cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Live Cell Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Predicts an Altered Molecular Association of Heterologous PrPSc with PrPC

Prion diseases result from the accumulation of a misfolded isoform (PrPSc) of the normal host prion protein (PrPC). PrPSc propagates by templating its conformation onto resident PrPC to generate new PrPSc. Although the nature of the PrPSc-PrPC complex is unresolved, certain segments or specific residues are thought to feature critically in its formation. The polymorphic residue 129 is one such site under considerable study. We combined transmission studies with a novel live cell yeast-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system that models the molecular association of PrP in a PrPSc-like state, as a way to explore the role of residue 129 in this process. We show that a reduction in efficiency of prion transmission between donor PrPSc and recipient PrPC that are mismatched at residue 129 correlates with a reduction in FRET between PrP-129M and PrP-129V in our yeast model. We further show that this effect depends on the different secondary structure propensities of Met and Val, rather than the specific amino acids. Finally, introduction of the disease-associated P101L mutation (mouse- equivalent) abolished FRET with wild-type mouse PrP, whereas mutant PrP-P101L displayed high FRET with homologous PrP-P101L, as long as residue 129 matched. These studies provide the first evidence for a physical alteration in the molecular association of PrP molecules differing in one or more residues, and they further predict that the different secondary structure propensities of Met and Val define the impaired association observed between PrPSc and PrPC mismatched at residue 129.
PRESENT STATUS OF THE PROBLEM ON TRYPTOPHAN AND THE THYROID GLAND

The hypothesis that “tryptophan is the mother substance of the thyroid hormone” (Cramer, 1923,), were it true, would be very significant. Physiologically, it would settle the complex problem as to the origin, genesis, and the nature of the thyroid hormone; and clinically it would justify the trial use of tryptophan deficient diet in the treatment of exophthalmic goiter (Harries, 1923). During the last two years evidences pro or con have accumulated. This paper summarizes all facts available in order to point out where this important question stands today.
Exorcising the ghost of the politics-administration dichotomy: an institutional theory of administration policy making

This article takes implementation theory one critical step further. It argues that administrative policy making is a separate, distinguishable process, not a stage in or component of the legislative policy-making process. In addition, it argues that the institutional setting for policy making has a major influence on policy ideas, choices, and actions. Administrative agencies form a distinct institutional setting for policy politics, and setting influences policy outcomes. The implications of the institutional perspective for understanding policy making, policy analysis, and the legitimacy of public organizations are examined. The ghost of the politics-administration dichotomy haunts implementation theory. Although numerous scholars have declared the dichotomy dead,(1) administrative policy making is still seen as a component or step in the policy process that is dominated by elected officials. For example, Kelman recently examined the different institutional settings of policy making.(2) Elected official...
High-Perf ormance Jet-V/STOL Development

Recent aircraft sizing and experimental studies of future high speed V/STOL aircraft are examined. Mission studies indicate that for supersonic strike/fighter missions the lightest weight and lowest cost aircraft is one powered by a lift-plus-lift/cruise propulsion system, sized for the high-speed mission, supplemented by a low specific weight and volume lift-producing device (e.g., a jet lift engine). This type of aircraft introduces unique design problems. Recent technology developments aimed at solving these problems are discussed in the key areas of aircraft/propulsion design concepts, engine arrangements and sizing, V/STOL aerodynamics, hot gas effects, and control concepts.
The Sports Inventory for Pain: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

This investigation was designed to assess the factorial validity of the Sports Inventory for Pain (SIP) which was completed by 182 undergraduate students. Responses were subjected to a confirmatory factor analysis designed to test the hypothesized underlying factor structure. Of five proposed subscales, only the items for the Cognitive and Coping subscales reasonably fit the hypothesized structure. To improve the fit of the model, factors were allowed to correlate, and the worst fitting item from each of the subscales was removed. The modified model also failed to adequately fit the data. Lastly, the items corresponding to the worst fitting subscale were dropped from the analysis. Again, the modified model failed to fit the data. Discussion suggests a possible respecification of the SIP.
Plasma Transfusion Is Associated With Postoperative Infectious Complications Following Esophageal Resection Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective To examine the association between blood component transfusions and the incidence of major postoperative infections in patients undergoing esophageal resection surgery. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Single academic tertiary referral center. Participants All patients who underwent esophagectomy from 2005 through 2009. Measurements and Main Results The primary outcome was the incidence of major postoperative infection, defined as pneumonia, bloodstream infection, and/or a surgical site infection occurring within 30 days postoperatively. In total, 465 patients were evaluated. One hundred thirty-eight patients (29.7%) received a blood transfusion before the onset of a major postoperative infection or during a similar exposure interval in those with no such complications. Univariate analysis showed a significant association between any blood component transfusion and postoperative infection (transfused v nontransfused 31.9% v 13.2%; odds ratio = 3.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.9-5.0; p p = 0.03). With multivariate adjustment, red blood cell administration was no longer associated with major postoperative infectious complications. Conclusions High plasma volume blood component transfusions were associated with the development of major postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing esophageal resection surgery. In contrast, red blood cell transfusion was not associated with infectious complications.
Growth rate, population entropy, and evolutionary dynamics

Abstract This article shows that for evolutionary change due to mutation and natural selection there is (a) a unidirectional increase in population entropy for populations the major period of whose evolutionary history is described by a stable size or by fluctuations around some constant size; (b) a unidirectional increase in growth rate and a decrease in entropy for populations the major period of those evolutionary history is described by rapid exponential growth. These two results, which predict directional trends in entropy and growth rate for two types of evolutionary dynamics, are derived from a class of models which forges a new synthesis of demographic, ecological, and genetic processes.
Random Individual Association and Social Group Instability in American Bison (Bison bison)

Individual association was recorded to determine group stability in a population of 400 freely roaming American bison (Bison bison) on Santa Catalina Island, California over a 44 month period. The application of cluster analysis and simple probability techniques revealed that individual associations between 16 marked cows and 8 marked calves were essentially random, except for cow-calf bonds. Cow-calf relations were severed abruptly and were random thereafter. Random association between individuals combined with spatial heterogeneity generates a negative binomial model giving a close fit for several equilibrium group size distributions. Random association may occur because it facilitates each cow matching its physiological needs at any moment with the needs of other potential co-group members at the same moment. In addition, random association may have facilitated exploration of the unstable Great Plains environment where modern bison evolved. Zusammenfassung Gruppen entstehen meist durch Zusammenbleiben miteinander verwandter Individuen. Die Gruppenstabilitat hangt ab von typischen Gegebenheiten der individuellen Lebensgeschichte, vom Verwandtschaftsgrad und von Faktoren wie Feinddruck oder Konkurrenzdruck. Danach sollte man vom amerikanischen Bison stabile Gruppen erwarten, so wie es die meisten Autoren auch annehmen, allerdings ohne das mit bekannten Individuen zu belegen. Aus einer freilebenden Population von 400 Bisons auf Catalina Island, Kalifornien, wurden 16 Kuhe und 8 Kalber markiert und 44 Monate lang registriert. Die einzig stabilen Zusammenschlusse waren die zwischen Kuhen und ihren eigenen Kalbern; alle anderen wechselten zufallig. Die Kuh-Kalb-Bindung endet abrupt nach 8 bis 19 Monaten. Danach bewegen auch sie sich unabhangig; Zusammenschlusse hangen dann ab vom Abstand der Individuen in verschiedenen Gruppen. Kuhe bewegen sich rasch und weit durch ausgedehnte Streifgebiete. Individuelle Streifgebiete konnen weithin uberlappen. Es scheint zahlreiche zufallige und nichtzufallige Faktorwirkungen zu geben, die das gleichbleibende Verteilungsmuster der Individuen erzeugen. Ein entsprechendes Modell errechnete etwa Verteilungen, wie sie tatsachlich vorkommen. Soziale Zusammenschlusse dieser Tiere scheinen weitgehend umweltabhangig. Die Trennung von Mutter und Kind und die dann zufalligen Zusammenschlusse konnten sich ergeben, wenn jede Kuh zu ihrem Vorteil ihre momentanen Bedurfnisse denen ihrer momentanen Nachbarindividuen angleicht. Fehlende Gruppentreue kann die Nutzung weitraumiger Gebiete begunstigen; das scheint vorteilhaft fur eine Art, die auf den wechselhaften Great Plains lebte.
Preparation of well-defined surfaces at atmospheric pressure: Studies of structural transformations of I, Ag-Adlattices on Pt(111) by leed and electrochemistry

Abstract Pt(111) surfaces disordered by ion-bombardment or electrochemical oxidation were converted to well-defined, ordered states by annealing in iodine vapor at atmospheric pressure. A structure not obtainable in vacuum was formed, Pt(111)(3 3 × 9 3 )R30°-I , containing 0.62 I atoms per surfa ce Pt atom in a slightly distorted hexagonal array. The I-I interatomic distances in this structure, 0.33 and 0.36 nm, were less than the Van der Waals distance, 0.43 nm. Gentle heating of this structure under pure Ar yielded I2 molecules, I atoms and a series of structures: Pt(111)(3 3 × 9 3 )R30°-I ( 3 × 3 )R30°-I Pt(111) (clean surface). The Pt(111)( 7 × 7 )R19.1°-I adlattice proved to be identifiable from its distinctive electrochemical behavior in electrodeposition of Ag from aqueous solutions of AgClO4, which consists of three prominent structural transitions. Kinematic calculations of the directions and qualitative intensities of the LEED beams at selected kinetic energies has led to proposed structures consisting of Ag atoms close-packed in registry with the three-fold sites of Pt but with I atoms substituted for Ag atoms at the ( 3 × 3 )R30° positions. Phase boundaries caused by reversals of the two packing sites of the 3 unit mesh at intervals 17 Pt unit vectors divide the surface into hexagonal antiphase domains.
Development of an optimized power delivery system for 3D IC integration with TSV silicon interposer

Silicon Interposer with Through Silicon Via (TSV) is a newly developed technology that enables multichip integration and offers great potential to improve system performance with less delay, higher wiring density, and lower power consumption. One challenge of this new technology is to maintain the PDN electrical performance. Micro bumps, TSV, interposer front and back side Re-Distribution Layer (RDL) metallization add additional interfaces and drives up complexity for an optimized PDN design in 3D IC integration. This paper reports on a R&D test vehicle that was developed for engineering evaluation of electrical and physical interfaces through TSV silicon interposer. The test vehicle consisted of a FPGA die side-by-side with its daughter die on a passive silicon interpose. The paper reports TSV loss mechanisms and its performance impacts on Power Delivery Network (PDN). Embedded MIM capacitor is implemented to increase interposer decoupling capacitance (IDC) to improve high speed PDN performance. PDN impedance characteristics are analyzed and evaluated for the interposer-based 3D system combining on-die PDN, interposer power/ground grids, TSV and package/PCB PDN components.
Impact of pharmacist intervention on clinical outcomes in the palliative care setting.

Background: Although accepted as an integral part of the interdisciplinary team, pharmacist value in palliative care has predominantly been evaluated by subjective methods. This study was conducted to identify factors that impact physician acceptance of the pharmacist’s recommendation and to determine whether acceptance is a significant predictor of clinical outcome. Methods: As a mandated in-house quality assurance project at Niagara Hospice, Inc, 2 clinical pharmacists tracked each request for pharmacotherapeutic intervention over a 4-month period (April-July 2009). Through retrospective examination of clinical notes, each intervention was reviewed to determine age, gender, death date, presenting symptom, recommending pharmacist, recommendation type, recommendation status (accepted vs declined), and clinical outcome (achieved vs not achieved). Results: Overall, 89.4% of recommendations were accepted, and 79.9% of patients achieved the desired clinical outcome. With the exception of delirium as a present...
Algorithms for 3-D brightfield microscopy

We have developed image reconstruction algorithms for generating 3-D renderings of biological specimens from brightfield micrographs. The algorithm presented here is founded on the maximum likelihood estimation theory where steepest ascent and conjugate gradient techniques are used to optimize the solution to the multidimensional equation. The estimation problem posed is that of reconstructing the optical density, or linear attenuation coefficients, similar to that of computed tomography, under the simplifying assumption of geometric optics. We assume white Gaussian noise corrupts the signal generating a Gaussian distributed signal according to the modeling of the system impulse response. One of the challenges of the algorithms presented here is in restoring the values within the missing cone region of the system optical transfer function. The algorithm and programming are straightforward and incorporate standard Fourier techniques. The theoretical development of the algorithms is outlined. Simulations of reconstructions using this technique are currently being performed.
Influence of an array of wall-mounted cylinders on the mass transfer from a flat surface

Abstract An experimental study is performed to investigate the effects of two arrays—in-line and stag-gered—of cylinders on the mass transfer from a flat surface on which the cylinders are situated. Both arrays have seven rows of short (height-to-diameter ratio of unity) cylinders and identical transverse and longitudinal pitches. The naphthalene sublimation technique, in association with an automated, computer controlled naphthalene surface measurement system gives detailed local mass transfer information. The distributions of local mass transfer coefficient reveal the details of establishment of a periodic regime as well as recurring local maxima and minima. Characteristics of mass transfer from the region immediately adjacent to the base of a cylinder in an array are comparable to that around a single, isolated cylinder. Area-averaged mass transfer results, obtained from numerical integration (summation) of the local data, provide a direct, region-by-region comparison between the two arrays. The arrays produce mass transfer enhancement from the surface of approximately 46 and 53% for the in-line and the staggered arrays, respectively.
Amorphization processes in electron and/or ion-irradiated silicon.

Amorphization has been studied in electron- (${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$) and ion-irradiated Si. Si irradiated at l10 K with 1.0- or 1.5-MeV ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{+}$ became amorphous at l0.4 displacement per atom (dpa), whereas Si irradiated at 10 K to a fluence of \ensuremath{\approxeq}14 dpa of 1-MeV ${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ in an electron microscope failed to amorphize. However, Si subjected to a simultaneous ${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ and ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{+}$ in situ irradiation, at l10 K, to a ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{+}$ fluence of 1.5 dpa retained crystallinity. The critical ratio, at l10 K, of the ${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ to ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{+}$ ion displacement rates to maintain a degree of crystallinity is \ensuremath{\approxeq}0.5. Atomistic models for these phenomena are presented.
Nonreciprocal measurements in femtosecond ring lasers.

Sensitive gyroscopic response has been demonstrated with a passively mode-locked ring dye laser. Rapid change in the phase of scattering has been identified as an important mechanism responsible for the extremely low lock-in threshold of this laser gyro. Coupling between counterpropagating pulses has been confirmed to take place only in the overlapping region of the pulses. Intracavity measurements of the electro-optical effect are demonstrated with fields as small as 20 mV/cm.
Balance of Power in Developing an Association of Tourism Researchers

(2012). Balance of Power in Developing an Association of Tourism Researchers. Tourism Recreation Research: Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 91-97.
Visualizing multiscale, multiphysics simulation data: Brain blood flow

Accurately predicting many physical and biological systems requires modeling interactions of macroscopic and microscopic events. This results in large and heterogeneous data sets on vastly differing scales, both physical and temporal. The ability to use a single integrated tool for the visualization of multiscale simulation data is important to understanding the effects that events at one scale have on events in the other. In the case of blood flow, we examine how the large-scale flow patterns influence blood cell behavior. In this paper we describe the visualization tools that were developed for data from coupled continuum - atomistic simulations. Specifically, we overview a) a custom ParaView reader plug-in that processes macro-scale continuum data computed by a high-order spectral element solver; and b) an adaptive proper orthogonal decomposition-based technique for the visualization of nonstationary velocity fields from atomistic simulations. We also discuss how the ParaView parallel processing and rendering infrastructure was leveraged in the new tools. We apply our methods to visualize multiscale data from coupled continuum-atomistic simulations of blood flow in a patient-specific cerebrovasculature with a brain aneurysm.
Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent phosphorylation of HMG 14 inhibits its interactions with nucleosomes.

The high mobility group protein HMG 14, which is preferentially associated with nucleosomes containing active gene sequences, is phosphorylated on different sites according to the tissue and stimulus being studied. In the thyroid, HMG 14 displays TSH-dependent phosphorylation that is mediated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase). We have, therefore, studied how phosphorylation of HMG 14 on its major and minor A-kinase sites (Ser-6 and -24) affects its interactions with nucleosomes and various forms of DNA, since this could reflect a means of regulating its function of binding to active chromatin. Approximately twice as much Ser-6 phospho- and 4 times as much Ser-6,24 diphospho-HMG 14 were required to produce the same degree of nucleosome band displacement as that caused by native unphosphorylated HMG 14. Phosphorylation also reduced the ability of HMG 14 to protect the ends of nucleosomal DNA from thermal denaturation. When the electrophoretic mobility of naked DNA was examined, the Ser-6 phospho-H...
Integration Of Digital Imaging Network Technology Into The U.S. Army's Fixed Facility And Deployable Medical Centers

The MITRE Corporation is currently under contract to the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command to evaluate Digital Imaging Network Systems (DINS) technology at two university evaluation sites. Equipment developed by Philips Medical Systems will be evaluated at the University of Washington in Seattle and AT&T's CommView system will be evaluated at Georgetown University. While other papers at the 1988 PACS II conference will discuss the details of the systems being evaluated at the university sites, this paper discusses the reasons that the Army is considering the use of DINS in its fixed facilities and in deployable medical system (DEPMEDS) applications. Reasons for converting to DINS technology will be discussed and expected benefits will be presented.
Approximate reasoning as a basis for rule-based expert systems

The concept of a rule-based expert system that includes data and production rules is discussed. It is shown how the theory of approximate reasoning developed by L.A. Zadeh (New York, Wiley, 1979) provides a natural format for representing the knowledge and performing the inferences in the rule-based expert systems. The representation ability of the systems is extended by providing a new structure for including the rules that only require the satisfaction to some subset of the requirements in its antecedent. This is accomplished by use of fuzzy quantifiers. A methodology is also provided for the inclusion of a form of uncertainty in the expert system associated with the belief attributed to the data and production rules.
A group technology based methodology for machine cell formation in a computer integrated manufacturing environment

Abstract A new two-phase methodology is developed to form machine cells in a computer integrated manufacturing environment using dissimilarity measure between design and manufacturing attributes of parts. An 18-digit classification and coding method is developed. The first phase of the methodology enables the decision maker to assign priority to the attributes in order to group parts into part families. In the second phase, machines are grouped into manufacturing cells based on relevant operational costs. A comprehensive software package, KAMCELL is developed which can be used as a tool for model development and analysis.
Seawater desalination share among water and market policy changes in Algeria

Algeria suffers significant lack of fresh water since most of its territory is classified as arid and semiarid zones. 90% of the population is concentrated on the northern coastal region which represents 10% of the countries area and situated in a more temperate Mediterranean climate. Many factors intervene in the fresh water crisis availability (growing demand, drought, pollution, etc), the water strategy was depending mainly on rainfall, the use of seawater desalination was confined to industrial needs only (mostly hydrocarbon oils). The state water policy managed by governmental institutions and agencies was based on the construction of dams for rainwater collect. The use of seawater desalination for domestic use started sprouting in early 80's with the increasing drought phenomenon. But actually, the resort to desalination for domestic use has become inevitable. Consequently, the government has put into action an emergency program for the installation of several small seawater desalination units along the coast, in addition to others much important projects. This crisis has come at the time of very important economical changes; these are taking place in the frame of the passage from an entire state managed economy to a market based economy. So new strategies dealing with major issues are being implemented, the governmental institutions are restructured to be managed in market based way. The water market is now open to both national and international private sector.
Sialorphin (the mature peptide product of Vcsa1) relaxes corporal smooth muscle tissue and increases erectile function in the ageing rat.

OBJECTIVE To determine if the mature peptide product of the Vcsa1 gene, sialorphin, could restore erectile function in ageing rats, and whether these effects are mediated through relaxation of corporal smooth muscle tissue, as we recently reported that Vcsa1 is one of the most down-regulated genes in the corpora of rats in three distinct models of erectile dysfunction, and gene transfer of plasmids expressing Vcsa1 into the corpora of ageing rats restored erectile function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sialorphin was injected intracorporeally into retired breeder rats, and the effect on the physiology of corporal tissue was analysed by intracorporal/blood pressure (ICP/BP) measurement at different times after injection. In organ-bath studies, the ability of sialorphin (1 µg/mL) to enhance C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) relaxation of corporal smooth muscle tissue strips was investigated after pre-contraction with 1 µm phenylephrine. RESULTS Intracorporal injection of 100 µg sialorphin into retired breeder rats resulted in a time-dependent increase in the ICP/BP response to electrostimulation of the cavernosal nerve. After 55–65 min the ICP/BP ratio increased to ≈ 0.6, a value associated with normal erectile function. In organ-bath studies after pre-contraction with 1 µm phenylephrine, 1 µm CNP significantly (67%) increased the relaxation rate of corporal tissue. This rate of relaxation was increased by 2.5-fold after incubation with sialorphin (1 µg/mL) compared with carrier alone. CONCLUSION These results show that sialorphin has a role in erectile function, probably through a mechanism that involves relaxation of corporal smooth muscle tissue.
Protein functional motion query and visualization

Function is a dynamic property closely related to the conformational mechanisms of the protein structure in its physiological environment. Efficient methods and tools for predicting collective motions at the molecular level are becoming increasingly important for understanding and controlling the function of target proteins. The molecular motions of proteins in different mode types are determined in the present study using the Gaussian network model (GNM). Based on GNM, we present a system that enables efficient query and visualization of protein dynamic behaviors such as mode shapes and 3D mobility structures.
Case 1: Screening for osteoporosis in early menopause

Abstract Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism is pleased to provide a new service for our readers. Interactive Grand Rounds (IGR) is a free online CME service for physicians. Fully referenced case studies written by nationally recognized experts will be presented on a variety of topics. To ensure credibility, all content undergoes review by physician experts, the editor-in-chief of IGR, and the CME-sponsoring organization. Each case will be introduced in a case overview in the pages of Seminars ; the complete case history and CME questions are available online on the IGR web site. We introduce this new section to Seminars with Clinical Challenges in Osteoporosis. The first case overview is presented below; 5 additional cases in osteoporosis will be published during the year. To participate in this free CME program, log on to http://igr.medsite.com.
Oral Oxymorphone for Pain Management

Objective:To describe the pharmacology, safety and efficacy, and rationale for use of oral oxymorphone for the management of acute and chronic moderate-to-severe pain.Data Sources:A PubMed/MEDLINE search (1966–March 2007) was conducted using the following terms: oral oxymorphone, oxymorphone, EN 3202, EN 3203, Opana, and Opana ER. Manufacturer-provided data (package inserts) and abstracts presented at the American Pain Society meetings (2003–2006) were also reviewed.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Human studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of oral oxymorphone in pain management were considered; animal and non-English-language data were excluded.Data Synthesis:Oral oxymorphone is a semisynthetic opioid agonist that is specific for the μ-opioid receptor and approved to treat both acute and chronic pain. Unlike other opioids, such as oxycodone, oxymorphone does not bind to the κ-opioid receptor. Due to extensive liver metabolism, oral oxymorphone is contraindicated in patients with moderate-to-seve...
Mapping computer-vision-related tasks onto reconfigurable parallel-processing systems

A tutorial overview of how selected computer-vision-related algorithms can be mapped onto reconfigurable parallel-processing systems is presented. The reconfigurable parallel-processing system assumed for the discussions is a multiprocessor system capable of mixed-mode parallelism; that is, it can operate in either the SIMD or MIMD modes of parallelism and can dynamically switch between modes at instruction-level granularity with generally negligible overhead. In addition, it can be partitioned into independent or communicating submachines, each having the same characteristics as the original machine. Furthermore, this reconfigurable system model uses a flexible multistage cube interconnection network, which allows the connection patterns among the processors to be varied. It is demonstrated how reconfigurability can be used by reviewing and examining five computer-vision-related algorithms, each one emphasizing a different aspect of reconfigurability. >
Quantification of data extraction noise in probabilistic Boolean Network modeling

Probabilistic Boolean Networks have served as the main model for studying the application of optimal intervention strategies to favorably affect system dynamics. The errors originating in the data extraction or network inference process prevent the accurate estimation of the state transition probabilities of the network. The mathematical characterization of the uncertainties will enable us to analyze the performance of intervention strategies derived without considering the uncertainties and assist in the design of control policies robust to those uncertainties. In this paper, we will quantify the errors due to data extraction noise and discretization and their effects on the state transition and steady state probabilities of the probabilistic Boolean network.
Time and Streak Surfaces for Flow Visualization in Large Time-Varying Data Sets

Time and streak surfaces are ideal tools to illustrate time-varying vector fields since they directly appeal to the intuition about coherently moving particles. However, efficient generation of high-quality time and streak surfaces for complex, large and time-varying vector field data has been elusive due to the computational effort involved. In this work, we propose a novel algorithm for computing such surfaces. Our approach is based on a decoupling of surface advection and surface adaptation and yields improved efficiency over other surface tracking methods, and allows us to leverage inherent parallelization opportunities in the surface advection, resulting in more rapid parallel computation. Moreover, we obtain as a result of our algorithm the entire evolution of a time or streak surface in a compact representation, allowing for interactive, high-quality rendering, visualization and exploration of the evolving surface. Finally, we discuss a number of ways to improve surface depiction through advanced rendering and texturing, while preserving interactivity, and provide a number of examples for real-world datasets and analyze the behavior of our algorithm on them.
Effect of Brain- and Tumor-Derived Connective Tissue Growth Factor on Glioma Invasion

BACKGROUND Tumor cell invasion is the principal cause of treatment failure and death among patients with malignant gliomas. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been previously implicated in cancer metastasis and invasion in various tumors. We explored the mechanism of CTGF-mediated glioma cell infiltration and examined potential therapeutic targets. METHODS Highly infiltrative patient-derived glioma tumor-initiating or tumor stem cells (TIC/TSCs) were harvested and used to explore a CTGF-induced signal transduction pathway via luciferase reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblotting. Treatment of TIC/TSCs with small-molecule inhibitors targeting integrin β1 (ITGB1) and the tyrosine kinase receptor type A (TrkA), and short hairpin RNAs targeting CTGF directly were used to reduce the levels of key protein components of CTGF-induced cancer infiltration. TIC/TSC infiltration was examined in real-time cell migration and invasion assays in vitro and by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in TIC/TSC orthotopic xenograft mouse models (n = 30; six mice per group). All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Treatment of TIC/TSCs with CTGF resulted in CTGF binding to ITGB1-TrkA receptor complexes and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) transcriptional activation as measured by luciferase reporter assays (mean relative luciferase activity, untreated vs CTGF(200 ng/mL): 0.53 vs 1.87, difference = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.69 to 2, P < .001). NF-κB activation resulted in binding of ZEB-1 to the E-cadherin promoter as demonstrated by ChIP analysis with subsequent E-cadherin suppression (fold increase in ZEB-1 binding to the E-cadherin promoter region: untreated + ZEB-1 antibody vs CTGF(200 ng/mL) + ZEB-1 antibody: 1.5 vs 6.4, difference = 4.9, 95% CI = 4.8 to 5.0, P < .001). Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization revealed that TrkA is selectively expressed in the most infiltrative glioma cells in situ and that the surrounding reactive astrocytes secrete CTGF. CONCLUSION A CTGF-rich microenvironment facilitates CTGF-ITGB1-TrkA complex activation in TIC/TSCs, thereby increasing the invasiveness of malignant gliomas.
Cooperative Standoff Tracking of Uncertain Moving Targets using Active Robot Networks

This paper presents a coordination scheme for standoff tracking of an uncertain moving target by cooperating mobile robots with range and bearing sensors. An algorithm is described that transforms a guidance vector field developed for loitering about circular patterns into a vector field that tracks ellipses. Specific elliptical tracking patterns are developed based on the covariance matrix of a stochastic estimation process. Simulation results demonstrate the ability of two aerial robots to coordinate their orbit around an uncertain target moving with constant velocity.
Inactivation of Bacillus anthracis spores.

After the intentional release of Bacillus anthracis through the U.S. Postal Service in the fall of 2001, many environments were contaminated with B. anthracis spores, and frequent inquiries were made regarding the science of destroying these spores. We conducted a survey of the lit- erature that had potential application to the inactivation of B. anthracis spores. This article provides a tabular sum- mary of the results. consistent between experiments, but each experiment pro- vides some specific information of value. Early studies that lack quantitative data are not included. A number of the cited studies address Bacillus species other than B. anthracis. We include these for information, with the caveat that surrogates do not always predict the behavior of the target species. Furthermore, the results from labora- tory experiments do not specifically address questions regarding the best methods for inactivating spores on dif- ferent materials such as mail, carpet, other porous objects, food, or water. Transfer of these sporicidal methods from the laboratory to a building has not yet been tested; how- ever, the known laboratory results are a logical place to start when considering the decontamination of a building. Decontamination is defined as the irreversible inactiva- tion of infectious agents so that an area is rendered safe. However, decontamination may not eliminate bacterial spores. Sterilization is the complete destruction or elimina- tion of microbial viability, including spores (3). The experiments described provide a logical starting point for future experiments and decontamination strate- gies in the event of anthrax bioterrorism. Our intent is not to provide a comparative evaluation or recommendations for decontamination but rather to summarize the quantita- tive published results and provide a useful reference. Review
Efficacy of inhaled human insulin in type 1 diabetes mellitus: a randomised proof-of-concept study.

Summary Background Effective glycaemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus usually requires two or more insulin injections daily. Inhaled intrapulmonary delivery of insulin offers a potential new way to deliver meal-related insulin, eliminating the need for preprandial injections. Methods 73 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus were studied in an open-label, proof-of-concept, parallel-group randomised trial. Patients in the experimental group received preprandial inhaled insulin plus a bedtime subcutaneous ultralente insulin injection. Patients in the control group received their usual insulin regimen of two to three injections per day. Participants monitored their blood glucose four times daily, and adjusted insulin doses weekly to achieve preprandial glucose targets of 5·6–8·9 mmol/L. The primary outcome measure was change in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA 1c ) after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were fasting and postprandial glucose response to a mixed meal; hypoglycaemia frequency and severity; pulmonary function; and patients' satisfaction. Findings Changes in HbA1c were indistinguishable between groups (difference 0·2% [95% Cl −0·2 to 0·5]). Changes in fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations, and occurrence and severity of hypoglycaemia were also similar between groups. Inhaled insulin was well tolerated and had no effect on pulmonary function (ie, spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity, and oxygen saturation). Interpretation This proof-of-concept study shows that preprandial insulin can be given by inhalation in individuals with insulin-deficient type 1 diabetes as a less invasive alternative to conventional preprandial insulin injections.
The Role of Backbone Oxygen Atoms in the Organization of Nucleic Acid Tertiary Structure: Zippers, Networks, Clamps, and C‐H…︁O Hydrogen Bonds

Tight packing between structural elements is a prerequisite for molecular recognition and catalysis. In proteins, α-helices and β-sheets present the amino acid side chains on the surface while the polar amide bonds are buried. The opposite is found in double- and polystranded nucleic acids, where negatively charged phosphates occupy the surface and the side chains are hydrogen bonded in the core. Thus the question arises: How do densely packed nucleic acid molecules achieve close approach, despite the repulsion between phosphates that would appear to preclude tight contacts? One obvious answer is by mediating interstrand contacts through coordinated cations that can screen the negative charges. In this contribution, however, we highlight a variety of alternative direct interactions involving atoms of the sugar-phosphate backbone that can promote tight packing of RNA and DNA into functional molecules. We have analyzed the existing nucleic acid crystal structures in terms of the presence of close contacts between backbone regions. In RNA, ribose 2′-hydroxyl groups were observed to mediate such contacts in the majority of cases. However, their absence in DNA does not prevent oligodeoxynucleotides from packing tightly, aided by various interactions between backbone atoms.
Merit criteria for communication systems

Merit criteria are presented for the transmission of information through noisy channels. The operational problem is formulated in such a way as to permit the minimum communication cost required to transmit a message over a communication system with a specified degree of reliability for given noise and loading (traffic density) conditions to be determined. The better system transmits the information at less cost. Cost values are shown to be functions of the basic merit parameters power, bandwidth and time, and the operational loading conditions. The formulation is general and can be applied to the evaluation of any modulation or coding system. Comparative evaluation of systems should result in performance indices which would permit judicious choice of systems for use in various operational situations.
Unforgiveness, depression, and health in later life: the protective factor of forgivingness

Objectives: Feeling unforgiven by others has been linked to poor health outcomes. The current study examined whether feeling unforgiven by others is associated with depression and self-rated health among older adults in the United States. The potential moderating roles of forgiving others and self-forgiveness in the association between unforgiveness and both depression and self-rated health was also assessed along with gender differences.Method: Data were drawn from a sample of 1009 adults in Wave 2 of the Religion, Aging, and Health Survey, a national sample of adults aged over 67. Depression was measured using the eight item short form from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Self-rated health was assessed with a one-item indicator.Results: Analyses indicated that higher levels of self-forgiveness ameliorated the relationship between unforgiveness by others and depression for men and women and higher levels of forgiving others attenuated the association between unforgiveness b...
Theoretical limit to domain position detection magnetic amplifying magnetooptical system

We developed a model that was used to evaluate the performance of a domain position detection magnetic amplifying magnetooptical system (DPD-MAMMOS). Through the use of the model, we explain the operation of DPD-MAMMOS and demonstrate its advantages. Next, we evaluated the performance of DPD-MAMMOS under the influences of position noise from a theoretical point of view. From this analysis, we estimate that a MAMMOS system will need to attain 30 nm or less of position noise to show a density advantage when used with DPD-MAMMOS.
Central banks as agents of employment creation

Employment creation has dropped off the direct agenda of most central banks. Th e so-called "global best practice" approach to central banking has not focused on economic growth or employment generation but rather on keeping infl ation in the low single digits. However, the policy record shows that employment generation and economic growth are often not by-products of infl ation focused central bank policy. Th is chapter argues that there should be a return to the historical norm of central bank policy in which employment creation and more rapid economic growth join infl ation and stabilization more generally as key goals of central bank policy. Supporting this argument, the chapter summarizes major lessons of a multi-country research project undertaken by an international team of economists which show that, within the constraints of contemporary economic conditions, there are viable alternatives to infl ation targeting that can focus more on important social, real sector outcomes such as employment generation and poverty reduction. JEL Classifi cation: E5; E6; N1; N2; O2.
Facile catalytic growth of cyanoacrylate nanofibers

High aspect ratio (>500), neat poly(ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate) nanofibers were synthesized catalytically by vapour phase polymerization under high relative humidity and ambient conditions.
The interrelationship between anti-Müllerian hormone, ovarian follicular populations and age in mares.

Summary Reasons for performing study Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a granulosa-cell-derived glycoprotein, which plays an important inhibitory role during folliculogenesis. Concentrations of AMH are highly correlated with antral follicle counts (AFCs) in other species, which in turn are related to follicular reserve. Relatively little is known about AMH and AFC in the mare. Objectives To determine plasma AMH concentrations and AFCs in mares of different ages, to measure the repeatability of AMH concentrations and AFCs within and across oestrous cycles and to assess the relationship between plasma AMH concentrations and AFCs with regard to mare age and follicle size. Study design An observational study examining the relationship between AMH, AFC and age in 45 mares. Methods Young (3–8 years), middle-aged (9–18 years) and old mares (19–27 years) were examined by transrectal ultrasonography over 2 or 3 oestrous cycles. Plasma AMH concentrations and AFCs were determined, and antral follicles were classified by size into different groups. Results Plasma AMH concentrations varied widely between mares within similar age groups. Antral follicle counts were significantly lower in old mares than in young and middle-aged mares, and AMH concentrations were significantly lower in old than in middle-aged mares. A positive relationship was detected between AFC and AMH, and this relationship varied by mare age with a strong correlation in older mares (ρ = 0.86; P<0.0001), a moderate correlation in middle-aged mares (ρ = 0.60; P = 0.01) and no correlation in young mares (ρ = 0.40, P<0.4). The AMH concentrations were significantly related to the number of antral follicles between 6 and 20 mm in diameter, and the repeatability of AFCs and AMH concentrations was high within and between oestrous cycles. Conclusions Our findings indicate that the relationship between AMH and AFC varies across age groups, and concentrations of AMH might be a better reflection of reproductive age than calendar age.
Zeeman splitting in OH megamasers

We detected significant Zeeman splitting in the 1667MHz OH megamaser emission from four ultraluminous galaxies. These detections, in addition to being the first extragalactic detection of the Zeeman effect in an emission line, suggest that OH megamasers are excellent extragalactic magnetometers.
Locomotion Monitoring Using Body Sensor Networks

Body sensor networks (BSNs) create an enormous opportunity to revolutionalize the way we learn, work, entertain and live today. A particularly promising application of BSNs is in health monitoring. Research indicates that various disorders in aging ranging from mild cognitive impairment to dementia and Alzheimer’s could be diagnosed early based on the study of locomotion. Sensor platforms integrated into clothing provide the possibility of reliable locomotion monitoring. In this work, we demonstrate a real-time wireless sensor system that quantitatively measures some of the factors involved in locomotion.
Subcutaneous hemangiomas of the hand

Subcutaneous hemangiomas, the fourth most common tumor of the hand, consist primarily of proliferating blood vessels within the soft tissue. One hundred and sixty consecutive patients with the histologic diagnosis of subcutaneous hemangiomas were reviewed. Patients with diffuse hemangiomas, strawberry nevi, and arteriovenous fistulae were not included in the study. The median age was 32 years, the youngest being 2 years old and the oldest 68. Sixty-two percent of the patients were female. None had a history of trauma. The palm was the most common location. Progressive enlargement of the lesion and throbbing pain were the most common symptoms. As is characteristic of hemangiomas, they were readily compressible, poorly defined, bluish, subcutaneous masses that distended when the venous return was obstructed and contracted when the extremity was elevated. Roentgenographic evaluation rarely showed the typical calcification of phleboliths, but a soft tissue mass was almost always present. All of these hemangiomas were surgically excised, with the tributory vessels being identified and ligated as far distant from the tumor as possible in order to diminish the chances of recurrence.