cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of metal and plastic stents for transmural drainage of pancreatic fluid collections: a systematic review.

Background and Aim Metal stents are being used more frequently for transmural endoscopic drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC) despite lack of data. The present systematic review was conducted to compare the rates of treatment success, adverse events and recurrence between patients undergoing metal versus plastic stent placement for endoscopic transmural drainage of PFC. Methods MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to identify all published manuscripts that evaluated metal stents for endoscopic transmural drainage of PFC. All published studies from the same period involving plastic stent placement for PFC drainage that included >50 patients were also identified. Main outcome measures were to compare the rates of treatment success, adverse events and recurrence between the metal and plastic stent cohorts. Results Seventeen studies (881 patients) met inclusion criteria. There was no difference in overall treatment success between patients treated with plastic and metal stents (81% [95% CI, 77–84%] vs 82% [95% CI, 74–88%]) for both pseudocysts (85% [95% CI, 81–89%] vs 83% [95% CI, 74–89%]) and walled-off necrosis (70% [95% CI, 62–76%] vs 78% [95% CI, 50–93%]). Also, there was no difference in the rates of adverse events (16% [95% CI, 14–39%] vs 23% [95% CI, 16–33%]) or recurrence (10% [95% CI, 8–13%] vs 9% [95% CI, 4–19%]) between plastic and metal stents. Conclusions Current evidence does not support routine placement of metal stents for transmural drainage of PFC. Randomized trials are needed to justify the use of metal stents for PFC drainage.
Access control in configurable systems

In a configurable system, operating systems and applications are composed dynamically from executable modules. Since dyneimically downloaded modules may not be entirely trusted, the system must be able to restrict their access rights. Current systems assign permissions to modules based on their executor, provider, and/or name. Since such modules may serve specific purposes in programs (i.e., services or applications), it should be possible to restrict their access rights based on the program for which they are used and the current state of that program. In this paper, we examine the access control infrastructure required to support the composition of systems and applications from modules. Access control infrastructure consists primarily of two functions: access control policy specification and enforcement of that policy. We survey representations for access control policy specification and mechanisms for access control policy enforcement to show the flexibility they provide and their limits. We then show how the Lava Security Architecture is designed to support flexible policy specification and enforcement.
P.L. 99-457

P.L. 99-457, the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986, mandates a family-centered appraoch to the provision of services to infants and young children with handicaps. Social workers are named as providers in this legislation. Each State must develop a comprehensive system of personnel developed which includes the training needs of social workers. This paper examines the results of a survey of the informational and training needs of social workers in Vermond in regard to P.L. 99-457. using the results of the survey, a model family-centered curriculum is proposed, which pairs parents and social work faculty as partners in the implementation of the currciulum.
Fluorescent Protein Applications in Microscopy

The use of fluorescent proteins (FPs) in modern cell biology and microscopy has had an extraordinary impact on our ability to investigate dynamic processes in living cells. FPs are unique in that fluorescence is encoded solely by the primary amino acid sequence of the FP and does not require enzymatic modification or cofactors. This genetically encoded fluorescence enables the expression of FPs in diverse cells and organisms and the detection of that fluorescence in living systems. This chapter focuses on microscopy-based applications of FP detection to monitor protein localization, dynamics, interaction, and the cellular environment.
Predicting and Pricing the Probability of Default

In this paper we study how corporate bond defaults can be predicted using financial ratios and how the estimated default probability relates to the Fama-French factors, HML and SMB. We propose a default forecast model that outperforms existing models in correctly classifying both Default and Non-Default firms. Using the default probabilities generated by our model, we find evidences that support the interpretation of HML as a distress factor. Factor loadings are positively related to the firm default probabilities. HML is negatively correlated with changes in the level of aggregate financial distress.
Scalable testbed for next-generation wireless networking technologies

This paper presents an overview of a new wireless network research testbed being developed by several wireless communications and networking research groups at UCLA. Its primary objective is to provide researchers at every layer of the protocol stack, from physical devices to transport protocols, a testbed to evaluate the impact of their technology on application level performance, using scalable and realistic operational scenarios. To achieve this objective, the testbed will use a collection of physical testbeds integrated with a scalable, multitool simulation framework.
Effect of Salicylhydroxamic Acid on Respiration, Photosynthesis, and Peroxidase Activity in Various Plant Tissues

In this report, we tested the possibility that a soluble peroxidase, which can be easily eluted from soybean leaves and cotyledons, might be responsible for SHAM stimulation in whole tissue
Tourists and refugees: Coinciding Sociocultural Impacts

Abstract The new millennium holds promise of being both the “Century of Tourism” and the “Century of the Refugee.” Never in history have there been so many refugees and tourists crossing international borders. This paper discusses the ironic similarities of both positive and negative impacts of tourism development and refugee relief on developing countries. Parallels in recommendations for both phenomena are also presented. Although not originally intended, the observations made in the paper are drawn from two different fieldwork projects: a study of refugee camp aid with Operation Lifeline Sudan in northern Kenya in 1994 and an investigation of tourism development in Malaysia in 1992.
Plume–plate interaction1

Having discerned competition among vigorous plumes on the 108 year timescale, Tuzo Wilson suggested that plumes control plate behavior and are “the mainsprings of geological history”. Here we revisit that idea by discussing selected examples of plume–plate interaction and find that modern observational, instrumental, computational, and modeling capabilities are revealing a wonderful variety and complexity in plume–plate interaction. The degree to which plumes control plate behavior is poorly constrained. However, the examples we consider suggest complex interactions between plumes and plates that, during the past 70 million years, have led to separate episodes of extreme plate acceleration and near complete cessation of plate motion in the deep mantle reference frame. The recognition of contrasting convective behavior within two newly distinguished “Active Plume Heads”, both reaching to depths of ∼1200 km, one beneath Hawaii and the other between Iceland and Norway, represent new opportunities in studying...
Current Perceptions and Beliefs among Incoming College Students towards Foreign Language Study and Language Requirements.

ABSTRACT: Opinions of foreign language study, as well as attitudes toward specific cultures and languages, influence student motivation and success. The purpose of the present study is to catalogue and report the perceptions and attitudes of recent incoming college students (freshman and transfer students) concerning foreign or second language (L2) study and foreign language requirements in a post-9/11 context. The results offer insights into students' evolving beliefs and concerns, which can be used to inform and subsequently improve the teaching-learning process through the development of timely, meaningful, and responsive language learning environments.
Internal and external differentiations of the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction.

Frog, snake and rat neuromuscular junctions were prepared for electron microscopy by the quick-freeze, deep-etch, rotary replication procedure. The postsynaptic membrane was exposed by treating muscles with 1 mg/ml collagenase to remove the basal lamina. Present on the apices of the postsynaptic folds are regular arrays of 8–9 nm protrusions. These are not seen in the depths of the folds nor elsewhere on the muscle surface, thus they presumably represent the heads of cholinergic receptor molecules. These protrusions tend to be arranged in parallel rows two-abreast. Their high concentration (10 000/μm2) and their orderly arrangement is basically similar to the receptors seen inTorpedo postsynaptic membrane. Their distribution did not appear to change after denervation. Efforts were made to expose possible anchoring structures of these receptors, by treating muscles with 0.1% Saponin immediately before and/or during fixation in 1% formaldehyde, or by homogenizing muscles after brief formaldehyde fixation. This washed most soluble protein out of the cytoplasm and exposed a submembraneous meshwork just beneath the postsynaptic membrane. This meshwork appears to connect the membrane to underlying bundles of intermediate filaments which course through the postsynaptic processes that border each fold. This meshwork is presumably equivalent to the postsynaptic ‘density’ seen in thin sections. Its three-dimensional structure suggests that it could anchor receptor molecules to underlying cytoskeletal elements and thus immobilize receptors in the plane of the postsynaptic membrane.
Acute pancreatitis after percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy: case report and review of the literature

Purpose We describe a case of severe acute pancreatitis after percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) and review the literature for the occurrence of this complication.
Solution Structure of a CUE-Ubiquitin Complex Reveals a Conserved Mode of Ubiquitin Binding

Monoubiquitination serves as a regulatory signal in a variety of cellular processes. Monoubiquitin signals are transmitted by binding to a small but rapidly expanding class of ubiquitin binding motifs. Several of these motifs, including the CUE domain, also promote intramolecular monoubiquitination. The solution structure of a CUE domain of the yeast Cue2 protein in complex with ubiquitin reveals intermolecular interactions involving conserved hydrophobic surfaces, including the Leu8-Ile44-Val70 patch on ubiquitin. The contact surface extends beyond this patch and encompasses Lys48, a site of polyubiquitin chain formation. This suggests an occlusion mechanism for inhibiting polyubiquitin chain formation during monoubiquitin signaling. The CUE domain shares a similar overall architecture with the UBA domain, which also contains a conserved hydrophobic patch. Comparative modeling suggests that the UBA domain interacts analogously with ubiquitin. The structure of the CUE-ubiquitin complex may thus serve as a paradigm for ubiquitin recognition and signaling by ubiquitin binding proteins.
The infecting dose of Chlamydia muridarum modulates the innate immune response and ascending infection.

Murine vaginal infection with the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia muridarum is commonly used as a model for ascending Chlamydia infections of the human female genital tract. Gamma interferon-producing Th1 cells, in concert with other mononuclear infiltrates, primarily mediate antichlamydial immunity. However, many factors modify this response, including the bacterial load. To investigate the manner in which the inoculating dose of C. muridarum modulates a genital infection, we measured innate and adaptive cell numbers, CD4+ lymphocyte cytokine profile, chemokine expression, course of infection, and pathological sequelae in genital tracts of BALB/c mice infected with doses of C. muridarum ranging from 104 to 107 inclusion-forming units. We found that the influx of both innate and adaptive immune cells responded similarly in the lower genital tract (cervical-vaginal tissues) and upper genital tract (oviduct tissues) to increasing inoculating doses. However, cells expressing the innate markers Gr-1 and CD11c were affected to a greater degree by increasing dose than lymphocytes of the adaptive immune response (Th1, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+), resulting in a change in the balance of innate and adaptive cell numbers to favor innate cells at higher infecting doses. Surprisingly, we detected greater numbers of viable chlamydiae in the oviducts at lower inoculating doses, and the number of organisms appeared to directly correlate with hydrosalpinx formation after both primary infection and repeat infection. Taken together, these data suggest that innate immune cells contribute to control of ascending infection.
Single-stage seawater desalination at high temperature and salinity as present in the Middle East using PEC-1000 membrane modules

Abstract Single-stage seawater desalination at high temperature and salinity as present in the Middle East has been examined by using PEC-1000 reverse osmosis (RO) membrane modules. The experiments have been practiced with the adjusted feed-seawater as present in the Middle East. From the long-term field test results, it has been proved that PEC-1000 membrane elements exhibit sufficiently enough performance and durability for the complete single-stage seawater RO (SWRO) in the Middle East and the permeate salinity is low enough for the WHO standard (500 ppm TDS) even at high water recovery rate such as 35–40 %.
Word-stem completion priming for perceptually and conceptually encoded words in patients with Alzheimer's disease

This study examined whether the frequently reported word-stem completion priming deficit of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients could be characterized as either a semantic encoding deficit or a conceptual priming deficit. AD patients and normal elderly control subjects studied words in two conditions: (1) reading visually presented words aloud, which maximizes perceptual encoding of seen words, and (2) generating words aloud from definitions, which maximizes conceptual encoding of words not seen but retrieved on the basis of semantic context. Recognition accuracy was greater for words that were generated at study, and word-stem completion priming was greater for words that were read at study. For the AD patients, recognition accuracy was impaired and word-stem completion priming was intact for words encoded in both conditions. The findings are discussed in terms of discrepant results about word-stem completion priming in AD.
Cryogenic helium gas circulation system for advanced characterization of superconducting cables and other devices

Abstract A versatile cryogenic test bed, based on circulating cryogenic helium gas, has been designed, fabricated, and installed at the Florida State University Center for Advanced Power Systems (FSU-CAPS). The test bed is being used to understand the benefits of integrating the cryogenic systems of multiple superconducting power devices. The helium circulation system operates with four sets of cryocooler and heat exchanger combinations. The maximum operating pressure of the system is 2.1 MPa. The efficacy of helium circulation systems in cooling superconducting power devices is evaluated using a 30-m-long simulated superconducting cable in a flexible cryostat. Experiments were conducted at various mass flow rates and a variety of heat load profiles. A 1-D thermal model was developed to understand the effect of the gas flow parameters on the thermal gradients along the cable. Experimental results are in close agreement with the results from the thermal model.
A possible goethite-iron(III) carbonate solid solution and the determination of CO2 partial pressures in low-temperature geologic systems

Dehydration-decarbonation, isotopic and mass-balance data suggest that a solid solution between goethite and iron (III) carbonate may exist in natural samples. The following reaction is suggested as a possibly suitable representation of equilibrium in such a system: FeOOH + CO2⇌Fe(CO3)OH The mole fractions of this proposed iron(III) carbonate in the goethites studied thus far range from ∼0.00066 to ∼0.013. With such low concentrations it has been assumed, as a first approximation, that the proposed solid solutions can be considered ideal. A tentative calibration of CO2 isobars for the above reaction has been attempted using measured trapped CO2 and isotopic temperature data for a natural goethite from a documented marine environment, as well as information obtained from the literature. The calibration indicates a range of CO2 partial pressures of ∼0.003-0.1 bar for the natural non-marine goethites of this study. This range of PCO2 for the goethites compares to a calculated range of PCO2 of ∼0.00032-0.08 bar in modern groundwaters in limestones. Thus, although the calibration of the proposed goethite-iron(III) carbonate PCO2 indicator is tentative, it appears to be yielding results which are geologically reasonable. Much more work (including long-term laboratory syntheses of goethite under controlled PCO2 conditions) needs to be done to substantiate the solid-solution model proposed here. However, the preliminary ideas and results presented in this paper suggest that the iron oxyhydroxide, goethite, may be a source of quantitative information on CO2 partial pressures in low-temperature geologic systems.
A twin study on sensation seeking, risk taking behavior and marijuana use

The contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the covariation between risk-taking and marijuana use was assessed in adolescent twins. Genetic factors were found to significantly influence some traits (i.e. risk-taking attitude), while familial environmental factors were important for others (i.e. sexual promiscuity). For marijuana use, genetic and environmental factors were equally important; however, the association between risk taking and marijuana use may not be comparable for different behaviors. Results suggest that different etiological factors may underlie various risk taking traits which is relevant to both prevention efforts and attempts to identify genes involved in risk taking and shared genetic influences with substance use.
Characterization of Marek’s disease herpesvirus‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in chickens inoculated with a non‐oncogenic vaccine strain of MDV

Previously we have reported that reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV)-transformed cell lines expressing Marek's disease virus (MDV) genes pp38, meq or gB were lysed by syngeneic MDV-specific splenocytes from major histocompatibility complex (MHC):B9B19 and MHC:B1B21 chickens. In contrast, REV-transformed cell lines expressing the MDV gene ICP4 were only lysed by syngeneic MDV-specific splenocytes from MHC:B21B21 chickens. In this study we report that this syngeneic cell-mediated immune response is induced by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Splenocytes from MDV vaccine strain, SB-1 inoculated MHC:B19B19 and MHC:B21B21 chickens, depleted for CD4+, CD8+, TCR gamma delta +, TCR alpha beta 1+ and/or TCR alpha beta 2+ cells, were used as effector cells in chromium-release assays. Effector cells depleted of CD8+ or TCR alpha beta 1+, but not TCR gamma delta + or TCR alpha beta 2+, markedly reduced the MDV-specific release. Depletion of CD4+ effector cells did not influence the specific release significantly. This is the first report on identification of virus-specific CD8+ CTL in chickens inoculated with a non-oncogenic vaccine strain of MDV.
Concurrent robotic trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAP) herniorrhaphy during robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Background Robotic prostatectomy (RP) is now increasingly performed because it allows for precise dissection of neurovascular structures with better outcomes. It is estimated that 5–12% of candidates for radical prostatectomy have detectable inguinal hernias, and simultaneous mesh hernioplasty is now well supported. A disadvantage of radical prostatectomy is obliteration of the preperitoneal space of Bogros, which can make future totally extraperitoneal (TEP) herniorrhaphy difficult and prone to complication. Methods Four patients underwent RP using the DaVinci system. Six clinically detectable inguinal hernias were repaired. Upon completion of the prostatectomy, the peritoneum overlying the myopectineal orifice of Fruchaud was opened, the orifice was dissected free and the hernia reduced. A 3 × 6 inch polypropylene mesh or 4 × 6 inch polyester mesh was then affixed overlying the orifice with titanium tacks, and the peritoneum was closed over the mesh using a running absorbable suture. Results The mean operating time for the TAP was 24 min. There were no postoperative complications. At a mean follow-up of 34 months, no recurrence was noted. Conclusions With the increasing incidence of RP, we advocate the concurrent repair of any detectable inguinal hernias at the time of prostatectomy. The preperitoneal placement of a polypropylene or polyester mesh secured with a tacking device and a peritoneal closure performed with a running absorbable suture is uniquely suited to the abilities of the robot, and provides a durable repair. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electromagnetic design optimization using mixed-parameter and multiobjective CMA-ES

In this paper, new variations of Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy (CMA-ES) are investigated for optimization of electromagnetic design problems. Two variations of the CMA-ES algorithm are presented: mixed-parameter CMA-ES and multiobjective CMA-ES. Examples and results are provided to evaluate the performance of these algorithms.
Effect of age and gender on the progression of adult vascular dysfunction in a mouse model of fetal programming lacking endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

The objective of this study was to investigate vascular function at different ages in a transgenic murine model of fetal vascular programming using a model of uteroplacental insufficiency induced b...
Populational changes of the enteric protozoans Opalina spp. and Nyctotherus cordiformis during the ontogeny of anuran tadpoles.

. We studied ontogenetic population changes of Opalina and Nyctotherus cordiformis in eight species of tadpoles from 10 sites in east-central Mississippi. Most tadpoles acquired Opalina early in development, while the acquisition of N. cordiformis was variable. Developmental stage, species and collection site explained significant amounts of the variation in Opalina density of tadpoles (F= 11.6; df = 27, 235; P < 0.0001) and metamorphs (F= 7.31; df = 24, 84; P < 0.0001). Relationships between Opalina density and host stage showed either (1) a gradual decrease or (2) a gradual increase throughout host ontogeny. Opalina densities declined during metamorphosis. Density variations of N. cordiformis were explained by host species of tadpoles (F= 9.30; df = 7, 142; P < 0.0001) and by host species and stage of metamorphs (F= 5.85; df = 8, 62; P < 0.0001). The length of larval period, habitat duration and generation time of the protozoans are suggested as major modifiers of the protozoan densities. Hosts with long larval periods show a decreasing population density and hosts with short developmental periods show a pattern of increasing density. Neither pattern was detected in tadpoles from temporary sites. Metamorphic declines in protozoan density, but not necessarily the loss of protozoans, reflect metamorphic alterations of the gut common to all hosts.
Characterization of the suspensions of transportable cranes

Abstract The road loads from mobile cranes have been a source of concern for highway agencies for many years, and this has been reflected in the axle loads that are allowed for such machines. A companion paper (Burkett, G. W., McDonald, J. T., Velinsky, S. A. (2004). Dynamic road load simulation of transportable cranes. Mechanics Based Design of Structures and Machines, to appear) discusses a model used to simulate and evaluate road loads of transportable cranes with various configurations and suspensions. This paper provides the detailed models for the suspension types commonly found on such cranes, and then it uses a quarter-truck model to establish each suspension's characteristics. Filtering characteristics of the suspensions are established through the frequency response of the dynamic tire force with respect to a road velocity input and provide an effective means of qualitative comparison among the suspensions. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the dynamic response of the suspensions to various design...
An efficient semi-analytical current source model for FinFET devices in near/sub-threshold regime considering multiple input switching and stack effect

Nanoscale FinFET devices are emerging as the transistor of choice in 32nm CMOS technologies and beyond. This is due to their more effective channel control, higher ON/OFF current ratios, and lower energy consumption. This paper presents an efficient current source model (CSM) for FinFET devices operating in the near/sub-threshold regime, considering multiple input switching (MIS) and accounting for the effect of internal node voltages of the logic cell. The main problem of the traditional MIS model is that it requires high-dimensional lookup tables. In this paper, we combine non-linear analytical models and low-dimensional CSM lookup tables to simultaneously achieve high modeling accuracy and time/space efficiency. The proposed framework is verified by experimental results on the 32nm Predictive Technology Model for FinFET devices.
Multiple glucocorticoid binding components of intact AtT-20/D-1 mouse pituitary tumor cells.

Abstract Glucocorticoids were found to bind to two components in the AtT-20/D-1 pituitary tumor cell. One component was characterized by slow dissociation of the bound steroid, stringent glucocorticoid specificity and high steroid binding affinity ( K d = 4.64 · 10 −9 M for triamcinolone acetonide). Thus, the characteristics of this component, termed the slowly dissociable component, resembled those of the soluble cytosol receptor. The other component exhibited lower binding affinity ( K d = 1.57 · 10 −7 M for triamcinolone acetonide), less stringent glucocorticoid specificity, and very rapid dissociation of bound, labeled glucocorticoid. Binding to this component, termed the rapidly dissociable component, represented 60% of total steroid binding to intact cells at 4°C. Incubation of intact cells at 25°C caused a progressive increase in steroid binding to the slowly dissociable component with no change in the absolute amount of steroidal binding to the rapidly dissociable component. The high-binding affinity and preference for glucocorticoids shown by both components favor their function as biologically significant mediators of steroid action in this glucocorticoid-responsive cell.
Solar Wind Effects Associated with a Recurrent, High-Latitude Coronal Brightness Enhancement

During the descent of Ulysses following the 2001 solar north pole passage, the SOHO LASCO C2 telescope recorded a particularly strong sequence of recurrent polarization brightness (pB) features at latitudes of around 55°. As Ulysses passed overhead, solar rotation swept the interplanetary extensions of these persistent coronal structures over the spacecraft. Comparison of solar remote sensing and Ulyssesin situ observations through 2002 reveals the solar wind effects of very bright and recurrent K-coronal structures at high solar latitudes and of a steeply inclined heliospheric neutral sheet (HNS). Despite the high level of solar activity, the HNS at high latitude still organizes solar wind stream structure much as it did near the previous solar minimum. The recurrent coronal streamers originate slow solar wind and mark the northern extremity of a very tilted HNS whose passage at Ulysses is accompanied by slow, dense solar wind, enhanced temperature, depressed α abundance, enhanced magnetic fields, and magnetic field directional changes that evolve with spacecraft latitude.
Unmasking materialistic depression as a mental health problem: Its effect on depression and materialism in an African–United States undergraduate sample

Abstract Background Misdiagnosis of African–U.S. persons is argued to be a built-in characteristic of Western-based assessment requiring augmentation with culture-focused input where possible. Regarding depression, materialistic depression is explained as an African-centered African–U.S. culture-focused construct of masked depression. Materialistic depression symptomatology is presented. Materialism orientation is postulated to necessarily be associated with materialistic depression. Method 144 undergraduates, 37 male (25.7%) and 107 female (74.3%), average age of 21 completed the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale, the depression subscale of the Symptom Checklist 90-R, the materialism subscale of the Cultural Misorientation Scale, and the Materialistic Depression Quiz. Results Contrasting high versus lower scoring MDQ groups on both depression scores produced reliable t-tests (p Limitation The sample precluded generalization to clinically depressed and non-college African–U.S. populations. Conclusions Using the Materialistic Depression Quiz, high scorers versus medium and low scorers had greater depression scores on two depression measures and greater materialism scores. Materialistic depression appears a masked form of depression not to be overlooked.
Adenylyl cyclase isoforms in the vestibular periphery of the rat

The expression of adenylyl cyclase (AC) isoforms in the adult rat vestibular periphery was investigated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). AC II, IV and V mRNAs were expressed in both Scarpa's ganglion and vestibular end organs. In addition, in the vestibular end organs, an AC mRNA not previously reported in the rat was identified. The cloned sequence (GenBank accession no. AF184150) represented 95 amino acids with 100% similarity to the human AC VII and 94% to the bovine AC VII. AC VII mRNA also was found in the cerebellum but was undetectable in heart, kidney, liver and Scarpa's ganglion.
Constraint graphs as security filters for privacy assurance in medical transactions

We model transactions as exchange of graphs and propose constraint graphs as transaction filters for attribute-based transformations in clinical settings. An informal representation and working of constraint graphs is presented. A workbench was developed using a real world EMR system to demonstrate the concept. Results of our experiments using constraint graphs are consistent with published benchmark results.
Comparison of aortic and ear cartilage tropoelastins isolated from lathyritic pigs

Tropoelastin was isolated from aortae and auricular cartilage obtained from lathyritic piglets. The two tissue-specific tropoelastins were judged homogeneous by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel filtration on a high-pressure liquid chromatograph. Comparative studies of the tropoelastins were performed. Amino acid analysis revealed that the aortic and cartilage tropoelastins were very similar, if not identical, with the only exception that the cartilage tropoelastin contained more hydroxyproline and less lysine residues, both of which can be attributable to post-translational modifications. Both tropoelastins possess an apparent molecular weight of 70 000 and exhibit similar peptide fragments with limited trypsin cleavage. Antiserum raised to the aortic tropoelastin was used to show immunological identity between the two tissue tropoelastins.
The effect of occipital ablation on visual sensitivity in young and old rats

The effect of occipital ablation on the visual sensitivity to low levels of illumination in young and old rats was studied using a signal detection task. A significant decrease in sensitivity following ablation was found for both age groups, which could be eliminated by increasing the apparent brightness of the visual stimuli. Results are discussed in terms of the role of the occipital cortex in detecting low levels of illumination.
Prostaglandin E2 Promotes Features of Replicative Senescence in Chronically Activated Human CD8+ T Cells

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a pleiotropic immunomodulatory molecule, and its free radical catalyzed isoform, iso-PGE2, are frequently elevated in the context of cancer and chronic infection. Previous studies have documented the effects of PGE2 on the various CD4+ T cell functions, but little is known about its impact on cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes, the immune cells responsible for eliminating virally infected and tumor cells. Here we provide the first demonstration of the dramatic effects of PGE2 on the progression of human CD8+ T cells toward replicative senescence, a terminal dysfunctional state associated multiple pathologies during aging and chronic HIV-1 infection. Our data show that exposure of chronically activated CD8+ T cells to physiological levels of PGE2 and iso-PGE2 promotes accelerated acquisition of markers of senescence, including loss of CD28 expression, increased expression of p16 cell cycle inhibitor, reduced telomerase activity, telomere shortening and diminished production of key cytotoxic and survival cytokines. Moreover, the CD8+ T cells also produced higher levels of reactive oxygen species, suggesting that the resultant oxidative stress may have further enhanced telomere loss. Interestingly, we observed that even chronic activation per se resulted in increased CD8+ T cell production of PGE2, mediated by higher COX-2 activity, thus inducing a negative feedback loop that further inhibits effector function. Collectively, our data suggest that the elevated levels of PGE2 and iso-PGE2, seen in various cancers and HIV-1 infection, may accelerate progression of CD8+ T cells towards replicative senescence in vivo. Inhibition of COX-2 activity may, therefore, provide a strategy to counteract this effect.
Resource utilization and healthcare costs for acute coronary syndrome patients with and without diabetes mellitus.

AbstractObjective:This study compared differences in healthcare costs and resource utilization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).Methods:A retrospective cohort study of a large, US employer-based claims database identified adults hospitalized for ACS between 01/01/2005 and 12/31/2006 and categorized them based on DM status. Resource utilization and costs during the index hospitalization and in the 12-month follow-up period were compared for ACS patients with and without DM using the propensity score stratification bootstrapping method, adjusting for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics.Results:Of 12,502 patients who met selection criteria, 3,040 (24%) had a history of DM and 9,462 (76%) did not. Patients with DM were older, female, and had higher rates of previous cardiovascular and renal diseases. After the propensity score stratification, patients with DM incurred higher index hospitalization costs ($32,577 vs. $29,150, p < 0.01) as wel...
Bovine Hyperkeratosis (X-Disease): A Review

The names "hyperkcratosis" and "X-disease" have been widely used to designate a disease in cattle first described in detail by Olafson (29) in 1947. The condition was first recognized in May, 1941, in New York state and was recorded in 1942 (11). The disease had been reported in 32 states by October, 1948 (42). A cooperative project to study the pathology, cause, and treatment of the disease was initiated in 1949 by 17 agricultural experiment stations, the Bureau of Animal Industry, and the Bureau of Plant Industry, Soils, and Agricultural Engineering, U. S. Department of Agriculture. No accurate figures are available on the extent of the losses caused by the disease. Estimates (23) range from 2 to 4 million dollars annually for the years 1948-1952. It has also been estimated (7) that cattle worth 4 million dollars have died or been slaughtered because of the disease in the southeastern states alone. These estimates are probably conservative. The disease has been reported in Germany by Wagener (44), in Morocco by Martin and tIinterman (25), in Australia by Whittem and Blood (48), and in New Zealand by Haughey and Cooper (I7).
Beyond social capital: the role of entrepreneurs' social competence in their financial success

Abstract Two studies investigated the hypothesis that the higher entrepreneurs' social competence (their ability to interact effectively with others as based on discrete social skills), the greater their financial success. Entrepreneurs working in two different industries (cosmetics and high-tech) completed a questionnaire designed to measure several aspects of their social competence (e.g., accuracy in perceiving others, skill at impression management, persuasiveness). Results indicated that one aspect of social competence (e.g., accuracy in perceiving others) was positively related to financial success for both groups of entrepreneurs. In addition, social adaptability was related to financial success for entrepreneurs in the cosmetics industry, and expressiveness was related to such success for the entrepreneurs in the high-tech industry. The questionnaire employed to assess social competence was cross-validated with a third group of entrepreneurs who completed this measure themselves, and whose social competence was also rated by persons who knew them well. The two sets of ratings agreed closely, thus providing evidence for the validity of this measure. Overall, findings are consistent with the view that a high level of social capital (e.g., a favorable reputation, extensive social network, etc.) assists entrepreneurs in gaining access to persons important for their success. Once such access is attained, however, entrepreneurs' social competence influences the outcomes they experience.
A novel autoregulatory cytokine is required for the regulation of autoaggressive responses

Limiting dilution studies indicate that cells with the potential to lyse autologous target cells exist in the peripheral blood of all normal individuals. In contrast to allocytotoxic cells, autocytolytic cells are down-regulated by a second less frequent cell population. When recombinant interleukin 2 is substituted for crude lymphocyte conditioned medium in these limiting dilution experiments, autocytotoxicity develops normally. Under these conditions, however, the autocytotoxic response is not down-regulated. Mixing crude lymphocyte-conditioned medium together with recombinant interleukin 2 restores the regulation of autocytotoxicity normally seen at high responder cell dose. These findings indicate that a second soluble factor present in the conditioned medium is necessary either for the activation, growth, or differentiation of the regulatory cell population or alternatively, to render the cytotoxic population responsive to the activity of regulatory cells. Gel filtration studies indicate that the molecular weight of this factor is between 60 and 80 kd. This factor appears to be distinct from known immunologically active cytokines. It is conceivable that deficiencies of this cytokine may be relevant to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases or graft-versus-host reactions.
Polar and dispersion force contributions to the total surface free energy of wood

Mathematical models for the polar and dispersion force contribution to the total surface free energy of a solid are reviewed. Experimentally, the geometric-mean and harmonic-mean models are compared for the surface of Douglas-fir wood. Data for both models compare favourably with results from the literature for other man-made and naturally occurring polymeric surfaces. Arguments are offered favoring the use of the harmonic-mean model for characterizing the surface of wood.
Notes of a serf woman by M. E. Vasilieva

(2000). Notes of a serf woman by M. E. Vasilieva. Slavery & Abolition: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 146-158.
On the construction of control charts using linguistic variables

SUMMARY This paper studies two approaches to constructing control charts for linguistic data. Linguistic data can provide more information than the binary classification used in control charts by attributes. A generic approach for constructing attribute control charts using linguistic data is described. Several methods for calculating the values representing sample means, and for determining the centre line and the control limits are presented.
Environmental Threats to College Counseling Strategies in Urban High Schools: Implications for Student Preparation for College Transitions

Preparing high school students to skillfully and successfully navigate the pathway to college is a growing concern among researchers and policymakers. This issue has raised important questions about what urban school districts can do to build capacity among their high schools to guide students and families toward successful college transitions. This analysis examines how district-level policies impacted the capacity of two urban high schools to establish and maintain college counseling strategies that effectively prepare students to manage the transition to college. Drawing upon concepts from institutional theory, the analysis illustrates how pressures from urban policy environments can threaten the viability of a college counseling strategy that has strong positive implications for urban high school students.
The Influence of Technology in Pop Culture on Curriculum and Instruction

(2012). The Influence of Technology in Pop Culture on Curriculum and Instruction. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 83, No. 8, pp. 15-31.
Aerosols as climate regulators: A climate-biosphere linkage?

Abstract Of the particles in the atmosphere, those around a few tenths of a μm in size are noteworthy. Firstly, they are relatively immune to removal and therefore remain suspended for long periods, and secondly, they interact strongly with sunlight. The collective system of sub-μm aerosols, therefore, constitutes an enormously sensitive climate regulating machine. In this regard, it is interesting to note that the present quantity of biologically-produced sulfate aerosol is nearly that needed to opalize the atmosphere. This might suggest that the sulfur aerosol system plays a role in climate.
Simultaneous Measurement of Nineteen Binding Constants of Peptides to Vancomycin Using Affinity Capillary Electrophoresis−Mass Spectrometry§

On-line affinity capillary electrophoresis−electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ACE−MS) was used for the simultaneous measurement of multiple binding constants of an all-d-tetrapeptide library to the model receptor, vancomycin. Determination of Kd values for the 19 peptides of the form Fmoc-DXYA is demonstrated. The data are compared with the results obtained for individual compounds using ACE−UV, and good correlation between the two detection methods is shown. Simultaneous determination of multiple Kd values by ACE−MS is achieved in one set of experiments, whereas only one Kd value can be obtained by ACE−UV during the same time. ACE−MS measures multiple binding constants in solution in a fast and reliable manner using femtomole amounts of samples.
Tissue Elasticity Estimation with Optical Coherence Elastography: Toward Mechanical Characterization of In Vivo Soft Tissue

High-resolution imaging provides a significant means for accurate material modulus estimation and mechanical characterization. Within the realm of in vivo soft tissue characterization, particularly on small biological length scales such as arterial atherosclerotic plaques, optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers a desirable imaging modality with higher spatial resolution and contrast of tissue as compared with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Based on recent advances in OCT imaging and elastography, we present a fully integrated system for tissue elasticity reconstruction, and assess the benefits of OCT on the distribution results of four representative tissue block models. We demonstrate accuracy, with displacement residuals on the order of 10−6 mm (more than 3 orders of magnitude less than average calculated displacements), and high-resolution estimates, with the ability to resolve inclusions of 0.15 mm diameter.
Improved target identification using synthetic infrared images

The performance of infrared (IR) target identification classifiers, trained on randomly selected subsets of target chips taken from larger databases of either synthetic or measured data, is shown to improve rapidly with increasing subset size. This increase continues until the new data no longer provides additional information, or the classifier can not handle the information, at which point classifier performance levels off. It will also be shown that subsets of data selected with advanced knowledge can significantly outperform randomly selected sets, suggesting that classifier training-sets must be carefully selected if optimal performance is desired. Performance will also be shown to be subject to the quality of data used to train the classifier. Thus while increasing training set size generally improves classifier performance, the level to which the classifier performance can be raised will be shown to depend on the similarity between the training data and testing data. In fact, if the training data to be added to a given set of training data is unlike the testing data, performance will often not improve and may possibly diminish. Having too much data can reduce performance as much as having too little. Our results again demonstrate that an infrared (IR) target-identification classifier, trained on synthetic images of targets and tested on measured images, can perform as well as a classifier trained on measured images alone. We also demonstrate that the combination of the measured and the synthetic image databases can be used to train a classifier whose performance exceeds that of classifiers trained on either database alone. Results suggest that it may be possible to select data subsets from image databases that can optimize target classifiers performance for specific locations and operational scenarios.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Child Socialization Goals in East Asian versus Western Nations from 1989 to 2010: Evidence for Social Change in Parenting

SYNOPSISObjective. This study examines East Asian versus Western parents’ valuation of child socialization goals and aims to shed light on the contributions of social change and sociodemographic factors to child socialization. Design. Using global surveys of values in three waves from 1989 to 2010, we examined East Asian and Western parents’ endorsement of 10 socialization goals. Results. Contrary to the widespread individualist-collectivist dichotomy, East Asian parents were more likely than Western parents to prize canonical individualist socialization goals (e.g., independence), and Western parents were relatively higher than East Asian parents in their endorsement of obedience, unselfishness, and tolerance/respect as valued child qualities. Additionally, parents were more likely to endorse individualist socialization and less likely to value collectivist socialization if they were born in later birth cohorts, had higher education and income, and used more information/technology. The findings were simi...