cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resolution of extra-axial collections after decompressive craniectomy for ischemic stroke

Abstract Extra-axial fluid collections are known consequences of decompressive hemicraniectomy. Studies have examined these collections and their management. We retrospectively reviewed 12 consecutive patients who underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy for the treatment of malignant cerebral edema after infarction and evaluated the evolution, resolution and treatment of post-operative extra-axial fluid collections. All patients underwent standard-sized frontotemporoparietal hemicraniectomy with duraplasty as treatment for medically intractable malignant cerebral edema at an average of 3 days after the stroke (median 2 days). Their 30-day mortality was 25%. Three patients developed some extra-axial fluid collections after craniectomy: two patients developed the collections early in their post-operative course, 3 days and 5 days after the craniectomy. Both experienced spontaneous resolution of the collections without corrective cranioplasty or shunt placement at 34 days and 58 days after surgery. The third patient developed a collection 55 days after the operation related to a subgaleal bacterial infection. In the final analysis, 18% of patients developed extra-axial collections and all resolved spontaneously. The incidence of extra-axial collections after decompressive hemicraniectomy following ischemic stroke was lower in our retrospective series than has been reported by others. The collections resolved spontaneously, suggesting that early anticipatory, corrective treatment with cerebrospinal fluid diversion or cranioplasty may not be warranted.
Protein Control of Electron Transfer Rates via Polarization: Molecular Dynamics Studies of Rubredoxin

The protein matrix of an electron transfer protein creates an electrostatic environment for its redox site, which influences its electron transfer properties. Our studies of Fe-S proteins indicate that the protein is highly polarized around the redox site. Here, measures of deviations of the environmental electrostatic potential from a simple linear dielectric polarization response to the magnitude of the charge are proposed. In addition, a decomposition of the potential is proposed here to describe the apparent deviations from linearity, in which it is divided into a “permanent” component that is independent of the redox site charge and a dielectric component that linearly responds or polarizes to the charge. The nonlinearity measures and the decomposition were calculated for Clostridium pasteurianum rubredoxin from molecular dynamics simulations. The potential in rubredoxin is greater than expected from linear response theory, which implies it is a better electron acceptor than a redox site analog in a solvent with a dielectric constant equivalent to that of the protein. In addition, the potential in rubredoxin is described well by a permanent potential plus a linear response component. This permanent potential allows the protein matrix to create a favorable driving force with a low activation barrier for accepting electrons. The results here also suggest that the reduction potential of rubredoxin is determined mainly by the backbone and not the side chains, and that the redox site charge of rubredoxin may help to direct its folding.
A Bayesian statistical model for hybrid metrology to improve measurement accuracy

We present a method to combine measurements from different techniques that reduces uncertainties and can improve measurement throughput. The approach directly integrates the measurement analysis of multiple techniques that can include different configurations or platforms. This approach has immediate application when performing model-based optical critical dimension (OCD) measurements. When modeling optical measurements, a library of curves is assembled through the simulation of a multi-dimensional parameter space. Parametric correlation and measurement noise lead to measurement uncertainty in the fitting process with fundamental limitations resulting from the parametric correlations. A strategy to decouple parametric correlation and reduce measurement uncertainties is described. We develop the rigorous underlying Bayesian statistical model and apply this methodology to OCD metrology. We then introduce an approach to damp the regression process to achieve more stable and rapid regression fitting. These methods that use a priori information are shown to reduce measurement uncertainty and improve throughput while also providing an improved foundation for comprehensive reference metrology.
Impaired graft healing due to hypercholesterolemia is prevented by dietary supplementation with α-tocopherol

Objective The patency of prosthetic grafts is partly limited by incomplete endothelial cell coverage and development of anastomotic intimal hyperplasia. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of elevated cholesterol on prosthetic graft healing and the ability of α-tocopherol to improve healing. Methods Rabbits were placed on one of four diets: chow, chow plus 1% cholesterol, chow plus α-tocopherol, or chow plus 1% cholesterol and α-tocopherol. After 2 weeks, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts (12-cm long, 4-mm internal diameter) were implanted in the abdominal aorta. Grafts were removed after 6 weeks and analyzed for cholesterol and α-tocopherol content, endothelial coverage, anastomotic intimal thickness, and cellular composition of the neointima. Results At the time of graft implantation, plasma cholesterol was 34 ± 4 mg/dL in the chow group and 689 ± 30 mg/dL in the 1% cholesterol group (P Conclusion Anastomotic intimal hyperplasia is dramatically increased and endothelialization is reduced in rabbits on a high-cholesterol diet, but α-tocopherol supplementation blocks the augmented neointimal thickening and improves endothelial cell coverage.
Chemical and Flavor Changes in Sterile Concentrated Milk During Storage

Abstract Three lots of concentrated milk (ultra-high temperature, high-temperature short-time, and conventionally sterilized) were stored at 4, 20, and 37 C for eight months, and examined monthly for changes in flavor, volatile compounds as detected by GLC, acid degree values, and severity of browning. One lot of sterile concentrated skimmilk also stored at 4, 20, and 37 C was analyzed occasionally during the eight months. Flavor deterioration was rapid at 20 and 37 C, with cooked, scorched, and stale flavor defects most apparent. The ultra-high temperature milk had a flavor advantage initially, but after storage flavor scores for all processed milks were at similar levels. Some methyl ketones, furan, and methyl furan increased during storage at 20 and 37 C. Milk fat was the precursor of 2-heptanone and 2-pentanone. Increases in acetone, butanone, acetaldehyde, furan, and methyl furan concentration during storage appeared to come from the nonfat portion of milk. Methyl sulfide was derived from the serum phase, but did not increase in concentration during storage. Methyl sulfide was the only volatile compound found at concentrations greater than its threshold value in milk. Acid degree values were high in all freshly sterilized milks and increased slightly at 20 C and rapidly at 37 C. Browning reaction values increased at 37 C storage.
SU‐FF‐T‐69: A Tool for Graphical Display of TCP Information in Regions of Dose Inhomogeneity

Purpose: It is well known that the overall Tumor Control Probability (TCP) can be strongly influenced by localized cold spots in the underlying dose distribution. To evaluate the clinical significance of cold spots, we propose two new indices which are derived from TCP, but which depend on spatial location and can be overlayed as isolines on the patient's anatomy. Methods and Materials: The cumulative TCP index is calculated as a product of tcpi values which are locally computed at each voxel: TCP = ∏ i=1 i=n tcp i . Assuming that the treatment planner sets a cumulative TCP target, we argue that the goal of the treatment planning can be re‐formulated as follows: to maintain a uniform distribution of locally computed tcpi throughout the treatment volume. The re‐formulation allows us to calculate maximum local density of clonogenic cells that is consistent with the treatment objective of the cumulative TCP. The logarithm of this density can be overlayed on the patient's anatomy as isolines, thus quantifying the change in the effectiveness of the treatment in areas of in‐homogenous dose. Results: The Clonogen Density Index (CDI) is defined as c i = α(BED i ) + ln [− ln (TCP) V tgt ] ln (10) , where Vtgt is the target volume, and the TCP is the desired Tumor Control Probability. The Differential Clonogen Density Index (dCDI), is defined as: ∂c i = α(BED i − BED ref ) ln (10) where BEDref is derived from the dose prescription. The dCDI index quantifies voxel‐to‐voxel change in the maximum clonogen density, relative to a reference value. Conclusion: We introduce two new indices which measure maximum clonogen density that can be supported by the treatment, given the treatment objective of a cumulative TCP. These indices can be used to evaluate plans with significant regions of dose in‐homogeneities. They should be seen as complementary to the TCP index.
Impacts of Wetland Restoration Efforts on an Amphibian Assemblage in a Multi-invader Community

The success of restoration in attaining wildlife conservation goals can be strongly dependent on both site-scale and landscape-scale habitat characteristics, particularly for species with complex life cycles. Wetland management activities typically target plant communities, and bottom-up responses in higher trophic levels may be dependent on spatially explicit habitat use. We surveyed plant and amphibian assemblages at 26 sites enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) in the Willamette Valley, Oregon to determine the relative influence of plant management, non-native species, and surrounding landscape on amphibian counts across multiple life history stages. Explanatory variables negatively associated with native anuran counts included percent invasive plant cover, non-native fish presence, invasive bullfrog counts, and area of urban land cover. In addition, native anurans were positively associated with WRP site age, suggesting that the benefits of restored wetlands may increase over time. This study emphasized the importance of adaptive approaches to maintaining diverse communities in restored habitats by considering impacts of synergistic stressors in a multi-invader context. Although invasive plant management provided indirect benefits to native amphibians, the most effective way to enhance native amphibian populations may be through eliminating the strong top-down forces exerted by non-native vertebrates.
A versatile automated platform for micro-scale cell stimulation experiments.

Study of cells in culture (in vitro analysis) has provided important insight into complex biological systems. Conventional methods and equipment for in vitro analysis are well suited to study of large numbers of cells (≥105) in milliliter-scale volumes (≥0.1 ml). However, there are many instances in which it is necessary or desirable to scale down culture size to reduce consumption of the cells of interest and/or reagents required for their culture, stimulation, or processing. Unfortunately, conventional approaches do not support precise and reproducible manipulation of micro-scale cultures, and the microfluidics-based automated systems currently available are too complex and specialized for routine use by most laboratories. To address this problem, we have developed a simple and versatile technology platform for automated culture, stimulation, and recovery of small populations of cells (100 - 2,000 cells) in micro-scale volumes (1 - 20 μl). The platform consists of a set of fibronectin-coated microcapillaries ("cell perfusion chambers"), within which micro-scale cultures are established, maintained, and stimulated; a digital microfluidics (DMF) device outfitted with "transfer" microcapillaries ("central hub"), which routes cells and reagents to and from the perfusion chambers; a high-precision syringe pump, which powers transport of materials between the perfusion chambers and the central hub; and an electronic interface that provides control over transport of materials, which is coordinated and automated via pre-determined scripts. As an example, we used the platform to facilitate study of transcriptional responses elicited in immune cells upon challenge with bacteria. Use of the platform enabled us to reduce consumption of cells and reagents, minimize experiment-to-experiment variability, and re-direct hands-on labor. Given the advantages that it confers, as well as its accessibility and versatility, our platform should find use in a wide variety of laboratories and applications, and prove especially useful in facilitating analysis of cells and stimuli that are available in only limited quantities.
More covers of the Boolean variety of unital ℓ -groups

Within the lattice of varieties of pseudo MV-algebras, the variety \({\mathcal{B}}\) of Boolean algebras is the least nontrivial variety. Komori identified all varieties of (commutative) MV-algebras that cover \({\mathcal{B}}\) . The authors previously identified all solvable varieties of pseudo MV-algebras that cover \({\mathcal{B}}\) . We will show the existence of continuum many nonsolvable varieties of pseudo MV-algebras that cover \({\mathcal{B}}\), show that periodically primitive ul-groups cannot generate Boolean covers, and show that all noncommutative varieties that are Boolean covers must be Top Boolean.
Knowledge-based compact disease models identify new molecular players contributing to early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

Background: High-throughput profiling of human tissues typically yield as results the gene lists comprised of a mix of relevant molecular entities with multiple false positives that obstruct the translation of such results into mechanistic hypotheses. From general probabilistic considerations, gene lists distilled for the mechanistically relevant components can be far more useful for subsequent experimental design or data interpretation. Results: The input candidate gene lists were processed into different tiers of evidence consistency established by enrichment analysis across subsets of the same experiments and across different experiments and platforms. The cut-offs were established empirically through ontological and semantic enrichment; resultant shortened gene list was re-expanded by Ingenuity Pathway Assistant tool. The resulting sub-networks provided the basis for generating mechanistic hypotheses that were partially validated by literature search. This approach differs from previous consistency-based studies in that the cut-off on the Receiver Operating Characteristic of the true-false separation process is optimized by flexible selection of the consistency building procedure. The gene list distilled by this analytic technique and its network representation were termed Compact Disease Model (CDM). Here we present the CDM signature for the study of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The integrated analysis of this gene signature allowed us to identify the protein traffic vesicles as prominent players in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s. Considering the distances and complexity of protein trafficking in neurons, it is plausible that spontaneous protein misfolding along with a shortage of growth stimulation result in neurodegeneration. Several potentially overlapping scenarios of early-stage Alzheimer pathogenesis have been discussed, with an emphasis on the protective effects of AT-1 mediated antihypertensive response on cytoskeleton remodeling, along with neuronal activation of oncogenes, luteinizing hormone signaling and insulin-related growth regulation, forming a pleiotropic model of its early stages. Alignment with emerging literature confirmed many predictions derived from early-stage Alzheimer’ sd isease’ CDM. Conclusions: A flexible approach for high-throughput data analysis, the Compact Disease Model generation, allows extraction of meaningful, mechanism-centered gene sets compatible with instant translation of the results into testable hypotheses.
Neutronic effects of rhenium, gadolinia and uranium dioxide addition to a tungsten based fast spectrum space reactor

Abstract The neutronic effects of rhenium (Re), gadolinia (Gd2O3) and uranium dioxide (UO2) addition to a W–60 vol.% UO2 fast spectrum fuel form were investigated relative to a prismatic reactor type using the MCNP5 Monte Carlo code with the ENDF/B-VII.1 cross-section database. The effects of rhenium addition to the cladding tubes and sleeves were studied over the range of 2–25 at.% as well as the corresponding effects on the reactor mass and control drum reactivity swing and neutron energy spectrum. The effects of rhenium addition to the tungsten matrix over the range of 1–5 at.% was also investigated. Lastly, the UO2 concentration was varied from 55 to 60 vol.% UO2 and the UO2 was mixed with Gd2O3 at concentrations ranging from 2 to 10 mol.%. Each configuration was investigated for its effects on the control drum shut down margin both in a dry state and in a submerged state where the reactor was surrounded and flooded with fresh water. The high thermal spectrum absorption cross-section of tungsten, rhenium and gadolinium proved excellent in maintaining the reactor in a subcritical state when submerged in fresh water. However, increases in the concentration of rhenium and gadolinia to the matrix, cladding and fuel kernels were also accompanied by an increase in reactor mass. The control swing within the drums was not influenced by the material compositions; however, the increase in reactor size with varying UO2 and Gd2O3 concentrations did prevent a large fraction of the neutron population from reaching the control drums. The decrease in neutron population with access to the reflector region containing the control drums caused a loss of reactivity swing in the drums by up to 2.8% Δk/k ($4.36).
Hardware and software design for QR Decomposition Recursive Least Square algorithm

In this paper, an embedded hardware and software system design and implementation for QR Decomposition Recursive Least Square (QRD-RLS) algorithm using Givens Rotation are presented. Furthermore, hardware and software design optimization are introduced to the Givens Rotation-based method. The computation performance is compared for hardware implementation running on Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA, and software design running on two different processors (Intel i7 processor and ARM embedded processor) for solving least square problems. The challenges for hardware optimization and software algorithm are also presented.
Antibody catalyzed hydrolysis of a phosphotriester

Abstract An antibody (15C5) raised against N -oxide hapten 1 catalyzed the hydrolysis of phosphotriester 2 , with a k cat of 2.65 × 10 −3 min −1 , K m of 87 μM, and displayed multiple turnovers.
The effects of phenoseason and storm characteristics on throughfall solute washoff and leaching dynamics from a temperate deciduous forest canopy

Abstract Seasonal variations in the washoff and leaching dynamics of throughfall ionic fluxes represent a significant process affecting the biogeochemical cycling of forested ecosystems—particularly for temperate deciduous forests with distinct phenological seasons (or “phenoseasons”). Most studies on temperate deciduous forests aggregate seasonal throughfall fluxes to the leafed (growing) and leafless (dormant) periods, yet the phenological conditions controlling seasonality demand finer-scale demarcations that include the transitional phenoseasons (leaf senescence and emergence). To fill these gaps our study examines the washoff and leaching dynamics of Na + , Mg 2 + , K + , Ca 2 + , Cl − , SO 4 2 − , and NO 3 − throughfall derived from bulk and sequentially sampled rain events across leafed, leafless and both transitional phenoseasons over a 3-year period (2008–2010). As throughfall washoff and leached solute fluxes are also closely-coupled to rainfall conditions, we further examine the effects of storm characteristics on phenoseasonal washoff-dominated (Na + and Cl − ) and leaching-dominated (K + , Ca 2 + , Mg 2 + ) fluxes through intrastorm event comparison plots and factorial MANOVA. Highly significant differences in leached and washoff solute fluxes were found across meteorological conditions ( p p + and Cl − fluxes seemed to be more closely related to leaf area; whereas, leaching flux and canopy exchange of all solutes to correspond more with major phenological changes (when the canopies tend to be most metabolically active). The greatest differences in leached Mg 2 + , K + , Ca 2 + , and SO 4 2 − fluxes were not between the full leafed and leafless phenoseasons (33–80% difference), but between the transitional periods (80 to 200 fold greater during leaf senescence than leaf emergence). Intrastorm average canopy NO 3 − leaching, however, ranged from low losses (1 μmol c m − 2 h − 1 ) to canopy uptake (− 2 μmol c m − 2 h − 1 ) during both transitional phenoseasons. K + , Ca 2 + , Mg 2 + were all markedly more exchangeable during senescence, with Ca 2 + and Mg 2 + being more tightly held by the canopy. Leaching rates and fluxes for all measured solutes were negligible to negative during emergence, except for K + and SO 4 2 − . Our results indicate that much of the variance in timing and magnitude of throughfall solute fluxes to forest soils within temperate deciduous ecosystems may be ascribed to phenologically-delineated seasons and storm conditions.
Elemental imaging by EELS and EDXS in the analytical electron microscope : Its relevance to trace element research.

Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) can be used to obtain elemental maps from thin biological samples in the analytical electron microscope. The EELS is particularly sensitive for the low-atomic-number elements, including C, N, and O, as well as other elements with favorable ionization cross-sections, such as Fe. The EDXS is useful for a complementary range of atoms, such as P, S, K, and Ca. A system is described for obtaining elemental distributions in an analytical electron microscope operated in the scanning transmission mode at 100–200 keV beam energy. The spatial resolution is typically limited to 10–20 nm when a conventional source is used. A satellite microcomputer controls acquisition of EELS and EDXS data from successive pixels in an image. These data are processed “on-the-fly” by a host computer to remove the noncharacteristic background intensity. Resulting images are stored on disk and can be analyzed by means of an image display system controlled by interactive software. The technique is demonstrated with elemental maps from two samples: alveolar macrophages containing respirable particles; and pancreatic beta cells that secrete insulin.
Almodóvar's city of desire

(1991). Almodovar's city of desire. Quarterly Review of Film and Video: Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 47-65.
Reversible meiotic arrest in feline oocytes.

Increasing intracellular concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) within the cumulus- oocyte complex (COC) inhibits or delays spontaneous oocyte maturation and improves the developmental competence of the oocyte in many species, but information for carnivores is limited. The objectives of the present study were to describe theeffectsofisobutylmethylxanthine(IBMX),whichdecreasescAMPdegradation,andforskolin,whichincreasescAMP production, on spontaneous and induced maturation (by equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) and epidermal growth factor (EGF)) of feline oocytes and to evaluate the reversibility of IBMX-induced arrest by measuring the resumption of meiosis and embryonic development following IVF. IBMX decreased (P,0.05) the incidence of spontaneous (6.7% vs 42.0%, metaphase II (MII)) and induced (5.6% vs 66.1% MII) maturation after 24h of culture. In contrast, forskolin stimulatedmeiosis(81.7%MII;P,0.05).Following12hofculturewithIBMXandanadditional24hwitheCGandEGF in the absence of IBMX, the proportions of oocytes reaching MII (66.1%), cleaving (79.9%) and developing to the blastocyst stage (15.3%) were similar (P.0.05) to oocytes cultured continuously with eCG and EGF (70.2%, 83.0% and 18.1%, respectively). These results demonstrate that IBMX reversibly inhibits both spontaneous and eCGþEGF-induced meiosis in feline oocytes without compromising the oocyte's developmental competence.
A simple intrapipette salt bridge

A simple method is described for achieving a salt bridge within a patch pipette. The tip of the pipette is filled with a Cl(-)-free solution that bathes the membrane patch. Above this is a Cl(-)-containing solution that surrounds the recording Ag/AgCl wire electrode. Addition of 0.07% (w/v) agarose to the solution in the tip prevents bulk mixing of the 2 phases within the pipette. This configuration makes it possible to remove Cl- from the membrane surface but maintain it at the electrode surface. The presence of the Cl(-)-free phase in the bottom of the patch pipette does not reduce the electrical stability of the recording electrode.
Role of solar conditioning in DNA repair response and survival of human epidermal keratinocytes following UV irradiation.

We have investigated the cumulative effects of sunlight exposure upon the excision-repair of UV radiation damage to DNA in epidermal keratinocytes from human donors of different ages as well as the possible effect on DNA repair of periodic conditioning of the cultured keratinocytes with sublethal UV radiation exposures. We have also compared the growth properties of UV-irradiated keratinocytes derived from habitually sunexposed and nonexposed areas from the bodies of young and aged donors. DNA repair replication in keratinocytes from habitually sun-exposed facial skin and the less sun-exposed abdominal skin of middle-aged adults was found to be similar, with respect to both the UV dose response and the time course of repair after 20 J/m 2 , 254 nm. Growth and survival (after exposure up to 50 J/m 2 , 254 nm) were greater for keratinocytes from protected areas of the upper arm of young donors (under 18 years) than for cells from their own sun-exposed areas. Growth and survival were markedly reduced for all keratinocyte cultures from aged donors, especially those cultures developed from sun-exposed areas. Nevertheless, the DNA repair response to UV radiation was similar in all cases. The evident uncoupling of UV sensitivity from DNA repair capacity remains to be understood. Our studies confirm that the cumulative effect of sunlight exposure indeed contributes to some skin aging processes. However, we have found no indication that an overall reduction in capacity for excision-repair of UV photoproducts in keratinocyte DNA accompanies senescence in human skin.
Indices of El Niño Evolution

Abstract To characterize the nature of El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in different regions of the Pacific have been used. An optimal characterization of both the distinct character and the evolution of each El Nino or La Nina event is suggested that requires at least two indices: (i) SST anomalies in the Nino-3.4 region (referred to as N3.4), and (ii) a new index termed here the Trans-Nino Index (TNI), which is given by the difference in normalized anomalies of SST between Nino-1+2 and Nino-4 regions. The first index can be thought of as the mean SST throughout the equatorial Pacific east of the date line and the second index is the gradient in SST across the same region. Consequently, they are approximately orthogonal. TNI leads N3.4 by 3 to 12 months prior to the climate shift in 1976/77 and also follows N3.4 but with opposite sign 3 to 12 months later. However, after 1976/77, the sign of the TNI leads and lags are reversed.
How Jews Became White Folks and What That Says about Race in America; Racial Situations: Class Predicaments of Whiteness in Detroit

How Jews Became White Folks and What That Says about Race in America. Karen Brodkin New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1998. ix. 227 pp., notes, bibliography, index. Racial Situations: Class Predicaments of Whiteness in Detroit. John Hartiganjr. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1999. xv. 354 pp., notes, index.
Trigonal phases in YBa2Cu3O6.5

Abstract Trigonal ordering is evident from electron microscopy of quenched powders of composition YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6.5 . The powders are a mixture of phases, some of which are based upon two trigonal phases with a = 0.54 and c = 0.66 nm. In the first the yttrium and barium atoms order on the (111) planes of the parent perovskite structure rather than the (001) while in the second stacking sequence the yttrium layer of this structure is interchanged with one of the copper layers.
Unusual intraventricular flow pattern after left ventricular aneurysmorrhaphy.

A 78-year-old man with coronary artery disease, prior myocardial infarction, and heart failure was referred for coronary artery bypass surgery. Left ventricular (LV) angiography showed the presence of a large apical aneurysm and, therefore, surgery included exclusion of the aneurysm using an aneurysmorphaphy patch. Myocardial viability study was not performed at this stage. An echocardiogram was performed 2 months after the surgery. The study showed that the aneurysm cavity was not clotted as had been expected (Figure Because of partial patch dehiscence there was a communication between the aneurysm cavity and the body of the LV. Color Doppler showed that in systole there was flow from the aneurysm into the ventricle and in diastole the flow reversed–from the LV into the aneurysm (Figure 2). Continuous wave Doppler confirm this to-and-fro flow.
The Alternative Sigma Factor SigH Regulates Major Components of Oxidative and Heat Stress Responses in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a specialized intracellular pathogen that must regulate gene expression to overcome stresses produced by host defenses during infection. SigH is an alternative sigma factor that we have previously shown plays a role in the response to stress of the saprophyte Mycobacterium smegmatis. In this work we investigated the role of sigH in the M. tuberculosis response to heat and oxidative stress. We determined that a M. tuberculosis sigH mutant is more susceptible to oxidative stresses and that the inducible expression of the thioredoxin reductase/thioredoxin genes trxB2/trxC and a gene of unknown function, Rv2466c, is regulated by sigH via expression from promoters directly recognized by SigH. We also determined that the sigH mutant is more susceptible to heat stress and that inducible expression of the heat shock genes dnaK and clpB is positively regulated by sigH. The induction of these heat shock gene promoters but not of other SigH-dependent promoters was markedly greater in response to heat versus oxidative stress, consistent with their additional regulation by a heat-labile repressor. To further understand the role of sigH in the M. tuberculosis stress response, we investigated the regulation of the stress-responsive sigma factor genes sigE and sigB. We determined that inducible expression of sigE is regulated by sigH and that basal and inducible expression of sigB is dependent on sigE and sigH. These data indicate that sigH plays a central role in a network that regulates heat and oxidative-stress responses that are likely to be important in M. tuberculosis pathogenesis.
PREDICTORS OF CHILDREN'S POSTDIVORCE ADJUSTMENT

Six hypotheses to explain how divorce may affect the trajectory of child development were tested using standardized measures and sociodemographic data. Correlational and multiple regression analyses revealed that the parent adjustment hypothesis received the strongest support. Boys appeared sensitive to events and behavior in their mothers' lives, while girls seemed attuned to mothers' internal states.
LONG-TERM METHODS AND EFFECTS OF REMOTELY TREATING WILDLIFE WITH IMMUNOCONTRACEPTION

The development of sophisticated delivery equipment, as well as safer and more effective drugs, has made remote delivery of animal drugs a standard and readily available tool for wildlife professionals, veterinarians, ranchers, and animal control officers. In the 1980s, researchers began treating a wide variety of wildlife with injectable porcine zona pellucida immunocontraceptive vaccines. Remote delivery of immunocontraceptives has been proven effective at the individual and population level for wild horses and urban deer. However, it took only a short time at each study site to understand that each time an animal was treated with remotely delivered darts, it became more difficult to re-treat; researchers were required to adjust to the increased wariness of their targets. Multiyear vaccines will not reduce the need for researchers who can adapt to the many challenges of applying these nonlethal methods of population control in the field. Training, experience, and persistence are required for field personnel to adapt and develop new techniques for continued retreatment of previously treated free-ranging animals.
A 1 V BiCMOS rail-to-rail amplifier with n-channel depletion-mode input-stage

A BiCMOS rail-to-rail operational amplifier capable of operating from supply voltages as low as 1 V is presented. The folded cascode input stage uses an nMOS depletion mode differential pair to provide rail-to-rail common mode voltage range while typically requiring only 40 fA of input bias current. The bipolar transistor differential-to-single-ended conversion network employs a low-voltage base current cancellation technique which provides high input stage voltage gain from a l-V supply yet allows a 3-V//spl mu/s slew rate capability. The bipolar transistor output stage uses a low-voltage translinear loop which maintains a low impedance signal path to the output common emitter power devices. This circuit topology enables the amplifier to achieve a 4-MHz bandwidth with 60/spl deg/ of phase margin. The output voltage can swing to within 50 mV of each supply rail. An "on-demand" base current boost technique will be presented which can provide up to 50 mA of output drive capability from a 5-V supply, yet consumes only a few microamps when the output is in the quiescent state. A low voltage level shift technique will be described which uses an n-channel depletion mode source follower to provide isolation between the input and output stages.
Illuminating the Black Box of Genome Sequence Assembly: A Free Online Tool to Introduce Students to Bioinformatics.

Next-generation sequencing technologies have greatly reduced the cost of sequencing genomes. With the current sequencing technology, a genome is broken into fragments and sequenced, producing millions of “reads.” A computer algorithm pieces these reads together in the genome assembly process. PHAST is a set of online modules (http://gcat.davidson.edu/phast) designed to teach advanced high school and college students the genome assembly process. PHAST allows users to assemble phage genomes in real time and includes tutorials detailing the complexities of genome assembly. With PHAST, students learn concepts behind genome assembly and understand how mathematics solves biological problems such as genome assembly.
Non-syndromic supernumerary caruncles causing ocular irritation after cataract surgery: a critical review of caruncular dysgeneses.

Purpose To describe a patient with 2 ipsilateral supernumerary caruncles and to determine if they are predictive of associated abnormalities. Design Retrospective and interventional clinicopathologic study with a critical review of the literature over the past 100 years. Methods Assessment of clinical features and histopathologic findings in paraffin-embedded tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) reaction with and without diastase, and Ziehl-Neelsen method. Results Two placoid lesions causing ocular irritation after routine phacoemulsification were discovered in the inferomedial palpebral conjunctiva. They were totally separate from a normal caruncle. Their surface was studded with yellowish micronodules with projecting white vellus hairs. There were no associated local ophthalmic or systemic abnormalities. Microscopically, they were covered by a goblet cell–rich, nonkeratinizing squamous epithelium with subadjacent pilosebaceous units, the hairs of which were highlighted by the Masson trichrome and Ziehl-Neelsen stains, and small lobules of lacrimal gland tissue. The ocular irritation has not returned after surgery. Conclusions A literature review confirms that supernumerary (extra) caruncles coexisting with a normal caruncle are always unilateral and unassociated with any other ocular anomalies, as in the current case. They may, however, cause ocular irritation. They must be distinguished from ectopic (topographically displaced) or dysplastic caruncles that are generally bilateral and often associated with ocular adnexal abnormalities or Goldenhar syndrome. Ectopic or dysplastic caruncles, but not supernumerary ones, are characteristically accompanied by plical abnormalities or its absence. Well-documented supernumerary and ectopic caruncles have always been located in the inferior palpebral conjunctiva.
Alliance Advantage: The Art of Creating Value through Partnering

The article reviews the book ‘Alliance Adventure: The Art of Creating Value Through Partnering,' by Yves L. Doz and Gary Hamel.
Optimal Tracking Using Magnetostrictive Actuators Operating in Nonlinear and Hysteretic Regimes

Abstract : MANY ACTIVE MATERIALS EXHIBIT NONLINEARITIES AND HYSTERESIS WHEN DRIVEN AT FIELD LEVELS NECESSARY TO MEET STRINGENT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA IN HIGH PERFORMANCE APPLICATIONS. This often requires nonlinear control designs to effectively compensate for the nonlinear, hysteretic field-coupled material behavior. In this paper, an optimal control design is developed to accurately track a reference signal using magnetostrictive transducers. The methodology can be directly extended to transducers employing piezoelectric materials or shape memory alloys (SMAs) due to the unified nature of the constitutive model employed in the control design. The constitutive model is based on a framework that combines energy analysis at lattice length scales with stochastic homogenizations techniques to predict macroscopic material behavior. The constitutive model is incorporated into a finite element representation of the magnetostrictive transducer which provides the framework for developing the finite-dimensional nonlinear control design. The control design includes an open loop nonlinear component computed off-line with perturbation feedback around the optimal state trajectory. Estimation of unmeasurable states is achieved using a Kalman filter. The hybrid control technique provides the potential for real-time control implementation while providing robustness with regard to operating uncertainties and unmodeled dynamics.
Source Rupture Models for the Mw 9.0 2011 Tohoku Earthquake from Joint Inversions of High‐Rate Geodetic and Seismic Data

The space-time history of fault slip during the 11 March 2011 Tohoku earthquake (Mw 9.0) is determined using high sample rate three-component Global Po- sitioning System (GPS) recordings from regional stations across Japan, teleseismic broad- band Pwaves, global R1 source time functions determined by empirical Green's function deconvolutions of short-arc Rayleigh waves, and ocean-bottom deformation observa- tions. Least-squares inversions are performed for models with prescribed rupture-front expansion velocity. Joint inversion yields improved resolution of slip compared with inversions using any single data type for both checkerboard rupture simulations and the actual data. Joint inversion stabilizes inversions with respect to some key parameters, such as the rupture expansion velocity and subfault total rupture durations, due to lower dependence on these parameters of some datasets (mainly the high sample rate (1 sample=s) three-component GPS recordings (hr-GPS) data). The preferred joint inver- sion model has a seismic moment estimate of 4:2 × 10 22 N·m( Mw 9.0), with a primary large-slip patch with maximum slip of ∼50-60 m located up-dip of the hypocenter on the shallow megathrust and distributed slip of 20-30 m near the hypocenter. A down-dip low-slip extension to the south is also resolved, with centroid source time later than 110 s. Online Material: Figures of inverted slip distributions and associated source time functions and centroid times, and waveform fits.
MOLECULAR AND ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES OF CANCER

The multistep, clonal evolution model of cancer predicts fundamental mechanisms by which chemicals may influence the cancer process. These are illustrated by studies of the mechanisms of induction of carcinogenesis by estrogens and the inhibition of carcinogenesis by caloric restriction.
Comparison between Crustal Density and Velocity Variations in Southern California

We predict gravity from a three-dimensional V_p model of the upper crust and compare it to the observed isostatic residual gravity field. In general this comparison shows that the isostatic residual gravity field reflects the density variations in the upper to middle crust. Both data sets show similar density variations for the upper crust in areas such as the Peninsular Ranges and the Los Angeles basin. Both show similar variations across major faults, such as the San Andreas and Garlock faults in the Mojave Desert. The difference between the two data sets in regions such as the Salton Trough, the Eastern California Shear Zone, and the eastern Ventura basin (where depth to Moho is <30 km), however, suggests high-density middle to lower crust beneath these regions. Hence the joint interpretation of these data sets improves the depth constraints of crustal density variations.
A micromotion amplifier

A micromotion amplifier has been designed and characterized. Large displacements are produced when long beams are buckled by an axial loading actuator motion of 1-2 /spl mu/m. This buckling amplifies the small displacement and generates motions on the order of 100 /spl mu/m. The displacement is stabilized by proper choice of asymmetry in the buckling beams. Devices based on this method have been designed, fabricated and successfully tested to have substantial displacements. Theoretical modeling and finite element method (FEM) analysis predicted the relation between the loading actuator motion and the amplified motion.
The Protein Kinase C βII Exon Confers mRNA Instability in the Presence of High Glucose Concentrations

Previous studies showed that short term exposure of cells to high glucose destabilized protein kinase C (PKC) betaII mRNA, whereas PKCbetaI mRNA levels remained unaltered. Because PKCbeta mRNAs share common sequences other than the PKCbetaII exon encoding a different carboxyl terminus, we examined PKCbetaII mRNA for a cis-acting region that could confer glucose-induced destabilization. A beta-globin/growth hormone reporter con struct containing the PKCbetaII exon was transfected into human aorta and rat vascular smooth muscle cells (A10) to follow glucose-induced destabilization. Glucose (25 mm) exposure destabilized PKCbetaII chimeric mRNA but not control mRNA. Deletion analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays followed by UV cross-linking experiments demonstrated that a region introduced by inclusion of the betaII exon was required to confer destabilization. Although a cis-acting element mapped to 38 nucleotides within the betaII exon was necessary to bestow destabilization, it was not sufficient by itself to confer complete mRNA destabilization. Yet, in intact cells antisense oligonucleotides complementary to this region blocked glucose-induced destabilization. These results suggest that this region must function in context with other sequence elements created by exon inclusion involved in affecting mRNA stability. In summary, inclusion of an exon that encodes PKCbetaII mRNA introduces a cis-acting region that confers destabilization to the mRNA in response to glucose.
Elevated pan traps to monitor bees in flowering crop canopies

Bee behavior is strongly directed by visual cues in thevisible and ultraviolet wavelength ranges, with response tocolor and pattern controlling location of ﬂowers (Chittka& Menzel, 1992; Kevan et al., 1996; Gumbert, 2000). Theirattraction to color can be exploited for monitoring beepopulations through the use of passive colored traps ﬁlledwith soap and water, which provide an inexpensive andeasily replicated method to capture bees (Aizen F Leong & Thorp, 1999; LeBuhn et al.,2002; Toler et al., 2005; Baum et al., 2006). The use of pantraps to monitor bee communities is a relatively recentdevelopment, but it is increasingly used as a sampling toolby researchers in urban, pastoral, and natural landscapes(Leong & Thorp, 1999; McIntyre & Hostetler, 2001;Williams et al., 2001; Russell et al., 2005; Toler et al., 2005;Brosi et al., 2007).Pan trapping has important advantages compared tomore traditional bee collection methods. It can eliminatecollector bias, which is particularly important whencomparing data across different studies or when usingmultiple collectors in the same study, and it can be easilyreplicated for consistent sampling intensity by collectorswith minimal training at multiple sites. Specimens collectedusing this method can be accurately identiﬁed to speciesunder microscope by trained personnel. As with anysampling method, there are some drawbacks. Trappedinsects are removed from the population. Pan traps may bebiased toward attracting some bee taxa over others (Roul-ston et al., 2007) and may underestimate the abundance oflarge bees. Unless pollen can be obtained from specimensin the trap, one cannot determine which ﬂowers werevisited. However, in comb ination with other methods pantrapping can be very effective for estimating bee abundance(Williams et al., 2001).The majority of native-bee monitoring studies that usepan traps have been conducted in habitats with littleoverhead plant canopy, where traps were placed directly onthe ground among open, or low-growing vegetation. Thisdeployment strategy is appropriate for many naturalhabitats where bees are likely to forage and so is generallyrecommended (e.g., LeBuhn et al., 2002). However, if thistechnique is to be applied successfully in agriculturalhabitats where there is increasing interest in bee conservation,it is important to consider that many bee-pollinated cropshave dense, vertical vegetation and ﬂoral displays. The cropstudied here, highbush blueberry [
Auditory and linguistic processes in speech perception: inferences from six fusions in dichotic listening.

A number of phenomena in speech perception have been called fusion, but little effort has been made to compare these phenomena in a systematic fashion. The present paper examines six of them. All can be exemplified using the syllable /da/ as in dot, and all occur during dichotic listening. In each type of fusion, the robustness of the fused percept is observed against variation in three parameters: the relative onset time of the two opposite-ear stimuli, their relative intensity, and their relative fundamental frequency. Patterns of results are used to confirm the arrangement of the six fusions in a hierarchy, and supporting data are summoned in an analysis of the mechanisms that underlie each with reference to speech. The six fusions are sound localization, psychoacoustic fusion, spectral fusion, spectral/temporal fusion, phonetic feature fusion, and phonological fusion. They occur at three, perhaps four, different levels of perceptual analysis. The first two levels are characterized by perceptual integration, the other (s) by perceptual disruption and recombination.