUS.
Modification of a commercial condensation nuclei counter for steady flow

Abstract By replacing two valves and adding an external reservoir, the input flow oscillations of the Model Rich 100 Condensation Nuclei Monitor (Environment/One Corp.) were eliminated. This increased the instrument's usefulness for analyzing aerosols.
High‐Throughput Assessment of Thermal and Colloidal Stability Parameters for Monoclonal Antibody Formulations

Design of experiment and statistical analyses were applied to evaluate the effects of several formulation components on the thermal and colloidal stability for a series of monoclonal antibody (mAb) formulations. The high-throughput assessment of the protein stability was performed by measuring the temperature of hydrophobic exposure (T(h) , thermal stability) and the diffusion interaction parameter (k(D) , colloidal stability). To correlate the measured parameters with protein stability, the propensity to aggregate was tested by exposing the mAb samples to two types of stress: mechanical stress caused by shaking agitation and thermal stress. Mechanical stress led to increased formation of large particles, whereas temperature stress resulted in an increase in oligomers. The data obtained from the stress studies were used to determine the critical values for the stability parameters. The optimal formulation compositions were determined based on the statistical models and the predication tests. This approach of high-throughput thermal and colloidal stability screening can be applied to the characterization and prediction of protein formulation properties.
Hydroxyurea Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease

High fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels inhibit the polymerization of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) and reduce the complications of sickle cell disease. Pharmacologic agents that can reverse the switch from γ- to β-chain synthesis — γ-globin chains characterize HbF, and sickle β-globin chains are present in HbS — or selectively increase the proportion of adult erythroid precursors that maintain the ability to produce HbF are therapeutically useful. Hydroxyurea promotes HbF production by perturbing the maturation of erythroid precursors. This treatment increases the total hemoglobin concentration, reduces the vaso-occlusive complications of pain and acute chest syndrome, and attenuates mortality in adults. It is a promising beginning for pharmacologic therapy of sickle cell disease. Still, its effects are inconsistent, trials in infants and children are ongoing, and its ultimate value — and peril — when started early in life are still unknown.
Optimizing formation rigidity under connectivity constraints

This paper studies the problem of finding the most rigid formation for a multi-agent system. The worst-case rigidity index (WRI) and the mean rigidity index (MRI) are proposed as the quantitative measures of formation rigidity. From a practical point of view, the values of these indices characterize the stability and robustness of the multi-agent system in maintaining a given formation. An iterative algorithm is presented for finding the most rigid formation through the joint optimization of both the positions of agents and their connection topology. The effectiveness of the algorithm is illustrated through numerical examples.
Identification of mellein in the mandibular gland secretions of carpenter ants

Abstract The mandibular gland secretions of males of the ants Camponotus herculeanus, C. ligniperda , and C. pennsylvanicus contain three major volatile substances. These compounds have been identified as 3,4-dihydro-8-hydroxy-3-methylisocoumarin (mellein or ochracin), methyl 6-methylsalicylate, and 10-methyldodecanoic acid. Mellein has not been isolated previously from animal sources.
Dynamic scheduling for mobile robots

This research concerns efficient multiprocessor threads-based implementation of reactive navigation for mobile robots. We present two important results: 1) Performance is improved significantly when CPU time allocated to individual navigational threads is adjusted dynamically according to a heuristic measure of their importance. 2) To implement this strategy, we present a multiprocessor scheduler design which can dynamically schedule navigational threads. The experiments were conducted in simulation on a BBN Butterfly and a KSR1 (shared memory multiprocessors). Speedups found for this example should extend to more complex navigational strategies as long as a heuristic measure of thread importance is available. >
Better Data From Better Measurements Using Computerized Adaptive Testing

The process of constructing a fixed-length conventional test frequently focuses on maximizing internal consistency reliability by selecting test items that are of average difficulty and high discrimination (a “peaked” test). The effect of constructing such a test, when viewed from the perspective of item response theory, is test scores that are precise for examinees whose trait levels are near the point at which the test is peaked; as examinee trait levels deviate from the mean, the precision of their scores decreases substantially. Results of a small simulation study demonstrate that when peaked tests are “off target” for an examinee, their scores are biased and have spuriously high standard deviations, reflecting substantial amounts of error. These errors can reduce the correlations of these kinds of scores with other variables and adversely affect the results of standard statistical tests. By contrast, scores from adaptive tests are essentially unbiased and have standard deviations that are much closer to true values. Basic concepts of adaptive testing are introduced and fully adaptive computerized tests (CATs) based on IRT are described. Several examples of response records from CATs are discussed to illustrate how CATs function. Some operational issues, including item exposure, content balancing, and enemy items are also briefly discussed. It is concluded that because CAT constructs a unique test for examinee, scores from CATs will be more precise and should provide better data for social science research and applications.
Restructuring the RCVS fellowship.

CURRENT proposals for the RCVS fellowship would terminate the path to fellowship by thesis, other than as an add-on to a postgraduate …
Imaging Density Disturbances in Water with a 41.3-Attosecond Time Resolution

We show that the momentum flexibility of inelastic x-ray scattering may be exploited to invert its loss function, allowing real time imaging of density disturbances in a medium. We show the disturbance arising from a point source in liquid water, with a resolution of 41.3 attoseconds (4:13 � 10 � 17 s )a nd 1:27 � A (1:27 � 10 � 8 cm). This result is used to determine the structure of the electron cloud around a photoexcited chromophore in solution, as well as the wake generated in water by a 9 MeV gold ion. We draw an analogy with pump-probe techniques and suggest that energy-loss scattering may be applied more generally to the study of attosecond phenomena.
The hepatocellular bile acid transporter Ntcp facilitates uptake of the lethal mushroom toxin α-amanitin

Hepatotoxicity caused by the mushroom poison α-amanitin is an unusual but serious cause of death and liver transplantation. Understanding the mechanisms of α-amanitin uptake may lead to rational therapeutic approaches. Because older data suggested that a sodium-dependent bile acid transporter is responsible for α-amanitin uptake, we tested the hypothesis that Na+-taurocholate cotransporter polypeptide (Ntcp) facilitates hepatocellular α-amanitin uptake. Human hepatoblastoma cells (HepG2), cells that have lost native Ntcp expression, were stably transfected with the rat Ntcp gene. Taurocholate uptake by the transfected cells exhibited a physiologically normal Km and Vmax. A toxicologically relevant functional assay for α-amanitin uptake was developed by measuring its ability to block cytokine-induced synthesis of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) mRNA. Treatment with interleukin-1β (10 ng/ml) and interleukin-6 (100 ng/ml) increased IL-1Ra mRNA abundance 8.6-fold and 15.6-fold in HepG2 cells and Ntcp-transfected cells, respectively. Pretreatment of transfected cells with 1 µM α-amanitin for 6–10 h almost completely blocked induction of IL-1Ra mRNA (1.9-fold induction) whereas pretreatment of non-transfected cells did not block induction of IL-1Ra mRNA (21.6-fold induction, P<0.02 compared with stimulated transfected cells without α-amanitin). These findings demonstrate that Ntcp may be an important mediator of α-amanitin uptake by the liver.
Ethnic heterogeneity in the longitudinal effects of placental vascular blood flow on birthweight.

OBJECTIVE—Our goals were: (1) to estimate the longitudinal trends in uterine artery (UtArt) and umbilical artery (UmArt) resistance indices (RIs) in different ethnic strata; (2) to estimate timedependent changes across gestation in the influence of variation in UtArt and UmArt RI on variation in birthweight in different ethnic strata; and (3) to determine the optimum set of UtArt and UmArt RIs for predicting birthweight in different ethnic strata. STUDY DESIGN—Analyses were carried out on data collected in a prospective study of 535 multiethnic gravidas recruited from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles, CA). Baseline maternal characteristics were recorded at time of entry into the study. UtArt and UmArt RIs were measured on 3 occasions during pregnancy (visit 1, 16-20 weeks’ gestation; visit 2, 21-29 weeks’ gestation; and visit 3, 30-36 weeks’ gestation). The outcome for this study was gestational age– adjusted birthweight (aBW). RESULTS—The average UtArt and UmArt RI decreased steadily across gestation for all ethnicities. The average UtArt RI at each visit and the average rate of change between visits were not significantly different among the ethnicities. However, the UmArt RI measured at visit 3 and its rate of change in the last trimester were significantly different among the ethnic groups (P < .02). After adjustment for traditional risk factors for fetal growth restriction, the magnitude and rate of change of UtArt RI significantly predicted aBW only in Hispanic women, whereas the magnitude and rate of change of UmArt RI predicted aBW only in African American women. The most parsimonious combination of UtArt and UmArt RI measurements at visits 1, 2, and 3 that predicted statistically significant variation in aBW differed by ethnicity.
Macrophage Phospholipid Transfer Protein Deficiency and ApoE Secretion: Impact on Mouse Plasma Cholesterol Levels and Atherosclerosis

Objective— PLTP and apoE play important roles in lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis. It is known that formation of macrophage-derived foam cells (which highly express PLTP and apoE) is the critical step in the process of atherosclerosis. We investigated the relationship between PLTP and apoE in macrophages and the atherogenic relevance in a mouse model. Methods and Results— We transplanted PLTP-deficient mouse bone marrow into apoE-deficient mice (PLTP−/−→apoE−/−), creating a mouse model with PLTP deficiency and apoE expression exclusively in the macrophages. We found that PLTP−/−→apoE−/− mice have significantly lower PLTP activity, compared with controls (WT→apoE−/−; 20%, P <0.01). On a Western diet, PLTP−/−→apoE−/− mice have significantly lower plasma apoE than that of WT→apoE−/− mice (63%, P <0.001), and PLTP-deficient macrophages secrete significantly less apoE than WT macrophages (44%, P <0.01). Moreover, PLTP−/−→apoE−/− mice have significantly higher plasma cholesterol (98%, P <0.001) and phospholipid (107%, P <0.001) than that of WT→apoE−/− mice, thus increasing atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic arch and root (403%, P <0.001), as well as the entire aorta (298%, P <0.001). Conclusions— Macrophage PLTP deficiency causes a significant reduction of apoE secretion from the cells, and this in turn promotes the accumulation of cholesterol in the circulation and accelerates the development of atherosclerosis.
The Effective Delivery of a Streaming Video Course Lecture

Abstract This study compares the effects of a faculty-read non-interactive streaming video lecture to the same lecture read by paid actors on student performance and perceptions. The scope of the study is limited to one learning objective of the first accounting course. No significant differences were found in student performance (n = 46), as measured by quiz grades, or student perceptions, as measured by a survey instrument, between the lectures read by faculty members and the lectures read by actors. These findings have implications for authors of online course content because the results suggest that the effectiveness of a non-interactive video presentation might not be dependent on the presenter. Faculty time might best be spent developing content with paid student actors going on-camera for recording the actual presentation.
Glitch-Aware Pattern Generation and Optimization Framework for Power-Safe Scan Test

Excessive dynamic voltage drop in the power supply rails during test mode is known to result in false failures and impact yield when testing devices that use low-cost wire-bond packages. Identifying and debugging such test failures is a complex and effort-intensive process, especially when scan compression is involved. From a design cycle-tune view point, it is best to avoid this problem by generating "power-safe" scan patterns. The generation of power-safe patterns must take into consideration the DFT architecture, physical design, tuning and power constraints. In this paper, the authors propose such a framework and show experimental results on some benchmark circuits. The framework can address a non-uniform power grid and region-based power constraints. The authors show that glitching activity on nodes must be considered in order to correctly handle constraints on instantaneous peak power. The framework includes a power profiler that can analyze a pattern source for violations and a PODEM-based pattern generation engine for generating power-safe patterns.
Indices of tableting performance for acrylic resin polymers with plastic and brittle drugs

AbstractThe indices of tableting performance were used to investigate the compaction properties of two methacrylate ester copolymers (Eudragit® RS PM and RL PM) and three methacrylic acid copolymers (Eudragit® S 100, L 100, and L 100–55). These polymers were designed to be incorporated directly into solid dosage forms for controlled-release purposes. The polymers were combined in the dry state with either sodium sulfathiazole (a brittle drug) or theophylline (a plastic drug) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 100% polymer. All powders were blended for 15 minutes and compacts measuring 1 inch square and weighing 5 g each were made using a die that decompressed triaxially and a Carver® press equipped with a strain gauge. Solid fractions were kept constant at 0.81. Two of the tableting indices, the bonding index (BI) and brittle fracture index (BFI), were studied for all mixtures. The BFI of the sulfonamide (0.49) was nearly three times greater than the BFI for theophylline(0.17) The three methacrylic acid ...
Response to Comment on "Metapopulation Persistence with Age-Dependent Disturbance or Succession"

The comment by Dushoff ([ 1 ][1]) elaborates on the probabilistic arguments in ([ 2 ][2]) and provides a succinct explanation of the connection between patch age and the process of disturbance. The further expansion of the analogy to the Feller ([ 3 ][3]) example of buses cited in ([ 2 ][2]) also provides a heuristic explanation of Dushoff's results. The underlying view that colonizing species are most likely to be found in the patches that survive the longest just due to chance is worth further emphasis and consideration. Choosing the most valuable sites for conservation in a matrix of habitat needs to be done with caution, so that mere chance is not the only reason that some sites appear more valuable. Despite the importance of the formulas in ([ 1 ][1]), it is also important to be cautious in applying these insights directly, or even indirectly, to field systems. The relationship among patch age, disturbance process, and metapopulation persistence will also depend critically on the temporal autocorrelation of the disturbance process, which was ignored in ([ 1 ][1], [ 2 ][2]). The incorporation of further details into metapopulation models that remove other underlying, often implicit and underappreciated assumptions, is a very promising avenue for further research. 1. [↵][4] J. Dushoff, Science 304 , 684 (2004); [www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/304/5671/684c][5]. 2. [↵][6] A. Hastings, Science 301, 1525 (2003). [OpenUrl][7][Abstract/FREE Full Text][8] 3. [↵][9] W. Feller, An Introduction to Probability Theory and Its Applications (Wiley, New York, 1971), vol. 2. [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-2 [3]: #ref-3 [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [5]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/304/5671/684c [6]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2 in text" [7]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DScience%26rft.stitle%253DScience%26rft.issn%253D0036-8075%26rft.aulast%253DHastings%26rft.auinit1%253DA.%26rft.volume%253D301%26rft.issue%253D5639%26rft.spage%253D1525%26rft.epage%253D1526%26rft.atitle%253DMetapopulation%2BPersistence%2Bwith%2BAge-Dependent%2BDisturbance%2Bor%2BSuccession%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1126%252Fscience.1087570%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F12970563%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [8]: /lookup/ijlink/YTozOntzOjQ6InBhdGgiO3M6MTQ6Ii9sb29rdXAvaWpsaW5rIjtzOjU6InF1ZXJ5IjthOjQ6e3M6ODoibGlua1R5cGUiO3M6NDoiQUJTVCI7czoxMToiam91cm5hbENvZGUiO3M6Mzoic2NpIjtzOjU6InJlc2lkIjtzOjEzOiIzMDEvNTYzOS8xNTI1IjtzOjQ6ImF0b20iO3M6MjQ6Ii9zY2kvMzA0LzU2NzEvNjg0LjQuYXRvbSI7fXM6ODoiZnJhZ21lbnQiO3M6MDoiIjt9 [9]: #xref-ref-3-1 "View reference 3 in text"
Democracy and Floating Exchange Rates

A number of articles in the past few years have found that democracies are more likely to commit to a floating exchange rate regime. I argue that we do not have a solid understanding of the causal mechanism that explains why democracies would float more often. I test a variety of hypotheses to explore exactly what features of democratic practice might account for the propensity to declare a float, using two different datasets. While the tests are not conclusive, they suggest that the number of veto players or the regular use of open, competitive elections may influence exchange rate commitments.
The Shape of Production Functions and the Direction of Technical Change

This pai>er views the standard production function in macroeconomics as a reduced form and derives its properties from microfoundations. The shape of this production function is governed by the distribution of ideas. If that distribution is Pareto, then two results obtain: the global production function is Cobb-Douglas, and technical change in the long run is labor-augmenting. Kortum showed that Pareto distributions are necessary if search-based idea models are to exhibit steady-state growth. Here we show that this same assumption delivers the additional results about the shape of the production function and the direction of technical change.
Dominant Moving Species in the Formation of Amorphous HfNi by Solid-State Reaction

The displacements of Mo, Zr and Pd markers have been monitored by backscattering of MeV He+ to study the growth of the amorphous HfNi phase by solid-state reaction. We find that the Ni is the dominant moving species in this reaction.
Stochastic minimum spanning trees and related problems

We investigate the computational complexity of minimum spanning trees and maximum flows in a simple model of stochastic networks, where each node or edge of an undirected master graph can fail with an independent and arbitrary probability. We show that computing the expected length of the MST or the value of the max-flow is #P-Hard, but that for the MST it can be approximated within O(log n) factor for metric graphs. The hardness proof for the MST applies even to Euclidean graphs in 3 dimensions. We also show that the tail bounds for the MST cannot be approximated in general to any multiplicative factor unless P = NP. This stochastic MST problem was mentioned but left unanswered by Bertsimas, Jaillet and Odoni [Operations Research, 1990] in their work on a priori optimization. More generally, we also consider the complexity of linear programming under probabilistic constraints, and show it to be #P-Hard. If the linear program has a constant number of variables, then it can be solved exactly in polynomial time. For general dimensions, we give a randomized algorithm for approximating the probability of LP feasibility.
Molecular Cloning of Two ErwiniaCarotovora Subsp. Carotovora DNA Fragments which Mediate the Production of Similar Pectate Lyases

Erwiniacarotovora subsp. carotovora strain EC14 produces pectate lyases that elute in the void volume from DEAE cellulose DE53 columns. Two pBR322 derivatives containing shotgun-cloned EC14 DNA mediate the production of pectate lyases in Escherichia coli strain HB101 that elute in the void volume from these columns. The EC14 DNA insert in pDRl is 3.4 kilobases in length and contains no internal BamHI sites. Plasmid pDR30 contains an EC14 DNA insert which is 2.4 kilobases in length and is flanked by BamHI sites. There is no hybridization between the EC14 DNA inserts of these two plasmids. Therefore two separate EC14 chromosomal DNA fragments mediate the production of these pectate lyases. Evidence indicates the possibility that plasmid pDR30 also mediates the production of a polygalacturonase.
Abstract 146: Cerebral Microbleeds: Prevalence and Risk Factors in the Framingham Study

Objective: To assess the prevalence of CMB in a middle-aged to elderly community-based cohort and explore the association of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and medication use to CMB occurrence and location. Background: CMB have been associated with increased risk of stroke and dementia. CVRF and some medications used for stroke prevention may increase the risk of CMB. We hypothesized that these associations would vary according to CMB location, since location is determined by underlying vascular pathology, lobar CMB due to CAA and deep CMB due to hypertensive vasculopathy. Methods: 1,965 Framingham Original and Offspring Cohort participants (age [mean (SD)] 66.5±11.0years; 54% women) who attended a baseline examination between 1998 and 2008 and also had a brain MRI with T2*GRE sequences were included. We evaluated age- and sex-specific prevalence of CMB. Using linear and logistic regression models we related various CVRF, APOE status and stroke prevention medications to presence of any CMB and to risk of CMB stratified by brain location. Results: CMB were observed in 8.8% (n=173) of participants. 63% had only lobar CMBs, 22% deep and 15% had CMBs in both locations. CMB prevalence increased with age (p Conclusions: Our results support findings in older cohorts of higher CMB prevalence with age and in men, an association of HTN, HTN treatment, statins and antiplatelet agents with deep, and of APOE e4 genotype and statins with lobar CMB. Although we observed an association of statin use with CMB neither total cholesterol, nor HDL level, was associated with CMB risk. These findings expand our understanding of CMB pathophysiology, and will be extended by exploring associations with other biomarkers (such as inflammatory markers) and incident CMB.
Abstract B113: Regional differences in barriers to breast cancer screening among low-income African American women in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis Tennessee

Background: African American women are more likely to have advanced breast cancer at the time of diagnosis and experience worse outcomes than Caucasian women. National surveys have shown that African American women obtain less breast cancer screening than Caucasian women. However, the degree to which psychosocial and economic barriers contribute to racial differences in breast cancer screening remains unclear. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine regional predictors of breast cancer screening among African American women residing in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. In addition to regional predictors of breast cancer screening, obstacles to screening were also examined. The aim of this study was to incorporate this information into programs aimed at improving breast cancer screening rates at the three Tennessee cities. Methods: As part of the Meharry Community Networks Program (CNP) needs assessment, a community survey was administered to assess demographic characteristics, breast cancer screening practices, health care access and utilization, and lifestyle behaviors of low-income African American women. Participants were recruited from predominantly African American communities in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. Only women 40 years and older were included in this study. The final sample size was 286. Results: The screening rates for mammograms within the past two years among African American women, 40 years and older in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis were 65%, 67% and 62% respectively. There were no regional differences in the screening rates. The predictors of mammograms in the three regions included having made at least one medical visit in the past year, annual household income, employment status, and health insurance status. Although geographically, there were similar predictors of breast cancer screening, there were differences in barriers to screening among the three cities. For example, Memphis participants were more likely to report transportation issues and child/elderly care as obstacles to screening compared to participants in Nashville and Chattanooga (p Discussion: Understanding regional similarities and differences in breast cancer screening behaviors among African American women is important for addressing psychosocial and economic barriers that may contribute to low screening rates. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B113.
Packed-Bed Catalytic Cracking of Oak-Derived Pyrolytic Vapors

Catalytic upgrading of pyrolysis vapors derived from oak was carried out using a fixed-bed catalytic column at 425 °C. The vapors were drawn by splitting a fraction from the full stream of vapors produced at 500 °C in a 5 kg/h bench-scale fast pyrolysis reactor system downstream from the cyclone separator. The placement of the fixed-bed column was varied within the condenser train to determine the effect of temperature, residual water, solids, and oxygenated components of the approach vapor stream on the upgraded product quality. The upgraded liquid was collected by immediate contact with a dry ice acetone bath, complimented by a secondary collection system comprised of a methanol spray condenser. Quantitative gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis of the recovered liquid showed a substantial decrease of oxygen-containing species with a significant increase in carbon-rich (≥C6) aromatic hydrocarbons. The extent of deoxygenation was location-specific and dependent upon temperature and the re...