cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IMG-ABC: A Knowledge Base To Fuel Discovery of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters and Novel Secondary Metabolites

ABSTRACT In the discovery of secondary metabolites, analysis of sequence data is a promising exploration path that remains largely underutilized due to the lack of computational platforms that enable such a systematic approach on a large scale. In this work, we present IMG-ABC (https://img.jgi.doe.gov/abc), an atlas of biosynthetic gene clusters within the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) system, which is aimed at harnessing the power of “big” genomic data for discovering small molecules. IMG-ABC relies on IMG9s comprehensive integrated structural and functional genomic data for the analysis of biosynthetic gene clusters (BCs) and associated secondary metabolites (SMs). SMs and BCs serve as the two main classes of objects in IMG-ABC, each with a rich collection of attributes. A unique feature of IMG-ABC is the incorporation of both experimentally validated and computationally predicted BCs in genomes as well as metagenomes, thus identifying BCs in uncultured populations and rare taxa. We demonstrate the strength of IMG-ABC9s focused integrated analysis tools in enabling the exploration of microbial secondary metabolism on a global scale, through the discovery of phenazine-producing clusters for the first time in Alphaproteobacteria . IMG-ABC strives to fill the long-existent void of resources for computational exploration of the secondary metabolism universe; its underlying scalable framework enables traversal of uncovered phylogenetic and chemical structure space, serving as a doorway to a new era in the discovery of novel molecules. IMPORTANCE IMG-ABC is the largest publicly available database of predicted and experimental biosynthetic gene clusters and the secondary metabolites they produce. The system also includes powerful search and analysis tools that are integrated with IMG9s extensive genomic/metagenomic data and analysis tool kits. As new research on biosynthetic gene clusters and secondary metabolites is published and more genomes are sequenced, IMG-ABC will continue to expand, with the goal of becoming an essential component of any bioinformatic exploration of the secondary metabolism world.
Cluster analysis differentiates high and low community functioning in schizophrenia: Subgroups differ on working memory but not other neurocognitive domains

Abstract Background Schizophrenia is characterized by impairment in multiple aspects of community functioning. Available literature suggests that community functioning may be enhanced through cognitive remediation, however, evidence is limited regarding whether specific neurocognitive domains may be treatment targets. We characterized schizophrenia subjects based on their level of community functioning through cluster analysis in an effort to identify whether specific neurocognitive domains were associated with variation in functioning. Methods Schizophrenia (SCZ, n = 60) and control (CON, n = 45) subjects completed a functional capacity task, social competence role-play, functional attainment interview, and a neuropsychological battery. Multiple cluster analytic techniques were used on the measures of functioning in the schizophrenia subjects to generate functionally-defined subgroups. MANOVA evaluated between-group differences in neurocognition. Results The cluster analysis revealed two distinct groups, consisting of 36 SCZ characterized by high levels of community functioning (HF-SCZ) and 24 SCZ with low levels of community functioning (LF-SCZ). There was a main group effect for neurocognitive performance ( p p ≤ 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.78) but the two groups did not differ in remaining domains. Conclusion The cluster analysis classified schizophrenia subjects in HF-SCZ and LF-SCZ using a multidimensional assessment of community functioning. Moreover, HF-SCZ demonstrated rather preserved verbal working memory relative to LF-SCZ. The results suggest that verbal working memory may play a critical role in community functioning, and is a potential cognitive treatment target for schizophrenia subjects.
A checklist in the event of aneurysm perforation during coiling.

The use of checklists is well-established in aviation, where their application is an integral part of every sequence of flying.[1][1] In cases of emergency flying procedures, the use of checklists is fundamental in dealing with critical tasks, and their application is a central part of pilot
A comparison of two algorithms in computerized temporal discounting procedures

Two algorithms are commonly applied in computerized temporal discounting procedures (Decreasing Adjustment and Double-Limit Algorithms); however, the degree to which the two algorithms produce similar patterns of discounting is unknown. The present experiment compared the two common algorithms across sign (gains and losses) and magnitude ($10 and $1000) conditions. Twenty participants made choices between larger later and smaller sooner alternatives that were presented by each of the algorithms in separate conditions. Strong correlations were found between the two measures; however, the Decreasing Adjustment Algorithm tended to produce lower indifference points and higher rates of discounting than the Double-Limit Algorithm. Both algorithms found significant magnitude effects. Less consistent results were found when comparing the two algorithms across sign. The present results suggest that researchers should apply caution when making comparisons between outcomes of delay discounting studies that have used the two different algorithms. However, the interpretation of findings from individual studies is probably not strongly affected by the use of different computer algorithms.
Circumventing the Far-field Diffraction Limit in Optical Nanopatterning

The far-field diffraction limit prevents patterning of structures closer than about half the wavelength of light. I will present recently developed techniques that can circumvent this limit and thereby enable optical nanopatterning.
Assessing Gender Differences in College Cigarette Smoking Intenders and Nonintenders.

Variations in cigarette smoking patterns between men and women have led to the speculation that there may be systematic gender differences which account for these patterns. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether such gender differences exist in beliefs about the consequences of smoking, evaluations of those consequences, one's normative beliefs and one's motivations to comply among 221 college-age students. These subcomponents of Fishbein's model of behavioral intentions were tested with multivariate analysis procedures. Significant gender differences found in beliefs about the consequences of smoking, normative beliefs concerning smoking, and motivations to comply indicate that educational and treatment programs should address members of the two sexes in different ways.
ARP 2 and Terzan 8: a Detailed Chemical Analysis

To compare the globular clusters (GCs) associated with the Sagittarius Galaxy (Sgr) we report the results obtained from new high-resolution spectra of red giant stars in Terzan 8 and Arp 2, collected with the Magellan Inamori Kyocera Echelle (MIKE) spectrograph at Las Campanas Observatory. For Ter 8 we find [Fe I/H] = –2.37 ± 0.04 and [Fe II/H] = –2.30 ± 0.07, while for Arp 2 [Fe I/H] = –1.77 ± 0.04 and [Fe II/H] = –1.89 ± 0.07. Other elements, usually of interest, show the following results. For oxygen, we obtain [O/Fe] = 0.71 ± 0.17 for Ter 8 and [O/Fe] = 0.21 ± 0.22 for Arp 2. For the α-elements (Mg, Si, Ca, Ti), the mean values are 037 ± 0.14 dex for Ter 8 and 0.31 ± 0.11 for Arp 2. These values are not too different from the Galactic GCs at a similar [Fe/H] value. Regarding Cu, we find quite underabundant results for both clusters: [Cu/Fe] = –0.96 for Ter 8 and [Cu/Fe] = –0.93 for Arp 2. The heavy s-process elements Ba and Nd show no excesses in Ter 8 and Arp 2. Our only r-process element, Eu, shows an excess of 0.45 dex in Arp 2, based on the only useful line at 6645 A.
Reactive hypoglycemia: overlooked or overdiagnosed?

Abstract Seventy-two consecutive adult patients referred for office psychiatric diagnosis received an oral glucose tolerance test, and reactive hypoglycemia was found to play no role in the development of their psychiatric symptoms or disorders. Five patients did display reactive hypoglycemia, but they did not have any difficulty in differentiating hypoglycemic from psychiatric symptoms. It is unlikely that patients presenting typical psychiatric symptoms in reality have reactive hypoglycemia mimicking a psychiatric disorder.
Reoperation for persistant outflow obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

This study compares results of a second left ventricular myotomy and myectomy (M + M) with those of mitral valve replacement (MVR) as reoperative procedures for persistent left ventricular outflow obstruction after M + M in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Comparison of the second M + M group (n = 12) with the MVR group (n = 11) disclosed significant difference (p less than 0.05) in mean age at the initial operation (29 +/- 11 years versus 40 +/- 8 years), interval between operations (46 +/- 57 months versus 18 +/- 13 months), and age at reoperation (33 +/- 10 years versus 42 +/- 8 years); and insignificant differences in mean preoperative functional class, cardiac index, left ventricular outflow gradients at rest or with provocation, and hospital mortality at reoperation (2/12 versus 1/11). At 6 months after reoperation, comparison of results of a second M + M with MVR showed that mean functional class, cardiac index, and left ventricular outflow gradient at rest were similarly improved, but the outflow gradient with provocation was significantly higher in the second M + M group (57 +/- 44 mm Hg versus 14 +/- 9 mm Hg, p less than 0.05). Total follow-up was 108 patient-years (100% complete) with an average of 5.9 years per patient in the second M + M group and 3.4 years per patient in the MVR group. Actuarial survival, including hospital mortality, at 3 and 5 years was 83% and 76%, respectively, after the second M + M, which was similar to 92% and 77% after MVR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Approximate least squares parameter estimation with structured observations

The solution of inverse problems where the parameter being estimated has a known structure has been widely studied. In this work, we consider the situation where it is not appropriate to assume a structure for the parameter, but the observations on which the estimate are based are structured; specifically, when the observations are parametrized by a decomposable graphical model. This translates to structured sparsity of the inverse covariance matrix for Gaussian distributed observation vectors. We present an approximate least squares method which takes advantage of the structure to reduce the complexity of least squares. The approximate least squares method can be implemented recursively for even lower complexity. It is shown that the proposed method is asymptotically equivalent to least squares parameter estimation for a large number of observations. The properties of the algorithm are verified by simulation.
Stabilizing compensator design for discrete-time non-linear stochastic systems with incomplete state information

In this work, an approach to stabilizing compensator design is presented that is suitable for a large class of discrete-time non-linear stochastic systems with incomplete state information. The non-linearity is contained either in the state or the measurement equation and it involves a white-noise vector sequence. The proposed compensator is a combination of a constant gain observer and a constant feedback control gain. The stabilizability conditions depend upon the system and chosen design parameter characteristics and are given for both mean-square and almost sure stochastic boundedness and stability of the controlled system. A specific subclass of these systems, subject to certain control laws, is shown to possess stabilizability conditions that can be tested a priori.
Review: Antiplatelet therapies are more effective in smokers than nonsmokers

Source Citation Gagne JJ, Bykov K, Choudhry NK, et al. Effect of smoking on comparative efficacy of antiplatelet agents: systematic review, meta-analysis, and indirect comparison. BMJ. 2013;347:f53...
State Power and the Economic Origins of Democracy

Recent comparative politics scholarship on regime change has not taken state capacity seriously. Prominent works on the relationship between democracy and economic inequality center on the expectation by economic elites that democratization will lead to economic redistribution. But state capacity is necessary for redistribution, and where extractive capacity is lacking, rational economic elites should not fear that suffrage expansion would lead to effective redistribution, nor should the masses expect to gain economically from democratization. State capacity thus acts as a scope condition for the effect of inequality on regime outcomes. This prediction is confirmed through replication and extension of the analysis in Boix (2003), with the addition of the presence of a regularly implemented national census as a proxy for state capacity. In strong states, the effect of inequality on regime change is confirmed. But where the state is weak, inequality is shown to have no effect on regime outcomes. Thus, including state capacity in theories of regime change calls into question general claims about the “economic origins” of dictatorship and democracy.
Anomalous optical dephasing in crystalline Y2O3: Eu3+

Abstract Sample dependent optical dephasing is observed for the 7F0⇔ 5D0 transition of Eu3+ in Y2O3 crystals prepared by flame fusion, arc imaging and laser heated pedestal growth techniques. Two pulse photon echo measurements at 1.4K show that the homogeneous line widths over nearly two orders of magnitude in them different samples (ГH = 0.8 to 42 kHz), and are uncorrelated with the Eu3+ concentration. The temperature dependence of ГH is nearly linear in temperature (1-12 K), similar to that observed for disordered systems. The measured line widths may be associated with limited disorder in the crystalline state. We also report on the line width of optical holes burned in the 7F0 ⇔ 5D0 transition of a MOCVD Y2O3 film containing ≈ 2 at.% Eu3+_. We find ГH = 12 MHz at 1.4K, about 103 times larger than that measured in the bulk crystals, and it is also linearly dependent on temperature.
Direct simulations of flexible cylindrical fiber suspensions in finite Reynolds number flows

Direct simulations of flexible cylindrical fiber suspensions in a finite Reynolds number flow are reported. The simulation method is based on a lattice Boltzmann equation and a flexible fiber model. A slender solid body is discretized into a chain of cylindrical segments contacting each other at the their ends through ball and socket joints that allow adjacent segments to rotate around the joints in three dimensional space. A constraint force is imposed at each joint. In general, motion and rotational matrices of each segment are functions of constraint forces. It is necessary to linearize the rotational matrices in forces and torques so that constraint forces could be solved using joint contacting conditions. Therefore, quaternion parameters as well as rotational matrix could be expanded in a power series of the length of time step up to a second order. A half leapfrog algorithm D. Fincham, [CCP5 Quarterly, 2, 6 (1981)] is modified to ensure the ball and socket joint conditions to be satisfied at each time step. The validation of the present flexible fiber method is tested by using a rigid particle method. It is shown that the computational results are consistent with the existing experimental and theoretical results at finite Reynolds number flows. With the present method, nonlinear inertial interactions between fluid and flexible filaments can be naturally studied. A few applications are included.
Politics, public opinion and privatization: Assessing the “calculus of consent” for market reforms in transition economies

This article supports a growing body of comparative public policy literature on assessing citizen attitudes to privatization efforts around the world. Given the normative and political overtones associated with the privatization of state-owned enterprises, relatively little is known empirically about how citizens of different nationalities evaluate market reforms. Using the 1996 International Social Survey Programme, the method of analysis utilized in this article will provide researchers with a more precise analytical framework for evaluating citizen attitudes, and for anticipating and dealing strategically with the perceived political consequences of denationalization efforts in transition economies. Conclusions reached here link attitudes toward privatization with the implementation of ongoing market reforms. Consequently, assessing citizen attitudes serves as an important heuristic for practitioners and researchers to contemplate in their evaluation of privatization efforts.
Rationing sex: Female convicts in the Andamans∗

(1998). Rationing sex: Female convicts in the Andamans. South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 29-59.
Crystallographic analysis of the coccolith of Coccolithus huxleyi.

Electron microscope observations show that the coccolith ofCoccolithus huxleyi is composed of radially arranged units, each consisting of an upper and lower element and a central wall. From the results of electron diffraction analysis the whole unit is considered to be a single crystal of calcite having the form of a hollow crystal. The c-axis is oriented parallel to the direction of elongation of the element. The top and bottom sufaces of the lower element, and the bottom surface of the upper element are probably (010) planes.
Long-term results of anterior gastropexy for gastroesophageal reflux in children

Between 1971 and 1985, anterior gastropexy was performed in 154 children (age 1 month to 16 years, 92 younger than 1 year) for gastroesophageal reflux demonstrated by barium swallow (diagnostic in 84%), endoscopy (92%), and 24-h pH monitoring (86%). The main indications for surgery were: vomiting and failure to thrive (106 cases); apneic spells (14); recurrent respiratory infections (14); stricture (12); and substernal pain (8). Two complications occurred intraoperatively (hemorrhage and esophageal perforation) and 27 postoperatively (pneumonia 9; intestinal obstruction 6; hiatal stenosis subsequent to operation 5; delayed gastric emptying 2; gas bloating 2; paraesophageal hernia 2; gastric perforation 1), all without mortality. Long-term (1–13 years, 40 more than 5 years) follow-up was available in 143 cases (93%); the operation was considered successful in 121 (92%). Success rates for each indication were as follows: vomiting 94%; apneic spells 100%; respiratory infections 83%; stricture 67%; pain 100%. Twelve failures (8%) were noted: uncomplicated recurrent reflux in 8 patients, of whom 2 were reoperated; recurrent peptic stricture in 4, 3 reoperated. All reoperations were successful. This long-term follow-up shows that anterior gastropexy is a safe operation in children with an high success rate, particularly in cases of uncomplicated gastroesophageal reflux.
Appreciating, understanding and applying universal moral principles

Interest in business ethics has soared over the past ten to 15 years. Lacking in the literature are normative approaches that provide guidelines for managers to evaluate their behavior in order to determine whether that behavior is in fact ethical. This paper makes a contribution to normative research, by offering a graded task approach to applying certain principles based on the philosophy of ethics (referred to as universal moral principles). These principles include utilitarianism, the categorical imperative, rights, and justice. First, some arguments against the use of universal moral principles are discussed, and rebutted. Next, the principles themselves are explained. Finally, a worksheet is presented. This worksheet offers a step‐by‐step approach to applying each of the principles.
Sequencing of Captive Target Transcripts Identifies the Network of Regulated Genes and Functions of Primate-Specific miR-522

Identifying microRNA (miRNA)-regulated genes is key to understanding miRNA function. However, many miRNA recognition elements (MREs) do not follow canonical "seed" base-pairing rules, making identification of bona fide targets challenging. Here, we apply an unbiased sequencing-based systems approach to characterize miR-522, a member of the oncogenic primate-specific chromosome 19 miRNA cluster, highly expressed in poorly differentiated cancers. To identify miRNA targets, we sequenced full-length transcripts captured by a biotinylated miRNA mimic. Within these targets, mostly noncanonical MREs were identified by sequencing RNase-resistant fragments. miR-522 overexpression reduced mRNA, protein levels, and luciferase activity of >70% of a random list of candidate target genes and MREs. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that miR-522 regulates cell proliferation, detachment, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. miR-522 induces G1 cell-cycle arrest and causes cells to detach without anoikis, become invasive, and express mesenchymal genes. Thus, our method provides a simple but effective technique for identifying miRNA-regulated genes and biological function.
7. Survey of Results of Whole Body Imaging Using the PET/CT at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center PET Facility.

Purpose: At the University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center, over 100 oncology studies have been performed using a combined PET/CT scanner. The scanner is a prototype, which combines clinical PET and clinical CT imaging in a single unit. The sensitivity achieved using three-dimensional PET imaging as well as the use of the CT for attenuation correction and image fusion make the device ideal for clinical oncology. Clinical indications imaged on the PET/CT scanner include, but are not limited to, tumor staging, solitary pulmonary nodule evaluation, and evaluation of tumor reoccurrence in melanoma, lymphoma, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancer, and renal cancer.Methods: For all studies, seven millicuries of F(18)-fluorodeoxyglucose is injected and a forty-five minute uptake period is allowed prior to positioning the patient in the scanner. A helical CT scan is acquired over the region, or regions of interest followed by a multi-bed whole body PET scan for the same axial extent. The CT scan is used to correct the PET data for attenuation. The entire imaging session lasts 1-1.5 hours depending on the number of beds acquired, and is generally well tolerated by the patient.Results and Conclusion: Based on our experience in over 100 studies, combined PET/CT imaging offers significant advantages, including more accurate localization of focal uptake, distinction of pathology from normal physiological uptake, and improvements in evaluating therapy. These benefits will be illustrated with a number of representative, fully documented studies.
ANALYSIS OF CHEMICAL REACTION SYSTEMS

Abstract This paper examines strategies for integration of the stiff ordinary differential equations that comprise the mass balances in a complex reaction scheme. A reduced set of mass balances is obtained by taking certain reactions at equilibrium and applying the method of Sorensen and Stewart (1980). The GEAR integrator is coupled with the Rand algorithm for minimization of Gibbs free energy. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are considered, with emphasis on combustion of hexane in a tube.
Identification of two serine residues involved in catalysis by fatty acid amide hydrolase.

Fatty acid amide hydrolase is an integral membrane protein that hydrolyzes a novel and growing class of neuromodulatory fatty acid molecules, including anandamide, 2-arachidonyl glycerol, and oleamide. This activity is inhibited by serine and cysteine reactive agents, suggesting that the active site contains a serine or cysteine residue. Therefore serine and cysteine residues were mutated to alanine and the effects on activity were determined. Mutants were prepared using site-directed mutagenesis methods and expressed in COS-7 cells. Serine mutations S217A and S241A completely abolished enzymatic activity. Mutants S152A and C249A had no effect on activity, while S218A showed a slight decrease in activity. To confirm these results biochemically, the mutant enzymes were reacted with the irreversible inhibitor [14C]-diisopropyl fluorophosphate. All of the mutants except S217A and S241A were labeled. We therefore confirm that fatty acid amide hydrolase is a serine hydrolase and propose that both Ser-217 and Ser-241 are essential for enzyme activity.
Cathepsin B and cathepsin D expression in follicular adenomas and carcinomas of the thyroid gland

Biologic features that distinguish follicular adenomas (FAs), minimally invasive follicular carcinomas (MICs), and extensively invasive follicular carcinomas (EICs) of the thyroid gland are not well understood. Endogenous proteases, including cathepsin B (CB) and cathepsin D (CD), have been linked to tumor progression in other malignancies and may be important in the different biologic behavior of these follicular thyroidal lesions. Archival paraffin-embedded tissue sections from 16 FAs, 12 MICs, and 4 EICs were studied for immunohistochemical expression of CB and CD. Percent of tumor staining, intensity of staining, and intracytoplasmic staining pattern were assessed. Increased intensity of staining with CD was observed in follicular carcinomas compared to adenomas and was greatest in the EIC (p<0.04). An increase in diffuse cytoplasmic staining pattern with CD (p<0.008) and CB (p<0.02) was observed in follicular carcinomas compared to FAs. The increased intensity of staining with CD in the follicular thyroid carcinomas and the increased diffuse cytoplasmic staining pattern with CD and CB in these carcinomas suggest that these proteinases may play a role in their propensity to invade and metastasize and, therefore, their more aggressive behavior. Furthermore, this diffuse cytoplasmic staining suggests an altered intracellular processing of these proteinases in the carcinomas.
Traveling wave ion transport for the cyclotron gas stopper

Abstract Next generation beam thermalization devices such as the cyclotron gas stopper are being developed to efficiently deliver a broad range of radioactive isotopes to experiments. Ion transport methods utilizing a traveling wave were investigated experimentally as part of the developments needed for this device. The “ion surfing” method, which will be used to transports thermal ions inside the main chamber of the cyclotron gas stopper, was found to transport ions at speeds reaching 75 m/s, resulting in net transport times as short as 5 ms. A second traveling wave transport method called the “ion conveyor” was investigated for the challenging task of extracting the ions through the cyclotron gas stopper magnetic field gradient. Results from the first prototype conveyor show a strong pressure and wave amplitude dependance for the transport efficiency. A second prototype designed to operate over a larger pressure range is currently being tested.
Speed-accuracy characteristics of human-machine cooperative manipulation using virtual fixtures with variable admittance

This work explores the effect of virtual fixture admittance on the performance, defined by error and time, of task execution with a human-machine cooperative system. A desired path is obtained using computer vision, and virtual fixtures for assistance in planar path following were implemented on an admittance-controlled robot. The admittance controller uses a velocity gain, so that the speed of the robot is proportional to the force applied by the operator. The level of virtual fixture guidance is determined by the admittance ratio, which is the ratio of the admittance gain of the force components orthogonal to the path to the gain of the force components parallel to the path. In Experiment 1, we found a linear relationship between admittance ratio and performance. In Experiment 2, we examined the effect of admittance ratio on the performance of three tasks: path following, off-path targeting, and obstacle avoidance. An algorithm was developed to select an appropriate admittance ratio based on the nature of the task. Automatic admittance ratio tuning is recommended for next-generation virtual fixtures. Actual or potential applications of this research include surgery, assembly, and manipulation at the macro and micro scales.
Complex growth dynamics in batch cultures: Experiments and cybernetic models

The cybernetic framework developed by Ramkrishna and co-workers is shown to encompass the regulation of nutrient transport processes as well as the effect of nutrient transport on the biotic phase. A structured model which accounts for both an abiotic or environmental phase and a biotic or cellular phase is proposed to describe bacterial growth on lactose as the limiting carbon and energy source. In the presence of lactose, competing uptake mechanisms are proposed. At low lactose concentrations, an energy-requiring transport process is the preferred uptake mechanism. The coupling between cellular energetics and nutrient uptake results in an interesting intermittent growth phenomenon. As the concentration of lactose increases, a nonenergetic transport process is preferred and cellular growth ceases to be intermittent. Model simulations are compared with previously reported experimental results and exhibit good agreement over the entire range of initial lactose concentrations.
Serial left ventricular wall measurements in Duchenne's muscular dystrophy

In 19 patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, left ventricular wall thickness in end-systole and end-diastole was determined serially every 12 months by echocardiography and compared with ventricular wall growth in normal subjects. In the normal subjects, left ventricular wall thickness increased linearly with increasing body surface area. A control group of wheelchair-bound patients with a variety of neurologic disorders, although not followed serially, had a distribution of end-diastolic wall thickness values similar to that of the normal subjects. In patients with muscular dystrophy, wall thickness increased linearly with respect to body surface area for some time and then began to thin. The time at which thinning began was not directly related to age, although it was more common in older than in younger patients. Those patients who died demonstrated marked deviation from normal wall growth. Free wall thinning is probably a result of fibrosis and loss of myofibrils.
Chaotic microlasers based on dynamical localization in whispering-gallery resonators with surface roughness

We demonstrate that the phenomenon of Dynamical Anderson Localization of light leads to high- Q whispering-gallery modes in microcylinder and microdisk resonators with substantial surface roughness, and determines their lifetimes and emission patterns.
Is Routine Ureteral Stenting Cost-Effective in Renal Transplantation?

Purpose: Recent collective reviews show that ureteral stenting provides a decrease in ureteroneocystostomy anastomotic complications following renal transplantation. We identified the specific morbidity associated with urinary complications following renal transplantation and quantified the health care resources required to treat these patients at a high volume center.Materials and Methods: Prospective databases were used to identify patients with a renal transplant who had urinary complications and track postoperative hospital readmissions and admission diagnostic codes. Financial models were used to estimate the variable direct costs of prophylactic stent placement and removal. Cost based analysis was performed to assess the financial feasibility of routine stenting following renal transplantation.Results: Patient specific morbidity and hospital readmissions were significantly increased in patients with a transplant who had a urinary complication. The incremental hospital costs incurred in a patient wit...
Automatic Evaluation of First and Higher-Derivative Vectors

The numerical analysis of parameter-dependent nonlinear systems almost always involves first-derivative matrices and often also requires the evaluation of higher derivatives along certain singular directions. It is shown here how these selected derivative values can be obtained without differencing and at a reasonable cost under the realistic assumption that the nonlinear system is given in the form of a computer program for its evaluation.
Nature of Asynchronous Hydrogen Transfer in Ketone Hydrogenation Catalyzed by Ru Complex

Three different reaction pathways—concerted hydride transfer, concerted proton transfer, and stepwise hydrogen transfer—in the carbonyl hydrogenation step of the catalytic cycle for ketone hydrogenation catalyzed by Ru complexes are investigated in this work. Our results from this study suggest that hydride and proton asynchronous transfers in the ketone hydrogenation process are stepwise in general. It is the nature of the substrate, electron withdrawing effect, and characteristics of catalytic ligands that make one of two transition states disappear in the concerted mechanism.
Inhibition of Hageman factor, plasma thromboplastin antecedent, thrombin and other clotting factors by phenylglyoxal hydrate (38500).

SummaryExposure of purifed Hageman factor (HF, Factor XII) to phenylglyoxal hydrate (PGH), an agent reacting with argi-nine residues in protein, inhibited its coagulant properties upon subsequent exposure of negatively charged agents. Once HF had been exposed to kaolin or ellagic acid, however, subsequent addition of PGH was much less inhibitory. PGH had no effect upon the ability of HF to bind to negatively charged surfaces. PGH also inhibited preparations of activated PTA (Factor XI) and thrombin, and, when incubated with plasma, reduced the titer of coagulable fibrinogen, PTA, Christmas factor (Factor IX), antihemo-philic factor (Factor VIII), Factor VII, Stuart factor (Factor X), proaccelerin (Factor V) and prothrombin (Factor II), and to a lesser degree, HF.Nancy Barstow provided invaluable assistance.
Oxide TFT with multilayer gate insulator for backplane of AMOLED device

Abstract— An indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) film with an amorphous phase was deposited and had a very flat morphology with a RMS value of 0.35 nm. IGZO TFTs were fabricated on a glass substrate by conventional photolithography and wet-etching processes. IGZO TFTs demonstrated a high mobility of 124 cm2/V-sec, a high on/off ratio of over 108, a desirable threshold voltage of 0.7 V, and a sub-threshold swing of 0.43 V/decade. High mobility partially resulted from the fringing-electric-field effect that leads to an additional current flow beyond the device edges. Therefore, considering our device geometry, the actual mobility was about 100 cm2/V-sec, and had a very low dependence on the variation of W/L (channel width and length) and thickness of the active layer. IGZO TFTs were also fabricated on a flexible metal substrate for a conformable display application. TFT devices showed an actual mobility of 72 cm2/V-sec, a high on/off ratio of ∼107, and a sub-threshold swing of 0.36 V/decade. There was no significant difference before, during, or after bending. Moreover, an IGZO TFT array was fabricated and a top-emitting OLED device was successfully driven by it. Therefore, the oxide TFT could be a promising candidate as a backplane for OLED devices.
Hiding in Plain Sight

The roles of RNA in protein synthesis are well known—as a template for translation of cellular proteins and as ribosomal and transfer RNA (tRNA). However, more recent studies have elucidated the intricate functions of other abundant types of RNAs, such as micro RNAs (miRNAs) and small inhibitory RNAs (siRNAs), which control the expression of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) ( 1 ). Despite this extensive catalog of functional RNAs, many transcribed RNAs still lack an obvious protein product or the characteristic structure of known functional RNAs. Except for a few examples involved in gene silencing and imprinting ( 2 , 3 ), the importance of so-called long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) remains controversial ( 4 , 5 ). On page 336 of this issue, Kondo et al. ( 6 ) show that an RNA called polished-rice ( pri ) has features of a lncRNA, but encodes tiny peptides that control gene expression during development in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster .
Magnetic resonance imaging of rectal cancer.

Rectal cancer can be accurately staged using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging if the technique and sequence parameters are optimized, and the reader is familiar with the anatomy, limitations of the technique, and features of the disease. Many centers currently perform only noncontrast imaging owing to the fact that gadolinium does not significantly aid in the T staging or differentiation of benign from malignant lymph nodes. The circumferential resection margin, as well as presence of extramuscular vascular invasion, is currently not part of the TNM staging but should be incorporated into all reports, as it has both treatment and prognostic implications.
Reliable On-Chip Memory Design for CMPs

Aggressive technology scaling in deep sub micron regime makes chips more susceptible to failures. This causes multiple realibility challenges in the design of modern chips, including manufacturing defects, wear-out, and parametric variations. With increasing area occupied by different on-chip memories in modern computing platforms such as Chip Multi-Processors (CMPs), memory reliability becomes a challenging issue. Traditional on-chip memory reliability techniques (e.g., ECC) incur significant power and performance overheads. To tackle such challenges, my research introduces several designs for fault-tolerance of both L1 and L2 cache memories in uni-core processors [1], Last-level Cache (LLC) in CMPs [3][4], and LLC in Networks-on-Chip (NoCs) [2].
Inversed Phosphorus Segregation in Twin Roll Cast Strips for Improvement of Mechanical Properties and Weathering Resistance

In the present paper, twin roll strip casting was applied to fabricating the strips of low carbon steels containing different P contents. P was spontaneously segregated near strip surfaces by the deformation in mushy zone during strip casting. Uniform surface layers enriched in P can be formed after subsequent processing of cold rolling and annealing, which can be used as surface coatings for the improvement of both weathering resistance and mechanical properties including toughness and elongation. In terms of plasticity, the elongation of conventional strips started drastically decreasing with P content beyond 0.15% by weight. By contrast, the elongation of the cast strips containing 0.26% P remained at the level of about 30%, with the tolerated ability of P being increased by about 0.1% by weight by twin roll strip casting. The ductile–brittle transition temperatures (DBTT) for the cast strips after cold rolling and annealing were measured to be lower than those for the conventional strips after hot rolling, cold rolling and annealing by 10–15°C. For 120 cycles of corrosion exposure, the weight gains of the 0.15 and 0.26P cast strips were reduced by more than 30% as compared with that on the conventional strip containing 0.08% P. It has been demonstrated that phosphate enriched layers could be formed beneath the corrosion scales of the 0.15 and 0.26P cast strips after cold rolling and annealing, which reduced the corrosion rate and improved the corrosion resistance.
Liquid Crystal Thermography Studies in Pool Boiling in Water at Subatmospheric Pressures

An experimental nucleate pool boiling study in water is presented for a range of constant heat flux (q") operated at three different system pressures (P∞ ). Experiments were run at 6.2kPa, 7.0kPa and 8.0kPa with a constant heat flux varying from 1.88kW/m2 to 4.55kW/m2 . The growth of vapor bubbles has been analyzed from inception to lift–off from an electrically heated 0.05 mm thick horizontal Fecralloy surface. Liquid crystal thermography, a non-intrusive technique, is used for the determination of surface temperature distributions. This technique offers some advantages, including ease of handling, reasonable accuracy, and spatial resolution of the temperature field. The color image processing is used to obtain quantitative temperature information from the TLC images captured with a reasonable accuracy and resolution. Boiling parameters like bubble size, contact and the frequency are determined. The bubble cycle with a neck formation is observed at the lowest investigated pressures 6.2kPa and 7.0kPa with a constant heat flux of 1.88kW/m2 . From the corresponding TLC images it is clearly seen that a dry spot caused by evaporation of microlayer forms beneath the vapor bubble during its growth. An increase in either the heat flux or the system pressure results in a decrease in the size of the bubble and an increase in bubble frequency.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Differential effects of temperature and exogenous fatty acids on mitogen-induced proliferation in channel catfish T and B lymphocytes.

Abstract 1. 1. Exogenously supplied, BSA complexed, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were compared for their effects on mitogen-induced DNA synthesis in channel catfish T and B lymphocytes. 2. 2. At “permissive” in vitro temperatures (27°C), high concentrations (⩾ 240 μM) of all the fatty acids used were inhibitory. However, at lower concentrations (80–160 μM), differences were noted in the ability of some fatty acids to modulate mitogen responses. While palmitic acid (16:0) and linoleic acid (18:2) had little effect on LPS-induced B cell- or Con A-indueed T cell proliferation, stearic acid (18:0) suppressed while oleic acid (18:1) enhanced T cell responses only. 3. 3. Adding equimolar amounts of 18:0 and 18:1 obviated the effects of singularly added fatty acids on T cell mitogenesis. 4. 4. 18:1 was used to successfully “rescue” ~ 60% of the Con A-induced T cell proliferation normally inhibited at “nonpermissive” in vitro temperatures (17°C). 5. 5. While B cells readily appear to desaturate 18:0 and synthesize unsaturated fatty acids, T cells accumulate comparatively large amounts of 18:0 in membrane associated phospholipids. 6. 6. It is proposed that 18:1 enhances T cell responses at permissive high temperatures and rescues suppressed T cell responses at nonpermissive low temperatures by increasing membrane fluidity.
The development of α-emitting radionuclide lead 212 for the potential treatment of ovarian carcinoma

α-Emitting radionuclides may be an effective alternative treatment against ovarian carcinoma because they have short half-lives and are densely ionizing, with high linear energy transfer to a depth of several cell diameters without requiring cellular oxygenation. One radionuclide that has been generated and tested in our laboratory in vitro and in vivo is lead 212 ( 212 Pb). Intraperitoneal instillation of 212 Pb prolonged survival and totally eradicated tumor in 24% of mice inoculated with the extremely virulent Ehrlich ascitesproducing tumor. In vitro 212 Pb was two to four times more effective in killing human ovarian cancer cells than x-rays. Irradiation with 212 Pb increased the radiosensitivity and chromosomal aberrations of cells. In dogs, intraperitoneal instillation of 2.6 mCi of ferrous hydroxide tagged with 212 Pb caused no significant toxicity. It appears that α-emitting radionucides such as 212 Pb have the potential to be a new and potent treatment of ovarian carcinoma and could be effective in cases that are resistant to conventional chemotherapy or x-ray therapy.
Systemic effects of porous Ti dental implants.

Abstract The deposition of Ti following the implantation of porous-rooted Ti dental implants was studied in the mandibles of 3 adult Rhesus monkeys. The implants were in place for 52–76 months. The effects of deposition of Ti were studied in a variety of major organ systems. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed the presence of minute concentrations of Ti in only the lungs of both control (unimplanted) and experimental (implanted) animals.
Allergic contact dermatitis: Sex differences

Using the repeated insult test, Jordan & King (1977) observed that contact sensitization was more readily induced in females than in males. We reviewed data obtained by maximization testing of 185 test substances of which 73 were allergenic. The overall male-female sensitization rates were respectively 9.9 and 9.2%. Only with the weakest allergens (sensitizing one or two subjects of a 25-member panel) was there a possibility of female predominance in that there were twice as many panels having only female reactors as males exclusively. In these instances, the test agents were mainly fragrances. We have concluded that sex differences, in the prevalence of sensitization to particular substances, reflect past exposure and are not due to sex differences.
Irreversible Inhibition of Mitochondrial Complex I by 7‐(2‐Aminoethyl)‐3,4‐Dihydro‐5‐Hydroxy‐2H‐1,4‐Benzothiazine‐3‐Carboxylic Acid (DHBT‐1): A Putative Nigral Endotoxin of Relevance to Parkinson's Disease

Based on a number of lines of evidence, we have proposed recently that a very early step in the pathogenesis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease might be elevated translocation of L-cysteine into neuromelanin-pigmented dopaminergic cell bodies in the substantia nigra. In vitro studies suggest that such an influx of L-cysteine would divert the neuromelanin pathway by scavenging dopamine-o-quinone, the proximate autoxidation product of dopamine, to give 5-S-cysteinyldopamine, which is oxidized further to 7-(2-aminoethyl)-3,4-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzothiazine-3-carboxylic acid (DHBT-1) and other cysteinyldopamines and dihydrobenzothiazines. In this study, it is demonstrated that DHBT-1 inhibits ADP-stimulated oxidation of malate and pyruvate (state 3 or complex I respiration) when incubated with intact rat brain mitochondria with an IC50 of approximatelly 0.80 mM. Incubation of DHBT-1 with freeze-thawed rat brain mitochondria in both the presence and absence of KCN and/or NADH causes an irreversible, time-dependent decrease of NADH-coenzyme Q1 reductase activity. Significantly lower concentrations of DHBT-1 are necessary to cause this effect when mitochondrial membranes are incubated in the absence of KCN and NADH. The irreversible inhibition of mitochondrial complex I caused by DHBT-1 under the latter conditions could be blocked only partially by glutathione, ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase, or catalase. Together, these results suggest that DHBT-1 can cross the outer mitochondrial membrane and irreversibly inhibit complex I by a mechanism that is not primarily related to oxygen radical-mediated damage. Formation of DHBT-1 requires only dopamine, L-cysteine, and an oxidizing environment, conditions that may well exist in the cytoplasm of neuromelanin-pigmented dopaminergic neurons in the parkinsonian substantia nigra. The results of this study raise the possibility that DHBT-1 might be an endotoxin formed specifically in pigmented dopaminergic neurons that can contribute to irreversible damage to mitochondrial complex I and substantia nigra cell death in Parkinson's disease.