cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative responsiveness of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand, the carpal tunnel questionnaire, and the SF-36 to clinical change after carpal tunnel release.

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare the responsiveness (ability to accurately detect change) of 3 self-administered questionnaires to changes produced by carpal tunnel release. Method: The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), the Brigham and Women's Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were completed by 34 subjects before surgery and at 6 and 12 weeks after carpal tunnel release. Results: The instrument most sensitive to clinical change at 12 weeks as judged by effect size and standardized response means was the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (effect size/standardized response means, 1.71/1.66) followed by the DASH (1.01/1.13) and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey bodily pain (0.57/0.52) and role physical (0.39/0.39) subscales. There was good correlation between DASH and Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire change scores (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.87). Conclusions: The Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire is the most sensitive to clinical change, but the DASH is sufficiently responsive for use in outcome studies of carpal tunnel syndrome done 12 or more weeks after surgery. (J Hand Surg 2003;28A:250-254. Copyright © 2003 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)
The double histamine test as an aid in the study of gastric secretory function.

First, it is suggested that the double histamine test might be useful in obtaining information, not only regarding the maximal potentiality of acid and pepsin secretion of gastric cells, but also regarding the maintenance of increased secretory rates over longer periods of time. Unquestionably, this information is important. Second, by means of this test it seems possible to test with greater accuracy the effect of test substances on gastric chemistry. Third, a review of the results obtained in the double histamine test suggested the probability that the subcutaneous injection of histamine results not only in a washing out of the peptic glands, but actually in a stimulation of the chief cells to increased activity.
Separating doubly nonnegative and completely positive matrices

The cone of Completely Positive (CP) matrices can be used to exactly formulate a variety of NP-Hard optimization problems. A tractable relaxation for CP matrices is provided by the cone of Doubly Nonnegative (DNN) matrices; that is, matrices that are both positive semidefinite and componentwise nonnegative. A natural problem in the optimization setting is then to separate a given DNN but non-CP matrix from the cone of CP matrices. We describe two different constructions for such a separation that apply to 5 × 5 matrices that are DNN but non-CP. We also describe a generalization that applies to larger DNN but non-CP matrices having block structure. Computational results illustrate the applicability of these separation procedures to generate improved bounds on difficult problems.
Heat Transfer Enhancement in Narrow Diverging Channels

Detailed heat transfer coefficient distributions have been obtained for narrow diverging channels with and without enhancement features. The cooling configurations considered include rib turbulators and concavities (or dimples) on the main heat transfer surfaces. All the measurements are presented at a representative Reynolds number of 28,000. Pressure drop measurements for the overall channel are also presented to evaluate the heat transfer enhancement geometry with respect to pumping power requirements. The test models were studied for wall heat transfer coefficient measurements using the transient liquid crystal technique. The model wall inner surfaces were sprayed with thermochromic liquid crystals, and a transient test was used to obtain the local heat transfer coefficients from the measured color change. Analysis of results shows that choice of designs is limited by available pressure drop even if the design provides significantly higher heat transfer coefficients. Dimpled surfaces provide appreciably high heat transfer coefficients and reasonable pressure drop whereas ribbed ducts provide significantly higher heat transfer coefficients and higher overall pressure drop.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Two-photon absorption in CdSe quantum dots embedded in sol-gel films

CdSe QDs in sol-gel films are promising for nonlinear optical waveguide devices. We measured the two-photon absorption (TPA) coefficient at 820 nm in such films, and TPA-induced fluorescence over the 730-980 nm wavelength range.
A horseradish peroxidase procedure for tracing the central projections of peripheral nerves in exsanguinated anamniotes

Abstract This report outlines a procedure for demonstrating the central connections of peripheral nerves in anamniotes by exposing the nerves to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) subsequent to perfusion of the animal with cold saline. The tissue is fixed by immersion after a 6–10 h exposure to the HRP, embedded, sectioned and finally reacted using tetramethylbenzidine as a chromogen. The pattern of afferent projections of the posterior lateral line nerve in the teleost fish Crenicichla as demonstrated by this ‘preperfused’ technique is very similar to the pattern seen when using a standard HRP procedure requiring a post-operative survival period. The utility of the pre-perfused technique is discussed.
Developmental profiles of the mRNAs for Manduca arylphorin and two other storage proteins during the final larval instar of Manduca sexta

When fat body mRNA from the tobacco hornworm larva, Manduca sexta, was translated in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system, three major polypeptides were found, each having a different developmental profile. One mRNA coded for a 74 kilodalton (K) polypeptide doublet precipitated by an antibody to the arylphorin (manducin). This mRNA was present only during the intermolt feeding phase of the penultimate and the final larval instars. Its appearance 16–24 hr after larval ecdysis was dependent upon the incoming nutrient supply and independent of the juvenile hormone (JH) level. Immunoblots of proteins of the fat body, epidermis, and cuticle revealed the presence of arylphorin in all three tissues. Additionally, several small polypeptides that cross-reacted with the arylphorin antibody were found in the fat body during and up to 24 hr after the last larval molt and in the tanning pupal cuticle. The larval epidermis was also found to contain a small amount of arylphorin mRNA. At the time of the JH decline prior to the onset of metamorphosis, a female-specific mRNA coding for a 79 K translation product appeared. In allatectomized larvae this mRNA was detectable earlier, and its appearance in intact larvae was prevented by application of methoprene, indicating that JH regulates its appearance. At wandering a new mRNA that also codes for a 79 K polypeptide appeared in both sexes and was the major messenger present during the prepupal stage. Neither it nor the female-specific mRNA were translatable after pupal ecdysis.
The diagnostic value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided needle biopsy in lung cancer and mediastinal adenopathy.

Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) has emerged as a new diagnostic tool that allows the bronchoscopist to see beyond the airway, including pulmonary and mediastinal lesion. The real time EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) has advanced the diagnostic yield in primary lung pathology and mediastinal lymph node staging of lung carcinoma. Sixty-four patients (36 males, 28 females, ages ranging from 16 to 86 years) with peribronchial lung lesions and mediastinal and/or hilar lymph node lesions underwent EBUS-TBNA. All patients had intraoperative cytological assessment by smears on aspiration samples or touch preparation on needle core biopsies. The cytological final diagnoses were categorized as negative, suspicious/positive, and non-diagnostic. Forty-nine samples were obtained from lymph node lesions and 15 samples were obtained from lung lesions. In cytology specimens, 32 patients had suspicious/positive diagnoses and 32 patients had negative diagnosis. In follow-up histology specimens, 35 patients had malignant diagnoses, including 18 adenocarcinomas, 8 small cell carcinomas, 6 squamous cell carcinomas, 1 metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, 1 metastatic melanoma, and 1 lymphoma. Twenty-nine patients had negative diagnoses. Sensitivity and specificity were 88.9% and 96.4%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 97.0% and 87.1%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy was 92.2%. EBUS-TBNA is an efficient and effective technique for diagnosis of intrapulmonary and mediastinal/hilar lymph nodes. It becomes significantly invaluable on clinical management for staging in those patients with lung cancer of other metastatic malignancies. This technique enables us to obtain tissue samples for quick diagnoses beyond central airway with minimal complications. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
EWS–WT1 Oncoprotein Activates Neuronal Reprogramming Factor ASCL1 and Promotes Neural Differentiation

The oncogenic fusion gene EWS-WT1 is the defining chromosomal translocation in desmoplastic small round-cell tumors (DSRCT), a rare but aggressive soft tissue sarcoma with a high rate of mortality. EWS-WT1 functions as an aberrant transcription factor that drives tumorigenesis, but the mechanistic basis for its pathogenic activity is not well understood. To address this question, we created a transgenic mouse strain that permits physiologic expression of EWS-WT1 under the native murine Ews promoter. EWS-WT1 expression led to a dramatic induction of many neuronal genes in embryonic fibroblasts and primary DSRCT, most notably the neural reprogramming factor ASCL1. Mechanistic analyses demonstrated that EWS-WT1 directly bound the proximal promoter of ASCL1, activating its transcription through multiple WT1-responsive elements. Conversely, EWS-WT1 silencing in DSRCT cells reduced ASCL1 expression and cell viability. Notably, exposure of DSRCT cells to neuronal induction media increased neural gene expression and induced neurite-like projections, both of which were abrogated by silencing EWS-WT1. Taken together, our findings reveal that EWS-WT1 can activate neural gene expression and direct partial neural differentiation via ASCL1, suggesting agents that promote neural differentiation might offer a novel therapeutic approach to treat DSRCT.
Electronic specific heats of ordered and disordered FePd, in relation to hydrogen solubility

Abstract The electronic specific heat coefficients (γ) of ordered and disordered FePd3 were measured as part of an effort to understand the enhanced hydrogen solubility in the ordered material. γ for disordered FePd3 is higher by 38% whereas its Debye characteristic temperature (θD) is lower by 4%. The hydrogen solubility does not show a positive correlation with the density of states at the Fermi level.
Determinants of blood pressure in Japanese-American families

Blood pressure gave evidence for genetic heritability (0.24 for systolic, 0.19 for diastolic) and for cultural heritability (0.16 for systolic, 0.09 for diastolic in children) in a sample of Japanese-American families. A small but significant fraction of cultural inheritance was due to maternal effects, possibly mediated through dietary habits. There was no convincing evidence for major loci causing hypertension in this population, and the polymorphism proposed by Platt was excluded as a principal cause of hypertension.
Future research needs in the electrical industry

Areas of future research must be evaluated in terms of our true needs, spiritual as well as material, if we are ever to obtain a rational and satisfying life.
Why Are Products Sold on Sale?: Explanations of Pricing Regularities

This paper reports on interesting changes in markdown pricing practices over time and differences in the pricing within a product line. The price discrimination and the uncertainty hypotheses appear to better explain the data than the peak load hypothesis. Fashion has become more important over time and appears to explain the greater seasonal variation in retail apparel prices in recent years. Differences in uncertainty also explains differences in the pricing of different types of men's dress shirts.
The Role of Immersive 3D Environments in Three-Dimensional Mental Rotation

Recently, more realistic 3D displays have been designed as more ecologically valid alternatives to conventional 2D visual displays. However, research has thus far provided inconsistent evidence regarding their effectiveness in promoting task performance. We are interested in the contribution of immersive 3D environment to 3D image transformations and compare subjects' performance on mental rotation tasks in traditional 2D, 3D non-immersive (3DNI - anaglyphic glasses), and 3D-immersive (3DI - head mounted display with position tracking) environments. Our findings suggest that 2D and 3DNI environments might encourage the use of more “artificial” encoding strategies where the 3D images are encoded with respect to a scene-based frame of reference (i.e. computer screen). On the other hand, 3D immersive environments can provide necessary feedback for an individual to use the same strategy and egocentric frame of reference that he/she would use in a real-world situation. Overall, the results of this study sugges...
Monte Carlo Verification of a CT/MR Ovoid Model Used by a Grid-Based Boltzmann Solver in a Commercial Treatment Planning System

Purpose: A commercial TPS is available that accounts for patient boundaries, applicator materials, and tissue heterogeneities. A library of HDR brachytherapy applicators is included with the TPS. The purpose of this work is to verify the geometric and dosimetric properties for a CT/ MR compatible ovoid. Materials and Methods: A model of the ovoid was constructed using the MCNPX visual editor. The Monte Carlo (MC) model was based on CAD drawings (part #:AL07334001 v1.0) obtained from the vendor and independent measurement of the ovoid structure from CT images. The ovoid model was then placed in a 30 cm diameter sphere of water. Materials in the ovoid include Titanium tubing, an Acetal cap, and dry air. The commercial TPS BrachyVision v8.8 with grid-based Boltzmann solver (GBBS) Acuros v1.3.1 was used in this work. MC simulations for a single source centered in the ovoid were performed using MCNPX v2.6. A MC model of the VS2000 Ir HDR source was taken from our previously benchmarked MC model of this source. A source cable length of 1 mm was chosen to match the cable length modeled in the GBBS. The absorbed dose was approximated by collisional kerma. Cross sections were based on MCPLIB04. A rectangular mesh tally 150 1 with 2 mm isotropic voxels was setup for both the xz and xy plane. 6.5 10 histories were simulated (1s!0.5%). A virtual sphere of water was created in IDL and imported as a DICOM CT into the TPS. The right-side (diameter52.5 cm) FSD CT/MR compatible ovoid was placed at the center of the sphere. The dose grid was set to 2 mm isotropic for 150 voxels. The GBBS calculation was done using the CT option. Both MC and GBBS output were converted to Gy/U to allow comparisons. Geometric and dosimetric differences between the two models were reported. Results: The MC ovoid model included the Titanium set screw and an air pocket on the back of the Acetal cap where the Titanium ovoid tubing enters, while the library applicator model used for GBBS does not account for these structures. The hole for the screw and air pocket are visible in Fig 1a. Other dimensions of the ovoid were in good agreement. The ratio of GBBS/MC dose predictions are shown in Fig 1. The white dashed line (r53.25 cm) shows the physical location of the profile shown in Fig 1b. At q5180 the profile is 2 cm from the ovoid surface where disease would usually be present. Points 1 & 8 in Fig 1b: GBBS models Acetal whereas MC includes a Ti screw. Point 2 in Fig 1b: These are artificial differences below the display range due to the Ti ovoid arm. The MC conversion to Gy/U assumed all materials were water. Point 3 in Fig 1b: GBBS is less than MC due to Acetal in place of air. Point 4 in Fig 1b: Good agreement is found here because differences would be attributed to Ti tubing, not air. Point 5 in Fig 1b: The difference is due to the Acetal (GBBS) and air (MC). Agreement between GBBS and MC is within 2% for the clinical disease region from point 6 to 7 in Fig 1b.
Surfaces with nodes in projective space

This article contains a modern proof of the fact that, given a surface in P3 of degree m, whose only singularities are nodes, then these impose independent conditions on surfaces of degree r containing them, if r ≥ 2m − 5 (over an algebraically closed field of characteristic different from 2). Some consequences of this fact are presented; e.g., for quintics (m = 5), the scheme parametrizing quintics in P3 with d nodes is smooth, of pure dimensions 55 − d, and such surfaces can be lifted to characteristic zero, preserving the nodes. This implies that, even in characteristic p ≠ 2, the maximum number of nodes of a quintic is 31.
The genomic underpinnings of apoptosis in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

Programmed cell death through apoptosis is a pan-metazoan character involving intermolecular signaling networks that have undergone substantial lineage-specific evolution. A survey of apoptosis-related proteins encoded in the sea urchin genome provides insight into this evolution while revealing some interesting novelties, which we highlight here. First, in addition to a typical CARD-carrying Apaf-1 homologue, sea urchins have at least two novel Apaf-1-like proteins that are each linked to a death domain, suggesting that echinoderms have evolved unique apoptotic signaling pathways. Second, sea urchins have an unusually large number of caspases. While the set of effector caspases (caspases-3/7 and caspase-6) in sea urchins is similar to that found in other basal deuterostomes, signal-responsive initiator caspase subfamilies (caspases-8/10 and 9, which are respectively linked to DED and CARD adaptor domains) have undergone echinoderm-specific expansions. In addition, there are two groups of divergent caspases, one distantly related to the vertebrate interleukin converting enzyme (ICE)-like subfamily, and a large clan that does not cluster with any of the vertebrate caspases. Third, the complexity of proteins containing an anti-apoptotic BIR domain and of Bcl-2 family members approaches that of vertebrates, and is greater than that found in protostome model systems such as Drosophila or Caenorhabditis elegans. Finally, the presence of Death receptor homologues, previously known only in vertebrates, in both Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and Nematostella vectensis suggests that this family of apoptotic signaling proteins evolved early in animals and was subsequently lost in the nematode and arthropod lineage(s). Our results suggest that cell survival is contingent upon a diverse array of signals in sea urchins, more comparable in complexity to vertebrates than to arthropods or nematodes, but also with unique features that may relate to specific requirements imposed by the biphasic life cycle and/or immunological idiosyncrasies of this organism.
Round trip radical reactions from acyclic precursors to tricyclo [5.3.1.0]undecanes. A new cascade radical cyclization approach to (+/-)-isogymnomitrene and (+/-)-gymnomitrene.

The synthesis and 'round trip radical cyclization' of 11-iodo-2,7,11- trimethyldodec-6-en-5-one are described. The round trip cyclization is a sequence of 5-exo, 6-endo, and 5-exo cyclizations in which the last radical cyclization occurs at the same carbon atom as the initial radical generation. The key second (6-endo) cyclization produces two stereoisomers, one of which cyclizes efficiently to isogymnomitrene ketone, while the other cyclizes inefficiently to gymnomitrene ketone. Efforts to influence the kinetic or thermodynamic outcome of the second cyclization were not successful, and the results are contrasted with a related cyclization of Jung and Rayle where thermodynamic control was readily established.
In vitro studies on intraspecific and interspecific chemical attraction in daughter rediae of Echinostoma trivolvis and E. caproni.

Abstract Reddy A. & Fried B. 1996. In vitro studies on intraspecific and interspecific chemical attraction in daughter rediae of Echinostoma trivolvis and E. caproni . International Journal for Parasitology 26: 1081–1085. In vitro pairing and aggregation studies on daughter rediae of Echinostoma trivolvis and E. caproni were done at 22°C in a Petri dish bioassay containing an agar substratum and a Locke's solution overlay. Pairing or aggregation was considered positive when rediae were in contact or within 1 mm of each other. Intraspecific and interspecific pairing or aggregation occurred in the bioassay when rediae were initially placed 5 or 10 mm apart. Movement of a single redia in the bioassay to a dialysis sac containing 1–10 rediae showed that intraspecific and interspecific pairing occurred in the absence of redial tactile stimulation. Movements of single rediae in the bioassay to agar plugs impregnated with redial excretory/secretory (ES) products occurred. The lipophilic fraction of the ES products was significantly more attractive than the hydrophilic fraction. The significance of redial chemical communication is not clear.
Propaganda, power and persuasion. From World War I to Wikileaks

An irony of the current international situation is that the two most militant, war-like protagonists of the scene—Putin’s Russia and ISIS—are among those most dedicated to supplying a ‘soft’ propag...
Utilization of Canola Meal With or Without Phytase Enzyme in Broiler Diets

Abstract Zehra Saricicek, B. and Serdar, S. 2006. Utilization of canola meal with or without phytase enzyme in broiler diets. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 29: 69–72. To determine the possibility of using canola meal (CM) in place of soybean meal with or without phytase enzyme, 870 one week-old mixed Ross-308 broiler chicks were equally divided into 10 groups and fed on diet in which canola meal (37% CP) replaced 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of CP supplied by soybean meal (44% CP). Highest weight gain and feed intake were observd in 25% CM group with the best feed efficeincy. Hundred percent CM fed birds performed the worst in respect of weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics. Phytase supplementation positively affected weight gain only. It is recommended that CM can replace 25% of soybean meal on equi-protein basis in broiler diets.
Experimental Study of the Cold Restart of a Pipeline Filled With a Gelled Waxy Oil

Experiments were conducted on the flow field start up behavior of a gelled waxy oil in a pipeline. A simulant fluid was used to mimic the low temperature rheology of crude oil. The break down of the gelled simulant fluid was studied during different startup conditions. It is shown that the “failure mode,” or manner and location in which the gelled simulant fluid breaks down, is closely related to both the temperature of the gel and the cooling time prior to pressurization. Flow visualizations indicate that for higher temperatures, and long cooling times, exists a weaker gel strength and failure occurs near the centerline of the pipe. Lower temperatures and long cooling times result in the breakdown of the gel at the pipe wall. Shorter cooling times result in a weak centerline gel strength, and results in gel failure near the centerline of the pipe. Pressure and temperature data were acquired at seven locations along the length of the test section, and these data were correlated to the velocity field, measured using Particle Image Velocimetry. Combined with rheology measurements, these data, allowed for shear stress estimates to be made. For the parameter ranges explored, the results exhibit three different failure modes, each associated with a different set of initial conditions. A critical temperature existed above which one failure mode was encountered and below which another failure mode was found. A third failure mode was associated with a cross-section that did not have a uniform radial temperature profile.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
A simple method of mass inoculation of rice effective for both pathovars of Xanthomonas oryzae, and the construction of comparable sets of host cDNA libraries spanning early stages of bacterial leaf blight and bacterial leaf streak.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) are important bacterial pathogens of rice (Oryza sativa). Despite being very closely related, they infect in different ways and cause distinct diseases. Xoo invades the xylem to cause bacterial blight, whereas Xoc colonizes the leaf mesophyll to cause bacterial leaf streak. As the modes of infection of these two pathogens are different, traditional methods of inoculation effective for Xoo are not effective for Xoc and vice versa. We discovered that dipping plants in bacterial suspension is an effective inoculation method both for Xoo and Xoc and can be used to achieve uniform and synchronized infection of multiple plants. Using this method, comparable sets
The fate of phorate in soils.

Studies were conducted to determine the hydrolysis, oxidation, insecticidal efficiency, persistence, and the degree of binding of phorate, formerly designated as Thimet® ( O,O -diethyl S-(ethylthio) methyl phosphorodithioate) in three soils and quartz sand. Phorate applied as a soil treatment in the field was more available to cabbage and potatoes grown in a sandy soil than in a clay-loam soil as indicated by insect-control data and anticholinesterase assay. A measurement of p32-labeled phorate uptake by peas from three soils and quartz sand showed that the largest amounts of toxicant were taken from quartz sand and followed by lesser amounts from a sandy soil, day loam, and muck, in that order. Extraction, column chromatographic and partitioning techniques showed that soil applications of phorate are partially oxidized, hydrolyzed, and bound to the soil. Chloroform extractions of radioactivity from the soils at 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment were identified as phorate plus a mixture of the phosphorodithioate sulfoxide and the phosphorodithioate sulfone of phorate. Only a very small amount of the radioactivity extracted from the soils could be identified as hydrolysis products. A large portion of the radioactivity remained bound to the soil and could not be identified. Radioactive phorate added to quartz sand was rapidly hydrolyzed, but no oxidation products were detected. A study of phorate volatilization from the soils showed that within an hour after treatment the sandy soil, silt loam, and muck had lost respectively, 25%, 20%, and 18% of the radioactivity applied. However, after this initial loss, very little or no volatilization occurred. Phorate was lost rapidly from quartz sand and a steel surface with less than 10% of the radioactivity remaining 24 hours after treatment.
Cerebral blood flow velocity after surfactant instillation in preterm infants

Various clinical trials have shown that surfactant replacement therapy improves pulmonary function in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. However, this is not accompanied by a concomitant decrease in the incidence and severity of intracranial hemorrhages, t Using Doppler ultrasound measurement of blood flow velocity in the pericallosal artery, z we attempted to determine whether endotracheal surfactant instillation affects cerebral hemodynamics and, if so, whether it predisposes preterm infants to the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS The study population consisted of 25 preterm infants without congenital malformations and with birth weights of more than 1100 gm who were born at the Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center. The study was approved by the bioethics committee of the hospital. Written informed parental consent was obtained before each infant's enrollment in the study. Fifteen consecutively admitted infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome, defined by an arterial/alveolar ratio of 0.22 or less during support by mechanical ventilation, received a synthetic lung surfactant (Exosurf Pediatric) by intratracheal instillation when they were between 2 and 24 hours of age. Infants whose mothers had amuionitis Dr. Van de Bor was the recipient of a Fulbright research scholarship.
A distributed method to bound rollback lengths for fossil collection in time warp simulators

The calculation of GVT has been a requirement to identify fossilized state and event space during Time Warp simulations. This paper outlines methods that use observations of past behavior to estimate future behavior for the purposes of fossil reclamation. More precisely, predictions of future rollback behavior are used to determine a probability that a particular item of saved state or event information is no longer needed. This probability is compared against a user-defined risk factor to decide if the space can be reclaimed and reused. This method is called optimistic fossil collection and it is fully distributed, not requiring the global estimate of GVT for operation.
High performance and flexible imaging Sub-system

Imaging Sub-system (ISS) enables capturing photographs or live video from raw image sensors. This consists of a set of sensor interfaces and cascaded set of algorithms to improve image/video quality. This paper illustrates typical imaging sub-system architectures consisting of a Sensor front end, an Image Signal Processor (ISP) and an Image Co-processor (sIMCOP). Here we describe the ISS developed by Texas Instruments (TI) for the OMAP 5432 processor. The given solution is flexible to interface with various kinds of image sensors and provides hooks to tune visual quality for specific customers as well as end applications. This solution is also flexible by providing options to enable customized data flows based on actual algorithm needs. The overall solution runs at a high throughput of 1 pixel/clock cycle to enable full HD video at high visual quality.
The relationship of temperature to desiccation and starvation tolerance of the Mycobacterium avium complex.

Mycobacterium avium grew in media at 14–37 °C, and persisted at 4 °C and 42 °C. The bacteria lost approximately 90% viability after 3 months in reverse-osmosis deionized water at 4–37 °C. Cooler temperatures lowered the death rate. Death rates also decreased after a 5- to 10-day starvation adaptation period. Alterations of the steady-state levels of different mycolic acid classes, presumably to facilitate thermoadaptation, were found. Following desiccation, M. avium lost viability at a constant rate (half-life of 2.3 days). This implies that bacilli contaminating dry medical surfaces would persist for short periods of time. The remarkable stress survival exhibited by M. avium further suggests persistence in a range of environmental and clinical settings.
A Novel Anti-Atherogenic Role for COX-2 - Potential Mechanism for the Cardiovascular Side Effects of COX-2 Inhibitors

Abstract Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease, is characterized by lipid accumulation, lipoprotein oxidation, and inflammation. Products of the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway participate in acute and chronic inflammation. The inducible form of COX, COX-2, generates lipid mediators of inflammation that are pro-inflammatory and COX-2-selective inhibitors are potent anti-inflammatory agents. However, clinical data suggest an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects in patients using COX-2-selective inhibitors. In this paper, we sought to determine the effect of COX-2 deficiency on atherosclerosis-related lipoprotein metabolism in mice. We demonstrate that COX-2 deficiency resulted in (i) accumulation of lipids in circulation and liver, (ii) pro-inflammatory properties of HDL as measured by HDL's increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, decreased paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, decreased serum apoA-1, reduced ability to efflux cholesterol and to prevent LDL oxidizability, and (iii) increased TXB 2 in circulation. Moreover, when placed on an atherogenic diet, COX-2 deficiency resulted in (i) increased lipid deposition in the aorta, (ii) a further dramatic imbalance in circulating eicosanoids, i.e. decreased serum PGI 2 coupled with increased PGE 2 and TXB 2 , and (iii) a marked elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF and IL-6. Our results suggest, for the first time, that COX-2 deficiency contributes to the pro-atherogenic properties of HDL in mice.
Biomechanical evaluation of locking plate radial shaft fixation: unicortical locking fixation versus mixed bicortical and unicortical fixation in a sawbone model.

Purpose Compression plating is a commonly accepted technique for treating diaphyseal forearm fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stabilizing effects of two hybrid fixations that replace the end screws of a locked unicortical fixation with bicortical (locked or unlocked) screws and to compare these hybrid fixations to an unlocked bicortical fixation. Methods Sixteen composite radius sawbones were equally divided into 4 groups. We performed a midshaft osteotomy and plate fixation on the volar surface with 1 of 4 different constructs: 3 unlocked bicortical screws on each side (unlocked bicortical), 3 locked unicortical screws on each side (locked unicortical), or with 2 unicortical locked screws near the fracture and 1 bicortical unlocked (unlocked hybrid) or locked (locked hybrid) screw distant from the fracture on each end (LCP system, Synthes USA, Paoli, PA). Specimens were tested in nondestructive 4-point bending and torsion on a servo-hydraulic material testing system. The construct stiffness was obtained from the linear portion of the load-displacement curves after 3 cycles of preconditioning. The results from all groups were compared using analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni tests. Results Under torsional loads, replacing the end screws of a locked unicortical configuration with bicortical screws significantly improved the construct stiffness: 57.6% increase for the locked screws and 51.6% increase for the unlocked. In anteroposterior (AP) bending, the highest improvement over the locked unicortical configuration came from the locked hybrid constructs (42.9% increase). When compared with the unlocked bicortical configuration, both hybrid constructs provide equivalent stability in torsion but superior stability in AP bending. Conclusions Replacing a single set of unicortical locked screws with locked or unlocked bicortical screws distant from the fracture site improves torsional stability of the construct by more than 50%, giving stability equal to standard unlocked plating. The hybrid fixation, however, with locked bicortical end screws has the best stability in AP bending.
Aspect sensitivity considerations in determining day‐to‐night variations in meteor trail durations

[1] Recently there has been an interest in the day-to-night variations in the duration of non-specular meteor trails or Range Spread Trail Echoes (RSTE). The reported differences between the day and night durations of meteor trails have been used to arrive at conclusions on the role played by background plasma concentration and background electric field and/or winds in the formation and evolution of RSTEs in general. However, the work done to-date does not account for the aspect sensitivity of meteor trails. We present the duration distribution of meteor trails — the most comprehensive study yet on RSTE durations — considering the aspect sensitivity of these trails. In contrast to the previous reports, the day-night trail durations are statistically similar in our observations. These results stress the importance of considering aspect sensitivity while performing any such study and how a failure to do so might result in misleading results and conclusions.
DXP Synthase-Catalyzed C ? N Bond Formation: Nitroso Substrate Specificity Studies Guide Selective Inhibitor Design

1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DXP) synthase catalyzes the first step in the nonmammalian isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway to form DXP from pyruvate and D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (D-GAP) in a thiamin diphosphate-dependent manner. Its unique structure and mechanism distinguish DXP synthase from its homologues and suggest that it should be pursued as an anti-infective drug target. However, few reports describe any development of selective inhibitors of this enzyme. Here, we reveal that DXP synthase catalyzes C-N bond formation and exploit aromatic nitroso substrates as active site probes. Substrate specificity studies reveal a high affinity of DXP synthase for aromatic nitroso substrates compared to the related ThDP-dependent enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). Results from inhibition and mutagenesis studies indicate that nitroso substrates bind to E. coli DXP synthase in a manner distinct from that of D-GAP. Our results suggest that the incorporation of aryl acceptor substrate mimics into unnatural bisubstrate analogues will impart selectivity to DXP synthase inhibitors. As a proof of concept, we show selective inhibition of DXP synthase by benzylacetylphosphonate (BnAP).
Dream recall and total sleep time.

It was predicted that diary and questionnaire measures of dream recall would be greater for long than for short sleep time. Total sleep time was a significant predictor variable for dream recall for males only. Results for females were in the predicted direction but consistently nonsignificant. This study confirms previously published findings on the significance of total sleep time for males but raises the question of sex differences in determinants of dream recall.
Invited Commentary: The Hidden Population in Perinatal Epidemiology

Several recent papers have argued that understanding of pathologic perinatal processes may be advanced by considering, in varying ways, the population of fetuses still in utero. Initially invoked by Yudkin et al. (Lancet 1987;1:1192-4) as the optimum denominator for intrapartum stillbirths, fetuses in utero (or "fetuses at risk") have also been of interest because of their patterns of growth, especially in comparison to infants born after varying durations of gestation. The paper by Hutcheon and Platt (Am J Epidemiol 2008;167:786-792) extends work that compares growth in infants born prematurely with that in infants continuing in utero and investigates the biases in analyses that can emerge from failure to consider the selection for impaired fetal growth characteristic of many prematurely born infants. Although the conceptual basis of this perspective is sound, in-utero fetal growth standards from serial ultrasonographic measurements in pregnancy are often based on small and highly selected samples. Some authors have proposed "fetuses at risk" as the appropriate denominator for postnatal phenomena related to premature birth, such as neonatal mortality and cerebral palsy. This application is problematic; in such situations, the denominator population differs from infants with the outcome in not having experienced adjustment to postnatal life, a potentially important determinant of outcome, especially in premature infants. The fetuses-at-risk concept is important in perinatal epidemiology and has implications for obstetric practice, but it must be handled with caution.
Transcriptional profiling of the Sonic hedgehog response: A critical role for N-myc in proliferation of neuronal precursors

Cerebellar granule cells are the most abundant neurons in the brain, and granule cell precursors (GCPs) are a common target of transformation in the pediatric brain tumor medulloblastoma. Proliferation of GCPs is regulated by the secreted signaling molecule Sonic hedgehog (Shh), but the mechanisms by which Shh controls proliferation of GCPs remain inadequately understood. We used DNA microarrays to identify targets of Shh in these cells and found that Shh activates a program of transcription that promotes cell cycle entry and DNA replication. Among the genes most robustly induced by Shh are cyclin D1 and N-myc. N-myc transcription is induced in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, so it appears to be a direct target of Shh. Retroviral transduction of N-myc into GCPs induces expression of cyclin D1, E2F1, and E2F2, and promotes proliferation. Moreover, dominant-negative N-myc substantially reduces Shh-induced proliferation, indicating that N-myc is required for the Shh response. Finally, cyclin D1 and N-myc are overexpressed in murine medulloblastoma. These findings suggest that cyclin D1 and N-myc are important mediators of Shh-induced proliferation and tumorigenesis.
Experimental Investigation of Shear Capacity of Precast Reinforced Concrete Box Culverts

This study presents an experimental program to investigate the shear capacity of precast reinforced concrete box culverts. Each culvert was subjected to monotonically increasing load through a 254 mm×508 mm (10 in.×20 in.) load plate in order to simulate the HS20 truckload per AASHTO 2005. Instrumentation included strain gauges, high-resolution laser deflection sensor, and automated data acquisition. Four tests were conducted on 1.22 m×1.22 m×1.22 m (4 ft×4 ft×4 ft) box culverts. The location of the load plate was varied to identify the position, which introduces the maximum shear stresses. Laser sensor data and dial gauge readings were recorded to measure the deflection profile of the box culvert. Strain gauges were placed on the steel reinforcement to measure axial strain at locations of maximum positive and negative bending moments. The test results include reporting the loads at which each crack initiated and propagated. The displacement profile of the top slab from the laser instrumentation output al...
Cytochrome c interaction with membranes. Formylated cytochrome c.

Abstract A single species of tryptophan-59 formylated cytochrome c with a half-reduction potential of 0.085 ± 0.01 V at pH 7.0 was used to study its catalytic and functional properties. The spectral properties of the modified cytochrome show that the 6th ligand position is open to reaction with azide, cyanide, and carbon monoxide. Formylated cytochrome c binds to cytochrome c depleted rat liver and pigeon heart mitochondria with the precise stoichiometry of two modified cytochrome c molecules per molecule of cytochrome a ( K D of approx 0.1 μ m ). Formylated cytochrome c was reducible by ascorbate and was readily oxidized by cytochrome c oxidase. The apparent K m value of the oxidase for the formylated cytochrome c was six times higher than for the native cytochrome and the apparent V was smaller. Formylated cytochrome c does not restore the oxygen uptake in C-depleted mitochondria but inhibits, in a competitive manner, the oxygen uptake induced by the addition of native cytochrome c . Formylated cytochrome c was inactive in the reaction with mitochondrial NADH-cytochrome c reductase but was able to accept electrons through the microsomal NADPH-cytochrome c reductase.
Biologically induced initiation of Neoproterozoic snowball-Earth events

The glaciations of the Neoproterozoic Era (1,000 to 542 MyBP) were preceded by dramatically light C isotopic excursions preserved in preglacial deposits. Standard explanations of these excursions involve remineralization of isotopically light organic matter and imply strong enhancement of atmospheric CO2 greenhouse gas concentration, apparently inconsistent with the glaciations that followed. We examine a scenario in which the isotopic signal, as well as the global glaciation, result from enhanced export of organic matter from the upper ocean into anoxic subsurface waters and sediments. The organic matter undergoes anoxic remineralization at depth via either sulfate- or iron-reducing bacteria. In both cases, this can lead to changes in carbonate alkalinity and dissolved inorganic pool that efficiently lower the atmospheric CO2 concentration, possibly plunging Earth into an ice age. This scenario predicts enhanced deposition of calcium carbonate, the formation of siderite, and an increase in ocean pH, all of which are consistent with recent observations. Late Neoproterozoic diversification of marine eukaryotes may have facilitated the episodic enhancement of export of organic matter from the upper ocean, by causing a greater proportion of organic matter to be partitioned as particulate aggregates that can sink more efficiently, via increased cell size, biomineralization or increased C∶N of eukaryotic phytoplankton. The scenario explains isotopic excursions that are correlated or uncorrelated with snowball initiation, and suggests that increasing atmospheric oxygen concentrations and a progressive oxygenation of the subsurface ocean helped to prevent snowball glaciation on the Phanerozoic Earth.
ATP Binding and ATP Hydrolysis Play Distinct Roles in the Function of 26S Proteasome

The 26S proteasome degrades polyubiquitinated proteins by an energy-dependent mechanism. Here we define multiple roles for ATP in 26S proteasome function. ATP binding is necessary and sufficient for assembly of 26S proteasome from 20S proteasome and PA700/19S subcomplexes and for proteasome activation. Proteasome assembly and activation may require distinct ATP binding events. The 26S proteasome degrades nonubiquitylated, unstructured proteins without ATP hydrolysis, indicating that substrate translocation per se does not require the energy of hydrolysis. Nonubiquitylated folded proteins and certain polyubiquitylated folded proteins were refractory to proteolysis. The latter were deubiquitylated by an ATP-independent mechanism. Other folded as well as unstructured polyubiquitylated proteins required ATP hydrolysis for proteolysis and deubiquitylation. Thus, ATP hydrolysis is not used solely for substrate unfolding. These results indicate that 26S proteasome-catalyzed degradation of polyubiquitylated proteins involves mechanistic coupling of several processes and that such coupling imposes an energy requirement not apparent for any isolated process.
Molecular Basis of p53 Functional Inactivation by the Leukemic Protein MLL-ELL

The Eleven Lysine-rich Leukemia (ELL) gene undergoes translocation and fuses in frame to the Multiple Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene in a substantial proportion of patients suffering from acute forms of leukemia. Molecular mechanisms of cellular transformation by the MLL-ELL fusion are not well understood. Although both MLL-ELL and wild-type ELL can reduce functional activity of p53 tumor suppressor, our data reveal that MLL-ELL is a much more efficient inhibitor of p53 than is wild-type ELL. We also demonstrate for the first time that ELL extreme C terminus [ELL(eCT)] is required for the recruitment of p53 into MLL-ELL nuclear foci and is both necessary and sufficient for the MLL-ELL inhibition of p53-mediated induction of p21 and apoptosis. Finally, our results demonstrate that MLL-ELL requires the presence of intact ELL(eCT) in order to disrupt p53 interactions with p300/CBP coactivator and thus significantly reduce p53 acetylation in vivo. Since ELL(eCT) has recently been shown to be both necessary and sufficient for MLL-ELL-mediated transformation of normal blood progenitors, our data correlate ELL(eCT) contribution to MLL-ELL transformative effects with its ability to functionally inhibit p53.