cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulatory effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase inhibitors, potential therapy for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

Abstract This study characterized immunomodulatory targets of statins in humans and their potential for treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RR MS). Statins inhibited the proliferative response of mononuclear cells. Simvastatin, the statin with the strongest antiproliferative effect, inhibited IFN-γ-induced expression of MHC class II DR on monocytes and decreased their antigen presenting capacity. As for T lymphocytes, it inhibited their activation and expression of the Th1 lineage differentiation markers. Simvastatin inhibited IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 secretion, as well as the expression of T-bet, a transcription factor that regulates Th1 cell differentiation.
Fracture prediction of thin plates under localized impulsive loading. Part I: dishing

Abstract A comprehensive analysis of deformation and fracture of thin plates subjected to localized impulsive loading is presented. The paper addresses many aspects of the problem including calibration for plasticity and fracture, and detailed description of three stages of dynamic response, i.e. dishing, discing and petalling. Because of a rather broad coverage, the paper is divided into two parts with a clearly defined focus of each part. In Part I, the transient response of the plates under a localized pulse loading was investigated analytically and numerically. A precise determination of the transient and permanent deformation of plates in the so-called dishing stage is important for the prediction of the onset of fracture, which will be dealt with in Part II. The final deflected shapes of the plates obtained numerically were shown to agree well with the wave type solution developed earlier by one of the present authors and the experimental results available in the literature. Several new aspects of the transient response of plates, not previously reported were identified and discussed. A comprehensive parametric study on the dynamically loaded plates with various spatial and temporal distributions of dynamic pressure was then conducted. It was observed that the permanent shape of the plate is strongly dependent on the spatial distribution of pressure loading. Furthermore, a comparison between the response of circular and square plates was also presented. In Part II, the onset of circumferential cracking and subsequent propagation of radial cracks were predicted analytically and numerically. The accumulated equivalent plastic strain with the stress triaxiality as a weighting function was introduced as a ductile fracture criterion. An accurate representation of the true stress–strain curve and the critical damage/fracture function for AH36 steel material were calibrated from tensile tests on round specimen and parallel numerical simulations. By calculating distributions and histories of stress and strain, the initiation site and extent of fracture were predicted by the present fracture criterion. It was clearly shown that the fracture pattern of thin circular plates consisting of discing followed by petalling can be predicted with great realism provided the fracture criterion is properly formulated.
The Seasonal Variability in a Model of the Tropical Pacific

Abstract A simple linear model of the tropical Pacific Ocean is used to simulate the oceanic response to time-dependent wind stress forcing. A linear, one-layer, reduced-gravity transport model on an equatorial beta-plane is incorporated. The non-rectangular model basin extends from 18°N to 12°S. Bottom topography, thermohaline and thermodynamic effects are neglected. The equatorial response, particularly at the eastern boundary, is studied along the same lines as Kindle. Annual and semiannual harmonics of the zonal equatorial wind stress calculated by Meyers are used to force the model. The east-west slope of the model pycnocline is compared with depth observations of the 14°C isotherm. The linear model generates a semiannual eastern boundary response remote from any region with strong second harmonies of the zonal wind stress. This response supports Meyers' hypothesis that at the eastern boundary the semiannual displacement of the thermocline is due to remote forcing. The major application of the model ...
Measuring of Velocity Distributions in the Nip Region of a Co-Rotating Twin-Screw Extruder

Self wiping co-rotating twin-screw extruders are used widely in food, polymer and pharmaceutical industries. Some of their advantages over single-screw extruders are their flexibility, efficient mixing and pumping capabilities. These attributes of twin-screw extruders are ascribed to the intermeshing region between the two screws (nip region). Measurement of velocity profiles in the nip region of a twin-screw extruder offers a method to elucidate the transport phenomena. Velocity field in the nip region of a co-rotating twin screw extruder was measured using laser Doppler anemometry for a Newtonian model fluid. The effect of screw speed was investigated. Two velocity components, namely transverse and axial were measured. Whilst the axial velocity component varied significantly with respect to the angular rotation of the screw shaft, the transverse velocity component was almost uniform. Contour plots revealed that the velocity distributions were asymmetrical with respect to the middle of the channel.
Light Exposure Patterns in Healthy Older and Young Adults

Aging is associated with an earlier timing of circadian rhythms and a shorter phase angle between wake time and the timing of melatonin secretion or the core body temperature nadir. Light has a phase-dependent effect on the circadian pacemaker, and modifications of habitual light exposure in older people could contribute to a change in the timing of circadian rhythms or in the phase angle of entrainment. In this study, we compare natural light exposure of community-dwelling older and young subjects studied at the same time of year, focusing on the pattern of light exposure across the waking day. We recorded light exposure data for 3 to 8 days from 22 older (aged 66.01 ± 5.83) and 22 young subjects (aged 23.41 ± 4.57), living at home on self-selected sleepwake schedules, and matched for time of year. All subjects were from New England (latitude 42.3° N to 43° N). We compared the percentage of the waking day spent by older and young subjects at 4 different light levels (from very dim to very bright). We compared hourly averaged light exposure data in each group according to clock time and with respect to each subject’s daily sleepwake times. Although both age groups spent more than half of their waking hours in dim or moderate room light intensity (
Neglected topics in the treatment of chronic pain patients — relapse, noncompliance, and adherence enhancement

Although published treatment outcome studies for chronic pain have provided favorable support for the efficacy of many pain clinics and the use of specific modalities such as biofeedback and relaxation, there are several factors that mitigate against euphoria. Two related factors that influence interpretation of these reported outcomes are discussed, namely, noncompliance with therapeutic recommendations during treatment and subsequent to treatment termination, and relapse. Conceptual and methodological problems for establishing the prevalence of noncompliance and relapse are reviewed. Several factors that contribute to noncompliance (individual differences, nature of disease or injury, characteristics of the prescribed treatment regimen, health-care provider-patient relationship, and contextual) are discussed. The literature reveals that noncompliance with treatment regimens is quite prevalent across diverse treatment modalities and pain syndromes. The incidence of relapse following initially successful treatment of persistent pain also appears to be high, ranging from 30% to 60%. Studies on arthritis and heterogeneous pain clinic populations suggest that noncompliance and relapse are related; however, this association is less well established for headache patients. Strategies for assessing compliance (i.e., self-report, behavioral, biochemical, and clinical outcome) and the perspectives' of patients and health-care providers on the application of self-care recommendations are discussed. Strategic planning and adherence enhancement tactics to facilitate maintenance of post-treatment gains are described.
Electronic interfaces to silicon photonics

We describe the interface circuits to silicon photonics modulators, optical filters, and detectors that will be required to enable silicon photonics micro-ring and micro-disk devices to be integrated in dense wavelength division multiplexing circuitry.
A geometric framework for sparse matrix problems

In this paper, we set up a geometric framework for solving sparse matrix problems. We introduce geometric sparseness, a notion which applies to several well-known families of sparse matrix. Two algorithms are presented for solving geometrically-sparse matrix problems. These algorithms are inspired by techniques in classical algebraic topology, and involve the construction of a simplicial complex from certain data on the matrix. In both cases, large parts of the computation can be parallelised.
Vibration studies and tests of liquid storage tanks

Theoretical and experimental investigations of the dynamic behaviour of ground-supported, deformable, cylindrical liquid storage tanks were conducted. The study was carried out in three phases: (I) a detailed theoretical treatment of the coupled liquid-shell system for tanks rigidly anchored to their foundations; (II) an experimental investigation of the dynamic characteristics of full-scale tanks; and (III) a development of an improved seismic design procedure.
Assessing Workgroup Norms for Civility: The Development of the Civility Norms Questionnaire-Brief

This research describes the development and validation of the Civility Norms Questionnaire-Brief (CNQ-B), a 4-item measure designed to assess workgroup climate for civility. Climate for civility is defined as employee perceptions of norms supporting respectful treatment among workgroup members. Five samples (N = 2,711) of adult employees, including two from distinct organizations and three from multiple organizations, responded to the CNQ-B and additional measures. Evidence for the internal consistency, and convergent and discriminant validity of the CNQ-B was observed. Additionally, evidence for the criterion-related and incremental validity of the CNQ-B was demonstrated as it was a significant predictor of later-assessed incivility experiences and accounted for significant variability in work attitudes beyond incivility experiences and related measures. The CNQ-B is a psychometrically sound instrument despite being composed of only four items. The CNQ-B can be used by researchers and practitioners alike to assess climate for civility, to study climate for civility as a precursor to incivility experiences, and to target workgroups that could benefit from interventions (e.g., training) to enhance civility and reduce incivility. This is one of the first studies to conduct a rigorous psychometric assessment of a measure of workgroup climate for civility that is grounded in theory and research on workplace civility and incivility. At four items, the CNQ-B is the shortest assessment tool currently available that is designed for this purpose.
Zinc oxide and eugenol cements for permanent cementation

Abstract A group of zinc oxide and eugenol cements designed for permanent cementation were compared to zinc phosphate cement on the basis of compressive strength, tensile strength, solubility, and film thickness. In addition, the amount of tensile force required to remove standardized gold inlays from the prepared cavity when they were cemented with zinc phosphate cement and various zinc oxide and eugenol materials was determined. The zinc oxide and eugenol materials were inferior to zinc phosphate cement in respect to compressive strength, but were comparable when tested under tension. Only one of the zinc oxide and eugenol cements complied with the American Dental Association Specification for the film thickness of zinc phosphate cement. The solubility in both acid and water of two of the materials was comparable to zinc phosphate cement, while the remaining three materials demonstrated slightly greater disintegration under the conditions of the test. Inlays cemented with two of the zinc oxide and eugenol preparations required approximately the same tensile force to remove them as did inlays cemented with zinc phosphate cement.
Immunochemical and biological studies with antiserum to shark growth hormone.

Abstract A comparative immunochemical study was conducted with an antiserum prepared for the first time against growth hormone (GH) from a phylogenetically ancient fish, the blue shark ( Prionace glauca ). The result of immunodiffusion studies revealed extensive immunochemical relatedness of GHs from species representing each of the major vertebrate classes. The findings obtained with a homologous radioimmunoassay (RIA) system did not show good correlation with those obtained by immunodiffusion. However, a heterologous system employing the same antiserum and a purified rat GH for standards and for the tracer, gave results that were in good agreement with the findings based on immunodiffusion. Interestingly, in the heterologous RIA, the purified GH of a modern bony fish ( Tilapia ) as well as the presumptive GH in pituitary extracts of several other modern bony fishes (teleosts), showed significant relatedness to shark GH only when employed at very high concentrations. The rat tibial plate-stimulating activity shown by a shark pituitary extract was completely blocked with injections of antisera to purified shark or turtle GH. Furthermore, purified shark GH showed a very significant stimulation in the rat tibia assay, in contrast to the lack of stimulation reported earlier by several investigators using pituitary extracts of teleostean species and the relatively low degree of stimulation shown recently with a highly purified GH from a teleost ( Tilapia ). The data obtained thus far based on immunochemical and biological studies suggest that there must be some significant differences in the structure of shark GH compared to the structure of GH from modern bony fishes, in spite of the existence of substantial similarities.
Improved access to engineering society technical papers

The engineering programs at Texas A&M University have a longstanding reputation for excellence, and the engineering collection developed by the Sterling C. Evans Library plays a key role in supporting and maintaining that quality.
Triploid Fetus and Hydatidiform Mole: Antenatal Diagnosis and Cytogenetic Study'

The antenatal diagnosis of fetus and mole was made by ultrasound findings characteristic of triploidy in two patients. Karyotyping revealed paternal origin of the supernumerary set in one patient. Both patients had rapid decline of initially high hCG titers postevacuation. Review of the literature in view of these two cases suggests partial moles may act as partial allografts and be at a greater risk for persistence than is generally accepted. The numbers currently available are inadequate to predict outcome or select a mode of therapy. Further cytogenetic and tissue typing studies are encouraged to delineate a distinct behavior and prognosis for each group.
Morality and Merchandise: Vendors, Visitors and Police at New York City’s Ground Zero

In this article the authors explore the conflicts and contradictions of vending and shopping at ground zero in New York City. At the center of the analysis are the vendors of World Trade Center souvenirs, who have been subject to both praise and condemnation by tourists who visit the site, police who patrol it, journalists who represent it in the media and politicians who negotiate its management. A substantial number of people describe ground zero as a sacred space, an area that should be protected from the contaminating effects of commerce. Yet simultaneously commerce is central to American national identity. A series of paradoxes about the meaning of capital in modern American society lie at the heart of this analysis.
Sequential Monte Carlo Tracking of the Marginal Artery by Multiple Cue Fusion and Random Forest Regression

Given the potential importance of marginal artery localization in automated registration in computed tomography colonography (CTC), we have devised a semi-automated method of marginal vessel detection employing sequential Monte Carlo tracking (also known as particle filtering tracking) by multiple cue fusion based on intensity, vesselness, organ detection, and minimum spanning tree information for poorly enhanced vessel segments. We then employed a random forest algorithm for intelligent cue fusion and decision making which achieved high sensitivity and robustness. After applying a vessel pruning procedure to the tracking results, we achieved statistically significantly improved precision compared to a baseline Hessian detection method (2.7% versus 75.2%, p < 0.001). This method also showed statistically significantly improved recall rate compared to a 2-cue baseline method using fewer vessel cues (30.7% versus 67.7%, p < 0.001). These results demonstrate that marginal artery localization on CTC is feasible by combining a discriminative classifier (i.e., random forest) with a sequential Monte Carlo tracking mechanism. In so doing, we present the effective application of an anatomical probability map to vessel pruning as well as a supplementary spatial coordinate system for colonic segmentation and registration when this task has been confounded by colon lumen collapse. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Prepubertal Girl with Vaginal Bleeding

Abstract Background Prepubertal children with vaginal bleeding are frequently brought in to the Emergency Department (ED) for evaluation with the primary concern of sexual abuse. Appropriate history and physical examination can help recognize the specific cause and allay anxiety of parents and reduce unnecessary work-up. Objective The purpose of this report is to describe a frequently unrecognized cause of vaginal bleeding that is unrelated to sexual abuse. Case Report We report the case of a 6-year-old African-American girl referred to our ED as a case of vaginal bleeding with suspicion of sexual abuse. She was clinically diagnosed to have urethral prolapse. Conclusion In prepubertal girls with vaginal bleeding, urethral prolapse should be strongly considered as a diagnostic possibility. Increased physician awareness and early recognition of urethral prolapse avoids unnecessary examinations and patient anxiety and prevents misdiagnosis as sexual abuse.
Effect of biotin deficiency on follicular melanocytes of mice.

SummaryBoth yellow (Ay) and black (C57BL) mice produce grey hairs when weaned to a diet known to cause biotin deficiency. Histologically, the greyed hair follicles of biotin deficient mice bear a striking resemblance to the hair follicles of albino mice. The depigmented melanocytes of biotin deficient mice are similar in morphology to the follicular clear cells of the albino. Unlike clear cells, however, depigmented melanocytes react positively to tests for the presence of dopa oxidase.
Hemifacial Spasm Treated With Botulinum A Toxin Injection

• Fifteen patients with hemifacial spasm were treated with botulinum A toxin injections. All patients experienced relief from spasm, with the effect lasting an average of 12.2 weeks. Complications were tearing in four patients, inability to close the involved eye in three patients, corneal exposure in one patient, and ectropion in one patient. All complications were transient and deemed minor by the patients.
Lessons Learned for Ground Movements and Soil Stabilization from the Boston Central Artery

This paper summarizes lessons learned about soil stabilization with the deep mixing method (DMM) as it was developed and applied over 10 years during construction of the Boston Central Artery and Tunnel (CA/T). It also summarizes lessons about the control of excavation-induced ground movements and their characteristics. Deep deposits of marine clay were stabilized with DMM for large open cuts at Bird Island Flats and Fort Point Channel, both of which are described with respect to site conditions, soil properties, DMM installation and characteristics, and measured field performance. Topics addressed in this paper include water pressure distribution behind DMM walls, statistical characterization of soil cement properties, quality control/quality assurance procedures, comparison of measured and numerically simulated deformation in clay stabilized with various configurations of soil cement elements, shear modulus degradation characteristics of in situ soil cement, and ground movement patterns. Recommendations are made for soil cement properties, installation procedures, analytical modeling, design, and inspection.
MEASURING THE QUALITY OF CARE FOR LOCALIZED PROSTATE CANCER

ABSTRACTPurpose: We describe the current status of quality of care measurement for localized prostate cancer and provide a framework for preserving a leadership role for our specialty in this dynamic and controversial field.Materials and Methods: Basic methodological principles of quality of care assessment were reviewed. Several factors that suggest the potential for current variation in the quality of care for patients with localized prostate cancer, particularly those receiving active treatment, were then analyzed. Subsequently contemporary publications and investigations that comprise the current foundation of prostate cancer quality of care research were reviewed.Results: The foundation for much of the emerging research in prostate cancer quality of care assessment is based on the Donabedian structure-process-outcome paradigm. The RAND candidate quality indicators for localized prostate cancer were developed in this framework and they represent the first effort to systematically consider the measurem...
The use of cross-curricular activity on interactive playgrounds to supplement school-based physical activity: an exploratory study

Childhood obesity and physical inactivity are serious threats to the health and wellness of our schoolchildren. Research has shown that play and physical activity are important in development, behaviour and academic achievement. Through the efforts of coordinated school health program and a Physical Education for Progress grant, a county school system in a southern state was able to construct multiple innovative playground systems at schools and combine them with various academic units in a cross-curricular effort to address the wellness needs of students. Exploratory research using pedometers, accelerometers and an observation method examined physical activity intensity levels during cross-curricular sessions. Results indicated that this type of physical activity might be a viable supplement to daily school-based physical activity needs.
Olfactory cytochrome P-450 immunoreactivity in mice is altered by dichlobenil but preserved by metyrapone

Antibodies to cytochromes P-450NMa and P-450NMb (CYP2A and CYP2G1, respectively) (P-450 nomenclature by Nebert et al., DNA Cell Biol. 10, 1- (1-14) 14, 1991) were used to assess the effects of the herbicide dichlobenil on the distribution of these olfactory-specific isozymes in the olfactory mucosa. Twenty-eight hours after a single dose (12 mg/kg) of dichlobenil, characteristic regions of the olfactory mucosa showed signs of necrosis in H&E stained sections. Accompanying this was a dramatic reduction in P-450 immunoreactivity in Bowman's glands of the olfactory mucosa, and an apparent redistribution of P-450 immunoreactivity within sustentacular cells. Treatment of mice with metyrapone, a P-450 inhibitor, at 10 min prior to and 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after a single dichlobenil injection, provided some protection against the damaging effects of dichlobenil. Both the gross and subcellular appearance of P-450 immunoreactivity in metyrapone/dichlobenil treated mice was similar to controls. Western blot analysis of P-450 expression following dichlobenil or metyrapone/dichlobenil treatment was generally consistent with immunohistochemical findings. These studies support previous reports that dichlobenil-induced olfactotoxicity is cytochrome P-450 mediated.
Urinary interleukin-2 inhibition in patients with cystitis.

An inhibitor of interleukin-2 activity (IL-2-IN) is present in the urine of most patients during the acute phase of untreated bacterial cystitis (UTI). We measured urinary IL-2-IN activity in 30 adults with uncomplicated UTIs and followed the patients for an additional 6 months. Urinary IL-2-IN activity ranged between 0 and 1.97 units/mg urine creatinine (U/mg u.c.). Relatively low levels of IL-2-IN (< 0.5 U/mg u.c.) correlated with a prior history of recurrent UTIs (p < 0.01), and also were predictive of a subsequent UTI during the 6 month follow-up, regardless of the prior medical history (p < 0.01). Measurement of urinary IL-2-IN during the untreated phase of a UTI may prove helpful for directing antibiotic prophylaxis against subsequent UTIs.
Artificial sweeteners versus regular mixers increase breath alcohol concentrations in male and female social drinkers

BACKGROUND: Limited research suggests that alcohol consumed with an artificially sweetened mixer (e.g., diet soft drink) results in higher breath alcohol concentrations (BrACs) compared with the same amount of alcohol consumed with a similar beverage containing sugar. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of this effect in both male and female social drinkers and to determine if there are measureable objective and subjective differences when alcohol is consumed with an artificially sweetened versus sugar-sweetened mixer. METHODS: Participants (n = 16) of equal gender attended 3 sessions where they received 1 of 3 doses (1.97 ml/kg vodka mixed with 3.94 ml/kg Squirt, 1.97 ml/kg vodka mixed with 3.94 ml/kg diet Squirt, and a placebo beverage) in random order. BrACs were recorded, as were self-reported ratings of subjective intoxication, fatigue, impairment, and willingness to drive. Objective performance was assessed using a cued go/no-go reaction time task. RESULTS: BrACs were significantly higher in the alcohol + diet beverage condition compared with the alcohol + regular beverage condition. The mean peak BrAC was 0.091 g/210 l in the alcohol + diet condition compared with 0.077 g/210 l in the alcohol + regular condition. Cued go/no-go task performance indicated the greatest impairment for the alcohol + diet beverage condition. Subjective measures indicated that participants appeared unaware of any differences in the 2 alcohol conditions, given that no significant differences in subjective ratings were observed for the 2 alcohol conditions. No gender differences were observed for BrACs, and objective and subjective measures. CONCLUSIONS: Mixing alcohol with a diet soft drink resulted in elevated BrACs, as compared with the same amount of alcohol mixed with a sugar-sweetened beverage. Individuals were unaware of these differences, a factor that may increase the safety risks associated with drinking alcohol. Language: en
Pain management in the elderly

Assessment and management of pain are among the skills that perianesthesia nurses need to deliver safe and effective care. The principles of pain management remain fairly consistent across all age groups. However, managing the pain of elderly surgical patients presents unique challenges. Many elderly people have painful chronic conditions. Consequently, during the perioperative period, the nurse must manage both the patient's chronic and acute pain. As a group, the elderly are more vulnerable to inadequate pain assessment and treatment and are more likely to have serious side effects of analgesic therapy. Therefore, this report highlights the unique aspects of pain management in elderly patients.
Impact of Gate-Length Biasing on Threshold-Voltage Selection

Gate-length biasing is a runtime leakage reduction technique that leverages on the short-channel effect by marginally increasing the gate-length of MOS devices to significantly reduce their leakage current for a small delay penalty. The technique was shown to work effectively with multi- thresholdvoltage assignment, the only mainstream approach for runtime leakage reduction. Typically, designers use threshold voltages selected by the foundries to optimize their designs. Higher threshold-voltage devices, that are less leaky but slow, are assigned to non-critical paths and lower threshold-voltage devices, that are fast but leaky, are assigned to critical paths. In this paper we study the effect of modifying threshold voltages set by the foundry on leakage reduction achieved on three large, real-world designs. We assess the impact of the availability of gate-length biasing on threshold voltage selection. We achieve comparable leakage reductions when foundry-set dual threshold voltages are used with biasing than when foundry-set triple threshold voltages are used without biasing. Our results indicate that leakage reductions can be improved if threshold voltages are carefully chosen considering the availability of gate-length biasing. We also observe that foundry-set threshold voltages are not optimal for achieving best possible leakage reductions.
On the derivation of Booker's quartic from Appleton-Hartree equation

Abstract : The Booker's quartic equation is derived directly from the Appleton-Hartree equation of the magneto-ionic theory, by using tensor analysis methods and transformation of coordinates. (Author)
Spalding and Rogers' Floating Palace, 1852–1859

The expanding American western frontier of the early nineteenth century was followed closely by travelling theatre companies. Since one of the primary modes of transportation was the riverboat, it is not surprising that floating theatres soon dominated theatrical activity in the towns along America's interior waterways. While the floating theatres often competed with land-based attractions, they also faced significant competition from other floating entertainments. One of the most successful of these was Spalding and Rogers' Floating Palace, which at various times operated as a floating circus, floating menagerie, and floating museum.
The Synthesis, Structure and Catalytic Properties of Some Aluminophosphate and Gallophosphate Materials Prepared Using Chiral Metal Complex Templates

The synthesis and crystal structure determination of d,l -Co(en) 3 .Ga 3 P 4 O 16 , xH 2 O (Pnna, a = 8.6502(9), b = 21.528(3), c = 13.717(2) A) is described. This novel layered material contains Ga 3 P 4 O 16 3- macroanions. The preparation and preliminary catalytic testing of a vanadium doped aluminophosphate that is isostructural with the gallophosphate is also discussed.
Cytoskeletal functions of cytoplasmic contractile proteins

This is a review of the evidence that the cytoplasmic contractile proteins function as a cytoskeletal system in the cytoplasmic matrix. Biochemical experiments show that cycoplasmic actin filaments can form a solid gel under conditions likely to exist in living cells. The actin filaments are associated with other proteins which amy stabilize the gel and which are involved with motile force generation like myosin. Ultrastructural studies show that actin filaments are difficult to preserve, but that under stabilizing conditions networks of actin filaments are found throughtout the cytoplasmic matrix.
Aging in Romania: Research and Public Policy

Romania has entered a period of rapid and dramatic population aging. Older Romanians are expected to make up more than 30% of the total population by 2050. Yet, gerontological research is sparse and the few studies of older Romanians that exist are not well used by policy makers. Much of the research is descriptive and focused on needs assessments. Most databases created from studies of older adults are not available for secondary analysis, nor is Romania among the countries included in the Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe. The pension and health insurance systems and the system of social welfare services address the specific needs of older Romanians, but comparing the social protection systems in the European Union with those in Romania suggests the existence of a development lag. The relevant legislation exists but there are still issues regarding the implementation of specially developed social services for older persons. As a result, there are major inadequacies in the organization of the social service system: too few public services, insufficient budget funds, insufficient collaboration between public and private services, and frequently overlapping services.
A practice-based approach to the 2012 position statement of the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes

The position statement on the management of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus issued in 2012 by the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes contains significant improvements over the 2009 version, including an emphasis on patient-centered care, enhanced strategies for lifestyle modification, a focus on comprehensive cardiovascular risk reduction, and increased pharmacotherapy choices. As diabetes management evolves over time, further improvements may be made in future consensus statements, including a focus on prevention and early treatment and improved glycemic control in all patients, including those with comorbidities. These goals will be achievable by waning use of therapies known to cause hypoglycemia and weight gain and the increased use of therapies that do not carry these risks.
Acute Pediatric Monoarticular Arthritis: Distinguishing Lyme Arthritis From Other Etiologies

OBJECTIVE. Identify clinical predictors of Lyme arthritis among patients with acute monoarticular arthritis. METHODS. A medical chart review was conducted of children ≤18 years of age with monoarticular arthritis who underwent arthrocentesis in a pediatric emergency department located in the northeast United States. Patients were classified into 3 categories of arthritis: septic, Lyme, or nonseptic non-Lyme arthritis. Historical, clinical, and laboratory data were compared to identify distinguishing features of Lyme arthritis. RESULTS. One hundred seventy-nine patients were studied: 46 (26%) patients with septic arthritis, 55 (31%) patients with Lyme arthritis, and 78 (43%) patients with nonseptic non-Lyme arthritis. Compared with those with septic arthritis, patients with Lyme disease were more likely to have a tick-bite history, knee involvement, and less likely to have a history of fever or elevated temperature at triage. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, joint white blood cell count, and joint neutrophil percentage were also statistically lower. In comparison to nonseptic non-Lyme arthritis, knee involvement and tick-bite history were predictors of Lyme. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, joint white blood cell count, and joint neutrophil percentage were also statistically different. Multivariate analysis comparing Lyme to septic arthritis demonstrated fever history and elevated C-reactive protein level to be negative predictors of Lyme arthritis and knee involvement to be a positive predictor (model sensitivity: 88%; specificity: 82%). CONCLUSIONS. Lyme arthritis shares features with both septic and nonseptic non-Lyme arthritis. This overlap prevents the creation of a clinically useful predictive model for Lyme arthritis. In endemic areas, Lyme testing should be performed on all patients presenting with acute monoarticular arthritis.
Molecular Basis of Cysteine Biosynthesis in Plants STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF O-ACETYLSERINE SULFHYDRYLASE FROM ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA

In plants, cysteine biosynthesis plays a central role in fixing inorganic sulfur from the environment and provides the only metabolic sulfide donor for the generation of methionine, glutathione, phytochelatins, iron-sulfur clusters, vitamin cofactors, and multiple secondary metabolites. O-Acetylserine sulfhydrylase (OASS) catalyzes the final step of cysteine biosynthesis, the pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent conversion of O-acetylserine into cysteine. Here we describe the 2.2 A resolution crystal structure of OASS from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtOASS) and the 2.7 A resolution structure of the AtOASS K46A mutant with PLP and methionine covalently linked as an external aldimine in the active site. Although the plant and bacterial OASS share a conserved set of amino acids for PLP binding, the structure of AtOASS reveals a difference from the bacterial enzyme in the positioning of an active site loop formed by residues 74-78 when methionine is bound. Site-directed mutagenesis, kinetic analysis, and ligand binding titrations probed the functional roles of active site residues. These experiments indicate that Asn77 and Gln147 are key amino acids for O-acetylserine binding and that Thr74 and Ser75 are involved in sulfur incorporation into cysteine. In addition, examination of the AtOASS structure and nearly 300 plant and bacterial OASS sequences suggest that the highly conserved β8A-β9A surface loop may be important for interaction with serine acetyltransferase, the other enzyme in cysteine biosynthesis. Initial protein-protein interaction experiments using AtOASS mutants targeted to this loop support this hypothesis.
Adaptive coping with rheumatoid arthritis: the transforming nature of response shift.

Objective: Qualitative investigations of patients' perspectives of coping can offer insights into a wide array of adaptive coping patterns selectively used to deal with illness-related challenges. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine adaptive coping patterns reported by a sample of women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods: Using thematic analysis, interviews from 19 participants were analysed until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were coded, with narrative excerpts collated within each code, sorted by codes into potential themes, and then collated within identified themes. These themes were then further defined, providing specific adaptive coping strategies for each major theme.Results: Major themes included accepting role limitations, reclaiming control, reframing their situation, and bolstering courage. Women described accepting more realistic performance standards, accepting their limitations and dependence on others, and altering their basis of self-worth. They ...
Optimierung von Rohrbündel‐Wärmeaustauschern mit elektronischen Datenverarbeitungs‐Anlagen

Der Anteil des Warmeaustauschers an den Investitionskosten bei Neuanlagen der chemischen Industrie betragt oft mehr als 20 Prozent; entsprechend hoch ist der Betriebskostenanteil. Durch wirtschaftlich optimale Losungen kann beides – Betriebs- und Investitionskosten – erheblich verringert werden. Der betrachtliche Rechenaufwand, der dafur zu leisten ist, kann angesichts des allgemeinen Personalmangels und Zeitdrucks nur durch elektronische Rechenanlagen geleistet werden. Voraussetzung fur die elektronische Berechnung der Apparate ist allerdings ihre Typisierung. Es wird ein Programmsystem beschrieben, mit dem fur die verschiedenen Aufgabenstellungen jeweils der geeignetste Warmeaustauscher aus einer Anzahl von typisierten Apparaten ausgesucht wird. Das Rechenprogramm erlaubt eine viel hohere Auslegungsgenauigkeit als die konventionellen Rechenmethoden.
Resilience in the face of innovation: Household trials with BubbleBoard

We present the results of a field trial in which a visual answer machine, the BubbleBoard, was deployed in five households. The aims of the trial were to create an improved answer machine, but also, and more interestingly, to encourage family members to appropriate it through the inclusion of open and playful design elements. Through making aspects of audio messages visible, BubbleBoard offered a number of improvements over existing answer machines. However, the new affordances associated with this were not appropriated by family members in the ways we had expected. We discuss possible reasons for this, and conclude that attempting to encourage appropriation through 'openness' in design may not be sufficient in the face of well-established social practices.
RAPID GROWTH EXPLAINS LARGE SIZE OF MOLLUSKS IN THE EOCENE GOSPORT SAND, UNITED STATES GULF COAST

The late–middle Eocene Gosport Sand of the United States Gulf Coastal Plain preserves a spectacularly dense accumulation of fossil mollusks in which shells appear unusually large in comparison to congeners in adjacent units. We use size-frequency distributions of common taxa drawn from bulk samples to quantify size differences between the Gosport Sand and the underlying Lisbon and overlying Moodys Branch Formations. In all but one of the twelve lineages examined, Gosport Sand individuals are larger than those in adjacent units. As taphonomic processes such as sorting or winnowing cannot account for observed differences, the larger body sizes in the Gosport Sand must have resulted from differences in life history. We used sclerochronology and stable isotope geochemistry to assess growth trajectories for twelve lineages common to the three formations. Isotope analyses of microsamples collected along the ontogenetic trajectory reveal seasonal temperature changes, providing a chronometer for growth. Size-age data indicate that, while life spans vary somewhat among the three units, Gosport Sand taxa almost universally grew faster than those in the two adjacent formations. While growth rate can be enhanced by several factors, we hypothesize that rates of primary production were higher during deposition of the Gosport Sand. Ba/Ca ratios along the growth trajectories of shell carbonate exhibit spikes in Gosport Sand mollusks that are indistinguishable from those observed in modern shells that accrete in high productivity settings.
Metabolic Dysregulation in Melanoma: Cause or Consequence?

Summary: Parmenter and colleagues identify molecular pathways by which BRAF–MAPK signaling regulates glycolysis in melanoma, suggesting novel approaches to target these metabolic dependencies. Cancer Discov; 4(4); 390–1. ©2014 AACR . See related article by Parmenter et al., [p. 423][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/4/423?iss=4
DESDynI Quad First Stage Processor - a four channel digitizer and digital beam forming processor

The proposed Deformation, Eco-Systems, and Dynamics of Ice Radar (DESDynI-R) L-band SAR instrument employs multiple digital channels to optimize resolution while keeping a large swath on a single pass. High-speed digitization with very fine synchronization and digital beam forming are necessary in order to facilitate this new technique. The Quad First Stage Processor (qFSP) was developed to achieve both the processing performance as well as the digitizing fidelity in order to accomplish this sweeping SAR technique. The qFSP utilizes high precision and high-speed analog to digital converters (ADCs), each with a finely adjustable clock distribution network to digitize the channels at the fidelity necessary to allow for digital beam forming. The Xilinx produced FX130T Virtex 5 part handles the processing to digitally calibrate each channel as well as filter and beam form the receive signals. Demonstrating the digital processing required for digital beam forming and digital calibration is instrumental to the viability of the proposed DESDynI instrument. The qFSP development brings this implementation to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6. This paper will detail the design and development of the prototype qFSP as well as the preliminary results from hardware tests.
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

Behavior therapy has traditionally been viewed as a set of therapeutic procedures, derived from basic research on human learning, that analyzes and targets for modification the stimulus variables that cause and maintain maladaptive behaviors. Historically, cognitive processes had little place in orthodox approaches to behavior change. In both a conceptual and procedural sense, however, the increasing recognition of the importance of cognitive variables within behavior change has led to the hybrid known as “cognitive behavior” therapy. Conceptually, for example, most theoretical rationales as to both the change processes effected by behavior therapy procedures as well as the causal agents in dysfunctional behavior now embody significant cognitive elements. Similarly, therapeutic methods designed specifically to impact on cognitive variables are now standard and essential components of virtually every contemporary behavioral approach to treatment. Clearly, cognitive processes and procedures in behavior change represent mainstream behavior therapy.
Multivariate prediction of total and cardiovascular mortality in an obese Polynesian population.

The effects of body weight and blood pressure on the risk of total mortality and mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were examined in a prospective sample of 5,866 adult residents of American Samoa, a Polynesian population noted for exhibiting high levels of obesity. Data collected during 1975-76 were linked to mortality records from 1976 through 1981. In logistic regression models which did not include blood pressure, percent of desirable weight was an important risk factor for mortality from CVD, but it was not an important risk factor when diastolic blood pressure was included in the model. Percent of desirable weight was not related to mortality from all causes combined in either Samoan men or women. Age and diastolic blood pressure were predictors of total and CVD mortality in men and women. These results, in an obese population, suggest that body weight and obesity are not independently related to excess mortality in the very obese, although they may associate with high blood pressure. Thes...
Copolymerization with depropagation. V. Copolymerization of α-methylstyrene and methyl methacrylate between their ceiling temperatures

The variation of copolymer composition with monomer feed has been studied for the system α-methylstyrene-methyl methacrylate at 60, 114 and 147°C. The compositions predicted by the diad model of Part III of this series accurately describe the data.
Photoelectron Imaging of Hydrated Carbon Dioxide Cluster Anions

The effects of homogeneous and heterogeneous solvation on the electronic structure and photodetachment dynamics of hydrated carbon dioxide cluster anions are investigated using negative-ion photoelectron imaging spectroscopy. The experiments are conducted on mass-selected [(CO2)n(H2O)m]- cluster anions with n and m ranging up to 12 and 6, respectively, for selected clusters. Homogeneous solvation in (CO2)n- has minimal effect on the photoelectron angular distributions, despite dimer-to-monomer anion core switching. Heterogeneous hydration, on the other hand, is found to have the marked effect of decreasing the photodetachment anisotropy. For example, in the [CO2(H2O)m]- cluster anion series, the photoelectron anisotropy parameter falls to essentially zero with as few as 5−6 water molecules. The analysis of the data, supported by theoretical modeling, reveals that in the ground electronic state of the hydrated clusters the excess electron is localized on CO2, corresponding to a (CO2)n-·(H2O)m configuration...
Impairment and severity : how ED physicians decide to override an impaired patient's refusal

We attempted to identify the contributions of impairment and illness severity in the decision to treat a patient who refuses treatment using case vignettes. We constructed 4 emergency department (ED)-based case vignettes of adults with varied impairment and illness severity who each refused care. Clinician used a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) to assess patient impairment, illness severity, and their willingness to override a patient's refusal (WOPR) of treatment. We used correlation and logistic regression to assess the contributions of impairment and illness severity on WOPR. Thirty-seven ED physicians participated. Increasing impairment (r = 0.80) and illness severity (r = 0.81) correlated with WOPR, and an increase of 10 mm of impairment on the VAS (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-3.0) and an increase of 10 mm of severity (odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.0) independently predicted a WOPR. Both degrees of impairment and illness severity impact an ED physician's WOPR.