cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PANDER-induced cell-death genetic networks in islets reveal central role for caspase-3 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21).

Abstract PANcreatic DERived factor is an islet-specific cytokine that promotes apoptosis in primary islets and islet cell lines. To elucidate the genetic mechanisms of PANDER-induced cell death we performed expression profiling using the mouse PancChip version 5.0 in conjunction with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Murine islets were treated with PANDER and differentially expressed genes were identified at 48 and 72 h post-treatment. 64 genes were differentially expressed in response to PANDER treatment. 22 genes are associated with cell death. In addition, the genes with the highest fold change were linked with cell death or apoptosis. The most significantly affected gene at 48 h was the downregulated cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A or p21). Approximately half of the genes impacted at 72 h were linked to cell death. Cell death differentially expressed genes were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Further analysis identified cell death genetic networks at both time points with 21 of the 22 cell death genes related in various biological pathways. Caspase-3 (CASP3) was biologically linked to CDKN1A in several genetic networks and these two genes were further examined. Elevated cleaved CASP3 levels in PANDER-treated β-TC3 insulinoma cells were found to abrogate CDKN1A expression. Levels of CDKN1A were not affected in the absence of cleaved CASP3. PANDER-induced downregulation of CDKN1A expression coupled with induced CASP3-activation may serve a central role in islet cell death and offers further insight into the mechanisms of cytokine-induced β-cell apoptosis.
Time series characterization using the repeatability of similar sequences

Abstract In this work we characterize data using the repeatability of similar data sequences (of length of the order of 5–100 times the embedding dimension) which are found in the data itself. A system which is constrained to move on a compact region of phase space will generate time data having some similar data sequences or strings which are somewhat repeatable. The more orderly and predictable the time data the more sequence repeatability will be manifested. In this paper we quantify these repeatability properties for two nonlinear systems Henon and Duffing. Henon repeatability results are compared to white noise and the Duffing repeatability results are compared to phase randomized versions of the same Duffing data. Results show that usable differences are observed and indicate that this may be a robust, effective and practical technique to characterize the complexity of time series data.
An exact ceiling point algorithm for general integer linear programming

Abstract : This report describes an exact algorithm for the pure, general integer linear programming problem (ILP). Common applications of this model occur in capital budgeting (project selection), resource allocation and fixed- charge (plant location) problems. The central theme of our algorithm is to enumerate a subset of all solutions called feasible 1-ceiling points. A feasible 1-ceiling point may be thought of as an integer solution lying on or near the boundary of the feasible region for the LP-relaxation associated with (ILP). Precise definitions of 1-ceiling points and the role they play in an integer linear program are presented in a recent report by the authors. One key theorem therein demonstrates that all optimal solutions for an (ILP) whose feasible region is non-empty and bounded are feasible 1-ceiling points. Consequently, such a problem may be solved by enumerating just its feasible 1-ceiling points. Our approach is to implicitly enumerate 1-ceiling points with respect to one constraint at a time while simultaneously considering feasibility. Computational results from applying this incumbent-improving Exact Ceiling Point Algorithm to 48 test problems taken from the literature indicate that this enumeration scheme may hold potential as a practical approach for solving problems with certain types of structure.
Relaxed color reproduction under different illuminant conditions

In many applications, the illuminant condition of color reproductions is different from that of targets. To achieve the same color perceptions, reproduced colors should be adjusted according to the changes of reference whites determined by the illuminants. In this paper, we consider this color reproduction problem which is also subject to material constraints. By material constraints we mean any constraints that are applied to the amount of inks, lights, voltages, and currents that are used in the generation of color. Color reproduction that is subject to material constraints is called the relaxed color reproduction, because the reproduced colors may not match the targets exactly. An algorithm that is suitable for this task is the method of vector space projections (VSP). In our work, VSP method is directly applied to the control signals of devices. The effects of illuminant variances are also studied. In order to use VSP for constrained color reproduction, we use a novel approach to convert the non-linear constraints in the CIE-Lab space into simpler linear forms. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of this method.
Multi-objective nonlinear control of semiactive and regenerative systems

Many modern structural control devices for earthquake engineering applications are essentially passive devices with adaptive parameters. Semiactive and regenerative forcing systems are two examples. In order to achieve performance superior to time-invariant passive systems, these devices must be controlled in the nonlinear regime, and consequently it is nontrivial to develop feedback controllers which adhere to analytically-computable measures of closed-loop performance. In the context of stationary random vibration, current state-of-the-art control design methods do not guarantee to simultaneously keep the variances of a set of important structural response quantities below desired thresholds. In this paper, a generalized control design approach is presented which guarantees bounds on the variances of multiple response quantities. The method is illustrated through simulation of a six-story, base isolated structure, with two control devices. Both semiactive and regenerative designs are considered in this example.
Vertical migration and cross-shelf dispersal of larval Cancer spp. and Randallia ornata (Crustacea: Brachyura) off the coast of southern California

Larval Cancer spp. and Randallia ornata make a diurnal vertical migration between the neuston and the waters near the bottom over the continental shelf, or to depths <80 m in the waters off the shelf. The time of day spent in the neuston differs with ontogenetic stage and may affect dispersal. Zoea stages I to IV were in the neuston during the night and may experience net offshore transport due to surface currents generated by the land breeze. Stage V zoeas and megalopas entered the neuston during the afternoon or evening, but migrated back down into the water column between 20.00 and 02.00 hrs. These late larval stages may experience net onshore transport due to surface currents generated by the sea breeze.
The influence of solvent on labelled and free pyrene aggregation in novolac solutions and films

Abstract The effects of various casting parameters were measured for films of novolacs (cresol-formaldehyde resins) containing pyrene groups either covalently bound to the polymer chain or physically dispersed in the novolac matrix. Aggregation of the dispersed pyrene was observed, as measured by excimer fluorescence and crystallite formation of the pyrene. The phase separation was enhanced in static-cast films over spin-cast films. Pyrene aggregation in films was also affected by the choice of casting solvent even though no significant solvent effects were observed for the tagged polymer or free pyrene in solutions of the casting solvents. A minimum in the plot of the excimer-to-monomer ratio for the films versus the dipole moment of the casting solvent occurred at about the dipole moment expected for the novolac. Pyrene aggregation appears to be more dependent on the interactions of the casting solvent and the host polymer rather than on the interaction of either with the pyrene itself.
Bulk texture evolution of Cu–Nb nanolamellar composites during accumulative roll bonding

Abstract A combination of accumulative roll bonding (ARB) and rolling is used to fabricate nanolamellar Cu–Nb multilayers with individual layer thicknesses (h) of 600 μm ⩾ h ⩾ 10 nm with a total strain imposed between 0.5 and 11.6. Neutron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy are used to characterize the microstructures and measure orientation distribution functions of both phases as a function of layer thickness. Fiber plots are calculated from the orientation distribution functions in order to understand the texture evolution in the Cu and Nb layers with increasing strain. Results are compared with rolling studies of single phase Cu, single phase Nb, and cast Cu–20 wt.% Nb composite. Results indicate that textures develop in the Cu and Nb layers during ARB that are distinct from classical rolling textures frequently observed both in their single-phase counterparts and in rolled composites. The atypical texture that develops shows a preferential strengthening of specific β fiber components at the expense of others in Cu and a strengthening of the α fiber at the expense of the γ fiber in Nb. No dynamic recrystallization is observed in Cu, even at strains above 99.99%, further delineating the behavior from single phase and composite behavior previously observed. Viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) polycrystal simulations were carried out to provide an understanding of the texture evolution in accumulative roll bonding. Enforcing planar slip in Cu leads to texture evolution for VPSC consistent with observations. A reasonable fit for Nb could be produced via the selection of specific {1 1 0} and {1 1 2} slip systems.
Synthesis of the Tetradentate Phosphine α,α,α‘,α‘-Tetrakis(diphenylphosphino)-p-xylene (dppx) and Crystal and Molecular Structure of (CO)3Fe(dppx)Fe(CO)3

The tetradentate phosphine α,α,α‘,α‘-tetrakis(diphenylphosphino)-p-xylene (3, dppx) was prepared in two steps from α,α‘-bis(diphenylphosphino)-p-xylene (1) via the intermediate trisubstituted phosphine α,α,α‘-tris(diphenylphosphino)-p-xylene (2). The ligand, dppx, reacts with Fe2(CO)9 to afford a bridging bischelated complex Fe(CO)3(dppx)Fe(CO)3 (4), which was characterized by X-ray diffraction. Complex 4 crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/n, a = 11.903(1) A, b = 15.295(2) A, c = 15.415(1) A, β = 96.306(9)°, V = 2789.5(8)A3, Z = 2, R = 0.072, and Rw = 0.079.
Digital communication through intermolecular fluorescence modulation.

Ultraminiaturized processors incorporating molecular components can be developed only after devising efficient strategies to communicate signals at the molecular level. We have demonstrated that a three-state molecular switch responds to ultraviolet light, visible light, and H+, attenuating the emission intensity of a fluorescent probe. Intermolecular communication is responsible for the transduction of three input signals into a single optical output. The behavior of the communicating ensemble of molecules corresponds to that of a logic circuit incorporating seven gates.
Challenges and opportunities for structural DNA nanotechnology

DNA molecules have been used to build a variety of nanoscale structures and devices over the past 30 years, and potential applications have begun to emerge. But the development of more advanced structures and applications will require a number of issues to be addressed, the most significant of which are the high cost of DNA and the high error rate of self-assembly. Here we examine the technical challenges in the field of structural DNA nanotechnology and outline some of the promising applications that could be developed if these hurdles can be overcome. In particular, we highlight the potential use of DNA nanostructures in molecular and cellular biophysics, as biomimetic systems, in energy transfer and photonics, and in diagnostics and therapeutics for human health.
MRI of closed spinal dysraphisms

We present a pictorial review of MRI features of various closed spinal dysraphisms based on previously described clinicoradiological classification of spinal dysraphisms proposed. The defining imaging features of each dysraphism type are highlighted and a diagnostic algorithm for closed spinal dysraphisms is suggested.
Ionizable Groups in Fibers and Their Role in Dyeing. An Examination of the Sorption of Anionic Dyes by Cellulosic Fibers and Films

The development of a simple but general approach to equilibrium dyeing has stimulated a re-examination of existing data on the sorption of anionic dyes by, cellulosic fibeis. New data are also analyzed.The volume term V of the conventional theories has been replaced by the concept of an average practical ionic dis tribution coethcient (K1)P for the inorganic ions in the system. (K1)P can be measured independently of the dye sorp tion data.The conventional theories ignore the acidic groups in cellulosic fibers and appear to use incorrect values for V. For these reasons the conventional theories appear to be seriously in error. A direct experimental test of these conclusions is proposed.
Central Auditory System

A biological view of the central auditory system seems to be replacing the older Galilean or physics-based view as the guide for research in the late 20th century. This emerging view is primarily Darwinian in origin and recognizes that the entire auditory system is an adaptation for extracting information from natural sounds and their sources, usually for the guidance of immediate behavioral action. The fact that natural sounds themselves are almost always transients, too brief in duration to have tonal quality, suggests that the ear is far more of a Fast Fourier Transformer (and less of a Fourier analyzer) than is usually explicitly stated. Since the brief sounds constituting most of the acoustical environment contain critical information for guiding behavioral activity, several further hypotheses regarding the cell-level and tissue-level contributions of the central auditory system also follow. For example, the new view suggests that the central auditory system's role is likely to include the extraction of the behaviorally most important features, aspects, or dimensions of the sources of sounds in addition to, or possibly instead of, the physical dimensions of the sounds themselves. Because this new view has already enjoyed some measure of success and has also suggested a number of new and unusual directions for future research, it may become the dominant theory for research in the 21st century.
Tetracycline-regulated gene expression to study oncogenes in vivo

In order to determine the role of signaling molecules, such as oncogenes, in cellular function, it is often necessary to express these proteins under the control of a heterologous promoter in the cells of interest and determine the downstream effects of this expression. While this strategy is often successful, there are circumstances when the constitutive expression of such proteins results in the death of the transfected cells or the entire organism if a transgenic model is used. Furthermore, constitutive expression of oncogenes can result in longterm secondary effects and genetic instability which may not relate in a proximal way to the mode of signal transduction of the oncogene under investigation. Because of these considerations, other means for inducible expression of oncogenes have been used. In the past, oncogenes were placed directly downstream of promoters such as the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) LTR or the heavy metal-inducible metallothionein promoter. These promoters are useful in many cell culture lines because they can drive expression in a variably inducible manner. Using the MMTV promoter, 2- to 10-fold induction can be accomplished by provision of dexamethasone in the culture medium [1 2]. Induction of the metallothionein promoter at similar levels can be obtained by exposure of the transfected cells to zinc or cadmium ions [3 4]. However, these direct expression systems are of less use as inducible models in trans-genic animals. The MMTV promoter drives expression to certain steroid-responsive tissues such as the mammary gland, seminal vesicles and salivary glands of mice [5 6 7], while the metallothionein promoter drives expression to multiple tissues [8]. Furthermore, MMTV-driven expression in transgenic mice becomes constitutive because of the endogenous steroids produced in the animal, whereas induction through the metallothionein promoter is difficult because of stimulatory levels of zinc in the diet, but zinc induction has been observed [9]. The major problems are the inability to completely control tissue expression by these direct promoter systems and the poor inducibility of expression. These difficulties were strong stimuli for the development of bet-ter methods for tissue-specific and inducible expression in transgenic animals.
Delayed Functional Expression of Neuronal Chemokine Receptors Following Focal Nerve Demyelination in the Rat: A Mechanism for the Development of Chronic Sensitization of Peripheral Nociceptors:

Animal and clinical studies have revealed that focal peripheral nerve axon demyelination is accompanied by nociceptive pain behavior. C-C and C-X-C chemokines and their receptors have been strongly implicated in demyelinating polyneuropathies and persistent pain syndromes. Herein, we studied the degree to which chronic nociceptive pain behavior is correlated with the neuronal expression of chemokines and their receptors following unilateral lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-induced focal demyelination of the sciatic nerve in rats. Focal nerve demyelination increased behavioral reflex responsiveness to mechanical stimuli between postoperative day (POD) 3 and POD28 in both the hindpaw ipsilateral and contralateral to the nerve injury. This behavior was accompanied by a bilateral increase in the numbers of primary sensory neurons expressing the chemokine receptors CCR2, CCR5, and CXCR4 by POD14, with no change in the pattern of CXCR3 expression. Significant increases in the numbers of neurons expressing the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2), Regulated on Activation, Normal T Expressed and Secreted (RANTES/CCL5) and interferon γ-inducing protein-10 (IP-10/CXCL10) were also evident following nerve injury, although neuronal expression pattern of stromal cell derived factor-1α (SDF1/CXCL12) did not change. Functional studies demonstrated that acutely dissociated sensory neurons derived from LPC-injured animals responded with increased [Ca2+]i following exposure to MCP-1, IP-10, SDF1 and RANTES on POD 14 and 28, but these responses were largely absent by POD35. On days 14 and 28, rats received either saline or a CCR2 receptor antagonist isomer (CCR2 RA-[R]) or its inactive enantiomer (CCR2 RA-[S]) by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. CCR2 RA-[R] treatment of nerve-injured rats produced stereospecific bilateral reversal of tactile hyperalgesia. These results suggest that the presence of chemokine signaling by both injured and adjacent, uninjured sensory neurons is correlated with the maintenance phase of a persistent pain state, suggesting that chemokine receptor antagonists may be an important therapeutic intervention for chronic pain.
Comparison of Phoenix and VITEK 2 Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase Detection Tests for Analysis of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella Isolates with Well-Characterized β-Lactamases

The VITEK 2 and Phoenix extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) detection systems, which comprise confirmatory tests and expert systems, were evaluated for their ability to discriminate between 102 well-characterized strains of ESBL-positive or -negative Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Klebsiella oxytoca. At least 38 distinct ESBLs were included. The strains were chosen to include some known to cause false-positive and false-negative CLSI ESBL confirmatory test results. Therefore, enzyme characterizations, rather than CLSI tests, were the reference methods for the Phoenix and VITEK 2 evaluations. A third arm of the study was conducted with the Phoenix test using two normally inactive expert rules intended to enhance ESBL detection, in addition to using the currently available software. The Phoenix ESBL confirmatory test and unmodified expert system exhibited 96% sensitivity and 81% specificity for ESBL detection. Activation of the two additional rules increased sensitivity to 99% but reduced the specificity to 58%. The VITEK 2 ESBL confirmatory test exhibited 91% sensitivity, which was reduced to 89% sensitivity by its expert system, while its specificity was 85%. Many of the expert system interpretations of both instruments were helpful, but some were suboptimal. The VITEK 2 expert system was potentially more frustrating because it provided more inconclusive interpretations of the results. Considering the high degree of diagnostic difficulty posed by the strains, both ESBL confirmatory tests were highly sensitive. The expert systems of both instruments require modification to update and enhance their utility.
A novel LDA and PCA-based hierarchical scheme for metagenomic fragment binning

Metagenomics is to study microorganisms by directly extracting and cloning their DNAs from the environment without lab cultivation or isolation of individual genomes. Assembling of metagenomic DNA fragments is very much like the overlap-layout-consensus procedure for assembling isolated genomes, but is augmented by an additional binning step to differentiate scaffolds, contigs and unassembled reads into various taxonomic groups. In this paper, we employed oligonucleotide frequencies as the features and developed a hierarchical scheme for the challenging task of binning short metagenome fragments, in which principal component analysis (PCA) was implemented to reduce the high dimensionality of the feature space, and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used for the local classifier design. Simulation results and comparisons with a non-hierarchical classifier in silico were presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed PCA and LDA-based hierarchical scheme. The HIER package for this study is available upon request.
P01.03. A machine classification measure of meditation ability

Methods We recorded 32-channel EEG, electro-oculogram (EOG), ECG, respiration, and movement from 12 experienced (mean=13.3 years of practice) Zen Buddhist meditators and 12 non-meditator controls under two conditions for each group: listening to an audiotape and either loving-kindness meditation (meditators) or sitting quietly (non-meditators). The data were split into 15 minute audiotape and meditation epochs. Data were further divided into training and classification sets, and the support vector machine (SVM)-light algorithm was trained on data from each subject.
The PatchMatch randomized matching algorithm for image manipulation

This paper presents a new randomized algorithm for quickly finding approximate nearest neighbor matches between image patches. Our algorithm offers substantial performance improvements over the previous state of the art (20--100×), enabling its use in new interactive image editing tools, computer vision, and video applications. Previously, the cost of computing such matches for an entire image had eluded efforts to provide interactive performance. The key insight driving our algorithm is that the elements of our search domain---patches of image pixels---are correlated, and thus the search strategy takes advantage of these statistics. Our algorithm uses two principles: first, that good patch matches can be found via random sampling, and second, that natural coherence in the imagery allows us to propagate such matches quickly to surrounding areas. Our simple algorithm allows finding a single nearest neighbor match across translations only, whereas our general algorithm additionally allows matching of k-nearest neighbors, across all rotations and scales, and matching arbitrary descriptors. This one simple algorithm forms the basis for a variety of applications including image retargeting, completion, reshuffling, object detection, digital forgery detection, and video summarization.
Lhx2, a LIM homeobox gene, is required for eye, forebrain, and definitive erythrocyte development.

We investigated the function of Lhx2, a LIM homeobox gene expressed in developing B-cells, forebrain and neural retina, by analyzing embryos deficient in functional Lhx2 protein. Lhx2 mutant embryos are anophthalmic, have malformations of the cerebral cortex, and die in utero due to severe anemia. In Lhx2−/− embryos specification of the optic vesicle occurs; however, development of the eye arrests prior to formation of an optic cup. Deficient cellular proliferation in the forebrain results in hypoplasia of the neocortex and aplasia of the hippocampal anlagen. In addition to the central nervous system malformations, a cell non-autonomous defect of definitive erythropoiesis causes severe anemia in Lhx2−/− embryos. Thus Lhx2 is necessary for normal development of the eye, cerebral cortex, and efficient definitive erythropoiesis.
Nuclear Factor-κB Is Activated by Hyperoxia but Does Not Protect from Cell Death

Oxidative insults that are lethal to epithelial cells kill either via apoptosis or necrosis. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a redox-sensitive transcription factor that is activated by oxidative insult, and NF-kappaB activation can protect cells from apoptosis. To test if NF-kappaB can protect from necrotic cell death caused by high levels of molecular O2 (hyperoxia), we exposed human alveolar epithelial (A549) cells to hyperoxia. NF-kappaB was shown to be activated and was translocated to the nucleus within minutes. Nuclear translocation persisted over the course of several days, and the levels of NF-kappaB protein and mRNA increased as well. In hyperoxia, NF-kappaB regulation was independent of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In sharp contrast, there was neither nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB nor any increase in expression after exposure to H2O2 at a concentration where this oxidant induces both MAPK and widespread apoptosis. Despite the activation and increased expression of NF-kappaB in hyperoxia, this oxidant remained lethal to the cells. These observations confirm the notion that apoptosis occurs in the absence of NF-kappaB activation but indicate that protection from cell death by NF-kappaB is probably limited to apoptosis.
Repertoire development and ligand specificity of murine TCR gamma delta cells.

During the past several years, we have been studying the circulating TCR gamma delta cells expressed in peripheral lymphoid tissues. Biochemical and molecular characterization of the TCR gamma delta heterodimers present on these TCR gamma delta cells identified 3 TCR gamma proteins, V gamma 2-C gamma 1, V gamma 1.2-C gamma 2, and V gamma 1.1-C gamma 4. In addition, at least 6 different V delta gene products (V delta 2,4,5,6,V alpha 10, V alpha 11) are expressed in peripheral lymphoid tissue. Nucleotide sequence analysis has revealed a great deal of junctional diversity present among the different V gamma and V delta proteins. Thus, compared to other nonlymphoid tissues (e.g., skin), this population of TCR gamma delta cells appears quite extensive. The development and specificity of TCR gamma delta cells has been pursued by two approaches. First, different TCR gamma delta cells clones were generated which recognize MHC-encoded gene products. One clone recognizes an unconventional TL-encoded antigen, whereas others have been shown to recognize either classical MHC class I or class II antigens. The TCR gamma delta receptor genes have been cloned from the TL-specific TCR gamma delta cell and used to construct transgenic mice to examine the development of TCR gamma delta cells. Although the Tg+ TCR gamma delta cells are tolerized by thymic clonal tolerance similar to TCR alpha beta cells, the epithelial Tg+ TCR gamma delta cells are subjected to non-deletional tolerance (anergy). A second approach towards examining the development of TCR gamma delta cells has been to compare the repertoire of TCR gamma delta splenocytes in a variety of inbred and MHC-congenic strains of mice using subset-specific anti-murine TCR gamma delta mAb. The percentage of individual subsets of splenic TCR gamma delta cells differ widely between different inbred strains of mice due to both MHC- and TCR-encoded genetic differences. In summary, these studies provides a basis for understanding and determining the ligand(s) of the TCR gamma delta heterodimer and the factors which shape the peripheral TCR gamma delta repertoire.
Scout: A Hardware-Accelerated System for Quantitatively Driven Visualization and Analysis

Quantitative techniques for visualization are critical to the successful analysis of both acquired and simulated scientific data. Many visualization techniques rely on indirect mappings, such as transfer functions, to produce the final imagery. In many situations, it is preferable and more powerful to express these mappings as mathematical expressions, or queries, that can then be directly applied to the data. In this paper, we present a hardware-accelerated system that provides such capabilities and exploits current graphics hardware for portions of the computational tasks that would otherwise be executed on the CPU. In our approach, the direct programming of the graphics processor using a concise data parallel language, gives scientists the capability to efficiently explore and visualize data sets.
Hypogonadotropic Eunuchoidism. I. Clinical Study of the Mode of Inheritance

Hypogonadotropic eunuchoidism is a well recognized form of familial hypogonadism characterized by selective gonadotropin deficiency and sexual infantilism. Often, olfactory dysfunction or cryptorchidism are also present. Six kindreds of patients with hypogonadotropic eunuchoidism were studied in order to ascertain the mode of inheritance in this disorder. Thirtyfive percent of the siblings of affected individuals exhibited either hypogonadism, olfactory dysfunction or cryptorchidism. Olfactory dysfunction and hypogonadism were expressed in both men and women, although more commonly in men. Male to male transmission of anosmia was observed. An autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete expressivity is suggested by analysis of the six kindreds studied, although genetic heterogeneity can not be excluded. The most common abnormalities detected among the kindred members were olfactory dysfunction (26 patients), hypogonadism (21 patients), and cryptorchidism (6 patients). Hare-lip or cleft palate, a...
Sterilization of Infant Formula

A survey of 237 pediatricians currently practicing in Connecticut revealed that 97 (41%) recommend routine sterilization of infant formula for a mean of 4.4 months. Eight bottles of proprietary formula were prepared in a controlled manner: four utilizing the "terminal heating method" of sterilization and four utilizing the "clean method" without sterilization. While the "terminal heating method" resulted in less bacterial contamination, three of the bottles prepared by the "clean method" had negative coliform counts and the other bottle had a minimal count. Ten bottles prepared without sterilization were randomly selected from mothers who had brought their infants for well-child care. With the exception of a small inoculum of enterotoxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus in one bottle, no enteropathogens were identified. The implications of this study for the routine preparation of infant formula are discussed.
Emerging Methodologies for the Assessment of Safety Related Product Communications

The analysis and prevention of accidents often addresses issues related to compliance with product usage and cautionary information found on the product and within its accompanying manual. The actual knowledge applied when using a product, however, likely comes from many other sources in addition to (or instead of) these sources. In cases where inappropriate knowledge is applied to the use of a product, an injury, property damage, or substandard output may occur. This being the case, the development of a product and its accompanying information should consider user knowledge and patterns of behavior in the absence or partial absence of printed product information. Contemporary guidelines for safety related communications, however, emphasize the physical features and content of product information rather than formal analysis of user characteristics.To address these concerns, this paper suggests methods which may be further developed and validated to predict product usage behaviors and user interpretation o...
Improving the Development Process for CSE Software

Scientific and engineering programming has been around since the beginning of computing, often being the driving force for new system development and innovation. At the same time a continual focus on new modeling capabilities, and some apparent cultural issues, find software processes for many computational science and engineering (CSE) software projects lacking. Certainly there are notable exceptions, but our experience has been that CSE software projects, although committed to writing high-quality software, have few if any formal software processes and tools in place, and are often unaware of formal software quality assurance (SQA) concepts. Presently, increasing complexity of applications and a broad push to certify computations are dictating a higher standard for CSE software quality; it is no longer sufficient to claim to write high quality software. However, traditional software development models can be impractical for CSE projects to implement. Despite this, CSE software teams can benefit by implementing valuable SQA processes and tools. In this paper we outline some the processes and tools that are successfully used by the Trilinos Project. These tools and processes have been useful not only in increasing verifiable software quality, but also have improved overall software quality, and the development experience in general
MAJOR CONTROL POINTS IN AMERICAN ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY

ABSTRACT The headquarters locations of large, private business organizations in the United States have changed greatly during the past half-century. Technology, resources, accessibility, and legacy have imposed pervasive constraints upon entrepreneurs. Those constraints, in turn, have given a general order to the pattern. Variety of entrepreneurial talents and fortunes, meanwhile, has produced much variability around the general trends. Entrepreneurship, instability, inertia, and drive for security appear to have been essential, simultaneous processes reflected in the changing maps of headquarters.
REVISION OF THE GENUS STICTOSPORA AND DESCRIPTION OF STICTOSPORA VILLANI, N. SP. (APICOMPLEXA: EUGREGARINIDA: ACTINOCEPHALIDAE) FROM LARVAE OF THE JAPANESE BEETLE, POPILLIA JAPONICA (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEIDAE), IN MICHIGAN

Stictospora villani n. sp. is described from larvae of the Japanese beetle Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from southern Michigan. Stictospora villani is distinguished from known species of the genus by differences in gamont size and by structural details of the epimerite. In general, S. villani is smaller than other known species of the genus and possesses an epimerite with a margin of 20-24 sympetalous, pendulate, narrowly to very narrowly elliptoid lamina. Previously described species are characterized by epimerites with notably fewer marginal lamina. A heretofore unrecognized protistan is diagnosed from the coelomic fat bodies and tentatively placed within the Neogregarinorida. We conclude that previous workers have mistaken this neogregarine for the gametocyst and oocyst of Stictospora, which are described in this study for the first time. The generic diagnosis of Stictospora is revised to encompass the epimeritic variation of its constituent species and to correctly reflect the morphology of the oocyst.
A Survey of the Introductory Course in Psychology

Forty-three site visits and 193 questionnaires kept this psychologist busy for a sabbatical year and yielded numerous valuable insights.
Security properties consistent with the testing semantics for communicating processes

A theory of security that is based on specification languages for communicating processes and the formal testing semantics for such languages is developed. The DeNicola-Hennessy theory of testing semantics for processes as presented by M. Hennessy (Algebraic Theory of Processes, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 1988) is reviewed in some detail. The theory is then applied to the analysis of certain information flows. >
Pipelined multipliers for reconfigurable hardware

Summary form only given. Reconfigurable devices used in digital signal processing applications must handle large amounts of data in vector form. Most signal processing algorithms use multiplication extensively; thus, the hardware must support this operation to achieve high performance. However, mapping a multiplier on traditional fine-grain devices produces a complex structure whose performance is limited by the routing overhead. In this paper, we present a novel pipelined multiplier structure suitable for medium-grain and coarse-grain reconfigurable cell arrays. We first implement an unsigned n-bit multiplier using m-bit cells. Then, we show how the same structure can work with two's-complement data with small changes to the configuration. The structure requires [n/m]/sup 2/ cells, but can execute vector operations in a pipelined fashion. We also discuss the benefits of using a hierarchical design for large multipliers.
Results of the 2009 AORN salary survey.

ABSTRACT AORN conducted its seventh annual compensation survey for perioperative nurses in August of 2009. A multiple regression model was used to examine how a variety of variables including job title, education level, certification, experience, and geographic region affect nursing compensation. Comparisons between the 2009 data and previous years' data are presented. The effects of other forms of compensation, such as on-call compensation, overtime, bonuses, and shift differentials on average base compensation rates also are examined. Additional analyses explore the effect of the current economic downturn on the perioperative work environment. AORN J 90 (December 2009) 829–844. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) Profiler

One of the most useful instruments developed for determining seawater properties during the last four decades has been the CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth). This device has supplanted the traditional hydrocast using Nansen bottles and reversing thermometers that was standard physical oceanographic practice from about 1910 to 1970. The CTD, although an electronic instrument, has its origin in the older technology. The computations of properties such as depth, salinity, density, speed of sound, and potential temperature have been greatly facilitated by having the measurements of conductivity, temperature, and pressure in digital format for direct entry into standard formulas, originally in FORTRAN but now in Matlab and other computational engines.
The Empirical 'Is' and the Ethical 'Ought'; Warren P. Hill, Herbert Morris, and the Historical-Intellectual Development of Legal and Democratic Relativism

The formative decades between 1930 and 1960 saw critics assail democratic relativism as enabling the rise of totalitarian governance and defenders retort that only social theories recognizing all truths as tentative could support pluralist democratic government. While Edward A. Purcell, in his book "The Crisis of Democratic Theory," analyzes the relativism-versus-first principles debate primarily within the context of democratic theory, that debate also flared within the context of criminal justice, where disjunctions among science, law, and morality were increasingly apparent in the dialogue over criminal responsibility. That dialogue, grounded in the languages of traditional, scientific positivist, and utilitarian theories, no less than the debate over democratic theory, concerns liberty, free will, and the role of the individual - perhaps the ultimate empirical and relativistic unit - in determining the rule of law. While in no way seeking an artificial overlay of these intellectual debates about democratic theory and criminal responsibility, this paper views excerpted works of two intellectuals - Warren P. Hill and Herbert Morris - from the perspective of both democratic and criminal justice theories.
Real time visualization of the differential mTEC and DC contributions to T cell central tolerance (BA8P.119)

T cell central tolerance for peripherally expressed tissues is established by thymocyte:stromal cell interactions that occur within the thymic medulla. However, the roles of the medullary thymic epithelial cell (mTEC) and dendritic cell (DC) subsets in mediating negative selection against tissue-restricted antigens are unclear. While genetic models provide evidence regarding the selecting potential of either stromal cell subset in the absence of the other, these models interfere with the normal thymocyte:stromal cell crosstalk necessary to establish a properly differentiated thymic microenvironment; this leaves open the relative contribution of either stromal cell type in mediating negative selection when both subsets are intact. Here, using two-photon fluorescence microscopy, we observe thymocyte:stromal cell interactions at the onset of TCR signaling as they occur in real time in the thymic medulla. We have quantitated CD8+ and CD4+ thymocyte contacts with either Aire+ mTECs or DCs in the presence of membrane-bound or secreted soluble forms of antigen, and find that both thymocyte MHC-restriction and subcellular localization of the antigen modulate the contributions of mTECs and DCs to negative selection. These experiments provide insight into the cellular mechanisms of central tolerance that deter autoimmunity, as they occur in a physiological environment.
Pathology resident training in the united states: a college of american pathologists' perspective

The practice of pathology is rapidly changing. Advances in science, progress in therapeutics and novel technological applications create both new opportunities and new challenges for pathologists. Economic realities drive new practice models and encourage attention to quality and integration of care delivery. The trainees of today must be well versed in the science, skilled in the applications, and grounded in the economics in order to transition into practice. How are we approaching our task and how well are we doing? In the United States, the shift to an outcomes or competency-based model is well underway. Multiple surveys are charting our progress. Overall, both recent trainees and their employers report numerous positive outcomes for training but also raise serious concerns which must be addressed. What are the implications for training and how might training change to meet the new reality?
Effect of Molecular Orientation on the Cold Crystallization of Amorphous–Crystallizable Polymers: The Case of Poly(trimethylene terephthalate)

The effect of molecular orientation on cold crystallization of amorphous crystallizable polymers was examined using poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) films drawn to different draw ratios and strain rates. A combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to examine structural evolution and nonisothermal crystallization kinetics. The cold crystallization temperature (Tc), cold crystallization exotherm (ΔHc), and subsequent melting temperature (Tm) were carefully correlated to the overall molecular orientation. For the first time, the overall molecular orientation was shown to have an inverse relationship to the cold crystallization temperature, as well as the cold crystallization exotherm. Nonisothermal cold crystallization has not occurred when the overall orientation exceeded the critical value of 0.43. The kinetics of nonisothermal cold crystallization of PTT with a different overall molecular orientation has been inve...
Designing Mechanomutable Composites: Reconfiguring the Structure of Nanoparticle Networks through Mechanical Deformation

Via a new dynamic, three-dimensional computer model, we simulate the tensile deformation of polymer-grafted nanoparticles that are cross-linked by labile bonds, which can readily rupture and reform. For a range of relatively high strains, the network does not fail, but rather restructures into a stable, ordered structure. Within this network, the reshuffling of the labile bonds enables the formation of this new morphology. The results provide guidelines for designing mechano-responsive hybrid materials that undergo controllable structural transitions through the application of applied forces.
Using claims data to measure and improve the MMR immunization rate in an HMO.

Article-at-a-Glance Background Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are increasingly being expected to show evidence of the quality of care provided. One such quality measure is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization rate. This article describes how Blue Choice, an individual practice association (IPA)-model HMO, located in Rochester, New York, with more than 350,000 members, set up a three-phase study to improve immunization compliance rates. Methods The first phase of the study amounted to calculating baseline compliance figures consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization protocol using paid claims and membership databases. The second phase was to recalculate the MMR immunization rate based on survey information gathered from primary care physicians and to analyze and address reasons for any observed discrepancies. The third phase was to use Blue Choice Quality Assurance nursing staff to follow up with the remaining noncompliant members and determine the impact of intervention on the MMR immunization rate. Results Our baseline MMR immunization compliance study yielded a rate of 91.7%, which, as a first check of quality, is quite good in comparison to the nationally reported MMR compliance figures of 79.3%. Phase II analysis demonstrated that by seeking chart information, the overall MMR compliance rate was actually 96.7% Reasons for noncompliance are described, as well as the process used and improvements made, in phase III.
Physician use of on-line databases.

SUMMARY All in all, the amount of information and the potential use to the physician are difficult to overstate. Still, possibly one of the most amazing things about this area of computers in medicine is that this is only the beginning.
Patienten mit Klappenvitium auf der Intensivstation

Eine Klappendysfunktion ist ebenso haufig Ursache fur eine akut dekompensierte Herzinsuffizienz wie ein akutes koronares Syndrom. Mit zunehmendem Alter der Patienten steigt die Wahrscheinlichkeit fur ein relevantes Klappenvitium und betragt bei uber 75-jahrigen mehr als 10 %. Therapierichtlinien und Studien fur diese Patienten im intensivmedizinischen Bereich sind trotz hervorragender Leitlinien zur Behandlung von Herzklappenerkrankungen in allgemeinen Patientenpopulationen (z. B. Leitlinien der European Society of Cardiology) aber rar. Fur die extremste Prasentationsform einer Klappendysfunktion, dem kardiogenen Schock, haben sich in den letzten Jahren bei Versagen der medikamentos therapeutischen Therapieoptionen und drohender bzw. bestehender Organdysfunktion in Einzelfallen therapeutische Alternativen erfolgreich erwiesen (z. B. Ballonvalvuloplastie bei Aortenklappenstenose, extrakorporale Membranoxygenierung/perkutan implantierbare ventrikulare Unterstutzungssysteme, Mitraclipping). Diese Therapien sind bei Klappendysfunktion und Schock als „bridge to operation“ zu sehen, ist doch die Klappenersatz-/Klappenrekonstruktionsoperation nach wie vor der anzustrebende Goldstandard bei der Behandlung dieser Erkrankungen. Eine Stabilisierung des Patienten und die Verbesserung der Organfunktionen ist jedoch entscheidend, um eine Operation zu ermoglichen.