cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of solution theories for predicting water vapor absorption by amorphous pharmaceutical solids: a test of the Flory-Huggins and Vrentas models.

The limitations of traditional gas adsorption models for describing water vapor sorption by amorphous pharmaceutical solids are described and an alternative approach based on polymer solution theories is proposed. The approach is tested by comparing a priori predicted isotherms with literature data for the poly(vinylpyrrolidone)(PVP)-water system. The well-known Flory-Huggins model is able to describe the water vapor sorption isotherm only when the PVP-water mixture is in the rubbery state (i.e., above its glass transition temperature). However, a newer model developed by Vrentas and coworkers, which takes into account the plasticizing effect of water on the polymer, is able to describe the entire form of the isotherm. Consideration of the parameters in this model allows a number of critical variables to be identified and also enables the characteristic shape of the water vapor sorption isotherm to be explained.
Roles of GTP and Rho GTPases in pancreatic islet beta cell function and dysfunction.

A growing body of evidence implicates requisite roles for GTP and its binding proteins (Rho GTPases) in the cascade of events leading to physiological insulin secretion from the islet beta cell. In...
AHR Regulates NK Cell Migration via ASB2-Mediated Ubiquitination of Filamin A.

Natural killer (NK) cells are effector cells of the innate immune system involved in defense against virus-infected and transformed cells. The effector function of NK cells is linked to their ability to migrate to sites of inflammation or damage. Therefore, understanding the factors regulating NK cell migration is of substantial interest. Here, we show that in the absence of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, NK cells have reduced capacity to migrate and infiltrate tumors in vivo. Analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed that ankyrin repeat and SOCS Box containing 2 (Asb2) expression was dramatically decreased in Ahr -/- NK cells and that AhR ligands modulated its expression. Further, AhR directly regulated the promoter region of the Asb2 gene. Similar to what was observed with murine Ahr -/- NK cells, ASB2 knockdown inhibited the migration of human NK cells. Activation of AHR by its agonist FICZ induced ASB2-dependent filamin A degradation in NK cells; conversely, knockdown of endogenous ASB2 inhibited filamin A degradation. Reduction of filamin A increased the migration of primary NK cells and restored the invasion capacity of AHR-deficient NK cells. Our study introduces AHR as a new regulator of NK cell migration, through an AHR-ASB2-filamin A axis and provides insight into a potential therapeutic target for NK cell-based immunotherapies.
Metastatic Risk Factors Associated with Class 1A Uveal Melanoma Patients.

In uveal melanoma (UM), gene expression profiling (GEP) is commonly used to classify metastatic risk into three groups (Class 1A, 1B, and 2). Class 1A patients have a lower metastatic risk of 2% at 5 years compared to other groups. We aimed to describe clinical features associated with the development of metastasis in this low-risk group. This single-center IRB-approved retrospective case series review included all UM patients between February 2006 and March 2019 with an archived or fresh specimen classified as Class 1A. Cox regression and receiver operating characteristics analyses were used to identify factors associated with metastasis development and OS. Among 73 UM patients with Class 1A, the 5-year cumulative incidence of local recurrence and distant metastasis was 4.2% and 17.0%, respectively. Stage III disease (HR 20.7; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.4–300.6; p= 0.0264) was found to be independently associated with metastatic recurrence, while primary therapy was associated with OS (enucleation vs. brachytherapy, HR 13.5; 95% CI 1.3–147.6; p = 0.0348). Combined clinical decision-making utilizing factors such as GEP class, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, and COMS size could have a significant clinical impact by improving risk stratification and adapting follow-up intervals in UM Class 1A patients.
Réflexion sur l’épistémologie de la recherche en éducation à partir d’une étude dans le domaine des TIC avec une méthode collaborative

Cet article se veut surtout le bilan d’une reflexion generale sur l’epistemologie de la recherche en education, qui decoule d’une etude specifique sans en etre un derive absolu. La premiere partie presente un segment des resultats d’une etude de cas se penchant sur le probleme de l’integration pedagogique des TIC, que j’ai menee avec des formateurs d’enseignants. La deuxieme partie discute des resultats de cette recherche, sous l’angle de la methodologie utilisee dans cette etude. Dans cette partie, les resultats issus d’un entretien semi-structure et d’un entretien selon la methode de l’analyse de construits permettent de comparer les deux methodes de collecte de donnees. Le texte se termine avec la description d’une metaphore epistemologique dynamique, qui permet de creer une image de la construction mutuelle de la connaissance qui se produit dans l’interaction avec l’autre, cet autre qui m’oblige a reflechir sur mon intervention, et que j’incite a se questionner sur ses pratiques.
Negative Affectivity Moderates Associations between Cumulative Risk and At-Risk Toddlers' Behavior Problems.

This study examined cumulative risk, temperament traits, and their interplay as predictors of internalizing, externalizing, and sleep problems in at-risk toddlers. Participants were 104 low-income mother–toddler dyads recruited from women, infants, and children sites in a large city. The sample was primarily African American, and mothers were 21 years of age or younger at the child’s birth. The dyads were assessed when the toddlers were approximately 18 months old and again at 24 months of age. Though all toddlers were from low-income families with young mothers, the families varied in the degree to which other contextual risk factors were present. A cumulative risk index was calculated based on five contextual factors: maternal education, neighborhood dangerousness, social support, household overcrowding and single parenting. In multiple regressions, cumulative risk predicted sleep and externalizing problems. In addition, negative affectivity predicted all three domains of problem behaviors, effortful control predicted fewer externalizing problems, and surgency predicted fewer internalizing problems. Moreover, low negative affectivity buffered the association between cumulative risk and both internalizing and sleep problems. These findings suggest that it is important to consider children’s temperament traits in conjunction with the constellation of family risks when designing prevention programs to reduce the prevalence of behavior problems early in life.
Object oriented VLSI design automation for pulse coded neural networks

Pulse coded neural networks employ special purpose mixed signal circuits which emulate to varying degrees the temporal behavior of natural neurons. It has long been difficult to verify pulse coded neural network implementations of significant complexity prior to fabrication using conventional design automation tools. In this paper, we introduce SPINACH, an objected oriented solution to the problems of pulse-coded neural network hardware simulation and synthesis. SPINACH is a C++ object library intended for the specification and simulation of pulse-coded neural network hardware. As such, it fulfils the purpose of a specialized mixed-signal hardware description language (HDL) complete with both large-scale simulation capabilities and also circuit synthesis when combined with a commercial VLSI design system. >
Identification of members of the Bex gene family as olfactory marker protein (OMP) binding partners

Olfactory marker protein (OMP) expression is a hallmark of mature vertebrate olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). Evidence for OMP function derives from altered behavioral and electrophysiological activities of OMP-KO mice. The molecular basis for the altered phenotype following the deletion of OMP is still unclear. Recent structural studies predict the involvement of OMP in protein-protein interaction. Here we report the identification of an OMP partner, Bex2, by phage-display screening of an olfactory mucosal cDNA-library. In situ hybridization demonstrates cellular co-localization of OMP mRNA with mRNAs for Bex1, Bex2, and Bex3 in ORNs of olfactory tissue of the mouse. The OMP/Bex interaction has been confirmed by demonstrating the chemical cross-linking of recombinant rat OMP with a synthetic peptide derived from the Bex amino acid sequence. The subcellular localization of Bex and OMP proteins was evaluated in transfected HEK293 cells. Bex is visualized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Following co-transfection we observed the unexpected presence of some OMP in the nucleus along with Bex. Together, these data argue convincingly that we have identified Bex as an OMP partner whose further characterization will provide insight to the role of OMP and to the mechanism of the OMP/Bex interaction in ORN differentiation and function.
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease incidence in relationship to cardiovascular disease in the cardiovascular health study cohort

Objectives: To determine whether coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), or noninvasive markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) predict the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Design: Longitudinal cohort study. Setting: Four U.S. communities. Participants: Men and women (N=3,602) with a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan but no dementia were followed for 5.4 years. Participants with stroke were excluded. Measurements: Neurologists and psychiatrists classified incident cases of dementia and subtype using neuropsychological tests, examination, medical records and informant interviews. CVD was defined at the time of the MRI scan. Noninvasive tests of CVD were assessed within 1 year of the MRI. Apolipoprotein E allele status, age, race, sex, education, Mini-Mental State Examination score, and income were assessed as potential confounders. Results: The incidence of dementia was higher in those with prevalent CVD, particularly in the subgroup with PAD. The rate of AD was 34.4 per 1,000 person-years for those with a history of CVD, versus 22.2 per 1,000 person-years without a history of CVD (adjusted hazard ratio (HR)=1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.0–1.7). Rates of AD were highest in those with PAD (57.4 vs 23.7 per 100 person-years, adjusted HR=2.4, 95% CI=1.4–4.2). Results were similar with further exclusion of those with vascular dementia from the AD group. A gradient of increasing risk was noted with the extent of vascular disease. Conclusion: Older adults with CVD other than stroke had a higher risk of dementia and AD than did those without CVD. The risk was highest in people with PAD, suggesting that extensive peripheral atherosclerosis is a risk factor for AD.
Analysis of Mismatch Repair in Human Nuclear Extracts

This unit describes an assay for completed mismatch correction along with a precise and sensitive assay for mismatch-repair excision intermediates and a simple and efficient procedure for construction of mismatch repair substrates. These substrates are derived by ligating synthetic oligomers into a gapped plasmid generated using the sequence-specific N.BstNBI nicking endonuclease, then the sequence-specific nicking endonuclease N.AlwI, to introduce single nicks for initiation of excision. These methods can be easily adapted for construction and analysis of DNA-lesion-containing substrates to study DNA-repair pathways other than mismatch repair. Keywords: mismatch repair; error correction; excision; N.AlwI; N.BstNBI
Nonlinear output-feedback control of a polymerization reactor

This article presents an approach to the problem of nonlinear output-feedback control. The output-feedback control law is derived within the framework of the globally linearizing control structure; it includes an input-output linearizing state-feedback, a linear error-feedback with integral action, and a reduced-order nonlinear observer. A class of free radical polymerization reactors are considered to illustrate the application and performance of the nonlinear output-feedback control law. For this class, the global asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system is shown.
Tubal ectopic pregnancy: etiology and obstetric and gynecologic sequelae.

Abstract The review of 492 patients with tubal ectopic pregnancy admitted to the Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, between 1962 and 1970, confirms that this entity is not a random phenomenon occurring among the obstetric population. The significance of pelvic inflammatory disease in the etiology of this disease is reviewed. Evaluation of the obstetric sequelae of ectopic pregnancy reveals that only 61 per cent of the population at risk of pregnancy subsequently conceived; 38 per cent had at least one conception resulting in a viable infant while 27 per cent of patients who conceived had a second ectopic pregnancy. Determinants of the probability of a successful viable pregnancy versus a repeat ectopic pregnancy, including the choice of surgical procedure and evidence of previous pelvic inflammatory disease, are reviewed.
Lessons from Basic Research in Selenium and Cancer Prevention

The article reviews the progress in basic research of selenium and cancer prevention during the past decade. Special emphasis is placed on the following four major areas of discussion: 1) chemical forms of selenium and anticarcinogenic activity; 2) selenium-enriched food; 3) in vitro effects of selenite vs. monomethylated selenium; and 4) aromatic selenium compounds. It is clear that basic research has contributed new knowledge to our understanding of selenium biochemistry, anticancer efficacy and regulation of cell growth. Some of this information could be ready for incorporation into the design of a second-generation selenium trial in humans.
Effects of salts on DPNH oxidase activity & structure of sweet potato mitochondria.

The fact that inorganic salts can stimulate the oxygen consumption of many plant tissues has raised the possibility that the salts may exert a direct influence on the activity of the respiratory chain. Work in several laboratories (1, 17) has shown that the cytochrome c oxidase activity of isolated mitochondria can be stimulated by relatively high salt concentrations, but the physiological significance of this effect is not clear. Extramitochondrial cytochrome c is not the normal substrate for this enzyme, and the stimulatory effect is not specific for salts-a variety of agents which influence particle structure can promote this reaction (20). Honda, Robertson, and Gregory (9) have reported that the oxidation of reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide (DPNH) by isolated beet root mitochondria is stimulated up to 50 % by low concentrations of salts, and they suggest that this effect may be responsible for the salt respiration of intact tissues. However, it is questionable whether or not extramitochondrial DPNH represents a physiological substrate, and further evidence on the mechanism of this effect is needed. In the course of an investigation of factors influencing the respiratory chain in sweet potato mitochondria, it was discovered that the DPNH oxidase activity is stimulated dramatically by a variety of salts. These effects are examined here, with special reference to some related salt-induced modifications of the particle structure. Preliminary reports on this work have already appeared (6, 7).
The Impact of Criminal Justice Innovation: Feeley on Court Reform

Under a banner evoking Jerome Frank's classic account of the gap between the rhetoric describing trial courts and the reality of practice and decision making within them,' Malcolm Feeley, a political scientist, sets out to explain in Court Reform on Trial: Why Simple Solutions Fail2 why so many many recent innovations in criminal courts fail to achieve their goals. He summarizes a number of studies dealing with a variety of "reforms," including pretrial release (e.g., release on recognizance or ROR) programs; diversion of defendants from the criminal process into rehabilitative programs; a variety of sentence reforms (e.g., mandatory-minimum-sentence laws of the "use-agun-go-to-prison" variety or determinate sentence laws); and the federal speedy-trial act. The book is not based on substantial original research; rather it is a summary of the work of others and includes an attempt to distill a "theory" that will help us to understand why reforms often fail and how they might be made to succeed. The book is written clearly and can provide readers not familiar with the literature on innovation in courts with some useful summaries of social science research. Feeley's thesis about why dashed expectations and unintended consequences often accompany court reform is straightforward and contains few surprises. He follows suggestions of the researchers he summarizes and argues that reform proponents have typically attempted to alter the behavior of courtroom participants (judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, etc.) without taking sufficient account of the reasons for their current behavior. Settled patterns for case dispositions (e.g., the importance of plea bargaining, the development of "going rates," which embody expectations about sentences certain kinds of defendants can expect to receive), the role of characteristics like prior record in pretrial release decisions, a particular pace for
UNIQUENESS OF RECOVERY OF SOME QUASILINEAR PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

We prove uniqueness of the term c(u,p) of partial differential equations −Δu + c(u, ∇u) = 0 and ∂ t u − Δu + c(u, ∇u) = 0 with the Dirichlet-to-Neumann map given on a part of the lateral boundary. We use a linearization method and singular solutions in the boundary reconstruction of the linearized equations
Construction of two recombination yeast two-hybrid vectors by in vitro recombination

Recombination-based restrictionless, ligation-independent cloning has been proven to be advantageous over restriction digestion and ligation cloning. To utilize the recombination cloning and previously constructed two-hybrid cDNA libraries, a new Gateway yeast two-hybrid bait vector, pEZY202, and a new prey vector, pEZY45, were constructed. The two-hybrid vectors were generated by in vitro recombination using a protocol that can be easily adapted for the conversion of other existing vectors. The new vectors were used to assay the interaction between the WW domain of PQBP1 (PQBPww) and the WW domain binding protein WBP11. Both PQBPww and WBP11 were cloned into a Gateway donor vector by in vitro recombination. They were then subcloned into pEZY45 and pEZY202, respectively, by in vitro recombination. The binding between PQBPww and WBP11 was reported in a two-hybrid experiment using the new vectors. The results of testing the new vectors in combination with the original vectors indicated that the new bait vector could be used to screen cDNA libraries that are constructed using the original prey vectors.
Differential expression and modulation of Thy-1 on myoblast clones.

Abstract In the preceding paper [ J. S. Schweitzer, M. A. Dichter, and S. J. Kaufman, 1987 , Exp. Cell Res.172, 1] we demonstrated that expression of Thy-1 antigen by rat skeletal muscle myoblasts in culture is modulated by fibroblasts. Growth of myoblasts with myofibroblasts, or in medium in which fibroblasts have been grown, causes a sharp reduction in the percentage of myoblasts that express Thy-1 antigen on their membrane. In this paper we demonstrate that there are two populations of myoblasts that can be distinguished by their capacity to respond to the Thy-1-modulating factor (TMF). The majority of Thy-1-positive or -negative myoblasts grown at clonal densities are responsive to TMF. A second myoblast clonal type is Thy-1 positive and fuses to form contractile myotubes, but is insensitive to TMF and has a more fibroblast-like morphology. These clonal phenotypes are stable upon passage in vitro and may represent distinct subsets of the myogenic lineage.
Use of antidepressants and statins and short-term risk of new-onset diabetes among high risk adults.

Abstract Aims We evaluated the association of combined use of antidepressants and statins and the risk of new-onset diabetes among high-risk adults. Methods We used a retrospective, observational, longitudinal design among adults (age ≥22 years) who were diabetes free at baseline and had reported hypertension or hyperlipidemia or heart disease. We used data were from 2004 to 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and identified from self-reported diabetes or insulin use. We categorized antidepressants and statins use into four groups: antidepressants only, statins only, combined use of antidepressants and statins (antidepressants–statins), and neither antidepressant nor statins. We conducted chi-square and multivariable logistic regressions to examine the association between use of antidepressants–statins and new-onset diabetes after controlling for demographic and economic characteristics, health-status, access to care, presence of depression, and lifestyle risk factors. Results In our study sample, 9.3% used antidepressants only, 10.7% used statins only and 2.4% adults reported use of antidepressants–statins. Nearly 2% of the study sample reported new-onset diabetes. In unadjusted analyses, significantly higher proportion of adults using antidepressants–statins (3.2%) reported new-onset diabetes compared to those using neither antidepressants nor statins (1.1%). However, after controlling for all other variables in multivariable regression we did not observe a statistically significant association between use of antidepressants–statins and new-onset diabetes. Conclusions Our study results do not suggest that use of antidepressants–statins may increase the risk of new-onset diabetes. Future research needs to examine this relationship with specific combinations of these drug classes and using longer follow up periods.
Scanning 3-D IR Imaging With a GaN Photodiode Using Nondegenerate Two-photon Absorption

We demonstrate scanning 3-D IR imaging using non-degenerate two-photon absorption (2PA) in an uncooled GaN photodetector. The SNR of the technique should improve for longer imaging wavelengths due to increased nondegeneracy, which enhances 2PA.
Viral particles in the conjunctiva of a patient with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Conjunctival biopsy from a 39-year-old man with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome revealed the presence of herpes virus particles by electron microscopy. The finding of herpes virus particles in the conjunctiva may be of prognostic significance in documenting the presence of systemic viral infection.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS ON THE ANALYSIS OF PRIMARY COSMIC RAY INTENSITY EXPERIMENTS

A discussion is given of the procedures employed in the analysis of primary cosmic ray intensity experiments and the assumptions inherent in their use, with particular emphasis on nuclear emulsion as a detector. Explicit formulae for extrapolation of particle intensities for various geometries employed in emulsion work are given. Some discussion of geomagnetic effects is given and data are presented showing that the earth’s shadow cone is not appreciably present at a geomagnetic latitude of 40°.
Preconditioning enhanced glucose uptake is mediated by p38 MAP kinase not by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Ischemia is reported to stimulate glucose uptake, but the signaling pathways involved are poorly understood. Modulation of glucose transport could be important for the cardioprotective effects of brief intermittent periods of ischemia and reperfusion, termed ischemic preconditioning. Previous work indicates that preconditioning reduces production of acid and lactate during subsequent sustained ischemia, consistent with decreased glucose utilization. However, there are also data that preconditioning enhances glucose uptake. The present study examines whether preconditioning alters glucose transport and whether this is mediated by either phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) or p38 MAP kinase. Langendorff-perfused rat hearts were preconditioned with 4 cycles of 5 min of ischemia and 5 min of reperfusion, with glucose as substrate. During the last reflow, glucose was replaced with 5 mM acetate and 5 mM 2-deoxyglucose (2DG), and hexose transport was measured from the rate of production of 2-deoxyglucose 6-phosphate (2DG6P), using (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance. Preconditioning stimulated 2DG uptake; after 15 min of perfusion with 2DG, 2DG6P levels were 165% of initial ATP in preconditioned hearts compared with 96% in control hearts (p < 0.05). Wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3K, did not block the preconditioning induced stimulation of 2DG6P production, but perfusion with SB202190, an inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase, did attenuate 2DG6P accumulation (111% of initial ATP, p < 0. 05 compared with preconditioned hearts). SB202190 had no effect on 2DG6P accumulation in nonpreconditioned hearts. Preconditioning stimulation of translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane was not inhibited by wortmannin. The data demonstrate that ischemic preconditioning increases hexose transport and that this is mediated by p38 MAP kinase and is PI3K-independent.
A Simple Theoretical Approach to Cumulative Sum Control Charts

Abstract By considering the use of a cumulative sum control chart, in the way described by Page [3] and Barnard [2], as the application of two sequential probability ratio tests to the observed series taken in reversed order, some approximate formulae for properties of this procedure are obtained. These are simple formulae relating the probabilities of detection of a given change in average value to the position and slope of the critical limits. It is suggested that these results may sometimes be useful as a guide to the limits to be used.
Recent advances in surface integral methods for analyzing quantum-dot-based plasmonic nano-structures

High-efficiency light absorbing and emitting nano-structures are important for a large range of opto-electronics device and systems applications, ranging from solar cells and light detectors to advanced light emitter-based applications. This work focuses on the subject of novel semiconductor quantum-dot-based plasmonic nano-particles. They have attracted significant attention recently as key building blocks for numerous nonlinear optical applications. The objective of this research is to develop computational modeling and simulation tools to analyze and optimize such plasmonic quantum dot (PQD) nano-structures. It includes computational predictions of the fields within the quantum dot/dielectric shell/metallic nano-shell structures, investigation of multi-scale and multi-physics phenomena, and further optimization of such structures over a broad parameter space.
Scatterometer winds composited according to the phase of tropical intraseasonal oscillations

Satellite measured, scatterometer winds are composited according to the longitudinal phase ofupper tropospheric divergence associated with the eastward propagating, tropical intraseasonaloscillations. Results suggest that surface wind anomalies may be of global scale. They can beseen clearly in the zonal average. Accompanying anomalies in frictional torques vary by 5 Hadleys (1 Hadley=10 18 kg m2 s −2 ). DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1999.t01-2-00007.x
Graph-based seed scheduling for out-of-core FTLE and pathline computation

As the size of scientific data sets continues to increase, performing effective data analysis and visualization becomes increasingly difficult. Desktop machines, still the scientists' favorite platform to perform analysis and visualization computation, usually do not have enough memory to load the entire data set all at once. For time-varying flow visualization, the Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponent (FTLE) allows one to glean insight into the existence of the Lagrangian Coherence Structures (LCS) by quantifying the separation of flows. To obtain high resolution FTLE fields, the computation of FTLE requires tracing particles from every grid point and at every time step. Because the size of the time-varying flow data can easily exceed the amount of available memory in the desktop machines, efficient out-of-core FTLE computation algorithms that minimize the I/O overhead are very much needed. To tackle this problem, one can perform a batch mode computation of particle tracing where the particles are organized into different groups, and at any time only one group of particles are advected in the time-varying field. Since tracing particles requires loading the necessary data blocks on demand along the flow paths, to maximize the usage of the data and minimize the I/O cost, an effective scheduling of particles becomes essential. The main challenge is to avoid reloading the same data blocks that were previously processed. In this paper, to solve the problem we model the flow as a directed weighted graph and predict the access dependency among the data blocks, i.e., the path of particles, using Markov chain. With the predicted path we devise an optimization method that groups the particles into different processing batches to minimize the total number of block accesses from the disk. Experimental results show that our scheduling algorithm performs better than algorithms based on a general space-filling ordering.
Relationship Between Temporomandibular Disorders, Widespread Palpation Tenderness, and Multiple Pain Conditions: A Case-Control Study

The multiple bodily pain conditions in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have been associated with generalized alterations in pain processing. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the presence of widespread body palpation tenderness (WPT) and the likelihood of multiple comorbid pain conditions in TMD patients and controls. This case-control study was conducted in 76 TMD subjects with WPT, 83 TMD subjects without WPT, and 181 non-TMD matched control subjects. The study population was also characterized for clinical pain, experimental pain sensitivity, and related psychological phenotypes. Results showed that (1) TMD subjects reported an average of 1.7 comorbid pain conditions compared to 0.3 reported by the control subjects (p<0.001); (2) Compared to control subjects, the odds ratio (OR) for multiple comorbid pain conditions is higher for TMD subjects with WPT [OR 8.4 (95% CI 3.1–22.8) for TMD with WPT versus OR 3.3 (95% CI 1.3–8.4) for TMD without WPT]; (3) TMD subjects with WPT presented with reduced pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) in both cranial and extra-cranial regions compared to TMD subjects without WPT; and (4) TMD subjects with WPT reported increased somatic symptoms. These findings suggest that pain assessment outside of the orofacial region may prove valuable for the classification, diagnosis, and management of TMD patients.
AT-Rich Palindromes Mediate the Constitutional t(11;22) Translocation

The constitutional t(11;22) translocation is the only known recurrent non-Robertsonian translocation in humans. Offspring are susceptible to der(22) syndrome, a severe congenital anomaly disorder caused by 3:1 meiotic nondisjunction events. We previously localized the t(11;22) translocation breakpoint to a region on 22q11 within a low-copy repeat termed “LCR22” and within an AT-rich repeat on 11q23. The LCR22s are implicated in mediating different rearrangements on 22q11, leading to velocardiofacial syndrome/DiGeorge syndrome and cat-eye syndrome by homologous recombination mechanisms. The LCR22s contain AT-rich repetitive sequences, suggesting that such repeats may mediate the t(11;22) translocation. To determine the molecular basis of the translocation, we cloned and sequenced the t(11;22) breakpoint in the derivative 11 and 22 chromosomes in 13 unrelated carriers, including two de novo cases and der(22) syndrome offspring. We found that, in all cases examined, the reciprocal exchange occurred between similar AT-rich repeats on both chromosomes 11q23 and 22q11. To understand the mechanism, we examined the sequence of the breakpoint intervals in the derivative chromosomes and compared this with the deduced normal chromosomal sequence. A palindromic AT-rich sequence with a near-perfect hairpin could form, by intrastrand base-pairing, on the parental chromosomes. The sequence of the breakpoint junction in both derivatives indicates that the exchange events occurred at the center of symmetry of the palindromes, and this resulted in small, overlapping staggered deletions in this region among the different carriers. On the basis of previous studies performed in diverse organisms, we hypothesize that double-strand breaks may occur in the center of the palindrome, the tip of the putative hairpin, leading to illegitimate recombination events between similar AT-rich sequences on chromosomes 11 and 22, resulting in deletions and loss of the palindrome, which then could stabilize the DNA structure.
Effects of Chronic Heat and Humidity Excess Upon Dermal Permeability

The effect of prolonged treatment with high environmental temperature and humidity upon dermal permeability of the rat was studied. The decrease in permeability which resulted was not altered by adrenalectomy and was altered to a relatively minor degree by elimination of the unfavorable environmental factors.
The DDE recombinases: diverse roles in acquired and innate immunity.

Background The RAG proteins required for V(D)J recombination of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor genes in the acquired immune response contain a magnesium ion-binding site termed a DDE site, composed of D (aspartic acid) and E (glutamic acid) amino acids. A similar DDE-like magnesium binding site also is present in transposases, retroviral integrases, and the innate antiviral response enzymes RNAse H and RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Objective To help clinicians understand immunodeficiency that results from deficiencies of RAG protein functions, such as severe combined immunodeficiency disorders, Omenn syndrome, and ataxia telangiectasia, and to be familiar with the diverse roles of other DDE enzymes. Methods Literature published in peer-reviewed journals during the past 2 decades that identified and characterized DDE enzymes, including RAG proteins, RISC and RNA silencing, RNAse H, retroviral integrases, transposases, and a putative DDE recombinase required for herpes virus replication, was selectively reviewed and summarized by the author. Results DDE enzymes play a critical role in acquired immunity through RAG-mediated immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor V(D)J recombination in innate immunity through RISC and RNAse H. Paradoxically, DDE enzymes are critical components of pathogen-specific enzymes such as retroviral integrase and other pathogen-encoded proteins. Conclusion Because of their critical role in acquired and innate immunity, the DDE recombinases are attractive targets for novel pharmacologic therapies. Currently, retroviral integrase inhibitors in clinical trial for human immunodeficiency virus infection appear to be safe and effective and could provide a paradigm for inactivating DDE sites in other viral pathogens, as well as RAG and RISC.
Assessment of optimal irrigation water allocation for pressurized irrigation system using water balance approach, learning machines, and remotely sensed data

Abstract Efficient irrigation can help avoid crop water stress, undesirable levels of nutrient leaching, and yield reduction due to water shortage, runoff or over irrigation. Gains in water use efficiency can be achieved when water application is precisely matched to the spatially distributed crop water demand. Thus, greater irrigation efficiency will facilitate quality crops and help to minimize additional agricultural and financial inputs. Irrigation efficiency is defined based on indicators such as irrigation uniformity, crop production, economic return, and water resources sustainability. This paper introduces a modeling approach for optimal water allocation relative to maximizing irrigation uniformity and minimizing yield reduction. Landsat images, local weather data, and field measurements were used to develop a model that describes field conditions using a soil water balance approach. The model includes two main modules: optimization of water allocation and forecasting the components of soil water balance model. Each module includes two sub-modules that consider two objectives. The optimization sub-module use genetic algorithms (GA) to identify optimal crop water application rates based on the crop type, growing stage, and sensitivity to water stress. Results from the optimization module are passed to the forecasting sub-module, which allocate water through time across the area covered by the center pivot based on the results from the previous period of irrigation (previous day) and the operational capacity of the center pivot irrigation system. The model was tested for a farm installed with alfalfa and oats and equipped with a center pivot in Scipio, Utah. The model products were assessed based on ground data (soil moisture measurements) under optimized and simulated (irrigator decisions) center pivot operations. Based on the simulation and optimization results obtained from the model, study area irrigator could use up to 20 percent less water (saved quantity over total quantity of water) over the growing season, compared to traditional operating procedures, without reducing the benefits.
Late Quaternary megafloods from Glacial Lake Atna, Southcentral Alaska, U.S.A.

Abstract Geomorphic, stratigraphic, geotechnical, and biogeographic evidence indicate that failure of a Pleistocene ice dam between 15.5 and 26 ka generated a megaflood from Glacial Lake Atna down the Matanuska Valley. While it has long been recognized that Lake Atna occupied ≥ 9000 km2 of south-central Alaska's Copper River Basin, little attention has focused on the lake's discharge locations and behaviors. Digital elevation model and geomorphic analyses suggest that progressive lowering of the lake level by decanting over spillways exposed during glacial retreat led to sequential discharges down the Matanuska, Susitna, Tok, and Copper river valleys. Lake Atna's size, ∼ 50 ka duration, and sequential connection to four major drainages likely made it a regionally important late Pleistocene freshwater refugium. We estimate a catastrophic Matanuska megaflood would have released 500–1400 km3 at a maximum rate of ≥ 3 × 106 m3 s− 1. Volumes for the other outlets ranged from 200 to 2600 km3 and estimated maximum discharges ranged from 0.8 to 11.3 × 106 m3 s− 1, making Lake Atna a serial generator of some of the largest known freshwater megafloods.
Global trends in information technology and their implication

Summary form only given. While the mainframe, personal computers and the World Wide Web have revolutionized our lives changed the way we think about Information Technology (IT) in the last half-century, there are some new trends in IT that may be have an equally significant effect on people's lives in the near future. The technologies that undelie the new trends have been characterized as SMAC (Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud), and the confluence of these technologies is causing major shifts. For example, while data complexity is increasing due to volume, variety, velocity, and veracity, mobile and handheld devices combined with interaction and visualization technologies have become ubiquitous and making the data more consumable. Similarly, changes in technology, learning patterns, and business models are happening faster than ever, enabled by trends such as scalable API-based services and massive open online courses (MOOCs). As a consequence, businesses are facing increasing competition due to lower barrier to entry. At the same time, the proliferation of sensors and smart phones is making it possible for businesses and organizations to collect and leverage contextual information in real-time for various purposes ranging from public safety to retail. This talk will summarize some of the major global trends in IT and what they might mean to our lives in the coming years.
A metric for hypertext usability

Many hypertext systems are currently available. Like arty other software system, the u~~bility evaluation of the system plays an important role in the design and use of the system. Many studies [17] have focused on evaluating only individual attributes of usability. Therefore, a metric for measuring overall usability of ihypertext system is needed. Such a metric unifies all individual evaluations into a single measure. It also helps designers identify problems that hinder users from effective use of their product. In addition, a metric provides a basis for comparison among hypertext systems. In this paper, a metric for evaluating usability of hypertext systems is presented. Our focus is on hypertext documentation systems. The metric is based on three important attributes which are important in any hypertext system: access and navigation, orientation, and user interaction. Each parameter is computed based on user performance time, key stroke time and error rate. The usability metric is applied to three different hypertext systems. Our testing has shown that the computed metric values approximate closely the user usability rating,
Near-infrared spectroscopic studies of self-forming lipids and nanovesicles

Lipids and liposomes have remained an active research topic for several decades due to their significance as membrane model. Several vibrational spectroscopic techniques have been developed and employed to study the properties of lipids and liposomes. In this study, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been used to analyze a suite of synthesized PEGylated lipids trademarked as QuSomesTM. The three amphiphiles used in this study, differ in their apolar hydrophobic chain length and contain various units of polar polyethylene glycol (PEG) head groups. In contrast to conventional phospholipids, this new kind of lipids forms liposomes spontaneously upon hydration, without the supply of external activation energy. Whilst the NIR spectra of QuSomesTM show a common pattern, differences in the spectra are observed which enable the lipids to be distinguished. NIR absorption spectra of these new artificial lipids have been recorded in the spectral range of 4800-9000 cm-1 (~2100-1100 nm) by using a new miniaturized spectrometer based on micro-optical-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) technology. In particular, we have established specific band structures as "molecular fingerprints" corresponding to overtones and combinations vibrational modes involving mainly C-H and O-H functional groups for sample analysis of QuSomesTM. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the nanovesicles formed by such lipids in polar solvents show high stability and obey Beer's law at low concentration. The results reported in this study may find applications in various field including the development of lipids based drug delivery systems.
A misleading flow cytometric analysis of dna in an adenocarcinoma: A comparative flow cytometric and cytogenetic study

A case is presented in which flow cytometric and cytogenetic analysis was done on a biopsy from a highly anaplastic metastatic adenocarcinoma. Flow cytometric analysis of DNA content failed to show a significant population of aneuploid cells. However, histologic examination revealed a substantial number of tumor cells, and cytogenetic analysis produced chromosome counts ranging from 20 to 144.
The friendship theorem

(2002). The Friendship Theorem. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 109, No. 2, pp. 192-194.
Atherosclerotic involvement of the radial artery in patients with coronary artery disease and its relation with midterm radial artery graft patency and endothelial function.

Abstract Background The radial artery has recently been proposed as an alternative arterial conduit for surgical myocardial revascularization. This study was conceived to evaluate the degree of atherosclerotic involvement of the radial artery in patients with coronary artery disease and the eventual influence of a subtle degree of preoperative atherosclerosis on the midterm results of radial artery grafts. Methods and results The intima-media thickness of the radial artery, common carotid artery, and internal thoracic artery was evaluated in 42 coronary artery disease patients and in 26 control patients. All radial arteries were then used for myocardial revascularization; 30 patients submitted to control angiography after 5 years. The mean intima-media thickness was 0.92 ± 0.22 mm for the common carotid artery, 0.54 ± 0.16 mm for the internal thoracic artery, 0.55 ± 0.11 mm for the radial artery in coronary artery disease patients versus 0.79 ± 0.14 mm, 0.52 ± 0.11 mm, and 0.56 ± 0.09 mm, respectively, in control patients ( P = .001 only for the common carotid artery). No correlation was found between the intima-media thickness of the carotid, internal thoracic, and radial artery. No correlation was found between the preoperative intima-media thickness of the radial artery and the midterm patency and endothelial-mediated vasodilating capacity of radial artery grafts. Conclusion In coronary artery disease patients, radial artery atherosclerotic involvement is more frequent than that of the gold standard internal thoracic artery but still by far less severe than that of the common carotid artery. The early atherosclerotic signs often observed in the radial artery do not seem to have the potential to influence radial artery graft patency and endothelial function.
The relationship of 5HTT (SLC6A4) methylation and genotype on mRNA expression and liability to major depression and alcohol dependence in subjects from the Iowa Adoption Studies

Serotonin Transporter (5HTTor SLC6A4) mRNA transcription is regulated by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Unfortunately, despite intense scrutiny, the exact identity and contribution of each of these regulatory mechanisms, and their relationship to behavioral illness remain unknown. This lack of knowledge is critical because alterations in SLC6A4 function are posited to be central to a wide variety of CNS disorders. In order to address this shortcoming, we quantified 5HTTLPR genotype, SLC6A4 mRNA production and CpG methylation using biomaterial from 192 lymphoblast cell lines derived from subjects who participated in the latest wave of the Iowa Adoption Studies. We then analyzed the resulting data with respect to clinical characteristics. We confirmed prior findings that the short (s) 5HTTLPR allele is associated with lower amounts of mRNA transcription, but there was no significant effect of the “Long G” allele on mRNA transcription. We also found that CpG methylation was higher (P< 0.0008) and mRNA production (P< 0.0001) was lower in females as compared to males. Those subjects with a lifetime history of Alcohol Dependence had higher levels of SLC6A4 mRNA. There was a trend for an association of increased overall methylation with lifetime history of major depression. Finally, we confirm our prior findings that the exact levels of 5HTT mRNA expression are dependent on how it is measured. We conclude that both genetic variation and epigenetic modifications contribute to the regulation of SLC6A4 function and that more in-depth studies of the molecular mechanisms controlling gene activity and the relationship of these mechanisms to behavioral illness are indicated.