cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of p53 in human lymphoblast cells following ionizing radiation using 7K cDNA microarrays

Effects of p53 in human lymphoblast cells following ionizing radiation using 7K cDNA microarrays
ROS and Sympathetically Mediated Mitochondria Activation in Brown Adipose Tissue Contribute to Methamphetamine-Induced Hyperthermia

Methamphetamine abuse has been shown to induce alterations in mitochondrial function in the brain as well as to induce hyperthermia, which contributes to neurotoxicity and Meth-associated mortality. Brown adipose tissue (BAT), a thermogenic site known to be important in neonates, has recently regained importance since being identified in significant amounts and in correlation with metabolic balance in human adults. Given the high mitochondrial content of BAT and its role in thermogenesis, we aimed to investigate whether BAT plays any role in the development of Meth-induced hyperthermia. By ablating or denervating BAT, we identified a partial contribution of this organ to Meth-induced hyperthermia. BAT ablation decreased temperature by 0.5oC and reduced the length of hyperthermia by 1 hr, compared to sham-operated controls. BAT denervation also affected the development of hyperthermia in correlation with decreased the expression of electron transport chain molecules, and increase on PCG1a levels, but without affecting Meth-induced UCP1 upregulation. Furthermore, in isolated BAT cells in culture, Meth, but not Norepinephrine (NE), induced H2O2 upregulation. In addition, we found that in vivo Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) play a role in Meth hyperthermia. Thus, sympathetically- mediated mitochondrial activation in the BAT and Meth-induced ROS are key components to the development of hyperthermia in Meth abuse.
A pharmacokinetic interaction between carbamazepine and olanzapine: observations on possible mechanism.

Objective: Olanzapine is a novel antipsychotic, which is effective against both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and causes fewer extrapyramidal adverse effects than conventional antipsychotics. The purpose of the present study was to assess the potential for a pharmacokinetic interaction between olanzapine and carbamazepine, since these agents are likely to be used concomitantly in the treatment of manic psychotic disorder.
Some properties of a ficin-papain inhibitor from avion egg white

Abstract Egg whites of chicken, tinamou, turkey, quail, and chukor contain an inhibitor of ficin. The inhibitor from chicken egg white was purified to homogeneity as determined by polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis. It is a protein with quite different amino acid composition as compared with chicken ovomucoid and ovoinhibitor and does not contain carbohydrate. The inhibitor forms a strong 1:1 complex with ficin with a dissociation constant of 1.47 ± 0.68 × 10 −8 m . Forces involved in complex formation appear to be primarily hydrophobic since changes in pH, ionic strength, and temperature do not affect extent of complex function. Ficin in which the essential sulfhydryl group was alkylated with chloroacetamide and which had no detectable enzymatic activity still formed a strong complex with inhibitor.
Regulated expression of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 by uterine stroma

Our previous studies demonstrated that interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and soluble factors secreted by polarized uterine luminal epithelial cells (UEC) stimulate prostaglandin (PG) secretion by uterine stromal cells (USC). The present studies were aimed at determining the mechanism by which these agonists stimulate PG secretion by USC. The comoplete inhibition of IL-1 alpha- and UEC-induced PGE2 secretion by cycloheximide and actinomycin-D in the presence of a saturating concentration of arachidonic acid indicated that IL-1 alpha and UEC act to a large extent by inducing de novo expression of PG endoperoxide synthase (PGHS). Western blot analysis of membrane fractions from USC showed a 2- to 4-fold accumulation of the mitogen-inducible isoform of PGHS (PGHS-2), but not the constitutively expressed enzyme (PGHS-1), within 3 h of treatment with IL-1 alpha, UEC-conditioned medium, or serum. Inhibition of UEC-stimulated PGHS-2 expression by anti-IL-1 alpha indicated that IL-1 alpha is one factor secreted by UEC responsible for the synthesis of USC PGHS-2. Expression of PGHS-2, but not PGHS-1, was inhibited by dexamethasone. Dexamethasone also inhibited IL-1 alpha- and UEC-stimulated PGE2 secretion by USC. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that PGHS-2 is localized to implantation sites in newly differentiating USC at the time of blastocyst attachment, indicating a potential physiological role for PGHS-2 in early stages of mouse implantation. In contrast, PGHS-1 was localized to UEC during this period. Collectively, these results indicate that enhanced PG secretion by USC in response to IL-1 alpha and soluble factors secreted by UEC is due to selective expression of PGHS-2. In addition, the expression of PGHS-2 by USC in vivo during the periimplantation period may support PG secretion required during early stages of embryo implantation.
Brainwaves as authentication method: Proving feasibility under two different approaches

Acquisition of EEG is becoming more and more affordable, and relatively high-quality signals are now digitizable even with consumer-grade hardware. The improvement in EEG hardware opens many possibilities for its applied usage. In this paper we explore the possibility of using the EEG as an secure authentication method. To achieve this goal, we process the EEG under two different methods: Cross-correlation and Divergent Autoencoding. The first method being a traditional approach to compare the similarity between two signals, and the second a classification tool originally developed to simulate aspects of human intelligence in the domain of cognitive psychology, but with potentially interesting applications in engineering.
Effect of the Starting Microstructure on the Thermal Properties of As-Sprayed and Thermally Exposed Plasma-Sprayed YSZ Coatings

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) experience thermal gradients, excessive temperature, and high heat flux from hot gases in turbines during service. These extended thermal effects induce sintering and significant microstructure changes, which alter the resulting thermal conductivity of the TBCs. To study the effects of different starting microstructures on the sintering behavior, plasma-sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) TBCs produced from different starting powders and process parameters were subjected to thermal aging at several temperatures and time intervals, after which their thermal conductivity was measured at room temperature. The thermal conductivity results were analyzed by introducing the Larson–Miller parameter, that describes the creep-like behavior of thermal conductivity increase with annealing temperature and time. One set of coatings was also annealed under the same conditions and the thermal conductivities were measured at elevated temperatures. The temperature-dependent thermal conductivity data were analyzed and used to predict the long-term thermal property behavior for a general YSZ coating design.
Can aerosol decrease cloud lifetime

[1] Cloud responses to changes in aerosol remain a dominant uncertainty in the radiative forcing of climate. Two main constructs related to aerosol effects on clouds have been postulated: (i) the “albedo effect” whereby anthropogenic aerosol results in increased droplet concentrations that generate increases in cloud albedo, all else (particularly cloud water) being equal; (ii) the “lifetime effect” whereby anthropogenic aerosol suppresses precipitation and results in clouds with more liquid water, higher fractional cloudiness, and longer lifetimes. Based on new observations presented here, and supported by previous fine-scale modeling studies, we suggest that the balance of evidence shows that non-precipitating cumulus clouds can experience an evaporation-entrainment feedback, and respond to aerosol perturbations in a manner inconsistent with the traditional “lifetime effect.” Because most cumulus clouds evaporate without producing significant precipitation, this is particularly relevant to estimates of aerosol indirect effects on climate.
A biologically inspired action selection algorithm based on principles of neuromodulation

The brain's neuromodulatory systems play a key role in regulating decision-making and responding to environmental challenges. Attending to the appropriate sensory signal, filtering out noise, changing moods, and selecting behavior are all influenced by these systems. We introduce a neural network for action selection that is based on principles of neuromodulatory systems. The algorithm, which was tested on an autonomous robot, demonstrates valuable features such as fluid switching of behavior, gating in important sensory events, and separating signal from noise.
Interaction of 28-GeV protons with tantalum: Charge dispersion and mass yields of light rare-earth nuclides

Independent and cumulative yields of 24 light rare-earth nuclides between mass 143 and mass 157 produced in the interaction of 28-GeV protons with tantalum have been measured. Charge dispersion (CD) curves for masses 146, 148, and 149 have been constructed based on the results obtained from this work with the aid of some previously published data. The importance of feeding by $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay is discussed in detail. The difference between the position of the peak of the CD curve and that of $\ensuremath{\beta}$ stability ${Z}_{p}\ensuremath{-}{Z}_{A}$ appears to decrease from \ensuremath{\sim}3.4 at $A=146 \mathrm{to} \ensuremath{\sim}2.5$ at $A=149$. The total yields at these masses and at $A=123$ were evaluated from measured yields and CD curves. The trend of the mass yields over this range is a monotonic decrease with decreasing mass, consistent with a spallation mechanism. Comparison with Rudstam's spallation systematics shows fair agreement regarding the shapes of the CD and mass-yield curves, but with Rudstam's parameter choices the cross sections are overestimated and the ${Z}_{p}\ensuremath{-}{Z}_{A}$ values are not accurately reproduced. Comparison is made between the CD curves obtained in this work and those previously reported for $U$ interactions. The observations are consistent with the interpretation that the light rare-earth products from tantalum results from a spallation-like process, whereas there must be some fission contribution to the slightly neutron-deficient nuclides produced from uranium.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{181}\mathrm{Ta}(p, \mathrm{spallation})$, ${E}_{p}=28$ GeV; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}(A;Z)$ for light rare-earth nuclides.
Acute Aortic Syndromes

Acute aortic syndrome is a term that describes one of a number of different pathologic entities. Each of these conditions requires urgent or emergent evaluation and may possibly require surgical intervention. However, both entities may be unfamiliar to the nonsurgical (and in some cases, surgical) practitioner and they may mimic more common diseases or be missed entirely. An understanding of the processes, nomenclature, and management options is critical in optimizing patient care.
Developmental expression of MARCKS and protein kinase C in mice in relation to the exencephaly resulting from MARCKS deficiency

Abstract The roles of protein kinase C and its substrates in development are poorly understood. Recently, we disrupted the mouse gene for a major cellular substrate for protein kinase C, the MARCKS protein (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 92, 944–948, 1995). The resulting phenotype consisted of universal perinatal lethality, agenesis of the corpus callosum and other forebrain commissures, and neuronal ectopia and other cortical and retinal lamination disturbances. These mice also had high frequencies of exencephaly (25% overall, 35% in females). In the present study, we have examined the normal expression of MARCKS and the various isozymes of protein kinase C at the time of cranial neural tube closure, in an attempt to correlate MARCKS expression in time and anatomical location with the exencephaly characteristic of MARCKS deficiency. Failure of neural tube closure occurred at various sites in the cranial neural tube, suggesting a cellular functional defect that was not limited to a specific location. Non-exencephalic MARCKS-deficient embryos appeared to be anatomically normal on embryonic day (E) 8.5–9.5. MARCKS and PKC α were expressed at the plasma membrane of the neuroepithelial cells comprising the future neural tube, as well as in the surface ectoderm and underlying mesenchyme. Endogenous protein kinase C species, comprising either or both α and δ, were capable of phosphorylating MARCKS in intact E8.5 embryos. Thus, MARCKS is expressed at the plasma membranes of the specific cell types involved in cranial neurulation; its deficiency presumably results in a still-to-be-elucidated functional defect in these cells that leads to exencephaly in a high proportion of cases.
Treating Persistent Distress and Anxiety in Parents of Children With Cancer: An Initial Feasibility Trial

Persistent anxiety is common among parents of children with cancer and may affect the family's well-being and adjustment. The goals of this pilot study are to determine the feasibility and potential efficacy of a brief cognitive-behavioral parent intervention aimed at reducing parental distress and anxiety related to their child's cancer diagnosis. Parents of children with cancer, at least 1 month postdiagnosis, were screened at an outpatient oncology clinic, and those reporting elevated levels of distress were offered a 4-session cognitive-behavioral intervention based on a modified version of the Surviving Cancer Competently Intervention Program-Newly Diagnosed. Five parents reporting persistent distress received the intervention. Results revealed decreases in parents' distress, state anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as in parents' feelings of burden associated with their children's cancer. This initial study suggests that identification of parents with prolonged heightened psychological distress is feasible and acceptable and that offering them a brief intervention within a pediatric oncology setting may be beneficial.
A production scheduling heuristic for an electronics manufacturer with sequence-dependent setup costs

Abstract In this paper, we develop a three-step heuristic to address a production scheduling problem at a high volume assemble-to-order electronics manufacturer. The heuristic provides a solution for scheduling multiple product families on parallel, identical production lines so as to minimize setup costs. The heuristic involves assignment, sequencing, and time scheduling steps, with an optimization approach developed for each step. For the most complex step, the sequencing step, we develop a greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP). We compare the setup costs resulting from the use of our scheduling heuristic against a heuristic previously developed and implemented at the electronics manufacturer that assumes approximately equal, sequence-independent, setup costs. By explicitly considering the sequence-dependent setup costs and applying GRASP, our empirical results show a reduction in setups costs for an entire factory of 14–21% with a range of single production line reductions from 0% to 49%.
Preparing for Bike-Sharing: Insight From Focus Groups and Surveys, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 2010

Objectives. To obtain in-depth community input using qualitative and quantitative methods to guide development and marketing of a bike-share program in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Method. Focus groups and surveys assessed bicycling attitudes, beliefs, barriers, and behaviors of residents, workers, and university students. The authors completed nine focus groups (N = 56): five sessions with downtown workers, three with downtown residents, and one with university students. Results. Health, recreation and transportation benefits of bicycling were commonly identified. Concerns regarding bicycling in traffic are apparent because of lack of facilities and a need for public education on safe motorist and bicyclist behavior. Practical limitations can inhibit bicycling during the day, including shower access and personal hygiene concerns. Conclusions. Public desire for environmental, educational, and enforcement tactics to support safe bicycling was noted. Marketing tactics for bike-share usage should emphasize health, recreational, and transportation benefits. Worksites can reduce barriers related to bicycling and encourage bike-share use. Future studies should assess bike-share impact on perceptions and behavior, as well as the resulting policy and environmental changes. Language: en
Automated Recognition of Test-Driven Development with Zorro

Zorro is a system designed to automatically determine whether a developer is complying with an operational definition of test-driven development (TDD) practices. Automated recognition of TDD can benefit the software development community in a variety of ways, from inquiry into the "true nature" of TDD, to pedagogical aids to support the practice of test-driven development, to support for more rigorous empirical studies on the effectiveness of TDD in both laboratory and real world settings. This paper introduces the Zorro system, its operational definition of TDD, the analyses made possible by Zorro, and our ongoing efforts to validate the system.
Role of radar in microwaves

Radar has been highly influenced by the technology of microwaves, and likewise the development of microwaves has been significantly affected by the needs of radar. This paper addresses the relation between the two. It begins by briefly describing the introduction of microwave radar in World War II that was a major factor in the Allies achieving success in air defense and antisubmarine warfare. Microwave radar developments during and after the war are reviewed, along with a listing of current military and civilian applications. The dependence of modern radar on digital processing (with clock rates at microwave frequencies), high-power transmitters, and sophisticated antennas is discussed. The paper concludes by mentioning possible future directions for radar, and briefly describes two examples of future radar system opportunities. These are the ubiquitous radar and high-power transportable millimeter-wave radar based on the gyroklystron amplifier. The message is that microwaves and radar have mutually benefited from one another and that radar still offers many opportunities for microwave engineers to demonstrate their ingenuity and creativity.
Low-cost diagnostic pattern generation and evaluation procedures for noise-related failures

As technology feature geometries shrink, failures caused by signal integrity issues have become prominent during test. To avoid the time consuming silicon inspection and reduce the engineering cost and effort for failure analysis, a fast and cost-effective diagnostic flow is proposed in this paper. The flow targets delay faults and can be used to (1) identify noise-related failures with a quiet pattern and (2) evaluate the failed pattern in terms of its noise-induced delay to help identify the root cause of failure. A novel procedure is developed to generate a quiet pattern to help differentiate sources of the failure. The quiet pattern targets the same physical defects as the failed pattern but offers much lower noises level. A pattern evaluation procedure is used to evaluate the noise-induced delay. The proposed procedures are implemented on ITC'99 b19 benchmark. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed procedure in identifying the failure mechanism. The noise-induced path delay for both failed patterns and diagnostic quiet patterns are thoroughly evaluated.
STABLE-CARBON-ISOTOPE RATIOS OF RIVER BIOTA:IMPLICATIONS FOR ENERGY FLOW IN LOTIC FOOD WEBS

Stable-isotope ratios of carbon ( 13 C/ 12 Co rd 13 C) have been widely used to determine the energy base of stream food webs, but such use is controversial due to un- explained variability in algal d 13 C. I used published d 13 C data from temperate headwater streams through medium-sized rivers (0.2-4000 km 2 watershed area) collected during sum- mer baseflows and original data from streams in northern California to analyze energy pathways through river food webs. The analyses showed three important results. First, epilithic algal d 13 C and watershed area are positively related, suggesting that effects of carbon limitation on algal carbon uptake result in 13 C enrichment of algal d 13 C in larger, more productive rivers. Second, epilithic algae and terrestrial detritus d 13 C values are often distinct in small shaded streams but overlap in some larger unshaded streams and rivers. Measurements of d 13 C values may be most useful in distinguishing algal and terrestrial energy sources in unproductive streams with supersaturated dissolved CO2 concentrations, and some productive rivers where CO2 concentrations are low relative to photosynthetic rates. Finally, consumer d 13 C values are more strongly related to algal d 13 C than terrestrial d 13 C. The relative contribution of terrestrial and algal carbon sources often varied by func- tional feeding group within and between sites. However, with the exception of shredders and scrapers, which respectively relied on terrestrial and algal carbon sources, patterns of consumer d 13 C clearly show a transition from terrestrial to algal carbon sources for many lotic food webs in streams with $10 km 2 watershed area. The observed transition to algal carbon sources is likely related to increasing primary production rates as forest canopy cover declines in larger streams, although decreasing retention or quality of terrestrial carbon may also play a role. Improved analyses of algal d 13 C and d 15 N combined with quantitative study of organic matter dynamics and food web structure should allow the relative im- portance of these factors to be distinguished in future food web studies.
Rgg Coordinates Virulence Factor Synthesis and Metabolism in Streptococcus pyogenes

Streptococcus pyogenes is a human-specific pathogen that relies on its host for metabolic substrates. Rgg-like proteins constitute a family of transcriptional regulators present in several gram-positive bacteria. In S. pyogenes, Rgg influences the expression of several virulence-associated proteins localized to the cell wall and extracellular environment. Secreted enzymes may degrade host macromolecules, thereby liberating metabolic substrates. To determine if Rgg regulation of exoprotein expression is associated with altered metabolism, the catabolic activities of S. pyogenes strain NZ131 (serotype M49) and an isogenic rgg mutant strain were analyzed during growth with complex and defined media. As expected, the wild-type strain preferentially used glucose and produced lactic acid during the exponential phase of growth. In contrast, the rgg mutant fermented arginine in the exponential phase of growth, even in the presence of glucose. Arginine degradation was associated with a neutral culture pH and excretion of NH3 and ornithine. Arginine, serine, and asparagine were depleted from mutant cultures during growth. The addition of arginine and serine to culture media increased the growth yield and NH3 production of mutant but not wild-type cultures. Addition of asparagine had no effect on the growth yield of either strain. Altered metabolism of arginine and serine in the mutant was associated with increased transcript levels of genes encoding arginine deiminase and a putative serine dehydratase. Thus, Rgg coordinates virulence factor synthesis and catabolic activity and may be important in the pathogen's adaptation to changes in the availability of metabolic substrates.
Clinical Utility of Toxicology Testing

Toxicology testing is an extremely valuable asset to the pharmacist in the evaluation and management of the poisoned patient. There is extensive use of toxicology screens and expensive and time-con...
Genomic Landscape of Human, Bat, and Ex Vivo DNA Transposon Integrations

The integration and fixation preferences of DNA transposons, one of the major classes of eukaryotic transposable elements, have never been evaluated comprehensively on a genome-wide scale. Here, we present a detailed study of the distribution of DNA transposons in the human and bat genomes. We studied three groups of DNA transposons that integrated at different evolutionary times: 1) ancient (>40 My) and currently inactive human elements, 2) younger (<40 My) bat elements, and 3) ex vivo integrations of piggyBat and Sleeping Beauty elements in HeLa cells. Although the distribution of ex vivo elements reflected integration preferences, the distribution of human and (to a lesser extent) bat elements was also affected by selection. We used regression techniques (linear, negative binomial, and logistic regression models with multiple predictors) applied to 20-kb and 1-Mb windows to investigate how the genomic landscape in the vicinity of DNA transposons contributes to their integration and fixation. Our models indicate that genomic landscape explains 16–79% of variability in DNA transposon genome-wide distribution. Importantly, we not only confirmed previously identified predictors (e.g., DNA conformation and recombination hotspots) but also identified several novel predictors (e.g., signatures of double-strand breaks and telomere hexamer). Ex vivo integrations showed a bias toward actively transcribed regions. Older DNA transposons were located in genomic regions scarce in most conserved elements—likely reflecting purifying selection. Our study highlights how DNA transposons are integral to the evolution of bat and human genomes, and has implications for the development of DNA transposon assays for gene therapy and mutagenesis applications.
Improvement of data quality for post-closure care of landfills using a tiered decision matrix approach case studies.

The development of a systematic approach which can be used as a decision-making tool to extend or shorten the post-closure care (PCC) period requires technically sound and justifiable methods. These methods can incorporate analysis and interpretation of available data and information from closed landfill. Analysis of existing data from closed landfills may present challenges due to variations in the data collection procedures, data analysis methods and reporting methodologies used during active and post-closure periods of a landfill. A tiered decision matrix was developed to assess and verify the quality of monitoring data collected and documented from closed landfills. The matrix provides a baseline for the needs to improve the quality of data collection and documentation for current and future practices. Challenges due to discrepancies in data reporting and inconsistencies in quality assurance/quality control protocols during data collection, reporting, and analyses are presented with case studies. Solu...
An empirical investigation of filter attribute selection techniques for software quality classification

Attribute selection is an important activity in data preprocessing for software quality modeling and other data mining problems. The software quality models have been used to improve the fault detection process. Finding faulty components in a software system during early stages of software development process can lead to a more reliable final product and can reduce development and maintenance costs. It has been shown in some studies that prediction accuracy of the models improves when irrelevant and redundant features are removed from the original data set. In this study, we investigated four filter attribute selection techniques, Automatic Hybrid Search (AHS), Rough Sets (RS), Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) and Probabilistic Search (PS) and conducted the experiments by using them on a very large telecommunications software system. In order to evaluate their classification performance on the smaller subsets of attributes selected using different approaches, we built several classification models using five different classifiers. The empirical results demonstrated that by applying an attribution selection approach we can build classification models with an accuracy comparable to that built with a complete set of attributes. Moreover, the smaller subset of attributes has less than 15 percent of the complete set of attributes. Therefore, the metrics collection, model calibration, model validation, and model evaluation times of future software development efforts of similar systems can be significantly reduced. In addition, we demonstrated that our recently proposed attribute selection technique, KS, outperformed the other three attribute selection techniques.
Evaluating groundwater sustainability for fractured crystalline bedrock

Water sustainability is an important concern for communities that rely on groundwater in fractured rock; yet the complexity of the fracture system and the unknown rate of recharge make quantifying groundwater availability difficult, if not impossible, using conventional water balance calculations. This study provides a new approach for estimating groundwater sustainability in fractured rock that entails synthesis of pre-existing well data into a comprehensive database that permits defining bedrock groundwater drainage basins and flow for use in estimating recharge and usage. The method was tested in the Coventry Quadrangle, Connecticut and entailed the use of more than 2,500 wells. Groundwater recharge and usage were estimated for each drainage basin and the sustainability of each basin was determined by taking the difference between these estimates. Additionally, temporal analysis of well parameters indicated a decrease in well yield by approximately 20% and the depth to water declined. The method demonstrated here provides a means to allow the consideration of groundwater sustainability in land use planning and decision-making.
Percutaneous oocyte retrieval from an inguinal ovary

Ectopic locations of the ovary are rare, but should be considered when an ovary is absent on traditional imaging studies. The images presented are of a patient with recurrent pregnancy loss and infertility. Of note, she also had a corrected tetralogy of Fallot and normal karyotype. Hysterosalpingogram revealed a right unicornuate uterus with the presence and patency of only the right fallopian tube. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an absent left kidney and ovary and a left inguinal hernia. The left ovary was discovered on the seventh day of ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization when a mass was seen in the inguinal region (Fig. 1) with follicles visualized by transabdominal ultrasound. The risk of ovarian torsion was discussed with the patient who elected to continue the cycle. Oocyte retrieval was performed from the right ovary transvaginally. Then, using a transvaginal ultrasound probe with needle guide (Figs. 2 and 3), the needle was advanced percutaneously through the abdominal wall into the inguinal ovary allowing aspiration of normal-appearing oocytes. The patient did not conceive with the fresh transfer of a single blastocyst but conceived after a thaw transfer of a single embryo and delivered a healthy female at 34 weeks’ gestation. She plans to undergo corrective surgery to repair the inguinal hernia and reposition the ovary into the pelvic cavity.
Indigenous Banking Firms in Mughal India: A Reply

Indigenous Banking Firms in Mughal India: A Reply KAR EN L EO NA RD Uni,·ersity of California, /n·ine In the April 1979 issue of CSSH I proposed a theory: The fi nanc ia l se rvices of leadin g indi geno us banking firms were ind ispe nsable to the Mug hal state, and the di versio n by these firms of reso urces, bo th credit and trade, fro m the Mu gha ls to othe r po litical po we rs in the Indi an s ubcontinent contributed to the downfa ll of the Mughal e mpire (p . 152). Jo hn F . Ric hards's artic le in the prese nt issue takes exception to th at theory, c hallenging the ev ide ntiary basis for my assert ions. Whi le stating that furt her research was ad mittedly neces- sary to test and fully substantiate the theory, I certai nly offered evidence th at these bankin g fi rms supplied wo rking capital to the e mpire and its officials for military campa igns, trade, co nstructio n , ka rkhanah (worksho p) production , and persona l loans. I also di sc ussed the bankers' regul atio n of the valuation , exchange . and c irculatio n of curre ncy . and partic ul arly the lwndi syste m of bills of exchange. The political pote nti al of these fi nanc ia l services - of the ir pe rforma nce o r nonperformance, and o n what terms - is obvious. Indeed , I c ited instances of po litical interacti o ns between banke rs and offic ia ls. Richards concedes th at my analysis of the eighteenth-ce ntu ry acti vities of bankin g firms - the ir mi gratio n fro m Mug hal-controlled urban centers to o the rs; the ir ex te nsio n of credit and trade to ne w regio na l powe rs, inc luding the European trading co mpanies; the ir in vo lve ment in the collec tio n of land revenue - is accurate. He attac ks the theory, ho wever, by statin g that he canno t find sufficient ' · ev idence to support my assumptio ns about the ser- vices and importance of the banking firms in the sixtee nth and seventeenth centuries. He also attac ks the theory by stressi ng the empi re's acc umul ation of pe rm ane nt capital, altho ugh I did no t conte nd th at the em pi re depended upo n the pri vate sec to r fo r lo ng-te rm financ ing in those centuries. Ric hards puts fo rward a state finance mode l of the Mu gha l economy. In thi s formal, bureauc ratic mode l, the state some ho w contro ls the bulk of the profi ts from the expansio n of trade, a lo ng with o the r accumu lated resources (p lunde r, tribute, land revenue), and it also contro ls the minting and ci rc ula- ti o n of curre ncy. The re are three problems with th is. In terms of economic I wane co thank John Leonard for his comments on this essay. 0010-4 175/81 / 2793-4333 $2.00 © 1981 Sociecy for Comparati ve Study of Society and History
Monolithically integrated low-power phototransceiver incorporating InGaAs/GaAs quantum-dot microcavity LED and modulated barrier photodiode

A low-power monolithically integrated phototransceiver, consisting of a high-sensitivity modulated barrier photodiode and a In0.4Ga0.6As/GaAs self-organised quantum-dot microcavity light-emitting diode, is demonstrated. The modulated barrier photodiode exhibits a responsivity of 1.8 × 103 A/W, for 630 nm excitation, at an input power of 10 nW. The output wavelength is 980 nm. The phototransceiver exhibits an optical gain of 18 dB and power dissipation of 110 µW for an input power of 10 nW.
Deinterleaving Markov processes: The finite-memory switch case

We study the problem of deinterleaving a set of finite-memory (Markov) processes over disjoint finite alphabets, which have been randomly interleaved by a finite-memory switch, extending previous results obtained for the case of a memoryless switch [1]. The deinterleaver has access to a sample of the resulting interleaved process, but no knowledge of the number or structure of the Markov processes, or of the switch. We study conditions for uniqueness of the interleaved representation of a process, showing that certain switch configurations can cause ambiguities in the representation, in addition to those caused by memoryless component processes, which were known in the memoryless switch case. We show that a deinterleaving scheme based on minimizing a penalized maximum-likelihood cost function is strongly consistent also in the finite-memory switch case, in the sense of reconstructing, almost surely as the observed sequence length tends to infinity, a set of component and switch Markov processes compatible with the original interleaved process. Furthermore, under certain conditions on the structure of the switch, we show that the scheme recovers all possible interleaved representations of the original process. Experimental results are presented demonstrating that the proposed scheme performs well in practice, even for relatively short input samples.
Micro/nano lithography realized by chemical printing

In this paper, we present and demonstrate a novel, versatile lithography method with high resolution that we call Chemical Lithography (ChemLith). The concept is based on the fact that most of the commonly used photoresists change their solubility upon an acid-catalyzed chemical reaction. In photolithography, Photo Acid Generator (PAG) is mixed in the resist formula, and the acid is generated by photon-initiated reactions. Using photons sets the fundamental limitation of the feature size for photolithography. We therefore propose to physically introduce the catalyzing acid (proton source) to the desired position on the resist surface, using a template in a manner similar to nano-imprint lithography. As a result, this method eliminates the wavelength limitation as well as the thermal, mechanical and material problems commonly associated with nano-imprint lithography.
On the finite dimensional unitary representations of Kazhdan groups

We use A. Weil’s criterion to prove that all finite dimensional unitary representations of a discrete Kazhdan group are locally rigid. It follows that any such representation is unitarily equivalent to a unitary representation over some algebraic number field. Let Γ be a discrete group satisfying property (T) of Kazhdan, i.e. the trivial representation of Γ is isolated in its unitary dual Γ (cf. [3] and [10], Ch. III); such groups will be referred to as Kazhdan groups in the sequel. It was shown in [15] that for a Kazhdan group Γ every finite dimensional unitary representation is isolated in Γ as well, implying that in effect Γ has only a finite number of inequivalent unitary representations in each (finite) dimension; in other words, Γ has finite representation type with respect to unitary representations. This result was reproved in [16] by a different method which was subsequently used in [4] to obtain an explicit bound on the number of inequivalent n-dimensional unitary representations. Since most examples of Kazhdan groups are lattices in higher rank Lie groups (recently, however, examples of (apparently) different nature have been found, cf. [2], [18]) which enjoy superrigidity (cf. [10]) and hence have finite representation type with respect to all (finite dimensional) representations, it is a natural question to ask if any kind of rigidity property for finite dimensional representations can be inferred directly from property (T). Since an arbitrary Kazhdan group may have an infinite family of pairwise inequivalent noncompletely reducible representations (cf. Example below), one should probably ask about SS-rigidity, i.e. finiteness of representation type with respect to completely reducible representations. We point out that the SS-rigidity of Kazhdan groups would have a number of interesting applications, e.g., combined with Platonov’s conjecture∗ on arithmeticity of SSrigid linear groups (cf. [13, 7.5]) , it would imply that every linear Kazhdan group is a group of arithmetic type, i.e. it is commensurable with the direct product of a finite family of S-arithmetic groups (possibly, for different S). Since a discrete Kazhdan group Γ is necessarily finitely generated, one can consider the corresponding varieties Rn(Γ) and Xn(Γ) of n-dimensional (complex) representations of Γ and of their characters (cf. [7]) ; let θΓ : Rn(Γ) → Xn(Γ) be Received by the editors July 18, 1997 and, in revised form, September 3, 1997. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 22D10; Secondary 22E40, 20G15.
Effects of Overexpression of Nutrient Receptors on Germination of Spores of Bacillus subtilis

The rates of germination of Bacillus subtilis spores with l-alanine were increased markedly, in particular at low l-alanine concentrations, by overexpression of the tricistronic gerA operon that encodes the spore's germinant receptor for l-alanine but not by overexpression of gerA operon homologs encoding receptors for other germinants. However, spores with elevated levels of the GerA proteins did not germinate more rapidly in a mixture of asparagine, glucose, fructose, and K+ (AGFK), a germinant combination that requires the participation of at least the germinant receptors encoded by the tricistronic gerB and gerK operons. Overexpression of the gerB or gerK operon or both the gerB and gerK operons also did not stimulate spore germination in AGFK. Overexpression of a mutant gerB operon, termed gerB*, that encodes a receptor allowing spore germination in response to either d-alanine or l-asparagine also caused faster spore germination with these germinants, again with the largest enhancement of spore germination rates at lower germinant concentrations. However, the magnitudes of the increases in the germination rates with d-alanine or l-asparagine in spores overexpressing gerB* were well below the increases in the spore's levels of the GerBA protein. Germination of gerB* spores with d-alanine or l-asparagine did not require participation of the products of the gerK operon, but germination with these agents was decreased markedly in spores also overexpressing gerA. These findings suggest that (i) increases in the levels of germinant receptors that respond to single germinants can increase spore germination rates significantly; (ii) there is some maximum rate of spore germination above which stimulation of GerA operon receptors alone will not further increase the rate of spore germination, as action of some protein other than the germinant receptors can become rate limiting; (iii) while previous work has shown that the wild-type GerB and GerK receptors interact in some fashion to cause spore germination in AGFK, there also appears to be an additional component required for AGFK-triggered spore germination; (iv) activation of the GerB receptor with d-alanine or l-asparagine can trigger spore germination independently of the GerK receptor; and (v) it is likely that the different germinant receptors interact directly and/or compete with each other for some additional component needed for initiation of spore germination. We also found that very high levels of overexpression of the gerA or gerK operon (but not the gerB or gerB* operon) in the forespore blocked sporulation shortly after the engulfment stage, although sporulation appeared normal with the lower levels of gerA or gerK overexpression that were used to generate spores for analysis of rates of germination.
Birth of a Comprehensive Family–Centered Maternity Program

The author shares her personal experience in the development of a comprehensive family–centered maternity program. Emphasis is on concepts of continuous evaluation, planning, communication, and changes in attitude. The historical background and methodology are presented to demonstrate the cooperative efforts and responsibilities among nursing, hospital administration, the medical staff, and the consumer to attain their collective goal of a family–centered atmosphere.
Experiments and modelling of external kink mode control using modular internal feedback coils

We report on recent advances in modelling and experiments on resistive wall mode feedback control. The first experimental demonstration of feedback suppression of rotating external kink modes near the ideal wall limit in a tokamak is described [1]. This was achieved using an optimized control system employing a low latency digital controller and directly coupled modular feedback coils. The magnitude of plasma dissipation affecting kink mode behaviour has also been experimentally quantified for the first time using measurements of the radial eigenmode structure of the poloidal field fluctuations associated with the rotating kink mode. New capabilities of the VALEN code [2] are also reported. These include the ability to simulate multiple plasma modes and mode rotation in the model of the feedback control loop. Results from VALEN modelling of resistive wall mode feedback control in ITER are also presented, showing a significant improvement in performance with internal coils. Evidence for a lack of mode rigidity in HBT-EP is given, and plans to address this and other issues related to coil coverage and coil modularity are presented.
Silicon carbide schottky barrier diode

This chapter reviews the status of SiC Schottky barrier diode development. The fundamentals of Schottky barrier diodes are first provided, followed by the review of high-voltage SiC Schottky barrier diodes, junction-barrier Schottky diodes and merged-pin-Schottky diodes. The development history is reviewed and the key performance parameters are discussed. Applications of SiC SBDs in power electronics circuits as well as other areas such as gas sensors, microwave and UV detections are also presented, followed by discussion of remaining challenges.
Trends and outcomes in right vs. left living donor nephrectomy: an analysis of the OPTN/UNOS database of donor and recipient outcomes--should we be doing more right-sided nephrectomies?

Background Discussion continues about right vs. left donor nephrectomy (LDN). Left side is preferred due to longer renal vein while right side has been associated with renal vein thrombosis and shorter vessels. Methods A retrospective analysis of UNOS database for adult living donor transplants between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2009. Results We identified 58 599 living donor transplants, of which 86.1% were LDN. There were no significant differences between the recipients or donors demographics. There were higher rates of delayed graft function in right donor nephrectomy (RDN) recipients with a hazard risk of 1.38 (95% CI 1.24–1.53; p < 0.0001). Primary failure rates were similar. In the RDN group, graft thrombosis as cause of graft failure was statistically higher with a hazard ratio of 1.48 (95% CI 1.18–1.86, p = 0.0004), and graft survival was significantly inferior (p = 0.006 log-rank test). For living donors outcomes, the conversion from laparoscopic to open was higher in the RDN group with an odds ratio of 2.02 (95% CI 1.61–2.52; p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in vascular complications or re-operation required due to bleeding. Re-operations and re-admissions were higher in the LDN group. Conclusion There are statistical differences between left and right kidney donor nephrectomies on recipient outcomes, but the difference is extremely small. The choice and laterality should be based on center and surgeon preference and experience.
Mechanisms Contributing to the Progression of Ischemic and Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Possible Modulating Effects of Paracrine Activities of Stem Cells

Over the past 1.5 decades, numerous stem cell trials have been performed in patients with cardiovascular disease. Although encouraging outcome signals have been reported, these have been small, leading to uncertainty as to whether they will translate into significantly improved outcomes. A reassessment of the rationale for the use of stem cells in cardiovascular disease is therefore timely. Such a rationale should include analyses of why previous trials have not produced significant benefit and address whether mechanisms contributing to disease progression might benefit from known activities of stem cells. The present paper provides such a reassessment, focusing on patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, either nonischemic or ischemic. We conclude that many mechanisms contributing to progressive left ventricular dysfunction are matched by stem cell activities that could attenuate the myocardial effect of such mechanisms. This suggests that stem cell strategies may improve patient outcomes and justifies further testing.