cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Keratin 19 Downregulation by Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Lines Increases Invasive Potential

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck is the sixth most frequent cancer worldwide. The survival rate is among the lowest of the major cancers and has not improved significantly in the past two decades. Extensive local invasion and regional lymph node metastasis are, in large part, responsible for the poor clinical outcome of these tumors. Keratin intermediate filaments are the most abundant cytoskeletal proteins in SCCs and regulate the migration of normal and transformed epithelial cells. Previous studies have shown that expression of the 40-kDa keratin K19 is dysregulated in SCCs arising from oral epithelium. Immunohistochemical experiments demonstrated that, while normal epithelium and dysplastic lesions expressed abundant K19 protein, invasive SCCs exhibited a patchy or negative staining pattern. We subsequently determined that K19 expression was consistently downregulated in seven SCC lines compared with normal epithelium. We therefore wanted to determine if K19 downregulation affected the invasive phenotype of these cells. We found that SCC lines which do not express K19 are significantly more invasive in vitro than those which retain expression of this gene. Stable expression of the K19 cDNA in K19 negative cell lines altered cell morphology and intercellular adhesiveness, and significantly decreased the number of cells able to migrate through a reconstituted basement membrane. Reduced invasiveness was not due to decreased metalloproteinase activity in the K19-expressing clones. We conclude that K19 overexpression in oral SCCs decreases their invasive potential by diminishing migratory capability.
Clinically useful assessments: substance use and comorbid psychiatric disorders

This review addresses the assessment of substance use and related constructs with persons having severe and persistent mental illness. The review contains two major sections. The first section focuses on issues particular to the assessment of substance use and abuse in the context of major mental illness; these include the social and motivational context of assessment, the impact of mental status and acute symptoms, limitations associated with acute and chronic cognitive impairment, and the psychosocial relevance of assessment items. The second section highlights a selected set of substance assessment tools for use with this population; evidence for the reliability, validity, and/or feasibility of these tools is summarized. Each instrument meets the criteria of being: (a). relatively brief; (b). easy to administer and interpret; and (c). useful for treatment planning, motivational feedback, and/or monitoring change.
Types of Corporate Unilineal Descent Groups

IN THE past few decades the study of unilineal descent groups, as structured groupings, has engaged the attention of most British social anthropologists, and in recent years American anthropologists have also been increasingly concerned with one or another aspect of this topic. The wealth and excellence of the information provided by ethnographers working in unilineal descent societies have made possible the construction of an ideal type: the unilineal descent group (cf. Fortes 1953; Fried 1957; Radcliffe-Brown 1950; and Smith 1956). The authors cited have pointed out that automatic membership recruitment through one parent, structural differentiation into segments, corporate functions of the group, etc., are essential attributes of the unilineal descent group. Of course, this, as an ideal type, is a heuristic device-a means of accurate description leading to the development of meaningful hypotheses. It is in this spirit that we propose to construct several types of unilineal descent groups by making finer and more rigorous distinctions in the structure and function of such groups and to demonstrate the utility of these constructions by advancing several hypotheses which can be derived from them. The argument presented here rests upon the assumption that the corporate functions of a unilineal descent group-economic, political, and religious-and the strength of its corporateness are determined by structural factors, namely, by the spatial arrangement (settlement pattern) and size of the group. Roughly, our hypotheses are as follows: given a group whose members regard themselves as related by descent, the smallest segments will tend to emphasize economic activities, the median segments political activities, and the largest segments religious activities.
Richard Weaver's axiology of argument

Richard Weaver's well known hierarchy of arguments was developed over the course of his career, as were the justifications he offered for selecting specific arguments. His application of his system to political positions is easily misunderstood, especially his analysis of the argument appropriate for liberals. By liberal Weaver meant a “centrist,” not a “leftist.” Finally, at the end of his life Weaver may have discovered a type of argument that could transcend his system: the argument from history.
Monomeric solution structure of the prototypical 'C' chemokine lymphotactin.

Lymphotactin, the sole identified member of the C class of chemokines, specifically attracts T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. This 93-residue protein lacks 2 of the 4 conserved cysteine residues characteristic of the other 3 classes of chemokines and possesses an extended carboxyl terminus, which is required for chemotactic activity. We have determined the three-dimensional solution structure of recombinant human lymphotactin by NMR spectroscopy. Under the conditions used for the structure determination, lymphotactin was predominantly monomeric; however, pulsed field gradient NMR self-diffusion measurements and analytical ultracentrifugation revealed evidence of dimer formation. Sequence-specific chemical shift assignments were determined through analysis of two- and three-dimensional NMR spectra of 15N- and 13C/15N-enriched protein samples. Input for the torsion angle dynamics calculations used in determining the structure included 1258 unique NOE-derived distance constraints and 60 dihedral angle...
Polyornithine-attached neurite-promoting factors (PNPFs). Culture sources and responsive neurons

Abstract We have recently reported the existence within chick embryo heart cell conditioned medium (HCM) of two distinct and independently assayable factors. One agent, ciliary neuronotrophic factor (CNTF), supports the in vitro survival of 8-day chick embryo ciliary ganglionic (CG) neurons. The other factor, polyornithine-attachable neurite promoting factor (PNPF) is required for extensive neuritic growth from these same CNTF-supported CG neurons. In the present study we have examined the occurrence of PNPF activity within nearly 100 different conditioned media using our previously described chick CG bioassay system. From this screening we conclude that: (1) PNPF production is a rather widespread property of cultured neural as well as non-neural cells; and (2) the chick bioassay is sensitive to PNPF activity from all the species examined, including mouse, rat, human and chick cells. We next examined the effects of 3 representative PNPF-containing conditioned media (from chick heart, mouse Schwann and rat Schwannoma) on neurite production from 3 other peripheral ganglionic neuronal cultures (8-day chick dorsal root, 11-day chick sympathetic, and neonatal mouse dorsal root ganglia) as well as 4 central neuronal cultures (8-day chick embryo telencephalon, optic lobe and spinal cord and neonatal mouse cerebellum). The results of these studies indicate: (1) that the peripheral neurons exhibit a dramatic increase in neurite production in response to PNPF which can be easily recognized both qualitatively and quantitatively; whereas (2) the CNS neurons showed essentially no PNPF-induced increase in neurite production. The sole exception to the latter was the appearance within the chick spinal cord cultures of a neuronal population which extended very long neurites in response to PNPF.
Prospective evaluation of morbidity associated with iliac crest harvest for alveolar cleft grafting

Abstract Purpose: This study prospectively evaluated the morbidity associated with iliac crest bone harvest when performed for alveolar cleft grafting. Patients and Methods: Twenty-two consecutive patients who underwent an alveolar cleft graft with iliac crest bone harvest were evaluated. The estimated blood loss, length of hip incision, and volume of bone that was harvested were recorded. The duration of time until postoperative ambulation and the length of hospitalization were measured. Results: All patients tolerated the iliac harvest without major complication, and the volume of bone was sufficient in all but one case. Postoperatively, ambulation occurred at an average of 3 hours 18 minutes. Twenty-one patients were discharged the day after surgery; one patient had the surgery performed as an outpatient. Conclusions: Harvesting cancellous bone from the iliac crest does not result in delayed ambulation or prolonged hospitalization. The morbidity that has been reported to occur with iliac crest bone harvest was not consistent with the results of this study.
Rectifier Voltage Control

Lack of voltage control is one of the objections which have been made to the use of rectifiers. The author describes a method of voltage control for rectifiers based on the use of a saturated core interphase transformer. Saturation of this device produces a gradual change from two three-phase rectifiers operating in parallel to one six-phase rectifier which has a higher inherent voltage ratio. The theory of operation is discussed and supporting oscillograms and observed regulation curves are shown.
Mimicking the Extracellular Matrix: Tuning the Mechanical Properties of Chondroitin Sulfate Hydrogels by Copolymerization with Oligo(ethylene glycol) Diacrylates

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is one of the major glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) present in the connective tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) and is responsible for the regulation of cellular activities as well as providing mechanical support for the surrounding tissue. Due to presence of CS in the natural tissues including cartilage, hydrogels of CS and other GAGs have been widely used in cartilage regeneration. Due to their polyelectrolyte nature, GAG-based hydrogels are brittle and require modifications to overcome the weak mechanical properties. In this work, we showed copolymerization of methacrylated chondroitin sulfate with oligo(ethylene glycol)s improved the crosslink density of the gels from 2 to 20 times depending on the methacrylation degree of CS and length of the crosslinking monomer. Copolymerization of CS with oligo(ethylene glycol) acrylates is a method to design hydrogels with tunable swelling and mechanical properties.
Hyperspectral target detection from incoherent projections: Nonequiprobable targets and inhomogeneous SNR

This paper describes a computationally efficient approach for the detection of spectral targets of different strengths, contaminated by a colored Gaussian background, from relatively few incoherent projections compared to the dimension of the target. The performance of the detector is analyzed with respect to the number of observations collected, the background perturbation, the target signal strength, the similarity among different targets in a known spectral dictionary, and the known a priori probabilities of the targets.
A Quantitative Evaluation of the Conservation Umbrella of Spotted Owl Management Areas in the Sierra Nevada

Whether by design or default, single species management often serves as an umbrella for species with similar habitat requirements. In recent decades the focus of National Forest management in the Sierra Nevada of California has shifted towards increasing closed canopy mature forest conditions through the protection of areas occupied by the California Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis). To evaluate the implications of these habitat changes and the potential umbrella resulting from a system of owl reserves on the broader avian community, we estimated occupancy of birds inside and outside of Spotted Owl Home Range Core Areas in northeastern California. We used point count data in a multi-species hierarchical Bayesian model incorporating the detection history of 81 species over a two-year time period (2005-2006). A small set of vegetation cover and topography covariates were included in the model to account for broad differences in habitat conditions, as well as a term identifying whether or not a site was within a Core Area. Seventeen species had a negative Core Area effect, seven had a positive effect, and the rest were not significant. Estimated species richness was significantly different with 23.1 species per 100 m radius circle outside Core Areas and 21.7 inside Core Areas. The majority of the species negatively associated with Core Areas are tied to early successional and other disturbance-dependent habitats. Conservation and climate vulnerability rankings were mixed. On average we found higher scores (greater risk) for the species positively associated with Core Areas, but a larger number of species with the highest scores were negatively associated with Core Areas. We discuss the implications for managing the Sierra Nevada ecosystem and illustrate the role of monitoring broader suites of species in guiding management of large complex ecosystems.
Quantitative Analysis of Formyl Peptide Receptor Coupling to Giα1, Giα2, and Giα3

The human formyl peptide receptor (FPR) is a prototypical Gi protein-coupled receptor, but little is known about quantitative aspects of FPR-Gi protein coupling. To address this issue, we fused the FPR to Giα1, Giα2, and Giα3 and expressed the fusion proteins in Sf9 insect cells. Fusion of a receptor to Gα ensures a defined 1:1 stoichiometry of the signaling partners. By analyzing high affinity agonist binding, the kinetics of agonist- and inverse agonist-regulated guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS) binding and GTP hydrolysis and photolabeling of Gα, we demonstrate highly efficient coupling of the FPR to fused Giα1, Giα2, and Giα3without cross-talk of the receptor to insect cell G proteins. The FPR displayed high constitutive activity when coupled to all three Giα isoforms. The K d values of high affinity agonist binding were ∼100-fold lower than the EC50 (concentration that gives half-maximal stimulation) values of agonist for GTPase activation. Based on theB max values of agonist saturation binding and ligand-regulated GTPγS binding, it was previously proposed that the FPR activates G proteins catalytically, i.e. one FPR activates several Gi proteins. Analysis of agonist saturation binding, ligand-regulated GTPγS saturation binding and quantitative immunoblotting with membranes expressing FPR-Giα fusion proteins and nonfused FPR now reveals that FPR agonist binding greatly underestimates the actual FPR expression level. Our data show the following: (i) the FPR couples to Giα1, Giα2, and Giα3 with similar efficiency; (ii) the FPR can exist in a state of low agonist affinity that couples efficiently to G proteins; and (iii) in contrast to the previously held view, the FPR appears to activate Gi proteins linearly and not catalytically.
Pigment Evolution in the Caryophyllales: a Systematic Overview*

: While the apparent mutual exclusiveness of anthocyanins and betalains in the Caryophyllales has given rise to considerable taxonomic debate, historical factors affecting the present distribution of these compounds have rarely been discussed. An understanding of pigment evolution in the order is hindered by a number of unresolved systematic issues and a lack of knowledge of the importance of anthocyanins and betalains beyond their roles in pollination and seed dispersal. The hypothesis that betalains arose in an unpigmented ancestor of the Chenopodiinae in response to selection from pollinators cannot be rejected, but scant evidence exists in favor of it. Questions persist regarding whether the most recent ancestor to the Chenopodiinae presented a pigmented floral display and whether the appropriate pollinators were present at this time to select for floral pigmentation. In view of these ambiguities and the possible non-monophyly of the Chenopodiinae we consider some alternative scenarios and suggest potentially rewarding avenues for future research. We discuss roles for anthocyanins and betalains beyond their use as optical attractants, possible costs and benefits associated with producing each pigment type, and the possibility that they may have co-occurred in an ancestor for some period of time.
Finding the transfer function of time invariant linear system without computing ( sI - A ) −1

A method is presented for hand calculation of the one-sided inverse of the transfer function matrix for time invariant linear systems. Unlike conventional methods, this procedure does not require the inversion of the matrix (sI - A). For single input single output systems, the procedure leads to a direct calculation of the transfer function. In the third part of this paper, we show how to use block matrix operations to reduce the dimensions of the matrices involved in the method. An example is given to illustrate the method.
Recurrent skeletal extra-axial chordoma confirmed with brachyury: Imaging features and review of the literature

A small number of tumors bearing histological resemblance to axial chordoma arising from the bone or soft tissue outside the axial skeleton have been reported. These lesions have historically been referred to as parachordoma, chordoma periphericum (CP), or extra-axial chordoma (EAC). With the introduction of the immunohistochemical stain brachyury, a sensitive and specific marker for notochordal origin, chordomas arising in extra-axial locations (i.e., CP, EAC), are now diagnosed with more accuracy and distinguished from parachordoma, which resembles chordoma on histology. The distinction between EAC and parachordoma is clinically important because EAC confirmed by immunoreactivity for brachyury tends to grow and recur with local bone destruction. Prior to the introduction of brachyury, the diagnosis of EAC was challenging and therefore the imaging features of EAC have not been comprehensively described. We report two cases of recurrent EAC confirmed by the expression of brachyury arising from the distal femur and distal tibia and describe the imaging findings from radiography and MRI at initial diagnosis and at recurrence.
Optimizing the superlens geometry

We study the effect of superlens geometry on its performance. We introduce the optimal configuration that minimizes local field at front interface of superlens, maximizes resolution, and brings focal point to point of maximum intensity.
Autonomous search by robots and animals: A survey

This paper is a survey of research on autonomous search strategies which originate in engineering and biology. Our motivation is to identify methods of search in an essentially two-dimensional Euclidean space, which can be applied to the area of demining. Such search strategies are based on spatio-temporal distributions. These distributions may be known in advance, because of prior intelligence or through the use of remote sensing, or they may be the result of on-line gathering of information as the search progresses, or of both. We first review the literature on search and coordination which emanates from the field of robotics, we then summarize significant research in the field of animal search, and also discuss relevant results in robotics which are inspired by animal behavior.
Design and Development of a Cross Search Engine for Multiple Heterogeneous Databases Using UML and Design Patterns

As the popularity and complexity of Internet search engines increase, the design, development and maintenance of large, complex web-based Information Retrieval (WIR) systems become a challenge. The difficulty of designing a WIR system is compounded by information overload triggered from various different information sources. From a standpoint of the search engine users, it is more usable for the WIR to provide a single search point to multiple databases. To tackle this issue, we present the design and implementation of a cross-search component for the CS-Engine (Cross-Search Engine). The CS-Engine allows the user to search heterogeneous, multiple databases with one command. The CS-Engine is also distinguished from meta-search engines in that the CS-Engine does not need to trigger other search engines and translate a query for other search engines. Our performance benchmark tests show that the CS-Engine is scalable and usable. We also compare CS-engine with other search engines such as Google and AltaVista. The CS-Engine was developed with UML and design patterns including: (1) use case diagram, (2) class diagram, (3) package diagram, (4) interaction diagram, (5) Factory pattern, and (6) Strategy patterns. We conclude our paper with technical lessons learned as well as organizational issues encountered during the development phase.
Spatial Attention-Related Modulation of the N170 by Backward Masked Fearful Faces.

Facial expressions are a basic form of non-verbal communication that convey important social information to others. The relevancy of this information is highlighted by findings that backward masked facial expressions facilitate spatial attention. This attention effect appears to be mediated through a neural network consisting of the amygdala, anterior cingulate, and visual cortex. However, a direct investigation of the neural time course associated with orienting to such stimuli has yet to be performed. In the current investigation, a backward masked fearful face dot-probe task was performed while ERPs were recorded. Reaction time results suggest that spatial attention is captured by backward masked fearful faces and attention is focused at the location of the fear stimulus. Masked right visual field fearful faces enhanced the N170 amplitudes of contralateral occipito-temporal electrodes. The rapid contralateral N170 enhancement was positively correlated with participants' behavioral index of spatial attention. Thus, backward masked fearful face-elicited spatial attention facilitates behavior and modulates the early stage of facial processing reflected by the N170.
The association of maternal age and symptomatic uterine rupture during a trial of labor after prior cesarean delivery.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether maternal age is associated with a symptomatic uterine rupture during a trial of labor after prior cesarean delivery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients undergoing a trial of labor after prior cesarean delivery over a 12-year period. We analyzed the labors of women with one prior cesarean and no prior vaginal deliveries. The uterine rupture rate was determined with respect to maternal age. Multiple logistic regression was used to control for potential confounding variables. RESULTS: Overall, 32 (1.1%) uterine ruptures occurred among 3015 women. For women younger than 30 years, the risk of uterine rupture was 0.5%, and for those women aged at least 30 years, the risk of uterine rupture was 1.4% (P = .02). Controlling for birth weight, induction, augmentation, and interdelivery interval, the odds ratio for symptomatic uterine rupture for women aged at least 30 years compared with those less than 30 years was 3.2 (95% confidence interval 1.2, 8.4). CONCLUSION: Women aged 30 years or older have a greater risk of uterine rupture as compared with women younger than 30 years.
Nucleus and gene expression: motion meets architecture

Gordon Hager is Chief of the Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. His laboratory studies mechanisms of gene regulation by nuclear receptors, with particular emphasis on chromatin structure and the dynamic behavior of receptors on gene targets and in subcellular compartments. The investigation of gene expression and nuclear function has increasingly become a story about structure at many interrelated levels, as evident throughout this issue of Current Opinions in Cell Biology. The identification of specific biochemical or molecular players has been followed by an increased appreciation that their functions very often involve interactions at a structural level. Yet there is a dichotomy: while the role of structure is increasingly recognized, so too is the appreciation that many individual factors, including components of structures, are moving about extensively within the nucleus, perhaps without significant direction. These different views can be reconciled by the consideration that the individual components of a structure may be in flux, while the structure itself can be relatively stable. Importantly, this dynamic nature of the individual components could allow for greater flexibility for structure and function to be remodelled and modulated. Although the simpler conceptions of diffusing factors haphazardly finding a binding site are not illegitimate, they are but one piece of a much bigger and growing story. For example, transcriptional components are now understood to exist in larger and larger macromolecular machines, possibly ‘factories’, interacting with DNA within the critically important structural contexts imposed by both chromatin and higher-order nuclear organization. And a given machine or factory isn’t necessarily involved in a single process, but multiple major processes, such as transcription, splicing and transport, are intricately interconnected, both functionally and often spatially. What emerges is an increasingly complex view of how the multifarious functions of the nucleus are embedded in a dynamic and complex nuclear architecture.
Global Marketing Innovation in Consumer Banking: Japan

As Japan′s domestic banking industry deregulates it is forced to confront marketing issues which it never had to deal with under the hothouse conditions that prevailed as recently as five years ago. Citibank, the American consumer banking giant, provided the initial stimulus which led large Japanese city banks to become more market responsive to their small depositors in both their products and promotional strategies. Everything from credit cards to electronic delivery systems, from cash machines to direct marketing have been affected by the retail bank strategy launched by Citibank Japan in 1985. In this situation Citibank, a foreign bank which owns a very small niche in the Japanese consumer banking marketplace, has turned out to be the “mouse” that shocked Japan′s giant “elephant” banks into changing their ways to the benefit of Japan′s bank customers. It has nudged these institutions closer to adopting the global marketing trends affecting consumer banking worldwide.
Preparation of Nanoparticle-containing Aligned Collagen Fibers for Dense Connective Tissue Repair and Regeneration

Nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with human platelet-derived growth factor (h-PDGF) were prepared and characterized. These NPs were co-assembled with collagen to form highly aligned NP-collagen composite fibers by using an electrochemical process. PDGF can be released gradually from either NPs or aligned NP-collagen fibers. This investigation demonstrated a novel way to fabricate highly aligned composite fibers, which can locally release a growth factor in a controlled and gradual manner, potentially avoiding the fast clearance of the growth factor from the implantation site. Thus, the aligned NP-collagen fiber is a novel and promising implantation material for tendon/ligament repair and regeneration.
The lure of profit in academic medicine1

On a journey, the chair of an academic medical department reaches a fork in the road. One sign says, “High academic altitude but fiscally treacherous terrain.” The other says, “Easy financial rewards but low-level academic challenge.” Which path should the chair pursue? In these fiscally uncertain times, when many academic departments have been struggling just to keep from sliding backwards, the lure of revenue enhancement is great. Some chairs are seeking to develop new entrepreneurial activities, such as using research facilities to perform contract work for industry, developing educational materials for industrial customers, and even forming for-profit commercial ventures to develop new technologies, such as information management software. In some cases, such marriages between academic and commercial goals prove to be happy ones. Introducing an increasingly entrepreneurial ethos into an academic department is not without peril, however, and faculty members need to consider such ventures’ risks as well as their rewards. Drawing on an important new book by Derek Bok (1), this article explores some of the most salient benefits and risks of involving academic departments in commercial pursuits.
Simultaneous optimization models for heat integration—I. Area and energy targeting and modeling of multi-stream exchangers

Abstract In this paper, a simple yet general superstructure for heat integration is presented. The superstructure is a stage-wise representation where within each stage exchanges of heat can occur between each hot and cold stream. The proposed representation does not rely on any heuristics that are based on the concept of the pinch point, and its simplicity enables a simultaneous consideration for design factors without the limitations of a sequential analysis. In Part 1 of this three-part series of papers, an NLP model is first introduced for the exchanger networks. As will be shown, the model can simultaneously target for area and energy cost while properly accounting for the differences in heat transfer coefficients between the streams. Constraints on matches can also be easily handled. Furthermore, if a fixed utility consumption is specified, the model reduces to an area targeting model. In the last section of the paper, the proposed representation is also applied to the modeling of multi-stream exchangers. Examples for all the applications are presented to illustrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed model.
Developmental origins of cerebrovascular disease I: prenatal cerebrovascular development--classic findings in the context of advances in genetic and fetal surveillance evaluations.

Developmental origins of cerebrovascular disease should synchronize neuroscience advances with classic neurodevelopmental principles, as discussed in part 1 of this review. The ontogenetic interplay of nature and nurture influencing cerebrovascular development during the prenatal and early postnatal time periods should be considered when designing neuroprotective strategies, as discussed in part 2. Appreciation of adaptive and maladaptive effects of developmental neuroplasticity requires a systems biology approach that integrates molecular, receptor, cellular, neural network, and behavioral perspectives into structural and functional cerebrovascular phenotypes that express health or disease. Cognizance of the interrelationships among maternal, placental, fetal, and neonatal factors requires an interdisciplinary appreciation of genetic/epigenetic forces affecting neuroplasticity during early life, with later life effects. Knowledge of the multi-organ influences on cerebrovascular development broadens the s...
English Proficiency, Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Vietnamese- and Chinese-American Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract Context In the United States, limited English proficiency has been shown to have a negative influence on effective functioning in the health care environment. Minority immigrant populations, therefore, may be especially vulnerable to poorer symptom management and quality of life (QOL) during and after cancer treatment, given their limited language skills. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Asian-American women but little is known about its adverse consequences in this population. Objectives We examined the extent to which English proficiency was associated with symptoms and QOL in Chinese- (n=72) and Vietnamese-American (n=25) breast cancer survivors in Houston, Texas. Methods Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Symptoms and QOL were assessed using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale and the Quality of Life Instrument-Breast Cancer Patient Version (QOL-BC), respectively. Results The most commonly reported severe symptoms (≥7 on a 0–10 scale) were lack of well-being (38%), fatigue (26%), pain (18%), lack of appetite (14%), anxiety (14%), and feeling depressed (14%). For the QOL-BC, the physical (mean=6.78; standard deviation [SD]=1.28) and spiritual subscales (mean=6.01; SD=2.18) had the highest and lowest mean scores, respectively. Of the whole sample, 33% reported having the ability to understand, read, speak, and write in English very well. English proficiency was significantly associated with symptom distress (coefficient=−0.257; P=0.011) and QOL (coefficient=−0.390; P=0.002). Conclusion English proficiency has a significant impact on symptom distress and QOL. These findings may help the development of services to meet the unique needs of Vietnamese- and Chinese-American breast cancer survivors.
Viscosity and optical activity of chondroitin sulfate C

Chondroitin sulfate C (CSC), isolated from shark vertebral mucoprotein, has a molecular weight of 0.2 × 104–5.5 × 104 in both NaCl and CaCl2 solutions. Optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism of CSC reveal a strong, negative, optically active band near 210 mμ, arising from the carboxylate and N-acetyl groups. Results of similar studies of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine suggest that the N-acetyl group contributes more to the rotations of CSC than does the carboxylate group, but the acidification of the carboxylate groups largely accounts for the change in magnitude and position of the circular dichroic bands of CSC at low pH.
Subunit Stoichiometry of the Epithelial Sodium Channel

The epithelial Na+ Channel (ENaC) mediates Na+ reabsorption in a variety of epithelial tissues. ENaC is composed of three homologous subunits, termed α, β, and γ. All three subunits participate in channel formation as the absence of any one subunit results in a significant reduction or complete abrogation of Na+ current expression inXenopus oocytes. To determine the subunit stoichiometry, a biophysical assay was employed utilizing mutant subunits that display significant differences in sensitivity to channel blockers from the wild type channel. Our results indicate that ENaC is a tetrameric channel with an α2βγ stoichiometry, similar to that reported for other cation selective channels, such as Kv, Kir, as well as voltage-gated Na+ and Ca2+ channels that have 4-fold internal symmetry.
A Parallel Spliceosome

In this issue of Science , Tarn and Steitz (p. 1824) report the identification of two new RNAs that reside in the special spliceosome that acts on the rare AT-AC class of introns. In his Perspective, Nilsen describes why the now complete description of the RNA components of this spliceosome has larger implications for splicing mechanisms in general.
Robust Built-In Test of RF ICs Using Envelope Detectors

To address growing production test costs, a low-cost built-in test solution for RF circuits is proposed that is robust to process, supply voltage and temperature variations (PVT variations). The test solution consists of measuring the envelope of the output response to a two-tone test stimulus. This is a relatively low frequency signal compared to the nominal frequency of the RF device under test (DUT) and can therefore be sampled using an on-chip ADC. The resulting test response waveform is analyzed using wavelet transforms. The corresponding wavelet coefficients are used to accurately predict the test specification values of the RF DUT in the presence of noise. The proposed test approach has been demonstrated for a 2.4GHz low noise amplifier designed in a 0.18mum CMOS process and shows high prediction accuracy for the test specifications of the DUT in the presence of noise and PVT variations
Innovative Programs to Enhance the Experience for the Obstetric Patient

Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program Improvement of the birth experience to focus on providing nurses additional tools and interventions for a wide range of comfort modalities for obstetric patients in the antepartum period, labor, and postpartum periods. Proposed Change To improve the woman's experience, the following innovative changes were put into place: (a) a comfort menu used by women to control their pain management choices, (b) aromatherapy that is available to all women with education and rationale for use, (c) acupressure for women in labor, (d) a water birth and water therapy program for women in labor, (e) guided imagery for women during labor and the antepartum and postpartum periods at the bedside, (f) evidence‐based education related to positions for labor, (g) videos about labor pain for women to view before hospitalization and when admitted. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation Implementation of these projects occurred during several years. The Patient Experience team began by reviewing patient satisfaction outcome data and comments from the patient population. They also interviewed staff to determine which tools they would need to improve the patient's experience. Implementation was performed with a variety of classroom education, hands‐on demonstrations, and development of the actual tools to use with the patients. The outcomes we utilized to assess the success of each tool included patient rounding and review of patient satisfaction data. We have seen a significant increase in pain management scores since the implementation of these initiatives. Implications for Nursing Practice Nurses have a great effect on the comfort of the patients that they serve. Through the evaluation of the evidence and our patient experience scores we have developed a program that focuses on comfort with multiple modalities.
Acetylation modulates cellular distribution and DNA sensing ability of interferon-inducible protein IFI16

Detection of pathogenic nucleic acids is essential for mammalian innate immunity. IFN-inducible protein IFI16 has emerged as a critical sensor for detecting pathogenic DNA, stimulating both type I IFN and proinflammatory responses. Despite being predominantly nuclear, IFI16 can unexpectedly sense pathogenic DNA in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. However, the mechanisms regulating its localization and sensing ability remain uncharacterized. Here, we propose a two-signal model for IFI16 sensing. We first identify an evolutionarily conserved multipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS). Next, using FISH and immunopurification, we demonstrate that IFI16 detects HSV-1 DNA primarily in the nucleus, requiring a functional NLS. Furthermore, we establish a localization-dependent IFN-β induction mediated by IFI16 in response to HSV-1 infection or viral DNA transfection. To identify mechanisms regulating the secondary cytoplasmic localization, we explored IFI16 posttranslation modifications. Combinatorial MS analyses identified numerous acetylations and phosphorylations on endogenous IFI16 in lymphocytes, in which we demonstrate an IFI16-mediated IFN-β response. Importantly, the IFI16 NLS was acetylated in lymphocytes, as well as in macrophages. Mutagenesis and nuclear import assays showed that NLS acetylations promote cytoplasmic localization by inhibiting nuclear import. Additionally, broad-spectrum deacetylase inhibition triggered accumulation of cytoplasmic IFI16, and we identify the acetyltransferase p300 as a regulator of IFI16 localization. Collectively, these studies establish acetylation as a molecular toggle of IFI16 distribution, providing a simple and elegant mechanism by which this versatile sensor detects pathogenic DNA in a localization-dependent manner.
On-chip enhanced slow wave CPW for compact RF components and MM-wave applications

A novel on-chip slow wave CPW structure is provided in this paper. Results show that the structure has better slow wave effect than that of the conventional slow wave structure. Detail results are shown in the paper, the proposed slow wave structure can be used for compact mmwave passive components design.
Variation in Total Amino Acid Percentage in Different Portions of Peanut Cotyledons

Abstract Six peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties were analyzed for amino acid concentration among four consecutive sections across the two cotyledons. Significant differences were found among varieties (average 60% of total variation), among seeds (average 15% of total variation), and for some amino acids between sections (average 2.7% of total variation). With the exception of glutamic acid, proline, and histidine, varietal differences accounted for most of the variability found. Therefore, it appears that partial seed analysis for amino acids may be useful in genetic studies and for breeding selections.
WebGlimpse: combining browsing and searching

The two paradigms of searching and browsing are currently almost always used separately. One can either look at the library card catalog, or browse the shelves; one can either search large WWW sites (or the whole web), or browse page by page. In this paper we describe a software tool we developed, called WebGlimpse, that combines the two paradigms. It allows the search to be limited to a neighborhood of the current document. WebGlimpse automatically analyzes collections of web pages and computes those neighborhoods (at indexing time). With WebGlimpse users can browse at will, using the same pages; they can also jump from each page, through a search, to "close-by" pages related to their needs. In a sense, our combined paradigm allows users to browse using hypertext links that are constructed on the fly through a neighborhood search. The design of WebGlimpse concentrated on four goals: fast search, efficient indexing (both in terms of time and space), flexible facilities for defining neighborhoods, and non-wasteful use of Internet resources. Our implementation was geared towards the World-Wide Web, but the general design is applicable to any large-scale information bases. We believe that the concept of combining browsing and searching is very powerful, and deserves much more attention. Further information about WebGlimpse, including the complete source code, documentations, demos, and examples of use, can be found at http://glimpse.cs.arizona.edu/webglimpse/.
Characteristics of single large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels and their regulation of action potentials and excitability in parasympathetic cardiac motoneurons in the nucleus ambiguus.

Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK) regulate action potential (AP) properties and excitability in many central neurons. However, the properties and functional roles of BK channels in ...
Using collective intentionality to model fleets of autonomous underwater vehicles

The concept of collective intentionality has become increasingly prevalent in recent literature on multi-agent systems. Benefits of modeling multi-agent systems as collectively intentional include a more flexible organizational structure, more effective coordination of cooperative activity, and more efficient knowledge sharing through communication. Researchers at the University of Idaho have worked with multi-agent systems in the form of fleets of autonomous underwater vehicles, and recent research has focused on designing a framework in which fleets of autonomous underwater vehicles exhibit collective intentionality as they pursue mission goals. This paper explains this framework and the benefits associated with it.
Interjurisdictional Taxation and Attribution Rules

An economic model of interjurisdictional taxation is developed and used to analyze the effects of different attribution rules on the location of production, sales, and input use. To illustrate the usefulness of the model, two methods of attribution are studied: separate accounting and formulary apportionment. It is shown that if the tax systems across jurisdictions are identical and neutral, then the attribution method is arbitrary. It is also shown that separate accounting rules can be developed using standard economic definitions even in cases where this method is claimed to fail.
CXC Chemokine Receptor 2 But Not C-C Chemokine Receptor 1 Expression Is Essential for Neutrophil Recruitment to the Cornea in Helminth-Mediated Keratitis (River Blindness)

Infiltration of neutrophils and eosinophils into the mammalian cornea can result in loss of corneal clarity and severe visual impairment. To identify mediators of granulocyte recruitment to the corneal stroma, we determined the relative contribution of chemokine receptors CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)-2 (IL-8R homologue) and CCR1 using a murine model of ocular onchocerciasis (river blindness) in which neutrophils and eosinophils migrate from peripheral vessels to the central cornea. CXCR2 −/− and CCR1 −/− mice were immunized s.c. and injected into the corneal stroma with Ags from the parasitic helminth Onchocerca volvulus . We found that production of macrophage-inflammatory protein (MIP)-2, KC, and MIP-1α was localized to the corneal stroma, rather than to the epithelium, which was consistent with the location of neutrophils in the cornea. CCR1 deficiency did not inhibit neutrophil or eosinophil infiltration to the cornea or development of corneal opacification. In marked contrast, neutrophil recruitment to the corneas of CXCR2 −/− mice was significantly impaired ( p −/− mice developed only mild corneal opacification compared with BALB/c mice. These differences were not due to impaired KC and MIP-2 production in the corneal stroma of CXCR2 −/− mice, which was similar to BALB/c mice. Furthermore, although MIP-1α production was lower in CXCR2 −/− mice than BALB/c mice, eosinophil recruitment to the cornea was not impaired. These observations demonstrate the critical role for CXCR2 expression in neutrophil infiltration to the cornea and may indicate a target for immune intervention in neutrophil-mediated corneal inflammation.
On Thought Experiments: Is There More to the Argument?

Thought experiments in science are merely picturesque argumentation. I support this view in various ways, including the claim that it follows from the fact that thought experiments can err but can still be used reliably. The view is defended against alternatives proposed by my cosymposiasts.
Geostatistical scaling of canopy water content in a California salt marsh

Remote sensing data are typically collected at a scale which is larger in both grain and extent than traditional ecological measurements. To compare with remotely sensed data on a one-to-one basis, field measurements frequently must be rescaled to match the grain of image data. Once a one-to-one correspondence is established, it may be possible to extrapolate site based relationships over a wider extent. This paper presents a methodology for rescaling the grain of ecological field data to match the grain of remotely sensed data and gives an example of the method in verification of remote sensing estimates of canopy water content in a tidal salt marsh. We measured canopy water content at 169 points on a semi-regular grid in the Petaluma Marsh, CA. A variogram describing the spatial correlation structure of the canopy water content was calculated and modeled. Ordinary kriging estimates of the canopy water content were calculated over blocks corresponding to image pixels acquired by the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS). A water content index was determined from the reflectance data by calculating the area of a water absorption feature at 970 nm. A regression developed between the blocks and the pixels at the site was extrapolated over the image to obtain an estimate of canopy water content for the entire marsh. The patterns of canopy water content at the site and landscape levels suggest that different processes are important for determining patterns of canopy water content at different spatial extents. The errors involved in the rescaling procedures and the remote sensing interpretation are discussed.