cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The leukemogenicity of AML1-ETO is dependent on site-specific lysine acetylation.

The chromosomal translocations found in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) generate oncogenic fusion transcription factors with aberrant transcriptional regulatory properties. Although therapeutic targeting of most leukemia fusion proteins remains elusive, the posttranslational modifications that control their function could be targetable. We found that AML1-ETO, the fusion protein generated by the t(8;21) translocation, is acetylated by the transcriptional coactivator p300 in leukemia cells isolated from t(8;21) AML patients, and that this acetylation is essential for its self-renewal–promoting effects in human cord blood CD34+ cells and its leukemogenicity in mouse models. Inhibition of p300 abrogates the acetylation of AML1-ETO and impairs its ability to promote leukemic transformation. Thus, lysine acetyltransferases represent a potential therapeutic target in AML.
Poverty, household chaos, and interparental aggression predict children's ability to recognize and modulate negative emotions

The following prospective longitudinal study considers the ways that protracted exposure to verbal and physical aggression between parents may take a substantial toll on emotional adjustment for 1,025 children followed from 6 to 58 months of age. Exposure to chronic poverty from infancy to early childhood as well as multiple measures of household chaos were also included as predictors of children's ability to recognize and modulate negative emotions in order to disentangle the role of interparental conflict from the socioeconomic forces that sometimes accompany it. Analyses revealed that exposure to greater levels of interparental conflict, more chaos in the household, and a higher number of years in poverty can be empirically distinguished as key contributors to 58-month-olds' ability to recognize and modulate negative emotion. Implications for models of experiential canalization of emotional processes within the context of adversity are discussed.
Abstract CN05-02: Arsenic carcinogenesis

Elevated concentrations of arsenic in groundwater pose a public health threat to millions of people worldwide, including severely affected populations in Bangladesh. While arsenic is an established human carcinogen and has been associated with a multitude of health outcomes in epidemiologic studies, a mode of action has yet to be determined for some aspects of arsenic toxicity. In this presentation, we will emphasize the role of recent genetic and molecular epidemiologic investigations of arsenic toxicity. Additionally, we will discuss considerations for the public health impacts of arsenic exposure through drinking water with respect to primary and secondary prevention efforts, including discussion of an on-going chemoprevention trial of selenium and vitamin E supplementation among individuals with manifest arsenic toxicity in Bangladesh. Citation Format: Maria Argos. Arsenic carcinogenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr CN05-02.
Using a Design Repository to Drive Concept Generation

This paper describes how a design repository can be used as a concept generation tool by drawing upon archived function-based design knowledge. Modern design methodologies include several types of activities to formally generate design concepts. Typical concept generation methods range from open-ended creative brainstorming activities to quantitative function-component analysis. A combination of two such methods-the chi-matrix and morphological matrix techniques-is the basis for this work. Building on existing functionality of the design repository, desired product functions can be specified in a search of stored design knowledge, returning a morphological matrix of artifacts solving the specified functions. Such a search is termed a morphological search. The repository morphological search feature is evaluated against concepts generated in a previous original design project. Results of the morphological search return are then compared to ten of the original concept variants generated during the design project. This comparison shows that 89% of the specified subfunctions return results and that, on average, 77% of the components used in the hand-generated concepts can be derived by using the morphological search feature.
Chirping the light—fantastic? Recent NBS atom cooling experiments

Abstract We have successfully decelerated and cooled a neutral atomic sodium beam using a counter-propagating laser beam tuned nearly resonant with the D 2 transition. In order to compensate for the changing Doppler shift as the atoms slow down, the laser frequency was rapidly scanned or “chirped”. We have observed final velocities of 6 x 10 2 m/s, or about 0.5 of the initial velocity. As of yet we have not been able to cool a significant number of atoms to lower velocities.
Dynamics of low-frequency R-R interval oscillations preceding spontaneous ventricular tachycardia.

Abstract Background Increased sympathetic activity is believed to be an important trigger of sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT) and is believed to be responsible for the increased heart rate that we and others have reported before the onset of spontaneous VT. However, in the patients reported herein, heart rate variability (HRV) indexes that reflect sympathetic activity unexpectedly declined, whereas heart rate increased. To explain this apparent paradoxic behavior, we tested the hypothesis that baseline levels of HRV determine its reaction to short-term autonomic perturbations before the onset of VT. Methods and Results Holter electrocardiograms from 47 patients (ejection fraction 36% ± 15%) with recorded VT were analyzed. Frequency domain HRV indexes (low-frequency power [LFP] 0.04 to 0.15 Hz, high-frequency power [HFP] 0.15 to 0.4 Hz, and total power [TP] 0.01 to 0.4 Hz) were studied in 5-minute intervals and over a period of 24 hours. Patients were divided into those with a decrease in LFP in the 2-hour period before VT (group A, n=32) and those with an increase or no change (group B, n=15). The data were logarithmically transformed. Heart rate increased 15 minutes before the onset of VT compared with the 24-hour mean in both groups (group A: 80.3 ± 15.4 to 86.1 ± 20.0 beats/min, P = .005; group B: 80.6 ± 13.5 to 86.7 ± 14.0 beats/min, P = .017). Group A had higher TP, LFP, and LFP/HFP 2 hours before VT, and these variables decreased 15 minutes before the onset of VT (TP from 7.31 ± 1.28 to 6.88 ± 1.35, LFP from 6.09 ± 1.28 to 5.38 ± 1.33, LFP/HFP from 1.33 ± 0.89 to 0.96 ± 0.80, P P = .028). In group B, which had lower baseline TP, LFP, and LFP/HFP at 2 hours before VT, these variables increased 15 minutes before the event (TP from 6.41 ± 1.41 to 6.86 ± 1.42, P = .004; LFP from 4.59 ± 1.51 to 4.95 ± 0.62, P P = .10), whereas HFP did not change significantly (4.40 ± 0.94 and 4.53 ± 1.01, P = .50). Conclusions An increase in heart rate and a drop in the low-frequency oscillations of R-R intervals before the onset of VT occurred in patients with higher baseline level of oscillatory activity. These changes suggest a dissociation between the average and rhythmic modulation of R-R intervals. A decline of the low-frequency oscillations in the setting of increasing heart rate could reflect an abnormal response to increased sympathetic activity in most of the patients from the studied group. The different behaviors of the HRV indexes before the onset of VT in the 2 groups suggest that change in the dynamics of R-R intervals, rather than the direction of change, facilitates arrhythmogenesis. (Am Heart J 2000;139:126-33.)
The Powerful Pleonasm: A Defense of Expletive it is

A review of a range of usage handbooks reveals that many manuals advise against the use of words, phrases, and sentence types on the basis of commonly held beliefs rather than of empirical studies of the characteristics of the items and the ways in which professional writers actually use them. One element castigated by the manuals is expletive it, particularly when followed by a form of the verb be. This study distinguishes three constructions which begin with it is (extrapositive, cleft, and inferential), examines their linguistic characteristics, notes differences in meaning and function between them and their expletiveless counterparts, and explores the uses made of them by writers of fiction and nonfiction. The study demonstrates that although conventionally meaningless, expletive it is introduces sentence types with pragmatic and textual properties of considerable value to writers. The constructions are associated with specific interpretations beyond their conventional meanings. These interpretations...
Evaluation of the accuracy of a new plasterless plane line articulator

The accuracy of a technique that allows rapid and repeated cast mountings without the aid of gypsum products was determined. The results indicate that errors of dimensional change inherent in plaster or dental stone mountings are avoided with use of this plasterless mounting procedure. In view of the findings, this articulator is recommended as a reliable laboratory instrument.
Dealing with Ijime (Bullying) Among Japanese Students: Current Approaches to the Problem

The Japanese educational system, which is the envy of many other nations, is faced with the problem of excessive violence on the part of students. Excellent schools and services are available for children who are mentally retarded or who have some physical disease or condition, but very little provision has been made for instruction or treatment for children with mild to moderate emotional disturbance and/or learning disability. Both historical and modern reasons why this is so are examined, and attitudes of educators and of the society as a whole toward emotional disturbance and its effects upon academic achievement are explored. The author taught for one year in a school of education attached to a major private university in Japan.
Quality and Intensity of Light in Judgement of Colors Encountered in Poultry Inspection

Abstract DURING inspection of market poultry for wholesomeness, inspectors in processing plants primarily use sight to evaluate the carcasses. The inspector may touch each carcass to turn and inspect it, and when a sign of unwholesomeness is seen, the area is often palpated with the fingers to evaluate the significance of the sign. Under present commercial processing conditions, an inspector may evaluate up to 23 carcasses per minute. U. S. Department of Agriculture Regulations (1965) state: “Each carcass and all parts and organs thereof which are found to be sound, wholesome, unadulterated, and fit for human food, shall be passed.” Inadequate or improper light may affect the inspector's confidence that he has met these requirements, and thus reduce his efficiency. At present, the visual environment at inspection stations varies from plant to plant. There may be some delay in adjustment by an inspector who must move from one plant, where he . . .
Electrical responses of pancreatic islet cells to secretory stimuli

Abstract The electrical activity of beta-cells of mouse islets of Langerhans was recorded in response to varying concentrations of glucose, mannose, and calcium. The electrical activity parallels insulin secretion and is reversible and independent of time within the periods recorded. The results suggest that sugars stimulated insulin secretion by adsorption to a membrane glucoreceptor which induces electrical activity.
A federated approach to distributed network simulation

We describe an approach and our experiences in applying federated simulation techniques to create large-scale parallel simulations of computer networks. Using the federated approach, the topology and the protocol stack of the simulated network is partitioned into a number of submodels, and a simulation process is instantiated for each one. Runtime infrastructure software provides services for interprocess communication and synchronization (time management). We first describe issues that arise in homogeneous federations where a sequential simulator is federated with itself to realize a parallel implementation. We then describe additional issues that must be addressed in heterogeneous federations composed of different network simulation packages, and describe a dynamic simulation backplane mechanism that facilitates interoperability among different network simulators. Specifically, the dynamic simulation backplane provides a means of addressing key issues that arise in federating different network simulators: differing packet representations, incomplete implementations of network protocol models, and differing levels of detail among the simulation processes. We discuss two different methods for using the backplane for interactions between heterogeneous simulators: the cross-protocol stack method and the split-protocol stack method. Finally, results from an experimental study are presented for both the homogeneous and heterogeneous cases that provide evidence of the scalability of our federated approach on two moderately sized computing clusters. Two different homogeneous implementations are described: Parallel/Distributed ns (pdns) and the Georgia Tech Network Simulator (GTNetS). Results of a heterogeneous implementation federating ns with GloMoSim are described. This research demonstrates that federated simulations are a viable approach to realizing efficient parallel network simulation tools.
Light scattering from sol-gel Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 thin films: Surface versus volume scattering

Abstract The optical quality of sol-gel processed Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 thin films has been investigated using spectrally and angularly resolved light scattering. Measurements were performed on a series of films of differing thicknesses, and the results were compared to the predictions of model calculations based upon scattering due to surface roughness, or due to variations of the dielectric constant within the volume of the film. The surface scattering model successfully reproduced many of the features of the observed light scattering. In contrast, the predictions of the volume scattering model differed substantially from the experimental data. In addition, the surface roughness spectrum obtained using atomic force microscopy was used to calculate the angularly resolved light scattering expected for one of the films. For angles greater than ∼20°, the predicted and experimentally determined light scattering were in close agreement. These results indicate that light scattering from these films is primarily due to s...
Experimental Determination of Local Structural Stiffness by Disassembly of Measured Flexibility Matrices

A new method is presented for identifying the local stiffness of a structure from vibration test data. The method is based on a projection of the experimentally measured flexibility matrix onto the strain energy distribution in local elements or regional superelements. Using both a presumed connectivity and a presumed strain energy distribution pattern, the method forms a well-determined linear least squares problem for elemental stiffness matrix eigenvalues. These eigenvalues are directly proportional to the stiffnesses of individual elements or superelements, including the cross-sectional bending stiffnesses of beams, plates, and shells, for example. An important part of the methodology is the formulation of nodal degrees of freedom as functions of the measured sensor degrees of freedom to account for the location offsets which are present in physical sensor measurements. Numerical and experimental results are presented which show the application of the approach to example problems.
Complete remission of ALK-negative plasma cell granuloma (inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor) of the lung induced by celecoxib: A case report and review of the literature

We report a case in which a 52-year-old female developed a multifocal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of the lung. The tumor did not overexpress the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein, indicating a lack of ALK rearrangement. The patient required two wedge resections in 15 months due to recurrent disease. Recurrence after the second surgery was treated with corticosteroids, which only led to a transient response (6 months). Introduction of celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, induced a complete remission in the patient. Maintenance on celecoxib further led to a progression-free survival of 34 months. A literature review retrieved a total of eight case reports, comprising ten patients, of IMT of various anatomical sites successfully treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) therapy. Nine of the ten patients achieved durable complete remission. Remission occurred rapidly and persisted even after termination of NSAID therapy. Although such a successful outcome may only be achieved rarely, a trial of an NSAID should be considered in any patient in whom complete resection is not an option. Our case also demonstrates that NSAID therapy may be successful in a non-ALK rearranged tumor in which ALK inhibition is not an option.
Results of Coronary Bypass Surgery in Elderly Women

One hundred two female and 102 male patients all older than 70 years who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between 1978 and 1983 were matched according to age, anginal status, ejection fraction (EF), number of bypass grafts, and year of operation. These 204 patients were characterized by a mean age of 73 years, a mean EF of 64%, a mean of 3.2 bypass grafts per patient, and unstable angina in 82%. Statistical analyses were performed on the following variables in conjunction with patient sex to determine whether the two samples (women and men) can be considered representative of a single patient population: preoperative resting ECG, stress test result, number of diseased vessels, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, presence of carotid artery disease, use of an internal mammary artery graft, incidence of operative death, perioperative myocardial infarction (MI), hospital complications, late MI, recurrent angina, late death, and cumulative survival. All differences were small and failed to reach statistical significance except that women had a higher incidence of recurrent angina-like chest pain and a higher incidence of ischemic changes in the preoperative ECG and men had a higher incidence of conduction abnormalities. We conclude that in this age group, CABG is equally beneficial to women and men in terms of survival, but may result in less subjective symptomatic benefit in women.
Fossil elephantoids, Awash paleolake basins, and the Afar triple junction, Ethiopia

Abstract The most diverse collection of fossil elephantoids from a single area, are contained in the 1-km-thick hominid-bearing Awash Group. These deposits range from late Miocene to Holocene in age and are found in the Awash Valley of the Afar Depression, Ethiopia. Uniquely, the Afar elephantoids inhabited a series of internal lake basins splayed out across an evolving, subaerial triple junction created by the separation of the African, East African and Arabian plates. The spatial and temporal distribution of elephantoids in these basins demonstrates that these animals were progressively drawn into the central Afar with the divergence of the three plates. As such, the elephantoids moved from the higher margins of the East African and African plates to the depressed lowlands of the triple junction, where subsiding and migrating lake basins served as ideal habitats for large herbivores with high water requirements. This pattern of migration serves as a model for the migration of animals into intercontinental areas and for their dispersal across plate boundaries.
Quantum computing and the modified qubit

As interest in quantum computing evolves, consideration must be given to the development of new methods to improve the current design of quantum computers. Such ideas are not only helping the advance towards practical quantum computation applications, but are also providing clearer understanding of quantum computation itself. Eventually, several new exploratory efforts to increase the efficiency beyond the inherent advantage of quantum computational systems to classical systems will materialize. As a part of these exploration efforts, this paper presents a modified version of the qubit, which we refer to as a "Qubit", that allows a smaller number of Qubits than qubits to reach the same result in applications such as Shor’s algorithm for the factorization of large numbers. The current model of the qubit consists of a quantum bit with two states, a zero and a one in a quantum superposition state. The Qubit, which consists of more than two states, is introduced and explained. A mathematical analysis of the Qubit within Hilbert space is given. We present examples of applications of the Qubit to several quantum computing algorithms, including discussion of the advantages and disadvantages that are involved. Finally a physical model to construct such a Qubit is considered.
The effect of local anesthetics and ammonia on cortical granule-plasma membrane attachment in the sea urchin egg.

Abstract The normal attachment of sea urchin egg cortical granules to the overlying plasma membrane can be disrupted by urethane, the tertiary amines procaine and tetracaine, and ammonia. Following such treatment, and contrary to the normal situation in mature eggs, the cortical granules can be dislodged from the egg cortex by centrifugal force. In some experiments, procaine treatment alone can disrupt cortical granule attachment enough to prevent exocytosis at fertilization. In such eggs, cortical granules can then be seen in the blastomeres. These observations suggest that a special attachment exists between the cortical granules and the plasma membrane and that if this attachment is sufficiently disrupted, cortical granule exocytosis is prevented. A new technique for the isolation of cortical granules has been developed based on the urethane sensitivity of their attachment to the plasma membrane.
Measuring District-Level Partisanship with Implications for the Analysis of U.S. Elections*

Studies of American politics, particularly legislative politics, rely heavily on measures of the partisanship of a district. We develop a measurement model for this concept, estimating partisanship in the absence of election-specific, short-term factors, such as national-level swings specific to particular elections, incumbency advantage, and home-state effects in presidential elections. We estimate the measurement model using electoral returns and district-level demographic characteristics spanning five decades (1952–2000), letting us assess how the distribution of district partisanship has changed over time, in response to population movements and redistricting, particularly via the creation of majority-minority districts. We validate the partisanship measure with an analysis of congressional roll-call data. The model is easily extended to incorporate other indicators of district partisanship, such as survey data.
Effect of transient moderate hyperventilation on dynamic cerebral autoregulation after severe head injury

OBJECTIVE : This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of acute moderate hyperventilation on cerebral autoregulation in head-injured patients. METHODS : Dynamic cerebral autoregulation was analyzed by use of transcranial doppler ultrasonography before and after hyperventilation in 10 patients with severe head injury. All of the patients were artificially ventilated and underwent continuous monitoring of arterial blood pressure, intracranial pressure, and end-tidal carbon dioxide. To test autoregulation, rapid transient decreases in systemic blood pressure were achieved by quickly releasing large blood pressure cuffs that were inflated around both thighs. This resulted in a drop of 24 ± 6 mm Hg in mean systemic blood pressure, which lasted an average of 49 ± 24 seconds. Cerebral blood flow velocity was monitored continuously in both middle cerebral arteries by use of transcranial doppler ultrasonography. The percentage change in middle cerebral artery velocity was used as an index of the change in cerebral blood flow during the autoregulatory response. The change in estimated cerebrovascular resistance, immediately after the blood pressure drop, or the rate of regulation was used to analyze the effectiveness of the cerebral autoregulation. This value was calculated by determining the rate of increase in middle cerebral artery velocity during the 1st 5 seconds after a blood pressure drop, relative to the rate of increase of the cerebral perfusion pressure. RESULTS : The average rate of regulation during normocapnia at pCO 2 of 37 mm Hg was 11.4 ± 5% per second. After reduction of the pCO 2 to 28 mm Hg, the average rate of regulation improved significantly (P < 0.001 ) to 17.7 ± 6% per second. Autoregulation improved, despite no significant change in the cerebral perfusion pressure during hyperventilation. The degree of improvement in autoregulation was significantly correlated with the CO 2 reactivity (r = 0.45, P < 0.05) but did not correlate (r = -0.23, P = 0.33) with the change in arterial pH value after hyperventilation. CONCLUSION : These results confirm the finding that dynamic autoregulation is disturbed in severe head injury and that moderate transient hyperventilation can temporarily improve the efficiency of the autoregulatory response, probably as a result of a transient increase in vascular tone.
Predicting the impact of scheduling modifications on system performance: case study

A measurement-based model is used to conduct a detailed evaluation of scheduling policies of the Alliant FX/80. The model is also used to evaluate the real workload performance impact of various processor configurations. The model is constructed from measurements obtained during normal machine operation. It is capable of predicting the completion time of a given application executing under real workloads. The evaluation of scheduling policies presented demonstrates the flexibility and power of the modeling methodology. It is shown that the model is not limited to single-point evaluations of system changes. The model has the ability to investigate worst case behavior, as well as estimate the probability that an application will finish by a given deadline. Results from empirical studies which validate the model are also presented. >
Initial Characterization of Cells Derived from Human Periodontia

The studies presented in this report describe an initial characterization of cell types derived from explants of human periodontia. Cell cultures were established from human periodontal ligament (PL4, PL7), gingival tissue (GF2), and alveolar bone (BP1) by means of explant techniques and monolayer culture. Cells were studied at passage numbers 2-4 and were characterized on the basis of morphological, biochemical, and proliferative parameters. Subconfluent cells did not have distinct morphologies useful in distinguishing them from one another. At confluence, PL4 and BP1 cells formed multilayered cultures of randomly oriented cells, while PL7 and GF2 cells grew in a monolayer of parallel cells. Biochemically, PL4 and BP1 cells exhibited characteristics consistent with an osteoblast-like phenotype. These included a significant increase in PTH-stimulated cyclic AMP and high basal levels of alkaline phosphatase activity, which were decreased on exposure to PTH and increased after stimulation by 1.25 dihydroxyvitamin D3. In contrast, PL7 and GF2 cells exhibited basal alkaline phosphatase levels that were low, and cyclic AMP levels were not modulated by PTH stimulation. Cell populations PL7 and GF2 did not proliferate in culture medium supplemented with 3% platelet-poor plasma. After the addition of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) to this medium, the proliferation of these cell populations was equal to that in media supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. In contrast, PL4 and BP1 cells did proliferate in culture medium supplemented with 3% platelet-poor plasma. The addition of PDGF to the medium resulted in only a moderate increase in the proliferation of cell populations PL4 and BP1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Database for mRNA Half-Life of 19 977 Genes Obtained by DNA Microarray Analysis of Pluripotent and Differentiating Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Degradation of mRNA is one of the key processes that control the steady-state level of gene expression. However, the rate of mRNA decay for the majority of genes is not known. We successfully obtained the rate of mRNA decay for 19 977 non-redundant genes by microarray analysis of RNA samples obtained from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Median estimated half-life was 7.1 h and only <100 genes, including Prdm1, Myc, Gadd45 g, Foxa2, Hes5 and Trib1, showed half-life less than 1 h. In general, mRNA species with short half-life were enriched among genes with regulatory functions (transcription factors), whereas mRNA species with long half-life were enriched among genes related to metabolism and structure (extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton). The stability of mRNAs correlated more significantly with the structural features of genes than the function of genes: mRNA stability showed the most significant positive correlation with the number of exon junctions per open reading frame length, and negative correlation with the presence of PUF-binding motifs and AU-rich elements in 3′-untranslated region (UTR) and CpG di-nucleotides in the 5′-UTR. The mRNA decay rates presented in this report are the largest data set for mammals and the first for ES cells.
A type-based compiler for standard ML

Compile-time type information should be valuable in efficient compilation of statically typed functional languages such as Standard ML. But how should type-directed compilation work in real compilers, and how much performance gain will type-based optimizations yield? In order to support more efficient data representations and gain more experience about type-directed compilation, we have implemented a new type-based middle end and back end for the Standard ML of New Jersey compiler. We describe the basic design of the new compiler, identify a number of practical issues, and then compare the performance of our new compiler with the old non-type-based compiler. Our measurement shows that a combination of several simple type-based optimizations reduces heap allocation by 36%; and improves the already-efficient code generated by the old non-type-based compiler by about 19% on a DECstation 500.
Assessing the impact of low baseline parathyroid hormone levels on surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism

Objectives/Hypothesis: To compare patients with a parathyroid hormone index (iPTH) level less than 100 pg/mL (low baseline) with patients with an index level greater than 100 pg/mL (high baseline) relative to intraoperative iPTH levels (IOPTH), surgical findings, imaging, and outcome. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: The medical records of 284 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing parathyroid exploration utilizing IOPTH were reviewed. One hundred fifty-eight patients with a low baseline iPTH level were compared with 144 patients with a high baseline iPTH level. Patients were correlated in regard to IOPTH results, surgical findings, preoperative localization imaging, and surgical outcome. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in regard to recalcitrant disease. Twenty percent of the low baseline group of patients had multigland disease, versus 8% of the high baseline patients. The kinetic profile of iPTH degradation differed between the two groups, with the low baseline group demonstrating a significantly lower percentage drop compared to the high baseline group. Conclusions: Patients with preoperative low baseline iPTH levels are over two times more likely to have multigland disease than patients with high baseline levels. Preoperative imaging in this group appears to be less likely to yield a solitary adenoma, even in the absence of multigland disease. IOPTH degradation kinetics is variable between groups, resulting in the possibility of inconsistent correlation with complete resection. These findings suggest that the current IOPTH guidelines, with reference to adequacy of resection, may need to be amended, especially for patients with low baseline iPTH levels. Laryngoscope, 2009
ECOHYDROLOGY IN A COLORADO RIVER RIPARIAN FOREST: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE DECLINE OF POPULUS FREMONTII

Populus fremontii (Fremont cottonwood) was once a dominant species in desert riparian forests but has been increasingly replaced by the exotic invasive Tamarix ramosissima (saltcedar). Interspecific competition, reduced flooding frequency, and in- creased salinity have been implicated in the widespread decline of P. fremontii. To elucidate some of the multiple and interacting mechanisms of this decline, we examined ecological processes in a control stand of P. fremontii along the Colorado River in Utah, USA, as well as a disturbed stand characterized by high groundwater salinity and invasion of T. ramosissima. Sap flux data showed that P. fremontii at the saline site experienced large reductions in afternoon canopy stomatal conductance relative to the control. Thus, average daily stand transpiration was 4.8 6 0.1 mm/d at the saline site in comparison to 9.3 6 0.2 mm/d at the control site over a two-month period. Light-saturated photosynthesis and apparent quantum yield were also reduced in saline P. fremontii. Stable isotope analysis indicated that trees at the saline site utilized evaporatively enriched groundwater that was likely derived from a nearby pond of irrigation runoff; this was also the probable source of high salinity. Interspecific competition for water at the saline site is unlikely, as T. ramosissima is still a minor species that is present only in the understory. However, reduced tissue N content in P. fremontii at the saline site suggested that physiological stress during salinity and halophyte invasion may be exacerbated by altered N relations.
The Impact of Dark Current on the Wideband Poisson Channel

We study the discrete-time Poisson channel under the constraint that its average input power (in photons per channel use) must not exceed some constant E.W e consider the wideband, high-photon-efficiency extreme where E approaches zero, and where the channel's "dark current" approaches zero proportionally with E.E xtending our previous work, we show that the influence of the dark current on channel capacity is mainly on the third-order term with respect to E.W e also show that pulse-position modulation with "soft-decision decoding" achieves data rates that accurately reflect such influence. I. INTRODUCTION We consider the discrete-time memoryless Poisson channel whose input x is in the set R + of nonnegative reals and whose output y is in the set Z + of nonnegative integers. Conditional on the input X = x ,t he outputY has a Poisson distribution of mean (! +x) ,w here! ! 0 is called the "dark current" and is a constant which does not depend on the input x .H ence the channel law W(·|·) is W(y|x )= e ! (! +x) (! + x) y y! ,x " R + 0 ,y" Z + 0 . (1) This channel models pulse-amplitude modulated optical communication where the transmitter sends light signals in co- herent states (which are usually produced using laser devices), and where the receiver employs direct detection (i.e., photon counting) (1). The channel input x describes the expected number of signal photons (i.e., photons that come from the input light signal rather than noise) to be detected in the pulse duration, and is proportional to the light signal's intensity, the pulse duration, the channel's transmissivity, and the detector's efficiency; the channel output y is the actual number of photons that are detected in the pulse duration; and ! is the average number of extraneous counts that appear in y due to background radiation or to the detector's "dark clicks". We impose an average-power constraint 1 on the input E(X) # E (2) for some E > 0.
Toward a theory of peace agreement implementation: The case of Liberia

The implementation of a peace agreement following a civil war is one of the most critical and uncertain processes of any post-war period. Many argue that promises of extensive power sharing arrangements in future governments and international intervention help advance the implementation of a peace process. While not doubting the importance of these factors, this paper argues that they do not sufficiently account for the incremental process of an implementation. Through an analysis of the numerous peace agreements of Liberia’s first civil war, from 1989-1996, this paper presents the theory that the implementation of a peace agreement will advance if the level of vulnerability during the implementation period is equally balanced among the faction leaders. In other words, given that the concessions offered in a peace agreement will bring some change in military, economic, or political vulnerability among the factions, the implementation process advances when the faction leaders feel mutually vulnerable. Libe...
Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Content During the First Month of Life in Critically Ill Very Low Birth Weight Neonates Differs From Term Infants, Children, and Adults

Background Reticulocyte hemoglobin content (RET-He)—an established indicator of iron status in children and adults—was determined in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Methods Longitudinal retrospective RET-He data in 26 VLBW neonates during the first month of age were compared with: (a) concurrent complete blood counts (CBCs), including hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, reticulocyte count, and immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF), and erythropoietin (EPO) levels; (b) clinical variables; and (c) RET-He data from the literature for term infants, children, and adults. Results RET-He within 24 hr following birth was 31.8 ± 1.1 pg (mean ± SEM). This was followed by an abrupt, significant decline to 28.3 ± 1.1 pg at 2–4 days, and to steady state levels of 28.4 ± 0.5 pg thereafter. The changes in RET-He were mirrored by changes in plasma EPO, reticulocyte count, and IRF, but not Hb. Steady state RET-He values after 4 days were significantly lower than RET-He values for term infants, children, and adults (31.6 ± 0.11, 32.0 ± 0.12, and 33.0 ± 0.13 pg, respectively). Conclusion Although RET-He values in VLBW infant were lower than term infants, children, and adults, the significance and mechanism(s) responsible are unknown. The present VLBW infant data are relevant to investigations assessing hemoglobinization following treatment with recombinant human EPO (r-HuEPO) and/or iron.
Temsirolimus: a safety and efficacy review.

Introduction: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway and the mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) represent the most frequently exploited targets in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Temsirolimus is an inhibitor of mTOR, and is a unique ester derivative of sirolimus, a macrocyclic lactone, with improved pharmaceutical properties, including stability and solubility. Temsirolimus binds to the cytoplasmic protein FKBP-12, and the complex binds and inhibits mTOR. Areas covered: This review summarizes the clinical findings and safety of temsirolimus in RCC patients. Expert opinion: A Phase III clinical trial has demonstrated that temsirolimus has statistically significant advantages over treatment with IFN-α in RCC patients with poor prognosis, in terms of OS (overall survival), PFS (progression-free survival), and tumor response. Median OS was improved 49% compared to IFN-α, and median PFS was approximately doubled. It is now considered the standard for RCC patients with poor prognostic features. The...
Proportionate affine projection sign algorithms for sparse system identification in impulsive interference

Two proportionate affine projection sign algorithms (APSAs) are proposed for system identification applications, such as network echo cancellation (NEC), where the impulse response is often real-valued with sparse coeficients and long filter length. The proposed proportionate-type algorithms can achieve fast convergence and low steady-state misalignment by adopting a proportionate regularization matrix to the APSA. Benefiting from the characteristic of l1-norm algorithms, affine projection, and proportionate matrix, the new algorithms are robust to impulsive interferences and colored input, and achieve much faster convergence rate in sparse impulse responses than the original APSA, the normalized sign algorithm (NSA), and the proportionate least mean square (PNLMS) algorithm. The computational complexity of the new algorithms is lower than the affine projection algorithm (APA) family due to elimination of matrix inversion.
Distance spectrum of space-time block codes: a union bound point of view

Space-time block codes (STBC) have attracted great interest due to their simple structure and ability to exploit the diversity possible in a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system. A currently popular approach to STBC code design is to find code sets which optimize the worst pairwise error probability (PEP). The worst case PEP is a good performance criterion, but does not guarantee the best overall probability of decoding error. Several works have emphasized the consideration of the overall distance spectrum of the code set; however designing code sets which achieve the optimal symbol error rate (SER) has proven challenging due to the computational complexity associated with determining the exact SER. This paper proposes a single performance index based on union bound analysis on SER at high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This union bound approach is extended to the low SNR scenario, where the exact PEP is used in the union bound calculation. Search results are reported and properties of the resultant code sets analyzed.
A Novel and Potent Inhibitor of Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase: A modulator of cardiovascular nitric oxide

PD 404182 [6H-6-imino-(2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyrimido)[1,2-c]-[1,3]benzothiazine], a heterocyclic iminobenzothiazine derivative, is a member of the Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds (LOPAC) that is reported to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we used biochemical assays to screen LOPAC against human dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase isoform 1 (DDAH1), an enzyme that physiologically metabolizes asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous and competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase. We discovered that PD 404182 directly and dose-dependently inhibits DDAH. Moreover, PD 404182 significantly increased intracellular levels of ADMA in cultured primary human vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in these cells, suggesting its therapeutic potential in septic shock–induced vascular collapse. In addition, PD 404182 abrogated the formation of tube-like structures by ECs in an in vitro angiogenesis assay, indicating its antiangiogenic potential in diseases characterized by pathologically excessive angiogenesis. Furthermore, we investigated the potential mechanism of inhibition of DDAH by this small molecule and found that PD 404182, which has striking structural similarity to ADMA, could be competed by a DDAH substrate, suggesting that it is a competitive inhibitor. Finally, our enzyme kinetics assay showed time-dependent inhibition, and our inhibitor dilution assay showed that the enzymatic activity of DDAH did not recover significantly after dilution, suggesting that PD 404182 might be a tightly bound, covalent, or an irreversible inhibitor of human DDAH1. This proposal is supported by mass spectrometry studies with PD 404182 and glutathione.
Extending the device-oriented qualitative simulation method to mechanical devices

The author offers a solution which uses a separate representation entity, called the connection frame, to model the spatial relationships between a pair of objects and how those relationships achieve force or velocity propagation. The connection representation is assumed supplied as part of the design knowledge of the mechanism, though it could be just as readily computed by other spatial connection determination methods. A framework is described which is constructed to simulate the behaviors of both ordinary and intermittent mechanical systems, with an emphasis on force and velocity propagation reasoning. In general, it appears that continuous motion can usually be modeled by velocity propagation while intermittent motion is best approached by force propagation. >
Force feedback interface for cell injection

Manual pronuclei injection and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) requires long training and has low success rates primarily due to poor control over the injection force. Consequently, there is a need for quantification of forces during biological cell injection and for an automated cell injection system, which can provide force feedback to the operator improving the success rate of the injection task. We have developed a force feedback interface, which has the capability of measuring forces in the range of /spl mu/N-mN and provide a haptic display of the cell injection forces. The force sensor has been integrated with the biomanipulation system to detect forces in real time. Experiments were performed on two different varieties of egg cells to demonstrate the success in measuring forces in the range in /spl mu/N-mN. Our experimental results indicate the cell puncturing forces were consistent and the operator was able to feel the celt injection forces.
Adiponectin, leptin, and yoga practice.

article i nfo To address the mechanisms underlying hatha yoga's potential stress-reduction benefits, we compared adipo- nectin and leptin data from well-matched novice and expert yoga practitioners. These adipocytokines have counter-regulatory functions in inflammation; leptin plays a proinflammatory role, while adiponectin has anti-inflammatory properties. Fifty healthy women (mean age=41.32, range=30-65), 25 novices and 25 experts, provided fasting blood samples during three separate visits. Leptin was 36% higher among novices compared to experts, P=.008. Analysis of adiponectin revealed a borderline effect of yoga expertise, P=.08; experts' average adiponectin levels were 28% higher than novices across the three visits. In contrast, experts' average adiponectin to leptin ratio was nearly twice that of novices, P=.009. Frequency of self- reported yoga practice showed significant negative relationships with leptin; more weeks of yoga practice over the last year, more lifetime yoga sessions, and more years of yoga practice were all significantly associ- ated with lower leptin, with similar findings for the adiponectin to leptin ratio. Novices and experts did not show even marginal differences on behavioral and physiological dimensions that might represent potential confounds, including BMI, central adiposity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and diet. Prospective studies addres- sing increased risk for type II diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease have highlighted the impor- tance of these adipocytokines in modulating inflammation. Although these health risks are clearly related to more extreme values then we found in our healthy sample, our data raise the possibility that longer-term and/or more intensive yoga practice could have beneficial health consequences by altering leptin and adipo- nectin production.
Learning hierarchical image representation with sparsity, saliency and locality

This paper presents a deep learning model of building up hierarchical image representation. Each layer of hierarchy consists of three components: sparse coding, saliency pooling and local grouping. With sparse coding we identify distinctive coefficients for representing raw features of each lower layer; saliency pooling helps suppress noise and enhance translation invariance of sparse representation; we group locally pooled sparse codes to form more complex representations. Instead of using hand-crafted descriptors, our model learns an effective image representation directly from images in a unsupervised data-driven manner. We evaluate our algorithm with several benchmark databases of object recognition and analyze the contributions of different components. Experimental results show that our algorithm performs favorably against the state-of-the-art methods.