cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of a Middle Miocene forest from the western Canadian Arctic

Abstract Abundant fossil plant remains are preserved in deposits of Middle Miocene age of the Ballast Brook Formation on Banks Island, Northwest Territories, Canada. Intact seed cones, logs, and stumps are preserved in situ as mummified remains and present an opportunity to reconstruct the composition, structure, and productivity of a Pinaceae-dominated forest that once grew north of the Arctic Circle (paleolatitude ca. 74°N). We mapped and measured 78 tree stumps exposed in three dimensions on a 0.12 ha peat layer. An analysis of the wood anatomy and seed cones indicates that a haploxylon pine dominated this lowland forest, although species of both Picea and Glyptostrobus were growing in the swamp as well. Stump diameters ranged from 7 cm to 108 cm (average = 42 cm). We utilized allometric relationships to predict tree heights based on the stump diameters in the fossil forest. Our results indicate that the average tree height of this Miocene forest may have been as large as 21 m. We used stump diameter data and predicted tree height to calculate the parabolic stem volume and stem biomass for the exposed area of fossil forest. Stem biomass (assuming an average wood density of 410 kg m− 3) may have been as great as 259 Mg ha− 1 or as little at 202 Mg ha− 1. The annual ring width of the stem wood sampled in the field was 1.26 mm for Pinus, 1.20 mm for Picea and 0.21 mm for Glyptostrobus. Based on these growth rates, our estimate of biomass sequestered aboveground as wood is at most 3.8 Mg ha− 1 y− 1. Based on our estimates, these lowland forest communities were of moderate biomass and productivity typical of modern cool temperate forests in North America.
Review: In diabetes with multivessel or left main CAD, PCI increases death/MI/stroke combo compared with CABG

Source Citation Tu B, Rich B, Labos C, Brophy JM. Coronary revascularization in diabetic patients: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2014;161:724-32. 25402514
A CO-derived iron dicarbyne that releases olefin upon hydrogenation.

An iron diphosphineborane platform that was previously reported to facilitate a high degree of N_2 functionalization is herein shown to effect reductive CO coupling. Disilylation of an iron dicarbonyl precursor furnishes a structurally unprecedented iron dicarbyne complex. Several complexes related to this process are also characterized which allows for a comparative analysis of their respective Fe–B and Fe–C bonding. Facile hydrogenation of the iron dicarbyne at ambient temperature and 1 atm H_2 results in release of a CO-derived olefin.
Cloning and embryonic expression ofXenopus laevis GAP-43 (XGAP-43)

Xenopus laevis GAP-43 (XGAP-43) is highly related to other vertebrate GAP-43 proteins in its N-terminal region which contains a membrane-targeting sequence, serine phosphorylation site, and calmodulin binding domain. Unlike other species examined, however, there appear to be two GAP-43-class genes in X. laevis which resulted from the genome duplication in Xenopus approximately 30 million years ago. During embryogenesis, XGAP-43 is expressed in a complex spatiotemporal pattern that is consistent with its putative role in neuronal growth and development.
Using the extension theorem to define fuzzy expectation

The concept of fuzzy expectation has already been dealt with in the context of fuzzy probability distributions with finite support. In this paper we use the extension theorem to extend the definition of fuzzy expectation to the general case in which there are no restrictions on the structure of the fuzzy distribution function nor on the fuzzy function whose expectation is to be taken
ACTIVATION OF THE HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-GONADAL AXIS IN FEMALE INFANTS; RESPONSE TO GNRH ANALOG THERAPY FOR ORBITAL HEMANGIOMAS. 509

ACTIVATION OF THE HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-GONADAL AXIS IN FEMALE INFANTS; RESPONSE TO GNRH ANALOG THERAPY FOR ORBITAL HEMANGIOMAS. 509
Elective cesarean hysterectomy vs elective cesarean section followed by remote hysterectomy: reassessing the risks.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to compare the risks of elective cesarean hysterectomy with those of elective cesarean section followed by remote hysterectomy. A census of elective cesarean hysterectomies (n = 31) and a random sample of 200 cesarean sections and 200 hysterectomies performed by the authors between 1987 and 1996 were evaluated. Only elective repeat and primary cesarean section patients without labor were selected for study (n = 86). Total abdominal hysterectomies were drawn from the sample (n = 60), excluding patients with cancer, those over 50 years old, and those undergoing ancillary procedures other than adnexectomy and lysis of adhesions. General probability theory was used to calculate a predicted complication rate of cesarean section followed by total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) from the complication rates of the component procedures done independently. This predicted combined complication rate was then compared with the observed rate of complications from cesarean hysterectom...
Statistical assessment of model goodness-of-fit using permutation tests,

Abstract Assessing model goodness-of-fit (GOF) to observed data is critical for establishing model credibility and confidence. We propose a new GOF approach based on permutation statistics. The approach is described for a simple, hypothetical example and demonstrated by comparing predictions of winter flounder length distributions from a population model to observed data from the Niantic River. Analyses of three different GOF measures, designed to evaluate the mean, S.D., and distribution of winter flounder lengths, showed that predicted mean lengths were indistinguishable from observed values while predicted S.D. and distributions differed significantly. Two other commonly used GOF approaches (regression and the Reynolds et al. (1981) approach of combining separate statistical tests) were also applied to the winter flounder example to illustrate the their relationship to permutation tests. The advantages of the permutation approach, and possible extensions to handle multiple predicted values, are discussed.
Elastic and viscoelastic properties of amorphous selenium and identification of the phase transition between ring and chain structures

Using a broadband mechanical spectrometer, the tensile modulus and stress relaxation of amorphous selenium were studied in the glass transformation range. Bimodal spectra were recorded under isothermal conditions in the time range ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ st${10}^{5}$ s. It was found that the structural equilibrations of the two contributions to the stress decay proceed independent of one another. The mechanical correlation functions of stabilized supercooled liquid Se can be described using a weighted sum of two stretched exponentials. The temperature dependences of the relative relaxation strengths are compared with results from a rotational isomeric state model. Our results are consistent with the existence of a cooperative transition, near 300 K, between ringlike and chain elements in the disordered chain model of Misawa and Suzuki. This transition has been kinetically inaccessible to previous measurements.
Performance trade-offs in single-photon avalanche diode miniaturization

Single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) provide photons’ time of arrival for various applications. In recent years, attempts have been made to miniaturize SPADs in order to facilitate large-array integration and in order to reduce the dead time of the device. We investigate the benefits and drawbacks of device miniaturization by characterizing a new fast SPAD in a commercial 0.18μm complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. The device employs a novel and efficient guard ring, resulting in a high fill factor. Thanks to its small size, the dead time is only 5ns, resulting in the fastest reported SPAD to date. However, the short dead time is accompanied by a high after-pulsing rate, which we show to be a limiting parameter for SPAD miniaturization. We describe a new and compact active-recharge scheme which improves signal-to-noise tenfold compared with the passive configuration, using a fraction of the area of state-of-the-art active-recharge circuits, and without increasing the dead time. The perfor...
Generalized complementarity problem

A general complementarity problem with respect to a convex cone and its polar in a locally convex, vector-topological space is defined. It is observed that, in this general setting, the problem is equivalent to a variational inequality over a convex cone. An existence theorem is established for this general case, from which several of the known results for the finite-dimensional cases follow under weaker assumptions than have been required previously. In particular, it is shown that, if the given map under consideration is strongly copositive with respect to the underlying convex cone, then the complementarity problem has a solution.
Distal retinal pigment of the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator: Evidence for stimulation of release of light adapting and dark adapting hormones by neurotransmitters

Abstract 1. 1. In intact fiddler crabs, Uca pugilator , norepinephrine (NE) produced light adaptation of the distal retinal pigment whereas dopamine (DA) produced dark adaptation of this pigment. 2. 2. Presumably, NE stimulated release of distal retinal pigment light adapting hormone whereas DA released distal retinal pigment dark adapting hormone. 3. 3. NE appeared to produce its effect by activation of alpha 1 postsynaptic adrenoceptors. 4. 4. Pandalus red pigment concentrating hormone produced dark adaptation of the distal retinal pigment.
A new sequential test for detection of a point of change in ARMA parameters

Abstract The investigation about the problem of detection of a point of change in ARMA parameters has basically concerned the AR model (see Refs [1–4]). The extension of the obtained results to an MA and ARMA model is not possible. So, we have elaborated a strategy of detection which is applicable to a general ARMA model.
Optimizing system performance in the event of feedback failure

The problem of maintaining acceptable performance of a perturbed control system during a disruption of the feedback signal is addressed. The objective is to maximize the time during which performance remains within desirable bounds without feedback, given that the parameters of the controlled system are within a specified neighborhood of their nominal values. The existence of an optimal open-loop controller that achieves this objective is proved. It is also shown that a bang-bang input can approximate the performance of the optimal controller. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
MALCOLM: Improving Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation Through Diagnostics

Rice Helping Hands (RHH) is tasked with designing and developing a wrist rehabilitation device for pediatric patients with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Plasticity of presynaptic and postsynaptic elements of neuromuscular junctions repeatedly observed in living adult mice.

In order to assay the extent of ongoing synaptic remodelling in adult mouse neuromuscular junctions, dynamic structural changes of identified neuromuscular junctions were monitoredin vivo over periods up to three months. Nerve terminal outgrowths as small as 1 μm were detectable with a new fluorescent tetanus toxin C-fragment stain combined with fluoresceinated alpha-bungarotoxin to stain postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors. With limited illumination, the new stain did not affect miniature endplate potential frequency, nor morphometric parameters of repeatedly observed neuromuscular junctions. At each observation, areas of presynaptic nerve terminal extending beyond underlying acetylcholine receptor (‘preprojections’), and areas of acetylcholine receptor without overlying nerve terminal (‘postprojections’) were measured. Regions of the neuromuscular junction in which nerve terminal-postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor complexes either ‘lengthened’ or ‘shortened’ between observations were also measured. The total area of pre- and postprojections (relative to total junctional area) remained the same over three months but most had been replaced; only 20% of preprojections gave rise to lengthenings, the rest retracted or were unchanged. Lengthening and shortening of branches were about 1–2% of junctional area per month. These more permanent changes occurred against a background of ongoing transient nerve terminal outgrowth and retraction (which constituted 80% of all neuromuscular junction shape changes from one observation to the next, compared with 20% for the postsynaptic component). Breaks in the continuity of the underlying acetylcholine receptor were also observed between observations as were instances where acetylcholine receptor continuity was re-established. A newly observed form of plasticity was a shift in position and angle of pre-existing branches. Establishment of new acetylcholine receptor-positive synaptic regions was mostly preceded by nerve terminal outgrowth on the previous observation. In animals in which spontaneous wheel-running increased locomotor activity approximately tenfold over a period of 35 days, the findings were identical to those in unexercised mice. In summary, in the adult neuromuscular junction, the nerve terminal, not the postsynaptic component, is the dynamic entity, continually changing shape on the scale of micrometres, with relatively small permanent changes. These ongoing exploratory excursions may supply the substrate for synaptic plasticity, which would involve regulation of the dynamics or stability of nerve outgrowth.
On Complicating the Relationship Between Liberation and Delinquency

The popular notion that the women's movement is responsible for an increase in female crime oversimplifies the concept of liberation. Distinctions are made between women's traditionality or nontraditionality in various roles—societal, familial or interpersonal, and within the realm of the criminal act itself. Data derived from a questionnaire administered in three urban high schools and two state institutions for girls suggest that there is little or no association between liberated attitudes and self-reported delinquency involvement. But at the level of the criminal act itself, there is evidence of perhaps more significant change. Females are most likely to commit delinquent acts in groups, particularly mixed-sex groups, in contrast to the traditional stereotype of females passively accompanying a romantic partner. Their explanations for their participation also depart from feminine stereotypes and resemble explanations most often associated with male delinquents.
cis-Acting RNA Signals in the NS5B C-Terminal Coding Sequence of the Hepatitis C Virus Genome

The cis-replicating RNA elements in the 5' and 3' nontranslated regions (NTRs) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome have been thoroughly studied before. However, no cis-replicating elements have been identified in the coding sequences of the HCV polyprotein until very recently. The existence of highly conserved and stable stem-loop structures in the RNA polymerase NS5B coding sequence, however, has been previously predicted (A. Tuplin, J. Wood, D. J. Evans, A. H. Patel, and P. Simmonds, RNA 8:824-841, 2002). We have selected for our studies a 249-nt-long RNA segment in the C-terminal NS5B coding region (NS5BCR), which is predicted to form four stable stem-loop structures (SL-IV to SL-VII). By deletion and mutational analyses of the RNA structures, we have determined that two of the stem-loops (SL-V and SL-VI) are essential for replication of the HCV subgenomic replicon in Huh-7 cells. Mutations in the loop and the top of the stem of these RNA elements abolished replicon RNA synthesis but had no effect on translation. In vitro gel shift and filter-binding assays revealed that purified NS5B specifically binds to SL-V. The NS5B-RNA complexes were specifically competed away by unlabeled homologous RNA, to a small extent by 3' NTR RNA, and only poorly by 5' NTR RNA. The other two stem-loops (SL-IV and SL-VII) of the NS5BCR domain were found to be important but not essential for colony formation by the subgenomic replicon. The precise function(s) of these cis-acting RNA elements is not known.
Bifurcation of round air jets by dual-mode acoustic excitation

The response of circular air jets to combined streamwise and transverse acoustic excitation is described. The jet evolution and structure are documented by flow visualization. When the ratio of axial to transverse excitation frequencies is two, the jet ‘bifurcates” into two distinct jets. The spreading angle increases dramatically with excitation amplitude.
The hormonal costs of subtle forms of infant maltreatment.

We show here that subtle forms of maltreatment during infancy (below 1 year of age) have potential consequences for the functioning of the child's adrenocortical response system. Infants who received frequent corporal punishment (e.g., spanking) showed high hormonal reactivity to stress (a repeated separation from mother, combined with the presence of a stranger). In addition, infants who experienced frequent emotional withdrawal by their mothers (either as a result of maternal depression, or mother's strategic use of withdrawal as a control tactic) showed elevated baseline levels of cortisol. It was suggested that there are hormonal "costs" when mothers show response patterns (intentionally or unintentionally) that limit their utility as a means of buffering the child against stress. The hormonal responses shown by infants may alter the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in ways that, if continued, may foster risk for immune disorders, sensitization to later stress, cognitive deficits, and social-emotional problems.
The utility of Trillium and Maianthemum as phyto-indicators of deer impact in northwestern Pennsylvania, USA.

Abstract Trillium spp. and Maianthemum canadense Desf. are preferred deer forage throughout their range and have potential as indicators of deer impact throughout the eastern United States. This paper evaluates the use of these plants as indicators at a landscape level within the Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative (KQDC, ∼30,000 ha) in McKean County, Pennsylvania where a high level of deer impact has been sustained over the last 60 years. We hypothesized that deer impacts to Maianthemum and Trillium spp. populations across the KQDC landscape would resemble those reported at much smaller scales in previous studies and would indicate spatial variation in deer impact within the KQDC area. We found that most of the Trillium and Maianthemum characteristics measured in the KQDC were below the “healthy” standards established in the literature and comparable to characteristics associated with high deer impacts: the percentage of Trillium flowering in the KQDC was 9.1%, compared to the standard of 21–34%; the average Trillium heights in 27% of the KQDC plots were below the 12–14 cm recommended for healthy Trillium populations; Maianthemum mean leaf length and percent flowering were 39 mm and 0.3%, compared to standards of 42 mm and 0.5% for plants in browse accessible areas and 55 mm and 20% flowering for plants in refugia. Despite these high levels of impact, no significant correlations were found between the indicator variables and a direct measure of deer impact, a browse index based on browsing measurements of preferred woody plant species. Based on these results we conclude that these two species do not track spatial variation in deer impact across the KQDC. Relationships between deer impact and indicator characteristics could be clouded by factors such as environmental variables not measured in our study and legacy effects of high deer abundance. Both species will bear further investigation in a long-term monitoring project within the KQDC and could serve as a measurement of recovery in areas that have experienced high deer impact when deer populations are lowered and monitoring sites are analyzed through time.
Registration of ‘Tift 8’ Trispecific Ornamental Pennisetum

'Tift 8' (Reg. No. CV-259, PI 659801) is a trispecific ornamental hybrid of Pennisetum approved for release by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in 2010. It was produced from crosses between P. purpureum Schumach; P. squamulatum Fresen.; and P. glaucum (L.) R. Br. This trispecific hybrid is both pollen and seed sterile. Tift 8 is a vegetatively propagated cultivar that is perennial in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. It can be grown as a vigorous annual in more northern zones. Tift 8 is morphologically similar to 'Tift 17', but it is significantly taller and has a significantly smaller culm-leaf angle than Tift 17. Tift 8 is significantly more resistant to Helminthosporium leaf spot (caused by Helminthosporium ocel/um Faris) than 'Princess'. Mature leaves of Tift 8 have a reddish-purple color. The plant color of Tift 8 is equal to, and in some tests better than, that of Tift 17. Tift 8 flowers under short days; therefore, it will not produce inflorescences where winter temperatures reach freezing (O°C) or below, or before the daylength is 10.5 h. A plant patent application has been submitted for Tift 8.
Behavioral thermoregulation and neuroamines in fish (Chromus chromus)

1. 1. A method for assessing the set temperature regulating behavioural thermoregulation in the fish Chromus chromus is described. 2. 2. Cholinergic stimulation of the brain, both muscarinic and nicotinic, lowered the thermoregulatory set point. 3. 3. Histamine raised the set temperature by an action on H1-receptors. 4. 4. Increasing brain catecholamines, with l-Dopa, also raised the set temperature but it was not possible to distinguish between dopaminergic or noradrenergic components of this response.
Al2MgO4, Fe3O4, and FeB impurities in AlMgB14

Abstract AlMgB 14 materials with Si and Ti additions produced by mechanical alloying/hot uniaxial pressing have recently been found to display hardness greater than 40 GPa. Al 2 MgO 4 and Fe 3 O 4 , and FeB are common impurities in AlMgB 14 produced in this manner. The characterization of these impurities and their effects on the hardness and electrical properties of AlMgB 14 without Si and Ti additions are presented in this study.
The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology: Looking back and moving forward (Book).

edited by Michael J. Aminoff, Larry R. Faulkner, 343 pp., American Psychiatric Press, 2012, $68 The authors conceived the idea for this book in 2009, the 75th anniversary of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), with a goal of producing a definitive history of the board. Both editors have been involved with the ABPN for years, and current and former directors and administrators wrote the chapters. The book gives an overview of the history, purpose, and administration of the ABPN and the certifying examinations in psychiatry and neurology. Readers will find information on the history and management of the board, its relationship with other organizations including the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neurological Association (ANA), and the development and evolution of the certifying examinations in neurology and psychiatry and their subspecialties.
New tunable thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine-based materials

Abstract The effect of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing side chains on the electronic properties of thieno[3,4- b ]pyrazines and their corresponding homopolymers have been investigated. Contrary to common trends in polythiophene materials, the addition of electron-donating groups results in higher HOMO–LUMO energies in the monomers and higher E g values in the resulting polymers. The use of electron-withdrawing groups, however, provides reduced HOMO–LUMO energies and lower E g values. The application of electron-withdrawing functionalized thieno[3,4- b ]pyrazines appears to be a promising new approach for the production of low E g materials.
Directions in linguistics

(1953). Directions in linguistics. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 39, No. 2, pp. 225-231.
Investigating the Impact of Project Managers’ Emotional Intelligence on Their Interpersonal Competence:

This article summarizes recent research that examined the impact of project managers’ emotional intelligence (EI) on observations of interpersonal competence. The goal was to determine whether EI a...
Highly stereoselective syntheses of conjugated ,- and ,-dienes, -enynes and -1,2,3-butatriened via alkenylborane derivatives

Abstract A highly selective and potentially general methodology for the synthesis of conjugated E , E - and E , Z -dienes, E -enynes, and E -1,2,3-butatrienes via hydroboration of alkynes is reported. The observed stereosclectivity was >98–99%.
Ultrastructure of blastocystis hominis

Ultrastructural studies of modified Boeck-Drbohlav egg slant cultured Blastocystis hominis reveal ameba, granular, and vacuolated forms of this organism. The ameba form shows a thick filamentous surface layer, a less conspicuous solid central body than the granular and vacuolated forms and very large mitochondria. The granular form differs from the ameba form by a granular transformation of the enlarged central body (vacuole). Multiple prominent nuclei and nucleoli and a well developed Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum are present in the cytoplasmic layer surrounding the central body. The granules within the central body are of three types judged by size, shape, and electron density. One of these is believed to be a reproductive granule. The vacuolated form has a large, membrane-bounded central body displacing all other organelles against the cell membrane. Small granules of many morphological types are present within the developing central body (vacuole). The usual division by binary fission may be concurrent with central body maturation.
Cell-Specific Differential Modulation of Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells by Selective Adenosine Receptor Agonists

Activation of A1 and A2A subtype adenosine receptors (AR) likely exert opposing effects on outflow of aqueous humor, and thereby, on intraocular pressure. Selective agonists of adenosine receptor (AR) subtypes have previously been applied to trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal (SC) cells to identify the site(s) of differential purinergic modulation. However, the apparent changes in volume monitored by previously measuring projected cell area might have partially reflected cell contraction and relaxation. In addition, whole-cell current responses of the TM cells previously described were highly variable following application of selective A1, A2A and A3 agonists. The complexity of the electrophysiologic responses may have reflected cell heterogeneity of the populations harvested from collagenase digestion of TM explants. We now report measurements of TM-cell volume using calcein fluorescence quenching, an approach independent of contractile state. Furthermore, we have applied selective AR agonists to a uniform population of human TM cells, the hTM5 cell line. A1, but not A2A or A3, AR agonists triggered TM-cell shrinkage. Both A1 and A2A AR agonists produced reproducible increases in TM-cell whole-cell currents of similar magnitude. The results suggest that previous measurements of explant-derived TM cells may have reflected a range of responses from phenotypically different cell populations, and that the opposing effects of A1 and A2A agonists on outflow resistance are not likely to be mediated by actions on a single population of TM cells. These opposing effects might reflect AR responses by two or more subpopulations of TM cells, by TM and SC cells or by inner-wall SC cells, alone.
Mammalian Kinesin-3 Motors Are Dimeric In Vivo and Move by Processive Motility upon Release of Autoinhibition

Kinesin-3 motors drive the transport of synaptic vesicles and other membrane-bound organelles in neuronal cells. In the absence of cargo, kinesin motors are kept inactive to prevent motility and ATP hydrolysis. Current models state that the Kinesin-3 motor KIF1A is monomeric in the inactive state and that activation results from concentration-driven dimerization on the cargo membrane. To test this model, we have examined the activity and dimerization state of KIF1A. Unexpectedly, we found that both native and expressed proteins are dimeric in the inactive state. Thus, KIF1A motors are not activated by cargo-induced dimerization. Rather, we show that KIF1A motors are autoinhibited by two distinct inhibitory mechanisms, suggesting a simple model for activation of dimeric KIF1A motors by cargo binding. Successive truncations result in monomeric and dimeric motors that can undergo one-dimensional diffusion along the microtubule lattice. However, only dimeric motors undergo ATP-dependent processive motility. Thus, KIF1A may be uniquely suited to use both diffuse and processive motility to drive long-distance transport in neuronal cells.
A pulse-based amplifier and data converter for bio-potentials

We present a low-power pulse-based amplifier and data conversion circuit for recording bio-potentials. The circuit is designed for data reduction in neurophysiological sensor and communication systems. A low-power low-noise AC amplifier with an asynchronous delta A/D converter is implemented. The asynchronous delta modulation has the advantage of data reduction, clock-less and no quantization noise. The amplifier gain is 53dB (bandwidth of 200Hz–20kHz) with DC variation rejection. The input-referred rms noise is 2µV. The delta amplitude in the A/D converter is 0.1V at 3.3V voltage supply. The system is fabricated with AMI 0.5µm CMOS technology. The chip size is 1191 µm by 713 µm. The power consumption with 3.3V supply is 75.9 µW in static state and 194.7 µW with 60kbps data conversion rate. A graphic user interface was developed to monitor the transmitted signal in real time.
Model surfaces engineered with nanoscale roughness and RGD tripeptides promote osteoblast activity

Cell adhesion to biomaterials is a prerequisite for tissue integration with the implant surface. Herein, we show that we can generate a model silica surface that contains a minimal-length arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide that maintains its biological activity. In the first part of this study, attachment of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells was investigated on silicon oxide, amine terminated substrates [i.e., 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTS)], grafted RGD, and physisorbed RGD control. The APTS layer exhibited nanoscale roughness and presented amine functional groups for grafting a minimal RGD tripeptide devoid of any flanking groups or spacers. Contact angle measurements indicated that the hydrophobicity of the APTS surface was significantly lower than that of the surface with grafted RGD (RGD-APTS). Atomic force microscopy showed that surfaces covered with RGD-APTS were smoother (Ra = 0.71 nm) than those covered with APTS alone (Ra = 1.59 nm). Focusing mainly on cell morphology, experiments showed that the RGD-APTS hybrid provided an optimum surface for cell adhesion, spreading, and cytoskeletal organization. Discrete focal adhesion plaques were also observed consistent with successful cell signaling events. In a second set of experiments, smooth, monolayers of APTS (Ra = 0.1 nm) were used to prepare arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine (RGDS)-APTS and arginine-glycine-glutamic acid-serine (RGES)-APTS (control) substrates. Focusing mainly on cell function, integrin and gene expression were all enhanced for rate osteosarcoma cells on surfaces containing grafted RGDS. Both sets of studies demonstrated that grafted molecules of RGD(S) enhance both osteoblast-like cell adhesion and function.
Sync: a Java framework for mobile collaborative applications

Introducing the factors of wireless mobile systems into the development of collaborative applications complicates developers' lives significantly. Application frameworks targeted for coordinating wireless mobile applications simplify development. The authors describe Sync, a development framework that provides high-level primitives that enable programmers to create arbitrarily complex, synchronized, replicated data objects. Designed for wireless networks, Sync enables applications to share changes at a granularity as small as updates to basic types and so enables better performance on low-bandwidth connections.
Exsanguination protocol improves survival after major hepatic trauma.

Abstract Background Hepatic injury remains an important cause of exsanguination after major trauma. Recent studies have noted a dramatic reduction in mortality amongst severely injured patients when trauma exsanguinations protocols (TEP) are employed. We hypothesised that utilisation of our institution's TEP at the initiation of hospital resuscitation would improve survival in patients with significant hepatic trauma. Patients and methods All patients who (1) sustained intra-abdominal haemorrhage with Grades III–V hepatic injury and (2) underwent immediate operative intervention between February 2004 and January 2008 were included in the study. TEP was instituted in February 2006, and all subsequent patients who met inclusion criteria and were treated with TEP constituted the study group. Patients who met inclusion criteria, were treated before introduction of TEP, and received at least 10 units packed red blood cells in the first 24 h constituted pre-TEP comparison group. Univariate and multivariate analyses evaluated the effects of TEP on the study population. Results Seventy-five patients were included in the study: 39 in the pre-TEP cohort (31% 30-day survival) and 36 in the TEP cohort (53% 30-day survival). There were no differences in demographics, extent of hepatic injury, or operative approach between the patient groups (all p ≥ 0.27). Injury Severity Scores were significantly higher in the TEP group (41 ± 18 vs. 28 ± 15, p p p ≤ 0.04). After adjusting for the significant negative effects of Grade V injury and involvement of major hepatic vasculature (both p ≤ 0.02), TEP significantly improved 30-day survival: OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06–0.81, p = 0.02. Conclusions TEP allows for an effective use of plasma and platelets during intra-operative management of severe hepatic injury. Utilisation of TEP is associated with significant reductions of cardiac dysfunction and development of abdominal compartment syndrome, as well as, significant improvement in 30-day survival.
Space, Body, and Mind Parental Perceptions of Children's Privacy Needs

This research explores parents' perceptions of the privacy needs and behaviors of their preschool-age children. The literature suggests that children require some degree of choice over interaction with others to create a sense of autonomy. Research into children's privacy focuses on spatial control as the primary method of achieving privacy. A model is constructed based on Laufer and Wolfe's multidimensional approach. Interviews with parents reveal the complexity involved in everyday decisions regarding children's privacy. Results indicate that parents do not perceive privacy as important for young children and more likely see them as invaders of others' privacy. Parents are partially aware of the influence of age and gender on children's privacy needs. Respondents perceived their children's privacy needs in spatial terms, less often recognized the need for body privacy, and rarely valued mental privacy for their children. Also, parents view their children's motivations for seeking privacy in primarily ne...
Lepirudin in Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Extracorporeal Membranous Oxygenation

OBJECTIVETo report a case of intermediate-probability suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) treated with lepirudin in a patient requiring continuous extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO).CASE SUMMARYA 17-year-old girl was admitted with multiple traumatic injuries including severe bilateral pulmonary contusions. Within 48 hours, she developed progressive pulmonary failure despite mechanical ventilation, and was placed on ECMO. Anticoagulation of the ECMO circuit was facilitated by unfractionated heparin (UFH). The platelet count of 116 × 103/mm3 after initiation of ECMO gradually decreased over 5 days to 44 × 103/mm3. On ECMO day 5, a highly positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for HIT antibodies was reported, and the UFH infusion was discontinued. Lepirudin was immediately started with a bolus of 0.1 mg/kg, followed by an infusion of 0.12 mg/kg/h, with a target activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) ratio approximately 2 times control. The ECMO circuit was maintained without ...
Induction and progression of the transformed phenotype in cloned rat embryo fibroblast cells: studies employing type 5 adenovirus and wild-type and mutant Ha-ras oncogenes.

Transformation of cloned rat embryo fibroblast (CREF) cells with the wild-type 5 adenovirus (wtAd5) transforming genes E1A and E1B (which extend from 0 to 11.2 map units) results in morphologically transformed cells that exhibit an increased saturation density in monolayer culture and display an anchorage-independent phenotype. WtAd5-transformed CREF (wtAd5 CREF) cells do not, however, induce tumors when injected subcutaneously into athymic nude mice or syngeneic Fischer rats. We have analyzed the effect of the ras oncogene and sitespecific mutants in the ras oncogene that result in p21 proteins with altered biochemical properties on the oncogenic and metastatic properties of singly (ras) and doubly (ras + wtAd5) transformed CREF cells. Transformants expressing the wild-type ras p21 protein and ras mutants producing p21 proteins that retained GTP-binding properties grew in agar, induced tumors in nude mice and syngeneic rats, and metastasized to the lungs of rats when injected into their tail veins. In contrast, cells transformed with the ras mutant 116K (which contains a mutation at residue 116 that produces a Lys instead of an Asn and does not bind GTP or induce CREF cells to grow in agar) did not become morphologically transformed and were not oncogenic when injected subcutaneously into either nude mice or Fischer rats; further, such cells were not metastatic when injected into the tail veins of Fischer rats. When the wild-type ras or the ras mutants, including 116K, were expressed in nontumorigenic E1A-plus-E1B-expressing wtAd5 CREF cells, transformed cells induced tumors in both types of animals. The CREF cells doubly transformed with 116K + wtAd5, unlike transformants containing the wild-type ras and the other ras mutants that still retained GTP binding, were still unable to induce lung metastases. In addition, 116K + wtAd5—transformed CREF cells also did not display any alterations in morphology distinguishable from wtAd5 CREF cells and were not able to grow in agar with increased efficiency. These results indicate that the loss of GTP-binding ability by this mutant p21 ras protein eliminated the ability of these proteins to induce an oncogenic phenotype in an immortal but normal CREF cell line. However, the mutant ras could cooperate with wtAd5 transforming genes in transformed CREF cells to make these cells progress to an oncogenic (but not metastatic) phenotype. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An evaluation of a real-time fault diagnosis expert system for aircraft applications

Several aspects of the aircraft domain make inflight diagnosis difficult. Many stem from the fact that the aircraft is in operation during and after the occurrence of a fault. These aspects include failure propagation, operator compensation, and lack of complete information. Still other aspects include responding rapidly to a failure, recognizing multiple failures, and predicting the effect of the failure on the aircraft. To address these concerns, a fault monitoring and diagnosis expert system called Faultfinder was conceived and developed to detect and diagnose inflight failures in an aircraft. Faultfinder is an automated intelligent aid whose purpose is to assist the flight crew in fault monitoring, fault diagnosis, and recovery planning. The present implementation of this concept performs monitoring and diagnosis for a generic aircraft's propulsion and hydraulic subsystems. This implementation is capable of detecting and diagnosing failures of known and unknown (i.e., unforeseeable) type in a real-time environment. Faultfinder uses both rule-based and model-based reasoning strategies which operate on causal, temporal, and qualitative information. This paper describes a preliminary evaluation of the diagnostic concepts implemented in Faultfinder. The evaluation used actual aircraft accident and incident cases which were simulated to assess the effectiveness of Faultfinder in detecting and diagnosing failures. Results of this evaluation, together with the description of the current Faultfinder implementation, are presented.
Probing the cancer genome

A report on the Keystone Symposium 'Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics', Taos, USA, 19-24 February 2008.
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Coli and Clear Cell Sarcoma of the Kidney

Familial adenomatous polyposis coli is an inherited multiple neoplasia syndrome that is associated with an increased risk for development of another primary tumor. We report a case of a 14-year-old boy who had a proctocolectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis coli. He had survived radical nephrectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy for a congenital clear cell sarcoma of the right kidney. Perhaps the presence of the familial adenomatous polyposis gene induces chromosomal instability in affected persons.
Inherited DNA mutations contributing to thrombotic complications in patients with sickle cell disease

Thrombosis may play an important role in the pathophysiology of certain complications of sickle cell disease (SCD), including stroke and avascular necrosis (AVN). Currently there is no laboratory or clinical parameter that can identify patients who are at highest risk of developing these thrombotic complications. We hypothesized that some patients with SCD have an inherited hypercoagulable state that results in an increased risk of developing stroke or AVN. We examined the role of two common inherited thrombophilic mutations that, in other populations, have been associated with arterial and venous thrombosis and are amenable to screening with DNA restriction enzyme analysis. The C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and the C1565T mutation in the platelet glycoprotein IIIa (GPIIIa) gene were evaluated. We analyzed genomic DNA from 86 children and adults with SCD, including 16 patients with a history of a clinical stroke and 14 patients with AVN, for the presence of these mutations. The C677T MTHFR mutation was found in 19% of patients with stroke, 14% of patients with AVN, and 14% of patients with neither complication (P = NS). The C1565T GPIIIa mutation was found in 25% of patients with stroke, 14% of patients with AVN, and 18% of patients with neither complication (P = NS). Although each of these mutations is relatively common in patients with SCD, neither is independently associated with an increased risk of developing stroke or AVN.
May the Force of the Operating System be with You: Macintosh Devotion as Implicit Religion

The purpose of this study is to consider the devotion of Macintosh computer enthusiasts as a case of implicit religion. Data was collected from two primary sources: twelve in-depth face-to-face interviews, and letters to the editor from MacAddict magazine. In addition, supplementary information was obtained from pro-Macintosh Web sites and magazines. Following Nesti (1997), Macintosh devotion was analyzed along four lines: (1) the search for meaning, (2) social forms, (3) the hidden message of the metaphor, and (4) the case of the voyage. I found that Mac devotees used the Macintosh as a reflective medium to discover meanings in the midst of changing computer tech nology. As an implicit religion, Macintosh devotion is based on the sacralization of the bond between people and computers. Its followers envision an utopian future in which humans and technology work together in harmony. Furthermore, the Mac enthusiasts adopted from both Eastern and Western religions a social form that emphasized personal spirituality as well as communal experience. The faith of Mac devotees is reflected and strengthened by their efforts in promoting their computer of choice.
Evolutionary rescue beyond the models

Laboratory model systems and mathematical models have shed considerable light on the fundamental properties and processes of evolutionary rescue. But it remains to determine the extent to which these model-based findings can help biologists predict when evolution will fail or succeed in rescuing natural populations that are facing novel conditions that threaten their persistence. In this article, we present a prospectus for transferring our basic understanding of evolutionary rescue to wild and other non-laboratory populations. Current experimental and theoretical results emphasize how the interplay between inheritance processes and absolute fitness in changed environments drive population dynamics and determine prospects of extinction. We discuss the challenge of inferring these elements of the evolutionary rescue process in field and natural settings. Addressing this challenge will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of population persistence that combines processes of evolutionary rescue with developmental and ecological mechanisms.
Integrated AlGaInAs-silicon evanescent race track laser and photodetector.

Here we report a racetrack resonator laser integrated with two photo-detectors on the hybrid AlGaInAs-silicon evanescent device platform. Unlike previous demonstrations of hybrid AlGaInAs-silicon evanescent lasers, we demonstrate an on-chip racetrack resonator laser that does not rely on facet polishing and dicing in order to define the laser cavity. The laser runs continuous-wave (c.w.) at 1590 nm with a threshold of 175 mA, has a maximum total output power of 29 mW and a maximum operating temperature of 60 C. The output of this laser light is directly coupled into a pair of on chip hybrid AlGaInAs-silicon evanescent photodetectors used to measure the laser output. OCIS codes: (140.5960) Semiconductor lasers; (250.5300) Photonic integrated circuits.
Substrate oxidation by the portal drained viscera of fed piglets.

Fully fed piglets (28 days old, 7–8 kg) bearing portal, arterial, and gastric catheters and a portal flow probe were infused with enteral [U-13C]glutamate (n = 4), enteral [U-13C]glucose (n = 4), i...
Do students differentiate between computing disciplines

We are in a time where computing programs are seeking to differentiate themselves. The ACM suggests that there are five distinct computing disciplines -- Computer Science (CS), Information Technology (IT), Information Systems (IS), Computer Engineering (CE), and Software Engineering (SE). In practice, it seems that there can be extensive overlap between these disciplines. For example, IS is defined by the ACM as computing in an organization context, typically in business while IT is defined as focusing on computing infrastructure and needs of individual users. If each of the different types of programs wishes to identify and attract interested students, it is important to understand if students perceive differences between them.This paper presents the results of a survey to determine if students differentiate between these five disciplines. Computing majors and non-majors were presented with several task descriptions commonly associated with each discipline and asked to identify them as belonging to one of the five disciplines. Data was collected from over 300 students at several different institutions and from a variety of different majors and computing disciplines. The results of the survey are presented along with comparisons of the perceptions of majors and non-majors.