cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cilia-like Structures and Polycystin-1 in Osteoblasts/Osteocytes and Associated Abnormalities in Skeletogenesis and Runx2 Expression

We examined the osteoblast/osteocyte expression and function of polycystin-1 (PC1), a transmembrane protein that is a component of the polycystin-2 (PC2)-ciliary mechano-sensor complex in renal epithelial cells. We found that MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and MLO-Y4 osteocytes express transcripts for PC1, PC2, and the ciliary proteins Tg737 and Kif3a. Immunohistochemical analysis detected cilia-like structures in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic and MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cell lines as well as primary osteocytes and osteoblasts from calvaria. Pkd1m1Bei mice have inactivating missense mutations of Pkd1 gene that encode PC1. Pkd1m1Bei homozygous mutant mice demonstrated delayed endochondral and intramembranous bone formation, whereas heterozygous Pkd1m1Bei mutant mice had osteopenia caused by reduced osteoblastic function. Heterozygous and homozygous Pkd1m1Bei mutant mice displayed a gene dose-dependent decrease in the expression of Runx2 and osteoblast-related genes. In addition, overexpression of constitutively active PC1 C-terminal constructs in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts resulted in an increase in Runx2 P1 promoter activity and endogenous Runx2 expression as well as an increase in osteoblast differentiation markers. Conversely, osteoblasts derived from Pkd1m1Bei homozygous mutant mice had significant reductions in endogenous Runx2 expression, osteoblastic markers, and differentiation capacity ex vivo. Co-expression of constitutively active PC1 C-terminal construct into Pkd1m1Bei homozygous osteoblasts was sufficient to normalize Runx2 P1 promoter activity. These findings are consistent with a possible functional role of cilia and PC1 in anabolic signaling in osteoblasts/osteocytes.
Correlation between substrate and gate currents in MOSFET's

A correlation between substrate and gate currents in MOSFET's is described and analyzed. Both of these currents are the result of hot-electron mechanisms. Theory for these mechanisms has been applied to derive an expression for gate current in terms of substrate current and parameters that can be calculated from processing data and bias conditions. The theory is successfully applied to a series of n-channel MOSFET's with a range of geometries and bias values.
Functional Similarity at Varying Levels of Abstraction

Function modeling is often used in the conceptual design phase as an approach to capture a form-independent purpose of a product. Current research efforts have focused on the formalization of functional models, development of function-based design repositories, and concept generation based on a quantitative functional similarity metric. In this paper, three levels of abstraction of function models are obtained by including supporting functions, excluding supporting functions, and applying abstraction rules to function models of 128 products in a design repository. The similarity of these products is computed using the Functional Basis controlled vocabulary and a matrix-based similarity metric. A matrix-based clustering algorithm is then applied to the similarity results to identify groups of similar products. A subset of these products is then studied to further compare the three levels of abstraction and to validate the results. Similarity between consumer products depends on the level of abstraction of the models, with higher levels of abstraction producing better results.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Cognitive Claims-Making, Enclosure, and the Depoliticization of Social Problems*

One of the most important contributions of recent social problems theory is the insight that social problems are inherently political phenomena. Existing scholarship on this characteristic has not dealt systematically with (1) the degree of overt politicality of social issues, or (2) the dynamic element of this politicality. This paper first reviews recent literature in the “medicalization of deviant behavior,” and sugests that this literature illustrates how the political element of social problem phenomena can be suppressed and replaced with a seemingly apolitical and technical perspective. Then it is proposed that interpretive social problems theory might deal more adequately with this pattern by incorporating a continuum ranging from “open” to “closed” social problems and analyzing the dynamics of social problem “enclosure,” and that certain sorts of claims—cognitive as opposed to normative—are especially conducive to the depoliticization and enclosure of social problems.
MORPHOLOGY OF RIGOR-SHORTENED BOVINE MUSCLE AND THE EFFECT OF TRYPSIN ON PRE- AND POSTRIGOR MYOFIBRILS

Bovine semitendinosus muscles were sampled immediately after death, after 24 hr postmortem with storage at 2°, 16°, or 37°C, and after 312 hr postmortem with storage at 2° and 16°C. A biopsy technique was used to prevent shortening during glutaraldehyde fixation. Postfixation in osmium tetroxide was followed by embedding in an Epon-Araldite mixture. Bovine muscle was supercontracted after 24 hr storage at 27deg; but was only slightly contracted after storage at 16° for 24 hr. Muscle held at 37° for 24 hr was slightly less supercontracted than the 2° muscle. Striking similarities existed between muscles stored at 16° and at 2°C for 312 hr. Both were slightly shortened with narrowed I bands and an area of increased density, probably due to overlap of thin filaments in the middle of the A band. Postmortem shortening was accompanied by banding-pattern changes similar to those predicted for contracting muscle by Huxley and Hanson's sliding filament model. Treatment of myofibrils with 0.05% trypsin resulted in a rapid loss of Z lines and, in supercontracted myofibrils, caused a return of the banding pattern of resting muscle.
'Core knowledges': a dissociation between spatiotemporal knowledge and contact-mechanics in a non-human primate?

Human toddlers demonstrate striking failures when searching for hidden objects that interact with other objects, yet successfully locate hidden objects that do not undergo mechanical interactions. This pattern hints at a developmental dissociation between contact-mechanical and spatiotemporal knowledge. Recent studies suggest that adult non-human primates may exhibit a similar dissociation. Here, I provide the first direct test of this dissociation using a search paradigm with adult rhesus monkeys. Subjects watched as a plum rolled behind one of two opaque barriers. In Experiment 1, subjects had to locate the plum based on the position of a wall that blocked the plum’s trajectory. Subjects searched incorrectly, apparently neglecting information about the location of the wall. However, subjects searched correctly in Experiments 2‐4 when they were given spatiotemporal information about the plum’s movement. Results indicate that adult monkeys use spatiotemporal information, but not contact-mechanical information, to locate hidden objects. This dissociation between contact-mechanical and spatiotemporal knowledge is discussed in light of developmental theories of core knowledge and the literature on object-based attention in human adults.
A Gene(s) for All-trans-Retinoic Acid-Induced Forelimb Defects Mapped and Confirmed to Murine Chromosome 11

All-trans-retinoic acid (RA) induces various anatomical limb dysmorphologies in mice dependent on the time of exposure. During early limb development, RA induces forelimb ectrodactyly (digital absence) with varying susceptibilities for different inbred mouse strains; C57BL/6N are highly susceptible while SWV are resistant. To isolate the genetic basis of this defect, a full-genome scan was performed in 406 backcross fetuses of F1 males to C57BL/6N females. Fetuses were exposed via a maternal injection of 75 mg of RA per kilogram of body weight on gestational day 9.25. The genome-wide analysis revealed significant linkage to a chromosome 11 locus near D11Mit39 with a maximum LOD score of 9.0 and to a chromosome 4 locus near D4Mit170. An epistatic interaction was detected between loci on chromosome 11 (D11Mit39) and chromosome 18 (D18Mit64). Linkage to the chromosome 11 locus (D11Mit39) was confirmed in RA-treated backcross fetuses of F1 females to C57BL/6N males. Loci associated with bone density/mass in both human and mouse were previously detected in the same region, suggesting a mechanistic linkage with bone homeostasis. The human syntenic region of this locus has been previously linked to Meckel syndrome; the phenotype includes postaxial polydactyly, an ectopic digital defect hypothesized to be induced by a common molecular pathway with ectrodactyly.
The Flying Brick: A Cautionary Note on Testing Flying Robots Using Guide Wires

A simple experiment demonstrates that an average vertical force can be produced by a small vibrator motor attached to a frame constrained to slide vertically on guide wires. The vertical force produced is sufficient to make the sliding element hover, similarly to a biologically inspired robotic insect. We show that this effect depends on the natural resonance frequency of the guide wires and the nature of the mechanical coupling between wires and sliding element. Based on the result of this experiment, we recommend that a control experiment should be performed in order to reach unambiguous conclusions concerning the actual flying capabilities of robotic insects tested using this kind of methodology.
Tunable surface acoustic wave oscillators using magnetostrictive thin films

RF sputtered thin films of nickel deposited on YZ-LiNbO 3 have been used for magnetically tunable oscillators and delay lines. Velocity variations Δv/v of 7 × 10-at 189 MHz were observed at magnetic fields of 110 Oe, a significant improvement over similar thermally evaporated films. Detailed experimental results are given for both variable delay lines and tunable oscillators.
Quantifying the impact of mosquitoes on quality of life and enjoyment of yard and porch activities in New Jersey.

The recent expansion of Aedes albopictus, a day-biting mosquito, to densely inhabited areas in the northeastern Atlantic states of the USA has dramatically increased the problem that mosquitoes create for urban and suburban residents. We quantified the impact of mosquitoes on residents’ quality of life within the context of a comprehensive area-wide integrated pest management program to control Ae. albopictus in two counties (Mercer and Monmouth) in New Jersey. We interviewed residents of 121 randomly selected households in both counties between October and November 2010. We asked residents about their experience with mosquitoes in their neighborhood and the importance of the ability to relax outdoors without mosquitoes compared to other neighborhood characteristics (1=not important, 5=extremely important). We rated residents’ utility based on paired comparisons to known states from the EuroQol health description system. The majority (54.6%) of respondents considered mosquitoes to be a problem. Respondents reported an average of 7.1 mosquito bites in a typical week during that summer. Mosquitoes prevented 59.5% of residents from enjoying their outdoor activities at least to some extent. Residents rated the mosquito acceptability (mean 6 standard deviation) during that summer on a scale of 0 (mosquito invasion) to 100 (no mosquitoes) at 56.7628.7, and their overall utility at 0.8760.03. This is comparable to living with up to two risk factors for diabetes (i.e., abdominal obesity, body mass index of 28 or more, reported cholesterol problems, diagnosis of hypertension, or history of cardiovascular disease) or women experiencing menstrual disorders. Respondents rated the importance of enjoying outdoor activities without mosquitoes (4.6960.80) comparable to that of neighborhood safety (4.7460.80) and higher than that of a clean neighborhood (4.5960.94). In conclusion, New Jersey residents reported that mosquitoes decreased their utility by 0.13, comparable to the loss from worrisome health risk factors, underscoring the importance of controlling this problem.
Spatial Dynamics of Multistage Cell Lineages in Tissue Stratification

In developing and self-renewing tissues, terminally differentiated (TD) cell types are typically specified through the actions of multistage cell lineages. Such lineages commonly include a stem cell and multiple progenitor (transit-amplifying) cell stages, which ultimately give rise to TD cells. As the tissue reaches a tightly controlled steady-state size, cells at different lineage stages assume distinct spatial locations within the tissue. Although tissue stratification appears to be genetically specified, the underlying mechanisms that direct tissue lamination are not yet completely understood. Herein, we use modeling and simulations to explore several potential mechanisms that can be utilized to create stratification during developmental or regenerative growth in general systems and in the model system, the olfactory epithelium of mouse. Our results show that tissue stratification can be generated and maintained through controlling spatial distribution of diffusive signaling molecules that regulate the proliferation of each cell type within the lineage. The ability of feedback molecules to stratify a tissue is dependent on a low TD death rate: high death rates decrease tissue lamination. Regulation of the cell cycle lengths of stem cells by feedback signals can lead to transient accumulation of stem cells near the base and apex of tissue.
A 19.4 dBm, Q-Band Class-E Power Amplifier in a 0.12 $\mu {\rm m}$ SiGe BiCMOS Process

A Q-band, Class-E power amplifier has been designed and fabricated in a 0.12 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The amplifier was designed for high output power using on-chip power combining networks. It operates respectively from a 1.2 V supply for peak efficiency and a 2.4 V supply for maximum power and occupies an area of 0.801 mm2. A peak PAE of 18% is measured for an output power of 11.3 dBm at 45 GHz and a maximum P sat of 19.4 dBm is measured at 42 GHz with a PAE of 14.4%. The power amplifier operates from 42 to 50 GHz.
Lymphopenia and its association with survival in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

Objective To evaluate the association between lymphopenia and survival in women with cervical cancer treated with primary chemoradiation.
Fournier Gangrene as a Manifestation of Undiagnosed Metastatic Perforated Colorectal Cancer

Abstract Fournier gangrene is a necrotizing soft tissue infection involving the perineum. We present a case of Fournier gangrene as the clinical presentation of perforated metastatic rectal cancer. The patient is a 78-year-old man in a nursing home who presented to our institution with necrosis and ischemia of the scrotum. After wide debridement of necrotic tissue and bilateral orchiectomy, computed tomography was carried out to investigate abnormal findings seen on his chest X-ray, which revealed multiple pulmonary metastases as well as a mass highly suspicious for a perforated rectal mass. Once stable, a diverting colostomy and biopsies of the rectal mass were performed, confirming the presence of a metastatic, poorly differentiated rectal adenocarcinoma. Albeit an unusual etiology of Fournier gangrene, this case highlights the rare but important causes of this deadly condition and teaches us to be cognizant of the variations in the presentation of colorectal cancer.
A Fluid Background Traffic Model

Background traffic has a significant impact on the behavior of network services and protocols. However, a detailed model of the background traffic can be extremely time consuming in simulation. In this paper, we extend our previous hybrid model that combines fluid and packet-oriented characterization of network traffic for a realistic representation of the background traffic on Internet. In particular, we get rid of some unrealistic assumptions in the hybrid model, by adding an acknowledgment scheme to correctly capture the mutual influence of fluid TCP flows on network queues, and by applying the Poisson Pareto Burst Process (PPBP) model to describe the long-range dependencies of the Internet traffic. Experiments show that our fluid background traffic model can capture similar level of realism as the traditional packet-oriented approach.
Role of Rho kinase in sphingosine 1-phosphate-mediated endothelial and smooth muscle cell migration and differentiation

The role of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)-induced Rho kinase (ROCK) activation in the angiogenic responses of pulmonary artery-derived endothelial cells (PAEC) and smooth muscle cells (PASMC) was examined. S1P, a biologically active phospholipid that regulates angiogenesis, promoted PAEC chemotaxis and capillary morphogenesis; furthermore, this activity was unaltered by pretreatment with the pharmacological inhibitor of ROCK, H1152. In contrast, S1P (500 nM) significantly inhibited spontaneous PASMC chemotaxis and differentiation; however, this inhibition was eradicated upon H1152 pretreatment. Similarly, PASMCs transfected with ROCK II siRNA diminished S1P-induced inhibition of the development of multi-cellular structures. Analysis by RT-PCR identified the presence of S1P1 and S1P3 receptors on both PAECs and PASMCs, while S1P2 receptor expression was confined to only PASMCs. Consistent with this observation, the S1P1 and S1P3 receptor antagonist, VPC23019, virtually abolished the S1P-initiated PAEC differentiation but did not impede the S1P-induced inhibition of PASMC differentiation. However, the S1P2 receptor antagonist, JTE013, had no effect on S1P-mediated differentiation of PAECs but abolished the S1P-induced inhibition of PASMC function. Co-cultured endothelial and smooth muscle cells differentiated into “neovascular-like” networks, which were significantly inhibited by S1P. The inhibition of co-culture differentiation in both PAECs and PASMCs was negated by H1152 pretreatment. However, when smooth muscle cells were added to S1P-initiated endothelial cell networks, additional S1P treatment did not inhibit the cellular networks generated by these cells. In conclusion, S1P-induced PAEC angiogenic responses are regulated by S1P1 and/or S1P3 receptors independent of Rho kinase activation, whereas S1P2 receptor-mediated curtailment of PASMC function by S1P.
Susceptibility and Tolerance of Spotted Seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus, and Red Snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, to Experimental Infections with Amyloodinium ocellatum

abstract: Amyloodinium ocellatum is a parasitic dinoflagellate that infects warm-water marine and estuarine fishes and causes mortalities in aquaculture. Its life cycle consists of 3 stages: a feeding trophont that parasitizes the gills and skin where it interferes with gas exchange, osmoregulation, and tissue integrity; a detached reproductive tomont; and a free-swimming infective dinospore. We compared the susceptibility and tolerance of juvenile spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus, and red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, to this parasite by individually exposing fish in 3-L aquaria (at 25 C and 33 practical salinity units) to several dinospore doses over different time periods and quantified the size and number of resulting trophonts. We estimated the trophont detachment rate and trophont size at detachment, the 24-hr dinospore infection rate, the dinospore 48-hr median lethal dose (LD50), and the trophont lethal load at the 48-hr LD50. There were no significant differences in dinospore infection rat...
Intravenous butyrylcholinesterase administration and plasma and brain levels of cocaine and metabolites in rats

Butyrylcholinesterase is a major cocaine-metabolizing enzyme in humans and other primates, catalyzing hydrolysis to ecgonine methylester. Increasing butyrylcholinesterase activity may be a treatment for cocaine addiction. We evaluated the effect of 30-min pretreatment with horse-derived butyrylcholinesterase (5-15,000 U i.v.) or with the selective butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor cymserine (10 mg/kg i.v.) on the metabolism of cocaine (17 mg/kg i.p.) in anesthetized rats. Venous blood samples were collected for two hours after cocaine administration and later assayed for cocaine and metabolites by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Whole brains were collected after the last blood sample and similarly assayed. Butyrylcholinesterase significantly increased plasma and brain ecgonine methylester levels and decreased cocaine plasma half-life from 26.2 min (saline) to 16.4 min (15,000 U). Butyrylcholinesterase had no significant effect on plasma or brain cocaine or benzoylecgonine levels. Cymserine had no effect on any variable. These findings suggest that butyrylcholinesterase treatment may have benefits in enhancing cocaine metabolism and in increasing levels of ecgonine methylester, which may have a protective action against cocaine.
Wireless Space Plug-and-Play Architecture (SPA-Z)

Space Plug-and-Play Architecture (SPA), defined by the Air Force Research Laboratory, is a new standard for spacecraft component interconnections (AIAA-S-133-x-2013) providing new capability for managing intelligent components. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) based on the IEEE 802.15.4 Personal Area Network standard are finding increasing use in the home automation and emerging smart energy markets. The network protocol and application layers can be based on the ZigBee standard as defined by the ZigBee Alliance, providing a framework for component-based software that supports solutions from multiple vendors. SPA and ZigBee create self-configuring ad-hoc networks, but differ in their approach. SPA focuses on self-configuring components using wired interconnects while ZigBee forms self-configuring wireless networks. The optimal combination of SPA with ZigBee technology can bring the advantages of both methods to next-generation spacecraft by using self-configuring wireless networks for data and intelligent components with universal SPA-compliant interfaces. Mesh-enabled WSNs provide inherent fault tolerance and SPA provides dynamic fault management leading to low-power, low-cost ancillary sensing solutions for spacecraft.1
Design and performance of a low noise, 128-channel ASIC preamplifier for readout of active matrix flat-panel imaging arrays

Abstract Design architecture and performance measurements of a low noise, 128-channel application-specific-integrated-circuit (ASIC) preamplifier are reported. The ASIC was designed for readout of active matrix flat-panel imager (AMFPI) arrays. Such arrays, which presently can be made as large as 41 cm×41 cm and with pixel-to-pixel pitches down to ∼70 μm, require large numbers of low noise, high density, custom integrated readout circuits. The design of this new chip is specifically tailored for research and development of active matrix flat-panel arrays for various medical imaging applications. The design architecture includes the following features: (1) Programmable signal gain which allows acquisition of a wide range of signal sizes from various array designs so as to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio; (2) Correlated double sampling (CDS) which significantly reduces certain noise components; (3) Pipelined readout (simultaneously sampling and multiplexing signals) which reduces image acquisition time; (4) Programmable bandwidth controls which balance noise and acquisition speed; and (5) Two selectable modes of output multiplexing (64:1, 16:1) for slow or fast readout. In this paper, detailed measurements of various performance parameters are presented. These measurements include noise characteristics, the relationship between bandwidth and noise, signal response linearity, channel-to-channel and pipeline cross-talk, signal gain and gain variation across channels, and the effect of sampling methods on noise. These characterizations indicate that the performance of the ASIC has achieved the original design goals.
The Performance Technologist's Library PIQ's Book Review Column

Performance Intervention Maps. 2001. Ethan S. Sanders and Sivasailam “Thiagi” Thiagarajan. Published by the American Society for Training and Development and the International Society for Performance Improvement; 281 pages; ISBN 1–562862–93–6.
Enabling the molecular medicine revolution through network-centric biomedicine

To deliver on the promise of next generation treatment and prevention strategies in cancer, we must address its multiple dimensions. The full complement of the diverse fields of modern biomedicine are engaged in the assault on this complexity. These disciplines are armed with the latest tools of technology, generating mountains of data. Each surpasses the next in their unprecedented and novel view of the fundamental nature of cancer. Each contributes a vital thread of insight. Information technology provides a promising loom on which the threads of insight can be woven.
The molecular genetics of pancreatic ductal carcinoma: a review.

Abstract In the last several years, numerous advances in the field of molecular genetics have been applied to pancreatic ductal carcinoma– the 5th leading cause of cancer death in the United States. This review summaries the current knowledge about adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.
Selection of Quantum Dot Wavelengths for Biomedical Assays and Imaging

Fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots [QDs]) are hypothesized to be excellent contrast agents for biomedical assays and imaging. A unique property of QDs is that their absorbance increases with increasing separation between excitation and emission wavelengths. Much of the enthusiasm for using QDs in vivo stems from this property, since photon yield should be proportional to the integral of the broadband absorption. In this study, we demonstrate that tissue scatter and absorbance can sometimes offset increasing QD absorption at bluer wavelengths, and counteract this potential advantage. By using a previously validated mathematical model, we explored the effects of tissue absorbance, tissue scatter, wavelength dependence of the scatter, water-to-hemoglobin ratio, and tissue thickness on QD performance. We conclude that when embedded in biological fluids and tissues, QD excitation wavelengths will often be quite constrained, and that excitation and emission wavelengths should be selected carefully based on the particular application. Based on our results, we produced near-infrared QDs optimized for imaging surface vasculature with white light excitation and a silicon CCD camera, and used them to image the coronary vasculature in vivo. Taken together, our data should prove useful in designing fluorescent QD contrast agents optimized for specific biomedical applications.
A maternal Ahr null genotype sensitizes embryos to chemical teratogenesis

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (encoded by the Ahr locus) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the toxicology and teratology of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin). In an effort to understand the role of the maternal compartment in dioxin teratology, we designed a breeding strategy that allowed us to compare the teratogenic response in embryos from Ahr(-/-) (null) and Ahr(+/+) (wild-type) dams. Using this strategy, we demonstrate that embryos from the Ahr(-/-) dams are 5-fold more sensitive to dioxin-induced cleft palate and hydronephrosis as compared with embryos from an Ahr(+/+) dam. Moreover, this increased teratogenic sensitivity extends beyond dioxin, because embryos from Ahr(-/-) dams exhibited a 9-fold increase in their sensitivity to the fetotoxic effects of the glucocorticoid, dexamethasone. In searching for an explanation for this increased sensitivity, we found that more dioxin and dexamethasone reached the embryos from Ahr(-/-) dams as compared with embryos from Ahr(+/+) dams. We propose that increased deposition of teratogens/fetotoxicants to the embryonic compartment is the result of porto-systemic shunting and/or blocked P4501A induction in Ahr(-/-) dams. In addition to demonstrating the importance of maternal AHR in teratogenesis, these data may have implications that reach beyond the mechanism of action of dioxin. In this regard, the Ahr(-/-) mouse may provide a system that allows pharmacological agents and toxicants to be more easily studied in a model where first pass clearance is a significant obstacle.
The percentage of bacterial genes on leading versus lagging strands is influenced by multiple balancing forces

The majority of bacterial genes are located on the leading strand, and the percentage of such genes has a large variation across different bacteria. Although some explanations have been proposed, these are at most partial explanations as they cover only small percentages of the genes and do not even consider the ones biased toward the lagging strand. We have carried out a computational study on 725 bacterial genomes, aiming to elucidate other factors that may have influenced the strand location of genes in a bacterium. Our analyses suggest that (i) genes of some functional categories such as ribosome have higher preferences to be on the leading strands; (ii) genes of some functional categories such as transcription factor have higher preferences on the lagging strands; (iii) there is a balancing force that tends to keep genes from all moving to the leading and more efficient strand and (iv) the percentage of leading-strand genes in an bacterium can be accurately explained based on the numbers of genes in the functional categories outlined in (i) and (ii), genome size and gene density, indicating that these numbers implicitly contain the information about the percentage of genes on the leading versus lagging strand in a genome.
Radiation or surgery for chemodectoma of the temporal bone: A review of local control and complications

For a presentation to the American College of Surgeons in November 1988, we reviewed the literature concerning primary management of glomus tympanicum and jugulare tumors. From the published series, we examined the local control and treatment-related morbidity for three therapeutic approaches: surgery alone, radiation before or after surgery, and radiation alone. The local control rates were similar, 86%, 90%, and 93%, respectively. Among the surgical series reporting complications, new cranial nerve deficits were common, especially with advanced lesions. Serious sequelae from radiation therapy were rare (2% to 3%). We feel radiation therapy should be considered as primary treatment for glomus jugulare.
Family-Focused Interventions to Prevent Juvenile Delinquency

Research Summary Several criminological theories prioritize the role of the family in influencing juvenile delinquency, and both observational studies (Derzon, ; Hoeve et al., ; Steinberg, ) and experimental evaluations of family-focused interventions (Farrington and Welsh, ; Sandler, Schoenfelder, Wolchik, and MacKinnon, ) have demonstrated that parenting practices affect the degree to which children and adolescents will engage in substance use, delinquency, and/or violence. Moreover, research regarding the ability of family-focused interventions to reduce offending when implemented in "real-world" conditions is mounting. Policy Implications Scientific experiments are increasingly being used to identify why, for whom, and under what conditions treatments are most effective, information that Sampson, Winship, and Knight () in the main article of this special issue emphasize is needed to provide assurances that programs will work when replicated in communities. Based on this evidence, should criminologists advocate for policies and practices intended to increase the dissemination of effective family-based programs? This essay contends that there is sufficient evidence to do so. To ensure that such policies produce desired reductions in juvenile delinquency, however, criminologists also must reach consensus on the evidentiary standards needed to identify "what works," advocate for increased attention to implementation fidelity during program replication, and increase support for preventive interventions among policy makers and the public. KEYWORDS: JUvenile delinquency; Juvenile justice Language: en
Signal estimation with a noisy saturating sensor

Summary form only given. Many biological and man-made sensors saturate outside a relatively narrow range of input signal values. Although such sensors are clearly nonlinear, they often exhibit nearly linear response within their range of high sensitivity. The problem considered in this work is estimating a signal using noisy measurements from such a sensor. The sensor considered has a high-gain (or low noise) central measurement region surrounded by low-gain (or high noise) regions. Three Kalman filter-based estimation schemes that rely on the general signal, sensor, and a particular estimator model are discussed. >
Transbronchial needle aspiration: guidance with CT fluoroscopy.

Background: Bronchoscopy with transbronchial needleaspiration (TBNA) is valuable to diagnose lesions in the mediastinumand lung, but conventional fluoroscopic guidance may be suboptimal. Wedescribe the use of CT fluoroscopy to provide real-time, transaxial, TBNA localization, thus facilitating biopsy. Methods: Patients were selected because of prior unsuccessful bronchoscopy oranticipated difficulty owing to small size or inaccessibility of thelesion. CT fluoroscopy consists of a spiral CT scanner adapted using arapid-reconstruction algorithm and hardware that permits real-timein-room imaging. The bronchoscope was inserted on the CT scanner, whichwas used to guide TBNA instruments into the target lesion. Results: Of 27 patients who underwent TBNA with CTfluoroscopic assistance, 15 had mediastinal nodes, and 12 had lungnodules or focal infiltrates. Mean lesion size was 1.7 cm in themediastinum, 2.2 cm in the lung. A correct diagnosis was established in10 of 12 mediastinal lesions (83%) for which follow-up was availableand in 8 lung lesions (67%). Diagnoses included small cell andnon-small cell lung cancer and invasive aspergillosis. False-negativeresults were caused by sampling errors or inability to reach the lesionas documented by CT fluoroscopy. Postprocedure CT fluoroscopy revealedno complications. Conclusion: CT fluoroscopy provideseffective, real-time guidance for TBNA and may be particularly valuablein patients with small or less accessible mediastinal or lunglesions.
Extraordinary Ordinariness: Realism Now and Then

Critics have often assumed that realism betrays its dedication to ordinary reality when it takes on lots of narrative and political excitement, but this article argues that realism works best when it combines humdrum routine with narrative shock. Levine claims that the nineteenth-century novel invented a paradoxical realist technique that has been adopted by contemporary serial television, which she calls “the shock of the banal.” Representing daily routines in ways that render them unfamiliar, funny, or strange, realist fictions strive to make ordinary experience feel extraordinary. This essay explores the formal, historical, and political implications of “the shock of the banal” in Adam Bede, Bleak House, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and their echoes in The Sopranos, Mad Men, and The Wire.
On cross-language image annotations

Automatic annotation of digital pictures is a key technology for managing and retrieving images from large image collections. Typical algorithms only deal with the problem of monolingual image annotation. In this paper, we propose a framework to deal with the problem of multilingual image annotation, which can annotate images in multiple languages. The framework can not only benefit users with different native languages, but also provide more accurate annotations. In this framework, image annotation is performed in two stages, including parallel monolingual image annotation and the fusion of annotation results in multiple languages. In the first stage, candidate annotations for each language are extracted by leveraging multilingual large scale web image database. Due to the incompleteness and inaccuracy problem of candidate annotations, we proposed a multilingual annotation fusion algorithm (MAF). By modeling candidate annotations for each language as an n-partite graph, MAF algorithm can improve and re-rank multilingual annotations. Finally, annotations with the highest ranking values in each language are selected and translated as the result. Experimental results for English-Chinese image annotations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Signal Transduction of PACAP and GLP‐1 in Pancreatic β Cellsa

PACAP and GLP-1 depolarize pancreatic β cells and stimulate insulin secretion in the presence of glucose. Depolarization occurs through at least two distinct mechanisms: (1) closure of ATP-sensitive K+ channels, and (2) activation of nonselective cation channels (NSCCs). Under physiological conditions the NSCCs carry a predominantly Na+-dependent current. The current may also have a Ca2+ component, but this remains to be determined. Acting together, these two signaling systems reinforce each other and serve to promote membrane depolarization, a rise of [Ca2+]i, and exocytosis of insulin-containing secretory granules. The NSCCs in β cells are dually regulated by intracellular cAMP and [Ca2+]i.13 In view of this dual regulation, it appears likely that NSCC channel activation results from signaling events occurring not only at the plasma membrane (gating of channels by cAMP; protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation of channels) but also at intracellular sites (mobilization of calcium stores by an as yet to be determined process). It is noteworthy that activation of NSCCs has also been reported following stimulation of β-cells with maitotoxin, or after depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores.43 Therefore, the possibility arises that PACAP, GLP-1, and maitotoxin all act on the same types of ion channels in these cells, and that these channels are sensitive to alterations in the content of intracellular calcium. Figure 6 summarizes our current knowledge concerning the properties of the PACAP and GLP-1 signaling systems as they pertain to the regulation of NSCCs and intracellular calcium homeostasis in the β cell. FIGURE 6 Signaling systems that may mediate effects of PACAP and GLP-1. Receptor occupancy leads to a stimulation of cAMP production and the activation of NSCCs. This step may result from a direct effect of cAMP on the channels, or it may be mediated by protein ... Given that PACAP and GLP-1 are proven to be exceptionally potent insulin secretagogues, it is of considerable interest to determine their usefulness as blood glucose-lowering agents. Initial evaluations of the therapeutic effectiveness of GLP-1 indicate a role for this peptide in the treatment of NIDDM, and also possibly insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). A very attractive feature of such a strategy is the demonstrated lack of hypoglycemic side effects attendant to administration of GLP-1 to diabetic subjects. These observations reinforce the notion that peptides of the PACAP/glucagon/VIP family represent important pharmacological tools for use in experimental therapeutics.
GITR subverts Foxp3 + Tregs to boost Th9 immunity through regulation of histone acetylation

Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) is a costimulatory molecule with diverse effects on effector T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs), but the underlying mechanism remains poorly defined. Here we demonstrate that GITR ligation subverts the induction of Foxp3(+) Tregs and directs the activated CD4(+) T cells to Th9 cells. Such GITR-mediated iTreg to Th9 induction enhances anti-tumour immunity in vivo. Mechanistically, GITR upregulates the NF-κB family member p50, which recruits histone deacetylases to the Foxp3 locus to produce a 'closed' chromatin structure. Furthermore, GITR ligation also activates STAT6, and STAT6 renders Il9 locus accessible via recruitment of histone acetyltransferase p300, and together with inhibition of Foxp3, GITR induces strong Th9 responses. Thus, Th9 cells and iTregs are developmentally linked and GITR can subvert tolerogenic conditions to boost Th9 immunity.
Diagnostik und Management der unteren gastrointestinalen Blutung Retrospektive Analyse von 233 Fällen

In einer retrospektiven Analyse wird die Wertigkeit der diagnostischen Verfahren bei der akuten unteren gastrointestinalen Blutung dargestellt. Die Blutungsquelle der 233 Patienten (1979–1988) lag distal des Treitz-Bandes; Hamorrhoidalblutungen wurden nicht aufgenommen. Nach Ausschlus der oberen gastrointestinalen Blutung erfolgte in der Regel als erster diagnostischer Schritt die Rekto-/Koloskopie, die in 77% die Blutungsursache bei den behandelten Patienten (n = 136) nachwies. Die Angiographie bei persistierender Blutung zeigte in 68% die Blutungsquelle; in Kombination mit der Rekto-/Koloskopie lies sich in 86,5% der behandelten Patienten die Blutungsquelle lokalisieren. Die Erythrozytenszintigraphie steigerte den Anteil des positiven Lokalisationsnachweises dieser Patienten auf 89,7%. Die Sensitivitdt der Koloskopie war mit 0,93 deutlich hoher als die der Angiographie mit 0,78 und der Erythrozytenszintigraphie mit 0,75. Unter den operationspflichtigen Blutungsursachen dominierten abgesehen von den Karzinomen and den Adenomen das Meckel-Divertikel und die Angiodysplasie. Endoskopische Therapieverfahren erfolgten bei 61 Patienten. 6,5% dieser Patienten musten aber wegen persistierender Blutung spater operiert wurden. Von den insgesamt 79 operierten Patienten wurden 31 ausschlieslich wegen der Blutung operiert. 12 Patienten verstarben, 6 waren wegen der aktiven Blutung operiert wurden, 6 weitere aus onkologischen Grunden.
ThermoTRPs and Pain

The ability of the body to perceive noxious stimuli lies in a heterogeneous group of primary somatosensory neurons termed nociceptors. The molecular receptors of noxious mechanical, temperature, or chemical stimuli are expressed in these neurons and have drawn considerable attention as possible targets for analgesic development to improve treatment for the millions who suffer from chronic pain conditions. A number of thermoTRPs, a subset of the transient receptor potential family of ion channels, are activated by a wide range on noxious stimuli. In this review, we review the function of these channels and examine the evidence that thermoTRPs play a vital role in acute, inflammatory and neuropathic nociception.
Integrated Global Wing and Local Panel Optimization of Aircraft Wing

The structural optimization of a cantilever aircraft wing with curvilinear spars and ribs and stiffeners is described. The design concept of reinforcing the wing structure using curvilinear stiffening members has been explored due to the development of novel manufacturing technologies like electron-beam-free-form-fabrication (EBF 3 ). For the optimization of a complex wing, a common strategy is to divide the optimization procedure into two subsystems: the global wing optimization which optimizes the geometry of spars, ribs and wing skins; and the local panel optimization which optimizes the design variables of local panels bordered by spars and ribs. The stiffeners are placed on the local panels to increase the stiffness and buckling resistance. The panel thickness, size and shape of stiffeners are optimized to minimize the structural weight. The geometry of spars and ribs greatly influences the design of stiffened panels. The interaction between the global wing optimization and the local panel optimization is usually computationally expensive. An approximate approach is implemented for the stiffened panel optimization to obtain approximate optimal panels using the polynomial curve fitting of a series of optimized panel thicknesses, so as to reduce the computational cost. The aircraft design is characterized by multiple disciplines: structures, aeroelasticity and buckling. Particle swarm optimization is used in the integration of global/local optimization to optimize the SpaRibs. A parallel computing technology has been developed in Python programming to reduce the CPU time. The license cycle-check method and memory self-adjustment method are two approaches that have been applied in the parallel framework in order to optimize the use of the resources by reducing the license and memory limitations and making the code robust. The integrated global-local optimization approach has been applied to subsonic NASA common research model (CRM) wing, which proves the methodology’s application scaling with medium fidelity FEM analysis. Both the global wing design variables and local panel design variables are optimized to minimize the wing weight at an acceptable computational cost. The structural weight of the wing has been, therefore, reduced by 40% and the parallel implementation allowed a reduction in the CPU time by 89%.
Population Differentiation and Adaptive Selection on Plumage Color Distributions in Gyrfalcons.

—Extensive plumage color variation exists among Gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus) throughout their circumpolar distribution, from white to silver, grey to brown and almost black. Multiple color variants do exist within some populations at differing frequencies; however, a few geographic locations possess a single predominate color variant. In northern Greenland and the high Arctic Canadian islands (>75°N), white Gyrfalcons prevail with the majority of adults possessing little if no barring on the retrices. Further south in western Greenland (66.5–67.5°N), silver and grey Gyrfalcons are also observed, whereas, in Iceland and some Eurasian populations, grey and dark grey to brown Gyrfalcons dominate, respectively. The above color pattern distributions are largely supported by population genetic differentiation measures based on neutral markers (i.e., microsatellite loci) identifying significant subdivision between Greenland and Iceland relative to other surveyed populations in north central Canada, Alaska, and Norway. In fact, within Greenland, asymmetric north to south dispersal patterns have been identified with genetic data. These distributional color patterns are also explained by allelic frequency distributions of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene, which has been identified as an important gene associated with hair and plumage color in some vertebrates. In Gyrfalcons, the white/melanic polymorphism in MC1R is perfectly associated with a fixed nonsynonymous point substitution. A single MC1R allele was observed in northern Greenland among white individuals, whereas further south an additional four alleles were observed among non-white individuals. Multiple MC1R alleles, including the “white” allele, were also observed in Canada, Alaska, and Iceland. However, no homozygous individuals for the “white” allele were observed in Iceland. Clearly, a significant geographic pattern exists relative to plumage color, and its distribution is supported by genetics. Multiple hypotheses are proposed to explain these patterns, such as directional selection based on crypsis and thermoregulation; however, ultimate mechanisms remain equivocal and require further study. These findings have important implications regarding a population’s response to its environment and climate may be an important factor regulating Greenland Gyrfalcon plumage color distributions. To what extent similar patterns exist elsewhere in the species’ distribution with regard to plumage color and reproduction is not known. Received 1 March 2011, accepted 25 July
Fabrication of Split-Rings via Stretchable Colloidal Lithography

Herein, a facile new patterning method is demonstrated for creating pairs of split-ring resonators (SRRs) in a scalable manner over large surface areas. This method is based on a novel variation of colloidal lithography called stretchable colloidal lithography (SCL), which combines conventional colloidal lithography and stretchable poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) molds. To fabricate SRRs, arrays of circular polystyrene (PS) rings were fabricated by conventional colloidal lithography. The circular ring features could be transferred to a PDMS stamp, forming negative features, circular apertures on the stamp. The PDMS stamp was then stretched, thereby transforming the circular apertures into elliptical ones. By using the stretched PDMS molds for polymer imprinting, elliptical rings with nonuniform heights could be fabricated. Each elliptical ring could be transformed into a pair of PS SRRs by controlled O2 reactive ion etching. Through a subsequent chemical wet etching step, PS SRRs could be readily transferre...