cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding recent climate change.

The Earth's atmosphere has a natural greenhouse effect, without which the global mean surface temperature would be about 33 °C lower and life would not be possible. Human activities have increased atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases in trace amounts. This has enhanced the greenhouse effect, resulting in surface warming. Were it not for the partly offsetting effects of increased aerosol concentrations, the increase in global mean surface temperature over the past 100 years would be larger than observed. Continued surface warming through the 21st century is inevitable and will likely have widespread ecological impacts. The magnitude and rate of warming for the global average will be largely dictated by the strength and direction of climate feedbacks, thermal inertia of the oceans, the rate ofgreenhouse gas emissions, and aerosol concentrations. Because of regional expressions of climate feedbacks, changes in atmospheric circulation, and a suite of other factors, the magnitude and rate of warming and changes in other key climate elements, such as precipitation, will not be uniform across the planet For example, due to loss of its floating sea-ice cover, the Arctic will warm the most.
Contemporary management of pediatric craniofacial injuries.

Abstract Significant advances have been made in the past quarter century relative to the management of pediatric craniofacial trauma. The recognition of salient differences between children and adults is paramount in craniomaxillofacial reconstructive efforts. Proliferation of trends toward open reduction of craniofacial fractures, primary cranial bone grafting, when indicated, and more liberal use of micro- and miniplates, requires careful consideration. Success can be measured only after long-term follow-up over decades. Various anatomic, social, environmental, economic, and cooperative issues come into play in the contemporary management of pediatric craniofacial injuries.
Nuclear Configurations in the Spin-Orbit Coupling Model. I. Empirical Evidence

An extreme one particle model of the nucleus is proposed. The model is based on the succession of energy levels of a single particle in a potential between that of a three-dimensional harmonic oscillator and a square well. (1) Strong spin orbit coupling leading to inverted doublets is assumed. (2) An even number of identical nucleons are assumed to couple to zero angular momentum, and, (3) an odd number to the angular momentum of the single odd particle. (4) A (negative) pairing energy, increasing with the $j$ value of the orbit is assumed. With these four assumptions all but 2 of the 64 known spins of odd nuclei are satisfactorily explained, and all but 1 of the 46 known magnetic moments. The two spin discrepancies are probably due to failure of rule (3). The magnetic moments of the five known odd-odd nuclei are also in agreement with the model. The existence, and region in the periodic table, of nuclear isomerism is correctly predicted.
Proposed Giaever transformer to probe the pseudogap phase of cuprates

We develop a theory of the rectification effect in a double-layer system where both layers are superconductors or one of the layers is a normal metal. The Coulomb interaction is assumed to provide the dominant coupling between the layers. We find that superconducting fluctuations strongly enhance the drag conductivity, with rectification most pronounced when both layers are superconductors. In view of their distinct dependence on temperature near T{sub c} and layer separation, drag measurements based on a Giaever transformer could distinguish whether rectification occurs due to fluctuating pairs or inductively coupled fluctuating vortices.
Comparative inhibition of mammalian amylases by goat antisera to hog pancreatic amylase.

Abstract 1. 1. Antisera to hog pancreatic amylase, having enzyme-inhibiting properties, were produced in goats. 2. 2. More cross-reactions of the goat antisera with various mammalian amylases were noted, compared to previous studies using rabbit antisera, although similarities in enzyme inhibition patterns seemed to follow expected phylogenetic relationships. 3. 3. Enzyme inhibition studies using these antisera showed that the liver amylases of various mammalian species are different from the pancreatic and salivary amylases of these species. 4. 4. Although in previous studies with rabbit antisera to amylase no inhibition of liver amylase had been notes, some inhibition of liver amylase by goat antisera was seen. 5. 5. Differences in the reaction rates of amylase with rabbit antibodies and goat antibodies were noted as were differences in the levels of maximal enzyme inhibition which could be achieved.
Optimization of thermocontrolled tank for hydrogen storage in vehicles

There is growing concern about the environmental pollution caused by vehicular engines and the tendency to replace the dominant liquid hydrocarbon fuels with cleaner alternative energy sources. Hydrogen is a promising alternative to liquid hydrocarbon fuels. It has many advantages when injected directly into the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. However, when using compressed hydrogen gas for automotive applications, large and heavy tanks are required and when used in liquid form, expensive insulating materials and cryogenic pumps are required to create the high pressure. A prototype composite vessel has been developed to supply hydrogen gas at high pressure required for direct injection without compressing gas or using any cryogenic pumps. This vessel, called the thermocontrolled tank has been simulated and then tested to determine the rate of pressure and temperature rise in the tank. The test results indicated that the liquid hydrogen can be brought from atmospheric pressure to the high pressure in a reasonable time period. The composite vessel design has been optimized for use in vehicles. The design problem was formulated as a multi-objective optimization case because of the presence of different conflicting objectives. Weighting factors have been attached to the various objectives and then solved. Conclusions have been drawn from the tests, simulation and optimization results which would allow the most effective storage of hydrogen in thermocontrolled tanks on vehicles equipped with direct gas injection.
Explicit rate multicast congestion control

In this article, we propose a new single-rate end-to-end multicast congestion control scheme called Explicit Rate Multicast Congestion Control (ERMCC) based on a new metric, TRAC (Throughput Rate At Congestion). ERMCC can be implemented only at the source and the receivers of the multicast tree. ERMCC achieves an O(1) memory complexity to maintain state information at source and receivers; requires only simple computations; and does not necessitate measurement of RTTs from all receivers to the source. ERMCC does not suffer from the drop-to-zero problem and is very effective with feedback suppression (achieves 95% suppression). Furthermore, with proper adjustment of its rate adaptation parameters, ERMCC achieves TCP friendliness only on the path to the slowest receiver. Theoretical analysis of the scheme performance is provided, and simulations have shown that ERMCC outperforms PGMCC and TFMCC under most situations. We have also implemented ERMCC over UDP and successfully run it on real testbed systems in Emulab with very good results. In addition to this implementation, we also obtained very good results in large-scale simulation tests of ERMCC.
Rethinking marital status: Partnership history and intergenerational relationships in American families☆

Abstract Demographic analyses have demonstrated that Americans are increasingly likely to experience multiple transitions into and out of marital and nonmarital unions. Despite this, relatively little research to date has examined how this complexity has influenced the relationships between generations within families. Utilizing data from the third wave of the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH), I assess the extent of partnership complexity in the United States and estimate the effect of partnership history on intergenerational relationships. Results suggest that partnership history is a more robust predictor of intergenerational solidarity than discrete marital transitions. Overall, those individuals with a history of multiple marriages and cohabiting unions have consistently lower levels of solidarity relative to those who have one marriage. The results of the study suggest that future research consider the complexity of family members’ marital and nonmarital union histories.
Surgical treatment of patients with cervical myeloradiculopathy and coexistent multiple sclerosis: report of 15 patients with long-term follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN A case series of 15 patients. OBJECTIVE To report a series of patients with coexisting multiple sclerosis (MS) and progressive myeloradiculopathy who were successfully treated with surgical decompression, fusion, and fixation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA MS and cervical myeloradiculopathy share clinical signs, including gait dysfunction, motor weakness, and hyperreflexia. Distinguishing between these 2 entities may be difficult, and in rare cases they may coexist. Controversy exists regarding the use of surgery in patients with MS as a treatment for degenerative cervical spondylotic disease. METHODS This case series was composed of 15 patients (10 female, 5 male, average age 50.1 y) with a confirmed diagnosis of MS, who presented with worsening cervical myeloradiculopathy. Outcome measures included neurologic assessment, subjective reports of pain and paraesthesias, and radiographic fusion rates. The patients had neurologic findings consistent with both diseases, and some had radicular findings associated with degenerative disk disease. All patients had magnetic resonance evidence of cervical spinal cord or nerve root compression from an abnormal disk/osteophyte complex, hypertrophied ligament, or both. The average follow-up was 47 months. RESULTS Thirteen patients showed objective improvement in neurologic function, including increased lower and upper extremity strength. Two patients' symptoms stabilized. Thirteen of 15 patients also had improvement in neck and/or upper extremity pain or paresthesias; 2 patients had continuing upper and lower extremity paresthesias. The patient with bladder incontinence had no improvement of this problem. All patients went on to radiographic fusion. There were no surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS Patients with coexistent MS and cervical myeloradiculopathy may present a diagnostic challenge, and it may be difficult to ascertain the exact disease pathophysiology. However, patients with MS and degenerative cervical spondylotic disease can benefit from surgical decompression. Surgery is an efficacious, low-risk procedure, and should be offered to appropriately selected patients who harbor both the diseases.
Do estroprogestinic hormones protect against chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea in multiple sclerosis?

Do estroprogestinic hormones protect against chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea in multiple sclerosis?
Plasmalemmal H+ extruders in mammalian alveolar macrophages.

The distribution of plasmalemmal V-type H+-pumps (V-ATPase) among mammalian macrophages (mϕ) is uncertain and, hence, the functional significance of mϕ plasmalemmal V-ATPase is unclear. This study investigated the role of V-ATPase in the regulation of intracellular pH (pHi) by resident alveolar mϕ from sheep, pigs, dogs and rabbits. The fluorescent probe 2′,7′-biscarboxyethyl-5,6-carboxyfluorescein was used to monitor baseline pHi and the rate of pHi recovery (dpHi/dt) from intracellular acid-loads (NH4Cl prepulse). Baseline pHi was 7.1–7.2. In sheep, pig and dog studies, 10 μM bafilomycin A1 (a selective V-ATPase inhibitor) caused a rapid fall in baseline pHi (0.15–0.20 units); baseline values were unaffected by 0.1 mM amiloride (a Na+ transport inhibitor). V-ATPase activity (bafilomycin-sensitive component of dpHi/dt) was solely responsible for pHi recovery from intracellular acid-loads at acid-loaded pHi values >6.8–6.9. Na+/H+ exchange (amiloride-sensitive component of dpHi/dt) was detected only at acid-loaded pHi values <6.8. The activity of both H+ extruders increased at lower pHi values, albeit the Na+/H+ exchanger was more pH-sensitive than was V-ATPase. In rabbit studies, 10 μM bafilomycin A1 and 1 mM N-ethylmaleimide (a non-specific H+-pump inhibitor) produced similar falls in baseline mϕ pHi, but had significantly larger effects than did the selective V-ATPase inhibitor concanamycin A (≤15 μM). The findings suggest that plasmalemmal V-ATPase activity plays a major role in pHi regulation by alveolar mϕ of sheep, pigs, dogs and rabbits.
Medical intensive care unit clinician attitudes and perceived barriers towards early mobilization of critically ill patients: a cross-sectional survey study

Early mobilization (EM) of patients on mechanical ventilation (MV) is shown to improve outcomes after critical illness. Little is known regarding clinician knowledge of EM or multi-disciplinary barriers to use of EM in the intensive care unit (ICU). The goal of this study was to assess clinician knowledge regarding EM and identify barriers to its provision. Simultaneous cross-sectional surveys of medical ICU (MICU) nurses (RN)/physical therapists (PT) respondents and physician (MD) respondents in a single MICU at an academic hospital in Seattle, WA in 2010–2011. Responses were indicated on a 5 point Likert scale and reported as proportion of respondents agreeing or disagreeing. Chi-square testing and Fisher’s exact testing was performed to determine whether responses differed by duration of employment or prior EM experience. A total of 120 clinicians responded to the survey (91 MDs (response rate 82% (91/111)), 17 RNs (response rate 22%, (17/78)), and 12 PTs (response rate 86%, (12/14)), overall response rate 86%). Most clinicians indicated knowledge regarding benefits of EM. More attending physicians reported knowledge of EM benefits, but also that risks of EM outweigh the benefits compared to trainees (p = 0.02 and 0.01). Clinicians across disciplines reported near universal agreement to use of EM for patients on MV, while the minority reported agreement to EM for patients on vasoactive agents. The most frequently reported cross-disciplinary barriers to EM were staffing and time. Risk of self-injury and excess work stress were indicated as barriers by RN and PT respondents. MICU clinicians, at our institution, reported knowledge of EM in the ICU. Staffing and clinician time were frequently identified cross-disciplinary barriers. Risk of self-injury and excess work stress were frequently reported RN and PT barriers.
Numerical simulations of incompressible aerodynamic flows using viscous/inviscid interaction procedures

Abstract Steady two-dimensional laminar incompressible flows over airfoils are simulated using a Helmholtz velocity decomposition where the velocity vector is split into a gradient of a potential and a correction representing the rotational components. For most aerodynamic flows, the rotational components of the velocity vanish outside the boundary layer and the wake region. Therefore, the near and far velocity fields can be represented by a potential function and the pressure can be obtained there from Bernoulli’s law. In the viscous flow region, the momentum equations are integrated to calculate the rotational velocity components. Conservation of mass leads to a Poisson’s equation for the potential function, where the right hand side, the forcing function, is given in terms of the divergence of the rotational velocity component. The latter represents a distribution of sources in the viscous layer and results in a displacement effect on the outside potential field. In this formulation, the pressure in the momentum equations does not play an essential role since the conservation of mass is imposed through the augmented potential equation. After the velocity field is obtained, the correct pressure distribution in the viscous flow region is calculated by integrating the normal momentum equation. Numerical results are presented to confirm the validity and the merits of the present formulation. Solving a Poisson’s equation for the potential function, rather than the pressure as in standard methods for solving Navier–Stokes equations, is the main advantage since the calculations of the rotational velocity components are restricted to the viscous flow region only. Standard numerical methods are applicable to the present formulation including multigrid acceleration techniques for the augmented potential equation.
Characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3676 (CRPMt), a Cyclic AMP Receptor Protein-Like DNA Binding Protein

Little is known about cyclic AMP (cAMP) function in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, despite its ability to encode 15 adenylate cyclases and 10 cNMP-binding proteins. M. tuberculosis Rv3676, which we have designated CRP(Mt), is predicted to be a cAMP-dependent transcription factor. In this study, we characterized CRP(Mt)'s interactions with DNA and cAMP, using experimental and computational approaches. We used Gibbs sampling to define a CRP(Mt) DNA motif that resembles the cAMP receptor protein (CRP) binding motif model for Escherichia coli. CRP(Mt) binding sites were identified in a total of 73 promoter regions regulating 114 genes in the M. tuberculosis genome, which are being explored as a regulon. Specific CRP(Mt) binding caused DNA bending, and the substitution of highly conserved nucleotides in the binding site resulted in a complete loss of binding to CRP(Mt). cAMP enhanced CRP(Mt)'s ability to bind DNA and caused allosteric alterations in CRP(Mt) conformation. These results provide the first direct evidence for cAMP binding to a transcription factor in M. tuberculosis, suggesting a role for cAMP signal transduction in M. tuberculosis and implicating CRP(Mt) as a cAMP-responsive global regulator.
Effects of training on the acoustic phonetic representation of synthetic speech.

Purpose Investigate training-related changes in acoustic−phonetic representation of consonants produced by a text-to-speech (TTS) computer speech synthesizer. Method Forty-eight adult listeners wer...
Parallel reporting: the future of support

Academic environments are evolving and require more cross-disciplinary relationships and cross-functional support. Collaborative learning spaces are more difficult to support with isolated single-department employees. As more and more institutions are compelled to do more with less, a niche for IT professionals with varying interests and skills sets could be multi-disciplinary and cross-departmental support. Moving forward, parallel-reporting employees may indeed play a vital role in supporting technology for teaching and learning environments. The parallel-reporting structure is often associated with the "matrix" management structure of the 1970's and 80's (employees with analogous skills from separate groups assembled for work assignments). The matrix model is considered difficult and outdated by most organizations due to the numerous structural and strategic traps. In a parallel-reporting model, there are several requirements from both management and the employee to ensure efficient success. At Carnegie Mellon University, the collaboration of Computing Services and the College of Fine Arts requires a unique support model for technology services and academic technology spaces available to faculty, staff and students. The foundation of this model includes a parallel-reporting staff consultant cross-disciplined in both the arts and technology: a Multimedia Clusters Support Specialist. This position has a dual-reporting relationship with both Computing Services' Clusters Support Services team and the College of Fine Arts Dean's Office.
3/2—Generation of the sporadic simple groups

(1994). 3/2—Generation of the sporadic simple groups. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 675-685.
Conference Report and Review: Current Status of Biomarkers Potentially Associated With Prostate Cancer Outcomes

Purpose: The use of prostate specific antigen screening to diagnose and monitor prostate cancer is associated with well-known shortcomings. A 2-day Prostate Cancer Biomarker Conference was convened to identify promising areas of research and focus efforts on the most critical needs.Materials and Methods: The conference provided a forum for the presentation and discussion of ongoing prostate cancer biomarker research. This meeting also sought to identify a range of critical issues in the development and validation of biomarkers, foster research collaboration between groups representing government, academic and industry initiatives, and coordinate efforts with planned and ongoing clinical trials.Results: Taken collectively the conference presentations offered various new technologies for biomarker discovery and pathological assessment of clinical disease as well as the promise of biomarkers for improving prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment decisions. However, research efforts focused on biomarker valida...
Response to Sex of the Animal Impacts Responses to Angiotensin II, Oxidative Stress Levels, and Nitric Oxide Bioavailability

We appreciate the interest and the thoughtful letter by Brinson and Sullivan1 on our recent article.2 In experiments using a combination of male and female superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)-knockout or transgenic mice, we showed that SOD1 limits renal microvascular remodeling and attenuates arteriole and blood pressure responses to angiotensin (Ang) II via modulation of NO bioavailability. Considering emerging evidence for sex differences in Ang II–induced hypertension, Brinson and Sullivan1 encouraged us to examine potential sex differences. They hypothesized that the inclusion of both sexes in our study may be a confounding factor and that blood pressure and vascular responses to Ang II could have been even more dramatic if only males were included. This is an interesting and important question; however, we were limited by the availability of a suitable …
Qualitative examination of chemically-modified silica surfaces by near-infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy

Abstract Microparticulate silica gel, modified through the chemical bonding of hydrocarbonaceous moieties to the silica surface, was examined in the near infrared spectral region by using photoacoustic spectroscopy. A rapid and simple qualitative assessment of the success of modification procedures that introduce carbocyclic functions on silica gel was accomplished. The extent of coverage on alkyl-modified silica was evaluated by using a comparison of methyl and methylene overtone bands.
Counterculture, Criticisms, and Crisis: Assessing the Effect of the Sixties on Marketing Thought:

To assess the effect of "the Sixties" on the development of marketing thought, a framework is developed that embodies three broad paradigms that existed or were emerging during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Marketing scholars have labeled these the Apologist, the Social Marketer, and the Reconstructionist Paradigms. Through the in-depth presentation of various authors' positions, it is argued that these three perspectives largely capture the essence of academic marketing's response to the Sixties. The Apologists sought to maintain the status quo. The Social Marketers attempted to reconcile the fundamental worth of marketing with the idealistic goals propounded by society, but they largely avoided addressing many of the core ideas and criticisms of the Sixties. This was left to the Reconstructionists, who seemed to challenge the very foundations of the marketing discipline. While the intellectual contributions of the Reconstructionists and the Social Marketers are evident today, primarily in the broadene...
A Thrust-Vectored Submersible for Animal Behavior Research: Design and Proof of Concept

In this paper, we present the design and proof of concept of a streamlined, low-cost, and smooth-hulled underwater vehicle (MASUV-1). MASUV-1 utilizes an ad-hoc designed multi-directional thrust-vectoring system for steering and an entirely enclosed propulsion system, allowing for safe operation in the vicinity of marine mammals. Tests of the vehicle in a still water environment show high maneuverability at speeds comparable with similar torpedo-type class underwater vehicles.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Tissue-specific protein kinase C isoform expression in rat uterine tissue.

OBJECTIVE Activation of the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway plays a key role during the generation of agonist-stimulated phasic myometrial contractions. Protein kinase C (PKC), a component of this signaling pathway, has been previously shown to produce feedback inhibition of agonist-stimulated myometrial contractions. The studies described in this report were performed to survey the tissue-specific expression of several PKC isoforms in the rat uterus. METHODS Uterine tissue was obtained from timed pregnant and normally cycling adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using the Vectastain ABC immunostaining technique and PKC isoform-specific polyclonal antibodies. Western blot studies were performed using myometrial tissue separated into cytosol and membrane fractions by differential centrifugation. RESULTS These studies confirmed significant expression of the PKC-alpha, -beta 2, -delta, -eta, and -zeta isoforms in myometrium from pregnant and estrus rats, whereas only trace or no expression of the PKC-beta 1, -gamma, -epsilon, and -theta isoforms was observed. Expression of the PKC-alpha, -beta 2, and -eta isoforms decreased modestly during the latter days of gestation; in contrast, PKC-delta and -zeta remained stable during this period. The immunohistochemical studies confirmed expression of the PKC-alpha, -beta 2, -delta, -eta, and -zeta isoforms in both circular and longitudinal smooth-muscle layers of the near-term pregnant rat uterus. CONCLUSION In summary, these studies have confirmed significant levels of expression of several isoforms of PKC in estrus and near-term pregnant rat uterine tissue, which was most prominent in the smooth-muscle cells of the myometrium.
REGULATING TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES: RAILROADS AND REFORM, 1883-1930

An increase in the volume of explosives and other hazardous materials transported by rail during the 19th century resulted in a growing number of accidents. In response, the Pennsylvania Railroad developed some of the earliest regulations governing the transport of such materials. In the 20th century, a combination of enforcement difficulties and competitive pressures led the company, working through the American Railway Association (AMA), to press for industry-wide rules and enforcement, resulting in creation of the AMA's Bureau of Explosives. Similar motives impelled carriers to seek federal regulation, which began in 1908. The Interstate Commerce Commission provided the legal authority in this public-private partnership, while the Bureau took the lead in inspecting shipments, encouraging improvements in shipping techniques, and developing rules that formed the basis of all modern regulations of hazardous shipments.
A Systematic SAR Study of C10 Modified Paclitaxel Analogues Using a Combinatorial Approach

A library with 63 paclitaxel analogues modified at the C10 position of paclitaxel has been prepared using parallel solution phase synthesis. Most of the C10 analogues were slightly less active than paclitaxel in the tubulin assembly assay and had reduced potency in the B16 melanoma and MCF-7 cell line cytotoxicity assays. These modifications at C10, however, did not lead to the total loss of activity, indicating that the C10 moiety of paclitaxel may not be directly involved in the drug-microtubule interactions, but could influence its binding affinity to P-glycoprotein. Approximately 50 percentof the analogues demonstrated better activity against the drug resistant cell line MCF7-ADR. However, the increase in activity was 10-fold at most. This result demonstrates that the cytotoxicity against this drug resistant cancer cell line is sensitive to structural changes at the C10 position of paclitaxel. It was also found that the presence of a nitrogen atom in the C10 substituent might play a role in the i nteraction of analogues with microtubules.
Mathematical modeling of ventricular suction induced by a rotary ventricular assist device

Ventricular suction (VS) is an event caused by operating a rotary ventricular assist device (VAD) at a high speed in a patient with low blood volume in the left ventricle (LV). VS occurs when the blood flow out of the ventricle exceeds the flow into the ventricle, causing the ventricle to collapse. Because of this, it is risky to use a VAD on a long-term basis without changing the speed as the demand of a human body changes dramatically over time. As a result, a controller that can automatically adjust pump speed based on a patient's physiological needs with the capability of suction detection and avoidance would be important for developing a rotary VAD for long-term use. Computer modeling of the cardiovascular system has been used extensively for controller design and testing. To test the capability of a VAD controller to respond to VS, a mathematical model that can simulate VS must be integrated with a cardiovascular system model. In this paper, a nonlinear resistance as a function of the LV pressure, the absolute value of the LV pressure derivative, and the pump inlet pressure was identified to model VS. This was done by fitting a curve to data sets from animal experiments with the HeartMate II VAD. The model fit the data well with an average root-mean-squared (RMS) error of 10.93%. The model was validated against 23 different animal data sets with a mean RMS error of 29.98%. An existing suction model was tested with the same validation data sets and yielded a mean RMS error of 67.41%. The newly developed model showed a significant improvement from the existing model. It will be integrated with a cardiovascular model for future development of a suction detector and physiologic controller for a VAD.
NIDRR plans for the future.

For over 5 years now, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) has not had a well-defined, written long-range plan. A new plan is needed to establish a research agenda for NIDRR. This article outlines steps taken in the development of the long-range plan. As well, it describes outcome areas, goals, and objectives underlying the plan's overall focus: empowering persons with disabilities to achieve maximum freedom and independence. Dissemination connects research and empowerment. The use of disseminated knowledge is a key factor in the long-range plan's elements. NIDRR and its grantees employ four basic dissemination strategies: spread, choice, exchange, and implementation. These strategies, with examples of their application, are briefly discussed. The article also defines “participatory research,” a practice in which those who will benefit from the research are deeply involved throughout the process. As well, the article defines participatory research's importance in the lo...
The Men's Eating and Living (MEAL) study: a Cancer and Leukemia Group B pilot trial of dietary intervention for the treatment of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the feasibility of implementing a diet-based intervention in men with prostate cancer. METHODS Seventy-four men aged 50 to 80 years with biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma of the prostate were randomized to receive either telephone-based dietary counseling or standardized, written nutritional information. Telephone dietary counseling targets included increased intakes of vegetables (particularly cruciferous vegetables and tomato products), whole grains, and beans/legumes. Dietary intakes and plasma carotenoid levels were assessed at baseline and at 6 months' follow-up. RESULTS In the intervention arm, mean daily intakes of total vegetables, crucifers, tomato products, and beans/legumes increased by 76%, 143%, 292%, and 95%, respectively, whereas fat intake decreased by 12% (P = 0.02). In the control arm, there were no significant changes in mean intakes of total vegetables, tomato products, crucifers, beans/legumes, or fat. Similarly, in the intervention arm, mean plasma levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and total carotenoids increased by 33%, 36%, 19%, 30%, and 26%, respectively (P <0.05). In the control arm, there were no significant changes in plasma levels of alpha- or beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, or total carotenoids. CONCLUSIONS Telephone-based dietary counseling increases vegetable intake, decreases fat intake, and significantly increases plasma levels of potentially anticarcinogenic carotenoids in men with prostate cancer. These data support the feasibility of implementing clinical trials of dietary intervention in men with prostate cancer.
Role of the leu-3 Cistron in the Regulation of the Synthesis of Isoleucine and Valine Biosynthetic Enzymes of Neurospora

The production by Neurospora of the enzymes of isoleucine and valine synthesis in response to specific end product-derived signals depends upon the presence of an effective leu-3 regulatory product and its effector alpha-isopropylmalate (alpha-IPM). In leu-3(+) strains, threonine deaminase production is repressed as a function of available isoleucine, acetohydroxy acid synthetase as a function of valine, and the isomeroreductase and dihydroxy acid dehydratase as a function of isoleucine and leucine. In the absence of an effective leu-3 regulatory product, alpha-isopropylmalate, or both, the production of isoleucine and valine biosynthetic enzymes is fixed at or near fully repressed levels even under conditions of severe end product limitation. Thus, in addition to its involvement in the regulation of expression of the three structural genes of leucine synthesis, the leu-3 alpha-IPM regulatory product is necessary for full expression of at least four genes specifying the structure of the enzymes of isoleucine and valine synthesis. It is suggested that the leu-3 alpha-IPM regulatory element may facilitate transcription of the genetically dispersed cistrons either by imposing specificity on ribonucleic acid polymerase for structurally similar promoters adjacent to each of the cistrons or by "opening" promoters after interaction with nearly identical stretches of deoxyribonucleic acid near each of the structural genes.
Triptycene‐containing polyetherolefins via acyclic diene metathesis polymerization

Several new triptycene-containing polyetherolefins were synthesized via acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization. The well-established mechanism, high selectivity and specificity, mild reaction conditions, and well-defined endgroups make the ADMET polymerization a good choice for studying systematic variations in polymer structure. Two types of triptycene-based monomer with varying connectivities were used in the synthesis of homopolymers, block copolymers, and random copolymers. In this way, the influence of the triptycene architecture and concentration in the polymer backbone on the thermal behavior of the polymers was studied. Inclusion of increasing amounts of triptycene were found to increase the glass transition temperature, from 44 C in polyoctenamer to 59 C in one of the hydrogenated triptycene homopolymers (H-PT2). Varying the amounts and orientations of triptycene was found to increase the stiffness (H-PT1), toughness (PT11-bPO1) and ductility (PT11-ran-PO3) of the polymer at room temperature. VC 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 1695–1706
Hook of the hamate fracture in athletes

Abstract Hook of the hamate fracture in athletes is discussed. Patient history and physical examination, the mechanisms of injury, and pertinent anatomy is emphasized from a clinical perspective. Recommendations for treatment are made.
Exploring non-conservation of angular momentum in spontaneous parametric down-conversion

We propose an efficient method to measure the total angular momentum of the down-converted beams in the case that the angular momentum is not conserved due to azimuthal asymmetry in spontaneous parametric down-conversion.
Parental leave: policy issues.

Pregnant women and mothers with infants and young children are increasingly visible in the labor market. Their employment rate currently approaches 50 percent. This historical review examines current policies related to pregnancy and parental leaves and concludes that ambiguity and discontinuity characterize American maternity benefits.
The beneficial effect of beta-blockers in patients with cirrhosis, portal hypertension and ascites

Abstract Background Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertensive complications have reduced survival. As such, it has been suggested that nonselective beta-blocker therapy in patients with advanced ascites is harmful. The aim of this study was, therefore, to determine the risk of mortality in patients with cirrhosis and ascites taking nonselective beta-blocker therapy for the prevention of variceal hemorrhage. Materials and Methods This study was a retrospective analysis of 2,419 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension admitted to Parkland Memorial Hospital (a university-affiliated county teaching hospital) from 2003-2010. Patients were subdivided into those with varices only, ascites only and those with both varices and ascites. The primary outcome measure for this study was all-cause in-hospital mortality. Results Overall, 68 of 1,039 (6.5%) patients taking beta-blockers died during their hospitalization, while 223 of 1,380 (16.2%) patients not taking beta-blockers died ( P P = 0.05). Overall, fewer patients taking beta-blockers died compared with those not taking beta-blockers in patients with varices only (6.4% versus 12.1%) and those with ascites with or without varices (6.6% versus 18.1%) ( P Conclusions Mortality was lower in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension taking nonselective beta-blockers than in those not taking beta-blockers. The use of nonselective beta-blockers provided a significant survival benefit in patients with all grades of ascites, including those with severe ascites.
Lysophosphatidylcholine activates mesangial cell PKC and MAP kinase by PLCγ-1 and tyrosine kinase-Ras pathways

Although lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-mediated cellular responses are attributed to the activation of protein kinase C (PKC), relatively little is known about the upstream signaling mechanisms tha...
Electrochemical Properties of Metal-Oxide-Coated Carbon Electrodes Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition

Here we report on the electrochemical properties of carbon electrodes coated with thin layers of Al2O3 and SnO2. These oxide films were deposited using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and range in thickness from 1 to 6 nm. Electrochemical experiments show that the thinnest oxide layers contain defects that penetrate to the underlying carbon electrode. However, oxygenation of the carbon surface prior to ALD increases the surface concentration of nucleation sites for oxide growth and suppresses the defect density. Films of Al2O3 just ∼3–4 nm in thickness are free of pinholes. Slightly thicker coatings of SnO2 are required for equivalent passivation. Both Al2O3 and SnO2 films are stable in both neutral and acidic electrolytes even after repeated voltammetric scanning. The results reported here open up the possibility of studying the effect of oxide supports on electrocatalytic reactions.
Renal hypertrophy is associated with upregulation of TGF-beta 1 gene expression in diabetic BB rat and NOD mouse

Renal hypertrophy is an early feature of diabetes, and it may predispose the kidney to the eventual development of parenchymal dysfunction. Since we have previously demonstrated that short-term cul...
Radioimmunotherapy for lymphoma

After more than a decade of unfulfilled promises, radioimmunotherapy for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been demonstrated to be efficacious in the treatment of refractory disease. It is likely that in the near future, the Food and Drug Administration will approve one or more radioimmunoconjugates for clinical use. However, the optimal use of the agents in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma remains to be defined. The role for these drugs is influenced by the target antigen as well as the radionuclide. In this review, the biologic principles, seminal clinical results, and avenues for future development of RIT are discussed.
Familial clustering of diabetic kidney disease. Evidence for genetic susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy develops in less than half of all patients with diabetes. To study heredity as a possible risk factor for diabetic kidney disease, we examined the concordance rates for diabetic nephropathy in two sets of families in which both probands and siblings had diabetes mellitus. In one set, the probands (n = 11) had no evidence of diabetic nephropathy, with normal creatinine clearance and a urinary albumin excretion rate below 45 mg per day. In the other set, the probands (n = 26) had undergone kidney transplantation because of diabetic nephropathy. Evidence of nephropathy was found in 2 of the 12 diabetic siblings of the probands without nephropathy (17 percent). Of the 29 diabetic siblings of probands with diabetic nephropathy, 24 (83 percent) had evidence of nephropathy (P less than 0.001), including 12 with end-stage renal disease. No significant differences were noted between the sibling groups with respect to the duration of diabetes, blood pressure, glycemic control, or glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Logistic regression analysis found nephropathy in the proband to be the only factor significantly predictive of the renal status of the diabetic sibling. We conclude that diabetic nephropathy occurs in familial clusters. This is consistent with the hypothesis that heredity helps to determine susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy. However, this study cannot rule out the possible influences of environmental factors shared by siblings.
The Application of Clustering Analysis in Customer Segmentation

This paper analyses the K-means algorithm based on partition and the DBSCAN algorithm based on density.Combining advantages with disadvantages of the two algorithms,the improved algorithm DBSK is proposed.Because of the partition of data set,DBSK reduces the requirement of memory;the method of computing variable value is put forward;to the uneven data set,because of adopting different variable values in each local data set,the dependence on global parameters is reduced,so the clustering result is better.At last,the paper expatiates the design and realization of customer segmentation system based on clustering technology.
Solution Processed PEDOT Analogues in Electrochemical Supercapacitors.

We have designed fully soluble ProDOTx-EDOTy copolymers that are electrochemically equivalent to electropolymerized PEDOT without using any surfactants or dispersants. We show that these copolymers can be incorporated as active layers in solution processed thin film supercapacitors to demonstrate capacitance, stability, and voltage similar to the values of those that use electrodeposited PEDOT as the active material with the added advantage of the possibility for large scale, high-throughput processing. These Type I supercapacitors provide exceptional cell voltages (up to 1.6 V), highly symmetrical charge/discharge behavior, promising long-term stability exceeding 50 000 charge/discharge cycles, as well as energy (4–18 Wh/kg) and power densities (0.8–3.3 kW/kg) that are comparable to those of electrochemically synthesized analogues.
Analysis of 3-D Tongue Motion From Tagged and Cine Magnetic Resonance Images

Purpose Measuring tongue deformation and internal muscle motion during speech has been a challenging task because the tongue deforms in 3 dimensions, contains interdigitated muscles, and is largely...
Nutrition knowledge and food practices of high school athletes

The purpose of this study was to analyze the food practices and nutrition knowledge of high school athletes currently participating in interscholastic sports and to evaluate differences in terms of selected sports variables. The data for the study were obtained by a questionnaire administered to a sample of 943 athletes from randomly selected high schools in Connecticut. The stated hypotheses were tested statistically using analysis of variance, t-tests, and Pearson correlation coefficients where appropriate. The results of the study indicated that the female athletes had better knowledge of nutrition but poorer food practices than the male athletes. There were also significant relationships between sport forms, seasons, and nutrition knowledge and food practices. High school athletes perceived their best source of nutrition knowledge to be their parents. Results on the nutrition knowledge component of the instrument showed that out of 48 possible answers, the mean correct was 26.4, while out of a possible score of 5, the mean score for food practices was 2.2. Because a positive relationship existed between the number of sport seasons and nutrition knowledge and food practice scores, sport participation may be a catalyst for learning about nutrition.
Are They Paying Attention? A Model-Based Method to Identify Individuals' Mental States

In a global economy, online meeting participants often have different backgrounds, making it difficult to know their mental and physical states. The Mental Motion State Model, trained by applying the Gaussian mixture model to electroencephalogram data, can indicate degrees of engagement and fatigue levels, providing a feedback channel for self-regulation. In the web extra at https://youtu.be/-lO3jsMUJVU, guest editor Katarzyna Wac interviews author Renate Fruchter, founding director of the Project Based Learning Laboratory at Stanford University.
Abstract 052: Alpha1a-Adrenoceptor Genetic Variant-Triggered Hyperproliferation in Cardiovascular Cells is Mediated by Novel Interacting Protein Spinophilin

Objectives: Alpha1-Adrenergic Receptors (α1ARs), members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, play a major role in regulating cardiovascular (CV) function. Recently, we discovered that naturally occurring human α1aAR-G247R (247R) genetic variant, identified in the 3rd intracellular loop (3iL) of the receptor in highly hypertensive patient, triggers constitutive hyperproliferation in fibroblasts, cardiomyoblasts and smooth muscle cells (SMC). Specific proteins mediating this signaling remain unknown. Spinophilin (SPL) is a ubiquitously expressed protein controlling GPCR signaling by binding its 3rd intracellular loop (3iL). We hypothesize that SPL mediates α1aAR signaling and examined whether SPL directly interacts with α1aAR-WT (WT) and 247R. Methods: Cells were co-transfected with HA-α1ARs and full length Myc-SPL or its fragments to determine SPL domains responsible for binding to α1ARs. Cell lysates were co-immunoprecipitated with HA-tag antibodies. SPL levels were analyzed by Western blotting. SPL knockdown experiments were performed by transiently transfecting cells with SPL or scrambled siRNA, cell proliferation was determined by cell counting. Results: We demonstrate a distinct interaction of SPL with WT and 247R, WT interaction being the strongest. Different domains of SPL differentially interact with WT or 247R. SPL 1-480aa fragment interacts stronger with WT indicating interaction with 3iL, while SPL 480-817 fragment interacts stronger with 247R. Endogenous SPL levels are increased in 247R cells compared to WT or control cells. Inhibition of SPL expression in SMC with siRNA reduces 247R-triggered hyperproliferation to near normal levels and has no effect in WT cells. Conclusions: We identified SPL as a novel interacting protein involved in mediating intracellular signaling of α1aAR and its genetic variant in CV cells. Different domains of SPL differentially bind to WT or 247R indicating that SPL has a distinct role in regulation of their signaling pathways. Our findings also reveal that SPL is critical for 247R-triggered EGFR transactivation pathways. Thus SPL could be considered as a potentially novel target in α1aAR-mediated cardiovascular disorders.