cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genotype and environmental interaction for fruit quality traits in vintage tomato varieties

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the second most highly consumed vegetable in the world after potato. Traits including physicochemical (lycopene, total titratable acid (TTA), total soluble solids (TSS) and vitamin C), morphological (fruit shape and size) and colors contribute to the overall fruit quality of tomato. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate vintage tomato varieties representing a wide genetic background for fruit quality including physicochemical, morphological and color traits in multiple environments and to analyze consistency of their performances across locations. In order to achieve this objective, we acquired 44 vintage tomato varieties and evaluated them in five environments (NC, NY, OH in 2009, and NC and OH in 2010). Analysis of the data revealed that there was a significant (p < 0.01) difference among genotypes and environments for all quality traits, Genotype × Environment interaction was significant (p < 0.01) for all quality traits except for TSS. Broad-sense heritability of physicochemical traits ranged from 5.8 % (lycopene) to 35.7 % (TTA) whereas that for morphological traits ranged from 8.1 % (proximal eccentricity) to 97.3 % (fruit shape index external 1), and color from 69.0 % (a*-value) to 99.3 % (b*-value). Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that estimated lycopene content was negatively correlated with the other physicochemical traits whereas vitamin C, TSS and TTA were positively correlated with each other. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on phenotypic data identified five components explaining at least 82 % of the total variation. Cluster analysis based on phenotypic data revealed the clusters of vintage tomato varieties were not distinct whereas single nucleotide polymorphism data revealed three distinct populations. This information including heritability and correlation coefficients from the present study may be useful to tomato breeding programs to choose germplasm, improve the response to selection and simultaneously improve multiple traits for tomato fruit quality.
Endoscopic transoral stapling of Zenker's diverticula

The pharyngoesophageal pouch was first described by Ludlow in 1764 and later by Zenker. It is a pulsion diverticulum of the posterior pharynx, arising in Killian's triangle. Zenker's diverticula are related to a non-compliant upper esophageal sphincter and have been associated with gastroesophageal reflux. Surgical therapy has been recommended for dysphagia and regurgitation. Many surgical options exist. More recently, minimally invasive, transoral stapling has been used. Transoral stapling may be a less morbid operation and may allow patients a quicker return to oral diet and usual activities.
Connexin43 modulates post-natal cortical bone modeling and mechano-responsiveness

Recent advances have established connexin43 (Cx43) as a key regulator of osteoblast function and of bone response to mechanical stimuli. Work by independent laboratories has consistently demonstrated postnatal development of larger than normal cross-section of long bones after conditional ablation of the Cx43 gene, Gja1, selectively in osteoblasts and/or osteocytes. This phenotype is caused by excessive endocortical bone resorption associated with periosteal expansion and cortical thinning. Review of published data suggests that the earlier in the osteogenic lineage is Gja1 deleted, the more severe is the cortical phenotype, implying functional roles of Cx43 at different stages of the osteoblast differentiation program. Such cortical modeling abnormalities resemble the changes occurring in the cortex upon disuse or aging. Indeed, Cx43 deficiency desensitizes endocortical osteoclasts from activation induced by removal of mechanical load, thus preventing medullary area expansion. The action of Cx43 on cancellous bone is controversial. Furthermore, the absence of Cx43 in osteoblasts and osteocytes results in activation of periosteal bone formation at lower strains than in wild-type bones, suggesting that Cx43 deficiency increased cortical sensitivity to mechanical load. Thus, Cx43 modulates cortical bone modeling in homeostatic conditions and in response to mechanical load by restraining both endocortical bone resorption and periosteal bone formation. Cx43 may represent a novel pharmacologic target for improving cortical bone strength through modulation of mechano-responsiveness.
Abstract 1398: Aurora kinase A inhibition with MLN8054 radiosensitizes prostate cancer by inducing cell cycle arrest leading to increased prolonged DNA damage and apoptosis

The purpose of this study is to investigate a potential new radioenhancer for the treatment of prostate cancer. Despite multiple promising treatment modalities, prostate cancer remains a significant cause of diminished quality of life and cancer death, indicating the need for more aggressive, targeted therapy. Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is a promising treatment target, but its inhibition has never been investigated in combination with radiotherapy in prostate cancer. Using the selective AURKA inhibitor, MLN8054, we performed clonogenic assay to investigate in vitro radiosensitization, cell cycle analysis to observe changes induced by AURKA inhibition, tumor growth delay to study in vivo effects, and histologic active caspase staining to measure apoptosis. We demonstrated radiosensitizing effects in vitro in PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cell lines, which was confirmed in vivo by tumor growth delay in PC3 xenografts in nude mice. In addition, we investigated a potential mechanism for radiosensitization. We report that MLN8054 induces cell cycle arrest at G2/M and polyploidy in both prostate cancer cell lines, which is associated with sustained DNA damage from radiation as seen by increased immunofluorescence for γ-H2AX, a measure of DNA double-strand breaks. Staining for caspase-3 in xenograft samples showed increased apoptosis in irradiated samples pre-treated with MLN8054 compared to irradiation or inhibitor alone. Our findings support the potential use of AURKA inhibition with MLN8054 to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer, and suggest a potential mechanism underlying its radiosensitization effects. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1398.
Existence and uniqueness of the solution of a rigid-plastic rolling problem

Abstract A steady-state, rolling problem for rigid-plastic, slightly compressible strain-rate sensitive materials is considered. The corresponding variational problem is derived in the form of a variational inequality, for which existence and uniqueness results are obtained.
The production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to the fungus Aspergillus versicolor.

UNLABELLED Fungal exposure measurements in indoor environments require accurate and precise monitoring methods. Such techniques may be based on monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and here we report the cross-reactivity patterns of Mabs produced against Aspergillus versicolor. Balb/c mice were immunized with the particulate fraction of homogenized spores and 46 Mabs (35 IgM, nine IgG3, two IgG1) were produced and tested for cross-reactivity against 55 fungal species. None of the Mabs was found to be species-specific for A. versicolor. Several Mabs strongly cross-reacted with most Aspergillus, Penicillium and Eurotium species and some Mabs also cross-reacted with Paecilomyces variotii and several Cladosporium and Stachybotrys species. Our results show that antibody responses in mice against spores of A. versicolor are dominated by highly cross-reactive antibodies of the IgM isotype. The widespread cross-reactivity suggests that the specificity of antibodies to be used for the detection of fungi in environmental samples need to be thoroughly characterized in order to avoid ambiguities in the interpretation of monitoring results. Furthermore, accurate estimates of spore concentrations may require the application of species-specific Mabs in order to avoid bias in result interpretation because of the differential reactivity of cross-reactive Mabs with different fungi. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Producers of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies for the detection of fungi in environmental or clinical samples need to verify antibody reactivity patterns and accurately report that information to potential users. Furthermore, immunoassays based on mouse or human serum or purified immunoglobulin fractions need to consider antibody cross-reactivity as a potential confounding factor during interpretation of results.
Succeeding in Rural Mental Health Practice: Being Sensitive to Culture by Fitting in and Collaborating

Sustainable solutions to the access to mental health care problems are complex and must address both the availability of mental health care resources and the acceptability of those resources to consumers. The purpose of this study was to determine how to address the acceptability problem by learning from medical and mental health care providers what mental health therapists need to know to be successful in providing care in rural communities. Using a qualitative design, focus groups were conducted in three rural communities (<2,500) with medical and mental health care providers practicing in these communities. Data were analyzed using inductive qualitative methods. Results indicate that in addition to sound clinical skill, mental health therapists should (A) be sensitive to the culture of the rural community in which they are working and (B) practice in a way that accommodates to the care culture of the community. The latter includes spending time with patients commensurate with what is expected by other providers, engaging in generalist practice, and collaborating with local providers in patient care. An important implication of these results is that mental health care must be acceptable to both the residents of the community and the gatekeepers to health care.
FAR-ULTRAVIOLET SENSITIVITY OF THE COSMIC ORIGINS SPECTROGRAPH

We demonstrate that the G140L Segment B channel of the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph recently installed on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has an effective area consistent with ~10 cm2 in the bandpass between the Lyman edge at 912 ? and Lyman ?, rising to a peak in excess of 1000 cm2 longward of 1130 ?. This is a new wavelength regime for HST and will allow opportunities for unique science investigations. In particular, investigations seeking to quantify the escape fraction of Lyman continuum photons from galaxies at low redshift, determine the scale length of the hardness variation in the metagalactic ionizing background over the redshift range 2 3 can now be carried out with unprecedented sensitivity.
SU‐E‐T‐814: Dosimetric Feasibility of Dose Escalation with Gated IG‐IMRT for Pancreatic Cancer

Purpose: Delivery of curative high dose to the pancreatic tumor is limited by the surrounding radiation sensitive organs at risk (OARs), especially the most dose‐limitingorgan duodenum. Image‐guidedradiotherapy(IGRT) allows small planning target volume (PTV) margin and intensity‐modulated RT (IMRT) offers sharp dose gradients, permitting dose escalation with minimal OAR damage. We study the dosiemtric feasibility for using IG‐IMRT to escalate dose to pancreatic cancer. Methods: Planning 4D CT datasets for 10 pancreatic cancer patients treated previously were used for evaluation. A PTV margin of 3 mm was added to the clinical target volume (CTV, pancreatic head). This small margin is justified because the patient is to be treated with (1) gating to reduce the intrafractional (respiration) motion below 3 mm, and (2) high quality CT guided repositioning using an in‐room CT (e.g., CTVision, Siemens) to minimize interfractional variations. IMRT plans with prescription doses of 50.4 Gy and 72 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions were generated using a planning system (Panther, Prowess). Results: A series of dose volume quantities at two prescription doses 50.4 and 72 Gy were compared. For six out of 10 patients, the duodenum volumes irradiated by at least 50.4 Gy (V50.4 Gy) with the prescription dose of 72 Gy are well below 50%, while the doses to other OARs are within the acceptable ranges. for two (seven) out of 10 patients the volumes irradiated by at least the prescription dose of 72 Gy are less than 5 (10) cc. Conclusions: With appropriate selection of patients with pancreatic cancer, the dose escalation to 72 Gy may be feasible by using gated IMRT with daily in‐room CT guidance.
Vocal tract acoustics

Summary This paper considers the topic of vocal tract acoustics from the three perspectives: (a) the acoustic theory of speech production; (b) contemporary laboratory methods for acoustic analysis, and (c) measurement of the acoustic signal of speech. Linear source-filter theory is the standard acoustic theory of speech production and is the foundation for remarkable advances in the analysis and synthesis of speech. Digital signal processing, the dominant laboratory method for speech analysis, enables the acquisition and recording of the acoustic speech signal but also implements quantitative algorithms largely based on linear source-filter theory. Measurements of the acoustic signal reflect the acoustic theory of speech production, laboratory methods for signal analysis, and principles of experimental phonetics. Basic issues in the three domains of theory, laboratory methods, and measurement are summarized as they pertain to the interests of the voice scientist, voice clinician, and voice teacher.
Microgravity: the immune response and bone

Exposure to microgravity during space flight affects almost all human physiological systems. The affected systems that are of key importance to human space exploration are the musculoskeletal, neurovestibular, and cardiovascular systems. However, alterations in the immune and endocrine functions have also been described. Bone loss has been shown to be site specific, predominantly in the weight-bearing regions of the legs and lumbar spine. This phenomenon has been attributed to a reduction in bone formation resulting from a decrease in osteoblastic function and an increase in osteoclastic resorption. In order to examine the effects of microgravity on cellular function here on earth, several ground-based studies have been performed using different systems to model microgravity. Our studies have shown that modeled microgravity (MMG) inhibits the osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) while increasing their adipogenic differentiation. Here, we discuss the potential molecular mechanisms that could be altered in microgravity. In particular, we examine the role of RhoA kinase in maintaining the formation of actin stress fibers and the expression of nitric oxide synthase under MMG conditions. These proposed mechanisms, although only examined in hMSCs, could be part of a global response to microgravity that ultimately alters human physiology.
Malattia leventinese presenting with subretinal neovascular membrane and hemorrhage.

Abstract PURPOSE: To report a case of malattia leventinese involving subretinal hemorrhage. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: Two weeks after initial presentation, the visual acuity of this 34-year-old man decreased to LE: 20/100. Funduscopic evaluation revealed a subretinal hemorrhage involving the center of the foveal in the left eye that was interpreted as secondary to a neovascular membrane on fluorescein angiography. The patient did well after the removal of the submacular material by pars plana vitrectomy. CONCLUSION: Patients with malattia leventinese may occasionally present with submacular hemorrhage. Prompt diagnosis and intervention may enhance the patient’s chance for visual improvement.
Od interventions in urban settings. II: Public-sector success with planned change

The realization that a multitude of case studies indicate a set of unique public-sector constraints that do, generally speaking, work against OD interventions need not defeat continued efforts in urban governments and agencies. A first indication that these constraints are not all-powerful is the growing number and range of OD applications in the public sector. Further, the success ratio takes on significance when the difficulty of task and hard - to - achieve goals are considered. Approximately 90 percent of the 44 case reports studied here show atleast a definite balance of positive effects. Despite this cause for some optimism, OD intervenors must anticipate numerous and real constraints, e.g., the relatively shorttime-frame and political nature of efforts in the public sector. Certainly, these constraints often redefine the intervenor's role and measures of success, and advise against direct and unreflective adaptation of private - sector intervention design stopublic agencies.
Immediate Urethral Repair during Explantation Prevents Stricture Formation after Artificial Urinary Sphincter Cuff Erosion

Purpose: We compare stricture outcomes in patients with artificial urinary sphincter cuff erosion managed with and without synchronous urethral repair.Materials and Methods: Records of patients who underwent artificial urinary sphincter removal for cuff erosion from 2007 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Two cohorts of patients were evaluated, with those in group 1 treated with in situ urethroplasty and those in group 2 treated with a Foley catheter only. We compared demographic, clinical and radiological data to assess resultant stricture disease, and compared operative times between the cohorts.Results: Of the 26 artificial urinary sphincter cuff erosion cases identified 13 underwent in situ urethroplasty while 13 did not. Mean patient age was 73 years (range 61 to 83) with a mean followup of 24 months (range 8 to 69). The rate of urethral stricture formation after artificial urinary sphincter explantation was significantly reduced among patients treated with in situ urethroplasty (5 of 13, 38%) co...
An examination of the 6:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. measurements of ozone precursors in the New York City metropolitan area.

Abstract In recent years, ambient measurements of hourly ozone precursor concentrations, namely speciated and total nonmethane organic compounds (NMOCs), have become available through the Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS) program. Prior to this, NMOCs were measured in the central business district using a canister to obtain the 3-hr integrated sample for the 6:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. period. Such sampling had been carried out annually for nearly a decade at three locations in the New York City metropolitan area. The intent of these measurements, along with measurements of the other ozone precursor, NOx, was to provide an understanding of ozone formation and the emissions loading and mix in the urban area. The analysis of NMOC and NOx measurements shows a downward trend in the case of NMOC. In addition, we compared the canister-based NMOC concentrations with data obtained from the PAMS program for the 6:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. period. Analysis of the NMOC concentrations reveals poor spatial correlati...
Sexual abuse and neglect of adults with mental retardation: A comparison of victim characteristics

Sexual abuse of adults with mental retardation is perpetrated not only by paid staff, family members and people without disabilities, but also by other adults with mental retardation. Fifty-six percent of the 171 substantial cases of sexual abuse of adults with mental retardation involved paid staff, family members and others while 42% of the cases involved perpetrators who were other adults with mental retardation. This study compared characteristics of the victims of each group of perpetrators such as level of mental retardation, sex, age, use of psychotropic drugs and physical restraint and location of abuse. A description of the perpetrators was also included. Possible reasons for sexual abuse and suggestions for further research were discussed.
Barrel rotation evoked by intracerebroventricular vasopressin injections in conscious rats. II. Visual/vestibular interactions and efficacy of antiseizure drugs

Abstract Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) arginine-vasopressin (AVP) injections evoke ‘barrel rotation’ (BR) in rats. This motor system abnormality was studied in a protocol where conscious rats were injected on day 1 with 1 μg i.c.v. AVP and reexposed to 0.5 μg on day 3. Three paradigms modifying visual/vestibular systems were employed: labyrinthectomy, 3-acetylpyridine (3-AP) destruction of the inferior olive and atropine pretreatment. Ambient illumination (light vs dark) was also modified. Initial (day 1) incidence of BR, increased incidence (i.e. sensitization) on day 3, and day 3 BR latency were differentially affected by the various paradigms and suggest a complex role of visual/vestibular input in modifying i.c.v. AVP-induced BR. For example, 3-AP rats tested in light and atropinized rats had a reduced responsiveness to the peptide on day 1. 3-AP-treated rats tested in dark conditions showed a normal incidence of BR on day 1, but the expected sensitization to AVP on day 3 did not occur. Combined labyrinthectomy and darkness did not modify BR incidence on either day, but altered the distribution of latency data. Four diverse antiepileptic drugs were tested for efficacy against i.c.v. AVP-induced BR in sensitized rats: phenytoin, diazepam, valproic acid and phenobarbital; all drugs reduced the proportion of rats with BR and prolonged the latency. We conclude that brain AVP may be involved in abnormal motor conditions that are modified by visual/vestibular neuronal circuits. The unusual motor output (barrel rotation) can be inhibited by diverse antiepileptic drugs.
Cellular and synaptic basis of kainic acid-induced hippocampal epileptiform activity

The effects of kainic acid (KA) were studied using extracellular and intracellular recordings in the hippocampal slice preparation. In sufficient concentrations, KA led to a loss of all evoked responses. However, the amount of drug needed for this varied according to anatomic region. CA3 was more sensitive (1 microM) than CA1 or the dentate gyrus (10 microM). These results can be understood in terms of a profound and long-lasting depolarization of neurons. Lower concentrations of KA (0.05-0.1 microM) did not change the resting membrane potential or input resistance of hippocampal pyramidal cells but produced spontaneous epileptiform activity which originated in CA3 and propagated to CA1. Epileptiform discharges were not present in the dentate gyrus. Coincident with the induction of paroxysms, the following changes were observed: (1) an increase in the excitability of CA3 and CA1 pyramidal cells as measured by a left shift in the input-output curves of evoked responses and a lowered threshold stimulus intensity necessary for activation of action potentials in single neurons; (2) augmentation and synchronization of bursting in pyramidal cells; and (3) prolonged EPSPs without an increase in their amplitude. These findings indicate that multiple changes, involving both the properties of single neurons and synaptic connections, are involved in the development of hippocampal paroxysms and that CA3 and CA1 have different roles in the generation of these discharges.
Linkage of Typical Pseudoachondroplasia to Chromosome 19

Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) is an autosomal dominant dwarfing condition associated with disproportionate short stature, marked joint deformities, and early onset osteoarthritis. Previous linkage studies have excluded linkage to cartilage and noncartilagenous extracellular matrix candidate genes. Here, we report mapping the pseudoachondroplasia gene to chromosome 19. Maximum lod scores of 4.70, 4.15, and 4.86 at theta = 0.00 were found for D19S212, D19S215, and D19S49, respectively. Multipoint analysis suggests the following order: D19S253-D19S199-(D19S212/PSACH/D19S215)-++ +D19S222-D19S49.
Synthesis of crystalline ZnO nanostructures on arbitrary substrates at ambient conditions

In this paper, we report on a new method of synthesis for ZnO nanowires on arbitrary substrates and nanowalls on aluminum coated substrates at ambient conditions. Our method is based on sonochemical reaction of Zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn(O2CCH3)2-2H2O) Zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn(NO3)2-6H2O) and hexamethylenetetramine (HMT, (CH2).6N4) in aqueous solutions. Repetitive growth cycles resulted in synthesis of ZnO nanowires and nanowalls with controlled dimensions and large aspect ratios. Extensive analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and UV-Visible spectroscopy revealed the crystalline ZnO composition of the synthesized nanostructures. The proposed method is a rapid, inexpensive, low-temperature, catalyst-free, CMOS compatible and environmentally benign alternative to existing growth techniques.
Taming enterprise dementia in public sector organizations

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to report the finding of an exploratory research project that considered how public service organizations may conquer the debilitating effects of enterprise dementia.Design/methodology/approach – Building on the seminal research of Michael Earl, this project sought to solicit the view from the front, which in this case are the middle managers of the Canadian public service. Specifically, the aim was to determine which of Earl's schools of knowledge would be most appropriate in curbing the organizational memory loss and taming the information anxiety that are common place today.Findings – The sample of public service middle managers overwhelmingly opted for a single strategy. The organizational school surfaced as the strategy most likely to fit respondents' perceived needs. Through collaboration, Earl's organizational school focuses on maximizing the use of social networks with a view to knowledge sharing.Practical implications – This paper provides a compendium of knowle...
Minimization of undercutting in electrochemical micromachining of patterned aluminum–copper films

Al–0.5%Cu films patterned with an anodization mask of barrier Al2O3 are micromachined by porous-type anodization followed by chemical dissolution of porous Al2O3. Electrochemical micromachining results in well-defined metallic pillars separated by micro-grooves. The trapezoidal shape of the pillars is due to the lateral pore propagation under the anodization mask. Regardless of undercutting, porous-type anodization shows a higher degree of anisotropy than mostly isotropic wet chemical etching. The vertical growth of pores is accelerated with respect to the lateral propagation of pores by increasing the voltage of porous-type anodization. Consequently, the lateral pore propagation is minimized and for ~3 µm thick Al–0.5%Cu films the etch factor increases from 2.6 to 4.3 when the voltage is increased from 20 V to 60 V. Comparing the results obtained with the micromachining of ~3 µm and ~10 µm thick films at the same voltage, the etch factor decreases as the depth of micro-grooves increases. The etch factor depends on the distribution of secondary current density at the pattern scale during porous-type anodization, which is defined by the anodization mask coverage. A higher degree of anisotropy of porous-type anodization (in comparison to wet chemical etching) allows for more accurate shape control of three-dimensional metallic microstructures.
Clinical survey: patterns of utilization of lumbar epidural steroid injections by a cohort of spinal surgeons.

Objective There are few data on responses to conservative therapy in the management of lumbar degenerative diseases. To understand the use of epidural steroid injections (ESIs) by spine surgeons in the treatment of 2 distinct lumbar spinal conditions—herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) and degenerative disk disease (DDD)—a survey of orthopedic and neurosurgical spine surgeons was conducted. Design Participants were surveyed via posting of a survey on a commercially maintained Web site. Respondents were queried on individual preferences regarding epidural steroid injections for HNP and DDD. Setting N/A. Participants The survey was completed by 61 surgeons; not all surgeons completed the entire survey. There was equal representation between orthopedic and neurosurgical spine surgeons; most surgeons reported being in practice for greater than 10 years (41%) and most surgeons reported completing between either 50 and 100 or 100 and 200 spine surgeries each year (26% and 31%). Main Outcome Measures Results were tabulated and assessed for variance. Both individual responses to the different ESI treatment protocols offered and difference in use of lumbar epidural steroids between diagnoses were analyzed. Results In treatment of lumbar HNP, the majority of respondents considered ESIs after 6 weeks of noninterventional care (69%). In lumbar DDD, there was no consensus as to overall use, timing, number of ESIs constituting a treatment regimen, number of treatment cycles recommended, and length of treatment before considering other intervention. In comparing treatment of lumbar HNP or DDD, there was no agreement with regard to timing of ESIs, with regard to duration of treatment, nor with regard to number of injections comprising a treatment regimen (κ = -0.01, 0.03, and -0.02, respectively). Conclusion No consensus was found as to timing, frequency, and duration of ESI treatment in lumbar HNP and DDD patients in a survey of practicing spine surgeons. These results illustrate one example of lack of consensus in conservative treatment protocols.
The endogenous GABA analogue gamma-hydroxybutyric acid: Tritium labeling at high specific activity

2,3,4-3H] Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB, 4) was prepared by means of a catalytic tritium reduction of 2(5H)-furanone (2) followed by hydrolysis. It has proven useful as a tool to study the GHB receptor.
Java generics adoption: how new features are introduced, championed, or ignored

Support for generic programming was added to the Java language in 2004, representing perhaps the most significant change to one of the most widely used programming languages today. Researchers and language designers anticipated this addition would relieve many long-standing problems plaguing developers, but surprisingly, no one has yet measured whether generics actually provide such relief. In this paper, we report on the first empirical investigation into how Java generics have been integrated into open source software by automatically mining the history of 20 popular open source Java programs, traversing more than 500 million lines of code in the process. We evaluate five hypotheses, each based on assertions made by prior researchers, about how Java developers use generics. For example, our results suggest that generics do not significantly reduce the number of type casts and that generics are usually adopted by a single champion in a project, rather than all committers.
The structure of Tim50(164-361) suggests the mechanism by which Tim50 receives mitochondrial presequences.

Mitochondrial preproteins are transported through the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) complex. Tim50 and Tim23 then transfer preproteins with N-terminal targeting presequences through the intermembrane space (IMS) across the inner membrane. The crystal structure of the IMS domain of Tim50 [Tim50(164–361)] has previously been determined to 1.83 A resolution. Here, the crystal structure of Tim50(164–361) at 2.67 A resolution that was crystallized using a different condition is reported. Compared with the previously determined Tim50(164–361) structure, significant conformational changes occur within the protruding β-hairpin of Tim50 and the nearby helix A2. These findings indicate that the IMS domain of Tim50 exhibits significant structural plasticity within the putative presequence-binding groove, which may play important roles in the function of Tim50 as a receptor protein in the TIM complex that interacts with the presequence and multiple other proteins. More interestingly, the crystal packing indicates that helix A1 from the neighboring monomer docks into the putative presequence-binding groove of Tim50(164–361), which may mimic the scenario of Tim50 and the presequence complex. Tim50 may recognize and bind the presequence helix by utilizing the inner side of the protruding β-hairpin through hydrophobic interactions. Therefore, the protruding β-hairpin of Tim50 may play critical roles in receiving the presequence and recruiting Tim23 for subsequent protein translocations.
Trace-element concentrations in streambed sediment across the conterminous United States

Trace-element concentrations in 541 streambed-sediment samples collected from 20 study areas across the conterminous United States were examined as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program of the U.S. Geological Survey. Sediment samples were sieved and the < 63-[micro]m fraction was retained for determination of total concentrations of trace elements. Aluminum, iron, titanium, and organic carbon were weakly or not at all correlated with the nine trace elements examined: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, and zinc. Four different methods of accounting for background/baseline concentrations were examined; however, normalization was not required because field sieving removed most of the background differences between samples. The sum of concentrations of trace elements characteristic of urban settings -- copper, mercury, lead, and zinc -- was well correlated with population density, nationwide. Median concentrations of seven trace elements (all nine examined except arsenic and selenium) were enriched in samples collected from urban settings relative to agricultural of forested settings. Forty-nine percent of the sites sampled in urban setting had concentrations of one or more trace elements that exceeded levels at which adverse biological effects could occur in aquatic biota.
Certain nonparametric classification rules and their asymptotic efficiencies

Two nonparametric classification rules for e-univariace populations are proposed, one in which the probability of correct classification is a specified number and the other in which one has to evaluate the probability of correct classification. In each case the classification is with respect to the Chernoff and Savage (1958) class of statistics, with possible specialization to populations having different location shifts and different changes of scale. An optimum property, namely the consistency of the classification procedure, is established for the second rule, when the distributions are either fixed or “near” in the Pitman sense and are tending to a common distribution at a specified rate. A measure of asymptotic efficiency is defined for the second rule and its asymptotic efficiency based on the Chernoff-Savage class of statistics relative to the parametric competitors ie the case of location shifts and scale changes is shown to be equal to the analogous Pitman efficiency.
Early abrupt recovery from ataxia during vestibular compensation in goldfish

1. Vestibular compensation was studied in goldfish that had had the utriculus and semicircular canal organs unilaterally removed. Characteristic postoperative behavioural deficits of postural asymmetry were quantitatively scored. Operated animals were compared with those subject to the same duration of anaesthesia and restraint during a sham operation. 2. The period of several minutes following the operation was characterized by severe postural asymmetry and locomotor ataxia. In the operated fish, but not the sham-operated ones, the eyes rolled tonically towards the operated side without nystagmus, the body was flexed towards the operated side, and any swimming was disoriented with rolling motion towards the operated side. These deficits lasted less than 30 min after revival from the anaesthesia. All three behavioral deficits ended abruptly within 1 min of each other for individual fish, and normal, nearly upright swimming was then maintained, even in the dark. 3. We interpret this recovery as one of the first stages in the central process of vestibular compensation. The unusually abrupt end of these deficits in adult goldfish compared with that in other vertebrates suggests a remarkable capacity for the central nervous system to adapt. The speed of recovery of three distinct motor outputs supports models of early compensation that utilize central modulation or gain control of existing pathways, rather than anatomical reorganization.
Authenticated out-of-band communication over social links

Many existing host-based applications rely on their own authentication mechanisms and peer discovery services. Although social networking sites already provide mechanisms for users both to discover other users (e.g., by logging on to the social network Web site) and to communicate securely with each other (e.g., using instant messages within the social networking site), today's applications have no way to exploit the relationships and trust that are inherent in these networks. This paper proposes Authenticatr, a framework that allows applications to use the authentication and peer discovery mechanisms inherent in social networking sites to bootstrap their own authenticated communication channels. We describe motivating applications, detail the interface that Authenticatr exposes to applications, and discuss practical considerations and security threats.
American Perspectives on Security Energy, Environment, Nuclear Weapons, and Terrorism: 2010

We report findings from an Internet survey and a subset of questions administered by telephone among the American public in mid-2010 on US energy and environmental security. Key areas of investigation include public perceptions shaping the context for debate about a comprehensive national energy policy, and what levels of importance are assigned to various prospective energy technologies. Additionally, we investigate how public views on global climate change are evolving, how the public assesses the risks and benefits of nuclear energy, preferences for managing used nuclear fuel, and public trust in sources of scientific and technical information. We also report findings from a national Internet survey and a subset of questions administered by telephone in mid-2010 on public views of the relevance of US nuclear weapons today, support for strategic arms control, and assessments of the potential for nuclear abolition. Additionally, we analyze evolving public views of the threat of terrorism, assessments of progress in the struggle against terrorism, and tolerance for intrusive antiterror policies. Where possible, findings from each survey are compared with previous surveys in this series for analyses of trends.
Social Skills Training for Children: A Methodological and Clinical Review of Behavior Modification Studies

The purpose of this paper was to review the methodological rigor and clinical implications of behavior modification studies in which social skills have been taught to socially deficient children. Thirty two studies were reviewed. The following four treatment approaches were identified and reviewed: adult contingent attention; peer-mediated strategies; modeling; and treatment packages. The clinical merits and limitation of each approach are discussed. Identification and possible target behaviors for neglected and rejected children are outlined. It appears however that conclusions are not warranted at this time about the relative effectiveness of the four treatment strategies. Research issues such as subject selection and the need to document that skills acquired during training are associated with relevant outcome measures are discussed. Finally, suggestions for future social skills studies are offered.
Rescue of enzyme deficiency in embryonic diaphragm in a mouse model of metabolic myopathy: Pompe disease

Several human genetic diseases that affect striated muscle have been modeled by creating knockout mouse strains. However, many of these are perinatal lethal mutations that result in death from respiratory distress within hours after birth. As the diaphragm muscle does not contract until birth, the sudden increase in diaphragm activity creates permanent injury to the muscle causing it to fail to meet respiratory demands. Therefore, the impact of these mutations remains hidden throughout embryonic development and early death prevents investigators from performing detailed studies of other striated muscle groups past the neonatal stage. Glycogen storage disease type II (GSDII), caused by a deficiency in acid α-glucosidase (GAA), leads to lysosomal accumulation of glycogen in all cell types and abnormal myofibrillogenesis in striated muscle. Contractile function of the diaphragm muscle is severely affected in both infantile-onset and late-onset individuals, with death often resulting from respiratory failure. The knockout mouse model of GSDII survives well into adulthood despite the gradual weakening of all striated muscle groups. Using this model, we investigated the delivery of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors encoding the human GAA cDNA to the developing embryo. Results indicate specific high-level transduction of diaphragm tissue, leading to activity levels up to 10-fold higher than normal and restoration of normal contractile function. Up to an estimated 50 vector copies per diploid genome were quantified in treated diaphragms. Histological glycogen staining of treated diaphragms revealed prevention of lysosomal glycogen accumulation in almost all fibers when compared with untreated controls. This method could be employed with disease models where specific rescue of the diaphragm would allow for increased survival and thus further investigation into the impact of the gene deletion on other striated muscle groups.
Terrorism and Democracy

From 1968 to 1997, wealthy, advanced democracies generally did not suffer from high levels of chronic terrorism, with two exceptions: (a) advanced democracies that interfered in other countries' affairs through military intervention or occupations were frequent targets of transnational terrorism, and (b) poor democracies with territorial conflicts often experienced related domestic terrorist attacks. Intermediately wealthy and transitioning democracies with internally inconsistent institutions were more likely to experience domestic terrorism than advanced democracies and authoritarian regimes. There is very little agreement about why these trends persist. I identify the competing explanations that have emerged within the literature as well as remaining controversies. I also present preliminary evidence suggesting that since 9/11, terrorism persists in the usual pattern but may be increasingly prevalent in nondemocratic countries. I offer five speculative explanations for this and four suggestions for how...
Passive microfluidic pumping using coupled capillary/evaporation effects

Controlled pumping of fluids through microfluidic networks is a critical unit operation ubiquitous to lab-on-a-chip applications. Although there have been a number of studies involving the creation of passive flows within lab-on-a-chip devices, none has shown the ability to create temporally stable flows for periods longer than several minutes. Here a passive pumping approach is presented in which a large pressure differential arising from a small, curved meniscus situated along the bottom corners of an outlet reservoir serves to drive fluid through a microfluidic network. The system quickly reaches steady-state and is able to provide precise volumetric flow rates for periods lasting over an hour. A two-step mathematical model provides accurate predictions of fluid and mass transport dynamics in these devices, as validated by particle tracking in laboratory systems. Precise flow rates spanning an order of magnitude are accomplished via control of the microchannel and outlet reservoir dimensions. This flow mechanism has the potential to be applied to many micro-total analytical system devices that utilize pressure-driven flow; as an illustrative example, the pumping technique is applied for the passive generation of temporally stable chemical gradients.
High-speed hypotheses!

This article presents engaging interactive hypothesis tests which can be conducted with students very efficiently.
Arctic warming aloft is data set dependent

Arctic sea ice and snow on land have retreated polewards at an alarming pace in the past few decades. Such retreat locally amplifies surface warming through a positive feedback, which causes the Arctic surface to warm faster than the rest of the globe. In contrast, ice and snow retreat causes little warming in the atmosphere above when the stable winter atmosphere inhibits vertical heat exchange. We therefore find surprising the recent report by Graversen et al. in which they claim that recent Arctic atmospheric warming extends far deeper into the atmosphere than expected, and can even exceed the surface warming during the polar night. Using a different data set, we show that there is much less warming aloft in winter, consistent with the recent retreat of ice and snow, as well as recent changes in atmospheric heat transport.
Multiple-Metric Hybrid Routing Protocol for Heterogeneous Wireless Access Networks

The wireless multihop to an access point model appears to be a promising component of future network architectures, including multihop cellular networks and wireless access networks at the edges of mesh networks. Sophisticated software radios and core network protocols are being developed to support the integration of heterogeneous air interfaces within these access networks. A key challenge is managing diverse resources at access points (e.g., 3G, WiFi or WiMax) while discovering efficient multi-hop paths from a source to an access point based on selection criteria specified by various applications or necessitated by network resource constraints. We propose a new routing protocol that integrates multiple metrics to calculate path cost based on diverse selection criteria. In addition, a hybrid proactive/reactive anycast routing paradigm is applied to guide the discovery of an access point among multiple available access points. The result is an integrated, flexible protocol for route discovery and access point discovery. Simulation analysis shows that our approach outperforms single-metric routing protocols while supporting flexible service criteria, including load balancing at access points.
Differentiation of the epidermal keratinocyte in cell culture: Formation of the cornified envelope

Human epidermal keratinocytes grow from single cells into stratified colonies. Cells in the upper layers of the colonies lose their ability to divide and begin terminal differentiation. In this process, there develops a cornified cell envelope that remains insoluble after heating in solutions of sodium dodecylsulfate and beta-mercaptoethanol. The insolubility of the cornified envelope depends upon proteins, since after treatment with proteolytic enzymes, the envelope becomes soluble in the detergent. Cells with cornified envelopes can be identified under the light microscope either in living colonies or following fixation and silver nitrate staining. Keratinocytes of the basal layer move in a characteristic way, but cornified cells do not move at all and form an immobile upper layer in the colonies. Keratinocytes disaggregated from growing colonies are of differing size and density, and can be separated on isopycnic gradients of Ficoll. The DNA-synthesizing cells are small (mean diameter 14 mum). The nonmultiplying cells are large and have a protein content proportionate to their size. Their final diameter may exceed 30 microns (volume increase greater than 10 fold). Cornified envelopes are found in some of the large cells but in none of the small. In growing colonies, usually 5-10% of the cells have cornified envelopes. The fraction is reduced in colonies growing in the presence of epidermal growth factor. Strain XB, an established keratinocyte line of mouse teratomal origin, also forms cornified envelopes, but the kinetics of the process are different, indicating that the program of terminal differentiation is not initiated at corresponding times in the two cell types.