cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Involvement of tyrosine phosphorylation in the regulation of 5'-deiodinases in FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells and rat astrocytes

Recent studies suggest that protein tyrosine phosphorylation may play a role in the regulation of thyroid growth and function. In the present study, we used genistein, a specific inhibitor of tyrosine phosphorylation, to determine if tyrosine phosphorylation is involved in the regulation of type I 5'-deiodinase (5'D-I) expression in FRTL-5 cells and type II 5'-deiodinase (5'D-II) in rat astrocytes. Incubation of FRTL-5 cells with genistein (100 microM) for 3 days had no effect on cell viability as assessed by trypan blue exclusion. In TSH-deprived cells, incubation of FRTL-5 cells with genistein (100 microM) resulted in a modest, but not significant, decrease in 5'D-I activity. Incubation of FRTL-5 cells with TSH (100 microU/ml), Bu2cAMP (0.5 mM) or forskolin (1 microM) resulted in marked increases in 5'D-I activity. In the presence of genistein (100 microns), however, the TSH, Bu2cAMP and forskolin-induced increases in 5'D-I activity were completely inhibited. In Bu2cAMP-stimulated FRTL-5 cells, incubati...
T-cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis: Cutaneous T cell lymphoma, peripheral T cell lymphoma, and premalignant and benign cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders

T-cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis is a useful technique to detect clonality and determine lineage of lymphoid neoplasms. We examined 103 patients with mycosis fungoides, Sezary syndrome, peripheral T cell lymphoma, potentially malignant lymphoproliferative disorders including pre-Sezary syndrome, large plaque parapsoriasis, lymphomatoid papulosis and follicular mucinosis, and various benign inflammatory infiltrates. A clonal rearrangement was detected in skin samples in 20 of 24 patients with mycosis fungoides and in peripheral blood samples in 19 of 21 patients with Sezary syndrome. A clonal population was also detected in seven of eight cases classified as peripheral T cell lymphoma. The potentially malignant dermatoses tended to have clonal rearrangement, with the exception of large plaque parapsoriasis, and further follow-up is needed to correlate clonality with the disease course. These studies demonstrate the value of molecular genetics as an adjunct to morphology in the examination of patients with cutaneous lymphoproliferative disease.
Identification of geophysically diverse locations that may facilitate species’ persistence and adaptation to climate change in the southwestern United States

Conservation of geophysical diversity has been proposed as a strategy for conserving species diversity and facilitating adaptive capacity of species in the face of changing climate. Existing protected areas may not correspond to the most geophysically diverse places because they have typically not been selected on this basis. My objectives were to characterize geophysical diversity in the southwestern United States, assess the sensitivity of my results to methodological choices, and assess the degree to which the existing protected areas network in this region captures geophysically diverse places. I classified the region into geophysically distinct units (land facets) on the basis of topographic and edaphic variables. I calculated land facet diversity on the basis of multiple classification methods, thematic resolutions, and spatial scales (i.e., spatial grain and neighborhood size), assessed the sensitivity of land-facet diversity estimates to these methods, and integrated the results to provide a multi-scaled estimate of geophysical diversity. I used gap analysis to assess the proportion of lands with high land-facet diversity that is protected. Land facet diversity estimates were more sensitive to spatial scale than to methods, but results based on different methods or spatial scales typically were highly correlated. Gaps in the protected areas network include geophysically diverse lands in the Central Basin and Range, Chihuahuan Desert, and Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. The analytical approach and results from this study can provide perspectives and guidance for identifying and prioritizing locations that may facilitate species’ capacity to adapt to climate change.
Analysis of in situ methylated microbial fatty acid constituents by curie-point pyrolysis—gas chromatography—mass spectrometry

Abstract A newly developed Curie-point pyrolyzer has been used to analyze microbial fatty acid constituents. The pyrolysis was carried out on ferromagnetic wires, which were loaded into the gas chromatographic injector—pyrolyzer via a retractable Pyrex glass tube. Fatty acid methyl esters were obtained by in situ methylation of the free and glycerol bound fatty acids with trimethylanilinium hydroxide. The procedure was applied sucessfully to whole microorganisms. There was good agreement between the fatty acid methyl ester profiles from the whole-cell pyrolysis and from the lipid extracts of the corresponding organisms.
Selective genotyping to identify late blight resistance genes in an accession of the tomato wild species Solanum pimpinellifolium

Late blight (LB), caused by the oomycete Phytophtohra infestans, is one of the most destructive diseases of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and other Solanaceae species. Current disease control and prevention strategies are not sufficient to control the disease in tomato. Recent germplasm screening experiments led to the identification of a new source of resistance (PI 270443) in the tomato wild species S. pimpinellifolium. This study was conducted to identify genomic regions associated with LB resistance in this accession. A large F2 population (n = 986) derived from a cross between PI 270443 and a LB-susceptible tomato breeding line (NCEBR-2) was screened for LB resistance using a highly aggressive isolate of P. infestans. Twenty-five of the most resistant and 29 of the most susceptible, but surviving F2 individuals were identified based on disease evaluations conducted in the F2 and F3 progeny populations. The selected individuals were genotyped with 153 DNA markers located across the 12 tomato chromosomes. A selective genotyping approach led to the identification of two genomic regions on tomato chromosomes 1 and 10 associated with LB resistance in PI 270443. Identification of two genomic regions associated with resistance was consistent with a previous estimate of the number of LB resistance genes in this accession. Research is currently underway to fine map the two resistance genes and incorporate them into new tomato breeding lines and hybrid cultivars.
Dielectric properties of poly(vinyl chloride) in tetrahydrofuran and cyclohexanone

The dielectric absorption and dispersion of poly(vinyl chloride), MMv = 49 000, in THF and in cyclohexanone have been studied over a frequency range of 120 kHz to 11·0 MHz, at temperatures from −22·5 to 35°C, and at concentrations ranging from 4 to 12·0(w/v)% PVC/THF and from 2 to 8·0(w/v)% PVC/cyclohexanone. The viscosities of the two systems have also been measured at temperatures from 20 to 50°C. A single relaxation time was found (β = 0·8–1·0), which indicates that relaxation occurs by segmental rotation. The dielectric and viscous activation energies have been calculated. The dipole moment associated with the relaxation process has also been calculated. The relaxation time, dielectric and viscous activation energies and the dipole moment were found to be dependent on the type of solvent. The dipole moment also showed a molecular weight dependence. The influence of the concentration and temperature on the apparent dipole moment and on the relaxation time is discussed.
Line-shape theory of magnetoabsorption in semiconductor superlattices

On presente une theorie de forme de raie pour les spectres de photoabsorption dans des super-reseaux de GaAs-Al x Ga 1−x As sous champ magnetique. On prend en compte l'effet excitonique et le melange de la bande de valence. Cette methode est valable pour toute intensite de champ. On considere a la fois les regimes des puits couples et non couples. Dans le cas du puits couple, la dispersion le long de la direction de croissance donne naissance a des structures supplementaires dans le spectre d'absorption par rapport aux structures a puits quantique non couple
Mutational analysis of the extracellular Ca(2+)-sensing receptor gene in human parathyroid tumors

Despite recent progress, such as the identification of PRAD1/cyclin D1 as a parathyroid oncogene, it is likely that many genes involved in the molecular pathogenesis of parathyroid tumors remain unknown. Individuals heterozygous for inherited mutations in the extracellular Ca(2+)-sensing receptor gene that reduce its biological activity exhibit a disorder termed familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia or familial benign hypercalcemia, which is characterized by reduced responsiveness of parathyroid and kidney to calcium and by PTH-dependent hypercalcemia. Those who are homozygous for such mutations present with neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism and have marked parathyroid hypercellularity. Thus, the Ca(2+)-sensing receptor gene is a candidate parathyroid tumor suppressor gene, with inactivating mutations plausibly explaining set-point abnormalities in the regulation of both parathyroid cellular proliferation and PTH secretion by extracellular Ca2+ similar to those seen in hyperparathyroidism. Using a ribonu...
Detection of hyperdiploid malignant cells in pleural effusions with chromosome-specific probes and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Objective To compare the efficacy of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) by using chromosome-specific probes with standard cytology and cytogenetics for detection of hyperdiploid malignant cells in pleural effusions. Material and Methods A blind study was done on 26 pleural effusions from 25 patients who had undergone thoracentesis (14 with and 11 without a malignant condition). Cytology, cytogenetics, and FISH with probes specific for chromosomes 7, 8, 12, 18, X, and Y were done on each pleural effusion. For FISH studies, malignant specimens were defined as having 8% or more of cells with hyperdiploidy. Results Results of cytology and FISH were both normal in each of the 11 patients with benign pleural effusions. Cytogenetic studies were successful in six of these patients: five were chromosomally normal, but one male patient had an abnormal clone that lacked a Y chromosome. Among the 14 patients with malignant pleural effusions, cytology and FISH were abnormal in 8 and 6, respectively. Cytogenetic studies were successful in 11 of these patients, and an abnormal clone was found in 5. Conclusion FISH can detect hyperdiploid malignant cells in pleural effusions and can be useful in the work-up of patients suspected of having malignant pleural effusions.
Functional rapidly folding proteins from simplified amino acid sequences

Early protein synthesis is thought to have involved a reduced amino acid alphabet. What is the minimum number of amino acids that would have been needed to encode complex protein folds similar to those found in nature today? Here we show that a small beta-sheet protein, the SH3 domain, can be largely encoded by a five letter amino acid alphabet but not by a three letter alphabet. Furthermore, despite the dramatic changes in sequence, the folding rates of the reduced alphabet proteins are very close to that of the naturally occurring SH3 domain. This finding suggests that despite the vast size of the search space, the rapid folding of biological sequences to their native states is not the result of extensive evolutionary optimization. Instead, the results support the idea that the interactions which stabilize the native state induce a funnel shape to the free energy landscape sufficient to guide the folding polypeptide chain to the proper structure.
Turtle Excluder Device Regulation and Shrimp Harvest: The Role of Behavioral and Market Responses

Abstract Sea turtle bycatch by commercial shrimp trawlers has been a primary threat to the U.S. marine turtle population for decades. In 1987 the U.S. government passed a federal bycatch regulation that requires all shrimpers to use ‘turtle excluder devices’ (TEDs) while fishing in U.S. waters. This article develops a theoretical model that serves to distinctly identify three ways in which the regulation affects domestic supply: i) directly through escapement when TEDs are used, ii) indirectly by affecting the fishers' choice of avoidance activities, and iii) through an effect on the equilibrium market price. We then empirically estimate the model. The results indicate that, over the 1989–2003 period, the total estimated harvest loss for the industry from TEDs was approximately equal to 2.04%, which is considerably lower than industry claims. JEL Classification Code: Q21, Q22, Q28, C3
A Theorem on Utilitarianism

In a recent paper [1], d'Aspremont and Gevers establish that if a social welfare functional (SWFL) satisfies several reasonable properties, and if interpersonal comparisons of absolute welfare levels are prohibited, although unit interpersonal comparisons of welfare are not (for a discussion of unit and level welfare comparisons, see Sen [9]), the SWFL must be the principle of utilitarianism. In this paper we derive a similar result when full comparability of welfare is permitted, so that both interpersonal evels and units are significant. By characterizing utilitarianism under full comparability, we avoid the somewhat arbitrary informational basis from which the d'Aspremont-Gevers esult is derived (although we are still, of course, open to criticism of interpersonal comparisons in general). Our result also gives a new slant to the contrast between utilitarianism and the lexicographic maximin principle (Rawls' generalized difference principle [6]), which Hammond [4] has characterized under full comparability. In another paper [5], we point out that the theorem is actually an immediate consequence of a proposition from the theory of decision-making under ignorance. Rather than exploiting here the isomorphism between social choice and individual decision theory, however, we shall use results, as well as terminology, from the d'Aspremont-Gevers paper. Let X be a set of social alternatives containing at least three elements. Let
Micromechanics models for the effective nonlinear electro-mechanical responses of piezoelectric composites

The nonlinear behavior of piezoelectric composites becomes prominent when the composites are subjected to high electric fields, which is often the case in actuator applications. Understanding the nonlinear behavior of piezoelectric composites is crucial in designing structures comprising of these materials. This study presents micromechanics models for predicting nonlinear electro-mechanical responses of polarized piezoelectric composites, comprising of a linear non-piezoelectric homogeneous medium (matrix) reinforced by either nonlinear piezoelectric fibers or particles, subjected to high electric fields. The maximum electric field applied is within the coercive electric field limit. The constitutive relations for the polarized piezoelectric inclusions consist of the third- and fourth-order electro-mechanical coupling tensors and the second- and third-order electric permeability tensors. The Mori–Tanaka micromechanics and simplified unit-cell micromechanics models are formulated to predict the effective nonlinear electro-mechanical responses of piezoelectric fiber reinforced and particle reinforced composites, respectively. Linearized micromechanical relations are first used to provide trial solutions followed by iterative schemes in order to correct errors from linearizing the nonlinear responses. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the performance of each micromechanics model.
Intravenous guanethidine in patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy

Background : Intravenous regional guanethidine Bier block (IVRGBB) has been used predominantly in Europe for treating reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). Our experience in the United States, where its use has been limited, is reported. Methods : Fifty-five patients received IVRGBB for RSD. Upper extremities received 20 mg (10 mg/ ml) of guanethidine in 30-50 ml of 0.5% lidocaine ; lower extremities received 40 mg in 40-75 ml of lidocaine (volume adjusted for size, weight, or prior adverse effect). Pain severity (mild, moderate, severe, excruciating) was obtained pretreatment. Pain severity and a global clinical assessment (GCA) (resolved, improved, no change, worse) were obtained following each treatment. The final GCA was analyzed vs : pretreatment score ; age ; sex ; pain duration ; number of treatments ; and precipitating event. Adverse effects were documented. Results : Of 55 enrolled patients, 2 were lost to follow-up, and 2 returned 1 and 4 years later for repeat treatment. Therefore, 53 patients were evaluated for 55 treatments. Age : 38.2 ± 14.8 (SD) (range 10-77) years. Sex : 11 males, 44 females. Average pain duration : 2.0 ± 1.7 years (3 days - 7 years). Final assessment occurred at 3.88 ± 5.21 months (6 days - 2 2/3 years). Effect on pain : resolution-9.1% ; improved-14.5% ; no change-61.8%; worsening-14.5%. No significant relationship was found between GCA and the factors evaluated. There was a significant positive linear association between pretreatment pain and post treatment GCA (P=0.032). Fifty-six adverse effects occurred in 19 (34.5%) patients (nausea, vomiting, orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, diarrhea, weakness). Conclusions : IVRGBB does not provide long-term pain relief and is associated with adverse effects in over 1/3 of patients.
Performance evaluation inflation and compression

We provide a behavioral account of subjective performance evaluation inflation (i.e., leniency bias) and compression (i.e., centrality bias). When a manager observes noisy signals of employee performance and the manager strives to produce accurate ratings but feels worse about unfavorable errors than about favorable errors, the manager’s selfishly optimal ratings will be biased upwards. Both the uncertainty about performance and the asymmetry in the manager’s utility are necessary conditions for performance evaluation inflation. Moreover, the extent of the bias is increasing in the variance of the performance signal and in the asymmetry in aversion to unfair ratings. Uncertainty about performance also leads to compressed ratings. These results suggest that performance appraisals based on well-defined unambiguous criteria will have less bias. Additionally, we demonstrate that employer and employee can account for biased performance evaluations when they agree to a contract, and thus, to the extent leniency bias and centrality bias persist, these biases hurt employee performance and lower firm productivity.
Purification and properties of two malic enzyme activities in liver mitochondria of Squalus acanthias (spiny dogfish)

Two malic enzymes are present in liver mitochondria from Squalus acanthias (spiny dogfish), an NAD(P)-dependent and an NADP-dependent malic enzyme. The NAD(P)-dependent enzyme was partially purified and found to have kinetic properties similar to other malic enzymes; the molecular weight is ≈ 130,000. The maximal rate with NADP is 40% of the maximal rate with NAD. The NADP-dependent malic enzyme was purified to homogeneity and also has properties similar to other malic enzymes, including a subunit molecular weight of ≈ 61,000 and a native molecular weight of ≈ 250,000; however, the rate as a function of malate concentration is described by a sigmoid curve. Both enzymes require either Mn2+ or Mg2+ for activity, are activated by fumarate or succinate, and are inhibited by ATP. Both enzymes are inhibited by low concentrations of oxalacetate; the Ki for competitive inhibition of the NAD(P)-dependent malic enzyme by oxalacetate is 4 μM. The Km for Mn2+ is considerably lower than the Km for Mg2+ for both enzymes; the maximal rate with Mg2+ is about the same as with Mn2+ for the NADP-dependent enzyme, but only 20% of that with Mn2+ for the NAD(P)-dependent enzyme. The possible role of these enzymes in contributing to citrate synthesis by isolated spiny dogfish liver mitochondria is discussed. NAD- or NADP-dependent malic enzyme activity could not be detected in the cytosol. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Conservation Clash and the Case for Exemptions: How Eagle Protection Conflicts With Hopi Cultural Preservation

A divide has emerged between traditional allies as environmental protections increasingly constrict efforts to support the preservation of cultural heritage. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service addressed this debate by hosting an open forum on the current policies for the hunting of migratory birds. Proposed changes could end the granting of exemptions to Native American tribes, who use golden eagles and feathers in religious ceremonies, and would destroy the cultural and religious significance of the birds for the tribes. Such stringent environmental legislation not only threatens to undermine the importance of cultural preservation but also neglects an opportunity to strengthen the broader conservation movement by increasing involvement through the valuing of both the physical existence of a species and also its broader cultural significance. A study of the Hopi tribe of Arizona demonstrates the importance of flexibility and exemptions.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I would like to thank Alexander Bauer for his guidance and support throughout the process of researching and writing this article.
Reduction, integrated theory, and the study of religion

The philosophy of science helps us to sort out and evaluate conflicting claims about reduction. Some persons maintain that reductions can be useful in constructing theories in science. Others hold that, with certain possible exceptions, reductions are likely to prove unproductive as well as inelegant. Such disagreements sometimes turn on differences in the scale or scope of the reductions envisioned. A promising strategy is to subsume considerations of reduction into efforts to find compatibilities among the claims and theoretical constructs of different disciplines. The postulation of compatibilities, advanced under rubrics such as ‘unified theory’, ‘consilience’, and ‘integrated theory’, holds great promise for studies of religion undertaken with reference to the contemporary cognitive and evolutionary sciences. Numbers of such studies view religious phenomena as, in part, expressions of evolved capacities and propensities that are not themselves necessarily religious.
SV40 large tumor antigen (T antigen): Database of mutants

The SV40 T antigen database (http://www.pitt.edu/pipaslab/) lists viruses and plasmids expressing mutant forms of large T antigen. Each entry contains information regarding the mutant designation, mutant type, virus strain, nucleotide change, amino acid change and pertinent references. The database is now available as an internet searchable index.
The internal dynamics of mini c TAR DNA probed by electron paramagnetic resonance of nitroxide spin-labels at the lower stem, the loop, and the bulge.

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) at 236.6 and 9.5 GHz probed the tumbling of nitroxide spin probes in the lower stem, in the upper loop, and near the bulge of mini c TAR DNA. High-frequency 236.6 GHz EPR, not previously applied to spin-labeled oligonucleotides, was notably sensitive to fast, anisotropic, hindered local rotational motion of the spin probe, occurring approximately about the NO nitroxide axis. Labels attached to the 2′-aminocytidine sugar in the mini c TAR DNA showed such anisotropic motion, which was faster in the lower stem, a region previously thought to be partially melted. More flexible labels attached to phosphorothioates at the end of the lower stem tumbled isotropically in mini c TAR DNA, mini TAR RNA, and ψ3 RNA, but at 5 °C, the motion became more anisotropic for the labeled RNAs, implying more order within the RNA lower stems. As observed by 9.5 GHz EPR, the slowing of nanosecond motions of large segments of the oligonucleotide was enhanced by increasing the ratio of the nucl...
Detecting fibrosis without a liver biopsy: getting to the fat of the issue

It is critical to assess the degree of liver fibrosis for clinical management. However, liver biopsy has many drawbacks and is invasive. Promising non-invasive methods including serum markers and new imaging studies to predict liver fibrosis have been developed in past decades. This editorial provides a succinct overview and update of the new non-invasive technologies, especially the three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3-D MRI) that has been studied by Dr. Kawamura’s group in Japan. It also highlights the merit and weakness of this 3D-MRI technology in predicting liver fibrosis and indicates future studies to understand where 3D-MRI fits into the current armamentarium of non-invasive serum-based and imaging technologies.
Applications of minirhizotrons to understand root function in forests and other natural ecosystems

Minirhizotrons have proved useful to understand the dynamics and function of fine roots. However, they have been used comparatively infrequently in forests and other natural plant communities. Several factors have contributed to this situation, including anomalous root distributions along the minirhizotron surface and the difficulty of extracting data from minirhizotron images. Technical and methodological advances have ameliorated some of these difficulties, and minirhizotrons have considerable potential to address some questions of long standing interest. These questions include more fully understanding the role of roots in carbon and nutrient cycling, rates of root decomposition, responses to resource availability and the functional significance of interactions between plant roots and soil organisms. Maximizing the potential for minirhizotrons to help us better understand the functional importance of fine roots in natural plant communities depends upon using them to answer only those questions appropriate to both their inherent strengths and limitations.
Regime type and economic growth in Africa: A cross-national analysis

Abstract Does regime type influence economic growth in Africa? This paper examines the relationship between political regimes and economic growth. More specifically, I investigate the economic performances of authoritarian and democratic systems in 44 African countries during the 1990s. Employing ordinary least squares (OLS) estimators and a cross-sectional research design and controlling for variables like economic development, domestic investment, economic openness, privatization, and education, I test the foregoing hypothesis. I find that the influence of regime type has some but not strong impact on African economic growth. One control variable that, for the most part, has a statistically significant influence on economic growth in Africa is domestic investment.
DEMUR: Double electron muon resonance

The details of a general theory of DEMUR are presented, with examples of current experimental interest: quartz, where the hyperfine interaction is nearly isotropic; and silicon, wherein an anisotropic species has been found. The theory will be compared with experimental data.
A capacity approach to syntactic comprehension disorders: making normal adults perform like aphasic patients

Abstract This paper presents a theory of syntactic comprehension disorders in aphasic patients. In line with some recent proposals, the current theory assumes that aphasic patients still possess the structural (syntactic) and procedural knowledge necessary to perform syntactic analysis. This paper, however, postulates that patients' comprehension deficits originate, at least in part, from reductions in working memory capacity for language. Based on a recently developed theory of capacity constraints in normal language comprehension (Just&Carpenter, 1992), the theory explains how reductions in working memory capacity can lead to the pattern of comprehension breakdown in aphasics, which can be characterised as a conjoint function of the patient's severity level and the structural complexity of the sentence. As supporting evidence for the theory, we report two “simulation” experiments in which we increased the computational demands on normal adults of varying working memory capacities and thereby induced in ...
A synthesis of research on ICT adoption and use by medical professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa

Health care practitioners rely on access to relevant and up-to-date medical information in order to effectively treat their patients. One efficient, low-cost avenue for such information is online collections, but certain regions lack the information and communication technologies (ICT) necessary for widespread and reliable access to online resources. The characteristics of existing ICT infrastructure in many developing countries are not well understood. This research synthesis focuses on Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), an area with low levels of ICT infrastructure. It presents a synthesis of statistical analyses and a review across disciplines of information published on the state of ICT and health information access in SSA. An overview of the existing knowledge allowed us to identify the salient features of this particular ICT environment, and informed the development of a survey for SSA healthcare professionals. The synthesis and preliminary results from our survey suggest that Internet connectivity remains highly unreliable in Sub-Saharan Africa and that mobile devices provide the most reliable technology for health care providers to carry out their work.
Comparison of revision rates following endoscopically versus nonendoscopically placed ventricular shunt catheters

BACKGROUND Endoscopic placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt catheters in pediatric patients has been increasingly used in an attempt to minimize the unacceptably high rates of revision. Although this procedure carries an increased expense, there is currently no evidence to support an improved long-term outcome. This paper compares the rates of revision following ventricular catheter placement for shunted hydrocephalus with and without the use of endoscopy. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of all pediatric patients who had undergone shunt placement for hydrocephalus between April 1992 and February 1998. All shunts placed before March 1995 were performed without the endoscope; all subsequent shunts were placed endoscopically. The independent effect of endoscopic versus nonendoscopic shunt placement on subsequent shunt failure was analyzed via multivariate proportional hazards regression model. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine the independent effect of endoscopic placement on subsequent etiology of failure (infection, proximal obstruction, distal malfunction) in the 511 failing shunts. RESULTS There were 447 pediatric patients who underwent a total of 965 shunt placements or revisions. Six hundred and five (63%) catheters were placed with the use of the endoscope. Three hundred and sixty (37.3%) were placed without the use of the endoscope. Neuroendoscopy did not independently affect the risk of subsequent shunt failure [Hazard Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) = 1.08 (0.84-1.41)]. Endoscopic placement independently decreased the odds [Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) = 0.56 (0.32-0.93)] of proximal obstruction, increased the odds of distal malfunction [1.52 (1.02-2.72)], and was not associated with infection [1.42 (0.78-2.61)]. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic assisted ventricular catheter placement decreased the odds of proximal obstruction but failed to improve overall shunt survival in this 6 year experience.
Construction of fiber-optic bundle light-collection systems and calculations of collection efficiency

This paper describes the position-sensitive light-collection system that we use in our fast-beam laser experiments. The collection system consists of fiber-optic bundles whose facets are arranged to accept light emitted from a beam of fluorescent atoms. The flexibility of the fiber bundles allows their use in scanning collection systems with precise position sensitivity. We describe calculations of geometrical collection efficiency using a numerical integration scheme and compare the results with measurements. We also compare the collection efficiencies of the different fiber bundle arrangements that we used as our apparatus evolved with the implementation of various improvements.
ATLAS: a probabilistic algorithm for high dimensional similarity search

Given a set of high dimensional binary vectors and a similarity function (such as Jaccard and Cosine), we study the problem of finding all pairs of vectors whose similarity exceeds a given threshold. The solution to this problem is a key component in many applications with feature-rich objects, such as text, images, music, videos, or social networks. In particular, there are many important emerging applications that require the use of relatively low similarity thresholds.We propose ATLAS, a probabilistic similarity search algorithm that in expectation finds a 1 - δ fraction of all similar vector pairs. ATLAS uses truly random permutations both to filter candidate pairs of vectors and to estimate the similarity between vectors. At a 97.5% recall rate, ATLAS consistently outperforms all state-of-the-art approaches and achieves a speed-up of up to two orders of magnitude over both exact and approximate algorithms.
Cryptic species, phenotypic plasticity, and complex life histories: Assessing deep-sea faunal diversity with molecular markers

Many new species of animals have been discovered during the past 40 years of deep-ocean exploration, particularly in chemosynthetic habitats such as hydrothermal vents and cold-water hydrocarbon seeps. Estimating species diversity in these environments is difficult, however, because insufficient sampling often fails to capture the range of organismic variability in time and space. Molecular systematic studies have revealed a number of taxonomic problems that derive from insufficient sampling and a shallow knowledge base regarding many deep-sea taxa. For example, numerous morphologically cryptic species exist among the vesicomyid clams and lepetodrilid limpets that dominate vents and seeps worldwide, suggesting that species richness may be significantly underestimated in these taxa. In contrast, discrete morphotypes of siboglinid tubeworms that are products of developmental plasticity were assigned synonymous species names. Also, distinct juvenile and adult forms of vent shrimp were assigned synonymous genus and species names. Though molecular studies have resolved many of these problems, they are not a panacea because they also suffer from insufficient sampling of taxa and genes, and from contamination of DNA sequences. Working carefully together, molecular and traditional systematists should eventually generate more accurate species lists that allow unbiased estimates of species richness in deep-sea environments.
Low‐temperature water reconstruction in concanavalin A, with implications for controlled protein crystal annealing

Flash-cooled crystals of the I222 form of concanavalin A undergo a sharp non-destructive non-reversible phase transition upon warming to between 160 and 165 K, characterized by an anomalous increase in unit-cell volume. The expansion is anisotropic and primarily affects the b and c axes. Three sets of 1.7 A X-ray diffraction data were collected from one crystal: immediately after flash-cooling (130 K), after slow warming to 170 K and after re-cooling to 130 K. Measurable changes in reflection width after the transition were apparent. Each data set was collected under very similar conditions (aside from temperature). Structures refined against each data set using a powerful phase-bias reduction algorithm indicate negligible rearrangement of the protein molecule and its first hydration shell. Further away from the protein surface, on the edge of the fully disordered solvent regions, a small number of more dramatic changes were apparent. Little is known about the behaviour of water confined within dimensionally restricted spaces, but solvent cavities and channels in protein crystals provide a rich source of reproducible nanoscale water assemblies. This paper presents information on the behaviour of water confined within protein cavities in relation to the physics of protein crystal annealing.
Unbalanced mosaic karyotypes with different structural abnormalities involving a common chromosome region : report of two cases

We report on 2 cases with different de novo unbalanced mosaic karyotypes in which each cell line had a different structural abnormality involving a common chromosome region: 46,XX,del(11)(q23.3)/46,XX,−11,+der(11)t(11;?)(q23.3;?) and 46,X,idic(Xq)/46,X,idic(Xq),−12,+der(12)t(X;12)(p11.2;p13.3). Molecular-cytogenetic analysis confirmed the origin of the derivative 12 chromosome in the latter. We present a literature review of reports with mosaic cell lines of structural chromosome abnormalities that share the same chromosome breakpoint. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Connecting Informal and Formal Learning Experiences in the Age of Participatory Media: Commentary on Bull et al. (2008)

The recent editorial in this journal by Bull et al. (Vol 8, Iss 2) discussed the challenges of bridging formal learning practices and informal learning opportunities within the context of today’s Web-enhanced world. In this commentary I first summarize key points in the article, addressing what I see as its central questions. Next, I offer three recommendations for bridging the gap between informal and formal learning and address the constraints the authors identify, which I hope will fuel further discussion.
Low power FPGA design using hybrid CMOS-NEMS approach

Higher integration density of nanoscale CMOS causes two major design challenges in SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) designs: large power dissipation (contributed by both leakage and dynamic power) and reduced reliability of operation. In this paper, we propose a hybrid design approach for SRAM-based FPGA that can leverage on non-volatile carbon nanotube based nano electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) switches for low static and dynamic power. Simulations show that the proposed CMOS-NEMS lookup table (LUT) based circuits can achieve a reduction of up to 91% in total power at iso-performance, compared to the conventional CMOS-based LUT circuits.
Famine in North Korea Redux

In the 1990s, 600,000 to 1 million North Koreans, or about 3 to 5 percent of the precrisis population, perished in one of the worst famines of the 20th century. North Korea is once again poised on the brink of famine. Although the renewed provision of aid is likely to avert a disaster on the scale of the 1990s, hunger-related deaths are already occurring and a dynamic has been set in motion that will carry the crisis into 2009. North Korea is a complex humanitarian emergency characterized by highly imperfect information. This paper triangulates quantity and price evidence with direct observation to assess food insecurity in North Korea and its causes. We critique the widely cited UN figures and present original data on grain quantities and prices. These data demonstrate that for the first time since the 1990s famine, the aggregate grain balance has gone into deficit. Prices have also risen steeply. The reemergence of pathologies from the famine era is documented through direct observation. Although exogenous shocks have played a role, foreign and domestic policy choices have been key.
Comparison of experimental and theoretical fast ion slowing-down times in DIII-D

Short deuterium beam pulses are injected into the D III–D tokamak to study the variation of beam slowingdown time with temperature and density. The slowing-down time is inferred from the rate of decay of the d(d,n)3He neutron emission. To within ~30%, the results are consistent with Sivukhin's classical theory. The short beam pulses,are also useful for measurements of the central deuterium density.
Impact of Native Plants on Bird and Butterfly Biodiversity in Suburban Landscapes

Managed landscapes in which non-native ornamental plants are favored over native vegetation now dominate the United States, particularly east of the Mississippi River. We measured how landscaping with native plants affects the avian and lepidopteran communities on 6 pairs of suburban properties in southeastern Pennsylvania. One property in each pair was landscaped entirely with native plants and the other exhibited a more conventional suburban mixture of plants--a native canopy with non-native groundcover and shrubs. Vegetation sampling confirmed that total plant cover and plant diversity did not differ between treatments, but non-native plant cover was greater on the conventional sites and native plant cover was greater on the native sites. Several avian (abundance, species richness, biomass, and breeding-bird abundance) and larval lepidopteran (abundance and species richness) community parameters were measured from June 2006 to August 2006. Native properties supported significantly more caterpillars and caterpillar species and significantly greater bird abundance, diversity, species richness, biomass, and breeding pairs of native species. Of particular importance is that bird species of regional conservation concern were 8 times more abundant and significantly more diverse on native properties. In our study area, native landscaping positively influenced the avian and lepidopteran carrying capacity of suburbia and provided a mechanism for reducing biodiversity losses in human-dominated landscapes.
The identifier method of measuring use as applied to modeling the circulation use of books from a university library

Many authors have studied statistics on time since last use as possible useful aids for weeding collections. These approaches are special cases of a more general identifier method which allows greater flexibility in the selection and determination of objective retirement criteria. The general theory and a specific case study are presented in an effort to indicate both the flexibility and practicality of the method. The report concludes with a list of some of the more important considerations for execution of the general approach.
OR PRACTICE---Scheduling of Dynamic In-Game Advertising

Dynamic in-game advertising is a new form of advertising in which ads are served to video game consoles in real time over the Internet. We present a model for the in-game ad-scheduling problem faced by Massive Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft, and a leading global network provider of in-game ad space. Our model has two components: (1) a linear program (solved periodically) establishes target service rates, and (2) a real-time packing heuristic (run whenever a player enters a new level) tracks these service rates. We benchmark our model against Massive's legacy algorithm: When tested on historical data, we observe (1) an 80%--87% reduction in make-good costs (depending on forecast accuracy), and (2) a shift in the age distribution of served ad space, leaving more premium inventory open for future sales. As a result of our work, Massive has increased the number of unique individuals that see each campaign by, on average, 26% per week and achieved 33% smoother campaign delivery as measured by standard deviation of hourly impressions served.
A Meta-Analysis of the Association of N-Acetyltransferase 2 Gene (NAT2) Variants with Breast Cancer

The N-acetyltransferase 2 gene (NAT2) product is an enzyme important in carcinogen metabolism via activation and detoxification pathways. Therefore, NAT2 variants may represent underlying susceptibility to breast cancer. Because a number of studies of the association of NAT2 with breast cancer have been published, the authors performed a meta-analysis. They extracted all relevant data to examine evidence for a main effect (i.e., the effect in a model that does not include any interactions) of NAT2 phenotype and genotype on breast cancer risk. They summarized the evidence for modification by smoking and meat intake, sources of exposure to aromatic and heterocyclic amines, respectively, which are metabolized by NAT2. The authors identified seven studies that measured NAT2 phenotype and 20 studies that deduced phenotype via genotyping. They found no evidence for heterogeneity (Cochran's Q statistic p = 0.74) and no statistically significant increased risk from NAT2 acetylation (slow/rapid) for breast cancer (summary odds ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval: 0.95, 1.08). These results suggest that there is no overall association between the NAT2 slow- or rapid-acetylation phenotype and breast cancer risk. However, some evidence suggests that smoking may modify this association.
Meeting profiles: size, duration, and location

Managers spend a majority of their days in face-to-face meetings so it is not surprising that meeting support is becoming an important focus of information technology. But meetings vary widely in size, duration, and location. Some are brief deskside meetings between two or three people, others are lengthy conference room meetings with a dozen or more participants. Thus, support needs may also vary by size, duration, and location. Surprisingly, past use-of-time studies have told us little about how meetings vary along these dimensions. We review the history of the early studies and present a new diary study to look at these dimensions and their relationships. >
Fast, Multiphase Volume Adaptation to Hyperosmotic Shock by Escherichia coli

All living cells employ an array of different mechanisms to help them survive changes in extra cellular osmotic pressure. The difference in the concentration of chemicals in a bacterium's cytoplasm and the external environment generates an osmotic pressure that inflates the cell. It is thought that the bacterium Escherichia coli use a number of interconnected systems to adapt to changes in external pressure, allowing them to maintain turgor and live in surroundings that range more than two-hundred-fold in external osmolality. Here, we use fluorescence imaging to make the first measurements of cell volume changes over time during hyperosmotic shock and subsequent adaptation on a single cell level in vivo with a time resolution on the order of seconds. We directly observe two previously unseen phases of the cytoplasmic water efflux upon hyperosmotic shock. Furthermore, we monitor cell volume changes during the post-shock recovery and observe a two-phase response that depends on the shock magnitude. The initial phase of recovery is fast, on the order of 15–20 min and shows little cell-to-cell variation. For large sucrose shocks, a secondary phase that lasts several hours adds to the recovery. We find that cells are able to recover fully from shocks as high as 1 Osmol/kg using existing systems, but that for larger shocks, protein synthesis is required for full recovery.
Locality sensitive hashing based searching scheme for a massive database

The rapid growth of information nowadays makes efficient information searching increasingly important for a massive database with tremendous volume of information. Traditional methods either rely on linear searching or depend on a tree structure. These methods search information in the entire database and compare a query with the records in the database during the searching process, which lead to inefficiency. This paper presents a locality sensitive hashing based searching scheme (LSS) to achieve highly efficient information searching in a massive database. LSS classifies information based on their similarities to facilitate fast information location. Based on the study and analysis of LSS, an improved scheme is further proposed to enhance the searching efficiency. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the LSS schemes in searching information. They yield significant improvements over the efficiency of traditional methods. In addition, they guarantee successful location of the queried records.