cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electroosmotic flow and particle transport in micro/nano nozzles and diffusers.

Micro/nano nozzles and diffusers have been used for ionic transport, drug and gene delivery. In this paper, a mathematical model is developed to simulate the electroosmotic flow (EOF) and particle transport in micro/nano nozzles/diffusers. The electrical potential and the flow field are investigated using the lubrication and the Debye–Huckel approximations specially for nanonozzles (overlapped electric double layers) and microdiffusers (thin EDLs) for which experimental results exist. The results show that a pressure field is induced by the presence of EDLs and the magnitude of this induced pressure is proportional to the ratio of the Debye length to the channel half-height. Embedded particles are often employed to illustrate the flow field and thus measure the local fluid velocity. The direction of particle motion is found to be dependent primarily on the particle charge and the wall charge. The calculated particle velocities compare well with experimental data.
Selective activation of liver X receptor alpha by 6α-hydroxy bile acids and analogs

We have found that certain natural 6alpha-hydroxylated bile acids are receptor-specific activators of nuclear liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha) (NR1H3), a nuclear receptor regulating the expression of the cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase gene, coding for the rate-limiting enzyme in the major pathway of bile acid synthesis. The LXR homolog, ubiquitous nuclear receptor (UR/LXRbeta) (NR1H2), was also activated by these bile acids, but at higher concentrations than for LXRalpha. Synthetic 6alpha-hydroxylated bile acid analogs were synthesized with LXRalpha-selective agonistic activity, with potential to modulate cholesterol catabolism in hypercholesterolemia.
Hydroxyapatite-supported Rh(CO)2(acac) (acac = acetylacetonate): Structure characterization and catalysis for 1-hexene hydroformylation

Abstract A high surface area hydroxyapatite [Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 ] was prepared and used as support for Rh(CO) 2 (acac) (acac = acetylacetonate). The supported catalyst (7270 ppm Rh) was characterized using IR and solid state NMR. The proton in the P–OH group of hydroxyapatite reacts with the acac − ligand forming acetylacetone (acacH); and the Rh dicarbonyl species was anchored on the surface via the resulting P–O − group. It is proposed that acacH stays coordinated with Rh in the supported catalyst. The supported catalyst is active in catalyzing 1-hexene hydroformylation without the need of an auxiliary ligand such as phosphine [1330 turnovers in 17 h; 300 psig syngas (H 2 /CO = 1); 100 °C]. Activity for the supported Rh catalyst is an order of magnitude higher than that for un-supported Rh(CO) 2 (acac) homogeneous system. The supported catalyst was separated from the reaction medium and re-used; giving a slightly lower activity. This is the only example of Rh(CO) 2 (acac) supported on an inorganic material that shows significant activity for olefin hydroformylation without the presence of an auxiliary ligand such as phosphine.
Atlas of quasicrystalline tilings

Abstract Tilings are created from root lattices using canonical projection. Like diffraction images, these tilings make the quasicrystalline or crystalline nature of many of these structures clear. These tilings may also be viewed as shadows of lattice sphere packings in n dimensions. The atlas gives many new intriguing quasicrystalline tilings in a systematic way.
A Task-Based Approach for Large-Scale Evaluation of the Gene Ontology

The Gene Ontology (GO) provides a framework to systematically classify and annotate gene function. The annotations associated with GO play a critical role in modern biology and cover many organisms. For the human genome, over 10,000 GO terms are used to annotate gene function in an expansive database of over 200,000 annotations. Due to the importance of the GO annotations in modern biology, significant effort has been put into assessing the quality of the annotations. Providing measures of annotation completeness, accuracy, and precision is critical if researchers are to use the annotations in real-world applications with confidence. Here, we describe a task-based approach that examines the completeness and utility of GO annotations through the lens of gene enrichment analysis. Our approach can be used to model the progression of the GO annotations over time, either for a particular area of interest or for the body of annotations as a whole. Using this framework, we conducted a large-scale analysis of gene expression datasets from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). In particular, we identified terms of interest for each dataset through semantic annotation of biomedical data, then tracked the behavior of these terms as a function of time. The preliminary results provide significant information about the progress and character of GO annotations over time. This framework is flexible enough to examine all or part of the GO annotations, across multiple species, and with various enrichment methods. We also discuss how this framework can be used to evaluate different annotation methods. For example, by comparing the performance of annotations generated with a particular method to the performance of canonical annotations, it is possible to determine their relative quality.
Surgical staff resource management of the operating room.

Physician involvement in the resource decision-making process has become an increasingly important objective for administrations and boards. The clinical program budget approach was initiated in the operating room as a test case, combining elements of education, peer review and economic incentives. This trial was successful, resulting in greater awareness of costs as well as budget changes. The Victoria Hospital Corporation experience supports the future viability of clinical program budgeting. La participation des medecins dans la prise de decision sur les ressources est devenue un objectif de plus en plus important pour la gestion et les conseils d'administration. La methode du budget de programme clinique a ete mise a l'essai dans le bloc operatoire, en combinant des elements de formation, de revision par des collegues et de mesures incitatrices economiques. Cet essai a eu du succes, en ce qu'il a mene a un plus grand eveil quant aux couts et aux changements budgetaires. L'experience de la Victoria Hospital Corporation s'inscrit a l'appui de la viabilite future des budgets de programmes cliniques.
Formation of Colloidal Dispersions of Organic Materials in Aqueous Media by Solvent Shifting

This paper describes the preparation of colloidal dispersions of water-insoluble organic materials by a “solvent-shifting” procedure, in which a concentrated solution of an organic solute in a water-miscible organic solvent is dispersed into a large volume of aqueous (nonsolvent) bulk solution containing colloidal stabilizers. In the majority of cases studied, the solute separates as 0.1−0.5 μm amorphous particles. The particle size is strongly correlated with the local supersaturation, i.e., the ratio of the solute feed concentration to the instantaneous value of the equilibrium solubility in the bulk, and also shows a weak dependence on the solute feed concentration. The results obtained on systematic variation of the precipitation conditions, including the amount of organic solvent in the aqueous phase, the solute feed concentration, and the mixing conditions, are discussed in terms of a mechanism of particle formation comprising dispersion of the feed solution as small droplets, followed by solvent/wa...
Comparison of Fluoride Uptake Produced by Tray and Flossing Methods in vitro

The purposes of this study were to compare: (i) the fluoride (F) uptake by enamel in approximal areas of teeth when the F agent was applied in vitro via a tray or a flossing technique; and (ii) the effectiveness of two treatments -acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) alone and CaHPO4 ·2H2O (DCPD)-forming pre-treatment followed by APF. Groups of three teeth (one premolar and two molars) were mounted in impression compounds simulating their oral configuration. In the tray group, teeth received one four-minute treatment by means of custom-formed trays. In the flossing group, the approximal areas of teeth were flossed for 40 sec twice daily for three days with an absorbent floss wetted with the treatment solution. All teeth were incubated in a saliva-like solution except during treatment. At the end of the three-day period, teeth were unmounted and washed in I mol/L KOH for 24 hours. The F uptake was calculated from biopsy data obtained before and after the treatment. The results showed that (i) DCPD-APF produ...
In the library: quiet space endures

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to present a single snapshot of the modern library. Even though much of the building itself has evolved into a collaborative learning space and a highly visible social environment, the traditional notion of at least a portion of the building as quiet study space must remain in place to support its place, for many, as an enduring exemplar of solitude. For those who are engaged in independent study and quiet contemplation, it is essential that the quiet study spaces in libraries endure.Design/methodology/approach – The article takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by writers and researchers.Findings – Data indicate that, even though technology is a paramount request by patrons using libraries, many require a quiet place to study as an integral part of their library experience.Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to consider the substantiation suggesting that even though libraries have and contin...
A Practical Approach to Interpretation of Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for Assessment of Bone Density

Osteoporosis is an extremely common disorder that may result in fractures in several locations. Hip fractures associated with osteoporosis can result in mortality. The defining characteristic of osteoporosis is reduced bone mineral density as identified by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Depending on specific factors, related to the clinical status of the patient or technical aspects of the test itself, interpretation of a DXA examination ranges from straightforward to complicated. We present an approach to evaluation of these factors and production of a clinically relevant report. In this approach, initial screening examinations are regarded as straightforward, follow-up examinations are mildly complex, and examinations that require recalculation of data are complex.
Microfluidic chip-based protein capture from human whole blood using octadecyl (C18) silica beads for nucleic acid analysis from large volume samples

We have previously described the development of a novel capillary-based photopolymerized monolith that offered unprecedented efficiency (approximately 85%) for DNA extraction from pre-purified human genomic DNA [J. Wen, C. Guillo, J.P. Ferrance, J.P. Lander, Anal. Chem. 78 (2006) 1673]. However, the major drawback associated with this phase was the limited binding capacity and low extraction efficiency (<40%) when purifying nucleic acids from a volume of whole blood greater than 0.1 microL. The limited DNA binding capacity, hypothesized to result from an overwhelming mass of protein overloading the monolith phase, severely limits the clinical utility, which will require a whole blood DNA capacity orders of magnitude larger. One proposed solution involved use of a protein capture bed to remove the majority of the protein present in blood before nucleic acid extraction was performed. To evaluate this, microchips with different channel configurations were designed and tested containing silica beads with various reversed phases, and their protein capture efficiency determined. Triton X-100 in the cell lysis buffer was found to be a critical component, greatly affecting the binding of proteins to the C18 reversed phase. An optimum Triton X-100 concentration of 0.1% was determined to enhance red and white blood cell lysis without adversely affecting protein binding to the C18 phase. A parallel 4-chamber design was found to be optimal, with 70% of the proteins (1020+/-45 microg) from a load solution containing 10 microL of whole blood captured on the C18 phase in a single microdevice. Electrophoretic analysis of the proteins in the flow-through of the C18 phase showed the absence of hemoglobin and larger proteins/peptides, indicating that they had been captured by the C18 phase, preventing these polymerase chain reaction inhibitory proteins from reaching and binding to the subsequent matrix which would be used for DNA capture.
Radiation damage studies and lifetime estimates for the CDFII silicon detector

Abstract The CDFII silicon detector system operates in a severe radiation environment as it measures the products of high energy proton–antiproton interactions provided by the Tevatron Run II accelerator. This article describes the manifestation of radiation damage to the detector's silicon sensors in two ways: the evolution of sensor depletion voltages toward a maximum value, and the degradation of the signal-to-noise ratios for charge clusters read out by the detector. In both cases we use data collected through 1.8 fb - 1 of integrated luminosity to determine the detector's ability to perform for the lifetime of the Tevatron Run II, expected to be 5 – 8 fb - 1 of integrated luminosity.
Digital forensics: forensic analysis of an iPod shuffle

In this paper a discussion of the forensics of an iPod shuffle is presented. Due to the rapid rate at which technology is constantly advancing, digital music devices have evolved from simple devices capable of storing and playing a few songs, to devices capable of storing hundreds of songs, as well as other kinds of data. Apple's range of iPod devices are among the most popular digital music devices on the market. The storage capacity of these devices makes them ideal for crimes such as information theft because they are commonly overlooked by security. With criminals now adding iPods to their arsenal of criminal tools, digital forensics investigators need to understand how they work, and what kind of information can be obtained when such a device is analysed using available digital forensics tools.
Nutrient uptake of corn grown using moldboard plow or no‐tillage soil management

Abstract Crop nutrition under different tillage systems continues to be an issue. Corn (Zea mays L.) growth and nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) uptake were monitored for two years under either no‐tillage or conventional (moldboard plow plus disc) tillage management. Two rates of applied N (84, 168 kg N ha‐1) were imposed as well. The crop was planted in mid‐May, and sampled about 60 days after planting and at crop maturity. Grain yields were generally increased by the higher N application rate and by tillage reduction. Phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium uptake were generally unaffected by treatment. Total nitrogen recovery by the crop was lowered by no‐tillage soil management at the 84 kg N ha‐1 application rate, but was equal across tillage treatments at the 168 kg N ha‐1 rate. Potassium acquisition by the crop was strongly related to the surface stratification of K in the no‐till soil environment.
Phylogeny reconstruction in the neogene bryozoan metrarabdotos: A paleontologic evaluation of methodology

An adequate stratigraphic record can not only aid in both cladistic and stratophenetic reconstruction of phytogenies, but can also serve in estimating the temporal consistency of the resulting phylogenetic trees. For hypothetical data sets, cladistically constructed trees can be as consistent with the temporal distribution of sampled populations or species as those constructed stratophenetically. Empirical testing in taxonomic groups with sufficiently dense fossil records is needed to show whether, and under what conditions, this potential can be realized. A stratophenetic tree and cladistic trees based on several approaches to character weighting were constructed for Caribbean Neogene species of the bryozoan Metrarabdotos with multiple‐character data from closely spaced sequential populations. The modular morphology and highly punctuated evolutionary pattern of these species blur the distinction between continuous and discrete characters, so that all available characters are potentially of equal signific...
Entrance effect on ion transport in nanochannels

We investigate the effect of the surface charge at channel entrances upon ion conductance, which has been overlooked in the study of nanofluidics. Nonlinear ion transport behaviors were observed in 20-nm thick nanochannels having opposite surface charge polarity on the entrance side-walls with respect to that in the nanochannel. The heterogeneous distribution of surface charge at the channel entrance functions as a parasitic diode, which can cause ion current saturation under high voltage biases. Such effect becomes crucial at low bath concentration at which the electric double layers originated from the bath sidewalls pinch off the channel entrance. The experimental results are clarified by theoretical calculations based on 2D Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations. With such strong effect on ionic conductance of nanochannels, the change of surface charge polarity at the entrance sidewalls may find applications in chemical and biological sensing.
The Lynx distributed programming language: motivation, design and experience

Abstract A programming language can provide much better support for interprocess communication than a library package can. Most message-passing languages limit this support to communication between the pieces of a single program, but this need not be the case. Lynx facilitates convenient, typesafe message passing not only within applications, but also between applications and among distributed collections of servers. Specifically, it addresses issues of compiler statelessness, late binding, and protection that allow run-time interaction between processes that were developed independently and that do not trust each other. Implementation experience with Lynx has yielded important insights into the relationship between distributed operating systems and language run-time support packages and into the inherent costs of high-level message-passing semantics.
Duplex ultrasound for superficial venous insufficiency.

The most important part of effectively treating a patient with superficial venous insufficiency is making an accurate diagnosis of its cause and creating a map of the incompetent pathways. A history and physical examination can provide a great deal of information; however, a duplex ultrasound examination can definitively identify the pattern of incompetence in most cases. In this presentation, the rationale for performing duplex ultrasound in almost all patients with superficial venous insufficiency will be established. The details of the examination and the findings will then be reviewed.
Resonant enhancement of refractive index in transition element doped crystals via coherent control of excited state absorption

Index of refraction characterizes the linear response of a medium and hence it is strongly enhanced near atomic resonance. However, it is accompanied by either resonant absorption or gain preventing the use of high index. We show that these problems may be overcome using coherent control of excited state absorption (ESA), i.e. absorption from the populated excited electronic state. The idea is to compensate gain at the lower operating transition via partially suppressed ESA at the frequency of the probe field tuned to the maximum refractive index of the ESA transition. It results in resonant enhancement of refractive index without absorption in the absence of any neighboring amplification regions.
Are some groups more vulnerable to macroeconomic shocks than others? Hypothesis tests based on panel data from Peru

Abstract Which socio-economic groups are most vulnerable to welfare declines during a macroeconomic shock? After clarifying the difference between poverty and vulnerability, this paper presents an analytical framework and applies it to panel data from Peru. Major findings are: (1) Households with better educated heads are less vulnerable; (2) Female headed households are no more vulnerable than male headed households; (3) Households with more children are more vulnerable; (4) Transfer networks that assist the poor in relatively stable periods do not protect them during a major shock, unless they originate from outside Peru; and (5) Peru's social security program is targeted neither to vulnerable nor to poor households, but other transfer programs are better targeted.
Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibits fas receptor-induced apoptosis through modulation of the loss of K+ and cell shrinkage. A role for PKC upstream of caspases.

Cell shrinkage and loss of intracellular K+ are early requisite features for the activation of effector caspases and apoptotic nucleases in Fas receptor-mediated apoptosis of Jurkat cells, although the mechanisms responsible for both process remain unclear (Bortner, C. D., Hughes, F. M., Jr., and Cidlowski, J. A. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 32436–32442). We have now investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent signaling in the regulation of Fas-induced cell shrinkage and loss of K+ during apoptosis. Anti-Fas induced cell shrinkage was blocked during PKC stimulation by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-3-acetate (PMA) and by bryostatin-1. Conversely, inhibition of PKC with Go6976, enhanced the anti-Fas-mediated loss of cell volume. Analyses of mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA fragmentation revealed that the PKC-mediated effect observed in cell volume is propagated to these late features of apoptosis. Flow cytometric analyses and86Rb efflux experiments revealed that a primary effect of PKC appears to be on the modulation of Fas-induced K+efflux, since both PMA and bryostatin-1 inhibited extrusion of K+ that occurs during Fas-mediated cell death, and Go6976 exacerbated the effect of anti-Fas. Interestingly, high extracellular K+ significantly blocked the effect of anti-Fas alone or anti-Fas combined with Go6976, suggesting an underlying effect of PKC on K+ loss. Western blot analyses showed the caspase-dependent proteolysis of PKC isotypes δ, e, and θ in whole cell extracts from anti-Fas treated Jurkat T cells. However, stimulation of PKC by PMA or bryostatin-1 prevented this isotypic-specific PKC cleavage during apoptosis, providing further evidence that PKC itself exerts an upstream signal in apoptosis and controls the caspase-dependent proteolytic degradation of PKC isotypes. Finally, we show that PMA or bryostatin-1 prevents the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8. Thus, this study shows that the protective effect that PKC stimulation exerts in the Fas-mediated apoptotic pathway occurs at a site upstream of caspases-3 and -8.
Diabatic Heating Profiles in Recent Global Reanalyses

AbstractDiabatic heating profiles are extremely important to the atmospheric circulation in the tropics and therefore to the earth’s energy and hydrological cycles. However, their global structures are poorly known because of limited information from in situ observations. Some modern global reanalyses provide the temperature tendency from the physical processes. Their proper applications require an assessment of their accuracy and uncertainties. In this study, diabatic heating profiles from three recent global reanalyses [ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim), Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), and Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA)] are compared to those derived from currently available sounding observations in the tropics and to each other in the absence of the observations. Diabatic heating profiles produced by the reanalyses match well with those based on sounding observations only at some locations. The three reanalyses agree with each other better in th...
Primary cutaneous precursor B cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in a child, complicated by fatal disseminated varicella zoster virus.

Summary Precursor B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (PBLL) is a rare subtype of childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Most lymphoblastic lymphomas have a T-cell immunophenotype, but a small distinct proportion is of precursor B-cell origin. Skin and bone involvement is seen more commonly in this clinical variant. Primary cutaneous PBLL is rare. We describe an 8-year-old girl who presented with an asymptomatic nodule on the left upper arm. Histopathological features were consistent with pre-B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, and staging investigations excluded extracutaneous disease, resulting in a diagnosis of primary cutaneous PBLL. The child was started on induction chemotherapy, UKALL 2003 regimen B. She developed disseminated varicella zoster virus and died despite treatment. We discuss previously reported cases of primary cutaneous PBLL and their outcomes.
Osteoporosis and dental osteopenia in the elderly

Osteoporosis is a common, morbid, and expensive disease of the elderly skeleton, particularly in the postmenopausal female, resulting in fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist. Dental osteopenia (inadequate bone mass, particularly of the mandible) is also a condition of significant morbidity for the elderly, associated with loss of teeth and poorly fitting dentures. Questions of immediate concern regarding these disorders are: (1) Are techniques available for quantitating mandibular bone mass? (2) Is dental osteopenia a localized manifestation of a generalized skeletal osteoporosis, with similar etiologies and risk factors, or is it an entirely separate disease process, due primarily to periodontal disease with its associated causal factors? (3) Are therapeutic measures noted to be of benefit in osteoporosis also of benefit in dental osteopenia? Recent studies from our laboratories address these questions and indicate efficiency of the mandibular microdensitometry technique for measuring mandibular bone mass. Also, these studies suggest that dental osteopenia is part of a generalized skeletal osteoporosis of the elderly female, and that therapy for osteoporosis would possibly be of value in the treatment of dental osteopenia.
Ethical Considerations in Stem Cell Research on Neurologic and Orthopedic Conditions

The range and gravity of ethical considerations in stem cell research are remarkable and, quite possibly, unprecedented. From the point of securing stem cells for implantation, through the translational and first-in-human process, and then proceeding through clinical trials culminating in product or service line launch, the entire research trajectory is replete with risk, uncertainty, and problems over weighing foreseeable harms against hoped-for benefits. This paper offers an overview of some of the most salient ethical challenges of stem cell research including ones involving moral status, the intersection of research risks and informed consent processes, methodological considerations in early Phase I trials, the temptation to exaggerate the benefits of research discoveries, managing conflicts of interest, and the ethical obligation to conduct various monitoring practices throughout a trial, which could last years. The article will conclude with a glimpse into the future of these technologies wherein the need for ethical scrutiny will likely not diminish.
Interoceptive awareness in experienced meditators

Attention to internal body sensations is practiced in most meditation traditions. Many traditions state that this practice results in increased awareness of internal body sensations, but scientific studies evaluating this claim are lacking. We predicted that experienced meditators would display performance superior to that of nonmeditators on heartbeat detection, a standard noninvasive measure of resting interoceptive awareness. We compared two groups of meditators (Tibetan Buddhist and Kundalini) to an age- and body mass index-matched group of nonmeditators. Contrary to our prediction, we found no evidence that meditators were superior to nonmeditators in the heartbeat detection task, across several sessions and respiratory modulation conditions. Compared to nonmeditators, however, meditators consistently rated their interoceptive performance as superior and the difficulty of the task as easier. These results provide evidence against the notion that practicing attention to internal body sensations, a core feature of meditation, enhances the ability to sense the heartbeat at rest. Descriptors: Meditation, Interoception, Heartbeat detection, Awareness, Respiration
Patients’ Perception of Patient–Provider Communication in Fertility Preservation Decision Making Among Young Women With Cancer

Fertility preservation (FP) for patients with cancer is an emerging field. With the advancement of technology, patients may face a complex decision-making process about whether to preserve fertility. The purpose of this article is to explore how young women with cancer perceive patient–provider communication in FP decision making. In this study, 25 women between the ages of 18 and 39 were interviewed retrospectively. They were interviewed one time to learn about their decisionmaking process related to FP. Results of this analysis indicate that patients seek support and involvement from providers throughout the process of decision making. They prefer providers to be directive when referring to the fertility clinic. Later in the process, they expect a supportive style of communication from providers. Patient-accessible language, supportive and reassuring styles of communication, and an existing relationship with providers may enhance well-being of the patients.
Complications of Titanium and Stainless Steel Elastic Nail Fixation of Pediatric Femoral Fractures

Background: In vitro mechanical studies have demonstrated equal or superior fixation of pediatric femoral fractures with use of titanium elastic nails as compared with stainless steel elastic nails, and the biomechanical properties of titanium are often considered to be superior to those of stainless steel for intramedullary fracture fixation. We are not aware of any clinical studies in the literature that have directly compared stainless steel and titanium elastic nails for the fixation of pediatric femoral fractures. The purpose of the present study was to compare the complications associated with the use of similarly designed titanium and stainless steel elastic nails for the fixation of pediatric femoral fractures. Methods: A group of fifty-six children with femoral fractures that were treated with titanium elastic nails was compared with another group of forty-eight children with femoral fractures that were treated with stainless steel elastic nails. Both nail types were of similar design, and a similar retrograde insertion technique was used. The groups were compared with regard to complications as well as insertion and extraction time. Major complications were defined as malunion with sagittal angulation of >15° and coronal angulation of >10°, nail irritation requiring revision surgery, infection, delayed union, and rod breakage. Minor complications were defined as nail irritation or superficial infection not requiring surgery. Results: The malunion rate was nearly four times higher in association with the titanium nails (23.2%; thirteen of fifty-six) as compared with the stainless steel nails (6.3%; three of forty-eight) (p = 0.017, chi-square test; odds ratio = 4.535 [95% confidence interval, 1.208 to 17.029]). The rate of major complications was 35.7% (twenty of fifty-six) for titanium nails and 16.7% (eight of forty-eight) for stainless steel nails. The rates of minor complications were similar for the two groups, as were the insertion times and extraction times. The supplier price of one titanium nail ranges from $259 to $328, depending on size, whereas the price of one stainless steel nail would be $78 in current United States dollars. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the less expensive stainless steel elastic nails are clinically superior to titanium nails for pediatric femoral fixation primarily because of a much lower rate of malunion. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Direct or indirect stimulation of adenosine A2A receptors enhances bone regeneration as well as bone morphogenetic protein-2

Promoting bone regeneration and repair of bone defects is a need that has not been well met to date. We have previously found that adenosine, acting via A2A receptors (A2AR) promotes wound healing and inhibits inflammatory osteolysis and hypothesized that A2AR might be a novel target to promote bone regeneration. Therefore, we determined whether direct A2AR stimulation or increasing endogenous adenosine concentrations via purine transport blockade with dipyridamole regulates bone formation. We determined whether coverage of a 3 mm trephine defect in a mouse skull with a collagen scaffold soaked in saline, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2; 200 ng), 1 μM CGS21680 (A2AR agonist, EC50 = 160 nM), or 1 μM dipyridamole (EC50 = 32 nM) promoted bone regeneration. Microcomputed tomography examination demonstrated that CGS21680 and dipyridamole markedly enhanced bone regeneration as well as BMP-2 8 wk after surgery (60 ± 2%, 79 ± 2%, and 75 ± 1% bone regeneration, respectively, vs. 32 ± 2% in control, P < 0.001). Blockade by a selective A2AR antagonist (ZM241385, 1 μM) or deletion of A2AR abrogated the effect of CGS21680 and dipyridamole on bone regeneration. Both CGS21680 and dipyridamole treatment increased alkaline phosphatase-positive osteoblasts and diminished tartrate resistance acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts in the defects. In vivo imaging with a fluorescent dye for new bone formation revealed a strong fluorescent signal in treated animals that was equivalent to BMP-2. In conclusion, stimulation of A2AR by specific agonists or by increasing endogenous adenosine levels stimulates new bone formation as well as BMP-2 and represents a novel approach to stimulating bone regeneration.
Thrusting of the Claron Formation, the Bryce Canyon region, Utah

A thrust system at least 40 km long and with as much as 2,000 m of shortening has been mapped in the southern High Plateaus of Utah, partly within Bryce Canyon National Park. Seismic data clearly reveal that the thrusts are of thin-skinned, ramp-flat style, soling out in evaporite-rich layers of the Jurassic Carmel Formation. Mapping discloses that large portions of the thrusts terminate upward in fault-propagated folds, marked by vertical to overturned beds. Spaced cleavage reveals that some shortening is accommodated by pressure dissolution. Shallow drilling for coal provides data suggestive of more than one episode of thrusting. An older event predates deposition of the Upper Cretaceous and Paleocene(?) Canaan Peak Formation. This deformation is presumably related, in the broadest sense of the term, to the Sevier orogeny. The younger thrusting is southvergent and involves rocks as young as the lower to middle Eocene, white limestone member of the Claron Formation, a formation that is considered post-orogenic by most geologists. The upper age of the younger event is not constrained in time, and its tectonic significance remains poorly understood.
A virtualized separation kernel for mixed criticality systems

Multi- and many-core processors are becoming increasingly popular in embedded systems. Many of these processors now feature hardware virtualization capabilities, such as the ARM Cortex A15, and x86 processors with Intel VT-x or AMD-V support. Hardware virtualization offers opportunities to partition physical resources, including processor cores, memory and I/O devices amongst guest virtual machines. Mixed criticality systems and services can then co-exist on the same platform in separate virtual machines. However, traditional virtual machine systems are too expensive because of the costs of trapping into hypervisors to multiplex and manage machine physical resources on behalf of separate guests. For example, hypervisors are needed to schedule separate VMs on physical processor cores. In this paper, we discuss the design of the Quest-V separation kernel, which partitions services of different criticalities in separate virtual machines, or sandboxes. Each sandbox encapsulates a subset of machine physical resources that it manages without requiring intervention of a hypervisor. Moreover, a hypervisor is not needed for normal operation, except to bootstrap the system and establish communication channels between sandboxes.
Expression of the Arabidopsis feedback-insensitive anthranilate synthase holoenzyme and tryptophan decarboxylase genes in Catharanthus roseus hairy roots

In plants, the indole pathway provides precursors for a variety of secondary metabolites. In Catharanthus roseus, a decarboxylated derivative of tryptophan, tryptamine, is a building block for the biosynthesis of terpenoid indole alkaloids. Previously, we manipulated the indole pathway by introducing an Arabidopsis feedback-insensitive anthranilate synthase (AS) alpha subunit (trp5) cDNA and C. roseus tryptophan decarboxylase gene (TDC) under the control of a glucocorticoid-inducible promoter into C. roseus hairy roots [Hughes, E.H., Hong, S.-B., Gibson, S.I., Shanks, J.V., San, K.-Y. 2004a. Expression of a feedback-resistant anthranilate synthase in Catharanthus roseus hairy roots provides evidence for tight regulation of terpenoid indole alkaloid levels. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 86, 718-727; Hughes, E.H., Hong, S.-B., Gibson, S.I., Shanks, J.V., San, K.-Y. 2004b. Metabolic engineering of the indole pathway in Catharanthus roseus hairy roots and increased accumulation of tryptamine and serpentine. Metabol. Eng. 6, 268-276]. Inducible expression of either or both transgenes did not lead to significant increases in overall alkaloid levels despite the considerable accumulation of tryptophan and tryptamine. In an attempt to more successfully engineer the indole pathway, a wild type Arabidopsis ASbeta subunit (ASB1) cDNA was constitutively expressed along with the inducible expression of trp5 and TDC in C. roseus hairy roots. Transgenic hairy roots expressing both trp5 and ASB1 show a significantly greater resistance to feedback inhibition of AS activity by tryptophan than plants expressing only trp5. In fact, a 4.5-fold higher concentration of tryptophan is required to achieve 50% inhibition of AS activity in plants overexpressing both genes than in plants expressing only trp5. In addition, upon a 3 day induction during the exponential phase, a trp5:ASB1 hairy root line produced 1.8 times more tryptophan (specific yield ca. 3.0 mg g(-1) dry weight) than the trp5 hairy root line. Concurrently, tryptamine levels increase up to 9-fold in the induced trp5:ASB1 line (specific yield ca. 1.9 mg g(-1) dry weight) as compared with only a 4-fold tryptamine increase in the induced trp5 line (specific yield ca. 0.3 mg g(-1) dry weight). However, endogenous TDC activities of both trp5:ASB1 and trp5 lines remain unchanged irrespective of induction. When TDC is ectopically expressed together with trp5 and ASB1, the induced trp5:ASB1:TDC hairy root line accumulates tryptamine up to 14-fold higher than the uninduced line. In parallel with the remarkable accumulation of tryptamine upon induction, alkaloid accumulation levels were significantly changed depending on the duration and dosage of induction.
Carbonate Deposition and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Terminal Cambrian Grand Cycle in the Southern Appalachians, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT The cessation of shale and carbonate deposition of the Conasauga Group grand cycles (Middle to Upper Cambrian) and the establishment of the widespread peritidal carbonate deposition of the Knox Group (Upper Cambrian to Lower Ordovician) represent a prominent change in sedimentation along the early Paleozoic passive continental margin in the southern Appalachians. To evaluate the causes for this change, this study focuses on the Maynardville Formation, which is the uppermost carbonate unit of the Conasauga Group. The Maynardville consists of: (1) a lower subtidal facies succession, which is underlain by the Nolichucky Shale and resembles the rest of the Conasauga Group carbonate deposits; and (2) an upper peritidal facies succession, which is conformably overlain by similar peritidal deposits of the Copper Ridge Dolomite (Knox Group). Deposition of shale and subtidal carbonate took place in deep-ramp (Nolichucky) to shallow-ramp, subtidal-shoal, and lagoonal settings (lower Maynardville). The carbonate ramp was westward sloping toward the Conasauga intrashelf shale basin. To the east, the ramp was linked to a broad, semiarid carbonate tidal flat encompassing a variety of peritidal environments (upper Maynardville and Copper Ridge). The Maynardville is a shallowing-upward succession that formed by carbonate platform aggradation and basinward progradation. The transition between the Maynardville and the Copper Ridge Dolomite is within a conformable peritidal carbonate succession that contains common siliciclastic sand-size detritus. This interval is interpreted as a sequence boundary correlative with the craton-wide late Steptoean (Dresbachian-Franconian or Sauk II-Sauk III) unconformity. The change from a Conasauga to a Knox depositional style may be related to distinct stages in passive-margin evolution. The end of grand-cycle deposition in the early Late Cambrian is coincident with the cessation of tectonic activity along extensional features (an intracratonic graben and other fault systems), and marks the transition into a mature-passive-margin setting. The mature margin was characterized by decreased rates of thermal subsidence, which, coupled with the infilling of the Conasauga intrashelf basin, favored shallow-water carbonate deposition. The final stabilization of the margin is reflected in the deposition of the thick peritidal carbonate strata of the Knox Group.
An object-oriented framework for simulating multi-echelon inventory systems

In this paper, we discuss the design and use of an objectoriented framework for simulating multi-echelon inventory systems. We present a context for how the framework can be used through its application on two examples. In addition, we describe the design by examining the major conceptual artifacts within the object-oriented model. The framework is built on a Java Simulation Library (JSL) and permits easy modeling and execution of simulation models. The results and discussion indicate the flexibility and power of modeling with the framework. In addition, we summarize our future research efforts to model complex supply chains.
Environmental bacteria produce abundant and diverse antibiofilm compounds.

Aims The aim of this study was to isolate novel antibiofilm compounds produced by environmental bacteria. Methods and Results Cell-free extracts were prepared from lawns of bacteria cultured on agar. A total of 126 bacteria isolated from soil, cave and river habitats were employed. Extracts were tested for their ability to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in a 96-well microtitre plate assay. A total of 55/126 extracts (44%) significantly inhibited Staph. aureus biofilm. Seven extracts were selected for further analysis. The antibiofilm activities in all seven extracts exhibited unique patterns of molecular mass, chemical polarity, heat stability and spectrum of activity against Staph. aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas fluorescens, suggesting that these seven antibiofilm activities were mediated by unique chemical compounds with different mechanisms of action. Conclusions Environmental bacteria produce abundant and diverse antibiofilm compounds. Significance and Impact of the Study Screening cell-free extracts is a useful method for identifying secreted compounds that regulate biofilm formation. Such compounds may represent a novel source of antibiofilm agents for technological development.
A historical overview of financial crises in the United States

Abstract One of the few constants since the United States declared its independence is the presence of frequent financial crises with similar causes. In the nineteenth century, these panics were frequent with eight occurring over the century. However, following the Second World War there was a period of relative calm, which may have led to complacency. The Savings and Loans and the current financial crises have shown that these events remain a very real threat to economic stability.
The Regulatory Properties of Rubisco Activase Differ among Species and Affect Photosynthetic Induction during Light Transitions

Rubisco’s catalytic chaperone, Rubisco activase (Rca), uses the energy from ATP hydrolysis to restore catalytic competence to Rubisco. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), inhibition of Rca activity by ADP is fine tuned by redox regulation of the α-isoform. To elucidate the mechanism for Rca regulation in species containing only the redox-insensitive β-isoform, the response of activity to ADP was characterized for different Rca forms. When assayed in leaf extracts, Rubisco activation was significantly inhibited by physiological ratios of ADP to ATP in species containing both α-Rca and β-Rca (Arabidopsis and camelina [Camelina sativa]) or just the β-Rca (tobacco [Nicotiana tabacum]). However, Rca activity was insensitive to ADP inhibition in an Arabidopsis transformant, rwt43, which expresses only Arabidopsis β-Rca, although not in a transformant of Arabidopsis that expresses a tobacco-like β-Rca. ATP hydrolysis by recombinant Arabidopsis β-Rca was much less sensitive to inhibition by ADP than recombinant tobacco β-Rca. Mutation of 17 amino acids in the tobacco β-Rca to the corresponding Arabidopsis residues reduced ADP sensitivity. In planta, Rubisco deactivated at low irradiance except in the Arabidopsis rwt43 transformant containing an ADP-insensitive Rca. Induction of CO2 assimilation after transition from low to high irradiance was much more rapid in the rwt43 transformant compared with plants containing ADP-sensitive Rca forms. The faster rate of photosynthetic induction and a greater enhancement of growth under a fluctuating light regime by the rwt43 transformant compared with wild-type Arabidopsis suggests that manipulation of Rca regulation might provide a strategy for enhancing photosynthetic performance in certain variable light environments.
cDNA cloning confirms the polyadenylation of RNA decay intermediates in Streptomyces coelicolor

In Escherichia coli the poly(A) tails of messenger and rRNAs are a major determinant of RNA stability. These tails are formed primarily by poly(A) polymerase I (PAP I) in wild-type strains or by polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) in PAP I-deficient strains. In Streptomyces coelicolor it has been shown that mycelial RNAs display biochemical characteristics consistent with the presence of poly(A) tails. To confirm the occurrence of polyadenylation, rRNA and mRNA transcripts from S. coelicolor were isolated by oligo(dT)-dependent RT-PCR followed by cDNA cloning. One of the clones obtained was polyadenylated at a site corresponding to the mature 3′ terminus of 16S rRNA, while two 23S rRNA cDNA clones were polyadenylated at precursor processing sites. Other clones identified polyadenylation sites internal to the coding regions of both 16S and 23S rRNAs, and redD and actII-orf4 mRNAs. While most rRNA cDNA clones displayed adenosine homopolymer tails, the poly(A) tails of three rRNAs and all the redD and actII-orf4 clones consisted of a variety of heteropolymers. These results suggest that the enzyme primarily responsible for polyadenylation in S. coelicolor is PNPase rather than a PAP I homologue.