cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
2-pJ/bit (On-Chip) 10-Gb/s Digital CMOS Silicon Photonic Link

We report on a 10-Gb/s digital-to-digital CMOS silicon photonic link with a 2.1-pJ/bit on-chip energy efficiency, using a photon energy of 1.4-pJ/bit and 680-fJ/bit transceivers that integrate 130-nm SOI CMOS photonic devices with 40-nm bulk CMOS circuits.
Potential Vorticity (PV) Thinking in Operations: The Utility of Nonconservation

Abstract The use of the potential vorticity (PV) framework by operational forecasters is advocated through case examples that demonstrate its utility for interpreting and evaluating numerical weather prediction (NWP) model output for weather systems characterized by strong latent heat release (LHR). The interpretation of the dynamical influence of LHR is straightforward in the PV framework; LHR can lead to the generation of lower-tropospheric cyclonic PV anomalies. These anomalies can be related to meteorological phenomena including extratropical cyclones and low-level jets (LLJs), which can impact lower-tropospheric moisture transport. The nonconservation of PV in the presence of LHR results in a modification of the PV distribution that can be identified in NWP model output and evaluated through a comparison with observations and high-frequency gridded analyses. This methodology, along with the application of PV-based interpretation, can help forecasters identify aspects of NWP model solutions that are d...
Inhibition of dopamine β-hydroxylase by thiazoline-2-carboxylate, a suspected physiological product of D-amino acid oxidase

Abstract Thiazoline-2-carboxylate was chemically synthesized and shown to be identical in all respects to the product formed in a D-amino acid oxidase catalyzed reaction involving cysteamine and glyoxylate. Both the chemically synthesized and enzymically prepared thiazoline-2-carboxylate are effective inhibitors of dopamine β-hydroxylase but they do not appreciably affect the activity of several other metalloenzymes that require copper, iron or zinc. The inhibition of dopamine β-hydroxylase is competitive with respect to the reactant ascorbic acid and uncompetitive with respect to tyramine. The possible physiological significance of this inhibition is briefly considered.
The relationships among mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 and 3 expression, mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid single nucleotide polymorphisms, and residual feed intake in Angus steers.

The objective of this study was to deter- mine the relationships of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 expression, SNP of mitochondrial DNA, and residual feed intake (RFI) in Angus steers selected to have high or low RFI. Individual feed intake was measured via the GrowSafe feed intake system over a 3-mo period and used to calculate RFI, a measure of efficiency. Based on these calculations, 6 low- (average RFI = −1.57 kg) and 6 high- (average RFI = 1.66 kg) RFI steers were selected for further study. Blood was collected via jugular veni- puncture 1 wk before slaughter for the isolation of mito- chondrial DNA. The steers were then killed to collect LM for the measurement of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 mRNA and protein expression. Protein and mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 were deter- mined by Western blotting and quantitative PCR, re- spectively. To determine SNP of mitochondrial DNA, total DNA was isolated from blood via standard phenol/ chloroform extraction; fragments were amplified with PCR and sequenced with an automated nucleotide se- quencer. Average daily gain and carcass composition were not different (P > 0.13) between the high- and low- RFI steers; however, ADFI by the high-RFI animals was 3.77 kg greater (P 0.55) was observed between the high- and low-RFI animals in their expression of uncoupling protein 2 or 3 mRNA or protein. On average 9.8 and 8.9 polymorphisms were found per mitochon- drial genome for the low- and high-RFI steers, respec- tively. None of these polymorphisms were related to RFI. It seems that the expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 and mitochondrial DNA sequence are not re- lated to RFI status.
Translucency of shaded zirconia core material

Statement of problem With the development of various zirconia core shades, questions arise regarding the effect of the shaded zirconia on the translucency of ceramic crowns. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the translucency of the 3 Procera Zirconia shaded core materials. The hypothesis was that differences exist in the translucency of various shaded zirconia cores. Material and methods Disk-shaped (0.6 ± 0.01 × 12 mm) zirconia core (Procera Zirconia) specimens (n=90) were fabricated by the manufacturer using a CAD/CAM process. The disks were fabricated in 3 groups according to shade (light, medium, intense) (n=30). A spectrophotometer was used to measure contrast ratio (CR) which is indicative of translucency. One-way ANOVA was conducted to determine significant differences among the shades (α=.05). Results A significant difference in translucency between the light and intense shades ( P =.030) and the medium and intense shades ( P P =.15). Conclusions Shaded zirconia is partially translucent. In addition, significant differences in translucency measurements were identified between specific shades.
Optimal query expansion (QE) processing methods with semantically encoded structured thesauri terminology

While researchers have explored the value of structured thesauri as controlled vocabularies for general information retrieval (IR) activities, they have not identified the optimal query expansion (QE) processing methods for taking advantage of the semantic encoding underlying the terminology in these tools. The study reported on in this article addresses this question, and examined whether QE via semantically encoded thesauri terminology is more effective in the automatic or interactive processing environment. The research found that, regardless of end-users' retrieval goals, synonyms and partial synonyms (SYNs) and narrower terms (NTs) are generally good candidates for automatic QE and that related (RTs) are better candidates for interactive QE. The study also examined end-users' selection of semantically encoded thesauri terms for interactive QE, and explored how retrieval goals and QE processes may be combined in future thesauri-supported IR systems.
Trailing Edge Cooling of Gas Turbine Airfoil Using Blockages With Straight and Inclined Holes

This paper describes the detailed experimental studies of heat transfer enhancement and pressure loss characteristics internal cooling passages using single, double and triple blockages equipped with straight and inclined holes. The blockage consist of 7 holes with the diameter, D = 6.35mm, which is 0.5 of the height of the channel. Three different hole inclination angles ranging from 0°, 15° and 30° from the horizontal plane are explored. The case with straight holes (0°) is considered as baseline case, while the cases with inclined holes are introduced to enhance heat transfer performance. The transient liquid crystal technique is employed to deduce the heat transfer coefficient on the internal cooling channel, while the pressure loss of the entire channel is measured using pressure taps connected to the digital manometer. Numerical analysis is later performed using ANSYS CFX, based on the shear stress turbulence (SST) model to provide detailed insights about the flow field in the channel, which explains the heat transfer phenomena caused by varying the hole inclination angle. The heat transfer performance of the blockages is higher than conventional configuration using vortex generators, i.e., pin-fins by approximately two folds, while accompanied by much higher pressure loss. The proposed inclined holes array exhibits more effective impingement effects resulted in a substantial cooling performance compared to the baseline case by approximately 50%. This design can be applicable to the trailing edge of gas turbine airfoils, which can provide high heat transfer rate and pressure loss from repeated significant area contractions.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Transurethral Nd:YAG laser prostatectomy with a laterally firing fiber: Local effects on tissue associated with erectile dysfunction

Background and Objectives: Transurethral laser prostatectomy is anticipated to become a recognized alternative to conventional transurethral resection of the prostate. However, the effects of this procedure on the nerves of the pelvic plexus and erectile dysfunction remain unaddressed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of laser energy on extent of prostatic damage as well as injury to periprostatic cavernosal nerves and erectile dysfunction in a canine model. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Six adult male mongrel dogs underwent transurethral laser prostatectomy at 30 (n = 3) and 40 (n = 3) watt power settings. Total laser energy delivered varied between 6,000 and 13,800 joules. Erectile function was evaluated by pelvic nerve stimulation at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Animals were then sacrificed to assess histopathology of the prostate at each time point. Results: Histopathologic changes were noted in the prostate in a dose-dependent manner and did not vary with different laser power settings. In dogs that received ˜10,000 J, substantial prostate ablation confined within the capsule was achieved in every prostate gland. Adequate erectile responses were noted in five of six animals; all received < 10,000 J. In one animal that received a total dose of 13,800 J, an erectile response was not obtained, and histology revealed both prostatic capsule perforation in close proximity to the cavernous nerves and thermal neural damage. Conclusions: We conclude that cavernous nerve damage may result from excessive doses of laser energy during transurethral laser treatment of the prostate gland. In canines, the upper limit for periprostatic injury is between 10 and 14,000 joules. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of RNA.

Abstract A discontinuous polyacrylamide gel system is described which allows the simultaneous resolution of 38S, 28S, 18S, 5S, and 4S RNA molecules from total RNA extracts on a single gel. The gels can be constructed easily and reproducibly without special apparatus. Also reported is the use of an octadecene solution to facilitate overlayering of low percentage gels and a special NCS-SDS-toluene scintillation fluid for preparation of gel slices for liquid scintillation spectrometry.
Medical and surgical treatment of intracerebellar haematomas.

15 cases of intracerebellar haematomas [11 spontaneous, 2 traumatic and 2 unclear] were presented. Hypertension was thought to be a main risk factor in 91 % in 11 of the spontaneous cases. 11 cases were treated medically. They were usually conscious, scoring not less than 13 in GCS with subacute or chronic picture of illness and harbouring small haematomas below 3 cm in diameter situated almost always in the hemisphere and with no signs of ventricular dilation. Mortality in medically treated patients was 9% [1 case].
Fuzzy rough set techniques for uncertainty processing in a relational database

This paper concerns the modeling of imprecision, vagueness, and uncertainty in databases through an extension of the relational model of data: the fuzzy rough relational database, an approach which uses both fuzzy set and rough set theories for knowledge representation of imprecise data in a relational database model. The fuzzy rough relational database is formally defined, along with a fuzzy rough relational algebra for querying. Comparisons of theoretical properties of operators in this model with those in the standard relational model are discussed. An example application is used to illustrate other aspects of this model, including a fuzzy entity]relationship type diagram for database design, a fuzzy rough data definition language, and an SQL-like query language supportive of the fuzzy rough relational database model. This example also illustrates the ease of use of the fuzzy rough relational database, which often produces results that are better than those of conventional databases since it more accurately models the uncertainty of real-world enterprises than do conventional databases through the use of indiscernibility and fuzzy membership values. Q 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Attenuated Response of Aged Mice to Respiratory Francisella Novicida is Characterized By Reduced Cell Death and Absence of Subsequent Hypercytokinemia

Background Pneumonia and pulmonary infections are major causes of mortality among the growing elderly population. Age associated attenuations of various immune parameters, involved with both innate and adaptive responses are collectively known as immune senescence. These changes are likely to be involved with differences in host susceptibility to disease between young and aged individuals. Methodology/Principal Findings The objective of this study was to assess potential age related differences in the pulmonary host response in mice to the Gram-negative respiratory pathogen, Francisella novicida. We intranasally infected mice with F. novicida and compared various immune and pathological parameters of the pulmonary host response in both young and aged mice. Conclusions/Significance We observed that 20% of aged mice were able to survive an intranasal challenge with F. novicida while all of their younger cohorts died consistently within 4 to 6 days post infection. Further experiments revealed that all of the aged mice tested were initially able to control bacterial replication in the lungs as well as at distal sites of replication compared with young mice. In addition, the small cohort of aged survivors did not progress to a severe sepsis syndrome with hypercytokinemia, as did all of the young adult mice. Finally, a lack of widespread cell death in potential aged survivors coupled with a difference in cell types recruited to sites of infection within the lung confirmed an altered host response to Francisella in aged mice.
Incorporating the Contextual Assessment Approach to regimens used in genetic family studies

Purpose: To develop a procedure that enhances enrollment and addresses ethical issues associated with participation in genetic family studies. Methods: The Contextual Assessment Approach (CAA) was standardized to the recruitment procedures in the Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (FIND) study at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Structured interviews with the CAA questionnaire (CAA-Q) were conducted with 50 low-income Mexican-American probands. The CAA allows systematic interpretation of health beliefs, family dynamics, and attitudes regarding participation in FIND. Data analyses included qualitative and quantitative methods. Results: CAA analyses of probands' perspectives regarding relatives' enrollment in FIND facilitated recruiting 34 probands from whom 30 families were enrolled (family enrollment rate: 88%). CAA reduced recruitment efforts by 32% and avoided exerting undue pressure on unwilling participants to ensure voluntary participation. Remarkably, 76% of the subjects were unaware of any risk associated with participation in genetic family studies. Conclusions: Administering the CAA-Q before enrolling subjects in FIND increased our enrollment rate by targeting efforts toward the willing subjects and addressing ethical issues associated with their participation.
Enantioselective Pd-catalyzed tandem allylic alkylation reaction using monodentate phosphoramidite ligands for the formal total synthesis of huperzine A

A small library of fine-tunable monodentate phosphoramidite (MPN) ligands was found useful in selecting a highly efficient chiral ligand for the enantioselective Pd-catalyzed tandem allylic alkylation reaction. The reaction gave a critical tricyclic key intermediate with high enantiopurity for the formal total synthesis of (−)-huperzine A, a Lycopodium alkaloid derived from the club moss Huperzia serrata that possesses potent inhibitory activity against acetylcholine esterase (ACHe).
Obtaining bright visible light emission from “Bulk” silicon by nanocavity plasmons

Abstract form only given. Due to limitations in device speed and performance of silicon-based electronics, silicon optoelectronics has been extensively studied to achieve ultrafast optical-data processing. However, the biggest challenge has been to develop an efficient silicon-based light source since indirect band-gap of silicon gives rise to extremely low emission efficiency. Although light emission in quantum-confined silicon at sub-10 nm lengthscales has been demonstrated, there are difficulties in integrating quantum structures with conventional electronics. It is desirable to develop new concepts to obtain emission from silicon at lengthscales compatible with current electronic devices (30-100 nm), and therefore cannot use quantum-confinement effects. Recently, we demonstrated enhancement of radiative recombination rates by a factor of 1000 by coupling semiconductors to optimized plasmonic nanocavities. We have now utilized this concept to demonstrate an entirely new method to achieve bright visible light emission in “bulk-sized” silicon coupled with plasmon nanocavities from non-thermalized carrier recombination via Purcell enhancement. Highly enhanced emission quantum efficiency (>1%) in plasmonic silicon, along with its size compatibility with present silicon electronics, provides new avenues for developing monolithically integrated light-sources on conventional microchips.
Finding circles by an array of accumulators

We describe an efficient procedure for detecting approximate circles and approximately circular arcs of varying gray levels in an edge-enhanced digitized picture. This procedure is an extension and improvement of the circle-finding concept sketched by Duda and Hart [2] as an extension of the Hough straight-line finder [6].
The influence of receiver size on magnitude of acoustic and perceived measures of occlusion.

Purpose The current study examined measured and perceived occlusion for a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid with different-sized receivers. The relationship between these measures and ear can...
Incoherent Undersampling-Based Waveform Reconstruction Using a Time-Domain Zero-Crossing Metric

Incoherent undersampling-based waveform acquisition provides a low-cost test setup for characterizing high-speed systems. A periodic waveform reconstruction using incoherent undersampling remaps time indices of samples using the modulus of the suspected period of the signal, effectively folding the signal into a time window equal to one period. The major cost and accuracy limitations of the reconstruction technique arise from estimation of the waveform period. Multiple cost functions have been proposed to estimate the period, including frequency domain metrics, which are computationally intensive. In this paper, we propose a new time domain zero-crossing (ZC)-based metric, where the metric gives the number of ZC in the reconstructed waveform for an assumed period of the waveform. The reconstruction technique is also extended to beyond the track-and-hold amplifier bandwidth using a novel test setup combining the incoherent undersampling with multichannel bandwidth interleaving.
Fragrance material review on 3-phenylpropyl cinnamate

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 3-phenylpropyl cinnamate when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. 3-Phenylpropyl cinnamate is a member of the fragrance structural group cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds. The common characteristic structural element of cinnamyl phenylpropyl materials is an aryl substituted primary alcohol/aldehyde/ester. They are simple aromatic compounds with saturated propyl or unsaturated propenyl side chains containing a primary oxygenated functional group which has little toxic potential. 3-Phenyl-1-propyl derivatives participate in the same beta-oxidation pathways as do their parent cinnamic acid derivatives. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone document. Available data for 3-phenylpropyl cinnamate was evaluated then summarized and includes physical properties, acute toxicity, skin irritation and skin sensitization. A safety assessment of all cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds will be published simultaneously with this document. Please refer to Belsito et al. (2011) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all the cinnamyl phenylpropyl materials in fragrances. Belsito, D., Bickers, D., Bruze, M., Dagli, M.L., Fryer, A., Greim, H., Miyachi, Y., Saurat, J.H., Sipes, I.G., 2011. A toxicologic and dermatologic assessment of cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds when used as fragrance ingredients.
Permanental dominance of the normalized single-hook immanants on the positive semi-definite matrices

As a step in the direction of the long standing conjecture that the permanent dominates all other normalized generalized matrix functions on the positive semi-definite matrices, we verify that the permanent dominates a large proportion of the normalized smgle-hook immanants. Some additional observations are made in the direction of the more precise conjecture that the single hook immanants line up.
Coupling of Concrete Walls Using Post-Tensioned Precast Concrete Beams

This paper describes an analytical investigation on the nonlinear behavior of post-tensioned precast concrete beams to couple reinforced concrete walls. Different from conventional systems that use monolithic cast-in-place reinforced concrete coupling beams or embedded steel coupling beams, the nonlinear behavior of post-tensioned precast concrete coupling beams is governed by the opening of gaps at the beam ends. Steel top and seat angles are used at the beam-to-wall connections to yield and dissipate energy in the event of a large earthquake. Two types of analytical models are developed using the DRAIN-2DX and ABAQUS programs for verification of the results and more detailed evaluation of the expected behavior. Nonlinear reversed cyclic lateral load analyses of four coupling beam subassemblies are conducted. The main parameters investigated are the beam depth, the area of the post-tensioning steel, and the size of the top and seat angles. The results indicate that post-tensioned precast concrete coupling beams possess stable behavior through large rotations, significant self-centering capability due to the post-tensioning force, and significant energy dissipation provided by the yielding of the top and seat angles.
TH2 Predominant Immune Responses Prevail in Human Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

T lymphocytes localize within lesions of two diametrically opposed expressions of atherosclerosis: stenosis-producing plaques and ectasia-producing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). T(H)1 immune responses appear to predominate in human stenotic lesions. However, little information exists regarding the nature of the T-cell infiltrate in AAAs. We demonstrate here that AAAs predominantly express T(H)2-associated cytokines and correspondingly lack mediators associated with the T(H)1 response as determined by Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. In particular, aneurysmal tissue expressed interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-10, cytokines not or only faintly detected in nondiseased tissue or stenotic atheroma. In contrast, AAAs contained low levels of the T(H)1 characteristic cytokines IL-2 and IL-15, which are amply expressed in stenotic lesions. Notably, stenotic lesions, but not AAAs, contained mature forms of the interferon-gamma-inducing cytokines IL-12 and IL-18 as well as the IL-18-processing enzyme caspase-1. Moreover, aneurysmal tissue lacked the receptor for interferon-gamma, although both types of lesions contained this T(H)1-promoting cytokine. These findings suggest that the functional repertoire of T cells differs in stenotic and aneurysmal lesions, and provide a novel framework for understanding the mechanisms of these diametrically opposite expressions of atherosclerosis.
Optimal trade-off between power saving and QoS provisioning for multicell cooperation networks

Multicell cooperation is emerging as a promising wireless communication technique to significantly improve the performance of cellular networks in terms of the coverage of high-datarate services and the system throughput for the next generation wireless networks. On the other hand, multicell cooperation also imposes the new challenges associated with the two mutually conflicting constraints between the power/energy efficiency/saving and the QoS provisioning required by mobile users, which differ from the conventional cellular networks. To overcome the above problem, we propose the semi-Markov decision process model-based stochastic optimization scheme for the optimal trade-off between power saving and QoS provisioning over multicell cooperation networks. Our objective is to efficiently minimize the power consumption at base stations while guaranteeing diverse QoS provisioning for mobile users through multicell cooperation power scheduling. To achieve this goal, we apply finite-state Markov chains to model the mobile users' density, mobility, multicell cooperation power-profile scheduling, and QoS provisioning. Using these models, we formulate the SMDP-based stochastic optimization problem and develop an efficient iteration algorithm to implement our SMDP-based scheme. We evaluate our proposed schemes through numerical analyses, which show that our proposed schemes significantly outperform the other schemes in terms of minimizing power consumption while guaranteeing the required QoS provisioning.
Building Budgets and Trust through the Alchemy of Superintendent Leadership.

Superintendents have the burden and the opportunity to exert leadership through the budget-building process. This article details a dozen tenets which can be implemented by practicing superintendents. Doing so increases the chances of building trust among the stakeholders of administrators, staff, community, and school board members. The district superintendent of schools occupies the only positional office in the organization capable of orchestrating this process.
Platinum monolayer electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction: Effect of substrates, and long-term stability

We describe a novel concept for a Pt monolayer electrocatalyst and present the results of our electrochemical, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy studies. The electrocatalysts were prepared by a new method for depositing Pt monolayers involving the galvanic displacement by Pt of an underpotentially depos- ited Cu monolayer on substrates of Au (111), Ir(111), Pd(111), Rh(111) and Ru(0001) single crylstals, and Pd nanoparticles. The kinetics of O2 reduction showed significant enhancement with Pt monolayers on Pd(111) and Pd nanoparticle surfaces in compari- son with the reaction on Pt(111) and Pt nanoparticles, respectively. This increase in cata- lytic activity is attributed partly to the decreased formation of PtOH, as shown by in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The results illustrate that placing a Pt monolayer on a suitable substrate of metal nanoparticles is an attractive way of designing better O 2 re- duction electrocatalysts with very low Pt contents.
The marriage of perception and memory: Creating two-way illusions with words and voices

By most theories of lexical access, idiosyncratic aspects of speech (such as voice details) are considered noise and are filtered in perception. However, episodic theories suggest that perceptual details are stored in memory and mediate later perception. By this view, perception and memory are intimately linked. The present investigation tested this hypothesis by creating symmetric illusions, using words and voices. In two experiments, listeners gave reduced noise estimates to previously heard words, but only when the original voices were preserved. Conversely, in two recognition memory experiments, listeners gave increased old responses to words (or voices) presented in relatively soft background noise. The data suggest that memory can be mistaken for perceptual fluency, and perceptual fluency can be mistaken for memory. The data also underscore the role of detailed episodes in lexical access.
The potential value and toxicity of chromium picolinate as a nutritional supplement, weight loss agent and muscle development agent.

The element chromium apparently has a role in maintaining proper carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in mammals. As this role probably involves potentiation of insulin signalling, chromium dietary supplementation has been postulated to potentially have effects on body composition, including reducing fat mass and increasing lean body mass. Because the supplement is absorbed better than dietary chromium, most studies have focused on the use of chromium picolinate [Cr(pic)3]. Cr(pic)3 has been amazingly popular with the general public, especially with athletes who may have exercise-induced increased urinary chromium loss; however, its effectiveness in manifesting body composition changes has been an area of intense debate in the last decade. Additionally, claims have appeared that the supplement might give rise to deleterious effects. However, over a decade of human studies with Cr(pic)3 indicate that the supplement has not demonstrated effects on the body composition of healthy individuals, even when taken in combination with an exercise training programme. Recent cell culture and in vivo rat studies have indicated that Cr(pic)3 probably generates oxidative damage of DNA and lipids and is mutagenic, although the significance of these results on humans taking the supplement for prolonged periods of time is unknown and should be a focus for future investigations. Given that in vitro studies suggest that other forms of chromium used as nutritional supplements, such as chromium chloride, are unlikely to be susceptible to generating this type of oxidative damage, the use of these compounds, rather than Cr(pic)3, would appear warranted. Potential neurological effects (both beneficial and deleterious) from Cr(pic)3 supplementation require further study.
Perianal Crohn's Disease—A Gastroenterologist's Perspective

Perianal Crohn's disease is a potentially devastating phenotype of Crohn's disease that can have a significant adverse impact on the life of affected patients. Patients typically suffer from persistent purulent drainage, vaginal or rectal pain, and incontinence. The course is one of frequent relapses and long episodes of actively draining fistulas. Perianal disease can be categorized as fistulizing and nonfistulizing. Nonfistulizing disease includes skin tags or anal canal abnormalities, such as stenosis, fissures, and ulcers. Fistulizing disease is more complex to categorize and treat. Available medical therapies have not appeared to thwart the progression of disease. A majority of patients with fistulizing Crohn's disease will have to undergo operative intervention during the course of their disease. Introduction of antitumor necrosis factor antibodies has been the most promising and effective therapeutic option to date, although its effect on the natural history of the disease remains to be determined.
Disruption of wild type IDH1 suppresses D-2-hydroxyglutarate production in IDH1-mutated gliomas

Point mutations at Arg132 of the cytoplasmic NADP(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) occur frequently in gliomas and result in a gain of function to produce the "oncometabolite" D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG). The mutated IDH1 allele is usually associated with a wild-type IDH1 allele (heterozygous) in cancer. Here, we identify 2 gliomas that underwent loss of the wild-type IDH1 allele but retained the mutant IDH1 allele following tumor progression from World Health Organization (WHO) grade III anaplastic astrocytomas to WHO grade IV glioblastomas. Intratumoral D-2HG was 14-fold lower in the glioblastomas lacking wild-type IDH1 than in glioblastomas with heterozygous IDH1 mutations. To characterize the contribution of wild-type IDH1 to cancer cell D-2HG production, we established an IDH1-mutated astrocytoma (IMA) cell line from a WHO grade III anaplastic astrocytoma. Disruption of the wild-type IDH1 allele in IMA cells by gene targeting resulted in an 87-fold decrease in cellular D-2HG levels, showing that both wild-type and mutant IDH1 alleles are required for D-2HG production in glioma cells. Expression of wild-type IDH1 was also critical for mutant IDH1-associated D-2HG production in the colorectal cancer cell line HCT116. These insights may aid in the development of therapeutic strategies to target IDH1-mutated cancers.
Inflammatory Diseases of the Coronary Artery

Systemic vasculitis produces a diverse array of clinical syndromes depending on the size of the affected blood vessels and the predominant sites of organ system involvement. Vasculitis may occur as a primary process in which blood vessel involvement is typically the major component of the disorder, or as a secondary process associated with a connective tissue disease, idiopathic inflammatory disease, toxic exposure, or malignancy. The varied and overlapping clinical, laboratory, and pathological features of the vasculitic disorders have complicated the classification of this group of diseases. A partial listing of primary and secondary vasculitic disorders is shown in Tables 1 and 2. A panel of experts has developed a revised nomenclature for the vasculitic syndromes [248]. In addition, the American College of Rheumatology has established classification criteria for systemic vasculitis [229]. While these criteria distinguish individual diseases from each other with excellent sensitivity and specificity, they have limited diagnostic utility in the clinical setting [406].
Deglycosylation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan by hydrogen fluoride in pyridine.

The original deglycosylation procedure using HF/pyridine has been modified for maximal removal of carbohydrate from chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, with minimal alteration of the core protein. Gas-liquid chromatography analysis after treatment for various times showed that 95% of xylose and mannose and 70–85% of other sugars were removed within 30 min, indicating that almost all chondroitin sulfate chains and about 80% of N- and O-linked oligosaccharides were removed. In contrast to the loss of carbohydrate, no change in amino acid composition or loss of immunoreactivity occurred. Longer treatment of up to 16 h resulted in little additional removal of carbohydrate, but did cause a significant decrease in solubility and recovery of the deglycosylated product. Optimal removal of xylose residues after about 1 h was also shown by maximal acceptor activity of the product in a xylosyltransferase assay. Rapid removal of the HF reagent by vacuum evacuation and ion-exchange chromatography, coupled with the reduced time of treatment allowed recovery of an intact, homogenous protein core that is amenable to structural and sequence studies.
Blind trials evaluating in vitro infectivity of Cryptosporidium oocysts using cell culture immunofluorescence.

An optimized cell culture immunofluorescence (IFA) procedure, using the HCT-8 cell line, was evaluated in blind trials to determine the sensitivity and reproducibility of measuring the infectivity ...
CacheScouts: Fine-Grain Monitoring of Shared Caches in CMP Platforms

As multi-core architectures flourish in the marketplace, multi-application workload scenarios (such as server consolidation) are growing rapidly. When running multiple applications simultaneously on a platform, it has been shown that contention for shared platform resources such as last-level cache can severely degrade performance and quality of service (QoS). But today's platforms do not have the capability to monitor shared cache usage accurately and disambiguate its effects on the performance behavior of each individual application. In this paper, we investigate low-overhead mechanisms for fine-grain monitoring of the use of shared cache resources along three vectors: (a) occupancy - how much space is being used and by whom, (b) interference - how much contention is present and who is being affected and (c) sharing - how are threads cooperating. We propose the CacheScouts monitoring architecture consisting of novel tagging (software-guided monitoring IDs), and sampling mechanisms (set sampling) to achieve shared cache monitoring on per application basis at low overhead (<0.1%) and with very little loss of accuracy (<5%). We also present case studies to show how CacheScouts can be used by operating systems (OS) and virtual machine monitors (VMMs) for (a) characterizing execution profiles, (b) optimizing scheduling for performance management, (c) providing QoS and (d) metering for chargeback.
Interactive effect of genes associated with immunoglobulin allotypes and HLA specificities on susceptibility to Haemophilus influenzae disease.

Genes associated with immunoglobulin (Ig) allotype determinants are important in regulation of immune responses to bacterial polysaccharides. Furthermore, loci associated with Ig allotypes have been reported to interact with those associated with the major histocompatibility complex and affect susceptibility to certain diseases. In the present study we determined the frequencies of certain Gm phenotypes in patients with Haemophilus meningitis or epiglottitis and in controls. HLA-A, -B and -DR specificities had previously been determined in the majority of these subjects. Although no Ig phenotype was associated with increased or decreased relative risk of disease, the frequencies of several combinations of HLA specificities and Ig phenotypes were significantly different from those of controls. Thus, for subjects with the Gm phenotype (1, 3, 17; 23; 5, 13, 21), the risk of Haemophilus meningitis or epiglottitis was lower in individuals with HLA-B5 than in those without this specificity (odds ratio less than 0.1, P less than 0.004). In contrast, for subjects with the closely related Gm phenotype differing only by the absence of Gm(23), (1, 3, 17; ; 5, 13, 21), the risk of disease was higher in those with HLA-DR3 than in individuals who lacked DR3 (odds ratio = 11.0, P = 0.02). Although the present data require confirmation in an independent sample, they suggest that complex interactions between genes at two independent loci controlling HLA and Ig allotypes, respectively, may affect susceptibility to Haemophilus disease.
Depredation of a Nest of the Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) by a Speckled Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula holbrooki)

Abstract We report the first observation of depredation on a nest of the eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna) by a speckled kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula holbrooki). Depredation events probably are opportunistic, but they may have an impact on local populations of eastern meadowlarks.
Dyadic Perception of Communication Style

An experiment was designed to assess variations in perception of communication style by persons with differing Communication Style Measure (CSM) scores. Twenty-four dyads participated in an interpersonal encounter. Postinteraction data analysis indicates that subjects with low CSM scores do not report perceiving any appreciable difference between their communication style and that of subjects with high CSM scores. In contrast, subjects with high CSM scores report perceiving a significant difference. Clues about perceptual differences were investigated via step wise regression.
Body fat and obesity in Japanese Americans

In 1965 a prospective study of greater than 12,000 Japanese men 45-69 y old and living in Japan, Hawaii, and California was initiated. Among the factors measured were height, weight, skinfold thicknesses, and 24-h dietary recall. The mean body mass index (BMI) was substantially lower for Japanese men in Japan than for Japanese men in California or Hawaii for each 5-y age group. Mean BMIs in Hawaii and California were similar. Values for subscapular skinfold thickness were also lower in Japan than in Hawaii or California in all age groups. Although total caloric intake was not greatly different between Japan and Hawaii, the percent caloric intake as fat was two times greater in Hawaii. Thus, these largely first- and second-generation immigrants exhibit increases in body weight that could be expected to significantly affect cardiovascular risk factor levels and endpoints.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Relaxation Training, and Tricyclic Antidepressant Medication in the Treatment of Depression:

Outcomes of seven treatment trials comparing cognitive behavioral therapy to treatment with tricyclic antidepressant medication in major depressive disorder have been quite similar to one another. This led us to question whether treatment outcome in time-limited studies reflected a unique effect of cognitive behavioral therapy. To test the uniqueness hypothesis, relaxation training, a nonpharmacologic, noncognitive treatment, was chosen as a comparison for cognitive behavioral therapy as well as drug therapy. Treatment duration was 16 weeks. The sample of 37 patients treated for major depressive disorder was less depressed than those previously studied. For both cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation training, outcome of depression was superior to that of tricyclic antidepressant medication by endpoint analysis. The posttreatment scores on the Beck Depression Inventory of 82% of the group receiving cognitive behavioral therapy improved to a Beck Depression Inventory score < or = 9 which was not significantly greater than that for the group receiving relaxation training (73%), so a unique effect was not demonstrated for cognitive behavioral therapy. The outcome for tricyclic antidepressant medication (29% improved to criteria) was significantly worse than that for cognitive behavioral therapy. The patient's pretreatment initial expectancy was not predictive.
Slowed receptor trafficking in mutant CHO lines of the end1 and end2 complementation groups

A mutant Chinese hamster ovary cell line with nonconditional kinetic defects in receptor internalization and recycling was isolated, based on selection for resistance to a transferrin-diphtheria toxin conjugate and screening for aberrant receptor trafficking. The 12-4 cell line internalizes transferrin at approximately 75% of the parental rate and recycles transferrin back to the cell surface at approximately 55% of the parental rate. Internalization of low density lipoprotein is also reduced to approximately 70% of the parental cell rate, demonstrating that the mutant phenotype affects the trafficking of multiple receptors. Characterization of somatic cell hybrids indicated that the 12-4 phenotype is recessive, and complementation analysis determined that the 12-4 cell line is a member of the End2 complementation group. End2 mutants have previously been described as defective in endosomal acidification but have not been known to be defective in receptor trafficking. We have found similar defects in another End2 mutant cell line, suggesting that slowed receptor trafficking is characteristic of End2 mutants. Interestingly, transferrin receptor recycling and internalization are also slowed in another complementation group of mutants, End1, that is also defective in endosomal acidification. This study demonstrates altered receptor trafficking in End1 and End2 cell lines, a novel aspect of the mutant phenotypes. These findings provide evidence, based on a cellular genetic approach, that proper endosome acidification is necessary for maintenance of normal receptor recycling.
Characterizing Challenged Minnesota Ballots

Photocopies of the ballots challenged in the 2008 Minnesota elections, which constitute a public record, were scanned on a high-speed scanner and made available on a public radio website. The PDF files were downloaded, converted to TIF images, and posted on the PERFECT website. Based on a review of relevant image-processing aspects of paper-based election machinery and on additional statistics and observations on the posted sample data, robust tools were developed for determining the underlying grid of the targets on these ballots regardless of skew, clipping, and other degradations caused by high-speed copying and digitization. The accuracy and robustness of a method based on both index-marks and oval targets are demonstrated on 13,435 challenged ballot page images.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF RADIATION EXPOSURE AMONG ADULT SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER: RESULTS FROM THE CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVOR STUDY

Abstract In the last four decades, advances in therapies for primary cancers have improved overall survival for childhood cancer. Currently, almost 80% of children will survive beyond 5 years from diagnosis of their primary malignancy. These improved outcomes have resulted in a growing population of childhood cancer survivors. Radiation therapy, while an essential component of primary treatment for many childhood malignancies, has been associated with risk of long-term adverse outcomes. The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS), a retrospective cohort of over 14,000 survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed between 1970 and 1986, has been an important resource to quantify associations between radiation therapy and risk of long-term adverse health and quality of life outcomes. Radiation therapy has been associated with increased risk for late mortality, development of second neoplasms, obesity, and pulmonary, cardiac and thyroid dysfunction as well as an increased overall risk for chronic health conditions....
Dynamic failure of metallic pyramidal truss core materials - Experiments and modeling

The quasi-static and dynamic compressive behavior of pyramidal truss cores made of 304 stainless steel were investigated using a combination of experimental techniques. Quasi-static tests were performed using a miniature loading stage while a Kolsky bar apparatus was used to investigate intermediate deformation rates. High deformation rates were examined using a light gas gun. Optical imaging of the sample deformation was performed in real time by means of high-speed photography. In this article, we provide a quantification of load-deformation response and associated failure modes across the sample as captured by high-speed photography. A finite element model is formulated and thorough simulations performed to understand the roles of material strain rate hardening and structural microinertia. Deformation modes were identified from acquired images, force-deformation histories and numerical modeling. Comparison between force-deformation histories under quasi-static and Kolsky bar loading reveals a moderate microinertia effect as manifested by a small increase in peak compressive stress. At high deformation rates, gas gun experiments, a totally different deformation mode is manifested with a major increase in peak compressive stress. In this case, the inertia associated to the bending and buckling of truss struts played a significant role. This effect appears to dominate the early truss core response because of two effects: (i) the propagation of a plastic wave along the truss members; (ii) buckling induced lateral motion. These findings are consistent with prior theoretical and computational work carried out by Vaughn et al. (2005) [Vaughn, D. Canning, M., Hutchinson, J.W., 2005. Coupled plastic wave propagation and column buckling. Journal of Applied Mechanics 72 (1), 1–8]. At larger deformations, the material strain rate hardening contribution to the total energy is as pronounced as the contribution arising from microinertia effect.
Enhancing the possibility of success by measuring the probability of failure in an educational program

Process Analysis is a method for identifying and then measuring the probability of events that could cause the failure of a program. It begins by identifying one primary and significant program objective. The ultimate result is a cause-and-effect tree structure of events that could contribute to failure to achieve the stated objective. Each event on the tree also has a posterior probability calculated for it (the probability that, were the objective not achieved, this event would have contributed to the failure) and a normalized posterior probability, to allow comparisons among the different branches of the tree. This article describes the steps in Process Analysis and illustrates the method with data from the evaluation of a pilot instructional program at an elementary school.