cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Public Burning, Utopia, and the Limits of the Postmodern Imagination

In this article, I argue that the utopian aspirations of the character of Richard Nixon in Robert Coover's The Public Burning form an unresolvable dialectic between the political and the personal. As a consummate politician, Nixon cannot think outside of the political realm, yet he recognizes on some level that, given the nature of American society, a political utopia is impossible. I examine his efforts to resolve this dilemma.
Fuzzy stochastic fuzzy time series and its models

In this paper, as an extension of the concept of time series, we will present the definition and models of fuzzy stochastic fuzzy time series (FSFTS), both of whose values and probabilities with which the FSFTS assumes its values are fuzzy sets, and which may not be modeled properly by the concept of time series. To investigate FSFTS, the definition of fuzzy valued probability distributions is considered and discussed. When the FSFTS is time-invariant, several preliminary conclusions are derived.
Effects of Caffeine and Nicotine on Open-Field Exploration

Male albino rats were tested for drug effects on open-field exploration, with either distilled water or drug in a repeated-measures design. Caffeine (40 mg/kg) enhanced ambulation and rearing, espe...
Delayed incubation: a cause of variability in the embryogenesis of the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica.

Eggs of the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica were collected over a five-day period and incubated simultaneously, in accordance with currently accepted commercial practice. After 33 hours of functional incubation, the embryos were fixed and the somites counted to determine the age of the embryo. A great range of variation was encountered, supporting earlier published work. This variability, however, was not random, but inversely related to the length of time the eggs were “held” before incubation. This study suggests that the practice of “holding” eggs be discontinued in all work where uniformity of developmental stages is essential.
Altered Biology of Adeno-associated Virus Type 2 and Human Papillomavirus during Dual Infection of Natural Host Tissue

Abstract Adeno-associated virus (AAV), a common genital virus, may have a “protective” role against human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cervical cancer. Epidemiological studies indicate a negative correlation between AAV infection and the incidence of cervical cancer. In contrast, HPV is positively associated with cervical cancer. To investigate interactions between these two viruses we used the organotypic “raft” culture system. The raft culture system is capable of supporting the complete HPV life cycle. Raft tissues that were actively replicating HPV were superinfected with AAV type 2 (AAV-2). We observed a multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.)-dependent enhancement and inhibition of HPV DNA replication, concomitant with AAV-2 replication. The data suggest that at low m.o.i. of AAV-2 infection, HPV DNA replication was slightly increased compared to controls and AAV-2 replicated poorly. At high AAV-2 m.o.i., HPV DNA replication was reduced and AAV-2 replicated to high levels. AAV-2 replication was increased in the presence of HPV compared to primary human keratinocyte, squamous cell carcinoma, and HaCat raft cultures infected with AAV-2 alone. These data suggest that HPV may provide types of “enhancer/helper” functions for AAV-2 replication and progeny formation. Infection with AAV-2 had significant effects on epithelial morphology. During infection with low m.o.i. of AAV-2 the epithelium stratified to a greater extent than in controls. With high m.o.i. of AAV-2 infections, tissue cytopathic effects were observed, indicating an additional factor responsible for the effect of AAV-2 on HPV replication and infection. Our results demonstrate a complex interaction between AAV-2, HPV, and skin during dual infection.
Experimental characterization of the Ne + ICl(X, ν″ = 0) and Ne + ICl(B, ν' = 2) multi-dimensional intermolecular potentials

Abstract Multiple features associated with transitions of the near T-shaped and linear Ne⋯I 35,37 Cl(X, ν ′ = 0) conformers are observed in laser-induced fluorescence spectra recorded in the ICl B–X, 2–0 and 3–0 spectral regions. The T-shaped complexes access the lowest intermolecular vibrational level, n b ′ = 0 , within the Ne + ICl(B, ν ′) potential, while the linear complexes access four intermolecular bending levels, n b ′ = 1 – 4 , that form a progression of features up to the Ne + ICl(B, ν ′) dissociation limit. The binding energy of the energetically more stable, ground state linear Ne⋯I 35 Cl(X, ν ″ = 0) conformer is measured to be 84(1) cm −1 in action spectroscopy experiments.
Spectrophotometric determination of phenol by the 4-aminoantipyrine method after steam distillation in a semimicro kjeldahl apparatus in the presence of a large amount of sodium chloride

Abstract Phenol is quantified rapidly and accurately by the 4-aminoantipyrine spectrophotometric method after adding 15 g of sodium chloride to a 25-ml sample and distilling in a Semimicro steam distillation apparatus of the Pregl—Parnas—Wagner type. The large amount of sodium chloride provides a saturated solution of the salt during the course of the distillation and causes most of the phenol to be contained in the first few milliliters of distillate. The method has been used to quantify up to 25 mg of phenol per 25 ml.
Oxygen-associated trapped-hole centers in high-purity fused silicas

Abstract Two distinct oxygen-associated trapped-hole centers (OHCs) are identified in samples of room-temperature γ-irradiated, high-purity fused silica. One, which we label the “wet” OHC, predominates in the high-OH-content (wet) silicas while the other, the “dry” OHC, is more prevalent in low-OH (dry) silicas. Excellent computer simulations of the low-temperature electron-spin-resonance spectra are obtained for both wet and dry silicas using only the relative abundance of the “wet” and “dry” OHCs as an adjustable parameter. Analysis of the 17 O-hyperfine structure which occrs in samples of wet silica enriched in 17 O provides direct confirmation that the “wet” OHC is a hole trapped in a single nonbonding 2p-orbital of an oxygen (presumed nonbridging). Correlation of optical absorption and electron spin resonance via isochronal pulse anneals indicates that the “dry” OHC has an optical transition ay 7.6 eV. In addition, it is reported that the “dry” OHC can be induced in the dry silicas by the fiber drawing process. From the present results, an O 2 − molecular ion model appears most attractive for the “dry” OHC.
Genes expressed in the human trabecular meshwork during pressure-induced homeostatic response.

Physiological pressure inside the eye is maintained by a resistance mechanism provided by the trabecular meshwork tissue. In most cases, prolonged, elevated pressure leads to an eye pathology characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration, optic nerve damage, and non-remedial blindness. We are investigating the regulation of trabecular meshwork genes in response to elevated pressure. Using perfused organ cultures from postmortem human donors, we have previously demonstrated the presence of a homeostatic mechanism at 2-4 days of pressure insult (Borras et al. 2002, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 43:33-40). Here, we sought to identify trabecular meshwork genes whose expression was altered during this homeostatic period. By macroarray hybridization, we compared the expression profiles of high-pressure (HP) and normal-pressure (NP) treated eyes from the same individual (n = 3 pairs). Our results identified 40 upregulated and 14 downregulated genes. The highest proportion of upregulated genes encoded proteins involved in signal transduction (32%). Among the potentially relevant genes, PIP 5K1C, VIP, tropomodulin, and MMP2 encoded mediators known to influence outflow resistance. Others encoded functions which are new for the trabecular meshwork, but which are intrinsic to unrelated tissues. These new mechanisms appear as they could be of benefit for trabecular meshwork function. Matrix Gla protein (MGP), perlecan, osteomodulin, and osteoblast-specific factor are essential in cartilage and bone physiology whereas spectrin and ICAM4 are specific for blood cells and crucial in maintaining their shape and adhesion. In addition, MGP transcripts were stimulated by extracellular calcium and downregulated by TGF-beta1. We propose that MGP might be an important player in the adaptive homeostatic mechanism by contributing to maintain a softer trabecular meshwork tissue and facilitate aqueous humor outflow.
Modeling of piezoresistively-controlled electromechanical smart material

A finite element model of a proposed smart material was developed. This is an initial investigation into using a piezoresistive sensor in conjunction with a multilayer ceramic actuator and a resistor network as the control circuit. A device model, incorporating piezoresistive composites (with orders of magnitude change in resistivity) and piezoelectric actuators has also been constructed. The model accounts for all relevant material properties and configurations. The software also provides a method of optimizing geometry to obtain desired response. At present the 2-D case predicts a material package with a controllable compliance. This can be extended to a 3-D case consistent with available components.
758–3 Right Ventricular Ejection Fraction is an Independent Predictor of Maximum Oxygen Consumption in Advanced Heart Failure

Maximum oxygen consumption (MVO2), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) are important determinants of prognosis in heart failure (HF)....
Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of agonist and antagonist binding to 1,4-dihydropyridine receptors.

Abstract The kinetic and equilibrium binding properties of the 1,4-dihydropyridine activator [ 3 H](−)-S-Bay K 8644 and the antagonist [ 3 H](+)-PN 200-110 were determined in rat heart membrane particulate preparations at temperatures between 4 and 37°C. The binding of [ 3 H](−)-S-Bay K 8644 was temperature-dependent with a single binding site with K D = 3.57 nM and B max = 330 fmol/mg · protein at 25°C. The association and dissociation rate constants were 3.4 × 10 7 min −1 M −1 and 0.095 min −1 respectively at 25°C and decreased slightly at lower temperatures. In contrast, [ 3 H](+)-PN 200-110 bound to high K D(H) = 0.032 nM B max(H) = 316 fmol/mg · protein) and low affinity sites K D(L) = 27.6 nM and B max(L) = 6432 fmol/mg · protein) at 25°C in rat heart preparation. A similar two-site binding of [ 3 H](+)-PN 200-110 was found in rat brain preparation, but only a single binding site was detected in rat skeletal muscle. Binding of [ 3 H](+)-PN 200-110 to the high and low affinity sites in cardiac membranes was sensitive and insensitive respectively to temperature. Association and dissociation rates of [ 3 H](+)-PN 200-110 at the high affinity binding sites were best fitted as mono-exponential functions. Association and dissociation rates of [ 3 H](+)-PN 200-110 were 3.94 × 10 8 min −1 M −1 and 7.86 × 10 −3 min −1 at 25°C. The association rate varied only slightly (3-fold), but the rate of dissociation decreased significantly (200-fold) with temperature from 37 to 4°C. Thermodynamic analysis of equilibrium binding showed that the binding of activator was enthalpy driven, whereas the binding of antagonist to the high affinity site was both entropy- and enthalpy-driven and to the low affinity site was totally entropy-driven.
High-mass-resolution direct-tissue MALDI-FTMS reveals broad conservation of three neuropeptides (APSGFLGMRamide, GYRKPPFNGSIFamide and pQDLDHVFLRFamide) across members of seven decapod crustaean infraorders.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry (MALDI-FTMS) has become an important method for identifying peptides in neural tissues. The ultra-high-mass resolution and mass accuracy of MALDI-FTMS, in combination with in-cell accumulation techniques, can be used to advantage for the analysis of complex mixtures of peptides directly from tissue fragments or extracts. Given the diversity within the decapods, as well as the large number of extant species readily available for analysis, this group of animals represents an optimal model in which to examine phylogenetic conservation and evolution of neuropeptides and neuropeptide families. Surprisingly, no large comparative studies have previously been undertaken. Here, we have initiated such an investigation, which encompasses 32 species spanning seven decapod infraorders. Two peptides, APSGFLGMRamide and pQDLDHVFLRFamide, were detected in all species. A third peptide, GYRKPPFNGSIFamide, was detected in all species except members of the Astacidean genus Homarus, where a Val1 variant was present. Our finding that these peptides are ubiquitously (or nearly ubiquitously) conserved in decapod neural tissues not only suggests important conserved functions for them, but also provides an intrinsic calibrant set for future MALDI-FTMS assessments of other peptides in this crustacean order.
Spreading and motility of human glioblastoma cells on sheets of silicone rubber depend on substratum compliance.

Although there is a substantial quantity of experimental data examining the effects of adhesion on the morphology and migration of tissue cells, little attention has been focused on how changes in substratum mechanical properties affect these cellular behaviours. To determine whether the ability of a substratum mechanically to support traction influences cell morphology and motility, measurements are taken of the spreading, the fraction of a population with pseudopodia, the number of pseudopodia and the translocation of human SNB-19 glioblastoma cells cultured on films of poly(methylphenyl)siloxane possessing a range of mechanical compliances. Cells cultured on these films generate deformations (i.e. ‘wrinkles’) that are used as a basis to estimate effective substratum compliances. The average projected cell area decreases by over 60%, with a two-orders-of-magnitude increase in compliance. Time-lapse videomicroscopy reveals that cell migration also decreases with increasing compliance: the average cell speed decreases from approximately 8 μmh−1 on the most rigid substrata to 1.2 μmh−1 on the most compliant substrata examined. Changes in compliance do not alter mean directional persistence time. These results are interpreted in terms of the predictions of mathematical models for the effects of substratum compliance on motility.
Age-related changes in trabecular cells in vitro.

Abstract The changes in the morphology and the amounts of selected extracellular matrix proteins in serially passaged porcine trabecular cells cultured from young animals (age range, 4–6 months) were investigated. After 4 weeks incubation, trabecular cells in primary confluent cultures had a flattened elongated profile, whereas the cells in secondary or tertiary cultures, after an additional 4 to 8 weeks incubation, respectively, were epithelioid in shape. Time-lapse micrography of the passaged cells revealed membrane ruffling at the cell periphery, but sparse cell movement. No mitotic events took place in either the secondary or tertiary cultures for 24 hr prior to harvesting the cells. No remarkable differences were observed in the total polypeptide profile of primary, secondary or tertiary cells analysed by SDS gel electrophoresis and silver staining. However, laser densitometry of immunoblots treated with antibodies against type VI collagen, thrombospondin, fibronectin, and laminin demonstrated that, compared to primary cultures of trabecular cells, the amount of type VI collagen was elevated 20.5-fold in tertiary cultures, thrombospondin 6-fold, and fibronectin 5-fold, but laminin was not detectable. Because aging trabecular cells in vitro exhibit specific biochemical characteristics that are comparable to those known to occur in the human trabecular meshwork in vivo, the present method provides a model for the investigation of age-related changes in this tissue at the cellular level under defined and controlled conditions.
Facet-Selective Epitaxial Growth of Heterogeneous Nanostructures of Semiconductor and Metal: ZnO Nanorods on Ag Nanocrystals

We demonstrate a new approach for synthesizing Ag-ZnO heterogeneous nanostructures in which single-crystalline ZnO nanorods were selectively grown on {111} rather than {100} facets of single-crystalline Ag truncated nanocubes. We have identified the fine structure of the Ag-ZnO heterostructures and proposed a mechanism indicating that structure match plays a critically important role in this type of facet-selective growth. These heterogeneous nanostructures are of special interest and have potential applications in electrical contacts, functional devices, biological sensors, and catalysis.
Volatile constituents of the boll weevil

Abstract When the distillable oil from adult boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis , of both sexes was investigated with an integrated gas chromatographymass spectrometry system, evidence was obtained for a number of mono- and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and some substituted anilines including o -toluidine; for some C 5 and C 6 alcohols and monoterpene alcohols; and for at least one sesquiterpene alcohol. The major components were a series of alkanes, alkenes, and alkyl alcohols of high molecular weight. This investigation was part of a study made to identify possible additional components of the pheromone produced by the boll weevil.
The likelihood ratio for comparing means when a portion of the subjects fail to respond

Results of clinical studies are often obscured by the fact that some of the subjects improve with treatment while others do not. As a consequence, for example, we may obtain a contaminated distribution in a treatment group, having one component similar to the entire distribution for a control group and the other shifted by the treatment effect. Maximum-likelihood estimation and the likelihood ratio test for investigating the proportion of responders together with the treatment effect are based on asymptotic theory and use iterative maximization techniques. We investigate the sampling distribution of the estimates and the test and demonstrate their use in statistical inference. Our results suggest that the chi-square distribution with 1.4 degrees of freedom provides a useful test criterion even when the sample sizes are as small as 10. Only in obvious testing situations is the t-test adequate.
Factors Associated With Retention Among Non-Perinatally HIV-Infected Youth in the HIV Research Network.

Background. The transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among youth through high-risk behaviors continues to increase. Retention in Care is associated with positive clinical outcomes and a decrease in HIV transmission risk behaviors. We evaluated the clinical and demographic characteristics of non–perinatally HIV (nPHIV)-infected youth associated with retention 1 year after initiating care and in the 2 years thereafter. We also assessed the impact retention in year 1 had on retention in years 2 and 3. Methods. This was a retrospective analysis of treatment-naive nPHIV-infected 12- to 24-year-old youth presenting for care in 16 US HIV clinical sites within the HIV Research Network between 2002 and 2008. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with retention. Results. Of 1160 nPHIV-infected youth, 44.6% were retained in care during the first year, and 22.4% were retained in all 3 years. Retention in the first year was associated with starting antiretroviral therapy in the first year (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.47 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.57–4.67]), Hispanic ethnicity (AOR, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.08–2.56]), men who have sex with men (AOR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.07–2.36]), and receiving care at a pediatric site (AOR, 5.37 [95% CI, 3.20–9.01]). Retention in years 2 and 3 was associated with being retained 1 year after initiating care (AOR, 7.44 [95% CI, 5.11–10.83]). Conclusion. A high proportion of newly enrolled nPHIV-infected youth were not retained for 1 year, and only 1 in 4 were retained for 3 years. Patients who were Hispanic, were men who have sex with men, or were seen at pediatric clinics were more likely to be retained in care. Interventions that target those at risk of being lost to follow up are essential for this high-risk population.
Understanding Pica Behavior A Review for Clinical and Education Professionals

Pica is defined as the compulsive, recurrent consumption of nonnutritive items. Pica behavior often occurs in individuals With developmental disabilities; therefore, education and clinical professi...
Electrophysiological characterization of rat and mouse olfactory receptor neurons from an intact epithelial preparation

To understand the coding mechanisms underlying olfactory discrimination, it is necessary to characterize odor response properties of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). In contrast with rapid progress in molecular biology, there is little physiological data from ORNs in rodent. To facilitate acquisition of such data, we have developed an intact olfactory epithelial preparation from both rat and mouse. We have carried out initial studies of this preparation by monitoring odor responses by patch-clamping directly on the ORN dendritic knobs, a subcellular site very close to the locus of olfactory signal transduction. Our results show that rat and mouse ORNs have similar intrinsic membrane properties. Most cells fired spontaneously at a low frequency (f) and about one half fired repetitively in response to current (I) injection with a linear f/I relation. About one third of rat and mouse ORNs responded to a mixture of four odors in a dose-dependent manner and about 60% of them responded to IBMX, a potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase. The results suggest that this intact preparation offers the advantage of approximating in vivo physiological conditions, while furnishing an opportunity to map single neuron responses in the epithelium in a spatially-defined manner, using electrophysiological or cell imaging methods.
Adenosine A2A Agonist Improves Lung Function During Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion

Background Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a novel technique than can be used to assess and potentially repair marginal lungs that may otherwise be rejected for transplantation. Adenosine has been shown to protect against pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury through its A 2A receptor. We hypothesized that combining EVLP with adenosine A 2A receptor agonist treatment would enhance lung functional quality and increase donor lung use. Methods Eight bilateral pig lungs were harvested and flushed with cold Perfadex (Vitrolife, Englewood, CO). After 14 hours of storage at 4°C, EVLP was performed for 5 hours on 2 explanted lung groups: (1) control group lungs (n = 4) were perfused with Steen Solution (Vitrolife) and dimethyl sulfoxide and (2) treated group lungs (n = 4) received 10 μM CGS21680, a selective A 2A receptor agonist, in a Steen solution–primed circuit. Lung histologic features, tissue cytokines, gas analysis, and pulmonary function were compared between groups. Results Treated lungs demonstrated significantly less edema as reflected by wet-dry weight ratio (6.6 versus 5.2; p p ; p ; p Conclusions Combined use of adenosine A 2A agonist and EVLP significantly attenuates the inflammatory response in acutely injured lungs after IR and enhances pulmonary function. This combination may improve donor lung quality and could increase the donor lung pool for transplantation.
Microfabrication and characterization of teflon AF-coated liquid core waveguide channels in silicon

The fabrication and testing of Teflon AF-coated channels on silicon and bonding of the same to a similarly coated glass wafer are described. With water or aqueous solutions in such channels, the channels exhibit much better light conduction ability than similar uncoated channels. Although the loss is greater than extruded Teflon AF tubes, light throughput is far superior to channels described in the literature consisting of [110] planes in silicon with 45/spl deg/ sidewalls. Absorbance noise levels under actual flow conditions using an LED source, an inexpensive photodiode and a simple operational amplifier circuitry was 1/spl times/ 10/sup -4/ absorbance units over a 10-mm path length (channel 0.17-mm deep /spl times/0.49-mm wide), comparable to many commercially available macroscale flow-through absorbance detectors. Adherence to Beer's law was tested over a 50-fold concentration range of an injected dye, with the linear r/sup 2/ relating the concentration to the observed absorbance being 0.9993. Fluorescence detection was tested with fluorescein as the test solute, a high brightness blue LED as the excitation source and an inexpensive miniature PMT. The concentration detection limit was 3 /spl times/ 10/sup -9/ M and the corresponding mass detection limit was estimated to be 5 /spl times/ 10 /sup -16/ mol.
Adolescent well-being in Washington state military families.

Objectives. We examined associations between parental military service and adolescent well-being.Methods. We used cross-sectional data from the 2008 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey collected in public school grades 8, 10, and 12 (n = 10 606). We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to test associations between parental military service and adolescent well-being (quality of life, depressed mood, thoughts of suicide).Results. In 8th grade, parental deployment was associated with higher odds of reporting thoughts of suicide among adolescent girls (odds ratio [OR] = 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19, 2.32) and higher odds of low quality of life (OR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.43, 3.10) and thoughts of suicide (OR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.15, 2.67) among adolescent boys. In 10th and 12th grades, parental deployment was associated with higher odds of reporting low quality of life (OR = 2.74; 95% CI = 1.79, 4.20), depressed mood (OR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.02, 2.20), and thoughts of suicide (OR = 1.64;...
Response surface methodology for simulating hedging and trading strategies

Suppose that one wishes to evaluate the distribution of profit and loss (P&L) resulting from a dynamic trading strategy. A straightforward method is to simulate thousands of paths (i.e., time series) of relevant financial variables and to track the resulting P&L at every time at which the trading strategy rebalances its portfolio. In many cases, this requires numerical computation of portfolio weights at every rebalancing time on every path, for example, by a nested simulation performed conditional on market conditions at that time on that path. Such a two-level simulation could involve many millions of simulations to compute portfolio weights, and thus be too computationally expensive to attain high accuracy. We show that response surface methodology enables a more efficient simulation procedure: in particular, it is possible to do far fewer simulations by using kriging to model portfolio weights as a function of underlying financial variables.
The Design of a Tax Rule for Owner-Occuped Housing Under a Personal Consumption Tax

Abstract Analysts agree that designing a satisfactory tax rule for owner-occupied housingposes a senous challenge for the personal (cash flow) consumption tax that recently has been introduced in Congress by several senators. We compare tax rules for owner-occupied housing by performing numerical simulations for a person who begins as a renter, then becomes an owner-occupier, and ends as a renter. We show that the most commonly offered tax rule—prepayment with mortgage spreading— yields a time path for taxes over the person's life that is not fully satisfactory. We then show that this time path can be improved if the tax rule is modified so that prepayment with mortgage spreading is coupled with downpayment spreading, tax deferral, and capital gain or loss inclusion. Interestingly, a mortgage interest deduction, together with taxation of the nominal capital gain at sale, may represent an imperfect implementation of tax deferral.
The Institutional Logic of Collusion among Local Governments in China

A salient organizational phenomenon in the Chinese bureaucracy is collusion among local governments in response to policies and directives from higher authorities; local governments often form alli...
Respiratory Infections Increase the Risk of Granulation Tissue Formation Following Airway Stenting in Patients With Malignant Airway Obstruction

Background The most serious complications of airway stenting are long term, including infection and granulation tissue formation. However, to our knowledge, no studies have quantified the incidence rate of long-term complications for different stents. Methods To compare the incidence of complications of different airway stents, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients at our institution who had airway stenting for malignant airway obstruction from January 2005 to August 2010. Patients were excluded if more than one type of stent was in place at the same time. Complications recorded were lower respiratory tract infections, stent migration, granulation tissue, mucus plugging requiring intervention, tumor overgrowth, and stent fracture. Results One hundred seventy-two patients with 195 stent procedures were included. Aero stents were associated with an increased risk of infection (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.98; 95% CI, 1.03-3.81; P = .041). Dumon silicone tube stents had an increased risk of migration (HR = 3.52; 95% CI, 1.41-8.82; P = .007). Silicone stents (HR = 3.32; 95% CI, 1.59-6.93; P = .001) and lower respiratory tract infections (HR = 5.69; 95% CI, 2.60-12.42; P Conclusions Significant differences exist among airway stents in terms of infection, migration, and granulation tissue formation. These complications, in turn, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Granulation tissue formation develops because of repetitive motion trauma and infection.
Glucose-induced insulin resistance of phosphatidylinositol 3'-OH kinase and AKT/PKB is mediated by the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway.

Abstract Hyperglycemia is responsible for many of the vascular complications and metabolic derangements seen in diabetes. One potential regulator of the effects of glucose is the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP). Glutamine: fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFA), the first and rate-limiting enzyme in this pathway, catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from glutamine to fructose-6-phosphate to form glucosamine-6-phosphate. Overexpression of GFA in rat-1 fibroblasts results in insulin resistance for glycogen synthase (GS) activity, and renders these cells more sensitive to the effects of glucose. Using rat-1 cells, we examine further the mechanisms whereby hexosamines lead to insulin resistance. Insulin stimulated GS activity was found to occur via a PI-3 kinase (PI-3K)-dependent pathway as wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI-3K, blocked insulin's ability to stimulate GS activity. Subsequently, we examined the effects of hexosamines on PI-3K and Akt/PKB activity. Cells were cultured in 1 mM glucose (low glucose, LG), 20 mM glucose (high glucose, HG), or 1 mM glucose plus 3 mM glucosamine (GlcN) for 16–20 h. After treatment with insulin (100 nM) for 5 min, cell extracts were assayed for IRS-1 associated and total PI-3K activity. At LG, insulin increased PI-3K activity by 43%. There was no insulin stimulation of PI-3K activity in cells cultured in HG or GlcN. There was a trend for IRS-1 protein levels to decrease in HG but not GlcN. PI-3K protein levels were not altered by HG or GlcN. Finally PKB activity was assayed. At LG, insulin stimulated PKB activity. Again, both HG and GlcN significantly reduced insulin's ability to stimulate PKB activity. We conclude that the hexosamine-mediated insulin resistance of GS activity seen in rat-1 cells is mediated by hexosamine regulation of PI-3K and PKB.
Student Evaluation in the Hospitality Curriculum

The authors outline a series of successful techniques they have employed for strengthening their testing and grading procedures. Items of particular note include the evaluation of test reliability, difficulty level, dispersion and the use of standard scores in determining course grades.The intent is to provide information on how sound educational evaluation methods may be developed in a hospitality curriculum.The system described is based on established norm referenced grading techniques, yet is applicable to criterion referenced grading in many respects.
Adaptive PID-Sliding-Mode Fault-Tolerant Control Approach for Vehicle Suspension Systems Subject to Actuator Faults

Advanced fault-tolerant control schemes are required for ensuring efficient and reliable operation of complex technological systems such as ground vehicles. A novel approach to fault-tolerant control design is proposed for a full-scale vehicle dynamic model with an active suspension system in the presence of uncertainties and actuator faults. The proposed control scheme uses a sliding-mode controller to generate the tracking signal to the valve for each of the four wheel subsystems for mitigating three degrees of freedom (3-DOF) heave-roll-pitch motion arising from road undulations. For each of the electrohydraulic valve-cylinder pair in each subsystem, an adaptive proportional-integralderivative (PID) controller is proposed. Designing an adaptation scheme for the PID gains to accommodate actuator faults is among the main contributions of this work. The focus on actuator faults is motivated by the fact that loss of actuator effectiveness is a critical fault scenario in vehicle suspension systems and that the probability of occurrence of faults in actuators is higher and more severe when compared with other components. To analyze the performance of the proposed approach, computer simulations are carried out to illustrate control performance, robustness, and fault tolerance. The performance of our approach is then compared with that of the sliding-mode control (SMC) approach presented by Chamseddine and Noura. Results clearly indicate the strength of the adaptation scheme and its ability to mitigate fault effects in a short time. Simplicity of the overall scheme and the stabilization of the system under both faulty and fault-free conditions are the main positive features of the proposed approach.
Removing reference mapping biases using limited or no genotype data identifies allelic differences in protein binding at disease-associated loci

Genetic variation can alter transcriptional regulatory activity contributing to variation in complex traits and risk of disease, but identifying individual variants that affect regulatory activity has been challenging. Quantitative sequence-based experiments such as ChIP-seq and DNase-seq can detect sites of allelic imbalance where alleles contribute disproportionately to the overall signal suggesting allelic differences in regulatory activity. We created an allelic imbalance detection pipeline, AA-ALIGNER, to remove reference mapping biases influencing allelic imbalance detection and evaluate accuracy of allelic imbalance predictions in the absence of complete genotype data. Using the sequence aligner, GSNAP, and varying amounts of genotype information to remove mapping biases we investigated the accuracy of allelic imbalance detection (binomial test) in CREB1 ChIP-seq reads from the GM12878 cell line. Additionally we thoroughly evaluated the influence of experimental and analytical parameters on imbalance detection. Compared to imbalances identified using complete genotypes, using imputed partial sample genotypes, AA-ALIGNER detected >95 % of imbalances with >90 % accuracy. AA-ALIGNER performed nearly as well using common variants when genotypes were unknown. In contrast, predicting additional heterozygous sites and imbalances using the sequence data led to >50 % false positive rates. We evaluated effects of experimental data characteristics and key analytical parameter settings on imbalance detection. Overall, total base coverage and signal dispersion across the genome most affected our ability to detect imbalances, while parameters such as imbalance significance, imputation quality thresholds, and alignment mismatches had little effect. To assess the biological relevance of imbalance predictions, we used electrophoretic mobility shift assays to functionally test for predicted allelic differences in CREB1 binding in the GM12878 lymphoblast cell line. Six of nine tested variants exhibited allelic differences in binding. Two of these variants, rs2382818 and rs713875, are located within inflammatory bowel disease-associated loci. AA-ALIGNER accurately detects allelic imbalance in quantitative sequence data using partial genotypes or common variants filling a critical methodological gap in these analyses, as full genotypes are rarely available. Importantly, we demonstrate how experimental and analytical features impact imbalance detection providing guidance for similar future studies.
Perspective: Micoarrays and Differential Display PCR—Tools for Studying Transcript Levels of Genes in Neuroendocrine Systems

A central goal of neuroendocrinology is the understanding of how hormones modulate a variety of neurobiological functions including releasing factors for anterior pituitary secretions and behavior. We know that mechanisms of hormone actions clearly include the activation and repression of genes either directly through nuclear hormone receptors or indirectly, through a series of transduced signals originating from membrane receptors. Until recently, identification of the differentially expressed genes has been a "gene-at-a-time" proposition. With the advent of the completion of sequencing of several genomes including those of the human and mouse, new methods for the simultaneous assessment of many genes' expression are proving especially timely. Two such methods, differential display PCR and gene microarrays, are based on the well-established principles of DNA amplification and nucleic acid hybridization, respectively. With properly designed and well-executed experiments, these methods are powerful tools in the assessment of differentially expressed genes yielding results both expected and unanticipated.
An iterative receiver for layered space-time MIMO DS-CDMA uplink using turbo trellis-coded modulation

An iterative turbo receiver is proposed for the uplink of a MIMO CDMA system employing layered space-time transmission. The proposed receiver consists of a low-complexity layered space-time multiuser detector using linear minimum mean squared error (MMSE) filtering with a-priori information and parallel a-posteriori probability (APP) computing soft-input soft-output (SISO) decoders. Turbo trellis-coded modulation (TTCM) is used as error-correcting tool to achieve bandwidth efficient transmission. Computer simulation results show that the proposed receiver using an iterative operation along with the detector and decoders outperforms an iterative receiver based on parallel interference cancellation as well as a non-iterative MMSE receiver. Furthermore, while providing an increase in system capacity, the proposed receiver offers an error performance similar to that of the single-user case at high SNR, in a multiuser environment.
The E2-M1 mixing ratio for the 2+2 → 2+1 transition in 60,62Ni

Abstract The E2 M1 mixing ratio for the 2 + 2 → 2 + 1 transition in 60,62 Ni has been measured using a reaction-independent method involving ratios of the coefficients of the same order of Legendre polynomial from singles angular distribution data (accuracy ⪅ 1%) for the cascade and crossover γ-ray transitions. Values of δ = −0.68 ± 0.22 and −3.19 ± 0.11 were obtained for 60 Ni and 62 Ni, as well as branching ratios (crossovers/cascades) of 0.161 ± 0.008 and 1.242 ± 0.017 respectively. Weighted averages of available nuclear spectroscopic information yield values of 542 ± 65 ( 58 Ni ), 315 ± 60 ( 60 Ni ) and 25.7 ± 0.4 ( 62 Ni ) for the ratio of the reduced E2 transition rates, B ( E 2: 2 + 2 → 2 + 1 ) / B ( E 2: 2 + 1 → 0 + 1 ). The trend of these values is not well reproduced by any of the various shell-model calculations employing exact configuration mixing or quasiarticles.
SEDIMENT DYNAMICS IN THE RESTORED REACH OF THE KISSIMMEE RIVER BASIN, FLORIDA: A VAST SUBTROPICAL RIPARIAN WETLAND†

Historically, the Kissimmee River Basin consisted of a broad nearly annually inundated riparian wetland similar in character to tropical Southern Hemisphere large rivers. The river was channelized in the 1960s and 1970s, draining the wetland. The river is currently being restored with over 10 000 hectares of wetlands being reconnected to 70 river km of naturalized channel. We monitored riparian wetland sediment dynamics between 2007 and 2010 at 87 sites in the restored reach and 14 sites in an unrestored reference reach. Discharge and sediment transport were measured at the downstream end of the restored reach. There were three flooding events during the study, two as annual flood events and a third as a greater than a 5-year flood event. Restoration has returned periodic flood flow to the riparian wetland and provides a mean sedimentation rate of 11.3mm per year over the study period in the restored reach compared with 1.7mm per year in an unrestored channelized reach. Sedimentation from the two annual floods was within the normal range for alluvial Coastal Plain rivers. Sediment deposits consisted of over 20% organics, similar to eastern blackwater rivers. The Kissimmee River is unique in North America for its hybrid alluvial/ blackwater nature. Fluvial suspended-sediment measurements for the three flood events indicate that a majority of the sediment (70%) was sand, which is important for natural levee construction. Of the total suspended sediment load for the three flood events, 3%–16% was organic and important in floodplain deposition. Sediment yield is similar to low-gradient rivers draining to the Chesapeake Bay and alluvial rivers of the southeastern USA. Continued monitoring should determine whether observed sediment transport and floodplain deposition rates are normal for this river and determine the relationship between historic vegetation community restoration, hydroperiod restoration, and sedimentation. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FDTD analysis of PIFA diversity antennas on a hand-held transceiver unit

The FDTD (finite-difference time-domain) technique is used to investigate the radiation patterns, polarization characteristics, and correlation coefficient for a diversity antenna employing two PIFA (planar inverted-F antenna) elements located on a rectangular conducting box. A second-order absorbing boundary condition is used to truncate the computational volume at a distance of 12 cells away from the antenna/handset configuration. A wire subcell method is employed to properly incorporate the effects of the finite size of the feeding wire. >
Low-noise realizations for narrow-band recursive digital filters

Agarwal and Burrus have proposed two all-pole digital filter structures which exhibit very small error for poles near the unit circle. ROM-accumulator (ROM/ACC) implementations of these structures have also been shown to have small error. We extend these resuits by including zeros in both the Agarwal-Burrus structures and their ROM/ACC counterparts. A modified approach toward scaling and selecting various wordlengths is required. Expressions for MSE and bounds on zero input limit cycles are derived for the new structures and shown to be small. As a consequence, the new pole-zero structures can offer significant hardware and speed advantages as illustrated by example.
Automorphisms of Dowling Lattices and Related Geometries

Dowling lattices are a class of geometric lattices, based on groups, which have been shown to share many properties with projective geometries. In this paper we show that the automorphisms of Dowling lattices are analogs of the automorphisms of projective geometries. We also treat similar results for several related geometric lattices.
Market Information and New Venture Performance: Differences Between Established and Emerging Technology Standards

The authors examine the significance of formal processes for market information acquisition and use as antecedents to success of Chinese new ventures. Building on insights from the entrepreneurial planning literature, the authors construct a theoretical model in which formal processes for market information and market utilization have direct, positive main effects on new venture financial performance, and in which the existence of an established technology standard has a direct effect on performance and also affects the relationship between market information processes and performance. The authors test hypotheses derived from the model using a dataset comprising 222 Chinese new ventures. Consistent with expectations, the authors find that new venture financial performance was positively associated with the use of formal processes for the generation of market information. However, the impact on performance of formal processes for market information utilization depended on the firm's technological environment. In particular, for firms facing an established technology standard, the use of formal processes for market information utilization did not significantly affect performance. In contrast, the use of formal processes for market information utilization had a significant impact on performance among ventures that faced an emerging technology standard.
Evaluating risk in human plasma transfusion

Human plasma transfusion with fresh frozen plasma can be valuable in treating a variety of hemorrhagic disorders. Although safe in most cases, fresh frozen plasma poses some risk of viral infection via transfusion. New plasma preparations, using either quarantine or viral inactivation of pooled samples to improve safety, have been made available in the United States. Distinguishing characteristics include viral safety, availability, and cost. Risk managers should be aware of the range of plasma products, as well as the issues surrounding their use, in order to participate in organizational decision-making regarding the recommendation of specific products.
Antecedents to Cross-Cultural Adjustment for Expatriates in Pacific Rim Assignments

Although past studies of expatriate adjustment have asked human resource executives their opinions about important antecedents of cross-cultural adjustment (e.g., Tung, 1981, 1988), very few studies have attempted to empirically determine which factors significantly affect cross-cultural adjustment based on data collected from actual expatriate managers. This paper examines the impact of job, personal, and general factors on three facets of cross-cultural adjustment based on data collected from American expatriate managers in Pacific Rim assignments (Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan). The results of the study indicate that different antecedents were related to different facets of cross cultural adjustment. Both research and practical implications of these findings are explored.