cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of onset and course of high hospital utilization in sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Although sickle cell disease (SCD) patients typically manage their pain at home, a small subgroup is frequently hospitalized and accounts for the majority of costs. OBJECTIVES: 1) To identify prospective diagnostic and demographic markers of new periods of high utilization; 2) To identify demographic and diagnostic markers of a persistent rather than moderating course of high utilization; 3) To replicate the finding that high utilization tends to moderate. DESIGN: The State Inpatient Databases for California, 2004–2007, were used. Patients with new onset periods of high utilization were compared with non-high utilizers, and new high utilizers who moderated were compared with those who had a persistent course. SETTING: All hospitals in the state of California. PATIENTS: Patients age 13 years or older in 2004 with a recorded diagnosis of sickle cell disease and at least one hospitalization for crisis during the study period. MEASURES: METHODS: Groups from hospitals throughout California were compared on demographics and discharge diagnoses of SCD complications and comorbidities. Patients age 13 years or older in 2004 with a recorded diagnosis of sickle cell disease and at least 1 hospitalization for crisis during the study period were included. RESULTS: New periods of high utilization were associated with more prior hospitalizations and previous diagnoses of aseptic necrosis and renal disease. High utilization typically moderated. A persistent course was associated with slightly more hospitalizations during the initial year of high utilization, and, subsequently, by more mentions of septicemia and mood disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, high utilization was difficult to predict, as was its course. The diagnoses most associated with high utilization indicated more severe sickle cell disease. Septicemia deserves further investigation as a preventable cause for high utilization, as do mood disorders. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Incidence and risk factors for first-time incident low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background context Great effort has been made toward limiting low back pain (LBP). Recent focus has included factors involved with secondary and tertiary prevention, with less attention given to primary prevention. Purpose This review provided a current estimate of the incidence of LBP and risk factors associated with either first-time LBP or transition to LBP from a baseline of a pain-free state. Study design A systematic review and meta-analyses were performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Patient sample Studies included subjects aged 18 years or older, from longitudinal, observational, cohort designs that included baseline risk factors to an outcome of either first-time LBP or transition to LBP from a baseline of a pain-free state. Outcome measures Risk factors and incidence rates were reported using descriptive analysis and the PRISMA guidelines. Methods Electronic search strategies in PubMed, CINAHL/SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were combined with a hand search to identify articles for inclusion. Studies were classified based on the population studied (community vs. occupational based) and type of LBP outcome (first ever vs. transition from a baseline pain-free state). Results A total of 41 studies were included for review. Meta-analytical incidence rates for first-time LBP and transition to pain from a pain-free state were similar (∼25%), regardless of community or occupational populations. Risk factors for first-time LBP or transition to LBP from a baseline of a pain-free state were psychosocial and physically related. No consistent risk factor emerged as predictive of first-time LBP, although prior LBP was a consistent predictor of future incident LBP. Significant heterogeneity was found across studies in most models, which limits these findings. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that incidence of LBP is similar in community and occupational settings regardless of LBP definition. There were multiple diverse physical and psychosocial risk factors for first-time LBP. A history of LBP was the most consistent risk factor for transition to LBP from a baseline of a pain-free state.
Baculovirus genes affecting host function

Baculoviruses are insect-specific viruses. These large DNA viruses encode many genes in addition to those required to replicate and build new virions. These auxiliary genes provide selective advantages to the virus for invading and infecting host insects. Eight of these genes, which help the virus overcome insect defenses against invasion, are discussed. These include genes whose products help the virus traverse physical or physiological barriers and those that overcome host immune defenses.
Fish assemblage structure in relation to environmental variation in a Texas Gulf coastal wetland

We described seasonal fish-assemblages in an estuarine marsh fringing Matagorda Bay, Gulf of Mexico. Habitat zones were identified by patterns of fish species abundance and indicator species optima along gradients in salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), and depth in our samples. Indicators of the lower brackish zone (lower lake and tidal bayou closest to the bay) were gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus), bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli), silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura), and spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) at salinity >15‰, DO 7–10 mg l−1, and depth 10 mg l−1, and depth 1.5 m. In brackish zones, seasonal variation in species diversity among sites was positively correlated with temperature, but assemblage structure also was influenced by depth and DO. In the freshwater zones, seasonal variation in species diversity among sites was positively correlated with depth, DO, and salinity, but assemblage structure was weakly associated with temperature. Species diversity and assemblage structure were strongly affected by the connectivity between freshwater wetland and brackish zones. Uncommon species in diked wetlands, such as tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) and fat sleeper (Dormitator maculatus), indicated movement of fishes from the brackish zone as the water level rose during natural flooding and scheduled (July) releases from the diked wetland. From September to July, diversity in the freshwater wetland zone decreased as receding waters left small isolated pools, and fish movement became blocked by a water-control structure. Subsequently, diversity was reduced to a few species with opportunistic life histories and tolerance to anoxic conditions that developed as flooded vegetation decayed.
Life After Cerovive A Personal Perspective on Ischemic Neuroprotection in the Post–NXY-059 Era

The SAINT II Trial, a large randomized multicenter clinical trial of the putative neuroprotectant, NXY-059, failed to demonstrate a treatment benefit in acute ischemic stroke. The further development of this agent was suspended. The implications of this outcome are considered from several perspectives, including: (1) the marginally positive antecedent trial, SAINT I, and the critical commentary stimulated by it, which called attention to its interpretively challenging primary outcome measure--a shift in the full-scale modified Rankin scale score--and to other statistical shortcomings; (2) the cogency of the STAIR recommendations, to which the development of NXY-059 closely adhered; and (3) the inherent physiochemical shortcomings of NXY-059 as a neuroprotective agent--its polar, nonlipophilic nature, poor blood-brain barrier penetrability, nonphysiological oxidation potential, and low potency. Caution is urged, however, regarding the unwarranted adoption of a nihilistic view toward neuroprotection on the part of the stroke community in view of the abundant preclinical evidence demonstrating proof-of-principle of the feasibility of neuroprotection, as well as the multiplicity of biochemical and molecular neuroprotective targets. The author offers the personal example of a translational journey in which a promising neuroprotectant agent targeting multiple injury mechanisms, high-dose albumin therapy, has proceeded successfully from preclinical studies that established efficacy through a pilot clinical trial that demonstrated safety and offered strong suggestions of clinical efficacy, leading to a large multicenter clinical trial currently in progress.
ortho-Chlorobenzylmalononitrile: A metabolite formed from ortho-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS)☆

Abstract ortho-Chlorobenzylamalononitrile (CSH2) has been identified by mass spectrometry as a metabolite of ortho-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS). The reduction of the benzylidene double bond in CS decreases its toxicity: the LD50 (iv) of CSH2 in mice is 78.4 mg/kg, higher than that of CS, and the irritancy of CSH2, measured in the guinea pig blepharospasm test, is 15 times less than that of CS. Evidence is presented which suggests that the reduction of CS to CSH2 in blood is catalyzed by an enzyme in the erythrocyte cytoplasm and that NADPH is a specific coenzyme.
Time domain simulation of a three-phase cycloconverter for LFAC transmission systems

This paper presents an advanced time domain model of a three-phase cycloconverter for Low Frequency alternating Current (LFAC) transmission systems. The model is based on the quadratic integration method. The proposed time domain model has been demonstrated to be accurate, robust, and reliable as compared to other integration methods such as the trapezoidal integration. The goal of this paper is to present a realistic model of a three phase cycloconverter and to integrate this model in an advanced time domain simulation method for LFAC systems. Examples of wind farms with LFAC transmission systems are presented. Furthermore, the proposed method is expected to be used for transient stability studies, harmonic studies, and fault studies of wind farms with LFAC transmission systems.
Casimir energy for dielectrics: spherical geometry

An expression is produced for the Casimir energy of a dielectric medium with a spherically symmetrical dielectric discontinuity. Tests based on dielectric and geometrical limits are successful.
APPLlCATION OF ELECTRIC HEAT TO VITREOUS ENAMELING1

A two-compartment open-chamber furnace with separating door operated from the outside is described. The source of heat is an electric current passed through a nichrome resistor ribbon wound over refractory supports arranged along the sides of the furnace. The front or preheating compartment is operated at 300°C and the back or finishing compartment at 900°C, with automatic control. The advantages, compared with oil heating, are: rejections reduced from 25 per cent to zero; 50 per cent increase in output for same floor space; 47.4 per cent lower fuel cost; improved quality and uniformity; lower maintenance cost and greater ease of operation.
Enforced Par Remittance Under the Federal Reserve System

Introductory. The early development of collections, 275. — The effect of the Federal Reserve Act, 276. — The par remittance plan of 1916, 277. — The Hardwick Amendment and its interpretation by the Federal Reserve Board, 281. — The development of opposition, 283. — The outlook for the future, 286.
3D object detection from roadside data using laser scanners

The detection of objects on a given road path by vehicles equipped with range measurement devices is important to many civilian and military applications such as obstacle avoidance in autonomous navigation systems. In this thesis, we develop a method to detect objects of a specific size lying on a road using an acquisition vehicle equipped with forward looking Light Detection And Range (LiDAR) sensors and inertial navigation system. We use GPS data to accurately place the LiDAR points in a world map, extract point cloud clusters protruding from the road, and detect objects of interest using weighted random forest trees. We show that our proposed method is effective in identifying objects for several road datasets collected with various object locations and vehicle speeds.
Gaining and sustaining competitive advantage with activity based cost management system

In the era of competitive global environment and technology‐based organizations managers are, more than ever, pressured to find ways to maintain their competitive advantage. In order to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage, managers must examine the internal processes of their companies. The firm produces products or provide services by performing a set of activities that create value. Increasing the value of these activities can increase the competitive advantage of a firm. There are several methods that have been developed for adding value to the core activities in the firm. One method that is gaining popularity among companies is activity‐based cost management (ABCM). ABCM as a system can provide managers with a strategic view of the activities that are essential to the competitive nature of the enterprise.
Transparent silicon solar cells: Design, fabrication, and analysis

Transparent silicon can lead to increased conversion efficiency in a multi-junction assembly by transmitting near and below band gap energy photons to a lower band gap solar cell. With semi-empirical calculations from Gray et.al. [1] potential efficiency gain from a lower band gap solar cell can be 4.9% absolute under concentration. The present work analyzes a 4-wire tandem system consisting of mono-crystalline silicon and a material of lower band gap filtered by a dichroic mirror under concentration. Optimization focuses on the thickness of the silicon, the band gap of the lower solar cell, and different levels of light concentration. Silicon devices are fabricated, tested outdoors, and analyzed to develop improved structures which are closer to the design goal for this transparent silicon solar cell of 8.2%. Devices fabricated for this work have high transparency to below band gap light and efficiency of 6.1% at 50X when filtered by the dichroic mirror. This compares favorably to the previously reported 5.4% for a transparent silicon solar cell as reported by Barnett et. al. [2].
Wrapped up in covers: preschoolers' secrets and secret hiding places

In this qualitative study, interviews about children's secret hiding places were conducted with 3–5-year-olds (n = 17) in a university sponsored preschool programme using art narratives. Since prior studies indicate that children understand the concept of a secret as early as five and that they associate secrets with hiding places, the purpose of this study was to look specifically at preschool children's experiences within their secret spaces. Analyses using interpretive phenomenology indicated that preschool children view secret hiding places with a sense of complexity, and they reserve certain areas as off limits to everyone, even in terms of the knowledge that these places exist. Consistent with a sociocultural framework, hiding places appear to serve individual, relational, and collaborative purposes, and children show heightened agency when deciding the function of a particular place. Children also relate secrets with secret hiding places and describe both with excitement, imagination, and intimacy....
Lie algebra of the q-Poincare group and q-Heisenberg commutation relations

We discuss quantum orthogonal groups and their real forms. We review the construction of inhomogeneous orthogonal q-groups and their q-Lie algebras. The geometry of the q-Poincare group naturally induces a well defined q-deformed Heisenberg algebra of hermitian q-Minkowski coordinates xa and momenta pa.
Surface Signature of the Chesapeake Bay Outflow Variability Observed with Coastal Radar

Abstract The present work is an observational analysis of the small-scale variations induced by Chesapeake Bay outflow on coastal surface circulation off Virginia. The variation in freshwater discharge into Chesapeake Bay is investigated as a triggering mechanism for local coastal jets. While it is known that an extra amount of freshwater received from the tributaries will lead to an increased total outflow, the effect on the outflow surface signature (the upper meter) has not been extensively explored. Our analysis is based on surface currents, wind data, and freshwater discharge records. The surface currents were derived from two high-frequency Doppler radars deployed on the Virginia coast during September and October 1996 and 1997. The wind data were obtained from a nearby weather Coastal-Marine Automated Network station, and the freshwater discharge data were from the U.S. Geological Survey stations located at the mouth of each tributary. The freshwater discharge into the bay observed during 1996 decr...
Visualizing the structure and mechanism of a small nucleolytic ribozyme

Time-resolved crystallography has recently evolved into a powerful and invaluable technique for observing conformational and chemical intermediate states at or near atomic resolution in protein enzymes. The application of monochromatic time-resolved X-ray crystallographic freeze-trapping experiments to an RNA enzyme, the hammerhead ribozyme, is outlined here.
Resistance to Drugs Associated With the Multidrug Resistance Phenotype Following Selection With High-Concentration Methotrexate

To study patterns of resistance at extreme but nevertheless clinically relevant drug concentrations, we developed a series of methotrexate-selected CCRF-CEM sublines, all of which were highly resistant to this antifolate (relative resistance, 10(2)- to greater than 10(5)-fold). The least methotrexate-resistant subline was completely sensitive to drugs associated with the multidrug resistance phenotype. However, more highly methotrexate-resistant sublines were significantly cross-resistant to vincristine, vinblastine, and dactinomycin (maximum relative resistance, 40-fold). These sublines were not cross-resistant to doxorubicin, daunorubicin, and teniposide. Regression analysis indicated that relative resistance to methotrexate was correlated with relative resistance to vincristine (r = 0.96) and vinblastine (r = 0.99). Such cross-resistance in highly methotrexate-resistant cells may have important clinical implications.
Solid state coordination chemistry: ligand influences on the structures of one-dimensional copper(I) cyanide–organodiimine solids

The structural consequences of introducing sterically demanding substituents have been investigated for composite organic–inorganic materials of the copper cyanide–organodiimine system. The hydrothermal reactions of copper(I) cyanide and KCN, with the appropriate chelating organodiimine ligands yield a series of one-dimensional copper cyanide chains decorated either with linear {(LL)Cu(CN)} (LL = organodiimine) side chains or with diimine ligands bound directly to the copper sites of the parent chain. The structures of [Cu3(CN)3(2,2′-bpy)] (1) (2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) and [Cu3(CN)3(phen)] (2) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) are similar to that of the previously reported [Cu4(CN)4(biquin)] (biquin = 2,2′-biquinoline), exhibiting the characteristic one-dimensional {Cu(CN)} chain with diimine–copper cyanide side arms. In contrast, the structures of [Cu3(CN)3(biquin)2] (3), [Cu2(CN)2(dpbp)], (4) (dpbp = 4,4′-diphenyl-2,2′-bipyridine), and [Cu(CN)(dpphen)] (5) (dpphen = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) are characterized by direct attachment of the organodiimine ligand to the copper cyanide chain.
Effect of Geometry on Thermoelastic Instability in Disk Brakes and Clutches

The finite element method is used to reduce the problem of thermoelastic instability (TEI) for a brake disk to an eigenvalue problem for the critical speed. Conditioning of the eigenvalue problem is improved by performing a preliminary Fourier decomposition of the resulting matrices. Results are also obtained for two-dimensional layer and three-dimensional strip geometries, to explore the effects of increasing geometric complexity on the critical speeds and the associated mode shapes. The hot spots are generally focal in shape for the three-dimensional models, though modes with several reversals through the width start to become dominant at small axial wavenumbers n, including a thermal banding mode corresponding to n = 0. The dominant wavelength (hot spot spacing) and critical speed are not greatly affected by the three-dimensional effects, being well predicted by the two-dimensional analysis except for banding modes. Also, the most significant deviation from the two-dimensional analysis can be approximated as a monotonic interpolation between the two-dimensional critical speeds for plane stress and plane strain as the width of the sliding surface is increased. This suggests that adequate algorithms for design against TEI could be developed based on the simpler two-dimensional analysis.
Enhanced ability of myelopoietins, dual receptor agonists for human IL-3 and g-csf receptors and the IL-3 receptor agonist, daniplestim, to suppress apoptosis and stimulate cytokine-inducible gene expression

Abstract The chimeric receptor agonists, myelopoietins (MPOs), bind and activate the human IL-3 and G-CSF receptors while daniplestim binds the human IL-3 receptor with 20-fold higher affinity than native IL-3. In CFU assays using human bone marrow-derived CD34 + cells, MPOs demonstrated a greater increase in the numbers of CFUs compared to the coaddition of native IL-3 & G-CSF. We have investigated how MPOs and daniplestim stimulate growth and prevent apoptosis using Annexin V/propidium iodide binding, alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential, TUNEL assays, and DNA laddering in the OCI-AML and AML-193 cell lines. MPOs prevented apoptosis more effectively than IL-3 or G-CSF or the co-addition of IL-3 & G-CSF. The expression of apoptosis- and cytokine-regulated genes was examined by RT-PCR. Bcl-X L and Oncostatin M were detected at 2-4 fold higher levels in OCI-AML cells treated with MPOs than cells treated with the co-addition of IL-3 & G-CSF. These cDNAs were detected in 10-fold lower levels in cytokine-deprived cells. Furthermore, IL-3 and daniplestim differed in their abilities to induce LIF expression: native IL-3 induced LIF expression, while daniplestim did not. These results suggest that MPOs inhibit apoptosis more efficiently than the co-addition of IL-3 and G-CSF and induced expression of Bcl-X L and Oncostatin M in cytokine-responsive cell lines.
Intensive multimodality therapy for patients with stage 4a metastatic retinoblastoma

Background We previously reported promising pilot results treating patients with stage 4a metastatic retinoblastoma with combined intensive conventional chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell rescue, and radiation therapy and now present an expanded and updated series. Procedure Fifteen patients with bone marrow (n = 14), bone (n = 10), orbit (n = 9), and/or liver (n = 4) disease were treated. Induction chemotherapy usually consisted of vincristine, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, and etoposide. The high-dose chemotherapy regimen included carboplatin and thiotepa alone (n = 1) or with etoposide (n = 5) or topotecan (n = 7). Results Bone marrow cleared at first post-initiation of chemotherapy examination in all patients and stem cells were harvested after a median of 3.5 cycles of chemotherapy (range 3–6 cycles). Two patients progressed prior to high-dose chemotherapy and died. Thirteen received high-dose chemotherapy at a median of 6 months post-diagnosis of metastases (range 4–8 months). Ten are retinoblastoma-free in first remission at a median follow-up of 103 months (range 34–202 months) while three recurred (two in the CNS, one in the mandible) 14–20 months post-diagnosis of metastases. Retinoblastoma-free and event-free survival at 5 years are 67% (95% confidence interval 38–85%) and 59% (95% confidence interval 31–79%). Six of the 10 survivors received radiation therapy. Three patients developed secondary osteosarcoma 14, 4, and 9 years after diagnosis of metastatic disease. Conclusions Intensive multimodality therapy including high-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell rescue was curative for the majority of patients with stage 4a metastatic retinoblastoma treated. The contribution of external beam radiation therapy is unclear. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;55:55–59. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Changes in cognitive coping strategies predict EBV-antibody titre change following a stressor disclosure induction.

Abstract Previous research has shown that emotional disclosure of traumatic or stressful events is associated with facilitating insight into the experience, improving mood, and modulating some aspects of the immune system. The current study examined how cognitive changes and experiental involvement during an emotional disclosure induction protocol relate to immune functioning, as measured by IgG antibody titres to the Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen (EBV-VCA). Seventy-six college undergraduates were randomly assigned to either a disclosure induction or an assessment-only control condition. Experimental subjects met with an experimentar for three weekly 20-min individual sessions during which time they were asked to discuss a stressful or traumatic topic which they had previously discussed only minimally with others. Blood was drawn a week prior to the first session and at one week following the third session. Subjects completed the Impact of Event Scale (IES) after session 1 and at followup, and the extent of experiential involvement in disclosure during each session was assessed by means of the Experiencing Scale. Mood was assessed before and after each disclosure using the Nowlis Mood Adjective Checklist. Although the disclosure induction did not directly affect EBV-VCA antibody titres, individual differences in subjects' ability to involve themselves in the disclosure process and abandon their avoidance of the stressful topic during the course of the 3-wk period were predictive of antibody decrements. These associations were more pronounced for individuals who disclosed older and more troublesome events.
Assessing Nonpoint Phosphorus Control in the LaPlatte River Watershed

ABSTRACT Phosphorus loading from agricultural activities such as manure and fertilizer applications often contributes to eutrophication of surface waters. The primary goal of the LaPlatte River Watershed Project in northwestern Vermont was to reduce phosphorus loading from farmland through implementation of best management practices (BMPs). Eleven years of monitoring did not show a dramatic decrease in phosphorus concentration or load from the watershed. However, analysis controlling for hydrologic variability suggested significant decreases in phosphorus load from some subwatersheds following completion of the land treatment program. Post-BMP phosphorus load reductions of 26–44% (0.01–0.14 kg/ha/yr) were estimated using a paired regression technique that accounts for discharge differences between years. Phosphorus export was reduced under most circumstances, except under the highest runoff conditions, suggesting that the capacity of the land treatment system to control phosphorus may have been exceeded o...
The ACC Looks to Balance Emerging Science and Clinical Practice Guideline Development

![Figure][1] A number of new clinical trials released over the last few months have caused both physicians and the media to raise questions about the need to change current clinical practice guideline (CPG) recommendations. Answers to these questions must reflect back on the careful and
Dollars and sense: attributing value to a level I trauma center in economic terms.

Background: Reliable, accurate, program-specific data for hospital product lines are often difficult to obtain. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact that trauma center status has on hospital net income when compared with other traditional hospital product lines and services. Methods: Over a 3-year period, financial data were collected for 16 payor classes: 8 major payors for all injury diagnoses, in-patient and out-patient. These data were analyzed by total charges, total direct costs, contribution margin, and net income. A key assumption of this strategy was that although injury patients are treated at most hospitals, only trauma center status allows access to patients and provision of services that can contribute significantly to the bottom line. Results: Over the 3-year period, the contribution margin increased for trauma patients (excluding Level I trauma), Level I trauma patients, and the combined population of trauma patients. The most significant portion of the increase resulted from patients seen as a result of trauma center status. Conclusion: We conclude that, for our institution, the investment in resources necessary to achieve and maintain trauma center status makes economic sense in that the trauma program contributes favorably to hospital net revenue.
Finite-temperature instability for compactification

We consider finite temperature effects upon theories with extra dimensions compactified via vacuum stress energy (Casimir) effects. For sufficiently high temperature, a static configuration for the internal space is impossible. At somewhat lower temperatures, there is an instability due to thermal fluctuations of radius of the compact dimensions. For both cases, the Universe can evolve to a de Sitter-like expansion of all dimensions. Stability to late times constrains the initial entropy of the universe. 28 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs.
Numerical modeling of chemical reaction mechanisms

Abstract This paper describes a program for modeling complex chemical reaction mechanisms. The described program constructs the required differential equations from a symbolic description of the reactions and solves the equations numerically. The program can also fit the model to observed data by adjusting user selected rate constants. The rate constants are adjusted using simplex optimization to give the least-squares deviation between calculated and observed data.
Evidence for Autoregulation and Cell Signaling Pathway Regulation From Genome-Wide Binding of the Drosophila Retinoblastoma Protein

The retinoblastoma (RB) tumor suppressor protein is a transcriptional cofactor with essential roles in cell cycle and development. Physical and functional targets of RB and its paralogs p107/p130 have been studied largely in cultured cells, but the full biological context of this family of proteins’ activities will likely be revealed only in whole organismal studies. To identify direct targets of the major Drosophila RB counterpart in a developmental context, we carried out ChIP-Seq analysis of Rbf1 in the embryo. The association of the protein with promoters is developmentally controlled; early promoter access is globally inhibited, whereas later in development Rbf1 is found to associate with promoter-proximal regions of approximately 2000 genes. In addition to conserved cell-cycle–related genes, a wholly unexpected finding was that Rbf1 targets many components of the insulin, Hippo, JAK/STAT, Notch, and other conserved signaling pathways. Rbf1 may thus directly affect output of these essential growth-control and differentiation pathways by regulation of expression of receptors, kinases and downstream effectors. Rbf1 was also found to target multiple levels of its own regulatory hierarchy. Bioinformatic analysis indicates that different classes of genes exhibit distinct constellations of motifs associated with the Rbf1-bound regions, suggesting that the context of Rbf1 recruitment may vary within the Rbf1 regulon. Many of these targeted genes are bound by Rbf1 homologs in human cells, indicating that a conserved role of RB proteins may be to adjust the set point of interlinked signaling networks essential for growth and development.
The value of timber inventory information for management planning

Timber inventory data is the basis for many monetary transactions related to timber and timberland sale and (or) purchase as well as for development of timber management plans. The value of such data is well known and much ap- preciated for sale and (or) purchase of standing merchantable timber. Unfortunately, the value of timber inventory data for planning purposes is less well understood. We report on the results of a large simulation study that was undertaken to eval- uate the utility and value of timber inventory data for timber management plan development for a typical timberland own- ership in the southern United States. Our results indicate that timberland managers are likely producing management plans that do not maximize the profitability of their timberland holdings. Specifically, our results indicate it is likely that timber management organizations that develop timber management plans with stand level data that has a sampling error of 25% are experiencing expected losses in net present value in excess of 170 US$� ha -1 on a large proportion of the acreage found on typical timberland parcels in the southern United States. Resume´ : Les donnees d'inventaire de la matiere ligneuse servent de base aplusieurs transactions monetaires reliees a
Preliminary Study on Solid-State Foaming of PMMA/CNT Nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites with carbon nano tubes (CNTs) added in the polymer matrices have been shown to have improved material properties comparing to their neat forms. Foaming of polymer nanocomposites is even more interesting because these foams promise higher strength-to-weigh ratio and multifunctionality. However, many foaming results on polymer nanocomposites are inconclusive, for example, the effect of nano-additives on the bubble nucleation. In this study, solid-state foaming of pure PMMA and PMMA/CNT composite were performed. CNTs were dispersed in PMMA solution with ultrasonication. Microcellular foams were achieved in both cases. The resulted relative density and microstructures were investigated. It was found that nano carbon tubes aggregated on the cell walls of the microcellular foams. In terms of the cell size and relative density, there is no significant difference between pure PMMA and PMMA/CNT foams. Better dispersion of CNTs is needed in order to further study the CNT effect on the solid-state foaming process.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Nafion/Zeolite Nanocomposite Membrane by in Situ Crystallization for a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

A method for preparing Nafion/acid functionalized zeolite Beta (NAFB) nanocomposite membranes by in situ hydrothermal crystallization is described. The nanocomposite membranes have a slightly lower proton conductivity but a markedly lower methanol permeability (ca. 40% reduction). When tested with 1 M methanol feed, the direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) with the NAFB composite membranes have a slightly higher open circuit voltage (OCV; 3%) and much higher maximum power density (21%) than those with the pure Nafion 115 membranes. With a higher methanol concentration (5 M), the DMFCs with the NAFB composite membranes demonstrate a 14% higher OCV and a 93% higher maximum power density than those with the pure Nafion 115 membranes. Compared with the commercial Nafion 115 membranes, the NAFB composite membranes have slightly lower tensile strength but higher elastic modulus.
Registration of ‘Ashtabula’ Soybean

'Ashtabula' soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Reg. No. CV-500, PI 655938) was first tested as ND02-2367 and was released in January 2009 by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, North Dakota State University to provide producers with a Maturity Group 0 conventional cultivar (0.4), generally adapted as a full-season cultivar from 46 to 48° N latitude. Ashtabula was evaluated by the North Dakota State University soybean breeding program in advanced yield trials for a total of 24 location-years that included 2005 to 2008. Testing for iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) was conducted in 2005 at four sites located in eastern North Dakota, based on three replicates per site. Screening for resistance to race 4 of Phytophthora sojae (M.J. Kaufmann & J.W. Gerdemann) was conducted using the hypocotyl-injection method. Ashtabula was released because it has resistance to race 4 of Phytophthora sojae, high yield in North Dakota environments, lodging resistance, and tolerance to iron deficiency.
An Analysis of Nonlinearities, Heteroscedasticity, and Functional Form in the Market Model

Using a generalized specification of the single-index market model, this study examines the sources of statistical anomalies previously found in estimating the market model. Two generalized models are developed for juxtaposition with the traditional linear specification. The most general model is a Box–Cox model with different λ's and heteroscedastic errors. The empirical results indicate that previous findings of significant “nonlinearities” are primarily attributable to nonnormalities and unequal variance.
Interactive effects of experience and olfactory bulb lesions in male rat copulation

Abstract Experiment 1 measured the effects of unilateral and bilateral olfactory bulb ablations in male rats with limited prior copulatory experience. Bilateral lesions produced gross prolongations of first and second series ejaculation latencies. When a second female was introduced to the males, however, bilaterally lesioned animals were not at a copulatory disadvantage. In Experiment 2 virgin males were tested for copulatory behavior following olfactory bulb lesions. The probability of ejaculation, but not of intromission, was significantly reduced for bilaterally lesioned males.
Use of the Cell Division Protein FtsZ as a Means of Differentiating among Bartonella Species

Genes coding for homologs of the highly conserved cell division protein FtsZ were isolated from Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana, the causative agents of cat scratch disease and trench fever, respectively. DNA fragments coding for the ftsZ open reading frames (ORFs) were cloned into Escherichia coli following PCR amplification with primers based on the ftsZ sequence of the closely related species Bartonella bacilliformis. The amino acid sequences predicted from the cloned B. henselae and B. quintana ftsZ ORFs are 81 to 83% identical to the corresponding protein in B. bacilliformis. Like the FtsZ protein of B. bacilliformis, the B. henselae and B. quintana homologs are about twice as large as the FtsZ proteins reported in most other organisms. Localized sequence differences within the C-terminal coding regions of the Bartonella ftsZ genes were used as the basis for species-specific identification of these organisms at both the DNA and protein levels. Oligonucleotide primers which permit the amplification of an ftsZ fragment from each of the Bartonella species without amplifying DNA from the other two species were designed. Anti-FtsZ antisera raised in rabbits against synthetic peptides corresponding to the relatively divergent C-terminal regions were shown via Western blot analysis to react only with the FtsZ protein from the cognate Bartonella species. These observations raise the possibility that the differences in ftsZ sequences can be used as the basis for diagnostic tests to differentiate among these closely related pathogens.
PML: Toward a High-Level Formal Language for Biological Systems

Documentation of knowledge about biological pathways is often informal and vague, making it difficult to efficiently synthesize the work of others into a holistic understanding of a system. Several researchers have proposed solving this problem by modeling pathways using formal languages, which have a precise and consistent semantics. While precise, many of these languages may be too low-level to model feasibly complex pathways. We have developed the Pathway Modeling Language (PML), a high-level language for modeling pathways. PML is based on a biological metaphor of molecules with binding sites and has special constructs for handling compartment changes in pathways. Our preliminary work has shown that PML's language constructs serve as a promising basis for modeling complex pathways in a readable and composable manner.
Postural sway reduction in aging men and women: relation to brain structure, cognitive status, and stabilizing factors.

Postural stability becomes compromised with advancing age, but the neural mechanisms contributing to instability have not been fully explicated. Accordingly, this quantitative physiological and MRI study of sex differences across the adult age range examined the association between components of postural control and the integrity of brain structure and function under different conditions of sensory input and stance stabilization manipulation. The groups comprised 28 healthy men (age 30–73 years) and 38 healthy women (age 34–74 years), who completed balance platform testing, cognitive assessment, and structural MRI. The results supported the hypothesis that excessive postural sway would be greater in older than younger healthy individuals when standing without sensory or stance aids, and that introduction of such aids would reduce sway in both principal directions (anterior–posterior and medial–lateral) and in both the open-loop and closed-loop components of postural control even in older individuals. Sway reduction with stance stabilization, that is, standing with feet apart, was greater in men than women, probably because older men were less stable than women when standing with their feet together. Greater sway was related to evidence for greater brain structural involutional changes, indexed as ventricular and sulcal enlargement and white matter hyperintensity burden. In women, poorer cognitive test performance related to less sway reduction with the use of sensory aids. Thus, aging men and women were shown to have diminished postural control, associated with cognitive and brain structural involution, in unstable stance conditions and with diminished sensory input.
Time-resolved laser-induced incandescence and laser elastic-scattering measurements in a propane diffusion flame

Laser-induced incandescence (LII) and laser elastic-scattering measurements have been obtained with subnanosecond time resolution from a propane diffusion flame. Results show that the peak and time-integrated values of the LII signal increase with increasing laser fluence to maxima at the time of the onset of significant vaporization, beyond which they both decrease rapidly with further increases in fluence. This latter behavior for the time-integrated value is known to be characteristic for a laser beam with a rectangular spatial profile and is attributed to soot mass loss from vaporization. However, there is no apparent explanation for the corresponding large decrease in the peak value. Analysis shows that the peak value occurs at the time in the laser pulse when the time-integrated fluence reaches approximately 0.2 J/cm2 and that the magnitude of the peak value is strongly dependent on the rate of energy deposition. One possible explanation for this behavior is that, at high laser fluences, a cascade ionization phenomenon leads to the formation of an absorptive plasma that strongly perturbs the LII process.
Dynamics of plasmonic field polarization induced by quantum coherence in quantum dot–metallic nanoshell structures

When a hybrid system consisting of a semiconductor quantum dot and a metallic nanoparticle interacts with a laser field, the plasmonic field of the metallic nanoparticle can be normalized by the quantum coherence generated in the quantum dot. In this Letter, we study the states of polarization of such a coherent-plasmonic field and demonstrate how these states can reveal unique aspects of the collective molecular properties of the hybrid system formed via coherent exciton–plasmon coupling. We show that transition between the molecular states of this system can lead to ultrafast polarization dynamics, including sudden reversal of the sense of variations of the plasmonic field and formation of circular and elliptical polarization.
Overview of quality assurance for medical devices

Medical devices can have very stringent performance requirements. The life of a critically ill patient can be determined by the quality of the monitoring and therapeutic devices being used in his or her treatment. But how is quality guaranteed? What are the characteristics of a medical device that determine its quality? The author discusses the methods used for designing quality into medical devices. >
Neurophysiological basis of cognitive deficits in long-term survivors of childhood cancer.

• Thirty-three survivors of childhood cancer were tested with event-related potentials (P300), motor reaction time tests, and neuropsychological tests to assess the underlying physiological basis of treatment-related cognitive sequelae. Thirteen patients had received intrathecal chemotherapy, 11 had received intrathecal chemotherapy plus cranial radiotherapy, and nine had been treated without any form of central nervous system therapy. Neuropsychological performance of the groups treated without cranial radiotherapy was normal, but the group given cranial radiotherapy was significantly impaired. Mean reaction time and P300 latency were somewhat slower in the group given intrathecal chemotherapy relative to the group given no central nervous system treatment, but were significantly delayed in the group given cranial radiotherapy. Correlations of reaction time and P300 latency with neuropsychological test scores were also obtained. Results suggest that slowing of cortical activity secondary to white-matter damage may underlie cognitive decline in children treated with intensive central nervous system therapies, especially cranial radiotherapy.
Environmentalists split over Kyoto and Amazonian deforestation

Controversies over tropical forest and KyotoSlowing deforestation in Amazonia would be a significant contribution to combating global warming and, depending on decisions under the Kyoto Protocol, could provide non-destructive support for rural population in the region (Fearnside 2000a). Crediting avoided deforestation is divisive, both within and among environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governments. Positions of NGOs on inclusion of avoided deforestation in the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) are tightly linked to geography: European NGOs oppose inclusion of forests, USA NGOs (other than USA branches or affiliates of international groups) favour inclusion of forests, and Brazilian NGOs (also excepting most branches or affiliates of international NGOs) also favour forests. The probability of chance explaining these views being clustered in Europe, North America and Brazil in this way is miniscule. In other words, these positions are based on something other than the universal concerns about climate change and future generations that predominate in public statements on all sides.
Neave effect also occurs with Tausworthe sequences

It is shown that the use of Box-Muller method with Tausworthe sequences for generating normal deviates can produce pathological phenomena similar to the Neave effect, which was found to occur when linear congruential sequences and the Box-Muller method are combined. Two examples of the phenomena are given for Tausworthe sequences in practical use. One of the examples demonstrates that such phenomena possibly occur even with large-period Tausworthe sequences. The author discusses the extension of the results obtained to generalized feedback shift register sequences, which are a variant of Tausworthe sequences. >