cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The lateral approach for open splenectomy

Abstract Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has been used increasingly to treat children with hematologic disorders and has been reported to have advantages over open splenectomy performed through a standard vertical or subcostal incision. The authors perform open splenectomy (OS) through a lateral, muscle-splitting approach, and believe their approach is more reasonable in comparison with LS. Methods: Thirty-nine consecutive open splenectomies performed between 1991 and 1995 were reviewed retrospectively and compared with recent reports of LS. The series included 24 boys and 15 girls with an average age of 9 years and average weight of 37.5 kg. Indications included immune thrombocytopenic purpura (n = 20), hereditary spherocytosis (n = 18), and sickle cell anemia (n = 1). The operation was performed with the child in the lateral decubitus position through a left upper abdominal muscle-splitting incision (off the 11th rib), sparing the rectus muscle. Results: All 39 cases were completed without intraoperative complications with an average surgical time of 98.0 minutes (range, 30 to 302). The average surgical blood loss was 89 mL (range, 10 to 300). The children started feeding an average of 1.2 days (range, 0 to 4) postoperatively, were on a regular diet at an average of 2.0 days (range, 1 to 6) postoperatively, and had an average length of stay of 2.7 days (range, 1 to 6). There was no mortality or morbidity. Conclusions: Open lateral splenectomy is performed with shorter surgical times, less blood loss, an excellent cosmetic result, no complications, and a length of stay comparable to any of the published series on laparoscopic splenectomy in children. This approach provides a reasonable basis for comparison with laparoscopic splenectomy.
An assessment of self-reported disease classification in epidemiological studies of dry eye.

PURPOSE To evaluate the reliability of self-reported dry eye disease status and patient-related predictors of misclassification in contact lens wearers. METHODS Patients completed the Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire (CLDEQ) short form on two occasions. Test-retest reliability of the CLDEQ composite score was determined using the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) and an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The kappa statistic was used to determine reliability of disease-classification-based CLDEQ composite score cutoff points. Predictors of misclassification were determined by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS The sample included 274 patients. The range of CLDEQ composite scores from both visits was -1.83 to 4.50 and the mean difference between administrations was -0.05 +/- 0.75 (P = 0.30). The 95% LoA of the CLDEQ composite score were -1.51 to 1.42 and the ICC was 0.61 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53-0.68). Calculations using the lower limit of the 95% CI showed that three administrations of the survey would be required to obtain a more desirable ICC (0.70). The kappa statistic for reliability of dry eye disease classification was 0.58 (95% CI: 0.48-0.67). Logistic regression showed a significant interaction between gender (females) and younger age (P = 0.02) in relation to misclassification of self-reported dry eye disease status. CONCLUSIONS The reliability of self-reported dry eye disease classification in contact lens wearers is moderate. In epidemiologic studies of factors associated with self-reported disease status, investigators may be well advised to consider using multiple administers of such outcome instruments and controlling for sociodemographic characteristics to maintain internal validity.
Rapid Particle Size And Loading Measurements In Fluidized-Bed Combustors: An Instrument

The design of an instrument which measures particulate size and loading of the off gas from a fluidized-bed combustor is discussed. This noninvasive technique is based on the use of Fraunhofer diffraction. Experimental results are presented for three size fractions of synthetic diamond dust in water which approximates the refractive index of coal dust in air.
A Civil Action and Statistical Assessments of the Spatial Pattern of Disease: Do We Have a Cluster?

A reported "cluster" of excess childhood leukemia cases and possible environmental causes in Woburn, Massachusetts, formed a key motivation for the events described in the popular book and motion picture A Civil Action. Although statistical methods to assess spatial clustering existed prior to the events in Woburn, increasing interest in environmental risk factors and recent developments in geographical information systems and data availability prompt increased attention to such methods and their application to public health data. In this article, we review statistical and epidemiological concepts involved in the analysis of disease clusters. We discuss data issues, outline some methodological approaches, and illustrate ideas using data regarding leukemia incidence in upstate New York for the years 1978-1982.
Distinct mechanisms of modulation in a neuronal oscillator generate different social signals in the electric fish Hypopomus

The medullary pacemaker nucleus of the gymnotiform electric fish,Hypopomus, is a relatively simple neuronal oscillator which contains pacemaker cells and relay cells. The pacemaker cells generate a regular discharge cycle and drive the relay cells which trigger pulse-like electric organ discharges (EODs). The diencephalic prepacemaker nucleus (PPN) projects to the pacemaker nucleus and modulates its activity to generate a variety of specific discharge patterns which serve as communicatory signals (Figs. 2 and 3).
Phase space effects on single particle spectra

Abstract We investigate whether the single particle spectra should behave like distributions in one- or three-dimensional phase space. From a statistical model and the observed momentum distribution, we demonstrate that the phase space is essentially one-dimensional for p 1ab ⩾ 10–20 GeV/ c .
Introductory teaching of simulation: designing simulation projects

Simulation projects provide a useful way to tie together the expected learning outcomes in a simulation class. Designing a good project is a challenging task and simulation instructors are always on the lookout for interesting ideas. This paper provides simulation instructors with two interesting simulation applications, a supply chain project and a web site design project. The supply chain problem is based on a real company problem and the web site design problem is based on a textbook problem. Each application is described in detail and links are provided so that other simulation instructors can access handouts and possible solutions. The authors also provide some insights about simulation project design.
The cutoff phenomenon in finite Markov chains.

Abstract Natural mixing processes modeled by Markov chains often show a sharp cutoff in their convergence to long-time behavior. This paper presents problems where the cutoff can be proved (card shuffling, the Ehrenfests' urn). It shows that chains with polynomial growth (drunkard's walk) do not show cutoffs. The best general understanding of such cutoffs (high multiplicity of second eigenvalues due to symmetry) is explored. Examples are given where the symmetry is broken but the cutoff phenomenon persists.
Evidence-based medicine in prostate cancer: where do we stand in 2006?

Purpose of review A majority of medical decisions relating to the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of prostate cancer are based on low levels of evidence. This article reviews the recommendations of currently available evidence-based practice guidelines that relate to the management of patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. The article further introduces a selection of recent studies that are relevant to the evidence-based patient care. Recent findings Updated clinical practice guidelines on the management of prostate-cancer patients provide an evidence-based summary of the literature and have recently been made available through the National Cancer Center Network and the European Urological Association. In addition, several recent high-quality studies have made major contributions to our knowledge of the natural history and therapy of prostate cancer. Summary The efforts of professional associations to generate evidence-based guidelines are reflective of an increased awareness that the care of prostate cancer should – to the greatest possible extent – be evidence-based. Practicing urologists should seek to become involved in the evidence-based medicine process by supporting the accrual to high-quality clinical trials, demanding the highest standards to the timely and unbiased dissemination of research findings and ultimately, strive to apply the best available evidence to the care of individual patients.
The Digital Economy: what is new and what is not?

Abstract There are many signs indicating that something new has happened in the United States economy during the last decade. While the surge in labor and total factor productivity growth rates in the latter half of the 1990s was impressive and widely interpreted as a sign of a ‘New Economy,’ it remains to be seen whether it was a fleeting phenomenon or the beginning of a new trend. But there are other indicators that are less cyclical in nature and that appear more likely to persist. In this paper, I argue that the observed changes are at least consistent with the view that digitization of information, combined with the Internet, represents a form of general-purpose technology that is giving rise to a vast new array of possible combinations that we may refer to as the New Economy. The level of connectivity between actors and ideas is increasing dramatically. We have only begun to see the impact, and only part of it is measurable. Interpreted in this way, the New or Digital Economy is about dynamics, not static efficiency. It is more about new activities and products than about higher productivity. What is really new in the New Economy is the proliferation of the use of the Internet, a new level and form of connectivity among multiple heterogeneous ideas and actors, giving rise to a vast new range of combinations. There are some measurable effects on productivity and efficiency, but the more important long-run effects are beyond measurement.
Further Studies on the Activation of Acetic Thiokinase by Magnesium and Univalent Cations

The activation of acetate by acetic thiokinase has been shown to proceed through 2 steps (2, 18): ATP + acetate =Adenyl acetate + PP1 I Adenyl acetate + CoA = Acetyl CoA + AMP II Von Korff (16) studied the over-all reaction and reported that univalent cations were required for the synthesis of acetyl CoA from ATP, acetate and CoA. K+, Rb+, and NH4+ at concentrations of 0.04 M gave maximum activity while Na+ and Li+ strongly inhibited the reaction. Hiatt and Evans (6) reported a similar effect of univalent cations upon the overall reaction catalyzed by acetic thiokinase from plants. The inhibitory effect of Na+ and Li+ was not due to competition between thes-e ions and activating univalent cations (6). Pyruvate kinase from animal tissues (8), formate activating enzyme from erythrocytes (4), yeast aldehyde dehydrogenase (5), and phosphotransacetylase (15) are other enzymes which are activated by K+ but are inhibited by Na+. Incorporation of amino acids into protein by cell-free extracts of pea roots is promoted by K+ and inhibited by Na+, Li+, NH4+, and Rb+ (17). The nature of the Na+ inhibition of these enzymes was not studied in detail. The overall acetic thiokinase reaction requires Mg++ (1,7,12) and Berg (2) reported that Mg+ + is required for only the first step in the reaction sequence. The effect of univalent cations on the individual steps in the reaction sequence has not been studied with either plant or animal acetic thiokinase. In this paper experimentation on the effect of cations on acetic thiokinase has been extended to study their effect on individual steps of the reaction sequence. It was considered that these studies would present a better understanding of the role of univalent cations in enzyme reactions and of the antagonism between Na+ and activating cations in certain enzyme systems.
Biosynthesis of carotenoids by Phycomyces blakesleeanus mutants in the presence of nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds

Pyridine, imidazole and some of their derivatives stimulate lycopene and γ-carotene synthesis-simultaneously inhibiting β-carotene formation in Phycomyces blakesleeanus Strain C115. Isonicotinoly-hydrazine has a toxic effect on Strains C9 and C115 and 1-methylimidazole on Strain C115 in the concentrations of 1 g/l. Compounds which cause an accumulation of lycopene and γ-carotene usually cause an increase in phytoene synthesis and the disappearance of β-zeacarotene. The effect of succinimide, 4-hydroxypyridine, and isonicotinoylhydrazine on Strain C9 has also been studied. When β-picoline and 2-methylimidazole treated C115 mycelia were washed and resuspended in phosphate buffer at pH 5·6 β-zeacarotene reappeared and β-carotene increased with the simultaneous decrease in lycopene and γ-carotene. The sum of β-carotene, γ-carotene up to 3days of resuspension was almost equal to the total of these at zero time. These results show that the inhibitory action of these compounds is on the enzymes responsible for cyclization of acyclic carotenes. This inhibition varies with the nature of the substituent on the heterocyclic ring and pyridine derivatives having pKa values of 6 ± 1 show the greatest degree of inhibition.
Generation of mixtures of Schrödinger-cat states from a competitive two-photon process.

We study the formation of mixtures of superposition states of the coherent states \ensuremath{\Vert}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\ensuremath{\alpha}〉, also known as Schr\"odinger-cat states, from a competitive process involving a two-photon parametric process and two-photon absorption. Using the fact that photons are created or destroyed in pairs, we deduce the long-time steady-state form of the density operator. We numerically study the evolution at all times and show that generally the field is in a mixed state. We also examine nonclassical properties of the field such as squeezing and sub-Poissonian statistics, and also the evolution of the Q function.
Revisiting an Ancient Problem Through Contemporary Discourse

This article presents a computer-mediated discourse on the Pythagorean equation in a university classroom of preservice and in-service teachers. It shows how the use of a spreadsheet as a two-dimensional modeling tool enables students to conjecture the general solution to the Pythagorean equation. A computational approach to the ancient problem improves the well-known off-computer discussion. The environment also provides a kind of a visualization of Fermat's Last Theorem.
Schizophrenia in later life

This review provides a comprehensive overview of schizophrenia in older adults. We review the epidemiology, classification and psychopathology of schizophrenia in later life and summarize recent research findings on depression, cognitive functioning, medical illness, adaptive functioning, quality of life, caregiver issues, and pharmacological and nonpharmacological management. We discuss the implications of these findings for clinical care, public policy and future research.
1629 LOWEST VENTILATOR FLOW RATE DECREASES BAROTRAUMA

Barotrauma from artificial ventilation may be one of the causes of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We measured non-elastic work of ventilation (NEWV) as an index of barotrauma. Four infants on time-cycled pressure limited ventilators were studied after insertion of a pneumotach and esophageal balloon. We varied flow rate and adjusted peak airway pressure to keep tidal volume (VT) constant. Rate, inspiratory time and PEEP were maintained at prestudy values. NEWV was determined for each flow rate from the area of the hysteresis loop of the pressure-volume curve. NEWV and mean airway pressure (MAP) were both lowest at the minimum flow rate (MFR) required to maintain VT. The linear regression of NEWV or MAP with flow rate was highly significant (p ≤ .005). There were no significant changes in PO2 or PCO2. Since the use of the lowest flow rate to deliver a given tidal volume at a given rate causes the lowest NEWV and the lowest MAP, the use of a minimum flow rate setting may decrease barotrauma and the incidence of BPD in ventilated newborns.
Stability analyses of group decision making

Abstract The importance of multicriteria models in a group decision making is increasingly being emphasized by researchers. One of the most significant of these models is the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Through the AHP, decision makers are able to conduct a series of pairwise comparisons on pairs of criteria and priority indices can thereby be derived. However, the judgmental process can often be subjective as researchers have not put adequate emphasis on the stability and reliability of group weights observed through the process. This paper develops a method of replication coupled with the use of the quality confidence intervals in order to generate invigorating debates on a particular issue before weight assignments are made. The replicated assignments are used to determine the group's priority indices. The aim is to enhance the ability of decision makers to make the same decisions when provided with similar environmental conditions. Ultimately, this will provide greater reliability to the derived outcomes. Obviously, the use of multicriteria modelling in subjective assessments would be meaningless if the decisions made were not consistent under the same conditions. In other words, these models would provide no guidance or benefit to decision makers. In the paper, two case studies relating to the ranking of factors for selection of advanced technologies and issues for achieving competitiveness are analyzed utilizing an experimental group. Paired t -tests show that there are no differences between the rankings observed for the three replications for each respective case for almost all the criteria. Thus, the procedure provided here offers utility in group decision making.
Stable transistor wide-band D-C amplifiers

Stable d-c amplification is required in many engineering applications. In the past, vacuum-tube circuits have been developed which meet most low drift requirements by utilizing differential amplification, chopper, and chopper stabilization techniques. Transistors offer many inherent advantages such as small size, long life, no filament power, low power dissipation and good reliability, but they in turn present new problems in design and techniques. Since the major source of drift in tube d-c amplifiers is filament power variations, the transistor might seem to have inherent advantages concerning drift. However, the variations of transistor parameters with temperature presents as formidable a problem as vacuum-tube filaments. Stable d-c amplifiers using transistors can be designed and constructed by modifying the basic techniques used in vacuum-tube circuits.
Police levels and crime rates: An instrumental variables approach

While police levels may affect crime, governments may react to crime by increasing police levels. The instrumental variables (IV) approach to this problem has proven difficult due to the problem of locating instruments for police levels. Using panel data from over 5000 cities (1990–2001), we instrumented police levels with two types of federal law enforcement grants, thus yielding over-identified models. We also subjected our instruments to both relevance and validity testing, a step authors of similar studies have yet to take. We found fairly robust inverse associations between police levels and four index crime rates (homicide, robbery, assault, and burglary), but mainly in large cities.
Chapman–Enskog solutions to arbitrary order in Sonine polynomials IV: Summational expressions for the diffusion- and thermal conductivity-related bracket integrals

Abstract The Chapman–Enskog solutions of the Boltzmann equations provide a basis for the computation of important transport coefficients for both simple gases and gas mixtures. These coefficients include the viscosity, the thermal conductivity, and the diffusion coefficient. In a preceding paper on simple gases, we have shown that the use of higher-order Sonine polynomial expansions enables one to obtain results of arbitrary precision that are free of numerical error. In two subsequent papers, we have extended our original simple gas work to encompass binary gas mixture computations of the viscosity, thermal conductivity, diffusion, and thermal diffusion coefficients to high-order. In all of this previous work we retained the full dependence of our solutions on the molecular masses, the molecular sizes, the mole fractions, and the intermolecular potential model via the omega integrals up to the final point of solution via matrix inversion. The elements of the matrices to be inverted are, in each case, determined by appropriate combinations of bracket integrals which contain, in general form, all of the various dependencies. Since accurate, explicit, general expressions for bracket integrals are not available in the literature beyond order 3, and since such general expressions are necessary for any extensive program of computations of the transport coefficients involving Sonine polynomial expansions to higher orders, we have investigated alternative methods of constructing appropriately general bracket integral expressions that do not rely on the term-by-term, expansion and pattern matching techniques that we developed for our previous work. It is our purpose in this paper to report the results of our efforts to obtain useful, alternative, general expressions for the bracket integrals associated with the diffusion- and thermal conductivity-related Chapman–Enskog solutions for gas mixtures. Specifically, we have obtained such expressions in summational form that are conducive to use in high-order transport coefficient computations for arbitrary gas mixtures and have computed and reported explicit expressions for all of the orders up to 5.
Exploring intracellular space: function of the Min system in round-shaped Escherichia coli

The MinCDE proteins help to select cell division sites in normal cylindrical Escherichia coli by oscillating along the long axis, preventing unwanted polar divisions. To determine how the Min system might function in cells with multiple potential division planes, we investigated its role in a round‐cell rodA mutant. Round cells lacking MinCDE were viable, but growth, morphology and positioning of cell division sites were abnormal relative to Min + cells. In round cells with a long axis, such as those undergoing cell division, green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions to MinD almost always oscillated parallel to the long axis. However, perfect spheres or irregularly shaped cells exhibited MinD movement to and from multiple sites on the cell surface. A MinE–GFP fusion exhibited similar behavior. These results indicate that the Min proteins can potentially localize anywhere in the cell but tend to move a certain maximum distance from their previous assembly site, thus favoring movement along the cell9s long axis. A new model for the spatial control of division planes by the Min system in round cells is proposed.
Late Pleistocene and Holocene environments of the Southeastern United States from the stratigraphy and pollen content of a peat deposit on the Georgia Coastal Plain

Abstract A 5.4 m peat core from the Sandy Run Creek (SRC) valley in the upper Coastal Plain of Georgia shows that before 30 ka the valley had an aggradational sandy floor with shallow swales and low ridges of 1–2 m amplitude suggesting a braided stream pattern and a low water table. The climate from 30–25 ka was cool and dry and the vegetation open grassland with stands of pine and spruce that produced few fires. At ca. 16 ka a warmer, wetter climate caused SRC to meander and incise the valley fill removing some previously deposited sediment at the site of our peat core so that sediments of 13 ka rest directly on sediments deposited at 25 ka. After ca. 13 ka higher groundwater levels initiated vertical accretion of floodplains allowing peat accumulation in shallow depressions across the valley. Pollen from the Younger Dryas period (ca. 13–11 ka) indicates a cool, moist environment of open oak woodland, mesic trees, riparian populations of alder, and reduced levels of pine. By the early to mid Holocene, tupelo and oak dominated over pine indicating wetter conditions, while sand stringers in peat record periodic heavy rains, an elevated water table, and intervals of substantial runoff. Cooling after ca. 4.5 ka brought drier and more variable conditions. Fires increased and southern pine replaced tupelo and oak. The absence of sand stringers in peat younger than 4.5 ka indicates fewer intense rainfall events.
Modification of antibody response in x-irradiated rats by injection of spleen homogenates.

SummaryAntibody formation, which is inhibited by 500 r of total body x-irradiation into the rat, can be restored partially by spleen homogenates injected soon after irradiation. No striking difference in the degree of recovery is observed when spleen cells from rats stimulated earlier with a different antigen are used in place of “normal” spleen cells.
Buckling and nonlinear response of imperfect three-legged truss columns

A closed-form theoretical investigation of the nonlinear structural behavior of idealized imperfect threelegged truss columns is presented. The columns examined have equilateral-triangular cross sections formed by three longerons held in place by equally spaced battens. The columns are simply supported and loaded by a pure axial compressive force. Local as well as global finite geometrical imperfections are admitted. Closed-form expressions are obtained for local and global buckling, postbuckling, imperfection sensitivities, nonlinear response, and limit loads. Local-global mode interaction is accounted for fully. Comparisons are made with numerical results and those in the literature.
Persistent Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection in white-tailed deer.

Four white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were inoculated intravenously with a deer-origin isolate (15B-WTD-GA) of Ehrlichia chaffeensis. The course of infection was monitored using indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and culture over a 9 m period. All deer became rickettsemic within 24 days post inoculation (DPI), and all developed antibody titers >1:64 to E. chaffeensis by 17 DPI. Titers in all deer fell below 1:64 during 87 to 143 DPI. One deer exhibited a second period of seropositivity (peak titer of 1:256) from 207 to 271 DPI but was culture and PCR negative during this period. Rickettsemia was confirmed by reisolation of E. chaffeensis as late as 73 to 108 DPI in three deer. Positive PCR results were obtained from femur bone marrow of one deer and from rumenal lymph node of another deer at 278 DPI. None of the deer developed clinical signs, hematologic abnormalities, or gross or microscopic lesions attributable to E. chaffeensis. Two uninoculated control deer...
Use of a double-channel duodenoscope for diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP

Background: A double-channel duodenoscope has the potential to shorten ERCP procedure time or improve procedure success rates because tasks can be done in parallel through variably situated accessory channels. Methods: We prospectively evaluated a prototype double-channel duodenoscope in 102 patients, recording findings, procedural success, and potential advantages or problems associated with the instrument. Results: Both channels were used in 79 cases (77%) and a single-channel in the remainder. Ninety-nine percent (101 of 102) of diagnostic and 95% (87 of 92) of therapeutic ERCPs were successful. Instrument advantages included decreased procedure time (23%), cannulation/procedural ease (16%), and miscellaneous (6%). Disadvantages were noted in 15% of the patients and were related to instrument diameter and diameter of the accessory channels. Conclusions: Additional study of second generation dual-channel duodenoscopes appears warranted.
Share Price Reactions to Work-Family Initiatives: An Institutional Perspective

This study of 130 announcements in the Wall Street Journal illustrated a significant, positive relationship between work-family human resource initiatives and share price. Institutional theory prov...
The effects of the human immunodeficiency virus on visual information processing.

Only one study that we are aware of has examined subjects infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the context of information processing, and that study was limited in that processing stages could only be inferred from reaction time (Perdices and Cooper 1989). By employing a visual reaction-time task while also measuring brain event-related potentials (ERPs), we obtained additional information that could be interpreted within the framework of an information processing model (Callaway 1984; Nayior et al 1987), and compared to non-information processing visual ERP studies of HIV-positive subjects. The purpose of our study was to determine whether we could identify information processing changes associated with HIVpositive status before onset of late-stage disease symptoms, i.e., before an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS dementia complex diagnosis. The ability to detect such changes could have important implications in the assessment of new drug therapies and the management of HIV-related cognitive dysfunction if such information reliably marks disease progression and/or predicts AIDS dementia complex development. Our secondary goal was to determine whether any information processing changes could be related to the known cognitive effects of a drug or class of drugs. If so, we might shed more light on the neurotransmitter system(s) most affected by the disease and possibly suggest a therapeutic substitution for its neurotransmitter deficiencies (Carlsson 1987).
The Molecular Basis of Sugar Sensing in Drosophila Larvae

Summary Evaluation of food chemicals is essential to make appropriate feeding decisions. The molecular genetic analysis of Gustatory receptor ( Gr ) genes and the characterization of the neural circuits that they engage has led to a broad understanding of taste perception in adult Drosophila [1, 2]. For example, eight relatively highly conserved members of the Gr gene family ( Gr5a , Gr61a , and Gr64a-f ), referred to as sugar Gr genes, are thought to be involved in sugar taste in adult flies [3–8], while the majority of the remaining Gr genes are likely to encode bitter taste receptors [9–11], albeit some function as pheromone [12–14] and carbon dioxide [15, 16] receptors. In contrast to the adult fly, relatively little is known about the cellular and molecular basis of taste perception in larvae. Here, we identify Gr43a, which was recently shown to function as a hemolymph fructose sensor in adult flies [17], as the major larval sugar receptor. We show that it is expressed in taste neurons, proventricular neurons, as well as sensory neurons of the brain. Larvae lacking Gr43a fail to sense sugars, while larvae mutant for all eight sugar Gr genes exhibit no obvious defect. Finally, we show that brain neurons are necessary and sufficient for sensing all main dietary sugars, which probably involves a postingestive mechanism of converting carbohydrates into fructose.
Evidence for a Role of a Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α)-converting Enzyme-like Protease in Shedding of TRANCE, a TNF Family Member Involved in Osteoclastogenesis and Dendritic Cell Survival

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE), a member of the TNF family, is a dendritic cell survival factor and is essential for osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activation. In this report we demonstrate (i) that TRANCE, like TNF-α, is made as a membrane-anchored precursor, which is released from the plasma membrane by a metalloprotease; (ii) that soluble TRANCE has potent dendritic cell survival and osteoclastogenic activity; (iii) that the metalloprotease-disintegrin TNF-α convertase (TACE) can cleave immunoprecipitated TRANCE in vitro in a fashion that mimics the cleavage observed in tissue culture cells; and (iv) that in vitro cleavage of a TRANCE ectodomain/CD8 fusion protein and of a peptide corresponding to the TRANCE cleavage site by TACE occurs at the same site that is used when TRANCE is shed from cells into the supernatant. We propose that the TRANCE ectodomain is released from cells by TACE or a related metalloprotease-disintegrin, and that this release is an important component of the function of TRANCE in bone and immune homeostasis.
Abstract SY33-04: Tumor suppression by the DNA damage response

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA The DNA damage response (DDR) is activated by oncogenic stress, but the mechanisms by which this occurs and the particular DDR functions that constitute barriers to tumorigenesis remain unclear. We established a mouse model of sporadic oncogene-driven breast tumorigenesis in a variety of mutant mouse strains with specific DDR deficiencies to reveal a novel role for the Mre11 complex (comprised of Mre11, Nbs1, and Rad50) in the response to oncogene activation. We demonstrate that the Mre11-mediated DDR suppresses tumorigenesis by inducing a G2 arrest and a program of chromatin alteration that, when compromised, results in oncogene-induced mammary hyperplasias that progress to invasive and metastatic breast cancers. In contrast, we provide genetic evidence that the intra-S checkpoint and the DNA damage-induced apoptosis functions of the DDR are dispensable for tumor suppression. These findings provide novel insight into the mechanism of DDR engagement by activated oncogenes, and reveal the particular DDR functions that must be overcome during tumorigenesis. We further demonstrate that impairment of these Mre11-dependent functions promotes metastatic dissemination, particularly upon secondary inactivation of the Ink4a-p19Arf (CDKN2a) locus. These findings provide insight into the mechanism of DDR engagement by activated oncogenes, and reveal a novel genetic interaction between the DDR and Ink4a-p19Arf pathways in suppression of oncogene-driven tumorigenesis and metastasis. Citation Format: John Petrini. Tumor suppression by the DNA damage response. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr SY33-04. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-SY33-04
Recent Advances in ab initio time—dependent Hartree-Fock theory and their applications to predict nonlinear optical properties of semiconductor nanoclusters

Recent advancements in ab initio time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) theory have made it a technique of choice for modeling nanoscale nonlinear optical (NLO) materials from first-principles. We have used this method to study structure-NLO property relationships of GaN, GaP and GaAs clusters. The geometry of the clusters used in the study was optimized by ab initio Hartree Fock (HF) calculations with the use of even tempered Gaussian (ETG) basis set. The clusters used in this study are of the type Gam Xn (M = 1,3,4,7 and n = 1,3,4,7) where X=N, P, and As. The GamXn clusters are in a charge neutral (q = 0) state for m = n and in appropriately charged state for m ∦ n. The magnitude of the calculated (hyper)polarizabilities appears to strongly depend on the composition of the cluster. For the same composition of heteroatoms, the hyperpolarizability depends on the size as well as the geometry of the cluster. The cluster size-dependence of calculated (hyper)polarizabilities is more pronounced for the first-hyperpolarizability. β than for the polarizability, α The calculated β(-ωμ,ωl,ω2) corresponding to various second order effects shows the following trend β(-2ω; ω,ω) > β(-ω; 0, ω) >β(0;0,0).
An Assessment on the Wind Energy Potential and Possible Solutions for Power Generation in Baltimore County in Maryland, USA

The statistical data of five years wind speed measurements at University of Maryland, Baltimore County are used to find out the availability of wind energy resource for power generation. Wind speeds are measured at an approximately 30 meters above the ground; the monthly and yearly mean wind speeds are calculated and evaluated by using the Weibull distribution function. The annual values of k (dimensionless Weibull shape parameter) ranged from 1.78 to 1.99 with a five-year mean value of 1.87. The annual values of c (Weibull scale parameter) ranged from 3.15 to 3.60 with a five-year mean value of 3.28. The results show the highest and lowest wind power potential occurs in February and July, respectively. While this site is not appropriate for large-scale power generation, this study shows the availability of enough wind potential for non-grid connected electrical and mechanical applications. Different residential wind harvesting technologies in urban areas have been studied and more promising ones are introduced as solutions to provide larger-scale power generation at this site with a low annual mean wind speed.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pili and Flagella mediate distinct binding and signaling events at the apical and basolateral surface of airway epithelium

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important opportunistic pathogen of man, exploits numerous factors for initial attachment to the host, an event required to establish bacterial infection. In this paper, we rigorously explore the role of two major bacterial adhesins, type IV pili (Tfp) and flagella, in bacterial adherence to distinct host receptors at the apical (AP) and basolateral (BL) surfaces of polarized lung epithelial cells and induction of subsequent host signaling and pathogenic events. Using an isogenic mutant of P. aeruginosa that lacks flagella or utilizing beads coated with purified Tfp, we establish that Tfp are necessary and sufficient for maximal binding to host N-glycans at the AP surface of polarized epithelium. In contrast, experiments utilizing a P. aeruginosa isogenic mutant that lacks Tfp or using beads coated with purified flagella demonstrate that flagella are necessary and sufficient for maximal binding to heparan sulfate (HS) chains of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) at the BL surface of polarized epithelium. Using two different cell-free systems, we demonstrate that Tfp-coated beads show highest binding affinity to complex N-glycan chains coated onto plastic plates and preferentially aggregate with beads coated with N-glycans, but not with single sugars or HS. In contrast, flagella-coated beads bind to or aggregate preferentially with HS or HSPGs, but demonstrate little binding to N-glycans. We further show that Tfp-mediated binding to host N-glycans results in activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and bacterial entry at the AP surface. At the BL surface, flagella-mediated binding to HS activates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), adaptor protein Shc, and PI3K/Akt, and induces bacterial entry. Remarkably, flagella-coated beads alone can activate EGFR and Shc. Together, this work provides new insights into the intricate interactions between P. aeruginosa and lung epithelium that may be potentially useful in the development of novel treatments for P. aeruginosa infections.
Robotic Routers: Algorithms and Implementation

Mobile robots equipped with wireless networking capabilities can act as robotic routers and provide network connectivity to mobile users. Robotic routers provide cost-efficient solutions for the deployment of a wireless network in a large environment with a limited number of users. In this paper, we present motion planning algorithms for robotic routers to maintain the connectivity of a single user to a base station. We consider two motion models for the user. In the first model, the userâs motion is known in advance. In the second model, the user moves in an adversarial fashion and tries to break the connectivity. We present optimal motion planning strategies for both models. We also present details of a proof-of-concept implementation.
Alteration of heat resistance of atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus, by photoperiod

Abstract 1. 1. Photoperiod, independent of acclimation temperature, modified the upper thermal resistance of the temperate marine fish, Breroortia tyrannus (Latrobe). 2. 2. Juvenile B. tyrannus , acclimated to identical temperatures for 3 months to 8, 16 or 24 hr of light daily, were subjected to thermal shock. 3. 3. The median lethal time (ET50, in min) increased linearly as the daily light (hr) increased: ET50 = 31.24 + 2.79 (hr) at 33.7°C.
Compliance Measurement Framework (CMF)

IT service delivery processes need to adhere to several regulations such as security, confidentiality and data integrity. These regulations are typically defined as policies, each of which contains a list of clauses. These are usually verified by periodic audits, which are usually ad-hoc, time-consuming and difficulty verify objectively. In this paper, we present a formal framework - compliance measurement framework (CMF) - by which compliance of the instances of a process model to a policy can be formally modeled and objectively measured. The primary element of CMF is process policy compliance index (PPCI). It is the compliance score of a set of execution traces of a process model against the set of clauses of a single policy. This can be further extended to multi-PPCI - for multiple policies - and organizational compliance index (OCI) - for an aggregate score across the entire organization. This paper focus on dynamic compliance checks where the above indices are computed over several instances of process execution. By using enough instances of execution, the resulting index reflects the real state of non-compliance while also increasing the probability of all relevant paths within the process model being followed. In this paper, we focus on PPCI determination, leaving M-PPCI and OCI for future work.
Inactive-mode cyclotron resonance absorption in tellurium

Abstract Strong resonance absorption observed in the inactive sense of circular polarization (CRI) in pure tellurium at low temperature is inversely dependent on free carrier concentration. This new transition cannot be explained by present band structure models or by the usual rationalizations of weak CRI previously observed in other semiconductors.
The effect of covariate adjustment for baseline severity in acute stroke clinical trials with responder analysis outcomes

Background: Traditionally in acute stroke clinical trials, the primary clinical outcome employed is a dichotomized modified Rankin Scale (mRS). New statistical methods, such as responder analysis, are being used in stroke studies to address the concern that baseline prognostic variables, such as stroke severity, impact the likelihood of a successful outcome. Responder analysis allows the definition of success to vary according to baseline prognostic variables, producing a more clinically relevant insight into the actual effect of investigational treatments. It is unclear whether or not statistical analyses should adjust for prognostic variables when responder analysis is used, as the outcome already takes these prognostic variables into account. This research aims to investigate the effect of covariate adjustment in the responder analysis framework in order to determine the appropriate analytic method. Methods: Using a current stroke clinical trial and its pilot studies to guide simulation parameters, 1,000 clinical trials were simulated at varying sample sizes under several treatment effects to assess power and type I error. Covariateadjusted and unadjusted logistic regressions were used to estimate the treatment effect under each scenario. In the case of covariate-adjusted logistic regression, the trichotomized National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used in adjustment. Results: Under various treatment effect settings, the operating characteristics of the unadjusted and adjusted analyses do not substantially differ. Power and type I error are preserved for both the unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Conclusions: Our results suggest that, under the given treatment effect scenarios, the decision whether or not to adjust for baseline severity when using a responder analysis outcome should be guided by the needs of the study, as type I error rates and power do not appear to vary largely between the methods. These findings are applicable to stroke trials which use the mRS for the primary outcome, but also provide a broader insight into the analysis of binary outcomes that are defined based on baseline prognostic variables. Trial registration: This research is part of the Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort (SHINE) trial, Identification Number NCT01369069.
Requirement of phospholipase C‐γ2 (PLCγ2) for Dectin‐1‐induced antigen presentation and induction of TH1/TH17 polarization

DC recognize microbial components through an array of receptors known as PRR. PRR initiate intracellular signals, which engender DC with the capacity to stimulate T-cell responses. Dectin-1 is a PRR that recognizes beta-glucan, a major constituent of many fungi's outer cell wall. Here we show that Dectin-1 activates DC through phospholipase (PLC)gamma2 signaling. PLCgamma2-deficient DC were unable to expand antigen-specific T cells and induce T(H)1 and T(H)17 differentiation in response to beta-glucan. Mechanistically, PLCgamma2-deficiency impaired the capacity of DC to secrete polarizing cytokines following exposure to beta-glucan. Dectin-1 required PLCgamma2 to activate MAPK, AP-1 and NF-kappaB, which induce cytokine gene expression. Moreover, PLCgamma2 controlled Dectin-1-mediated NFAT activation and induction of NFAT-dependent genes such as IL-2, cyclooxigenase-2 and Egr transcription factors. We conclude that PLCgamma2 is a crucial signaling mediator that modifies DC gene expression program to activate DC responses to beta-glucan-containing pathogens.