cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Curcumin inhibits the proliferation and cell cycle progression of human umbilical vein endothelial cell

We have studied the effect of curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a major component of the food flavor turmeric, on the proliferation and cell cycle progression of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Curcumin inhibited the DNA synthesis of HUVEC as revealed by [3H]thymidine incorporation in a dose-dependent manner without significantly affecting the viability of the cells. The growth of HUVEC stimulated with fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and endothelial growth supplement (ECGS) was also inhibited by curcumin. Addition of curcumin to HUVEC resulted in an accumulation of > 46% of the cells in early S-phase, as determined by the FACS analysis. Pulse labeling studies with [3H]thymidine demonstrated that curcumin affected cells that were actively undergoing DNA synthesis. The de-novo synthesis of thymidine depends on thymidine kinase (TK) enzyme. Curcumin caused a significant loss of TK activity, which may be one of the possible mechanism(s) for the inhibition of DNA synthesis activity of HUVEC by curcumin. These studies have revealed a unique mode of action of curcumin whereby it effectively blocked the cell cycle progression during S-phase by inhibiting the activity of TK enzyme. The migration, proliferation and differentiation of HUVEC leads to angiogenesis, which facilitates the tumor initiation and promotion. Since curcumin inhibited the proliferation of HUVEC, it could turn out to be a very useful compound for the development of novel anti-cancer therapy.
In situ X-ray energy dispersive microanalysis of polyphosphate bodies in Aureobasidium pullulans

In situ X-ray energy dispersive analysis of polyphosphate bodies in A. pullulans of air-dried (unfixed and nonembedded) control and phenyl mercuric acetate (PMA)-treated cells was carried out. In control cells P, K, Mg, and S were the major elements detected and appeared in relatively consistent ratios. However, in PMA-treated cells, three kinds of bodies were observed based on peak-to-background ratios of Kα X rays. Type I was high in P and was characteristic of 59% of the polyphosphate body population. Type II was high in K and was characteristic of 18% of the bodies, while Type III was high in Mg and 23% of the polyphosphate bodies were of this nature. All polyphosphate bodies contained P, K, and Mg. Occasionally, the S peak was absent from control cells. Both the size and the number of polyphosphate bodies were reduced in PMA-treated cells. The methodology employed here may provide the simplest and most useful means of determining the constituents of polyphosphate bodies since it avoids the loss or gain of elements which occurs during usual fixation and dehydration procedures. Comparison is made of the results obtained here to other methods of analysis of polyphosphate bodies.
Ischemic colitis complicating abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery in the U.S. veteran

Abstract Ischemic colitis (IC) is an infrequent but serious complication of abdominal aortic surgery. Prior reports have generally described small, selected populations. The aim of this paper is to evaluate characteristics of clinically diagnosed IC in a large non-referral-based population. Using national Veterans Affairs (VA) computer data sets, we identified all patients with the diagnostic codes for both prosthetic replacement of aorta for abdominal aortic aneurysm and subsequent vascular insufficiency of the intestine in the entire VA population from 1987 to 1991. Clinical information on these patients was then requested from the VA Medical Centers where they received care. Patients demographics, clinical data regarding both the aortic surgery and IC, and survival data were extracted from patient charts and computer records. Of 4957 patients who underwent surgery of the abdominal aorta for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, 58 (1.2%) also had the code for subsequent IC. In 49/58 (74%), sufficient chart-derived and computer-derived data were available for analysis. The mean age was 69 (range 57–95); all were males. Bloody diarrhea was the most frequent symptom and colonoscopy the most common means of diagnosis. Mean time to diagnosis of IC was 5.5 days after aortic surgery (range 1–21 days). Aneurysmal rupture or perioperative hypotension were present in 35/49 patients. Bowel resection with fecal diversion was required in 32/49 (65%). The overall mortality was 54% but it was 89% if bowel resection for bowel infarction was required. Only 2/12 (16%) of those who required fecal diversion and survived underwent eventual stoma closure. Among 7 patients who received second-look laparotomy for IC, additional bowel resection was required in 6. No patient had aortic graft infection diagnosed during the index hospitalization. The overall mean hospitalization duration after the diagnosis of IC was 38 days (range 1–164). IC following aortic aneurysm surgery in this national patient population is infrequently diagnosed. Emergency aneurysm operation and perioperative hypotension are common in patients who develop IC. The majority of patients diagnosed receive surgical intervention. Most patients who undergo fecal diversion retain their stomas.
The time-course of axonal transport of neuronal proteins to muscle

Abstract Radioautographic evidence has been previously reported that substances synthesized in hypoglossal neurons of the rabbit reach the muscle cells of the tongue, via the axons, 8–15 days later. This report presents the results of radioassays, by liquid scintillation, of TCA-soluble and TCA-insoluble fractions of tongue muscle, hypoglossal nerves and control muscles from rabbits killed 6 hr to 76 days after unilateral application of 3H-leucine to the hypoglossal necleus. The portion of total protein radioactivity that represented incorporation of blood-borne leucine (control level) was determined in each animal, the rest being that conveyed by the nerve. Four distinct periods of protein delivery have been demonstrated, the peaks being 4–20 times control levels: The first wave began to appear within 6 hr, peaked in days 1–2 and declined to near-control levels by day 3; the second wave peaked between days 9 and 14, corresponding to our radioautographic observations; the third wave peaked between days 22 and 27; the fourth was a more moderate wave in the 30–40 day interval, after which protein radioactivity declined gradually but was still above control levels a month later. The relationship to rates of axonal transport is discussed. Difficulties involved in directly demonstrating axon-to-muscle transport are identified and current experimental approaches are described which are testing and apparently supporting this concept.
Fragrance material review on β-ionone

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of β-ionone when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.
Ethanol promotes cytotoxic effects of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand through induction of reactive oxygen species in prostate cancer cells

Ethanol promotes cytotoxic effects of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand through induction of reactive oxygen species in prostate cancer cells
A comparison of impression and compression creep behavior of polycrystalline Sn

This paper reports on the application of a miniaturized impression creep test to measure the creep behavior of pure polycrystalline Sn, and compares the results to compression creep data on the same sample, in order to experimentally determine a scaling constant to formulate the equivalent uniaxial creep constitutive law from the impression creep data. The creep parameters determined via impression and compression creep are found to be identical, with n ∼ 5 and Q ∼ 42 kJ/mol, indicating that over the tested stress–temperature range, the mechanism is core diffusion controlled dislocation creep. In conjunction with results from previous modeling work, a single conversion factor, κn/C, which depends on material properties, is shown to be usable for converting the impression creep relation to the equivalent uniaxial creep relation, and the experimentally determined value of κn/C for polycrystalline Sn is very close to that obtained via modeling.
Gene expression analysis reveals altered brain transcription of glutamate receptors and inflammatory genes in a patient with chronic focal (Rasmussen's) encephalitis

Chronic focal encephalitis (CFE) generally presents with seizures that increase in severity and frequency as the disease progresses. Malfunction of synaptic transmission through altered glutamate signaling has been proposed as a likely mechanism triggering CFE. In addition, profuse inflammation is commonly seen in histopathological examination of resected tissue. To further explore the roles of glutamatergic activity and inflammation in this disease, we examined the expression of 52 genes by real time RT-PCR (kinetic RT-PCR or kRT-PCR) in a brain specimen from a CFE patient with active seizures, eight control specimens from patients with several other neurologic disorders, and two from individuals with no recorded history of neurological abnormalities. The CFE specimen displayed a dramatic increase in the expression of several inflammation-related genes (i.e. IL1β, IgVH, and IL2Rγ among others) and a striking down-regulation of several GluRs, in particular mGluR4. This type of analysis may prove useful in describing the molecular events underlying intractable epilepsy.
The multivariate beta process and an extension of the Polya tree model

We introduce a novel stochastic process that we term the multivariate beta process. The process is defined for modelling-dependent random probabilities and has beta marginal distributions. We use this process to define a probability model for a family of unknown distributions indexed by covariates. The marginal model for each distribution is a Polya tree prior. An important feature of the proposed prior is the easy centring of the nonparametric model around any parametric regression model. We use the model to implement nonparametric inference for survival distributions. The nonparametric model that we introduce can be adopted to extend the support of prior distributions for parametric regression models.
Relationships between Learning Styles and Performance on Problem-Solving Tasks:

A computerized problem-solving task was employed to study the relationships among problem-solving behaviors and learning styles. College students made choices to find their way home in a simulated “lost in the woods” task and wrote their. reasons at each choice point. Time to read relevant information and time to make decisions were measured by the computer clock. These variables were correlated with learning style variables from Schmeck's (1977) questionnaire. The findings indicated that subjects who perceived themselves as competent learners take more time on the problem-solving task, use more information and make fewer wrong choices.
Investigating the Epigenetic Effects of a Prototype Smoke-Derived Carcinogen in Human Cells

Global loss of DNA methylation and locus/gene-specific gain of DNA methylation are two distinct hallmarks of carcinogenesis. Aberrant DNA methylation is implicated in smoking-related lung cancer. In this study, we have comprehensively investigated the modulation of DNA methylation consequent to chronic exposure to a prototype smoke-derived carcinogen, benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (B[a]PDE), in genomic regions of significance in lung cancer, in normal human cells. We have used a pulldown assay for enrichment of the CpG methylated fraction of cellular DNA combined with microarray platforms, followed by extensive validation through conventional bisulfite-based analysis. Here, we demonstrate strikingly similar patterns of DNA methylation in non-transformed B[a]PDE-treated cells vs control using high-throughput microarray-based DNA methylation profiling confirmed by conventional bisulfite-based DNA methylation analysis. The absence of aberrant DNA methylation in our model system within a timeframe that precedes cellular transformation suggests that following carcinogen exposure, other as yet unknown factors (secondary to carcinogen treatment) may help initiate global loss of DNA methylation and region-specific gain of DNA methylation, which can, in turn, contribute to lung cancer development. Unveiling the initiating events that cause aberrant DNA methylation in lung cancer has tremendous public health relevance, as it can help define future strategies for early detection and prevention of this highly lethal disease.
Supercontraction and Backbone Dynamics in Spider Silk: 13C and 2H NMR Studies

The high-performance mechanical properties of certain spider silks can be radically altered by the addition of water. For example, unconstrained silk fibers from the major ampullate gland of the golden orb-weaving spider, Nephila clavipes, contract to about half of their original length when immersed in water. In this paper we use solid-state 13C and 2H NMR to study N. clavipes silk fibers, so as to address the molecular origins of supercontraction in the wet silk. Using 13C NMR, we study backbone dynamics and demonstrate that, when in contact with water, a substantial fraction of the glycine, glutamine, tyrosine, serine, and leucine residues in the protein backbone show dramatic increases in the rate of large-amplitude reorientation. 2H NMR of silk samples that incorporate leucine deuterated at one terminal methyl group provides a probe for dynamics at specific side chains along the fiber. Only a subset of these leucine residues is strongly affected by water. We suggest that the highly conserved YGGLGS(N...
The specificity of thyroid peroxidase toward tyrosine peptides.

Abstract Thyroid peroxidase exhibits specificity in the iodination of the tyrosine residues in peptide linkage. Among the peptides tested in this investigation, the enzyme showed preference for those having the sequence Glu-Tyr, suggesting that the enzyme-catalyzed iodination reaction involves specific interaction of the protein with the peptide substrate. Similar specificity was not noted with lactoperoxidase or horseradish peroxidase.
Observation-Based Study of Intersection Dilemma Zone Natures

Yellow phase dilemma zone is dynamically distributed at high-speed signalized intersections because of varying driving behaviors in response to yellow indications. This article presents an observation-based study of the natures of dynamic dilemma zones. A case study was conducted at a high-speed intersection in Fairfield, Ohio. Time-based yellow-onset trajectories were obtained using the video-capture-based technique and then they were used to analyze three types of dynamic dilemma zone models: that is, Type I and II dilemma zones, and option zone. The results reveal that the contributing factors of Type I dilemma zone and option zone are not constant but dynamic at different speeds. Vehicle type has been proved a factor that significantly affects drivers’ stopping behavior. Drivers of trucks are more likely to make pass decisions than drivers of passenger vehicles. Cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks have similar downstream boundaries of Type II dilemma zone whereas heavy trucks have the...
Three new species of Dalechampia (Euphorbiaceae) from Venezuelan Guayana

Three new species ofDalechampia are described from the Guayanan region of Venezuela.Dalechampia attenuistylus belongs to sectionRhopalostylis and may be most closely related toD. parvibracteata Lanj.Dalechampia megacarpa belongs to sectionDioscoreifoliae, although it is not especially close to any species in the section.Dalechampia papillistigma is also an isolated member of sectionDioscoreifolieae.
Evaluating patient access to Electronic Health Records: results from a survey of veterans.

Objective:Personal Health Records (PHRs) tethered to an Electronic Health Record (EHR) offer patients unprecedented access to their personal health information. At the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), the My HealtheVet Pilot Program was an early PHR prototype enabling patients to import 18 types
Vascular anatomy of the patella: implications for total knee arthroplasty surgical approaches.

Abstract Background Iatrogenic disruption of the patellar vascular supply has been identified as a possible contributing factor to the commonly reported patellofemoral complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We performed an anatomic cadaveric study evaluating the extra-osseous vascular anatomy of the patella, and correlated our findings to routine TKA surgical dissection to determine how to better preserve patellar vascularity. Methods and materials In twenty-one cadaveric knees arterial cannulas were placed proximally and distally to the patella. A polyurethane compound was then injected producing a visible arterial network. Specimens underwent gross dissection. Results In all 21 specimens, the supreme genicular (SGA), medial/lateral superior genicular (MSGA/LSGA), medial/lateral inferior genicular and anterior tibial recurrent arteries communicate forming a peripatellar anastomotic ring supplying the intraosseous patellar system. Both the SGA (24%) and MSGA (76%) demonstrated dual medial ring contribution. Relating the arterial location to common TKA exposures suggested severe compromise of patellar vascularity. Conclusion The medial sided vessels seem to contribute more significantly to the peripatellar anastomotic ring when compared to the lateral sided vessels. Careful soft tissue management has the potential to preserve key vascular structures that could maintain the intraosseous vascular supply to the patella. Understanding the anatomic locations of major arterial systems around the knee joint can potentially help during hemostasis, and can minimize blood loss during TKA. Clinical relevance Recognition of major arterial systems around the knee joint has the potential to minimize iatrogenic disruption of the vascular supply and the complications that can follow (patella devascularization and blood lost).
Differences in cytotoxicity of poly(PEGA)s synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization

Toxicity of poly(ethylene glycol acrylate) (poly(PEGA)) synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using different chain transfer agents (CTA)s is described.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF CHLORIDES IN THE BLOOD OF THE DOG AFTER EXPERIMENTAL INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION

The results of simultaneous chloride determinations in whole blood, in plasma, and in cells of the dog after experimental intestinal obstruction are presented, and the chloride content of whole blood and of plasma is compared by two methods of estimation: the iodometric titration on protein-free filtrate, and the digestion technique of Van Slyke. The chloride as determined on protein-free filtrate checks closely with that as determined by the digestion procedure. The iodometric determination shows accurately the level of chlorides in the blood. The total change in the chloride store of the body is best reflected in determinations on whole blood. In intestinal obstruction the retained chloride is not present in the blood in some undetermined form.
A dominant, coordinated T regulatory cell-IgA response to the intestinal microbiota

A T cell receptor transgenic mouse line reactive to a microbiota flagellin, CBir1, was used to define mechanisms of host microbiota homeostasis. Intestinal IgA, but not serum IgA, was found to block mucosal flagellin uptake and systemic T cell activation in mice. Depletion of CD4 + CD25 + Tregs decreased IgA + B cells, total IgA, and CBir1-specific IgA in gut within days. Repletion of T cell-deficient mice with either CD4 + CD25 + or CD4 + foxp3 + Tregs restored intestinal IgA to a much greater extent than their reciprocal CD4 + subsets, indicating that Tregs are the major helper cells for IgA responses to microbiota antigens such as flagellin. We propose that the major role of this coordinated Treg-IgA response is to maintain commensalism with the microbiota.
A suggestion about the cause of inflammation in acute atherosis complicating poor placentation in preeclampsia

The hypothesis is set forth that maternal release of epinephrine in the adrenal medulla causes systemic platelet activation (SPA) which, in turn, initiates coagulation via the intrinsic pathway and leads to thrombin generation. Thrombin causes inflammation, which is the underlying cause of acute atherosis in preeclampsia (PE). Each step of this cascade is examined in detail and supporting literature documented. SPA is associated with migraine headaches, which are a prominent clinical feature of PE and may help explain why PE is a risk factor for future maternal cardiovascular disease.
Breakingstory: visualizing change in online news

BreakingStory is an interactive system for visualizing change in online news. The system regularly collects the text from the front pages of international daily news web sites. It allows users to search over the collection and view the frequency of occurrence of keywords in graphic, tabular, and full text formats. Results from the system are shown over time, and can be filtered geographically. The system was developed using a user-centered design process that included rapid prototyping and informal user testing. It provides a new way of viewing the news that incorporates a sense of history.
DUST: a generalized notion of similarity between uncertain time series

Large-scale sensor deployments and an increased use of privacy-preserving transformations have led to an increasing interest in mining uncertain time series data. Traditional distance measures such as Euclidean distance or dynamic time warping are not always effective for analyzing uncertain time series data. Recently, some measures have been proposed to account for uncertainty in time series data. However, we show in this paper that their applicability is limited. In specific, these approaches do not provide an intuitive way to compare two uncertain time series and do not easily accommodate multiple error functions. In this paper, we provide a theoretical framework that generalizes the notion of similarity between uncertain time series. Secondly, we propose DUST, a novel distance measure that accommodates uncertainty and degenerates to the Euclidean distance when the distance is large compared to the error. We provide an extensive experimental validation of our approach for the following applications: classification, top-k motif search, and top-k nearest-neighbor queries.
Sequential point estimation of the means of u-statistics in finite population sampling

In simple random sampling without replacement from a finite population, sequential point estimators of the means of U-statistics are proposed. The proposed procedure is shown to be asymptotically risk efficient in the sense of Starr (Ann. Math. Statist. (1966), 1173-1185)
Modeling anatomical-based humans

We present two complementary methodologies to automatically generate 3D surfaces of human bodies including internal bones. The first methodology is a data-driven approach and uses a database of human bodies in conjunction with a learning model synthesizer to create 3D surfaces subject to desired shape and size. In the second methodology, we use medical scanning devices to capture the internal anatomy of the individual and reconstruct 3D surfaces of bones. The final result is an animatable human body including skin external surface as well as the internal skeleton.
How Two Intuitive Theories Shape the Development of Social Categorization

Social categorization provides a valuable mechanism for explaining and predicting human behavior, yet also contributes to the development of social stereotyping and prejudice. Thus, understanding how social categorization develops is critical for both cognitive and social development. This article presents a theoretical perspective on the development of social categorization—that children map intuitive theories about the structure of the social world onto categories they encounter in their environment. In particular, 2 intuitive theories—that social categories are natural kinds and that social categories mark people who are obligated to one another—are described as shaping the acquisition of social categories. The article discusses implications for how children explain, predict, and interact with their environment.
Efficient statistical significance approximation for local similarity analysis of high-throughput time series data

Motivation: Local similarity analysis of biological time series data helps elucidate the varying dynamics of biological systems. However, its applications to large scale high-throughput data are limited by slow permutation procedures for statistical significance evaluation. Results: We developed a theoretical approach to approximate the statistical significance of local similarity analysis based on the approximate tail distribution of the maximum partial sum of independent identically distributed (i.i.d.) random variables. Simulations show that the derived formula approximates the tail distribution reasonably well (starting at time points with no delay and with delay) and provides P-values comparable with those from permutations. The new approach enables efficient calculation of statistical significance for pairwise local similarity analysis, making possible all-to-all local association studies otherwise prohibitive. As a demonstration, local similarity analysis of human microbiome time series shows that core operational taxonomic units (OTUs) are highly synergetic and some of the associations are body-site specific across samples. Availability: The new approach is implemented in our eLSA package, which now provides pipelines for faster local similarity analysis of time series data. The tool is freely available from eLSA’s website: http://meta.usc.edu/softs/lsa. Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. Contact: fsun@usc.edu
An Integrated Approach to Spray Combustion Model Development

Abstract The major elements of an approach to the development of a more powerful spray combustion model is discussed. A model is sought that treats, in a numerically-efficient manner, unsteady, multidimensional, turbulent reacting flows with polydisperse. multicomponenl sprays and properly accounts for transient droplet heating and vaporization, liquid-phase mass diffusion, and droplet drag and trajectory. Major advances are reviewed and important issues remaining for resolution are discussed.
Decreased luteinizing hormone pulse frequency is associated with elevated 24-hour ghrelin after calorie restriction and exercise in premenopausal women.

Elevated ghrelin has been shown to be associated with reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatility in Rhesus monkeys, rats, men, and recently women. We previously reported that 24-h ghrelin concent...
Model-based spectrum management: Loose coupling spectrum management and spectrum access

Currently, spectrum management is a very deliberate process principled by the study of interference among users. The reliance on study makes spectrum management inefficient. Model-Based Spectrum Management (MBSM) offers more agile spectrum reuse by providing a loose coupler among spectrum management and RF systems. Spectrum consumption models (SCM) capture the intersection of information sharing requirements among spectrum management systems and RF systems. They reveal consumption by capturing the extent of emissions and by defining harmful interference. They are accompanied with well defined computations for assessing compatibility. As a result, generic algorithm rather than prolonged study can be used to quickly arbitrate compatibility and reuse opportunities. SCM is an enabling technology of dynamic spectrum access (DSA) and the models themselves are suitable as a machine readable method to convey policy to DSA systems. They provide a means to manage that policy. Adoption of this approach to spectrum management could dramatically increase the reuse of spectrum.
How two helicases work together within the TFIIH complex, a perspective from structural studies of XPB and XPD helicases

Xeroderma pigmentosum group B (XPB) and D (XPD) are two DNA helicases inside the transcription factor TFIIH complex required for both transcription and DNA repair. The importance of these helicases is underscored by the fact that mutations of XPB and XPD cause diseases with extremely high sensitivity to UV-light and high risk of cancer, premature aging, etc. This mini-review focuses on recent developments in both structural and functional characterization of these XP helicases to illustrate their distinguished biological roles within the architectural restriction of the TFIIH complex. In particular, molecular mechanisms of DNA unwinding by these helicases for promoter opening during transcription initiation and bubble-creation around the lesion during DNA repair are described based on the integration of the crystal structures of XPB and XPD helicases into the architecture of the TFIIH complex.
Artificial neural networks applied to arc welding process modeling and control

Artificial neural networks have been studied to determine their applicability to modeling and control of physical processes. Some basic concepts relating to neural networks and how they can be used to model weld-bead geometry in terms of the equipment parameters selected to produce the weld are explained. Approaches to utilizing neural networks in process control are discussed. The need for modeling transient as well as static characteristics of physical systems for closed-loop control is pointed out, and an approach to achieving this is presented. The performance of neural networks for modeling is evaluated using actual welding data. It is concluded that the accuracy of neural network modeling is fully comparable with the accuracy achieved by more traditional modeling schemes. >
Visualizing the Time Motion of Planar Mechanisms With Volume Methods

Two dimensional, or planar, mechanism design is a mainstay of Mechanical Engineering modeling and analysis. An important part of the design process is the visualizing of the motion of the mechanism. This paper describes a novel approach to visualizing the time motion of a planar mechanism — turning the time dimension into a spatial dimension. All three dimensions (x,y,time) are then treated as a 3D volume. From there, we use interactive volume visualization techniques, including slicing and thresholding. As is seen, this method is able to produce new insights into planar mechanism motion, particularly when more than one mechanism is working cooperatively.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Playa-lake sedimentation and organic matter accumulation in an Andean piggyback basin: The recent record from the Cuenca de Pozuelos, North-west Argentina

Expansive playa-lake systems situated in high-altitude piggyback basins are important and conspicuous components of both modern and ancient cordilleran orogenic systems. Extant playa lakes provide vital habitat for numerous endemic species, whereas sediments from these deposystems may record signals of climate change or develop natural resources over geological time. Laguna de los Pozuelos (North-west Argentina) provides the opportunity for an actualistic sedimentological and geochemical assessment of a piggyback basin playa lake in an area of critical interest for understanding Quaternary palaeoclimate dynamics. Silty clays and diatom ooze are the dominant playalake centre microfacies, with concentrations of total organic carbon and biogenic silica commonly exceeding 1AE5 wt% in this sub-environment. Elemental and stable isotopic analyses point to a mixed organic matter composition in the playa-lake centre, with substantial contributions from algae and transported aquatic macrophytes. Bulk sediment and organic mass accumulation rates in the southern playa-lake centre approach 0AE22 g cm )2 year )1 and 2AE89 mg cm )2 year )1 , respectively, indicating moderately rapid deposition with negligible deflation over historic time. Playa margin facies contain higher percentages of fragmented biogenic carbonate (ostracods and charophytes) and inorganically precipitated aragonite crusts due to seasonal pumping and evaporation of ground water. Organic matter accumulation is limited along these heavily bioturbated wet and dry mud flats. Fluvial–lacustrine transitional environments, which are key waterbird habitats, are either silty terminal splay (northern axis) or sandy deltas (southern axis) containing highly oxidized and partially allochthonous organic matter. Modern analogue data from Laguna de los Pozuelos provide key insights for: (i) environmental reconstructions of ancient lake sequences; and (ii) improving facies models for piggyback basins.
Dissecting the evolutionary impacts of plant invasions: bugs and beetles as native guides

The introduction of plants into new biogeographical realms is a main repercussion of human trade. The responses of native insects to alien plants may provide insight into how invaders influence ecological processes in their new communities. We illustrate this point with results from our field and lab studies of seed-feeding insects on alien plants. Soapberry bugs (Jadera, Leptocoris) have colonized several species of weedy invasive plants (sapindaceous trees and vines) in the United States and Australia. After initial reduction in physiological performance, they evolved behavioral, morphological, physiological and life history adaptations permitting more efficient exploitation of those hosts. Those changes occurred quickly, in fewer than 100 generations (ca. 30‐50 years). The underlying genetic changes are surprisingly complex, and also involve loss of function on native hosts. Contrasting with this is the bruchine beetle (Stator limbatus) on seeds of leguminous trees. Large numbers of S. limbatus oviposit on an alien tree in Arizona, but few offspring survive. The main influence on larval survival is a maternal effect determined by the host the mother experiences as her eggs mature. Adaptive plasticity in egg size and composition may ultimately permit successful exploitation of novel resources. Together, these studies show that both complex genetic and developmental factors influence the integration of ecological and evolutionary processes in environments altered by anthropogenically initiated plant invasions. Tractable insect study systems may be valuable guides to understanding biotic dynamics in a changing world.
Therapeutic spinal corticosteroid injections for the management of radiculopathies

Current literature and a recent meta-analysis suggest a favorable role for corticosteroid injections in the nonoperative treatment of radiculopathy [70]. The superior results reported in recent literature may be attributable to precise fluoroscopically guided transforaminal placement of injectate close to the disc-nerve root interface and near the dorsal root ganglia, maximizing the therapeutic effect. The favorable results of corticosteroid injections in the treatment of radiculopathy caused by a focal disc herniation are consistent with the biochemical construct of radicular pain. The preliminary unfavorable results of therapeutic SNRB for radicular pain caused by epidural or intraneural fibrosis or occurring after trauma may relate to a biomechanical rather than a biochemical etiology. Outcomes for acquired cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis are intermediate compared with those observed for herniated discs and scarring or trauma. Such results may stem from the multifactorial origin of stenosis symptoms; they may develop from impaired venous flow, restricted neural glide, inflammation, or structural root injury. Better-designed studies that use strict inclusion criteria that stratify patients into categories according to the mechanism of injury (atraumatic versus traumatic), the presence or absence of neurologic deficits or imaging abnormalities, and prior treatment will provide the basis for evidence-based treatment decisions. Such an emphasis is just beginning and inevitably will occur. Until then, decisions have to be predicated on the limited and flawed work conducted to date [71]. Nevertheless, the information gleaned from these published reports provides valuable insight not available just a decade ago.
High Speed Carrier Injection 18 Gb/s Silicon Micro-ring Electro-optic Modulator

We experimentally demonstrate electrooptic modulation in silicon at 18 Gbps (NRZ) in a micro-ring of 12 micron diameter using a pre-emphasis technique. Device simulations indicate that this technique can extend the bit rate to 40 Gbps.
Mindreading, Communication and the Learning of Names for Things

Children are strikingly good at learning the meanings of names for things. There is considerable evidence that they solve this mapping problem through inferring the referential intentions of other people. This mindreading capacity might also underlie children's assumptions that words do not overlap in reference, and that new words are likely to refer to whole objects. Finally, there is some support for the view that the mindreading that underlies word learning is due to a general capacity to infer mental states, not a submodule that is dedicated to communication.
A supra-convergent finite difference scheme for the variable coefficient Poisson equation on non-graded grids

We introduce a method for solving the variable coefficient Poisson equation on non-graded Cartesian grids that yields second order accuracy for the solutions and their gradients. We employ quadtree (in 2D) and octree (in 3D) data structures as an efficient means to represent the Cartesian grid, allowing for constraint-free grid generation. The schemes take advantage of sampling the solution at the nodes (vertices) of each cell. In particular, the discretization at one cell's node only uses nodes of two (2D) or three (3D) adjacent cells, producing schemes that are straightforward to implement. Numerical results in two and three spatial dimensions demonstrate supra-convergence in the L∞ norm.
Effects of breathing and cardiac motion on spatial resolution in the microscopic imaging of rodents.

One can acquire high-resolution pulmonary and cardiac images in live rodents with MR microscopy by synchronizing the image acquisition to the breathing cycle across multiple breaths, and gating to the cardiac cycle. The precision with which one can synchronize image acquisition to the motion defines the ultimate resolution limit that can be attained in such studies. The present work was performed to evaluate how reliably the pulmonary and cardiac structures return to the same position from breath to breath and beat to beat across the prolonged period required for MR microscopy. Radiopaque beads were surgically glued to the abdominal surface of the diaphragm and on the cardiac ventricles of anesthetized, mechanically ventilated rats. We evaluated the range of motion for the beads (relative to a reference vertebral bead) using digital microradiography with two specific biological gating methods: 1) ventilation synchronous acquisition, and 2) both ventilation synchronous and cardiac-gated acquisitions. The standard deviation (SD) of the displacement was ≤100 m, which is comparable to the resolution limit for in vivo MRI imposed by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) constraints. With careful control of motion, its impact on resolution can be limited. This work provides the first quantitative measure of the motion-imposed resolution limits for in vivo imaging. Magn Reson Med 53:858 – 865, 2005. © 2005 WileyLiss, Inc.
THE EFFECT OF NITROGEN MUSTARDS ON ENZYMES AND TISSUE METABOLISM II. THE EFFECT ON TISSUE METABOLISM

Nitrogen mustards at a concentration forty times the minimum lethal dose inhibited the respiration of all tissues studied but affected anaerobic glycolysis very little. The inhibiting effect increased with time. The respiration of lymphoid tissue was extremely sensitive to nitrogen mustard, as concentrations below the LD50 definitely inhibited the respiration of rabbit lymph nodes. In tissue slices nitrogen mustards inhibited the oxidation of pyruvate and of l-amino acids and the utilization of NH3. A number of synthesis reactions were also inhibited, such as the synthesis of carbohydrate, of creatine, and of urea. When added to growing seeds, nitrogen mustards inhibited their growth. In rats given lethal doses of nitrogen mustards there were found complete inhibition of choline oxidation and strong inhibition of pyruvate oxidation by the kidney and partial inhibition of urea synthesis by the liver. Inhibition of bone marrow respiration by nitrogen mustards was prevented by the addition of choline, and of dimethylaminoethanol plus methionine The possible mechanism of nitrogen mustard intoxication is discussed.
Off the Hamster Wheel? Qualitative Evaluation of a Payment-Linked Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Pilot

Context: Many primary care practices are moving toward the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model and increasingly are offering payment incentives linked to PCMH changes. Despite widespread acceptance of general PCMH concepts, there is still a pressing need to examine carefully and critically what transformation means for primary care practices and their patients and the experience of undergoing such change in a practice. Methods: We used a qualitative case study approach to explore the underlying dynamics of change at five practices participating in PCMH transformation efforts linked to payment reform. The evaluation consisted of structured site visits, interviews, observations, and artifact reviews followed by a structured review of transcripts and documents for patterns, themes, and insights related to PCMH implementation. Findings:Wedescribeboththedetailedcomponentsofeachpractice’stransformation efforts and a grounded taxonomy of eight insights stemming from the experiences of these medical homes. We identified specific contextual factors related to wide variations in change tactics. We also observed widely varying
Observation of a secondary slow relaxation process for the field-induced single-molecule magnet U(H2BPz2)3.

The trigonal prismatic complex U(H2BPz2)3 is characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements. The ac susceptibility data demonstrate the presence of multiple processes responsible for slow magnetic relaxation. Out-of-phase signals observed at ac switching frequencies between 1 and 1500 Hz in dc fields of 500−5000 Oe indicate a thermal relaxation barrier of ca. 8 cm−1 for the molecule, with a temperature-independent process taking over at the lowest temperatures probed. Significantly, an unprecedented, slower relaxation process becomes apparent for ac switching frequencies between 0.06 and 1 Hz, for which a monotonic increase of the relaxation time with an applied dc field suggests a direct relaxation pathway.
Effects of Clam Digging on Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community Structure in a Maine Mudflat

Abstract To assess the impact of clam digging on benthic macroinvertebrate community structure, field and laboratory experiments were performed for a mudflat in midcoast Maine. After a five-month period, a significant difference was observed in abundance of the amphipod Corophium volutator among undisturbed plots and plots subjected to different digging disturbance frequencies. In the laboratory, a significantly greater number of individuals of C. volutator established in undisturbed, stable sediment than in disturbed sediment over a five-day period.
A family with multiple vascular lesions

From C Fund Conf Corre U C A 5-year-old Hispanic female was referred to the dermatology department by her pediatrician for the evaluation of multiple birthmarks. The physical examination revealed a 15-cm violaceous patch with central telangiectasias and palpable pulsation on her back (Fig 1) and 7 oval, 1to 3-cm vascularappearing patches scattered on her trunk and extremities, several with blanched halos (Figs 2 and 3). The lesion on her back often felt warm to the touch, but otherwise the lesions were asymptomatic. A review of systems was otherwise negative. Her father, sister, brother, and aunts had similar lesions, but were also otherwise healthy. No workup had been done previously on this family.
Spatial circulation patterns over Palmer Deep canyon and the effects on Adélie Penguin foraging

Project CONVERGE, funded by the National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs, is deploying a coordinated ocean observing network to better understand ecological connections along the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP). Partners from Rutgers University, the University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF), Oregon State University, the University of Delaware, and the Polar Oceans Research Group deployed a multiplatform-observing network that includes gliders, animal telemetry, active acoustics for zooplankton distributions, and CODAR High Frequency Radar (HFR). The three-site network was deployed in November of 2014 and provided hourly surface current maps through the following austral summer. This study targets data collected between January and February 2015. Here we focus on Palmer Deep eddy and the tidal currents as they transition from diurnal to semi-diurnal regimes throughout the study period. These data are helping us better understand the links between alternating tidal regimes and the foraging behavior of the local Adelie penguin populations. This analysis has further implications for future research as the region goes through dramatic climate change.
Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty with Extensor Mechanism Allografts and Flap Reconstructions After Soft-Tissue Joint Destruction from Purpura Fulminans: A Case Report.

Purpura fulminans is a rare but life-threatening disease with an acute onset. The disease process derives from an infectious source and often leads to systemic sepsis1. The condition is associated with hemorrhaging and necrosis throughout the body, involving joints and surrounding soft tissues2. If patients survive the acute phase, treatment by an orthopaedic surgeon is often needed for management of the long-term sequelae. Amputation has been commonly used to manage bone and soft-tissue loss in these patients3,4. In this case report, we describe an alternative treatment method. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he provided consent. A fifty-seven-year-old man with a medical history of gastroesophageal reflux disease presented to the Emergency Department and was diagnosed with meningococcal septicemia and purpura fulminans. The patient had developed multiple system organ failure. Medical support and intravenous antibiotics were started, followed by multiple debridements to excise necrotic tissue. The hands, left elbow, both knees, and right ankle required serial debridement and soft-tissue coverage by a plastic surgeon. Six flaps were required, including four free-tissue transfers. The damage to the knees included disruption of extensor mechanisms and loss of the patellar tendons and the patellas (Fig. 1). Joint stability was also adversely affected by compromise of the anterior cruciate ligament and the right lateral collateral ligament. A free anterolateral thigh flap was performed on the right knee, and a medial gastrocnemius flap was done on the left knee (Fig. 2). The patient then underwent extensive physical therapy. Although capable of standing with assistance, he was unable to walk and required a powered wheelchair. Fig. 1 Both knees showed soft-tissue damage and loss of the extensor mechanism. Fig. 2 Skin grafts on both knees provided soft-tissue coverage. For additional treatment, the patient was …
Oils and Surfactants Alone, and Insecticide-Oil Combinations for Aphid Control on Turnips and Cabbage

Several experiments were performed to evaluate oils and surfactants for control of turnip aphid, Rhopalosiphum pseudo-brassicae (Davis) and cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) during the 1962-63 season. Oils evaluated included fractions of conventional naphthenic and paraffinic oils and alkylate isoparaffinic oils and special paraffinic oils. The paraffinic oils were superior to all other oil fractions for control of both aphid species. The surfactants and oils, at the rates evaluated were, in general, equal in effectiveness. A combination of surfactants and oils with insecticides increases initial and residual control of turnip aphids and cabbage aphids.