cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bilateral (mirror-image) aneurysms at the origin of the posteroinferior cerebellar artery: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: This case demonstrates mirror-image aneurysms at the origin of the posteroinferior cerebellar arteries. To the best of our knowledge, this location has not been previously described. Identification of this entity is important for surgical planning. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The patient presented with a history of a sentinel headache 1 week before his Grade I subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred. Before operative intervention, the patient developed acute deterioration of his mental status from hydrocephalus. After appropriate treatment for the hydrocephalus, he maintained a stable neurological course throughout evaluation and therapy. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent bilateral clipping of his aneurysms in a prone position without consequence. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates a highly unusual mirror-image aneurysm of the proximal posteroinferior cerebellar arteries. Although multiple aneurysms are commonplace, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of bilateral posteroinferior cerebellar artery aneurysms at their origin. Also, the surgical approach is unique and allows bilateral clipping at the same operative setting.
A new human peptide deformylase inhibitable by actinonin

Peptide deformylases (PDFs) have been investigated as potential specific targets for antibiotics, but the possible existence of a functional human PDF (HsPDF) presents a potential hurdle to the design of specific drugs. We have expression cloned a HsPDF that has deformylase activity, although it is a slower and catalytically less active enzyme than bacterial or plant PDFs. A cobalt-substituted form of HsPDF (but not nickel or zinc) is active, and the enzyme appears to be active at a pH between 6.0 and 7.2, a temperature range of 25-50 degrees C, and in a low KCl ionic strength buffer. Actinonin inhibits HsPDF activity with an IC50 of 43 nM and kills Daudi and HL60 human cancer cell lines with an LC50 of 5.3 and 8.8 microM, respectively. The inhibition of HsPDF may provide an explanation for the mechanism by which actinonin is cytotoxic against various human tumor cell lines.
A Novel Solvent Strategy for Sep-Pak C18 Elution of Hydrophobic Compounds: Applications to Lacinilenes and Cadalenes from Cotton Bract

Abstract Lacinilene C 7-methyl ether (an implicated causative agent of byssinosis), lacinilene C, and their immediate cadalene precursors were extracted from dried green cotton bracts into water. These compounds were then quantitatively adsorbed from water and concentrated on SEP-PAK C18 Cartridges. The lacinilenes, and their cadalene precursors were then separated on a μBONDAPAK C18 column. A new sample preparation strategy for SEP-PAK C18 Cartridges was developed, in which the loaded Cartridge was dried with N2 gas and eluted with the most non-polar solvent that would totally release the compound(s) in question. Consequently, due to insolubility, many adsorbed undesirable compounds were not eluted. This strategy is highly selective and allows for a quick, convenient, yet quantitative recovery, and should have wide applicability to the isolation of hydrophobic compounds.
Hydroxymethylvinyl ketone: a reactive Michael acceptor formed by the oxidation of 3-butene-1,2-diol by cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P450s and mouse, rat, and human liver microsomes.

The metabolic fate of 3-butene-1,2-diol (BDD), a secondary metabolite of the industrial carcinogen, 1,3-butadiene, is unclear. The current study characterizes BDD oxidation to hydroxymethylvinyl ke...
Green fluorescent protein is superior to blue fluorescent protein as a quantitative reporter of promoter activity in E. coli

Fluorescent proteins related to and derived from green fluorescent protein (GFP) are widely used as tools for investigating a wide range of biological processes. In particular, GFP and its relatives have been used extensively as qualitative reporters of gene expression in many different organisms, but relatively few studies have investigated fluorescent proteins as quantitative reporters of gene expression. GFP has some limitations as a reporter gene, including possible toxicity when expressed at high levels. Therefore, it would be useful if other fluorescent proteins could be identified for use as quantitative reporters. Toward this end, we investigated BFP as a quantitative reporter of promoter activity in E. coli and directly compared it with GFPuv using a set of well-characterized synthetic constitutive promoters. The fluorescence produced in E. coli strains expressing GFPuv or BFP grown on solid medium was quantified using a CCD camera and fluorimetry. GFPuv consistently gave more reliable and statistically significant results than did BFP in all assays. Correspondingly, we found that the signal-to-noise ratio for GFPuv fluorescence is substantially higher than for BFP. We conclude that, under the conditions assessed in this study, GFPuv is superior to BFP as a quantitative reporter of promoter activity in E. coli.
The Wages of Skilled Temporary Migrants: Effects of Visa Pathways and Job Portability

We examine the earnings of highly-skilled foreign, temporary workers and how changes in visa system affect their earnings. We use the National Science Foundation's 2003 National Survey of College Graduates and find that foreign students and temporary workers earn less than natives and permanent immigrant workers on average. Changes in visa status increase earnings, but initial visa status conditions later earnings growth along visa pathways. This implies that migrant workers ability to achieve steady, rather than discontinuous, earnings growth requires policies that make their visa portable, that it permits them to readily change employers. An admission system that favours fully-portable permanent visas may improve worker productivity. The findings also indicate that the selectivity of foreign SE another argument against ‘stapling’ permanent visa status to foreign graduate degrees. Policy Implications Visa requirements do not ensure that temporary students and workers earn the same as similar natives during their initial period of stay. Over time this may depress occupational earnings. There is a need to reform and enforce visa regulations. Visa portability that permits ready changes in employment should better migrant earnings. Permanent admission may be preferred. Temporary foreign students experience slow earnings growth, while temporary workers hired from abroad outperform foreign graduates. The assumption that foreign graduates are the best qualified appears incorrect and facilitating (“stapling”) a green card to their diploma a poor idea.
Properties of tooth enamel in great apes.

A comparative study has been made of human and great ape molar tooth enamel. Nanoindentation techniques are used to map profiles of elastic modulus and hardness across sections from the enamel–dentin junction to the outer tooth surface. The measured data profiles overlap between species, suggesting a degree of commonality in material properties. Using established deformation and fracture relations, critical loads to produce function-threatening damage in the enamel of each species are calculated for characteristic tooth sizes and enamel thicknesses. The results suggest that differences in load-bearing capacity of molar teeth in primates are less a function of underlying material properties than of morphology.
Uniqueness of positive solutions for a class of quasilinear problems

Abstract We prove uniqueness of positive solutions for the quasilinear problems − Δ p u = λ f ( u ) in Ω u = 0 on ∂ Ω , where Δ p u = div ( | ∇ u | p − 2 ∇ u ) , p > 1 , Ω is a bounded domain in R N with smooth boundary ∂ Ω , f is p -sublinear at ∞ , f ( u ) u p − 1 is decreasing for large u , and λ is a large positive parameter. We also obtain the asymptotic behavior of the solution obtained as λ → ∞ .
Sugar Concentrations in Guard Cells of Vicia faba Illuminated with Red or Blue Light : Analysis by High Performance Liquid Chromatography.

Concentrations of soluble sugars in guard cells in detached, sonicated epidermis from Vicia faba leaves were analyzed quantitatively by high performance liquid chromatography to determine the extent to which sugars could contribute to changes in the osmotic potentials of guard cells during stomatal opening. Stomata were illuminated over a period of 4 hours with saturating levels of red or blue light, or a combination of red and blue light. When stomata were irradiated for 3 hours with red light (50 micromoles per square meter per second) in a solution of 5 millimolar KCl and 0.1 millimolar CaCl2, stomatal apertures increased a net maximum of 6.7 micrometers and the concentration of total soluble sugar was 289 femtomoles per guard cell (70% sucrose, 30% fructose). In an identical solution, 2.5 hours of irradiation with 25 micromoles per square meter per second of blue light caused a maximum net increase of 7.1 micrometers in stomatal aperture and the total soluble sugar concentration was 550 femtomoles per guard cell (91% sucrose, 9% fructose). Illumination with blue light at 25 micromoles per square meter per second in a solution lacking KCl caused a maximum net increase in stomatal aperture of 3.5 micrometers and the sugar concentration was 382 femtomoles per guard cell (82% sucrose, 18% fructose). In dual beam experiments, stomata irradiated with 50 micromoles per square meter per second of red light opened steadily with a concomitant increase in sugar production. Addition of 25 micromoles per square meter per second of blue light caused a further net gain of 3.7 micrometers in stomatal aperture and, after 2 hours, sugar concentrations had increased by an additional 138 femtomoles per guard cell. Experiments with 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) were performed with epidermis illuminated with 50 micromoles per square meter per second of red light or with 25 micromoles per square meter per second of blue light in solutions containing or lacking KCl. DCMU completely inhibited sugar production under red light, had no effect on guard cell sugar production under blue light when KCl was present, and inhibited sugar production by about 50% when guard cells were illuminated with blue light in solutions lacking KCl. We conclude that soluble sugars can contribute significantly to the osmoregulation of guard cells in detached leaf epidermis of V. faba. These results are consistent with the operation of two different sugar-producing pathways in guard cells: a photosynthetic carbon reduction pathway and a pathway of blue light-induced starch degradation.
Spirituality and Counselor Wellness

Spirituality often is conceptualized as a vital, if not essential, aspect of holistic wellness. The spiritual lives of counselors and counselors-in-training, therefore, are considered with an emphasis on healthy spiritual practices that encourage mindfulness, heartfulness, and soulfulness.
A glycosylation mutation affects cell fate in chimeras of Dictyostelium discoideum

Prestalk and prespore cells form a simple pattern in the pseudoplasmodium of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum. Prestalk cells are distinguished from prespore cells by a low level of expression of a glycoantigen on their surfaces and by reduced intercellular cohesion. We examined the possible significance of these differences, using the modB mutation, which eliminates this glycoantigen genetically, leading to reduced intercellular cohesion, modB mutant cells were allowed to develop together with normal cells to form chimeric slugs. Mutant cells labeled by feeding with fluorescent bacteria were highly enriched in the prestalk cell zone at the anterior end of the slug. In contrast, normal cells, if in a minority, were concentrated in the rear part of the prespore cell zone. Immunoblot analysis and cell-by-cell double-label immunofluorescence of these mixtures showed that mutant cells underproduced several prespore cell markers. Mutant cells tended not to form spores in chimeras unless they exceeded a threshold proportion of ca. 30%. However, mutant cells showed no tendency to produce excess prestalk cells when allowed to develop alone. These findings are most simply explained by postulating that reduced glycoantigen expression and intercellular adhesion encourage a more anterior cell localization, which in turn causes differentiation into a prestalk cell. Since normal prestalk cells also show reduced glycoantigen expression and intercellular adhesion, this suggests that a similar mechanism may contribute to pattern formation during normal development.
Clonal analysis of the relationships between mechanosensory cells and the neurons that innervate them in the chicken ear

In vertebrates, hair-cell-bearing mechanosensory organs and the neurons that innervate them share a common placodal origin. In the inner ear, the peripheral neurons for both auditory and vestibular systems emigrate from the otic placode as neuroblasts, and divide, differentiate and innervate only one of six to eight distinct sensory organs. How these neurons find their correct target is unknown, although one suggestion is that they synapse with clonally related cells. To test this idea for both the middle and inner ears of chicken embryos, lineage analysis was initiated at the time of neuroblast delamination by labeling progenitors with replication-defective retroviruses. The vast majority (89%) of clones were restricted to a single anatomical subdivision of the sensory periphery or its associated ganglia, indicating limited clonal dispersion. Among the remaining clones, we found evidence of a shared neurosensory lineage in the middle ear. Likewise, in the inner ear, neurons could be related to cells of the otic epithelium, although the latter cells were not widely distributed. Rather, they were restricted to a region in or near the utricular macula. None of the other seven sensory organs was related to the ganglion neurons, suggesting that a common lineage between neurons and their targets is not a general mechanism of establishing synaptic connections in the inner ear. This conclusion is further strengthened by finding a shared lineage between the vestibular and acoustic ganglia, revealing the presence of a common progenitor for the two functional classes of neurons.
An antibody against 100- to 116-kDa polypeptides in coated vesicles inhibits triskelion binding.

Abstract There is considerable evidence that the 100- to 116-kDa polypeptides in calf brain coated vesicles are involved in the assembly of clathrin triskelions to form coated vesicles. We have raised polyclonal antibodies against these polypeptides. By Western blot analysis, these antibodies bind to a distinct subset of the six polypeptides in the region 100–116 kDa. Whole cell homogenates from calf brain, calf liver, and rat liver also show immunoreactivity in the 100-kDa region with no other cross reactivity. Isolated coated vesicles from calf liver, rat brain, and soybean roots also cross-react. Stripped coated vesicles, which are depleted of clathrin but which retain the 100- to 116-kDa polypeptides, quantitatively rebind 125 I-triskelions. This binding is inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by 100- to 116-kDa antibody but not by nonimmune serum or by anti-clathrin polyclonal antibody. These studies indicate that (1) specific sites on the 100- to 116-kDa polypeptides are required for assembly of coated vesicles, and (2) this antibody will be useful in clarifying more precisely the role of the 100- to 116-kDa polypeptides in coated vesicle recycling.
A two-level density matrix description of resonance light scattering

Abstract By the use of the quantum regression theorem the two-time dipole correlation function is calculated for a system characterized by the well-known phenomenological two-level density matrix. Calculation of the scattered light spectrum in the weak signal limit yields a lineshape containing a sharp component following the exciting light frequency and also a broad component characterized by the dephasing width. When no dephasing is present the result is the same as the isolated molecule result. The calculations indicate that broad fluorescence type emission is due to the presence of ensemble correlations which are important oly if the exciting field is present and if real dephasing processes occur. The relationship between these results and the semiclassical results is also discussed.
Concomitant intraoperative splenic artery embolization and laparoscopic splenectomy versus laparoscopic splenectomy: comparison of treatment outcome

Abstract Introduction Although laparoscopic splenectomy has become the preferred treatment of choice for hematologic-related splenic disorders, intraoperative blood loss remains a common occurrence. In an effort to reduce this risk, we evaluate the potential role and clinical outcome of concomitant intraoperative splenic artery embolization and laparoscopic splenectomy. Methods Between June 2000 and July 2005, 18 patients with hematologically related splenic disorders underwent combined intraoperative splenic artery embolization and laparoscopic splenectomy (group 1). For comparison, we studied 18 age- and gender-matched case controls undergoing same operations during the same period (group 2). Intraoperative data and clinical outcome were compared between the 2 groups. Results Technical success was 100% in group 1. One patient in group 2 was converted to open splenectomy because of severe blood loss, resulting in a technical success rate of 95%. The mean splenic size in group 1 and group 2 was 15.5 ± 4.7 cm (range, 12–23 cm) and 15.7 ± 6.8 (range, 11–24cm), respectively (not significant [NS]). Mean operative time in group 1 and group 2 was 175 minutes and 162 minutes, respectively (NS). Significantly less intraoperative blood loss was noted in group 1 (mean, 25 mL; range, 15–63 mL) compared with group 2 (mean, 240 mL; range, 150–420 mL; P P Conclusions Concomitant splenic artery embolization and laparoscopic splenic reduced operative blood loss when compared with laparoscopic splenectomy procedure alone. Splenic artery embolization is a useful intraoperative adjunctive procedure that should be considered in patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy for hematologic disorders who are Jehovah's Witness or with significant hypersplenism because of benefit of reduced blood loss.
Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania in a Child

Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (CPH) is a relatively new condition first described in 1973. Since its first description, over 80 cases have been reported worldwide. Very few cases have been reported in children. We report the presentation of an 8-year-old boy to illustrate the problems in diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease in childhood.
Accelerating ordered-subsets image reconstruction for X-ray CT using double surrogates

Conventional ordered-subsets (OS) methods for regularized image reconstruction involve computing the gradient of the regularizer for every subset update. When dealing with large problems with many subsets, such as in 3D X-ray CT, computing the gradient for each subset update can be very computationally expensive. To mitigate this issue, some investigators use unregularized iterations followed by a denoising operation after updating all subsets.1 Although such methods save computation, their convergence properties are uncertain, and since they may not be minimizing any particular cost function it becomes more difficult to design regularization parameters. Furthermore, it is known that inserting filtering steps into unregularized algorithms can lead to undesirable spatial resolution properties.2 Our goal here is to reduce the computational cost without inducing such problems. We propose a new OS-type algorithm that is derived using optimization transfer principles. The proposed method allows the gradient of the regularizer to be updated less frequently, and thus reduces the computational expense when many subsets are used. Our derivation leads to a correction term that accounts for the fact that the regularizer gradient is updated less frequent than every sub-iteration. Simulations and a phantom experiment show that the proposed method reconstructed images with compatible image quality within reduced computation time.
Implications of Foley catheterization in children with perforated appendicitis

Abstract Background We treat patients after appendectomy for perforated appendicitis with patient controlled analgesia (PCA) using a background continuous dose. We usually place urinary catheters in these patients because of concerns of urinary retention. The objective of the present study was to determine the rate of urinary retention in this patient population when a catheter was not used or was removed before the continuous PCA infusion was discontinued. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all patients who had received PCA postoperatively for perforated appendicitis from December 2008 to May 2011. The demographics, need for replacement of a Foley catheter, number of recorded nursing calls to physicians, and the incidence of urinary tract infection was recorded. Patients who had received a urinary catheter intraoperatively were compared with those who had not. Subgroups were also created according to whether the patients with a Foley catheter had undergone removal of their catheter before or after cessation of the continuous PCA infusion. Results Of 242 patients, 20 (8.3%) did not have a catheter postoperatively, 1 of whom required a catheter because of retention. Of the 222 patients who started with a catheter, 2 required reinsertion for retention ( P = 0.59). Age, gender, and body mass index were similar for patients with and without a catheter. In the subgroup analysis, of the patients with a catheter, 48 (21.6%) had their catheter removed before discontinuation of the continuous PCA infusion and none required Foley catheter replacement. Of the 174 patients whose catheters were removed after discontinuation of the continuous PCA dose, 2 required catheter replacement ( P = 0.46). A significantly higher percentage of telephone calls was generated for patients with a catheter than for patients without a Foley catheter (41.4% versus 10%, P = 0.007). No patients with a catheter developed a urinary tract infection. Conclusions Patients with a perforated appendicitis who receive a continuous PCA have a low rate of urinary retention whether or not a catheter has been placed intraoperatively.
IDENTIFYING HIGH-METALLICITY M GIANTS AT INTRAGROUP DISTANCES WITH SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY

Tidal stripping and three-body interactions with the central supermassive black hole may eject stars from the Milky Way. These stars would comprise a set of “intragroup” stars that trace the past history of interactions in our galactic neighborhood. Using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey DR7, we identify candidate solar-metallicity red giant intragroup stars using color cuts that are designed to exclude nearby M and L dwarfs. We present 677 intragroup candidates that are selected between 300 kpc and 2Mpc, and are either the reddest intragroup candidates (M7–M10) or are L dwarfs at larger distances than previously detected.
Investigation of Hydrogen and Nitrogen Thermal Stability in PECVD a-Sinx:H.

We study the high temperature (≤1300°C) thermal evolution from hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride (a-SiN x :H) films prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Two principle peaks are found, one at 525–750°C associated with hydrogen release, and one at ≥950°C from hydrogen and nitrogen release. In nitrogen-rich films (x>4/3), the low temperature (525°C) peak intensity is smaller compared to silicon-rich films (x≤4/3), implying that hydrogen is more thermally stable in N-rich films. Helium dilution during film growth further reduces the low temperature peak intensity, producing the most thermally stable N-rich material, with the onset of hydrogen evolution occurring at ∼600°C. For a nitrogen-rich film, high temperature hydrogen evolution began at ∼900°C and was accompanied by nitrogen evolution starting at ∼950°C. UV-illumination of N-rich samples prior to thermal evolution produced no observable changes in the evolution spectra.
Body Mass Index and Poor Self-Rated Health in 49 Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries, By Sex, 2002–2004

This study investigated whether the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and poor self-rated health differed by sex in low-income countries and middle-income countries. We analyzed data from the World Health Survey (2002-2004) on 160,099 participants from 49 low-income and middle-income countries by using random-intercept multilevel logistic regressions. We found a U-shaped relationship between BMI and poor self-rated health among both sexes in both low-income and middle-income countries, but the relationship differed by sex in strength and direction between low-income countries and middle-income countries. Differential perception of body weight and general health might explain some of the observed sex differences.
Technology to develop and implement a near-miss policy and procedure

The Institute of Medicine (2001) has published a series of reports since 1999 discussing the need to reduce medical errors and develop a culture of safety. Stemming from this report, Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) was developed. Using competencies found in the QSEN initiative, faculty can build learning experiences that reflect reality. There are six main competencies included in QSEN. These are patientcentered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidencebased practice, quality improvement, safety, and informatics (Cronenwett et al., 2007). These main competency categories each contain multiple competencies divided into three categories: knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs). Developing a culture of safety within an educational setting assists in preparing students and nurses to utilize KSAs gained during their educational experience as they transition to various practice settings. To facilitate this endeavor, a QSEN task force was developed in an academic setting to promote QSEN concepts within the nursing department. Faculty attended QSEN conferences and participated in the National QSEN study in (2011) related to near-miss reporting. A faculty member from each nursing program was then appointed to oversee implementation of QSEN concepts in their respective program. One reality for many nurses is that a near miss (also known as a good catch or close call) can happen at any time.
Sustainable Phoenix: Lessons from the Dutch Model

In only fifty years, the Phoenix metropolitan area has expanded from a small desert town into one of the largest urban areas in the United States. Today, it has one of the fastest rates of growth in the nation with an annual rate of 4.5%. This area has grown during a period in urban development that largely ignored local topography, climate, culture, and history. The result has been a sprawling metropolitan area with an ever increasing ecological footprint and a standardized urban design and infrastructure that works against its environmental setting rather than with it. Currently, the city of Phoenix is going through a process of urban revitalization with an increasing demand for urban living and commerce. This research explores sustainable urban design and its potential applications in the metropolitan Phoenix area through an investigation of the Dutch model. The Dutch have successfully dealt with sustainable urban design approaches and their practices represent an unusual learning opportunity for Phoenix. The Netherlands’ experience suggests three strategies/themes for rendering Phoenix a more sustainable urban form. These include the strategic planning and development of urban extensions, compact infill, and modernizing infrastructure.
Thyroid abnormalities in the McCune-Albright syndrome: ultrasonography and hormonal studies.

Hyperthyroidism and goiter have been reported frequently in association with the McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS). To assess the prevalence and extent of thyroid abnormalities in girls with MAS, we studied 19 patients [mean age, 6.6 ± 1 (±se) yr; mean bone age, 9.5 ± 1 yr] and 18 normal control girls (mean age, 10.3 ± 0.5 yr). All patients appeared euthyroid when examined; 1 was taking antithyroid medication. Ultrasonography revealed thyroid abnormalities in 7 patients, including generalized inhomogeneity, small (2–4 mm) and large (>10 mm) hypoechoic regions, and echogenic nodule-like regions. Repeat ultrasonography after intervals of 9–18 months showed enlargement of large hypoechoic regions in 2 patients. I n the patients with abnormal ultrasound findings, serum TSH was uniformly low or suppressed both at baseline and after administration of 7 μg/kg TRH. The mean serum T3 level in this group was significantly higher than that in controls (2.9 ± 0.2 vs. 2.3 ± 0.1 nmol/L; P < 0.05), whereas mean serum T4, f...
Optimizing portable product recycling through reverse supply chain technology

In preparing to meet the proposed recycling targets in the WEEE directive, several design for environment tools were used. For small, handheld products, only incremental gains could be realized through design changes, leading to the necessity of investigating other approaches. Some of the problems unique to recycling small products are discussed, including the relatively large contribution of the printed wiring board (PWB) assembly. Techniques to recover all sub-fractions of the PWB, even those typically not considered to be recyclable, were investigated. The ability to achieve material recycling of thermoplastics typically used as housings is equally critical. New approaches to the treatment of whole products are becoming available that are capable of a higher recycling rate than separating and submitting whole PWB's to metal smelters. A review of the key enabling technologies is given, including size reduction and separation, wet and dry processing, and developments in chemical recycling. Expertise in these areas is seen as the domain of specialized, regional recyclers, not necessarily the OEM, who must nonetheless be familiar enough with the technologies to choose the best approach. A numerical survey has been developed to measure different recycling process capabilities. Validation of the process capability of existing recycling centers and in pilot studies has shown that a high rate of material recycling can in fact be achieved. Some of the needs and future prospects for a more recyclable electronics industry are provided.
MuMMI: Multiple Metrics Modeling Infrastructure

The MuMMI (Multiple Metrics Modeling Infrastructure) project is an infrastructure that facilitates systematic measurement, modeling, and prediction of performance, power consumption and performance-power tradeoffs for parallel systems. In this paper, we present the MuMMI framework, which consists of an Instrument or, Databases and Analyzer. The MuMMI instrument or provides for automatic performance and power data collection and storage with low overhead. The MuMMI Databases store performance, power and energy consumption and hardware performance counters' data. The MuMMI Analyzer entails performance and power modeling and performance-power tradeoff and optimizations. As part of the MuMMI project, we mainly focus on discussing the design and development of a MuMMI Instrument or to provide automatic performance and power data collection and storage with low overhead on multicore systems in detail, then utilize the MuMMI Instrument or to collect performance and power data for a hybrid MPI/OpenMP earthquake application to discuss application performance-power trade-off and optimizations. Our experimental results show that we reduce up to 8.5% the application execution time and lower up to 18.35% the energy consumption by applying Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS), Dynamic Concurrency Throttling (DCT) and loop optimizations.
Attentional effects on contrast detection in the presence of surround masks

We studied how attention affects contrast detection performance when the target is surrounded by mask elements. In each display quadrant we presented a hexagon of six vertical Gabor patches (the ‘surround’). Only one of the hexagons contained a central Gabor patch (the ‘target’) and the task was to report that quadrant (spatial four-alternative-forced choice). Attention was manipulated by means of a double-task paradigm: in one condition observers had to perform concurrently a central letter-discrimination task, and the contrast-detection task was then only poorly attended, while attention was fully available in the other condition. We find that under poorly attended conditions targets can be detected only when the target contrast exceeds the surround contrast (contrast popout) or when the target orientation differs from the surround orientation by more than 10–15° (orientation popout). When the target orientation is similar to the surround orientation, attention can reduce the contrast detection thresholds in some cases more than four-fold, demonstrating a very strong attentional effect.
Optimizing multifunctional materials: Design of microstructures for maximized stiffness and fluid permeability

Topology optimization is used to systematically design periodic materials that are optimized for multiple properties and prescribed symmetries. In particular, mechanical stiffness and fluid transport are considered. The base cell of the periodic material serves as the design domain and the goal is to determine the optimal distribution of material phases within this domain. Effective properties of the material are computed from finite element analyses of the base cell using numerical homogenization techniques. The elasticity and fluid flow inverse homogenization design problems are formulated and existing techniques for overcoming associated numerical instabilities and difficulties are discussed. These modules are then combined and solved to maximize bulk modulus and permeability in periodic materials with cubic elastic and isotropic flow symmetries. The multiphysics problem is formulated such that the final design is dependent on the relative importance, or weights, assigned by the designer to the competing stiffness and flow terms in the objective function. This allows the designer to tailor the microstructure according to the materials’ future application, a feature clearly demonstrated by the presented results. The methodology can be extended to incorporate other material properties of interest as well as the design of composite materials. � 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Resource Sharing within an International Library Network: using technology and professional cooperation to bridge the waters

The International Association of Aquatic and Marine Science Libraries and Information Centers (IAMSLIC), comprised of 325 members from 86 countries, has a long history of resource sharing based on personal connections among its members. In 2002, IAMSLIC developed a resourcesharing system using a unifi ed search interface that relies on Z39.50 broadcast search capabilities to query individual catalogs. In addition to the IAMSLIC Z39.50 Distributed Library, which searches standard OPAC catalogs, smaller libraries can share library holdings through the online Union List of Marine and Aquatic Serials. Member libraries may submit interlibrary loan requests for items located through either avenue. This successful program may serve as a model for other library organizations interested in sharing resources and extending access to subject-specifi c materials amongst member libraries.
The development and standardization of asymmetrical digital subscriber line

It has been almost a decade since the original proposal of ADSL was brought to the attention of a telecommunication standards body. During that time, the idea of ADSL has been modified and refined to fit market demand, many generations of ADSL chip set have been developed, and numerous trials have been conducted to prove its viability. In this article, the early development and standardization efforts of ADSL are reviewed. This is followed by a discussion of practical issues such as central office network interface and customer premises configuration options. These issues have not been addressed extensively but implied by standards documents. The effect of in-house wiring and industry-wide standardization activities are then briefly addressed.
Changes in arterial and mixed venous blood gases during untreated ventricular fibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation

This investigation was designed to evaluate the changes in arterial and mixed venous acid-base conditions during untreated ventricular fibrillation and after institution of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Fifty-two swine (weight: 25-40 kg) were studied after induction of ventricular fibrillation. In a subgroup of 10 animals, 10-min CPR trials were performed. Arterial and mixed venous blood gases were monitored at baseline, after 5 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation (nonintervention interval) and after 10 min of mechanical CPR. Standard CPR was performed at compression rates of 100/min with a 60% duty cycle. Arterial pH, Pco2, and HCO3 were unchanged when baseline values were compared with those obtained after 5 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation, while arterial Po2 decreased from 81 to 69 torr. Mixed venous pH decreased from 7.41 to 7.35, Pco2 increased from 43 to 48 torr, Po2 decreased from 40 to 38 torr and HCO3 decreased from 28 to 26 mEq/l (P < 0.05). Although these changes were statistically significant, many remain in the normal range. Both arterial and mixed venous pH and HCO3 fell further after 9 min of CPR and Pco2 increased (P < 0.05). Alterations in mixed venous pH and Pco2 were more apparent than corresponding changes in arterial blood gas composition. We conclude that untreated cardiac arrest may be accompanied by normal arterial and mixed venous blood gas levels. Tissue acidosis is only revealed after tissue perfusion is restored and is most accurately reflected in the mixed venous blood gas composition. This apparent paradox provides insight into the relationship between tissue perfusion and arterial and mixed venous acid-based composition.
The Relationship of Motor-Unit Activation to Isokinetic Muscular Contraction at Different Contractile Velocities

This investigation was designed to examine 1) the relationship between motor-unit activation (as recorded by integrated EMG) and speed of contraction and 2) the relationship between mechanical work, power output, peak torque, average torque, and both velocity of movement and integrated electromyographic recordings in the elbow flexor muscles. A series of isokinetic contractions of the elbow flexor muscles was performed by six normal subjects over a range of contractile velocities. Integrated electromyographic discharge and mechanical torque were recorded simultaneously. The results of an analysis of variance, corrected for repeated measures, indicated that both torque and motor-unit electrical activity decreased as contractile velocity increased. The relationship between torque and integrated electromyographic activity was linear and highly significant ( r = .95 and r = .93). Implications of a neural interpretation of the in vivo torque-velocity relationship in muscle are discussed.
Interaction of basic fibroblast growth factor with bovine growth plate chondrocytes

The basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) family of peptides influences a wide range of cellular actions. To better understand the possible role of bFGF in the growth plate, we have characterized the interaction of this growth factor with isolated bovine growth plate chondrocytes. Basic FGF interacts with two classes of binding sites on these cells. One is consistent with high-affinity bFGF receptors and the other with low-affinity heparin-like binding sites on the chondrocyte surface. Radiolabeled bFGF binding studies revealed approximately 4 x 10(6) binding sites per cell, with a Kd of approximately 42 nM. Graded concentrations of heparin or NaCl competed with [125I]-labeled bFGF in a dose-dependent fashion, reducing [125I]-labeled bFGF binding by 75 and 97%, respectively. The data suggest the presence of a high-capacity, low-affinity class of binding sites with the properties of a heparin-like moiety. Affinity cross-linking of [125I]-labeled bFGF to chondrocytes labeled two principal species with apparent molecular masses of 135 and 160 kDa. Labeled bFGF was specifically displaced from both species by subnanomolar concentrations of unlabeled bFGF. These high-affinity, low-capacity binding sites are characteristic of classical bFGF receptors. Binding of [125I]-labeled bFGF to these sites was also influenced by heparin, consistent with coregulation of binding to the two classes of binding sites. The data suggest that bFGF participates in the regulation of skeletal growth at the growth plate and that this regulation may involve bFGF interaction with at least two distinct classes of binding sites.
Metro network with reconfigurable optical add-drop module

We simulated a metro amplification node with reconfigurable optical add-drop module (ROADM) and a 6-node metro ring based on the amplifier. Network performances with three types of ROADM are evaluated.
CENTRIOLE REPLICATION II. Sperm Formation in the Fern, Marsilea, and the Cycad, Zamia

Sperm formation was studied in the fern, Marsilea, and the cycad, Zamia, with particular emphasis on the centrioles. In Marsilea, the mature sperm possesses over 100 flagella, the basal bodies of which have the typical cylindrical structure of centrioles. Earlier observations by light microscopy suggested that these centrioles arise by fragmentation of a body known as the blepharoplast. In the youngest spermatids the blepharoplast is a hollow sphere approximately 0.8 µ in diameter. Its wall consists of closely packed immature centrioles, or procentrioles. The procentrioles are short cylinders which progressively lengthen during differentiation of the spermatid. At the same time they migrate to the surface of the cell, where each of them puts out a flagellum. A blepharoplast is found at each pole of the spindle during the last antheridial mitosis, and two blepharoplasts are found in the cytoplasm before this mitosis. Blepharoplasts are also found in the preceding cell generation, but their ultimate origin is obscure. Before the last mitosis the blepharoplasts are solid, consisting of a cluster of radially arranged tubules which bear some structural similarity to centrioles. In Zamia, similar stages are found during sperm formation, although here the number of flagella on each sperm is close to 20,000 and the blepharoplast measures about 10 µ in diameter. These observations are discussed in relation to theories of centriole replication.
Synchronization and communication in the T3E multiprocessor

This paper describes the synchronization and communication primitives of the Cray T3E multiprocessor, a shared memory system scalable to 2048 processors. We discuss what we have learned from the T3D project (the predecessor to the T3E) and the rationale behind changes made for the T3E. We include performance measurements for various aspects of communication and synchronization.The T3E augments the memory interface of the DEC 21164 microprocessor with a large set of explicitly-managed, external registers (E-registers). E-registers are used as the source or target for all remote communication. They provide a highly pipelined interface to global memory that allows dozens of requests per processor to be outstanding. Through E-registers, the T3E provides a rich set of atomic memory operations and a flexible, user-level messaging facility. The T3E also provides a set of virtual hardware barrier/eureka networks that can be arbitrarily embedded into the 3D torus interconnect.
Challenges of Professional Development: Balancing the Demands of Employers and Professions in Federal Natural Resource Agencies:

Effectiveness of government natural resource agencies depends on the capabilities of their employees. These capabilities may be maintained or enhanced through professional development activities, including involvement in scientific societies. The authors studied factors that influence whether U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey biologists participate in a variety of professional development activities. Previous research has indicated that a tension sometimes exists between employees’ commitment to their professions (professional commitment) and their commitment to their employing organizations (organizational commitment). The authors explored how these two orientations related to professional development. The authors found that increases in engagement in a number of types of professional development activities were associated with increases in professional commitment and education. Decreases in engagement in some types of professional development were associated with increases in org...
Cathepsin D activity in human ovarian tissues and ovarian carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE This study determined levels of cathepsin D activity in tissue components of normal human ovary to establish a basis for comparison with human ovarian adenocarcinomas. METHODS Cathepsin D activity per mg tissue, per microgram protein, and per microgram DNA was determined in human ovarian tissues (cortex, follicle, corpus luteum, corpus albicans) from patients of various ages and during the menstrual cycle. Levels of cathepsin D activity were also determined in ovarian adenocarcinomas and other pathologic tissues. RESULTS Cathepsin D levels (per mg tissue) were significantly greater (P < .001) in ovarian follicle and corpus luteum compared with cortex. Although there was not a clear correlation between enzyme activity in the cortex and day of the menstrual cycle or patient age, levels of enzyme activity appeared to decrease with each parameter. Cathepsin D levels per mg tissue in ovarian adenocarcinoma were 40% higher than in postmenopausal ovarian cortex, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION The diversity of cathepsin D levels in normal ovarian tissue compartments indicates that specific tissues must be used in comparisons with ovarian tumors.
Improved receiver arrays and optimized parallel imaging accelerations applied to time-resolved 3D fluoroscopically tracked peripheral runoff CE-MRA

Abstract Objectives Three-station stepping-table time-resolved 3D contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography has conflicting demands in the need to limit acquisition time in proximal stations to match the speed of the advancing contrast bolus and in the distal-most station to avoid venous contamination while still providing clinically useful spatial resolution. This work describes improved receiver coil arrays which address this issue by allowing increased acceleration factors, providing increased spatial resolution per unit time. Materials and methods Receiver coil arrays were constructed for each station (pelvis, thigh, calf) and then integrated into a 48-element array for three-station peripheral CE-MRA. Coil element sizes and array configurations for these three stations were designed to improve SENSE-type parallel imaging taking advantage of an increase in coil count for all stations versus the previous 32 channel capability. At each station either acceleration apportionment or optimal CAIPIRINHA selection was used to choose the optimum acceleration parameters for each subject. Results were evaluated in both single- and multi-station studies. Results Single-station studies showed that SENSE acceleration in the thigh station could be readily increased from R = 8 to R = 10, allowing reduction of the frame time from 2.5 to 2.1 s to better image the typically rapidly advancing bolus at this station. Similarly, the improved coil array for the calf station permitted acceleration increase from R = 8 to R = 12, providing a 4.0 vs. 5.2 s frame time. Results in three-station studies suggest an improved ability to track the contrast bolus in peripheral CE-MRA. Conclusions Modified receiver coil arrays and individualized parameter optimization have been used to provide improved acceleration at all stations in multi-station peripheral CE-MRA and provide high spatial resolution with frame times as short as 2.1 s.