cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sonic hedgehog exerts distinct, stage-specific effects on tongue and taste papilla development.

Taste papillae are ectodermal specializations that serve to house and distribute the taste buds and their renewing cell populations in specific locations on the tongue. We previously showed that Sonic hedgehog (Shh) has a major role in regulating the number and spatial pattern of fungiform taste papillae on embryonic rat tongue, during a specific period of papilla formation from the prepapilla placode. Now we have immunolocalized the Shh protein and the Patched receptor protein (Ptc), and have tested potential roles for Shh in formation of the tongue, emergence of papilla placodes, development of papilla number and size, and maintenance of papillae after morphogenesis is advanced. Cultures of entire embryonic mandible or tongues from gestational days 12 to 18 [gestational or embryonic days (E)12–E18] were used, in which tongues and papillae develop with native spatial, temporal, and molecular characteristics. The Shh signaling pathway was disrupted with addition of cyclopamine, jervine, or the 5E1 blocking antibody. Shh and Ptc proteins are diffuse in prelingual tissue and early tongue swellings, and are progressively restricted to papilla placodes and then to regions of developing papillae. Ptc encircles the dense Shh immunoproduct in papillae at various stages. When the Shh signal is disrupted in cultures of E12 mandible, tongue formation is completely prevented. At later stages of tongue culture initiation, Shh signal disruption alters development of tongue shape (E13) and results in a repatterned fungiform papilla distribution that does not respect normally papilla-free tongue regions (E13–E14). Only a few hours of Shh signal disruption can irreversibly alter number and location of fungiform papillae on anterior tongue and elicit papilla formation on the intermolar eminence. However, once papillae are well formed (E16–E18), Shh apparently does not have a clear role in papilla maintenance, nor does the tongue retain competency to add fungiform papillae in atypical locations. Our data not only provide evidence for inductive and morphogenetic roles for Shh in tongue and fungiform papilla formation, but also suggest that Shh functions to maintain the interpapilla space and papilla-free lingual regions. We propose a model for Shh function at high concentration to form and maintain papillae and, at low concentration, to activate between-papilla genes that maintain a papilla-free epithelium.
A Clinical Approach to Inherited Premature Coronary Artery Disease

Family history of premature coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction is often sought during the initial clinical encounter, but a definitive genetic diagnosis is rarely made. We review potential monogenic causes of coronary artery disease and explore the clinical genetics that might initiate molecular testing or specialist referral. Coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI) are often viewed as prototypical complex genetic disorders. However, when the presentation occurs early in life or when the disease appears to segregate in families, it may be related to one of several Mendelian disorders with CAD or MI as part of the phenotypic expression. The most useful evaluation tool at present is a definitive, carefully curated family history focused on the identification of the limited number of testable genetic causes while avoiding additional testing for conditions with low pretest probability. Here we review the potential genetic causes to consider when assessing a patient with premature MI or CAD and outline recommendations for genetic testing or consideration of referral to a center specializing in cardiovascular genetics. A 35-year-old man presents with crescendo angina culminating in rest pain with ECG changes in the precordial leads and associated biomarker abnormalities. He has no past medical history and has no risk factors for vascular or metabolic disease. His most recent fasting lipid panel was completely normal. An initial family history is notable for “heart” problems in his mother’s side of the family. At coronary angiography he is found to have a 95% stenosis of his proximal left anterior descending artery which is successfully treated by percutaneous coronary intervention including a drug-eluting stent. A subsequent detailed family history with objective confirmation reveals that his mother presented with an acute left anterior descending syndrome at the age of 42 and two of her male siblings underwent coronary revascularization before …
Sorting out the mix in microbial genomics.

The relatively small number of microbial genomes completed in the past two months (Table 1) includes, however, representatives of two new bacterial phyla, Dictyoglomi and Nitrospirae. To highlight the first genome sequences from these poorly studied taxa, they have been placed in a new section at the top of Table 1.
Use of Fourier Shape Analysis in Zircon Petrogenetic Studies

Zircon morphology has long been an important parameter in the study of petrogenesis in igneous and metamorphic rocks and provenance in sedimentary rocks. Fourier shape analysis is a much more sensitive technique for morphological analysis than the more widely used elongation ratio. Secondly, subtle variations in shape can also be determined by Fourier shape analysis. Zircon populations from three compositionally similar granitic plutons from the Western Intrusive Series of the Sierra Nevada batholith differ significantly in average morphology as determined by Fourier shape analysis. This technique resolves a two-dimensional shape into multiple shape components (harmonics) with each component making an independent contribution to the total shape. Seven of the nine harmonics analyzed are statistically significant in orthogonal comparisons of the zircon populations. Information carried by each harmonic should be of use in determining the significance of zircon morphology in petrogenetic studies and will prove especially useful where differences are subtle.
Multicomponent liquid and vapor fuel measurements in the cylinder of a port-injected, spark ignition engine

Fuel distribution measurements in the cylinder of a port-injected, spark ignition (SI) engine are presented with a discussion of the effects of injection timing, swirl, and engine speed. Planar laser-induced exciplex fluorescence (PLIEF) was used to study the liquid-and vapor-phase fuel distributions. Optical access to the cylinder was provided by placing a fused silica cylinder between the head and block of a production engine and using a Bowditch-type piston extension. Separate measurements were made with fluorescent tracers indicative of the light and heavy components of gasoline. A blend of four pure fuels mixed in proportions to give a distillation curve similar to that of gasoline was used for all measurements to achieve consistency in the base fuel as well as similarity with the vaporization characteristics of gasoline. These measurements indicate that the vapor-phase fuel distribution is strongly affected by the presence of liquid fuel in the cylinder, the amount of which varies with injection timing. The liquid that enters the cylinder is composed mostly of the heavy components of the fuel. Variations in the amount of swirl indicate that the vapor-phase fuel distribution also is affected by the bulk velocity field. Engine speed, over the range from 200 to 1200 rpm, did not exert a significant influence on the fuel distribution.
Repulsive force of twin boundary on curved dislocations and its role on the yielding of twinned nanowires

The effects of twin size and sample diameter on yield stress and surface dislocation emission in twinned metal nanowires deformed uniformly were studied using classical dislocation theory and the concept of image force from twin boundaries. This theoretical study is shown to quantitatively capture the linear increase in yield stress as twin size decreases in periodically twinned Au nanowires predicted by atomistic simulations. The implication of this model as a yield criterion for realistic metal nanostructures with nanoscale growth twins is discussed.
Synergetic Integration Of Thermal And Visual Images For Computer Vision

This paper presents a new computer vision technique based on multisensor fusion for interpreting images of outdoor scenes. The technique is based on the synergetic integration of information derived from thermal and visual sensors. Information integration is implemented at different levels of abstraction in the interpretation hierarchy i.e., at the pixel and at the symbolic levels. The approach establishes features based on surface heat flux estimates that describe intrinsic thermal behavior of imaged objects. Heuristic rules are employed in a decision tree classifier to categorize imaged objects as being either vegetation, building, pavement or a vehicle.
API patent abstracting and indexing — Cooperative efforts in historical perspective☆

Abstract The article describes the cooperative efforts of American petroleum companies which led first to the initiation in 1954 of the Central Abstracting and Indexing Service (CAIS) of the API and subsequent cooperation with Derwent in producing in 1972 the API Patent Alert Abstracts Service covering selected chemicals and polymer patents. The API alerting bulletins contain about 25 000 abstracts of which CAIS indexes only about 8000 under their indexing selectivity rules. The cooperation has made possible the construction of high quality indexing of abstracts covering the petroleum processing and product patents. The development of the API indexing philosophy, based on keywords and terms, is described along with future developments aimed at automatic indexing.
Methods of Delaying Sexual Maturity of Pullets 1. Water Restriction

Abstract FULLER et al. (1969) demonstrated that restricting energy intake of growing pullets was an effective means of delaying sexual maturity and of reducing carcass fat content. Both of these phenomena resulted in the production of more total and settable eggs, but delay of maturity seemed to have the more profound influence. Obesity appeared to have only slight influence on egg production and egg size when it could be properly separated from age at maturity; however, mortality during very hot weather did appear to be more severe in birds that had the highest carcass fat content at maturity (Fuller et al., 1970). The poultry industry would welcome a simple method for delaying maturity and reducing obesity that would not require daily weighing of feed allotment or arbitrary decisions about appropriate rationing of feed. Several such methods have been shown to be more or less successful, including the use of high fiber…
Opportunities and challenges of transitioning to sustainable next-generation transportation biofuels

A growing desire to reduce petroleum dependence and an increasing awareness that first-generation biofuels are unlikely to provide sustainable alternatives have spurred interest in next-generation biofuels. High production costs have been central in preventing their commercial viability thus far, yet other potential obstacles remain including feedstock availability, farmer adoption of biomass crops, and the development of new biofuels within a market dominated by first-generation technologies. The potential rewards of working through these challenges are immense, as next-generation feedstocks may not only use existing and abandoned cropland more efficiently, but they may increase the valuable ecosystem services these lands provide.
Can true papillary neoplasms of breast and their mimickers be accurately classified by cytology

BACKGROUND The cytologic accuracy in assessing malignancy in papillary breast neoplasms (PBNs) is controversial. This is further complicated by overlapping features observed in other breast lesions that produce papillary-like tissue fragments. METHODS The authors reviewed 22 fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) from histologically proven papillary neoplasms: papillary carcinoma (PCA; 10 aspirates) and intraductal papilloma (IDP; 12 aspirates). They also reviewed 8 FNAs in which a papillary neoplasm was suggested by cytology but not confirmed by follow-up biopsy: fibroadenoma (6), mucinous carcinoma (1), and cribriform ductal carcinoma in situ (1). RESULTS Papillary carcinoma can be distinguished from IDP by the higher cellularity, more complex papillae with thin disorganized fronds, mild to moderate nuclear atypia, and prominent dissociation with many single papillae. Fibrovascular cores (FVCs) were more common in PCA than IDP in which detached fibrous tissue fragments were frequently seen. Atypical IDP exhibited features intermediate between PCA and IDP. Apocrine metaplasia was variably present in IDP, atypical IDP, and fibroadenoma but absent in all carcinomas. Intraductal papilloma can be distinguished from fibroadenoma by their broad ruffled branches, scalloped borders, and tiny tongue-like projections. True papillae were commonly covered by tall columnar cells. Myoepithelial cells were few in IDP but were numerous in fibroadenoma. The epithelial fragments in nonpapillary lesions presented as cellular spheres and/or complex sheets with finger-like projections but lacked FVCs and columnar cells. CONCLUSIONS Papillary breast neoplasms can be accurately classified by cytology. Closer evaluation of the tissue fragments architecture and the background can help in separating PBN from their mimics. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2002;96:000–000. © 2002 American Cancer Society.
Flip and Flop: A Molecular Determinant for AMPA Receptor Channel Opening†

Alternative splicing in the extracellular ligand binding domain of the AMPA receptors generates two variants, i.e., flip and flop. The flop variant of the GluR2 AMPA receptor is known to desensitize faster than the flip counterpart, whereas the GluR1 flip and flop variants exhibit the same rate of desensitization. However, whether the alternative splicing affects the channel opening kinetic properties of these receptors is unknown. Using a laser-pulse photolysis technique, we have characterized the channel opening kinetic mechanism for the flip and flop channels of GluR1 and GluR2, respectively. We find that the flop variant of GluR2 opens the channel, following the binding of glutamate, with the same rate as the flip channel, but closes its channel more rapidly. The difference in the kinetic properties between the two receptor isoforms can be described by a model we proposed previously in which the channel closing rate, a measure of the stability of the open channel state, controls an apparent tendency o...
Scaling the MOSFET gate dielectric: From high-k to higher-k? (Invited Paper)

We discuss options for metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) gate stack scaling with thin titanium nitride metal gate electrodes and high-permittivity ('high-k') gate dielectrics, aimed at gate-first integration schemes. Both options are based on further increasing permittivity of the dielectric stack. First, we show that hafnium-based stacks such as TiN/HfO"2 can be scaled to capacitance equivalent thickness in inversion (T"i"n"v) of 10A and equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of 6A by using silicon nitride instead of silicon oxide as a high-k/channel interfacial layer. This is based on the higher dielectric constant of Si"3N"4 and on its resistance to oxidation. Although the nitrogen introduces positive fixed charges, carrier mobility is not degraded. Secondly, we investigate whether Ti-based 'higher-k' dielectrics have the potential to ultimately replace Hf. We discuss oxygen loss from TiO"2 as a main challenge, and identify two migration pathways for such oxygen atoms: In addition to well-known down-diffusion and channel Si oxidation, we have newly observed oxygen up-diffusion through the TiN metal gate, forming SiO"2 at the poly-Si contact. We further address the performance of Si"3N"4 and HfO"2 as oxygen barrier layers.
Self-Paced Ergometer Performance: Effects of Pedal Resistance, Motivational Contingency and Inspired Oxygen Concentration

6 soldiers were allowed to determine their own pedaling rates and rest periods while completing a certain amount of pedal revolutions on a bicycle ergometer. Inspired oxygen concentration (21% O2, 12% O2), pedal resistance (2 kg, 3 kg) and motivational contingency (extra pedaling required for slower performance) were varied. Decreasing oxygen concentration and increasing pedal resistance had similar effects on some aspects of self-pacing behavior and different effects on others. The motivational contingency did not significantly affect performance.
Pilot trial to prevent type I diabetes: Progression to overt IDDM despite oral nicotinamide

Immunologic and endocrine abnormalities may be present during a latency period of several years prior to overt diabetes, while glucose tolerance still remains normal [ 1]. In particular, cytoplasmic islet cell antibodies, insulin autoantibodies, and T-cell abnormalities can be present for years prior to development of overt hyperglycemia. We have found that with the emergence of these immunologic abnormalities, the first phase insulin release following intravenous glucose is progressively lost. In relatives of patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) who were found to have circulating cytoplasmic islet cell antibodies [greater than 40 Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) units], we have developed a dual parameter model which predicts confidence intervals of the time of onset of IDDM, based on the level of competitive insulin autoantibodies (CIAA), and the degree of loss of the first phase insulin release on intravenous glucose tolerance testing (IVGTT) [2]. This model consists of the formula: years to DM=2.2+0 .017 ( IVGTT insulin) -0.007 (concentration CIAA), and makes it possible for us to identify patients with a high risk of developing IDDM within 3 years' time. In such a population, we have initiated pilot trials of preventive therapy to determine whether the development of I D D M can be halted. In an animal model of Type I diabetes (the NOD mouse), nicotinamide at supraphysiologic dosages was found to protect pancreatic islet cells and to prevent Type I diabetes [3]. In addition, nicotinamide has long been known to block the development of diabetes following streptozotocin or alloxan, and to restore proinsulin synthesis to normal following injection of streptozotocin [4]. It was also shown to promote beta cell regeneration following partial pancreatectomy in the rat [5]. In
Assessing the effectiveness of health interventions for cost-effectiveness analysis

Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is an analytic tool in which the costs and effects of an intervention designed to prevent, diagnose, or treat disease are calculated and compared with an alternative strategy to achieve the same goals. The results of a CEA are presented as a ratio of costs to effects, where the effects are health outcomes such as cases of disease prevented, years of life gained, or quality-adjusted life years gained, rather than monetary measures, as in cost-benefit analysis. Conducting a CEA requires a framework for portraying the cascade of events that occur as a consequence of the decision to intervene, for describing the probability that each event will occur, for accounting how long each event will last, and describing how much each event costs and is valued by the population or individuals targeted by the intervention. Mathematical models are well suited to these purposes. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of modeling to estimate net effectiveness in a CEA (the difference in effectiveness between an intervention and the alternative to which it is being compared). Many of the principles described for estimating effectiveness apply equally to determining costs in a CEA. The main difference is that health events are weighted by costs in the numerator of the cost-effectiveness ratio, while they are often weighted by preference values in the denominator. Preference values, or utilities, reflect the fact that individuals or populations with similar ability (or disability) to function may regard that level of functioning differently. When preferences are incorporated into CEAs, the results are generally expressed as costs per quality-adjusted life years.1,2 A discussion of measurement of costs and valuing outcomes is beyond the scope of this article; for further information on these, and other components of a CEA, the reader is referred elsewhere.3–5 Following some definitions of terms, this article is organized into two sections describing the process of estimating effectiveness in a CEA: the first presents a review of the sources of event probabilities, and the second describes the use of modeling to estimate effectiveness.
Cross-Phase Modulation: A New Technique For Controlling The Temporal, Spectral And Spatial Properties Of Ultrafast Pulses

Cross-phase modulation (XPM) occurs when copropagating ultrafast pulses interact in a nonlinear optical medium. XPM effects are being investigated as a new technique for controlling with femtosecond time response the spectral, temporal and spatial properties of ultrafast pulses. This paper describes theory and measurements of XPM effects bulk glasses, optical fibers and semiconductor ZnSe crystals.
Arctic Mixed-Phase Stratiform Cloud Properties from Multiple Years of Surface-Based Measurements at Two High-Latitude Locations

Macro- and microphysical properties of single-layer stratiform mixed-phase clouds are derived from multiple years of lidar, radar, and radiosonde observations. Measurements were made as part of the MixedPhase Arctic Clouds Experiment (MPACE) and the Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) in Barrow, Alaska, and Eureka, Nunavut, Canada, respectively. Single-layer mixed-phase clouds occurred between 4% and 26% of the total time observed, varying with season and location. They had mean cloud-base heights between ;700 and 2100 m and thicknesses between ;200 and 700 m. Seasonal mean cloud optical depths ranged from 2.2 up. The clouds existed at temperatures of ;242‐271 K and occurred under different wind conditions, depending on season. Utilizing retrievals from a combination of lidar, radar, and microwave radiometer, mean cloud microphysical properties were derived, with mean liquid effective diameters estimated from 16 to 49 mm, mean liquid number densities on the order of 10 4 ‐10 5 L 21 , and mean water contents estimated between 0.07 and 0.28 g m 23 . Ice precipitation was shown to have mean ice effective diameters of 50‐125 mm, mean ice number densities on the order of 10 L 21 , and mean water contents estimated between 0.012 and 0.031 g m 23 . Mean cloud liquid water paths ranged from 25 to 100 g m 22 . All results are compared topreviousstudies,andpotentialretrievalerrorsarediscussed.Additionally,seasonalvariationinmacro-and microphysical properties was highlighted. Finally, fraction of liquid water to ice mass was shown to decrease with decreasing temperature.
Predictive Validity of the Revised Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale With Trainable Mentally Retarded Students:

This study investigated the predictive validity of the Revised Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (SBIS) relative to the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) as a criterion measure. Forty trainable mentally retarded students were administered both instruments by qualified examiners. Regression analyses were conducted in which scores on the separate measures provided by subtests on Reading, Spelling, and Arithmetic of the WRAT were regressed on SBIS IQs. The results indicated that the SBIS IQs yielded statistically valid predictions of WRAT standard scores for the sample studied. Derived regression equations are reported.
A case study on the road to IP telephony: A company's strategic decision to move toward the Next-Generation Network

Organizations are currently facing a critical decision with respect to their legacy telephone systems. Deploying IP telephony for voice communications is no longer a matter of “if” but “when” for any enterprise. Time-division multiplexing (TDM) systems are no longer a practical option for new enterprise telephony services because all telephony vendors are phasing out TDM systems in favor of those based on IP. Therefore, enterprises must decide when and how to deploy IP-based systems throughout their operations, with the pace of rollout being based on benefit, capability and cost. In this study, we will be analyzing Aramco Services Company (ASC) in its effort to migrate toward a “Next Generation Network,” since it currently has a traditional telephone system based on TDM that is expected to reach its end of life. In order to keep up with telecom industry trends in a way that is strategically aligned with its corporate objectives, ASC needs to develop strategies and plans that align with the core business objectives of the organization. After performing a strategic analysis by employing strategic management of technology tools and concepts, it is concluded that ASC should consider replacing its current TDM telephone system with a new IP-based system that will allow for full IP functionality and therefore put ASC in a position that will allow the company to realize economic benefits that are unmatched by other technologies and overcome the deficiencies associated with its current telephone environment.
The Role of Charged Point Defects on the Diffusion Behavior of Silicon in GaAs

A multilayered Si doped MBE structure was used to study the effective diffusivity of Si and the results are modeled with an (n/ni)2 dependence over the temperature range of 750°C – 950°C. An activation energy, Ea′, of 4.0 eV is obtained which is higher than normally reported in the literature. This higher Ea′ value results from appropriate accounting of the temperature dependence of ni, which is often neglected in the expression for Deff. Si diffusion at a buried n+/n++junction of a MOCVD grown structure also follows an (n/ni)2 dependence. These results support a Fermi-level model of Si diffusion in GaAs and suggest that the local point defect chemistry of the GaAs, through Si doping, is responsible for this diffusion behavior, regardless of the proximity to the surface.
Cuban Rural Society in the Nineteenth Century: The Social and Economic History of Monoculture in Matanzas

Among the factors inhibiting development of diversified economic structures in many Caribbean and Latin American countries, the persistence of monoculture plays a crucial role. Examining Cuba as a case study, Laird Bergad uses extensive data from Cuban archival sources to analyze the social and economic structures of a country shaped by monocultural sugar production since the mid-eighteenth century. He focuses on Matanzas, the center of the Cuban slave-based sugar economy, and shows how dependence on this one product generated great wealth but ultimately produced an unstable society in which most people remained poor and illiterate. A provocative account of nineteenth-century Cuban rural society emerges from the collective portrait of the social sectors that forged the history of Matanzas's sugar production. Bergad depicts the interaction among planters, merchants, slave traders, slaves, and free blacks while showing how sugar monoculture adapted to social and economic changes. He presents a detailed study of the economics of slave labor and new data that challenges prior interpretations of Cuban slavery.
Photolytic degradation of some poly(alkylene polysulfides)

Poly(methylene disulfide), poly(methylene tetrasulfide), poly(ethylene disulfide), and poly(ethylene tetrasulfide) have been subjected to ultraviolet radiation in vacuum at 50°C. Weight losses during photolysis include both low molecular weight compounds and readily condensable polymeric materials; the latter account for the greater proportion of the weight losses. Carbon monosulfide, isolated as its polymer, and hydrogen sulfide are major photolytic products. Carbon disulfide is a major product from the methylene but not from the ethylene polymers. The tetrasulfide polymers during irradiation from volatile products which on condensation give the original polymer. A mechanism of degradation compatible with these findings is suggested.
Heuristics for minimizing total weighted tardiness in complex job shops

Semi-conductor manufacturing is arguably one of the most complex manufacturing processes in existence today. A semi-conductor wafer fabrication facility is comprised of batching machines, parallel machines, machines with sequence-dependent set-ups, and re-circulating product flow. The individual job release times and due dates combine with the other processing environment characteristics to form a ‘complex’ job shop scheduling problem. We first present a mixed-integer program (MIP) to minimize total weighted tardiness in a complex job shop. Since the problem is NP-hard, we compare a heuristic based on the MIP (MIP heuristic) with both a tuned version of a modified shifting bottleneck heuristic (SB heuristic) and three dispatching rules using random problem instances of a representative model from the literature. While the MIP heuristic typically produces superior schedules for problem instances with a small number of jobs, the SB heuristic consistently outperforms the MIP heuristic for larger problem inst...
Strategic planning for research and management of the albacore tuna fishery

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) employed the principles of interactive management, supported by consensus building techniques for facilitating meetings, to produce a strategic plan for research on and management of an important fishery. A technically oriented task force aided by a planner was assigned the task of facilitating the production of the plan; an important first step was the production of a probable future scenario of the fishery. Interested citizens, informed by the scenario, were invited to state their goals for the fishery and to list what they considered desirable future trends and events. An options field for the research and management strategy consisting of 17 design categories was produced by the task force and knowledgeable members of NMFS management. The pros and cons for including each option in the NMFS strategy were discussed in a meeting of NMFS Headquarters, Regional and Laboratory management. A set of options was chosen by consensus to represent the NMFS strategic plan for its research and management of the north Pacific albacore fishery.
A multi-nutrient supplement reduced markers of inflammation and improved physical performance in active individuals of middle to older age: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

While exercise acts to combat inflammation and aging, the ability to exercise may itself be compromised by inflammation and inflammation's impact on muscle recovery and joint inflammation. A number of nutritional supplements have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve recovery. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the effect of a multi-nutrient supplement containing branched chain amino acids, taurine, anti-inflammatory plant extracts, and B vitamins on inflammatory status, endothelial function, physical function, and mood in middle-aged individuals. Thirty-one healthy and active men (N = 16, mean age 56 ± 6.0 yrs) and women (N = 15, mean age = 52 ± 7.5 yrs) participated in this investigation. Subjects completed one 28 day cycle of placebo supplementation and one 28 day cycle of multi-nutrient supplementation (separated by a one week washout period) in a balanced, randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. Subjects completed weekly perceptual logs (PROMIS-57, KOOS) and pre- and post- testing around the supplementation period. Testing consisted of brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD), blood measures, and physical performance on vertical jump, handgrip strength, and balance (dispersion from center of pressure). Significance for the investigation was p ≤ 0.05. IL-6 significantly decreased in both men (from 1.2 ± 0.2 to 0.7 ± 0.4 pg·mL-1) and women (from 1.16 ± 0.04 to 0.7 ± 0.4 pg·mL-1). Perceived energy also improved for both men (placebo: 1.8 ± 0.7; supplement: 3.7 ± 0.8 AUC) and women (placebo: 1.2 ± 0.7; supplement: 2.8 ± 0.8 AUC). Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (from 108.9 ± 38.6 to 55.5 ± 22.2 ug·mL-1), Creatine Kinase (from 96 ± 34 to 67 ± 23 IU·L-1), general pain, and joint pain decreased in men only, while anxiety and balance (from 0.52 ± 0.13 to 0.45 ± 0.12 cm) improved in women only. Men showed increased performance in vertical jump power (from 2642 ± 244 to 3134 ± 282 W) and grip strength (from 42.1 ± 5.9 to 48.5 ± 4.9 kg). A multi-nutrient supplement is effective in improving inflammatory status in both men and women, markers of pain, joint pain, strength, and power in men only, and both anxiety and balance (a risk factor for hip fracture) in women. Therefore, a multi-nutrient supplement may help middle-aged individuals to prolong physical function and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Improving spatial concentration estimates for nitrogen oxides using a hybrid meteorological dispersion/land use regression model in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA.

Abstract Predictions from a simple line source dispersion model, Caline3, were included as a covariate in a land use regression (LUR) model for NOX/NO2 in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA. The Caline3 model prediction assumed a unit emission factor for all roadway segments (1.0 g/vehicle-mile). The NOX and/or NO2 measurements for LA and Seattle were obtained from a comprehensive measurement campaign that is part of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Air Pollution Study (MESA Air). The measurement campaigns in both cities were approximately 2 weeks in duration employing approximately 145 measurement sites in Greater LA and 26 sites in Seattle. The best “standard” LUR model (obtained without the inclusion of the Caline3 predictions) in LA had R2 values of 0.53 for NOX and 0.74 for NO2. The leave-one-out cross-validated R2 values for NOX and NO2 were 0.45 and 0.71, respectively. The equivalent “standard” NO2 model for Seattle had an R2 of 0.72 and a leave-one-out cross-validated R2 of 0.63. When the Caline3 variable was included in the LA hybrid model, the R2 values were 0.71 and 0.79 for NOX and NO2, respectively. The corresponding cross-validated R2 values were 0.66 and 0.77, for NOX and NO2, respectively. In Seattle, the inclusion of the Caline3 variable resulted in a NO2 model with an R2 of 0.81 and a corresponding cross-validated R2 of 0.67. In LA, hybrid model performance was not affected by excluding roadways with annual average daily traffic volumes (AADT)
Adaptive control system for server groups in enterprise data centers

An adaptive control system automatically performs a loop over monitoring, assessment, and corrective action following a goal. A goal, for example, can be to keep the operational parameters of a controlled system within defined ranges. This work presents the way in which Hewlett-Packard's Utility Data Center (UDC) is extended by a control system for server group flexing for horizontally scalable applications. Capacity of server groups is automatically adjusted during operation by acquiring or releasing servers. In contrast to similar control systems that operate in clusters, the control system here operates in the heterogeneous environment of a commercial data center. Joining and releasing servers from its virtualized application environments is inherently more complex and requires securely crossing protection domains. The control system is based on the Grid's Web services standard OGSI leveraging OGSI's built-in security and event models. Adopting OGSI in the enterprise data center environment also introduces the opportunity for creating Grids in commercial enterprises.
CRA Survey Counts New PhDs

The Computing Research Association's annual Taulbee Survey of PhD-granting departments of computer science and computer engineering in North America reveals that doctorate degree production is close to peaking and the number of doctorates granted will begin to decrease.
Selective Inactivation of a Fas-associated Death Domain Protein (FADD)-dependent Apoptosis and Autophagy Pathway in Immortal Epithelial Cells

Although evasion of apoptosis is thought to be required for the development of cancer, it is unclear which cell death pathways are evaded. We previously identified a novel epithelial cell death pathway that works in normal cells but is inactivated in tumor cells, implying that it may be targeted during tumor development. The pathway can be activated by the Fas-associated death domain (FADD) of the adaptor protein but is distinct from the known mechanism of FADD-induced apoptosis through caspase-8. Here, we show that a physiological signal (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) can kill normal epithelial cells through the endogenous FADD protein by using the novel FADD death domain pathway, which activates both apoptosis and autophagy. We also show that selective resistance to this pathway occurs when primary epithelial cells are immortalized and that this occurs through a mechanism that is independent of known events (telomerase activity, and loss of function of p53, Rb, INK4a, and ARF) that are associated with immortalization. These data identify a novel cell death pathway that combines apoptosis and autophagy and that is selectively inactivated at the earliest stages of epithelial cancer development.
NO EVIDENCE FOR A LOW LINEAR ENERGY TRANSFER ADAPTIVE RESPONSE IN IRRADIATED RKO CELLS

It has become increasingly evident from reports in the literature that there are many confounding factors that are capable of modulating radiation induced non-targeted responses such as the bystander effect and the adaptive response. In this paper we examine recent data that suggest that the observation of non-targeted responses may not be universally observable for differing radiation qualities. We have conducted a study of the adaptive response following low LET exposures for human colon carcinoma cells and failed to observe adaption for the endpoints of clonogenic survival or micronucleus formation.
ConceptMetab: exploring relationships among metabolite sets to identify links among biomedical concepts.

MOTIVATION Capabilities in the field of metabolomics have grown tremendously in recent years. Many existing resources contain the chemical properties and classifications of commonly identified metabolites. However, the annotation of small molecules (both endogenous and synthetic) to meaningful biological pathways and concepts still lags behind the analytical capabilities and the chemistry-based annotations. Furthermore, no tools are available to visually explore relationships and networks among functionally related groups of metabolites (biomedical concepts). Such a tool would provide the ability to establish testable hypotheses regarding links among metabolic pathways, cellular processes, phenotypes and diseases. RESULTS Here we present ConceptMetab, an interactive web-based tool for mapping and exploring the relationships among 16 069 biologically defined metabolite sets developed from Gene Ontology, KEGG and Medical Subject Headings, using both KEGG and PubChem compound identifiers, and based on statistical tests for association. We demonstrate the utility of ConceptMetab with multiple scenarios, showing it can be used to identify known and potentially novel relationships among metabolic pathways, cellular processes, phenotypes and diseases, and provides an intuitive interface for linking compounds to their molecular functions and higher level biological effects. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION http://conceptmetab.med.umich.edu CONTACTS akarnovsky@umich.edu or sartorma@umich.edu SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Peace and Reconciliation: The Gospel of Jesus Christ Has Teeth

Kobe Bryant, Gary Condit, Jimmy the Greek, and Rush Limbaugh, Michael Jackson, Barak Obama, Casey Anthony are all victims of a “conflict-ridden orientation” that prays on human imperfection, broken hearts, feeble minds, and bruised spirits. Paul seems to have been on the money when he said “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but spiritual wickedness in high places.” To put it in a vernacular we can all comprehend, Paul was saying that the problem is systemic. In other words, he’s talking about a system, a prevailing structurally dysfunctional order that is somehow unrelenting when it senses human ruin. And like a shark, this conflict-ridden structural adversary that Jesus called the world, launches its insatiable appetite upon human souls, especially those humbled by unfortunate circumstances and bad choices. So, like a fatal disease, the aftermath produces death. Such a consequence could perhaps be seen in the guilt leveling orientation that drove Judas to suicide, a physical death, and Peter’s guilt appears to have brought him to a kind of social death at least until Jesus sought him out and replaced the old model that fostered guilt with one that offered peace and reconciliation. We live in an inimical world, hostile, blood thirty, interested only in perpetuating hostility by disguising itself behind a creed of personal responsibility, personal holiness and personal prosperity.
Aboveground and belowground arthropod communities experience different relative influences of stochastic and deterministic assembly processes following disturbance

Scott Ferrenberg, Alexander S. Martinez, Akasha M. Faist Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA Current address: U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Sciences Center, Moab, UT, USA Biological Sciences Initiative, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA Corresponding author: sferrenberg@usgs.gov, 2900 Resource Blvd, Moab, UT, USA, 84532
Good Citizen Interrupted: Calibrating a Temporal Theory of Citizenship Behavior

Burgeoning theory and research signal the prominence of within-individual dynamics in organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), with such work focusing primarily on short-term (i.e., minutes, days, weeks) fluctuations that result from a focus on immediate circumstances. But longer-term variations in OCB also occur as people continuously craft identity narratives to tell evolving stories about themselves using selective appropriation of the past, present, and future. By focusing on individuals who have internalized a “good citizen identity” (a reflection of one’s self-concept as a person who demonstrates OCB), we shift attention by presenting theory that speaks to modifications of OCB trends over the course of good citizens’ tenure. We ground our framework in the time-dependent perspectives of sensemaking and dynamic behavior to specify precise temporal relationships between triggering cues and OCB modifications. Specifically, we define a baseline OCB trend and then develop propositions about how sensemak...
Synthesis of group 1 metal 2,6-diphenylphenoxide complexes [M(OC6H3Ph2-2,6)] (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) and structures of the solvent-free complexes [Rb(OC6H3Ph2-2,6)]x and [Cs(OC6H3Ph2-2,6)x: one-dimensional extended arrays of metal aryloxides.

Reaction of 2,6-diphenylphenol (HOC6H3Ph2-2,6) with nBuLi, NaH, KH, or Rb or Cs metal in benzene gives the solvent-free complexes [M(OAr)]x in excellent yield. The complex [Rb(OC6H3Ph2-2,6)]x exhibits a ladderlike structure in the solid state with triply bridging oxygen atoms and Rb−O distances of 2.743(3), 2.930(2), and 2.973(2) A. The Rb cations interact with the π-electron cloud of the arene moieties, giving rise to a high Rb coordination number. The cesium-containing congener forms a layered, columnlike structure consisting of [Cs2(μ2-OAr)2] units, with nearly identical Cs−O distances of 2.945(2) and 2.947(2) A. The individual layers are held together solely by Cs−arene π-interactions.
Vibrational Spectra and Structure of Cyclopentane and its Isotopomers

The infrared and Raman spectra of vapor, liquid, and solid state cyclopentane and its d1, 1,1-d2, 1,1,2,2,3,3-d6, and d10 isotopomers have been recorded and analyzed. The experimental work was complemented by ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The computations confirm that the two conformational forms of cyclopentane are the twist (C2) and bent (Cs) structures and that they differ very little in energy, less than about 10 cm–1 (0.1 kJ/mol). The bending angle for the Cs form is 41.5° and the dihedral angle of twisting is 43.2° for the C2 form. A reliable and complete vibrational assignment for each of the isotopomers has been achieved for the first time, and these agree very well with the DFT (B3LYP/cc-pVTZ) computations. The ab initio CCSD/cc-pVTZ calculations predict a barrier to planarity of 1887 cm–1, which is in excellent agreement with the experimental value of 1808 cm–1.
One-Pot Enantioselective Synthesis of Tryptophan Derivatives via Phase-Transfer Catalytic Alkylation of Glycine Using a Cinchona-Derived Catalyst

Tryptophans are building blocks for many natural products. This paper describes the enantiospecific synthesis of ring-A substituted tryptophan derivatives from commercially available gramines using chiral phase-transfer conditions. This one-pot reaction avoids protecting/deprotecting the indolylic nitrogen of gramine by choosing a chemoselective quaternization reagent, 4-(trifluoro-methoxy)benzyl bromide, to produce an electrophilic salt intermediate, which is subsequently alkylated in good yield with high enantiomeric excess.
Impact of early and high amino acid supplementation on ELBW infants at 2 years

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of early and high intravenous (IV) amino acid (AA) supplementation on growth, health, and neurodevelopment of extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants throughout their first 2 years of life. METHODS Infants were prospectively randomized in a double-masked fashion and treated for 7 days with either IV AA starting at 0.5 g · kg (-1) · day(-1) and increased by 0.5 g · kg(-1) every day to 3 g · kg(-1)· day(-) or starting at 2 g · kg (-1) · day(-1) of IV AA and advanced by 1 g · kg(-1) every day to 4 g · kg (-1) · day(-1). Plasma AA concentrations were determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Survivors were longitudinally assessed with Bayley II Scales of Infant Development and physical, social, and global health. RESULTS Forty-three of 51 survivors were studied. Mental Developmental Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Developmental Index were similar between groups; however, the early and high AA group had a lower MDI at 18 months. This difference disappeared at 2 years of age. The early and high AA group z score means for weight, length, and head circumferences were significantly lower than the standard AA group at most visits. Cumulative and single plasma AA concentrations correlated negatively with MDI and postnatal growth. CONCLUSIONS ELBW infants who received early and high IV AA during the first week of life were associated with poor overall growth at 2 years.
The Distribution and Foraging Activities of Common Italian and “Hy-Queen” Honey Bees during Alfalfa Pollination

The distribution and foraging activities of honey bees ( Apis mellifera L.) were compared for common Italian and Hy-Queen stocks, the latter selected for alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) preference and high pollen collection from general sources. The experimental area contained 674 colonies in 27 apiaries. Foraging bees (4000) were collected throughout an alfalfa field (34.0 ha) and tagged with metal discs that were recovered (78.1%) magnetically at hives. Most (81.6%) alfalfa foragers originated from 263 colonies in 12 apiaries at the field. Territorial dominance was evident by bees from the nearest apiaries. Mean foraging distances were 338±56.7 m (common stock) and 237±13.9 m (Hy-queen). Pollen collection from all sources was greater for Hy-Queen (37.9%) than for common stock (30.9%). Stocks were very similar otherwise. Only 1.4% of the alfalfa foragers carried pollen loads, 84.2% of which were from other plant species in the area. Nectar loads of bees collected during foraging were small (mean range = 5.2–9.2 μ liters) and independent of pollen foraging activity. Weak apparent preference for alfalfa by Hy-Queen stock may be caused in part by a genetically reduced foraging distance.