cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity in the cat lumbosacral spinal cord and the effects of multiple dorsal rhizotomies.

This study determined the extent of the rostral projection of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive (CGRP-IR) primary afferents in the cat lumbosacral spinal cord. To do this we examined the distribution of CGRP-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) contralateral and ipsilateral to multiple dorsal rhizotomies. In the contralateral dorsal spinal cord, CGRP-IR fibers dwere mostly observed in Lissauer's tract, the dorsal columns, and laminae I, II, and V. Fewer CGRP-IR fibers were observed in laminae III, IV, and VI and the area around the central canal. The location of the CGRP-LI suggests that the afferents arose from nociceptors. Unilateral dorsal rhizotomies of five consecutive segments in the lumbar enlargement caused a substantial although incomplete loss of CGRP-LI in the rhizotomized dorsal spinal cord ipsilateral to the lesions. The majority of the remaining CGRP-IR fibers were located in Lissauer's tract, the dorsal columns, and the lateral part of laminae I and V. Ventral rhizotomies or an ipsilateral hemisection in the most rostral rhizotomized segment, in addition to the dorsal rhizotomies, had no noticeable effect upon the density or location of the remaining CGRP-LI. These results suggest that the majority of the CGRP-LI within the rhizotomized region of spinal cord was contained within branches of small-diameter primary afferents that entered the spinal cord through intact dorsal roots located caudal to the rhizotomized segments of spinal cord. It is concluded that CGRP-IR small-diameter primary afferents are capable of projecting at least five segments beyond their segment of entry and supplying collaterals to the superficial and deeper layers of the dorsal horn involved in the processing of nociceptive information.
Optimizing Concurrency Through Automated Lock Memory Tuning in DB2

Lock memory consumption can be difficult to project and can vary rapidly in short amounts of time. This volatility makes lock memory tuning difficult and can result in either significant memory waste if systems are configured for peak requirements, or lock escalation and lock wait if under configured; either of which can cause significant performance penalties. This paper describes an algorithm for adaptive tuning of database lock memory. The DB2 technique adapts the locking memory in real time to mitigate the occurrence of lock escalations. The technique uses a combination of synchronous and asynchronous modification to the locking structures so that it can respond well to rapid immediate growth in locking requirements. The adaptive algorithm also relaxes the locking memory over time so that peak requirements in lock memory will not result in a permanently large allocation of memory to locks. Experimental tests have shown this technique to work well in a number of benchmark and adaptive workloads, converging almost immediately to optimal settings which avoid lock escalations and achieve optimal throughput. The solution has been implemented in DB2 9.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: an etiology for idiopathic priapism?

ABSTRACT Introduction Efforts to identify the health risk associations for priapism may reveal pathophysiologic mechanisms for the disorder and suggest a scientifically rational approach for correcting it. Aim We describe a clinical presentation of idiopathic recurrent priapism in a patient with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and consider a possible nitric oxide (NO)-dependent mechanistic basis from which the medical condition causes priapism. Methods The case report profiled a 35-year-old African-American man with G6PD deficiency who presented with a rapid progression of recurrent priapism episodes. He was outwardly healthy and did not have sickle cell disease or trait by hematologic screening. His management featured use of a long-term, continuous phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor therapeutic regimen. Main Outcome Measures Clinical history data and response to PDE5 inhibitor therapy. Results After a 3-month duration of PDE5 inhibitor therapy, priapism recurrences were sufficiently resolved and the patient discontinued therapy. At 18-month clinical follow-up, he experienced only minor priapism recurrences and retention of full erectile ability. Conclusions G6PD deficiency offers an explanation for idiopathic priapism. The medical condition generates a pathophysiologic milieu consistent with aberrant NO signaling and heightened oxidative stress in the penis. Burnett AL, and Bivalacqua TJ. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: An etiology for idiopathic priapism? J Sex Med 2008;5:237–240.
Performance evaluation of input devices in trajectory-based tasks: an application of the steering law

Choosing input devices for interactive systems that best suit users needs remains a challenge, especially consid- ering the increasing number of devices available. The choice often has to be made through empirical evalua- tions. The most frequently used evaluation task hitherto is target acquisition, a task that can be accurately modeled by Fitts law. However, todays use of computer input devices has gone beyond target acquisition alone. In particular, we often need to perform trajectory-based tasks, such as drawing, writing, and navigation. This paper illustrates how a recently discovered model, the steering law, can be applied as an evaluation paradigm complementary to Fitts law. We tested five commonly used computer input devices in two steering tasks, one linear and one circular. Results showed that subjects performance with the five devices could be generally classified into three groups in the following order: 1. the tablet and the mouse, 2. the trackpoint, 3. the touch- pad and the trackball. The steering law proved to hold for all five devices with greater than 0.98 correlation. The ability to generalize the experimental results and the limitations of the steering law are also discussed.
Interactive sense feedback for difficult queries

Ambiguity of query terms is a common cause of inaccurate retrieval results. Existing work has mostly focused on studying how to improve retrieval accuracy by automatically resolving word sense ambiguity. However, fully automatic sense identification and disambiguation is a very challenging task. In this work, we propose to involve a user in the process of disambiguation through interactive sense feedback and study the potential effectiveness of this novel feedback strategy. We propose several general methods to automatically identify the major senses of query terms based on global analysis of document collection and generate concise representations of the discovered senses to the users. This feedback strategy does not rely on initial retrieval results, and thus can be especially useful for improving the results of difficult queries. We evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed methods for sense identification and presentation through simulation experiments and user studies, which both indicate that sense feedback strategy is a promising alternative to the existing interactive feedback techniques such as relevance feedback and term feedback.
Introduction to ACCORD-PMI: the Advisory Council on Care Optimization to Reduce Death Post-MI.

l o c a a D s t p D l c l H c s m t a c L t s t n 2002, the number of patients discharged from US hospials after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was estimated onservatively at 942,000. About 85% of these patients had myocardial infarction (MI) and the remaining 15% expeienced unstable angina without MI.1 When secondary disharge diagnoses are included, the corresponding number of ospital discharges that year for ACS was approximately 1.7 illion: 973,000 for MI and 728,000 for unstable angina.1 The ercentage of patients with ACS who have ST-segment levation MI is estimated at 30%–45%.1 First-time MIs ccount for approximately 65% of all events and the averge age at the time of MI is 65.8 years for men and 70.4 ears for women.1 The above numbers call attention to the revalence of MI in the United States and the need for ction to be taken to provide these patients with optimal edical care. This supplement to The American Journal of Cardiolo eviews the evidence and defines the therapeutic targets that ay improve outcomes in the post-MI patient with left entricular dysfunction (LVD). We begin with a back-
Multidimensional unfolding: Determining the dimensionality of ranked preference data

A model is proposed which treats rankings given by a group of judges as representing regions in an isotonic space of dimensionalityr. Three possible criteria for estimating lower bound dimensionality are discussed: mutual boundary, cardinality, and the occurrence of transposition groups. Problems associated with each criterion are mentioned.
Treatment of oral granulation tissue with the flashlamp pulsed dye laser

background. Surgical excision and debridement is the standard therapy for cutaneous and intraoral pyogenic granulomas (PGs). Occasionally the mass of granulation tissue proves unresponsive to the usual treatment methods. objective. We report a case in which the flashlamp pulsed dye laser (PDL), previously reported as useful in cutaneous PGs, was used in a patient with persistent granulation tissue around dental implant posts. methods. An illustrative case is presented with a brief discussion of the use of lasers in dentistry and in the treatment of PGs. results. Previously resolute tissue responded well to a series of treatments with the PDL. conclusion. The PDL may have utility in this oral condition, providing a new venue for cooperation between dentists and dermatologists.
Incomplete sagittal fracture of the talus in 11 racehorses: outcome

Summary Reasons for performing study: Little information exists regarding talus fractures in the horse and there have been no previously published case series of racehorses diagnosed with incomplete sagittal fracture of the talus. Objective: To describe the diagnosis, treatment and post injury performance of horses with incomplete sagittal fracture of the talus. Methods: Medical records of 11 racehorses (8 Standardbreds and 3 Thoroughbreds) admitted between January 1992 and January 1999 were reviewed. Subject details, anamnesis, results of lameness examination, radiographs and nuclear scintigraphic findings were evaluated. Racing performance was assessed by comparing pre- and post injury race records. Results: Nuclear scintigraphic examination, performed in 8 of the 11 horses, revealed focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the proximal aspect of the affected talus. Fractures could best be seen on dorsal 10–20° lateral-plantaromedial oblique radiographs; all had raced pre-injury. All horses were treated conservatively and follow-up information was available for 8 horses, of which 7 raced after injury. Performance in 3 horses was improved, in 1 it was unchanged and in 3 horses performance declined. Conclusions: Horses with incomplete fracture of the talus have a good prognosis for return to racing after conservative management. Potential relevance: Incomplete sagittal fracture of the talus should be considered as a cause of hindlimb lameness in racehorses. Further research is necessary to determine the pathophysiology of these fractures.
Enzyme-Retted Flax Using Different Formulations and Processed Through the USDA Flax Fiber Pilot Plant

SUMMARY Mature Ariane flax was retted with various proportions of the commercial enzyme mixture Viscozyme L (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% of product as supplied) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (4,7, and 18 mM) from Mayoquest 200. Retted material was then cleaned through the USDA Flax Fiber Pilot Plant (Flax-PP) consisting of the following: 9-roller crushing colander, top shaker, scutching wheel, and 5-roller grooved colander. To simulate cottonization of fiber for use in textiles, the Flax-PP-cleaned fiber was passed 1 × through a Shirley Analyzer. Fiber yields and properties (strength, elongation, fineness, and color), which were determined for the various processing stages, were influenced by various formulations and by processing stage. For this flax sample, 0.05% Viscozyme plus 18 mM EDTA produced the highest yield of Flax-PP and Shirley-cleaned fibers, strong fine fibers of light color, and the strongest coarse fibers from Shirley by-product material.
Counterexamples to optimal permutation schedules for certain flow shop problems

It is well known that a minimal makespan permutation sequence exists for the n × 3 flow shop problem and for the n × m flow shop problem with no inprocess waiting when processing times for both types of problems are positive. It is shown in this paper that when the assumption of positive processing times is relaxed to include nonnegative processing times, optimality of permutation schedules cannot be guaranteed.
Remodeling the host environment: modulation of the gastric epithelium by the Helicobacter pylori vacuolating toxin (VacA)

Virulence mechanisms underlying Helicobacter pylori persistence and disease remain poorly understood, in part, because the factors underlying disease risk are multifactorial and complex. Among the bacterial factors that contribute to the cumulative pathophysiology associated with H. pylori infections, the vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) is one of the most important. Analogous to a number of H. pylori genes, the vacA gene exhibits allelic mosaicism, and human epidemiological studies have revealed that several families of toxin alleles are predictive of more severe disease. Animal model studies suggest that VacA may contribute to pathogenesis in several ways. VacA functions as an intracellular-acting protein exotoxin. However, VacA does not fit the current prototype of AB intracellular-acting bacterial toxins, which elaborate modulatory effects through the action of an enzymatic domain translocated inside host cells. Rather, VacA may represent an alternative prototype for AB intracellular acting toxins that modulate cellular homeostasis by forming ion-conducting intracellular membrane channels. Although VacA seems to form channels in several different membranes, one of the most important target sites is the mitochondrial inner membrane. VacA apparently take advantage of an unusual intracellular trafficking pathway to mitochondria, where the toxin is imported and depolarizes the inner membrane to disrupt mitochondrial dynamics and cellular energy homeostasis as a mechanism for engaging the apoptotic machinery within host cells. VacA remodeling of the gastric environment appears to be fine-tuned through the action of the Type IV effector protein CagA which, in part, limits the cytotoxic effects of VacA in cells colonized by H. pylori.
Solubility of colloidal ferric hydroxide

Considerable evidence supports the concept that phosphate1–4, trace-metal cations5–7, and rare-earth elements8 are strongly influenced by chemical interactions with suspended solids in turbid rivers and estuaries. Among the most active of suspended particu-lates are metal-hydroxide colloids, which exist as dispersions or as surface coatings on larger suspended solids. Elucidation of the chemical mechanisms governing colloidal and dissolved species interactions is hampered by ignorance concerning fundamental chemical parameters describing the colloidal phases. Colloidal ferric hydroxides have long been known to interact with a variety of dissolved species in natural waters, yet reported solubility products for ferric hydroxides range over three orders of magnitude9. Without such fundamental information, more refined issues, such as the extent to which solid solution formation governs dissolved species, are impossible to resolve. Here we re-examine the solubility properties for colloidal ferric hydroxide reported over the past 60 years, and combine them with results from experi-ments with dialysed ferric-hydroxide suspension performed in this laboratory. After correction of historical data for ferric complexation and variations in ionic strengths, the combined data are consistent with the mass action equation, αFe3+α2.35OH = 10−31.7 where α, is the activity of species i.
The development of the arterial outflow tract in the chick embryo heart

Bloodstream flow patterns have been outlined in the arterial outflow tract (ventricular outflow tract and bulbus arteriosus) of the chick embryo heart during the period in which septation takes place, Hemodynamic factors underlying flow changes during this period are discussed. The mapping of flow patterns did not support the concept of a conoventricular flange reported previously. Septation was found to take place between two separate and discrete bloodstreams. The cellular nature of the aorticopulmonary septum has been described. The spiral ridges that form this septum expand by cellular growth, explaining the ability of this septum to develop against the direction of blood flow. The aorticopulmonary septum divides about two-thirds of the arterial outflow tract; the final partitioning of the most proximal portion of the outflow tract was found to take place by means of the apposition of endocardial cushion tissue masses. Failure of aorticopulmonary septum development (truncus arteriosus communis persistens) was found to follow fusion of the bloodstreams in experimental studies. In experimental aortic stenosis the appearance of a small left stream was found to be followed by the development of a stenotic aorta. Thus in the first instance the septum apparently cannot develop unless the streams remain separate and in the second case the size of the prhnordial bloodstreams appears to determine the diameter of the vessel.
Dominance, Information, and Hierarchical Scaling of Variance Space

A method for computation of dominance rela tions and for construction of their corresponding hierarchical structures is presented. It is shown that variance can be computed from the squared pair- wise differences between scores and that dominance indices are actually linear transformations of vari ances. The interpretation of variance as a quantita tive measure of information is suggested and con ceptual partition of variance into components as sociated with relational spaces is proposed. The link between dominance and variance allows in tegration of the mathematical theory of information with least squares statistical procedures without re course to logarithmic transformations of the data.
Courtship Behavior of the Small-Mouthed Salamander (Ambystoma Texanum): the Effects of Conspecific Males On Male Mating Tactics

1. The courtship behavior of A. texanum consisted of a rapid nudging period followed by males producing many spermatophores, some of which were picked up by the female. Neither amplexus or leading by the male were integral components of courtship. Consequently, proposed geographic variation in A. texanum courtship remains unsubstantiated. 2. Courtship behavior of A. texanum and A. barbouri (formerly pond and stream form A. texanum, respectively) is very similar; only the location of courtship and perhaps the frequency of sexual interference tactics are different for these two sibling species. 3. A. texanum courtship is rapid, males produce large numbers of spermatophores per courtship and invest little courtship time per spermatophore, and intermale competition is extreme. 4. Male A. texanum promote their sexual success using sexual interference behavior (e.g. covering other spermatophores with their own) and to a lesser degree sexual defense behavior (e.g. forcefully nudging rival males). 5. Male sexual success is primarily enhanced directly - A. texanum males increase the number of spermatophores produced when at least two other males are courting the same female. The temporal allocation of these additional spermatophores is adaptive only if males are maximizing the number of ejaculates per female or breeding typically occurs in polygamous aggregations.
Neutrino mass matrix from S 4 symmetry

Abstract The cubic symmetry S 4 contains A 4 and S 3 , both of which have been used to study neutrino mass matrices. Using S 4 as the family symmetry of a complete supersymmetric theory of leptons, it is shown how the requirement of breaking S 4 at the seesaw scale without breaking supersymmetry enforces a special form of the neutrino mass matrix which exhibits maximal ν μ – ν τ mixing as well as zero U e 3 . In addition, ( ν e + ν μ + ν τ ) / 3 is naturally close to being a mass eigenstate, thus predicting tan 2 θ 12 to be near but not equal to 1/2.
Item-Analysis Programs: A Comparative Investigation of Performance.

This study was designed to describe and to compare five selected computer programs performing item analysis. A single set of data was processed by each of five item-analysis programs. Detailed comparisons were then tabulated using the following criteria: Run Characteristics, Limitations, and Analysis Features and Options. No one program was best for all applications. The comparisons provided should aid the researcher in choosing the program best suited to his analysis requirements.
Utility of Prechemotherapy Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function for Patients With Lymphoma

Abstract Background Published guidelines recommend baseline cardiac function testing before initiating anthracycline-based chemotherapy. These recommendations are based largely on consensus, and there is little information regarding how often testing leads to alterations in therapy or whether testing is able to predict subsequent cardiac toxicity. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma to determine whether there was a prechemotherapy evaluation of left ventricular function and whether findings from the evaluation led to alterations in therapy. Records also were reviewed to evaluate subsequent test results of cardiac function. Results We identified 309 patients with lymphoma between 2004 and 2012 with a planned anthracycline- or anthracenedione-based regimen. Of this total, 232 patients (75%) had a pretreatment cardiac evaluation. There were 201 patients (87%) in this group with no history of cardiac disease. Although 22 of these patients (11%) had abnormal echocardiograms, none had a change in therapy and no subsequent cases of cardiomyopathy were identified. Five of the remaining 179 patients with a normal cardiac evaluation developed a cardiomyopathy. Thirty-one patients had a history of cardiac disease, and only 4 patients had a change in therapy. There were 77 patients (25%) who did not have a prechemotherapy cardiac evaluation. No subsequent cases of cardiomyopathy were identified in this group. Conclusions Pretreatment evaluation rarely leads to a change in management and is not helpful in predicting subsequent cardiomyopathy. Guidelines that recommend evaluation of left ventricular function in all patients before anthracycline-based chemotherapy should be reexamined.
Production of volatile compounds by Muskmelon, Cucumis melo

Abstract The volatile constituents of ‘PMR 45’, ‘Top Mark’, ‘Honeydew’ and ‘Crenshaw’ cultivars of Muskmelon were examined by trapping the essence on Porapak Q and analysing the eluted compounds on wall coated open-tubular glass capillary columns. The relative concentrations of forty-three compounds were determined. Also, by direct sampling of gas from the fruit cavity of ‘PMR 45’ and ‘Top Mark’ cantaloupe cultivars, the relative concentrations of fifteen compounds were measured daily over a period of eight days. Computer-constructed arrays of chromatograms revealed trends in the progressive changes of volatile compounds produced by the ripening fruits. The volatile constituents measured in this study could be fitted into groups, depending on the pattern exhibited by the production of that compound. One group showed a continuously accelerating rate of production (e.g. ethyl esters, acetaldehyde, ethanol) and another increased rapidly and then plateaued (e.g. acetate esters).
III. Electrophysiological Studies of Face Processing in Williams Syndrome

Williams Syndrome (WMS) is a genetically based disorder characterized by pronounced variability in performance across different domains of cognitive functioning. This study examined brain activity linked to face-processing abilities, which are typically spared in individuals with WMS. Subjects watched photographic pairs of upright or inverted faces and indicated if the second face matched or did not match the first face. Results from a previous study with normal adults showed dramatic differences in the timing and distribution of ERP effects linked to recognition of upright and inverted faces. In normal adults, upright faces elicited ERP differences to matched vs. mismatched faces at approximately 320 msec (N320) after the onset of the second stimulus. This "N320" effect was largest over anterior regions of the right hemisphere. In contrast, the mismatch/match effect for inverted faces consisted of a large positive component between 400 and 1000 msec (P500) that was largest over parietal regions and was symmetrical. In contrast to normal adults, WMS subjects showed an N320-mismatch effect for both upright and inverted faces. Additionally, the WMS subjects did not display the N320 right-hemisphere asymmetry observed in the normal adults. WMS subjects also displayed an abnormally small negativity at 100 msec (N100) and an abnormally large negativity at 200 msec (N200) to both upright and inverted faces. This ERP pattern was observed in all subjects with WMS but was not observed in the normal controls. These results may be linked to increased attention to faces in subjects with WMS and might be specific to the disorder. These results were consistent with our ERP studies of language processing in WMS, which suggested abnormal cerebral specialization for spared cognitive functions in individuals with WMS.
A Chromatin Insulator Determines the Nuclear Localization of DNA

Chromatin insulators might regulate gene expression by controlling the subnuclear organization of DNA. We found that a DNA sequence normally located inside of the nucleus moved to the periphery when the gypsy insulator was placed within the sequence. The presence of the gypsy insulator also caused two sequences, normally found in different regions of the nucleus, to come together at a single location. Alterations in this subnuclear organization imposed by the gypsy insulator correlated with changes in gene expression that took place during the heat-shock response. These global changes in transcription were accompanied by dramatic alterations in the distribution of insulator proteins and DNA. The results suggest that the nuclear organization imposed by the gypsy insulator on the chromatin fiber is important for gene expression.
A USA national survey of program services provided by child advocacy centers

Abstract Objective: Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) are designed to improve the community collaborative response to child sexual abuse and the criminal justice processing of child sexual abuse cases. CACs, in existence for 16 years, now have standards for membership developed by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) that include nine core components. And yet no systematic examination of the CAC model exists. The purpose of this paper was to assess the variations within these core components as they exist in the field. Method: Using a stratified random sampling design, 117 CAC directors were interviewed using a semi-structured interview that was based on the NCA’s standards for membership. The eight core components of the CAC model examined in this study include: a child-friendly facility, a multidisciplinary team, an investigative child interview, a medical examination of the child, provision of mental health services, victim advocacy, case review, and case tracking. Results: Results reveal the CAC model has been widely adopted by both member and nonmember centers, although variations in implementation exist. Conclusions: Future developments in the CAC model must include evaluation of the model.
Lessons Learned From a New Elder Cohousing Community

As an alternative to traditional housing options, the first elder cohousing communities in the United States have recently emerged. This study reports findings from a mixed methods longitudinal evaluation of one such self-managed intentional community. Respondents were asked about the process of community building and the benefits/challenges of living in elder cohousing, using both surveys and in-depth interviews. Despite challenges, respondents indicated feelings of safety and comfort through being part of an interdependent community. Life improved after the first two years, when much foundational work was completed. Their experience reinforces the thought that elders can create and manage their own communities and provide mutual support.
Ariel's cycles of problem solving: An adolescent acquires the mathematics register ☆

Abstract This analysis illustrates the interdependency between developing mathematical understanding and using the specialized language unique to the discipline to express those understandings employing the mathematics register. Our focus is on Ariel, a 7th grade bilingual student from an urban district, over an 18-month period. He develops knowledge of both mathematics and the language (both oral and written) required for his successful problem solving and communication of this process. Three questions are addressed: (1) How does Ariel display his mathematical understanding during problem solving? (2) How does Ariel use the mathematics register while solving the problem? (3) What systems of representation, including language (oral and written), does Ariel bring to solving the problem? The findings show that initially, Ariel displays his mathematical understanding during his attempt to solve a specific algebraic problem; in this exploration of understanding algebraic ideas, he seeks to identify patterns. We follow his mathematical and language learning from this initial conjecture, to his reformulation and generalization of a rule. Eighteen months later, after studying algebra, Ariel attends to the systems of representation, including both the oral and written expression of the mathematics register. The findings underscore the assertion that students may not be in full command—for production and comprehension—of the mathematics register until they understand the underlying mathematics. Teachers should be encouraged to create situations in which students deploy all of their diverse repertories of mathematics knowledge and skills to the instructional tasks at hand, and to refine their use of the mathematics register.
Monoclonal Gammopathy–Associated Proliferative Glomerulonephritis

Monoclonal gammopathy is characterized by circulating monoclonal immunoglobulin owing to clonal proliferation of immunoglobulin-producing B lymphocytes or plasma cells. Clonal proliferation of B lymphocytes is seen in B-cell lymphoma/leukemia, and clonal plasma cell proliferation is seen in multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. The monoclonal immunoglobulin in the setting of a B-cell or plasma cell disorder can cause a proliferative glomerulonephritis via 2 mechanisms: (1) glomerular deposition of the monoclonal immunoglobulin with activation of the classical pathway of complement (direct mechanism), resulting in an immunoglobulin-positive C3-positive glomerulonephritis, and (2) glomerular deposition of complement factors of the alternative and terminal pathway via inhibition of alternative pathway-regulating proteins by the monoclonal immunoglobulin (indirect mechanism), resulting in immunoglobulin-negative C3-positive glomerulonephritis (C3 glomerulopathy). Evaluation should include serum and urine electrophoresis and immunofixation as well as serum-free light-chain assay. If a monoclonal immunoglobulin is detected on these tests, bone marrow biopsy or imaging is needed to exclude more advanced plasma cell dyscrasia. Evaluation of alternative pathway of complement should be done in patients with Ig-negative C3-positive glomerulonephritis. If monoclonal gammopathy is due to an underlying malignant disease such as myeloma, lymphoma, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia, then specific treatment should be aimed at treating the malignant disease, with the goal of eradicating the clonal cells producing the immunoglobulin. In contrast, if monoclonal gammopathy is due to a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, treatment options include bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone for a non-IgM monoclonal immunoglobulin and rituximab alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone for an IgM monoclonal immunoglobulin.
Artemisia annua extracts, artemisinin and 1,8-cineole, prevent fruit infestation by a major, cosmopolitan pest of apples.

Context: Extracts of Artemisia annua (L.) (Asteraceae) and artemisinins are used for treatment of malaria, parasitic infections and have potent anticancer properties in cell lines. Eucalyptus oil and 1,8-cineole have antimicrobial, immune-stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and spasmolytic effects. Codling moth, Cydia pomonella, (L.) (Tortricidae), is a major cosmopolitan pest of the apple, potentially causing damage translating to 40 billion US dollars per year, globally. Currently used control measures are either hazardous to agricultural workers and harmful to environment, or ineffective. The potential of plant-derived semiochemicals for codling moth control is heavily understudied.Objective: This study evaluated the potential of A. annua extracts, and two chemicals that this plant contains, artemisinin and 1,8-cineole, for preventing apple feeding and infestation by neonate Cydia pomonella larvae.Methods: We studied effects of A. annua extracts, artemisinin and 1,8-cineole on apple...
Making room for T cells.

Under conditions of lymphopenia, transferred naive T cells can undergo marked proliferation (1, 2) as a result of both T cell–receptor engagement and cytokine stimulation. Naive T cells that undergo this homeostatic proliferation also acquire characteristics of memory and effector cells as measured by phenotype, by hypersensitivity to antigen stimulation, and by increased production of IFN-γ. This phenomenon has been observed following the adoptive transfer of either naive, transgenic T cells or of polyclonal, wild-type T cells. Recent studies using recombination-activating gene-deficient (Rag–/–) mice, CD3e-deficient mice, and irradiated normal mice as recipients have shown that memory T cells do not revert to naive T cells under these conditions to fill the peripheral naive T cell pool, as originally postulated. Rather, after lymphopenia, homeostasis-driven proliferation restores only the memory T cell compartment, whereas thymopoiesis is required to reconstitute the naive T cell compartment (3, 4).
Vascular remodeling in the circulations of the lung

The lung is unique in its double sources of perfusion from the pulmonary and systemic circulations. One striking difference between the two circulations is the capacity for angiogenesis. The bronchial circulation has a capacity that seems quite similar to all systemic arteries, whereas the pulmonary circulation seems relatively inert in this regard. Extra-alveolar pulmonary arteries can grow somewhat in length, and septal capillaries seem to have the capability of reforming, but these processes do not seem to occur with nearly the same intensity associated with the bronchial arteries. In this review, we emphasize these differences between the two circulations of the lung, anticipating that future research will allow more focused probing into the molecular signaling that regulates the novel mechanistic and pathological pathways of each.
An advanced reactive ion etching process for very high aspect-ratio sub-micron wide trenches in silicon

Abstract This paper reports on a practical modification of the two-step time-multiplexed plasma etching recipe (also known as the Bosch process) to achieve high aspect-ratio sub-micron wide trenches in silicon. Mixed argon and oxygen plasma depassivation steps are introduced in between the passivation and etching phases to promote the anisotropic removal of the passivation layer at the base of the trench. Argon does not chemically react with polymers and silicon and removes the passivation layer only by physical sputtering. Therefore, it results in a highly anisotropic polymer etching process. This recipe can be easily integrated on conventional ICP equipment and the scalloping on the trench sidewall can potentially be reduced in size to less than 50 nm. To clean up all the passivation residues, a short oxygen plasma step is also added at the end of the cycle that effectively improves the uniformity of the etching profile over various opening sizes. Excellent anisotropy of the inserted argon depassivation step facilitates narrow trenches down to 130 nm wide and gap aspect-ratios as high as 40:1, extending the application of deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) processes into a new broad regime.
Network access control (NAC): An open source analysis of architectures and requirements

The main goal of NAC is to extend the security of networks to the end-point by measuring the authenticity, integrity and security posture of each end-point prior to granting network access. To do this, the following functional areas must be present: authentication/authorization, assessment of security posture, quarantine and remediation. This paper presents an overview of an in-depth NAC requirement analysis performed against three NAC products based entirely on open source literature. The emphasis of the analysis was to define functional and security gaps across all products and make recommendations to improve the overall security and interoperability of NAC products.
Isolation and characterization of non-defective transducing elements of bacteriophage φ80

Abstract Several nondefective, tryptophan-transducing derivatives of bacteriophage φ80 (φ80 pt) have been isolated which carry various segments of the tryptophan operon. Tryp+ transductants arising from infection by φ80 pt phages are distinguished from those resulting from defective transducing phages by having rough edges and lytic halos. The most frequently encountered type of φ80 pt is that carrying all the tryptophan genes except that specifying anthranilate synthetase. This suggests that in most events leading to transducing phage formation, a specific region in the tryptophan operon interacts with a homologous prophage region. Mutations in the tryptophan operon including both the localized ones and those of the T1r trypdel type can be rapidly mapped employing transduction frequency tests with the various φ80 pt phages. No correlation was found between buoyant densities of the φ80 pt phages and the amount of tryptophan genes incorporated into their genomes. This suggests that during formation of transducing phage unequal exchange of bacterial and phage genetic material occurs.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Insulin Levels Increase During Intravenous Insulin Infusions in Man

We hypothesized that plasma insulin crosses the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier and, as people gain weight, provides a physiological feedback signal to the central nervous system to inhibit food intake and further weight gain. However, it has not been demonstrated in man that insulin can enter the CSF from peripheral blood. To test whether increases in plasma insulin result in elevated CSF immunoreactive insulin (IRI) levels, we infused insulin iv in varying amounts approximating postprandial levels in eight normal subjects for 4.5 h. Euglycemia was maintained [88 +/- 3 (+/- SEM) mg/dl] by means of a variable glucose infusion. Samples were obtained every 30 min for measurements of insulin in peripheral plasma and insulin in lumbar CSF. Plasma IRI increased from a mean basal level of 12 +/- 1.2 microU/ml to a mean (during the 180- to 270-minute period) of 268 +/- 35 microU/ml. CSF IRI increased in all subjects during the infusion from a mean basal level of 0.9 +/- 0.1 microU/ml to a mean (during the 180- to 270-min period) of 2.8 +/- 0.4 microU/ml (P less than 0.006). By contrast, CSF IRI in two subjects who received an infusion of 0.9% saline did not increase. In summary, CSF insulin concentrations increased during peripheral infusions of insulin. This is the first demonstration in man that plasma insulin gains access to CSF and indicates a mechanism whereby peripheral insulin could provide a feedback signal to the central nervous system.
Associations among Selective Attention, Memory Bias, Cognitive Errors and Symptoms of Anxiety in Youth.

The purpose of this study was to examine the linkages among selective attention, memory bias, cognitive errors, and anxiety problems by testing a model of the interrelations among these cognitive variables and childhood anxiety disorder symptoms. A community sample of 81 youth (38 females and 43 males) aged 9-17 years and their parents completed measures of the child's anxiety disorder symptoms. Youth completed assessments measuring selective attention, memory bias, and cognitive errors. Results indicated that selective attention, memory bias, and cognitive errors were each correlated with childhood anxiety problems and provide support for a cognitive model of anxiety which posits that these three biases are associated with childhood anxiety problems. Only limited support for significant interrelations among selective attention, memory bias, and cognitive errors was found. Finally, results point towards an effective strategy for moving the assessment of selective attention to younger and community samples of youth.
Spectroscopic Investigations of Polyamido Amine Starburst Dendrimers with Reichardt's ET-30 Dye

The association between Reichardt's ET-30 dye and amine- and carboxylate-terminated polyamido amine (PAMAM) dendrimers was investigated and shown to be different from results reported for micelles and traditional polymers. The absorption spectra illustrated that the solvatochromic, microenvironmental polarity probe associated with PAMAM dendrimers in less polar regions with a polarity comparable to 1-decanol. Model compounds that mimic PAMAMs' surface groups and branching moieties were used to better define the associated dye's location and demonstrated that ET-30 penetrated beyond the dendrimer's surface groups, into the interfacial region. Additionally, changing sample preparation methods controlled the nature and extent of the dye/dendrimer association. Under certain experimental conditions, the dye/dendrimer complexes formed large aggregates.
The videoharp: an optical scanning MIDI controller

The videoharp is an optical-scanning musical instrument controller which senses multiple-finger gestures. It works by detecting the images of a performer's fingertips. From the images, the position and velocity of each fingertip is deduced. This information is translated into MIDI, which is then used to drive synthesizers for sound production. The translation is programmable, enabling the instrument to be played using different articulation techniques. The videoharp may be played with harp-like or keyboard-like gestures, by bowing or drumming motions, or by motions with no analogue in existing instrument technique.
Household possessions and wealth in agrarian states: Implications for archaeology

Abstract This paper deals with the problem of measuring household wealth from domestic artifactual remains. After an archaeologically useful definition and classification of wealth is presented, quantitative anthropological, sociological, and historical analyses demonstrating a strong association between household possessions and wealth are reviewed. Then, ethnographic and historical data on different functional categories of household goods are examined in order to assess their relative ability to predict wealth. Once the nature of the relationship between household possessions and wealth in the systemic context is specified, methodological problems influencing the detection of this relationship in the archaeological context are treated. It is concluded that household possessions are quite good wealth indicators in the systemic context, and that proper attention to a number of methodological issues allows archaeologists to take advantage of this relationship to measure household wealth in past societies.
Missile Defense Malpractice: U.S.-Russian Relations and Nuclear Fallacy

U.S.-Russian political relations took a turn for the worse in 2011–2012, especially in the latter year, a presidential election year in both the United States and Russia. Among the issues in contention as between Washington and Moscow was the American and NATO plan for phased deployment of missile defenses in Europe. Some prominent Russian officials and military experts regarded the proposed European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) plan for European missile defenses as a prospective threat to Russia's strategic nuclear deterrent. Russia's objections to NATO's missiles defenses are as much political as they are military-technical, and the 2012 return of Vladimir Putin to the Russian presidency renders uncertain the future of the U.S.-Russian ‘reset’ launched during the early years of the Obama administration.
21.5 A 3.24-to-8.45GHz low-phase-noise mode-switching oscillator

VCO design for cellular applications to achieve universal coverage for a wide range of frequencies (400MHz to 3700MHz) in different standards and meeting stringent out-of-band and in-band phase-noise (PN) requirements is a challenging task. The simplest method to generate I and Q signals in the LO is to use a frequency divide-by-2 which requires the VCO frequency to be an even multiple of fLO. This method is area efficient and superior for coexistence as it does not generate jammers in other bands. The technique in this work expands the VCO frequency range to ensure 2xfLO for all cellular bands, notably 3700MHz, with sufficient margin, and meets the most stringent PN specification for a SAW-less GSM transceiver.
Current methods for reducing intussusception: survey results

Intussusception is a common pediatric abdominal emergency, treated with image-guided reduction. Available techniques include fluoroscopic and ultrasonographic monitoring of liquid and air. The purpose of this study was to determine current practices and establish trends by comparing our findings with reports of previous surveys. This study is based on an e-mail survey sent to all 1,538 members of the Society for Pediatric Radiology. It included questions about demographics, presence of parents/surgeon during procedure, patient selection/preparation, use of sedation, preferred methods of reduction and technical details, approach to unsuccessful reduction, and self-reported incidence of success/perforation. The 456 respondents (30%) reported attempting 3,834 reductions in the preceding 12 months. Of these, 96% use fluoroscopy and 4% use US guidance for reduction; 78% use air, 20% prefer fluid; 75% require intravenous access; 63% expect a surgeon to be present in hospital; 93% do not sedate. Although inflating a rectal balloon is controversial, 39% do so, and 50% employ a pressure-release valve. Seventy-two percent attempt reductions three times in the same position. In case of unsuccessful reductions, 64% wait and re-attempt later, 19% apply manual pressure, and 15% try again in left decubitus position. About 20% reattempt reduction after waiting 2 h or more. By providing a better understanding of both trends in and diversity of current practice, we hope to increase the confidence with which the individual practitioner will approach each case.
Treatment Effectiveness and Its Correlates in a Marriage and Family Therapy Training Clinic

Abstract While a significant amount of attention has been paid to the efficacy of marriage and family therapy (MFT), research on the effectiveness of MFT is lacking. Furthermore, university training clinics are an underutilized, yet excellent resource for collecting effectiveness research data. This study examined the effectiveness of therapy provided at an MFT university training clinic, by examining therapists' ratings of therapy effectiveness for clients seen for more than one session over the past five years (N = 558). Data on therapy modality, treatment length, fee for services, and attrition category (completed or dropout) were also examined. A statistically significant relationship was found between treatment outcome and treatment length, number of presenting problems, and attrition category.