cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative proteomics reveals novel interaction partners of Rac1 in pancreatic β-cells: Evidence for increased interaction with Rac1 under hyperglycemic conditions.

Rac1, a small G protein, regulates physiological insulin secretion from the pancreatic β-cell. Interestingly, Rac1 has also been implicated in the onset of metabolic dysfunction of the β-cell under the duress of hyperglycemia (HG). This study is aimed at the identification of interaction partners of Rac1 in β-cells under basal and HG conditions. Using co-immunoprecipitation and UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, we identified 324 Rac1 interaction partners in INS-1832/13 cells, which represent the largest Rac1 interactome to date. Furthermore, we identified 27 interaction partners that exhibited increased association with Rac1 in β-cells exposed to HG. Western blotting (INS-1832/13 cells, rat islets and human islets) and co-immunoprecipitation (INS-1832/13 cells) further validated the identity of these Rac1 interaction partners including regulators of GPCR-G protein-effector coupling in the islet. These data form the basis for future investigations on contributory roles of these Rac1-specific signaling pathways in islet β-cell function in health and diabetes.
Primordial black hole formation in inflationary α -attractor models

The formation of primordial black holes (PBHs) is studied using superconformal inflationary $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ attractors. An inflaton potential is constructed with a plateaulike region, which brings about the onset of an ultra slow-roll region where the required enhancement in the curvature power spectrum takes place. This is accomplished by carefully fine-tuning the parameters in the potential. For the parameter sets, the amount of observable inflation is such that the curvature perturbation ${\mathcal{P}}_{\mathcal{R}}$ peaks at $\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{14}\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{Mpc}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, producing PBHs in the mass window $1{0}^{16}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{g}\ensuremath{\le}M\ensuremath{\le}{10}^{18}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{g}$. The reheating period after inflation is taken into account to determine whether or not PBH formation takes place in such a phase. Finally, the spectrum of second order gravitational waves that can arise due to the curvature perturbation enhancement is calculated.
Personalizing the Intensity of Blood Pressure Control: Modeling the Heterogeneity of Risks and Benefits From SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial).

Background—In SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), patients with hypertension and high cardiovascular risk treated with intensive blood pressure (BP) control (<120 mm Hg) had fewer ...
The role of imaging in early detection of patients at risk for neuropathy during primary chemotherapy for ovarian carcinoma.

e18071Background: Neuropathy is a common adverse event requiring dose reduction or regimen change in patients receiving platinum-taxane chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Our aim was to determine whe...
Nature 4.0: Assisted Evolution, De-extinction, and Ecological Restoration Technologies

Humans have served their needs and interests by modifying plants, animals, and ecosystems for millennia. Technology has expanded, accelerated, and intensified the impact. Experimental efforts are n...
A false injection-resilient scheme to monitor time-variant phenomenon in wireless sensor networks

Being a promising technology which is envisioned to pervade numerous aspects of human life, wireless sensor networks are attracting remarkable attention in research community. The typical wireless sensors are small low-power, resource-constrained devices subject to functional failures which could be due to power loss or even malicious attacks on the devices. As the projected applications for wireless sensor networks range from smart applications such as traffic monitoring to critical military applications such as measuring levels of gas concentration in battle fields, security in sensor networks becomes a prime concern. In sensitive applications, it becomes imperative to continuously monitor the transient state of the system rather than steady state observations and take requisite preventive and corrective actions, if necessary. Also, the network is prone to attack by adversaries who intend to disrupt the functioning of the system by compromising the sensor nodes and injecting false data into the network. So it is important to shield the sensor network from false data injection attacks. Through this work, we prove that in the presence of adversaries, it would be difficult to correctly observe the transient phenomenon if sensors report just their readings. We develop a novel robust statistical framework to monitor correctly the transient phenomenon while limiting the impact of false data injection. In this framework, each sensor does a lightweight computation and reports a statistical digest in addition to the current sensed reading. Through a series of carefully-designed inter-sensor statistical tests on both the readings and digests, we are able to achieve our goal of preserving the transient phenomenon. We show a concrete realization of our statistical framework by developing a secure statistical scheme, called SSTF, to effectively monitor the transient phenomenon while being immune to false data injection attacks. SSTF is a two-tier system and the kernel of SSTF is our statistical framework, which is employed atop an enhanced version of the IHHAS security scheme. We present detailed theoretical analysis and in-depth simulation results to demonstrate the effectiveness of SSTF.
Enhancer polymorphisms at the IKZF1 susceptibility locus for acute lymphoblastic leukemia impact B-cell proliferation and differentiation in both Down syndrome and non-Down syndrome genetic backgrounds

Children with Down syndrome have an approximately 10-fold increased risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia and this risk is influenced by inherited genetic variation. Genome-wide association studies have identified IKZF1 as a strong acute lymphoblastic leukemia susceptibility locus in children both with and without Down syndrome, with association signals reported at rs4132601 in non-Down syndrome and rs58923657 in individuals with Down syndrome (r2 = 0.98 for these two loci). Expression quantitative trait locus analysis in non-Down syndrome lymphoblastoid cell lines has demonstrated an association between the rs4132601 risk allele and decreased IKZF1 mRNA levels. In this study, we provide further mechanistic evidence linking the region encompassing IKZF1-associated polymorphisms to pro-leukemogenic effects in both human lymphoblastoid cell lines and murine hematopoietic stem cells. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of the region encompassing the rs17133807 major allele (r2 with rs58923657 = 0.97) resulted in significant reduction of IKZF1 mRNA levels in lymphoblastoid cell lines, with a greater effect in Down syndrome versus non-Down syndrome cells. Since rs17133807 is highly conserved in mammals, we also evaluated the orthologous murine locus at rs263378223, in hematopoietic stem cells from the Dp16(1)Yey mouse model of Down syndrome as well as non-Down syndrome control mice. Homozygous deletion of the region encompassing rs263378223 resulted in significantly reduced Ikzf1 mRNA, confirming that this polymorphism maps to a strong murine Ikzf1 enhancer, and resulted in increased B-lymphoid colony growth and decreased B-lineage differentiation. Our results suggest that both the region encompassing rs17133807 and its conserved orthologous mouse locus have functional effects that may mediate increased leukemia susceptibility in both the Down syndrome and non-Down syndrome genetic backgrounds.
Using Collaborative, Mixed-Methods Research to Determine Professional Self-care’s Relation to Burnout Among Police Officers at a Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Site

Burnout, an occupational syndrome characterized by feelings of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished personal accomplishment, is highly prevalent among police officers, perhaps as a result of regular and repeated exposure to job-related stressful events. Burnout might be especially problematic for officers working with sexual assault victims, as this sensitive work requires officers to be exposed to trauma while conducting trauma-informed, victim-centered investigations. The current study used interagency, multidisciplinary collaboration and a mixed-method design to examine professional self-care as a mechanism to combat burnout among police officers (n = 331) at a Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) site in the southeastern region of the United States. Professional self-care better predicted each component of burnout than did exposure to job-related trauma, being injured on-duty, number of critical incident types experienced, and years on the force. Specifically, engagement in professional development activities best predicted reduced emotional exhaustion and depersonalization of victims. Officers’ qualitative responses supported quantitative survey data, with 48% requesting an increase in professional self-care opportunities (e.g., more trainings, professional support) offered by their organization. Although the nature of policing often precludes a route to reducing officers’ exposure to job-related stressful events, findings suggest that law enforcement organizations can positively impact officer burnout by enhancing professional self-care and broadly providing critical professional development experiences.
Role of Global Uncertainty: Evidence from COVID-19 Pandemic

This paper investigates the role of global uncertainty, measured as VIX or common stock market volatility across a wide range of countries, on global financial asset prices after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. I estimate a factor-augmented vector autoregression model that consists of multiple financial variables, based on daily frequency, where global uncertainty shocks are identified through recursive restriction. I report three main results. First, the global uncertainty shock has played a key role in the developments in financial asset prices and oil prices, explaining over a third of total variations in the variables. Second, in line with the findings in earlier studies, the uncertainty shocks are in nature global demand shocks; the shocks were associated with significant decline in global stock prices, implied inflation, interest rates, and oil prices. Third, the results further suggest that the negative impact uncertainty shocks induced by the pandemic seem to be two to four times as sizeable as whit is assessed based on data before the outbreak of COVID-19. Finally, the results are robust to alternative identification strategies, alternative data transformation, and alternative measures of financial asset prices.
TH-CD-201-01: Radiation Therapy Databases

Radiation Oncology is a data intensive discipline. Data moves among various systems (imaging, treatment planning, image guidance and delivery) and the development of troubleshooting methods and appropriate QA and QC measures strongly depends on the medical physicists’ understanding of fundamental information technology concepts. This session will cover the concepts involved in networking, data transfer, DICOM and HL7 connectivity, database operations and QA for IT. Databases are at the heart of all modern radiotherapy clinics and are used for planning as well as treatment delivery, and they also drive the observed state of the data at various clients. Querying and reporting from the database is an important skill that medical physicists need to learn. Interactions between clients and databases need to be well understood to ensure that correct, synchronized, and up-to-date information is properly communicated amongst all stakeholders involved in the treatment management process. Entrance into the database via DICOM, HL7 and other proprietary transfer mechanisms must also be tested for accuracy of information storage and presentation. Issues with inter-operability between systems must also be well understood during acceptance testing and commissioning activities. The ongoing efforts of IHE-RO will be explained in the context of the need for increased engagement on the part of medical physicists. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the basic IT infrastructure required to run a radiotherapy department 2. Become familiar with database concepts to improve troubleshooting skills 3. Learn the principles of designing a QA program tailored to one’s specific clinical IT environment. Curan: Funding from AAPM for travel and expenses DICOM and Funding from ASTRO for travel and expenses IHE RO
Chevron and Constitutional Doubt

Federal agencies regularly sail in murky constitutional waters. Established principles of statutory interpretation, however, leave federal courts adrift amid these dangerous shoals. When faced with agency interpretations that raise constitutional doubts, courts are torn. On the one hand, the famous rule of Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. instructs courts to defer to an agency’s reasonable interpretation of its own statute. On the other, cutting against deference, the longstanding canon of constitutional avoidance counsels courts, when possible, to choose a statutory construction avoiding serious constitutional doubts. Although the Supreme Court eventually resolved this dilemma in favor of the avoidance canon, the Court’s rationale remains somewhat of a mystery. Commentators generally tell a story of policy. This Note offers an alternative textualist account rooted in historical practice.
Advanced Reliability Modeling of Fault-Tolerant Computer-Based Systems

Digital fault-tolerant computer-based systems are on the verge of becoming commonplace in military and commercial avionics. These systems hold the promise of increased availability, reliability, and maintainability over conventional analog-based systems through the application of replicated digital computers arranged in fault-tolerant configurations. Three tightly coupled factors of paramount importance, ultimately determining the viability of these systems, are reliability, safety, and profitability. Reliability, the major driver, involves virtually every aspect of design, packaging, and field operations with regard to safety, maintainability, and invariably profit for commercial applications or to national security for military uses.
Solomon and Marcolf

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Jan M. Ziolkowski Year: 2008 Pages: 451 Publisher: Harvard University Press ISBN: 978-0-674-02841-8 (soft cover).
Asymptotic behavior of a class of nondeterministic discrete event systems

This work is a continuation of research on the asymptotic behavior of the nondeterministic discrete event system (DES) with probabilities known. The objective is to predict the long-range performance of the nondeterministic discrete event processes for decision making and control. A class of nondeterministic DESs for which the point probability distributions are known is considered. A hybrid dynamical state-space representation of the nondeterministic DES is established by using minimax algebra to formalize the treatment of time sequences and by using the usual algebra to introduce a Markovian structure that assigns the transition probabilities to events. The asymptotic behavior of the system is investigated, and the results are illustrated by the example of a flexible manufacturing system. >
Numerical calculation of fluid flows at arbitrary mach number

For the numerical solution of time-dependent, multidimensional problems in fluid dynamics, there are various approximation techniques [see, for example, Harlow (1969)], all of which are restricted in their scope of applicability. Some, for example, are useful for high-speed (supersonic or compressible) flows, while others can be applied to low speed (far subsonic or incompressible) flows. Our purpose here is to describe an Implicit Continuous-fluid Eulerlan (ICE) method that is applicable to flows in which all fluid speeds can occur, either simultaneously or at different stages in the evolution of the problem.
Multi-waveband solar irradiance on tree-shaded vertical and horizontal surfaces: cloud-free and partly cloudy skies.

Irradiance measurements of short wave (SW), photosynthetically active (PAR), ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB) solar radiations were made on horizontal and vertical surfaces in the shade of trees under cloud-free and partly cloudy skies. All measurements were referenced to the irradiance of a horizontal surface above the canopy. For horizontal shaded surfaces under cloud-free skies, the values of the ratio (Rh) of below- to above-canopy horizontal irradiance were similar for the UVA and UVB wavebands and for the SW and PAR wavebands. However, Rh for the UV wavebands differed from that for the PAR and SW wavebands. Overall, values of Rh in the shade typically varied as PAR UVA = SW > PAR. In absolute terms, UVB irradiance (Ih) on tree-shaded horizontal surfaces increased relative to a cloud-free sky when a translucent cirroform cloud was in front of the sun, but decreased when the cloud was in a region of sky away from the sun. Translucent cirroform cloud cover also tended to decrease the UVB irradiance (Iv) for a shaded vertical surface (either facing the sun or south) relative to that under cloud-free skies, regardless of where the clouds were in the sky. In all other wavebands the shaded Ih and Iv increased under translucent cirroform cloud cover relative to cloud-free skies, regardless of where the clouds were in the sky.
Statistical data reduction lor manufacturing testing

This paper deals with statistical reduction of the large volume of data that are generated by modern computerized testing in manufacturing environment. Two statistical algorithms have been developed to reduce dynamically, in real time, the amount of manufacturing testing, while maintaining the quality level, thus reducing the volume of data generated. In algorithm 1, homogeneous clusters of tests are formed based on statistical correlation coefficients, and then a subset of tests from each cluster are executed. In algorithm 2, the correlation coefficients arc used to derive statistical prediction equations, which are then used to decide if certain test are to be performed on an item. A method and algorithm for statistically discarding manufacturing test data (associated with an item) is given in algorithm 3. Algorithm 4, deals with computerized stratification and sample selection of manufacturing test data. An method for computerized sampling based on test values, for retaining a subset of the data, is provided in the algorithm 5.
Are arrest statistics a valid measure of illicit drug use? The relationship between criminal justice and public health indicators of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana use

Several alternative indicators are currently available to researchers, policy makers, and practitioners for gauging levels and patterns of illicit drug use within and across communities. Yet there exists little information that allows reliable comparisons across indicators to determine whether they tell essentially the same story about variation in the prevalence of drug use. In particular, it remains unclear how closely arrest statistics, the leading law enforcement indicator of illicit drug use, correspond to other law enforcement indicators, such as urine tests of jail inmates, or to public health measures, such as emergency departments' and medical examiners' reports. In this paper we assess the relationships between alternative law enforcement and public health indicators of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana use for a sample of large U.S. cities. We find pronounced convergence across measurement systems in cocaine and heroin use, but little convergence for marijuana use. In addition to other research an...
The signs and symptoms of schizophrenia

Abstract The reliability with which we can hope to assess schizophrenia is limited because the diagnostic criteria are based on behavioral signs and symptoms that may be multiply determined and subjective. However, many of the crucial behavioral criteria are signs and not symptoms and, as such, are accessible to objective and quantitative measurement. For example, the affective disturbances of schizophrenia are encoded in the patients' pattern of vocal emphasis, or lack of emphasis, and can be measured through study of vocal acoustics. Such approaches permit us to begin to distinguish between affects, moods, and emotions, aspects of feelings that are differentially disturbed in different disorders. Thought disorder and even hallucinations are accessible to objective approaches, the former through psycholinguistics, the latter through study of perceptual mechanisms. In our beginning attempts to utilize these approaches we are impressed with the central role that language disturbance plays in the cardinal signs of schizophrenia: in thought disorders, in vocal auditory hallucinations, and in flat affect.
The Inclusion of Friction in Lattice-Based Cellular Automata Modeling of Granular Flows

Granular flows continue to be a complex problem in nature and industrial sectors where solid particles exhibit solid, liquid, and gaseous behavior, in a manner which is often unpredictable locally or globally. In tribology, they have also been proposed as lubricants because of their liquid-like behavior in sliding contacts and due to their ability to carry loads and accommodate surface velocities. The present work attempts to model a granular Couette flow using a lattice-based cellular automata computational modeling approach. Cellular automata (CA) is a modeling platform for obtaining fast first-order approximations of the properties of many physical systems. The CA framework has the flexibility to employ rule-based mathematics, first-principle physics, or both to rapidly model physical processes, such as granular flows. The model developed in this work incorporates dissipative effects due to friction between particles and between particles and boundaries, in addition to the derivative effects of friction, namely particle spin. This new model also includes a rigorous and physically relevant treatment of boundary–particle interactions. The current work compares this new friction and spin inclusive CA model and the author’s previous frictionless CA model against experimental results for an annular shear cell. The effects of granular collision properties were also examined through parametric studies on particle–particle coefficient of restitution (COR) and coefficient of friction (COF), which is a unique and added capability of the friction inclusive model.
The new SEC materiality guidelines: When are the numbers important enough to matter?

Deciding what information is "material"—important enough to matter‒is critical for those preparing and auditing financial statements. After a long delay, the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued new guidelines on the subject. The authors summarize them and discuss the best ways for readers to implement them. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
LED light source for fluorescence endoscopy using quantum dots

We present an LED light source for use with standard clinical endoscopes to enable visualization of tissues labeled with quantum dots (QDs). QD-assisted endoscopy may improve the outcome of surgical endoscopic procedures by identifying specific tissue types. QDs offer several advantages over current fluorescent stains due to their high target selectivity, long-lasting fluorescence, large excitation and narrow emission bands, and multiplexing capabilities. The prototype presented is compact, modular in design, and was built at low cost making it competitive with commercially available light sources. The device's efficiency is evaluated by measuring light intensity at discreet locations and by successfully illuminating a chicken tissue sample non-specifically labeled with a 250nM or 500nM QD solution. Ultimately, this device serves as a step towards incorporating QDs into real time, image-guided surgical procedures.
MECHANISTIC STUDIES ON THE EXTRACTION OF PALLADIUM )II) WITH 2-HYDHOXY-5-NONYLBENZOPHENONE OXIME (LIX 65N)

ABSTRACT Mechanistic studies including equilibrium and kinetic aspects of palladium extraction from acidic chloride media with 2-hydroxy-5-nonylbenzophenone oxime (LIX 65N) in chloroform solution are reported. The extracted species was established to be PdL, and the extraction equilibrium constant K Tor the reaction: Pd2+2HL(o)2PdL2(o)+2H+ was found to be 10 16.30The homogeneous chemical reaction PdCl3+HLPdCl2-LminusH+ Clminus was established as The rate-determining step of the overall.reaction having a rate constant of 3.74x10 M-1s.
Manganese ore deposits and plate tectonics

IT is now generally accepted that the oceanic crust and overlying pelagic sediments are enriched in several metals, including copper and manganese1–3. The theory of plate tectonics has demonstrated that the oceanic lithosphere is likely to be remobilised or emplaced along convergent continental margins through magmatic or tectonic activity. The plate tectonic model has been used to explain the metallogenesis of copper4–8, and these concepts have been extended to manganese mineralisation along orogenic belts9,10. We demonstrate that plate consumption along subduction zones gives rise to at least three processes which may be associated with production of manganese deposits.
Mesoscopic structure control of spray formed high strength Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys

Abstract Several high solute, high strength 7xxx series aluminum alloys with solute contents close to equilibrium solid solubility limits of the Al–Zn–Mg–Cu system have been produced by rapid solidification using spray deposition (the Osprey process). This process yields massive preforms directly from the liquid state by combining atomization and consolidation into one step. Various elements, including chromium, manganese and silver are incorporated to produce a variety of microstructures and mechanical properties. The zinc to magnesium ratio is also varied to see the effect on the strength. Superior strengths in excess of 849 MPa are achieved and are attributed to two major substructures with different scale; nanometer sized η ′ metastable precipitates and slightly larger, but finely distributed dispersoids which provide a fiber-like reinforcement. The remarkable strengthening is predominantly attributed to precipitation hardening and a large coherency strain.
The sources of material comprising a mass ejection coronal transient

The origin of the material ejected during a white-light coronal transient on August 26 and 27, 1973, is investigated using simultaneous observations of a slowly ascending prominence and the more rapid accompanying coronal transient. Nearly identical simultaneous images of the prominence were obtained over a six-hour period in the H-alpha and He II (304 A) emission lines; contemporaneous Skylab coronograph observations over approximately 1.5 hours showed that the mass-ejection coronal transient rose above the ascending prominence. Based on analysis of these observations, it is concluded that: (1) the bulk of the ejected material originated in the lower corona, despite the lack of an observed depletion there; (2) the material in the transient was at coronal temperature and was visible in polarized radiation due to Thomson scattering of photospheric light by free electrons; and (3) the total event was far larger, more energetic, and longer lasting than would have been inferred from the prominence observations alone.
An ego disturbance model of MBD.

In this paper the MBD syndrome has been interpreted in terms of impairment of ego function. This focus allows for differentiation of MBD from other childhood disorders, and facilitates an understanding in terms of a continuum of severity of impairment in specific ego functions that reflect specific childhood disorders.
LVI. A piezoelectric method of measuring explosion pressures

(1921). LVI. A piezoelectric method of measuring explosion pressures. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 42, No. 250, pp. 473-488.
Ventricular fibrillation: ablation of a trigger?

Ventricular Fibrillation: Ablation of a Trigger? We report the case of a patient with recurrent ventricular fibrillation (VF) and no evidence of structural heart disease. VF was consistently initiated by a relatively early-coupled premature ventricular contraction with identical morphology on each occasion. Treatment with antiarrhythmic agents failed to suppress the arrhythmia. Electrophysiologic testing showed high-frequency potential at the earliest activation site, and radiofrequency ablation resulted in abolition of the ventricular ectopy with no further VF recurrence. Suppression of VF arising from focal triggers in patients with frequent ventricular ectopy and normal heart can be achieved with catheter ablation, but further studies are needed to evaluate the prevalence of such a mechanism.
Insuring the uninsured: will the 2004 election provide an answer?

The author discusses universal health insurance strategies, summarizes and critiques the Bush and Kerry health insurance plans, and explores the use of tax credits to facilitate the purchase of ind...
The Changing Picture of High-grade Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Men Who Have Sex With Men: The Effects of 10 Years of Experience Performing High-resolution Anoscopy

BACKGROUND: Ten years ago, we published findings from anal dysplasia screening in a metropolitan surgical practice where the majority of men who have sex with men had biopsy-proven high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of 10 years of experience in anal dysplasia screening on the prevalence of high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was performed of all anal cytology results of 1189 men who have sex with men screened in a 1-year period, with subsequent highresolution anoscopy and biopsy as necessary. PATIENTS: The patients studied were men who have sex with men. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measure was biopsy-proven high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia. RESULTS: There were 315 (37.2%) biopsy-verified instances of high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia. Regression analysis determined that age, HIV status, infection by high-risk human papillomavirus, and abnormal cytology results were significant predictors of high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia. In a 1-year period, the number of men who have sex with men screened was nearly 7 times greater than in the 2-year period studied 10 years earlier. LIMITATIONS: We did not separately analyze patients who had previously been treated for high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of cytology and infection with high-risk human papillomavirus are the most significant predictors of high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia, underscoring the importance of anal dysplasia screening. Our ability to identify high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia has improved with 10 years of experience performing high-resolution anoscopy.
Cytokine production if circulating lymphocytes from children treated for wheezing in the emergency department (ED)

Abstract Rationale Because asthma exacerbations are associated with an inflammatory response in the lungs, we analyzed intracellular cytokines in circulating lymphocytes from school age children treated for wheezing in our ED to compare the response in CD4 and CD8 T cells during acute symptoms. Methods Circulating lymphocytes were isolated from actively wheezing children, n=10, children with acute rhinitis, n=10, and controls, n=8 (age range of subjects 4-18 years). Co-expression of cell surface markers CD69, CD3, and CD8, along with the production of intracellular IFN-γ and IL-5, was analyzed by flow cytometry. Nasal washes were assayed for cysteinyl leukotrienes. Total serum IgE and blood eosinophil counts were also assessed. Results Mean IFN-γ/IL-5 ratios from activated CD4 (i.e. CD3+/CD8−) lymphocytes were elevated in rhinitics (122.5) and controls (115.7) compared to wheezing patients (34.4) (p Conclusions Decreased production of IFN-γ relative to IL-5 in circulating lymphocytes from actively wheezing children was more pronounced in CD4 lymphocytes than in CD8 cells.
An adjustable fascia lata sling for the correction of blepharoptosis.

Abstract Another method of adjusting the fascia lata sling post-operatively for ptosis is described.
1-Sulfooxymethylpyrene is an electrophilic mutagen and ultimate carcinogen of 1-methyl- and 1-hydroxymethylpyrene.

Abstract 1-Hydroxymethylpyrene and 1-sulfooxymethylpyrene were tested for complete carcinogenic activity by repeated s.c. injection in groups of 12 female Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively. A dose of 0.2 μmol of either 1-sulfooxymethylpyrene or 1-hydroxymethylpyrene was administered every other weekday for 20 doses (i.e., total dose 4 μmol) to each of 12 rats, beginning at 30 days of age. Once a week the rats were weighed then palpated for the appearance of tumors. Tumor-bearing rats were sacrificed 20-50 days after the appearance of first palpable tumor. By 52 weeks, 1-sulfooxymethylpyrene had induced sarcomas at the site of injection in 58% of the rats with an average induction time of 33 weeks. By contrast, 20, 0.2 μmol doses of 1-hydroxymethylpyrene failed to induce tumors at the site of injection in a group of 12 rats. Similarly, neither of the two control groups produced tumors. The present experiment, together with previous data, strongly supports the hypothesis that 1-sulfooxymethylpyrene is either itself an ultimate carcinogen or a direct precursor of an ultimate carcinogen, the highly reactive benzylic carbonium ion, which reacts with DNA to form aralkyl-DNA adducts in a chain of events leading to malignant growth.
Animal models of tendinopathy.

Purpose. The term tendinopathy describes non-ruptured tendon injuries. While several important studies have evaluated the aetiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of this common condition, further study is needed. Several animal models, which allow for full tissue evaluation on different organizational levels and stages of disease, have been used to investigate tendinopathy.Method. A literature review was conducted to identify and evaluate animal models that have been developed and used to study the aetiology and pathology of tendinopathy.Results. Animal models of tendinopathy fit into two general categories based on the mode of injury application: (i) models that induce tendinopathy through a change in the mechanical environment, and (ii) models that induce tendinopathy through a chemical agent. The cost, difficulty, invasiveness, reproducibility and time required to induce injury in these models varies. Mechanically-induced models are beneficial since they induce injury through repetitive mechanical loadi...
Interferometric metrology of conformal domes

Conformal domes, designed with a high aspect ratio for aerodynamic purposes, present design, fabrication, and test difficulties to the optical engineer. Traditional domes have been spherical to facilitate fabrication and testing of the domes and the design of imaging optics.
Observation of a possible surface-charge-density oscillation by the adsorption of an impurity.

Neon field-ion image spots of impurities deposited from a Ta wire source on the Ir(100) surface show a halo-ring structure. Using an atom-probe field-ion microscope, these impurities are tentatively identified as tantalum hydrides. This halo-ring image-spot structure is most probably produced by the perturbation of the electronic charge-density distribution of the substrate around the impurity by its adsorption
Interspecies differences in hepatic Ca2+‐ATPase activity and the effect of cold preservation on porcine liver Ca2+‐ATPase function

The accumulation of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) caused by ischemia-reperfusion during liver transplantation has been implicated as a factor leading to primary graft nonfunction. Plasma membrane (PM) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+)-adenosinetriphosphatases (ATPases) are the primary transporters that maintain [Ca(2+)](i) homeostasis in the liver. We hypothesized that the porcine liver is better than the rat liver as a model for the study of human liver Ca(2+)-ATPase activity. We also hypothesized that cold preservation would depress Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in the porcine liver. Pig and rat livers were harvested, and human liver samples were obtained from surgical resection specimens. All were preserved with University of Wisconsin solution, and porcine livers were also preserved on ice for 2 to 18 hours. Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was measured after incubation with (45)Ca(2+) and adenosine triphosphate in the presence of specific Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors. Porcine PM and ER Ca(2+)-ATPase activities were 0.47 +/- 0.03 and 1.57 +/- 0.10 nmol of Ca(2+)/mg of protein/min, respectively. This was not significantly different from human liver, whereas rat liver was significantly greater at 2.60 +/- 0.03 and 9.2 +/- 0.9 nmol of Ca(2+)/mg of protein/min, respectively. We conclude that the Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in the pig liver is equivalent to that of human liver, and thus, the pig liver is a better model than the rat liver. Cold preservation studies showed a significant decrease in porcine hepatic PM Ca(2+)-ATPase activity after 4 hours of storage and near-total inhibition after 12 hours. Porcine hepatic ER Ca(2+)-ATPase activity showed a 45% decrease in activity by 12 hours and a 69% decrease by 18 hours. We conclude that cold ischemia at clinically relevant times depresses PM Ca(2+)-ATPase more than ER Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in pig liver homogenates.
The relationship between impulsiveness subtraits, trait anxiety, and visual N100 augmenting/reducing: A topographic analysis

Abstract The relationship between impulsiveness subtraits assessed by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-10), the trait anxiety subscale of the State-Trait Personality Inventory (STPI), and the topographic distribution of visual N100 augmenting/reducing (AR) was examined. Topographic event-related potential (ERP) data were collected from an array of 14 electrodes covering the left side of the head while subjects counted the total number of light flashes presented at two different but equiprobable intensities. Principal components analysis of the ERP data yielded a factor accounting for 13.9% of the total variance around the grand mean waveform that corresponded to the N100 wave clearly visible in the raw waveforms. For each subject by scalp locus combination, an AR score was computed by subtracting the factor score associated with the bright flashes from the factor score associated with the dim flashes. The correlations between AR scores and scores on the BIS-10 cognitive impulsiveness subscale were significant (P
The relationship between nickel chloride-induced peroxidation and DNA strand breakage in rat liver.

Abstract Inorganic nickel chloride induces hepatic DNA strand breaks, chromosome aberrations, and lipid peroxidation under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The objective of this research was to determine if a relationship exists between NiCl 2 genotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in vivo . Male Sprague-Dawley rats (210–250 g) were dosed with 0.56 or 0.75 mmol/kg NiCl 2 subcutaneously and euthanized after specific time periods, ranging from 30 min to 24 hr. Livers were perfused and excised for the measurement of nickel content using atomic absorption spectrometry, lipid peroxidation using a thiobarbituric acid assay, and DNA strand breakage using single-stranded DNA extraction and the diaminobenzoic acid assay. The lower dose (0.56 mmol/kg) did not induce lipid peroxidation or strand breakage. The higher dose (0.75 mmol/kg) induced DNA strand breakage at 4 hr and lipid peroxidation at 12 hr in rat liver. Nickel was seen to accumulate in liver nuclei of rats receiving 0.75 mmol/kg. Deferoxamine (1 g/kg, ip, 15 min before the NiCl 2 injection) completely inhibited DNA strand breakage at 4 hr but had no effect on lipid peroxidation. This suggests that lipid peroxidation is not causally related to genetic damage. NiCl 2 -induced DNA strand breakage may be caused by the induction of the Fenton reaction, generating hydroxyl radicals.
Experiments in decentralized robot construction with tool delivery and assembly robots

Our prior work [1] presented a decentralized algorithm for coordinating the construction of truss shaped objects out of multiple components (rods and connectors). In this paper, we consider how to transfer the theory to practice, implementing the algorithm to create a decentralized multi robot construction system. The system is composed of mobile manipulators and smarts parts with an embedded communication device. We discuss the delivery and assembly algorithms that comprise this system and the assumptions behind them. We present data from extensive hardware experiments with 4 robots coordinating an assembly task.
Effects of Phonetic Context on Relative Fundamental Frequency.

Purpose The effect of phonetic context on relative fundamental frequency (RFF) was examined, in order to develop stimuli sets with minimal within-speaker variability that can be implemented in future clinical protocols. Method Sixteen speakers with healthy voices produced RFF stimuli. Uniform utterances consisted of 3 repetitions of the same voiced sonorant-voiceless consonant-voiced sonorant speech sequence; moderately variable sentences contained speech sequences with a single voiceless phoneme (/f/, /s/, /ʃ/, /p/, /t/, or /k/); highly variable sentences were loaded with speech sequences using multiple phonemes. Effects of stimulus type (uniform, moderately variable, and highly variable) and phoneme identity (/f/, /s/, /ʃ/, /p/, /t/, and /k/) on RFF means and standard deviations were determined. Results Stimulus type and the interaction of vocal cycle and stimulus type were significant for RFF means and standard deviations but with small effect sizes. Phoneme identity and the interaction of vocal cycle ...
Supercurrent Survival under a Rosen-Zener Quench of Hard-Core Bosons

We study the survival of supercurrents in a system of impenetrable bosons on a lattice, subject to a quantum quench from its critical superfluid phase to an insulating phase. We show that the evolution of the current when the quench follows a Rosen-Zener profile is exactly solvable. This allows us to analyze a quench of arbitrary rate, from a sudden destruction of the superfluid to a slow opening of a gap. The decay and oscillations of the current are analytically derived and studied numerically along with the momentum distribution after the quench. In the case of small supercurrent boosts nu, we find that the current surviving at long times is proportional to nu^3.
Suppression of the cardiac conditioned response by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: a comparison with other drugs.

Using classical conditioning procedures, the cardiac conditioned response (CCR) was established by pairing one of two tones with the delivery of a peripheral electric shock in Rhesus monkeys. The other tone had no terminal consequence. Such a procedure results in an anticipatory ‘anxiety’ or ‘fear’ response to the impending shock signalled by the reinforced tone. The heart rate before the tone in two of the animals was characterized by tachycardia and by bradycardia in the other animal. The effect of intravenous Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was compared to various doses of diazepam, chlorpromazine, and morphine. The results indicate that THC blocks the CCR in a dose-related manner. The effects of THC were similar to diazepam, an anti-anxiety drug. Chlorpromazine and morphine affected the conditioned response in an unreliable manner, and both drugs would attenuate the response in some cases and potentiate it in other instances.
Glaucophane schists from california and new caledonia

Abstract In California and New Caledonia, metamorphism of eugeosynclinal rocks has produced blueschist facies in limited areas. The outcrop pattern and structure suggest that the shape of the zone of blueschist metamorphism is elongate parallel to major tectonic trends. Juxtaposition of large ultramafic bodies, subparallel to the blueschist belts, indicates a close tectonic relationship between metamorphism and the tectonic emplacement of the ultramafic masses. Initial emplacement of ultramafics along the depressed axis of the eugeosyncline may have produced deformation related to blueschist metamorphism. Mineral assemblages developed in blueschist facies are characterized by having formed under conditions where pressure is predominant over temperature. That pressure is relatively high requires extremely low thermal gradients combined with a rheology that would allow development of tectonic overpressures.
Reactions of H2 with the Nickel Site(s) of the [FeNi] and [FeNiSe] Hydrogenases: What Do the Model Complexes Suggest?

Abstract In recent years, the structure(s) of the active site(s) of the nickel-containing hydrogenases (H2ases) and the mode of H2 activation at the nickel site(s) of these enzymes have been explored in detail. In such pursuit, spectroscopic and kinetic measurements have been performed on several H2ases. Despite all these data, the mechanism(s) of H2 assimilation and H2 evolution by the microorganisms remain rather elusive at the present time. Several groups, including ours, have therefore adopted the modeling approach to elucidate the structure and function of the biological nickel site. This review contains a concise account of the spectroscopic experiments on the enzymes as a background for the subsequent modeling studies. It also provides a comprehensive summary of the modeling work by our group and others. Specific attempts have been made to correlate the spectral and reactivity parameters of good model complexes with those of the H2ases and derive conclusions regarding structural and functional char...
Understanding and applying participant observation in information systems research

We take stock of accepted wisdom regarding the use of participant observation. This research technique is defined and viewed in relation to two spectrums of roles that researchers can take in field studies. Issues associated with covert vs. overt observation are considered and the current prevailing wisdom acknowledged. We outline a fundamental methodology for conducting a participant observation study, and then apply the methodology in presenting a research design for a study in progress. We conclude with identification and discussion of key challenges in participant observation research.
A numerical study of shock wave reflections on low density foam

A continuum mixture theory is used to describe shock wave reflections on low density open-cell polyurethane foam. Numerical simulations are compared to the shock tube experiments of Skews (1991) and detailed wave fields are shown of a shock wave interacting with a layer of foam adjacent to a rigid wall boundary. These comparisons demonstrate that a continuum mixture theory describes well the shock interactions with low density foam.
Role of Renin in Acute Postural Homeostasis

Plasma renin activity has been measured by radioimmunoassay at frequent intervals after passive upright tilting and correlated with pulse and blood pressure in normotensive man. In the normal response to upright posture, renin activity in both peripheral and renal veins increases consistently within a few minutes. The renin rise lags behind the increase in pulse rate and diastolic blood pressure. Renin activity falls to base-line level soon after return to the horizontal position. In the 25% of normal subjects who develop vasovagal syncope after upright tilting, the increase in renin activity is smaller in magnitude and duration than in the normal response. Renin levels fall just before syncope appears and rise sharply after return to the horizontal position. Anephric patients are able to effect adequate postural adjustments even in the absence of renin activity. This study indicates that the renin angiotensin system participates in the acute response to postural change in normal man and that it functions abnormally in vasovagal syncope.
On carbon footprints and growing energy use

On carbon footprints and growing energy use Curtis M. Oldenburg Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory One Cyclotron Road Berkeley, CA 94720 CMOldenburg@lbl.gov, (510) 486-7419