cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human Dicer Binds Short Single-strand and Double-strand RNA with High Affinity and Interacts with Different Regions of the Nucleic Acids

Human Dicer is an integral component of the RNA interference pathway. Dicer processes premicro-RNA and double-strand RNA to, respectively, mature micro-RNA and short interfering RNA (siRNA) and transfers the processed products to the RNA-induced silencing complex. To better understand the factors that are important for the binding, translocation, and selective recognition of the siRNA strands, we determined the binding affinities of human Dicer for processed products (siRNA) and short single-strand RNAs (ssRNA). siRNAs and ssRNAs competitively inhibited human Dicer activity, suggesting that they are interacting with the active site of the enzyme. The dissociation constants (Kd) for unmodified siRNAs were 5-11-fold weaker compared with a 27-nucleotide double-strand RNA substrate. Chemically modified siRNAs exhibited binding affinities for Dicer comparable with the substrate. 3′-Dinucleotide overhangs in the siRNA affected the binding affinity of human Dicer for the siRNA and biased strand loading into RNA-induced silencing complex. The Kd values for the ssRNAs ranged from 3- to 40-fold weaker than the Kd for the substrate. Sequence composition of the 3′-terminal nucleotides of the ssRNAs exhibited the greatest effect on Dicer binding. Dicer cleaved substrates containing short siRNA-like double-strand regions and extended 3′ or 5′ ssRNA overhangs in the adjacent ssRNA regions. Remarkably, cleavage sites were observed consistent with the enzyme entering the substrate from the extended 3′ ssRNA terminus. These data suggest that the siRNAs and ssRNAs interact predominantly with the PAZ domain of the enzyme. Finally, the tightest binding siRNAs were also more potent inhibitors of gene expression.
Thrombose aiguë d’un stent de l’artère rénale et rein unique fonctionnel

Une femme de 55 ans avec une histoire d’hypertension, de lesions bilaterales des arteres renales avec un stent de l’artere renale gauche, et un pontage renal droit occlus de maniere chronique se presentait avec une anurie et une insuffisance renale aigue. Les examens diagnostiques montraient une stenose tres serree intrastent avec thrombose de l’artere renale gauche principale en aval du stent. Une thrombolyse guidee par catheter du stent et de l’artere renale gauche permit la restauration de la perfusion et de la fonction renales. Les evenements thromboemboliques aigus de l’artere renale sont rares mais peuvent etre devastateurs quand ils se produisent bilateralement ou dans un rein fonctionnellement unique. Un diagnostic et un traitement rapides peuvent souvent restaurer la fonction renale et empecher la dialyse. L’evolution du traitement des accidents thromboemboliques renaux aigus est discutee dans cette etude. La restenose d’une artere renale stentee n’est pas rare et peut dependre de certains facteurs de risque. La surveillance duplex apres traitement endovasculaire est essentielle pour prevenir la restenose ou l’occlusion thrombotique du stent. Le meilleur traitement des restenoses intrastent n’est pas defini ; cependant, les taux de restenose sont inferieurs avec des procedures de stenting intrastent iteratives par opposition a l’angioplastie isolee.
Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Pulmonary Functions in Mild Asthma

Twenty subjects with mild asthma took a short course of moderately high doses of Vitamin C (500 mg four times daily for 3 days and 1 g prior to spirometric evaluation). There were no differences in pulmonary functions just prior to and after therapy. There were no adverse reactions noted. If, as reported, Vitamin C has a beneficial effect in asthma, it does not appear to be due to a bronchodilatory effect.
NESSI: the New Mexico Tech Extrasolar Spectroscopic Survey Instrument

Less than 20 years after the discovery of the first extrasolar planet, exoplanetology is rapidly growing with more than one discovery every week on average since 2007. An important step in exoplanetology is the chemical characterization of exoplanet atmospheres. It has recently been shown that molecular signatures of transiting exoplanets can be studied from the ground. To advance this idea and prepare more ambitious missions such as THESIS, a dedicated spectrometer named the New Mexico Tech Extrasolar Spectroscopic Survey Instrument (NESSI) is being built at New Mexico Tech in collaboration with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NESSI is a purpose-built multi-object spectrograph that operates in the J, H, and K-bands with a resolution of R = 1000 in each, as well as a lower resolution of R = 250 across the entire J/H/K region.
Approximate second order method for orbital optimization of SCF and MCSCF wavefunctions

A quasi-Newton method involving a diagonal guess orbital hessian with iterative updates has been proposed recently by Almlof for the optimization of closed shell self-consistent field (SCF) wavefunctions. The technique is extended in the present work to more general wavefunctions, ranging from open shell SCF through multiconfigurational SCF. A number of examples are presented to show that convergence for closed and open shell SCF rivals conventional direct inversion in the iterative subspace (DIIS). For multiconfigurational SCF wavefunctions, the method presented here requires more iterations than an exact second order program, but since each iteration is substantially faster, leads to a more efficient overall program.
Shipper/receiver difference verification of spent fuel by use of PDET

Spent fuel storage pools in most countries are rapidly approaching their design limits with the discharge of over 10,000 metric tons of heavy metal from global reactors. Countries like UK, France or Japan have adopted a closed fuel cycle by reprocessing spent fuel and recycling MOX fuel while many other countries opted for above ground interim dry storage for their spent fuel management strategy. Some countries like Finland and Sweden are already well on the way to setting up a conditioning plant and a deep geological repository for spent fuel. For all these situations, shipments of spent fuel are needed and the number of these shipments is expected to increase significantly. Although shipper/receiver difference (SRD) verification measurements are needed by IAEA when the recipient facility receives spent fuel, these are not being practiced to the level that IAEA has desired due to lack of a credible measurement methodology and instrument that can reliably perform these measurements to verify non-diversion of spent fuel during shipment and confirm facility operator declarations on the spent fuel. In this paper, we describe a new safeguards method and an associated instrument, Partial Defect Tester (PDET), which can detect pin diversion from Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Spent Fuel Assemblies in an in-situ condition. The PDET uses multiple tiny neutron and gamma detectors in the form of a cluster and a simple, yet highly precise, gravity-driven system to obtain underwater radiation measurements inside a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) spent fuel assembly. The method takes advantage of the PWR fuel design which contains multiple guide tubes which can be accessed from the top. The data obtained in such a manner can provide spatial distribution of neutron and gamma flux within a spent fuel assembly. Our simulation study as well as validation measurements indicated that the ratio of the gamma signal to the thermal neutron signal at each detector location normalized to the peak ratio of all the detector locations gives a unique signature that is sensitive to missing pins. The signature is principally dependent on the geometry of the detector locations, and little sensitive to enrichment or burn-up variations. A small variation in the fuel bundle, such as a few missing pins, changes the shape of the signature to enable detection. After verification of the non-diversion of spent fuel pins, the neutron signal and gamma signal are subsequently used to verify the consistency of the operator declaration on the fuel burn-up and cooling time.
Measuring mathematical knowledge for teaching: a longitudinal study using two measures

This longitudinal study examines growth in teacher knowledge as measured by two popular assessments—Learning Mathematics for Teaching (LMT) and Diagnostic Teacher Assessments in Mathematics and Science (DTAMS). Using data collected from 24 teachers, we compare the extent to which each assessment captured teacher learning during a K-8 mathematics content/pedagogy hybrid course and a general mathematics content course. Teachers made large gains on both measures, but the LMT better captured gains made during the hybrid course, whereas DTAMS better detected gains during the mathematics course. Patterns in teacher performance suggest substantive differences between specialized mathematical knowledge for teaching and everyday mathematics knowledge. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
The transition from dirty to clean industries: optimal fiscal policy and the environmental Kuznets curve

Abstract This paper investigates privately and socially optimal patterns of economic development in a two-sector endogenous growth model with clean and dirty goods. We consider a second-best fiscal policy framework in which distortionary taxes jointly influence economic growth and environmental quality. In this policy setting, three conditions produce an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC): (i) dirty output is bounded; (ii) clean output grows endogenously; and (iii) growth in the dirty sector reduces growth in the clean sector. These conditions do not arise with a consumption externality, but can emerge with a production externality. Endogenous labor supply implications are also investigated. Although not necessary for producing an EKC, endogenous labor supply provides additional linkages that produce an EKC under circumstances in which it would otherwise not appear.
Metamorphic gaasp and ingap photovoltaic materials on Si for high-efficiency III-V/Si multijunction solar cells

A range of metamorphic GaAsP and InGaP compositions, with direct bandgaps ranging from 1.9 to 2.2 eV, were grown using GaAs y P 1−y step-graded buffers, which have been previously demonstrated as compatible and integratable with Si substrates, and characterized for optical emission and absorption properties. Such bandgaps are needed for the realization of the highest efficiencies in multijunction photovoltaics, but are currently only available via low-efficiency materials. Photoluminescence measurements of these compositions demonstrate emission spanning a large range of the visible spectrum, from red to green. Transmission/absorption properties were also measured for the GaAsP materials, yielding absorption constants for near-bandgap photons that are similar to that of GaAs, and confirming true optical transparency of the GaAs y P 1−y buffers for sub-bandgap photons.
Formation of yohimbanones via a novel rearrangement

Abstract An investigation of the reaction of tryptophan and its methyl ester with ninhydrin has been conducted. In the reaction of tryptophan with ninhydrin only one product, yohimbanone ( 1 ), is isolated. In contrast, an intermediate, Pictet–Spengler product 3 , is isolated from the reaction of tryptophan methyl ester with ninhydrin. The isolation of this intermediate provides support for a proposed mechanism of this novel rearrangement, which is presented herein.
SOS Response Induces Persistence to Fluoroquinolones in Escherichia coli

Bacteria can survive antibiotic treatment without acquiring heritable antibiotic resistance. We investigated persistence to the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin in Escherichia coli. Our data show that a majority of persisters to ciprofloxacin were formed upon exposure to the antibiotic, in a manner dependent on the SOS gene network. These findings reveal an active and inducible mechanism of persister formation mediated by the SOS response, challenging the prevailing view that persisters are pre-existing and formed purely by stochastic means. SOS-induced persistence is a novel mechanism by which cells can counteract DNA damage and promote survival to fluoroquinolones. This unique survival mechanism may be an important factor influencing the outcome of antibiotic therapy in vivo.
Inflammation and outcome after general thoracic surgery.

Objective: To determine whether preoperative inflammation predisposes to major postoperative complications (PC) and poor outcome. Methods: Prospective data collection of 153 consecutive patients aged 73 6 years scheduled for lung resection at a tertiary cancer center. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were measured before surgery, on arrival to the postanesthesia care unit, and on the first morning after surgery. Results: PC occurred in 9/153 (5.9%) patients. In comparison to patients without PC, those with PC had a greater history of hypertension (P = 0.047), higher frequency of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (P = 0.007) and had a lower preoperative albumin level, 3.75 0.65 g/dl versus 4.28 0.33 g/dl, P = 0.03. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated a strong association between PC and preoperative CRP (area under the curve of 0.86), albumin (area under the curve of 0.86) and less so for IL-6 (area under the curve of 0.79). Conclusions: Markers of inflammation, CRP and IL-6, can help distinguish patients who are at high risk for major PC. These preliminary and novel data suggest that in addition to low albumin, a previously describedmarker of outcome, systemic inflammation is likely to be important in the pathogenesis of important PC. # 2007 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Fusion Peptide from Influenza Hemagglutinin Increases Membrane Surface Order: An Electron-Spin Resonance Study

A spin-labeling study of interactions of a fusion peptide from the hemagglutinin of the influenza virus, wt20, and a fusion-inactive mutant ΔG1 with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatdylcholine bilayers was performed. We found that upon binding of wt20, the ordering of headgroups and the ordering of acyl chains near the headgroup increased significantly, in a manner consistent with a cooperative phenomenon. However, changes in the order at the end of the acyl chains were negligible. The ordering effect of wt20 on the headgroup was much stronger at pH 5 than at pH 7. No effect of ΔG1 binding on the order of bilayers was evident. We also found that 1-palmitoyl-2-hydroxyl phosphatidylcholine, a membrane-fusion inhibitor, decreased the ordering of DMPC headgroups, whereas arachidonic acid, a membrane-fusion promoter, increased the ordering of DMPC headgroups. These results suggest that increases in headgroup ordering may be important for membrane fusion. We propose that upon binding of wt20, which is known to affect only the outer leaflet of the bilayer, this outer leaflet becomes more ordered, and thus more solid-like. Then the coupling between the hardened outer leaflet and the softer inner leaflet generates bending stresses in the bilayer, which tend to increase the negative curvature of the bilayer. We suggest that the increased ordering in the headgroup region enhances dipolar interactions and lowers electrostatic energy, which may provide an energy source for membrane fusion. Possible roles of bending stresses in promoting membrane fusion are discussed.
The effect of lamotrigine on naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal

We hypothesized that lamotrigine, a putative glutamate release antagonist, would attenuate glutamate-mediated signs of opiate withdrawal. Seven heroin-dependent subjects were hospitalized, stabilized on oral levorphanol 6 mg three times daily, and thrice underwent withdrawal precipitated by naloxone 0.4 mg intravenously. Lamotrigine (placebo, 250 mg, and 500 mg) was randomly given as a pretreatment 6 h before naloxone. Lamotrigine did not significantly attenuate any measure of opiate withdrawal. Lamotrigine was well-tolerated in subjects, although one did develop an allergic rash.
Integration of Nuclear Reaction Networks for Stellar Hydrodynamics

Methods for solving the stiff system of ordinary differential equations that constitute nuclear reaction networks are surveyed. Three semi-implicit time integration algorithms are examined; a traditional first-order-accurate Euler method, a fourth-order-accurate Kaps-Rentrop method, and a variable-order Bader-Deuflhard method. These three integration methods are coupled to eight different linear algebra packages. Four of the linear algebra packages operate on dense matrices (LAPACK, LUDCMP, LEQS, GIFT), three of them are designed for the direct solution of sparse matrices (MA28, UMFPACK, Y12M), and one uses an iterative method for sparse matrices (BiCG). The scaling properties and behavior of the 24 combinations (3 time integration methods times 8 linear algebra packages) are analyzed by running each combination on seven different nuclear reaction networks. These reaction networks range from a hardwired 13 isotope α-chain and heavy-ion reaction network, which is suitable for most multidimensional simulations of stellar phenomena, to a 489 isotope reaction network, which is suitable for determining the yields of isotopes lighter than technetium in spherically symmetric models of Type II supernovae. Each of the time integration methods and linear algebra packages are capable of generating accurate results, but the efficiency of the various methods—evaluated across several different machine architectures and compiler options—differ dramatically. If the execution speed of reaction networks that contain less than about 50 isotopes is an overriding concern, then the variable-order Bader-Deuflhard time integration method coupled with routines generated from the GIFT matrix package or LAPACK with vendor-optimized BLAS routines is a good choice. If the amount of storage needed for any reaction network is a concern, then any of the sparse matrix packages will reduce the storage costs by 70%-90%. When a balance between accuracy, overall efficiency, and ease of use is desirable, then the variable-order Bader-Deuflhard time integration method coupled with the MA28 sparse matrix package is a strong choice.
Any-Willing-Provider Laws: Their Financial Effect on HMOs

Any-Willing-Provider (AWP) legislation requires that health plans accept any health care provider who agrees to conform to the plan's conditions, terms, and reimbursement rates. Many states have adopted such legislation, raising questions about its effect on the managed care market. Those favoring this legislation argue that it will reduce restrictions on choice of provider, while opponents argue that it will reduce competition by increasing administrative and medical costs for managed care plans. Using cross-sectional time-series data for the period 1992 -1 995 (the period during which many of these laws were enacted), this study investigates the effect that these laws have on HMO financial performance. Our results show that "all-provider" AWP laws have a very limited effect on the financial performance measures we exam- ine. "Pharmacy" AWP laws have a more significant effect, but neither type of law appears to affect the overall profitability of HMOs.
#27 Diabetes as a predictor of change in cognitive functioning among older mexican americans – a population-based cohort study

PURPOSE: We performed a longitudinal analysis with repeated measurements between 1999 and 2001 to evaluate the impact of diabetes on changes in cognitive function among older Mexican Americans over a 2-year period. METHODS: Study subjects were derived from an existing cohort of Mexican Americans aged 60 and over in the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (SALSA) project. Diabetes was diagnosed on the basis of history, medication use, and fasting plasma glucose level. Cognitive functioning was measured by the Modified Mini Mental State Exam (3MS) and Delayed Word-list Recall Test. Data analysis was conducted using a generalized estimating equation (GEE). RESULTS: Among the 1,789 SALSA participants, 585 (33%) had diabetes at baseline. Diabetic subjects had lower baseline cognitive score than non-diabetic subjects (3MS: mean = −1.65, p = 0.003; word-list test: mean = −0.38, p = 0.005). The rate of decline in the cognitive score over 2 years among diabetic subjects was greater than that of the non-diabetic subjects (3MS: mean = −0.52, p = 0.26; word-list test: mean = −0.08, p = 0.42), when adjusted for age, gender, education, depression, household income, and hypertension. A sensitivity test for major cognitive decline (defined as the worst 10th percentile change from initial to 2nd follow-up score) showed a significant difference in cognitive functioning between the two groups [3MS: RR = 1.69, 95% CI (1.22, 2.35); word-list test: RR = 1.57, 95% CI (1.00, 2.23)]. The effect of diabetes on changes in cognitive functioning was significantly modified by the presence of stroke (change in 3MS: diabetes only = −1.51, stroke only = −3.55, diabetes and stroke = −7.72; change in word-list test: diabetes only = −0.36, stroke only = −0.78, diabetes and stroke = −1.45) CONCLUSION: Diabetes appeared to be a predictor of cognitive impairment among older Mexican Americans. The association of diabetes and cognitive impairment was modified by the presence of stroke. Further research focusing on a long-term impact of diabetes is warranted.
Analysis of superconducting gravimeter data from Table Mountain, Colorado

SUMMARY We present an analysis of more than two years of data from the superconducting gravimeter CO24 at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Table Mountain Geodetic Observatory (TMGO) near Boulder, Colorado. The gravity data, sampled at intervals of 5 s, were cleaned for gaps, disturbances and oisets and then decimated to 1 hr, and an ETERNA analysis was done to determine the tidal gravimetric factors and phases, during which the atmospheric pressure loading and the period and damping of the free core nutation were obtained. We ¢nd T~418+14 days and 1152<Q<2848. A short-period analysis of the ¢ve quietest days in the seismic-mode band (200^600 s) shows the combined instrument/site noise to be one of the lowest of all the superconducting gravimeters analysed to date. For the long periods, a local tide, including various ocean loading models, is subtracted from the data and the residual gravity shows very good correlation with IERS polar motion. Instrument drift is well ¢tted by a positive exponential function with a value of about 5 ]gal yr {1 at the end of the record. Analysis of the pressure using a complex frequency-dependent admittance shows some improvement in noise over using a simple scalar admittance function. In the Slichter mode and core mode bands, there are no signi¢cant peaks to be noted; more de¢nitive evidence of signals from the Earth’s core will require stacking using the Global Geodynamics Project network. TMGO is an extremely stable site with excellent noise characteristics.
The significance of ground water to the accumulation of iron and manganese in the sediments of two hydrologically distinct lakes in north‐central Minnesota: A geological perspective

Williams and Shingobee lakes are at opposite ends of the local ground water flow system in the Shingobee River Headwaters Area (SRHA) in north-central Minnesota. Williams Lake, situated near the highest point in the flow system, has no surface inlet or outlet, and ground water and precipitation are the only sources of water. Shingobee Lake, situated at the lowest point in the flow system, has the Shingobee River as an inlet and outlet. Ground water directly contributes an estimated one-fourth of the water input to Shingobee Lake. The Shingobee River also receives large amounts of ground water discharge along its reach to Shingobee Lake providing a large, indirect source of ground water to the lake. Differences in nutrient concentrations reflect the residence times and nutrient supplies of these two lakes. The average phosphorus content of Shingobee Lake is about twice that of Williams Lake. Consequently, phytoplankton productivity in Shingobee Lake is much higher than in Williams Lake, leading to an oxygen-deficient (<1 ppm dissolved oxygen) hypolimnion within a month after overturn in both the spring and fall. Because of the extreme reducing conditions in the hypolimnion of Shingobee Lake, high concentrations of dissolved iron and manganese are present there during summer stratification. In some years, the manganese concentration in the hypolimnion of Shingobee Lake remains high throughout the year. Precipitation of iron and manganese minerals, presumed to be X-ray amorphous oxyhydroxides, at periods of fall and spring overturn result in concentrations of iron and manganese in surface sediments of Shingobee Lake that are seven times and 27 times higher, respectively, than can be explained by contributions of iron and manganese from detrital aluminosilicates. These findings indicate that the source and amounts of this excess iron and manganese found in the sediments are correlated to the amount of iron- and manganese-rich ground water discharging to Shingobee Lake. Because iron and manganese oxyhydroxides are efficient adsorbers of phosphorus, concentrations of phosphorus are also high in the sediments of Shingobee Lake. Without this sequestration of phosphorus, the productivity of Shingobee Lake would probably be much higher.
Effects of Late Gestation Heat Stress on Postpartum Milk Production and Reproduction in Dairy Cattle

Carry-over effects of late gestation heat stress on postpartum productive and reproductive traits were estimated from DHI records using 341 lactations from six sites in Mississippi. Climatological data were gathered from records of weather stations near the sites. Using multiple linear regression analyses, predictor variables for lactations were age at calving, lactation number, maximum degree-days (above 32.2 degrees C) during the periods 30 and 60 d prepartum, and precipitation 30 and 60 d prepartum. Months and sites were indicator variables. Dependent variables included milk and fat production during early, mid, and late lactation; days to peak lactation; days open; services per conception; and body weight. Age at calving affected milk and fat production in mid and late lactation and services per conception. Degree-days for 60 d prepartum had the greatest negative influence on production variables; its statistical significance was shown in predictions of milk and fat production in early and midlactation. Days open were higher for July than for cows calving in August or September. Sites had effects on many milk and fat measurements and some reproductive traits. These results indicate that heat stress in the last 60 d of gestation has negative effects on some production variables.
Changing practice patterns as a result of implementing the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research guideline in 20 primary care clinics.

Project QUIT (Quality in Tobacco Control) examines the implementation of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) guideline on smoking cessation at Allina Health System (AHS).1 As this is an ongoing project, the data presented is preliminary. It has been established that the identification of smokers and brief advice to quit constitute an effective smoking cessation intervention for patient populations. Currently, providers around the country only follow guideline recommendations to identify patients’ tobacco use status and to provide brief advice to quit between 40–60% of the time.2 AHS is the largest healthcare system in Minnesota and consists of an administrative unit, the “health plan” and a care-oriented “delivery” arm. AHS’s health plan (Medica Health Plans) currently enrols approximately 1.1 million individuals and entails a network of more than 9000 providers. On its “delivery side” Allina includes 20 owned or managed hospitals, and a large group practice consisting of 57 mostly primary care clinics, in addition to home healthcare services, nursing homes, transportation services, and other business units. These delivery sites contract with a multitude of payers including AHS’s own health plan. Overall, AHS touches the lives of approximately 2.5 million individuals each year. The objectives of our ongoing project are twofold: (a) to determine if clinic practice patterns change as a result of an intervention aiming to implement the AHCPR guideline on smoking cessation, and (b) to determine if patients seen in clinics exposed to this intervention are more likely to quit smoking. The preliminary data associated with the first objective are presented here. ### SAMPLE This study was launched within AHS’s group practice organisation, …
Correlation of thermocouple data with voiding function after prostate cryoablation.

Objectives To identify possible correlations of thermocouple recorded data with altered postoperative voiding function after prostate cryosurgery. Methods A retrospective analysis of the records of 58 patients treated with prostate cryoablation from October 2005 through April 2009 was conducted. Multivariate analysis of patient age, presenting prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason score, clinical T stage, prostate volume, maximum low temperature thermocouple recordings, history of radiation and or hormonal therapy, were studied as possible correlative factors for altered postoperative voiding function. Results Of 58 patients, 22 (37.9%) manifested postcryoablation urgency and frequency (n = 13) requiring medical therapy or retention (n = 9). On multivariate analysis, age ( P = .037) and an external sphincter temperature ≤ 23°C ( P = .012) were associated with voiding frequency, urgency, or retention (odds ratio = 6.26, 95% CI: 1.62-24.16), whereas anterior rectal wall temperature (Denon) was weakly associated ( P = .079). Conclusions Thermocouple data provide an objective means of assessing cryosurgical outcomes. This is the first report of a correlation of such data to post-treatment voiding function. A total of 37.9% of patients experienced urgency and/or frequency or urinary retention after cryoablation of the prostate for localized disease. Older age and external sphincter temperature ≤ 23°C were statistically significant predictors of these events. The data suggest that limiting the degree of freezing at the external sphincter may decrease procedure related morbidity. Further study is warranted to better delineate temperature-related data on treatment outcomes.
A nearly continuous measure of birth weight for gestational age using a United States national reference

Fully understanding the determinants and sequelae of fetal growth requires a continuous measure of birth weight adjusted for gestational age. Published United States reference data, however, provide estimates only of the median and lowest and highest 5th and 10th percentiles for birth weight at each gestational age. The purpose of our analysis was to create more continuous reference measures of birth weight for gestational age for use in epidemiologic analyses. We used data from the most recent nationwide United States Natality datasets to generate multiple reference percentiles of birth weight at each completed week of gestation from 22 through 44 weeks. Gestational age was determined from last menstrual period. We analyzed data from 6,690,717 singleton infants with recorded birth weight and sex born to United States resident mothers in 1999 and 2000. Birth weight rose with greater gestational age, with increasing slopes during the third trimester and a leveling off beyond 40 weeks. Boys had higher birth weights than girls, later born children higher weights than firstborns, and infants born to non-Hispanic white mothers higher birth weights than those born to non-Hispanic black mothers. These results correspond well with previously published estimates reporting limited percentiles. Our method provides comprehensive reference values of birth weight at 22 through 44 completed weeks of gestation, derived from broadly based nationwide data. Other approaches require assumptions of normality or of a functional relationship between gestational age and birth weight, which may not be appropriate. These data should prove useful for researchers investigating the predictors and outcomes of altered fetal growth.
A high-throughput screen for MscL channel activity and mutational phenotyping.

Abstract A novel fluorescence-based screen for bacterial mechanosensitive ion-channel activity has been developed. This assay is capable of clearly distinguishing the previously observed gain of function and loss of function phenotypes for the Escherichia coli mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (Ec-MscL). The method modifies Molecular Probes’ Live/Dead® BacLight™ bacterial viability assay to monitor MscL channel activity as a function of bacterial survival from osmotic downshock.
A Second Look at the Bangkok Land and Housing Market

An earlier paper by the present author, published in this journal in 1989, reported on a detailed analysis of the Bangkok land and housing market, carried out in 1987-88. Based on a recent reassessment, this paper compares the performance of Bangkok's land and housing markets in 1974-84 and 1988-90. The results of the comparative analysis are striking: despite rapid increases in land conversion pressure and price increases, Bangkok's housing developers are still providing considerable amounts of affordable housing. Unconstrained by zoning, they have decentralised development projects and increased project densities dramatically.
Characterization of interactions between heparin/glycosaminoglycan and adeno-associated virus.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a key candidate in the development of gene therapy. In this work, we used surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy to study the interaction between AAV and heparin and other glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Surface plasmon resonance results revealed that heparin binds to AAV with an extremely high affinity. Solution competition studies showed that binding of AAV to heparin is chain length-dependent. AAV prefers to bind full chain heparin. All sulfo groups (especially N-sulfo and 6-O-sulfo groups) on heparin are important for the AAV–heparin interaction. Higher levels of sulfo group substitution in GAGs enhance their binding affinities. Atomic force microscopy was also performed to image AAV-2 in a complex with heparin.
Fads and fallacies in asset liability management for life insurance

We shall examine the principles behind contemporary approaches to insurance risk management. Furthermore, we shall consider various methodologies, some successful, that have been or are currently employed to implement those principles. We shall illustrate these with several specific studies that show the identification, using simulation, of close-to-optimal investment strategies.
What is the relation between cultural orientation and socially desirable responding

Research suggests that collectivists are more likely to engage in deception and socially desirable responding to maintain good relationships with others. In contrast, individualists are portrayed as candid and sincere because individualism encourages people to "be yourself." The authors propose that people with both types of cultural orientations or backgrounds engage in desirable responding, albeit in distinct ways. In Study 1, respondents from the United States compared with those from Singapore, and European Americans compared with Asian Americans, scored higher on self-deceptive enhancement (SDE)-the tendency to see oneself in a positive light and to give inflated assessment of one's skills and abilities- but lower on impression management (IM) by misrepresenting their self-reported actions to appear more normatively appropriate. In Studies 2 to 4, horizontal individualism as a cultural orientation correlated with SDE but not with IM, whereas horizontal collectivism correlated with IM but not with SDE. Further analyses examining (a) individual differences in the tendency to answer deceptively and (b) responses to behavioral scenarios shed additional light on the culturally relevant goals served by these distinct types of socially desirable responding.
Twenty-Five Years of United States Landscape Ecology: Looking Back and Forging Ahead

Landscape ecology is now a mature discipline, and I have been privileged to watch it grow and flourish in the United States during my professional career. It is hard for me to believe that more than 25 years have passed since the first United States Landscape Ecology Symposium was convened in January 1986 at the Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia (UGA). At that time, Ronald Reagan was president, the Soviet Union was intact, incidents including Chernobyl and Challenger were in the news, and world population was a mere 4.8 billion people. Landscape ecology concepts were only emerging, and the technology was nascent. There were relatively few landscape ecology publications and no commercial geographic information systems or digital spatial pattern analysis programs were available. Yellowstone National Park had not yet burned, the oil tanker, Exxon Valdez, had not yet spilled its oil, and most ecologists had heard little about the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). Time has indeed marched on, and those earlier days when landscape ecology was little known and not widely accepted seem distant.
Toward a More Informative Measure of Operating Performance in the Reit Industry: Net Income Vs. Funds from Operations

This paper examines the value relevance and information content of alternative measures of operating performance in the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) industry. The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) has suggested that Net Income (NI) is a misleading measure of operating performance for REITs. They asset that historical cost depreciation is inappropriate for income-producing real estate because it is not correlated with changes in the value of those assets. Accordingly the industry has promoted Funds From Operations (FFO) as a supplemental measure of operating performance. FFO is calculated as net income before depreciation expense and realized gains/losses from the sale of real estate. NAREIT asserts that FFO is a more informative measure of firm performance in the REIT industry. We test the industry?s proposal by comparing the association of NI and FFO with REIT stock returns. In addition, we also examine specific components of NI that differ from FFO to assess their value-relevance. The results suggest that FFO is more closely associated with stock returns than NI. In particular, the association of returns with the components of NI indicates that FFO and gains/losses from the sale of investments are significantly related to stock returns while depreciation expense is not. These results generally support the industry?s claim that GAAP-based depreciation expense does not provide value-relevant information. However, the fact that gains/losses form the sale of investments are associated with returns indicates that FFO excludes value-relevant accounting data. Therefore, this study provides evidence regarding which components of NI are considered most information by investors in REITs.
NEMA and non-NEMA performance evaluation of the Bioscan BioPET/CT pre-clinical small animal scanner

2402 Objectives We evaluated the Bioscan BioPET/CT small animal scanner according to NEMA NU4 2008 specifications. We also made non-standard performance measurements on this machine that replicated earlier (J Nucl Med 2006; 47:1891-1900) performance measurements on a machine of similar design. These results update BioPET performance measurements to modern standards, provide an unusual opportunity to evaluate performance of a manufactured system over an extended period of time and allow assessment of differences between NEMA NU4 2008 and other plausible performance testing methods. Methods NEMA evaluation tests measured spatial resolution, scanner sensitivity, count rate performance, scatter fractions, and image quality. Non-NEMA tests measured spatial resolution, central point source sensitivity, scatter fractions, count rate performance and qualitative image quality. Results All 250-700 keV. NEMA: radial spatial resolution (axial center), 1.53 mm at 5 mm off-axis; central point source sensitivity: 3.2%; scatter fractions: mouse 21%, rat 36%; recovery coefficients: 0.21 to 0.68 for the 1mm to 3mm rods (FBP ramp reconstruction), 0.19 to 1.02 (2D OSEM) and 0.16 to 1.20 (3D OSEM); non-NEMA compared to cited reference [ ]: radial spatial resolution (axial center): 1.55 mm [1.55 mm] @ 5 mm off-axis, central point source sensitivity 4.1% [4.0%]. Full NEMA NU4 2008 and comparative non-NEMA test results will be presented. Conclusions NEMA NU4 measurements obtained for the Bioscan BioPET/CT are reported. Measurements made by non-NEMA methods on the present system were comparable to, or exceeded, those made on the earlier system. Several differences were noted between NEMA and non-NEMA results emphasizing the need for exactly specified measurement methods if machines are to be inter-compared. Research Support Funded by NCI Contract No. HHSN261200800001E
Embedding Intentions in Drawings: How Architects Craft and Curate Drawings to Achieve Their Goals

Based on ethnographic data collected at a global architecture firm over a one-year period, we describe the ways in which drawings are strategically created and curated by architects in an attempt to carefully craft their interactions and fulfill specific intentions with clients and contributors. We identify three strategies used by architects when creating drawings and reveal that the way these strategies are employed depends on the intended purpose of each drawing with a specific set of actors. This work builds on existing literature on the role of objects, such as drawings, for work across organizational boundaries and professional disciplines. We conclude with implications for CSCW and propose ideas for approaches and applications that better support cross-boundary and highly visual work involving multiple sets of actors and artifacts.
CATOPS: A Composite Aerial Terrain Orthorectification Photography System for Unmanned Aircraft

[Abstract]This paper describes the CATOPS Composite Aerial Terrain Orthorectification Photography System developed by the University of Kentucky. CATOPS is a high-speed image processing system that produces a composite aerial image of the terrain below the flight path of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from a set of individual photographs taken from the UAV. The final composite image is geo-referenced and displayed on an interactive user interface that allows the user to zoom, pan, tile and flip through images. The powerful yet easy user interface makes CATOPS applicable to a wide variety of surveillance and mapping applications. An early version of CATOPS was used successfully by the UK Aerial Robotics team at the 2006 AUVSI student UAV competition.
A Species of Discosia on Living Bull Pine Seedlings

A dozen or more species of Discosia are recorded by Saccardo from various parts of the United States. The species of this genus have been found upon the leaves of various herbaceous plants and upon the leaves of deciduous trees. In all cases, they were on languid, dead, dry, or decomposing remains of the host plant. One species has been described from the samaras of Fraxinus americana. Two species of the genus have been described from specimens found on coniferous hosts: Discosia virginiana Thiim.* on the dead leaves and branches of Juniperus virginiana, from Newfield, N. J., and Discosia strobilina Lib. on the fallen cones of a species of Abies from Arduennis.t During an examination of the Forest Reserve at Halsey, Nebr., May 17, I907, in an effort to determine the cause of a troublesome blight of the young pine seedlings, my attention was called by Mr. W. F. Mast to the fungus here described. The species, which is apparently a new one, was found growing upon the living seedlings of the bull pine (Pinus ponderosa). It has not been determined whether this fungus is in any way connected with the blight that was prevalent. In all cases where the fruiting fungus was found on the seedlings, they did not show any signs of injury, but were apparently in vigorous condition. The seedlings which showed the fruits of the fungus were in the year old beds. The pycnidia are scattered along the hypocotyl slightly above the ground line, and show as minute coalblack specks, easily visible to the naked eye (Fig. I). The following measurements will give their variation in size: (I), 164 X 3IO.5 K; (2), I55 X 24I.5/A; (3), I2I X 24I.5/u; (4), I38 X 362/u; (5), 121 X 224/A.
Suitability of Plictran® and Pirimor® for Use in a Pest Management Program on Strawberries in Southern California

Plictran® (tricyclohexyltin hydroxide) at 0.25 and 0.75 lb AI/acre controlled Tetranychus urticae Koch but had measurable adverse effect on Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot and predaceous insects. Although significantly fewer T. urticae occurred in plots receiving Plictran at 0.75 than at 0.25 lb, there was no significant difference in yield (25.1 and 25.3 tons/acre). These yields were significantly greater than that of the untreated check (19.8 tons/acre). Pirimor® (2-dimethylamino) 5,6-dimethyl-4-pyrimidinyl dimethylcarbamate) at 0.125 and 0.25 lb AI/acre controlled Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell), Aphis gossypii Clover, and Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas), but had no significant effect on T. urticae or P. persimilis . Significantly fewer predaceous insects occurred in the Pirimor 0.25 lb treatment, although there was no significant difference in the number of prey ( T. urticae ).
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): Comparison Between Zero Profile Implants and Anterior Cervical Plate and Spacer.

Introduction: Interposition grafts combined with anterior plating currently remain the gold standard for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. The use of anterior plates increases fusion rates but may be associated with higher rates of postoperative dysphagia. The aim of the current study was to determine the clinical and radiological outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using zero-profile anchored spacers versus standard interposition grafts with anterior plating. Methods: This was a retrospective case series. A total of 53 male and 51 female consecutive patients (164 total operated levels) who underwent ACDF between 2007 and 2011 were included. The mean clinical follow-up was 15.7 ± 1.2 (SEM) months for patients with zero-profile implants and 14.8 ± 2.1 months for patients with conventional ACDF with anterior plating. Patient demographics, operative details, clinical outcomes, complications, and radiographic imaging were reviewed. Dysphagia was determined using the Bazaz criteria. Results: Clinical outcome scores improved in both groups as measured by the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association and Nurick scores. Zero-profile constructs gave rise to significantly less prevertebral soft tissue swelling compared to constructs with anterior plates postoperatively (15.74 ± 0.52 as compared to 20.48 ± 0.85 mm, p < 0.001) and at the latest follow-up (10.88 ± 0.39 mm vs. 13.72 ± 0.67 mm, p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the incidence of dysphagia at the latest follow-up (1.5% vs. 20%, p=0.001, zero-profile vs. anterior plate, respectively). Conclusion: Zero-profile implants lead to functional outcomes similar to standard anterior plate constructs. Avoiding the use of an anterior locking plate may decrease the risk of persistent postoperative dysphagia.