cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intracerebral Whipple's disease diagnosed by stereotactic biopsy: a case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: This case demonstrates the rare occurrence of intracerebral Whipple's disease in a patient lacking classic systemic manifestations of the disease. Because of the nonspecific presentation and the typically deep-seated location of cerebral lesions in these patients, definitive diagnosis is frequently problematic. We present the first reported use of stereotaxy-guided brain biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of isolated intracranial Whipple's disease. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The patient was a 36-year-old man who presented with a 4-month history of progressive lethargy, hypersomnia, behavioral changes, and weight gain. The results of the physical examination were remarkable only for findings of hypogonadism. Subsequent laboratory evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, with low levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, cortisol, and prolactin. INTERVENTION: A magnetic resonance image of the brain demonstrated hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted images in the regions of the right fornix, hypothalamus, and putamen that subsequently enhanced with intravenously administered contrast medium. A biopsy was then obtained from the right putaminal lesion under stereotactic guidance. Histopathological analysis of the tissue revealed findings consistent with intracerebral Whipple's disease that were subsequently confirmed using electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: Intracerebral Whipple's disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with progressive dementia and cognitive decline. In these patients, lesions have typically been observed in the hypothalamus, cingulate gyrus, basal ganglia, insular cortex, and cerebellum. As evidenced by our case, stereotaxy affords clinicians the attractive option of a minimally invasive technique by which to obtain tissue from such deep-seated areas. A review of this rare neurosurgical entity is presented.
Chloroplast DNA Transgresses Species Boundaries and Evolves at Variable Rates in the California Closed-Cone Pines (Pinus radiata, P. muricata, and P. attenuata)

Abstract We studied phylogenetic relationships among populations and species in the California closed-cone pines ( Pinus radiata D. Don, P. attenuata Lemm., and P. muricata D. Don) via chloroplast DNA restriction site analysis. Data on genetic polymorphism within and among 19 populations in the three species were collected using9 to 20 restriction enzymes and 38 to 384 trees. Because only five clades and extremely low intraclade diversity were found, additional phylogenetic data were collected using a single representative per clade and two outgroup species, P. oocarpa Schiede and P. jeffreyi Loud. In total, 25 restriction enzymes were employed and approximately 2.7 kb surveyed (2.3% of genome). The five clades recognized were Monterey pine, knob-cone pine, and the southern, intermediate, and northern races of bishop pine. On the basis of bootstrapping, both Wagner and Dollo parsimony analyses strongly separated the northern and intermediate races of bishop pine from the southern race; knobcone pine from Monterey and bishop pines; and the closed-cone pines from the two outgroups. Approximate divergence times were estimated for the lineages leading to knob-cone pine and to the intermediate and northern populations of bishop pine. The position of Monterey pine relative to bishop pine within their monophyletic clade was unresolved. Surprisingly, Montery pine and the southern race of bishop pine were much more similar to one another than was the southern race of bishop pine to its conspecific intermediate and northern races. Both the Monterey and southern bishop pine lineages also evolved severalfold more slowly than did the knobcone pine and intermediate-northern bishop pine lineages. These results differ significantly from a recent allozyme study, corroborating previous observations that chloroplast genome phylogeny can depart substantially from that of nuclear genes.
Inferential statistical methods for strengthening the interpretation of laboratory test results

Laboratory test results for the diagnosis of psychiatric illness usually are reported descriptively despite the ready availability of appropriate inferential statistics. A test's sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic confidence are conditional probabilities. Confidence intervals may be calculated for these probabilities in any given study. Statistical tests for comparing the results of several studies use techniques for planned and posterior comparisons applied to contingency tables. These established statistical methods aid in the interpretation of laboratory test findings.
Opiocortin and catecholamine projections to raphe nuclei

Afferent projections to the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) were identified using retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase conjugated wheat germ agglutinin (HRP-WGA). Neurons were labeled in important nociceptive regions including periaqueductal gray (PAG), arcuate nucleus, lateral hypothalamus and medial thalamic nuclei following both injections. We have immunocytochemically identified opiocortin/WGA neurons in the arcuate nucleus following NRM and DRN injections. Dual stained catecholamine/WGA perikarya were found in zona incerta, locus coeruleus, substantia nigra, nucleus tractus solitarius and adjacent A2, C2 and C3, lateral paragigantocellular reticular nucleus/C1 and lateral reticular nucleus/A1 following DRN injections and in zona incerta, substantia nigra, nucleus tractus solitarius/A2 and lateral reticular nucleus/A1 after NRM injections. These results provide further evidence for opiocortin and catecholamine modulation of analgesia.
Temporal association between land-based runoff events and California sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) protozoal mortalities.

Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis neurona have caused significant morbidity and mortality in threatened Southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) along the central California coast. Because only terrestrial animals are known to serve as definitive hosts for T. gondii and S. neurona, infections in otters suggest a land to sea flow of these protozoan pathogens. To better characterize the role of overland runoff in delivery of terrestrially derived fecal pathogens to the near shore, we assessed the temporal association between indicators of runoff and the timing of sea otter deaths due to T. gondii and S. neurona. Sea otter stranding records 1998–2004, from Monterey and Estero bays were reviewed and cases identified for which T. gondii or S. neurona were determined to be a primary or contributing cause of death. Precipitation and stream flow data from both study sites were used as indicators of land-based runoff. Logistic regression was applied to determine if a temporal association could be detected betwe...
Hydrodesulfurization of JP-8 fuel and its microchannel distillate using steam reformate

A field-deployable process for generation of clean desulfurized fuel from JP-8 feedstock is described. The process employs a compact hydrodesulfurization unit, operated in the vapor phase using steam reformate provided by an integrated steam reformer, as a replacement for hydrogen co-feed gas. The process includes a microchannel distillation unit upstream of the hydrodesulfurizer unit, which allows use of a lighter feed fraction to be processed in place of the full JP-8. The novel microchannel distillation concept is described and performance data for the unit, operating as a rectifier, are provided. Since the generated light fraction fuel from microchannel distillation contains fewer refractory sulfur components, the subsequent HDS process can readily achieve a significant sulfur reduction. The overall process can generate an ultra-clean JP-8 light fraction fuel with approximately 300 ppb sulfur residual. Hydrodesulfurization of full JP-8 fuel without the microchannel distillation unit was also studied. The effect of various operating parameters on the overall hydrodesulfurization performance, as well as the conversion of some individual sulfur components such as 2,3-dimethyl-benzothiophene, 2,3,5-trimethyl-benzothiophene and 2,3,7-trimethyl-benzothiophene, were investigated. Steam content in reformate at 30 mol% or less was found to improve HDS performance compared with dry reformate, despite a decrease in hydrogen partial pressure. However, at even higher concentrations of steam, hydrodesulfurization performance decreased.
Absence of regular pulsatile gonadotropin secretion during implantation in the rhesus macaque.

Abstract The secretory response of the primate corpus luteum (CL) to CG after implantation suggests that gonadotropin receptors are not depleted despite increasing CG production and continuous elevated tropic stimulation. Such continuous stimulation is known to cause down-regulation of receptors in other tissues. To determine if CG secretion is intermittent during the initial stages of CL rescue, we assessed the secretory pattern of CG during the periimplantation period by collecting frequent (4/h) blood samples in two studies (for 4 h on 3 separate days between days 8–13, or for 2 separate 13-h sequences between days 10–15 postovulation) in 13 chair-adapted females. Day 0 of gestation was defined as the day of ovulation, as estimated by peak urinary estrone conjugate excretion in females mated on days 9, 11, and 13 of the menstrual cycle. Hormone concentrations were measured by either RIA [irFSH; estradiol and progesterone (P)] or Leydig cell bioassay (bioLH or bioCG). In the first study, 4 of 6 females ...
Attractor estimation and model refinement for stochastic regulatory network models

Using an expectation maximization procedure and reporter protein measurements from patients, we simultaneously refine a pre-existing stochastic regulatory network model and perform an attractor state estimation that will be used to improve therapeutic performance given the diseased tissue context of a particular patient.
DEPARTURES FROM THE USUAL ENVIRONMENT IN LOCATIONAL ANALYSIS

Confrontations over locational issues may be accompanied by threats and secondary effects via stress responses which are generated in the negotiating process. The outcomes of such crises in locational decisions appear as artifacts of land use and may be recognizable as dysfunctional or maladaptive responses to the needs or demands to which they were meant to serve. A location theory for controversial facilities requires a behavioral framework which is extended to include concepts of threat and its relative impact in an interdependent context.
DSM-III personality characteristics of panic disorder with agoraphobia patients in stable remission

The Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (PDQ), a self-rating scale designed to assess DSM-III axis II personality disorders (PD), was administered to 12 panic disorder with agoraphobia patients during a 6-month stable and virtually symptom-free remission period with the aim of assessing the personality characteristics of these patients in the best possible approximation of the not-ill condition in clinical reality. The personality profile of the sample remained unchanged during remission and was predominated by avoidant PD traits. In a finer grain analysis, the stable and commonly endorsed individual PDQ items were compared with previously reported panic disorder and normal control subjects, which showed that the present sample was more like the panic patients in their tendency to see themselves as rather unassertive, indecisive, self-critical, and emotional individuals who are easily frustrated and feel rejected when criticized by others. These results suggest that avoidant behavioral and attitudinal patterns may be enduring personality characteristics of panic disorder with agoraphobia patients.
Mechanism of action of neurotensin at the ileocecal sphincter region.

Neurotensin, a neuropeptide identified in the distal small intestine, plays an unclear role in ileocecal sphincter regional function. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect and mechanism of action of neurotensin on the feline ileocecal sphincter (ICS), proximal colon, and distal ileum. Intraluminal pressures were recorded at these sites in anesthetized cats after superior mesentric artery injection of neurotensin. Dose dependent tonic and phasic contractions were seen at all sites. Peak pressure responses were seen at the maximal dose used and were greater for the ICS than the distal ileum and the proximal colon. The threshold dose for peak pressures for neurotensin was 0.05 μg/kg for all sites with the maximal peak pressures occurring at the maximal dose used (100 μg/kg). The motility index (MI [number of contractions × mean amplitude of contractions]) was determined for three minutes before and after neurotensin injection. The change in the motility index after neurotensin increased at doses above 0.05 μg/kg for the ileum and the ICS and 0.25 μg/kg for the colon. Maximal responses for the motility index were seen at 1 μg/kg for the distal ileum, and 10 μg/kg for the ICS and the proximal colon, with the greatest response seen at the ICS. Neurotensin-induced ICS relaxation was seen at 1 μg/kg (50 ± 10%, p < 0.01) in 33% of cats. The contractile responses of the distal ileum and the proximal colon were not inhibited by naloxone, trimethaphan, tetrodotoxin, or atropine. The ICS contractile response was decreased by tetrodotoxin by 53%, p < 0.05. The alpha2 antagonist, yohimbine reduced the neurotensin induced ICS contraction from 31.6 ± 3.4 to 21.9 ± 3.3 mm Hg, p < 0.05. Prazosin had no effect on neurotensin-induced contractions. In the presence of cimetidine and diphenhydramine, trimethaphan did not affect the neurotensin-induced contractile response at all three sites. However, neurotensin inhibited contractions induced by trimethaphan alone at all three sites. Conclusions: 1. Neurotensin causes a dose-dependent contractile response at the distal ileum, ICS, and proximal colon. 2. Neurotensin has an inhibitory effect at all three sites. 3. The contractile response at the distal ileum and the proximal colon is mediated via smooth muscle receptors. 4. The contractile response of neurotensin at the ICS is mediated partly via alpha2 receptors and partly via smooth muscle receptors.
Peak Factors for Non-Gaussian Load Effects Revisited

The estimation of the extreme of non-Gaussian load effects for design applications has often been treated tacitly by invoking a conventional peak factor on the basis of Gaussian processes. This assumption breaks down when the loading process exhibits non-Gaussianity, in which a conventional peak factor yields relatively nonconservative estimates because of failure to include long tail regions inherent to non-Gaussian processes. To realistically capture the salient characteristics of non-Gaussian load effects and incorporate these in the estimates of their extremes, this study examines the peak factor for non-Gaussian processes, which can be used for estimating the expected value of the positive and negative extremes of non-Gaussian load effects. The efficacy of previously introduced analytical expressions for the peak factor of non-Gaussian processes on the basis of a moment-based Hermite model is evaluated and the variance of the estimates in standard deviation is derived. In addition, some improvements ...
Comparison of the Peak Inotropic Effects of a Catecholamine and a Digitalis Glycoside in the Intact Canine Heart

The relative peak effects of isoproterenol and ouabain on myocardial contractility and cardiac output were compared by infusing increasing amounts of these two drugs into seven open-chest anesthetized dogs until toxicity developed. Just prior to the development of toxicity isoproterenol increased contractile force an average of 149% and the peak rate of force development (df/dt) an average of 278% of control values, compared to an increase of only 49% and 35%, respectively, with the administration of ouabain. Cardiac output and stroke volume were also significantly greater with the catecholamine than the glycoside. The combination of isoproterenol and ouabain produced essentially the same contractile force and stroke volume achieved by isoproterenol alone. Suppression of ouabain-induced arrhythmias by ventricular pacing allowed additional glycoside to be infused until ventricular fibrillation terminated the study. With pacing and ouabain, contractile force increased 131% above control, a level similar to that achieved by isoproterenol; peak df/dt increased to 200% above control, a value significantly lower than that obtained with isoproterenol. However, stroke volume decreased despite a substantial increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. It is concluded that maximal doses of isoproterenol produce significantly greater increases in myocardial contractility and cardiac output compared to ouabain, even when the toxicity produced by the latter is suppressed by electrical stimulation.
What Are the Promising New Therapies in the Field of Chronic Hepatitis C After the First-Generation Direct-Acting Antivirals?

A number of promising new hepatitis C virus (HCV) antiviral regimens have emerged during the last few years, with a trend toward increased efficacy, safety, and tolerability, when compared with currently available therapies. The focus of recent HCV antiviral drug development has been on inhibition of HCV replication, largely by targeting specific components of the HCV replication complex itself. A significant effort has been put into generating drugs that inhibit the NS5B polymerase. A number of such drugs have been developed, and NS5B polymerase inhibitors can be divided into nucleoside polymerase inhibitors and nonnucleoside polymerase inhibitors, with each group carrying specific pharmacologic and clinical characteristics. Additional research has explored the efficacy of drugs that inhibit the HCV replication complex via other mechanisms. Second-generation NS3-4A protease inhibitors have been developed, which have generally improved on the efficacy of the currently available FDA-approved first-generation agents. NS5A inhibitors have also been studied. These medications impede HCV replication and viral particle assembly and enhance host immune activation via novel mechanisms. Alternatively, medications that target a host protein, cyclophillin B, are under evaluation. These medications block HCV replication via modification of the effects of NS5B and via other poorly understood mechanisms. Detailed below are the most important HCV antiviral agents under development, many of which show promise for use within the next few years.
Template morphology and the direction of association

I have argued in favor of allowing association to proceed from the edges inward in stems as well as affixes, and given an analysis of Classical Arabic verbal morphology as illustration. Since edge-in association is needed for reduplication, making use of the same principle for all association and relinquishing LR association entirely would be a desirable ambition. It remains for future research to establish the viability of this goal.
Characterization of Gallus Domesticus α-N-Acetyl-Galactosaminidase Blood Group A2 Activity

Soluble A antigens and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using type A2 erythrocyte membranes were used to study the activity of an alpha-N-acetyl-galactosaminidase from Gallus domesticus (domestic chicken). The enzyme readily hydrolyzed the terminal N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosamine of the A antigen under a variety of conditions, converting it to H antigen. Conversion of the A antigen to H antigen produces blood type O, which is universally transfusable. These preliminary studies are important in determining optimal conditions for enzymatic conversion of blood type A to O if efficient large scale production of enzymatically converted, universally transfusable red blood cells is to be achieved.
Intracellular Antibody Neutralizes Listeria Growth

We previously reported that treatment of mice with a neutralizing mAb against listeriolysin O (LLO), the pore-forming toxin of Listeria monocytogenes, provided resistance to this intracellular bacterium. We evaluated whether anti-LLO mAb would affect Listeria handling by macrophages, essential cells in Listeria resistance. Macrophages infected in the presence of anti-LLO mAb showed a marked reduction in intracellular Listeria growth, with a concomitant block in LLO-dependent Listeria passage from phagosome to cytosol. Anti-LLO mAb did not opsonize Listeria but, rather, acted within macrophages to neutralize LLO. Importantly, anti-LLO mAb effects on Listeria growth were independent of Fcgamma receptor expression, IFNgamma signaling, and production of nitric oxide and superoxide. These results identify a novel mechanism for antibody control of bacteria within macrophages.
Insurgency warfare as an emerging new mode of warfare and the new enemy

Abstract Asymmetric insurgency warfare is the dominant form of conflict today. The global community has been observing this form of conflict around the world for the past 15 years. The current insurgency warfare is substantially different from warfare of commonsense. This new enemy, the so-called insurgents, is a group of small irregulars, terrorists, religious fanatics, and criminals. Strikingly, the highly advanced and mighty military such as the U.S. forces cannot completely win this battle, despite so much efforts and sacrifice. Rather, the inferior Islamic insurgents seem to be gaining in strength. This paper is an attempt to understand today's irony. For doing so, it tries to explain: (i) what the historical meaning of asymmetric insurgency warfare is; (ii) who this new opponent, called Islamic insurgents is; and (iii) how this new enemy fights. This paper argues that the current asymmetric insurgency warfare should be understood beyond modernity. It suggests that the insurgency warfare is a new mod...
Ninhydrin as a reversible protecting group of amino-terminal cysteine

The proximity of the α-amino group and thiol group of N-terminal cysteine residues imparts unique chemical properties that have been utilized to cyclize unprotected peptides obtained through both synthetic and biological means [1–3]. A protecting group orthogonal to other protection strategies and reversible under mild conditions would be useful in simplifying the synthesis, cleavage, purification and handling of such peptides. It could also be useful for the sequential ligation of peptides.
Conversion of the Sex Pheromone of the Cabbage Looper

THE mechanisms by which airborne molecules stimulate the olfactory receptors of insects remain largely undefined. In the Insecta, antennal sensilla contain pores which connect the external environment with the receptor membrane of the dendritic nerve endings1–3. The ultimate fate of the stimulant molecule that enters the pore is not yet known. Unpublished data cited by Schneider1 and Kaissling4 indicated that bombykol (E)-10, (Z)-12-hexadecadien-1-ol, was progressively metabolized into acid and ester after absorption on the antennae, or other body parts of males and females of Bombyx mori (L.). This finding cannot be directly correlated with any specific step in the olfactory mechanism, but it suggested that an enzymatic process might be involved at some point. Other indications of chemical stimulants interacting with protein substances in the antennae of insects have been reported5,6.
Prostaglandins and slow-reacting substance

The prostaglandins are generated de novo at the time of a physiologic stimulus. Once formed they are rapidly inactivated by a variety of enzymatic mechanisms. They exhibit a variety of physiologic actions involving changes in muscle contractility, secretion, lipolysis, differentiation, replication, aggregation, and permeability. Many of these effects appear to be mediated through changes in CAMP or cGMP.‘* ’ At the time prostaglandins were first described, interest was centered on their possible role as circulating hormones. Their effects on tissue CAMP concentrations suggested a possible analogy with polypeptide hormones which generally act by this mechanism. Since the usual effect of the E prostaglandins was to dilate blood vessels, their possible involvement in the control of systemic blood pressure received particular attention. In subsequent studies, however, the rapidity with which E and F prostaglandins are inactivated in the circulation became appreciated and the concept of a local modulatory action began to emerge. While an important role in regulating systemic blood pressure
A hybrid artificial immune system for IDS based on SVM and belief function

Increased connectivity and the use of the internet have exposed the subversion in front of the organizations, there for there is a need to use of intrusion detection system to protect information system and communication network from malicious attacks and unauthorized access. An intrusion detection system (IDS) is a security system that monitors computer systems and network traffic, analyze that traffic to identify possible security breaches and raise alerts. An IDS triggers thousands of alerts per day which is difficult for human users to analyze them and take appropriate actions. It is important to reduce the false alarm alerts, intelligently integrate and correlate them in order to present a high level view of the detected security issue to the administrator. In this paper an hybrid model has been proposed in which intrusion detection takes place with the help Dendritic Cell Algorithm and Dempester belief theory along with SVM classification algorithms. It made the Intrusion Detection System much more efficient and accurate as compared to the existing System. It also seems to be an improvement in precise value of proper alarm generation to enhance the performance of the system.
NELL-1-dependent mineralisation of Saos-2 human osteosarcoma cells is mediated via c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway activation

Purpose NELL-1 is a novel osteoinductive growth factor that has shown promising results for the regeneration of bone. Moreover, NELL-1 has been used successfully in bone regeneration in the axial, appendicular and calvarial skeleton of both small and large animal models. Despite increasing evidence of NELL-1 efficacy and future usefulness as an alternative to traditional bone graft substitutes, much has yet to be understood regarding the mechanisms of action of this novel protein. The activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway has been well studied in the setting of growth factor-mediated changes in osteogenic differentiation.
Escherichia coli Lipoyl Synthase Binds Two Distinct [4Fe−4S] Clusters per Polypeptide†

Lipoyl synthase (LS) is a member of a recently established class of metalloenzymes that use S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) as the precursor to a high-energy 5‘-deoxyadenosyl 5‘-radical (5‘-dA•). In the LS reaction, the 5‘-dA• is hypothesized to abstract hydrogen atoms from C-6 and C-8 of protein-bound octanoic acid with subsequent sulfur insertion, generating the lipoyl cofactor. Consistent with this premise, 2 equiv of SAM is required to synthesize 1 equiv of the lipoyl cofactor, and deuterium transfer from octanoyl-d15 H-protein of the glycine cleavage systemone of the substrates for LShas been reported [Cicchillo, R. M., Iwig, D. F., Jones, A. D., Nesbitt, N. M., Baleanu-Gogonea, C., Souder, M. G., Tu, L., and Booker, S. J. (2004) Biochemistry 43, 6378−6386]. However, the exact identity of the sulfur donor remains unknown. We report herein that LS from Escherichia coli can accommodate two [4Fe−4S] clusters per polypeptide and that this form of the enzyme is relevant to turnover. One cluster is ligated b...
The effects of intermittent dynamic loading on chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of human marrow stromal cells encapsulated in RGD-modified poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels.

Abstract Biochemical and biomechanical cues are known to influence the differentiation of stem cells. Biomechanical cues arise from cellular interactions with their surrounding matrix and from applied forces. This study investigates the role of biomechanical cues in chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of human marrow stromal cells (hMSC) when encapsulated in synthetic hydrogels. Poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels were fabricated with tethered cell adhesion moieties, RGD. Cell-laden hydrogels were subjected to 4 h daily intermittent dynamic compressive loading (0.3 Hz, 15% amplitude strain) for up to 14 days and the cell response evaluated by gene expression and matrix deposition for chondrogenic and osteogenic markers. The three-dimensional hydrogel supported chondrogenesis and osteogenesis under free swelling conditions, as shown by the up-regulation of cartilage-related markers (SOX9, Col II, Col X, and aggrecan) and staining for type II collagen and aggrecan and osteogenically by up-regulation of ALP and staining for type I collagen and for mineralization. However, under dynamic loading the expression of cartilage-related markers SOX9, Col II, Col X, and aggrecan were down-regulated, along with reduced aggrecan staining and no positive staining for type II collagen. Additionally, the bone-related markers RUNX2, Col I, and ALP were down-regulated and positive staining for type I collagen and mineralization was reduced. In conclusion, the selected loading regime appears to have an inhibitory effect on chondrogenesis and osteogenesis of hMSC encapsulated in PEG–RGD hydrogels after 14 days in culture, potentially due to overloading of the differentiating hMSC before sufficient pericellular matrix is produced and/or due to large strains, particularly for osteogenically differentiating hMSC.
Sand Leakage around Rocky Headland at Niteroi, Brazil: ABSTRACT

A statistical study of foreshore sediments from two adjacent open-ocean pocket beaches near Niteroi, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was undertaken to investigate sand leakage around the rocky headland separating the beaches. According to May and Tanner, the rocky headland theoretically could act as a cell boundary. A statistical analysis should reveal whether or not the rocky headland is a cell boundary. Three samples collected from beach 1 (NE of headland) and seven samples collected from beach 2 (SW of headland) were sieved and the four moment measures were determined for each of the samples. The moment-measure analysis was marked by the following pertinent points: (1) mean phi size increases in both directions away from the headland; (2) mean phi size for beach 1 (1.577 phi) is significantly different from the mean phi size for beach 2 (1.297 phi); (3) sorting for both beaches appears to improve weakly toward the headland (0.370 ± 0.020 to 0.450 ± 0.020); (4) skewness increases from a negative minimum (-0.150 ± 0.020) away from the headland to a positive maximum (0.100 ± 0.020) at the headland; (5) kurtosis decreases away from the headland (1.000 ± 0.020 to 0.200 ± 0.020); (6) two-factor regression analysis of the four moment measures (y) versus linear distance (x) away from the headland revealed a weak positive linear trend for mean phi size, a weak negative linear trend for sorting, and strong negative linear trends for skewness and kurtosis; (7) analysis of variance indicated that the variation in mean phi size is significantly different between the two beaches. Interpretation of the statistical analysis forces one to conclude that the rocky headland is a cell boundary (e.g., little or no leakage) separating two pocket beaches, each of which is in dynamic equilibrium. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2208------------
A public backstage: The pleasures and possibilities of roadside shop talk in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract In contrast to talk in more central parts of the city, and even in domestic space, interactions surrounding roadside grocery shops in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu entail a body of possible overhearers that is both limited and indefinite. Drawing on conversations recorded in roadside shops, I describe interactions in which the characterization of these spaces as principally concerned with routine provisioning allowed responsibility for participation in potentially disreputable talk to be plausibly denied. I suggest that petty traders seek to classify interactions surrounding shops as unremarkable because doing so supports the validity of commercial transactions. At the same time, customers exploit talk in grocery shops, and similar provisioning spaces, as a means by which to engage with a public while remaining “backstage”.
Assembly Configuration Synthesis Method for Discretely-Actuated Manipulators

Discretely-actuated manipulators are defined in this paper as serial planar chains of many links where the actuation of one link with respect to the previous link occurs in one of three discrete positions. Because of the limited end-effector workspace, a link may be manually connected to the previous link in one of four 90° orientations to assist in generating a workspace corresponding to specific applications. Given an application workspace, the assembly configuration synthesis strategy presented here is a novel approach to determine the nominal configuration (all actuators in their 0° position) of the serial chain. The solved configuration will cover an application grid area using its discrete actuation with no change in nominal configuration. The unique application workspace, defined as a planar grid area, requires the end effector to be positioned somewhere within each specific element of the grid. The synthesis strategy is made up of three stages with each stage having tests that increase in computation and difficulty that a potential configuration must pass or be eliminated. Critical to the tests is the ability to quickly model and approximate the end-effector workspace of a configuration and a new method for this approximation is described.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Describing and measuring socioeconomic systems: Prerequisites to planning

This paper describes, by means of a sort of scientific autobiography, the environmental development of social system accounts and models incorporating new social indicators and the established data systems within a more comprehensive framework, based on behavioral settings. This development includes studies of the U.S. economy as a whole, descriptions of rural communities and small urban-centered regions, the conception of the Functional Economic Areas, and the new synthesis of rural and urban society in the U.S. Following these steps, a new challenge is represented by the description and measurement of complete social systems. From this point in time, research is aimed at integrating diverse concepts (behaviour settings and generalized media of social interchange) to derive measures of social and total income.
A POSSIBLE ADJUSTING PROCEDURE FOR STUDYING OUTCOMES OF RISK-TAKING '

Summaty.-The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the role of consequences in the maintenance and termination of risk-taking behavior. In 1987 Ladouceur, Mayrand, and Tourigny proposed a quantitative measure of risk-taking based on roulette playing, but this metric did not include the outcome of that risk. Therefore, their original equation may be adjusted to incorporate a concurrent analysis of the consequences of risk-taking to understand better individual dkferences with respect to risk-taking behavior. An experiment with six subjects, 3 experienced and 3 inexperienced, who played roulette was used to evaluate the accuracy of the equation's predictions. Replication with a much larger sample is required to substantiate the suggestion that this adjusment would be more accurate than the original equation in predicting Future risk-takmg. Many explanations of why individuals gamble or take irrational risks focus on characteristics of the gamblers as the primary variable responsible for risk-taking. These qualities include sensation-seeking personahties (1, 2, 4) as well as the possession of biases and heuristics (5). Ln adhtion to these internal characteristics, another variable which may be useful in understanding the maintenance of gambling is a player's current reinforcement history. An individual whose behavior is continuously or occasionally reinforced
PARALLEL OPTIMIZATION BASED ELECTRONIC PROTOTYPING OF PHYSICAL PARTS

Shape optimization based electronic prototyping is part of any future scenario for intelligent manufacturing. Unfortunately, the resulting optimization problems can be prohibitively large. Moreover, it is known that most of the optimization problems belong to the class of "hard" problems. Thus, seeking parallel methods for their solution is well justified. The idea of divide and conquer is already used to approximate the solution of large optimization problems sequentially. This suggests that it might be more efficient to decouple the system into several smaller subsystems, optimize them locally and in parallel, and then approximate the global solution by coordinating some form of global optimization on the interfaces of the subsystems. This approach is referred to as a two-level scheme. In general, an optimization problem involving many variables and constraints cannot be decomposed into independent subproblems that can be independently optimized. However, the above described problem decomposition approa...
Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming Models and Algorithms for Large-Scale Supply Chain Design with Stochastic Inventory Management

An important challenge for most chemical companies is to simultaneously consider inventory optimization and supply chain network design under demand uncertainty. This leads to a problem that requires integrating a stochastic inventory model with the supply chain network design model. This problem can be formulated as a large-scale combinatorial optimization model that includes nonlinear terms. Since these models are very difficult to solve, they require exploiting their properties and developing special solution techniques to reduce the computational effort. In this work, we analyze the properties of the basic model and develop solution techniques for a joint supply chain network design and inventory management model for a given product. The model is formulated as a nonlinear integer programming problem. By reformulating it as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem and using an associated convex relaxation model for initialization, we first propose a heuristic method to quickly obtain good-...
Cocchiarella’s Formal Ontology and the Paradoxes of Hyperintensionality

This is a critical discussion of Nino B. Cocchiarella’s book “Formal Ontology and Conceptual Realism.” It focuses on paradoxes of hyperintensionality that may arise in formal systems of intensional logic.
Auto Flow-Through Technique for Anterolateral Thigh Flaps

IMPORTANCE The vascular supply of anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flaps is variable, and the pedicle length and ability to capture perforators to the flap may be limited by the anatomic configuration. We describe the reasoning behind performing the auto flow-through procedure, as well as the steps to carry this procedure out. OBSERVATIONS A retrospective medical chart review was performed within our health care system database to identify patients in whom the auto flow-through technique was used during reconstruction with an ALT free flap. The auto flow-through technique was applied to 3 separate ALT free flaps to incorporate perforators from 2 separate vascular systems. This technique allowed for more robust vascularity of the flap and/or optimized pedicle length that would have otherwise necessitated vein grafts. All patients had successful ALT free flap reconstruction and went on to have good functional results. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The auto flow-through technique is an adaptation of the flow-through flap, which allows for capture of vascular perforators from separate sources when this configuration is present in the ALT free flap. This technique is especially useful when operating in a vessel-depleted neck or when maximizing pedicle reach is necessary. This technique allows the ALT to be used in challenging reconstruction cases regardless of the vascular branching pattern of the pedicle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.
Q-Tree: A Multi-Attribute Based Range Query Solution for Tele-immersive Framework

Users and administrators of large distributed systems are frequently in need of monitoring and management of its various components, data items and resources. Though there exist several distributed query and aggregation systems, the clustered structure of tele-immersive interactive frameworks and their time-sensitive nature and application requirements represent a new class of systems which poses different challenges on this distributed search. Multi-attribute composite range queries are one of the key features in this class. Queries are given in high level descriptions and then transformed into multi-attribute composite range queries. Designing such a query engine with minimum traffic overhead, low service latency, and with static and dynamic nature of large datasets, is a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a general multi-attribute based range query framework, Q-Tree, that provides efficient support for this class of systems. In order to serve efficient queries, Q-Tree builds a single topology-aware tree overlay by connecting the participating nodes in a bottom-up approach, and assigns range intervals on each node in a hierarchical manner. We show the relative strength of Q-Tree by analytically comparing it against P-Tree, P-Ring, Skip-Graph and Chord. With fine-grained load balancing and overlay maintenance, our simulations with PlanetLab traces show that our approach can answer complex queries within a fraction of a second.
Floating―Harbor Syndrome and Intramedullary Spinal Cord Ganglioglioma: Case Report and Observations From the Literature

We report on a 5-year-old male with expressive language delay, developmental delay, short stature, and facial anomalies consistent with Floating–Harbor syndrome (FHS). In addition, he developed an intramedullary ganglioglioma. This is the first reported case of a tumor associated with FHS, and may represent an as yet undefined genetic link between spinal cord tumors and FHS, adding this syndrome to the growing list of disorders with a predisposition for tumor development. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Deadline-aware datacenter tcp (D2TCP)

An important class of datacenter applications, called Online Data-Intensive (OLDI) applications, includes Web search, online retail, and advertisement. To achieve good user experience, OLDI applications operate under soft-real-time constraints (e.g., 300 ms latency) which imply deadlines for network communication within the applications. Further, OLDI applications typically employ tree-based algorithms which, in the common case, result in bursts of children-to-parent traffic with tight deadlines. Recent work on datacenter network protocols is either deadline-agnostic (DCTCP) or is deadline-aware (D3) but suffers under bursts due to race conditions. Further, D3 has the practical drawbacks of requiring changes to the switch hardware and not being able to coexist with legacy TCP. We propose Deadline-Aware Datacenter TCP (D2TCP), a novel transport protocol, which handles bursts, is deadline-aware, and is readily deployable. In designing D2TCP, we make two contributions: (1) D2TCP uses a distributed and reactive approach for bandwidth allocation which fundamentally enables D2TCP's properties. (2) D2TCP employs a novel congestion avoidance algorithm, which uses ECN feedback and deadlines to modulate the congestion window via a gamma-correction function. Using a small-scale implementation and at-scale simulations, we show that D2TCP reduces the fraction of missed deadlines compared to DCTCP and D3 by 75% and 50%, respectively.
Augmenting interactive tables with mice & keyboards

This note examines the role traditional input devices can play in surface computing. Mice and keyboards can enhance tabletop technologies since they support high fidelity input, facilitate interaction with distant objects, and serve as a proxy for user identity and position. Interactive tabletops, in turn, can enhance the functionality of traditional input devices: they provide spatial sensing, augment devices with co-located visual content, and support connections among a plurality of devices. We introduce eight interaction techniques for a table with mice and keyboards, and we discuss the design space of such interactions.
The Third Generation Cohort of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study: Design, Recruitment, and Initial Examination

For nearly 60 years, the Framingham Heart Study has examined the natural history, risk factors, and prognosis of cardiovascular, lung, and other diseases. Recruitment of the Original Cohort began in 1948. Twenty-three years later, 3,548 children of the Original Cohort, along with 1,576 of their spouses, enrolled in the Offspring Cohort. Beginning in 2002, 4,095 adults having at least one parent in the Offspring Cohort enrolled in the Third Generation Cohort, along with 103 parents of Third Generation Cohort participants who were not previously enrolled in the Offspring Cohort. The objective of new recruitment was to complement phenotypic and genotypic information obtained from prior generations, with priority assigned to larger families. From a pool of 6,553 eligible individuals, 1,912 men and 2,183 women consented and attended the first examination (mean age: 40 (standard deviation: 9) years; range: 19-72 years). The examination included clinical and laboratory assessments of vascular risk factors and imaging for subclinical atherosclerosis, as well as assessment of cardiac structure and function. The comparison of Third Generation Cohort data with measures previously collected from the first two generations will facilitate investigations of genetic and environmental risk factors for subclinical and overt diseases, with a focus on cardiovascular and lung disorders.
Synthesis of dendritic macromolecules through divergent iterative thio-bromo “Click” chemistry and SET-LRP

The development of a novel nucleophilic thio-bromo “Click” reaction, specifically base-mediated thioetherification of thioglycerol with α-bromoesters was reported in an earlier article. The combination of this thio-bromo click reaction with subsequent acylation with 2-bromopropionyl bromide provides an iterative two-step divergent growth approach to the synthesis of a new class of poly(thioglycerol-2- propionate) (PTP) dendrimers. In this article, the addition of a third step, the single-electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) of methyl acrylate (MA), was shown to provides access to a three-step “branch” and “grow” divergent approach to dendritic macromolecules wherein poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) connects the branching subunits. This facile methodology can provide a diversity of dendritic macromolecular topologies and will ultimately provide the means to the development of self-organizable dendritic macromolecules. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3940–3948, 2009
Contraception of bison by GnRH vaccine: a possible means of decreasing transmission of brucellosis in bison.

Preventing pregnancy in brucellosis-infected bison (Bison bison) provides a potential means of preventing transmission of disease. To determine whether a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine was effective in reducing pregnancy in bison and to study the safety of injecting GnRH in pregnant bison, a study was conducted at the Idaho Fish and Game Wildlife Health Laboratory in Caldwell, Idaho (USA). Four pregnant and two nonpregnant female bison were given a single injection of GnRH vaccine, and five pregnant adult females were given a sham injection that contained only adjuvant. Three of the GnRH-vaccinated bison that were pregnant at the time of vaccination delivered healthy calves. One treated bison had dystocia that resulted in a dead calf. All control bison delivered healthy calves. After calving, females of both groups were exposed to two bulls. Treated bison were palpated 6 wk after exposure to the bulls, and blood was drawn for pregnancy-specific protein B analysis. The six treated bison were not pregnant. The sham-treated bison became pregnant and delivered viable calves. This study dem- onstrates that a single dose of GnRH vaccine is effective in preventing pregnancy in female bison for at least 1 yr.