cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The distal tibia of primates with special reference to the omomyidae

The morphology of the distal tibia and its joint surfaces is described in the late Eocene European Necrolemur,the middle Eocene North American Hemiacodon,and an omomyid species from the lower part of the Bridger Formation of North America. Necrolemur,like Tarsius,exhibits tibiofibular fusion, although to a less advanced degree. The Bridger omomyids, however, show no evidence of fusion but are similar to galagos in the conformation of this joint. The distal tibia of euprimates is distinguished by several derived features. These correlate with derived features of the astragalus and are functionally related to the abduction of the foot that accompanies dorsiflexion in primates. Tarsius,omomyids, and anthropoids share a suite of features which distinguish them from strepsirhines; these maybe haplorhine synapomorphies, but the polarity of these features is difficult to determine. If they are synapomorphies, abduction accompanying dorsiflexion and movement at the inferior tibiofibular joint were restricted in ancestral haplorhines. In living primates such restriction is associated with small body size and saltatorial locomotion.
Algebraic Myhill-Nerode Theorems

The Myhill-Nerode Theorem states that the equivalence relation ~"L given by a language L has finite index if and only if L is accepted by a finite automaton. In this paper we give several generalizations of the theorem which are algebraic in nature. In our versions, a finiteness condition involving the action of a semigroup on a certain function plays the role of the finiteness of the index of ~"L, while various algebraic structures including algebras, coalgebras, and bialgebras play the role of the finite automaton which accepts the language. We develop additional theory concerning the algebraic objects which so arise, and study the minimal ones.
Bridging patients after salvage from bridge to decision directly to transplant by means of prolonged support with the CentriMag short-term centrifugal pump

Objective Optimum strategy for salvage in patients with acutely decompensated end-stage heart failure and severe multiorgan dysfunction is complex. We present our experience with prolonged CentriMag (Levitronix, Waltham, Mass) support for transitioning patients after successful salvage from bridge to decision directly to transplant. Methods Records of patients who underwent salvage with a CentriMag as bridge to decision and later to transplant were reviewed. Between June 2003 and June 2008, 4 patients in cardiogenic shock from acute decompensated end-stage heart failure and multiorgan dysfunction underwent salvage with biventricular CentriMag as bridge to decision. Three were male. Mean age was 39.3 years (range 24–52 years). Three had dilated cardiomyopathy; 1 had ischemic cardiomyopathy. All had preoperative mechanical ventilation, large doses of multiple inotropes, and intra-aortic balloon support. All also had acute liver and renal failure and metabolic acidosis. Results After mean postimplant period of 43 days (range 7–70 days), patients had reversal of end-organ dysfunction; after mean waiting time of 31 days (range 21–67 days), all were transplant listed. Mean mechanical circulatory support was 87.7 days (range 26–105 days). No thromboembolic or neurologic events or mechanical failures occurred. Posttransplant mean ventilation and intensive care unit stay were 2 and 4 days (ranges 1–4 and 3–7 days), respectively. All patients were discharged home and remain alive and well. Conclusion CentriMag use as long as 3 months appears to be safe and cost-effective for bridging selected patients directly to transplant after salvage. Further clinical experience is still needed.
Complementation of an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant that lacks complex asparagine-linked glycans with the human cDNA encoding N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I

Abstract N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (EC 2.4.1.101) initiates the conversion of high-mannose asparagine-linked glycans to complex asparagine-linked glycans in plant as well as in animal cells. This Golgi enzyme is missing in the cgl mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana, and the mutant cells are unable to synthesize complex glycans. Transformation of cells from the mutant plants with the cDNA encoding human N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I restores the wild-type phenotype of the plant cells. Fractionation of the subcellular organelles on isopycnic sucrose gradients shows that the human enzyme in the complemented cells bands at the same density, 1.14 g/cm3, typical of Golgi cisternae, as the enzyme in the wild-type plant cells. These results demonstrate that complementation results from the presence of the human enzyme in the plant Golgi apparatus, where it is functionally integrated into the biosynthetic machinery of the plant cell. In addition, given the evolutionary distance between plants and mammals and the great diversity of glycoproteins that are modified in each, there is probably no specific recognition between this Golgi enzyme and the polypeptide domains of the proteins it modifies.
S-Nitrosylation of β-Arrestin Regulates β-Adrenergic Receptor Trafficking

Signal transduction through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is regulated by receptor desensitization and internalization that follow agonist stimulation. Nitric oxide (NO) can influence these processes, but the cellular source of NO bioactivity and the effects of NO on GPCR-mediated signal transduction are incompletely understood. Here, we show in cells and mice that beta-arrestin 2, a central element in GPCR trafficking, interacts with and is S-nitrosylated at a single cysteine by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and that S-nitrosylation of beta-arrestin 2 is promoted by endogenous S-nitrosogluthathione. S-nitrosylation after agonist stimulation of the beta-adrenergic receptor, a prototypical GPCR, dissociates eNOS from beta-arrestin 2 and promotes binding of beta-arrestin 2 to clathrin heavy chain/beta-adaptin, thereby accelerating receptor internalization. The agonist- and NO-dependent shift in the affiliations of beta-arrestin 2 is followed by denitrosylation. Thus, beta-arrestin subserves the functional coupling of eNOS and GPCRs, and dynamic S-nitrosylation/denitrosylation of beta-arrestin 2 regulates stimulus-induced GPCR trafficking.
Pervaporation Membranes That Are Highly Selective for Acetic Acid over Water

Supported liquid membrane pervaporation (SLMPV) is a pervaporation process for separating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from their dilute aqueous solution. It simultaneously integrates extraction of the VOCs from the aqueous solution with flash distillation of the VOCs from the organic phase. By using a liquid membrane consisting of reactive extractants, pervaporation of primarily acetic acid from its aqueous solutions was studied. Limited studies of butyric acid were also done. Among various extractants tested, trioctylamine (TOA) and tridodecylamine demonstrated better performances. The SLM is permselective for acetic acid and butyric acid. The acetic acid selectivity can be as high as 33 for a feed of 1 M at 60°C, an order of magnitude higher than that obtained by any solid polymeric membrane reported in the literature. The simple SLM system demonstrated long-term stability; for example, decreases of about 30% in both pervaporation flux and selectivity were observed over an operational period of 50...
A fitting procedure for impedance data of systems with very low corrosion rates

Abstract For systems with very low corrosion rates it is often very difficult to determine the polarization resistance from impedance spectra obtained in the frequency range which can be covered in a reasonable time period. This makes it impossible to use methods of analysis such as the integration technique. A new fitting procedure has been developed for such systems and has been successfully used to analyze data for Al alloys and Al-based metal matrix composites exposed to NaCl.
‘I learned to be okay with talking about sex and safety’: assessing the efficacy of a theatre-based HIV prevention approach for adolescents in North Carolina

Adolescents are at increased risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the Southern states of the USA, where rates among youth are higher than in the rest of the nation. This paper reports on findings from a pilot study of an HIV prevention intervention that uses interactive theatre to educate young people about sexual health. The intervention was developed in Los Angeles and adapted for testing in the Southern USA, with its legacy of abstinence-based approaches to sexual health education. This study assessed intervention effects among a sample of young people in two public high schools in North Carolina. We used a pre-test, post-test quasi-experimental evaluation design to assess changes in 317 ninth-grade participants' knowledge and attitudes about HIV. At post-test, we found statistically significant increases in participants' HIV knowledge (t = 60.14; p = 0.001), as well as changes in attitudes (χ2 = 8.23; p = 0.042) and awareness (χ2 = 4.94; p = 0.026). Focus group data corroborated a...
Posture-induced changes in distortion-product otoacoustic emissions and the potential for noninvasive monitoring of changes in intracranial pressure.

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is currently an invasive procedure that requires access to the intracranial space through an opening in the skull. Noninvasive monitoring of ICP via the auditory system is theoretically possible because changes in ICP transfer to the inner ear through connections between the cerebral spinal fluid and the cochlear fluids. In particular, low-frequency distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), measured noninvasively in the external ear canal, have magnitudes that depend on ICP. Postural changes in healthy humans cause systematic changes in ICP. Here, we quantify the effects of postural changes, and presumably ICP changes, on DPOAE magnitudes. DPOAE magnitudes were measured on seven normal-hearing, healthy subjects at four postural positions on a tilting table (angles 90°, 0°, −30°, and −45° to the horizontal). At these positions, it is expected that ICP varied from about 0 (90°) to 22 mm Hg (−45°). DPOAE magnitudes were measured for a set of frequencies 750<f 2<4000, with f 2/f 1=1.2. For the low-frequency range of 750≤f 2≤1500, the differences in DPOAE magnitude between upright and −45° were highly significant (all p<0.01), and above 1500 Hz there were minimal differences between magnitudes at 90° versus −45°. There were no significant differences in the DPOAE magnitudes with subjects at 90° and 0° postures. Changes in ICP can be detected using the auditory-based measurement of DPOAEs. In particular, changes are largest at low frequencies. Although this approach does not allow for absolute measurement of ICP, it appears that measurement of DPOAEs may be a useful means of noninvasively monitoring ICP.
Posttraumatic headache: biopsychosocial comparisons with multiple control groups.

Objective.—This study examined somatic, psychological, and cognitive functioning of subjects with posttraumatic headache in comparison with multiple control groups. Background.—Posttraumatic headache is not as widely studied as other forms of headache (eg, tension-type, migraine). Previous research has suggested poor psychological functioning in patients with posttraumatic headache in comparison with other groups of patients with pain; however, this group has yet to be compared with a group of persons who have experienced trauma but are headache-free. Design and Methods.—Nineteen subjects with posttraumatic headache were studied, with full assessments available for 14 participants. Comparison groups, containing 16 participants each, included another headache group, a nonheadache group, and a trauma (motor vehicle accident) survivor nonheadache group. Participants completed several measures assessing somatic, psychological, and cognitive functioning. Results.—Findings revealed that the posttraumatic headache group exhibited significantly poorer functioning than the comparison groups on several measures including the Psychosomatic Symptom Checklist, Postconcussion Syndrome Checklist, axis II psychiatric diagnoses, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, and the Daily Hassles Scale (frequency and total). Additionally, they scored higher on the following: number of axis I psychiatric diagnoses, the Daily Hassles Scale (intensity), Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory. The posttraumatic headache group was similar to the other trauma group on the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Checklist and the Life-Trauma Checklist. Conclusions.—This study confirmed the distress seen in this understudied population of persons with headache and highlights areas of focus for proper assessment and treatment of those with headache and who have had an accident.
Measurement driven deployment of a two-tier urban mesh access network

Multihop wireless mesh networks can provide Internet access over a wide area with minimal infrastructure expenditure. In this work, we present a measurement driven deployment strategy and a data-driven model to study the impact of design and topology decisions on network-wide performance and cost. We perform extensive measurements in a two-tier urban scenario to characterize the propagation environment and correlate received signal strength with application layer throughput. We find that well-known estimates for pathloss produce either heavily overprovisioned networks resulting in an order of magnitude increase in cost for high pathloss estimates or completely disconnected networks for low pathloss estimates. Modeling throughput with wireless interface manufacturer specifications similarly results in severely underprovisioned networks. Further, we measure competing, multihop flow traffic matrices to empirically define achievable throughputs of fully backlogged, rate limited, and web-emulated traffic. We find that while fully backlogged flows produce starving nodes, rate-controlling flows to a fixed value yields fairness and high aggregate throughput. Likewise, transmission gaps occurring in statistically multiplexed web traffic, even under high offered load, remove starvation and yield high performance. In comparison, we find that well-known noncompeting flow models for mesh networks over-estimate network-wide throughput by a factor of 2. Finally, our placement study shows that a regular grid topology achieves up to 50 percent greater throughput than random node placement.
Temperature dependence of electrical and optical modulation responses of quantum-well lasers

We present theory and experiment for high-speed optical injection in the absorption region of a quantum-well laser and compare the results with those of electrical injection including the carrier transport effect. We show that the main difference between the two responses is the low-frequency roll-off. By using both injection methods, we obtain more accurate and consistent measurements of many important dynamic laser parameters, including the differential gain, carrier lifetime, K factor, and gain compression factor. Temperature-dependent data of the test laser are presented which show that the most dominant effect is the linear degradation of differential gain and injection efficiency with increasing temperature. While the K-factor is insensitive to temperature variation for multiple-quantum-well lasers, we find that the carrier capture time and nonlinear gain suppression coefficient decreases as temperature increases.
Configuration of Detection Software: A Comparison of Decision and Game Theory Approaches

Firms are increasingly relying on software to detect fraud in domains such as security, financial services, tax, and auditing. A fundamental problem in using detection software for fraud detection is achieving the optimal balance between the detection and false-positive rates. Many firms use decision theory to address the configuration problem. Decision theory is based on the presumption that the firm's actions do not influence the behavior of fraudsters. Game theory recognizes the fact that fraudsters do modify their strategies in response to firms' actions. In this paper, we compare decision and game theory approaches to the detection software configuration problem when firms are faced with strategic users. We find that under most circumstances firms incur lower costs when they use the game theory as opposed to the decision theory because the decision theory approach frequently either over- or underconfigures the detection software. However, firms incur the same or lower cost under the decision theory approach compared with the game theory approach in a simultaneous-move game if configurations under decision theory and game theory are sufficiently close. A limitation of the game theory approach is that it requires user-specific utility parameters, which are difficult to estimate. Decision theory, in contrast to game theory, requires the fraud probability estimate, which is more easily obtained.
The effects of long-term androgen deprivation therapy on penile length in patients with prostate cancer: a single-center, prospective, open-label, observational study.

ABSTRACT Introduction The adverse effects of long‐term drug therapy for prostate cancer (PCa) can dramatically impact patient quality of life and are considered to be important factors when selecting treatment. Aim To assess stretched penile length before and after long‐term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for treatment of PCa. Methods From January 2008 to June 2010 at a single institution, 39 consecutive patients without distant metastases who were elected to receive ADT as initial therapy for PCa were prospectively enrolled. Exclusion criteria were history of penile anomalies and/or trauma, and prior radical prostate surgery or radiation therapy. Erectile functions were evaluated at baseline according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Vertically stretched penile length was measured every 3 months from the pubopenile junction to the meatus with a spring scale. Main Outcome Measure After ADT, significant 3‐month interval changes in stretched penile length were noted for up to 15 months ( P P = 0.45). Results The mean patient age was 67.1 years. Before therapy, the mean stretched penile length was 10.76 cm. After 24 months of ADT, mean penile length had decreased to 8.05 cm. However, these changes plateaued after 15 months. Normal erectile function (EF) was reported by 41% of patients before therapy, while 10.5% reported normal EF at the 24‐month follow‐up. The relationship between potency and penile shortening was not significant. However, patients who preserved their potency tended to experience less penile shortening. Conclusions The administration of luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists induced significant decreases in penile length for only up to 15 months in the absence of the confounding effects of surgery and radiation. Park KK, Lee SH, and Chung BH. The effects of long‐term androgen deprivation therapy on penile length in patients with prostate cancer: A single‐center, prospective, open label, observational study. J Sex Med 2011;8:3214–3219.
Monitoring Cyclic Fluctuations in Ground‐Water Qualitya

The chemical quality of water in many shallow and surficial aquifers exhibits cyclic fluctuations. These fluctuations are caused by the intermittent flushing of contaminants into the ground during recharge events. The contaminants may be natural or reflect man's activities, particularly waste disposal schemes. Over the past 12 years an oil-field brine contaminated aquifer in central Ohio has been monitored. Data from three closely-spaced wells tapping selected parts of the aquifer indicate that brine is flushed into the ground during recharge events and that each contaminated mass maintains much of its integrity as it sinks to the bottom of the aquifer and then migrates laterally to the adjacent river. The most concentrated mass that covers the largest area infiltrates during the spring recharge period, but less concentrated and smaller masses may occur any time rainfall is sufficient to overcome the soil-moisture deficiency. Because of the cyclic nature of recontamination events, care and common sense must be exercised in the extrapolation of quality data, particularly in regard to estimation of contaminant flushing rates.
Differential effects of COMT on gait and executive control in aging

Walking speed is associated with attention and executive control processes subserved by the prefrontal cortex. Because polymorphisms in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) influence these cognitive processes we hypothesized that the same polymorphisms may influence gait velocity. We examined the associations between the Val 158 Met polymorphism in COMT and gait velocity as well as attention and executive function. Participants were 278 non-demented older adults. The results revealed that methionine (Met)/valine (Val) was associated with faster gait velocity. This association can be explained by the putative role of the Val allele in regulating tonic dopamine release in the striatum. In contrast, Met/Met was associated with better attention and executive function. Stratification by gender revealed that the association between COMT genotype and gait was significant only in men. Conversely, the association between COMT genotype and attention and executive function was significant only in women. These findings suggest a differential effect in relating the Val 158 Met polymorphism to gait and to cognitive function while supporting the previously described sexual dimorphism in the phenotypic expressions of COMT.
Gravitational-wave astronomy

The "windows" of observational astronomy have become broader. They now include, along with photons from many decades of the electromagnetic spectrum, extraterrestrial "artifacts" of other sorts: cosmic rays, meteorites, particles from the solar wind, samples of the lunar surface, and neutrinos. With gravitational-wave astronomy, we are on the threshold-or just beyond the threshold-of adding another window; it is a particularly important window because it will allow us to observe phenomena that cannot be studied adequately by other means: gravitational collapse, the interiors of supernovae, black holes, short-period binaries, and perhaps new details of pulsar structure. There is the further possibility that gravitational-wave astronomy will reveal entirely new phenomena-or familiar phenomena in unfamiliar guise-in trying to explain the observations of Joseph Weber.
The effects of the Pathways Obesity Prevention Program on physical activity in American Indian children

Abstract Background Inadequate opportunities for physical activity at school and overall low levels of activity contribute to the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in American-Indian children. Methods A school-based physical activity intervention was implemented which emphasized increasing the frequency and quality of physical education (PE) classes and activity breaks. Changes in physical activity were assessed using the TriTrac-R3D accelerometer in a subsample of 580 of the students (34%) randomly selected from the Pathways study cohort. Baseline measures were completed with children in second grade. Follow-up measurements were obtained in the spring of the fifth grade. Results Intervention schools were more active (+6.3 to +27.2%) than control schools at three of the four sites, although the overall difference between intervention and control schools (∼10%) was not significant (P > 0.05). Boys were more active than girls by 17 to 21% (P ≤ .01) at both baseline and follow-up. Conclusions Despite the trend for greater physical activity at three of four study sites, and an overall difference of ∼10% between intervention and control schools, high variability in accelerometer AVM and the opportunity to measure physical activity on only 1 day resulted in a the failure to detect the difference as significant.
Circulating angiogenic cell population responses to 10 days of reduced physical activity

Circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) are a diverse group that have been identified as predictors of cardiovascular health and are inversely proportional to cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. Ina...
Whole mount in situ hybridization shows Endo 16 to be a marker for the vegetal plate territory in sea urchin embryos

We have used whole mount in situ hybridization to analyze the pattern of expression of the gene Endo 16 in S. purpuratus embryos. The mRNA is first detectable at 18 h post-fertilization in the cytoplasm of blastomeres derived from the Veg2 6th cleavage tier. The number of Endo 16 positive cells increases gradually through the beginning of gastrulation, and these cell numbers are in agreement with estimates of the number of cells that should be in the vegetal plate at these stages. We conclude that Endo 16 expression is indeed an early vegetal plate marker and that this gene is expressed by all Veg2 tier derivatives while they are part of the vegetal plate. The progressive regionalization of Endo 16 expression that occurs in normal embryos is also seen in lithium chloride induced exogastrulae, leading to the conclusion that genetic regulation of endoderm differentiation is programmed into the vegetal plate cells once they have been specified. Finally, we report a reproducible phenomenon seen in cultures of LiCl exogastrulae, in which the tips of the everted archenterons fuse, followed by the induction of supernumerary pigment cells.
Integration of cell phone imaging with microchip ELISA to detect ovarian cancer HE4 biomarker in urine at the point-of-care

Ovarian cancer is asymptomatic in the early stages and most patients present with advanced levels of disease. The lack of cost-effective methods that can achieve frequent, simple and non-invasive testing hinders early detection and causes high mortality in ovarian cancer patients. Here, we report a simple and inexpensive microchip ELISA-based detection module that employs a portable detection system, i.e., a cell phone/charge-coupled device (CCD) to quantify an ovarian cancer biomarker, HE4, in urine. Integration of a mobile application with a cell phone enabled immediate processing of microchip ELISA results, which eliminated the need for a bulky, expensive spectrophotometer. The HE4 level detected by a cell phone or a lensless CCD system was significantly elevated in urine samples from cancer patients (n = 19) than healthy controls (n = 20) (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses showed that the microchip ELISA coupled with a cell phone running an automated analysis mobile application had a sensitivity of 89.5% at a specificity of 90%. Under the same specificity, the microchip ELISA coupled with a CCD had a sensitivity of 84.2%. In conclusion, integration of microchip ELISA with cell phone/CCD-based colorimetric measurement technology can be used to detect HE4 biomarker at the point-of-care (POC), paving the way to create bedside technologies for diagnostics and treatment monitoring.
ChargeCar community conversions: Practical, electric commuter vehicles now!

The technology for practical, short-range electric commuter vehicles (EVs) is here now! The ChargeCar project at Carnegie Mellon University aims to exploit today's technology to make efficient, clean, quiet, commuter electric vehicles available to the public, while providing a basis for local economic development and increasing public awareness of EVs. We have developed a “kit” of modular components that can be used to convert a conventional gasoline-powered car to 100% electric power in a matter of a few days, utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components, along with existing manufacturing facilities and automotive garages. This kit has been installed and tested in two Honda Civics, and has performed well in over 3500 miles of driving. The prototype vehicles have a range of 40+ miles, top speed in excess of 70 mph, and charge overnight on any 120 VAC receptacle. Present efforts are toward commercializing the manufacturing and conversion process, while continuing related research in compound energy sytems — e.g. battery plus ultracapacitor — and pursuing educational efforts with the public and local schools.
Electroactive Polymerized Vesicles as Stable Biomaterials for Charge Storage Systems and Electron Coupling Applications

Diacetylenic phospholipids with disulfide functionality were synthesized and incorporated at dopant levels with unmodified diacetylenic phosphatidylcholine lipids in polymerized vesicles. These polymerized vesicles were immobilized on Au films and structurally characterizedin situ using AFM and ESEM and demonstrated surface stability of at least three days. Polymerized diacetylenic phospholipid vesicles displayed retention of entrapped ferricyanide with a half-life of 2.4 weeks at pH 7 and 25oC. Membrane-bound benzoquinone mediated electron transport across polymerized vesicle membranes providing an initial current of 25 mA and a final charge capacity based on entrapped ferricyanide of 3.5 Ahr/kg. Electron transport across polymerized diacetylenic phospholipid vesicle membranes was described by a pseudosteady-state transport model and was found to be diffusion limited.
Hypomanic Symptoms Among First-Time Suicide Attempters Predict Future Multiple Attempt Status

Past conceptual and empirical works have identified unique differences between multiple suicide attempters, single attempters, and zero attempters, but have overlooked two distinct subgroups of single attempters: true single attempters who will not attempt suicide again, and future multiple attempters who will. Consistent with fluid vulnerability theory, the authors hypothesized that subgroups should have differences in personality traits that can predict if a first-time attempter is likely to attempt suicide again. In a sample of 127 military members (81% male, 19% female) participating in a clinical intervention study for suicidal behaviors, hypomanic symptoms—not personality traits—predicted future multiple attempters, and future multiple attempters more frequently met criteria for a bipolar-spectrum disorder. Clinical implications and convergence of findings with fluid vulnerability theory and existing research are discussed. © 2008, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64: 1–12, 2008.
Rab11 is required for epithelial cell viability, terminal differentiation, and suppression of tumor-like growth in the Drosophila egg chamber.

Funding: This work was supported by National Institutes of Health Grants P20 RR15563 and R01 GM068022. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Effect of Cleaning Regime on Stable-Isotope Ratios of Feathers in Japanese Quail (Coturnix Japonica)

Abstract.— Stable-isotope analysis of feathers is an increasingly important source of information on diet and movement of birds. Feathers are typically cleaned with a solvent before analysis, but the effects of this cleaning on the resulting data have not been examined critically. We conducted an experiment to determine whether a cleaning regime affected hydrogen (δD), carbon (δ13C), and nitrogen (δ15N) stableisotope ratios in feathers of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica). A paired design was used to clean feathers with 2:1 chloroform: methanol or detergent. Results after initial cleaning indicated enrichment of hydrogen by ∼40‱ in feathers treated with 2:1 chloroform: methanol-treated compared with other treatments but no correlation between treatments. We found a similar pattern among treatments for carbon, but the effect was on the order of 0.2‱. Nitrogen values showed no discernible correlation, but both uncleaned and 2:1 chloroform: methanol treatments had enriched values, on average, compared with ...
A novel approximation procedure for efficient yield simulation and optimization of integrated circuits

A novel method for the yield simulation of integrated circuits based on an approximation of circuit performance is proposed. By using this method, only one complete circuit simulation is needed for the estimation of yield. To estimate the gradient of yield, only one circuit simulation and a sensitivity analysis at the nominal point are required, so the computational costs are very low. The algorithms have been implemented in a software based on SPICE 3 and NPSOL for yield simulation and optimization. Examples are given to demonstrate the efficiency of the algorithms. >
EphB3 marks delaminating endocrine progenitor cells in the developing pancreas.

Background: Understanding the process by which pancreatic beta-cells acquire their “fate” is critical to the development of in vitro directed differentiation protocols for cell replacement therapies for diabetics. To date, these efforts are hampered by a paucity of markers that distinguish pancreatic endocrine cells at different stages of differentiation. Results: Here, we identify EphB3 as a novel pro-endocrine marker and use its expression to track delaminating islet lineages. First, we provide a detailed developmental expression profile for EphB3 and other EphB family members in the embryonic pancreas. We demonstrate that EphB3 transiently marks endocrine cells as they delaminate from the pancreatic epithelium, prior to their differentiation. Using a Tet-inducible EphB3rtTA-lacZ reporter line, we show that short-term pulse-labeled EphB3+ cells co-express Pdx1, Nkx6.1, Ngn3, and Synaptophysin, but not insulin, glucagon, or other endocrine hormones. Prolonged labeling tracks EphB3+ cells from their exit from the epithelium to their differentiation. Conclusions: These studies demonstrate that pro-endocrine cell differentiation during late gestation, from delamination to maturation, takes approximately 2 days. Together, these data introduce EphB3 as a new biomarker to identify beta-cells at a critical step during their step-wise differentiation and define the timeframe of endocrine differentiation. Developmental Dynamics 241:1008–1019, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Passive joint stiffness in the hip and knee increases the energy efficiency of leg swinging

In the field of minimally-actuated robots, energy efficiency and stability are two of the fundamental criteria that can increase autonomy and improve task-performance capabilities. In this paper, we demonstrate that the energetic cost of leg swinging in dynamic robots can be reduced without significantly affecting stability by emulating the physiological use of passive joint stiffness, and we suggest that similar efficiency improvements could be realized in dynamic walking robots. Our experimental model consists of a two-segment dynamically swinging robotic leg with hip and knee joints. Closed-loop control is provided to the hip using neurally inspired, nonlinear oscillators that do not override the leg's natural dynamics. We examined both linear and nonlinear, physiologically based stiffness profiles at the hip and knee and a hyperextension-preventing hard stop at the knee. Our results indicate that passive joint stiffness applied at one or both joints can improve the energy efficiency of leg swinging by reducing the actuator work required to counter gravitational torque and by promoting kinetic energy transfer between the shank and thigh. Energetic cost reductions (relative to the no-stiffness case) of approximately 25% can be achieved using hip stiffness, provided that the hip actuation bias angle is not coincident with gravity, and cost reductions of approximately 66% can be achieved using knee stiffness. We also found that constant stiffness combined with a limit on knee hyperextension produces comparable results to the physiological stiffness model without requiring complex implementation techniques. Although this study focused on the task of leg swinging, our results suggest that passive-stiffness properties could also increase the energy efficiency of walking by reducing the cost of forward leg swing by up to 66%. We also expect that the energetic cost of walking could be further reduced by adding stiffness to the ankle to assist in the propulsive portion of stance phase.
Stimulus contingency and the malleability of species-typical auditory preferences in Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) hatchlings.

Precocial avian hatchlings are typically highly social and show strong species-typical preferences for the maternal calls of their own species. The influence of social contingencies on the acquisition of species-specific preferences has, however, largely been neglected. We found that exposing bobwhite (BW) quail chicks to a Japanese quail (JQ) call contingent on their own vocalizations for 5 min was sufficient to eliminate their species-typical preference for the BW maternal call. Yoked, noncontingent exposure had no such effect. The introduction of variability to the contingency, but not a lengthening of the training session, was found to engender even higher preferences for the JQ call. Chicks provided with contingent exposure to the JQ call on a variable ratio schedule showed a significant preference for the JQ over the BW maternal call, whereas chicks provided with equivalent fixed ratio exposure did not. These results highlight the role that social interaction and contingency can play in the acquisition and maintenance of species-specific auditory preferences in precocial avian species. 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 460-472, 2008.
FALSE-POSITIVE 111INDIUM CAPROMAB PENDETIDE SCAN DUE TO BENIGN MYELOLIPOMA

Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies combined with single photon emission computerized tomography provide powerful tools for the evaluation of cancer metastasis. 111 Indium (In) capromab pendetide† is a whole IgG1k murine monoclonal antibody 7E11-C5.3 conjugated to a linker-chelator and labeled with the radioisotope 111 In. This reagent has been widely used to study metastatic prostate cancer and assess prostate cancer recurrences after prostatectomy, radiation or hormonal therapy. The 111 In capromab pendetide reagent targets the prostate cell membrane glycoprotein prostate specific membrane antigen, which is upregulated in primary and metastatic prostate cancer. We report a false-positive result demonstrating 111 In capromab pendetide uptake in an adrenal myelolipoma. CASE REPORT S. C., an 86-year-old white man, was referred for evaluation due to an increased prostate specific antigen of 14.9 and a left adrenal mass on computerized tomography. Transrectal ultrasound revealed a 21.5 cc prostate with peripheral zone calcifications. Sextant biopsy of the prostate revealed a Gleason 4 1 4 5 8 tumor in all 6 cores. A 111 In capromab pendetide scan was performed to evaluate for metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. The reagent was administered intravenously, and whole body multiformat an
Cellular distribution of secretin receptor expression in rat pancreas

Secretin is an important regulator of pancreatic function, but the molecular basis of its actions is not well understood. We have, therefore, used in situ autoradiography, photoaffinity labeling, a...
Dedicated Multidisciplinary Ventilator Bundle Team and Compliance with Sedation Vacation

BACKGROUND How compliance with a ventilator bundle is monitored varies from institution to institution. Some institutions rely on the primary intensive care unit team to review the bundle during their rounds; others rely on a separate team of health care personnel that may include representatives from disciplines such as nursing, respiratory therapy, and pharmacy. OBJECTIVES To compare rates of compliance with ventilator bundle components between a dedicated ventilator bundle rounding team and the primary intensive care unit rounding team in a 68-bed medical intensive care unit. METHODS A query of the medical intensive care unit's database was used to retrospectively determine rates of compliance with specific ventilator bundle components at a tertiary care hospital in an urban community for 1 year. RESULTS Compared with the intensive care unit rounding team, the ventilator bundle rounding team had better compliance with sedation vacation (61.7% vs 54.0%, P < .001). Rates of compliance with spontaneous breathing trials and prophylaxis of peptic ulcer disease were similar in both study groups. CONCLUSIONS A dedicated ventilator bundle rounding team improves compliance with sedation vacation, but not with spontaneous breathing trials and prophylaxis of peptic ulcer disease. In a large-volume tertiary center, a dedicated ventilator bundle rounding team may be more effective than the primary rounding team in achieving compliance with some bundle components.
Maufacturing supply chain applications 1: supply chain multi-objective simulation optimization

A critical decision companies are faced with on a regular basis is the ordering of products and/or raw materials. Poor decisions can lead to excess inventories that are costly or to insufficient inventory that cannot meet its customer demands. These decisions may be as simple as "How much to order" or "How often to order" to more complex decision forecasting models. This paper addresses optimizing these sourcing decisions within a supply chain to determine robust solutions. Utilizing an existing supply chain simulator, an optimization methodology that employs genetic algorithms is developed to optimize system parameters. The performance measure that is optimized plays a very important role in the quality of the results. The deficiencies in using traditionally used performance measures in optimization are discussed and a new multi-objective GA methodology is developed to overcome these limitations.
Non-interacting control system design methods in distillation

Abstract A new method to select the appropriate temperature measurement locations in a distillation column for feedback control is developed. The proposed method is based on the trade-off of measurement sensitivity vs inferential accuracy. Singular value analysis (SVA) is used to design structural compensators for the material balance control scheme in distillation. The material balance control scheme does not require an input compensator because the right singular vectors (input rotation matrix) are naturally aligned with the standard basis vectors. The output compensator (measurement matrix) is designed to create a non-interacting output frame. The resulting control scheme pairs distillate flowrate with the sum of two tray temperature, and reboiler heat duty with the difference between the same tray temperatures. These results indicate that for many chemical processes output decoupling, rather than input decoupling, may be an effective multivariable control strategy. Singular value analysis is a quick, reliable tool to aid in the control strategy screening process.
The formation and detection of extrasolar habitable worlds

With well over a hundred Jupiter-class planets now discovered, speculation on the abundance of Earth-like planets in the cosmos will soon give way to efforts to detect and characterize them. The formation of terrestrial planets-rocky bodies like Earth, Venus, and Mars-appears to be a natural consequence of the rapid growth of lunar- to Mars sized embryos after the disruptive era of giant planet formation. Then, gravitational perturbations by Jupiter-mass planets may elongate the orbits of the embryos, causing the bodies to collide and grow. Architectures not too dissimilar to our own inner solar system may be obtained after roughly 100 million years, for a giant planet in the region around 5 AU or so from a Sun-like star. Discovery of terrestrial planets will likely come first from spaceborne telescopes that sense the dimming of starlight as planets pass directly in front of their parent stars (transit), or for distant planetary systems, via the so-called microlensing technique. To discover habitable planets will require direct detection of the light of the planet, so that spectra may be taken to identify atmospheric carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane and oxygen. Such an undertaking will require large telescopic systems deployed in space.
Jackknife Control on Tractor Semi-Trailer during Emergency Braking

Emergency braking on a low coefficient of friction or split-mu road surface, the semi-trailer may push the tractor from behind until it spins round and faces backwards, and a jackknife accident occurs. In this paper, the tractor semi-trailer kinematics was analyzed and a 3-dof of tractor semi-trailer model was used to design a state observer to estimate the articulation angle. To avoid a jackknife, the four-channel ABS which can produce maximum braking force will be switch to three-channel ABS according the estimated articulation angle. The virtual prototyping simulation results show that the jackknife control system can improve the tractor semi-trailer lateral stability under emergency braking and shorten the stop distance dramatically on split-mu road surface at high speed.
CXCR4, but not CXCR7, Discriminates Metastatic Behavior in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Chemokines have been implicated as key contributors of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastasis. However, the role of CXCR7, a recently discovered receptor for CXCL12 ligand, in the pathogenesis of NSCLC is unknown. To define the relative contribution of chemokine receptors to migration and metastasis, we generated human lung A549 and H157 cell lines with stable knockdown of CXCR4, CXCR7, or both. Cancer cells exhibited chemotaxis to CXCL12 that was enhanced under hypoxic conditions, associated with a parallel induction of CXCR4, but not CXCR7. Interestingly, neither knockdown cell line differed in the rate of proliferation, apoptosis, or cell adherence; however, in both cell lines, CXCL12-induced migration was abolished when CXCR4 signaling was abrogated. In contrast, inhibition of CXCR7 signaling did not alter cellular migration to CXCL12. In an in vivo heterotropic xenograft model using A549 cells, expression of CXCR4, but not CXCR7, on cancer cells was necessary for the development of metastases. In addition, cancer cells knocked down for CXCR4 (or both CXCR4 and CXCR7) produced larger and more vascular tumors as compared with wild-type or CXCR7 knockdown tumors, an effect that was attributable to cancer cell–derived CXCR4 out competing endothelial cells for available CXCL12 in the tumor microenvironment. These results indicate that CXCR4, not CXCR7, expression engages CXCL12 to mediate NSCLC metastatic behavior. Implications: Targeting CXCR4-mediated migration and metastasis may be a viable therapeutic option in NSCLC. Mol Cancer Res; 12(1); 38–47. ©2013 AACR.
Peripheral Neuropathy Defined by Monofilament Insensitivity and Diabetes Status : NHANES 1999–2004

OBJECTIVE To determine whether diabetes status, including prediabetes, is associated with increased risk of peripheral neuropathy as defined by monofilament insensitivity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study used data from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( n = 7,818). Peripheral neuropathy was defined as one or more insensate sites detected by a Semmes-Weinstein 10-g monofilament. Generalized linear models were used to directly estimate relative risks (RRs) for the association of diabetes status and peripheral neuropathy. RESULTS After adjustment compared with no diabetes, prediabetes [RR 1.11 (95% CI 0.92–1.34)] and undiagnosed diabetes [1.08 (0.73–1.61)] were associated with modest increases in risk of peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes was associated with a 74% higher risk of peripheral neuropathy [1.74 (1.50–2.01)]. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes is associated with increased risk of peripheral neuropathy defined by monofilament insensitivity, but prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes may be associated with only a modest increase in risk.
A woman with recurrent chest pain and ST-segment elevation

A 32-year-old female presents with recurrent episodes of unprovoked chest pain associated with inferior ST-segment elevation and reciprocal ST-segment depression. Coronary angiography during one of these episodes revealed coronary artery spasm that spontaneously resolved followed by resolution of these electrocardiographic changes. There was no atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Her cardiac markers were normal and echocardiogram showed no regional wall motion abnormalities. Electrocariogram and angiography findings are shown in Fig. 1.