cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Program Slicing‐Based Regression Testing Techniques

After changes are made to a previously tested program, a goal of regression testing is to perform retesting based on the modifications while maintaining the same testing coverage as completely retesting the program. This paper presents a novel approach to data flow based regression testing that uses slicing algorithms for the explicit detection of definition-use associations that are affected by a program change. An important benefit of this slicing technique is that, unlike previous techniques, neither data flow history nor recomputation of data flow for the entire program is required to detect affected definition-use associations. The program changes drive the recomputation of the required partial data flow through slicing. Another advantage is that the technique achieves the same testing coverage with respect to the affected definition-use associations as a complete retest of the program, without maintaining a test suite. Thus, the overhead of maintaining and updating a test suite is eliminated.
EPR studies of protein state transitions in Chromatium ferricytochrome c

Abstract Recent magnetic studies have shown that in the pH range 1 to 11 the bacterial heme protein ferricytochrome c ′ can undergo reversible transitions between various pure high-spin and quantum mechanically mixed (intermediate and high)-spin protein states. The EPR data presented here extend the recent work to high alkaline pH and show that above pH 11.6 reversible transitions occur between various pure high-spin and pure low-spin protein states. The new data and the previous magnetic studies of the protein are discussed in the context of the entatic nature of the iron-porphyrin complex in ferricytochrome c ′. EPR data are also provided concerning an anomalous, but reversible, transition to a protein state with reduced heme iron, triggered by freezing and thawing at physiological pH.
Relationships between personality variables and burnout: A meta-analysis

Abstract Most burnout research has focussed on environmental correlates, but it is likely that personality factors also play an important part in the development of burnout. Previous meta-analyses, however, have been limited in scope. The present meta-analysis examined the relationship between personality and three dimensions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI): emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Consistent with our hypotheses, self-esteem, self-efficacy, locus of control, emotional stability, extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, positive affectivity, negative affectivity, optimism, proactive personality, and hardiness, each yielded significant relationships with burnout. Type A Personality, however, was only related to personal accomplishment. Furthermore, regression analysis found that core self-evaluations, the Five-Factor Model personality characteristics, and positive and negative affectivity explained significant variance in each of the burnout dimens...
Mesenteric irritation as a means to prevent internal hernia formation after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery

Abstract Introduction Internal hernias (IHs) occur more frequently in laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) surgery than in the classic open procedure. The incidence of small bowel obstruction after LGB ranges from 1.8% and 9.7%. Some have theorized that this occurs because of decreased adhesion formation. Methods The mesenteric irritation technique is performed after closure of the jejunojejunal mesenteric defect with a running 2-0 silk suture. A sponge is then rubbed against the closed visceral peritoneal mesentery until petechiae are visualized on the surface of the mesentery. Results In all, 338 LGBs were performed using the standard closure technique with an IH incidence of 5.3% (range 1.7% to 7.8%). When using the mesenteric irritation technique, 72 LGBs were performed with an IH rate of 1.4% (P = .13). Conclusions Mesenteric irritation is a novel technique performed with minimal additional time and no additional equipment. This technique may prove beneficial in reducing the incidence of IHs.
Intact Discourse Cohesion and Coherence Following Bilateral Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex.

Discourse cohesion and coherence give communication its continuity providing the grammatical and lexical links that hold an utterance or text together and give it meaning. Researchers often link cohesion and coherence deficits to the frontal lobes by drawing attention to frontal lobe dysfunction in populations where discourse cohesion and coherence deficits are reported and through attribution of these deficits to underlying cognitive impairments putatively associated with the frontal lobes. We examined the distinct contribution of a region of the frontal lobes, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), to discourse cohesion and coherence across a range of discourse tasks. We found that bilateral vmPFC damage does not impair cohesion and coherence in spoken discourse. This study provides insights into the contribution of the major anatomical subdivisions of the frontal lobes to language use and furthers our understanding of the neural and cognitive underpinnings of discourse cohesion and coherence.
Enteric duplications of the pancreatic head: definitive management by local resection.

Abstract Background/Purpose: Enteric duplications can occur throughout the entire alimentary tract. When they occur in the pancreatic head, they present a formidable challenge in both diagnosis and treatment. Surgical management has ranged from simple drainage to local excision or radical resection (eg, Whipple procedure). The authors propose that with identification of the local anatomic relationships, definitive management can be achieved by complete local resection of the cyst mucosa. Methods: The authors have treated four patients, ages 13 months to 4 years for enteric duplication cysts within the pancreatic head. Results: Clinical presentations were quite varied, including pancreatitis (n = 2), gastritis (secondary to increased production of gastrin), and recurrent pleural effusion with high amylase content. Two of the four cysts had been drained initially using Roux-en-Y cystenterostomies. Our preoperative imaging studies included abdominal ultrasonography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), angiography, computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. When necessary intraoperatively, ultrasonography was used for cyst localization and transduodenal pancreatography to define precise ductal relationships. All four duplication cysts were completely excised, including two that communicated directly with the main pancreatic duct. One of the latter extended into the pleural cavity and required a thoracotomy for complete excision. Pathological exam of the excised cysts demonstrated gastric, duodenal, or respiratory mucosa. All four patients have remained entirely asymptomatic during a follow-up of 2 to 7 years postoperatively. Conclusion: The authors conclude that complete local resection of enteric duplication cysts in the pancreatic head can be performed for definitive management, avoiding the complications of more radical procedures.
Changing the Sjuzet: Lyn Hejinian's Digressive Narratologies

In Diderot's anecdote of the little boy in the laundry, alphabeti cal order serves as a figure for the regulatory social order of Enlightenment. For the unruly child, to utter the letter A _would not only compel this speaking subject to articulate the obligatory B that must follow; it would pledge him as well to a schoolroom abecedary of instruction, discipline, and orthodoxy. The comedy of this anecdote lies, of course, in the weeping boy's confla tion of his ABC's with a coercive institutional order. But the child's rejection of alphabetical progression?"the minute I've said A, they'll want me to say B"?also sets into motion a small parable of sequence and consequence that reflects the overall philosophical and literary concerns of Jacques the Fatalist. Throughout the novel, Diderot's characters grapple with the fatality of consequence, end lessly cogitating, for instance, upon the philosophical problem of causation: "Postulate a cause and an effect will follow. A trivial cause will produce a trivial effect. A passing cause will produce a
Total intravenous anesthesia without muscle relaxant in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

A 63-year-old woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was scheduled for open reduction and internal fixation of the right tibia. Total intravenous anesthesia using propofol and remifentanil without muscle relaxant was selected as the anesthetic method, in order to avoid the possible occurrence of ventilatory depression due to abnormal responses to muscle relaxants and exacerbation of the motor neuron disease. After standard and neuromuscular monitoring devices were applied, anesthesia was induced and maintained with target controlled infusion of propofol and remifentanil in the range of 2.5–5.0 μg·ml−1 and 2.5–5.0 ng·ml−1, respectively. To avoid delayed neuromuscular recovery, we did not use any muscle relaxant at all. Intubation was successful and there were no remarkable events during anesthesia, except for three brief hypotensive events; there was no exacerbation of ALS itself during or after the anesthesia. She was discharged on postoperative day 3, without any discomfort.
The Patient's Role in Reducing Disparities

We must not let the call for action to reduce disparities in health get lost in niggling debates over the details of implementation. Yet the details are precisely where the difficulties lie. The le...
Analysis of the structural measures of flexibility and agility using a measurement theoretical framework

Abstract Manufacturing firms have great interest in developing flexible and agile manufacturing systems. These manufacturing system strategies seek to leverage the inherent properties of the technologies and systems for competitive advantage. Measurement has always played a role in planning and managing these complex systems. Most measurement systems concentrate on operational measures of the system, however, many of the manufacturing strategies are based on structural properties embodied in the system architecture, technology resources, and system control policies. We present a measurement framework to analyze measures of structural properties of the enterprise system. The measurement framework provides a mathematical foundation for formalizing our intuition of what constitutes a measure. Our analysis reveals undesirable properties of some measures, mainly because they are developed without any formal basis. The measurement framework can provide a consistent basis for specifying and using measures, which will empower system designers to better incorporate desirable structural properties to align system design with enterprise strategy.
Accelerated Transacylation of Unactivated Phenyl Esters at Physiological pH with β-Cycloaltramine

Abstract The recently reported novel cyclodextrin, β-cycloaltramine, exhibits a 5.3 × 104 fold acceleration (compared to buffer) in transacylation of unactivated phenyl esters at physiological pH and follows saturation kinetics similar to enzymes. This acceleration is attributed to the change of the nucleophile and better binding of the substrate by this novel flexible host.
The amateur, the housewife, and the salesroom floor Promoting postwar US television

As a result of industry dissension and a record of previous unsuccessful attempts to launch commercial television in the US, the early postwar period constitutes a moment of unusual introspection and uncertainty within the broadcast industry about the place of the new medium in the home. The debates about the viability of commercial television within the trade and financial presses of the late 1940s were often framed by the discursive figures of the male electronics hobbyist and the female homemaker-viewer. Themselves the legacies of controversies in the 1920s over the social uses of radio broadcasting, the gendered poles of amateur and housewife continue to structure the policy options and broader ways of thinking about electronic media in the home, from postwar television to contemporary computer-based multimedia.
A three‐part plan for upgrading your marketing department for new challenges

Advice to senior management on how to ready the marketing department to be a key driver of business strategy and growth. The author is the best‐known marketing expert in the US. He knows the field intimately. His hypothesis: there are three often‐overlooked key problems. The marketing department lacks effective organization. The marketing staff lacks the knowledge, tools and capabilities to make maximum use of technology. There is constant friction between marketing and other departments in the company. A company needs to learn the symptoms of these marketing department problems and prepare to take decisive action. To address these problems, a three‐step action plan is proposed.
Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri induces tumor cell specific cytotoxicity

Originating from Africa, India, and the Middle East, frankincense oil has been important both socially and economically as an ingredient in incense and perfumes for thousands of years. Frankincense oil is prepared from aromatic hardened gum resins obtained by tapping Boswellia trees. One of the main components of frankincense oil is boswellic acid, a component known to have anti-neoplastic properties. The goal of this study was to evaluate frankincense oil for its anti-tumor activity and signaling pathways in bladder cancer cells. Frankincense oil-induced cell viability was investigated in human bladder cancer J82 cells and immortalized normal bladder urothelial UROtsa cells. Temporal regulation of frankincense oil-activated gene expression in bladder cancer cells was identified by microarray and bioinformatics analysis. Within a range of concentration, frankincense oil suppressed cell viability in bladder transitional carcinoma J82 cells but not in UROtsa cells. Comprehensive gene expression analysis confirmed that frankincense oil activates genes that are responsible for cell cycle arrest, cell growth suppression, and apoptosis in J82 cells. However, frankincense oil-induced cell death in J82 cells did not result in DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis. Frankincense oil appears to distinguish cancerous from normal bladder cells and suppress cancer cell viability. Microarray and bioinformatics analysis proposed multiple pathways that can be activated by frankincense oil to induce bladder cancer cell death. Frankincense oil might represent an alternative intravesical agent for bladder cancer treatment.
Recurrence of olfactory groove meningiomas.

Objective Despite apparent gross total resection, olfactory groove meningiomas have a high rate of late recurrence (average, 23%). In this retrospective study, we confirmed that the sites of these recurrences are the cranial base and paranasal sinuses. We postulated that these recurrences stem from conservative handling of the underlying invaded bone. Therefore, we analyzed patient outcomes according to the radicality of surgical resection. Methods Fifteen consecutive patients with a diagnosis of olfactory groove meningioma were treated surgically between 1992 and 2001 (nine new cases, six recurrent). Only patients with benign meningiomas were included; atypical and malignant meningiomas were excluded. Surgical resection included the dura and drilling of the underlying bone and resection of involved mucosa. We reviewed each patient's clinical records, radiological studies, sites of recurrence, grade of previous resection, and complications. Results Olfactory groove meningiomas invaded the underlying bone in 13 cases. All patients with recurrence had previously undergone a surgical resection corresponding only to Simpson Grade 2, which does not include the removal of underlying invaded bone. The sites of recurrence were in the cranial base or adjacent paranasal sinuses. The time to recurrence varied from 1 to 12 years (average, 7 yr; mean, 8 yr). Three patients had undergone one previous resection, two had undergone two previous resections, and one had undergone four previous operations. The ethmoid sinus was involved in all cases of recurrence, either with the sphenoid sinus or with an intracranial recurrence. Thirteen patients underwent complete resection of underlying bone and the invaded paranasal sinuses, then reconstruction of the anterior fossa. No patient died. There were three instances of cerebrospinal fluid leakage (one requiring operative repair), one case of delayed worsening vision after initial improvement, and two cases of transient cranial nerve palsy (Cranial Nerves III and IV). There was no recurrence at follow-up (average, 3.7 yr; range, 1-7.3 yr). Conclusion The cranial base and paranasal sinuses are sites of predilection for recurrence of olfactory groove meningiomas. Recurrence is the result of a direct extension attributable to incomplete resection of involved bone and regrowth at the edge of a previous surgical field. Extensive resection of all suspicious underlying bone is a complement to radical removal of these lesions. Reconstruction with a vascularized pericranial flap to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage is crucial.
Nitric oxide attenuates normal and sickle red blood cell adherence to pulmonary endothelium.

Increased adherence of sickle red blood cells (RBC) to endothelium is implicated as an initiating event of vaso-occlusion in sickle cell disease. Although much is known about the humoral influences of this interaction, there has been little investigation regarding endothelial contributions. Endothelial derived nitric oxide (NO) inhibits adhesion of platelets and leukocytes to endothelium and decreases expression of VCAM-1, an endothelial adhesion site implicated in sickle RBC/endothelial adherence. However, whether NO inhibits RBC adherence to endothelium is unexplored. We tested this hypothesis with endothelial monolayers exposed to RBC from normal (Hb AA) and sickle cell (Hb SS) volunteers in a parallel plate flow chamber. To decrease NO production, endothelial monolayers were exposed to 100 μM nitro-L-arginine (NLA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, resulting in an 87% increase in normal RBC adherence (P = 0.002). Because adherence of normal RBC to endothelium was low, the effect of DETA-NO, an NO donor, was tested after activation of endothelium with TNF-α increased adherence by 130% (P < 0.001). Subsequent addition of 2 mM DETA-NO produced a 75% decrease in adherence of normal RBC to endothelium (P = 0.03). At baseline, sickle RBC were significantly more adherent than normal RBC (P < 0.001) and DETA-NO decreased sickle RBC adherence by 54% (P = 0.04). Thus, NO inhibits both normal and sickle RBC adherence to endothelium. Strategies that enhance NO activity may be therapeutic in sickle cell disease. Am. J. Hematol. 63:200–204, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Plasticity in the egg-spacing behavior of a seed beetle : effects of host deprivation and seed patchiness (Coleoptera : Bruchidae)

Egg-laying females of the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatusdiscriminate between egg-free and egg-laden seeds and produce a nearly uniform distribution of eggs among seeds. We examined plasticity in this trait in response to both an internal factor (level of host deprivation) and an environmental one (the spatial configuration of available seeds). Responses to each factor were measured in genetically divergent strains that show a relatively strong (S strain) or weak (B strain) tendency to spread eggs evenly among seeds. Following a modest (10-h) period of host deprivation, S-strain females distributed their eggs less uniformly among seeds; the proportion of females committing at least one oviposition “mistake” increased from 20 to 50%. Similarly, S-strain females distributed their eggs less uniformly if seeds were presented in multiple, discrete patches instead of in a single, large patch. The higher frequency of oviposition mistakes in the multiple-patch arena was caused in part by females maintaining a uniform distribution of eggs within patches but not among patches. In contrast, females from the “sloppier” B strain were unaffected by either host deprivation or resource dispersion. Responses to seed patchiness are discussed in relation to the role of learning in the egg-spacing behavior of C. maculatus.
Procedural unfairness and managers surviving layoffs: Self-threat and coping in the context of organizational change

The affective and cognitive responses of managers who survive layoffs are explored. Evidence from two field studies suggests that managers who perceive that their organization was procedurally unfair exhibited greater anxiety than their nonmanagerial counterparts. Also, managers who perceived that the organization was unfair were more likely to withdraw from the organization, as measured by reduced organizational identification. Evidence that managers’ degree of identification with their managerial role moderated this relationship provides evidence of the psychological process driving these reactions to unfairness. Implications for the research and practice of organizational change are offered.
Sequential Bounding of the Reliability of a Stochastic Network

Given a directed source-sink network whose arcs either function or fail with known probabilities, we define the reliability of a node as the probability that there exists a path from the network's source to the node that consists only of functioning arcs. The concept of the strongly connected components of a network and the theory of associated random variables enable us to develop an algorithm that sequentially computes upper bounds on the reliabilities of nodes of the network until we finally obtain an upper bound on the reliability of the network's sink. The construction of a dual of the stochastic network permits the calculation of a lower bound on the reliability of the sink. These bounds are shown analytically to be tighter than the existing Esary-Proschan bounds.
Hot Tub Lung: Infection, Inflammation, or Both?

Increasing numbers of patients have presented with a hypersensitivity pneumonitis-type course in association with hot tub exposure. Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) organisms have been isolated from both patient specimens and hot tub water with matching fingerprints by restricted fragment length polymorphism and electrophoresis when performed. Review of the clinical, microbiologic, and radiographic presentations of 9 patients to the Mayo Clinic with this diagnosis are compared with 32 patients in the published literature. The diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of MAC hot tub lung are reviewed.
Short-term oral sensory deprivation: possible cause of binge eating in sham-feeding dogs

Six mongrel dogs (18-20 kg) were prepared with gastric and esophageal fistulas. All dogs were studied under four experimental conditions. In conditions 1 and 3 the dogs were allowed to sham feed either a high-palatable or low-palatable meal on days 1-5 followed by a sham feed of a high-palatable or low-palatable meal on day 6. In conditions 2 and 4 the dogs were not sham fed (oral sensory deprived) on days 1-5 but were allowed to sham feed either a high-palatable or low-palatable meal on day 6. Total caloric requirement during each 6-day study was given by infusion of a liquid diet (Isocal) through the gastric fistula following the experiment. In condition 4, dogs deprived of oral sensation on days 1-5, significantly overconsumed their low-palatable meal on day 6. In condition 2, dogs deprived of oral sensation on days 1-5 also overconsumed their high-palatable meal on day 6, although this did not reach statistical significance. Dogs that received oral stimulation days 1-5 (conditions 1 and 3) did not overconsume their high- and low-palatable meals on day 6, suggesting that binge eating following short-term oral deprivation may be avoided if the diet provides adequate oral sensory stimulation. Body weights were well maintained throughout each study period and no changes were observed.
A Multi-Robot Testbed for Robotics Programming Education and Research

We present the design choices we made to develop a multi-robot testbed to advance robotics programming education and research. We addressed the following criteria in developing the testbed in order to increase the likelihood that other computer science educators and researchers will adopt it as well, namely: the ability to program the robots in a high-level programming language; the ability of each robot to run programs using on-board processing capabilities; the ability of each robot to sense the environment in which it operates using on-board sensors; the ability of each robot to communicate with other robots in the testbed; and, the ability to incorporate additional robots in the testbed in a scalable manner. Given its programmability and communication capabilities, we chose Pololu's m3pi as the robot to use for constructing the testbed. We provide details of the various design choices and technical challenges we faced to build the testbed, including: programming m3pi robots in C/C++ to perform basic navigation operations, the graphical user interfaces we developed in Java and C# to track the robots, getting the robots to communicate using the Wixel and XBee wireless serial modules, and a virtual machine that we wrote in Python for the mbed microcontroller in order to give m3pi robots the communication capabilities needed for them to communicate using the XBee wireless serial module while navigating a grid. We conclude by outlining future promising directions to extend the testbed.
Absolute X-ray yields from laser-irradiated, Ge-doped aerogel targets

We have measured the production of hv ≥ 10 keV x rays from low-density, Ge-doped aerogel targets at the OMEGA laser (Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester). The targets were 1.2mm long by 1.5mm diameter beryllium cylinders filled with Ge-doped (20 atomic percent) SiO 2 aerogel. The doped-aerogel density was 4.8 or 6.5 mg/cm 3 . Forty beams of the OMEGA laser (λ = 351 nm) illuminated the two cylindrical faces of the target with a total power of ≥ 18 TW. Ge K-shell x-ray emission was spectrally resolved with a two-channel crystal spectrometer and recorded with temporal resolution with a set of calibrated photoconductive devices (PCDs).
Understanding burn severity sensing in Arctic tundra: exploring vegetation indices, suboptimal assessment timing and the impact of increasing pixel size

Little is known about how satellite imagery can be used to describe burn severity in tundra landscapes. The Anaktuvuk River Fire ARF in 2007 burned over 1000 km2 of tundra on the North Slope of Alaska, creating a mosaic of small 1 m2 to large >100 m2 patches that differed in burn severity. The ARF scar provided us with an ideal landscape to determine if a single-date spectral vegetation index can be used once vegetation recovery began and to independently determine how pixel size influences burn severity assessment. We determine and explore the sensitivity of several commonly used vegetation indices to variation in burn severity across the ARF scar and the influence of pixel size on the assessment and classification of tundra burn severity. We conducted field surveys of spectral reflectance at the peak of the first growing season post-fire extended assessment period at 18 field sites that ranged from high to low burn severity. In comparing single-date indices, we found that the two-band enhanced vegetation index EVI2 was highly correlated with normalized burn ratio NBR and better distinguished among three burn severity classes than both the NBR and the normalized difference vegetation index NDVI. We also show clear evidence that shortwave infrared SWIR reflectivity does not vary as a function of burn severity. By comparing a Quickbird scene 2.4 m pixels to simulated 30 and 250 m pixel scenes, we are able to confirm that while the moderate spatial resolution of the Landsat Thematic Mapper TM sensor 30 m is sufficient for mapping tundra burn severity, the coarser resolution of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer MODIS sensor 250 m is not well matched to the fine scale of spatial heterogeneity in the ARF burn scar.
Atherosclerotic Lesions in Diabetes

Since arteriosclerosis accounted for 69.4 per cent of deaths in a series of diabetic subjects in the five-year period from 1944 to 1949, it seems appropriate to reassess our knowledge of this serious complication of diabetes in the last trimester of 1954. “Atherosclerotic lesions” I have interpreted as meaning those lesions, primarily intimal, which occur in the large and medium-size arteries of the body. Within the limitations of this paper the term “atherosclerosis” will be considered to be synonymous with arteriosclerosis of the intimal type. I propose to discuss atherosclerosis from the pathologist9s point of view, to consider the relationship between this disease and diabetes, and to summarize some of the problems that confront investigators in the field of arteriosclerosis.
Role of immunocytochemistry, electron microscopy, and DNA analysis in fine-needle aspiration biopsy diagnosis of Wilms' tumor

We reviewed the cytologic features and results of ancillary studies in eight fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) performed by posterior approach in 8 patients with unresectable Wilms' tumor (WT). Chemotherapy was given following the FNAB diagnosis of WT, which was confirmed subsequently by histologic examination of surgically resected specimens. Indications for FNAB included: unresectable tumor, bilateral disease, initial presentation with metastatic disease, uncertainty regarding tumor site, and documentation of recurrence. Cytologic examination revealed blastemal cells (8/8 aspirates), spindle cells (3/8 aspirates), and epithelial differentiation or tubules (3/8 aspirates). There was no cytologic evidence of anaplasia in any of the cases. Immunocytochemical studies on cell blocks and/or smears showed cytokeratin positivity in 5/8 and vimentin positivity in 5/5 of the aspirates in which these studies were performed. Focal positivity for neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was seen in 3/3 aspirates. Stains for actin and leukocyte-common antigen were negative (0/3 and 0/2 aspirates, respectively). DNA ploidy analysis of the aspiration material by flow cytometry revealed near-diploid populations in three aspirates. Electron microscopic findings helpful for diagnosis included: cell junctions, microvilli, flocculent basement membrane-like material, cilia, autophagolysosomes, and lack of neuroectodermal differentiation. Diagnostic morphologic pitfalls for an incorrect diagnosis of neuroblastoma included nuclear molding (all aspirates), pseudorosette formation (one aspirate), and focal NSE positivity (3/3 aspirates). None of the tumors showed anaplasia on histologic examination. Cytologic recognition of the triphasic cellular components of WT (blastemal cells, spindle cells, and epithelial cells) can be helpful for a correct diagnosis; however, in 5/8 aspirates in this study, only the blastemal component was present. In these cases, immunocytochemical stains and electron microscopy proved useful in arriving at a correct FNAB diagnosis of WT. However, NSE positivity can be a pitfall for a diagnosis of neuroblastoma if the radiologic, clinical, and other cytologic features are not clearly delineated. Presence of cytokeratin and vimentin positivity would be helpful in the diagnosis of WT in such instances.
Comparative genomics of actinomycetes with a focus on natural product biosynthetic genes

Actinomycetes are a diverse group of medically, industrially and ecologically important bacteria, studied as much for the diseases they cause as for the cures they hold. The genomes of actinomycetes revealed that these bacteria have a large number of natural product gene clusters, although many of these are difficult to tie to products in the laboratory. Large scale comparisons of these clusters are difficult to perform due to the presence of highly similar repeated domains in the most common biosynthetic machinery: polyketide synthases (PKSs) and nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs). We have used comparative genomics to provide an overview of the genomic features of a set of 102 closed genomes from this important group of bacteria with a focus on natural product biosynthetic genes. We have focused on well-represented genera and determine the occurrence of gene cluster families therein. Conservation of natural product gene clusters within Mycobacterium, Streptomyces and Frankia suggest crucial roles for natural products in the biology of each genus. The abundance of natural product classes is also found to vary greatly between genera, revealing underlying patterns that are not yet understood. A large-scale analysis of natural product gene clusters presents a useful foundation for hypothesis formulation that is currently underutilized in the field. Such studies will be increasingly necessary to study the diversity and ecology of natural products as the number of genome sequences available continues to grow.
Observational constraints on earthquake source scaling: understanding the limits in resolution

Abstract I examine the resolution of the type of stress drop estimates that have been used to place observational constraints on the scaling of earthquake source processes. I first show that apparent stress and Brune stress drop are equivalent to within a constant given any source spectral decay between ω1.5 and ω3 (i.e., any plausible value) and so consistent scaling is expected for the two estimates. I then discuss the resolution and scaling of Brune stress drop estimates, in the context of empirical Green's function results from recent earthquake sequences, including the 1992 Joshua Tree, California, mainshock and its aftershocks. I show that no definitive scaling of stress drop with moment is revealed over the moment range 1019–1025; within this sequence, however, there is a tendency for moderate-sized (M 4–5) events to be characterized by high stress drops. However, well-resolved results for recent M > 6 events are inconsistent with any extrapolated stress increase with moment for the aftershocks. Focusing on corner frequency estimates for smaller (M
S100A12 Links to Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

See related article, pages 145–154 Inflammatory processes are involved in many vascular diseases and have been linked to a diverse array of mediators. This includes advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that are a collection of chemical entities implicated in inflammation-associated vascular disorders, particularly atherosclerosis. A specific receptor (receptor for advanced glycation end products [RAGE]) has been implicated in mediating the effects of AGEs in promoting inflammation through activation of the nuclear factor κB system. Subsequently, it was recognized that RAGE may promote inflammation through activation by non glycated products. This includes a member of the S100/calgranulin family termed S100A12, calgranulin C, or extracellular newly identified RAGE-binding proteins (EN-RAGE). S100A12 is predominantly secreted from neutrophils that can activate RAGE on endothelial cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes.1 In this issue of Circulation Research , Hofmann Bowman et al2 provide evidence for a new pathological role of S100A12 in the development of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). The most common complication of TAAs is dilation and rupture of the ascending aorta. TAAs are frequently associated with a number of well-defined genetic determinants, although there remains many questions regarding the mechanistic basis for the development and propagation of aneurysms in this region.3,4 This study used a combination of mouse models and human tissue. Because S100A12 is not normally expressed in mice, transgenic mice were created to express the human protein under the control of the smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific promoter SM22α. Convincing evidence was presented demonstrating expression of S100A12 in the aortic media of transgenic mice and in SMCs cultured from aortas of these mice. The accumulation of S100A12 protein in mouse aortas and cultured aortic SMCs was equivalent to extracts of human TAAs and SMCs cultured from human TAAs. This provides some assurance that the effects of S100A12 described in the …
Performance Analysis for OFDMA Downlink Relay Systems: Relay Gain and Fairness

This paper defines a new metric: a relay gain that measures the performance gain of users using relaying channels at distance s from a base station. The paper derives the closed form of the relay gain for urban macro-cells and rural areas, and shows that the closed form provides much information about how to maximize the performance gain of relay systems. Further, this paper investigates the fairness improvement of relay systems based on the relay gain, and confirms the superiority of relay systems over systems without relaying. Simulation results confirm that the relay gain metric predicts the performance of real relay systems accurately.
Prenatal Testosterone Induces Sex-Specific Dysfunction in Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation Pathways in Adult Male and Female Rats

Prenatal testosterone (T) exposure impacts postnatal cardiovascular function, leading to increases in blood pressure with associated decreased endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation in adult females. Endothelial function in males is not known. Furthermore, which of the endothelial pathways contributes to endothelial dysfunction and if there exists sex differences are not known. The objective of this study was to characterize the relative contribution of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) to the impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in prenatal T-exposed adult males and females. Offspring of pregnant rats treated with T propionate or its vehicle were examined. Telemetric blood pressure levels and endothelium-dependent vascular reactivity were assessed with wire myography. Levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) and Kcnn3 and Kcnn4 channel expression were examined in mesenteric arteries. Mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in T males and females than in controls. Endothelium-dependent acetylcholine relaxation was significantly lower in both T males and females. EDHF-mediated relaxation was specifically blunted in T males (Emax = 48.64% ± 3.73%) compared to that in control males (Emax = 81.71% ± 3.18%); however, NO-mediated relaxation was specifically impaired in T females (Emax = 36.01% ± 4.29%) compared with that in control females (Emax = 54.56% ± 6.37%). Relaxation to sodium nitroprusside and levcromakalim were unaffected with T-treatment. NOS3 protein was decreased in T females but not in T males. Kcnn3 expression was decreased in both T males and females compared to controls. These findings suggest that prenatal T leads to an increase in blood pressure in the adult offspring, associated with blunting of endothelial cell-associated relaxation and that the effects are sex-specific: EDHF-related in males and NO-related in females.
Blocked impurity band hybrid infrared focal plane arrays for astronomy

High-performance infrared hybrid focal plane arrays using 10*50-element Si:As blocked-impurity-band (BIB) detectors (cutoff wavelength=28 mu m) and matching switched MOSFET multiplexers have been developed and characterized for space astronomy. Use of impurity-band-conduction technology provides detectors which are nuclear-radiation-hard and free of the many anomalies associated with conventional silicon photoconductive detectors. Emphasis in the present work is on advances in detector material quality which have led to significantly improved detector and hybrid characteristics. Results demonstrating increased quantum efficiency (particularly at short-wavelength infrared), obtained by varying the BIB detector properties (infrared active layer thickness and arsenic doping profile), are summarized. Measured read noise and dark current for different temperatures are reported. The hybrid array performance achieved demonstrates that BIB detectors are well suited for use in astronomical instrumentation. >
CT venography in suspected pulmonary thromboembolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) are a continuum and are difficult to diagnose clinically. Combined CT venography and pulmonary angiography (CTVPA) is a single examination that combines multidetector CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and CT venography (CTV) of the abdomen, pelvis, and lower extremities, providing "one-stop shopping" for venous thromboembolism without additional venipuncture or i.v. contrast, and it adds only a few additional minutes to scanning time. CTVPA rapidly and accurately examines the deep veins, reveals the presence, absence, and extent of deep venous thrombosis, serves as a baseline, and helps guide patient management. Multiple investigators have reported a high degree of accuracy when CTV is compared with venous ultrasound. There are some pitfalls in image interpretation, especially with regard to mixing artifacts, and there are continuing controversies as to exactly which parts of the abdomen, pelvis, and legs should be scanned routinely, the ideal timing of CTV acquisition relative to contrast injection, and the slice thickness and gap, if any, that should be used.
High-Resolution Techniques and Application to Nonoxide Ceramics

The microstructure of ceramic materials can be observed directly at the atomic level by using high-resolution electron microscopy. These techniques are described in detail and the new information that they reveal about ceramic microstructures is illustrated with examples of hot-pressed silicon nitrides, sintered silicon sarbide, and a “sialon” system.
The science on front-of-package food labels

Objective The US Food and Drug Administration and Institute of Medicine are currently investigating front-of-package (FOP) food labelling systems to provide science-based guidance to the food industry. The present paper reviews the literature on FOP labelling and supermarket shelf-labelling systems published or under review by February 2011 to inform current investigations and identify areas of future research. Design A structured search was undertaken of research studies on consumer use, understanding of, preference for, perception of and behaviours relating to FOP/shelf labelling published between January 2004 and February 2011. Results Twenty-eight studies from a structured search met inclusion criteria. Reviewed studies examined consumer preferences, understanding and use of different labelling systems as well as label impact on purchasing patterns and industry product reformulation. Conclusions The findings indicate that the Multiple Traffic Light system has most consistently helped consumers identify healthier products; however, additional research on different labelling systems’ abilities to influence consumer behaviour is needed.
Book Review: Harsh, V.P., India’s Afghan Muddle: A Lost Opportunity:

Harsh, V.P.,India’s Afghan Muddle: A Lost Opportunity (New Delhi: Harper Collins Publishers, 2014). Pp. XI + 192, Price ₹450.
Effects of Rearing Density and Feeder and Waterer Spaces on the Productivity and Fearful Behavior of Layers

Abstract Two groups of White Leghorn pullets reared in cages were used to study the effects of rearing density and feeder and waterer spaces on their performance and fearful behavior. In Experiment 1, rearing densities of 221, 249, 277, and 304 cm2 per bird, 5.4 cm feeder space per bird, and a cup waterer to pullet ratio of 1:7 had no significant effect on 18-wk body weight, body weight uniformity, body weight gain, age at sexual maturity, feed consumption, and mortality rate during the laying period. In Experiment 2, pullets reared at a density of 193 versus 221 cm2 had lower (P
A sensor placement measure for impact detection in structural health monitoring

This paper studies the validity of horizontal dilution of precision (HDOP) measure to evaluate sensor network geometries when localizing impacts in structural health monitoring (SHM). First HDOP is defined similarly to navigation applications. Even though several low complexity closed-form solutions have been proposed recently, HDOP measure has been theoretically justified only for iterative least squares approach. The localization errors of popular impact localization methods are experimentally collected and compared with HDOP data for validation. The experimental setup is also described. It is shown that HDOP in general correlates with the positioning error and can be used to characterize geometry.
Anthracnose Disease and Annual Bluegrass Putting Green Performance Affected by Mowing Practices and Lightweight Rolling

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum cereale Manns sensu lato Crouch, Clarke & Hillman) has been a devastating disease on annual bluegrass (ABG) (Poa annua L. f. reptans (Hausskn.) T. Koyama) putting green turf over the past 15 yr. The objec- tives of this 2-yr fi eld trial on ABG were to evalu- ate the impact of mowing height (2.8, 3.2, and 3.6 mm), mowing frequency (seven and 14 times wk -1 ), lightweight rolling (none and every other day), and possible interactions of those factors
Shimming techniques for the ultraprecise muon g-2 storage ring at the AGS

Major components are in an advanced state of construction for a 7 meter radius 0.1 PPM precision storage ring. Detailed techniques are planned for static shimming of the assembly to at least 10 PPM magnetic field uniformity prior to the use of field correction coils. An air gap behind each ultra-pure iron pole piece strongly decouples the aperture field shape from the properties of the 1006 iron yoke. Iron wedges whose thickness varies across the width of the poles with slope of /spl sim/1/60 are used to eliminate the gradient produced by the C-magnet shape required for open access for the decay electron counter on the inside radius of the storage ring magnet. These wedges are 10 cm in azimuthal length and can be radially adjusted for short wavelength field adjustments. A horizontal motion of 50 /spl mu/m effectively adjusts the 10 cm half-gap aperture by 1 /spl mu/m (or 10 PPM). This and other techniques to adjust dipole, quadrupole, sextuple, etc. multipoles will be described. >
Observation and Theory in Development Administration

The development of sound empirical theory has been a major, and elusive, objective for students of comparative administration. It is suggested that the lack of progress toward this goal can be part...