cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gains in accuracy from averaging ratings of abnormality

Six radiologists used continuous scales to rate 529 chest-film cases for likelihood of five separate types of abnormalities (interstitial disease, nodules, pneumothorax, alveolar infiltrates and rib fractures) in each of six replicated readings, yielding 36 separate ratings of each case for the five abnormalities. Analyses for each type of abnormality estimated the relative gains in accuracy (area below the ROC curve) obtained by averaging the case-ratings across: (1) six independent replications by each reader (30% gain), (2) six different readers within each replication (39% gain) or (3) all 36 readings (58% gain). Although accuracy differed among both readers and abnormalities, ROC curves for the median ratings showed similar relative gains in accuracy. From a latent-variable model for these gains, we estimate that about 51% of a reader's total decision variance consisted of random (within-reader) errors that were uncorrelated between replications, another 14% came from that reader's consistent (but idiosyncratic) responses to different cases, and only about 35% could be attributed to systematic variations among the sampled cases that were consistent across different readers.
Genitourinary anomalies of pediatric FG syndrome.

Purpose: The FG syndrome, also known as Opitz-Kaveggia syndrome, is an X-linked disorder characterized by developmental delay, congenital hypotonia, characteristic facial appearance, relative macrocephaly and anomalies affecting the genitourinary, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems. Genitourinary abnormalities in the FG syndrome include cryptorchidism, hypospadias, inguinal hernia, hydrocele and occasional anomalies of renal or ureteral development. To our knowledge no previous study has systematically evaluated the genitourinary aspects of the disorder. We describe the genitourinary anomalies seen in children with the FG syndrome. This report may help elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for the disorder. Also, we provide a simple checklist for urologists that will help guide referrals for genetics and other specialty consultations.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 228 patients with the FG syndrome to identify the frequency of characteristic historical and physical f...
Enhanced production of the alkaloid nicotine in hairy root cultures of Nicotiana tabacum L.

The utility of hairy root cultures to produce valuable phytochemicals could be improved by repartitioning more of the desired phytochemical into the spent culture media, thereby simplifying the bioprocess engineering associated with the purification of the desired phytochemical. The majority of nicotine produced by tobacco hairy root cultures is retained within roots, with lesser amounts exuded into the spent culture media. Reduced expression of the tobacco nicotine uptake permease (NUP1) results in significantly more nicotine accumulating in the media. Thus, NUP1-reduced expression lines provide a genetic means to repartition more nicotine into the culture media. The present study examined a wild type and a NUP1-reduced expression hairy root line during a variety of treatments to identify culture conditions that increased nicotine accumulation in the media. The NUP1-reduced expression line grew faster, used less oxygen, and exuded more nicotine into the media. Basification of the culture media associated with root growth resulted in a dramatic reduction in nicotine accumulation levels in the media, which was reversed by decreasing the pH of the media. Kinetic analysis of hairy root growth and nicotine accumulation in the media revealed a potential improvement in nicotine yields in the media by stimulating the branching of tobacco hairy roots.
Arthropod prey for riparian associated birds in headwater forests of the Oregon Coast Range

Headwater riparian areas occupy a large proportion of the land base in Pacific Northwest forests, and thus are ecologically and economically important. Although a primary goal of management along small headwater streams is the protection of aquatic resources, streamside habitat also is important for many terrestrial wildlife species. However, mechanisms underlying the riparian associations of some terrestrial species have not been well studied, particularly for headwater drainages. We investigated the diets of and food availability for four bird species associated with riparian habitats in montane coastal forests of western Oregon, USA. We examined variation in the availability of arthropod prey as a function of distance from stream. Specifically, we tested the hypotheses that (1) emergent aquatic insects were a food source for insectivorous birds in headwater riparian areas, and (2) the abundances of aquatic and terrestrial arthropod prey did not differ between streamside and upland areas during the bird breeding season. We found that although adult aquatic insects were available for consumption throughout the study period, they represented a relatively small proportion of available prey abundance and biomass and were present in only 1% of the diet samples from only one of the four riparian-associated bird species. Nonetheless, arthropod prey, comprised primarily of insects of terrestrial origin, was more abundant in streamside than upland samples. We conclude that food resources for birds in headwater riparian areas are primarily associated with terrestrial vegetation, and that bird distributions along the gradient from streamside to upland may be related to variation in arthropod prey availability. Because distinct vegetation may distinguish riparian from upland habitats for riparian-associated birds and their terrestrial arthropod prey, we suggest that understory communities be considered when defining management zones for riparian habitat. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Chromosomal evolution in the plant family Solanaceae

Over the past decades, extensive comparative mapping research has been performed in the plant family Solanaceae. The recent identification of a large set of single-copy conserved orthologous (COSII) markers has greatly accelerated comparative mapping studies among major solanaceous species including tomato, potato, eggplant, pepper and diploid Nicotiana species (as well as tetraploid tobacco). The large amount of comparative data now available for these species provides the opportunity to describe the overall patterns of chromosomal evolution in this important plant family. The results of this investigation are described herein. We combined data from multiple COSII studies, and other comparative mapping studies performed in tomato, potato, eggplant, pepper and diploid Nicotiana species, to deduce the features and outcomes of chromosomal evolution in the Solanaceae over the past 30 million years. This includes estimating the rates and timing of chromosomal changes (inversions and translocations) as well as deducing the age of ancestral progenitor species and predicting their genome configurations. The Solanaceae has experienced chromosomal changes at a modest rate compared with other families and the rates are likely conserved across different lineages of the family. Chromosomal inversions occur at a consistently higher rate than do translocations. Further, we find evidences for non-random positioning of the chromosomal rearrangement breakpoints. This finding is consistent with the similar finding in mammals, where hot spots for chromosomal breakages have apparently played a significant role in shaping genome evolution. Finally, by utilizing multiple genome comparisons we were able to reconstruct the most likely genome configuration for a number of now-extinct progenitor species that gave rise to the extant solanaceous species used in this research. The results from this study provide the first broad overview of chromosomal evolution in the family Solanaceae, and one of the most detailed thus far for any family of plants.
Chaotic knots and wild dynamics

Abstract The delicate interplay between knot theory and dynamical systems is surveyed. Numerous bridges between these fields allow us to apply dynamical perspectives (entropy, ‘chaotic’) to knot theory, as well as knot-theoretic perspectives (cablings, ‘wild’) to dynamical phenomena and bifurcations thereof. This intricate relationship has opened new doors in the study of ODE models of physical systems, while conversely yielding interesting topological objects from dynamical flows
Colonization and succession of invertebrate communities in a new stream in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

SUMMARY 1. Invertebrate colonization of a new stream following glacial recession is documented for a 12 year period from 1978 to 1990. 2. Invertebrates, particularly Chironomidae, displayed site-specific temporal succession over the study period, at the end of which a number of the pioneer colonizers were no longer collected. 3. Maximum species richness was found in 1988, whereas total invertebrate density was greatest in 1978, 10 years earlier. 4. Water temperature appeared to be the most significant factor determining the year of colonization of invertebrate taxa. As a result, deterministic trends were apparent in patterns of invertebrate colonization and succession. 5. Salmonids first colonized the stream in 1988. Dietary analyses of juvenile Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) showed preferential selection for blackfly and small chironomid larvae.
Calibration of propagation delay of flip-flops

Although they are a relatively small proportion of the total number of logic gates in a logic path, latches and flip-flops add significantly to the total timing path delay of many logic paths, due to the significant cell delay time they introduce. We introduce new circuitry to isolate and accurately measure propagation delays in flip-flops and other non-simple logic structures in use at 45nm process nodes and beyond.
A previously undescribed fungus causing a leaf spot of Bamboo.

A fungus causing a leaf spot of a bamboo, Arthrostylidium racemiflorum Steud., is described. The pycnidial stage occurred abundantly on the material studied and has been designated as Ciliochorella...
Mefloquine Blockade of Pannexin1 Currents: Resolution of a Conflict

AbstractThe authors’ laboratory has reported potent block of Pannexin1 (Panx1) currents by the antimalarial quinine derivative mefloquine. However, other laboratories have found little or no mefloquine sensitivity of Panx1 currents or processes attributable to these channels. In order to resolve this issue, the authors have performed extensive dose-response studies on Panx1-transfected neuroblastoma (Neuro2A) and rat insulinoma (Rin) cells, comparing mefloquine obtained from three suppliers and also comparing the sensitivity to diastereomers. Results indicate a 20-fold difference in sensitivity to the (−)-threo-(11R/2R) diastereomer compared to the erythro enatiomers and much lower potency of (±)-erythro-(R*/S*)-mefloquine obtained from one of the commercial sources. This markedly lower efficacy presumably accounts for the disparity in results from different laboratories who have applied it in Panx1 studies.
Boundary value problems for nth order Lipschitz equations

On considere l'unicite des solutions de problemes aux valeurs limites pour une equation scalaire d'ordre n:y (n) =f(t,y,y',..., y (n−1 ), ou f est continue sur (a,b)×R n et satisfait une condition de Lipschitz
Xenia and Maternal Effects on Maize Agronomic Traits at Three Plant Densities

Kernel mass is a primary yield component in maize (Zea mays L.) governed by both xenia and maternal effects. Because kernel growth depends on assimilate supply, we wanted to learn if kernel-weight genes also affect plant size and agronomic characters. We reciprocally crossed three strains known to differ for rates of grain filling [high (HC), random (RC), and low (LC) R-nj color] with two kernel-weight strains [large (LG), and small (SM)] to produce 12 hybrid strains. For 2 yr at two locations, we grew plants of each hybrid at 24 000, 48 000, and 72 000 plants ha −1 in plots arranged so that wind pollinated silks with either LG or SM pollen. Leaf number, leaf width, leaf length, and time to silk were measured to compute leaf area and average leaf expansion rate (ALER). We also measured grain yield and grain moisture concentration at harvest. In one of four environments, hybrids pollinated by the LG strain had 34% higher yields and 24 g kg −1 lower harvest moisture than hybrids pollinated by the SM strain. Increasing plant density delayed silking, increased leaves per plant, and decreased leaf width. Hybrid plants from the LG strain yielded 10% more than hybrid plants from the SM strain. They also had 12% higher grain moisture at harvest, 11% greater leaf surface area (mainly from more and wider leaves), and silked 0.6 d later than SM plants. Hybrid plants from the HC strain produced higher grain yields and greater leaf surface areas than plants from the RC or the LC strains. Leaf surface areas was correlated (r = O.80, P < 0.01) with grain field. Kernel growth genes influenced yield via xenia effects but mainly by genes in the plant. Although R-nj color genes only increased yields of specific reciprocal hybrids, in properly planned hybrids these genes may complement genes that increase yield via larger kernels
LSN2424100: a novel, potent orexin-2 receptor antagonist with selectivity over orexin-1 receptors and activity in an animal model predictive of antidepressant-like efficacy.

We describe a novel, potent and selective orexin-2 (OX2)/hypocretin-2 receptor antagonist with in vivo activity in an animal model predictive of antidepressant-like efficacy. N-biphenyl-2-yl-4-fluoro-N-(1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl)benzenesulfonamide HCl (LSN2424100) binds with high affinity to recombinant human OX2 receptors (Ki = 4.5 nM), and selectivity over OX1 receptors (Ki = 393 nM). LSN2424100 inhibited OXA-stimulated intracellular calcium release in HEK293 cells expressing human and rat OX2 receptors (Kb = 0.44 and 0.83 nM, respectively) preferentially over cells expressing human and rat OX1 (Kb = 90 and 175 nM, respectively). LSN2424100 exhibits good exposure in Sprague-Dawley rats after IP, but not PO, administration of a 30 mg/kg dose (AUC0-6h = 1300 and 269 ng*hr/mL, respectively). After IP administration in rats and mice, LSN2424100 produces dose-dependent antidepressant-like activity in the delayed-reinforcement of low rate (DRL) assay, a model predictive of antidepressant-like efficacy. Efficacy in the DRL model was lost in mice lacking OX2, but not OX1 receptors, confirming OX2-specific activity. Importantly, antidepressant-like efficacy of the tricyclic antidepressant, imipramine, was maintained in both OX1 and OX2 receptor knock-out mice. In conclusion, the novel OX2 receptor antagonist, LSN2424100, is a valuable tool compound that can be used to explore the role of OX2 receptor-mediated signaling in mood disorders.
A biologically motivated extension of ALGOL-like languages

E0L-languages arose in the study of developmental systems in biology. In this paper we characterize E0L-languages in terms of ALGOL-like equations. We show that by allowing finite rather than empty sets as the starting points in the recursive process for obtaining a language defined by the ALGOL-like equations, we get exactly the family of E0L-languages. Corollaries obtained include a normal form theorem, the elimination of e -rules for E0L-systems and a comparison with the extended definable languages.
Mechanism of epinephrine's glycogenolytic effect in isolated canine hepatocytes.

Abstract Epinephrine (10 −7 mol/L) addition to isolated canine hepatocytes activates glycogen phosphorylase from 12.3 ± 0.4 to 28.6 ± 2.6 U/g and glucose output from 42 ± 3 to 170 ± 24 nmol/mg/h. Preincubation of hepatocytes with propranolol (2 × 10 −5 mol/L) caused a 73% inhibition of phosphorylase activation and a 77% inhibition of the stimulation of glucose output by epinephrine. Phentolamine (2 × 10 −5 mol/L) on the other hand, caused a 16% inhibition of phosphorylase activation and a 27% inhibition of the stimulation of glucose output by epinephrine. These results were unaffected by the sex of the animal. In the dog the glycogenolytic effects of epinephrine appear to be mediated primarily by a β-adrenergic mechanism.
Object Artifact, Image Artifacts and Conceptual Artifacts: Beyond the object into the Event

When asked to respond to the question “what is an artifact?” I initially had several divergent responses. Because of my varied background and current position, I responded to thisquestion in three related but different ways: as an anthropologist (the area of my initial graduate training), as an art historian (the area of my Ph.D.), and as a professor of new media (my current position).
Effects of prolonged treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

In vitro marrow hemopoietic cultures were utilized to determine the possible efficacy of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for treating the refractory cytopenias present in the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Our studies showed responsiveness of enriched hemopoietic precursors in vitro to the proliferative and granulocytic differentiative stimuli of G-CSF, generally without increased clonal self-generation. These in vitro parameters correlated with in vivo hematologic responses in our Phase I and II clinical trials. In this study 18 patients were treated for two months with s.c. administration (0.1–3 mg/kg/day) of G-CSF, escalating doses every two weeks. This study indicated normalization of neutrophil courses in 16 patients and reticulocyte responses with decreased red blood cell (RBC) transfusion requirements in three of 12 transfusion-dependent patients. Marrow myeloid maturation improved in the responding patients. Extended treatment for additional six- to 16-month periods has indicated persisting neutrophil responses. The relative risk of developing bacterial infections was significantly decreased in patients whose neutrophil level normalized (absolute neutrophil count > 1,500/mm3) during G-CSF therapy, compared to such episodes in their pretreatment neutropenic period. This therapy was well-tolerated, without serious toxicity being noted. In vitro neutrophil function (chemotaxis and phagocytosis) remained normal or improved in six of the eight tested patients. Transformation to acute myelogenous leukemia occurred in two patients with refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-T) during or within a month of the treatment period. Marrow cytogenetic studies indicate persistence of the initial normal and/or abnormal clones. These data demonstrate hematologic improvement and diminished risk of infections in a substantial proportion of MDS patients and support the need for Phase III controlled trials to determine whether the natural history of these disorders is altered by administration of G-CSF.
Community design of a light rail transit-oriented development using casewise visual evaluation (CAVE)

Abstract This paper proposes the casewise visual evaluation or CAVE, methodology and discusses its application to the participatory design of a transit-oriented development (TOD) in Louisville, Kentucky. CAVE is a fuzzy logic-based non-linear visual preference modeling system designed to provide design element guidance from composite visual scenarios under conditions of sparse data. The context of application in a low-income urban neighborhood is detailed. An architectural expert's design vocabulary allows model input and output to be structured. A small set of image samples was scored for preference using anonymous electronic polling in distributed neighborhood forums. Using fuzzy set theoretic software a community preference knowledge base (PKB) was built and interrogated. Four critical TOD design dimensions were selected: height, typology, density, and open space type. Preferred TOD design combinations were identified using the PKB and discussed. This project shows that CAVE can provide context-specific guidance for urban designers and that its strengths in effectively devolving design input and capturing local preferences are recognized by the community. The paper highlights the necessity for advanced geovisual analytic methods to be embedded into a structured public involvement (SPI) process.
Some applications of thermal analysis as a supplement to or replacement for ASTM testing standards

Abstract Modern thermal analysis instrumentation, such as DSC, TMA, and TG, are rapid and accurate and should be given serious consideration as supplements to, or in some cases, as replacements for some of the ASTM testing standards. Thermal analysis instrumentation provides a logical advancement in the search for not only simpler techniques but those which provide an increase in accuracy and speed of determination. Indeed, one of the ASTM Committees, E-37, is solely committed to the application of thermal analysis instrumentation. It is the purpose of this report to suggest some areas of ASTM testing where thermal analysis instrumentation can prove its unique capabilities. It is not meant to imply that these procedures be adopted by ASTM in this suggested form as any procedures accepted by ASTM must be arrived at by the standard ASTM format; that is, by a consensus of the appropriate ASTM Committees. The following examples, then, are again merely suggestions.
Variation in Protein and Calorie Consumption Following Protein Malnutrition in Rattus norvegicus

Catch-up growth rates, following protein malnutrition, vary with timing and duration of insult, despite unlimited access to calories. Understanding changing patterns of post-insult consumption, relative rehabilitation timing, can provide insight into the mechanisms driving those differences. We hypothesize that higher catch-up growth rates will be correlated with increased protein consumption, while calorie consumption could remain stable. As catch-up growth rates decrease with age/malnutrition duration, we predict a dose effect in protein consumption with rehabilitation timing. We measured total and protein consumption, body mass, and long bone length, following an increase of dietary protein at 40, 60 and 90 days, with two control groups (chronic reduced protein or standard protein) for 150+ days. Immediately following rehabilitation, rats' food consumption decreased significantly, implying that elevated protein intake is sufficient to fuel catch-up growth rates that eventually result in body weights and long bone lengths greater or equal to final measures of chronically fed standard (CT) animals. The duration of protein restriction affected consumption: rats rehabilitated at younger ages had more drastic alterations in consumption of both calories and protein. While rehabilitated animals did compensate with greater protein consumption, variable responses in different ages and sex highlight the plasticity of growth and how nutrition affects body form.
Differential ion exchange in elliptical uranyl diphosphonate nanotubules.

A simple route to a uranyl diphosphonate with an elliptical nanotubular structure has been developed. The interior of the nanotubules provides a different chemical environment than the exterior with regards to the exchange of Cs{sup +} cations for Ag{sup +} cations, thus demonstrating that uranyl nanotubules are functional materials.
When can sigmoidal data be fit to a Hill curve

The Hill equation is a fundamental expression in chemical ikinetics relating velocity of response to concentration. It is known that the Hill equation is parameter identifiable in the sense that perfect data yield a unique set of defining parameters. However not all sigmoidal curves can be well fit by Hill curves. In particular the lower part of the curve can't be too shallow and the upper part can't be too steep. In this paper an exact mathematical criterion is derived to describe the degree of shallowness allowed.
A Dietary Screening Questionnaire Identifies Dietary Patterns in Older Adults

Dietary patterns reflect habitual exposure of foods and nutrients and are a preferred means to assess diet and disease relations. Our objective was to design a screening tool to assess diet quality and dietary patterns among older adults and to relate the patterns to markers of general health and nutrition status. We used a population-specific data-based approach to design a diet screening instrument that was tested among subjects sampled from the Geisinger Rural Aging Study cohort (n=205). All participants attended a local clinic and had biochemical, anthropometric, and other health data collected. Dietary information was obtained via 24-h recall. We used principle components analysis to derive dietary patterns, which were then compared with nutritional outcomes using Pearson partial correlations, controlling for energy, age, BMI, and supplement use. Two dietary patterns were derived; 1 represented by more healthful foods and 1 by less optimal food choices. The healthy pattern was associated with more favorable biomarkers, more nutrient-dense diets, and lower waist circumference, whereas the converse was true for the second pattern. A screening tool can be used by older adults to identify dietary patterns that may relate to nutritional risk.
Differential Expression of Thromboxane Synthase in Prostate Carcinoma Role in Tumor Cell Motility

Arachidonic acid metabolism through cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, or P-450 epoxygenase pathways can generate a variety of eicosanoids. Thromboxane synthase (TxS) metabolizes the cyclooxygenase product, prostanglandin H 2 , into thromboxane A 2 (TXA 2 ), which can cause vessel constriction, platelet activation, and aggregation. Here we demonstrate that human prostate cancer (PCa) cells express enzymatically active TxS and that this enzyme is involved in cell motility. In human PCa cell lines, PC-3, PC-3M, and ML-2 cells expressed higher levels of TxS than normal prostate epithelial cells or other established PCa cell lines such as DU145, LNCaP, or PPC-1. We cloned and sequenced the full-length TxS cDNA from PC-3 cells and found two changes in the amino acid residues. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor specimens revealed that expression of TxS is weak or absent in normal differentiated luminal, or secretory cells, significantly elevated in less differentiated or advanced prostate tumors, and markedly increased in tumors with perineural invasion. TxS expressed in PC-3 cells was enzymatically active and susceptible to carboxyheptal imidazole, an inhibitor of TxS. The biosynthesis of TXA 2 in PC-3 cells was dependent on COX-2, and to a lesser extent, COX-1. Treatment of PC-3 cells with a COX-1 selective inhibitor, piroxicam, reduced TXA 2 synthesis by approximately 40%, while the COX-2 specific inhibitor NS398 reduced TXA 2 production by ∼80%. Inhibition of TxS activity or blockade of TXA 2 function reduced PC-3 cell migration on fibronectin, while having minimal effects on cell cycle progression or survival. Finally, increased expression of TxS in DU145 cells increased cell motility. Our data suggest that human PCa cells express TxS and that this enzyme may contribute to PCa progression through modulating cell motility.
Narrow beam adaptive array for advanced wireless applications

To help develop high performance adaptive phased array antennas, we examined the tradeoffs in implementing a hybrid approach that was described in an earlier publications [Z. Zhang et al., 2003]. Simulation results using both the LMS and CMA beamforming algorithms show that the hybrid approach described in Z. Zhang et al. (2003) actually successfully predicts DOA, but on the expense of the beam width. Narrower beam widths would require increasing number of elements and this may be possible to achieve and hence suitable for implementation in larger arrays. The performance of the hybrid beamforming approach was further simulated using measured radiation patterns from the new CPW-CTS antenna. Future extension of the proposed approach to the case of narrower beam width subarrays (single feed) in a larger CTS antenna array system is also described.
Designing high-performance processors using real address prediction

The authors propose design techniques that may significantly simplify the cache access path, and hence offer the opportunity of shorter cycle time or fewer pipeline stages. Their proposals are based on highly accurate prediction methods that allow them to efficiently resolve address translation information early in the pipe. >
Cortical reorganization of language functioning following perinatal left MCA stroke

Objective Functional MRI was used to determine differences in patterns of cortical activation between children who suffered perinatal left middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke and healthy children performing a silent verb generation task.
On homotopy Abelian H-spaces

We consider H -spaces which are Abelian ‘up to homotopy’ (cf. (9)). We analyse this condition in terms of the homotopy of an associated space called ‘the projective plane’. The analysis is applied to show that Ω CP (3) is homotopy Abelian.
An analysis of the folded waveguide: a compact waveguide launcher for ICRF heating

Theoretical and experimental investigations of the folded waveguide launcher as proposed for use in the ion-cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) heating of tokamak plasmas are presented. Theoretical results include an analysis of the folded waveguide using Ritz's method to obtain various field quantities. The cutoff wavenumbers from this analysis are within 10% of those calculated using an unfolded equivalent rectangular waveguide model. Measurements of cavity resonances for a scale-model ICRF-folded waveguide with a cutoff frequency of 2.4 GHz also agree closely with those calculated using an unfolded equivalent model. An unfolded equivalent waveguide model is used to evaluate the properties of an inductive strip placed in the folded waveguide. Applying variational analyses provides upper and lower bounds to the reflection magnitude mod S/sub 11/ mod that are in good agreement with measured values. Polarizing plates (which have been proposed to increase the on-axis directivity of the radiated power) are modeled using an unfolded equivalent waveguide. A variational analysis is used to determine an upper-bound value of mod S/sub 11/ mod in air due to a polarizing plate inside a matched folded waveguide. Measured values are found to be within 3% of the calculated values, with mod S/sub 11/ mod >0.95 for frequencies between 2.5 and 4.5 GHz. >
GenomeBlast: A Web Tool for Small Genome Comparison

Comparative genomics has become an essential approach for identifying homologous gene candidates and their functions, and for studying genome evolution. We developed GenomeBlast, a web tool for comparative analysis of multiple small genomes. It uses the blastp program for sequence similarity comparison and the maximum parsimony method based on gene content to infer genome phylogeny. Alignment coverage is used to identify global similarity between genes. This strategy takes advantage of the fast BLAST algorithm, and at the same time avoids finding only locally similar sequences but identifies gene-wide similarities (more likely to be homologue candidates). With GenomeBlast, the following results can be obtained: (1) unique genes in each genome; (2) homologous gene candidates among compared genomes; (3) 2D plots of homologous gene candidates along the all pairwise genome comparisons; (4) a table of gene presence/absence information and a genome phylogeny. Compared with other similar tools, GenomeBlast is unique in that it integrates all the above functions, and all are easily accessible by the users through a simple web interface. In this report, we demonstrate the functions included in GenomeBlast with an example of multiple herpes viral genome analysis and how GenomeBlast is useful for small genome comparison.
HIV-Derived ssRNA Binds to TLR8 to Induce Inflammation-Driven Macrophage Foam Cell Formation

Even though combined anti-retroviral therapy (cART) dramatically improves patient survival, they remain at a higher risk of being afflicted with non-infectious complications such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). This increased risk is linked to persistent inflammation and chronic immune activation. In this study, we assessed whether this complication is related to HIV-derived ssRNAs inducing in macrophages increases in TNFα release through TLR8 activation leading to foam cell formation. HIV ssRNAs induced foam cell formation in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) in a dose-dependent manner. This response was reduced when either endocytosis or endosomal acidification was inhibited by dynasore or chloroquine, respectively. Using a flow cytometry FRET assay, we demonstrated that ssRNAs bind to TLR8 in HEK cells. In MDMs, ssRNAs triggered a TLR8-mediated inflammatory response that ultimately lead to foam cell formation. Targeted silencing of the TLR8 and MYD88 genes reduced foam cell formation. Furthermore, foam cell formation induced by these ssRNAs was blocked by an anti-TNFα neutralizing antibody. Taken together in MDMs, HIV ssRNAs are internalized; bind TLR8 in the endosome followed by endosomal acidification. TLR8 signaling then triggers TNFα release and ultimately leads to foam cell formation. As this response was inhibited by a blocking anti-TNFα antibody, drug targeting HIV ssRNA-driven TLR8 activation may serve as a potential therapeutic target to reduce chronic immune activation and inflammation leading to CVD in HIV+ patients.
Molecular evidence for historical and recent population size reductions of tiger salamanders ( Ambystoma tigrinum ) in Yellowstone National Park

Population declines caused by natural and anthropogenic factors can quickly erode genetic diversity in natural populations. In this study, we examined genetic variation within 10 tiger salamander populations across northern Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana, USA using eight microsatellite loci. We tested for the genetic signature of population decline using heterozygosity excess, shifts in allele frequencies, and low ratios of allelic number to allelic size range (M-ratios). We found different results among the three tests. All 10 populations had low M-ratios, five had shifts in allele frequencies and only two had significant heterozygosity excesses. These results support theoretical expectations of different temporal signatures among bottleneck tests and suggest that both historical fish stocking, recent, sustained drought, and possibly an emerging amphibian disease have contributed to declines in effective population size.
Bandwidth enhancement of the cavity resonance antenna (CRA) using multiple dielectric superstrate layers

The ray-tracing method is applied to study the radiation of a cavity resonance antenna (CRA) with both single and multiple dielectric superstrate layers. The behavior of the broadside directivity is investigated by analyzing the reflection phase of the antenna superstrates. To enhance the bandwidth of the CRA and maintain its large broadside directivity, a multilayered superstrate of an increasing reflection phase with frequency is presented. When compared to the single-layered CRA, a bandwidth enhancement of more than 100% is attained using a multilayered CRA of three superstrate slabs. Theoretical results are validated by simulations using commercial numerical electromagnetics software.
When Mothers Kill: Interviews from Prison, by M. Oberman and C. Meyer

Oberman and Meyer interviewed the 40 women whose stories compose When Mothers Kill: Interviews From Prison in an effort to fill in the missing pieces from the empirical findings detailed in their p...
Methods For Performance Evaluation OfMotion Control Systems

Typically, the measured accuracy of a linear slideway is based on straight line point-to-point motions: pausing at each point for a laser displacement measurement. The slideway accuracy is then a function of the methods used to assemble the slideway components and the quality of components such as the bearing's precision, the actuator positioning ability, and the accuracy and resolution of the position feedback device [1]. What is not measured is the motion profile accuracy as the slideway moves between points, and a series of points form a contour and may be coordinated with more than one slideway. This motion profile accuracy is influenced by the slideway components, but more importantly, by the performance of the motion control system used to close the servo loop. Performance factors such as the dynamic resolution, servo-loop closure rate, servo control and trajectory algorithm accuracy and disturbance rejection control the shape of the motion profile and the profile's accuracy, within a motion control system. This work focuses on methods to measure and evaluate the performance factors that affect motion profile accuracy in motion control systems. Transactions on Engineering Sciences vol 23, © 1999 WIT Press, www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-3533
Pediatric Nontraumatic Hip Pathology

Nontraumatic pediatric hip pain and related hip pathology have a broad differential and often present a diagnostic dilemma. The age of the child; history and physical examination; and, if needed, laboratory and imaging studies can guide diagnosis. This article reviews the common etiologies for hip complaints occurring in the absence of trauma in children. The clinical presentation, evaluation, and management will be discussed as well as relevant existing literature to assist the physician in distinguishing between hip pathologies.
Nutrient Values of Spring and Summer Annual Forages in a Single Cut Harvest1

Abstract The Central High Plains of the United States (western Nebraska and Kansas and eastern Wyoming and Colorado) is a major beef cattle production area, but it is subject to periodic droughts. Annual forages are an essential feed source for maintaining beef cattle herds during periods of drought and winter months. The objective of this study was to determine nutrient concentrations in annual forages, including barley, oats, triticale, forage sorghums, sudangrass, pearl millet, foxtail millet, field peas, soybeans, and vetch grown for hay in this region. The summer annuals—forage sorghums, sudangrass, pearl millet, and foxtail millet—were grown in replicated rain-fed and irrigated trials whereas the other forage species were grown in only rain-fed trials. Currently available cultivars of these forages species were included in the trials that were located primarily at Sidney and Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Results demonstrate that the harvested forage of many of these species approached or exceeded 10, 60, 0.4 and 0.2% of CP, TDN, Ca, and P, respectively, exceeding diet composition requirements for growing beef cattle and gestating beef cow classes listed by the NRC. Nitrate-N values exceeded safe feeding levels in pearl millet and irrigated foxtail millet forage, probably due to high soil N fertility levels. Feed testing of warm-season, summer annual forages grown in this region for nitrate-N would be a prudent management practice.
Granulomatous prostatitis with emphasis on the eosinophilic variety.

Twenty-eight cases of nonspecific granulomatous prostatitis are presented. Those cases showing an eosinophilic infiltrate are reported in detail and analyzed with ones found in a comprehensive review of the literature. Simple eosinophilic granulomatous prostatis is occasionally associated with an allergic history (20%); those cases containing the additional element of fibrinoid necrosis or vasculitis almost invariably have an allergic history (94%). Eosinophilic granulomatous prostatitis does not indicate a grave prognosis unless associated with diffuse vasculitis. A history of previous prostatic transurethral resection was present in 47% of our patients with nonspecific granulomatous prostatitis, all of whom had benign prostatic hypertrophy. The significance of this finding together with other factors in the pathogenesis of prostatic granulomas is discussed. The bladder was involved in two cases of eosinophilic granulomatous prostatis in our series. This association, so far as we are aware, has not been reported previously. A histologic classification of nonspecific granulomatous prostatitis is suggested.
The epidemiology of Bartonella

Bartonella,a gram-negative bacillus,an spread through Lutzomyia verrucarum,human flea,Pediculus humanus varietycorporis of insect vector and cause human Bartonellosis,whose symptoms include Oroya fever,Peruvian wart,Cat-scratch disease,Febris quintana,Bacillary angiomatosis et al.This article reviews the epidemiology of Bartonella.
Internal Urethrotomy Under Direct Vision in Men

AbstractDuring a 3½-year period 128 patients with urethral strictures were treated with internal urethrotomy. The etiology, surgical technique, complications and postoperative management are discussed. Appraisal of the results after a mean followup of 25 months showed an over-all success rate of 85 per cent.
Radiometric Measurement Comparison on the Integrating Sphere Source Used to Calibrate the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM

As part of a continuing effort to validate the radiometric scales assigned to integrating sphere sources used in the calibration of Earth Observing System (EOS) instruments, a radiometric measurement comparison was held in May 1998 at Raytheon/Santa Barbara Remote Sensing (SBRS). This comparison was conducted in support of the calibration of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) instruments. The radiometric scale assigned to the Spherical Integrating Source (SIS100) by SBRS was validated through a comparison with radiometric measurements made by a number of stable, well-characterized transfer radiometers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA's GSFC), and the University of Arizona Optical Sciences Center (UA). The measured radiances from the radiometers differed by ±3 % in the visible to near infrared when compared to the SBRS calibration of the sphere, and the overall agreement was within the combined uncertainties of the individual measurements. In general, the transfer radiometers gave higher values than the SBRS calibration in the near infrared and lower values in the blue. The measurements of the radiometers differed by ±4 % from 800 nm to 1800 nm compared to the SBRS calibration of the sphere, and the overall agreement was within the combined uncertainties of the individual measurements for wavelengths less than 2200 nm. The results of the radiometric measurement comparison presented here supplement the results of previous measurement comparisons on the integrating sphere sources used to calibrate the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, CA and the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) at NEC Corporation, Yokohama, Japan.
FLARE: An Open Source Toolkit for Creating Expressive User Interfaces for Serious Games

Recent years have seen a growing recognition of the transformative potential of games for education and training. Supporting the efficient creation of expressive user interface content that is both effective and engaging is critical to the serious game development process. To this end, this paper presents FLARE, an open source toolkit for creating expressive user interfaces. The toolkit leverages the authoring capabilities of Adobe Flash Professional, e.g., vector graphics, animation, text, and sound, while integrating seamlessly into the popular Unity cross-platform game engine. Our experience using FLARE suggests that it is an effective toolkit for developing expressive user interfaces for serious games.
Geoscience education for realtors, appraisers, home inspectors, and homeowners

As urban development encroaches onto less suitable sites, knowledge of the connection between the ground beneath one's home and the home itself becomes increasingly critical to the homebuyer. General geology courses usually fail to teach application or the information retrieval skills needed to make the connection. In Colorado, a focused course to inform Realtors and their related professionals of the value of geology proved also to reach their clients. Course organization conveys concepts through a hierarchical framework of reasoning, starting with science and its methods, then geology as a science of materials, process, and change-through-time, then geology as a profession with an information system and public service sector, and thereafter selected content. Realtors and their allied professions want to understand pertinent geology. Through experiencing the connection between land and structures in their work, the resulting curiosity makes Realtors ideal students for the instructor who can impart practi...
Econometric Forecasting by a Fertiliser Sectoral Model

Abstract It was the aim to make long-range projections for fertilizer consumption, production and trade of developed and developing countries. Forecasts were required to be alternative and consistent in a dynamic sense as well. For these purposes a macroeconomic commodity model of econometric type was developed and used as a simulator for making predictions. The econometric model was a relatively complex sectoral model, containing beside fertilizer commodities variables for grain production, food consumption and some exogeneous variables for the national economy. This model was quantified for developed and developing country groups of the world which were linked through their export and import variables concerning grain and fertilizers
A Multidimensional B-Spline Correction for Accurate Modeling Sugar Puckering in QM/MM Simulations.

The computational efficiency of approximate quantum mechanical methods allows their use for the construction of multidimensional reaction free energy profiles. It has recently been demonstrated that quantum models based on the neglect of diatomic differential overlap (NNDO) approximation have difficulty modeling deoxyribose and ribose sugar ring puckers and thus limit their predictive value in the study of RNA and DNA systems. A method has been introduced in our previous work to improve the description of the sugar puckering conformational landscape that uses a multidimensional B-spline correction map (BMAP correction) for systems involving intrinsically coupled torsion angles. This method greatly improved the adiabatic potential energy surface profiles of DNA and RNA sugar rings relative to high-level ab initio methods even for highly problematic NDDO-based models. In the present work, a BMAP correction is developed, implemented, and tested in molecular dynamics simulations using the AM1/d-PhoT semiempir...
Having Your Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Eating Them Too: Strategies to Ensure and Improve the Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Content of Farm-Raised Fish

For most of the human population, seafood represents the primary source of beneficial long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) (1). Historically, capture fisheries were able to meet demand, but the current state of fisheries portends a “sea change” in how we feed a seafood- and LC-PUFA-hungry world. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has stated that of those marine fisheries for which statistics are available, 53% are fully exploited, 28% are over exploited, and 4% are depleted or recovering from depletion; only 15% are considered under exploited, or capable of sustaining greater harvest pressure (2). Although rates of decline have been slaked in some instances, the future of many fisheries remains uncertain (3), and some researchers have gone so far as to predict the collapse of many fisheries unless significant changes are made to current resource management approaches (4–6). As capture fisheries have reached maximum sustainable yields, global demand has continued to grow: global fisheries landings including aquaculture in 1950 was approximately 20 million metric tons (MMT); landings in 2008 topped 140 MMT, of which approximately 115 MMT were used for direct human consumption (2). Increasing demand is a function of human population growth, as well as increasing per capita consumption: annual fish consumption has grown by more than 70% since the 1960s, reaching 17 kg per capita in 2007, the highest recorded to date (2).