cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear elasticity of diatomic crystals

Abstract We here explore symmetry considerations which seem to us relevant for simpler mechanical theories of ideal diatomic crystals, using elasticity theory for illustrative purposes. These considerations differ from those commonly employed in continuum mechanics, though the two approaches seem not to be incompatible. In more microscopic views of crystals, similar ideas are encountered in discussions of slip or twinning.
The Emergence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae with Decreased Susceptibility to Ciprofloxacin in Cleveland, Ohio: Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Background: Until 1992, almost all strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae that had been tested in the United States were susceptible to fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin. However, among men with ...
Preceding standard therapy is the likely cause of MDS after autotransplants for multiple myeloma

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) have been reported after autologous transplantation (AT) for lymphoma. It is not clear whether myeloablative therapy used in conjunction with autologous transplantation contributes to the development of MDS/AML or whether the conventional chemotherapy preceding the transplant, and administered over a prolonged period, causes these secondary malignancies. To address this issue, we examined 188 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who had received AT. 71 patients with no more than one cycle of standard chemotherapy were enrolled in our Total Therapy program, designed to avoid exposure to alkylating agents prior to peripheral blood stem cell mobilization (group 1). The median duration of pretransplant therapy in group 1 was 7.6 months and significantly shorter than the 24 months of 117 patients (group 2) with more prolonged conventional therapy (P = 0.0001). All seven patients developing MDS post-transplantation belonged to group 2 (P = 0.02); the median durations from initial therapy and first transplant were 66 months (range 38-86) and 24 months (range 9-39), respectively. Our findings provide evidence that prolonged standard-dose alkylating agent therapy prior to transplantation, rather than autotransplant-supported myeloablative treatment, is associated with development of MDS/AML. Stem cell damaging alkylator treatment should be avoided, not to compromise PBSC collection, but also to reduce the risk of treatment-related MDS/AML.
Temperature field measurements of small, nonpremixed flames with use of an Abel inversion of holographic interferograms

Interferometry has been used for many years as a semi-quantitative image-based diagnostic for combustion research. In this paper, we use image-plane, double-pulse holographic interferograms of axisymmetric flames to infer their radial temperature distribution. An Abel inversion is performed on the fringe data to account for line-of-sight integration through the flame. The sensitivity of nonresonant refractive diagnostics decreases inversely with temperature, and the accuracy of the technique is discussed in this context. A small, nonpremixed capillary flame is investigated, and the temperatures inferred from interferometry are compared with those obtained with N2 coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy thermometry. Additionally, the thermal field of a burning monodisperse methanol droplet stream is investigated interferometrically. Because of their small size, both of these flames challenge the performance limit of temperature interferometery.
Human Gene Control by Vital Oncogenes: Revisiting a Theoretical Model and Its Implications for Targeted Cancer Therapy

An important assumption of our current understanding of the mechanisms of carcinogenesis has been the belief that clarification of the cancer process would inevitably reveal some of the crucial mechanisms of normal human gene regulation. Since the momentous work of Bishop and Varmus, both the molecular and the biochemical processes underlying the events in the development of cancer have become increasingly clear. The identification of cellular signaling pathways and the role of protein kinases in the events leading to gene activation have been critical to our understanding not only of normal cellular gene control mechanisms, but also have clarified some of the important molecular and biochemical events occurring within a cancer cell. We now know that oncogenes are dysfunctional proto-oncogenes and that dysfunctional tumor suppressor genes contribute to the cancer process. Furthermore, Weinstein and others have hypothesized the phenomenon of oncogene addiction as a distinct characteristic of the malignant cell. It can be assumed that cancer cells, indeed, become dependent on such vital oncogenes. The products of these vital oncogenes, such as c-myc, may well be the Achilles heel by which targeted molecular therapy may lead to truly personalized cancer therapy. The remaining problem is the need to introduce relevant molecular diagnostic tests such as genome microarray analysis and proteomic methods, especially protein kinase identification arrays, for each individual patient. Genome wide association studies on cancers with gene analysis of single nucleotide and other mutations in functional proto-oncogenes will, hopefully, identify dysfunctional proto-oncogenes and allow the development of more specific targeted drugs directed against the protein products of these vital oncogenes. In 1984 Willis proposed a molecular and biochemical model for eukaryotic gene regulation suggesting how proto-oncogenes might function within the normal cell. That model predicted the existence of vital oncogenes and can now be used to hypothesize the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that drive the processes leading to disruption of the gene regulatory machinery, resulting in the transformation of normal cells into cancer.
Molecular sieve based chemical sensors

By virtue of their shape selectivity and stability, molecular sieves are ideal components for discriminating chemical sensors. In this paper we report the preparation of capacitance type sensors based on aluminum phosphate molecular sieves. Thin films of the molecular sieves AlPO4-5, A1PO 4-H3 and AlPO4-H1, which cover a range of pore dimensions, were deposited on titanium nitride coated silicon wafers by laser ablation. A subsequent hydrothermal treatment followed by a Pd/Au coating and the application of standard photoresist/masking techniques were used to generate the capacitors. The molecular sieves exhibit significant changes in capacitance upon exposure to target molecules, including CO2, CO, N2, H2O and toluene.
Evaluation of Disinfectant Efficacy When Applied to the Floor of Poultry Grow-Out Facilities

Abstract A common practice is to wash and disinfect poultry grow-out barns after used litter has been removed. Because the floor of poultry barns includes the presence of soil and organic matter, a study was conducted to determine if disinfectants are effective in reducing bacterial and fungal populations. Commercial broiler houses were chosen as the test sites for the field trials. After the litter was removed from the facility, the floor was swept clean in the middle of the barn and between feed and water lines. Floor plots (1 ft2) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 disinfectant treatments. The disinfectants evaluated were a phenolic compound, a quaternary ammonium compound, a nascent oxygen compound, and a compound that contains potassium peroxymonosulfate and sodium chloride as the active ingredients. Laboratory trials were also conducted to test the same 4 disinfectants. Nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium (NAL-SAL) was inoculated onto sterile topsoil in metal pans. Each disinfectant was applied as a coarse spray (field trials) or via pipette (laboratory trials), and surface samples were taken over time. Samples were cultured to determine total aerobic bacterial plate counts, yeast and mold counts, and the prevalence of Campylobacter spp., and Salmonella spp., for the field trials, whereas the laboratory trial samples were cultured for populations of NAL-SAL. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Campylobacter for any of the treated plots compared with the control plots for the field trials. Significant microbial population reductions were observed for most of the disinfectants tested in both field and laboratory trials. Results indicate that disinfectant type, application rate, time of exposure, and organic matter can impact total aerobic bacterial, yeast and mold, and Salmonella populations on the surface of soil.
Cranial endothermy and a putative brain heater in the most basal tuna species, Allothunnus fallai

Field studies on the slender tuna Allothunnus fallai revealed cranial temperatures that were 4·8 ± 0·4° C (mean ±s.d.) above the ambient sea surface temperature. Dissections aimed at documenting the cranial heat source revealed a fused extraocular muscle complex positioned beneath the brain of this basal tuna species. The muscle complex is structurally distinct from that documented for any other fish species. In A. fallai, all four extraocular rectus muscle pairs (superior, inferior, medial and lateral rectus) are incorporated into one distinct tissue complex which is positioned between the orbits and in direct contact with the braincase. A combination of morphological, physiological and biochemical techniques were used to characterize the modified muscle tissue, and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging was used to illustrate its association with the brain and optic nerves. The modified eye muscles lack organized contractile proteins and are perfused by an extensive vascular counter-current system that originates from the internal carotid artery. Vessel diameters, artery–vein configuration, and anatomic position between the systemic circulation and the warm eye muscles all suggest that this system is a heat exchanger. Collectively, these findings suggest that A. fallai has evolved extraocular muscles that may function to warm the brain and eye region. This is the first record of a cranial modification comprised of all four rectus muscles and the only documented occurrence of this mechanism for cranial endothermy among the tunas.
Knowledge-Driven Multidimensional Indexing Structure for Biomedical Media Database Retrieval

Today, biomedical media data are being generated at rates unimaginable only years ago. Content-based retrieval of biomedical media from large databases is becoming increasingly important to clinical, research, and educational communities. In this paper, we present the recently developed entropy balanced statistical (EBS) k-d tree and its applications to biomedical media, including a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) lung image database and the first real-time protein tertiary structure search engine. Our index utilizes statistical properties inherent in large-scale biomedical media databases for efficient and accurate searches. By applying concepts from pattern recognition and information theory, the EBS k-d tree is built through top-down decision tree induction. Experimentation shows similarity searches against a protein structure database of 53 363 structures consistently execute in less than 8.14 ms for the top 100 most similar structures. Additionally, we have shown improved retrieval precision over adaptive and statistical k-d trees. Retrieval precision of the EBS k-d tree is 81.6% for content-based retrieval of HRCT lung images and 94.9% at 10% recall for protein structure similarity search. The EBS k-d tree has enormous potential for use in biomedical applications embedded with ground-truth knowledge and multidimensional signatures
World Views of Whbite American, Mainland Chinese, Taiwanese, and African Students An Investigation into Between-Group Differences

Using an existential perspective, world views of White Americans, mainland Chinese, Taiwanese, and Africans were investigated. Mainland Chinese, Taiwanese, and African international students differed from White American students in perceiving human relationships as lineal-hierarchical and collateral-mutual, human nature as evil, nature as controllable, and the doing modality as valuable. White Americans gave primacy to individual goals in interpersonal relationships and preferred the being modality. Some international students' world views were also different from traditional values of their respective cultures, reflecting possibly the changing perceptions of modernizing societies with changing political situations. Suggestions are made for a modernization model of world views across cultures. Implications for applied psychology are discussed.
Processing-Structure-Property Relationships in Solid-State Shear Pulverization: Parametric Study of specific energy

Solid-state shear pulverization (SSSP) is a unique processing technique for mechanochemical modification of polymers, compatibilization of polymer blends, and exfoliation and dispersion of fillers in polymer nanocomposites. A systematic parametric study of the SSSP technique is conducted to elucidate the detailed mechanism of the process and establish the basis for a range of current and future operation scenarios. Using neat, single component polypropylene (PP) as the model material, we varied machine type, screw design, and feed rate to achieve a range of shear and compression applied to the material, which can be quantified through specific energy input (Ep). As a universal processing variable, Ep reflects the level of chain scission occurring in the material, which correlates well to the extent of the physical property changes of the processed PP. Additionally, we compared the operating cost estimates of SSSP and conventional twin screw extrusion to determine the practical viability of SSSP. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 52:1555–1564, 2012. a 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Response to Baratgin et al.: Mental Models Integrate Probability and Deduction.

Our review, Logic, Probability, and Human Reasoning [1], evaluated attempts to combine probability and deduction, and concluded that the mental model theory yields a better integration of them than variants of probabilistic logic (p-logic) [2]. Baratgin et al. [3] disagree. We thank them for the opportunity to clarify the model theory, and for their argument against p-logic: unlike the model theory, p-logic is ‘monotonic’, and so it does not allow belief in conclusions to falter when facts are to the contrary (cf.
Averages of Arithmetical Functions

The last chapter discussed various identities satisfied by arithmetical functions such as µ(n), ϕ(n), Λ(n), and the divisor functions σ a (n). We now inquire about the behavior of these and other arithmetical functions f(n) for large values of n.
Experimental study of the impedance of cavity-backed slot antennas

The impedance of a simple open slot antenna was measured as a function of frequency and was then compared with the theoretical values obtained through Babinet's principle from the known values of the admittance of its complementary antenna, the strip dipole. A careful experimental study was then made of the impedance of the same slot with several different cavity backings. The impedance was found both as a function of frequency and of the various parameters of the cavity, namely, the cross-sectional size of the cavity, the medium filling the cavity, and the type of termination of the cavity.
Lattice representations of globular proteins: how good are they?

Using a number of different lattice models of proteins, the problems introduced by the discretization of a protein backbone are discussed and examples of the most typical errors arising in low coordination number lattices presented. The geometric properties of different lattices used in the literature are compiled, and for all of them the resulting α-carbon models of proteins are described in detail and compared to the original structures obtained from experiment. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Luring Small Mammals: A Levels-of-Organization Perspective

We compared prebaiting versus non-prebaiting of small mammal live traps during autumn (i.e., when food resources were abundant) and during spring (i.e., when food resources were scarce). Trapping was conducted within 10 experi- mental grids (0.21-ha each) located in upland and bottomland (5 each) habitats. Four species of small mammals were captured 10 or more times during this study: Pero- myscus leucopus (White-footed Mouse; 543 captures), Glaucomys volans (Southern Flying Squirrel; 94 captures), Tamias striatus (Eastern Chipmunk; 53 captures), and Ochrotomys nuttalli (Golden Mouse; 12 captures). The White-footed Mouse, because of its abundance during both seasons, was the primary species of analysis. White-footed Mice had a signifi cantly higher probability of capture (1.29 times (or 29 percent)) in the prebaiting treatment than in the non-prebaited treatment. Prebait- ing did not have a signifi cantly different effect on males compared to females or on juveniles versus adult White-footed Mice. The practice of prebaiting, or luring small mammals, is discussed across levels of organization .
PPAR-α: A Key to the Mechanism of Hepatoprotection by Clofibrate

The article highlighted in this issue is "Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha-Null Mice Lack Resistance to Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity Following Clofibrate Exposure" by Chuan Chen, Gayle E. Hennig, Herbert E. Whiteley, J Christopher Corton, and Jose E. Manautou (pp. 338-344).
Transparency in Healthcare: Transformation or an Illusion?

A dialogue on the concept of transparency by nurse administrators highlights specifics in the hospital setting. The authors of this column present exemplars from practice and issues related to safety, cost and the importance of data specific to nursing practice. The need for collaboration between service and academe is emphasized.
A slowdown warning system for automobiles

In this paper, we propose the concept of a slowdown warning system in automobiles. If a driver on a highway decelerates suddenly or progresses abnormally slowly (thereby posing a hazard to the vehicles behind him), then, with such a system, all the cars behind him are provided information of this, near simultaneously. This advance information gives the drivers additional time to react; in anticipation of an impending slowdown, and this helps to alleviate collisions. Furthermore, it is seen that even if only a fraction of the cars in a platoon are equipped with such a system, this can still be sufficient to alleviate crashes even in the unequipped cars. This partial equipage also has the ability to considerably weaken (and often altogether eliminate) the shock waves that would otherwise have occurred. A prototype of such a system has been developed and road tests have demonstrated the system's performance to be satisfactory.
Alvin Goldfarb and Rebecca Rovit, editors. Theatrical Performance during the Holocaust: Texts, Documents, Memoirs . Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999. xiv, 350 pp.

When Hannah Arendt wrote, in Eichmann in Jerusalem (1963), that “the holes of oblivion do not exist. Nothing human is that perfect, and there are simply too many people in the world to make oblivion possible,” she was referring to the survivors of the Holocaust who would live to tell the Shoah's many “forgotten” stories. Nearly forty years after, there are fewer survivors to do the job. And scholars have taken up the burden of witness to help us fill in the gaps.
Inferring Species Trees from Gene Trees: A Phylogenetic Analysis of the Elapidae (Serpentes) Based on the Amino Acid Sequences of Venom Proteins

Toward the goal of recovering the phylogenetic relationships among elapid snakes, we separately found the shortest trees from the amino acid sequences for the venom proteins phospholipase A2 and the short neurotoxin, collectively representing 32 species in 16 genera. We then applied a method we term gene tree parsimony for inferring species trees from gene trees that works by finding the species tree which minimizes the number of deep coalescences or gene duplications plus unsampled sequences necessary to fit each gene tree to the species tree. This procedure, which is both logical and generally applicable, avoids many of the problems of previous approaches for inferring species trees from gene trees. The results support a division of the elapids examined into sister groups of the Australian and marine (laticaudines and hydrophiines) species, and the African and Asian species. Within the former clade, the sea snakes are shown to be diphyletic, with the laticaudines and hydrophiines having separate origins. This finding is corroborated by previous studies, which provide support for the usefulness of gene tree parsimony. r 1997 Academic Press
A tutorial on analyzing data from speed-dating studies with heterosexual dyads

Speed-dating studies provide a useful venue for studying attraction and other relationship initiation processes. They provide researchers with a unique opportunity to assess how much a dyadic behavior (e.g., attraction) is due to some relationship-specific adjustment or the dispositional tendencies of the two people interacting. Researchers can also investigate the impact of individual difference variables on relationship initiation outcomes. This article shows researchers how to address such interesting questions by providing an extended treatment of how to apply the social relations model (D. A. Kenny & L. La Voie, 1984) to data from a typical speed-dating study with heterosexual dyads. The statistical program SPSS is used given its widespread use and accessibility.
Synovitis in dogs with stable stifle joints and incipient cranial cruciate ligament rupture: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate stifle joints of dogs for synovitis, before development of joint instability and cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR). STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS Dogs (n = 16) with CrCLR and stable contralateral stifles; 10 control dogs with intact CrCL. METHODS Arthritis and tibial translation were graded radiographically. Synovitis severity and cruciate pathology were assessed arthroscopically. Presence of inflammatory cells in synovial membrane biopsies was scored histologically. CrCLR stifle pairs and control stifles were compared. RESULTS Radiographic evidence of arthritis, cranial tibial translation, and arthroscopic synovitis were increased in unstable stifles, when compared with stable contralateral stifles in CrCLR dogs (P < .05). Arthroscopic synovitis in both joints of CrCLR dogs was increased compared with controls, was correlated with radiographic arthritis (S(R) = 0.71, P < .05), and was present in all stable contralateral stifles. Arthroscopically, 75% of stable stifle joints had CrCL fiber disruption, which correlated with severity of synovitis (S(R) = 0.56, P < .05). Histologic evidence of synovitis was identified in all CrCLR dogs, but was only significantly correlated with arthroscopic observations in stable stifles (r(2) = 0.57, P < .005). CONCLUSION Synovitis is an early feature of the CrCLR arthropathy in dogs before development of joint instability clinically. Severity of synovitis is correlated with radiographic arthritis in joints with minimal to no clinically detectable CrCL damage.
Digital Design bei ams

Diese Arbeit gibt einen Einblick in die Entwurfsmethodik der Digitalteile fur Mixed-Signal-Designs des osterreichischen Halbleiterherstellers ams. Der Beitrag liefert zudem auch einen Uberblick uber die Entwicklung von Chips von ams fur Audio- und Media-Player aus historischer Perspektive.
The Molecular Perspective: Cisplatin

Correspondence: David S. Goodsell, Ph.D., The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Molecular Biology, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA. Telephone: 858-784-2839; Fax: 858-784-2860; e-mail: goodsell@scripps.edu Web site: http://www.scripps.edu/pub/goodsell Received January 13, 2006; accepted for publication January 13, 2006. ©AlphaMed Press 10837159/2006/$20.00/0 Cisplatin provides a perfect example of how small changes in molecular structure can lead to profound differences in biological activity. It is a tiny molecule, composed of a platinum ion surrounded by four ligands arranged in a square. If you choose two amines and two chlorides as ligands, there are two ways to arrange them around the platinum ion. In cisplatin (Fig. 1), the chlorides are next to each other, and treatment with the compound can cure testicular cancer. If the chlorides are arranged opposite one other, however, the compound has no activity. The reason for this difference becomes apparent when you look at the cellular target of cisplatin. Inside a cell, cisplatin loses its two chloride ions, creating a reactive species that forms bonds with DNA bases. Because of the cis geometry of these bonds, cisplatin easily forms crosslinks between bases, as shown in Figure 2. Most of these crosslinks are formed at sites where guanine and adenine are next to each other in the same strand, but in some cases, cisplatin can form links between the two strands. As you might imagine, these crosslinks cause severe problems when the cell attempts to read or replicate its DNA.
Scatterometer-Based Assessment of 10-m Wind Analyses from the Operational ECMWF and NCEP Numerical Weather Prediction Models

Wind measurements by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scatterometer (NSCAT) and the SeaWinds scatterometer on the NASA QuikSCAT satellite are compared with buoy observations to establish that the accuracies of both scatterometers are essentially the same. The scatterometer measurement errors are best characterized in terms of random component errors, which are about 0.75 and 1.5 m s 1 for the along-wind and crosswind components, respectively. The NSCAT and QuikSCAT datasets provide a consistent baseline from which recent changes in the accuracies of 10-m wind analyses from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) models are assessed from consideration of three time periods: September 1996–June 1997, August 1999–July 2000, and February 2002–January 2003. These correspond, respectively, to the 9.5-month duration of the NSCAT mission, the first 12 months of the QuikSCAT mission, and the first year after both ECMWF and NCEP began assimilating QuikSCAT observations. There were large improvements in the accuracies of both NWP models between the 1997 and 2000 time periods. Though modest in comparison, there were further improvements in 2002, at least partly attributable to the assimilation of QuikSCAT observations in both models. There is no evidence of bias in the 10-m wind speeds in the NCEP model. The 10-m wind speeds in the ECMWF model, however, are shown to be biased low by about 0.4 m s 1 . While it is difficult to eliminate systematic errors this small, a bias of 0.4 m s 1 corresponds to a typical wind stress bias of more than 10%. This wind stress bias increases to nearly 20% if atmospheric stability effects are not taken into account. Biases of these magnitudes will result in significant systematic errors in ocean general circulation models that are forced by ECMWF winds.
Design optimization of linear precoders for complex vector gaussian channelswith finite alphabet inputs

We study the design optimization of linear precoders that maximize the mutual information in complex-valued vector Gaussian channels under finite alphabet inputs. It is well known that mutual information of a vector channel with discrete constellation source is a highly nonlinear and nonconcave function of the linear precoder matrix G, thereby complicating the precoder design optimization. In this paper, we show that the mutual information is a concave function of W = GhHhHG, where H is the complex-valued channel matrix and superscript “h” represents conjugate transpose. We further propose an iterative algorithm for solving the globally optimal linear precoder G. Illustrative results show that the proposed iterative algorithm is very robust and efficient for global convergence.
A synaptic memory trace for cortical receptive field plasticity

Receptive fields of sensory cortical neurons are plastic, changing in response to alterations of neural activity or sensory experience. In this way, cortical representations of the sensory environment can incorporate new information about the world, depending on the relevance or value of particular stimuli. Neuromodulation is required for cortical plasticity, but it is uncertain how subcortical neuromodulatory systems, such as the cholinergic nucleus basalis, interact with and refine cortical circuits. Here we determine the dynamics of synaptic receptive field plasticity in the adult primary auditory cortex (also known as AI) using in vivo whole-cell recording. Pairing sensory stimulation with nucleus basalis activation shifted the preferred stimuli of cortical neurons by inducing a rapid reduction of synaptic inhibition within seconds, which was followed by a large increase in excitation, both specific to the paired stimulus. Although nucleus basalis was stimulated only for a few minutes, reorganization of synaptic tuning curves progressed for hours thereafter: inhibition slowly increased in an activity-dependent manner to rebalance the persistent enhancement of excitation, leading to a retuned receptive field with new preference for the paired stimulus. This restricted period of disinhibition may be a fundamental mechanism for receptive field plasticity, and could serve as a memory trace for stimuli or episodes that have acquired new behavioural significance.
Detection of Cherry virus A, cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus and Little cherry virus 1 in California orchards.

Leaves were collected during 2003 from trees displaying symptoms of vein necrosis, necrotic rusty mottle, necrotic leaf or marked fruit in surveys of sweet cherry [Prunus avium (L.) L. cv Bing] orchards in California. Samples were also taken from trees with leaf necrotic lesion (P. serrulata Lindl. cv Kwanzan) and leaf chlorotic spots (P. avium x P. pseudocerasus cv Colt) from virus disease indexing blocks of Prunus. All of the diseased, but none of the healthy, collections yielded high molecular weight double stranded RNA bands following tissue extraction, purification and electrophoreses in acrylamide gel. Positive amplification in reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), with two sets of degenerate primers, was used to detect viruses in the families Flexiviridae and Closteroviridae. Sequence analyses of the RT-PCR products identified Cherry virus A (CVA), Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (CNRMV), Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV), Little cherry virus 1 (LChV-1) and Plum bark necrosis and stem pitting associated virus (PBNSPaV). This is the first report of the occurrence of the viruses CVA, CNRMV and LChV-1 in California.
Does low-energy physics depend on the potential of a heavy Higgs particle?

Abstract The two-loop corrections to vector-boson propagators and vertices are calculated in the limit of large Higgs mass for a model with one Higgs doublet but arbitrary gauge-invariant potential. The corrections are finite even for a non-renormalizable potential. By a suitable choice of the φ6 term in the potential the corrections due to the Higgs self-coupling are cancelled.
Mechanistic implications for the use and monitoring of recombinant activated factor VII in trauma

As interest in the use of activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) in trauma grows, questions arise regarding how best to monitor rFVIIa therapy and when rFVIIa may be expected to improve hemostasis. Knowledge of the mechanisms of action may be combined with available data on laboratory monitoring and efficacy in various coagulopathic states in coming to clinically relevant conclusions. This review addresses the physiology of hemostasis, placing emphasis on how rFVIIa influences the process by both tissue factor dependent and tissue factor independent mechanisms. This is extended to a mechanistic consideration of how rFVIIa may function under acidotic, hypothermic, and hemodilutional and/or consumptive conditions of trauma related coagulopathy. When these considerations are viewed alongside the available clinical data, it becomes apparent that rFVIIa has potential to improve hemostasis during trauma coagulopathy, within limitations. Common laboratory procedures are discussed with reference to mechanisms of action of rFVIIa and the available clinical data. Although there is no single assay that can predict rFVIIa efficacy in trauma, the prothrombin time (PT) is recommended as a minimum. Although a shortened PT does not predict success, correction of PT into the normal range may be a better indicator. A nonresponding PT appears to indicate that rFVIIa alone will not lead to hemostasis, and that additional blood products and other measures must be applied. Once the patient is more stable, PT and thromboelastography are recommended.
Laser material properties of Dy:YAG

First operation of the 4F 9 / 2 → 6H 13 / 2 laser transition in dysprosium doped yttrium aluminum garnet is reported. Room temperature operation at 582.7nm was obtained using 447nm GaN diode lasers pumps. Gaussian single-mode operation was demonstrated with a non-optimized slope efficiency of 12%. Millisecond pulsed operation generated 150mW with power limited by the pump diodes brightness. An emission cross section of 4.1E-21cm2 at 582.7nm was determined by laser threshold analysis.
Colorectal cancer surveillance: What's new and what's next?

The accumulated evidence from two decades of randomized controlled trials has not yet resolved the question of how best to monitor colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors for early detection of recurrent and metachronous disease or even whether doing so has its intended effect. A new wave of trial data in the coming years and an evolving knowledge of relevant biomarkers may bring us closer to understanding what surveillance strategies are most effective for a given subset of patients. To best apply these insights, a number of important research questions need to be addressed, and new decision making tools must be developed. In this review, we summarize available randomized controlled trial evidence comparing alternative surveillance testing strategies, describe ongoing trials in the area, and compare professional society recommendations for surveillance. In addition, we discuss innovations relevant to CRC surveillance and outline a research agenda which will inform a more risk-stratified and personalized approach to follow-up.
Childhood in a Sri Lankan village: shaping hierarchy and desire

How do Sri Lankan children become so well-mannered, especially when they appear to be over-indulged at a younger age in comparison to their US-counterparts? This key question is what drives Bambi C...
Evidence and Mechanisms Linking Obstructive Sleep Apnea to Cardiovascular Disease

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been recognized as a cause of sleep disruption and daytime somnolence. During the past two decades, emerging evidence has implicated OSA as a comorbidity in a number of cardiovascular disease conditions (1). More recently, the effects of OSA have been linked to the activation of a number of mechanisms that may contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Treatment of OSA in patients with existing cardiovascular disease conditions has been associated with improvements in these disease conditions. However, much of the evidence is still circumstantial and etiological evidence for OSA in initiating cardiovascular damage remains debatable. This review will examine the possible mechanisms by which sleep apnea may contribute to cardiovascular dysfunction and disease, those cardiovascular disease conditions that frequently exist as comorbidities with OSA, and the effects of treatment of sleep apnea on these cardiovascular disease conditions.
Social Media Privacy: A Rallying Cry to Librarians

AbstractAs information technology advances at a rapid pace, librarians must take action to continue their traditional roles as champions of privacy and intellectual freedom into the digital age. Social media is quickly becoming a major source of information and a center for information seeking, and librarians have an opportunity to promote and help shape social media policies that protect users’ privacy and assure that users can seek information without inhibition. This article recalls librarians’ historical privacy campaigns, investigates the impact of social media on privacy, and offers librarians a plan for joining the social media user rights movement by advocating terms-of-use agreements that protect information seekers.
Effect of Over-Tree Evaporative Cooling in Orchards on Microclimate and Accuracy of Insect Model Predictions

ABSTRACT Orchard design and management practices can alter microclimate and, thus, potentially affect insect development. If sufficiently large, these deviations in microclimate can compromise the accuracy of phenology model predictions used in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Sunburn causes considerable damage in the Pacific Northwest, United States, apple-producing region. Common prevention strategies include the use of fruit surface protectants, evaporative cooling (EC), or both. This study focused on the effect of EC on ambient temperatures and model predictions for four insects (codling moth, Cydia pomonella L.; Lacanobia fruitworm, Lacanobia subjuncta Grote and Robinson; oblique-banded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana Harris; and Pandemis leafroller, Pandemis pyrusana Kearfott). Over-tree EC was applied in July and August when daily maximum temperatures were predicted to be ≥30°C between 1200–1700 hours (15/15 min on/off interval) in 2011 and between 1200– 1800 hours (15/10 min on/off i...
S-values: Conventional context-minimal measures of the sturdiness of regression coefficients

This paper proposes a context-minimal range of alternative regression models that is used to generate a range of alternative estimates. A prior distribution is assumed with a zero mean but an ambiguous covariance matrix. The choice of the prior covariance matrix is facilitated by transformation to standardized variables which makes the prior expected R2 equal to the sum of the prior variances. Three different ranges of the prior expected R2 are used to define three different intervals of prior covariance matrices which are used to produce three different sets of s-values.
NaCl ingestion ameliorates plasma indexes of calcium deficiency

Rats deprived of dietary calcium ingest large volumes of concentrated NaCl solutions. To examine why, some physiological consequences of ingesting NaCl solution were measured. Male Sprague-Dawley rats fed diet containing 150 or 25 mmol Ca2+/kg were killed at 20, 40, 80, or 160 min after they started to drink solutions of 0.125% saccharin+3% glucose (S+G), 50 mM CaCl2, or 300 mM NaCl. Relative to rats fed the 25 mmol Ca2+/kg diet given nothing to drink, those fed the same diet that drank NaCl or CaCl2 but not S+G had elevated plasma ionized calcium concentrations and reduced plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. Rats fed the 150 mmol Ca2+/kg diet did not show these changes. In a follow-up experiment, rats fed the 25 mmol Ca2+/kg diet that drank NaCl had elevated plasma ionized calcium and reduced PTH and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations over the following 4-6 h. An in vitro study found that plasma ionized calcium concentrations were modulated by NaCl concentration directly. These findings indicate that NaCl ingestion can temporarily enhance the calcium status of calcium-deprived rats.
Reconciling disparate estimates of total offset on the southern San Andreas fault

Late Cenozoic tectonic reconstructions of southern California (United States) have been hindered for decades by disagreement over the total displacement on the southern San Andreas fault; disparate estimates of dextral offset range from 160 km to 240 km. Prior estimates were based on purely translational models that neglect the effects of transrotational strain on the orientation and distribution of key geologic markers. We present a new reconstruction that integrates published lithologic, structural, and paleocurrent data with the effects of clockwise rotation in the eastern Transverse Ranges (ETR). This model yields 200 ± 14 km of cumulative offset on the southern San Andreas fault system in the Salton Trough. The disparity between our estimate and a lower estimate of 160 km for the Mojave segment can be explained by a combination of transtensional elongation along the southwest boundary of the ETR, transfer of strain to the eastern California shear zone, and diffuse crustal shortening in the Big Bend region. This reconstruction reconciles previously incompatible and long-debated models, and places an important new constraint on the tectonic evolution of the Pacific–North America plate boundary in southern California.
ER stress and development of type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from an autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells. The incidence of T1D is on the rise globally around 3% to 5% per year and rapidly increasing incidence in younger children is of the greatest concern. currently, there is no way to cure or prevent T1D; hence, a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of this disease is essential to the development of new effective therapies. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle with multiple functions that are essential for cellular homeostasis. Excessive demand on the ER, chronic inflammation, and environmental factors lead to ER stress and to re-establish cellular homeostasis, the adaptive unfolded protein response (UPR) is triggered. However, chronic ER stress leads to a switch from a prosurvival to a proapoptotic UPR, resulting in cell death. Accumulating data have implicated ER stress and defective UPR in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and ER stress has been implicated in β-cell failure in type 2 diabetes. However, the role of ER stress and the UPR in β-cell pathophysiology and in the initiation and propagation of the autoimmune responses in T1D remains undefined. This review will highlight the current understanding and recent in vivo data on the role of ER stress and adaptive responses in T1D pathogenesis and the potential therapeutic aspect of enhancing β-cell ER function and restoring UPR defects as novel clinical strategies against this disease.
Brain connectivity in joint attention skills and an intensified CCD camera based NIRS and imaging system

The brain connectivity in joint attention skills using NIRS and imaging was studied, indicating differences in the neuronal pathways. To further improve the spatial resolution, an intensified CCD based NIRS and imaging system was developed.
The Classification of California Viscaceae: An Alternative Perspective

Abstract The classification of Viscaceae in the second edition of the Jepson Manual (TJM2) differs radically from that in the first edition of the Jepson Manual (TJM1). The number of species of Arceuthobium M. Bieb. was reduced from 12 in TJM1 to three in TJM2, and for Phoradendron Nutt. reduced from seven species to four. The TJM2 treatment is conservative in regards to these taxa, and disregards many morphological, phenological, and other physiological discontinuities (e.g., host preferences) among the Viscaceae of California that have been consistently reported in the scientific literature since the 1960s. The species accepted in TJM2 have widespread geographical distributions containing distinct lineages, some of which we consider different species, and other lineages that may be considered cryptic taxa. These taxa are distinct enough, based on differences in morphology, phenology, host specificity, and geographic isolation, to warrant classification as species or subspecies. The taxonomic recognition...
Epidemiological Analysis of Japanese B Encephalitis in Yunnan Province from 2001 to 2010

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and dynamic change trend of Japanese B encephalitis(JE) in Yunnan Province during the period of 2001-2010,and to provide the evidence for exploring the effective strategies of prevention and control JE. Methods The data concerning the prevalence and control of JE in Yunnan Province from 2001 to 2010 were collected and descriptively analyzed. Results There were altogether 4,918 cases of JE reported from 2001 to 2010.The death cases were 246,the annual average incidence rate was 1.1287/100,000 and the annual average mortality rate was 0.0563/100,000.The incidence rate showed a declining trend in general,but with fluctuations in some years.The cases were mainly distributed in the prefectures of Xishuangbanna,Dehong,Baoshan,Zhaotong,Wenshan,Puer and Honghe.The peak seasons of JE were from June to September.Most of the cases were the scattered children and students under the age of 15 years. Conclusions The incidence rate of JE in Yunnan Province shows a declining trend,but the threat of JE outbreak in local areas still exists.Prevention and control measures,including expanded programme on immunization and prophylactic immunization should be adopted.
Aesthetic Uses of Neuromodulators: Current Uses and Future Directions.

Background The introduction of neuromodulators for aesthetic facial improvements greatly expanded the limits of nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. Although many current uses are considered "off-label," the widespread acceptance and favorable safety profile of properly used botulinum toxins have made them one of the most common aesthetic treatments available. Methods A literature review of current facial aesthetic uses of various botulinum toxin preparations was done, and general concepts were identified. Results Currently, Food and Drug Administration-approved botulinum toxin preparations onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox), abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport), and incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin) have similar off-label indications and clinical uses. Conclusions Although not considered interchangeable, administration and clinical outcomes are not much different between the 3 commonly used botulinum products. The impact of botulinum products currently in development has yet to be determined.
Microfabrication Techniques for Biologists: A Primer on Building Micromachines

In this chapter we review the fundamental techniques and processes underlying the fabrication of devices on the micron scale (referred to as "microfabrication"). Principles laid down in the 1950s now form the basis of the semiconductor manufacturing industry; these principles are easily adaptable to the production of devices for biotechnological processing and analysis.
Traumatic hemolysis with hemoglobinuria due to ball variance.

A patient with an aortic ball valve prosthesis who had traumatic hemolysis, hemoglobinuria and iron deficiency secondary to ball variance has been reported. Hemolysis and urinary iron loss decreased when activity was restricted. A diurnal pattern of urinary iron excretion was observed. This was reversed when the patient was placed on bed rest during the day and ambulated at night. Hemolysis ceased and urinary iron loss slowly subsided after outflow tract obstruction was corrected by replacement of the swollen poppet.
Ether Lipid Antitumor Agents Inhibit Phosphatidylinositol Phospholipase C

The antitumor ether lipid analogue ET-18-OCH3 has been shown to be an inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C (PIPLC)-mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)bisphosphate. Lipid from cells grown with ET-I8-OCH3 also inhibited the reaction. ET-I8-OCH3 was a more potent inhibitor of PIPLC than other reported PIPLC inhibitors. PIPLC inhibition may contribute to the antitumor activity of ET-I8-OCH3.
Approximate rational arithmetic systems: Analysis of recovery of simple fractions during expression evaluation

Closed approximate rational arithmetic systems are described and their number theoretic foundations are surveyed. The arithmetic is shown to implicitly contain an adaptive single-to-double precision natural rounding behavior that acts to recover true simple fractional results. The probability of such recovery is investigated and shown to be quite favorable.