cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Loss and Reduction of Fus1 Protein Expression is a Frequent Phenomenon in the Pathogenesis of Lung Cancer

Purpose: FUS1 , a novel tumor-suppressor gene located in the chromosome 3p21.3 region, may play an important role in lung cancer development. Currently, FUS1 -expressing nanoparticles have been developed for treating patients with lung cancer. However, the expression of Fus1 protein has not been examined in a large series of lung cancers and their sequential preneoplastic lesions. Experimental Design: Using tissue microarrays, we examined Fus1 immunohistochemical expression in 281 non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and 22 small cell lung carcinoma tissue specimens and correlated the findings with patients9 clinicopathologic features. To investigate the expression of Fus1 in the early sequential pathogenesis of NSCLC, we studied Fus1 expression in 211 histologically normal and mildly abnormal bronchial epithelia, and 118 bronchial and alveolar preneoplastic lesions obtained from patients with lung cancer. Results: Loss and reduction of expression was detected in 82% of NSCLCs and 100% of small cell lung carcinomas. In NSCLCs, loss of Fus1 immunohistochemical expression was associated with significantly worse overall survival. Bronchial squamous metaplastic and dysplastic lesions expressed significantly lower levels of Fus1 compared with normal ( P = 0.014 and 0.047, respectively) and hyperplastic ( P = 0.013 and 0.028, respectively) epithelia. Conclusions: Our findings show a high frequency of Fus1 protein loss and reduction of expression in lung cancer, and suggests that this reduction may play an important role in the early pathogenesis of lung squamous cell carcinoma. These findings support the concept that FUS1 gene and Fus1 protein abnormalities could be used to develop new strategies for molecular cancer therapy for a significant subset of lung tumors.
The Cost of Jointness and How to Manage It

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sandia Corporation Excellence in Engineering Graduate Fellowship)
Intractability results in predicate detection

It has been shown that global predicate detection in a distributed computation is an NP-complete problem in general. However, efficient predicate detection algorithms exist for some subclasses of predicates, such as stable predicates, observer-independent predicates, conjunctions of local predicates, channel predicates, etc. We show here that the problem of deciding whether a given predicate is a member of any of these tractable subclasses is NP-hard in general. We also explore the tractability of linear and regular predicates. In particular, we show that, unless RP=NP, there is no polynomial-time algorithm to detect possibly:B for linear and regular predicates B.
High performance liquid chromatographic assay of Amicar, ε‐aminocaproic acid, in plasma and urine after pre‐column derivatization with o‐phthalaldehyde for fluorescence detection

A simple, reliable and highly sensitive procedure was devised for measuring the levels of Amicar in blood and urine. 100 microL of serum or urine sample was added to 10 microL of a 10% w/v zinc sulfate solution and 100 microL of methanol, as previously described (Lam et al., 1980) for the removal of proteins by precipitation. 50 microL of the supernatant was then mixed with 300 microL of 1 M borate buffer containing D-valine as the internal standard before derivatization with o-phthalaldehyde. The amino acids were then separated by a stereoselective reversed-phase system using a mobile phase containing 10% of acetonitrile in 2.5 mM Cu(II) complexes of L-proline. The chromatography is highly selective, resolving Amicar from L-valine which in turn is resolved from its unnatural D-antipode, the internal standard. The procedure including sample preparation and separation required a total of 15 min. As little as 50 ng/mL of Amicar in body fluids could be detected as the o-phthalaldehyde derivative by fluorescence.
Determination of the number-average molecular weight of polysaccharides by end-group reduction with borohydride-t.

The reduction with sodium borohydride-t of a series of maltose oligosaccharides yields products whose residual radioactivity (after deduction of a blank) has a linear dependence on degree of polymerisation. The procedure has been extended to measure the average degree of polymerisation (or alternatively Mn) of hydrolysed amyloses. For this purpose, it is necessary to use a washing procedure to remove a radioactive impurity in the sodium borohydride. The method should be applicable to measurement of number-average molecular weights of any polysaccharide which has a reducing end-group.
An inexpensive video data capture system for hydrological maps

Abstract Digital mapping techniques are used increasingly in hydrology. One of the constraints on the application of those techniques is the digitizing process, which can be costly and time consuming. This paper describes the background and development of a low cost, easy-to-use system for digitizing maps, based on the use of a video camera as a scanner, and goes on to discuss the application of this system to the task of digitizing the hydrological soil maps of Europe.
Effect of violence exposure on health outcomes among young urban adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Although youth are exposed to many forms of violence, most studies have been concentrated on only one type of violence exposure and focused on older adolescents or very young children. Little is known about direct and indirect effects of violent stressors on the health of African American adolescents in urban middle schools or the cumulative effect of multiple forms of exposures. OBJECTIVE: To test theoretically derived relationships between the types and levels of violence exposure and experiences; coping; and physical, behavioral, and mental health outcomes. METHODS: A structural equation modeling approach was used in this cross-sectional predictive correlational model testing design. Youth's experiences with exposure to and witnessing of violence were examined on three levels-community, family, and peer-in relation to physical, behavioral, and mental health outcomes. The sample (n = 309) consisted almost entirely of African American seventh graders from four urban middle schools. Forty-two percent of students were boys. More than 80% said that they had been in a boyfriend or girlfriend relationship, and 55% were currently in such a relationship. RESULTS: Eight of the 15 paths tested in the hypothesized model were found to be statistically significant, indicating an average fit (chi = 133.06, df = 40, ratio of 3.3, p <.001, root mean square error of association =.087, normed-fit index =.89, comparative-fit index =.92, goodness-of-fit index =.93). Removing nonsignificant paths statistically improved model fit, resulting in an adequate fit (chi = 146.78, df = 47, chi/df = 3.1, p <.001, root mean square error of association =.083, normed-fit index = .88, comparative-fit index =.91, goodness-of-fit index =.93). Although coping did not demonstrate a mediating effect on health outcomes, it had a direct effect on physical and mental health. DISCUSSION: The findings partially support the hypothesized model. Violence at home, personal violence, and coping had significant direct effects on health outcomes. Community violence did not have a significant effect, and coping was not an intermediary variable in this sample. Language: en
Profiles in Science for Science Librarians: The Contributions of Yuan-Cheng Fung, the Interdisciplinary “Father of Biomechanics”

Y. C. Fung received his doctorate degree from the California Institute of Technology in 1948 and then joined the faculty of his alma mater, where he primarily pursued problems in aeronautical engineering. Spurred by a serendipitous collision of his need to obtain biomedical information relating to a family member's condition and the availability of an excellent library that met his needs, he switched his emphasis in teaching and research. In 1966, Dr. Fung joined the faculty of the University of California, San Diego, to initiate a research and doctorate-granting program in bioengineering. He is the recipient of the President's National Medal of Science, the Founder's Award from the National Academy of Engineering, and the Russ Prize. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the National Institute of Medicine, and the National Academy of Sciences. This article outlines the career transitions made by the subject and bibliometrically charts the production of his publications, the journals in w...
Challenges of Measuring Performance for FAA's Safety Oversight System

FAA regulates the safety of the aviation industry through the safety oversight system, which is a system of rulemaking, standard-setting, certification, accident investigation, rule enforcement, and surveillance activities. Federal programs, including those of FAA, use performance indicators to measure the achievement of program goals. As part of a broader program of developing risk management methodologies, FAA is researching performance indicators that can be used to measure the performance of the safety oversight system. One of its goals is to create performance indicators that can describe the safety oversight system's influence on safety outcomes such as fatalities. Creating performance measures that link activities to safety outcomes is challenging because it is difficult to establish the causation between oversight activities and these safety outcomes. This challenge is not unique to FAA, and external reviewers such as the Government Accountability Office have recommended that other high-reliabilit...
GRASP55 and GRASP65 play complementary and essential roles in Golgi cisternal stacking

In vitro studies have suggested that Golgi stack formation involves two homologous peripheral Golgi proteins, GRASP65 and GRASP55, which localize to the cis and medial-trans cisternae, respectively. However, no mechanism has been provided on how these two GRASP proteins work together to stack Golgi cisternae. Here, we show that depletion of either GRASP55 or GRASP65 by siRNA reduces the number of cisternae per Golgi stack, whereas simultaneous knockdown of both GRASP proteins leads to disassembly of the entire stack. GRASP55 stacks Golgi membranes by forming oligomers through its N-terminal GRASP domain. This process is regulated by phosphorylation within the C-terminal serine/proline-rich domain. Expression of nonphosphorylatable GRASP55 mutants enhances Golgi stacking in interphase cells and inhibits Golgi disassembly during mitosis. These results demonstrate that GRASP55 and GRASP65 stack mammalian Golgi cisternae via a common mechanism.
An efficient scan conversion and hidden surface removal algorithm

Abstract A scan conversion and hidden surface algorithm is discussed in detail. The algorithm is of the Watkins class but differs markedly in implementation. It is running on an 8K Varian 620 computer, and is used to produce shaded color renderings of three-dimensional objects. Details of the data structure used and of the internal sortings is given. Together with a video disk subsystem, the minicomputer system is capable of producing studio quality T.V. images in 8–70 s, depending on image complexity.
Emerging Marketing Tool: The Internet

ABSTRACT Tapping the marketing opportunities of the Internet is something every business should examine … or risk being left behind. This paper describes the evolution of the Internet, examines the marketing implications for users of the information highway, and outlines some of the challenges facing executives as they re-think their marketing strategies in light of this emerging technological tool.
A survey of parents regarding the admission of a child for growth hormone monitoring.

This article describes responses to a questionnaire requesting information from parents about their knowledge of hospital facilities/procedures and their satisfaction with the routines associated with the admission of their children for 24-hour growth hormone monitoring. The adjustment of children to stressful medical procedures is more successful if parents can act as “therapeutic allies” to their children. Unless parents have a clear understanding of (and satisfaction with) the procedures their children must undergo, they cannot be expected to fulfill this role adequately. By isolating areas in which parental knowledge is lacking or inaccurate, as well as areas of dissatisfaction, the nursing staff is in a better position to improve patient adjustment to medical procedures and to plan ways of improving patient care. The results of this study indicate that more information about hospital facilities needs to be provided to parents of children who have not had previous hospital admissions. In general, however, most parents were satisfied with the explanation given for why their children had to have growth hormone monitoring and the routines associated with the procedure.
FAMILY AND SOCIAL ATTITUDES ACROSS FOUR GENERATIONS OF WOMEN OF MATERNAL LINEAGE

tween chose attitudes vulnerable to environmental change and those which may be resilient and transfer across four generations of maternal lineage. Differences were noted among the four groups on their attitudes regarding children, patents, health, future, leisure, and school. Socialization theory stresses the family as the most important mechanism in transmission of values. In fact, research through the decades on the intergenerational transmission of attitudes has shown that parents' attitudes, particularly mothers' attitudes, are significant predictors of their children's attitudes (3, 4). Thanks to modern medicine and scientific advances, generational farnilies can coexist where children may be in their teens, parents in their 30's and 401s, grandparents in their 50's and 6O's, and great-grandparents over 60 years of age. This modern phenomenon allows us to investigate for the first time the transmission of attitudes and beliefs across as many as four generations. Since each generation is exposed to different psychological, social, economic, and political changes, new attitudes and ideals can emerge. The present study extended beyond prior two- and three-generational studies using the Adolescent-Middlescent Attitude Scale (1, 2). Two changes were made. First, there was an assessment of attitudes across four generations and, second, employment of post hoc tests to judge which generational pairs differed on concepts where an over-all difference between generations had been noted. In the sample there were 140 participants representing 35 families of four generations of maternal lineage. The scale assesses perspectives regarding 12 aspects of life, using a forced-choice response format. More specifically, attitudes were evaluated on behavioral traits attributed to friends, parents, and children, assessment of self-esteem, importance of education, significance of religion, commitment to community, qualities that typify marriage, views regarding personal health and leisure time, outlook on future, and rating of mundane daily tasks. Each attitudinal measure pre'This article is based on Bettina Clebone's doctoral dissertation, completed at The Ohio State University under the direction of Claribel Taylor. We thank Nancy White for her invaluable assistance in running the analysis of variance program and Adele Green for her constructive comments in editing the article. Request reprints from Bettina Clebone, Department of Psychology, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio 44555-0001.
The hepatitis C cascade of care among HIV infected patients: a call to address ongoing barriers to care.

Author(s): Cachay, Edward R; Hill, Lucas; Wyles, David; Colwell, Bradford; Ballard, Craig; Torriani, Francesca; Mathews, William C | Abstract: BackgroundThe aims were to investigate the hepatitis C (HCV) cascade of care among HIV-infected patients and to identify reasons for not referring for and not initiating HCV therapy after completion of HCV treatment staging.Design and methodsRetrospective cohort analysis of HIV-infected patients under care at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). We identified patients screened for and diagnosed with active HCV infection. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with lack of referral for HCV therapy. Electronic medical records were reviewed to ascertain reasons for not initiating HCV therapy.ResultsBetween 2008 and 2012, 4725 HIV-infected patients received care at the UCSD Owen clinic. Most patients [4534 (96%)] were screened for HCV, 748 (16%) patients had reactive serum HCV antibodies but only 542 patients had active HCV infection. Lack of engagement in care was the most important predictor of non-referral for HCV therapy [odds ratio (OR): 5.08, 95% confidence interval 3.24-6.97, pl0.00001]. Other significant predictors included unstable housing (OR: 2.26), AIDS (OR: 1.83), having a detectable HIV viral load (OR: 1.98) and being non-white (OR: 1.67). The most common reason (40%) for not initiating or deferring HCV therapy was the presence of ongoing barriers to care.ConclusionsScreening for HCV in HIV-infected patients linked to care is high but almost half of patients diagnosed with HCV are not referred for HCV therapy. Despite improvements in HCV therapy the benefits will not be realized unless effective measures for dealing with barriers to care are implemented.
Polyketide-nonribosomal peptide epothilone antitumor agents: the EpoA, B, C subunits

The epothilones are a family of macrolactone natural products from the myxobacterial species Sorangium cellulosum. Similar to taxol, they are of current clinical interest as anticancer agents. Sequence analysis of the epothilone gene cluster allowed the identification of polyketide synthase and nonribosomal peptide synthetase modules involved in catalyzing epothilone biosynthesis. Given this information, it has been possible to test the predicted functions of several modules to date. EpoA ACP, EpoB, and EpoC have been overproduced in Escherichia coli, allowing in vitro reconstitution of the EpoA/B/C interface and production of the expected epothilone precursor. Further experiments probed the tolerance of EpoB and EpoC for unnatural substrates. These studies of the first three modules of the epothilone biosynthetic cluster suggest that combinatorial biosynthesis may lead to the production of a variety of epothilone analogs that incorporate diversity into the heterocycle starter unit. Additional efforts with the remaining modules, coupled with increased understanding of the macrocyclizing thioesterase domain, may lead to the production of epothilone variants with improved clinical properties.
Comparative aspects of DNA organization in metazoa

Data on sequence organization in metazoa are reviewed and tabulated. It is shown that the features of sequence organization previously observed in Xenopus DNA are extremely widespread. At least 70% of DNA fragments 2,000–3,000 nucleotides long contain both single copy and repetitive sequence in all the organisms examined except Drosophila.
Breathing difficulty and tinnitus among children exposed to airbag deployment

Abstract Objective To assess the incidence of breathing difficulty and tinnitus in children involved in motor vehicle crashes with and without passenger airbag (PAB) deployment, and its relationship to seating position and to whether the airbag deployed was first versus second-generation. Methods We studied motor vehicle crashes with child passengers, over a 3-year period, in three large regions of the United States, by means of telephone interviews with the driver/parent. The crashes were classified into those with and without a PAB deployment. Complete data were collected on 7383 children in 4817 crashes, who, because of the sample design of the study, represent an estimated 120,987 children in 83,267 crashes. Results Among children involved in crashes with PAB deployment, 6.6% complained of breathing difficulty versus 1.4% without airbag deployment (OR 5.2, 95% CI 3.3–8.2). The corresponding figures for tinnitus were 5.0% versus 0.7% (OR 7.4, 95% CI 4.0–13.7). Analysis of data for children exposed to PABs indicated that 14.1% of children in the front seat versus 1.1% in the rear complained of tinnitus (OR 14.4, 95% CI 5.9–34.7). Seating row did not significantly affect the incidence of breathing difficulty. The type of airbag deployed did not significantly affect the incidence of breathing difficulty or of tinnitus. Conclusion Breathing difficulty and tinnitus were much more common among children in crashes with PAB deployment as against those without PAB deployment. Among children in crashes with PAB deployment, tinnitus was about 14 times more likely for those sitting in the front versus rear seat. The incidence of breathing difficulty was not affected significantly by seating row. Introduction of second-generation airbags has not affected the incidence of breathing difficulty or of tinnitus.
The dynamic pause-unpackaging state, an off-translocation recovery state of a DNA packaging motor from bacteriophage T4

Tailed bacteriophages and herpes viruses use powerful ATP-driven molecular motors to translocate their viral genomes into a preformed capsid shell. The bacteriophage T4 motor, a pentamer of the large terminase protein (gp17) assembled at the portal vertex of the prohead, is the fastest and most powerful known, consistent with the need to package a ∼170-kb viral genome in approximately 5 min. Although much is known about the mechanism of DNA translocation, very little is known about how ATP modulates motor–DNA interactions. Here, we report single-molecule measurements of the phage T4 gp17 motor by using dual-trap optical tweezers under different conditions of perturbation. Unexpectedly, the motor pauses randomly when ATP is limiting, for an average of 1 s, and then resumes translocation. During pausing, DNA is unpackaged, a phenomenon so far observed only in T4, where some of the packaged DNA is slowly released. We propose that the motor pauses whenever it encounters a subunit in the apo state with the DNA bound weakly and incorrectly. Pausing allows the subunit to capture ATP, whereas unpackaging allows scanning of DNA until a correct registry is established. Thus, the “pause-unpackaging” state is an off-translocation recovery state wherein the motor, sometimes by taking a few steps backward, can bypass the impediments encountered along the translocation path. These results lead to a four-state mechanochemical model that provides insights into the mechanisms of translocation of an intricately branched concatemeric viral genome.
The development of infinitives from three to five

This study investigated the form of infinitival sentences produced by young children and their knowledge of the control properties of this sentence form. Twenty-five children between the ages of 3;7 and 5;4 participated in a story completion task designed to elicit infinitive sentences and in an act-out comprehension task. Although the infinitive form was productive for even the youngest children in this study, development of this form was not complete even for the five-year-olds, nor did any child demonstrate adult knowledge of control. In addition, two competing claims regarding order of acquisition (that of Limber, 1973, and Hyams, 1985) were evaluated.
Managing the Transition Process From High School to College and Beyond: Challenges for Individuals, Families, and Society

Transition to adulthood represents a significant challenge for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. With the increase in diagnosis and appropriate treatment at younger ages, more adolescents on the spectrum have the potential for independent adult lives, including work and college. Yet our support systems have been slow to respond to the needs of individuals with typical dreams and aspirations but atypical development. This article addresses the challenges of the transition to adulthood from multiple perspectives and provides a framework for individuals, families, and supporting professionals to anticipate challenges and develop positive solutions.
A survey of herbal product use in a dialysis population in Northwest Ohio

Objective: To identify herbal product use in a dialysis population. Design and Setting: Cross-sectional survey conducted at 2 freestanding dialysis centers in Northwest Ohio. Patients: Two hundred and sixteen hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients who provided informed consent. Intervention: All patients were surveyed by personal interview regarding use of herbal products. Patients identified as current users were asked questions about specific agents. Respondents reporting past but not current use were questioned about specific agents and reasons for discontinuation. Results: Thirty-one patients reported taking herbal therapies. Twenty-six patients discontinued use before the survey. Sixteen different herbal products were reported being used in our study population. Those who reported ever using an herbal product were more likely to be employed or disabled and have higher education when compared with nonusers. Conclusion: Our data suggest a lower frequency of herbal product use in the dialysis population as compared with the general population and other chronically ill populations. Education and employment are factors associated with use. Many of the herbal therapies used potentially could have significant adverse effects in dialysis patients. These include effects on blood pressure, blood glucose, coagulation parameters, and electrolyte disturbances. Dialysis patients currently taking herbal products may not be reevaluating their need for continuation and may not be informing members of the nephrology care team about their use. © 2003 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Rapid Fibroblast Removal from High Density Human Embryonic Stem Cell Cultures

Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were used to establish human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) cultures after blastocyst isolation1. This feeder system maintains hESCs from undergoing spontaneous differentiation during cell expansion. However, this co-culture method is labor intensive, requires highly trained personnel, and yields low hESC purity4. Many laboratories have attempted to minimize the number of feeder cells in hESC cultures (i.e. incorporating matrix-coated dishes or other feeder cell types5-8). These modified culture systems have shown some promise, but have not supplanted the standard method for culturing hESCs with mitomycin C-treated mouse embyronic fibroblasts in order to retard unwanted spontaneous differentiation of the hESC cultures. Therefore, the feeder cells used in hESC expansion should be removed during differentiation experiments. Although several techniques are available for purifying the hESC colonies (FACS, MACS, or use of drug resistant vectors) from feeders, these techniques are labor intensive, costly and/or destructive to the hESC. The aim of this project was to invent a method of purification that enables the harvesting of a purer population of hESCs. We have observed that in a confluent hESC culture, the MEF population can be removed using a simple and rapid aspiration of the MEF sheet. This removal is dependent on several factors, including lateral cell-to-cell binding of MEFs that have a lower binding affinity to the styrene culture dish, and the ability of the stem cell colonies to push the fibroblasts outward during the generation of their own "niche". The hESC were then examined for SSEA-4, Oct3/4 and Tra 1-81 expression up to 10 days after MEF removal to ensure maintenance of pluripotency. Moreover, hESC colonies were able to continue growing from into larger formations after MEF removal, providing an additional level of hESC expansion.
Improving solution characteristics of particle swarm optimization using digital pheromones

In this paper, a new approach to particle swarm optimization (PSO) using digital pheromones to coordinate swarms within an n-dimensional design space is presented. In a basic PSO, an initial randomly generated population swarm propagates toward the global optimum over a series of iterations. The direction of the swarm movement in the design space is based on an individual particle’s best position in its history trail (pBest), and the best particle in the entire swarm (gBest). This information is used to generate a velocity vector indicating a search direction toward a promising location in the design space. The premise of the research presented in this paper is based on the fact that the search direction for each swarm member is dictated by only two candidates—pBest and gBest, which are not efficient to locate the global optimum, particularly in multi-modal optimization problems. In addition, poor move sets specified by pBest in the initial stages of optimization can trap the swarm in a local minimum or cause slow convergence. This paper presents the use of digital pheromones for aiding communication within the swarm to improve the search efficiency and reliability, resulting in improved solution quality, accuracy, and efficiency. With empirical proximity analysis, the pheromone strength in a region of the design space is determined. The swarm then reacts accordingly based on the probability that this region may contain an optimum. The additional information from pheromones causes the particles within the swarm to explore the design space thoroughly and locate the solution more efficiently and accurately than a basic PSO. This paper presents the development of this method and results from several multi-modal test cases.
Size-dependent spin-reorientation transition in Nd2Fe14B nanoparticles

Abstract It is well known that some ferromagnetic properties like Curie temperature are size dependent. In this Letter we will report that the spin-reorientation temperature of Nd2Fe14B material is also size dependent. By using a surfactant-assisted ball milling technique, Nd2Fe14B nanoparticles with different size about 6, 20 and 300 nm were successfully obtained. Spin-reorientation transition temperature of the NdFeB nanoparticles was then determined by measuring the temperature dependence of DC and AC magnetic susceptibility. It was revealed that the spin-reorientation transition temperature ( T s r ) of the nanoparticles is strongly size dependent. T s r of the 300 nm particles is lower than that of the bulk raw material while the T s r of the 20 nm particles is significantly lower than that for the 300 nm particles. The physics behind this size dependence is discussed.
Soil stocks of glomalin produced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi across a tropical rain forest landscape

1 Symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi produce a recalcitrant AM-specific glycoprotein, glomalin, which could be a substantial contributor to soil carbon (C). In this study we made a first assessment of the standing stocks of glomalin in a tropical lowland rain forest (the La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica) and tested whether glomalin concentrations varied over the strong fertility gradient in this forest. 2 Mean levels of glomalin in the top 10 cm of the La Selva soils were 3.94 +/- 0.16 mg cm(-3) (1.45 Mg C ha(-1)), accounting for approximately 3.2% of total soil C and 5% of soil nitrogen (N) in the 0-10 cm soil layer. 3 More fertile soils with higher concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and potassium had less glomalin, while the less fertile soils, those with high C : N ratios and high levels of iron and aluminium, had more glomalin. 4 We found higher levels of immunoreactivity, which is characteristic of young, recently produced glomalin, in the soils with higher concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and potassium. We hypothesize that AM fungal turnover, as indicated by a greater proportion of immunoreactive, recently produced glomalin, is enhanced in the more fertile soils within this tropical rain forest landscape.
A Review of: “Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal”

This textbook provides a review of political ideologies from the beginnings of democracy through the twentieth-century emergence of radical Islam. The authors' main objectives are to identify and t...
Relationship Between the Duration of the Mitotic Cycle, the Rate of Cell Production and the Rate of Growth of Pisum Roots at Different Temperatures

Seedling of Pisum sativum (var. Alaska) were cultured at 10°, 15°, 20°, and 25°C in the dark for several days. During this time length measurements were made on the root and the rate of growth determined. For three successive days samples were removed from each group and the mitotic index determined. The total number of cells in the terminal 2mm segment was estimated at day zero. Previous experiments, performed after the seedlings were maintained at a given temperature for three days, provided information concerning the minimum mitotic cycle time of root meristem cells (Van't Hof and Sparrow 1963b). These three sets of data provided the necessary information for investigating the relationship between the duration of the mitotic cycle, the rate of cell production and the rate of root growth at different temperatures. The analyses showed: 1) that the rate of root growth was primarily dependent on the rate of cell production which, in turn, was dependent on the duration of the mitotic cycle, 2) that the rates of root growth and cell production are functions of temperature differing in sensitivity to temperature change and in the maximum temperature limit, 3) that the rates of growth and cell production are interconvertible when the conversion factor for a given temperature is known and 4) the number of proliferating cells in the meristem can be calculated.
Effect of Mo addition on the electrocatalytic activity of Pt-Sn-Mo/C for direct ethanol fuel cells

Abstract Carbon-supported Pt–Sn–Mo electrocatalysts have been synthesized by a polyol reduction method and characterized for ethanol electro-oxidation reaction (EOR). While the percent loading of the synthesized nanoparticles on the carbon support is higher than 35%, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) reveals that the Mo contents in the nanoparticle catalysts are lower than the nominal value, indicating incomplete reduction of the Mo precursor. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses reveal that the Sn and Mo exist as oxide phases at the surface layers of the nanoparticles and the degree of alloying is very low. The electrochemical properties of the electrocatalysts have been evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. The catalytic activity for EOR decreases in the order PtSnMo0.6/C > PtSnMo0.4/C > PtSn/C. Single cell direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) tests also confirm that the PtSnMo0.6/C anode catalyst exhibit better performance than the PtSn/C anode catalyst. An analysis of the electrochemical data suggests that the incorporation of Mo to Pt–Sn enhances further the catalytic activity for EOR.
Some Concepts of Dependence

Problems involving dependent pairs of variables (X, Y) have been studied most intensively in the case of bivariate normal distributions and of 2 × 2 tables. This is due primarily to the importance of these cases but perhaps partly also to the fact that they exhibit only a particularly simple form of dependence. (See Examples 9(i) and 10 in Section 7.) Studies involving the general case center mainly around two problems: (i) tests of independence; (ii) definition and estimation of measures of association. In most treatments of these problems, there occurs implicitly a concept which is of importance also in other contexts (for example, the evaluation of the performance of certain multiple decision procedures), the concept of positive (or negative) dependence or association. Tests of independence, for example those based on rank correlation, Kendall’s Z-statistic, or normal scores, are usually not omnibus tests (for a discussion of such tests see [4], [15] and [17], but designed to detect rather specific types of alternatives, namely those for which large values of Y tend to be associated with large values of X and small values of Y with small values of X (positive dependence) or the opposite case of negative dependence in which large values of one variable tend to be associated with small values of the other. Similarly, measures of association are typically designed to measure the degree of this kind of association. The purpose of the present paper is to give three successively stronger definitions of positive dependence, to investigate their consequences, explore the strength of each definition through a number of examples, and to give some statistical applications.
Strong polynomiality of policy iterations for average-cost MDPs modeling replacement and maintenance problems

Abstract This note considers an average-cost Markov Decision Process (MDP) with finite state and action sets and satisfying the additional condition that there is a state to which the system jumps from any state and under any action with a positive probability. The main result is that the policy iteration algorithm is strongly polynomial for such MDPs, which are often used to model replacement and maintenance problems.
"Mauled by a Bear": narrative analysis of self-injury among adolescents in US news, 2007-2012.

Self-injury among adolescents has been widely documented in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia; however, news coverage of self-injury has not been examined. This study analyzes 78 news acc...
Efficient Huber-Markov Edge-Preserving Image Restoration

The regularization of the least-squares criterion is an effective approach in image restoration to reduce noise amplification. To avoid the smoothing of edges, edge-preserving regularization using a Gaussian Markov random field (GMRF) model is often used to allow realistic edge modeling and provide stable maximum a posteriori (MAP) solutions. However, this approach is computationally demanding because the introduction of a non-Gaussian image prior makes the restoration problem shift-variant. In this case, a direct solution using fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) is not possible, even when the blurring is shift-invariant. We consider a class of edge-preserving GMRF functions that are convex and have nonquadratic regions that impose less smoothing on edges. We propose a decomposition-enabled edge-preserving image restoration algorithm for maximizing the likelihood function. By decomposing the problem into two subproblems, with one shift-invariant and the other shift-variant, our algorithm exploits the sparsity of edges to define an FFT-based iteration that requires few iterations and is guaranteed to converge to the MAP estimate
The effect of sequence context on spontaneous Polζ-dependent mutagenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Polf translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerase is responsible for over 50% of spontaneous mutagenesis and virtually all damage-induced mutagenesis in yeast. We previously demonstrated that reversion of the lys2DA746 � 1 frameshift allele detects a novel type of +1 frameshift that is accompanied by one or more base substitutions and depends completely on the activity of Polf. These ‘complex’ frameshifts accumulate at two discrete hotspots (HS1 and HS2) in the absence of nucleotide excision repair, and accumulate at a third location (HS3) in the additional absence of the translesion polymerase Polg. The current study investigates the sequence requirements for accumulation of Polf-dependent complex frameshifts at these hotspots. We observed that transposing 13bp of identity from HS1 or HS3 to a new location within LYS2 was sufficient to recapitulate these hotspots. In addition, altering the sequence immediately upstream of HS2 had no effect on the activity of the hotspot. These data support a model in which misincorporation opposite a lesion precedes and facilitates the selected slippage event. Finally, analysis of nonsense mutation revertants indicates that Polf can simultaneously introduce multiple base substitutions in the absence of an accompanying frameshift event.
High extracellular glucose impairs cardiac E-C coupling in a glycosylation-dependent manner

Hyperglycemia is a major manifestation of all forms of diabetes mellitus and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It is well established that cardiac excitation-contraction ...
New algorithms for admission control and scheduling to support multimedia feedback remote control applications

Multimedia feedback remote control applications use a control loop between devices such as robot manipulators and cameras and a human user. An application-to-application quality of service is required. Network and end-point resources must be controlled and integrated in a robust admission and scheduling process. We focus in this paper on a novel admission and scheduling process for the end-points. The algorithms were prototyped within our OMEGA architecture, which controls the end-point resources in full-feedback applications, such as telerobotics.
Neutron incoherent scattering from KDP

Abstract The incoherent, inelastic neutron cross section is derived for KH 2 PO 4 , following the model discussed by Tokunaga and Matsubara. This expression should give the dominant contribution of the proton tunneling motion to the cross section. Matsubara has given the coherent cross section for KDP. However the scattering in hydrogen is primarily incoherent.
Children With Cochlear Implants In the Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom

It is the first day of school and excitement has filled Mrs. Kay's kindergarten classroom. Mrs. Kay is always happy for the new school year to begin. However, this year also brings some trepidation. She has a new student named Ashley who is deaf and who has a cochlear implant. This situation is very new to Mrs. Kay and she currently has more questions than answers.
The Effect of Glycolic Acid on the Treatment of Acne in Asian Skin

BACKGROUNDGlycolic add has become important and popular for treating acne.OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of serial glycolic acid peels with glycolic acid home care products on facial acne lesions and other associated skin problems.METHODSWe collected 40 Asian candidates with moderate t
Cognition in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a multichannel event-related potential (P300) study

Auditory event-related potentials (AERP) were elicited in 47 patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) and 24 age-matched controls. MS patients had significantly prolonged N2 and P3 latencies as well as low P3 amplitude compared with controls. Seven of them exceeded 3 standard deviations from the control mean values. The observed N2 and P3 alterations are associated with the patients' disability status as it is defined by the Kurtzke expanded disability status scale (EDSS), but are not related to the duration of the disease. A possible cognitive decline as reflected in the observed AERP components alterations in MS patients is subsequently discussed.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia patient perception of ‘disorders of sex development’ nomenclature

As the benefits of patient-centered care have become more widely recognized, it is important to understand patients’ sentiments regarding aspects affecting their care. In an effort to display more sensitivity to patient concerns, the term “disorders of sex development” (DSD) was proposed in 2006 as new nomenclature to replace older terms that were considered to have negative connotations. The objective of the study was to examine the views of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients and their caregivers regarding the new nomenclature. The study was observational to evaluate the views of the CAH community, and the primary endpoint was perception of the term DSD. The study was conducted as a survey about views regarding DSD nomenclature. The survey was sent via email to eligible subjects. Along with a short introduction explaining the term DSD, the survey was sent to eligible CAH patients and their caregivers. 589 CAH patients or family members participated in the survey. A total of 589 responses were received (255 classical females, 104 non-classical females, 174 males, 56 not specified) (547 U.S., 42 international) (128 CAH patients, 408 parents or other family members). 70.6% had never heard the term DSD. 71.0% disliked or strongly disliked the term DSD. 83.6% stated they did not identify with the term DSD. 76.0% felt that the term DSD has a negative effect on the CAH community. There was no significant difference in opinion of DSD between classical females and other CAH patients, between US and international, between surgical and non-surgical patients, or between patients and parents. There was no correlation with patient age. Our results indicate that the majority of parents and patients with CAH are dissatisfied with the term DSD. Our results highlight the challenges within the field of DSD to reach a consensus regarding a sensitive topic and to bridge the gap between current medical practice and patient satisfaction. It is the authors’ belief that reconsideration of the current nomenclature and ongoing dialogue between the medical community and patients will eventually lead to removal of stigmatization, better management protocols, and improved outcomes.
RF power loss, local electric and magnetic field enhancement due to surface roughness

Surface roughness plays an important role in a cavity or slow wave structure. It may cause enhanced RF power absorption. It may lead to excessive local electric field enhancement that triggers RF breakdown. In a superconducting cavity, surface roughness may also cause local magnetic field enhancement that leads to abrupt quenching, i.e., rapid loss of superconductivity. In this work, we analytically compute the power absorption due to a hemispherical protrusion on a resonant cavity's surface. The local field enhancement factors of both electric field and magnetic field on the protrusion are also calculated analytically. This protrusion may represent a foreign object since its permittivity e, permeability μ and conductivity σ may take on arbitrary values. Scaling laws are derived.
A CPSF-73 Homologue Is Required for Cell Cycle Progression but Not Cell Growth and Interacts with a Protein Having Features of CPSF-100

Formation of the mature 3′ ends of the vast majority of cellular mRNAs occurs through cleavage and polyadenylation and requires a cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) containing, among other proteins, CPSF-73 and CPSF-100. These two proteins belong to a superfamily of zinc-dependent β-lactamase fold proteins with catalytic specificity for a wide range of substrates including nucleic acids. CPSF-73 contains a zinc-binding histidine motif involved in catalysis in other members of the β-lactamase superfamily, whereas CPSF-100 has substitutions within the histidine motif and thus is unlikely to be catalytically active. Here we describe two previously unknown human proteins, designated RC-68 and RC-74, which are related to CPSF-73 and CPSF-100 and which form a complex in HeLa and mouse cells. RC-68 contains the intact histidine motif, and hence it might be a functional counterpart of CPSF-73, whereas RC-74 lacks this motif, thus resembling CPSF-100. In HeLa cells RC-68 is present in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus whereas RC-74 is exclusively nuclear. RC-74 does not interact with CPSF-73, and neither RC-68 nor RC-74 is found in a complex with CPSF-160, indicating that these two proteins form a separate entity independent of the CPSF complex and are likely involved in a pre-mRNA processing event other than cleavage and polyadenylation of the vast majority of cellular pre-mRNAs. RNA interference-mediated depletion of RC-68 arrests HeLa cells early in G1 phase, but surprisingly the arrested cells continue growing and reach the size typical of G2 cells. RC-68 is highly conserved from plants to humans and may function in conjunction with RC-74 in the 3′ end processing of a distinct subset of cellular pre-mRNAs encoding proteins required for G1 progression and entry into S phase.