cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WiFi based Multi-User Gesture Recognition

WiFi based gesture recognition has received significant attention over the past few years. However, the key limitation of prior WiFi based gesture recognition systems is that they cannot recognize the gestures of multiple users performing them simultaneously. In this article, we address this limitation and propose WiMU, a Wi Fi based M ulti- U ser gesture recognition system. The key idea behind WiMU is that when it detects that some users have performed some gestures simultaneously, it first automatically determines the number of simultaneously performed gestures ( $N_a$ N a ) and then, using the training samples collected from a single user, generates virtual samples for various plausible combinations of $N_a$ N a gestures. The key property of these virtual samples is that the virtual samples for any given combination of gestures are identical to the real samples that would result from real users performing that combination of gestures. WiMU compares the detected sample against these virtual samples and recognizes the simultaneously performed gestures. We implemented and extensively evaluated WiMU using commodity WiFi devices. Our results show that WiMU recognizes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 simultaneously performed gestures with accuracies of 95.6, 94.9, 93.9, 92.7, 91.6, 91.0, and 90.1 percent, respectively.
Adaptive leader election for control of tactical microgrids

An adaptive leader election protocol (LEP) was developed to control both stationary and mobile generation assets (generators and vehicles), achieved using an energy management system (EMS). The LEP...
Separating measurement and expression models clarifies confusion in single cell RNA-seq analysis

How to model and analyze scRNA-seq data has been the subject of considerable confusion and debate. The high proportion of zero counts in a typical scRNA-seq data matrix has garnered particular attention, and lead to widespread but inconsistent use of terminology such as "dropout" and "missing data." Here, we argue that much of this terminology is unhelpful and confusing, and outline simple ways of thinking about models for scRNA-seq data that can help avoid this confusion. The key ideas are: (1) observed scRNA-seq counts reflect both the actual expression level of each gene in each cell and the measurement process, and it is important for models to explicitly distinguish contributions from these two distinct factors; and (2) the measurement process can be adequately described by a simple Poisson model, a claim for which we provide both theoretical and empirical support. We show how these ideas lead to a simple, flexible statistical framework which encompasses a number of commonly used models and analysis methods, and how this framework makes explicit their different assumptions and helps interpret their results. We also illustrate how explicitly separating models for expression and measurement can help address questions of biological interest, such as whether mRNA expression levels are multi-modal among cells.
Reflections on the Legacy of Nelson Mandela and the Relevance for Educational Transformation Globally

This chapter offers reflections on selections of Mr. Mandela’s words, with reference to their relevance for the path taken for educational reform and transformation in general in South Africa. Examples of pedagogical approaches reported by Jansen (2009) and Soudien et al. (2015) who illustrated the manner in which some elements of Mr. Mandela’s message might be operationalised to inspire students to engage in self-reflection and reconciliation in educational settings. The chapter offer analysis of the two aspects of concern over the vulnerability of Mr. Mandela’s legacy. First, in the so-called “born free” generation, the post-apartheid generation of South Africans whose profile reveals significant evidence of how many more “hills to climb” there are in the overall route to transformation in South Africa. Secondly, is Mr. Mandela’s legacy vulnerable to political expediency and to societal amnesia?
The Pedagogy of Vulnerability and Marketing Education: Cultivating Self-expansion in a Time of Separation:

Applying the pedagogy of vulnerability and self-expansion theory, the exercise known as the Know Me Activity (KMA) enhances self-expansion by encouraging connections between students and the instru...
Electro-thermal comparison and performance optimization of thin-body SOI and GOI MOSFETs

This paper examines self-heating trends in ultra-scaled fully depleted SOI and GOI devices. We introduce a self-consistent model for calculating device temperature, saturation current and intrinsic gate delay. We show that the raised device source/drain can be designed to simultaneously lower device temperature and parasitic capacitance, such that the intrinsic gate delay (CV/I) is optimal. We find that a raised source/drain height approximately 3 times the channel thickness would be desirable both from an electrical and thermal point of view. Optimized GOI devices could provide at least 30 percent performance advantage over similar SOI devices, despite the lower thermal conductivity of the germanium layer.
Control of Pitchfork and Hopf Bifurcations

A multiple-scale analysis is used to determine the effect of a linear regulator with a small gain on systems which exhibit pitchfork or Hopf bifurcations in open loop.
Surveys of Galaxy Redshifts

Recent advances in spectrometers at both optical and radio wavelengths have tremendously increased the efficiency with which surveys of the redshifts (Doppler shifts) of large numbers of galaxies can be conducted. Such surveys can follow quite different strategic and technical directions, covering with different degrees of completeness one-, two-, or three-dimensional volumes of the universe. First-order application of the redshift-distance relation (Hubble’s law) allows the analysis of the large-scale distribution of galaxies. Comparison of the observed redshifts with those expected on the basis of other distance estimates allows mapping of the gravitational field and the underlying density distribution. Estimation of the many inherent selection biases and instrumental limitations is critical in understanding how our view of the universe is affected by our observational perspective and by the way information is received by current technologies. Special topics include the estimation of the characteristic clustering scales, the topological description of the galaxy distribution, and the evaluation of substructure in the regions of highest galaxy density (clusters), as well as the construction of a true three-dimensional picture of the distribution of both visible and nonluminous matter.
Regulation of human B-cell precursor adhesion to bone marrow stromal cells by cytokines that exert opposing effects on the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)

Self-renewal and differentiation of B-cell precursors is dependent on interactions with bone marrow (BM) stromal cells and associated extracellular matrix. We have recently developed an interleukin (IL)-7-dependent, BM-derived stromal cell culture that supports the growth of normal human B-cell precursors. In the current study, we have characterized the constitutive expression, cytokine-regulated expression, and function of adhesion molecules on BM stromal cells that are critical for adhesion of B-cell precursors. Flow cytometric analysis showed that cultured adult BM stromal cells expressed higher constitutive levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 than intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 (CD54). IL-1 beta upregulated VCAM-1 and CD54 in a dose-dependent manner, whereas IL-4 upregulated VCAM-1, but had no effect on CD54. In contrast, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta decreased the level of BM stromal cell VCAM-1. Using an assay to measure the adhesion of 51Cr-labeled B-cell precursors to BM stromal cells, we observed a direct correlation between cytokine-regulated levels of VCAM-1 and the capacity of stromal cells to support the adhesion of B-cell precursors. Blocking studies using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) showed that adhesion of B-cell precursors to untreated and cytokine-treated (IL-1 beta, IL-4) BM stromal cells was mediated by very late antigen (VLA)-4 (CD49d/CD29) and VCAM-1. Adhesion of B-cell precursors could also be enhanced by direct stimulation with MoAb to the CD29 subunit. Our collective results indicate that B-cell precursor/BM stromal cell adhesion is mediated by a VLA-4-VCAM-1 interaction, which in turn can be regulated at the level of the BM stromal cell by cytokines that specifically increase or decrease cell surface VCAM-1.
A study of the electronic and structural properties of C28 and C16N12

Equilibrium geometry of the heterofullerene C16N12 is calculated at the Density Functional Theory level and further compared with that of fullerene C28. Theoretical vibrational spectra as well as the infrared intensities and Raman activities are reported. In addition, the effect of N substitution on fullerene stability is investigated in comparison to exohedral complexes C28Cl4 and C16N12Cl4. The results show that C16N12 is stabilized by strengthening the hexagon belts, while exohedral complexes stabilize the hexagon structure.
The early bird gets the shrimp: Confronting assumptions of isotopic equilibrium and homogeneity in a wild bird population

1. Because stable isotope distributions in organic material vary systematically across energy gradients that exist in ecosystems, community and population structures, and in individual physiological systems, isotope values in animal tissues have helped address a broad range of questions in animal ecology. It follows that every tissue sample provides an isotopic profile that can be used to study dietary or movement histories of individual animals. Interpretations of these profiles depend on the assumption that metabolic pools are isotopically well mixed and in equilibrium with dietary resources prior to tissue synthesis, and they extend to the population level by assuming isotope profiles are identically distributed for animals using the same proximal dietary resource. As these assumptions are never fully met, studying structure in the variance of tissue isotope values from wild populations is informative. 2. We studied variation in δ(13) C, δ(15) N, δ(2) H and δ(18) O data for feathers from a population of eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) that migrate to Great Salt Lake each fall to moult feathers. During this time, they cannot fly and feed almost exclusively on superabundant brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana). The ecological simplicity of this situation minimized the usual spatial and trophic complexities often present in natural studies of feather isotope values. 3. Ranges and variances of isotope values for the feathers were larger than those from previously published studies that report feather isotopic variance, but they were bimodally distributed in all isotope dimensions. Isotope values for proximal dietary resources and local surface water show that some of the feathers we assumed to have been grown locally must have been grown before birds reached isotopic equilibrium with local diet or immediately prior to arrival at Great Salt Lake. 4. Our study provides novel insights about resource use strategies in eared grebes during migration. More generally, it demonstrates the utility of studying variance structures and questioning assumptions implicit in the interpretation of stable isotope data from wild animals.
Sexual Patterns in the Process of Aging

(1975). Sexual Patterns in the Process of Aging. Health Education: Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 11-13.
Distribution and plasticity of immunocytochemically localized GABAA receptors in adult monkey visual cortex

Immunocytochemical methods were used to reveal new details of the distribution and plasticity of GABAA receptors in the visual cortex of adult monkeys; the findings were compared with those of autoradiographic experiments involving the binding of 3H-muscimol and 3H-flunitrazepam. In both areas 17 and 18, a monoclonal antibody to the purified GABAA complex (deBlas et al., 1988) produced staining of punctate profiles in the neuropil and around cell bodies and large processes in layers I-VI. The receptor immunostaining was relatively intense in layers II-III, IVA, IVC beta, and VI; these alternated with lightly stained layers I, IVB, IVC alpha, and V. In area 18, the laminar pattern was similar except that layer IV was split into a superficial, lightly stained half and a deep, intensely stained half. In sections cut parallel to the pial surface, receptor distribution in most layers was found to be uniform. There were 3 exceptions in area 17: (1) patches of intense receptor staining were present in layers II and III; (2) a widely spaced, irregular lattice of intense staining was found in layer IVA; and (3) a much finer, regular lattice was present in layer IVC. The patches in layers II-III and the lattice in layer IVA coincided precisely with regions of intense cytochrome oxidase (CO) staining. The binding of 3H-muscimol and 3H-flunitrazepam revealed a laminar pattern that was similar in most respects, including greater ligand binding in layer IVA of area 17, but showed no evidence of the sublaminar organization in layers IVA and IVC beta. Inhomogeneities in receptor immunostaining but not ligand binding were also seen in layer III of area 18. Following a 5 or 10 d period in which intravitreal injections of TTX had silenced ganglion cell activity in one retina, GABAA receptor immunostaining in layer IVC beta was distributed in intensely stained stripes, 450–550 microns wide, that alternated with narrower, lightly stained stripes. Stripes were also seen with receptor immunostaining and with the binding of the 2 radioligands in layer IVC beta of monocularly enucleated monkeys. Comparison with CO staining revealed that the stripes of reduced immunostaining or ligand binding corresponded to columns dominated by the TTX-injected or enucleated eye. Quantitatively, the binding in the deprived eye columns was reduced by 25%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Hybrid global-local indexing for effcient peer-to-peer information retrieval

Content-based full-text search still remains a particularly challenging problem in peer-to-peer (P2P) systems. Traditionally, there have been two index partitioning structures--partitioning based on the document space or partitioning based on keywords. The former requires search of every node in the system to answer a query whereas the latter transmits a large amount of data when processing multi-term queries. In this paper, we propose eSearch--a P2P keyword search system based on a novel hybrid indexing structure. In eSearch, each node is responsible for certain terms. Given a document, eSearch uses a modern information retrieval algorithm to select a small number of top (important) terms in the document and publishes the complete term list for the document to nodes responsible for those top terms. This selective replication of term lists allows a multi-term query to proceed local to the nodes responsible for query terms. We also propose automatic query expansion to alleviate the degradation of quality of search results due to the selective replication, overlay source multicast to reduce the cost of disseminating term lists, and techniques to balance term list distribution across nodes. eSearch is scalable and efficient, and obtains search results as good as state-of-the-art centralized systems. Despite the use of replication, eSearch actually consumes less bandwidth than systems based on keyword partitioning when publishing metadata for a document. During a retrieval operation, it searches only a small number of nodes and typically transmits a small amount of data (3.3KB) that is independent of the size of the corpus and grows slowly (logarithmically) with the number of nodes in the system. eSearch's efficiency comes at a modest storage cost, 6.8 times that of systems based on keyword partitioning. This cost can be further reduced by adopting index compression or pruning techniques.
Phenotype conversion in Pseudomonas solanacearum due to spontaneous inactivation of PhcA, a putative LysR transcriptional regulator.

Phenotype conversion (PC) in Pseudomonas solanacearum is the coordinated change in production of extracellular polysaccharide and a variety of extracellular proteins, some of which contribute to virulence. Although PC is normally spontaneous, it is mimicked by transposon inactivation of the phcA locus (S. M. Brumbley and T. P. Denny, J. Bacteriol. 172:5677-5685, 1990). The DNA sequence of a 1.8-kb region from strain AW1 that contains phcA revealed one open reading frame that should encode a polypeptide of 38.6 kDa. The PhcA protein produced in Escherichia coli by using a T7 RNA polymerase expression system was of the predicted size. The deduced amino acid sequence of PhcA is similar to that of some members of the LysR transcriptional activator gene family, especially in the amino terminus, where a putative helix-turn-helix DNA-binding motif was identified. An analogous allele (phcA1) was cloned from the spontaneous PC mutant strain AW1-PC and found to be nonfunctional in complementation studies. When phcA1 was expressed in E. coli, the PhcA1 protein was 35.5 kDa, 3 kDa smaller than PhcA. Sequence analysis of phcA1 and chimeric constructs of phcA and phcA1 confirmed that PhcA1 is truncated by a 2-bp insertion 147 nucleotides upstream of the carboxyl terminus of PhcA. Southern blot analysis of 10 additional independently isolated PC mutants of strain AW1 revealed that two strains have larger insertions (0.2 and 1.0 kb) within phcA. These results suggest that phcA encodes a DNA-binding protein that regulates the transcription of one or more of the genes involved in P. solanacearum virulence and that spontaneous PC can be attributed to one of several different insertions within this locus. Images
Evaluation of protection reconfiguration for multiple failures in WDM mesh networks

We evaluate the benefit of reconfiguration after single-link failures in supporting recovery from additional failures. We also develop an intuitive classification of two-link failures to help understand the impact of failures.
SELF‐CONTROL AND VICTIMIZATION: A META‐ANALYSIS

A consequential development in victimization theory and research was the idea that individuals with low self-control self-select into the various risky behaviors that may ultimately result in their victimization. To establish the empirical status of the self-control-victimization link, we subjected this body of work to a meta-analysis. Our multilevel analyses of 311 effect size estimates drawn from 66 studies (42 independent data sets) indicate that self-control is a modest yet consistent predictor of victimization. The results also show that the effect of self-control is significantly stronger when predicting noncontact forms of victimization (e.g., online victimization) and is significantly reduced in studies that control directly for the risky behaviors that are assumed to mediate the self-control-victimization link. We also note that the studies assessing self-control and victimization are not representative of victimization research as a whole, with intimate partner violence (IPV), violence against women, and child abuse being severely underrepresented. We conclude that future research should continue to examine the causal processes linking self-control to victimization, how self-control shapes victims' coping responses to their experience, and whether self-control matters in contexts where individuals may have limited autonomy over the behavioral routines that put them at risk for victimization. Language: en
Designing Online Courses: A Taxonomy to Guide Strategic Use of Features Available in Course Management Systems (CMS) in Distance Education

Course developers can be distracted from applying sound instructional design principles by the amount of flexibility offered through online course development resources ( Kidney & Puckett, Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 4 (2003) , 203-212). Distance education course management systems (CMS) provide multiple features that can be easily integrated into online instruction. Easy integration does not equal good design, and poor design can impede learning ( Kearsley, A guide to online education (1997) http://gwis.circ.gwu.edu/∼etl/online.html). A taxonomy of the instructional value for CMS features is described. An example of how a course was translated into an online version, initially a failure, and redesigned using this taxonomy is presented. A taxonomy that strategically guides the use of appropriate CMS features to integrate informational, instructional, and learning elements into online courses can support designers in the development of qual...
AN UNNATURAL FOLATE STEREOISOMER IS CATALYTICALLY COMPETENT IN DNA PHOTOLYASE

The folate chromophore in native Escherichia coli DNA photolyase ([6R]-5,10-CH+-H4Pte(Glu)n=3-6) serves as an antenna, transferring light energy to the fully reduced flavin (FADH2) reaction center at high efficiency (EET = 0.92). Apophotolyase reconstituted after an overnight incubation with [6R,S]-5,10-CH+-H4folate (a monoglutamate analogue of the native cofactor) contains equimolar amounts of the [6R]- and [6S]-isomers, suggesting similar binding affinities. A rapid, biphasic increase in fluorescence (∼100-fold) is observed upon binding of 5,10-CH+-H4folate to apophotolyase at 5 °C; the [6S]-isomer binds about 25-fold faster than the [6R]-isomer. Although identical absorption and fluorescence emission maxima are observed for enzyme reconstituted with [6S]-, [6R]-, or [6R,S]-5,10-CH+-H4folate, folate fluorescence quantum yield values vary depending on the stereochemical configuration at the 6 position (Φ = 0.18, 0.82, or 0.46, respectively, at 5 °C), a feature not seen with free folate. The fluorescence ...
Infections in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnostic Microbiology Update

Survival has improved in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), in part because of aggressive antimicrobial management. Two multidrug-resistant environmental bacteria, the Burkholderia cepacia group and nontuberculous mycobacteria, have emerged. Improving genomic and proteomic technologies are allowing better identification of bacteria and fungi found in the CF lung and detection of viral agents that may be associated with pulmonary exacerbations. Anaerobic bacteria and Streptococcus angionsus group organisms may play a role in chronic CF lung infections. The diversity of organisms declines perhaps as a result of aggressive antimicrobial therapy, and an apex predator, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, may emerge in many patients with CF.
Sclerochronology of Busycon sinistrum: late prehistoric seasonality determination at St. Joseph Bay, Florida, USA

Abstract Recent archaeological investigations indicate that coastal Fort Walton cultures in the St. Joseph Bay region of northwest Florida emphasized marine and estuarine foraging. These late prehistoric, Mississippi-period (A.D. 1000–1500) peoples collected fish, shellfish, and other aquatic resources. At the Richardson's Hammock site (8Gu10), radiocarbon-dated to about A.D. 1300, large, predatory gastropods were a major subsistence component. This adaptation is in sharp contrast with that of contemporaneous inland Fort Walton societies, who relied on maize agriculture, and raises the question whether coastal groups were separate hunter–gatherer–fisher populations or migrated seasonally from inland farming villages. We perform stable oxygen and carbon isotope sclerochronology on lightning whelks (Busycon sinistrum) to determine the seasonality of Fort Walton foraging and to compare the environment of prehistoric St. Joseph Bay with that of the modern bay. Oxygen isotope profiles suggest that shellfish collecting was relegated primarily to the summer months, producing a scheduling conflict with the primary growing season for maize in northwest Florida. Thus, coastal and inland Fort Walton sites probably represent separate culture groups. The relationship between δ18Oshell and δ13Cshell indicates similar environmental and climatic conditions between prehistoric St. Joseph Bay and today. However, modern whelks are depleted in 13C compared to Fort Walton whelks, which reflects both twentieth century CO2 emissions and years of dredging and wastewater pollution entering the bay.
The Absorption of Microwaves by Oxygen

Even though electrically non-polar, oxygen gas absorbs microwaves because the magnetic moment of the ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ molecule interacts with electromagnetic fields. The resulting absorption is most pronounced, exceeding 10 db/km, for wave-lengths in the vicinity of \textonehalf{} cm, for then there is resonance to the spacings in the "rho-type triplet" or spin fine-structure in the $^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ ground state of ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$. There is also a subsidiary resonance near \textonequarter{} cm, and a non-resonant absorption at long wave-lengths due to diagonal matrix elements. The calculated values of the absorption are given in Table II and depend on the choice of the line-breadth constant $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}$ which represents the effect of broadening by collision. Comparison is made of these theoretical results with the absorption in the \textonehalf{} cm region, observed by various experimentalists with different methods. It is concluded that 0.02 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ is probably the best choice for $\frac{\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}}{c}$. The theoretical dependence of the absorption on pressure is discussed, and is particularly interesting because of the relation to the mechanism of collision-broadening and because the resonances to individual rotational lines are resolved at low pressures.
Deep enteroscopy with standard endoscopes using a novel through-the-scope balloon

Background and study aims: A new on-demand enteroscopy (ODE) device has been designed to allow deep enteroscopy using a standard adult colonoscope with the aid of a novel through-the-scope balloon. The aims of the current study were to establish the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of ODE in performing anterograde and retrograde enteroscopy. Patients and methods: A retrospective, single-center study of 28 consecutive deep ODE procedures (11 anterograde and 17 retrograde) was performed. Diagnostic yield, therapeutic yield, technical success, procedure time, depth of maximal insertion (DMI), time to DMI, and adverse events were recorded. Results: The mean diagnostic and therapeutic yields were 45 % and 36 % for anterograde enteroscopy and 59 % and 47 % for retrograde enteroscopy, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 100 %. For anterograde enteroscopy, the mean total procedure time was 24 minutes, with a mean DMI of 1.2 m. For retrograde enteroscopy, the mean total procedure time was 31 minutes, with a mean DMI of 1.1 m. No adverse events were recorded. Conclusion: Deep enteroscopy using a novel through-the-scope balloon and standard endoscope appeared to be feasible and safe, with rapid procedures times.
Spatial and Temporal Control of Stem Cell Behavior in 3D Sequentially Crosslinked Macroporous Hydrogels

The effect of matrix mechanics on stem cell behavior has received considerable attention due to the implications of tissue mechanics as not only a consequence but also a contributor to the development of certain pathologies. For example, a significant increase in matrix mechanics (“tissue stiffening”) is a hallmark of post-myocardial infarction [1], as well as heart valve calcification [2]. Recently, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been implemented in post-infarct therapeutic strategies due to their potential ability to contribute to tissue healing through differentiation and trophic factor secretion. However, due to aberrant mechanics and other microenvironment cues, studies have reported deleterious effects of hMSC implantation, such as ectopic calcification [3], which agrees well with previous reports on hMSC differentiation in response to mechanics [4]. Although not as well documented as stem cell differentiation in response to mechanics, there has been some initial evidence in support of the influence of mechanics on stem cell trophic factor secretion [5].Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The Student Goals Exploration: Reliability and Concurrent Validity

This paper reports the reliability and concurrent validity of the Student Goals Exploration, a paper and pencil inventory that measures goals students bring to college and college courses. Reliabilities demonstrating internal consistency and correlations demonstrating concurrent validity with three existing scales (LOGO II, the Need for Cognition Scale, and the Goal Instability Scale) suggest that the SGE provides good indicators for (a) general college goals, (b) general academic orientations toward courses, (c) subject-specific goals in courses, (d) specific goal attributes, and (e) levels of student confidence in course success.
On the Nonlocal Theory of Wave Propagation in Elastic Plates

Propagation of longitudinal waves in isotropic homogeneous elastic plates is studied in the context of the linear theory of nonlocal continuum mechanics. To determine the nonlocal moduli, the dispersion equation obtained for the plane longitudinal waves in an infinite medium is matched with the parallel equation derived in the theory of atomic lattice dynamics. Using the integroalgebraic representation of the stress tensor and the Fourier transform, the system of two coupled differential field equations is solved in the standard manner giving the frequency equations for the symmetric and antisymmetric wave modes. It is found that the short wave speed in the Poisson medium differs by about 13 percent from the speed established in the classical theory. A numerical example is given.
Venlafaxine induces P-glycoprotein in human Caco-2 cells.

Purpose The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a treatment with venlafaxine on the expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) gene and multidrug resistance-related proteins (MDR) in human colon carcinoma cells (Caco-2) compared to a known P-glycoprotein (PGY1) inducer, rifampine. Methods Caco-2 cells were treated with venlafaxine (50 µM, 100 µM, 250 µM, and 500 µM) and rifampin (25 µM and 50 µM) to test the possible induction of MRP and MDR expression. The treatment times used were 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. RNA was isolated from the cells, and MDR and MRP genes were amplified using PCR. Results Both venlafaxine and rifampine had the most dramatic effect at the 50 µM concentration. There was an increase in MDR and MRP expression in Caco-2 cells after the acute treatment (1.5, 3, and 6 h) with venlafaxine. These results were similar to those with rifampine. Conclusions PGY1 contributes to renal and biliary elimination of drugs by transporting the drug out of the cell and back into the intestinal lumen, where drugs may be further metabolized by intestinal enzymes such as Cytochrome P (CYP)-450 3A4. Its function is to limit the bioavailability of orally administered compounds. Due to the increase in MDR and MRP gene expression seen after the acute treatment with venlafaxine, there could be a potential drug–drug interaction with other medications that are metabolized via CYP450–3A4 when coadministered with venlafaxine. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MHC class I restricted T cell responses to Listeria monocytogenes, an intracellular bacterial pathogen.

Studies of the murine immune response to infection with the intracellular bacterial pathogenListeria monocytogenes have provided a wealth of information about innate and acquired immune defenses in the setting of an infectious disease. Our studies have focused on the MHC class I restricted, CD8+ T cell responses of Balb/c mice toL. monocytogenes infection. Four peptides that derive from proteins thatL. monocytogenes secretes into the cytosol of infected cells are presented to cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) by the H2-Kd major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule. We have found that bacterially secreted proteins are rapidly degraded in the host cell cytosol by proteasomes that utilize, at least in part, the N-end rule to determine the rate of degradation. The MHC class I antigen processing pathway is remarkably efficient at generating peptides that bind to MHC class I molecules. The magnitude of in vivo T cell responses, however, is influenced to only a small degree by the amount of antigen or the efficiency of antigen presentation. Measurements of in vivo T cell expansion followingL. monocytogenes infection indicate that differences in the sizes of peptide-specific T cell responses are more likely owing to differences in the repertoire of naive T cells than to differences in peptide presentation. This notion is supported by our additional finding that dominant T cell populations express a more diverse T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire than do subdominant T cell populations.
The Ottoman experience

Daedalus Spring 2005 When those states which have been acquired are accustomed to live at liberty under their own laws, there are three ways of holding them. The 1⁄2rst is to despoil them; the second is to go and live there in person; the third is to allow them to live under their own laws, taking tribute of them and creating within the country a government composed of a few who will keep it friendly to you.
Nonlinear stable steady solutions to the Ostroumov problem

Abstract We investigate the linear and weakly nonlinear solutions to a convection problem that was first studied by Ostroumov in 1947. The problem pertains to the stability of the equations governing convective motion in an infinite vertical fluid layer that is heated from below. Ostroumov’s linear stability analysis yields instability threshold conditions that are characterized by zero wavenumber for the Fourier mode in the vertical direction and by eigenfunctions that are independent of the vertical coordinate. Thus, any undertaking at determining the supercritical nonlinear solutions and their stability through a small amplitude expansion fails. This failure is attributed to the fact that the nonlinear interaction of the linear modes vanish identically. In this paper, we put forth exact and stable similarity type solutions to the Ostroumov problem. These solutions are characterized by the same linear threshold conditions as Ostroumov’s solutions. Moreover, we are able to extend the analysis to the supercritical regime through a small amplitude analysis to obtain steady two-dimensional solutions for a small range of Prandtl numbers. These solutions are found to be stable to general two-dimensional, time-dependent disturbances. Furthermore, when the analysis is extended to the case where the fluid layer thickness is also allowed to be infinite, we find that the infinite two-dimensional fluid region becomes linearly unstable through a Batchelor–Nitsche (BN) instability mechanism. Thus, the nonlinear solutions are obtained through a long wavelength expansion, and consequently our analysis provides the nonlinear development of the BN instability for the case of an unstable and uniform density profile. Finally, numerical solutions of the nonlinear problem are also presented which shed light on the flow patterns and temperature distributions for both the vertical channel and the infinitely extended stratified region problems.
Genetic Algorithms with Scalable I/O Macromodels to Find the Worst Case Corner in High-Speed Server Electrical Analysis

Performing time domain electrical analysis on high-seed high-end server systems is exhaustive in terms of simulation time consumed and CPU memory. There have been many macromodeling techniques proposed in the past to model both the active and passive components of an electrical interface. These macromodels help in reducing the simulation time and CPU memory consumption while maintaining the accuracy. A full blown design space exploration is needed to find the worst case corner(s) of an electrical interface. The number of simulations needed for this would be in the order of thousands. Performing these simulations, even with scalable I/O macromodels, is cumbersome and parsing the output data from these simulations is equally tedious. In this paper, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) based approach is described to find the worst case corner(s) in high-speed server electrical analysis. It has been shown that by using GA based approach the worst case corner(s) can be estimated without performing a full-blown Monte Carlo sweep. Scalable I/ O macromodels are used along with GA based approach to enhance the efficiency of the proposed technique.
John Collins Warren (1778-1856): an American surgeon in London.

David K C Cooper finds that the writings of American surgeon John Collins Warren provide an insight into medical practice in early 19th century London
Substituent effects on the binding of ethidium and its derivatives to natural DNA.

Abstract The binding of eight ethidium derivatives to short ( ∼ 35 base-pair), random sequence DNA has been investigated using 1H-NMR. At 35°C, all drugs cause upfield shifts of the DNA imino proton resonances characteristic of intercalative binding to DNA, but the line shapes vary significantly with the nature of the drug. The results confirm our previous proposal that removal of the amino group at position-3, but not at position-8, on the parent ethidium shortens the lifetime of the intercalative state (less than 1–2 ms at 35°C). These results suggest that hydrogen-bonding interactions with the 3-NH2 group are involved in stabilization of the drug-DNA complex or that changes in charge distribution that accompany removal of the 3-NH2 group reduce the complex stability. The magnitude of the shift of the drug-DNA spectra indicates a slight preference for binding of the drugs adjacent to G·C base-pairs.
Hybrid, experimental and computational, investigation of mechanical components

Computational and experimental methodologies have unique features for the analysis and solution of a wide variety of engineering problems. Computations provide results that depend on selection of input parameters such as geometry, material constants, and boundary conditions which, for correct modeling purposes, have to be appropriately chosen. In addition, it is relatively easy to modify the input parameters in order to computationally investigate different conditions. Experiments provide solutions which characterize the actual behavior of the object of interest subjected to specific operating conditions. However, it is impractical to experimentally perform parametric investigations. This paper discusses the use of a hybrid, computational and experimental, approach for study and optimization of mechanical components. Computational techniques are used for modeling the behavior of the object of interest while it is experimentally tested using noninvasive optical techniques. Comparisons are performed through a fringe predictor program used to facilitate the correlation between both techniques. In addition, experimentally obtained quantitative information, such as displacements and shape, can be applied in the computational model in order to improve this correlation. The result is a validated computational model that can be used for performing quantitative analyses and structural optimization. Practical application of the hybrid approach is illustrated with a representative example which demonstrates the viability of the approach as an engineering tool for structural analysis and optimization.
Identification of ICD codes suggestive of child maltreatment

OBJECTIVE: In order to be reimbursed for the care they provide, hospitals in the United States are required to use a standard system to code all discharge diagnoses: the International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9). Although ICD-9 codes specific for child maltreatment exist, they do not identify all maltreatment-related hospital and emergency department discharges. To increase the usefulness of medical data for public health surveillance of child maltreatment, this project sought to identify ICD-9 codes that are suggestive of child maltreatment. METHODS: After review of the literature and discussions with experts, injuries and conditions that should raise suspicion of child maltreatment (physical or sexual abuse or neglect) were identified and a list of corresponding ICD codes was compiled. Using a statewide electronic database of hospital discharges and emergency department (ED) visits for the year 2000, visits by children assigned these ICD codes were identified, a sample of visits was selected, and medical records were reviewed to assess the circumstances of the injury or illness that led to the visit. Based on information in the medical record, the injury or illness was classified as maltreatment-related, or not. RESULTS: There were 3,684 visits selected for review. Of these, 2,826 records were reviewed and classified; 1,200 (43%) records met the criteria for being maltreatment-related, 1,419 (50%) contained adequate information indicating the injury/condition was not likely maltreatment-related, and 207 (7%) records did not contain enough information to classify. Sixty-eight ICD codes had >66% of visits classified as maltreatment-related, the a priori criteria for a code to be considered suggestive of maltreatment. Codes suggestive of maltreatment include specific fractures, burns, and injuries of undetermined intent, among others. CONCLUSION: Several ICD codes were found that, when used with age restrictions and other specific exclusion criteria, are suggestive of maltreatment. This information may increase the usefulness of hospital discharge data for public health surveillance of child maltreatment. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Use of these suggestive codes facilitates identifying conditions and injuries that are likely maltreatment-related in hospital discharge and ED visit data. When used in conjunction with ICD maltreatment-specific codes, these suggestive codes may enhance the use of medical data for monitoring child maltreatment trends. Language: en
Paul's Collection and the Book of Acts Revisited

The narrative of Acts has often been mined for historical information about the monetary collection that Paul raised among the Gentile churches of his mission for the saints in Jerusalem. Most scholars have assumed that Acts refers to the Pauline collection, either in 11.27–30 or 24.17. Against this consensus, this paper contends that the narrative of Acts, when read on its own terms and without the imposition of information from the Pauline epistles, neither mentions nor alludes to Paul's collection for Jerusalem. In its narrative context, Acts 24.17, far from being a reference to the collection, identifies Paul before his accusers as a faithful Jew whose individual piety is demonstrated by almsgiving and worship. Information from the book of Acts, therefore, cannot be used to write the final chapter of the historical reconstruction of the Pauline collection.
A difference in the in vitro accumulation and metabolism of testosterone -1,2-3H by the rat prostate gland following incubation with ovine or bovine prolactin.

Abstract The in vitro actions of ovine or bovine prolactin on the accumulation and metabolism of testosterone-1,2-3H by various lobes of the rat prostate gland were examined. Ovine prolactin at a concentration of 2 IU/ml of incubation media significantly increased the accumulation of total radiosteroid by the anterior and dorsal lobes of the rat prostate gland. Although the levels of both testosterone-1,2-3H and its principle metabolite 5α-dihydrotestosterone-1,2-3H were increased by this concentration of ovine prolactin, the ratio of the two steroids was not altered. Ovine prolactin did not alter either the accumulation or metabolism of testosterone-1,2-3H by the ventral or lateral lobes of the rat prostate gland. In contrast to ovine prolactin, bovine prolactin in a wide range of concentrations (0.02–8 IU/ml) significantly reduced the accumulation of total labeled radiosteroid by the dorsal lobe of the rat prostate gland. The reduction in total radiosteroid was reflected in concomitent decreases in both testosterone-1,2-3H and 5α-dihydrotestosterone-1, 2-3H. The anterior lobe responded with similar reductions but only at relatively high concentrations of bovine prolactin (4 and 8 IU/ml). No significant alterations were observed in either the ventral or lateral lobes as a result of incubation with bovine prolactin.
The precision gain from adding an equation in joint linear estimation

Abstract What is the gain in precision when we extend joint estimation of L equations by adding another equation? The answer is formulated in terms of (1) the degree of linear independence of the explanatory variables of each of the L equations of those of the added equation and (2) the degree of linear dependence of the disturbances of the added equation on those of all others jointly.
Psychometric intelligence and verbal humor ability

Abstract In an exploratory study of the relationship between psychometric intelligence and humor, cognitive tests of ‘verbal humor ability’ and traditional verbal tests were administered to three samples of examinees. The tests purporting to measure ‘humor information’ were not highly correlated with general verbal ability or verbal creativity, whereas scales developed to assess ‘humor reasoning’ correlated appreciably with the verbal measures. A joke-completion test of ‘joke knowledge’ was highly correlated with the humor information measures. We concluded that there was evidence for two broad facets of convergent humor performance, memory for humor and humor cognition, and that the latter was much more strongly associated with general verbal ability than was the former.
On the Amato inequality index

Abstract Amato (1968) proposed using the length of the Lorenz curve as an index of inequality. The index has been little used, perhaps because of the perceived difficulty in analytically evaluating the value of the index in specific situations. A simple representation of the index as an expectation of a particular convex function is presented here.
The class group of all cyclotomic integers

For each nz 1, let &,=e2ni’n and let O,=Z[[,,] be the ring of integers in the cyclotomic field K, of nth roots of unity. We denote 0, = li,m On = Un On the ring of all cyclotomic integers, the direct limit being taken with respect to the natural inclusions 0,-O, for n dividing m. For any commutative ring A, the group of isomorphism classes of projective modules of rank 1 is denoted by Pit(A) as usual. For instance, Pic(OJ is the ideal class group of On while Pic(Om) = lim Pic(OJ. The aim of this note is to prove the following plausible result which does not seem to be in the literature.