cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Instrument matrix of the four-detector photopolarimeter: physical meaning of its rows and columns and constraints on its elements

The four-detector photopolarimeter (FDP) is an arrangement of four photodetectors for measuring the state of polarization of light. The output current vector I of the FDP is related to the input Stokes vector S by I = AS, where A is the instrument matrix. The rows of A can be viewed as projection operators that determine the output currents of the detectors. This leads to the recognition of four special totally polarized input states, each of which maximizes the output of one detector. The associated four orthogonal states produce minimum signals. Because each detector is absorptive and its output is nonnegative, eight inequalities must be satisfied by the elements of A. For optically isotropic detectors, one element is identically zero and another can be made zero by an appropriate coordinate rotation. Three additional inequalities that are likely to apply are also stated. The columns of A have the following interesting meaning. The first column represents the normalized response of the FDP for incident unpolarized light or its average response to incident light polarized in any pair of orthogonal states. The second, third, and fourth columns represent the differential normalized responses of the FDP for incident light polarized in the following pairs of orthogonal states: (1) linear polarizations at 0 and 90° azimuths, (2) linear polarizations at 45° and 135° azimuths, and (3) the right and left circular polarizations, respectively. These are the same pairs of orthogonal states that are used in the phenomenological definitions of the Stokes parameters.
Measurement of myo-inositol in single cells and defined areas of the nervous system by selected ion monitoring.

Abstract In this work we want to bring attention to the potential value of the direct analysis of tissue constituents using two well established techniques: the selected ion monitoring method of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the techniques of quantitative histochemistry. The substrate analyzed is myo-inositol which is measured in single cells of rabbit Deiters' nucleus, spinal cord anterior horn, and dorsal root ganglion. Comparison of inositol levels in neurons vs neuropil showed a significantly greater level in anterior horn neurons; however, no difference was found in Deiters' nucleus. In dorsal root ganglion cells, 5-μm sections through a portion of the cell not containing the nucleus were compared with sections through a portion of the nucleus; no difference in inositol levels was found. Two hypothalamic nuclei were examined and found to have very different concentrations of inositol. In the samples examined, there was a threefold inositol concentration range.
On simultaneous transport of water and solute through plant cell membranes: evidence for the absence of solvent drag effect and insensitivity of the reflection coefficient.

The simultaneous efflux of tritiated water and 14C labelled ethanol from inner epidermal cells of the bulb scale of Allium cepa was measured with a specially designed efflux chamber. It was found that water and ethanol moved essentially independently. Rates of efflux of tritiated water and 14C ethanol were essentially the same in the presence or absence of a simultaneous influx of water. Using the same technique the efflux of tritiated water from the epidermal cells was measured during a simultaneous flow of nonlabelled ethanol. When tritiated water and ethanol moved in opposite directions, the water permeability values became slightly reduced depending upon the concentration of ethanol. When ethanol and tritiated water moved in the same direction, however, no effect on water permeability values could be detected. These results are best explained by the molecular theory of diffusion across lipid bilayer membranes, and are consistent with the above findings of lack of interaction between water and ethanol as they are transported across the cell membrane. In another study, the solute permeability coefficients (Ks) for non-electrolytes such as urea and methyl urea were measured by plasmolyzing the epidermal cells and transferring them to equimolal solutions of urea and methyl urea. This method was also used to measure the reflection coefficient (σ) for these nonelectrolytes. The Ks values for methyl urea were 16 times greater than the ones for urea. The values of σ for both of these solutes, however, were very close to 1. Using the Ks data available in the literature for the subepidermal cells of the Pisum sativum stem basis, the σ values were calculated for malonamide, glycerol, methyl urea, ethyl urea, dimethyl urea, and formamide. Again the Ks values for these nonelectrolytes varied by several orders of magnitude, whereas all σ values were found to be close to 1. These findings point out that σ is an insensitive parameter and that Ks, the solute permeability constant, has to be used for characterizing solute transport through the membrane. The present study shows that fast (e.g. ethanol, formamide) as well as slowly permeating molecules do not interact with water as they are transported across the cell membrane. Aqueous pores for the simultaneous transport of water and solutes, therefore, are absent in the plant cell membranes investigated here.
Coupling of hydrogen bonding to chromophore conformation and function in photoactive yellow protein.

To understand in atomic detail how a chromophore and a protein interact to sense light and send a biological signal, we are characterizing photoactive yellow protein (PYP), a water-soluble, 14 kDa blue-light receptor which undergoes a photocycle upon illumination. The active site residues glutamic acid 46, arginine 52, tyrosine 42, and threonine 50 form a hydrogen bond network with the anionic p-hydroxycinnamoyl cysteine 69 chromophore in the PYP ground state, suggesting an essential role for these residues for the maintenance of the chromophore's negative charge, the photocycle kinetics, the signaling mechanism, and the protein stability. Here, we describe the role of T50 and Y42 by use of site-specific mutants. T50 and Y42 are involved in fine-tuning the chromophore's absorption maximum. The high-resolution X-ray structures show that the hydrogen-bonding interactions between the protein and the chromophore are weakened in the mutants, leading to increased electron density on the chromophore's aromatic r...
Intensity correlations in a coherently prepared Rb vapor in a magnetic field

We have studied the intensity correlations between two orthogonally linearly polarized components of a laser field propagating through a resonant atomic medium. These experiments have been performed in a rubidium atomic vapor. We observe that the correlations between the orthogonally polarized components of the laser beam are maximal in the absence of a magnetic field. The magnitude of the correlations depends on the applied magnetic field, and the magnitude first decreases and then increases with increasing magnetic field. Minimal correlations and maximal rotation angles are observed at the same magnetic fields. The width of the correlation function is directly proportional to the excited state lifetime and inversely proportional to the Rabi frequency of laser field.
Determination of small amounts of protein in total lipid extracts by the use of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid.

Abstract By reaction of a lipid mixture containing amounts of protein with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid and solvent extraction of nonprotein reaction products, it is possible to estimate protein reliably and conveniently.
The new ethics

In our frantic efforts to deal with change, adopt new technologies, promote library cooperation, and otherwise enhance library and information services, we must not lose sight of broader professional concerns and issues. Much of what we now do will change. The technology that we are seeking to use will change. The nature of our profession will change. If we can establish and maintain a sound ethical basis for our professional practices we will have done much to ensure that, despite all of those changes, librarianship will have a continued independent role to play, and will be respected for that role, in the development of a strong information society.
Isolation and quantitation of endogenous vitamin D and its physiologically important metabolites in human plasma by high pressure liquid chromatography.

Abstract We have developed methodology for the precise measurement of vitamin D, 25-OHD, 24,25-(OH) 2 D and 1α,25-(OH) 2 D in relatively small quantities (3–5 ml) of normal human plasma. It involves initial extraction with methanol-methylene chloride and separation of phases by centrifugation in polypropylene tubes, followed by discontinuous flow gradient chromatography on LH-20. These procedures accomplish the removal of interfering lipophilic substances and excellent resolution of vitamin D metabolites with good recovery (94%). Further separation of metabolites from interfering U.V. absorbing lipophilic substances is achieved by HPLC using isocratic conditions in normal and reverse phase systems. The U.V. absorbing peak areas eluting from HPLC in the positions corresponding to standard vitamin D, 25-(OH)D and 24,25-(OH) 2 D are reproducibly quantitated by automated integration. 1α,25-(OH) 2 D Is measured by ligand binding assay using intestinal cytosol because plasma concentrations of this metabolite are too low for optical detection. Values in normal human plasma obtained in late summer are: vitamin D = 15.2 ± 1.8 ng/ml; 25-OHD = 28.6 ± 2.1 ng/ml; 24,25-(OH) 2 D = 2.1 ± 0.5 ng/ml; 1 α ,25-(OH) 2 D = 0.035 ± 0.003 ng/ml (±S.D.). The methodology described or modification thereof should provide a formidable tool in the investigation of the regulation of vitamin D metabolism in vivo in both physiologic and pathologic states.
89. Sleep variability is associated with inflammatory cytokines in pregnant women

Extreme variability in sleep duration and/or fragmentation impacts physiology and disease risk. Pregnant women have sleep variability given the changes that take place following conception. No investigations have examined the degree to which pregnant women experience sleep variability nor have any examined whether sleep variability results in immunological changes important for a successful pregnancy. Sleep diary and actigraphy-assessed sleep data collected from 168 pregnant women at 10–12 weeks’(T1), 14–16 weeks’(T2), and 18–20 weeks’(T3) gestation were assessed for intra-individual variability, estimated from each subject’s standard deviation on diary (D) and actigraphy (A) measures. Morning blood samples for assay of cytokines were collected. Greater variability in both D-and A-sleep variables were associated with higher circulating cytokine concentrations. At T1 greater variability in D-assessed sleep efficiency ( r = .29, p = .03) was associated with higher IL-6; greater variability in TIB was associated with higher IL-6 ( r = .26, p = .05) and TNF- α ( r = .23, p = .04). At T3 greater variability in D- and A-assessed sleep latency was associated with higher IL-6 ( r = .30, p = .01; r = .32, p = 01); D WASO was associated with lower TNF- α ( r = −.24, p = .03). Sleep variability appears to be a stressor that could increase in circulating inflammatory markers and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Importantly it is a modifiable stressor that can be intervened upon.
Screening by Specialists To Reduce Unnecessary Test Ordering in Patients Evaluated for Tuberculosis

Study objective: To determine if screening by specialists could reduce unnecessary test ordering and reduce costs related to diagnostic workup in patients undergoing evaluation for tuberculosis. Design: Prospective evaluation of expert opinion in consecutive patients suspected of having tuberculosis. Setting: A large municipal hospital. Patients: Patients for whom sputum acid-fast smears were ordered. Intervention: For patients from whom sputum acid-fast bacilli smears and cultures were requested, the chest radiograph and a brief clinical history were presented separately to two pulmonologists with considerable experience in tuberculosis. Each expert reviewed each case independently (and was blinded to the opinion of the other) and indicated if he thought sputum smear examination and culture was, in fact, necessary. Final clinical diagnosis and microbiological information were correlated with the experts' opinion. Measurements and main results: Ninety-seven patients had sputum smears ordered and had chest radiographs available for review. The two experts believed that sputum examination (smear and culture) was indicated in only 51.5% and 52.6% of cases, respectively. Interobserver agreement was 84.4%. Ultimately, six cases of active tuberculosis were diagnosed. Each expert detected all proven cases of tuberculosis, although one case occurred in a patient with a poor quality radiograph about which the experts offered no opinion. Conclusions: Screening by experienced clinicians may be effective in reducing unnecessary test ordering and reducing costs related to diagnostic workup in patients evaluated for tuberculosis. (CHEST 1998; 114:681-684)
Impedance and extraesophageal manifestations of reflux in pediatrics.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) include such signs and symptoms as cough, asthma, respiratory symptoms, hoarseness, and laryngoscopic findings. We reviewed the role of MII-pH monitoring in the evaluation of these findings in children to determine whether there is an association with pathological acid or nonacid reflux. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts from patients who underwent MII-pH. Inclusion criteria were ages 0 to 21 years with extraesophageal signs or symptom. Data were analyzed using dedicated software and manually reviewed. Reflux composite score was calculated based on DeMeester criteria. Impedance scores were calculated based on adult criteria. Symptom indexes were calculated. Results: A total of 119 MII-pH studies were performed. Of those, 63 studies met inclusion criteria. There were 39 males and 24 females with mean age 7.32 ± 4.1 years. The most common indication was cough. Six children had pathological GER based on DeMeester score. Using impedance criteria, only 10 of 63 patients had an abnormal evaluation (mean reflux episodes 107). Seven patients (15.2%) were found to have an association between symptom and reflux event. Conclusions: No association was demonstrated between the extraesophageal signs and symptoms and pathological GER based on DeMeester score or the number of reflux events based on impedance testing.
In vitro cultural and histochemical characteristics of human oral mucosa

Abstract Primary explants from human gingiva, lip and palate were cultured in vitro from male and females 6–69 years of age. Cultures were maintained from 1 week to 4 months and were stained for acid and alkaline phosphatase and acid mucopolysaccharides. No significant differences were noted in the rate or type of outgrowth or staining characteristics from different areas of the mucosa and in the different age groups. Sex differences were not demonstrated morphologically or histochemically.
(RE-)Creating the Community: South Asian Transnationalism on Chicago's Devon Avenue

As one of the largest South Asian business districts in North America, Chicago's Devon Avenue is reproduced through the transnational connections of South Asian migrants. These ties encompass the diaspora as well as the more commonly theorized links between "home" and "host" societies. Based on fieldwork consisting of interviews and participant observation on Devon Avenue, this study considers how Devon Avenue functions as a transnational site, and therefore suggests the ways in which it reconceptualizes national and urban spaces. An examination of the transnational linkages that produced Devon Avenue, alongside its promotion as an "international marketplace" and the daily interactions among merchants, laborers, and residents, also considers the ways in which expressions of difference are marked by multiplicity and contingency.
Nonlinear adaptive distance metric learning for clustering

A good distance metric is crucial for many data mining tasks. To learn a metric in the unsupervised setting, most metric learning algorithms project observed data to a low-dimensional manifold, where geometric relationships such as pairwise distances are preserved. It can be extended to the nonlinear case by applying the kernel trick, which embeds the data into a feature space by specifying the kernel function that computes the dot products between data points in the feature space. In this paper, we propose a novel unsupervised Nonlinear Adaptive Metric Learning algorithm, called NAML, which performs clustering and distance metric learning simultaneously. NAML firstmaps the data to a high-dimensional space through a kernel function; then applies a linear projection to find a low-dimensional manifold where the separability of the data is maximized; and finally performs clustering in the low-dimensional space. The performance of NAML depends on the selection of the kernel function and the projection. We show that the joint kernel learning, dimensionality reduction, and clustering can be formulated as a trace maximization problem, which can be solved via an iterative procedure in the EM framework. Experimental results demonstrated the efficacy of the proposed algorithm.
Trends in racial differences in U.S. suicide statistics

Abstract Although suicide rates for the U.S. white population are markedly higher than those for the U. S. nonwhite population, it has been suggested that racial differences are changing as nonwhite rates increase. Official suicide figures by race for 1933 to 1985 revealed slightly reduced racial differences, but the differences were produced largely by white suicide rate decreases and not by nonwhite increases. Except in young adulthood, racial differences remain large, and these data indicate that no significant change in racial differences has occurred or seems likely in the near future.
Manufacture of Passive Dynamic Ankle–Foot Orthoses Using Selective Laser Sintering

Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) designs vary in size, shape, and functional characteristics depending on the desired clinical application. Passive Dynamic (PD) Response ankle-foot orthoses (PD-AFOs) constitute a design that seeks to improve walking ability for persons with various neuromuscular disorders by passively (like a spring) providing variable levels of support during the stance phase of gait. Current PD-AFO manufacturing technology is either labor intensive or not well suited for the detailed refinement of PD-AFO bending stiffness characteristics. The primary objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of using a rapid freeform prototyping technique, selective laser sintering (SLS), as a PD-AFO manufacturing process. Feasibility was determined by replicating the shape and functional characteristics of a carbon fiber AFO (CF-AFO). The study showed that a SLS-based framework is ideally suited for this application. A second objective was to determine the optimal SLS material for PD-AFOs to store and release elastic energy; considering minimizing energy dissipation through internal friction is a desired material characteristic. This study compared the mechanical damping of the CF-AFO to PD-AFOs manufactured by SLS using three different materials. Mechanical damping evaluation ranked the materials as Rilsantrade D80 (best), followed by DuraFormtrade PA and DuraFormtrade GF. In addition, Rilsantrade D80 was the only SLS material able to withstand large deformations.
Evaluation of a psycholinguistically motivated timing model for animations of american sign language

Using results in the psycholinguistics literature on the speed and timing of American Sign Language (ASL), we built algorithms to calculate the time-duration of signs and the location/length of pauses during an ASL animation. We conducted a study in which native ASL signers evaluated the ASL animations processed by our algorithms, and we found that: (1) adding linguistically motivated pauses and variations in sign-durations improved signers' performance on a comprehension task and (2) these animations were rated as more understandable by ASL signers.
Renal glycosuria: A hereditary and clinical study of one family

Summary 1. An American family has been observed in which renal glycosuria has been transmitted directly through three generations as a dominant character. 2. The eldest member, who has had glycosuria with normal fasting blood sugar levels for twenty years, has developed diabetes mellitus with a normal renal threshold. 3. A rise in the renal thresholds for sugar to within normal limits has been observed in two cases of renal glycosuria. 4. Clinical studies have been reported on a 4-year-old member of this family who exhibited ketonuria, mild acidosis, and a renal threshold for sugar below 50 mg. per cent.
Mitochondrial ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels Attenuate Matrix Ca2+ Overload During Simulated Ischemia and Reperfusion: Possible Mechanism of Cardioprotection

Mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (mitoK(ATP)) channels play a key role in ischemic preconditioning of the heart. However, the mechanism of cardioprotection remains controversial. We measured rhod-2 fluorescence in adult rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes as an index of mitochondrial matrix Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](m)), using time-lapse confocal microscopy. To simulate ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), cells were exposed to metabolic inhibition (50 minutes) followed by washout with control solution. Rhod-2 fluorescence gradually increased during simulated ischemia and rose even further with reperfusion. The mitoK(ATP) channel opener diazoxide attenuated the accumulation of [Ca(2+)](m) during simulated I/R (EC(50)=18 micromol/L). These effects of diazoxide were blocked by the mitoK(ATP) channel antagonist 5-hydroxydecanoate (5HD). In contrast, inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), cyclosporin A and bongkrekic acid, did not alter [Ca(2+)](m) accumulation during ischemia, but markedly suppressed the surge in rhod-2 fluorescence during reperfusion. Measurements of mitochondrial membrane potential, DeltaPsi(m), in permeabilized myocytes revealed that diazoxide depolarized DeltaPsi(m) (by 12% at 10 micromol/L, P<0.01) in a 5HD-inhibitable manner. Our data support the hypothesis that attenuation of mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload, as a consequence of partial mitochondrial membrane depolarization by mitoK(ATP) channels, underlies cardioprotection. Furthermore, mitoK(ATP) channels and the MPT differentially affect mitochondrial calcium homeostasis: mitoK(ATP) channels suppress calcium accumulation during I/R, while the MPT comes into play only upon reperfusion.
Methylation of selected CpGs in the human O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter region as a marker of gene silencing.

O6-Methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a major determinant of susceptibility to methylating carcinogens and of tumor resistance to anticancer methylating and chloroethylating drugs. The silencing of MGMT expression that occurs in 20–30% of human tumor lines is tightly linked to methylation within the MGMT gene 5′ CpG island. Previous studies on a very limited number of cell lines showed that such methylation was uneven, with hot-spots where methylation almost invariably occurred and intervening regions with very low incidences of methylation. To ascertain if such hot-spot methylation is in fact a ubiquitous hallmark of MGMT-silenced cells, we determined the methylation status of selected hot-spot CpGs in an extensive panel of MGMT-expressing and -silenced cell lines and xenografts. Using two simple and rapid bisulfite–polymerase chain reaction–based assays, we confirmed that in MGMT-silenced cells, methylation occurred at these sites whereas it was essentially absent in MGMT-expressing cells. Mol. Carcinog. 24:85–89, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Complex Modulation of the Aedes aegypti Transcriptome in Response to Dengue Virus Infection

Dengue fever is the most important arboviral disease world-wide, with Aedes aegypti being the major vector. Interactions between the mosquito host and dengue viruses (DENV) are complex and vector competence varies among geographically-distinct Ae. aegypti populations. Additionally, dengue is caused by four antigenically-distinct viral serotypes (DENV1–4), each with multiple genotypes. Each virus genotype interacts differently with vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Analyses of alterations in mosquito transcriptional profiles during DENV infection are expected to provide the basis for identifying networks of genes involved in responses to viruses and contribute to the molecular-genetic understanding of vector competence. In addition, this knowledge is anticipated to support the development of novel disease-control strategies. RNA-seq technology was used to assess genome-wide changes in transcript abundance at 1, 4 and 14 days following DENV2 infection in carcasses, midguts and salivary glands of the Ae. aegypti Chetumal strain. DENV2 affected the expression of 397 Ae. aegypti genes, most of which were down-regulated by viral infection. Differential accumulation of transcripts was mainly tissue- and time-specific. Comparisons of our data with other published reports reveal conservation of functional classes, but limited concordance of specific mosquito genes responsive to DENV2 infection. These results indicate the necessity of additional studies of mosquito-DENV interactions, specifically those focused on recently-derived mosquito strains with multiple dengue virus serotypes and genotypes.
Historical contingency and the evolution of a key innovation in an experimental population of Escherichia coli

The role of historical contingency in evolution has been much debated, but rarely tested. Twelve initially identical populations of Escherichia coli were founded in 1988 to investigate this issue. They have since evolved in a glucose-limited medium that also contains citrate, which E. coli cannot use as a carbon source under oxic conditions. No population evolved the capacity to exploit citrate for >30,000 generations, although each population tested billions of mutations. A citrate-using (Cit+) variant finally evolved in one population by 31,500 generations, causing an increase in population size and diversity. The long-delayed and unique evolution of this function might indicate the involvement of some extremely rare mutation. Alternately, it may involve an ordinary mutation, but one whose physical occurrence or phenotypic expression is contingent on prior mutations in that population. We tested these hypotheses in experiments that “replayed” evolution from different points in that population's history. We observed no Cit+ mutants among 8.4 × 1012 ancestral cells, nor among 9 × 1012 cells from 60 clones sampled in the first 15,000 generations. However, we observed a significantly greater tendency for later clones to evolve Cit+, indicating that some potentiating mutation arose by 20,000 generations. This potentiating change increased the mutation rate to Cit+ but did not cause generalized hypermutability. Thus, the evolution of this phenotype was contingent on the particular history of that population. More generally, we suggest that historical contingency is especially important when it facilitates the evolution of key innovations that are not easily evolved by gradual, cumulative selection.
Dipeptidyl‐Peptidase 4 Inhibition and the Vascular Effects of Glucagon‐like Peptide‐1 and Brain Natriuretic Peptide in the Human Forearm

Background Dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus by preventing the degradation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 causes vasodilation in animal models but also increases sympathetic activity; the effect of GLP-1 in the human vasculature and how it is altered by DPP4 inhibition is not known. DPP4 also degrades the vasodilator brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) to a less potent metabolite. This study tested the hypothesis that DPP4 inhibition potentiates the vasodilator responses to GLP-1 and BNP in the human forearm. Method and Results Seventeen healthy subjects participated in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study. On each study day, subjects received DPP4 inhibitor (sitagliptin 200 mg by mouth) or placebo. Sitagliptin increased forearm blood flow and decreased forearm vascular resistance without affecting mean arterial pressure and pulse. GLP-1 and BNP were infused in incremental doses via brachial artery. Venous GLP-1 concentrations were significantly higher during sitagliptin use, yet there was no effect of GLP-1 on forearm blood flow in the presence or absence of sitagliptin. BNP caused dose-dependent vasodilation; however, sitagliptin did not affect this response. GLP-1 and BNP had no effect on net norepinephrine release. Conclusions These data suggest that GLP-1 does not act as a direct vasodilator in humans and does not contribute to sympathetic activation. Sitagliptin does not regulate vascular function in healthy humans by affecting the degradation of GLP-1 and BNP. Clinical Trial Registration URL: [www.clinicaltrials.gov/][1] Unique identifier: [NCT01413542][2]. [1]: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ [2]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT01413542&atom=%2Fahaoa%2F3%2F4%2Fe001075.atom
Design in reliability for communication designs

Silicon design implementation has become increasingly complex with the deep submicron technologies such as 90nm and below. It is common to see multiple processor cores, several types of memories, I/Os, complex analog circuits and synthesized logic on the same chip. Sophisticated IP integration techniques are needed in order to realize today's complex systems-on-chip (SoC). Also, with the explosive growth in the communications semiconductor market, ensuring product reliability to meet reliability goals and achieve good yield is of significant concern. This paper is intended to bring the inherent challenges in the reliability domain and some of the effective techniques currently used in the EDA world to meet these challenges. We also discuss the need for developing new methods to address the upcoming challenges in ultra-deep submicron design environment.
Candida albicans Morphogenesis Is Not Required for Macrophage Interleukin 1β Production

ABSTRACT The interaction of Candida albicans with macrophages induces the production of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) through inflammasome activation in a process that is required for host survival. C. albicans hypha formation has been linked to IL-1β production, but the question of whether hyphae are sufficient to trigger IL-1β production has not been examined directly. To address this question, a C. albicans library of 165 transcription factor deletion mutants was screened for strains with altered IL-1β production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed J774 cells, a murine macrophage-like cell line. Eight mutants with decreased and two mutants with increased IL-1β secretion were identified. In addition, 12 mutants with previously identified morphology deficits were found to induce IL-1β secretion to levels similar to those of the wild type. Examination of the morphology of both low and normal IL-1β-inducing mutants in macrophages revealed that two mutants ( upc2 Δ/ upc2 Δ and ahr1 Δ/Δ mutants) were indistinguishable from the wild type with respect to morphology yet induced low levels of IL-1β; conversely, the ndt80 Δ/Δ mutant was deficient for hypha formation but induced levels of IL-1β similar to those of the wild type. Transcription factor mutants deficient for IL-1β secretion also caused markedly lower levels of macrophage lysis. Similarly, the ability of a mutant to cause macrophage lysis was independent of its ability to form hyphae. Taken together, our observations indicate that the physical formation of hyphae is not sufficient to trigger IL-1β secretion or macrophage lysis and suggest that other mechanisms, such as pyroptosis, a caspase-1-dependent response to intracellular pathogens, may play a role in the interaction of macrophages with C. albicans. IMPORTANCE The ability of Candida albicans to transition from yeast to filamentous cells plays an important and complex role in pathogenesis. Recent results from a number of investigators indicate that the host responds to yeast and hyphal C. albicans differently. For example, a C. albicans mutant unable to form hyphae also fails to induce interleukin 1β (IL-1β) secretion from macrophages. We have identified C. albicans transcription factor mutants that have decreased IL-1β secretion but retain the ability to form hyphae in response to macrophages. In addition, these mutants cause significantly less macrophage lysis. These observations indicate that the physical presence of the hyphal structure in the macrophage is not sufficient to trigger IL-1β secretion nor does it cause physical lysis of the cell. Our data indicate that characteristics of hyphae separate from its physical morphology are responsible for triggering the release of IL-1β release and causing macrophage lysis. Since these observations are inconsistent with some current models, alternative mechanisms for the interaction of C. albicans with macrophages must be considered.
Discovery of actinium, thorium, protactinium, and uranium isotopes

Currently, 31 actinium, 31 thorium, 28 protactinium, and 23 uranium isotopes have so far been observed; the discovery of these isotopes is discussed. For each isotope a brief summary of the rst refereed publication, including the production and identication method, is presented.
Pattern of Parturition as Affected by Time of Feeding and Prediction of the Time of Day that Parturition Will Occur in Spring-Calving Beef Cows1

Abstract To determine if time of feeding affects time of day that parturition occurs and whether beef cattle display a predictable parturition pattern as individuals, calving data from 2 herds of spring-calving beef cows located at the University of Idaho (U of I) and Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center'Hays (KSU-ARCH) were analyzed. Each year, cows at U of I were fed between 0600 and 0800 h, and cows at KSU-ARCH were fed between 1600 and 1800 h. When feed was provided in the morning, parturition occurred randomly throughout the day. However, when cows were evening fed, more cattle gave birth during daylight hours (P
PKC-ζ prevents oxidant-induced iNOS upregulation and protects the microtubules and gut barrier integrity

Using intestinal (Caco-2) monolayers, we reported that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activation is key to oxidant-induced barrier disruption and that EGF protects against this injury. PKC-...
Preserving the Picturesque: Perceptions of Landscape, Landscape Art, and Land Protection in the United States and China

The predominant environmental consciousness in both the United States and China reflects an underlying sense of separation of people from nature. Likewise, traditional landscape paintings in the United States and China share a common underlying aesthetic—i.e., the "picturesque". Together, these similarities appear to have led to the preservation of similar types of landscapes in both countries. Because decisions regarding landscape preservation and subsequent management of preserved areas in both countries reflect aesthetic preferences more than they reflect economic values placed on ecosystem services, contemporary artists have an opportunity to help shape future societal decisions regarding what natural areas to conserve and protect.
EUS-guided FNA diagnosis of pancreatic endocrine tumors: new trends identified.

Background Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) are rare (1 per 100,000 population) and are thought to be functioning in up to 85% of cases and are generally less than 2 cm in size. By previous reports, 15% to 50% of PETs are nonfunctioning and are discovered either incidentally or by symptom evaluation from a mass effect. EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) has been shown to accurately diagnose PETs and to localize tumors for surgical resection. Objective To describe a single-center experience of EUS-FNA diagnosis of PETs and its impact on surgical management. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania. Patients Patients with PETs diagnosed via EUS-FNA over a 4-year period were identified through the authors' EUS database. Clinical history, laboratory values, diagnostic studies, EUS findings, cytology, pathology, operative records, and surgical pathology records were reviewed. Main Outcome Measurement Impact of definitive preoperative diagnosis of PET on surgical management. Results Forty-one patients were diagnosed by EUS-FNA with PET. Thirty-five PETs were nonfunctioning PET; 6 were functioning PET. The mean tumor sizes of functioning and nonfunctioning PETs were 19 mm and 28 mm, respectively. The majority of tumors were located in the pancreatic head. Surgery was performed in 78% of patients; of these, 34% were resected laparoscopipcally. Limitations Retrospective design and selection bias. Conclusions In this study, nonfunctioning PETs were more commonly diagnosed compared with functioning PETs. In addition, the PETs were smaller than previously reported, likely because of increasing detection of incidental lesions through widespread use of abdominal imaging.
Ubiquitination of hypoxia-inducible factor requires direct binding to the β-domain of the von Hippel–Lindau protein

von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a hereditary cancer syndrome that is characterized by the development of multiple vascular tumors and is caused by inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau protein (pVHL). Here we show that pVHL, through its beta-domain, binds directly to hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), thereby targeting HIF for ubiquitination in an alpha-domain-dependent manner. This is the first function to be ascribed to the pVHL beta-domain. Furthermore, we provide the first direct evidence that pVHL has a function analogous to that of an F-box protein, namely, to recruit substrates to a ubiquitination machine. These results strengthen the link between overaccumulation of HIF and development of VHL disease.
Memory hierarchy reconfiguration for energy and performance in general-purpose processor architectures

Conventional microarchitectures choose a single memory hierarchy design point targeted at the average application. In this paper, we propose a cache and TLB layout and design that leverages repeater insertion to provide dynamic low-cost configurability trading off size and speed on a per application phase basis. A novel configuration management algorithm dynamically detects phase changes and reacts to an application's hit and miss intolerance in order to improve memory hierarchy performance while taking energy consumption into consideration. When applied to a two-level cache and TLB hierarchy at 0.1 /spl mu/m technology, the result is an average 15% reduction in cycles per instruction (CPI), corresponding to an average 27% reduction in memory-CPI, across a broad class of applications compared to the best conventional two-level hierarchy of comparable size. Projecting to sub-.1 /spl mu/m technology design considerations that call for a three-level conventional cache hierarchy for performance reasons, we demonstrate that a configurable L2/L3 cache hierarchy coupled with a conventional LI results in an average 43% reduction in memory hierarchy energy in addition to improved performance.
Mastocytosis: Update on pharmacotherapy and future directions

Introduction: Mastocytosis is a disorder characterized by abnormal mast cell (MC) accumulation in skin and internal organs such as bone marrow. The disease follows a benign course in most patients with cutaneous and indolent systemic mastocytosis (SM); however, advanced variants associated with decreased life expectancy also exist. Pharmacotherapy of mastocytosis is aimed at the control of symptoms caused by MC mediator release, treatment of comorbidities and cytoreductive therapies in advanced variants. Areas covered: This article will cover the general treatment principles of anti-MC mediator and cytoreductive therapies of mastocytosis. The literature discussed was retrieved with PubMed using the search terms ‘treatment of mastocytosis,' ‘mastocytosis antimediator therapy' and looking for important cross-references. Expert opinion: Pharmacotherapy of mastocytosis should be individualized for each patient considering the category of disease, reduction of risk of anaphylaxis, constitutional symptoms and c...
Diagnosis and Management of Restricted or Closed Foramen Ovale in Fetuses With Congenital Heart Disease

The incidence of foramen ovale restriction or closure is greater in fetuses with congenital heart defects (CHDs) and obligate atrial shunting and/or left atrial hypertension. Foramen ovale restriction or closure in fetuses with CHD can cause distress in utero or at birth. We suggest performing serial ultrasound assessment for at-risk fetuses with CHD to best assure fetal well-being plan the timing and mode of delivery, and develop management protocols for in utero and postnatal care.The future for these patients may be more optimistic as fetal intervention procedures are developed and mastered.
Factors which influence levels of selected organisms in saliva of older individuals.

The most commonly measured bacterial parameters in saliva are the levels of the mutans group streptococci and lactobacilli, which have diagnostic implications for the incidence of dental decay. Diagnostic guidelines which are applicable to children and young adults in whom most, if not all, teeth are present and in whom the rate of stimulated saliva is almost always greater than 0.5 ml/min have been developed. Dental decay is a potential health problem of considerable magnitude among elderly individuals. In elderly individuals, missing teeth, the presence of dentures, and a reduced salivary flow could confound the interpretation of salivary levels of cariogenic bacteria. In the present study, in which saliva was collected from more than 560 elderly individuals (average age, 70 +/- 8 years), there was a significant positive relationship between the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and increased numbers of teeth. There was a positive association between the salivary levels of S. mutans and decay when the data were stratified for the presence of a complaint of xerostomia and the presence of dentures. However, a similar analysis indicated that lactobacilli and yeasts were more likely to be associated with decay. The various variables which could influence the bacterial counts per milliliter of saliva, e.g., independent or dependent living status, complaint of xerostomia, stimulated salivary flow, salivary pH, the presence of dentures, number of teeth, and decay, were analyzed simultaneously by using a multivariable linear model. In that analysis the number of decayed teeth was significantly associated with the presence of lactobacilli (P = 0.0001) and yeasts (P = 0.025) but not with the presence of S. mutans. Our findings indicate that salivary levels of lactobacilli and yeasts, as well as the salivary levels of S. mutans, should be monitored when seeking microbial indicators that might predict the incidence of caries in elderly individuals.
Shock compression and isentropic release of granite

SUMMARY New equation of state data for a weathered granite shocked to about 125 GPa are reported and combined with the Westerly granite data of McQueen, Marsh & Fritz (1967). The shock velocity (Us)-particle velocity (Up) relations can be fitted with two linear regressions: Us= 4.40 + 0.6Up for a range of Up up to about 2 km s-1 and Us= 2.66 + 1.49Up for a range of about 2 to 5 km s-1. The third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state parameters are Kos= 51-57 GPa and K'os= 1.4-1.8 for the low-pressure regime and Kos= 251 ± 30 GPa and an assumed K'os= 4 for the high-pressure regime. Compressive waveforms in dry and water-saturated granite were measured at 10-15 GPa using the VISAR technique. The measured wave profiles were successfully modelled using a Maxwellian stress-relaxation material model. Water-saturated granite is characterized by a ˜25 per cent lower yield strength and a ˜75 per cent longer material relaxation time than dry granite.
Reduction of automatically maintained self-injurious behavior utilizing noncontingent matched stimuli.

Objective: Analyze the effects of noncontingent matched stimulation (NMS) on the self-injurious behavior (SIB) of an eight-year-old boy with autism.Methods: First, a functional analysis was conducted to identify the reinforcers maintaining SIB. Next, an informal preference assessment was conducted to identify a potential object to provide safe matched stimulation. A multielement design was implemented to evaluate the effects of two conditions: (a) noncontingent access to attention and unmatched stimulation (DVD player) and (b) intervention consisting of access to NMS.Results: Results suggested that NMS resulted in a marked decrease of SIB relative to baseline conditions with unmatched stimulation.Conclusions: Findings suggest that unconventional stimuli may provide stimulation similar to that produced by SIB.
Hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization with “just-in-time” plerixafor approach is a cost-effective alternative to routine plerixafor use

Abstract Background aims Hematopoietic cell mobilization with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and plerixafor results in superior CD34+ cell yield compared with G-CSF alone in patients with myeloma and lymphoma. However, plerixafor-based approaches may be associated with high costs. Several institutions use a "just-in-time" plerixafor approach, in which plerixafor is only administered to patients likely to fail mobilization with G-CSF alone. Whether such an approach is cost-effective is unknown. Methods We evaluated 136 patients with myeloma or lymphoma who underwent mobilization with 2 approaches of plerixafor utilization. Between January 2010 and October 2012, 76 patients uniformly received mobilization with G-CSF and plerixafor. Between November 2012 and June 2014, 60 patients were mobilized with plerixafor administered only to those patients likely to fail mobilization with G-CSF alone. Results The routine plerixafor group had a higher median peak peripheral blood CD34+ cell count (62 versus 29 cells/μL, P 6 CD34+ cells/kg versus 2.1 × 10 6 CD34+ cells/kg, P = 0.001). The median total CD34+ collection was higher with routine plerixafor use (5.8 × 10 6 CD34+ cells/kg versus 4.5 × 10 6 CD34+ cells/kg, P = 0.007). In the "just-in-time" group, 40% (n = 24) completed adequate collection without plerixafor. There was no difference in mobilization failure rates. The mean plerixafor doses used was lower with "just-in-time" approach (1.3 versus 2.1, P = 0.0002). The mean estimated cost in the routine plerixafor group was higher (USD 27,513 versus USD 23,597, P = 0.01). Discussion Our analysis demonstrates that mobilization with a just-in-time plerixafor approach is a safe, effective, and cost-efficient strategy for HPC collection.