cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurements of human herpesvirus 8 viral load in blood before and after leukoreduction filtration

Background Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is likely transmitted through blood transfusion in high-prevalence areas. The efficacy of leukoreduction filtration for reducing HHV-8 in blood has not been reported. Study Design and Methods Blood was drawn from 45 human immunodeficiency virus–positive men either with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS; n = 21) or without KS (n = 24) and subject to leukoreduction filtration. HHV-8 viral load was measured in plasma and in blood before and after filtration. Results Twelve subjects, all with KS, had detectable HHV-8 viremia before filtration with viral loads of 102 to 105 copies/mL (mean, 3 × 104 copies/mL). After filtration, seven of 12 subjects no longer had detectable HHV-8 in their blood, and five of 12 subjects had detectable HHV-8 that was 90% reduced on average from prefiltration levels. The presence of HHV-8 in the blood after filtration was strongly associated with prefiltration viral loads greater than 1000 copies/mL and the presence of cell-free virus in plasma. None of the subjects without KS had detectable levels of HHV-8 virus in blood before or after filtration. Conclusion Cell-associated HHV-8 appeared to be effectively removed by leukoreduction filtration. Cell-free HHV-8 was present in 42% of subjects as 1% to 20% of the total virus which was not removed by filtration.
Crystal field surface orbital-bond energy bond order (CFSO-BEBO) calculations of adsorption: II. Carbon monoxide, oxygen and carbon dioxide on platinum (111) and oxygen on nickel (111)

Abstract The Crystal Field Surface Orbital-Bond Energy Bond Order (CFSO-BEBO) model of chemisorption is applied to the interaction of carbon monoxide, oxygen and carbon dioxide with a (111) platinum surface; and the interaction of oxygen with a (111) nickel surface. No activation energy for molecular adsorption of carbon monoxide on platinum is predicted; however a large activation energy for dissociative chemisorption is calculated. The molecular state has a binding energy of approximately 28 kcal/mole, and vibrational stretching frequencies of 1935 and 1975 cm−1 are calculated by combining the CFSO-BEBO model with Badger's Rule. The adsorption of oxygen on (111) platinum and (111) nickel are predicted to be different in the following respects: (1) There is an activation energy of 2.1–4.5 kcal/mole on platinum, whereas adsorption on nickel is unactivated; and (2) The dissociative heat of chemisorption on platinum is 58–68 kcal/mole, whereas on nickel it is substantially larger, 112–116 kcal/mole. The adsorption of carbon dioxide on (111) platinum is predicted to be not only highly activated but also endothermic. All of the calculated results are essentially in quantitative agreement with available experimental data.
The solar corona over the recent saros

We are now at both the maximum of the solar activity cycle and at the most populated part of the saros. I discuss the solar corona over the recent saros and its changes with the solar activity cycle. We consider the scientific value of eclipse studies and how they relate to other ongoing coronal studies on the sun and other stars.
Optimization of complex powertrain systems for fuel economy and emissions

Stringent emission regulations combined with customer demands for improved fuel economy and performance have forced the automotive industry to consider more advanced powertrain configurations than standard port-fuel injected gasoline engines. Modern state-of-the-art powertrain systems may combine several power sources (internal combustion engines, electric motors, fuel cells, etc.) and various exhaust aftertreatment devices (catalytic converters, lean NOx traps, particulate filters, etc.) in addition to conventional engine subsystems such as turbochargers and exhaust gas recirculation. The determination of the way in which these systems need to be operated to meet driver's torque demand, performance and fuel economy expectations while satisfying federal emission regulations is a complex and a multiobjective optimal control problem. This paper reviews some of the approaches to this problem in the context of two case studies.
Characterisation of Avena fatua populations with resistance to multiple herbicides

Summary Avena fatua (wild oat) populations with resistance (R) to one or more herbicides have been described in numerous cropping systems worldwide. We previously reported that the R3 and R4 wild oat populations from Montana, USA, were resistant to four herbicides representing three different modes of action: tralkoxydim [acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase] inhibitor), imazamethabenz and flucarbazone [acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors] and difenzoquat (growth inhibitor). We now quantify resistance levels of these populations to triallate [very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) biosynthesis inhibitor], pinoxaden (ACCase inhibitor) and paraquat (photosystem I inhibitor). Glasshouse dose–response experiments showed that, compared with the means of two susceptible (S) populations, the R3 and R4 populations were 17.5- and 18.1-fold more resistant to triallate, 3.6- and 3.7-fold more resistant to pinoxaden, respectively, and 3.2-fold (R3) more resistant to paraquat. Pre-treatment of R plants with the cytochrome P450 inhibitor malathion partially reversed the resistance phenotype for flucarbazone (both populations), imazamethabenz (R4), difenzoquat (R4) and pinoxaden (R3), but not for tralkoxydim, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl or triallate. Target site point mutations known to confer resistance to ALS or ACCase inhibitors were not detected via DNA sequencing and allele-specific PCR assays in R plants, suggesting the involvement of non-target site resistance mechanism(s) for these herbicides. Together, our results complete the initial characterisation of wild oat populations that are resistant to seven (R3) or six (R4) herbicides from five or four mode of action families respectively.
Perspectives, Voices, and Worldviews in Frequently Read Children's Books.

Research Findings: This study content analyzed 29 frequently used children's books in pre-kindergarten through 3rd- grade classrooms. Although the books included European and African American literature, none of the 29 books addressed other ethnic groups in the United States, and only two included international perspectives. Male and middle socioeconomic status themes dominated the book collection. An inductive theme analysis was conducted to determine overt themes that may obscure or make the underlying ideologies of the books less apparent. Three common themes emerged: (a) early childhood education content and skills, (b) imagination/fantasy/humor, and (c) d ispositions/morals/life lessons. Going beyond the three initial themes and examining implicit cultural affirmations provided additional insights. Books were examined to determine if they affirmed the cultural worldviews of African American children, who made up nearly 50% of the district's population. Not surprisingly, 23 of the 29 books (79%) were ...
The Wisdom of the Few or the Wisdom of the Many? an Indirect Test of the Marginal Trader Hypothesis

The Marginal Trader Hypothesis (Forsythe et al. 1992, in American Economic Review 82(5): 1142–1161) posits that a small group of well-informed traders keep an asset’s market price equal to its fundamental value. Forsythe et al. base this claim on evidence from U.S. presidential prediction markets. We test the Marginal Trader Hypothesis by examining a decision task that precludes marginal traders. Specifically, students are asked to predict the class average for a given exam. We show that performance on our task is similar to that reported for the Iowa Electronic Markets, and that accuracy is unrelated to academic performance and does not correlate across tasks.
Online Virtual Learning Environments: A Review of Two Projects

This article is an overview of online virtual learning environments for discovery learning. The paper defines Virtual Learning Environments and discusses literature findings on the benefits of using web-based VEs for self-directed learning. It gives an overview of the latest technologies/platforms used to develop online VEs, discusses development and delivery challenges posed by complex, information-rich web-based 3D environments, and describes possible solutions that can be adopted to overcome current limitations. The paper also presents and discusses two 3D web-deliverable virtual learning environments that were recently developed by the authors: the "Virtual Tour of the Muscatatuck State Hospital Historic District MSHHD" and the "VELS: Virtual Environment for Learning Surveying". The "Interactive 3D Tour of MSHHD" is a web-based digital heritage application that uses Virtual Reality as a tool to document and preserve historic sites and educate the public about them; the "VELS" is an online virtual learning environment whose objective is to help undergraduate students learn surveying concepts and practices.
An XFEM/Spectral element method for dynamic crack propagation

A high-order extended finite element method based on the spectral element method for the simulation of dynamic fracture is developed. The partition of unity for the discontinuous displacement is constructed by employing p order spectral element. This method shows great advantages in the simulations of moving crack and mixed mode crack. The numerical oscillations are effectively suppressed and the accuracy of computed stress intensity factors and crack path are improved markedly. Furthermore the simulation results show that p-refinement is more effective in improving the stress contour near the crack tip than h-refinement. The well known form of the explicit central difference method is used and the critical time step for this method is investigated. We find that by using lumped mass matrix the critical time step Δt c for this high-order extended finite element is almost independent of the crack position.
Resist substrate studies for LIGA microfabrication with application to a new anodized aluminum substrate

Resist substrates used in the LIGA process must provide high initial bond strength between the substrate and resist, little degradation of the bond strength during x-ray exposure, acceptable undercut rates during development and a surface enabling good electrodeposition of metals. Additionally, they should produce little fluorescence radiation and give small secondary doses in bright regions of the resist at the substrate interface. To develop a new substrate satisfying all these requirements, we have investigated secondary resist doses due to electrons and fluorescence, resist adhesion before exposure, loss of fine features during extended development and the nucleation and adhesion of electrodeposits for various substrate materials. The result of these studies is a new anodized aluminum substrate and accompanying methods for resist bonding and electrodeposition. We demonstrate the successful use of this substrate through all process steps and establish its capabilities via the fabrication of isolated resist features down to 6 µm, feature aspect ratios up to 280 and electroformed nickel structures at heights of 190 to 1400 µm. The minimum mask absorber thickness required for this new substrate ranges from 7 to 15 µm depending on the resist thickness.
Size dependent thermal vibrations and melting in nanocrystals

A simple model for the size-dependent amplitude of the atomic thermal vibrations of a nanocrystal is presented which leads to the development of a model for the size dependent melting temperature in nanocrystals on the basis of Lindemann's criterion. The two models are in terms of a directly measurable parameter for the corresponding bulk crystal, i.e., the ratio between the amplitude of thermal vibrations for surface atoms and that for interior ones. It is shown that the present model for the melting temperature offers not only a qualitative but even an excellent quantitative agreement with the experimentally observed size-dependent superheating, as well as melting point suppression in both the supported and embedded metallic and semiconductor nanocrystals.
Developing successful theories in marketing and R-A theory: Historical evolution? Other drivers? What’s important? What’s next?

“Developing Successful Theories in Marketing” (hereafter, DSTM, this issue) used resource-advantage (R-A) theory as a case-example for investigating why some theories in marketing are more successful than others. After acknowledging the pitfalls in generalizing from a single case, the article developed five guides for authors seeking to develop successful theories: (1) focus theory development on important issues in macromarketing and/or micromarketing, (2) craft theories with high explanatory and predictive power, (3) respect other disciplines’ literatures, (4) publish the theory in nonmarketing journals, and (5) explore the normative implications of the theory. I thank Professors S. Adam Brasel (hereafter, SAB), Colin Campbell (hereafter, CC), and Bodo B. Schlegelmilch (hereafter, BBS) for their thoughtful commentaries. It is gratifying that all three find merit in the article’s use of R-A theory to develop suggested guides. Indeed, given the critical stance of most commentaries, any author would be pleased to find that commentators identify his or her work as filling an “aching void” (CC), or that it provides a “valuable insight” (SAB), or that it is “most intriguing” (CC), or that it “could not have come at a better time” (BBS). Nonetheless, the three commentators raise several important issues, which can be grouped into four categories: (1) How did R-A theory evolve? (2) Are there other success drivers? (3) Who and what determines the importance of a research topic? (4) What is the next step for interested readers? R-A theory’s evolution
Cl− channels are randomly activated by continuous GABA secretion in cultured embryonic rat hippocampal neurons

Abstract Throughout the adult vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediates transient Cl− conductances commonly identified as fast, Cl−-dependent inhibitory synaptic signals [Prog. Neurobiol., 36 (1991) 35–92). In the rat hippocampus Cl−-dependent excitatory transients mediated by GABA emerge during the first postnatal week superimposed on a steady-state baseline that is also Cl−- and GABA-dependent [Int. J. Dev. Neurosci., 8 (1990) 481–490]. Here we report that many embryonic rat hippocampal neurons cultured for hours to days exhibit random fluctuations in Cl− channel activity that are mediated by continuous secretion of GABA in the absence of transients. Thus, GABA is broadcast tonically before it is released transiently.
Evaluation of the ShuntCheck noninvasive thermal technique for shunt flow detection in hydrocephalic patients

Background ShuntCheck (Neuro Diagnostic Devices, Inc., Trevose, Pennsylvania) is a new device designed to detect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in a shunt by sensing skin temperature downstream from a region of CSF cooled by an ice cube. Objective To understand its accuracy and utility, we evaluated the use of this device during routine office visits as well as during workup for suspected shunt malfunction. Methods One hundred shunted patients were tested, including 48 evaluated during possible shunt malfunction, of whom 24 went on to surgical exploration. Digitally recorded data were blindly analyzed and compared with surgical findings and clinical follow-up. Results Findings in the 20 malfunctioning shunts with unambiguous flow or absence of flow at surgery were strongly correlated with ShuntCheck results (sensitivity and specificity to flow of 80% and 100%, respectively, P = .0007, Fisher's exact test, measure of agreement κ = 0.8). However, the thermal determination did not distinguish patients in the suspected malfunction group who received surgery from those who were discharged without surgery (P = .248 by Fisher's exact test, κ = 0.20). Half of the patients seen in routine office visits did not have detectable flow, although none required shunt revision on clinical grounds. Intermittent flow was specifically demonstrated in one subject who had multiple flow determinations. Conclusion Operative findings show that the technique is sensitive and specific for detecting flow, but failure to detect flow does not statistically predict the need for surgery. A better understanding of the normal dynamics of flow in individual patients, which this device may yield, will be necessary before the true clinical utility of non-invasive flow measurement can be assessed.
Static NMOS circuits for crossbar architectures using silicon nano-wire technology

This study shows the design and analysis of static NMOS gates composed of silicon nano-wire surrounding gate pull-down NMOSFETs (SGFETs) and p-type pull-up resistors as the primary building blocks to form high density circuits. The device geometry and doping concentration of NMOS transistors and p-type resistors are varied until the lowest noise margin and standby power dissipation are obtained for an inverter. The optimum NMOS transistor and p-type resistor configurations are subsequently used to build various NOR-type static logic gates including a full adder to evaluate the transient performance, power consumption and layout area of each gate. A power-saving technique that replaces the p-type pull-up resistor with a p-type MESFET is also investigated for large-scale logic strings. Simulation results indicate that the worst-case rise and fall delays for a full adder are 130 ps and 90 ps at no capacitive load, and increase by 27.5 ps and 10 ps per fan-out, respectively. The worst-case power dissipation for the same circuit is 186.4 ?W. The full adder circuit occupies approximately a 25 ?m2 area if laid out conventionally and 36 ?m2 if laid out on a crossbar platform. Compared to same feature size conventional CMOS technologies, silicon nano-wire technology offers simplicity in interconnect routing and reduction in the layout area for similar circuit performance.
A Review of the Antioxidant Mechanisms of Polyphenol Compounds Related to Iron Binding

In this review, primary attention is given to the antioxidant (and prooxidant) activity of polyphenols arising from their interactions with iron both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, an overview of oxidative stress and the Fenton reaction is provided, as well as a discussion of the chemistry of iron binding by catecholate, gallate, and semiquinone ligands along with their stability constants, UV–vis spectra, stoichiometries in solution as a function of pH, rates of iron oxidation by O2 upon polyphenol binding, and the published crystal structures for iron–polyphenol complexes. Radical scavenging mechanisms of polyphenols unrelated to iron binding, their interactions with copper, and the prooxidant activity of iron–polyphenol complexes are briefly discussed.
Perceived job insecurity and health: the Michigan Recession and Recovery Study.

Objective:To examine the association between perceived job insecurity in the next 12 months and current health with a sample representing working-aged employed adults in southeast Michigan in late 2009/early 2010 (n, 440 to 443).Methods:Logistic regression was used to compare the health of participa
Incremental Contribution in Step-Level Public Goods Games with Asymmetric Players

Abstract We consider public good games with asymmetric players in which players are assigned different endowments and must then decide privately how much to contribute to the group′s benefit. Each member receives a fixed reward-regardless of the magnitude of his/her contribution-if the sum of contributions is equal to or larger than an exogenously determined provision threshold and zero otherwise. The results show that (1) heterogeneous groups are less successful in providing public goods than homogeneous groups; (2) group members contribute the same proportion of their endowment regardless of its magnitude; (3) the distribution of endowments and the provision threshold interact; and (4) some subjects adhere to an equity principle, others maximize expected utility, and yet others do not subscribe to either of these two models.
Use of forecasting signatures to help distinguish periodicity, randomness, and chaos in ripples and other spatial patterns

Forecasting of one‐dimensional time series previously has been used to help distinguish periodicity, chaos, and noise. This paper presents two‐dimensional generalizations for making such distinctions for spatial patterns. The techniques are evaluated using synthetic spatial patterns and then are applied to a natural example: ripples formed in sand by blowing wind. Tests with the synthetic patterns demonstrate that the forecasting techniques can be applied to two‐dimensional spatial patterns, with the same utility and limitations as when applied to one‐dimensional time series. One limitation is that some combinations of periodicity and randomness exhibit forecasting signatures that mimic those of chaos. For example, sine waves distorted with correlated phase noise have forecasting errors that increase with forecasting distance, errors that are minimized using nonlinear models at moderate embedding dimensions, and forecasting properties that differ significantly between the original and surrogates. Ripples formed in sand by flowing air or water typically vary in geometry from one to another, even when formed in a flow that is uniform on a large scale; each ripple modifies the local flow or sand‐transport field, thereby influencing the geometry of the next ripple downcurrent. Spatial forecasting was used to evaluate the hypothesis that such a deterministic process—rather than randomness or quasiperiodicity—is responsible for the variation between successive ripples. This hypothesis is supported by a forecasting error that increases with forecasting distance, a greater accuracy of nonlinear relative to linear models, and significant differences between forecasts made with the original ripples and those made with surrogate patterns. Forecasting signatures cannot be used to distinguish ripple geometry from sine waves with correlated phase noise, but this kind of structure can be ruled out by two geometric properties of the ripples: Successive ripples are highly correlated in wavelength, and ripple crests display dislocations such as branchings and mergers.
Anteromedial versus transtibial tunnel drilling in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions: a systematic review.

Purpose Failure to anatomically reconstruct the femoral footprint can lead to rotational instability and clinical failure. Thus we sought to compare femoral tunnel drilling techniques, specifically anteromedial (AM) and transtibial (TT) methods, with respect to rotational stability. Methods In this study we evaluated available scientific support for the ability of both techniques to achieve rotational stability of the knee through a systematic review of the literature for directly comparative biomechanical and clinical studies. Results We identified 9 studies (5 clinical Level II or III studies and 4 cadaveric studies) that directly compared AM and TT techniques. Three cadaveric and 2 clinical studies showed superior rotational stability with the AM technique as compared with the TT technique, whereas 2 cadaveric studies and 1 clinical study were unable to show any similar differences. Two studies showed superior clinical outcomes with the AM technique, whereas 3 studies were unable to show any difference. Conclusions In this systematic review of clinical and biomechanical studies directly comparing AM and TT techniques for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in the literature, there are mixed results, with some studies finding superior rotational stability and clinical outcomes with the AM technique and some finding no difference. No studies showed significantly better results with the TT technique. This study shows that the AM portal technique for ACLR may be more likely to produce improved clinical and biomechanical outcomes but that the TT technique is capable of producing similar outcomes. Level of Evidence Level III, systematic review of Level II and III studies plus cadaver studies.
Beyond finite-size scaling in solidification simulations.

Although computer simulation has played a central role in the study of nucleation and growth since the earliest molecular dynamics simulations almost 50 years ago, confusion surrounding the effect of finite size on such simulations have limited their applicability. Modeling solidification in molten tantalum on the BlueGene/L computer, we report here on the first atomistic simulation of solidification that verifies independence from finite size effects during the entire nucleation and growth process, up to the onset of coarsening. We show that finite size scaling theory explains the observed maximal grain sizes for systems up to about 8,000,000 atoms. For larger simulations, a cross-over from finite size scaling to more physical size-independent behavior is observed.
An inexpensive system for defining and monitoring external accelerator beams

Abstract An inexpensive system for defining and monitoring accelerator beams is described. The system includes a transistorizes dc nanoammeter which indicates the current stopped by an adjustable double-slit system of simple design.
A collection of hyperspectral images for imaging systems research

A set of hyperspectral image data are made available, intended for use in modeling of imaging systems. The set contains images of faces, landscapes and buildings. The data cover wavelengths from 0.4 to 2.5 micrometers, spanning the visible, NIR and SWIR electromagnetic spectral ranges. The images have been recorded with two HySpex line-scan imaging spectrometers covering the spectral ranges 0.4 to 1 micrometers and 1 to 2.5 micrometers. The hyperspectral data set includes measured illuminants and software for converting the radiance data to estimated reflectance. The images are being made available for download at http://scien.stanford.edu
Fourteen Easy Lessons in Density Functional Theory

Density functional theory (DFT) is now the most commonly used method of electronic structure calculation in both condensed matter physics and quantum chemistry, thanks in part to the focus it has received over the first 50 years of the Sanibel Symposium. We present a short history, and review fourteen short and easy but important lessons about nonrelativistic DFT, with some partiality but with a minimum of technical complication. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
ERK Regulates the Hepatocyte Growth Factor-mediated Interaction of Gab1 and the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase

Based on our previous observations that active ERK associates with and phosphorylates Gab1 in response to HGF, and the prediction that the ERK phosphorylation site is adjacent to one of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) SH2 binding motifs, we examined the possibility that ERK phosphorylation can regulate the Gab1/PI3K association. The HGF-mediated association of Gab1 with either full-length GST-p85 or its isolated N- or C-terminal SH2 domains was inhibited by approximately 50% in the setting of ERK inhibition, a result confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation of the native proteins. A 14-amino acid peptide encoding (472)YVPMTP(477) (one of the major p85 binding sites in Gab1 and the predicted ERK phosphorylation site) was synthesized with either phosphotyrosine alone (pY), or phosphotyrosine + phosphothreonine (pYT). In both pull-down assays and competition assays, pYT demonstrated a higher affinity for p85 than did pY alone. Finally, examination of the phosphorylation state of Akt after HGF stimulation revealed that ERK inhibition resulted in a decrease in Akt activation at both 5 and 10 min. These results suggest that activated ERK can phosphorylate Gab1 in response to HGF stimulation and thereby potentiate the Gab1/PI3K association and subsequent PI3K activation.
What do consumer surveys and experiments reveal and conceal about consumer preferences for genetically modified foods

Assessing consumer perceptions and willingness to pay for genetically modified (GM) foods has been one of the most active areas of empirical research in agricultural economics. Researchers over the past 15 years have delivered well over 100 estimates of consumers' willingness to pay for GM foods using surveys and experimental methods. In this review, we explore a number of unresolved issues related to three questions that are critical when considering the sum of the individual contributions that constitute the evidence on consumer preferences for GM foods.
Response of NaI(Tl) to Energetic Heavy Ions

The light output of Nal(Tl) was measured as a function of energy for ions of He/sup 4/, B/sup 10/, B/sup 11/, C/sup 12/, N/sup 14/, O/sup 16/, F/sup 19/, and Ne/sup 20/ from approximately 1.0 to 10.0 Mev/ nucleon. The particle energy was varied with absorbing foils and the degraded beam analyzed in a magnetic spectrometer. Light output became linear with energy above approximately 6 Mev/amu. There appeared to be an odd-even incident charge effect in the saturation value of the differential efficiency of fluorescence, dL/dE. (auth)
Identification capacities of retarded and normal children

The effects of information load, delay of response, and number and type of dimension of stimulus variation upon the identification capacity of retarded and normal children were examined. A retardate deficit was found, characterized by a generally lower level of information transmission and increasing retardate-normal differences as task demands increased.
L-galactono-γ-lactone dehydrogenase is present in calcium oxalate crystal idioblasts of two plant species

Abstract Recent studies of calcium oxalate (Caox) crystal producing plant species have revealed that ascorbic acid is likely the primary precursor of the oxalic acid (OxA) used in crystal formation. Thus far, the evidence is based on pulse-chase labeling studies coupled with microautoradiography. In addition, some studies have used the same methods to investigate the biosynthetic pathway giving rise to the ascorbic acid being used to produce OxA. Strong evidence indicates that ascorbic acid is being produced via the pathway proposed by Wheeler and Smirnoff. Further evidence in support of this biosynthetic pathway is now being pursued in the form of identification and purification of key enzymes involved in the catalysis. The final enzyme in the synthesis, L-galactono-γ-lactone dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.2.3) has been isolated and purified from two plant species, cauliflower and sweet potato. Antibodies have been raised against the purified protein from sweet potato. In this study, we employed this antibody to gather further evidence that ascorbic acid is being produced in crystal idioblasts cells via the Wheeler-Smirnoff pathway by localization of this key enzyme. We used two Caox crystal producing species, Pistia stratiotes L. and Medicago truncatula Gaertn. as model systems.
Wealth effects of time variation in investor risk preferences

We investigate the source of risk premiums: individual risk preferences. By examining the wealth characteristics of agents of different risk preferences, we study the financial incentive of investors to demonstrate different risk preferences. To accomplish this, we model the stock market utilizing artificial adaptive agents. If investors have incentive to vary their risk preferences, or if investors of a constant risk preference vary the way they participate in the market under different market conditions, this could lead to time variation in market risk premiums. We find that agents have significant incentive to demonstrate different risk preferences under different market conditions.(JEl G12)
The energy conservation potential of power management for fax machines

Abstract Measurements of the power requirements and operating profiles of fax machines indicate significant potential for energy conservation through power management. Fax machines were active for only 3.7% of the time they were switched on; 91.8% of time at normal standby power could be eliminated by automatically switching the fax machines into a ‘sleep’ mode after 5 min of inactivity. Such power management could realize savings of $20 per fax machine per year. In addition, 9.3% of fax transactions were halted due to transaction errors, and up to 23.8% of faxed pages were cover sheets. Reducing transaction errors and cover sheet use could realize additional energy, time and paper savings, and reduce telephone charges.
Pneumatic Miniature Robot for Laparoendoscopic Single Incision Surgery

The transition from open surgery to Laparoendoscopic Single-Site (LESS) surgery to minimize cost and recovery time and improve cosmetic scarring has introduced complexities such as reduced dexterity, restricted workspace, and unintuitive controls. Surgical robotic systems can come into play to address these complexities. The most recent miniature in vivo robots have demonstrated the capability of performing LESS surgery. Since size has been a key driving force for designing these motor-driven robotic platforms, delivering adequate force and torque to perform the surgical tasks has been a primary challenge for improving these robots.This paper presents a robotic platform actuated primarily by pneumatics, offering the following advantages over motor-driven systems: higher joint torque and tool actuation force, faster actuation, better biocompatibility, better overall robustness, and lower cost. Initially one representative robot joint has been fabricated, to demonstrate the proof of concept and investigate the feasibility of angular position control of the pneumatic joint by deploying a minimal number of electronic components and two low-cost solenoid valves in place of costly fast solenoid valves or expensive servo valves.The robot design, pneumatic system, implementation of PID and PWM controls, and experimental results are presented.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Pigmented villonodular synovitis: extrasynovial recurrence.

Abstract A 32-year-old female athlete underwent arthroscopy for a second recurrence of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), which was extrasynovial, seen on magnetic resonance imaging. It was noted on arthroscopy that (1) the nodules moved medially with joint insufflation, (2) the nodules were less prominent than on magnetic resonance imaging, and (3) more than 95% of the recurrent tumor was hidden by neosynovium. We believe that the extrasynovial location is because of the more rapid proliferation of the neosynovium relative to the growth of the remaining tumor cells after the previous resection. In resecting pigmented villonodular synovitis with a high risk of recurrence, a layer of periarticular fat should be removed and the surgeon should be wary of change in position with insufflation.
Supersymmetric grand unification with light color-triplet

Abstract We construct a natural model of the supersymmetric SU ( 6 ) unification, in which the symmetry breaking, down to the standard model gauge group, results in the number of pseudo-Nambu–Goldstone superfields with interesting properties. Namely, besides the Higgs doublet–antidoublet pair which is responsible for the electroweak phase transition, the Nambu–Goldstone sector consists of multiplets in the anti- and fundamental representations of SU ( 5 ) . While being strictly massless in the supersymmetric limit, they acquire the weak scale masses as a result of its breaking. The color-triplet components of this light sector could, in principle, mediate an unacceptably fast proton decay; however, because of the natural TeV / M GUT suppression of the Yukawa couplings to the light quarks and leptons, their existence is compatible with the experimental bound on proton lifetime. This suppression is made further interesting, since it results in the lifetime, of the lightest of the above-mentioned colored particles from 1 s to 1 day , long enough for it to appear stable in the detector. Furthermore, we argue that the accommodation of the color-triplet pseudo-Nambu–Goldstones, without fine-tuning or contradicting observations, implies SU ( 6 ) unification.
Excessive hepatomegaly of mice with hepatocyte-targeted elimination of integrin linked kinase following treatment with 1,4-bis [2-(3,5-dichaloropyridyloxy)] benzene.

TCBOPOP (1,4-bis [2-(3,5-dichaloropyridyloxy)] benzene) an agonist of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), produces rapid hepatocyte hyperplasia and hepatomegaly in the absence of hepatic injury. In this study we demonstrate that integrin-linked kinase (ILK), which is involved in transmission of the extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling by way of integrin receptors, plays an important role in regulating TCPOBOP-induced proliferation of hepatocytes and hepatomegaly. Hepatocyte-specific ILK knockout mice (ILK/liver−/− mice) and wildtype mice (WT) were given a single dose of TCPOBOP (3 mg/kg) by oral gavage. Mice were sacrificed at days 1, 2, 5, and 7 after TCPOBOP administration. WT mice showed maximum proliferation on days 1 and 2, which came back to baseline levels by days 5 and 7 after TCPOBOP administration. The ILK/liver−/− mice, on the other hand, showed a prolonged and a sustained proliferative response as evident by an increased number of proliferative cell nuclear antigen assay (PCNA)-positive cells even at days 5 and 7 after TCPOBOP administration. At day 7 the WT mice showed close to a 2.5-fold increase in liver weight, whereas the ILK/liver−/− mice showed a 3.7-fold increase in liver weight. The prolonged proliferative response in the ILK/liver−/− mice seems to be due to sustained induction of CAR leading to sustained induction of c-Myc, which is known to be a key mediator of TCPOPOP-CAR induced direct liver hyperplasia. Conclusion: The data indicate that ECM-mediated signaling by way of ILK is essential for adjustment of final liver size and proper termination of TCPOBOP-induced proliferation of hepatocytes. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;53:587-595)
Potential role for a guanine nucleotide regulatory protein in chemoattractant receptor mediated polyphosphoinositide metabolism, Ca++ mobilization and cellular responses by leukocytes

Summary Islet activating protein from Bordetella pertussis toxin which ribosylates certain guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins causes a marked reduction of chemoattractant-elicited responses such as chemotaxis, 0 2 production and cAMP elevations in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The toxin appears to exert its effects by preventing the rapid breakdown of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate induced by the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, thereby inhibiting the increase in intracellular [Ca ++ ] which normally follows chemoattractant stimulation. Responses of leukocytes exposed to Concanavalin A, the Ca ++ ionophore A23187, or phorbol myristate acetate were not affected by the toxin. Thus the chemoattractant receptor appears to be coupled to a phosphoinositide specific phospholipase C through a guanine nucleotide regulatory protein. We propose that this complex of receptor-guanine nucleotide regulatory protein-phospholipase C may be applicable to the class of receptors which mobilize intracellular Ca ++ by stimulating polyphosphoinositide breakdown.
Placement of intracranial pressure monitors by neurointensivists: Case series and a systematic review

Primary objective: Placement of an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor to guide the management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been historically performed by neurosurgeons. It is hypothesized that ICP monitors can be placed by non-surgeon neurointensivists, with placement success and complication rates comparable to neurosurgeons.Research design: Retrospective review and systematic review of the literature.Methods and procedures: This study reviewed the medical records of patients with TBI who required insertion of parenchymal ICP monitors performed by four neurointensivists in a large level I trauma centre. Patient data recorded were age, gender, CT findings, ICP monitor placement, location and length of placement, complications related to the ICP monitor and patient outcomes.Main outcomes and results: Thirty-eight (38) monitors (Camino) were placed. Patients’ average age was 43.0 years (SD = 21.6); 76% were males. The location of monitor was right frontal in 89% and left frontal...
Left ventricular performance of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum after right heart bypass surgery

Objective The left ventricular performance in patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum who were Fontan candidates before and after the bidirectional Glenn procedure and a staged total cavopulmonary connection was compared with that in patients with tricuspid atresia. Methods Contractility (end-systolic elastance), afterload (effective arterial elastance), and ventricular efficiency (ventriculoarterial coupling, arterial elastance/end-systolic elastance ratio), and the ratio of stroke work and pressure-volume area were approximated on the basis of cardiac catheterization data before the bidirectional Glenn procedure, before and after staged total cavopulmonary connection, and approximately 1 year after the completion of total cavopulmonary connection in 20 patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and 21 patients with tricuspid atresia. Results The end-systolic elastance of the pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum group was significantly inferior to that of the tricuspid atresia group after bidirectional Glenn procedure and total cavopulmonary connection (1 year after total cavopulmonary connection 1.85 ± 0.51 mm Hg · m 2 · mL −1 vs 2.84 ± 0.96 mm Hg · m 2 · mL −1 , P P P Conclusion The contractility and ventricular efficiency of patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum are inferior to those of patients with tricuspid atresia after bidirectional Glenn procedure and total cavopulmonary connection. A high-pressure residual right ventricle may impair the left ventricular performance of patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum after bidirectional Glenn procedure and total cavopulmonary connection.
Computing optical flow using a discrete, spatio-temporal, wavelet multiresolution analysis

This paper describes a wavelet-based system for computing localized velocity fields associated with time-sequential imagery. The approach combines the mathematical rigor of the multiresolution wavelet analysis with well known spatiotemporal frequency flow computation principles. The foundation of the approach consists of a unique, nonhomogeneous multiresolution wavelet filter bank designed to extract moving objects in a 3D image sequence based on their location, size and speed. The filterbank is generated by an unconventional 3D subband coding scheme that generates twenty orientation tuned filters at each spatial and temporal resolution. The frequency responses of the wavelet filter bank are combined using a least-squares method to assign a velocity vector to each spatial location in an image sequence. Several examples are provided to demonstrate the flow computation abilities of the wavelet vector motion sensor.
Unfolding Visual Lexical Decision in Time

Visual lexical decision is a classical paradigm in psycholinguistics, and numerous studies have assessed the so-called “lexicality effect" (i.e., better performance with lexical than non-lexical stimuli). Far less is known about the dynamics of choice, because many studies measured overall reaction times, which are not informative about underlying processes. To unfold visual lexical decision in (over) time, we measured participants' hand movements toward one of two item alternatives by recording the streaming x,y coordinates of the computer mouse. Participants categorized four kinds of stimuli as “lexical" or “non-lexical:" high and low frequency words, pseudowords, and letter strings. Spatial attraction toward the opposite category was present for low frequency words and pseudowords. Increasing the ambiguity of the stimuli led to greater movement complexity and trajectory attraction to competitors, whereas no such effect was present for high frequency words and letter strings. Results fit well with dynamic models of perceptual decision-making, which describe the process as a competition between alternatives guided by the continuous accumulation of evidence. More broadly, our results point to a key role of statistical decision theory in studying linguistic processing in terms of dynamic and non-modular mechanisms.
Architectural and compiler support for energy reduction in the memory hierarchy of high performance microprocessors

In this paper we propose a technique that uses an additional mini cache located between the I-Cache and the CPU core, and buffers instructions that are nested within loops and are continuously otherwise fetched from the I-Cache. This mechanism is combined with code modifications, through the compiler, that greatly simplify the required hardware, eliminate unnecessary instruction-fetching, and consequently-reduce signal switching activity and the dissipated energy. We show that the additional cache, dubbed L-Cache, is much smaller and simpler than the I-Cache when the compiler assumes the role of allocating instructions in it. Through simulation, we show that, for the SPECfp95 benchmarks, the I-Cache remains disabled most of the time, and the "cheaper" extra cache is used instead. We present experimental results that validate the effectiveness of this technique, and present the energy gains for most of the SPEC95 benchmarks.
Building Better Caregivers

An aging population and wartime injuries has led to a growing population needing caregivers. This article evaluates a pilot study of an Internet-based, skills-enhancement workshop developed for the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. Sixty caregivers are enrolled. Either the caregivers or people being cared for are Veterans living in California, Southern Nevada, or Hawaii. Measures include health indicators, health behaviors, and health care utilization. Baseline measures are compared to the same measures at 3 months using paired t tests. Participation in the program is examined, including number of sessions and number of posts. Caregivers show significant reductions in caregiver burden, depression, pain, and stress. Caregiver self-efficacy and two exercise measures show improvement. The care partners’ overall health show improvement (p<.05). The program successfully reaches rural residents, and participation is high. The Building Better Caregivers program is acceptable to caregivers, whose healt...
Distortion and Residual Stress in Quenched Aluminum Bars

Predictions of distortion and residual stress for rectangular bars, quenched on one surface, are compared with experimental measurements. The heat flow is unidirectional, and the dominant stress component acts along the length of the bars. Thermocouples measure the transient temperature distribution, and displacement transducers monitor the distortion of the bars into circular arcs. The thermal history inferred from an inverse heat transfer calculation drives the mechanical stress and deformation analysis. The numerical analyses demonstrate the sensitivity of the quench distortion to the thermal boundary conditions, the thermophysical properties and the constitutive model. Agreement between the predicted and measured distortion is only qualitative. The predicted residual stress field compares very well with the residual stress inferred from layer removal techniques.