cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-FF-I-13: Phantom Development for Artifact Reduction in Cone-Beam CT

Purpose: We developed a cone‐beam CT phantom for bone, metal, and beam hardening artifact evaluation. The two measures that can be tested are resolution and soft tissue discrimination. We will use this phantom to investigate beam filtrations for artifact reduction, resolution, and soft tissue discrimination. Method and Materials: The cylindrical PMMA phantom designed for cone‐beam CT (radius 12 cm, height 19 cm) is non‐uniform in the z‐direction. The phantom incorporates several different structures to test for bone and metal artifacts, as well as small object discrimination. A human skull fragment placed at the center of the cylinder tests for bone artifacts. Metal wires were placed horizontally and vertically through the cylinder. BBs were inserted on‐top of the skull fragment which were used for automatic object alignment. Both of these metal components were also used to generate metal artifacts. The phantom includes a soft tissue discrimination block with five different densities. Two additional blocks are used to test for small object discrimination in the horizontal and vertical directions. 24 BBs were inserted into the rims of the PMMA cylinder (top and bottom of phantom) and were used for the geometric reconstruction of the image acquisition trajectory. Results: The phantom was scanned on a bench‐top cone‐beam CT system with three different k‐edge filters, Er (0.127 mm), Er (0.254 mm), and Yb (0.254 mm). The resulting artifacts in the reconstructed images were assessed qualitatively. The data were reconstructed, and artifacts from the bone, wires, and BBs were observed to vary depending on the specific beam filtration used. Conclusion: We have developed a cone beam CT phantom for artifact evaluation and imaging technique optimization. The potential imaging techniques that can benefit are breast, brain, and extremity cone beam CT. Future work: develop a task specific figure of merit for artifact evaluation.
Deconvolution map-making for cosmic microwave background observations

We describe a new map-making code for cosmic microwave background observations. It implements fast algorithms for convolution and transpose convolution of two functions on the sphere [B. Wandelt and K. Gorski, Phys. Rev. D 63, 123002 (2001)]. Our code can account for arbitrary beam asymmetries and can be applied to any scanning strategy. We demonstrate the method using simulated time-ordered data for three beam models and two scanning patterns, including a coarsened version of the WMAP strategy. We quantitatively compare our results with a standard map-making method and demonstrate that the true sky is recovered with high accuracy using deconvolution map-making.
Properties of Bethe-Salpeter Wave Functions

A boundary condition at t = ± ∞ (t being the “relative” time variable) is obtained for the four-dimensional wave function of a two-body system in a bound state. It is shown that this condition implies that the wave function can be continued analytically to complex values of the “relative time” variable; similarly the wave function in momentum space can be continued analytically to complex values of the “relative energy” variable P 0. In particular one is allowed to consider the wave function for purely imaginary values of t, or respectively p 0, i.e., for real values of x 4 = ict and p 4 = ip 0. A wave equation satisfied by this function is obtained by rotation of the integration path in the complex plane of the variable p 0, and it is further shown that the formulation of the eigenvalue problem in terms of this equation presents several advantages in that many of the ordinary mathematical methods become available.
Issues in the Development of Subject Recruitment Strategies and Eligibility Criteria in Multisite Trials of Matching

Decision-making in selecting and recruiting subjects for treatment matching research is a complex process involving conceptual, methodological and practical considerations. In selecting clients, concerns arise about whether the criteria will produce a subject population that is (1) relevant to the dimensions associated with the treatment matching, (2) representative of persons typically seen in alcohol treatment settings and, for practical purposes, (3) able or willing to comply with the requirements of the study protocol. Also, in order to fulfill sampling requirements, it may be necessary to employ a variety of creative outreach methods. However, these recruitment mechanisms can pose additional logistical and methodological problems for the research. This article focuses on various issues arising in the selection and recruitment of subjects in matching research. Project MATCH serves to highlight issues related to client eligibility and recruitment and to discuss effective strategies for resolving these ...
Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension Accelerates the Development of Atherosclerosis in ApoE-Deficient Mice

Background—Angiotensin II may contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions because of its growth and proinflammatory effects. We sought to determine whether angiotensin II–induced hypertension would augment and accelerate the development of atherosclerotic lesions in apoE-deficient mice. Methods and Results—Angiotensin II (0.7 mg · kg−1 · d−1 SC) was administered to apoE-deficient mice via osmotic minipumps. The animals were placed on either standard chow or an atherogenic diet. After 8 weeks, the mean atherosclerotic lesion area in the descending thoracic and abdominal aortas of animals on a standard chow diet was 0.4±0.1% compared with 5.2±1.2% in those animals maintained on an atherogenic diet (P<0.0001). In angiotensin II–treated animals on standard chow, the mean lesion area was increased to 11.0±2.3%, which was further increased to 69.9±9.4% (P<0.0001) in angiotensin II–treated animals on an atherogenic diet. Similar findings were obtained when tissues from the ascending ...
Binding of tRNA to the ribosomal A and P sites protects two distinct sets of nucleotides in 16 S rRNA.

Transfer RNA protects a characteristic set of bases in 16 S rRNA from chemical probes when it binds to ribosomes. We used several criteria, based on construction of well-characterized in vitro ribosome-tRNA complexes, to assign these proteins to A or P-site binding. All of these approaches lead to similar conclusions. In the A site, tRNA caused protection of G529, G530, A1492 and A1493 (strongly), and A1408 and G1494 (weakly). In the P site, the protected bases are G693, A794, C795, G926 and G1401 (strong), and A532, G966, G1338 and G1339 (weak). In contrast to what is observed for 23 S rRNA, blocking the release of EF-Tu.GDP from the ribosome by kirromycin has no detectable effect on the protection of bases in 16 S rRNA.
On the design of a multiplexer with a common junction

Two sets of formulas for scattering parameters are presented for multiplexers having parallel and series configurations with a common junction. A new general design approach is developed for multiplexers having any response types and any number of channel filters of arbitrary degree, bandwidth, and interchannel spacing. By using these formulas and computer optimization techniques for all the element values in the channel filters, the design process results in a good match at the common input port over the transmission frequency band. Several examples including a contiguous multiplexer are given to demonstrate the design procedure.
Methyl terminal-4-deoxy-, terminal-4-O-ethyl-, and terminal-4-O-butyl-malto-oligosaccharides: synthesis, and hydrolysis with beta-amylase

Abstract Reactions of perbenzylated methyl terminal-4-hydroxymalto-oligosaccharides (1) provided routes to the title compounds. Alkylation followed by debenzylation yielded the terminal-4- O -ethyl and terminal-4- O -butyl derivatives. The terminal-4-deoxy compounds were formed from 1 by sulfonylation, displacement of the sulfonyloxy group with thiocyanate, and hydrogenolysis in the presence of Raney nickel. beta -Amylase acted on the mixture of methyl terminal-4-dioxymalto-oligosaccharides to convert it into 4-deoxymaltose, maltose, methyl maltoside, and methyl D -gluco-pyranoside.
Abstract C245: Protein switches that activate a prodrug in the presence of HIF‐1α

We have engineered yeast cytosine deaminase (CD) to be activated by the tumor marker, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha (HIF‐1α) ‐ turning on its ability to convert 5‐fluorcytosine (5FC) into the anticancer drug 5‐fluoruracil (5FU). HIF‐1α is overexpressed in many types of cancer but is virtually undetectable in normal tissue due to rapid degradation. We sought a “tumor‐sensing” protein whose prodrug converting activity is activated in the presence of HIF‐1α. Such a protein could be used in a therapeutic treatment similar to gene‐directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT). However, our approach would have an advantage over GDEPT because the “suicide” gene could be delivered using very efficient methods for gene delivery, whether or not they were selective, since the selectivity occurs at the protein level and not the gene delivery level. To create our desired protein, we constructed a library of fusion proteins between CD and the CH1 domain of p300 ‐ a domain known to interact with HIF‐1α. This library was subjected to a two‐tiered genetic selection in E. coli designed to identify genes that conferred increased sensitivity to 5FC when HIF‐1α was coexpressed. We identified two library members (#3 and #59), which conferred to E. coli sensitivity to 5FC equivalent to wildtype CD but only in the presence of coexpressed HIF‐1α. In the absence of HIF‐1α, #3 conferred a 5‐fold higher LC50 to 5FC and #59 did not confer any sensitivity to 5FC. Both proteins were purified and characterized in vitro for their activity in the presence and absence of HIF‐1a. Protein #3 exhibited a 4‐fold increase in its CD activity in the presence of HIF‐1α, whereas protein #599s activity did not have a significant dependence on HIF‐1α. Currently, the two genes are being examined in human cancer cell lines for their ability to confer sensitivity to 5FC in the presence of HIF‐1α. Using advanced protein engineering techniques, we have created two proteins that confer sensitivity to 5FC in the presence of the tumor‐marker, HIF‐1α. We believe that these genes have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancers that exhibit elevated HIF‐1α levels. Our strategy circumvents a limitation of GDEPT by not requiring selective delivery of the gene to cancer cells. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):C245.
Low‐Temperature Chemical Approaches for Synthesizing Sulfides and Nitrides of Reactive Transition Metals

The advent of the sol–gel technique over the past several decades and the recognition of its excellent flexibility for synthesizing a large variety of oxide ceramics and glasses in both bulk and thin-film forms has generated considerable interest in using solution-based processes to prepare ceramic materials. Because of the success of the sol–gel technique, a number of other chemical processes have been developed utilizing metalorganic/organometallic starting materials to create molecularly architectured precursors, which have proven effective in synthesizing both oxide and non-oxide materials. In the present study, two different chemical approaches have been implemented to synthesize non-oxides (sulfides and nitrides) of reactive transition-metal elements. Accordingly, a novel thio-sol–gel process for preparing TiS2 and NbS2 powders has been studied. In the case of TiS2 synthesis, the chemical reaction has been examined in detail using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography (GC). The effects of modification of the titanium precursor on the morphology of the final sulfide have also been investigated and are discussed. A second, more generalized process has been developed for synthesizing homogeneous precursors in multicomponent systems. Its utilization in preparing ternary nitrides has been demonstrated, and is also presented. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Junctional spinal disorders in operated adult spinal deformities: present understanding and future perspectives

Introduction Junctional spinal disorders have become one of the greatest challenges in spinal deformity surgery. They can occur at any age but are mostly seen in adult deformity surgery and are most often observed as the patient gets older.
Expression of Size‐Selected RNA Encoding Brain Serotonin Transporter in Xenopus laevis Oocytes

The mRNA that encodes a serotonin transporter was expressed using the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system. Poly(A)+ RNA isolated from mouse brainstem was injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes, and the ability of oocytes to take up serotonin was measured 3 days postinjection. RNA-dependent serotonin uptake was sensitive to citalopram, a specific inhibitor of serotonin uptake, whereas background levels of serotonin uptake were not citalopram sensitive. Two RNA size fractions, 4.0 and 4.5 kb, were most efficient in stimulating uptake. Injection into Xenopus laevis oocytes of the 4.5-kb size fraction of mouse brainstem RNA resulted in threefold more serotonin uptake than did injection of unfractionated poly(A)+ RNA.
A blind channel shortening criterion based on high-order cumulants

In this work, we propose a new criterion for blind channel shortening based on high order statistical information. This method overcomes the weakness of two existing channel shortening criteria derived from only second order output statistics of the unknown channel. It is applicable to both single-input-single-output and single-input-multiple-output frequency selective channels. The optimization criterion can be achieved through either a stochastic gradient descent algorithm or a batch algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate successful shortening of wireless channels that the existing criteria fail to shorten.
Pre-clinical pharmacology training in a student-centered veterinary curriculum.

The appropriate use of therapeutics is important to both human and animal health. The field of pharmacology is rapidly progressing such that it is impossible to convey to students every possible piece of information they will need to know throughout their veterinary careers. Instead, it is more important to train students for lifelong and self-directed learning so that they will be able to adapt to the ever-changing pharmaceutical landscape. Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine teaches pharmacology using a student-centered and problem-based curriculum designed to teach students not only the basics of pharmacology and clinical pharmacology, but also the personal skills needed to continue to learn beyond their formal education. The aim of this manuscript is to document the pharmacology curriculum during phase I of the veterinary curriculum. Review of the graduating class of 2010’s exposure to pharmacology learning issues reveals broad-based coverage of major functional and me...
A common EcoRI polymorphism at the ZFX locus

The human pseudoautosomal region comprises a 2.6 megabase segment of the distal short arms of the X and Y chromosomes. Complete DNA sequence homology between the two sex chromosomes is found in this region, and is believed to be important in mediating X-Y pairing in male meiosis. The only known functional genes in this region are MIC2 and CSF2R; in addition a pseudoautosomal location has been proposed for a genetic locus controlling stature. Here we report the structure of a recently identified pseudoautosomal gene, XE7, and its expression in human tissues. Analysis of genomic and cDNA clones shows that alternative RNA splicing results in the production of two predicted protein isoforms, one containing 385 amino acids and the other with 695 residues. The smaller polypeptide is a truncated version of the larger, and results from the inclusion of a cassette exon that introduces an in-frame stop codon into the mRNA. The XE7 gene appears to be ubiquitously expressed, and the production of both protein isoforms is predicted in each of several tissues examined.
Abstract 4900:MAGE-A11expression in castration-recurrent prostate cancer: association with a global epigenetic defect

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Despite the initial clinical response to androgen deprivation therapy, most prostate cancer patients subsequently develop castration-recurrent disease. Elucidation of the mechanisms driving this process is expected to lead to improved strategies to prevent and treat advanced prostate cancer. Epigenetic alterations, including DNA hypomethylation, play a key role in human cancer development. DNA hypomethylation is thought to promote oncogenesis in part by driving oncogene expression, but its potential role in castration-recurrent prostate cancer is unknown. Melanoma Antigen A-11 (MAGE-A11) is a cancer germline (CG) antigen that stabilizes the androgen receptor (AR), facilitates AR association with co-activators, and promotes AR transcriptional activity; thus it appears to play an oncogenic role in castration-recurrent disease. We have recently reported that MAGE-A11 is over-expressed in prostate cancer cell lines, prostate cancer xenografts, and human prostate cancer tissues; in each setting MAGE-A11 overexpression is associated with DNA hypomethylation at the MAGE-A11 promoter CpG island (Karpf et al., Molecular Cancer Research 7; 523-535, 2009). Critically, MAGE-A11 expression and promoter hypomethylation correlate with castration-recurrent cancer growth, both in the CWR-22 xenograft model and in primary human prostate cancer tissues. In the current study we examined whether MAGE-A11 expression and hypomethylation in prostate cancer is an isolated molecular event, or alternatively whether it coincides with a global DNA hypomethylation defect. To test this, we analyzed the global DNA methylation status of prostate cancer cell lines, CWR-22 cancer xenografts, and primary prostate cancer, in which MAGE-A11 expression and methylation was also characterized. We assessed global DNA methylation by measuring total genomic 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5mdC), LINE-1 repetitive DNA element methylation, and the expression and methylation of several other CG antigen genes, including MAGE-A1, NY-ESO-1, XAGE-1, and BORIS/CTCFL. Taken together, our data provide evidence for a global DNA hypomethylation phenotype in castration-recurrent prostate cancers that express MAGE-A11. Ongoing studies are using HpaII tiny fragment enrichment by ligation-mediated PCR (HELP assay) to define the epigenome of castration-recurrent prostate cancer displaying MAGE-A11 expression. In summary, our data provide evidence that global DNA hypomethylation contributes to castration-recurrent prostate cancer, at least in part by promoting MAGE-A11 expression. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4900.
Hormone and bone mineral status in endurance-trained and sedentary postmenopausal women.

Serum hormone levels and bone mineral status were studied in 18 sedentary and 15 endurance-trained postmenopausal women (mean age, 62 yr). The endurance-trained women had lower body weight, lower body fat, and higher aerobic capacity than the sedentary women (P < 0.05). There were no differences in current calcium intake between the 2 groups, as assessed by a 7-day food record, but carbohydrate intake (grams per kg BW) was higher in the endurance-trained women (P < 0.001). Bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine (L1−L3), proximal femur, and radius did not differ between the 2 groups; however, when normalized for body weight, the BMDs of the spine and radius were higher in the endurance-trained than in the sedentary women. Serum estrone and PTH levels were lower, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and somatomedin-C levels were higher in the endurance-trained than in the sedentary women. Serum GH tended to be higher in the endurance-trained than in the sedentary women (P + 0.08), and there was a postexercise incre...
Aerodynamic and vorticity erosion of Mars: Part I. The formation of channels

Wind-erosion processes may include much more than generally realized. Besides abrasion caused by sand-grain impact and saltation, there are several other processes that can be classed as aerodynamic. Three of the most important are vorticity, inter-facial flow, and aerodynamic lift. Using suspended particles as the tools of erosion, the first two of these modes of erosion account for the development of pits, pit chains, and ultimately linear erosion trends. Aerodynamic lift, which occurs in both negative flow and vorticity, is a means of rendering materials airborne in response to differential pressure at extremely low velocity and without need for saltation. Aerodynamic processes provide system to erosion. Hence, shapes of features in most cases define the flow patterns which produced them. This paper is designed to demonstrate how to utilize clues that show aerodynamic influence in the shaping of features, how to make assessments of regional flow systems as related to major topographic features, and how to use the data of aerodynamic and vorticity erosion in assessing the origins of certain features on Mars.
A direct comparison of four methods for eliminating a response

Abstract Thirty-two rats pressed one lever (lever A) on a VI 30-sec schedule of food reinforcement and were then shifted to one of four procedures for eliminating the lever A response: extinction, differential reinforcement of other behavior, reinforcement of a different response (pole pushing), and reinforcement of a similar response (pressing lever B). Effectiveness of a response-elimination procedure was measured by (1) how quickly lever A response rate fell to a low level when the procedure was in effect, (2) how much lever A responding recovered when the procedure was discontinued, and (3) how resistant lever A responding was to reinstatement when the VI reinforcement schedule was reimposed. No one method was superior by all three measures. Extinction produced the most variable behavior, while differential reinforcement of other behavior produced the least. Reinforcing alternative behavior produced the greatest recovery in the original lever A response when the response-elimination procedure was discontinued.
The phenotypic plasticity of Death Valley's pupfish: desert fish are revealing how the environment alters development to modify body shape and behavior

ked even of lichen." For the most part, that description is accurate. As one of the world's harshest desert regions, Death Valley is a land of eroding bad lands, scorching alluvial fans, and bar ren flats of mud and salt. Even maps of the Death Valley region of California and Nevada al lude to the region's sweltering tem peratures. Furnace Creek, the Funeral Mountains, Dante's View, the Devil's Golf Course?the names of its geologi cal features are omens of an extreme landscape. And, in those extremes, Death Valley delivers. Death Valley holds concurrent titles of being the
The effect of grade level on WISC-R IQs of 6-year-olds

To obtain the most accurate results of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised (WISC-R), Wechsler (1974) standardized the instrument using six demographic variables. One variable that was not considered in the standardization was grade level. The current study assessed the differences in IQ scores of 6-year-old children who were at different grade levels. A total of 40 children were assessed with the WISC-R. The sample included 20 first-grade and 20 kindergarten students. Analyses of variance indicated significant differences between grade levels in full-scale and verbal IQs, suggesting the need for grade level to be considered as a standardization variable. The study also indicated gender differences between and within the groups.
Parametric uncertainty and unmodeled dynamics: analysis via parameter space methods

Abstract A number of procedures exist for determining the stability of a linear system that is subject to parametric uncertainty provided the system order is constant over the range of parameter variations. This paper extends these tests to systems with parametric uncertainties that induce order change. The extended tests are also shown to apply to systems with nonparametric (unstructured) uncertainty through an equivalent parameterization of the nonparametric uncertainty class. The results are applied to the stability analysis of a crane model with a flexible cable.
Evidence-Based On Call Acute Medicine

Evidence-Based On Call Acute Medicine was designed to bring “what we really know” about acute illness to hospital physicians. Motivated by the lack of use of evidence in practice, Ball and Phillips compiled this book along with the companion web site (http://www.eboncall.co.uk [not reviewed]) to be a dynamic, continuously revised data resource to inform real clinical decisions in the hospital. As such, we evaluated the book's ability to address our clinical questions on the basis of 3 important criteria: the quickness of retrieving the information, the reliability of the data presented, and the sufficiency (or completeness) of the answers. ![Graphic][1] Ball CM, Phillips R. Evidence-Based On Call Acute Medicine . Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2001. Evidence-Based On Call Acute Medicine presents > 1000 critically appraised topics (CATs) to support the sequence of management steps that make up the care of patients admitted to hospital. The book is quite ambitious, presenting an exhaustive amount of data to support, … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Peer Mediation and Conflict Resolution

(2006). Peer Mediation and Conflict Resolution. Journal of School Violence: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 1-3.
Lubrication Analysis of a Connecting-Rod Bearing in a High-Speed Engine. Part II: Lubrication Performance Evaluation for Non-Circular Bearings

In this article a numerical investigation of a connecting rod bearing operating at 6,500 rpm is performed. This is a companion to an earlier article that took into account the effects of the inertial force and the variable bolt tension force, which are considered to be the principal factors that affect the connecting rod bearing lubrication characteristics of an engine running at high speed. It was found that a thinner minimum oil film and a larger peak hydrodynamic pressure are predicted in a deformed connecting rod bearing than in a rigid connecting rod bearing. Multi-peaked hydrodynamic pressure was found to appear as well because of two or more converging-diverging film regions.
Use of Image Fluorescence in the Resection of Gliomas

Treatment of patients with high-grade gliomas remains challenging and includes a combination of surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Aggressive cytoreductive surgical resection has been shown to have a positive impact on patient survival as long as functional status remains preserved. Fluorescence guidance has demonstrated potential in maximizing the extent of resection of high-grade gliomas. Different fluorescent biomarkers, including 5-aminolevulinic acid, fluorescein, and near-infrared dyes, have been examined with the use of several imaging techniques. In this review, we aim to critically analyze the literature, review recently published data, and to describe the development, use, advantages, and shortcomings of each fluorescence marker as it relates to the resection of gliomas.
The Forest Stewards Initiative: a new institution for safeguarding traditional ecological knowledge in Papua New Guinea.

(2009). The forest stewards initiative: A new institution for safeguarding traditional ecological knowledge in Papua New Guinea. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand: Vol. 39, No. 4, pp. 187-191.
Life from information.

Methods that improve DNA synthesis with reduced error rate and those that facilitate cloning of large DNA segments will be valuable in rebuilding genomes and provide a stepping stone on the way to genome design.
Corrigendum to "Implementation of dynamic crop growth processes into a land surface model: evaluation of energy, water and carbon fluxes under corn and soybean rotation" published in Biogeosciences, 10, 8039–8066, 2013

In the paper “Implementation of dynamic crop growth processes into a land surface model: evaluation of energy, water and carbon fluxes under corn and soybean rotation” by Y. Song et al. (Biogeosciences, 10, 8039–8066, 2013), the following error occured: the second sentence of the caption of Appendix Table A1 was left out. The caption is now modified as follows: Table A1: Variables and parameters that appear in the model equations. The first parameter value in the “Value” column is for corn and the second value is for soybean.
Isolation and characterization of novel Agrobacterium strains for soybean and sunflower transformation

Although many laboratories routinely use Agrobacterium for the generation of transgenic plants, only a few bacterial strains are widely used. For this research, new Agrobacterium strains were isolated from galls and rhizospheric soil collected across the midwestern United States. Strains were isolated by plating gall and soil extracts on a semi-selective medium and screening the isolates for the presence of virG using PCR. New wild type virG positive strains as well as previously isolated, known wild type and disarmed strains were evaluated for transformation efficiency in hypocotyl and cotyledonary tissues of sunflower and soybean seedlings and in proliferative embryogenic tissue of soybean. For evaluation of transformation efficiency, a plant-expressible green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene in a binary vector was introduced into each strain, and GFP expression was quantified in plant tissues, 4–5 day post inoculation. In sunflower, seedling cotyledonary tissue was not responsive to any of the strains tested; however, hypocotyl tissues were very responsive with the highest transformation rates obtained with the widely used EHA105 strain. With sunflower hypocotyl tissues inoculated with EHA105, the vascular tissue was exceptionally responsive with >75 % of the GFP-expressing cells located in that tissues. In soybean seedling tissues, tissue specific transformation was not observed with any strain as transformed cells were evenly distributed throughout target tissue. With soybean hypocotyl, cotyledon, and embryogenic tissues, a new strain named “JTND”, isolated from soil from a soybean field gave 7–25x higher transformation rates than EHA105, while a strain called “KFOH”, from soil that was not under cultivation, gave 5–12x higher rates than EHA105.
Nerve conduction studies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are an integral part of the evaluation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and are useful in distinguishing ALS from disorders that mimic it. The question often arises whether in the presence of severe atrophy and reduction of the compound muscle action potential amplitude, abnormal conduction velocity (CV), distal latency (DL), of F-wave latency (F) exceeds what can be expected from ALS alone. To determine the limits of abnormality in classic ALS, we prospectively evaluated NCS data from 61 patients who met a strict clinical definition of ALS. We ralated CV, DL, and F to distal evoked amplitude (AMP) in peroneal (n = 63 observations), median (n = 50), and ulnar (n = 52) nerves. In nerves with reduced AMP, CV rarely fell to less than 80% of the lower limit of normal, and DL and F rarely exceeded 1.25 times the upper limit of normal. Utilizing the entire data set and regression analyses, 95% confidence limits for expected values for CV, F, and DL as a function of AMP were calculated. These limits thus derived suggest criteria for NCS abnormalities in ALS and may by useful in differentiating ALS from other illnesses. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The interaction of age with the correlates and causes of crime

We use data from a survey covering ages 15–94 to test the Hirschi/Gottfredson hypothesis that the correlates and causes of crime do not interact with age. These data reveal some nonchance interaction between age and demographic and theoretical predictors of criminal behavior that is localized in specific age categories and around particular variables and/or offenses. Overall, however, such interaction does not appear to be substantial, nor does it seem to have important consequences for generalizing from age restricted samples, particularly where generalization is of the most common type-from youth samples to adults. Therefore, despite some results contrary to a strict assertion that the causes and correlates of crime are the same for all ages, our findings support the thrust of the Hirschi/Gottfredson interaction hypothesis.
Clouds could explain how Snowball Earth thawed out

Glaciation events during the Neoproterozoic (524–1,000 million years ago) and Paleoproterozoic (1,600–2,500 million years ago) periods—events that spawned ice ages that persisted for millions of years at a time—may have seen glacier ice encircle the planet in a frosty planetary configuration known as a Snowball Earth. Whether the planet could have existed in such a state, however, is a matter of considerable debate.
Hypermethylated Genes as Biomarkers of Cancer in Women with Pathologic Nipple Discharge

Purpose: In a pilot study of women with pathologic nipple discharge (PND) undergoing ductoscopy, we tested quantitative assessment of gene promoter hypermethylation using quantitative multiplex methylation–specific PCR (QM-MSP) to enhance detection of duct carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Experimental Design: Women with PND underwent ductoscopy; ducts with significant lesions were surgically resected (36 ducts in 33 women) and those with minimal findings were not (28 ducts in 16 women). QM-MSP was done on ductoscopy cell samples. Results were compared with cytology and tissue histology. Results: Cells from ducts with significant lesions on ductoscopy had significantly higher levels of methylation than those with minimal findings. Furthermore, cells from ducts with DCIS displayed higher levels of methylation than those with benign lesions such as papilloma ( P = 0.006); or ducts with minimal findings on ductoscopy ( P = 0.0001). Cumulative RASSF1A, TWIST1 , and HIN1 gene methylation accurately distinguished ducts with cancerous versus benign lesions (100% sensitivity, 72% specificity, and area under the curve of 0.91 according to receiving operating characteristic analyses). QM-MSP analysis was more informative than cytology (100% versus 29% sensitivity, respectively), for detecting DCIS. In a validation set of paraffin-embedded DCIS and papilloma samples from women presenting with PND, QM-MSP was significantly higher in DNA from DCIS than papilloma sections ( P = 0.002). Conclusion: The positive predictive value of ductoscopy was more than doubled (19% versus 47%) with the addition of QM-MSP, demonstrating the benefit of targeting ducts having both high methylation and significant abnormalities on ductoscopy for surgical excision. Future large-scale studies to validate this approach are needed.
Transient antiretroviral treatment during acute simian immunodeficiency virus infection facilitates long-term control of the virus.

Experimental evidence and mathematical models indicate that CD4 + T–cell help is required to generate memory cytotoxicT–lymphocyte precursors (CTLp) that are capable of persisting without ongoing antigenic stimulation, and that such responses are necessary to clear an infection or to control it in the long term. Here we analyse mathematical models of simian immunodefiiency virus (SIV) replication in macaques, assuming that SIV impairs specific CD4 + T–cell responses. According to the models, fast viral replication during the initial stages of primary infection can result in failure to generate sufficient long–lived memory CTLp required to control the infection in the long term. Modelling of drug therapy during the acute phase of the infection indicates that transient treatment can minimize the amount of virus–induced immune impairment, allowing a more effective initial immune sensitization. The result is the development of high levels of memory CTLp that are capable of controlling SIV replication in the long term, in the absence of continuous treament. In the model, the success of treatment depends crucially on the timing and duration of antiretroviral therapy. Data on SIV–infected macaques receiving transient drug therapy during acute infection support these theoretical predictions.The data and modelling suggest that among subjects controlling SIV replication most efficiently after treatment, there is a positive correlation between cellular immune responses and virus load in the post–acute stage of infection. Among subjects showing less–efficient virus control, the correlation is negative.We discuss our findings in relation to previously published data on HIV infection.
The N-terminal region of tapasin is required to stabilize the MHC class I loading complex.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Section of Immunobiology, Yale University School ofMedicine, New Haven, USATapasin mediates the binding of MHC class I molecules to the transporter associated withantigen processing (TAP). Deletion mutants of tapasin were used to examine the effect oftapasin on interactions within the MHC class I complex. Binding to TAP is mediated by theC-terminal region of tapasin. Michaelis-Menten analysis of peptide transport shows that thisinteraction is sufficient to increase TAP levels without significantly affecting the intrinsictranslocation rate. Weak interactions exist between MHC class I molecules and TAP in theabsence of tapasin, and between free heavy chains and TAP-tapasin complexes in theabsence of 2-microglobulin. The N-terminal 50 residues of tapasin constitute the key ele-ment which converts the sum of these weak interactions into a stable complex.
Scalable and Distributed Optical Interconnect Architecture based on AWGR for HPC and Data Centers

We propose an AWGR-based scalable optical direct interconnect architecture exploiting a flat distributed Thin-CLOS topology at the core-layer. The architecture scales beyond 100,000 nodes with a diameter of 7, low latency, high degree and throughput.
The medtronic intact xenograft: An analysis of 342 patients over a seven-year follow-up period

Three hundred forty-two patients from December 1985 to January 1993 received 352 Medtronic Intact porcine xenograft valves (zero-pressure glutaraldehyde-fixed with toluidine blue anticalcification agent). The follow-up was 99.4% complete with a mean of 3.14 years (3 months to 7.9 years). The mean patient age was 64 years (range, 16 to 82 years) and the median age was 67 years. There were 14 aortic valve replacement patients (11.9%) and 62 mitral valve replacement patients (29.2%) who preoperatively were in New York Heart Association class IV to V. The hospital mortality was 8.4% ± 2.9% (aortic valve replacement, 5.9%; mitral valve replacement, 9.4%; tricuspid valve replacement, 7.6%). Actuarial patient survival at 7 years was 65% ± 5% (aortic valve replacement, 77% ± 5%; mitral valve replacement, 63% ± 5%). At 7 years, the freedom from thromboembolism was 74% ± 4%, freedom from endocarditis 93% ± 2%, and freedom from reoperation 90% ± 3%. Reoperation was required for endocarditis (7 patients), periprosthetic leak (6), and 2 of 3 cases of structural deterioration. The actuarial freedom from structural deterioration at 5 years was 97% ± 3%. The combined incidence of all important morbid valverelated events was analyzed with an actuarial freedom at 7 years of 63% ± 3%. The durability of the Medtronic Intact is at least equal to that of other porcine bioprostheses. The relevant important time-frame of 7 to 12 years of follow-up has just begun, and possibly the reoperation rate for intrinsic value failure and the low incidence of calcification in the elderly patient may be showing improved characteristics of this valve. No stronger inferences are possible at this stage of the 7-year follow-up.
Reference List Accuracy in Social Work Journals

This exploratory study investigated the rate of citation errors in the reference lists of five social work journals. High error rates have been found in journals in fields such as medicine and psychology but have not yet been investigated in social work journals. A stratified, computer-generated random sample was selected (N = 500, 100 per journal), and each reference was verified against the original work for accuracy in six fields: article title, author name(s), journal title, pagination, volume, and year. In examining the total sample of 500 references across the five journals, 206 references (41.2%) contained at least one error. Suggestions for reduction of error rates are discussed, as are suggestions for future study in this area.
The In Vitro Effects upon Sulfonamides of Local Anesthetics Derived from N-Substituted p-Aminobenzoic Acids.

SummaryStudies are presented which indicate that substitution of an alkyl group on the aromatic nitrogen of procaine will markedly reduce or inactivate completely the antisulfonamide action of the local anesthetic. Substitution of an acetyl group in the position mentioned on procaine, as well as butamin, will likewise result in an inactivation of the antisulfonamide property of these compounds.
A formal theory of physical necessity

A system HW of normal modal logic, developed by R. Bigelow & R. Pargetter is presented. Some formal issues concerning the system are examined, such as completeness, number of distinct modalities and relations to other systems. Some philosophical topics are also discussed. The Authors interpret the system HW as the system of physical (nomic) modalities. It is questioned, whether or not the system HW is justified to be claimed to be the logic of physical necessity. The answer seems to may be negative.
Die Photolyse aromatischer Jodverbindungen

Durch Photolyse von Jodaromaten sind Biphenyl- und Phenanthren-Derivate sowie Elementorgano-Verbindungen zuganglich. Ringschlusreaktionen ermoglichen die Umwandlung von o-Terphenyl in Triphenylen und von Benzaniliden in Phenanthridone. Bei der Photolyse von 1,2-Dijodbenzol in Losung wurde Dehydrobenzol nachgewiesen. Zahlreiche freie Radikale sind durch die Photolyse substituierter aromatischer oder verwandter Jodverbindungen wie CH3J, JCN, JCH2COOH, RC CJ zuganglich. Auch aromatische Bromverbindungen lassen sich leicht photolysieren. Photochemisch ausgeloste Reaktionen gestatten den Austausch von Jod gegen 131J, H, D, Cl oder Br.
Effects of physical inactivity on non-communicable diseases – Authors' reply

www.thelancet.com Vol 380 November 3, 2012 1553 Submissions should be made via our electronic submission system at http://ees.elsevier.com/ thelancet/ self-report, which underestimates the true prevalence. (2) The relative risks (RRs) used were almost always based on self-reported physical activity, and are likely to be underestimates, since studies of physical fi tness—a measure related to physical activity but that is more precisely measured—show stronger magnitudes of association with NCDs. (3) The pooled RRs used were derived from maximally adjusted RRs in the primary studies. Often, these RRs adjusted for characteristics such as body-mass index, blood pressure, lipid profi le, and glucose or insulin sensitivity. One could argue that these are overadjustments, since physical activity reduces the risk of NCDs partly through benefi cial eff ects on these variables. (4) We assumed that physical activity reduces all-cause mortality only in people aged 40–79 years instead of all adult ages. (5) We used a single RR, instead of a range of RRs, to refl ect the doseresponse relation between physical inactivity and NCD risks, because sparse data are available on the doseresponse relation. Finally, with regard to measures of uncertainty, we provided 95% uncertainty estimates of burden of disease, by country, in table 2 and of gain in life expectancy, by country, in table 3.
A Blended Approach to Learning in an Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program: Proof of Concept:

Problem: Graduate medical education programs are expected to educate residents to be able to manage critically ill patients. Most obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) graduate medical education programs provide education primarily in a didactic format in a traditional face-to-face setting. Busy clinical responsibilities tend to limit resident engagement during these educational sessions. The revision of the training paradigm to a more learner-centered approach is suggested. Intervention: A blended learning education program was designed and implemented to facilitate the teaching and learning of obstetric emergencies, specifically diabetic ketoacidosis and acute-onset severe hypertension in pregnancy. The program incorporated tools to foster a community of inquiry. Multimedia presentations were also utilized as the main modality to provide instruction. The blended learning course was designed in accordance with the cognitive theory of multimedia learning. Context: This intervention was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University. All 15 OB/GYN residents were enrolled in this course as part of their educational curriculum. First, face-to-face instructions were given in detail about the blended learning process, course content, and online website. The residents were then assigned tasks related to completing the online component of the course, including watching multimedia presentations, reading the resources placed online, and participating in online asynchronous discussions. The course culminated with a face-to-face session to clarify misconceptions. Pre- and postcourse quizzes were administered to the residents to assess their retention and understanding. Outcome: Objective analysis demonstrated significant improvements in retention and understanding after participating in the course. The blended learning format was well received by the residents. Resident perception of social presence in the asynchronous online discussions was demonstrative of low scores relating to peer-to-peer interaction. The multimedia presentations and the availability of learning resources were well received. Lessons learned: Outcomes of this study suggest that blended learning is a viable tool to support teaching and learning of obstetric emergencies in an OB/GYN residency program.
An algorithm to determine hidden Markov model topology

Hidden Markov modeling (HMM) provides a probabilistic framework for modeling a time series of multivariate observations. An HMM describes the dynamic behavior of the observations in terms of movement among the states of a finite-state machine. We present an algorithm that selects an HMM topology for a set of time series data. Our method selects a topology based on a likelihood criterion and a heuristic evaluation of complexity. The algorithm iteratively prunes state transitions from a large general HMM topology until a topology is obtained that concisely represents the dynamic structure of the data. The goal of this approach is to allow the data to reveal their own dynamic structure without external assumptions concerning the number of states or pattern of transitions.