cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Further characterization of the virus-specific RNAs in feline calicivirus infected cells

The virus-specific RNAs in feline calicivirus (FCV) infected cells were examined to determine the number and forms of RNAs that are synthesized during the infection process. Northern blots of poly(A)+ RNA from 5-h infected cells probed with a cDNA clone derived from the 3' end of the FCV genome (pCV3) revealed four FCV-specific RNAs that were approximately 8.2 (genomic RNA), 4.8, 4.2 and 2.4 kb in length. Northern blots of poly(A)+ RNA purified from infected cells hourly after infection and probed with pCV3 demonstrated that transcription of all FCV-specific RNAs are detectable at 2 to 3 h post-infection (PI) and that these RNAs reached steady state levels at approximately 4 h PI. The levels of the FCV RNAs then remained relatively constant through 7 h PI, the last time tested, with the exception of the 4.8 and 4.2 kb transcripts which showed a marked increase between 6 and 7 hours PI. Northern blots of dsRNA which had been LiCl-fractionated from pooled total cellular RNA isolated from 5-h and 7-h FCV infected cells, showed two double-stranded RNAs corresponding to the 8.2 kb genomic RNA and the 2.4 kb subgenomic RNA. Preliminary mapping by Northern blotting using cDNA probes derived from varying locations within the FCV genome was done to determine the approximate regions from which the subgenomic RNAs are derived. This analysis indicates that the viral RNAs are nested, co-terminal transcripts with common 3' ends.
iCheck: computationally combating "lies, d--ned lies, and statistics"

Are you fed up with "lies, d---ned lies, and statistics" made up from data in our media? For claims based on structured data, we present a system to automatically assess the quality of claims (beyond their correctness) and counter misleading claims that cherry-pick data to advance their conclusions. The key insight is to model such claims as parameterized queries and consider how parameter perturbations affect their results. We demonstrate our system on claims drawn from U.S. congressional voting records, sports statistics, and publication records of database researchers.
Current account dynamics and optimal monetary policy in a two-country economy

This paper explores optimal monetary policy when current account dynamics is taken into consideration in a sticky–price intertemporal optimising model. It investigates how monetary policies affect current account movement in a two–country model. The main issues addressed include: 1) what factors affect the current account dynamics in response to technology and monetary shocks in a two–country open economy; 2) how should the monetary authority respond to these shocks to maximise the welfare of the household. Using a non–linear solution method, we find that the current account dynamics depends critically on the intratemporal and intertemporal elasticities of substitution, the degree of monopolistic competition, the degree of Local Currency Pricing (LCP) and the type of shocks. With sluggish price adjustment among firms, the home monetary authority will choose an expansionary monetary policy when facing a home technological improvement. If a supranational monetary authority is to choose an optimal monetary policy for both countries, the welfare gain from the expansionary monetary policy for both home and foreign counties is quantitatively small.
OCCURRENCE OF GLYCOLATE OXIDASE AND HYDROXYPYRUVATE REDUCTASE IN EGREGIA MENZIESII (PHAEOPHYTA)1

Glycolate oxidase and hydroxypyruvate reductase, two key enzymes of glycolate metabolism, are present in the brown alga Egregia menziesii (Turn.) Aresch. The pH optimum and Km for the partially purified glycolate oxidase are similar to the enzyme from higher plants, Charophyta and Xanthophyta, whereas the substrate specificity is different from the higher plant enzyme
The preliminary effect of a parenting program for Korean American mothers: a randomized controlled experimental study.

Background Traditional Korean American discipline is characterized by a lack of expression of affection and use of harsh discipline.
Antimicrobial Mouthrinses: Overview and Update

The Seal of Acceptance of the American Dental Association's Council on Dental Therapeutics has been awarded to Listerine and chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex). The mechanism of action of Listerine involves bacterial cell wall destruction, bacterial enzymatic inhibition, and extraction of bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Chlorhexidine has the property of substantivity, i.e. the ability to bind to hard and soft tissue with slow release. Antibacterial mouthrinses/dentifrices containing triclosan hold promise for the reduction of plaque and gingivitis but are not yet available in the United States. The quaternary ammonium compounds and sanguinarine compounds (Viadent) have some merit, but studies of their efficacy in plaque and gingivitis reduction are mixed. New products containing various fluorides and oxygenating agents may have potential for the future as antiplaque and antigingivitis agents.
Enhancing a cancer prevention and control curriculum through interactive group discussions.

The Principles and Practice of Cancer Prevention and Control course (Principles course) is offered annually by the National Cancer Institute Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program. This 4-week postgraduate course covers the spectrum of cancer prevention and control research (e.g., epidemiology, laboratory, clinical, social, and behavioral sciences) and is open to attendees from medical, academic, government, and related institutions across the world. In this report, we describe a new addition to the Principles course syllabus, which was exclusively a lecture-based format for over 20 years. In 2011, cancer prevention fellows and staff designed and implemented small group discussion sessions as part of the curriculum. The goals of these sessions were to foster an interactive environment, discuss concepts presented during the Principles course, exchange ideas, and enhance networking among the course participants and provide a teaching and leadership opportunity to current cancer prevention fellows. Overall, both the participants and facilitators who returned the evaluation forms (n = 61/87 and 8/10, respectively) reported a high satisfaction with the experience for providing both an opportunity to explore course concepts in a greater detail and to network with colleagues. Participants (93 %) and facilitators (100 %) stated that they would like to see this component remain a part of the Principles course curriculum, and both groups provided recommendations for the 2012 program. The design, implementation, and evaluation of this initial discussion group component of the Principles course are described herein. The findings in this report will not only inform future discussion group sessions in the Principles course but may also be useful to others planning to incorporate group learning into large primarily lecture-based courses.
Roentgen findings in ventricular septal defect

Abstract The radiographic appearances of 50 consecutive cases of ventricular septal defect are analyzed. The findings are compared with similar studies on 30 cases of ASD and 18 cases of PDA. The reliability of a roentgen diagnosis of ventricular septal defect from plain films is evaluated, and the difficulty involved in differentiating ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, and atrial septal defect is discussed. It is clear that an accurate diagnosis of these common left-to-right shunts is impossible from plain films alone in the majority of patients, although useful points in their differentiation are enumerated and discussed. Other studies, which include the use of contrast agents, are usually required to establish a diagnosis of ventricular septal defect.
Aggregation of deoxythymidine kinase in dilute solutions: Properties of aggregated and disaggregated forms

Abstract Deoxythymidine kinase from the Walker caroinosarcoma was isolated in two forms. In dilute solution, the enzyme occurs in an aggregated form, which may be eluted with the void volume from a column of Sephadex G200 under conditions suggesting a molecular weight in excess of 6 × 10 5 . The enzyme may also be isolated in a disaggregated form with a molecular weight of approximately 1.1 × 10 5 from Sephadex G200 columns that have been equilibrated with 0.2 M KCl and during zonal ultracentrifugation in sucrose solutions with molarities in excess of 0.15. The K m for the substrates, deoxythymidine and ATP, as well as the K i for the endproduct inhibitor, d-TTP, have been determined. The K m K i for the aggregated and disaggregated forms is 1.5 and 5.3, respectively, suggesting a more potent inhibition by d-TTP with the disaggregated enzyme. The inhibition of the disaggregated enzyme by d-TTP is complicated by the dependence upon the concentration of ATP. Both aggregated and disaggregated forms of TdR kinase are unstable to 45 ° temperature and are rapidly inactivated.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer twelve years after radioiodine therapy.

A patient received 2 doses of radioiodine for a diffuse toxic goiter in 1956. Twelve years later at the age of 64 she was operated on for an anaplastic cancer arising in the right lobe of the thyroid. Other thyroid neoplasms following the therapeutic use of radioiodine have also been reported although the incidence may still be within the range of statistical coincidence. There is a definite risk of later malignant change after external radiation to the thyroid in infants and children. The risk in adults seems to be smaller, and the latent period is longer. The experimental and clinical evidence indicate some caution in the therapeutic use of radioiodine.
A technology demonstrator with a SD Card flash memory for implementation of three-phase multi-optimal PWM generator

This paper investigates for the first time the use of a very large SD Card flash memory to the design of a three-phase Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) generator and describes the hardware and software used for implementation. The new digital architecture differs from conventional counter-based implementation and it follows a pre-programmed optimal PWM pattern that is read from memory with magnitude and phase as coordinates. This architecture allows the inclusion of multiple optimization criteria within the PWM pattern. Experimental results are shown with a PICDEM PIC18 Explorer Board and a SD Card Reader PICtail Daughter Board, both from Microchip. The optimal PWM pattern is defined in MATLAB and the entire design process is described in this paper.
Neglected Issues in the Study of Urban Service Distributions: a Research Agenda:

Research into the distribution of public services in urban America has made impressive empirical, theoretical and methodological progress. To date, however, this work has exhibited several limitati...
Ranking of forest growth factors

Abstract A ranking of growth factors was based on the hypothesis that the more important the factor the greater the negative correlation between it and the sum of the other factors. The correlation was calculated using tolerance scales for the southern boundary of forests in Eastern Europe. It was shown that light should be considered as the most important factor ( r = −0.68), meaning that the effort expended by tree species to adapt to the deficiency of light was greater than the effort to adapt to other factors. The next in importance were soil moisture ( r = −0.35), heat ( r = −0.24), and soil fertility ( r = −0.19).
The Midwestern Vascular Surgical Society: the formative years, 1976 to 1981.

The Midwestern Vascular Surgical Society was formally incorporated in early 1977 as the third of the five major Regional Vascular Societies formed in the United States during the last quarter of the 20th century. The Society was preceded by the New England Vascular Surgical Society, established in 1973, and the Southern Association for Vascular Surgery, founded in 1976. These Societies evolved during the halcyon days of vascular surgery, when technical advances in surgical operations were rapid, new noninvasive diagnostic procedures were becoming widely applied, and expectations of benefitting patients were high. Amidst the enthusiasm for this new discipline, a need arose for more frequent gatherings to share clinical and research experiences. It was in this setting in the mid 1970s that the Midwestern Vascular Surgical Society came into existence. During the Society’s first 5 years, the foundation for its continued success was firmly established. Its beginnings are of historical interest and bear note to our specialty.
Does root surface conditioning with citric acid delay healing

Abstract Effects of topical citric acid application on tissue maturation was studied in standardized periodontal defects in 6 beagle dogs. Following elevation of facial mucoperiosteal flaps, fenestration defects, 3 mm in diameter, were made through the cortical bone and recessed 0.5 mm into the dentin of maxillary canines. 1 defect in each dog was conditioned with a saturated solution of citric acid for 3 min and then rinsed with saline. Control defects in contralateral teeth were treated with saline only for the same length of time. The defects were covered with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and the flaps re-positioned and sutured. 14 days postsurgery, healing appeared more advanced along the defect walls and floor than in the center of the defect in all instances. Histometrically, citric acid-conditioned defects exhibited a higher density of collagen fibers along the defect walls and floor and adjacent to the barrier membrane as well as more advanced resolution of the residual blood clot than the surgical controls. Differences in fibroblast density within specimen pairs were non-significant. All control defects but none of the acid-conditioned defects showed an artifactual split between the dentin walls and the granulation tissue. This study failed to support the contention that topical application of citric acid to root surfaces may delay healing following periodontal surgery.
Measurement of stress in vocal folds during phonation using spatiotemporal synchronization

A method based on spatiotemporal synchronization is proposed to measure stress distribution in the vocal folds. It is theoretically proved that a measurement system can be synchronized with a vocal fold vibration system by coupling their surface dynamic variables. Therefore, the stress in the vocal folds is predicted by the synchronized continuous model. Numerical experiments are employed to verify this method. The influences of the different coupling variables and the parameter mismatches on stress measurement are also investigated.
A nuclear Overhauser effect investigation of the molecular and electronic structure of the heme crevice in lactoperoxidase

The proton homonuclear nuclear Overhauser effect, NOE, in conjunction with paramagnetic-induced dipolar relaxation, is utilized to assign resonances and to probe the molecular and electronic structures of the heme cavity in the low-spin cyanide complex of resting-state bovine lactoperoxidase, LPO-CN. Predominantly primary NOEs were detected in spite of the large molecular weight of the enzyme, which demonstrates again the advantage of paramagnetism suppressing spin diffusion in large proteins. Both of the nonlabile ring protons of a coordinated histidine are located at resonance positions consistent with a deprotonated imidazole. Several methylene proton pairs are identified, of which the most strongly hyperfine-shifted pair is assigned to the unusual chemically functionalized 8-(mercaptomethylene) group of the prosthetic group. The large 8-(mercaptomethylene) proton contact shifts relative to that of the only resolved heme methyl signal are rationalized by the additive perturbations on the rhombic asymmetry of the functionalization of the 8-position and the alignment of the axial histidyl imidazole projection along a vector passing through pyrrole A and C of the prosthetic group. Such a stereochemistry is consistent with the resolution of only a single heme methyl group, 3-CH{sub 3}, as observed. A pair of hyperfine-shifted methylene protons, as well as a low-field hyperfine-shifted labilemore » proton signal, exhibit dipolar connectivities similar to those previously reported for the distal arginine and histidine, respectively, of horseradish peroxidase suggesting that these catalytically relevant residues may also exist in LPO.« less
Rheumatologic manifestations of histoplasmosis: a review

Histoplasmosis is an important cause of morbidity in endemic areas of the USA. Infection is often asymptomatic but can cause a broad spectrum of pathology. Less commonly, histoplasmosis can present with a wide-range of rheumatologic manifestations. The aim of this review is to provide a synopsis of the rheumatologic manifestations of this endemic mycosis in addition to emphasizing the high degree of histoplasmosis infection in persons with rheumatologic disease.
Identification and Characterization of a Permethrin Resistance Mechanism in Populations of the Fungus GnatLycoriella Mali(Fitch) (Diptera: Sciaridae)☆

Abstract The commercial mushroom pestLycoriella mali(Fitch) (Diptera: Sciaridae) has evolved resistance to the adulticide permethrin. Preliminary investigations have indicated that oxidative metabolism was the most likely resistance mechanism. Monooxygenase activity (dealkylation reactions) against model substrates was used to examine specific metabolic activity associated with resistance. Differences in monooxygenase activity reflected resistance ranking of the field populations. The most resistant population was determined, by carbon monoxide difference spectrophotometry, to have a 1.7-fold greater level of cytochrome P-450 compared to the next most resistant population. This finding suggested that the quantity of enzyme was not solely responsible for variation in resistance. Enzyme kinetics were used to compare variation in metabolism of two model substrates, tetramethylbenzidine andpara-phenylenediamine, between populations. The enzyme preparation from the most resistant population had a higher affinity for both model substrates. This suggested that this population possessed a different monooxygenase and that this enzyme was more active in metabolizing the model substrates.
Exact scaling function of interface growth dynamics.

Strong-coupling properties of the Burgers\char21{}Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation describing nonequilibrium interface growth are studied. A physical coupling constant is defined and related to the height-height correlation function for arbitrary substrate dimension. In 1+1 dimensions, the exact universal coupling constant and scaling function are computed using a mode-coupling theory. It is found that a finite surface tension is generated from zero, suggesting that macroscopic properties are not affected by the absence of microscopic surface tension.
Catalysis and Inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Methionine Aminopeptidase

Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) carries out an important cotranslational N-terminal methionine excision of nascent proteins and represents a potential target to develop antibacterial and antitubercular drugs. We cloned one of the two MetAPs in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtMetAP1c from the mapB gene) and purified it to homogeneity as an apoenzyme. Its activity required a divalent metal ion, and Co(II), Ni(II), Mn(II) and Fe(II) were among activators of the enzyme. Co(II) and Fe(II) had the tightest binding, while Ni(II) was the most efficient cofactor for the catalysis. MtMetAP1c was also functional in E. coli cells, because a plasmid-expressed MtMetAP1c complemented the essential function of MetAP in E. coli and supported the cell growth. A set of potent MtMetAP1c inhibitors were identified, and they showed high selectivity towards the Fe(II)-form, the Mn(II)-form, or the Co(II)- and Ni(II)-forms of the enzyme, respectively. These metalloform selective inhibitors were used to assign the metalloform of the cellular MtMetAP1c. The fact that only the Fe(II)-form selective inhibitors inhibited the cellular MtMetAP1c activity and inhibited the MtMetAP1c-complemented cell growth suggests that Fe(II) is the native metal used by MtMetAP1c in an E. coli cellular environment. Finally, X-ray structures of MtMetAP1c in complex with three metalloform-selective inhibitors were analyzed, which showed different binding modes and different interactions with metal ions and active site residues.
Treatment of moyamoya syndrome in children

Abstract Moyamoya syndrome, a known cause of pediatric stroke, is a chronic cerebrovascular occlusive disorder of unknown etiology that can lead to severe, permanent neurologic disability. It is characterized by progressive stenosis of the distal intracranial carotid arteries and branches of the circle of Willis and the nearly simultaneous appearance of basal arterial collateral vessels, which vascularize hypoperfused brain distal to the occluded vessels. Most children with moyamoya syndrome present either with transient ischemic attacks or strokes. This review summarizes the current medical and surgical practices used in the treatment of moyamoya syndrome in children.
Multiaccess in all-optical networks with wavelength and code concurrency

Abstract A major obstacle in realizing fast packet switching in all-optical networks is the large tuning delays of tunable optical devices. This article proposes a multiaccess scheme for all-optical local area networks that employs both wavelength and code concurrency. In this scheme, several users share a wavelength channel through code multiplexing. The delay performance of hybrid wavelength/code division multiaccess is obtained under a simple, suboptimal access protocol based on cyclic search. Due to the reduction in the number of wavelength channels without an associated reduction in transmission concurrency, hybrid multiaccess is robust against tuning delays. At a given network throughput, the hybrid scheme achieves considerably lower delays than that of Wavelength Division Multiple Access even with a small amount of code concurrency. Conversely, the hybrid network can support a higher load when there is a maximum allowable value for the average packet delay.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment for inpatients with pulmonary exacerbations of cystic fibrosis: effects on spirometry findings and patient assessments of breathing, anxiety, and pain.

Context Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been studied in patients with various respiratory diseases. However, to the authors' knowledge, no studies have assessed the efficacy of OMT in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Objective To evaluate pulmonary function and perceptions of breathing, anxiety, and pain of CF patients who receive OMT in addition to standard inpatient management of pulmonary exacerbation. Methods In a single-blind randomized controlled trial, we assessed adult patients with a history of CF who were admitted to the hospital because of pulmonary exacerbation. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily standardized protocol of OMT or sham therapy. Both groups also received standard treatment for CF. Spirometry and questionnaire data (self-assessment of breathing, pain, and anxiety level) were collected before the first OMT or sham therapy session and after the final session. Results A total of 33 patients were included in the study: 16 in the OMT group and 17 in the sham therapy group. Improvements in spirometric parameters were observed in both the OMT and the sham therapy groups, with no statistically significant differences found between the groups. More patients in the OMT group than in the sham therapy group had questionnaire response patterns that indicated their breathing had improved during the study period (15 of 16 vs 8 of 16, respectively). No differences were found between groups for perceived improvement of pain and anxiety. Conclusion In the current study, CF patients who received OMT did not demonstrate statistically significant differences in pre- and posttreatment spirometry findings compared with CF patients who received sham therapy. Questionnaire findings suggest that OMT may affect CF patients' perception of overall quality of breathing. Additional studies are needed to assess the clinical use of OMT in patients with CF.
ANTIGEN DETECTION TEST FOR GROUP A BETA-HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCAL PHARYNGITIS THAT IS SUFFICIENTLY SENSITIVE FOR USE WITHOUT CONFIRMATORY CULTURES

An ADT for the rapid diagnosis of GABHS pharyngitis that uses optical immunoassay (OIA) technology has recently been developed and marketed (Strep A OIA, BioStar Inc., Boulder, CO). It has been claimed that the OIA is more sensitive than the blood agar plate (BAP) culture and that negative OIA test results do not require confirmation with a BAP culture1. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of the OIA as performed and interpreted in office practice settings with the accuracy of the BAP culture as performed and interpreted under similar conditions. Because neither the BAP culture nor the OIA test has a sensitivity or specificity of 100%, a “gold standard” had to be established against which the accuracy of each of these tests could be determined. The “gold standard” against which the sensitivity and specificity of both the BAP culture and OIA (as performed and interpreted in the office) were determined was a combination of BAP culture with serologic confirmation of GABHS and Todd-Hewitt broth (THB)-enhanced culture as performed and interpreted in either of two streptococcal research laboratories.
A written language intervention for at-risk second grade students: a randomized controlled trial of the process assessment of the learner lesson plans in a tier 2 response-to-intervention (RtI) model

In a randomized controlled trial, 205 students were followed from grades 1 to 3 with a focus on changes in their writing trajectories following an evidence-based intervention during the spring of second grade. Students were identified as being at-risk (n = 138), and then randomized into treatment (n = 68) versus business-as-usual conditions (n = 70). A typical group also was included (n = 67). The writing intervention comprised Lesson Sets 4 and 7 from the Process Assessment of the Learner (PAL), and was conducted via small groups (three to six students) twice a week for 12 weeks in accordance with a response-to-intervention Tier 2 model. The primary outcome was the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-II Written Expression Scale. Results indicated modest support for the PAL lesson plans, with an accelerated rate of growth in writing skills following treatment. There were no significant moderator effects, although there was evidence that the most globally impaired students demonstrated a more rapid rate of growth following treatment. These findings suggest the need for ongoing examination of evidence-based treatments in writing for young elementary students.
Hypoxic reactive oxygen species regulate the integrated stress response and cell survival.

Under hypoxic conditions, cells suppress energy-intensive mRNA translation by modulating the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and pancreatic eIF2α kinase (PERK) pathways. Much is known about hypoxic inhibition of mTOR activity; however, the cellular processes activating PERK remain unclear. Since hypoxia is known to increase intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), we hypothesized that hypoxic ROS regulate mTOR and PERK to control mRNA translation and cell survival. Our data indicate that although exogenous ROS inhibit mTOR, eIF2α, and eEF2, mTOR and eEF2 were largely refractory to ROS generated under moderate hypoxia (0.5% O2). In direct contrast, the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 integrated stress response (ISR) was activated by hypoxic ROS and contributed to global protein synthesis inhibition and adaptive ATF4-mediated gene expression. The ISR as well as exogenous growth factors were critical for cell viability during extended hypoxia, since ISR inhibition decreased the viability of cells deprived of O2 and growth factors. Collectively, our data support an important role for ROS in hypoxic cell survival. Under conditions of moderate hypoxia, ROS induce the ISR, thereby promoting energy and redox homeostasis and enhancing cellular survival.
Declaration of Independence by CFTR's Transmembrane Domains

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) is a unique member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily in that it functions as an ATP-gated chloride channel. Recent cysteine scanning studies in our lab demonstrate that both the sixth transmembrane segment (TM6) and its C-terminal counterpart, TM12, play pivotal roles in chloride permeation and are also involved in gating conformational changes. Here, to study the functional role of TM1 in gating and permeation, we introduced cysteine residues into this TM and assessed their reactivity towards internally-applied thiol-directed methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents. Our initial cysteine scanning experiments (1-2 patches for each cysteine-substituted cysless-CFTR channels) identified four positive hits, including E92, K95, Q98 and L102, where the negatively-charged MTSES reacting with engineered cysteines diminishes ATP-induced current. Surprisingly, according to the CFTR topology based on hydropathy plots, all these positions reside in the external half of TM1- contrary to results with TM6 and TM12. We also found that modification by the positively-charged MTSET enhances macroscopic current in K95C-, Q98C-, and L102C-cysless-CFTR channels. Intriguingly, at the single-channel level, we observed that whereas the mutation L102C appears to destabilize the gate, deposition of the MTSET adduct decreases the single-channel current amplitude but increases the Po. Moreover, channel gating persisted even after a complete removal of ATP, raising the possibility that gating motion in the TMDs of modified L102C channels is independent of that in their NBDs. Finally, MTSET modification of L102C is state-dependent, meaning that L102C-cysless-CFTR channels do not respond to the treatment of MTSET in the absence of ATP. These findings suggest that either position 102 moves during gating or gating motion in other regions of CFTR alters its reactivity towards MTSET. Overall, our preliminary data reveal several interesting yet enigmatic aspects of TM1 that call for further studies.
Core transport of lithium and carbon in ELM-free discharges with lithium wall conditioning in NSTX

Core transport of intrinsic carbon and lithium impurities is analysed in H-mode discharges in NSTX. The application of lithium coatings on graphite plasma-facing components led to high-performance H-mode discharges with edge localized mode (ELM) suppression and resulted in core carbon accumulation. Lithium ions did not accumulate and had densities less than 1% of carbon densities. Core transport codes NCLASS, NEO and MIST are used to assess the impact of lithium evaporative coatings on impurity transport. The disappearance of ELMs, due to changes in the electron pressure profiles, together with modifications in neoclassical transport, due to changes in main ion temperature and density profiles, explains the core carbon accumulation in discharges with lithium coatings. Residual anomalous transport in the pedestal region is needed to explain the experimental carbon density profile shape and evolution. The enhancement in neoclassical lithium particle diffusivities due to the high carbon concentration is partially responsible for the low lithium core concentration.
Magnetic resonance imaging of pelvic organ prolapse: comparing pubococcygeal and midpubic lines with clinical staging

Introduction and hypothesis The aim of the study was to determine which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reference line for staging pelvic organ prolapse, the pubococcygeal line (PCL) vs. the midpubic line (MPL), has the highest agreement with clinical staging.
Symbolic eigenvalue analysis for adaptive stepsize control in PNS shock stabilization

Abstract Parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) solution techniques for high speed compressible flow involve marching in a “time like” spatial coordinate but have been observed in practice to be sensitive to flow conditions and require stabilization by numerical dissipation techniques. In this study we develop an eigenvalue analysis for shock stability. Using the algebraic symbolic manipulator MACSYMA, an explicit closed-form solution for the shock system eigenvalues is developed. This is then applied on the evolving shock contour to determine the stability limit on the PNS stepsize. Numerical experiments confirm the validity of the approach and demonstrate that the approach can be implemented explicitly to yield an adaptive stepsize algorithm and thereby a more robust PNS scheme.
Crosstalk-Aware Energy Efficient Encoding for Instruction Bus through Code Compression

Code compression techniques have been proposed to mitigate the problem of limited memory resources in embedded systems. As technology scales, reducing on-chip bus energy consumption is becoming important for embedded system designers. In this paper, we propose a crosstalk-aware energy-efficient code compression scheme, which can reduce inter-wire coupling transition induced instruction bus energy consumption, without sacrificing compression ratio. The experimental results show that the bus power consumption due to inter-wire coupling transition alone is reduced by 42-68% and the total bus power consumption is reduced by 55-71% for TMS320C6x benchmarks.
What is the role of axillary lymph node dissection, if any, in breast cancer treatment?

94s (2012). 20 Kuehn T, Bauerfeind I, Fehm T et al. Sentinel-lymph-node biopsy in patients with breast cancer before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (SENTINA): a prospective, multicentre cohort study. Lancet Oncol. 14,
Clutch Sizes, Fledging Success, and Nest-site Characteristics of Sharp-shinned Hawks in Kentucky

Abstract Because Sharp-shinned Hawks (Accipiter striatus) are among the most secretive of North America's forest-breeding raptors, little is known about their breeding biology, including the characteristics of their nesting habitat. In 2009 and 2010, we searched forest stands in Kentucky and located 11 nests, all in pines (Pinus spp.). Nests were at a mean height of 18.6 ± 1.4 m in trees with a mean height of 23.7 m. Comparison of the characteristics of nest sites and randomly selected unused sites revealed significant differences (P = 0.021). Discriminant analysis revealed that six variables (foliage cover, mean tree height, basal area, percent deciduous canopy cover, distance from edge, and distance from road) permitted the best discrimination between used and random sites. Sharp-shinned Hawks nested in areas closer to edges and in areas with denser stands of taller conifers and denser understory. All nests were in stands of young (∼25–50 years), even-aged conifers about 18–25 m in height. Nest sites ...
OoOJava: software out-of-order execution

Developing parallel software using current tools can be challenging. Even experts find it difficult to reason about the use of locks and often accidentally introduce race conditions and deadlocks into parallel software. OoOJava is a compiler-assisted approach that leverages developer annotations along with static analysis to provide an easy-to-use deterministic parallel programming model. OoOJava extends Java with a task annotation that instructs the compiler to consider a code block for out-of-order execution. OoOJava executes tasks as soon as their data dependences are resolved and guarantees that the execution of an annotated program preserves the exact semantics of the original sequential program. We have implemented OoOJava and achieved an average speedup of 16.6x on our ten benchmarks.
Idiopathic true brachial artery aneurysm in an 18-month-old girl

An 18-month-old girl was transferred to our university hospital for the management of a 12-mm brachial artery aneurysm found by her mother while the child was being bathed. The patient had had an uneventful vaginal delivery, had met all milestones, and there was no evidence or history of physical trauma. No dysmorphic physical attributes were identified on careful examination. There was also no family history of childhood illnesses, aneurysmal disease, or rheumatic or connective tissue diseases. A whole-body computed tomography angiography demonstrated the partially thrombosed left brachial artery aneurysm with a well-developed profunda brachial artery (A; Cover). There werenootherectatic, aneurysmalor tortuousarteries.Resultsof complete laboratoryassessments, including standard rheumatologic assays were all negative. The lack of long-term data supporting ligation of such an aneurysm vis-a-vis extremity growth and the minimal morbidity of vein bypass in this setting prompted the family to consider brachial artery reconstruction. Preoperativegreat saphenous veinmappingdemonstratedvenousdiametersof15mmin the thighs. The patient was taken to the operating room for brachial artery excision and reconstruction with vascular and microvascular surgical teams. A great saphenous vein segment was isolated from the left thigh while the aneurysm was exposed (B) and controlled with microvascular clips (C). Aneurysmectomy and reconstruction with reversed great saphenous vein sewn end-to-end with 9-0 interrupted nylon suture was performed (D), similar to the description of other reports. An excellent graft Doppler signal and palpable pulses at the wrist were present at the conclusion of the procedure. Final pathology, shown as a cross-sectional image of the brachial aneurysm with elastin stain (E), revealed a true aneurysm with extensive thrombus and florid fibrointimal proliferative ingrowth without evidence of infection or arteritis.
Biochemical factors regulating the toughening and tenderization processes of meat

The purpose of this manuscript is to present a brief review of the biochemical basis for longissimus toughening and tenderization processes. Also, to explore the potential technologies that can be developed based on this knowledge to reduce variation in tenderness, thus, improving consumer acceptance of meat. Results suggest that after slaughter longissimus has low to intermediate shear force values (probably tender). Rigor development-induced changes increase its shear force. Maximum toughness is observed between 12 to 24 h post mortem. The toughening process seems to occur equally in all carcasses. Post-mortem storage at refrigerated conditions tenderizes longissimus. Post-mortem tenderization is caused by enzymatic degradation of key myofibrillar and associated proteins. The function of these proteins is to maintain the structural integrity of myofibrils. Current data indicates that μ-calpain is responsible for degradation of these proteins. Unlike the toughening process, there exists a large variation in the rate and extent of tenderization which is responsible for variation in tenderness at the consumer level. Potential strategies for the control of the variation in meat tenderness are discussed.
Concurrent Tracking and Detection of Slowly Moving Targets using Dynamic Logic

We describe a new approach for combining range and Doppler radar data to perform multi-target detection and tracking. The algorithm framework is based upon dynamic logic, a biologically-inspired neural architecture, which yields advantages over conventional multi-target tracking algorithms by reducing the computational complexity during data association by several orders of magnitude. The algorithm is tested on experimental range-plus-Doppler radar data, and the results demonstrate a surprising degree of robustness in the presence of nonhomogeneous clutter and uncertainty in the number of targets
A clinical and serologic comparison of African American and Caucasian patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objective Epidemiology studies suggest that systemic sclerosis (SSc) is more common, occurs at a younger age, and is more severe in African Americans than Caucasians. However, the scleroderma autoantibody profile is very different between these 2 ethnic groups. This study was undertaken to examine the demographic and disease features, frequency and severity of internal organ system involvement, and survival in African American patients compared to Caucasian patients with SSc, giving particular attention to their serum autoantibody profiles. Methods Demographic features, clinical characteristics, autoantibody profile, organ involvement, and survival were studied in consecutive African American and Caucasian patients with SSc whose visits were recorded between 1972 and 2007 as part of the Pittsburgh Scleroderma Database. The Medsger Severity Score for SSc was used to determine the severity of disease. Results African American patients were more likely to have anti–topoisomerase I (anti–topo I), anti–U1 RNP, and anti–U3 RNP autoantibodies. In comparing African American and Caucasian patients with these antibodies, pulmonary fibrosis was found to be more frequent and more severe, and the rate of survival was decreased, in African American patients with anti–topo I antibodies compared to Caucasian patients with anti–topo I. Pulmonary fibrosis was also more severe in the anti–U1 RNP–positive patients, but this was not associated with a difference in survival between African Americans and Caucasians. Anti–U3 RNP was associated with more severe gastrointestinal involvement in African Americans compared to Caucasians. Conclusion African Americans with SSc have more severe disease complications compared to Caucasians with SSc, and this is associated with both the type of autoantibody present and the severity of interstitial lung disease. Thus, it is hoped that early aggressive intervention in African Americans with interstitial lung disease will improve outcomes.
Comparison of Patterns of Genetic Variation and Demographic History in the Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus): Relevance for Conservation

The greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) was once widespread in western North America but its range has contracted by an uncertain degree owing to anthropogenic and natural causes. Concern over population declines has led to its proposed listing as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Detailed genetic and demographic analyses of this species throughout its range are available but heretofore have not been compared. Reduced genetic vari- ability is often taken as a proxy for declining populations, but rarely are there quantitative population estimates with which to compare. I compared published mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences, microsatellite allele frequencies at seven loci, and estimates of numbers of males per lek, number of active leks, percent decline in the best population models, and the probability (P) of Ne < 50 in 30 years and P(Ne < 500) in 100 years, at two spatial scales, 45 local population samples and 16 larger aggregates of samples. When excluding the populations from the Columbia Basin, which show little genetic diversity and are statistical outliers, there were no consistent relationships between estimates of genetic variation and demographic trends across the remainder of the range at either spatial scale. A measure of inbreed- ing derived from microsatellite data was also not related to population trends. Thus, despite habitat reduction and range fragmentation, the greater sage-grouse does not exhibit expected genetic signatures of declining populations. Possibly, the mtDNA and microsatellite data are insufficiently sensitive to detect population declines that have occurred over the span of a half century. Alternatively, only when populations are reduced to the levels seen in the Columbia Basin will genetic effects be seen, suggesting that the bulk of the range of the greater sage-grouse is not currently in genetic peril.
Multiyear slant-path rain fade statistics at 28.56 GHz for Wallops Island, VA

Multiyear rain fade statistics at 28.56 GHz have been compiled for the region of Wallops Island, VA, covering the time periods April 1, 1977-March 31, 1978, and September 1, 1978-August 31, 1979. The 28.56-GHz attenuations were derived by monitoring the beacon signals from the Comstar geosynchronous satellite, D_{2} , during the first year, and satellite, D_{3} , during the second year. Comparisons are made of yearly, monthly, and time of day fade statistics for the first, second, and combined years. Although considerable year to year variations in exceedance times exist for the monthly and time of day fade statistics, the overall fade distributions for the individual years showed relatively small differences. For example, comparing the second year fades relative to those of the first year at equal percentages of time, less than 20 percent rms deviation was found. The year to year variations of rain rate distributions are also examined and show consistently small differences. The resultant fade distribution at 28.56 GHz for Wallops Island, VA, are compared with that arrived at using a prediction method which is a recent refinement of the International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR) global model, and an rms decibel deviation of less than 14 percent was noted.
A fair multi-party non-repudiation scheme for storage clouds

Data storage is one of the most profitable applications in Clouds. Although a transparent service model is convenient, it may be subject to the loss of data integrity. Our study revealed vulnerabilities in some commercial Cloud storage services. We analyzed the repudiation problem in a Cloud environment. In this paper, we propose a new multi-party non-repudiation (MPNR) scheme to fix the issue. Rationale behind the new scheme and a description of its operation are provided. We also discussed its robustness against typical network attacks.
SUPPORTING DECISION MAKING AND ACTION SELECTION UNDER TIME PRESSURE AND UNCERTAINTY: THE CASE OF IN-FLIGHT ICING

Operators in high-risk domains such as aviation often need to make decisions under time pressure and uncertainty. One way to support them in this task is through the introduction of decision support systems (DSSs). The present study examined the effectiveness of two different DSS implementations: status and command displays. Twenty-seven pilots (9 pilots each in a baseline, status, and command group) flew 20 simulated approaches involving icing encounters. Accuracy of the decision aid (a smart icing system), familiarity with the icing condition, timing of icing onset, and autopilot usage were varied within subjects. Accurate information from either decision aid led to improved handling of the icing encounter. However, when inaccurate information was presented, performance dropped below that of the baseline condition. The cost of inaccurate information was particularly high for command displays and in the case of unfamiliar icing conditions. Our findings suggest that unless perfect reliability of a decision aid can be assumed, status displays may be preferable to command displays in high-risk domains (e.g., space flight, medicine, and process control), as the former yield more robust performance benefits and appear less vulnerable to automation biases.
CEO Duality Leadership And Firm Risk-Taking Propensity

Based on a sample of 290 large U.S. corporations, we find that dual positioning on both CEO and board chairperson positions at the corporate top leads to reduced firm risk-taking propensity, serving managerial risk minimization preferences. We also find empirical evidence that traditionally emphasized control mechanisms of board independence and managerial ownership are ineffective in controlling managerial behavior when CEO duality leadership exists. Additionally, the power balance obtained from concentrated shareholder ownership in the firm has significant impact on controlling managerial behavior regarding firm risk taking. The findings of this research contribute to reducing the controversy surrounding CEO duality leadership by furnishing empirical evidence of how CEO duality leadership in corporate governance structure affects managerial behavior in corporate strategic management.