cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arterial grafting and the risk of sternal infection: how we can learn from our experience.

This potentially life-threatening complication is associated with the need for subsequent procedures, with higher morbidity and higher early mortality—a mortality that can range from 1.5% when occurring as an isolated complication up to 46.3% when associated with multiple other complications. 7-9 The impact of DSWI on late mortality is controversial and likely related to how patient groups are defined and cared for in various health care environments. 8,10-12
Quantitative skin cultures at potential catheter sites in neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and quantify the bacterial and fungal flora present at body sites used for vascular catheterization of infants in a neonatal intensive care unit. DESIGN: Quantitative skin cultures were obtained from a group of neonatal patients to determine the bacterial flora found on the skin at four sites. Quantitative cultures of the jugular, subclavian, umbilical, and femoral sites were obtained on 50 infants, ranging in age from 2 days to 3 months old. SETTING: The neonatal intensive care unit of St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a university-affiliated tertiary care children's hospital. RESULTS: Colony counts ranged from 0 to 10(6) colony-forming units/10 cm2. Types of organisms found were consistent with other published studies and included coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, yeast, aerobic gram-negative rods, Enterococcus species, Corynebacterium species, and alpha-hemolytic streptococci. There was a significantly higher mean colony count at the combined jugular/femoral sites versus the subclavian site (P < 0.01) and umbilical site (P < 0.05). Mean colony counts did not differ significantly between the jugular and femoral site, or between the subclavian and umbilical site. The umbilical site was more likely to be colonized with aerobic gram-negative rods, Enterococcus species, and yeast, while the subclavian had coagulase-negative staphylococci as the predominant organism. The jugular and femoral sites demonstrated a higher colony count of aerobic gram-negative rods, Enterococcus species and yeast than the other sites. If central venous catheters need to be in place for extended periods of time, placement at a site with lower bacterial densities on the skin may help minimize catheter-associated infections. This study supports the subclavian as the preferred site.
Resistance of a one-dimensional quasicrystal: Power-law growth

Properties of the electrical resistance of a one-dimensional quasicrystal, whose structure is governed by the Fibonacci rule, are studied by means of the Landauer formula. In particular, it is shown that the growth of the resistance with sample length is bounded by a power law for certain energies. More specifically, the resistance is shown to grow with sample length not as a single power, but with a spectrum of exponents. These exact results are illustrated by examples. It is conjectured that such behavior is typical for the entire spectrum.
Evidence for coupling of the κ opioid receptor to brain GTPase

Abstract In membranes from guinea pig cerebellum, a tissue which predominantly contains κ opioid receptors, exogenous and endogenous κ-selective opioid agonists stimulated low-Km GTPase activity by 11–20% with concentrations for half-maximal stimulation of 3–23 μM. Opioid ligands of the μ and δ type had no effect on GTPase in these membranes. Similar stimulation of GTPase by κ opiates was obtained in rat and monkey brain membranes pretreated with β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA) and ci s -(±)-3-methylfentanyl isothiocyanate (superfit) to alkylate the μ and δ receptors, respectively. The stimulation of brain GTPase by κ opiates in both types of membranes was inhibited by naloxone with IC50's of 0.35 μM and 0.40 μM. The results demonstrate the coupling of the κ opioid receptor to high affinity GTPase, the Ni regulatory protein of the adenylate cyclase complex.
George W. Bush, Television News, and Rationales for the Iraq War

Popular sentiment holds that President George W. Bush was able to successfully “spin” the news during the early stages of the Iraq War. Research on the president-press relationship gives some reason to believe this sentiment but leaves ample room for skepticism. This article clarifies the relationship between presidential and press rationales for the Iraq War, focusing on whether Bush's emphasis on certain rationales influenced the extent to which news media emphasized these same rationales. Using computer-assisted content analysis to analyze a year's worth of presidential communications and television news, the study provides insight into the interaction of these important discourses.
Relevant prognostic features of multiple myeloma and the new International Staging System

The new International Staging System should be reported in all future studies of multiple myeloma. However, the system fails to account for recent research findings pertaining to mechanisms of disease progression. This review describes development of the International Staging System and details prognostic factors that may further our understanding of the biology of multiple myeloma.
Rate constant for the reaction Br + O3 → BrO + O2 from 248 to 418 K: Kinetics and mechanism

The rate constant for the Br + O3 BrO + O2 reaction was measured by the discharge flow technique, employing resonance fluorescence detection of Br. Over the temperature range 248 to 418 K, in 1 to 3 torr of He, decays of Br in excess O3 yield the value k1 = (3.28 ± 0.40) × 10−11e[−944±30]/T cm3 molecule−1 s−1. Cited uncertainties are at the 95% confidence level and include an estimate of the systematic errors. The rate constants for the reactions of O3 with Br, Cl, F, OH, O, and N correlate with the electron affinities of the radicals suggesting that the reactions proceed through early transition states dominated by transfer of electron density from the highest occupied molecular orbital of ozone to the singly occupied radical MO. The implications of this new measurement of k1 for stratospheric chemistry are discussed.
Plasma Products for Hemophilia Treatment

A wide variety of plasma products are available for hemophilia treatment, and new ones soon will be introduced. Major safety concerns are reduction of transmission of viruses and, for factor IX (FIX) complex concentrates, reduction of thrombogenicity. Viral transmission can be reduced by use of cryoprecipitate prepared from repeatedly-pheresed dedicated donors; by separation of viruses in concentrate production by increased purification; and by inactivation of viruses by such methods as heat, or dissolving the lipid envelopes of certain viruses with solvent-detergent combinations, or ultraviolet irradiation in conjuction with use of an alkylating agent or, experimentally, a photosensitizing agent. Factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates made by recombinant DNA technology in cell culture are in clinical trials. Thrombogenicity of FIX concentrates can be reduced by removing prothrombin and factors VII and X. We hope to improve or maintain safety, reasonable prices, and adequate supplies.
Particle methods for simulation of subsurface multiphase fluid flow and biogeochemical processes

A number of particle models that are suitable for simulating multiphase fluid flow and biogeological processes have been developed during the last few decades. Here we discuss three of them: a microscopic model - molecular dynamics; a mesoscopic model - dissipative particle dynamics; and a macroscopic model - smoothed particle hydrodynamics. Particle methods are robust and versatile, and it is relatively easy to add additional physical, chemical and biological processes into particle codes. However, the computational efficiency of particle methods is low relative to continuum methods. Multiscale particle methods and hybrid (particle–particle and particle–continuum) methods are needed to improve computational efficiency and make effective use of emerging computational capabilities. These new methods are under development.
CREB binding protein recruitment to the transcription complex requires growth factor-dependent phosphorylation of its GF box.

Abstract Growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin regulate development and metabolism via genes containing both POU homeodomain (Pit-1) and phorbol ester (AP-1) response elements. Although CREB binding protein (CBP) functions as a coactivator on these elements, the mechanism of transactivation was previously unclear. We now demonstrate that CBP is recruited to these elements only after it is phosphorylated at serine 436 by growth factor–dependent signaling pathways. In contrast, p300, a protein closely related to CBP that lacks this phosphorylation site, binds only weakly to the transcription complex and in a growth factor–independent manner. A small region of CBP (amino acids 312–440), which we term GF box, contains a potent transactivation domain and mediates this effect. Direct phosphorylation represents a novel mechanism controlling coactivator recruitment to the transcription complex.
Impact of record flooding of a subtropical river on estuary/ocean exchange

Measurements of current velocity profiles during and after cresting of the Suwannee River in Northern Florida, USA, were used to investigate the effects of increased river discharge on subtidal flows near the estuarine transition with the Gulf of Mexico. Three moored velocity profilers were deployed across a lower estuary cross-section. The cross-section bathymetry consisted of a channel (∼5.5 m deep) near the western bank of the estuary that shoaled monotonically eastward. Two-layer gravitational exchange developed only in the deepest part of the cross-section during the river cresting and persisted for ∼20 days. After this ∼20-day period, the net flow decreased and was seaward throughout the water column. Net flows outside the channel were seaward throughout the observation period and were modulated by the river pulse. By comparing the estuarine response in the 5.5-m channel to theoretical responses driven by a dynamic balance between pressure gradient and stress divergence, a condition required for two-layered flow was proposed. Gravitational exchange flow should be expected when the ratio of density-driven flow to river-induced flow is greater than 0.23 to 0.28. Smaller values of this ratio should produce unidirectional, seaward flows after a river pulse. Two-layered flows restricted to the channel can be explained also with this ratio because of the sensitivity of density-driven flows to local depth and eddy viscosity. These findings need to be tested against observations in other systems affected by extreme freshwater pulses.
Stimulation of NTS A1 adenosine receptors evokes counteracting effects on hindlimb vasculature

Our previous studies concluded that stimulation of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) A2a receptors evokes preferential hindlimb vasodilation mainly via inducing increases in preganglionic sym...
Choriogenesis in the medfly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedermann) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Four chorionic stages (11, 12, 13, 14) can be discerned in the medfly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera : Tephritidae) by light microscope. More detailed staging (stages 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 12C, 13A, 13B, 13C, 14A and 14B) is possible only by electron microscope. Throughout these stages, the first chorionic layer (wax layer) is formed at stage 11A, followed by the formation of the innermost chorionic layer (stage 12A), the inner endochorion, the pillars and the cavities of the first trabecular layer (stage 12), creation of the second trabecular layer and the chorionic network (stage 13), and finally the secretion of the exochorionic layers (stage 14). Pulse-chase autoradiography has revealed that the follicle cells are responsible for the synthesis of all proteinaceous layers. No extensive regional complexity is observed besides the existence of the micropylar apparatus and aeropyles in the anterior pole. Biochemical analysis has revealed several eggshell proteins and their stage-specific synthesis: two intermediate molecular-weight proteins are the major chorion proteins; in addition, there are 2 more groups comprising 6 proteins, which might be characteristic for the different chorion layers as can be deduced by their stage-electrophoretic pattern.
The Effects Of Radiation On Optoelectronic Devices

The application of fiber optic links in both commercial and military space systems, as well as other hostile environments, will mean that these links must be able to withstand exposure to radiation of various types. In this paper, we summarize our work on the effects of radiation on typical emitters and detectors employed in fiber optic links.
Ad hoc modeling, expert problem solving, and R&T program evaluation

This paper describes how a network of (or a single) personal computers may be used in system performance improvement/configurations modification analyses in a manner that ameliorates several of the classical shortcomings of conventional quantitative methodologies. Specifically, the Simplified Cost and Time (SCAT) approach used permits a quick and simple way of determining the impact of changed requirements/configurations on a system's performance. Items that are so critical to a successful program appraisal methodology are described.
Evaluation of Acute Radiation Optic Neuropathy by B-scan Ultrasonography

We studied the accuracy of B-scan ultrasonography to diagnose radiation-induced optic neuropathy in 15 patients with uveal melanoma. Optic neuropathy was diagnosed by an observer masked as to clinical and photographic data. We analyzed planimetry area measurements of the retrobulbar nerve before and after irradiation. The retrobulbar area of the optic nerve shadow on B-scan was quantitated with a sonic digitizer. Increased optic nerve shadow area was confirmed in 13 of 15 patients who had radiation optic neuropathy (P
Colloquium: Does autonomy entail theology? Autonomy, legitimacy, and the study of religion

Abstract Donald Wiebe and other theorists have challenged the doctrine of the autonomy of religion as an intrusion of confessional claims upon non-theological, social scientific study of the subject. This article contends that such criticisms (1) fail to appreciate the diversity of ways in which autonomy has been affirmed by classic theorists; (2) fail to notice that even where confessionalism serves as motive, it does not provide the grounds for such affirmations; (3) fail to see that a legitimate claim of autonomy can be made to rest, axiomatically, on humanistic assumptions no different from those that undergird other disciplines in the academy; and (4) fail to see that overagainst, say, natural scientific explanation, social science itself must make similarly axiomatic claims to autonomy.
Application of the sequential gradient-restoration to thermal convective instability problems

The problem of the thermal stability of a horizontal incompressible fluid layer with linear and nonlinear temperature distributions is solved by using the sequential gradient-restoration algorithm developed for optimal control problems. The hydrodynamic boundary conditions for the layer include a rigid or free upper surface and a rigid lower surface. The resulting disturbing equations are solved as a Bolza problem in the calculus of variations. The results of the study are compared with the existing works in the literature.
DynMo-TE : Dynamic simulation model of space reactor power system with thermoelectric converters

Abstract A space reactor power system (SRPS) has been developed for avoidance of single point failures in reactor cooling and energy conversion. The sectored compact reactor (SCoRe) in this system is lithium-cooled and the reactor core is divided into six equal sectors with liquid metal heat pipes dividers. These reactor sectors are neutronically, but not thermal-hydraulically, coupled. Each sector has its own primary and secondary circulating lithium loops, which are thermally coupled both in a SiGe thermoelectric (TE) power conversion assembly (PCA) and a thermoelectric conversion assembly (TAC) that powers the electromagnetic pumps in the primary and secondary loops. Each secondary loop also has a separate, segmented radiator panel that is optimized for low specific mass and low liquid lithium inventory. The primary loops transport the thermal power generated in the reactor to six PCAs that nominally supply a total of 111.5 kW e to the load at 450 V DC. Each of the 12 primary and secondary loops has its own bellows-type accumulator that is designed to regulate the lithium pressures in the loops. A dynamic simulation model of this thermoelectric SRPS (DynMo-TE) has been developed and used to investigate the transient operation of the system during a startup from a fully-thawed condition at 600 K, to nominal steady-state operation at which the lithium coolant exits the reactor at only 1179 K. Also investigated is the load-following characteristic of the SCoRe-TE SRPS, following a change in the electrical load demand.
Effective strategic and operational practices of manufacturing, service, and public sector organizations: An empirical examination

The objective of this empirical investigation is to gain insights into the operational strategies, practices and characteristics of 130 manufacturing, 61 services and 86 public sector organizations. Based on this survey-based research conducted in the USA, it is concluded that operational lessons learned from the manufacturing experience may improve the operations of service and public sector organizations. In this context, benchmarking manufacturing organizations' operational know-how may prove to be a worthy investment for service and public sector organizations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exact confidence interval estimation for the Youden index and its corresponding optimal cut-point

In diagnostic studies, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve are important tools in assessing the utility of biomarkers in discriminating between non-diseased and diseased populations. For classifying a patient into the non-diseased or diseased group, an optimal cut-point of a continuous biomarker is desirable. Youden's index (J), defined as the maximum vertical distance between the ROC curve and the diagonal line, serves as another global measure of overall diagnostic accuracy and can be used in choosing an optimal cut-point. The proposed approach is to make use of a generalized approach to estimate the confidence intervals of the Youden index and its corresponding optimal cut-point. Simulation results are provided for comparing the coverage probabilities of the confidence intervals based on the proposed method with those based on the large sample method and the parametric bootstrap method. Finally, the proposed method is illustrated via an application to a data set from a study on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
The Role of Topical Immune Response Modifiers in Skin Cancer

Topical immune response modifiers include imiquimod and resiquimod. The mechanism of action of immune response modifiers is complex and not completely understood. It involves the stimulation of innate and cell-mediated immune responses through Toll-like receptor-mediated induction of cytokines. Imiquimod is approved for the treatment of actinic keratoses, superficial basal cell carcinomas and warts; it has also been documented to successfully treat other forms of skin cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma in situ, melanoma and extramammary Paget's disease.
Sum-capacity of ergodic fading interference and compound multiaccess channels

The problem of resource allocation is studied for two-sender two-receiver fading Gaussian interference channels (IPCs) and compound multiaccess channels (C-MACs). The senders in an IFC communicate with their own receiver (unicast) while those in a C-MAC communicate with both receivers (multicast). The instantaneous fading state between every transmit- receive pair in this network is assumed to be known at all transmitters and receivers. Under an average power constraint at each source, the sum-capacity of the C-MAC and the power policy that achieves this capacity is developed. The conditions defining the classes of strong and very strong ergodic IPCs are presented and the multicast sum-capacity is shown to be tight for both classes.
Pharmacokinetics of Intranasal and Intratracheal Pentoxifylline in Rabbits

Study Objective. To evaluate the disposition of pentoxifylline and its metabolite, lisofylline, in New Zealand rabbits after two alternative routes of administration, intranasal and intratracheal. Design. Pharmacokinetics study in an animal model. Setting. University-affiliated animal care facility. Subjects. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits divided into four groups of five rabbits each: group 1 did not receive study drug (control group), and groups 2, 3, and 4 evaluated intravenous, intranasal, and intratracheal routes of administration, respectively. Intervention. Each rabbit in groups 2–4 received pentoxifylline as a single 20-mg/kg dose by their respective route of administration. Measurements and Main Results. Blood samples were collected over a 24-hour period and were analyzed by using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The pharmacokinetic parameters evaluated were area under the concentration-time curve from time zero extrapolated to infinity (AUC0–∞), maximum concentration (Cmax), time to maximum concentration (Tmax), elimination rate constant (kel), and half-life (t1/2). Median pentoxifylline pharmacokinetic parameters after intravenous administration were AUC0–∞ 5420 ng•hr/ml, Cmax 16,727 ng/ml, Tmax 5 minutes, kel 0.036 minute−1, and t1/2 19 minutes. Median pharmacokinetic parameters after intranasal and intratracheal administration, respectively, were AUC0–∞ 4224 and 6824 ng•hr/ml, Cmax 11,181 and 16,758 ng/ml, Tmax 5 and 5 minutes, kel 0.028 and 0.032 minute−1, and t1/2 25 and 22 minutes. The metabolite, lisofylline, displayed a similar disposition after the three different routes of administration. Conclusion. The pharmacokinetic profiles after intranasal and intratracheal administration of pentoxifylline appear similar to those after intravenous administration. These data provide support for development of pentoxifylline intranasal and intratracheal dosage formulations that would be suitable for use in premature neonates.
Abstract 5222: microRNA-148a is a prognostic oncomiR that targets MIG6 and BIM to regulate EGFR and apoptosis in glioblastoma

In this study, we uncovered microRNA-148a (miR-148a) as a novel prognostic and oncogenic microRNA in glioblastoma (GBM). MiR-148a expression was significantly higher in human GBM tissues, cell lines and stem cells (GSCs) as compared to normal human brain and astrocytes. High miR-148a levels were a risk indicator for GBM patient survival. MiR-148a increased GBM cell and GSC growth, survival, migration, and invasion as well as GSC neurosphere formation. We identified the EGFR regulator, MIG6, and the apoptosis regulator, BIM as two direct targets of miR-148a and showed with rescue experiments that they mediate the oncogenic effects of miR-148a. Importantly, by inhibiting MIG6 expression, miR-148a reduced EGFR trafficking to the Rab7-expressing late endosome/lysosomal compartments. This coincided with a reduction of EGFR degradation and induction of EGFR expression and activation. Lastly, inhibition of miR-148a expression led to a strong inhibition of GSC and GBM xenograft growth in vivo. These findings represent the first comprehensive analysis of the role of miR-148a in GBM. They show that miR-148a expression levels are predictive of patient survival and that this microRNA enhances malignancy by inhibiting apoptosis and indirectly activating EGFR. These results also suggest that miR-148a is a potential target for GBM therapy. Citation Format: Jungeun Kim, Ying Zhang, Michael Skalski, Josie Hayes, Benjamin Kefas, David Schiff, Benjamin Purow, Sarah Parsons, Sean Lawler, Roger Abounader. microRNA-148a is a prognostic oncomiR that targets MIG6 and BIM to regulate EGFR and apoptosis in glioblastoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5222. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5222
Marshall Space Flight Center Test Capabilities

The Test Laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has over 50 facilities across 400+ acres inside a secure, fenced facility. The entire Center is located inside the boundaries of Redstone Arsenal, a 40,000 acre military reservation. About 150 Government and 250 contractor personnel operate facilities capable of all types of propulsion and structural testing, from small components to engine systems and structural strength, structural dynamic and environmental testing. We have tremendous engineering expertise in research, evaluation, analysis, design and development, and test of space transportation systems, subsystems, and components.
The mechanism of dextrose-enhanced peritoneal mass transport rates

The mechanism of dextrose-enhanced peritoneal mass transport rates.The mechanism whereby hypertonic dextrose affects peritoneal transport was investigated in a short-term model of peritoneal dialysis using alert intact rabbits. During control (1.5% dextrose) dialyses osmotic ultrafiltration was 0.28 mg/kg/min, the clearance of potassium was 0.98, urea 0.54, phosphate 0.32, and dextrose (reverse) 0.21 ml/kg/min. With 4.25% dextrose, the ultrafiltration rate increased to 0.73 ml/kg/min (P
Studies on the biosynthesis of cordycepin.

The carboxyl carbons of acetate and isovalerate do not serve to any appreciable extent as precursors of cordycepin, thus arguing against the origin of cordycepose from pathways of isoprenoid biosynthesis. Exogenously added [8-14C]adenine, [I-14C]-glucose, and [6-14C]glucose serve as excellent precursors, the latter two compounds labeling both the base and sugar of the nucleoside. [6-14C]glucose labels cordycepose better than [I-14C]glucose, thereby indicating a loss of carbon atom number one of the glucose molecule in cordycepose synthesis.
Density fluctuations of self-avoiding walks in random systems.

We analyze density fluctuations of a self-avoiding chain in a random environment by a computer simulation. The density at a site is obtained by computing the number of times a monomer visits a particular site on a finite lattice. Although the chain obeys self-avoiding-walk statistics, the density measure appears to be multifractal. We compute \ensuremath{\tau}(q) and f(\ensuremath{\alpha}).
Properties of amorphous aluminate dielectrics synthesized via photosensitized pulsed laser ablation of luminescent targets

Abstract The dielectric properties of (Ce,Tb)MgAl 11 O x films deposited by pulsed laser deposition are reported. The optical absorption from the rare earth dopant in the polycrystalline target material serves as an efficient photosensitizer for laser ablation when a laser source operating in the ultraviolet is employed. The deposited films are amorphous with few, if any, particulates evident on the surface. Metal–insulator–metal device structures were fabricated using these films, measuring the dielectric and leakage current properties. The relative dielectric constant of the amorphous aluminate is on the order of 10. Leakage currents as low as 6 × 10 − 8 A/cm 2 at an applied field of 0.6 MV/cm were realized.
Tunneling through magnetic molecules with arbitrary angle between easy axis and magnetic field

Inelastic tunneling through magnetically anisotropic molecules is studied theoretically in the presence of a strong magnetic field. Since the molecular orientation is not well controlled in tunneling experiments, we consider arbitrary angles between easy axis and field. This destroys all conservation laws except that of charge, leading to a rich fine structure in the differential conductance. Besides single molecules, we also study monolayers of molecules with either aligned or random easy axes. We show that detailed information on the molecular transitions and orientations can be obtained from the differential conductance for varying magnetic field. For random easy axes, averaging over orientations leads to van Hove singularities in the differential conductance. Rate equations in the sequential-tunneling approximation are employed. An efficient approximation for their solution for complex molecules is presented. The results are applied to ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{12}$-based magnetic molecules.
Probability density of the intensity of two partially correlated speckle fields: the influence of finite size detectors

Abstract The probability density function of the intensity of the sum of two partially (spatially) correlated speckle patterns, each spatially averaged by being interrogated by a detector of finite size, is determined assuming that the probability density of the aperture-averaged intensity is gamma distributed. The analysis is worked out in detail and numerical calculations performed when the mean and variance of the individual gamma probability density are equal. An “interpolation” gamma probability density function, valid for all values of the intensity correlation, is developed. It is shown to be an excellent approximation to the more exact analysis.
An ultrastructural study of the craniocaudal continuation of the glycogen body.

An ultrastructural analysis of the chicken glycogen body and its craniocaudal continuation areas shows a continuum of astroglial cell types. Characteristic glycogen body astroglia are confined to the classically defined body located in the chicken lumbosacral spinal cord. These are large cells which have an eccentric dark nucleus surrounded by a rim of dense cytoplasm which contains the usual complement of organelles. The remainder of the cell volume is occupied by alpha and beta glycogen particles interspersed with a flocculo-granular material continuous with the main cytoplasmic mass. Astroglial cells of continuation areas usually have a light cytoplasm and a centrally placed nucleus. They contain beta glycogen particles of varying sizes, but like the glycogen body cells, may have beta particles as large as 45 nm. Such particles, which resemble four leaf clovers in shape, are suggestive of an ordered substructure. Gliofilaments are not always conspicuous in astroglial perikarya, but large numbers of them are present in the processes. Although the continuation areas are mostly confined to gray matter regions, the contained astroglial processes exhibit circular, triangular, or cylindrical shapes and form an unpatterned mosaic. Astrocytic processes forming the glia limitans on the anterior and posterior margins of the cord often contain conspicuous amounts of glycogen. The ultrastructural identification of such large amounts of glycogen within the chicken nervous system suggests that it plays a major role in avian neural metabolism.
Automatic Position Dependent Simulation for Robust Smart Grid

This paper presents a method for transient simulation of AC-DC systems. With the pre-simulation technique, the method automatically determines the weight factor for different position in the simulated AC-DC system, so as to compromise the accuracy requirement as well as numerical oscillation reduction. A case was studied to verify the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed methodology.
Updated New Madrid analysis better defines the uncertainty in seismic hazard maps

Although we are uncertain about how and when earthquakes will occur and the intensity of the associated ground-shaking, forecasts of the level of expected earthquake groundshaking are important to society for planning purposes. These forecasts are conveyed in probabilistic seismic hazard maps. Probabilistic seismic hazard maps may be viewed as the earthquake analog to long-term weather forecasts. Most people accept that the weather cannot be predicted accurately and instead accept the idea of a forecast that states the likelihood of a climatic condition occurring during some time period. In the absence of abundant observations over the full range of climatic conditions, for example, from drought to flood, models of extremes in climate must be employed to estimate the probabilities of the hazardous conditions. Just as these probabilities can be used by society to prepare for extreme weather conditions, seismic hazard maps can be used to prepare for the damaging ground-shaking caused by earthquakes.
Reflexive blood pressure and heart rate responses of spontaneous hypertensive rats to electric shock

An examination was made of the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) responses of two groups of Okamoto-Aoki spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats and two groups of Wistar/ Kyoto (WKY) genetic control rats to unsignaled 1.5- or 5.0-sec 1.3-mA ac electric shocks applied through chest electrodes. Shock elicited brief pressor BP responses in both strains, followed by a depressor reaction in the WKY groups and a less precipitous fall in pressure in the SHR groups. Heart rate was generally accelerative in both strains. The results suggested that the SHR groups may have been less able to reflexively inhibit sympathetic output than were the WKY groups.
CANOES: detecting rare copy number variants from whole exome sequencing data

We present CANOES, an algorithm for the detection of rare copy number variants from exome sequencing data. CANOES models read counts using a negative binomial distribution and estimates variance of the read counts using a regression-based approach based on selected reference samples in a given dataset. We test CANOES on a family-based exome sequencing dataset, and show that its sensitivity and specificity is comparable to that of XHMM. Moreover, the method is complementary to Gaussian approximation-based methods (e.g. XHMM or CoNIFER). When CANOES is used in combination with these methods, it will be possible to produce high accuracy calls, as demonstrated by a much reduced and more realistic de novo rate in results from trio data.
Simulating shear wave propagation in two-dimensional fractured heterogeneous media by coupling boundary element and finite difference methods

A hybrid method to model the shear wave (SH) scattering from 2D fractures embedded in a heterogeneous medium is developed by coupling Boundary Element Method (BEM) and Finite Different Method (FDM) in the frequency domain. FDM is used to propagate an SH wave from a source through heterogeneities to localized homogeneous domains where fractures are embedded within artificial boundaries. According to Huygens’ Principle, the boundary points can be regarded as “secondary” point sources and their values are determined by FDM. Given the incident fields from these point sources, BEM is applied to model scatterings from fractures and propagate them back to the artificial boundaries. FDM then takes the boundaries as secondary sources and continues propagating the scattered field into the heterogeneous medium. The hybrid method utilizes both the advantage of BEM and FDM. A numerical iterative scheme is also presented to account for the multiple scattering between different sets of fractures. The results calculated from this hybrid method with pure BEM method are first compared to show the accuracy of the hybrid approach and the iterative scheme. This method is then applied to calculate the wave scattered from fractures embedded in complex media.
A Clinical Risk Score to Predict the Time to First Appropriate Device Therapy in Recipients of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Background:To develop a risk score to predict the occurrence of appropriate defibrillator [implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)] therapies.A simple clinical score predicting the risk of appropriate ICD therapy is lacking. Methods:A Cox regression model was developed from a database of ICD patients at a single tertiary center to predict the time to appropriate ICD therapy defined as shock or antitachycardia pacing. A risk score was derived from this model using half of the database and was validated using the other half. Results:A total of 399 patients were entered into the database between July 2001 and February 2004. There were no statistically significant differences between the derivation (n = 200) and validation (n = 199) groups in any of the demographic or clinical variables recorded. The risk score included three independent variables: indication for ICD implantation (P = 0.03), serum creatinine level (P = 0.015), and QRS width (P = 0.028). The observed risk scores were highly predictive of time to ICD therapy in the validation group (P = 0.02). Conclusion:We describe a new clinical risk score that predicts the time to appropriate device therapy in ICD recipients of a single tertiary center hospital. The performance of this risk score needs to be investigated prospectively in a larger patient population.
Functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: A poorly understood and often missed diagnosis that is frequently mistreated

Objectives Functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (FPAES) is an uncommon overuse injury in young physically active adults manifest by neuromuscular symptoms (gastroc/soleus cramping, plantar paresthesias). It is commonly confused with chronic recurrent exertional compartment syndrome (CRECS). This study evaluated the diagnostic testing, mechanism of injury, and treatment differences between FPAES and CRECS. Methods Between 1987 and 2007, 854 patients (557 women, 297 men; mean age, 28.5 years) were surgically treated for the diagnosis of CRECS or FPAES, or both. Compartment pressures were measured in all patients who had anterior lateral or posterior superficial calf symptoms (normal pressure ≤15 mm Hg). Noninvasive stress positional plethysmography was routine. Stress positional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or angiography (MRA) was performed on patients with positive plethysmography result and symptoms consistent with FPAES. Results Of the 854 patients, 757 (95%) had elevated compartment pressures (≥25 mm Hg), and fasciectomy was performed for CRECS under local anesthesia (anterior lateral, 508; posterior superficial, 191; distal deep posterior, 101). The result of stress plethysmography was positive in 139 (18%), but they were asymptomatic. Forty-three patients (27 women, 16 men; mean age, 26.6 years) had positive stress plethysmography, appropriate FPAES symptoms, and normal compartment pressures. MRA/MRI in all 43 demonstrated normal musculotendinous anatomy and lateral neurovascular compression with plantar flexion. Under general anesthesia, all had excision of the soleal band, with relief from symptoms. In 19 of the 43 FPAES patients (44%), CRECS releases were done before or after FPAES surgery. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 240 months. Conclusion FPAES and CRECS occur in the same population with similar symptoms but require different treatment.
JIT/TQC-identifying and solving problems

Just-in-time/total quality control (JIT/TQC) is a proven, practical process that attacks waste. Any activity which does not add value to the product is considered wasteful. Reducing waste increases customer service, reduces costs, and improves quality. When a company has installed an aggressive, ongoing ability to improve its operations, it has created a competitive weapon. It is pointed out that JIT needs TQC. The major thrust of JIT is to identify problems; it highlights the barriers and constraints that are causing waste. TQC corrects them. Without an effective means of overcoming the barriers and constraints, JIT would simply pile up missed opportunities. TQC needs JIT. JIT derives the problems for TQC to attack. The principle and techniques of JIT/TQC are presented, and the change process is described. >
Unconstrained Variational Statements for Initial and Boundary-Value Problems

Abstract : A procedure is developed for generating variational statements suitable for obtaining approximate solutions to boundary-initial value problems. The essence of the procedure is to introduce all boundary and initial conditions into the variational statement as natural boundary conditions. This is accomplished through the use of Lagrange multipliers in which all initial condition terms as well as boundary terms are determined analytically. The result is a variational statement in which completely unconstrained trial functions may be assumed as a basis for an approximate solution. Several applications are given, including the response of a beam subject to a moving concentrated mass loading.
α-Pheromone-Induced “Shmooing” and Gene Regulation Require White-Opaque Switching during Candida albicans Mating

A 14-mer alpha-pheromone peptide of Candida albicans was chemically synthesized and used to analyze the role of white-opaque switching in the mating process. The alpha-pheromone peptide blocked cell multiplication and induced "shmooing" in a/a cells expressing the opaque-phase phenotype but not in a/a cells expressing the white-phase phenotype. The alpha-pheromone peptide induced these effects at 25 degrees C but not at 37 degrees C. An analysis of mating-associated gene expression revealed several categories of gene regulation, including (i) MTL-homozygous-specific, pheromone stimulated, switching-independent (CAG1 and STE4); (ii) mating type-specific, pheromone-induced, switching-independent (STE2); and (iii) pheromone-induced, switching-dependent (FIG1, KAR4, and HWP1). An analysis of switching-regulated genes revealed an additional category of opaque-phase-specific genes that are downregulated by alpha-pheromone only in a/a cells (OP4, SAP1, and SAP3). These results demonstrate that alpha-pheromone causes shmooing, the initial step in the mating process, only in a/a cells expressing the opaque phenotype and only at temperatures below that in the human host. These results further demonstrate that although some mating-associated genes are stimulated by the alpha-pheromone peptide in both white- and opaque-phase cells, others are stimulated only in opaque-phase cells, revealing a category of gene regulation unique to C. albicans in which alpha-pheromone induction requires the white-opaque transition. These results demonstrate that in C. albicans, the mating process and associated gene regulation must be examined within the context of white-opaque switching.
Synthesis of monodisperse hexagonal NaYF4:Yb, Ln (Ln = Er, Ho and Tm) upconversion nanocrystals in TOPO

NaYF4 doped with Yb, Ln (Ln = Er, Ho and Tm) upconversion nanocrystals (UP-NCs) were synthesized in trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) solvent via a thermolysis method. It was found that the energy barrier of the phase transition from cubic (α) to hexagonal (β) was significantly reduced in TOPO, and the β-phase NCs were obtained in a broad temperature window from 330 to 370 °C. The as-synthesized NCs had controllable sizes in the range 5–20 nm with narrow size distribution, and presented highly efficient UP fluorescence.
The Immunomodulatory Agent Rapamycin Potentiates the Antiviral Activity of the Fusion Inhibitor T20 Against R5 Strains of HIV-1

The fusion inhibitor T20 marks the beginning of a new era in the management of HIV-1 disease. By inhibiting viral entry, T20 suppress viral replication in patients carrying strains resistant to reverse transcriptase or protease inhibitors. However, its antiviral activity is compromised by mutations in gp41. Based on our previous work demonstrating that Rapamycin (RAPA) inhibits R5 HIV-1 by downregulating CCR5 surface expression, we now show that RAPA and T20 synergize in antiviral activity against R5 strains. Synergy studies using the Median Effect analysis revealed that the IC50 values of RAPA and T20 in the RAPA/T20 combination were reduced 9and 3fold, respectively. Three-Dimensional modeling confirmed the observed synergy (synergy volume of 253.85; 95 % CL : 91–147). We also show that the RAPA/T20 combo, but not T20 alone, prevented the emergence of T20 resistance upon continuous passage of R5 HIV-1 ADA on PBMCs for 24 weeks under subinhibitory concentrations of T20. In addition, R5 ADA and YU-2 clones carrying T20 single mutations 36D, 38M or 43K (4–10 fold resistance) or the double mutation 36D/38M (65-fold resistance), were all inhibited in the presence of RAPA. In conclusion, our results demonstrating that the RAPA/T20 combination has synergistic antiviral activity, prevents the emergence of T20 resistance, and inhibits T20 resistant strains, suggest a novel therapeutic approach to enhance the antiviral activity of T20 in patients carrying R5 strains of HIV-1. from 2005 International Meeting of The Institute of Human Virology Baltimore, USA, 29 August – 2 September 2005
Reducing the performance impact of instruction cache misses by writing instructions into the reservation stations out-of-order

In conventional processors, each instruction cache fetch brings in a group of instructions. Upon encountering an instruction cache miss, the processor will wait until the instruction cache miss is serviced before continuing to fetch any new instructions. This paper presents a new technique, called out-of-order issue, which allows the processor to temporarily ignore the instructions associated with the instruction cache miss. The processor attempts to fetch the instructions that follow the group of instructions associated with the miss. These instructions are then decoded and written into the processor's reservation stations. Later, after the instruction cache miss has been serviced, the instructions associated with the miss are decoded and written into the reservation stations. (We use the term issue to indicate the act of writing instructions into the reservation stations. With this technique, instructions are not written into the reservation stations in program order. Hence, the term out-of-order issue.) In this paper, we introduce the concept of out-of-order issue, describe its implementation, and present some initial data showing the performance gains possible with out-of-order issue.
Real-time scheduling for multimedia services using network delay estimation

A multimedia system combines audio, video, graphics, and text into one presentation. Each of these multimedia data types has distinct temporal characteristics. For example video has a specific number of frames that must be displayed per second. There are also temporal relationships that exist between the media. In a movie application, the audio and video streams must be synchronized to achieve a lip syncing effect. In our system, we manage these temporal requirements through the scheduling of the communication channel; multimedia data is retrieved across the network at the appropriate time so that temporal presentation requirements are met. This real-time scheduling forms a basis for the limited a priori (LAP) scheduler. The scheduler assumes that it knows enough about the system a priori to schedule the next period or limited portion of the presentation. By considering only one period at a time, the scheduler can adapt to dynamic user input or changing communication channel characteristics. A network delay model and retrieval delay estimation are used by the LAP scheduler when scheduling objects so that they arrive before their playout deadlines. This modeling and estimation also allow the LAP scheduler to decide when there are changes in the communication channel performance that require adjustments to the retrieval schedule. Furthermore, they enable the LAP scheduler to lower the resource requirements of a multimedia presentation when there is less than sufficient network bandwidth or buffer space for normal playout. The characteristics of the LAP scheduler are first described by analyzing the delay estimation techniques. Properties of the LAP scheduler are further investigated by using performance results from an FDDI network simulation and from an implementation of the LAP scheduler between two Unix workstations interconnected by an Ethernet network. The LAP scheduler was found to satisfy the proposed objectives for multimedia data retrieval. However, its performance is hindered by the difficulty in predicting network traffic patterns, the normal approximations in the estimation process, and the lack of scheduling for resources other than the communication channel.