cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of interferon action: Identification of a RNA binding domain within the N-terminal region of the human RNA-dependent P1/eIF-2α protein kinase

A molecular cDNA clone of the human RNA-dependent P1/eIF-2α protein kinase was expressed in Escherichia coli. Mutant P1 proteins were examined for RNA binding activity by Northwestern blot analysis using the reovirus s1 mRNA, an activator of the kinase; the adenovirus VAI RNA, an inhibitor of kinase activation; or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) TAR RNA as probe. Analysis of TrpE-P1 deletion mutant fusion proteins revealed that the 11-kDa N-terminal region of the P1 protein bound reovirus s1 mRNA, adenovirus VAI RNA, and HIV TAR RNA. Neither s1 RNA, VAI RNA, nor TAR RNA was bound by truncated P1 proteins which lacked the N-terminal 98 amino acids. Computer analysis revealed that the human protein P1 sequence corresponding to amino acid residues within the N-terminal RNA binding domain displays high homology (>54% identity; 61 to 94% similarity) with two animal virus proteins which possess RNA binding activity (vaccinia virus E3L; rotavirus VP2) and two proteins of unknown function (murine TIK; rotavirus NS34), but which are likely RNA binding proteins.
Beyond play therapy: using the sandtray as an expressive arts intervention in counselling adult clients

Sandtrays (STs) in counselling have historically been used as a play-based intervention with children. This article encourages therapists to consider ST interventions beyond play therapy and outlines the use of the ST as an expressive arts intervention specifically suited for work with adults. The term ST work is used to describe the therapeutic use STs within a counselling setting from a wide range of theoretical orientations (as distinguished from the term sandplay which primarily refers to Jungian work). This more theoretically eclectic or integrative approach goes beyond the play-based interventions typically used with children and describes how using a ST in counselling is particularly adaptable for a wide variety of adult clients and their presenting issues.
Towards a biblical psychoanalysis: a second look at the first book

Freud's materialistic treatment of religion has discouraged and stigmatised inquiries concerning the potential theoretical and clinical utility that biblical stories could offer to the ongoing development of psychoanalysis. As a result, the historical development of psychoanalysis has been disproportionally influenced by the Hellenic ideals that influenced the German humanistic pedagogical value of Bildung, to which Freud was an ardent disciple. However, since it has consistently been recognised that Western culture has been mutually influenced by both biblical and Hellenistic attitudes, it may be warranted to extend this dialectal interplay into the realm of individual psychology, in the process delimiting a space whereby psychoanalysis and biblical thought can constructively coexist. In this vein, prototypical myths from the Greek and biblical traditions can reliably be situated on a psycho-mythological continuum, with Greek myths representing a less integrated level of ego development and biblical narr...
roughex is a dose-dependent regulator of the second meiotic division during Drosophila spermatogenesis

During spermatogenesis, germ cells execute two meiotic divisions, then withdraw from the cell cycle and initiate postmeiotic differentiation. We show that the gene roughex (rux) is a dose-dependent regulator of meiosis II during Drosophila spermatogenesis. rux mutant germ cells execute the two meiotic divisions, but then undergo an additional M phase resembling an extra meiosis II. Conversely, germ cells with excess rux function fail to undergo meiosis II. rux does not appear to act directly at meiosis II. Rather, rux appears to act through cyclin A during premeiotic G2 to regulate meiosis II. We propose that cyclin A-cdc2 kinase at the G2 to M transition of meiosis I activates a target necessary for meiosis II, thereby coupling the two meiotic divisions.
Atypical apocrine adenosis diagnosed on breast core biopsy: implications for management

Apocrine adenosis (AA) and atypical apocrine adenosis (AAA) are uncommon findings in breast biopsies that may be misinterpreted as carcinoma. The data from long-term follow up studies of open biopsies suggest that AAA is not a high-risk or precursor lesion. The clinical significance and risk implications of AAA diagnosed on core biopsy are not well established. The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of carcinoma in excision specimens after a core biopsy diagnosis of AA or AAA. We identified 34 core biopsies of AA (22) and AAA (12) performed between 1996 and 2014. The mean age at diagnosis was 60 years. The most common indications for core biopsy were calcifications (11), a mass or density (18), and a mass or density with calcifications (3). Two cases were detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Available pathology reports and slides were reviewed, and surgical excision findings were correlated with core biopsy diagnoses. Of the core biopsies with AA or AAA, 7 also contained atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia (AH) and 4 contained ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma. In the absence of coexisting AH or carcinoma in the initial core biopsy specimen, none of the surgical excision specimens after a diagnosis of AA (2) or AAA (7) contained ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma. AAA by itself is an uncommon core biopsy diagnosis that may not require surgical excision.
Optimal interpolation with incomplete polynomials

The “equioscillation” conditions of Bernstein [ 11 and Erdiis 151 were originally conjectured to characterize optimal Lagrange interpolation. These “equiosciilation” conjectures have been upheld as theorems in their original form and in other contexts as may be seen in [2, 3, 6, 71. In all of these cases the proofs have used the same basic components, raising the possibility that these established cases are indeed particular manifestations of a general phenomenon. We therefore take the opportunity to formulate a conjecture about a general problem. The special case solved here will serve to illustrate some of the difficulties faced in an attempt to solve the more general problem. Let Y be an IZ + l-dimensional subspace of Cla, b j, which is spanned by a Tchebycheff system. For given nodes to,..., t, such that
Nonrandom chromosomal gains in pilocytic astrocytomas of childhood

Low-grade astrocytomas are the most common central nervous system (CNS) tumor occurring in the pediatric age group. Although many of these tumors are karyotypically normal, various studies have reported gains of chromosomes in a significant proportion of cases. We had the opportunity to karyotype two pilocytic astrocytomas occurring in 5- and 15-year-old children. These tumors were characterized by stemlines of 49,XY,+4,+7,+8 and 48,XX,+7,+8. Using these patients as index cases and based on additional karyotypic data that have been published, we performed fluorescence in situ hybridization on 25 additional cases of low-grade astrocytomas in children using pericentromeric probes for chromosomes 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, and 17. Six of 18 (excluding the two index cases), or one third, of the pilocytic astrocytomas were characterized by chromosomal gains, most commonly chromosomes 7 and 8, suggesting that trisomy 7 and 8 are relatively common events in the tumorigenesis of pilocytic astrocytomas. In contrast, chromosomal trisomies were not detected in seven well-differentiated fibrillary astrocytomas with any of the probes chosen.
Pro: SLNB in DCIS

The role of sentinel node mapping and biopsy in the management of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) remains controversial. A debate about the use of a staging technique for the evaluation of a malignancy without metastatic potential seems absurd. However, this debate is fueled by two factors. First, some patients diagnosed with DCIS will ultimately prove to have invasive carcinoma. Second, the status of the sentinel node is the most powerful predictor of prognosis and surgeons want to ensure that those patients with invasive carcinoma have sentinel node mapping for staging and treatment planning. In order to understand this debate an appreciation of the evolution of breast cancer management over the past decade is essential. The two most important historical events in this evolution have been the appreciation of the relationship of prior lumpectomy and its impact on lymphatic drainage from the breast to the sentinel node, and the increasing use of image guided core needle breast biopsies to sample mammographic abnormalities that may underestimate the extent of breast pathology. When Morton et al. 1 initially described the use of sentinel node mapping for melanoma, a minimally or undisturbed primary tumor site was considered essential for accurate identification of the sentinel node. In fact, a wide excision of a primary melanoma prior to referral for sentinel node mapping was considered a contraindication and these patients were denied sentinel node staging. When sentinel node mapping was initially described for breast carcinoma, a precise injection of colloid and/or dye around an intact primary tumor were considered important technical aspects in order to identify the correct sentinel node in the axilla. 2 Like melanoma patients, if the primary breast tumor was removed prior to referral for sentinel node mapping, the potential inaccuracy of the technique was used as a criterion to exclude patients from mapping. Mapping was done routinely at the time of DCIS management to avoid losing the opportunity to stage the axilla after excision when invasive carcinoma was subsequently identified. Subsequent experience in melanoma and breast sentinel node mapping has demonstrated that the technique is still accurate after wide excision of the primary tumor. 3,4 The evidence that mapping
Intraoperative Management of Carotid Endarterectomy

First reports on surgical treatment of cerebrovascular atherosclerosis date to the early 1950s. With advancements in surgical technique, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has become the treatment of choice for patients with both symptomatic and asymptomatic severe carotid stenosis. Given the benefits that surgery offers beyond medical management, the number of CEA procedures continues to increase. The intraoperative management of patients undergoing CEA is challenging because of the combination of patient and surgical factors. This article explores and reviews the literature on anesthetic management and considerations of patients undergoing CEA.
Experimental Analysis of Real-Time Multitasking on Multicore Systems

This paper describes a preliminary investigation into the effect of multicore technology on the performance of real-time systems. In particular, it investigates the impact of varying the number of cores on multitasking performance and on different task configurations. Experimental results are presented for a real-time game application executing with several different hardware and software configurations.
The Pathogenesis of Susceptibility to Acute Kidney Injury in the Elderly

Elderly patients, especially those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), are at high risk for the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI can lead to longer hospital stays, higher mortality rates and an increased risk for the development of end-stage renal disease. Clinical variables such as combordid states, impaired renal function, polypharmacy and an increase in high-risk procedures account for some of the increased risk for AKI in elderly patients. However, specific structural, functional, hemodynamic and cellular changes that occur with aging predispose the kidney to injury in stressful states. Understanding the interactions of these intra-renal changes with aging offers the opportunity to design specific strategies that can lower the risk for the development of AKI and its complications.
Reasons for Failure in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Despite advances in instrumentation, imaging and the understanding of the pathophysiology of some diseases, “failure” of endoscopic sinus surgery continues to be an important problem. The impact of failed surgery, whether economic, emotional or health-related, is considerable. Technical factors continue to play an important role in failed surgery. In others, poor patient selection is a key issue, particularly in the difficult area of facial pain. In other patients, systemic diseases, including immune deficiency, may contribute to a poor result. In other patients still, repeated “functional”, “ostio-meatal complex” surgery has little prospect of success, particularly when it has been unsuccessfully employed on prior occasions. In this patient group, more extensive surgery may need to be considered. As a corollary of this argument, some patients with advanced disease—predictably difficult to treat—might benefit from more surgically aggressive treatment, even at initial presentation.
PECULIAR PARTICLES IN MACROPHAGE CELLS OF THE INTERSTITIUM OF DISEASED HUMAN LUNGS.

Unusual particles in the cytoplasm of the macrophage cells of the interstitium of diseased human lungs are described in this report. The particles are more or less ball shaped and consist of cylindroid tubes in membranous whorls. The size of the particle is about 0.7 μ in diameter. The laminated cylindroid tubes consisting of 3 to 6 myelin layers, are 2800 long and 1000–1400 in diameter. In a cross section of the particle, 20 cylindroid tubes may be seen. The particles may originate as focal accumulations of a finely granulated osmiophilic substance in the macrophages, then the material becomes organized into a particle that consists of the subunit of the cylindroid tubes.
Regulation of the immune response by SHIP

Multiple lines of experimental data indicate that SHIP1 is an important negative regulator of the immune system. SHIP1 has been demonstrated to control survival and proliferation, as well as differentiation. In the cases of some inhibitory receptors, such as Fc gamma RIIB1, the molecular mechanisms of control by SHIP1 are established. For other receptors, particularly activating receptors where SHIP1 appears to set activation thresholds, the mechanisms remain to be discovered. Further study on SHIP and other SHIP family members could be critical for our understanding the negative regulation in multiple hematopoietic lineages and the immune system as a whole.
Analytical study on network spectrum efficiency of ultra dense networks

As radio interface approaches its practical capacity limit given limited spectrum resource, network architecture innovation/revolution would play a key role in boosting wireless communication system capacity and improving user experience. Deploying dense small cell networks overlaying the conventional macro cell networks is widely regarded as a key step towards network architecture revolution for improved spectrum and energy efficiency. In this paper, we analytically investigate the spectrum efficiency of densely deployed small cell networks in the downlink using tools from stochastic geometry. Unlike the conventional user-centric link-level spectrum efficiency analysis, we analyze network spectrum efficiency, defined as the average aggregate spectrum efficiency per cell. As the portion of cell-edge users, who would consume more spectrum resource in achieving a target rate, usually outweighs that of the cell-center users, network spectrum efficiency evaluation should count user distribution to portray the network performance as a whole. Based on the network spectrum efficiency results, we are able to find the optimal cell density and the corresponding optimal base station transmit power for achieving a high spectrum efficiency and/or energy efficiency.
Discrimination among reduced folates and methotrexate as transport substrates by a phenylalanine substitution for serine within the predicted eighth transmembrane domain of the reduced folate carrier

A phenylalanine substitution for serine in the reduced folate carrier at residue 309 (RFC1-S309F) was identified in a methotrexate (MTX)-resistant cell line selected with 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (5-CHO-THF) as the sole folate source. The transport characteristics of the mutated carrier were studied by transfection into the MTXrA line, which lacks endogenous RFC1 function. The level of expression of carrier in the cell lines studied was determined by specific surface binding of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-CH3-THF). Influx of 5-CH3-THF and 5-CHO-THF mediated by RFC1-S309F was 20- and 7-fold greater than that of MTX, respectively. Consistent with the influx difference between 5-CHO-THF and MTX, the growth requirement (EC50) for 5-CHO-THF in MTXrA-S309F cells was decreased by a factor of 9, while the MTX IC50 was reduced by a factor of only approximately 2 as compared with the recipient MTXrA cells. The decrease in 5-CH3-THF influx mediated by the mutated carrier was attributed to a decrease in the mobility of the 5-CH3-THF-carrier complex, since the influx Kt was essentially unchanged. However, the reduction in 5-CHO-THF and MTX influx was attributed to decreases in both carrier affinity and Vmax, although the decline in the MTX influx Vmax appeared to be much greater than for 5-CHO-THF. The inhibitory effect of chloride on 5-CHO-THF influx observed for L1210 cells was eliminated in the MTXrA-S309F line. This study represents another example of a single mutation in RFC1 that markedly impairs MTX influx but partially preserves transport of reduced folates when cells are selected with 5-CHO-THF as the available folate substrate. The data indicate that residues in the predicted eighth transmembrane domain of RFC1 can play an important role in the selectivity of folate binding and the mobility of the carrier-substrate complex.
Neural Stem Cells: Generating and Regenerating the Brain

One of the landmark events of the past 25 years in neuroscience research was the establishment of neural stem cells (NSCs) as a life-long source of neurons and glia, a concept that shattered the dogma that the nervous system lacked regenerative power. Stem cells afford the plasticity to generate, repair, and change nervous system function. Combined with reprogramming technology, human somatic cell-derived NSCs and their progeny can model neurological diseases with improved accuracy. As technology advances, we anticipate further important discoveries and novel therapies based on the knowledge and application of these powerful cells.
Role of the calpain system in muscle growth

Abstract Muscle protein degradation has an important role in rate of muscle growth. It has been difficult to develop procedures for measuring rate of muscle protein degradation in living animals, and most studies have used in vitro systems and muscle strips to determine rate of protein degradation. The relationship between results obtained by using muscle strips and rate of muscle protein turnover in living animals is unclear because these strips are in negative nitrogen balance and often develop hypoxic cores. Also, rate of protein degradation is usually estimated by release of labeled amino acids, which reflects an average rate of degradation of all cellular proteins and does not distinguish between rates of degradation of different groups of proteins such as the sarcoplasmic and the myofibrillar proteins in muscle. A number of studies have suggested that the calpain system initiates turnover of myofibrillar proteins, which are the major group of proteins in striated muscle, by making specific cleavages that release thick and thin filaments from the surface of the myofibrill and large polypeptide fragments from some of the other myofibrillar proteins. The calpains do not degrade myofibrillar proteins to small peptides or to amino acids, and they cause no bulk degradation of sarcoplasmic proteins. Hence, the calpains are not directly responsible for release of amino acids during muscle protein turnover. Activity of the calpains in living cells is regulated by calpastatin and Ca2+, but the nature of this regulation is still unclear.
A Riemannian Invariant and its Applications to Submanifold Theory

In a previous paper the author has defined a Riemannian invariant δ for Riemannian manifolds and has obtained some of its applications. In this article, we investigate this invariant in more details and provide further applications of this invariant to submanifold theory.
X-Ray Isochromats of Copper Taken in Different Directions Relative to the Cathode Stream

Variation with potential of the intensity of monochromatic x-rays of wave-lengths 0.823 to 0.247A for directions making angles of 36\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 144\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} with the cathode stream.---X-ray isochromats of copper were taken in three different directions relative to the cathode stream, for a target face making an angle of 25\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} with the cathode stream. Corrections were made for stray radiation in the neighborhood of the measured beam, for radiation due to secondary hits of cathode electrons which had been reflected backward from the focal spot at large angles, and for absorption in the target. It is established that, within experimental error, an isochromat of frequency $\ensuremath{\nu}$ varies linearly with the potential from potentials about ($\frac{5}{4}$) $H\ensuremath{\nu}$ to $2H\ensuremath{\nu}$, where $H\ensuremath{\nu}$ is the quantum voltage for excitation of frequency $\ensuremath{\nu}$. The linear portions of the graphs were extrapolated to find the intercept on the intensity axis at $H\ensuremath{\nu}$. This intercept depended on $H\ensuremath{\nu}$, and also on $\ensuremath{\theta}$, the angle between the measured x-rays and the cathode stream. For $\ensuremath{\theta}=90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ the intercepts varied between $0.062{I}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ (for $H\ensuremath{\nu}=50$ kv.) and $0.085{I}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ (for $H\ensuremath{\nu}=15$ kv.) with an average of $0.072{I}^{\ensuremath{'}}$; for $\ensuremath{\theta}=36\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ the respective values were $0.076{I}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, $0.096{I}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, $0.086{I}^{\ensuremath{'}}$; for $\ensuremath{\theta}=144\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, $\ensuremath{-}0.035{I}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, $0.010{I}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, $\ensuremath{-}0.017{I}^{\ensuremath{'}}$. ${I}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ is the intensity of the isochromat at $2H\ensuremath{\nu}$. Values of $H\ensuremath{\nu}$ used were 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 kv. The intercept decreased, in general, for increasing $H\ensuremath{\nu}$, but for $\ensuremath{\theta}=36\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ and $\ensuremath{\theta}=90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ the change was within the experimental error of $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01{I}^{\ensuremath{'}}$.
Quantifying physiological data with Lempel-Ziv complexity-certain issues

The oscillations observed in physiological data can be attributed largely to the presence of either a nonlinear deterministic or a nondeterministic component. The Lempel-Ziv [1976] complexity and its variants have been used successfully to quantify the regularity of these oscillations. The decrease in the complexity can be observed in the case of nontrivial deterministic patterns as well as correlated noise. Thus, any conclusion on the nature of the pattern based solely on the value of the Lempel-Ziv complexity is incomplete. In this paper, the use of the surrogate data technique is suggested to avoid spurious interpretation of this measure of complexity. The data sets considered include the uterine contraction obtained during active labor. The surrogates are generated using the amplitude adjusted Fourier transform and the iterated amplitude adjusted Fourier transform. The approximate entropy [S.M. Pincus, 1991] is used as an alternate measure to verify the results obtained.
Developmental aspects of oxygen sensing by the carotid body

The carotid body chemoreceptors, the major hypoxia sensory organs for the respiratory system, undergo a significant increase in their hypoxia responsiveness in the postnatal period. This is manifest by a higher level of afferent nerve activity for a given level of arterial oxygen tension. The mechanism for the enhanced sensitivity is unresolved, but most work has focused on the glomus cell, a secretory cell apposed to the afferent nerve ending and believed to be the site of hypoxia transduction. The glomus cell secretory response to hypoxia increases postnatally, and this is correlated with an enhanced calcium rise in response to hypoxia and an increase in oxygen-sensitive potassium currents. These changes are sensitive to the level of hypoxia in the postnatal period, and significant impairment of organ function is observed with postnatal hypoxia as well as postnatal hyperoxia. Although many questions remain, especially with regard to the coupling of glomus cells to nerve endings, the use of cellular and molecular techniques should offer resolution in the near future.
An active micro-direct methanol fuel cell with self-circulation of fuel and built-in removal of CO2 bubbles

Abstract As an alternative or supplement to small batteries, the much-anticipated micro-direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) faces several key technical issues such as methanol crossover, reactant delivery, and byproduct release. This paper addresses two of the issues, removal of CO 2 bubbles and delivery of methanol fuel, in a non-prohibitive way for system miniaturization. A recently reported bubble-driven pumping mechanism is applied to develop active μDMFCs free of an ancillary pump or a gas separator. The intrinsically generated CO 2 bubbles in the anodic microchannels are used to pump and circulate the liquid fuel before being promptly removed as a part of the pumping mechanism. Without a discrete liquid pump or gas separator, the widely known packaging penalty incurred within many micro-fuel-cell systems can be alleviated so that the system's power/energy density does not decrease dramatically as a result of miniaturization. Since the power required for pumping is provided by the byproduct of the fuel cell reaction, the parasitic power loss due to an external pump is also eliminated. The fuel circulation is visually confirmed, and the effectiveness for fuel cell applications is verified during continuous operation of a μDMFC for over 70 min with 1.2 mL of 2 M methanol. The same device was shown to operate for only 5 min if the pumping mechanism is disabled by blocking the gas venting membrane. Methanol consumption while utilizing the reported self-circulation mechanism is estimated to be 46%. Different from common pump-free fuel delivery approaches, the reported mechanism delivers the fuel actively and is independent of gravity.
Understanding Federal Student Loan Repayment

The purpose of this study was to explain the federal student loan repayment process. Individuals with a college degree earn more over their lifetime than those without a college degree. However, the price of a college education has increased substantially and 69% of college graduates in 2012 had student loans to repay. There are eight federal repayment plans that may lead to confusion for borrowers. Education is needed to assist borrowers in making informed repayment decisions. Educators at postsecondary institutions have an opportunity to provide education to students.
Diagnosis and management of interstitial lung disease

The complex tasks of making a confident diagnosis of a specific form of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and formulating a patient-centered, personalized management plan in an attempt to achieve remission or stabilization of the disease process can pose formidable challenges to clinicians. When patients are evaluated for suspected ILD, an accurate diagnosis of the specific form of ILD that a patient has developed must be made to provide the patient with useful prognostic information and to formulate an appropriate management plan that can relieve symptoms and restore or significantly improve quality of life. A well-performed patient history and physical examination provides invaluable information that can be combined with appropriate laboratory testing, imaging, and, if needed, tissue biopsy to reach a confident ILD diagnosis, and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the thorax is usually a key component of the diagnostic evaluation. If treatment is indicated, many forms of ILD can respond significantly to immunosuppressive anti-inflammatory therapies. However, ILD accompanied by extensive fibrosis may be difficult to treat, and the identification of an effective pharmacologic therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has remained elusive despite the completion of many phase 3 clinical trials over the past decade. Nonetheless, patients with IPF or advanced forms of non-IPF ILD can benefit significantly from detection and treatment of various co-morbid conditions that are often found in patients (especially the elderly patient), and supportive care (oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation) can have a beneficial impact on quality of life and symptom palliation. Finally, lung transplantation is an option for patients with progressive, advanced disease that does not respond to other therapies, but only a relatively small subset of patients with end-stage ILD are able to meet wait listing requirements and eventually undergo successful lung transplantation.
MuTMuT: Efficient Exploration for Mutation Testing of Multithreaded Code

Mutation testing is a method for measuring the quality of test suites. Given a system under test and a test suite, mutations are systematically inserted into the system, and the test suite is executed to determine which mutants it detects. A major cost of mutation testing is the time required to execute the test suite on all the mutants. This cost is even greater when the system under test is multithreaded: not only are test cases from the test suite executed on many mutants, but also each test case is executed for multiple possible thread schedules. We introduce a general framework that can reduce the time for mutation testing of multithreaded code. We present four techniques within the general framework and implement two of them in a tool called MuTMuT. We evaluate MuTMuT on eight multithreaded programs. The results show that MuTMuT reduces the time for mutation testing, substantially over a straightforward mutant execution and up to 77% with the advanced technique over the basic technique.
Reducing Inequality – The Missing MDG: A Content Review of PRSPs and Bilateral Donor Policy Statements

Although important gains have been made in reducing global poverty, the pace of progress across the world is not on track to achieve the 2015 MDG targets. Is this due to lack of ownership on the part of national governments and the international community? This article examines whether the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) and donor policy statements are aligned with MDG priorities and targets. The analysis found a high degree of commitment to MDGs as a whole but both PRSPs and donor statements are selective, consistently emphasising income poverty and social investments for education, health and water but not other targets concerned with empowerment and inclusion of the most vulnerable such as gender violence or women's political representation. The article concludes that a new, ninth Goal needs to be added – to reduce inequality – to make the MDGs aligned to the original purpose of the Millennium Declaration.
Real-world comparison of two molecular methods for detection of respiratory viruses

Molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assays are increasingly used to diagnose viral respiratory infections and conduct epidemiology studies. Molecular assays have generally been evaluated by comparing them to conventional direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) or viral culture techniques, with few published direct comparisons between molecular methods or between institutions. We sought to perform a real-world comparison of two molecular respiratory viral diagnostic methods between two experienced respiratory virus research laboratories. We tested nasal and throat swab specimens obtained from 225 infants with respiratory illness for 11 common respiratory viruses using both a multiplex assay (Respiratory MultiCode-PLx Assay [RMA]) and individual real-time RT-PCR (RT-rtPCR). Both assays detected viruses in more than 70% of specimens, but there was discordance. The RMA assay detected significantly more human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), while RT-rtPCR detected significantly more influenza A. We speculated that primer differences accounted for these discrepancies and redesigned the primers and probes for influenza A in the RMA assay, and for HMPV and RSV in the RT-rtPCR assay. The tests were then repeated and again compared. The new primers led to improved detection of HMPV and RSV by RT-rtPCR assay, but the RMA assay remained similar in terms of influenza detection. Given the absence of a gold standard, clinical and research laboratories should regularly correlate the results of molecular assays with other PCR based assays, other laboratories, and with standard virologic methods to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Mullite Formation Kinetics of a Single‐Phase Gel

A reaction kinetic study of the formation of mullite from single-phase aluminosilicate gels has been performed using dynamic X-ray diffraction. In situ measurements of conversion and separate infrared spectra data indicate that the amorphous single-phase precursors form crystalline mullite at temperatures as low as 1213 K. All of the data are consistent with a nucleation rate-controlled mechanism, unlike previous work with diffusion-limited powders and diphasic gels. At temperatures below 1400 K, the conversion data are adequately fit with a binary model that can approximate a uniform distribution of activation energies. At higher temperatures, evidence indicates that diffusion mechanisms become the rate-limiting step.
Characterization and comparison of pore landscapes in crystalline porous materials

Crystalline porous materials have many applications, including catalysis and separations. Identifying suitable materials for a given application can be achieved by screening material databases. Such a screening requires automated high-throughput analysis tools that characterize and represent pore landscapes with descriptors, which can be compared using similarity measures in order to select, group and classify materials. Here, we discuss algorithms for the calculation of two types of pore landscape descriptors: pore size distributions and stochastic rays. These descriptors provide histogram representations that encode the geometrical properties of pore landscapes. Their calculation involves the Voronoi decomposition as a technique to map and characterize accessible void space inside porous materials. Moreover, we demonstrate pore landscape comparisons for materials from the International Zeolite Association (IZA) database of zeolite frameworks, and illustrate how the choice of pore descriptor and similarity measure affects the perspective of material similarity exhibiting a particular emphasis and sensitivity to certain aspects of structures.
How Behaviors are Influenced by Perceived Norms A Test of the Theory of Normative Social Behavior

Normative restructuring strategies currently under way to combat alcohol-related problems among U.S. college students are based on the idea that students harbor inflated perceptions about the prevalence of drinking on campus and that if these misperceptions can be corrected, then alcohol consumption will decrease. Evidence for the effectiveness of these strategies is lacking, and there is little discussion in the literature about how or why people’s normative beliefs exert influence on their behaviors. The theory of normative social behavior that is proposed in this article includes three mechanisms—injunctive norms, outcome expectations, and group identity—that are hypothesized to moderate the influence of descriptive norms on behavior. This theory is tested through a survey (N = 1,352) conducted among incoming college students. Although all normative mechanisms predicted behavioral intention, four of the six variables also interacted with descriptive norms to influence intention, with relatively smaller...
Fine‐needle aspiration of normal tissue from enlarged salivary glands: Sialosis or missed target?

Salivary gland enlargement by hypertrophy of normal-appearing parotid or submaxillary tissue is known as sialosis. It can be idiopathic, or may be associated with malnutrition, diabetes, bulimia, or alcoholism. When normal tissue is aspirated from an enlarged gland, one is tempted to diagnosed sialosis. We performed 26 such aspirates over a 5-yr period. In all cases, the cytology featured abundant acinar and ductal tissue in a clean (noninflammatory) background. Six cases were excluded when the records showed no return visits to the clinic. The remaining 20 patients included 9 men and 11 women, aged 24-92 yr (median 56), who harbored 12 parotid (2 bilateral) and 8 unilateral submaxillary enlargements. Clinical findings included ethanol abuse (2), diabetes (1), and previously diagnosed head and neck carcinoma (3). In six patients, the duration of the mass was described as months or years. Excision (6), reaspiration (3), radiographic evaluation (2), and clinical follow-up of patients not evaluated by other means (9 cases with median follow-up of 6 months) revealed no malignancies. One excised gland contained a pleomorphic adenoma measuring 0.5 cm in diameter. This had been diagnosed by repeat fine-needle aspiration (FNA) prior to surgery. We suggest that sialosis is a meaningful FNA diagnosis in patients who are carefully examined, skillfully aspirated, and reasonably followed.
Meniere's disease: importance of socioeconomic and environmental factors.

Results: • The lower limit of Meniere’s prevalence in the United States population was 73 per 100,000, females 84 per 100,000 compared to 56 per 100,000 among males (OR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.48–1.54, P < 0.01). • Prevalence was highest in Caucasians 91 per 100,000, and was significantly higher than other ethnic groups (P < 0.05). • Prevalence increased as age with the highest prevalence found in 81–90 year age group. • Midwest prevalence (94 per 100,000) was significantly higher than other regions (P < 0.001). • Meniere’s is more common in less populated locations and the prevalence decreased as population increased. • Meniere’s prevalence increased with household income. The highest prevalence was found among the 76th–100th quartile with rates of 86 per 100,000 for MD. Conclusions: Environmental factors, race and ethnicity, gender and age appear to be important factors in the prevalence of Meniere’s disease.
Deimos Rendezvous Orbit Design for the MERLIN Mission

*Different from most planetary moons, the Martian moon Deimos has an unusual dynamical environment in which its gravitation is too small to retain a spacecraft in an orbit around it. Even in close proximity to Deimos, the gravitational force of Deimos is smaller than that of Mars. This causes significant challenges in designing a rendezvous orbit. This paper describes how this challenge was addressed in the Mars-Moon Exploration, Reconnaissance and Landed INvestigation (MERLIN) mission proposed to the NASA Discovery Program. MERLIN would conduct a four-month long orbital reconnaissance of Deimos, land on the surface, and conduct an in situ investigation on the moon’s surface. To avoid using frequent orbital maneuvers to maintain proximity to Deimos at altitudes desired for rendezvous science observations, a set of general 3-dimensional (G-3D) orbits is developed that enables a rendezvous with Deimos to be conducted as if in ordinary orbits around a central body. The G-3D orbits, integrated trajectories computed using high fidelity full force models, are periodic, stable orbits bounded to Deimos. The orbits provide global coverage of the entire Deimos surface and allow for imaging optimized both for multispectral mapping and stereo imaging of morphology with a range of lighting conditions at various altitudes. The G-3D orbits are also applicable to a rendezvous with Phobos or with other small bodies that share the unusual dynamical environment of Deimos.
Design Automation and Test Solutions for Digital Microfluidic Biochips

Microfluidics-based biochips are revolutionizing high-throughput sequencing, parallel immunoassays, blood chemistry for clinical diagnostics, and drug discovery. These devices enable the precise control of nanoliter volumes of biochemical samples and reagents. They combine electronics with biology, and they integrate various bioassay operations, such as sample preparation, analysis, separation, and detection. Compared to conventional laboratory procedures, which are cumbersome and expensive, miniaturized biochips offer the advantages of higher sensitivity, lower cost due to smaller sample and reagent volumes, system integration, and less likelihood of human error. This tutorial paper provides an overview of droplet-based ?digital? microfluidic biochips. It describes emerging computer-aided design (CAD) tools for the automated synthesis and optimization of biochips from bioassay protocols. Recent advances in fluidic-operation scheduling, module placement, droplet routing, pin-constrained chip design, and testing are presented. These CAD techniques allow biochip users to concentrate on the development of nanoscale bioassays, leaving chip optimization and implementation details to design-automation tools.
Nonpharmacological Treatment of Hypertension: Impact on Prevalence Estimates

To the Editor: The recent report by Ong et al1 presents updated information on hypertension prevalence in the United States using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. Although it provides vital information on the burden of hypertension in the US population, we have concerns over the definition of hypertension used (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥90 …
Paradigm Development in Crime-Related Education: The Role of the Significant Others

Scientific paradigms provide broad definitions of the parameters of inquiry and the accepted and dominant constructs and theories in a field of study. They also provide the basis for socializing the field's future practitioners. These paradigms suggest ways for viewing, classifying, and interpreting physical and social events. The research reported here assesses paradigm development in crime-related education by examining the role of significant others in defining and maintaining paradigms in criminal justice and criminology. Two dominant perspectives in crime-related education are identified, "Analytical Criminal Justice" and "Institutional Criminal Justice." In the analysis provided, the opinion leaders within both perspectives, the basis of evaluations, and the adherents of each perspective can be readily identified.
Accelerated fractionation head and neck intensity‐modulated radiation therapy and concurrent chemotherapy in the community setting: Safety and efficacy considerations

Background This article reviews our community cancer center's experience treating head and neck cancer primarily with accelerated fractionation intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), with or without concurrent chemotherapy, focusing on acute toxicity and efficacy. Methods Fifty-two patients treated with IMRT at the Penrose Cancer Center between 2002 and 2007 constitute the cohort. The majority (75%) received an accelerated, altered fractionation regimen, typically concomitant boost to 7200 cGy. Concurrent chemotherapy was delivered to 32 (62%). The median follow-up was 24 months. Results The 2-year actuarial rates of local control, regional control, and distant metastasis–free survival were 100%, 91%, and 94%, respectively. Relapse-free survival and overall survival at 2 years were 89% and 91%, respectively. Overall, 32 of 52 patients (62%) experienced at least 1 type of grade 3 or 4 acute toxicity. Conclusion Accelerated fractionation IMRT, with or without chemotherapy, can be given safely and effectively in a community cancer center setting. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Agrobacterium-plant cell DNA transport: have virulence proteins, will travel.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Agrobacterium) is a soil phytopathogen that genetically transforms host cells, causing crown gall tumors, an agronomically important disease that affects most dicotyledonous plants. In nature, these tumors are formed at the soil?air junction, the so-called crown of the plant. The Agrobacterium-plant cell interaction is the only known natural example of DNA transport between kingdoms. In this process, DNA is transported from wild-type Agrobac? terium into the plant cell nucleus. Expression of this transferred DNA (T-DNA) results in neoplastic growths (tumors) on the host plant. The wild-type T-DNA carries genes involved in the synthesis of plant growth hormones and the production of opines, tumor-specific compounds formed by the condensa? tion of an amino acid with a keto acid or a sugar. It is the production of growth hormones in the transformed host cells that induces the formation of tumors. These tumors then syn? thesize opines, a major carbon and nitrogen source for Agrobacterium. Agrobacteria are usually classified based on the type of opines specified by the bacterial T-DNA, the most common strains being octopine or nopaline specific (Hooykaas and Beijersbergen, 1994). Opine import into and the subse? quent catabolism within the bacterial cell require specialized enzymes. Because these enzymes are encoded by the Agrobacterium tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid, practically no other soil microorganisms can metabolize opines, creating a favorable biological niche for Agrobacterium. Three genetic components of Agrobacterium are required for plant cell transformation (Figure 1). The first component is the T-DNA, which is actually transported from the bacterium to the plant cell. The T-DNA is a discrete segment of DNA located on the 200-kb Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium; it is delineated by two 25-bp imperfect direct repeats known as the T-DNA borders. The second component is the 35-kb virulence (vir) region, also located on the Ti plasmid, which is composed of seven major loci (virA, virB, virC, virD, virE, virG, and virH). The protein products of these genes, termed virulence (Vir) proteins, respond to the specific compounds secreted by the wounded plant (see below) to generate a copy of the T-DNA
Drug eluting stent implantation for the treatment of symptomatic myocardial bridging is associated with favorable peri-procedural results and short-term outcomes

Myocardial bridging is the most common congenital coronary abnormality, and is frequently found on post-mortem cardiac examination. Although often asymptomatic, clinical presentation can vary from unstable angina to sudden cardiac death. Only isolated cases of using drug eluting stents (DES) for bridging segments have been described. Our objective was to retrospectively analyze a series of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with DES for symptomatic myocardial bridging and follow post-procedure outcomes. Results revealed favorable peri-procedural angiographic and short-term clinical results with DES implantation. Although initial data regarding DES implantation for symptomatic myocardial bridging are promising, long-term follow up, particularly related to in-stent restenosis will be important.