cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genital ulcer disease in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and microbiologic characteristics of genital ulcer disease in a population of human immunodeficiency virus-infected women. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was performed in university-affiliated, hospital-based women's human immunodeficiency virus clinics. A total of 307 women with human immunodeficiency virus infection were followed up during 20 months. There were no interventions. Age, race, CD4 + cell counts, bacteriologic and virologic analyses in cases of ulcers, serologic testing for syphilis, and histopathologic examination in selected case ( n = 6). RESULTS: Among 307 women followed up over a 20-month period, 43 ulcers were detected with a prevalence of 14%. Among the ulcer cases the average absolute CD4 + lymphocyte number was 210/mm 3 . Diagnostic evaluation yielded no proven etiologic agent in 26 (60%) of the cases. Twelve of the 43 cases (28%) were positive for hepres simplex-2. Five cases (12%) yielded unusual or mixed bacteriologic types. No cases were attributable to primary syphilis infection. One case each of an ulcer infected with cytomegalovirus, Chlamydia trachomatis , and Gardnerella vaginalis , as well as three unusual presentations of herpetic ulcers, is analyzed in detail. CONCLUSION: These cases exemplify the often dramatic presentation of human immunodeficiency virus—related genital ulcers and the clinical complexity of both diagnosis and management. The frequent lack of an infectious or neoplastic cause in human immunodeficiency virus—infected women with genital ulcer disease suggests that human immunodeficiency virus may play a local role in causation or exacerbation. Biopsies of atypical genital ulcers should be considered to aid diagnosis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of genital ulcer disease in human immunodeficiency virus—infected women.
An MBoC Favorite: High-resolution whole-genome sequencing reveals that specific chromatin domains from most human chromosomes associate with nucleoli

This article is my favorite MBoC paper, because I believe that it broke ground for a new field—the study of the role of nucleoli in genome organization. Van Koningsbruggen et al. (2010) demonstrate that parts of all chromosomes are associated with nucleoli in human cells. The association is biased toward more transcriptionally repressive and AT-rich regions of the genome. The patterns of nucleolar-associated chromatins partially overlap with nuclear lamina–associated chromatin domains and are heritable through cell cycles. Nucleoli and nuclear lamina have long been known to nucleate heterochromatin. However, little attention has been directed to exploring possible roles of nucleoli in global genome organization. This article, together with a study published in the same period by Nemeth et al. (2010), provided the first molecular evidence of the extensive interactions between nucleoli and the genome. These findings raise the possibility that nucleoli play a key role in anchoring and organizing the mammalian genome.
Raldh expression in embryos of the direct developing frog Eleutherodactylus coqui and the conserved retinoic acid requirement for forelimb initiation.

Embryos of the direct developing frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui, provide opportunities to examine frog early limb development that are not available in species with tadpoles. We cloned two retinaldehyde dehydrogenase genes, EcRaldh1 and EcRaldh2, to see which enzyme likely supplies retinoic acid for limb development. EcRaldh1 is expressed in the dorsal retina, otic vesicle, pronephros, and pronephric duct, but not in the limb. EcRaldh2 is expressed early at the blastoporal lip and then in the mesoderm in the neurula, so this expression could function in forelimb initiation. Later EcRaldh2 is expressed in the mesoderm at the base of the limbs and in the ventral spinal cord where motor neurons innervating the limbs emerge. These observations on a frog support the functional conservation of EcRaldh2 in forelimb initiation in Osteichthyans and in limb patterning and motor neuron specification in tetrapods. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:588–595, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
SU‐FF‐T‐101: Application of the Post‐Processing Dose Tool (PPD) to Dosimetrically Compare Gamma Knife and Hi Art Tomotherapy

Purpose: To develop a tool that enables us to process the dose matrix generated by the same or different radiation treatment planning system. Method and Materials: A Matlab tool was developed in order to post‐process the dose matrix generated from different treatment planning systems. Currently, the tool can import the dose matrix from Pinnacle3, Tomotherapy, Nomos Corvus and gamma knife planning computers.Tumor contours can also be imported. Using the tool one can calculate region‐of‐interest dose statistics, dose volume histograms (DVH), 2D dose maps, 3D dose maps, effective uniform dose (EUD), biological uniform dose (BUD), and dose profiles. The software tool can produce a comprehensive report that includes all the calculation. The software has been used to facilitate a comparison study between Tomotherapy and Gamma Knife for radiosurgical cases. The conformality index, defined as the ratio of the prescribed dose divided by target volume, was used to evaluate the treatment plans. Maximum dose, minimum dose, means dose, DVH and treatment time were also parameters used in the comparison. Results: Five gamma knife patients have been selected as candidates for the dose comparison between tomotherapy and gamma knife. All five patients had single brain lesions. Results show that tomotherapy can achieve the same DVH with higher dose conformality as compared to GK. However, the treatment volume of the lower dose lines (<10 Gy) is higher than gamma knife. Conclusion: A Matlab tool has been developed for post‐processing dose matrices generated by different treatment planning systems. The tool has been applied on comparison of the radio surgery cases between tomotherapy and gamma knife. The comparison results show that tomotherapy can deliver radio surgical precision and achieve the same results as gamma knife considering conformality index, maximum dose, minimum dose and mean dose in the tumor.
Central nervous system endoplasmic reticulum stress in a murine model of type 2 diabetes.

Aims/hypothesis Type 2 diabetes is associated with complications in the central nervous system (CNS), including learning and memory, and an increased risk for neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanism underlying this association is not understood. The aim of this study was to gain greater insight into the possible mechanisms of diabetes-induced cognitive decline.
MCMC algorithms for two recent Bayesian limited information estimators

Abstract Recent developments in Bayesian limited information analysis of simultaneous equations models, e.g., Chao and Phillips (1998) [Chao, J.C., Phillips, P.C.B., 1998. Posterior distributions in limited information analysis of the simultaneous equations model using the Jeffreys prior. Journal of Econometrics 87, 49–86] and Kleibergen and van Dijk (1998) [Kleibergen, F., van Dijk, H.K., 1998. Bayesian simultaneous equation analysis using reduced rank structures. Econometric Theory 14, 731–743], provide new choices for empirical practitioners. This note proposes a “Gibbs within M-H” algorithm to explore the non-standard posterior densities resulting from these Bayesian approaches and illustrates the procedure with a simple labor supply model from Goldberger (1998) [Goldberger, A.S., 1998. Introductory Econometrics. Harvard University Press, Cambridge MA].
Using SV119-gold nanocage conjugates to eradicate cancer stem cells through a combination of photothermal and chemo therapies.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to be responsible for the long-term growth of a tumor, as well as its metastasis and recurrence after conventional therapies. Here, it is demonstrated that the sigma-2 receptor is overexpressed on the surface of breast CSCs, and thus could serve as a biomarker for the purpose of targeting. Breast CSCs are targeted with Au nanocages (AuNCs) by functionalizing their surfaces with SV119, a synthetic small molecule capable of binding to the sigma-2 receptor with high specificity. The interiors of the AuNCs could also be loaded with an anticancer drug to be selectively delivered to breast CSCs and released in a controllable fashion. The results demonstrate that the SV119-AuNC conjugate can serve as a new platform to carry out photothermal and chemo therapies simultaneously, eradicating breast CSCs more effectively through a synergetic effect.
Mitral valve abnormalities and catecholamine activity in anxious patients

Abstract We studied 38 anxiety disorder patients, 19 of whom had evidence of mitral valve abnormalities by two-dimensional echocardiography. The presence or absence of mitral valve abnormalities was not related to 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol/ creatinine excretion, platelet and plasma monoamine oxidase-type activity, or autonomic arousal as measured by blood pressure and resting heart rate. These findings fail to support the hypothesis that mitral valve abnormalities identify a specific subpopulation of anxious patients with differences in catecholamine function.
The relationship of drug use to denture function and saliva flow rate in a geriatric population

This study investigated an "old elderly" population and the relationships between the use of hyposalivatory drugs and denture function, including saliva flow rates and denture-supporting structures and health. There was a high prevalence of drug use and medical problems. Hyposalivatory drugs were prescribed for more than half of the subjects. There was a significant relationship between increased hyposalivatory drug use and reduced saliva flow rates. Reduced values for denture-supporting structures were found to be related to increased medical problems and hyposalivatory drug use. Reduced values for denture-supporting tissue health were found to be related to masticatory performance and retention and stability. Bite force showed a strong positive relationship with masticatory performance. Some of the subjective evaluations by the subjects showed statistically significant relationship with their respective objective measures: perceptions of dry mouth were related to saliva flow rates, perceptions of denture rocking or looseness were related to retention and stability ratings, and reports of pain on chewing were related to masticatory performance. It may be concluded that the use of drugs with hyposalivatory side effects may have a deleterious influence on the denture-bearing tissue. Direct influence on denture function, however, was not found. These findings provide valuable insights into the effects of drug usage in old age and their impact on oral health and denture function. Diagnostic and treatment capabilities are thus enhanced in that physicians, pharmacists, and other health-related professionals can be alerted to the problems accompanying hyposalivatory drug use. This may permit alternatives in medication when possible, and dentists may more effectively plan and conduct prosthodontic care for these individuals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
2-Ketoglutarate Oxidation by Isolated Rat Epididymal Adipose Tissue and Fat Cells. Effects of Hormones that Stimulate Fat Cell Adenylate Cyclase

We observed previously that ACTH and dibutyryl cyclic AMP stimulated the oxidation of 1-[14C] 2-ketoglutarate to 14CO2 by isolated rat epididymal adipose tissue. This study is concerned with the effects of other hormones known to stimulate adenylate cyclase in fat cells. TSH, epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucagon and secretin all stimulated 2-ketoglutarate oxidation by isolated adipose tissue. ACTH, norepinephrine and dibutyryl cyclic AMP stimulated 2-ketoglutarate oxidation by isolated fat cells, indicating that adipocytes were the responsive cell type in adipose tissue. These results support the previous conclusion that 2-ketoglutarate oxidation is under the control of cyclic AMP. (Endocrinology 91: 1233, 1972)
The Role of Societal Benefits and Fairness Concerns Among Decision Makers and Decision Recipients

Four experiments examined the role of costs and benefits versus procedural and distributive justice for procedural fairness and procedural evaluations among decision makers and decision recipients. Experiments 1 and 2 examined the responses of actual judges in a 2 (high versus low benefit) × 2 (search procedure conducted respectfully versus disrespectfully) randomized factorial. In both studies judges evaluated procedures differently than is typical among samples of decision recipients: outcome concerns strongly influenced both procedural evaluations and procedural fairness while procedural concerns such as voice and respect were minimally influential. Whereas fairness concerns continued to be important among these decision makers, outcome fairness was more influential than procedural fairness. Studies 3 and 4 varied role (authority versus subordinate), procedural respect, and societal benefits. Both experiments supported our predictions that procedural criteria would dominate the procedural evaluations of subordinates whereas outcome concerns such as societal benefits would dominate the procedural evaluations of authorities.
Capacity and cutoff rate of coded FH/MFSK communications with imperfect side information generators

When JSI (jamming state information) is imperfect due to thermal noise, the capacities and cutoff rates of the channels are calculated as a function of the signal-to-jamming-noise ratio for memoryless, noncoherent FH/MFSK (frequency-hopped M-ary frequency-shift-keying) systems under partial-band noise jamming (PBNJ). Both soft- and hard-decision metrics with perfect, imperfect, and no JSI are considered. The first of three imperfect JSI generator uses the maximum a posteriori (MAP) decision rule based on the energy from an FH tone frequency which is near the M-signaling FH tone frequencies. The second decision rule utilizes the MAP rule, but it is based on the total energy received at the M-signaling FH tone frequencies. The third generator has the same decision statistics as the second generator, but its decision rule is an easily implementable suboptimum rule. If hard decision are made and code rates are high, then the differences between the imperfect JSI generators and perfect JSI generator can be larger than 1 dB. If soft decisions are made, then the differences between the imperfect and perfect JSI cases are negligible. >
Modeling Proton Irradiation in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs: Understanding the Increase of Critical Voltage

A combination of TRIM and FLOODS models the effect of radiation damage on AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. While excellent fits are obtained for threshold voltage shift, the models do not fully explain the increased reliability observed experimentally. In short, the addition of negatively-charged traps in the GaN buffer layer does not significantly change the electric field at the gate edges at radiation fluence levels seen in this study. We propose that negative trapped charge at the nitride/AlGaN interface actually produces the virtual-gate effect that results in decreasing the magnitude of the electric field at the gate edges and thus the increase in critical voltage. Simulation results including nitride interface charge show significant changes in electric field profiles while the I-V device characteristics do not change.
Control enhancement of power conditioning units for high quality PV systems

Abstract This paper presents an adaptive fuzzy-proportional integral derivative (PID) controller for DC–DC boost converters used as voltage regulators in PV systems. This proposed controller maximizes the stable operating range by tuning the PID parameters ultimately at various loading conditions. Then, a fuzzy logic approach is used to add a factor of intelligence to the controller such that it can move among different values of proportional gain (Kp), integral gain (Ki) and derivative gain (Kd) based on the system conditions. This controller allows optimal control of boost converters at any loading condition with no need to retune parameters or possibility of failure. Moreover, the paper presents a novel technique to move between the PI and PID configurations of the controller such that the minimum overshoot and ripple are obtained, which increases the controller applicability for utilization in PV systems supplying sensitive loads. A PV system with a capacity of 1 kW has been simulated and implemented in hardware to examine the proposed controller. Furthermore, this paper discusses the loading limitations in PV systems resulting from switching the power electronic interfaces and transients associated with large loads. These conditions derate the power generation capability of the PV system. We propose some methods to enhance the loadability of these systems under both steady state and dynamic operations. A PV system for home application purposes, with a rated power of 280 W was designed and built to investigate the loadability issue. The proposed enhancements were applied to the experimental setup and the obtained results verified the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Large helical conformational deviations from ideal B-DNA and prokaryotic regulatory sites

The variations in several double helical DNA angular parameters have been calculated along about 60 bacterial and phage sequences, each several hundreds nucleotides long. Regions of large geometric irregularities are found at, or in the vicinity of, regulatory protein recognition sites. Based on these extensive computations I suggest that these structurally “wrinkled” regions facilitate the first stage of the recognition process.
Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analyses of a Two-Parameter Impedance Prediction Model

This paper presents comparisons of predicted impedance uncertainty limits derived from Monte-Carlo-type simulations with a Two-Parameter (TP) impedance prediction model and measured impedance uncertainty limits based on multiple tests acquired in NASA Langley test rigs. These predicted and measured impedance uncertainty limits are used to evaluate the effects of simultaneous randomization of each input parameter for the impedance prediction and measurement processes. A sensitivity analysis is then used to further evaluate the TP prediction model by varying its input parameters on an individual basis. The variation imposed on the input parameters is based on measurements conducted with multiple tests in the NASA Langley normal incidence and grazing incidence impedance tubes; thus, the input parameters are assigned uncertainties commensurate with those of the measured data. These same measured data are used with the NASA Langley impedance measurement (eduction) processes to determine the corresponding measured impedance uncertainty limits, such that the predicted and measured impedance uncertainty limits (95% confidence intervals) can be compared. The measured reactance 95% confidence intervals encompass the corresponding predicted reactance confidence intervals over the frequency range of interest. The same is true for the confidence intervals of the measured and predicted resistance at near-resonance frequencies, but the predicted resistance confidence intervals are lower than the measured resistance confidence intervals (no overlap) at frequencies away from resonance. A sensitivity analysis indicates the discharge coefficient uncertainty is the major contributor to uncertainty in the predicted impedances for the perforate-over-honeycomb liner used in this study. This insight regarding the relative importance of each input parameter will be used to guide the design of experiments with test rigs currently being brought on-line at NASA Langley.
TO MAKE HER MINE: WOMEN AND THE RHETORIC OF PROPERTY IN EARLY AND EARLY MEDIEVAL FU

The description of women in early and early medieval fu and related genres often employs the rhetorical device know as effictio, usually referred to in poetry as the blazon. The use of the blazon is mainly seen in fu on goddesses, in the Summons Poems of Chu ci, and in certain poems in the Qi, or Sevens, genre. A connection is seen between the blazoning of women and the rhetoric of property that informs the Summons Poems and many fu, with their enumerative tendencies, including the spatial enumerations of the journey and the attendant notions of possession.
Partnering for Better Management of Western Rangelands: Using Web Technologies to Get the Word Out

For more than six years, a multidisciplinary team at the University of Arizona, along with a variety of outside partners, have been developing a series of Web sites and Web modules on topics related to the management of western rangelands. This article describes collaborations that have led to the development of the Arizona Rangelands Web site. The site is organized around distinct modules that provide access to data and other information previously only available through agency or other technical specialists. Also described is a companion Web site, which provides a template for storage and retrieval of archived information central to the management of public land grazing allotments.
Relationship between Nuclear Volumes, Chromosome Numbers, and Relative Radiosensitivities

An inverse relationship between a volume estimated to be associated with interphase chromosomes and acute lethal exposure to x-or gamma radiation has been found in 16 plant species. The apparent differences in radiosensitivities found would seem spurious, since the estimated average energy absorbed in the nucleus per chromosome (3.6 x 10(6) ev) approaches a constant (variation less than fourfold) in spite of wide ranges of lethal exposures (0.6 to 75 kr), of nuclear volumes (43 to 1758 micro(3)), and of somatic chromosome numbers (6 to 136). The regression line obtained can be used to predict the radiosensitivities of other plant species if their nuclear volumes and chromosome numbers are known.
A dynamic-mode DVS algorithm under dynamic workloads

Dynamic Voltage Scaling (DVS) is a promising method to achieve energy saving by slowing down the processor into multiple frequency levels especially in battery-operated embedded systems. We introduce a novel Dynamic-Mode EDF scheduling algorithm when workloads change significantly. Single-Mode, Dual-Mode and Three-Mode frequency setting formats can be applied, based on the Real Execution Time (RET) and the slack time at run-time. Only one combination of the time zone length and the frequency scaling factor can lead to the best energy saving. Experimental results show that, given an RET pattern, our Dynamic-Mode DVS algorithm achieves an average 15% energy savings over the traditional two-mode DVS scheme on hard real-time systems.
Carcinoma in situ and dysplasia of the bladder urothelium

Urothelial carcinoma in situ (CIS) is a high grade noninvasive malignant tumor which involves most commonly but not exclusively the transitional epithelium of the urinary bladder. Despite its relatively innocuous cystoscopic appearance, CIS is rarely an incidental finding and most patients present with symptoms of urinary tract disease. The majority have previous or concurrent bladder cancer; primary CIS does occur but is uncommon. Detection of CIS is best accomplished by urinary cytologic examination. Experimental studies have shed light on the development of CIS, but its biological potential in the spectrum of neoplastic transformation remains unclear. The prognosis of patients with CIS is variable: many develop invasive carcinoma while others continue for years without disease progression. Urothelial dysplasia represents a distinctive pattern of morphologic alteration characterized histologically and cytologically as atypia which deviates from normal to a mild or a moderate degree. Like CIS, most information concerning urothelial dysplasia has been obtained from experimental studies in laboratory animals or from patients with bladder cancer. Preliminary evidence indicates that dysplasia may be a precursor lesion in the spectrum of developing carcinoma. While both experimental studies and clinical observations suggest that urothelial carcinoma arises through a series of progressively severe cytologic and histologic changes, these events are not necessarily an inevitable continuum in human patients and further definition of the relationship of dysplasia and CIS to invasive urothelial cancer is required.
Design of 0.1-μm pocket n-MOSFETs for low-voltage applications

Abstract Channel length 0.1-μm pocket n-MOSFETs meeting the specifications of sensitivity of off-state current to channel length, off-state (leakage) current, on-state (drive) current and 1 V power-supply voltage are designed using a two-dimensional device simulator, Medici, in order to construct a viable design space locating the well-designed 0.1-μm pocket devices. The 0.1-μm pocket n-MOSFETs located within the viable design space are partitioned into two types of pocket devices on the basis of gate controllability of channel- and depletion-layer charges. The 0.1-μm pocket n-MOSFETs are compared with 0.1-μm conventional bulk n-MOSFETs selected to meet the same specifications and prove to be effective in reducing sensitivity to channel-length variations.
The sensitivity of radiation-induced leakage to STI topology and sidewall doping

Abstract The sensitivity of radiation-induced source–drain leakage to the amount of recess in the shallow-trench isolation (STI) of CMOS technologies is reported. The impact of the doping profile along the STI sidewall on the magnitude of the leakage current is quantified. The sensitivity of the radiation-induced leakage current to these parameters provides insight into how process variability is manifested as variations in the radiation response.
The relation of methamphetamine use and violence: A critical review

Methamphetamine (MA), a psychostimulant drug, was first produced in Germany and Japan in the late 1800s. MA use and trafficking have been a problem since the 1970s in the United States (U.S.) [National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC). (2006). National Drug Threat Assessment 2006. Retrieved March 18, 2006 from http://www.usdoj.gov.ndic/pubs11/18862/MA.htm] and have increased in recent years [Office of Applied Studies (OAS). (September 16, 2005). The National Survey on Drug Use and Health report: Methamphetamine use, abuse, and dependence: 2002, 2003, and 2004. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration]. MA is associated with violent behavior yet the nature of this relation remains poorly understood, largely due to methodological shortcomings. The present paper critically examines the empirical literature on MA use and its relation to violence. Methodological issues and challenges are discussed and suggestions for future research are provided.
Expression of Embryonic Fibronectin Isoform EIIIA Parallels α-Smooth Muscle Actin in Maturing and Diseased Kidney

SUMMARY In this study we examined if an association exists between expression of an alternatively spliced “embryonic” fibronectin isoform EIIIA (Fn-EIIIA) and a -smooth muscle actin ( a -SMA) in the maturing and adult rat kidney and in two unrelated models of glomerular disease, passive accelerated anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) nephritis and Habu venom (HV)-induced proliferative glomerulonephritis, using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Fn-EIIIA and a -SMA proteins were abundantly expressed in mesangium and in periglomerular and peritubular interstitium of 20-day embryonic and 7-day (D-7) postnatal kidneys in regions of tubule and glomerular development. Staining was markedly reduced in these structures in maturing juvenile (D-14) kidney and was largely lost in adult kidney. Expression of Fn-EIIIA and a -SMA was reinitiated in the mesangium and the periglomerular and peritubular interstitium in both models and was also observed in glomerular crescents in anti-GBM nephritis. Increased expression of Fn-EIIIA mRNA by in situ hybridization corresponded to the localization of protein staining. Dual labeling experiments verified co-localization of Fn-EIIIA and a -SMA, showing a strong correlation of staining between location and staining intensity during kidney development, maturation, and disease. Expression of EIIIA mRNA corresponded to protein expression in developing and diseased kidneys and was lost in adult kidney. These studies show a recapitulation of the co-expression of Fn-EIIIA and a -SMA in anti-GBM disease and suggest a functional link for these two proteins. (J Histochem Cytochem 47:787‐797, 1999)
Is Online Instruction Perceived as Effective as Campus Instruction by Graduate Students in Education

Abstract At a southern metropolitan university, the researchers examined the students' perceived quality of the learning experience of the online courses as compared to classroom-based learning for graduate education courses. The researchers used Chickering and Gamson's (1987) [Chickering, A. W., & Gamson, Z. F. (1987, March). Seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education. AAHE Bulletin , 3–7] seven principles of good practice to have students rate the quality of their learning experience. The 92 student responses demonstrated that they perceived their learning experience the same or significantly better online than the classroom-based courses. The principle that demonstrated a significant difference in favor of the online courses was more time on learning materials. Participants also rated the online courses as high on how much they learned in the course as the traditional the on campus classes. The implications were that students perceive the quality of their online learning in graduate education courses similar or even superior to campus courses.
The suppressor of Hairy-wing binding region is required for gypsy mutagenesis

We undertook a deletional analysis of the gypsy retrotransposon in order to determine which sequences of the element are required for its mutagenic effect. We show that a phenotype indistinguishable from that ofy 2 flies can be generated by transformingy − flies with a construct containing theyellow gene and a gypsy element located at the same insertion site inyellow as found iny 2 flies. When flies are transformed with similar constructs in which increasing amounts of the 5′ transcribed untranslated region of gypsy have been removed, either a partialy 2 revertant or a completely revertant phenotype is obtained. These results yield direct proof that the region of gypsy to which thesu(Hw) protein binds is required for the generation of mutant phenotypes by this retrotransposon.
Ruptured distal AICA pseudoaneurysm presenting years after vestibular schwannoma resection and radiation

Distal anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) pseudoaneurysms are very rare lesions. Although cases have been previously reported, only a few have been reported as a result of vestibular schwannoma (VS) radiation, none have been reported as a result of VS resection, and only one has been reported as treated with parent vessel occlusion (PVO) with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (nBCA). We report a case of a 65-year-old man with a history of right-sided VS surgery and radiation who presented years later with a ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the distal right AICA and was treated with endovascular PVO using nBCA. The aneurysm was completely obliterated and the patient had no worsening of symptoms or neurological exam. The case illustrates a very rare complication of VS surgery and radiation as well as an effective treatment for distal AICA aneurysms.
A Multiple Instance Learning Framework for Incident Retrieval in Transportation Surveillance Video Databases

Traffic incidents are frequent query targets in a transportation surveillance video database. Therefore, understanding and retrieving transportation videos based on their semantic contents becomes an urgent task. For this purpose, this paper proposes an interactive multiple instance learning (MIL) framework for semantic video retrieval. It incorporates techniques in multimedia processing, data mining, and information retrieval. By tracking vehicles' trajectories in a video and modeling semantic events, the framework initiates a progressive learning process guided by the user's relevance feedback (RF). The choice of RF is for reducing the "semantic gap" between the machine-readable features and the high level human concepts, which is a popular technique in the area of Content-based Image Retrieval (CBIR). With the information provided by RF. a mapping between semantic video retrieval and MIL is established. Due to its robustness to high-dimensional data. One-class SVM is selected to be the core learning algorithm for MIL in this framework. Although the proposed work is intended for transportation surveillance videos, it is designed as a general framework and can be tailored to other applications as well. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated by our experiments on real-life transportation surveillance videos.
An FPGA-Based Distributed Computing System with Power and Thermal Management Capabilities

Runtime power and thermal management has attracted substantial interests in multi-core distributed embedded systems. Fast performance evaluation is an essential step in the research of distributed power and thermal management. Compared to software simulation, an FPGA-based evaluation platform provides fast emulation speed which enables us to test the performance of power/thermal management policies with real-life applications and OS. Compared to computer clusters, an FPGA-based platform has the flexibility to be configured into any network topology and hardware sniffer for performance monitoring can be added easily. This paper presents an FPGA based emulator of multi-core distributed embedded system designed to support the research in runtime power/thermal management. The system consists of multiple FPGAs connecting through Ethernet with each FPGA configured as a multi-core system. Hardware and software supports are provided to carry out basic power/thermal management actions including inter-core or inter-FPGA communications, runtime temperature monitoring and dynamic frequency scaling.
Cytokine gene promoter polymorphisms and mortality in acute renal failure.

Abstract Background Although cytokines play a pivotal role in the inflammatory responses that mediate the severity of acute renal failure (ARF), the importance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene promoter polymorphisms has been unexplored. Methods We prospectively evaluated the relationship of single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) to mortality in 61 patients with ARF requiring intermittent hemodialysis. Cytokine genotyping was performed on leukocytes using PCR techniques. Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis was used to explore these relationships. Results The mean (±SD) APACHE II score was 24±7, MOF score 2±1, and 64% had sepsis. The TNF-α high producer genotype (−308 A-allele carrier) was associated with a higher risk of death after adjustment for the APACHE II score (HR=2.5; P =0.04), and the IL-10 intermediate/high producer genotype (−1082 G-allele carrier) was associated with a lower risk of death after adjustment for the MOF score (HR=0.36; P =0.03). Considering combinations of genotypes, the TNF-α high and IL-10 low producer genotype combination was associated with a ∼6-fold increased risk of death compared to the TNF-α-low and IL-10 intermediate/high producer genotype combination, after adjustment for either APACHE II ( P =0.004), MOF score ( P =0.004) or sepsis ( P =0.006). Conclusions TNF-α and IL-10 gene polymorphisms are related to the risk of death among patients with ARF who require dialysis. Larger studies are needed to confirm these relationships.
Application of Turbo-Pascal to power system simulation: complex number processing

The use of Borland's Turbo-Pascal version 4.0 to perform power system analysis involving mathematical operations on complex numbers is discussed. The Turbo-Pascal Unit (TPU) and structured record variable type are used to produce a library of program code CMATH.PAS that can be utilized by any program needing to operate on complex numbers. The results of the functions and procedures in CMATH are transferred back to the main program via the use of pointer type variables that contain the memory address of the actual complex number results. An application program illustrating the use of CMATH.TPU is included. The example program gives descriptions of each of the operations and functions included in the TPU CMATH. >
Effects of Acetaldehyde on Hepatocyte Glycerol Uptake and Cell Size: Implication of Aquaporin 9

Background: The effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde on uptake of glycerol and on cell size of hepatocytes and a role Aquaporin 9 (AQP9), a glycerol transport channel, were evaluated. Methods: The studies were done in primary rat and mouse hepatocytes. The uptake of [14C] glycerol was determined with hepatocytes in suspension. For determination of cell size, rat hepatocytes on coated dishes were incubated with a lipophilic fluorochrome that is incorporated into the cell membrane and examined by confocal microscopy. A three-dimensional z scan of the cell was performed, and the middle slice of the z scan was used for area measurements. Results: Acute exposure to acetaldehyde, but not to ethanol, causes a rapid increase in the uptake of glycerol and an increase in hepatocyte size, which was inhibited by HgCl2, an inhibitor of aquaporins. This was not observed in hepatocytes from AQP9 knockout mice, nor observed by direct application of acetaldehyde to AQP9 expressed in Xenopus Laevis oocytes. Prolonged 24-hour exposure to either acetaldehyde or ethanol did not result in an increase in glycerol uptake by rat hepatocytes. Acetaldehyde decreased AQP9 mRNA and AQP9 protein, while ethanol decreased AQP9 mRNA but not AQP9 protein. Ethanol, but not acetaldehyde, increased the activities of glycerol kinase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Conclusions: The acute effects of acetaldehyde, while mediated by AQP9, are probably influenced by binding of acetaldehyde to hepatocyte membranes and changes in cell permeability. The effects of ethanol in enhancing glucose kinase, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase leading to increased formation of glycerol-3-phosphate most likely contribute to alcoholic fatty liver.
Semi-autonomous robotic manipulation

Semi-autonomous intelligent robotic systems measure their environment using a variety of sensors. The design and implementation of such a robotic system that is equipped with multiple sensors is presented. The example task involves the insertion of a printed circuit card into a card cage. Intelligent behavior is accomplished by coupling the task execution sequence with information derived from three different sensors: a fixed overhead three-dimensional vision system, a fingertip infrared beam sensor, and a six degree-of-freedom wrist-mounted force-torque sensor. The vision system is used to locate the printed circuit cards and the insertion slots. Information provided by the fingertip sensor is used to complement the information from the vision system to obtain a proper grasping location on the printed circuit card. A fuzzy logic-based system is used to interpret the forces and torques measured by the force-torque sensor during the insertion process. The fuzzy controller accommodates uncertainties in the workspace environment. The robotic system is able to accomplish the example task without full time human supervision.
Ionic electroactive polymer actuators as active microfluidic mixers

On-chip sample processing is integral to the continued development of lab-on-a-chip devices for various applications. An active microfluidic mixer prototype is proposed using ionic electroactive polymer actuators (IEAPAs) as artificial cilia. A proof-of-concept experiment was performed in which the actuators were shown to produce localized flow pattern disruptions in the laminar flow regime. Suggestions for further engineering and optimization of a scaled-down, complete device are provided. While the device in its current state of development necessitates further engineering, the use of IEAPAs addresses issues currently associated with the use of electromechanical actuators as active microfluidic mixers and may prove to be a useful alternative to other similar materials.
Androgyny as type and androgyny as behavior: Implications for gender schema in males and females

Blending represents the integration of masculine and feminine behaviors within a discrete social situation. This process represents an alternative view of androgyny, commonly conceived in terms of extensive masculine and feminine repertories allowing flexibility in sex role display from situation to situation. The present study was concerned with the simple relations between each of these two androgyny constructs and gender schema (the perception, processing, and recall of information in terms of conventional sex role stereotypes) as well as higher order relations that consider their interactions. No gender-schema effects of any kind were evident for males. Men were equally sensitive to sex role stereotypes whether they were or were not androgynous types, whether they reported more or less androgynous behavior, or whether they combined the two forms of androgyny or not. Androgynous types of women were the least concerned about traditional sex role distinctions between men and women, just as feminine women displayed the strongest gender-schema effects. However, the lack of concern for sex role stereotypes was restricted to androgynous types of women who did not blend their feminine and masculine attributes into androgynous behavior.
Psychiatric correlates of past incarceration in the national co-morbidity study replication

Background Mental illness and substance abuse have been increasingly linked to criminal justice system involvement, but this relationship has mostly been by survey of prison populations and inferences of excess rates of disorder made by noting how these rates compare with national population-based surveys of mental disorders. Aims The aim of this study is to examine associations between history of mental disorders, including substance misuse, with incarceration history within a single population-based data set. Methods Data were from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, a nationally representative household survey of respondents 18 years and older conducted between 5 February 2001 and 7 April 2003. Results Multivariate regression analysis showed the strongest independent risk factors for a history of incarceration were being male [odds ratio (OR) = 6.3; p < 0.001], past receipt of welfare payments (OR = 2.1; p < 0.001), longer than 1 week of past homelessness (OR = 2.1; p < 0.001), not being from the northeast of the USA (OR = 0.31; p < 0.001) and a lifetime substance abuse or dependence diagnosis (OR = 4.9; p < 0.001). With the exception of welfare payments, these measures were also independently associated with longer (27 + days) incarceration. Conclusions The socioeconomic associates of incarceration history were unexpected, and in line with other, differently conducted studies. The fact that only substance misuse disorders of all those assessed were independently associated with incarceration history was a surprise, given the multiplicity of prison surveys, which have shown higher rates of other serious mental disorders. Although we were unable to include measures of schizophrenia or similar psychosis and used impulse control disorders as surrogates for personality disorder, absence of a relationship between depression and incarceration when measured in the same way and over the same time among those previously incarcerated and those not, raises questions about the weight that should be put on the existing epidemiological perspective of mental disorder among prisoners. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Generation of membrane structures during phagocytosis and chemotaxis of macrophages: role and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton

Macrophages are best known for their protective search and destroy functions against invading micro-organisms. These processes are commonly known as chemotaxis and phagocytosis. Both of these processes require actin cytoskeletal remodeling to produce distinct F-actin rich membrane structures called lamellipodia and phagocytic cups. This review will focus on the mechanisms by which macrophages regulate actin polymerization through initial receptor signaling and subsequent Arp2/3 activation by nucleation promoting factors like the WASP/WAVE family, followed by remodeling of actin networks to produce these very distinct structures.
Investigation of the Effects of Subchronic Low Dose Oral Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) and Ethinyl Estradiol (EE) on Estrogen Receptor Expression in the Juvenile and Adult Female Rat Hypothalamus

Concerns have been raised regarding the long-term impacts of early life exposure to the ubiquitous environmental contaminant bisphenol A (BPA) on brain organization. Because BPA has been reported to affect estrogen signaling, and steroid hormones play a critical role in brain sexual differentiation, there is also concern that BPA exposure could alter neural sex differences. Here, we examine the impact of subchronic exposure from gestation to adulthood to oral doses of BPA below the current no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 5 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day on estrogen receptor (ESR) expression in sexually dimorphic brain regions of prepubertal and adult female rats. The dams were gavaged daily with vehicle (0.3% carboxymethylcellulose), 2.5, 25, 260, or 2700 μg BPA/kg bw/day, or 0.5 or 5.0 μg ethinyl estradiol (EE)/kg bw/day from gestational day 6 until labor began. Offspring were then gavaged directly from the day after birth until the day before scheduled sacrifice on postnatal days 21 or 90. Using in situ hybridization, one or more BPA doses produced significant decreases in Esr1 expression in the juvenile female rat anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) of the hypothalamus and significant decreases in Esr2 expression in the adult female rat AVPV and medial preoptic area (MPOA), relative to vehicle controls. BPA did not simply reproduce EE effects, indicating that BPA is not acting solely as an estrogen mimic. The possible consequences of long-term changes in hypothalamic ESR expression resulting from subchronic low dose BPA exposure on neuroendocrine effects are discussed and being addressed in ongoing, related work.
Aromatase inhibitors to augment height: continued caution and study required.

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are a class of drugs that prevent conversion of androgens to estrogens, and that are approved in the United States as adjunctive treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Because ultimate fusion of the growth plates is estrogen-dependent in both boys and girls, AI administration may help to slow down epiphysial maturation and allow for greater height potential. Research trials in children with short stature have predominantly been done in Finland and Florida. Despite the apparent efficacy described by these groups, only ~110 children worldwide have been treated with AIs in research protocols (and usually concomitant with other growth-promoting agents) as of the end of 2008 (and none to final height). That said, many children are being treated with AI’s in the United States outside of research protocols. Furthermore, little is known about the short- and long-term safety of AIs in children. Thus, it is imperative that there be well-designed, long-term studies of efficacy and safety of AI use in pediatric populations.
Ionospheric electron content and variations measured by Doppler shifts in satellite transmissions

Ionospheric electron columnar density & variations measured by doppler shifts in satellite transmissions