cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design of apparatus for precise x-ray dose chamber calibrations.

An apparatus for precision calibration of ion chambers in the x‐ray region from 16 to 320 kV is described. The development of a fast‐acting shutter with ‘‘opening’’ and ‘‘closing’’ times of less than 3‐ms eliminates the requirement for operating time corrections. Controls from outside the radiation room permit changing x‐ray filters and alternately positioning both test and standard ion chambers in the x‐ray beam. Thus, the remote controls eliminate the need to enter the x‐ray room in the course of a series of calibrations. The potential advantages resulting from the capabilities of this apparatus are described in this Technical Report.
The power of racial scripts: What the history of Mexican immigration to the United States teaches us about relational notions of race

This article examines Mexican immigration to the United States after the passage of the 1924 Immigration Act to better understand the construction of racial categories. Unlike traditional studies of Mexican immigrants in the United States, this article focuses on how discourses about other racialized groups, principally Indians, African Americans, and Asians, were crucial in informing people what “Mexican” meant at this time. The post-1924 Immigration Act period is significant in cementing negative cultural constructions of Mexicans that last into the present day and thus is a key place to look to understand these racial constructions. The article draws on immigration hearings, debates, correspondence, and newspaper articles on Mexican immigration demonstrating how immigration discourse was central in cuing people what “Mexican” meant at this time.
Hypervalence in monoxides and dioxides of superalkali clusters

F2Li3, a superalkali cluster, is characterized as having a lower adiabatic ionization energy than its elemental alkali counterpart and, coupled with the presence of complex molecular orbitals, suggests promise for novel bonding possibilities. CBS-QB3 composite method was used to study three distinct cluster isomers, as well as their cationic (+1) and anionic (−1) species, to identify energetic trends and observe geometric changes. Oxides were then generated from these clusters, of which three distinct monoxides and nine dioxides were obtained upon structure optimization. Identical calculations were performed for the oxide species and their charged counterparts. Some of the most stable oxides produced appear to possess hypervalent lithium and oxygen atoms, forming unique structures with exceptional stability.
Relationships between the levels of binding to DNA and the carcinogenic potencies in rat nasal mucosa for three alkylating agents

Three direct-acting carcinogens, beta-propiolactone (BPL), methylmethane sulfonate (MMS), and dimethylcarbamyl chloride (DMCC), were evaluated for their carcinogenic potencies in the nasal mucosa of rats and for their abilities to bind in vivo to rat nasal mucosal DNA. The relative carcinogenic potencies of BPL and MMS corresponded well with their overall levels of binding to nasal mucosal DNA. DMCC, however, the most potent carcinogen of the three compounds, produced the lowest level of binding to nasal mucosal DNA. These results indicate that the DNA adducts formed by DMCC in rat nasal mucosa DNA are more readily expressed as cancer than those formed by BPL or MMS.
Does aesthetic appreciation of landscapes need to be science based

Address at "Meeting in the Landscape," the First International Conference on Environmental Aesthetics," Koli, Finland, June 1994.
A Chip-Based Electrophoresis System with Electrochemical Detection and Hydrodynamic Injection

A simple capillary electrophoresis system in the planar format that uses a new, hydrodynamic injection principle is described. The system was realized with poly(dimethylsiloxane)−glass chips and microdisk electrodes for amperometric detection. Using a double-tee injector, no precise voltage control of the electrolyte reservoirs was needed, thus making the microchip CE system more user-friendly. The analytical characteristics of chip-based CE-EC were evaluated using ascorbic acid as the model analyte. The reproducibility of migration time and signal height was expressed by relative standard deviations of 1.2% and 5.1%, respectively (n = 5). The limit of detection for ascorbic acid was ∼5 μM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Practical application concerning the determination of physiologically relevant compounds such as noradrenaline and l-dopa are discussed.
The making of deadline

A man is suffering from a heavy workload written on Post-it notes. Suddenly, the Post-its on the wall begin to move and morph. When I am busy, I feel that I am not fighting with my work, I am fighting with those Post-it notes and deadlines. I manipulated the Post-it notes to create pixel-like stop motion and interactions between the real actor and the Post-its.
Compensatory growth of the lung following partial pneumonectomy.

In a variety of species, partial resection of the lung initiates rapid compensatory growth of the remaining tissue adequate to restore normal total lung mass. Increases in tissue content of protein, RNA, and DNA in proportion to dry lung weight suggest hyperplastic growth of the tissue, rather than cellular hypertrophy. A general acceleration of cell division is supported further by the results of quantitative morphometric studies, which indicate that both cellular and functional characteristics of the peripheral lung, including alveolar and capillary volumes and thickness and surface area of the blood-gas barrier, are maintained when compensatory growth is complete. The rate and nature of the growth response are subject to hormonal modulation, particularly by adrenal steroids and growth hormone. Little is known, however, regarding the specific actions of these agents or of additional factors that may be primary regulators of the initiation and cessation of accelerated compensatory growth. Definition of s...
First Report of Juneberry Rust Caused by Gymnosporangium nelsonii on Juneberry in Michigan.

Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M. Roem., commonly known as juneberry or Saskatoon serviceberry, was historically a widely used prairie fruit that is native to the Northern Great Plains, southern Yukon and Northwest Territories (4). While juneberry is an important fruit crop in the prairie provinces of Canada, small commercial plantings also occur throughout the northern United States (2), including Michigan. On July 18, 2009, severe rust symptoms were observed on plants in a 2-year-old field of A. alnifolia ‘Northline’ in Northport, MI. The plants had been sourced as seedlings from a nursery in Alberta, Canada in 2007. Signs and symptoms were present on fruits and leaves on virtually all of the plants. Symptomatic fruit were still immature, and on average, more than 70% of the fruit surface was covered with tubular, whitish aecia with conspicuous orange aeciospores. Portions of twigs also showed fusiform swellings (1 to 3 cm long) covered with aecia. Aecia were hypophyllous, fructicolous and cauli...
PKC mediates inhibitory effects of myelin and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans on axonal regeneration

Successful axon regeneration in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) is at least partially compromised due to the inhibitors associated with myelin and glial scar. However, the intracellular signaling mechanisms underlying these inhibitory activities are largely unknown. Here we provide biochemical and functional evidence that conventional isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC) are key components in the signaling pathways that mediate the inhibitory activities of myelin components and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), the major class of inhibitors in the glial scar. Both the myelin inhibitors and CSPGs induce PKC activation. Blocking PKC activity pharmacologically and genetically attenuates the ability of CNS myelin and CSPGs to activate Rho and inhibit neurite outgrowth. Intrathecal infusion of a PKC inhibitor, Go6976, into the site of dorsal hemisection promotes regeneration of dorsal column axons across and beyond the lesion site in adult rats. Thus, perturbing PKC activity could represent a therapeutic approach to stimulating axon regeneration after brain and spinal cord injuries.
Urinary incontinence and the terminally ill older person

The principles of managing urinary incontinence in an older patient who has a terminal illness should be based on the general principles of overall care for terminally ill older persons. First, health care professionals need to understand "where" the person is in the dying process. Second, they must be able to predict, with as much accuracy as possible, the consequences of any action or inaction(that is, a decision made not to do an intervention that typically is done). Third, they must understand how the patient's symptom is uncomfortable and bothersome from the patient's standpoint. All three steps need to take into account the family's perception of the patient's discomfort, and, whenever possible, the family should be involved in the decision making.
A single nucleotide polymorphism in the p27Kip1 gene is associated with primary patency of lower extremity vein bypass grafts

Objective Factors responsible for the variability in outcomes after lower extremity vein bypass grafting (LEVBG) are poorly understood. Recent evidence has suggested that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region of the p27 Kip1 gene, a cell-cycle regulator, is associated with coronary in-stent restenosis. We hypothesized an association with vein graft patency. Methods This was a retrospective genetic association study nested within a prospective cohort of 204 patients from three referral centers undergoing LEVBG for claudication or critical ischemia. The main outcome measure was primary vein graft patency. Results All patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year with duplex graft surveillance (median follow-up, 893 days; interquartile range, 539-1315). Genomic DNA was isolated and SNP analysis for the p27 Kip1 - 838C>A variants was performed. Allele frequencies were correlated with graft outcome using survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling. The p27 Kip1 -838C>A allele frequencies observed were CA, 53%; CC, 30%; and AA, 17%, satisfying Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Race ( P = .025) and history of coronary artery disease ( P = .027) were different across the genotypes; all other baseline variables were similar. Primary graft patency was greater among patients with the -838AA genotype (75% AA vs 55% CA/CC at 3 years; P = .029). In a Cox proportional hazards model including age, sex, race, diabetes, critical limb ischemia, redo (vs primary) bypass, vein type, and baseline C-reactive protein level, the p27 Kip1 -838AA genotype was significantly associated with higher graft patency (hazard ratio for failure, 0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.93). Genotype was also associated with early (0-1 month) changes in graft lumen diameter by ultrasound imaging. Conclusions These data suggest that the p27 Kip1 -838C>A SNP is associated with LEVBG patency and, together with previous reports, underscore a central role for p27 Kip1 in the generic response to vascular injury.
Net-event kinetic Monte Carlo for overcoming stiffness in spatially homogeneous and distributed systems

Abstract A technique, termed net-event kinetic Monte Carlo (NE-KMC), is presented for overcoming large disparities in time scale that may render conventional KMC inefficient or intractable when fast reversible processes exist. The success of this approach derives from the consolidation of fast reversible processes into single “net events”. The resulting self-regulating method appropriately samples rare events even when partial equilibrium (PE) exists between fast reversible microscopic processes. Moreover, we show that computational savings over conventional KMC are proportional to the separation in time scales between the fast reversible process and rare events. We illustrate the capabilities of this new technique for a homogeneous series reaction system, and extend the net-event concept to distributed systems where multiple microscopic processes occur simultaneously. In a culminating example, we combine the time and length scale capabilities of NE-KMC and adaptive coarse-grained MC, respectively, to stochastically model diffusion through a realistically thick membrane.
Ribosomal p70S6K Basal Activity Increases upon Induction of Differentiation of Myelomonocytic Leukemic Cell Lines HL60, AML14 and MPD

Abstract The role of ribosomal p70S6K in the cell cycle has been studied extensively, and it is known that this enzyme is crucial for cell advancement through G 1 . Conversely, the participation of p70S6K in cell differentiation is not well understood. We have studied the response of p70S6K to the cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in three differentiation-capable leukemic cell lines (MPD, AML-14 and HL-60) and in normal mature neutrophils. Immature leukemic cells starved for 16 h showed a robust (∼3.5-fold over controls) p70S6K phosphorylation on T 421 /S 424 residues in response to an acute (5 min) 10 nM GM-CSF stimulation. On the other hand, cells that had been induced to differentiate and express granulocytic phenotypes, showed an increased (∼6-fold) basal level of p70S6K T 421 /S 424 phosphorylation over immature cells, as well as an increased baseline tyrosyl phosphorylation of the GM-CSF receptor β subunit (GM-CSF·Rβ). However, the differentiated cells displayed a weak (∼1.4-fold over controls) response to GM-CSF even at prolonged incubation times (20 min). In vitro p70S6K enzymatic activity paralleled p70S6K T 421 /S 424 phosphorylation in both high basal, unstimulated, levels in immature cells and a low degree of response to GM-CSF. Lastly, peripheral blood mature neutrophils had low basal GM-CSF·Rβ and p70S6K activity, with both parameters being robustly stimulated following addition of GM-CSF, a situation in contrast with the cell lines, indicative perhaps of their incomplete terminal differentiation. In summary, these findings show the increase in basal phosphorylation of p70S6K upon granulocytic differentiation of myeloid leukemic cells and their responses to GM-CSF that are closely paralleled with tyrosyl phosphorylation of its receptor, and help in pointing to specific cell signaling molecules that are different in leukemic blasts from normal leukocytes.
Sinphuhorm, Thailand Pipeline Integrity Management Utilizing Advanced Monitoring Techniques

As a primary energy source, natural gas continues to play a major role in meeting Thailand’s energy requirements and is preferred for generating the country’s electricity. As energy demand increases, a fully integrated pipeline integrity program for wet gas pipelines becomes necessary to ensure safe production from Thailand’s gas fields. This paper presents an overview of the corrosion mitigation and monitoring strategies implemented on a 63.5 km (40 mile) long, 385 mm (15.2 in) maximum internal diameter, carbon steel wet gas pipeline. The pipeline is in Khon Kaen Province, located northeast of central Thailand.
Oxytocin and the salience of social cues.

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is rapidly moving from a molecule with interesting effects in model systems to an important mediator of a range of human social behaviors. In this issue of PNAS, Gamer et al. (1) report on a study in which they show that subjects given OT, relative to subjects given placebo, are more likely to make eye movements toward the eye region when viewing images of human faces, which replicates and extends previous work (2, 3). Gamer et al. (1) also use functional brain imaging to show that the amygdala is an important brain area mediating this effect. These findings have broad implications for understanding the role of OT in normal social behavior as well as the possible therapeutic impact of OT in brain disorders characterized by social dysfunction.
Endometrial ablation for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in obese women

Abstract Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of endometrial ablation (EA) among obese versus non-obese women. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 666 women who underwent EA at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA, between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2005, was conducted. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) of 30 or above. Outcome measures included treatment failure and amenorrhea. Regression models were used to compare outcomes and adjust for known confounders. Results The mean BMI was 29.6 ± 7.7; 263 women (39.5%) were classified as obese. No difference was observed in treatment failure at 5 years between the obese and non-obese cohorts (11.6% vs 9.7%) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60–1.53; P = 0.878). The crude 12-month amenorrhea rate was higher among non-obese than obese women (24.3% vs 17.5%); however, this difference was not significant after adjusting for known predictors of amenorrhea. The odds ratio was 1.28 (95% CI, 0.75–2.19; P = 0.366). Adverse events were rare and comparable between the cohorts. Conclusion The use of EA is a safe and effective option for women with obesity.
Genome-wide analysis of a long-term evolution experiment with Drosophila

Experimental evolution systems allow the genomic study of adaptation, and so far this has been done primarily in asexual systems with small genomes, such as bacteria and yeast. Here we present whole-genome resequencing data from Drosophila melanogaster populations that have experienced over 600 generations of laboratory selection for accelerated development. Flies in these selected populations develop from egg to adult ∼20% faster than flies of ancestral control populations, and have evolved a number of other correlated phenotypes. On the basis of 688,520 intermediate-frequency, high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms, we identify several dozen genomic regions that show strong allele frequency differentiation between a pooled sample of five replicate populations selected for accelerated development and pooled controls. On the basis of resequencing data from a single replicate population with accelerated development, as well as single nucleotide polymorphism data from individual flies from each replicate population, we infer little allele frequency differentiation between replicate populations within a selection treatment. Signatures of selection are qualitatively different than what has been observed in asexual species; in our sexual populations, adaptation is not associated with 'classic' sweeps whereby newly arising, unconditionally advantageous mutations become fixed. More parsimonious explanations include 'incomplete' sweep models, in which mutations have not had enough time to fix, and 'soft' sweep models, in which selection acts on pre-existing, common genetic variants. We conclude that, at least for life history characters such as development time, unconditionally advantageous alleles rarely arise, are associated with small net fitness gains or cannot fix because selection coefficients change over time.
Influence of Natural Organic Matter and Ionic Composition on the Kinetics and Structure of Hematite Colloid Aggregation: Implications to Iron Depletion in Estuaries

The stability and aggregation behavior of iron oxide colloids in natural waters play an important role in controlling the fate, transport, and bioavailability of trace metals. Time-resolved dynamic light scattering experiments were carried out in a study of the aggregation kinetics and aggregate structure of natural organic matter (NOM) coated hematite colloids and bare hematite colloids. The aggregation behavior was examined over a range of solution chemistries, by adjusting the concentration of the supporting electrolyteNaCl, CaCl2, or simulated seawater. With the solution pH adjusted so that NOM-coated and bare hematite colloids were at the same zeta potential, we observed a significant difference in colloid stability which results from the stability imparted to the colloids by the adsorbed NOM macromolecules. This enhanced stability of NOM-coated hematite colloids was not observed with CaCl2. Aggregate form expressed as fractal dimension was determined for both NOM-coated and bare hematite aggregates ...
A Gastroenterologist's Guide to Probiotics

The enteric microbiota contribute to gastrointestinal health, and their disruption has been associated with many disease states. Some patients consume probiotic products in attempts to manipulate the intestinal microbiota for health benefit. It is important for gastroenterologists to improve their understanding of the mechanisms of probiotics and the evidence that support their use in practice. Clinical trials have assessed the therapeutic effects of probiotic agents for several disorders, including antibiotic- or Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and the inflammatory bowel diseases. Although probiotic research is a rapidly evolving field, there are sufficient data to justify a trial of probiotics for treatment or prevention of some of these conditions. However, the capacity of probiotics to modify disease symptoms is likely to be modest and varies among probiotic strains—not all probiotics are right for all diseases. The current review provides condition-specific rationale for using probiotic therapy and literature-based recommendations.
Identification and Localization of a Novel Zinc Finger Gene in Developing Chick Skin and Feather Buds

We have cloned and sequenced a cDNA encoding a novel zinc finger protein (Fzf-1) containing two tandem repeats of zinc finger motifs of the C2H2 type. The cDNA is 3.0 Kb long and has an open reading frame which codes for a protein of 789 amino acids. The expression pattern of the zinc finger gene was studied in chick embryonic skin and feathers by in situ hybridization. The expression of the gene is found to be temporally and spatially regulated. In stage 38 chick embryos, the transcripts are localized to the epidermis but in 10-day-old embryos, the signal is localized to the forming dermis. In 12-day-old chick, the transcripts are localized to the mesenchymal region of the elongated feather buds. Reverse transcription followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) did not detect the transcripts in any other tissues.
A CHARGED PARTICLE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM WITH BROAD ENERGY RANGE

Abstract A charged particle identification system is described which utilizes the E d E /d x product as computed by an analog multiplying circuit. The multiplier circuit permits compensation for the normal energy dependence of the E d E /d x product. The response of the system has been measured for protons, deuterons and alpha particles in the 2–18 MeV range using solid state E and d E /d x detectors.
Functional role of sodium glucose transporter in high glucose-mediated angiotensin type 1 receptor downregulation in human proximal tubule cells

Previously, we have demonstrated human angiotensin type 1 receptor (hAT1R) promoter architecture with regard to the effect of high glucose (25 mM)-mediated transcriptional repression in human proxi...
Another algorithm for converting a low-pass function into bandpass form

An algorithm based on evaluating a recurrence relation using a synthetic polynomial multiplication is presented for use in converting low-pass transfer functions into bandpass form. It is felt that this procedure is more easily programmed than are recently published algorithms. A function implementing the algorithm has been programmed in C. >
Emission Spectrometric Determination of Trace Metals in Biological Tissues

An emission spectrometric method of analysis is described which permits duplicate analyses to be performed on 1-g specimens of tissue for 13 elements in the microgram percent range. Pig hearts were dissected into 17 separate pieces representing discrete anatomic sites. Samples were prepared for analysis by low temperature wet digestion. On the basis of their composition of the macro elements sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, these tissues could be divided into two groups: one including blood vessels and heart valves, and the other including ordinary and specialized myocardium. A method is described for adjusting the macro element composition of these tissues to that of a common matrix, thus allowing trace metal analysis of both groups of tissues to be performed using only a single set of standards. A solution of the ash was placed in hollow cup graphite electrodes with center posts, evaporated to dryness, and analyzed in the de are with a Jarrell-Ash model 66,000 direct reading emission spectrometer. At concentrations above 10 μg%, the coefficient of variation was about 10% for most of the trace metals studied.
A comparison of texture results obtained using precession electron diffraction and neutron diffraction methods at diminishing length scales in ordered bimetallic nanolamellar composites

Precession electron diffraction (PED) is used to acquire orientation information in Cu–Nb nanolamellar composites fabricated by accumulative roll bonding (ARB). The resulting maps quantify the grain size, shape, orientation distributions and interface planes in the vicinity of nanometer-thick deformation twins. The PED-based texture results compare favorably with bulk textures provided by neutron diffraction measurements, indicating uniformity in the ARB Cu–Nb texture. Additionally, {1 1 2} Cu ||{1 1 2} Nb interfaces are present, suggesting that ARB techniques can lead to stable interfaces with a special crystallography.
Autonomic activity in epilepsy: Diagnostic considerations and implications

Abstract Autonomic function is usually disrupted to some degree during epileptic seizures. This loss of control has multiple clinical expressions. Some autonomic changes that accompany seizures are subtle and of little importance, while other changes may be life-threatening. In some cases, the autonomic accompaniments of epilepsy overshadow the cerebral effects of the seizures. In doing so, they tend to hamper correct diagnosis and treatment. In this article I will review some of the autonomic changes that accompany seizures. I will focus primarily upon those changes that affect the neurocardiac axis and the neurorespiratory axis. Other autonomic accompaniments affecting the gastrointestinal tract, urinary bladder, and skin are also discussed.
FDR to Clinton, Mueller to ?: A Field Essay on Presidential Approval

Since the 1930s, polling organizations have asked Americans whether they “approve or disapprove of the job [the incumbent] is doing as president.” In the early 1970s, John Mueller started an academic industry by asking what drives these evaluations. American politics and the tools available to examine it have changed dramatically since then, inspiring a burst of research on presidential approval in the 1990s. We review this new body of literature, arguing that it builds on but differs importantly from earlier approval studies. Since Mueller’s writing, scholars have expanded his relatively simple model, taking account of presidents’ goals and personal characteristics, other political actors, the ubiquitous media, and an inattentive public. We describe three waves of research, focusing on the most recent wave. We suggest that history, along with new intellectual currents, data, and methods have enabled each wave to incorporate more of political, social, and psychological reality. Finally, we identify the is...
The Observed Witness Efficacy Scale: a measure of effective testimony skills

Despite advances in the scientific methodology of witness testimony research, no sound measure currently exists to evaluate perceptions of testimony skills. Drawing on self-efficacy and witness preparation research, the present study describes development of the Observed Witness Efficacy Scale (OWES). Factor analyses of a mock jury sample yielded a two-factor structure (poise and communication style) consistent with previous research on witness self-ratings of testimony delivery skills. OWES subscales showed differential patterns of association with witness credibility, witness believability, agreement with the witness, and verdict decision. Juror gender moderated the impact of communication style, but not poise, on belief of and agreement with the witness. Results are discussed with attention to application of the OWES to witness research and preparation training.
An efficient multicore implementation of planted motif problem

In this paper we propose a parallel algorithm for the planted motif problem that arises in computational biology. A variety of algorithms have been proposed in the literature to solve this problem. The drawback of all these algorithms is that they have been designed to work on serial computers; and are not suitable for parallelization on current multicore architectures. We have implemented the proposed algorithm on a 4 Quad-Core Intel Xeon X5550 2.67GHz processor for a total of 16 cores. We compare our performance results with the best performance results reported in the literature; and showed that the performance of our algorithm scales linearly with the number of cores. We also solved the (21, 8) challenging instance on 16 cores in 6.9 hrs.
Mechanisms of intrinsic resistance to antimicrobial peptides of Edwardsiella ictaluri and its influence on fish gut inflammation and virulence

The genus Edwardsiella comprises a genetically distinct taxon related to other members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. It consists of bacteria differing strongly in their biochemical and physiological features, natural habitats, and pathogenic properties. Intrinsic resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) is a specific property of the genus Edwardsiella. In particular, Edwardsiella ictaluri, an important pathogen of the catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) aquaculture and the causative agent of a fatal systemic infection, is highly resistant to CAMPs. E. ictaluri mechanisms of resistance to CAMPs are unknown. We hypothesized that E. ictaluri lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plays a role in both virulence and resistance to CAMPs. The putative genes related to LPS oligo-polysaccharide (O-PS) synthesis were in-frame deleted. Individual deletions of wibT, gne and ugd eliminated synthesis of the O-PS, causing auto-agglutination, rough colonies, biofilm-like formation and motility defects. Deletion of ugd, the gene that encodes the UDP-glucose dehydrogenase enzyme responsible for synthesis of UDP-glucuronic acid, causes sensitivity to CAMPs, indicating that UDP-glucuronic acid and its derivatives are related to CAMP intrinsic resistance. E. ictaluri OP-S mutants showed different levels of attenuation, colonization of lymphoid tissues and immune protection in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and catfish. Orally inoculated catfish with O-PS mutant strains presented different degrees of gut inflammation and colonization of lymphoid tissues. Here we conclude that intrinsic resistance to CAMPs is mediated by Ugd enzyme, which has a pleiotropic effect in E. ictaluri influencing LPS synthesis, motility, agglutination, fish gut inflammation and virulence.
Absence of BRAF and NRAS Mutations in Uveal Melanoma

Uveal melanoma (UM) and cutaneous melanoma (CM) differ significantly in their epidemiological, clinical, immunophenotypical, and cytogenetic features, but the molecular basis for these differences has not been delineated. CMs frequently harbor an activating mutation in either NRAS or the RAS-regulated kinase BRAF, suggesting that either of these oncogenes may increase signaling through the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway and promote melanoma development. The aim of this study was to examine BRAF and NRAS gene mutations in UM. Genomic DNA from CM and UM was screened for mutations in BRAF exons 11 and 15 and NRAS exons 1 and 2 using a combination of denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and direct sequencing. Mutations in BRAF exon 15 were detected in 16 (36.4%) of 44 CMs and 0 (0%) of 62 UMs. The most common mutation in CM was V599E, but a novel point mutation (L596Q) was identified in two cases and an in-frame deletion/insertion (VKSRWK599-604D) was discovered in one case. No BRAF exon 11 mutations were observed among seven CMs and nine UMs that were wild-type for exon 15. Mutation of NRAS exon 2 was rare in CM [1 (3.7%) of 27] and absent in UM [0 (0%) of 47]. No NRAS exon 1 mutations were detected in either type of melanoma. We conclude that UMs arise independent of oncogenic BRAF and NRAS mutations, an observation that may have implications for therapies targeted to the NRAS-BRAF pathway.
Localization of Brain White Matter Hyperintensities and Urinary Incontinence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Background. Because white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be linked to geriatric syndromes involving mobility, cognition, and affect, we postulated that involvement of areas critical to bladder control could infl uence urinary incontinence (UI). Methods. One hundred community-dwelling individuals (75 – 89 years) were recruited into three groups stratifi ed by age and gender refl ecting normal and mildly and moderately impaired mobility. Baseline incontinence status and related symptoms were evaluated in 97 individuals using validated instruments (3IQ, Urinary Incontinence Severity Index, Urogenital Distress Inventory, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire). Regional WMH was measured using an MRI brain imaging segmentation pipeline and WM tract – based parcellation atlas. Results. Sixty-two (64%) of the participants were incontinent, mostly with urgency (37; 60%) and moderate – severe symptoms (36; 58%). Incontinent individuals were more likely to be women with worse scores for depression and mobility. WMH located in right inferior frontal regions predicted UI severity, with no signifi cant relationship with incontinence, incontinence type, bother, or functional impact. As regards WM tracts, WMH within regions normally occupied by the anterior corona radiata predicted severity and degree of bother, cingulate gyrus predicted incontinence and severity, whereas cingulate (hippocampal portion) and superior fronto-occipital fasciculus predicted severity. Conclusions. Presence of WMH in right inferior frontal regions and selected WM tracts predicts incontinence, incontinence severity, and degree of bother. Our observations support the fi ndings of recent functional MRI studies indicating a critical role for the cingulum in bladder control, while also suggesting potential involvement of other nearby WM tracts such as anterior corona radiata and superior fronto-occipital fasciculus .
Fenoldopam Mesylate Versus Sodium Nitroprusside in the Acute Management of Severe Systemic Hypertension

Thirty-three patients with severe systemic hypertension defined as a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) > or = 120 mm Hg were randomized in a single-blind fashion to be treated with either intravenous fenoldopam mesylate (FNP) or sodium nitroprusside (NTP). Fenoldopam mesylate and NTP infusion rates began at 0.1 microgram/kg/minute and 0.5 microgram/kg/minute, respectively and were titrated to achieve a goal DBP of between 95 and 110 mm Hg; or a reduction of at least 40 mm Hg if the baseline DBP was > 150 mm Hg. Fenoldopam mesylate (n = 15) reduced blood pressure from 217/145 +/- 6/5 to 187/112 +/- 6/3 mm Hg (P < .001) at an average infusion rate of 0.5 +/- 0.1 microgram/kg/minute. The average time to achieve goal DBP with FNP was 1.5 +/- 1.4 hours. Nitroprusside (n = 18) reduced blood pressure from 210/136 +/- 5/2 to 172/103 +/- 6/2 mm Hg (P < .001) at an average infusion rate of 1.2 +/- .24 micrograms/kg/minute. Nitroprusside response time averaged 2 +/- 2.5 hours. There was no significant difference between the magnitude of effect seen with either FNP or NTP; nor was there any difference observed in the adverse effect rates of the two agents. Fenoldopam mesylate and NTP demonstrate similar overall efficacy in the treatment of severe systemic hypertension.
Age and Correlation of the Ulatisian and Narizian Stages, California: Reply

Phillips questions the scientific value of data presented in Steineck and Gibson (1971) with regard to the intercontinental correlation and time-transgressive nature of California Paleogene benthonic foraminiferal stages. The intent of our note was to present a working hypothesis based on preliminary data which would be testable by future biostratigraphic investigation. It must be emphasized that the conclusions drawn by Steineck and Gibson were based on the analysis of more than 50 samples, along with a summary of pertinent literature, and are consistent with the available evidence. The Refugian Stage is of late Eocene age, the Narizian Stage is late middle Eocene, and the Ulatisian Stage is of early middle Eocene age when viewed in the context of planktonic microfossil correlations. Similarly, in the light of planktonic correlations, the Narizian Bulimina corrugata Zone of the Santa Barbara Embayment is equivalent in part to the Amphimorphina californica Zone of the San Diego Basin. Time-transgression of the California Paleogene benthonic foraminiferal stages is a reality. Furthermore, the views expressed in Steineck and Gibson (1971) are supported in the studies of Bukry and Kennedy (1969), Schmidt (1970 Schmidt (1971), and Brabb and others (1971).
Global Policy and the Future of the United Nations

This article examines the systemic constraints and opportunities confronting the United Nations, specifically as an instrument for making and implementing `global policy', in an era in which univer...
ACG Clinical Guideline: The Diagnosis and Management of Focal Liver Lesions

Focal liver lesions (FLL) have been a common reason for consultation faced by gastroenterologists and hepatologists. The increasing and widespread use of imaging studies has led to an increase in detection of incidental FLL. It is important to consider not only malignant liver lesions, but also benign solid and cystic liver lesions such as hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, hepatocellular adenoma, and hepatic cysts, in the differential diagnosis. In this ACG practice guideline, the authors provide an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of FLL.
Temporal coordination during bimanual reach-to-grasp movements: The role of vision

The performance of bimanual movements involving separate objects presents an obvious challenge to the visuo-motor system: Visual feedback can only be obtained from one target at a time. To overcome this challenge overt shifts in visual attention may occur so that visual feedback from both movements may be used directly (Bingham, Hughes, & Mon-Williams, 2008; Riek, Tresilian, Mon-Williams, Coppard, & Carson, 2003). Alternatively, visual feedback from both movements may be obtained in the absence of eye movements, presumably by covert shifts in attention (Diedrichsen, Nambisan, Kennerley, & Ivry, 2004). Given that the quality of information falls with increasing distance from the fixated point, can we obtain the level of information required to accurately guide each hand for precision grasping of separate objects without moving our eyes to fixate each target separately? The purpose of the current study was to examine how the temporal coordination between the upper limbs is affected by the quality of visual ...
Building an Effective Visual Codebook: Is K-Means Clustering Useful?

In this paper we examine the effectiveness of using k-means clustering to build a codebook for image classification. Our findings suggest that k-means clustering does not result in a better codebook than a random sampling of training features. An alternative strategy that uses k-means to cluster features, then ultimately selects a feature from each cluster, also fails to significantly outperform random sampling. We present data in support of our claims, gathered using the training set for the PASCAL Visual Object Classes Challenge. Additionally, we provide a theoretical justification for our findings.
Watchful waiting: role of disease progression on uncertainty and depressive symptoms in patients with chronic Hepatitis C

SUMMARY. Background and Aims: New therapies for HCV are rapidly emerging and providers are advising select patients to defer treatment and elect ‘watchful waiting’. During the watchful waiting period, patients have been shown to have high rates of illness uncertainty and depression. We sought to answer the question of whether reassuring histological data (showing minimal fibrosis or no fibrosis progression over time) is associated with less illness uncertainty and depressive symptoms. Methods: This was a single-centre outpatient prospective cohort study to determine whether stage of fibrosis, fibrosis progression and reasons for treatment deferral were related to illness uncertainty and depressive symptoms in patients following watchful waiting. Results: Illness uncertainty was significantly related to depressive symptoms (r = 0.49, P < 0.01). More than half of the participants (54%) had moderate levels of uncertainty. About 40% of the participants were at risk for clinical depression (21.7% at mild to moderate risk and 18.5% at high risk). Treatment naive subjects had lower mean scores on both the CES-D (depressive symptoms measure) and the MUIS-A (illness uncertainty measure) total score, MUIS-A Ambiguity subscale and MUIS-A Inconsistency subscale than subjects who failed treatment or were interferon intolerant or ineligible. Surprisingly, liver fibrosis stage and progression were not significantly associated with overall illness uncertainty or depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Patients with chronic hepatitis C on watchful waiting are at high risk for significant illness uncertainty and depressive symptoms. Reassuring histological data does not seem to correlate with less uncertainty or depressive symptoms.
Effects of home-based sensory and motor amplitude electrical stimulation on arm dysfunction in chronic stroke

Objective: To examine the effects of a home-based arm exercise programme of sensory and motor amplitude electrical stimulation.Design: Non-concurrent, multiple-baseline, single-subject design.Subjects: Ten adults with chronic arm hemiparesis following stroke. Subjects ranged in age from 38 to 74 years and were 2-16 years post stroke. Three subjects had right-sided involvement; seven had left.Intervention: Subjects completed an eight-week, individualized, home programme of neuromuscular and sensory amplitude electrical stimulation. All subjects engaged in stimulation-assisted task-specific exercises for 15 minutes 2 -3 times daily. Participants with sensory deficits received an additional 15 minutes of sensory amplitude stimulation twice daily. The Action Research Arm Test was used to examine arm function; the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement was used to examine movement quality; and the Modified Ashworth Assessment of Spasticity was used to examine muscle tone.Results: A statistically signific...
Waiting time in a combined first-come-first-served and shortest-time-first queue

Abstract In this paper, we study the regular M/G/1 queue with a combination of FCFS and STF queueing disciplines. The advantage of this combined discipline is the reduction of mean waiting time. Customers are divided into two groups: an FCFS group and an STF group. Customers are first put into FCFS group and are then moved into STF group. An embedded Markov chain is formulated at the times when the STF group is empty. Results are compared with regular M/G/1 queues of FCFS. Scope and purpose First-come-first-served (FCFS) queueing discipline probably is the most commonly used rule in queueing systems. To reduce the mean waiting time, shortest-time-first (STF) rule may be considered, but the disadvantage associated with STF is the long waiting time for customers with long service times. In this paper, we attempt to balance these two queueing disciplines, hoping to achieve better system performance. The impact of the combined queueing disciplines is investigated and compared with FCFS.
Novel nano-biosensors for life science systems and their applications in early, accurate, and non-invasive melanoma and other types of cancer detection

Melanoma (the 5th and 6th most common cancer in Caucasian males and females, respectively), is the most severe form of skin cancer, which is often fatal if recognized in its advanced stage. Melanoma is the tumor that originates from melanocytes (the cells that make the pigment melanin), and may develop from a nevus (commonly named "mole"). Clinically, it is very difficult to correctly differentiate nevi with atypical features or dysplastic nevi, and nevi of special sites from melanoma. Clearly, new, more powerful, less invasive, time consuming and expensive tools are needed for an early and accurate detection of melanoma. In order to address this need, we propose a development of a new set of tools, namely, carbon-nanotube-based biosensors for the early and accurate detection of melanoma. Once successful, we will modify and apply this new technology to early and accurately detect other types of cancer.
A low power switching power supply for self-clocked systems

This paper presents a digital power supply controller for variable frequency and voltage circuits. By using a ring oscillator as a method of predicting circuit performance, the regulated voltage is set to the minimum required to operate at a reference frequency which maximizes energy efficiency. Our initial test silicon, implemented with a fixed frequency controller is analyzed and reveals that the controller's power consumption is a major limitation for such a design. To make the controller power dissipation scale with the CV/sup 2/f power of the load, we introduce a new architecture with variable frequency control, which allows the controller's supply and frequency to scale along with the load device.
Effect of Non-linear Deep Architecture in Sequence Labeling

If we compare the widely used Conditional Random Fields (CRF) with newly proposed “deep architecture” sequence models (Collobert et al., 2011), there are two things changing: from linear architecture to non-linear, and from discrete feature representation to distributional. It is unclear, however, what utility nonlinearity offers in conventional featurebased models. In this study, we show the close connection between CRF and “sequence model” neural nets, and present an empirical investigation to compare their performance on two sequence labeling tasks ‐ Named Entity Recognition and Syntactic Chunking. Our results suggest that non-linear models are highly effective in low-dimensional distributional spaces. Somewhat surprisingly, we find that a nonlinear architecture offers no benefits in a high-dimensional discrete feature space.
The Current State of Software Engineering Masters Degree Programs

A broad coalition of professionals from academia, industry, and government, under sponsorship of the US Department of Defense, is building a new model curriculum for a Masters Degree in Software Engineering (SwE). Before beginning to create such a model, a study of 28 programs was completed to determine the current state of SwE masters-level education in the US and abroad.
Bacterial Counts Associated with the Chilling of Fryer Chickens

Abstract IN ORDER to obtain market poultry of good quality and long shelf-life, the bacterial population on the birds after processing should be as low as possible (Ayres et al., 1950). Good sanitary practices in commercial processing plants have accomplished much toward maintaining high quality during storage. Each step in the dressing and eviscerating operation has been evaluated to determine its effect on the bacterial load (Walker and Ayres, 1956; Drewniak et al., 1954; Gunderson et al., 1954; and May, 1961). With the advent of new processing techniques, bacterial levels may be affected. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of several chilling procedures on the numbers of bacteria on chilled poultry. PROCEDURE The experiments were carried out in two poultry processing plants (designated A and B) located in Delaware. In each plant, both standard chill tanks and a commercial continuous chiller were tested. In the standard tank …