cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feeding Update for Neonates With Pierre Robin Sequence Treated With Mandibular Distraction

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) and the associated anatomical and functional issues have been well documented in literature. Treatment of neonates born with PRS varies depending on the severity of their respiratory status and their inability to orally feed. The purpose of this article is to discuss PRS and to describe the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center integrated team approach in assessing and evaluating the infants' ability to maintain a functional respiratory system, orally feed, and support appropriate weight gain. The focus on neonatal mandibular distraction is described because of the recent success in airway correction for the neonatal population. A primary focus on the current clinical protocol used at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to evaluate and treat oral feeding before, during, and after neonatal mandibular distraction will be presented. This article highlights the need for future research to establish evidence-based practice guidelines for oral feeding with this neonatal population.
The δ15N and δ18O values of N2O produced during the co-oxidation of ammonia by methanotrophic bacteria

Abstract In order to determine if the δ15N and δ18O values of N2O produced during co-oxidation of NH4+ by methanotrophic (methane oxidizing) bacteria can be isotopically distinguished from N2O produced either by autotrophic nitrifying or denitrifying bacteria, we conducted laboratory incubation experiments with pure cultures of methanotrophic bacteria that were provided NH4Cl as an oxidation substrate. The N2O produced during NH4+ oxidation by methanotrophic bacteria showed nitrogen isotope fractionation between NH4+ and N2O (eN2O–NH4+) of − 48 and − 55‰ for Methylomonas methanica and Methylosinus trichosporium, OB3b respectively. These large fractionations are similar to those previously measured for autotrophic nitrifying bacteria and consistent with N2O formation by multiple rate limiting steps that include NH4+oxidation by the methane monooxygenase enzyme and reduction of NO2− to N2O. Consequently, N2O formed by NH4+ oxidation via methanotrophic or autotrophic nitrifying bacteria might generally be characterized by lower δ15NN2O values than that formed by denitrificaiton, although this also depends on the variability of δ15N of available nitrogen sources (e.g., NH4+, NO3−, NO2−). Additional incubations with M. trichosporium OB3b at high and low CH4 conditions in waters of different δ18O values revealed that 19–27% of the oxygen in N2O was derived from O2 with the remainder from water. The biochemical mechanisms that could explain this amount of O2 incorporation are discussed. The δ18O of N2O formed under high CH4 conditions was ~ + 15‰ more positive than that formed under lower CH4 conditions. This enrichment resulted in part from the incorporation of O2 into N2O that was enriched in 18O due to an isotope fractionation effect of − 16.1 ± 2.0‰ and − 17.5 ± 5.4‰ associated with O2 consumption during the high and low methane concentration incubations, respectively. Therefore, N2O formed by NH4+ oxidation via methanotrophic or autotrophic nitrifying bacteria can have very positive δ18ON2O values if the O2 incorporated is previously enriched in 18O from high rates of respiration. Nitrous oxide was collected from various depths in soils overlying a coal-bed methane seep where methanotrophic bacteria are naturally enriched. In one sampling when soil methane concentrations were very high, the δ18OVSMOW values of the N2O were highly enriched (+ 50‰), consistent with our laboratory experiments. Thus, soils overlying methane seeps could provide an 18O-enriched source of atmospheric N2O.
Maximum stable set formulations and heuristics based on continuous optimization

The stability number α(G) for a given graph G is the size of a maximum stable set in G. The Lovasz theta number provides an upper bound on α(G) and can be computed in polynomial time as the optimal value of the Lovasz semidefinite program. In this paper, we show that restricting the matrix variable in the Lovasz semidefinite program to be rank-one and rank-two, respectively, yields a pair of continuous, nonlinear optimization problems each having the global optimal value α(G). We propose heuristics for obtaining large stable sets in G based on these new formulations and present computational results indicating the effectiveness of the heuristics.
Multilocus perspectives on the monophyly and phylogeny of the order Charadriiformes (Aves).

The phylogeny of shorebirds (Aves: Charadriiformes) and their putative sister groups was reconstructed using approximately 5 kilobases of data from three nuclear loci and two mitochondrial genes, and compared to that based on two other nuclear loci. Charadriiformes represent a monophyletic group that consists of three monophyletic suborders Lari (i.e., Laridae [including Sternidae and Rynchopidae], Stercorariidae, Alcidae, Glareolidae, Dromadidae, and Turnicidae), Scolopaci (i.e., Scolopacidae [including Phalaropidae], Jacanidae, Rostratulidae, Thinocoridae, Pedionomidae), and Charadrii (i.e., Burhinidae, Chionididae, Charadriidae, Haematopodidae, Recurvirostridae, and presumably Ibidorhynchidae). The position of purported "gruiform" buttonquails within Charadriiformes is confirmed. Skimmers are most likely sister to terns alone, and plovers may be paraphyletic with respect to oystercatchers and stilts. The Egyptian Plover is not a member of the Glareolidae, but is instead relatively basal among Charadrii. None of the putative sisters of Charadriiformes were recovered as such. Hypotheses of non-monophyly and sister relationships of shorebirds are tested by multilocus analysis. The monophyly of and interfamilial relationships among shorebirds are confirmed and refined. Lineage-specific differences in evolutionary rates are more consistent across loci in shorebirds than other birds and may contribute to the congruence of locus-specific phylogenetic estimates in shorebirds.
Multiscale finite element modeling of superelasticity in Nitinol polycrystals

An efficient method is proposed for modeling superelastic polycrystalline NiTi by solving a two-scale problem. The RVE size of the fine scale is determined using a statistics-based approach. Both problems are discretized in space using the finite element method and their communication is effected using MPI. Representative simulations illustrate the modeling capabilities of the proposed approach.
‘Do you own non-Chinese mui tsai?’ Re-examining Race and Female Servitude in Malaya and Hong Kong, 1919–1939*

This paper considers the abolition of the mui tsai (young female bondservants) as it unfolded in British Malaya, and challenges the overemphasis on Hong Kong as the primary focus of mui tsai scholarship. While the mui tsai system was defended as a time-honoured Chinese tradition, this paper uses new material to show that trans-racial considerations figured prominently in mui tsai abolition in Malaya, particularly in helping to recast it as a wider problem of child welfare. It is argued that this neglected aspect of mui tsai abolition only comes clearly to light in the Malayan case; for only in the intensely multi-racial conditions of peninsular Malaya could the question be asked: ‘Do you own non-Chinese mui tsai?’
Corporate social responsibility and labor turnover

– This paper aims to estimate empirically the effect on the voluntary turnover (quit) rate of employees when a large public corporation already judged as an outstanding employer is also ranked as being socially responsible by an external review organization., – The paper employs a cross‐section regression of the turnover rate of 84 of Fortune magazine's “100 Best Employers” against measures of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and several other control variables such as annual wages, ethnic and gender composition of the labor force that economic theory and prior studies have identified as explaining firm labor turnover., – Adoption of business policies that cause the firm to be rated as socially responsible reduce the annual quit rate by 3 percent to 3.5 percent, which amounts to a 25‐30 percent reduction, as compared to non‐CSR public corporations or a larger comparison set including privately held and not‐for‐profit firms., – The wider universe of public corporations may not realize comparable turnover benefits from CSR as these “best employers” because these firms might be especially vulnerable or sensitive to corporate image when hiring workers., – The model estimated permits calculation of the annual rise in average wages that would be required to reduce turnover by the same amount as CSR, a sum of approximately $3,700 per year or about 9 percent of the mean wage, with a lower bound estimate of about $1,000. This suggests that these firms can significantly reduce labor costs by investing in worker‐friendly employment policies, which account for half of the entire measured CSR impact., – This is believed to be the first effort to quantify rigorously the effect of CSR on the employment side of firm performance. Prior labor studies have looked at hypothetical employment scenarios involving students.
Estrogen receptors and estrogen-induced gene expression in the rat mammary glands and uteri during pregnancy and lactation: changes in progesterone receptor and RNA polymerase activity.

The modulations of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PgR) receptors in the mammary glands and uteri have been studied in rats during pregnancy and at various time periods during lactation. The ability of estradiol in vivo to induce PgR synthesis in the lactating glands and uteri and to stimulate RNA polymerase activity of isolated nuclei from mammary glands during lactation was also investigated. A gradual increase in ER concentration in the lactating glands (compared to pregnancy) and uteri and a qualitative shift from 4S (in pregnancy) to 8S (in lactation) was observed in the mammary glands. On the other hand PgR levels (15 fmol/mg protein in the pregnant gland) declined at the onset of lactation and remained extremely low or undetectable (<1 fmol/mg protein) throughout lactation; uterine PgR was present throughout lactation (14–30 fmol/mg protein). While estradiol treatment (1 μg/day/rat, for 3 days) in rats during lactation induced a three-fold increase in PgR synthesis in the uteri, it failed to do so in the mammary glands. Lactating glands however responded to estradiol treatment as evidenced by a 4–5 fold increase in the activities of RNA polymerase I and II in isolated nuclei.
Properties and potential of VUV lithographic thin film materials

Before 157nm optical lithography can be implemented as an effective technology, the performance of VUV thin film materials must be investigated. These materials will have a significant impact on the ultimate system performance. The capability of such films may actually determine whether an optical technology is viable. We have been exploring the optical properties of various fluorides, oxides and nitrides for use at 157nm. We have developed several approaches for solutions to optical coatings, masking and AR applications. These include an alternative version of a chromium absorber film, optical and AR coatings based on Group III metal fluorides.
Productivity Tools for Simulation-Centered Training Development

Model-based training offers a number of potential benefits in training performance of complex tasks, particularly when an interactive device model can be manipulated both by the training system and by the learner. Unlike fixed training systems, simulation-centered training allows the learner to practice in a realistic setting that is not artificially constrained, and it allows the training system to automatically support the learner in attaining complex goals. Rapid authoring of many other learning transactions can also be supported in a model-based environment, enhancing the potential for both high-quality interactive instruction and productivity in the development of such instruction. A potential problem with the model-based approach, however, is that the model development process is traditionally very unproductive and often results in unreliable or unrealistic models of the systems to be learned. Presented in this article is theRapids authoring system, an integrated set of direct manipulation tools for the production of interactive graphical models and instruction based on those models. A short course based on models of neural networks on the visual retina is described to illustrate the productive application of theRapids simulation and course authoring tools.
Optimal Structured Residual Approach for Improved Faulty Sensor Diagnosis

In this paper, after investigation of the possibility of misidentification of faults with traditional structured residuals approaches, a new optimal structured residuals design criterion for fault isolation is proposed. To maximize fault isolation ability, a matrix of optimal structured directions has been designed. Each of them is insensitive to one subset of faults while being most sensitive to one of the remaining ones. The maximum of all structured residuals in each row is then selected for fault identification. After the faulty sensor is identfied, normal sensor measurements are reconstructed through maximum likelihood estimation. The utility of the proposed method is demonstrated using data from an industrial boiler, which shows improved fault diagnosis performance.
High-Brightness from an Unstable Resonator Mid-IR Semiconductor Laser

We describe high-brightness, broad-area mid-IR semiconductor lasers. These devices were fabricated in our laboratory using a commercial solid-source MBE system, configured specifically for antimonide alloy deposition. The laser structures incorporated fourteen type-II quantum wells embedded in thick waveguide/absorber regions composed of In0.2Ga0.8AsySb1-y . Each type-II well is comprised of a ~24 Aring thick In0.4 Ga0.6Sb hole bearing layer, which is sandwiched in between two coupled InAs electron wells; as we vary the InAs thickness from 3 to 30 Aring we tune the laser from 2.5 mum to 9.5 mum
Katibs and computers: innovation and ideology in the Urdu newspaper revival

In 1993, the prognosis for Urdu newspapers in north India was dismal. The readership was aging and dwindling as the new generation learned Hindi in Devanagiri script. Urdu calligraphers (katibs) were not passing their skills on to a new generation and writers skilled in Urdu were becoming increasingly hard to find. Fifteen years later, Delhi is home to a prosperous and expanding Urdu press. The number of newspapers had tripled, circulations were often higher than they had been in the past, profits were up and the atmosphere at Delhi's major Urdu newspapers was upbeat. A large part of the explanation lies in the intersection of language ideologies and new writing technologies. On the one hand, Urdu indexes crucial politically urgent populations, leading to a renewed interest in it from many sectors. On the other hand, new more flexible technologies allowed the retiring katibs to be replaced by computer typesetting that strongly resembles north Indian calligraphic styles and new software allows an entire da...
INTERACTIONS OF DEGLYCOSYLATED COBALT(III)-PEPLEOMYCIN (GREEN FORM) WITH DNA BASED ON NMR STRUCTURAL STUDIES

Pepleomycin (PEP)1 is a metalloglycopeptide antitumor antibiotic that has improved pharmacological properties than does bleomycin (BLM). Both PEP and BLM bind to and degrade DNA in a sequence-selective manner. The binding interactions of HO2-−Co(III)−CodPEP (CodPEP) with CGTACG have been studied by 2D NMR and molecular modeling. Inspection of the 2D-NMR data revealed 60 notable intermolecular NOEs between CodPEP and CGTACG which place the drug's metal binding domain and peptide linker in the minor groove of the DNA close to G8 and T9. On the basis of the NOEs, the drug's DNA binding domain is located close to the T9·A4 and A10·T3 base pairs. Intercalation of the bithiazole tail between these base pairs is indicated by the loss of DNA symmetry upon complexation with CodPEP, by a break in the sequential connectivity at the TpA steps, and by the upfield shift of the bithiazole H-H5 and H-H5‘ proton resonances. Intercalation of the bithiazole moiety unfolds the CodPEP molecule and exposes its hydroperoxide gr...
Relationship of neuroendocrine cells of prostate and serotonin to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Neuroendocrine (NE) cells containing neurosecretory granules, rich in various peptide hormones and biogenic amines such as serotonin (5-HT), are components of the human prostate epithelium. The NE cells probably subserve a paracrine or local regulatory role in both prostatic growth and differentiation as well as the exocrine secretory process. Neuroendocrine cells may be involved in the etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In this study the number of NE cells in areas of BPH was compared with normal tissue using 5-HT immunocytochemistry. In addition, using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD), tissue levels of 5-HT and its metabolite 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were analyzed in prostatic tissue extracts including 25 cases of BPH and 16 cases of normal tissue verified by adjacent histologic sections. Compared with normal prostate our results demonstrated a marked decrease in 5-HT immunoreactive NE cells in the vast majority of larger hyperplastic nodules of BPH. These findings were corroborated by quantitative analysis where a significant reduction in the tissue 5-HT levels in BPH (0.539 ± 0.09 SE) compared with normal (1.75 ± 0.22 SE) (p < 0.05) was found. When smaller nodules of BPH were studied, abundant NE cells, equal or increased in number compared with those in adjacent normal prostatic tissue, were seen. The small apparently developing BPH nodules and ductal-like structures contained NE cells which may be growth foci near the periphery of some hyperplastic nodules. These findings particularly in small hyperplastic nodules suggest that NE cells and their products are involved in controlling cell proliferation through a paracrine hormonal mechanism and may be involved in the pathogenesis of BPH. Serotonin (5-HT) and NE peptides may represent that elusive local “missing link” often alluded to in various theories relating to the development of early nodular hyperplasia in BPH.
A CYTOCHEMICAL METHOD FOR ELECTRON MICROSCOPY.

METHODS for specifically staining tissue constituents for electron microscopy are at present inadequate for the identification of important molecular species in the cell. The range of application of the electron microscope in biology is thereby severely limited.
Evaluation of the flanking nucleotide sequences of sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy substitution mutations.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a familial myocardial disease with a prevalence of 1 in 500. More than 400 causative mutations have been identified in 13 sarcomeric and myofilament related genes, 350 of these are substitution mutations within eight sarcomeric genes. Within a population, examples of recurring identical disease causing mutations that appear to have arisen independently have been noted as well as those that appear to have been inherited from a common ancestor. The large number of novel HCM mutations could suggest a mechanism of increased mutability within the sarcomeric genes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the most commonly reported HCM genes, beta myosin heavy chain (MYH7), myosin binding protein C, troponin I, troponin T, cardiac regulatory myosin light chain, cardiac essential myosin light chain, alpha tropomyosin and cardiac alpha-actin for sequence patterns surrounding the substitution mutations that may suggest a mechanism of increased mutability. The mutations as well as the 10 flanking nucleotides were evaluated for frequency of di-, tri- and tetranucleotides containing the mutation as well as for the presence of certain tri- and tetranculeotide motifs. The most common substitutions were guanine (G) to adenine (A) and cytosine (C) to thymidine (T). The CG dinucleotide had a significantly higher relative mutability than any other dinucleotide (p < 0.05). The relative mutability of each possible trinucleotide and tetranucleotide sequence containing the mutation was calculated; none were at a statistically higher frequency than the others. The large number of G to A and C to T mutations as well as the relative mutability of CG may suggest that deamination of methylated CpG is an important mechanism for mutation development in at least some of these cardiac genes.
Encapsulation of immunoreactive protective antigen within a nanofibrous membrane for use as a transdermal anthrax vaccine

Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium which causes anthrax, has been a source of major concern since the deadly series of contaminated postal letters back in 2001. The three main proteins secreted by the bacterium are Protective Antigen (PA), Lethal Factor (LF), and Edema Factor (EF), and are the cause of its virulent effect. With the impeding threat of bioterrorist attacks, studies have been undertaken to develop an effective anthrax vaccine. The currently proposed technologies suffer from immunity conferred only in a small percentage of subjects, but most importantly the unrealistic method of delivery during a pandemic situation. Our group has proposed to construct a transdermal patch composed of a nonwoven nanofibrous membrane of PA as a self administrable anthrax vaccine prepared by the cost efficient technique of electrospinning. The fabricated water-soluble membrane with a high surface area-to-volume and -mass ratios is expected to allow antigen penetration into the human skin layers, where antigen presenting cells will enable cutaneous immunity. This study utilized a novel immunoblotting assay to investigate the effect of electrospinning process on the protein's immunoreactivity. The developed method allowed for accurate quantification of the immobilized PA deposited on 4mm × 4mm silicon wafers proposed as delivery vehicles.
PTH/PTHrP receptor is temporally regulated during osteoblast differentiation and is associated with collagen synthesis

The temporal sequence of PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA, binding, biologic activity, and its dependence on matrix synthesis was determined using MC3T3-El preosteoblast-like cells and primary rat calvarial cells in vitro. Osteoblastic cells were induced to differentiate and form mineralized nodules with the addition of ascorbic acid and p-glycerophosphate, and samples were collected from 0-26 days of culture. DNA levels as determined by fluorometric analysis increased 12- and 17-fold during the collection period for both MC3T3-EI and primary calvarial cells respectively. Steady state mRNA levels for the PTH/PTHrP receptor as determined by northern blot analysis, were initially low for both cell types, peaked at day 4 and 5 for MC3T3-El and primary calvarial cells respectively, and declined thereafter. Competition binding curves were performed during differentiation using 1251-PTHrP. The numbers of receptors per pg DNA were greatest at days 3 and 5 for MC3T3-El and primary calvarial cells respectively. The biologic activity of the receptor was evaluated by stimulating the cells with 10 nM PTHrP and determining cAMP levels via a binding protein assay. The PTHrP-stimulated cAMP levels increased 5-fold to peak values at day 5 for MC3T3-EI cells and 6-fold to peak values at day 4 for the primary calvarial cells. Ascorbic acid was required for maximal development of a PTH-dependent cAMP response since ascorbic acid-treated MC3T3-EI cells had twice the PTH- stimulated cAMP levels as non-treated cells. When the collagen synthesis inhibitor 3,4-dehydroproline was adminis- tered to MC3T3-EI cultures prior to differentiation, there was a subsequent diminution of the PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA gene expression and numbers of receptors per cell; however, if administered after the initiation of matrix synthesis there was no reduction in PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA. These findings indicate that the PTH/ PTHrP receptor is associated temporally at the level of mRNA, protein, and biologic activity, with a differentiating, matrix-producing osteoblastic cell in vitro.
Magnetic hyperfine structure of the muonic X-rays of 141Pr☆

Abstract The magnetic hyperfine structure parameter of the muonic X-rays of 141Pr has been measured to be A1(1 S 1 2 ) = 1.52 ± 0.06 keV. Calculations for various nuclear models give good agreement for models which fit the magnetic moment and have a realistic moment distribution.
GeoTORA: a protocol for geocasting in mobile ad hoc networks

This paper considers the problem of providing a geocast service in mobile ad hoc networks and presents a novel geocasting algorithm combining unicasting and flooding. Geocast is useful for sending messages to everyone in a specified geographical region. The proposed protocol is named GeoTORA, because it is derived from the TORA (unicast) routing protocol. Flooding is also incorporated in GeoTORA, but it is limited to nodes within a small region. This integration of TORA and flooding can significantly reduce the overhead of geocast delivery while maintaining reasonably high accuracy.
Fourier Decompositions of Galaxies

Automated surface photometry and pattern classification techniques are combined to morphologically classify galaxies. The two-dimensional light distribution of a galaxy is reconstructed using Fourier series fits to azimuthal profiles computed in concentric elliptical annuli centered on the galaxy. Both the phase and amplitude of each Fourier component have been studied as a function of radial bin number for a large collection of galaxy images using principal component analysis. Up to 90% of the variance in many of these Fourier profiles may be characterized in as few as 3 principal components and their use substantially reduces the dimensionality of the classification problem. Supervised learning methods in the form of artificial neural networks are used to train galaxy classifiers that detect morphological bars at the 85–90% confidence level and can identify the Hubble type with a la scatter of 1.5 steps on the 16-step stage axis of the revised Hubble system (RHS).
The current management of carcinoma of the head of the pancreas

▪ Abstract Carcinoma of the head of the pancreas can be diagnosed and staged effectively by computed tomography (CT) scan and by visceral angiography. If the tumor appears to be resectable, no further studies such as percutaneous biopsy are required. Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the only potentially curable treatment. This operation can be performed with a hospital mortality rate of approximately 2%. If the resection is curative, five-year survival in excess of 20% can be anticipated. Utilizing multivariate analysis, negative lymph node status, the absence of microscopic evidence of blood vessel involvement, and two or fewer blood transfusions during surgery are all independent predictors of long-term survival. Adjuvant therapy is effective and should be used routinely.
A Formally Verified Register Allocation Framework

When using formal methods to generate compilers it is desirable for all levels of the compiler to be formally specified. Typically, register allocation has been thought to be equivalent to graph coloring. Since graph coloring is NP-Complete most algorithms for register allocation have been ad-hoc. This paper presents a framework for register allocation that has been formally verified using an inductive theorem prover.
Two G protein-coupled receptors activate Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts through an ERK-dependent pathway

The sodium hydrogen exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) is present in nearly all cells. Regulation of proton flux via the exchanger is a permissive step in cell growth and tumorgenesis and is vital in control of cell volume. The regulation of NHE1 by growth factors involves the Ras-extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, however, the mechanism for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation of NHE1 is not well established. In this report, the relationship between GPCRs, ERK, and NHE1 in CCL39 cells is investigated. We give evidence that two agonists, the specific alpha(1)-adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine and the water-soluble lipid mitogen, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) activate NHE1 in CCL39 cells. Activation of ERK by phenylephrine and LPA occurs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Optimal ERK activation was observed at 10 min and displayed a maximum stimulation at 100 microM phenylephrine and 10 microM LPA. alpha(1)-Adrenergic stimulation also led to a rise in steady-state pH(i) of 0.16+/-0.02 pH units, and incubation with LPA induced a 0.43+/-0.06 pH unit increase in pH(i). Phenylephrine-induced activation of NHE1 transport and ERK activity was inhibited by pretreating the cells with the MEK inhibitor PD98059. While only half of the LPA activatable exchange activity was abolished by PD98059 and U0126. To further demonstrate the specificity of the phenylephrine and LPA regulation of NHE1 and ERK, CCL39 cells were transfected with a kinase inactive MEK. The data indicate that ERK activation is essential for phenylephrine stimulation of NHE1, and that ERK and RhoA are involved in LPA stimulation of NHE1 by more than one mechanism. In addition, evidence of the convergence of these two pathways is shown by the loss of NHE1 activity when both pathways are inhibited and by the partial additivity of the two agonists on ERK and NHE1 activity. These studies indicate a direct involvement of ERK in the alpha(1)-adrenergic activation of NHE1 and a significant role for both ERK and RhoA in LPA stimulation of NHE1 in CCL39 fibroblasts.
Towards a High Assurance Secure Computing Platform

Existing commodity operating systems alone do not satisfy the robust requirements of a general purpose, high assurance, secure computing platform. This paper presents the Trusted Ring Framework, a software architecture that provides a foundation from which to host security services that enhance the security of a commodity operating system.
Cell adhesion and histocompatibility in sponges.

Sponges are the lowest extant metazoan phylum and for about a century they have been used as a model system to study cell adhesion. There are three classes of molecules in the extracellular matrix of vertebrates: collagens, proteoglycans, and adhesive glycoproteins, all of them have been identified in sponges. Species-specific cell recognition in sponges is mediated by supramolecular proteoglycan-like complexes termed aggregation factors, still to be identified in higher animals. Polyvalent glycosaminoglycan interactions are involved in the species-specificity, representing one of the few known examples of a regulatory role for carbohydrates. Aggregation factors mediate cell adhesion via a bifunctional activity that combines a calcium-dependent self-interaction of aggregation factor molecules plus a calcium-independent heterophilic interaction with cell surface receptors. Important cases of cell adhesion are the phenomena involved in histocompatibility reactions. A long-standing prediction has been that the evolutionary ancestors of histocompatibility systems might be found among primitive cell-cell interaction molecules. A surprising characteristic of sponges, considering their low phylogenetic position, is that they possess an exquisitely sophisticated histocompatibility system. Any grafting between two different sponge individuals (allograft) is almost invariably incompatible in the many species investigated, exhibiting a variety of transitive qualitatively and quantitatively different responses, which can only be explained by the existence of a highly polymorphic gene system. Individual variability of protein and glycan components in the aggregation factor of the red beard sponge, Microciona prolifera, matches the elevated sponge alloincompatibility, suggesting an involvement of the cell adhesion system in sponge allogeneic reactions and, therefore, an evolutionary relationship between cell adhesion and histocompatibility systems. Micros. Res. Tech. 44:204–218, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of nickel on network structure and thermal properties of a new solid oxide cell seal glass

Abstract Successful seal design relies on good understanding of glass network structure and the corresponding impact on glass thermophysical properties. This study is focused on effects of nickel replacement of glass formers SiO 2 and B 2 O 3 and glass modifier SrO on SrO La 2 O 3 Al 2 O 3 B 2 O 3 SiO 2 glass network structure and thermal properties. Glass structure local ordering was studied by Raman spectroscopy. Glass network connectivity was formulated to compare glass structure evolution with nickel addition for different compositions. Glass transition temperature and dilatometric softening temperature were evaluated by dilatometry. Glass thermal stability was studied by X-ray diffraction. Nickel behaves as a glass modifier in the studied glass system and decreases glass network connectivity. However, nickel can increase or decrease glass transition temperature and dilatometric softening temperature depending on the specific composition. Overall, nickel addition degrades glass thermal stability by increasing the amount of non-bridging oxygen atoms and devitrification.
Acid phosphatase localization in endocytosed horizontal cell gap junctions.

Gap junction (GJ) endocytosis appears to be part of a cycle of GJ renewal in horizontal cells of the teleost fish retina. At least three stages of GJ endocytosis in these neurons have been identified using conventional electron microscopy (EM): invagination of GJ membranes (GJ blebs); free GJ vesicles; and GJ vesicle fusion with mature lysosomes (Vaughan & Lasater, 1990a). In the present study, EM-level acid phosphatase (AP) histochemistry of white bass retina was used to determine at what stage enzymatic degradation of endocytosed GJs begins. Electron-dense AP reaction product was observed within the trans face of the Golgi apparatus, mature lysosomes, and occasional, internal GJ vesicles. In contrast, GJ blebs, peripheral GJ vesicles, and most internal GJ vesicles lacked AP reaction product. These results support the idea that at least some of the GJ vesicles observed within these retinal neurons arise from endocytosis, are on a degradative pathway, and can be termed GJ “endosomes.” Furthermore, GJ vesicles appear to be initially free of AP, but some later acquire it (presumably from transport vesicles bearing degradative enzymes). It is still unclear whether our previous report of GJ vesicle fusion with mature lysosomes is a subsequent step in GJ degradation or part of a different degradative pathway altogether.
Turbulent flow in a converging channel: effect of contraction and return to isotropy

We have studied the evolution of grid turbulence in a planar contraction by focusing on the flow at the centre symmetry plane. Measurements are carried out in water with inlet Taylor-microscale Reynolds number varying from 51 to 99. Detailed laser-Doppler anemometry measurements show that the streamwise fluctuating velocity component for contraction ratio and then returns to a nearly fully isotropic state inside the contraction. The return to isotropy within the contraction is attributed to the rapid part of the pressure–strain correlation term in the transport equation of the Reynolds-stress anisotropy tensor.
Wireless and mobile networking in the enterprise environment

Advances in low-cost wireless link technology have resulted in the emergence of several wireless LAN systems for the enterprise network environment. In this paper we present and discuss various mobile networking problems that need to be solved before a truly wireless enterprise solution can become useful and pervasive. We outline several important factors that are essential in the wide adaptation and success of wireless LAN technology. We present an architectural framework based on a cellular architecture and a generic access point design that would pave a direction for the emergence of wireless and mobile networking capabilities in the current and future enterprise network environment.
Lumpers and Splitters: Ongoing Issues in the Classification of Large Vessel Vasculitis

Large vessel vasculitis (LVV) is defined as inflammation that affects the aorta and its major branches. Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are the 2 main forms of LVV1. Historically, GCA is considered a disease of the elderly that targets the extracranial arteries (e.g., carotid and temporal arteries). In contrast, TAK typically affects younger patients and targets the aorta and its primary branches (e.g., subclavian and renal arteries). However, increasing evidence, primarily based on radiographic studies, demonstrates that vasculitic involvement of the aorta and primary branches can occur in GCA in addition to the more widely recognized cranial features of the disease2. Current estimates about the prevalence of involvement of the aorta and primary branches in GCA vary widely across different cohorts, but large vessel pathology is apparent by angiography in about 20%–30% of patients with GCA3,4. There are no existing guidelines regarding screening for large artery involvement in GCA, so the incidence of large vessel disease in GCA may be underestimated. An older necropsy study of 4 patients with GCA and known temporal arteritis, in which there was no clinical suspicion for vasculitis in the aorta and branch vessels, demonstrated widespread vasculitic lesions throughout the large arteries in every patient5. Cumulative incidence rates of large vessel involvement in GCA have increased dramatically over the last 2 decades in parallel with increased awareness about this feature of GCA6. Recognition of involvement of vessels beyond the extracranial arteries as a feature of GCA has created new challenges in the disease classification of LVV. The 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Classification Criteria for GCA were developed in a time when involvement of the aorta and primary branches was not a well-recognized feature of GCA and are focused … Address correspondence to Dr. P.C. Grayson, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, 6N Rm 216G, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. E-mail: peter.grayson{at}nih.gov
Quantifying yeast chronological life span by outgrowth of aged cells.

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has proven to be an important model organism in the field of aging research 1. The replicative and chronological life spans are two established paradigms used to study aging in yeast. Replicative aging is defined as the number of daughter cells a single yeast mother cell produces before senescence; chronological aging is defined by the length of time cells can survive in a non-dividing, quiescence-like state 2. We have developed a high-throughput method for quantitative measurement of chronological life span. This method involves aging the cells in a defined medium under agitation and at constant temperature. At each age-point, a sub-population of cells is removed from the aging culture and inoculated into rich growth medium. A high-resolution growth curve is then obtained for this sub-population of aged cells using a Bioscreen C MBR machine. An algorithm is then applied to determine the relative proportion of viable cells in each sub-population based on the growth kinetics at each age-point. This method requires substantially less time and resources compared to other chronological lifespan assays while maintaining reproducibility and precision. The high-throughput nature of this assay should allow for large-scale genetic and chemical screens to identify novel longevity modifiers for further testing in more complex organisms.
Drawing some 4-regular planar graphs with integer edge lengths

A classic result of F ary states that every planar graph can be drawn in the plane without crossings using only straight line segments. Harborth et al. conjecture that every planar graph has such a drawing where every edge length is integral. Biedl proves that every planar graph of maximum degree 4 that is not 4-regular has such a straight-line embedding, but the techniques are insucient for 4-regular graphs. We further develop the rigidity-theoretic methods of the author and examine an incomplete construction of Kemnitz and Harborth to exhibit integral drawings of families of 4-regular graphs.
Narrow-band imaging bronchoscopy in the detection of premalignant airway lesions: a meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy:

Objectives:Both autofluorescence imaging bronchoscopy and narrow-band imaging have shown promise in the detection of premalignant airway lesions, each by utilizing different bandwidths of lights fo...
Chapter 8 Carbonate Rocks and Paleoclimatology in the Biogeo-Chemical History of the Planet

Summary Physicochemical characteristics of most carbonate minerals are matched by the ecologic distribution of carbonate-secreting organisms to make the carbonate sediments of the present day strongly temperature dependent, and their concentration thus inversely related to degrees of latitude. It is believed that this correlation holds generally for the geological past; refinements added include determination of Ca/Mg, Ca/Sr, Ca/Fe/Ti ratios, the taxonomic habit of the organisms, and so on. Going back in time, however, numbers of difficult problems arise: the size of the earth, the volume of ocean water, and its salinity, alkalinity, and pH. None of these can be uniquely tested at present. The patterns of carbonate sedimentation have changed in very important ways through time, so that a strictly uniformitarian status quo cannot be assumed for the past. Available evidence suggests five great biogeochemical events, each corresponding to a certain threshhold peak: Revolution I (ca. 3.8 · 10 9 years), First Life at the atmosphere (CH 4 , NH 3 , H 2 O)-water interface; Revolution II (ca. 2.9 · 10 9 years), First Photosynthesis with evolution of O 2 , followed at an undetermined stage within the next billion years by the first primitive animals; Revolution III (ca. 6 · 10 8 years), First Carbonate Shells , appearing on organisms up to highest invertebrate level; Revolution IV (ca. 3 · 10 8 years), Great Coal Age , following long Paleozoic history of carbonate removal as limestone and the carbon as coal, marked by secular drop in p co 2 and rise in p o 2 ; and Revolution V (ca. 1 · 10 8 years), First Carbonate Pelagic Foraminifera (and coccoliths), shifting major site of carbonate sedimentation from neritic to abyssal realm and initiating major withdrawal of carbonates from the geologic cycle.
Crustal anisotropy beneath Pacific Ocean‐Islands from harmonic decomposition of receiver functions

Crustal anisotropy beneath ocean islands can be attributed to preferentially aligned minerals, cracks, or dike structures. Stacked with harmonic weighting, receiver functions from permanent ocean-island stations display evidence of strong and distinct anisotropy parameters in the underlying crust and underplated layer. We analyze data for 11 IRIS-GSN stations in the Pacific Ocean. We observe the prevalence of two-lobed receiver function (RF) amplitude variations with back-azimuth, consistent with “slow” tilted-axis anisotropy. In most cases the anisotropy is accommodated in the underplated crust. Synthetic modeling of a representative station indicates that the strength of anisotropy of Vp=10% and Vs=5% is possible. The strike direction of the inferred symmetry axis tends to align with plate motion, with some scatter. At stations in the northwest Pacific i.e., KWAJ, TARA, and WAKE, the strike direction of the symmetry axis aligns with plate motion at the time of volcano emplacement. Beneath station POHA and the closest stations to the present-day Hawaiian hotspot, alignment of the symmetry axis is almost orthogonal to the plate motion. We attribute the crustal anisotropy to the preferred alignment of dike structures that transported asthenospheric magma toward the seafloor volcanic edifice. Our results suggest that the thermal-plume origin for ocean islands must be supplemented by tectonic-stress heterogeneities that allow magma to penetrate the lithosphere via fractures. Magma-transport fractures should align normal to the least-compressive direction, which are predicted by theoretical models to align approximately with plate motion at the time of emplacement.
"Is Public Sector Strategic Planning Really Strategic? Maybe, under Certain Conditions"

This paper centers on strategic planning from a multi-sector, multi-geographic, and multi-generational perspective with a specific interest and focus on the public sector. There is an underlying as...
All Optical Three Dimensional Spatio-Temporal Correlator for Video Clip Recognition

We describe an all-optical three-dimensional spatio-temporal correlator (STC) which can recognize rapidly a video clip of a small duration contained in a much larger video file in a temporally and spatially shift invariant manner.
LEFT ATRIAL STRAIN PREDICTS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION RECURRENCE IN PATIENTS WITH PAROXYSMAL ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AND PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION TREATED WITH CATHETER ABLATION

Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently recurs after radiofrequency catheter ablation (CA). This study investigated novel echocardiographic strain parameters as predictors of outcome in AF treated with CA. 110 patients (mean age 59, mean CHA2DS2-VASc = 1.37) with paroxysmal AF and preserved ejection
Agonist and antagonist-induced qualitative and quantitative alterations of progesterone receptor from breast cancer cells.

T47D cells, cultured in medium containing serum stripped of endogenous steroids, proliferate in response to treatment with the progesterone receptor (PR) agonist, R5020 or the PR agonist/antagonist, RU486, whereas the full PR antagonist, ZK98299 has no proliferative effects. Under estrogenized conditions, all of the PR ligands tested inhibit cell growth [23]. In order to determine whether the levels or phosphorylation state of PR are reflected in the growth patterns of T47D cells, we monitored the effects of these PR ligands on the immunoblotted PR band intensities, the relative intensities, of PR-A and PR-B, and their phosphorylation states that are reflected in their altered mobility during SDS-PAGE. Under conditions where the PR ligands inhibit cell proliferation, each ligand had distinctively different qualitative and quantitative effects on PR. Short term treatment of the cells with R5020 or RU486 induced a characteristic phosphorylation-dependent upshift of both PR-A and PR-B. The phosphorylated PR was stable for up to 4 days after treatment of the cells with RU486, but was down regulated between 6-24 h after treatment with R5020. No replenishment of PR in cells treated with R5020 was detected. ZK98299, at concentrations tested, had no qualitative or quantitative effects on PR. Culturing cells for 8 days in medium containing steroid-depleted serum caused a significant reduction in the PR band intensity without causing a change in the ratio of PR-A and PR-B or their phosphorylation states. This decrease in the PR band intensity was reversed by maintaining the cells in 1 nM estrogen, but was potentiated by RU486 or ZK98299. These observations support the view that decreased PR levels may play a role in the stimulatory effects of R5020 and RU486 when cells are cultured under non-estrogenized conditions.