cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Branching phenomena for periodic solutions of non-autonomous piecewise linear systems

Abstract This is a study of certain phenomena associated with periodic solutions of non-linear second-order differential equations which are not small perturbations of linear systems or of autonomous systems. Phenomena which occur under change of parameters in such systems are the jump phenomenon when periodic solutions appear or disappear suddenly, and also the appearance of non-symmetric periodic solutions even in systems possessing symmetry. The equation x″ + g(x) = E cos t (1) is studied where g ( x ) is a piecewise-linear odd function of x with just two corner points and E is not small. The system (1) has, at least for some values of E , a 2π-periodic solution which is odd-harmonic. As E varies this family of solutions undergoes various types of branching which give rise to the phenomena mentioned above. The underlying cause of the branchings seems to be the presence of square integers between the two constant values of g ′( x ). If the two slopes of g ( x ) have no square integers lying between them, there is no branching of the odd-harmonic periodic solution family. Graphical results of an analogue computer study are given to illustrate some of the branchings.
Branchial Reduction and Renal Stimulation of (Na+, K+)-ATPase by Prolactin in Hypophysectomized Killifish in Fresh Water

THE discovery, in 1959, that prolactin enables hypophysectomized killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) to live in fresh water1,2 stimulated much investigation of the osmoregulatory functions of this hormone in euryhaline teleosts3. The presence of prolactin, or its teleostean equivalent (paralactin), is necessary for fresh water survival in many euryhaline cyprinodonts and in some unrelated species. In others, such as the eel (Anguilla anguilla), prolactin participates less in electrolyte homeostasis, and hypophysectomized fish of such species can withstand fresh water. Maetz and his associates4–6 have shown that a primary osmoregulatory function of prolactin is the reduction of extrarenal sodium outflux which is uncontrolled, or poorly controlled, after removal of the hypophysis. This becomes critical when a prolactin-dependent species, such as F. heteroclitus, is transferred to fresh water.
Diagnostic interventions in nuclear medicine.

Abstract Diagnostic interventions in nuclear medicine may be defined as the coadministration of a nonradioactive drug or application of a physical stimulus or physiologic maneuver to enhance the diagnostic utility of a nuclear medicine test. The rationale for each interventional maneuver follows from the physiology or metabolism of the particular organ or organ system under evaluation. Diagnostic inference is drawn from the pattern of change in the biodistribution of the tracer in response to the intervention-induced change in metabolism or function. In current practice, the most commonly performed interventional maneuvers are aimed at studies of the heart, genitourinary system, hepatobiliary system, and gastrointestinal tract. The single most commonly performed interventional study in the United States is the stress Thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scan aimed at the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The stress portion of the study is accomplished with dynamic leg exercise on a treadmill and is aimed at increasing myocardial oxygen demands. Areas of myocardium distal to hemodynamically significant lesions in the coronary arteries become ischemic at peak stress due to the inability of the stenotic vessel to respond to the oxygen demand/blood flow needs of the myocardium. Ischemic areas are readily recognized as photopenic defects on scans obtained immediately after exercise, with “normalization” upon delayed imaging. Diuresis renography is aimed at the differential diagnosis of hydroureteronephrosis. By challenging the urinary tract collecting structures with an augmented urine flow, dilated, unobstructed systems can be differentialed from systems with significant mechanical obstruction. Obstructed systems have a low ability to respond even after effective diuresis, resulting in a characteristic prolonged retention of the radiotracer. Hepatobiliary interventions are most commonly employed in the clinical setting of suspected acute cholecystitis. Administering a cholecystogogue before a hepatobiliary tracer promotes visualization of the gallbladder by causing it to go through a contraction/filling cycle in gallbladder by causing it to go through a contraction/filling cycle in which the filling phase occurs during maximum exposure to the radionuclide. This maneuver can convert a false positive study that suggests the presence of acute cholecystitis to a true negative study. Other gastrointestinal interventions are aimed at enhancing the detection of gastroesophageal reflux and gastrointestinal bleeding. Many new interventions have been developed that are currently aimed at research problems rather than clinical problems. Elegant studies eliciting cortical activation in response to visual, auditory, and cognitive stimulae have been described for the brain and show clinical promise for the future. New interventions are also under investigation for the heart and kidney. The development of new tracers and instrumentation will continue to be paralleled by the development of new interventional maneuvers.
HCFC-31: the CHClFO2 + NO → CHClFO + NO2 reaction and Cl atom elimination from CHClFO

Abstract The kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of CHClFO 2 radicals with NO were studied by time-resolved mass spectrometric monitoring of the molecular ions of NO 2 and NO. The rate constant was determined to be (1.31 ± 0.20) × 10 −11 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 at (26 ± 1)°C, and was found to be independent of pressure over the range 6–25 Torr. The CHClFO radicals formed in this reaction were found to dissociate by unimolecular CCl bond scission. The unimolecular rate coefficient for Cl atom loss was estimated to be greater than 3 × 10 3 s −1 at (26 ± 1)°C.
Hypothalamic Hormones and Cancer

Abstract The use of peptide analogs for the therapy of various cancers is reviewed. Inhibition of the pituitary–gonadal axis forms the basis for oncological applications of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists and antagonists, but direct effects on tumors may also play a role. Analogs of somatostatin are likewise used for treatment of various tumors. Radiolabeled somatostatin analogs have been successfully applied for the localization of tumors expressing somatostatin receptors. Studies on the role of tumoral LH-RH, growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH), and bombesin/GRP and their receptors in the proliferation of various tumors are summarized, but the complete elucidation of all the mechanisms involved will require much additional work. Human tumors producing hypothalamic hormones are also discussed. Treatment of many cancers remains a major challenge, but new therapeutic modalities are being developed based on antagonists of GH-RH and bombesin, which inhibit growth factors or their receptors. Other approaches consist of the use of cytotoxic analogs of LH-RH, bombesin, and somatostatin, which can be targeted to receptors for these peptides in various cancers and their metastases. These new classes of peptide analogs should lead to a more effective treatment for various cancers.
Association of severe obstructive sleep apnea and elevated blood pressure despite antihypertensive medication use.

Rationale:We hypothesized that untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with elevated ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in subjects with high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk desp...
Hantavirus Transmission in Sylvan and Peridomestic Environments

We developed a compartmental model for hantavirus infection in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) with the goal of comparing relative importance of direct and indirect transmission in sylvan and peridomestic environments. A direct transmission occurs when the infection is mediated by the contact of an infected and an uninfected mouse, while an indirect transmission occurs when the infection is mediated by the contact of an uninfected mouse with, for instance, infected soil. Based on population dynamics data and estimates of hantavirus decay in the two types of environments, our model predicts that direct transmission dominates in the sylvan environment, while both pathways are important in peridomestic environments. The model allows us to compute a basic reproduction number R 0, which indicates whether the virus will be endemic or eradicated from the mouse population, in both an autonomous and a time-periodic model. Our analysis can be used to evaluate various eradication strategies.
Burn injury results in decreased gastric acid production in the acute shock period

Gastrointestinal complications including acute stress ulcerations occur after burn injury. The causes of acute gastric derangements are multiple, and tissue ischemia in the acute period of burn shock may promote breakdown of the gastric mucosal protective barrier. We compared gastric pH in mice after 25% total body surface area, full-thickness murine burn injury with that in unburned control animals. Animals were anesthetized with methoxyflurane and were resuscitated with 1 ml normal saline solution immediately after burn. Animals were killed at intervals up to 24 hours after burn injury, stomachs were removed and opened, and gastric mucosal pH was measured by use of a surface pH probe. In other animals mixed venous blood was obtained via direct inferior vena cava puncture, and blood gas analysis was performed at intervals up to 24 hours after burn injury. Unexpectedly, gastric mucosal pH increased in burned mice compared with that in controls. The peak difference, greater than one log pH unit, occurred at 3 hours after burn injury (pH 4.45 burn vs pH 3.34 control, p < 0.00001), and this difference was maintained through 12 hours (pH 4.88 burn vs pH 3.20 control, p < 0.005). In this model, shock was observed to begin as early as 1 hour after burn injury and reached its maximal period (base deficit, -27.8 mEq/L) at 12 hours after burn injury. In view of the higher gastric pH in burned mice with concomitant profound shock, gastric acid production appears to be impaired during this time, which suggests acute postburn gastrointestinal ulcerations may be primarily due to ischemia. Prevention of organ ischemia may play a key role in the prevention of acute gastric ulcerations after burn injury.
The Midpoint on a Five-Point Likert-Type Scale:

Previous studies on the points of the Likert-scale format have not addressed the question of the effect on the score resulting from the use of “neutral” or “undecided” as the midpoint of a five-poi...
Proinflammatory cytokine deficiency and pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis in aged mice.

Corneal clarity in young adult Swiss (HSD:ICR) mice is restored after Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Previous data showed that this response involves a rapid up-regulation of constitutive intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and migration of inflammatory cells into the cornea. In contrast, in aged mice, there is no up-regulation of corneal ICAM-1, inflammatory cell infiltration into the cornea is delayed, and the cornea perforates. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test whether specific cytokines which up-regulate ICAM-1 expression differ in young and aged mice. Corneas of young (6- to 8-week-old) and aged (1- to 2-year-old) mice were scarified and inoculated with P. aeruginosa. The eyes were graded for pathologic changes (score 0 to +4); at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postinfection (p.i.), six mice from each age group were sacrificed. Three corneas from each respective group were excised for quantitation of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha, and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The remaining three corneas from each age group were harvested for quantitation of viable bacteria by direct plate count determination and for infiltrating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) by a myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. Compared to those of young mice, the corneas of infected aged mice had less IL-1beta at 6 h p.i. (P < or = 0.04) and less IFN-gamma at 12 to 48 h p.i. (P < or = 0.05). Also, compared to those of young mice, corneas of aged mice had fewer PMNs (P < or = 0.008) by the MPO assay at 6 h p.i. and more viable bacteria (P < or = 0.01) per cornea by plate count determination at 24 h p.i. These data suggest that the lack of up-regulation of ocular ICAM-1 in aged mice may reflect a reduction in both IL-1beta and IFN-gamma levels in the infected cornea. Consequently, a sufficient number of PMNs and other inflammatory cells fail to rapidly migrate into the infected corneas of aged mice, the bacterial load is initially greater than that in young mice, and the cornea perforates.
The panoscopic approach to high performance thermoelectrics

This review discusses recent developments and current research in high performance bulk thermoelectric materials, comprising nanostructuring, mesostructuring, band alignment, band engineering and synergistically defining key strategies for boosting the thermoelectric performance. To date, the dramatic enhancements in the figure of merit achieved in bulk thermoelectric materials have come either from the reduction in lattice thermal conductivity or improvement in power factors, or both of them. Here, we summarize these relationships between very large reduction of the lattice thermal conductivity with all-scale hierarchical architecturing, large enhanced Seebeck coefficients with intra-matrix electronic structure engineering, and control of the carrier mobility with matrix/inclusion band alignment, which enhance the power factor and reduce the lattice thermal conductivity. The new concept of hierarchical compositionally alloyed nanostructures to achieve these effects is presented. Systems based on PbTe, PbSe and PbS in which spectacular advances have been demonstrated are given particular emphasis. A discussion of future possible strategies is aimed at enhancing the thermoelectric figure of merit of these materials.
A differential equation model of North American cinematic box‐office dynamics

A new mathematical model is presented for the box-office dynamics of a motion picture released in North America. Though previous work on this problem has usually involved probabilistic methods, the new model for describing cumulative box-office gross uses a continuous-time, differential-equation approach. This model, which consists of a system of three nonlinear, coupled, ordinary differential equations, incorporates the effects of marketing and advertising expenses, audience reaction, critical reviews, and previous box-office behavior, among other factors. Analytical asymptotic results are presented for various parameter regimes. In the general case, the model must be solved numerically. Numerical simulations are tested against actual revenue data from several recent movies to analyse the model’s accuracy. An algorithm for practical usage of the model is presented.
Compartmentalization of Muscles and Their Motor Nuclei: The Partitioning Hypothesis

This review article is designed to expose physical therapists to an examination of muscle organization and the implications that this organization has for therapeutic applications. The partitioning hypothesis is based on the fact that an individual muscle is arranged in a more complex array than simply fibers attaching at aponeuroses, tendons, or bones with a single muscle nerve innervation. Neuromuscular compartments, which are distinct subvolumes of a muscle, each innervated by an individual muscle nerve branch and each containing motor unit territories with a unique array of physiological attributes, are described. In addition, the organization of individual muscles into these subunits is paralleled by the organization of their parent motoneurons within the spinal cord. These notions are detailed in a review of data derived from studies performed primarily in cat and rat models. Recent data derived from morphological and anatomical study of human muscles support the existence of similar neuromuscular partitions. These data are complemented by physiological studies, the results from which suggest that partitions may have functional or task-oriented roles; that is, different portions of one muscle may be called into play depending on the task demands of the situation. The importance of these observations for reconsidering how we provide clinical applications, such as neuromuscular stimulation or kinesiological monitoring, is discussed.
The System CaO‐Al2O3‐H2O

Phase equilibria have been determined in the system CaO-Al2O3-H2O in the temperature range 100° to 1000°C. under water pressures of up to 3000 atmospheres. Only three hydrated phases are formed stably in the system: Ca(OH)2, 3CaO·Al2O3·6H2O, and 4CaO·3Al2O3-3H2O. Pressure-temperature curves delineating the equilibrium decomposition of each of these phases have been determined, and some ther-mochemical data have been deduced therefrom. It has been established that both the compounds CaO·Al2O3 and 3CaO·Al2O3 have a minimum temperature of stability which is above 1000°C. The relevance of the new data to some aspects of cement chemistry is discussed.
Approaches used by employee assistance programs to address perpetration of intimate partner violence.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are workplace resources available to employees with problems impacting work performance. EAPs are well-positioned to address intimate partner violence (IPV), a major public health problem with workplace impacts. A purposeful sample of 28 EAPs across the United States was surveyed to identify policies and programs to address IPV, including perpetration. Most EAPs did not report having standardized approaches for addressing IPV perpetration. EAPs also described significant barriers to identifying IPV perpetrators, with the majority relying on self-disclosure on the part of the perpetrator when contacting the EAP. These results suggest that many EAPs--even when interacting with employees who present with issues known to correlate with IPV--are missing a potential opportunity to assess and intervene with IPV perpetrators. Language: en
Whey Protein Supplementation Does Not Alter Plasma Branched-Chained Amino Acid Profiles but Results in Unique Metabolomics Patterns in Obese Women Enrolled in an 8-Week Weight Loss Trial

Background: It has been suggested that perturbations in branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism are associated with insulin resistance and contribute to elevated systemic BCAAs. Evidence in rodents suggests dietary protein rich in BCAA can increase BCAA catabolism, but there is limited evidence in humans. Objective: We hypothesize that a diet rich in BCAA will increase BCAA catabolism, which will manifest in a reduction of fasted plasma BCAA concentrations. Methods: The metabolome of 27 obese women with metabolic syndrome before and after weight loss was investigated to identify changes in BCAA metabolism using GC-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Subjects were enrolled in an 8-wk weight-loss study including either a 20-g/d whey (whey group, n = 16) or gelatin (gelatin group, n = 11) protein supplement. When matched for total protein by weight, whey protein has 3 times the amount of BCAAs compared with gelatin protein. Results: Postintervention plasma abundances of Ile (gelatin group: 637 6 18, quantifier ion peak height O 100; whey group: 744 6 65), Leu (gelatin group: 1210 6 33; whey group: 1380 6 79), and Val (gelatin group: 2080 6 59; whey group: 2510 6 230) did not differ between treatment groups. BCAAs were significantly correlated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance at baseline (r = 0.52, 0.43, and 0.49 for Leu, Ile, and Val, respectively; all, P < 0.05), but correlations were no longer significant at postintervention. Pro- and Cys-related pathways were found discriminant of whey protein vs. gelatin protein supplementation in multivariate statistical analyses. Conclusions: These findings suggest that BCAA metabolism is, at best, only modestly affected at a whey protein supplementation dose of 20 g/d. Furthermore, the loss of an association between postintervention BCAA and homeostasis model assessment suggests that factors associated with calorie restriction orprotein intake affect how plasma BCAAs relate to insulin sensitivity. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00739479. JN utrdoi: 10.3945/jn.114.203943.
Some new directions in impedance spectroscopy data analysis

Abstract New developments in two main data analysis areas are discussed: (a) complex nonlinear least squares (CNLS) fitting of data and (b) data-transforming and optimizing integral transforms. In the first category, a Monte Carlo study is used to answer the question of which of several different parameterizations of an ambiguous equivalent circuit model lead to minimum correlation between fitting parameters, a desirable condition. In addition, results are briefly discussed which address the questions of (1) what should be minimized in CNLS fitting? (2) how well can one discriminate between exact small-signal binary electrolyte response and conventional finite-length diffusion response? and (3) what is the ultimate precision of parameter estimates obtained in a CNLS fit? In the second area, new forms of the Kronig-Kramers relations (KKR) are discussed; the accuracy of several different ways of carrying out the numerical quadratures needed in such transforms is compared; and it is shown how random errors present in complex data are transformed by the KKR. Then, new transforms are described and illustrated that can replace exponential Fourier and KK transforms and, at the same time, can greatly reduce random error and some kinds of systematic errors in real, imaginary, or complex frequency response data or transient response data without the need for smoothing or filtering parameter choices.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors prevent apoptosis following lethal hemorrhagic shock in rodent kidney cells

Background We have previously demonstrated that treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACI), such as valproic acid (VPA) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), can improve survival after hemorrhagic shock in animal models. Hemorrhage results in hypoacetylation of proteins which is reversed by HDACI. These agents are known to acetylate insulin receptor substrate-I (IRS-I), which in turn activates the Akt survival pathway. This study investigated whether HDACI exert their beneficial effects through the Akt survival pathway.
Thermomechanical Cracking in Layered Media From Moving Friction Load

Abstract : This investigation studies a two-dimensional model of a layered medium subjected to the frictional excitation of a high-speed asperity traversing over the surface of the medium. The general analytical solutions of the mechanical stress state, the temperature field and the thermal stress state are obtained and expressed in the Fourier transform expressions. Numerical solutions are carried out for cases of uniform and parabolic pressure distributions. The resulting stress state yields the conditions for the asperity to initiate cracks in the layered medium. This paper studies, further, the thickness effect of the surface layer, the effect of relative stiffness of the surface layer and the substrate, and the effect of an insulating layer versus a conductive layer. (Author)
The Defective Nuclear Lamina in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome Disrupts the Nucleocytoplasmic Ran Gradient and Inhibits Nuclear Localization of Ubc9

The mutant form of lamin A responsible for the premature aging disease Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (termed progerin) acts as a dominant negative protein that changes the structure of the nuclear lamina. How the perturbation of the nuclear lamina in progeria is transduced into cellular changes is undefined. Using patient fibroblasts and a variety of cell-based assays, we determined that progerin expression in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome inhibits the nucleocytoplasmic transport of several factors with key roles in nuclear function. We found that progerin reduces the nuclear/cytoplasmic concentration of the Ran GTPase and inhibits the nuclear localization of Ubc9, the sole E2 for SUMOylation, and of TPR, the nucleoporin that forms the basket on the nuclear side of the nuclear pore complex. Forcing the nuclear localization of Ubc9 in progerin-expressing cells rescues the Ran gradient and TPR import, indicating that these pathways are linked. Reducing nuclear SUMOylation decreases the nuclear mobility of the Ran nucleotide exchange factor RCC1 in vivo, and the addition of SUMO E1 and E2 promotes the dissociation of RCC1 and Ran from chromatin in vitro. Our data suggest that the cellular effects of progerin are transduced, at least in part, through reduced function of the Ran GTPase and SUMOylation pathways.
Nondestructive Testing of Uranium

The rapidly increasing peacetime application of nuclear energy will entail a corresponding increase in the use of uranium. The high physical density, nuclear characteristics, slightly different manufacturing methods, and greatly unorthodox specifications for uranium require special techniques of nondestructive testing. Uranium ranging in thickness from a few mils up to about 2 1/2 in. has been radiographed successfully, using sources of different energies. Typical exposure charts, respective film-screen combinations, the use of vacuum cassettes, and the problem of shielding against object and room scatter are also included in this discussion. Furthermore, the use of radiation gages to measure the uniformity of mass per unit area and the application of ultrasonics are taken under consideration. Finally, the sensitivities of these various methods, which determine their use within a particular thickness range, are also mentioned.
Changes within the mandible and teeth in a case of rickets

Abstract The case of an 8-month-old infant who died of bronchopneumonia and septicemia is reported. Evidence of rickets was established by post-mortem examination of the ribs and of the mandible and teeth. Prominent incremental lines in the enamel and dentine were described, and their relation to the case history was discussed. Characteristic rachitic changes in the teeth were marked interglobular dentine, a widened predentine, proliferation of the stratum intermedium, and hypoplasia and agenesis of the enamel.
Clinical Application of Dynamic Theory Concepts According to Tscharnuter Akademie for Movement Organization (TAMO) Therapy.

Purpose:The purpose of this article is to describe the relationship between specific concepts of dynamic theories and specific Tscharnuter Akademie for Movement Organization (TAMO) therapy principles.Key Points:Theories of dynamic perception, such as functional coupling between organism and environm
We Are What We Eat: Ancient Agriculture Between the Great Lakes

A history of food systems in Africa's Great Lakes region is presented using mostly historical linguistic sources, with help from archaeology and paleoecology. The paper moves beyond understanding the causes and consequences of iron-working as the most important feature of the period between c. 1000 b.c. and c. a.d. 500. I argue that a history of agriculture both gives context to changes in technology and introduces powerful new explanations for historical processes of settlement and occupational specialization that took place.Between 1000 b.c. and 500 b.c., in the Great Lakes region, speakers of three of Africa's four major language families practiced distinguishable food-producing systems. Two groups, Central Sudanian and Sog Eastern Sudanian, depended mainly on growing cereals and raising livestock for their sustenance. The third group, the Tale Southern Cushites, gave decidedly greater emphasis to cattle but probably also grew grains. A fourth group, the Great Lakes Bantu, grew root crops, fished and raised cattle and grain. They inherited much of their knowledge of these techniques, other than cattle-raising, from earlier Eastern Highlands Bantu-speakers. But they incorporated cattle and some grains through longstanding contacts with the two Sudanian and the Southern Cushitic communities. The eclectic food system they thus created allowed them to carry their unified, complex food-producing system throughout the wide variety of environments that they encountered in the Lakes region. After c.a.d. 200 descendants of the Great Lakes Bantu refined this synthesis; they emphasized livestock raising inland from Lake Victoria, and mixed farmers spread throughout the Kivu Rift. Technological, demographic, ecological and sociological explanations of the technological evidence are offered.
The Pathogenesis of Foam Cell Formation: Modified LDL Stimulates Uptake of Co-Incubated LDL Via Macropinocytosis

Abstract —Previously, modified LDLs were shown to stimulate macropinocytosis in pigeon macrophages. Simultaneous intracellular trafficking of LDL and AcLDL, differentially labeled with colloidal gold, was done to determine whether uptake of LDL, which does not cause foam cell formation, was internalized via a separate route from AcLDL, which stimulates foam cell formation. AcLDL and LDL were followed at either low (12 μg/mL) concentrations near the saturation of high affinity binding sites or high (50 to 150 μg/mL) lipoprotein concentrations used to induce foam cell formation. The colloidal gold distribution and percentage of co-labeling as observed by transmission electron microscopy were determined for organelles involved with coated-pit endocytosis or macropinocytosis. LDL simultaneously incubated with AcLDL on macrophages at the low concentration was predominately internalized via coated-pit endocytosis. AcLDL was internalized via both coated-pit endocytosis and macropinocytosis at low concentration. At higher lipoprotein concentrations (50 to 150 μg/mL), AcLDL continued to be internalized via macropinocytosis. Interestingly, a significant portion of the co-incubated LDL, at high concentrations, also trafficked via macropinocytosis. LDL internalized by macropinosomes at high lipoprotein concentrations suggests that AcLDL-stimulated macropinocytosis might increase uptake of co-incubated lipoproteins. When 125 I-LDL was incubated with cold AcLDL, LDL degradation at 37°C doubled, without a corresponding increase in cell association or total binding of LDL at 4°C. These studies suggest that modified LDL-stimulated macropinocytosis is a mechanism for increased degradation of co-incubated LDL potentially leading to foam cell formation.
The pKO2 Linear Plasmid Prophage of Klebsiella oxytoca

Temperate bacteriophages with plasmid prophages are uncommon in nature, and of these only phages N15 and PY54 are known to have a linear plasmid prophage with closed hairpin telomeres. We report here the complete nucleotide sequence of the 51,601-bp Klebsiella oxytoca linear plasmid pKO2, and we demonstrate experimentally that it is also a prophage. We call this bacteriophage phiKO2. An analysis of the 64 predicted phiKO2 genes indicate that it is a fairly close relative of phage N15; they share a mosaic relationship that is typical of different members of double-stranded DNA tailed-phage groups. Although the head, tail shaft, and lysis genes are not recognizably homologous between these phages, other genes such as the plasmid partitioning, replicase, prophage repressor, and protelomerase genes (and their putative targets) are so similar that we predict that they must have nearly identical DNA binding specificities. The phiKO2 virion is unusual in that its phage lambda-like tails have an exceptionally long (3,433 amino acids) central tip tail fiber protein. The phiKO2 genome also carries putative homologues of bacterial dinI and umuD genes, both of which are involved in the host SOS response. We show that these divergently transcribed genes are regulated by LexA protein binding to a single target site that overlaps both promoters.
An energy-aware bioinformatics application for assembling short reads in high performance computing systems

Current biomedical technologies are producing massive amounts of data on an unprecedented scale. The increasing complexity and growth rate of biological data has made bioinformatics data processing and analysis a key and computationally intensive task. High performance computing (HPC) has been successfully applied to major bioinformatics applications to reduce computational burden. However, a naive approach for developing parallel bioinformatics applications may achieve a high degree of parallelism while unnecessarily expending computational resources and consuming high levels of energy. As the wealth of biological data and associated computational burden continues to increase, there has become a need for the development of energy efficient computational approaches in the bioinformatics domain. To address this issue, we have developed an energy-aware scheduling (EAS) model to run computationally intensive applications that takes both deadline requirements and energy factors into consideration. An example of a computationally demanding process that would benefit from our scheduling model is the assembly of short sequencing reads produced by next generation sequencing technologies. Next generation sequencing produces a very large number of short DNA reads from a biological sample. Multiple overlapping fragments must be aligned and merged into long stretches of contiguous sequence before any useful information can be gathered. The assembly problem is extremely difficult due to the complex nature of underlying genome structure and inherent biological error present in current sequencing technologies. We apply our EAS model to a newly proposed assembly algorithm called Merge and Traverse, giving us the ability to generate speedup profiles. Our EAS model was also able to dynamically adjust the number of nodes needed to meet given deadlines for different sets of reads.
The change in the acoustic admittance phase angle: a study in children suffering from acute otitis media

Middle ear mechanics, in normal and in pathological conditions, is the subject of this research, with acoustic impedance measurements as the cornerstone. Previous studies have established the importance of admittance-phase tympanograms, mainly in frequencies higher than the conventional 226 Hz. The purpose of the present study was to record how acute otitis media (AOM) affects the middle ear system and function by evaluating the recordings of the change in phase angle parameter (Δθ) provided by an automated tympanometer using the sweep-frequency technique. Multifrequency and conventional tympanograms were obtained from 70 children suffering from AOM on consecutive visits. Values of Δθ from these subjects were compared to normative data previously acquired in our Department. It appears that changes in the mechanical status of the middle ear after AOM are reflected in abnormal Δθ values, despite the normal findings of conventional tympanometry. A positive history of AOM did not seem to influence the behavio...
Complaints to Professional and Regulatory Bodies

This chapter focuses on professional and regulatory bodies to which patients can lodge complaints and other concerns over the quality of care provided by medical practitioners and healthcare institutions. It first considers state regulation of professional licensing boards, together with the procedures employed by medical boards for patient complaints, as well as the challenges and criticisms faced by such boards with respect to their approach to complaint investigation and disciplinary enforcement. It then turns to federal regulation of providers and institutions that participate in Medicare and Medicaid, with particular reference to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It also examines private organizations, such as the Joint Commission (formerly the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Health Organizations) and specialty medical associations. Finally, the chapter looks at online consumer reviews and healthcare ratings websites as alternative mechanisms for patient reporting and complaints.
Association of cardiorespiratory fitness and vascular risk on cognitive function in young adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the interdependent associations between health indices [i.e. cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, body mass index (BMI)], C-reactive protein (CRP) and cognitive function in young adults. It was hypothesized that a regression analysis would confirm direct effects of the health indices and CRP on cognitive function. Health indices including cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity level, BMI and CRP were collected to examine the relationship with cognitive function in healthy, young adults (n=93; 57.0% female, aged 23.01± 3.67 years). Cognitive function was assessed using neuropsychological test battery [i.e. Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, KBIT; Trail Making Test, (TMT); Stroop test; Psychomotor Vigilance Task, (PVT); and Dela ASSOCIATION OF CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS AND VASCULAR RISK ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN YOUNG ADULTS yed-Matched-to-Sample memory task, (DMS)]. Lower cognitive function of inhibitory control in the Stroop test and working memory in the DMS were observed among high CRP risk (M = 5.65, SD ± 1.78) compared to the low CRP risk (M = 0.57, SD ± 0.19) participants. These results suggest that CRP level in the high-risk condition causes deleterious effect on cognitive function tasks requiring inhibitory control and working memory. In addition, CRP, which was positively associated with BMI, but negatively related to cardiorespiratory fitness, had negative effects on the working memory and the inhibitory control. As predicted, higher cardiorespiratory fitness was positively associated with greater inhibitory control and working memory. Our findings demonstrated that CRP level in the high-risk condition causes deleterious effect on cognitive function among tasks demanding inhibitory control and working memory. The beneficial effect of physical exercise-induced improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness on vascular risk and cognitive functions was significant; therefore, improved cardiorespiratory fitness may reduce or suppress vascular risk with potential positive effects on cognitive health.
Touchless Electrostatic Three-dimensional Detumbling of Large Axi-symmetric Debris

Touchless detumbling of space debris is investigated to enable orbital servicing or active debris removal. Using active charge transfer between a servicer and debris object, control torques are created to reduce the debris spin rate prior to making any physical contact. In this work, the servicer shape is spherical and the debris is assumed to be cylindrical and tumbling. The attitude control goal is to reduce the debris tumbling motion while maintaining a fixed position ahead of the debris object. Prior work has identified the feasibility of electrostatic detumble for one degree of rotational freedom. This work extends the theory to three-dimensional tumbling motion. Using the previously developed Multi-Sphere modeling method for electrostatic forces and torques on non-spherical objects, detumble behavior is predicted and Lyapunov control theory and numerical simulations are used to demonstrate a stabilizing attitude control.
On the Use of the SiC(100)-c(2×2) Surface as a Substrate for the Creation of Ordered Organic–Semiconductor Interfaces

The creation of ordered organic–semiconductor interfaces on many commonly used semiconductor surfaces poses a significant challenge due to the large number of reaction products that can be formed with small conjugated molecules on these surfaces. In this Letter, we employ ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the reaction between the SiC(100)-c(2×2) surface and 1,3-cyclohexadiene. By generating detailed free-energy profiles for different possible reaction channels, we find that one of the products, a [4+2] intradimer adduct, is thermodynamically highly favored over other adducts that could potentially form on this surface, suggesting that this product state could form the basis of an ordered interfacial structure. Further investigation of an example of such an ordered structure, again using ab initio molecular dynamics, reveals that this structure is stable at room temperature.
Dirigent: Enforcing QoS for Latency-Critical Tasks on Shared Multicore Systems

Latency-critical applications suffer from both average performance degradation and reduced completion time predictability when collocated with batch tasks. Such variation forces the system to overprovision resources to ensure Quality of Service (QoS) for latency-critical tasks, degrading overall system throughput. We explore the causes of this variation and exploit the opportunities of mitigating variation directly to simultaneously improve both QoS and utilization. We develop, implement, and evaluate Dirigent, a lightweight performance-management runtime system that accurately controls the QoS of latency-critical applications at fine time scales, leveraging existing architecture mechanisms. We evaluate Dirigent on a real machine and show that it is significantly more effective than configurations representative of prior schemes.
Natural history and the Encyclopedie.

The general popularity of natural history in the eighteenth century is mirrored in the frequency and importance of the more than 4,500 articles on natural history in the Encyclopedie. The main contributors to natural history were Daubenton, Diderot, Jaucourt and d'Holbach, but some of the key animating principles derive from Buffon, who wrote nothing specifically for the Encyclopedie. Still, a number of articles reflect his thinking, especially his antipathy toward Linnaeus. There was in principle a natural tie between encyclopedism, with its emphasis on connected knowledge, and the task of natural historians who concentrated on the relationships among living forms. Both the encyclopedists and natural historians aimed at a sweeping overview of knowledge, and we see that Diderot's discussions of the encyclopedia were apparently informed by his reading of natural history. Most of the articles on natural history drew from traditional sources, but there are differences in emphasis and choice of subject, depending upon the author. Diderot's 300 contributions are often practical, interesting, and depend upon accounts from other parts of the world. Jaucourt, who wrote more articles on natural history than anyone else, followed in his footsteps. Daubenton's 900 articles reflected a more narrow, professional approach. His contributions concluded for the most part with Volume 8, and Jaucourt carried on almost single-handedly after that. While staking out traditional ground (description, taxonomy) and advancing newer theoretical views linked with Buffon, natural history in the Encyclopedie avoided almost completely the sentimentalism concerning nature that developed after Rousseau.
Deposition of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles onto an Oxidic Support Using a Novel Gas-Expanded Liquid Process to Produce Functional Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis Catalysts

Gas expanded liquids (GXL) are solvent systems which enable the controlled deposition of presynthesized iron oxide nanoparticles, based on their size, onto a surface through the use of compressible gas such as CO2. By controlling the applied CO2 pressure, and hence the solvent strength, one can systematically deposit/precipitate nanoparticles of desired sizes. In this study, a technique using a GXL has been developed to controllably deposit iron oxide nanoparticles onto oxidic materials such as alumina and silica. The nanomaterials generated using this technique were then tested for their effectiveness as catalysts in Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis in a fixed bed reactor system under standard low temperature FT conditions. The catalytic performance of these nanoscale iron FT catalysts was compared to control catalysts that were prepared by traditional incipient wetness methods using the same iron loading. Characterization of these GXL-synthesized materials demonstrated that the iron oxide nanoparticles we...
Disruption of Akt signaling decreases dopamine sensitivity in modulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission in rat prefrontal cortex

Akt is a serine/threonine kinase, which is dramatically reduced in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of patients with schizophrenia, and a deficiency in Akt1 results in PFC function abnormalities. Although the importance of Akt in dopamine (DA) transmission is well established, how impaired Akt signaling affects the DA modulation of synaptic transmission in the PFC has not been characterized. Here we show that Akt inhibitors significantly decreased receptor sensitivity to DA by shifting DA modulation of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in prefrontal cortical neurons. Akt inhibition caused a significant decrease in synaptic dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) levels with high-dose DA exposure. In addition, Akt inhibition failed to affect DA modulation of IPSCs after blockade of β-arrestin 2. β-arrestin 2-mediated interaction of clathrin with D2R was enhanced by co-application of a Akt inhibitor and DA. Taken together, the reduced response in DA modulation of inhibitory transmission mainly involved β-arrestin 2-dependent D2R desensitization.
Study on Predicament and Countermeasure of Promoting Urbanization of Towns in Provincial Boundary: Taking Jiezhi Township as A Case

This study used Jiezhi township,which is located in the boundary of Guangdong province and Jiangxi province,as a case,analyzed the current situation,favorable conditions and restrictive factors of the urbanization of this township through field investigation,and put forward the target and countermeasures of promoting the urbanized development.
Office assessment of nutritional status.

The goal of assessment of nutritional status in an office or clinic practice setting is not only to detect the malnourished child, but also the child who is at risk for undernutrition or overnutrition. Early intervention will hopefully prevent full blown nutritional disease and identify other family members who also may be in need of counseling and careful follow-up.
Emergencies in inflammatory bowel disease.

SUMMARY A review of acute emergencies in inflammatory bowel disease is presented. Caveats include prompt surgical drainage of loculated abscesses and aggressive management of bleeding or perforation. Adequate nutritional and immunologic assessment of all patients prior to surgery is paramount and has resulted in the widespread use of total parenteral nutrition. Aggressive medical therapy, particularly steroids, may be useful in “cooling down” cases of acute inflammation prior to surgery. This is particularly useful in Crohn’s disease, in which recurrences abound and surgery has a significant degree of complication and recurrence. When urgent operation is necessary for acute ulcerative colitis, abdominal colectomy with ileostomy and preservation of the rectum is generally indicated. This will allow subsequent mucosal proctectomy and ileoanal anastomosis. When urgent colectomy is indicated for Crohn’s colitis without rectal involvement, ileorectal anastomosis can be considered either as a primary or secondary procedure. If toxic megacolon is present, an initial trial of medical therapy is warranted in order to allow a Single-staged operation to be performed electively.