cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infection as a cause of early relapse in patients recovering from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but severe disorder characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, fever, renal failure, and neurologic manifestations. Plasma exchange is the most effective treatment for this condition reducing mortality from 90% in untreated patients to 10%. However, infections acquired during the course of therapy could lead to early relapse of TTP. In this case report, we report three patients with TTP who initially responded well to plasma exchange treatments but suffered early relapses following bacterial infections. All these patients achieved remission once appropriate antibiotic therapy was instituted although one patient eventually received four courses of rituximab. This report emphasizes the need to be vigilant for new infections especially urinary tract infections in TTP patients undergoing plasma exchange. Instituting appropriate antibiotic therapy once an infection is suspected may reduce the need for prolonged plasma exchange procedures and extended hospital stay. J. Clin. Apheresis. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Social change, premarital nonfamily experiences, and marital dynamics

We investigate the effects of nonfamily experiences on marital relationships in a setting characterized by high levels of arranged marriage until recently. Drawing on theoretical frameworks for the study of families and social change, we argue that the expansion of opportunities for nonfamily experiences will increase the likelihood of marital relationships based on an emotional bond between husbands and wives. Using data from 3,724 individuals in rural Nepal, we find consistent effects of educational experiences across multiple dimensions of marriage. These effects point toward the spread of education as a stimulus to marriages characterized by higher levels of love and discussions between spouses, and lower levels of conflict and spouse abuse. Results suggest that studies of marital dynamics in non-Western settings provide a fruitful avenue for new research on marriage.
On the repeated measurement of continuous observables in quantum mechanics

Abstract We generalize Umegaki's definition of an expectation on the algebra of all bounded operators on a Hilbert space, and classify certain classes of expectations subject to a covariance condition with respect to a unitary representation of a given locally compact group. While Umegaki's expectations only exist for discrete observables, we show that interesting classes of our expectations exist in the general case of continuous observables, and discuss the implications of our work in the theory of quantum measurements.
Multitolerant barrier synchronization

Abstract We designed a multitolerant program for synchronizing the phases of concurrent processes. The tolerances of the program enable processes to: (i) execute all phases correctly in the presence of faults that corrupt the process state in a detectable manner, and (ii) execute only a minimum possible number of phases incorrectly before resuming correct computation in the presence of faults that corrupt the process state in an undetectable manner.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Chiral Rhenium Alcohol Complexes of the Formula [(η5‐C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(ROH)]⊕BF4⊖

Reactions of dichloromethane complex [(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)-(PPh3)(ClCH2Cl)]⊕ BF4⊖ (2⊕ BF4⊖ and alcohols ROH give the title compounds [(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)-(PPh3)(ROH)]⊕ BF4⊖; (3⊕ BF4⊖; a: R = Me, b: Et, c: CH2Ph, d: t-Bu) in 91–95% yields as air-stable powders after workup. Reactions of 3a–c⊕ BF4⊖ and Et3N produce alkoxide complexes (η5-C5H5)Re(NO)-(PPh3)(OR) (4a–c, 80–90%), which in turn react with HBF4– OEt2 to give 3a–c⊕ BF4⊖. Reactions of 3a–c⊕ BF4⊖ and Ph3PX⊕ Br⊖ give the bromide complex (η5-C5H5)Re(NO)-(PPh3)(Br) (85-98%) and alcohols ROH. 3b,c⊕ BF4⊖ and aldehydes react to give π complexes [(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(η2-OCHR′)]⊕ BF4⊖ (>94%). Reaction of 3b⊕ BF4⊖ and HSi(OEt)3 generates the hydride complex (η5-C5H5)Re(O)(PPh3)(H) (5, 77%). Reaction of 5 with Ph3C⊕ PF6⊖ and then ROH gives 3⊕ PF6⊖ (88–91%). NMR experiments establish the order OCHR > ROH > ROR for ligand binding energies to the rhenium fragment [(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)]⊕.
Changes in striatal dopamine D2 receptors in relation to expression of and recovery from experimental parkinsonism

Changes in dopamine D(2) receptor number in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated cats during various stages of experimental parkinsonism were examined. In the normal adult cat, D(2) receptors were expressed throughout the striatum. In symptomatic cats (assessed 7 days after the last MPTP administration), there was a slight elevation of D(2) receptors in all striatal regions. At 2 weeks after MPTP (animals still grossly symptomatic), D(2) receptor number was increased 60-75% above normal. At 3 weeks after MPTP (partial functional recovery), D(2) receptor number remained elevated at a level slightly less than that observed at 2 weeks. At 6 weeks after MPTP (full functional recovery), D(2) receptor levels were back to normal. Changes in D(2) receptor mRNA expression in the striatum essentially mirrored the changes in receptor number. Increases in D(2) receptor number and mRNA expression did not coincide with the onset of parkinsonian signs and peaked after the parkinsonism was established. Permanent reduction of parkinsonian signs corresponded to normalization of D(2) receptor number.
e-government... not e-governance... not e-democracy not now!: not ever?

The argument that I offer in this paper, supported by literature and empirical evidence, is that e-government is just that -- electronic government -- and little more. I define e-government as the delivery by alternate, electronic means of governmental information and services 24/7/365. It is government to citizen (G2C), government to government (G2B) and government to business (G2G). It is the outward face of the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs) by government to (hence the "2") deliver information and services. E-government occurs primarily, although not solely, via official governmental websites. E-government is not e-democracy or e-governance and does not appear to be heading in the direction of becoming either.
The local graft versus host reaction in the rat as a tool for drug mechanism studies

1. A local graft versus host reaction in rats permits the evaluation of drug action on (i) donor (parental) animals and (ii) recipient animals (F(1) hybrid) prior to establishing a lymphoid cell graft to detect drugs which might attenuate immunocompetence over a prolonged period (e.g. steroids).2. Treatment of the recipient animals after a lymphoid graft readily detects anti-proliferative agents and may disclose other agents which interfere with the recognition of non-self by viable graft cells.3. Treatment of the cell graft in vitro before innoculation into the recipient animal permits the detection of alkylating agents, which effectively deactivate graft cells at non-toxic concentrations.4. Examples are given of how this reaction may be used to evaluate functionally the effects of chemical modification of the cell surfaces of lymphocytes and to detect active metabolites generated from a precursor drug (e.g. cyclophosphamide).5. Some novel immunosuppressant drugs are described.
Practical Synthesis of p‐Aminophenethylspiperone (NAPS), a High‐Affinity, Selective D2‐Dopamine Receptor Antagonist

Abstract Because attempts to scale up the published synthetic preparation of p‐aminophenethylspiperone (NAPS) by N‐alkylation of spiperone with 4‐nitrophenethyl bromide followed by reduction gave poor yields and difficulties during purification, an alternative synthetic approach has been developed. Use of 4‐(N‐tert‐butyloxycarbonyl) aminophenethyl bromide to alkylate spiperone followed by the Boc group deprotection gave NAPS in 56% yield. This procedure provides an improved and efficient synthesis of the important high‐affinity, selective D2‐dopamine receptor antagonist NAPS.
PREVENTION OF MENTAL RETARDATION

Since the current practice of diagnosing mental retardation depends so often on intelligence quotients, it is important to realize that low IQs, especially in the mild and borderline range, are often due to social-psychological lacks, while the more severe grades are likely to involve biological defects. For this reason prevention must depend on better education in the broadest sense and the relief of poverty and its accompaniments. Comprehensive medical services, especially maternal and child care, must be emphasized; and research is needed to uncover the many unknown and undiagnosable conditions that produce mental defect.
Teachers' thoughts on e-readers in the elementary school classroom

Despite the popularity of e-readers and the enthusiasm of some for their use in secondary education, their utility in elementary education has not yet been systematically explored. Some advantages and disadvantages to teaching elementary literacy with e-readers are identified here. A convenience sample of ten teachers from a variety of different types of elementary schools and classrooms who were e-reader novices read a chapter of a grade-appropriate book on a Kindle and evaluated its use for their students. The teachers gave their opinions and ideas on how the devices could be implemented. Three specific technological affordances of an e-reader that carry pedagogical implications are discussed: the text-to-speech and dictionary functions, and the idea of unlimited access to books.
Carbon-13 shielding tensors of CCl3X systems from studies of liquid-crystal solutions

Abstract The carbon shielding anisotropies of CCl 3 F and CCl 3 CF 3 have been determined from analyses of natural abundance carbon-13 spectra in partially ordered nematic liquid-crystal solutions. The results for σ | − σ ⊥ are: CCl 3 F, 29 ± 8 ppm; CCl 3 CF 3 − CCl 3 carbon, −14 ± 12 ppm; CF 3 carbon, −12 ± 12 ppm. Complete shielding tensors were obtained for the systems CCl 3 X, X = H, F, Cl, and CF 3 . It was found that σ | remained constant for each of these molecules, whereas σ | d , evaluated using the atom-dipole method, is constant for CCl 3 H, CCl 3 F, and CCl 4 , but changes appreciably for CCl 3 CF 3 due to the presence of fluorine atoms lying off the symmetry axis. The shielding trends for the CCl 3 X series were compared to the CH 3 X series, for which extensive experimental and theoretical data exist. The two series were found to exhibit similar behaviour in all aspects considered. The spin-rotation constants were evaluated for the CCl 3 X molecules.
A novel intersubunit communication mechanism in a truncated hemoglobin from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

HbN is a homodimeric hemoglobin from Mycobacterium tuberculosis that belongs to the newly discovered truncated hemoglobin family. The intersubunit communication mechanism in HbN was investigated by...
Inspecting the new generation of reticles using UV imaging

The manufacturing of advanced reticles for deep UV steppers has stressed the mask industry's writing, processing, inspection and repair capabilities. Meeting technology demands has been especially arduous for reticle defect inspection with the rapid evolution of both novel PSM materials and OPC geometries. Also, the switch to a 4x-reduction ratio and ever-lower k 1 wafer lithography has resulted in increased overall defect printability. To respond to these challenges, a new reticle inspection system with laser UV imaging has been evaluated and shown to achieve mask defect sensitivity of 150nm and below on DUV EA-PSM and OPC masks. The extension to UV wavelength improves image resolution, thus improving sensitivity and minimum linewidth capability. A description of the major changes made to the optics, algorithms, mechanics, and software is presented. Using both programmed defect test masks and actual production reticles, initial observations of the nature and frequency of defects detected were compared to the expected 150 nm sensitivity. Preliminary characterizations of this system included the number and types of defects captured at multiple pixel sizes. Comparisons with visible light systems illustrate the advantage of utilizing shorter wavelengths for reticle inspection. During the initial characterization of UV inspection performance, wavelength-specific defects were identified on advanced reticles that were not detected by visible light inspections. Examples of these defects and the physical mechanisms responsible for UV-specific defects will be discussed. The quality of defect review images has a direct impact on the effectiveness and ease-of-use of reticle inspection systems. The high quality, UV images available from the new system can be viewed in both normal and sharpened defect review displays which give the manufacturing operator better clarity for dispositioning sub-quarter-micron defects.
Ablation of Indian Hedgehog in the Murine Uterus Results in Decreased Cell Cycle Progression, Aberrant Epidermal Growth Factor Signaling, and Increased Estrogen Signaling

Conditional ablation of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) in the murine uterus results in mice that are sterile because of defects in embryo implantation. We performed microarray analysis on these mice at the time point at which the Ihh target genes are induced by the administration of exogenous hormone to mimic Day 3.5 of pregnancy. This analysis identified 863 genes altered by the conditional ablation of Ihh. Of these, genes that regulated the cell cycle were overrepresented. In addition, genes involved in epidermal growth factor (EGF) and estrogen (E2) signaling were found to be deregulated upon Ihh ablation. Furthermore, upon conditional ablation of Ihh, 15-mo-old mice exhibited hallmarks of estrogenized uteri, such as cystically dilated glands and hyalinized stroma. Thus, Ihh regulates embryo implantation by having an impact on the cell cycle, EGF signaling, and E2 signaling.
Performance and Design Investigation of Heavy Lift Tilt-Rotor with Aerodynamic Interference Effects

Abstract : The aerodynamic interference effects on tiltrotor performance in cruise are investigated using comprehensive calculations, to better understand the physics and to quantify the effects on the aircraft design. Performance calculations were conducted for 146,600-lb conventional and quad tiltrotors, which are to cruise at 300 knots at 4000 ft/95 deg F condition. A parametric study was conducted to understand the effects of design parameters on the performance of the aircraft. Aerodynamic interference improves the aircraft lift-to-drag ratio of the baseline conventional tiltrotor. However, interference degrades the aircraft performance of the baseline quad tiltrotor, due mostly to the unfavorable effects from the front wing to the rear wing. A reduction of rotor tip speed increased the aircraft lift-to-drag ratio the most among the design parameters investigated.
The UCH-L1 Gene Encodes Two Opposing Enzymatic Activities that Affect α-Synuclein Degradation and Parkinson's Disease Susceptibility

The assumption that each enzyme expresses a single enzymatic activity in vivo is challenged by the linkage of the neuronal enzyme ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) to Parkinson's disease (PD). UCH-L1, especially those variants linked to higher susceptibility to PD, causes the accumulation of alpha-synuclein in cultured cells, an effect that cannot be explained by its recognized hydrolase activity. UCH-L1 is shown here to exhibit a second, dimerization-dependent, ubiquityl ligase activity. A polymorphic variant of UCH-L1 that is associated with decreased PD risk (S18Y) has reduced ligase activity but comparable hydrolase activity as the wild-type enzyme. Thus, the ligase activity as well as the hydrolase activity of UCH-L1 may play a role in proteasomal protein degradation, a critical process for neuronal health.
The interplay between education and research about patient–provider communication

Abstract Attention to providers’ communication skills is likely to increase, given the confluence of forces that have highlighted the importance of communication in healthcare. In the United States, interpersonal and communication skills have been explicitly identified as a priority throughout the continuum of medical education and practice. Ideally, theory and research inform teaching and assessment efforts by suggesting how communication behavior affects outcomes and by providing a conceptual framework for learning skills. This article illustrates the interplay between education and research by discussing examples of useful concepts (models of communication, issues of perceived control, and patterns of non-verbal communication) and understudied topics (physician verbalizations during patients’ initial narratives, the mundane aspects of communication in healthcare, conceptual and operational definitions of empathy, and the effect of patient narratives on both patients and providers). Given the breadth and depth of experience, from screening and prevention to treatment and support, the context of cancer offers a promising laboratory for enhancing both education and research about provider–patient communication.
Campylobacter coli: prevalence and antimicrobial resistance in antimicrobial-free (ABF) swine production systems

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter species in swine reared in the intensive and extensive antimicrobial-free (ABF) production systems at farm and slaughter. In the ABF system, antimicrobials are neither used for growth promotion nor therapeutic purposes. Methods: Swine faecal and carcass swabs were collected from 10 groups of pigs (five each from intensive andextensiveABFfarms)atthefinishingfarmandtheslaughterplant.Atotalof292pigsatfarm(extensive 118; intensive 174) and 254 carcass swabs (extensive 134; intensive 120) were collected during the study. Campylobacter species were isolated under microaerobic conditions and confirmed by biochemical testing. Up to three presumptive Campylobacter colonies per positive pig/carcass were further characterized. Speciation was done by PCR, targeting ceuE and hipO genes for Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni, respectively. The isolates were tested for their antimicrobial resistance profile using the agar dilution method against six antimicrobials. Results: A total of 526 Campylobacter isolates were cultured from 292 pigs and 254 carcasses sampled. AlltheisolateswerefoundtobeC.coli.OverallprevalenceofC.coliwas55.8%onfarm(55%extensiveand 56.3% intensive) and 26% at slaughter (32.8% extensive and 18.3% intensive). There was no significant difference in C. coli between the intensive and extensive systems on the finishing farms (P = 0.83). At post-chill stage, C. coli were isolated only from the extensively reared ABF pigs. Antimicrobial resistance againstciprofloxacin (MIC>4mg/L) wasfoundatthe farm levelin boththe intensive- andextensive-reared groups.Theerythromycin/nalidixicacid/tetracyclineresistancepattern(3%)wasthemostcommonpattern in multidrug-resistant C. coli.
A Generating Function Technique for Beatty Sequences and Other Step Sequences

Let g(x,n), with x∈R+, be a step function for each n. Assuming certain technical hypotheses, we give a constant α and function f such that ∑∞n=1 :g(x,n) can be written in the form α+∑0<r<x f(r), where the summation is extended over all points in (0,x) at which some g(ċ,n) is not continuous. A typical example is ∑∞n=1z⌊n/x⌋=(1z−1)∑ :zq/(1−zq), with the summation extending over all pairs p,q of positive integers satisfying 0<p/q<x and gcd(p,q)=1. We then apply such representations to prove identities such as ζ(z)=∑∞n=1φ(n)nz(ζ(z)−ζ(z,1+1n)), the Lambert series for Euler's totient function, and ∑∞n=0(−1)nσz(2n+1)2n+1=π4z1+z2, where ζ(z) and ζ(z,a) are the Riemann and Hurwitz zeta functions and σz(n)=∑d∣n dzd. We also give a generalization of the Rayleigh–Beatty theorem and a new result of a similar nature for the sequences (⌊2nα⌋−⌊nα⌋)∞n=1.
Is DFT right for you

In the past 10 years or more several papers have been published to evaluate what economical cost is associated with adding "Design For Test" techniques to a design. Is Cost the only factor that needs to be examined to make a decision on adding or not adding DFT to your chip? The objective of this paper is to describe the main criteria and trade-offs of adding DFT to a design and models to help justify the overall cost impact from design to volume production. This paper will give a description of the models used and the results obtained. The objective to developing the Motorola DFT analysis model is to take all major criteria into consideration in addition to cost to decide if DFT should be implemented. The model will use both scan based testing for logic and (Built In Self Test) BIST for memories as its main DFT techniques.
Cell culture response of synovial fibroblasts to prosthetic metal particles

The purpose of this study was to examine the response of the rabbit fibroblasts to varying concentrations of titanium and cobalt-chrome particles. In the five experiments that were carried out, the results were nearly identical. Where the particle concentrations were 1 or 2 particles per cell of Co-Cr or CPTi, there was little or no effect on the cells. This held for cells growing with the metals as well as when the metals were added at cell confluency. When the particle concentrations were 10 or 20 particles per cell of Co-Cr or CPTi, all or nearly all of the cells were killed. This also held for cells growing with the metals as well as when the metals were added at cell confluency. Both Co-Cr and CPTi were equally as lethal in killing the fibroblasts at the concentrations outlined above in both of the experimental designs. Little attention has been paid to the possible role of the fibroblast, and little is known concerning the response in the presence of wear debris particles outlined above in both of the experimental designs.
Past global changes and their significance for the future

Placing the short instrumental record of climate into a longer-term perspective provides valuable insights into the envelope of climate variability on timescales of signi"cance to society today. Numerous paleotemperature records reveal that the 20th century has been exceptionally warm in the context of the last millennium, and perhaps many millennia. Furthermore, the coldest decades of the last century (the nadir of theLittle Ice Agea) were among the coldest times in the late Holocene. Thus, the world has experienced both the warmest and the coldest extremes of the late Holocene within a brief interval of less than 200 years. Extending the climate record back in time enables the underlying forcing factors (prior to global-scale anthropogenic e!ects on the climate system) to be identi"ed. Paleoclimatic data are essential to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the climate system, without which reliable forecasting of future conditions will not be possible. 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. The overall goal of the International Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP) is: **To describe and understand the interactive physical, chemical and biolo- gical processes that regulate the total earth system, the unique environment that it provides for life, the changes that are occurring in this system, and the manner in which they are inyuenced by human actions2.++. The key interac- tions and signi"cant changes that are of primary interest are those that occur on timescales of decades to centuries, that a!ect the biosphere, that are most susceptible to human perturbations, and that (most likely) will lead to a practical predictive capability. These objectives are of course driven by concerns over the ever-increasing im- pact of human activities on the climate system, sensu lato. However, whatever anthropogenic e!ects there are on climate in the future, they will be superimposed on the underlying background ofnaturala climate variability which varies on all timescales in response to di!erent forcing factors. Paleoclimatic research provides the essential perspective on climate system variability, its relationship to forcing mechanisms and to feedbacks that may amplify or reduce the direct consequences of par- ticular forcings. Such a perspective cannot be provided
Microprocessor implementation of a parallel processor

A wide variety of uses have been proposed for the spectrum of currently available microprocessor systems. Included in this set of applications is the use of microprocessors for implementing larger systems; here, the possibility of employing bit slice microprocessors for various parts of a multiple control unit SIMD processor is discussed. A brief summary of bit slice microprocessor architecture is given, followed by an outline of individual applications to various components such as control units and arithmetic/logic units of the SIMD processor.
SMARTer Music Teaching: Interactive Whiteboard Use in Music Classrooms

Interactive whiteboard use is rapidly becoming a popular and effective teaching tool in classrooms; this article explores specific uses within music classrooms. Not only do these boards prepare students to function in a technological world, they offer myriad creative uses within the music classroom, allowing for enhanced interaction, instruction, and assessment. The use of interactive whiteboards—similar to large touch-screen tablets linked to computers—allows teachers to plan lessons using technology appropriate for all age levels, abilities, and learning styles. This article presents current research on interactive whiteboard use, numerous teaching ideas for general music educators, and two full-length music lesson plans demonstrating interactive whiteboard use.
Whispering gallery mode resonators as optical reference cavities

Highly stabilized lasers are an increasingly valuable tool for metrology. For many applications, however, existing Fabry Perot systems are too bulky and cumbersome. We are investigating the use of miniature monolithic whispering gallery mode resonators as reference cavities for laser stabilization. We seek to exploit the benefit of small size and vibration resistance by suppressing thermally induced frequency fluctuations. We have theoretically investigated the viability of using a thin-film coating to achieve temperature compensation. We have experimentally investigated an active temperature stabilization scheme based on birefringence in a crystalline resonator. We also report progress of laser locking to the resonators.
Distributed data streams indexing using content-based routing paradigm

In recent years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the use of data-centric distributed systems such as global grid infrastructures, sensor networks, network monitoring, and various publish-subscribe systems. The realization of this potential requires adequate support from middleware that could be used to deploy and support such systems. In this regard, we propose an integrated distributed indexing architecture that supports scalable handling of intense dynamic information flows. The architecture is geared towards providing timely responses to queries of different types while minimizing the use of network and computational resources. The underlying communication framework ensures scalability and load balancing of communication as well as adaptivity in presence of dynamic changes. We elaborate on database and content-based routing methodologies used in the integrated solution as well as non-trivial interaction between them, and thereby provide a valuable feedback to the designers of these techniques. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our architecture with performance results that we obtained using our prototype implementation on top of the Chord system simulator.
RRP41L, a Putative Core Subunit of the Exosome, Plays an Important Role in Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth in Arabidopsis

In prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the 3′-5′-exonucleolytic decay and processing of RNAs are essential for RNA metabolism. However, the understanding of the mechanism of 3′-5′-exonucleolytic decay in plants is very limited. Here, we report the characterization of an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) transfer DNA insertional mutant that shows severe growth defects in early seedling growth, including delayed germination and cotyledon expansion, thinner yellow/pale-green leaves, and a slower growth rate. High-efficiency thermal asymmetric interlaced polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the insertional locus was in the sixth exon of AT4G27490, encoding a predicted 3′-5′-exonuclease, that contained a conserved RNase phosphorolytic domain with high similarity to RRP41, designated RRP41L. Interestingly, we detected highly accumulated messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that encode seed storage protein and abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and signaling pathway-related protein during the early growth stage in rrp41l mutants. The mRNA decay kinetics analysis for seed storage proteins, 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenases, and ABA INSENSITIVEs revealed that RRP41L catalyzed the decay of these mRNAs in the cytoplasm. Consistent with these results, the rrp41l mutant was more sensitive to ABA in germination and root growth than wild-type plants, whereas overexpression lines of RRP41L were more resistant to ABA in germination and root growth than wild-type plants. RRP41L was localized to both the cytoplasm and nucleus, and RRP41L was preferentially expressed in seedlings. Altogether, our results showed that RRP41L plays an important role in seed germination and early seedling growth by mediating specific cytoplasmic mRNA decay in Arabidopsis.
Mean circulatory filling pressure: its meaning and measurement

The volume-pressure relationship of the vasculature of the body as a whole, its vascular capacitance, requires a measurement of the mean circulatory filling pressure (Pmcf). A change in vascular capacitance induced by reflexes, hormones, or drugs has physiological consequences similar to a rapid change in blood volume and thus strongly influences cardiac output. The Pmcf is defined as the mean vascular pressure that exists after a stop in cardiac output and redistribution of blood, so that all pressures are the same throughout the system. The Pmcf is thus related to the fullness of the circulatory system. A change in Pmcf provides a uniquely useful index of a change in overall venous smooth muscle tone if the blood volume is not concomitantly changed. The Pmcf also provides an estimate of the distending pressure in the small veins and venules, which contain most of the blood in the body and comprise most of the vascular compliance. Thus the Pmcf, which is normally independent of the magnitude of the cardiac output, provides an estimate of the upstream pressure that determines the rate of flow returning to the heart.
Adrenomedullin is Up-regulated in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer and Causes Insulin Resistance in β Cells and Mice

Background & Aims New-onset diabetes in patients with pancreatic cancer is likely to be a paraneoplastic phenomenon caused by tumor-secreted products. We aimed to identify the diabetogenic secretory product(s) of pancreatic cancer. Methods Using microarray analysis, we identified adrenomedullin as a potential mediator of diabetes in patients with pancreatic cancer. Adrenomedullin was up-regulated in pancreatic cancer cell lines, in which supernatants reduced insulin signaling in beta cell lines. We performed quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry on human pancreatic cancer and healthy pancreatic tissues (controls) to determine expression of adrenomedullin messenger RNA and protein, respectively. We studied the effects of adrenomedullin on insulin secretion by beta cell lines and whole islets from mice and on glucose tolerance in pancreatic xenografts in mice. We measured plasma levels of adrenomedullin in patients with pancreatic cancer, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and individuals with normal fasting glucose levels (controls). Results Levels of adrenomedullin messenger RNA and protein were increased in human pancreatic cancer samples compared with controls. Adrenomedullin and conditioned media from pancreatic cell lines inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from beta cell lines and islets isolated from mice; the effects of conditioned media from pancreatic cancer cells were reduced by small hairpin RNA–mediated knockdown of adrenomedullin. Conversely, overexpression of adrenomedullin in mice with pancreatic cancer led to glucose intolerance. Mean plasma levels of adrenomedullin (femtomoles per liter) were higher in patients with pancreatic cancer compared with patients with diabetes or controls. Levels of adrenomedullin were higher in patients with pancreatic cancer who developed diabetes compared those who did not. Conclusions Adrenomedullin is up-regulated in patients with pancreatic cancer and causes insulin resistance in β cells and mice.
Differential Resistance Testing for InP-Based Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers

A new method for electrically measuring optical performance degradation in InP-based semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) is presented. It is shown that this degradation can be directly qualified through measurements of electrical subthreshold differential resistance. Experimental measurements are presented along with a theoretical analysis to demonstrate a proposed aging signature. Furthermore, two system designs are presented based on using this signature for enhancing device testability.
Development of Long-Term Dendritic Spine Stability in Diverse Regions of Cerebral Cortex

Synapse formation and elimination occur throughout life, but the magnitude of such changes at distinct developmental stages remains unclear. Using transgenic mice overexpressing yellow fluorescent protein and transcranial two-photon microscopy, we repeatedly imaged dendritic spines on the apical dendrites of layer 5 pyramidal neurons. In young adolescent mice (1-month-old), 13%-20% of spines were eliminated and 5%-8% formed over 2 weeks in barrel, motor, and frontal cortices, indicating a cortical-wide spine loss during this developmental period. As animals mature, there is also a substantial loss of dendritic filopodia involved in spinogenesis. In adult mice (4-6 months old), 3%-5% of spines were eliminated and formed over 2 weeks in various cortical regions. Over 18 months, only 26% of spines were eliminated and 19% formed in adult barrel cortex. Thus, after a concurrent loss of spines and spine precursors in diverse regions of young adolescent cortex, spines become stable and a majority of them can last throughout life.
Ribosome-Membrane Interaction in Eukaryotic Cells

Ribosomes in eukaryotic cells occur either free or bound to the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). So far neither structural nor functional differences have been clearly revealed between these two classes of ribosomes. Thus, available evidence suggests that the ribosome-membrane interaction is not obligatory for the process of polypeptide synthesis per se in membrane-bound ribosomes. Rather this interaction is related to the fate of the nascent chain, providing the structural conditions for its transfer into the membrane-bounded compartment of the ER. Subsequently, the segregated chains may undergo the modifications (proteolytic cleavage, e.g. proinsulin; attachment of carbohydrate, e.g. immunoglobulins) required for secretion, storage, or disposal in the various intracellular membrane-bounded compartments (Golgi complex, condensing vacuoles, zymogen granules, peroxisomes, lysosomes). A role of the ribosome-membrane interaction in the vectorial discharge of proteins into the ER is indicated by (a) the close association of the nascent polypeptide chain with the ER membrane (1, 2); (b) the close association of the large ribosomal subunit with this membrane, detected both electron microscopically and biochemically (3); (c) the selective translation of specific mRNA’s on either free or membrane-bound ribosomes (4, 5, 6). This last observation implies that the information as to whether a particular mRNA is to be translated by free or membrane-bound ribosomes lies in mRNA itself. This and other features of protein biosynthesis (the cycle of ribosomal subunits (7)) can be incorporated into a tentative scheme such as the one illustrated below.
Ancient DNA Reveals That the Variability of the DRD4 -521 C/T SNP Associated with Novelty Seeking Behavior is Influenced by Selection in Western South American Populations

Certain Polymorphisms in the DRD4 gene have been associated with behavioral traits such as novelty seeking (NS), impulsivity, and ADHD. Research has suggested that these personality traits may affect individual fitness differently depending on social structure, subsistence patterns, and mobility. To test this hypothesis this study examines the diachronic change in the frequency of the C allele of the −521 C/T SNP in the DRD4 promoter region, thought to contribute to the NS phenotype, analyzing ancient DNA from pre-Columbian South America. We used a SBE PCR based approach to analyze the DRD4 SNP in 125 prehistoric samples dating from ~8000 BP to the end of the pre-Columbian period and deriving from a diversity of socioeconomic environments. We performed forward simulations of genetic drift with selection to test if difference in allele frequencies over time can solely be explained by random evolutionary processes or if selection has to be considered. Further, we performed statistical tests to explore possible association of observed differences with socioeconomic or environmental factors. DRD4 genotypes for 79 individuals were obtained. We find signals of slight selection acting on the DRD4-521 T allele. While the postulated association between the −521 C/T DRD4 SNP with modes of subsistence was not confirmed the results suggest a possible impact of socioeconomic complexity and political organization on the variability of the SNP in in pre-Columbian western South American populations.
Managing Inventories: What is the Appropriate Order Quantity?

This note examines a firm's decisions about its cycle-stock ordering activities and the cost-element considerations behind those decisions. Students learn that, as materials flow from suppliers through a firm's operations to customers, the objective is to develop and implement a management system that can improve the cost effectiveness of the investments in inventory.
The susceptibility of TaOx-based memristors to high dose rate ionizing radiation and total ionizing dose

This paper investigates the effects of high dose rate ionizing radiation and total ionizing dose (TID) on tantalum oxide (TaOx) memristors. Transient data were obtained during the pulsed exposures for dose rates ranging from approximately 5.0 ×107 rad(Si)/s to 4.7 ×108 rad(Si)/s and for pulse widths ranging from 50 ns to 50 μs. The cumulative dose in these tests did not appear to impact the observed dose rate response. Static dose rate upset tests were also performed at a dose rate of ~3.0 ×108 rad(Si)/s. This is the first dose rate study on any type of memristive memory technology. In addition to assessing the tolerance of TaOx memristors to high dose rate ionizing radiation, we also evaluated their susceptibility to TID. The data indicate that it is possible for the devices to switch from a high resistance off-state to a low resistance on-state in both dose rate and TID environments. The observed radiation-induced switching is dependent on the irradiation conditions and bias configuration. Furthermore, the dose rate or ionizing dose level at which a device switches resistance states varies from device to device; the enhanced susceptibility observed in some devices is still under investigation. As a result, numerical simulations aremore » used to qualitatively capture the observed transient radiation response and provide insight into the physics of the induced current/voltages.« less
Metabolic Support for Renal Sodium Reabsorption

Our studies demonstrate that renal substrate metabolism may subserve several functions. 1. Substrate oxidation concerns us all, since it provides the support for the internal and external work functions of the kidney. It appears that only certain of the substrates utilized by the kidney have, as their major fate, oxidation. 2. All the substrates participate in the synthesis and turnover of intrarenal constituents. These rates remain to be quantified. In the case of free fatty acids, are their turnover rates through the intrarenal lipid pools proportional to T-Na+? If so, this phenomenon would be part of the Q-O2 minus T-Na+ correlation. Or, is lipid synthesis related to T-Na+ in a nonlinear fashion? 3. Certain substrates (lactate, glycerol, fructose, and probably free fatty acids) are readily interconverted in kidney. This phenomenon is particularly prominent when the blood concentrations of these substrates rise. Glucose or lactate are the major interconverion products, at least in vitro. Are there significant quantities of these or other products synthesized by kidney in vivo? The in vivo observations with 14-C-palmitate suggest, but do not prove, that this is the case. The prime example of a renal substrate interconversion mechanism is, of course, the one so carefully and completely elucidated by Pitts: minus NH3 production from glutamine. The further questions he has raised in this area will undoubtedly keep him and us interested and active for some time to come.
Mali's Reconstruction after the Crisis: Social Media and the Diaspora's Political Participation

The recent crisis of the state in Mali has foregrounded the weakness of democratic institutions and the growing corruption and enduring personal character of Malian politics, as well as diffuse popular dissatisfaction with the limited results of twenty years of democratic rule. As French and African military intervention restores Mali’s territorial unity, Malian publics contend with various projects of national and regional reconstruction. Malian citizens are actively engaging in this process via social media, which have freed citizens from the hierarchical and often exclusionary dynamics of party organizations. In this paper I analyze the diaspora’s contributions to discussions of Mali’s post-reunification future, focusing on a number of forums in which transnational and national publics discuss Mali’s democratic future. As the interim government gears up to organize the next presidential elections, the networks of communicative exchanges between the Malian diasporas and politicians back home have expanded. Through an analysis of these networks, I identify the forms and extent of the diaspora’s participation in the electoral process (and in general political processes) back home.
Optimizing fiducial visibility on periodically acquired megavoltage and kilovoltage image pairs during prostate volumetric modulated arc therapy.

Purpose: Robust detection of implanted fiducials is essential for monitoring intrafractional motion during hypofractionated treatment. The authors developed a plan optimization strategy to ensure clear visibility of implanted fiducials and facilitate 3D localization during volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Methods: Periodic kilovoltage (kV) images were acquired at 20° gantry intervals and paired with simultaneously acquired 4.4° short arc megavoltage digital tomosynthesis (MV-DTS) to localize three fiducials during VMAT delivery for hypofractionated prostate cancer treatment. Beginning with the original optimized plan, control point segments where fiducials were consistently blocked by multileaf collimator(MLC) within each 4.4° MV-DTS interval were first identified. For each segment, MLC apertures were edited to expose the fiducial that led to the least increase in the cost function. Subsequently, MLC apertures of all control points not involved with fiducial visualization were reoptimized to compensate for plan quality losses and match the original dose–volume histogram. MV dose for each MV-DTS was also kept above 0.4 MU to ensure acceptable image quality. Different imaging (gantry) intervals and visibility margins around fiducials were also evaluated. Results: Fiducials were consistently blocked by the MLC for, on average, 36% of the imagingcontrol points for five hypofractionated prostate VMAT plans but properly exposed after reoptimization. Reoptimization resulted in negligible dosimetric differences compared with original plans and outperformed simple aperture editing: on average, PTV D98 recovered from 87% to 94% of prescription, and PTV dose homogeneity improved from 9% to 7%. Without violating plan objectives and compromising delivery efficiency, the highest imaging frequency and largest margin that can be achieved are a 10° gantry interval, and 15 mm, respectively. Conclusions: VMAT plans can be made to accommodate MV-kV imaging of fiducials. Fiducial visualization rate and workflow efficiency are significantly improved with an automatic modification and reoptimization approach.
We use Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy for Overdoses and Intoxications

Extracorporeal modalities for the removal of drugs and toxins are indicated for the treatment of overdoses and intoxications. Well-established modalities include hemodialysis (HD), high-flux HD (HfD), and charcoal hemoperfusion (HP). Recently, there have been increasing reports on the use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), such as continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD), continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) or CVVH combined with dialysis (CVVHDF). In the present article, we will discuss the various factors that determine the clearance of drugs and toxins and accordingly, we will propose that with few exceptions, CRRT does not have a role in the routine management of intoxications.
Study of Nano-SiO_2 Dispersion and Applications in Aqueous Coatings

The nano-SiO2 powder reuniting was settled. The nano-SiO2 was dispersed and surface-modified in the aqueous solvent, and the influence factors of suspend stability was also studied. Then, the optimal disperse technics was screen out through the just-mutual experimentaion, which joined it into the aqueous coatings and confected the aqueous nano-coatings. Finally, the performance of the coatings were tested.
Lexical Annotation for Multi-word Entries Containing Nominalizations

New York University has produced a dictionary of nominalizations (NOMLEX) whose entries capture the relationship of the nominalization with its associated verb. This dictionary indicates where the verbal arguments may be found in the noun phrase which contains the nominalization. We have now made a study and produced some entries for nominalizations and their co-occurring verbs. These entries are much more complex than NOMLEX entries. In order to express all the relationships between the nominalization and its co-occurring verb, we made use of the terminology of Igor Mel’ĉuk, whose theories have been used to create dictionaries in French and Russian. His categories were found to be very useful for this task. The verb + nominalization pairs were selected by frequency of co-occurrence and thus do not strictly conform to what are considered support verbs. Support verbs are generally defined as having no semantic content, serving only to carry tense and number which the nominalization cannot express. A typical example of this is “commit a murder”. The paper below describes the NOMLEX entry which is the basis of this work and then demonstrates the additional information needed to describe the verb + nominalization pair.