cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Glucocorticoid Receptor Domains Involved in Transrepression of Transforming Growth Factor-β Action *

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and glucocorticoid signaling pathways interact both positively and negatively in regulating a variety of physiological and pathologic processes. We previously reported that liganded glucocorticoid receptor (GR) repressed TGF-β induction of human plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene transcription by directly targeting the transcriptional activation function of Smad3. To identify the domain(s) in the glucocorticoid receptor involved in this repression, we have examined the ability of various GR truncation, deletion, and substitution mutants to repress TGF-β transactivation in Hep3B human hepatoma cells that lack functional endogenous GR. Partial deletions in the ligand-binding domain (LBD), including the τ2 and τc regions, greatly reduced or eliminated GR repression, whereas deletion of the N-terminal AF1 (τ1) domain and substitution mutations in the DNA-binding domain had little or no effect. Liganded androgen receptor repressed TGF-β transactivation, whereas mineralocorticoid receptor did not, and studies with rat GR-mineralocorticoid receptor chimeras confirmed that the GR C-terminal domains were required for repression. RU486, a strong antagonist of transactivation by GR, partially reversed repression by wild type GR. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments in Hep3B cells indicated that physical interaction between GR and Smad3 is necessary but not sufficient for repression. Physical interaction required activation of Smad3 by TGF-β but not dexamethasone binding to GR. Glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays demonstrated that several regions of the LBD could mediate GR-Smad3 physical interaction. We conclude that the LBD of GR, but not the DNA-binding domain or the N-terminal activation domain, is required for GR-mediated transrepression of TGF-β transactivation.
The High Mobility Group Box Transcription Factor Nhp6Ap Enters the Nucleus by a Calmodulin-dependent, Ran-independent Pathway

A gradient of Ran·GTP typically regulates traffic through the nuclear pore by modulating association of receptors with cargo. However, here we demonstrate that the yeast high mobility group box transcription factor Nhp6Ap enters the nucleus via a novel nuclear localization signal recognized by calcium calmodulin in a process that does not require Ran. Calmodulin is strictly required for the nondiffusional nuclear entry of Nhp6Ap. Calmodulin and DNA exhibit mutually exclusive binding to NHP6A, indicating that the directionality of Nhp6Ap nuclear accumulation may be driven by DNA-dependent dissociation of calmodulin. Our findings demonstrate that calmodulin can serve as a molecular switch triggering nuclear entry with subsequent dissociation of calmodulin binding upon interaction of cargo with chromatin. This pathway appears to be evolutionarily conserved; mammalian high mobility group box transcription factors often have two nuclear localization signals: one a classical Ran-dependent signal and a second that binds calmodulin. The finding that Nhp6Ap nuclear entry requires calmodulin but not Ran indicates that Nhp6Ap is a good model for studying this poorly understood but evolutionarily conserved calmodulin-dependent nuclear import pathway.
Combining immunoassays with chromatographic and electrophoretic separation techniques — a review

The combination of immunoassays with separation techniques such as chromatography and electrophoresis can provide both selectivity and sensitivity that is competitive with any method currently available for molecular analysis. Immunoassays can be carried out on-line and off-line, pre and post separation. The on-line post separation mode is the most promising for routine analysis because of the high throughput that can be achieved but also provides the greatest challenge with regard to compatibility of the interfaced systems. This paper reviews the various approaches that have been researched from a practical immunochemical point of view with emphasis on the special problems incurred with matrix compatibility for on-line post separation systems.
When the center can hold: The primacy of politics in shaping Russian democracy

Abstract Violations of rights, a weak Duma, political parties dominated by bureaucrats, and corrupt privatization are ordinarily taken as signs or even causes of the failure of democracy in Russia or at best as normal traits of electoral politics in a middle-income state. Yet all of these are natural consequences of introducing democracy in a country with the Russian electorate’s distinctive recent experience of a loss of a third of the state’s territory and half its population. In such a democracy only a centrist, not a liberal, strategy can block a return to authoritarianism, and such a strategy in Russia will subordinate rights to the task of privatization that a Duma weakened by ideological, demographic and geographic impediments to party development cannot conduct. Consequently what are taken as signs or causes of democratic failure in Russia are instead necessary effects of introducing democracy in Russia’s special circumstances.
The forgotten grievers: Grandparents' reactions to the death of grandchildren

Abstract The death of any family member has a profound impact on the whole family system. A substantial body of research has focused on the grief and bereavement of parents. There remains a dearth of empirical evidence concerning grandparents' reactions to the death of grandchildren. The purpose of this study is to describe grandparents' experiences and reactions to the death of a grandchild. The bereavement of grandparents was different from that of parents. Grandparents appeared to grieve as much for their children (i.e., grandchild's parent) as they did for the deceased grandchild.
Cognitive Vulnerability to Depression in Seasonal Affective Disorder: Predicting Mood and Cognitive Symptoms in Individuals with Seasonal Vegetative Changes

Research indicates that seasonal fluctuations in vegetative functions (e.g., sleep, appetite, and energy) occur to varying degrees in the general population and a large fluctuation in vegetative functioning is often considered the core of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The purpose of the present study was to determine if, among those with seasonal changes in vegetative functioning, a cognitive vulnerability to depression is associated with an increased risk for developing the cognitive and affective symptoms of SAD. Results indicate that participants with more dysfunctional attitudes, a more ruminative response style, and a more internal attributional style for negative events report experiencing more severe mood and cognitive symptoms of depression during the winter, controlling for the severity of vegetative symptoms. This was the case both for retrospective reports of typical symptoms and prospective reports of actual symptoms. These results provide support for Young’s dual vulnerability model, in which cognitive factors interact with environmentally mediated biological factors in the pathogenesis of full-symptom SAD, and suggest that cognitively-oriented interventions may be useful as adjunctive or alternative treatments for SAD.
Mitochondrial abnormalities in temporal lobe of autistic brain

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of a group of complex developmental disabilities characterized by impaired social interactions, deficits in communication and repetitive behavior. Multiple lines of evidence implicate mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD. In postmortem BA21 temporal cortex, a region that exhibits synaptic pathology in ASD, we found that compared to controls, ASD patients exhibited altered protein levels of mitochondria respiratory chain protein complexes, decreased Complex I and IV activities, decreased mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme SOD2, and greater oxidative DNA damage. Mitochondrial membrane mass was higher in ASD brain, as indicated by higher protein levels of mitochondrial membrane proteins Tom20, Tim23 and porin. No differences were observed in either mitochondrial DNA or levels of the mitochondrial gene transcription factor TFAM or cofactor PGC1α, indicating that a mechanism other than alterations in mitochondrial genome or mitochondrial biogenesis underlies these mitochondrial abnormalities. We further identified higher levels of the mitochondrial fission proteins (Fis1 and Drp1) and decreased levels of the fusion proteins (Mfn1, Mfn2 and Opa1) in ASD patients, indicating altered mitochondrial dynamics in ASD brain. Many of these changes were evident in cortical pyramidal neurons, and were observed in ASD children but were less pronounced or absent in adult patients. Together, these findings provide evidence that mitochondrial function and intracellular redox status are compromised in pyramidal neurons in ASD brain and that mitochondrial dysfunction occurs during early childhood when ASD symptoms appear.
Parathyroid Extract-Induced Changes in the Oxidation of Citrate, Succinate and Other Organic Acids by Liver

Parathyroid extract (PTE) or partially purified parathyroid hormone administered in vivo markedly altered the oxidation in vitro by rabbit liver minces of citrate, a-ketoglutarate, succinate, fumarate and lactate. With Ca++ present in the incubation medium, minces from PTE-treated animals produced more CO2 and had a greater O2 consumption than did control minces. This stimulation was due, in part at least, to a more rapid decline in metabolic activity of the control tissues. When Ca++ was absent, total metabolism was increased and the tissue derived from PTE-treated animals was less active than the control tissue. The effect was detected as early as 4 hr after injection (750 U/kg) and could be elicited with as little as 200 U (at 14 hr). The action of PTE could not be duplicated by the injection of CaCl2 into the animal. The data suggest that one effect of treatment was a general inhibition of oxidation. The stimulation of metabolism could be a consequence of this inhibition or a separate unrelated altera...
Demethylenation of Tröger's Bases with Concomitant Hydrazine Formation

Trogers bases (TBs) react with dimethyldioxirane to produce the corresponding N-oxides in excellent yields. Upon treatment with acetic anhydride, these N-oxides undergo a Polonovski-type reaction that involves fragmentation and ultimate nitrogen–nitrogen bond formation to form hydrazines. Steric effects are evident in both the oxidation step and in the step involving the activation of the N-oxide, such that certain TBs are not amenable to the process.
Money as a medium of exchange in an economy with artificially intelligent agents

Abstract We study the exchange economies of Kiyotaki and Wright (1989) in which agents must use a commodity or fiat money as a medium of exchange if trade is to occur. Our agents are artificially intelligent and are modeled as using classifier systems to make decisions. In the assignment of credit within the classifier systems, we introduce some innovations designed to study sequential decision problems in a multi-agent environment. For most economies that we have simulated, trading and consumption patterns converge to a stationary Nash equilibrium even if agents start with random rules. In economies with multiple equilibria, the only equilibrium that emerges in our simulations is the one in which goods with low storage costs play the role of medium of exchange (i.e., the ‘fundamental equilibrium’ of Kiyotaki and Wright).
The ribosomal synthesis and release of methionine-enkephalin and substance P by spinal cord and brain cell cultures

Abstract Peptide synthesis and release in primary dissociated nerve cell cultures have been studied using a very high specific activity, radiolabeled amino acid precursor, high-performance liquid chromatography and amino acid sequencing of purified peptides. The combined use of these methods has resulted in the rigorous demonstration of ribosomal synthesis of methionine-enkephalin by spinal cord cells, the basal release of methionine-enkephalin by spinal cord and substance P by brain cells, the tetrodotoxin sensitivity of this spontaneous release, and the potassium depolarization induced release of both peptides in a calcium dependent manner. This approach to the study of the development and biological chemistry of peptidergic neurons is recommended as a model because of the accessibility of the cells under conditions of ongoing physiologic function and the unequivocal nature of the chemical characterization of synthesized peptides.
Cutaneous lymphomas: it's location, location, location

Comment on Hoefnagel et al, page [3671][1] In this issue, Hoefnagel and colleagues identify anatomic site as a major predictor of the gene expression profile for primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas, which segregate into GCB and ABC categories with attendant good and poor prognoses. Lymphomas
Geometric Mean as a Continuous Measure of Androgyny

Existing methods of scoring androgyny and a recommendation to use the geometric mean formula for estimating androgyny are presented. This produces interval data and retains valuable information. Compared with existing methods of scoring androgyny, the geometric mean is easier to compute, gives generally higher correlations with masculinity and femininity, and produces more normal distributions.
Sucrose antagonism of drug and temperature effects on cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Abstract Sucrose, but not fructose, was found to antagonize the effects of exposing cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum to a number of different drugs. The effect antagonized was the inhibition of ATP-dependent Ca 2+ uptake. The drugs studied were quinidine, propanolol, chlorpromazine and chloroform. It was also discovered that sucrose, but again not fructose, could antagonize the inhibition of calcium uptake which follows the exposure of the sarcoplasmic reticulum to a temperature of 37°. This latter investigation was undertaken because there is evidence that 37° and the types of drugs studied produce similar alterations in the structure of biological membranes. Since sucrose was found not to influence the binding of one drug, chlorpromazine, to the sarcoplasmic reticulum, another mechanism for the action of sucrose had to be considered. This is discussed.
Comparing the use of short-acting and long-acting calcium channel blockers in an HMO.

One of the questions surrounding the controversy over the risks of MI among hypertensives taking calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is the dosage form, and whether the short-acting form may be more likely than the long-acting to increase the risk of MI. This preliminary study compared HMO members receiving the two dosage forms by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and by utilization (hospital, office visits, emergency room, outside of HMO services) prior to and during CCB use. The sampling frame was members with one or more dispensings for a CCB 1990 through 1994. Incident users were those who received one or more CCB dispensings and no cardiovascular disease-related drugs the year prior to their first dispensing of a CCB. CCB users were those who had at least 90 days of continuous CCB use. Short-acting outnumbered long-acting users by eight to one. Few incident users of long-acting CCBs were found. Among incident users, diagnoses and comorbidities were similar. In general, short-acting users appeared to have less risk of exposure to heart-related medications, but similar risks of exposure to non-heart-related drugs and to utilization of the various services during the year prior to first use. The odds of being exposed to heart-related medications and non-heart related medications and use of services during periods of use of CCBs were similar in general, but where differences were observed, the odds of being exposed were less among short-acting users. Users of the two dosage forms in this setting prior to reports questioning the safety of short-acting CCBs were different quantitatively and qualitatively making a retrospective comparative study difficult, perhaps not possible, due to substantial selection bias among users. Further patient selection bias has also undoubtedly occurred subsequent to the reports. The final answer to the relative safety and effectiveness of the different dosage forms of calcium channel blockers is likely to have come from randomized clinical trials. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximate variance formulas and asymptotic joint sampling distributions of standardized risk ratios in the presence of competing risks in cohort studies

The present paper is concerned with some results in cohort studies, in which the individuals in two study population are exposed simultaneously to several risks of death, which compete for their lives. The morality experience of individuals in the two study populations is compared with respect to the morality experience of individuals in a well-defined and fixed population called the standard population. Under some reasonable assumptions, not only simple variance formulas are-developed for the standardized risk ratio statistics (S[Rcirc]Ri) but also their joint asymptotic sampling distribution. It is demonstrated that these SRcirc;Ri's have asymptotically a multivariate normal distribtion corresponding to any given number of competing risks of death, These results are utilized to construct Scheffe-type and Sidak-type simultaneous confidence intervals for the SRRi parameters which hold regardless of any covariance structure among the competing risks of death. The corresponding results for the cause-specifi...
Data De-Identification Toolkit

Developing effective data-driven algorithms and visualizations for disease surveillance hinges on the ability to provide application developers with realistic data. However, the sensitivity of the data creates a barrier to its distribution. We have created a tool that assists data providers with de-identifying their data in preparation for sharing. The functions in the tool help data providers comply with the HIPAA "Safe Harbor" de-identification standard [1] by removing or obscuring information such as names, geographic locations, and identifying numbers.
Habituation performance of two percids under turbid and clear water culture.

Advanced walleye (Sander vitreus) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) fingerlings are produced by habituating pond-reared fingerlings to commercial feed. Success of the habituation phase depends on many variables. Among these, diet contrast/visibility is an important variable for habituation success. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of turbid water (≥100 nephelometric turbidity unit, NTU) and clear water culture conditions during the habituation phase for these two species. In 2005, 12 150 L black-cuboidal tanks with in-tank lighting were stocked at a rate of 2 g/L age 0 of either walleye or yellow perch fingerlings with half of the tanks receiving turbidity (clay slurry) and cultured for 28 d. All fish were fed a commercial diet every 5 min during a 16 h daylight interval at 10% body weight/d. Walleye in the clear treatment had higher survival (83 ± 2.0%) than the turbid treatment (57 ± 6.0%). The yellow perch exhibited opposite survival results: turbid treatment rates at 79 ± 2.1% a...
Fuzzy Fractional Neural Network Approximation Using Fuzzy Quasi-interpolation Operators

Here we consider the univariate fuzzy fractional quantitative approximation of fuzzy real valued functions on a compact interval by quasi-interpolation sigmoidal and hyperbolic tangent fuzzy neural network operators.
Seismic attributes and kinematic azimuthal analysis for fracture and stress detection in complex geologic settings

Fractured rocks can exhibit good reservoir properties and provide high-permeability passages for hydrocarbons. Understanding fracture and stress systems is a key element in successful horizontal drilling and fracking for unconventional reservoir exploration. As a result, there is growing interest in methods that can estimate fracture orientation, density, and style. However, fracture detection using surface seismic data is challenging, and the results are usually ambiguous. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses and responds to fractures and compressional stress in different ways. A major uncertainty in fracture analysis based on azimuthally variant seismic velocities is caused by interference from structural effects, localized small-scale velocity anomalies, and directional stress. They can induce azimuthal variation in velocity, which can mask the influence on traveltimes caused by the fractures. To overcome these challenges, we focused on a fracture and compressional stress detection methodology using 3D scanning of azimuthally dependent residual moveout volumes constrained by fracture-sensitive seismic attributes. Our workflow was successfully applied to wide-azimuth, highfold land seismic data acquired over a fractured formation in the northern part of Saudi Arabia, where we were able to map 3D zones with a high probability of fractures and differentiate them from areas with higher compressional stress.
Gender difference in vascular and platelet reactivity to thromboxane A2-mimetic U46619 and to endothelial dependent vasodilation in Zucker fatty (hypertensive, hyperinsulinemic) diabetic rats

We examined the hypothesis that gender differences exist in platelet and vascular reactivity in type-2 diabetes mellitus, using Zucker fatty diabetic rats of both sexes and their lean littermates. Type-2 diabetes is characterized by excessive platelet production of TXA(2), which is thrombogenic. Testosterone up-regulates platelet TXA(2) receptors and the aggregation response to thromboxane mimetics. Conversely, estrogen increases vascular nitric oxide (NO) production and inhibits platelet aggregation. Hemodynamic studies were undertaken with the determination of dose-response curve for MAP and renal cortical blood flow (RCF) in response to U46619, angiotensin-II, phenylephrine and endothelin-1, as well as the systemic hemodynamic response to acetylcholine and L-NG nitro-arginine methylester (L-NAME). Platelet aggregation response was evaluated using whole blood impedance aggregometry. There were significant gender differences in the systemic blood pressure and RCF response to TXA(2)-mimetic U46619 and angiotensin-II (P<0.02, ANOVA) but not to phenylephrine or endothelin-1. Male rats exhibited a paradoxical hypotensive response to U46619 (-18+/-11 mmHg) compared with a peak pressor response of +6+/-1 mmHg in female rats (P<0.01, ANOVA). The male rats exhibited an attenuated systemic vasodilator response (P<0.001, ANOVA) to acetylcholine (fall in MAP in male diabetic rats being -24+/-8 mmHg, compared with a fall of -50+/-8 mmHg in females), but a greater rise in the renal cortical resistance in response to NO inhibition by L-NAME (P<0.03) compared with the female rats. Both the slope (46+/-2) and the peak magnitude of the U46619-induced whole blood platelet aggregation (13+/-1) ohms were significantly higher (P<0.01, ANOVA) in male (n=10) compared with female diabetic rats (n=8) (29+/-0.8 slope, 10.0+/-0.8 ohms, respectively). Thus, the male diabetic Zucker rats exhibited an impaired response to vasoconstrictors (U46619 and angiotensin-II) and to endothelial (NO)-mediated vasodilation. The male gender may therefore be associated with the greater prothrombotic activity and a worse impairment of endothelial reactivity in the type-2 diabetic state.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Colectomy in Older Patients

Hypothesis Few data describe the relative benefits of an expedited recovery program and laparoscopic technique in older vs younger patients undergoing colectomy. We compared short-term outcomes in age-matched cohorts of patients undergoing laparoscopic vs open segmental colectomy managed with the Controlled Rehabilitation With Early Ambulation and Diet program. Design Four age-matched cohorts of patients were compared: (1) patients 70 years or older undergoing laparoscopic colectomy (group 1), (2) those 70 or older undergoing open colectomy (group 2), (3) those younger than 60 undergoing laparoscopic colectomy (group 3), and (4) those younger than 60 undergoing open colectomy (group 4). Methods Data collected included age, sex, body mass index, Physiologic and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Morbidity and Mortality, American Society of Anesthesiologists' score, estimated blood loss, operative duration in minutes, pathologic findings, type of segmental colectomy, complications, mortality, length of hospital stay, and 30-day readmission rate. Results Four hundred seventy-six patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and had complete data available for collection (group 1, 50 patients; group 2, 123 patients; group 3, 181 patients; and group 4, 122 patients). Demographic data, operative procedures, and pathologic findings were similar among the cohorts. The mean ± SEM length of hospital stay was significantly shorter with laparoscopic surgery in both age cohorts (group 1, 4.2 ± 3.0 days; group 2, 9.3 ± 7.6 days; group 3, 3.9 ± 5.9 days; and group 4, 6.1 ± 3.0 days). The mean ± SEM direct hospital costs were significantly lower only with laparoscopic colectomy in the older cohorts. Using the Physiologic and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Morbidity and Mortality, it was noted that group 2 experienced an observed rate of morbidity similar to that predicted. Conversely, groups 1, 3, and 4 had rates that were significantly lower than expected. Mean ± SEM readmission rates were comparable in the older cohorts (group 1, 6.0%, and group 2, 6.5%) but significantly different in the younger cohorts (group 3, 9.4%, and group 4, 4.1%). Conclusions The Controlled Rehabilitation With Early Ambulation and Diet program in combination with laparoscopic segmental colectomy can be safely performed in all age groups. The technique offers particular advantages to older patients because of reductions in length of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality rates, and direct cost of care.
Indexing of multilingual news telecast using audio-visual keywords

Indexing of news video streams with semantic keywords is of interest to agencies that regularly monitor many news channels. In this paper, we describe a new method for indexing news video in different languages, for which there are inadequate language tools. Our approach involves combining multimodal inputs, namely audio and visual, and spotting of a handful of keywords with higher reliability, as compared to creating complete transcripts. We conduct a set of experiments to establish performance improvement despite lesser reliability of the language tools.
Management of uncontrolled menorrhagia with the resectoscope

Summary. Menorrhagia is a common problem. It is the pre-operative diagnosisfor at least 25% of the estimated 700 000 hysterectomies performed in the United States each year. This paper will review management of menorrhagia including endometrial ablation with the resectoscope, an out-patient alternative to hysterectomy for thousands of women.
A Mechanism of Injury to the Forefoot in Car Crashes

Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine a mechanism of injury of the forefoot due to impact loads and accelerations as noted in some frontal offset car crashes. Methods:The impact tests conducted simulated knee-leg-foot entrapment, floor pan intrusions, whole-body deceleration, muscle tension, and foot/pedal interaction. Specimens were impacted at speeds of up to 16 m/s. To verify this injury mechanism research was conducted in an effort to produce Lisfranc type injuries and metatarsal fractures. A total of 54 lower legs of post-mortem human subjects were tested. Two possible mechanisms of injury were investigated. For the first mechanism the driver was assumed to be braking hard with the foot on the brake pedal and at 0 deg plantar flexion (Plantar Nominal Configuration) and the brake pedal was in contact with the foot behind the ball of the foot. The second mechanism was studied by having the ball of the foot either on the brake pedal or on the floorboard with the foot plantar-flexed 35 to ...
Nonendemic HPV-Positive Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Association With Poor Prognosis

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in nonendemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and assess the prognostic implications of viral status. Methods and Materials: Paraffin-embedded tumor specimens from 62 patients with primary NPC diagnosed between 1985 and 2011 were analyzed for EBV and high-risk HPV. EBV status was determined by the use of in situ hybridization for EBV encoded RNA. HPV status was assessed with p16 immunohistochemistry and multiplex polymerase chain reaction MassArray for determination of HPV type. Proportional hazards models were used to compare the risk of death among patients as stratified by viral status. Results: Of 61 evaluable tumors, 26 (43%) were EBV-positive/HPV-negative, 18 (30%) were HPV-positive/EBV-negative, and 17 (28%) were EBV/HPV-negative. EBV and HPV infection was mutually exclusive. HPV positivity was significantly correlated with World Health Organization grade 2 tumors, older age, and smoking (all P<.001). The racial distribution of the study population was 74% white, 15% African American, and 11% Asian/Middle Eastern. Among HPV-positive patients, 94% were white. At a median follow-up time of 7 years, HPV-positive and EBV/HPV-negative tumors exhibited worse outcomes than did EBV-positive tumors, including decreased overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 2.98, P=.01; and HR 3.89, P=.002), progression-freemore » survival (HR 2.55, P=.02; and HR 4.04, P<.001), and locoregional control (HR 4.01, P=.03; and HR 6.87, P=.001). Conclusion: In our Midwestern population, high-risk HPV infection may play an etiologic role in the development of nonendemic, EBV-negative NPC. Compared with EBV-positive NPC, HPV-positive and EBV/HPV-negative NPC are associated with worse outcomes. A larger confirmatory study is needed to validate these findings.« less
Meaningful Exchanges for People With Autism: An Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (Topics in Autism)

Cafiero JM. Bethesda, MD 20817, Woodbine House, 2005, paperback, 174 pp, illus, ISBN: 1-890627-44-5, $17.95. Written by a teacher in the public school system, this book provides an overview of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and is a useful resource for parents or professionals who are involved with children who have disabilities. The book is well conceptualized with a clear outline, case studies, vignettes, and numerous diagrams and photographs interspersed throughout the text. Key points are offset in shaded boxes, and small sections are devoted to helpful summaries like …
Reaction of aspirin with cysteinyl residues of lens γ-crystallins: a mechanism for the proposed anti-cataract effect of aspirin

Incubation of lens crystallins with aspirin inhibits the development of opacities caused by cyanate. Cyanate-induced opacities are thought to be due to carbamylation of the lysyl residues which causes a decrease in the protein charge and subsequent conformational changes that permit disulfide bonding. Because aspirin can also react with lysyl residues, it has been proposed that the aspirin inhibition of cataractogenesis is due to acetylation of the lysyl residues which would block their reaction with cyanate. However, acetylation of lysyl residues also lowers the protein charge and would be expected to effect changes in protein conformation similar to those caused by carbamylation. Therefore, acetylation of the lysyl residues is not a satisfactory explanation for the inhibitory effect of aspirin on lens opacification. Our investigations of the reactions of cyanate and aspirin with bovine gamma II-crystallins show that the cysteinyl residues are also carbamylated and acetylated at pH 7.4. At this pH, the carbamylation at the cysteinyl residues is reversible, leading to regeneration of the thiol group and disulfide bonding. In contrast, the acetylation at cysteinyl residues is stable at pH 7.4 and can prevent disulfide bonding. This difference in stability explains how cyanate promotes, and aspirin inhibits, cataractogenesis.
A climatology of midlatitude continental clouds from the ARM SGP central facility: Part I: Low-level cloud macrophysical, microphysical, and radiative properties

Abstract A record of single-layer and overcast low cloud (stratus) properties has been generated using approximately 4000 h of data collected from January 1997 to December 2002 at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plains Central Facility (SCF). The cloud properties include liquid-phase and liquid-dominant mixed-phase low cloud macrophysical, microphysical, and radiative properties including cloud-base and -top heights and temperatures, and cloud physical thickness derived from a ground-based radar and lidar pair, and rawinsonde sounding; cloud liquid water path (LWP) and content (LWC), and cloud-droplet effective radius (re) and number concentration (N) derived from the macrophysical properties and radiometer data; and cloud optical depth (τ), effective solar transmission (γ), and cloud/top-of-atmosphere albedos (Rcldy/RTOA) derived from Eppley precision spectral pyranometer measurements. The cloud properties were analyzed in terms of their seasonal, monthly, and hourly variations...
Interview: Interview with Nejat Düzgüneş: liposomal carriers for gene delivery

Nejat Duzgunes is professor of Microbiology in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry (CA, USA). He has published over 200 scientific articles and has held numerous academic positions throughout his career. Professor Duzgunes spoke to Therapeutic Delivery about his work in the field of liposomes for gene delivery, as well as discussing gene therapy methods targeting HIV and current challenges in the clinical translation of new discoveries and developments. Interview conducted by James Potticary, Assistant Commissioning Editor.
Phase Equilibria at Liquidus Temperatures in the System Cobalt Oxide—Iron Oxide—Silica in Air

The quenching method was used to determine phase relations at liquidus temperatures in the system cobalt oxide-iron oxide-silica in air. The crystalline phases coexisting in equilibrium with liquids in the system are silica (SO2), olivine (Co2SiO4), a spinel solid solution ((Co,Fe)3O4), and an oxide solid solution ((Co,Fe)O) with peri-clase-type structure. The lowest liquidus temperature is 1313°C. Composition relations among coexisting liquid and solid phases were established in the areas where solid solution crystals are involved in the equilibria.
Evaluation of a Perspective‐View Cockpit Display for General Aviation Using GPS

A display that effectively utilizes 3-D differential GPS (DGPS) positioning was tested in piloted simulation and on a general aviation aircraft. This glass-cockpit instrument provides a natural, “out the window” view of the world, making the horizon, runway, and desired flight path visible to the pilot in instrument flight conditions. The flight path is depicted as a series of symbols through which the pilot flies the airplane. Altitude, heading, and airspeed are presented, along with lateral and vertical glidepath deviations. The budget, power, and form-factor constraints of light aircraft were addressed. Simulator tests and flight trials on a Piper Dakota aircraft were used to evaluate flight technical error on straight-in approaches flown with the tunnel display and with a typical Instrument Landing System (ILS) needle display. Additionally, the tunnel display provided lateral and vertical guidance on curved missed-approach procedures, for which ILS cannot provide positive course guidance.
Genome of Halomonas Strain GFAJ-1, a Blueprint for Fame or Business as Usual

Published ahead of print 20 January 2012 The views expressed in this Commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the journal or of ASM.
Successive Regeneration and Adaptive Cancellation of Higher Order Intermodulation Products in RF Receivers

In this paper, a general framework for the adaptive feedforward cancellation of higher order intermodulation distortion (IMD) products is presented. By generating only second-order and principal-odd-order IMD reference products in the RF/analog domain and reproducing higher order IMD reference products at digital baseband, the proposed reference distortion scheme minimizes the analog hardware burden on the system. Inherent in this procedure is an approximation that the profile of blocking signals causing IMD is dominated by one very large blocker. The limitations imposed by this approximation are quantitatively examined and shown to permit cancellation ratios of nearly the square of the ratio between the dominant and nondominant blocking signal RMS amplitudes. An experimental receiver employing the proposed technique was constructed utilizing a wide-swing low-noise transconductance amplifier in order to accommodate a rail-to-rail (+12.4 dBm) out-of-band blocker and a -16.3-dBm nondominant blocker. The measured receiver out-of-band 1-dB desensitization point is +12.5 dBm and the peak uncorrected two-tone third-order intermodulation intercept point (IIP3) is +33.5 dBm. Utilizing the proposed IMD cancellation scheme in the presence of a modulated dominant blocker improves the total input-referred IMD error power by over 24 dB, resulting in an extrapolated IIP3 metric of +43.5 dBm.
Mooring motion influences on current measurements

An important observational problem related to improving coupled ocean-atmosphere models is the determination of the vertical distribution of horizontal currents generated in the upper mixed layer of the ocean by the passage of a storm. Mixed layer shears might be as large as 0.04 sec-1. Because rectification of near-surface current measurements by mooring line motions reduces the accuracy of near-surface circulation studies, to what extent do moored current measurements represent the near-surface horizontal velocity field? Results from several intercomparison tests indicate that mooring-related rectification of AMF vector-averaging current meter (VACM) measurements made near the surface beneath a surface-following float moored in deep-water was small, approximately a few cm sec-1, or 10-15 percent of the near-surface current generated by a storm.
An Online Community as a New Tribalism: The World of Warcraft

Massive, multiplayer online role-playing games foster rich social environments. Within the game, players can interact with other players, make friends, create and cultivate new online forms of community. Using participant observation and content analysis approaches, this study examines the World of Warcraft as an online community, and investigates the degree to which it exhibits characteristics of a new tribalism
Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma: Genetics, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare but unique neuroendocrine tumors. The hypersecretion of catecholamines from the tumors can be associated with high morbidity and mortality, even when tumors are benign. Up to 40% of PCCs/PGLs are associated with germline mutations in susceptibility genes. About one-quarter are malignant, defined by the presence of distant metastases. Treatment options for unresectable metastatic disease, including chemotherapy, (131)I-MIBG, and radiation, can offer limited tumor and hormone control, although none are curative. This article reviews the inherited genetics, diagnosis, and treatment of PCCs and PGLs.
Process selection in a hierarchical operating system

This paper presents a new model for use in scheduling processes for the sharing of a processor. The model may be used in various modes of operation, including multiprogramming, real time and time sharing. Because the model is applicable for various modes of operation and because it is significantly useful only within a well-defined system hierarchy, the context for discussion is Hansen's system for the RC 4000.3, 4, 5Only the preliminary work has been reported in this paper, but the author believes that the model is worth investigating further, and, therefore, research into its effects and properties will continue.
TOA Lightning Location Retrieval on Spherical and Oblate Spheroidal Earth Geometries

A simple linear algebraic solution is introduced for retrieving the location and time-of-occurrence of lightning ground strikes on a spherical Earth from a network of four or more time-of-arrival (TOA) sensors. Since the solution accounts for Earth curvature, it represents an extension to earlier planar model results described by Koshak et al. A test of the retrieval method is provided using computer-simulated data sets. The method is easy to comprehend and completely avoids reference to the mathematics of spherical hyperbolas such as discussed by Lewis. A quasi-analytic extension to the spherical Earth solution is provided for an oblate spheroidal Earth geometry, and the importance/relevance of oblate effects are discussed. Future application of these methods in support of the North American National Lightning Detection Network (NALDN) described by Cummins et al. is desirable, but additional theoretical investigations are required to incorporate magnetic bearing information into the present solution process.
Optimal Symbol Set Selection in GSSK Visible Light Wireless Communication Systems

The optimal symbol set selection in a generalized space shift keying (GSSK) visible light communication (VLC) system is presented and validated through hardware test-bed experiments. The VLC system uses an LED array transmitter and a digital camera receiver. The proposed approach maximizes the inter-symbol Euclidean distances and minimizes the number of corresponding neighbors. The symbol search space is significantly reduced using a novel clustering property of GSSK VLC symbols. This reduced symbol set is then subjected to a symbol search tree to obtain a locally optimum symbol set. The benefits of search space reduction and local tree search are demonstrated through numerical examples. The hardware experiments, numerical simulation, and analysis results show many decibels of performance gain over random symbol set selection.
Interpersonal relationships: Exploring race and relationship decisions among African American college men.

This study explores how race influenced African American men’s interpersonal relationships with other men at a predominantly White institution. The use of both semi-structured and photo-elicitation interview formats provided participants an opportunity to reflect on their precollege experiences, identity, and relationships. Two categories emerged during data analysis: (a) racial diversity of hometown and relationship formation, and (b) environmental influences on racial identity and decisions about relationships. Implications for future research and practice are offered.
Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure Criteria

During the past 25 years occupational health and safety guidelines, regulations and standards have evolved to protect workers and the general public from potentially hazardous exposure to ultraviolet radiation. A further goal has been to promote the safe design and use of suntanning devices, optical instruments, lamps, and laser products. From the gradually expanding knowledge of the biological effects of UVR exposure of the eye and skin, exposure limits have been slightly revised over the past two decades - by both national and international organisations. The general trend has been a convergence of differing limits. The greatest divergence in guidelines and standards has occurred where the biological effects are least understood or are simply controversial. Philosophical differences in the level of protection have played a role, since there are those who argue that UVR exposure offers more benefit than is accepted by all. The earliest guidelines were limited to UVR from low-pressure mercury lamps used in germicidal applications in the 1940s. By 1972 a North-American (ACGIH) guideline based upon an envelope action spectrum had appeared. The International Non-Ionizing Radiation Committee (INIRC) of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) proposed similar guidelines in 1985 and these were revised based upon newer data a few years later. After an extensive review of the IRPA/INIRC guidelines, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) revalidated and endorsed those limits. Although these guidelines were based firstly on preventing any acute effects, they have also been analysed to show that the risk is extremely small, or undectable, for delayed effects for persons exposed below these recommended limits. The limits are approximately one-third of an MED (for fair skin) in any eight-hour period. At this level, detectable molecular damage appears to be fully repaired. Further refinement is still called for. For example, the maximal dose integration time is being debated, and it is not clear what could happen if human cells are exposed 24 h per day and not allowed the normal 'rest period' overnight.
Just democracy, just church: Hauerwas and Coles on radical democracy and Christianity

In their remarkable new book, Christianity, Democracy, and the Radical Ordinary, Stanley Hauerwas and Rom Coles endorse a radical turn in our democratic practices and ecclesial engagements. In what follows, I say what this turn amounts to and consider what reasons might encourage churches and democracies to make it. In the end, I argue that good reasons are missing. We should forgo the radical and settle for just democracy, just church. In large measure, it is a dispute over Augustine's legacy as a social critic. Hauerwas and Coles accent the discussion of pagan virtue and temporal politics in the City of God while I prefer the remarks on idolatry and just love from book 4 of the Confessions. Hauerwas and Coles might share Augustine's anxiety about idolatry, but they resist his solution. He suspects that our idolatrous tendencies can be resolved only as we take on the just love of Christ, while they are inclined to think that democracy and church made radical will do the trick. They might also insist that their departure from Augustine on this matter is less than it seems, that they accent the radical in order to avoid unjust love, but I'm not convinced and in the end I bring in Plato's Alcibiades – garlanded, drunk and angry – to help justify my doubts.
Disruption of evasive immune cell microenvironment in tumors reflects immunity induced by radiation therapy

Radiation administered to murine colon tumors induced durable remissions that were dependent on CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immunity, and antigen cross priming CD8+ dendritic cells (DCs). Remissions were associated with marked reductions in the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and Treg cells, and a marked increase in CD8+ T cells.
Simultaneous Determination of 4 Kinds of Illegally Added Industrial Dyes by SPE-UPLC-MS/MS

Objective To establish a method for determination of 4 industrial dyes,chrysoidine G,rhodamine B,orange Ⅱ and metanil yellow,illegally added to condiment by SPE-UPLC-MS/MS.Method The samples were extracted by 50 mmol/L ammonium acetate containing 50% methanol and 1% formic acid and cleaned up by OASIS WAX solid phase extraction column. Chrysoidine G,rhodamine B,orange Ⅱ and metanil yellow were determined by UPLC-MS/MS.Results The calibration curve of these four compounds showed a good linearity in the rang of 0.0～ 500.0 ng/ml for chrysoidine G,orangeⅡand metanil yellow and 0.0～ 25.0 ng/ml for rhodamine B;and the correlation coefficients were better than 0.992?2. The limits of detection (LODs) of the method were 7.0 μg/kg for chrysoidine G,orangeⅡ and metanil yellow and 0.1 μg/kg for rhodamine B,separately. Limits of quantitation (LOQs) of the method were 20.0 μg/kg for chrysoidine G,orangeⅡ and metanil yellow and 0.3 μg/kg for rhodamine B. The average recoveries at high and low levels were 89.5% to 120.9% and the relative standard deviations (RSD) of the method were from 6.4% to 27.1%.Conclusion The method was sensitive and accurate,and it could be used for the detection of illegal added industrial dyes,such as chrysoidine G,rhodamine B,orangeⅡ and metanil yellow simultaneously.Conclusion The method was sensitive and accurate,and it could be used to detect the content of chrysoidine G,rhodamine B,orangeⅡ and metanil yellow in condiment.