cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
POT1 as a terminal transducer of TRF1 telomere length control

Human telomere maintenance is essential for the protection of chromosome ends, and changes in telomere length have been implicated in ageing and cancer. Human telomere length is regulated by the TTAGGG-repeat-binding protein TRF1 and its interacting partners tankyrase 1, TIN2 and PINX1 (refs 5-9). As the TRF1 complex binds to the duplex DNA of the telomere, it is unclear how it can affect telomerase, which acts on the single-stranded 3' telomeric overhang. Here we show that the TRF1 complex interacts with a single-stranded telomeric DNA-binding protein--protection of telomeres 1 (POT1)--and that human POT1 controls telomerase-mediated telomere elongation. The presence of POT1 on telomeres was diminished when the amount of single-stranded DNA was reduced. Furthermore, POT1 binding was regulated by the TRF1 complex in response to telomere length. A mutant form of POT1 lacking the DNA-binding domain abrogated TRF1-mediated control of telomere length, and induced rapid and extensive telomere elongation. We propose that the interaction between the TRF1 complex and POT1 affects the loading of POT1 on the single-stranded telomeric DNA, thus transmitting information about telomere length to the telomere terminus, where telomerase is regulated.
Evaluating Educational Technology: The Old Shoe:

Anandam and Kelly present the case for evaluation of two technologies in education-Television and Computer-based instruction [1]. Overlooked in their article was the role of the telephone as an educational technology. This article addresses the effectiveness, extensiveness, and endurance of the telephone as an educational technology delivery method. Initial concern is for effectiveness which if proven leads to extensiveness and possible endurance. The future of the telephone as an independent or complimentary technology appears secure.
Case Study Methods in the International Relations Subfield

This article reviews the key role that case study methods have played in the study of international relations (IR) in the United States. Case studies in the IR subfield are not the unconnected, ath...
The stable nitroxide tempol facilitates salivary gland protection during head and neck irradiation in a mouse model.

Purpose: Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat a majority of patients with head and neck cancers. The long-term radiation-induced reduction of saliva output significantly contributes to the posttreatment morbidity experienced by these patients. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of the stable-free radical Tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine- N -oxyl), an established radioprotector, to prevent radiation-induced salivary hypofunction in mice. Experimental Design: The heads of C3H mice were exposed to a range of single radiation doses with or without an i.p. injection of 275 mg/kg Tempol 10 min before treatment. Salivary gland output was assessed 8 weeks postirradiation. Results: Radiation caused a dose-dependent reduction in salivary flow in this model. Tempol treatment alone significantly reduced radiation-induced salivary hypofunction. The combination of Tempol with mouth/nose shielding showed essentially complete radiation protection at 15 Gy and ∼75% protection at 17.5 Gy. Conclusions: This study demonstrates for the first time that significant radioprotection of the salivary glands is possible with Tempol in C3H mice.
Tetra-mu-acetato-kappa8O:O'-bis[(N(1),N2-di-p-anisylformamidine-kappaN2)ruthenium(II)](Ru-Ru): an example of an axial bis-adduct of {Ru2}4+ tetracarboxylate with N-donor ligands.

The title compound, [Ru 2 (C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 4 (C 15 H 16 N 2 O 2 ) 2 ], lies on a crystallographic inversion center and exhibits an Ru-Ru bond length of 2.2847 (8) A. There are weak intramolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions between the N 1 ,N 2 -di-p-anisylformamidine (HDAniF) ligands and the bridging acetate ligands. The molecule is one of the few examples of a crystallographically characterized axial bis-adduct of a [Ru 2 ] 4+ complex with two N-donor ligands.
Theory of irradiation induced growth of fatigue cracks

Abstract A new type of irradiation damage is considered. It is proposed that the localized stresses that fluctuate both with time and with position in solids subjected to bombardment by energetic neutrons (or ions) can cause pre-existing cracks to grow in the same manner that fatigue cracks grow. Using a suitably modified Paris equation for fatigue crack growth it is calculated that cracks in niobium subjected to bombardment by 14 MeV neutrons grow at a rate of about 5 × 10 −10 m per stress pulse exerted at the crack tip. This growth rate is at the threshold level measured in conventional fatigue crack growth experiments. Thus it is not certain whether indeed cracks in irradiated solids will grow. If cracks do grow by the proposed fatigue mechanism they may seriously limit the life of the first wall material of fusion reactors. The crack growth mechanism cannot explain the chunk formation observed in the experiments of Kaminsky et al. but they might explain chunk formation under fluences many orders of magnitude greater than used by them.
The display of molecular models with the AMES interactive modeling system (AIMS)

A visualization of molecular models can lead to a clearer understanding of the models. Sophisticated graphics devices supported by minicomputers make it possible for the chemist to interact with the display of a very large model, altering its structure. In addition to user interaction, the need arises also for other ways of displaying information. These include the production of viewgraphs, film presentation, as well as publication quality prints of various models. To satisfy these needs, the display capability of the Ames Interactive Modeling System (AIMS) has been enhanced to provide a wide range of graphics and plotting capabilities. Attention is given to an overview of the AIMS system, graphics hardware used by the AIMS display subsystem, a comparison of graphics hardware, the representation of molecular models, graphics software used by the AIMS display subsystem, the display of a model obtained from data stored in molecule data base, a graphics feature for obtaining single frame permanent copy displays, and a feature for producing multiple frame displays.
Lipid-lowering actions of imidazoline antihypertensive agents in metabolic syndrome X

Agonists active at I1-imidazoline receptors (I1R) not only lower blood pressure but also ameliorate glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia with long-term treatment. We sought to determine the possible mechanism for the lipid-lowering actions of imidazolines in a model of metabolic Syndrome X, the spontaneously-hypertensive obese (SHROB) rat. The acute actions of moxonidine and rilmenidine, selective I1R agonists, were compared to a specific α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, guanabenz, with and without selective receptor blockers. Moxonidine and rilmenidine rapidly reduced plasma triglyceride (20±4% and 21±5%, respectively) and cholesterol (29±9% and 27±9%). In contrast, the specific α2-adrenergic receptor agonist guanabenz failed to reduce plasma lipids. Blocking experiments showed that moxonidine’s actions were mediated by I1R and not α2-adrenergic receptors. To evaluate a hepatic site of action, radioligand binding studies with liver plasma membranes confirmed the presence of I1R. Intraportal moxonidine reduced plasma triglycerides by 23±3% within 10 min. Moxonidine inhibited hepatic triglyceride secretion by 75% compared to vehicle treatment. Tracer studies with 2H2O suggested that moxonidine inhibits de novo fatty acid synthesis. Thus, activation of I1R lowers plasma lipids, with the main site of action probably within the liver to reduce synthesis and secretion of triglycerides. More selective I1R agonists might provide monotherapy for hyperlipidemic hypertension.
Nuclear fuel cycle, ionizing radiation, and effects on biota of the natural environment

There are many published articles concerning nuclear power and the environment as related to human health. This paper reviews the literature on the impact of ionizing radiation released during various segments of the nuclear fuel cycle — mining through spent fuel rod reprocessing — on the biota of the natural environment. The nuclear fuel cycle is discussed in some detail with emphasis on radioactive waste resulting from the various operations of the cycle. The effect of generated waste on biota is discussed with reference to the extensive literature on radiation ecology. The conclusion is that nuclear power plants and support activities operating within the constraints of national and international regulations on radioactive discharges will have inconsequential radiation effects on natural ecosystems in the vicinity of nuclear fuel cycle operations.
40Ar40K ages of silicate inclusions in iron meteorites

Analyses of the argon and potassium in silicate inclusions were made on Weekerro Station, Toluca, Four Corners and Kodaikanal. The 40Ar40K ratios of all samples except Kodaikanal are compatible with an age of 4.5±0.15 × 109yr. These results are in agreement with the SrRb results obtained previously but not with the so-called 40Ar40K ages determined on iron meteorites by other workers. The 40Ar40K age of 3.5±0.1 × 109yr on Kodaikanal is consistent with the 87Sr87Rb age of 3.8±0.1 × 109yr. Estimates of the U + Th content of the silicate inclusions were made based on the 4He contents. Kodaikanal was found to have a very young exposure age for an iron meteorite (⪅40 m.y) based on upper limits to the cosmogenic He, Ne and Ar in the metal phase.
Smac/DIABLO Selectively Reduces the Levels of c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 but Not That of XIAP and Livin in HeLa Cells

The inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins bind and inhibit caspases via their baculovirus IAP repeat domains. Some of these IAPs are capable of ubiquitinating themselves and their interacting proteins through the ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligase activity of their RING domain. The Drosophila IAP antagonists Reaper, Hid, and Grim can accelerate the degradation of Drosophila IAP1 and some mammalian IAPs by promoting their ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligase activity. Here we show that Smac/DIABLO, a mammalian functional homolog of Reaper/Hid/Grim, selectively causes the rapid degradation of c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 but not XIAP and Livin in HeLa cells, although it efficiently promotes the auto-ubiquitination of them all. Smac binding to c-IAP via its N-terminal IAP-binding motif is the prerequisite for this effect, which is further supported by the findings that Smac N-terminal peptide is sufficient to enhance c-IAP1 ubiquitination, and Smac no longer promotes the ubiquitination of mutant c-IAP1 lacking all three baculovirus IAP repeat domains. In addition, different IAPs require the same ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes UbcH5a and UbcH6 for their ubiquitination. Taken together, Smac may serve as a key molecule in vivo to selectively reduce the protein level of c-IAPs through the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway.
Multilevel functional principal component analysis for high-dimensional data

We propose fast and scalable statistical methods for the analysis of hundreds or thousands of high-dimensional vectors observed at multiple visits. The proposed inferential methods do not require loading the entire dataset at once in the computer memory and instead use only sequential access to data. This allows deployment of our methodology on low-resource computers where computations can be done in minutes on extremely large datasets. Our methods are motivated by and applied to a study where hundreds of subjects were scanned using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at two visits roughly five years apart. The original data possess over ten billion measurements. The approach can be applied to any type of study where data can be unfolded into a long vector including densely observed functions and images. Supplemental materials are provided with source code for simulations, some technical details and proofs, and additional imaging results of the brain study.
Radiative corrections to Z b anti-b production

We report on QCD radiative corrections to the process $p\overline{p}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{Zb}\overline{b}$ in the approximation in which the b quark is considered massless. The implementation of this process in the general purpose Monte Carlo program MCFM is discussed in some detail. These results are used to investigate backgrounds to Higgs boson production in the $\mathrm{ZH}$ channel. We investigate the Higgs boson mass range $(100 \mathrm{GeV}l{m}_{H}l130 \mathrm{GeV})$ for the Fermilab Tevatron running at $\sqrt{s}=2 \mathrm{TeV}.$
CU-TMP: Temporal Relation Classification Using Syntactic and Semantic Features

We approached the temporal relation identification tasks of TempEval 2007 as pair-wise classification tasks. We introduced a variety of syntactically and semantically motivated features, including temporal-logic-based features derived from running our Task B system on the Task A and C data. We trained support vector machine models and achieved the second highest accuracies on the tasks: 61% on Task A, 75% on Task B and 54% on Task C.
Evaporative water loss in snakes

Abstract 1. 1. The skin, rather than the respiratory tract, was the major avenue for evaporative water loss in the two species of snakes examined. 2. 2. The total evaporation of the brown water snake ( Natrix taxispilota ) was 3·3 times greater than that of the desert-dwelling Sonora gopher snake ( Pituophis catenifer affinis ). 3. 3. The pulmonary component of evaporation was nearly the same in the two species, hence the cutaneous component accounted for the difference in total evaporation. 4. 4. These results are in accord with findings in other reptiles, which likewise show a correlation of reduced evaporative water loss to the aridity of their environment.
Hysteresis in DI independent mechanisms in threshold for transition between 1∶1 and 2∶2 rhythms in pigs

Previous studies have shown hysteresis in transition from 1∶1 to 2∶2 rhythms in action potential durations (APD) during decreasing and increasing cycle length pacing. As cycle lengths were constant, when alternans of APD occurred, so did of preceding diastolic intervals (DIs), which engaged the restitution mechanism, i.e. dependence of APD on preceding DI, making it impossible to determine whether the hysteresis originates from the DI independent or dependent mechanism. By using pacing with explicit control of DI, in the present study we investigated whether hysteresis in activation threshold exists in DI independent mechanism of alternans of APD. Transmembrane potentials were recorded from the left ventricles of 6 farm pigs, and the state transition was obtained from two pacing protocols where DIs decreased and increased in steps of 10 msec between 50 and 20 msec with 30 (15) beats at each DI level. Results showed hysteresis: for the 30 (15) beats protocol, onset and termination of alternans occurred at 27 (33) and 47 (49) msec DIs; average alternans amplitude was 22 (13) and 26 (15) msec for decreasing and increasing DIs. Because constant DI pacing was used, restitution dependent effect was eliminated, therefore, observation of hysteresis in our results suggests that restitution independent mechanisms such as activation memory also contribute to the hysteresis in this state transition.
MataHari reveals secrets of GVHD

The name Mata Hari is synonymous with espionage and secrecy, and in this issue of Blood the “MataHari” mouse has helped Toubai and colleagues reveal the role that nonhematopoietic antigen presentation plays in initiating graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).[1][1] Since the seminal study of
Effects of covered solid sorbent tube sample holders on organic vapor measurements.

A study was conducted to examine whether there are significant differences between organic vapor concentrations measured using charcoal tubes with three different configurations: uncovered sample holder (open tube), SKC, and Buck brand covered sample holders. A fractional factorial experimental design was used with the following factors and levels: vapor (n-hexane vs. m-xylene), pump type (pulsating vs. continuous), exposure profile (variable vs. constant), flow rate (30 mL/min vs. 200 mL/min), duration (30 min vs. 80 min), and sample placement (mannequin vs. free hanging). Two of each sampler configuration (six total) were placed in an exposure chamber, and a dynamic test-atmosphere generation system was used to prepare atmospheres containing approximately 12–15 ppm n-hexane or m-xylene with exposure profiles and sampling conducted according to a run sheet generated for the experimental design. A total of 24 runs were completed with six samplers per run, yielding 144 samples that were analyzed by gas chr...
Endogenous adenosine mediates the sustained inhibition of excitatory synaptic transmission during moderate hypoxia

The role of adenosine in suppressing synaptic responses during prolonged moderate hypoxia was examined in rat hippocampal slices. The intrahypoxic loss of evoked synaptic responses could be reversed partially by an antagonist of the A1 type adenosine receptor during an entire hour of hypoxia. These findings indicate that the capacity to express synaptic transmission exists during prolonged moderate hypoxia, and that endogenous adenosine actively suppresses transmission via an action at A1 type receptors.
Ras oncogene point mutations in bladder cancer resistant to cisplatin.

Bladder tumors respond to cisplatin-based chemotherapy in 68% of cases, but only 30% will have a durable response. Recent studies have suggested that ras point mutations may produce cisplatin drug resistance in cell lines. To determine the role of ras point mutations in human tumors resistant to cisplatin, we evaluated ten tumors exposed to cisplatin and eight untreated bladder tumors for ras point mutations. Using polymerase chain reaction DNA amplification and allele-specific oligohybridization, we found that only one of the ten treated tumors and none of the untreated tumors harbored a ras point mutation. We conclude that ras point mutations occur infrequently in untreated bladder tumors and do not appear to correlate with cisplatin drug resistance in vivo.
Polystyrene-coated micropallets for culture and separation of primary muscle cells.

Despite identification of a large number of adult stem cell types, current primary cell isolation and identification techniques yield heterogeneous samples, making detailed biological studies challenging. To identify subsets of isolated cells, technologies capable of simultaneous cell culture and cloning are necessary. Micropallet arrays, a new cloning platform for adherent cell types, hold great potential. However, the microstructures composing these arrays are fabricated from an epoxy photoresist 1002F, a growth surface unsuitable for many cell types. Optimization of the microstructures’ surface properties was conducted for the culture of satellite cells, primary muscle cells for which improved cell isolation techniques are desired. A variety of surface materials were screened for satellite cell adhesion and proliferation and compared to their optimal substrate, gelatin-coated Petri dishes. A 1-μm thick, polystyrene copolymer was applied to the microstructures by contact printing. A negatively charged copolymer of 5% acrylic acid in 95% styrene was found to be equivalent to the control Petri dishes for cell adhesion and proliferation. Cells cultured on control dishes and optimal copolymer-coated surfaces maintained an undifferentiated state and showed similar mRNA expression for two genes indicative of cell differentiation during a standard differentiation protocol. Experiments using additional contact-printed layers of extracellular matrix proteins collagen and gelatin showed no further improvements. This micropallet coating strategy is readily adaptable to optimize the array surface for other types of primary cells.
Pressor action of nicotine following ‘reversal’ during alpha adrenergic blockade*

Summary o 1. In anesthetized, atropinized dogs which have received a high dose of the alpha adrenergic blocking agent, phenoxybenzamine, nicotine salicylate 0.2 mg/kg i.v. induces a blood pressure reversal which is followed by a relatively long lasting pressor response ranging in magnitude from 10 to 65 mm Hg. The latter response is characterized by a decreased heart rate and cardiac output and a marked increase in total peripheral resistance. 2. The pressor effect can be completely blocked by the adrenergic neuron blocking agent, guanethidine. Endogenous catecholamines do not appear to be directly responsible for the response. 3. Several other possible mechanisms are discussed. These include the spare alpha receptor hypothesis, release of serotonin or vasopressin, and activation of the renin-angiotensin system. It is well known that alpha adrenergic blocking agents can reverse the pressor effect of nicotine. It is generally accepted that adrenal epinephrine released by nicotine is largely responsible for this reversal ( Van Slyke and Larson, 1950 ). Early Studies by Hazard and Cheymol (1942) indicated that some reversal of blood pressure after nicotine could occur in the presence of alpha blockade even in the adrenalectomized dog. A recent report from this laboratory (Belej et al., 1968) presented evidence that endogenous norepinephrine released by nicotine is largely responsible for the fall in blood pressure that occurs in the atropinized, alpha-blocked, adrenalectomized dog. We have additionally noted, however, that in normal anesthetized dogs treated with phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline), the ‘nicotine reversal’ is followed in a high percentage of animals tested, by a significant pressor response. Reference to a slight late hypertension occurring after nicotine in an ergotamine-treated, adrenalectomized animal was made by Hazard and Cheymol (1942) without further elaboration. The experiments herein described have been made to determine the extent of this pressor effect and the conditions under which it has been obtained. As far as can be determined, no information is available on the hemodynamic changes occurring in the intact animal at the peak of this particular response. An attempt has also been made to delineate the contribution of sympathetic pathways to this pressor effect in the presence of alpha adrenergic blockade. The findings point to interesting additional dimensions in the complex action of nicotine.
Small networks of empirically derived adaptive elements simulate some higher-order features of classical conditioning

Abstract Previously, we developed a single-cell mathematical model of the sensory neurons in Aplysia (Gingrich & Byrne, 1985, 1987). This single-cell model accurately simulated many aspects of empirically observed neuronal plasticity that contribute to simple forms of nonassociative and associative learning. In the present study, we incorporated this empirically derived adaptive element into small networks and examined the ability of these networks to simulate second-order conditioning and blocking. When the single-cell model was incorporated into a three-cell network (Hawkins & Kandel, 1984), we found that constraints imposed by the empirical data limited the ability of the network to simulate both second-order conditioning and blocking. On the other hand, we found that the detailed descriptions of subcellular processes unmasked phenomena relevant to the simulation of blocking, that are not captured by less detailed models. We also incorporated the model of the sensory neuron into a lateral inhibition-type network consisting of five elements. This network successfully simulated both second-order conditioning and blocking more readily than the three-cell network.
Clients in Sexually Open Relationships: Considerations for Therapists

Clients who are in or who wish to pursue a sexually open relationship may challenge therapists' heteronormative biases. Through this article the author provides an overview of open relationships and some research related to monogamous sexual behavior. Issues of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and SES pertaining to open relationships are considered. The author offers some guidelines for therapists, including topics to discuss with clients, comorbidity issues, and assessment and treatment approaches. The Intersystems approach to sex therapy is then presented which can frame therapists' understanding of open relationships, and the author concludes with some ideas for future research and attention.
Transplantation of horseshoe kidneyinto single recipient

Abstract A case of successful en bloc transplantation of a horseshoe kidney into a single recipientis reported. The literature is briefly reviewed. The use of horseshoe kidneys in transplantation is recommended in selected cases.
Laparoscopic-assisted continent stoma procedures: our new standard.

Objectives. To compare standard surgery to laparoscopic-assisted surgery for the creation of continent stomas. Creation of an antegrade continent enema (ACE) and/or continent urinary (CU) stoma using the appendix may require a generous midline incision. A laparoscopic-assisted technique to reduce morbidity and improve cosmesis has been described for urologic reconstruction. Methods. Between February 1996 and November 1998, 11 laparoscopic-assisted ACE and/or CU stomas were created. A 10-mm umbilical port and two 5-mm ports were used. The cecum, appendix, and ileum were delivered into the pelvis by laparoscopically mobilizing the ascending colon and hepatic flexure. Through a Pfannenstiel or small midline incision, 1 or 2 stomas were constructed in a standard fashion using the appendix and, when necessary, a segment of ileum or sigmoid colon. We compared these 11 cases with a cohort of 5 standard open cases performed during the same period. A midline incision was used in the open cases that extended above the umbilicus. Perioperative data and morbidity were compared. Patients undergoing simultaneous enterocystoplasty were excluded from both groups. Results. The patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted surgery (two CU, four ACE, five ACE plus CU) had a mean operative time of 6.1 hours, resumed a regular diet at 2.3 days, and had a mean hospital stay of 4.1 days. The patients who underwent the open procedure (three ACE plus CU, two ACE) averaged an equivalent operative time, but took longer to resume a regular diet (5.6 days; P <0.05) and had a longer mean hospital stay (7.4 days; P <0.05). There were no differences in perioperative complications. Conclusions. Laparoscopic-assisted creation of continent stomas resulted in a significantly more rapid recovery, with no increase in operative time. In addition, it resulted in a vastly improved cosmetic appearance.
Land of Misfit Toys: Mothers' Perceptions of Educational Environments for Their Children with Down Syndrome.

In this qualitative study, 19 mothers discussed the education of their children with Down syndrome. Mothers reflected on their expectations and perceptions of different educational environments, focussing particularly on their understanding of inclusive education. The findings suggest that mothers’ beliefs and decisions related to the education of their children with Down syndrome were embedded in culturally constructed notions of normalcy and stigma. Their support for particular educational programmes was inextricably linked with their understanding of the sociocultural meaning of Down syndrome. Findings revealed the existence of institutional resistance to inclusive education as well as dominant educational discourses that positioned students with Down syndrome as other and identified segregated learning environments as most appropriate for these students.
α4 Integrins in Cardiovascular Development and Diseases

Alpha4 integrins (alpha4beta1 and alpha4beta7) have a restricted distribution pattern and are critical for the development and diseases of the cardiovascular system. alpha4 integrins support unique biological properties such as promoting cell migration and inhibiting cell spreading and focal adhesion formation. We have found that the alpha4 integrin subunit directly and tightly binds to a signaling adapter molecule, paxillin, and disruption of the alpha4-paxillin interaction interferes with many of alpha4-dependent biological functions. Consequently, the interaction of alpha4 integrins with paxillin may play an important role in regulating alpha4-mediated functions. This review focuses on what we have known about the alpha4-paxillin interaction and discusses the possible mechanism of regulation for this interaction.
Tibial nailing with the knee semi-extended: review of techniques and indications: AAOS exhibit selection

Tibial shaft fractures are the most common long bone fractures, with an incidence of approximately twenty-six per 100,000 per year1. Intramedullary nailing has become the preferred treatment for the majority of unstable diaphyseal tibial fractures. A large body of literature documents a high rate of union, acceptable alignment in all planes, and a low complication rate when diaphyseal tibial fractures are treated with intramedullary nailing2,3. Intramedullary nailing is increasingly being applied to a broader range of tibial fracture patterns, including open injuries, proximal and distal metaphyseal fractures, and fractures with intra-articular extension3-6. Historically, intramedullary nailing of the tibia has been most commonly performed with the knee in a deeply flexed (120° to 130°) position as originally described by Kuntscher in the 1940s2. Transpatellar and parapatellar approaches have been described, and these necessitate knee flexion in order to avoid injury to the patella7,8. Although intramedullary nailing of the tibia has been refined substantially over the years and has proven to be successful for a variety of fracture patterns, challenges persist. With traditional intramedullary tibial nailing performed with the knee flexed, maintenance of reduction and mitigation of deforming forces are especially difficult with fractures in the proximal one-quarter of the tibia9. Although the literature is still inconclusive, concern also remains regarding persistent knee pain after tibial nailing with the knee flexed10,11. Lastly, we believe that intramedullary nailing of the tibia with the knee flexed makes it challenging to acquire adequate intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging and to place supplemental fixation or convert to an open reduction when necessary. Semi-extended tibial nailing was initially developed by Tornetta and Collins12 for proximal-quarter tibial fractures, but it is being increasingly applied as a tool …
Amorphous-silicon linear-array device technology; applications in electronic copying

For electronic-copying applications, amorphous silicon thin-film transistors (TFTs), photodiodes, and thin-film resistors are fabricated in a linear array on a glass substrate and mounted in an ionographic printing head. A document imaged on the array of photodiodes produces photocurrents which are amplified and converted to voltages on a corresponding array of output electrodes. These output electrodes are used to modulate the flow of ions exiting the printing head. This electronic copy function operates as a completely analog circuit, in that the output voltage (and therefore the modulation in ion current) is directly proportional to the light intensity impinging on each photodiode. The design and performance of this device are discussed. >
Vegetarian Dietary Patterns and the Risk of Colorectal Cancers

Importance Colorectal cancers are a leading cause of cancer mortality, and their primary prevention by diet is highly desirable. The relationship of vegetarian dietary patterns to colorectal cancer risk is not well established. Objective To evaluate the association between vegetarian dietary patterns and incident colorectal cancers. Design, Setting, and Participants The Adventist Health Study 2 (AHS-2) is a large, prospective, North American cohort trial including 96 354 Seventh-Day Adventist men and women recruited between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2007. Follow-up varied by state and was indicated by the cancer registry linkage dates. Of these participants, an analytic sample of 77 659 remained after exclusions. Analysis was conducted using Cox proportional hazards regression, controlling for important demographic and lifestyle confounders. The analysis was conducted between June 1, 2014, and October 20, 2014. Exposures Diet was assessed at baseline by a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire and categorized into 4 vegetarian dietary patterns (vegan, lacto-ovo vegetarian, pescovegetarian, and semivegetarian) and a nonvegetarian dietary pattern. Main Outcomes and Measures The relationship between dietary patterns and incident cancers of the colon and rectum; colorectal cancer cases were identified primarily by state cancer registry linkages. Results During a mean follow-up of 7.3 years, 380 cases of colon cancer and 110 cases of rectal cancer were documented. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) in all vegetarians combined vs nonvegetarians were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.64-0.95) for all colorectal cancers, 0.81 (95% CI, 0.65-1.00) for colon cancer, and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.47-1.06) for rectal cancer. The adjusted HR for colorectal cancer in vegans was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.59-1.19); in lacto-ovo vegetarians, 0.82 (95% CI, 0.65-1.02); in pescovegetarians, 0.57 (95% CI, 0.40-0.82); and in semivegetarians, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.62-1.37) compared with nonvegetarians. Effect estimates were similar for men and women and for black and nonblack individuals. Conclusions and Relevance Vegetarian diets are associated with an overall lower incidence of colorectal cancers. Pescovegetarians in particular have a much lower risk compared with nonvegetarians. If such associations are causal, they may be important for primary prevention of colorectal cancers.
Fast analysis of 3-D doubly periodic structures with complex geometry and anisotropic materials using the adaptive integral method

Full-wave modeling of 3-D doubly periodic structures with non-orthogonal lattices is an important topic area in computational electromagnetics due to its wide range of possible applications; most notably, frequency selective surfaces (FSS) and metamaterials. The hybrid finite element boundary integral (FEBI) method has been used to analyze the “artificial puck plate” FSS using a triangular grid composed of isotropic media [1]. Recent advances in artificially engineered materials requires implementation of complex and inhomogeneous media in device designs; one example being the use of anisotropic liquid crystals for tunable optical negative-index metamaterials [2]. While many efficient simulation tools exist for doubly periodic structures with rectangular lattices, there has been little investigation into the modeling of similar structures which possess nonorthogonal lattices and inhomogeneous anisotropic materials. Here, these issues have been addressed with the development of a fast and efficient simulation tool which takes advantage of the adaptive integral method (AIM) [3]. In this new code, triangular prism finite elements are employed to mesh the unit cell volume of the periodic structure, resulting in a great deal of flexibility in modeling complex geometries in the transverse direction (e.g. for modeling FSS screens with arbitrarily shaped elements). Additionally, the O(N·logN) FFT-based AIM is employed to accelerate the calculation of the matrix-vector product in the BI part of the bi-conjugate gradient (BCG) solver. Through several examples and a comparison to the original FEBI algorithm, the efficiency of the proposed technique is demonstrated and its results are validated.
Height, Weight, and the Spread of Subarachnoid Hyperbaric Bupivacaine in the Term Parturient

Using a standardized technique, spinal anesthesia was induced in 50 term parturients to study the correlation between patient height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) and the spread of sensory blockade. All patients received 12 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine while in the right lateral decubitus position on a horizontal operating table. Immediately after drug injection, the women were turned to the supine horizontal position with left uterine displacement. Fifteen minutes after drug injection, the level of analgesia to pinprick was measured. Linear regression analysis revealed no significant correlation between height (146-175 cm), weight (57.3-93.6 kg), or body mass index (21-38 kg/m2) and the spread of spinal anesthesia (T7-C8). It is concluded that, in term parturients, patient height, weight, or BMI does not significantly affect the spread of hyperbaric spinal anesthesia.
The fractal geometry of nutrient exchange surfaces does not provide an explanation for 3/4-power metabolic scaling

A prominent theoretical explanation for 3/4-power allometric scaling of metabolism proposes that the nutrient exchange surface of capillaries has properties of a space-filling fractal. The theory assumes that nutrient exchange surface area has a fractal dimension equal to or greater than 2 and less than or equal to 3 and that the volume filled by the exchange surface area has a fractal dimension equal to or greater than 3 and less than or equal to 4. It is shown that contradicting predictions can be derived from the assumptions of the model. When errors in the model are corrected, it is shown to predict that metabolic rate is proportional to body mass (proportional scaling). The presence of space-filling fractal nutrient exchange surfaces does not provide a satisfactory explanation for 3/4-power metabolic rate scaling.
Circular Intermediates of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Have Defined Structural Characteristics Responsible for Long-Term Episomal Persistence in Muscle Tissue

Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have demonstrated great utility for long-term gene expression in muscle tissue. However, the mechanisms by which recombinant AAV (rAAV) genomes persist in muscle tissue remain unclear. Using a recombinant shuttle vector, we have demonstrated that circularized rAAV intermediates impart episomal persistence to rAAV genomes in muscle tissue. The majority of circular intermediates had a consistent head-to-tail configuration consisting of monomer genomes which slowly converted to large multimers of >12 kbp by 80 days postinfection. Importantly, long-term transgene expression was associated with prolonged (80-day) episomal persistence of these circular intermediates. Structural features of these circular intermediates responsible for increased persistence included a DNA element encompassing two viral inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) in a head-to-tail orientation, which confers a 10-fold increase in the stability of DNA following incorporation into plasmid-based vectors and transfection into HeLa cells. These studies suggest that certain structural characteristics of AAV circular intermediates may explain long-term episomal persistence with this vector. Such information may also aid in the development of nonviral gene delivery systems with increased efficiency.
Optimization strategies to improve statistical timing

Statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) has been used in practice as an extension to regular static timing analysis (STA) to analyse for the impact of process variations on timing in new process nodes. However, the use of statistical timing in design optimization is a challenge that chip design teams face. In this paper, we propose some approaches to enable the comprehension of statistical timing behaviour during optimization. We indicate how the design standard-cell library can be analysed for variation, to help in understanding the robustness of cells, and in enabling the use of the correct logic architectures. We then propose an approach to comprehend the statistical timing behaviour in conventional (static-timing-based) optimization engines. We show how this method helps in optimising the overall area of the design, while simultaneously improving the timing characteristics. We also indicate a complementary approach of incrementally optimising the design using the statistical characteristics of the library as an added cost for sizing. We show how these approaches resulted in a 9.1% reduction in design area, and a direct improvement in statistical timing of a complex real-life design.
How social is social bookmarking

Social bookmarking services allow a user to make her personal collection of favorite web resources accessible by the public. The content of this collection can attract users of “similar minds” and therefore has tremendous potential to enable networking and collaboration. In this research, we analyzed a large dataset collected from one of the most popular social bookmarking services. To understand why there is a large gap between a user's explicit network and her implicit user-user association networks based on common resources or common tags, we compared a users' bookmark resources and tags to those of her explicit network members. Our results suggest that a typical social bookmarking service user does not create her explicit network based on common interests. We discuss the implications behind the gap between a user's explicit network and implicit network and propose solutions to enhance and improve the “social” functions of social bookmarking services.
Insulin resistance during euglycemic clamp studies in chronically undernourished rats with mild streptozocin diabetes

Malnutrition has been shown to impair insulin sensitivity, but it is not known whether this effect has any impact on coexisting diabetes. Insulin sensitivity was therefore studied using the glucose clamp technique in rats with chronic nutritional deprivation superimposed on mild streptozocin (STZ) diabetes mellitus. In pair-feeding experiments, 4-week-old littermate rats were either allowed ad libitum access to food or restricted to 50% of ad libitum intake for 8 weeks, and were injected with STZ 40 mg/kg intraperitoneally halfway through the experiment. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was similar in both groups of rats, but fasting plasma insulin (FPI) was lower in the undernourished group (P = .016). Undernourished rats were significantly more insulin resistant during euglycemic hyperinsulinemia of the same degree, with glucose disposal rate being impaired by 50% as compared with that in ad libitum-fed diabetic littermates (24.4 +/- 2.8 v 51.5 +/- 4.4 mumol/kg/min, P = .0008). The insulin sensitivity index was significantly lower in the undernourished group (3.03 +/- 0.32 v 5.67 +/- 0.6, P = .0057). The results show that chronic undernutrition markedly reduces insulin sensitivity in rats with mild STZ diabetes. This is further evidence that chronic undernutrition is a deleterious modifying influence on coexisting diabetes mellitus. It suggests that the insulin resistance of malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus (MRDM) could potentially be an acquired defect mediated by the coexistent undernutrition, rather than a "distinctive" feature that is intrinsically unique to this diabetic syndrome.
Copy Correction and Concerted Evolution in the Conservation of Yeast Genes

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other members of the genus Saccharomyces are descendants of an ancient whole-genome duplication event. Although most of the duplicate genes have since been deleted, many remain, and so there are many pairs of related genes. We have found that poorly expressed genes diverge rapidly from their paralog, while highly expressed genes diverge little, if at all. This lack of divergence of highly expressed paralogous gene pairs seems to involve gene correction: one member of the pair “corrects” the sequence of its twin, and so the gene pair evolves as a unit. This correction presumably involves gene conversion and could occur via a reverse-transcribed cDNA intermediate. Such correction events may also occur in other organisms. These results support the idea that copies of poorly expressed genes are preserved when they diverge to take on new functions, while copies of highly expressed genes are preserved when they are needed to provide additional gene product for the original function.
Estimation of Methanogen Biomass by Quantitation of Coenzyme M

Determination of the role of methanogenic bacteria in an anaerobic ecosystem often requires quantitation of the organisms. Because of the extreme oxygen sensitivity of these organisms and the inherent limitations of cultural techniques, an accurate biomass value is very difficult to obtain. We standardized a simple method for estimating methanogen biomass in a variety of environmental matrices. In this procedure we used the thiol biomarker coenzyme M (CoM) (2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid), which is known to be present in all methanogenic bacteria. A high-performance liquid chromatography-based method for detecting thiols in pore water (A. Vairavamurthy and M. Mopper, Anal. Chim. Acta 78:363–370, 1990) was modified in order to quantify CoM in pure cultures, sediments, and sewage water samples. The identity of the CoM derivative was verified by using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The assay was linear for CoM amounts ranging from 2 to 2,000 pmol, and the detection limit was 2 pmol of CoM/ml of sample. CoM was not adsorbed to sediments. The methanogens tested contained an average of 19.5 nmol of CoM/mg of protein and 0.39 ± 0.07 fmol of CoM/cell. Environmental samples contained an average of 0.41 ± 0.17 fmol/cell based on most-probable-number estimates. CoM was extracted by using 1% tri-(N)-butylphosphine in isopropanol. More than 90% of the CoM was recovered from pure cultures and environmental samples. We observed no interference from sediments in the CoM recovery process, and the method could be completed aerobically within 3 h. Freezing sediment samples resulted in 46 to 83% decreases in the amounts of detectable CoM, whereas freezing had no effect on the amounts of CoM determined in pure cultures. The method described here provides a quick and relatively simple way to estimate methanogenic biomass.
Adherence of Isolates of Neisseria meningitidis from Patients and Carriers to Human Buccal Epithelial Cells

An in vitro assay was used to study the adherence of Neisseria meningitidis to human buccal epithelial cells. Both unencapsulated and encapsulated, piliated isolates obtained from throats of asymptomatic carriers demonstrated significantly higher levels of adherence to buccal cells than encapsulated, piliated isolates obtained from the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients (P < 0.001). Meningococcal adherence to buccal cells could not be correlated to a specific capsular polysaccharide serogroup, outer membrane protein serotype, or quantitative differences in pili. However, the data suggested that capsular polysaccharide impedes the adherence of meningococci to buccal cells, and the significantly smaller amount of capsular polysaccharide extracted from carrier isolates compared with case isolates (P < 0.001) could explain differences in meningococcal adherence to buccal cells. Increased adherence may facilitate host colonization, promote nasopharyngeal carriage, and possible reflect altered pathogenicity.