cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHRONIC NEUTROPENIA WITH LEUKOAGGLUTININS AND B- AND T-CELL IMMUNODEFICIENCY

A 21 month old female was admitted to hospital because of recurrent skin and upper respiratory infections and chronic neutropenia of 3 months duration. Family history was unremarkable and past history was negative for any known causes of neutropenia. Physical examination revealed multiple skin abscesses and marked hepatosplenomegaly. Absolute granulocyte count varied between 150 and 500/μl; segmented neutrophils were absent in the bone marrow. RBC and platelet count were normal. Immunological evaluation revealed normal C3, C4 and total hemolytic complement. Serum immunoglobulins demonstrated absent IgA, low IgG (170 and 120 mg/dl) and elevated IgM (190 and 740 mg/dl) at 21 and 27 months, respectively. Isohemagglutinins were absent (blood type O, Rh positive). Despite previous immunization, polio antibody titers were <1:4 for all types, but an antibody response followed antigenic challenge with diphtheriatetanus antigens. There was no response to skin tests with SKSD and monilial antigens. E-rosette forming lymphocytes were diminished (36% vs 60% control) and PHA-stimulation was minimal (1 to 2-fold vs 11 to 24). Staining for immunoglobulin bearing B-cells was variable: IgG-15% and 51%, IgA-13% and 1%, IgM-7% and 8%, at 21 and 27 months, respectively. Serum leukoagglutinins were present with 5 panels of control cells. This case represents the first report of neutropenia with B-and T-cell deficiency and circulating leukoagglutinins.
Active learning from process data

Much of the prevailing connectionist machine learning research in chemical engineering assumes a one-way passive relationship between the learner and the application domain. This article investigates a two-way active relationship between learner and domain. An active relationship is useful and even necessary if the prevailing research is to be successfully applied to real-world problems involving sparse and strongly biased data. A process development case study is used to illustrate the impact of data quality and quantity and to compare the performance of active learning against conventional passive learning. This study highlights on the need to assess data quality and demonstrates the improvements in the rate of active learning.
Biochemical characterization of gonadal development in the shrimp Penaeus vannamei

Abstract 1. 1. Mini-two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) was used to analyze polypeptides extracted from eggs and gonadal tissues from different developmental stages of male and female P. vannamei shrimp. 2. 2. Gel patterns of polypeptides from immature and mature ovaries showed notable differences. 3. 3. Several biochemical differences between ovarian and egg samples indicated that the majority of egg polypeptides may be synthesized towards the end of oogenesis. 4. 4. Five polypeptides present in the eggs, immature and mature ovaries may be synthesized early in oogenesis. 5. 5. Qualitative polypeptide differences between testes from adult and juvenile shrimp suggest differential expression of genes in a developmentally controlled program.
Research for Democracy: Linking Community Organizing and Research to Leverage Blight Policy:

Urban scholarship has focused on the role of power and politics in fostering uneven development, showing that urban patterns are not inevitable but controllable. Yet shifting power from one group t...
Transverse acoustic trapping using a gaussian focused ultrasound.

Abstract The optical tweezer has become a popular device to manipulate particles in nanometer scales and to study the underlying principles of many cellular or molecular interactions. Theoretical analysis was previously carried out at the authors' laboratory, to show that similar acoustic trapping of microparticles may be possible with a single beam ultrasound. This article experimentally presents the transverse trapping of 125 μm lipid droplets under an acoustically transparent mylar film, which is an intermediate step toward achieving acoustic tweezers in three-dimension. Despite the lack of axial trapping capability in the current experimental arrangement, it was found that a 30 MHz focused beam could be used to laterally direct the droplets toward the focus. The spatial range within which acoustic traps may guide droplet motion was in the range of hundreds of micrometers, much greater than that of optical traps. This suggests that this acoustic device may offer an alternative for manipulating microparticles in a wider spatial range. (E-mail: jungwool@usc.edu)
Annual research review: The neurobehavioral development of multiple memory systems--implications for childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders.

Extensive evidence indicates that mammalian memory is organized into multiple brains systems, including a “cognitive” memory system that depends upon the hippocampus and a stimulus-response “habit” memory system that depends upon the dorsolateral striatum. Dorsal striatal-dependent habit memory may in part influence the development and expression of some human psychopathologies, particularly those characterized by strong habit-like behavioral features. The present review considers this hypothesis as it pertains to psychopathologies that typically emerge during childhood and adolescence. These disorders include Tourette syndrome, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Human and nonhuman animal research shows that the typical development of memory systems comprises the early maturation of striatal-dependent habit memory and the relatively late maturation of hippocampal-dependent cognitive memory. We speculate that the differing rates of development of these memory systems may in part contribute to the early emergence of habit-like symptoms in childhood and adolescence. In addition, abnormalities in hippocampal and striatal brain regions have been observed consistently in youth with these disorders, suggesting that the aberrant development of memory systems may also contribute to the emergence of habit-like symptoms as core pathological features of these illnesses. Considering these disorders within the context of multiple memory systems may help elucidate the pathogenesis of habit-like symptoms in childhood and adolescence, and lead to novel treatments that lessen the habit-like behavioral features of these disorders.
The magnetohydrodynamics of solar activity

The Sun represents a cosmic laboratory in which one may observe the exotic behaviour of a magnetized plasma at high magnetic Reynolds number. The basic properties of this plasma will be described together with some recent theories for several features of solar activity. The crucial role of the magnetic field will be stressed. The upper atmosphere of the Sun (the corona) is very much hotter (106K) than the lower layers. It may possibly be heated by the absorption of magnetoacoustic waves at cusp resonances or by phase-mixed Alfven waves with Kelvin Helmoltz and tearing mode instabilities creating small-scale structure.
Recombinant single-chain antibody fusion construct targeting human melanoma cells and containing tumor necrosis factor.

Fusion constructs targeting tumor cells have significant potential applications against both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. We developed a fusion construct of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and a single-chain antibody (scFvMEL) recognizing the gp240 antigen on human melanoma cells. The scFvMEL/TNF construct, like TNF itself, was found to exist in solution primarily as a trimer of 45 kDa monomers (trimeric molecular weight = 135 kDa). The fusion construct bound specifically to gp240 antigen-positive but not to antigen-negative cells. The TNF component of the construct was biologically active (specific activity = 1 × 107 U/mg) compared with free TNF (specific activity = 2.6 × 107 U/mg) and was more cytotoxic to antigen-positive A375-M melanoma cells (IC50 = 100 pM) than TNF alone (IC50 = 1,000 pM) and, additionally, was active against AAB-527 melanoma cells (IC50 = 20 nM) resistant to TNF itself (IC50 > 1,000 nM). The augmented cytotoxicity was mediated by antibody-specific binding to the cell surface. Both A375-M and AAB-527 cells were shown to express TNFR1 and TNFR2 on the cell surface. The TNF moiety of the fusion construct was efficiently delivered into cells in time-dependent increase in cytosol as assessed by immunofluorescent staining of human melanoma cells. Radiolabeled scFvMEL/TNF localized effectively in human melanoma xenografts in nude (nu/nu) mice with a tumor:blood ratio of approximately 8 at 72 hr after administration. Our studies suggest that because of its unique biologic activity and low antigenic potential, scFvMEL/TNF makes an excellent cytotoxic protein for potential clinical treatment of human melanoma. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Polymer microfiber mechanical properties: A system for assessment and investigation of the link with fibrous capsule formation

A novel microtensile testing instrument was developed to assess the mechanical properties of small-diameter polyethylene, polyurethane, and polyester microfibers. The instrument had a root-mean-square error of 2.96 microN for force measurement and 1.91 microm for displacement measurement. Microfibers ranging in diameter from 1.0 to 10.9 microm were strained at 2 mm/s in the device, and the slopes of their stress-strain curves (material moduli) were determined. Correlations between material modulus and previously published data on fibrous capsule presence and thickness for implanted polyethylene, polyurethane, and polyester microfibers were investigated. Results for the 1.0-5.9-microm microfiber diameter range showed that neither the percentage of unencapsulated fibers nor the capsule thickness correlated well with modulus. Correlation coefficients were 0.04 and 0.09, respectively. However, for the 6.0-10.9 microm diameter range the correlations were strong, 1.00 for both percentage of unencapsulated fibers and capsule thickness. It is suggested that the results reflect the greater attachment and mechanical interaction of cells with microfibers for the 6.0-10.9 microm-diameter range than for the 1.0-5.9 microm-diameter range.
Educational Research and the Protection of Human Subjects

Educational research is increasingly subject to legal restrictions designed for the protection of human subjects of research. In this article the author discusses legal restrictions–both in the courts and under HEW regulations–on educational research, comparing these restrictions with those on biomedical research. He finds that although educational research in particular instances may give rise to suits for damages for invasion of privacy or intentional infliction of psychological distress, the legal issues relating to educational research will most often be resolved in proceedings before institutional review boards charged by HEW with the responsibility for passing upon proposals to conduct research on human subjects. He argues that the interests protected in proceedings before institutional review boards are not limited to those that have received judicial recognition in suits for damages. The author finds that the requirement that the informed consent of subjects be obtained presents difficult issues for educational research. He notes in particular the problems presented by research proposals that as an element of the research design contemplate the observation of subjects without their knowledge and the use of children as research subjects.
Eberlin reaction of arenesulfenylium cations with cyclic acetals and ketals: ring contraction and cycloreversion

Arenesulfenylium ions (ArS+), elusive species in the condensed phase, are readily generated in the gas phase by electron ionization of sulfur-containing compounds and here their reactions with cyclic acetals and ketals are studied in a pentaquadrupole mass spectrometer. As a strong electrophile, the arenesulfenylium ion (ArS+) reacts with five-membered cyclic acetals and ketals by hydride abstraction and electrophilic addition followed by ketone or aldehyde elimination. This latter process is ascribed to an oxygen-assisted ring-opening process in the adduct, followed by intramolecular nucleophilic substitution at carbon by the neutral arylthio group (ArS). This latter recyclization step generates a four-membered 2-aryl-1,2-oxathietan-2-ium ion. Ab initio calculations at the Becke3LYP/6-31G(d) level are performed to obtain the optimized structure of the ring contraction product and they predict the overall reaction to be highly exothermic. Collision-induced dissociation of the elimination product is consistent with its being the four-membered ring contraction product and this provides evidence for the gas-phase cycloreversion. Similarly, reaction with six-membered cyclic acetals and ketals forms a five-membered 2-aryl-1,2-oxathiolan-2-ium product ion. The overall reaction is of the Eberlin reaction type, the prototype of which is the transacetalization of acylium ions (M. N. Eberlin and R. G. Cooks, Org. Mass. Spectrom., 1993, 28, 679). Substituents at the para-position of the arenesulfenylium cation have a significant influence on reactivity; the p-fluorobenzenesulfenylium cation displays similar reactivity to the unsubstituted arenesulfenylium cation, while the Eberlin product is not observed for the electron-donating amino (NH2) or methoxy (CH3O) substituted ions.
Heterochromatinization, chromatin elimination and haploidization in the parahaploid mite Metaseiulus occidentalis (Nesbitt) (Acarina: Phytoseiidae)

Embryogenic mitoses, mitoses in females and spermatogenesis are described in the predatory mite Metaseiulus occidentalis (Nesbitt). At 22° C, egg development lasts approximately 4 days. Six chromosomes are seen in mitotic metaphases and anaphases of 0–24 h eggs. Toward the end of this period some embryo squashes have patches of cells containing nuclei which are partially heteropycnotic. These patches of cells apparently increase in size with the age of the embryo. In approximately 1/2 of all 24–48 h-old eggs they encompass all or most cells of the embryo. In these embryos metaphases involved 6 chromosomes, anaphases 3. Either prior to, or following metaphase, a pairing of chromosomes appeared to take place to form 3 units which resembled meiotic diplotene chromosomes where there is opening out between homologues. At metaphase, two sets of 3 chromosomes were slightly differentially stained. One, designated the H set, was darker and slightly more contracted than the other, the E set. At anaphase, 3H and 3E chromosomes segregated in a reductional division retaining the differential contraction until telophase. No cytokinesis appeared. The H set appeared to remain contracted while the E set decontracted to assume the appearance of an interphase nucleus. Both of these entities, side-by-side, created the partially heteropycnotic nucleus mentioned above. The H set then appeared to be excluded from the cell. Mitotic meta and anaphases involving 6 chromosomes were noted in female deutonymphs. Spermatogenesis appeared to encompass an equational division of 3 chromosomes, with the formation of a binucleate spermatid. Two tail structures appeared juxtaposed at the edge of each spermatid and thereafter a separation into two individual sperms occurred. —While mitosis was not studied in known males, we believe that the embryos exhibiting heterochromatinization and elimination of chromosomes in most or all cells were in fact demonstrating parahaploidization.
SOS: A Distributed Mobile Q&A SystemBased on Social Networks

Recently, emerging research efforts have been focused on question and answer (Q&A) systems based on social networks. The social-based Q&A systems can answer non-factual questions, which cannot be easily resolved by web search engines. These systems either rely on a centralized server for identifying friends based on social information or broadcast a user's questions to all of its friends. Mobile Q&A systems, where mobile nodes access the Q&A systems through Internet, are very promising considering the rapid increase of mobile users and the convenience of practical use. However, such systems cannot directly use the previous centralized methods or broadcasting methods, which generate high cost of mobile Internet access, node overload, and high server bandwidth cost with the tremendous number of mobile users. We propose a distributed Social-based mObile Q&A System (SOS) with low overhead and system cost as well as quick response to question askers. SOS enables mobile users to forward questions to potential answerers in their friend lists in a decentralized manner for a number of hops before resorting to the server. It leverages lightweight knowledge engineering techniques to accurately identify friends who are able to and willing to answer questions, thus reducing the search and computation costs of mobile nodes. The trace-driven simulation results show that SOS can achieve a high query precision and recall rate, a short response latency and low overhead. We have also deployed a pilot version of SOS for use in a small group in Clemson University. The feedback from the users shows that SOS can provide high-quality answers.
Robust Doppler ambiguity resolution using multiple paired pulse repetition frequencies

In the present study, a robust algorithm for Doppler ambiguity resolution is proposed. This new algorithm is based on a recently developed robust phase unwrapping (RPUW) algorithm and the Ferrari-Be-renguer-Alengrin (FBA) method using multiple pulse repetition frequencies (PRF). In the FBA method, the PRFs are grouped into pairs and each paired PRF values are symmetric about 1. Then the Doppler frequency estimation is divided into two steps (folded frequency, i.e. the fractional part and ambiguity order, i.e. the integer part): the folded frequency is estimated by circularly averaging the folded frequency estimates for each pair PRF and the ambiguity order is obtained by searching the finite integers based on a quasi-maximum-likelihood criterion using the estimated folded frequency. By observing that the folded frequency estimates for each pair PRF may have errors because of the finite FFT implementations, noise and interference, the circular mean of the erroneous folded frequency estimates may be erroneous too, which may lead to an erroneous ambiguity order estimate, that is, a large error. In this study, the authors replace the integer ambiguity order searching by a recently developed RPUW algorithm that is robust to the frequency estimates from the FFT implementations. The simulation results of this study show that the newly proposed algorithm significantly outperforms the FBA method and is also better than the RPUW algorithm.
The germinal proliferation center in the testis of Drosophila melanogaster.

Analysis of serial section reconstruction performed on the tips of adult and larval testes reveals a germinal proliferation center populated by three morphologically distinct cell types: apical cells, stem cells, and cyst progenitor cells. The apical cells are assembled into a centrally located structure having the other types of cells radially disposed around it reminiscent of the hub and spokes of a wheel. The stem cells and cyst progenitor cells maintain contact with the central structure throughout the entire cell cycle in such a way that one of the two products of their respective mitotic divisions remains associated with the hub as a stem cell or cyst progenitor cell and the other becomes a primary spermatogonium or a cyst cell. Two cyst cells envelop a single primary spermatogonium, and from this association of three cells a bundle of 64 mature sperm will ultimately develop.
Unified Stochastic and Robust Unit Commitment

Due to increasing penetration of intermittent renewable energy and introduction of demand response programs, uncertainties occur in both supply and demand sides in real time for the current power grid system. To address these uncertainties, most ISOs/RTOs perform reliability unit commitment runs after the day-ahead financial market to ensure sufficient generation capacity available in real time to accommodate uncertainties. Two-stage stochastic unit commitment and robust unit commitment formulations have been introduced and studied recently to provide day-ahead unit commitment decisions. However, both approaches have limitations: 1) computational challenges due to the large scenario size for the stochastic optimization approach and 2) conservativeness for the robust optimization approach. In this paper, we propose a novel unified stochastic and robust unit commitment model that takes advantage of both stochastic and robust optimization approaches, that is, this innovative model can achieve a low expected total cost while ensuring the system robustness. By introducing weights for the components for the stochastic and robust parts in the objective function, system operators can adjust the weights based on their preferences. Finally, a Benders' decomposition algorithm is developed to solve the model efficiently. The computational results indicate that this approach provides a more robust and computationally trackable framework as compared with the stochastic optimization approach and a more cost-effective unit commitment decision as compared with the robust optimization approach.
Tetralogy of fallot in the elderly

Tetralogy of Fallot was first diagnosed during life in this patient at the age of 61 years. He represents one of the oldest reported patients with this congenital heart anomaly. This report presents a case of a previously undiagnosed patient with tetralogy of Fallot.
The histochemistry of glycosaminoglycans within hypertrophic scars.

Abstract Hypertrophic scars were examined by histochemical methods and selective enzymatic digestions for glycosaminoglycan localization. Film substrates of hyaluronic acid were also used to demonstrate tissue hyaluronidase activity. The scars consisted of specific areas that reacted positively to enzyme treatment and indicated that hypertrophic scars can be composed of varying levels of tissue maturity. The absence of hyaluronidase activity within the tissue signifies some abnormality or inactivity of this enzyme and may be responsible for reported increases of chondroitin-4-sulfate in hypertrophic scars.
A study of the use of invitations to enquiry and student attitude

This study was designed to isolate the attitude of high ability ninth grade BSCS students toward instruction utilizing “Invitations to Enquiry.” Both control and experimental groups received similar instruction with the addition of twenty “Invitations” to the experimental classes over an eight week period. No significant differences in attitudinal scores as measured by Remmer's A Scale to Measure Attitude Toward Any School Subject was found when the poststudy scores were adjusted for prestudy attitude, IQ and mid-study attitude or when the attitude at the end of four weeks of the study was adjusted using prestudy attitude and IQ.
The Effect of Supplemental Copper and Methionine on the Performance of Turkey Poults

Abstract A total of 384 white turkey poults were divided within sex into four replicate groups of eight birds each and fed one of six treatment diets. To a basal corn-soy diet which contained 26% protein and .765% sulfur-amino acid was added 0, 500, or 750 ppm copper as CuSO4 · 5H2O both with and without .40% supplemental methionine. The diets were fed ad libitum from hatch to 21 days of age, at which time poults were individually weighed and one bird in each replicate sacrificed for digestive tract observation. Mortality and feed consumption data were obtained, and the experiment was repeated once. The addition of methionine increased growth, which indicated that the diet was inadequate in sulfur-amino acids. The addition of copper at either level greatly reduced 21-day body weights in proportion to the level fed. Copper addition also reduced average daily feed consumption. Feed efficiency did not appear to be affected by the addition of copper. Addition of supplemental methionine to the copper treatments partially offset the effects of the copper and resulted in higher weights and better feed efficiency than was observed with the basal alone. Gizzard erosion was increased with copper supplementation and was partially offset with supplemental methionine.
Liquefaction, Lateral Stress, Consolidation State, and Aging

AbstractIn 1986–1989, Jackson Lake Dam, Wyoming, was removed after standard penetration tests indicated that the foundation soil was subject to liquefaction. Part of a subsequent research program involved measuring lateral in situ stresses at various depths in the foundation soil by use of the Ko Stepped Blade, a device that introduces a stepwise lateral displacement of soil so contact pressures can be extrapolated to give the hypothetical pressure on a zero-thickness step. The foundation soil was cohesionless mix of alluvial and deltaic silts and sands with some sharp-edged gravel. The lateral stress measurements established relationships between the four topics in the title of this paper. A normal consolidation state, meaning that a soil is in equilibrium with its own weight, can be established when Ko is constant with depth and lateral effective stresses extrapolate to zero at the ground surface. On this basis, three stress zones were identified: (1) Based on limited data, an uppermost zone, to a depth...
For a lead-temperature feedback in climatic variation

Sea ice is an important factor in controlling the exchange of energy between the ocean and atmosphere in the polar regions and has an important impact on climate. A climate model has been developed which enables analysis of the effect of changes in sea ice on the ocean-atmosphere energy exchange and atmospheric temperature. The model results described here show that opening small areas of open ocean (leads) within the winter ice pack has a large impact on the atmospheric temperature of the polar regions. This effect is due to changes in the sensible heat flux between the surface and atmosphere resulting from leads. Thus leads within the ice pack may have significant impact on short and long term climatic variations.
Adenylylation/Deadenylylation Control of the Glutamine Synthetase of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata

Previous attempts to demonstrate adenylylation/deadenylylation control of glutamine synthetase from photosynthetic organisms have given negative results; we have reexamined the enzyme of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata in this connection. Studies on other systems have shown that adenylylated and deadenylylated forms of glutamine synthetase respond differently to Mg2+ in the γ-glutamyltransferase assay, and this was observed with the R. capsulata enzyme when its adenylylation state was stabilized by addition of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide to cells before they were harvested for preparation of extracts. The relative activities of glutamine synthetase in the presence and absence of added Mg2+ is an index of adenylylation state and on the basis of this and other criteria, the enzyme in R. capsulata cells grown with excess NH+4 as N source is largely adenylylated, whereas the deadenylylated form predominates when the organism is grown on N2. The results of experiments on the effects of snake venom phosphodiesterase on response of partially purified glutamine synthetase (from R. capsulata cells grown on NH+4) to metal ion supplementation (Mg2+ and Mn2+) provided confirmatory evidence for adenylylation. Conditions are described for demonstration of regulation of R. capsulata glutamine synthetase adenylylation state, in vivo, by light intensity. When the N source for growth is glutamate, the extent of adenylylation decreases with increase of light intensity. In cells subjected to a sudden shift-down in light intensity, the extent of glutamine synthetase adenylylation increases rapidly; conversely, a shift-up in light intensity causes, after a lag, a decrease in the degree of adenylylation. The light intensity effects are interpreted to reflect regulation of adenylylation/deadenylylation by the ‘energy state’ of the cell.
Insight into the Magnetic Mineralogy of Antarctic Rocks

A magnetic powder technique is presented, which is considered to be phase I of a methodology being developed at the University of Pittsburgh, to ultimately relate the magnetic properties of rocks to the causitive mineralogy. The methodology, termed magnetic petrology, was suggested by an initial study of plutonic rocks from Ellsworth Land, Antarctica.Phase I, the magnetic powder technique utilizes a strained mechanically polished rock surface upon which a magnetite colloid is deposited. After washing the surface with alcohol or acetone, the magnetic minerals or magnetic phases are patterned with magnetite powder; the non magnetic components remain free of powder.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus in 2010: individualizing treatment targets in diabetes care.

The majority of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have uncontrolled glycemia, blood pressure and lipid levels and struggle to achieve targets set by current guidelines. In 2010, subgroup analyses of the ACCORD trial further underscored the need to tailor treatment to each individual.
Interpopulation differences in the severity of early childhood stress in ancient Lower Nubia: Implications for hypotheses of X-group origins

The origins of the Lower Nubian X-Group population ( a.d. 300–600) are presently controversial. Some argue for migration; others argue for biological and cultural evolution in situ. A recent paleoepidemiological study has some bearing on this problem. It shows the X-Group experiencing significantly less early childhood stress than the preceding Meroitic population (100 b.c.-a.d. 300). Such a difference could be taken as evidence for migration, but the direction of the difference suggests otherwise. Meroitic improvements in irrigation technology likely led to high prevalences of helminthic disease, with correspondingly high levels of early childhood stress. Similarly high levels of parasitemia and stress would have been expected in a newly migrant population. The actual decline in stress levels thus does not seem consistent with an hypothesis of population replacement. This finding lends additional support to the argument for biological and cultural continuity in ancient Lower Nubia.
PLANA/2.0 - New Control Software for the HP-8409 Network Analyzer System

PLANA/2.0 is an extensive controlling software package for the Hewlett-Packard 8409 netvork analyzer system, designed to run on the HP-1000 or A-series computers. It is highly interactive and user-friendly, incorporating extensive help facilities for on-line information about program operation. PLANA/2.0 provides for hardware calibration, device measurements, network de-embedding, time domain transformations, data listing and plotting, and data file management. The control software can support a variety of hardware configurations in addition to the standard HP-8409C instrumentation. The various graphics devices supported provide black and vhite or the software to a particular hardvare environment is accomplished via simple program commands.
From system design to IC design in 14 weeks-teamwork makes it possible

A VLSI system design course that provides students with an opportunity to learn about and experience the entire VLSI chip design from the system level down to the layout level is described. The full-custom design project has a time constraint of 14 weeks, one semester. It is shown that students not only understand design issues at the system and logic levels, but also experience the impact of design decisions at system level on the chip layout. >
Magnitude of surgical burden associated with pediatric intestinal failure: A multicenter cohort analysis

Background Pediatric intestinal failure (IF) patients require many surgical procedures over the course of their illness. The number and variety of surgical procedures, as well as patient characteristics associated with this burden of surgical procedures, remain largely unknown.
Molecular transport in a crowded volume created from vertically aligned carbon nanofibres: a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching study

Rapid and selective molecular exchange across a barrier is essential for emulating the properties of biological membranes. Vertically-aligned carbon nanofibre (VACNF) forests have shown great promise as membrane mimics, owing to their mechanical stability, their ease of integration with microfabrication technologies and the ability to tailor their morphology and surface properties. However, quantifying transport through synthetic membranes having micro- and nanoscale features is challenging. Here, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is coupled with finite difference and Monte Carlo simulations to quantify diffusive transport in microfluidic structures containing VACNF forests. Anomalous subdiffusion was observed for FITC (hydrodynamic radius of 0.54 nm) diffusion through both VACNFs and SiO2-coated VACNFS (oxVACNFs). Anomalous subdiffusion can be attributed to multiple FITC–nanofibre interactions for the case of diffusion through the VACNF forest. Volume crowding was identified as the cause of anomalous subdiffusion in the oxVACNF forest. In both cases the diffusion mode changes to a time-independent, Fickian mode of transport that can be defined by a crossover length (RCR). By identifying the space-and time-dependent transport characteristics of the VACNF forest, the dimensional features of membranes can be tailored to achieve predictable molecular exchange.
The occurrence of amorphous mineral deposits in association with the plasma membrane of active osteoblasts in rat and mouse alveolar bone

Abstract Electron microscopic study of rat and mouse alveolar bone showed that amorphous electron dense deposits are associated with the plasma membranes of osteoblasts and matrix vesicles. The membrane associated amorphous densities are present in tissue fixed in glutaraldehyde alone or in tissue double fixed with glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide. The amorphous densities are extracted from ultrathin sections floated on an aqueous solution of 4% EGTA for 1 hour, suggesting that the densities are composed of a calcium-containing mineral. The densities are not associated with the plasma membranes of other bone cells such as osteocytes and osteoclasts, suggesting that they may play a role together with matrix vesicles in the initiation of bone mineralization.
Guide to the best and worst HPCMP systems for executing individual TI-04 benchmarking applications and synthetics

Since time-to-solution and processor scalability of an application can vary greatly from one architecture to another, it is important to consider the suitability of each system with respect to that application in order to make efficient use of available resources. Given that the full set of possible applications is quite large, this paper focuses on those applications within the FY-04 technology insertion (TI-04) benchmarking suite - AERO, COBALT-60, GAMESS, HYCOM, NAMD, OOCore, and RF-CTH - for which all except AERO have a standard and large test case. Both the overall performance and performance per processor of the High Performance Computing Modernization Program's (HPCMP's) major systems are analyzed for each test case in order to provide general selection guidance to users and a unique perspective for code developers.
Bacteriophage Mu Targets the Trinucleotide Sequence CGG

Target specificity for bacteriophage Mu was studied using a new phage derivative that enabled cloning of Mu-host junctions from phage DNA. Insertions distributed throughout the chromosome showed no orientation bias with respect to transcription or replication polarity. Genes with a high frequency of the triplet CGG were preferred targets.
MPFL reconstruction for PF instability. The Soft (Tissue) Approach

Historically, anatomic factors have been identified that increase one's risk for episodic lateral patella dislocations. A surgical treatment algorithm has been proposed which utilizes these risk factors. This algorithm depends primarily on realignment of the bony architect. Increasingly, the soft tissue retinacular restraints have been shown to be important as an anatomic factor critical for patellofemoral stability; in particular, the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) has been recognized as the essential stabilizer against lateral patella displacement. Current indications for MPFL reconstructions will be reviewed. The frequency of reconstructing the MPFL alone versus combining it with other realignment schemes in my last 30 patients will be presented.
The Coherent X-ray Imaging instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source.

The Coherent X-ray Imaging (CXI) instrument specializes in hard X-ray, in-vacuum, high power density experiments in all areas of science. Two main sample chambers, one containing a 100 nm focus and one a 1 µm focus, are available, each with multiple diagnostics, sample injection, pump–probe and detector capabilities. The flexibility of CXI has enabled it to host a diverse range of experiments, from biological to extreme matter.
JabberWocky: Crowd-Sourcing Metadata for Files

Finding relevant files in a personal file system continues to be a challenge. It is still easier to find stuff on the Web with its exponential growth than in one’s personal file system. Yet, the exponential growth of personal data renders the current services of personal file systems increasingly inadequate. A reason for this failure is the “cold-start” problem: algorithms that dramatically improve a user’s ability to find documents on the Web become ineffective in personal file systems because there is not enough information about these documents. We propose JabberWocky, a service that allows users to manage the content of their personal file system by leveraging semantic relationships available on the Web. More specifically, JabberWocky is using keyword/resource associations of social bookmarking web sites as a basis for recommending keywords for files. We chose social bookmarking web sites because of their popularity and because the assignment of keywords (a process also referred to as “tagging”) is an established and popular way to manage photos, music, movies, and audio resources on the Web – very much the kind of resources that need to be managed in personal file systems. The goal of JabberWocky is to overcome the “cold-start” problem of personal file systems and to provide recommendations in a scalable way while maintaining the user’s privacy. In this work-in-progress report we describe the motivation and challenges of designing a system like JabberWocky, present the initial design of an on-going user study, and briefly discuss what we have learned so far.
Extrinsic tree decoding

A new decoding method, called extrinsic tree decoding, is presented for decoding low-density parity-check codes on modified finite computation trees. The proposed method maintains similar performance to that of existing iterative decoders, while providing a decoding method for which realistic upper bounds can be computed for practical codes.
The Slide Rule Cursor

IT is convenient to be able to check quickly whether the line of a slide rule cursor is accurately at right angles to the scale. We can test the correspondence of a number and its square, but if “log log” scales are available it is preferable to use them as, being further apart, the test is more sensitive.
Cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers do not correlate with volume of heart or lung receiving radiation.

Thoracic and cardiac irradiation increases the risk of pulmonary and cardiovascular disease. In addition, radiation, often in combination with chemotherapy, can cause treatment-related pneumonitis. Previously, we showed that the common marker for cardiac damage, troponin T, was not elevated by chemoradiation [Lung Cancer 62:351–355, 2008]. In this study, we explore whether dose-volume metrics and biomarkers for cardiac damage, inflammation or angiogenesis could identify patients receiving thoracic radiation who would later have cardiac or pulmonary complications. To this end, we quantified cardiac biomarkers including c-reactive protein (cRP) as well as a panel of angiogenic and inflammatory molecules in thirty patients who received radiation therapy to the thorax with or without concurrent chemotherapy between May 2006 and May 2007. Serum was collected at baseline, 2 weeks into radiation treatment and at the completion of radiation therapy. Heart and lung dosimetric parameters and clinical risk factors were also examined, along with the monitoring of adverse pulmonary and cardiac events during follow-up. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was no correlation between serum biomarker levels and cardiac radiation dose. Similarly there was little association between lung dose-volume metrics and inflammatory or angiogenic biomarkers. Furthermore, there was no correlation with serum biomarkers and adverse pulmonary or cardiovascular events. Based on these data, acute elevations in serum biomarkers of cardiac damage, inflammation or angiogenesis should not be attributed to thoracic (chemo)radiation and elevations in such biomarkers of tissue damage should be further evaluated.
Tunisian kin ties reconsidered

Households, informal networks, and local state organizations constitute the major forms of social organization in the Tunisian village of al-Qarya. Analysis of the networks reveals that close bilateral kinship (kindreds), geographic proximity, and patrilocal residence (not patrilineality) best explain the dynamics of intermediate-level social organization in this village. This leads the author to question the universal applicability of lineage theory to the Middle East and North Africa. [kinship, social organization, Middle East, North Africa, complex societies]
Regulation of APP-Dependent Transcription Complexes by Mint/X11s: Differential Functions of Mint Isoforms

Mints/X11s are neuron-specific (Mints 1 and 2) and ubiquitous (Mint 3) adaptor proteins composed of isoform-specific N-terminal sequences and common C-terminal phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) and PDZ domains. We now show that all three Mints bind to the cytoplasmic tail of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) and presenilins and strongly increase the levels of cellular APP in transfected cells. Immunocytochemistry revealed that in neurons, Mints 1 and 2 were colocalized with APP in the trans- Golgi network, with lower levels throughout the cell body and neurites. Using an APP-dependent transactivation assay that uses a fusion protein of APP coupled to the potent transcription factor Gal4/VP16, we examined the effects of Mints on the proteolytic processing and putative transcriptional function of APP. Although all Mints were biochemically similar, only Mints 1 and 2 but not Mint 3 strongly inhibited transactivation by APP–Gal4/VP16. Inhibition was enhanced by a mutation of the first PDZ domain and by deletion of the PDZ domains or the N-terminal sequences but abolished by inactivation of the PTB- and PDZ domains. Mint 1 also inhibited transactivation by the “precleaved” cytoplasmic tail of APP fused to Gal4/VP16, whereas Fe65 (which binds to APP as strongly as Mints) enhanced transactivation. Our data suggest that Mints 1 and 2 but not Mint 3 have a specific effect on APP function that cannot be explained simply by their interaction with presenilins and occurs at least partly after cleavage of APP. In view of their biochemical similarity, the functional differences among Mints are unexpected, suggesting that Mints 1 and 2 have a brain-specific function related to APP that is not executed by the ubiquitous Mint 3.
Adaptive antenna system design for multi-element combining with transient interrupted channels

This paper presents an analysis and design procedure for a buoyant cable array antenna used for satellite communications. The towed multi-element array is susceptible to washovers and fluctuations due to the ocean wave interaction with the floating hose where the elements are housed. A model of system performance for coherent multi-element combining is presented based on the dropouts and fades of the individual elements. The array design, including the number and spacing of elements, is shown to be highly dependent on the individual element exposure characteristics and the degree of correlation of the fades between channels. The joint statistics of the array are analyzed using a binary conditional element exposure model and a first-order Markov interelement correlation model. Using this analysis, a family of array designs meeting the communications requirements is produced.
Endocrine Changes in the Pig During Late Pregnancy, Parturition and Lactation

Peripheral plasmal levels of progestins. corticosteroids. and estrogens were determined in gilts beginning approximately 2 weeks prior to and at various intervals during parturition. as well as for up to 37 days postpartum in Yorkshire-Hampshire cross pigs. In addition, the same steroids were determined in 2 animals which aborted due to leptospirosis infection. Blood was obtained via a catheter chronically implanted in the lesser saphenous vein. Progestins declined slowly in late gestation from about IS ng/ml plasma until about 2 days prior to parturition. when levels decreased rapidly to about 3-4 ng/ml at delivery. A further decline in progestins was noted within 24 h after delivery with levels remaining low for up to 37 days postpartum. Progestin levels did not change during delivery. Corticosteroids. although variable in concentration, increased significantly 24 h prior to and during parturition. Estrogens increased continuously from II days prepartum (2 ng/mI) to 3 days prepartum (6.4 ng/ml), remaining constant through parturition with a precipitious decline observed by 24 h postpartum (2.5 ng/ml). Levels remained low (0.2 ng/mI) for up to 37 days after delivery. In the 2 animals that aborted, progestin and corticosteroid patterns were somewhat similar to those noted for animals undergoing normal delivery, while estrogen levels differed from normal patterns in that estrogens declined in one animal and were low with a slight increase in the other animal prior to delivery. Although the number of observations is limited, it appears that premature delivery in the pig during late gestation due to disease processes is not accompanied by completely normal endocrine preparatory changes (estrogens in particular). This may be due to the fact that while the female may be able to respond in a normal manner to premature induction of labor, porcine fetuses appear to be immunologically incompetent (as compared to bovine and ovine fetuses) with fetal death the main result of exposure to stressor agents. Thus delivery may be preceded by fetal death which does not allow for the initiation of normal endocrine patterns. Endocrine changes occurring during the onset of parturition have been studied in various mammalian species. The decline in peripheral plasma levels of progesterone in most species, e.g. rat, rabbit, hamster, goat, ewe and cow (see Davies and Ryan, 1972; Thorburn et a!., 1972 for references), regardless of an ovarian or placental origin, seems to be an important prelude to parturition. An exception is seen in humans (Llaur#{243}, et a!., 1968; Yannone, et a!., 1968) and subhuman primates (Stabenfeldt and Hendrickx, 1973)
On the preservation of phase space structure under multisymplectic discretization

In this paper we explore the local and global properties of multisymplectic discretizations based on finite differences and Fourier spectral approximations. Multisymplectic (MS) schemes are developed for two benchmark nonlinear wave equations, the sine-Gordon and nonlinear Schrodinger equations. We examine the implications of preserving the MS structure under discretization on the numerical scheme's ability to preserve phase space structure, as measured by the nonlinear spectrum of the governing equation. We find that the benefits of multisymplectic integrators include improved resolution of the local conservation laws, dynamical invariants and complicated phase space structures.