cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fault Tolerance Middleware for Cloud Computing

The Low Latency Fault Tolerance (LLFT) middleware provides fault tolerance for distributed applications deployed within a cloud computing or data center environment, using the leader/follower replication approach. The LLFT middleware consists of a Low Latency Messaging Protocol, a Leader-Determined Membership Protocol, and a Virtual Determinizer Framework. The Messaging Protocol provides are liable, totally ordered message delivery service by employing a direct group-to-group multicast where the ordering is determined by the primary replica in the group. The Membership Protocol provides a fast reconfiguration and recovery service when a replica becomes faulty and when a replica joins or leaves a group. The Virtual Determinizer Framework captures ordering information at the primary replica and enforces the same ordering at the backup replicas for major sources of non-determinism. The LLFT middleware maintains strong replica consistency, offers application transparency, and achieves low end-to-end latency.
Design, Testing, and Implementation of a Data Automation System for the Peanut Quality Inspection Process1

Abstract The current manual peanut inspection system requires inspectors to hand record about 14 million pieces of grade information and hand calculate about 8 million percentages on the 600,000 lots marketed annually. This results in up to 26% of these manually recorded grade certificates having errors. An automated data collection system was developed that reduces errors in recording and calculating grade factors. In addition, labor is reduced since recording data electronically eliminates manual recording, calculating, and checking of grade data. Variability in calculating dollar value was reduced up to 11%. Depending on the type of error occurring at specific buying points, implementing the system could save the peanut industry up to $6 million annually. A commercial computer company is marketing a version of the automated data collection system for use with current grading equipment.
Use of Lateral Position Test and Perfusion Lung Scan in Predicting Mediastinal Metastases

The lateral position test (LPT) accurately measures differential ventilation of the lungs when the mediastinum is mobile. The quantitative perfusion lung scan (PLS) also correlates well with differential ventilation but is not dependent on mediastinal movement. If tumor metastasis to mediastinal lymph nodes (MLN) inhibits mediastinal movement, then the PLS may give discordant values for differential ventilation from that of the LPT. Before mediastinoscopy or thoracotomy or both, 14 cases of lung cancer were prospectively evaluated by comparing the relative ventilation of the involved lung as determined by LPT and PLS. Seven patients who had no evidence of MLN involvement had nearly equal ventilation by the two techniques (r=.94), and the absolute difference was always
Everything all right in method comparison studies

Researchers and clinicians often need to know whether a new method of measurement is equivalent to an established one that is already in use. For this problem, the estimation of limits of agreement...
Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and immunomodulatory drug combinations in multiple myeloma: rationale and clinical experience.

The availability of new agents for multiple myeloma (MM) provides an opportunity to further improve response rates through the development of new combination regimens. Such new agents include pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and the immunomodulatory drugs thalidomide and lenalidomide, all of which have demonstrated efficacy and safety in the treatment of newly diagnosed and relapsed/ refractory MM. Based on their complementary mechanisms of action and nonoverlapping toxicity profiles, PLD and the immunomodulatory drugs might provide incremental benefits when used in combined treatment regimens. Thus, they have been evaluated in clinical studies that combine PLD/vincristine/dexamethasone and thalidomide (DVd-T) or PLD/vincristine/dexamethasone and lenalidomide (DVd-R) as well as in a study combining bortezomib with PLD and thalidomide. Results of all these studies have included high overall response rates, with improved rates of complete/near complete response compared with similar regimens that do not include chemotherapy (ie, immunomodulatory drugs plus dexamethasone). This article provides the clinical rationale for the use of PLD in combination with immunomodulatory drugs to treat patients with MM and summarizes the clinical experience with these combinations to date. Notably, the early phase I/II study results have been sufficiently encouraging to warrant further investigation in additional large-scale, phase II/III studies. Future clinical trials should focus on determining the optimal dose and schedule for each of these agents when used in combination and whether the addition of other new agents provides an additional response benefit.
Six-Dimensional Correction of Intra-Fractional Prostate Motion with CyberKnife Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Abstract Large fraction radiation therapy offers a shorter course of treatment and radiobiological advantages for prostate cancer treatment. The CyberKnife is an attractive technology for delivering large fraction doses based on the ability to deliver highly conformal radiation therapy to moving targets. In addition to intra-fractional translational motion (left-right, superior-inferior and anterior-posterior), prostate rotation (pitch, roll and yaw) can increase geographical miss risk. We describe our experience with six-dimensional (6D) intrafraction prostate motion correction using CyberKnife stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Eighty-eight patients were treated by SBRT alone or with supplemental external radiation therapy. Trans-perineal placement of four gold fiducials within the prostate accommodated X-ray guided prostate localization and beam adjustment. Fiducial separation and non-overlapping positioning permitted the orthogonal imaging required for 6D tracking. Fiducial placement accuracy was assessed using the CyberKnife fiducial extraction algorithm. Acute toxicities were assessed using Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) v3. There were no Grade 3, or higher, complications and acute morbidity was minimal. Ninety-eight percent of patients completed treatment employing 6D prostate motion tracking with intrafractional beam correction. Suboptimal fiducial placement limited treatment to 3D tracking in 2 patients. Our experience may guide others in performing 6D correction of prostate motion with CyberKnife SBRT.
Data Compression in Microprocessor-Based Data Acquisition Systems

A first-order predictor routine and an encoding routine were implemented on an Intel-8080-based microprocessor system to determine their ability to compress seismic data. The predictor routine obtained a maximum compression ratio of 2.33. It appears that higher order predictors offer no significant advantage over the first-order predictor in compressing seismic data. The encoder routine obtained a larger compression ratio of 3.94. The accuracy of reconstructed seismic traces is bounded by a maximum average error per point. For the predictor, the maximum average error per point is shown to be equal to the specified user tolerance. For the encoder, it is shown to be proportional to the maximum quantization error associated with the ranges used in the encoding algorithm. In general, the average error per point is found to be equal to the square root of the mean-squared error regardless of the compression technique used. A design for a basic data acquisition system utilizing data compression to reduce memory requirements is proposed. Examination of the design indicates that such a system can process no more than three separate data channels at a 1-ms sampling rate and that such a system is cost effective only when small numbers of data channels are to be processed.
Morphology, fluid motion and predation by the scyphomedusa Aurelia aurita

Although medusan predators play demonstrably important roles in a variety of marine ecosystems, the mechanics of prey capture and, hence, prey selection, have remained poorly defined. A review of the literature describing the commonly studied medusa Aurelia aurita (Linnaeus 1758) reveals no distinct patterns of prey selectivity and suggests that A. aurita is a generalist and feeds unselectively upon available zooplankton. We examined the mechanics of prey capture by A. aurita using video methods to record body and fluid motions. Medusae were collected between February and June in 1990 and 1991 from Woods Hole, Massachusetts and Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, USA. Tentaculate A. aurita create fluid motions during swimming which entrain prey and bring them into contact with tentacles. We suggest that this mechanism dominates prey selection by A. aurita. In this case, we predict that medusae of a specific diameter will positively select prey with escape speeds slower than the flow velocities at their bell margins. Negatively selected prey escape faster than the medusan flow velocity draws them to capture surfaces. Faster prey will be captured by larger medusac because flow field velocity is a function of bell diameter. On the basis of prey escape velocities and flow field velocities of A. aurita with diameters of 0.8 to 7.1 cm, we predict that A. aurita will select zooplankton such as barnacle nauplii and some slow swimming hydromedusae, while faster copepods will be negatively selected.
Antitachycardia pacing and low-energy cardioversion for ventricular tachycardia termination: A clinical perspective

When incorporated into tiered therapy implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), antitachycardia pacing (ATP) techniques have proved useful for termination of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardias (VT) and have the advantages of rapid delivery, absence of patient discomfort, and minimal battery drain. The efficacy of low-energy cardioversion (LEC) is similar to that of pacing techniques for VT termination, but LEC has the disadvantages of patient discomfort, atrial proarrhythmia, and greater battery drain compared with ATP. Acceleration of VT occurs with similar frequency with each technique. Neither technique should be used without back-up defibrillation capability in an ICD. VT termination algorithms are currently empiric and require repetitive arrhythmia induction and trials of ATP or LEC. Future studies of the risk and benefits of each technique are likely to define optimal programming strategies in tiered therapy ICDs.
Scaled Gromov hyperbolic graphs

In this article, the δ-hyperbolic concept, originally developed for infinite graphs, is adapted to very large but finite graphs. Such graphs can indeed exhibit properties typical of negatively curved spaces, yet the traditional δ-hyperbolic concept, which requires existence of an upper bound on the fatness δ of the geodesic triangles, is unable to capture those properties, as any finite graph has finite δ. Here the idea is to scale δ relative to the diameter of the geodesic triangles and use the Cartan–Alexandrov–Toponogov (CAT) theory to derive the thresholding value of δdiam below which the geometry has negative curvature properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 57: 157–180, 2008
Market logics: how locality and mobility make artistic livelihoods in Dakar

This essay addresses two questions linking artists and market spaces in Dakar. First, what do access, proximity, and the representation of locality have to do with the art market? And, secondly, how do markets, networks, and mobility produce and structure artists as a professional category in Dakar? The analysis and theorisation proposed here aligns Dakar’s art market with the city’s other markets as a transactive and productive space. In doing so, this essay also contends with dismissive assessments about the art market in Dakar as inadequate or fledgling. The practices of two artists, Fally Sene Sow and Douts Ndoye, orient discussion of the relationship between artists and markets by focusing specifically on how artists gain mobility and access to multiple networks and opportunities by way of market logics.
Canonical Wnt signaling is required for development of embryonic stem cell-derived mesoderm.

Formation of mesoderm from the pluripotent epiblast depends upon canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling, although a precise molecular basis for this requirement has not been established. To develop a robust model of this developmental transition, we examined the role of Wnt signaling during the analogous stage of embryonic stem cell differentiation. We show that the kinetics of Wnt ligand expression and pathway activity in vitro mirror those found in vivo. Furthermore, inhibition of this endogenous Wnt signaling abrogates the functional competence of differentiating ES cells, reflected by their failure to generate Flk1 + mesodermal precursors and subsequent mature mesodermal lineages. Microarray analysis at various times during early differentiation reveal that mesoderm- and endoderm-associated genes fail to be induced in the absence of Wnt signaling, indicating a lack of germ layer induction that normally occurs during gastrulation in vivo. The earliest genes displaying Wnt-dependent expression, however, were those expressed in vivo in the primitive streak. Using an inducible form of stabilized β-catenin, we find that Wnt activity, although required, does not autonomously promote primitive streak-associated gene expression in vitro. Our results suggest that Wnt signaling functions in this model system to regulate the thresholds or stability of responses to other effector pathways and demonstrate that differentiating ES cells represent a useful model system for defining complex regulatory interactions underlying primary germ layer induction.
SOX 2002: Unintended Consequences - Should the CFO be the COO?

This paper addresses and presents insights concerning an important organizational issue that arises with advent of Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 [Pub.L. 107-204; 116 Stat. 745] and the role and responsibility of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Classical organizational theory indicates that effective organizations align roles, responsibilities, and resources in order to achieve the best outcomes. Today, many of the resources required to carry out the financial and accounting functions (computers, programming, systems, and networks) are the responsibility of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) who typically reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Operating Officer (COO), not the CFO. As SOX now places individual responsibility on the CEO and CFO alike regarding the material correctness and integrity of the financials and the adequacy of internal controls [and by inference control over assets and operations that generate the financial, the question arises as to whether the CFO should be elevated in authority or have control and responsibility for the assets required to properly affect the CFO operating and reporting function and compliance with the required SOX 302 attestation.
Functions of functional analysis: Comments on Anderson‐Meyer

The following three part debate is in response to the article “Functionalism and the Mass Media,” which appeared in 19:11–22. Dr. Pryluck is associate professor in the Department of Radio, Television and Motion Pictures at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Anderson directs the Broadcast Research Center at Ohio University, and Dr. Meyer is a member of the communications faculty at the University of Massachusetts.
Preliminary Evidence for Subdimensions of Geriatric Frailty: The MacArthur Study of Successful Aging

Many investigators have embraced a model in which frailty represents a state of decreased physiological reserves and dysregulation of multiple physiological systems.1 In 2001, Fried et al.2 used data from the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) and defined a phenotype of frailty that included three or more of the following: weight loss, weak grip, exhaustion, slow gait, and low physical activity level. A subsequent study used latent class analyses in the Women’s Health and Aging Study to demonstrate that the selected dichotomized CHS criteria occur together across individuals.3 At the 2004 National Institute on Aging/American Geriatrics Society Research Conference on Frailty, identifying frailty subdimensions was identified as a research priority.4 Identifying subdimensions with different prognostic profiles could offer insights into the varied pathways by which older adults become frail and proceed from frailty to bad outcomes. Ultimately, identifying different pathways could lead to the development of different or adjusted interventions to prevent and treat frailty. Scientists at the second International Frailty Conference in 2006 concurred that identification of subdimensions was a research priority and stated that a “broader definition of frailty may be useful, and even crucial, in research to understand the causes and consequences of the variety of traits subsumed under the general idea of frailty.”5 For example, many geriatricians believe that cognitive impairment is intrinsic to geriatric frailty.6–10 It has also been hypothesized that inflammation characterizes frailty,11 and high interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are associated with the CHS frailty phenotype.12 This team hypothesized that the construct of frailty would subsume two or more subdimensions—one or more of which would include the CHS criteria, as well as cognitive impairment, subclinical inflammation, and subjective weakness and anorexia. The specific aims of this study were to use the MacArthur Study of Successful Aging to test empirically for the existence of subdimensions of frailty, using the CHS and an expanded set of criteria from vulnerability-based models, and to test the predictive and discriminant validity of identified subdimensions.
Implementation and evaluation of a curriculum to teach reproductive health to adolescents in northern Madagascar.

BACKGROUND: In Madagascar prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies are high among adolescents. Limited reproductive health education is available. METHODS: In northern Madagascar in 2014 we assessed the baseline knowledge attitudes and self-efficacy regarding STIs/HIV and family planning among 155 adolescents and designed and implemented a 6-week reproductive health curriculum for adolescents using complementary teaching methods. We evaluated the curriculum through pre- and post-curriculum surveys of adolescents using paired t-tests. RESULTS: Pre-test survey revealed a general lack of knowledge regarding different types of STIs. Post-curriculum there was a significant improvement in the following educational domains: general knowledge of HIV/AIDS other STIs and family planning (49%+/-17% to 65%+/-15%) (p<0.001) self-efficacy and use of contraceptives (57%+/-26% to 70%+/-26%) (p<0.01) and the overall combined scores of knowledge attitude and self-efficacy (53%+/-14% to 68%+/-14%) (p<0.001). Open-ended questions revealed significant misconceptions and stigma regarding oral and anal sex and usage of condoms. CONCLUSIONS: Important misconceptions and knowledge gaps regarding reproductive health exist among adolescents. The comprehensive reproductive health curriculum with complementary teaching methods was feasible well-received and effective and could be considered for integration into the schools curricula.
Rad6B acts downstream of Wnt signaling to stabilize β-catenin: Implications for a novel Wnt/β-catenin target

Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling is associated with breast cancer even though genetic mutations in Wnt signaling components are rare. We have previously demonstrated that Rad6B, an ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, stabilizes β-catenin via polyubiqutin modifications that render β-catenin insensitive to proteasomal degradation. Rad6B is a transcriptional target of β-catenin, creating a positive feedback loop between Rad6B expression and β-catenin activation. To isolate subpopulations expressing high or low Rad6B levels, we transfected MDA-MB-231 or WS-15 human breast cancer cells with ZsGreen fluorescent reporter vector in which the expression of ZsGreen was placed under the control of Rad6B promoter. ZsGreenhigh and ZsGreenlow subpopulations, reflective of high and low Rad6B promoter activity, respectively, were isolated by FACS. To determine the relevance of Wnt signaling in Rad6B-mediated β-catenin stabilization/activation, the ZsGreenhigh cells were transfected with signaling-defective Wnt coreceptor LRP6Δ173. Rad6B expression and promoter activity were determined by RT-PCR, Western blot and Rad6B promoter-mediated luciferase assays. β-catenin levels and transcriptional activity were determined by Western blot and TOP/FOP Flash reporter assays. Tumor formation and morphologies of ZsGreenlow, ZsGreenhigh, and ZsGreenhigh/LRP6Δ173 cells compared to unsorted vector controls were evaluated in nude mice. Expression of Wnt signaling related genes was profiled using the Wnt signaling pathway RT2 Profiler PCR arrays. ZsGreenhigh subpopulations showed high Rad6B expression and Rad6B promoter activity as compared to ZsGreenlow cells. ZsGreenhigh (high Rad6B expressors) also showed elevated β-catenin levels and TOP/Flash activity. Inhibiting Wnt signaling in the high Rad6B expressors decreased ZsGreen fluorescence, Rad6B gene expression, β-catenin levels and TOP/Flash activity. Tumors derived from high Rad6B expressors were predominantly composed of cells with epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype as compared to control tumors that were composed of both cuboidal and EMT-type cells. Tumors derived from low Rad6B expressors lacked EMT phenotype. Inhibition of LRP6 function in the high Rad6B expressors abrogated the EMT phenotype. Gene expression profiling showed upregulation of several Wnt signaling pathway regulators in high Rad6B expressors that were downregulated by interference of Wnt signaling with mutant LRP6 or by Rad6B silencing. These data reveal a functional link between the canonical Wnt pathway and Rad6B in β-catenin activation and breast cancer progression.
AGROBACTERIUM-MEDIATED) TRANSFORMATION OF CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativus L.) AND PLANT REGENERATION

ABSTRACTCucumber plant (Cucumis sativus L.) was transformed by EHA101 strain of A. tumefaciens harboring the binary vector pGA482GG plasmid carrying the marker genes the neomycin phosphotransferase II (npt II) determining resistance to kanamycin and p-ghicuronidase (GUS). Cotyledon and hipocotyl segments of in vitro grown seedlings were used as explants. These tissue segments were cultured on MS medium containing different hormone combinations and concentrations to identify optimum shoot regeneration condition. The highest number of shoot regeneration was observed on MS medium containing 2 mg/1 zeatin. In the tested explant tissues, the highest shoot formation was obtained from the proxiroal ends of cotyledon leaves which were cut transversely into two halves. Plant tissue segments were co-cultivated with A. tumefaciens for 2 days. Tissues, selected on the MS medium containing kanamycin (50 mg/1) were tested by histochemical GUS assay. Shoots regenerated from the transgenic tissue were cultured on the bas...
The response of large and small luteal cells from the pregnant rat to substrates and secretagogues.

Large (>22 jIm) and small (12 - 21 jim) lutea! cells from Day 8 pregnant rats were separated by elutriation after enzyme dissociation. Aliquots of cells were incubated for 4 hat 37 V in Mediwn 199 alone (control) or with mediwn containing dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3’, 5’-monophosphaze (cAMP) at 0.5 mM or 5 mM; rat luteinizing hormone (Lii) at doses of 1, 10, 100, or 1000 ng/ml; 10 p.g/ml 25-OH-cholesterol; or 10 nglml testosterone. Production of progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol was measured by radioimmunoassay. Both cell types showed a similar increase in estradiol synthesis when stimulated with Lii (1 jig/mI) or dibutyryl cAMP (5 mM); however, large luteal cells aromazized exogenous testosterone, whereas small luteal cells did not. Large luteal cells produced increased amounts ofprogesterone at lower doses of dibusyryl cAMP (0.5 mM) and Lii (10 ng/ml), compared to small cells, which required 5 mM dibutyryl cAMP or I jig/mi LHfor minimal stimulation. Dibusyryl cAMP (5 mM) also resulted in an increase of testosterone release from small luteal cells. Progesterone synthesis in both cell types was enhanced by 25-OH-cholesterol. These results suggest that the two cell types differ functionally with respect to steroidogenesis during pregnancy, and that the large luteal cells appear to be the primary site of progesterone and estradiol production at this stage of pregnancy.
Big data meets computer science

As "big data" moves from buzzword to practice, campus departments must increasingly figure out where data science fits into their curricula. Clearly such an interdisciplinary area crosses traditional boundaries ranging from statistics traditionally taught in mathematics or engineering departments, a new method of scientific discovery for biologists and chemists, a new challenge for ethicists and political scientists, and a new realm for design and electronic arts, etc. Within computer science departments, it currently seems to reside in the machine learning and knowledge discovery areas where the metaphor of big data as "the new oil" to be mined is pursued. In this talk, however, I opine that just as oil is important for the energy it generates, which powers the technologies of modern life, data is increasingly important for the information it generates, which will power the information applications of the future. We will explore some of these emerging trends, ranging from high performance modeling to the Watson AI system, looking at what we might want to be teaching our students if they are to be leaders in this emerging area.
Birth injuries to the spinal cord: a report of 2 cases and review of the literature.

Abstract Two personally studied examples of injuries to the cervical spinal cord attendant upon breech extraction prompted a review of the mechanisms whereby such lesions are produced, their frequency, and the clinical aspects. From 1923 to the present time 53 reasonably well-documented examples of birth injury to the spinal cord have been reported. Forceful breech extraction is the commonest obstetrical situation, although cephalic presentation may also be associated with cord injury. The cervicothoracic spinal cord is the predominant site of injury which may be complete or patchy. Forceful traction plus angulation of the vertebral column offers the greatest chance of damage to the cord with or without attendant vertebral column trauma. The disparity between the very pliable beny ligamentous column and the less elastic spinal cord and meninges explains the often severe cord lesions without bone or point injury. Therapy is directed to the supportive care of a paraparetic or paraplegic infant with high mortality and severe morbidity. Only rarely will operative measures be applicable. Prevention of the condition requires an alertness to its potential occurrence and a cognizance of the vulnerability of the spinal cord to stretch and angulation so that the physician is sensitized to the spinal cord as well as to the umbilical cord when vigorous extractive methods are needed.
Chapter 12 Handling of Root Tips

Publisher Summary This chapter presents some simple methods for growing, fixing, and handling root tips. It emphasizes mainly on roots grown from Vicia faba (the horse bean), Allium cepa (the onion), and Hordeum vulgare (barley). Root tips have been valuable for studying the physiology of living cells, especially the physiology of nuclear phenomena. Cells from growing roots of plants have largely been used in cytological studies as these cells are representatives of the plant kingdom, are very easy to obtain in large numbers, and are nongreen. Moreover, actively growing roots are easily handled and may be treated simply with various chemicals and metabolic inhibitors. To grow onion roots from bulbs, all that is necessary is that the base of the bulb should be scraped clean to expose the fresh root primordia and then immersed or suspended in water. The water should be changed every day while roots will grow from the base of the bulb. Different fixation procedures are followed depending on the components of the root to be preserved and whether squashes or sections will be made of the material. One of the most commonly used fixatives for root tips is Carnoy or Farmer fluid, which consists either of three parts 100% ethyl alcohol to one part glacial acetic acid or six parts 100% ethyl alcohol to three parts chloroform to one part glacial acetic acid.
Abstract 113: SUMO1 Gene Transfer Rescues Cardiac Function in a Large Animal Model of Heart Failure

Recently, small ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (SUMO1) was found to enhance the activity and stability of the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase, SERCA2a. In both, human and rodent models of heart failure (HF), the total amount of myocardial SUMO1 is decreased and its knock down results in severe HF. Adeno-associated vector (AAV) mediated SUMO1 gene transfer significantly improves cardiac function in murine models of HF. As a critical step towards clinical translation, we evaluated the effects of SUMO1 gene transfer in a swine model of ischemic heart failure. One month after balloon occlusion of the proximal LAD, 21 animals were randomized to receive either AAV1.SUMO1 at two doses, AAV1.SERCA2a, AAV1.SUMO1+AAV1.SERCA2a, or saline via antegrade coronary infusion. In addition, three pigs served as controls and underwent sham procedures. The ejection fraction and the maximum dP/dt significantly increased after gene transfer of SUMO1 at both doses, SERCA2a and the combination of SUMO1 and SERCA2a (p=0.034, p=0.028) compared to saline infusion. The increase in maximum dP/dt was most pronounced in the group that received both SUMO1 and SERCA2a. Furthermore, the increase in end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes was normalized in the treatment groups, while they further deteriorated in the saline group (p=0.001, p=0.022). SUMO1 and SERCA2a gene transfer significantly improved cardiac function and concomitant gene delivery of SUMO1 and SERCA2a had a synergistic effect on improving these parameters in the HF animals. These results strongly support the critical role of SUMO1 for SERCA2a function and underline the therapeutic potential in heart failure patients.
The Effects of X Rays on Insemination and Sperm Retention in Drosophila

The effect of x rays on insemination success and retention of sperm during storage in inseminated females was studied by direct microscopic estimates of the relative fullness of excised ventral receptacles in female Drosophila melanogaster dissected at intervals following mating. Males were treated at 12 x- ray dose levels ranging from 500 to 75000 r and mated for 24 hours to untreated, virgin females. The insemination success in groups of females dissected immediately after the mating period was significantly lower in treated groups than in the controls at all doses of 4000 r or more. The reduction in insemination was proportional to -0.0066 times the dose in kiloroentgens at doses to 40 kr, and was even more extreme at doses of 60 and 75 kr. Males were treated with 4000, 25000, or 50000 r of x rays and mated for 24 hours to virgin untreated females. The insemination success in females dissected immediately after the mating period was lower in each treated group, and the retention of sperm after 7 and 14 days of storage in the females was drastically reduced in the 25000 and 50000 r groups. Inseminated females were treated at eight x ray dose levels ranging frommore » 5000 r to 50000 r, and dissected at times ranging from 2 hours to 17 days after irradiation. Reductions in the success of the sperm retention were first noted 24 hours after irradiation at the highest dose levels, and became evident even at lower doses within the 17-day storage period. It was concluded that some aspect of sperm behavior, possibly motility, is affected by x rays at doses within the range commonly employed in genetic studies. This finding is significant for the analysis of induced mutation rates in Drosophila. (auth)« less
Navier-Stokes simulation of IGV-rotor-stator interactions in a transonic compressor

Time-marching multistage CFD analyses are being developed to predict the multi-blade row unsteady aerodynamics that drive HCF. It is imperative that these analyses be validated with appropriate benchmark multi-blade row flow environment data. This research addresses this required validation process for TURBO, an advanced three-dimensional Navier-Stokes multi- blade row turbomachinery CFD code. A TURBO simulation of the flow through the Purdue 1½-stage transonic compressor is implemented. The rotor flow field and the resulting rotor-wake generated unsteady flow through the stator row is predicted for both subsonic and transonic rotor conditions. The wake forcing function and stator flow field results are then correlated with corresponding benchmark data. Nomenclature
American Scholars Analyze U.S. Foreign Policy

This is the first of two articles discussing the several studies of American foreign policy, prepared at the request of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Otto Feinstein is an Assistant Professor at Monteith College, Wayne University, and editor of New University Thought.
The experimenter bias effect: A failure to replicate

The present study attempted to replicate the E-bias effect using Rosenthal’s (1966) basic paradigm, examine the relationship between E-bias and Ss’ perception of Es’ expectancies, and evaluate the E-bias effect in relation to a no-expectancy control group. Results failed to demonstrate the E-bias effect, although Ss’ judgments of Es’ expectancies were related to the three different treatment groups. The present findings are discussed briefly in terms of Barber & Silver’s (in press) recent review of this area.
High-resolution 18F-FDG PET/CT for assessing disease activity in rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis: findings of a prospective pilot study

Objective:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) commonly affect the small joints of the wrist and hand. We evaluated the performance of a new, high-resolution extremity positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scanner for characterizing and quantifying pathologies associated with the two arthritides in the wrist and hand joints.Methods:Patients with RA or PsA underwent fluorine-18 fludeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT wrist and hand imaging, respectively, on the high-resolution scanner. Calibrated CT images and co-registered PET images were reconstructed. PET/CT was derived for the radiocarpal and pisiform–triquetral compartments, joints with erosive changes, sites of synovitis or tenosynovitis and the nail bed and were correlated with clinical and MRI findings.Results:Significantly elevated 18F-FDG uptake was measured for the radiocarpal and pisiform–triquetral compartments and at sites of bone erosion, synovitis, pannus and oedema, compared with unaffected joints (p < 0.05) in patients with RA...
Diet and diabetes.

Present evidence suggests that the most important nutritional factor bearing on the risk of development of diabetes mellitus is an excessive caloric intake. Other evidence suggests that both dietary prevention of diabetes and mitigation of hyperglycemia by dietary means can prevent morbidity and mortality from the microvascular lesions of diabetes. Diet also has potential for reducing the extent of atherosclerotic lesions associated with the disease.
Thermal Decomposition of NF3 with Various Oxides

The thermal decomposition of NF3 by various oxides was investigated using gas chromatography, BET surface areas, and X-ray powder diffraction. The decomposition of NF3 using alumina can occur at temperatures as low as 100 °C, with steady complete conversion for almost 4 h at 400 °C. The reaction is shown to be stoichiometric. Using Na-doped alumina, conversion of NF3 dropped off faster than conversion with the undoped alumina. Similarly, calcium oxide did not react with the NF3 as completely or last as long as the alumina did; even at 400 °C the conversion of NF3 was only briefly greater than 90%. HX zeolite was also reacted with NF3, with higher and more consistent conversion than occurred with calcium oxide and Na-doped alumina, but did not perform as well as the alumina. Over 98% conversion was maintained at 400 °C for more than 1 h. In all cases, nitrogen oxides and the corresponding metal fluorides were the only major products from the reactions. The XRD patterns confirm the presence of metal fluorid...
Pediatric Neurocutaneous Syndromes with Cerebellar Involvement

Neurocutaneous syndromes encompasses a broad group of genetic disorders with different clinical, genetic, and pathologic features that share developmental lesions of the skin as well as central and peripheral nervous system. Cerebellar involvement has been shown in numerous types of neurocutaneous syndrome. It may help or be needed for the diagnosis and to explain the cognitive and behavioral phenotype of affected children. This article describes various types of neurocutaneous syndrome with cerebellar involvement. For each neurocutaneous disease or syndrome, clinical features, genetic, neuroimaging findings, and the potential role of the cerebellar involvement is discussed.
Mathematical and computer modelling reports: Strain- and stress-based continuum damage models-II. Computational aspects

In Part I of this work we developed continuum isotropic and anisotropic elastoplastic-damage models, formulated either in strain space on the basis of the effective stress concept, or in stress space and employing the dual notion of effective strain. In Part II we consider in detail the variational formulation and subsequent numerical implementation of these models. The former relies crucially on the notions of maximum plastic and maximum damage dissipation. The latter makes systematic use of the operator splitting methodology to derive unconditionally stable algorithms for the numerical integration of the elastoplastic-damage equations of evolution. Appropriate extensions to treat the proposed rate-dependent (viscous) damage are also presented. For stress-based damage models, our numerical treatment relies on a new three-step operator split. The algorithms developed lead to simple and efficient stress update procedures suitable for large-scale finite element calculations. Application is made to a class of inviscid and rate-dependent cap models with an isotropic strain-based damage mechanism. Remarkably good agreement with existing experimental data that includes complicated stress paths is obtained. Numerical examples are also presented that demonstrate the good performance of the proposed algorithms.
Inheritance of Photoperiodic and Day-Neutral Flowering in Aeschynomene americana L.

The inheritance of flowering response to photoperiod in Aeschynomene americana L. was studied in crosses between a day-neutra line and two photoperiod-responsive lines
Structural DNA Nanotechnology: DNA origami and DNA bricks

One of the central concepts in structural science is the notion of resolution . What we're talking about here is the extent of detail or precision with which we wish to work. Resolution is usually thought of as the detail level of analysis, particularly optical analysis, but it can also refer to the detail level of construction. For example, when I was a “small molecule” crystallographer, it was useful to have a mental picture of my structures where the rulings were approximately every 10 picometers. My structures themselves were built up from Fourier components whose crests were separated by about 80 picometers (their nominal resolution) or more, but I was able to find meaningful differences between things such as bond lengths that were about 10 picometers different from each other. It is usually more useful to think of macromolecular crystals (resolution typically 200–400 picometers) more crudely, say in a world where the rulings are around 50 picometers apart. Resolution should fit the subject appropriately: if we were building a house with 5 × 10 × 15 cm bricks, this type of thinking would be far too detailed; we would be wasting out time thinking in a world with rulings closer than about a centimeter. Biology is replete with phenomena that take place on multiple distance scales, everywhere from the sub-nanometer scale (e.g., simple enzymatic reactions) to the nanometer scale (e.g., transcription, translation, recombination, and other aspects of nucleic acid metabolism) to the micron scale (cellular phenomena) to the macroscopic scale (organs like muscles and nerves). DNA origami. In the aspects of structural DNA nanotechnology we have discussed so far, our basic unit has been the DNA double helix, with a diameter of 2 nm. 2D DX arrays should in principle have a repeat perpendicular to the helix axis of about 4–5 nm, but we usually find that the actual repeat is about 6 nm. Thus, these structures are usually designable to within ±1 nm. If we loosen up our design criteria a bit, say to 6 nm, it is possible to design larger structures readily. This is the technique known as DNA origami, first published by Paul Rothemund in 2006. He took the single-stranded form of the M13 virus, ~7500 nt, which is commercially available, and combined it with around 250 “staple” strands to get it to fold into a series of shapes containing parallel helix axes. These shapes are all based on extended versions of the DAO motif.
Trade-Offs in Designing Explicit Hydrodynamical Schemes for Vector Computers

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses trade-offs in designing explicit hydrodynamical schemes for vector computers. Difficulties in vectorization arise when the zones are not updated with the same difference equations. The hydrodynamical equations governing the flow may be identical for each zone, and different difference equations are chosen to be used in different regions of the flow. Neglecting the viscous terms in the governing differential equations is justified when the coefficient of viscosity is small. However, the nonlinear steepening of compression waves described by the inviscid equations can lead to the development of large density and pressure gradients in thin regions of space. The neglected viscous terms must become important and lead to the formation of a shock. The shock thickness is about a collisional mean free path for a molecule in the fluid. Vector computers designed to perform the sorting and logical operations as fast as the arithmetical operations would be of greater use than the machines currently available.
On-orbit characterization of space solar cells on nano-satellites

The Aerospace Corporation has been building, testing, and flying miniature satellites in the pico-and nano-satellite class for over a decade. Significant advances have been made to the bus avionics unit and other satellite subsystems during this time. The advances have enabled various on-orbit tests and experiments, one of which has been to host space solar cell experiment payloads. Recent solar cell flight experiments on Aerospace's CubeSats (AeroCubes) demonstrated several subsystems can simultaneously operate to obtain precise measurements of space solar cell performance. Low cost, rapid return CubeSat missions can be valuable development tools for advancing the readiness level of space technologies.
Efficient Structured Light Generator

We describe a refractive micro-structure that generates a pseudo-random structured light pattern for gesture recognition and 3D sensing applications. The optical element provides wide field-of-view, high efficiency, and no zero order.
Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia in Chile. Treatment and Outcomes in Patients Admitted at the Hospital Clinico De La Pontificia Universidad Catolica De Chile Between 2010–2014

Introduction: Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML) is the most frequent acute leukemia in the adults and its incidence increases with age. There are few studies about the demography and outcomes of AML patients in Chile and the only report belongs to a public hospital from 2000. We discuss the results of patients treated in our institution with AML non promyelocytic. Patients and Methods: Retrospective analysis of the epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of diagnosis (cytology and flow cytometry) and treatment of AML non promyelocytic patients between 2010-2014. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS Statistics v21 software. Results: 63 patients were diagnosed with AML non M3, 52 males (66%), with a median age of 55.4 years (range: 16 - 89). Diagnosis laboratory tests (mean values and ranges) were: WBC 45.989/mm3 (range: 700 - 405.000); hemoglobin 9,1 g/dl (range: 5,2 - 14,1); platelets 75.548/mm3 (range: 10.000 - 454.000); peripheral blood blasts 38% (range 0 - 100); bone marrow blasts 74% (range 25 - 100%). The cytogenetic risk groups were: favorable (n=5, 8%), intermediate (n=33, 52%), adverse (n=8, 13%) and unknown (n=17, 27%). Of all the patients, 75% (n=47) received induction chemotherapy (CT) and 25% (n=16) palliative care. The mean age of the group with cytogenetic analysis was 51.2 years and only 8.6% did not receive consolidation CT. On the other hand, the group of patients with unknown cytogenetics had a mean age of 68 years and 57% did not receive consolidation CT. The mean survival of the CT group was 27.3 month (range: 0 - 53). By contrast, the mean survival in the palliative care group was 1 month (range: 0 - 6). The mean follow up in all patients was 13 months, (range: 1 - 55) and 17 months (range: 1 - 54) in the group that received CT. 87% (n=41) of patients with CT had febrile neutropenia with respiratory and intestinal focus most commonly identified. The induction mortality was 4,2% (n=2). Complete cytologic remission was achieved in 70% (n=33). The 3-year relapse free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in the CT group were 25% and 31%, respectively. The multivariate survival analysis using Cox’s regression demonstrated that the variables that had significant impact in RFS and OS were: age at diagnosis ( Conclusions: Our study shows that in our center, CR rates and OS rates after induction and consolidation chemotherapy are similar to those reported in international series, and are better than the data that was previously reported in our country. Low induction CT mortality, and the efficacy of CT in patients younger than 60 years old stand out in our report and validate the efficacy of intensive CT. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Nutrition in Sepsis and Acute Surgical Patients

Malnutrition is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Septic patients and acute surgical patients are uniquely vulnerable to malnutrition due to underlying catabolism, high resting energy expenditure, and prolonged periods of starvation. Dedicated nutrition support teams that utilize dietitians and a systematic approach to nutrition therapy are fundamental to the care of the critically ill patient. Targeted nutrition therapy favorably impacts ultimate critical-care outcomes, such as nosocomial infections, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay, and mortality. However, available tools to evaluate “nutrition status” and to calculate calorie needs are limited, and innovations are needed. Early enteral nutrition (EN) is the preferred method for therapy in the intensive care unit (ICU), and confers several physiologic advantages, which include enhanced immunity, maintenance of intestinal function, and reduced inflammation. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a second-line therapy due to associated morbidities, but can benefit select subgroups of patients. Optimal calorie targets, timing for delivery, feeding route, nutrition monitoring, and immunonutrition are ongoing controversies in the science of nutrition therapy.