cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Further evidence for a third deafness gene within the DFNA2 locus.

DFNA2 is a complex locus. Two hearing loss genes have been identified at this site: GJB3, the gene that encodes the gap junction protein connexin 31, and KCNQ4, a voltage-gated potassium channel gene. A third gene has previously been postulated to explain the hearing loss in an Indonesian family linked to the region but devoid of mutation in either known gene (Van Hauwe et al. [1999: Nat Genet 21:263]). We have identified a large five-generation family with nonsyndromic, autosomal dominant progressive high-frequency hearing loss. The hearing impairment maps to 1p34, the site of the DFNA2 locus. Two-point linkage analysis of microsatellite markers spanning the locus resulted in a lod score of 6.6 at D1S391 at θ = 0. We have investigated both identified deafness genes in affected and unaffected family members and have not found any disease-causing mutations, suggesting that another hearing impairment gene resides at the DFNA2 locus. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Using Randomized Variable Practice in the Treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine if randomized variable practice, a central component of concurrent treatment, would be effective and efficient in treating childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Concurrent treatment is a treatment program that takes the speech task hierarchy and randomizes it so that all tasks are worked on in one session. Previous studies have shown the treatment program to be effective and efficient in treating phonological and articulation disorders. The program was adapted to be used with children with CAS. Method A research design of multiple baselines across participants was used. Probes of generalization to untaught words were administered every fifth session. Three children, ranging in age from 4 to 6 years old, were the participants. Data were collected as percent correct productions during baseline, treatment, and probes of generalization of target sounds to untaught words and three-word phrases. Results All participants showed an increase in correct productions du...
Bidirectional Electrically Switched Laser

Operation of a double-rooftop ruby laser emitting along directions that are at an angle of 17.45° with respect to one another has been investigated. The ruby is a 3.17-cm cylinder with a 17.45° chisel at each end, one of which is silver-coated. The other end has an antireflection coating, so that external dielectric (or silver) reflectors complete two separate Fabry–Perot cavities, which have about one-third the active medium in common. A polarizer and nitrobenzene Kerr cell in each path allow fast switching from one axis of emission to the other; the switching has been accomplished within 1 μsec in the present experiment. Some implications of the experiment with regard to more general problems of laser deflection are also discussed.
Receptor-independent effects of endocannabinoids on ion channels.

Endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), produced from membrane-bound precursors via calcium and/or G-protein dependent processes, mimic the effects of cannabinoids by activating cannabinoid CB 1 and/or CB 2 receptors. Several reports however, also indicate that endocannabinoids can produce effects that are independent of cannabinoid receptors. Thus, in pharmacologically relevant concentrations, endocannabinoids have been demonstrated to modulate the functional properties of voltage-gated ion channels including Ca 2+ channels, Na + channels and various types of K + channels, and ligand-gated ion channels such as 5-HT 3, and nicotinic ACh receptors. In addition, the functional modulations by endocannabinoids of other ion-transporting membrane proteins such as transient potential receptor-class channels, gap junctions, and neurotransmitter transporters have also been reported. These findings indicate that additional molecular targets for endocannabinoids exist and that these targets may represent important sites for cannabinoids to alter either the excitability of the neurons or the response of the neuronal systems. This review focuses on the results of recent studies indicating that beyond their receptor-mediated effects, endocannabinoids alter the function of ion channels directly.
A case study of radiotherapy planning for a bilateral metal hip prosthesis prostate cancer patient

The purpose of this report is to communicate the observed advantage of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in a patient with bilateral metallic hip prostheses. In this patient with early-stage low-risk disease, a dose of 74 Gy was planned in two phases--an initial 50 Gy to the prostate and seminal vesicles and an additional 24 Gy to the prostate alone. Each coplanar beam avoided the prosthesis in the beam's eye view. Using the same target expansions for each phase, IMRT and 3D-conformal radiotherapy (CRT) plans were compared for target coverage and inhomogeneity as well as dose to the bladder and rectum. The results of the analysis demonstrated that IMRT provided superior target coverage with reduced dose to normal tissues for both individual phases of the treatment plan as well as for the composite treatment plan. The dose to the rectum was significantly reduced with the IMRT technique, with a composite V 80 of 35% for the IMRT plan versus 70% for 3D-CRT plan. Similarly, the dose to the bladder was significantly reduced with a V 80 of 9% versus 20%. Overall, various dosimetric parameters revealed the corresponding 3D-CRT plan would not have been acceptable. The results indicate significant success with IMRT in a clinical scenario where there were no curative alternatives for local treatment other than external beam radiotherapy. Therefore, definitive external beam radiation of prostate cancer patients with bilateral prosthesis is made feasible with IMRT. The work described herein may also have applicability to other groups of patients, such as those with gynecological or other pelvic malignancies.
The thermal rearrangement of endo-7-methyl-exo-7-vinylbicyclo[3.2.0]Hept-2-ene

Abstract Gas-phase thermolysis of the title compound in the temperature range of 150°–166°C yields predominantly cis -6-methyl-4,7,8,9-tetrahydroindene by tandem [1,3]–[3,3) sigmatropic shifts: however, we cannot exclude some direct conversion by an alternative [1,3] sigmatropic migration.
Energy-Efficient and Robust In-Network Inference in Wireless Sensor Networks

Distributed in-network inference plays a significant role in large-scale wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in various applications for distributed detection and estimation. While belief propagation (BP) holds great potential for forming a powerful underlying mechanism for such distributed in-network inferences in WSNs, one major challenge is how to systematically improve the energy efficiency of BP-based in-network inference in WSNs. In this paper, we first propose a systematic and rigorous data-driven approach to building information models for WSN applications upon which BP-based in-network inference can be effectively and efficiently performed. We then present a wavelet-based BP framework for multiresolution inference, with respect to our WSN information modeling, to further reduce WSNs’ energy. We empirically evaluate our proposed WSN information modeling and wavelet-based BP framework/multiresolution inference using real-world sensor network data. The results demonstrate the merits of our proposed approaches.
Narrowband Oscillations in the Upper Equatorial Ocean. Part II: Properties of Shear Instabilities

Abstract Narrowband oscillations observed in the upper equatorial Pacific are interpreted in terms of a random ensemble of shear instability events. Linear perturbation analysis is applied to hourly averaged profiles of velocity and density over a 54-day interval, yielding a total of 337 unstable modes. Composite profiles of mean states and eigenfunctions surrounding the critical levels suggest that the standard hyperbolic tangent model of Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) instability is a reasonable approximation, but the symmetry of the composite perturbation is broken by the stratification and vorticity gradient of the underlying equatorial undercurrent. Unstable modes are found to occupy a range of frequencies with a peak near 1.4 mHz, consistent with the frequency content of the observed oscillations. A probabilistic theory of random instabilities predicts this peak frequency closely. An order of magnitude estimate suggests that the peak frequency is of order N, in accord with the observations. This results not ...
Comparison of Thrombophlebitis Associated with Three Cephalosporin Antibiotics

A double-blind study with volunteers was performed to determine the incidence and severity of thrombophlebitis associated with cephalothin, cephapirin, cefamandole, and a water control. Although there were no statistical differences in the incidence of thrombophlebitis, cephalothin resulted in significantly more severe thrombophlebitis compared with the other agents.
Mousterian large-mammal remains from Kobeh Cave behavioral implications for Neanderthals and early modern humans

Researchers have argued that Neanderthals and/or early modern humans scavenged the majority of the larger mammals represented in Middle Paleolithic/Middle Stone Age faunal assem‐blages at Combe Grenal, Grotte Vaufrey, Grotta Guattari, Grotta dei Moscerini, and Klasies River Mouth. If this is true, then these hominids practiced a pattern of faunal exploitation undocu‐mented among modern hunter‐gatherers. The evidence for this scavenging rests upon the presence of a head‐dominated or headand‐foot‐dominated skeletal‐element pattern. These are skeletal parts with little flesh. However, the sites where this pattern is found are either biased assemblages, shaft fragments having been discarded by the excavators, or unbiased ones in which shaft ments were not included in the zooarchaeologist's analysis. An analysis of the Mousterian fauna from Kobeh Cave, Iran, in which the mid‐shaft fragments of long bones typically considered nonidentifiable were refitted, identified, and entered into the mates of element abund...
Calbindins decreased after space flight

Exposure of the body to microgravity during space flight causes a series of well-documented changes in Ca2+ metabolism, yet the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to these changes are poorly understood. Calbindins, vitamin D-dependent Ca2+ binding proteins, are believed to have a significant role in maintaining cellular Ca2+ homeostasis. In this study, we used biochemical and immunocytochemical approaches to analyze the expression of calbindin-D28k and calbindin-D9k in kidneys, small intestine, and pancreas of rats flown for 9 d aboard the space shuttle. The effects of microgravity on calbindins in rats from space were compared with synchronous Animal Enclosure Module controls, modeled weightlessness animals (tail suspension), and their controls. Exposure to microgravity resulted in a significant and sustained decrease in calbindin-D28k content in the kidney and calbindin-D9k in the small intestine of flight animals, as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Modeled weightlessness animals exhibited a similar decrease in calbindins by ELISA. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) in combination with quantitative computer image analysis was used to measure in situ the expression of calbindins in the kidney and the small intestine, and the expression of insulin in pancreas. There was a large decrease of immunoreactivity in renal distal tubular cell-associated calbindin-D28k and in intestinal absorptive cell-associated calbindin-D9k of space flight and modeled weightlessness animals compared with matched controls. No consistent difference in pancreatic insulin immunoreactivity between space flight, modeled weightlessness, and controls was observed. Regression analysis of results obtained by quantitative ICC and ELISA for space flight, modeled weightlessness animals, and their controls demonstrated a significant correlation. These findings after a short-term exposure to microgravity or modeled weightlessness suggest that a decreased expression of calbindins may contribute to the disorders of Ca2+ metabolism induced by space flight.
MAC-CUBE, the Macintosh-based hypercube

The MAC-CUBE is a Macintosh-based hypercube. It uses AppleTalk hardware and software as the medium for the nodal connections. At the physical level AppleTalk has a bus topology. Hypercube connectivity is emulated on the AppleTalk local area network while the hypercube communication protocol is integrated in the AppleTalk software. Available for MAC-CUBE is the Crystalline Operating System III (CrOS III.) MAC-CUBE provides a programming environment similar to any other hypercube systems running CrOS III. It allows inexpensive hands-on experience with a concurrent machine. Data can be displayed on graphics monitor and/or stored locally at each node. In addition to the low cost, these capabilities of the Mac-Cube makes it an indispensable instructional and development tool for parallel processing. Some application programs which are taken from the book Solving Problems on Concurrent Processors [Fox 88] have been implemented with graphics enhancement on Mac-Cube. The applications are solving the Mandelbrot set in the complex plane, and solving a 2-dimensional Laplace equation using finite difference.
Adenocarcinoma and mixed carcinoma of the uterine cervix: II. Prognostic value of nuclear dna analysis

The prognosis of the glandular neoplasms of the uterine cervix is related to the clinical stage and, to a lesser extent, to the histologic type, growth pattern, and degree of differentiation of the neoplasms. To determine further the prognostic significance of the stem cell ploidy levels as determined by nuclear DNA quantitation, the authors separated the tumors into low ploidy (less than 3N) and high ploidy (greater than 3N) groups. Of the clinical Stage I and II neoplasms, low ploidy tumors had a better prognosis than high ploidy tumors of comparable stage. Low ploidy tumors had a better prognosis than high ploidy tumors irrespective of the degree of differentiation. Mixed carcinomas had a poorer prognosis than pure adenocarcinomas of comparable clinical stage. This might be explained by the greater proportion of high ploidy stem cells in mixed carcinomas than in pure adenocarcinomas. Although advanced clinical Stage III and IV neoplasms had a poor outlook regardless of the DNA ploidy level, there was a proportional increase of high ploidy tumors with increasing clinical stage. These findings suggest that cervical granular neoplasms having high ploidy stem cell lines are biologically more aggressive than those with low ploidy stem cell lines.
Hangman's fracture in an abused infant: imaging features

A case of a hangman's fracture in an abused infant is presented. The imaging features are illustrated and a mechanism of injury is suggested.
58 MOLECULAR BASIS OF INHERITED MYOADENYIATE DEAMINASE (AMP-D) DEFICIENCY

Inherited AMP-D deficiency is associated with a myopathy characterized by easy fatigability and myalgias. Deficiency of AMP-D is restricted to skeletal muscle and is associated with a decrease in the abundance of immunoreactive muscle-specific peptide. To define the molecular basis for this abnormality we have cloned cDNAs for the skeletal muscle-specific isoforms of human and rat AMP-D. We have made the following observations regarding AMP-D expression in a rodent model and in AMP-D deficient patients: 1) A single gene encodes AMP-D. 2) Two AMP-D transcripts are noted during muscle development in vivo and during myocyte differentiation in vitro. Rat fetal muscle contains an “embryonic” transcript (3.4 Kb) and peptide; postnatal skeletal muscle contains an “adult” transcript (2.5 Kb) and peptide. The latter are restricted to striated muscle. Production of the adult peptide is controlled by transcript switching, increase in transcript abundance during muscle development and possibly efficiency of translation. 3) Four patients with inherited deficiency of AMP-D have been evaluated with these probes. Although immunoreactive peptide is absent from their skeletal muscle, the abundance of the 2.5 Kb muscle-specific transcript is normal. We conclude from these studies that 1). AMP-D expression is controlled at multiple steps during myocyte development 2) Inherited deficiency of the muscle-specific isoform cannot be explained by a defect in transcript switching or rate of transcription, suggesting a defect in translation or a single base substitution.
From Exxon Valdez to Oriental Nicety: African environmental issues, accounting and corporate responsibilities

This paper investigates the environmental issues caused by the oil exploitations in the US India and in Africa. The paper deals with several questions. Who should be held accountable? What are the roles of the oil companies? What is the responsibility of regulators and governments? How should we count the damages? What are the ‘solutions’? Researchers and the International Press report that the endless oil spills in Nigeria have created ecological disaster.
Does primary sclerosing cholangitis occurring in association with inflammatory bowel disease differ from that occurring in the abssence of inflammatory bowel disease? A study of sixty‐six subjects

Primary sclerosing cholangitis often occurs in association with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis but also Crohn's disease of the colon either with or without terminal ileal disease. Little data exist as to the effect of inflammatory bowel disease on the presenting symptoms, radiological features, response to liver transplantation, and potential risk of bile duct carcinoma in individuals with primary sclerosing cholangitis. In an effort to answer these questions, 66 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis were studied. The definitive diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis in each was accomplished using cholangiography, which in each case demonstrated characteristic beading, ectasia and stricturing of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. Inflammatory bowel disease was present in 47 (71.2%) patients. Thirty nine (59.1%) had ulcerative colitis; their mean age was 42.5 +/- 11.6 yr (mean +/- SD), and the male/female ratio was 2.9:1. In addition, eight patients (12.1%) had Crohn's colitis; their mean age was 40.5 +/- 6.5 yr, and the male/female ratio of this group was 1:1. Nineteen patients (28.8%) had primary sclerosing cholangitis without any inflammatory bowel disease; their mean age was 42.0 +/- 12.1 yr, and the male/female ratio in this group was 0.72:1. Seventy-two percent of the patients without inflammatory bowel disease had either jaundice, pruritus or fatigue at presentation compared with 41% of the patients with inflammatory bowel disease (p less than 0.05). In contrast, abnormal liver function tests were more common as the first manifestation of liver disease in the latter group (38% vs. 11%; p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Wilms' tumor--model of a curable pediatric malignant solid tumor.

Summary Wilms' tumor is the model of the treatment of a pediatric solid tumor. Initially it appeared that multi-modality therapy, consisting of transabdominal nephrectomy, post-operative radiation therapy to the tumor bed and adjuvant, single agent chemotherapy provided the highest likelihood of disease-free survival. The identification of important prognostic factors, such as histology, tumor weight, lymph node involvement and age at diagnosis has led to a re-examination of the treatment of Wilms' tumor. Future therapeutic developments will include the administration of less therapy to some well defined groups of patients, and the exploration of new programs for patients who have been demonstrated to have a poor prognosis using currently accepted treatment techniques.
Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of Bioerodible Dexamethasone implant in Concanavalin A-induced uveitic cataract rabbit model.

To advance therapy for the treatment of concurrent uveitis and post-cataract surgical inflammation; we evaluated pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Bioerodible Dexamethasone Implant (BDI) containing 0.3 mg of dexamethasone (DXM) in Concanavalin A (Con A) induced uveitis followed by phacoemulsification in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. The BDI was implanted in the inferior fornix of the capsular bag after intravitreal injection of Con A and ensuing phacoemulsification in NZW rabbits; standard-of-care topical 0.1% dexamethasone drops served as control. DXM was quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and pharmacokinetics of DXM in disease vs. healthy eyes was compared. All eyes were assessed clinically using slit lamp biomicroscopy and Draize scoring scale. Retinal thickness and histological analyses were performed to evaluate retinal edema, inflammation and implant biocompatibility respectively. In Con A-induced inflammatory uveitic cataract model the BDI controlled anterior and posterior segment inflammation as well as retinal thickening more effectively than topical drops. The exposure (AUC0–t) of DXM with BDI is superior in all ocular tissues, while topical drops did not achieve therapeutic posterior segment levels and did not control inflammation nor prevent retinal edema and architectural disruption. Our results demonstrate the superiority of the BDI in suppressing Con A-induced inflammation and retinal edema in NZW rabbits and highlight the need for sustained bidirectional delivery of potent anti-inflammatory agents for 5 to 6 weeks to optimize clinical outcomes.
Changes in muscle strength in patients with statin myalgia.

Statins can produce myalgia or muscle pain, which may affect medication adherence. We measured the effects of statins on muscle strength in patients with previous statin myalgia. Leg isokinetic extension average power at 60° per second (−8.8 ± 10.5N-M, p = 0.02) and average peak torque at 60° per second (−14.0 ± 19.7N-M, p = 0.04) decreased slightly with statin use, but 8 of 10 other variables for leg strength did not change (all p >0.13). Handgrip, muscle pain, respiratory exchange ratio, and daily activity also did not change (all p >0.09). In conclusion, statin myalgia is not associated with reduced muscle strength or muscle performance.
Safe Use of Antirheumatic Agents in Patients with Comorbidities

The burden of comorbid diseases is high among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These are often systemic manifestations of RA but may be chronic conditions that predate or develop post-RA diagnosis. Increased mortality in RA is predominantly from nonarticular causes. The expanded armamentarium of disease-modifying drugs and biologics available has revolutionized management of articular disease but has made safe treatment of RA more complex. Drug-induced organ injury and side effects need to be kept in mind when initiating or modifying therapy.
It's Not Your Business: A Christian Reflection on Stewardship and Business

This article sets forth an understanding of the purpose and role of business derived from an examination of Christian scriptures. Specifically, the authors identify a ‘stewardship model’ of business that contrasts with both the current shareholder and stakeholder models and is rooted in the three grand themes of the Christian Bible (i.e., creation, fall and redemption). The authors illustrate how locating an understanding of business activities within a particular religious tradition can challenge current business assumptions and infuse the enterprise of business with renewed meaning for its participants.
4-Nitramino-3,5-dinitropyrazole-based energetic salts.

Nitramino-3,5-dinitropyra- zole was prepared and stabilized through the formation of its ammoni- um salt. With selected cations, 14 nitro- gen-rich energetic salts were synthe- sized in high yield by metathesis reac- tions. These salts were fully character- ized by 1 H, 13 C NMR, and IR spectros- copy and elemental analysis. Additionally, the structures of the am- monium, 3,4,5-triaminotriazolium, and biguanidinium salts were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Based on experimental and calculated values, the 4-nitramino-3,5-dinitropyrazolate salts show properties, such as decompo- sition temperatures (115-2298C), deto- nation pressures (23.27-37.42 GPa) and velocities (7713-9013 ms � 1 ), and impact sensitivities (5-40 J) that place them with energetics such as RDX and TATB.
Immunogenetic approaches to the analysis of mammalian development.

The mammalian embryo begins life as a free-living organism and, after approximately 4 1/2 days, implants into the endometrial surface of the uterus (Fig. 1). During this free-living period, two cell populations emerge; the inner cell mass, which will give rise to the embryo, and the trophectoderm, which will give rise to the placenta.
Comparison between the peak-to-sidelobe ratio of the matched and phase-only filters

It is shown that for any given bandpass, the phase-only filter always gives a better peak-to-correlation energy than the matched filter. An example is given that shows that this result does not carry over when one uses a more general measure of the peak-to-sidelobe ratio.
FDA Studies New Strategies for Presentation of Patient Information

It is imperative that the information provided for patients along with their prescription drugs be clear and concise so that patients use their medications correctly and can make informed decisions about their health care. Previous evaluation of consumer medication information (CMI) demonstrated that only 75% of CMI studied met the minimum criteria for usefulness. To address this deficiency, FDA has held several meetings, commissioned studies, and gathered public input on the issue of effective CMI over the past decade. We are continuing these efforts to determine whether a new form of patient information can more effectively communicate essential medication information to patients. This potentially new form of patient information, also known as Patient Medication Information (PMI), would use research on reading behavior and document simplification to increase patient comprehension. Integral to our PMI assessment efforts are continued stakeholder input, additional investigations, and consumer focused research such as the evaluation performed by Aker et al. Aker and colleagues highlighted a number of different variables that we have also determined to be important for PMI development: variables such as uniform format, patientfriendly content, and concise and clinically relevant information. Furthermore, we agree that an integral part of successful PMI development is consumer testing to inform development of future PMI prototypes. Aker et al also emphasized the use of icons or pictograms in PMI to enhance patient comprehension. Although there is support for the use of these images to enhance instructions, there are several reasons why we chose not to use them in our PMI prototypes at this time; reasons include research indicating that icons and pictograms can be the basis for confusion, the lack of universally standardized icons and pictograms, and pharmacy printing limitations. Further research and testing to standardize icons and pictograms is necessary since a picture can be interpreted many ways depending on its context and on the cultural background of the intended audience. We at the FDA make every effort to ensure that PMI will communicate essential information to patients, and we strive to stay informed of new developments in the field of patient information research. Furthermore, we commend and appreciate the efforts of Ms Aker and her colleagues in the evaluation discussed here and encourage others to publish their findings so that we may collectively design the most useful patient information possible.
Spontaneous dural cavernous sinus fistula in a child.

Abstract We describe the clinical course of a 9-year-old boy in whom a spontaneous dural cavernous sinus fistula developed. The patient initially presented with proptosis and conjunctival congestion believed to be caused by a cavernous sinus hemangioma and was prescribed oral prednisone. He subsequently developed pain, increased proptosis, and decreased vision. Emergent angiography revealed a dural cavernous sinus fistula, which was successfully embolized. This is the first case to our knowledge of a dural cavernous sinus fistula in a noninfant child that was treated successfully with embolization during angiography. J AAPOS 2000;4:383-5.
Joint computation of principal and minor components using gradient dynamical systems over stiefel manifolds

This paper presents several dynamical systems for simultaneous computation of principal and minor subspaces of a symmetric matrix. The proposed methods are derived from optimizing cost functions which are chosen to have optimal values at vectors that are linear combinations of extreme eigenvectors of a given matrix. Necessary optimality conditions are given in terms of a gradient of certain cost functions over a Stiefel manifold. Stability analysis of equilibrium points of six algorithms is established using Liapunov direct method.
Development of NMR: Solid‐State NMR and Materials Science, Post 1995

During the period 1995-2011 the sub-discipline of solid-state NMR grew enormously as represented by more than 30,000 publications, numerous conferences, and a burgeoning population of young researchers. This article seeks to summarize the trends of these researches in the area of materials chemistry, engineering, and physics. These trends are found to be based upon three pillars: a strong and evolving base of fundamental science, a clear connection to emerging computation and communication technologies, and the perspicacity of researchers in the fields of materials science. Keywords: solid-state NMR; materials; instrumentation; portable NMR; computation; theory; sensitivity; quadrupolar; dipolar; chemical shift
China and India in the Age of Globalization

Introduction: China and India in the age of globalization 1. Prelude to globalization: China (1949-78) and India (1947-91) 2. China and India embrace globalization 3. China: strategies and patterns of global integration 4. India: strategies and patterns of global integration 5. Sino-Indian relations: partners, friends or rivals? 6. India and the United States: from estrangement to engagement 7. The rise of China and its implications for the United States 8. China and India: future challenges and opportunities.
The abnormal cell plates formed after microtubule disrupter herbicide treatment are enriched in callose

Abstract Mitotic disrupter herbicides are best known for their macroscopic effect on root tip swelling and their microscopic effect on the progression of chromosomes through mitosis. However, irregularities with the phragmoplast microtubules and cell plate formation occur at lower herbicide concentrations than these more familiar effects. Instead of the relatively straight cell plates found in control tissue, cell plates after mitotic disrupter treatment are often branched and grow irregularly throughout the cytoplasm. Sometimes these abnormal plates adhere to one wall and in most cases do not effectively divide the potential daughter cytoplasms. To determine the chemical composition of these abnormal cell plates, thin sections of treated onion root tips were probed with a battery of antibodies and cytochemical probes. Abnormal cell plates are greatly enriched in callose compared to control cell plates and accumulate very low levels of cellulose. The development of these wildly undulated and excessively branched or heavily thickened cell plates indicates the importance of microtubules in forming a proper cell plate and perhaps the necessity of stable microtubule arrays for the addition of cellulose to these structures. Because the abnormal plates occur at herbicide concentrations below that required for induction of mitotic arrest or root tip swelling, this effect may be the primary phytotoxic effect of these herbicides.
Preparation and Characterization of a Set of Linear DNA Molecules for Polymer Physics and Rheology Studies

Imaging of single DNA molecules has enabled detailed studies of dilute polymer dynamics and rigorous testing of assumptions and predictions of molecular theories. It is of interest to extend these methods to the study of entangled polymers and to correlate molecular dynamics with rheology measurements. Progress in this direction has been hampered, however, by a lack of available DNA samples in sufficient quantities and covering a wide range of lengths. Here we describe the preparation of a suitable set of molecules ranging in length from ∼3 to 300 kilobase pairs. These constructs are replicated as plasmids or as fosmids or bacterial artificial chromosomes fitted with an inducible high-copy number origin of replication. DNA sequences were chosen to allow molecules to be linearized by single-cutting restriction enzymes. We show that these molecules can be imaged and characterized by fluorescence microscopy and can be prepared in sufficient quantities for bulk rheology measurements.
Of ITIMs, ITAMs, and ITAMis: revisiting immunoglobulin Fc receptor signaling

Receptors for immunoglobulin Fc regions play multiple critical roles in the immune system, mediating functions as diverse as phagocytosis, triggering degranulation of basophils and mast cells, promoting immunoglobulin class switching, and preventing excessive activation. Transmembrane signaling associated with these functions is mediated primarily by two amino acid sequence motifs, ITAMs (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs) and ITIMs (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs) that act as the receptors' interface with activating and inhibitory signaling pathways, respectively. While ITAMs mobilize activating tyrosine kinases and their consorts, ITIMs mobilize opposing tyrosine and inositol-lipid phosphatases. In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of signaling by these receptors/motifs and their sometimes blurred lines of function.
Enhanced crosstalk fault model and methodology to generate tests for arbitrary inter-core interconnect topology

In this paper we develop a new fault model for capacitive crosstalk in inter-core interconnects. We also develop a framework to generate compact tests for interconnects with arbitrary topologies. Experimental results show that the proposed approach can significantly reduce test application time for large interconnects. We are in the process of extending the framework to interconnects that include tri-state as well as bi-directional nets.
Reducing catheter-related infections in hemodialysis patients.

Not all hemodialysis accesses are created equal: Compared with patients with ESRD who have an arteriovenous fistula, those with a tunneled central venous catheter have a 15-fold increased risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) and an all-cause mortality rate ranging from 12% to 25
Freeze–thaw durability of high strength concrete under deicer salt exposure

Abstract Freeze–thaw resistance of high strength concrete (HSC) and normal strength concrete (NSC) mixes with varying air contents was investigated by moisture uptake, mass loss and internal damage measurements. Sufficiently air-entrained HSC mixes demonstrate significant improvement in salt frost scaling resistance and the characteristics of air-void system is not a major factor. This can be attributed to the reduced capillary porosity and connectivity which curtails ice-growth promoted by capillary suction of surface liquid under freezing. A clear bi-linear pattern is found for the mass loss and moisture uptake curves of HSC mixes, the transition point of which coincides with each other. This demonstrates the importance of initial moisture condition in concrete prior to F–T test. Increased imperviousness of HSC to moisture ingress renders it more prone to long-term frost damage intrinsically, which is evidenced by much higher initial freezing strain in HSC from the length-change measurement on thin specimens at various degrees of saturation levels.
Abuse and Older Persons: Issues and Implications for Counselors

Counselors can play a vital role in addressing the needs of increasing numbers of older persons subject to and at risk for abuse from their families, caretakers, and themselves. In the 1960s there was an increasing awareness of the problems of child abuse. In the 1970s people became aware of the issues surrounding spouse abuse, and services were developed to meet the needs of these victims. the 1980s may be considered the era of awareness for "elder abuse" (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1980). Awareness of the abuse of older persons is at the age that child abuse was 20 years ago (Floyd, 1984). The available evidence suggests that elder abuse is a family phenomenon, with the overwhelming proportion of abuse occurring in the home (Douglas, 1983; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1980).
Donald F. Turner at the Antitrust Division: A Reconsideration of Merger Policy in the 1960s

When viewed through the lens of current practice, antitrust policy in the 1960s appears to be economically irrational. However, a closer look at Donald F. Turner’s tenure as head of the Antitrust Division from 1965 to 1968 suggests otherwise. When Turner became Assistant Attorney General (AAG) fifty years ago, he was the nation’s foremost expert on antitrust law and policy. A Harvard Law School professor with a J.D. from Yale and a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard, Turner was the author of several scholarly articles on antitrust and co-author of the leading antitrust treatise of the time. As AAG, Turner took a thoroughly modern approach to merger policy, relying on economic theory and empirics to formulate a rules-based approach to policy that focused on promoting economic rather than broader social ends. If elements of Turner’s merger policy appear to be obsolete today, it is not because his policy was economically irrational; rather, subsequent developments in economics rendered certain assumptions underlying his policy untenable. Indeed, a review of Turner's tenure as AAG suggests he played a key role in bringing economic rationality to merger policy, and antitrust policy more generally.
Global comparative gene expression analysis of melanoma patient samples, derived cell lines and corresponding tumor xenografts

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 2980 Various in vitro and in vivo experimental models have been used for the discovery of genes and pathways involved in melanoma and other types of cancer. However, in many cases, the positive results from various tumor models failed to be replicated successfully in clinical studies. Limited information is available on how closely these models reflect the in vivo physiological conditions. In this study, a comprehensive genomics approach was used to systematically compare the expression patterns of snap frozen samples obtained from patients with primary melanoma, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastases, and compare these patterns to those of their corresponding cell lines and tumor xenografts in nude mice. GE Healthcare 20k human genome array was used and the expression data was normalized and analyzed using GeneSpring 7.2 software. Based on the expression analysis, the correlation rate between snap frozen primary patient samples vs. derived cell lines was 66%, with 1687 differentially expressed genes. The correlation rate between snap frozen primary patient samples vs. tumor xenografts was 75% with 1374 differentially expressed genes, and the correlation rate comparing tumor xenografts vs. derived cell lines ranged between 58% and 84%. These results demonstrate significant gene expression differences between tumor material examined unselected as part of their original microenvironment, pure populations of the melanoma cells cultured under optimal, but artificial, conditions in vitro , and grown as tumors containing mouse stromal cells. Such studies can help distinguish between genes up- or down-regulated as a result of the microenvironment and those stably expressed independent of milieu. With the extensive use of cell lines and xenografts in cancer research the information obtained using our approach may help to better interpret results generated from different tumor models by understanding some common differences at the gene expression level, information that may have important practical and biological implications.
Increasing the Mean Current in Coastal Channels

Results of previously pubished theoretical studies suggest that properly designed inlets and channel constrictions, or both, can considerably increase the mean current in coastal channels. This was further investigated by laboratory experiments in a channel of uniform width and depth at each end connected to the same tidal basin. A mean current was induced by providing one end of the channel with a constriction in the form of a submerged weir. Measured values for the mean current were in good agreement with values obtained by numerical integration of the governing hydrodynamic equations. For each experiment the direction of the mean current was the same for each point in the vertical. The direction of the mean current was not the same for all experiments. To aid in the interpretation of the results an approximate analytic expression for the mean current was derived.
Effect of Bismuth Doping on the Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of Ba1-xBixTiO3 Lead-Free Ceramics

In this paper we report the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of Bi modified Ba1-xBixTiO3 lead-free ceramics. These ceramic samples were synthesized by conventional solid state reaction method. The XRD spectra recorded at room temperature (RT) suggested decrease in the tetragonality (c/a) for Bi doped derivatives with the presence of minor rhombohedral phase for heavily doped specimens. The grain boundary pinning occurring in slightly Bi-doped derivative (x = 0.025) was found to reduce the grain size to submicron regime. However, for higher Bi doping the presence of liquid phase led to the grain coarsening. The doped derivatives exhibited shifting of the paraelectric-ferroelectric (PE-FE) phase transition towards RT with rather diffused Curie peak. The substitution of Bi3+ (with different ionic radii and electronegativity) on A-site of ABO3 structure resulted in regions with modified polar structure giving rise to diffused PE-FE phase transition. The specimen with x = 0.025 exhibited enhanced planar...
Risky sexual behaviors among sexually active first-year students matriculating at a historically Black college: Is a positive self-image an instigator?

ABSTRACTA sample of 498 sexually active first-year students matriculating at a historically Black college in North Carolina was used to determine correlates of risky sexual behaviors. In an Ordinary Least Squares regression, the self-esteem element “I take a positive attitude toward myself” (B = 1.12, p = .05), non-condom use because of partner issues (B = .53, p = .05) and being drunk or high (B = 1.20, p = .001), oral sex (B = 1.74, p = .001), anal sex (B = .61, p = .04), and bisexuality (B = .85, p = .03) all increased the number of these behaviors. Higher scores on the condom usage scale (B = –.38, p = .002) were found to decrease the number of risky sexual behaviors. Illicit drug use was an underpinning of the surprisingly positive relationship between positive self-image and risky sexual behaviors. It was concluded that school-based social workers, mental health care professionals, and community-based prevention providers can play a critical role in the training of peer facilitators, development, an...
Childhood Ki-1 lymphoma presenting with skin lesions and peripheral lymphadenopathy

We describe a large-cell lymphoma of activated lymphoid cells in six children and adolescents. The presenting clinical features of regressing skin lesions and peripheral lymphadenopathy, sinus infiltration of lymph nodes, and infrequent tumor cell erythrophagocytosis resulted in initial diagnoses of malignant or regressing atypical histiocytosis in five cases. Binucleate and multinucleate tumor cells, sometimes with prominent eosinophilic nucleoli, resembled Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells and occasionally were found in a cytoarchitectural milieu that was consistent with a diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease (HD). The tumor cells did in fact express the HD-associated antigen Ki-1, but unlike most types of HD, the RS-like cells expressed common leukocyte antigen and were negative for Leu-M1. A T cell origin for the malignant cells was demonstrated with monoclonal antibodies in two cases, by focal staining for nonspecific esterase in one case, and by rearrangement of the beta-chain genes for the T cell receptor in a fourth case. These studies provide further evidence that some cases previously interpreted as malignant or regressing atypical histiocytosis and some types of HD are actually T cell disorders.
Spectroscopic neutron radiography for a cargo scanning system

Abstract Detection of cross-border smuggling of illicit materials and contraband is a challenge that requires rapid, low-dose, and efficient radiographic technology. The work we describe here is derived from a technique which uses monoenergetic gamma rays from low energy nuclear reactions, such as 11B(d,nγ)12C, to perform radiographic analysis of shipping containers. Transmission ratios of multiple monoenergetic gamma lines resulting from several gamma producing nuclear reactions can be employed to detect materials of high atomic number (Z), the details of which will be described in a separate paper. Inherent in this particular nuclear reaction is the production of fast neutrons which could enable neutron radiography and further characterization of the effective-Z of the cargo, especially within the range of lower Z. Previous research efforts focused on the use of total neutron counts in combination with X-ray radiography to characterize the hydrogenous content of the cargo. We present a technique of performing transmitted neutron spectral analysis to reconstruct the effective Z and potentially the density of the cargo. This is made possible by the large differences in the energy dependence of neutron scattering cross-sections between hydrogenous materials and those of higher Z. These dependencies result in harder transmission spectra for hydrogenous cargoes than those of non-hydrogenous cargoes. Such observed differences can then be used to classify the cargo based on its hydrogenous content. The studies presented in this paper demonstrate that such techniques are feasible and can provide a contribution to cargo security, especially when used in concert with gamma radiography.
ErbB2 Activation of ESX gene expression

Various members of the Ets multigene family exhibit diverse roles in development, cell differentiation, tissue-specific gene expression and human malignancy. In the search for Ets factors involved in mammary gland development and malignancy, ESX was found to be upregulated in a subset of breast tumours and cell lines. We report the transcriptional regulation of ESX in epithelial breast cancer cells. Transient reporter assays using the ESX promoter show that ESX transcription is regulated by ErbB receptor signalling. In cell lines and in 45 primary ductal breast cancers we show that ESX transcript expression significantly correlates with ErbB2 transcript levels. Moreover, expression of ErbB2 in cells upregulates ESX promoter activity while inhibition of ErbB2 or its downstream signaling pathways decrease both ESX promoter activity and endogenous ESX protein levels. These results indicate that the ESX promoter represents a transcriptional target of ErbB2, and ESX expression may represent a downstream mediator of ErbB2 signaling and ErbB2-induced gene expression.