cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
μ-Calpain activation and calpain-mediated cytoskeletal proteolysis following traumatic brain injury

Increasing evidence suggests that excessive activation of the calcium-activated neutral protease mu-calpain could play a major role in calcium-mediated neuronal degeneration after acute brain injuries. To further investigate the changes of the in vivo activity of mu-calpain after unilateral cortical impact injury in vivo, the ratio of the 76-kDa activated isoform of mu-calpain to its 80-kDa precursor was measured by western blotting. This mu-calpain activation ratio increased to threefold in the pellet of cortical samples ipsilateral to the injury site at 15 min, 1 h, 3 h, and 6 h after injury and returned to control levels at 24-48 h after injury. We also investigated the effect of mu-calpain activation on proteolysis of the neuronal cytoskeletal protein alpha-spectrin. Immunoreactivity for alpha-spectrin breakdown products was detectable within 15 min after injury in cortical samples ipsilateral to the injury site. The levels of alpha-spectrin breakdown products increased in a biphasic manner, with a large increase between 15 min and 6 h after injury, followed by a smaller increase between 6 and 24 h after the insult. No further accumulation of alpha-spectrin breakdown products was observed between 24 and 48 h after injury. Histopathological examinations using hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated dark, shrunken neurons within 15 min after traumatic brain injury. No evidence of mu-calpain autolysis, calpain-mediated alpha-spectrin degradation, or hematoxylin and eosin neuronal pathology was detected in the contralateral cortex. Although mu-calpain autolysis and cytoskeletal proteolysis occurred concurrently with early morphological alterations, evidence of calpain-mediated proteolysis preceded the full expression of evolutionary histopathological changes. Our results indicate that rapid and persistent mu-calpain activation plays an important role in cortical neuronal degeneration after traumatic brain injury. Our data also suggest that specific inhibitors of calpain could be potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of traumatic brain injury in vivo.
Decadal Analysis Produced from an Ocean Data Assimilation System

Abstract A global oceanic four-dimensional data assimilation system has been developed for use in initializing coupled ocean-atmosphere general circulation models and also to study interannual variability. The data inserted into a high-resolution global ocean model consist of conventional sea surface temperature observations and vertical temperature profiles. The data are inserted continuously into the model by updating the model's temperature solution every time step. This update is created using a statistical interpolation routine applied to all data in a 30-day window for three consecutive time steps and then the correction is held constant for nine time steps. Not updating every time step allows for a more computationally efficient system without affecting the quality of the analysis. The data assimilation system was run over a 10-yr period from 1979 to 1988. The resulting analysis product was compared with independent analysis including model-derived fields like velocity. The large-scale features see...
Parallel processing within motor areas of cerebral cortex and basal ganglia in the monkey

The control of visually guided limb movements can be divided analytically into sequential levels of processing that successively determine target location, limb trajectory, joint kinematics, joint torques, and muscle activations. Whether the motor system uses such a serial approach was addressed. Monkeys were trained to perform motor tasks that dissociated behavioral variables related to three of the analytically defined motor processing levels. Task-related neuronal activity was recorded in three motor areas: the supplementary motor area (SMA), primary motor cortex (MC) and putaman. They found that multiple levels of processing were represented by neuronal activity within each of these areas. Target-level representations were more prevalent than trajectory/kinematics-level representations during the preparation for movement, while the pattern was reversed during movement execution. This suggests that higher levels of processing are emphasized during movement preparation, with a shift toward lower levels during execution. That multiple levels of processing were represented in all three structures indicates that motor processing is spatially distributed and not strictly localized or hierarchically segregated. The relative timing of onsets and offsets of task-related activity suggested a cascade of influences leading from SMA and MC to putamen
Weaver: integrating distributed computing abstractions into scientific workflows using Python

Weaver is a high-level framework that enables researchers to integrate distributed computing abstractions into their scientific workflows. Rather than develop a new workflow language, we built Weaver on top of the Python programming language. As such, Weaver takes advantage of users' familiarity with Python, minimizes barriers to adoption, and allows for integration with existing software. In this paper, we introduce Weaver's programming model, which consists of datasets, functions, and abstractions that users combine to organize and specify large-scale scientific workflows. We also explain how these specifications are compiled into a directed acyclic graph used by a workflow manager that dispatches the work to a variety of distributed computing engines. To examine how Weaver is used in scientific research, we present three example applications that demonstrate Weaver's ability to integrate into existing workflows and incorporate optimized distributed computing abstraction tools.
Corticotropin-releasing Factor in the Rat Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Promotes Different Forms of Behavioral Flexibility Depending on Social Stress History.

The stress-related neuropeptide, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) regulates the dorsal raphe nucleus–serotonin (DRN–5-HT) system during stress and this may underlie affective and cognitive dysfunctions that characterize stress-related psychiatric disorders. CRF acts on both CRF1 and CRF2 receptor subtypes in the DRN that exert opposing inhibitory and excitatory effects on DRN-5-HT neuronal activity and 5-HT forebrain release, respectively. The current study first assessed the cognitive effects of intra-DRN microinfusion of CRF or the selective CRF2 agonist, urocortin II in stress-naive rats on performance of an operant strategy set-shifting task that is mediated by the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). CRF (30 ng) facilitated strategy set-shifting performance, whereas higher doses of CRF and urocortin II that would interact with CRF2 were without effect, consistent with a CRF1-mediated action. This dose decreased 5-HT extracellular levels in the mPFC, further supporting a role for CRF1. The effects of CRF were then assessed in rats exposed to repeated social stress using the resident–intruder model. Repeated social stress shifted the CRF effect from facilitation of strategy set shifting to facilitation of reversal learning and this was most prominent in a subpopulation of rats that resist defeat. Notably, in this subpopulation of rats 5-HT neuronal responses to CRF have been demonstrated to shift from CRF1-mediated inhibition to CRF2-mediated excitation. Because 5-HT facilitates reversal learning, the present results suggest that stress-induced changes in the cellular effects of CRF in the DRN translate to changes in cognitive effects of CRF. Together, the results underscore the potential for stress history to shift cognitive processing through changes in CRF neurotransmission in the DRN and the association of this effect with coping strategy.
Epstein-Barr virus dacryoadenitis resulting in keratoconjunctivitis sicca in a child

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe a case of severe dry eye syndrome in a child. METHODS: Observational case report. The authors describe a 10-year-old male with severe dry eyes who was profoundly disabled by pain and photophobia despite aggressive conventional therapy. Lacrimal gland histology was consistent with the primary Sjogren syndrome, and serologic and immunohistologic evidence supported the hypothesis of Epstein-Barr virus causality. RESULTS: Treatment with systemic acyclovir and cyclosporin A resulted in dramatic and rapid reversal of the profound sicca syndrome and enabled the patient to resume his normal activities. CONCLUSION: Epstein-Barr virus dacryoadenitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in children. Epstein-Barr virus can cause keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which can be treated successfully with acyclovir therapy in addition to suppression of the inflammatory response.
Comparative microsporangium development in male‐fertile and male‐sterile flowers of Consolea (Cactaceae): When and how does pollen abortion occur

Anther development, microsporogenesis, and microgametogenesis were studied using both light and TEM microscopy in the six accessible subdioecious/cryptically dioecious species of Consolea (Cactaceae). Anther wall development, microsporogenesis, and microgametogenesis are uniform in staminate flowers of all six species, and are typical for Cactaceae. Breakdown of microsporogenesis in male‐sterile anthers occurs early, at the onset of meiosis, and results in anthers bearing no pollen grains. The abortive process follows a common pattern in all investigated species. The tapetum is the first layer to deviate from normal male‐fertile anther development. Tapetal cells in male‐sterile anthers elongate at an early stage and have abundant rER with atypical configurations. Ultimately, the tapetum becomes hypertrophied and non‐functional. Male‐sterility in pistillate flowers appears to be directly related to these anomalies. In addition, other anther layers and tissues are affected, and normal patterns of programmed...
Solving stochastic programs with simple recourse

In this paper we describe an algorithm for solving stochastic programs with simplerecourse, i.e.,generated by a linear programming problem with stochastic coefficients and a specific loss function ...
Cervical length for prediction of preterm birth in women with multiple prior induced abortions

Objective To determine whether transvaginal sonographic cervical length predicts preterm birth in women with multiple prior induced abortions. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study using the Thomas Jefferson University Prematurity Database. Patients with a singleton pregnancy and a history of more than one induced abortion were identified. Exclusion criteria were cerclage and indicated preterm birth. Subjects were followed with transvaginal ultrasound measurement of the cervix between 14 and 24 weeks' gestation and grouped into those with and those without a short cervix; a cervical length of < 25 mm was considered short. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth at < 35 weeks. Results Fifteen of the 65 (23%) women with more than one induced abortion included in the study had a short cervix. The demographics and risk factors were similar between those with and those without a short cervix. The overall incidence of preterm birth was 21.5% (14/65); in women with a short cervix the incidence was 47% (7/15) and in women without a short cervix it was 14% (7/50). The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of a short cervix in the prediction of preterm birth were 50%, 84%, 47% and 86%, respectively. The relative risk of a short cervix for spontaneous preterm birth was 3.3 (95% CI, 1.4–7.4). Conclusion A cervical length of < 25 mm on transvaginal ultrasound is predictive of preterm birth in women with more than one prior induced abortion. Women with multiple prior induced abortions and a short cervix have a 3.3-fold greater chance of spontaneous preterm birth compared with those with a cervical length of ≥ 25mm. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectral Distribution of Light in a Tobacco Canopy and Effects of End-of-Day Light Quality on Growth and Development.

Shifts in spectral distribution of light were determined within and below a canopy of field-grown burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Burley 21). The leaves transmitted much far red light relative to red and blue light. Thus, shaded leaves received more far red light, relative to red and blue, than was received by unshaded leaves. Under field conditions, tobacco plants within rows grew taller than did those at the west end of rows.Developmental effects of end-of-day red and far red light were studied in the controlled environment laboratory. Plants that received far red light last, each day, resembled plants shaded by other plants. The far red-irradiated plants developed longer internodes, were lighter green in color, and had thinner leaves than the red-irradiated ones. Plants of both treatments had the same number of leaves on the main axis. However, the red-irradiated plants developed branches from axils of lower leaves, while no branching occurred on plants that received far red radiation last each day.
A Novel Quantitative Method for Evaluating Surgical Outcomes in Craniosynostosis: Pilot Analysis for Metopic Synostosis:

Objective assessment of head shape has been an elusive goal in the management of craniosynostosis patients. Clinical judgment, craniometric indices, and computed tomography scans are the primary me...
Calmodulin Gene Expression in Response to Mechanical Wounding and Botrytis cinerea Infection in Tomato Fruit

Calmodulin, a ubiquitous calcium sensor, plays an important role in decoding stress-triggered intracellular calcium changes and regulates the functions of numerous target proteins involved in various plant physiological responses. To determine the functions of calmodulin in fleshy fruit, expression studies were performed on a family of six calmodulin genes (SlCaMs) in mature-green stage tomato fruit in response to mechanical injury and Botrytis cinerea infection. Both wounding and pathogen inoculation triggered expression of all those genes, with SlCaM2 being the most responsive one to both treatments. Furthermore, all calmodulin genes were upregulated by salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate, two signaling molecules involved in plant immunity. In addition to SlCaM2, SlCaM1 was highly responsive to salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate. However, SlCaM2 exhibited a more rapid and stronger response than SlCaM1. Overexpression of SlCaM2 in tomato fruit enhanced resistance to Botrytis-induced decay, whereas reducing its expression resulted in increased lesion development. These results indicate that calmodulin is a positive regulator of plant defense in fruit by activating defense pathways including salicylate- and jasmonate-signaling pathways, and SlCaM2 is the major calmodulin gene responsible for this event.
Surgical resection of recurrent upper abdominal cervical cancer: A case report and review of the literature

► An isolated cervical cancer recurrence to the liver was resected after a partial response was achieve with chemotherapy. ► The patient had a 10 month disease free interval after surgery. ► Liver resection in case of isolated cervical cancer recurrence may be beneficial in selected cases.
Interstellar SiO as a tracer of high-temperature chemistry

A search for the J = 2-1 transition toward both hot and cold molecular gas is reported. SiO was observed toward all sources with kinetic temperatures greater than or equal to 30 K. No SiO was detected toward the dark clouds TMC-1, L134 N, and B335. The abundances of SiO relative to HCN and the SiO/H2 ratios are determined. A linear relation between the natural log of the SiO concentration and 1/Tk is found, suggesting that species formation involves a chemically specific process with an activation barrier of about 90 K. It is concluded that the formation of SiO is linked to the local gas kinetic temperature, rather than the oxygen abundance.
ANALYSIS OF TEST BIAS IN FOUR GROUPS WITH THE REGRESSION DEFINITION

Recent litigation and legislation reflect concerns about the fairness and validity of the use of individual intelligence tests with school-age children from minority backgrounds (Larry P. v. Wilson Riles). Disproportionate representation of minorities in various programs for exceptional children has been attributed to bias in tests, specifically individual intelligence tests, and has led to the requirement of "nonbiased assessment" in recent federal legislation (Federal Register, 1977). Although IQ tests may not be the primary reason for over and underrepresentation of minorities (Meyers, Sundstrom, & Yoshida, 1974), the courts have apparently been persuaded that test bias is the primary reason for disproportionate classification and placement (Reschly, 1979). The general question of test bias and the specific issue of differential validity of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) for Blacks and Anglos were major concerns in the Larry P. trial ("Exhibit A," 1977; "Exhibit C," 1978). A variety of models and criteria for examination of test bias have appeared in the literature (e.g., Hunter & Schmidt, 1976; Jensen, 1976; Mercer, 1974; Sattler, 1970; & Williams, 1975). Models which emphasize fairness in prediction and selection have been especially prominent in the psychometric literature. However, fairness in use of tests has been defined in a number of ways. Different models place varying degrees of emphasis on prediction accuracy versus socially desirable outcomes in terms of proportions of minority persons selected. Several of the models, particularly those which stress selection proportions, have been criticized as internally contradictory or logically inconsistent (Peterson & Novick, 1976). The regression model (Cleary, 1968) which defines fairness as equal regression lines among different groups has been used frequently in investigations of test bias. The regression model criterion of equality in errors of estimate, slopes, and intercepts among all groups would be seen as highly desirable in all of the psychometric models, but perhaps insufficient from the perspective of models (Novick & Peterson, 1976) that stress selection ratios or social utilities. Previous studies of test bias using the regression definition or other similar statistical criteria have yielded consistent results. Conventional standardized tests predict the criterion of college GPA or success in employment settings about equally well for Blacks and Anglos. When differences in regression equations are found, the differences are most often due to variations in intercepts resulting in slight overpredictions of performance for
Thinking in Categories or Along a Continuum: Consequences for Children’s Social Judgments

Can young children, forming expectations about the social world, capture differences among people without falling into the pitfalls of categorization? Categorization often leads to exaggerating differences between groups and minimizing differences within groups, resulting in stereotyping. Six studies with 4-year-old children (N = 214) characterized schematic faces or photographs as falling along a continuum (really mean to really nice) or divided into categories (mean vs. nice). Using materials that children naturally group into categories (Study 3), the continuum framing prevented the signature pattern of categorization for similarity judgments (Study 1), inferences about behavior and deservingness (Studies 2 and 5), personal liking and play preferences (Study 4), and stable and internal attributions for behavior (Study 6). When children recognize people as members of continua, they may avoid stereotypes.
MICU1 and MICU2 play nonredundant roles in the regulation of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter

The mitochondrial uniporter is a selective Ca2+ channel regulated by MICU1, an EF hand-containing protein in the organelle's intermembrane space. MICU1 physically associates with and is co-expressed with a paralog, MICU2. To clarify the function of MICU1 and its relationship to MICU2, we used gene knockout (KO) technology. We report that HEK-293T cells lacking MICU1 or MICU2 lose a normal threshold for Ca2+ intake, extending the known gating function of MICU1 to MICU2. Expression of MICU1 or MICU2 mutants lacking functional Ca2+-binding sites leads to a striking loss of Ca2+ uptake, suggesting that MICU1/2 disinhibit the channel in response to a threshold rise in [Ca2+]. MICU2's activity and physical association with the pore require the presence of MICU1, though the converse is not true. We conclude that MICU1 and MICU2 are nonredundant and together set the [Ca2+] threshold for uniporter activity.
Duration of testosterone suppression and the risk of death from prostate cancer in men treated using radiation and 6 months of hormone therapy

BACKGROUND. The authors evaluated whether the duration of androgen suppression (AS) after the completion of hormone therapy (HT) was associated with the risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) and all-cause mortality (ACM). METHODS. The study cohort was comprised of 220 men who received radiation therapy (RT) and 6 months of HT for prostate cancer between 1996 and 2005. The duration of AS was defined as the time to return to the baseline testosterone level after the completion of HT. Grays and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate whether the duration of AS after the completion of HT was associated with the time to PCSM and ACM, respectively, after adjusting for known prognostic factors. RESULTS. An increasing duration of AS was associated with a decreased risk of PCSM (adjusted hazards ratio [HR], 0.89; P = .003) and ACM (HR, 0.94; P = .007). Men who had prostate cancer with Gleason scores from 8 to 10 had significantly lower cumulative incidence estimates of PCSM (P = .04) if the duration of AS plus the length of HT administration was ≥2 years compared with <2 years. After a median follow-up of 6.1 years, the respective 5-year estimates were 0% and 38%. CONCLUSIONS. The duration of AS after 6 months of HT was associated with the risk of PCSM and ACM. This duration could be used to identify men who have prostate cancer with Gleason scores from 8 to 10 in whom 6 months of HT produces long-term testosterone suppression, which may provide the cancer-specific survival benefit observed with long-term HT. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Sellar door: Harvey Cushing's entry into the pituitary gland, the unabridged Johns Hopkins experience 1896-1912.

Objective To review the original surgical records from the Johns Hopkins Hospital, and analyze the records of patients Cushing treated for pituitary disorders from 1896 to 1912. Methods Following IRB approval, and through the courtesy of the Alan Mason Chesney Archives, we reviewed the original surgical files from the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Patients presenting with pituitary-related symptoms, who underwent surgical treatment directed at the pituitary gland, were selected for further review. Results Thirty-seven patients who underwent surgical intervention for pituitary disorders were found. Of these patients, 12 were mentioned only briefly in Cushing's 1912 monograph, whereas 6 were not described at all. The remaining 19 were documented by Cushing in his 1912 monograph. Cushing used three main surgical approaches to the pituitary: transsphenoidal, transcranial, and the subfrontal "omega incision." There were 6 inpatient deaths. The mean time to last follow-up was 41.0 months. At follow-up, headache was the most common unresolved symptom. Conclusion This review highlights Cushing's accomplishments in the surgical treatment of suspected pituitary pathology during his early career as a young attending at Johns Hopkins Hospital. It reveals new information about patients whom Cushing did not include in his publications detailing his surgical experience at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Classifying the Courses of Schizophrenia

The purpose of this review was to examine current strategies for classifying the courses of schizophrenia. Although a number of course classifications have evolved over the past two decades, the field has not addressed fully the complex issue of course description. This review compared previously published prototypes for describing the longterm courses of schizophrenia to identify variations and consistencies in course descriptions. Across investigations, differences were found in the number of courses described, in the structure of course categories, in the relative emphasis on syndrome symptoms versus syndrome change, and in documenting spe
Atrial natriuretic factor in essential hypertension.

Abstract We measured circulating levels of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in 10 patients with untreated, uncomplicated mild to moderate essential hypertension and in 15 normotensive controls. ANF concentrations were significantly higher in the hypertensive group than in the control group (38.4 ± 6.9 pg/ml versus 18.3 ± 1.8 pg/ml, p
Dancing bodies, decaying bodies The interpretation of anorexia among Israeli dancers

This article examines the meaning Israeli female dancers assign to extra-thin bodies. It claims that dancers interpret extra-thinness as an essential tool for the making of an ideal body-machine which allows entrance to a professional world of dancers. Working in a demanding professional world, anorexic bodies are seen by dancers as indicators of success and commitment. It is a means to win recognition from significant others and make the most out of a short-term and risk-embedded career. An haute-ecole of dance was chosen as a location for this study because it is a social setting that sets its own rules of transforming the body into an instrument of training. This study allows us to understand why certain professional and age groups tend to develop anorexia and helps understanding how anorexia, once embedded in a professional ideology, is hard to overcome.
A finite element analysis of thermoelastic damping in vented MEMS beam resonators

The effect of geometry on thermoelastic damping in micro-beam resonators is evaluated using an eigenvalue formulation and a customized finite element method. The vented clamped–clamped (CC) and clamped-free (CF) beams with square-shaped vents along their centerlines, are both analyzed by the finite element method. The quality factor and the resonant frequency are obtained as functions of various geometrical parameters including the location, number and size of the vents. The numerical results reveal that the addition of vent sections in the clamped end region can significantly increase the quality factor. The maximum improved quality factor as high as 3801 and 2257 times those of the CC and CF solid beams are realized. The methodology presented in this work provides a useful tool in design optimization of micro beam resonators against thermoelastic damping.
Myeloperoxidase Levels and Mortality in Frail Community-Living Elderly Individuals

MYELOPEROXIDASE (MPO), a heme protein secreted by activated leukocytes, facilitates conversion of hydrogen peroxide to hypochlorous acid and generates reactive intermediates that promote lipid peroxidation (1). Previous studies reported an accumulation of lipid peroxidation products during aging (2), in agreement with other evidence suggesting that oxidative stress increases with age (3). Even though different measures of end products of lipid peroxidation have been assessed (i.e., isoprostanes, malondialdehyde [MDA], or oxidized low-density lipoprotein), MPO represents an earlier marker of oxidative damage compared with the aforementioned due to its ability to initiate lipid peroxidation process (1). Increasing evidence is indicating MPO as a contributor to several phases of atherothrombosis, from the initial insult to the vascular endothelium (4), to development of atheroma (5), to rupture of the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque (6), and its clinical manifestation as an acute coronary syndrome (7). Moreover, the plasma concentration of MPO is increased among patients with stable coronary artery disease (8) and it has been shown to be a strong predictor of unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (9,10), chronic heart failure (11), and of future coronary artery disease in healthy population (12). Furthermore, type II diabetes, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and mortality, is positively associated with MPO levels (13). However, there are no studies assessing the association between MPO and all-cause mortality in frail elderly individuals. Two previous epidemiological studies (14,15) have analyzed the long-term association of MDA, a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, with risk of death in older adults, with conflicting findings. In fact, one study showed that higher MDA concentrations were not a risk factor for increased vascular or nonvascular mortality in elderly individuals (15), whereas the other documented a higher rate of mortality associated with increased plasma MDA concentrations (14). The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of MPO on the risk of all-cause mortality in a large population of frail octogenarians and nonagenarians living in community, enrolled in the “Invecchiamento e Longevita nel Sirente” (Aging and longevity in the Sirente geographic area, ilSIRENTE Study) study.
Nanomechanical properties of calcification, fibrous tissue, and hematoma from atherosclerotic plaques

Clinical events such as heart attack and stroke can be caused by the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in artery walls. Computational modeling is often used to better understand atherosclerotic disease progression to identify "vulnerable" plaques (i.e., those likely to rupture) and to tailor treatments according to tissue composition. However, because of the heterogeneity of plaque tissue, there are limited data available on the material properties of individual plaque constituents. The goal of this study was to use nanoindentation to measure the mechanical properties of blood clots, fibrous tissue, partially calcified fibrous tissue, and bulk calcifications from human atherosclerotic plaque tissue. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to quantify the amount of mineral and lipid in each tissue region tested. The results demonstrate that the stiffness of plaque tissue increases with increasing mineral content. In addition, by providing the first experimental data on atherosclerotic calcifications, these data show that some of the estimated modulus values commonly used in computational models greatly underestimate the stiffness of the fully calcified tissue.
Dew Formation and Stem Flow on Common Ragweed (Ambrosia Artemisiifolia)

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) was found to possess an adaptation enabling the collection of dew and rainfall through stem flow. Stem wells were used to quantitively determine the incidence and extent of dew collection by this mechanism. Stem flow averaged 2.85 ml of dew/plant night during the study, which covered the later portion of the ragweed growing season. Factors influencing dew collection included plant size, stage of phenological development, microhabitats, and the duration of dew exposure. The mechanism may play a vital ecological role in old field plant relationships. See full-text article at JSTOR
Quarrying dataspaces: Schemaless profiling of unfamiliar information sources

Traditional data integration and analysis approaches tend to assume intimate familiarity with the structure, semantics, and capabilities of the available information sources before applicable tools can be used effectively. This assumption often does not hold in practice. We introduce dataspace profiling as the cardinal activity when beginning a project in an unfamiliar dataspace. Dataspace profiling is an analysis of the structures and properties exposed by an information source, allowing 1) assessment of the utility and importance of the information source as a whole, 2) assessment of compatibility with the services of a dataspace support platform, and 3) determination and externalization of structure in preparation for specific data applications. In this paper, we define dataspace profiling and articulate requirements for dataspace profilers. We then describe the Quarry system, which offers a generic browse-and-query interface to support dataspace profiling activities, including path profiling, over a variety of data sources with minimal setup costs and minimal a priori assumptions. We show that the mechanisms used in Quarry deliver strong performance in large-scale applications. Specifically, we use Quarry to efficiently profile 1) a detailed standard for medication nomenclature supplied under a generic schema and 2) the metadata for an environmental observation and forecasting system, and conclude that in these contexts Quarry offers advantages over existing tools.
Limited diversity of Streptococcus pneumoniae psaA among pneumococcal vaccine serotypes

The pneumococcal surface adhesin A (PsaA) is a surface-exposed protein of the gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It belongs to a group of proteins designated the lipoprotein receptor I antigen family. The gene encoding PsaA from an encapsulated strain of pneumococcal serotype 6B was cloned and sequenced. The peptide sequence was compared to that of homologs found in S. pneumoniae serotype 2, viridans streptococci, and Enterococcus faecalis. Identity values among the deduced peptides ranged from 57 to 98%. The polymorphism of psaA was examined among the 23 encapsulated vaccine serotypes by using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Ten different enzymes were used to analyze 80 strains representing the 23 serotypes in a 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine. This analysis showed that restriction sites within the gene were highly conserved, with only a minor variation occurring in 10% of the strains, the result of an additional Tsp509I site. The lack of variation for the other restriction sites within the gene examined here indicates that psaA is genetically conserved, an important characteristic necessary for a candidate common protein vaccine.
Why engineers should consider formal methods

Presents an analysis of a typical rationale used to convince engineers of the potential usefulness of formal methods. This analysis reveals that the typical rationale is complicated, but fails to establish the truth of an essential proposition. As a result, the author gives a simple revised rationale, which shows conclusively why engineers should consider formal methods. The ideas in this revised rationale are not original. The contribution of this paper is in presenting the ideas in the context of an analysis of other approaches, and in a forum likely to be populated by engineers. Formality may eventually become the norm in software development.
Dosimetric evaluation of synthetic CT relative to bulk density assignment-based magnetic resonance-only approaches for prostate radiotherapy

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been incorporated as an adjunct to CT to take advantage of its excellent soft tissue contrast for contouring. MR-only treatment planning approaches have been developed to avoid errors introduced during the MR-CT registration process. The purpose of this study is to evaluate calculated dose distributions after incorporating a novel synthetic CT (synCT) derived from magnetic resonance simulation images into prostate cancer treatment planning and to compare dose distributions calculated using three previously published MR-only treatment planning methodologies. An IRB-approved retrospective study evaluated 15 prostate cancer patients that underwent IMRT (n = 11) or arc therapy (n = 4) to a total dose of 70.2-79.2 Gy. Original treatment plans were derived from CT simulation images (CT-SIM). T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and balanced turbo field echo images were acquired on a 1.0 T high field open MR simulator with patients immobilized in treatment position. Four MR-derived images were studied: bulk density assignment (10 HU) to water (MRW), bulk density assignments to water and bone with pelvic bone values derived either from literature (491 HU, MRW+B491) or from CT-SIM population average bone values (300 HU, MRW+B300), and synCTs. Plans were recalculated using fixed monitor units, plan dosimetry was evaluated, and local dose differences were characterized using gamma analysis (1 %/1 mm dose difference/distance to agreement). While synCT provided closest agreement to CT-SIM for D95, D99, and mean dose (<0.7 Gy (1 %)) compared to MRW, MRW+B491, and MRW+B300, pairwise comparisons showed differences were not significant (p < 0.05). Significant improvements were observed for synCT in the bladder, but not for rectum or penile bulb. SynCT gamma analysis pass rates (97.2 %) evaluated at 1 %/1 mm exceeded those from MRW (94.7 %), MRW+B300 (94.0 %), or MRW+B491 (90.4 %). One subject’s synCT gamma (1 %/1 mm) results (89.9 %) were lower than MRW (98.7 %) and MRW+B300 (96.7 %) due to increased rectal gas during MR-simulation that did not affect bulk density assignment-based calculations but was reflected in higher rectal doses for synCT. SynCT values provided closest dosimetric and gamma analysis agreement to CT-SIM compared to bulk density assignment-based CT surrogates. SynCTs may provide additional clinical value in treatment sites with greater air-to-soft tissue ratio.
Antenatal ultrasound diagnosis of holoprosencephaly: a case report.

A distal ureteral calculus may induce premature labor as in our case report. Conservative management of calculi may be the best course in pregnant women without premature labor. However, if premature labor is present, the calculus may be a source of irritation for the gravid uterus. The exact mechanism is unknown. It is widefy accepted that acute pyelonephritis of pregnancy may precipitate premature delivery. Abramowicz and Kass* have convincing evidence showing that bacteriuria increases the risk of prematurity. Bacteriuria may have placed our patient at risk for premature labor. In addition, the obstruction of the kidney by the ureteral calculus may have created a situation ideal for subclinical pyelonephritis. This inflammatory process may have precipitated premature labor. I f a pregnant woman presents with premature labor and a ureteral calculus, a &-adrenergic drug (such as ritodrine) should be started to prevent premature delivery. If this attempt at conservative management proves unsuccessful, stone retrievai with a basket is then indicated if the calculus is below the pelvic brim. The use of spinal anesthesia is advocated. /?,-adrenergic drugs should be continued in the postoperative period until the uterine contractions subside. On the basis of our recent experience, stone retrieval with a basket has a place in the management of pregnant women with premature labor.
Apontic regulates somatic stem cell numbers in Drosophila testes.

Background Microenvironments called niches maintain resident stem cell populations by balancing self-renewal with differentiation, but the genetic regulation of this process is unclear. The niche of the Drosophila testis is well-characterized and genetically tractable, making it ideal for investigating the molecular regulation of stem cell biology. The JAK/STAT pathway, activated by signals from a niche component called the hub, maintains both germline and somatic stem cells.
Hilltop Aggregation and Mating Behavior by Gasterophilus Intestinalis (Diptera: Gasterophilidae)

Hilltop aggregation and mating by the horse bot fly, Gasterophilus intestinalis , was studied at 2 locations in western North America. Male flies arrived at sites on clement days when air temperature surpassed 19 °C; females arrived later. Male activity consisted of sustained hovering and aggressive pursuit of passing objects. Hovering males were attracted to the high point on the hilltop including artificial high points. Dispersion of males was clumped at prominent knolls or taller vegetation on the hilltop. Density of males at each knoll was established by aggressive hovering and reached a maximum of 10 flies. Mark-recapture data indicate a short 1-day life span for aggregated males that requires alternative mating patterns: hilltop aggregation or para host mating. The advantages and significance of these alternatives are discussed.
Modification of Parachute Canopy Stiffness Scaling Laws and Application to Tented Structures

This paper reviews the logic and dimensional analysis results leading up to correlation equations for parachute opening time, including the effects of canopy stiffness. An earlier expression for effective canopy stiffness is modified by leaving out the Poisson’s ratio term, and also expressing the equation in terms of dynamic pressure. The procedure described simplifies techniques previously developed and gives a more practical correlation formula. Other applications of the stiffness index are suggested, and an illustration is given for its use in tented structures.
Application of equivalent sampling based on FPGA for OTDR

By generating high-precision sampling clock in FPGA,the equivalent sampling technology is applied to the design of OTDR.Compared to the existing OTDR base on FPGA,the proposed design is able to increase the ADC quantization precision by 20 times without any change of circuit or device.As a result,the spatial resolution of the proposed OTDR is highly improved.
Analysis of growing development in children

Objective To analyses the growing development tendency in kindergarten children.Methods To retrospectively analyze the checkup data of kindergarten children during 2001-2008 in Desheng,Xicheng District,Beijing.Results The mobilities of different malnutrition(including low weight,growth retardation,marasmus) and anemia were gradually decreased during past 8 year(P0.05).On the other side,the incidences of children obesity and subnormal vision were gradually increased(P0.05).The incidence of dental caries was always in a high lever(28.42%～32.26%).Conclusion The nutrition condition of kindergarten children in Desheng,Xicheng District,Beijing is good.However,the incidences of children obesity and subnormal version are increased gradually,and the incidence of dental caries is always in a high level.
The factors influencing early patency of coronary artery bypass vein grafts: Correlation of angiographic and ultrastructural findings

To test the hypothesis that suboptimal preparation of saphenous veins may adversely affect early patency of aorta-coronary artery bypass grafts, a nonrandomized prospective study was undertaken comparing two methods of saphenous vein preparation prior to grafting. Forty recatheterizations were performed during the postoperative hospital stay (approximately 10 days) in two groups of asymptomatic patients who had undergone isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Veins from patients in Group I were bathed in autologous, heparinized blood at 20° C and distended to 80 mm Hg, prior to grafting. The veins from Group II patients were prepared in an identical manner, except that the bathing solution consisted of heparinized electrolyte solution with added papaverine (0.6 mg/ml). Segments of vein from each group were obtained prior to grafting and preserved in 3% glutaraldehyde for subsequent electron microscopic studies. Operative technique in both groups of patients was identical and all procedures were performed by the same surgeons. Comparison of patients in Groups I and II revealed no significant difference in the number of diseased vessels per patient (3.1 versus 3.4), number of grafts per patient (2.9 versus 2.9), native vessel diameter (1.9 versus 1.7 mm), and postoperative graft flows (65 versus 68 cc/min). However, early postoperative graft patency in Group II patients was 93% versus 80% in patients in Group I (p
Calcium signaling pathways utilized by P2X receptors in freshly isolated preglomerular MVSMC.

This study tested the hypothesis that P2X receptor activation increases intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) in preglomerular microvascular smooth muscle cells (MVSMC) by evoking voltage-depen...
Care of the Infant with Retinopathy of Prematurity

This article gives extensive coverage to the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, treatment, outcome, and follow-up of this recently recognized disease. Special emphasis is placed on helping parents to cope with the problems and altered patterns of development encountered by their visually handicapped child.
The Solar System at Ultraviolet Wavelengths

Abstract Ultraviolet imaging and spectroscopy are powerful tools for probing planetary atmospheres and surfaces. In this chapter, we review the significant contributions to our understanding of the solar system that have been made by ultraviolet observing methods. Ultraviolet observations provide unique insight into planetary processes involving more energetic processes that cannot be studied using photons of longer wavelengths. Many of the solar system observations in the ultraviolet have been performed by Earth-orbiting telescopes, such as the International Ultraviolet Explorer and the Hubble Space Telescope. We also review results from ultraviolet instruments on Voyager, Galileo, Cassini, and other spacecraft. Each planet in the solar system has been observed using ultraviolet instrumentation on Earth-orbiting telescopes and/or visiting spacecraft. Many of the larger planetary satellites, selected asteroids, and comets have also been observed. These data provide important information regarding the atmospheres and surfaces of solar system objects and the processes shaping their compositions.
Ruminal expression of the NQO1, RGS5, and ACAT1 genes may be indicators of feed efficiency in beef steers.

Ruminal genes differentially expressed in crossbred beef steers from USMARC with variation in gain and feed intake were identified in a previous study. Several of the genes identified with expression patterns differing between animals with high gain-low feed intake and low gain-high feed intake were evaluated in a separate, unrelated population of Angus × Hereford beef steers from the University of Wyoming that was classified to differ in residual feed intake (RFI). Of the 17 genes tested, two were differentially expressed by RFI class in the Angus × Hereford animals. These genes included NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1 (NQO1; P = 0.0009) and regulator of G-protein signaling 5 (RGS5; P = 0.01). A third gene, acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1; P = 0.06), displayed a trend toward association with RFI. These data suggest that some of the genes identified in a previous rumen transcriptome discovery study may have utility for identifying or selecting for animals with superior feed efficiency phenotypes across cattle breeds and populations.
Africa’s ‘Two Publics’: Colonialism and Governmentality

In this article, I explore a possible ‘conversation’ between a leading African political sociologist, Peter P. Ekeh, in his theory of ‘two publics’, and the late French philosopher, historian and social theorist, Michel Foucault, in his theory of governmentality. I examine the ‘lingering effects of colonialism’ and point to how Ekeh’s insight and its usefulness for examining the politico-cultural consequences of colonialism in terms of the conduct of conduct in the public realm can be further enriched by relating it to the deeply penetrating insight on the nature of power and domination articulated through the concept of governmentality and sovereign power. The paper concludes that Ekeh’s thesis is particularly suitable for interrogating governmentality and its useful insights for understanding public life in Africa because, like Foucault’s theory of governmentality, it is grounded on a historical account of contemporary processes of socio-political and economic configuration.