cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How to (Really) Share a Secret

In information based systems, the integrity of the information (from unauthorized scrutiny or disclosure, manipulation or alteration, forgery, false dating, etc.) is commonly provided for by requiring operation(s) on the information that one or more of the participants, who know some private piece(s) of information not known to all of the other participants, can carry out but which (probably) can’t be carried out by anyone who doesn’t know the private information. Encryption/decryption in a single key cryptoalgorithm is a paradigm of such an operation, with the key being the private (secret) piece of information. Although it is implicit, it is almost never stated explicitly that in a single-key cryptographic communications link, the transmitter and the receiver must unconditionally trust each other since either can do anything that the other can.
CO2 Adducts of Certain Amino Acids, Peptides, and Sperm Whale Myoglobin Studied by Carbon 13 and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

13C Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance allows the direct observation of carbamino adduct in solutions of amino acids, peptides, and proteins. Also observable simultaneously are the other components of the system, namely bicarbonate and carbonate, and dissolved CO2. The former two species exist in fast exchange, with the observed resonance titratable between the limits of 24.4 and 32.6 ppm upfield of external CS2. Conversely, the chemical shift of the carbamino resonance of most amino acids and peptides is invariant with pH, although its integrated area is a sensitive function of the carbamino equilibrium. Methods are described which allow accurate determination of the mole fraction (Z) of carbamino formed, allowing the calculation of the amine dissociation constant (pKz) and the carbamino equilibrium constant (pKc). Deuterium isotope effects are noted. The structural consequences of carbamino formation on valine-containing peptides are discussed, as determined from both 13C NMR and 1H NMR measurements. The suggestion is made that carbamino formation may be a quite general and functionally important phenomenon throughout biology, and not limited primarily to hemoglobin.
Variations in the midlatitude and equatorial ionosphere during the October 2003 magnetic storm

[1] The October 2003 geomagnetic storm (often called the Halloween storm) was one of the largest storms (as measured by Dst) yet recorded. The storm-induced synoptic-scale changes in the ionosphere's plasma content and density can be viewed through space weather maps created by objective analysis algorithms. For this study, these maps, which specify the electron density in altitude, latitude, and longitude, are created by the ionospheric data assimilation three dimensional (IDA3D), a three-dimensional variation algorithm of the ionospheric electron density. These maps, representing the average conditions in the ionosphere over a 15 min sampling time, show how dramatically the ionosphere changed during the Halloween storm. Following the southward turning of the interplanetary magnetic field, the dayside electron content is significantly reduced in the equatorial ionosphere between ±18° magnetic latitude and is enhanced poleward of this latitude. This is the expected behavior when the equatorial fountain is enhanced by a strong penetration electric field. In addition, the electron content is significantly increased in the dayside midlatitude ionosphere, which corresponds to a storm-enhanced density (SED) plume. Above 40° magnetic latitude, the dayside plasma content is significantly reduced in the regions adjacent to the SED structure, which enhances the electron content gradient. Electron density maps in the altitude–magnetic latitude plane show an increase in the topside electron densities within an SED plume.
Conserved effects of squalene synthase inhibitors on gene expression changes in primary cultured rat and mouse hepatocytes (1148.2)

Squalene synthase inhibitors, such as squalestatin 1 (SQ1), are cholesterol-lowering drugs that block the first committed step in sterol biosynthesis. Unlike statins (e.g., pravastatin), inhibition...
Studying the behavior of mitochondria.

Publisher Summary Yeast mitochondria form dynamic tubular structures that are distributed uniformly at the cell cortex and contain an average of 50 to 100 copies of the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) packaged into higher order nucleoid structures. Saccharomyces cerevisiae ( S. cerevisiae ) is an ideal system for studying the mechanisms of both mitochondrial structure and mtDNA maintenance. Even after cells lose mtDNA—often as a secondary consequence of abnormal mitochondrial morphology—they can still be propagated and studied when a fermentable carbon source—such as glucose—is present. Much insight into the mechanisms that govern the shape, distribution, and movement of mitochondria, as well as the behavior of mtDNA has been gained through the use of genetic, cytological, and biochemical approaches. This chapter describes some of these cytological and biochemical techniques that have been developed and used in laboratories to study the behavior of mitochondria.
Discordance between CT measures of COPD and spirometry: Assessment of mechanistic differences

Background Many COPD patients have marked discordance between FEV1 and extent of emphysema on volumetric CT. The etiology for this is not well understood. Methods Subjects with GOLD stage I-IV from a large multicenter study (COPDGene) were arranged by percentiles of %pred FEV1 and emphysema on CT. Three categories were created using differences in percentiles: cat1 with predominant airflow obstruction and minimal emphysema, cat2 with matched FEV1 and emphysema, and cat3 with predominant emphysema and relatively minimal airflow obstruction. Image registration methods of Jacobian determinants, anisotropy and strain tensors were used to assess mechanistic differences between the groups. Regression models were created with above categories as outcome variable, adjusting for age, gender, emphysema (%LAA<-950HU at end inspiration), gas trapping (%LAA<-856HU at end expiration), and thickness of segmental airways (model 1), and after adding Jacobian mean (model 2). Results: FEV1 %pred for cat 1, 2, and 3 was 37.9+8.7, 88.7+12.2, and 49.2+26.1 respectively, and emphysema 1.4+1.2, 18.9+9.8, and 20.1+18.1, respectively. With cat 2 as control, model 2 predicted cat 1 and 3 better than model 1 (adjusted R2 0.63 vs. 0.45;p<0.001). In each category, model 2 predicted FEV1 better than model 1 (cat1: R2 0.49 vs. 0.44;p=0.01; cat2: R2 0.79 vs. 0.74;p=0.01; cat3:R2 0.91 vs. 0.90;p=0.01). Conclusions Lung elasticity might not be predicted by static measures of emphysema. Compared to density measures on CT, Jacobian measures of lung mechanics significantly improve prediction of airflow obstruction.
Human retinal imaging using visible-light optical coherence tomography guided by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy

We achieved human retinal imaging using visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) guided by an integrated scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO). We adapted a spectral domain OCT configuration and used a supercontinuum laser as the illumating source. The center wavelength was 564 nm and the bandwidth was 115 nm, which provided a 0.97 µm axial resolution measured in air. We characterized the sensitivity to be 86 dB with 226 µW incidence power on the pupil. We also integrated an SLO that shared the same optical path of the vis-OCT sample arm for alignment purposes. We demonstrated the retinal imaging from both systems centered at the fovea and optic nerve head with 20° × 20° and 10° × 10° field of view. We observed similar anatomical structures in vis-OCT and NIR-OCT. The contrast appeared different from vis-OCT to NIR-OCT, including slightly weaker signal from intra-retinal layers, and increased visibility and contrast of anatomical layers in the outer retina.
Liver fibrosis occurs through dysregulation of MyD88‐dependent innate B‐cell activity

Chronic liver disease mediated by activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) leads to liver fibrosis. Here, we postulated that the immune regulatory properties of HSCs might promote the profibrogenic activity of B cells. Fibrosis is completely attenuated in carbon tetrachloride–treated, B cell–deficient µMT mice, showing that B cells are required. The retinoic acid produced by HSCs augmented B-cell survival, plasma cell marker CD138 expression, and immunoglobulin G production. These activities were reversed following addition of the retinoic acid inhibitor LE540. Transcriptional profiling of fibrotic liver B cells revealed increased expression of genes related to activation of nuclear factor κ light chain enhancer of activated B cells, proinflammatory cytokine production, and CD40 signaling, suggesting that these B cells are activated and may be acting as inflammatory cells. Biological validation experiments also revealed increased activation (CD44 and CD86 expression), constitutive immunoglobulin G production, and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α. Likewise, targeted deletion of B-cell-intrinsic myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 signaling, an innate adaptor with involvement in retinoic acid signaling, resulted in reduced infiltration of migratory CD11c+ dendritic cells and Ly6C++ monocytes and, hence, reduced liver pathology. Conclusion: Liver fibrosis occurs through a mechanism of HSC-mediated augmentation of innate B-cell activity. These findings highlight B cells as important “first responders” of the intrahepatic immune environment. (Hepatology 2015;61:2067-2079)
The relationship between polymer elastic properties and the ability to impart improved wrinkle recovery to cotton fabric

The wrinkle recovery of polymer-coated cotton printcloth was generally found to correlate qualitatively with the elastic behavior of the polymer film. Of the several tensile parameters that can describe elasticity, immediate strain and work recoveries and stress decay were found to be the most sensitive indicators of the polymers' performance on the fabric. Delayed recovery, ultimate elongation, and permanent set were found to be important but were less sensitive parameters; while tensile strength and initial modulus appeared to be unrelated. A model is described whereby the polymer provides additional recovery forces when properly coupled to the fabric. High values of stress decay and permanent set diminish the effectiveness of these forces, while high values of immediate, work, and delayed recovery indicate that large portions of the distorting forces are available for recovery.
The role of operator style on mission energy requirements for tele-operated unmanned ground vehicles

This paper investigates the impact of teleoperation on energy consumption of a small unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). Using statistical response surface analyses, it is shown that factors such as velocity, stop-and-go operations, human operator delay and aggressiveness, and their interactions significantly increase the energy requirements in a typical mission. We investigate the effect of velocity deviation from the optimal drive cycle in terms of energy consumption and demonstrate that energy requirements can increase twofold when operating the vehicle at nonoptimal velocities. Finally, recommendations for improving the energy efficiency are proposed by targeting factors that affect the energy usage.
Descartes and the Problem of Action at a Distance

My aim in this Note is to examine Descartes’ position on the problem of action at a distance. Since the time of ancient Greece philosophers and physicists have puzzled over the phenomena which seem to show that one body can act upon another at a distance. Many have proposed to solve the problem by introducing sufficient kinds and quantities of unobservable matter to reduce every appearance of action at a distance to a series of contiguous actions; but they have been unable to silence the skepticism of those who could find no independent evidence for the existence of this new matter. On the other hand, those who have erected action at a distance itself as an ultimate principle have been unable to convince their fellow-investigators that it cannot be eventually explained away by more satisfactory modes of contact action. The result has been an interminable controversy still unsettled in our own time.1
Limiting the lifetime of packets in computer networks

Abstract The assurance mechanisms of end-to-end protocols used in packet-switching computer networks rely on implicit or explicit assumptions about the maximum lifetime of packets being transported from origin to destination. However, some parts of networks may hold packets for arbitrary periods but not report how long they are held. Failure in the assurance mechanisms may result. This paper describes a method to ensure that a packet is delivered only if its age does not exceed the maximum packet lifetime. The method requires knowledge of the time a packet spends on a logical link; a mechanism to measure this time can be added to existing link-level protocols. Such a mechanism is presented, along with its addition to a standard link-level protocol.
Catabolism in vitro of cholesterol: some comparative aspects.

Abstract In further investigation of the cholesterol oxidase system, found principally in liver, which is capable of oxidizing the three terminal carbon atoms of the side chain to carbon dioxide, several sterols were tried with liver mitochondria from various species of animals. Terminally labeled (C 26 ) 3α,7α,12α-trihydroxycoprostane, 3α,7α,12α-trihydroxy-24-ketocoprostane and 3α,7α,12α,24ξ-tetrahydroxycoprostane were tried along with cholesterol. It was found that rat liver mitochondria preparations oxidized 3α,7α,12α-trihydroxycoprostane in vitro more readily than the other two coprostane derivatives while with mouse, monkey, and human liver mitochondria, 3α,7α,12α-trihydroxy-24 ketocoprostane was more readily oxidized. The mitochondria of liver mitochondria from the rat, chicken, turtle, alligator, crocodile, rabbit, hamster, and guinea pig were tested for their ability to oxidize the terminal side-chain carbon atoms of cholesterol and 3α,7α, 12α-trihydroxycoprostane to carbon dioxide. Rat and chickens showed considerable ability to oxidize both sterols. Rabbit, hamster, and guinea pigs had a very much reduced ability to oxidize cholesterol and a somewhat reduced ability to oxidize 3α,7α,12α-trihydroxycoprostane. The turtle, crocodile, and alligator showed a very small oxidizing ability for cholesterol and practically none for the trihydroxycoprostane. This is consistent with the known formation of 27-carbon compounds in the bile of these species. Mitochondria from monkey spleen and early embryonic chick and rat livers had a small but positive oxidizing ability for the cholesterol terminal carbon atoms. The operation of a species-dependent factor in the oxidation of sterols by various species may produce a problem in further investigation of these reactions.
Novel technique for determining the relative permittivity of solids at millimetre wavelengths

A technique for determining the relative permittivity of solids from measurements made on a.lower-density sample prepared from the same material is demonstrated. Data presented for three different solids at 70GHz illustrate the potential of the technique implemented with conventional short-circuit or waveguide-bridge instrumentation.
Steady flow development past valve prostheses in a model human aorta. II. Tilting disc valves.

Abstract The flow development in the model human aorta with uniform entry as well as with centrally occuluding valves mounted at the root of the aorta was described in Part I of this two-paper sequence. Part II deals with the flow development in the model aorta with tilting disc valves mounted at the root of the aorta. Bjork-Shiley and Hall-Kaster tilting disc valves were mounted in three different orientations with respect to the root of the aorta. The velocity profiles and turbulent stresses were measured with laser-Doppler anemometry. Our results under steady flow conditions in the model human aorta show quantitatively that the flow development in the ascending aorta as well as in the brachio-cephalic artery are strongly dependent on the orientation of the tilting disc valves. With the valves tilting towards the outer wall of curvature, our results suggest a tendency for flow separation at the flow divider region of the brachio-cephalic artery.
The Dawning of Primate Optogenetics

In this issue of Neuron, Han and colleagues bring optogenetic methods into use in nonhuman primates by demonstrating the feasibility of achieving cell-type-specific photoactivation of macaque neocortical neurons. The use of optogenetic approaches in nonhuman primates promises to revolutionize our understanding of the neural circuitry that mediates complex cognitive functions.
Silica Increases Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Production, in Part, by Upregulating the TNF Promoter

Silica causes release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) from mononuclear phagocytes. One hypothesis is that silica increases TNF production, in part, by upregulating the TNF gene. To evaluate this hypothesis, THP-1 cells (a myelomonocytic cell line) were exposed to various amounts of silica and then the TNF gene transcription was evaluated. In this study silica caused a dose-dependent increase in TNF mRNA and the peak response occurred at 3 h following stimulation. A transient transfection assay also showed that silica upregulated expression of a TNF CAT construct in THP-1 cells. Furthermore, a nuclear run-on assay demonstrated that silica particles induce increased TNF gene transcription in exposed cells. THP-1 cells cultured for various periods of time in the presence of silica released TNF into the cell supernatants. These studies show that silica can upregulate the TNF gene, which results in the release of TNF protein from the cells.
Can core needle biopsy replace fine‐needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of palpable breast carcinoma: A comparative study of 124 women

BACKGROUND There appears to be a growing movement in favor of core needle biopsy (CNB) over fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in detecting breast carcinoma in women. The authors compared the sensitivity and specificity of these two methods in patients who presented to The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center for evaluation of a palpable breast mass. METHODS One hundred and twenty-four women (mean age, 51 years; range, 28-86 years) with a clinically suspicious palpable mass (mean size, 4.4 cm; range, 1-12 cm) underwent concurrent FNA and CNB. For the FNA, an average of three needle passes were made. FNA was followed by three CNBs using the Bard Monopty needle. CNB samples were submitted for frozen section to determine adequacy, and an additional three cores were performed if the first batch was deemed inadequate. All patients ultimately had histologic confirmation of their neoplasms either by the core needle procedure or by definitive open surgical biopsy. Features of cases with discrepant diagnoses were examined in relation to tumor size and histologic type. RESULTS Specificity of both FNA and CNB was 100%. The sensitivity in detecting a malignant neoplasm was higher for FNA than for CNB (97.5% vs. 90%, P < 0.004). CONCLUSIONS In our experience, FNA of palpable breast lesions is a more sensitive method for the detection of carcinoma regardless of tumor type, size, or differentiation. Contrary to other reports, not only was FNA alone more sensitive than CNB alone, the addition of CNB to an already negative FNA failed to increase sensitivity in the detection of carcinoma. However, CNB did contribute to a more definitive diagnosis in some cases. The authors also found FNA to be more cost effective than CNB for palpable breast lesions when time and effort are taken into consideration. This reinforces the benefit of FNA over CNB in the detection of early stage breast carcinoma. Cancer 1996;78:773-7.
Prediction of folic acid retention during spray dehydration

Abstract An approach for the prediction of nutrient retention during the process of spray dehydration is presented. An Anhydro Compact Spray-Drier with centrifugal atomization was used. A relatively inert microcrystalline cellulose/CMC model system was selected as the feed with the incorporation of folic acid as the test nutrient. Relative humidity and temperature profiles were developed as a function of the vertical distance within the chamber and related to folic acid degradation and moisture content of the drying particles. Response surface methodology and multiple regression analysis were used to develop a predictive equation for final folic acid retention during spray-drying. Although the development of mechanistic models may provide a more general method to the solution of a predictive equation for nutrient retention during spray-drying, it was found that the development of an empirical model would provide an accurate, more practical approach for the purposes of quality control in the food industry.
BAYESIAN INFERENCE OF FUZZY PROBABILITIES

Abstract In this paper, we propose a new method to generalize Bayesian methods both for fuzzy likelihood and fuzzy prior probabilities. Based on interval Bayesian inference developed by Pan and Klir [1996], the proposed method overcomes the difficulty in developing a normalized fuzzy Bayesian inference recognized in the literature [Friihwirth-Schnatter, 1993].
Relating semantic and episodic memory systems.

Episodic and semantic memory are two forms of declarative memory which appear to function in distinct yet interdependent ways. Here we provide direct evidence for a functional relationship between these two memory systems by showing that left lateral temporal lobe regions involved in semantic memory play an important role in accurate episodic memory retrieval.
Hip range of motion in Perthes’ disease: comparison of pre-operative and intra-operative values

Abstract Background Children with early Perthes’ disease and clinical loss of motion are commonly noted to have normal or almost normal hip range of motion (ROM) when examined under anesthesia (EUA). Despite anecdotal comments about this observation, no series has documented these findings. The lack of such data led to this study. Methods Consecutive patients with unilateral Herring class B or C Perthes’ disease in mid to late Waldenstrom’s fragmentation stages who failed a non-operative course of hip motion restoration had hip range of motion (ROM) documented pre-operatively and intra-operatively by a single, experienced pediatric orthopedic surgeon. The opposite normal hip’s ROM was used as the control. Joint congruity was assessed arthrographically. Results Twenty-seven patients, 6–10 years old (average 7.9 years) with early Perthes’ disease were reviewed. Twenty-one of 27 patients (77.7%) had full or almost full hip ROM of the involved side when examined under anesthesia (EUA). Six patients (22.3%) ha...
Notes on the biology of Protohydra leuckarti greef (Hydroidea, protohydridae)

Abstract The solitary polyp Protohydra leuckarti Greef is extremely common in Danish estuaries and lagoons. It may be found on several kinds of substratum but seems to prefer mixed bottom in shallow water. P. leuckarti is normally red due to carotenoids from devoured copepods. Experiments showed that the polyp is able to catch all stages of harpacticoids, nematodes and small chironornids, Halacarids and ostracods were not readily accepted and hardly play any role as food animals in nature. The transversal division is the normal way of reproduction. The process lasts 12–24 hours at 20° C and about nine days at 4–5° C. Fed with one adult harpacticoid (Tachidius sp.) per day P. leuckarti would divide every four days. Protohydra seems to have a resting period in the autumn. Sexual reproduction was found in autumn animals and in some winter animals casually exposed to drastically changing temperatures and periods of starvation. The ripening of the gonads lasted 28 days. The eggs measured 310 × 160 µ. They were...
Safety and efficacy of targeted busulfan therapy in children undergoing myeloablative matched sibling donor BMT for sickle cell disease.

Busulfan influences engraftment and toxicities during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We report our single-institution experience of targeted busulfan therapy for myeloablative, matched sibling donor (MSD) HSCT for sickle cell disease (SCD) and assess the relationships of busulfan levels to engraftment and toxicities. Twenty-seven patients with SCD underwent MSD HSCT from 1993 to 2007, 25 with busulfan measurements. The conditioning regimen was busulfan (initial dose 0.875 mg/kg for 16 doses), CY and antithymocyte globulin. Busulfan area under curve (AUC) was determined with the first dose, and dose adjustments were made to target the desired AUC range. Median AUC was 963 μmol min/L (range 780–1305 μmol min/L). Engraftment occurred in all cases: 21 (84%) full donor chimerism (>95% donor cells), 4 (16%) partial donor chimerism. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) occurred in 8 (32%) patients. Lower AUC was seen with partial donor chimerism (862±73 μmol min/L) versus full donor chimerism (AUC 1018±122 μmol min/L) (P=0.022). VOD was not associated with busulfan AUC (P=0.153). Of 25 patients, 24 survived with median follow-up of 4.9 years. Our experience shows that targeting busulfan AUC above the range used in previous multicenter trials appears safe and may contribute to sustained engraftment in SCD.
Association of serum ferritin and indices of body fat distribution and obesity in Mexican American men--the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND: Few data have been published on the association of indices of body fat distribution and serum ferritin, an indicator of body iron stores and putative risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity, in representative samples of total populations or in Hispanic Americans. OBJECTIVE: To describe the distributions of serum ferritin concentration and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in Mexican American men and to assess their association. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of a large national sample, the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. PARTICIPANTS: Mexican American men aged 20–49 y. MEASUREMENTS: Body circumferences, skinfold thickness, height, weight, and serum ferritin and C-reactive protein concentrations. RESULTS: Mean serum ferritin increased between ages 20 and 29 but not between 30 and 49. WHR increased with age between ages 20 and 49. WHR showed significant positive associations with log serum ferritin concentration independent of age and body mass index (BMI). The association was strongest at age 20–29 y among those with BMI below the median. Associations with other indices of body fat distribution and overall obesity are described. CONCLUSION: Serum ferritin concentration is associated with WHR and other indices of body fat distribution and obesity. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and significance of these findings.
Customizing Scoring Functions for Docking

Empirical scoring functions used in protein-ligand docking calculations are typically trained on a dataset of complexes with known affinities with the aim of generalizing across different docking applications. We report a novel method of scoring-function optimization that supports the use of additional information to constrain scoring function parameters, which can be used to focus a scoring function’s training towards a particular application, such as screening enrichment. The approach combines multiple instance learning, positive data in the form of ligands of protein binding sites of known and unknown affinity and binding geometry, and negative (decoy) data of ligands thought not to bind particular protein binding sites or known not to bind in particular geometries. Performance of the method for the Surflex-Dock scoring function is shown in cross-validation studies and in eight blind test cases. Tuned functions optimized with a sufficient amount of data exhibited either improved or undiminished screening performance relative to the original function across all eight complexes. Analysis of the changes to the scoring function suggest that modifications can be learned that are related to protein-specific features such as active-site mobility.
Reaktionen von Diphenyl(trimethylsilyl)phosphan mit Alkyl(pentacarbonyl)mangan; Synthese der Ylidkomplexe unter Beteiligung einer CO‐Einschiebung

Il semble que l'insertion de CO soit assistee par formation de la liaison SiO; il y aurait formation des complexes ylures
Comments on “achieving diagonal interactor matrix for multivariable linear systems with uncertain parameters”

Abstract In this note we propose a criterion for determining whether or not a multivariable linear system may be made to have a diagonal interactor with the possible use of diagonal precompensation. We present a constructive procedure to achieve a diagonal interactor for multivariable linear systems when possible. This procedure is simpler than that given in Gibbens et al . [ Automatica , 29 , 1547–1550 (1993)].
A field test of the exams model in the Monongahela River

Although there are many aquatic fate and transport models that predict environmental concentrations of pollutants over time or distance, the science of model validation is in its infancy. It has been recommended that high priority be given to future experimental work to field-validate existing models. This article presents a comparison of model predictions of phenol concentration downstream from a steel mill effluent derived from the Exposure Analysis Modeling System (EXAMS) with ambient phenol concentration data collected from the Monongahela River in Pennsylvania. The model predicted oxidation and biolysis as the most significant fate pathways for phenol degradation in the Monongahela River. Bacterial numbers were very low in river water, however, reducing the importance of the biolysis pathway. Agreement between observed levels of phenol and predicted model output was best achieved when a first-order decay of total molar oxidants in the water column was simulated by altering EXAMS molar oxidant input values.
Emodin and DHA potently increase arsenic trioxide interferon-α–induced cell death of HTLV-I–transformed cells by generation of reactive oxygen species and inhibition of Akt and AP-1

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is an aggressive lymphoproliferative disease of poor clinical prognosis associated with infection by the human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). The use of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) has been shown to effectively treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with greater than 80% of patients achieving complete remission. The combination of arsenic and interferon has also shown promising results in the treatment of ATL. The requirement for slow dosage increases of arsenic and the time required to achieve a pharmacologic active dose in patients is a major obstacle because median survival of patients with ATL is about 6 months. In this study we report a potent synergistic effect of the combination of arsenic trioxide and interferon α (As/IFN-α) with emodin and DHA on cell-cycle arrest and cell death of HTLV-I–infected cells. Importantly, we found that clinically achievable doses of DHA and emodin allowed for reduced arsenic concentrations by 100-fold while still remaining highly toxic to tumor cells. Our data provide a rationale for combined use of As/IFN-α with emodin and DHA in patients with ATL refractory to conventional therapy.
Sex Differences in the Cannibalistic Roles of Adult Flour Beetles

Adult males of the flour beetles Tribolium confusum and T. castaneum were found to be several times more voracious than were females as cannibals of pupae. This is exactly the reverse of the sex differences reported earlier with regard to egg—eating; as egg cannibals, females excel males by 7 to 19 times. This is a remarkable division of labor between the two sexes with respect to cannibalistic self—regulation of numbers. See full-text article at JSTOR
Mechanically stretchable and reversibly deformable liquid metal-based plasmonics

We demonstrate that liquid metals are attractive materials for active plasmonic devices at terahertz frequencies. Using a liquid metal injected into an elastomeric mold, we measure the static and stretched transmission properties of aperture arrays.
The binding of ORC2 to chromatin from terminally differentiated cells.

Nuclei from terminally differentiated Xenopus erythrocytes lack essential components of the prereplication complex, including the origin recognition complex (ORC) proteins XORC1 and XORC2. In Xenopus egg extract, these proteins are able to bind erythrocyte chromatin from permeable nuclei, but not from intact nuclei, even though they are able to cross an intact nuclear envelope. In this report we use both permeable and intact erythrocyte nuclei to investigate the role of cyclin-dependent kinase activity in modulating the binding of XORC2 to chromatin. We find that elevating the level of cyclin A-dependent kinase in egg extract prevents the binding of XORC2 to chromatin from permeable nuclei and that kinase inhibition reverses this effect. We also observe a nuclear transport-dependent accumulation of H1 kinase activity within intact nuclei incubated in the extract. However, inhibiting this kinase activity does not facilitate the binding of XORC2 to chromatin, suggesting that other molecules and/or mechanisms exist to prevent association of XORC proteins with replication origins within intact nuclei from terminally differentiated cells.
Mortality outcome among medically underserved women screened through a publicly funded breast cancer control program, 1997–2007

The purpose of this study was to assess treatment and mortality differences between women diagnosed with breast cancer through Nebraska’s Every Woman Matters (EWM) program and women diagnosed through other sources. A retrospective analysis was performed using 10 years of Nebraska Cancer Registry and EWM program data on women aged 40–74 years. This study used chi-square and multivariate logistic regression with mortality as the outcome of interest. From 1997 to 2007, 4,739 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, 435 (9.1 %) of whom were diagnosed through EWM. The EWM and non-EWM groups differed significantly in age, race, marital status, location of residence at the time of diagnosis, neighborhood poverty level at the time of diagnosis, tumor stage at diagnosis, and chemotherapy. No significant differences were found between the two groups in radiation therapy, surgical resection, and hormone therapy. In both 1- and 5-year multivariate mortality models, the odds of dying for those in the EWM program were not statistically significantly different from the odds of dying for those not in the EWM program. In the 1-year mortality model, residents of urban metropolitan counties (OR 2.079; 95 % CI 1.663–2.598) had an increased odds of dying compared to residents of rural counties. In the 5-year mortality model, black women (OR 2.239; 95 % CI 1.453–3.450), residents of areas with a high (more than 20 %) neighborhood poverty level at the time of diagnosis (OR 1.589; 95 % CI 1.204–2.097), and unmarried women (OR 1.334; 95 % CI 1.164–1.528) had higher odds of death. Both groups have received similar treatments. Targeted outreach to vulnerable groups for cancer screening may improve cancer outcomes and reduce disparities.
Local government publications: An Iowa survey

Abstract The results of a survey of the collection development of local government publications in Iowa libraries and library-related agencies are presented. The Iowa survey data are compared with those of earlier surveys in Illinois and Tennessee. Municipal publications are found to be the most likely to be collected, but less than half of the respondents in all three surveys collected local publications of any kind.
Persistent first intersegmental vertebral artery in association with type II odontoid fracture: surgical treatment utilizing a novel C1 posterior arch screw: case report.

Objective and importance Posterior cervical stabilization for cervical fractures is common, and numerous techniques for fixation have been described. This case describes the novel usage of C1 laminar screws due to a persistent intersegmental artery and congenital fusion of C2-C3. Clinical presentation A 64-year-old woman presented with loss of consciousness after falling down a flight of stairs. Initial CT scan showed a type II odontoid fracture with significant malalignment, as well as an anomalous congenital fusion of C2-C3 and degenerative spondylolisthesis of C3 to C4. CT angiogram demonstrated bilateral persistent first intersegmental arteries coursing through the C1-C2 neural foramina. Intervention The patient underwent C2 fracture reduction and posterior C1-C4 fusion. C1 posterior arch screws were placed due to the patient's anomalous vertebral artery location. The construct was anchored caudally by C2 pars interarticularis screws and C4 lateral mass screws. The patient experienced an excellent neurologic and radiographic outcome at 12.5 months. Conclusion Posterior fixation for fractures of the cervical spine is common; however, the use of C1 posterior arch screws for fractures has not previously been described. The presence of a persistent intersegmental course of the vertebral artery, a rare but reported anomaly, should be regarded as a contraindication to placement of C1 lateral mass screws and necessitates careful consideration of the available surgical options.
A statistical analysis on the location of EEG abnormalities.

Abstract 1. 1. Routine EEG's were done on 1742 patients and 1339 focal abnormalities were noted. 2. 2. More electrographic abnormalities appear on the left hemisphere than on the right, especially on the left temporal region where 33 per cent of all abnormalities were seen. 3. 3. A significantly larger number of focal slow waves are seen on the left frontal, left anterior and mid temporal electrodes than on the corresponding areas of the right side. However, a larger number of slow waves are seen on the right occipital area than on the left. 4. 4. Independent slow waves on the contralateral homologous areas are seen more frequently on the poles than on the parasagittal or temporal areas. Contralateral independent spikes are seen most frequently on the temporal areas. 5. 5. The predilection for the left hemisphere of certain neurological diseases, especially the internal carotid thrombosis, is discussed, along with the frequent pathological involvement of temporal lobe.
Simulation of infrared picosecond laser-induced electron emission from semiconductors

In this study, we present a self-consistent model for picosecond laser induced electron emission from silicon. Surface electron emission due to a pulsed laser excitation originates from thermionic and photoelectric effects, both of which depend on the surface electron temperature and incident laser pulse intensity. By numerically solving a set of coupled transport equations, time dependent surface electron temperature as well as lattice temperature was determined. The electron emission rates and electron yields due to photoelectric and thermionic effects have been studied for varying pulse width and pulse intensity. For picosecond pulses at 1064 nm, the dominant emission mechanism was found to be photoelectric emission for pulse fluences below the melting threshold. In addition, a comparison between electron emission due to the picosecond infrared pulse and a picosecond 532 nm pulse was also presented.
Geochemical constraints on chemolithoautotrophic metabolism by microorganisms in seafloor hydrothermal systems

Abstract Mixing of hydrothermal fluids and seawater at the ocean floor, combined with slow reaction kinetics for oxidation/reduction reactions, provides a source of metabolic energy for chemolithotrophic microorganisms which are the primary biomass producers for an extensive submarine ecosystem that is essentially independent of photosynthesis. Thermodynamic models are used to explore geochemical constraints on the amount of metabolic energy potentially available from chemosynthetic reactions involving S, C, Fe, and Mn compounds during mixing of hydrothermal fluids with seawater. For the vent fluid used in the calculations (EPR 21°N OBS), the model indicates that mixing environments are favorable for oxidation of H2S, CH4, Fe2+ and Mn2+ only below ∼ 38°C, with methanogenesis and reduction of sulfate or S° favored at higher temperatures, suggesting that environments dominated by mixing provide habitats for mesophilic (but not thermophilic) aerobes and thermophilic (but not mesophilic) anaerobes. A maximum of ∼760 cal per kilogram vent fluid is available from sulfide oxidation while between 8 and 35 cal/kg vent fluid is available from methanotrophy, methanogenesis, oxidation of Fe or Mn, or sulfate reduction. The total potential for chemosynthetic primary production at deep-sea hydrothermal vents globally is estimated to be about 1013 g biomass per year, which represents ∼0.02% of the global primary production by photosynthesis in the oceans. Thermophilic methanogens and sulfate- and S°-reducers are likely to be the predominant organisms in the walls of vent chimneys and in the diffuse mixing zones beneath warm vents, where biological processes may contribute to the high methane concentrations of vent fluids and heavy 34 S 32 S S ratios of vent sulfide minerals. The metabolic processes taking place in these systems may be analogs of the first living systems to evolve on the Earth.
Reply to comment by S. W. H. Cowley et al. on “Jupiter: A fundamentally different magnetospheric interaction with the solar wind”

[1] We welcome the comments by Cowley et al. [2008] (hereinafter referred to as CBIM), and discussion of McComas and Bagenal [2007]. In our paper we pointed out a variety of problems with the operation of an Earth-like Dungey cycle at Jupiter including the large spatial and long temporal scales over which a solar-wind-driven convection system would need to operate, the presence of a high beta plasma sheet of iogenic material inhibits closing of open (lobe) flux in the magnetotail, the ejection of plasma sheet material down the tail inhibits planetward motion of closed (reconnected) flux tubes, and the lack of a signature of a polar cap in Jovian auroral emissions. We suggested an alternate process that would close open magnetic flux at the magnetopause any time a solar wind flux tube connects with open flux anchored in both poles. While we do not pretend to have fully proven that our process is the dominant method for closing off open magnetic flux in the Jovian magnetosphere, we do believe that it is an interesting and new idea that is worth serious consideration. In addition, there are already a variety of observations that support our general concept, as described in our paper. Ultimately, which process is the primary one will have to be settled by these and other observations – it will not be settled by conflicting models or theoretical arguments.
Health care fraud.

The term health care fraud describes a variety of "sins" committed with what seems to be ever greater frequency and sophistication by a multitude of "sinners." Estimates as to the magnitude of the problem vary widely. By even the most conservative ones, however, the sums lost through health care fraud each year in the United States are staggering. As the problem has grown, so too has the attention paid it. Prevention of these losses has become a high priority for third-party payers as well as for government health and law enforcement agencies.* *Different federal and state law enforcement officials have responsibility within their defined authorities for investigating health care fraud allegations. At the federal level, the agencies involved include the US Departments of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Defense (DoD), Veterans Affairs (VA), and Labor (DoL); the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB); the Office of Personnel Management (OPM); and the Post Office. At the state level, attorneys general direct Medicaid fraud control units, and state law enforcement agencies may investigate worker's compensation fraud. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has broad authority to investigate all health care fraud offenses. If for no other reason than the enormous drain it imposes on our health care system, health care fraud should be a matter of concern for everyone, but especially for health care providers. They are among the most likely to be affected by health care fraud and by efforts to prevent it. Physicians in particular may suffer the consequences directly and unmistakably as victims of fraudulent schemes, or less directly and perhaps not so self-evidently through reduced reimbursement for clinical services and increased administrative burdens and constraints in connection with the delivery of those services. What follows is a look at selected aspects of health care fraud from a physician's perspective.
Improving the algorithms of Berlekamp and Niederreiter for factoring polynomials over finite fields

A new deterministic algorithm for factoring polynomials over finite fields is presented. This algorithm makes use of linear algebra methods and is an improvement of the Berlekamp algorithm, as well as that of Niederreiter, in the case of nontrivial algebraic extensions. The improvement is achieved by a new method of computing a basis of the so-called Berlekamp primitive subalgebra that makes use of an idea related to the field of Grobner bases. Finally, some comparative running times show how this new deterministic algorithm performs better than other probabilistic algorithms in some practical cases.
Retrotransposition and Herpesvirus Evolution

One of the more interesting developments in herpesvirus evolution concerns the acquisition of novel, non-ubiquitous herpesvirus genes. A number of these are related to known cellular genes. How did herpesviruses acquire such genes? Our recent demonstration of retrovirus integration into herpesviruses suggests a potentially important role for retrotransposition in herpesvirus evolution and in the acquisition of novel genes, cellular in origin. Herpesvirus genome development has been characterized by a number of structural and evolutionary properties that support this proposal. We first discuss the evidence for retroviral integration into herpesviruses. The functional significance of this phenomenon is presently unclear. However, in the broader context of retrotransposition, a number of attractive features serve to explain the capture of structural and regulatory elements throughout herpesvirus evolution. These possibilities are discussed in detail.