cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Standardized Analysis of Frequency and Severity of Complications After Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy

Abstract Background Comprehensive and standardized reporting of adverse events after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and urinary diversion for bladder cancer is necessary to evaluate the magnitude of morbidity for this complex operation. Objective To accurately identify and assess postoperative morbidity after RARC using a standardized reporting system. Design, setting, and participants A total of 241 consecutive patients underwent RARC, extended pelvic lymph node dissection, and urinary diversion between 2003 and 2011. In all, 196 patients consented to a prospective database, and they are the subject of this report. Continent diversions were performed in 68% of cases. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis All complications within 90 d of surgery were defined and categorized by a five-grade and 10-domain modification of the Clavien system. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of complications. Grade 1–2 complications were categorized as minor, and grade 3–5 complications were categorized as major. All blood transfusions were recorded as grade ≥2. Results and limitations Eighty percent of patients (156 of 196 patients) experienced a complication of any grade ≤90 d after surgery. A total of 475 adverse events (113 major) were recorded, with 365 adverse events (77%) occurring ≤30 d after surgery. Sixty-eight patients (35%) experienced a major complication within the first 90 d. Other than blood transfusions given (86 patients [43.9%]), infectious, gastrointestinal, and procedural complications were the most common, at 16.2%, 14.1%, and 10.3%, respectively. Age, comorbidity, preoperative hematocrit, estimated blood loss, and length of surgery were predictive of a complication of any grade, while comorbidity, preoperative hematocrit, and orthotopic diversion were predictive of major complications. The 90-d mortality rate was 4.1%. The main limitation is lack of a control group. Conclusions Analysis of postoperative morbidity following RARC demonstrates a considerable complication rate, though the rate is comparable to contemporary open series that followed similar reporting guidelines. This finding reinforces the need for complete and standardized reporting when evaluating surgical techniques and comparing published series.
Aboriginal Health in Canada: Historical, Cultural, and Epidemiological Perspectives; Disciplined Hearts: History, Identity, and Depression in an American Indian Community

Aboriginal Health in Canada: Historical, Cultural, and Epidemiological Perspectives. JAMES B. WALDRAM, D. ANN HERRING, and T. KUE YOUNG. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1995. xii + 334 pp., figures, tables, index. Disciplined Hearts: History, Identity, and Depression in an American Indian Community. THERESA DELEANE O'NELL. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1996. xi + 252 pp., figures, maps, index.
Oyster Grow-Out Cages Function as Artificial Reefs for Temperate Fishes

Abstract We compared relative fish density, growth, and disappearance rates (mortality plus emigration) at three oyster grow-out sites, six natural rocky reefs, and one artificial reef purposely built for fish habitat. All sites were located within Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Trap surveys were conducted in the summer and autumn of 2004 and 2005 with a range of trap types designed to sample juvenile and adult fishes. Cunners Tautogolabrus adspersus were more abundant on natural rocky reefs and the artificial reef than on oyster grow-out sites, whereas scup Stenotomus chrysops and tautogs Tautoga onitis displayed the opposite pattern and were most abundant on aquaculture sites. The relative density of black seabass Centropristis striata was similar in all habitats. A mark-recapture study on scup indicated that this species grew at higher rates on natural rocky reefs but had a lower disappearance rate from aquaculture sites. Based on these criteria, the oyster grow-out cages provide good-quality habitat ...
In-situ CMP Endpoint Detection Using Acoustic Emission

Chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) is a highly complex process where material removal may vary between wafers and within a wafer surface. Optimal performance and high yields in CMP require process monitoring, particularly endpoint detection, which aims to determine the exact polish time needed to avoid defects created by overpolishing. This paper shows that endpoint detection using acoustic emission (AE) measurements determines the endpoint of a simulated shallow trench isolation (STI) CMP process ∼10 s faster than a traditional friction force approach, which prevents a 5% overpolish. A so-called endpoint frequency method based on Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis is also described for CMP endpoint detection. This method predicts the endpoint a priori and is more accurate than the traditional box method found in industry. Furthermore, the use of FFT analysis in the endpoint frequency method inherently provides process parameter information that enables in-situ fault detection.
Crystal structure of Bacillus subtilis YdaF protein: a putative ribosomal N-acetyltransferase.

Comparative sequence analysis suggests that the ydaF gene encodes a protein (YdaF) that functions as an N-acetyltransferase, more specifically, a ribosomal N-acetyltransferase. Sequence analysis using basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) suggests that YdaF belongs to a large family of proteins (199 proteins found in 88 unique species of bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes). YdaF also belongs to the COG1670, which includes the Escherichia coli RimL protein that is known to acetylate ribosomal protein L12. N-acetylation (NAT) has been found in all kingdoms. NAT enzymes catalyze the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA (AcCoA) to a primary amino group. For example, NATs can acetylate the N-terminal {alpha}-amino group, the {epsilon}-amino group of lysine residues, aminoglycoside antibiotics, spermine/speridine, or arylalkylamines such as serotonin. The crystal structure of the alleged ribosomal NAT protein, YdaF, from Bacillus subtilis presented here was determined as a part of the Midwest Center for Structural Genomics. The structure maintains the conserved tertiary structure of other known NATs and a high sequence similarity in the presumed AcCoA binding pocket in spite of a very low overall level of sequence identity to other NATs of known structure.
The mTOR/p70 S6K1 pathway regulates vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in mature, normal blood vessels exhibit a differentiated, quiescent, contractile morphology, but injury induces a phenotypic modulation toward a proliferative, d...
PSEUDO-ISOTOPIES OF 3-MANIFOLDS

By definition, two homeomorphisms f0 ,fi : X + Y are isotopic if there is a homotopy H : X x [0, l] + Y such that each map H, = H I X x {t} is a homeomorphism and Hi =f;: for i = 0,l; if X is a locally compact Hausdorff space then the map H, :X x [0, l] + Y x [0, 1) defined by H, (x, t) = (H(x, t), t) is a homeomorphism. Two homeomorphismsfO,fi as above are said to be pseudo-isotopic if there is a homeomorphism H, :X x [0, l] + Y x [0, l] such that H, (x, i) = (h(x), i) for i = 0,l; thus isotopy implies pseudo-isotopy for reasonable spaces. The concept of isotopy formalizes some basic intuitive concepts of topology (cf. [12, p. 1771). On the other hand, the weaker concept of pseudo-isotopy turns out to be considerably more tractable (e.g. see Cl]), and it is a reasonable substitute for isotopy in many situations (in particular, [12, Theorem 8.2.3, p. 1851 remains valid if one replaces “isotopic” by “pseudo-isotopic”; cf. [ 19, paragraph 5.4, p. 540, and the discussion on p. 5231). It is also known that pseudo-isotopy implies isotopy for homeomorphisms of simply connected manifolds in all dimensions greater than three (see c7, 23, 241). The purpose of this paper is to illustrate a previously undetected phenomenon in the topology of 3-dimensional manifolds. Namely, we show that on closed (reducible) 3manifolds there exist homeomorphisms that are pseudo-isotopic, but not isotopic, to the identity. Detailed statements are given at the end of the Introduction. In higher dimensions there are systematic families of pseudo-isotopic but not isotopic homeomorphisms. For example, such homeomorphisms exist on the n-dimensional torus T” for all n 2 4 (see [7, 13, 161). The construction of these examples depends on the complicated and powerful algebraic machinery developed by Hatcher and Wagoner [9]; (also see [14]). In fact, the known constructions of pseudo-isotopic but no isotopic homeomorphisms generally involve some substantial algebraic input (e.g. see [ 13, 27, lo]). The adaptability of this input to the 3-dimensional case is at best problematic, and hence our approach to the relation beween pseudo-isotopy and isotopy problem is different from those employed in the papers cited. For large classes of closed irreducible 3-manifolds it is already known that homotopic homeomorphisms are isotopic (references for many cases are collected in [17], Section 1) and well-known geometrization conjectures in the theory of 3-manifolds imply this is true for arbitrary irreducible 3-manifolds. Thus it is not surprising that our examples involve
Teaching Time–Space Compression

Time–space compression shows students that geographies are plastic, mutable and forever changing. This paper justifies the need to teach this topic, which is rarely found in undergraduate course syllabi. It addresses the impacts of transportation and communications technologies to explicate its dynamics. In summarizing various conceptual perspectives, the paper illustrates the diverse ways in which it has been theorized. The links between time–space compression and globalization are explored. The paper points to four common pitfalls that plague attempts to teach this issue. It offers five classroom examples through which time–space compression can be taught.
The influence of aging on intestinal absorption of TCDD in rats

The effects of age on intestinal absorption of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were studied using adult male Fischer-344 rats of 3 different age groups: 13 weeks old (young), 13 months old (mature), and 26 months old (senescent). Absorption was measured with an in situ intestinal recirculation perfusion procedure. Absorption expressed in terms of ng TCDD absorbed/g intestinal dry weight/h was 166, 149 and 143 ng/g/h in the young, mature and senescent groups, respectively. When absorption was calculated in terms of ng TCDD absorbed/g mucosal dry weight/h, the decrease between the senescent rats and the 2 younger age groups, from 544 ng/g/h (young) to 351 ng/g/h (senescent), was not statistically significant (P<0.05). It was demonstrated that absorption of TCDD was unaffected by the presence of 2,4,5,2',4',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB) in the perfusate, but that HCB absorption was (P<0.01) enhanced by the presence of TCDD.
ASPECT: sinking and floating haptics for elementary school students

Traditional classroom methods of teaching concepts relating to buoyancy (sinking and floating) to elementary students are often ineffective. Incorporating haptic force-feedback controllers may help to improve traditional teaching methods. ASPECT: Sinking and Floating, targets student misconceptions via an interactive playable simulation. In addition to targeting misconceptions, ASPECT: Sinking and Floating also uses a Novint Falcon (http://www.novint.com/index.php/novintfalcon) haptic force-feedback controller to enable direct feeling of forces. This paper presents our design process and initial findings.
Dynamics assignment with MiniMax Principle in decentralized servomechanism

In this paper, we consider a dynamics assignment problem in decentralized servomechanism. The dynamics assignment problem is defined as the problem to assign the dynamics in the reference input. With this assignment, the dynamics of each local controller based on the assignment results are simpler than that based on the original reference input. In this dynamics assignment problem, a criterion based on the total energy of the local controllers among the subsystems is defined and analysed. MiniMax Principle is applied in the paper to do the assignment according to the criteria. The calculations for each assignment result with MiniMax Principle are compared to those by exhaustive search in an example. Monte Carlo experiments are also conducted in the end to illustrate the comparative effectiveness of MiniMax Principle in this dynamics assignment problem.
1905 e tudo o mais

In this paper, I discuss how Einstein claimed his place in changing the landscaping of physics in his annus mirabilis.
Characterization of mouse Rt6.1 NAD:arginine ADP-ribosyltransferase.

Abstract Rat RT6 proteins, and perhaps mouse Rt6, identify a set of immunoregulatory T lymphocytes. Rat RT6.1 (RT6.1) and rat RT6.2 (RT6.2) are NAD glycohydrolases, which catalyze auto-ADP-ribosylation, but not ADP-ribosylation of exogenous proteins. Mouse Rt6.1 (mRt6.1) also catalyzes auto-ADP-ribosylation. The activity of mouse cytotoxic T lymphocytes is reportedly inhibited by ADP-ribosylation of surface proteins, raising the possibility that mRt6 may participate in this process. The reactions catalyzed by mRt6, would, however, need to be more diverse than those of the rat homologues and include the ADP-ribosylation of acceptors other than itself. To test this hypothesis, mRt6.1 and rat RT6.2 were synthesized in Sf9 insect cells and rat mammary adenocarcinoma (NMU) cells. mRt6.1, but not rat RT6.2, catalyzed the ADP-ribosylation of guanidino-containing compounds (e.g. agmatine). Unlike RT6.2, mRt6.1 was a weak NAD glycohydrolase. In the presence of agmatine, however, the ratio of [adenine-14C]ADP-ribosylagmatine formation from [adenine-14C]NAD to [carbonyl-14C]nicotinamide formation from [carbonyl-14C]NAD was ∼1.0, demonstrating that mRt6.1 is primarily a transferase. ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase, which preferentially hydrolyzes the α-anomer of ADP-ribosylarginine, released [U-14C]arginine from ADP-ribosyl[U-14C]arginine synthesized by mRT6.1, consistent with the conclusion that mRt6.1 catalyzes a stereospecific Sn2-like reaction. Thus, mRt6.1 is an NAD:arginine ADP-ribosyltransferase capable of catalyzing a multiple turnover, stereospecific Sn2-like reaction.
Improving the school environment to reduce school violence: a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: School violence can impact the social, psychological, and physical well-being of both students and teachers and disrupt the learning process. This review focuses on a new area of research, the mechanisms by which the school environment determines the likelihood of school violence. METHODS: A search for peer-reviewed articles was made in six databases and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's report on school-violence interventions. Twenty-five articles that attempted to understand the influence of either the school social or physical environment in determining teacher and student perceptions of safety and experiences of violence were included. RESULTS: Most of the included articles were cross-sectional surveys of junior high or high school students and staff. As articles used different measures of the school physical and social environment, a classification system was created. Using this system, studies show that schools with less violence tend to have students who are aware of school rules and believe they are fair, have positive relationships with their teachers, feel that they have ownership in their school, feel that they are in a classroom and school environment that is positive and focused on learning, and in an environment that is orderly. CONCLUSION: The school social and physical environment appears to offer intervention opportunities to reduce school violence. However, the lack of consistency in school environment variables as well as the lack of longitudinal and experimental research designs limits the applicability of these findings. Language: en
Predicting Voting Choice from Within- versus Across-Subject Attitudes

Abstract The relationship of attitudes to both intentions and behavior was investigated in the context of the 1984 presidential election. Davidson and Morrison's (1983) within-subject approach (where an individual's attitudes toward alternative intentions and behaviors are the predictors) was compared to the more typical across-subject approach (where extremity of attitude across subjects is the predictor). Prior to the election, 45 American, undergraduate, registered voters indicated their attitudes and voting intentions toward the presidential candidates. Following the elections voting behavior was assessed. Phi coefficients indicated that an expectancy-value index of attitudes was more closely related to both behavioral intentions and voting behavior with a within- rather than an across-subject analysis (Phi coefficients of .59 & .73 versus .45 & .45 respectively).
High-resolution three-dimensional imaging of biofilm development using optical coherence tomography.

We describe the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for high-resolution, real-time imaging of three-dimensional structure and development of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm in a standard capillary flow-cell model. As the penetration depth of OCT can reach several millimeters in scattering samples, we are able to observe complete biofilm development on all surfaces of a 1 mm×1 mm flow-cell. We find that biofilm growing at the bottom of the tube has more structural features including voids, outward projections, and microcolonies while the biofilm growing on the top of the tube is relatively flat and contains less structural features. Volume-rendered reconstructions of cross-sectional OCT images also reveal three-dimensional structural information. These three-dimensional OCT images are visually similar to biofilm images obtained with confocal laser scanning microscopy, but are obtained at greater depths. Based on the imaging capabilities of OCT and the biofilm imaging data obtained, OCT has potential to be used as a non-invasive, label-free, real-time, in-situ and/or in-vivo imaging modality for biofilm characterization.
Everything I needed to know about teaching I learned in kindergarten: bringing elementary education techniques to undergraduate computer science classes

By expanding the teaching styles used in computer science classrooms, we can expand the audience of students that enjoy and excel in technology. Rather than focusing on major curriculum changes or new programs specifically for non-traditional students, we propose that relatively simple expansions in teaching style can have significant results. In particular, we advocate incorporating teaching techniques reminiscent of kindergarten: games, toys, stories, and play. These techniques promote an active learning environment, level the playing field for non-technical students, provide motivation beyond grades, and make class time fun. In this paper, we want to acknowledge the many activities others have proposed by providing a coherent categorization of such activities and show how to use these techniques throughout the curriculum rather than as special experiences.
Molecular archeology of an SP100 splice variant revisited: dating the retrotranscription and Alu insertion events

Background: SP100 is a nuclear protein that displays a number of alternative splice variants. In Old World monkeys, apes and humans one of these variants is extended by a retroprocessed pseudogene, HMG1L3, whose antecedent gene is a member of the family of high-mobility-group proteins, HMG1. This is one of only a few documented cases of a retropseudogene being incorporated into another gene as a functional exon. In addition to the HMG1L3 insertion, Old World monkey genomes also contain an Alu sequence within the last SP100-HMG intron. PCR amplification of the 3′ end of the SP100 gene using genomic DNAs from human and New World and Old World monkey species, followed by direct sequencing of the amplicons has made dating the HMG1L3 and Alu insertion events possible. Results: PCR amplifications confirm that the HMG1L3 retrotransposition into the SP100 locus occurred after divergence of New World and Old World monkey lineages, some 35-40 million years ago. PCR amplification also shows that an upstream Alu sequence was inserted in the last SP100-HMG intron after divergence of the Old World monkey and ape lineages. Direct sequencing of the Alu in five Old World monkey species places the latter event at around 19 million years ago. Finally, ten single base mutations and one deletion in the Alu differentiate African from Asian Old World monkey species. Conclusions: PCR and DNA sequence analysis of ‘genetic fossils’ such as retropseudogenes and Alu elements in primates give details as to the timing of such events and can reveal sequence features useful for other molecular phylogenetic applications.
Total leakage optimization strategies for multi-level caches

Gate leakage current is fast becoming a major contributor to total leakage and will become the dominant leakage mechanism as gate oxide is scaled below 10A. This has special relevance for caches, because they are often the largest component by area in state-of-the-art microprocessors, and leakage is their major contribution to overall chip power. In this paper, we investigate the impact of Tox and Vth on power performance trade-offs for on-chip caches. We examine the optimization of the various components of a single level cache and then extend this to two level cache systems. In addition to leakage, our studies also account for the dynamic power expended as a result of cache misses. Our results show that, surprisingly, one can often reduce overall power by increasing the size of the L2 cache if we only allow one pair of Vth/Tox in L2. We further show that two Vth's and two Tox's are sufficient to get close to an optimal solution and that Vth is generally a better design knob than Tox for leakage optimization, thus it is better to restrict the number of Tox's rather than Vth's if cost is a concern. Finally, we show that optimal power performance points are remarkably robust to wide changes in ambient temperature.
Species Differences in the Vasopressin-Immunoreactive Pathways in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis and Medial Amygdaloid Nucleus in Prairie Voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and Meadow Voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus)

Vasopressin-immunoreactive (AVP-ir) cells in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) and medial amygdaloid nucleus (MA) and their AVP-ir projections to the lateral septum were studied in monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and promiscuous meadow voles (M. pennsylvanicus). A sexually dimorphic AVP-ir pathway was found in both species; males had more AVP-ir cells in the BST and MA, as well as denser AVP-ir fibers in the lateral septum, than did females. A significant species difference was also found. Overall, meadow voles had more AVP-ir cells in the BST and MA than did prairie voles. Male prairie voles, however, had a higher density of AVP-ir fibers in the lateral septum than male meadow voles. The species difference in the sexually dimorphic AVP-ir projections in the BST and MA is implicated in the rodents' different life strategy and behavior.
A biomimetic retinal stimulating array

A retinal prosthesis capable of restoring face recognition, reading, and mobility to blind patients is within the capability of microsystems technology. Electrode arrays can be made dense enough to be able to place thousands of pixels into the macula. Electrode materials can supply safe and effective stimulus current. This review examines some prior work in electrical stimulation of the retina and simulations of phosphene-based vision as a basis to produce design constraints for a biomimetic retinal-stimulating array. An array is designed considering the needs of the end users (blind individuals), the biology of diseased retina, and the limits of electrode technology. Other technology to support the system such as high-density stimulus generation circuitry and hermetic packaging face significant challenges but solutions can likely be realized to some degree.
Propagation of Measles Virus in Suspensions of Human and Monkey Leucocytes.

SummaryMultiplication of measles virus has been demonstrated in suspensions of human and simian blood leucocytes. Under the experimental conditions employed the virus failed to multiply in canine, rabbit, guinea pig, mouse and chicken blood leucocytes. Evidence is presented which indicates that multiplication takes place in mononuclear cells.
Risk factors for appropriate cardioverter-defibrillator shocks, inappropriate cardioverter-defibrillator shocks, and time to mortality in 549 patients with heart failure.

We investigated the risk factors for appropriate and inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks and mortality in 549 patients (mean age 74 years) with heart failure and ICDs. During a mean follow-up of 1,243 ± 655 days, of the 549 patients, 163 (30%) had appropriate ICD shocks, 71 (13%) had inappropriate ICD shocks, and 63 (12%) died. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that significant independent prognostic factors for appropriate ICD shocks were smoking (odds ratio 3.7) and statins (odds ratio 0.54). The significant independent prognostic factors for inappropriate ICD shocks were atrial fibrillation (odds ratio 6.2) and statins (odds ratio 0.52). Finally, those for the interval to mortality were age (hazard ratio 1.08/1-year increase), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (hazard ratio 0.25), atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio 4.1), right ventricular pacing (hazard ratio 3.6), digoxin (hazard ratio 2.9), hypertension (hazard ratio 5.3), and statins (hazard ratio 0.32). In conclusion, in patients with heart failure and ICDs, smoking increased and statins reduced appropriate ICD shocks, atrial fibrillation increased and statins reduced inappropriate ICD shocks, and the interval to mortality was increased by age, atrial fibrillation, right ventricular pacing, hypertension, and digoxin and reduced by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and statins.
Osmotic demyelination syndrome following correction of hyponatremia: Association with hypokalemia

The osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is a neurologic complication associated with rapid correction of hyponatremia. A case is described in which the patient was found to have hypokalemia as well as hyponatremia prior to the development of ODS. The literature was reviewed for cases of ODS in which patients had hyponatremia (serum sodium < or = 126 mmol/L) at presentation followed by correction of the hyponatremia. Of the 74 cases in which serum sodium and serum potassium values were reported at the time of presentation, 66 patients (89%) had hypokalemia. In 20 of these cases, serial measurements of sodium and potassium were reported, and in no instance was the potassium level normalized prior to the time of most rapid correction of the serum sodium. Hypokalemia may predispose patients to develop osmotic demyelination following correction of hyponatremia. The etiology of this complication is unclear. In neurologically stable patients with severe hyponatremia, it may be beneficial to correct hypokalemia prior to correction of the serum sodium. This maneuver may further reduce the incidence of ODS.
Multiple-output low-power linear feedback shift register design

In this paper, we present a new low-power architecture for linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs) that produces the output of several clock cycles of a serial LFSR at once while reducing the activity factors of the flip-flop outputs. The frequency of operation can thus be reduced by a factor equal to the number of outputs produced at a time. A reduction in the frequency of the LFSR allows for a reduction in the power-supply voltage. Thus, dynamic power dissipation is reduced by up to 93% due to decreases in power-supply voltage, frequency, and the activity factor. Furthermore, the hardware needed for our implementation is far less than previous low-power implementations of both single and multiple-output LFSRs. Our method is also good for built-in self-test (BIST) applications because for most degrees of N it results in all 2/sup N/-1 distinct patterns.
Corepressor Binding to Progesterone and Glucocorticoid Receptors Involves the Activation Function-1 Domain and Is Inhibited by Molybdate

Corepressors are known to interact via their receptor interaction domains (RIDs) with the ligand binding domain in the carboxyl terminal half of steroid/nuclear receptors. We now report that a portion of the activation function-1 domain of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and progesterone receptors (PRs), which is the major transactivation sequence, is necessary but not sufficient for corepressor [nuclear receptor corepressor (NCoR) and silencing mediator of retinoid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT)] RID binding to GRs and PRs in both mammalian two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation assays. Importantly, these two receptor sequences are functionally interchangeable in the context of GR for transactivation, corepressor binding, and corepressor modulatory activity assays. This suggests that corepressors may act in part by physically blocking portions of receptor activation function-1 domains. However, differences exist in corepressor binding to GRs and PRs. The C-terminal domain of PRs has a higher affinity for corepressor than that of GRs. The ability of some segments of the coactivator TIF2 to competitively inhibit corepressor binding to receptors is different for GRs and PRs. With each receptor, the cell-free binding of corepressors to ligand-free receptor is prevented by sodium molybdate, which is a well-known inhibitor of receptor activation to the DNA-binding state. This suggests that receptor activation precedes binding to corepressors. Collectively, these results indicate that corepressor binding to GRs and PRs involve both N- and C-terminal sequences of activated receptors but differ in ways that may contribute to the unique biological responses of each receptor in intact cells.
Percolation in transparent and conducting carbon nanotube networks

Ultrathin, uniform single-walled carbon nanotube networks of varying densities have been fabricated at room temperature by a vacuum filtration method. Measurements of the sheet conductance as a function of nanotube network density show 2D percolation behavior. In addition, the network transparency in the visible spectral range was examined and the results are in agreement with a standard thin-film model: fits to the standard theory indicate U ac ) Udc for transmission measurements at 550 nm. Transmission measurements also indicate the usefulness of nanotube network films as a transparent, conductive coating. Avenues for improvement of the network conductance are discussed.
Survivin and B7-H1 Are Collaborative Predictors of Survival and Represent Potential Therapeutic Targets for Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is an immunogenic tumor that can progress in the presence of an intact host immune system. We previously reported that survivin and B7-H1 are independently associated with disease progression and death when expressed by ccRCC tumors. Herein, we examine the clinical effect of ccRCC combined expression of both survivin and B7-H1. Experimental Design: Specimens from 298 patients who underwent nephrectomy for ccRCC between 1990 and 1994 were immunohistochemically stained for survivin and B7-H1. Cancer-specific survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Associations of both markers with ccRCC death were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: At last follow-up, 94 patients died from ccRCC. Among the living patients, the median follow-up was 11.2 years (range, 0-15 years). There were 177 (59.4%) survivin Low /B7-H1 − , 51 (17.1%) survivin Hi /B7-H1 − , 29 (9.7%) survivin Low /B7-H1 + , and 41 (13.8%) survivin Hi /B7-H1 + tumors. The 5-year cancer-specific survival rates for patients within each group were 89.3%, 59.7%, 70.0%, and 16.2%, respectively. Combined survivin Hi /B7-H1 + expression was associated with ccRCC death univariately (risk ratio, 12.82; 95% confidence interval, 7.50-21.92; P P Hi /B7-H1 + tumors exhibited increased levels of infiltrating mononuclear cells and survivin-specific T cells compared with survivin Low /B7-H1 − tumors. Conclusion: Patients with survivin Hi /B7-H1 + ccRCC tumors are at increased risk of ccRCC death. Survivin Hi /B7-H1 + tumors also harbor increased amounts of infiltrating mononuclear cells and survivin-specific T cells relative to survivin Low /B7-H1 − tumors. Taken together, dual expression of survivin and B7-H1 can be used to predict ccRCC tumor aggressiveness.
NuMA Influences Higher Order Chromatin Organization in Human Mammary Epithelium

The coiled-coil protein NuMA is an important contributor to mitotic spindle formation and stabilization. A potential role for NuMA in nuclear organization or gene regulation is suggested by the observations that its pattern of nuclear distribution depends upon cell phenotype and that it interacts and/or colocalizes with transcription factors. To date, the precise contribution of NuMA to nuclear function remains unclear. Previously, we observed that antibody-induced alteration of NuMA distribution in growth-arrested and differentiated mammary epithelial structures (acini) in three-dimensional culture triggers the loss of acinar differentiation. Here, we show that in mammary epithelial cells, NuMA is present in both the nuclear matrix and chromatin compartments. Expression of a portion of the C terminus of NuMA that shares sequence similarity with the chromatin regulator HPC2 is sufficient to inhibit acinar differentiation and results in the redistribution of NuMA, chromatin markers acetyl-H4 and H4K20m, and regions of deoxyribonuclease I-sensitive chromatin compared with control cells. Short-term alteration of NuMA distribution with anti-NuMA C-terminus antibodies in live acinar cells indicates that changes in NuMA and chromatin organization precede loss of acinar differentiation. These findings suggest that NuMA has a role in mammary epithelial differentiation by influencing the organization of chromatin.
BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR APPLYING COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY TO ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Cognitive-behavioral therapy continues to be one of the recommended evidenced-based interventions in the treatment of eating disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is clearly of benefit in anorexia and bulimia nervosa, can be learned in a reasonable time, and is guided by manuals on cognitive-behavioral therapy. This article looks at theoretic and clinical interventions in the treatment of anorexia nervosa and suggests strategies related to effective psychotherapeutic treatment that can be used across a continuum of care.
MDR1 GENE-EXPRESSION IN A MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT HUMAN NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMA XENOGRAFT MODEL

In order to investigate the biology of tumor cells which express MDR1 gene and to test the activity of different P-glycoprotein blocking agents in vivo, we established a nude mice model. Five Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) tumor specimens were xenografted to nude mice. One of them, obtained from a chemotherapy-refractory patient gave rise to a mice transplantable model. This tumor xenograft model, IGR-NHL-90, showed overexpression of the human MDR1 gene. In this tumor model, histology, mitotic index, phenotypic and karyotypic traits remained stable at subsequent passages. The in vitro resistance of vincristine was reversed by verapamil for these NHL tumor cells, suggesting that the MDR1 resistance is a relevant mechanism in this model. In the absence of chemotherapy a higher biological aggressivity of the heterotransplanted NHL was noted in subsequent nude mice passages. This was associated with decreased passage time and higher MDR1 m-RNA transcript levels. Thus IGR-NHL-90 may represent a suitable material to study regulation of MDR1 gene transcription in vivo and also to test the activity of various P-glycoprotein reversing agents with concurrent chemotherapy.
“Carbon Cowboys” could inflate REDD+ payments through positive measurement bias

ABSTRACTThe United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) guidelines aim for a maximum 10% uncertainty in forest biomass inventories, after which penalties accrue. Identification of this magnitude of error requires recognition of discrepancies in carbon stock estimates between project proponents and by Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) auditors for REDD+ (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, plus the role of conservation, forest management and enhancement of carbon stocks). Given that carbon stocks might be intentionally overestimated by profiteers who would thereby benefit financially, it is important to know how those estimates might most expeditiously be inflated by systematic or random positive biases in measurements of tree diameter, height and wood density. We explore the differences in magnitudes of forest biomass estimate inflation that result from a scenario in which positive bias is added to a random selection of 1–20% of all trees, and a sys...
Model dependence of the /sup 1/S/sub 0/ pp scattering length

We argue that the strong interaction model dependence of the electromagnetically corrected /sup 1/S/sub 0/ pp scattering length is less than about 2 fm.
Microwave background polarization as a probe of large-angle correlations

Two-point correlation functions of cosmic microwave background polarization provide a physically independent probe of the surprising suppression of correlations in the cosmic microwave background temperature anisotropies at large angular scales. We investigate correlation functions constructed from both the Q and U Stokes parameters and from the E and B polarization components. The dominant contribution to these correlation functions comes from local physical effects at the last scattering surface or from the epoch of reionization at high redshift, so all should be suppressed if the temperature suppression is due to an underlying lack of correlations in the cosmological metric perturbations larger than a given scale. We evaluate the correlation functions for the standard $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{CDM}$ cosmology constrained by the observed temperature correlation function, and compute statistics characterizing their suppression on large angular scales. Future full-sky polarization maps with minimal systematic errors on large angular scales will provide strong tests of whether the observed temperature correlation function is a statistical fluke or reflects a fundamental shortcoming of the standard cosmological model.
Multi-physics Modeling of Coal Gasification Processes in a Well-Stirred Reactor with Detailed Gas-phase Chemistry, Devolatilization, and Char Porosity Model

To theoretically understand the complex chemical processes in a gasifier and to identify the most influential parameters on syngas production, a multi-physics model with detailed chemistry was developed for the first time to simulate the gasification processes in a wellstirred reactor. In an earlier model, the coal particle was assumed to be pure carbon particle without porous structure inside. A revised model is introduced with global devolatilization model and speciated devolatilization model for tar, CH4, CO, CO2, H2O, H2, and HCN. Random Pore Model (RPM) is used to predict the development of pore surface area during the gasification of coal char. Numerical simulations were conducted to understand the complex gasification process with the involvement of the devolatilization and volatile reactions. Nomenclature p A = particle surface area (cm 2
β1- and β2-Adrenergic Receptor Gene Variation, β-Blocker Use and Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Stroke

BACKGROUND: The benefits of beta-blocker therapy may depend on underlying genetic susceptibility. METHODS: We investigated the interaction of common variation in beta1 and beta2 adrenergic receptor (AR) genes with beta-blocker use on the risks of myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke in a case-control study. Participants were treated pharmacologically for hypertension, aged 30-79 years, with incident MI (n = 659) or ischemic stroke (n = 279) between 1995 and 2004, and 2,249 matched controls. RESULTS: We observed an interaction of beta-blocker use with beta1-AR gene variation on MI risk (P value, 6 degrees of freedom: 0.01) and ischemic stroke risk (P value, 6 degrees of freedom: 0.04). Compared with use of other antihypertensive medications, beta-blocker use was associated with higher MI risk in carriers of one or two copies of rs#17875422 (Odds ratio (OR): 2.66, 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.26-5.60) but not in homozygous carriers of the common allele (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.73-1.07). Another variant, rs#2429511, interacted with beta-blocker use on both MI and ischemic stroke risks. beta-blocker use was associated with higher risk of combined MI and ischemic stroke in carriers of rs#2429511 (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03-1.50) but not in homozygous carriers of common allele (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.51-0.94). beta-blocker use did not interact with beta2-AR gene variation on the risks of MI and ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: These results, which require replication, suggest genetic variants in the beta1-AR gene may determine whether to use beta-blockers in hypertension for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
A New Diagnostic Classification for Hypertension

Many epidemiologic studies have shown that the risks associated with high blood pressure are considerably greater in those with target-organ damage and other risk factors. Clinical trials also have shown that although lowering blood pressure decreases the incidence of premature cardiovascular diseases, those with target-organ damage and other cardiovascular risk factors benefit considerably more than those with comparable levels of blood pressure who are free of complications or additional risk factors. The classification schemes currently in use for hypertension, which are based only on the level of blood pressure, provide inadequate risk stratification, can be misleading, and may lead to making erroneous therapeutic decisions. We propose a new diagnostic classification for hypertension that combines the level of blood pressure with the presence of other risk factors for premature cardiovascular events and target-organ damage in order to provide a more accurate risk assessment and offer superior guidance for therapeutic decisions. This scheme includes a new category for the elderly with elevated systolic blood pressure, who we now know have excessive morbidity and mortality rates if their diastolic blood pressure is low. Our new classification scheme is simple to use and yet comprehensive, and we feel it provides better risk stratification and is a better guide to therapeutic decision-making than those now in use.
A Risk-Based Assessment of Agricultural Water Scarcity Under Climate Change in a Semi-Arid and Snowmelt-Dominated River Basin

A Risk-Based Assessment of Agricultural Water Scarcity Under Climate Change in a Semi-Arid and SnowmeltDominated River Basin
Metabolism of Germinating Lily Pollen: Pollen Enzymes*

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a study conducted to learn whether enzymes that produce carbon skeletons and energy for polysaccharide biosynthesis occur in mature lily pollen or appear during germination. Pollen of Lilium longiflorum cv. Ace was incubated in pentaerythritol +3 mM KPO4. Pyrophosphorylases were assayed by the adsorption of radioactive product to DEAE-cellulose paper and counting in a Packard scintillation counter. UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase is present in an apparent 80-fold excess, and it is not yet known whether pollen starch synthetase reacts with UDP-glucose. As UDP-glucose is thought to be the precursor for callose, cellulose, pectin, and at least part of the hemicelluloses, UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase probably catalyzes a vital step in pollen wall synthesis.
Mechanical properties and cutting tool performance of ultrafine grain cermet

AbstractFormation of solid solution (Ti, W) (C, N) in ultrafine grain TiCN base cermets has been studied. The solid solution realised high hardness of cermets. The formation of the W-rich solid solution had been found to be affected by sintering conditions, such as sintering temperature, N2 gas pressure and the ratio N/(C + N) of starting powder. The sintering conditions were considered to introduce some denitrification, which accelerates precipitation and growth of the W-rich solid solution phase around TiCN core structures. Further effect of WC content on the ultra fine grain TiCN cermets has been studied besides the solid solution formation around TiCN core. Effect of WC content on mechanical properties has been studied, varying grain size of TiCN, amount of WC and Co/Ni contents. We have confirmed that WC was solved also into Co/Ni metallic binder phase, which improved fracture resistance, especially at elevated temperature. This improvement kept wear resistance as high as well, and realised the cerme...
Utilizing Relevant Academic and Personality Features from Big Unstructured Data to Identify Good and Bad Fit Students

Abstract Education is the backbone for the success of every economy and industry. It is of vital importance to understand it through lens of academic and real world data for our students and job candidates. Such analytics and knowledge can help to improve the system towards making right academic and career choices for fresh individuals. Traditionally, very little data is used by individual to make decision and most of the time; he or she is at mercy of trend, family inclination, finance and inner motivation. However, chances of success or failures are absolute unknown to them at that time. In this paper, we discuss the potential of using personality data from social networking such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and correlating it with academic and career data to improve prediction and classify good fit and bad students accordingly. We present framework to utilize huge data with relevant features of personality of individual to reveal the useful analytics and insights. This work is in conjunction with our main research using Stochastic Probability Distribution, Bayesian Networks and Excel data tools. We provide relevant study and conclude with future work with recommendation to produce more Good fit students in our school and colleges.
Assessing Entailer with a Corpus of Natural Language from an Intelligent Tutoring System.

In this study, we compared Entailer, a computational tool that evaluates the degree to which one text is entailed by another, to a variety of other text relatedness metrics (LSA, lemma overlap, and MED). Our corpus was a subset of 100 self-explanations of sentences from a recent experiment on interactions between students and iSTART, an Intelligent Tutoring System that helps students to apply metacognitive strategies to enhance deep comprehension. The sentence pairs were hand coded by experts in discourse processing across four categories of text relatedness: entailment, implicature, elaboration, and paraphrase. A series of regression analyses revealed that Entailer was the best measure for approximating these hand coded values. The Entailer could explain approximately 50% of the variance for entailment, 38% of the variance for elaboration, and 23% of the variance for paraphrase. LSA contributed marginally to the entailment model. Neither lemma-overlap nor MED contributed to any of the models, although a modified version of MED did correlate significantly with both the entailment and paraphrase hand coded evaluations. This study is an important step towards developing a set of indices designed to better assess natural language input by students in Intelligent Tutoring Systems.