cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BMP Meets AML: Induction of BMP Signaling by a Novel Fusion Gene Promotes Pediatric Acute Leukemia

In this issue of Cancer Cell , Gruber et al. report that a significant proportion of children with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia acquire a translocation that confers enhanced BMP signaling and promotes self-renewal of hematopoietic progenitors. This study presents novel therapeutic targets that may lead to improved therapies for this aggressive leukemia.
Effect of nuclear protein kinases on mammalian rna synthesis

Summary A protein kinase from rat liver nuclei stimulates RNA synthesis. The stimulatory effect is seen primarily with nucleolar RNA polymerase and only when rat liver DNA is the template. Phosphorylation of RNA polymerase appears to be another mechanism by which protein kinases regulate gene expression.
The Training of Academic Library Staff on Information Technology within the Libraries of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System

There is much discussion in the literature of library and information science on the need for training, and it is generally recognized that libraries do not devote as much time and energy to training their staff as they should. However, the surveys of training practice that are common in the private sector seldom are done in the library world. The purpose of this study was to survey academic libraries within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system to find out what the current training practices are within these libraries. Seventeen out of twenty-three libraries responded to a survey that attempted to determine (1) the types of technologies on which staff receive training, (2) the methods being used to train staff on technology, and (3) whether any differences exist in the training that professional and paraprofessional staff receive.
ROCKET SPECTROSCOPY OF ZETA ORIONIS.

Analysis of a spectrum of zeta Ori extending from 922 to 1453 A with approximately 0.8 A resolution recorded at rocket altitudes. All lines used in existing models of stellar atmospheres appear in the recorded spectrum with the exception of those masked by telluric N2 or strong P Cygni-type profiles and by an O V line at 1371.29 A. Fifteen multiplets of subordinate lines have been reliably identified, indicating an approximate range of excitation from 0 to 50 eV. Transitions in C III (1176 A), N III (991 A), N V (1239, 1243 A), O VI (1032, 1038 A), Si IV (1394, 1403 A), S IV (1063, 1074 A), and S VI (933, 944 A) have been observed as P Cygni-type profiles presumably arising in a circumstellar envelope. The degree of ionization, transitions present, and mean radial velocities are all consistent with viewing the envelope as a hot (about 100,000 K), rarefied plasma in which collisional ionization is important. Interstellar lines in C I (1277, 1280 A), C II (1036, 1334 A), N I (1134-1135 A), N I (1200-1201 A), N II (1084-1086 A), O I (1302, 1305 A), Si II (1190, 1193 A), Si II (1260 A), and Si II (1304 A) have been definitely identified. Other transitions in Ar II, S I, C I, and Fe II are tentatively identified. The equivalent width of the L alpha line is found to be 10.4 plus or minus 1.6 A, corresponding to a columnar density of 2.0 plus or minus 0.7 x 10 to the 20th per cu cm.
A practical double‐tuned 1H/31P quadrature birdcage headcoil optimized for 31P operation

A double-tuned 1H/31P birdcage head coil for use with humans at 1.5 T is described. The coil was designed for proton-decoupled 31P excitation and reception and incorporated a number of practical features including optimized sensitivity for 31P, quadrature operation at 1H and 31P frequencies, and a radiofrequency (RF) mirror for improved B1 homogeneity. The design achieved similar B1 homogeneity at both 31P and 1H frequencies. Inductive matching was used to accommodate samples with large loading differences. A facile method for tuning and matching over a variety of sample loadings is presented, along with capacitively shortened bazookas for suppression of cable braid currents. The proton sensitivity, although down by approximately a factor of two compared with an optimized 1H birdcage head coil, was still ample for shimming and generation of scout images. Advantages of the design are discussed and proton-decoupled 31P spectra of human brain are presented.
Functional acclimation of Japanese quail to simulated high-altitude

Japanese quail,Coturnix coturnix japonica, which were acclimated to a simulated altitude of 6100 m for six weeks were compared with control quail maintained at sea level. Body weight initially decreased in both groups, and by the end of six weeks the altitude quail weighed an average of 8% less than the control quail (Fig. 1). Compared with the controls, the altitude birds exhibited mean increases in hematocrit ratio and blood hemoglobin concentration of 31 and 37% respectively (Fig. 2). Blood volume was 36% higher in the altitude acclimated quail, while plasma volume was unchanged (Fig. 3). Exposure to chronic hypoxia resulted in hypertrophy of the right ventricle, while left ventricular mass was unchanged (Fig. 4). Rates of O2 consumption (VO2) at 5°C were continuously recorded as ambient PO2 was slowly reduced from 155 to 30 torr. VO2 was significantly higher at any given PO2 in the altitude quail (Fig. 5). Exposure to reduced PO2 resulted in a significantly greater decrease in body temperature in the control quail than in the altitude acclimated birds (Fig. 6).
Screening and early detection of prostate cancer.

Background. The value of routine screening for prostate cancer remains unknown because of the lack of randomized studies. Until such studies are completed, a sensible approach to screening is needed. Methods. One approach is to use the method of decision analysis to model the outcome of alternative screening strategies. Conclusions. By assessing the results in terms of their effect on life expectancy and prostate cancer mortality, it may be possible to select the policy that has the greatest potential benefit for the least cost
Effect of elastic tension on the electrical resistance of HfTe 5 and ZrTe 5

We have measured the effect of elastic, uniaxial stress \ensuremath{\sigma} in the a direction on the resistance R of ${\mathrm{ZrTe}}_{5}$ and ${\mathrm{HfTe}}_{5}$ for \ensuremath{\sigma} up to more than 1.0 GPa and for temperatures T from 2 to 300 K. We find little change with stress of the magnitude of the resistance peak for either material. The change of the temperature of the resistance peak with stress is not simple for ${\mathrm{HfTe}}_{5}$, but for ${\mathrm{ZrTe}}_{5}$ there is a linear increase. For sufficiently low temperatures (l20 K for ${\mathrm{HfTe}}_{5}$ and l15 K for ${\mathrm{ZrTe}}_{5}$) the resistance rises sharply with stress to a saturation level. We discuss two possible Fermi-surface changes as explanations for the sharp rise of resistance to saturation under tension: first, a change in the energy of the conduction bands relative to each other, and second, effects due to band bending. The first appears adequate to explain the size and the saturation of the resistance changes measured, whereas the latter can play only a secondary roll.
Cuprate superconductors: Universal properties and trends; evidence for Bose-Einstein condensation?

We explore the compatibility of empirical trends in various thermodynamic properties of cuprate superconductors with the Bose-Einstein condensation scenario. These trends include the relations between transition temperature, hole concentration and superfluid density, the rise and the upper limit of the transition temperature, the dependence of pressure and isotope coefficients on the transition temperature, as well as the observed critical behavior, reminiscent of threedimensional systems with a scalar complex order parameter and short-range interactions. For this purpose we consider an interacting charged Bose gas. Owing to the high polarizability of the cuprates, the Coulomb interaction is strongly screened. Hence, the problem of calculating thermodynamic properties becomes essentially equivalent to that of the uncharged gas with short-range interactions. This problem, however, has not been solved either. Nevertheless, in the dilute limit the problem reduces to the ideal Bose gas treated by Schafroth, while in the dense regime condensation and superfluidity are suppressed, because bosons of finite extension fill the available volume. This limiting behavior provides an interpolation scheme for the dependence of both transition temperature and zero temperature superfluid density on boson density. On this basis and by relating the hole concentration in the cuprates which corresponds to the boson density and the superfluid density to the square of the inverse London penetration depth, the compatibility of the empirical trends in the cuprates with the Bose gas behavior can be verified. Our analysis reveals remarkable agreement between these trends and the corresponding Bose gas behavior. There is even strong evidence of the most striking implication of this scenario, the dependence of the transition temperature on the zero temperature superfluid density, resembling the outline of a fly’s wing. This evidence emerges from recent muon spin resonance (µSR) data for Tl2Ba2CuO6+δ and kinetic inductance measurements for La2−x Sr x CuO4 films, revealing that the penetration depths of under and overdoped samples with T c ≃ 15 K do not differ much. In view of this we have provided considerable evidence for the nature of the superconducting transition in the cuprates, without invoking any specific pairing mechanism.
Measuring the value of information: the information-intensive organization

This paper suggests that firms that successfully integrate an information technology (I/T) strategy with their business strategies do so by focusing on the information itself, rather than on technology, as the real carrier of value and source of competitive advantage. A primary mechanism by which a firm becomes an information-intensive firm is the implementation of a procedure for measuring the value of its information assets V(I). This paper presents a methodology for measuring the value of information in the firm. This paper describes the application of that methodology in an actual case study and discusses some consequences of being able to compare organizations with respect to their relative levels of information intensity.
PROTEIN STRUCTURE IN VACUO : GAS-PHASE CONFORMATIONS OF BPTI AND CYTOCHROME C

Ion mobility measurements have been used to examine the geometries of naked BPTI (bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor) and cytochrome c ions in the gas phase, as a function of charge. For BPTI, the measured cross sections are close to those estimated for the native solution-phase conformation. Furthermore, gas-phase BPTI retains its compact structure when collisionally heated. These results are consistent with the known stability of BPTI, where the three-dimensional structure is partly locked into place by three covalent disulfide bridges. For cytochrome c, geometries with cross sections close to those estimated for the native solution phase structure were observed for the low charge states. For intermediate charge states, the compact geometries are metastable, and when collisionally heated they gradually unfold, through a series of well-defined intermediates. Only extended conformations are observed for the higher charge states, and they become more extended as the charge increases. The gas-phase conform...
BW234: A nondopamine receptor-blocking antipsychotic drug without extrapyramidal side effects?

Based on studies in animals and in healthy human volunteers, it was predicted that the carbazole compound BW234U would have antipsychotic effects in patients without producing concomitant extrapyramidal effects. The compound was administered to 22 inpatients with schizophrenia in an open, dose-ranging pilot study designed to assess antipsychotic effects as well as side effect profile. Clinical changes were observed on the BPRS and global improvement scales over a 4-week period. No extrapyramidal side effects were noted, and serum prolactin concentrations showed no change in a subsample of nine patients. Two major side effects appeared to be drug-related: One seizure occurred at 600 mg/day, and elevations of alkaline phosphatase were noted at several doses in six patients.
Overcoming the Fear Factor: Creating a Dynamic Web Site

In this information-rich age, agriculture-related information is abundant and updated quickly. Collaborations between agriculture specialists and information specialists are increasing. The question has become how can agricultural information be presented in a more collaborative and timely manner? This article documents the process that Kansas State Libraries (KSL) followed to build a dynamic Agriculture Network Information Center (AgNIC) website. It discusses how and why librarians collaborated with research and teaching faculty and other agriculture specialists, examines the pros and cons of building dynamic versus static websites, and documents the steps to create a basic dynamic website without extensive programming skills.
Pigmented lesions of the oral cavity

The management of pigmented oral lesions varies based on the diagnosis, ranging from the extremes of patient reassurance to radical surgical excision. This article delineates the factors that will help the clinician differentially diagnose pigmented lesions of the oral cavity. The parameters of care regarding the spectrum of pigmentations are also reviewed.
Nonlinear mechanical behavior of the human common, external, and internal carotid arteries in vivo.

Introduction The mechanical environment and properties of the carotid artery play an important role in the formation and progression of atherosclerosis in the carotid bifurcation. The purpose of this work was to measure and compare the range and variation of circumferential stress and tangent elastic moduli in the human common (CCA), external (ECA) and internal (ICA) carotid arteries over the cardiac cycle in vivo.
Modulations of the Chicken Cecal Microbiome and Metagenome in Response to Anticoccidial and Growth Promoter Treatment

With increasing pressures to reduce or eliminate the use of antimicrobials for growth promotion purposes in production animals, there is a growing need to better understand the effects elicited by these agents in order to identify alternative approaches that might be used to maintain animal health. Antibiotic usage at subtherapeutic levels is postulated to confer a number of modulations in the microbes within the gut that ultimately result in growth promotion and reduced occurrence of disease. This study examined the effects of the coccidiostat monensin and the growth promoters virginiamycin and tylosin on the broiler chicken cecal microbiome and metagenome. Using a longitudinal design, cecal contents of commercial chickens were extracted and examined using 16S rRNA and total DNA shotgun metagenomic pyrosequencing. A number of genus-level enrichments and depletions were observed in response to monensin alone, or monensin in combination with virginiamycin or tylosin. Of note, monensin effects included depletions of Roseburia, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus, and enrichments in Coprococcus and Anaerofilum. The most notable effect observed in the monensin/virginiamycin and monensin/tylosin treatments, but not in the monensin-alone treatments, was enrichments in Escherichia coli. Analysis of the metagenomic dataset identified enrichments in transport system genes, type I fimbrial genes, and type IV conjugative secretion system genes. No significant differences were observed with regard to antimicrobial resistance gene counts. Overall, this study provides a more comprehensive glimpse of the chicken cecum microbial community, the modulations of this community in response to growth promoters, and targets for future efforts to mimic these effects using alternative approaches.
Effects of statins on nonlipid serum markers associated with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review.

Background Statins reduce cardiovascular events to a greater extent than can be explained by their effect on lipids. Several studies have attempted to elucidate mechanisms by which statins reduce cardiovascular risk. Purpose To summarize the effects of statins on nonlipid serum markers and to correlate statins' effect on serum markers with lipid levels and cardiovascular outcomes. Data sources MEDLINE (1980 to 2003) search limited to English-language articles. Study selection Studies reporting original data in at least 10 participants on the effect of statins on outcomes of interest, excluding studies of cerivastatin, drug combinations, and patients with organ transplants. Data extraction Study design, sample size, treatment, and outcome data extracted on the basis of preestablished criteria. When appropriate, meta-analysis was performed by using a random-effects model. Data synthesis All statins are effective at lowering C-reactive protein levels, and the effect is not dose-dependent. Studies do not demonstrate a correlation between statins' effects on C-reactive protein levels and on lipids or cardiovascular outcomes. Statins do not affect fibrinogen levels, and limited data suggest little effect on lipid oxidation, tissue plasminogen activator, or plasminogen activator inhibitor. Platelet aggregation data are inconclusive. Conclusions Among nonlipid serum markers examined, only C-reactive protein levels are statistically significantly affected by statins. These findings suggest that statin-mediated anti-inflammatory effects may contribute to the ability of statins to reduce risk for cardiovascular disease. Overall, however, available data are insufficient to support recommendations for using nonlipid serum markers in decisions regarding statin therapy for individual patients.
The Mouse Intraovarian Insulin-Like Growth Factor I System: Departures from the Rat Paradigm

Although the rat intraovarian insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) system is well documented, the increasing availability of null mouse mutants for components of the IGF system necessitates characterization of the mouse model as well. Therefore, we undertook to define the components of the mouse intraovarian IGF-I system and to examine its operational characteristics. The cellular pattern of ovarian gene expression was comparable in the immature rat and mouse for IGF-I and the type I IGF receptor. In both species, IGF-I messenger RNA (mRNA) is selectively expressed by granulosa cells in growing, healthy appearing follicles. Type I IGF receptor mRNA was also concentrated in granulosa cells, but was uniformly expressed in all follicles large and small, healthy and atretic appearing alike. Cellular patterns of IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) gene expression were similar in mouse and rat, except in the case of IGFBP-2. IGFBP-2 mRNA was localized to the mouse granulosa cell, in contrast to its concentration in the rat thecal-interstitial compartment. This difference in IGFBP expression pattern was also noted in cultured mouse and rat granulosa cells. Although immunoreactive IGFBP-4 (24 and 28 kDa) and IGFBP-5 (29 kDa) were shared by both species, the cultured mouse granulosa cell also featured immunoreactive IGFBP-2 (30 kDa). The mouse paradigm further differed from its rat counterpart in that a maximal dose of FSH, previously shown to suppress the elaboration of rat granulosa cell-derived IGFBPs, was without effect. The addition of IGF-I proved stimulatory to the accumulation of the 28- to 29-kDa IGFBPs, as previously reported for the rat. However, IGF-I proved inhibitory to the accumulation of the 24-kDa IGFBP (presumptive nonglycosylated IGFBP-4); no consistent effect was reported for the rat model. Functional comparisons of mouse and rat ovarian cell cultures revealed qualitatively comparable FSH-stimulated steroidogenesis, disposition of radiolabeled pregnenolone, IGF-I-amplified FSH action, and IGFBP-mediated antigonadotropic activity. These findings indicate that the mouse intrafollicular IGF-I system differs from the rat paradigm in both the makeup and regulation of granulosa cell-derived IGFBPs as well as in the intensity and character of the steroidogenic process. Studies employing the mouse model must take into account these important distinctions relative to the more established rat paradigm.
Prediction of outcome in acute lower-gastrointestinal haemorrhage based on an artificial neural network: internal and external validation of a predictive model

Summary Background Models based on artificial neural networks (ANN) are useful in predicting outcome of various disorders. There is currently no useful predictive model for risk assessment in acute lower-gastrointestinal haemorrhage. We investigated whether ANN models using information available during triage could predict clinical outcome in patients with this disorder. Methods ANN and multiple-logistic-regression (MLR) models were constructed from non-endoscopic data of patients admitted with acute lower-gastrointestinal haemorrhage. The performance of ANN in classifying patients into high-risk and low-risk groups was compared with that of another validated scoring system (BLEED), with the outcome variables recurrent bleeding, death, and therapeutic interventions for control of haemorrhage. The ANN models were trained with data from patients admitted to the primary institution during the first 12 months (n=120) and then internally validated with data from patients admitted to the same institution during the next 6 months (n=70). The ANN models were then externally validated and direct comparison made with MLR in patients admitted to an independent institution in another US state (n=142). Findings Clinical features were similar for training and validation groups. The predictive accuracy of ANN was significantly better than that of BLEED (predictive accuracy in internal validation group for death 87% vs 21%; for recurrent bleeding 89% vs 41%; and for intervention 96% vs 46%) and similar to MLR. During external validation. ANN performed well in predicting death (97%), recurrent bleeding (93%), and need for intervention (94%), and it was superior to MLR (70%, 73%, and 70%, respectively). Interpretation ANN can accurately predict the outcome for patients presenting with acute lower-gastrointestinal haemorrhage and may be generally useful for the risk stratification of these patients.
Distributed object technologies for collaborative computing

Network object, interface object, logic object and virtual object registry are the building blocks for distributed object technologies (DOT). Their common goal is to provide a consistent user interface to access heterogeneous network data in a collaborative computing environment. The paper introduces the basic architecture for different components of the DOT and addresses future challenges.
Architectural techniques for accelerating subword permutations with repetitions

We propose two new instructions, swperm and sieve, that can be used to efficiently complete an arbitrary bit-level permutation of an n-bit word with or without repetitions. Permutations with repetitions are rearrangements of an ordered set in which elements may replace other elements in the set; such permutations are useful in cryptographic algorithms. On a four-way superscalar processor, we can complete an arbitrary 64-bit permutation with repetitions of 1-bit subwords in 11 instructions and only four cycles using the two proposed instructions. For subwords of size 4 bits or greater, we can perform an arbitrary permutation with repetitions of a 64-bit register in a single cycle using a single swperm instruction. This improves upon previous results by requiring fewer instructions to permute 4-bit or larger subwords packed in a 64-bit register and fewer execution cycles for 1-bit subwords on wide superscalar processors. We also demonstrate that we can accelerate the performance of the popular DES block cipher using the proposed instructions. We obtain a DES performance improvement of at least 55% in constrained embedded environments and an improvement of 71% on a four-way superscalar processor when applying DES as a cryptographic hash function.
Primary care, the ROAD less traveled: what first-year medical students want in a specialty.

Purpose Medical students are increasingly choosing non-primary-care specialties. Students consider lifestyle in selecting their specialty, but how entering medical students perceive lifestyle is unknown. This study investigates how first-year students value or rate lifestyle domains and specialty-selection characteristics and whether their ratings vary by interest in primary care (PC). Method
Theory and simulation of the dynamics and stability of actively modelocked lasers

A new model is proposed for the active modulation component of a mode-locked laser cavity. By using Jacobi elliptic functions to capture the periodic forcing to the cavity, we are able to construct exact solutions representing a mode-locked pulse train. Two families of pulse-train solutions are generated: one in which neighboring pulses are in-phase and a second in which neighboring pulses are out-of-phase. We show that only out-of-phase solutions allow for stable mode-locked pulse trains. Further, pulse-to-pulse interactions can generate instabilities that destroy the pulse train altogether or lead to Q-switching.
Use of advanced analytical techniques for VLSI failure analysis

Several new applications and techniques in the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), focused ion beam (FIB) microsurgery, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) for problem solving are presented. These tools, used in new ways, are playing a key role in identifying the sources of defects leading to potential device reliability problems, and are contributing to the elimination of their sources in the process line. >
Survivability strategies in multihop wireless networks [Accepted From Open Call]

Survivability is an important network characteristic that provides a certain level of data delivery guarantees. The degree of survivability is usually governed by the data transfer mechanism or protocol that delivers data from source to destination. In this article we survey and discuss a variety of survivability issues, challenges, and mechanisms in multihop wireless networks. Unlike some previous surveys, we do not focus only on multipath routing techniques. We try to cover a broader spectrum of survivability techniques in the literature. Moreover, we discuss new directions in survivability that use the network coding technique in order to achieve a better degree of scalability, which is usually an issue in most survivability techniques, especially in wireless networks.
Familial disorders of the parathyroid gland

Abstract The molecular mechanisms for familial parathyroid diseases include a wide spectrum of genes and are better understood than those of sporadic parathyroid lesions. Familial parathyroid disease is present in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1), which is associated with MEN-1 mutations, while multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN-2A) is associated with RET mutations. Sporadic parathyroid tumours are identified with mutations of MEN-1 but not of RET . Mutations in the calcium sensing receptor gene are involved in familial hyper- and hypo-parathyroidism, but are not identified in sporadic parathyroid tumours. The HRPT2 gene, which is mutated in hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour syndrome and familial isolated hyperparathyroidism, is also frequently mutated in sporadic parathyroid carcinomas. Recent studies have suggested that parafibromin, a protein encoded by HRPT2 , may be used in the diagnosis of parathyroid tumours. The discovery of additional molecular alterations in parathyroid tumours should provide new information about the development of these tumours and may provide new tools for the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid tumours.
Alpha-stable signals and adaptive filtering

Let {D/sub k/,X/sub k/} be jointly stationary symmetric /spl alpha/-stable processes with index 1</spl alpha/<2. We first consider the problem of optimal FIR linear and regression filters. We then consider the signed-error and sign-sign adaptive filtering algorithms for the estimation of the desired signal D/sub j/ on the basis of the input vector X/sub j/. Various convergence results are established for the signal and tap weights estimation errors.
Tumor-Derived Extracellular Mutations of PTPRT/PTPρ Are Defective in Cell Adhesion

Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase T (PTPRT/PTPrho) is frequently mutated in human cancers including colon, lung, gastric, and skin cancers. More than half of the identified tumor-derived mutations are located in the extracellular part of PTPrho. However, the functional significance of those extracellular domain mutations remains to be defined. Here we report that the extracellular domain of PTPrho mediates homophilic cell-cell aggregation. This homophilic interaction is very specific because PTPrho does not interact with its closest homologue, PTPmu, in a cell aggregation assay. We further showed that all five tumor-derived mutations located in the NH(2)-terminal MAM and immunoglobulin domains impair, to varying extents, their ability to form cell aggregates, indicating that those mutations are loss-of-function mutations. Our results suggest that PTPrho may play an important role in cell-cell adhesion and that mutational inactivation of this phosphatase could promote tumor migration and metastasis.
Infiltration Rates in Reclaimed Surface Coal Mines

Reclamation of land disturbed due to mining in arid and semiarid environments occurs across the globe. Large-scale surface mines provide unique opportunities to examine the reclamation process across a landscape. The objectives of this research were to (1) measure infiltration rates in reclaimed surface coal mines and (2) determine the effects of soil properties on ground cover on infiltration rates of surface coal mines. In this study, reclaimed land 10–15 and 20–25 years old, and native reference site (undisturbed) were investigated at two large surface coal mines in Wyoming, USA. Infiltration rates were measured using double-ring infiltrometer method. The soil properties including bulk density, pH, carbonate content, organic carbon content, aggregate stability, electrical conductivity, and soil texture were analyzed using standard methods. The ground cover was estimated visually. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine if any correlations between infiltration rate and soil properties and ground cover exist. Results suggest that at Mine 1, infiltration rates on reclaimed land were found to be significantly higher in the 20–25-year-old reclamation than the 10–15-year-old reclamation and the native site. At Mine 2, the native site had significantly higher infiltration than 20–25-year-old reclamation, which in turn had significantly higher infiltration rates than the 10–15-year-old reclaimed site. Along with infiltration, soil characteristics were examined. Overall, the findings of this study suggest soil texture and plant cover play an important role in controlling infiltration rates in reclaimed surface coal mines.
Convergence through solution interoperability: case study of integrated telecommunication design and incremental deployment

Researchers have cogently presented the technical case for converged telecommunications systems. However, it is not clear how market-based telecommunications providers are embracing this technical argument as they design new telecommunication systems. This paper uses a case study approach to examine market and policy influences on achieving converged networks in a mixed commercial and residential environment. Specifically, the article presents the overall telecommunications design and then analyzes several implementations (and alternatives) proposed for a major urban redevelopment project in the greater Denver metropolitan area. Based on this review, the paper analyzes the role of interoperability as a mediating condition between a converged design and incremental solutions to this design. Finally, the paper addresses public policy implications for encouraging adoption of fiber-IP based networks in metropolitan areas. These implications are compared to recent findings from a national research council study on broadband deployment.
Physiological LQR Design for Postural Control Coordination of Sit-to-Stand Movement

The neurophysiological mechanisms involved in postural stabilization are not well understood. Active and passive mechanisms at muscle and spinal levels as well as visual and vestibular processes are known to contribute toward postural stabilization and coordination of voluntary movement. The motivation for this research is to use a modeling–simulation framework to achieve two aims: (a) to ascertain viability of a physiologically motivated optimal controller design in the maintenance of posture and coordination of voluntary movement and (b) to study the relative contribution from active (feedforward) and passive (feedback) mechanisms in the execution of said movement. We employ a multi-segment sagittal model built on anatomical proportions with three degrees of freedom, including rotation at the ankle, knee, and hip joints. The behavior of the biomechanical model is controlled by an optimal linear quadratic regulator whose state and control weights are derived from physiological considerations. Representative postural and voluntary movements are simulated to illustrate the analysis–synthesis framework of biomechanical movement. Our analytical and simulation results support an active–passive model of postural stabilization and movement coordination. Besides expanding our understanding of the physiological stabilization processes in the body, the insight gained from this study promotes awareness of the existence of optimizing controllers in the central nervous system.
Treatment of hormone-refractory stage D carcinoma of prostate with coumarin (1,2-benzopyrone) and cimetidine: a pilot study.

The combination of coumarin (1,2-benzopyrone) and cimetidine has been reported to render objective tumor regressions among patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Subsequently, a pilot trial was conducted to evaluate this regimen for the treatment of stage D hormone-refractory carcinoma of the prostate. Patients received coumarin 100 mg orally as a single daily dose for 14 days; on day 15 cimetidine 300 mg four times daily was added, and both drugs were continued until progression of disease. Fourteen patients with advanced prostate cancer were treated. Nine patients had evaluable disease only, whereas five patients had both measurable and evaluable disease. All patients had bone metastases. Although there was no objective evidence of tumor regression, three patients (with evaluable disease only) experienced significant improvement in bone pain with decreased analgesic use that persisted until disease progression at 3, 5.5 +, and 9 months. Although coumarin caused no symptomatic or organ dysfunction toxicity, one elderly patient experienced reversible mental confusion from cimetidine. Coumarin and cimetidine, at the dose and schedule described, are not effective for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. However, the results of laboratory investigations suggest that further clinical trials of coumarin, at higher doses, may be warranted for the treatment of this disease.
Awake daytime oximetry measurements in the management of infants with chronic lung disease

Objective: To assess the value of 1-h daytime awake oximetry as a means of weaning oxygen flows in infants with oxygen dependent chronic lung disease.
Trans Fatty Acids, Insulin Resistance, and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, a growing global health problem, has a complex etiology involving many interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Essential to the development of the disease is insulin resistance of the peripheral tissues. Insulin resistance may be partly modified by the specific types of dietary fatty acids. Trans fatty acids (TFAs), created through the transformation of polyunsaturated fatty acids from their natural cis form to the trans form, are abundant in the Western diet. TFAs take on similar properties as saturated fats, and appear to be more atherogenic. High intakes of saturated fats may promote insulin resistance. It is therefore reasonable to hypothesize that high intakes of TFAs would have similar, or stronger, effects. In this review, all current evidence on the topic of TFAs, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes is summarized and interpreted. Although there is some support from observational and experimental studies for the hypothesis that high intakes of TFAs may increase the risk for type 2 diabetes, inconsistencies across studies and methodological problems make it premature to draw definitive conclusions at this time. More experimental research in humans is needed to further address this question.
FISCAL DECENTRALIZATION AND THE BUSINESS CYCLE: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF SEVEN FEDERATIONS

Although fiscal policies of central governments sometimes provide modest insurance against regional income shocks, this paper shows that procyclical fiscal policy among provincial governments can easily overwhelm these stabilizing effects. We examine the cyclicality of budget items among provincial governments in seven federations, showing that own-source taxes are generally highly procyclical, and contrary to common wisdom, revenue sharing and discretionary transfers are either acyclical or procyclical. Constituent governments are thus left alone to smooth their own shocks, and we document the extent to which various restraints on borrowing and saving undermine their ability to do so. The resulting procyclicality of provincial fiscal policy is likely to have important implications in a world where demands for countercyclical fiscal policy are increasing but considerable fiscal responsibilities are being devolved to subnational governments.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress: another link between obesity and insulin resistance/inflammation?

Obesity, which has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and is increasing worldwide, is closely associated with insulin resistance (peripheral and hepatic) and with a state of low-grade inflammation, the latter characterized by elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines in blood and tissues (1). Insulin resistance and inflammation in turn are associated with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemias, and disorders of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis, all of which are independent risk factors for the development of atherosclerotic vascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease (1). The reason why obesity is so closely associated with insulin resistance and inflammation is not completely understood. On one hand, there is evidence to show that blood levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) play an important role in the development of obesity-related insulin resistance and inflammation (rev. in 2). Plasma FFA levels are increased in most obese people, and acutely raising plasma FFA levels increases insulin resistance as well as the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, whereas lowering plasma FFA levels reduces insulin resistance. Mechanisms involved in FFA-induced insulin resistance include accumulation (in muscle and liver) of lipids and lipid intermediates such as diacylglycerol, activation of several protein kinase C isoforms, reduction in tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2 (2), and activation of the proinflammatory nuclear factor-κB pathway (3,4). On the other hand, not all obese insulin-resistant subjects have elevated plasma …
Pioneers and Settlers in Lo-Do Denver: Private Risk and Public Benefits in Urban Redevelopment:

Older industrial districts, often rich with history and architecture, are paradoxically central yet decaying features of the modern US urban landscape. However, several such areas are experiencing ...
Alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate receptor subunit expression in rat olfactory bulb

The alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptors (AMPARs) mediate rapid responses at most central excitatory synapses, including those in the olfactory bulb (OB). These receptors are composed of the glutamate subunits GluR1–4, which each has two splice variant (flip/flop) forms. We recently showed that AMPARs on OB neurons are kinetically and pharmacologically diverse. Here, we explored whether this functional heterogeneity reflects a diverse expression of AMPAR subunits and/or splice variants. Total RNA from rat OBs was amplified by RT-PCR. Digestion of the panGluR PCR product with subunit-specific restriction enzymes revealed that the OB expresses mRNAs for GluR1–4 but in different relative amounts i.e., GluR2 (61 ± 2.4%), GluR1 (31 ± 3.5%), GluR4 (6.3 ± 1.4%), GluR3 (1.4 ± 0.7%). Furthermore, GluR2 and GluR4 transcripts were composed of similar amounts of flip and flop, whereas GluR1 and GluR3 transcripts consisted mostly of flip. If similar to other brain regions, this heterogeneity in patterns of expression may facilitate information processing.
Radiation damage to brain and cranial soft tissues: outcome and incidence before and after reduction in dose

The outcome and incidence of radiation damage to brain and cranial soft tissues was studied for two successive periods in our institution and related to radiation dose. All but two patients who suffered pathologically documented cerebral radionecrosis during the first period died as a result; none who sustained radiation injury to cranial soft tissues died as a result of these injuries but all suffered considerable morbidity. The incidence of cerebral radionecrosis fell from 5% during the first period to 0% during the second and the incidence of radiation injury to cranial soft tissues fell from 21% to 9%. The reduction in radiation damage to the brain and cranial soft tissues coincided with improved treatment planning the greater use of high energy x-rays and a reduction in radiation dose.
Impact of small-scale geometric roughness on wetting behavior.

We examine the extent to which small-scale geometric substrate roughness influences the wetting behavior of fluids at solid surfaces. Molecular simulation is used to construct roughness wetting diagrams wherein the progression of the contact angle is traced from the Cassie to Wenzel to impregnation regime with increasing substrate strength for a collection of systems with rectangularly shaped grooves. We focus on the evolution of these diagrams as the length scale of the substrate features approaches the size of a fluid molecule. When considering a series of wetting diagrams for substrates with fixed shape and variable feature periodicity, we find that the diagrams progressively shift away from a common curve as the substrate features become smaller than approximately 10 fluid diameters. It is at this length scale that the macroscopic models of Cassie and Wenzel become unreliable. Deviations from the macroscopic models are attributed to the manner in which the effective substrate–fluid interaction strengt...
Comparison of water use for hydraulic fracturing for unconventional oil and gas versus conventional oil.

We compared water use for hydraulic fracturing (HF) for oil versus gas production within the Eagle Ford shale. We then compared HF water use for Eagle Ford oil with Bakken oil, both plays accounting for two-thirds of U.S. unconventional oil production in 2013. In the Eagle Ford, we found similar average water use in oil and gas zones per well (4.7–4.9 × 106 gallons [gal]/well). However, about twice as much water is used per unit of energy (water-to-oil ratio, WOR, vol water/vol oil) in the oil zone (WOR: 1.4) as in the gas zone (water-to-oil-equivalent-ratio, WOER: 0.6). We also found large differences in water use for oil between the two plays, with mean Bakken water use/well (2.0 × 106 gal/well) about half that in the Eagle Ford, and a third per energy unit. We attribute these variations mostly to geological differences. Water-to-oil ratios for these plays (0.6–1.4) will further decrease (0.2–0.4) based on estimated ultimate oil recovery of wells. These unconventional water-to-oil ratios (0.2–1.4) are w...
A Study of the Biology and Life History of Prosevania Punctata (Brulle) with Notes on Additional Species (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae)

The Evaniidae are among the least known and most unusual of the parasitic Hymenoptera. The purpose of this study is to summarize the known information about these parasites and to extend this knowledge by investigations on their biology and life history.
Catching Excited States in the Act: Functional Unfolding in E. Coli Adenylate Kinase

Excited states of proteins are important for many functions, however they are difficult to study due to their low population and transient nature. Using an entropy-enhancing, valine to glycine mutation scheme we are able to stabilize a locally unfolded (LU) excited state in the LID domain of E. coli adenylate kinase (AK) gaining access to varying populations of the LU state. With nuclear magnetic resonance experiments we are able to observe structural changes in the LID upon mutation consistent with local unfolding. More importantly conformational dynamics were measured from the both the folded and locally unfolded states giving access to the populations of both states and the kinetics of the folding/unfolding transition. Furthermore, the changes in population upon mutation are driven by an increase in the unfolding rate of the LID while enzyme kinetics are unaffected at physiological temperatures, evidence that LID unfolding is not rate limiting in the catalytic reaction. These experiments allow insight into the protein dynamics that drive function and exemplify the ensemble nature of the native state and the importance of conformational fluctuations in tuning biological activity.
Biomedical Metadata Standards

The arrival of standardization within a field is a sign of its maturity. An entertaining and educative account of the history of standardization can be found in the widely reproduced article by Nesmith1: it began with weights and measures, and spread into areas such as the gauge of railroad tracks and standardized dimensions of hardware units. In computing, the first (de facto) standard was possibly in the area of high-level programming languages (FORTRAN) in 1957, though it was adopted on non-IBM hardware only in the early ­sixties. The ASCII character-encoding scheme (=American Standard Code for Information Interchange) arrived in 1960.