cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oscillations of Dynamic Topography in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific

Abstract For 14 months in 1980–81, surface dynamic height was monitored with inverted echo sounders at five sites from 0 to 9°N along 110°W. These records show that the SEC/NECC equatorial current system was well-developed during the boreal summer and fall, but weak and irregular during winter and spring when westward flow associated with the NEC extended as far south as 6°N. Superimposed on the mean dynamic topography of this region are energetic 20-to-80-day oscillations, longer periods being associated with higher latitudes. Near the equatorial ridge (∼5°N), these oscillations have predominantly monthly periods, and amplitude of ∼10 dyn cm comparable to the mean dynamic-height difference across the NECC. The broad in-phase meridional extent of these monthly oscillations implies that the principal mode of ridge variation is vertical undulation rather than meridional meandering, producing large in-phase monthly modulations in transport of the SEC and NECC. Oscillations or the equatorial ridge are correla...
Neuroendocrinology and Pathophysiology of the Stress System

The human organism is in a state of dynamic equilibrium, homeostasis. The stress system is activated when homeostasis is challenged by extrinsic or intrinsic forces, the stressors. This system, whose central component is the central nervous system (CNS) and includes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and noradrenergic neurons, respectively, in the hypothalamus and the brain stem, has as its peripheral limbs the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system. Normal development and preservation of life and species are dependent on a normally functioning stress system. Maladaptive neuroendocrine responses, i.e., dysregulation of the stress system, may lead to disturbances in growth and development, and cause psychiatric, endocrine/metabolic, and/or autoimmune diseases or vulnerability to such diseases.
Ultrastructural defects in congenital disorders of platelet function.

SUMMARY Relationships between abnormal ultrastructure and impaired function have been described in patients with inherited disorders of platelet function. Examination of these studies in the light of the present knowledge of platelet structure and function does not support the suggested associations. A concept of platelet structural physiology is described that can serve as a guide in the search for relationships between abnormal morphology and functional impairment. At the present time, only the Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome fulfills the criteria necessary to establish a definitive relationship between a defect in platelet ultrastructure and abnormal function in patients with congenital bleeding disorders.
The influence of legal coercion on dropout from substance abuse treatment: Results from a national survey

Legal coercion is frequently used to leverage substance abuse treatment upon persons who would otherwise not seek it voluntarily. Various methodological and conceptual problems of the existing research have prevented a clear understanding of its effectiveness. The influence of legal coercion on retention in substance abuse treatment was examined using a national survey of programs in the public sector of care and three different treatment modalities including short-term residential (N=756), long-term residential (N=757), and outpatient treatment (N=1181). Legal coercion was found to reduce the risk of dropout across all three treatment modalities. The greatest effect was among persons in short-term residential treatment. The smallest effect was observed in outpatient treatment. This study shows that legal coercion significantly reduces the risk of dropout in substance abuse treatment. However, the differential effects across treatment conditions must be carefully considered when using coercion to involve individuals in treatment.
Observations of aerosol chemical composition and acidity in northwest and southeast regions of the United States

Abstract Aircraft measurements of atmospheric aerosols and selected trace gases were performed in remote northwestern and rural southeastern regions of the continental United States. In the Northwest, the average concentrations of major constituents were sulfate, 0.15 μg/m 3 ; nitrate, 0.05 μg/m 3 ; ammonium, 0.05 μg/m 3 ; and ozone, 33 ppb. The average cloud water pH (of clouds that may form over the region) was calculated to be 4.74; 0.5 g/m 3 liquid water content was assumed. Trace metal concentrations were also measured and used in the discussion as pollutant source tracers. It was concluded that the data from the Northwest may be considered representative of background concentrations. In the Southeast, the average concentrations of major constituents were sulfate, 5.20 μg/m 3 ; nitrate, 0.25 μg/m 3 ; ammonium, 0.90 μg/m 3 ; ozone, 63 ppb; and pH 4.78. These large differences in each species concentration reflect the impact of anthropogenic sources in the rural southeastern region of the United States.
Pulmonary metastatic disease in ameloblastoma

Ameloblastoma is a rare disease of odontogenic origin with indeterminate metastatic potential. The first site of metastatic disease is usually the lung. We report aggressive surgical treatment of a patient with bilateral disease with five subsequent recurrences. A review of the literature suggests that in the absence of effective chemotherapy or radiation, surgery should be considered the treatment of choice for metastatic ameloblastoma confined to the lung.
Treatment of painful temporomandibular joints with a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor: a randomized placebo-controlled comparison of celecoxib to naproxen

To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, with naproxen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and placebo in the treatment of painful temporomandibular joints (TMJs). In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 68 subjects with painful TMJs secondary to disc-displacement with reduction, received celecoxib 100 mg twice a day; naproxen, 500 mg twice a day; or placebo for 6 weeks. Subjects were evaluated with standard measures of efficacy: pain intensity measured by visual analogue scale, maximal comfortable mandibular opening, and quality of life (SF-36), at baseline (1 week after discontinuing previous analgesic therapy) and again after 6 weeks of drug treatment. Naproxen significantly reduced the symptoms of painful temporomandibular joint disc-displacement (TMJ DD) with reduction as determined by most efficacy measures. Significant improvement in pain intensity occurred within 3 weeks of treatment, and was sustained throughout the 6-week study. Clinically significant improvement in mandibular range of motion was observed for naproxen compared to celecoxib and placebo. Celecoxib showed slightly better pain reduction than placebo, but was not significantly effective for temporomandibular disorder pain. Celecoxib and naproxen were well tolerated, with similar number of reported adverse effects. Dual COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition with naproxen was demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of painful TMJs, as seen by significant improvement in clinical signs and symptoms of TMJ DD with reduction compared to celecoxib and placebo. Inhibition of both COX isozymes is needed to achieve effective analgesia for this type of musculoskeletal pain.
Reducing arsenic accumulation in rice grain through iron oxide amendment

Effects of soil-arsenic (As), phosphorus and iron oxide on As accumulation in rice grain were investigated. Cultivars that have significantly different sensitivity to As, straighthead-resistant Zhe 733 and straighthead-susceptible Cocodrie, were used to represent different cultivar varieties. The grain accumulation of other elements of concern, selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and cadmium (Cd) was also monitored. Results demonstrated that high soil-As not only resulted in high grain-As, but could also result in high grain-Se, and Zhe 733 had significantly less grain-As than Cocodrie did. However, soil-As did not impact grain-Mo and Cd. Among all elements monitored, iron oxide amendment significantly reduced grain-As for both cultivars, while the phosphate application only reduced grain-Se for Zhe 733. Results also indicated that cultivar type significantly impacted grain accumulation of all monitored trace elements. Therefore, applying iron oxide to As-contaminated land, in addition to choosing appropriate rice cultivar, can effectively reduce the grain accumulation of As.
Representation and reconstruction of polygons and polyhedra using Hierarchical Extended Gaussian Images

In this paper, two new representation schemes called the Branched Gaussian Image (BGI) and the Hierarchical Extended Gaussian Image (HEGI) are proposed. They can be used for uniquely representing both concave and convex, two-dimensional figures and three-dimensional objects. The representation by the Branched Gaussian Image involves several Gaussian spheres connected by branches where the traversing directions might be different. Examples showing how the use of the BGI enables us to achieve the mapping and inverse mapping of concave polygons and polyhedra uniquely are presented. The Gaussian spheres in the BGI can be organized into a tree-like hierarchical structure known as the Hierarchical Extended Gaussian Image. A general procedure for mapping a polygon or polyhedron to its HEGI representation is described. An approach for reconstructing concave polygons from Branched Gaussian Images is presented. The reconstruction of a concave polyhedron from its Hierarchical Extended Gaussian Images by using an iterative method or a closed-form method for each convex component is also described.
Recent advances in the treatment of arrhythmias and conduction defects

Abstract 1. 1. In the case of cardiac arrhythmias, the need for treatment and its urgency must be weighed against the potential dangers of the treatment. This can best be carried out when the recent advances in pathophysiology and the clinical consequences of the arrhythmia are considered. 2. 2. Vasopressor agents are effective in aborting arrhythmias or supporting the systemic pressure if hypotension results from the arrhythmia. 3. 3. Induction of hypometabolism may prevent recurrent tachycardias and is also effective in slowing the rapid ventricular rate in drug-resistant, chronic atrial fibrillation. 4. 4. Digitalis toxicity may be effectively corrected by the administration of potassium or of chelating agents which reduce the serum calcium. 5. 5. Treatment of complete heart block by the use of the electrical stimulator is often temporarily successful, but permanent A-V conduction must be re-established within a few weeks or the chances of recovery are reduced. 6. 6. The methods and indications for the treatment of cardiac arrest should be understood by all physicians, surgeons, and nursing staffs.
The scientist as world citizen.

In early 2011, listening on U.S. public radio to reports from Tahrir square, I looked forward particularly to those from Mona Seif, a young citizen journalist from Cairo. Her reports were rich in detail, and even when difficult to hear over gunfire, they were clear and informative to a listener on the other side of the world.
Electrically controllable deformation memory effects in ionic polymers

This paper reports a novel electric deformation memory effect in connection with ionic polymer conductor composites (IPCC) and, in particular, ionic polymer composites (IPMC). This deformation memory effect is neither thermal, as observed in shape memory alloys, nor magnetic, as observed in magnetic shape memory alloys. It is shown that an IPCC is capable of storing geometric shape and deformation information for a given step voltage or imposed electric field, even when the field is turned off. This electric deformation memory effect is more profound than the existing thermal or magnetic shape memory effects that basically have only one configuration per a given threshold magnetic field or temperature. In other words, IPMC's do not need to be trained for a given shape memory effect such as SMA's or ferromagnetic shape memory materials but rather, they have an infinite set of possibilities of deformation shapes versus voltage that can be memorized even when the electric field is removed. This creates for the first time potential for given voltage signal or electric field. The data presented here in this paper will establish that from a neutral position and charge free state, for any given voltage, a cantilever sample of IPMC bends to a shape, and if one removes the voltage, the shape will not change and the material remembers the shape permanently. The process is highly reversible. Any change in shape is due to environmental changes such as humidity or temperature, and in a controlled environment, we observe that after the voltage is removed, having allowed the sample to stabilize, the shape stays almost permanently. Upon shorting out the electrodes on the two sides of the sample, the sample moves back to its initial configuration before the application of the step voltage.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Estimating an Origin-Destination Table for US Exports of Waterborne Containerised Freight

US containerised freight traffic through US seaports is growing rapidly. Given this growth rate, it is important to have an accurate understanding of the flow of these goods both within the United States and to and from foreign countries, so that investments in infrastructure can be made consistent with the needs generated by this traffic. This paper develops an optimisation model to estimate an origin-destination table for the number of containers shipped from aggregations of Bureau of Economic Analysis economic areas in the United States to foreign countries. To do this, we synthesise data from various sources with a gravity model for the demand of container traffic. A sensitivity analysis on the estimated origin-destination table shows it is robust to changes in the gravity model parameter. The model also pays explicit attention to empty containers resulting from the significant US trade imbalance, and therefore estimates flows for both full and empty containers.
Construction of the N = ∞ master field for strong coupling

We calculate the orbit volumes of the local gauge group, for U(N) theories on lattices of any size and dimension. As N → ∞ one orbit always grows relative to all others. This is the strong coupling limit of Witten's master field.
Suture Loosening and Its Effect on Tendon Fixation in Knotless Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repairs

Purpose We have occasionally observed suture loosening in initial suture legs after final fixation of adjacent suture legs in the lateral row of rotator cuff repairs during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with transosseous-equivalent suture-bridge constructs. We sought to determine how this occurred and what effects it had on tendon fixation stability. Methods Six pairs of fresh-frozen human shoulders were prepared with a simulated cuff defect. A suture-bridge repair was performed in each specimen with one of each pair randomized to one type of "knotless" lateral-row screw-in anchor and the other of the pair to a knotless push-in type. The repairs were cyclically loaded with 100 N for 1,000 cycles. Suture leg tensions were measured during the repair and after cycling. Lateral tendon laxity was measured before and after cycling. A pilot study on the effect of suture tension on the tendon contact footprint was also performed. Results The initial suture legs did not show a decrease in tension after the second lateral-row anchor was secured. Tension of the suture legs after cycling showed that no one leg loosened more than another; however, they all loosened when compared with total suture tensions before cycling (0.1 to 1.0 mm, P = .008). There was no significant difference between suture tension changes for the 2 anchor types after cycling ( P = .140). Although the lateral tendon laxity increased slightly (0.04 mm) after cycling, this was not significant ( P = .245), nor was there a difference between anchor types. Conclusions Suture loosening occurred after cycling these rotator cuff repairs, but this did not appear to affect lateral tendon laxity for the 2 lateral anchor types studied, although medial tendon movement was observed. Clinical Relevance Suture loosening after cycling the 2 transosseous-equivalent suture-bridge repairs studied could affect the area and pressure of tendon-bone contact.
Bootstrap Variability Studies in ROC Analysis on Large Datasets

The nonparametric two-sample bootstrap is employed to compute uncertainties of measures in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis on large datasets in areas such as biometrics, and so on. In this framework, the bootstrap variability was empirically studied without a normality assumption, exhaustively in five scenarios involving both high- and low-accuracy matching algorithms. With a tolerance 0.02 of the coefficient of variation, it was found that 2000 bootstrap replications were appropriate for ROC analysis on large datasets in order to reduce the bootstrap variance and ensure the accuracy of the computation.
A discourse: the 2002 Wataru W. Sutow lecture. Hodgkin disease in children--perspectives and progress.

The Pioneer Wataru W. Sutow, 1912–1981, was a remarkable and pivotal leader in pediatric oncology. Early in his medical career, he conducted important clinical and anthropometric studies among Japanese and Marshall Island children exposed to atomic radiation. These studies established standards for childhood growth and development still in use today. Dr. Sutow pioneered the multidisciplinary approach to childhood cancer by combining multidrug chemotherapy protocols with surgery and radiotherapy in the common childhood solid tumors. The textbook “Clinical Pediatric Oncology,” of which he was the senior editor, served to define the discipline of pediatric oncology and educate a new era of oncologists in the curative treatment for childhood cancer. The Past and Present The first edition of “Clinical Pediatric Oncology,” published in 1973, demonstrated that only children with early-stage localized Hodgkin disease had a realistic opportunity for cure. Soon the use of combined-modality therapy consisting of low-dose, involved-field radiation plus multi-agent chemotherapy emerged, and made the goal of cure realistic for all patients. This approach is now universal. Today, the 5-year relative survival rate for American children with Hodgkin disease, who are under 14 years of age, is 94%, a dramatic and remarkable achievement. Future Management of children with Hodgkin disease now involves clinical staging and risk-adapted, combined-modality therapy. Clinical and translational research initiatives that hold promise for children with Hodgkin disease in the future include: use of the WHO Classification System combining morphologic and biologic criteria; noninvasive staging procedures with increased sensitivity and specificity; development of a useful prognostic index to define groups for risk-adapted therapy; high-dose therapy with stem cell transplantation; and novel therapies. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:73–81. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of Aromatization Stimulates Luteinizing Hormone and Testosterone Secretion in Adult Male Rhesus Monkeys

Abstract Experiments were conducted to examine the role of aromatization in the control of LH and testosterone secretion in adult male rhesus monkeys. Treatment of male monkeys (n = 7) with sc Silastic packets containing the aromatase inhibitor l,4,6,-androstatriene-3,17-dione (ATD) resulted in 1.5- to 3-fold elevations in serum LH and testosterone concentrations in six of seven animals. Concurrent treatment of ATD-treated monkeys with small quantities of estradiol-17β (n = 4) abolished the stimulatory effect of ATD. During ATD treatment, peripheral estradiol levels were reduced by 30% and hypothalamic aromatase activity, as determined in vitro, was reduced 80-90%. The lack of androgenic or antiandrogenic activity of ATD was demonstrated by its inactivity in either a mouse seminal vesicle bioassay or a highly sensitive penile spine bioassay. Furthermore, ATD did not react with rat prostatic or hypothalamic cytosol androgen receptors. l,4,6,-Androstatriene-17-ol-3-one, a possible metabolite of ATD in vivo,...
MCSCF/6-31 G(d,p) Calculations of One-Electron Spin-Orbit Coupling Constants In Diatomic Molecules

The effective nuclear charges, which are empirical parameters in the approximate spin-orbit Hamiltonian, are determined for the first- and second-row elements in the periodic table using the experimental results of the fine structure splittings in the doublet and triplet Π states of AH molecules (A is an atom in the first or second row). All calculations are performed using the full optimized reaction space multiconfiguration self-consistent-field wave functions with the 6-31G(d,p) basis set
Transforming loops to recursion for multi-level memory hierarchies

Recently, there have been several experimental and theoretical results showing significant performance benefits of recursive algorithms on both multi-level memory hierarchies and on shared-memory systems. In particular, such algorithms have the data reuse characteristics of a blocked algorithm that is simultaneously blocked at many different levels. Most existing applications, however, are written using ordinary loops. We present a new compiler transformation that can be used to convert loop nests into recursive form automatically. We show that the algorithm is fast and effective, handling loop nests with arbitrary nesting and control flow. The transformation achieves substantial performance improvements for several linear algebra codes even on a current system with a two level cache hierarchy. As a side-effect of this work, we also develop an improved algorithm for transitive dependence analysis (a powerful technique used in the recursion transformation and other loop transformations)that is much faster than the best previously known algorithm in practice.
Distribution of Serum Calcium Values in Patients with Familial Benign Hypercalcemia (Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia): Evidence for a Discrete Genetic Defect

One group has reported hypocalcemic individuals in families affected with familial benign hypercalcemia (FBH), suggesting either that FBH is merely an extreme of normality or that hypocalcemia is independently inherited in that kindred. To test these hypotheses, we examined the distributions of serum total calcium (Ca) values in 260 normal adults and 171 adult individuals in 21 FBH kindreds. We excluded from analysis the 21 adult probands, leaving 85 apparently affected persons (Ca, >10.1 mg/dL or >2.52 mmol/L) and 65 apparently unaffected individuals (Ca, ≤10.1 mg/dL or ≤2.52 mmol/L). Five FBH family members were hypocalcemic (<8.9 mg/dL or <2.22 mmol/L); of these, 3 had hypoproteinemia or hypoalbuminemia, 1 had surgical hypoparathyroidism, and 1 was pregnant (and thus excluded from further analysis). Histogram analysis suggested a bimodal distribution of Ca in the FBH families, and familial serum Ca levels were significantly elevated (P < 0.001, rank sum). When only apparently unaffected family members ...
High resolution RCS measurements of boats

The radar cross-sections (RCS) at I-band for two boats were measured as a function of range and aspect angle by illuminating the boats with 9.3 GHz horizontally polarised microwaves using a purpose built coherent pulsed radar. The total RCS of a mean profile was determined for each aspect angle at which RCS profiles were obtained. The mean of these total RCS values, over all aspect angles, was 33 dBm/sup 2/ for the water/fuel lighter HMAS Warrigal, and 37 dBm/sup 2/ for the torpedo recovery boat HMAS Tuna. >
Fast nearest neighbor search for ECVQ and other modified distortion measures

Many variants of vector quantization offer substantially improved image quality at the cost of additional complexity in encoding. Algorithms for increased speed in nearest neighbor searches for full search VQ using the Euclidean distortion measure have been presented previously with excellent results. We extend these results to any variant of VQ such as entropy constrained vector quantization (ECVQ), and Bayes-risk VQ, which uses a Lagrangian distortion measure. Additionally we introduce a variation of the existing techniques which provides additional speedup for full search VQ using Euclidean distortion as well as for those VQs using modified distortion measures.
Negative Feedback Regulation of Adrenocorticotropin Secretion by Cortisol in Ovine Fetuses

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that physiological increases in the fetal plasma cortisol concentration inhibit fetal ACTH responses to stress. Fetal sheep, between 121 and 131 days gestation, were infused with cortisol (4 μg/min) or vehicle for 5 h. One hour after the end of the cortisol or vehicle infusion, fetuses were infused with sodium nitroprusside (100 μg/min) to stimulate fetal ACTH and adrenal corticosteroid secretion. Cortisol, but not vehicle, elevated fetal plasma cortisol and suppressed the fetal ACTH and cortisol responses to nitroprusside. Cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol concentrations were significantly correlated in fetal plasma samples drawn during experiments in which cortisol was not infused; however, the cortisol to 11-deoxycortisol ratio was significantly increased during the infusion of nitroprusside. Fetal heart rate increased during vehicle infusion and decreased during cortisol infusion. Fetal blood pressure was not altered by either cortisol or vehicle infusi...
TLR9-induced interferon β is associated with protection from gammaherpesvirus-induced exacerbation of lung fibrosis

We have shown previously that murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68) infection exacerbates established pulmonary fibrosis. Because Toll-like receptor (TLR)-9 may be important in controlling the immune response to γHV68 infection, we examined how TLR-9 signaling effects exacerbation of fibrosis in response to viral infection, using models of bleomycin- and fluorescein isothiocyanate-induced pulmonary fibrosis in wild-type (Balb/c) and TLR-9-/- mice. We found that in the absence of TLR-9 signaling, there was a significant increase in collagen deposition following viral exacerbation of fibrosis. This was not associated with increased viral load in TLR-9-/- mice or with major alterations in T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cytokines. We examined alveolar epithelial-cell apoptosis in both strains, but this could not explain the altered fibrotic outcomes. As expected, TLR-9-/- mice had a defect in the production of interferon (IFN)-β after viral infection. Balb/c fibroblasts infected with γHV68 in vitro produced more IFN-β than did infected TLR-9-/- fibroblasts. Accordingly, in vitro infection of Balb/c fibroblasts resulted in reduced proliferation rates whereas infection of TLR-9-/- fibroblasts did not. Finally, therapeutic administration of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides ameliorated bleomycin-induced fibrosis in wild-type mice. These results show a protective role for TLR-9 signaling in murine models of lung fibrosis, and highlight differences in the biology of TLR-9 between mice and humans.
Predicting relative-permeability curves directly from rock images

The objective of this study is determination of relative per meability curves from an analysis of the pore space geometry. The main assumptions are that the capillary pressure determines the fluid distribution and the rock is water-wet. Maximal inscri bed spheres computations characterize the portion of the pore space occupied by each fluid at a given saturation. Numerical solution of the Stokes equations evaluates the pore-scale flow field, which is avera ged to estimate the permeability to each fluid. The computed r elative permeability curves are in good agreement with published data. The input for the proposed procedure can be either a computer tomography image of a sample of the rock of interest, or a computergenerated image based on depositional simulations. Partitioning of the entire domain into parts significantly improve s the convergence and makes feasible implementation of the computational procedure on a desktop computer. The stability of the results with respect to the choice of computational parameters makes the proposed method suitable for routine applications. The model admits generalizations relaxing the requirement of water wetness of the rock. This model can be applied to evaluate the evolution of the rock flow p roperties under deformation, damage, mineral dissolution and precipitation.
What price for-profit hospitals?

The vast majority of hospitals in North America are organized as private, not-for-profit institutions. In Canada, 95% of all hospitals are so owned. In the United States, around 10% of all hospitals are for-profit institutions, whereas 70% are not-for-profit hospitals and the balance are public
Intestine-specific deletion of SIRT1 in mice impairs DCoH2-HNF-1α-FXR signaling and alters systemic bile acid homeostasis.

Background & Aims Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), the most conserved mammalian oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide–dependent protein deacetylase, is an important metabolic sensor in many tissues. However, little is known about its role in the small intestine, which absorbs and senses nutrients. We investigated the functions of intestinal SIRT1 in systemic bile acid and cholesterol metabolism in mice. Methods SIRT1 was specifically deleted from the intestines of mice using the flox-Villin-Cre system (SIRT1 iKO mice). Intestinal and hepatic tissues were collected, and bile acid absorption was analyzed using the everted gut sac experiment. Systemic bile acid metabolism was studied in SIRT1 iKO and flox control mice placed on standard diets, diets containing 0.5% cholic acid or 1.25% cholesterol, or lithogenic diets. Results SIRT1 iKO mice had reduced intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling via hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF-1α) compared with controls, which reduced expression of the bile acid transporter genes Asbt and Mcf2l (encodes Ost) and absorption of ileal bile acids. SIRT1 regulated HNF-1α/FXR signaling partially through dimerization cofactor of HNF-1a (Dcoh2) Dcoh2, which increases dimerization of HNF-1α. SIRT1 was found to deacetylate Dcoh2, promoting its interaction with HNF-1α and inducing DNA binding by HNF-1α. Intestine-specific deletion of SIRT1 increased hepatic bile acid biosynthesis, reduced hepatic accumulation of bile acids, and protected animals from liver damage from a diet high in levels of bile acids. Conclusions Intestinal SIRT1, a key nutrient sensor, is required for ileal bile acid absorption and systemic bile acid homeostasis in mice. We delineated the mechanism of metabolic regulation of HNF-1α/FXR signaling. Reagents designed to inhibit intestinal SIRT1 might be developed to treat bile acid–related diseases such as cholestasis.
Comparability of antimüllerian hormone levels among commercially available immunoassays.

Objective To compare antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels among three commercially available AMH immunoassays: AMH Gen II (Beckman Coulter), Ultrasensitive AMH (Ansh Labs), and picoAMH (Ansh Labs). Design Cross-sectional. Setting Academic reproductive endocrinology program. Patient(s) 90 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients before cancer treatment. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Proportion of detectable AMH levels by immunoassay, and comparability among assays. Result(s) At a mean age of 38.1 years, the median (interquartile range) AMH level for the cohort was 0.92 [1.35] ng/mL for the Gen II assay, 1.68 [2.30] ng/mL for the Ultrasensitive assay, and 1.52 [2.41] ng/mL for the picoAMH assay. Significantly higher proportions of detectable AMH levels were observed with the picoAMH kit (97%) compared with both the Gen II (84%) and Ultrasensitive (92%) assays. Although the AMH results were highly correlated among the assays (r = 0.92–0.99), the Gen II AMH levels were consistently lower than both Ultrasensitive and picoAMH levels. Moreover, as AMH levels increased, the magnitude of difference grew larger between Gen II and each of the other two assays. Conclusion(s) Measurement of AMH levels with the picoAMH kit maximized detection at very low levels, particularly in contrast with the Gen II kit. Conversion of AMH levels from different immunoassays using regression equations is potentially highly inaccurate.
Maintenance of certification: historical context

Maintenance of certification (MOC) is a multi-part process meant to help physicians develop medical knowledge and skills over time. Once a concept or a promise, MOC is now a reality, even for those with lifetime board certification. Over the past several years there has been increasing discussion among members of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) about MOC and how the SNIS could become more involved with the MOC process. In the course of discussion, the authors of this review realized that their knowledge about MOC, its conception and process was incomplete. This background material aims to harness and thereby help direct the energy of the SNIS membership into thinking through potential roles that they and their organization might play to support MOC-related efforts. In 2006, all Member Boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) received approval of their MOC program plans. Included in MOC is continuous quality improvement to maintain the public trust in the healthcare system.1 To better understand the development of the MOC, it is important to appreciate its roots in the initial development of medical boards about 100 years ago. ABMS is a not-for-profit organization comprising 24 medical specialties (ie, ‘Member Boards’). The primary function of the ABMS is to assist its Member Boards to develop and implement educational and professional standards that evaluate and certify physician specialists in their respective fields. ABMS provides oversight to the certification of physicians in the USA.2 The ABMS can trace its roots to the rise and growth of the medical specialty board movement in the early 20th century. The Flexner report of 1910 addressed the need for standardization of medical care.1 ,3 ,4 While scientific medical care was advancing, there was no system to assure the public that a physician claiming to be …
Safe cities. A participatory sensing approach

Smart cities combine technology and human resources to improve the quality of life and reduce expenditures. Ensuring the safety of city residents remains one of the open problems, as standard budgetary investments fail to decrease crime levels. This work takes steps toward implementing smart, safe cities, by combining the use of personal mobile devices and social networks to make users aware of the safety of their surroundings. We propose novel metrics to define location and user based safety values. We evaluate the ability of forecasting techniques including autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and artificial neural networks (ANN) to predict future safety values. We devise iSafe, a privacy preserving algorithm for computing safety snapshots of co-located mobile device users and integrate our approach into an Android application for visualizing safety levels. We further investigate relationships between location dependent social network activity and crime levels. We evaluate our contributions using data we collected from Yelp as well as crime and census data.
Some Initial Findings and Policy Implications of the Pathways to Desistance Study

Little is known about how adolescents curtail their offending and make positive adjustments to early adulthood. The Pathways to Desistance study follows 1,354 serious adolescent offenders to provide information about these processes. This paper summarizes some initial findings from the study and lays out their potential policy implications. The findings covered include the variability in the sample, the importance of the link between substance use and offending, and the possible implications of institutional care.
MPU: a N-tuple matching processor

A novel matching processor (MPU) for dataflow architectures is proposed. This processor is capable of matching dataflow nodes requiring n-tuple inputs and reducing dataflow processor load. The main features of this processor include: n-tuple matching, associative matching, maskable match fields, storage reclamation capabilities, maskable ALU operations, and a programmable MPU architecture. >
Enabling distributed spacecraft system operations with the crosslink transceiver

This research details the development and performance of the crosslink transceiver, an integrated navigation and communication system that enables distributed spacecraft system operations. The crosslink transceiver is a modular, extensible system that supports science operations among multiple, distributed space assets by implementing the essential functions of navigation, communication and control. Distributed spacecraft systems, also called formation flying systems, extend the capabilities of single-spacecraft missions by providing a platform for complex sensing tasks, including multipoint observation, co-observation, and distributed apertures. To accomplish these tasks, such systems rely on the ability to communicate science and coordination information, to determine relative position, velocity and time for command and control operations, and to operate in a coordinated manner to achieve common mission goals. The utility of the crosslink transceiver to support these operations is established by demonstrating its applicability to near-term science and military missions.
Structural Modulation of Dendritic Spines during Synaptic Plasticity

The majority of excitatory synaptic input in the brain is received by small bulbous actin-rich protrusions residing on the dendrites of glutamatergic neurons. These dendritic spines are the major sites of information processing in the brain. This conclusion is reinforced by the observation that many higher cognitive disorders, such as mental retardation, Rett syndrome, and autism, are associated with aberrant spine morphology. Mechanisms that regulate the maturation and plasticity of dendritic spines are therefore fundamental to understanding higher brain functions including learning and memory. It is well known that activity-driven changes in synaptic efficacy modulate spine morphology due to alterations in the underlying actin cytoskeleton. Recent studies have elucidated numerous molecular regulators that directly alter actin dynamics within dendritic spines. This review will emphasize activity-dependent changes in spine morphology and highlight likely roles of these actin-binding proteins.
Biologically inspired auditory sensing system interfaces on a chip

Describes the current effort of creating cooperative analog/digital signal processing (CADSP) systems towards auditory sensor and signal processing applications. We address resolution issues that affect the choice of signal processing algorithms arriving from an analog sensor. We discuss current analog circuit approaches towards the front-end signal processing. We discuss our current IC approaches using this technology for noise suppression, as well as our current analog signal processing front-end system for speech recognition. Experimental data is presented from circuits fabricated using a 0.5 /spl mu/m n-well CMOS process available through MOSIS.
Optimal plug-in electric vehicle charging with schedule constraints

This paper proposes a decentralized algorithm that allows a group of Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) to arrive at an optimal strategy to charge their batteries during the day. By communicating repeatedly with an energy coordinator, the PEVs adjust their battery-charging plans by means of a price-feedback signal that accounts for the aggregated demand. The algorithm allows PEVs to adjust their plan simultaneously while respecting schedule constraints at every iteration. The collective strategy is optimal in that it minimizes the overall price of the supplied energy and leads to an off-peak utilization of the grid. The algorithm is proven to converge to a solution by means of nonlinear analysis tools of discrete-time systems. In order to show convergence, we present a refinement of the LaSalle invariance principle for discrete-time systems. Simulations demonstrate the proficiency of the algorithm in two particular scenarios.
The Association of Panic Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Major Depression With Smoking in American Indians

INTRODUCTION Rates of cigarette smoking are disproportionately high among American Indian populations, although regional differences exist in smoking prevalence. Previous research has noted that anxiety and depression are associated with higher rates of cigarette use. We asked whether lifetime panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and major depression were related to lifetime cigarette smoking in two geographically distinct American Indian tribes. METHODS Data were collected in 1997-1999 from 1506 Northern Plains and 1268 Southwest tribal members; data were analyzed in 2009. Regression analyses examined the association between lifetime anxiety and depressive disorders and odds of lifetime smoking status after controlling for sociodemographic variables and alcohol use disorders. Institutional and tribal approvals were obtained for all study procedures, and all participants provided informed consent. RESULTS Odds of smoking were two times higher in Southwest participants with panic disorder and major depression, and 1.7 times higher in those with posttraumatic stress disorder, after controlling for sociodemographic variables. After accounting for alcohol use disorders, only major depression remained significantly associated with smoking. In the Northern Plains, psychiatric disorders were not associated with smoking. Increasing psychiatric comorbidity was significantly linked to increased smoking odds in both tribes, especially in the Southwest. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to examine the association between psychiatric conditions and lifetime smoking in two large, geographically diverse community samples of American Indians. While the direction of the relationship between nicotine use and psychiatric disorders cannot be determined, understanding unique social, environmental, and cultural differences that contribute to the tobacco-psychiatric disorder relationship may help guide tribe-specific commercial tobacco control strategies.
Discovering Novel Interactions at the Nuclear Pore Complex Using Bead Halo A Rapid Method for Detecting Molecular Interactions of High and Low Affinity at Equilibrium

A highly sensitive, equilibrium-based binding assay termed "Bead Halo" was used here to identify and characterize interactions involving components of the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery in eukaryotes. Bead Halo uncovered novel interactions between the importin Kap95 and the nucleoporins (nups) Nic96, Pom34, Gle1, Ndc1, Nup84, and Seh1, which likely occur during nuclear pore complex biogenesis. Bead Halo was also used to characterize the molecular determinants for binding between Kap95 and the family of nups that feature multiple phenylalanine-glycine motifs (FG nups). Binding was sensitive to the number of FG motifs present and to amino acid (AA) residues immediately flanking the FG motifs. Also, binding was reduced but not abolished when phenylalanine residues in all FG motifs were replaced by tyrosine or tryptophan. These results suggest flexibility in the binding pockets of Kap95 and synergism in binding FG motifs. The hypothesis that Nup53 and Nup59 bind directly to membranes through a C-terminal amphipathic alpha helix and to DNA via an RNA recognition motif domain was also tested and validated using Bead Halo. The results support a role for these nups in nuclear pore membrane biogenesis and in gene expression. Finally, Bead Halo detected binding of the nups Gle1, Nup60, and Nsp1 to phospholipid bilayers. This may reflect the known interaction between Gle1 and phosphoinositides and suggests similar interactions for Nup60 and Nsp1. As the Bead Halo assay detected molecular interactions in cell lysates, as well as between purified components, it can be adapted for large-scale proteomic studies using automated robotics and microscopy.
Beyond theory: making single-sourcing actually work

In this paper, I discuss how we made single-sourcing work at Juniper Networks. This is a practical discussion of issues, problems, and successes.
Deposition and Characterization of Eu:Y2O3 Red Phosphor Thin Films

Thin film phosphors are very promising for the fabrication of flat panel field emission displays (FEDs). In the present paper we have reported the growth and characterization of Eu:Y2O3 phosphor thin films. The effect of surface roughness and crystallinity on the brightness of phosphor films have been studied. A post annealing treatment of the films have been found to result in the realization of Eu:Y2O3 films with 70% brightness compared to powder materials.
Low Dose Vaporized Cannabis Significantly Improves Neuropathic Pain

We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study evaluating the analge- sic efficacy of vaporized cannabis in subjects, the majority of whom were experiencing neuropathic pain despite traditional treatment. Thirty-nine patients with central and peripheral neuropathic pain underwent a standardized procedure for inhaling medium-dose (3.53%), low-dose (1.29%), or pla- cebo cannabis with the primary outcome being visual analog scale pain intensity. Psychoactive side effects and neuropsychological performance were also evaluated. Mixed-effects regression models demonstrated an analgesic response to vaporized cannabis. There was no significant differ- ence between the 2 active dose groups' results (P > .7). The number needed to treat (NNT) to achieve 30% pain reduction was 3.2 for placebo versus low-dose, 2.9 for placebo versus medium-dose, and 25 for medium- versus low-dose. As these NNTs are comparable to those of traditional neuropathic pain medications, cannabis has analgesic efficacy with the low dose being as effective a pain reliever as the medium dose. Psychoactive effects were minimal and well tolerated, and neuropsychological ef- fects were of limited duration and readily reversible within 1 to 2 hours. Vaporized cannabis, even at low doses, may present an effective option for patients with treatment-resistant neuropathic pain. Perspective: The analgesia obtained from a low dose of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (1.29%) in patients, most of whom were experiencing neuropathic pain despite conventional treatments, is a clinically significant outcome. In general, the effect sizes on cognitive testing were consistent with this minimal dose. As a result, one might not anticipate a significant impact on daily functioning.
Ovine fetal swallowing: expression of preterm neurobehavioral rhythms.

Objective: Fetal swallowing contributes importantly to amniotic fluid volume regulation and fetal gastrointestinal maturation. Near-term ovine fetal swallowing occurs in discrete bouts of activity (at approximately 30-min intervals) in association with fetal electrocortical voltage changes. Thus, swallowing rhythms have been hypothesized to be entrained to fetal neurobehavioral states. In the preterm ovine fetus, electrocortical activity does not demonstrate differentiation into high- and low-voltage periods until 120-130 days' gestation. We sought to quantify patterns of preterm (114 days, 0.75 gestation) ovine fetal swallowing activity and volume, and, in view of the lack of electrocortical pattern changes, to explore whether swallowing activity was regulated by an independent central pacemaker. Methods: Six singleton ovine pregnancies were chronically prepared with fetal and maternal femoral artery and vein catheters. Biparietal electrocortical electrodes were placed on the fetal skull. Following a min...