cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure of plectonemically supercoiled DNA

Using electron microscopy and topological methods, we have deduced an average structure for negatively supercoiled circular DNA in solution. Our data suggest that DNA has a branched plectonemic (interwound) form over the range of supercoiling tested. The length of the superhelix axis is constant at 41% of the DNA length, whereas the superhelix radius decreases essentially hyperbolically as supercoiling increases. The number of supercoils is 89% of the linking deficit. Both writhe and twist change with supercoiling, but the ratio of the change in writhe to the change in twist is fixed at 2.6:1. The extent of branching of the superhelix axis is proportional to the length of the plasmid, but is insensitive to superhelix density. The relationship between DNA flexibility constants for twisting and bending calculated using our structural data is similar to that deduced from previous studies. The extended thin form of plectonemically supercoiled DNA offers little compaction for cellular packaging, but promotes interaction between cis-acting sequence elements that may be distant in primary structure. We discuss additional biological implications of our structural data.
On dispersion in tracer experiments.

Abstract Extending the results of a previous paper (Rescigno, 1973), the dispersion between two compartments or through the cycle around a compartment is defined in terms of the transport time of the particles flowing through the system. Some of the properties of the dispersion are analyzed, and the method for computing it is described.
Possibilities for polarized pulsed neutron instrumentation based on the time-of-flight spin-resonance energy filter

We present a new approach for dynamic energy filtering at spallation neutron sources, based on the original concept of the Drabkin spin-resonance flipper. The setup takes advantage of the neutron magnetic moment, and consists of a wavelength-selective magnetic resonator and a supermirror polarizer/analyzer system. We are proposing refinements (time dependence and revised magnetic field profiles) to the basic concepts of the setup, making it suitable for time-of-flight experiments at spallation neutron sources. We outline here possibilities for using this spin resonator as the core of new neutron instruments.
Lipoprotein Genotype and Conserved Pathway for Exceptional Longevity in Humans

Alteration of single genes involved in nutrient and lipoprotein metabolism increases longevity in several animal models. Because exceptional longevity in humans is familial, it is likely that polymorphisms in genes favorably influence certain phenotypes and increase the likelihood of exceptional longevity. A group of Ashkenazi Jewish centenarians (n = 213), their offspring (n = 216), and an age-matched Ashkenazi control group (n = 258) were genotyped for 66 polymorphisms in 36 candidate genes related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). These genes were tested for association with serum lipoprotein levels and particle sizes, apolipoprotein A1, B, and C-3 levels and with outcomes of hypertension, insulin resistance, and mortality. The prevalence of homozygosity for the -641C allele in the APOC3 promoter (rs2542052) was higher in centenarians (25%) and their offspring (20%) than in controls (10%) (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively). This genotype was associated with significantly lower serum levels of APOC3 and a favorable pattern of lipoprotein levels and sizes. We found a lower prevalence of hypertension and greater insulin sensitivity in the -641C homozygotes, suggesting a protective effect against CVD and the metabolic syndrome. Finally, in a prospectively studied cohort, a significant survival advantage was demonstrated in those with the favorable -641C homozygote (p < 0.0001). Homozygosity for the APOC3 -641C allele is associated with a favorable lipoprotein profile, cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, and longevity. Because modulation of lipoproteins is also seen in genetically altered longevity models, it may be a common pathway influencing lifespan from nematodes to humans.
Organization of the Yeast Zip1 Protein within the Central Region of the Synaptonemal Complex

The yeast Zip1 protein is a component of the central region of the synaptonemal complex (SC). Zip1 is predicted to form an α-helical coiled coil, flanked by globular domains at the NH2 and COOH termini. Immunogold labeling with domain-specific anti–Zip1 antibodies demonstrates that the NH2-terminal domain of Zip1 is located in the middle of the central region of the SC, whereas the COOH-terminal domain is embedded in the lateral elements of the complex. Previous studies have shown that overproduction of Zip1 results in the assembly of two types of aggregates, polycomplexes and networks, that are unassociated with chromatin. Our epitope mapping data indicate that the organization of Zip1 within polycomplexes is similar to that of the SC, whereas the organization of Zip1 within networks is fundamentally different. Zip1 protein purified from bacteria assembles into dimers in vitro, and electron microscopic analysis demonstrates that the two monomers within a dimer are arranged in parallel and in register. Together, these results suggest that two Zip1 dimers, lying head-to-head, span the width of the SC.
Multistate treatments of the electronic coupling in donor-bridge-acceptor systems: insights and caveats from a simple model.

We use a simple one-dimensional delta function electronic structure model (dfm) to investigate the results of a pair of multistate diabatization techniques (i.e., based on n states, with n ≥ 2) for linear DBA and DBBA (donor–bridge–acceptor) electron-transfer systems. In particular, we focus on the physical meaning of the couplings obtained from multistate methods and their relationship to two-state (n = 2) coupling elements. On the basis of the simple dfm approach, which allows exact as well as finite basis set treatment and has no many-electron effects, we conclude that for orthogonal diabatic states, it is difficult to assign clear physical significance to multistate matrix elements for coupling beyond nearest-neighbor contacts. The implications of these results for more complex multistate many-electron treatments are discussed. It is emphasized that physically meaningful coupling elements must involve states that are orthogonal, either explicitly or implicitly.
An Instrument for Measuring Betatron Resonant Frequencies

An instrument has been developed to measure betatron tunes with a minimum of disturbance to normal operation. In one mode of operation, the beam is driven by a frequency sweeping voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The output of this VCO is compared to (1-?) feedback from the beam in a phase-sensitive demodulator. The dc output of this demodulator helps to control the frequency of the VCO, thus closing a loop around the beam. At frequency coincidence between the (1-?) feedback and the VCO, a pulse is generated which stops the VCO frequency sweep and allows phase lock on the beam if desired. This pulse also activates measuring and digitizing circuitry to record pertinent data at the instant of frequency coincidence. Other modes of operation permit measurement of, and phase lock to, unexcited or "natural" resonances.
Inferring social nature of conversations from words: Experiments on a corpus of everyday telephone conversations

Language is being increasingly harnessed to not only create natural human-machine interfaces but also to infer social behaviors and interactions. In the same vein, we investigate a novel spoken language task, of inferring social relationships in two-party conversations: whether the two parties are related as family, strangers or are involved in business transactions. For our study, we created a corpus of all incoming and outgoing calls from a few homes over the span of a year. On this unique naturalistic corpus of everyday telephone conversations, which is unlike Switchboard or any other public domain corpora, we demonstrate that standard natural language processing techniques can achieve accuracies of about 88%, 82%, 74% and 80% in differentiating business from personal calls, family from non-family calls, familiar from unfamiliar calls and family from other personal calls respectively. Through a series of experiments with our classifiers, we characterize the properties of telephone conversations and find: (a) that 30 words of openings (beginnings) are sufficient to predict business from personal calls, which could potentially be exploited in designing context sensitive interfaces in smart phones; (b) our corpus-based analysis does not support Schegloff and Sack's manual analysis of exemplars in which they conclude that pre-closings differ significantly between business and personal calls - closing fared no better than a random segment; and (c) the distribution of different types of calls are stable over durations as short as 1-2 months. In summary, our results show that social relationships can be inferred automatically in two-party conversations with sufficient accuracy to support practical applications.
Low-Complexity Reliability-Based Message-Passing Decoder Architectures for Non-Binary LDPC Codes

Non-binary low-density parity-check (NB-LDPC) codes can achieve better error-correcting performance than their binary counterparts at the cost of higher decoding complexity when the codeword length is moderate. The recently developed iterative reliability-based majority-logic NB-LDPC decoding has better performance-complexity tradeoffs than previous algorithms. This paper first proposes enhancement schemes to the iterative hard reliability-based majority-logic decoding (IHRB-MLGD). Compared to the IHRB algorithm, our enhanced (E-)IHRB algorithm can achieve significant coding gain with small hardware overhead. Then low-complexity partial-parallel NB-LDPC decoder architectures are developed based on these two algorithms. Many existing NB-LDPC code construction methods lead to quasi-cyclic or cyclic codes. Both types of codes are considered in our design. Moreover, novel schemes are developed to keep a small proportion of messages in order to reduce the memory requirement without causing noticeable performance loss. In addition, a shift-message structure is proposed by using memories concatenated with variable node units to enable efficient partial-parallel decoding for cyclic NB-LDPC codes. Compared to previous designs based on the Min-max decoding algorithm, our proposed decoders have at least tens of times lower complexity with moderate coding gain loss.
Rescue of Acute Portal Vein Thrombosis After Liver Transplantation Using a Cavoportal Shunt at Re-transplantation

Background: Portal vein thrombosis is a rare but devastating complication following orthotopic liver transplantation. Fulminant liver failure ensues with acute portal vein thrombosis after transplantation limiting the treatment options. Methods: We successfully re-transplanted a 46-year-old female patient who developed acute portal vein thrombosis 19 d after orthotopic liver transplantation. Vascular reconstruction included a cavoportal shunt to augment portal blood flow. Results: Twelve months after re-transplantation this patient lives independently and enjoys excellent liver allograft function. Conclusions: Cavoportal shunt can augment portal blood flow in adult recipients of orthotopic liver transplants. This technique can be successfully employed during re-transplantation when portal blood flow is inadequate to maintain patency.
The effects of sunspots on solar irradiance

It is pointed out that the darkness of a sunspot on the visible hemisphere of the sun will reduce the solar irradiance on the earth. Approaches are discussed for obtaining a crude estimate of the irradiance deficit produced by sunspots and of the total luminosity reduction for the whole global population of sunspots. Attention is given to a photometric sunspot index, a global measure of spot flux deficit, and models for the compensating flux excess. A model is shown for extrapolating visible-hemisphere spot areas to the invisible hemisphere. As an illustration, this extrapolation is used to calculate a very simple model for the reradiation necessary to balance the flux deficit.
A Critique of Campbell's Refurbished Nominalism

Dans le cadre du debat sur le statut ontologique des proprietes opposant le nominalisme extreme, le nominalisme et le realisme, l'A. critique la conception du nominalisme renove developpee par K. Campbell. Comparant sa premiere version du nominalisme caracterisee par une metaphysique des particuliers abstraits, et sa version revisee du nominalisme fondee sur les notions de trope, location et similarite exacte, l'A. montre qu'aucune des positions de Campbell ne resout le probleme des qualites, de la reference abstraite et de l'individuation
Melanin biosynthesis in Thielaviopsis basicola

An albino mutant of Thielaviopsis basicola metabolized scytalone, vermelone, and 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene to melanin like that in the wild-type fungus. The melanin appeared as electron-dense granular material localized in the cell walls of hyphae and chlamydospores. The albino mutant also converted catechol and l -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine to dark pigments, but these were different from wild-type melanin. Tricyclazole prevented melanin formation in the wild-type T. basicola and caused the endogenous accumulation of the melanin metabolites scytalone, flaviolin, 3,3′-biflaviolin, and 2-hydroxyjuglone. Vermelone and 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene, but not scytalone, were converted to natural appearing melanins by the tricyclazole-treated wild-type fungus. The primary site of inhibition by tricyclazole was the enzymatic reduction of 1,3,8-trihydroxynaphthalene to vermelone. These results indicate that melanin biosynthesis in T. basicola involves the stepwise conversion of scytalone to melanin as reported previously for Verticillium dahliae. Tricyclazole appears to be a useful and expedient tool for the study of melanin biosynthesis in various fungi that utilize pentaketide metabolites as intermediates.
Initiation of walk and tiptoe of a planar nine-link biped

Abstract A nine-link planar biped model is studied. Its nonlinear differential equations are derived. Constraints due to the connections of the links and the contact between the model and the ground are analyzed, and forces of constraint are specified as functions of the state and inputs. With large external forces acting on the model, connection constraints are maintained by the ligaments and other soft tissue structures. It is shown that ligamentious structures contribute to the stability of the system and help maintain the integrity of the joint. By using linear feedback control, the nine-link model is stabilized around the vertical stance. The stable motion of the system in the vicinity of the vertical is studied by computer simulation of walking and tiptoe gaits.
Compactifications of the rationals and small compact spaces

Abstract Conditions assuring that a compact space is a compactification of the rationals are given. Relations between the π-weight and strong density are discussed.
6-Hydroxyskatole Glucuronide, a Skatole Metabolite

THE metabolism of 6-hydroxylated indoles is of interest in view of their possible psychotoxicity as reported by Szara1 and the finding, originally by Leyton2, that 6-hydroxyskatole sulphate is excreted in larger amounts by schizophrenic patients.
Analysis of Rare Amino Acid Replacements Supports the Coelomata Clade

The recent analysis of a novel class of rare genomic changes, RGC_CAMs (after conserved amino acids-multiple substitutions), supported the Coelomata clade of animals as opposed to the Ecdysozoa clade (Rogozin et al. 2007). A subsequent reanalysis, with the sequences from the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis included in the set of outgroup species, suggested that this result was an artifact caused by reverse amino replacements and claimed support for Ecdysozoa (Irimia et al. 2007). We show that the internal branch connecting the sea anemone to the bilaterian animals is extremely short, resulting in a weak statistical support for the Coelomata clade. Direct estimation of the level of homoplasy, combined with taxon sampling with different sets of outgroup species, reinforces the support for Coelomata, whereas the effect of reversals is shown to be relatively minor.
Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes Between Everolimus-Eluting and Sirolimus-Eluting Stents in Small Vessels

Although second-generation everolimus-eluting stents (EESs) have demonstrated superiority over first-generation paclitaxel-eluting stents for a broad subset of patients and lesions, it is unclear whether the same applies to sirolimus-eluting stents (SESs). The present study compared the long-term clinical outcomes between EESs and SESs in patients with small coronary artery disease. A cohort of 643 patients treated with EESs (220 patients with 245 lesions) or SESs (423 patients with 523 lesions) in small vessel lesions (defined as those receiving stents ≤2.5 mm) were retrospectively analyzed. The end points included target lesion revascularization, target vessel revascularization, major adverse cardiovascular events (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization), and definite stent thrombosis at 1 year of follow-up. The baseline characteristics were generally similar between the 2 groups, except that more systemic hypertension was seen in the EES group and more patients had a family history of coronary artery disease in the SES group. The 1-year target lesion revascularization (5.6% vs 4.8%, p = 0.68) and target vessel revascularization (5.6% vs 7.6%, p = 0.33) rates showed no significant differences between the EES and SES groups. Overall major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 9.1% of the EES- and 8.6% of SES-treated patients (p = 0.83). This similar major adverse cardiovascular events rate remained after adjustment. The rate of stent thrombosis was 0% in the EES group and 1.2% in the SES group (p = 0.17). In conclusion, EESs demonstrated comparable clinical outcomes to those of SESs in small vessel interventions. The absence of stent thrombosis among patients treated with EESs suggests a good safety profile for this second-generation drug-eluting stent, which should be carefully studied in a larger series of patients with small vessel disease.
Silicon nanoparticles as a luminescent label to DNA.

We successfully conjugated 1−2 nm diameter silicon nanoparticles to a 5‘-amino-modified oligonucleotide (60mer) that contains a C6 linker between amide and phosphate groups. The conjugation was implemented via two photoinduced reactions followed by a DNA labeling step through formation of a carboxamide bond. Photoluminescence of the conjugates is dominated by two blue bands (400 and 450 nm maximal) under 340 nm excitation. The quantum yield of oligonucleotide-conjugated nanoparticles was determined to be 0.08 as measured against quinine sulfate in 0.1 M HClO4 as a reference standard. We report a conjugation process that allows labeling of Si nanoparticles to an oligonucleotide in aqueous solutions. Ways to further optimize the procedure in order to achieve narrower and brighter photoluminescence are discussed.
Binary Lenses For Use At 10.6 Micrometers

By combining advances in lithography and electromagnetic grating theory, we recently have demonstrated the ability to produce highly efficient binary gratings and binary lenses for use at 10.6 um. Electromagnetic theory predicts that binary gratings with the proper parameters can achieve a first-order diffraction efficiency of nearly 100%. If the periodicity of the grating is on the order of the radiation wavelength, all of the orders become evanescent except for the zero and positive first orders. By choosing the depth-to-period ratio and duty cycle properly, the zero order can be suppressed, placing virtually all of the incident radiation into the first diffracted order. Theoretical calculations have been done only for constant period gratings. However, assuming a lens pattern to be a minor perturbation of a grating, we succeeded in producing an f/5 binary lens with a diffraction efficiency of 96% at 10.6 um. Furthermore, because of the high efficiency of these elements, it becomes practical to consider using more than a single diffractive element in a system. We have constructed a simple afocal telescope from two binary lenses. The telescope has a 2 in. entrance aperture and a magnification of 5. A final point to be considered is the wavefront quality of these elements. Electron beam machines, which are used to write the lens patterns, are designed to draw the pattern in a raster fashion. This quantization sets a limit on the quality of the lens pattern.
Visible light photocatalysis as a greener approach to photochemical synthesis

Light can be considered an ideal reagent for environmentally friendly, 'green' chemical synthesis; unlike many conventional reagents, light is non-toxic, generates no waste, and can be obtained from renewable sources. Nevertheless, the need for high-energy ultraviolet radiation in most organic photochemical processes has limited both the practicality and environmental benefits of photochemical synthesis on industrially relevant scales. This perspective describes recent approaches to the use of metal polypyridyl photocatalysts in synthetic organic transformations. Given the remarkable photophysical properties of these complexes, these new transformations, which use Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) and related photocatalysts, can be conducted using almost any source of visible light, including both store-bought fluorescent light bulbs and ambient sunlight. Transition metal photocatalysis thus represents a promising strategy towards the development of practical, scalable industrial processes with great environmental benefits.
History data facility in the SLC control system

Two major enhancements to the SLC History Data Facility are described. The internal design and procedures used for saving and using long-term history data are outlined. The user interface, facilities, and application of the history data comparisons subsystem, which is used for analyzing and correlating two or more accelerator device histories, are presented. >
The two faces of growth: Benefits and risks to bone integrity

Bones grow by two processes: cortical bone is made by periosteal apposition (growth in width), and cancellous bone is made by endochondral ossification (growth in length). In both the axial and appendicular skeleton, about half of peak adult bone mass is accumulated during the adolescent growth spurt, which occurs two years earlier in girls than in boys, and is under pituitary control via interactions between growth hormone and sex hormones. Throughout growth, but particularly during adolescence, the ability of bone to adapt to mechanical loading is much greater than after maturity. This is the main reason why the effects of physical activity on bone are greater in cross-sectional studies in young athletes than in longitudinal studies in previously sedentary adults. In wild animals, by the time growth has ceased, the bones must be as strong as they will ever need to be, and attainment of further strength after cessation of growth would serve no biologic purpose. Adaptation of growing bone to mechanical loading is the purpose of the mechanostat, which enablesphysiologic adaptation in individuals to establish and maintain a species-specific property of the bones that is determined byevolutionary adaptation in populations. But growth confers risks as well as benefits to the skeleton. The large increase in incidence of upper extremity (particularly lower forearm) fractures, coincident with the adolescent growth spurt in both sexes, is due to an increase in cortical porosity as a consequence of an increase in intracortical bone turnover, which supplies some of the calcium needed by the growing ends of the long bones. This enables an increased demand for calcium to be spread over a longer time, analogous to the cyclic physiologic osteoporosis which occurs during the antler growth cycle in deer. The subsequent decline in cortical porosity is responsible for the continued increase in radial bone density after cessation of growth, referred to as consolidation. In the present state of knowledge, an increased incidence of fracture during the adolescent growth spurt is the inescapable consequence of an appropriate level of physical activity, and is the price that has to be paid in order to maximize bone accumulation during growth and minimize fracture risk in old age.
Prediction of Landing Gear Noise Reduction and Comparison to Measurements

Noise continues to be an ongoing problem for existing aircraft in flight and is projected to be a concern for next generation designs. During landing, when the engines are operating at reduced power, the noise from the airframe, of which landing gear noise is an important part, is equal to the engine noise. There are several methods of predicting landing gear noise, but none have been applied to predict the change in noise due to a change in landing gear design. The current effort uses the Landing Gear Model and Acoustic Prediction (LGMAP) code, developed at The Pennsylvania State University to predict the noise from landing gear. These predictions include the influence of noise reduction concepts on the landing gear noise. LGMAP is compared to wind tunnel experiments of a 6.3%-scale Boeing 777 main gear performed in the Quiet Flow Facility (QFF) at NASA Langley. The geometries tested in the QFF include the landing gear with and without a toboggan fairing and the door. It is shown that LGMAP is able to predict the noise directives and spectra from the model-scale test for the baseline configuration as accurately as current gear prediction methods. However, LGMAP is also able to predict the difference in noise caused by the toboggan fairing and by removing the landing gear door. LGMAP is also compared to far-field ground-based flush-mounted microphone measurements from the 2005 Quiet Technology Demonstrator 2 (QTD 2) flight test. These comparisons include a Boeing 777-300ER with and without a toboggan fairing that demonstrate that LGMAP can be applied to full-scale flyover measurements. LGMAP predictions of the noise generated by the nose gear on the main gear measurements are also shown.
Applications of RNA interference in mammalian systems.

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) can mediate the long- or short-term silencing of gene expression at the DNA, RNA, and/or protein level. Although several triggers of RNAi have been identified, the best characterized of these are small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which can decrease gene expression through mRNA transcript cleavage, and endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs), which primarily inhibit protein translation. An improved understanding of RNAi has provided new, powerful tools for conducting functional studies in a gene-specific manner. In various applications, RNAi has been used to create model systems, to identify novel molecular targets, to study gene function in a genome-wide fashion, and to create new avenues for clinical therapeutics. Here, we review many of the ongoing applications of RNAi in mammalian and human systems, and discuss how advances in our knowledge of the RNAi machinery have enhanced the use of these technologies.
A Case of High Dose Cytosine Arabinoside Induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in a Patient with Malignant Lymphoma

ARA-C에 의한 피부 부작용으로 나타나는 스티븐스존슨증후군은 드물지만 사망률이 높은 심각한 질환이다. 현재까지 보고된 ARA-C에 의한 스티븐스존슨증후군, 또는 독성표피괴사융해는 적절한 치료에도 불구하고 증상 악화로 사망하였다. 본 증례에서 저자들은 국내에서 처음으로 스테로이드 점적 주사로 증상 호전을 보인, ARA-C에 의한 스티븐스존슨증후군을 경험하여 문헌 고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다
Nanostructured Immunosensor for Attomolar Detection of Cancer Biomarker Interleukin-8 Using Massively Labeled Superparamagnetic Particles

Extremely sensitive and accurate clinical measurements of biomarker proteins for early detection and monitoring of cancer pose a formidable challenge. However, successful inexpensive devices for reliable on-the-spot cancer diagnosis promise to lead to improved therapeutic outcomes with lower cost, decreased patient stress, and new targeted therapies.[1–3] Such devices will also provide tools for a better fundamental understanding of disease progression, and enable biomarker-based monitoring of therapy.[4] Herein, we report an ultra-sensitive immunosensor based on a glutathione-protected gold nanoparticle (GSH-AuNP) sensor surface. When combined with novel massively labeled paramagnetic particles for the electrochemical detection of cancer biomarker interleukin 8 (IL-8), we obtained an unprecedented detection limit (DL) of 1 fgmL−1 (100 aM) for IL-8, the lowest protein level yet detected in serum. Accuracy was demonstrated by determining IL-8 in conditioned media from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells.
Serological IgE Analyses in the Diagnostic Algorithm for Allergic Disease.

IgE antibody analyses using serological methods are an integral part of the diagnostic evaluation of a patient for allergic disease. They serve to clarify whether a state of sensitization exists in the patient as one of the many risk factors for elicitation of allergic symptoms. This overview examines the role that IgE antibody measurements play in the diagnostic algorithm when considering the pretest likelihood of disease on the basis of the patient's clinical history. Each of the 4 allergen groups (inhalants, venoms, drugs, and foods) are discussed in the context of the various in vitro and in vivo modalities for evaluating sensitization to allergens. Both the past and present analytical methods for IgE antibody detection and quantification in serum are critiqued. Causes for discordant IgE antibody levels with allergy symptoms are discussed with a special focus on analytically valid but clinically irrelevant positive IgE responses. Finally, applications are discussed where allergenic molecules provide enhanced analytical and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity when compared with results generated with allergen extract–based IgE assays.
The camera phone: a novel aid in urologic practice.

Abstract Objectives To describe a novel use of the camera phone for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective collection and transmission of medical data in the urologic setting. Methods We used camera phones (Verizon VGA and Sanyo-Sprint PCS) with a resolution of 640 × 480 pixels to capture images in the operating room, as well as in the outpatient clinic. Images were obtained directly from the monitor or the x-ray viewing box. These were then immediately transmitted to the office computer through a secure Internet connection. The images were then incorporated into operative and office notes, as needed. Results The images obtained with this method were of adequate quality for demonstration purposes, with the added advantage of allowing secure transmission and storage. The best-quality images were those obtained directly from the x-ray viewing box or from a liquid crystal display monitor. In addition, the images could be edited and labels added with the aid of the software that came with the camera phone. Conclusions This method allows the acquisition of fair-quality digital images of surgical procedures and radiographic studies with simultaneous data transmission and storage for clinical documentation. The technology reduced costs and increased the efficiency of our practice considerably.
Online Active Learning Methods for Fast Label-Efficient Spam Filtering.

Active learning methods seek to reduce the number of labeled examples needed to train an effective classifier, and have natural appeal in spam filtering applications where trustworthy labels for messages may be costly to acquire. Past investigations of active learning in spam filtering have focused on the pool-based scenario, where there is assumed to be a large, unlabeled data set and the goal is to iteratively identify the best subset of examples for which to request labels. However, even with optimizations this is a costly approach. We investigate an online active learning scenario where the filter is exposed to a stream of messages which must be classified one at a time. The filter may only request a label for a given message immediately after it has been classified. The goal is to achieve strong online classification performance with few label requests. This is a novel scenario for low-cost active spam filtering, fitting for application in large-scale systems. We draw from the label efficient machine learning literature to investigate several approaches to selective sampling in this scenario using linear classifiers. We show that online active learning can dramatically reduce labeling and training costs with negligible additional overhead while maintaining high levels of classification performance.
Theory of two-dimensional Josephson arrays in a resonant cavity

We consider the dynamics of a two-dimensional array of underdamped Josephson junctions placed in a single-mode resonant cavity. Starting from a well-defined model Hamiltonian, which includes the effects of driving current and dissipative coupling to a heat bath, we write down the Heisenberg equations of motion for the variables of the Josephson junction and the cavity mode, extending our previous one-dimensional model. In the limit of many photons, these equations reduce to coupled ordinary differential equations and can be solved numerically. We estimate the key parameters of this theory for typical experimental geometries. Our numerical results show many features similar to experiment. These include ~i! self-induced resonant steps ~SIRS’s ! at voltages V5n\V/(2e), where V is the cavity frequency and n is generally an integer; ~ii! a threshold number Nc of active rows of junctions above which the array is coherent; and ~iii! a time-averaged cavity energy which is quadratic in the number of active junctions, when the array is above threshold. When the array is biased on a SIRS, then, for given junction parameters, the power radiated into the array varies as the square of the number of active junctions, consistent with expectations for coherent radiation. For a given step, a twodimensional array radiates much more energy into the cavity than does a one-dimensional array. Finally, in two dimensions, we find a strong polarization effect: if the cavity mode is polarized perpendicular to the direction of current injection in a square array, then it does not couple to the array and no power is radiated into the cavity. In the presence of an applied magnetic field, however, a mode with this polarization would couple to an applied current. We speculate that this effect might thus produce SIRS’s which would be absent with no applied magnetic field.
Sleep-wake identification in infants: heart rate variability compared to actigraphy

Heart rate variability and actigraphy offer alternative techniques for sleep-wake identification compared to manual sleep scoring from a polysomnograph. The advantages include high accuracy, simplicity of use, and low intrusiveness. These advantages are valuable for determining sleep-wake states in such highly sensitive groups as infants. A learning vector quantization neural network was tested as a predictor. The accuracy of the neural network was compared to "gold standard" hand-scored polysomnographs. The prediction results are in agreement with other studies, thus validating the suggested methodology.
The Origins of Counting Algorithms

Humans’ ability to count by verbally labeling discrete quantities is unique in animal cognition. The evolutionary origins of counting algorithms are not understood. We report that nonhuman primates exhibit a cognitive ability that is algorithmically and logically similar to human counting. Monkeys were given the task of choosing between two food caches. First, they saw one cache baited with some number of food items, one item at a time. Then, a second cache was baited with food items, one at a time. At the point when the second set was approximately equal to the first set, the monkeys spontaneously moved to choose the second set even before that cache was completely baited. Using a novel Bayesian analysis, we show that the monkeys used an approximate counting algorithm for comparing quantities in sequence that is incremental, iterative, and condition controlled. This proto-counting algorithm is structurally similar to formal counting in humans and thus may have been an important evolutionary precursor to human counting.
Resolving the directness dilemma in document review sessions with nonnative speakers

Reviewers of technical documents must often work with nonnative speakers (NNSs) of English. Drawing on research in cross-cultural pragmatics and institutional discourse, we discuss linguistic patterns that document reviewers are likely to use when commenting on NNS writing. We anticipate miscommunications that may arise from some of these linguistic patterns, especially when a reviewer attempts to be both clear (so that the writer understands the comments) and polite (so that the reviewer maintains positive working relations with the writer). We recommend specific linguistic strategies that allow reviewers to balance clarity and politeness most effectively when communicating with NNSs.
The posterior Monteggia lesion with associated ulnohumeral instability

The type II Monteggia (posterior) lesion is a rare injury which is sometimes associated with ulnohumeral instability. We have reviewed 23 of 28 patients with this injury. A clinical and radiographic assessment was undertaken at follow-up. Functional outcome scores, including the Broberg and Morrey Index and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder or Hand (DASH), were used. The results from the six patients with associated posterior ulnohumeral dislocation were compared with 17 without ulnohumeral injury. Those with dislocation had reduced movement of the elbow and had outcome scores indicative of greater disability compared to those without associated dislocation.
Sensitivity of renal cell carcinoma to aminoflavone: role of CYP1A1.

ABSTRACTPurpose: The aminoflavone analogue (AF) exhibits antitumor activity in vitro, particularly against neoplastic cells of renal origin. We identified cellular correlates of responsiveness to AF in continuous human tumor renal cell carcinoma lines and in tumor cell isolates, termed renal carcinoma cell strains, from patients with clear cell and papillary renal neoplasms.Materials and Methods: In vitro antiproliferative activity of AF was evaluated using the sulforhodamine B protein dye assay. In vivo antitumor activity of the drug was determined in mice bearing xenografts. Covalent binding of AF/metabolite(s) was assessed following exposure of cells to AF for 16 hours. CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 mRNA and apoptosis were quantitated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.Results: AF produced total growth inhibition in vitro in 3 of 6 human tumor renal cell lines at concentrations of 90 to 400 nM. In vivo treatment of mice bearing xenografts of the C...
Metabolic manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome in nonobese adolescents: retinol-binding protein 4 and ectopic fat deposition.

Objective To determine whether nonobese adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher levels of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and ectopic fat than controls and whether RBP4 and ectopic fat correlate with comorbidities of metabolic disease. Design Cross-sectional case-control study. Setting Pediatric clinical research center based in a quaternary care medical center. Patient(s) Twenty-four nonobese adolescents between the ages of 13 and 21 years, 13 with PCOS and 11 controls. Intervention(s) Measurement of RBP4, insulin resistance, lipids, and body composition. Main Outcome Measure(s) Retinol-binding protein 4, reproductive and adrenal hormones, insulin resistance, intrahepatic and intramyocellular lipid levels, and visceral adipose tissue. Result(s) Adolescents with PCOS had higher intrahepatic lipid content and a statistical trend for higher RBP4 compared with controls. Retinol-binding protein 4 correlated with body fat, triglycerides, insulin resistance, and androgens but not intrahepatic lipid content; however, when adjusted for body fat, the correlation between RBP4 and triglycerides weakened to a statistical trend and was no longer statistically significant for the other measures. Conclusion(s) This small preliminary study of nonobese adolescent girls suggests that RBP4 may be involved in the dyslipidemia associated with PCOS and that there may be an independent relationship between RBP4 and triglycerides but not between RBP4 and insulin resistance. Although intrahepatic lipid content was higher in PCOS, it did not correlate with RBP4, triglycerides, or insulin resistance.
Consolidation during drying of aggregated suspensions

Drying of aqueous suspensions containing aggregated particle networks is important in a wide variety of solid/liquid unit operations where, in addition to optimizing the drying rate, there is a need for dimensional control of the dried product. During drying, the bed consolidates and then dehydrates. The degree of consolidation is sensitive to the strength of particle attractions altered by solution conditions such as pH, ionic strength, and particle size. These interaction forces are characterized in terms of an independently measurable quantity, the compressive yield stress P y , and link P y to the compressive capillary forces to which the suspension is subjected during drying. Using P y and a two-phase fluid model for drying, a dimensionless parameter Q is identified to provide a guide for conditions where interparticle forces and mass-transfer limitations will dominate drying behavior. This model yields a quantitative measure of the shape changes that can be expected upon drying. Model predictions are tested using drying experiments on 0.65 μm alumina particles in aqueous suspensions at different pH and salt concentrations.
Reliability of mutagen sensitivity assay: an inter-laboratory comparison

Mutagen sensitivity is regarded as a genetic susceptibility phenotype for various cancers; it is cytogenetically based and probably involves a number of genes from different DNA repair pathways. This assay has been used in a number of laboratories in the field of epidemiology, where it has been investigated and appears to be a useful susceptibility biomarker for epidemiological studies assessing cancer risks at the population level. One concern about phenotypic assays, such as the mutagen sensitivity assay, has been that there could be wide variation in results depending on the timing of the assay (within individual variation), the individual performing the assay (within observer variation) and the laboratory where the assay has been performed (inter-laboratory variation). We conducted an inter-laboratory comparison study between the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and M. D. Anderson, in which we assessed all these concerns. We did not find any significant variation in any of the assays. The correlation was high for all tests. The good concordance rate between laboratories supports the continued use of the mutagen sensitivity assay by different laboratories, and demonstrates its potential to identify at-risk subgroups among normal individuals and cancer patients alike.
Experimental Studies on the Growth of Small Ice Crystals

Abstract The fall velocities and growth rates of freely falling ice crystals were measured at various intervals for about 1 min after ice crystal nucleation of a supercooled fog. Measurements were also made at various degrees of supercooling. The results showed that: 1) the velocity varied linearly with time t for 60 sec after the first 12-sec period, with two falling velocity plateaus being found at −5 and −8, and −10 and −18C; 2) the mass varied as t1/2 except at −18 to −19C, a small mass growth rate peak being found at −6.5C; 3) the larger peak shifted toward colder regions as the crystal grew; 4− tsuzumi crystals formed at around −18C; and 5) at the temperatures where two maxima of the mass growth occurred, the apparent densities were at minima. Current theory failed to describe the mass growth rate of ice crystals. The existence of an unknown factor was detected and introduced into the rate equation of ice crystal growth.
Is Intent Constitutive of Wrongdoing

Conventional wisdom has it that criminal conduct consists of two inculpatory elements: wrongdoing, which is a function of socially-undesirable harms and risks that can be defined independently of an actor’s subjectivity; and culpability, which is a function of an actor’s subjectivity. Antony Duff challenges this paradigm by advancing thesis that some commentators equate with the much-mooted Doctrine of Double Effect. Beginning in Intention, Agency and Criminal Liability (1990) and continuing in Criminal Attempts (1995) and Answering For Crime (2007), Duff argues that an actor’s intent to inflict harm (as opposed to his willingness to harm or to endanger) can affect not only the actor’s culpability in acting but also the wrongfulness of what he does. As part of a volume in honor of Duff, I examine Duff’s thesis, distinguishing it from the much-criticized Doctrine of Double Effect, while at the same time questioning whether Duff shows that intent is constitutive of wrongdoing sufficient to justify the normative weight he accords it and, if so, whether he also shows that an actor’s willingness to inflict harm differs significantly in that respect from intent to inflict harm.
Vapor phase hydrogenation of furfural over nickel mixed metal oxide catalysts derived from layered double hydroxides

Abstract The hydrogenation of furfural is investigated over various reduced nickel mixed metal oxides derived from layered double hydroxides (LDHs) containing Ni-Mg-Al and Ni-Co-Al. Upon reduction, relatively large Ni(0) domains develop in the Ni-Mg-Al catalysts, whereas in the Ni-Co-Al catalysts smaller metal particles of Ni(0) and Co(0), potentially as alloys, are formed, as evidenced by XAS, XPS, STEM and EELS. All the reduced Ni catalysts display similar selectivities towards major hydrogenation products (furfuryl alcohol and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol), though the side products varied with the catalyst composition. The 1.1Ni-0.8Co-Al catalyst showed the greatest activity per titrated site when compared to the other catalysts, with promising activity compared to related catalysts in the literature. The use of base metal catalysts for hydrogenation of furanic compounds may be a promising alternative to the well-studied precious metal catalysts for making biomass-derived chemicals if catalyst selectivity can be improved in future work by alloying or tuning metal-oxide support interactions
Induction of angiogenesis by growth factors: relevance to pancreatic islet transplantation.

Biodegradable pellets releasing 20 ng/day of endothelial cell growth factor alpha (αECGF) or a- or b-fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and 90 μg/day of heparin were implanted beneath the renal capsule in rats and dogs and the muscularis/serosal border of the pyloric stomach in dogs to test for angiogenesis in a potential pancreatic islet transplant site. These factors were also tested in vitro to determine whether the capillary bed of the isolated islet could be preserved. αECGF was superior to a- or bFGF in promoting endothelial cell growth and capillary formation in isolated islets. Both a- or bFGF and αECGF induced the development of a dense capillary bed in the dog stomach, whereas in the kidney site αECGF was more effective in the rat than was a- or bFGF. Priming the isolated islet as well as the transplant site prior to islet transplantation resulted in islet blood flow being established within 3 days in contrast to 7–14 days in controls.
Hypoglycemia and Its Relationship to Histamine Sensitization in Mice

SummaryHypoglycemia, per se, does not seem to explain the histamine sensitivity which occurs in mice after treatment with fractions or whole cell preparations of Bordetella pertussis. Onset and duration of histamine sensitivity were earlier and longer lasting, respectively, than those of the hypoglycemia which resulted from treatment with an alkaline saline extract (SE) of B. pertussis. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia which was equal to or even 4.1 times greater than that resulting from SE treatment did not sensitize mice to histamine. The SE-treated mice made hyperglycemic with d-mannoheptulose, a short-term diabetogenic agent, were not protected from the lethal effects of histamine challenge.