cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on the kinetic mechanism and the phosphoryl-enzyme compound of the Escherichia coli acetate kinase reaction.

Abstract The Escherichia coli acetate kinase was further examined to determine whether a phosphoryl-enzyme intermediate (or compound) was kinetically discernible or chemically essential in the catalysis of that reaction. The extent of phosphoryl-enzyme formation as monitored by gel filtration of the enzyme-phosphoryl donor substrate complex (E-P) was found to be quite variable. Isolated E-P could be reduced with sodium borohydride and the extent of formation of α-amino-δ-hydroxyvalerate paralleled the observed degree of phosphorylation of the acetate kinase. Incubation with 1 m neutral hydroxylamine of the enzyme, which had been preincubated with acetyl-P for 30–60 min, led to parallel loss of the enzyme's ability to catalyze the net reaction and the ADP ATP exchange reaction. The percentage of activity loss depended upon the concentration of acetyl-P with which the enzyme was preincubated. These observations point toward a requirement for an unmodified active site carboxyl group which may be phosphorylated during the reaction course. The theoretical basis for a new and simple alternative substrate protocol for segregating sequential and ping-pong mechanisms is presented. When applied to acetate kinase, the findings clearly rule out a ping-pong kinetic mechanism. This was also confirmed by initial rate measurements with propionyl-P and ADP, and the weight of the evidence now clearly favors a modified random substrate addition pathway as presented herein. The data do not in any way exclude E-P formation as a requirement for catalysis. Finally, the rates of cold inactivation at 0 °C and reactivation at 29 °C were determined in order to minimize the possible influence of this phenomenon on the kinetic studies.
Effects of Nicotine on Growth, Development, and Survival of the Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and the Parasitoid Campoletis sonorensis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

When nicotine, the major tobacco alkaloid, was incorporated into an artificial diet, it significantly reduced the 7-d larval and pupal weight and prolonged the pupation time of larval tobacco bud worms, Heliothis virescens (F.). Nicotine was 3.7 times more toxic to tobacco bud worm larvae parasitized by Campoletis sonorensis (Cameron) than to nonparasitized larvae based on the ratio of LC50 values. The difference in LC50 was significant. However, slopes of log dose probitlines were not significantly different, suggesting the same nicotine mode of action in both groups. Nicotine between 0.05 and 0.1% wt/fresh wt in the host diet prolonged parasitoid larval development and hence adult emergence time of the solitary endoparasitoid, C. sonorensis , but parasitoid larval development after egression was not affected. At higher concentrations of nicotine (0.1-0.3% wt/fresh wt), a high proportion of fully developed parasitoid larvae failed to egress from the host and those that egressed failed to form cocoons and eventually died. Nicotine did not affect the weight of the parasitized host or the weight of the adult parasitoid.
Nested rectangular arrays for measures, addresses, and paths

The left argument of the reshaping function in APL is an ordinal number or list of ordinals, called a shape, that measures the rectangularity of an array. Shapes are the simplest measures. A natural extension of the index-generator function shows how an array of any valence (rank), depth of nesting, or type can be used as a measure. The method of generalizing shapes to measures also generalizes addresses and paths to arbitrary arrays. Only the leaves of a measure, address, or path matter, the nested rectangular structure does not. These results of array theory for floating arrays are motivated by similar considerations for grounded arrays.
On the surface waves in an elastic micropolar and microstretch medium with nonlocal cohesion

A brief review of the main points of Eringen's theory of micromorphic bodies is first given, and balance equations for the linear isotropic micropolar and microstretch body are established. By appeal to the Fourier exponential transformation, nonlocal constitutive equations are derived, and assumptions with regard to the nonlocal moduli are made. The general field equations governing the propagation of a nonlocal surface wave are particularized so as to coincide with the results obtained directly in references [12], [17], [22], and [23], respectively. As an illustrative example, propagation of a microrotation and microstretch wave in a nonlocal medium in the entire Brillouin zone is examined.
Source code and binary analysis of software defects

This extended abstract presents the techniques to identify a selected set of software defects (bugs, bad practices, etc.) within both source code and binary executables. We present the results from six different static analysis tests applied on both the source code and the binary executables (with and without optimization) on three different applications. We compare the precision of the static analysis results from the source code and the binary executable forms of the same software. Ideally the results from an analysis of source code and its binary would be identical, but in practice the source code and binary representation cause slightly different techniques to be used with different amounts and types of information readily available.Our work defines a few defect analyses to support what might later be a larger collection of analyses. Our goal is to more thoroughly evaluate software quality and eliminate, as much as possible, the classic asymmetry of information about software, specifically quality as understood by the software developer vs. the software user. It is not well studied how static analysis of source code and binaries are related for purposes of evaluating general quality and our work is focused in this direction; much less are the tools for such work openly available. Our work also presents an open framework well suited for identifying general software properties of both source code and binary executables.
Efficient processing of RDF graph pattern matching on MapReduce platforms

Broadened adoption of the Linking Open Data tenets has led to a significant surge in the amount of Semantic Web data, particularly RDF data. This has positioned the issue of scalable data processing techniques for RDF as a central issue in the Semantic Web research community. The RDF data model is a fine-grained model representing relationships as binary relations. Thus, answering queries (typically graph pattern matching queries) over RDF data requires several join operations to reassemble related data. While MapReduce based processing is emerging as the de facto paradigm for processing large scale data, it is known to be inefficient for join-intensive workloads. In addition, most of the existing techniques for optimizing RDF data processing do not transfer well to the MapReduce model and often require significant lead time for pre-processing. Such a requirement may not be desirable for on-demand cloud database scenarios where the goal is to reduce the Time-To-Result (TTR). In this position paper, we argue that some of these challenges can be overcome by rethinking the operators for graph pattern processing, as well as adopting dynamic optimization techniques that exploit information from the previous execution steps to eliminate intermediate results that are irrelevant in the context of future execution steps. We present some preliminary evaluation results of the proposed techniques.
Approach-avoidance conflict behavior as a function of amount and spacing of prior electric shock

In a factorial study, albino rats were subjected to either six 5-sec. or 30 1-sec. electric shocks for either one or five days and were subsequently tested in an approach-avoidance conflict situation with shock used as the aversive stimulus. The effectiveness of the punishment in the conflict situation did not vary as a function of the spacing or amount of prior electric shock. However, all prior-shock groups were more sensitive to subsequent electric shock than was a no-prior-shock control group.
Comments on Coulter and Smith: Narrative Researchers as Witnesses of Injustice and Agents of Social Change?:

In commenting on Coulter and Smith (2009), the author explores issues related to the place of the political in education research and in literature, but especially in forms of narrative research that possess both scientific and literary dimensions. More specifically, the author examines four sets of issues related to the researching and writing of forms of narrative composition that exhibit an overtly progressivist orientation. These issues involve (a) the fundamental purposes for which the research is undertaken, (b) the role of opposing tropisms operating through textual design elements that tend to promote or discourage multiple perspectives, (c) ethical issues related to assumed privileges of authorship by the researcher, and (d) the political prerogatives and responsibilities of readers of literary forms of narrative research in education.
Distribution and Habitats of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in South Carolina

The current distribution of the Formosan subterranean termite (FST), Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, in South Carolina was determined using four survey techniques: a state-wide mail survey of pest control firms, a field sampling of trees and utility poles, a review of pest control firm treatment records for FST infested structures, and light trap collections. Based on sampling of trees and utility poles, FSTs were observed infesting utility poles and 17 live tree species. Utility poles proved to be a less sensitive indicator of FST activity than trees. Of the 18.8-km2 area currently infested in greater Charleston, an area of 11.6 km2 (directly surrounding the initial FST collection site) can probably be attributed to natural FST dispersal through swarming. The remaining isolated sites are probably due to introduction of infested material (i.e., railroad ties, plant material, etc.). The potential outcome of continuing current disposal practices for FST-infested material is discussed, along with suggestions to limit its future spread.
Obstructive jaundice secondary to retroperitoneal fibrosis: long-term nonsurgical management resulting in regression of obstruction

Obstructive jaundice secondary to retroperitoneal fibrosis: long-term nonsurgical management resulting in regression of obstruction
Effect of sex hormones on pituitary lactogen and crop glands of common pigeons.

SummaryThe effects of estrone, diethyl-stilbestrol, progesterone and testosterone-propionate were determined on the lactogen, content and weight of the pituitary, and on the proliferation and weight of the crop glands of common pigeons of both sexes. The results were all negative. It is concluded that the pigeon pituitary, unlike the mammalian, is refractory to the administration of sex hormones and is not stimulated by them to increase the secretion of lactogenic hormone.
A comparative analysis of performance and cost metrics associated with a diesel to biodiesel fleet transition

With energy security, economic stabilization, and environmental sustainability being at the forefront of US policy making, the development of biodiesel production and use within the United States has been growing at an astonishing rate. According to the latest DOE energy report, biodiesel production and consumption in the US has decreased since its peak in 2008, but still remains an important factor in the US energy mix. However, despite recent studies showing that B5 has similar performance qualities to that of the currently used ultra-low-sulfur petroleum diesel (ULSD) fleet managers and corporations still remain hesitant regarding a switch to B5. This research examined the major areas of concern that arise with transitioning fleets from ULSD to B5 with the goal of alleviating those concerns with quantitative results from an actual fleet implementation and transition. In conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) a comparison of cost, cold weather fuel properties, engine performance, fuel economy, and maintenance and repairs was conducted using data obtained over 3 years from a pilot study. The results found that B5 performed as well or better than ULSD in all performance metrics.
Hemodynamic effects of positive end-expiratory pressure during partial liquid ventilation in newborn lambs.

Abstract Background/Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) application on hemodynamics, lung mechanics, and oxygenation in the intact newborn lung during conventional ventilation (CV) and partial liquid ventilation (PLV) at functional residual capacity (FRC). CV or PLV modes of ventilation do not affect hemodynamics nor the optimum PEEP for oxygenation. Methods: Seven newborn lambs (1 to 3 days old) were instrumented to measure pulmonary hemodynamics and airway mechanics. Each lamb was used as their own control to compare different modes of ventilation (CV followed by PLV) under graded variations of PEEP (4, 8, 12, and 16 cm H 2 O) on the influence on pulmonary blood flow and pulmonary vascular resistance. Results: There was a significant drop in pulmonary blood flow (PBF) from baseline (PEEP of 4 cm H 2 O on CV, 1,229 ± 377 mL/min) in both modes of ventilation on a PEEP of 16 cm H 2 O (CV, 750 ± 318 mL/min v PLV, 926 ± 396 mL/min, respectively; P 2 O (16.5 ± 1.3 cm H 2 O to 10.6 ± 2.1 cm H 2 O; P 2 O (18.8 ± 2.2 cm H 2 O to 15.1 ± 2.6 cm H 2 O; P 2 was lower on PLV at PEEP states of 12 (22.5 ± 3.6 cm H 2 O to 24.2 ± 3.8 cm H 2 O; P 2 O (27.0 ± 1.6 cm H 2 O to 34.0 ± 5.9 cm H 2 O; P Conclusions: Hemodynamically, CO is impaired at a PEEP above 12 cm H 2 O in intact lungs. PFC at FRC does provide an advantage in lung mechanics more than 10 to 12 cm H 2 O of PEEP by decreasing the amount PIP needed to achieve the similar levels of gas exchange and minute ventilation, implying a reduced risk for barotrauma with chronic ventilation. Thus, selection of the appropriate level of PEEP appears to be important if PLV is to be utilized at FRC. The best strategy for PLV, including the selection of PEEP, remains to be determined. J Pediatr Surg 36:1327-1332. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Application of isotopic labeling, and gas chromatography mass spectrometry, to understanding degradation products and pathways in the thermal-oxidative aging of Nylon 6.6

Abstract Nylon 6.6 containing 13C isotopic labels at specific positions along the macromolecular backbone has been subjected to extensive thermal-oxidative aging at 138 °C for time periods up to 243 days. In complementary experiments, unlabeled Nylon 6.6 was subjected to the same aging conditions under an atmosphere of 18O2. Volatile organic degradation products were analyzed by cryofocusing gas chromatography mass spectrometry (cryo-GC/MS) to identify the isotopic labeling. The labeling results, combined with basic considerations of free radical reaction chemistry, provided insights to the origin of degradation species, with respect to the macromolecular structure. A number of inferences on chemical mechanisms were drawn, based on 1) the presence (or absence) of the isotopic labels in the various products, 2) the location of the isotope within the product molecule, and 3) the relative abundance of products as indicated by large differences in peak intensities in the gas chromatogram. The overall degradation results can be understood in terms of free radical pathways originating from initial attacks on three different positions along the nylon chain which include hydrogen abstraction from: the (CH2) group adjacent to the nitrogen atom, at the (CH2) adjacent the carbonyl group, and direct radical attack on the carbonyl. Understanding the pathways which lead to Nylon 6.6 degradation ultimately provides new insight into changes that can be leveraged to detect and reduce early aging and minimize problems associated with material degradation.
Structural anisotropy in amorphous SnO2 film probed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Polarization-dependent X-ray absorption measurements reveal the existence of structural anisotropy in amorphous (a-) SnO2 film. The anisotropy is readily seen for the second neighbor interaction whose magnitude differs along three measured directions. The differences can be well accounted for by 10%–20% variation in the Debye-Waller factor. Instead of a single Gaussian distribution found in crystalline SnO2, the Sn-O bond distribution is bimodal in a-SnO2 whose separation shows a weak angular dependence. The oxygen vacancies, existing in the a-SnO2 film in the order of 1021 cm−3, distribute preferentially along the film surface direction.
Corrections to nuclear Q values resulting from atomic binding and excitation

Abstract Corrections to the measured energies of nuclear reactions associated with the binding and excitation of atomic electrons are calculated.
A 5-hydroxytryptamine2 agonist augments γ-aminobutyric acid and excitatory amino acid inputs to noradrenergic locus coeruleus neurons

Abstract We examined the effects of the 5-hydroxytryptamine2 receptor agonist, (+)1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane, on spontaneous and evoked discharge of locus coeruleus neurons in the rat. Extracellular recordings were obtained from single locus coeruleus neurons while (±)1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane was injected systemically or locally into the locus coeruleus. Systemic, but not local, administration of (±)1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane decreased spontaneous discharge of locus coeruleus neurons in a dose-dependent manner while simultaneously increasing responses evoked by somatosensory stimulation, consistent with previous studies using 5-hydroxytrypta-mine2 agonists. Increased responsiveness was observed after both low- and high-intensity stimulation and, in the latter, resulted from the addition of a second, longer latency response after (∓)1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane administration, when cells typically responded to each stimulation with two driven spikes instead of one. Both of these effects could be completely reversed by systemic administration of the 5-hydroxytryptamine2 receptor antagonist, ketanserin. Furthermore, we report that: (i) the (±)1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane-induced decrease in spontaneous firing was blocked by local infusion of the GABA antagonists bicuculline or picrotoxin into the locus coeruleus, but not by local infusion of the alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan; (ii) the enhancement of locus coeruleus sensory responses after high-intensity stimulation was blocked by local application of the selective antagonist of N-methyl- d -aspartate receptors, 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, but not by local infusion of the preferential antagonist of Non-N-methyl- d -aspartate receptors, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione. Together, these results lead us to propose that systemic 5-hydroxytryptamine2 agonists influence locus coeruleus indirectly, causing tonic activation of a GABAergic input to the locus coeruleus, and facilitating sensory inputs that act via excitatory amino acid receptors within locus coeruleus.
Vision-Based Control of a Handheld Surgical Micromanipulator With Virtual Fixtures

Performing micromanipulation and delicate operations in submillimeter workspaces is difficult because of destabilizing tremor and imprecise targeting. Accurate micromanipulation is especially important for microsurgical procedures, such as vitreoretinal surgery, to maximize successful outcomes and minimize collateral damage. Robotic aid combined with filtering techniques that suppress tremor frequency bands increases performance; however, if knowledge of the operator's goals is available, virtual fixtures have been shown to further improve performance. In this paper, we derive a virtual fixture framework for active handheld micromanipulators that is based on high-bandwidth position measurements rather than forces applied to a robot handle. For applicability in surgical environments, the fixtures are generated in real time from microscope video during the procedure. Additionally, we develop motion scaling behavior around virtual fixtures as a simple and direct extension to the proposed framework. We demonstrate that virtual fixtures significantly outperform tremor cancellation algorithms on a set of synthetic tracing tasks (p <; 0.05). In more medically relevant experiments of vein tracing and membrane peeling in eye phantoms, virtual fixtures can significantly reduce both positioning error and forces applied to tissue (p <; 0.05).
Functional characterization of a novel xylanase from a corn strain of Erwinia chrysanthemi.

A β-1,4-xylan hydrolase (xylanase A) produced by Erwinia chrysanthemi D1 isolated from corn was analyzed with respect to its secondary structure and enzymatic function. The pH and temperature optima for the enzyme were found to be pH 6.0 and 35°C, with a secondary structure under those conditions that consists of approximately 10 to 15% α-helices. The enzyme was still active at temperatures higher than 40°C and at pHs of up to 9.0. The loss of enzymatic activity at temperatures above 45°C was accompanied by significant loss of secondary structure. The enzyme was most active on xylan substrates with low ratios of xylose to 4-O-methyl-d-glucuronic acid and appears to require two 4-O-methyl-d-glucuronic acid residues for substrate recognition and/or cleavage of a β-1,4-xylosidic bond. The enzyme hydrolyzed sweetgum xylan, generating products with a 4-O-methyl-glucuronic acid-substituted xylose residue one position from the nonreducing terminus of the oligoxyloside product. No internal cleavages of the xylan backbone between substituted xylose residues were observed, giving the enzyme a unique mode of action in the hydrolysis compared to all other xylanases that have been described. Given the size of the oligoxyloside products generated by the enzyme during depolymerization of xylan substrates, the function of the enzyme may be to render substrate available for other depolymerizing enzymes instead of producing oligoxylosides for cellular metabolism and may serve to produce elicitors during the initiation of the infectious process.
The Challenges of Studying Political and Civic Incorporation

The papers in this volume are a welcome addition to an area of immigration research that is relatively understudied—the civic and political incorporation of immigrants and their children. Sociologi...
What are "ecogenomic sensors?" A review and thoughts for the future

Abstract. The OceanSensors08 workshop held 31 March–4 April 2008 in Warnemunde, Germany, brought together an international group of marine scientists, sensor developers and technologists with a common interest in shaping the future of ocean sensing. In preparation for that meeting a series of review papers was commissioned, one of which was meant to cover Sensors for Ocean-omics. The "ocean-omics" topic was cast very broadly. The notion was to review use of genetic techniques for assessing presence and diversity of organisms, their genomic capacity and gene expression, and to provide a prospectus of how such methods could be applied in an autonomous capacity. I chose "ecogenomic sensor" as a descriptor to convey the essence of such a system – a device that integrates genetic level sensing with larger scale environmental characterization. This phrase is derived from workshops refining the US's Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) and visions for instrument systems that could be deployed on such a network. But what exactly are ecogenomic sensors? A clear definition is lacking and conceptualizations far outweigh actual hardware that can be deployed in the ocean. This prospectus builds from that point. I advance a definition of "ecogenomic sensor" and outline the opportunities and challenges associated with developing such instruments. Suggestions as to how this technology may be further refined and applied are offered against the backdrop of the Autonomous Microbial Genosensor (AMG) and Environmental Sample Processor (ESP). Applications that center on detection of DNA and RNA are emphasized. The word "review" appears in the title at the request of the editors.
Variable Presentation of Disseminated Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections in a Family with an Interferon-γ Receptor Mutation

A previously healthy 13-year-old child who had disseminated Mycobacterium avium infection is described. Further history revealed disseminated mycobacterial infections in the patient's father and uncle, starting at 9 years old and 1 year old, respectively. Autosomal dominant interferon-γ receptor mutation was subsequently identified. Clinical variability among the affected members of the same family is consistent with previous reports suggesting substantial variability in the clinical course of this disorder.
Advances in Mixed-Method Evaluation: A Synthesis and Comment.

This chapter provides a brief synthesis of the examples described in the four case study chapters, linking them to the framework outlined in Chapter One and the design types offered in Chapter Two.
Development of Operational Concepts for Advanced SMRs: The Role of Cognitive Systems Engineering

Advanced small modular reactors (AdvSMRs) will use advanced digital instrumentation and control systems, and make greater use of automation. These advances not only pose technical and operational challenges, but will inevitably have an effect on the operating and maintenance cost of new plants. However, there is much uncertainty about the impact of AdvSMR designs on operational and human factors considerations, such as workload, situation awareness, human reliability, staffing levels, and the appropriate allocation of functions between the crew and various automated plant systems. Existing human factors and systems engineering design standards and methodologies are not current in terms of human interaction requirements for dynamic automated systems and are no longer suitable for the analysis of evolving operational concepts. New models and guidance for operational concepts for complex socio-technical systems need to adopt a state-of-the-art approach such as Cognitive Systems Engineering (CSE) that gives due consideration to the role of personnel. The approach described here helps to identify and evaluate human challenges related to non-traditional operational concepts. A framework for defining operational strategies was developed based on an analysis of the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II), a small (20MWe) sodium-cooled reactor that was successfully operated for thirty years. Insights from the application of the systematic application of the methodology and its utility are reviewed and arguments for the formal adoption of CSE as a value-added part of the Systems Engineering process are presented.
Effect of immobilization on stability and properties of N-acetyl-β-d-hexosaminidase from Turbo cornutus☆

A mixture of glycosidases from the liver of the gastropod Turbo cornutus was co-immobilized with bovine serum albumin and glutaraldehyde, and then cast as membranes. The properties of immobilized N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase were studied. The recovery of N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase after immobilization was unaffected by increasing the concentration of glutaraldehyde, but was decreased by increasing the bovine serum albumin concentration. The immobilized enzyme showed enhanced resistance towards proteolytic and thermal inactivation. While the pH optimum for the soluble enzyme was 4.0, a bimodal pH curve with optima at 3.4 and 5.0 was observed after insolubilization. This bimodality was abolished when the immobilized enzyme was assayed in the presence of M NaCl. The Km values, for p-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside, of the immobilized isoenzymes of N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase were larger than those of their soluble counterparts. No loss of activity could be detected in the membrane after using it for 24 consecutive assays or after storage for at least 50 days at 4 degrees.
Effect of fluoxetine hydrochloride (Lilly 110140), a specific inhibitor of serotonin uptake, on morphine analgesia and the development of tolerance

Abstract Fluoxetine, a specific inhibitor of the re-uptake of serotonin in the brain, was found to potentiate the analgesic effect of morphine as measured by the tail-flick method in rats. One dose of fluoxetine thirty minutes prior to analgesic testing in morphine pellet implanted rats was shown to inhibit the analgesic effect of acute challenges of morphine to the same degree as in rats treated daily with fluoxetine during the development of tolerance to morphine. These data indicate that serotonin may play a role in the analgesic effect of morphine, but not in the development of tolerance to narcotic analgesia.
Mucosal, genital, and unusual clinical variants of melanoma.

To demonstrate the need for a thorough cutaneous and mucosal examination, we discuss and illustrate the spectrum of mucosal melanomas and unusual clinical variants of melanoma. Although cutaneous areas exposed to sunlight are most vulnerable, melanomas can occur in any site on the skin or mucous membranes. Pigmented nevi as well as mucosal and labial melanotic macules are lesions that simulate oral mucosal melanomas but are not associated with such a poor prognosis. In contrast, the 5-year survival rate for patients with malignant melanomas of the oral mucosa is only 5%. Similarly, the prognosis is poor for patients who have malignant melanomas of the vulva, vagina, male genitalia, or anorectal areas; most patients with such lesions are 50 years of age or older. Subungual and plantar areas are common sites of malignant melanomas, and involvement of the eyelid margin portends a poor prognosis. Other rare variants—desmoplastic, amelanotic, and polypoid malignant melanomas—are associated with local recurrences and metastatic lesions. Early diagnosis is the key to proper treatment and improved survival rate for patients with these unusual variants of melanoma. Increased awareness of the wide variety of clinical features of melanoma should lead to earlier diagnosis.
What is the best method for estimating the burden of severe sepsis in the United States

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to compare estimates of hospitalizations, outcomes, and costs produced by 2 approaches for defining severe sepsis. Methods We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to study adults hospitalized in the United States in 2007. We defined severe sepsis using 2 previously published algorithms: (1) the presence of a principal or secondary diagnosis of septicemia combined with organ dysfunction or (2) the presence of a principal or secondary diagnosis of septicemia or another infection (eg, pneumonia) combined with organ dysfunction. For each approach, we calculated the weighted frequency of hospitalizations, population-based mortality rates, and geometric mean costs. Results A total of 719 099 (SD, 16 676) hospitalizations had a diagnosis of septicemia and a diagnosis of organ dysfunction. A total of 2.5 million hospitalizations were recorded, with a diagnosis code for either septicemia or infection combined with a diagnosis code for organ dysfunction. Hospitalizations without a diagnosis code for septicemia had lower rates of respiratory failure (35% vs 51%, P P P Conclusions An approach that requires a diagnosis code for septicemia and a diagnosis code for organ dysfunction yields estimates of disease burden and outcomes that are more consistent with chart-based studies.
The Medicinal Cannabis Treatment Agreement: Providing Information to Chronic Pain Patients Through a Written Document.

Over 20 states now approve medical marijuana for a long list of "indications," and more states may well offer access in the near future. Surveys have demonstrated that pain is the most common indication for medical use of cannabis. As more individuals gain access to this botanical product through state ballot initiatives and legislative mandate, the pain specialist is likely to be confronted by patients either seeking such treatment where permitted, or otherwise inquiring about its potential benefits and harms, and alternative pharmaceuticals containing cannabinoids. Whether or not they are in the position to prescribe medical cannabis, pain physicians would seem to have an obligation to understand and inform their patients on key issues of the evidence base on cannabinoid therapeutics. One way to fulfill this obligation might be to borrow from concepts developed in the prescription of opioids: the use of a written agreement to describe and minimize risks. Regrettably, the widespread adoption of opioids was undertaken while harmful effects were minimized; obviously, no one wants to repeat this misstep. This article describes a method of educating patients in a manner analogous to other treatment agreements. Undoubtedly, the knowledge base concerning risks will be an iterative process as we learn more about the long-term use of medicinal cannabis. But we should start the process now so that patients may be instructed about our current conception of what the use of medicinal cannabis entails.
Pigmented renal clear cell carcinoma with melanocytic differentiation

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the adult kidney, and its incidence has been steadily rising. RCC consists of several subtypes, each of which has its own clinical features, and cytogenetic and molecular characteristics. Recognizing histologic patterns of RCC is important not only for correct diagnosis, but also for providing insight into the biological behavior of the tumor and subsequent appropriate medical care for the patient. Pigments other than hemosiderin has been observed in RCC, but none of them have been proved to be melanin. Melanotic tumors, either primary or metastatic, are rare in the kidney. We present an unusual case of melanin-pigmented clear cell RCC with melanocytic differentiation, an unusual variant that may lead to errors in diagnosis and treatment. HUM PATHOL 32:233-236. This is a US Government work. There are no restrictions on its use.
Computational modeling of mammalian signaling networks

One of the most exciting developments in signal transduction research has been the proliferation of studies in which a biological discovery was initiated by computational modeling. In this study, we review the major efforts that enable such studies. First, we describe the experimental technologies that are generally used to identify the molecular components and interactions in, and dynamic behavior exhibited by, a network of interest. Next, we review the mathematical approaches that are used to model signaling network behavior. Finally, we focus on three specific instances of ‘model-driven discovery’: cases in which computational modeling of a signaling network has led to new insights that have been verified experimentally. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
ACTH-immunoreactive buotons form synaptic contacts in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of rat: evidence for local opiocortin connections

ACTH-like immunoreactive structures were localized in rat hypothalamic arcuate nucleus using the unlabeled antibody, peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. At the ultrastructural level, immunoreactive presynaptic nerve terminals were observed forming symmetrical synaptic contacts with unlabeled dendrites and with ACTH-like immunoreactive perikarya. The results obtained are consistent with the hypothesis that ACTH in the brain acts as a synaptic regulator or transmitter, contributing not only to long projection pathways but also to a local circuit in the arcuate nucleus where ACTH cell bodies are localized.
803 DETECTION OF NEONATAL BACTEREMIA

Case records of all newborns with positive blood cultures were reviewed for 51 consecutive months to determine the clinical significance of a negative culture at 48 hrs. incubation. All cultures were monitored by the early subculture technique. Patients were considered to have clinically documented bacteremia if: (A) one blood culture was positive plus the same organism grew from a second blood culture (80 pts.), or from CSF, abscess, surgical, or urine cultures (14 pts.); (B) one positive blood culture grew a usual pathogen and the patient responded to antibiotic therapy appropriate for that organism (17 pts.). Records were available for 204 cultures on 158 neonates. Organisms growing from 111 (55%) represented significant bacteremia. The remaining 93 (45%) were considered contaminants (only one culture positive, and symptoms resolving without appropriate antibiotic therapy). 96% of all clinically significant blood cultures from newborns not pretreated with antibiotics were positive by 48 hrs. To reduce the risks of antibiotic use in the nursery, serious consideration should be given to discontinuing therapy in newborns with negative blood (and other) cultures at 48 hrs.
Vastly Undersampled Isotropic Projection Steady-State Free Precession Imaging of the Knee: Diagnostic Performance Compared with Conventional MR

Purpose: To compare a vastly undersampled isotropic projection steady-state free precession (VIPR-SSFP) sequence and routine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for evaluating the cartilage, ligaments, menisci, and osseous structures of the knee in symptomatic patients. Materials and Methods: All subjects signed written informed consent prior to participation in this prospective, HIPAA-compliant, institutional review board–approved study. VIPR-SSFP was added to the routine 1.5-T MR imaging performed on 95 symptomatic patients (52 men, 43 women; average age, 41.6 years) who subsequently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. All MR examinations were independently reviewed twice by two musculoskeletal radiologists to detect cartilage lesions, anterior and posterior cruciate ligament tears, meniscal tears, and bone marrow edema lesions, first by using routine MR and second by using VIPR-SSFP. By using arthroscopy as the reference standard, the sensitivity and specificity of both MR protocols were calculated. The z...
Short-Term Heat Stress Exposure Limits Based on Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Adjusted for Clothing and Metabolic Rate

Most heat stress exposure assessments based on wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) consider the environmental conditions, metabolic demands, and clothing requirements, and the exposure limit is for extended work periods (e.g., a typical workday). The U.S. Navy physiological heat exposure limit (PHEL) curves and rational models of heat stress also consider time as a job risk factor so that there is a limiting time for exposures above a conventional WBGT exposure limit. The PHEL charts have not been examined for different clothing and the rational models require personal computers. The current study examined the role of clothing in short-term (time limited) exposures and proposed a relationship between a Safe Exposure Time and WBGT adjusted for clothing and metabolic rate. Twelve participants worked at a metabolic rate of 380 W in three clothing ensembles [clothing adjustment factors]: (1) work clothes (0 degrees C-WBGT), (2) NexGen microporous coveralls (2.5 degrees C-WBGT), and (2) vapor-barrier coveralls (6.5 degrees C-WBGT) at five levels of heat stress (approximately at the clothing adjusted TLV plus 7.0, 8.0, 9.5, 11.5 and 15.0 degrees C-WBGT). The combinations of metabolic rate, clothing, and environment were selected in anticipation that the participants would reach a physiological limit in less than 120 min. WBGT-based clothing adjustment factors were used to account for different clothing ensembles, and no differences were found for ensemble, which meant that the clothing adjustment factor can be used in WBGT-based time limited exposures. An equation was proposed to recommend a Safe Exposure Time for exposures under 120 min. The recommended times were longer than the PHEL times or times from a rational model of heat stress.
Rapid extraction and updating of road network from airborne LiDAR data

This paper describes an unsupervised approach for efficient extraction of grid-structured urban roads from airborne LIDAR data. Technically, the approach consists of three major components: 1) terrain separation from DSM and classification of ground features, 2) road centerline extraction from generated road candidates images, and 3) completion and verification of complete road networks. A ground-height mask is produced by removing elevated objects from depth image. Then from the mask-superimposed intensity image, road features are segmented out by EM algorithm. This is followed by road centerline extraction from the segmentation image using total least square line fitting approach, during which we develop a Radius-Rotating method to detect road intersections. After that, missing roads inference is executed on road centerline vector map according to gestalt laws. To facilitate inference process, a direction-based cumulative voting technique is developed to evaluate reliability of each road segment. Finally, inferred road features are back projected onto depth and intensity image to test their validity.
El papel del Estado y la calidad del sector público

Este articulo llega a la conclusion de que la calidad del sector publico solo puede evaluarse en relacion con el papel del Estado. En general, un sector publico eficiente deberia poder alcanzar los objetivos del Estado, con la menor distorsion posible del mercado, con la carga tributaria mas baja posible sobre los contribuyentes, con el menor numero posible de empleados publicos y con la menor absorcion posible de recursos economicos por el aparato publico. Los procesos y resultados del sector publico deben ser transparentes. La corrupcion no deberia desempenar papel alguno en las decisiones de los burocratas y de los dirigentes politicos. Y los recursos en manos del sector publico deberian dedicarse a usos que maximicen su rentabilidad social. La calidad del sector publico tambien es importante para alcanzar el objetivo de equidad que hoy se percibe como una de las metas fundamentales del Estado. Un sector publico de alta calidad permitiria ir tras la equidad con costos menores en terminos de eficiencia. Finalmente, las llamadas reformas de primera generacion no siempre elevan la calidad de este sector, aunque si mejoran la de la politica publica. De hecho, el ir en pos de reformas de primera generacion es lo que ha puesto de relieve la necesidad de mejorar la calidad del sector publico. Para que esto ultimo se logre, son necesarias las reformas de segunda generacion.
Ultimate Strength and Failure Mechanism of Resistance Spot Weld Subjected to Tensile, Shear, or Combined Tensile/Shear Loads

Strength tests were performed to reveal the failure mechanisms of spot weld in lap-shear and cross tension test samples. It is shown the while the lap-shear (cross tension) sample is subjected to shear (normal) load at the structural level the failure mechanism at the spot weld is tensile (shear) mode at the materials level. Based on the observed failure mechanism, stress distribution is assumed and related to the far field load for the lapshear and cross tension test samples. It appears that the failure load of the cross tension sample is 74 percent of the lap-shear sample based on the classical von Mises failure theory. The theoretical model is further extended to the mixed normal/shear loading condition. Data from strength tests as well as finite element numerical method are used to validate the model. Finally, the utility of the model in accessing the failure strength of spot welds is discussed. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1555648#
Future prospects of silicon photonics in next generation communication and computing systems

The recent progress is reviewed and future prospects of silicon photonics in next generation communication and computing systems are probed. Leveraging the many-billion-dollar complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) industry, silicon photonics has promising prospects for realising very large-scale electronic and photonic integrated circuits with thousands of optical components and millions of transistors in the future to support very demanding integrated systems needs of next generation computing and communications. There are also a number of significant challenges in fulfilling such prospects.
Does the mid‐Atlantic United States sea level acceleration hot spot reflect ocean dynamic variability?

[1] To test a hypothesized faster-than-global sea level acceleration along the mid-Atlantic United States, I construct a Gaussian process model that decomposes tide gauge data into short-term variability and longer-term trends, and into globally coherent, regionally coherent, and local components. While tide gauge records indicate a faster-than-global increase in the rate of mid-Atlantic U.S. sea level rise beginning ∼1975, this acceleration could reflect either the start of a long-term trend or ocean dynamic variability. The acceleration will need to continue for ∼2 decades before the rate of increase of the sea level difference between the mid-Atlantic and southeastern U.S. can be judged as very likely unprecedented by 20th century standards. However, the difference is correlated with the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, and Gulf Stream North Wall indices, all of which are currently within the range of past variability.
Species-energy relationship in the deep sea: a test using the Quaternary fossil record

Little is known about the processes regulating species richness in deep-sea communities. Here we take advantage of natural experiments involving climate change to test whether predictions of the species–energy hypothesis hold in the deep sea. In addition, we test for the relationship between temperature and species richness predicted by a recent model based on biochemical kinetics of metabolism. Using the deep-sea fossil record of benthic foraminifera and statistical meta-analyses of temperature-richness and productivity-richness relationships in 10 deep-sea cores, we show that temperature but not productivity is a significant predictor of species richness over the past c. 130 000 years. Our results not only show that the temperature-richness relationship in the deep-sea is remarkably similar to that found in terrestrial and shallow marine habitats, but also that species richness tracks temperature change over geological time, at least on scales of c. 100 000 years. Thus, predicting biotic response to global climate change in the deep sea would require better understanding of how temperature regulates the occurrences and geographical ranges of species.
Improving the Modeling of Use Case Relationship

Use cases often capture the expected behaviors of a system and its components. During requirements analysis, it is important to understand and model the relationship among different use cases. The information of such relationship can guide the design of object collaboration for realizing these use cases. In this paper, we will analyze the limitations with the existing approaches for modeling the use-case relationship, and present a new modeling approach that addresses these limitations.
Vacuum Strength of Two Candidate Glasses for a Space Observatory

The strengths of two candidate glass types for use in a space observatory were measured. Samples of ultra-low expansion glass (ULE) and borosilicate (Pyrex) were tested in air and in vacuum at room temperature (20 degrees C) and in vacuum after being heated to 200 degrees C. Both glasses tested in vacuum showed a significant increase in strength over those tested in air. However, there was no statistical difference between the strength of samples tested in vacuum at room temperature and those tested in vacuum after heating to 200 degrees C.