cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluidic self-assembly of millimeter scale thin parts on preprogrammed substrate at air-water interface

This paper presents a novel method to achieve high yield assembly of millimeter-scale thin silicon chips from an air-water interface. Surface functionalized silicon parts (1000×1000×100 µm3) assemble in preprogrammed hydrophilic locations on a wafer substrate with self-alignment. We optimized the process and design factors systematically using DOE (Design of Experiment) that leads to high yield (100 %).
RhoC impacts the metastatic potential and abundance of breast cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been shown to promote tumorigenesis of many tumor types, including breast, although their relevance to cancer metastasis remains unclear. While subpopulations of CSCs required for metastasis have been identified, to date there are no known molecular regulators of breast CSC (BCSC) metastasis. Here we identify RhoC GTPase as an important regulator of BCSC metastasis, and present evidence suggesting that RhoC also modulates the frequency of BCSCs within a population. Using an orthotopic xenograft model of spontaneous metastasis we discover that RhoC is both necessary and sufficient to promote SUM149 and MCF-10A BCSC metastasis–often independent from primary tumor formation–and can even induce metastasis of non-BCSCs within these cell lines. The relationship between RhoC and BCSCs persists in breast cancer patients, as expression of RhoC and the BCSC marker ALDH1 are highly correlated in clinical specimens. These results suggest new avenues to combating the deadliest cells driving the most lethal stage of breast cancer progression.
Molecular–Electronic Structure in a Plasmonic Environment: Elucidating the Quantum Image Interaction

We extend our previous quantum many-body Green’s function formalism to characterize the deformations induced in the electronic structure of a quantum emitter when it strongly couples with a plasmon-supporting environment at finite frequency. Through infinite-order perturbation theory, we predict the emergence of subtle yet observable changes in the plasmon-dressed molecule’s frontier orbitals, orbital energies, and low-lying electronic excitations when the molecular and plasmonic systems are resonantly coexcited. These distortions, which predominately arise from the finite-frequency image interaction, point to new chemical and optical properties beyond those of the vacuum molecule and bear impact upon resonant plasmon-enhanced molecular spectroscopies and hot-electron-driven chemical catalysis. We propose an experiment capable of testing our predictions.
Light microscopic studies on the pineal organ in teleost fishes with special regard to its function

A morphohistological study was carried out on the pineal organ in 15 species of teleosts belonging to 12 different families. In spite of a general similarity in pineal structure in different species, there is evident a systematic diversity. The majority of species possess saccular pineal organs containing photoreceptors as prominent parenchymal components. The close anatomical relationship of the pineal organs with the relatively thin cranial roof further supports the photosensory nature of this organ in most species. However, in certain species, particularly Corydoras aneus, apparent paucity of sensory cell outer segments, parenchymal proliferation, epithelial compactness and rich vascularization suggest specializations for a predominantly nonsensory and possibly secretory function. On the other hand, the preponderance of sensory cells in the pineal organ of Symphysodon aequifasciatus and Gyrinocheilus aymoneri indicates exceptional adaptitions for a predominantly photosensory role. The results are discussed in the light of existing electron microscopic and biochemical investigations which support a secretory function of fish pineal. The need for proper selection of species for future research on pineal function is emphasized. There is also evident a close anatomical relationship between the pineal organ, the dorsal sac and the third ventricle in various species. The possibility of intramural functional relationship of the pineal with these structures and the brain is suggested. The presence of intrapineal neurones and an afferent (pinealofugal) innervation in majority of species is described. The tractus pinealis enters the posterior commissure area. In rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, some branches, right and left, leave the posterior commissure and could be seen to move toward the habenular ganglia. Their destination remains unclear. In jack smelt, Atherinopsis californiensis, a major bundle of tract fibres follows the ventral aspect of the posterior commissure reaching what may be nuclei dorsomedialis-dorsolateralis. The possibility of direct connections with the fasciculus retroflexus is suggested. No evidence could be provided supporting existence of an efferent (pinealopetal) innervation of parenchymal cells in the pineal of species studied. It is pointed out that clarification of this aspect in future is important for a proper understanding of metabolic aspects of pineal organs in fishes.
Measurement of the relative electron-transport capacity of Photosystem I and Photosystem II in spinach chloroplasts

Abstract The ratio of Photosystem (PS) II to PS I electron-transport capacity in spinach chloroplasts was compared from reaction-center and steady-state rate measurements. The reaction-center electron-transport capacity was based upon both the relative concentrations of the PS II α , PS II β and PS I centers, and the number of chlorophyll molecules associated with each type of center. The reaction-center ratio of total PS II to PS I electron-transport capacity was about 1.8:1. Steady-state electron-transport capacity data were obtained from the rate of light-induced absorbance-change measurements in the presence of ferredoxin-NADP + , potassium ferricyanide and 2,5-dimethylbenzoquinone (DMQ). A new method was developed for determining the partition of reduced DMQ between the thylakoid membrane and the surrounding aqueous phase. The ratio of membrane-bound to aqueous DMQH 2 was experimentally determined to be 1.3:1. When used at low concentrations (200 μM), potassium ferricyanide is shown to be strictly a PS I electron acceptor. At concentrations higher than 200 μM, ferricyanide intercepted electrons from the reducing side of PS II as well. The experimental rates of electron flow through PS II and PS I defined a PS II/PS I electron-transport capacity ratio of 1.6:1.
The island syndrome in isolated populations of a tropical forest rodent.

I examined population traits of eight isolated populations of a tropical forest rodent (Proechimys semispinosus, the Central American spiny rat) for 1 year in central Panama. Populations were sampled by monthly live-trapping, and seven traits (density, population growth rate, adult survival, reproductive effort, age structure, sex ratio, and body mass) were compared among populations. I also compared results with published data from nearby mainland populations. Each isolated population showed characteristics typical of island populations when compared with mainland populations, including higher and more stable densities, reduced reproductive effort, and greater body mass. Densities were the highest yet recorded for this species, and biomass of these island populations was among the highest of any tropical rodent yet studied. Population traits varied not only between island and mainland populations but also among island populations. P. semispinosus have traits that allow individuals in a population to rapidly respond to temporal changes in habitat quality or resource abundance. These traits include a high reproductive rate and an ability to adjust reproductive effort to changes in density. P. semispinosus are therefore able to quickly reach and maintain high densities under favorable conditions, thereby allowing close tracking of temporally and spatially varying resources. This flexibility is predicted for habitat generalists and presumably promotes abundance and persistence in temporally and spatially heterogeneous environments. P. semispinosus, often the most abundant and widely distributed species of rodent in forests throughout their geographic range, therefore have traits that are similar to those of generalist rodents in temperate forests.
Replication timing properties, of the human HPRT locus on active, inactive and reactivated X chromosomes

X chromosome inactivation is associated with a highly asynchronous pattern of DNA replication at most X-linked loci in females. We studied the human HPRT locus, which is subject to X inactivation and expressed from only the active homolog, with the goal of comparing replication properties between the active and inactive homologs in this region using a fluorescence in situ hybridization approach. We found that in normal female lymphoblasts this locus is replicated in a highly asynchronous manner across a broad, discrete 500–600 kb zone with earliest replication appearing at the gene coding sequence. This general timing profile is maintained in normal male lymphoblasts, as well as in hamster x human hybrid cells containing the active human X chromosome. However, the inactive human X chromosome in the hamster cell background does not appear to function in a fully equivalent manner to the normal inactive X chromosome in female cells. Furthermore, reactivation of the inactive human X chromosome in a hamster x human hybrid system by 5-azacytidine treatment and HAT selection restores early replication at the HPRT gene itself, but does not change the overall domain behavior.
Femtogram doubly-clamped nanomechanical resonator embedded in a high-Q two-dimensional photonic crystal nanocavity

We present a nano-optomechanical system consisting of a 25-fg doubly-clamped nanomechanical resonator embedded in an engineered high-Q (Q o ∼10,000) defect nanocavity supported by two-dimensional photonic crystal. Optically transduced flexural nanomechanical motion is demonstrated at 1 GHz.
Toward an occupational classification for self-employed men: An investigation of entrepreneurship from the perspective of Holland's theory of career development

Abstract This study addressed entrepreneurship from the perspective of Holland's theory of career development. Sixty-four male entrepreneurs were interviewed and administered Holland's Vocational Preference Inventory. The respondents were classified as either Craft Entrepreneurs or Opportunistic Entrepreneurs, and the characteristics of the two groups were compared. The results of this study indicated that the Craft Entrepreneurs can be described as having a Holland occupational code of ERA, and the Opportunistic Entrepreneurs can be described as having a Holland occupational code of EAI. It is recommended that additional research should investigate self-employment as a distinct career option.
The relationship between change in therapeutic alliance ratings and improvement in youth symptom severity: Whose ratings matter the most?

This paper presents the psychometric evaluation of brief measures of therapeutic alliance (TA) for youths, clinicians and caregivers and a longitudinal analysis of relationships between changes in TA and changes in youth symptom and functioning severity. Psychometric analyses using methods from Classical Test Theory, Item Response Theory, and Factor Analysis indicate that the measures of TA used in this study offer something new for both practice and research. The measures have variability, sensitivity to change over time, brevity and can be used with multiple parties through parallel forms. The longitudinal analyses, employing hierarchical linear modeling with time-varying covariates, found that TA ratings of the clinician correlated with symptom improvement as rated by the clinician, caregiver and youth. Additional analyses showed that decreases in clinician-rated youth TA was most important in predicting a lower rate of youth improvement. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
"SOLID PIPELINE" CONSERVES ENERGY

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present arguments and data in favor of utilizing pipelines as a mode of transporting goods and materials between and within the cities. It attempts to synthesize the available technological information in a manner that will permit the comparison of pipeline with other modes of freight transport in regard to their energy requirements. It is shown that under favorable conditions pipeline offers considerable energy saving.
Correlation from randomness: quantitative analysis of ion-etched graphite surfaces using the scanning tunneling microscope

Abstract The scanning tunneling microscope (STM) was used to quantitatively examine the surface morphology of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surfaces bombarded with 5 keV Ar+ ions. Constant current topographs clearly showed that the morphology of the resulting nonequilibrium surfaces depended sensitively on the ion flux, the ion fluence and the sample temperature. For low and intermediate ion fluence, an increase in surface roughness with increasing ion flux was observed. For constant ion flux, the surfaces developed structures with heights proportional to the ion fluence and separations characterized by a correlation length that diverged with increasing fluence. Increasing the sample temperature during bombardment produced smoother surfaces as a result of enhanced surface diffusion. The autocovariance function G(L) and the height correlation function 〈 |h(q)|2 〉 in reciprocal space were calculated directly from the STM topographs. The latter was then compared with a linear response theory for the formation of rough surfaces under nonequilibrium conditions and a scaling analysis. The fluence dependence of the surface roughening of graphite could not be explained by shot noise alone in a linear theory, whereas surface diffusion and redeposition of sputtered material satisfactorily accounted for the correlation observed in the bombardment-induced features.
Children's Invented Notations as Measures of Musical Understanding:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of children's invented notations as a measure of their musical understanding. Notations were compared on the basis of their inventor's performance on tests of perceptual discrimination, performance by singing and playing, and their age. Sixty children aged between 4 and 8 years were tested for their perceptual discrimination with the rhythm and tonal subtests of the Primary Measures of Musical Audiation (PMMA) (Gordon, 1979). After each child reproduced a short folk song by singing and playing, he or she was asked to "write the way the song sounds". Three independent judges scored the children's singing and playing for their tonal and rhythmic accuracy and the children's invented notations for indications of tonal and rhythmic awareness. A correlation of all independent variables showed scores on PMMA rhythm, PMMA tonal, singing, and playing and the child's age to be significantly related. Because of the multicollinearity among variables, a princip...
A new role for old ligands: discerning chelators for zinc metalloproteinases

In an effort to identify promising non-hydroxamate inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) several new zinc-binding groups (ZBGs) based on pyridine-derived or aza-macrocycle chelators have been examined. Fluorescence-based enzyme assays have been used to determine the IC50 values for these ZBGs against MMP-1, MMP-3, and anthrax lethal factor (LF). Many of these ligands were found to be remarkably potent, with IC50 values as much as 185-fold lower than that found for acetohydroxamic acid. These ligands are proposed to be more selective "warheads" for the inhibition of metalloenzymes that contain Zn2+ versus other metal ions at their active site.
Nano-Bilayer Lipid Membranes Hosted on Biogenic Nanoporous Substrates

Lifetime and stability of lipid bilayer membranes are essential parameters in ion channel reconstitution experiments. Reports on nano-BLMs across porous silicon nitride and alumina membranes with nanometer-sized apertures show a dramatically enhanced bilayer lifetime. In addition, the particular porous structure of the membranes enables the formation of a nano-BLM array, where failure of one membrane will not affect the membranes suspended across the other nanopores. However, a tradeoff between membrane thickness and mechanical stability is necessary when manufacturing these devices, with a three-dimensional multi-layer structure, substantially raising the cost of top-down device fabrication. In our study, the use of biogenic nanopores as substrates to host nano-BLMs was explored. Diatoms are unicellular marine algae in porous silica shells, called frustules. These shells have a tiered structure, with pores of minimum diameter 40 nm. The hierarchical porous structure of these shells makes them exceptionally mechanically stable.Frustules obtained from the marine algae Coscinodiscus wailesii were supported on a silicon platform with a micron-sized through-wafer aperture that allows fluidic access to either side of the frustule.Nano-BLMs were formed across the frustule pores using bubble-collapse method and were monitored by measuring the seal resistance and capacitance. Untreated frustules are hydrophilic, preventing the organic solvent from wetting the surface, resulting in a low BLM formation probability. Our studies indicate a formation probability of 1 out of 10 attempts. To render the surface hydrophobic, frustules were functionalized usingsilane chemistry, significantly improving bilayer formation probability. To study the effect of pore size on the incorporation probability and functionality of membrane proteins, the self-insertion of outer membrane protein OmpF of E.Coli in the nano-BLMs was investigated using single channel recordings. Blocking of the channel in the presence of the antibiotic ampicillin indicates the full functionality of the channel protein.
Decomposition of vinylidene chloride copolymers in the presence of selected transition metal halides

Abstract Because of their high barrier to the transport of oxygen and flavor and aroma molecules, vinylidene chloride polymers occupy a position of prominence in the polymer plastics packaging industry. However, at processing temperatures these polymers tend to undergo degradative dehydrochlorination. The dehydrochlorination reaction is a typical chain process which is initiated at a defect site (allylic dichloromethylene unit), present in the polymer as a consequence of random dehydrohalogenation during polymerization, drying, etc. This initial dehydrohalogenation is thought to be catalyzed by metal ions formed by interaction of the polymer with equipment walls or present by other means. To test this, a series of blends of metal halides (5 wt%) with a vinylidene chloride/methyl acylate (5 mol%) copolymer has been examined by thermogravimetry in nitrogen. All the polymer/metal halide blends were more prone to degradation than the untreated polymer. The effectiveness of the metal halide in promoting the degradative dehydrochlorination correlates well with the Lewis acidity/Pearson hardness of the metal ion.
On the stereochemical course of the addition of allylsilanes to aldehydes

Model compounds 3 and 5 have been studied to determine the orientation of the reacting double bonds in the transition state of the allylmetal–aldehyde addition. These models were designed to remove any intrinsic steric bias for the formation of the bicyclic products that would obfuscate a stereoelectronic contribution to the transition states. Model system 3 revealed a modest preference for the synclinal transition state, albeit in very low yields. Model system 5 underwent selective and largely Lewis acid independent cyclization primarily via a synclinal transition state. The high proximal selectivity observed in these cyclizations likely reflects the selectivity of an unhindered allylmetal–aldehyde addition for the synclinal transition state and results from a stereoelectronic preference, not an intrinsic steric bias, for the synclinal arrangement of double bonds.
Insights into secchi transparency through computer analysis of aerial multispectral video data

Abstract Three bands of multispectral video imagery (0.543-0.552μm, 0.644-0.656μm, 0.815-0.827μm) were acquired from nine lakes in Vigo County, Indiana on l8 May 1988 using a multispectral video system. Eleven different scenes covering the nine lakes were digitized and used in computer-assisted analysis of secchi transparency. Individual band data and a yellow-green/red ratio band were correlated with secchi disc measurements taken concurrently with aerial video acquisition. The significant correlations (0.05 level) between the video data and secchi disc depths, were —0.83 and —0.91 for the red band (original and log) and 0.93 and 0.84 for the yellow-green/red ratio (original and log).
Evaluation of Marfan patients status post valve-sparing aortic root replacement with 4D flow.

Abstract Background Over the past two decades elective valve-sparing aortic root replacement (V-SARR) has become more common in the treatment of patients with aortic root and ascending aortic aneurysms. Currently there are little data available to predict complications in the post-operative population. The study goal was to determine if altered flow patterns in the thoracic aorta, as measured by MRI, are associated with complications after V-SARR. Methods Time-resolved three-dimensional phase-contrast MRI (4D flow) was used to image 12 patients with Marfan syndrome after V-SARR. The patients were followed up for an average of 5.8 years after imaging and 8.2 years after surgery. Additionally 5 volunteers were imaged for comparison. Flow profiles were visualized during peak systole using streamlines. Wall shear stress estimates and normalized flow displacement were evaluated at multiple planes in the thoracic aorta. Results During the follow-up period, a single patient developed a Stanford Type B aortic dissection. At initial imaging, prior to the development of the dissection, the patient had altered flow patterns, wall shear stress estimates, and increased normalized flow displacement in the thoracic aorta in comparison to the remaining V-SARR patients and volunteers. Conclusions This is the first follow-up study of patients after 4D flow imaging. An aortic dissection developed in one patient with altered flow patterns and hemodynamic stresses in the thoracic aorta. These results suggest that flow and altered hemodynamics may play a role in the development of post-operative intramural hematomas and dissections.
Reflections on the Role of Static Analysis in Cooperative Bug Isolation

Cooperative Bug Isolation (CBI) is a feedback-directed approach to improving software quality. Developers provide instrumented applications to the general public, and then use statistical methods to mine returned data for information about the root causes of failure. Thus, users and developers form a feedback loop of continuous software improvement. Given CBI's focus on statistical methods and dynamic data collection, it is not clear how static program analysis can most profitably be employed. We discuss current uses of static analysis during CBI instrumentation and failure modeling. We propose novel ways in which static analysis could be applied at various points along the CBI feedback loop, from fairly concrete low-level optimization opportunities to hybrid failure-modeling approaches that may cut across current static/dynamic/statistical boundaries.
Stress as a predictor of symptomatic genital herpes virus recurrence in women with human immunodeficiency virus

Objective: Genital herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, HSV-2) is a significant public health problem for HIV+ women, who have high rates of HSV-2 seropositivity and elevated risk for HSV-2 associated morbidity and mortality. Life stress has been identified as a co-factor in genital herpes recurrence. However, no research has evaluated the relationship between stress and genital herpes recurrences in HIV+ women. The purpose of this study was to determine whether stress was associated with symptomatic genital herpes recurrences in women seropositive for HIV and HSV-2. Methods: Thirty-four HIV-infected African–American and Caribbean–American women underwent a psychosocial interview, blood draw and gynecologic examination to assess gynecologic symptoms (including genital herpes) at study entry. Life stress was measured using a 10-item modified version of the Life Experiences Survey (LES). Genital herpes recurrence over 1-year follow-up was abstracted using medical chart review. Results: Using hierarchical linear regression analysis, life stress at study entry was significantly associated with number of genital herpes recurrences during 1-year follow-up (b=.38, P=.03) after controlling for HIV disease variables and relevant behavioral factors. Recent life stress, in particular, was highly predictive of genital herpes recurrence during follow-up (b=.57, P=.002). The relationship between life stress and genital herpes recurrence persisted after controlling for HSV-2 viral reactivation (i.e., HSV-2 IgG titers) at study entry. Conclusion: These findings suggest that stress may be a significant predictor of genital herpes recurrence in women with HIV and HSV-2. Stress management interventions may buffer HSV-related morbidity and mortality in women with HIV. D 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Analyzing atomic force micrographs using spectral methods

Microroughness is a critical parameter in ULSI device interface reliability and has been shown to effect several critical MOS electrical properties. The atomic force microscope (AFM) has become the instrument of choice for silicon surface microroughness analysis. The parameters usually specified to characterize roughness are average and root mean square roughness. However, these parameters are spatial averages and can have the same value for two significantly different surfaces. Spectral analysis using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) has been applied as a powerful tool to analyze AFM data by looking at roughness as a function of spatial wavelength. The Fast Hartley Transform, being a real transform, is faster than the FFT and is better suited for this analysis. It has been used here to derive spectral information from the AFM height data. Before evaluating the transform, cancellation of any tilt or warp in the AFM data is done to remove frequency components which interfere with other spectral information. A PC-based computer program to determine the transform and its magnitude will be described. The application of this method to analyze data from Si and SiO2 surfaces as a function of pre-oxidation cleaning chemistry will be presented. Significantly better insight into the spatial distribution of roughness is obtained, when compared to previous implementations.
Functional Unification Grammar Revisited

In this paper, we show that one benefit of FUG, the ability to state global constraints on choice separately from syntactic rules, is difficult in generation systems based on augmented context free grammars (e.g., Definite Clause Grammars). They require that such constraints be expressed locally as part of syntactic rules and therefore, duplicated in the grammar. Finally, we discuss a reimplementation of FUG that achieves the similar levels of efficiency as Rubinoff's adaptation of MUMBLE, a deterministic language generator.
A novel function of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) in regulating DNA repair.

Abstract Prevailing literature suggests diversified cellular functions for the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. Among them a recently discovered unique role of APC is in DNA repair. The APC gene can modulate the base excision repair (BER) pathway through an interaction with DNA polymerase β (Pol-β) and flap endonuclease 1 (Fen-1). Taken together with the transcriptional activation of APC gene by alkylating agents and modulation of BER activity, APC may play an important role in carcinogenesis and chemotherapy by determining whether cells with DNA damage survive or undergo apoptosis. In this review, we summarize the evidence supporting this novel concept and suggest that these results will have implications for the development of more effective strategies for chemoprevention, prognosis and chemotherapy of certain types of tumors.
Bone histology in steroid-treated children with non-azotemic nephrotic syndrome

Patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) and normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) frequently exhibit abnormalities of calcium and vitamin D homeostasis, mainly hypocalcemia and reduced circulating vitamin D metabolites. These abnormalities have been linked to alterations of bone histology in adults with non-azotemic NS, particularly osteomalacia and excessive bone resorption. Whether similar abnormalities of bone histology occur in children and adolescents with NS, particularly in those requiring prolonged treatment with corticosteroids, remains largely unknown. Thus, bone histomorphometry and selected bone-modulating hormones were studied in eight children (aged 2–16 years) with normal GFR (range 85–169 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and NS. All patients received corticosteroids for at least 12 months prior to bone biopsy. At the time of bone biopsy, the urine protein/creatinine ratio was elevated (2.1±3.6), while the average concentrations of parathyroid hormone (36±13 pg/ml), 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] (22±14 ng/ml), and 1,25(OH)2D (59±22 pg/ml) were normal. Bone histomorphometry displayed focal osteomalacia (OM) and mild increased bone resorption in most patients. The mineralization lag time, an indicator of the degree of osteomalacia, correlated with the time elapsed since the original diagnosis of NS (r=0.93, P<0.0005). Overt hyperparathyroidism was not evident, but increased eroded perimeter and elevated bone formation rate (BFR) were evident in two patients, suggesting high-turnover bone disease. The BFR was inversely correlated with the administered dose of prednisone at the time of biopsy (r=−0.78, P<0.05) and one patient exhibited low bone turnover changes. The growth velocity standard deviation score (SDS) at time of biopsy ranged from –1.6 to 3.2, resulting in a height SDS range of –1.9 to 0.6. The height SDS at time of bone biopsy correlated inversely with the dose of administered glucocorticoid (r=−0.71, P<0.05) and with the duration of the disease (r=−0.7, P=0.05). These data, albeit preliminary, demonstrate that children with NS treated with prolonged corticosteroid therapy exhibit bone histopathological changes without a concomitant impairment in GFR. While the OM appears to be related to the disease process, the alterations of bone formation and the adynamic changes are likely the result of the corticosteroid therapy. The potential consequences of these findings on adult bone mass and ultimate height deserve further studies.
Distal renal tubular acidosis with severe hypokalaemia, probably caused by colonic H+-K+-ATPase deficiency

We describe a 21 month old male infant who presented with failure to thrive associated with severe hypokalaemia and metabolic acidosis, together with hypomagnesaemia. Evaluation revealed marked renal and probable faecal potassium wasting, distal renal tubular acidosis, mild urinary magnesium wasting, and a normal gastric pH (gastric H + -K + -ATPase). Hypokalaemic forms of metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and proximal renal tubular acidosis were ruled out from the clinical picture. The hypokalaemia of distal renal tubular acidosis usually improves with alkali therapy, but this was not observed: despite correction of acidosis with 5 mmol/kg potassium citrate per day, an additional 5 mmol/kg potassium chloride was required to bring serum potassium to 3.5 mmol/l. At 3 years of age potassium was provided in the absence of potential alkali and acidosis ensued; serum bicarbonate fell to 10 mmol/l. Although a specific genetic analysis is not yet possible, the abnormalities are consistent with a novel form of distal renal tubular acidosis. The pathophysiology probably does not stem from defects in the vacuolar H + -ATPase but more likely from deficient activity of the colonic isoform of H + -K + -ATPase that is resident in the medullary collecting duct and mediates potassium absorption and proton secretion.
Quantitative FDG PET/CT in the community: Experience from interpretation of outside oncologic PET/CT exams in referred cancer patients

Purpose Tertiary care institutions often deal with patients who have had a baseline positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan performed elsewhere. Little data exist regarding the quality of these PET/CT scans and whether they are fully suitable for qualitative or quantitative interpretation. We evaluated outside PET/CT scans from cancer patients referred to our institution and compared them with PET/CT scans acquired locally. Methods This Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board. Informed consent requirements were waived. One hundred seventy recent whole-body outside PET/CT exams from many sites were digitally imported into our radiology imaging system and reviewed for key quality metrics including time from injection until imaging, availability of patient height and weight information, serum glucose level and [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) dose. The standardised uptake value (SUV) and SUV based on lean body mass (SUL) in the liver were measured whenever possible. These were compared with 170 internal studies performed at our centre during the same period. Results Missing data were common in outside scans with height in 62%, weight 35%, uptake time 25%, FDG dose 28% and glucose levels in 64% of cases. In quantitatively evaluable cases, mean liver SUL, SUV, FDG dose and uptake time were much more variable in outside than in internal studies. Conclusion Approximately one-third of the outside PET/CT studies submitted digitally for analysis lacked key information required to secure any quantitative imaging data. Only about a third of these studies had all necessary information available for accurate SUL determination and had acceptable quality that was comparable with locally acquired scans. This suggests that many of PET studies performed in the community cannot be relied upon to provide quantitative image data that can be applied in a different centre. Greater standardisation of oncologic PET/CT studies among different centres must still be pursued.
Optimal tracking of a Brownian particle

Optical tracking of a fluorescent particle in solution faces fundamental constraints due to Brownian motion, diffraction, and photon shot noise. Background photons and imperfect tracking apparatus further degrade tracking precision. Here we use a model of particle motion to combine information from multiple time-points to improve the localization precision. We derive successive approximations that enable real-time particle tracking with well controlled tradeoffs between precision and computational cost. We present the theory in the context of feedback electrokinetic trapping, though the results apply to optical tracking of any particle subject to diffusion and drift. We use numerical simulations and experimental data to validate the algorithms’ performance.
The Response of Westerly Jets to Thermal Driving in a Primitive Equation Model

The structure of westerly jets in a statistically steady state is investigated with both dry and moist models on the sphere. The dry model is forced with an idealized radiative equilibrium temperature profile that consists of a global-scale base profile plus both localized tropical heating and high-latitude cooling. The tropical heating controls the intensity of the subtropical jet, while the high-latitude cooling modulates the meridional width of the extratropical baroclinic zone. The jet structure is analyzed with a large number of dry model runs in which the tropical heating and high-latitude cooling rates are systematically varied. This parameter study shows that, in a regime with weak tropical heating and strong high-latitude cooling, the polar-front jet separates itself from the subtropical jet, forming a double-jet state. In contrast, if the tropical heating rate is greater than a certain value, a strong single jet emerges, indicating that the presence of one or two jets in a statistically steady state is dependent upon the relative values of both the tropical heating and the baroclinic zone width. A set of moist model runs is examined in which the moisture content is systematically varied. For a relatively small moisture content, the circulation prefers a double-jet state. However, for a moisture content that is greater than a certain threshold value, the two jets collapse into a single jet. With the aid of the aforementioned dry model results, an explanation for this nonlinear response exhibited by the moist model is provided. Based on the results of the dry and moist model calculations, this paper discusses various physical interpretations of the circulation responses to global warming presented in the literature.
Boutique Data Graphics: Perspectives on Using Depth to Embellish Data Displays

Embellishing simple graphs by adding perspective, “the 3-d look,” has become increasingly commonplace with the ready availability of graphics software. However, the effect of adding such decorative depth on the comprehension and recall of the graph's message has received little attention. The present study evaluated performance on common graphical formats (e.g., bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts) constructed with and without the 3-d look. The addition of depth was associated with less accurate performance for subjects attempting to (1) estimate the relative magnitude of displayed values, (2) classify and describe trends, and (3) recall quantitative information about both specific values and trends. Although less accurate, subjects responded more quickly to the 3-d graphs when performing one type of trend classification. Line graphs, more than bar graphs or pie charts, were susceptible to the impact of decorative depth on performance. Further data suggest that the the use of 3-d designs, in addition ...
E-business applications for supply chain management: challenges and solutions

Supply-chain management is a crucial activity in every company. Surprisingly, today, most of the supply-chain activities are carried out manually, and IT support is often limited to having a set of (disconnected) data repositories. In addition, business-to-business (B2B) communications are performed via phone, fax or e-mail. Increasing the operational efficiency of the supply chain results in huge savings and is the key to remaining competitive or even gaining a competitive advantage. Furthermore, a more efficient supply chain also enables revenue growth, which is often impossible to sustain with the current manual operations. In this paper, we discuss the requirements and challenges for e-business applications that support supply-chain management. Then, we propose an architecture that meets the requirements and enables solutions that deliver results quickly and that evolve with the business and IT environment. Both the requirements and the architecture are the results of several different types of supply-chain automation projects in which we have been involved.
Evolutionary considerations of claims for physical dormancy-break by microbial action and abrasion by soil particles

Books and review articles in various areas of ecology and seed and plant biology continue to report that dormancy-break in seeds (and fruits) with water-impermeable coats (i.e. physical dormancy) occurs via soil-microbial action and/or abrasion by soil particles. However, there is little evidence in the scientific literature to support these assumptions, which, in fact, do not make good evolutionary sense for two related reasons. First, several types of anatomically specialized water-restriction structures have evolved as part of the seed or fruit coat of taxa with physical dormancy. These structures act as ‘signal detectors’ of physical-environmental changes that cause seeds (and fruits) to become water-permeable only at these sites, in seasons and habitats in which there is a good chance that some seedlings will become established. Second, seed (and fruit) coat breakdown by microbial action or by abrasion likely would occur in seasons and habitats in which seedlings could not survive, thus lowering the fitness (λ) of the plant taxa in question.
Quality Control of Protein Folding in the Cytosol

In order to function properly, newly synthesised proteins must rapidly and efficiently attain their native conformations. If they fail to do so, the cell may be adversely affected due to loss of function or toxic gain of function effects of misfolded polypeptides. Effective quality control mechanisms to recognise and eliminate misfolded proteins are thus critical for cell viability. The primary means by which misfolded proteins are selectively removed from the cell is via the ubiquitin–proteasome system. Although much is known about regulated proteolysis, how any given protein, which could potentially misfold, is recognised and targeted for proteasome-mediated degradation has been challenging to decipher. Recent progress, much of it in yeast, has identified specific E3 ligases involved in this process, clarified or added to our knowledge of the roles of molecular chaperones, and identified multiple cellular locations where degradation, or failing that, aggregation, occurs. Key Concepts: Molecular chaperones facilitate the folding of newly synthesised proteins to their native states and thus are critical for the maintenance of cellular proteome integrity. Cellular proteostasis reflects the balance between protein folding and degradation. Proteins that fail to fold properly must be eliminated via cellular quality control systems to avoid potentially damaging effects on the cell. The ubiquitin–proteasome system is the primary means for the selective removal of misfolded proteins. Molecular chaperones can tip the balance between protein folding and degradation, and facilitate the destruction of misfolded proteins. E3 ligases have been identified that either cooperate with chaperones, or that directly interact with nonnative proteins to target them for degradation. The degradation of misfolded cytosolic proteins in eukaryotes occurs in multiple cellular locations. Keywords: molecular chaperones; ubiquitin–proteasome system; protein aggregation; protein misfolding; degrons
RINGS HAVING ZERO-DIVISOR GRAPHS OF SMALL DIAMETER OR LARGE GIRTH

Let R be a commutative ring possessing (non-zero) zero-divisors. There is a natural graph associated to the set of zero-divisors of R. In this article we present a characterisation of two types of R. Those for which the associated zero-divisor graph has diameter different from 3 and those R for which the associated zero-divisor graph has girth other than 3. Thus, in a sense, for a generic non-domain R the associated zero-divisor graph has diameter 3 as well as girth 3.
Error Sequence Analysis

With increasing IC process variation and increased operating speed, it is more likely that even subtle defects will lead to the malfunctioning of a circuit. Various fault models, such as the transition fault model and the path-delay model, have been used to aid delay defect detection. However, these models are not efficient for small-delay defect coverage or for test pattern generation time. Error sequence analysis utilizes the order in which the errors occur during a frequency sweep of a transition test to identify small- delay defects that may escape the same test applied in the conventional way. Moreover, it can detect such defects even in the presence of inter-die process variations, such as lot-to-lot and wafer-to-wafer process variation. In addition, error sequence analysis is very effective in separating devices with delay defects from devices that have failed due to process variation.
The Enforcement Power of International Agents

Even IR scholars who believe international institutions can have independent effects upon state behavior generally dismiss the possibility that international organizations (IOs) possess independent enforcement power because they do not trade, cannot tax, and are unable to conscript militaries. I argue an IO can contribute to enforcing compliance with international norms and rules if it has some autonomy from its state masters and the capacity to punish noncompliance or reward compliance on their behalf. A study of enforcement of the nuclear nonproliferation regime against North Korea by the international community is used to illustrate that the International Atomic Energy Agency independently contributed to international enforcement when it was authorized to do so. This finding has clear policy implications for states seeking to strengthen international cooperation in areas experiencing problems with compliance.
GENO-12CLONAL EVOLUTION AND GENOMIC DIVERSITY IN A PANEL GLIOBLASTOMA TUMORS, NEUROSPHERE CULTURES AND ORTHOTOPIC XENOGRAFTS.

Molecular heterogeneity in glioblastoma (GBM) tumors presents major challenges to effective treatments. Well characterized patient-derived xenograft models are critical to support the development of better therapies and biomarkers. We established neurosphere cultures (NS) from twelve freshly resected primary and one recurrent GBM tumor and derived orthotopic xenografts in triplicate. All samples were analyzed using exome, low pass whole genome, RNA sequencing and reverse phase protein array (RPPA). We observed that 85% of mutations present in the tumor samples were transmitted to the NS. A majority of mutations shared by both tumor and NS were captured by xenografts with high cellular frequencies suggesting clonal mutations. Few mutations not present in the tumor samples were detected at low frequency in the NPs and approximately 66% of these were transmitted to the xenografts. A median number of 14 mutations were acquired in xenografts relative to NS, suggesting that the brain environment promotes novel somatic events. Genomic profiling of four matching late passage NS revealed that 15 % of the mutations detected in their early passage progenitors were lost, but as many as 59 novel mutations were acquired in extended culture. Consensus hierarchical gene expression profile clustering revealed that 70% of the tumors formed one cluster, while the NP and matching xenografts clustered together in several groups, including one characterized by EGFR amplification and mutations, another encompassing all the proneural subtype. Consistent with these observations, GBM transcriptional subtypes were conserved between tumor and matched NS in 42% of cases, and between NS and xenografts in 92% of cases. Importantly, signaling pathways significantly altered among sample modalities were identified by RPPA and RNAseq analysis, with implications for drug studies. In a panel of GBMs representative of all subclasses, remarkable conservation of original clonal mutations and evidence for clonal evolution were observed in the matched tumor-NP-xenografts.
Analysis of the Ways and Cost to Find Leprosy in Zhushan County in 1965-2012

Objective To analyze the ways and cost to find leprosy patients and explore the monitoring methods after basic elimination of leprosy. Methods The data about leprosy patients in Zhushan County from 1965 to 2012 were collected.The discovery method and cost,the disease stage and the incidence of deformities were analyzed by descriptive epidemiology. Results Totally,123 leprosy patients were discovered in Zhushan County during the period of 1965-2012.The cases discovered by ways of mass screening,clue survey,epidemic focus contact check,dermatology clinic visiting and reported disease reward accounted for 42.28%,20.33%,19.51%,13.82%and 4.07%,respectively.Epidemic focus contact check was the most effective way in the early detection of leprosy patients,with the lowest deformity rate and the lowest cost. Conclusions Epidemic focus contact check and clue survey are still the active ways to find leprosy patients.The family members and neighbors contacting with the leprosy patients should be monitored for a maximum incubation period of 10 years;moreover,timely clue survey should be carried out.