cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
XCache: a semantic caching system for XML queries

A wide range of Web applications retrieve desired information from remote XML data sources across the Internet, which is usually costly due to transmission delays for large volumes of data. Therefore we propose to apply the ideas of semantic caching to XML query processing systems [2], in particular the XQuery engine. Semantic caching [3] implies view-based query answering and cache management. While it is well studied in the traditional database context, query containment for XQuery is left unexplored due to its complexity coming with the powerful expressiveness of hierarchy, recursion and result construction. We hence have developed the first solution for XQuery processing using cached views.We exploit the connections between XML and tree automata, and use subtype relations between two regular expression types to tackle the XQuery containment mapping problem. Inspired by XDuce [1], which explores the use of tree-automata-based regular expression types for XML processing, we have designed a containment mapping process to incorporate type inference and subtyping mechanisms provided by XDuce to establish containment mappings between regular-expression-type-based pattern variables of two queries. We have implemented a semantic caching system called XCache (see Figure 1), to realize the proposed containment and rewriting techniques for XQuery.The main modules of XCache include: (1) Query Decomposer. An input query is is decomposed into source-specific subqueries explicitly represented by matching patterns and return structures. (2) Query Pattern Register. By registering a few queries into semantic regions, we warm up XCache at its initialization phase. (3) Query Containment Mapper. The XDuce subtyper is incorporated into the containment mapper for establishing query containment mappings between variables of a new query and each cached query. (4) Query Rewriter. We implement the classical bucket algorithm and further apply heuristics to decide on an "optimal" rewriting plan if several valid ones exist. (5) Replacement Manager. We free space for new regions by both complete and partial replacement. (6) Region Coalescer. We apply a coalescing strategy to control the region granularity over time.
Allozyme variation and recent evolutionary history of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) in the southeastern United States

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis [L.] Carr.) is a widespread and ecologically important conifer species of eastern North America that is threatened by the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand), a pest introduced into the United States from Asia in the 1920s. Information about the genetic composition of eastern hemlock is necessary to guide ex situ conservation efforts in the southeastern United States, where the species is expected to harbor relatively high amounts of genetic variation in areas of Pleistocene glacial refuge. Nineteen allozyme markers were used to quantify the genetic variation present in 20 eastern hemlock populations in the southeastern United States. Results indicate that the species has low levels of genetic diversity in the region compared to most other conifers, but greater population differentiation (FST = 0.126). Populations along the eastern periphery and in the Appalachian interior exhibited higher levels of diversity than those along the western periphery of its geographic range. The results suggest that the glacial refuge area for eastern hemlock was likely located east of the southern Appalachian Mountains, and indicate that ex situ conservation seed collections should be concentrated in these areas of higher diversity.
Regulation of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 hemA Gene by PrrA and FnrL

Part of the oxygen responsiveness of Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 tetrapyrrole production involves changes in transcription of the hemA gene, which codes for one of two isoenzymes catalyzing 5-aminolevulinic acid synthesis. Regulation of hemA transcription from its two promoters is mediated by the DNA binding proteins FnrL and PrrA. The two PrrA binding sites, binding sites I and II, which are located upstream of the more-5' hemA promoter (P1), are equally important to transcription under aerobic conditions, while binding site II is more important under anaerobic conditions. By using phosphoprotein affinity chromatography and immunoblot analyses, we showed that the phosphorylated PrrA levels in the cell increase with decreasing oxygen tensions. Then, using both in vivo and in vitro methods, we demonstrated that the relative affinities of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated PrrA for the two binding sites differ and that phosphorylated PrrA has greater affinity for site II. We also showed that PrrA regulation is directed toward the P1 promoter. We propose that the PrrA component of anaerobic induction of P1 transcription is attributable to higher affinity of phosphorylated PrrA than of unphosphorylated PrrA for binding site II. Anaerobic activation of the more-3' hemA promoter (P2) is thought to involve FnrL binding to an FNR consensuslike sequence located upstream of the P2 promoter, but the contribution of FnrL to P1 induction may be indirect since the P1 transcription start is within the putative FnrL binding site. We present evidence suggesting that the indirect action of FnrL works through PrrA and discuss possible mechanisms.
Model-independent reconstruction of smooth electron density profiles from reflectivity data of liquid surfaces

A smoothed groove-tracking method (SGTM) is developed for the construction of the electron density profiles of liquid surfaces from reflectivity data. This work is based on improving the groove-tracking method (GTM) previously published by one of us (X.-L. Zhou) [X.-L. Zhou and S. H. Chen, Phys. Rev. E 47, 3174 (1993)] by imposing the requirement that the electron density profile be smooth. Application of the method is demonstrated on both simulated reflectivity data with model density profiles and experimental data from liquid metal, liquid crystal, and water surfaces. Comparisons are made among results obtained by the SGTM, the original GTM, and published model density functions for both monotonic and layered density profiles. We find that the requirement for a smooth profile leads to more physically reasonable profiles than the often jagged, discontinuous profiles generated by the GTM. Although model-independent methods, by their nature, cannot yield unique density profiles and may converge to local minima, these techniques are quite useful for suggesting new profiles when little a priori information is available.
Atomic and other structures of cleaved GaAs(110) surfaces

Abstract Reflection electron microscopy (REM) has been applied to studying the (110) cleavage planes of GaAs crystals. Experiments were performed in commercial electron microscopes with minimal specimen preparation. Surface steps on an atomic scale and dislocations were imaged, as well as crystal fibers and other features which have not been reported before. Effects of contamination are discussed.
Photoconductivity of GaAsAlAs multiple quantum wells: Temperature dependent optical transitions

Abstract Employing temperature dependent photoconductivity, photoluminescence and photoreflectivity measurements, we have analyzed a GaAsAlAs multiple quantum well. The above optical techniques clearly resolve the fundamental inter-subband transitions, including heavy hole-light hole splittings. At T
Integrative Therapy Use for Management of Side Effects and Toxicities Experienced by Pediatric Oncology Patients

Integrative Therapies (IT), otherwise known as Complementary and Alternative Medicine, are widely used among pediatric oncology patients, despite a paucity of available evidence. This review summarizes surveys that describe the prevalence of IT use by pediatric oncology patients, both during therapy and in survivorship, as well as the modalities being used. Additionally, the evidence that exists for specific treatments that appear to be efficacious in controlling specific symptoms is described. Finally, there are recommendations for practitioners on how to best counsel patients about IT use.
A possible glial role in the mammalian circadian clock

The primary mammalian circadian clock is located within the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), but the cellular organization of the clock is not yet known. We investigated the potential role of glial cells in the clock mechanism by determining whether disrupting glial activity affects the in vitro circadian rhythm of neuronal activity and the in vivo circadian activity rhythm in rats. We used two agents (octanol and halothane) that block gap junctions, and one (fluorocitrate) that inhibits glial metabolism. All three agents disrupted the circadian pattern of neuronal activity. Octanol flattened the rhythm at the highest concentration (200 microM) and induced a small phase delay at a lower concentration (66 microM). Halothane and fluorocitrate induced ultradian rhythmicity. Fluorocitrate injected into the SCN of an intact rat induced arrhythmicity for about 1 week, after which the rhythm reappeared with a 1.6 h delay. These results suggest that glia play an important role in the SCN circadian clock.
Spin scattering by dislocations in III-V semiconductors

A semiclassical treatment of spin relaxation in direct-gap compound semiconductors due to scattering by edge dislocations from both charged cores, and the strain fields surrounding them is presented. The results indicate a deleterious effect on spin transport in narrow bandgap III-V semiconductors due to dislocation scattering. However, this form of scattering is found to be surprisingly benign for wide-bandgap semiconductors with small spin-orbit coupling (such as GaN). This observation leads to a proposal for possible lattice-mismatched hybrid heterostructure devices that take advantage of the long spin lifetimes of the wide-bandgap semiconductors for transporting spin over large distances acting as spin-interconnects, and the wide tunability of spin in the narrow-bandgap semiconductors for spin logic operations.
THE EFFECT OF OESTRIN ON DEVELOPMENT OF THE OVARY IN IMMATURE FEMALE RATS

The physiological effects of the oestrous hormone on the female rat have been studied quite exhaustively and the characteristie reactions produced are generally well known. However, the literature is rather obscure on the effect of oestrin on the growth and development of the ovaries of mature and immature animals. Allen and Doisy (1) reported that the follicular hormone had the ability to induce sexual maturity in 24-day-old female rats. The effect on the ovaries was not discussed. Golding and Ramirez (2) also studied the effect of ovarian follieular hormone on immature rats. Twenty rats, including males and females from two litters, were used. Five of these were kept as controls while 15 were treated as follows: The rats were injected twice daily with 2.5 R.U. of water soluble hormone beginning on the 12th to the 18th day of life and continuing for 24 to 36 days. The dosage was increased daily by 25 R.U. The vaginas of the rats opened in 9 to 14 days. The ovaries of the oestrin treated rats appeared gro...
ANATOMICAL STUDIES OF THE HUMAN CLITORIS

AbstractPurpose: Endogenous or exogenous testosterone exposure to the fetus during gestation may result in masculinization of the external genitalia. Surgical correction requires a clear understanding of normal female anatomy. We report observations from our anatomical dissections on which we base our approach to reduction clitoroplasty.Materials and Methods: A total of 14 normal human fetal clitoral specimens at 8 to 24 weeks of gestation were serially sectioned after formalin fixation. Every tenth section was stained with Masson's trichrome, smooth muscle alpha-actin and the neuronal markers PGP 9.5 or S-100. Computer reconstruction using imaging software permitted 3-dimensional analysis of the nerves, corporeal bodies and glans clitoris. These specimens were compared with 2 obtained postnatally at feminizing genitoplasty.Results: The normal fetal clitoris consists of 2 corporeal bodies with a midline septum. The ultrastructure of the female corporeal bodies is similar to that of the male counterpart. T...
Profiling the Adopters of E-Government Information and Services

This exploratory study examines the effects of nondemographic characteristics on the adoption of e-government services in the United States combining two main theoretical perspectives: diffusion of innovations and the technology acceptance model. The results of a national survey suggest that nondemographic audience characteristics influence e-government adoption. The study adds to previous research in the area by identifying several sociopsychological characteristics that play a role in the adoption process: perceived usefulness, perceived uncertainty, and civic mindedness. The study also ascertains the influence of interpersonal communication and mass media channels on e-government adoption. Theoretical implications for future researchers and policy implications for producers of governmental web sites are discussed.
Finite Element Evaluation of Modal Stresses in Cantilever Highway Sign Structures

The dynamic properties of the cantilever sign structures such as its mode shapes and frequency for different modes are being studied under wind load. The analysis considered the dead loads of the structure principally the self-weight of the truss, sign, and walkways, and the wind load. Finite element analysis are conducted to evaluate the modal stresses in the truss and compared to the total stresses. The first three mode shapes in the wind load direction and the gravity load direction are modeled. The modal participating mass ratios of the sign structure for different mode shapes are also calculated. Results show that in chord members with 24 inch length, 50 percent and in chord members with 48 inch length, almost all the stresses (bending + axial) are modal stresses. In interior diagonal members 40 percent, in horizontal diagonal members 75 percent and in column part almost 75 percent of stresses (bending + axial) are modal stresses. The purpose of the study is a modal and static analysis in critical members of a cantilever sign structure under wind loading using finite element method.
Periarterial stem villous edema is associated with hypercoiled umbilical cord and stem obliterative endarteritis

To assess clinicopathologic correlations of a novel placental lesion featuring a distinct ring-like periarterial edema of stem villi (PASE). A retrospective case-control statistical comparison (Yates χ2 or analysis of variance) of 30 clinical and 41 placental features of 100 consecutive placentas with PASE and 100 gestational age-matched cases without PASE, extracted from 2403 placentas from high-risk pregnancies signed out by the author since year 2006. The PASE was seen in 4.2% of placentas, average gestational age 35.9 weeks (range, 24 - 42 weeks). Frequencies of stem obliterative endarteritis and hypercoiled umbilical cord (coiling index > 0.3) were 23% vs 5% (p = 0.005), and 20% vs 9% (p = 0.04) in the study group and comparative group, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between the groups in clinical or other placental variables. The PASE may be linked to chronically abnormal blood flow in umbilical cord arteries and their stem branches and may be a histological placental sign of non-obliterative umbilical cord compromise.
CIDNP studies of macromolecular systems. I. Photolysis of poly(methyl isopropenyl ketone) and its model compounds in solution

The photoreactions of poly(methyl isopropenyl ketone) (PMIK) and two low-molecular-weight model compounds have been investigated in solution with proton NMR spectroscopy. Chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (CIDNP) has been observed in all three systems, but the CIDNP intensities have been found to depend on the chain lengths of the reaction products: long-chain products fail to show CIDNP at room temperature, whereas simultaneously formed small fragments exhibit nuclear spin polarization. The CIDNP originates from the Norrish type I decomposition of the ketones, which for the polymer occurs from the triplet state in all solvents. In the model compounds this cleavage can occur from the triplet or singlet state. The main photoreaction of PMIK, namely, scission of the polymer backbone, does not give rise to CIDNP. The failure of long-chain products to display CIDNP is attributed in part to a relaxation phenomenon: the short nuclear spin relaxation times of the long-chain product molecules destroy the CIDNP before it can be detected. In high-temperature studies above 150°C, however, in which the relaxation times are longer, CIDNP has been detected in long-chain molecules as well.
Finasteride as a chemopreventive agent in prostate cancer: impact of the PCPT on urologic practice

The results of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) sparked a debate surrounding the advantages and disadvantages of using the 5-alpha reductase inhibitor finasteride as a chemoprevantative agent against prostate cancer. Over three years after the publication of the PCPT results there is still a reluctance to recommend the use of finasteride in this setting. This Review examines the PCPT data and discusses its results in light of further studies. Prostate cancer chemoprevention involves the use of natural and/or synthetic agents that inhibit or reverse the development of precancerous lesions or delay progression of these lesions to invasive disease. The recent completion of the first Phase III trial for prostate cancer prevention, the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) using the drug finasteride, has provided the urologic community with the first evidence that a chemopreventive agent can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. The enthusiasm for the clear relative risk reduction in the finasteride arm of the trial has been tempered by the observation that the incidence of high-grade tumors was higher in men receiving finasteride compared to those on placebo. A question remains about whether the observed higher incidence in high-grade tumors is real or whether it is related to a pathologic or sampling artifact. The PCPT has instigated a great deal of debate, resulting in the larger urologic community being reluctant to recommend the widespread use of finasteride as a chemopreventive agent. This review summarizes the PCPT, analyzes its controversial results, and describes future prostate cancer chemoprevention studies.
Comparison of Simulation Debriefing Methods

Abstract Background Debriefing following clinical nursing simulation plays a critical role in student learning. Methods of debriefing include verbal feedback or video-assisted verbal discussion that allows reflection-on-action and should immediately follow the simulation exercise to assist the students in assessing their performance. Methods A comparative, crossover design was used. Students in an undergraduate critical care course were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups participated in a standardized simulation, and then one group received only verbal debriefing (V) and the other received video-assisted verbal debriefing (VA+V). Outcomes measured included quality of student skills (assessment and psychomotor), skills response time, and knowledge retention. Results Quality of skill improvement was higher and response times were faster for students in the VA+V group (time to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, time to shock, and time to resuscitation. Higher knowledge retention was seen in the V group. Conclusions VA+V positively affects nursing skills and response times. Knowledge retention was more positively affected by V.
Emergency psychiatry training for third-year medical students as reported by directors of medical student education in psychiatry.

Background: Physicians can expect to confront a variety of psychiatric emergencies during their careers. However, medical schools are not required to teach emergency psychiatry and little is known about the content of existing instruction. Purposes: We conducted this survey to better understand the emergency psychiatry experiences provided to 3rd-year medical students. Methods: Directors of medical student education in psychiatry at U.S. medical schools were mailed a 1-page questionnaire about their school's instruction in emergency psychiatry. Results: We received 74 responses from the 122 U.S. medical schools (61%). All but 4 reported emergency psychiatry instruction. The number of hours and type of settings students were on-call varied greatly from school to school, as did the scope of faculty supervision. Conclusions: Most schools provide emergency psychiatry instruction, but methods vary among institutions. Given its importance, medical schools should work to provide uniformity in the way emergency p...
Circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and acute cellular rejection in kidney allograft recipients.

BACKGROUND Vitamin D, in addition to its established role in bone metabolism, may regulate the immune system and affect the outcome of allografts. METHODS We identified 351 kidney allograft recipients who had serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) measured within the first 30 days of transplantation. We evaluated the relationship between the circulating levels of 25(OH)D and acute cellular rejection (ACR), cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease, BK virus nephropathy, and kidney graft function. RESULTS Vitamin D deficiency (circulating levels of 25[OH]D ≤20 ng/mL, defined using The Endocrine Society Clinical Practice 2011 Guideline) was observed in 216 (61.5%) of 351 kidney graft recipients. Vitamin D deficiency was more frequent in female recipients (P=0.007, Fisher exact test) and African American recipients (P<0.001) and was less frequent in preemptive kidney graft recipients (P=0.002). Biopsy-confirmed ACR was more frequent in the vitamin D-deficient group than in the sufficient group (10.2% vs. 3.7%, P=0.04). By multivariable Cox regression analysis, vitamin D deficiency was an independent risk factor for ACR (hazard ratio=3.3, P=0.02). Vitamin D deficiency was not associated with CMV disease, BK virus nephropathy, or kidney allograft function at 1 year. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 supplementation initiated within the first 90 days of transplantation was associated with a lesser incidence of ACR compared to no treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (5.1% vs. 13.0%, P=0.099). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk factor for development of ACR within the first year of kidney transplantation and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 supplementation may help reduce the occurrence of ACR in the vitamin D-deficient group.
MARTENSITIC TRANSFORMATION INDUCED BY TENSILE STRESS PULSES

Etude de la cinetique de transformation martensitique induite par une impulsion de contrainte produite par la reflexion d'une onde de choc compressive sur une surface libre dans les alliages Fe-32% Ni-0,035% C et Fe-22,5% Ni-4% Mn (% en poids). Influence de la variation de temperature ou de la duree de l'impulsion a pression constante. Determination des parametres cinetiques et energetiques de la transformation martensitique
Ammonia excretion in the neotenous newt, Necturus maculosus (rafinesque)

Abstract 1. 1. Necturus was found to be ammonotelic. The skin serves as the main route of ammonia excretion. Gill ligation did not appreciably alter the rate of ammonia nitrogen excretion. Approximately 10 per cent of the total ammonia plus urea nitrogen is eliminated by the kidneys. 2. 2. In vitro experiments with isolated skin have shown that ammonia diffuses from the internal bathing fluid outward; the rate of diffusion proceeds linearly with respect to time. Values calculated for in vitro ammonia excretory rates are similar to the experimentally determined in vivo rates. 3. 3. Blood ammonia nitrogen in normal Necturi averaged 0.44 μatom/ml. After immersion of Necturus in a solution containing 1 μatom/ml ammonia nitrogen, the excretory rate increased fourfold over the control and blood ammonia nitrogen doubled in value. There was no increase in urea excretion. 4. 4. The amino acids l -glutamine and l -alanine were not deaminated by the isolated skin. A central site of ammonia production was indicated.
Effects of lithium on Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Abstract The effects of lithium (Li) in growth media on Phaseolus vulgaris L. ‘Bush Blue Lake 290’ (snap bean) were studied under controlled environmental conditions. Concentrations of 4 to 12 ppm Li in the substrate produced toxic symptoms. The development of these symptoms is described and measurements of selected growth parameters presented. At 4 ppm Li, plant height, first trifoliate fresh weight and leaf area increased. At concentrations greater than 4 ppm stomatal diffusive resistance increased temporarily, indicating partial stomatal closure. It can be concluded that Li interferes with biomass accumulation and plant water relations.
Recent applications and developments of charge equilibration force fields for modeling dynamical charges in classical molecular dynamics simulations

With the continuing advances in computational hardware and novel force fields constructed using quantum mechanics, the outlook for non-additive force fields is promising. Our work in the past several years has demonstrated the utility of polarizable force fields, in our hands those based on the charge equilibration formalism, for a broad range of physical and biophysical systems. We have constructed and applied polarizable force fields for small molecules, proteins, lipids, and lipid bilayers and recently have begun work on carbohydrate force fields. The latter area has been relatively untouched by force field developers with particular focus on polarizable, non-additive interaction potential models. In this review of our recent work, we discuss the formalism we have adopted for implementing the charge equilibration method for phase-dependent polarizable force fields, lipid molecules, and small-molecule carbohydrates. We discuss the methodology, related issues, and briefly discuss results from recent applications of such force fields.
Comparative behavioral pharmacology of three pyrrolidine-containing synthetic cathinone derivatives

Synthetic cathinones, often sold as “bath salts,” are a popular class of recreational drugs used as quasi-legal alternatives to cocaine, methamphetamine, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine. The increased prevalence and health consequences of synthetic cathinone use has prompted regulatory agencies to control a number of these compounds; however, a broad class of analogous compounds known as the second-generation cathinones has been brought to the market to take the place of the banned synthetic cathinone derivatives. The current study aims to characterize the behavioral pharmacology of three pyrrolidinylated second-generation cathinones: 4-methyl-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4ʹ-MePPP), α-pyrrolidinopropiobutiophenone (α-PBP), and α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP). Locomotor activity was tested in mice over an 8-hour period. The discriminative stimulus effects of these compounds were tested in rats trained to discriminate either cocaine or methamphetamine. The rewarding effects of these drugs were assessed in mice using conditioned place preference. Both α-PBP and α-PVP produced long-lasting increases in locomotor activity across a wide range of doses, whereas 4ʹ-MePPP produced locomotor stimulation only at 30 mg/kg. Both α-PBP and α-PVP fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of both cocaine and methamphetamine, whereas 4ʹ-MePPP substituted fully for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine only. Both α-PBP and α-PVP produced conditioned place preference in an inverted U-shaped dose effect, whereas 4ʹ-MePPP did not produce conditioned place preference. These findings suggest that α-PBP and α-PVP are likely to be recreationally used and have potential for addiction and abuse, but 4ʹ-MePPP may not.
Issues related to the structure and performance of parallel applications in a production environment

The Perfect Benchmark suite was an attempt to assemble a realistic collection of application codes which could be used by computer scientists for performance evaluation, exploration of new architectural features, and testing compiler technologies. This paper surveys the origin, use, and inherent biases in the suite.
Tightly-coupled LIDAR and computer vision integration for vehicle detection

In many driver assistance systems and autonomous driving applications, both LIDAR and computer vision (CV) sensors are often used to detect vehicles. LIDAR provides excellent range information to different objects. However, it is difficult to recognize these objects as vehicles from range information alone. On the other hand, computer vision imagery allows for better recognition, but does not provide high-resolution range information. In this paper, a tightly-coupled LIDAR/CV integrated system is proposed for vehicle detection. This sensing system is mounted on the front of a test vehicle, facing forward. The LIDAR sensor estimates possible vehicle positions. This information is then transformed into the image coordinates. Different Regions of Interest (ROIs) in the imagery are defined based on the LIDAR object hypotheses. An Adaboost object classifier is then utilized to detect the vehicle in ROIs. A classifier error correction approach is used to choose an optimal position of the detected vehicle. Finally, the vehicle's position and dimensions are derived from both the LIDAR and image data. The main contribution of this paper is that the complementary advantages of two sensors are utilized. The LIDAR scanning data are applied for classifier correction. And the output of the Adaboost classifier is used to provide distance and dimension information. Experimental results are presented to illustrate that this LIDAR/CV system is reliable. It can be used in applications such as traffic surveillance and roadway navigation tasks.
SUMO downregulates GLP-1-stimulated cAMP generation and insulin secretion

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based incretin therapy is becoming central to the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Activation of incretin hormone receptors results in rapid elevation of cAMP followed by enhanced insulin secretion. However, the incretin effect may be significantly impaired in diabetes. The objective of this study is to investigate downregulation of GLP-1 signaling by small ubiquitin-related modifier protein (SUMO). Mouse islets exposed to high glucose showed increased expression of endogenous SUMO transcripts and its conjugating enzyme Ubc-9. Overexpression of SUMO-1 in mouse insulinoma 6 (MIN6) cells and primary mouse β-cells resulted in reduced static and real-time estimates of intracellular cAMP upon receptor stimulation with exendin-4, a GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist. GLP1-R was covalently modified by SUMO. Overexpression of SUMO-1 attenuated cell surface trafficking of GLP-1R, which resulted in significantly reduced insulin secretion when stimulated by exendin-4. Partial knock down of SUMO-conjugating enzyme Ubc-9 resulted in enhanced exendin-4-stimulated insulin secretion in mouse islets exposed to high glucose. Thus, SUMO modification of the GLP-1R could be a contributing factor to reduced incretin responsiveness. Elucidating mechanisms of GLP-1R regulation by sumoylation will help improve our understanding of incretin biology and of GLP-1-based treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Ploidy variation in multinucleate cells changes under stress

Ploidy variation is found in contexts as diverse as solid tumors, drug resistance in fungal infection, and normal development. Altering chromosome or genome copy number supports adaptation to fluctuating environments but is also associated with fitness defects attributed to protein imbalances. Both aneuploidy and polyploidy can arise from multinucleate states after failed cytokinesis or cell fusion. The consequences of ploidy variation in syncytia are difficult to predict because protein imbalances are theoretically buffered by a common cytoplasm. We examined ploidy in a naturally multinucleate fungus, Ashbya gossypii. Using integrated lac operator arrays, we found that chromosome number varies substantially among nuclei sharing a common cytoplasm. Populations of nuclei range from 1N to >4N, with different polyploidies in the same cell and low levels of aneuploidy. The degree of ploidy variation increases as cells age. In response to cellular stress, polyploid nuclei diminish and haploid nuclei predominate. These data suggest that mixed ploidy is tolerated in these syncytia; however, there may be costs associated with variation as stress homogenizes the genome content of nuclei. Furthermore, the results suggest that sharing of gene products is limited, and thus there is incomplete buffering of ploidy variation despite a common cytosol.
Phase I/II trial of multiple dose 131Iodine-MAb LL2 (CD22) in patients with recurrent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The purpose of this to evaluate in a phase IAI study the efficacy and toxicity of a multi-dose administration of 131I labeled CD22 monoclonal antibody (131I-MAb-LL2) in escalating dose cohorts administered to relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients. Twenty-one patients with relapsed NHL received one of four dose levels of 131I-MAb-LL2 administered in a twice weekly pattern. Starting with dose level 2, the patients also received 20 mg of unla-beled LL2 prior to each radiolabeled dose administered. Previously stored autologous peripheral blood progenitors were reinfused in case of prolonged cytopenias. Patients could repeat the same treatment if they had stable disease or a response to the first therapy at 8 weeks, and had not received their peripheral blood progenitors with the first cycle. Combining all of the dose cohorts, there were 5 complete responses or complete responses (undetermined) and 2 partial responses for a total response rate of 7/21 (33%). There was no dose response effect with resp...
Boundary layers for cellular flows at high Péclet numbers

We analyze the behavior of solutions of steady advection-diffusion problems in bounded domains with prescribed Dirichlet data when the Peclet number Pe ≫ 1 is large. We show that the solution converges to a constant in each flow cell outside a boundary layer of width O(ϵ1/2), ϵ = Pe−1, around the flow separatrices. We construct an ϵ-dependent approximate “water pipe problem” purely inside the boundary layer that provides a good approximation of the solution of the full problem but has ϵ-independent computational cost. We also define an asymptotic problem on the graph of streamline separatrices and show that solution of the water pipe problem itself may be approximated by an asymptotic, ϵ-independent problem on this graph. Finally, we show that the Dirichlet-to-Neumann map of the water pipe problem approximates the Dirichlet-to-Neumann map of the separatrix problem with an error independent of the flow outside the boundary layers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of porcine intestinal receptors for the K88ac fimbrial adhesin of Escherichia coli as mucin-type sialoglycoproteins.

We have previously identified two K88ac adhesion receptors (210 and 240 kDa) which are present in membrane preparations from adhesive but not nonadhesive porcine intestinal brush border cells; these adhesin receptors are postulated to be important determinants of the susceptibility of pigs to K88ac+ enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infections (A.K. Erickson, J.A. Willgohs, S.Y. McFarland, D.A. Benfield, and D.F. Francis, Infect. Immun. 60:983-988, 1992). We now describe a procedure for the purification of these two receptors. Receptors were solubilized from adhesive intestinal brush border vesicles using deoxycholate and were purified by gel filtration chromatography on Sepharose CL-4B and then by hydroxyapatite chromatography. Amino acid compositional analyses indicated that the two receptors have similar amino acid compositions. The most distinguishing characteristic of both receptors is a high percentage of threonine and proline residues. Neuraminidase treatment caused the K88ac adhesin receptors to migrate with a slower mobility on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels, indicating that these receptors are sialoglycoproteins. Results from lectin-binding studies indicated that the receptors contain O-linked oligosaccharides composed of galactosyl (beta-1,3)N-acetylgalactosamine, alpha-linked fucose, galactosyl(beta-1,4)N-acetylglucosamine, sialic acid, galactose, and N-acetylgalactosamine. Collectively, these characteristics indicate that the K88ac adhesin receptors are mucin-type sialoglycoproteins.
Ethosuximide induced lupus-like syndrome in a 6-year-old: a case report -

Ethosuximide has been used as an effective anticonvulsant for absence seizures for a half century. Risk of development of drug-induced lupus-like syndrome with anticonvulsants is considered to be very low and has been seldom reported. We describe a 6-year-old girl with absence seizures who developed symptoms following 6 weeks of treatment with ethosuximide. Onset of symptoms, including arthralgia, myalgia, rash and fever, were initially diagnosed as parvovirus or chronic parvovirus. Serology subsequently indicated drug-induced lupus-like syndrome although a positive double strand DNA made the diagnosis more complex. Ultimately, the girl demonstrated a dramatic improvement in symptoms following discontinuation of the ethosuximide. This case highlights the importance of excellent diagnostic skills, collaboration between primary and specialty care, and being prepared to identify an unlikely diagnosis.
Detection and identification of previously unrecognized microbial pathogens.

Features of a number of important but poorly explained human clinical syndromes strongly indicate a microbial etiology. In these syndromes, the failure of cultivationdependent microbial detection methods reveals our ignorance of microbial growth requirements. Sequence-based molecular methods, however, offer alternative approaches for microbial identification directly from host specimens found in the setting of unexplained acute illnesses, chronic inflammatory disease, and from anatomic sites that contain commensal microflora. The rapid expansion of genome sequence databases and advances in biotechnology present opportunities and challenges: identification of consensus sequences from which reliable, specific phylogenetic information can be inferred for all taxonomic groups of pathogens, broad-range pathogen identification on the basis of virulence-associated gene families, and use of host gene expression response profiles as specific signatures of microbial infection.
Characterizing and understanding game reviews

Game reviews are one of the primary forms of videogame journalism and are also one of the prevalent forms of discourse about games. How can we characterize them and better understand the role they might play in helping create and shape our understanding of games? This article reports on the results of a study that analyzed and deconstructed a selection of game reviews from popular online websites. Our findings show that game reviews are rich and varied in terms of themes and topics covered and that considering them purely as "shopping guides" ignores the broader role they play in the discourse of games. We found that game reviews often include game design suggestions, hypothesize about the intentions and goals of game creators, and offer advice to readers on how to approach and best enjoy particular games. More generally, game reviews can also help preserve videogame history by contextualizing the links and historical connections that exist between games.
Vibration of Tensioned Beams with Intermediate Damper. II: Damper Near a Support

Analytical solutions are used to investigate the free vibrations of tensioned beams with a viscous damper attached transversely near a support. This problem is of particular relevance for stay-cable vibration suppression, but no restrictions on the level of axial load are introduced, and the results are quite broadly applicable. Characteristic equations for both clamped and pinned supports are rearranged into forms suitable for numerical solution by fixed-point iteration, whereby the complex eigenfrequencies and corresponding damping ratios can be accurately computed within a few iterations. Explicit asymptotic approximations for the complex eigenfrequencies are also obtained, subject to restrictions on the closeness of the eigenfrequencies to their undamped values. These asymptotic approximations are expressed in the same "universal" form identified in previous studies. It is observed that the maximum attainable modal damping ratios and the corresponding optimal values of the damper coefficient can be significantly affected by bending stiffness and by the nature of the support conditions, and a nondimensional parameter grouping is identified that enables an assessment of when bending stiffness should be considered.
A control strategy based on heuristic techniques for the parallel execution of logic programs

We apply parallel heuristic solving techniques to the exponentially complex problem of interpretation of pure logic programs. Parallel heuristics incorporated within the control strategy employed to solve logic programs are used to guide the search for a solution in parts of the search space most likely to yield a solution. The results show that our strategy when applied to standard benchmarks not only improves the time taken to arrive at a solution by more than a linear factor, but reduces the memory requirements as well. >
Human Dignity: A Humanbecoming Ethical Phenomenon

Human dignity is a phenomenon of interest in many disciplines, including health-related disciplines. The author in this article explores the ethics of dignity and sets forth the tenets of human dignity as a humanbecoming ethical phenomenon. The tenets elaborate reverence, awe, betrayal, and shame, all enduring truths inherently significant to human dignity.
Aggressive test power reduction through test stimuli transformation

Excessive switching activity during shift cycles in scan-based cores imposes considerable test power challenges. To ensure rapid and reliable test of SOCs, we propose a scan chain modification methodology that transforms the stimuli to be inserted to the scan chain through logic gate insertion between scan cells, reducing scan chain transitions. We introduce a novel matrix band algebra to formulate the impact of scan chain modifications on test stimuli transformations. Based on this analysis, we develop algorithms for transforming a set of test vectors into power-optimal test stimuli through cost-effective scan chain modifications. Experimental results show that scan-in power reductions exceeding 90% for test vectors and 99.5% for test cubes can be attained by the proposed methodology.
Differential Effects of Heat Stress in Three Strains of Laying Hens

Abstract Hy-Line Brown, W36, and W98 hens were housed for 2 wk at 22°C, exposed to 35°C heat stress (HS) for 2 wk, and had 2 wk of recovery at 22°C. Production parameters (egg production, feed intake, egg quality measures, and mortality), acid-base status (pH, pCO2, HCO3−, pO2), intestinal calcium uptake, and expression of hepatic heat shock protein-70 were measured. All production parameters except mortality were reduced by HS in all 3 strains. There were strain × temperature interactions for egg production, feed intake, shell thickness, specific gravity, and yolk weight, with the least severe reduction in W98 hens. The W36 hens were intermediate for egg production and feed intake, and the Brown and W36 hens were equivalent for shell thickness, specific gravity, and yolk weight. There were no interactions for egg, albumen, and shell weights, Haugh units, and intestinal calcium uptake, and all were reduced by HS. Blood pH and pCO2 were reduced by HS, and hepatic heat shock protein-70 was increased, with no differences among strains. Mortality rates during HS were 16, 8, and 4% for the Brown, W98, and W36 hens, respectively, but were not subjected to statistical analysis. The results suggest a mechanism in the W98 bird that appears to confer an advantage during HS with regard to egg production.
Life journeys: Awakenings and learning experiences

This chapter examines spiritual awakenings and creative expression that influence changes in the life course. In what ways can learning environments foster growth and integration of the whole person?
Alternative configurations for local area network design

We study different local area networks (LAN) configurations and their suitability to multimedia traffic. The transfer rates required by multimedia traffic are beyond the typical bandwidth of traditional LANs. The use of switching hubs in LAN configurations overcomes the bandwidth limitation and supports multiple concurrent communications. We present hub-network configurations that provide high performance and reliability in addition to increasing the effective network bandwidth. We study the performance of these configurations using simulation techniques.
Web based brain volume calculation for magnetic resonance images

Brain volume calculations are crucial in modern medical research, especially in the study of neurodevelopmental disorders. In this paper, we present an algorithm for calculating two classifications of brain volume, total brain volume (TBV) and intracranial volume (ICV). Our algorithm takes MRI data as input, performs several preprocessing and intermediate steps, and then returns each of the two calculated volumes. To simplify this process and make our algorithm publicly accessible to anyone, we have created a web-based interface that allows users to upload their own MRI data and calculate the TBV and ICV for the given data. This interface provides a simple and efficient method for calculating these two classifications of brain volume, and it also removes the need for the user to download or install any applications.
Modeling and Analysis of the Technical Performance of DC-Motor Electric Bicycle Drives Based on Bicycle Road Test Data

Electric motor powered bicycles have been making their way into the U.S. market for about two decades. Custom-designed electric bicycles allow common issues such as high cost and weight to be overcome. To this aim, customized modeling tools are required. The paper discusses the modeling of a direct-drive dc-motor electric bicycle drive system for technical performance evaluation, where the operating cycle profiles used are based on actual road tests. It is explained how the measurement data can be processed and coupled with the "usual" model of a direct-drive dc-drive system, thereby extending common modeling approaches. Then, the different riding profiles are analyzed with the developed tool. The results both illustrate the ability of such low-cost drives to serve for commuting purposes with moderate driving styles and their limits to support rather sporty rides.
Unpacking Collaborative Care for Depression: Examining Two Essential Tasks for Implementation.

Objective:This study examined how two key process-of-care tasks of the collaborative care model (CCM) predict patient depression outcomes.Methods:Registry data were from a large implementation of the CCM in Washington State and included 5,439 patient-episodes for patients age 18 or older with a baseline Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score of ≥10 and at least one follow-up contact with the CCM care manager within 24 weeks of initial contact. Key CCM tasks examined were at least one care manager follow-up contact within four weeks of initial contact and at least one psychiatric consultation between weeks 8 and 12 for patients not responding to treatment by week 8. Clinically significant improvement in depression symptoms was defined as achieving a PHQ-9 score of <10 or a 50% or more reduction in PHQ-9 score compared with baseline. Bivariate and multivariate (logistic and proportional hazard models) analyses were conducted to examine how fidelity with either task predicted outcomes. All analyses wer...