cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of T cell activation by localized K⁺ accumulation at the immunological synapse--a mathematical model.

Abstract The response of T cells to antigens (T cell activation) is marked by an increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels. Voltage-gated and Ca2+-dependent K+ channels control the membrane potential of human T cells and regulate Ca2+influx. This regulation is dependent on proper accumulation of K+ channels at the immunological synapse (IS) a signaling zone that forms between a T cell and antigen presenting cell. It is believed that the IS provides a site for regulation of the activation response and that K+ channel inhibition occurs at the IS, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. A mathematical model was developed to test whether K+ efflux through K+ channels leads to an accumulation of K+ in the IS cleft, ultimately reducing K+ channel function and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Simulations were conducted in models of resting and activated T cell subsets, which express different levels of K+ channels, by varying the K+ diffusion constant and the spatial localization of K+ channels at the IS. K+ accumulation in the IS cleft was calculated to increase K+ concentration ([K+]) from its normal value of 5.0 mM to 5.2–10.0 mM. Including K+ accumulation in the model of the IS reduced calculated K+ current by 1–12% and consequently, reduced calculated [Ca2+]i by 1–28%. Significant reductions in K+ current and [Ca2+]i only occurred in activated T cell simulations when most K+ channels were centrally clustered at the IS. The results presented show that the localization of K+ channels at the IS can produce a rise in [K+] in the IS cleft and lead to a substantial decrease in K+ currents and [Ca2+]i in activated T cells thus providing a feedback inhibitory mechanism during T cell activation.
Recent developments in the optical measurement of surface fields on silicon photoconductive power switches

We report further investigations of the surface electric fields present between the contacts ofan optically controlled silicon switch. The Kerr electro-optic effect and a phase sensitive interferometric analyzer is used to measure the surface fields when a pulsed high voltage is applied across the contacts. The experimental arrangement has a temporal resolution of 100 nanoseconds and a spatial resolution of 50 microns. The experimental results show preferential field enhancement near the anode and the surface electric fields are nonuniform in space and time. The temporal non-uniformity is more pronounced at higher electric fields.
Spectral analysis of ASTER data covering part of the Neoproterozoic Allaqi-Heiani suture, Southern Egypt

Abstract This paper examines the potential of ASTER data in mapping the geology of an arid area in Africa using spectral analysis techniques. Equipped with a relatively broad spectral range, fine spatial resolution, and a large number of bands, ASTER data are especially attractive to many geological researchers in Africa, due to their open availability and associated minimal costs for academic use. The spectral analysis of an ASTER dataset covering part of the Neoproterozoic Allaqi-Heiani suture, Southern Egypt has demonstrated it to be more effective in detecting lithological units than traditional multispectral analysis procedures, such as the maximum likelihood classifier. The effectiveness of these spectral analysis techniques used in this study lies in their ability to compare a pixel spectrum with the spectra of known pure materials, extracted from the spectral endmember selection procedures, including minimum noise factor (MNF), pixel purity index (PPI) and n -dimensional visualization. Among the three spectral analysis algorithms employed, spectral angle mapping (SAM) and spectral feature fitting (SFF), produced accurate classifications that were close to the ground reference data. Linear spectral unmixing (LSU), although failing to achieve a satisfactory overall classification accuracy, demonstrated potential in depicting intercalation of layered rocks. It is concluded that these spectral analysis techniques have proven to be useful tools in geological mapping of the arid regions in Africa, with their abilities to capitalize on the enhanced spectral information of ASTER data.
Synthesis of cyclopentadienyl-X-13C thallium

Cyaclopentadienyl thallium has been prepared with one carbon position labeled at a concentration greater than 90 atom % carbon-13. A new method for incorporating a carbon-13 label into cyclopentadiene is reported which relies on the reaction of the di-Grignard reagent of 1,4-dibromobutane with isopropyl formate13C. The product of this reaction, cyclopentanol-1-13C, is converted to cyclopentadienyl-X-13C thallium.
Identification of the calmodulin-binding components in canine cardiac sarcolemma.

Abstract The covalent attachment of 125 I-calmodulin to canine cardiac sarcolemma has been achieved using the crosslinker dithiobis (succinimidyl propionate). Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the crosslinked products revealed three 125 I-calmodulin-labeled components of Mr = 125,000, 108,000 and 81,000. That the formation of these three components was Ca-dependent and inhibited by unlabeled calmodulin, or calmodulin antagonists, would indicate that the formation of these components was calmodulin-specific. The size of these 125 I-labeled components was unchanged over a range of crosslinker or 125 I-calmodulin concentrations indicating that they represent 1:1 complexes between 125 I-calmodulin (Mr = 17,000) and Mr = 108,000, 91,000 and 64,000 sarcolemma components respectively. The labeling of these components with 125 I-calmodulin was not enhanced when endogenous calmodulin was removed from sarcolemma. The possible identity of the 125 I-calmodulin-labeled sarcolemma components is discussed.
Time Domain Electromagnetic Scattering Using Finite Elements and Perfectly Matched Layers

We consider a model for the interrogation of a planar Debye medium by a non-harmonic microwave pulse from an antenna source in free space, and we compute the reflected solution using finite elements in the spatial variables and finite differences in the time variable. Perfectly matched layers (PMLs) and an absorbing boundary condition are used to damp waves interacting with artificial boundaries imposed to allow finite computational domains. We present simulation results showing that numerical reflections from interfaces at PML boundaries can be controlled.
POPULATION – BASED STUDY OF SEIZURE DISORDERS AFTER CEREBRAL INFARCTION

We performed the first population-based study that determined the magnitude of the risk and identified the factors predictive of developing seizure disorders after cerebral infarction. Five hundred thirty-five consecutive persons without prior unprovoked seizures were followed from their first cerebral infarctions until death or migration out of Rochester, Minnesota. Thirty-three patients (6%) developed early seizures (within 1 week), 78% of which occurred within the first 24 hours after infarction. Using multivariate analysis, the only factor predictive of early seizure occurrence was anterior hemisphere location of infarct (odds ratio 4.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 13.7). Twenty-seven patients developed an initial late seizure (past 1 week), whereas 18 developed epilepsy (recurrent late seizures). Compared with the population in the community, the risk during the first year was 23 times higher for initial late seizures and 17 times higher for epilepsy. The cumulative probability of developing initial late seizures was 3.0% by 1 year, 4.7% by 2 years, 7.4% by 5 years, and 8.9% by 10 years. Independent predictive factors on multivariate analysis for initial late seizures were early seizure occurrence (hazard ratio of 7.8 [95% CI 2.8 to 21.7]) and stroke recurrence (3.1 [1.2 to 8.3]). Both early seizure occurrence (16.4 [5.5 to 49.2]) and stroke recurrence (3.5 [1.2 to 10.5]) independently predicted the development of epilepsy as well. We also found that early seizure occurrence predisposed those with initial late seizures to develop epilepsy. NEUROLOGY 1996; 46 350-355
Intrapartum assessment of fetal head engagement: comparison between transvaginal digital and transabdominal ultrasound determinations.

Objective To test the null hypothesis that no correlation exists between transvaginal digital examination and the gold standard technique of intrapartum transabdominal ultrasound determination of fetal head engagement, and secondarily to compare the performance of attending physicians and senior residents in depicting fetal head engagement by transvaginal digital examination. Methods Two hundred and twenty-two consecutive patients in labor > 37 weeks' gestation with normal singleton cephalic-presenting fetuses and with either ruptured or intact membranes were included. Of these, 119 were nulliparous and 103 were multiparous. Transvaginal digital examinations were performed by either attending physicians or senior residents and were followed immediately by transverse suprapubic sonographic assessments by a single sonographer. The fetal head was considered engaged on transvaginal digital examination if the leading part of the fetal head was positioned at least at maternal ischial spine station 0, and on transverse suprapubic ultrasound if the fetal biparietal diameter was below the maternal pelvic inlet. Examiners were blinded to each other's findings and the effect of examiner experience on the rate of agreement between the two techniques was assessed. The effect of several other independent variables upon the rate of agreement between the two modalities was also assessed. Results Overall, transvaginal digital examinations were consistent with ultrasound determinations with a raw percent agreement rate of 85.6% (95% confidence interval (CI), 80.8–90.3); κ = 69.5% (95% CI, 59.4–73.9; P < 0.001). When stratified according to parity, the raw percent agreement rate for nulliparous patients was 81.5% (95% CI, 73.4–88.0); κ = 60.7% (95% CI, 45.9–64.1; P < 0.001), and for multiparous patients it was 90.3% (95% CI, 84.1–95.9); κ = 80.4% (95% CI, 63.0–87.5; P < 0.001). Maternal age, gravidity, maternal body mass index, gestational age, cervical dilatation, effacement, membrane status, ischial spine station of the fetal head, fetal head position at ultrasound assessment, birth weight and mode of delivery did not significantly affect rate of agreement. Parity did not affect examination consistency in multiparous patients, but in the whole group increasing parity increased the rate of agreement between modalities. Presence of combined spinal epidural anesthesia significantly increased the rate of agreement in the complete group and among multiparous but not among nulliparous patients. Conclusion These data demonstrate a high rate of agreement (85.6%) between ultrasound determination and transvaginal digital assessment of fetal head engagement. Examiner experience had no effect. These data support the use of intrapartum transabdominal assessment of fetal head engagement. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The formation of iodide in inshore waters from the photochemical decomposition of dissolved organic iodine

Abstract Dissolved organic iodine (DOI) in inshore waters was decomposed by solar irradiation. In the process, each mole of DOI was converted to about a mole of iodide. The disappearance of DOI and the formation of iodide were directly proportional to irradiation. The reaction could be expressed as a first-order reaction with respect to the concentration of DOI. The first-order rate constant ranged between −0.2 and −0.6 m 2 kW −1 h −1 . At the typical irradiance of 0.5–1 kW m −2 for a noon-day sun under a clear sky, the half-life of DOI relative to its photochemical decomposition was on the order of hours. This reaction provides an additional chemical pathway for the interconversions among the dissolved iodine species in the oceans. It also allows for alternative or complementary explanations for the observed photochemical production of iodide and methyl iodide in seawater.
Equity in Politics: Name Placement on Ballots

A basic element of any democratic government is its electoral process. The honesty, fairness, and neutrality of elections help determine the image of a government. In virtually every type of legislative body one can trace a nearly continuous preoccupation over the years with problems arising from the way elections are conducted, in the hope that they can be made more equitable or at least seem to be so. That many a close race ends up in the courts, on one theory or another, illustrates the seriousness with which the electoral process is viewed in a democratic society. The effect of the position of candidates' names on a ballot and how that position is determined has long been a matter of concern. Suspicions about the importance of position on the ballot must have existed long before the first scientific studies of position effect were done. In fact, in 1910 Woodrow Wilson noted that some candidates had changed their names to gain advantage on alphabetically arranged ballots.' And even though the issue of position effect may have first become a matter of concern with regard to positional bias on ballots, most research has focused on position effect in other contexts such as the construction of questionnaires, multiple-choice tests, and displays in supermarkets. In 1929 Mathews discussed differences in response to attitude scales as a function of the order of presentation. He showed that there were a significantly larger number of responses on the left-hand end of the
SOME PHENOMENA AFFECTING HANDWRITING ANALYSIS.

In this investigation designed to explore some of the phenomenological aspects of the present status of handwriting analysis, as an expressive technique largely, the results indicate that the techn...
Hypothesis and explanation in human evolution

Many attempts to reconstruct the evolutionary history of Homo sapiens have been hampered by a failure to incorporate evolutionary limitations and adhere to proper scientific methodology. Models of human evolution should be strictly derived from general evolutionary hypotheses which have been tested and to some extent verified with living forms. To preserve the testability of such models, researchers should begin by determining the environmental parameters faced by the hominids in the past and then design alternative evolutionary pathways in an attempt to retrodict the characteristics of modern humans. Differences between retrodictions would then provide tests of alternative explanations. Traits of modern humans should not be used, other than determining taxonomic relationships with fossil species, in creating a model, since the model would then become a tautological explanation and not a scientific hypothesis.
Vedanta for the West: The Ramakrishna Movement in the United States

Foreword by Catherine L. Albanese and Stephen J. Stein Preface 1. The Nineteenth-Century Background 2. The Founders: Ramakrishna and Vivekananda 3. Trials of Survival: The Organization of an American Movement 4. Vedanta for Americans: The Teachings of the Ramakrishna Movement 5. The Appeals of Vedanta 6. The Movement since the 1920s 7. The Ramakrishna Movement in History: Past, Present, and Future Appendix: Vedanta Centers Notes Bibliographical Essay Index Illustrations follow page 36
A note on fatal aircraft accidents involving metal fatigue

Abstract A world-wide survey of aircraft accidents was done to determine the extent to which metal fatigue is still a problem for aircraft. A total of 306 fatal accidents since 1934 were identified as having metal fatigue as a related cause, and these accidents resulted in 1803 fatalities. The accidents cover civil and, to a limited extent, military aircraft. Wing failure and engine failure were the most frequent cause of fixed-wing accidents, while for helicopters, failures of the main and tail rotors were the most common problem. Currently, about 18 fatal accidents per year are attributable to metal fatigue.
An 880 MHz ladder filter formed by arrays of laterally vibrating thin film Lithium Niobate resonators

This paper reports on the first implementation of a ladder filter using Lithium Niobate based laterally vibrating resonator arrays. This demonstration is made possible by optimizing the device design parameters and using a distributed configuration of resonator arrays to simultaneously reduce spurious vibrations and insertion loss in a low impedance RF system. The designed distributed ladder filter, with a chip footprint of 0.5 mm2, consists of 37 resonators that are divided into 3 series and 2 shunt resonator arrays. The fabricated ladder filter based on LN LVRs showed an insertion loss of 3.5 dB and fractional bandwidth of 2.2%.
Uncovering Spiritual Resiliency Through Feminist Qualitative Methods

SUMMARY A study conducted in Germany and America explored how spirituality might facilitate resiliency in old women. Believing in the importance of matching research methods with research goals, we used a feminist, qualitative, denominationally specific approach. We proposed that, through such a design, it would be possible to (a) allow the unique experiences of old women to be expressed; (b) identify themes and categories of spirituality contributing to the ability of elders to be resilient; and (c) present living models of spiritually successful aging. Because we wished to increase respect for old, strong women, we chose to listen deeply to narratives of their experiences and focus on the complex, culturally diverse meanings embedded in the interview transcripts. We were not interested for this exploratory project in measuring religiosity through quantitative means. Instead, we used triangulation of methods to achieve confirmability of the results, including multiple readings of verbatim transcripts in ...
Therapeutic control in family therapy

This article emphasizes the importance of establishing therapeutic control in family therapy. Therapeutic control is viewed as similar to conducting an orchestra or directing traffic. Problems that interfere with its implementation are related to the limited appreciation by the therapist of understanding the requirements and responsibilities of a leadership role, the lack of knowledge and experience of the therapist, the difficulty in establishing the relationship between presenting problems and family conflicts, being overwhelmed by the perception or expression of strong feelings, discomfort in presenting options. A therapist who is in control of the therapeutic process is able, comfortably and gently, to lead family members, who initially are often in chaos or resistive, to discuss hidden feelings and conflicts. Often, through the therapist's initiative and articulation of understanding of the problems, the family, more relieved than threatemed, is able to focus on major issues.
Seeking assent and respecting dissent in dementia research.

Objectives Obtaining assent and respecting dissent are widely adopted safeguards when conducting dementia research involving individuals who lack consent capacity, but there is no consensus on how assent and dissent should be defined or what procedures should be used regarding them. Our objective was to provide recommendations on these issues based on the opinions of knowledgeable key informants. Design Cross-sectional qualitative research. Setting University research institutions. Participants Forty informants, including 1) nationally known experts on dementia and research ethics, 2) dementia researchers, and 3) dementia caregivers and advocates. Measurements Semistructured individual and focus group interviews, audio recorded, and transcribed for content analysis. Results Assent and dissent should be defined broadly and based on an assessment of how adults who lack consent capacity can express or indicate their preferences verbally, behaviorally, or emotionally. Assent requires the ability to indicate a meaningful choice and at least a minimal level of understanding. Assent should be required whenever an individual has the ability to assent, and dissent should be binding if it is unequivocal or sustained after an effort to relieve concerns and/or distress. Standards for seeking assent and respecting dissent should not be linked to the risks or potential benefits of a study. Lacking the ability to assent and/or dissent should not automatically preclude research participation. Conclusions Obtaining assent and respecting dissent from individuals who lack consent capacity for dementia research allows them to participate, to the extent possible, in the consent process. Assent and dissent are important independent ethical constructs.
Evaluation of an extractive scintillation medium for the detection of uranium in water

Self Assembled Monolayers on Mesoporous Supports (SAMMS) are nanostructured silica sorbents that offer fast uptake kinetics, high material loading, and excellent selectivity. We have found that these materials rapidly preconcentrate radionuclides from solution and enable direct assay. We will discuss the utilization of SAMMS for measurement of alpha-, beta- and gamma-emitters. The issues involved in direct counting of SAMMS with various methods are explored. We will discuss the advantages, challenges, and limitations involved in using SAMMS for radiochemical analysis.
Metazoan parasites of young-of-the-year paddlefish from Lewis and Clark Lake, Nebraska, U.S.A

Young-of-the-year paddlefish, Polyodon spa- thula (Polyodontidae), from Lewis and Clark Lake, an impoundment of the Missouri River in Nebraska, U.S.A., were surveyed for parasites. In 2001 and 2002, 28 and 48 fish were examinedfor parasites, respectively. Only the nematode Rhabdochona decaturensis infected fish collected in 2001, but 8 parasite taxa (R. decaturensis, Spinitectus sp., Camallanus sp., Contracaecum sp., Marsipometra sp., Diclybothrium hamulatum, Ergasilus elongatus, and 1 unidentified leech) infected fish collected in 2002. Rhabdo- chonadecaturensiswasthe mostcommonparasite,occurring in21.4%offishin2001and79.2%offishin2002.Prevalence of other parasite species infecting fish from 2002 was 33% or less. The helminth community of young-of-the-year paddle- fish in both years was dominated by nematodes. This study is the first report on parasites of young-of-the-year paddlefish and documents a new host record for R. decaturensis.
BEYOND STRUCTURED DIALOGUES: FACTORING OUT GROUNDING

Structured dialogue models are currently the only tools for easily building spoken dialogue systems. This approach, however, requires the dialogue designer to completely specify all dialogue behavior between the user and system, including how information is grounded between the user and the system. In this paper, we advocate factoring out the grounding behavior from structured dialogue models by using a general purpose dialogue manager that accounts for this behavior. This not only simplifies the specification of dialogue, but also allows more powerful mechanisms of grounding to be employed, which cannot be implemented within the framework of structured dialogues.
Genetic Progression From Melanocyte to Malignant Melanoma

Melanocytes can give rise to a variety of benign and malignant neoplasms that differ in their appearance and, more importantly, in their biological behavior. Melanocytic nevi are self-limited proliferations of melanocytes, whereas melanocytes in melanoma continue to proliferate and therefore constitute a severe threat to the host. There is emerging evidence that the initiating events, such as mutations in oncogenes, such as BRAF and RAS, may be similar in nevi and melanoma. However, the exact nature of the mechanism that restricts proliferation in nevi that presumably fails in melanoma is currently unclear. Among melanomas, clinical and histopathological presentation can vary significantly. Several factors, such as anatomic location, sun-exposure patterns, and patient age have been associated with different histopathological and clinical patterns of melanoma (1,2). In this chapter, I review genetic changes in different types of nevi and melanomas and discuss potential biological consequences and possible impacts on classification and therapy.
Force Measurements of a Flapping Wing with Two Angular Degrees of Freedom and Bio-Inspired Kinematics

This paper presents preliminary results of an experimental investigation of the aerodynamics of rigid and flexible flapping wings with bio-inspired kinematics. We consider rigid and isotropic flexible wings undergoing two degrees of freedom periodic motions of the flapping angle and the pitch angle. The wing models are thin flat plates with Zimmerman elliptical planform of aspect ratio 7.2. We present comparisons of two bio-inspired kinematics derived from the hawkmoth kinematics along with a purely sinusoidal motion. The experiments are conducted at conditions relevant to biological flight, properly scaled for water tests, which are Reynolds number of 7100 and a reduced frequency of 0.21 based on flow properties at the 75% span location. The performance of the flapping motions is compared between the differing motions and between flexible and rigid wings. Time resolved phase-averaged force measurements show the development of two force peaks during the flapping cycle for the bio-inspired kinematics and a single peak for the sinusoidal kinematic. These features are not strongly influenced by wing flexibility. Propulsion efficiency is characterized by the measured figure of merit for each case and it is found that flexibility improves performance in terms of both thrust and efficiency compared to rigid wings.
Enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli virulence gene regulation.

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide (18, 60, 63). Though these E. coli pathotypes are genetically related, many features of their epidemiology, their pathogenesis, and the niches they occupy within the human host are unique. EPEC causes profuse watery diarrhea, primarily in children under the age of 2 years, and mostly affects individuals residing in developing countries. In contrast, adults and children infected by EHEC bacteria can suffer from either bloody or nonbloody diarrhea, and in a small percentage of cases a life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) occurs. Many patients with HUS experience long-term renal damage, and they often require dialysis or kidney transplantation. EHEC produces Shiga toxins (Stx), which can cause damage to renal endothelial cells, resulting in HUS, while EPEC bacteria do not possess stx (72). EHEC disease appears in primarily industrialized nations yet causes fewer disease outbreaks in developing countries. This observation has been anecdotally attributed to immunological cross-protection from the related EPEC bacteria prevalent in the less developed regions of the world. There are two additional important differences that distin
A Dynamic Decoupling Control Approach and Its Applications to Chemical Processes

In this paper, a unique dynamic decoupling control strategy, based on the active disturbance rejection control framework, is proposed for square multivariable systems. With the proposed method, it is shown that a largely unknown square multivariable system is readily decoupled by actively estimating and rejecting the effects of both the internal plant dynamics and external disturbances. By requiring as little information on plant model as possible, the intention is to make the new method practical. Simulation results obtained on two chemical process problems show good performance in the presence of significant unknown disturbances and unmodeled dynamics.
Antibody of undetermined specificity: frequency, laboratory features, and natural history.

BACKGROUND: In pretransfusion testing at our institution, unexplained reactions are reported as antibody of undetermined specificity (AUS) after antibodies against Food and Drug Administration-specified red blood cell antigens have been ruled out. The frequency, laboratory features, and natural history of these reactions are not well defined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined AUS reported at a single institution between July 1, 2009, and December 31, 2011. For AUS reported in the first quarter of 2012, the reference workup and antibodies identified during subsequent testing were reviewed to characterize the laboratory features and natural history of AUS. RESULTS: A total of 8121 antibodies were detected in 6058 patients during the study period. AUS was reported 1442 times (18%) and was the single most reported event, followed by anti-E (18%) and anti-K (14%). In the first quarter of 2012, AUS was reported in 174 unique patients. Most AUS (78%) reacted with two cells or less tested in gel and most reactions (98%) were 1+ or weaker. Forty-five patients presenting with AUS for the first time had repeated antibody workup later. AUS persisted in 31 cases for 2 to 60 days. AUS disappeared in 14 cases, seven of which developed a total of 10 new antibodies (three anti-E; one anti-D; one anti-C; two anti-Jk(b) ; and one each of anti-Le(a) , anti-s, and warm autoantibody) in 3 to 21 days (median, 8 days). CONCLUSION: AUS is a common finding with our pretransfusion testing method. These reactions are heterogeneous and may represent antibodies against low-prevalence antigens, non-RBC antigens, or developing antibodies that are clinically significant.
Loss of the epigenetic tumor suppressor SNF5 leads to cancer without genomic instability

There is a growing appreciation of the role that epigenetic alterations can play in oncogenesis. However, given the large number of genetic anomalies present in most cancers, it has been difficult to evaluate the extent to which epigenetic changes contribute to cancer. SNF5 (INI1/SMARCB1/BAF47) is a tumor suppressor that regulates the epigenome as a core member of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. While the SWI/SNF complex displays potent tumor suppressor activity, it is unknown whether this activity is exerted genetically via maintenance of genome integrity or epigenetically via transcriptional regulation. Here we show that Snf5-deficient primary cells do not show altered sensitivity to DNA damaging agents, defects in γ-H2AX induction, or an abrogated DNA damage checkpoint. Further, the aggressive malignancies that arise following SNF5 loss are diploid and genomically stable. Remarkably, we demonstrate that most human SNF5-deficient cancers lack genomic amplifications/deletions and, aside from SNF5 loss, are indistinguishable from normal cells on single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays. Finally, we show that epigenetically based changes in transcription that occur following SNF5 loss correlate with the tumor phenotype. Collectively, our results provide novel insight into the mechanisms of oncogenesis by demonstrating that disruption of a chromatin remodeling complex can largely, if not completely, substitute for genomic instability in the genesis of aggressive cancer.
International Public Transfers and Convergence in the European Union

This article investigates the effects of international public transfer programs from the European Union (EU) on the investment and growth paths of the recipient economies-Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain—and, ultimately, on the convergence of these economies to EU standards of living. Numerical simulation results based on endogenous growth models of the recipient economies suggest that the absolute gains induced by the transfer programs, as measured by the evolution of gross domestic product per capita, are substantial for Greece and Portugal and more modest for Ireland and Spain. In terms of the relative gains (i.e., of the convergence to EU standards), Greece, Portugal, and Spain greatly improve their status quo gains through the transfer programs, but Ireland's status quo gains do not seem to improve noticeably. The most striking aspect of the simulation results, however, is how far the recipient economies will still be from the EU standards even after the EU transfer programs. This suggests that t...
Size dependent hardness of silver single crystals

The hardness of thick, high-purity, epitaxially grown silver on sodium chloride is found to be dependent on the size of the indentation for sizes below ≃10 μm. The measurement of the size effect has been made in two ways. In one, the hardness has been calculated from the load-displacement curve obtained from an instrumented microhardness testing machine and assuming a geometric self-similarity in the indenter shape. In the other measurement, the hardness was obtained from the load exerted by the microhardness tester divided by the indentation impression area as measured by atomic force microscopy. The observed variation in microhardness with indentation size is consistent with a simplified strain gradient plasticity model in which the densities of the geometrically necessary and statistically stored dislocations are fitting parameters. An equally good fit can also be made with a simple geometric scaling relationship. Transmission electron microscopy observations of a thin (≃50 nm) epitaxial gold film embedded in the silver layers revealed that the deformation was primarily restricted to the sharp edges of the indentation. In addition, deformation twinning within the indentation impression was observed on the {1H} planes.
Trends in Prevalence for Moderate-to-Severe Pain and Persistent Pain Among Medicare Beneficiaries in Nursing Homes, 2006–2009

Background. Managing pain for the elderly is challenging due to their concurrent illnesses, underreport of pain, complex clinical manifestation of pain and higher chance of medicationrelated side effects. The objectives of this study were (a) to evaluate trends in annual prevalence of moderate–to-severe pain and persistent pain among Medicare beneficiaries residing in nursing homes; and (b) to identify resident and facility characteristics associated with persistent pain. Methods. This was an observational study using linked data from 2006 to 2009 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey and Minimum Data Set 2.0. Pain level was determined by a validated scale based on two items from Minimum Data Set 2.0 regarding frequency and intensity of pain. An episode of persistent pain was identified if moderate-to-severe pain reported at a Minimum Data Set 2.0 assessment was not alleviated at subsequent assessment. The Cochran–Armitage trend test was performed to detect trends in moderate-to-severe pain and persistent pain between 2006 and 2009. Generalize linear models using generalized estimating equation were used to identify characteristics associated with persistent pain. Results. Annual prevalence of moderate-to-severe pain consistently declined from 29.3% in 2006 to 22.2% in 2009 (p < .01), while approximately 60% of beneficiaries experienced persistent pain annually (p = .50). Younger age, moderate initial pain, presence of diabetes, and skilled nursing home stays with assessments <21 days apart were associated with higher risks for persistent pain. Conclusions. Annual prevalence of moderate-to-severe pain has consistently declined among Medicare Beneficiaries in nursing homes. However, resolution of pain among residents experiencing moderate-to-severe pain was still problematic.
Relationship between eosinophil density and T-cell activation markers in lymph nodes of patients with Hodgkin's disease.

Hodgkin's disease (HD) is characterized morphologically by a variable infiltration of tissues by eosinophilic granulocytes. The lesions also contain numerous T cells, predominantly of the CD4+ immunophenotype. To investigate whether the presence or absence of tissue eosinophilia is related to the immunophenotype of the T cells, we studied 43 cases of HD (28 nodular sclerosing, ten mixed cellularity, and five unclassifiable) for the relative numbers of lymphocytes positive for CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD25, CD38, T9, TQ1, HLA-DR, and sFl, and for the number of eosinophils in tissue sections. By univariate and multivariate analysis, we determined that there was an inverse relationship between the number of eosinophils and the presence of TQ1 + ( P + ( P P ≤ .0001). We therefore conclude that the degree of tissue eosinophilia in the lymph nodes of patients with HD may be explained, at least in part, by the immunophenotype of the T cells present in the affected lymph nodes.
Fractal geometry in the nucleus.

In his groundbreaking work, ‘The Fractal Geometry of Nature’ (Mandelbrot, 1982), Benoit Mandelbrot described how fractals could account for a long list of natural forms ranging from trees to coastlines. Two recent studies in Science and The EMBO Journal have suggested that chromatin and the nucleoplasmic space surrounding it should be added to the fractal list.
Semicompatibilism and Its Rivals

In this paper I give an overview of my “framework for moral responsibility,” and I offer some reasons that commend it. I contrast my approach with indeterministic models of moral responsibility and also other compatibilist strategies, including those of Harry Frankfurt and Gary Watson.
Alcohol use among Native Americans compared to whites: Examining the veracity of the 'Native American elevated alcohol consumption' belief.

Abstract Background This study uses national survey data to examine the veracity of the longstanding belief that, compared to whites, Native Americans (NA) have elevated alcohol consumption. Methods The primary data source was the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2009 to 2013: whites (n = 171,858) and NA (n = 4,201). Analyses using logistic regression with demographic covariate adjustment were conducted to assess differences in the odds of NA and whites being alcohol abstinent, light/moderate drinkers (no binge/heavy consumption), binge drinkers (5+ drinks on an occasion 1–4 days), or heavy drinkers (5+ drinks on an occasion 5+ days) in the past month. Complementary alcohol abstinence, light/moderate drinking and excessive drinking analyses were conducted using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 2011 to 2013: whites (n = 1,130,658) and NA (n = 21,589). Results In the NSDUH analyses, the majority of NA, 59.9% (95% CI: 56.7–63.1), abstained, whereas a minority of whites, 43.1% (CI: 42.6–43.6), abstained—adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.64 (CI: 0.56–0.73). Approximately 14.5% (CI: 12.0–17.4) of NA were light/moderate-only drinkers, versus 32.7% (CI: 32.2–33.2) of whites (AOR: 1.90; CI: 1.51–2.39). NA and white binge drinking estimates were similar—17.3% (CI: 15.0-19.8) and 16.7% (CI: 16.4–17.0), respectively (AOR: 1.00; CI: 0.83–1.20). The two populations' heavy drinking estimates were also similar—8.3% (CI: 6.7–10.2) and 7.5% (CI: 7.3–7.7), respectively (AOR: 1.06; CI: 0.85–1.32). Results from the BRFSS analyses generally corroborated those from NSDUH. Conclusions In contrast to the ‘Native American elevated alcohol consumption’ belief, Native Americans compared to whites had lower or comparable rates across the range of alcohol measures examined.
Big Data and the danger of being precisely inaccurate

Social scientists and data analysts are increasingly making use of Big Data in their analyses. These data sets are often “found data” arising from purely observational sources rather than data derived under strict rules of a statistically designed experiment. However, since these large data sets easily meet the sample size requirements of most statistical procedures, they give analysts a false sense of security as they proceed to focus on employing traditional statistical methods. We explain how most analyses performed on Big Data today lead to “precisely inaccurate” results that hide biases in the data but are easily overlooked due to the enhanced significance of the results created by the data size. Before any analyses are performed on large data sets, we recommend employing a simple data segmentation technique to control for some major components of observational data biases. These segments will help to improve the accuracy of the results.
Epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric burns over 35 years at Parkland Hospital

BACKGROUND: Since opening its doors in 1962, the Parkland Burn Center has played an important role in improving the care of burned children through basic and clinical research while also sponsoring community prevention programs. The aim of our study was to retrospectively analyze the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric burns at a single institution over 35 years. STUDY DESIGN: The institutional burn database, which contains data from January 1974 until August 2010, was retrospectively reviewed. Patients older than 18 years of age were excluded. Patient age, cause of burn, total body surface area (TBSA), depth of burn, and patient outcomes were collected. Demographics were compared with regional census data. RESULTS: Over 35 years, 5748 pediatric patients were admitted with a thermal injury. Males comprised roughly two-thirds (66.2%) of admissions. Although the annual admission rate has risen, the incidence of pediatric burn admissions, particularly among Hispanic and African American children has declined. The most common causes of admission were scald (42%), flame (29%), and contact burns (10%). Both the median length of hospitalization and burn size have decreased over time (r(2)=0.75 and 0.62, respectively). Mortality was significantly correlated with inhalation injury, size of burn, and history of abuse. It was negatively correlated with year of admission. CONCLUSIONS: Over 35 years in North Texas, the median burn size and incidence of pediatric burn admissions has decreased. Concomitantly, length of stay and mortality have also decreased. Language: en
Round Table on Crystallization of Non-Conventional Glasses

This Round Table was set up to examine what, if anything, new could be learned about the phenomenon of nucleation and crystallization by studying what we might call unconventional - glasses. By the term “unconventional glasses” we have 1n mind primarily non-oxide glasses but, since the study of metalio glasses has become so popular, we had the further restriction that metallic glass phenomenology would be treated as a separate subject. Thus, among unconventional glasses for this purpose would be considered the fluoride glasses of optical communications interest, and indeed, any of the highly ionic molten salt type glasses, glasses formed by dissolution of ionic materials in molecular liquids such as the aqueous solution glasses, and finally glasses formed from purely molecular systems.
Application of knowledge based systems technology to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (TQMS)

The complexity of chemical instrumentation is such that automation of certain instrument functions by conventional algorithmic means is either very difficult or completely unsuitable. This paper details work in progress on the application of knowledge based systems technology to the tuning of a complex analytical instrument, a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (TQMS). The knowledge representation schemes and interface design between the expert system and the TQMS instrument are discussed. Preliminary results of optimizing the TQMS on chemical standards are presented.
Pullout of geosynthetic reinforcement with in-plane drainage capability

While there are significant economic reasons for relaxing the currently stringent specifications for backfill material in reinforced soil structures, it is also true that failure of these structures have often involved inadequate drainage and use of low quality, fine-grained soils. However, geosynthetic inclusions can be used within finegrained soils if they can provide not only reinforcement, but also lateral drainage. While using reinforcement with in-plane drainage capability is conceptually enticing, transmissivity requirements for such application have not been properly quantified. This study presents preliminary results of an ongoing experimental testing program involving geogrid pullout tests conducted in wet, fine-grained soils. Pairs of tests were conducted using geogrids with the same tensile strength but with and without in-plane drainage channels. The beneficial effect of lateral drainage is being quantified.
Distribution of Stethorus punctum in Relation to Densities of the European Red Mite

The distributional patterns of Stethorus punctum (LeConte) in relation to densities of the European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch), were investigated within an apple orchard and within an apple tree. S. punctum adults have the ability to find increasing mite populations on trees in an orchard. A prey population averaging 2–3 motile mites/leaf is sufficient to enable the predator population to reproduce and increase in size. Temperature was found to influence the ability of S. punctum to find its prey. Within the tree, distribution showed that S. punctum adults search out areas of the tree where the mite populations were the highest. S. punctum larvae also were found feeding in these areas. Mite populations increased within the row where the leaves were not as heavily hit by spray.
A Technique for Measuring Trapping Efficiency of Electric Insect Traps

A method was developed using 1-square-foot pans filled with oil and water for determining the trapping efficiency of light traps. The indicated efficiency ranged from 10 to 50% for bollworms, Heliothis zea (Boddie). and from 8 to 38% for cabbage loopers, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner). Results indicated that large numbers of insects attracted to the light trap were not caught.
A Potential Predictive Role for Prostate-specific Antigen Changes at 4 Weeks?

Clinical decision making in metastatic prostate cancer is often obscured by major methodological challenges related to the lack of adequately validated single or composite biomarker models. A number of treatments have recently been approved for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and are widely used in clinical practice. Clinical decision making remains largely intuitive, and the regulatory criteria for drug approval still relies on demonstration of a survival benefit. Although research in biomarker discovery is extensive and exciting, tools for treatment selection and decision making during treatment remain a major unmet need. Perhaps more than in any other cancer type, a non–cancer-specific test—the prostatespecific antigen (PSA) test in prostate cancer—has affected a wide variety of diagnostic and management aspects. In the area of therapeutics, extensive literature specifically evaluating the role of the PSA test as an independent
Yawning, Why and When?

Edited byJacquelyn H. Flaskerud, PhD, RN, FAANUniversity of California, School of Nursing, Los Angeles, California, USAEdited byJanna Lesser, PhD, MSUniversity of Texas Health Science Center, San A...
College Students' Polytobacco Use, Cigarette Cessation, and Dependence.

Objectives We examined patterns of tobacco and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among college students. Differences in sociodemographic characteristics between non-users of these products and 4 mutually exclusive groups of tobacco/e-cigarette users were assessed. Differences in cigarette cessation attempts and dependence between exclusive cigarette smokers and users of cigarettes and at least one alternative tobacco product also were examined. Methods Participants were 5468 18-29 year-old students from 24 colleges in Texas who completed an online survey. Results Multiple-product use was more prevalent than single-product use. All 4 current tobacco/e-cigarette-user groups were more likely than non-users to be men and older. College students who were younger when they smoked their first cigarette, and those reporting ever needing a cigarette, were more likely to be multiple-product users than cigarette-only users. There were no group differences in cigarette cessation attempts or any other variables. Conclusions Using multiple products is associated with some indicators of dependence, but does not seem to aid or deter college students' smoking cessation attempts. Longitudinal research is needed given that transitions in tobacco/e-cigarette use continue throughout young adulthood.
Cycle-Length Strategies for a Diverging Diamond Interchange in a Coordinated Arterial

AbstractThe diverging diamond interchange (DDI) is growing in popularity as an interchange treatment, yet there is rather limited guidance available on signal timing practices. One particular area ...