cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A microsomal ATP-activated pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase.

Abstract An ATP-activated transhydrogenase which catalyzes the reduction of TPN + by DPNH has been demonstrated in the microsomal fraction from the endosperm of immature Echinocystis macrocarpa seeds. The activity is specifically dependent on the presence of ATP ( K m of approximately 0.1 m m ) of several nucleotides tested. The reaction is stimulated by MgCl 2 addition up to concentrations of 6 m m . When 10 −2 m EDTA is added to the assay mixture in the absence of added MgCl 2 , a transhydrogenation reaction is observed which no longer shows any dependence on added ATP. A TPN + -dependent ATPase activity can be demonstrated in these preparations, but no fixed stoichiometry between ATP cleavage and TPNH formation could be established. A lag in attaining the maximal rate of transhydrogenation is seen unless the enzyme is preincubated for 10 min with ATP before initiating the reaction. It can further be shown that preincubation of the enzyme with ATP followed by removal of the ATP on a Dowex 1 column produces an enzyme capable of catalyzing the transhydrogenation without the further addition of ATP. 2,4-Dinitrophenol and thyroxin are effective inhibitors of the transhydrogenase and 2,4-dinitrophenol was shown to inhibit the activating effect of ATP during the preincubation period. It is concluded that the role of ATP is in the modification of the enzyme rather than direct participation in the transhydrogenation. The transhydrogenase is inhibited by ADP and AMP. This results in a response of the enzyme to adenylate energy charge in a manner characteristic for regulatory enzymes which participate in ATP-utilizing metabolic sequences.
Imiquimod 5% cream as primary or adjuvant therapy for melanoma in situ, lentigo maligna type

Background Surgical resection of lentigo maligna (LM) is complicated by noncontiguous, subclinical extension and actinic melanocytic hyperplasia in sun-damaged skin of older individuals. Objective We sought to determine the long-term effectiveness of imiquimod as primary or adjuvant therapy for LM. Methods Patients were retrospectively identified from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2013, with LM, early/evolving LM, and LM melanoma who had used topical imiquimod 5% cream for either primary therapy after diagnostic biopsy, or adjuvant therapy after narrow-margin surgical resection or complete clinical but not histologic resection of LM. Follow-up occurred through December 31, 2014. Results In all, 63 cases were identified in 61 patients, mean (SD) age 71.1 (12.4) years; 58 were analyzed for local recurrence. Imiquimod was used as primary therapy in 22 of 63 (34.9%) and adjuvant therapy in 41 of 63 (65.1%) for mean duration of 11.7 (range 2-60) weeks. Fifty cases (86.2%) demonstrated clinical clearance at mean (SD) follow-up of 42.1 (27.4) months: 72.7% primary and 94.4% adjuvant at 39.7 (23.9) and 43.1 (28.9) months, respectively. Limitations Retrospective cohort study and lack of standardized imiquimod application are limitations. Conclusion Imiquimod cream appears to be a viable option for primary or adjuvant treatment of LM in older patients who are poor surgical candidates.
The political economy of Southeast Asia's techno-glocalism

Asian economies' prospects for upward mobility within the global division of labour hinge significantly on the degree to which transnational corporations' (TNCs) global production networks (GPNs) accommodate or hinder their efforts to shift from simple production into more remunerative roles. A growing literature notes the rise in various countries of a ‘neo-techno-nationalism’ that aims to bolster local innovation and challenge TNCs' technologically derived leverage over the distribution of roles and rewards within GPNs. Industrial and technological policies in Southeast Asia, however, reflect a quite different ‘techno-glocalist’ strategy. Such strategies are based on a ‘governance bargain’ in which host governments, in exchange for technological upgrading, facilitate TNCs' exercise of governance authority transnationally as well as in coordinating local investments in innovation and other cluster-building activities. They highlight a conceptual distinction between the degree of internalization and hiera...
Tissue Tracking: Applications for Brain MRI Classification

Bayesian classification methods have been extensively used in a variety of image processing applications, including medical image analysis. The basic procedure is to combine data-driven knowledge in the likelihood terms with clinical knowledge in the prior terms to classify an image into a pre-determined number of classes. In many applications, it is difficult to construct meaningful priors and, hence, homogeneous priors are assumed. In this paper, we show how expectation-maximization weights and neighboring posterior probabilities may be combined to make intuitive use of the Bayesian priors. Drawing upon insights from computer vision tracking algorithms, we cast the problem in a tissue tracking framework. We show results of our algorithm on the classification of gray and white matter along with surrounding cerebral spinal fluid in brain MRI scans. We show results of our algorithm on 20 brain MRI datasets along with validation against expert manual segmentations.
Rapid screening luminescence techniques for trace organic analysis

This paper provides an overview of the principles and applications of two spectroscopic methods, synchronous luminescence (SL) and room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP), used as rapid screening tools for monitoring polynuclear aromatic compounds in real-life samples. Two practical examples, a screening procedure of various coal products and a characterization procedure of the total particulate matter from cigarette smoke condensates, illustrate the efficacy of the SL and RTP techniques. The paper also briefly reviews other applications of the SL and RTP techniques in the areas of environmental and industrial process control.
Differences in ACL biomechanical risk factors between field hockey and lacrosse female athletes

Purpose Previous investigations have revealed a greater incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female lacrosse versus field hockey players. Lacrosse is played in an upright posture with overhead throwing and catching, while field hockey is almost exclusively played in a crouched, forward-flexed position. Biomechanical factors, including decreased knee, hip, and trunk flexion angles, have been identified as risk factors for ACL injury. The purpose of this study was to assess ACL biomechanical risk factors in female field hockey and lacrosse players to determine whether sport-specific posture might contribute to the increased incidence of ACL injury observed in lacrosse athletes.
Oil and Gas Production and Economic Growth in New Mexico

This paper examines the relationship between energy production and economic growth in New Mexico using cross section data for the state's 33 counties in Census years 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990 and 2000...
Botulinum toxin as treatment for a unique case of subcutaneous emphysema.

Summary A developmentally delayed 11-year-old male developed extensive spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema 6 weeks after a laryngotracheal separation. Computed tomography demonstrated a small amount of air at the distal end of the laryngeal stump and significant esophageal air. Aerophagia was diagnosed with air presumed diverted through the laryngeal stump due to cricopharyngeal hypertension. Cricopharyngeal botulinum toxin injection was coordinated with a minimal neck dissection to drain the subcutaneous emphysema. The subcutaneous emphysema gradually improved and the patient was discharged home. His subcutaneous emphysema has not returned after four total botulinum toxin injections every 3 months.
Exploration of the iceformation method applied to a diffuser

Conception de la surface d'ecoulement d'un diffuseur par une methode «naturelle» la formation de glace. L'ecoulement influence et optimise le developpement de la geometrie
Evolutionary biology: geography and skin colour.

Human skin comes in many different shades. Recent studies of geographical differences in skin colour open up the subject scientifically by offering sophisticated accounts of the basis of this variation.
Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole Remains Active Against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Shigella Species in Guadalajara, Mexico

Bacterial isolates obtained from fecal cultures of U.S. adults in Guadalajara, Mexico, with diarrhea developing during the summers of 1987, 1988, and 1989 were tested for in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility. No resistance was seen among 220 enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolates nor among 89 Shigella strains to aztreonam, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, or furazolidone. High level (greater than 1000 micrograms/ml) resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) was found in 7% of E. coli and 3% of Shigella strains. Susceptibility patterns of 27 E. coli strains derived from fecal cultures of Mexican infants in Guadalajara with diarrhea during the same time period showed similar results, possibly reflecting the presence of a common microbial reservoir. The study serves as a baseline for newer antimicrobials (fluoroquinolones and aztreonam) where no resistance is currently seen and provides evidence of the continuing value of TMP/SMX for therapy of diarrhea among travelers to Gudalajara and perhaps other areas of Mexico.
Carcinogenic activity of hexacholorobenzene in hamsters

HEXACHLOROBENZENE (HCB), has been widely used as a fungicide, is a contaminant of various pesticides including DACTHAL and pentachloronitrobenzene, and is also a byproduct in the manufacture of many chlorinated hydrocarbons (in the United States probably more than 2 × 106 pounds of HCB are produced annually1). In Turkey, HCB was the causative agent in a severe outbreak of porphyria cutanea tarda symptomatica involving several thousand people between 1955 and 1959 (refs 2–4). In spite of the ban of HCB in 1959, symptoms of disease due to this toxic porphyria have persisted for a long time5,6. The aim of present studies was to determine the chronic toxicity of HCB after prolonged oral administration and we report here that HCB is carcinogenic in hamsters.
Item Reversals and Response Validity in the Job Diagnostic Survey

Experts disagree on whether questionnaires should have items worded in both positive and negative directions or items all worded in the same direction. This study examined this controversy in a sample of 921 employees of a state agency who completed two versions of a widely used questionnaire, Hackman and Oldham's Job Diagnostic Survey. One version had both positively and negatively worded items, and the other version had only positively worded items. Subsamples of respondents high and low on inconsistency and inaccuracy scales (response validity scales developed by the author) were studied to determine whether invalid responding might account for problems with item wording. Correlations between job characteristics (skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and feedback) and work outcomes (general job satisfaction, internal motivation, and growth satisfaction) were compared between subsamples using the Fisher r to z transformation. Out of 18 comparisons, only 3 correlations were significa...
Comparison of porcine liver tRNA preparations: purification of tRNA and its separation from RNA-peptidyl complexes.

Abstract Six fractions of soluble RNA were obtained from phenol extracts of porcine liver and were tested for their acceptance of 14 amino acids under aminoacylation conditions and for their effects on the aminoacylation of tRNA. Two of the fractions contained appreciable amounts of tRNA, and three of the fractions affected the aminoacylation of tRNA. Based on these observations a revised method of tRNA preparation was developed that includes essentially all the tRNA in one fraction but that excludes the RNA-peptidyl complexes. The revised method is rapid and convenient and provides better quality tRNA than three alternate methods to which it is compared.
Theoretical study of the electronic structure of the Si 3 N 4 (0 0 0 1) surface

Density functional theory has been applied to a study of the electronic structure of the ideally-terminated, relaxed and H-saturated (0 0 0 1) surfaces of b-Si3N4 and to that of the bulk material. For the bulk, the lattice constants and atom positions and the valence band density of states are all in good agreement with experimental results. A band gap of 6.7 eV is found which is in fair accord with the experimental value of 5.1–5.3 eV for H-free Si3N4. Using a two-dimensionally-periodic slab model, a p-bonding interaction is found between threefold-coordinated Si and twofold-coordinated N atoms in the surface plane leading to p and p* surface-state bands in the gap. A surface-state band derived from s-orbitals is also found in the gap between the upper and lower parts of the valence band. Relaxation results in displacements of surface and first-underlayer atoms and to a stronger p-bonding interaction which increases the p–p* gap. The relaxed surface shows no occupied surface states above the valence band maximum, in agreement with recent photoemission data for a thin Si3N4 film. The p* band, however, remains well below the conduction band minimum (but well above the Fermi level). Adsorbing H at all dangling-bond sites on the ideally-terminated surface and then relaxing the surface and first underlayer leads to smaller, but still finite, displacements in comparison to the clean relaxed surface. This surface is more stable, by about 3.67 eV per H, than the clean relaxed surface. � 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Public health: Broad reception for coronavirus.

The discovery that a new coronavirus associated with lethal respiratory infections binds to an evolutionarily conserved receptor on airway cells suggests that direct transmission from bats to humans may occur. See Letter p.251 The emerging pathogenic coronavirus hCoV-EMC, first identified in September 2012, has been fatal in about half of the few humans infected so far. Bart Haagmans and colleagues have now identified the receptor that this virus uses to infect cells. In contrast to the related virus SARS-CoV, which uses angiotensin converting enzyme 2, the functional receptor for hCoV-EMC is dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4, also known as CD26), an exopeptidase found on non-ciliated cells in the lower respiratory tract. This enzyme is highly conserved across different species, and hCoV-EMC can also use bat DPP4 as a functional receptor — a possible clue as to the host range and epidemiological history of this new virus. The findings may also be important for the development of intervention strategies.
Molluscan Diversity in the Late Neogene of Florida: Evidence for a Two-Staged Mass Extinction

Analyses of recent data show that Floridian molluscan diversity declined markedly during the Pliocene-Pleistocene mass extinction. This decline in diversity was seen at all trophic levels, indicating a complete collapse of the ecosystem. These findings contradict the notion that there was a species diversity stasis throughout the Pliocene-Pleistocene and that the diversity of Pliocene Florida was equivalent to that of Recent Florida. The mass extinction was a two-staged, sequential event. A similar two-staged mass extinction occurred in the Miocene, indicating that two ecological catastrophes in quick geological succession may have produced this mass extinction as well.
In-beam tests of a ring imaging Cherenkov detector with a multianode photomultiplier readout

Abstract A ring-imaging Cherenkov counter read out by a 100-channel PMT of active area 10 × 10 cm2 was operated successfully in a test beam at the BNL AGS with several radiator gases, including the heavy fluorocarbon C4F10. Ring radii were measured for electrons, muons, pions and kaons over the particle momentum range from 2 to 12 GeV/c, and a best resolution of σ r r = 2.3% was obtained.
Children's memory for their mother's murder: accuracy, suggestibility, and resistance to suggestion

From its inception, child eyewitness memory research has been guided by dramatic legal cases that turn on the testimony of children. Decades of scientific research reveal that, under many conditions, children can provide veracious accounts of traumatic experiences. Scientific studies also document factors that lead children to make false statements. In this paper we describe a legal case in which children testified about their mother's murder. We discuss factors that may have influenced the accuracy of the children's eyewitness memory. Children's suggestibility and resistance to suggestion are illustrated. Expert testimony, based on scientific research, can aid the trier of fact when children provide crucial evidence in criminal investigations and courtroom trials about tragic events.
Two-Stage Residential Energy Management Considering Network Operational Constraints

This paper suggests a decentralized optimization of residential demand to minimize the cost to the utility company and customers while maintaining customer satisfaction. As an important feature, distribution system constraints such as equipment capacity, line flow limits, and phase balance constraints are taken into account. Due to the large amount of uncertainty in the residential demand, a two-stage pricing is considered. In the first stage, day-ahead prices as well as residential appliance scheduling are determined through interaction of the utility company and residential customers. Uncertainty of the customer demand is also considered in the day-ahead pricing. In the second stage, on the other hand, prices will be updated based on the actual residential loads. Similar to locational marginal price (LMP) in transmission system, customers on different nodes are charged with different prices. Performance of the approach is shown on a sample distribution system.
Longitudinal Stability of a Coasting Beam in a Corrugated Vacuum Chamber

Widenings of a vacuum chamber may function as resonant cavities, which can promote longitudinal instabilities. We have reexamined the stability question in such a situation, following earlier work of Keil and Zotter. We solve the full linearized Vlasov-Maxwell equations for a model vacuum chamber, using an improved computational method which is efficient for virtually any choice of geometrical parameters, in particular for large ring radius R. Because of mode coupling induced by the corrugations, the dispersion relation that determines the growth time of an instability involves an infinite-dimensional impedance matrix, rather than the usual single impedance. We give a method to compute the growth time ?, and find an explicit formula for ? as an oscillating function of the mean revolution frequency ?, with sharp minima at points where the real part of a cavity resonance frequency is equal to an harmonic of ? (plus a small shift). An illustration for parameters of interest in ion beam fusion is included.
Parallel Functional Changes in Independent Testis-Specific Duplicates of Aldehyde dehydrogenase in Drosophila

A large proportion of duplicates, originating from ubiquitously expressed genes, acquire testis-biased expression. Identifying the underlying cause of this observation requires determining whether the duplicates have altered functions relative to the parental genes. Typically, statistical methods are used to test for positive selection, signature of which in protein sequence of duplicates implies functional divergence. When assumptions are violat ed, however, such tests can lead to false inference of positive selection. More convincing evidence for naturally selected functional changes would be the occurrence of structural changes with similar functional consequences in independent duplicates of the same gene. We investigated two testis-specific duplicates of the broadly expressed enzyme gene Aldehyde dehydrogenase (Aldh )t hat arose in different Drosophila lineages. The duplicates show a typical pattern of accelerated amino acid substitutions relative to their broadly expressed paralogs, with statistical evidence for positive selection in both cases. Importantly, in both duplicates, width of the entrance to the substrate binding site, known a priori to influence substrate specificity, and otherwise conserved throughout the genus Drosophila, has been reduced, resulting in narrowing of the entrance. Protein structure modeling suggests that the reduction of the size of the enzyme’s substrate entry channel, which is likely to shift substrate specificity toward smaller aldehydes, is accounted for by the positively selected parallel substitutions in one duplicate but not the other. Evolution of the testis-specific duplicates was accompanied by reduction in expression of the ancestral Aldh in males, supporting the hypothesis that the duplicates may have helped resolve intralocus sexual conflict over Aldh function.
Gene Transfer in Baboons Using Prosthetic Vascular Grafts Seeded with Retrovirally Transduced Smooth Muscle Cells: A Model for Local and Systemic Gene Therapy

ABSTRACT Prosthetic vascular grafts containing retrovirally transduced autologous vascular smooth muscle cells were studied as a model for introduction of human genes into baboons. Retroviral vecto...
Protein Kinase C Regulation of 12-Lipoxygenase-Mediated Human Platelet Activation

Platelet activation is important in the regulation of hemostasis and thrombosis. Uncontrolled activation of platelets may lead to arterial thrombosis, which is a major cause of myocardial infarction and stroke. After activation, metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) by 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) may play a significant role in regulating the degree and stability of platelet activation because inhibition of 12-LOX significantly attenuates platelet aggregation in response to various agonists. Protein kinase C (PKC) activation is also known to be an important regulator of platelet activity. Using a newly developed selective inhibitor for 12-LOX and a pan-PKC inhibitor, we investigated the role of PKC in 12-LOX-mediated regulation of agonist signaling in the platelet. To determine the role of PKC within the 12-LOX pathway, a number of biochemical endpoints were measured, including platelet aggregation, calcium mobilization, and integrin activation. Inhibition of 12-LOX or PKC resulted in inhibition of dense granule secretion and attenuation of both aggregation and αIIbβ3 activation. However, activation of PKC downstream of 12-LOX inhibition rescued agonist-induced aggregation and integrin activation. Furthermore, inhibition of 12-LOX had no effect on PKC-mediated aggregation, indicating that 12-LOX is upstream of PKC. These studies support an essential role for PKC downstream of 12-LOX activation in human platelets and suggest 12-LOX as a possible target for antiplatelet therapy.
Review of "Systems training and its evaluation in the australian bureau of statistics by Muetzelfeldt, M. A.; Lonsdale, P. G.; and Edwards, R. A." in Proc. 6th Australian computer conf., Vol. 2, (Sydney, May 20-24, 1974), 1974, 673-683

Perhaps the most necessary but unappreciated writing is done by those individuals responsible for researching, organizing, and documenting procedures. These procedures might also be known as standard practices, methods bulletins, standard methods, standard operating procedures, and a host of other names. A lack of reading of these procedures is probably due more to the usual verbose, rambling style of the writing than the lack of need.
Defective interfering particles in monolayer-propagated Newcastle disease virus.

Abstract Newcastle disease virus (NDV) serially passaged in chick embryo fibroblasts (M-NDV) gives rise to defective interfering (NDV-DI) particles, while NDV passaged in embryonated eggs (E-NDV) does not. Co-infection with these particles and infectious virions results in a 99% reduction in yield. Interference is not due to interferon or to prevention of absorption of infectious virions and is specific for NDV. The particles mediating interference sediment at the same velocity as infectious virions. The accumulation of NDV-DI particles in monolayers but not in eggs may be a consequence of the fact that M-NDV virions are larger and probably contain more RNA, or it may reflect differences in NDV replicative processes in eggs and monolayers, or both.
10.5 A 5.9pJ/b 10Gb/s serial link with unequalized MM-CDR in 14nm tri-gate CMOS

High-speed serial links integrated in advanced CMOS are ubiquitous in modern microprocessor systems. These commodity links have fixed performance specs and therefore realize the benefit of technology scaling in area and power reduction at high data rates. To realize significant scaling benefits, these designs must overcome the challenges associated with implementing analog functions in scaled logic-optimized processes while maintaining link robustness over a wide range of channel characteristics and third party components.
The physiological functions of iron regulatory proteins in iron homeostasis - an update.

Iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) regulate the expression of genes involved in iron metabolism by binding to RNA stem-loop structures known as iron responsive elements (IREs) in target mRNAs. IRP binding inhibits the translation of mRNAs that contain an IRE in the 5’untranslated region of the transcripts, and increases the stability of mRNAs that contain IREs in the 3'untranslated region of transcripts. By these mechanisms, IRPs increase cellular iron absorption and decrease storage and export of iron to maintain an optimal intracellular iron balance. There are two members of the mammalian IRP protein family, IRP1 and IRP2, and they have redundant functions as evidenced by the embryonic lethality of the mice that completely lack IRP expression (Irp1-/-/Irp2-/- mice), which contrasts with the fact that Irp1-/- and Irp2-/- mice are viable. In addition, Irp2-/- mice also display neurodegenerative symptoms and microcytic hypochromic anemia, suggesting that IRP2 function predominates in the nervous system and erythropoietic homeostasis. Though the physiological significance of IRP1 had been unclear since Irp1-/- animals were first assessed in the early 1990’s, recent studies indicate that IRP1 plays an essential function in orchestrating the balance between erythropoiesis and bodily iron homeostasis. Additionally, Irp1-/- mice develop pulmonary hypertension, and they experience sudden death when maintained on an iron-deficient diet, indicating that IRP1 has a critical role in the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. This review summarizes recent progress that has been made in understanding the physiological roles of IRP1 and IRP2, and further discusses the implications for clinical research on patients with idiopathic polycythemia, pulmonary hypertension and neurodegeneration.
The impact of paravirtualized memory hierarchy on linear algebra computational kernels and software

Previous studies have revealed that paravirtualization imposes minimal performance overhead on High Performance Computing (HPC) workloads, while exposing numerous benefits for this field. In this study, we are investigating the memory hierarchy characteristics of paravirtualized systems and their impact on automatically-tuned software systems. We are presenting an accurate characterization of memory attributes using hardware counters and user-process accounting. For that, we examine the proficiency of ATLAS, a quintessential example of an autotuning software system, in tuning the BLAS library routines for paravirtualized systems. In addition, we examine the effects of paravirtualization on the performance boundary. Our results show that the combination of ATLAS and Xen paravirtualization delivers native execution performance and nearly identical memory hierarchy performance profiles. Our research thus exposes new benefits to memory-intensive applications arising from the ability to slim down the guest OS without influencing the system performance. In addition, our findings support a novel and very attractive deployment scenario for computational science and engineering codes on virtual clusters and computational clouds.
Strand and nucleotide-dependent ATPase activity of gp16 of bacterial virus phi29 DNA packaging motor.

Abstract Similar to the assembly of other dsDNA viruses, bacterial virus phi29 uses a motor to translocate its DNA into a procapsid, with the aid of protein gp16 that binds to pRNA 5′/3′ helical region. To investigate the mechanism of the motor action, the kinetics of the ATPase activity of gp16 was evaluated as a function of DNA structure (ss- or ds-stranded) or chemistry (purine or pyrimidine). The k cat and K m in the absence of DNA was 0.016 s − 1 and 351.0 μM, respectively, suggesting that gp16 itself is a slow-ATPase with a low affinity for substrate. The affinity of gp16 for ATP was greatly boosted by the presence of DNA or pRNA, but the ATPase rate was strongly affected by DNA structure and chemistry. The order of ATPase stimulation is poly d(pyrimidine) > dsDNA > poly d(purine), which agreed with the order of the DNA binding to gp16, as revealed by single molecule fluorescence microscopy. Interestingly, the stimulation degree by phi29 pRNA was similar to that of poly d(pyrimidine). The results suggest that pRNA accelerates gp16 ATPase activity more significantly than genomic dsDNA, albeit both pRNA and genomic DNA are involved in the contact with gp16 during DNA packaging.
Impact of budesonide on liver function tests and gut inflammation in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ileal pouch anal anastomosis.

Abstract Background and aim Budesonide has been studied in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of oral budesonide on liver function tests in patients with PSC and pouchitis associated with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Materials and methods The study group consisted of 18 pouch patients with underlying ulcerative colitis (UC) and PSC who were treated with 9 mg daily of budesonide for their underlying pre-pouch ileitis and pouchitis for 1-3 months followed by 3-6 mg maintenance for another 9 months. Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed. Results The mean age was 39.4 ± 12.4 years (range, 21–59 years). There was no significant change in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [median (interquartile range) (IQR) 32 (25, 43.8) vs. 35.5 (25.5, 53), p = 0.35], alanine aminotransferase (ALT) [37.5 (25.5, 49.5) vs. 40 (30, 84.3), p = 0.29], alkaline phosphatase [142.5 (98.5, 264.5) vs. 126 (94.3, 189.5), p = 0.35], serum bilirubin [0.7 (0.4, 1.3) vs., 0.6 (0.4, 1.6), p = 0.13] or albumin levels [4.3 (3.9, 4.4) vs. 4.2 (3.8, 4.4), p = 0.22] at the end of the treatment period (1 year). The revised Mayo Risk Score did not change significantly and three patients required evaluation for liver transplantation during treatment. There was a significant improvement in the endoscopy subscores in the afferent limb and pouch after a year of budesonide treatment ( p = 0.001). Conclusions Oral budesonide appears to have no impact on liver function tests in pouch patients with PSC. However it significantly improved afferent limb and pouch inflammation in IPAA patients.
Research highlights: increasing paper possibilities

In this issue we highlight three recent papers that demonstrate new strategies to extend the capabilities of paper microfluidics. Paper (a mesh of porous fibers) has a long history as a substrate to perform biomolecular assays. Traditional lateral flow immunoassays (LFAs) are widely used for rapid diagnostic tests, and perform well when a yes or no answer is required and the analyte of interest is at relatively high concentrations. High concentrations are required because usually only a small volume of analyte-containing fluid flows past the detection region, leading to a limited signal. Further, the small pores within paper matrices prevent the use of paper to control the flow of larger particles and cells, limiting the use of paper microfluidics for cell-based diagnostics. The work we highlight addresses these important unmet challenges in paper microfluidics: enriching low concentration analytes to a higher concentration in a smaller volume that can be processed effectively, and using paper to pump flows in larger channels amenable to cells. Applying these new approaches may allow diagnosis of disease states currently technically unachievable using current LFA systems, while maintaining many of the “un-instrumented” advantages of an assay on self-wicking paper.
Measurement of Enhanced Gate-Controlled Band-to-Band Tunneling in Highly Strained Silicon-Germanium Diodes

Strained silicon-germanium (Si0.6Ge0.4) gated diodes have been fabricated and analyzed. The devices exhibit significantly enhanced gate-controlled tunneling current over that of coprocessed silicon control devices. The current characteristics are insensitive to measurement temperature in the 80 K to 300 K range. Independently extracted valence band offset at the strained Si0.6Ge0.4/Si interface is 0.4 eV, yielding a Si0.6Ge0.4 bandgap of 0.7 eV, which is much reduced compared to that of Si. The results are consistent with device operation based on quantum-mechanical band-to-band (BTB) tunneling rather than on thermal generation. Moreover, simulation of the strained Si0.6Ge0.4 device using a quantum-mechanical BTB tunneling model is in good agreement with the measurements.
Bit level block matching systolic arrays

We present two bit-level systolic arrays for block matching which are designed by using a well-known methodology. Hardware complexities and speeds of both bit-level designs and conventional word-level arrays are compared by using synthesis tools. We pay special attention to a class of issues which were somewhat overlooked by previous publications, including power consumption due to high frequency, area due to routing and control, and optimal level of pipelining. Our design offers the following features: (1) The bit-level arrays are estimated to offer 200+% speed-up over word-level arrays. (2) When compared with word-level system with same throughput, the bit-level designs reduce control complexity, bus/routing area, and data buffering. (3) When dynamic power control is desired, these bit-level designs offer the flexibility of disabling some processing elements (for lower significant bits) at slight cost of picture quality. Finally, the potential promises and limitations of bit-level systolic block matching arrays, especially those concerning their integration into codec application system are investigated and discussed.
THE PROJECT TALENT DATA BANK1

For centuries scientists have benefitted from the previously recorded observations of other scientists. This is especially true in disciplines where experimentation is difficult if not impossible, and where systematic observations over time are crucial. Obvious examples in the natural sciences are found in astronomy and biology. Kepler would not have been able to deduce his three laws of planetary motion if it had not been for Tycho Brahe's data bank. It was the carefully recorded observations of hundreds of botanists, zoologists, and geologists which made it possible for the men of "Darwin's Century" to piece together a convincing picture of natural selection.
Integration of CMOS, single electron transistors, and quantumdot cellular automata

The physical limits associated with CMOS devices require the development of new computational architectures. Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) offers a low power, high-speed computational architecture. This paper demonstrates the integration of CMOS, QCA, and SET technologies on a single silicon die. A capacitive voltage divider is used to reduce standard CMOS logic voltage levels to millivolt control voltages for a two-dot QCA cell. SET electrometers are used to read the state of the QCA cell, and the resultant signal is applied to a CMOS voltage comparator, which provides a CMOS logic level voltage output.
Proposal for spiral design approach

The purpose of this study is to develop a design approach for information appliances based on life cycle design perspective for the network computing ages. This paper focuses on the design approach and the tools designers will need for the proposed design approach. Based on the life cycle of artifacts and the evolution of artifacts, spiral design is a proposed design approach for information appliances in the network computing age. Its design target is including artefacts, their environment, and their relationships with humans. Humans includes all ages, all cultures, all regions, the disabled, future users, and even nonusers who are looking at the artifacts. Artifacts includes real artifacts, virtual artifacts, and changing artifacts at all stages of their life cycles. All stages of their life cycles includes awareness, setup, use, update, and recycling. Design method is based on collaboration with various professionals and user. To realize the spiral design approach, an SD matrix, an SD framework, and a acting user scenario are proposed as tools for designers. The SD matrix is a tool to help designers consider the entire life cycle and all of the people involved. The SD framework is a tool to produce each artifact for all user groups. The acting user scenario is a tool for deciding on requirements, performing evaluations, and supporting collaboration among various professionals and users. Based on this proposed design approach and these tools, several mini case studies were conducted for designing an information appliance. These results indicate that the proposed approach can help designers.
A role for Msh6 but not Msh3 in somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination

Somatic hypermutation is initiated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), and occurs in several kilobases of DNA around rearranged immunoglobulin variable (V) genes and switch (S) sites before constant genes. AID deaminates cytosine to uracil, which can produce mutations of C:G nucleotide pairs, and the mismatch repair protein Msh2 participates in generating substitutions of downstream A:T pairs. Msh2 is always found as a heterodimer with either Msh3 or Msh6, so it is important to know which one is involved. Therefore, we sequenced V and S regions from Msh3- and Msh6-deficient mice and compared mutations to those from wild-type mice. Msh6-deficient mice had fewer substitutions of A and T bases in both regions and reduced heavy chain class switching, whereas Msh3-deficient mice had normal antibody responses. This establishes a role for the Msh2-Msh6 heterodimer in hypermutation and switch recombination. When the positions of mutation were mapped, several focused peaks were found in Msh6 −/− clones, whereas mutations were dispersed in Msh3 −/− and wild-type clones. The peaks occurred at either G or C in WGCW motifs (W = A or T), indicating that C was mutated on both DNA strands. This suggests that AID has limited entry points into V and S regions in vivo, and subsequent mutation requires Msh2-Msh6 and DNA polymerase.
A multichannel gel electrophoresis and continuous fraction collection apparatus for high-throughput protein separation and characterization

To facilitate a direct interface between protein separation by PAGE and protein identification by mass spectrometry, we developed a multichannel system that continuously collects fractions as protein bands migrate off the bottom of gel electrophoresis columns. The device was constructed using several short linear gel columns, each of a different percent acrylamide, to achieve a separation power similar to that of a long gradient gel. A Counter Free-Flow elution technique then allows continuous and simultaneous fraction collection from multiple channels at low cost. We demonstrate that rapid, high-resolution separation of a complex protein mixture can be achieved on this system using SDS-PAGE. In a 2.5 h electrophoresis run, for example, each sample was separated and eluted into 48-96 fractions over a mass range of 10-150 kDa; sample recovery rates were 50percent or higher; each channel was loaded with up to 0.3 mg of protein in 0.4 mL; and a purified band was eluted in two to three fractions (200 L/fraction). Similar results were obtained when running native gel electrophoresis, but protein aggregation limited the loading capacity to about 50 g per channel and reduced resolution.
Individual Differences in Perceived Bitterness Predict Liking of Sweeteners

Although recent molecular studies suggest that only one receptor and one signaling pathway are involved in the perception of sweetness, this seems to contradict everyday experience that people not only have different likes and dislikes of certain sweeteners but also perceive the sweeteners differently. One possible explanation is that variation in liking of sweeteners is due, in part, to variation across individuals in sensitivity to nonsweet tastes, such as bitterness, which are transduced by a variety of receptors. Fifty individuals were asked to rate intensities of several taste attributes of 10 sweeteners and to give hedonic assessments of each sweetener. Additionally, their sensitivity to 6-n-propyl-3-thiouracil (PROP) was determined. Results indicated that when matched for sweetness, the perception of bitterness and the sweetener compound were the 2 largest factors contributing to overall liking of a sweetener. Sensitivity to PROP did not contribute significantly to the model.
Progressive Arguments for Religious Organizational Freedom: Reflections on the HHS Mandate

The Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate to cover contraception is the latest in a series of disputes that have made conflicts between politically progressive laws and traditionalist religious beliefs a pervasive feature of the American religious-freedom landscape. This article examines the foundations of the conflict and argues that progressives should support significant protections for faith-based service organizations such as social services and schools. There are sharp ironies when progressives exclude faith-based service organizations from religious-freedom protection, as the HHS mandate originally did. Service to others lies at the core of religious exercise; progressives more than anyone should affirm this; and accommodating such organizations meaningfully both preserves civil liberty and recognizes the overall contributions they make to progressive social goals, such as assisting the needy, even if they conflict with progressive positions on some deeply-felt issues. On the other side, traditionalists have sometimes failed to respect others' liberties, and that has hampered their ability to claim protection from government imposition as a matter of reciprocity, which would otherwise be a strong argument.
Subperiosteal Midface Lift with or without a Hard Palate Mucosal Graft for Correction of Lower Eyelid Retraction

Purpose To compare functional and surgical outcomes of a subperiosteal midface lift with and without the placement of a hard palate mucosal graft (HPMG) in patients with lower eyelid retraction. Design Retrospective, comparative, interventional case series. Participants Thirty-four patients with lower eyelid retractions who underwent surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute in a 5-year period. Methods Medical record review of all patients who underwent surgery for lower eyelid retraction by a subperiosteal midface lift with or without an HPMG. Preoperative and postoperative digital photographs were taken in all patients. Main Outcome Measures Change in margin reflex distance 2 (MRD 2 ), measured from the pupillary margin to the upper margin of the lower eyelid; patient discomfort; and surgical complications. Results Thirty-four patients (20 female; mean age, 64 years) participated in the study; 11 underwent bilateral surgery, with overall 43 surgeries performed. Eighteen patients (42%) had lower eyelid retraction secondary to previous transcutaneous lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Postoperatively, patients attained a better lower eyelid position, with improvement of lower eyelid height of 1.4 mm ( P t test). Patients operated using an HPMG (12 surgeries) achieved a greater reduction in MRD 2 postoperatively as compared with patients operated by subperiosteal midface lift alone (31 surgeries; 2.2 mm vs. 1.1 mm, respectively; P = 0.02, Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney). One patient needed reoperation secondary to symptomatic lower eyelid retraction postoperatively. Conclusions The subperiosteal midface lift is effective in correction of lower eyelid retraction of various causes. The use of an HPMG spacer may enhance surgical outcomes and results in a better lower eyelid position.
Bunch length measurements at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) linear accelerator

Measurements of the APS linac micro-bunch length are performed by backphasing a single 2856-MHz, S-band linac waveguide and using a downstream spectrometer to observe the beam. By measuring the beam width in the dispersive plane as a function of RF power into the linac waveguide, the bunch length can be determined absolutely provided the beam energy and dispersion at the spectrometer are known. The bunch length determined in this fashion is used to calibrate a fifth-harmonic bunch length cavity which is used for real-time bunch length monitoring.
Limits of Performance Gain of Aligned CNT Over Randomized Network: Theoretical Predictions and Experimental Validation

Nanobundle thin-film transistors (NB-TFTs) that are based on random networks of single-walled carbon nanotubes are often regarded as high performance alternative to amorphous-Si technology for various macroelectronic applications involving sensors and displays. Here, we use stick-percolation model to study the effect of collective (stick) alignment on the performance of NB-TFTs. For long-channel TFT, small degree of alignment improves the drain current due to the reduction of average path length; however, near-parallel alignment degrades the current rapidly, reflecting the decrease in the number of connecting paths bridging the source/drain. In this paper, we 1) use a recently developed alignment technique to fabricate NB-TFT devices with multiple densities D, alignment thetas, stick length LS, and channel length LC; 2) interpret the experimental data with a stick- percolation model to develop a comprehensive theory of NB-TFT for arbitrary D,thetas, LS, and LC; and 3) demonstrate theoretically and experimentally the feasibility of fivefold enhancement in current gain with optimized transistor structure.
New perspectives on thermosphere tides: 1. Lower thermosphere spectra and seasonal-latitudinal structures

Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics/Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (TIMED/SABER) temperature measurements at 110 km and between ±50° latitude extending from 2002 through 2010 are analyzed to reveal the tidal spectrum entering the ionosphere-thermosphere (IT) system. Seasonal-latitudinal structures are presented for the most prominent spectral components which include DE3, DE2, D0, DW1, DW2, SE1 to SE4, SW1 to SW4, SW6, TE1, TW4, TW5, and TW7. Referring to recent calculations of lower atmosphere heat sources as well as vertical structure characteristics of these waves anticipated from classical tidal theory, we analyze the likely origins of these waves and the nature of their seasonal-latitudinal structures. Several waves are likely to arise through nonlinear wave-wave interactions, and in some cases, this appears to be the sole viable mechanism leading to their existence. The tidal spectrum quantified here is especially relevant to the dynamo generation of electric fields which then impose the tidal variability on the overlying F-region ionosphere. Part 2 of this 2-part study examines penetration of the tidal spectrum to the upper thermosphere.