cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physics Data Production on HPC: Experience to be efficiently running at scale

The Solenoidal Tracker at RHIC (STAR) is a multi-national supported experiment located at the Brookhaven National Lab and is currently the only remaining running experiment at RHIC. The raw physics data captured from the detector is on the order of tens of PBytes per data acquisition campaign, making STAR fit well within the definition of a big data science experiment. The production of the data has typically run using a High Throughput Computing (HTC) approach either done on a local farm or via Grid computing resources. Especially, all embedding simulations (complex workflow mixing real and simulated events) have been run on standard Linux resources at NERSC’s Parallel Distributed Systems Facility (PDSF). However, as per April 2019 PDSF has been retired and High Performance Computing (HPC) resources such as the Cray XC-40 Supercomputer known as “Cori” have become available for STAR’s data production as well as embedding. STAR has been the very first experiment to show feasibility of running a sustainable data production campaign on this computing resource. In this contribution, we hope to share with the community the best practices for using such resource efficiently. The use of Docker containers with Shifter is the standard approach to run on HPC at NERSC – this approach encapsulates the environment in which a standard STAR workflow runs. From the deployment of a tailored Scientific Linux environment (with the set of libraries and special configurations required for STAR to run) to the deployment of third-party software and the STAR specific software stack, we’ve learned it has become impractical to rely on a set of containers comprising each specific software release. To this extent, a solution based on the CernVM File System (CVMFS) for the deployment of software and services has been deployed but it doesn’t stop there. One needs to make careful scalability considerations when using a resource like Cori, such as avoiding metadata lookups, scalability of distributed filesystems, and real limitations of containerized environments on HPC. Additionally, CVMFS clients are not compatible on Cori nodes and one needs to rely on an indirect NFS mount scheme using custom services known as DVS servers designed to forward data to worker nodes. In our contribution, we will discuss our strategies from the past and our current solution based on CVMFS. The second focus of our presentation will be to discuss strategies to find the most efficient use of database Shifter containers serving our data production (a near “database as a service” approach) and the best methods to test and scale your workflow efficiently.
Opportunity Theories and The Bachelor

Criminal opportunity theories are an emerging perspective used in place-based criminology to explain why certain locations have more crime than others. These theories suggest the confluence of social and physical characteristics of places can present the necessary “chemistry” for crime incidents to occur there. The Bachelor is a popular reality TV show where one individual gets to simultaneously date different contestants to explore potential relationships with the end goal of providing a marriage proposal to one contestant. This chapter uses criminal opportunity theories to present a framework to understand how the romantic chemistry for a relationship develops on The Bachelor.
Visual Online Debugging and Diagnosis System for Substation Secondary Equipment

Firstly, based on the demand of substation "operation and maintenance integration", this paper describes the necessity of constructing an efficient, flexible and reliable remote operation and maintenance system. Then, the realization architecture, characteristics and key technologies of the visual online debugging and diagnosis system with flexible configuration are proposed. The system realizes the remote operation and maintenance services such as remote debugging of secondary equipment, intelligent diagnosis, health status assessment and status prediction by using container technology, video processing technology, virtual liquid crystal technology, etc. The application practice shows that the visual online debugging and diagnosis system improves the standardization management and visualization of secondary equipment and optimizes the remote operation and maintenance mode.
Method for Ensuring Data Privacy on the Computer's Internal Hard Disk

The problem of data protection on external storage devices has been relevant for a long time and does not lose its relevance to this day. To solve it, various methods are used: access control at the level of computer systems, at the level of user accounts, physical restriction of access, control of the operating system load, file encryption, disk encryption. Each of these methods has its pros and cons-some are quite reliable, but require significant costs, the second-less expensive, but also less reliable, the third-require serious organizational measures and restrictions, etc. in fact, the most reliable are encryption provided sufficient cryptographic algorithm and key length, as well as the use of unique identifiers, both hardware and biometric. In this paper, we consider a method of data protection on the hard disk of a computer system, based on full encryption of the partition containing the operating system and confidential data, as well as on the concealment of the fact of the presence of data on the disk when using an additional installed alternative operating system. Thus, loading of the main OS and data decryption is possible only in the presence of the USB-carrier containing the loader and key information, provided knowledge of the password phrase by the user.
Deployable ultrasound applicators for endoluminal delivery of volumetric hyperthermia.

To investigate the design of an endoluminal deployable ultrasound applicator for delivering volumetric hyperthermia to deep tissue sites as a possible adjunct to radiation and chemotherapy.This stu...
Longitudinal Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) and Long-term Intraocular Pressure Fluctuation in Glaucoma: A Pilot Study.

Purpose Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) was previously identified as a molecular marker of retinal ganglion cell stress in rodent models of glaucoma and was elevated in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma as a possible risk factor for glaucoma progression. The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in the AH GDF15 levels were associated with intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in eyes undergoing glaucoma surgery. Methods Here, we performed a prospective, longitudinal pilot study in nine patients to determine whether changes in AH GDF15 levels from surgery to post-surgery follow-up were associated with IOP fluctuation. An initial AH sample was taken from the peripheral corneal paracentesis during planned glaucoma surgery, and a second sample was taken during an outpatient follow-up visit, approximately six months later. Results There was a statistically significant correlation between GDF15 fold change and IOP standard deviation (r = 0.87, P = 0.003), IOP range (r = 0.87, P = 0.003), and maximum IOP (r = 0.86, P = 0.003). There was no correlation between the GDF15 fold change and baseline IOP (r = 0.50, P = 0.17), final IOP (r = 0.038, P = 0.92), or mean IOP (r = 0.40, P = 0.28). Conclusion Our findings in this pilot study suggest that longitudinal changes in AH GDF15 may be associated with IOP fluctuation during the postoperative period. Further studies are necessary to corroborate these findings in a larger patient population and to explore the possibility that AH GDF15 may be used not only to improve treatment algorithms but also as a surrogate endpoint in clinical trials.
Injury patterns and outcomes following pediatric bicycle accidents

Other than automobiles, bicycles are connected to more pediatric injuries than any other consumer product. Whereas characterization of injury patterns following motor vehicle accidents has led to safety initiatives and treatment guidelines, knowledge related to bicyclist injuries is lacking. Our purpose is to identify major injury patterns and outcomes associated with pediatric bicycle accidents. From January 2000 to December 2012, 1934 consecutive pediatric admissions (≤17 years) at a level I trauma center were retrospectively reviewed for mechanism injury, demographics, and outcomes. Parametric data were analyzed with student’s t test and are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Nonparametric data were analyzed with Mann–Whitney-U test and are presented as median (interquartile range). Analysis was performed to recognize injury patterns and outcomes significantly associated with bicycle related accidents. 80 pediatric patients were admitted following bicycle related trauma (4 % of all pediatric trauma admissions). The cohort was age 11 ± 4 years, ISS 11 ± 10, 48 % black, and 81 % male. Injury patterns included 21 % isolated head, 21 % isolated abdominal, 13 % isolated extremity, and 34 % multiple injuries. 5 % were age 0–4 years, 35 % were age 5–9 years, 45 % were 10–14 years, and 15 % were 15–17 years (p < 0.001). 16 % required operative intervention (6 % abdominal, 9 % orthopedic, 1 % vascular). Children under age 6 required an abdominal operation 20 % of the time. Length of stay was 2 (4) days with a mortality of 2.5 %. Pediatric bicycle accidents more commonly occur in male children aged 10–14 years. Orthopedic injury is the most frequent overall indication for surgery, yet the youngest children more often required an abdominal operation. Level of evidence: Level III.
Extensions to sib‐pair linkage tests applicable to disorders characterized by delayed onset

Extensions of the approach to sib-pair linkage tests developed by Haseman and Elston [Behav Genet 2:3–19, 1972] are proposed which incorporate information on age of onset and age at examination. Alternate sources for the age of onset corrections are described, including models for the estimation of parameters associated with the age of onset distribution. Simulation is used to examine the performance of the approach when applied to a dominant disorder of late onset for a range of recombination fractions ranging from very tight linkage to free recombination. For each set of genetic parameters, 2,000 samples of 50 four-member sibships were generated under a complete ascertainment model to investigate power and Type I error, and to compare variants of the proposed technique. Results with and without age-of-onset correction are compared to each other and to those obtainable if penetrance were complete, i.e., if there were no intervening age-of-onset phenomenon. Results from simulation studies show that significance probabilities are enhanced in the presence of linkage when age-of-onset extensions are used. The proposed methods are associated with acceptable levels of Type I error, and substantive gains in power are obtained when data related to age of onset and age at examination are incorporated into the analysis.
Remote Sensing by Infrared Heterodyne Spectroscopy

Infrared heterodyne spectroscopy is a convenient technique for measuring atomic and molecular spectral lines with high sensitivity and specificity. The instrumental spectral resolving power can be made arbitrarily high although signal-to-noise considerations limit the maximum useful resolving powers (λ/∆λ) to ∽107 for passive sensing. Nevertheless, this provides the capability to resolve completely individual spectral lines, even when the line shapes are doppler-limited at temperature/molecular mass ratios as low as ∽2K/amu. Since the heterodyne process beats the source radiation against a laser local oscillator whose frequency is precisely known (typically to better than 1/107), the methodology provides very precise internal frequency calibration enabling great specificity in line identification and measurement of source motion.
Internet‐Based GIS Mapping in Support of K‐12 Education

Internet-based mapping provides a powerful alternative for successfully establishing GIS technology in the K-12 education community, while simultaneously avoiding the traditional barriers associated with desktop GIS. Internet-based GIS can support standards-based inquiry methods of teaching and learning while providing basic analysis tools for studying and exploring geographic or scientific data in the classroom.
Transition phenomena over a flat plate for compressible flows

Although the predominant interest in the stability and transition to turbulence lies in compressible flows, research undertaken over the past 15 years has mainly focused on incompressible phenomena because of their comparative simplicity. As a result, a fairly extensive collection of theoretical [1], experimental [2] and numerical [31 data has been accumulated and cross-correlated for incompressibIe channel and Blasius boundary layer flows. Detailed studies of several instability mechanisms has led to a fairly comprehensive picture of the incipient stages of transition in incompressible flows. One such mechanism involves the interaction of a two-dimensional primary unstable wave with two skewed waves. This secondary instability leads to what is commonly referred to as K-type breakdown whose signature is a peak-valley vortical structure[l]. These structures have been successfully simulated numerically for incompressible boundary-layer flows [3]. Moreover, results from these simulations agree very well with theoretical and experimental findings.
Comparative safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors among pediatric users with respect to adverse cardiac events.

Purpose This study aims to perform a comparative safety study assessing the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, or sudden death among pediatric selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) users. Methods Using US claims data from 1997 to 2009, new pediatric (age < 18 years) users of SSRI monotherapy were identified. Adverse cardiac outcomes occurring within 12 months of SSRI initiation were identified using a previously validated International Classification of Disease, ninth edition algorithm. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to estimate the risk for each SSRI, using fluoxetine as the referent group, adjusting for the propensity to receive an individual SSRI, demographics, and exposure covariates. Results Over the study period, 113 714 subjects met the inclusion criteria and contributed 40 639 person-years of SSRI exposure time. Sertraline (33%) and fluoxetine (29%) were the most commonly prescribed SSRIs. Forty events occurred within 12 months of SSRI initiation. The crude incidence rate was highest for escitalopram (19.5/10 000 person-years) and lowest for fluoxetine (4.2/10 000 person-years). The median time to event ranged from 45 to 86 days. The adjusted risk of adverse event, relative to fluoxetine, was highest for citalopram Hazard Ratio (HR) = 3.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09–11.46) and escitalopram (HR = 3.30, 95%CI = 1.08–10.14) and lowest for paroxetine (HR = 1.34, 95%CI = 0.30–5.99) and sertraline (HR = 2.14, 95%CI = 0.75–6.16). Conclusions The incidence of adverse cardiac events among pediatric SSRI users was low. However, the risk of an adverse outcome was higher for citalopram and escitalopram users as compared with fluoxetine users. Future studies should focus on confirming these findings and identifying modifying risk factors to optimize medication selection for this population. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can any childbirth educator use the lamaze trademark

A Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator asks about the use of the name Lamaze, which is a licensed (trademark) name. A trademark is a mark of authenticity. It protects both the users and the consumers. Penalty for unauthorized use (e.g., by a childbirth educator who is not an LCCE) can be substantial.
A brain microtubule protein preparation depleted of mitochondrial and synaptosomal components.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a brain microtubule protein preparation depleted of mitochondrial and synaptosomal components. Microtubule protein is isolated by two principal approaches: ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex and a recycling procedure involving warm-induced assembly and cold disassembly with intervening ultracentrifugation steps. Many microtubule purification methods apply one or both of the following methods that are capable of disrupting osmotically fragile organelles: hypotonic extraction of whole brain tissue and/or electromechanical blenders. These extraction methods contribute to destruction of brain mitochondria and synaptosomes, particularly, emulsifying effects by the lipid-rich myelinated white matter in whole brains. The sucrose method for microtubule extraction and isolation minimizes contamination. This chapter outlines a new protocol that minimizes such disruption and contamination while providing excellent yields. Additional information about the molecular characterization of sucrose purified microtubule protein is also presented in the chapter.
Synthesis and evaluation of non-steroidal mechanism-based inactivators of 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

Two non-steroidal mechanism-based inactivators for 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 alpha-HSD) of rat liver have been synthesized: 1-(4'-nitrophenyl)-2-propen-1-ol (I), and 1-(4'-nitrophenyl)-2-propyn-1-ol (II). Both of these compounds inactivate homogeneous 3 alpha-HSD in a time- and concentration-dependent manner only in the presence of NAD+. Analysis of the pseudo-first-order inactivation data gave a Kd of 1.2 mM for the allylic alcohol and a t1/2 (time required to promote a 50% loss of enzyme activity) for the enzyme of less than 10 s at saturation. Similar inactivation studies with the acetylenic alcohol gave a Kd of 1.5 mM and a t1/2 for the enzyme of 9.9 min at saturation. The allylic alcohol and acetylenic alcohol are oxidized stereoselectively by the enzyme, yielding a Km of 2.0 mM and a Vmax. of 0.58 mumol/min per mg for the allylic alcohol and a Km of 0.75 mM and a Vmax. of 0.29 mumol/min per mg for the acetylenic alcohol. Effective partition ratios (kcat./kinact.) are low for both alcohols: for the allylic alcohol, 5.3; and for the acetylenic alcohol, 141. H.p.l.c. indicates that the Michael acceptors 1-(4'-nitrophenyl)-2-propen-1-one (III) and 1-(4'-nitrophenyl-2-propyn-1-one (IV) are the products of the enzymic oxidation of the corresponding alcohols. The latter compound (IV) was trapped as its monothioether adducts before h.p.l.c. analysis. The Michael acceptors III and IV inactivate the 3 alpha-HSD in the absence of NAD+ at a rate too high to accurately measure and titrate the enzyme in a stoichiometric manner. Enzyme inactivated by I and NAD+, II and NAD+, III or IV is not re-activated by gel filtration or dialysis, implying a stable covalent bond has been formed between the enzyme and the inactivators. A screen of five other HSDs, and two aliphatic alcohol dehydrogenases, indicates that alcohol I is a selective inactivator of rat liver 3 alpha-HSD. It is concluded that 3 alpha-HSD generates non-steroidal alkylating agents (III and IV) that potently inactivate the enzyme with low effective partition coefficients. This report of non-steroidal mechanism-based inactivators of 3 alpha-HSD may provide a precedent for the development of related compounds to act as suicide substrates of other HSDs.
Oxygenation of the ocean and sediments: Consequences for the seafloor carbonate factory

Observed changes in the source of CaCO_3 sediments since Archean time suggest a first order pattern of decreasing abundance of carbonate cements precipitated directly on the seafloor. We propose that the observed reduction in CaCO_3 precipitation on the seafloor is caused by a decrease in CaCO_3 saturation in sediments related to increased oxic cycling of organic carbon and a decline in the size of the marine DIC reservoir. Using a simple model of CaCO_3 saturation in the ocean, we show that changes in ocean–atmosphere redox and the size of the marine carbon reservoir strongly influence the ability of sediments to dissolve or precipitate CaCO_3. Oxic oceans like the modern are characterized by large gradients in CaCO_3 saturation. Calcium carbonate precipitates where CaCO_3 saturation is high (surface ocean) and dissolves where CaCO_3 saturation is low (sediments). In contrast, anoxic respiration of organic carbon and/or a large ocean carbon reservoir leads to a more homogeneous distribution of CaCO_3 saturation in the ocean and sediments. This effect suppresses CaCO_3 dissolution and promotes CaCO_3 precipitation on the seafloor. Our results suggest that the growth or contraction of gradients in CaCO_3 saturation in the ocean and sediments may explain the observed trends in carbonate precipitation on the seafloor in the Precambrian and changes in the global CaCO_3 cycle, such as the reappearance of seafloor precipitates and the drowning of carbonate platforms during episodes of widespread anoxia in the Phanerozoic marine basins. Our work provides novel insights into the consequences of the long-term geochemical evolution of the ocean and atmosphere for the global CaCO_3 cycle.
Numerical Simulation of Premixed Combustion Processes in Closed Tubes

Even with increasing capabilities of modern computers there is still a need for simplified models of turbulent combustion processes. In order to be useful in practical applications, the models must be capable of predicting such quantities as maximum pressure, maximum pressure rise, and the time of flame arrival at certain positions, quantities which are needed in the design process of safety measures in complex facilities. One possible approach to such problems is the use of a front tracking method. In the present study a front tracking method is used to describe the development of a turbulent flame zone due to convection and propagation/burning in a closed tube. The kinematic description of the flame propagation process makes it possible to eliminate the details of the chemical reactions involved, their effect being summarized in the turbulent burning velocity, which is assumed to be a function of time, turbulence intensity, and laminar burning velocity. The present model is the combination of a front tracking method with a Godunov-type solver for the Euler equations. Results are given for ethylene/oxygen and methane/air mixtures at different equivalence ratios and are compared to experimental data from the literature. While a detonation develops in the ethylene/oxygen mixture, the combustion process in the methane/air mixture proceeds as a comparatively slow deflagration. Both processes can be described with the same model and with reasonable accuracy.
The future(s) of shared data structures

This paper considers how to use futures, a well-known mechanism to manage parallel computations, to improve the performance of long-lived, mutable shared data structures in large-scale multicore systems. We show that futures can enable type-specific optimizations such as combining and elimination, improve cache locality and reduce contention. To exploit these benefits in an effective way, however, it is important to define clear notions of correctness. We propose new extensions to linearizability appropriate for method calls that return futures as results. To illustrate the utility and trade-offs of these extensions, we describe implementations of three common data structures: stacks, queues, and linked lists, designed to exploit futures. Our experimental results show that optimizations enabled by futures lead to substantial performance improvements, in some cases up to two orders of magnitude, compared to well-known lock-free alternatives.
The Theory-Practice Issue in Policy Implementation Research

Applying implementation theory to practice has been rare. Reasons include the difficulty of the theoretical challenge, the varied needs of practitioners and the complicating normative issues at stake. Nonetheless, several approaches can contribute to the efficacy of implementation action. Building on points of theoretical consensus is one strategy. A second is the systematic probing of points in theoretical dispute, to sketch out practical implications. A third is the development of a contingency perspective to determine which theoretical strands may be appropriate in a given case. Finally, tapping the emerging ideas built on a synthesis of partial perspectives is ultimately likely to be the most useful approach. New methodological tools can help select out valid high-performing instances for systematic inspection and possible emulation. And some of the synthetic perspectives now available are amenable to heuristic application; these include approaches based upon reversible logic, game-theoretic notions and contextual interaction theory.
Dossier: Socialist Realism and East German Modernism—Another Historians' Debate

(1994). Dossier: Socialist Realism and East German Modernism—Another Historians' Debate. Rethinking Marxism: Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 36-44.
Differential effects of norepinephrine on hippocampal complex-spike and θ-neurons

The central noradrenergic system has long been postulated to modulate learning and memory. A brain structure known to be important in these functions is the hippocampus. Since the hippocampus receives a noradrenergic projection from the locus coeruleus, knowledge of norepinephrine's actions in the hippocampus may help determine its role in learning and memory. In the present study, the effects of norepinephrine were examined on two hippocampal cell types: complex-spike and θ-neurons. In the hippocampus, there is good evidence that complex-spike cells are pyramidal neurons, while θ-neurons are interneurons. Extracellular action potentials from hippocampal neurons were recorded using multibarrel glass micropipettes. Drugs were locally applied using pressure micro-ejection. Norepinephrine inhibited the spontaneous firing of complex-spike cells, while θ-neurons were excited. The inhibitory response of complex-spike neurons was mediated by an α1-receptor. However, selective agonists for the α2- and β-noradrenergic receptors excited the complex-spike cells. The noradrenergic-induced excitatory response of θ-neurons was also mediated by α2 and β-receptors. This study provides evidence that locally applied norepinephrine produces different responses on two types of hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, these differential responses arise primarily from the activation of distinct populations of noradrenergic receptors.
An Update on Common Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Abstract The evaluation of the child with acute abdominal pain often poses as a diagnostic challenge due to the wide range of diagnoses. Surgical emergencies need to be rapidly identified and managed appropriately to minimize morbidity and mortality. Presenting symptoms, clinical examination, and laboratory findings can guide selection of diagnostic imaging. This article reviews common surgical causes of abdominal pain in children.
Novel approaches in the treatment of systemic mastocytosis.

In the absence of curative options, therapy for aggressive forms of systemic mastocytosis (SM) has relied in the use of cytoreductive agents, mainly interferon-α (IFN-α) and cladribine. However, responses are transient and only occur in a subset of patients. Gain-of-function mutations at codon 816 of the KIT protooncogene lead to constitutively active Kit receptor molecules, which are central to the pathogenesis of SM. Recent advances in the understanding of the molecular underpinnings of SM have led to the development of small molecules targeting mutant Kit tyrosine kinase isoforms that significantly have widened the range of therapeutic options for patients with SM. Some of these promising agents, such as dasatinib, AMN107, and PKC412, currently are under investigation in clinical trials whereas, others are at different stages of preclinical development. In addition, monoclonal antibodies directed to neoplastic mast cell-restricted surface antigens constitute a viable option for the treatment of SM that warrants further investigation. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Growth of zinc oxide films by a novel ultrasonic nebulization and pyrolysis method

Abstract Films of ZnO have been grown on various substrates by an ultrasonic nebulization and pyrolysis method. The resulting films were characterized by x-ray diffraction, optical and electrical measurements. They were found to be single-phase, homogeneous, and uniform in thicknes. These films are comparable in quality to films prepared by more elaborate methods. Zinc oxide films are useful in a number of semiconductor applications.
Abstract 5043: Norcantharidin induces melanoma cell apoptosis through TR3 pathway

Norcantharidin (NCTD) is the demethylated analog of cantharidin, a naturally occurring toxin isolated from Mylabris. NCTD has been used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma with clinical efficacy and limited side effects. However, the underlying mechanism of its antitumor effects remains elusive. We have previously shown that TR3 expression is significantly decreased in metastatic melanomas and it is implicated in regulation of melanoma cell apoptosis. In this study, we showed that NCTD inhibited melanoma cell viability and induced apoptosis in vitro. NCTD induced translocation of TR3 from nucleus to mitochondria where it colocalized with Bcl-2 in melanoma cells. NCTD also increased Cytochome c release from mitochondria to the cytoplasm. There was also increased expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, accompanied with decreased expression of Bcl2 and Nf-kB2. The effects of NCTD were inhibited by knockdown TR3 expression in melanoma cells. To study its function in vivo, we treated Tyr::cre;BRAF Ca/+ ;Pten lox/lox mice with NCTD. Temozolomide and PBS were used as controls, and ten mice were used in each group. Temozolomide modestly increased mice survival, whereas NCTD significantly improved the survival of treated mice. Our data indicates that NCTD inhibits melanoma growth by inducing cell apoptosis via activation of a TR3 dependent pathway. These results suggest that NCTD is a potential therapeutic agent for melanoma. Financial support was provided by CA-093372, CA-116103 to XX. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5043. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5043
Molecular cloning and restriction endonuclease mapping of the glutamate synthase gene from salt-tolerant Bradyrhizobium spp. strain WR1001

In order to clone the glutamate synthase gene (glt) from salt-tolerant Bradyrhizobium spp. strain WR1001, a genomic cosmid library was constructed using the vector pHC79. The library was mass-conjugated into Escherichia coli ET1194 (glt−) in a triparental mating, using pRK2013 as a mobilizing plasmid. Transconjugants of ET1194 which grew on minimal medium and had Glt+ phenotype were selected for the isolation of recombinant cosmids. Plasmid pHL27, which contained a 40-kb insert of WR1001 DNA and complemented ET1194 to Glt+ phenotype, was chosen to delimit the glutamate synthase gene. The region that encoded glt in cosmid pHL27 was determined by Southern blot analysis using the cloned glt gene of E. coli DH1 as a probe. An 11-kb HindIII DNA fragment from pHL27 contained the fully functional glt gene. Partial PstI and EcoRI restriction enzyme digests of cosmid pHL27 were subcloned into the vectors pBS+ and pUC8 and transformed into ET1194 to test for Glt+ phenotype. The glt coding region was defined by aligning the physical maps of the subclones
A crown for clinically investigating microleakage.

Abstract This investigation evaluated a cast crown with an access port for in vivo microleakage studies. Fifteen complete cast crowns containing an access port in the facial surface were cast. The gingival margins of the crowns were modified to test the sealing ability of the access port. Each casting was thermocycled 750 times at 5 ° to 60 °C over a 24-hour period. Air pressure of 90 psi followed by 28 mm Hg vacuum was applied for 1 hour each during immersion of the devices in silver nitrate solution. Castings were embedded in acrylic resin and sectioned with a diamond saw through the sealing device. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed no leakage with the 13 test devices and 100% leakage with the controls. The device should be effective for use in human subjects.
BPV E1 protein alters the kinetics of cell cycle entry of serum starved mouse fibroblasts

A stable bovine papillomarvirus E1 expressing cell line (C2E1) was used to investigate the effects of E1 protein on the requirement for growth factors during serum-induced reentry from quiescence to proliferation. Flow cytometric bivariate DNA/PCNA analysis was utilized to study the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) concomitant with this transition. C2E1 cells, unlike the control cells (CNEO), were able to reenter the cell cycle when stimulated with low serum (1%). Stimulation with 10% serum revealed that C2E1 cells entered the first cell cycle faster than CNEO, indicating that E1 protein decreased the time of progression from GO state upon serum activation. It was also shown that PCNA expression started earlier in C2E1 cells than in CNEO cells after quiescent cells were stimulated with 10% serum. Addition of 1% serum was able to induce PCNA expression in C2E1 but not in CNEO cells in the first 24 h after stimulation. Using Triton X-100 treatment, it was found that the distribution between bound and unbound forms of PCNA was altered in E1-expressing cells compared to CNEO cells. Based on these results, it is suggested that E1 might possess mitogen-like properties. 30 refs., 4 figs.
Sorting with efficient use of special-purpose sorters

Abstract The following problem was considered by Muller (1987): Suppose we have a special-purpose hardware device that enables us to sort p numbers at a time, in O(p) time. How can a conventional random access machine use such a device to sort n numbers, n>p, in better than O(n log n) time? Clearly, it is impossible to hope for better than O(n log n/log p) time performance because of the Ω(n log n) lower bound on sorting. Muller shows that the O(n log n/log p) time bound can be achieved probabilistically as long as p=Ω(log2n). In this article we show that the O(n log n/log p) time bound can be achieved deterministically for all values of p.
The Effect of Elevated Calcium and Phosphorus Levels on the Zinc Requirement of the Chick

Abstract FOLLOWING the report of Tucker and Salmon (1955) that elevated levels of dietary calcium increased the incidence and aggravated the symptoms of zinc deficiency in swine, experiments have been conducted to determine if this interrelationship between calcium and zinc holds true for poultry. Morrison and Sarett (1958) found that the addition of 0.5 and 1.0 percent calcium to an isolated soybean protein diet reduced weight gains and increased the incidence and severity of the hock disorder normally associated with a zinc deficiency. The addition of 25 ppm. of zinc completely overcame the growth depression and alleviated the symptoms. O’Dell et al. (1958) and Norris and Ziegler (1958) also reported than an excess of calcium aggravated a zinc deficiency in the chick and that this adverse effect of calcium was overcome with supplemental zinc. Conversely, Pensack et al. (1958), using a casein-gelatin diet found that growth was not depressed with calcium:phosphorus …
Quality of Care Relationship to Quality of Education

Educational research and development in health professions education has suffered in recent years in regard to federal support as concerns about health manpower have declined. This article expresses the belief that educational research and development has the potential to influence the quality of health care, but that the public perception of its influence is weak. Some of the literature on quality of care implies that cognitive factors in educating health professionals may be less important than the personal qualities of the professionals and the appropriateness of their practice experience to present needs. The implications of this perspective on thefuture agenda of health professions education research and development are discussed.
The human anion transport protein, band 3, contains a CD36-like binding domain for Plasmodium falciparum -infected erythrocytes

Epitope mapping of a murine monoclonal antibody (mAb), 5H12, prepared against live Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells indicated that the epitope consisted of amino acid residues 474-487 of the human anion transport protein, band 3. mAb 5H12 enhanced cytoadherence, but inhibited the CD36-like mediated rosetting. A synthetic peptide based on the sequence of the epitope (FSFCETNGLE) blocked both rosetting and cytoadherence, suggesting that this amino acid sequence may form the CD36-like receptor. The CD36-like region of band 3 was antigenically distinct from platelet or endothelial CD36.
Sulfonate-sulfur assimilation by yeasts resembles that of bacteria

Three sulfonates were tested for their ability to serve as nutrients for Hansenula wingei, Rhodotorula glutinis, Trigonopsis variabilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Cysteate, taurine and isethionate, under aerobic conditions, could be utilized as sources of sulfur, although in some instances final cell yields were less than those obtained with an equimolar amount of sulfate-sulfur. Sulfonate assimilation by S. cerevisiae resembled that of bacteria (reported earlier by us) in several aspects: first, sulfate-S was used in preference to that of sulfonate, when both were present; second, mutants unable to use a source of sulfur because of deficiencies in ATP sulfurylase, adenylylsulfate kinase (APS kinase) or PAPS reductase were able to utilize sulfonates; and third, mutants deficient in sulfite reductase were unable to utilize sulfonates.
Finding the Energy Bands of Silicon

The energy bands of semiconductors were known only qualitatively at the time of the invention of the transistor in 1947. The real bands became known only in 1954 when Frank Herman used a combination of experimental information and W. Conyers Herring’s Orthogonalized Plane Wave method to propose essentially correct band structures for silicon and germanium. Further understanding came with better descriptions of the effects of electron-electron interaction and the simplification allowed by pseudopotential theory, developments that also reflected on the electronic structure of metals. Empirical pseudopotentials actually hid a misunderstanding of the effects of electron-electron interactions in semiconductors. These effects in the end made it necessary to describe the ground-state properties with different energy bands than are appropriate for describing the electronic excitations.
FAST MOLECULAR NITROGEN BEAM

Apparatus has been developed for producing a molecular N2 beam covering the energy range 5–1000 ev. The technique includes ionization by electron impact, acceleration and focusing, and neutralization by charge transfer. Energy spread is 0.5 ev. The beam intensity ranges from 108 molecules per second at low energy to 1010 at high energy. The absolute beam intensity can be determined within 20%. Charge transfer efficiency, beam intensity monitoring, and adaptability of the apparatus to the studies of ionization cross sections and surface phenomena are discussed.
Acute calcific tendinitis of the flexor pollicis longus in an 8-year-old boy

Calcific tendinitis is a common source of musculoskeletal pain in adults; however, it is rarely encountered in children. Calcific tendinitis is the most commonly encountered manifestation of hydroxyapatite deposition disease, in which calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposition occurs in tendons. It may cause acute or chronic pain, or may be entirely asymptomatic. We describe a case of acute calcific tendinitis of the flexor pollicis longus tendon in an 8-year-old boy, who initially presented to our department for workup of a mass felt along the volar aspect of the right wrist.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of the 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 infection with severe or fatal disease from 2009 to 2011 in Shenzhen, China.

In the past 3 years, the 2009 pandemic influenza virus H1N1 (pH1N1) has led to many severe or fatal cases. The virus-related factors that cause severe or fatal disease are not clear. The clinical and molecular characteristics of pH1N1 infections with severe or fatal disease were examined to understand the correlation between pH1N1 infection and disease severity. Since 2009, three pH1N1 influenza epidemic outbreaks have occurred in Shenzhen, China. One hundred forty-six severe cases were confirmed in the first wave in 2009. In severe cases, a high proportion (49.3%) of patents displayed high fever (>39.0°C), and 73.2% of patients had pneumonia and tracheobronchitis. Seven fatal cases were recorded: three with viral encephalitis and four with respiratory failure. The results of sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the viruses from fatal or severe cases were scattered throughout the phylogenetic tree. Four substitutions (D222G, D222N, D222E, and Q223R) were observed on the 220-loop of the receptor-binding sites of the HA gene. Both D222G and D222N were associated statistically with severe disease. The 2011 viruses had evolved into two distinct branches. Ten specific point mutations occurred in the 2011 virus. In summary, high fever, lower respiratory tract infections and serious complications were the main features of severe cases. Gene variation seemed not to be the main reason for severe disease. Vaccination is the effective mean to prevent infection and severe disease. J. Med. Virol. 85:405–412, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new synthesis of 8-methylpsoralen utilizing a palladium-copper catalyzed reaction to generate the furan ring and thus allowing for the generation of novel analogs in the 5′-position

Abstract A rapid synthesis of 8-methylpsoralen is reported that utilizes a palladium-copper catalyzed reaction to generate the furan ring. Since 8-methylpsoralen is considered one of the most photodynamic methylpsoralens known and given the fact that psoralens in general have been shown to have medicinal value against bacteria and viruses, this synthesis allows for the availability to generate new derivatives by supplying a handle in the 5′-position.1
Radiation hybrid mapping of five muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype genes in Rattus norvegicus

Abstract Acetylcholine is the main neurotransmitter of the vestibular efferent system and a wide variety of muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are expressed in the vestibular periphery. The role of these receptors and in particular the role of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the physiology of the vestibular neuroepithelium is not understood. Congenic and consomic rats are a convenient way to investigate the involvement of candidate genes in the manifestation of defined traits. To use congenic or consomic rats to elucidate the roles of these receptors in vestibular physiology or pathology the chromosomal location of the genes encoding these receptors has to be determined. Using radiation hybrid (RH) mapping and a rat RH map server ( www.rgd.mcw.edu/RHMAP SERVER/ ), we determined the chromosomal locations of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor genes in the rat ( Rattus norvegicus ). The m1–m5 muscarinic subtypes mapped to the following chromosomes: Chrm1 , chromosome 1; Chrm2 , chromosome 4; Chrm3 , chromosome 17; Chrm4 , chromosome 3; and Chrm5 , chromosome 3. With the chromosomal location for each of these muscarinic subtypes known, it is now possible to develop congenic and consomic strains of rats that can be used to study the functions of each of these subtypes.
Subbanding approach to blind space-time equalization for wideband TDMA based on the SIMO cross-relation

Transmission of multimedia data is the goal of third generation (3G) cellular radio systems necessitating high- speed data links where the multipath delay spread generally encompasses many symbol intervals. A blind multichannel identification scheme is presented along with an attendant space-time equalization algorithm, based on subbanding and the Cross-Relation method (CRM) of Xu, Liu, Tong, and Kailath. The basic approach is to apply the CRM in each subband, using basis functions derived from the symbol waveform and the bandpass filter, to blindly identify the frequency response of each channel in the given subband. A method is presented for proper phasing of each blind subband channel estimate to reconstruct the full channel impulse response associated with each antenna. In the practical case where a small number of training symbols are available, a semi-blind approach is presented that follows the blind procedure by a fractionally-spaced decision feedback equalizer (DFE). The advantage of this semi-blind approach is that the number of taps needed for the DFE need only span the duration of the original symbol waveform, which in the wideband case is much less than the number of taps needed to span the delay spread as required in a conventional DFE. Simulations are presented using parameters drawn from proposed 3G Wideband TDMA standards.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Preparation and Immunological Characteristics of Biologically Active Radioiodinated Human Calcitonin

Synthetic human calcitonin (hCT) was radioiodinated by electrolysis and chloramine-T oxidation. The electrolytic method was adapted for practicable quantities of hormone and isotope with no loss in efficiency of labeling. The immunological characterisitcs of the two hormone preparations were nearly identical using four calcitonin antisera with specificities for the regions 17-21, 17-29, 28-29, and 29-32 of hCT, respectively. However, only the electrolytically-labeled preparation retained full ability to produce hypocalcemia in vivo and stimulate cyclic AMP production in kidney homogenates of the rat. In addition, the electrolytically-iodinated hormone remained nearly homogeneous during 104 days of storage and the specific activity as measured by radioimmunoassay remained constant during one half-life of the isotope. These studies demonstrate that electrolytic iodination of hCT results in a tracer which is immunochemically stable and biologically active.
Designing clinical trials for amblyopia

Randomized clinical trial (RCT) study design leads to one of the highest levels of evidence, and is a preferred study design over cohort studies, because randomization reduces bias and maximizes the chance that even unknown confounding factors will be balanced between treatment groups. Recent randomized clinical trials and observational studies in amblyopia can be taken together to formulate an evidence-based approach to amblyopia treatment, which is presented in this review. When designing future clinical studies of amblyopia treatment, issues such as regression to the mean, sample size and trial duration must be considered, since each may impact study results and conclusions.