cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of CYP2A5 and 2G1 in Acetaminophen Metabolism and Toxicity in the Olfactory Mucosa of the Cyp1a2(−/−)Mouse

Acetaminophen (AP) is a widely-used analgesic agent that has been linked to human liver and kidney disease with prolonged or high-dose usage. In rodents, the target organs that are affected include liver, kidney, and the olfactory mucosa. AP toxicity requires cytochrome P450(CYP)-mediated metabolic activation, and the isozymes CYP1A2, 2E1, and 3A are known to activate AP in the human. In the present study, we determined that olfactory mucosal toxicity of AP was not different between the Cyp1a2(+/+) wild-type and the Cyp1a2(-/-) knockout mouse, whereas the hepatic toxicity of AP was significantly diminished in Cyp1a2(-/-) mice. Western blots of olfactory mucosa revealed that CYP2E1 and CYP3A levels are similar between untreated Cyp1a2(+/+) and Cyp1a2(-/-) mice. Diallyl sulfide (DAS), a known inhibitor of CYP2E1 and of CYP2A10/2A11 (the rabbit orthologue of mouse CYP2A5), completely eliminated olfactory toxicity of AP in both the Cyp1a2(-/-) and wild-type mouse olfactory mucosa. We found that heterologously expressed mouse CYP2A5 and CYP2G1 enzymes (known to be present in olfactory mucosa) form 3-hydroxyacetaminophen (3-OH-AP) and 3-(glutathion-S-yl)acetaminophen (GS-AP); CYP2A5 is considerably more active than 2G1. Addition of GSH caused increases in GS-AP proportional to decreases in 3-OH-AP, suggesting that these two metabolites arise from a common precursor or are formed by way of competing pathways. We also found that both CYP2A5 and CYP2G1 are inhibitable by DAS in vitro. These studies provide strong evidence that, in addition to CYP2E1, CYP2A5 and 2G1 are important in AP bioactivation in the mouse olfactory mucosa and that CYP1A2 appears to be of minor importance for AP olfactory toxicity.
A phase 2 study with a daily regimen of the oral mTOR inhibitor RAD001 (everolimus) in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell cancer

BACKGROUND: Everolimus, an oral mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, affects tumor growth by blocking growth factor stimulation, arresting cell cycle progression, and inhibiting angiogenesis. mTOR inhibitors and agents with primarily antiangiogenic activity have been shown to have efficacy in renal cell cancer (RCC). This phase 2 study assessed the efficacy of daily oral dosing with everolimus in patients with RCC. METHODS: Patients had confirmed predominantly clear cell RCC; had received ≤1 prior therapy; and had progressive, measurable metastatic disease. Everolimus was given at a dose of 10 mg daily orally without interruption (28-day cycle), with dose modifications for toxicity (graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria, version 3.0). Patients were evaluated every 2 cycles (8 weeks) using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). RESULTS: Of 41 enrolled patients, 39 were treated and evaluable for safety, 37 of whom were evaluable for response (2 patients withdrew after the first week of therapy). Approximately 78% of the patients were male, the median age was 60 years, 93% had a Zubrod performance status of 0 to 1, and 83% had received prior therapy. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.2 months and the median overall survival was 22.1 months. Partial responses were observed in 5 (14%) patients, stable disease lasting ≥3 months was reported in 27 (73%) patients, and stable disease lasting ≥6 months was reported in 21 (57%) patients. Nausea (38% of patients), anorexia (38% of patients), diarrhea (31% of patients), stomatitis (31% of patients), pneumonitis (31% of patients), and rash (26% of patients) were common. Grade 3 of 4 adverse events included pneumonitis (18% of patients); transaminase elevations (10% of patients); thrombocytopenia, hyperglycemia, and alkaline phosphatase elevations (8% each of patients); and hyperlipidemia (5% of patients). CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, everolimus demonstrated encouraging antitumor activity against metastatic RCC as indicated by a PFS ≥ 6 months for approximately 70% of patients. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
The correlation of metabolic and ultrastructural changes in emetine myocardial toxicity

Abstract Emetine exerts a specific effect on mitochondrial function and structure. Its action is to inhibit oxidative phosphorylation as measured by mitochondrial oxygen consumption, ADP:O ratio, and the respiratory control ratio. Our observations corelate documented specific structural abnormality with a metabolic change. These results probably account for some of the cardiotoxicity known to result from administration of emetine.
Matrix Metalloproteinases and Neuroinflammation in Multiple Sclerosis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are extracellular matrix remodeling neutral proteases that are important in normal development, angiogenesis, wound repair, and a wide range of pathological processes. Growing evidence supports a key role of the MMPs in many neuroinflammatory conditions, including meningitis, encephalitis, brain tumors, cerebral ischemia, Guillain-Barre, and multiple sclerosis (MS). The MMPs attack the basal lamina macromolecules that line the blood vessels, opening the blood-brain barrier (BBB). They contribute to the remodeling of the blood vessels that causes hyalinosis and gliosis, and they attack myelin. During the acute inflammatory phase of MS, they are involved in the injury to the blood vessels and may be important in the disruption of the myelin sheath and axons. Normally under tight regulation, excessive proteolytic activity is detected in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid in patients with acute MS. Because they are induced in immunologic and nonimmunologic forms of demyelination, they act as a final common pathway to exert a "bystander" effect. Agents that block the action of the MMPs have been shown to reduce the damage to the BBB and lead to symptomatic improvement in several animal models of neuroinflammatory diseases, including experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Such agents may eventually be useful in the control of excessive proteolysis that contributes to the pathology of MS and other neuroinflammatory conditions.
Polyglutamine-mediated aggregation and cell death.

The expansion of CAG repeats is the genetic defect underlying eight neurodegenerative diseases. A common feature of these disorders is the presence of intracellular aggregates in neuronal cells. It is still unclear the significance of these cellular inclusions in the neurodegenerative process, since cell death without aggregate formation has been reported. We have constructed a synthetic fusion protein containing 17 or 43 CAG repeats and the green fluorescent protein that recapitulates the features of CAG-expanded alleles. Expression of 43, but not 17 CAG repeats results in formation of nuclear aggregates in human neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, the normal allele (17 CAG) is sequestered in the inclusion bodies. The presence of nuclear inclusions tightly correlates with apoptosis in cells expressing the protein encoding 43 CAG repeats. Cells harboring nuclear aggregates stop proliferation and undergo apoptosis. Moreover, the inhibition of protein degradation pathway increases intracellular aggregates and cell death. These data indicate that intranuclear aggregates induce apoptosis and suggest that the degradation of unfolded proteins improves cell survival.
The Stability of the I, HI, and H Blood Group Antigens During Storage at 4°C

Abstract. In agglutination experiments using antisera of human origin, the I, HI and H erythrocyte antigens were shown to be quite stable on red cells that had been collected as clotted blood and in ACD-B solution and maintained at 4°C for periods as long as 28 days. These blood group antigens were also well preserved on red cells that had been frozen at -150°C in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen and, after recovery from the frozen state, were maintained at 4°C in a dextrose-electrolyte solution for 7 days.
Thyroidectomy Under Local Anesthesia

Thyroidectomy under local anesthesia was common historically. With improvements in general anesthesia, local anesthesia techniques are now restricted to patients deemed too ill to undergo general anesthesia or to those who live in extremely resource-poor locations. In the last few decades there has been renewed interest in thyroidectomy under local anesthesia, and the few published series reveal morbidity outcomes are equivalent to those for thyroidectomy under general anesthesia. Limited data on the cost of the procedure indicate thyroidectomy under local anesthesia is cost-effective.
Uridine-5-H3 radioautography of the human sex chromatin body.

To obtain an estimate of the rate of RNA synthesis by the heterochromatic sex chromatin body, human female fibroblasts were labeled with uridine-5-H3 and radioautographed. The number of grains over the sex chromatin body was compared with the number of grains over a comparable area of euchromatin. The ratio was 0.37. When corrected for the higher content of DNA per unit area in heterochromatin, the maximum rate of RNA synthesis by the DNA of the sex chromatin body was approximately 18% of the rate of RNA synthesis by a comparable amount of euchromatin DNA. The rate of RNA synthesis by the sex chromatin body did not increase significantly with partial despiralization of this chromatin at prophase.
Isosteric relationship of biologically active N6-(ω-phenylalkyl) adenines and N6-(ω-1′,4′-cyclohexadien-1-ylalkyl)adenines☆

Abstract For comparison with the corresponding N 6 -(ω-phenylalkyl)adenines, several N 6 -(ω-1,4-cyclohexadien-1-ylalkyl)adenines were synthesized by reducing the appropriate ω-phenylalkylamine with lithium in liquid ammonia followed by interaction of the resulting 1,4-cyclohexadienealkylamine with adenine at elevated temperatures. The methyl, ethyl, propyl, and pentyl members of this series of cyclohexadienylalkyladenines stimulate germination of lettuce seed and augment the inhibition of growth of Lactobacillus plantarum 8014 in the presence of folic acid analogs to a degree closely analogous to that observed with the corresponding phenylalkyl-adenines.
Height-integrated Pedersen conductivity in both E and F regions from COSMIC observations

Abstract Altitudinal distribution of Joule heating is very important to the thermosphere and ionosphere, which is roughly proportional to the Pedersen conductance at high latitudes. Based on the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) satellites observations from 2008 to 2011, the height-integrated Pedersen conductivities in both E (100–150 km) and F (150–600 km) regions and their ratio γ P ( ∑ PE / ∑ PF ) have been calculated. The result shows that the maximum ratio in the northern summer hemisphere is ~5.5, which is smaller than that from the Thermosphere–Ionosphere–Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIE-GCM v1.94) simulation (~9). This indicates that the energy inputs into the F region may be underestimated in the model. The seasonal variations of the ratio have been investigated for both hemispheres, and an interhemispheric asymmetry has been identified. The variational trend of the ratio is similar in both hemispheres, which reaches minimum at local summer and maximum at local winter. However, the difference of the ratio from local summer to local winter in the southern hemisphere is larger than that in the northern hemisphere.
Variability of Phosphorus Forms in Suspended Solids at the Lake Erie-Grand River Confluence

The forms of phosphorus and iron have been determined in suspended solids collected from within and off the Grand River estuary, Lake Erie, in August and October of 1985. Concentrations of organic and inorganic carbon, aluminum, and manganese were also measured. These chemical parameters were then used to assess the importance of processes such as input of stream solids, biological productivity, shoreline erosion, and lake sediment resuspension in regulating suspended solids composition in the studied area. Considerable spatial and temporal variation was found in the distribution of the measured parameters. Both total and bioavailable P (BAP) in suspended solids were higher in the summer than in the fall, BAP accounting for about 34.5% of total P in August and about 17.5% in October. The BAP distribution is consistent with the distribution of ferric ion, whereas apatite-P follows the distribution of aluminum and ferrous ion in chlorite and other clay minerals. The concentration of BAP is generally higher in the near-surface solids and increases with increasing distance from the river mouth. The seasonal and spatial trend in total P, BAP, organic carbon, and Fe3+ concentrations reveal that a large proportion of particulate P is associated with particles of biogenic origin, rather than inorganically bound to Fe oxides. The apatite-P, Al, and Fe2+ concentrations reveal the importance of sediment resuspension processes, within the distance of ∼4 km, particularly in the fall. The same parameters point to loss of terrigennous material of riverine origin and from the shoreline erosion within the short distance from the river mouth.
Neutron spectrum of 238PuF4

Abstract The neutron spectrum of 238 PuF 4 was measured with 6 Li and 3 He fast neutron spectrometers. The neutrons derive mainly from the (α, n) reaction with 19 F. The spectrum shows a peak at 1.2 MeV and a maximum neutron energy of ⋍ 3.1 MeV.
Systematic evaluation of Axis-I DSM diagnoses in delayed sleep phase disorder and evening-type circadian preference.

Abstract Background Alterations in circadian rhythms can have profound effects on mental health. High co-morbidity for psychiatric disorders has been observed in patients with circadian rhythm disorders, such as delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD), and in those with an evening-type circadian preference. The aim of this study was to systematically determine the prevalence and type of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM IV) Axis-I disorders in those with DSPD compared to evening-type controls. Methods Forty-eight DSPD and 25 evening-type participants took part in this study. Sleep and wake parameters were assessed with actigraphy, diary and questionnaires (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ). Evening-type preference was defined by the Horne–Ostberg questionnaire. DSPD was determined by an interview according to International Classification of Sleep Disorders criteria. Current and past diagnoses of psychiatric disorders were assessed with a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV disorders. Results DSPD was associated with a later wake time, longer sleep time, higher PSQI score and lower Horne–Ostberg and FOSQ scores compared to evening-types. There were no significant differences in the prevalence or type of Axis-I disorders between those with DSPD or evening-type preference. Over 70% of participants met criteria for at least one past Axis-I disorder. Approximately 40% of both the DSPD and evening-types met criteria for a past diagnosis of mood, anxiety (most frequently phobia) or substance-use disorders. Evening types were more likely to have a past diagnosis of more than one Axis-I disorder. Conclusions These results highlight the important link between circadian rhythms and mental disorders. Specifically, an evening circadian chronotype regardless of DSPD status is associated with a risk for anxiety, depressive or substance-use disorders.
Identification of the pro-mature processing site of Toxoplasma ROP1 by mass spectrometry

The rhoptries are specialized secretory organelles that function during host cell invasion in the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. All T. gondii rhoptry proteins studied to date are synthesized as pro-proteins that are then processed to their mature forms. To understand the role of the pro region in rhoptry protein function, we have precisely defined the processing site of the pro-region of the rhoptry protein ROP1. Efforts to determine such processing sites have been prevented by blocked N-termini of mature proteins isolated from T. gondii. To overcome this problem, we have used an engineered form of ROP1 and mass spectrometry to demonstrate that proROP1 is processed to its mature form between the glutamic acid at position 83 and alanine at position 84. These data also show that mature ROP1 lacks substantial post-translational modifications, a result which has important implications for targeting of rhoptry proteins.
Cystic fibrosis with extensive fat replacement of the liver

This is the case history of a child with cystic fibrosis of the pancreas whose initial presenting symptoms and signs at 2 years and 5 months of age consisted primarily of an enlarged liver and edema. No manifestations of pulmonary disease were noted at this time.
Detection of subsurface defects in fiber reinforced polymer composite bridge decks using digital infrared thermography

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge decks are rapidly emerging as potential alternatives to conventional reinforced concrete (RC) bridge decks. The FRP decks offer higher strength-to-weight ratios compared to RC decks. However, presence of subsurface defects such as debonds and delaminations formed during initial construction and in service can adversely affect the structural integrity and service performance of the FRP bridge decks. Hence, a field monitoring technique such as infrared thermography is required to evaluate the in situ condition of these FRP decks. This paper investigates the use of digital infrared thermography for subsurface defect detection in FRP bridge decks. Air-filled and water-filled debonds were inserted between the wearing surface and the underlying FRP deck in the laboratory. Simulated subsurface delaminations (of various sizes and thickness) were also created at the flange-to-flange junction between two FRP deck modules. The infrared technique was used to detect these embedded...
The influence of thin-film boundary conditions on spin-wave spectra

Synopsis The spin-wave spectra of thin Permalloy films have been observed for various boundary conditions. The results are correlated with a simple model in which the mode numbering and degree of pinning are considered. The validity of the “square law” is discussed. Values of various constants obtained from the data were: g = 2.06; A ≈ 0.5 × 10 −6 erg/cm; and 4 πM = 9800 gauss.
Phylogenetic Signal in the Eukaryotic Tree of Life

Molecular sequence data have been sampled from 10% of all species known to science. Although it is not yet feasible to assemble these data into a single phylogenetic tree of life, it is possible to quantify how much phylogenetic signal is present. Analysis of 14,289 phylogenies built from 2.6 million sequences in GenBank suggests that signal is strong in vertebrates and specific groups of nonvertebrate model organisms. Across eukaryotes, however, although phylogenetic evidence is very broadly distributed, for the average species in the database it is equivalent to less than one well-supported gene tree. This analysis shows that a stronger sampling effort aimed at genomic depth, in addition to taxonomic breadth, will be required to build high-resolution phylogenetic trees at this scale.
Ambient Pressure and Temperature Synthesis of New Layered Magnesium Phosphate: MgHPO4 · 0.78H2O

Abstract We report the synthesis and characterization of a new hydrated magnesium acid phosphate, isostructural with MgHPO4 · 1.2H2O, which has a layered structure. The sample was prepared under ambient pressure and temperature by the reaction of MgCl6 · 6H2O and phosphoric acid at pH 6.0. The orthorhombic unit cell dimensions of the prepared product were found to be a = 9.295 A, b = 8.038 A, and c = 10.482 A.
Strong consistency of the MLE for sequential design problems

Abstract Under mild smoothness conditions on the densities, it is shown that for the sequential design problem with compact experiment space the sequence of maximum likelihood estimators is strongly consistent.
Ensemble-Based Analysis of Factors Leading to the Development of a Multiday Warm-Season Heavy Rain Event

AbstractThis study makes use of operational global ensemble forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to examine the factors contributing to, or inhibiting, the development of a long-lived continental vortex and its associated rainfall. From 25 to 30 June 2007, a vortex developed and grew upscale over the southern plains of the United States. It was associated with persistent heavy rainfall, with over 100 mm of rain falling in much of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, and amounts exceeding 300 mm in southeastern Kansas. Previous research has shown that, in comparison with other rainfall events of similar temporal and spatial scales, this event was particularly difficult for numerical models to predict.Considering the ensemble members as different possible realizations of the evolution of the event, several methods are used to examine the processes that led to the development and maintenance of the long-lived vortex and its associated rainfall, and to its apparently...
Implementing the concept of transformational advertising

The concept of the transformational effects of advertising is described and refined to provide a definition possibly more useful in empirically studying the construct. Methodological difficulties in testing and using the concept are discussed before proposing projective techniques as an approach which might overcome some of the problems. Finally, a study is reported that illustrates how projective techniques may be used to study transformational advertising.
The evolution of thermal structure and water chemistry in Lake Nyos

Abstract We collected a time series of physical and chemical data to gain a better understanding of the dynamics of Lake Nyos. Measurements of water and gas chemistry, and temperature made during January, March, and May 1987 are compared to data taken in September 1986 just after the initial CO2 gas release. There is no pattern of change in overall heat content of the lake, although heat input to bottom waters (185–208 m) has occurred at a rate of 1600 mW m−2. This increase in heat content translates to a change from 23.38 to 24.12°C at 200 m and can be explained by geothermal heat flow and addition of thermal spring water. Concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Fe2+ and alkalinity have increased only in bottom waters. In situ lake processes such as sulfate and iron reduction are unable to account for the changes in alkalinity. Observed chemical changes are consistent with a scenario where slightly thermal soda water is being input to the bottom of the lake. Measurements of pCO2 at depth ranged from 18 to 28% of saturation and exhibited horizontal variability. Overall recharge of CO2 in bottom waters is negligible. Mainly because of increasing ion concentrations in bottom water, total stability of the water column increased 33% from 48,800 J m−2 in September 1986 to 64,700 J m−2 in May 1987. As long as CO2 concentrations remain the same, this level of stability is higher than could be disrupted by common limnologic or meteorologic processes. There is thermal and chemical evidence that a buildup of dissolved iron and CO2 in bottom waters must have preceded the August 1986 gas release. In addition, a survey of all crater lakes in Cameroon indicates that only Lakes Nyos and Monoun contain high concentrations of dissolved iron and CO2. Thus there is a low probability of any other Cameroonian lake releasing a substantial volume of CO2.
The impact of age on right ventricular morphology and function late after repair of Tetralogy of Fallot: a cardiac magnetic resonance study

Background Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard to evaluate right ventricular (RV) hemodynamics after repair of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). CMR markers, such as severe RV dilation and biventricular dysfunction, are independent predictors of death, sustained VT and heart failure. However, the relationship between patient’s age, type and time of corrective surgery, severity of PR and RV/LV dimensions and function has not been fully explained.
Movements and stepwise fusion of endodermal precursor cells in leech

At the four-cell stage, embryos of glossiphoniid leeches comprise identified blastomeres A, B, C and D. Subsequent cleavages of the A, B and C quadrants yield three large, yolk-rich endodermal precursor cells, macromeres A′′′, B′′′ and C′′′. Eventually, these cells generate the epithelial lining of the gut via cellularization of a multinucleate syncytium. Meanwhile, cleavage in the D quadrant generates ten teloblasts that give rise to segmental mesoderm and ectoderm via stem cell divisions. Here we show that, during cleavage, macromeres A′′′, B′′′ and C′′′ shift clockwise relative to the D quadrant, while C′′′ comes to envelop the nascent teloblasts. During gastrulation, derivatives of the teloblasts undergo epibolic movements over the surface of the A′′′, B′′′ and C′′′ macromeres to form the germinal plate, from which segmental tissues arise. We find that the three macromeres fuse in a stepwise manner to initiate formation of the multinucleate syncytium; cell C′′′ fuses about 25 h after the fusion of A′′′ and B′′′, and the teloblasts fuse with the macromere-derived syncytium later still. When macromeres are biochemically arrested by microinjecting them with the A chain of ricin, a further difference among the macromeres is revealed. Biochemical arrest of A′′′ or B′′′ slightly retards the rate of germinal plate formation, but arrest of C′′′ frequently accelerates this process.
The measurement of catalyst acidity: I. Titration measurements

The n-butylamine titration method has been widely used for the measurement of acid strength distributions on solid catalysts. An implicit assumption with this technique is that both the n-butylamine titrant and the indicators are in adsorption equilibrium with acid sites on the surfaces. This assumption has been tested and found invalid. Serious doubt is therefore cast on the utility of such methods for the assessment of surface acidity. It is shown that instead of determining an acid site distribution, the total acidity of the sample is usually obtained. Having ascertained the problems involved, an alternative method has been devised for characterizing the site energy distribution. A series of bases of varying pKa dissolved in one of several solvents was employed. The strong irreversible chemisorption of these yielded distributions quite different from those obtained by the n-butylamine technique.
A new cyclic hydronium di-cation of composition H18O82+

Abstract A search of the existing information on the structure of hydronium ions found trapped in crystalline lattices revealed that one such species of composition H18O82+ had been published in 1987; however, full details of its nature and stereochemistry were not presented. Moreover, the way in which such species was trapped in the lattice was not given. We proceed to give a detailed account of its stereochemistry and of the way in which it was trapped in the lattice, using graphics which were not available then.
A Novel Fast Block Motion Estimation Algorithm Based on Combined Subsamplings on Pixels and Search Candidates

Block motion estimation is one of the key technologies in video compression and has been widely adopted by several existing international standards of video coding. Many popular block motion estimation methods, including three-step search (TSS), new three-step search, and four-step search, have assumed that the error surface is unimodal over the search area or the motion vector is center-biased. However, these assumptions do not hold for most MPEG-1,2 video frames. As a result, schemes with these assumptions will exhibit degraded performance as they are applied to MPEG-1,2 video frames. In this paper, we propose a novel fast block motion estimation scheme based on an integration of pixels subsampling and search candidates subsampling. Compared with the well-known TSS algorithm, the proposed scheme visits more candidates so that it can significantly avoid being trapped into the local minima and therefore is more robust. Experimental results using typical MPEG-1 video frames show that the proposed algorithm can achieve better PSNR as well as higher speed-up ratios than the well-known TSS. In addition, the combined subsampling scheme has a regular structure that facilitates easy hardware implementation.
Metacarpophalangeal and phalangeal joint kinematics in horses shod with hoof caulks

Summary The application of hoof caulks to horseshoes influenced the stride kinematics of horses exercising on a treadmill. Metacarpophalangeal and phalangeal joint angles were changed when four 1/4 inch caulks were placed in a balanced manner on the bearing surface of the shoe. The dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint angle decreased (P .05) in stride length, stride frequency or stance duration due to the caulks were observed. The use of hoof caulks changed limb configuration in a way which might change the forces placed on the joint surface, or on the tendinous/ligamentous structures in the lower limb.
Forecasting health status changes in an aging U.S. population: Assessment of the current status and some proposals

Much interest has been recently focused on forecasting population health changes such as population aging and life expectancy increases at advanced ages, qualitative changes in health and survival, changes in federal reimbursement systems, and the need to forecast for long-range capital investment in specialized health facilities. Recent efforts at forecasting health and morbidity changes in the population are reviewed in this paper and the recent lack of methodological innovation in health forecasting strategies is examined. Two forecasting models—stochastic compartmental systems and mixed multivariate continuous state-discrete state processes—are described. We show how these models can be applied to health forecasting using existing data, how they can be used in a complementary fashion to improve health projections made from any one type of data, and how the mixed multivariate stochastic process model can be used to evaluate assumptions made in the compartment modeling approach.
Signal detection theory with item effects

Abstract Applications of signal detection theory (SDT) often involve presentations of different items on each trial, such as slides in a medical imaging study or words in a memory study. If factors particular to the items themselves, apart from being a signal or noise, affect observers’ responses, then ‘item effects’ are present. One way to model these effects is to use a latent continuous variable as an item ‘factor’, such as item ‘difficulty’. Details of SDT models with item effects are clarified via derivations of their implied conditional means, variances, and covariances. Intra-item correlations are defined and suggested as measures of the magnitude of item effects. The SDT-item models are simple random coefficient models and can be fit with standard software. More general models, such as item models with mixing and/or with random observer effects, are also considered.
Rictal Flanges of Nestling Birds are Most Colorful Near the Gape

Abstract Nestling birds attract parental care with begging that often includes the display of colorful gapes and rictal flanges. The evolution of mouth coloration has been attributed to both the enhanced visual conspicuousness of colorful mouths and the potential for color variation to reveal information about nestling quality. For both hypotheses, the visual contrast between the gape and rictal flanges is potentially important to parents' perception of color. We observed, and then quantified with digital photography, striking within-tissue variation in the carotenoid-based coloration of rictal flanges in three passerine species. Yellow flange tissue was most saturated near the gape, indicating higher carotenoid deposition there than in more lateral regions of the tissue. This within-flange color patterning may have important visual consequences and could have evolved in the context of communication between offspring and parents.
A 1-Watt doubly balanced 5GHz flip-chip SiGe power amplifier

A doubly balanced 5GHz flip-chip SiGe power amplifier with Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic (LTCC) matching networks is described. A doubly balanced amplifier features two balanced amplifiers connected in a push-pull configuration using 180-degree hybrids. The amplifier achieves a saturated output power and power added efficiency (PAE) of 31.5dBm and 24% respectively. At its 1dB compression point, the amplifier delivers 29.6dBm to a 50/spl Omega/ load, and has a PAE of 18.5%. At 5GHz, the amplifier's small-signal gain is 20.6dB, with input and output return losses in excess of 10dB. The amplifier's 1dB power bandwidth is 700MHz.
Hierarchical scheduling for diverse datacenter workloads

There has been a recent industrial effort to develop multi-resource hierarchical schedulers. However, the existing implementations have some shortcomings in that they might leave resources unallocated or starve certain jobs. This is because the multi-resource setting introduces new challenges for hierarchical scheduling policies. We provide an algorithm, which we implement in Hadoop, that generalizes the most commonly used multi-resource scheduler, DRF [1], to support hierarchies. Our evaluation shows that our proposed algorithm, H-DRF, avoids the starvation and resource inefficiencies of the existing open-source schedulers and outperforms slot scheduling.
Accurate pose estimation from a single perspective view

The problem of guiding a mobile robot in the 3D world, using a set of known targets conveniently positioned at each of its docking stations, is discussed. A sequence of images is acquired along the way from one station to another. Each image in the sequence is processed, and motion clues are extracted to correct the 3D position and orientation of the robot caused by motion slip and inaccuracy in the mechanical assembly and platform holding the robot. Using the rigidity of the target with respect to a fixed coordinate system, the authors provide a set of equations from which a unique solution to the camera pose is determined. Tests of this solution on synthetic data are presented; they show that the analytic method is very accurate. >
Correlation Between the Interval of Influenza Virus Infectivity and Results of Diagnostic Assays in a Ferret Model

Background The relationship between influenza virus infectivity and virus shedding, based on different diagnostic methods, has not been defined. Methods Three donor ferrets infected with 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) underwent daily quantitative culture, antigen-detection testing, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Eight contacts were sequentially cohoused with each of the donors for 24 hours during days 3-10 after inoculation. Results Transmission was observed until day 5 after inoculation, corresponding to high culture titers and positive results of antigen-detection tests. Real-time RT-PCR showed no relation to the cessation of transmission. Conclusions Antigen-detection testing and virus culture but not real-time RT-PCR identified the end of the infectious period.
Morphological segmentation of Lidar Digital Elevation Models to extract stream channels in forested terrain

Our paper proposes an approach for the extraction of stream channels from Airborne Laser Swath Mapping (ALSM) data. Recent advances in technology have led to high-resolution topographic data acquisition by means of airborne lidar (i.e. ALSM), which can yield Digital Elevation Model (DEM) datasets with horizontal resolutions of 1 m and vertical rms errors in the range of 10 - 15 cm. The extraction of a stream network from a DEM plays a fundamental role in modeling spatially distributed hydrological processes and flow routing. We apply morphological filtering to an ALSM DEM to detect and characterize stream channels in forested terrain. Since the size and shape of morphological Structuring Elements (SEs) is known to strongly affect filtered results, we test for accuracy by developing a set of error measures over simulated terrain. We subsequently apply the filter to actual ALSM data. For linking disconnected stream segments, a measure of pixel connectedness known as the Connectivity Number is used. The method presented is shown to enable systematic characterization and comparisons of streams, even in heavily forested terrain.
Comparison of effluent toxicity results using Ceriodaphnia dubia cultured on several diets

Several diets have been proposed for Ceriodaphnia dubia, but no single diet has been universally accepted as optimal for toxicity testing. Although several diets for Ceriodaphnia dubia cul-turing and testing are commonly used, little or no data exist on whether toxicity varies with the diet. This study evaluated several combinations of yeast-Cerophyl-trout chow (YCT), Selenastrum capricornutum, and Selenastrum capricornutum-Cerophyl foods for routine culture performance and the sensitivity of the offspring in subsequent acute toxicity tests with effluents. Variations in the diets included use of a vitamin-fortified yeast added to the YCT, algae (Selenastrum capricornutum) grown in two different algal media, and different feeding rates of the algae-Cerophyl diets. Eleven diets were evaluated in a multigeneration feeding study, but only seven were used in subsequent toxicity tests. The young produced from each of the seven diets were tested in 48-h acute tests with three different effluents across the generations. Toxicity tests with the effluents gave LC50s that were within a factor of two of one another, regardless of the food used for culturing. These results indicate that several diets are satisfactory for culturing Ceriodaphnia dubia and that the results of the toxicity tests are comparable.
Gabapentin Therapy for Pain and Irritability in a Neurologically Impaired Infant

Gabapentin is a gamma-aminobutyric acid analog used for numerous neurologic conditions, including neuropathic pain and epilepsy. We describe a 39-week gestational age, male infant with hypotonicity, functional short gut, and microduplication of chromosome 22 who was treated with gabapentin to control pain and irritability. During his hospitalization, the infant experienced multiple complications including respiratory distress, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, gastroesophageal reflux, necrotizing enterocolitis, and cholestatic jaundice. Pain associated with related invasive procedures and surgeries was treated with intermittent and scheduled morphine. In addition to postoperative and procedural pain, the infant continued to experience pain and irritability attributed to neurologic impairment, presumably secondary to his chromosomal abnormality. Trials of scheduled lorazepam along with intermittent morphine and phenobarbital were unsuccessful in managing these symptoms. After failure of nonpharmacologic treatment and continued trials of sedatives and analgesics, gabapentin 5 mg/kg at bedtime was started on day of life 98. Improvement in the infant's tone and disposition was noted by numerous health care professionals and the infant's mother. In addition, the infant's pain scores, using the Pain Assessment in Neonates Scale, showed marked improvement. The infant continued to receive gabapentin; the dosage was increased to 10 mg/kg at bedtime after 6 days, then to 5 mg/kg in the morning and 10 mg/kg at bedtime 10 days later. When the infant was 7 months old, his mother requested that gabapentin be discontinued. He was slowly weaned, and the drug was discontinued when he was 11 months old. The infant tolerated gabapentin well except for experiencing nystagmus, which was noted 31 days after starting the drug and resolved after drug discontinuation. Clinicians should be aware of gabapentin as an alternative treatment for pain and irritability in neurologically impaired infants. Further study is needed, however, to verify the drug's safety and efficacy in neonates and infants. Standardized pain scales along with close patient monitoring will help to guide clinicians in dosage titration to optimize therapy.
Starlight, a stationary inertial-confinement-fusion reactor with nonvaporizing walls

The Starlight concept for an inertial-confinement-fusion (ICF) reactor utilizes a softball-sized solid-lithium X-ray and debris shield that surrounds each pellet as it is injected into the reactor. The shield is sacrificial and vaporizes as it absorbs X-ray and ion-debris energy emanating from the fusion reactions in the fuel pellet. However, the energy deposition time at the surface of the first wall is lengthened by four orders of magnitude (to >100 mu s), which allows the energy to be conducted into the wall fast enough to prevent vaporization. Starlight operates at 5 Hz with 300-MJ-yield fuel pellets. It features a stationary, nonvaporizing first wall that eliminates erosion and shock waves which can destroy the wall; also, it allows arbitrary fuel pellet illumination geometries so that efficient coupling of either laser or heavy-ion-beam driver energy to the fuel pellet can be achieved. When neutrons penetrate the shield, the wall experiences neutron damage that limits its lifetime. Hence, wall materials that have an economic lifetime must be chosen. The general concept and a specific design for laser drivers using a 6-m-radius, 2 1/4 Cr 1 Mo steel first wall are described. Heat-transfer calculations used to establish the radius and a structural analysis that shows stresses are within allowable limits are included. A wall lifetime of over six years is predicted. >
Apnea in a refugee child.

FIGURE 1. Unrepaired epithelialized lumbosacral myelomeningocele. ment after an apneic episode with associated hypoxia. Several weeks before his presentation, he had immigrated from Burma. He was born in a refugee camp and had a large open defect in his lower back. At birth, the defect was covered by a transparent membrane, which subsequently ruptured and drained clear fluid for several weeks. During the next few months, he experienced severe apneic episodes for which his mother performed chest compressions. He was never hospitalized for any of these events. Shortly after arrival in the United States at 3 years of age, he experienced an apneic event with cyanosis and he was brought to the hospital. His evaluation was remarkable for developmental delay, bilateral lower-extremity frog-leg flaccid paralysis, and an unrepaired lumbosacral myelomeningocele (Fig 1). Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated cerebellar vermian displacement with tonsillar herniation below the foramenmagnum, significant ventriculomegaly, pachygyria, and cervical syringomyelia (Fig 2, left). Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine also depicted hydrosyringomyelia with a tethered spinal cord terminating in a lumbosacral myelomeningocele.
Vision-based hand pose estimation: A review

Direct use of the hand as an input device is an attractive method for providing natural human-computer interaction (HCI). Currently, the only technology that satisfies the advanced requirements of hand-based input for HCI is glove-based sensing. This technology, however, has several drawbacks including that it hinders the ease and naturalness with which the user can interact with the computer-controlled environment, and it requires long calibration and setup procedures. Computer vision (CV) has the potential to provide more natural, non-contact solutions. As a result, there have been considerable research efforts to use the hand as an input device for HCI. In particular, two types of research directions have emerged. One is based on gesture classification and aims to extract high-level abstract information corresponding to motion patterns or postures of the hand. The second is based on pose estimation systems and aims to capture the real 3D motion of the hand. This paper presents a literature review on the latter research direction, which is a very challenging problem in the context of HCI.
Nondestructive contactless measurement of bulk lifetime and surface recombination using single pass infrared free carrier absorption

The measurement of bulk lifetime and surface recombination velocities of solar-cell-grade silicon wafers using the modulated free carrier absorption technique is discussed. The results of a comparison of the effective lifetime of a silicon wafer as measured by the inductively coupled photoconductive decay method and the bulk lifetime and the surface recombination velocity as measured using the single-pass free carrier absorption method are presented and compared. The free carrier method is shown to allow the separation of the recombination into its bulk and surface components without the need to modify or destroy the sample. >
Data resources in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

OBJECTIVE —To provide an overview of databases that are maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and are of relevance to investigators involved in epidemiologic, clinical, and health services research. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —We reviewed both national and local VA databases and identified their strengths and limitations. We also referenced specific studies that have assessed the validity and reliability of VA databases. RESULTS —There are numerous national databases housed at the Austin Automation Center in Austin, Texas. These include the Patient Treatment File (hospital abstracts), the Outpatient Care File, the Beneficiary Identification Record Locator System death file for assessing vital status, and the Decision Support System, which provides integrated clinical and financial information for managerial decision making. The major limitation of these databases is that clinical detail below the level of ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes is not uniformly available nationally. These databases offer an excellent opportunity to monitor the health of veterans over time because they track all inpatient and outpatient utilization in the VA. However, at the local or medical center level, the Veterans Health Information and Systems and Technology Architecture contains extensive clinical information, but has fewer patients, varies in format across medical centers, and poses difficulties with data extraction for statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS —Both local and national VA databases are valuable resources for investigators who have interests in a wide array of research topics, including diabetes. The potential for investigating important scientific questions with VA databases becomes greater as communications and database management technologies improve.