cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic kidney disease: Automated eGFR reporting: good for the patient?

The automated reporting of estimated glomerular filtration rate has increased the number of patients being referred to nephrologists, but is chronic kidney disease being incorrectly diagnosed in individuals who have normal serum creatinine levels?
Corticotropin-releasing Factor and Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone as Potential Central Mediators of OB Effects

OB (leptin) has been identified as a factor that suppresses appetite and stimulates metabolism. Attention has focused on the hypothalamus as its potential site of action, but OB could also act on other brain regions. In addition, the paradox of high OB levels in obese humans remains unresolved. Here we show in mice that both the long and short form of the OB receptor are expressed not only in the hypothalamus but also in the amygdala and pituitary. Recombinant murine OB elicited the release of corticotropin-releasing factor from superfused brain slice preparations containing hypothalamus or amygdala. Because corticotropin-releasing factor inhibits appetite and stimulates metabolism, it may be a key mediator of central OB effects. Recombinant OB also induced pituitary release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Because adrenocorticotrophic hormone-induced elevation of plasma glucocorticoid levels can inhibit corticotropin-releasing factor release via negative feedback, the OB effects on pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone release may be pertinent to human obesity, which combines increased plasma glucocorticoid levels with elevated levels of OB. An imbalance between the effects of OB on corticotropin-releasing factor release from the hypothalamus and on adrenocorticotrophic hormone release from the pituitary could contribute to obesity.
The effect of subchronic feeding of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4'-chlorophenyl)ethene (DDE) on its metabolism in mice

1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(4'-chlorophenyl)ethene (DDE), a major lipophilic metabolite of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4'-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), is a hepatic carcinogen in both the mouse and hamster upon chronic exposure. DDT is tumorigenic only in the former species. The metabolism in the mouse of [14C-UL-phenyl]DDE with and without 5-month DDE pretreatment, is reported. The urine, feces and liver were analyzed and in all cases most of the radioactivity observed was identified as unchanged DDE. The only metabolite identified was the phenolic derivative 1,1-dichloro-2-(4'-chlorophenyl)-2-(3"-hydroxy-4"-chlorophenyl)ethene, which was found in significant amounts only in the feces. No other potential metabolites derived from the oxidation of DDE were observed. The effect that pretreatment with DDE had on its own metabolism was to decrease the urinary excretion of DDE and to increase the hepatic levels. It appears from these results that any oxidative metabolism of DDE constitutes a very insignificant pathway in the mouse. It is also concluded that there is no significant change in the metabolism of DDE after prolonged exposure to the pesticide, and there is no indication for the metabolism of DDE to a reactive electrophilic species.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Mediates Orthopedic Implant Osteolysis

Osteolysis complicating arthroplasty reflects progressive generation of implant-derived wear particles, which prompt an inflammatory reaction attended by recruitment of osteoclasts to the prosthesis-bone interface. To identify a soluble mediator of peri-prosthetic osteolysis we first showed that implant particles induce c-src in murine bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), a protein specifically expressed when these cells commit to the osteoclast phenotype. The fact that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) is a potent osteoclastogenic agent while at the same time is the only soluble moiety known to be c-src inductive suggests that this cytokine may mediate implant particle-induced osteoclastogenesis. Consistent with this hypothesis, prosthesis-derived wear particles, recovered at revision arthroplasty, dose-dependently prompt TNF secretion by BMMs. Similarly, particulate polymemthylmethacrylate, the major component of orthopedic implant cement, induces BMM expression of TNF mRNA and protein in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, failure of BMMs derived from mice deleted of both the p55 and p75 TNF receptors to express c-src in response to polymemthylmethacrylate indicates TNF is an essential mediator of particle induction of this osteoclast specific protein. To test the hypothesis that TNF mediates implant osteolysis, we established an in vivo murine model of this condition that histologically mirrors that of man. Verifying that TNF is essential to development of particle osteolysis, mice failing to express both the p55 and p75 TNF receptors are protected from the profound bone resorption attending polymemthylmethacrylate particle implantation on calvariae of wild-type animals. Finally, the protective effect of deletion of both TNF receptors is recapitulated in mice lacking only the p55 receptor. Thus, targeting TNF and/or its p55 receptor may arrest wear particle osteolysis.
Design and synthesis of interpenetrating polymer networks for second-order nonlinear optics

There has been a tremendous recent interest in the development of second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) polymeric materials for photonic applications. However, a major drawback of second-order NLO polymers that prevents them from being used in device applications is the instability of their electric field induced dipolar alignment. The randomization of the dipole orientation leads to the decay of second-order optical nonlinearities. Numerous efforts have been made to increase the stability of the second-order NLO properties of polymers. The search for new approaches to develop NLO polymers with optimal properties has been an active research area since the past decade. A novel approach, combining the hybrid properties of high glass transition temperatures, extensively extensively crosslinked networks and permanent entanglements, based on interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) is introduced to develop stable second-order NLO materials. Two types of IPN systems are prepared and their properties are investigated. The designing criteria and the rationale for the selection of polymers are discussed. The IPN samples show excellent temporal stability at elevated temperatures. Long-term stability of the optical nonlinearity at 100°C has been observed in these materials. Temporal stability of the NLO properties of these IPNs is synergistically enhanced. Relaxation behavior of the optical nonlinearity of an IPN system has been studied and compared with that of a typical guest/host system. The improved temporal stability of the second-order NLO properties of this IPN system is a result of the combination of the high rigidity of the polymer backbones, crosslinked matrices and permanent entanglements of the polymer networks. A slight modification of the chemical structure resulted in an improvement of the optical quality of the sample.
Chemical reactions of electrons and holes at the ZnO/electrolyte-solution interface☆

Abstract Measurements of minority-carrier currents and space-charge capacitance at a semiconductor electrode are used to provide information regarding chemical reaction steps that occur at the electrode surface. In particular, it is shown how minority-carrier reactions on the zinc oxide surface may lead to current doubling. Use of this observation to study hole reactivity of reducing agents and to study free radical reactions is discussed, and preliminary observations are furnished. Reactions of majority carriers can be interpreted by capacitance measurements if the reactions are irreversible and first order in the concentration of carriers at the surface. The use of these capacitance measurements to study the electron reactivity of chemicals on the zinc oxide surface is discussed.
Cruel antibody fictions! Cellular antigen enumeration by 'saturation' binding.

Abstract Bivalent antibodies are commonly thought to bind monovalently under saturation conditions. This premise has motivated numerous attempts to quantitate cell-surface molecules by antibody binding and flow cytometry. Here, using CD3 as an example, Richard Junghans provides an analysis that challenges this assumption and invalidates conclusions of antigen per cell derived by this procedure.
Qualitative Relational Mapping for Mobile Robots with Minimal Sensing

This paper presents a novel method for autonomous robotic navigation and mapping of large-scale spaces with minimal sensing. The proposed algorithm constructs a graph-based map that encodes the relative location of landmarks in the environment. Uncertainty in these locations is captured by imposing qualitative constraints on the relationships between landmarks observed by the robot. These relationships are represented in terms of the relative geometrical layout of landmark triplets. A novel measurement method based on camera imagery is presented that extends previous work from the field of qualitative spatial reasoning. Measurements are fused into the map using a deterministic approach based on iterative graph updates. The generation of these maps does not depend on estimates of robot egomotion, and it is consequently suitable for high-slip environments. Algorithm performance is evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations, and results are presented for an experiment using data gathered in the Jet Propulsion L...
Motor vehicle crash fatalities: A comparison of hispanic and non-hispanic motorists in colorado

Abstract Study Objectives: We compare the population-based death rates from traffic crashes in the Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations in a single state, and compare fatally injured Hispanic and non-Hispanic drivers with respect to safety belt use, alcohol involvement, speeding, vehicle age, valid licensure, and urban-rural location. Methods: Hispanic and non-Hispanic white motorists killed in traffic crashes in 1991-1995 were studied (n=2,272). Data from death certificates (age, sex, education, race, and ethnicity) and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS; driver, vehicle, and crash information) were merged. Average annual age-adjusted fatality rates were calculated; to compare Hispanic and non-Hispanic white motorists, rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Odds ratios (ORs), adjusted for age, sex, and rural locale, were calculated to measure the association between Hispanic ethnicity and driver and crash characteristics. Results: Eighty-five percent of FARS records were matched to death certificates. Compared with non-Hispanic white motorists, Hispanics had higher crash-related fatality rates overall (RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.60 to 1.92) and for drivers only (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.41 to 1.85). After adjustment for age, sex, and rural locale, Hispanic drivers had higher rates of safety belt nonuse (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.72), legal alcohol intoxication (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.97 to 3.79), speeding (OR 1.36, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.88), and invalid licensure (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.78 to 3.75). The average vehicle age for Hispanic drivers (10.1 years, 95% CI 9.3 to 11.0) was greater than for non-Hispanic white motorists (8.8 years, 95% CI 8.4 to 9.2). Conclusion: Compared with non-Hispanic whites, Hispanic drivers have higher rates of safety belt nonuse, speeding, invalid licensure and alcohol involvement, with correspondingly higher rates of death in traffic crashes. As traffic safety emerges as a public health priority in Hispanic communities, these data may help in developing appropriate and culturally sensitive interventions. [Harper JS, Marine WM, Garrett CJ, Lezotte D, Lowenstein SR. Motor vehicle crash fatalities: a comparison of Hispanic and non-Hispanic motorists in Colorado. Ann Emerg Med. December 2000;36:589-596.]
The endoplasmic reticulum stress marker, glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP78) in visceral adipocytes predicts endometrial cancer progression and patient survival.

Abstract Objective Currently, accurately identifying endometrial cancer patients at high risk for recurrence remains poor. To ascertain if changes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker, glucose-regulated-protein-78 (GRP78) can serve as a prognosticator in endometrial cancer, we examined GRP78 expression in patient samples to determine its association with clinical outcome. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in endometrial cancer patients. Archived specimens of visceral adipocytes and paired endometrial tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for GRP78 and another ER stress marker, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Expression of these markers was correlated with clinico-pathological information and outcomes. Results GRP78 expression in visceral adipocytes was detected in 95% of the 179 endometrial cancer patients with analyzable visceral adipocytes. Within individual samples, 24% of adipocytes (range, 0–90%, interquartile range 18%–38%) exhibited GRP78 expression. High visceral adipocyte GRP78 expression positively correlated with advanced-stage disease ( p =0.007) and deep myometrial invasion ( p =0.004). High visceral adipocyte GRP78 expression was significantly associated with decreased disease-free survival (DFS) in multivariate analyses (hazard ratio 2.88, 95% CI 1.37–6.04, p =0.005). CHOP expression paralleled the GRP78 expression in adipocytes ( r =0.55, p p =0.018). Conclusions Our study demonstrates that the ER stress markers, GRP78 and CHOP, are elevated in endometrial cancer patients. Furthermore, GRP78 expression levels in visceral adipocytes from these patients were significantly correlated to disease stage and patient survival. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that the GRP78 levels in endometrial cancer patients may be a prognosticator and aid with clinical risk stratification and focused surveillance.
Comparison of Hirs’ Equation With Moody’s Equation for Determining Rotordynamic Coefficients of Annular Pressure Seals

The rotordynamic coefficients of an incompressible-flow annular pressure seal were determined using a bulk-flow model in conjunction with two different friction factor relationships. The first, Hirs' equation, assumes the friction factor is a function of Reynolds number only. The second, Moody's equation, approximates Moody's diagram and assumes the friction factor is a function of both Reynolds number and relative roughness. For each value of relative roughness, Hirs' constants were determined so that both equations gave the same magnitude and slope of the friction factor. For smooth seals, both relationships give the same results. For rough seals (e/2 H sub 0 = 0.05) Moody's equation predicts 44% greater direct stiffness, 35% greater cross-coupled stiffness, 19% smaller cross-coupled damping, 59% smaller cross-coupled inertia, and nominally the same direct damping and direct inertia.
Dependence and thought as determinants of interpersonal hostility

It was assumed that thought tends to make attitudes more extreme (by making relevant cognitions more consistent) and that dependence on another tends to focus one’s thoughts on that other. This lead to the predictions that attitudes toward an initially disliked other would become more negative as a function of opportunity for thought, dependence on other, and opportunity by dependence. Dissonance theory leads to an opposite prediction: Attitudes will become less negative as a function of opportunity, dependence, and opportunity by dependence. Although results were not completely consistent with either prediction, they were better accounted for by the first.
Performance of a phase-shift focus monitor reticle designed for 193-nm use

A phase-shift focus monitor reticle designed for 193-nm was characterized on a 0.5-NA 193-nm projection lens. Calibration data were obtained and compared to simulations of the specific lens used. Using a thinned single-layer resist, feature sizes of 150 nm, and a partial coherence of 0.6, a calibration coefficient of roughly 50 nm of image shift per 1 micrometers of defocus was obtained. This relationship was linear through roughly 1.5 micrometers of focus. Once this calibration was determined, the reticle was successfully used to quantify thermal effects resulting from laser- induced heating of the lens. The latter results will only be qualitatively described here.
Properties of a polygalacturonic acid-synthesizing enzyme system from Phaseolus aureus seedlings.

Abstract A cell-free enzyme system from Phaseolus aureus seedlings, which is capable of catalyzing the synthesis of polygalacturonic acid, was found to utilize UDP- d -galacturonic acid in preference to other nucleoside diphosphate d -galacturonic acid derivatives. It did not incorporate d -galacturonic acid residues from UDP-methyl- d -galacturonate into polygalacturonic acid. Maximum rate of polymerization occurs where preparations from seedlings germinated for 3 days are reacted with substrate at 30 °, pH 6, in the presence of 1.7 m m MnCl 2 and 0.4 m sucrose. The enzyme system has an apparent Michaelis constant of 1.7 × 10 −6 m , and at a substrate concentration of 3.7 × 10 −5 m will catalyze the polymerization of d -galacturonic acid residues at the rate of 4.7 mμmoles per milligram protein per minute. The enzyme is inactivated spontaneously, the rate of which is a function of temperature and pH. The addition of MnCl 2 delays inactivation.
Filters for directly detecting surface orientation in an image

A new approach to finding the 3D orientation of a textured planar surface is presented. By decomposing image space in a novel way that reflects the structure of the problem to be solved, a natural set of filters indexed by 3D orientation is obtained. The filters are applied at a single point in the image and the maximally responding filter is found. Its 3D orientation indices specify the orientation of the surface. The set of filters is large, making this 'pure' approach computationally expensive, so a method for using Gabor filters to select a subset of the 3D orientation detecting filters is presented. The result is a computationally efficient, practical algorithm. Only filter applications at a single point and simple operations on the filter outputs are needed. This method makes use of texture gradient information without the need for combining explicit measurements from multiple image points. The surface texture is assumed to be locally homogeneous, but not necessarily isotropic. The algorithm has an average error of 4 degrees in slant and tilt on a set of twelve images of real textured surfaces. The idea of decomposing the space of images according to the structure of the 3D information to be computed is a powerful one that we expect will apply to other vision problems. Also, the image space decomposition and filter functions developed here can serve as a model for surface orientation perception in biological vision.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Medical genetics and the law's response: “In the rear and limping a little”

Reproductive Genetics And The Law, by Elias, S. & Annas, G. (Year Book Medical Publishers, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1987), 323 pages, $41.50. Medical Genetics: A Legal Frontier, by Andrews, L. (American Bar Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, 1987), 284 pages, $25.00.
Concentration effects on the out-of-plane vibration of aqueous nitrate ion

Abstract The out-of-plane vibration of the nitrate ion in aqueous aluminum nitrate has been studied in the infrared, and the first overtone of this vibration in the Raman.
Autonomous switch fault current limiter

In this paper, the operation of the autonomous switch fault current limiter has been explained and its advantages over previously developed methods have been presented. The tests of current limitation and overvoltage testing, showing the operation of the autonomous switch fault current limiter, have been displayed.
Memory Effects in Irreversible Thermodynamics

A new generalization of Onsager's theory of irreversible processes is presented. The main purpose is to allow for memory effects or causal time behavior, so that the response to a thermodynamic force comes later than the application of the force. This is accomplished by a statistical mechanical derivation of an exact non-Markoffian kinetic equation for the probability distribution in the space of macroscopic state variables. The memory effect in the resulting transport equations is represented by a time convolution of the thermodynamic forces with memory functions. The latter are time-correlation functions in the rates of change of the phase functions corresponding to macroscopic quantities. The resulting transport equations are not restricted to small deviations from thermal equilibrium. Onsager's theory is shown to be the low-frequency limit of our causal theory.
Multilevel selection and the return of group-level functionalism

We reinforce Thompson's points by providing a second example of the paradox that makes group selection appear counterintuitive and by discussing the wider implications of multilevel selection theory.
Area of Catalan paths

Abstract A Catalan path of length n, is a path from (0,0) going N =(0,1) or E =(0,1) in each step, such that it stays under (or on) the line x = y and ending at ( n , n ) after 2 n steps. Here we calculate the total area between the line y = x and all Catalan paths. The total area a n = 1 2 ∑ k=1 n c k 4 n−k , where c k is the number of Catalan paths of length k.
Partition identities and Ramanujan's modular equations

We show that certain modular equations and theta function identities of Ramanujan imply elegant partition identities. Several of the identities are for t-cores.
Use of Cable Surface Temperature to Detect High-Resistance Splices

Mine power trailing cables are subject to considerable abuse and are quite often damaged severely enough to require a repair splice. Although recently developed splice materials provide a splice that is initially sound both mechanically and electrically, continual flexing of the cable can rapidly cause the splice connectors to loosen, resulting in a significant increase in electrical resistance. Although the added splice resistance does not affect the delivery of power through the cable, it can cause extreme local heating. If heavy current is drawn for several minutes, the splice can catch fire or rupture. Such a failure disrupts production and can be dangerous. Since the added resistance of the splice does not significantly alter the overall cable resistance, it cannot be detected by any measurement of the bulk properties of the cable. A method is suggested for determining splice resistance from a small number of temperature measurements made on the cable jacket while the cable is in use. The advantage of the method is that it requires no knowledge of cable current flow or other electrical parameters but only the cable size and its temperature profile. A theoretical analysis of cable splice heating is presented, relating the results to laboratory experimental data. Data are also presented from several cables in the field, including one which experienced a splice fire shortly after the data were taken. Results are encouraging, suggesting that the method can be developed into a practical periodic check of cable splice characteristics.
Electrochromic Properties Of Phosphotungstic Acid

The electrochromic behavior of phosphotungstic acid (PWA), a heteropoly compound was investigated. The electrochemical and in-situ spectroelectrochemical measurements showed that by electrochemical oxidation and reduction, phosphotungstic acid can be bleached and colored, respectively. The colorttion efficiency of PWA in an aqueous solution was found to be 16.8 cm 2 /C. This is lower than that observed with WO 3 films presumably due to continuous dissolution of the reduced species. The diffusion coefficient of phophotungstate anions [PW 12 O 40 -3 ] was found to be 2.8 x 10 -5 cm 2 /s. The fraction of the number of protons per WO 3 molecule involved in the electrochemical reaction was determined ty the EMF measurments, and was found to be >0.2.
Confidence and the Real Value of Money in an Overlapping Generations Economy

We demonstrate that stochastic bubbles which have a constant, exogenous, probability of collapsing may exist, in general equilibrium, on an intrinsically useless and unbacked asset (money). This may happen provided that the probability q that the bubble will persist next period is large enough and exceeds a threshold level Q which we call the minimum rate of confidence. This condition is always violated when the economy without bubble is dynamically efficient. It is more likely to be satisfied, in dynamically inefficient economies, the larger the “size” of the inefficiency (as measured by the excess of the growth rate over the no-bubble interest rate). We study both exchange and production economies.
Understanding the role of host hemocytes in a squid/vibrio symbiosis using transcriptomics and proteomics.

The symbiosis between the squid, Euprymna scolopes, and the bacterium, Vibrio fischeri, serves as a model for understanding interactions between beneficial bacteria and animal hosts. The establishment and maintenance of the association is highly specific and depends on the selection of V. fischeri and exclusion of non-symbiotic bacteria from the environment. Current evidence suggests that the host’s cellular innate immune system, in the form of macrophage-like hemocytes, helps to mediate host tolerance of V. fischeri. To begin to understand the role of hemocytes in this association, we analyzed these cells by high-throughput 454 transcriptomic and liquid chromatography/ tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomic analyses. 454 high-throughput sequencing produced 650,686 reads totaling 279.9 Mb while LC-MS/MS analyses of circulating hemocytes putatively identified 702 unique proteins. Several receptors involved with the recognition of microbial associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) were identified. Among these was a complete open reading frame (ORF) to a putative peptidoglycan recognition protein (EsPGRP5) that has conserved residues for amidase activity. Assembly of the hemocyte transcriptome showed EsPGRP5 had high coverage, suggesting it is among the 5% most abundant transcripts in circulating hemocytes. Other transcripts and proteins identified included members of the conserved NFκB signaling pathway, putative members of the complement pathway, the carbohydrate binding protein galectin, and cephalotoxin. Quantitative PCR of complement-related genes, cephalotoxin, EsPGRP5, and a nitric oxide synthase showed differential expression in circulating hemocytes isolated from adult squid with colonized light organs compared to those for which the symbionts were removed. These data suggest that the presence of the symbiont influences gene expression of the cellular innate immune system of the host.
An analysis of antigen-antibody binding kinetics for biosensor applications utilized as a model system: influence of non-specific binding

Abstract The influence of non-specific binding on the specific binding of antigen in solution to antibody immobilized on a biosensor surface is presented for first-, one and a half-, second-, and other order reactions occurring under external diffusion-limited conditions. Both single-step and dual-step binding of antigen to antibody is considered. For a half-order reaction the value of the ratio of non-specific binding to specific binding (α) does not affect the rate of specific binding since a single curve represents the binding curve for α = 0 to 0.5. An increase in the α value leads to a decrease in the rate of binding and in the amount of antigen bound specifically to the antibody on the surface for first-, one and a half-, and second-order reactions. Also, an increase in the reaction order increases the sensitivity of the specific binding to the α value. An increase in the antigen concentration in solution increases the amount and the rate of specific binding for first-, one and a half-, and second-order reactions. The introduction of non-specific binding leads to complexities in the specific binding of the antigen for the one and half-and second-order reactions as the antibody concentration on the surface is varied. When non-specific binding is present there is an optimum value of the antibody concentration on the surface that yields the maximum rate and amount of antigen specifically bound for one and a half-and second-order reactions. Though this optimum amount of antibody immobilized on the surface is the same for the one and a half-and second-order reactions, it is different for different α values. No such complexities are observed for first-order reactions. The inclusion of non-specific binding in the analysis provides a more realistic picture of the binding of the antigen in solution to the antibody immobilized on the surface. The figures that show the numerically calculated binding rates for different orders when non-specific binding is present, represent the most useful part of the analysis for readers who are interested in constructing biosensors, and should assist in the control and manipulation of these interactions at the surface. These curves can be used to interpret a far from ideal binding of antigen to an immobilized antibody surface or vice versa. More-or-less all of the analysis should also be applicable to analytical systems that would not be classified as biosensors (that is, immuno and receptor assays).
Performance evaluation of a random‐walk‐based algorithm for embedding dynamically evolving trees in hypercubic networks

In many tree-structured parallel computations, the size and structure of a tree that represents a parallel computation is unpredictable at compile-time; the tree evolves gradually during the course of the computation. When such a computation is performed on a static network, the dynamic tree embedding problem is to distribute the tree nodes to the processors of the network such that all the processors receive roughly the same amount of load and that communicating nodes are assigned to neighboring processors. Furthermore, when a new tree node is generated, it should be immediately assigned to a processor for execution without any information on the further evolving of the tree; and load distribution is performed by all processors in a totally distributed fashion. We study the problem of embedding dynamically evolving trees in hypercubic networks, including shuffle-exchange, de Bruijn, cube-connected cycles, wrapped butterfly, and hypercube networks. The performance of a random-walk-based randomized tree embedding algorithm is evaluated. Several random tree models are considered. We develop recurrence relations for analyzing the performance of embedding of complete-tree-based random trees and randomized complete trees, and linear systems of equations for reproduction trees. We present more efficient recurrence relations and linear systems of equations for symmetric networks. We also demonstrate extensive numerical data of the performance ratio and make a number of interesting observations of randomized tree embedding in the five hypercubic networks. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bacillus subtilis paraquat resistance is directed by sigmaM, an extracytoplasmic function sigma factor, and is conferred by YqjL and BcrC.

A Bacillus subtilis sigM null mutant, lacking the extracytoplasmic function σM protein, was sensitive to paraquat (PQ), a superoxide-generating reagent, but not to the redox stress-inducing compounds hydrogen peroxide, cumene hydroperoxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide, or diamide. Surprisingly, a sigM mutant was only sensitive to superoxide-generating compounds with a dipyridyl ring such as PQ, ethyl viologen, benzyl viologen, and diquat but not to menadione, plumbagin, pyrogallol, or nitrofurantoin. Mutational analysis of candidate σM-regulated genes revealed that both YqjL, a putative hydrolase, and BcrC, a bacitracin resistance protein, were involved in PQ resistance. Expression of yqjL, but not bcrC, from a xylose-inducible promoter restored PQ resistance to the sigM mutant.
Signal-dependent variable-resolution quantization for continuous-time digital signal processing

A variable-bit quantization scheme is proposed for use in the context of continuous-time digital signal processing, with resolution depended on signal speed. It is shown that a decrease in resolution for fast inputs does not corrupt the inband spectrum, while leading to power savings. Analysis and extensive simulations are provided.
PET imaging to non-invasively study immune activation leading to antitumor responses with a 4-1BB agonistic antibody

Background: Molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) may allow the non-invasive study of the pharmacodynamic effects of agonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to 4-1BB (CD137). 4-1BB is a member of the tumor necrosis factor family expressed on activated T cells and other immune cells, and activating 4-1BB antibodies are being tested for the treatment of patients with advanced cancers. Methods: We studied the antitumor activity of 4-1BB mAb therapy using [ 18 F]-labeled fluoro-2-deoxy-2-D-glucose ([ 18 F]FDG) microPET scanning in a mouse model of colon cancer. Results of microPET imaging were correlated with morphological changes in tumors, draining lymph nodes as well as cell subset uptake of the metabolic PET tracer in vitro. Results: The administration of 4-1BB mAb to Balb/c mice induced reproducible CT26 tumor regressions and improved survival; complete tumor shrinkage was achieved in the majority of mice. There was markedly increased [ 18 F]FDG signal at the tumor site and draining lymph nodes. In a metabolic probe in vitro uptake assay, there was an 8-fold increase in uptake of [ 3 H]DDG in leukocytes extracted from tumors and draining lymph nodes of mice treated with 4-1BB mAb compared to untreated mice, supporting the in vivo PET data. Conclusion: Increased uptake of [ 18 F]FDG by PET scans visualizes 4-1BB agonistic antibody-induced antitumor immune responses and can be used as a pharmacodynamic readout to guide the development of this class of antibodies in the clinic.
Profound hypotension and abolition of the vasomotor component of the cerebral ischemic response produced by restricted lesions of medulla oblongata in rabbit. Relationship to the so-called tonic vasomotor center.

SUMMARY We studied the effect of bilateral electrolytic lesions in the medulla oblongata on the cerebral ischemic reflex in 24 anesthetized rabbits. In IS animals lesions were placed in areas from which the differentiated vasomotor component of the response was elicited by electrical stimulation. In four rabbits (group A) the lesions entirely abolished the vasomotor, but not cardiac responses to cerebral ischemia, and resulted in an irreversible fall, to 30-40 mm Hg, of the arterial pressure (AP). These lesions destroyed large portions of the nucleus reticularis parvocellularis, the dorsal part of the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis, and the ventromedial portion of the medial vestibular nuclei at the level of the inferior olive (3 mm rostral to the obex). In four other rabbits (group B) the pressor response was reduced to 25-87% of control with a fall of AP not as marked as that in group A. These lesions were within the same areas or very close to those of group A but smaller. In the remaining seven rabbits (group C) the lesions did not alter the ischemic response or AP; they were either restricted to the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis alone, were smaller than in group B, or if large, were located several millimeters more rostral to those of group A. In nine control rabbits lesions placed elsewhere in the medulla failed to alter the ischemic response or resting AP. We conclude that the vasomotor, but not the cardiac or respiratory, components of the cerebral ischemic response depend upon a restricted portion of the bulbar reticular formation. Moreover, the integrity of this region is essential for maintenance of normal resting levels of AP and, hence, appears to function as the so-called tonic vasomotor center of the brainstem. Ore Res 44: 63-70, 1979
Structural snapshots of a flexible Cu2P2 core that accommodates the oxidation states Cu(I)Cu(I), Cu1.5Cu1.5, and Cu(II)Cu(II).

The phosphido-bridged dicopper(I) complex {(PPP)Cu}_2 has been synthesized and structurally characterized ([PPP]^- = bis(2-di-iso-propylphosphinophenyl)phosphide). Cyclic voltammetry of {(PPP)Cu}_2 in THF shows fully reversible oxidations at −1.02 V (Cu^(1.5)Cu^(1.5)/Cu^ICu^I) and −0.423 V (Cu^(II)Cu^(II)/Cu^(1.5)Cu^(1.5)). Chemical oxidation of {(PPP)Cu}_2 by one electron yields the class III mixed-valence species [{(PPP)Cu}_2]^+ (EPR, UV−vis). Structural data establish an unexpectedly large change (0.538 A) in the Cu•••Cu distance upon oxidation state. Oxidation of {(PPP)Cu}_2 by two electrons yields the dication [{(PPP)Cu}_2]^(2+), an antiferromagnetically coupled dicopper(II) complex. Maintenance of a pseudotetrahedral geometry that is midway between a square plane and an ideal tetrahedron at the copper centers, along with a high degree of flexibility at the phosphide hinges, allows for efficient access to Cu^ICu^I, Cu^(1.5)Cu^(1.5), and Cu^(II)Cu^(II) redox states without the need for ligand exchange, substitution, or redistribution processes.
Role of the Toll-like receptor pathway in the recognition of orthopedic implant wear-debris particles

The inflammatory response to prosthetic implant-derived wear particles is the primary cause of bone loss and aseptic loosening of implants, but the mechanisms by which macrophages recognize and respond to particles remain unknown. Studies of innate immunity demonstrate that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPS). All TLRs signal through myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), except TLR3 which signals through TIR domain containing adapter inducing interferon-beta (TRIF), and TLR4 which signals through both MyD88 and TRIF. We hypothesized that wear-debris particles may act as PAMPs/DAMPs and activate macrophages via TLRs. To test this hypothesis, we first demonstrated that inhibition of MyD88 decreases polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particle-induced production of TNF-α in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Next we compared particle-induced production of TNF-α among MyD88 knockout (MyD88−/−), TRIF knockout (TRIF−/−), and wild type (WT) murine macrophages. Relative to WT, disruption of MyD88 signaling diminished, and disruption of TRIF amplified the particle-induced production of TNF-α. Gene expression data indicated that this latter increase in TNF-α was due to a compensatory increase in expression of MyD88 associated components of the TLR pathway. Finally, using an in vivo model, MyD88−/− mice developed less particle-induced osteolysis than WT mice. These results indicate that the response to PMMA particles is partly dependent on MyD88, presumably as part of TLR signaling; MyD88 may represent a therapeutic target for prevention of wear debris-induced periprosthetic osteolysis.
Stability and performance of robotic systems worn by humans

The dynamics and control of robotic systems worn by humans are analyzed. General models for the human, the extender, and the interaction between the human and the extender are developed. The stability of the system of human, extender, and object being manipulated is analyzed, and the conditions for stable maneuvers are derived. An expression for the extender performance is defined to quantify the force augmentation. The tradeoff between stability and performance is described. The theoretical predictions are verified experimentally. >
Screening for Malingered Psychopathology in a Correctional Setting: Utility of the Miller-Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST)

Evidence of construct validity and generalizability for a new measure developed to screen for malingered psychopathology, the Miller-Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST), is presented for ...
Trichomonas vaginalis interactions with fibronectin and laminin

The sexually transmitted protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis cytoadheres to vaginal epithelial cells and causes contact-dependent cytotoxicity which, when combined with the normal exfoliation process, leads to erosion of the epithelium, which may allow trichomonads into extracellular matrix and basement membrane sites. Therefore, the association of T. vaginalis with immobilized fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LM) on cover-slips was examined. Binding of live parasites to coated cover-slips was time- and parasite-density-dependent. Coincubation with an inhibitor of trichomonad cysteine proteinases resulted in an increased attachment of parasites to FN but had no effect on binding to LM, denoting that protease activity influenced optimal FN associations. Further, 20 h mid-exponential phase trichomonads placed in fresh culture medium for 3 h gave higher levels of binding to FN, suggesting that changes during growth in vitro to T. vaginalis organisms affect maximal levels of binding to FN. Extended incubation with substrates diminished the capacity of parasites to bind FN and LM. Treatment of live organisms with periodate reduced binding to LM but not FN, suggesting a role for carbohydrates. In addition, trypsinization of live parasites decreased numbers bound to both substrates. Placement of trypsinized parasites in medium for 2 h fully regenerated binding to FN but not LM. Incubation of trypsinized parasites with cycloheximide abrogated regeneration of attachment to FN, affirming a role for synthesized surface proteins in FN binding. Importantly, the T. vaginalis adhesin proteins that mediate cytoadherence, and iron, a factor that regulates adhesin synthesis, were not involved in FN and LM recognition. These results suggest a role for surface proteins and carbohydrates in trichomonal associations with FN and LM, respectively.
Interaction of Fatty Acid Monolayers with Cobalt Nanoparticles

Stable colloidal suspension of magnetic nanoparticles is challenging owing to both van der Waals forces and magnetic dipolar interactions. Thus, it is essential to coat magnetic nanoparticles with ...
High Resolution Measurement of Arbitrary- Dispersion Fibers: Dispersion Map Reconstruction Techniques

New inverse dispersion reconstruction methods are described. Inverse solutions rely exclusively on processing the end-of-fiber observables obtained by a localized four-photon mixing technique. The accuracy of the new methods was verified by solving the inverse problem associated with physical and synthetic dispersion fluctuation maps in high confinement fiber.
Nickel catalyzed reaction of iodofluoroacetates with alkenes as a facile route to α-fluoroesters

Abstract Reaction of iodofluoroacetates with alkenes and zinc in the presence of nickel dichloride hexahydrate and pyridine in THF affords the corresponding α-fluoroesters in good yields.
Re: 'Neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies binding multiple serotypes of botulinum neurotoxin' by Garcia-Rodriguez et al., PEDS, 2011;24:321-331.

We would like to comment on the paper recently published by Marks and colleagues (Garcia-Rodriguez et al., 2011) developing human monoclonal antibodies binding multiple serotypes of botulinum neurotoxin. It is stated in the introduction that, ‘Polyclonal sera raised against one serotype does not cross react with other serotypes. Moreover, no mAbs have been reported which bind to more than one BoNT serotype,’ and in the discussion, ‘. . .we can find no examples in the literature of such cross-serotype binding BoNT antibodies’, ‘. . .polyclonal sera uniquely define each “serotype”’. We would like to suggest that the authors qualify these statements to more accurately capture the intricacies of BoNT antibody reactivity discovered by their predecessors. In the course of our own work to generate absolute specificity to the seven BoNT serotypes (Conway et al., 2010) we came across several examples of cross-reactivity among the serotypes in the literature and were made aware of more by an insightful reviewer. It is certainly the case that not all cross-reactivities will be neutralizing, one such example being the mouse monoclonal antibody characterized by Tsuzuki et al. (1988) that recognizes a light chain epitope common to serotypes B, C1, D and E. Yet, some crossreactivities do show neutralization, one example being the hyperimmunization response to the heavy chain receptor binding domain of serotype E offering cross-protection to serotype A in a mouse model (Baldwin et al., 2005). We hope that by clarifying the serological distances and similarities of the seven serotypes, the exciting work of Garcia-Rodriguez et al., may be more accurately placed in context within the vast and often complex scope of BoNT diversity. References
Characterization and applications of high repetition rate, broadly tunable, femtosecond optical parametric oscillators

In this paper, we review recent advances in optical parametric oscillators, with particular emphasis on high repetition rate, femtosecond optical parametric oscillators, We present results for several of these systems, and show that they offer a unique combination of short pulse durations, high average powers, high repetition rates; and broad tunability which have not been previously available from a single source. We conclude by looking at some applications in the field of ultrafast semiconductor spectroscopy, some of which are only now possible because of the femtosecond optical parametric oscillator. It is, therefore, apparent that this unique device offers greater flexibility than previously available sources, and will enable many new and novel experiments in many areas of science and technology. >
Cross talk between microRNA and epigenetic regulation in adult neurogenesis.

Both microRNAs (miRNAs) and epigenetic regulation have important functions in stem cell biology, although the interactions between these two pathways are not well understood. Here, we show that MeCP2, a DNA methyl-CpG–binding protein, can epigenetically regulate specific miRNAs in adult neural stem cells (aNSCs). MeCP2-mediated epigenetic regulation of one such miRNA, miR-137, involves coregulation by Sox2, a core transcription factor in stem cells. miR-137 modulates the proliferation and differentiation of aNSCs in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of miR-137 promotes the proliferation of aNSCs, whereas a reduction of miR-137 enhances aNSC differentiation. We further show that miR-137 post-transcriptionally represses the expression of Ezh2, a histone methyltransferase and Polycomb group (PcG) protein. The miR-137–mediated repression of Ezh2 feeds back to chromatin, resulting in a global decrease in histone H3 trimethyl lysine 27. Coexpression of Ezh2 can rescue phenotypes associated with miR-137 overexpression. These results demonstrate that cross talk between miRNA and epigenetic regulation contributes to the modulation of adult neurogenesis.
Versatile prediction and fast estimation of Architectural Vulnerability Factor from processor performance metrics

The shrinking processor feature size, lower threshold voltage and increasing clock frequency make modern processors highly vulnerable to transient faults. Architectural Vulnerability Factor (AVF) reflects the possibility that a transient fault eventually causes a visible error in the program output, and it indicates a system's susceptibility to transient faults. Therefore, the awareness of the AVF especially at early design stage is greatly helpful to achieve a trade-off between system performance and reliability. However, tracking the AVF during program execution is extremely costly, which makes accurate AVF prediction extraordinarily attractive to computer architects. In this paper, we propose to use Boosted Regression Trees, a nonparametric tree-based predictive modeling scheme, to identify the correlation across workloads, execution phases and processor configurations between a key processor structure's AVF and various performance metrics. The proposed method not only makes an accurate prediction but quantitatively illustrates individual performance variable's importance to the AVF. Moreover, to reduce the prediction complexity, we also utilize a technique named Patient Rule Induction Method to extract some simple selecting rules on important metrics. Applying these rules during run time can fast identify execution intervals with a relatively high AVF.