cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent Results in Insect Pheromone Chemistry

Pheromones are substances which are secreted to the outside by an animal, especially an insect, and received by a second individual of the same species, in which they release a specific reaction, for example, a definite behavior or developmental process. The name is derived from the Greek pherein (to bear, transmit) and hormon (impel, excite). Pheromones include, inter alia, sex attractants, warning substances, and “aggregation pheromones”. Many of these substances are effective at very low concentration. The insect pheromones are predominantly derivatives of long-chain, slightly branched hydrocarbons.
Novel fusion transcripts associate with progressive prostate cancer.

The mechanisms underlying the potential for aggressive behavior of prostate cancer (PCa) remain elusive. In this study, whole genome and/or transcriptome sequencing was performed on 19 specimens of PCa, matched adjacent benign prostate tissues, matched blood specimens, and organ donor prostates. A set of novel fusion transcripts was discovered in PCa. Eight of these fusion transcripts were validated through multiple approaches. The occurrence of these fusion transcripts was then analyzed in 289 prostate samples from three institutes, with clinical follow-up ranging from 1 to 15 years. The analyses indicated that most patients [69 (91%) of 76] positive for any of these fusion transcripts ( TRMT11-GRIK2 , SLC45A2-AMACR , MTOR-TP53BP1 , LRRC59-FLJ60017 , TMEM135-CCDC67 , KDM4-AC011523.2 , MAN2A1-FER , and CCNH-C5orf30 ) experienced PCa recurrence, metastases, and/or PCa-specific death after radical prostatectomy. These outcomes occurred in only 37% (58/157) of patients without carrying those fusion transcripts. Three fusion transcripts occurred exclusively in PCa samples from patients who experienced recurrence or PCa–related death. The formation of these fusion transcripts may be the result of genome recombination. A combination of these fusion transcripts in PCa with Gleason's grading or with nomogram significantly improves the prediction rate of PCa recurrence. Our analyses suggest that formation of these fusion transcripts may underlie the aggressive behavior of PCa.
Multipole Acoustic Logging-While-Drilling

The problem of multipole acoustic Logging-WhileDrilling (LWD) is analyzed. By formulating a multipole acoustic ring source at the rim of the drill collar, we model the characteristics of monopole, dipole, and quadrupole waves in the LWD environment. In particular, we analyze the feasibility of shear-wave velocity measurement using the dipole and quadrupole waves. The results show that the dipole-flexural wave, although it can attain the shear velocity in a fast formation, lags significantly behind the expected shear-wave arrival time in a slow formation. In addition, there is a strong contamination caused by the tool flexural wave traveling along the collar. In comparison, the quadrupole wave is most suited for the shear-velocity measurement. At low frequencies, the quadrupole wave travels at the formation shear velocity and is free of the tool-wave interference.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Sera of Obese Patients: Fall with Weight Loss

In view of the recent demonstration that obesity in animals and humans is associated with an increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) expression, that this expression falls with weight loss, and that TNFalpha may specifically inhibit insulin action, the possibility that TNFalpha may be a mediator of insulin resistance has been raised. We have undertaken this study to investigate whether serum TNFalpha concentrations are elevated in obese subjects, whether they fall after weight loss, and whether this fall parallels the fall in insulin release after glucose challenge. Obese patients (age range: 25-54, weight mean +/- SD: 96.4 +/- 13.8 kg, body mass index: 35.7 +/- 5.6 kg/m2) were started on a diet program. The mean weight fell to 84.5 +/- 11.3 (P < 0.0001) and body mass index to 31.3 +/- 4.9 (P < 0.0001). Plasma TNFalpha concentrations were markedly elevated in the obese (3.45 +/- 0.16 pg/mL), when compared with controls (0.72 +/- 0.28 pg/mL), and fell significantly (2.63 +/- 1.40 pg/mL) after weight loss (P < 0.02). The magnitude of insulin release after glucose (75 g) challenge (area under the curve) also fell significantly (P < 0.01) after weight loss. The magnitude of weight loss and fall in TNFalpha were related to basal body weight (r = 0.57, P < 0.001) and basal TNFalpha (r = 0.55, P < 0.001) concentrations, respectively, but not to each other or to the glucose-induced insulin release (area under the curve). We conclude that obesity is associated with increased plasma TNFalpha concentrations, which fall with weight loss. Because circulating TNFalpha may mediate insulin resistance in the obese, a fall in TNFalpha concentrations may contribute to the restoration of insulin resistance after weight loss, Thus, TNFalpha may be an important circulating cytokine, which may provide a potentially reversible mechanism for mediating insulin resistance.
Histopathology and immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of bioterrorism agents.

From October to November 2001, the inhalational and cutaneous anthrax cases that occurred in the U.S. underscored the importance of recognizing the clinical and pathological features of infectious agents that can be used in acts of terrorism. Early confirmation of bioterrorist acts can only be performed by making organism-specific diagnosis of cases with clinical and pathologic syndromes that could be caused by possible bioterrorism weapons. Recognition and diagnosis of these cases is central to establish adequate responses. This review will examine the events that occurred during the anthrax bioterrorist attack with specific emphasis on the role of pathology and immunohistochemistry and will describe the histopathologic features of category A bioterrorism agents (anthrax, plague, tularemia, botulism, smallpox, and viral hemorrhagic fevers).
Nitroxyl radical quenching of the pyrene fluorescence in micellar environments. Development of a kinetic model for steady-state and transient experiments

Abstract The fluorescence quenching of pyrene solubilized in cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles by the surfactant nitroxyl radical 4-[N,N-dimethyl-N-( n -hexadecyl)-ammonium-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidinyl-N-oxyl chloride ( 1 under steady-state and transient conditions is described. The nonlinear steady-state Stern-Volmer plot and biexponential fluorescence decays are explained by a multi-step equilibrium model for the binding of 1 to the micelles
Specificity of the Antiviral Agent Calcium Elenolate

Calcium elenolate, an antiviral agent which inhibits reverse transcriptases, inhibits the growth of chicken embryo fibroblast cells, as well as Echerichia coli and Bacillus subtilis strains. The drug in vitro inhibits E. coli deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) polymerase II and DNA polymerase III holoenzyme, as well as several unrelated enzymes. The usual DNA polymerase assay components, with the exception of spermidine, have no effect on the observed inhibition. Inhibition of DNA polymerase II by the drug appears to be due to a direct and irreversible effect on the enzyme. However, DNA synthesis in E. coli is no more susceptible to the drug than is the increase in cell mass. These results suggest that calcium elenolate is an inhibitor of rather low specificity.
Acceleration of the normal and corticoid-induced increase of alkaline phosphatase in the duodenum of the nursling mouse by actinomycin D, puromycin, colchicine and ethionine

Abstract 1. 1. The alkaline phosphatase activity of the duodenum of the mouse undergoes a sharp rise, with concomitant changes in its properties, at the end of the second week of postnatal life. This rise is accelerated by the administration of puromycin or actinomycin D. 2. 2. Both antibiotics also induce a precocious increase of phosphatse activity within 48 hr, when injected at 9 days. If hydrocortisone, which also promotes a precocious upsurge of duodenal phosphatase activity, is administered at the same time, the effects of hormone and antibiotic are additive. 3. 3. At 4 days actinomycin D induces a small but only transient increase of activity. It does not facilitate the effect of hydrocortisone at this stage. 4. 4. Colchicine is as effective as actinomycin at 13 days, and at 9 days is also as efficacious as the antibiotic in the presence or absence of hydrocortisone. When administered at 4 days, colchicine induced a larger increase than did actinomycin, and also enhanced the effect of hydrocortisone. 5. 5. Colcemid elevates phosphatase activity only slightly when administered at 9 days, and has no effect at 5 days. Both colchicine and colcemid were equally effective in arresting mitoses during a 6-hr period. 6. 6. Ethionine also induces an increase in phosphatase activity at 9 days, but a very large amount is required to produce a relatively small increase. 7. 7. Jejunal phosphatase is not affected by agents that exert strong effects on duodenal phosphatase. Kidney phosphatase is decreased to about half the control values within 48 hr by actinomycin D at all stages tested. Ethionine also markedly depresses kidney phosphatase activity. Puromycin, however, produced only small and irregular effects.
“The Hidden Caregiver”: Kinship Caregivers and Lessons Learned from Dementia Family Caregiving

Kinship care is defined as informal custodial care for children (typically grandchildren) due to parental hardship or absence. In contrast, dementia family caregiving refers to care rendered to an impaired, demented adult, typically an older husband or wife. Literature is reviewed and parallel issues relating to stress and coping that impact both caregiver groups are noted. Data are presented from both survey and focus groups conducted with kinship caregivers and their social service caseworkers. In light of previous research conducted with dementia caregivers, practice implications are discussed and several specific recommendations are presented for program development and further research with kinship caregivers.
Economic Status, Education and Empowerment: Implications for Maternal Health Service Utilization in Developing Countries

Background Relative to the attention given to improving the quality of and access to maternal health services, the influence of women's socio-economic situation on maternal health care use has received scant attention. The objective of this paper is to examine the relationship between women's economic, educational and empowerment status, introduced as the 3Es, and maternal health service utilization in developing countries. Methods/Principal Findings The analysis uses data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 31 countries for which data on all the 3Es are available. Separate logistic regression models are fitted for modern contraceptive use, antenatal care and skilled birth attendance in relation to the three covariates of interest: economic, education and empowerment status, additionally controlling for women's age and residence. We use meta-analysis techniques to combine and summarize results from multiple countries. The 3Es are significantly associated with utilization of maternal health services. The odds of having a skilled attendant at delivery for women in the poorest wealth quintile are 94% lower than that for women in the highest wealth quintile and almost 5 times higher for women with complete primary education relative to those less educated. The likelihood of using modern contraception and attending four or more antenatal care visits are 2.01 and 2.89 times, respectively, higher for women with complete primary education than for those less educated. Women with the highest empowerment score are between 1.31 and 1.82 times more likely than those with a null empowerment score to use modern contraception, attend four or more antenatal care visits and have a skilled attendant at birth. Conclusions/Significance Efforts to expand maternal health service utilization can be accelerated by parallel investments in programs aimed at poverty eradication (MDG 1), universal primary education (MDG 2), and women's empowerment (MDG 3).
Intervalence Band Stark Effect of the Special Pair Radical Cation in Bacterial Photosynthetic Reaction Centers

The Stark spectrum of the intervalence band of the special pair radical cation in bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers is presented. This spectrum, centered at 2600 cm-1, is modeled using a general treatment of intervalence band Stark effects based on a two-state vibronic coupling model of mixed-valency. The observed line shape can be predicted using values for the electronic coupling, driving force, and reorganization energy along a single antisymmetric mode as derived from previous measurements. The model can be used to estimate the difference between the electric dipole moments of the two hole-localized electronic states of a mixed-valence complex, ΔμCT, even if the dipole strength of its IVB is unknown or affected by intensity borrowing by other electronic transitions. We determine the value of ΔμCT to be 33 ± 5 D/f for the special pair radical cation in wild-type Rhodobacter sphaeroides reaction centers, where f is the scalar approximation to the local field correction tensor. This value of ΔμCT...
Putting interference to work in the design of a whole-class learning activity

Who's Who is a single-display groupware application designed for use by an entire class of young students. Utilizing a shared display, each user controls the state of discrete display elements using a simple interface on a handheld device; however, the semantics of user operations are left unspecified and become the subjects of guided student discovery. Interference among users is leveraged in support of student learning about the scientific principle of "control of variables," in particular, the strategy of varying one independent variable at a time in multivariate systems. We present the experience of a third-grade classroom that used Who's Who, including both an account of learning outcomes and a description of the technology and social interactions that led to those outcomes.
Persistent anaphylactic reaction after induction with thiopentone and cisatracurium.

A 6-year-old boy presented for surgery for phimosis. The anaesthetic technique included intravenous induction with thiopentone and neuromuscular blockade with cisatracurium. Severe persistent bronchospasm and central cyanosis followed the administration of these drugs. A continuous i.v. infusion of epinephrine at 0.2 microg. kg(-1) x min(-1) was necessary to break the severe refractory bronchial hyperresponsiveness. There was no previous exposure to anaesthetic drugs and no definite family history of allergy. Through increased serum eosinophil cationic protein, tryptase and histamine levels and IgE levels specific to cisatracurium, we demonstrated an IgE-mediated anaphylactic reaction to cisatracurium in the child's first exposure to this new neuromuscular blocking agent. Anaphylactic reactions to new anaesthetic drugs may be challenging to recognize and treat during general anaesthesia in children. The pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of life threatening persistent allergic reactions to intravenous anaesthetics are discussed.
Transaction processing in multilevel-secure databases using replicated architecture

In a multilevel secure database management system based on the replicated architecture, there is a separate database management system to manage data at or below each security level, and lower-level data are replicated in all databases containing higher-level data. The issue of transaction processing in such a system is addressed. A synchronization protocol is given that guarantees one-copy serializability of concurrent transaction executions. It is secure since the information always flows in one direction-from databases at lower security classes to databases with higher security classes-and it can be implemented in such a way that the size of the trusted code (including the code required for concurrency and recovery) is small. >
A Review of Programmed Insulin Delivery Systems

The recent rapid progress in programmed insulin delivery systems is reviewed. The lack of miniature blood glucose sensors with adequate lifetimes has led most researchers to develop electronic controls for insulin delivery systems that can be programmed to deliver insulin in a basal or background mode with higher rates delivered following meals. The initial success with simple models of these devices in normalizing blood glucose in insulin-dependent diabetics has resulted in the development of a variety of systems, including some that are implantable, which are being used in animal and clinical trials around the world. The types of pumps, controls and monitors, and system philosophy of existing insulin delivery devices are summarized and clinical results are referenced.
Feasibility analysis of an epidermal glucose sensor based on time-resolved fluorescence

The goal of this study is to test the feasibility of using an embedded time-resolved fluorescence sensor for monitoring glucose concentration. Skin is modeled as a multilayer medium with each layer having its own optical properties and fluorophore absorption coefficients, lifetimes, and quantum yields obtained from the literature. It is assumed that the two main fluorophores contributing to the fluorescence at these excitation and emission wavelengths are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)H and collagen. The intensity distributions of excitation and fluorescent light in skin are determined by solving the transient radiative transfer equation by using the modified method of characteristics. The fluorophore lifetimes are then recovered from the simulated fluorescence decays and compared with the actual lifetimes used in the simulations. Furthermore, the effect of adding Poissonian noise to the simulated decays on recovering the lifetimes was studied. For all cases, it was found that the fluorescence lifetime of NADH could not be recovered because of its negligible contribution to the overall fluorescence signal. The other lifetimes could be recovered to within 1.3% of input values. Finally, the glucose concentrations within the skin were recovered to within 13.5% of their actual values, indicating a possibility of measuring glucose concentrations by using a time-resolved fluorescence sensor.
In vivo transcranial imaging of blood perfusion in rat brain using contrast-enhanced ultrasound

We have investigated the feasibility of in vivo high resolution imaging of blood perfusion in the rat brain tissue using a dual-mode ultrasound array (DMUA). The DMUA is capable of generating therapeutic transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) beams as well as forming images of the target in synthetic-aperture (SA) mode. Low mechanical index (MI) SA frames are used to estimate the dynamic changes in perfusion, which could be used for guidance, monitoring, or damage assessment. We have previously demonstrated the advantages of the post-beamforming third-order Volterra filter in imaging nonlinear echo components due to UCA oscillations using diagnostic probes. In this study, we decompose the beamformed transcranial DMUA SA data into its linear, quadratic, and cubic components and evaluate a temporal perfusion index (TPI) to characterize perfusion. The data collection used a 3.2-MHz, concave (40-mm ROC) DMUA operating in SA mode at a frame rate of approximately 23 fps and in the low MI setting (about 0.05 to 0.11). The experiment was performed on healthy rats (250-300 grams). Targestar-P UCA (60 µL in 140 µL of sterile saline) was injected through the animal tail vein. Images from the linear, quadratic, and cubic components were formed as LB-mode, QB-mode and CB-mode, respectively. TPI image frames were computed from each image component after limiting the dynamic range appropriately. The results clearly show separation of TPI values and demonstrate the feasibility of high-resolution estimation of blood perfusion in rat brain transcranially.
The Modality Effect: A Result of Methodology?

Modality differences for short-term (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) were investigated. Sixty-eight subjects participated in one of four conditions: Auditory STM, Verbal STM, Auditory LTM, and Verbal LTM. Analysis of the number of words correctly recalled showed a significant interaction between modality and store. Contrary to both Engle and Mobley's (1976) and Penney's (1975, 1989a, 1989b) findings, further analysis showed that the auditory mode was superior in STM and that no modality difference existed in LTM. It was concluded that the LTM modality effect is less robust than that found in STM. Possible methodological reasons for the conflicting results of the past as well as areas of potential future research were discussed.
Prostaglandin E2 Mediates Connecting Tubule Glomerular Feedback

Connecting tubule glomerular feedback (CTGF) is a mechanism in which Na reabsorption in the connecting tubule (CNT) causes afferent arteriole (Af-Art) dilation. CTGF is mediated by eicosanoids, including prostaglandins and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids; however, their exact nature and source remain unknown. We hypothesized that during CTGF, the CNT releases prostaglandin E2, which binds its type 4 receptor (EP4) and dilates the Af-Art. Rabbit Af-Arts with the adherent CNT intact were microdissected, perfused, and preconstricted with norepinephrine. CTGF was elicited by increasing luminal NaCl in the CNT from 10 to 80 mmol/L. We induced CTGF with or without the EP4 receptor blocker ONO-AE3-208 added to the bath in the presence of the epoxyeicosatrienoic acid synthesis inhibitor MS-PPOH. ONO-AE3-208 abolished CTGF (control, 9.4 ± 0.5; MS-PPOH+ONO-AE3-208, -0.6 ± 0.2 μm; P<0.001; n=6). To confirm these results, we used a different, specific EP4 blocker, L161982 (10(-5) mol/L), that also abolished CTGF (control, 8.5 ± 0.9; MS-PPOH+L161982, 0.8 ± 0.4 μm; P<0.001; n=6). To confirm that the eicosanoids that mediate CTGF are released from the CNT rather than the Af-Art, we first disrupted the Af-Art endothelium with an antibody and complement. Endothelial disruption did not affect CTGF (7.9 ± 0.9 versus 8.6 ± 0.6 μm; P=NS; n=7). We then added arachidonic acid to the lumen of the CNT while maintaining zero NaCl in the perfusate. Arachidonic acid caused dose-dependent dilation of the attached Af-Art (from 8.6 ± 1.2 to 15.3 ± 0.7 μm; P<0.001; n=6), and this effect was blocked by ONO-AE3-208 (10(-7) mol/L). We conclude that during CTGF, the CNT releases prostaglandin E2, which acts on EP4 on the Af-Art inducing endothelium-independent dilation.
Verifying cross-cutting features as open systems

Feature-oriented software designs capture many interesting notions of cross-cutting, and offer a powerful method for building product-line architectures. Each cross-cutting feature is an independent module that fundamentally yields an open system from a verification perspective. We describe desiderata for verifying such modules through model checking and find that existing work on the verification of open systems fails to address most of the concerns that arise from feature-oriented systems. We therefore provide a new methodology for verifying such systems. To validate this new methodology, we have implemented it and applied it to a suite of modules that exhibit feature interaction problems. Our model checker was able to automatically locate ten problems previously found through a laborious simulation-based effort.
Effect of Age of Parents and Hatching Egg Weight on Broiler Chick Mortality

Abstract A total of 7400 mixed-sex broilers was used in two experiments to determine the effect of breeder age and hatching egg weight on chick mortality and weight. In each experiment, 925 chicks were housed after hatching from either 29-week-old breeder hen eggs weighing either 47—54 or 57—62 grams or 58-week-old breeder hen eggs weighing either 57—62 or 67—74 grams. Higher mortality occurred when chicks were hatched from 29-week-old breeder hen eggs as compared to eggs from 58-week-old breeders. Also, higher mortality occurred when chicks were hatched from eggs weighing 47—54 grams compared to either 57—62 or 67—74 gram hatching eggs. Larger market broiler weights were found when chicks were hatched from either 57—62 or 67—74 gram eggs compared to chicks hatched from 47—54 gram eggs. No significant differences in market body weights due to age of parents were found when egg weights were comparable.
Weld pool edge detection for automated control of welding

A vision system that determines the edges of the weld pool in sequences of gas-tungsten-arc welding images acquired by a coaxial viewing system is described. The vision system uses a transformation that maps the edge of a weld pool into a vertical line. The weld pool edge is detected in the transform domain by using a directional filter, which retains only intensity changes of interest, and a one-dimensional edge detector. The edge of the weld pool, in the physical domain, is determined using the inverse transformation. The transformation uses parameters that are updated when processing a sequence of images, and are initially determined by analyzing the first image frame in the physical domain. >
A New Mathematical Model of Syphilis

The CDC launched the National Plan to Eliminate Syphilis from the USA in October 1999 [23]. In order to reach this goal, a good understanding of the transmission dynamics of the disease is necessary. Based on a SIRS model Breban et al. [2] provided some evidence that supports the feasibility of the plan proving that no recurring outbreaks should occur for syphilis. We study in this work a syphilis model that includes partial immunity and vaccination. This model suggests that a backward bifurcation very likely occurs for the real-life estimated epidemiological parameters for syphilis. This may explain the resurgence of syphilis after mass treatment [20]. Occurrence of backward bifurcation brings a new challenge for the plan of the CDC’s {striking a balance between treatment of early infection, vaccination development and health education. Our models suggest that the development of an eective vaccine, as well as health education that leads to enhanced
A randomized trial of levonorgestrel intrauterine system insertion 6 to 48 h compared to 6 weeks after vaginal delivery; lessons learned.

Abstract The objective of this randomized trial was to compare breastfeeding among women who received a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system within 6–48 h (early) or 4–6 weeks (standard) after an uncomplicated vaginal birth. Analysis groups of 86 women in each arm were needed to demonstrate a 20% difference in any breastfeeding. Thirty-five women were randomized to the early ( N =17) and standard ( N =18) arms. The combination of unsuccessful placement (2/17; 12%), expulsions (7/17; 41%) and removals (3/17; 18%) reached 71% (12/17) in the early arm, so the study was stopped. In our small study cohort, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system insertion between 6 and 48h after vaginal birth was associated with a high rate of expulsion or removal soon after insertion.
Multispectral active-passive sensor fusion for ground-based target orientation estimation

Our work focuses on pose estimation of ground-based targets viewed via multiple sensors including forward-looking infrared radar (FLIR) systems and laser radar (LADAR) range imagers. Data from these two sensors are simulated using CAD models for the targets of interest in conjunction with Silicon Graphics workstations, the PRISM infrared simulation package, and the statistical model for LADAR described by Green Shapiro. Using a Bayesian estimation framework, we quantitatively examine both pose-dependent variations in performance, and the relative performance of the aforementioned sensors when their data is used separately or optimally fused together. Using the Hilbert-Schmidt norm as an error metric, the minimum mean squared error (MMSE) estimator is reviewed and its mean squared error (MSE) performance analysis is presented. Results of simulations are presented and discussed.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
MHA (Multiple Hierarchical Analysis): An Algorithm for Exploratory and Confirmatory Guttman Scale Analyses

MHA (multiple hierarchical analysis), a general Guttman Scaling Algorithm (MHA), is briefly discussed. The MHA algorithm is highly transportable with minimum limitations on number of variables and no limitations on the number of observations. Both confirmatory and exploratory analyses can be performed with the algorithm.
A new species of the Late Cretaceous ‘sail-finned’ bony fish, Pentanogmius (Actinopterygii: Tselfatiiformes), from Texas, USA

Abstract Pentanogmius Taverne (Actinopterygii: Tselfatiiformes) is a Late Cretaceous bony fish. Here, the diagnosis for the genus is emended and a new species, P. fritschi sp. nov., described. The new species is based on a nearly complete skeleton from the Britton Formation (upper Cenomanian–lower Turonian) of the Eagle Ford Shale in Dallas County, Texas, USA. The skeleton measures about 1.7 m in total length and represents the sole Cenomanian–Turonian example of Pentanogmius in North America. The most peculiar aspect of this new species is the morphology of the dorsal fin in which its anterior one-third is elongate to form a ‘hook-shaped sail.’ Pentanogmius fritschi sp. nov. was likely an active swimmer in open ocean environments that possibly fed opportunistically on a variety of relatively small pelagic fishes and invertebrates. The present stratigraphic record and anatomical evidence indicate the following phylogenetic hypothesis among the three North American Pentanogmius species: [ P. fritschi sp. nov. [ P. evolutus + P. crieleyi ]].
Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Melting and Growth of Crystalline Silicon Clusters

Molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations and the Stillinger-Weber three-body potential are used to study the growth and stability of silicon clusters of diameters from 2 to 5 nm embedded in the melt. Our simulations show that the melting temperature of such nano-clusters is lower than the bulk melting temperature by an amount proportional to the inverse of the cluster size. We also show that the nature of the kinetics of such small Si clusters is essentially the same as that of the homoepitaxial growth. In particular, we show that the mobility of the highly-curved crystalliquid interface is controlled by diffusion in the adjacent melt, and is characterized by the same activation energy.
Care Transfers for Patients With Upper Extremity Trauma: Influence of Health Insurance Type.

Purpose To understand the differences in transfer incidence for patients with upper extremity trauma by hospital trauma center designation. We hypothesized that patients with public or no insurance were more likely to be transferred to another facility compared with privately insured patients. Methods Trauma centers are designated by local authorities and verified by the American College of Surgeons. Using the 2012 National Trauma Data Bank, we examined the probability of being transferred from one center to another for patients who sustained isolated upper extremity trauma. We used multivariable logistic regression with a clustered variance method to adjust for intrahospital correlation to compare risk-adjusted transfer incidence for patients with upper extremity injuries by trauma center designation. Results In 2012, 6,214 patients ages 18–64 with isolated upper extremity trauma presented to 477 hospitals. Overall, transfer incidence was significantly higher among level III trauma centers (26%) compared with level II (11%) or level I (2%) trauma centers. Adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics patients with Medicaid were more likely to be transferred from level III trauma centers to another center compared with privately insured patients. Conclusions Current regulations may not prevent unnecessary patient transfers based on insurance status among level III trauma centers. Policy makers should compensate or provide incentives to hospitals that take care of poorly insured patients. Type of study/level of evidence Economic/decision III.
Relationship of Routine Inadequate Sleep Duration and Periodontitis in a Nationally Representative Sample

Purpose. Previous research has indicated the public health impact of inadequate sleep duration on health, potentially through an immune-inflammation mechanism. This mechanism also has a role in periodontitis. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is an association of routine inadequate sleep and periodontitis. Methods. Data from merged National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey years 2009-10 and 2011-12 were the data source for the study. The key outcome was periodontitis (yes, no), and the key variable of interest was usual sleep on weekday or workday nights. Chi square and logistic regression procedures were conducted. The study included 3,740 participants who were of ages 30 years and above. Results. There were 52.7% of participants who had periodontitis. There were 35.7% who usually slept less than 7 hours on weekday or workday nights. In adjusted logistic regression the odds ratio for periodontal disease for participants who slept less than 7 hours on weekday or workday night was 1.00 [95% confidence interval: 0.83, 1.21; p = .9812]. Conclusions. The relationship of periodontitis and inadequate sleep duration in a nationally representative study of participants who were of ages 30 years and above failed to reach statistical significance in adjusted logistic regression analyses.
Monitoring Linear Disturbance Footprint Based on Dense Time Series Landsat Imagery

Abstract. Mapping linear disturbances, including pipelines, roads, and seismic lines created by resource exploration, traditionally relies on very high-resolution remote sensing data, which usually limits results to small operational areas. With increased availability of low-cost medium-resolution satellite data, complete information of linear disturbances may be monitored and reconstructed from processing time series images from more than 30 years archival data. In this study, we propose a novel approach to incorporate spectral, spatial, and temporal information for mapping and characterizing linear disturbances based on time series Landsat imagery. The mapping process involves 4 steps: line detection based on a multiscale directional template, line updating based on reappearance frequency, line connection using the Hough transform, and linear disturbance characterization. The proposed method was tested and evaluated over 4 sites in Alberta, Canada, with various linear densities for detecting and reconst...
Abstract 1516: Estrogen regulated TME factors are novel modulators of neovasculogenesis and EMT in breast cancer

The tumor microenvironment plays host to multiple cell types that aid in tumor metastasis and recent work has begun to focus on the impact of non-malignant cells in breast cancer progression. Tumor metastasis relies on neovasculogenesis, aided by bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BM-EPCs), which is critical for invasive tumor growth as well as an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) by malignant cells, allowing them to break from the primary tumor site and migrate to secondary foci. The modulators of tumor induced neovasculogenesis as well as EMT need elucidation. Previously we reported that estrogen significantly enhanced BM-EPC migration to mouse mammary tumor sites in vivo, resulting in an increase in neovasculogenesis and induction of proangiogenic and prometastatic proteins including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Using in vitro assays, we observed that estrogen leads to stabilization of the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor 1 α (HIF-1α), a key regulator of hypoxia signaling, in the mouse mammary tumor cell line TG1-1. We observed that estrogen signaling via HIF-1α leads to an increase in VEGF, and conditioned media from TG1-1 cells treated with estrogen leads to a significant increase in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration in vitro, an effect abrogated by the anti-estrogen Fulvestrant as well as 3-(5’-hydroxymethyl-2’-furyl)-1-benzylindazole (YC1) a specific HIF-1α inhibitor. While tumor growth induces neovasculogenesis via endothelial cell recruitment, the inflammatory environment created stimulates infiltration of tumor associated macrophages, or TAMs. We further observed that conditioned media from the mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 induced EMT in TG1-1 cells, leading to an increase in both the EMT transcription factor TWIST and TG1-1 cell migration. Thus, an inflammatory environment leads to macrophage dependent secretion of pro-metastatic factors, resulting in breast tumor cell EMT and migratory propensity. We conclude that estrogen modulated secreted factors in different cell types influence the tumor microenvironment and have functional consequences on tumor cell growth and metastasis and may provide targets for clinical therapeutic intervention. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1516. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1516
Atomistic Simulations of fcc Pt 75 Ni 25 and Pt 75 Re 25 Cubo-octahedral Nanoparticles

We have developed interatomic potentials for Pt-Ni and Pt-Re alloys within the modified embedded atom method (MEAM). Furthermore, we applied these potentials to study the equilibrium structures of Pt 75 Ni 25 and Pt 75 Re 25 nanoparticles at T=600 K using the Monte Carlo method. In this work, the nanoparticles are assumed to have disordered fcc cubo-octahedral shapes (terminated by {111} and {100} facets) and contain from 586 to 4033 atoms (corresponding to a diameter from 2.5 to 5 nm). It was found that, due to surface segregation, (1) the Pt 75 Ni 25 nanoparticles form a surface-sandwich structure: the Pt atoms are enriched in the outermost and third atomic shells, while the Ni atoms are enriched in the second atomic shell; (2) the equilibrium Pt 75 Re 25 nanoparticles adopt a core-shell structure: a Pt-enriched shell surrounding a Pt-deficient core.
DFT Study of Electronic Properties of 3d Metal Complexes of σ-Geminal Diethynylethenes (gem-DEEs)

A density functional theory (DFT) analysis has been carried out to evaluate the structural and electronic properties of bimetallic compounds bridged by geminal diethynylethene (gem-DEE). Five stable equilibrium structures of the [M]−gem-DEE−[M] type ([M] = −M(H2PCH2CH2PH2)2Me) were obtained for the first-row transition metals, namely Ti, V, Cr, Fe, and Ni, using DFT at the B3LYP/LanL2DZ level. While the d orbitals in the Ti and Ni compounds exhibited minimal interactions with the gem-DEE-based orbitals, extensive interactions between the dπ orbitals and π(DEE) orbitals were found for the V, Cr, and Fe compounds. A detailed natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis revealed that the electronic delocalization in [M]−gem-DEE−[M] is attributed to both the σ orbitals along the DEE backbone and π orbitals perpendicular to the DEE plane.
Finite Element Analysis on Fluid End Module L of F-1600H High Pressure Mud Pump

For high pressure mud pump of F-1600H work at 51.7 MPa(7 500 psi),this new type of fluid end module L was designed,It's object meets more deep petroleum drilling.This article provides the strength analysis on fluid end module L of F-1600H high pressure mud pump,with software of Solideworks and ANSYS used,the equivalent stress was obtained.The analysis result shows that this module L was safe work under high pressure of 51.7 MPa(7 500 psi).
The design of mixed 3.3V and 5V voltage system with MSP430 family

The digital system's work voltage has downed from 5V to 3V(included 3.3V) and even more lower.But now there are many ICs which supplied with 5V,so mixed voltage system has been widely used in designs.This paper introduced the problem of MSP430 family which contracted with 5V system IC.And also analysed it ,so provided several solutions.
Genome Stability Requires p53

It is now clear that functional p53 is critical to protect the genome from alterations that lead to tumorigenesis. However, with the myriad of cellular stresses and pathways linked to p53 activation, much remains unknown about how p53 maintains genome stability and the proteins involved. The current understanding of the multiple ways p53 contributes to genome stability and how two of its negative regulators, Mdm2 and Mdmx, induce genome instability will be described.
Studies on the importance of lecithin for cholesterol solubilization in bile.

Abstract Lecithin and bile salts are thought, through the formation of mixed micelles, to be the major components responsible for the solubilization of cholesterol in gallbladder bile. However, cholesterol has a different electrophoretic mobility in hepatic as compared to gallbladder bile. When human or hog gallbladder bile was fractionated on Sephadex G-75, most of the cholesterol and lecithin were eluted at the solvent front in a slightly opalescent fraction essentially free of bile salts and pigment. Upon electrophoresis, the cholesterol and lecithin of this fraction, like the cholesterol of hepatic bile, did not show mobility. However, when bile salts were added to a final concentration of 0.04M, mobility similar to that of cholesterol in native gallbladder bile was observed. Because lecithin was present in the cholesterol fraction obtained by gel filtration of bile, the role of this phospholipid as a suspending agent for cholesterol was assessed further by incubating the cholesterol-lecithin fraction with lecithinase. Whereas the cholesterol in the original fraction was not precipitated by centrifugation, cholesterol did come out of solution after incubation with phospholipase C. The incorporation of additional cholesterol by native bile in vitro was also dependent on the concentration of lecithin present. This study emphasizes the importance of lecithin per se for maintaining cholesterol in an aqueous phase.
Phase 3 Trials of Ixekizumab in Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis

BackgroundTwo phase 3 trials (UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3) showed that at 12 weeks of treatment, ixekizumab, a monoclonal antibody against interleukin-17A, was superior to placebo and etanercept in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. We report the 60-week data from the UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3 trials, as well as 12-week and 60-week data from a third phase 3 trial, UNCOVER-1. MethodsWe randomly assigned 1296 patients in the UNCOVER-1 trial, 1224 patients in the UNCOVER-2 trial, and 1346 patients in the UNCOVER-3 trial to receive subcutaneous injections of placebo (placebo group), 80 mg of ixekizumab every 2 weeks after a starting dose of 160 mg (2-wk dosing group), or 80 mg of ixekizumab every 4 weeks after a starting dose of 160 mg (4-wk dosing group). Additional cohorts in the UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3 trials were randomly assigned to receive 50 mg of etanercept twice weekly. At week 12 in the UNCOVER-3 trial, the patients entered a long-term extension period during which they received 80 mg of ixeki...
BEING FUNNY: ontology is a queer subject (or, tractatus cucumber saladicus) (a zen maoist koan)

A Zen Maoist koan: Bill is developing a crazy synthesis that brings together Buddhism, Maoism, and French Marxism, especially Badiou. Running through all three are themes concerning emptiness, letting go, and contingency. On the other hand, when Bill's mind runs toward just making up stuff that seems funny to him, it is hard for him to stop. This “essay” is a meeting point between these two activities, and at some point in the underdetermined, contingent future there will have to be expansion upon these themes and “examples” – “Joke Ideas,” as Bill calls them – and some serious analysis of what we have learned in this experiment. Best read with John Cage playing in the background – and we don’t mean 4′33″. That would be silly.
Levitating a strip of paper by blowing over it

It is shown that if you blow vigorously over a curved strip of paper, it levitates into the shape of a catenary. This result quantifies a common classroom demonstration and is a pedagogically useful addition to other studies of catenaries in an intermediate classical mechanics course.
Once and Future Diplomacy: The Necessity of Treaty Relations

This essay weaves together several threads in order to craft an argument on behalf of the restoration of the federal government’s authority to enter into treaty relationships with American Indian nations. It begins with a conceptual overview of treaty diplomacy, emphasizing the necessity of upholding these relations and obligations as a matter of public policy. It then briefly narrates the late nineteenth-century emergence of the ongoing congressional moratorium on treaty-making. The essay calls into question the constitutional validity of this moratorium and considers judicial pathways to its nullification while also describing some of the conceptual and practical shifts in treaty-making that should accompany restoration. After underscoring governance enhancements that contemporary treaty-making would potentially achieve, the essay briefly explores policy developments associated with tribal self-determination and self-governance and suggests that these might someday be recognized as incremental steps toward the restoration of treaty-making. In its concluding section, the essay considers some of the entrenched ideological tendencies that both disregard extant treaty relationships and serve as obstacles to restoration of the treaty-making power. Despite these difficulties, the essay maintains that the dignity of treaty relationships and the restoration of federal authority to continue forging them are necessary for the integrity and legitimacy of United States federalism.
High Levels of Soluble Immunoregulatory Receptors in Patients with WaldenströM's Macroglobulinemia.

Abstract CD25, CD27, CD30 and CD40 are receptors for IL-2, CD70, CD153 and CD154, respectively, which provide important signaling for both B- and T-cell immune responses. We therefore examined the sera of patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM), a B-cell disorder characterized by excess IgM secreting bone marrow lymphoplasmacytic cells (LPC) for the presence of soluble CD25, CD27, CD30, CD40, IL-2, CD153, and CD154. Sera were from patients with active disease and off-therapy. Sera from healthy age matched donors (HD) was used for controls. The results of these studies were as follows: WM ELISA Results HD ELISA Results p-value n= median range n= median range sCD25 pg/ml 2.647x10−6 41 3418.99 3–19756.2 20 573.6 184.96–891.03 IL-2 pg/ml 0.72385 41 22.96 3–76.83 20 11.07 5.64–64.7 sCD27 U/ml 2.4727x10−7 26 7.45 0–19.42 10 0 0–2.78 sCD70 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND sCD30 U/ml 0.00088 25 89.25 0–550.81 15 39.12 0–135.25 sCD153 ng/ml 0.68388 25 8.18 0–43.8 15 5.65 0–24.82 sCD40 pg/ml 0.02484 25 101.39 11.76–584.99 11 50.73 0–150.5 sCD154 pg/ml 0.81317 55 949.58 92–4973.16 17 1078.03 351.88–2323.38 Considering our recent studies demonstrating a role for mast cells (MC) in supporting WM cell growth (JCO 2004 22:571S), we examined bone marrow LPC along with MC from WM patients for expression of CD25, CD27 and CD40 and/or their ligands by flow cytometry and RT-PCR analysis. The results of these studies are as follows: Flow Cytometry RT-PCR WM MC WM MC CD25 4/10 (40%) 2/7 (29%) 7/9 (78%) 7/15 (47%) IL-2 ND ND ND ND CD27 5/12 (42%) 2/8 (25%) 7/7 (100%) 4/7 (57%) CD70 6/6 (100%) 10/11 (91%) 7/7 (100%) 2/7 (29%) CD30 1/21 (4.7%) ND ND ND CD153 3/7 (43%) 12/13 (92%) 2/2 (100%) 9/11 (82%) CD40 25/30 (83%) ND ND ND CD154 2/3 (67%) 9/13 (69%) 7/9 (78%) ND The above studies demonstrate high levels of circulating immunoregulatory receptors, and expression of these receptors and/or their ligands on WM tumor and mast cells. Studies addressing their role in immune dysregulation in WM are underway.
Masterman, Margaret (1910–1986)

Margaret Masterman (1910–1986) was a pioneer in computational linguistics. Her ideas and proposals in research on artificial intelligence and machine translation were far ahead of her time and made a significant contribution to this field.