cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The language of SH2 domain interactions defines phosphotyrosine-mediated signal transduction.

Abstract Natural languages arise in an unpremeditated fashion resulting in words and syntax as individual units of information content that combine in a manner that is both complex and contextual, yet intuitive to a native reader. In an analogous manner, protein interaction domains such as the Src Homology 2 (SH2) domain recognize and “read” the information contained within their cognate peptide ligands to determine highly selective protein–protein interactions that underpin much of cellular signal transduction. Herein, we discuss how contextual sequence information, which combines the use of permissive and non-permissive residues within a parent motif, is a defining feature of selective interactions across SH2 domains. Within a system that reads phosphotyrosine modifications this provides crucial information to distinguish preferred interactions. This review provides a structural and biochemical overview of SH2 domain binding to phosphotyrosine-containing peptide motifs and discusses how the diverse set of SH2 domains is able to differentiate phosphotyrosine ligands.
Systematic replacement of lysine with glutamine and alanine in Escherichia coli malate synthase G: effect on crystallization

Two proposals recommend substitution of surface lysine residues as a means to improve the quality of protein crystals. In proposal I, substitution of lysine by alanine has been suggested to improve crystallization by reducing the entropic cost of ordering flexible side chains at crystal contacts. In proposal II, substitution of lysine by residues more commonly found in crystal contacts, such as glutamine, has been proposed to improve crystallization. 15 lysine residues on the surface of Escherichia coli malate synthase G, distributed over a variety of secondary structures, were individually mutated to both alanine and glutamine. For 28 variants, detailed studies of the effect on enzymatic activity and crystallization were conducted. This has permitted direct comparison of the relative effects of the two types of mutations. While none of the variants produced crystals suitable for X-ray structural determination, small crystals were obtained in a wide variety of conditions, in support of the general approach. Glutamine substitutions were found to be more effective than alanine in producing crystals, in support of proposal II. Secondary structure at the site of mutation does not appear to play a major role in determining the rate of success.
Evaluation of the Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube compared to Septi-Chek AFB for the detection of Mycobacteria

The Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) and the AFB Septi-Check (SC) systems were compared for the ability to detect myobacterial isolates, time to detection, and rate of bacterial contamination. Fifty-eight mycobacterial culture positive specimens were studied. MGIT and SC were both positive in 30 of the 58 specimens (52%); SC alone was positive in 22 (38%), and MGIT alone was positive in 6 (10%) of the 58 specimens. Among the 30 isolates identified in both systems, there were 7 Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 14 M. avium, 6 M. fortuitum-chelonae complex, and 3 other mycobacterial species. MGIT detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis faster; SC detected M. avium complex faster and more often; and M. fortuitum-chelonae isolates were detected at the same rate. MGIT showed more contamination (12.6%) than did the SC (7.8%). MGIT is comparable to SC for the detection of MTB, but MAC isolates were detected more often and faster in the SC system.
What are high-k and low-k dielectrics?

The dielectric constant, k, is a parameter defining ability of material to store charge. Consequently, it also defines capacitance, C, of any capacitor comprising of a layer of dielectric sandwiched between two metal plates. In the figure below size of the upper plate defines area of the capacitor contact (A).
Row rank and the structure of matrix subrings

Abstract Subrings of full matrix rings which have positive row or column rank can be approximated by rings of triangular matrices.
Extent of resection in the management of duodenal adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Background: It has been postulated that segmental duodenal resection (SR) is not an adequate operation for patients with adenocarcinoma of the duodenum and that pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the procedure of choice, regardless of the tumor site. However, data from previous studies do not clearly support this position. Methods: We reviewed the records of 63 patients treated for duodenal adenocarcinoma from 1979 through 1998. Perioperative outcome, patient survival, and extent of lymphadenectomy were compared in patients who underwent PD and SR. Results: The overall morbidity for PD and SR was 27% and 18%, respectively (not significant [NS]). Patients who underwent SR had a 5-year survival of 60% versus 30% for patients who underwent PD (NS). Lymph node status was a prognostic factor for survival ( P = 0.014). The mean number of lymph nodes in the specimens was 9.9 ± 2.1 for PD and 8.3 ± 4.4 for SR (NS). Conclusions: Segmental duodenal resection for patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma is associated with acceptable postoperative morbidity and long-term survival. The procedure is especially well suited for distal duodenal tumors. Clearance of lymph nodes and outcome are comparable to PD.
Regulated release of nitric oxide by nonhematopoietic stroma controls expansion of the activated T cell pool in lymph nodes

Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) are nonhematopoietic stromal cells of lymphoid organs. They influence the migration and homeostasis of naive T cells; however, their influence on activated T cells remains undescribed. Here we report that FRCs and LECs inhibited T cell proliferation through a tightly regulated mechanism dependent on nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2). Expression of NOS2 and production of nitric oxide paralleled the activation of T cells and required a tripartite synergism of interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor and direct contact with activated T cells. Notably, in vivo expression of NOS2 by FRCs and LECs regulated the size of the activated T cell pool. Our study elucidates an as-yet-unrecognized role for the lymph node stromal niche in controlling T cell responses.
Further studies on the isolation and characterization of a sex-dependent protein from the urine of male rats☆

Abstract The major urinary protein (α 2u ) of the adult male rat has been isolated by a combination of (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 fractionation, gel filtration on Sephadex G-100, and isoelectric focusing. The final preparation was carbohydrate-free, had a molecular weight of 20 000–21 000, an N-terminal glutamyl or glutaminyl residue, and consisted of a family of species varying in isoelectric points from pH 5.0 to 5.8. These species were immunologically identical among themselves and also with a product produced by an earlier procedure.
Recognition and investigation of hypoglycemia.

F R o 1~ our experience with children with hypoglycemia during the past 35 years, we have come to feel that the disease is often not recognized before considerable brain damage has occurred. Early positive diagnosis and understanding of the etiology of hypoglycemia demand a high index of suspicion, proper laboratory evaluation, and a methodical plan of study. Suspicion of its possibility should be aroused both by the clinical picture and by circumstances judged favorable to its development, even in the absence of clearcut signs or symptoms. The latter is especially true of newborn or very young infants and of children who have had many episodes of hypoglycemia and who seem to have acquired some tolerance for it. The clinical picture seems dependent on quite a number of factors, such as age, duration of the hypoglycemia, its etiology,
Relation of body size and the risk of lung cancer

Two population-based case-control studies of lung cancer were conducted on the island of Oahu, HI, between 1979 and 1985. Data from these studies were combined to form the basis of this analysis. Interviews were obtained from 518 men and 230 women with lung cancer and 1,102 male and 524 female controls frequency matched to the cases by sex and five-year age group. The interview consisted of a complete tobacco history, information on body size, and other demographic and life-style information. Weight and Quetelet index (kg/m2) 5 years before diagnosis, but not at 20-29 years of age, were inversely related to the risk of lung cancer among men and women. Cases tended to gain less weight during adulthood than did controls. These associations persisted after adjustment for age, ethnicity, tobacco smoking history, and beta-carotene intake. Our results are consistent with reports by several other investigators of an inverse association between body weight and the risk of lung cancer. However, we were unable to rule out the possibility of bias in our findings due to preclinical disease.
Effect of Structure and Size on the Electrical Properties of Nanocrystalline WO3 Films

Nanocrystalline WO3 films were grown by reactive magnetron sputter-deposition by varying the substrate temperature in the range of 303(RT)-673 K. The structure and electrical transport properties of WO3 films were evaluated using X-ray diffraction and dc electrical conductivity measurements. The effect of ultramicrostructure and grain-size was significant on the electrical properties of WO3 films. DC conductivity variation of the WO3 films measured in the temperature range of 120-300 K reveals their semiconducting nature. The temperature dependent electrical conductivity curves exhibit two distinct regions indicative of two different types of electrical transport mechanisms. Analysis of the conductivity indicates that the small polaron and variable-range-hopping mechanisms are operative in 180-300 K and 120-180 K temperature regions, respectively. The density of localized states at the Fermi level, N(EF), has been calculated and it was found to be ∼1×10(19) eV(-1) cm(-3) for all the films.
Impact of bulking agents, forced aeration, and tillage on remediation of oil-contaminated soil

Abstract Bioremediation is a relatively new technology used to remediate contaminated soil that involves oil degrading microorganisms. Adequate aeration is essential for oil degrading microorganisms to be active. Methods of promoting aeration are tillage, pumping air into the soil, and adding bulking agents to increase porosity. More knowledge is needed regarding the interaction between bulking agents and other technologies in enhancing aeration for bioremediation of oil-contaminated soil. An experiment was undertaken using oil-contaminated soil from an oil production site in east Texas to evaluate different methods to promote aeration. Each treatment contained 10% total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) on a dry weight basis. Treatments were bulking agents (non-bulked control, chopped bermudagrass hay, sawdust, and vermiculite) and aeration (static, tillage, and forced aeration). Treatments were arranged in a 4 × 3 factorial with three replications in a completely randomized design. Sawdust and vermiculite were added at equal volumes with the contaminated soil and chopped bermudagrass hay at a ratio of 1 volume of hay to 2 volumes of contaminated soil. Experimental units were 100 1 barrels open at the top. The TPH content was determined every 6 weeks during a 30 week period. During this time the TPH content decreased in all treatments. Bulked soils showed a more rapid reduction in TPH compared to the non-bulked control. Tilling increased the rate and extent of remediation more than soil receiving forced aeration or left static. The most rapid rate of remediation occurred during the first 12 weeks from the tilled-hay treatment, where the TPH decreased 82%. The slowest remediation rate occurred in the non-bulked-static treatment where the TPH content decreased 33% in 12 weeks. By week 30 the TPH content of the treatments ranged from 90% degraded in the tilled-hay and tilled-vermiculite treatments to 77% degraded for the non-bulked-static treatment. Tillage and adding bulking agents enhanced remediation of oil-contaminated soil.
Infection during circulatory support with ventricular assist devices

Abstract Background . This study is a retrospective analysis of infections in patients supported by ventricular assist devices (VADs) as a bridge to cardiac transplantation. Methods . Infections were assigned to four classes. Class I were patient-related nonblood infections, class II were blood-borne infections, class III were percutaneous site infections, and class IV were infections of intracorporeal VAD components. Results . The cumulative number and incidence of infections were higher during the early VAD experience than in more recent patients ( p p p Conclusions . Infection remains an important problem for patients with VADs. Bloodstream infections (class II) can often be controlled by appropriate therapy. However, intracorporeal device infections (class IV) are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Optimal implant techniques together with optimal wound care, appropriate use of prophylactic antibiotics, and avoidance of infection in indwelling catheters remain the most practical means for minimizing the risk of VAD infection.
Nonbronchodilator Effects of Pirbuterol and Ipratropium in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background Although both beta-adrenergic agonists and anticholinergic agents are widely used in the treatment of patients with COPD, they influence the pulmonary circulation and ventilation differently. We compared the effects of these two agents on gas exchange and distribution of ventilation in COPD. Methods Pirbuterol and ipratropium bromide were administered by inhalation via a metered-dose inhaler to 12 and 14 patients with COPD, respectively, in a randomized, double-blind fashion. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas levels, heart rate, resting minute ventilation (V¨ E ), physiologic dead space volume to total ventilation ratio (VD/Vt) and oxygen consumption (V¨o 2 ) were measured prior to and then 5, 15, 30, and 60 min after administration of the respective drugs. The changes in these measurements after administration of the two drugs were analyzed and compared with each other. Results The pulmonary function test measurements showed similar improvement after administration of both drugs. Heart rate fell in both groups. After administration of pirbuterol, the alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference (P[A-a]O 2 ) and V¨ E rose significantly and the rise in FEV 1 showed a negative correlation with the fall in PaO 2 . In contrast, the use of ipratropium bromide did not produce these effects, but resulted in a fall in V¨o 2 and a rise in VD/Vt . Conclusion Pirbuterol and ipratropium are equally effective bronchodilators in COPD. Pirbuterol results in a significant rise in P(A-a)O 2 and resting V¨ I . Ipratropium does not affect these measurements and seems to reduce the oxygen cost of breathing. The results suggest significant differences between the effects of the two agents on gas exchange, ventilation, and V¨o 2 which could be of clinical significance.
Integrative analysis of independent transcriptome data for rare diseases

High-throughput technologies used to interrogate transcriptomes have been generating a great amount of publicly available gene expression data. For rare diseases that lack of clinical samples and research funding, there is a practical benefit to jointly analyze existing data sets commonly related to a specific rare disease. In this study, we collected a number of independently generated transcriptome data sets from four species: human, fly, mouse and worm. All data sets included samples with both normal and abnormal mitochondrial function. We reprocessed each data set to standardize format, scale and gene annotation and used HomoloGene database to map genes between species. Standardized procedure was also applied to compare gene expression profiles of normal and abnormal mitochondrial function to identify differentially expressed genes. We further used meta-analysis and other integrative analyses to recognize patterns across data sets and species. Novel insights related to mitochondrial dysfunction was revealed via these analyses, such as a group of genes consistently dysregulated by impaired mitochondrial function in multiple species. This study created a template for the study of rare diseases using genomic technologies and advanced statistical methods. All data and results generated by this study are freely available and stored at http://goo.gl/nOGWC2, to support further data mining.
Neptune's Deep Chemistry

Molecules such as C2H2 and C2H6 have been observed in the atmosphere of Neptune, one of the giant planets composed mostly of hydrogen and helium. Planetary scientists have puzzled over whether these hydrocarbons are formed as ultraviolet light from the sun induces photochemical reactions in atmospheric methane. In his Perspective, Hubbard discusses simulations reported in the same issue by Ancilotto et al . (p. [1288][1]) suggesting that C2H6 may be produced by high-pressure chemical reactions deep within the planet. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.275.5304.1288
Thermal relations of respiration in the garden spider, Argiope aurantia, during early development and overwintering

Abstract 1. 1. Respiration rate-temperature relations of Argiope aurantia Lucas spiderlings showed no evidence of seasonal acclimitization. Respiration rates increased sharply prior to emergence in May at the termination of diapause. 2. 2. Thermal acclimation of spiderlings to lower temperatures was associated with an elevation in metabolic rates. 3. 3. Respiration rates and respiratory Q10 values increased during embryonic development, were highest in deutova and decreased following attainment of the spiderling stage. 4. 4. The total individual metabolic costs of development and overwintering (1.16J) and daily costs (4.61 × 10−3 J) exceeded previous estimates made for A. aurantia.
Two-Plasmon Decay and Three-Halves Harmonic Generation in Filaments in a Laser-Produced Plasma

The two-plasmon decay of light propagating in filaments in a laser-produced plasma and the resulting $\frac{3{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}}{2}$ light emission is discussed with use of a simplified model. Experimental observations are consistent with the predictions of the model. Implications for use of the $\frac{3{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}}{2}$ doublet splitting as a temperature diagnostic are discussed.
Rigorous analysis of light diffraction ellipsometry by striated muscle fibers

A rigorous analysis of both the transverse electric and the transverse magnetic modes of light diffracted from a muscle fiber is performed. From the expressions of electromagnetic field components, ellipsometry parameters, differential field ratio, r, and birefringence, delta n, have been obtained. A theoretical formulation that introduces myofibril skew planes and a randomization factor about the average skew plane yields a relationship that shows good fit to experimental data of Chen et al. (Biophys. J. 56:595, 1989) and Burton et al. (J. Muscle Res. Cell Motil. 11:258, 1990). Using indices of refraction within each of the regions of the sarcomeric unit that are consistent with our knowledge of the molecular structure of the sarcomere in the analysis, it is shown that the transition from the rigor state to the resting state leads to as much as a approximately 13% decrease in the r-value and an equally significant change in delta n.
Some competence-process relationships in noun phrases with prenominal and postnominal adjectives

The view that the syntactic description of a sentence can provide a model of certain habits involved in sentence encoding has not been extensively tested. A theory of encoding was proposed in which some aspects of order in the base were taken to correspond to the psychological order of choice of morphemes for production. The theory was tested for English noun phrases with prenominal adjectives and for Indonesian noun phrases with post-nominal adjectives. The results were consistent with predictions based on the theory. An analysis-by-synthesis hypothesis of decoding was proposed, which contained the proposed encoding model as a subcomponent. Experimental results did not confirm the predictions based upon the decoding hypothesis.
A review of the use of radiation plus chemical and biochemical processing treatments to prepare novel biomaterials

Abstract A review is presented of the applications of ionizing radiation processing as one step in the preparation of novel polumeric biomaterials. Such materials are used in a wide variety of diagnostic and therapeutic devices, instruments, or implants.
Diffusion Adaptation Over Networks Under Imperfect Information Exchange and Non-Stationary Data

Adaptive networks rely on in-network and collaborative processing among distributed agents to deliver enhanced performance in estimation and inference tasks. Information is exchanged among the nodes, usually over noisy links. The combination weights that are used by the nodes to fuse information from their neighbors play a critical role in influencing the adaptation and tracking abilities of the network. This paper first investigates the mean-square performance of general adaptive diffusion algorithms in the presence of various sources of imperfect information exchanges, quantization errors, and model non-stationarities. Among other results, the analysis reveals that link noise over the regression data modifies the dynamics of the network evolution in a distinct way, and leads to biased estimates in steady-state. The analysis also reveals how the network mean-square performance is dependent on the combination weights. We use these observations to show how the combination weights can be optimized and adapted. Simulation results illustrate the theoretical findings and match well with theory.
Evaluation of Th1/Th2 ratio and cytokine production profile during acute exacerbation and convalescence in asthmatic children

Background Th2-type cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5, are generally believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. In contrast, Th1-type cytokine, especially interferon (IFN)-γ, is thought to have a downregulatory effect on Th2 immune response cells. Thus, the imbalance of Th1 and Th2 cells may be a key factor in relation to disease severity. Objective The aim of this study is to examine the changes in the Th1/Th2 ratios and cytokine production profiles of asthmatic children at acute attacks and convalescent stages. Methods Twelve asthmatic patients were included in this study. The percentages of IFN-γ- or IL-4-producing cells were determined with a flow-cytometric method of intracellular protein detection. Fresh whole blood obtained from normal controls and patients at two stages was stimulated with brefeldin A, phorbol myristate acetate, and ionomycin for 4 hours. Cells were fixed and stained intracellularly with fluorescein isothiocyanate- or phycoerythrin-conjugated antibody specific to each cytokine in combination with anti-CD4. ELISA assays were applied to measure cytokine concentrations of supernatant from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) activated with phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin for 24 hours. Results Among CD4 + cells, the percentage of IL-4 + cells decreased significantly from 8.18 ± 4.77% at acute attacks to 4.18 ± 1.26% ( P + cells also decreased from 13.49 ± 4.21% to 9.03 ± 5.42% ( P Conclusions The decrease of IFN-γ + and IL-4 + cells detected at the single-cell level may explain the potential mechanism of convalescence from acute asthma attacks. High Th1/Th2 ratio and low IL-5 production from the PBMC of normal controls support the idea of a biased Th2 immune response in asthmatic patients.
Recurrent double lip: literature review and report of a case

Double lip is a rare oral anomaly caused by hyperplastic tissue of the labial mucosa that becomes more prominent with tension caused by smiling. This congenital or acquired abnormality can interfere with chewing, speaking, and esthetics. Recognition of double lip and appropriate surgical treatment can reduce these potential problems. The purpose of this article is to review the literature regarding double lip and present an unusual case of recurrence simultaneously involving the upper and lower lips.
Neutrino oscillations in a predictive SUSY GUT

In this paper we present a predictive SO(10) supersymmetric grand unified theory with the family symmetry U(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1) which has several nice features. We are able to fit fermion masses and mixing angles, including recent neutrino data, with nine parameters in the charged fermion sector and four in the neutrino sector. The family symmetry plays a preeminent role. (i) The model is ``natural''\char22{}we include all terms allowed by the symmetry. It restricts the number of arbitrary parameters and enforces many zeros in the effective mass matrices. (ii) Family symmetry breaking from U(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}U(1)\ensuremath{\rightarrow} nothing generates the family hierarchy. It also constrains squark and slepton mass matrices, thus ameliorating flavor violation resulting from squark and slepton loop contributions. (iii) It naturally gives large angle ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ mixing describing atmospheric neutrino oscillation data and small angle ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{s}$ mixing, consistent with the small mixing angle Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein (MSW) solution to solar neutrino data. (iv) Finally, in this paper we assume minimal family symmetry-breaking vacuum expectation values (VEV's). As a result we cannot obtain a three neutrino solution to both atmospheric and solar neutrino oscillations. In addition, the solution discussed here cannot fit liquid scintillation neutrino detector (LSND) data even though this solution requires a sterile neutrino ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{s}.$ It is important to note, however, that with nonminimal family symmetry-breaking VEV's, a three neutrino solution is possible with the small mixing angle MSW solution to solar neutrino data and large angle ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ mixing describing atmospheric neutrino oscillation data. In the four neutrino case, nonminimal family VEV's may also permit a solution for LSND. The results with nonminimal family breaking are still under investigation and will be reported in a future paper.
The processing of structured and unstructured tonal sequences

The recall of hierarchically organized tonal sequences was investigated in two experiments. An adaptation of the technique of melodic dictation was employed, in which musically trained listeners notated each sequence after it was presented. Strong effects of sequence structure were obtained. Sequences whose tonal structure could be parsimoniously encoded in hierarchical fashion were recalled with a high level of accuracy. Sequences that could not be parsimoniously encoded produced substantially more errors in recall. Temporal segmentation was found to have a substantial effect on performance, which reflected grouping by temporal proximity regardless of tonal structure. The results provide evidence for the hypothesis that we encode tonal materials by inferring sequence structures and alphabets at different hierarchical levels, together with their rules of combination.
An analysis of strategies for mitigating the sensor network hot spot problem

In multi-hop wireless sensor networks that are characterized by many-to-one (converge-east) traffic patterns, problems related to energy imbalance among sensors often appear. When the transmission range is fixed for nodes throughout the network, the amount of traffic that sensors are required to forward increases dramatically as the distance to the data sink becomes smaller. Thus, sensors closest to the data sink tend to die early. Network lifetime can be improved to a limited extent by the use of a more intelligent transmission power control policy that balances the energy used in each node by requiring nodes further from the data sink to transmit over longer distances (although not directly to the data sink). Alternatively, policies such as data aggregation allow the network to operate in a more energy efficient manner. Since the deployment of an aggregator node may be significantly more expensive than the deployment of an ordinary microsensor node, there is a cost tradeoff involved in this approach. This paper provides an analysis of these policies for mitigating the sensor network hot spot problem, considering energy efficiency as well as cost efficiency.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of lung neoplasm: experience in 100 consecutive patients.

Background Surgical resection is the standard of care for patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer or selected patients with pulmonary metastases. Stereotactic radiosurgery may offer an alternative option for high-risk patients who are not surgical candidates. We report our initial experience with stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of lung neoplasm in 100 consecutive patients. Methods Patients who were medically inoperable were offered stereotactic radiosurgery. Thoracic surgeons evaluated all patients, placed fiducials, and performed treatment planning in collaboration with radiation oncologists. Initially, a median dose of 20 Gy prescribed to the 80% isodose line was administered in a single fraction, and this was subsequently increased to a total of 60 Gy in three fractions. The primary end point evaluated was overall survival. Results We treated 100 patients (median age, 70 years; 51 men, 49 women) with stereotactic radiosurgery: 46 (46%) with primary lung neoplasm, 35 (35%) with recurrent cancer, and 19 (19%) with pulmonary metastases. The median follow-up was 20 months. The median overall survival was 24 months. Local recurrence occurred in 25 patients. The probability of 2-year overall survival was 50% for the entire group, 44% for primary lung cancer, 41% for recurrent cancer, and 84% for metastatic cancer. Conclusions Our initial experience indicates that stereotactic radiosurgery has reasonable results in these high-risk patients. Resection continues to remain the standard treatment; however, stereotactic radiosurgery may offer an alternative in high-risk patients. Further prospective studies with different dose schema are needed to evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery.
Expert Testimony Influences Juror Decisions in Criminal Trials Involving Recovered Memories of Childhood Sexual Abuse

We examined the impact of expert witness orientation (researcher or clinical practitioner) and type of testimony (testimony for the prosecution, defense, both prosecution and defense, or no testimony) on mock jurors' decisions in a sexual abuse trial. Participants acted as mock jurors on a sexual abuse criminal trial based on recovered memory that included expert witness testimony. Results showed that expert witness testimony provided by a researcher did not impact mock jurors' guilt ratings any differently than the expert witness testimony provided by a clinical practitioner. However, type of testimony had a significant effect on jurors' guilt ratings such that jurors who read only defense or only prosecution testimony made decisions favoring the relevant side.
A bidirectional target-filtering model of speech coarticulation and reduction: two-stage implementation for phonetic recognition

A structured generative model of speech coarticulation and reduction is described with a novel two-stage implementation. At the first stage, the dynamics of formants or vocal tract resonances (VTRs) in fluent speech is generated using prior information of resonance targets in the phone sequence, in absence of acoustic data. Bidirectional temporal filtering with finite-impulse response (FIR) is applied to the segmental target sequence as the FIR filter's input, where forward filtering produces anticipatory coarticulation and backward filtering produces regressive coarticulation. The filtering process is shown also to result in realistic resonance-frequency undershooting or reduction for fast-rate and low-effort speech in a contextually assimilated manner. At the second stage, the dynamics of speech cepstra are predicted analytically based on the FIR-filtered and speaker-adapted VTR targets, and the prediction residuals are modeled by Gaussian random variables with trainable parameters. The combined system of these two stages, thus, generates correlated and causally related VTR and cepstral dynamics, where phonetic reduction is represented explicitly in the hidden resonance space and implicitly in the observed cepstral space. We present details of model simulation demonstrating quantitative effects of speaking rate and segment duration on the magnitude of reduction, agreeing closely with experimental measurement results in the acoustic-phonetic literature. This two-stage model is implemented and applied to the TIMIT phonetic recognition task. Using the N-best (N=2000) rescoring paradigm, the new model, which contains only context-independent parameters, is shown to significantly reduce the phone error rate of a standard hidden Markov model (HMM) system under the same experimental conditions.
Do perceived differences in religion matter at work

Over 90% of the United States population affiliates with an organised religion. There has been, however, very little research regarding religion in work organisations. This study focuses on the effects of individual perceptions of religious dissimilarity, as a characteristic of deep-level diversity, on perceived cohesion. A scale is developed to measure individual perceptions of the dissimilarity of religion. Two different studies are used to establish reliability and validity of this scale. In addition, some implications of the negative relationship between individual perceptions of religious dissimilarity and perceived cohesion for organisations are discussed.
Perinatal determinants of adult cardiovascular disease and cancer

Interest in perinatal factors, especially birthweight, as determinants of adult-onset diseases has been steadily growing. Low birthweight has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and high birthweight has been linked to higher risk of breast and possibly other cancers. Most mechanistic hypotheses that have been advanced to explain the empirical evidence linking perinatal conditions to adult-life disease in humans have invoked modulation of physiological processes by exogenous factors or poorly specified ``programming'' during fetal life. A form of programming that has a strong biological foundation and has recently been suggested for further study is genomic imprinting, which involves non-permanent DNA modifications and allows for influences that span three generations. The subject of the perinatal origin of adult-onset disease has profound implications and a large and reliable body of evidence needs to be assembled for biological theories to be validly evaluated against.
Clean trucks in California ports: modelling emissions policy

The Port of Los Angeles (POLA) Clean Trucks Programme is a controversial environmental sustainability initiative adopted to restrict the use of drayage trucks hauling goods to and from port terminal operations. Pending litigation on the constitutionality of the programme, and proposed new legislation that would give the federal government and local authorities a greater role in curbing emissions from harbour trucking, it has important ramifications for the port and shipping sector. We review interactions between maritime ports and the enterprise and institutional interests connected with the current status of the initiative. We use a game theoretical model to anticipate the effects of potential truck conversion policies. Courts, legislators, and interest group advocates can use this knowledge to support proactive policies and create incentives for additional Clean Trucks Programmes.
Herkinorin analogues with differential beta-arrestin-2 interactions.

Salvinorin A is a psychoactive natural product that has been found to be a potent and selective κ opioid receptor agonist in vitro and in vivo. The activity of salvinorin A is unusual compared to other opioids such as morphine in that it mediates potent κ opioid receptor signaling yet leads to less receptor downregulation than observed with other κ agonists. Our initial chemical modifications of salvinorin A have yielded one analogue, herkinorin (1c), with high affinity at the μOR. We recently reported that 1c does not promote the recruitment of β-arrestin-2 to the μOR or receptor internalization. Here we describe three new derivatives of 1c (3c, 3f, and 3i) with similar properties and one, benzamide 7b, that promotes recruitment of β-arrestin-2 to the μOR and receptor internalization. When the important role μ opioid receptor regulation plays in determining physiological responsiveness to opioid narcotics is considered, μ opioids derived from salvinorin A may offer a unique template for the development o...
Inside the Earth: Evidence From Earthquakes

Given the constraints that the author has chosen to impose on the subject matter, Inside the Earth: Evidence From Earthquakes is an admirable achievement. Bruce Bolt is a seismologist of international reputation and an experienced and accomplished writer. In this volume, he has produced a book that goes a long way toward achieving his principal goal, that is, to provide a book for students and nonspecialists who are curious about the physical properties of planet earth. Bolt writes in a clear and concise style and in a vein that is sufficiently relaxed so that the going is fairly easy. Yet the book is crammed with authoritative information on the earth's interior, and the material is presented in a well-organized fashion that should permit even the inexperienced reader to progress through it without great impediment or backtracking.
A Framework for Studying Family Socialization Over the Life Cycle The Case of Family Violence

Theoretical and empirical work on family socialization focuses on the process by which parents transmit values to their children. This work tends to rely on the unstated assumption that individuals live in only two families during their lives: the family of origin and the family of procreation. Behavior is learned in the childhood family and transmitted to the marital/childbearing family unit formed later in life. This limiting assumption discourages consideration of how current rates of divorce and remarriage affect the process of family socialization. This article uses a lifetime perspective on family socialization to develop a framework for understanding the effects of divorce and remarriage on family violence. We identify three sources of family socialization experiences: socialization that occurs early in family life and creates a repertoire of behavior that may be carried into subsequent family relationships; lessons learned as a result of transitions from one family to another; and socialization ex...
Trends in midlatitude cyclone frequency and occurrence during fire season in the Northern Rockies: 1900–2004

We examined changes in the timing and frequency of major midlatitude cyclones (MLCs) during August through October for eight climate stations in the Northern Rockies from 1900-2004. As MLCs can effectively diminish fire activity through both cooler temperatures and higher humidity/precipitation, we also determined if area burned by wildfires from 1940-2004 was correlated with the timing and frequency of these events. Our results indicate that: (1) significant long-term trends in MLCs exist, as the timing of the first MLC has occurred later in the year during the past century, with a marked upward shift post-mid-1980s; (2) MLC frequency has significantly declined since 1900, with a pronounced decrease also beginning in the mid-1980s; (3) the relationships between the timing of the first MLC and frequency of MLCs with forest area burned are significant; and (4) mid-tropospheric ridging upstream from the Northern Rockies that blocks MLCs has become more pronounced. Copyright 2007 by the American Geophysical Union.
Phylogeny of the Whipple's-disease-associated bacterium.

Abstract Efforts to culture and identify the intracellular bacteria associated with Whipple's disease have been unsuccessful. Nucleotide sequencing and amplification by the polymerase chain reaction was done on the bacterial 16 S ribosomal DNA present in a small-bowel biopsy specimen taken from a patient with Whipple's disease. A search by computer for similar rRNA sequences filed in databases showed the Whipple's-associated organism to be most similar to bacteria of the Rhodococcus, Streptomyces, and Arthrobacter genera, and more weakly related to mycobacteria. The biopsy specimen was estimated to contain around 10 7 cells of the organism. The probable aetiological agent for our patient's illness has not been identified previously in a patient with Whipple's disease.
Perceived competence and behavioral adjustment of siblings of children with autism

Compared 19 siblings of severely autistic children with 20 siblings of children with Down syndrome and 20 siblings of developmentally normal children. Results reveal that siblings of autistic children have more internalizing and externalizing behavior problems than siblings of developmentally normal children; however, the three groups did not differ significantly on measures of preceived self-competence or parents' report of social competence. Examination of demographic variables indicate that age of sibling and parents' marital satisfaction were associated with siblings' psychological functioning. Implications for future research are discussed.
Effects of Statins on Serum Inflammatory Markers: The U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004

AIM To evaluate the effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) treatment on serum inflammatory markers using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2004). METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 9,128 individuals aged 40 and older participated in the NHANES. The inflammatory markers studied were white blood cell counts (WBC), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin. Other covariables were: age, gender, race/ethnicity, body mass index, prescription or nonprescription medication use within the previous 30 days (statins, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics). Four analytic groups for drug use were defined: Statin users; AI/Antibiotic users (use of either anti-inflammatory or antibiotic drugs); Combination group (use of both Statins and anti-inflammatory or antibiotic drugs), and a Non-use group (taking none of the listed drugs). The mean CRP level was significantly lower in the Statin use group than the Non-use group (0.3 mg/dL, 95%CI: 0.3-0.3 and 0.4 mg/dL, 95%CI: 0.4-0.5). In multivariable regression modeling, the Statin use group had significantly lower predicted mean WBC (Beta Coeff: -0.2, p < 0.05) and CRP (Beta Coeff: -0.1, p < 0.01) values than the Non-use group. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with statins was significantly associated with decreased WBC and CRP levels in this large population-based sample.
Contribution of Bcl-2 Phosphorylation to Bak Binding and Drug Resistance

Bcl-2 is phosphorylated on Ser(70) after treatment of cells with spindle poisons. On the basis of effects observed in cells overexpressing Bcl-2 S70E or S70A mutants, various studies have concluded that Ser(70) phosphorylation either enhances or diminishes Bcl-2 function. In the present study, the ability of phosphorylated Bcl-2, as well as the S70E and S70A mutants, to bind and neutralize proapoptotic Bcl-2 family members under cell-free conditions and in intact cells was examined in an attempt to resolve this controversy. Surface plasmon resonance indicated that phosphorylated Bcl-2, Bcl-2 S70E, and Bcl-2 S70A exhibit enhanced binding to Bim and Bak compared with unmodified Bcl-2. This enhanced binding reflected a readily detectable conformation change in the loop domain of Bcl-2. Furthermore, Bcl-2 S70E and S70A bound more Bak and Bim than wild-type Bcl-2 in pull-downs and afforded greater protection against several chemotherapeutic agents. Importantly, binding of endogenous Bcl-2 to Bim also increased during mitosis, when Bcl-2 is endogenously phosphorylated, and disruption of this mitotic Bcl-2/Bim binding with navitoclax or ABT-199, like Bcl-2 downregulation, enhanced the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel. Collectively, these results provide not only a mechanistic basis for the enhanced antiapoptotic activity of phosphorylated Bcl-2, but also an explanation for the ability of BH3 mimetics to enhance taxane sensitivity.
The appearance of hypodense eosinophils during interleukin-2 treatment.

Abstract Based on membrane receptors, metabolic activity, and cell density, human eosinophils (EOSs) are a heterogeneous population of leukocytes. EOS heterogeneity translates into biologic significance, since low density cells can be metabolically more active and thus more capable of causing tissue injury. Efforts to identify mechanisms that lead to the development of hypodense EOSs have found that an in vitro exposure to cytokines reduces cell density and is associated with increased cell activity. Consequently, we evaluated the effect of an in vivo administration of interleukin-2 (IL-2) on the cell counts and density of circulating EOSs in six patients who received IL-2 as cancer biologic-modifier therapy. To determine the pattern of EOS density in relationship to IL-2 treatment, granulocyte suspensions were isolated from peripheral blood and then centrifuged over multiple discontinuous density Percoll gradients. During IL-2 treatment, the percentage of circulating hypodense EOSs increased significantly ( p
Vaccination Strategies for Mucosal Immune Responses

Mucosal administration of vaccines is an important approach to the induction of appropriate immune responses to microbial and other environmental antigens in systemic sites and peripheral blood as well as in most external mucosal surfaces. The development of specific antibody- or T-cell-mediated immunologic responses and the induction of mucosally induced systemic immunologic hyporesponsiveness (oral or mucosal tolerance) depend on complex sets of immunologic events, including the nature of the antigenic stimulation of specialized lymphoid structures in the host, antigen-induced activation of different populations of regulatory T cells (Th1 versus Th2), and the expression of proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines. Availability of mucosal vaccines will provide a painless approach to deliver large numbers of vaccine antigens for human immunization. Currently, an average infant will receive 20 to 25 percutaneous injections for vaccination against different childhood infections by 18 months of age. It should be possible to develop for human use effective, nonliving, recombinant, replicating, transgenic, and microbial vector- or plant-based mucosal vaccines to prevent infections. Based on the experience with many dietary antigens, it is also possible to manipulate the mucosal immune system to induce systemic tolerance against environmental, dietary, and possibly other autoantigens associated with allergic and autoimmune disorders. Mucosal immunity offers new strategies to induce protective immune responses against a variety of infectious agents. Such immunization may also provide new prophylactic or therapeutic avenues in the control of autoimmune diseases in humans.