cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Property and Exploitation

The authors contend that what can legitimately be owned in a free society is only rights to physical property, not to the value thereof. You are thus free to undermine the value of our property by underselling us, by inventing a new substitute for our property, and so on. But you cannot legitimately physically aggress against our property, even if its value remains constant despite your efforts.
Gardening in Times of Urban Transitions: Emergence of Entrepreneurial Cultivation in Post‐Katrina New Orleans

AbstractExpanding scholarship on urban farming has not systematically examined what spurs the proliferation of cultivation practices, especially when the city is undergoing economic and social tran...
Predict Beef Tenderness Using Image Texture Features

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of image texture features extracted by computer image processing techniques to predict beef tenderness.Materials and MethodsFifty-eight strip loins from commercial Angus × Simmental steers were used to evaluate the effectiveness of image texture features on the predictability of beef tenderness. The average marbling score of these samples was 539.5, marbling score ranged from 360 to 820. The strip loins were vacuum packed and aged for 2 wk under 0°C. Upon aging, 2.5-cm 13th rib steaks were cut from the center section of each loin. After blooming 10 to 15 min, images were acquired using a laboratory-based color camera (NI 1776C, National Instruments, USA) with a controlled illumination system. Image background segmentation, lean/fat area separation was performed after the image acquisition (Fig. 1). Image texture features, which including 88 gray level co-occurrence, 81 fast Fourier transform, and 48 Gabor wavelet filter texture features were extracted from the fresh beef strip loin steak images. After cooking, steaks were placed on a metal tray to allow to cool to room temperature. Steaks were analyzed for tenderness by the Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) method. First, steaks were cooked to a final temperature of 71°C with a clamshell-style grill and cooled to room temperature, six 1.3-cm cores were removed and sheared from each steak parallel to the muscle fiber orientation. Steak samples were segregated into tougher and tender classification groups based on WBSF values whereby a WBSF of 2.0 kg or less was considered tender. A STEPWISE regression model was established to test the prediction model. A total of 2017 image texture features were input as indicators for beef tenderness attributes. The subsequent textural feature selection method was analyzed by the STEPWISE method.Figure 1Image processing procedure for steak texture feature extraction.ResultsThe STEPWISE model regression summary result of classified tenderness according to WBSF value was shown in Table 1. STEPWISE method generated 12 useful models to predict beef tenderness through image texture features. The best model’s coefficient of determination value was 0.82, which means image texture features were able to explain 82% of the variation in strip steak tenderness as determined by WBSF value.ConclusionThis study shows the potential of image texture analysis, in combination with image processing analysis, for prediction of fresh beef tenderness.Table 1.STEPWISE regression model summary for beef tenderness using image texture feature as predictorsChange StatisticsModelRR SquareStd. Error of the EstimateR Square ChangeF ChangeSig. F Change1.47.22.36.2215.80.002.55.30.35.086.50.013.64.41.32.1110.01.004.69.47.31.066.02.025.73.54.29.067.13.016.76.58.28.045.40.027.80.63.26.057.32.018.82.68.25.046.43.019.85.72.23.057.93.0110.88.77.21.0511.05.0011.89.80.20.025.45.0212.91.82.20.025.37.03
Flavonoid Intake and MRI Markers of Brain Health in the Framingham Offspring Cohort.

Background Although greater flavonoid intake is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD), evidence relating dietary flavonoid intake to brain health based on MRI is lacking. Objective The objective of this study was to explore the association between dietary flavonoid intake and MRI measures of brain health, including total brain tissue volume (TBV), white matter hyperintensities volume (WMHV), and hippocampal volume (HV). Methods Eligible subjects included members of the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort who were free of stroke at exam 7 and had at least 1 valid food frequency questionnaire from exams 5, 6, or 7 (n = 2086; mean age at exam 7, 60.6 y). Flavonoid intakes represented the cumulative mean of intakes across the 3 exams and were categorized based on quartiles categories of intake. TBV, WMHV, and HV were assessed at exam 7. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the cross-sectional association between total and the 6 classes of flavonoids and the 3 aforementioned MRI measures. Results The mean (95% CI) of the WMHV of subjects in the highest quartile category of flavan-3-ols [0.56 (0.52, 0.61)] and flavonoid polymers [0.57 (0.52, 0.61)] intake was significantly smaller relative to that of subjects in the lowest quartile category of flavan-3-ols [0.65 (0.60, 0.71)] and flavonoid polymers [0.66 (0.60, 0.71)] after accounting for important demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors. Inverse trend associations with WMHV were also seen for flavan-3-ols (P = 0.01) and flavonoid polymers (P = 0.01) as well as for total flavonoids (P = 0.01). TBV and HV were not associated with dietary flavonoid intake following the adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusions Our results contribute to the literature on flavonoids and ADRD as they suggest that higher flavonoid intakes may affect ADRD risk in middle-aged and older adults by reducing WMHV, a marker strongly associated with ADRD.
Transcatheter treatments for tricuspid valve diseases

Abstract Tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) affects as many as 1.2% to 1.5% of the general population, and is linked to increased mortality whether it is isolated or associated with concomitant valvular disease. The high operative mortality for isolated tricuspid valve surgery is related to the multiple co-morbidities and cardiac consequences of more advanced disease resulting from late surgical referral or prior left heart surgery. Transcatheter tricuspid valve devices thus may play a significant role in the treatment of advanced TR. This chapter provides a review of the current transcatheter tricuspid valve therapies with a discussion of future challenges and opportunities.
The Interior Borderlands: Regional Identity in the Midwest and Great Plains

Review of: The Interior Borderlands: Regional Identity in the Midwest and Great Plains, edited by Jon K. Lauck.
The The Role and Value of the Athletic Trainer in the Chiropractic Medicine Setting

In the United States, back pain is the most common cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years, the second most frequent reason for visits to the physician, the third most common cause of surgical procedure, and the most frequently reported subcategory of musculoskeletal impairment in the United States of people aged up to 65 years (51.7%).1 Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who are trained in the evaluation and treatment of this patient population and utilize a variety of skills like spinal manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, modalities, and therapeutic exercise. Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals whose educational and clinical background in musculoskeletal evaluation make them specifically suited to work alongside chiropractors as both providers utilize many of the clinical skills listed above. As the employment of athletic trainers in the physician practice setting continues to grow, the setting of chiropractic medicine offers athletic trainers unique opportunities that are both similar and different from that of the traditional orthopedic physician practice. Comparable to the orthopedic physician setting, athletic trainers can provide indirect value in the chiropractic setting through rooming patients, taking vitals, and charting during evaluations. However, the chiropractic setting also offers athletic trainers the unique opportunity to perform therapeutic exercise and manual therapy in the physician practice setting. By doing so, the athletic trainer can provide direct value to this setting by performing billable services that would otherwise not be offered without either the training of another provider or at the expense of the chiropractor’s time. Specifically, using data from our practice, we see that an athletic trainer alone performs approximately 30% of the services billed for by the provider. When projecting the value of these services over a calendar year, an athletic trainer alone can provide up to $40,000 worth of services in a practice operating at near full patient load. As athletic training continues to grow in the physician practice, the profession should continue to be aware of the variety of settings in which athletic trainers can provide value and practice near the top of their scope of practice. This presentation will overview the direct and indirect value an athletic trainer can provide in the chiropractic setting.
Unsupervised learning of MRI tissue properties using MRI physics models.

In neuroimaging, MRI tissue properties characterize underlying neurobiology, provide quantitative biomarkers for neurological disease detection and analysis, and can be used to synthesize arbitrary MRI contrasts. Estimating tissue properties from a single scan session using a protocol available on all clinical scanners promises to reduce scan time and cost, enable quantitative analysis in routine clinical scans and provide scan-independent biomarkers of disease. However, existing tissue properties estimation methods - most often $\mathbf{T_1}$ relaxation, $\mathbf{T_2^*}$ relaxation, and proton density ($\mathbf{PD}$) - require data from multiple scan sessions and cannot estimate all properties from a single clinically available MRI protocol such as the multiecho MRI scan. In addition, the widespread use of non-standard acquisition parameters across clinical imaging sites require estimation methods that can generalize across varying scanner parameters. However, existing learning methods are acquisition protocol specific and cannot estimate from heterogenous clinical data from different imaging sites. In this work we propose an unsupervised deep-learning strategy that employs MRI physics to estimate all three tissue properties from a single multiecho MRI scan session, and generalizes across varying acquisition parameters. The proposed strategy optimizes accurate synthesis of new MRI contrasts from estimated latent tissue properties, enabling unsupervised training, we also employ random acquisition parameters during training to achieve acquisition generalization. We provide the first demonstration of estimating all tissue properties from a single multiecho scan session. We demonstrate improved accuracy and generalizability for tissue property estimation and MRI synthesis.
Opportunistic Use of Lumbar Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Osteoporosis Screening

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a routine assessment before spine surgery. We found that the opportunistic use of MRI with the vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score has good diagnostic ability, with a threshold value of VBQ > 3.0, in recognizing patients who may need further osteoporosis evaluation. Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine whether the opportunistic use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for identifying spine surgical patients who need further osteoporosis evaluation. Methods This retrospective study evaluated 83 thoracolumbar spine surgery patients age ≥ 50 who received T1-weighted MRI. Opportunistic MRI was evaluated with the vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score, VBQ (fat) score, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Each uses the median L1-L4 vertebral body signal intensities (SI) divided by either the L3 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) SI, average SI of the L1 and S1 dorsal fat, or standard deviation (SD) of the background SI dorsal to the skin. Single-level VBQ was calculated as the ratio of the L1 vertebral body and L1 CSF SIs. Receiver-operator curve analysis was performed to determine diagnostic ability. Results The mean age was 70.10, 80% were female, and 96% were Caucasian. The mean ± SD VBQ, single-level VBQ, VBQ (fat), and SNR were 3.39 ± 0.68, 3.56 ± 0.81, 3.95 ± 1.89, and 113.18 ± 77.26, respectively. Using area under the curve, the diagnostic ability of VBQ, single-level VBQ, VBQ (fat), and SNR for clinical osteoporosis were 0.806, 0.779, 0.608, and 0.586, respectively. Diagnostic threshold values identified with optimal sensitivity and specificity were VBQ of 2.95 and single-level VBQ of 3.06. Conclusion Opportunistic use of MRI is a simple, effective tool that may help recognize patients who are at risk for complications related to bone disease. A VBQ > 3.0 can identify patients who need additional diagnostic evaluation.
Role of chloride channels in bradykinin-induced guinea pig airway vagal C-fibre activation.

We tested the hypothesis that an ionic current carried by chloride ions contributes to bradykinin (BK)-induced membrane depolarization and activation of vagal afferent C-fibres. In an ex vivo innervated trachea/bronchus preparation, BK (1 μm) consistently produced action potential discharge in vagal afferent C-fibres with receptive fields in the trachea or main stem bronchus. The Ca2+-activated Cl− channel (CLCA) inhibitor, niflumic acid (NFA, 100 μm), significantly reduced BK-induced action potential discharge to 21 ± 7% of the control BK response. NFA did not inhibit capsaicin-induced or citric-acid-induced action potential discharge in tracheal C-fibres. The inhibitory effect of NFA was mimicked by another CLCA inhibitor, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB, 100 μm). NFA also inhibited the BK-induced inward current in gramicidin-perforated whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of capsaicin-sensitive jugular ganglion neurones retrogradely labelled from the airways. NFA did not inhibit the BK-induced increase in intracellular free Ca2+. The TRPV1 inhibitor, iodo-resiniferatoxin (1 μm), also partially inhibited BK-induced action potential discharge, and the combination of iodo-resiniferatoxin and NFA virtually abolished the BK-induced action potential discharge. We concluded that in vagal afferent C-fibres, BK evokes membrane depolarization and action potential discharge through the additive effects of TRPV1 and Cl− channel activation.
Amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia and radio-ulnar synostosis are associated with HOXA11 mutation

The association of bone marrow failure and skeletal defects has been frequently noted, but the genetic basis for most of these syndromes remains unclear1. We have identified an unusual association of amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia and radio-ulnar synostosis in two unrelated and nonconsanguinous families that are of different ethnic backgrounds (Fig. 1a). The fathers and all affected children in both families have the same skeletal defect, proximal fusion of the radius and ulna (Fig. 1b), resulting in extremely limited pronation and supination of the forearm. Three children also had symptomatic thrombocytopenia, with bruising and bleeding problems since birth, necessitating correction by bone marrow or umbilical-cord stem-cell transplantation. The fathers had normal platelet counts and no history of bleeding or bruising. This set of clinical findings appears distinct from any other syndromes of bone marrow failure and skeletal malformations, including thrombocytopenia with absent radii (TAR) syndrome and Fanconi anaemia1, 2, 3. So far, proximal radial-ulnar synostosis has not been associated with the TAR syndrome, which, as its name implies, typically has a more pronounced radial defect. The absence of excessive diepoxybutane-induced chromosomal breakage before stem cell transplantation from our patients is not consistent with Fanconi anaemia.
Comparing Acquisitions and Divestitures

We study the acquisition and divestiture activity of a sample of 1,305 firms from 59 industries during the 1990-99 period. Consistent with the importance of restructuring activity during the 1990s, we find that half of the sample firms are acquired or engage in a major divestiture. Consistent with the notion that economic change is a source of the observed restructuring activity, we find significant industry clustering in both acquisitions and divestitures. We also study the announcement effects of the two forms of restructuring and find that both acquisitions and divestitures in the 1990s increase shareholder wealth. Moreover, the wealth effects for both acquisitions and divestitures are directly related to the relative size of the event. The symmetric, positive wealth effects for acquisitions and divestitures are consistent with a synergistic explanation for both forms of restructuring and are inconsistent with non-synergistic models based on entrenchment, empire building and hubris.
XPC: Going where no DNA damage sensor has gone before

XPC has long been considered instrumental in DNA damage recognition during global genome nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER). While this recognition is crucial for organismal health and survival, as XPC's recognition of lesions stimulates global genomic repair, more recent lines of research have uncovered many new non-canonical pathways in which XPC plays a role, such as base excision repair (BER), chromatin remodeling, cell signaling, proteolytic degradation, and cellular viability. Since the first discovery of its yeast homolog, Rad4, the involvement of XPC in cellular regulation has expanded considerably. Indeed, our understanding appears to barely scratch the surface of the incredible potential influence of XPC on maintaining proper cellular function. Here, we first review the canonical role of XPC in lesion recognition and then explore the new world of XPC function.
Elite control of HIV: is this the right model for a functional cure?

A cure for HIV is still greatly needed and has become a global research priority. A unique subset of HIV-infected individuals who spontaneously control HIV exists, and these are known as ‘elite controllers’. They may represent a natural model for a ‘functional cure’ in which there is long term control of viral replication and remission from symptoms of HIV infection in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. However, controllers have evidence of ongoing inflammation, CD4+ T cell depletion, and perhaps even inflammation-associated cardiovascular disease, suggesting that this natural long term virologic control may be coming at an immunologic and clinical cost. These individuals may continue to provide continued insights into mechanisms of host control; however, they may not represent the best model of a functional cure, if we believe that a cure should require a disease-free (and not just a treatment-free) state.
Identification of a Non-Gatekeeper Hot Spot for Drug-Resistant Mutations in mTOR Kinase

Protein kinases are therapeutic targets for human cancer. However, "gatekeeper" mutations in tyrosine kinases cause acquired clinical resistance, limiting long-term treatment benefits. mTOR is a key cancer driver and drug target. Numerous small-molecule mTOR kinase inhibitors have been developed, with some already in human clinical trials. Given our clinical experience with targeted therapeutics, acquired drug resistance in mTOR is thought likely, but not yet documented. Herein, we describe identification of a hot spot (L2185) for drug-resistant mutations, which is distinct from the gatekeeper site, and a chemical scaffold refractory to drug-resistant mutations. We also provide new insights into mTOR kinase structure and function. The hot spot mutations are potentially useful as surrogate biomarkers for acquired drug resistance in ongoing clinical trials and future treatments and for the design of the next generation of mTOR-targeted drugs. Our study provides a foundation for further research into mTOR kinase function and targeting.
The Fattening Action of Orally Administered Synthetic Estrogens as Compared with Diethylstilbestrol Pellet Implants

Abstract Increased fat deposition in chickens and turkeys with resultant tenderizing of the flesh following subcutaneous implantation of diethylstilbestrol pellets has been described previously (Lorenz, 1943, 1944 and in press). Attempts to produce the same effects by feeding the same estrogen at levels up to 64 mg. per kilo of feed were largely unsuccessful (Lorenz, in press). Jaap and Thayer (1944), however, reported that the dimethyl ether derivative of diethylstilbestrol was more potent orally than was the free stilbene in young pullets as judged by stimulation of oviduct growth. Consequently, an experiment was designed to compare the fattening activity of this compound, and also of another synthetic estrogen, hexestrol dimethyl ether (at the suggestion of Dr. C. W. Sondern of the White Laboratories Inc., who kindly supplied both compounds), when administered orally with diethylstilbestrol pellet implants. Eight groups were each made up of 10 S. C. W. L. cockerels, 6 weeks . . .
Inability of the Submaximal Treadmill Stress Test to Predict the Location of Coronary Disease

Two hundred patients had submaximal treadmill stress tests (STSTs) and selective coronary arteriography performed within 2 months of each other. An attempt was made to assess the predictability of disease isolated to any given coronary vessel by performance on the treadmill. This was not possible for disease isolated to the right coronary, the left anterior descending, the circumflex branch of the left coronary, or a combination of right coronary and circumflex arteries. Eleven patients had disease in the left main coronary artery; all had associated disease of some other branch as well. One of these patients had a negative submaximal treadmill stress test but was unable to reach 90% of his maximum predicted heart rate. The remaining 10 patients had positive STSTs. Patients with 26-50% narrowing of any branch had treadmill results similar to those with 51-75% narrowing. There was a large number of patients with single-vessel disease in the study and most of the negative STSTs occurred in this group. Never...
Infrared imaging using arrays of SiO2 micromechanical detectors.

In this Letter, we describe the fabrication of an array of bimaterial detectors for infrared (IR) imaging that utilize SiO2 as a structural material. All the substrate material underneath the active area of each detector element was removed. Each detector element incorporates an optical resonant cavity layer in the IR-absorbing region of the sensing element. The simplified microfabrication process requires only four photolithographic steps with no wet etching or sacrificial layers. The thermomechanical deflection sensitivity was 7.9×10−3 rad/K, which corresponds to a noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) of 2.9 mK. In the present work, the array was used to capture IR images while operating at room temperature and atmospheric pressure without the need for vacuum packaging. The average measured NETD of our IR detector system was approximately 200 mK, but some sensing elements exhibited an NETD of 50 mK.
An unusual visual microcracking/healing phenomenon in polycarbonate at room temperature

Polycarbonate samples show no visible changes upon removal from boiling water. However, during a subsequent storage stage at room temperature they begin to develop visible disc-shaped microcracks whose number and size increase with time. At a certain time during the room temperature storage period a healing process begins leading in many cases to a complete visual disappearance of the microcracks. The cracking/healing phenomenon is explained in terms of water-supersaturated systems undergoing water phase-separation creating water filled microcracks. These thin water filled microcracks then lose their water to the environment during drying at room temperature, close, and visually heal.
Prototype Decision Support System for a Differential Diagnosis of Psychotic, Mood, and Organic Mental Disorders Part II

This paper presents a prototype parallel-processing decision support system, based on the ALICE graph reduction machine, for the differential diagnosis of psychotic, mood, and organic mental disorders in accordance with the American Psychiatric Association's revised third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The paper extends the authors' earlier work where the same domain was implemented on an expert-system shell using a rule-based representation.
Abstract B65: Proteolytic shedding of the cell adhesion molecule ALCAM generates a spatial and context-dependent heterogeneity important for metastasis.

Heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment is dictated in part by context-dependent changes in cell-cell interactions. Subpopulations of tumor cells can responding to local micro-environmental changes in a manner that distinguishes them biochemically as well as behaviorally from the rest of the tumor. We identified such a phenomenon in the proteolytic shedding of the cell adhesion molecule ALCAM (Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule). ALCAM controls cell adhesion in a variety of cell types including T-cells, epithelial cells, neurons and endothelial cell. Although ALCAM mRNA is detected in all epithelial tissues and the tumors they give rise to, the detection of cell-surface ALCAM is highly variable, being strong in some regions of the tumor while completely absent in adjacent tumor cells. Through molecular analysis of cell-surface ALCAM we determined that this adhesion molecule is shed from the surface by ADAM17 in response to cytokines from the local milieu. Although ALCAM shedding is common in cancer, the loss of ALCAM greatly diminishes metastasis, thereby suggesting that ALCAM remains necessary for tumor progression. Indeed, ALCAM shedding supports a dynamic regulation of cell adhesion which, in turn, supports tumor cell dissemination. Considering that the proteolytic processing of ALCAM is functionally important in tumor progression, the detection of ALCAM shedding should be a molecular indicator of disease progression. Indeed, through analysis of retrospective patient cohorts, we demonstrated ALCAM shedding to be a prognostic indicator of disease progression in cancers of the colon, kidney and bladder. Our observations demonstrate that spatial and context-dependent heterogeneity can be accomplished through post-translational proteolysis of cell adhesion molecules. This process enables tumor cells to respond dynamically to the local milieu and disseminate to a more hospitable environment. Identifying this proteolysis in cancer patients through the detection of ALCAM shedding can predict metastatic progression and long-term patient outcome. Citation Format: Amanda G. Hansen, Katie Hebron, Trenis D. Palmer, Shanna Arnold, Andries Zijlstra. Proteolytic shedding of the cell adhesion molecule ALCAM generates a spatial and context-dependent heterogeneity important for metastasis.. [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Special Conference on Cellular Heterogeneity in the Tumor Microenvironment; 2014 Feb 26-Mar 1; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B65. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.CHTME14-B65
The Natural History, Treatment Pattern, and Outcomes of Patients With Micropapillary Bladder Carcinoma.

Objective Micropapillary bladder carcinoma (MPBC) is a rare variant of urothelial cancer. Most literature on MPBC is from case series reports. This study's objective was to examine the epidemiology, natural history, and prognostic factors of MPBC using a population-based registry, in addition to a literature review. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database identified 98 histologically confirmed MPBC patients from 2001 and 2007. In addition, 213 MPBC cases were identified in published literature. The clinical, demographic characteristics, treatment, and survival outcomes were compared between these 2 cohorts. Results Among patients identified in SEER, MPBC accounted for approximately 0.01% of primary bladder tumors, with the median age of 72 years (range, 26 to 95 y). Among the MPBC cases, 56.1% had muscle invasive disease, 75.5% had poor or undifferentiated histology, and 30.6% underwent a radical or partial cystectomy. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates for the SEER cohort were estimated at 84.5%, 57.3%, and 42.3%, respectively. Using multivariate analysis, tumor stage and marital status were the most significant predictors for cancer-specific survival. When comparing published single-institution studies to the SEER cohort, significant differences existed in demographic characteristics including age at diagnosis, male-to-female ratio, tumor stage, cystectomy treatment, and survival outcomes, likely reflecting differences in practice patterns. Conclusions This is the first population-based study to analyze MPBC's epidemiology, tumor characteristics, and survival rates. Emphases on early detection, cystectomy, and multimodality in treatment are needed.
Flexible resource allocation for reliable virtual cluster computing systems

Virtualization and cloud computing technologies now make it possible to create scalable and reliable virtual high performance computing clusters. Integrating these technologies, however, is complicated by fundamental and inherent differences in the way in which these systems allocate resources to computational tasks. Cloud computing systems immediately allocate available resources or deny requests. In contrast, parallel computing systems route all requests through a queue for future resource allocation. This divergence of allocation policies hinders efforts to implement efficient, responsive, and reliable virtual clusters. In this paper, we present a continuum of four scheduling polices along with an analytical resource prediction model for each policy to estimate the level of resources needed to operate an efficient, responsive, and reliable virtual cluster system. We show that it is possible to estimate the size of the virtual cluster system needed to provide a predictable grade of service for a realistic high performance computing workload and estimate the queue wait time for a partial or full resource allocation. Moreover, we show that it is possible to provide a reliable virtual cluster system using a limited pool of spare resources. The models and results we present are useful for cloud computing providers seeking to operate efficient and cost-effective virtual cluster systems.
In vivo porcine model of reperfused myocardial infarction: in situ double staining to measure precise infarct area/area at risk.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate a catheter-based porcine model for reperfused myocardial infarction and investigate the appropriate location and duration of the occlusion. Material and Methods: A balloon catheter was placed in the left descending coronary artery (LAD) in 78 swine, and used to occlude the LAD. To evaluate this model, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), infarct size, incidence of ventricular fibrillation (VF), and mortality was compared among three groups: 60-min proximal LAD occlusion (60P), 60-min mid LAD occlusion (60M), and 30-min proximal LAD occlusion (30P). Results: In 72 of the 78 pigs, the procedures were successfully completed. Both mortality and incidence of VF were highest in the 60P group (66.7% and 91.7%, respectively). Myocardial infarction was successfully induced in all 72 animals and in situ double-staining with Evans blue dye and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride was performed to delineate area at risk for ischemia and infarcted myocardium. There was no difference in infarct size, expressed as a percentage of the area at risk, between the 60P and 60M groups (49.5% ± 3.9% vs. 45.4% ± 13.3%, respectively). Serial changes in LVEF of the 60M group demonstrated that until 14 days after reperfusion, LVEF improved naturally over time (36.4% ± 6.6% at 24 hr, and 47.3% ± 10.1% at 14 days). Conclusion: This model and methodology could provide a reproducible and consistent infarct size. The current study demonstrated that 60-min mid LAD occlusion can be the most feasible to serve as a porcine reperfused myocardial infarction model. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Metalloform-Selective Inhibitors of Escherichia coli Methionine Aminopeptidase and X-ray Structure of a Mn(II)-Form Enzyme Complexed with an Inhibitor

Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) enzymes require a divalent metal ion such as Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), or Zn(II) for its removal of the N-terminal methionine from newly synthesized proteins, but it is not certain which of these ions is most important in vivo. Metalloform-selective MetAP inhibitors could be valuable for defining which metals are physiologically relevant for MetAP activation and could serve as leads for development of new therapeutic agents. We have screened a library of 43 736 small drug-like molecules against Escherichia coli MetAP and identified two groups of potent and highly metalloform-selective inhibitors of the Co(II)-form, and of the Mn(II)-form, of this enzyme. Compound 1 is 790-fold more selective for the Co(II)-form, while compound 4 is over 640-fold more potent toward the Mn(II)-form. The X-ray structure of a di-Mn(II) form of E. coli MetAP complexed with the Mn(II)-form-selective compound 4 was obtained, and it shows that the inhibitor interacts with both Mn(II) ions t...
Stereochemistry of hydride reductions. The tricyclo[9.3.1.0.3,8]pentadecane (taxane) ring system

Abstract A dependence of diastereoselectivity with steric size (van der Waals radius) of a neighboring equatorial substituent was found for both electrophilic and nucleophilic hydride reductions of the tricyclo[9.3.1.0 3,8 ]pentadecane (taxane) skeleton.
Pharmacokinetics of Ceftaroline in Normal Body Weight and Obese (Classes I, II, and III) Healthy Adult Subjects

The pharmacokinetic profile of ceftaroline has not been well characterized in obese adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of ceftaroline in 32 healthy adult volunteers aged 18 to 50 years in the normal, overweight, and obese body size ranges. Subjects were evenly assigned to 1 of 4 groups based on their body mass index (BMI) and total body weight (TBW) (ranges, 22.1 to 63.5 kg/m(2) and 50.1 to 179.5 kg, respectively). Subjects in the lower-TBW groups were matched by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and serum creatinine to the upper-BMI groups. Serial plasma and urine samples were collected over 12 h after the start of the infusion, and the concentrations of ceftaroline fosamil (prodrug), ceftaroline, and ceftaroline M-1 (inactive metabolite) were assayed. Noncompartmental and population pharmacokinetic analyses were used to evaluate the data. The mean plasma ceftaroline maximum concentration and area under the curve were ca. 30% lower in subjects with a BMI of ≥40 kg/m(2) compared to those <30 kg/m(2). A five-compartment pharmacokinetic model with zero-order infusion and first-order elimination optimally described the plasma concentration-time profiles of the prodrug and ceftaroline. Estimated creatinine clearance (eCLCR) and TBW best explained ceftaroline clearance and volume of distribution, respectively. Although lower ceftaroline plasma concentrations were observed in obese subjects, Monte Carlo simulations suggest the probability of target attainment is ≥90% when the MIC is ≤1 μg/ml irrespective of TBW or eCLCR. No dosage adjustment for ceftaroline appears to be necessary based on TBW alone in adults with comparable eCLCR. Confirmation of these findings in infected obese patients is necessary to validate these findings in healthy volunteers. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01648127.).
EFICAz2: enzyme function inference by a combined approach enhanced by machine learning.

We previously developed EFICAz, an enzyme function inference approach that combines predictions from non-completely overlapping component methods. Two of the four components in the original EFICAz are based on the detection of functionally discriminating residues (FDRs). FDRs distinguish between member of an enzyme family that are homofunctional (classified under the EC number of interest) or heterofunctional (annotated with another EC number or lacking enzymatic activity). Each of the two FDR-based components is associated to one of two specific kinds of enzyme families. EFICAz exhibits high precision performance, except when the maximal test to training sequence identity (MTTSI) is lower than 30%. To improve EFICAz's performance in this regime, we: i) increased the number of predictive components and ii) took advantage of consensual information from the different components to make the final EC number assignment. We have developed two new EFICAz components, analogs to the two FDR-based components, where the discrimination between homo and heterofunctional members is based on the evaluation, via Support Vector Machine models, of all the aligned positions between the query sequence and the multiple sequence alignments associated to the enzyme families. Benchmark results indicate that: i) the new SVM-based components outperform their FDR-based counterparts, and ii) both SVM-based and FDR-based components generate unique predictions. We developed classification tree models to optimally combine the results from the six EFICAz components into a final EC number prediction. The new implementation of our approach, EFICAz2, exhibits a highly improved prediction precision at MTTSI < 30% compared to the original EFICAz, with only a slight decrease in prediction recall. A comparative analysis of enzyme function annotation of the human proteome by EFICAz2 and KEGG shows that: i) when both sources make EC number assignments for the same protein sequence, the assignments tend to be consistent and ii) EFICAz2 generates considerably more unique assignments than KEGG. Performance benchmarks and the comparison with KEGG demonstrate that EFICAz2 is a powerful and precise tool for enzyme function annotation, with multiple applications in genome analysis and metabolic pathway reconstruction. The EFICAz2 web service is available at: http://cssb.biology.gatech.edu/skolnick/webservice/EFICAz2/index.html
Non-Canonical Notch Signaling in Cancer and Immunity

Canonical Notch signaling is initiated by -secretase mediated cleavage of the Notch receptor, leading to the release of the active intra-cellular domain of Notch that migrates to the nucleus and interacts with RBP-J, resulting in the activation of downstream target genes. While canonical Notch signaling is well known to play an active role in several steps during development as well in multiple cell fate decisions, recent evidence from both invertebrate, as well as vertebrate systems, indicate non-canonical, RBP-J independent signaling is important in several cellular processes including oncogenesis and activation of T lymphocytes. These observations raise the possibility that, through an understanding of non-canonical Notch signaling, novel strategies for inhibiting Notch signaling may prove useful in the design of therapies targeted to block aberrant Notch activity. In this mini-review we will examine the current data demonstrating a non-canonical role for Notch signaling in both cancer as well as the immune system and suggest a better understanding of non-canonical signaling may reveal novel strategies to block Notch signaling in disease.
Probing the affinity and specificity of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase I for coenzymes.

Abstract Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) alcohol dehydrogenase I (SceADH) binds NAD+ and NADH less tightly and turns over substrates more rapidly than does horse (Equus caballus) liver alcohol dehydrogenase E isoenzyme (EcaADH), and neither enzyme uses NADP efficiently. Amino acid residues in the proposed adenylate binding pocket of SceADH were substituted in attempts to improve affinity for coenzymes or reactivity with NADP. Substitutions in SceADH (Gly202Ile or Ser246Ile) with the corresponding residues in the adenine binding site of the homologous EcaADH have modest effects on coenzyme binding and other kinetic constants, but the Ser246Ile substitution decreases turnover numbers by 350-fold. The Ser176Phe substitution (also near adenine site) significantly decreases affinity for coenzymes and turnover numbers. In the consensus nucleotide-binding βαβ fold sequence, SceADH has two alanine residues (177-G AA GGLG-183) instead of the Leu200 in EcaADH (199-G L GGVG-204); the Ala178–Ala179 to Leu substitution significantly decreases affinity for coenzymes and turnover numbers. Some NADP-dependent enzymes have an Ala corresponding to Gly183 in SceADH; the Gly183Ala substitution significantly decreases affinity for coenzymes and turnover numbers. NADP-dependent enzymes usually have a neutral residue instead of the Asp (Asp201 in SceADH) that interacts with the hydroxyl groups of the adenosine ribose, along with a basic residue (at position 202 or 203) to stabilize the 2′-phosphate of NADP. The Gly203Arg change in SceADH does not significantly affect the kinetics. The Gly183Ala or Gly203Arg substitutions do not enable SceADH to use NADP+ as coenzyme. SceADH with the single Asp201Gly or double Asp201Gly:Gly203Arg substitutions have similar, low activity with NADP+. The results suggest that several of the amino acid residues participate in coenzyme binding and that conversion of specificity for coenzyme requires multiple substitutions.
Portfolio diversification benefits within Europe: Implications for a US investor

Abstract This paper investigates the possibility of cointegration between the United States and 11 European equity markets before and after the convergence period of 1995. The results indicate that during the preconvergence and postconvergence periods, some country groups, with and without the US equity market, exhibited cointegration while others did not. For the European Union markets, however, at least one cointegrating vector emerged in either period, but no cointegration among them surfaced during the Euro introduction period of 1999. These results suggest that a US investor can still benefit from country diversification within the European Union markets.
A Group Token Program for the Education of the Mentally Ill.

A group token program for the education of the mentally ill was established to increase motivation, participation, and involvement within the framework of an Activities Therapy adult education prog...
Spatial scales of carbon flow in a river food web

Spatial extents of food webs that support stream and river consumers are largely unknown, but such information is essential for basic understanding and management of lotic ecosystems. We used predictable variation in algal d 13 C with water velocity, and measurements of consumer d 13 C and d 15 N to examine carbon flow and trophic structure in food webs of the South Fork Eel River in Northern California. Analyses of d 13 C showed that the most abundant macroinvertebrate groups (collector-gatherers and scrapers) relied on algae from local sources within their riffle or shallow pool habitats. In contrast, filter- feeding invertebrates in riffles relied in part on algal production derived from upstream shallow pools. Riffle invertebrate predators also relied in part on consumers of pool-derived algal carbon. One abundant taxon drifting from shallow pools and riffles (baetid mayflies) relied on algal production derived from the habitats from which they dispersed. The trophic linkage from pool algae to riffle invertebrate predators was thus mediated through either predation on pool herbivores dispersing into riffles, or on filter feeders. Algal production in shallow pool habitats dominated the resource base of vertebrate predators in all habitats at the end of the summer. We could not distinguish between the trophic roles of riffle algae and terrestrial detritus, but both carbon sources appeared to play minor roles for vertebrate consumers. In shallow pools, small vertebrates, including three-spined stickleback ( Gasterosteus aculeatus), roach (Hesperoleucas symmetricus) , and rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa), relied on invertebrate prey derived from local pool habitats. During the most productive summer period, growth of all size classes of steelhead and resident rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)in all habitats (shallow pools, riffles, and deep unproductive pools) was largely derived from algal production in shallow pools. Preliminary data suggest that the strong role of shallow pool algae in riffle steelhead growth during summer periods was due to drift of pool invertebrates to riffles, rather than movement of riffle trout. Data for d 15 N showed that resident rainbow trout (25-33 cm standard length) in deep pools preyed upon small size classes of juvenile steelhead that were most often found in riffles or shallow pools. While many invertebrate consumers relied primarily on algal production derived from local habitats, our study shows that growth of top predators in the river is strongly linked to food webs in adjacent habitats. These results suggest a key role for emigration of aquatic prey in determining carbon flow to top predators.
Naess's deep ecology approach and environmental policy

A clarification of Naess's ‘depth metaphor’ is offered. The relationship between Naess's empirical semantics and communication theory and his deep ecology approach to ecophilosophy (DEA) is developed. Naess's efforts to highlight significant conflicts by eliminating misunderstandings and promoting deep problematizing are focused upon. These insights are used to develop the implications of the DEA for environmental policy. Naess's efforts to promote the integration of science, ethics, and politics are related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The action‐oriented aspect of deep ecology, its focus upon redirecting environmental policy, is also highlighted. The discussion is framed by Brian Norton's contention, in Toward Unity Among Environmentalists, that Naess's deep/ shallow distinction is not consequential. In the final section some of the uniqueness of Naess's contribution is intimated, the ‘sturdiness’ of deep ecology's foundation is considered, and directions for future theoretical and p...
Geodesics On The Symplectomorphism Group

Let M be a compact manifold with a symplectic form ω and consider the group $${\mathcal{D}_\omega}$$ consisting of diffeomorphisms that preserve ω. We introduce a Riemannian metric on M which is compatible with ω and use it to define an L 2-inner product on vector fields on M. Extending by right invariance we get a weak Riemannian metric on $${\mathcal{D}_\omega}$$ . We show that this metric has geodesics which come from integral curves of a smooth vector field on the tangent bundle of $${\mathcal{D}_\omega}$$ . Then, estimating the growth of such geodesics, we show that they extend globally.
Probing the role of copper in the biosynthesis of the molybdenum cofactor in Escherichia coli and Rhodobacter sphaeroides

The crystal structure of Cnx1G, an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the molybdenum cofactor (Moco) in Arabidopsis thaliana, revealed the remarkable feature of a copper ion bound to the dithiolene unit of a molybdopterin intermediate (Kuper et al. Nature 430:803–806, 2004). To characterize further the role of copper in Moco biosynthesis, we examined the in vivo and/or in vitro activity of two Moco-dependent enzymes, dimethyl sulfoxide reductase (DMSOR) and nitrate reductase (NR), from cells grown under a variety of copper conditions. We found the activities of DMSOR and NR were not affected when copper was depleted from the media of either Escherichia coli or Rhodobacter sphaeroides. These data suggest that while copper may be utilized during Moco biosynthesis when it is available, copper does not appear to be strictly required for Moco biosynthesis in these two organisms.