cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Deserving Underclass: a Focus for Social Work Policy in the Year 2001

The Supreme Court decision in the case of Jane Lib vs. the State of Connecticut (1999) held that the institution of matrimony is unconstitutional because it violates the Eighth Amendment prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment. This decision, while freeing some people from bondage, has generated a new type of sexual underclass. The social work profession needs to develop policy guidelines to serve this new underclass.
Key technologies for manufacturing and processing sheet materials: A global perspective

Modern industrial technologies continue to seek new materials and processes to produce products that meet design and functional requirements. Sheet materials made from ferrous and non-ferrous metals, laminates, composites, and reinforced plastics constitute a large percentage of today’s products, components, and systems. Major manufacturers of sheet products include automotive, aerospace, appliance, and food-packaging industries. The Second Global Symposium on Innovations in Materials Processing & Manufacturing: Sheet Materials is organized to provide a forum for presenting advances in sheet processing and manufacturing by worldwide researchers and engineers from industrial, research, and academic centers. The symposium, sponsored by the TMS Materials Processing & Manufacturing Division (MPMD), was planned for the 2001 TMS Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, February 11–15, 2001. This article is a review of key papers submitted for publication in the concurrent volume. The selected papers present significant developments in the rapidly expanding areas of advanced sheet materials, innovative forming methods, industrial applications, primary and secondary processing, composite processing, and numerical modeling of manufacturing processes.
Clonal propagation, local disturbance, and the structure of vegetation : ericaceous shrubs in the pine barrens of New Jersey

Abstract Ericaceous shrubs dominate the upland plant communities of the New Jersey coastal plain, both in terms of species diversity and abundance of individuals. Niches of these species are most clearly separated in the character and vigor of their responses to disturbance, particularly to fire and tree canopy gaps. Gaylussacia baccata resprouts quickly from buried rhizomes after mild ground fires, and is most flexible in taking advantage of canopy gaps. Its co-dominant, Vaccinium vacillans, shows superior survival after severe fires by virtue of a deeper rhizome system, and resprouts with greater vigor than Gaylussacia at very high fire frequencies. In the sympatric sub-shrub Gaultheria procumbens long, infrequently branching rhizomes distribute ramets over large areas, possibly colonizing small gaps in the shrub and herb canopies. Thus, shrub community structure in this high-disturbance ecosystem is maintained by subtle evolutionary variations on a common theme of clonal propagation.
Coldfinger motion suppression using a ceramic applique

The development of a ceramic applique for the vibration suppression of a cryocooler coldfinger is a part of technology demonstration flight experiment. Three sectors of a piezoelectric PZT bonded to the coldfinger are used as actuators to control the motion of the tip. A technique for bonding the PZT material to the coldfinger was developed that minimizes tensile stresses in the ceramic during operation. Extensive development testing has been performed to verify the efficiency of the adhesive and the coldfinger performance at cryogenic temperatures. The problems encountered during the fabrication and assembly of the coldfinger are described. Results of tests are summarized.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A detailed evaluation of the dependence of 3J(H ? H) on bond angle in alkenes and cycloalkenes

Newly determined and accurate data for the magnitudes of cis vinyl proton-proton spin-spin coupling constants in cis-dialkylethylenes and cycloalkenes have been obtained. With these new data and also values taken from the recent literature, it has proved possible to make a critical determination of the correlation between 3J(HH) and CCH bond angles in ethylenic systems. It is suggested that it is possible to obtain accurate estimates of bond angles using NMR coupling constants, even though much more data will be required to fully substantiate this proposal. Whereas cis-3J(HH) decreases rapidly with increasing CCH bond angles, evidence is presented that the opposite is the case for trans-3J(HH). A brief theoretical discussion of these trends in coupling constants is given.
The relationship between long-term sunlight radiation and cognitive decline in the REGARDS cohort study

Sunlight may be related to cognitive function through vitamin D metabolism or circadian rhythm regulation. The analysis presented here sought to test whether ground and satellite measures of solar radiation are associated with cognitive decline. The study used a 15-year residential history merged with satellite and ground monitor data to determine sunlight (solar radiation) and air temperature exposure for a cohort of 19,896 cognitively intact black and white participants aged 45+ from the 48 contiguous United States. Exposures of 15, 10, 5, 2, and 1-year were used to predict cognitive status at the most recent assessment in logistic regression models; 1-year insolation and maximum temperatures were chosen as exposure measures. Solar radiation interacted with temperature, age, and gender in its relationships with incident cognitive impairment. After adjustment for covariates, the odds ratio (OR) of cognitive decline for solar radiation exposure below the median vs above the median in the 3rd tertile of maximum temperatures was 1.88 (95 % CI: 1.24, 2.85), that in the 2nd tertile was 1.33 (95 % CI: 1.09, 1.62), and that in the 1st tertile was 1.22 (95 % CI: 0.92, 1.60). We also found that participants under 60 years old had an OR = 1.63 (95 % CI: 1.20, 2.22), those 60–80 years old had an OR = 1.18 (95 % CI: 1.02, 1.36), and those over 80 years old had an OR = 1.05 (0.80, 1.37). Lastly, we found that males had an OR = 1.43 (95 % CI: 1.22, 1.69), and females had an OR = 1.02 (0.87, 1.20). We found that lower levels of solar radiation were associated with increased odds of incident cognitive impairment.
Characterization of an RNP Complex That Assembles on the Rous Sarcoma Virus Negative Regulator of Splicing Element

We have characterized an RNP complex that assembles in nuclear extracts on the negative regulator of splicing (NRS) element from Rous sarcoma virus. While no complex was detected by native gel electrophoresis under conditions that supported spliceosome assembly, gel filtration revealed a specific ATP-independent complex that rapidly assembled on NRS RNA. No complexes were formed on non-specific RNA. Unlike the non-specific H complex, factors required for NRS complex assembly are limiting in nuclear extract. The NRS complex was not detected in reactions containing ATP and pre-formed complexes were dissociated in the presence of ATP. In addition, the assembly process was sensitive to high salt but NRS complexes were salt stable once formed. Assembly of the NRS complex appears functionally significant since mutated NRS RNAs that fail to inhibit splicing in vivo are defective for NRS complex assembly in nuclear extract. The probable relationship of the NRS complex to spliceosomal complexes is discussed.
Constraint partitioning for structure in path-constrained dynamic optimization problems

Abstract In this paper an algorithm for identifying an index 1 or 2 differential–algebraic subsystem from a possibly higher index path-constrained dynamical system is proposed. The algorithm is useful for diagnostic purposes in model development, and in the formulation of dynamic optimization problems to be solved by shooting or multiple shooting type methods.
Tracking Changes in HIV-1 Envelope Quasispecies Using DNA Heteroduplex Analysis

A DNA heteroduplex tracking assay (HTA) using single-stranded probes is described. This assay provides a rapid means of resolving genetic variants coamplified by PCR and of measuring the level of particular variants in complex populations. To confidently detect minor quasispecies changes, the importance of maximizing template input into nested PCR (nPCR) and of duplicating nPCR and HTA to ensure correct population sampling is highlighted. The sensitivity of detection of rare variants within a genetically mixed population using single-stranded DNA probes is shown to be 1:500. The effects of nucleotide substitution at different locations on heteroduplex electrophoretic mobility are used to illustrate the limits of HTA for mutation detection. This simple assay may be used to track the evolution of HIV as well as to address issues of contamination and transmission.
Comparison of aerodynamic roughness measured in a field experiment and in a wind tunnel simulation

This study evaluates the correlation between values of aerodynamic roughness, z0, measured over a series of scale models in a wind tunnel and values of aerodynamic roughness measured at full scale in the field. A field experiment was conducted in which values of z0 and u∗ (wind friction speed) were measured over three arrays of non-erodible roughness elements on a dry lake bed. Wind profiles were measured by ten anemometers on a 15 m mast under thermally neutral atmospheric conditions. Values of z0 increased from 0.00014 m (dry lake bed only) to 0.031 m with increasing roughness element density. The three roughness element arrays were modeled (including fetch length) at 1/10 and 1/20 scales in an open-circuit atmospheric boundary-layer wind-tunnel. Velocities were measured with a boundary-layer pitot-tube rake from the same relative position in the models as the anemometers in the field. Each array at each scaled was sampled three times at five freestream velocities. Values of z0 for the models in the wind-tunnel were compared with values of z0 obtained in the field. A simple scale correspondence describes the relation between the field and wind tunnel results for the two least dense roughness element arrays at a model scale of 1/10. Values of z0 for these two arrays at 1/20 scale did not correspond as well to a simple scale relationship; lower Reynolds numbers for these runs may be a contributing cause. Simulation of the third (shortest fetch and densest) roughness element array at 1/10 and 1/20 scales resulted in discrepancies of 18 to 23% between field and wind tunnel results. We conclude that simulation of surface roughness for geologic studies requires that the roughness be modeled accurately, but the fetch must be extended beyond scale to insure internal boundary layer development.
The measurement of diversity: Ethnic and socioeconomic mixing in residential areas

Units of observation such as census tracts continue to be analyzed according to various modal characteristics while the variation or diversity existent in such units is often ignored. The qualitative or nominal-level indicators of diversity are examined which (1) are operative in the polytomous situation, and (2) measure within-unit diversity rather than divergences among units. Six qualitative indicators are explained and compared both theoretically and by example, with the Index of Qualitative Variation suggested as the most appropriate measure of diversity when variables representing a nominal scale are used. Quantitative or interval-level diversity also was examined with six measures analyzed, representing three operational situations. Because of the susceptibilities of five of the quantitative measures to skewness and variable sample sizes, the coefficient of variation was recommended for interval-level variables to evaluate within-unit diversity.
Experimental myocardial ischemia II: Radiographic contrast media toxicity

The comparative effects of meglumine sodium diatrizoate (MSD), sodium meglumine calcium metrizoate (SMCM), and metrizamide (M) were studied in an isolated canine heart preparation. The parameters observed were coronary blood flow (CBF), myocardial contractile force (MCF), positive and negativedF/dt, and perfusion pressure during normal and ischemic perfusion conditions. MSD had an initial negative inotropic effect but baseline (MCF) returned in 1 min during normal perfusion and 2 min under ischemic conditions. SMCM and M had only a positive inotropic effect under normal perfusion. However, during ischemia, the positive effect of SMCM was followed by a decrease in contractile force. M showed only a positive effect on force during ischemia. Our results indicate that calcium additive may increase the risk of coronary arteriography in patients with severe coronary artery disease.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the skull and brain

The role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of the central nervous system and spine has been intensely studied over the past 10 years. However, MRI is still undergoing rapid technologic evolution including new image-acquisition techniques and the development of paramagnetic contrast agents. Since the first description of MR imaging in humans in 1977, many papers have described the “usefulness” of this new technology. Prior to FDA approval of Diasonics, Picker, and Technicare units in 1984, all studies were performed on clinical research protocols that were not reimbursed by insurance companies or Medicare.
Competitive Protein Binding Assay for Piritrexim

A competitive protein binding assay for piritrexim (PTX, 1) that makes use of a commercially available radioassay kit for methotrexate has been developed. After it is selectively extracted from plasma, PTX competes with [125l]methotrexate for binding to dihydrofolate reductase isolated from Lactobacillus casei. Free drug is separated from bound drug by adsorption to dextran-coated charcoal. Piritrexim is measurable over a range of 0.01 to 10.0 micrograms/mL in plasma with a coefficient of variation less than 15%. The limit of sensitivity of the assay is approximately 2 ng/mL. An excellent correlation between this assay and a previously published HPLC method was found. published HPLC method was found.
Nucleation on resistive substrates: Analysis of effect on film uniformity

Abstract When plating onto resistive substrates, potential drop in the electrode can cause non-uniformities in the current density distribution. Multiple studies of this so-called “terminal effect” have been conducted, assuming a layer-by-layer growth mechanism, as would apply, for example, to Cu deposition onto a thin Cu seed layer. However, when depositing Cu onto a material such as Ta or Ru, electrodeposition may occur by three-dimensional nucleation followed by growth. In such cases, a reduction in substrate resistance may not be realized prior to coalescence of the deposited film. Simulations show that nucleation can have a very significant impact on film-thickness uniformity. Results show a linear and significant increase in non-uniformity with the coalescence thickness of the depositing film. Simulations are extended to account for spatial variations of coalescence length. Implications of the model to wafer scale plating of Cu for interconnect applications are discussed.
Use of MenACWY-CRM in Adolescents in the United States

Adolescents constitute a high-risk group for invasive meningococcal disease. MenACWY-CRM (Menveo, Novartis Vaccines, Cambridge, MA) is a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine indicated to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y. It has been approved for use in persons age 2-55 years. The tolerability and immunogenicity of MenACWY-CRM in adolescents have been ascertained in phase 2 and 3 trials against MPSV4 (Menomune, sanofi pasteur, Swiftwater, PA), an unconjugated quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, and MenACWY-D (Menactra, sanofi pasteur), another conjugated quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine. Clinical trials also have demonstrated that MenACWY-CRM is well tolerated and immunogenic when administered to adolescents concomitantly with the combined tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Boostrix, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium) and the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (Gardasil, Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ).
Efficacy of identifying maxillofacial lesions in cone-beam computed tomographs by orthodontists and orthodontic residents with third-party software

Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of orthodontists and orthodontic residents to identify nonorthodontic incidental findings and false positives in cone-beam computed tomography scans. Methods Two groups of 10 cone-beam computed tomography scans containing equal numbers of scans with no, 1, or several abnormal nonorthodontic lesions were selected from a database. Eight orthodontists and 8 orthodontic residents screened the 2 groups of scans before and after a basic cone-beam computed tomography training course. The paired t test was used for statistical analyses. Results In the initial screening, the orthodontists and residents correctly identified 41.1% of the lesions. This lesion-detection rate improved significantly to a mean of 56.7% after the training course ( P P P = 0.01) after the training. In contrast, the rate of correctly identified dentomaxillofacial lesions remained largely unchanged before and after the training. Both groups of evaluators had approximately 5 false positives per 10 scans before training and demonstrated significant decreases in false positives after training. Conclusions Relative to known error rates in medical radiology, both groups of evaluators had high error rates for missed lesions and false positives before and after training. Given these findings and since the most frequent cause of medical radiology malpractice litigation is due to missed lesions, it is recommended that an appropriately trained radiologist should be involved in reading and interpreting cone-beam computed tomography scans.
Synthesis of diene-functionalized macromonomers via functionalization with hexa-1,3,5-triene

The reaction of poly(styryl)lithium(PSLi) with hexa-1,3,5-triene (HTX) was studied as a route to diene-functionalized macromonomers. When PSLi was reacted with 1.5 molar equivalents of HTX for 2.5 h at -10°C in toluene, it was found that the diene-functionalized macro-monomer was obtained in high yield; however, oligomerization of the HTX was observed by matrix-assisted laser absorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Oligomerization was eliminated by running the reaction with only 1.2 molar equivalents of HXT to PSLi and allowing the reaction to run for 15 min at -10°C in toluene. The resulting polymer exhibited high diene chain-end functionality and no oligomerization was observed MALDI-TOF MS. 13 C NMR spectroscopy and the attached-proton test (APT), along with calculated chemical shifts, showed the presence of both the 1,2-and 1,4-addition chain-end structures. Further analysis by the reaction of the functional polymer with maleic anhydride indicated that 18 wt.-% of the product was unreactive, either because of a 1,4-addition chain-end structure or a nonfunctional polymer. The structure of the maleic anhydride-modified polymer was determined by MALDI-TOF MS and 13 C NMR spectroscopy. Preliminary work on the reactivity of the diene-functionalized macro-monomers was performed by the addition of a large excess of PSLi to a solution of macromonomer followed by characterization by size-exclusion chromotography (SEC).
Underestimation of papillary breast lesions by core biopsy: correlation to surgical excision.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate papillary lesions of the breast diagnosed at needle core biopsy and the outcomes of follow-up imaging and surgical findings.
Abstract 2279: The response of breast cancer cell lines to HET0016 alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutics

One of the vexing problems in controlling breast cancer is the emergence of acquired endocrine-resistance in estrogen receptor positive breast cancers that initially respond to endocrine therapy. Published reports suggest there is a close overlap between the signal transduction pathways affected by 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) and those which may confer endocrine-resistance. Preliminary data indicate that 20-HETE-targeted drugs have direct cytotoxic and indirect anti-angiogenic effects on multiple carcinomas, and they therefore might be extended to unsolved problems in breast cancer control. Yet almost nothing is known about the specific role(s) of 20-HETE in either healthy breast tissue or in breast cancer. We observed that treatment of certain tamoxifen-resistant human breast cancer cell lines with HET0016, a compound which inhibits the biosynthesis of 20-HETE, restores sensitivity to tamoxifen in cell culture. We are elucidating the signal transduction pathways involved in this phenomenon. We also observed that certain human breast cancer cell lines with intrinsic tamoxifen resistance (such as the “triple-negative” MDA-MB-468 cell line) express cytochrome P450 isoforms essential for the synthesis of 20-HETE, and we are evaluating whether we can exploit a synergistic effect of HET0016 with anti-cancer drugs currently used to treat aggressive “triple-negative” breast cancers which have an intrinsic resistance to endocrine therapy. We hypothesize that a 20-HETE-targeted agent such as HET0016 will provide an additional anti-cancer benefit due to its anti-angiogenic activities, and we are further exploring the characteristics of breast cancers that may be susceptible to combination therapy involving HET0016 and related compounds. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2279. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2279
Validation of a Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) method for the quantitation of six carbon sugars in a saccharification matrix

A Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) method for quantitation of six carbon sugars in saccharification matrix (solution used for the enzyme hydrolysis of switchgrass) was developed and validated. The DART ion source was used to produce ammonium adducts of the spiked glucose molecular ion and the d2-glucose (internal standard) that were detected by scanning with a linear ion trap. Calibration curves were obtained over a linear range of 10 to 3000 μM with correlation coefficients better than 0.997 and method recoveries were 94.9% to 103.0%. Matrix effects were observed and managed with matrix-matching standards for generating calibration curves. Limits of detection and quantitation were 5.84 × 10−6 M and 1.95 × 10−5 M, respectively. These results indicate this method could be implemented for quantitation of glucose generated from saccharification samples.
Morphine upregulates mu opioid receptors of human and monkey lymphocytes.

Abstract Opioid receptors of subtypes delta, kappa, and mu similar to those found in brain cells have been identified in immune cells. The current study demonstrates by competitive polymerase chain reaction the treatment of human lymphocytic cells with morphine resulting in an increased amount of gene expression of mu opioid receptors. Antibodies against the MOR-1, the neuronal mu opioid receptor, were used in Western blot analysis of mu proteins and the results revealed a single band of ∼50 kDa, the intensity of which was increased by morphine treatment. Similar results of mu opioid receptor activation were observed when monkey lymphocytes were treated with morphine. These studies suggest that in addition to causing an immune effect through communication with the neuroendocrine system, the psychoactive drug morphine may modulate immune functions by acting directly on the mu opioid receptors expressed on lymphocytes.
Variable range hopping as the mechanism of the conductivity peak broadening in the quantum Hall regime.

We argue that it is the hopping transport that is responsible for broadening of the ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{\mathit{x}\mathit{x}}$ peaks. An explicit expression for the width \ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu} of the peak as a function of the temperature T is found. A close relation between the characteristic temperature in the dependence \ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu} on T and that in the variable-range-hopping exponent at an integer \ensuremath{\nu} is established. Broadening of the peak with increasing current is also explained. The current J is shown to act like the effective temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{e}\mathit{f}\mathit{f}}$\ensuremath{\propto}${\mathit{J}}^{1/2}$ if ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{e}\mathit{f}\mathit{f}}$\ensuremath{\gg}T. The anomalous behavior of two peaks which are close to each other (spin split, e.g.) is considered.
Performance and Energy Implications of Many-Core Caches for Throughput Computing

Processors that target throughput computing often have many cores, which stresses the cache hierarchy. logically centralized, shared data storage is needed for many-core chips to provide high cache throughput for heavily read-write shared lines. techniques to reduce on-die and off-die traffic have a dramatic energy benefit for many-core chips.
Automatic Generation of Pencil-Sketch Like Drawings from Personal Photos

In this paper, we present an algorithm for automatically generating pencil-sketch like drawings from personal photos. On top of the core step of gradient computation, some proper transformations are introduced to achieve the best visual effects. It is found that the popular Sobel operator and Laplacian operator are both not desirable for this task, and thus we propose a computationally simple algorithm for gradient estimation. Experimental results show that the proposed method can generate visually appealing pencil-sketch like images from personal photos
A physically based approach in retrieving vegetation Leaf Area Index from Landsat surface reflectance data

In this study, we aim to generate global 30-m Leaf Area Index (LAI) from Landsat surface reflectance data using the radiative transfer theory of canopy spectral invariants which facilitates parameterization of the canopy spectral bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF). Furthermore, canopy spectral invariants introduce an efficient way for incorporating multiple bands for retrieving LAI. We incorporate a 3-band retrieval scheme including the Red, NIR and SWIR bands, the SWIR band being specifically useful in low LAI regions and thus compensating for background effects. The initial results have satisfactory agreement with MODIS LAI, although with spatially more detailed structure and variability. A future exercise will be to introduce field measured LAI estimates to minimize the differences between model-simulated LAI's and in-situ observations.
Enzyme Content of Casts in Chronic Renal Disease

An investigation of enzyme content of diseased human kidneys was carried out. A broad spectrum of enzymes was studied histochemically in these kidneys. A surprising finding of the presence of various lysosomal, microsomal, and nuclease enzymes was demonstrated in epithelial casts in the kidneys. In contrast, mitochondrial enzymes were not present in the epithelial casts. This study has demonstrated that epithelial casts still retain certain enzymatic activities and are not enzymatically inert. Recently, we subjected portions of kidneys removed from patients with chronic renal disease (chronic pyelonephritis and chronic glomerulonephritis) prior to transplantation to a comprehensive enzyme histochemical analysis. We observed marked differences in the enzyme content of intratubular epithelial casts.
Translation of a Motor Learning Walking Rehabilitation Program Into a Group-Based Exercise Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Abstract Background Traditional exercise programs for older adults, which focus on aerobic and strength training, have had only modest effects on walking. Recently, a motor learning exercise program was shown to have greater effects on walking compared with a traditional exercise program. Translating this novel motor learning exercise program into a group exercise program would allow it to be offered as an evidence-based, community-based program for older adults. Objective To translate a walking rehabilitation program based on motor learning theory from one-on-one to group delivery (On the Move) and evaluate multiple aspects of implementation in older adults with impaired mobility. Design The translation process involved multiple iterations, including meetings of experts in the field (Phase I), focus groups (Phase II), and implementation of the newly developed program (Phase III). Phase III was based on a one-group model of intervention development for feasibility, safety, potential effects, and acceptability. Setting Community sites, including 2 independent living facilities, an apartment building, and a community center. Participants Adults 65 years of age or older who could ambulate independently and who were medically stable. Thirty-one adults, mean age 82.3 ± 5.6 years, were eligible to participate. Methods The group exercise program was held twice a week for 12 weeks. Main Outcome Measurements Acceptability of the program was determined by retention and adherence rates and a satisfaction survey. Risk was measured by adverse events and questions on perceived challenge and safety. Mobility was assessed pre- and postintervention by gait speed, Figure of 8 Walk Test, and 6-minute walk test. Results Modifications to the program included adjustments to format/length, music, education, and group interaction. The 12-week program was completed by 24 of 31 entrants (77%). Adherence was high, with participants attending on average 83% of the classes. Safety was excellent, with only 1 subject experiencing a controlled, noninjurious fall. There was preliminary evidence for improved mobility after the intervention: gait speed improved from 0.76 ± 0.21 to 0.81 ± 0.22 m/s, P = .06; Figure of 8 Walk Test from 13.0 ± 3.9 to 12.0 ± 3.9 seconds, P = .07; and 6-minute walk test from 246 ± 75 to 281 ± 67 m, P = .02. Conclusions The group-based program was safe and acceptable to older adults with impaired mobility and resulted in potentially clinically meaningful improvements in mobility.
Models for male infertility: the t haplotypes

The t haplotypes are variant alleles of genes in the proximal region of mouse Chromosome 17, linked together by four inversions. While females carrying two t haplotypes are fertile, males are sterile. Their spermatozoa exhibit severe motility defects and are unable to penetrate zona pellucida-free oocytes. Spermatozoa from males carrying one t haplotype (t/+) exhibit mild motility deficits and a delay in penetration of the zona-free oocyte. The inversions of the t haplotypes contain several genes that cause or contribute to male sterility, at least some of which can be identified by analysis of mice carrying Mus spretus-Mus domesticus recombinant Chromosomes 17. The t haplotypes specify a number of sperm biochemical abnormalities, but these have not been related directly to defects in fertilization. In t/+ males, spermatozoa not bearing the t haplotype are defective in fertilization compared with t-bearing spermatozoa. The mechanism causing this is likely to involve haploid gene expression confined to the t-bearing spermatids. Since many genes situated in the region of the t haplotypes have human homologues, an understanding of t haplotype sterility in mice is expected to contribute significantly to our knowledge of the genetic basis for human sperm dysfunction.
Inhibition of non-small-cell lung cancer growth by combined fulvestrant and vandetanib.

Evaluation of: Siegfried JM, Gubish CT, Rothstein ME, Henry C, Stabile LP. Combining the multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor vandetanib with the antiestrogen fulvestrant enhances its antitumor effect in non-small cell lung cancer. J. Thorac. Oncol. 7(3), 485–495 (2012). Targeting the EGF receptor (EGFR) with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) shows clinical efficacy for some non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Recent studies have demonstrated that NSCLCs express estrogen receptors and that fulvestrant, an antiestrogen that reduces estrogen receptor protein, inhibits cell proliferation. Combination of a TKI targeting EGFR and fulvestrant shows greater efficacy than TKI or fulvestrant alone. This study demonstrated that treatment of NSCLC cells with vandetanib, a TKI of EGFR and VEGF receptor, and fulvestrant showed greater efficacy for inhibition of cell proliferation in vitro or xenograft tumor growth in vivo than either drug alone. These preclinical data provide rationale for a clinical trial...
Novel inflammatory mechanisms of accelerated atherosclerosis in kidney disease

A substantial body of evidence has accumulated linking an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). A multitude of novel risk factors related to decreased kidney function might interact with the renal and systemic immune systems involved in renal injury and repair to participate in accelerated atherogenesis (Immune inflammation-Renal injury-Atherosclerosis—the IRA Paradigm). In this review, we will discuss several of these novel risk factors and present the potential for the role of the immune-inflammatory system in accelerated atherosclerosis of kidney disease.
Simultaneous multitarget detection and false alarm mitigation algorithm for the Predator UAV TESAR ATR system

This paper describes a technique recently developed for target detection and false alarm reduction for the Predator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) tactical endurance synthetic aperture radar (TESAR) automatic target recognition (ATR) system. The approach does not attempt to label various objects in the SAR image (e.g., buildings, trees, roads); instead, it finds target-like characteristics in the image and compares their statistical/spatial relationship to larger structures in the scene. To do this, the approach merges the output of multiple CFAR (constant false alarm ratio) surfaces through a sequence of mathematical morphology tests. Application of this detector to the Predator's SAR ATR algorithm suite produced a stunning reduction of 1 order of magnitude in the number of cues yielded by Predator's baseline detector.
Acute Illness is Associated with Suppression of the Growth Hormone Axis in Zimbabwean Infants

Abstract. Frequent infections contribute to childhood stunting in developing countries but the causal pathways are uncertain. We tested the hypothesis that intercurrent illnesses suppress the growth hormone axis through reductions in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). In a birth cohort of 202 HIV-unexposed Zimbabwean infants, we analyzed data on 7-day illness recall and measured plasma interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and IGF-1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, at age 6 weeks, and then 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Children with recent acute illness had lower IGF-1 concentrations than healthy children and IGF-1 correlated inversely (P < 0.05) with inflammatory biomarkers at most time points between 3 and 18 months. Using path analysis, we showed that cough and fever had a predominantly indirect effect on suppressing IGF-1, through the acute-phase response, whereas diarrhea had a predominantly direct effect on IGF-1. Acute illness may therefore impact the growth hormone axis through both direct and indirect pathways.
Substance abuse and domestic violence interventions: the need for theoretical based research.

Recent literature reviews1 have underscored the need to improve intervention programs for individuals who have problems with intimate partner violence (IPV). This literature1 points out that the tr...
Modeling human movement with length-normalized action primitives

Human movement appears constructed of primitives that serve as building blocks for complex motion. Two pioneering descriptions of aimed movement, the deterministic iterative-corrections and stochastic optimized-submovement models, each assume that such primitives (or submovements) are discrete and non-overlapping. Although these prominent models successfully explain the speed-accuracy tradeoff familiarly known as Fitts' law, they say little about the kinematic shape of submovements. This paper introduces a family of length- normalized action primitives (LNAPs) that produce rigid-body trajectories similar to those seen in human motion, and which agree with Fitts' law. Like the aforementioned models, the LNAP method requires discrete submovements. However, it extends the antecedent models by explicitly bounding potential input profiles. Additionally, it embraces the concept of proportional input noise, a key characteristic of the stochastic optimized-submovement model.
Using a game to evaluate image retrieval, organization, and annotation

Methods of retrieving images that incorporate human- generated metadata, such as keyword annotation and collaborative filtering, are less vulnerable to the semantic gap than content-based image retrieval. However, generating such metadata is time-consuming, expensive, and difficult to evaluate. This paper discusses an interface for image retrieval that is able to simultaneously compose queries based on content- based features, keywords, and collaborative relations. We propose using a game metaphor to evaluate the system.
Developing a value-based decision-making model for inquiring organizations

The effective management of knowledge is critical for organizations that are striving to gain or maintain a competitive advantage and that are in the process of re-structuring for the new century. Decision-making is an important factor for growing organizational memory with newly created knowledge and a broader base of perspectives to use in subsequent decision-making situations. Given a particular decision context and a decision maker with a set of personal values, it may be very difficult to see all sides of the issue. Yet, being able to view the decision environment from multiple perspectives would enhance the decision maker's ability to make better-informed choices. This article introduces the value-based decision-making (VBDM) model that extends Courtney's (2001) new decision-making paradigm by suggesting that multiple perspectives may be achieved by considering a foundation of individual values as suggested by Spranger (1928/1966). This model provides a framework that decision-makers and researchers can use to better understand and facilitate the use of multiple perspectives in decision-making and organizational memory enhancement. This article also suggests the use of agent technology as a basis for multiple perspective decision-making support.
Can quantum computers have simple Hamiltonians

Recently, P. Shor (1994) has shown that quantum computers (computers which can operate simultaneously on a quantum superposition of inputs) permit efficient (i.e. polynomial-time) solutions of problems for which no efficient classical-mechanical solution is known. This has led to renewed interest in the question of whether or not quantum computers can be physically realized. One kind of quantum computer, quantum cellular automata, can be described by relatively simple Hamiltonians that resemble the Hamiltonians of spin systems. In this paper, we report a quantum cellular automaton which, though not itself computation-universal, forms an essential part of any quantum cellular automaton which is synchronized using Feynman's technique. This quantum cellular automaton has as its Hamiltonian the one-dimensional XY Hamiltonian, which is exactly solvable. Furthermore, there is experimental evidence from low-temperature measurements of the heat capacity and electric susceptibility that the Hamiltonian of the quantum cellular automaton is realized in nature by the rare-earth compound praseodymium ethyl sulfate near 1 K. >
Measurement of GSTP1 promoter methylation in body fluids may complement PSA screening: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening has low specificity. Assessment of methylation status in body fluids may complement PSA screening if the test has high specificity. METHOD: The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of the sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer detection of glutathione-s-transferase–p (GSTP1) methylation in body fluids (plasma, serum, whole blood, urine, ejaculate, and prostatic secretions). We conducted a comprehensive literature search on Medline (Pubmed). We included studies if they met all four of the following criteria: (1) measurement of DNA methylation in body fluids; (2) a case-control or case-only design; (3) publication in an English journal; and (4) adult subjects. Reviewers conducted data extraction independently using a standardised protocol. Twentytwo studies were finally included in this paper. Primer sequences and methylation method in each study were summarised and evaluated using meta-analyses. This paper represents a unique cross-disciplinary approach to molecular epidemiology. RESULTS: The pooled specificity of GSTP1 promoter methylation measured in plasma, serum, and urine samples from negative-biopsy controls was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.80–0.95). Stratified analyses consistently showed a high specificity across different sample types and methylation methods (include both primer sequences and location). The pooled sensitivity was 0.52 (95% CI, 0.40–0.64). CONCLUSIONS: The pooled specificity of GSTP1 promoter methylation measures in plasma, serum, and urine was excellent and much higher than the specificity of PSA. The sensitivity of GSTP1 was modest, no higher than that of PSA. These results suggest that measurement of GSTP1 promoter methylation in plasma, serum, or urine samples may complement PSA screening for prostate cancer diagnosis.
Heterotrimeric G-protein regulation of ROS signalling and calcium currents in Arabidopsis guard cells

Heterotrimeric G proteins composed of Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits are important signalling agents in both animals and plants. In plants, G proteins modulate numerous responses, including abscisic acid (ABA) and pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) regulation of guard cell ion channels and stomatal apertures. Previous analyses of mutants deficient in the sole canonical Arabidopsis Gα subunit, GPA1, have shown that Gα-deficient guard cells are impaired in ABA inhibition of K(+) influx channels, and in pH-independent activation of anion efflux channels. ABA-induced Ca(2+) uptake through ROS-activated Ca(2+)-permeable channels in the plasma membrane is another key component of ABA signal transduction in guard cells, but the question of whether these channels are also dependent on Gα for their ABA response has not been evaluated previously. We used two independent Arabidopsis T-DNA null mutant lines, gpa1-3 and gpa1-4, to investigate this issue. We observed that gpa1 mutants are disrupted both in ABA-induced Ca(2+)-channel activation, and in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to ABA. However, in response to exogenous H(2)O(2) application, I(Ca) channels are activated normally in gpa1 guard cells. In addition, H(2)O(2) inhibition of stomatal opening and promotion of stomatal closure are not disrupted in gpa1 mutant guard cells. These data indicate that absence of GPA1 interrupts ABA signalling between ABA reception and ROS production, with a consequent impairment in Ca(2+)-channel activation.
Weak convergence of non-stationary multivariate marked processes with applications to martingale testing

This paper establishes the weak convergence of a class of marked empirical processes of possibly non-stationary and/or non-ergodic multivariate time series sequences under martingale conditions. The assumptions involved are similar to those in Brown's martingale central limit theorem. In particular, no mixing conditions are imposed. As an application, we propose a test statistic for the martingale hypothesis and we derive its asymptotic null distribution. Finally, a Monte Carlo study shows that the asymptotic results provide good approximations for small and moderate sample sizes. An application to the S&P 500 is also considered.
The impact of the nanoscale on computing systems

Nanoscale technologies provide both challenges and opportunities. We show that the issues and potential solutions facing designers are technology independent and arise mainly from shrinking device sizes and an increase in the number of devices available. We explore how it is possible to use some of the devices that will be available to help ease design complexity as well as overcome process related challenges such as limited layout freedom, increased defect densities, timing constraints, and power dissipation.
Effect of feeding reduced crude protein and phosphorus diets on weaning-finishing pig growth performance, carcass characteristics, and bone characteristics

Two experiments were conducted to de- termine the effects of feeding a corn- and soybean meal- based diet (control) or a low nutrient excretion (LNE) diet, formulated with reduced dietary CP and addi- tional synthetic AA, low phytic acid corn, and phytase, on pig growth performance during the grower (BW = 32 to 77 kg) and finisher (BW = 78 to 126 kg) periods and on carcass and bone characteristics at slaughter. Pigs (32 ± 1.3 kg of BW, Exp. 1; 6.7 ± 0.27 kg of BW, Exp. 2) were blocked by sex and BW and randomly allotted to a control or LNE diet. Pigs were housed in 4 rooms during the nursery period and in 2 rooms during the grower and finisher periods, with individual and identical ventilation systems. Pigs were phase fed 3 nursery diets for 5 wk (Exp. 2) and phase fed 2 grower and 2 finisher diets for 16 wk (Exp. 1 and 2). Pigs were housed 4 or 5 pigs/pen with 9 pens·sex −1 ·treatment −1 during the nursery period and 4 or 5 pigs/pen with 5 pens·sex −1 ·treatment −1 in the grower phase and 2 or 3 pigs/pen in the finisher phase. Individual BW and pen feed disappearance were recorded weekly in the nursery period and every 2 wk in the grower-finisher period. Pigs were scanned ultrasonically at d 34 of the nursery period and wk 8 and 16 of the grower-finisher period to determine backfat depths and LM area. Ten pigs·sex −1 ·treatment −1 were slaughtered at wk 16 of each experiment to determine carcass characteristics. Overall growth performance was not different during each ex- periment. However, nursery G:F (control = 0.65; LNE = 0.60), grower ADG (Exp. 1 and 2), and grower G:F (Exp. 2) were reduced (P < 0.05) when the LNE diets were fed. Diet had no effect on 10th-rib carcass data in either experiment. Metatarsal bone ash percentage was reduced (P < 0.05) when the LNE diets were con- sumed in both experiments. Feeding LNE diets resulted in the maintenance of overall growth performance, bone variables, and carcass characteristics. However, further refinements are still required in the nursery and grower phases of pig production to optimize LNE diet use by the swine industry.