cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TCT-784 Comparison of Simultaneous Radial Artery With Upper Extremity Venous Access and Femoral Artery With Femoral Vein Access in Patients Undergoing Bilateral Heart Catheterization: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

The transradial approach is becoming the access method of choice in many countries because of its lower risk for vascular complications, earlier post-procedural ambulation, and better patient satisfaction. Many patients planned for left heart catheterization require simultaneous right heart
Langevin equations with multiplicative noise: resolution of time discretization ambiguities for equilibrium systems

A Langevin equation with multiplicative noise is an equation schematically of the form dq/dt=-F(q)+e(q)xi, where e(q)xi is Gaussian white noise whose amplitude e(q) depends on q itself. Such equations are ambiguous, and depend on the details of one's convention for discretizing time when solving them. I show that these ambiguities are uniquely resolved if the system has a known equilibrium distribution exp[-V(q)/T] and if, at some more fundamental level, the physics of the system is reversible. I also discuss a simple example where this happens, which is the small frequency limit of Newton's equation q+e(2)(q)q=-nablaV(q)+e(-1)(q)xi with noise and a q-dependent damping term. The resolution does not correspond to simply interpreting naive continuum equations in a standard convention, such as Stratonovich or Itoinsertion mark.
Flow chemistry remains an opportunity for chemists and chemical engineers

Flow chemistry has progressed considerably in recent years from basic laboratory techniques in organic synthetic chemistry to complex, multistep processes in practice. In this perspective review, missing links that represent opportunities for chemists and chemical engineers are examined. New avenues in reaction chemistry are expanding the molecular toolbox, which includes green and cascade catalysis. Next generation engineering concepts such as machine intelligence and sustainable manufacturing have become a reality, opening the door to interdisciplinary work unlike before. Emerging trends that have the potential to start new fields of research and technological advancements are also highlighted. Flow chemistry is rewriting the traditional chemistry laboratory and our scientific discovery infrastructure. Enormous opportunities remain for groundbreaking science and engineering from this exciting field that demands a well-trained workforce for its industrial practice. The groundwork is being laid now for industries of the future such as continuous-flow biologics, biopharmaceuticals, and implementation of the nanomaterials revolution.
Interactive Visualizations to Introduce Data Science for High School Students

Artificial intelligence integrates with our daily life in more ways each day with the invention of new tools and applications. For example, businesses utilize machine learning, which is a subfield of artificial intelligence, to identify the ideal customer for targeted advertisement. Machine learning and data science scale previous manual problems to a wider customer base. With all the various applications for artificial intelligence, there is still a noticeable gap in the number of qualified job applicants who can solve some of the machine learning problems of the day. There is a movement to introduce computer science education earlier to K-12 students. One motivation behind an earlier introduction is to better prepare students to study computer science at universities and fulfill these coveted technology positions in the future.Given this motivation, there needs to be more computer science instructional activities and lesson plans to support K-12 teachers. Currently there are several new tools and curricula available for computer science. However, there is a need for beginner and K-12 accessible data science and machine learning instructional methods. These topics are advanced computer science electives but an earlier introduction can still benefit students. Interactive visual activities support high school students to learn challenging topics. In this paper, we consider how a visual analytic process can present difficult data science concepts. We present an interactive visual educational tool to teach data science to high school students. The first activity introduces the visual analytic pipeline. The next interactive activities present machine learning classification and regression topics. We select datasets and applications which are relatable to our main audience. This paper describes the design and implementation of the data science educational tool for high school students.
Large-Scale Generative Data-Free Distillation.

Knowledge distillation is one of the most popular and effective techniques for knowledge transfer, model compression and semi-supervised learning. Most existing distillation approaches require the access to original or augmented training samples. But this can be problematic in practice due to privacy, proprietary and availability concerns. Recent work has put forward some methods to tackle this problem, but they are either highly time-consuming or unable to scale to large datasets. To this end, we propose a new method to train a generative image model by leveraging the intrinsic normalization layers' statistics of the trained teacher network. This enables us to build an ensemble of generators without training data that can efficiently produce substitute inputs for subsequent distillation. The proposed method pushes forward the data-free distillation performance on CIFAR-10 and CIFAR-100 to 95.02% and 77.02% respectively. Furthermore, we are able to scale it to ImageNet dataset, which to the best of our knowledge, has never been done using generative models in a data-free setting.
Do incerto ao inacabado: Uma aproximação com a criação etnográfica

Resumo As criacoes etnograficas tem a sua origem na indeterminacao dos nossos interlocutores e na plasticidade dos seus modos de vida e mundos locais. Este ensaio enfatiza a dimensao inacabada das pessoas no contexto de um Brasil quebra-cabeca, marcando futuros num presente violento e incerto e transformando-se atraves de relacoes, coisas, reivindicacoes, cuidado e busca de alternativas. A nocao de devir, que organiza o escrito, enfatiza o poder plastico das pessoas e a problematica intrincada de como viver ao lado, atraves, e apesar dos efeitos profundamente constrangedores das forcas estruturais e materiais, que sao elas proprias plasticas. Os sujeitos etnograficos sao experimentadores da vida e, por isso mesmo, elementos surpresa - imprevisiveis e capazes de mudar as ecologias do saber. Permanecer aberto a complexidade dos entrelacamentos entre biologia, meio ambiente, vida social e forcas materiais de todos os tipos, e reconhecer - abracar mesmo - o desconhecido podem nos inspirar a produzir uma ciencia social mais humilde e experimental, mantendo nossa teoria mais multifacetada e sensivel, nossos modos de expressao menos caricatos e, ao mesmo tempo, adaptaveis a fugas, rupturas e outros caminhos.
Assessment and treatment of tracheostomy tube manipulation: Effects of competing stimuli and protective equipment

Functional analyses (FA) are widely used in the assessment and treatment of problem behavior. However, with limited exceptions, the procedures are rarely applied to potentially dangerous behaviors involving medical equipment. The current study replicated and extended procedures previously used by Kurtz and Chin (2004) to assess and treat tracheostomy tube manipulation in a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with extensive medical and developmental conditions. FA results indicated that tracheostomy tube manipulation (i.e., touching, pulling, occluding) was automatically maintained. An augmented competing stimulus assessment was conducted to identify stimuli associated with low levels of tracheostomy tube manipulation and elevated levels of item engagement. A treatment package consisting of noncontingent access to competing stimuli with prompting and continuous application of protective equipment produced significant reductions in tracheostomy tube manipulation, as well as significant increases in toy engagement.
Two-dimensional material nanowatt threshold lasing

Wu et al.1 demonstrated a two-dimensional (2D) material-based laser that required only 1 W cm−2 of pump power to reach the threshold limit. This value is low enough to be optically driven by a regular household light bulb! Reducing the power level for the onset of lasing action is a desirable goal in laser science. A series of design choices led to this breakthrough: (1) the 2D gain material exhibited high conversion efficiencies; and (2) the laser cavity—a photonic crystal cavity (PCC)—had a high quality factor (Figure 1).
Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an exquisite little island, rich in colour, excitement and new experience.... Her people are warm and friendly... like the sun that smiles on Sri Lanka all through the year.... Absorb the serenity of the pilgrims come to worship at the feet of the Compassionate One. Sri Lanka is all things to all people... the serendipitous isle, where happy discoveries are made, the last lovely place where time means nothing and peace holds sway, a place to stimulate, excite, warm, relax, renew you. Sri Lanka... a place to take hold of your heart, (passage from a 1981 Ceylon Tourist Board brochure)
Insect Physiology and Biochemistry

Embryogenesis Digestion Nutrition Integument Hormones and Development Diapause Intermediary Metabolism Neuroanatomy Neurophysiology Muscles Flight Sensory Systems Vision Circulatory System Immunity Respiration Excretion Pheromones Reproduction Appendix
Lessons from INR in the Specification of Transductions

Finite state transductions have been shown to be quite useful in a number of areas; however, it is still the case that it is often difficult to express certain kinds of transductions without resorting to a state and transition view. INR was developed to explore this problem, and several applications of transduction were studied as exercises in specification during INR's development. The specification of the NYSIIS phonetic encoding function (developed for the New York State Identification and Intelligence System) provides a clear example of many important ideas. An INR specification for NYSIIS is provided, which is syntactically simlar to the prose description and from which INR can directly produce the 149 state subsequential transducer.
Locke's place-time-kind principle

John Locke discusses the notions of identity and diversity in Book 2, Chapter 27 of An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. At the beginning of this much-discussed chapter, Locke posits the place-time-kind principle. According to this principle, no two things of the same kind can be in the same place at the same time (2.27.1). Just what Locke means by this is unclear, however. So too is whether this principle causes problems for Locke, and whether these problems can be resolved. This is significant because the place-time-kind principle is foundational to Locke's discussion of identity. Moreover, the place-time-kind principle stands at the center of a number of lively and long-standing debates in Locke scholarship. These include the debates over the ontological status of Lockean persons, and whether Locke is a relative identity theorist, to name just two. In this paper, I offer a survey of how Locke's place-time-kind principle has been interpreted in the secondary literature. The aim of this taxonomy is to clarify where the differences between competing interpretations lie, and additionally show just how challenging it is to determine which reading is best.
Nature: A Model System for Chemists

Chemists have learned to imitate the principles of biologic chemistry in the quest to produce artificial enzymes, artificial receptors, and, ultimately, artificial living cells. The field of natural products chemistry is concerned chiefly with discovering the structures of the molecules produced in living systems as well as the paths by which they are produced. Biomimetic chemistry takes nature as a model and extends what exists in biology into what is possible. This process includes using hydrophobic effects in water to achieve selective reactions and making new amino acids and new nucleotides to generalize the properties of proteins and nucleic acids. Potent new catalysts are based on the chemistry performed by coenzymes using bifunctional acid–base catalysis and the water exclusion achieved by natural enzymes. Exciting new areas include molecular machines, mimics of the chemical senses, and work on the origin on earth of the homochirality observed in biomolecules. The studies using nature as a model have enriched chemistry greatly and furnished interesting insights into biochemistry.
Sample-reset loop filter architecture for process independent and ripple-pole-less low jitter CMOS charge-pump PLLs

This paper presents a low jitter, high resolution frequency synthesizer realized in 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS technology, using a novel sample-reset loop filter technique that gives a process independent damping factor, and low jitter operation with minimum ripple filtering pole requirements. PLL specifications include: operating range 125-1270 MHz, resolution <500 KHz, jitter <0.8%/spl middot/Tosc, and dissipating 75 mW from a 2.5 V supply.
Magnetic crustal thickness in Greenland from CHAMP and Ørsted data

The magnetic crustal thickness of Greenland and the surrounding area is determined by inversion of gridded values of the magnetic radial component as given by the IDEMM model, which is based on CHAMP and Orsted data alone, and by the Comprehensive Model (CM4), which is based on satellite and observatory data.
Foundations of Decision Theory

Although many specific normative decision models and techniques for improving or optimizing decisions have been proposed, most decision-analytic methods rest on a simple, common conceptual foundation. The basic elements are a set of possible alternatives that the decision maker must choose among; a set of states that may also affect the consequences of the choice; and a consequence set of different, nonindifferent, possible outcomes that the decision maker cares about. Decision analysis helps the decision maker use beliefs about states and preferences for consequences to identify preferred choices or decisions in the opportunity set. This article discusses these foundations and how they can be applied and extended to support difficult decisions. Keywords: decision analysis foundations; stochastic dominance expected utility theory; decision models; preferences for flexibility
Localization of a Breathing Crack Using Super-Harmonic Signals due to System Nonlinearity

In this paper, a new damage detection technique able to identify the location of a breathing crack in an isotropic rod, relying only on real-time measurements, is proposed. The detection algorithm exploits the phase information associated with the superharmonic components produced, in the Fourier spectrum, by the nonlinear dynamic response of this kind of defect under the influence of an external dynamic excitation. The validity of the proposed algorithmforaweaklynonlinearsystemissupportedbyananalyticalsolutionforacrackedbeamobtainedthrough the harmonic balance approach. A numerical investigation is conducted by means of a finite element model of an isotropic beam integrating nonlinear contactelements in the damaged area and solved for the steady-state response. Threedifferentpostprocessingapproaches,incorporatingtheproposeddamagedetectionalgorithm,areformulated andcomparedtoassessthecapabilityofthecurrentmethodology.Resultsfromthecrackedbeammodelclearlyshow thegenerationofthesuperharmonicsasaresultofthenonlineardynamicbehaviorofthebreathingcrack.Thephase associated with the superharmonic components is then processed through the detection algorithm and the predicted location is compared with the actual position of the defect to assess the performances of the methodology.
A procedure for the determination of lead in green vegetables at concentrations down to 1 μg/kg

An accurate and highly sensitive dry ashing/graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) procedure has been developed for the measurement of lead in green vegetables. The accuracy of the method was established by analysis of standard reference materials and confirmed by isotope dilution using an inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometer (ICP‐MS). The limit of detection (wet weight) of the technique is 1–3 pg/kg with relative standard deviations ranging from 6% for a sample of kale containing 500 μg/kg to 20% for cabbage containing 3.0 μg/kg.
Attitudes Toward Homosexuality Among Young Adults: Connections to Gender Role Identity, Gender-Typed Activities, and Religiosity

Individual differences in attitudes toward homosexuality have been linked to numerous personality and demographic variables. This study investigated the influence that gender role identity, involvement in gender-typed activities, and religiosity plays in this relationship. The sample included 194 undergraduate students from a Northeastern university. Analyses revealed that both males and females who held a more masculine gender role identity and individual commitment to religion scored higher on measures of homophobia and heteronormativity, whereas there was no association between spiritual meaning in life and attitudes toward homosexuality. Among males, but not females, more masculine gender identity and less spiritual meaning in life was associated with greater homophobia. The importance of the findings for research on the origins of attitudes toward individuals with a homosexual orientation are discussed, as well as the potential directions for future research on connections between gender role identit...
A Note on Heuristic Methods in Optimal System Reliability

Many optimization techniques have been used to solve redundancy allocation problems, most of which result in noninteger solutions. A few, including dynamic programming and integer programming, as well as a host of heuristic methods give integer solutions. This note critically reviews six promising heuristic approaches. The advantages and disadvantages of each of the approaches are discussed. An extended approach is presented which incorporates some of the ideas of the previous methods for solving a general non series-parallel system. The extended approach appears to be quite efficient and is general. The simplicity and efficiency of the approach will lend itself to solving large practical problems.
Metallic ferromagnetism in a single-band model. II. Finite-temperature magnetic properties

Un modele de bande recemment propose pour decrire le ferro-magnetisme metallique est etudie a temperatures finies dans l'approximation du champ moyen. Discussion du comportement de la temperature critique, de la chaleur massique, de la susceptibilite magnetique au-dessus de T c et de l'aimantation en dessous de T c en supposant une densite d'etats constante
The Microstructure of the Pig Iron Nuggets

The pig iron nugget process (referred to as the Iron Technology Mark 3, or ITmk3, process by Kobe Steel) was developed as an alternative to the traditional blast furnace process. Throughout this process self reducing–fluxing dried greenballs are reduced and smelted in to nuggets of metal. The objective of this research was to produce pig iron nuggets at laboratory scale, then characterize and compare them with the blast furnace pig iron. Pig iron nuggets were characterized utilizing apparent density measurements, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and bulk chemical analysis. It was determined that pig iron nuggets had high apparent density (6.7–7 g/cm3); had a high iron content (95–97%); and exhibited microstructures similar to white cast iron, which is essentially the same as pig iron from a blast furnace.
Mechanisms selecting between 〈100〉 or 〈111〉 alignment and between antiferromagnetism or ferromagnetism in cerium and light actinide metallic systems

Abstract We discuss the competing roles of the highly anisotropic Coqblin-Schrieffer-type (CS) interaction and of the crystal-field interaction in determining the nature of magnetic ordering in cerium and uranium monopnictides and monochalcogenides of NaCl-structure. The CS interaction between cerium and uranium ions effectively treats the mixing of f and conduction electrons. We especially emphasize the geometrical aspects of the CS interaction in determining the selection between 〈100〉 and 〈111〉 alignment and between ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism.
Determining treatment outcome in early intervention programs for autism spectrum disorders: A critical analysis of measurement issues in learning based interventions

One of the areas receiving the greatest attention from researchers studying autism spectrum disorders in recent years involves psychologically based early intervention programs. Various claims of cure, marked improvement in social and communication skills, and improved I.Q. are among the conclusions that have been drawn by various researchers. However, little has been done to analyze the dependent variables used in these studies and their impact on the conclusions reached regarding treatment effectiveness. Obviously, this set of measures is crucial since these methods define which behaviors "improved" and to what extent. The present review analyzes the current status, strengths, and weaknesses of these measurements.
Noise Reduction with Fm Systems in Fm/em Mode

Commercially available noise reduction hearing aids have failed to deliver improved speech recognition in noise over properly fit conventional devices under typical listening conditions (Fabry & Van Tasell, 1990; Gabrielsson, Schenkman, & Hagerman, 1988; Tyler & Kuk, 1989; Van Tasell, Larsen, & Fabry, 1988). The primary factor related to this finding is that speech and noise are mixed at the input of a single microphone; spectral changes are applied equally to both speech and noise, and the signal-to-noise ratio remains unchanged from unprocessed conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a prototype frequency-modulated (FM) auditory trainer that allowed use of a remote FM microphone and/or an ear level environmental microphone (EM). For each of five subjects with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss, the frequency response of the EM was configured either to match that of the FM response, or to provide a high-pass filter characteristic similar to a noise reduction hearing aid. Speech recognition threshold (SRT) testing noise was measured for five test conditions: 1) FM only; 2) EM only with high-pass filter response (EM-HP); 3) EM only with "standard" response (EM-S) matched to FM; 4) FM/EM-HP combined mode; and 5) FM/EM-S mode. Results averaged across subjects indicated that SRTs for the FM only condition were 9 to 10 dB better than those for either EM only condition; data from the combined FM/EM-HP mode averaged 4 dB better than for FM/EM-S conditions.
Handle NLC grammers and R. E. languages

Abstract A graph grammar is a mechanism for generating sets of graphs (called graph languages). This paper examines the generating power of a simple extension of the well studied node-label controlled graph grammars. We show that the extension, called handle NLC grammars, gives the ability to generate any recursively enumerable graph language. The proof proceeds in three steps. First we show how a handle NLC grammar can simulate a phrase-structure string grammar, where the strings that the phrase-structure grammar works on are considered to be graphs of a special form. Then we demonstrate a way of encoding graphs as strings. The final step shows how a handle NLC grammar can convert a string encoding of a graph into the graph itself.
Improved Motif Detection in Large Sequence Sets with Random Sampling in a Kepler workflow

Abstract The discovery of functionally significant short, statistically overrepresented subsequence patterns (motifs) in a set of biological sequences is a challenging and important problem. Oftentimes, not all sequences in the set contain a motif. When using traditional methods these non-motif-containing sequences complicate the algorithmic discovery of motifs. MotifCatcher [1] is a framework developed by Seitzer et al. [2] that extends the sensitivity of existing motiffinding tools by applying random sampling to input sequences. First, multiple subsets of sequences are randomly constructed. Some of these subsets have a large number of motif-containing sequences. Traditional motif-finding tools are applied to all subsets in parallel, and significant motifs are recovered from appropriate subsets. Finally, this framework returns candidate functionally significant motifs and organizes them into a tree. which allows further analysis. However, the current implementation of MotifCatcher does not scale to large sets of sequences. This is due to the fact that the current implementation is not suited for distributed computing, and the whole sequence set is kept in memory. In order to achieve better scalability we present a redesigned implementation using the Kepler scientific workflow system that addresses those shortcomings. Kepler functions as a convenient front end to encode the computation into a Map Reduce pattern [3] to archive high parallelism for computationally intensive steps. Furthermore, Kepler greatly simplifies the substitution of the motif finding algorithm used on each subset. Using Kepler we ware able to increase the maximum size of the sequence sets in which motifs can be discovered and we were able to increase the number of subsets processed in parallel.
Classroom teachers and physical activity integration

Abstract This project examined 23 teachers’ involvement in a curricular project to integrate physical activity into the school day. The teachers represented all grade levels and worked in schools that served Native American students in the United States. Interviews occurred twice during the year-long project. Data were analyzed via constant comparison. Teachers’ willingness to engage was influenced positively by caring about students and their own personal wellness history. Their engagement was impeded by institutional factors of scheduling and assessment pressures. The results provide insights into how teachers might be persuaded to and prepared for the implementation of similar programs in new locations.
Alanine and taurine formation from injected cysteine in the rat.

THE pathways for cysteine metabolism have been studied intensively, and a great deal is known about the many reactions which lead to the formation of sulphate. Most of the studies on cysteine have been mainly concerned with the fate of sulphur; but relatively few experimental results exist concerning the fate of the carbon chain. Recently, Fromageot and Chatagner1 have furnished proof of the existence of an enzyme, desulphinicase, in liver of rabbits. This enzyme is capable of liberating sulphurous acid from L-cysteine sulphinic acid. They considered the latter compound to be the most important intermediate in the conversion of organic sulphur to inorganic sulphur; they assumed that the splitting of sulphurous acid from L-cysteine sulphuric acid gave alanine as an intermediate. The formation of alanine from cysteine sulphinic acid has been demonstrated in rabbit liver extracts2.
Pitfalls and solution for simultaneous determination of estrone and 17α-ethinylestradiol by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry after derivatization with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide

Abstract A procedure for the simultaneous determination of both natural and synthetic estrogenic steroids (estrone and 17α-ethynylestradiol) in water is described. Analytes were derivatized with N , O -bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) + trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) in pyridine solution and determined by GC–MS. The effects of solvent, temperature, and reaction time on the derivatization of EE2 were investigated in order to prevent the formation of undesired multiple derivatization products and conversion of trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives of EE2 formed to their respective El derivatives reported in previous studies. The identity and mechanism of formation of multiple derivatives have been discussed. A new silylation mixture (BSTFA:TMCS:pyridine = 49.5:05:50, v/v/v) was employed to overcome these pitfalls and generate a single product of di-TMS derivative of EE2. In the presence of pyridine, variations in reaction temperature (25–80 °C) and time (30 min versus 60 min) did not significantly affect the derivatization efficiency and stability of the di-TMS derivative of EE2 formed. A good linearity of response in the concentration range from 1.0 to 800 μg/mL estrogens with a coefficient R 2 > 0.996 at 50 °C for quantitative analysis was also achieved.
Posterior fossa arachnoid cysts and cerebellar tonsillar descent: short review.

The objective of this study was to analyze the association of cerebellar tonsillar descent and syringomyelia in patients with posterior fossa arachnoid cysts. We reviewed the medical records of ten patients (mean, age 33; range, 24–49 years) diagnosed with posterior fossa arachnoid cyst and tonsillar descent. Symptoms evolved over a mean of 12 months (range, 6 months to 3 years). Syringomyelia was present in six cases. Six patients underwent a suboccipital craniectomy, three cases underwent an additional C1 laminectomy, and a further case had a limited craniectomy and tonsillar reduction. Three patients were also treated for hydrocephalus: one with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and two with endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Two patients had conservative treatment. The posterior fossa arachnoid cysts were located at the vermis-cisterna magna (n = 4), the cerebellar hemispheres (n = 2), the cerebellopontine angle (n = 3), and the quadrigeminal cistern (n = 1). A patient with achondroplasia showed features of platybasia. Associated malformations included craniofacial dysmorphism in a patient diagnosed of trichorhinophalangeal syndrome and a case with a primary temporal arachnoid cyst. After a mean follow-up of 2 years (range, 3 months to 5 years), four patients showed resolution of their neurological symptoms, and two exhibited persisting ocular findings. Headaches and nuchalgia improved in four cases and persisted in four. Syringomyelia was resolved in four patients and improved in two. Patients harboring a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst may evolve with acquired Chiari malformation and syringomyelia. Initial management should be directed to decompressing the foramen magnum and should include the resection of the arachnoid cyst’s walls. A wait-and-see attitude can be implemented in selected cases. In our experience, hydrocephalus should be properly addressed before treating the arachnoid cyst.
Photonic frequency downconversion link theory and simulation

A method for evaluating the performance of photonic downconversion links was advanced from a theoretical and simulation stand-point. Digital post-processing linearization was investigated for a practical link with simple inputs, but will be extended to include wider bandwidth signals.
Mutations in KRIT1 in familial cerebral cavernous malformations.

Objectives The recognition of six unrelated Hispanic-American families in which cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) segregated as an autosomal dominant trait established a genetic basis for this disease. Linkage analysis subsequently identified locus heterogeneity with disease genes for CCM at chromosomal regions 7q, 7p, and 3q. Recently, mutations in KRIT1, a gene on 7q at the CCM1 locus, were identified in French and Hispanic-American families with CCM. This study confirms the identity the KRIT1 founder mutation in Hispanic-Americans and reports a novel KRIT1 mutation in a Caucasian family. Methods Oligonucleotide primers were designed to allow amplification of genomic DNA sequences from four Hispanic-American families and five non-Hispanic families for all 12 exons of the KRIT1 gene using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified DNA was then screened using single strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) and sequencing. The expression pattern of KRIT1 was analyzed by Northern blotting. Results Analysis of the KRIT1 gene revealed a point mutation in exon 6 that predicts the substitution of a premature termination codon for glutamine at codon 248 in all four Hispanic-American families, confirming previous findings. SSCP analysis and sequencing revealed an 11 base pair duplication in exon 7 leading to a premature termination codon in one Caucasian family. Northern analysis demonstrated widespread expression of this gene, however, the highest level of expression was in the brain. Conclusion The common KRIT1 mutation causing the majority of CCM in Hispanic-Americans has been identified and independently confirmed, allowing efficient presymptomatic molecular diagnosis. In keeping with prior results, both newly identified mutations create a premature termination codon and are predicted to initiate degradation of the mutant mRNA through the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway. These data strongly suggest loss of function as the relevant patho-genetic mechanism.
Influence of trauma, peritonitis, and obstruction on restoring intestinal continuity—To connect or not to connect?

The timing and approach to the restoration of intestinal continuity in emergent lower gastrointestinal surgery remains controversial. The authors sought to provide an evidence-based review of the treatment options for the restoration of intestinal continuity during emergency surgery in the setting of trauma, obstruction, and peritonitis. A search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of Collected Reviews was performed. Abstracts were reviewed to determine their scientific merit. We then performed a complete evaluation of selected articles. A directed search of the embedded references from the primary articles was also performed in select circumstances. Recommendations and treatment algorithms were based on consensus conclusions of the data. A total of 128 articles were reviewed and analyzed for this article. The decision regarding when and how to restore intestinal continuity in emergent lower gastrointestinal surgery is complex and requires a thorough understanding of the underlying pathology, careful consideration of patient factors, and intimate knowledge of available treatment options.
Development of an adjoint sensitivity field-based treatment-planning technique for the use of newly designed directional LDR sources in brachytherapy.

The development and application of an automated 3D greedy heuristic (GH) optimization algorithm utilizing the adjoint sensitivity fields for treatment planning to assess the advantage of directional interstitial prostate brachytherapy is presented. Directional and isotropic dose kernels generated using Monte Carlo simulations based on Best Industries model 2301 I-125 source are utilized for treatment planning. The newly developed GH algorithm is employed for optimization of the treatment plans for seven interstitial prostate brachytherapy cases using mixed sources (directional brachytherapy) and using only isotropic sources (conventional brachytherapy). All treatment plans resulted in V100 > 98% and D90 > 45 Gy for the target prostate region. For the urethra region, the D10Ur, D90Ur and V150Ur and for the rectum region the V100cc, D2cc, D90Re and V90Re all are reduced significantly when mixed sources brachytherapy is used employing directional sources. The simulations demonstrated that the use of directional sources in the low dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy of the prostate clearly benefits in sparing the urethra and the rectum sensitive structures from overdose. The time taken for a conventional treatment plan is less than three seconds, while the time taken for a mixed source treatment plan is less than nine seconds, as tested on an Intel Core2 Duo 2.2 GHz processor with 1GB RAM. The new 3D GH algorithm is successful in generating a feasible LDR brachytherapy treatment planning solution with an extra degree of freedom, i.e. directionality in very little time.
Effects of Crop Diversity on Agroecosystem Function: Crop Yield Response

Understanding the role of diversity in the functioning of ecosystems has important implications for agriculture. Previous agricultural research has shown that crop rotation and the use of cover crops can lead to increases in yield relative to monoculture; however, few studies have been performed within the broader context of diversity–ecosystem function theory and in the absence of chemical inputs. We performed a field experiment in SW Michigan, USA, in which we manipulated the number of crop species grown in rotation and as winter cover crops over a 3-year period to test if varying the number of species in a rotation affected grain yield, a critical metric of ecosystem function in row-crops. The experimental design was unique in that no fertilizer or pesticides were used, and the only management variable manipulated was number of species in the rotation, thus providing a strong comparison to grassland diversity–ecosystem function experiments. Treatments included continuous monocultures of three row-crops, corn Zea mays L., soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr., and winter wheat Triticum aestivum L., and 2- and 3-year annual rotations with and without cover crops (zero, one, or two legume/small grain species), encompassing a range of crop diversity from one to six species. Crop yields and weed biomass were measured annually for 3 years and plant available soil nitrogen was measured over the course of the growing season in the final year of the study. In all 3 years, corn grain yield increased linearly in response to the number of crops in the rotation. Corn yields in the highest diversity treatment (three crops, plus three cover crops) were over 100% higher than in continuous monoculture and were not significantly different from the county average for each of the 3 years despite the absence of chemical inputs. Corn yields in the diversity treatments were strongly correlated with the availability of inorganic soil nitrogen, which was likely influenced by the number of different legume species (crops and cover crops) present in the rotation. In soybean and winter wheat, yield differences among crop diversity treatments were also significant, but of lower magnitude (32 and 53%, respectively), and showed little direct relationship to the number of crop species grown in a rotation. Results demonstrate that agricultural research motivated by ecological theory can provide important insights into the functioning of agroecosystems and enhance our understating of the linkages between diversity and ecosystem function. Importantly, these results suggest that reduced chemical inputs do not necessarily result in yield penalties and provide support for incorporation of crop or species diversity when determining how ecosystem services can be included in food, fiber, and biofuel production.
Thermal boundary resistance to noncrystalline dielectrics

It is shown that the strong frequency dependence of the mean free path of thermal phonons in amorphous materials can increase the apparent thermal boundary resistance to these materials by an order of magnitude.
Dynamic and equilibrium performance of sensors based on short peptide ligands for affinity adsorption of human IgG using surface plasmon resonance

This paper characterizes the potential of novel hexameric peptide ligands for on-line IgG detection in bioprocesses. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) was used to study the binding of human IgG to the hexameric peptide ligand HWRGWV, which was covalently grafted to alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAM) on gold surfaces. Peptide coupling on SAMs was verified, followed by covalent grafting of peptides with a removable Fmoc or acetylated N-termini via their C-termini to produce active peptide SPR sensors that were tested for IgG binding. The dynamics and extent of peptide-IgG binding were compared with results from a conventional system using protein A attached on a gold surface via disulfide monolayers. IgG binding to protein A on disulfide monolayers yielded equilibrium dissociation constants of 1.4×10(-7)M. The corresponding dissociation constant value for the acetylated version of the peptide (Ac-HWRGWV) supported on alkanethiol SAM was 5.8×10(-7)M and that for HWRGWV on the alkanethiol SAM (after de-protection of Fmoc-HWRGWVA) was 1.2×10(-6)M. Maximum IgG binding capacities, Qm of 6.7, 3.8, and 4.1mgm(-2) were determined for the protein A and the two forms of HWRGWV-based biosensors, respectively. Real-time data for the kinetics of adsorption were used to determine the apparent rate constants for adsorption and desorption. The results were analyzed to understand the mechanism of IgG binding to the protein and peptide ligands. It was found that the peptide-IgG binding was reaction controlled, however the protein A-IgG binding mechanism was partially mass transfer (diffusion) controlled. The adsorption rate constants, ka, for the protein A ligand increased with decreasing concentration of analyte and the peptide ligand ka values was constant at different IgG concentrations and flow rates.
Take the monkey and run.

Background The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a small, New World primate that is used extensively in biomedical and behavioral research. This short-lived primate, with its small body size, ease of handling, and docile temperament, has emerged as a valuable model for aging and neurodegenerative research. A growing body of research has indicated exercise, aerobic exercise especially, imparts beneficial effects to normal aging. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these positive effects of exercise, and the degree to which exercise has neurotherapeutic effects, is an important research focus. Thus, developing techniques to engage marmosets in aerobic exercise would have great advantages.
Leupeptin and ammonium chloride inhibit intrinsic factor mediated transcytosis of [57Co]cobalamin across polarized renal epithelial cells.

Abstract The [ 125 I] intrinsic factor (IF) mediated transcytosis of [ 57 Co]Cyanocobalamin (Cbl) by polarized opossum kidney cells was inhibited (> 80%) by preincubation of the cells with lysosomotropic agents leupeptin or ammonium chloride. Inhibition of Cbl transcytosis resulted in the intracellular accumulation of both [ 125 I]IF (48 kDa) and [ 57 Co]Cbl. Intracellular degradation of [ 125 I]IF occurred during normal cellular transcytosis of [ 57 Co]Cbl and in one h following internalization the major intracellular degradation products of IF were two polypeptides of Mr 29 kDa and 19 kDa. The size of the major degradation product of IF in the basolateral media was 10 kDa. Based on these results, we suggest that IF is internalized by the renal epithelial cells and is degraded by leupeptin-sensitive acid proteases during Cbl transcytosis.
The evolution of the gas content of galaxy groups

We examine multiple facets of the evolution of the gas content of galaxy groups. Complementing building evidence that a tremendous amount of galaxy transformation takes place in the group environment we find evidence of similar transformation of the gas content. In dynamically young groups galaxy-galaxy interactions appear to be responsible for depositing large quantities of neutral gas into the intergalactic medium. The gas content of dynamically evolved groups, however, is characterized by extended halos of diffuse hot gas. We also find that groups may harbor significant quantities of heretofore undetected baryons and that feedback from AGN may be responsible for heating the intragroup medium (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Carbon dioxide inhalation therapy for anxiety: Effectiveness due to increased prostacyclin and decreased thromboxane biosynthesis? Re-evaluation of a neglected technique

CO2 inhalation has been used for many years in the treatment of various psychiatric and medical disorders and different rationales for its effect have been offered. Since it has been recently found that CO2 inhibits thromboxane biosynthesis and raises levels of prostacyclin, a new rationale for the effect of CO2 inhalation, based on its inhibition of thromboxane biosynthesis, is offered.
Case report: Malignant melanoma arising during drug therapy for vitiligo

A 30-year-old white male developed cutaneous patches of depigmentation which were treated with Trioxsalen ingested before daily sunbathing. A darkly pigmented lesion which appeared three weeks later on his back was widely excised and classified as a low-grade malignancy. Although the treatment of vitiligo with plants containing photodynamically active compounds dates back as far as 1400 BC, the modern period of research began only in the 1930's leading to the development of oral psoralens, a coumarin derivative. In early tests, patients showed increased sunlight tolerance and repigmentation of vitiliginous areas. Although some patients have developed uveitis and vitiligo while being treated for melanoma, previous published reports deny any cutaneous malignancy arising during drug therapy of vitiligo. The associations between vitiligo and melanoma are discussed. The possible causative role of Trioxsalen in etiology of the case presented is discussed.
Initiation of polysome formation in chloroplasts isolated from Euglena gracilis.

Abstract We have shown the association of radioactive amino acids with polysomes after incorporation by isolated Euglena gracilis chloroplasts. Polysomes comprising 2–10 or more monomers early in incorporation are replaced by predominantly monomers and dimers as synthesis progresses. Ribonuclease treatment of the polysomes releases 68-S monomers. Ribosomal subunits are also detected but constitute a smaller fraction of the total ribosomal material than has been reported previously.
Nano-oncology: drug delivery, imaging, and sensing

Innovation in the last decade has endowed nanotechnology with an assortment of tools for delivery, imaging, and sensing in cancer research—stealthy nanoparticle vectors circulating in vivo, assembled with exquisite molecular control, capable of selective tumor targeting and potent delivery of therapeutics; intense and photostable quantum dot-based tumor imaging, enabling multicolor detection of cell receptors with a single optical excitation source; arrays of semiconducting nanowire and carbon nanotube sensor elements for selective multiplexed sensing of cancer markers without the need for probe labeling. These rapidly emerging tools are indicative of a burgeoning field ready to expand into medical applications. This review attempts to outline most of the current nanoparticle toolset for therapeutic release by liposomes, dendrimers, smart polymers, and virus-based systems. Advantages of nanoparticle-based imaging and targeting by use of nanoshells and quantum dots are also explored. Finally, emerging nanoelectronics-based sensing and a global discussion on the utility of each nanoparticle system addresses their fundamental advantages and shortcomings in cancer research.
Three-year decline of magmatic CO2 emissions from soils of a Mammoth Mountain Tree Kill: Horseshoe Lake, CA, 1995–1997

We used the closed chamber method to measure soil CO2 efflux over a three-year period at the Horseshoe Lake tree kill (HLTK)—the largest tree kill on Mammoth Mountain in central eastern California. Efflux contour maps show a significant decline in the areas and rates of CO2 emission from 1995 to 1997. The emission rate fell from 350 t d−1 (metric tons per day) in 1995 to 130 t d−1 in 1997. The trend suggests a return to background soil CO2 efflux levels by early to mid 1999 and may reflect exhaustion of CO2 in a deep reservoir of accumulated gas and/or mechanical closure or sealing of fault conduits transmitting gas to the surface. However, emissions rose to 220 t d−1 on 23 September 1997 at the onset of a degassing event that lasted until 5 December 1997. Recent reservoir recharge and/or extension-enhanced gas flow may have caused the degassing event.