cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dengue: what it is and why there is more.

In 2014, China experienced the worst outbreak of dengue fever in the last decade with over 40,000 dengue cases including six deaths by the end of October. As one of the “neglected” tropical diseases, dengue is affecting substantially increasing number of people and proportion of global population due to factors including globalization, human settlement, and possibly climate change. Here, the authors summarized the most recent data about dengue outbreaks in China and reviewed the global trend of dengue epidemiology. Future directions for dengue surveillance, control and prevention are also introduced.
Germline Variant in HSD3B1 (1245 A > C) and Response to Abiraterone Acetate Plus Prednisone in Men With New-Onset Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Abstract Background The HSD3B1 gene encodes the enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (3βHSD1), which catalyzes adrenal androgen precursors into dihydrotestosterone, the most potent androgen. Recently, the HSD3B1 (1245C) variant was shown to predict shorter duration of response to androgen deprivation therapy with medical or surgical castration in the setting of castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC). The HSD3B1 (1245C) variant also predicts longer duration of response to ketoconazole in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We hypothesized that the HSD3B1 (1245C) variant predicts response to treatment with abiraterone acetate (AA) and can help personalize treatment in men with advanced prostate cancer. Methods Clinical data and samples were from a prospectively maintained prostate cancer registry at the University of Utah. Genotyping was performed. The primary study end point was progression-free survival in first-line AA in men with metastatic CRPC. We performed prespecified multivariate analyses to assess the independent predictive value of HSD3B1 genotype on progression-free survival on AA. Results Seventy-six men with metastatic CRPC treated with first-line AA were included. In multivariate analysis, the HSD3B1 (1245C) variant did not predict response to first-line AA. Conclusion The HSD3B1 (1245C) variant does not predict response to first-line AA in metastatic CRPC. This finding could be due to the ability of AA metabolites to act as both agonist (3-keto-5α-abiraterone) and antagonist (Δ4-abiraterone) on androgen signaling.
How ethics impacts hacktivism: a reflection of events

This paper analyses the ethics of hacktivism by studying the actions of the hacktivist group called anonymous. The paper is intended to discern whether the actions of anonymous are considered ethical. In order to determine the ethics of their activities, this study discusses five major operations induced by anonymous, including ethical implications relating to each. The research indicates that of the five operations, only one operation provided substantial evidence that demonstrates unethical behaviour by the group.
EEG—Evoked-Response Relationships

There has been a tendency to disregard the EEG activity accompanying evoked responses, because the averaging process treats it as undesired “noise.” The important relationships between evoked activity and the EEG in states of impaired consciousness indicate that such disregard is in error (Chapter 5). Furthermore, several writers have noted that the EEG phenomena associated with varying attentiveness in the waking state also may be intimately correlated with event-related potentials (Bergamini and Bergamasco, 1967; Naatanen, 1967; Tecce, 1970).
Molecular Targeting of IL-13Rα2 and EphA2 Receptor in GBM

Finding widely overexpressed proteins specific to glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) was considered unlikely. Contrary to expectations, a number of such factors have been identified to be expressed in a majority of GBM but not in normal brain. These tumor-specific proteins are very attractive targets for novel, specific, rationally designed molecular therapies. Here we discuss the opportunities presented by two such factors, IL-13Rα2 and EphA2 receptor. IL-13Rα2 is a nonsignaling form of interleukin-13 receptor, which, in contrast to its physiological counterpart, is not bound by interleukin-4. IL-13Rα2 is overexpressed in 75% of GBM, and its presence in normal organs is very low or nonexistent, with the exception of the testes. EphA2 receptor belongs to the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases. EphA2 is present in nearly all GBM, is highly overexpressed in 66% of them, is absent in normal brain, and is strongly associated with poor patient survival. Molecularly targeted cytotoxins that contain derivatives of bacterial toxins that specifically and potently kill GBM cells overexpressing either IL-13Rα2 or EphA2 receptor were produced. The first generation of an IL-13-based cytotoxin reached Phase III clinical trial, demonstrated safety of the approach in humans, improved progression-free survival of GBM patients in some centers, but did not modify mean survival of the whole cohort. The first EphA2-targeted cytotoxin has already demonstrated attractive features in recent preclinical examination. The overexpression of either IL-13Rα2 or EphA2 is seen in 95% of GBM, which means that by cotargeting these two receptors almost all patients will be eligible, making the need for pretherapy screening for marker expression unnecessary. The future efforts in exploiting potent cytotoxins for the treatment of GBM should focus on combinatorial targeted therapy that involves either a multivalent approach or combination cocktails of the cytotoxins. In this way, multiple compartments of GBM tumors will be targeted benefiting all the patients.
Biophysics - Cornell University

Profile Author Dianne Dietrich Author’s Institution Cornell University Contact dd388@cornell.edu Researcher(s) Interviewed Withheld Researcher’s Institution Cornell University Date of Creation 2012-03-30 Date of Last Update n/a Version of the Tool 1.0 / modified Version of the Content 1.0 Discipline/Sub-Discipline Biophysics Sources of Information Initial interview conducted on March 9, 2012. Second interview conducted on March 13, 2012. A worksheet completed by the researcher as part of the interviews. Notes URL http://www.datacurationprofiles.org http://hdl.handle.net/1813/29064 Licensing This work is licensed under a Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.
Contribution of KV1.5 Channel to Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Human Arteriolar Dilation and Its Modulation by Coronary Artery Disease.

Rationale:Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) regulates vascular tone in the human microcirculation under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. It dilates arterioles by activating large-conductance...
Objective vs self-report assessment of height, weight and body mass index: Relationships with adiposity, aerobic fitness and physical activity.

Researchers, policymakers and clinicians commonly use height and weight to determine body mass index (BMI) and classify weight status. Self-report measures are widely used but often result in misreported height and weight and, consequentially, underestimation of BMI and-potentially-weight status misclassification. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in objective and self-reported height, weight and BMI values and to find whether discordance is associated with other anthropometric measures, fitness and physical activity. Data were collected from college students through: (a) a pre-consultation online questionnaire where participants self-reported gender, height and weight; (b) an objective fitness assessment that assessed height, weight, body fat percentage, abdominal girth and predicted aerobic fitness; and (c) a post-assessment electronic survey that assessed physical activity. Parametric and non-parametric analyses examined differences between groups. Objective and self-reported height and weight data were collected from 1061 participants, 224 of whom also provided physical activity data. Women significantly under-reported weight (P = .003, η2 = 0.02), and both genders over-reported height (P < .001, η2 ≥ 0.07), resulting in a significant difference between BMIs calculated using the different measures (P < .001, η2 ≥ 0.07) and the weight status misclassification of ~15% of participants. Significant differences were found in anthropometrics, fitness and physical activity based on reporting differences for weight (P ≤ .015) and BMI (P ≤ .015). Students demonstrated a tendency to under-report weight and over-report height, resulting in weight status misclassification. Those who under-reported weight tended to be in poorer health as indicated by lower aerobic fitness and higher abdominal girth and body fat percentage in particular. Further research is required to establish the link between under-reporting weight and over-reporting physical activity.
Deep Learning for Image Processing and Reconstruction to Enhance LED-Based Photoacoustic Imaging

Photoacoustic imaging is a rapidly growing imaging technique which combines the best of optical and ultrasound imaging. For the clinical translation of photoacoustic imaging, a lot of steps are being taken and different parameters are being continuously improved. Improvement in image reconstruction, denoising and improvement of resolution are important especially for photoacoustic images obtained from low energy lasers like pulsed laser diodes and light emitting diodes. Machine learning and artificial intelligence can help in the process significantly. Particularly deep learning based models using convolutional neural networks can aid in the image improvement in a very short duration. In this chapter we will be discussing the basics of neural networks and how they can be used for improving photoacoustic imaging. We will also discuss few examples of deep learning networks put to use for image reconstruction, image denoising, and improving image resolution in photoacoustic imaging. We will also discuss further the possibilities with deep learning in the photoacoustic imaging arena.
A generalization of the Shell Theorem. Electric potential of charged spheres and charged vesicles surrounded by electrolyte

By using the screened Coulomb potential a generalized version of Newton's Shell Theorem is developed and analytical equations are derived to calculate i) the potential of a charged sphere surrounded by electrolyte, ii) the potential of two concentric charged spheres surrounded by electrolyte, and iii) the potential inside the membrane of a charged lipid vesicle surrounded by electrolyte with high ion concentration. By numerical integration the potential of a lipid vesicle is calculated at any electrolyte concentration.
Symmetry properties of natural frequency and mode shape sensitivities in symmetric structures

Abstract When updating a finite element (FE) model to match the measured properties of its corresponding structure, the sensitivities of FE model outputs to parameter changes are of significant interest. These sensitivities form the core of sensitivity-based model updating algorithms, but they are also used for developing reduced parametrizations, such as in subset selection and clustering. In this work, the sensitivities of natural frequencies and mode shapes are studied for structures having at least one plane of reflectional symmetry and distinct natural frequencies. It is first shown that the mode shapes of these structures are either symmetric and anti-symmetric, which is used to prove that natural frequency sensitivities are equal for symmetric parameters. Conversely, mode shape sensitivities are shown to be unequal for symmetric parameters, as measured by cosine distance. These topics are explored with a small numerical example, where it is noted that mode shape sensitivities for symmetric parameters exhibit similar properties to asymmetric parameters.
Sox9EGFP defines biliary epithelial heterogeneity downstream of Yap activity

ABSTRACT Intrahepatic bile ducts are lined by biliary epithelial cells (BECs). However, defining the genetic heterogeneity of BECs remains challenging, and tools for identifying BEC subpopulations are limited. Here, we characterize Sox9EGFP transgene expression in the liver and demonstrate that GFP expression levels are associated with distinct cell types. BECs express “low” or “high” levels of GFP, while periportal hepatocytes express “sublow” GFP. Sox9EGFP distribution varies by duct size, with GFPhigh BECs found at greater numbers in smaller ducts. RNA-seq reveals distinct gene expression signatures for Sox9EGFP populations and enrichment of Notch and Yap signaling in GFPlow and GFPhigh BECs. All GFP+ populations are capable of forming organoids, but demonstrate interpopulation differences in organoid survival and size, dependent on media conditions. Organoids derived from Sox9EGFP populations also demonstrate differential activation of HNF4A protein in hepatocyte media conditions, suggesting variable potency in BEC subpopulations. We find that Yap signaling is required to maintain Sox9 expression in biliary organoids, and that bile acids are insufficient to induce Yap activity or Sox9 in vivo and in vitro. Our data demonstrate that Sox9EGFP levels provide a readout of Yap activity and delineate BEC heterogeneity, providing a tool for assaying subpopulation-specific cellular function in the liver.
Ecologically Sound and Practical Applications for Sustainable Agriculture

Rampant soil erosion of as much as 20 tons per acre per year doesn’t merely affect farmers. The nitrogen and phosphorus contained in the soil affect aquatic life and marine ecosystems, creating the dead zones and cultural eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems. Losing topsoil is like losing time—one cannot get it back. Many fear the depletion in topsoil will eventually affect food availability. The authors examine how no-till farming, crossbreeding and domestication of perennial plants, and a purposeful shift toward sustainable intensification and polyculture farming will positively impact future generations. Author Anna Christine Taylor also includes her interviews with professionals who practice sustainable farming or sustainable living. As a millennial, she presents her hope that a focus on communication, education, and economic viability will pave the way for the sustainable future.
Trends in germline genetic testing and results into survivorship for women diagnosed with breast cancer or ovarian cancer, 2013 to 2017.

273Background: Genetic testing is increasingly central to breast and ovarian cancer prevention and treatment. Yet, little is known about trends and disparities in receipt of testing and test result...
Using Execution Profiles to Identify Process Behavior Classes

A computer process can exhibit various behaviors (general notion of operations) during its lifetime. Interacting with files, performing computational tasks, and network interactions are example process behaviors. Identifying the current behavior of computer processes can be used to improve resource management and policy enforcement. Inspecting the application instructions (static analysis) can be done to provide a notion of what an application can potentially do; however, certain behaviors may only be exhibited during the actual execution and is dependent on the intended application.This paper investigates a novel dynamic analysis approach that uses execution profiles to identify process behavior. An execution profile is a compact frequency representation of the executed machine instructions associated with an application. For this preliminary work, execution profiles are used in combination with Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs) to determine if different processes (associated with different applications) cluster together into behavior groups. Experimental results using execution profiles with six different Linux utilities indicate processes cluster based on behavior, unlike static-based analysis.
Predictive Performance Comparison of Computed Linear and Quadratic Multivariate Models for In-Situ UV Fiber Optics Tablet Dissolution Testing

A present investigation aimed for multivariate modeling as a solution to resolve inaccuracy in dissolution testing experienced in the use of in-situ UV fiber optics dissolution systems (FODS) due to signal saturation problems. This problem is specifically encountered with high absorbance of moderate to high dose formulations. A high absorbance not only impede a real-time assessment but can also result in inaccurate dissolution profiles. Full spectra (F) and low absorbance regions (L) were employed to develop linear and quadratic (Q) partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) models. The conventional dissolution of atenolol, ibuprofen, and metformin HCl immediate-release (IR) tablets followed by HPLC analysis was used as a reference method to gauge multivariate models' performance in the 'built-in' Opt-Diss model. The linear multivariate modeling outputs resulted in accurate dissolution profiles, despite the potentially high UV signal saturation at later time points. Conversely, the 'built-in' Opt-Diss model and multivariate quadratic models failed to predict dissolution profiles accurately. The current studies show a good agreement in the predictions across both low absorbance region and full spectra, demonstrating the multivariate models' robust predictability. Overall, linear PLS and PCR models showed statistically similar results, which demonstrated their applicative flexibility for using FODS despite signal saturation and provides a unique alternative to traditional and labor-intensive UV or HPLC dissolution testing.
Thromboxane A2 receptors contribute to the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in male rats with heart failure.

Mechanical and metabolic signals associated with skeletal muscle contraction stimulate the sensory endings of thin fiber muscle afferents and produce reflex increases in sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure during exercise (i.e., the exercise pressor reflex; EPR). The EPR is exaggerated in patients and animals with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HF-rEF) and its activation contributes to reduced exercise capacity within this patient population. Accumulating evidence suggests that the exaggerated EPR in HF-rEF is partially attributable to a sensitization of mechanically activated channels produced by thromboxane A2 receptors (TxA2 -Rs) on those sensory endings; however, this has not been investigated. Accordingly, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the role played by TxA2 -Rs on the sensory endings of thin fiber muscle afferents in the exaggerated EPR in rats with HF-rEF induced by coronary artery ligation. In decerebrate, unanesthetized rats, we found that injection of the TxA2 -R antagonist daltroban (80 μg) into the arterial supply of the hindlimb reduced the pressor response to 30 s of electrically induced 1 Hz dynamic hindlimb muscle contraction in HF-rEF (n = 8, peak ∆MAP pre: 22 ± 3; post: 14 ± 2 mmHg; p = 0.01) but not sham (n = 10, peak ∆MAP pre: 13 ± 3; post: 11 ± 2 mmHg; p = 0.68) rats. In a separate group of HF-rEF rats (n = 4), we found that the systemic (intravenous) injection of daltroban had no effect on the EPR (peak ΔMAP pre: 26 ± 7; post: 25 ± 7 mmHg; p = 0.50). Our data suggest that TxA2 -Rs on thin fiber muscle afferents contribute to the exaggerated EPR evoked in response to dynamic muscle contraction in HF-rEF.
Supply Chain Transparency Using Blockchain: Benefits, Challenges, and Examples

This chapter studies the emergence of blockchain technology as an effective tool for providing transparency in supply chains. We first discuss how supply chain applications of this technology differ from cryptocurrency networks, and identify why this technology is useful in supply chains. We then classify its applications into three types: improvement of process efficiency, supply chain optimization, and creation of new and innovative use cases. These three types of applications are differentiated by their ease of implementation and scope of benefits. For each type of application, we select recent successful examples and use both interviews with the companies and secondary publications to examine the value generation potential.
An Implementation of the Pathway Analysis Through Habitat (PATH) Algorithm Using NetLogo

Habitat connectivity plays a central role in wildlife population viability by increasing the available population size, maintaining gene flow among diverse metapopulations, and facilitating regular migration, dispersal, and recolonization. This chapter documents an agent-based simulation model that can improve our understanding of species migration routes between habitat patches. It is based on the Pathway Analysis Through Habitat (PATH) algorithm, first developed for use on a supercomputer by Hargrove, Hoffman, and Efroymson (2004). Using NetLogo (http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/), the authors of this chapter created a simplified implementation of PATH that operates on a standard desktop computer. PATH identifies and highlights areas in a landscape that contribute to the natural connections among populations; identifies the metapopulation structure; and indicates the relative strength of connections holding a metapopulation together. A major benefit of this NetLogo implementation of PATH is that it does not require a supercomputer to operate. The model encapsulates essential species migration activities and costs into the bare fundamentals—a binary habitat indicator, a movement parameter, a randomness parameter, an energy-accounting function, and a mortality probability. Simulation results can provide valuable insights to support decisions that promote habitat connectivity for purposes of improved wildlife management.
Projection, consistency, and George Boole

Although best known for his work in symbolic logic, George Boole made seminal contributions in the logic of probabilities. He solved the probabilistic inference problem with a projection method, leading to the insight that inference (as well as optimization) is essentially a projection problem. This unifying perspective has applications in constraint programming, because consistency maintenance is likewise a form of inference that can be conceived as projection. Viewing consistency in this light suggests a concept of J-consistency, which is achieved by projection onto a subset J of variables. We show how this projection problem can be solved for the satisfiability problem by logic-based Benders decomposition. We also solve it for among, sequence, regular, and all-different constraints. Maintaining J-consistency for global constraints can be more effective than maintaining traditional domain and bounds consistency when propagating through a richer structure than a domain store, such as a relaxed decision diagram. This paper is written in recognition of Boole's 200th birthday.
A linear static Kalman filter application for the accommodation of unscheduled flows

This work describes the design and application of a linear static Kalman filter based on a Gauss-Markov (GM) process for estimating minor loop flows in wide area systems. The minor loop flows assumed to circulate in the system are estimated from the measurements of the active power flowing in transmission circuits. Typically, the measurements may be noise contaminated; using the noisy data may reduce reliability in estimation. Since, the estimates of the minor loop flows are employed in the monetary accommodation of unscheduled flows (USFs) among GENCOs, the estimates are required to be noise free. A linear discrete Kalman filter, used statically, can be employed for this purpose. A Gauss-Markov process is shown to satisfactorily model the minor loop flows.
Spectroscopic data for steroids subjected to Zak color reaction.

Spectral data in the range 320 to 700 mµ of the reaction products of 18 steroids subjected to the Zak color reaction were determined for possible use in identification and qualitative and quantitative determination. High extinction coefficients with characteristic peaks were found for a number of groupings.
Multinuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) is a technique for producing spatially resolved maps or images of different chemicals that are found in the body or tissue. These chemicals may be naturally inherent or may be introduced by injection, but they must be detectable by the magnetic resonance (MR) process (i.e. they must have nuclei that have a magnetic moment, and are mobile enough to give a free-induction decay (FID)). The MRSI technique is based on many of the same principles that are used for conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and also uses much of the same equipment as MRI. This chapter focuses on multinuclear applications of MRSI such as phosphorus-31, carbon-13, fluorine-19, sodium-23, xenon-129, helium-3, and boron-11. The MRSI method is an important technique for noninvasive measurement of biochemical and physiological changes in health and disease.
Cloning, Sequencing and Expression of an Isoform of Cardiac C-Protein from the Mexican Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Abstract C-protein, a myosin binding protein, is thought to regulate and stabilize thick filaments during assembly of sarcomeric A-bands. Multiple isoforms of C-protein have been characterized in avian and mammalian systems. We now report the isolation and the nucleic acid sequence of a partial C-protein cDNA clone from an axolotl heart cDNA expression library in lambda gt11. The clone was isolated by screening the library with a heterologous monoclonal anti-C-protein antibody (MF1). Sequence comparison revealed that CPROAxocard1 has an average sequence identity of 62-68% at the nucleic acid and 72-78% at the amino acid levels respectively to human and chicken sequences. We could not detect any significant differences at the levels of expression of the cardiac isoform of C-protein (CPROAxocard1) in normal and non-beating heart tissues of the double-recessive cardiac lethal mutant (c/c) axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum . This is the first report of a C-protein sequence from an amphibian species.
Landscape planning: its contributions to the evolution of the profession of landscape architecture

Abstract Landscape planning, a subdiscipline of the field of landscape architecture, has helped define the profession over the past twenty five years. Landscape planning endorses the tenets of the Natural Environmental Policy Act [NEPA, 1969. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Public Law No. 91-190 91st Congress, second session (NEPA) pp. 1–5] and thereby promotes landscape architects and landscape planners as major players in changing landscapes. Changing landscapes is focused on developing valid designs that promote ecological integrity. Aesthetic form resulting from these changes is also a concern but must respect ecological function and structure first. Landscape planning will take on an even greater role in the future by; redefining the profession; by contributing to the knowledge base of good design decisions, and creating new advances in planning and design theory.
Empirical restricted bayes estimation in a muitivariate discrete exponential family

Empirical approximates of rules Bayes in restricted classes of rules are shown to exist for a wide variety of muitivariateweighted squared error loss estimation problems for a family of discrete muitivariate distributions including as useful special cases the multinomial distributions and products of the univariate discrete exponential families common in empirical Bayes work. Rates of convergence to optimality are considered and results pro-vided which can establish convergence of 0(n -1). In addition, two limited Monte Carlo studies are reported.
Lidar-inversion technique for monitoring and mapping localized aerosol plumes and thin clouds

A new lidar-inversion technique is presented for the determination of the extinction-coefficient profile within a spatially restricted zone of atmospheric aerosol inhomogeneity such as a plume, thin cloud, etc. The return lidar signal is measured through the aerosol plume under investigation and also in a direction close to but outside the plume. By using the ratio of these signals, the constituent produced by the aerosol plume is separated from the aerosol background constituent. An iterative lidar- inversion technique is applied to the ratio of these signals rather than to the original signal. This technique is shown to be relatively insensitive to the assumed value of parameters used for the extinction-profile retrieval, and yields an acceptable measurement results even when the accuracy of the assumed parameters is poor.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Momentum Spectrum of Hadronic Secondaries in the Multiperipheral Model

Motivated by a simplified multiperipheral model, we formulate a general qualitative description of the momentum spectrum of secondaries, resulting from a collision of two hadrons at high energies. Arguing from two fundamental multiperipheral concepts, (a) that transverse momenta are limited and (b) that distant particles on the multiperipheral chain are uncorrelated, we predict that at sufficiently high incident energies, the momentum spectrum of particle $X$ in the reaction $a+b\ensuremath{\rightarrow}X$+anything, when presented in the variables ${p}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$ and $y=invsin[\frac{{p}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}}{{({{p}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}}^{2}+{m}_{{X}^{2}})}^{\frac{1}{2}}}]$, develops a central plateau in the $y$ dependence, which elongates and flattens to a value that is normalized by the total cross section as the incident energy increases. Moreover, it is shown that the resultant particle density distribution is consistent with the hypothesis of limiting fragmentation. We contrast this description with the predictions of the two-fireball model, the isobar-pionization model, and the statistical thermodynamical model.
Evaluating Material Performance Between High-Current Contacts

A high-current test fixture (HiCTF) was developed to examine material response to repulsive forces generated between electrically conducting material pairs during short pulses of high current, similar to conditions experienced in Electromagnetic Launch applications. Based upon Holm's contact theory with additional preload and pressure distribution parameters, this test fixture was designed to use a loading press to apply preload to the test specimens while conducting current through the specimen contact interface. The fixture uses an aligned mechanical loading device to provide a preload across the contact interface of the specimen. The HiCTF will allow for investigation of contact response sensitivity as a function of its degradation, impact of geometry variation, surface conditions, material pairing, preload, and contact integrity. Statistically based experimental designs have been constructed and analysis methodologies developed that incorporate likelihood ratio analysis and the Neyer method. The Neyer D-optimal design method, used in sensitivity testing of explosives, shows promise as an appropriate test method for HiCTF results and will be used to provide sufficient information for comparisons and developmental thresholds. Results from HiCTF testing provide insight into the electrical contact phenomenon and high-current material response. This paper provides an overview of the HiCTF, its motivation, analysis methodology, results, observations, and lessons learned.
Maintenance of microsomal cytochromes b5 and P-450 in primary cultures of parenchymal liver cells on collagen membranes

Abstract In previous reports from various laboratories, the levels of the microsomal cytochromes b5 and P-450 in hepatocytes in primary culture have been found to be very low and difficult to measure. The studies reported in this paper demonstrate that cytochromes b5 and P-450 in hepatocytes cultured on floating collagen membranes for periods of at least 10 days are maintained at levels readily measured by conventional techniques and comparable to those of liver in vivo . Addition of high levels of hydrocortisone (10−4M) to the culture medium for periods up to 10 days resulted in further increases in the levels of these cytochromes. Cells cultured in the presence of hydrocortisone exhibited the appearance of cytochrome P-448, in contrast to the cells cultured in the absence of hydrocortisone, where cytochrome P-450 was maintained.
The relationships between short-term exposure to particulate matter and mortality in Korea: Impact of particulate matter exposure metrics for sub-daily exposures

Most studies of short-term particulate matter (PM) exposure use 24 h averages. However, other pollutants have stronger effects in shorter timeframes, which has influenced policy (e.g., ozone 8 h maximum). The selection of appropriate exposure timeframes is important for effective regulation. The US EPA identified health effects for sub-daily PM exposures as a critical research need. Unlike most areas, Seoul, Korea has hourly measurements of PM10, although not PM2.5. We investigated PM10 and mortality (total, cardiovascular, respiratory) in Seoul (1999–2009) considering sub-daily exposures: 24 h, daytime (7 am–8 pm), morning (7–10 am), nighttime (8 pm–7 am), and 1 h daily maximum. We applied Poisson generalized linear modeling adjusting for temporal trends and meteorology. All PM10 metrics were significantly associated with total mortality. Compared to other exposure timeframes, morning exposure had the most certain effect on total mortality (based on statistical significance). Increases of 10 μg m−3 in 24 h, daytime, morning, nighttime, and 1 h maximum PM10 were associated with 0.15% (95% confidence interval 0.02–0.28%), 0.14% (0.01–0.27%), 0.10% (0.03–0.18%), 0.12% (0.03–0.22%), and 0.10% (0.00–0.21%) increases in total mortality, respectively. PM10 was significantly associated with cardiovascular mortality for 24 h, morning, and nighttime exposures. We did not identify significant associations with respiratory mortality. The results support use of a 24 h averaging time as an appropriate metric for health studies and regulation, particularly for PM10 and mortality.
Early Development of Castrate Resistance Varies with Different Dosing Regimens of Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone Agonist in Primary Hormonal Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Objectives Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist therapy is one of the mainstays of prostate cancer treatment. Three dosing regimens currently exist: calendar-based, intermittent, and a testosterone (T)-based (T-based) regimen. We investigated the differences in development of early castrate resistance rates between these different regimens. Methods We evaluated 1617 patients with prostate cancer who received LHRH-agonist monotherapy in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Cancer Registry between January 2003 and December 2006. Patients who had undergone surgery and/or radiation were excluded. Patients were grouped according to their dosing regimen: calendar-based, intermittent dosing, and T-based. Cox proportional hazard-regression analysis was used to estimate the hazards ratio (HR) for treatment failure. Results A total of 692 patients who received an LHRH agonist as primary monotherapy for prostate cancer fit our criteria. Calendar-based dosing was used in 325 patients; 252 received T-based dosing and 115 received intermittent dosing. On multivariate analysis controlling for demographic and prostate cancer–related variables, the T-based dosing group showed a significantly lower relative risk of treatment failure (HR = 0.65, P = .02). The intermittent-dosing group trended toward a lower risk treatment failure (HR = 0.80, P = .3). Among the variables analyzed, only a Gleason score >8 (HR = 2.05, P = .01) and a pretreatment prostate-specific antigen >20 (HR = 2.00, P <.01) were associated with a higher risk of treatment failure. Conclusions During the time period studied, T-based and intermittent dosing regimen of LHRH agonist had lower rates of early castrate resistance compared with standard calendar dosing, based on measurements for early androgen resistance.
Mechanism of the oxidation of para-substituted 1-phenylethanols with sodium hypochlorite in acetic acid

Abstract The ρ-value of −1.8 for the oxidation of para-substituted 1-phenylethanols by sodium hypochlorite in acetic acid suggests that ketone is formed directly from alcohol by loss of a hydride. The kinetic isotope effect is 3.0. When the disappearance of oxidant is followed by iodometric titration, 5-nonanol is oxidized about 20 times faster than 1-butylpentyl hypochlorite decomposes. However, when NaCl is added to the alkyl hypochlorite, the reaction rates are about the same.
Absolute O and O2 concentrations in the thermosphere from Skylab occultation data

Abstract High resolution far u.v. spectra of the Sun observed during the SKYLAB mission exhibited both broadband extinction by O 2 and narrowband self-absorption by O as the spacecraft passed through sunset. The data were analyzed using Discrete Inverse Theory to retrieve the O 2 and O concentrations. Excellent agreement with the MSIS-86 model was found for O 2 and moderate agreement for O. Both determinations were made with high absolute accuracy, thereby demonstrating the power of absorption experiments.
Geometric constant defining shape transitions of carbon nanotubes under pressure.

We demonstrate that when a single-walled carbon nanotube is under pressure it undergoes a series of shape transitions, first transforming from a circle to an oval and then from an oval to a peanut. Most remarkably, the ratio of the area of the tube cross sections at the second transition over that at the first transition appears as a constant, independent of the tube radius. Its accurate value is computed to be G = 0.819469, by formulating a variational geometry problem to represent single-walled carbon nanotubes with a family of closed plane curves of fixed length and minimum bending energy. The implications of such a geometric constant in designing nanotube electromechanical pressure sensors are discussed.
Identifying Path Diversions of Hazardous Materials Vehicles for Security Alerts

The transport of hazardous materials (hazmats) poses a threat to society and the environment. Beyond the issues pertaining to unintentional events, the potential exists for hazmat vehicles to be used for malicious purposes. A key to combating this threat is the detection of vehicle deviations from their normal paths. This article presents a probabilistic neural network approach to identifying path deviations and classifying the threat level at each node in the network. The methodology is illustrated on the network between Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. The selected model obtained an accuracy of 93.51%, which was not the highest of all the models. Selection should depend not only on the overall error rate but also on the error severity. One-category errors (e.g., classifying dangerous nodes as suspicious) were less severe than two-category errors (e.g., classifying dangerous nodes as safe). False positives, which require a response from a system monitor or law enforcement, were considered as well as false negatives, which do not send warnings when they should. The selected neural network would require more human involvement but would provide a more secure transportation network.
Effect of prodynorphin-derived opioid peptides on the ovulatory luteinizing hormone surge in the proestrous rat.

The objective of this study was to determine whether prodynorphin-derived opioid peptides could block the spontaneous luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and ovulation, and if so, whether this inhibitory action was mediated through κ-opioid receptors. Various doses of dynorphin peptides (dynorphin A1–17, dynorphin A1–8, dynorphin B, α- and β-neoendorphin) were infused into the brain through third-ventricle cannulae in rats between 1330–1800 h on proestrus. Each dynorphin peptide blocked the LH surge and ovulation in a dose-dependent manner. Dynorphin A1–17 and A1–8 were equally effective in producing these actions, and more potent than either dynorphin B or α- or β-neoendorphin. U50,488H, a specific κ-opioid receptor agonist, also blocked the LH surge and ovulation. When a mixture of five dynorphin peptides was infused intraventricularly, each at a dose that inhibited the LH surge, both the surge and ovulation were blocked. However, when norbinaltorphimine, a specific κ-opioid receptor antagonist, was coinfused with the mixture of dynorphin peptides, the LH surge and ovulation were fully restored. These results demonstrate that prodynorphin-derived opioid peptides, acting through κ-opioid receptors, can block the LH surge and ovulation. Dynorphin A1–17 and A1–8 are the most potent in this regard.
The impact of breast cancer on the partner 18 months after diagnosis

Little attention has been given to the partner's long-term experience after his wife's diagnosis of breast cancer. The results of this current study highlight the opportunity for nurses to make a difference in the distress levels of patients' partners after the diagnosis of breast cancer. Long-term negative effects can be seen in partners' fears about disease recurrence and marital problems related to breast cancer.
Explaining the President's Issue Based Liberalism: Pandering, Partisanship, or Pragmatism

Past research attempting to explain the president's issue based liberalism has produced a muddled image. The most prominent work has been grounded in centrist theory, positing that presidents tailor their policy stances to mass preferences. Other work has also suggested that presidents cater to mass preferences, but only when their approval ratings are low or during elections. Still others find no relation between presidential issue liberalism and mass preferences, suggesting the importance of partisanship and pragmatism. We develop and validate a new measure of the president's issue based liberalism grounded in presidential rhetoric. We then test the centrist versus partisanship and pragmatism models of presidential liberalism using graphical and Box-Jenkins methods. Our graphical and statistical analyses firmly reject the centrist model and support an image of presidents as partisans whose public issue stances are sometimes moderated by pragmatic concerns. From the standpoint of democratic theory, our r...
Home equity lines of credit and the unemployment rate: Have unemployed consumers borrowed themselves into the next financial crisis?.

Abstract Some economists argue the recent recovery has been so meager because many consumers have lost their main source of income and maxed-out their home-equity borrowings. Further, banks that were able to make consumer loans did so with less security because home prices fell so dramatically. This paper argues that at least part of that recovery story is purely anecdotal and, in fact, incorrect. In spite of the precipitous decline in home prices, the original price increases were so large that many homeowners still have/had adequate equity in their homes to borrow. The paper presents evidence that the average quarterly increase in aggregate home equity line of credit (HELOC) lending after housing prices began their decline is, statistically, no different than the average quarterly increase in HELOC lending before housing prices began their downward trend. The evidence also suggests that increased HELOC lending during the recession is not correlated with higher unemployment.
Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, leucine incorporation into protein, and uridine incorporation into RNA in skin fibroblast cultures from patients with diabetes mellitus.

Since intrinsic cellular abnormalities have previously been reported in diabetes mellitus, skin fibroblasts from patients with insulin-dependent diabetes and non-insulin-dependent diabetes, and from age-matched young and old controls, were examined for stimulation by insulin (4–4000 ng/ml) of glucose uptake, leucine incorporation into protein, and uridine incorporation into RNA. No differences in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake were seen between donor types. At 40 and 400 ng/ml, insulin did not stimulate as much leucine incorporation into protein in insulin-dependent diabetics as in young controls (p<0.05) and at 4000 ng/ml, less insulinstimulated leucine incorporation was seen in insulindependent diabetics than in young controls or noninsulin dependent diabetics (p<0.01). Lower insulin-stimulated uridine incorporation into RNA in old controls than in other cell lines appeared to be largely secondary to a two-fold increase in basal incorporation in these old controls. These results provide additional evidence for intrinsic cellular abnormalities in diabetes mellitus. Whether the differences in basal or insulin-stimulated response between fibroblasts of different donor types are attributable to alterations in protein or RNA synthesis, metabolite pool size or turnover have yet to be determined.
Von willebrand factor is a cofactor in complement regulation

Several complement proteins interact with hemostatic factors. We discovered that von Willebrand factor (VWF) acts as a cofactor for factor I–mediated cleavage of complement C3b, thereby shutting down complement activation. The complement regulatory function of VWF multimers depends on their size. Smaller VWF multimers enhance cleavage of C3b but large and ultra-large VWF (ULVWF) multimers have no effect on C3b cleavage and permit default complement activation. We conclude that normal plasma VWF multimers prevent complement activation and steer the complement pathway toward generation of inactivated C3b (iC3b). ULVWF multimers, as are present in patients with thrombotic microangiopathy, lack an inhibitory effect on complement and permit complement activation.
Impact of dose calculation algorithm on radiation therapy

The quality of radiation therapy depends on the ability to maximize the tumor control probability while minimize the normal tissue complication probability. Both of these two quantities are directly related to the accuracy of dose distributions calculated by treatment planning systems. The commonly used dose calculation algorithms in the treatment planning systems are reviewed in this work. The accuracy comparisons among these algorithms are illustrated by summarizing the highly cited research papers on this topic. Further, the correlation between the algorithms and tumor control probability/normal tissue complication probability values are manifested by several recent studies from different groups. All the cases demonstrate that dose calculation algorithms play a vital role in radiation therapy.
Rapid estimation of high-parameter auditory-filter shapes

A Bayesian adaptive procedure, the quick-auditory-filter (qAF) procedure, was used to estimate auditory-filter shapes that were asymmetric about their peaks. In three experiments, listeners who were naive to psychoacoustic experiments detected a fixed-level, pure-tone target presented with a spectrally notched noise masker. The qAF procedure adaptively manipulated the masker spectrum level and the position of the masker notch, which was optimized for the efficient estimation of the five parameters of an auditory-filter model. Experiment I demonstrated that the qAF procedure provided a convergent estimate of the auditory-filter shape at 2 kHz within 150 to 200 trials (approximately 15 min to complete) and, for a majority of listeners, excellent test-retest reliability. In experiment II, asymmetric auditory filters were estimated for target frequencies of 1 and 4 kHz and target levels of 30 and 50 dB sound pressure level. The estimated filter shapes were generally consistent with published norms, especially at the low target level. It is known that the auditory-filter estimates are narrower for forward masking than simultaneous masking due to peripheral suppression, a result replicated in experiment III using fewer than 200 qAF trials.