cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II Modulation of Insulin-like Growth Factor I Expression in the Cardiovascular System

Abstract The renin-angiotensin system is important in the pathophysiology of hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and vascular remodeling. Angiotensin II is a growth factor for vascular smooth muscle cells and for cardiac myocytes and non-myocytes. Recently, angiotensin II has been shown to interact at multiple levels with the insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) system. IGF-I is a major regulator of developmental growth, and of cellular metabolism and differentiation, acting by endocrine and autocrine/paracrine pathways. Angiotensin II activates IGF-I receptor signaling through multiple mechanisms, and this activation is required for the growth-promoting effects of angiotensin II on vascular smooth muscle. Angiotensin II also stimulates cardiac IGF-I gene expression. Contrary to its effects on vascular and cardiac IGF-I expression, angiotensin II depresses circulating IGF-I through a pressor-independent anorexigenic effect. The anorexigenic effect of angiotensin II, and an additional metabolic effect, produce marked weight loss in the angiotensin II-infused animal. The alterations in local and circulating IGF-I expression produced by angiotensin II are potentially of importance in understanding the pathophysiology of conditions in which the renin-angiotensin system is activated. (Trends Cardiovascular Med 1996;6:187–193).
Alkylation of cysteinyl residues of pig heart NAD-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase by iodoacetate.

Abstract Pig heart NAD-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase is inactivated by reaction with iodoacetate at pH 6.0. Loss of activity can be attributed to the formation of 1–2 mol of carboxymethyl-cysteine per peptide chain. The rate of inactivation is markedly decreased by the combined addition of Mn2+ and isocitrate, but not by α-ketoglutarate, the coenzyme NAD or the allosteric activator ADP. The substrate concentration dependence of the decreased rate of inactivation yields a dissociation constant of 1.6 mM for the enzyme-manganous-dibasic isocitrate complex, a value that is 50 times higher than the K m for this substrate. This result suggests that in protecting the enzyme against iodoacetate, isocitrate may bind to a region distinct from the catalytic site. Isocitrate and Mn2+ also prevent thermal denaturation, with an affinity for the enzyme close to that observed for the iodoacetate-sensitive site. The alkylatable cysteine residues may contribute to a manganous-isocitrate binding site which is responsible for stabilizing an active conformation of the enzyme.
Neurotoxic protein oligomers — what you see is not always what you get

An increasing body of evidence suggests that soluble assemblies of amyloid proteins are the predominant neurotoxic species in many amyloid-related diseases. Consequently, the focus of research on pathologic mechanisms underlying amyloidoses has shifted from amyloid fibrils to oligomers. Biophysical characterization of oligomers is difficult due to their metastable nature. The most popular experimental method for detection of oligomers has been SDS-PAGE. However, we provide experimental evidence that SDS-PAGE is not a reliable method for characterization of amyloid protein oligomers and discuss alternative approaches. In addition, we discuss how inconsistent nomenclature has obfuscated our understanding of the process and products of protein assembly. The goals of this paper are to identify pitfalls associated with the methods and language used to study protein oligomers and to provide alternatives, thereby facilitating successful elucidation of the mechanisms controlling amyloid protein oligomer assembly and toxicity.
Photon echoes on the 6S–7P transitions in Cs vapor☆

Abstract We report observations of photon echoes in 133 Cs vapor on the 6S to 7P transitions with an echo decay time of 150 nsec. Echo-level crossings and quantum beats in zero magnetic field were also observed.
Exploring connections between identity and learning

AbstractLearning is situated in the practices of communities, such that children learn by participating in the communities they inhabit. Learning through participation in the practices of a community influences interpretation of and engagement with the social world, and has implications for the identity of the learner as a participant in a community. In this article, the connection between learning and identity will be explored from a sociocultural perspective. Children participate in many communities and must appropriately generalize learning across communities such as home and school. Research in the connection between identity and learning in schools will be reviewed because in many countries where schooling is mandatory it is an important context for this generalization. Then the paper will explore the choice of when and how to generalize across contexts and whether this choice is conscious. Lastly, the paper will propose some ways that the connection between learning and identity may complicate this ...
PREVALENCE, NATURAL HISTORY AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF EXOPHTHALMOS

The 95% confidence limits of exophthalmometer measurements have been defined by a single observer in 105 individuals who had no known thyroid disease, and found to be 10.5-18.8 mm. Measurements in 308 patients with thyrotoxicosis have shown that exophthalmos (greater than 19 mm) of one or both eyes was present in 21.3% of the patients. Among the 122 thyrotoxic patients whose exophthalmometer measurements could be performed annually for 3-19 years after correction of the thyrotoxicosis (usually with 131I), exophthalmos remained stable in 78.7%, worsened in 15.6% and became less severe in 5.7% of the patients. Transantral decompression of the orbits was performed in 15 patients with rapid subjective improvement in all and reduction in exophthalmometer measurements of 3.6 +/- 0.5 (mean +/- SEM) mm, and no serious side-effects. In view of these findings, transantral decompression should be considered more frequently in the treatment of severe or cosmetically damaging exophthalmos.
Concentrations of serum proteins during aflatoxicosis.

The concentrations of different classes of serum proteins of chickens to graded doses of dietary aflatoxin (0, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 μg/g of diet) were measured using disc gel electrophoresis. Total serum proteins were reduced significantly (p < 0.05) by a dose of 1.25 μg/g or greater. The α-globulins and β-globulins were reduced at levels of 2.5 and 1.25 μg/g, respectively. The IgG component was reduced at 2.5 μg/g while the IgM component was not affected significantly at any level. The prealbumin fraction was reduced at 5 μg/g. The most sensitive component was serum albumin that was decreased significantly at the smallest level and was decreased to the greatest extent at the highest level. Its response curve roughly paralleled that of total serum lipids. Serum lipoproteins were decreased at 1.25 and 2.5 μg/g but not at lower or higher levels. These data can be explained by a hypothesis that aflatoxin or an active metabolite binds randomly to template deoxyribonucleic acid and inhibits the larger transcribing units such as those for serum albumin and lipid before the smaller transcribing units are inhibited.
Association of Blood Biomarkers of Bone Turnover in HIV-1 Infected Individuals Receiving Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART).

Objective: To evaluate the association of bone turnover biomarkers with blood levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OC), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and other blood markers in HIV-1 infected men receiving anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Advances in the treatment of HIV-1 infection have extended the life span of HIV-1 infected individuals. However, these advances may come at the price of metabolic side effects and bone disorders, including premature osteopenia, osteoporosis and osteonecrosis. Methods: Analyses of Ostase BAP, osteocalcin, and TRAP in blood were measured in three groups of MACS participants: 35 HIV-1 infected men on ART (A); 35 HIV-1- infected men not on ART (B); and 34 HIV-1 uninfected men (C). Results: The mean and standard deviation results for groups A, B, and C were 19.7 ± 6.56, 17.2 ± 3.96, and 16.9 ± 5.78 for ostase BAP; 7.9 ± 9.53, 8.5 ± 8.30, and 5.5 ± 1.65 for osteocalcin; and 3.9 ± 1.04, 3.1 ± 0.81, and 2.5 ± 0.59 for TRAP, respectively. Simple and multivariate analyses showed significant differences in mean TRAP and BAP concentrations between the three groups. In addition strong correlations between blood levels of Ostase BAP and TRAP (r=0.570, p=0.0004), and between blood levels of Ostase BAP and PTH (r=0.436, P=0.0098) for HIV-1 infected men on ART were observed. Conclusion: New strategies for measurement of blood and urine biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption during bone turnover can be useful for clinical monitoring of treatment of HIV-1 infected patients. Recently developed methods for measuring serum levels of TRAP and Ostase BAP represent superior laboratory tools for assessing the hyperactivity of osteoclasts, osteoblasts and bone loss in HIV-1 infected individuals receiving ART. Measurements of TRAP and BAP as bone turnover biomarkers are economical and are important for monitoring bone metabolism during ART and the need for osteoporosis treatment.
"Drop the clipboard and help me!": The determinants of observer behavior in police encounters with suspects

Much of the knowledge about police behavior on the streets is based on observational research. Little research, however, had examined the impact of reactivity in police observational data. One theme in the field research literature was that observer behavior could act as a source of bias in observational data. This article uses data from a large-scale observational study of police to predict this form of reactivity during encounters with suspects. In other words, “Are observer effects triggered by situational factors (i.e., dangerous suspects or situations) or a function of observer characteristics?” Results from a two-level hierarchical logistic model indicated that observers with higher academic rank (e.g., advanced graduate students), lower grade point averages, and more conservative attitudes toward criminality were less likely to get involved in police work during encounters with suspects. The implications of these findings for recruiting and training police researchers are discussed.
Convulsant-induced enhancement of non-primary sensory evoked responses in reticular formation pathways.

Abstract The effects of gradual induction of generalized seizures with pentylenetetrazol or strychnine on evoked responses were observed. Although strychnine induced focal ictal events before seizure generalization and pentylenetetrazol induced only generalized ictal events, similar evoked response changes were noted. These include enhancement of responses to visual and auditory stimuli, and reduction of thalamic responses to mesencephalic reticular stimuli. Although enhancement of auditory responses was observed in the primary auditory pathway, it was much greater in non-primary reticular pathways. The fact that similar evoked response changes were induced by drugs with very different patterns of seizure and synaptic mechanisms may indicate that these excitability changes in non-primary pathways play a role in the development of epileptogenesis in drug-induced generalized seizures.
Mixed Chloride/Amine Complexes of Dimolybdenum(II,II). 6. Stepwise Substitution of Amines by Tertiary Phosphines and Vice Versa: Stereochemical Hysteresis

The substitution reactions of primary amines by tertiary phosphines in quadruply bonded dimolybdenum(II,II) complexes Mo2Cl4(NH2R)4 have been studied. The exchange reaction has been shown to result...
Percutaneous AngioJet thrombectomy in the management of extensive deep venous thrombosis.

PURPOSE This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) device for rapid thrombus removal following deep venous thrombosis (DVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Over a 37-month period, 17 patients (14 women; mean age, 41 y 6 20) with extensive DVT were treated with initial attempts at PMT with use of the AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy device. Sites of venous thrombosis included lower extremities in 14 patients and upper extremity and brachiocephalic veins in three. The etiology for venous thrombosis was malignancy in seven, idiopathic etiology in three, May-Thurner syndrome and immobilization in three each, and oral contraceptive use and hypercoagulable disorder in one each. The primary endpoint was venographic evidence of thrombus extraction. Perioperative complications, mortality, and recurrencefree survival were also evaluated. RESULTS After PMT, four of 17 patients (24%) had venographic evidence of>90% thrombus removal, six of 17 (35%) had 50%–90% thrombus removal, and seven of 17 (41%) had CONCLUSION PMT with adjunctive thrombolytic therapy is a minimally invasive, low-risk therapeutic option in patients with extensive DVT, associated with clinical benefits including thrombus removal, patency, and relief of symptoms.
A Theory of Fluctuations in Stock Prices

Abstract The distribution of price returns is studied for a class of market models with Markovian dynamics. The models have a non-constant diffusion coefficient that depends on the value of the return. An analytical expression for the distribution of returns is obtained, and shown to match the results of computer simulations for two simple cases. Those two cases are shown to have exponential and “fat-tailed” power-law decaying distributions, respectively.
Understanding Perinatal Death: A Systematic Analysis of New York City Fetal and Neonatal Death Vital Record Data and Implications for Improvement, 2007–2011

We aimed to compare demographic, medical, and cause-of-death information reported for third-trimester fetal and neonatal death vital records collected in New York City (NYC) before and after implementation of the revised fetal death certificate to identify: (1) the limitations of combining fetal and neonatal death records for the purpose of perinatal death prevention; and (2) improvement opportunities for fetal death vital records registration. Using Chi squared tests, we compared data completeness and cause-of-death information between third-trimester NYC fetal (n = 1,930) and neonatal deaths (n = 735) from 2007 to 2011. We also compared fetal death data before and after the 2011 implementation of the 2003 United States (US) Standard Report of Fetal Death and an electronic reporting system. Compared with neonatal deaths, fetal death data were generally less complete (P < 0.0001). Fetal death data much more frequently reported an ill-defined cause of death (67 vs. 5 %). Most ill-defined reported causes of fetal death (73 %) were attributed to stillbirth synonyms (e.g., “fetal demise”). Ill-defined causes of fetal death decreased from 68 to 61 % (P < 0.01) after 2011. Both data completeness and ill-defined causes of death varied widely by hospital. In NYC, fetal deaths lack demographic, medical, and cause-of-death information compared with neonatal deaths, with implications for research that uses combined perinatal mortality data sets. Electronic implementation of the US Standard Report of Fetal Death minimally improved cause-of-death information. Substantial variability by hospital suggests opportunities for improvement exist.
Opinion Research and Publicness (Meinungsforschung und Öffentlichkeit)

We present a short introduction to, and the first English language translation of, Theodor W. Adorno's 1964 article, “Meinungsforschung und Offentlichkeit.” In this article, Adorno situates the mis...
Changes at Honey Grove High

This case provides a contemporary look at the complexities of environmental and organizational change and the challenges faced by a new high school principal in this changing social context. The case offers an in-depth look at a rural high school and the resistance by veteran teachers, the school board president, and the local superintendent when stability and tradition are threatened. It presents a broad overview of the various dilemmas associated with change, power, and micropolitics, while offering a greater understanding and appreciation of the depth and endurance of organizational culture.
Comparative study of methanogens in one- and two-stage anaerobic digester treating food waste

Changes in methanogenic archaea were investigated in pilot-scale experiments during one- and two-stage mesophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste. Methane yields were 379.7±75.3 liters of methane per kg of volatile solids [L-CH4 (kg-VS)−1] added to the system, during one-stage operation, and 446±922 L-CH4 (kg-VS)−1 added during two-stage operation. Populations of methanogenic archaea were monitored quantitatively by targeting the functional gene for methyl-coenzyme-M reductase (mcrA) using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques. During one-stage operation, mean mcrA gene concentrations were 2.48×109±2.7×109 copies ml−1. Two-stage operation yielded mean mcrA gene concentrations of 9.85×108±8.2×108 copies ml−1 in the fermentation and 1.76×1010±8.5×109 copies ml−1 in the methanogenesis reactors, respectively. Diversity of archaea in the methanogenic reactors was investigated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis targeting the V3 region of 16S rRNA of archaea. The Shannon index (H) was 2.98 for one-stage operation and 7.29 for two-stage operation, suggesting greater archaeal diversity in the two-stage AD. The fivefold increase in methanogenic archaea populations during the two-stage operation, as indicated by mcrA gene concentration, corresponded to an increase in methane production rates. While the diversity may also be related to the stability of the microbial bioprocesses and improved methane production rates, the correlation between diversity and production rates should be studied further.
Influential Publications in Social Work Discourse: The 100 Most Highly Cited Articles in Disciplinary Journals: 2000–09

Examinations of highly cited articles are common in professions such as medicine as a way to enhance professional self-reflection. Yet, little research has examined influential articles in social work. In light of the emergence of a distinct disciplinary knowledge base over the past few decades, this study identifies the 100 most cited articles in disciplinary social work journals (N ¼ 79) published during 2000–09. Analysis revealed twelve citation classics spanning a relatively diverse array of subjects. Among the various topics that appeared among the 100 most cited articles, the results suggest that evidence-based practice/social work research plays a particularly important role in professional discourse. Also notable is the fact that some two-thirds of the most highly cited articles were published in just four journals.
Evolutionary algorithm sandbox: A web-based graphical user interface for evolutionary algorithms

The Evolutionary Algorithm (EA) Sandbox is an Adobe® Flex®-based graphical user interface (GUI) that provides a visual demonstration of evolutionary algorithm simulations. It allows the user to select EA parameters and algorithms (such as a basic genetic algorithm, biogeography-based optimization, and opposition-based learning), run a simulation, and view the results after each generation. The EA Sandbox is meant to be a learning tool and starting point for users, giving them the ability to examine how different parameters and algorithms perform for a number of common benchmark functions. The EA Sandbox can also be easily extended to incorporate more algorithms and problem functions.
Community Norms About Suppression of AIDS-Related Prejudice and Perceptions of Stigma by People With HIV or AIDS

We investigated the relationship between community motivations to control AIDS-related prejudice and the experience of stigma by community members with HIV or AIDS, using self-reports from 203 New England residents with HIV or AIDS and 2,444 randomly selected residents of the same New England communities. Multilevel regression analyses revealed that the disclosure concerns of participants with HIV or AIDS were lower in communities where residents were motivated by personal values to control AIDS-related prejudice, and were higher in communities where residents were motivated by social pressure to control AIDS-related prejudice. Reported experiences with discrimination and exclusion were unrelated to community motivations. The results of our study suggest that external and internal pressures to control prejudice shape the experience of stigmatization.
An adaptive threshold based scheduling policy for ATM networks

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) has been adopted as a world-wide standard for the broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN). ATM enables a single high-performance network to carry a variety of traffic (e.g., data, video and voice) in an integrated manner. The different types of traffic usually have different and sometimes conflicting quality of service (QOS) requirements, all of which should be met by the underlying network at the same time. In this paper, we propose and evaluate the performance of a threshold policy for scheduling traffic in an ATM switch. The results suggest that by an appropriate choice of the threshold values, the policy can meet the quality of service requirements of the different traffic classes even at very high utilizations. To accommodate varying load conditions, an adaptive version of the policy, that dynamically adjusts the threshold values, is also described and evaluated.
Quantitative assessment of image retrieval effectiveness

Content-based retrieval (CBR) promises to greatly improve capabilities for searching for images based on semantic features and visual appearance. However, developing a framework for evaluating image retrieval effectiveness remains a significant challenge. Difficulties include determining how matching at different description levels affects relevance, designing meaningful benchmark queries of large image collections, and developing suitable quantitative metrics for measuring retrieval effectiveness. This article studies the problems of developing a framework and testbed for quantitative assessment of image retrieval effectiveness. In order to better harness the extensive research on CBR and improve capabilities of image retrieval systems, this article advocates the establishment of common image retrieval testbeds consisting of standardized image collections, benchmark queries, relevance assessments, and quantitative evaluation methods.
Severe Defects in Dorsal Thalamic Development in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-6 Mutants

Mice with mutations in the Wnt coreceptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-6 (LRP6) have a smaller and severely disorganized dorsal thalamus and lack thalamocortical projections. Using molecular markers, we showed that most dorsal thalamic and epithalamic neurons were missing, and most of the major dorsal thalamic nuclei were not identifiable. However, the ventral thalamus was essentially unaffected, although the dorsal thalamic defect leads to rostral displacement of portions of the ventral thalamus. Analysis of younger embryos showed that epithalamic and dorsal thalamic neurons were not produced at early stages of development, whereas ventral thalamic neurons were still produced. These defects were accompanied by improper formation of the boundary between dorsal and ventral thalamus, the zona limitans interthalamica (ZLI). Furthermore, the expression of an early marker of posterior forebrain development that marks the compartment from the midbrain-hindbrain junction to the ZLI (including the future dorsal thalamus, pretectum, and midbrain) was disrupted, supporting the idea that diencephalic development is abnormal from very early in embryogenesis. This study provides compelling in vivo evidence that thalamic development requires normal activity of the LRP6-mediated canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
Let's (not) do it again: secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in women.

The annual examination provides an opportunity to assess risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and potential interventions to reduce risk in a given patient. Although this patient has no symptoms, she has already had revascularization for CHD and is at increased risk for subsequent cardiac events. Interventions to modify risk in this situation are considered secondary prevention. The pertinent modifiable risk factors include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and her weight. Her BMI is in the obese range, and her waist circumference of > 35 inches places her at increased risk for type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and CHD. Aspirin therapy (81 mg) should be used in women with a history of CHD unless it is contraindicated. This is a Class 1: Level of evidence A recommendation. The benefit of a higher dose of aspirin has not been established. Because this patient has no contraindication to aspirin therapy, her 81 mg dose should be continued. Although initial observational studies suggested a role for antioxidant therapy in the prevention of CVD, randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of vitamins E and C have failed to show reductions in cardiovascular risk, and several meta-analyses have suggested increased mortality with vitamin E intake in both primary and secondary prevention trials. Therefore, these are considered Class III interventions (not useful/effective and may be harmful) for the prevention of CVD in women. The Iowa Women’s Health Study recently demonstrated that multivitamins may be associated with an increased risk of death in women aged 55–69 years. This reaffirms that vitamin and mineral supplements cannot be recommended as a preventive measure for reducing risk of CHD. In all women with a history of CHD, lipid lowering therapy is recommended to achieve an LDL-C <100 mg/dL (Class I: Level of evidence B), with an optional, more aggressive goal of a reduction to <70 mg/dL for those at very high risk, such as those with multiple or uncontrolled risk factors or a strong family history of CHD (Class IIa: Level of evidence B) In this patient, the current dose of simvastatin has resulted in an LDL-C at target levels of <100 mg/dL and near the more aggressive target.
A Deterministic Blind Equalization Method for Multi-Modulus Signals

We describe a new deterministic blind equalization method specifically for multi-modulus signals, the "algebraic multi-modulus algorithm" (AMMA). Deterministic methods of blind equalization provide an attractive and capable alternative to methods based on statistical frameworks because they are inherently more tolerant to source-signal temporal correlation, they typically require many fewer symbols to produce similar-performing solutions, and they can be much more computationally efficient. The proposed AMMA method emerges from the solution of a problem conceptually similar to that posed by van der Veen and Paulraj in developing the Algebraic (Analytical) Constant Modulus Algorithm (ACMA), which was originally developed for blind signal separation of IID constant-modulus signals and later extended to blind equalization of convolutive mixtures. The new method directly exploits the multiple moduli in a multi-level signal, thereby offering the possibility of better performance for non-constant-modulus signals. At the core of AMMA is a quadratic eigenvalue problem (QEP), the solution of which pushes up against the state-of-the-art in (rectangular) matrix pencil problems. We discuss several sub-optimal methods for solving the QEP, including a direct but limited approach, an efficient approach that solves an equivalent generalized eigenvalue problem, and other feasible methods. Finally, we present a brief simulation study in which we compare AMMA with ACMA and with an optimal equalizer
Crystal Structure of Putidaredoxin Reductase from Pseudomonas putida, the Final Structural Component of the Cytochrome P450cam Monooxygenase

The crystal structure of recombinant putidaredoxin reductase (Pdr), an FAD-containing NADH-dependent flavoprotein component of the cytochrome P450cam monooxygenase from Pseudomonas putida, has been determined to 1.90 A resolution. The protein has a fold similar to that of disulfide reductases and consists of the FAD-binding, NAD-binding, and C-terminal domains. Compared to homologous flavoenzymes, the reductase component of biphenyl dioxygenase (BphA4) and apoptosis-inducing factor, Pdr lacks one of the arginine residues that compensates partially for the negative charge on the pyrophosphate of FAD. This uncompensated negative charge is likely to decrease the electron-accepting ability of the flavin. The aromatic side-chain of the "gatekeeper" Tyr159 is in the "out" conformation and leaves the nicotinamide-binding site of Pdr completely open. The presence of electron density in the NAD-binding channel indicates that NAD originating from Escherichia coli is partially bound to Pdr. A structural comparison of Pdr with homologous flavoproteins indicates that an open and accessible nicotinamide-binding site, the presence of an acidic residue in the middle part of the NAD-binding channel that binds the nicotinamide ribose, and multiple positively charged arginine residues surrounding the entrance of the NAD-binding channel are the special structural elements that assist tighter and more specific binding of the oxidized pyridine nucleotide by the BphA4-like flavoproteins. The crystallographic model of Pdr explains differences in the electron transfer mechanism in the Pdr-putidaredoxin redox couple and their mammalian counterparts, adrenodoxin reductase and adrenodoxin.
FUNCTIONAL COMPLETENESS IN ONE VARIABLE

It is extremely difficult to make general statements about functional completeness. (For the main reference on the subject see Post [2].) In this paper we restrict ourselves to the case of unary functions in a finite valued logic, and prove a result concerning minimal functionally complete sets, along with a necessary and sufficient condition for completeness. A basic familiarity with group theory would be helpful. The following conventions will be followed in notation. The symbol F" will denote the set of all unary functions in an n-valued logic. If f e F" and g E FD then by the product fg is meant a function h e Fn such that for any truth value i, h(i) = f(g(i)). As usual the symbol fm denotes the product of f with itself m times, and f3 will denote the identity map. It will be assumed that the truth values are represented by integers 1 through n. We now state some preliminary definitions and a lemma. DEFINITION. A permutation is a function f e Fn such that every truth value occurs in its truth table once and only once. The symbol Sn will denote the group of all permutations which belong to Fn. DEFINITION. Let a be a truth value, and let f e F,. The horizontal class of f containing a is the set of truth values {i I f(i) = f(a)}. LEMMA. Suppose f, g e Fn, and a one-to-one correspondence can be established between the horizontal classes of f and the horizontal classes of g such that corresponding classes have an equal number of elements. Then there exist permutations x and y such that f = xgy. The proof of this lemma is very straightforward and will be omitted. DEFINITION. A function f E Fn is singly reduced iff there exist two and only two truth values i and ] such that f(i) = f(j). We are now able to state and prove a theorem on functional completeness in one variable giving sufficient and necessary conditions for a set of unary functions to be complete. THEOREM. A set C c Fn is functionally complete iff some subset of C generates Sn and C contains at least one singly reduced function. PROOF. Let C be a set which satisfies the hypothesis above. It is easy to verify that any two singly reduced functions satisfy the hypothesis of the lemma. Now define a function fk so that
Proportional service differentiation in wireless LANs using spacing-based channel occupancy regulation

In this paper, we propose Spacing-based Channel Occupancy Regulation (SCORE) MAC protocol that provides proportional service differentiation in terms of normalized throughput in wireless LANs. As shown by our system model and simulation study, SCORE provides consistent, scalable and adjustable proportional differentiation for any network size, any service class distribution, any node data rate and any packet size. Compared to state-of-the-art prioritized service differentiation schemes like Enhanced Distributed Coordination Function, SCORE can quantitatively control the channel sharing between different service classes with significant performance gain in terms of higher network throughput and lower packet collision probability.
Minimizing a general loss function in off-line quality control

We consider in the present paper the analysis of parameter designs in off-line quality control. The main objective is to seek levels of the production factors that would minimize the expected loss. Unlike classical analyses which focus on the analysis of the mean and variance in minimizing a quadratic loss function, the proposed method is applicable to a general loss function. An appropriate transformation is first sought to eliminate the dependency of the variance on the mean (to achieve ‘separation’ in the terminology of Box). This is accomplished through a preliminary analysis using a recently proposed parametric heteroscedastic regression model. With the dependency of the variance on the mean eliminated, methods with established properties can be applied to estimate simultaneously the mean and the variance functions in the new metric. The expected loss function is then estimated and minimized based on a distributional free procedure using the empirical distribution of the standardized residuals. This alleviates the need for a full parametric model, which, if incorrectly specified, may lead to biased results. Although a transformation is employed as an intermediate step of analysis, the loss function is minimized in its original metric. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Right to Development, Human Rights and Economic Partnership Agreements

This paper examines the Right to Development (RtD) in the context of the ongoing negotiations to finalize Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) that African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries are signing with the European Union (EU). These EPAs are being negotiated within the Cotonou Agreement framework which requires that EPAs have the following development objectives: poverty reduction, promotion of sustainable development, and facilitation of the integration of ACP countries into the global economy through trade. Human rights ought to take center stage in EPA negotiations and in the EU-ACP partnership. This is consistent with Section 177(2) of the EC Treaty which provides that EU development cooperation should contribute to the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Similarly, Article 11 of the Treaty of the European Union provides that one of the objectives of the EU’s foreign and security policy is “to develop and consolidate democracy and the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.” From a RtD perspective, EPAs are being negotiated under conditions that undermine the full participation of ACP States, preventing them from determining their development objectives. For ACP countries, these agreements will result in huge losses in revenue and restricted access to the EU market making it highly likely that the social and economic human rights of millions will be adversely affected.
Comparison of health related quality of life of primary school deaf children with and without motor impairment.

Objective To compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of primary school-age deaf children with or without motor impairment to that of typically developing peers.
Synthetic aperture radiometer systems

Aperture synthesis is an emerging technology for passive microwave remote sensing from space. It is an interferometric technique similar to earth rotation synthesis employed in radio astronomy in which pairs of small antennas and signal processing are used to obtain the resolution of a single large antenna. The technique has the potential to overcome the barriers that antenna size has plated on passive microwave remote sensing from space. The technique has been demonstrated successfully for remote sensing at L-band with the aircraft prototype ESTAR. New aircraft instruments are under development and proposals have been submitted for instruments to demonstrate this technology in space.
A cooperative, distributed, single-entry information system

This paper discusses a model for a national information system on disability-related information. The model attempts to optimize the benefits of both centralized and distributed information models. It also seeks to maximize the ability of local and regional resource individuals as well as individual consumers to act both as dissemination points and source points for information. The model uses a high-technology Internet-based system at its core, with people-based, non-technology based dissemination at its periphery. It provides both a single entry point that can be used for any type of disability-related information and a means to rapidly route the inquiries to locations or individuals with the appropriate level of expertise to provide accurate and timely information. Information would be fed into the system from a variety of levels and would include overview /summative information, information filtered to provide more in-depth and focused coverage and access to complete or very comprehensive coverage for topic areas. This information system could be accessed via mail, telephone (to an information broker), or directly owr the Internet. The overall structure allows for distributed responsibility (and funding load) and a cooperative/competitive model that would have individuals from different expertise areas cooperating together while maintaining some competition within expertise areas in order to keep the program vibrant and effective. The overall goal is to reduce redundant preparation of similar information while increasing the ability of consumers to access information from people who are expert in particular areas (rather than having an agency trying to answer all questions on all areas). © 1997 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Assessing the Vertical Distribution of Convective Available Potential Energy

Abstract Comparisons of convective available potential energy (CAPE) with standard instability indices for evaluating the convective potential of the atmosphere such as the lifted index (LI) reveal only moderate correlations. This is because the LI is a measure of single-level buoyancy while CAPE is a measure of both integration depth and the buoyancy. Normalizing the CAPE values by the depth over which the integration takes place provides an index (NCAPE) that is independent of the depth and is a convenient measure of the mean parcel buoyancy. This normalization effectively distinguishes between environments with similar CAPE but exhibiting different buoyancy and integration depth. Also, because the vertical distribution of CAPE can have an important effect on convective updraft strength, it is advantageous to vertically partition CAPE and NCAPE into multiple layers. NCAPE may provide a more useful indicator of buoyancy in environments in which the depth of free convection is shallow and total CAPE is sm...
Impact of Quantitative Visualization and Image Processing on the Study of Small- Scale Air-Sea Interaction

Non-intrusive image measuring methods based on modern photonics and digital image processing techniques provide and continue to provide an unprecedented quantitative insight into small-scale air-sea interaction processes.
Visual parameters define the phase and the load of contractions in isolated guinea pig ileum

How the movements of the intestinal walls relate to luminal pressures and outflow remains incompletely understood. We triggered the peristaltic reflex in the isolated ileum of the guinea pig and quantified wall movements through computerized measurements of diameter changes. Contractions developed as indentations close to the upstream end of the loop. The indentations deepened and expanded in length. The downstream shoulder of contractions started and stopped to propagate before the upstream shoulder. Shoulders differed in their length and gradient over most of the duration of the contraction, and this gives the contraction an axial asymmetry. Over the course of individual contractions, the length of the indented segment correlated well with the luminal pressure. Contractions in response to large volumes generated long indented segments and high luminal pressures. The onset and the end of pressure waves and of outflow did not necessarily coincide with the onset and end of visual parameters of contractions. These findings indicate that objective visual parameters might be useful to describe and to classify contractions.
Enhanced Direct Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Self-Antigen Presentation Induced by Chlamydia Infection

The direct major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen presentation pathway ensures intracellular peptides are displayed at the cellular surface for recognition of infected or transformed cells by CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Chlamydia spp. are obligate intracellular bacteria and, as such, should be targeted by CD8(+) T cells. It is likely that Chlamydia spp. have evolved mechanisms to avoid the CD8(+) killer T cell responses by interfering with MHC class I antigen presentation. Using a model system of self-peptide presentation which allows for posttranslational control of the model protein's stability, we tested the ability of various Chlamydia species to alter direct MHC class I antigen presentation. Infection of the JY lymphoblastoid cell line limited the accumulation of a model host protein and increased presentation of the model-protein-derived peptides. Enhanced self-peptide presentation was detected only when presentation was restricted to defective ribosomal products, or DRiPs, and total MHC class I levels remained unaltered. Skewed antigen presentation was dependent on a bacterial synthesized component, as evidenced by reversal of the observed phenotype upon preventing bacterial transcription, translation, and the inhibition of bacterial lipooligosaccharide synthesis. These data suggest that Chlamydia spp. have evolved to alter the host antigen presentation machinery to favor presentation of defective and rapidly degraded forms of self-antigen, possibly as a mechanism to diminish the presentation of peptides derived from bacterial proteins.
Hypoxia in skeletal muscles: from physiology to gene expression

Hypoxia is studied as a common clinical factor and a condition associated with a number of diseases. The responses induced by hypoxia in tissue are hypoxia severity and duration dependent. Compared with other tissues, skeletal muscles are relatively tolerant to hypoxia due to its low oxygen demand and its adaptation to hypoxia during physical exercise. This review focuses on molecular responses of skeletal muscles to hypoxia, with an emphasis on signaling pathway. Based on published work, hypoxia in skeletal muscle induces a number of responses involving energy metabolism, redox metabolism and angiogenesis. Signaling pathways including PI3K/Akt signaling, AMPK/mTOR signaling, HIF-1 signaling as well as Notch signaling are widely involved in these responses. Energy metabolism associated signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt signaling, AMPK/mTOR signaling are active during hypoxia in skeletal muscles.
Fuel Cell-Based Auxiliary Power Unit: EMS, Sizing, and Current Estimator-Based Controller

Fuel cells have increasingly become an attractive option for providing clean electricity at relatively high efficiency. This paper discusses the key features of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell for a fuel cell-based auxiliary power unit (FC-APU) to supply a portion of electric loads in a vehicle. The FC-APU includes two converters: a unidirectional converter to control the fuel cell current and a bidirectional converter to control the dc-link voltage and battery current. This paper proposes 1) an energy management system (EMS) to manage the power transfer between the load and energy sources with emphasis on low stress on the fuel cell, 2) an iterative method to size the fuel cell and battery for a given load profile, based on the proposed EMS, and 3) a current estimator to reduce the effects of system transients on the dc-link voltage and increase system modularity. Simulation and experimental results validate the proposed EMS, sizing, and controller design.
The long-term contribution of muscle activation and muscle size to quadriceps weakness following total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE Many older individuals have persistent quadriceps strength impairments after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A combination of muscle atrophy and neuromuscular activation deficits apparently contributes to residual strength impairments. The purpose of this short report is to describe the contribution of quadriceps muscle activation and muscle volume to impaired muscle strength in older individuals an average of 21 months following a TKA. METHODS Seventeen individuals (males: 3, females: 14; mean age: 68 yrs +/- 8.7; BMI: 33 +/- 4.8 kg/m2; number of TKA: 24; average postoperative months: 21 +/- 11.3) recruited from an orthopaedic surgeon's practice provided their written consent and participated in this study. Quadriceps strength (MVIC) and voluntary quadriceps muscle activation (QA) were measured with use of a burst-superimposition technique in which a supramaximal burst of electrical stimulation is superimposed on an MVIC. Quadriceps volume (QV) was assessed from magnetic resonance images of the quadriceps. RESULTS The mean quadriceps strength was 107.3 Nm +/- 36.4 (range: 43.22 - 205.2). The mean QA (as described with a central activation ratio) was 0.97 +/- 0.04 (range: 0.83 - 1.00). The mean QV was 1093 cm3 +/- 311.80 (range: 653.66 - 1706.56). QA and QV explain 85% of the variance in quadriceps strength (R2 = .85, p < 0.001), with QV having the greatest contribution to strength (R2 = .77, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS QV is a much stronger predictor of quadriceps strength than QA in individuals more than 1 year following TKA. Activation levels contributed little to strength one year following TKA, compared to its profound contribution in the first few postoperative months. Physical therapy interventions focused on improving muscle size in this population should be considered more relevant than countermeasures addressing neuromuscular activation.
Rice Starch Isolation by Neutral Protease and High-intensity Ultrasound

The neutral protease and high-intensity ultrasound were combinedly used to isolate the rice starch,which viscosity was analyzed by Rapid Visco Analyzer(RVA).The results showed that the starch yield was 62.3%-73.8% with 3.74%-4.88% residual protein content by neutral protease alone,and 72.1%-77.2% with 0.68%-1.30% residual protein content by the combination of neutral protease and high-intensity ultrasound.Damaged starch content greatly decreased after sonication.The preferred combination was neutral protease digestion for 3 h followed by sonication at 50% amplitude for 40 min.The protease peak viscosity,setback viscosity and final viscosity of rice starch increased and breakdown viscosity of rice starch decreased after the combinations,which were the same to the alkaline treatment.This indicated that the high-intensity ultrasound produced no damage to starch properties.The combination of neutral protease and high intensity ultrasound was an effective technique for isolation of rice starch.