cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is lymph node dissection required in pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal adenocarcinoma

Background The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical outcome and significance of mediastinal lymph node dissection (LND) during pulmonary resection of metastases from colorectal adenocarcinoma. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed. Between April 1985 and December 2009, 518 patients underwent 720 pulmonary metastasectomies for metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. Relevant factors were analyzed with the χ 2 or Fisher exact test and the Mann-Whitney test. Survival and lymph node (LN) recurrence-free period after pulmonary metastasectomy were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards methods. Results The overall 5-year and 10-year survival rate after pulmonary metastasectomy were 47.1% and 27.7%, respectively. The only significant prognostic factor for survival after pulmonary metastasectomy was mediastinal LN metastasis ( p = 0.047 in univariate and 0.0028 in multivariate analysis); 199 patients did not undergo LND, 279 patients underwent LND that were negative, and 40 patients underwent LND that contained 1 or more positive mediastinal LN for metastases. The sensitivity of positron emission tomographic scan for detecting mediastinal LN metastases was only 35%. Although long-term survivors were present, systematic LND was not a significant factor for prolonged survival ( p = 0.26) in the positive LND group. Conclusions Mediastinal LN metastases are a significant negative prognostic factor for survival after pulmonary metastasectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer. Computed tomography and positron emission tomography based imaging, as well as preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels have poor sensitivity for detecting malignant mediastinal LN in this setting. Systematic mediastinal LND should be performed for prognostic purposes during pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal metastases.
Effects of acidic solutions on sexual reproduction of Pteridium aquilinum

Experiments were performed to determine the effects of acidic solutions on spermatozoid motility and fertilization of gametophytes of Pteridium aquilinum. Buffered solutions (approx 0.0025 m) were used to simulate exposures to acidic precipitation for up to a 3.5 hr exposure. Experimental results suggest that the spermatozoid population can be subdivided into several groups with respect to pH sensitivity: About 25% spermatozoids are immobile one min after exposure to pH 6.1 buffer while about an equal percentage remain motile after 30 min exposure to buffer of pH 5.1. Between these two response extremes are two other subpopulations. One is quite sensitive to pH but shows some recovery if pH is between 5.6 and 6.1, while the second subpopulation does not seem to exhibit any motility recovery at all but is more resistant to acidity than the first subpopulation. To complement experiments that evaluate spermatozoid responses, experiments were performed to view the process of fertilization under controlled environmental conditions as well as under the canopy of a forest. Fertilization of gametophytes in uncovered petri dishes under a forest canopy was similar to results in aseptic culture after gametophytes were exposed to various pH levels and 86.6 micrometers sulfate. Fertilization at pH 4.5more » and 3.6 was about one-half that occurring at pH 6.1. Fertilization in gametophytes exposed to pH 3.0 was about 10-20% of that occurring at pH 6.1. Addition of 86.6 micrometers sulfate decreased fertilization under all culture conditions. These experimental results suggest that fertilization in p. Aquilinum may be used as a bioindicator of contaminants in rainwater. The results demonstrate that spermatozoid motility (and the process of fertilization) is more acid sensitive than gametophytic and sporophytic tissues.« less
Circadian Aqueous Flow Mediated by β-arrestin Induced Homologous Desensitization☆

It was hypothesized that homologous desensitization regulates signal transduction from the beta-adrenergic receptor in the ocular ciliary epithelium to affect the circadian rhythm of aqueous humor secretion. β-arrestin-1 was cloned from the rabbit ciliary epithelium, and the full length cDNA used as a probe for Northern blot analysis to examine the diurnal expression of β-arrestin mRNA. Protein expression of β-arrestin-1 at intervals during the circadian cycle of aqueous secretion showed a decrease in β-arrestin expression when maximal activation of the β-adrenergic receptor is known to increase secretion. Diurnal expression of β-arrestin suggests that homologous desensitization can regulate the circadian rhythm of aqueous flow.
The Secretion of Oxygen into the Swim-bladder of Fish : I. The transport of molecular oxygen

Fish were maintained in sea water equilibrated with a gas mixture containing a non-equilibrium mixture of the three molecular species of oxygen, O18-O18 (mass 36), O18-O16 (mass 34), and O16-O16 (mass 32). Analyses in the mass spectrometer, of the gases secreted into the swim-bladder showed that no change in the relative abundance of these three molecular species had occurred during the secretory process and that therefore no exchange of atoms between oxygen molecules had occurred. Scission of the oxygen-oxygen bond probably does not occur during the transport process. It is concluded that the active transport of oxygen into the swim-bladder by the gas gland is a transport of molecular oxygen.
Where Tape and Hard-Disk Technology Meet: The HDD Head–Tape Interface

In this paper, we study the mechanical interface between a hard-disk drive (HDD) head and magnetic recording tape to enable the use of HDD heads to investigate future tape operating points. Tape surface height measurements were obtained using an interferometer microscope for varying wrap angle configurations, tape velocities, and tape tensions. Simultaneously, the readback signal from the read element of the HDD head was captured to study the quality of the contact between the tape and the head. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and bit-error rate (BER) performance of pseudorandom bit sequence (PRBS) data readback experiments are presented. An analytical model is described for estimating the magnetic spacing from the PRBS readback spectrum. In contrast to current commercial tape heads, the HDD head surface has a pronounced topography containing cavities. When tape passes in close proximity, subambient pressures are formed inside these cavities and the resulting pressure differences force the tape toward the head and deform the tape into remarkable shapes. For the topography of the HDD head used, the shape of tape is predominantly determined by the leading and trailing wrap angles. Readback was obtained only in the backward direction (i.e., opposite to the direction of operation in an HDD), with positive leading but negative trailing wrap angles. Better readback is obtained for shallow wrap angles, lower tape velocity, and higher tape tension. Good readback is obtained for leading and trailing wrap angles $\sim 0.3^{\circ }$ and −0.2°, respectively. Fits of the analytical model to the spectrum of the readback signal of PRBS data lead to a magnetic spacing estimate of $\sim 30$ nm. At 600 kb/in linear density, we measured 11 dB SNR and $7\times 10^{-3}$ BER for PRBS data on perpendicularly oriented particulate barium–ferrite tape.
Mass transfer effects during homogeneous 1-octene hydroformylation in CO2-expanded solvent: Modeling and experiments

CO 2 -expanded liquids (CXLs) represent a continuum of reaction media that combine the reaction benefits provided by organic solvents and the environmental benefits provided by supercritical CO 2 (scCO 2 ) in an optimal manner. Homogeneous hydroformylation of 1-octene using an unmodified rhodium catalyst (Rh(acac)(CO) 2 ) was successfully demonstrated employing CXLs as reaction media [Jin, H., Subramaniam, B., 2004. Homogeneous catalytic hydroformylation of 1-octene in CO 2 -expanded solvent media. Chemical Engineering Science 59, 4887-4893]. The reported experimental study, however, showed a long induction period of nearly 2h, following which reaction occurs. A detailed reactor model incorporating reaction kinetics, mass transfer rates and phase equilibrium is presented to systematically investigate the effects of mass transfer and catalyst activation on induction period in 1-octene hydroformylation in CXL. Complementary experiments performed in stirred autoclave reactors equipped with an in situ ReactIR probe validate the cause of the induction period predicted by the model.
Preferences for results delivery from exome sequencing/genome sequencing.

The aim of this study was to explore the implications of sequencing information and stated preferences for return of results among research participants. Six focus groups were held with 39 ClinSeq participants. The groups included participants who had received results, those who had not, those affected with cardiovascular disease, and healthy adults. Audio recordings of the sessions were transcribed and coded and analyzed for themes. All participants expressed interest in receiving results that are medically actionable, nonactionable, carrier, and less so variants that cannot be interpreted. Most participants preferred to receive results in person, although several endorsed use of Internet-based resources that they could return to. Participants identified benefits for health management along with satisfying curiosity, making scientific contributions, and partnering in research. Value was seen in gaining control over health risks. Concerns were distress and/or fear that may result. Some participants were opposed to or ambivalent about learning certain types of results, particularly those having to do with diseases that were incurable or that might have implications for the health of their children. There was relative enthusiasm about the value of learning sequencing information, yet it was tempered by concern about negative feeling responses and aversion to learning about incurable conditions. Genet Med 16 6, 442–447.
State Management of Freshwater Fisheries Resources: Its Organizational Structure, Funding, and Programmatic Emphases

Abstract This paper summarizes responses by heads of freshwater fisheries management agencies to a questionnaire requesting information about agency responsibilities, public oversight of agency activities, the most important issues agencies now face, and sources and allocation of funding to support fisheries management programs. Although responsible for managing consumptively used and nongame or endangered aquatic resources, agencies have limited or no responsibility in overseeing the condition of aquatic systems supporting these resources. A commission of citizens oversees the activities of most state fisheries agencies, some setting policy and approving budgets, others serving only an advisory role. A few states receive substantial public tax revenues, but the major source of funding for most remains license revenues and Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration funds, which constitute an average 83% of the total revenues available to conduct agency activities. More than half of all expenditures by fisherie...
Motivational and emotional controls of cognition.

The central nervous System is a serial information processor that must serve an organism endowed with multiple needs, and living in an environment that presents unpredictable threats and opportunities. These requirements aie met by 2 mechanisms: (a) goal-terminating mechanisms, permitting goals to be processed serially without any 1 monopolizing the processor, (b) interruption mechanism, having the properties usually ascribed to emotion, allowing the processor to respond to urgent needs in real time. Mechanisms of these kinds, to control the direction of attention and activity, have been incorporated in some information-processing theories of human cognition, and their further elaboration will permit these theories to explain wider ranges of behavior.
Defective Activation of Clotting, Fibrinolytic, and Permeability-Enhancing Systems in Human Fletcher Trait Plasma

When normal plasma is exposed to foreign surfaces, Hageman factor (HF, factor XII) is activated; under appropriate circumstances, it then initiates reactions leading to coagulation, fibrinolysis, increased vascular permeability, esterolytic activity, and kinin formation. However, coagulation, fibrinolysis, and increased vascular permeability were impaired in plasma from an individual with Fletcher trait, despite a normal concentration of HF that is functionally and immunologically indistinguishable from that in normal plasma. This defective clotting is completely repaired by the addition of small amounts of normal plasma, HF-deficient plasma, plasma thrombo-plastin antecedent (PTA)-deficient plasma, or activated PTA but only partially repaired by the addition of activated HF. Defective fibrinolysis and permeability-enhancing activity were partially corrected by the addition of small amounts of normal plasma, HF-deficient plasma, PTA-deficient plasma, or activated HF. A preparation of partially purified pl...
Art and Science in Computational Dialectology

Aristotle long ago divided kinds of study into technē and epistēmē, which we can roughly translate into the modern terms ‘art’ and ‘science’. It is certainly the case that computational dialectologists do well with the Art (technē), in our technical construction and execution of statistical experiments, and we have two different prominent models to choose from, each one corresponding to a mode of scientific discovery, either to deductive or to inductive scientific procedure. But that in itself should not be the whole story. The Science (epistēmē) of computational dialectology lies in the creation of arguments from our statistical results that are appropriate to the scientific procedure that motivates us. It is not so clear that computational dialectologists have done so well with their Science. What do the results of the technical work really mean? In what way are they associated with particular choices of linguistic theory? Is it the case that, after all of our technical hard work, we find only what we are looking for? In this paper, I will suggest that an appropriate use of the technical results of computational dialectology requires that practitioners take a more subtle approach to the theory that motivates the study in the first place, especially to the relationship between perception and production of language.
Reduction-responsive dithiomaleimide-based nanomedicine with high drug loading and FRET-indicated drug release

Dithiomaleimide-based camptothecin-containing nanoparticles are designed to have exceptionally high drug loading and are capable of reduction-responsive, FRET-indicated drug release.
The threshold of perception currents

The voltages required for perception with good contacts are low in comparison to the 120-volt house circuits and it is essential that reasonable measures be taken to control leakage currents in household appliances and electrically operated hand tools and thus prevent adverse public reaction to the increasing use of electricity in the home and in industry.
Memory lineage relationships in HTLV-1-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T cells.

Cytotoxic memory T cells play a critical role in combating viral infections; however, in some diseases they may contribute to tissue damage. In HAM/TSP, HTLV-1 Tax 11–19+ cells proliferate spontaneously in vitro and can be tracked using the Tax 11–19 MHC Class I tetramer. Immediately ex vivo, these cells were a mix of CD45RA−/CCR7− TEM and CD45RA+/CCR7− TDiff memory CTL. The subsequent proliferating Tax 11–19 tetramer+ population expressed low levels of IL-7Rα, failed to respond to IL-7 and IL-15, and did not develop a TCM phenotype. Thus, chronic exposure to viral antigen may result in a sustained pool of TEM cells that home to the CNS and mediate the spinal cord pathology seen in this disease.
Small off-axis volcanoes on the East Pacific Rise

Abstract A study of Sea Beam bathymetry and SeaMARC II side-scan sonar data allows a quantitative measure of the contribution of off-axis volcanism to the creation of abyssal hill topography on the East Pacific Rise (EPR) 9°15′N–9°50′N. In order to assess the role of off-axis volcanism, the distribution of volcanic edifices within 35 km of the ridge was determined. We measure the size and location of 55 edifices defined as local highs greater than or equal to 40 m with aspect ratios less than 2. The distribution of small volcanic edifices is notably different from that of larger volcanic constructions (seamounts) in that the former do not appear to be organized into discrete chains. The volcanic edifices form 5–10 km off-axis and are typically 40–70 m high. In contrast, the seamounts (≥ 200 m high) measured by Scheirer and Macdonald [1] first form between 5 and 15 km off-axis and then continue to grow in volume and size over a distance 2–4 times larger. The smaller edifices make a minute contribution to crustal volume (0.02–0.03%) but can cover 7–11% of the mature seafloor. Seamounts contribute ∼ 0.3–1% to the volume of oceanic crust and cover only ∼ 6% of the seafloor [1,2]. We propose that within 10 km of the ridge, seamounts and smaller volcanic edifices compete for a limited magma supply. The mechanism of melt delivery to seamounts at these distances is not yet fully mature, and some magma may leak in a random fashion onto the seafloor to form volcanic edifices typically less than 70 m high. Beyond 10 km, the mechanism of melt delivery to seamounts is mature and no further formation or growth of small volcanic edifices occurs.
The 15th Annual Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism January 7–9, 2010, Washington, DC

The 15th Annual Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism was held January 7–9, 2010. This 3-day event was held at the Marriott Westfields in Chantilly, Virginia, and was an e...
MRI of malignant “Triton” tumor in a child

We report a case of malignant "Triton" tumor of the right foot in a 5-year-old Caucasian boy with neurofibromatosis. The characteristics and the extent of the tumor were well demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging.
Conjugate heat transfer during oscillatory laminar flow in porous media

Abstract Hydrodynamics and conjugate heat transfer in porous media subject to unidirectional-steady state as well as steady-periodic flow conditions were numerically studied. Two-dimensional flows in porous media composed of periodically configured arrays of square cylinders were simulated using a computational fluid dynamics tool, with sinusoidal time variation of inlet and exit boundaries and conjugate heat transfer between the solid and fluid domains. The simulated domain contained seven unit cells, with each unit cell representing a square cylinder. Simulations showed that the end effects did not persist more than two unit cells. Simulations were conducted for flow oscillation frequencies of 0–60 Hz, and low and high velocity amplitudes (representing tidal fluid penetration amplitudes of 8 and 2 times the hydraulic diameter, respectively, at inlet) for a 75% porous domain. Using the simulation results, pore-scale volume-average Darcy permeability, Forchheimer coefficient, and Nusselt number associated with the standard volume-average porous media momentum and thermal energy equations were calculated. These parameters were calculated in instantaneous as well as cycle-averaged forms. The Forchheimer coefficient and Nusselt number were significantly different in unidirectional-steady and oscillatory flow conditions. These parameters strongly depend on the flow oscillation frequency and amplitude. Furthermore, significant phase lag occurs among velocity, pressure, temperature and heat transfer processes. The results confirm that unidirectional-steady flow models and correlations are not suitable for applications involving flow oscillations.
Fish: Friend or foe? Food policy and subpopulation warnings for consumers

Abstract Fish is a healthy food that provides valuable nutrients for heart health and cognitive development. However, for some subpopulations, consuming fish containing higher levels of methylmercury may pose a health risk. This research seeks to identify the impact of including a seafood warning disclosure in the advertisement of a can of tuna fish on consumers’ purchasing behaviors. An experimental survey is employed to examine the resulting impact for two segments of the population – those considered at risk for methylmercury overexposure and all others. Findings indicate the use of warning disclosures increases respondents’ negative product perceptions without significantly altering positive product perceptions. Attention to the warning is short-lived and does not significantly impact perceived healthful levels of consumption. Modeling purchase behavior using a random utility choice framework indicates that the inclusion of a warning in an advertisement of a can of tuna fish has no adverse affect on purchase behaviors for the population not at-risk and may, in certain cases, serve to decrease tuna purchase likelihood for “at-risk” respondents. Communicating advisory statements on healthy products, such as fish, creates a public health challenge; message pre-testing is imperative.
The sarcolemmal membrane: selective solubilization of sarcolemma from evacuated myofiber bundles.

Various surface active agents were tested for efficacy in solvating membrane acetylcholinesterase (AChE), in addition to other membrane enzymes from a crude muscle particulate fraction and from an enriched synaptosome membrane fraction. The best solvating system consisted of 0.5% Emulphogene BC 720, a hydrophilic, nonionic detergent, in combination with 1 m potassium ethylsulfate. Almost all AChE and 5′-mononucleotidase and most of the K+-activated phosphatase were rendered soluble by this solvating system. Approximately 79% of the total protein of the synaptosome membrane fraction, which contained mitochondrial contamination, could also be solubilized. Extraction by the solvating system of myofiber bundle ghosts, consisting of sarcolemma, ectolemma and endomysium, yielded complete and selective solubilization of the sarcolemma based on electronmicroscopic analysis.
Alteration of hypertension-related gene expression in human white blood cells and multilineage progenitor cells mediated by morphine.

Alteration of hypertension-related gene expression in human white blood cells and multilineage progenitor cells mediated by morphine
A q-Analog of the Coxeter Complex

Abstract In this paper a q-analogue of the Coxeter complex of a finite Coxeter group W is constructed for the (generic) Hecke algebra H associated to W. It is shown that the homology of this chain complex, together with that of its truncations, vanishes away from top dimension. The remainder of the paper investigates the representations of H afforded by the top homology modules of these complexes. In particular necessary and sufficient conditions are given for a specialisation of the Hecke algebra to decompose into a direct sum of its "truncation" representations.
Municipalization as Central Government Strategy: Central-Regional–Local Politics in Peru, Brazil, and South Africa

This article analyzes how central governments can use municipal decentralization to weaken intermediate levels of government using evidence from Peru, Brazil, and South Africa in the 1990s. Two principal questions are addressed. First, why did central governments opt for municipalization in these countries? Second, how did the municipalization processes proceed? In these cases, the strategic calculus behind municipalization is eminently political: central government incentives to counter the power of the intermediate level of government trigger these processes. Specific strategies to enhance municipal power vary from country to country and include revenue municipalization, expenditure municipalization, and juridical changes to strengthen localities. These three quite different cases show that central governments can make strategic and tactical decisions in intergovernmental relations to favor one level of subnational government to the detriment of another. Copyright 2007, Oxford University Press.
Linguistic Contributors to the Gender-Linked Language Effect

Forty Speakers (20 male, 20 female), ranging from 11 to 69 years of age, described landscape photographs orally to a researcher. Orthographic transcripts were analysed for 31 linguistic variables. A discriminant analysis showed that a combination of 17 variables predicted speaker gender with 87.5% accuracy. The 17 gender-discriminating language variables were used in multiple regression analyses to predict previously found (Mulac & Lundell, 1980) speaker attribution ratings for these speakers. Results showed significant predictive ability for all three attributional dimensions: Socio-Intellectual Status (R 2= 0.53), Aesthetic Quality (R2 =0.43), and Dynamism (R2=0.33). Of the 14 language variables displaying effects consistent with the Gender-Linked Language Effect, seven were more indicative of male speakers: impersonals, fillers, elliptical sentences, units, justifiers, geographical references, and spatial references. Greater use of the other seven variables was more indicative of female speakers: inten...
Examination of time and frequency control across wide area networks using IEEE-1588v2 unicast transmissions

The IEEE 1588–2008 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) version 2 (IEEE 1588v2) can be used to synchronize a slave clock to a grandmaster clock over a wide area network (WAN). However, many of the algorithms the slaves use to steer to the master are optimized for a scenario where both devices are on the same subnet or local area network (LAN). This paper is a study of existing PTP hardware from a number of different manufacturers in unicast mode. We characterize the performance of the equipment, beginning with the timing outputs of the masters that are locked to their built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. Next, we compare the results of steering unicast clients to their masters through a LAN versus several wider-area network configurations such as virtual-LANs and the public Internet. Analysis of the results will show how clients of different manufacture handle the various network paths. It is our hope that these comparisons will instigate changes to clock steering and synchronization algorithms, which may help improve the overall capabilities of PTP for telecom and other networking environments. As network synchronization techniques improve, the quality of the PTP masters will become more significant. Therefore, the performance and calibration of PTP masters with respect to UTC(NIST) is also discussed.
Comparison of tumor necrosis factor-α effect on the expression of iNOS in macrophage and cardiac myocytes

Proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), are elevated during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), heart failure, and inflammatory cardiac and systemic diseases. Elevated TNF-α...
Reduction of Allogeneic Transplant Morbidity by Combining Peripheral Blood and Bone Marrow Progenitor Cells

One case has been reported of a patient undergoing allogeneic transplantation with peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) rather than bone marrow. We now report the first case of a patient who underwent an allogeneic transplant with bone marrow combined with PBPCs.
Grandmothers Who Parent Their Grandchildren An Exploratory Study of Close Relations Across Three Generations

Grandparents raising grandchildren is a growing phenomenon born of serious parent difficulties such as drug addiction, child abuse, and neglect. This study focuses on grandmother well-being and the configuration of close relationships across an intergenerational triad consisting of grandmother, parent, and grandchild. Grandmothers who played a linking role in the family and had strong ties to both other generations had greater life satisfaction than grandmothers in most other triad types. Bradburn Affect Balance Scales showed no differences across types. There may be advantages for caregiving grandmothers to have close relationships with both younger generations even when parent-child bonds are weak.
Identification, Assessment and Management of Fetal Compromise

The main goals of fetal surveillance are to avoid fetal death and to recognize the fetus that will benefit from early intervention with resuscitation or delivery. Surveillance can occur in the antepartum or intrapartum period. Continuous fetal heart rate monitoring is the most common form of surveillance in the intrapartum period. Several techniques are used in the antepartum period, including nonstress test, biophysical profile, and contraction stress test. Multiple techniques are used once distress is noted in the fetus, with the ultimate resuscitation effort being delivery.
Zur Chemie des Schwefeltrioxyds. VIII. Darstellung und Eigenschaften von Polysulfurylchloriden; Trisulfurylchlorid, S3O8Cl2

Durch Umsetzung von CCl4 mit SO3 im Uberschus werden unter COCl2-Entwicklung Gemische von Polysulfurylchloriden, SnO3n−1Cl2, erhalten, aus denen sich durch Crackdestillation im Vakuum S3O8Cl2 gewinnen last. S3O8Cl2 zeigt ein dem S2O5Cl2 analoges Verhalten. Die Isolierung definierter hoherer Polysulfurylchloride gelang infolge Zersetzung nicht. Mit NH3 wird aus S3O8Cl2 kein Trisulfamid erhalten. Die Reaktionsprodukte zeigen, das Ammonolyse der SOS-Bindung eintritt.
Does lamb promotion work

Three key questions regarding lamb promotion are addressed: (a) Have industry efforts to promote lamb shifted out the total demand for lamb? (b) Have any returns to producers achieved been greater than the cost of the promotion? (c) What has been the effect of lamb promotion on the lamb import share? The first question is addressed through an econometric analysis of the U.S. retail demand for lamb, which takes into account the effects of lamb advertising and promotion expenditures. The results then are used to calculate a benefit-cost ratio for lamb promotion in answer to the second question. An econometric analysis of the import share of U.S. lamb consumption provides the basis for addressing the third question. Lamb promotion is found to have increased the demand for lamb, and particularly American lamb, generating in the process a highly positive return to producers relative to the small cost of the program. [EconLit Classification: D11, D12, Q13, Q17, Q18]. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Block-cyclic redistribution over heterogeneous networks

Clusters of workstations and networked parallel computing systems are emerging as promising computational platforms for HPC applications. The processors in such systems are typically interconnected by a collection of heterogeneous networks such as Ethernet, ATM, and FDDI, among others. In this paper, we develop techniques to perform block-cyclic redistribution over P processors interconnected by such a collection of heterogeneous networks. We represent the communication scheduling problem using a timing diagram formalism. Here, each interprocessor communication event is represented by a rectangle whose height denotes the time to perform this event over the heterogeneous network. The communication scheduling problem is then one of appropriately positioning the rectangles so as to minimize the completion time of all the communication events. For the important case where the block size changes by a factor of K, we develop a heuristic algorithm whose completion time is at most twice the optimal. The running time of the heuristic is \mathrm{O}(PK^2). Our heuristic algorithm is adaptive to variations in network performance, and derives schedules at run-time, based on current information about the available network bandwidth. Our experimental results show that our schedules always have communication times that are very close to optimal.
Phosphorylation of Soybean Nodulin 26 on Serine 262 Enhances Water Permeability and Is Regulated Developmentally and by Osmotic Signals

Soybean nodulin 26 is expressed and targeted to the symbiosome membrane of nitrogen-fixing nodules, where it forms an aquaporin channel with a modest water transport rate. In this study, we show that the phosphorylation of nodulin 26 on Ser-262, which is catalyzed by a symbiosome membrane–associated calcium-dependent protein kinase, stimulates its intrinsic water transport rate. Furthermore, using a phosphospecific antibody, we have elucidated the developmental appearance and regulation of nodulin 26 phosphorylation in vivo. Although nodulin 26 protein is detected first in differentiating infected cells (16 days), phosphorylated nodulin 26 does not become pronounced until infected cell maturation (25 days). Phosphorylation is sustained at steady state levels until entry into senescence. Nodulin 26 phosphorylation is enhanced further by osmotic stresses (water deprivation and salinity). Thus, the phosphorylation of nodulin 26 coincides with the establishment of mature nitrogen-fixing symbiosomes, is regulated by osmotic stresses that induce calcium-signaling pathways, and appears to be part of the adaptive responses of infected cells to osmotic challenge.
Comparison of major antigenic proteins of six strains of the human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent by Western immunoblot analysis.

The etiologic agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) is an obligate intracellular bacterium. In 1996, blood specimens from 53 patients suspected of having HGE were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) testing with the HGE agent no. 13 isolate as the antigen, by nested PCR, and by culture. All patients resided in Westchester County, N.Y. Twelve patient specimens were positive for IFA (titer > or = 1:40). Seven of these were also positive by PCR. Of the seven specimens positive by both IFA testing and PCR, the HGE agent was isolated from four (no. 2, 3, 6, and 11) and continuously cultured in HL-60 cells. These were confirmed as the HGE agent by sequencing of 16S rDNA. Both purified whole-cell organisms and the outer membrane fractions of the new isolates were compared with no. 13 isolate and a tick (USG) isolate by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western immunoblot analysis. No. 11 and 13 isolates had identical SDS-PAGE patterns with respect to 49- and 47-kDa proteins. No. 3 and USG isolates lacked the 47-kDa protein, and no. 6 isolate lacked the 49-kDa protein. Both 49- and 47-kDa bands were absent in no. 2 isolate. Western blot results with seven different sera, including five convalescent-phase sera from these patients, one dog anti-USG isolate, and one horse anti-BDS isolate, showed that all major antigens in six isolates were recognized by all sera. However, the molecular sizes and the numbers of major antigens recognized varied among the six isolates. Overall, HGE agent no. 3, 6, 11, and 13, and USG isolates had similar patterns, with 1 or 2 major antigens with molecular masses of around 49 and 47 kDa. No. 2 isolate was quite distinct in having a major antigen of 43 kDa. This indicates that although these antigenic epitopes are all cross-reactive among strains, the HGE agent has a strain pleomorphism in its major antigenic proteins. The major antigen profiles of the outer membrane protein fractions and of whole organisms of six HGE agent isolates were similar, suggesting that 49- and 47-kDa major antigens are the outer membrane proteins of the HGE agent.
Angiotensin receptor agonistic autoantibody is highly prevalent in preeclampsia: Correlation with disease severity

Preeclampsia (PE), a syndrome affecting 5% of pregnancies, characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The condition is often accompanied by the presence of a circulating maternal autoantibody, the angiotensin II type I receptor agonistic autoantibody (AT(1)-AA). However, the prevalence of AT(1)-AA in PE remains unknown, and the correlation of AT(1)-AA titers with the severity of the disease remains undetermined. We used a sensitive and high-throughput luciferase bioassay to detect AT(1)-AA levels in the serum of 30 normal, 37 preeclamptic (10 mild and 27 severe), and 23 gestational hypertensive individuals. Here we report that AT(1)-AA is highly prevalent in PE ( approximately 95%). Next, by comparing the levels of AT(1)-AA among women with mild and severe PE, we found that the titer of AT(1)-AA is proportional to the severity of the disease. Intriguingly, among severe preeclamptic patients, we discovered that the titer of AT(1)-AA is significantly correlated with the clinical features of PE: systolic blood pressure (r=0.56), proteinuria (r=0.70), and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 level (r=0.71), respectively. Notably, only AT(1)-AA, and not soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, levels are elevated in gestational hypertensive patients. These data serve as compelling clinical evidence that AT(1)-AA is highly prevalent in PE, and its titer is strongly correlated to the severity of the disease.
Ubiquitin-like (UBX)-domain-containing protein, UBXN2A, promotes cell death by interfering with the p53-Mortalin interactions in colon cancer cells

Mortalin (mot-2) induces inactivation of the tumor suppressor p53's transcriptional and apoptotic functions by cytoplasmic sequestration of p53 in select cancers. The mot-2-dependent cytoprotective function enables cancer cells to support malignant transformation. Abrogating the p53-mot-2 interaction can control or slow down the growth of cancer cells. In this study, we report the discovery of a ubiquitin-like (UBX)-domain-containing protein, UBXN2A, which binds to mot-2 and consequently inhibits the binding between mot-2 and p53. Genetic analysis showed that UBXN2A binds to mot-2's substrate binding domain, and it partly overlaps p53's binding site indicating UBXN2A and p53 likely bind to mot-2 competitively. By binding to mot-2, UBXN2A releases p53 from cytosolic sequestration, rescuing the tumor suppressor functions of p53. Biochemical analysis and functional assays showed that the overexpression of UBXN2A and the functional consequences of unsequestered p53 trigger p53-dependent apoptosis. Cells expressing shRNA against UBXN2A showed the opposite effect of that seen with UBXN2A overexpression. The expression of UBXN2A and its apoptotic effects were not observed in normal colonic epithelial cells and p53-/- colon cancer cells. Finally, significant reduction in tumor volume in a xenograft mouse model in response to UBXN2A expression was verified in vivo. Our results introduce UBXN2A as a home defense response protein, which can reconstitute inactive p53-dependent apoptotic pathways. Inhibition of mot-2-p53 interaction by UBXN2A is an attractive therapeutic strategy in mot-2-elevated tumors.
WAVSTAN: waveform based variational static timing analysis

We present a waveform based variational static timing analysis methodology. It is a timing paradigm that lies midway between convention static delay approximations and full dynamic (SPICE-level) analysis. The core idea is to break the modulation of waveforms processed by a circuit into two parts: (a) non-linear circuit elements e.g., transistors, diodes etc. and (b) linear elements: transmission line, RLC network etc. The non-linear and linear parts of the circuit are then solved using a combination of current-source modeling, model order reduction methodology, perturbation analysis and learning-based Galerkin methods which helps us get SPICE-like accuracies. The proposed method is potentially as robust and 10-20times faster than current-source based gate modeling methodologies
The complexity of approximating the square root

The authors prove upper and lower bounds for approximately computing the square root using a given set of operations. The bounds are extended to hold for approximating the kth root, for any fixed k. Several tools from approximation theory are used to prove the lower bound. These include Markoff inequality, Chebyshev polynomials, and a theorem that relates the degree of a rational function to its deviation from the approximated function over a given interval. The lower bound can be generalized to other algebraic functions. The upper bound can be generalized to obtain an O(1)-step straight-line program for evaluating any rational function with integer coefficients at a given integer point. >
Plane Geometries Associated with Certain 2-Transitive Groups*

Let G be a permutation group 2-transitive on a finite set. Assume that the stabilizer of two points fixes exactly K 3 3 points, but not all points. Let L denote this set of K points, and call the distinct sets Lg, g E G, lines. Then all lines have K points, and any two different points are in a unique line. This means that we have a design 9 (with h = 1). The only known possibilities for 9 are affine spaces, the projective spaces PG(d, 2), and one example with 28 points when K = 4. A subspace of S& is a set d of points and at least two lines such that any two different points of d are on a line of d, and all points on a line of d are in d. In [I I], Hall considered the case K = 3. His main result was that 9 contains as a subspace a seven point projective plane or a nine point affine plane; this means, intuitively, that these classical planes are the building blocks of 9. Our purpose is to generalize this result.
Continuous propionic acid fermentation by immobilized Propionibacterium acidipropionici in a novel packed-bed bioreactor.

Continuous propionic acid fermentations of lactate by Propionibacterium acidipropionici were studied in spiral wound fibrous bed bioreactors. Cells were imobilized by natural attachment to fiber surfaces and entrapment in the void volume within the fibrous matrix. A high cell density of ∼37 g/L was attained in the reactor and the reactor productivity was ∼4 times higher than that from a conventional batch fermentation. The bioreactor was able to operate continuously for 4 months without encountering any clogging, degeneration, or contamination problems. Also, the reactor could accept low-nutrient and low-pH feed without sacrificing much in reactor productivity. This new type of immobilized cell bioreactor is scalable and thus is suitable for industrial production of propionate. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Secure interactive Livermore alarm system

The Safeguards and Security Department at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is currently implementing a high-security alarm system that contains a number of automation concepts that are new at Livermore. A dichotomy arises from the apparent conflict between the need to protect the materials and documents associated with nuclear weapons design and testing and the need to maintain a campus-like environment. The system implemented to meet both of these needs uses a user-friendly high-security interface that allows users to access an alarmed area, and authorized users to have field control of the access lists to that alarmed area. The system provides specialized interfaces for users, console operators, the security staff, system maintenance personnel, designers, and security administrators. >
Low-resistance submicron CVD W interlevel via plugs on Al-Cu-Si

The most critical issues of interfacial contact between CVD (chemical vapor deposition) W and Al-Cu-Si in submicron vias using SiH/sub 4/ and H/sub 2/ reduction of WF/sub 6/ are addressed. The effect of process parameters of selective CVD W, especially when deposited by SiH/sub 4/-based chemistry, on contact resistance to Al-Cu-Si is evaluated for the first time. It is observed that out of all process parameters the deposition temperature affects the contact resistance the most. As the deposition temperature increases, the contact resistance of the stack W/Al-Cu-Si decreases. Specific resistivities, as low as 3-5*10/sup -9/ Omega cm/sup 2/, are realized at turret temperatures of 550 degrees C. On the other hand, the contact resistances are relatively unaffected by partial pressures of SiH/sub 4/ or WF/sub 6/. As a result the growth rates which are dependent on partial pressures do not control the contact resistances. Phosphoric-chromic and buffered hydrofluoric acid cleanings combined with higher deposition temperatures yield relatively superior contact resistance compared to other cleaning techniques. >
Differences in energy and micronutrient intakes among Central Texas WIC infants and toddlers after the package change.

Objective To assess nutrient intakes after the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) package changes within an at-risk, majority Hispanic population of WIC infants and toddlers in Central Texas. Methods For this cross-sectional observational study, Nutrition Data System for Research was used to collect 24-hour recalls of infants and toddlers from a sample of caregivers in 2009 and 2011. Usual nutrient intakes were estimated and compared with Dietary Reference Intakes using the National Cancer Institute method. Mean single-day nutrient intakes were compared using Mann-Whitney tests. Results Subjects were children ages 4–24 months (2009, n = 84; 2011, n = 120). After the package change, usual energy intakes exceeded recommended levels for infants (79% in excess of Estimated Energy Requirement), but fell below recommended levels for toddlers (88% below Estimated Energy Requirement). Also after the package change, mean usual intake of vitamin D was below the Estimated Average Requirement for toddlers (6.54 vs 10 μg), and mean usual intakes of vitamin A and zinc exceeded the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for all groups. Conclusions and Implications Whereas lower energy intake may reduce obesity risk, in toddlers, lower energy intake increases risk for micronutrient deficiencies. Recommendations include culturally appropriate education and reinstatement of previous milk allotment in the toddler package.
Efficacy of Adaptive Servoventilation in Treatment of Complex and Central Sleep Apnea Syndromes

Background Complex sleep apnea syndrome (CompSAS) is recognized by the concurrence of mixed or obstructive events with central apneas, the latter predominating on exposure to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Treatment of CompSAS or central sleep apnea (CSA) syndrome with adaptive servoventilation (ASV) is now an option, but no large series exist describing the application and effectiveness of ASV. Methods Retrospective chart review of the first 100 patients who underwent polysomnography using ASV at Mayo Clinic Sleep Center. Results ASV titration was performed for CompSAS (63%), CSA (22%), or CSA/Cheyne Stokes breathing patterns (15%). The median diagnostic sleep apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was 48 events per hour (range, 24 to 62). With CPAP, obstructive apneas decreased, but the appearance of central apneas maintained the AHI at 31 events per hour (range, 17 to 47) [p = 0.02]. With bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) in spontaneous mode, AHI trended toward worsening vs baseline, with a median of 75 events per hour (range, 46 to 111) [p = 0.055]. BPAP with a backup rate improved the AHI to 15 events per hour (range, 11 to 31) [p = 0.002]. Use of ASV dramatically improved the AHI to a mean of 5 events per hour (range, 1 to 11) vs baseline and vs CPAP (p Conclusion The ASV device appears to be an effective treatment of both CompSAS and CSA syndromes that are resistant to CPAP.
Reduced NO enhances the central gain of cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex in dogs with heart failure

The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that a decrease in central nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the enhancement of the central gain of the cardiac “sympathetic afferent” reflex ...