cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
P83: Hydrogen sulfide cytoprotective signaling is nitric oxide dependent

Introduction Consensus has formed that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has robust cytoprotective actions in multiple organ systems. The pro-survival actions and biological profiles of H2S are remarkably similar to those of nitric oxide (NO). Although there is recent evidence of cross-talk between H2S and NO, these molecules are thought to modulate independent signaling pathways. Methods/Results Mice devoid of the key H2S producing enzyme, cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE KO), exhibited impaired endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function and diminished circulating nitrite (0.41 uM vs 0.73 μM, p Conclusion These findings reveal that H2S modulates eNOS activity and nitric oxide signaling. Moreover, the inability of H2S therapy to protect eNOS dysfunctional mice against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury indicates that the cardioprotective actions of H2S are dependent on eNOS function and NO signaling.
Automation and labor force participation in advanced economies: Macro and micro evidence

Abstract Technological advances raise productivity and growth, but are also likely to reshape labor markets. We examine the impact of automation on aggregate labor force participation rates and individuals’ attachment to the workforce in advanced economies. Cross-country analysis, which leverages the variation in the routinizability of occupations and occupational composition, points to significant negative effects of automation on the participation rates of prime-age men and women. Individual-level analysis confirms that workers previously employed in routinizable occupations are more likely to drop out of the labor force. Encouragingly, higher spending on active labor market programs and education are, however, associated with smaller negative effects of technological change on participation.
Transcriptional regulation of the insulin receptor gene promoter.

The human insulin receptor is a membrane bound glycoprotein which is found on the surface of most cells. Like many growth factor receptors, the insulin receptor is a tyrosine kinase. The receptor is a heterotetramer composed of 2 alpha-and 2 beta-subunits. The alpha-subunit is located extracellularly where it binds insulin while the beta-subunit spans the membrane and contains the tyrosine kinase domain. The presence of this receptor is probably necessary for normal cell growth. Specialized cells such as myocytes and adipocytes have evolved mechanisms to elevate levels of this protein on their surface which allows these cells to be especially sensitive to the effects of insulin. In addition, the number of insulin receptor has been shown to be regulated by systemic factors such as hormones1 and nutrients such as glucose.2 Many investigators have cloned and analyzed the human insulin receptor promoter in an attempt to identify individual elements which are responsible for these effects. In this review, I will summarize the progress in this field and will discuss some of the conflicting data which has resulted.
Computers at the Core of Legal Education: Experiments at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law.

The IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law is a part of a technological institute, with ready access to computer scientists and electrical engineers who are interested in using technology to improve the productivity of the problem-solving professions. The IIT Center for Law and Computers, established in 1983, seeks to monopolize on this resource. During its brief life, the center has built and equipped three computer laboratories for students, formed programming teams to write new software for lawyers and law students, and organized CLE courses for lawyers. IBM has supported some of this activity as part of the IIT/IBM Joint Study.1
Acquired left-to-right shunting through a valve-incompetent foramen ovale in a cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.

Case summaryAn 8-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented for a recheck evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and chronic kidney disease. Three years prior to presentation, t...
Tricky Tools for Feminist Struggle: Sex Ratios as Indicators of the Status of Women and Girls

This article takes up shifting meanings of the population sex ratio in select times and places. Through historicization and contextual analysis, I seek to identify possible origins and continuities of the gendered imperial and racialized logics that undergird current dilemmas for feminists related to the sex ratio. I argue that sex ratios, like other numerical abstractions that stand in as representations of empirical reality, are tricky tools for addressing social problems. Regardless of whether they are viewed primarily as natural, biological, cultural, racial, or even social, they have been both friend and foe to feminist struggle. Feminists might invest in interpretations of the ratio as a mutable, social indicator of the status of women and girls in need of improvement. Yet this idea runs the risk of misappropriation and conflation with diehard interpretations of sex ratios that reproduce hierarchy based on race/ethnicity and nationality.
Low-Power Drone-Mountable Real-Time Artificial Intelligence Framework for Road Asset Classification:

With the continuous increase in interstate highway traffic and demand for higher safety standards, there is a growing need for rapidly scalable road inspection. Currently, inspection and condition ...
Chronic Histologic Changes Are Present Regardless of HLA Mismatches: Evidence from HLA-Identical Living Donor Kidney Transplants.

BACKGROUND At 5 and 10 y after kidney transplantation, chronic histologic changes such as arteriolar hyalinosis and mesangial expansion are common; however, determining cause is difficult. We compared surveillance biopsies in living donor kidney transplants (LDKTx) from HLA-matched siblings (termed HLA-identical [HLA-ID]) with HLA non-ID to investigate which histologic changes were likely due to alloimmune injury and which were due to nonalloimmune injury. METHODS We performed a retrospective, cohort study comparing HLA-ID sibling LDKTx (n = 175) with HLA non-ID LDKTx (n = 175; matched for age, sex, and year of transplant ±2 y) performed at a single institution from March 1999 to November 2018. RESULTS Baseline characteristics and maintenance immunosuppression were similar. Mortality rates were similar, but in the HLA-ID group, 10-y death-censored graft survival was higher (93.8% versus 80.9% HLA non-ID LDKTx; P < 0.001), rejection rates were lower (after 1 y 9.6% versus 27.1%; P < 0.001), and Banff inflammation scores including glomerulitis and peritubular capillaritis were lower on surveillance biopsies at 1, 5, and 10 y. In contrast, chronic Banff scores (interstitial fibrosis, arteriolar hyalinosis, mesangial expansion, etc) were similar in prevalence and severity on surveillance biopsies at 1, 5, and 10 y. CONCLUSIONS HLA-ID LDKTx have less inflammation and less transplant glomerulopathy, but most chronic histologic changes were similar to less well-matched LDKTx. We conclude that these types of chronic changes are not associated with HLA mismatches and may be due to nonimmunologic causes (hypertension, obesity, etc), suggesting that new management approaches to prevent these lesions may be needed.
Examining Nutrition and Food Waste Trade-offs Using an Obesity Prevention Context.

Abstract Obesity and food waste are related issues, both exacerbated by an overabundance of food. Efforts to reduce food waste can have varying unintended, obesity-related consequences, which further underscores the need for a systems approach to food waste reduction. Yet, these 2 issues are rarely examined together. It is the authors’ point of view that for nutrition educators and other public health practitioners to develop interventions that simultaneously address food waste and obesity, they need to understand how actions at the consumer-level may impact waste and its related food system consequences earlier in the supply chain.
Health and charge benefits from decreasing PM2.5 concentrations in New York State: Effects of changing compositions

Abstract Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in New York State declined significantly between 2005 and 2016. Fewer hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), respiratory diseases (RD), and respiratory infections (RI) were also observed. However, increased per unit mass toxicity of the remaining PM2.5 was observed. In this study, the changes in hospitalizations and ED visits have been assessed by comparing the PM2.5 and source specific PM2.5 excess risk (ER) relationships between 2005-2007 and 2014–2016 yielded reductions of ~27,000, 2600, and 4251 hospitalizations per year for CVD, RD, and RI, and charge savings of ~613, 41, and 41 million dollars, respectively. However, period specific ER values estimated lower health and cost benefits. For some diseases, hospitalizations increased with increased healthcare costs. Using the whole-period source-specific PM2.5 ER values, the number of hospitalizations decreased by ~13,500 and ~19,000 for CVD and RD but increased by ~800 for RI. Larger period specific ER values for RD shifted from net decreases to net increases in ED visits. Costs followed the numbers of hospitalizations and ED visits and produced increased charges of ~$284 million. County average costs for disease specific hospitalizations and ED visits were used with county specific ER values to estimate those costs. There were increased ED visit costs for some health outcomes. Thus, further action is required to address changes in composition as well as further reductions in concentrations will be needed to address changes in composition and to provide additional public health gains.
Adopting a "Compound" Exposome Approach in Environmental Aging Biomarker Research: A Call to Action for Advancing Racial Health Equity.

Background: In June 2020, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine hosted a virtual workshop focused on integrating the science of aging and environmental health research. The ...
Unpacking the perils and pitfalls of personal specialization in knowledge-intensive organizations

This study explores the concept of personal specialization, which is how much organizational members work on the same domain (i.e., high personal specialization) or work on different, narrowly defi...
Bus Rapid Transit versus road expansion to alleviate congestion: A general equilibrium comparison

Abstract Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and highway expansions actually proposed for Beirut are compared using an urban computable general equilibrium model. The model has two geographic zones, central area and suburbs, but it is economically detailed. It includes production, labor, residential and commercial real estate markets and multimodal road congestion with private car, minibus and taxi vehicles and public buses. BRT reduces road congestion by 9 %, improves traffic speed by 24 %, and reduces the road congestion externality by 18 %. The BRT improves consumer utility and achieves social welfare gains that are 7.9 % of income: two-thirds are from the BRT as a new mode and one-third from the benefits of the lower congestion for the other modes. Road expansion also improves consumer utility, but achieves lower social welfare due to its cost and lower effect on real estate prices. The BRT yields an operating surplus, but road expansion requires deficit financing.
A Data Management Framework & UAV Simulation Testbed for the Study of System-level Prognostics Technologies

Prognostics-enabled technologies have emerged over the last few years primarily for predictive maintenance activites such as condition based maintenance (CBM), or its successor, CBM+, that accounts for the entire network of support elements required to execute a CBM program. However, due to the challenges that arise from real-world systems and safety concerns, they have not been adopted for operational decision making based on system end of life estimates. It is typically cost-prohibitive or highly unsafe to run a system to complete failure and, therefore, engineers turn to simulation studies for analyzing system performance. Prognostics research has matured to a point where we can start putting pieces together to be deployed on real systems, but this reveals new problems. First, a lack of standardization exists within this body of research that hinders our ability to compose various technologies or study their joint interactions when used together. The second hindrance lies in data management and creates hurdles when trying to reproduce results for validation or use the data as input to machine learning algorithms. We propose an end-to-end object-oriented data management framework & simulation testbed that can be used for a wide variety of applications. We describe the requirements, design, and implementation of the framework and provide a use-case application involving a stochastic data collection experiment that demonstrates how the framework can be used.
Time Aggregated Graph: A Model for Spatio-temporal Networks

Spatio-temporal networks represent networks where entities have spatial attributes and the topology and parameters display time-dependence. Given the significance of such networks in critical domains such as transportation science and sensor data analysis, the importance of a model that is simple, expressive and storage efficient to represent such networks cannot be understated. The model must provide support for the design of algorithms to process frequent queries that need to be answered in the application domains. This problem is challenging due to potentially conflicting requirements of model simplicity and support for efficient algorithms. Time expanded networks which have been used to model dynamic networks employ replication of the network across time instants, resulting in high storage overhead and algorithms that are computationally expensive. Time-aggregated graphs do not replicate nodes and edges across time; rather they allow the properties of edges and nodes to be modeled as a time series. The chapter presents a description and comparison of these models.
Serological studies of the T and tumor antigens of the oncogenic simian adenoviruses.

Tumor-specific antigens and antisera were prepared for eight of the oncogenic simian adenoviruses. Complement-fixation tests revealed three distinct serological subgroups. This grouping was maintained in studies of virus-infected cells (T antigens) although high titered preparations were obtained for only the major subgroup I. The current grouping is as follows: (I) SV1, SV11, SV25, SV33, SV34, SV38; (II) SV20, SV23; (III) SA 7. Antigens from each subgroup were rapidly inactivated at 56 C, and group II and III antigens were also markedly inactivated at 37 C. One of the tumors (SV1) also contained SV40 T antigen, suggesting origin from a simian adenovirus-SV40 “hybrid.”
Multivariable Nonlinear Control of a Continuous Polymerization Reactor

In this experimental study, the Globally Linearizing Control (GLC) technique is applied to control temperature and conversion in a continuous stirred tank polymerization reactor by manipulating (i) two coordinated heat input variables, the power to an electrical heater and the inlet cooling water flow rate, and (ii) the flow rate of an inlet initiator stream. The performance of the controller is evaluated in terms of its ability in performing fast and smooth reactor startup and tracking set-point changes.
Intensive therapy followed by bone marrow transplantation for patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia in second or subsequent remission: determination of prognostic factors (a report from the University of Minnesota Bone Marrow Transplantation Team)

Fifteen patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in second or subsequent remission received intensive therapy with cyclophosphamide and single dose, rapid rate (26 cGy/min) total body irradiation (TBI) followed by bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from a histocompatible sibling match. Outcome was compared to that of 23 conventionally treated control patients in second ALL remission who presented to the same institution during the same time period but had no available transplant donor. The 15 BMT patients and 23 control patients had similar characteristics, with the exception that the BMT patients were significantly older at the time of ALL diagnosis (12.6 yr versus 5.7 yr, p = 0.01). BMT patients had a significantly increased chance of remaining disease-free for 36 mo from time on study (43% actuarial versus 5%, p = 0.004) and a greater overall survival rate at 48 mo (47% actuarial versus 9%, p = 0.27) than the conventionally treated patients. In all, 5 of the bone marrow transplant patients (33%) remain alive and free of disease 24–48 + mo from transplantation. Several pre- and posttransplant characteristics were analyzed to determine predictive factors for a successful BMT outcome for patients with ALL in second or subsequent remission. Significant risk factors for predicting leukemic relapse included initial white blood count (WBC) greater than 50,000/microliters at ALL diagnosis (100% relapse rate versus 37% for patients with lower WBCs, p = 0.001) and presence of any extramedullary disease pre-BMT (100% relapse rate versus 37% for patients without extramedullary disease, p = 0.03). All 5 disease-free BMT survivors had initial WBCs less than 50,000/microliters and no evidence of extramedullary disease pretransplantation. Maintenance chemotherapy with 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) and methotrexate was given to four patients starting 100 days after bone marrow transplantation. Use of maintenance chemotherapy was associated with a significantly increased chance of remaining disease free (100% of patients surviving leukemia-free versus 17% for patients not receiving maintenance chemotherapy, p = 0.02). Presence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) did not influence leukemia-free survival. These results confirm that intensive therapy followed by bone marrow transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with ALL in second or subsequent remission who have a histocompatible sibling match. Furthermore, the data suggest that a controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of maintenance chemotherapy post-BMT for ALL patients is warranted.
Zero modules for systems over rings

This study centers on some of the results given by F. Bostwick et al. (J. Control Optim., vol.25, no.1, p.86-99, Jan. 1987) which connect zeros of the Rosenbrock system matrix with zeros of the transfer function. It is shown that some of these results can be obtained for linear time-invariant systems over an arbitrary ring. In particular, the Omega -zero and Gamma -zero modules for systems over arbitrary rings are defined. The kernel and cokernel of the transfer function, not necessarily proper, and the Rosenbrock system map are shown to be canonically isomorphic. These isomorphisms are embedded into a commutative exact diagram. The corresponding results extended to the Omega -level and to the Gamma -level are then examined. >
Assay, kinetics, and lysosomal localization of an acid cholesteryl esterase in rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells.

Abstract A sensitive radioisotope microassay has been developed for the estimation of cholesteryl ester hydrolase (EC 3.1.1.13) in preparations of isolated rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells. Kinetic studies served to establish optimal assay conditions, which involve incubation in a total volume of 0.2 ml containing 5 µm cholesteryl oleate tritiated in the cholesterol moiety, 0.4 mm egg yolk lecithin, 0.3 mm taurocholate, 25 µg of bovine serum albumin (defatted) per ml, and 0.05 m sodium acetate buffer, pH 4.25. The labeled cholesterol was separated from the ester by thin layer chromatography with double development. Hydrolysis of as little as 1 pmole of substrate could be detected by this method. Under these conditions no measurable activity was found at neutral or alkaline pH in either phosphate or Tris buffer. The enzyme is several times more active on cholesteryl esters of unsaturated fatty acids than on those of saturated fatty acids in the C18 and C20 series. Among esters of even numbered saturated fatty acids (C12 to C20), cholesteryl myristate (C14) was hydrolyzed fastest. Fractionation studies indicate that cholesteryl esterase is associated with lysosomes in aortic smooth muscle cells.
The Alternative Complement Pathway Propagates Inflammation and Injury in Murine Ischemic Stroke

There is mounting evidence indicating an important role for complement in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, or ischemic stroke. The role of the alternative complement pathway in ischemic stroke has not been investigated, and there is conflictingdataon the roleof the terminal pathway. Inthisstudy,we show that comparedwith wild-typemice, mice deficient in the alternative pathway protein factor B or mice treated with the alternative pathway inhibitor CR2-fH have improved outcomes after 60-min middle cerebral artery occlusion and 24-h reperfusion. Factor B-deficient or CR2-fH‐treated mice were protected in terms of improved neurologic function and reduced cerebral infarct, demyelination, P-selectin expression, neutrophil infiltration, and microthrombi formation. Mice deficient in both the classical and lectin pathways (C1q/MBL deficient) were also protected from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and there was no detectable C3d deposition in the ipsilateral brain of these mice. These data demonstrate that the alternative pathway is not alone sufficient to initiate complement activation and indicate that the alternative pathway propagates cerebral injury via amplification of the cascade. Deficiency of C6, a component of the terminal cytolytic membrane attack complex, had no effect on outcome after ischemic stroke, indicating that the membrane attack complex is not involved in mediating injury in this model. We additionally show that the protective effect of factor B deficiency and CR2-fH treatment is sustained in the subacute stage of infarct development, adding to the clinical relevance of these findings. The Journal of Immunology, 2012, 189: 4640‐4647.
Crystal growth in gels and Liesegang ring formation: II. Crystallization criteria and successive precipitation

Abstract This paper considers the conditions under which two diffusing reagents can form precipitates (continuous or periodic) in a gel, on the basis of numerical solutions obtained in Part I. For a precipitate to form, not only must the local concentration product exceed a certain value K ′ s , but the two reacting entities A and B must be nearly equal to form nuclei of structure AB. With these dual conditions, the behavior of gel-diffusion systems is correctly reproduced. The periodic nature of their fulfillment (Liesegang Ring formation) is demonstrated. As a demonstration of principle, ring masses and ring spacings are calculated on the basis of a simple algorithm, suitable for microcomputers.
The Differential Diagnosis of Endodontic Disease

Millions of teeth are extracted every year and most dentists are doing everything possible to save teeth. But many patients feel that having a painful tooth extracted is the most economical way to solve their problem. Patients need to be told that if root canal treatment and restoration can be used to save the tooth; that getting the treatment is preferable over the long term to maintain their quality of life and ability to chew food. The patient’s own description of their pain is an important diagnostic aid. The diagnosis of pulp, periodontal tissue and dentin status should follow a consistent and logical order to ensure that a tooth is given the most appropriate endodontic treatment. A comprehensive endodontic examination is not restricted to a hot tooth and should be performed on all new and existing patients. The ideal radiograph will show the crown and cervical aspects of the tooth. Diagnosis is part science and part experience. Avoiding pitfalls will improve the success of endodontic treatment. There are appropriate and inappropriate endodontic treatments based on the pulp sensibility and differential diagnosis of the tooth. The best treatment plan is the one most likely to benefit the patient and provide them with the highest quality longest lasting endodontic care.
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: a bench-to-bedside story of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor dysfunction.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disorder characterized by ineffective clearance of surfactant by alveolar macrophages. Through recent studies with genetically altered mice, the etiology of this idiopathic disease is becoming clearer. Functional deficiency of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) appears to contribute to disease pathogenesis because mutant mice deficient in GM-CSF or its receptor spontaneously develop PAP. Recent human studies further suggest a connection between PAP and defective GM-CSF activity because inactivating anti-GM-CSF autoantibodies are observed in all patients with idiopathic PAP, and additional rare cases of PAP in children have been accompanied by genetic defects in the α chain of the GM-CSF receptor. In patients and mouse models of PAP, deficient GM-CSF activity appears to result in defective alveolar macrophages that are unable to maintain pulmonary surfactant homeostasis and display defective phagocytic and antigen-presenting capabilities. The most recent studies also suggest that neutrophil dysfunction additionally contributes to the increased susceptibility to lung infections seen in PAP. Because the phenotypic and immunologic abnormalities of PAP in mouse models can be corrected by GM-CSF reconstituting therapies, early clinical trials are underway utilizing administration of GM-CSF to potentially treat human PAP. The development of novel treatment approaches for PAP represents a dramatic illustration in pulmonary medicine of the "bench-to-bedside" process, in which basic scientists, translational researchers, and clinicians have joined together to rapidly take advantage of the unexpected observations frequently made in the modern molecular biology research laboratory.
Exercise enhances dietary compliance during moderate energy restriction in obese women

The effect of aerobic exercise on dietary compliance was assessed in 13 obese women (44 +/- 3% fat) during a 12-wk weight-reduction program (EX group). Seventeen obese women (45 +/- 5% fat) not engaged in aerobic exercise (NX group) served as control subjects. The reducing diets were designed to promote a weight loss of 1 kg/wk, with energy intakes individually prescribed (mean +/- SD: 4.9 +/- 0.6 MJ/d) to approximate 75% of each subject's measured basal metabolic rate. The EX group completed of three 45-min sessions/wk of supervised aerobic exercise at 65% of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Daily energy intakes were calculated by summing changes in body stores, measured by total body water isotope dilution, and total daily energy expenditure, measured by doubly labeled water (DLW). Dietary compliance was assessed by comparing calculated intakes with prescribed intakes. Both the EX and NX groups reported consuming close to their prescribed daily intakes, with differences of -0.08 +/- 0.28 (EX group) and +0.03 +/- 0.57 (NX group) MJ/d, respectively. However, expenditure/balance data determined by the DLW method indicated that the EX subjects exhibited better dietary compliance than the NX subjects, with intakes exceeding those prescribed by only 0.7 +/- 1.5 compared with 2.3 +/- 1.6 MJ/d for the NX subjects (P = 0.01). Therefore, an additional benefit of aerobic exercise during energy restriction is enhanced dietary compliance, which has important implications for the treatment of moderate obesity.
Deconvolution of the Cellular Force-Generating Subsystems that Govern Cytokinesis Furrow Ingression

Cytokinesis occurs through the coordinated action of several biochemically-mediated stresses acting on the cytoskeleton. Here, we develop a computational model of cellular mechanics, and using a large number of experimentally measured biophysical parameters, we simulate cell division under a number of different scenarios. We demonstrate that traction-mediated protrusive forces or contractile forces due to myosin II are sufficient to initiate furrow ingression. Furthermore, we show that passive forces due to the cell's cortical tension and surface curvature allow the furrow to complete ingression. We compare quantitatively the furrow thinning trajectories obtained from simulation with those observed experimentally in both wild-type and myosin II null Dictyostelium cells. Our simulations highlight the relative contributions of different biomechanical subsystems to cell shape progression during cell division.
Ion movements in a developing fucoid egg.

Abstract Radioisotopes were used to measure the fluxes of K, Cl, Na, Ca (and to some extent, Mg) across the membranes of the eggs of the brown algae Fucus and Pelvetia at different stages of development. The membranes of unfertilized eggs have a relatively nonselective permeability to K, Na, and Cl but develop a high degree of specificity for K within a few hours after fertilization. At this time, the outward leakage of Cl falls to a very small fraction of the inward flux. This allows the eggs to accumulate KCl, which provides the osmotic driving force for growth. The internal [K]:[Na] ratio increases by about 6-fold by the time of first division; this results (at least partially) from a 60% fall in the sodium permeability. Finally, membrane conductances were calculated from these tracer data. Multiplication of these conductance values by the transcellular voltages previously found sufficient to polarize such eggs gives effective transcellular current values comparable to those driven by the egg through itself. This suggests that the endogenous current acts back to further polarize this egg.
New integral identities for orthogonal polynomials on the real line

Let μ be a positive measure on the real line, with associated orthogonal polynomials {p n } and leading coefficients {γ n }. Let h ∈ L 1 (R). We prove that for n ≥ 1 and all polynomials P of degree ≤ 2n ― 2, ∫ ∞ ―∞ P(t) p 2 n (t)h (p n―1 p n (t)) dt = γn―1 γn (∫ ∞ ―∞ h(t)dt)(∫P(t) dμ(t)). As a consequence, we establish weak convergence of the measures on the lefthand side.
Treatment of Adolescents with a Periacetabular Osteotomy After Previous Pelvic Surgery

Background Although the success of the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) has been reported for primary dysplasia, there is no study analyzing the radiographic, functional, and gait results of the PAO to correct residual hip dysplasia after previous pelvic surgery.
Independent control of channel closure and block of open channels by methylxanthines at acetylcholine receptors in frog.

1. A series of related methylxanthines were studied for their effects on the kinetics of decay of end-plate currents (e.p.c.s) and miniature end-plate currents (m.e.p.c.s) at motor end-plates of the frog. 2. Isobutyl methylxanthine (IBMX, 50 microM-3 mM) produced a concentration-dependent depression of the peak e.p.c. and m.e.p.c. amplitude and a change in the kinetics of e.p.c. and m.e.p.c. decay from the normal single-exponential to a double-exponential function. Drug effects of this nature are generally attributed to open-channel blockade. 3. After wash-out of IBMX, the decay of the e.p.c. or m.e.p.c. was restored to a single-exponential function but with a significantly prolonged time constant. 4. Caffeine or theophylline derivatives (0.1-4 mM), during exposure to drug, produced effects similar to those observed after the application of IBMX; namely a prolongation of the time course of e.p.c.s and m.e.p.c.s without changing the single-exponential nature of the function. 5. Computer simulations were made of the m.e.p.c.s in IBMX. The effects of IBMX could be fitted to the sequential model of channel block only if the prolonged time constant observed upon wash-out was used for the rate constant of channel closure. Independent calculations of the rate constant of channel closure during IBMX application were in agreement with those measured during wash-out. 6. The theophylline derivative 8-phenyltheophylline, a selective adenosine receptor blocker with minimal effects on phosphodiesterase (PDE), increased the time constant of e.p.c. decay in a manner similar to theophylline and caffeine. Non-xanthine PDE inhibitors, either had no effect on m.e.p.c. decay (papaverine) or decreased the time constant of decay (RO 20-1724). It is thus unlikely that PDE inhibition is responsible for the post-junctional effects of IBMX. 7. IBMX (50 microM-2 mM) increased quantal ACh release in the virtual absence of extracellular calcium and also increased the efficacy of adenosine derivatives in inhibiting ACh release. Adenosine (10-100 microM) or 2-chloroadenosine (1-10 microM) had no effect on the time constant of e.p.c. decay nor did these adenosine receptor agonists alter the post-junctional actions of IBMX. The effects of IBMX on end-plate channel kinetics are thus not due to the blockade of adenosine receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Deletion of toll-like receptor-4 downregulates protein kinase C-ζ and attenuates liver injury in experimental pancreatitis

Background Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and protein kinase C-zeta (PKC-ζ) play a role in macrophage activation. We hypothesized that deletion of TLR4 downregulates PKC-ζ and attenuates liver cell apoptosis in experimental pancreatitis. Methods Acute pancreatitis was induced by choline-deficient ethionine diet in C57/BL6 (TLR4+/+ and TLR4−/−) mice. Results During pancreatitis, staining for TLR4 and PKC-ζ, which colocalized in Kupffer cells but not in hepatocytes, increased in TLR4+/+ mice and decreased in TLR4−/− mice. In TLR4+/+ mice, pancreatitis increased TLR4 protein and mRNA and PKC-ζ protein and activity, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, ERK1/2, caspase-3 cleavage, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining; all P Conclusion Acute pancreatitis upregulates TLR4, PKC-ζ, NF-κB, and ERK1/2, and increases apoptosis in mice livers. PKC-ζ induces nuclear translocation of NF-κB via ERK1/2-dependent mechanisms. Deletion of TLR4 downregulates PKC-ζ, NF-κB, and ERK1/2, and attenuates pancreatitis-induced liver cell apoptosis.
An empirical model for estimating CO2 exchange of Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Lag. in the shortgrass prairie

An empirical model for predicting net photosynthesis (P N ) and dark respiration (R D ) in the field was developed and tested for Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Lag., the dominant C4 grass of the North American shortgrass prairie. P N is predicted as a function of soil water potential, canopy air temperature, irradiance, and plant age, while R D is expressed as a function of soil water potential and temperature. The model accounted for 85% of the variability in the data base used to estimate parameter values. Results of a validation test showed good agreement between observed and predicted P N rates, suggesting this approach would be useful as a submodel of a grassland ecosystem model.
Advances in spin-dependent recombination studies of π-conjugated polymers

Abstract We have studied photogenerated charged excitations in sexithiophene and a variety of π-conjugated polymers by photoinduced absorption (PA) and PA-detected magnetic resonance (PADMR). We found distinct spin signatures for polarons and bipolarons, which enabled us to separate their contributions to the PA spectrum. In all cases, we find that polarons have two subgap optical transitions, whereas bipolarons have one. Having unambiguously identified the energy levels of polarons and bipolarons, we show that bipolarons are stable photo excitations, with negative effective correlation energy. We have also identified polaron parr species in the PADMR of C 60 -doped DOO-PPV films by the existence of an anisotropic spin-exchange interaction.
The Function of Recombinant Cytochrome P450s in IntactEscherichia coliCells: The 17α-Hydroxylation of Progesterone and Pregnenolone by P450c17☆☆☆

Abstract Studies are reported showing that recombinant P450c17, coexpressed with rat NADPH-P450 reductase or expressed as a fusion protein containing the domain of the P450 linked to the domain of NADPH-P450 reductase, function effectively in intactEscherichia colicells. Progesterone is rapidly hydroxylated by transformedE. colicells at rates as rapid as 50 nmol of steroid hydroxylated/min/nmol of P450 at 37°C. This rate measuredin vivoequals or exceeds the best rates we have measured when reconstituting progesterone hydroxylase activityin vitrousing purified recombinant bovine P450c17 and purified recombinant rat NADPH-P450 reductase. The limits imposedin vivoby the availability of reducing equivalents (NADPH) and molecular oxygen are identified by showing the nearly fivefold increase in hydroxylation activity when glucose is present and the tendency for the constitutive respiratory activity ofE. colito limit the availability of oxygen required for the P450-catalyzed reaction. The rate of progesterone metabolism is about 200 times faster by P450c17 coexpressed with NADPH-P450 reductase than when P450c17 functions with the constitutive electron transfer system ofE. coli(flavodoxin and flavodoxin reductase). Expression of the fusion protein, termed rF450[mBov17A/mRatOR]L1, results in a rate of progesterone metabolismin vivoat 37°C of about 15 nmol of steroid hydroxylated/min/nmol of P450. Pregnenolone is actively metabolized to dehydroepiandrosterone at rates similar to those seen when the P450 activity is reconstitutedin vitrowith cytochrome b5. Experiments are described showing that the limited solubility of progesterone in water imposes a limit on the extent of steroid hydroxylated. The practicality of this type of P450-containing system for the bioconversion of large amounts of a chemical for the manufacture of speciality chemicals is discussed.
Implementation of fast frictional dynamics for rigid bodies

This sketch will present some important details that went into the implementation of our Fast Frictional Dynamics algorithm [Kaufman et al. 2005]. Our goal is the fast simulation of large sets of non-convex rigid bodies. By avoiding repeated pairwise comparisons between bodies, we are able to formulate a multi-body simulation algorithm with a complexity that is linear in the total number of contacts per time step. We employ a velocity-level treatment of contact resolution. For each rigid body, we consider the mass, location, and velocity of multiple contacts, with multiple bodies, at the time of maximum compression of each contact. This allows each body to receive the appropriate amount of imparted momentum from the collisions in which it is involved. We use a Quadratic Program (QP) to tell us which contacts are the most active, and to obtain the effective normal impulse generated by them. Because this impulse combines the contributions of all active contacts, we are able to get good frictional behavior, at low cost, using a new Coulomb-like friction model that requires a single additional QP. Our algorithm can be combined with a wide variety of broadand narrow-phase collision detection systems. We have employed an off the shelf narrow-phase system (PQP [Gottschalk et al. 1996]) and implemented a simple spatial hash table for our broad-phase. More efficient collision detectors could be seamlessly swapped into our implementation. We have implemented our simulation using fixed size time stepping (although there is no reason an adaptive stepping approach could not be used). At each step we advance the state of all rigid bodies in our system. Individual steps can be conceptually partitioned into the following five phases: An initial forward Euler halfstep for all bodies, broad phase collision detection, contact point determination between colliding bodies, resolution of all contacts on all bodies, and a final forward Euler half-step for all bodies.
Inter-rater Reliability of Three Musculoskeletal Physical Examination Techniques Used to Assess Motion in Three Planes While Standing

Objective The objective of the study was to measure the reliability between examiners of 3 basic maneuvers of the Total Body Functional Profile physical examination test. The hypothesis was musculoskeletal health care providers of different disciplines could reliably use the 3 basic maneuvers as part of the musculoskeletal physical examination. Design A prospective observational study was conducted. Twenty-eight adult volunteers were measured on both the left and right side by 2 independent raters on a single occasion. Setting The subjects were recruited through advertisements placed by the orthopedic department at a tertiary university. Participants Twenty-eight volunteers were recruited and completed the study. The volunteers were between the ages of 18 and 51 years of age, had no symptoms in the lower extremity or spine, had no previous history of surgery or tumor involving the lower extremity, and no medical conditions that would preclude participation. Methods On a single occasion, 2 examiners per 1 volunteer were blinded to their own and each others' measurements. Each examiner assessed the distance of frontal and sagittal plane lunge and angle of motion for transverse plane testing. Main Outcome Measurements Inter-rater agreement is expressed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The difference between raters is reported with 95% CIs. Baseline demographics, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and Harris hip questionnaires were completed by all participants. Results The UCLA and Harris hip scores showed no significant activity restrictions or pain limitations in all participants. The inter-rater reliability for sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane matrix testing was good with ICCs of 0.86 (95% CI 0.77-0.91), 0.90 (95% CI 0.84-0.94), and 0.85 (95% CI 0.75-0.91), respectively. The rater reliability between disciplines for transverse, sagittal, and frontal plane matrix testing was good with ICCs of 0.89 (95% CI 0.80-0.94), 0.88 (95% CI 0.79-0.94), and 0.90 (95% CI 0.81-0.95), respectively. Conclusions The inter-rater reliability for 3 basic maneuvers of the Total Body Functional Profile is good among musculoskeletal health care providers of different disciplines. These 3 maneuvers may be used consistently as part of the musculoskeletal physical examination.
Major lower extremity amputations in the aged poor-risk patient

Abstract 1. 1. Seventy-two cases of major lower extremity amputation, seen in two hospitals over a period of five years were studied. Of the fifty-seven cases at City Hospital most were of the old age, poor-risk type with arteriosclerotic or diabetic gangrene, operated upon by many different surgeons, using many methods and a large variety of anesthetics. 2. 2. Ages between 60 and 80 were most frequent. 3. 3. Mid-thigh was the most frequent site of amputation. 4. 4. The general mortality was 54.4 per cent at City Hospital and 46.6 per cent at Beekman Street Hospital.
Globalización y desarrollo local: hacia una perspectiva municipalista

El proceso de globalizacion que se esta dando con el cambio de siglo ha transformado de manera profunda la concepcion del desarrollo y las formas para acceder al mismo. Asi mismo, ha resultado en un fortalecimiento del papel de los gobiernos locales y regionales en la promocion del desarrollo. Este trabajo propone un marco analitico que clarifica la relacion entre los dos procesos y ubica la gestion municipal en un contexto mas amplio, caracterizado por el impacto de la globalizacion en los p...
On the energetics of mean-flow interactions with thermally dissipating gravity waves

[1] Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of downgradient transport by dissipating waves and particularly of downward heat fluxes by gravity waves undergoing thermal dissipation. With a few exceptions, however, this effect has not been represented in gravity-wave parameterizations commonly employed in global numerical models. A general expression relating the heat flux to the wave energy deposition rate caused by thermal dissipation is obtained within the standard linear-theory approach. Although the flux is directed down the gradient of potential temperature, it is not proportional to its magnitude, i.e., is not formally diffusive as commonly represented. With necessary assumptions regarding the partitioning of the total wave energy deposition rate between the thermal and frictional channels, the heat flux may be calculated within any suitable parameterization of gravity-wave drag. The general relation may also be used to estimate net heating rates from observations of wave heat transport. In a more general thermodynamical context, it is noted that gravity-wave dissipation results in atmospheric entropy production as expected for a dissipative process. Without friction, entropy is produced under the conservation of the column potential enthalpy. Thermally dissipating waves thus represent an example of an entropy-generating process hypothesized in the literature but not identified before. Although the downward heat transport results in a local cooling of upper levels, the integrated net effect of the wave energy deposition and heat transport combined is always heating of the whole atmospheric layer in which the dissipation occurs.
On the Use of Ground Return Targets for Radar Reflectivity Factor Calibration Checks

Abstract In order to use radar quantitatively, each component of a radar system must be measured or calibrated correctly. This paper reports the results of investigations into the use of ground return signals for checks on the calibration of the National Hail Research Experiment's 10 cm radar. Individual ground targets provided returns which were found stable to within about 1 dB; they are thus potentially quite good for calibration checks with many radar systems. Unfortunately, changes in the mode of operation of NHRE's radar made use of this potential unrealizable. A statistical approach was developed using numerous ground targets (294 pairs) which showed at the same locations in both 1972, a year for which reflectivity errors were suspected, and 1974, a year when our radar reflectivity factor measurements were correct. This procedure showed that the 1972 radar reflectivity factors were low by 7.7 dB with a standard deviation of 8.7 dB and a standard error of estimate of the mean of 0.5 dB; this differe...
Dicarboxylic acids in the Murchison meteorite

A large suite of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids was found in extracts from the carbonaceous chondrite. This suite includes many of the branched and straight chained isomers with up to nine carbon atoms. The large number of compounds and the isomeric distribution suggest that the acids are the product of an abiotic synthesis. The dicarboxylic acids found have been identified by their gas chromatography retention values and by comparison of their mass spectra with those of authentic standards.
Half-integer flux quantum effect in tricrystal cuprate superconductors

Abstract We have designed and carried out a tricrystal experiment, based on macroscopic coherence effects, flux quantization, and pair tunneling, to study the microscopic phase of the pair wave function in high- T c cuprate superconductors. Using a high-resolution scanning SQUID microscope, we have made the first direct observation of spontaneously generated half-integer flux quanta in controlled-orientation tricrystal rings and blanket films. By varying the grain misorientation and the grain-boundary angles in the tricrystal, we have proved that the order parameter in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 and Tl 2 Ba 2 Cu 6 + δ has nodes and lobes consistent with d wave, but not with g wave pairing symmetry.