cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social Media: Portrait of an Emerging Tool in Medical Education

The authors compare the prevalence of challenges and opportunities in commentaries and descriptive accounts versus evaluative studies of social media use in medical education. A previously published report of social media use in medical education provided an in-depth discussion of 14 evaluative studies, a small subset of the total number of 99 articles on this topic. This study used the full set of articles identified by that review, including the 58 commentaries and 27 descriptive accounts which had not been previously reported, to provide a glimpse into how emerging tools in medical education are initially perceived. Each commentary, descriptive account, and evaluative study was identified and compared on various characteristics, including discussion themes regarding the challenges and opportunities of social media use in medical education. Themes related to the challenges of social media use in medical education were more prevalent in commentaries and descriptive accounts than in evaluative studies. The potential of social media to affect medical professionalism adversely was the most commonly discussed challenge in the commentaries (53 %) and descriptive accounts (63 %) in comparison to technical issues related to implementation in the evaluative studies (50 %). Results suggest that the early body of literature on social media use in medical education—like that of previous innovative education tools—comprises primarily commentaries and descriptive accounts that focus more on the challenges of social media than on potential opportunities. These results place social media tools in historical context and lay the groundwork for expanding on this novel approach to medical education.
Numerical Approximation of Bilinear Control of the Schroedinger Equation

We consider the one-dimensional Schroedinger equation in which the control is a time-dependent rectangular potential barrier/well. This is a bilinear control problem, as the potential multiplies the state. Differential geometric methods have been used to treat the bilinear control of systems of finitely many ODEs, and have been applied to the Schroedinger equation (quantum systems). In this paper we will calculate, using MATLAB, explicit controls which steer localized initial data to localized terminal data. These will be obtained using the Crank-Nicolson approximation, in which both space and time are discretized. If one semi-discretizes, in space, one obtains a bilinear control problem for a system of finitely many ODEs. One may pass from the semi-discretized system to Crank-Nicolson using the trapezoid rule. Thus the controls we calculate may be used to construct approximations to controls for the system of ODEs.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Extracellular potassium dependence of the Na+-K+-ATPase in cardiac myocytes: isoform specificity and effect of phospholemman.

Cardiac Na+-K+-ATPase (NKA) regulates intracellular Na+, which in turn affects intracellular Ca2+ and contractility via the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]) is a central re...
Staged management of pectus carinatum

Abstract Aim The aim was to report the treatment of pectus carinatum with a novel Argentine brace and operation. Methods The bracing and clinical data of 137 consenting pectus carinatum patients treated between October 2008 and December 2011 were reviewed for outcome. Institutional approval was obtained. Data are reported as median (range). Results Median age 122 bracing patients was 14 (10–28) years with 67 (55%) progressing under active treatment. Five patients (4%) were lost to follow-up, and thirteen (11%) failed treatment. Thirty-seven patients (30%) exhibited flattening of the sternum after 6 (1–24) months without surgery. After flattening, patients then wore the brace for progressively fewer hours each day as a “retainer” for 5 (3–19) months. Five patients (4%) experienced recurrence 5 (3–7) months after brace treatment was discontinued. Complications were limited to transient skin breakdown in nine patients. Three of the 13 Argentine brace failures and 15 other pectus carinatum patients were treated surgically. Thirteen underwent Abramson's minimally invasive operation and five an open repair, all with good initial correction. For Abramson repairs, seven patients have had bars removed, with results rated as excellent (n = 4), good (n = 2), and failure (n = 1, converted to open with excellent result later). In three patients with stiff chests, costal cartilage was resected thoracoscopically during the Abramson repair with measurably improving compliance. Conclusion Staged treatment of pectus carinatum allows most teenagers to be managed non-operatively. For patients who fail bracing or are not amenable to bracing, minimally invasive surgical treatment for pectus carinatum is a viable option.
Memory Load, Critical Features and Retrieval Processes in Facial Recognition

A Sternberg-type varied set procedure was used in which the set of stimuli associated with the "different" response was, in some cases, large and unspecified. A 3-factor design was used with repeated measures on list length (1, 2, or 4 faces), decision ("same" or "different"), and number of critical features varied between memory and target faces (0, 2, 4, or 7). Reaction times of college students for recognition of faces were analyzed to determine the nature of the retrieval processes employed. Reaction times were faster as the number of feature changes increased, and both parallel and serial processes were indicated for both "same" and "different" responses.
Genomic analysis of the mouse protamine 1, protamine 2, and transition protein 2 gene cluster reveals hypermethylation in expressing cells.

To understand the role of chromatin structure in the expression of the mouse protamine 1, protamine 2, and transition protein 2 genes during spermatogenesis, we have examined the genomic organization of this cluster of “haploid-specific” genes. As seen in the human genome, protamine 2, transition protein 2, and approximately 2.8 kb of a CpG island, hereafter called CpG island-dTP2, were clustered in a small region. Methylation analyses of this region have demonstrated that i) unlike most other tissue-specific genes, the protamine 1, protamine 2, and transition protein 2 genes were located in a large methylated domain in round spermatids, the cell type where they are transcribed, ii) the protamine 1 gene was only partially methylated in somatic cells and in testes from 7-day-old mice, and iii) the approximately 2 kb upstream and downstream of the CpG island-dTP2 were only partially methylated in somatic tissues. DNase I analysis revealed the presence of at least five strong DNase I hypersensitive sites over the CpG island-dTP2 in somatic tissues, but not in germ cells, and sequence analysis indicated that the CpG island-dTP2 is homologous to a CpG island located approximately 10.6 kb downstream of the human transition protein 2 gene. Although the nature of a CpG island-dTP2 and the function of a CpG island-dTP2-containing somatic tissue-specific DNase I hypersensitive sites in close proximity to the germ cell-specific gene cluster are unclear, the “open” chromatin structure of the CpG island-dTP2 may be responsible for the partial methylation pattern of the flanking sequences including the transition protein 2 gene in somatic tissues.
The impact of problem domains and knowledge acquisition techniques: a content analysis of P/OM expert system case studies

Abstract In the past several decades, many expert system applications have been developed and reported in the literature. Case studies of these applications typically include a detailed description of the problem domain, knowledge acquisition techniques used and also some indication of the relative success of the application. This paper presents the results of an extensive content analysis of more than 90 expert system applications in the field of production and operations management. The content analysis presented here focuses on describing the knowledge acquisition techniques used and also on the problem domain that the applications address. For years developers have speculated that certain types of problems such as planning, are more difficult, but may yield a higher-impact system. Likewise, developers and empirical KA researchers have tried to determine the conditions under which certain KA techniques will work better than others. Researchers have also speculated for years about which techniques might work best for different problem domains. By carefully analyzing this large body of case studies and operationalizing the notion of the ‘impact’ of the expert system application, we can now begin to make normative conclusions about which techniques and which problem domains seem to yield applications that have the highest impact on the respective organization. This is also the first study that will offer more tangible evidence regarding the possible linkages between problem domains and KA techniques in a more pragmatic manner than has been done previously. In an environment of shrinking IT budgets, the results of this study can provide managers with real guidance about what projects may have the biggest potential impact on their organization.
The pause in firing of a primary muscle spindle at the transition between dynamic and static stretch: a mathematical model.

A mathematical model to offer an explanation of the pause in firing of a primary muscle spindle at the transition between dynamic and static stretch is suggested. It is proposed that the firing frequency is proportional to a “generator current” at the site of the transduction (presumably the five terminal endings) and that the receptor potential is a version of this current filtered by the passive cable properties of the nerve between site of transduction and site of measurement. A mathematical expression is derived for the receptor potential from data in the literature. From this and an equivalent circuit of the nerve, an expression for the generator current is derived.
Designing a data retrieval program for clinical investigation.

Abstract We have found the IBM punch card system an inexpensive but valuable asset when applied to the problem of clinical data retrieval. We recommend its use to others who have, perhaps, been wary of becoming involved with what, to the uninitiated, may seem a gigantic and complex undertaking. Always keep clear the distinction between analytic studies and data retrieval. Treat the data retrieval card as a summation, ignoring sequence. Don't become chained to a computer. Above all, get involved with the mechanics, do your own sorting, learn for yourself what you can do with the cards. But regardless of what method is used to retrieve information, remember the dictum of Sherlock Holmes: “It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.” A contemporary Watson had made it convenient to have data at our fingertips.
The Limits of Prison Based Treatment

Abstract The resurgence in evidence-based treatment programs is largely based on a number of systemic reviews of previously published studies of a wide variety of correctional treatment programs. The findings of these reviews claim to show that treatment works and should be expanded within our correctional agencies. But a closer review of such studies suggests that the possible effects of “ramping up” such programs will not have the desired effects. Drawing from the field of medicine, whose use of the term “evidence-based” predates that within criminal justice, this article reexamines some of the findings and conclusions made by such reviews. The policy implications are that the “treatment effects” can easily be overstated, thus leading policy makers who are not trained in analysis to make erroneous policy and funding decisions. Moreover, the overemphasis of programs versus criminal justice policy diverts our attention from the more pressing need to reduce prison and jail populations.
Watch Out for the Sand Twaps

As a 3-year-old, golf star Tiger Woods learned that to prepare for each shot, he would need to watch outfor wawa, sand twaps, and the wind. The idea of being alert to uncontrollable aspects of the environment serves as a metaphor for family life. Family counselors need to recognize the impact of the environment on eachfamily. They must also play a part in eliminating the sand twaps themselves.
Externalism and Modest Contextualism

Externalism about knowledge commits one to a modest form of contextualism: whether one knows depends (or may depend) on circumstances (context) of which one has no knowledge. Such modest contextualism requires the rejection of the KK Principle (If S knows that P, then S knows that S knows that P) - something most people would want to reject anyway - but it does not require (though it is compatible with) a rejection of closure. Radical contextualism, on the other hand, goes a step farther and relativizes knowledge not just to the circumstances of the knower, but to the circumstances of the person attributing knowledge. I reject this more radical form of contextualism and suggest that it confuses (or that it can, at least, be avoided by carefully distinguishing) the relativity in what S is said to know from the relativity in whether S knows what S is said to know.
OT-01EFFECTIVENESS OF PERFUSION AND DIFFUSION IMAGING FOR GRADING PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of perfusion MRI (pMRI) and diffusion MRI (DWI/ADC) measurements in distinguishing slow-growing low-grade (LG) from fast-growing high-grade (HG) pediatric brain tumors. Brain tumors in children differ significantly from adult. Therefore, testing the utility of pMRI and DWI values as biomarkers for grading pediatric brain tumors is essential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following IRB approval, 40 children with new brain tumors who had signed consent and assent were prospectively recruited. MRI exams with severe artifact, lesions too small for accurate diagnosis or those that did not fall under a WHO category were excluded. Thirty-four children with untreated tumors remained (16M/18F, ages 0-23yrs). Perfusion imaging was added to the routine clinical MRI. DWI and ADC images were part of the routine clinical exam. Surgically resected tumors were classified as LG (WHO I/II) or HG (WHO III/IV). Pilocytic astrocytomas (PA) and pilocytic optic-pathway gliomas (OPG) were grouped together because they behave differently than other LG lesions. Non-tumor (NT) lesions were also evaluated. Using serial imaging, stable and non-resectable lesions were classified as LG, whereas rapidly enlarging lesions were classified as HG. Based on these criteria there were HG (n = 4), LG (n = 18), PA + OPG (n = 8), and NT (n = 4). Perfusion normalized (nRCBV) and standardized (sRCBV) relative cerebral blood volume and normalized cerebral blood flow (nRCBF) were calculated. RESULTS: The sRCBV is statistically different for HG vs LG (p = 0.022), but not for nRCBV or nRCBF. ADC can distinguish HG from PA + OPG (p = 0.012) and HG from LG (p = 0.035); however, when sRCBV and ADC are combined, there is greater statistical power for distinguishing these tumor categories (HG vs LG: p = 0.0029; HG vs PA + OPG: p = 0.0095). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study represent the first step toward developing an imaging biomarker that will allow us to subclassify pediatric brain tumors and tailor therapy to each child.
Neural Correlates of Inflexible Behavior in the Orbitofrontal–Amygdalar Circuit after Cocaine Exposure

Addiction is characterized by compulsive or inflexible behavior, observed both in the context of drug-seeking and in contexts unrelated to drugs. One possible contributor to these inflexible behaviors may be drug-induced dysfunction within circuits that support behavioral flexibility, including the basolateral amygdala (ABL) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Here we describe data demonstrating that chronic cocaine exposure causes long-lasting changes in encoding properties in the ABL and the OFC during learning and reversal in an odor-guided task. In particular, these data suggest that inflexible encoding in ABL neurons may be the proximal cause of cocaine-induced behavioral inflexibility, and that a loss of outcome-expectant encoding in OFC neurons could be a more distal contributor to this impairment. A similar mechanism of drug-induced orbitofrontal-amygdalar dysfunction may cause inflexible behavior when animals and addicts are exposed to drug-associated cues and contexts.
Observation on the Occurrence of Fowl Cholera in California.

Abstract The occurrence of fowl cholera in the United States was first reported by Salmon1 in 1880. This is the first recorded study of any infectious disease of poultry in this country. The next mention of the disease was in 1902, when Curtice reported an outbreak of “goose septicaemia”. Two years later Ward reported investigations of outbreaks of fowl cholera in California. The major portion of subsequent investigation of fowl cholera has been made by Hadley2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, at the Rhode Island Station, although several other investigators including Mack and Records10, Gallagher11, and Van Es and Martin12, have made some study of it. In nearly all writings on this subject the disease is described as an acute infectious disease caused by Bact. avisepticum and resulting in severe losses when it occurs in any flock. The isolation of the causative organism from the body of a dead bird is considered sufficient for a diagnosis.
Holmium: YAG Endonasal Laser Dacryocystorhinostomy

Previously described techniques of endonasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy appear to offer several advantages over conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy, including the following: (1) decreased disruption of medial canthal anatomy, (2) enhanced hemostasis, and (3) avoidance of a cutaneous scar. Although good results were achieved, several limitations of early laser-assisted techniques have been noted, including difficulty in removal of the thick bone of the anterior lacrimal crest and inability to obtain specimens of lacrimal sac mucosa for biopsy purposes. In a series of 40 consecutive, primary endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy procedures, we used the holmium: YAG (Ho: YAG) laser for bone removal and endoscopic sinus surgical instrumentation to obtain lacrimal sac biopsy specimens. Intraoperative hemostasis was excellent and medial canthal scarring was avoided in all patients. The overall long-term ostium patency rate in our series was 82%. Several technical modifications adopted in the latter part of our series, including use of a small drill for supplemental bone removal, extensive removal of lacrimal sac mucosa, and use of a double stent, appeared to enhance this success rate.
DNA sequencing : Strategies for soil microbiology

Sequencing of DNA is a powerful tool for gathering information about organisms and their environments. The 16S rRNA gene has been the preferred gene target for describing soil microbial diversity and for establishing phylogenetic relationships between unknown and uncultivated microorganisms. As sequencing technologies improve and computing power increases, however, longer and more accurate sequence data is becoming available. It is now possible to generate complete genome sequences for individual organisms and even to collect whole-environment genome, or metagenomic, sequence information. The genomes of isolated soil microorganisms have been used to describe the physiology, ecology, and evolution and have lead to important discoveries in medicine and industry. Soil metagenomic libraries contain too much information to sequence completely at this time, but can be mined for novel, and potentially useful, microbial processes and can be used to compare genetic diversity between habitats.
Categorical perception of relative orientation in visual object recognition.

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether the orientation between an object’s parts is coded categorically for object recognition and physical discrimination. In three experiments, line drawings of novel objects in which the relative orientation of object parts varied by steps of 30° were used. Participants performed either an object recognition task, in which they had to determine whether two objects were composed of the same set of parts, or a physical discrimination task, in which they had to determine whether two objects were physically identical. For object recognition, participants found it more difficult to compare the 0° and 30° versions and the 90° and 60° versions of an object than to compare the 30° and 60° versions, but only at an extended interstimulus interval (ISI). Categorical coding was also found in the physical discrimination task. These results suggest that relative orientation is coded categorically for both object recognition and physical discrimination, although metric information appears to be coded as well, especially at brief ISIs.
Treatment of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome with Breast Milk Containing Methadone

This article addresses the management of pregnant women participating in a methadone maintenance program. An approach to management of the labor of a woman on a methadone maintenance program is described along with a summary of what to anticipate at delivery and postpartum, and options for management of the infant who manifests symptoms of the neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Selective Blockade of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 With an Antibody Against Tumor-Derived Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Controls the Growth of Human Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Xenografts

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key regulator of angiogenesis, is critical for growth of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Preclinical studies demonstrate that blockade of VEGF activity can control the growth of pancreatic tumors in mice. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of 2C3, an antibody that inhibits VEGF receptor 2 activation by human VEGF, to inhibit the growth of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma in mice. Human pancreatic cancer cell lines (MiaPaca-2, Panc-1, and Capan-1) were used to establish xenografts in nu/nu mice. The expression of VEGF and its receptors was determined in each cell line. Proliferation of tumor cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo in the presence of 2C3 or a control antibody was evaluated. The effect of 2C3 on tumor weight, total vessel density, number of pericyte-associated vessels, and tumor perfusion was determined, and the level of 2C3 in the serum of animals was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. 2C3 did not affect the proliferation of cells in culture. 2C3 was present and active in the serum of tumor-bearing animals treated with 2C3, and these animals showed a decrease in tumor burden compared with control-treated mice. Therapy with 2C3 resulted in reduced vascular function, measured by a decrease in vessel density and in the percentage of vessels associated with pericytes. Furthermore, tumors derived from Capan-1 cells demonstrated decreased perfusion after treatment with 2C3. Blockade of VEGF receptor 2 activation by tumor-derived VEGF decreases tumor vessel function and growth of some human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines in mice.
But is the record complete? A case of censorship of the congressional record

Abstract The Congressional Record of October 22, 1921 contained remarks and a letter inserted by Representative Thomas L. Blanton under the leave to print privilege. Blanton's colleagues judged the letter to be obscene, ordered that issue of the Record withdrawn and that the remarks be expunged from the Record. The incident suggests the need for care in regarding cumulative issues of government publications as a completely satisfactory substitute for the original issues.
The reliability of vital sign measurements.

Abstract Study objective: Vital sign measurements, specifically heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, play a fundamental role in many medical evaluations, yet little is known about the reliability of noninvasive vital sign measurements. We sought to determine whether trained observers can reproducibly assess vital signs in the clinical setting. Methods: Two trained observers independently measured vital signs on 140 patients presenting to an urban emergency department with acute medical complaints. Heart rate and respiratory rate were each measured by auscultation of heart and breath sounds for 1 minute. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were determined by auscultating Korotkoff sounds while viewing pressure measurements from a standard cuff and mercury manometer. The mean value of each vital sign and Bland-Altman statistics (mean difference between observers [MDO], expected range of agreement [ERA]) were used to provide absolute and relative indices of reliability. Results: The observers found a mean heart rate of 78.5 beats/min, with an MDO of 0.02 beats/min (0.03%), and an ERA of ±10.6 beats/min (±13.5%). Respiratory rate exhibited a mean of 17.5 breaths/min, an MDO of 0.04 breaths/min (0.2%), and an ERA of ±6.2 breaths/min (±35.5%). The mean systolic blood pressure of 127.1 mm Hg was associated with an MDO of 1.3 mm Hg (1.0%), and an ERA of ±24.2 mm Hg (±19.0%). Diastolic blood pressure exhibited a mean of 77.4 mm Hg, an MDO of 0.3 mm Hg (0.4%) with an ERA of ±19.9 mm Hg (±25.7%). Conclusion: The reproducibility of vital sign measurements may be limited by significant interobserver variability. Clinicians should recognize this inherent variability and interpret vital signs with caution. [Edmonds ZV, Mower WR, Lovato LM, Lomeli R. The reliability of vital sign measurements. Ann Emerg Med. March 2002;39:233-237.]
Separation and Chemical Characterization of Wetting Crude Oil Compounds

Abstract To improve the understanding of wettability, especially the influence of colloidal stability and composition of crude oil, wetting experiments on quartz sand were performed with an asphaltene-rich oil, a resin-rich oil, and with model oils containing different colloid compositions. A two-step procedure was developed to investigate the wetting behavior. In the first step those crude oil components were extracted, which preferentially wet solid surfaces. The extracted crude oil components were characterized in the second step. The amount of adsorbed oil components correlates with the stability of the crude oil colloids: low colloidal stability of crude oil leads to larger amounts of adsorbed components than does high colloidal stability. The addition of resins and/or low molecular weight asphaltenes to the crude oil stabilizes the crude oil colloids; i.e., a lower amount of wetting components are isolated by extraction in such systems. To find out, which fraction of the adsorbed oil components determines the wetting behavior of a crude oil, the wetting properties of the toluene solutions of these fractions were compared to those of the toluene solutions of the precipitated crude oil colloids. The fractions extracted with the solvent systems chloroform and methanol/chloroform showed nearly the same wetting behavior as the crude oil colloids. These fractions are characterized by the highest molecular weights, higher sulfur compositions, and the lowest H/C ratios. On the other hand, the nitrogen compounds predominate in the acetone fraction.
HEMOGLOBIN POLYMERIZATION IN MICE.

Polymerization of certain mouse hemoglobins to eight-chain double molecules is completely inhibited by iodoacetamide. Each double molecule appears to consist of two α2β2-units linked by way of their β-chains with two disulfide bridges.
Low volume perfusion-superfusion system for measurement of transmitter release from blood vessels in vitro.

Abstract An in vitro technique has been developed for the simultaneous recording of vasoconstriction and transmitter release from small perfused blood vessels. To avoid excessive dilution of the released substances, 6–12-mg segments of rabbit ear arteries or rat tail arteries were mounted in 0.5-mL tissue chambers and perfusedsuperfused in a closed system. Drug administration and removal were performed by timer-controlled solenoid valves. Oscillation in the baseline generated by the roller pump was dampened by delivering Krebs' solution through a 4-mL buffer vial filled partly with air. Vasoconstriction was elicited by electrical stimulation and detected by pressure sensitive transducers. Transducer-generated electrical signals were amplified, digitalized, and recorded by a computerized system. Release of norepinephrine was measured after the tissue was preloaded with [ 3 H]norepinephrine. This system allowed us to measure minimum vasoconstrictions of 1–2 mm Hgand [ 3 H]norepinephrine efflux evoked by 4–8 electrical pulses. There was a good linear correlation ( r = 0.98) between the contractile responses and tritiated norepinephrine release. Endogenous norepinephrine released by electrical stimulation into the perfusion media was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the low picogram range (80–100 pg). Our novel experimental setup permits computerized data acquisition and automated in vitro pharmacological experiments on isolated blood vessels.
Vibration intervals for tritiated H+3 and D+3

Abstract Ab initio calculated values of fundamental vibrational frequencies and zero-point energies are presented for HTD+, D2T+, T2D+, H2T+, T2H+ and T+3.
Re-entry of space vehicle fragments

A light metal sphere found in a remote part of Australia is described. To test the hypothesis that the sphere came from a space vehicle, an analysis is made of the likely re-entry history of the sphere during decay from circular orbit. It is concluded that the sphere originated in a U. S. space vehicle in orbit, and it is shown that the sphere would survive re-entry whether or not it were shielded by additional material burnt or melted off during re-entry. Further analysis is required to decide whether this particular sphere was in fact shielded during part of the re-entry.
A GAPDH mutant defective in Src-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation impedes Rab2-mediated events.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) has multiple intracellular activities in addition to its role in gluconeogenesis. Indeed, we have reported that GAPDH is required for Rab2-mediated retrograde transport from vesicular tubular clusters (VTCs). These diverse GAPDH activities are the result of posttranslational modifications that confer a new function to the enzyme. In that regard, GAPDH is tyrosine phosphorylated by Src. To establish the functional significance of this modification for GAPDH activity in Rab2-dependent events, an amino acid substitution was made at tyrosine 41 (GAPDH Y41F). The inability of Src to phosphorylate purified recombinant GAPDH Y41F was confirmed in an in vitro kinase assay. The mutant was then employed in a quantitative membrane-binding assay that measures Rab2 recruitment of soluble components to VTCs. As we observed with GAPDH wild type, Rab2 promoted GAPDH Y41F binding to membranes in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that GAPDH tyrosine phosphorylation is not required for VTC association. However, GAPDH was tyrosine phosphorylated on VTCs. Importantly, GAPDH Y41F blocked vesicular stomatitis virus-G transport in an assay that reconstitutes endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi trafficking, indicating that phosphorylation of tyrosine 41 is essential for GAPDH activity in the early secretory pathway. The block in transport is because of the decreased binding of atypical protein kinase C ι/λ to GAPDH Y41F, which reduces β-coat protein association with the VTC and subsequent formation of Rab2-mediated retrograde vesicles. Our results suggest that Src plays a pivotal role in regulating the interaction of Rab2 effectors on the VTC.
TESTING AND ESTIMATION FOR STRUCTURES WHICH ARE CIRCULARLY SYMMETRIC IN BLOCKS1

ABSTRACT In this report, the circularly symmetric model is extended to the point where the symmetries are exhibited in blocks. In addition, it is shown how maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) and likelihood ratio tests (LRTs) can be obtained. The circularly symmetric model is reviewed and it is shown how MLEs and LRTs can be obtained by reducing the model to a canonical form. The various ways of generating the extended model (blocked circularity) are discussed It is noted that a reduction to a canonical form is possible for the block circular case. Hypotheses representing block versions of sphericity, intraclass 0Orrelation, circular symmetry, and a general matrix are presented. Also, shown are likelihood ratio tests and their approximate null distribution for testing symmetric structures and tests for means given that the covariance matrix is circular.
Indicators of Hippocampal Neurogenesis are Altered by 56Fe-Particle Irradiation in a Dose-Dependent Manner

Abstract Rola, R., Otsuka, S., Obenaus, A., Nelson, G. A., Limoli, C. L., VandenBerg, S. R. and Fike, J. R. Indicators of Hippocampal Neurogenesis are Altered by 56Fe-Particle Irradiation in a Dose-Dependent Manner. Radiat. Res. 162, 442–446 (2004). The health risks to astronauts exposed to high-LET radiation include possible cognitive deficits. The pathogenesis of radiation-induced cognitive injury is unknown but may involve loss of neural precursor cells from the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. To address this hypothesis, adult female C57BL/6 mice received whole-body irradiation with a 1 GeV/nucleon iron-particle beam in a single fraction of 0, 1, 2 and 3 Gy. Two months later mice were given BrdU injections to label proliferating cells. Subsequently, hippocampal tissue was assessed using immunohistochemistry for detection of proliferating cells and immature neurons. Routine histopathological methods were used to qualitatively assess tissue/cell morphology in the hippocampal form...
Combination of erlotinib and EGCG induces apoptosis of head and neck cancers through posttranscriptional regulation of Bim and Bcl-2

Combinatorial approaches using two or more compounds are gaining increasing attention for cancer therapy. We have previously reported that the combination of the EGFR-TKI erlotinib and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) exhibited synergistic chemopreventive effects in head and neck cancers by inducing the expression of Bim, p21, p27, and by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT and expression of Bcl-2. In the current study, we further investigated the mechanism of regulation of Bim, Bcl-2, p21 and p27, and their role in apoptosis. shRNA-mediated silencing of Bim significantly inhibited apoptosis induced by the combination of erlotinib and EGCG (p = 0.005). On the other hand, overexpression of Bcl-2 markedly protected cells from apoptosis (p = 0.003), whereas overexpression of constitutively active AKT only minimally protected cells from apoptosis induced by the combination of the two compounds. Analysis of mRNA expression by RT-PCR revealed that erlotinib, EGCG and their combination had no significant effects on the mRNA expression of Bim, p21, p27 or Bcl-2 suggesting the post-transcriptional regulation of these molecules. Furthermore, we found that erlotinib or the combination of EGCG and erlotinib inhibited the phosphorylation of Bim and stabilized Bim after inhibition of protein translation by cycloheximide. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that the combination of erlotinib and EGCG induces apoptosis of SCCHN cells by regulating Bim and Bcl-2 at the posttranscriptional level.
Your opinion counts!: leveraging social comments for analyzing aesthetic perception of photographs.

This paper presents a novel method for estimating the main factors that influence aesthetic perception of photographs. This goal is achieved by automatically leveraging comments written by professional and knowledgeable photographers in specialized community websites. The statistical analysis of the resulting data shows the importance of multiple visual attributes in aesthetic perception, and their interaction effects with different photography categories. This technique can be applied in personalization and ranking of search results, and has the potential to reveal relevant factors in other domains.
A dendroarchaeological re-examination of the “Messiah” violin and other instruments attributed to Antonio Stradivari

Abstract The “Messiah” violin is considered by many to be the finest work by Antonio Stradivari and one of the most valuable musical instruments in existence. Questions were recently raised concerning its authenticity on stylistic and historical grounds, especially in light of conflicting sets of tree-ring dates for the spruce top of the violin. To resolve this controversy, we analysed the tree rings on the “Messiah” and those found on five other instruments constructed in the same general period, dating these against a regional chronology that integrated 16 alpine tree-ring chronologies from five countries. We conclusively dated both the “Archinto” (1526–1686) and “Kux”/“Castelbarco” (1558–1684) violas against the regional chronology. We could not directly date the “Messiah” against the regional master chronology, but found that its tree rings dated well against both the “Archinto” and “Kux”/“Castelbarco” violas. Our results strongly suggest that the tree rings of the “Messiah” violin date between 1577–1687, dates that support the attribution to Antonio Stradivari and the label date of 1716. We hypothesize the wood used to make the “Messiah” came from a low-elevation tree growing distant from the high alpine areas, whereas the wood used to make the two violas likely came from an intermediate, mid-elevation location.
Absolute and convective instability of a cylinder wake

The stability behavior of a circular cross-section cylinder's wake at Reynolds number values of up to 45 is presently investigated by means of local linear stability theory. The steady-wake profiles computed are Navier-Stokes solutions of a uniform, incompressible viscous flow around a cylinder obtained by a spectral method. An absolutely unstable region is found to begin to form at a Reynolds number of about 20, and grows with incresing Reynolds number. The onset of global instability response must be characterized by a critical length of an absolutely unstable region; a critical Reynolds number criterion and preferred frequency are proposed based on linear stability analysis.
A REVIEW OF THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES AND WORKING FLUIDS FOR THE CONVERSION OF LOW-GRADE HEAT

This paper presents a review of the organic Rankine cycle and supercritical Rankine cycle for the conversion of low-grade heat into electrical power, as well as selection criteria of potential working fluids, screening of 35 working fluids for the two cycles and analyses of the influence of fluid properties on cycle performance. The thermodynamic and physical properties, stability, environmental impacts, safety and compatibility, and availability and cost are among the important considerations when selecting a working fluid. The paper discusses the types of working fluids, influence of latent heat, density and specific heat, and the effectiveness of superheating. A discussion of the 35 screened working fluids is also presented.
Virtue-nets: toward a model for expanding knowledge networks

Technological innovations in communications infrastructure and software applications such as electronic mail and Internet browsers have increased the volume and complexity of available information. Changes in the demands on time and interest are so prevalent that the "attention economy" has become an observable challenge for today's knowledge society. Advances in information technology provide the capability to manage the information overload. This paper explores virtue nets and their advantage in grouping data based on qualitative attributes to support knowledge work. A survey of communication technologies and theories supports the need to develop a network infrastructure to enable intelligent business practices. A network architecture is proposed to support network connectivity using qualitative measures. The paper concludes by providing examples where this infrastructure would be useful.
Programming the grid: component systems for distributed applications

Summary form only given. The traditional model of software design for large scale scientific problem solving is outdated. The emphasis is now on large teams that must build simulation software that integrates physical systems from multiple scientific disciplines. In addition to the problem of multi-disciplinary physics, the computational environment is now a grid of distributed resources consisting of large supercomputers, databases and networked instruments connected by high speed networks. Consequently, a new model for programming these applications is required. What is emerging is a programming style where the individual components of a large simulation can be located on remote systems and the application is built by composing these elements together to form a single distributed system. Building applications from software components is not a new idea. It has a rich history in the visualization and object oriented software design communities. More recently, the desktop top software industry has embraced this concept with systems like Java Beans, ActiveX and CORBA-Enterprise Beans. The author examines a new project to design a component architecture for scientific programming. He examines some of the design trade-offs that make this problem different from the conventional CA environment.
The Influences of Obesity and Age on Functional Performance During Intermittent Upper Extremity Tasks

In this study, the main and interactive effects of obesity and age on functional performance were assessed during intermittent exertions involving the upper extremity. The prevalence of obesity has doubled over the past 30 years and this increase is associated with higher health care costs, rates of workplace injury, and lost workdays. Obesity and aging can modify job demands and affect worker capacity in terms of muscular and psychomotor function. However, there is a lack of empirical studies quantifying the work-relevant (or ergonomic) impacts related to task demands, capacities, and their potential imbalance. Eight obese and eight non-obese participants from each of two age groups (18–25 and 50–65 years) completed three endurance tasks involving fixed levels of task demands: hand grip, shoulder flexion, and a simulated assembly task using the upper extremity. Measures of functional performance including endurance, discomfort, motor control, and task performance were recorded for each of the task condit...
DIFFERENTIATION OF THYROTOXICOSIS AND THE MENOPAUSAL DISTURBANCES

Physiological disturbances at the time of the menopause may simulate any one of a number of recognized disease processes. The differentiation of true thyrotoxicosis from menopausal disturbances has been one of the puzzles which has not been subjected to attack in an objective way. The use of a single determination of the basal metabolic rate even when combined with a complete physical examination is not adequate to determine this separation in some cases. The problem can best be stated by citing an illustrative case.
Spectrum Opportunity-Based Control Channel Assignment in Cognitive Radio Networks

We address the problem of dynamic assignment of coordination (control) channels in cognitive radio networks (CRNs) by exploiting time- and space-varying spectrum opportunities. Motivated by the inherent grouping of Cognitive Radio (CR) users according to channel availability, we propose a cluster-based architecture for control-channel assignment in a CRN. CRs are grouped in the same cluster if they roughly sense similar idle channels and are within communication range, either directly or via a clusterhead. We formulate the clustering design as a maximum edge biclique problem. A distributed cluster agreement algorithm called Spectrum-Opportunity Clustering (SOC) is proposed to solve this problem. SOC provides a desirable balance between two competing factors: the set of common idle channels within each cluster and the cluster size. A large set of common idle channels within each cluster allows graceful migration from the current control channel should primary radio (PR) activity appear on that channel. Hence, SOC provides a stable network partition with respect to local coordination, with no need for frequent reclustering. Moreover, when reclustering has to be performed (due to CR mobility or PR activity), CRs agree on new clusters after the broadcast of only three messages, thus incurring low communication overhead.
Notch signaling functions in lymphatic valve formation.

Collecting lymphatic ducts contain intraluminal valves that prevent backflow. In mice, lymphatic valve morphogenesis begins at embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5). In the mesentery, Prox1 expression is high in valve-forming lymphatic endothelial cells, whereas cells of the lymphatic ducts express lower levels of Prox1. Integrin α9, fibronectin EIIIA, Foxc2, calcineurin and the gap junction protein Cx37 are required for lymphatic valve formation. We show that Notch1 is expressed throughout the developing mesenteric lymphatic vessels at E16.5, and that, by E18.5, Notch1 expression becomes highly enriched in the lymphatic valve endothelial cells. Using a Notch reporter mouse, Notch activity was detected in lymphatic valves at E17.5 and E18.5. The role of Notch in lymphatic valve morphogenesis was studied using a conditional lymphatic endothelial cell driver either to delete Notch1 or to express a dominant-negative Mastermind-like (DNMAML) transgene. Deletion of Notch1 led to an expansion of Prox1high cells, a defect in Prox1high cell reorientation and a decrease in integrin α9 expression at sites of valve formation. Expression of DNMAML, which blocks all Notch signaling, resulted in a more severe phenotype characterized by a decrease in valves, failure of Prox1high cells to cluster, and rounding of the nuclei and decreased fibronectin-EIIIA expression in the Prox1high cells found at valve sites. In human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells, activation of Notch1 or Notch4 induced integrin α9, fibronectin EIIIA and Cx37 expression. We conclude that Notch signaling is required for proper lymphatic valve formation and regulates integrin α9 and fibronectin EIIIA expression during valve morphogenesis.
Electromagnetic scattering from large, deep, and arbitrarily-shaped open cavities

The analysis of electromagnetic scattering from a large, deep, and arbitrarily-shaped open cavity is a very difficult task because of a large number of unknowns resulting from the discretization of the cavity. We present a very efficient technique to deal with this problem. This technique is based on the finite-element method (FEM) that is known for its capability to handle arbitrary geometries and complex material composition. The FEM mesh at the cavity aperture is terminated in an exact manner by the boundary-integral method. The technique exploits the unique features of the finite-element equations and, more importantly, the unique features of the problem of scattering by a large and deep cavity. It is designed in such a manner that it uses a minimal memory, which is proportional to the aperture size of the cavity and independent of the depth of the cavity, and its computation time increases only linearly with the depth of the cavity. Furthermore, it computes the scattered fields for all angles of incidence without requiring significant additional time. The technique is applied to both two and three dimensional cavities whose interior may be coated with radar absorbing materials.
The importance of radiographic monitoring of endoscopic sphincterotomy.

The radiographic features of endoscopic sphincterotomies performed in 44 patients were evaluated. Radiographic landmarks aided in proper sphincterotome placement and also disclosed conditions and anatomic variations that made catheter placement difficult. Fluoroscopic and radiographic monitoring not only assisted the performance of endoscopic sphincterotomy, but also confirmed successful results and revealed reasons for failure. Radiographic changes in the biliary tract after sphincterotomy, as well as potential complications of sphincterotomy, are discussed and illustrated.