cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Academic foundations for hospitality and tourism research: A reexamination of citations

Abstract A 1999 study looking at the research relationships within and between the disciplines of hospitality and tourism is revisited. When compared to the 1999 study, the current study reveals that there is more within-discipline citing, suggesting that both the hospitality and tourism academic areas are maturing, and not relying as heavily on other disciplines. Further analysis of the citations outside hospitality is done to elicit a more in-depth picture of where hospitality and tourism citations are coming from. Implications are discussed.
Housing Quality of U.S. Elderly Households: Does Aging in Place Matter?

This article investigates whether older people who have lived longer in their dwellings are more likely to occupy physically deficient accommodations. It analyzes data from the 1987 American Housing Survey describing the housing conditions of 12,859 aged 60-and-older households. A multiple regression analysis assessed whether length of residential occupancy significantly influenced housing quality after controlling for other likely influences such as building age, chronological age, household composition, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and location. Overall, length of residence was a relatively poor predictor of housing quality, and only certain subgroups of longtime owners and renters were more likely to occupy physically deficient dwellings.
New stages in the program of malaria parasite egress imaged in normal and sickle erythrocytes.

Summary The apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes malignant malaria. The mechanism of parasite egress from infected erythrocytes that disseminate parasites in the host at the end of each asexual cycle is unknown [1]. Two new stages of the egress program are revealed: (1) swelling of the parasitophorous vacuole accompanied by shrinkage of the erythrocyte compartment, and (2) poration of the host cell membrane seconds before erythrocyte rupture because of egress. Egress was inhibited in dehydrated cells from patients with sickle cell disease in accord with experimental dehydration of normal cells [2], suggesting that vacuole swelling involves intake of water from the erythrocyte compartment. Erythrocyte membrane poration occurs in relaxed cells, thus excluding involvement of osmotic pressure in this process. Poration does not depend on cysteine protease activity, because protease inhibition blocks egress [3–5] but not poration, and poration is required for the parasite cycle because the membrane sealant P1107 interferes with egress. We suggest the following egress program: parasites initiate water influx into the vacuole from the erythrocyte cytosol to expand the vacuole for parasite separation and vacuole rupture upon its critical swelling. Separated parasites leave the erythrocyte by breaching its membrane, weakened by putative digestion of erythrocyte cytoskeleton [3–5] and membrane poration.
Involvement of the bulge region in primary scarring alopecia.

While the pathogenesis of most scarring alopecias is poorly understood, one recent study indicates destruction of follicular stem cells as a possible mechanism in lichen planopilaris, the prototypic scarring alopecia. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to ascertain the target of inflammation and to more precisely characterize the inflammatory infiltrate in various stages of primary scarring alopecias. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using a panel of antibodies that included anti-cytokeratin 15, an antibody that specifically targets follicular bulge stem cells and CD4, CD8, CD1a and human leukocyte antigen-DR to characterize the inflammatory infiltrate. Our data showing absence of follicular bulge stem cells in cases with moderate to heavy inflammation suggest involvement of the bulge region in ‘early’ active stages of primary scarring alopecia. The paucity of CD8+ T cells in the inflammatory infiltrate in the majority of these cases argues against a cell-mediated cytotoxic destruction of follicular bulge stem cells. Preservation of CK15+ cells in ‘late’ fibrotic stages of primary scarring alopecia further supports this and implies that the irreversible loss of hair follicles, the sine qua non of primary scarring alopecia, is not necessarily a consequence of T cell-mediated destruction of follicular bulge stem cells.
Ultrasound prediction of intrauterine growth restriction

Abstract Objective: Ultrasound criteria commonly used to predict intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) include estimated fetal weights (EFW) less than the 5th or 10th percentile. We evaluated the receiver-operator curves of sonographic EFWs for these two defined outcomes. Methods: Deliveries greater than 36 weeks were evaluated. Ultrasound biometric data obtained within 7 days of delivery and birth weight data were compiled in a database and analyzed. Estimated fetal weights were calculated using BPD, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and FL (Hadlock, 1984). Results: Data from 1,750 patients were analyzed. Estimated fetal weights were within 10% and 20% of the actual birth weight in 76% and 96% of cases, respectively. Using U.S. national birth weight standards, 7.2% of actual birth weights were below the 5th and 12.9% were below the 10th percentiles, respectively. Analysis of receiver-operator characteristics indicates that a sonographic EFW of 20% best predicts birth weight less than 5%, whereas sonographic EFW of 30% best predicts birth weight less than 10%. Conclusions: Traditional 10% or 15% ultrasound EFW is insensitive screening criteria for prediction of IUGR. legend . EFW (%) legend BW BW Sens. Spec. PPV NPV Sens. Spec. PPV NPV 5 55.5 97.8 65 97 38.3 98.7 80 92 10 78.2 94.0 49 98 64.5 96.6 72 95 15 87.4 90.1 39 99 74.8 93.1 60 96 20 91.6 86.7 33 99 81.3 90.1 53 97 25 93.3 82.6 28 99 86.9 86.4 47 98 30 96.6 77.7 24 100 92.1 81.6 41 99 legend Sens. indicates sensitivity; Spec., specificity; PPV, positive predictive value; NPV, negative predictive value.
Multivariate U-statistics: a tutorial with applications

U-statistics represent an important class of statistics arising from modeling quantities of interest defined by multi-subject responses such as the classic Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon rank tests. However, classic applications of U-statistics are largely limited to univariate outcomes within a cross-sectional data setting. As longitudinal study designs become increasingly popular in today's research, it is imperative to generalize the classic theory of U-statistics to such a study setting to meet the challenges of modern clinical and translational research. In this article, we focus on applications of U-statistics to longitudinal study data. We first give a brief overview of U-statistics and then discuss how to apply this powerful class of statistics to model quantities of interest with a longitudinal data setting. In addition to generalizing U-statistics and associated inference theory to longitudinal data analysis, we also discuss a class of function response models FRM to bring the power of U-statistics to uncharted territory. We illustrate applications of generalized U-statistics and FRM with data from some real longitudinal studies. WIREs Comp Stat 2011 3 457-471 DOI: 10.1002/wics.178
Commentary on “Group Interventions for Patients with Cancer and HIV Disease”

(2004). Commentary on “Group Interventions for Patients with Cancer and HIV Disease”. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy: Vol. 54, No. 4, pp. 569-574.
Semi-empirical calculations of hydrogen defects in silicon

Abstract Calculations for hydrogen defect(s) in a monovacancy silicon cluster yield a stable position for this defect which: (a) does not saturate any of the silicon dangling bonds; and (b) contributes defect level(s) in the gap whose implications remain to be understood.
Deletion mapping of DNA segments from the Y chromosome long arm and their analysis in an XX male

Twelve DNA segments have been localized to the long arm of the Y chromosome and were assigned to three intervals by deletion mapping. Of these segments, six were from distal Yq11.23, which is supposed to contain a spermatogenesis locus. The physical mapping information was used to analyze an XX male who is positive for DNA sequences both from distal Yp and from Yq. Two of the twelve sequences from Yq (Y-198 and Y-253) were detected in this patient along with two of six short-arm segments tested. Long-range physical mapping placed Y-198 and Y-253 on a common 1100-kb BssHII fragment. In this patient, the long-arm sequences were assigned to distal Xp by in situ hybridization. The data suggest that this XX male derived from an unequal interchange between an X and an inverted Y chromosome presumed to have been present in the patient's father.
ANALYSIS OF JUICINESS OF COMMERCIAL FRANKFURTERS

Resultats d'analyses realisees par des mesures instrumentales (compression-deformation et quantite de liquide obtenu) ou par analyse sensorielle. Correlation entre la jutosite et la teneur en eau et en lipides ainsi que la granulometrie du produit
Bidirectional Influences Between Dimensions of Coparenting and Adolescent Adjustment

Research on coparenting documents that mothers’ and fathers’ coordination and mutual support in their parenting roles is linked to their offspring’s adjustment in childhood, but we know much less about the coparenting of adolescents. Taking a family systems perspective, this study assessed two dimensions of coparenting, parents’ shared decision-making and joint involvement in activities with their adolescents, and examined bidirectional associations between these coparenting dimensions and boys’ and girls’ risky behaviors and depressive symptoms across four time points (6 years) in adolescence. Participants were 201 mothers, fathers, and adolescents (M = 11.83, SD = .55 years of age at Time 1; 51 % female). Parents of sons shared more decisions, on average, than parents of daughters. On average, shared decision-making followed an inverted U shaped pattern of change, and parents’ joint involvement in their adolescents’ activities declined. Cross-lagged findings revealed that risky behavior predicted less shared decision-making, and shared decision-making protected against increased risky behavior for boys. For girls and boys, parents’ joint involvement predicted fewer risky behaviors, and lower levels of risky behavior predicted higher levels of joint involvement. In contrast, boys’ and girls’ depressive symptoms predicted less joint involvement. The discussion centers on the nature and correlates of coparenting during adolescence, including the role of child effects, and directions for future research on coparenting during this developmental period.
GROWTH POLES IN SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL*

Growth pole concepts appear particularly useful to regional planners who are faced with the task of designing a strategy for analyzing and inducing regional growth. This study employs a form of trend surface analysis which identifies urban places that may be interpreted as growth poles and measures trends in growth outward from those poles. An empirical example is provided for the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the period 1940 to 1960. Two types of growth poles are identified: 1) natural poles that result from a rapid postwar industrialization, and 2) planned poles that result from state governmental efforts to control economic growth.
An empirical examination of the influence of organizational constraints on information systems development

Abstract This study examined the influence of organizational constraints on information systems (IS) development. Given its complexities and difficulties, IS development within an organization sometimes occurs in a restrained manner that may or may not be advantageous. This study examined the overall impact of organizational constraints on IS success and tested (using a different methodology) a model developed in a prior study. That model contained indirect indicators of the aggregate impact of organizational constraints. Measures for those indicators were developed through an iterative process that concluded with a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The model was then tested with these developed measures. The conclusions of this research relate to the potential success of IS development within alternative environments and to the need for consideration of organizational constraints in IS development research.
Reanalysis of 1973 activity-weighted particle size distribution measurements in active U.S. uranium mines

ABSTRACT Activity-weighted particle size distribution data taken with a low-pressure impactor in two working uranium mines have been reanalyzed using modern unfolding techniques. Both mines used diesel engines and were located in the southwestern United States at an elevation of 2120 m; 14 measurements were made in the winter of 1973 at several mine locations and during typical mining activities. The activity median diameter for the principal mode of the distribution determined using these better methods ranged between a minimum of 72 nm and a maximum of 303 nm; the average value was 169 nm (average geometric standard deviation: 2.42), which is significantly smaller than the estimate of 250 nm (geometric standard deviation: 2.5) obtained originally using graphical methods and currently used in some dosimetric calculations. Four samples had secondary modes with more than 20% of the total activity at diameters less than 60 nm; this was possibly a consequence of bimodal diesel emission and/or aerosols genera...
Appearance of blebs on the surface of differentiating Friend erythroleukemia cells.

Abstract The scanning electron microscope has been employed to examine the surfaces of Friend murine erythroleukemia cells (MEL cells) induced to differentiate in culture with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Whereas immature, undifferentiated cells appear to be relatively smooth with a uniform density of small microvilli, fully differentiated cells are covered with large blebs or lumps having diameters in the range of 0.5–2.0 μm. Greater than 85% of induced MEL cells have ‘bleby’ surfaces after four days of growth in the presence of DMSO when significant hemoglobin synthesis has also taken place. In contrast, only 10% of uninduced MEL cells exhibit surface blebs and hemoglobin synthesis is less than 10% of that observed in induced cells. A control, non-erythroleukemia cell line did not express cell surface blebs in the presence or absence of DMSO. Analysis of three variant MEL cell clones that fail to synthesize hemoglobin in response to DMSO showed that two clones express surface blebs while one does not. This indicates that appearance of cell surface blebs is not functionally or causally linked to hemoglobin synthesis in induced MEL cells.
Brief clinical report: prune belly syndrome in an anencephalic male.

We describe a postmature anencephalic infant with atrophy of the abdominal musculature (prune belly syndrome). Other associations of these conditions are noted.
Pericardial Sling Increases OPCAB Safety and Applicability: Reply

Ann Thorac Surg 2005;80:1566-1567 Jennifer S. Lawton and Ralph J. Damiano, Jr Pericardial Sling Increases OPCAB Safety and Applicability: Reply http://ats.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/80/4/1566 located on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is
Establishing the Causal Relationship between Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Exposure and Hepatic Neoplasms and Neoplasia-Related Liver Lesions in English Sole (Pleuronectes vetulus)

For almost 25 years our laboratory has studied the impact of PAHs and related industrial contaminants on benthic fish, following an interdisciplinary approach involving chemical exposure assessment linked to synoptic detection of various effects at several levels of biological organization. These data demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship between neoplastic and neoplasia-related liver lesions in English sole, and exposure to PAHs, and to a lesser degree, chlorinated hydrocarbons such as PCBs. In statistical analyses of data from multiple field studies conducted since 1978, exposure to PAHs measured in various compartments has consistently been identified as a highly significant, major risk factor for neoplasms and related lesions in this species, with PCB exposure shown to be a significant, but less consistent and less strong risk factor for these lesions. A cause-and-effect relationship between PAHs and toxicopathic liver lesions in this species is further supported by the experimental induction of...
Spectrophotometric characteristics and assay of biological stains. IV. The phenyl methane dyes.

This paper continues the investigation of the assay and spectral properties of biological stains. The phenyl methane dyes, auramine O, basic and acid fuchsins, methyl violet, crystal violet, methyl green, and anilin blue W. S., may all be assayed by the spectrophotometric method. Of these, methyl green has been found unstable both in solid form and in solution, hence color densities of this dye must be measured promptly after preparation.
Flumezapine and zotepine: 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonism not involved in the lack of synergism of these antipsychotic drugs with amfonelic acid in rats

Two antipsychotic drugs, flumezapine and zotepine, resembled clozapine, not spiperone, in not acting synergistically with amfonelic acid to elevate striatal concentrations of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in rats. Since flumezapine, zotepine and clozapine antagonize 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors with potency similar to their potency in antagonizing dopamine receptors, the possibility that 5-HT receptor blockade prevented their synergism with amfonelic acid was considered. Methiothepin, a potent 5-HT antagonist and dopamine antagonist, mimicked spiperone in causing a marked increase in striatal DOPAC in amfonelic acid-treated rats, indicating that 5-HT antagonism is not involved in the lack of synergism of flumezapine and zotepine with amfonelic acid.
Conceivability and Coherence: A Skeptical View of Zombies

One reason for the recent attention to conceivability claims is to be found in the extended use of conceivability in philosophy of mind, and then especially in connection with zombie thought experiments. The idea is that zombies are conceivable; beings that look like us and behave like us in all ways, but for which “all is dark inside;” that is, for a zombie, there is no “what it is like.” There is no “what it is like” to be a zombie, there is no “what it is like” for a zombie to feel pain, there is no “what it is like” for a zombie to taste, or feel, or smell something. They are creatures without consciousness. I am skeptical about the conceivability of zombies. That is not to say that I believe that there is some inherent contradiction to be found in the idea of zombies. Instead, I do not think that I am justified in believing that zombies are conceivable. The focus on justification is not common in the literature on conceivability, or for that matter in the literature on the possibility of zombies. Instead, the focus tends to be on trying to find out whether or not the notion of a zombie is contradictory. It is widely accepted in the literature on conceivability that the absence of a contradiction when conceiving of X is both necessary and sufficient for X to be conceivable. That might be true of ideal conceivability, but as I will argue below, ideal conceivability is not relevant to our (human) pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Further, as I will argue, once we focus on non-ideal conceivability the notion of justification, and degrees of justification comes into play.
Multi-criteria decision analysis to select metrics for design and monitoring of sustainable ecosystem restorations

Abstract The selection of metrics for ecosystem restoration programs is critical for improving the quality and utility of design and monitoring programs, informing adaptive management actions, and characterizing project success. The metrics selection process, that in practice is left to the subjective judgment of stakeholders, is often complex and should simultaneously take into account monitoring data, environmental models, socio-economic considerations, and stakeholder interests. With limited funding, it is often very difficult to balance the importance of multiple metrics, often competing, intended to measure different environmental, social, and economic aspects of the system. To help restoration planners and practitioners develop the most useful and informative design and monitoring programs, we propose the use of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods, broadly defined, to select optimal ecosystem restoration metric sets. In this paper, we apply and compare two MCDA methods, multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT), and probabilistic multi-criteria acceptability analysis (ProMAA), for a hypothetical river restoration case study involving multiple stakeholders with competing interests. Overall, the MCDA results in a systematic, quantitative, and transparent evaluation and comparison of potential metrics that provides planners and practitioners with a clear basis for selecting the optimal set of metrics to evaluate restoration alternatives and to inform restoration design and monitoring. In our case study, the two MCDA methods provide comparable results in terms of selected metrics. However, because ProMAA can consider probability distributions for weights and utility values of metrics for each criterion, it is most likely the best option for projects with highly uncertain data and significant stakeholder involvement. Despite the increase in complexity in the metrics selection process, MCDA improves upon the current, commonly-used ad-hoc decision practice based on consultations with stakeholders by applying and presenting quantitative aggregation of data and judgment, thereby increasing the effectiveness of environmental design and monitoring and the transparency of decision making in restoration projects.
Simulation methodologies for observing large-scale urban structures

Abstract The arrival of advanced and widely available graphic computing has made simulation a tool for both practice and research in all areas of design. The large-scale and complex nature of urbanization has long required some type of simulation to facilitate external observation and analysis. The flexibility and expandability of computer models promises phenomenal potential when used towards this end. This paper discusses simulation methodology in terms of the descriptive basis for simulation constructions and the analytical methods that can be applied to models once they exist. Woven around a series of images created from studies produced at the University of Cincinnati's Center for Urban Design and by students in the School of Planning, the paper discusses specifically examined issues illustrated by each of the images. It is important to note that simulation activity is a very broad arena and that one single narrative could not possibly discuss all of the activity at the Center and in the School of Planning, therefore this paper focuses on the issues of spatial and structural modeling and the resulting types of analysis associated only with the physical aspects of urbanization.
Laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectra of CCl2 and CFCI radicals in the gas phase

Abstract Laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectra in the gas phase have been obtained for CCl 2 and CFCI radicals. The observed spacings in the excitation spectra reported here agree well with previous absorption work in the matrix.
On a theorem of Rimhak Ree about permutations

Abstract A simple graph-theoretic proof is given for a theorem about permutations which was obtained by R. Ree with the aid of Riemann surfaces. With an additional hypothesis, we also improve Ree's inequality.
The Effect of Chronic Alcoholism on Wound Healing

AbstractThis study showed that the initiation of granuloma formation in alcoholic mice was retarded but eventually reached normal levels. The delay appears to be related to a failure of cells to mi...
A series DC arc fault detection method and hardware implementation

DC arc fault detection is important to provide circuit protection and improve system reliability in applications with high voltage dc bus. In this paper, current change in time domain and normalized RMS value from wavelet decomposition are selected as arc signatures representing the randomness and chaotic nature of arcing. A detection algorithm is then proposed utilizing these two arc signatures to differentiate between arc fault and normal condition. Lastly the detection algorithm is realized on a digital signal processing board and is tested to verify its effectiveness. Experiment results show that the proposed detection algorithm can detect arc fault in a timely manner and is free of nuisance trip from normal circuit operations such as load change condition.
Longitudinally propagating traveling waves of the mammalian tectorial membrane

Sound-evoked vibrations transmitted into the mammalian cochlea produce traveling waves that provide the mechanical tuning necessary for spectral decomposition of sound. These traveling waves of motion that have been observed to propagate longitudinally along the basilar membrane (BM) ultimately stimulate the mechano-sensory receptors. The tectorial membrane (TM) plays a key role in this process, but its mechanical function remains unclear. Here we show that the TM supports traveling waves that are an intrinsic feature of its visco-elastic structure. Radial forces applied at audio frequencies (2–20 kHz) to isolated TM segments generate longitudinally propagating waves on the TM with velocities similar to those of the BM traveling wave near its best frequency place. We compute the dynamic shear storage modulus and shear viscosity of the TM from the propagation velocity of the waves and show that segments of the TM from the basal turn are stiffer than apical segments are. Analysis of loading effects of hair bundle stiffness, the limbal attachment of the TM, and viscous damping in the subtectorial space suggests that TM traveling waves can occur in vivo. Our results show the presence of a traveling wave mechanism through the TM that can functionally couple a significant longitudinal extent of the cochlea and may interact with the BM wave to greatly enhance cochlear sensitivity and tuning.
Anisotropy and twinning in cubic zinc sulfide crystals

Abstract The structure of zinc sulfide single crystals grown from the vapor has been studied by a unique combination of X-ray crystallography and thermal conductivity measurements. Weissenberg patterns reveal the face centered cubic structure with rotational twinning in the [111] direction, which could be ascribed to two overlapping lattices. These could be explained by normal stacking faults or by inverted twins. A strong anisotropy in thermal conductivity was measured and interpreted as favoring the inverted twin model.
Using lean-based systems engineering to increase capacity in the emergency department.

Introduction: While emergency department (ED) crowding has myriad causes and negative downstream effects, applying systems engineering science and targeting throughput remains a potential solution to increase functional capacity. However, the most effective techniques for broad application in the ED remain unclear. We examined the hypothesis that Lean-based reorganization of Fast Track process flow would improve length of stay (LOS), percent of patients discharged within one hour, and room use, without added expense. Methods: This study was a prospective, controlled, before-and-after analysis of Fast Track process improvements in a Level 1 tertiary care academic medical center with >95,000 annual patient visits. We included all adult patients seen during the study periods of 6/2010-10/2010 and 6/2011-10/2011, and data were collected from an electronic tracking system. We used concurrent patients seen in another care area used as a control group. The intervention consisted of a simple reorganization of patient flow through existing rooms, based in systems engineering science and modeling, including queuing theory, demand-capacity matching, and Lean methodologies. No modifications to staffing or physical space were made. Primary outcomes included LOS of discharged patients, percent of patients discharged within one hour, and time in exam room. We compared LOS and exam room time using Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and chi-square tests for percent of patients discharged within one hour. Results: Following the intervention, median LOS among discharged patients was reduced by 15 minutes (158 to 143 min, 95%CI 12 to 19 min, p<0.0001). The number of patients discharged in <1 hr increased by 2.8% (from 6.9% to 9.7%, 95%CI 2.1% to 3.5%, p<0.0001), and median exam room time decreased by 34 minutes (90 to 56 min, 95%CI 31 to 38 min, p<0.0001). In comparison, the control group had no change in LOS (265 to 267 min) or proportion of patients discharged in <1 hr (2.9% to 2.9%), and an increase in exam room time (28 to 36 min, p<0.0001). Conclusion: In this single center trial, a focused Lean-based reorganization of patient flow improved Fast Track ED performance measures and capacity, without added expense. Broad multi-centered application of systems engineering science might further improve ED throughput and capacity. [West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(7):–0.]
Inhibiting β-secretase activity in Alzheimer's disease cell models with single-chain antibodies specifically targeting APP

The Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide is produced from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by sequential proteolytic cleavage of APP first by β-secretase and then by γ-secretase. β-Site APP cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE-1) is the predominant enzyme involved in β-secretase processing of APP and is a primary therapeutic target for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. While inhibiting BACE-1 activity has obvious therapeutic advantages, BACE-1 also cleaves numerous other substrates with important physiological activity. Thus, blanket inhibition of BACE-1 function may have adverse side effects. We isolated a single chain variable fragment (scFv) from a human-based scFv yeast display library that selectively inhibits BACE-1 activity toward APP by binding the APP substrate at the proteolytic site. We selected the iBSEC1 scFv, since it recognizes the BACE-1 cleavage site on APP but does not bind the adjacent highly antigenic N-terminal of Aβ, and thus it will target APP but not soluble Aβ. When added to 7PA2 cells, a mammalian cell line that overexpresses APP, the iBSEC1 scFv binds APP on the cell surface, reduces toxicity induced by APP overexpression, and reduces both intracellular and extracellular Aβ levels by around 50%. Since the iBSEC1 scFv does not contain the antibody F(c) region, this construct does not pose the risk of exacerbating inflammation in the brain as faced with full-length monoclonal antibodies for potential therapeutic applications.
Abstract 3170: Comprehensive analysis of the microRNA-128 function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL MicroRNAs are 22∼nucleotide-long endogenously expressed, highly conserved noncoding RNAs with important regulatory functions in proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. miR-128 a brain-enriched, which is transcribes from two gene copies (miR-128-1 and miR-128-2) on chromosome 2 and chromosome 3 which produce identical mature forms. miR-128 is most commonly in gliomas that have shown to function as a tumor suppressor which inhibits cell proliferation. Proteomic alterations of prostate cancer show miR-128 to down regulate cell invasiveness. Here we evaluated the role of miRNA-128 in HNSCC, to identify its putative targets and elucidate the possible mechanisms underlining the function of miR-128 in HNSCC. We established HNSCC cell lines that stably expressed individual members of the miR-128 using a lentiviral delivery system. The levels of miR-128 and their targeted proteins were analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. miR-128 affinity was elucidated by MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry, and a tumor xenograft model. Two kinds of stably transfected HNSCC cell lines, including JHU-22miR-128 transfected with miR-128 and a vector control cell line JHU-22vector, were generated as a testing system. The miR-128 level in the JHU-22miR-128 cells was eleven fold higher than in JHU-22vector cells. We found that overexpression of miR-128 enable to effectively suppress cell viability (30%), decrease of proliferation (55%), and significantly reduced solid tumor growth in tumor xenografts models compared to the control groups. Transfected miR-128 cells exhibited astrocyte morphology. The inhibition mechanism of miR-128 was determined by evaluating five putative targets (BMI-1, BAG2, BAX, H3f3b, and Paip2) of miR-128. Overall, miR-128 enables to directly inhibit all these targets, but the binding affinity of miR-128 is dominantly towards to BMI-1 and BAG-2 targets. Conclusions: miR-128 exhibits anti-proliferative effects and phenotypic alteration in HNSCC by targeting multiple predicted conserved targets activity function in apoptosis, cell cycle, transcription, and translation. Our results provide a better understanding of miR-128 function in HNSCC and the potential targets to develop novel diagnostic markers and targeted therapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3170. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3170
PROBING THE COORDINATION CHEMISTRY OF ZR6BCL12+: A CLUSTER ESPECIALLY AMENABLE TO NMR STUDY

NMR spectroscopy is demonstrated to be a powerful analytical tool for the study of solvolysis and ligand-exchange chemistry of the [Zr6BCl12]+ cluster in acetonitrile, methanol, and pyridine. 11B NMR spectra for [(Zr6BCl12)Cl6-xLx]x-5 (L = CH3CN, CH3OH, and pyridine; x = 1−6) are reported. Exceedingly narrow 11B lines are generally observed for these clusters. Two-bond (2JP-Zr-B = 8.8 Hz) and three-bond coupling constants (3JP-O-Zr-B = 1.9 Hz) are observed for the cluster complexes [(Zr6BCl12)(PR3)6]+ and [(Zr6BCl12)(OPR3)xL6-x]+ (L = CH3CN and PR3), respectively, in both 11B and 31P NMR spectra. Spin−lattice relaxation times (T1's) for 11B were measured for several cluster complexes. Homoleptic species, [(Zr6BCl12)L6]+ (L = CH3CN, CH3OH, pyridine), exhibit very long times and that for [(Zr6BCl12)(NCCH3)6]+ is the longest ever measured (T1 = 108 s) for the 11B nucleus. A thermodynamic analysis of spectra for the [(Zr6BCl12)(CH3OH)6-x(py)x]+ (x = 0−5) system reveals that [Zr6BCl12]+ binds pyridine more str...
An improved method for disruption of microbial cells with pressurized carbon dioxide

Disruption of microbial cells by pressurized carbon dioxide at both subcritical and supercritical temperatures has been previously investigated. This method differs in principle from other disruption techniques and was found to have potential applications for rupture of a variety of microorganisms. However, it is not as effective for some of the microbial cells, including yeast, of which the cell walls are extremely robust and rigid. This work suggests an alternative operation to improve the disruption rates of cells by repeatedly releasing the applied fluid pressure within the cells in the midst of a disruption process. The improvement is substantial at all the experimental conditions studied.
Inhibition by brefeldin A of a Golgi membrane enzyme that catalyses exchange of guanine nucleotide bound to ARF

A wide variety of membrane transformations important in intracellular transport are inhibited by the fungal metabolite brefeldin A (refs 1-4), implying that the target for this drug is central to the formation and maintenance of subcellular compartments. Brefeldin A added to cells causes the rapid and reversible dissociation of a Golgi-associated peripheral membrane protein (M(r) 110,000) which was found to be identical to one of the subunits of the coat of Golgi-derived (non-clathrin) coated vesicles, beta-COP, implying that brefeldin A prevents transport by blocking the assembly of coats and thus the budding of enclosed vesicles. In addition to the coatomer (a cytosol-derived complex of seven polypeptide chains, one of which is beta-COP), the non-clathrin (COP) coat of Golgi-derived vesicles contains stoichiometric amounts of a small (M(r) approximately 20,000) GTP-binding protein, the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF). Binding of ARF to Golgi membranes is necessary before coatomer/beta-COP can bind these membranes (ref. 12; and D. J. Palmer et al., manuscript submitted), so the primary effect of brefeldin A seems to be on the reaction responsible for ARF binding. Indeed, like beta-COP, ARF is dissociated from the Golgi complex by treatment with brefeldin A and brefeldin A prevents ARF from associating in vitro, but the mechanism of this action by brefeldin A has been unclear. Here we report the discovery of an enzyme in a Golgi-enriched fraction that catalyses guanine nucleotide (GDP-GTP) exchange on ARF-1 protein, and which is inhibited by brefeldin A. We suggest that activation of ARF proteins for membrane localization by compartmentalized exchange enzymes is in general the first committed step in membrane transformation pathways.
Convergence rate for consensus with delays

We study the problem of reaching a consensus in the values of a distributed system of agents with time-varying connectivity in the presence of delays. We consider a widely studied consensus algorithm, in which at each time step, every agent forms a weighted average of its own value with values received from the neighboring agents. We study an asynchronous operation of this algorithm using delayed agent values. Our focus is on establishing convergence rate results for this algorithm. In particular, we first show convergence to consensus under a bounded delay condition and some connectivity and intercommunication conditions imposed on the multi-agent system. We then provide a bound on the time required to reach the consensus. Our bound is given as an explicit function of the system parameters including the delay bound and the bound on agents' intercommunication intervals.
Flexible and Secure Logging of Grid Data Access

In Grid collaborations, scientists use middleware to execute computational experiments, visualize results, and securely share data on resources ranging from desktop machines to supercomputers. While there has been significant effort in authentication and authorization for these distributed infrastructures, it is still difficult to determine, post-facto, exactly what information might have been accessed, what operations might have occurred, and for what reasons. To address this problem, we have designed and implemented a secure logging infrastructure for Grid data access. We uniquely leverage and extend XACML with new capabilities so that data owners can specify logging policies and these policies can be used to engage logging mechanisms to record events of interest to the data owners. A case study based on GridFTP.NET is presented and analyzed, utilizing both local storage of log records and remote storage via SAWS, an independently developed secure audit Web service. We show that with relatively little performance overhead, data owners are provided with new flexibility for determining the post-facto conditions under which their Grid data was accessed.
Modification of boiler operating conditions for mercury emissions reductions in coal-fired utility boilers

US EPA’s studies have determined that mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants pose significant hazards to public health and must be reduced. Coal-fired power plants represent a significant fraction of the anthropogenic emissions of mercury into the atmosphere. Mercury emissions are impacted by factors such as coal type, boiler operation, fly ash characteristics and type of environmental control equipment installed on the unit. Field data show a wide variation in the fraction of mercury that is emitted in the gaseous phase, as elemental and oxidized mercury vapor, and as particulate-bound mercury. Oxidized mercury is a preferable species because is less volatile at stack temperatures, water-soluble, and tends to interact with mineral matter and char, and cold-end air pollution control devices. There is also evidence that boiler-operating conditions could be used to influence mercury behavior in the boiler, since they affect the thermo-chemical conditions for mercury formation and reduction. However, operation of boiler control settings, which result in mercury removal benefits, should also consider the tradeoff between mercury reduction and other emissions (for example, NOx and CO), the level of unburned carbon in the fly ash, unit efficiency and the performance of particulate control equipment. This paper reports fieldwork performed to investigate the feasibility of affecting mercury emissions from coal-fired plants by manipulating boiler control settings. Full-scale testing was performed at two units. One of the units is equipped with a back-end train that includes a rotary air preheater followed by two electrostatic precipitators in series. The other unit is equipped with hot and cold precipitators and a tubular air preheater. A strategy for mercury control by selectively manipulating boiler control settings, if used in combination with other control measures such as sorbent injection, should provide a cost-effective option for mercury control. q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Determining the elements of procedural quality

Object The definition and determination of quality health care is an important topic. The purpose of this study was to develop a longitudinal method to define a quality procedure by creating a formal approach to pre- and postoperative outcomes documentation. The authors worked to define quality outcomes by first documenting the patient's condition. Goals were determined together by the surgeon and the patient and then were evaluated to see if those goals were met. Methods The population consisted of cancer patients with newly diagnosed metastatic brain disease who were scheduled to undergo stereotactic radiosurgery. Surgeons recorded perioperatively objective information related to preoperative goals, clinical findings, surgical performance and/or error, and whether goals were met. In addition, patients completed pre- and postprocedure questionnaires (Rand 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey 1.0 [SF-36]). Results Procedural goals, defined as completing radiosurgery without error or complication and same-day ...
Scintillation index for two Gaussian laser beams with different wavelengths in weak atmospheric turbulence

We study the propagation of the two lowest-order Gaussian laser beams with different wavelengths in weak atmospheric turbulence. Using the Rytov approximation and assuming a slow detector, we calculate the longitudinal and radial components of the scintillation index for a typical free-space laser communication setup. We find the optimal configuration of the two laser beams with respect to the longitudinal scintillation index. We show that the value of the longitudinal scintillation for the optimal two-beam configuration is smaller by more than 50% compared with the value for a single lowest-order Gaussian beam with the same total power. Furthermore, the radial scintillation for the optimal two-beam system is smaller by 35%-40% compared with the radial scintillation in the single-beam case. Further insight into the reduction of intensity fluctuations is gained by analyzing the self- and cross-intensity contributions to the scintillation index.
Multimode locomotion via SuperBot reconfigurable robots

One of the most challenging issues for a self-sustaining robotic system is how to use its limited resources to accomplish a large variety of tasks. The scope of such tasks could include transportation, exploration, construction, inspection, maintenance,in-situ resource utilization, and support for astronauts. This paper proposes a modular and reconfigurable solution for this challenge by allowing a robot to support multiple modes of locomotion and select the appropriate mode for the task at hand. This solution relies on robots that are made of reconfigurable modules. Each locomotion mode consists of a set of characteristics for the environment type, speed, turning-ability, energy-efficiency, and recoverability from failures. This paper demonstrates a solution using the SuperBot robot that combines advantages from M-TRAN, CONRO, ATRON, and other chain-based and lattice-based robots. At the present, a single real SuperBot module can move, turn, sidewind, maneuver, and travel on batteries up to 500 m on carpet in an office environment. In physics-based simulation, SuperBot modules can perform multimodal locomotions such as snake, caterpillar, insect, spider, rolling track, H-walker, etc. It can move at speeds of up to 1.0 m/s on flat terrain using less than 6 W per module, and climb slopes of no less 40 degrees.
People with diabetes and self-reported severe hypoglycaemia have increased mortality risk over 5 years

Commentary on: McCoy RG, Van Houten HK, Ziegenfuss JY, et al . Increased mortality of patients with diabetes reporting severe hypoglycemia. Diabetes Care 2012; 35: 268– 901.[OpenUrl][1] Hypoglycaemia (<70 mg/dl; 3.9 mmol/l) in people with diabetes is frequently due to exposure to insulin or insulin secretagogues. The acute effects of hypoglycaemia in symptomatic patients, and the disabling effect of severe hypoglycaemia, are well known. However, data on the frequency of hypoglycaemia and magnitude of hypoglycaemia-related mortality are less … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DDiabetes%2BCare%26rft.volume%253D35%26rft.spage%253D268%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx
Autonomic dysreflexia: a cause of postoperative hemorrhage. Case report.

Complications and failures after hip arthroscopy are reported to be relatively uncommon. Because there are no recent comprehensive, prospective studies observing complications and failures after hip arthroscopy, the current rates are unclear. As the number of surgeons performing hip arthroscopy and the number of procedures performed continue to increase, there is the need for an increased awareness of potential adverse events.
Therapeutic potential of apixaban in the prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery

AbstractBackground:Apixaban is a novel oral factor Xa inhibitor that recently completed evaluation in clinical trials for its use in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery. Its manufacturers are currently seeking approval for these indications in the European Union and a rolling submission is in process in the United States.Scope:This article reviews published data on the efficacy and safety profile of apixaban in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). For this review, the authors searched PubMed for English language clinical trial articles involving the use of apixaban in human subjects published through July 11, 2011. The key words ‘apixaban’ and ‘total knee arthroplasty/replacement’ were used. The review focused on clinical trials, but other articles were reviewed for relevant information.Findings:One dose-finding phase II trial demonstrated apixaban’s efficacy and a dose of 2.5 mg twice daily was established for future investig...
A physical model of Titan's aerosols.

A modeling effort is presented for the nature of the stratospheric haze on Titan, under several simplifying assumptions; chief among these is that the aerosols in question are of a single composition, and involatile. It is further assumed that a one-dimensional model is capable of simulating the general characteristics of the aerosol. It is suggested in this light that the detached haze on Titan may be a manifestation of organized, Hadley-type motions above 300 km altitude, with vertical velocities of 1 cm/sec. The hemispherical asymmetry of the visible albedo may be due to organized vertical motions within the upper 150-200 km of the haze.