cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of a novel phenylpiperazine formation reaction to the radiosynthesis of a model fluorine-18-labeled radiopharmaceutical (18FTFMPP)

Abstract The labeled serotonin agonist 3-[ 18 F]fluoro- N -(α,α,α-trifluoro- m -tolyl)piperazine ( 18 FTFMPP) was prepared rapidly using the labeling procedure for trifluorotoluenes, [ 18 F]fluoro-for-nitro exchange, followed by an alumina-supported bis-alkylation. After normal-phase HPLC purification, the labeled product was obtained in 20–32% ( n = 20) decay-corrected radiochemical yield with a radiochemical purity >98% and a specific activity of 100 GBq/μmol. The synthesis time including purification was 3 h. The receptor binding affinity of FTFMPP to rat brain membranes was found to be similar to that of the nonfluorinated parent compound (TFMPP). Although TFMPP has been proposed by others as an agent for the imaging of serotonin receptors, only minimal receptor-mediated uptake was observed.
A comparison of aspartate transcarbamylase activity in juvenile pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) when fed various diets

Abstract 1. 1. The optimum pH for measurement of aspartate transcarbamylase activity in oyster tissue was determined to be 9.35 while the optimum temperature was 39.5°C. 2. 2. Aspartate transcarbamylase activity varied significantly over short periods of time (hr) possibly due to fluctuations in the amount of food digested. 3. 3. The composition of the oyster's diet also affected the levels of aspartate transcarbamylase activity in oyster tissues. 4. 4. Those oysters fed an egg yolk-starch diet contained significantly lower aspartate transcarbamylase activity than oysters fed an egg yolk-starch-salmon oil diet or a casein-starch-salmon oil diet. 5. 5. The aspartate transcarbamylase activities in oysters fed Phacedactylum tricornutum or a starch diet were not significantly different from the activities in oysters fed the egg yolk-starch diet.
Dynamic, Modal and Wave Propagation Analyses of 3D Functionally Graded Continua

Transient dynamic behavior of a three-dimensional (3D) homogeneous cantilever beam under sinusoidal loading at the free end is verified using the finite element method (FEM). Explicit central difference technique is used for the time integration of finite elements. The tip displacement and maximum stress at the fixed end obtained using the FEM agree well with exact solutions. Modal analysis of a functionally graded (FG) 3D cantilever beam is investigated using Rayleigh-Ritz (RR) method and the FEM. The natural frequencies obtained using the RR method converges as the number of terms in the assumed base function increases. The natural frequencies vary considerably with the gradation of the beam, more for lower modes than for higher modes. Wave propagation in a fixed-free 3D bar is studied using the FEM. Axial stress results for the homogeneous bar with zero Poisson’s ratio agree closely with 1D exact solution. For the FG bar, we see that gradation affects stresses considerably more so at the fixed end than at other locations.
Overview of deaths associated with natural events, United States, 1979-2004

Analysis of the National Center for Health Statistics' Compressed Mortality File showed that between 1979 and 2004, natural events caused 21,491 deaths in the United States. During this 26-year period, there were 10,827 cold-related deaths and 5,279 heat-related deaths. Extreme cold or heat accounted for 75 per cent of the total number of deaths attributed to natural events--more than all of deaths resulting from lightning, storms and foods, and earth movements, such as earthquakes and landslides. Cold-related death rates were highest in the states of Alaska, Montana, New Mexico, and South Dakota, while heat-related deaths were highest in the states of Arizona, Missouri, and Arkansas. These deaths occurred more often among the elderly and black men. Other deaths were attributed to lightning (1,906), storms and foods (2,741), and earth movements (738). Most deaths associated with natural events are preventable and society can take action to decrease the morbidity and mortality connected with them.
The receptor tyrosine phosphatase Dlar and integrins organize actin filaments in the Drosophila follicular epithelium

Abstract Background: Regulation of actin structures is instrumental in maintaining proper cytoarchitecture in many tissues. In the follicular epithelium of Drosophila ovaries, a system of actin filaments is coordinated across the basal surface of cells encircling the oocyte. These filaments have been postulated to regulate oocyte elongation; however, the molecular components that control this cytoskeletal array are not yet understood. Results: We find that the receptor tyrosine phosphatase (RPTP) Dlar and integrins are involved in organizing basal actin filaments in follicle cells. Mutations in Dlar and the common β-integrin subunit mys cause a failure in oocyte elongation, which is correlated with a loss of proper actin filament organization. Immunolocalization shows that early in oogenesis Dlar is polarized to membranes where filaments terminate but becomes generally distributed late in development, at which time β-integrin and Enabled specifically associate with actin filament terminals. Rescue experiments point to the early period of polar Dlar localization as critical for its function. Furthermore, clonal analysis shows that loss of Dlar or mys influences actin filament polarity in wild-type cells that surround mutant tissues, suggesting that communication between neighboring cells regulates cytoskeletal organization. Finally, we find that two integrin α subunits encoded by mew and if are required for proper oocyte elongation, implying that multiple components of the ECM are instructive in coordinating actin fiber polarity. Conclusions: Dlar cooperates with integrins to coordinate actin filaments at the basal surface of the follicular epithelium. To our knowledge, this is the first direct demonstration of an RPTP's influence on the actin cytoskeleton.
Labyrinth Seal Discharge Coefficient for Rectangular Cavities

A labyrinth seal leakage prediction equation can be developed by considering the seal as a series of orifices and cavities. CFD simulations are used to investigate the discharge coefficient’s dependence of each tooth upon the seal geometry and flow conditions for multi-toothed, teeth on stator, straight through labyrinth seals with rectangular cavities. The discharge coefficient for the first tooth of the labyrinth seal was found to be a function of tooth width to clearance ratio and Reynolds number. It was found that the ratio of the discharge coefficients of a downstream tooth of the labyrinth seal to that of the inlet tooth is a function of the carry over coefficient. The carry over coefficient is a measure of the amount of kinetic energy entering a cavity that is dissipated by turbulence in the cavity. It was observed that the expansion factor (compressibility effect) is a function of tooth pressure ratio. The models developed in this paper for discharge coefficient and expansion factor coupled with the carry over coefficient model presented in our earlier work provide a leakage prediction algorithm that is validated against prior experiments.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Racemic abscisic acid and abscisyl alcohol promote maturation of white spruce (Picea glauca) somatic embryos

Abstract Racemic abscisic acid [(±)-ABA] and racemic abscisyl alcohol were used to obtain maturation of white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench.) Voss) immature (stage 1) somatic embryos. Data for somatic embryo development were collected between 21 and 70 days after initiation of maturation treatments. The culture period for the maximum production of cotyledonary (stage 3) somatic embryos was approx. 42 days, with either 46 μM (±)-ABA or 41 μM abscisyl alcohol during the first 35 days. Two additional abscisic acid analogues, an acetylenic aldehyde and a dihydroacetylenic alcohol were less effective in promoting somatic embryo maturation. A comparison of the molecular structures of compounds indicated that the presence of an ABA-like side chain with two double bonds was most effective in white spruce somatic embryo maturation. Another factor that influenced the maturation process was the solvent used to dissolve (±)-ABA and the analogues. Somatic embryo development could be arrested at stage 3 by extending exposure to 60 μM (±)-ABA for up to 9 weeks. Germination resulted after removal of (±)-ABA.
Vaginal and cervical mucus ferning as a method of detecting estrus in mares

Abstract A two-phase study was conducted to evaluate cervical and vaginal mucus ferning as a method for detecting estrus in mares. The ten mares utilized in Phase A were teased every third day while in diestrus and daily during estrus over a 70 day period. Cervical dilation, cervical mucus ferning and vaginal mucus ferning were monitored following teasing. The correlations between teasing and cervical dilation, cervical mucus ferning, and vaginal mucus ferning were: .44 (P The six mares in Phase B were given PGF2α on days 0 and 14, and HCG on days 6 and 20. Cervical dilation, as determined by rectal palpation, and vaginal mucus, taken by suction and swab techniques, were monitored on days 17 through 30 prior to daily teasing. The correlations between teasing and cervical dilation and vaginal mucus ferning, obtained by suction technique, were .11 (P>.05) and .23 (P>.05), respectively. Vaginal mucus samples obtained using the suction method more effectively (P
Investigation of QCM Sensors with Azobenzene Functionalized Coatings for the Detection of Nitroaromatics

Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) based sensors have been used extensively to detect trace amounts of organic chemical vapors. These devices typically incorporate a polymer coating as an active layer that can bind the analytes of interest. Analyte adsorption causes a shift in the resonant frequency of the device proportional to the amount of adsorbed material. Currently some of the polymer coatings used in these sensors utilize hydrogen bonding to adsorb analytes. Dipole-dipole type interactions can also be utilized to promote interaction of the analytes with the polymer coating. Polymer coating containing segments that have a permanent molecular dipole can interact with explosive taggants. In this study, novel polypropylene glycol based polymers that incorporate both hydrogen bonding moieties and segments having large permanent dipole moment (p-nitroazobenzene functional groups) were synthesized and tested. The precursor polymer was prepared by the polymerization of the diglycidyl ether end functionalize...
Money, Inflation and Casuality (Another Look at the Empirical Evidence for the USA, 1953–84)

This paper addresses the issue of the existence of a causal relationship between inflation (i.e. change in the price level) and change in the money supply. Three different causality tests are discussed and implemented for two separate time periods. The results are mixed and somewhat difficult to interpret on intuitive grounds. While a causal relationship is found to exist between changes in the consumer price index and changes in the narrowly defined money supply, there is no relationship indentifiable between the other price and money supply data series used. Given this result, one can see why different results are frequently obtained the different researchers focusing on the question of a relationship between the supply of money and prices. Finally, the results of a previous paper by Feige and Pearce are called into question as the result of a serious misspecification.
A comparison of sodium arsenite- and hyperthermia-induced stress responses and abnormal development in cultured postimplantation rat embryos.

Acute exposures to sodium arsenite (50 μM) were embryotoxic in day 10 rat embryos exposed in vitro. Sodium arsenite-induced embryotoxicity was characterized by decreased growth (crown-rump length, somite number, and embryo protein content) and abnormal development (hypoplastic prosencephalon, abnormal somites, and abnormal flexion of the tail). At embryotoxic exposures, sodium arsenite also induced the synthesis of three heat shock proteins (hsps), one of which is recognized by a monoclonal antibody specific for the heat-inducible hsp 72
Steer performance as affected by tall fescue cultivar and level of Acremonium coenophialum infection

Abstract This study compared beef steer performance on pastures of ‘AU Triumph’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) which were free of the fungal endophyte Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones and Gams (previously identified and referred to as Epichloe typhina (Fries) Tulasne) with that on ‘Kentucky 31’ fescue having three levels of endophyte infection. Replicated 1.2 ha paddocks were located in west central Alabama. They were fertilised annually with 224 kg N ha-1 and grazed with yearling steers. The grazing season during the 3-year period averaged from 30 September to 26 December and from 24 February to 27 May. Endophyte infection levels were 0% on AU Triumph and 1, 34, and 90% on Kentucky 31. In general, stocking rate increased with higher fungus infection levels. Average daily gain (ADG) of the steers was shown to decline in a linear fashion with increasing A. coenophialum infection. Steer gain per ha did not react consistently among years. The greatest differences for gain per ha occurred durin...
A stiffly-stable implicit Runge-Kutta algorithm for CFD applications

A stiffly-stable implicit Runge-Kutta integration algorithm is derived for CFD applications spanning the range of semidiscrete theories. The algorithm family contains the one-step 'theta' algorithms, including backwards Euler and the trapezoidal rule, and provides a versatile framework to identify expressions governing algorithm stability characteristics. Parameters of a Runge-Kutta optimal implicit algorithm, second-order accurate in time and stiffly-stable, are established. This algorithm is implemented within a weak statement finite element semidiscrete formulation for one- and two-dimensional conservation law systems. Numerical results are compared to theta-algorithm solutions, for unsteady quasi-one-dimensional Euler predictions with shocks, and for a specially derived two-dimensional conservation law system modeling the Euler equations.
Eclosion hormone stimulates cyclic GMP levels in Manduca sexta nervous tissue via arachidonic acid metabolism with little or no contribution from the production of nitric oxide.

: The neuropeptide eclosion hormone acts directly on the nervous system of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, to trigger ecdysis behavior at the end of each molt. Previous studies have shown that the action of eclosion hormone is mediated via the intracellular messenger cyclic GMP. In the present study we have investigated the mechanisms involved in the eclosion hormone-stimulated increases in cyclic GMP. No stimulation of guanylate cyclase was seen in homogenized nervous tissue, suggesting that eclosion hormone does not directly stimulate a membranebound form of guanylate cyclase. Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, N-methylarginine and nitroarginine, had no effect on eclosion hormone-stimulated cyclic GMP levels. By contrast, 4-bromophenacyl bromide, an inhibitor of arachidonic acid release, and nordihydroguaiaretic acid, an inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism, almost completely abolished the eclosion hormone-stimulated cyclic GMP increase. We hypothesize that eclosion hormone receptors are coupled to a lipase, activation of which causes the release of arachidonic acid. Either the arachidonic acid directly stimulates the soluble guanylate cyclase or further metabolism of arachidonic acid yields compounds that activate guanylate cyclase.
The dimensionality of American political attitudes: tensions between equality and freedom in the wake of September 11

Initiatives which are intended to reduce the risk of a terrorist attack may impact not only civil liberties including privacy, but civil rights or equality as well. In the present paper, we consider conceptual tradeoffs among attitudes towards security, civil liberties and civil rights, and examine the psychometric structure of these attitudes in both congressional ratings and survey data. An examination of ipsative preferences, a circumplex analysis and analyses of latent structure converge in supporting the position that tradeoffs in post‐9/11 America are multidimensional, and serve as a reminder that concerns for security are balanced by not one but two distinct motives, one concerned with freedom and civil liberties, the other with equality and civil rights.
Progress in the surgical management of hiatal hernia.

A median arcuate repair which anchors the gastroesophageal junction posteriorly has been used in 559 patients operated on for primary hiatal hernia. With 95% follow-up, there have been 5 (0.89%) recurrences and 2 (0.35%) deaths. Since the introduction of intraoperative manometrics, there have been no recurrences in the last 120 patients operated on for hiatal hernia. A study of the first 126 patients operated on with the use of intraoperative manometry indicates that sphincter competence was restored. The operation, used by surgeons other than the author with equal success when done properly, offers a surgical option for relief of hiatal hernia in those cases when medical treatment has failed or is contraindicated.
Sequential combinations of flavopiridol and docetaxel inhibit prostate tumors, induce apoptosis, and decrease angiogenesis in the Ggamma/T-15 transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND We investigated whether sequential combinations of flavopiridol and docetaxel can increase apoptotic cell death and inhibit the growth of primary and metastatic prostate tumors in the Gγ/T-15 transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer. METHODS Transgenic males were treated and the weights of primary and metastatic prostate tumors determined. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot was performed to evaluate the differences in apoptosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis. RESULTS Docetaxel was slightly more effective than flavopiridol in inhibiting primary prostate tumors, but neither drug alone inhibited metastases. Single drug treatments decreased angiogenesis but did not increase apoptosis. Both sequential combinations resulted in greater inhibition of primary and metastatic prostate tumors, increased apoptosis, and decreased angiogenesis compared to control mice. CONCLUSIONS Flavopiridol and docetaxel sequence combinations were effective in inhibiting prostate tumors in the Gγ/T-15 transgenic mice. An increase in apoptosis and a decrease in angiogenesis resulted in the greatest inhibition of prostate cancers. Prostate 66: 1487–1497, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Science Signaling Podcast: 23 February 2010

This is a conversation with Chuan-Yuan Li about a Research Article published in the 23 February 2010 issue of Science Signaling.
Using scanning electron microscopy to study mineral deposits in breast tissues

Thin sections of breast tissues from patients with possible tumors also contained closely associated mineral deposits. Using scanning electron and backscattered electron microscopy (SEM-BSE) energy and wavelength dispersive chemical analyses, we found the deposits ranged from ,1 m mt o 50mm in size and were composed predominantly of calcium phosphate. Semi-quantitative chemical determinations indicate that the mineral exhibits different Ca/P ratios depending on the site of deposition. This high-resolution methodology to chemically analyze precipitates in human tissues is a novel approach that may provide some new insights into mineral deposition in soft tissues. Application of the technique to establish compositional biases in a wide variety of tissues seems warrented. Specifically, additional data on mineral deposits in breast tissues could contribute toward the understanding of the localized changes and to the development of disease at this site.
Hypertension in the neonate following closure of abdominal wall defects

6. Steichen JJ, Tsang RC, Graton TL, Hamstra A, and DeLuca HF: Vitamin D homeostasis in the perinatal period. 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D in maternal cord and neonatal blood, N Engl J Med 302:315, 1980. 7. Rosen JF, and Finberg L: Vitamin D-dependent rickets, Pediatr Res 6:552, 1972. 8. Eisman JA, Hamstra AJ, Kream BE, and DeLuca HF: 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D in biologic fluids: a simplified and sensitive assay, Science 193:1021, 1976. 9. Chesney RW, Rosen JF, Hamstra AJ, and DeLuca HF: Serum 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D in normal children and in disorders of vitamin D metabolism, Am J Dis Child 134:135, 1980. 10. Rosen JF, Chesney RW, Hamstra A, DeLuca HF, and Mahaffey KR: Reduction in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in children with increased lead absorption, N Engl J Med 302:1128, 1980.
Learning Styles Data and Designing Multimedia for Engineers

During the development of the multimedia learning environment Biology for Engineers, learning styles data from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Felder/Soloman Index of Learning Styles (ILS) was obtained from over 150 engineering students at the University of Washington and compared with a pool of existing data from six earlier studies. Although there are discrepancies, the UW data broadly corresponds with the data from the combined pool. L-styles data, despite significant limitations, can contribute to the multimedia design process when viewed as a kind of customer survey of user preferences and a heuristic for considering various design alternatives. Future designers can either utilize the data presented in this study or test their own users.
Potential Hypocholesterolemic Agents:Dicinnamoyl Esters as Analogs of Cynarin

The 1,4-dicaffeyl ester of quinic acid, cynarin, served as a model for the synthesis of potential hypocholesterolemic agents. A scheme to improve upon the cholesterol-lowering activity of cynarin is presented, which involves the synthesis of various diesters of p-substituted cinnamic acids. Six alkylene dicinnamates were prepared and tested for their hypocholesterolemic effect. All were inactive due to their insolubility in biological fluids.
Production and Physiologic EflFects of Progesterone Metabolites in Pregnant and Pseudopregnant Rats

Certain facets of pregnancy in gonadotropin—stimulated prepubertal rats have been compared with pregnancy in adult rats. Minced tissues of embryonic implantation sites of the 13th day and fetuses and placentas of the 16th day of pregnancy metabolized progesterone-4-14C to 5α- 3,20-dione which was then converted to 3α and 3β hydroxy derivatives by both placenta and fetus. The reduction of progesterone by fetus and placenta may be one of the major factors in decreasing the concentration of plasma progesterone in the latter half of pregnancy in the rat. Experiments designed to elucidate the physiologic role of these progesterone metabolites showed that 5αdihydroprogesterone retains no progestational properties, as measured by the decidual cell reaction, but caused slight increase in the uterine wt, whereas the 5β isomer and the 3α and 3β hydroxy epimers did not. The survival of blastocysts in gonadotropin—stimulated prepubertal rats spayed on day 3 of pregnancy was tested. Both progesterone and 5α-pregnane-3...
Blocking effect of ethyl chloride spray on cardiac pain induced by ergonovine.

SummaryThirty-six tests were carried out on 7 patients with effort angina but a normal resting electrocardiogram, in whom intravenous injection or ergonovine (0.1 to 0.4 mg) induced angina and electrocardiographic changes. Nitroglycerin, 0.4 or 0.6 mg given sublingually just before ergonovine, prevented pain and electrocardiographic changes in most patients. When angina had been induced by ergonovine and ethyl chloride spray was applied to pain areas of chest, shoulders, arms or neck (reference zone of cardiac pain in each patient), pain was uniformly relieved. Relief of ergonovine angina by ethyl chloride spray required less time than by nitroglycerin. When ethyl chloride spray was applied to pain areas just before ergonovine was injected, pain failed to occur in the majority, and the onset of pain was delayed in the remaining patients. In combination with ethyl chloride spray, ergonovine caused depression of the S-T segment even in the absence of pain. These results afford additional evidence of the pre...
The International Management of Aboriginal Whaling

Prior to the development of commercial whaling, several indigenous communities undertook hunts of whales to fulfill their subsistence needs. Fortunately, the two international conventions that implemented the regulation of commercial whaling did not lose sight of the needs of these aboriginal communities. How this was done, as well as the eventual evolution of the management of aboriginal whaling, is summarized in this review. The record shows that, whether in terms of exempting these aboriginal hunts from required management actions or of setting precautionary catch limits for otherwise protected stocks, an overriding management principle has emerged wherein international managers have been willing to accept conservation risks for aboriginal hunts that they otherwise would not assume for commercial operations. Although these risks were accepted, it was done at the cost to the aboriginal hunters of undertaking conservation measures often not applied to commercial hunts. While it is not clear from the reco...
Correlation between gene expression profiles and protein--protein interactions within and across genomes

Motivation: Function annotation of an unclassified protein on the basis of its interaction partners is well documented in the literature. Reliable predictions of interactions from other data sources such as gene expression measurements would provide a useful route to function annotation. We investigate the global relationship of protein--protein interactions with gene expression. This relationship is studied in four evolutionarily diverse species, for which substantial information regarding their interactions and expression is available: human, mouse, yeast and Escherichia coli. Results: In E.coli the expression of interacting pairs is highly correlated in comparison to random pairs, while in the other three species, the correlation of expression of interacting pairs is only slightly stronger than that of random pairs. To strengthen the correlation, we developed a protocol to integrate ortholog information into the interaction and expression datasets. In all four genomes, the likelihood of predicting protein interactions from highly correlated expression data is increased using our protocol. In yeast, for example, the likelihood of predicting a true interaction, when the correlation is >0.9, increases from 1.4 to 9.4. The improvement demonstrates that protein interactions are reflected in gene expression and the correlation between the two is strengthened by evolution information. The results establish that co-expression of interacting protein pairs is more conserved than that of random ones. Availability: Complete lists of metagenes across the genomes, microarray and protein interaction dataset used in this study are available on our webpage: http://proteomics.bioengr.uic.edu/inter_expr/index.htm Contact: [email protected]
Strong convexity results for queueing systems

We prove a strong and seemingly odd result about the M/M/c queue: the reciprocal of the average sojourn time is a concave function of the traffic intensity. We use this result to show that the average itself is jointly convex in arrival and service rates. The standard deviation has the same properties. Also, we determine conditions under which these properties are exhibited by a standard approximation for the M/G/c queue. These results are useful in design studies for telecommunications and production systems.
Gallbladder and Liver Infarction Occurring as A Complication of Acute Bacterial Endocarditis

A case of acute bacterial endocarditis is presented in which gallbladder infarction and areas of hepatic infarction were documented. Selective angiography showed findings consistent with emboli to the gallbladder and hepatic circulations.
Implementation of a Nonlinear Subfilter Turbulence Stress Model for Large-Eddy Simulation in the Advanced Research WRF Model

Abstract Two formulations of a nonlinear turbulence subfilter-scale (SFS) stress model were implemented into the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting model (ARW-WRF) version 3.0 for improved large-eddy simulation performance. The new models were evaluated against the WRF model’s standard Smagorinsky and 1.5-order turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) linear eddy-viscosity SFS stress models in simulations of geostrophically forced, neutral boundary layer flow over both flat terrain and a shallow, symmetric transverse ridge. Comparisons of simulation results with similarity profiles indicate that the nonlinear models significantly improve agreement with the expected profiles near the surface, reducing the overprediction of near-surface stress characteristic of linear eddy-viscosity models with no near-wall damping. Comparisons of simulations conducted using different mesh sizes indicate that the nonlinear model simulations at coarser resolutions agree more closely with the higher-resolution results ...
Evaluation of next generation sequencing platforms for population targeted sequencing studies

Background Next generation sequencing (NGS) platforms are currently being utilized for targeted sequencing of candidate genes or genomic intervals to perform sequence-based association studies. To evaluate these platforms for this application, we analyzed human sequence generated by the Roche 454, Illumina GA, and the ABI SOLiD technologies for the same 260 kb in four individuals.
Recent Advances in Modeling and Online Detection of Stator Interturn Faults in Electrical Motors

Online fault diagnosis plays a crucial role in providing the required fault tolerance to drive systems used in safety-critical applications. Short-circuit faults are among the common faults occurring in electrical machines. This paper presents a review of existing techniques available for online stator interturn fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) in electrical machines. Special attention is given to short-circuit-fault diagnosis in permanent-magnet machines, which are fast replacing traditional machines in a wide variety of applications. Recent techniques that use signals analysis, models, or knowledge-based systems for FDD are reviewed in this paper. Motor current is the most commonly analyzed signal for fault diagnosis. Hence, motor current signature analysis is a topic of elaborate discussion in this paper. Additionally, parametric and finite-element models that were designed to simulate interturn-fault conditions are reviewed.
Multiresolution indexing of triangulated irregular networks

We show how to build a continuous, one-dimensional index of the points on a triangulated irregular network (TIN). The index is constructed by first finding an ordering of the triangles in which consecutive triangles share a vertex or an edge. Then, the space within each triangle is continuously indexed with a space-filling curve that begins at one vertex of the triangle and ends at another. The space-filling curve is oriented such that the first point in each triangle is a vertex shared with the previous triangle and the last point is a vertex shared with the next triangle. Furthermore, our index can be refined locally and, therefore, efficiently when the TIN is augmented by filling any face with another TIN (to make a hierarchical TIN). Such processes arise, for example, in the elaboration of detail on a graphical surface.
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide secreting islet cell tumors: a 15-year experience and review of the literature.

Abstract Background: Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)–secreting tumors of the pancreas represent a rare subtype of pancreatic islet cell tumors with an estimated incidence of 0.2 to 0.5 per million per year. We provide data on a relatively large series of patients with VIP-secreting tumors and review current literature regarding this specific entity. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients with VIP-secreting tumors of the pancreas treated from 1977 to 1992 at our institution. Presenting signs, symptoms, mode of diagnosis, extent of disease, surgical resectability, tumor size, treatments, hormone levels, and survival were assessed. Results: Eighteen patients were identified, 9 male and 9 female. Ages ranged from 23 to 74 years (mean 51 years). Secretory diarrhea was the most common symptom, occurring in 16 of 18 patients (89%). The most common tumor location was the tail of the pancreas (9 patients). Fourteen patients (78%) had liver metastasis at diagnosis. Curative resections were attempted in only 5 patients (28%). The mean survival was 3.6 years with the longest disease-free survival being 15 years and longest overall survival 15 years. Conclusions: VIP-secreting tumors are extremely rare entities and usually metastatic at the time of diagnosis. Despite advanced disease, these patients can have extended survival. (Surgery 1998;124:1050-5.)
Size-Dependent Particle Dynamics in Entangled Polymer Nanocomposites.

Polymer-grafted nanoparticles with diameter d homogeneously dispersed in entangled polymer melts with varying random coil radius R0, but fixed entanglement mesh size a(e), are used to study particle motions in entangled polymers. We focus on materials in the transition region between the continuum regime (d > R0), where the classical Stokes-Einstein (S-E) equation is known to describe polymer drag on particles, and the noncontinuum regime (d M(e) than expected from S-E analysis based on bulk viscosity of entangled PMMA melts. We rationalize these observations using a simple force balance analysis around particles and find that nanoparticle motion in entangled melts can be described using a variant of the S-E analysis in which motion of particles is assumed to only disturb subchain entangled host segments with sizes comparable to the particle diameter.
Network-Aware Double-Layer Distance-Dependent Broadcast Protocol for VANETs

Dissemination of traffic information over multiple hops in vehicular networks requires scalability measures that prevent network congestion and avoid wasting network capacity with unnecessary information forwarding. This issue is even more important if such traffic information coexists with critical safety information. In particular, a viable solution for traffic information dissemination is piggybacking compressed information over periodic basic safety messages. Leveraging this technique, we propose a network-aware double-layer distance-dependent protocol for fast broadcasting of aggregated traffic information over multiple hops. The first distance-dependent layer uses a message size control scheme and a probabilistic approach to ensure that the forwarding within each hop is as fast as possible. The second layer progressively decreases the forwarding rate of subsequent hops as the distance from the source increases. Jointly, the two layers considerably reduce the overall latency of information while also improving the scalability and robustness of the system. We evaluate the performance of the algorithm and compare it with the existing methods, using ns-3 simulations. The results confirm that significant improvement in performance is possible without complicating the forwarding algorithm.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Subthalamic Nucleus: A Driving Force of the Basal Ganglia

The subthalamic (STh) nucleus is located between the zona incerta dorsally and the cerebral peduncle ventrally. The morphological features of STh neurons have been studied extensively at the light microscopic level (Rafols and Fox, 1976; Iwahori, 1978; Yelnik and Percheron, 1979; Hammond and Yelnik, 1983; Kita et al., 1983b; Afsharpour, 1985b) and the electron microscopic level (Rafols and Fox, 1976; Hassler et al., 1982; Chang et al., 1983). Although these studies have proposed different classification schemes for STh neurons, there is an almost complete concensus with regard to the somatic and dendritic morphology of the principal STh neurons in various species. STh neurons are stellate neurons with radiating and sparsely spined dendrites. Ultrastructure studies have demonstrated that the somata of STh neurons contain abundant organelles with nuclei that have deeply invaginated nuclear envelopes and pale nucleoplasm with little heterochromatin. In the neuropil, at least two types of axon terminals were identified. One type of terminal (Gray’s Type I) contained medium-sized round vesicles and formed asymmetrical synapses. The other type of terminal (Gray’s Type II) was large and contained both round and flattened vesicles and formed adherens junctions and symmetrical synapses.
Derivation of the Gibbs Phenomenon

(1980). Derivation of the Gibbs Phenomenon. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 87, No. 3, pp. 210-212.
RESULTS OF COSMIC RAY TESTS WITH THE BES MAIN DRIFT CHAMBER

The structure of the BES main drift chamber and arrangement of cosmic ray tests have been described briefly. The main test results of the chamber performance have been given. There are S-T relations with good linearrty in the cells. The spatial resolution of 210-240μm has been obtained for single wire. The energy resolution corresponding to 40 samples in the chamber is 8.7%.
The Role of Social Workers in Spiritual Care to Facilitate Coping With Chronic Illness and Self-Determination in Advance Care Planning

Spiritual values and beliefs of patients and families influence resilience during chronic illness and shape patient choices during advance care planning. The spiritual needs of Baby Boomers will be more diverse than previous generations, in connection with the questioning, experimental mind-set of this group and the fact that it includes a higher proportion of immigrant populations outside the Judeo-Christian tradition. Social workers are trained explicitly to intervene with diverse populations and are well positioned to offer spiritual support in ways that do not necessarily conform to traditional religions. To the extent of their individual expertise and competence, social workers should assess and provide spiritual care to clients, including those who either are underserved or prefer not to seek assistance from clergy or chaplains because they feel alienated from religious institutions and representatives. They should also be aware of ethical dilemmas in consulting with spiritual care professionals in developing spiritual interventions. Social work education should address clients' humanistic and existential concerns, beliefs and behaviors of the major religions, and forms of nontraditional religious and spiritual experiences; it should also provide experiential opportunities for engaging with grief and earlier advance care planning. There should be attention to different theodical perspectives of the major religions regarding the problem of good and evil, which may preoccupy even clients who no longer participate in organized religion, because these unresolved existential issues may weaken client coping with chronic conditions and may diminish clarity and self-awareness for engaging authentically and effectively in advance care planning.
Superconductivity in YBa2−xSrxCu3O7−y and Y1−xSrxCuO3−y

Studies were conducted on YBa2-xSrxCu3O7-y for 0⩽x ⩽ 2.0. Single phase samples with Tc ~ 90K were obtained for x ⩽ 1.0. Y1-xSrxCuO3-y was also studied for 0.1 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.8. Surprisingly, for x = 0.7, we obtained the single-phase K2NiF4 structure with Tc ~ 40K.
Implications of Ascaris Co-infection

Abstract Co-infection with other pathogens is a common occurrence in Ascaris-infected individuals and it is generally accepted that co-infection is not inconsequential to the host. Interactions in the immune responses generated to each pathogen can, in certain situations, alter the pathogenesis and progression of a co-infecting pathogen in an Ascaris-infected host. There is also some evidence that co-infection can impact on the transmission potential of co-infecting pathogens in an Ascaris-infected host. In this chapter we review some of the general principles of co-infection and discuss how Ascaris co-infection may interact with the human immunodeficiency virus and malaria in co-infected hosts. We also explore some of the hypothetical effects co-infection may have on Ascaris infection, in particular with respect to the success of larval migration and the maintenance of adult nematodes in the gastrointestinal tract.
African American Adolescents’ Psychological Well-Being: The Impact of Parents’ Religious Socialization on Adolescents’ Religiosity

The dearth of research literature on the religious beliefs and practices of African American adolescents has led to increased empirical inquiry, yet a lack of research considers African American adolescents’ religious beliefs and practices as an important developmental milestone. This study explored how African American parents’ religious socialization affected youth religious experiences and served as a culturally specific strength-based asset that promotes psychological well-being. Our sample included a socioeconomically diverse sample of 154 African American families. Accounting for demographics, adolescents’ relationship and communication with God were found to be associated with a healthier psychological well-being. Additionally, parents’ religious socialization impacted the relationship between youths religious beliefs and practice and psychological well-being. Overall, results suggest that parents’ and adolescents’ religious beliefs can promote psychological well-being.
Extra-epitopic hepatitis C virus polymorphisms confer resistance to broadly neutralizing antibodies by modulating binding to scavenger receptor B1

Broadly-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (bNAbs) may guide vaccine development for highly variable viruses including hepatitis C virus (HCV), since they target conserved viral epitopes that could serve as vaccine antigens. However, HCV resistance to bNAbs could reduce the efficacy of a vaccine. HC33.4 and AR4A are two of the most potent anti-HCV human bNAbs characterized to date, binding to highly conserved epitopes near the amino- and carboxy-terminus of HCV envelope (E2) protein, respectively. Given their distinct epitopes, it was surprising that these bNAbs showed similar neutralization profiles across a panel of natural HCV isolates, suggesting that some viral polymorphisms may confer resistance to both bNAbs. To investigate this resistance, we developed a large, diverse panel of natural HCV envelope variants and a novel computational method to identify bNAb resistance polymorphisms in envelope proteins (E1 and E2). By measuring neutralization of a panel of HCV pseudoparticles by 10 μg/mL of each bNAb, we identified E1E2 variants with resistance to one or both bNAbs, despite 100% conservation of the AR4A binding epitope across the panel. We discovered polymorphisms outside of either binding epitope that modulate resistance to both bNAbs by altering E2 binding to the HCV co-receptor, scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1). This study is focused on a mode of neutralization escape not addressed by conventional analysis of epitope conservation, highlighting the contribution of extra-epitopic polymorphisms to bNAb resistance and presenting a novel mechanism by which HCV might persist even in the face of an antibody response targeting multiple conserved epitopes.
Reflections on Gabriel Mugny’s Contributions to Attitude-Centric Theory and Research on Minority Influence

Perez and Mugny (1987) extended the scope of minority influence research in a classic study that explicitly drew a distinction between in-group and out-group minority influence sources and their effects on majority acceptance. Their study also refocused the field from a social influence, perception-oriented view to a more dynamic persuasion, attitude-centric orientation. This paper reflects upon the generative nature of the original research, and that which followed, with a reflection on its impact on our own theorizing and research. The current work is focused on factors that affect the fundamental processes of minority influence, as viewed from the perspective of the leniency contract. Important factors considered in the model include (a) the in-group or out-group nature of the influence source, (b) the subjective or objective features of the judgment task, (c) the role of conflict with, and accommodation to the minority, (d) the genesis and potential outcome of indirect change effects on focal attitudes in response to persuasive minority communications and (e) the importance and utility of considering the structural interconnections among attitudes, and their implications for focal attitude change. Research by Mugny and his colleagues stimulated these and other important features of contemporary scholarship on minority influence. Progress and understanding of the intriguing minority-induced change process, a clear departure from the classic majority-based persuasion model, owes a great debt to Gabriel Mugny and his team of talented collaborators.
Abstract 15701: Prevalence and Surgical Result of Intraventricular Anomalies in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: Single Operator’s Experience With 423 Patients

Introduction: Extended septal myectomy is the recommended therapy for refractory hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Multiple anomalies involving septal muscle bundles and mitral apparatus wer...
The role of the cerebellum in rock climbing

• Our patient could perform rock climbing relatively well despite longstanding cerebellar ataxia.
Durability of Aortic Valve Cusp Repair With and Without Annular Support

Background To determine the value of aortic valve repair rather than replacement for valve dysfunction, we assessed late outcomes of various repair techniques in the contemporary era. Methods From January 2001 to January 2011, aortic valve repair was planned in 1,124 patients. Techniques involved commissural figure-of-8 suspension sutures (n = 63 [6.2%]), cusp repair with commissuroplasty (n = 481 [48%]), debridement (n = 174 [17%]), free-margin plication (n = 271 [27%]) or resection (n = 75) or both, or annulus repair with resuspension (n = 230 [23%]), root reimplantation (n = 252 [25%]), or remodeling (n = 35 [3.5%]). Results Planned repair was aborted for replacement in 115 patients (10%); risk factors included greater severity of aortic regurgitation (AR; p = 0.0002) and valve calcification ( p p p Conclusions Valve repair is effective and durable for treating aortic valve dysfunction. Greater severity of AR preoperatively is associated with higher likelihood of repair failure. Commissural figure-of-8 suspension sutures and repair with annular support have the best long-term durability.
Not to scale? An argument-based inquiry into the validity of an L2 writing rating scale

Abstract In second language (L2) writing, rating scales are often used to measure a variety of discourse and linguistic features. When developing scales, the scoring criteria need to provide a clear and credible basis for scoring judgments, as well as for differentiating levels of writing performance ( Weigle, 2002 ). Often times, the criteria used to evaluate the L2 writing of students at intensive English programs (IEPs) are adopted from textbooks or developed as an ad hoc solution, and their adequacy or relevance to classroom-based writing is not always considered. The inclusion of poor evaluative criteria can lead to scores with low reliability and problems with validity (Jonsson & Svingby, 2007). This study sought to investigate the quality of a rating scale used to assess L2 students’ writing ability at an intermediate level of an IEP in the US. Using a mixed- methods approach, several sources of data were collected and analyzed. The results indicated that the scale largely appeared to function as it was intended, despite the fact that it could have benefited from some revisions. The implications support that L2 practitioners must make principled and justified decisions about the scoring criteria that they include in scales when assessing ESL students’ writing.