cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oligomeric initiator protein-mediated DNA looping negatively regulates plasmid replication in vitro by preventing origin melting

Although DNA looping between the initiator binding sites (iterons) of the replication origin (ori) of a plasmid and the iterons located in a cis-acting control sequence called inc has been postulated to promote negative control of plasmid DNA replication, not only was definitive evidence for such looping lacking, but also the detailed molecular mechanism of this control had not been elucidated. Here, we present direct evidence showing that both the monomeric and the dimeric forms of the RepE initiator protein of F factor together promote pairing of incC-oriF sites by DNA looping. By using a reconstituted replication system consisting of 26 purified proteins, we show further that the DNA loop formation negatively regulates plasmid replication by inhibiting the formation of an open complex at the replication origin, thus elucidating a key step of replication control.
Experimental investigation of acoustic-kinetic interactions in non-equilibrium H2-Cl2 reactions

Effects of non-equilibrium reaction on sound propagation are identified and studied by comparing the observed amplification rates with theoretical predictions. Experiments were conducted in a Pyrex tube, filled with a homogenous mixture of hydrogen, chlorine and argon of different initial compositions and pressures. During the photochemical reaction following ultraviolet irradiation, the amplitude of a two-cycle burst of variable frequency (generated at one end of the reaction tube) is monitored simultaneously with mixture temperature and chlorine concentration, as the sound burst propagates in the reaction tube and reflects back and forth at its two ends. After correcting for dissipation losses, one obtains the net amplification rate which would conceivably be observed in a non-dissipative reacting medium. Significant amplification of the sound pressure fluctuations due to acoustic-kinetic interaction has been consistently observed at different acoustic frequencies and for different mixture compositions and pressures. The amplification rate is typically three times larger than what would be expected from simple consideration of conservation of the acoustic energy, thus demonstrating the significance of the additional contribution due to acoustic-kinetic coupling. (Total amplification of up to 80% of the initial sound amplitude was commonly observed over the sound residence time of 0.1 to 0.3 sec). Within experimental accuracy, the measured amplification rates are found to agree with predictions, derived on the basis of Arrhenius kinetics, for all mixture compositions and pressures and acoustic frequencies tested. The observed effects can be interpreted by a quasi-steady theory, which is also shown to be valid for the tests reported in this paper.
Sport and nationalism in Latin America, 1880–1970: The paradox of promoting and performing ‘European’ sports

A travers l'adoption des sports europeens les pays d'Amerique latine ont tente de se creer une identite nationale. Si la competition sportive a permis une meilleure unite nationale (bien que l'heterogeneite ethnique et culturelle demeure), elle a exacerbe les tensions internationales.
Role of Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors in Prostate Cancer Development and Progression

Prostate cancer (PC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in America and Western Europe. Epidemiological studies suggest that prostate cancer incidences increased in last few years in Asian. The causes or consequences of increasing trend of prostate cancer incidence are not completely known. Emerging evidences suggest that among the many risk factors, inflammation is the major risk factor for developing prostate cancer and its progression to metastasis. It is proposed that exposure to environmental factors such as infectious agents, dietary agents and saturated lipids leads to injury of the prostate due to chronic inflammation and regenerative risk factor lesions referred to as proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA). These phenomena predominantly control by a number of proinflammatory macro molecules such as chemokines, and their receptors. Some recent studies suggest that many of these pro-inflammatory chemokines and their receptors are the products of protooncogenes in many cancers including that of the prostate. This review will focus on the current biology of chemokines and chemokine receptors in prostate cancer. An understanding of this axis may enable researchers to develop targeted strategies for prostate cancer.
Restaurant Selection Preferences of Mature Tourists in Las Vegas: A Pilot Study

As the mature consumer market continues to grow in importance, the foodservice industry needs to understand these customers' purchasing behaviors. The city of Las Vegas is a popular tourism destination for older adults. This study was designed to identify the mature tourist's determinants when dining out, specifically in 3 restaurant sectors—fine dining, buffet, and family/casual dining restaurants. A self-administered questionnaire was developed and tested in Las Vegas during a one-week period in March, 2007. The participants (n = 76) in this pilot study were 50 years old or older. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The study concluded that respondents found all attributes tested important, and that significant differences in importance perceptions for attribute variables, such as nutritional information, speed of service, quality of food and service, and employee friendliness could be determined based on a respondent's age and relationship status.
Decomposition of Polygons into Convex Sets

A method is presented for decomposing polygons into convex sets. The method is based upon a Delaunay tessellation of the polygon. It is implemented as a divide-and-conquer technique.
An echo-dense mass in the pericardial space as a sign of left ventricular free wall rupture during acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Echocardiography has widespread popularity for diagnosis of the complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Only recently has it been used to evaluate patients suspected of having cardiac rupture. 1–4 A patient is described who presented with lateral wall AMI complicated by cardiac rupture. An echocardiogram documented this complication and prompted immediate surgical repair.
The powerful construction of norms within sophomore engineering

The second largest attrition rate during an undergraduate engineering degree occurs during the second (sophomore) year. Students who persist past the first year of engineering school find themselves at a transitional, stressful, and competitive turning point as they enter the final math and physics requirements for their degrees. We adopt an ethnographic approach to investigate the environments of critical engineering mathematics gateway courses in second (sophomore) year that serve as prerequisite barriers to subsequent coursework and eventual graduation. Utilizing classroom observation and semi-structured interviews with students and instructors, we have a rich dataset to analyze through three intersecting conceptual frameworks: critical ethnography, cultural analysis, and actor-network theory (ANT). The concept of a cultural norm is paramount to our analysis, basically anything that becomes "normal" to a cultural unit such as an engineering classroom. This paper describes our ongoing analyses that aspire to uncover the processes wherein cultural norms are created, maintained, challenged, adjusted, and reinforced in everyday classroom practice. We seek to understand the powerful impact of these cultural norms on students' desires to remain in engineering majors past sophomore year.
Nitric oxide-releasing aspirin: Will it say NO to atherothrombosis?

Aspirin is a powerful anti-platelet drug widely used in patients with coronary atherosclerosis, but its side effects and especially its toxicity for gastrointestinal tract limit its usefulness in specific groups of patients. A new category of agents, nitric oxide-releasing aspirins (such as NCX-4016), seems to provide an alternative solution. Although this drug is still at phase II clinical trials, it has provided promising results until now. When administered in vivo, it is separated into an aspirin moiety and an NO-donating complex, providing both the antithrombotic effect of aspirin and the gastroprotective effect of NO. Additionally, it increases NO bioavailability as a vascular level, and it may have the antiatherogenic properties of endogenously produced NO. Finally, recent evidence suggests that it may also improve functional aspects of vein grafts used in CABG, with possible benefit on graft patency. However, the outcome of the large ongoing trials is needed before any conclusion is made about the role of NO-releasing aspirins in cardiovascular disease.
Abstract A113: Association between NSAIDs and PSA, prostate volume, and prostate cancer

Abstracts: Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research 2008 A113 Purpose NSAIDs such as aspirin are commonly used to prevent cardiovascular disease, and several prior studies suggest NSAIDs may also reduce prostate inflammation and prostate cancer risk. We investigated the association between NSAID use, PSA, and prostate volume, hypothesizing lower PSA and volume levels with NSAID use. Methods The Nashville Men’s Health Study utilizes a multi-centered, rapid-recruitment protocol to collect clinical, biological, behavioral, and body measurement data from 1,277 men over age 40 years and scheduled for diagnostic prostate biopsy. Approximately 95% of eligible men approached for recruitment agree to participate. NSAID use was ascertained by survey and clinical interview, and medical charts were reviewed to ascertain current PSA levels, prostate volume, and clinical diagnoses following biopsy. The distributions of PSA level and prostate volume data were natural log transformed prior to analysis. In a linear model, mean PSA and volume scores across NSAID categories were adjusted for age; race (black/white); family history (yes/no); number of prior PSA tests (1,2, 3 or more); BMI; WHR; height; or treatment for BPH (steroid reductase inhibitors, other), diabetes (Yes/No), CVD (Yes/No), hyperlipidemia (Yes/No); and the diagnosis of PIN, atypical findings suspicious for cancer, low-grade cancer, or high-grade cancer following biopsy. PSA and prostate volume scores were back-transformed and geometric mean values are reported. Results Approximately 46% of subjects reported taking an NSAID, primarily aspirin (37% of subjects). After adjusting for age, race, family prostate cancer history, obesity, and treatment for BPH, CVD, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes; aspirin was significantly associated with lower PSA levels (7.3 vs. 8.0 ng/ml, p=0.01). This effect of aspirin on PSA was greatest among men with a prostate volume of 60 mls or more (8.6 vs. 9.7 ng/ml, p=0.06), men diagnosed with prostate cancer (6.1 vs. 7.3 ng/ml, p<0.01), or men with both cancer and prostate enlargement (7.3 vs. 12.7 ng/ml, p<0.01). NSAID use was not significantly associated with prostate volume (47.6 vs. 46.0 mls, p=0.16). Conclusions Aspirin use was significantly associated with lower PSA levels. Controlling for BMI, WHR, and the use of medications to treat CVD, hyperlipidemia, BPH, and diabetes had little effect on the association between aspirin use and PSA levels, suggesting aspirin was not simply a proxy for these comorbid conditions or their associated treatments. These results may suggest that aspirin use decreases the ability to detect prostate cancer and may contribute to prior investigations reporting a protective association between NSAID use and prostate cancer risk. Implications for prostate cancer screening recommendations and for clinical decision-making will require further investigation. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A113.
Enhancement of laser-induced optical breakdown using metal/dendrimer nanocomposites

We demonstrate that dendrimer nanocomposites (DNC) can be used to remarkably change the laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) threshold of a material, owing to a large enhancement of the local electric field. We have implemented LIOB using femtosecond laser pulses in a gold/dendrimer hybrid nanocomposite as a model system. Third-harmonic generation measurements have been employed as a sensitive way for monitoring the LIOB in situ and in real time. The observed statistical behavior of the breakdown process is attributed to a laser-driven aggregation of individual DNC particles. The breakdown threshold value of the DNC has been found to be up to two orders of magnitude lower than that of pure dendrimers or normal tissues.
When is Appearance Reality? A Comment on Why Does the Indonesian Throughflow Appear to Originate from the North Pacific

Abstract The transfer of water from the Pacific to the Indian Oceans within the Indonesian Seas is comprised primarily of North Pacific water masses. To state that this water is in reality South Pacific water and that it only “appears” to be North Pacific water is misleading and does not properly reflect the large-scale climate role of the North Pacific Ocean.
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is associated with genital tract mucosal inflammation.

Background:Clinical studies demonstrate increased prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated disease in HIV-infected individuals and an increased risk of HIV acquisition in HPV-infected individuals. The mechanisms underlying this synergy are not defined. We hypothesize that women with cervi
Numerical methods for determining the stability and response of periodic systems with applications to helicopter rotor dynamics and aeroelasticity

Abstract This paper reviews and extends some recently developed numerical techniques for analyzing the stability, linear response and nonlinear response of periodic systems, which are governed by ordinary differential equations with periodic coefficients. The main emphasis is on applications aimed at rotor blade aeroelastic stability and response calculations in forward flight. First Floquer theory is br4iefly reviewed and numerically efficient methods for evaluating the transition matrix at the end of one period are described. Next the numerical treatment of the linear response problem is discussed. Finally the numerical solution of the nonlinear response problem is treated using quasilinearization and periodic shooting. Applications illustrating numerical properties of the methods are described.
Binding of GABA receptor channel drugs to a putative voltage-dependent chloride channel in Torpedo electric organ.

Abstract In muscle and neuronal cells, there are two major types of Cl − channels: the voltage-dependent Cl − channels, which are activated by changes in voltage across the membrane and contribute a major share to the resting membrane conductance (1), and the chemically operated Cl − channels which are parts of the inhibitory receptor systems of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or glycine, and are activated by binding of the transmitter (2). Although much is known about the biochemical and pharmacological nature of these receptors, very little such information is available on the voltage-dependent Cl − channels. The opportunity to study one such channel became feasible when it was discovered that the electric organ of electric rays, which is a rich source for nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors, may also be rich in Cl − channels. An anion-selective channel was discovered in the electric organs of Torpedo californica as shown by increased anion conductance in reconstituted membrane vesicles in planar phospholipid bilayer (3) and in liposomal membrane vesicles (4), and of Narke japonica as shown by changes in osmotic volume and efflux of 35 SO 4 − (5). These effects were inhibited by the specific Cl − channel inhibitor 4,4′-diisothiocyano-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid (DIDS). This Cl − channel was also expressed in frog Xenopus oocytes that had been injected with mRNA fraction from Torpedo electric organ, while another fraction of mRNA induced the incorporation of ACh receptors (6). This electric organ Cl − channel is highly anion selective (at least 20-fold more permeable to Cl − than to K + ) compared to a 2-fold selectivity for a mitochondrial Cl − channel (3). The present study was initiated to attempt identification of the Cl − channel in Torpedo electric organ, using [ 35 S ]t- butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) as a probe since it binds with a high affinity to the GABA receptor Cl − channel (7), and to determine and compare the drug specificities of these different types of Cl − channels.
Singular value decomposition metrics show limitations of detector design in diffuse fluorescence tomography

The spatial resolution and recovered contrast of images reconstructed from diffuse fluorescence tomography data are limited by the high scattering properties of light propagation in biological tissue. As a result, the image reconstruction process can be exceedingly vulnerable to inaccurate prior knowledge of tissue optical properties and stochastic noise. In light of these limitations, the optimal source-detector geometry for a fluorescence tomography system is non-trivial, requiring analytical methods to guide design. Analysis of the singular value decomposition of the matrix to be inverted for image reconstruction is one potential approach, providing key quantitative metrics, such as singular image mode spatial resolution and singular data mode frequency as a function of singular mode. In the present study, these metrics are used to analyze the effects of different sources of noise and model errors as related to image quality in the form of spatial resolution and contrast recovery. The image quality is demonstrated to be inherently noise-limited even when detection geometries were increased in complexity to allow maximal tissue sampling, suggesting that detection noise characteristics outweigh detection geometry for achieving optimal reconstructions.
On the Non-linear Stability of Flux Reconstruction Schemes

The flux reconstruction (FR) approach unifies various high-order schemes, including collocation based nodal discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods, and all spectral difference methods (at least for a linear flux function), within a single framework. Recently a new range of linearly stable FR schemes have been identified, henceforth referred to as Vincent-Castonguay-Jameson-Huynh (VCJH) schemes. In this short note non-linear stability properties of FR schemes are elucidated via analysis of linearly stable VCJH schemes (so as to focus attention solely on issues of non-linear stability). It is shown that linearly stable VCJH schemes (at least in their standard form) may be unstable if the flux function is non-linear. This instability is due to aliasing errors, which manifest since FR schemes (in their standard form) utilize a collocation projection at the solution points to construct a polynomial approximation of the flux. Strategies for minimizing such aliasing driven instabilities are discussed within the context of the FR approach. In particular, it is shown that the location of the solution points will have a significant effect on non-linear stability. This result is important, since linear analysis of FR schemes implies stability is independent of solution point location. Finally, it is shown that if an exact L2 projection is employed to construct an approximation of the flux (as opposed to a collocation projection), then aliasing errors and hence aliasing driven instabilities will be eliminated. However, performing such a projection exactly, or at least very accurately, would be more costly than performing a collocation projection, and would certainly impact the inherent efficiency and simplicity of the FR approach. It can be noted that in all above regards, non-linear stability properties of FR schemes are similar to those of nodal DG schemes. The findings should motivate further research into the non-linear performance of FR schemes, which have hitherto been developed and analyzed solely in the context of a linear flux function.
Advanced application of magnetic resonance imaging in human brain science

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the practical demands of clinical neurology. This technology promises now to advance neurology in theoretical and applied realms of fundamental human brain science. We emphasize here two domains in which these advances will occur. The first is volumetric morphometry of the human brain. With MRI the multiple levels of processing of the brain may be characterized in terms of their absolute volumes and their relative sizes, perspectives indispensable for our understanding of the development and operation of neural systems. Volumetric morphometry also promises substantial increases in the specificity and sensitivity of neurological diagnosis, particularly where applied to disorders where structural abnormalities will be reflected only in volumetric abnormalities. The second direction of advance considered here is application of MRI in cortical mapping in support of cognitive neuroscience. In this application MRI provides means to map at high resolution the distribution of subcomponents of neural systems activated by behavioral paradigms. This line of investigation will carry forward rapidly our understanding of how the information processing algorithms of the brain are mapped upon the coordinates of the various gray matter structures of the brain. Among the practical consequences of this application will be a reasoned design of surgical field in tumor and epilepsy surgery.
Rapid sampling of molecules via skin for diagnostic and forensic applications.

Purpose Skin provides an excellent portal for diagnostic monitoring of a variety of entities; however, there is a dearth of reliable methods for patient-friendly sampling of skin constituents. This study describes the use of low-frequency ultrasound as a one-step methodology for rapid sampling of molecules from the skin.
Investigation of noise sources in high-speed jets via correlation measurements

To locate noise sources in high-speed jets, the far-field sound pressure fluctuations microphone showed weaker values. By moving the laser probe to various locations in the jet, it was found that the strongest noise source lay downstream of the end of the potential core and extended many diameters beyond. Correlation measurements from turbulent fluctuations along the lip shear layer showed a Mach-number dependency: significant values were measured in supersonic jets, while correlations fell below the noise floor for subsonic jets. Various additional analyses showed that fluctuations from large coherent structures mostly contributed to the measured correlation, while that from small-scale structures fell below the noise floor.
Comparing State and District Test Results to National Norms: The Validity of Claims That “Everyone Is Above Average”

Are all states and nearly all districts claiming that their students are above the national average? If so, are the test results “inflated and misleading?” What are the factors that contribute to the abundance of “above average” scores?
Efferent connections of the cingulate gyrus in the rhesus monkey.

Efferent cortical connections of the cingulate gyrus are investigated in rhesus monkey using autoradiographic technique. The results indicate that the rostralmost part of the cingulate gyrus (area 32) sends projections to the lateral prefrontal and midorbitofrontal cortex and to the rostral portion of the superior temporal gyrus. In contrast, the other two major subdivisions of the cingulate gyrus, areas 24 and 23, have widespread connections within the cortex. Area 24, for example, projects to the pre-motor region (areas 6 and 8), the fronto-orbital cortex (area 12), the rostral part of the inferior parietal lobule, the anterior insular cortex, the perirhinal area and the laterobasal nucleus of amygdala. Area 23, likewise, sends its connections to the dorsal prefrontal cortex (areas 9 and 10), the rostral orbital cortex (area 11), the parieto-temporal cortex (posterior part of the inferior parietal lobule and the superior temporal sulcus), the parahippocampal gyrus (areas TH and TF), the retrosplenial region and the presubiculum. It seems that the connections of the rostralmost part of the cingulate gyrus resemble the efferent cortical connectional patterns described for lateral prefrontal and orbito-frontal cortex, whereas the projections of areas 24 and 23 are directed to the neocortical, the paralimbic and the limbic areas.
Retinal degeneration is rescued in transgenic rd mice by expression of the cGMP phosphodiesterase beta subunit.

Abstract The beta subunit of the cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) gene has been identified as the candidate gene for retinal degeneration in the rd mouse. To study the molecular mechanisms underlying degeneration and the potential for gene repair, we have expressed a functional bovine cGMP PDE beta subunit in transgenic rd mice. One transgenic mouse line showed complete photoreceptor rescue across the entire span of the retina. A second independently derived line showed partial rescue in which photoreceptors in the superior but not the inferior hemisphere of the retina were rescued. In the latter animals, intermediate stages of degeneration were observed in the transition zone between rescued and diseased photoreceptors. Pathologic changes in the retina ranged from vesiculation of the basalmost outer segment discs in otherwise structurally intact rod cells to photoreceptors with highly disorganized outer segments and intact inner segments. Totally or partially rescued retinas showed a corresponding restoration of cGMP PDE activity, whereas nonrescued retinas had minimal enzyme activity, characteristic of the rd phenotype. These transgenic animals provide models for studying the molecular basis of retinal degenerative disease and conclusively demonstrate that the phenotype of rd mice is produced by a defect in the beta subunit of cGMP PDE.
Tillage, Cropping Systems, and Nitrogen Fertilizer Source Effects on Soil Carbon Sequestration and Fractions

Quantification of soil carbon (C) cycling as influenced by management practices is needed for C sequestration and soil quality improvement. We evaluated the 10-yr effects of tillage, cropping system, and N source on crop residue and soil C fractions at 0- to 20-cm depth in Decatur silt loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic, Typic Paleudults) in northern Alabama, USA. Treatments were incomplete factorial combinations of three tillage practices (no-till [NT], mulch till [MT], and conventional till [CT]), two cropping systems (cotton [Gossypium hirsutum L.]-cotton-corn [Zea mays L.] and rye [Secale cereale L.]/cotton-rye/cotton-corn), and two N fertilization sources and rates (0 and 100 kg N ha(-1) from NH(4)NO(3) and 100 and 200 kg N ha(-1) from poultry litter). Carbon fractions were soil organic C (SOC), particulate organic C (POC), microbial biomass C (MBC), and potential C mineralization (PCM). Crop residue varied among treatments and years and total residue from 1997 to 2005 was greater in rye/cotton-rye/cotton-corn than in cotton-cotton-corn and greater with NH(4)NO(3) than with poultry litter at 100 kg N ha(-1). The SOC content at 0 to 20 cm after 10 yr was greater with poultry litter than with NH(4)NO(3) in NT and CT, resulting in a C sequestration rate of 510 kg C ha(-1) yr(-1) with poultry litter compared with -120 to 147 kg C ha(-1) yr(-1) with NH(4)NO(3). Poultry litter also increased PCM and MBC compared with NH(4)NO(3). Cropping increased SOC, POC, and PCM compared with fallow in NT. Long-term poultry litter application or continuous cropping increased soil C storage and microbial biomass and activity compared with inorganic N fertilization or fallow, indicating that these management practices can sequester C, offset atmospheric CO(2) levels, and improve soil and environmental quality.
A study of the methylene blue and oxygen inhibition of pyruvate oxidation by Micrococcus pyogenes var. aureus.

Abstract The oxidation of pyruvate by resting-cell suspensions of a coagulasepositive, enterotoxin-producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus has been studied. With moderate substrate levels (10–20 μM per Warburg cup) pyruvate was oxidized almost exclusively to acetate, carbon dioxide, and water. The respiratory quotient of this oxidation varied from 1.4 to 1.9 depending on the cell preparation used. The results indicate that some of the substrate was oxidized beyond the acetate level (R.Q., 2.0). Methylene blue or oxygen exerted an inhibitory effect upon pyruvate oxidation, and, under certain conditions, thiamine and magnesium overcame this inhibition. Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that this organism possesses two separate systems for pyruvate oxidation. Washed-cell suspensions oxidize pyruvate predominantly by a system that is sensitive to methylene blue and oxygen. When this system is inhibited the competing system becomes dominant. However, the washed cells are deficient in thiamine and magnesium for optimum functioning of this latter system. A by-product of this second system is acetoin, indicating that there is an intermediate compound that may be either oxidized to acetate or condensed to form acetoin. If the washed cells are provided with a high substrate level or are supplemented with additional thiamine and magnesium, some of the pyruvate is metabolized by the second pathway even in the absence of an inhibitor for the first system.
Realización del test de Allen modificado

Mantenga la presion sobre la arteria radial y libere la arteria ulnar. Si la palma de la mano se pone colorada o roja en menos de 10 s, la arteria ulnar es funcional. • Si persiste la palidez cuando deje de presionar sobre la arteria ulnar, la circulacion no es la adecuada y la arteria radial no se deberia puncionar o canalizar. • Repita la prueba en la mano opuesta si esta indicado. • Documente el resultado de la prueba realizada a su paciente y las acciones tomadas, si las hay.
A Reappraisal of Immunoglobulin Variable Gene Primers and Its Impact on Assessing Clonal Relationships Between PB B Cells and BM Plasma Cells in AL Amyloidosis

Monoclonal tumor plasma cells as well as non-terminally differentiated B cells having a clonal relationship to the tumor cells have been detected in the peripheral blood (PB) of some multiple myeloma (MM) patients but rarely in light chain (primary systemic) amyloidosis (AL) patients. Previously, our group found these peripheral clonotypic B cells in three AL patients. Here, we report detailed analysis of a larger cohort of AL patients to validate the prior findings and to investigate the effect of this cell population on clinical outcome. Fourteen AL patients were selected from a clinical prospective trial, and the relationship between immunoglobulin light chain variable gene (VL) representation in PB B cells and the clonal population in the bone marrow (BM) was investigated. A clonal relationship was not detected, and the present study provides important insights into the disparity with the earlier data, including clinical history of the patients and methodological analysis.
The Photochemistry of the Retinoids as Studied by Steady-State and Pulsed Methods

The retina and retinal pigment epithelium contain a number of retinoids in a metabolic pathway that eventually forms the visual pigments. This study investigates the photochemistry of those retinoids that may contribute to light-induced damage to the retina. These include retinal (RAL), retinol (ROL), retinylpalmitate (ROLpal) and the protonated Schiff-base of retinal (RALsb). Their photochemistry was followed by both EPR spin-trapping techniques and the direct detection of singlet oxygen via its luminescence at 1270 nm. Irradiation (> 300 nm) of RAL, ROL in methanol (MeOH) or RALpal in dimethylformamide, produces free radicals from both solvents. Illumination of RALsb in MeOH containing NADH with light above 400 nm (and even above 455 nm) generates the superoxide radical. We also determined that the quantum yields for singlet oxygen sensitization by RAL, ROL or RALpal in MeOH are 0.05, 0.03 and < 0.01, respectively. These values are at least 75% less than those previously found using chemical methods. These observations indicate that a major photochemical process for these retinoids may be an electron (or hydrogen) process that will lead to radical products, and that the singlet oxygen mechanism is of relatively minor importance in protic solvents. These results may explain the action spectra obtained from light-induced damage to the retina.
Impact of Sexual Coercion on Romantic Experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults

Little is known about the effect of sexual coercion on romantic relationship quality and dating experiences. The current study aimed to address this dearth in the literature and test the hypothesis that sexual coercion has a negative impact on victims’ subsequent romantic experiences. Using a sample of 94 youth (44 males and 50 females), the current study addressed the impact of sexual coercion on romantic relationship quality and dating experiences. Tracking youth for 8.5 years (M age at Wave 1 = 15.10 years, SD = .49), the current study used piecewise growth curve modeling to account for shifts in the intercept and slope of romantic experiences following sexual coercion. Negative interactions immediately increased following coercion and continued to have an accelerated rate of growth (i.e., a slope change). Jealousy in romantic relationships increased in slope. Serious dating decelerated following the coercive incident. Results were largely consistent across gender and severity of the coercive incident. Contrary to hypotheses, relational support, relationship satisfaction, and casual dating did not significantly change following sexual coercion. Consistent with hypotheses, sexual coercion had a negative impact on romantic experiences. These findings have clinical implications for both prevention and intervention around sexual violence. In addition, the consistency of findings across gender and severity suggests that increased focus should be directed toward both male sexual coercion and less severe sexual coercion.
Motion and vision. I. Stabilized images of stationary gratings

To demonstrate that eye movements have profound effects on the sine-wave contrast threshold, the author uses a new method of stabilizing the retinal image, in which the Purkinje reflections from the eye move the stimulus pattern displayed on a CRT screen. Calibration of this compensatory motion is very critical; a gain error greater than 1% may produce significant destabilization. Under optimum conditions, image stabilization elevates the subject’s contrast threshold by a factor of about 20; it also produces after-images with resolution greater than 12 c/deg. These results compare favorably with those obtained by other methods.
New sentence recognition materials developed using a basic non-native English lexicon.

Purpose The objective of this project was to develop new sentence test materials drawing on a basic non-native English lexicon that could be used to test speech recognition for various listener pop...
Machine learning for query-document matching in search

In web search, relevance is one of the most important factors to meet users' satisfaction, and the success of a web search engine heavily depends on its performance on relevance. It has been observed that many hard cases in search relevance are due to term mismatch between query and documnt (e.g., query 'ny times' does not match well with document only containing 'new york times'), and thus it is not exaggerated to say that dealing with mismatch between query and document is one of the most critical research problems in web search. Recently researchers have spent significant effort to address the grand challenge. The major approach is to conduct more query and document understanding, and perform better matching between enriched query and document representations. With the availability of large amount of log data and advanced machine learning techniques, this becomes more feasible and significant progress has been made recently.In this tutorial, we will give a systematic and detailed presentation on newly developed machine learning technologies for query document matching in search. We will focus on the fundamental problems, as well as the novel solutions for query document matching at word form level, word sense level, topic level, and structure level. We will talk about novel technologies about query spelling error correction [3, 13], query rewriting [1, 4, 6, 7], query classification [2], topic modeling of documents [5, 9], query document matching [8, 10, 11, 12], and query document-title translation. The ideas and solutions introduced in this tutorial may motivate industrial practitioners to turn the research fruits into product reality. The summary of the state-of-the-art methods and the discussions on the technical issues in this tutorial may stimulate academic researchers to find new research directions and solutions.Matching between query and document is not limited to search, and similar problems can be observed at online advertisement, recommendation system, and other applications, as matching between objects from two spaces. The technologies we introduce can be generalized into more general machine learning techniques, which we call learning to match.
Software simplicity, and hence safety - thwarted for decades

Leading providers of software could best improve their productivity and the safety of their products by large scale simplification. However, incentives to complicate other people's lives have been strong and leaders have avoided noticing opportunities for serious simplification for decades. In failing to pursue simplification (or knowledge of basic structures), the software community has shown an aversion toward fundamental issues and the public safety that seems unprecedented in other technologies. Half the workforce works to arrange pieces of information having almost no idea what is a reasonable structure for pieces of information. In effect, the software community has been keeping human minds debilitated on an increasingly large scale to maintain them in a state of dependency. Anyone responsible for software safety should be regarded as a menace until their competence in software simplicity is demonstrated, especially the leading organizations and individuals.
Globalization and Cultural Identity

This chapter starts by presenting quantitative and qualitative findings to illustrate how adolescents and emerging adults increasingly have exposure to different cultures and a global world. One consequence of adolescents’ and emerging adults’ exposure to diverse cultures is that cultural identity development becomes a more complex process that may follow a variety of pathways. Recent theoretical and empirical work is used to describe plural pathways. Next, the argument is made that with the opening up of plural developmental pathways for cultural identity formation come both risks and opportunities. With regard to risks, the present focus is on cultural identity confusion and mental health, and the emergence of cultural gaps within families between adolescents and their parents or elders. In regard to opportunities, the focus is on youth civic involvement.
The N-terminal and C-terminal portions of NifV are encoded by two different genes in Clostridium pasteurianum.

Abstract The nifV gene products from Azotobacter vinelandii and Klebsiella pneumoniae share a high level of primary sequence identity and are proposed to catalyze the synthesis of homocitrate. While searching for potential nif (nitrogen fixation) genes within the genomic region located downstream from the nifN-B gene of Clostridium pasteurianum, we observed two open reading frames (ORFs) whose deduced amino acid sequences exhibit nonoverlapping sequence identity to different portions of the nifV gene products from A. vinelandii and K. pneumoniae. Conserved regions were located between the C-terminal 195 amino acid residues of the first ORF and the C-terminal portion of the nifV gene product and between the entire sequence of the second ORF (269 amino acid residues) and the N-terminal portion of the nifV gene product. We therefore designated the first ORF nifV omega and the second ORF nifV alpha. The deduced amino acid sequences of nifV omega and nifV alpha were also found to have sequence similarity when compared with the primary sequence of the leuA gene product from Salmonella typhimurium, which encodes alpha-isopropylmalate synthase. Marker rescue experiments were performed by recombining nifV omega and nifV alpha from C. pasteurianum, singly and in combination, into the genome of an A. vinelandii mutant strain which has an insertion and a deletion mutation located within its nifV gene. A NifV+ phenotype was obtained only when both the C. pasteurianum nifV omega and nifV alpha genes were introduced into the chromosome of this mutant strain. These results suggest that the nifV omega and nifV alpha genes encode separate domains, both of which are required for homocitrate synthesis in C. pasteurianum.
AAC Collaboration Using the Self-Anchored Rating Scales (SARS): An Aphasia Case Study

Abstract The self-anchored rating scale (SARS) is a technique that augments collaboration between Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) interventionists, their clients, and their clients...
Implementation of a configurable laboratory information management system for use in cellular process development and manufacturing

Abstract Background aims Regulatory requirements for the manufacturing of cell products for clinical investigation require a significant level of record-keeping, starting early in process development and continuing through to the execution and requisite follow-up of patients on clinical trials. Central to record-keeping is the management of documentation related to patients, raw materials, processes, assays and facilities. Methods To support these requirements, we evaluated several laboratory information management systems (LIMS), including their cost, flexibility, regulatory compliance, ongoing programming requirements and ability to integrate with laboratory equipment. After selecting a system, we performed a pilot study to develop a user-configurable LIMS for our laboratory in support of our pre-clinical and clinical cell-production activities. We report here on the design and utilization of this system to manage accrual with a healthy blood-donor protocol, as well as manufacturing operations for the production of a master cell bank and several patient-specific stem cell products. Results The system was used successfully to manage blood donor eligibility, recruiting, appointments, billing and serology, and to provide annual accrual reports. Quality management reporting features of the system were used to capture, report and investigate process and equipment deviations that occurred during the production of a master cell bank and patient products. Conclusions Overall the system has served to support the compliance requirements of process development and phase I/II clinical trial activities for our laboratory and can be easily modified to meet the needs of similar laboratories.
Study of growth and oxidation of vanadium films on α-Fe2O3(0001)

Electronic structures of the vanadium/vanadium-oxide films supported on α-Fe2O3(0001) were studied by using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The vanadium films were grown by evaporation of metallic vanadium at room temperature. The as-deposited V had a 3+ oxidation state and the α-Fe2O3(0001) surface was reduced at the initial coverage. After complete reduction of interface iron atoms, metallic V started to grow at a vanadium coverage greater than 2/3 monolayer. The V2O5 film was prepared by exposing the pre-deposited vanadium film to the atomic oxygen at room temperature. Converting to the V2O5 film was accompanied by re-oxidation of the α-Fe2O3 at the interface. The reduction and reoxidation of interfacial iron manifest electron transfer between the adsorbed vanadium and substrate. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Reliable floating-point arithmetic algorithms for Berger encoded operands

A set of reliable floating-point arithmetic algorithms for Berger encoded operands is presented. Closed-form equations are derived for floating-point addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Given the IEEE floating-point number standard, the redundancy requirements of the proposed scheme are 39.47% for addition/subtraction, 45.65% for multiplication, and 45.44% for division of single precision numbers. The scheme uses only 16.14% for addition/subtraction, 36.44% for multiplication and 36.02% for division of double-precision numbers. >
Ritual: Perspectives and Dimensions

Ritual: Perspectives and Dimensions. Catherine Bell. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. 352 pp.
Correcting for Misclassification in Two-Way Tables and Matched-Pair Studies

Barron has presented a matrix formula that allows correction for nondifferential misclassification in two-by-two tables. We show how extensions of his result can be applied to situations involving differential misclassification, matched data, and arbitrary two-way tables. We also discuss some important limitations in the application of algebraic corrections for misclassification. In particular, we show that study misclassification rates need not reflect population misclassification rates if the distribution of the misclassified variable is determined by aspects of the study design.
Cost-effectiveness of a mailed educational reminder to increase colorectal cancer screening

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are low in many areas and cost-effective interventions to promote CRC screening are needed. Recently in a randomized controlled trial, a mailed educational reminder increased CRC screening rates by 16.2% among U.S. Veterans. The aim of our study was to assess the costs and cost-effectiveness of a mailed educational reminder on fecal occult blood test (FOBT) adherence. Methods: In a blinded, randomized, controlled trial, 769 patients were randomly assigned to the usual care group (FOBT alone, n = 382) or the intervention group (FOBT plus a mailed reminder, n = 387). Ten days after picking up the FOBT cards, a 1-page reminder with information related to CRC screening was mailed to the intervention group. Primary outcome was number of returned FOBT cards after 6 months. The costs and incremental costeffectiveness ratio (ICER) of the intervention were assessed and calculated respectively. Sensitivity analyses were based on varying costs of labor and supplies. Results: At 6 months after card distribution, 64.6% patients in the intervention group returned FOBT cards compared with 48.4% in the control group (P < 0.001). The total cost of the intervention was $962 or $2.49 per patient, and the ICER was $15 per additional person screened for CRC. Sensitivity analysis based on a 10% cost variation was $13.50 to $16.50 per additional patient screened for CRC. Conclusions: A simple mailed educational reminder increases FOBT card return rate at a cost many health care systems can afford. Compared to other patient-directed interventions (telephone, letters from physicians, mailed reminders) for CRC screening, our intervention was more effective and cost-effective.