cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Human Papillomavirus on Patterns of Distant Metastatic Failure in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated With Chemoradiotherapy

Importance Important differences exist in the pattern and timing of distant metastases between human papillomavirus–initiated (HPV+) and HPV− oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). However, our understanding of the natural history of distant metastases in HPV+ OPSCC and its implications for surveillance is limited. Objective To investigate the rate, pattern, and timing of distant metastases in advanced-stage OPSCC treated definitively with concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Design, Setting, and Participants In a retrospective review, we identified 291 patients with pathologically diagnosed stages III to IVB OPSCC and known HPV status from a tumor registry at the Cleveland Clinic. Patients were treated from January 1, 1996, through December 31, 2013. Details of treatment failure and the natural history of the disease were retrieved from the electronic medical records. Interventions All patients were treated with definitive concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the rate and timing of distant metastases. Secondary outcomes included the pattern of distant failure and survival after distant metastases. Results Thirty-seven patients developed distant metastatic disease after definitive treatment, including 28 of 252 patients with HPV+ disease and 9 of 39 patients with HPV− disease. The 3-year projected distant control rate was higher in the HPV+ group (88% vs 74%; P = .01). The median time to develop distant metastases was also longer after the completion of treatment for HPV+ disease compared with HPV− disease (16.4 vs 7.2 months; P = .008). We detected a trend in patients with HPV+ disease for more distant metastatic sites involved than in those with HPV− disease (2.04 vs 1.33 sites; P = .09). Although the lung was the most common distant site involved in HPV+ and HPV− disease (HPV+ group, 23 of 28 patients [82%]; HPV− group, 7 of 9 patients [78%]), the HPV+ group had metastases to several subsets atypical for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, including the brain, kidney, skin, skeletal muscle, and axillary lymph nodes in 2 patients each and in the intra-abdominal lymph nodes in 3 patients. The rate of 3-year overall survival was higher in the HPV+ group (89.9% vs 62.0%; P P Conclusions and Relevance This retrospective review suggests that distant metastases in patients with HPV+ OPSCC occurs significantly later after completion of chemoradiotherapy than in patients with HPV− disease. Human papillomavirus–initiated OPSCC also appears to involve a greater number of subsites and metastatic sites infrequently seen in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Distant metastatic disease in HPV+ OPSCC has unique characteristics and a natural history that may require alternative surveillance strategies.
Insertion von O2 in eine Cr‐C(Phenyl)‐Bindung – Mechanismus der Bildung des paramagnetischen d2‐Oxokomplexes [TptBu,MeCrIV(O)OPh]

Ein Disauerstoffaddukt ist das spektroskopisch beobachtbare Intermediat bei der Reaktion des koordinativ ungesattigten Chromphenylkomplexes 1 mit O2 [Gl. (1)]. Durch intramolekulare Insertion von O2 in die Cr-C(Ph)-Bindung wird der Titelkomplex 2 erhalten, der strukturell charakterisiert wurde.
Genetic differentiation of Mytilus edulis in eastern North America

There is significant differentiation at five polymorphic loci ofMytilus edulis among certain geographical areas of the Atlantic coast of North America. Non-metric multidimensional numerical methods distinguished three population groups: (I) populations south of Cape Cod, (II) populations throughout the Gulf of Maine, Gulf of St. Lawrence, areas of both southern and northern Newfoundland, and southern Hudson Bay, and (III) populations in southeastern Nova Scotia, northern Newfoundland and Hudson Strait, Quebec. Each subset consists of populations that exhibit characteristic multilocus, multiple allele genotypes. Populations in Groups II and III are spatially interdigitated among each other. At least one geographical area of mixing between genetically distinct populations occurs in northeastern Newfoundland. There is no evidence for interbreeding among genetically distinct individuals in mixed populations, suggesting the possibility that populations in the Atlantic Canadian Provinces and areas of northern Canada may consist of two distinct species.
Practice Theories: The Latest Turn in Historiography?

Abstract The linguistic turn in historiography has given way to a ‘cultural’ or ‘practical’ turn over the course of the last several decades. For its proponents, this new development heralds a return of the intentional subject and a re-invigorated concern with the dynamic nature of the social realm. Approaches clustered around the concept of practice, emphasizing routines of daily activities as the backbone of social organization and its stability, specifically seek to resolve the persisting conceptual tension in social sciences between structure and agency. This article surveys the seminal work on the topic of practice, and considers how the approach can be recruited for purposes of historiographic analysis. In defending a tentatively optimistic assessment of practice theory’s usefulness for this purpose, the article also evaluates some of the weaknesses that this approach has yet to cogently address.
Composite signal decomposition by digital inverse filtering

Inverse filters are conventionally used for resolving overlapping signals of identical waveshape. However, the inverse filtering approach is shown to be useful for resolving overlapping signals, identical or otherwise, of unknown waveshapes. Digital inverse filter design based on autocorrelation formulation of linear prediction is known to perform optimum spectral flattening of the input signal for which the filter is designed. This property of the inverse filter is used to accomplish composite signal decomposition. The theory has been presented assuming constituent signals to be responses of all-pole filters. However, the approach may be used for a general situation.
Neuronal plasticity: adaptation and readaptation to the environment of space.

While there have been few documented permanent neurological changes resulting from space travel, there is a growing literature which suggests that neural plasticity sometimes occurs within peripheral and central vestibular pathways during and following spaceflight. This plasticity probably has adaptive value within the context of the space environment, but it can be maladaptive upon return to the terrestrial environment. Fortunately, the maladaptive responses resulting from neuronal plasticity diminish following return to earth. However, the literature suggests that the longer the space travel, the more difficult the readaptation. With the possibility of extended space voyages and extended stays on board the international space station, it seems worthwhile to review examples of plastic vestibular responses and changes in the underlying neural substrates. Studies and facilities needed for space station investigation of plastic changes in the neural substrates are suggested.
Change drivers in the new millennium: implications for manufacturing strategy research

Drawing on multiple sources, we identify technological, global and workforce trends that will affect the formulation and implementation of manufacturing strategy in the next decade. We then describe several theories from economics, sociology, and psychology and show how they can be used to enrich our interpretations of the effects of these trends. Throughout, we offer suggestions for future research in manufacturing strategy.
Development of fluorescent polymerization-based signal amplification for sensitive and non-enzymatic biodetection in antibody microarrays

Abstract Antibody microarrays are a critical tool for proteomics, requiring broad, highly sensitive detection of numerous low abundance biomarkers. Fluorescent polymerization-based amplification (FPBA) is presented as a novel, non-enzymatic signal amplification method that takes advantage of the chain-reaction nature of radical polymerization to achieve a highly amplified fluorescent response. A streptavidin–eosin conjugate localizes eosin photoinitiators for polymerization on the chip where biotinylated target protein is bound. The chip is contacted with acrylamide as a monomer, N -methyldiethanolamine as a coinitiator and yellow/green fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) which, upon initiation, combine to form a macroscopically visible and highly fluorescent film. The rapid polymerization kinetics and the presence of cross-linker favor entrapment of the fluorescent NPs in the polymer, enabling highly sensitive fluorescent biodetection. This method is demonstrated as being appropriate for antibody microarrays and is compared to detection approaches which utilize streptavidin–fluorescein isothiocyanate (SA–FITC) and streptavidin-labeled yellow/green NPs (SA–NPs). It is found that FPBA is able to detect 0.16 ± 0.01 biotin–antibody μm −2 (or 40 zmol surface-bound target molecules), while SA–FITC has a limit of detection of 31 ± 1 biotin–antibody μm −2 and SA–NPs fail to achieve any significant signal under the conditions evaluated here. Further, FPBA in conjunction with fluorescent stereomicroscopy yields equal or better sensitivity compared to fluorescent detection of SA–eosin using a much more costly microarray scanner. By facilitating highly sensitive detection, FPBA is expected to enable detection of low abundance antigens and also make possible a transition towards less expensive fluorescence detection instrumentation.
Hadron production in deuteron-gold collisions and nuclear parton distributions

We calculate nuclear modification factors ${R}_{d\mathrm{Au}}$, central-to-peripheral ratios, ${R}_{\mathrm{CP}}$, and pseudorapidity asymmetries ${Y}_{\mathrm{Asym}}$ in deuteron-gold collisions at $\sqrt{s}=200$ GeV in the framework of leading-order (LO) perturbative quantum chromodynamics. We use the Eskola-Kolhinen-Salgado (EKS), the Frankfurt-Guzey-Strikman (FGS), and the Hirai-Kumano-Nagai (HKN) nuclear parton distribution functions and the Albino-Kramer-Kniehl (AKK) fragmentation functions in our calculations. Results are compared to experimental data from the BRAHMS and STAR collaborations.
Toward Compressive Architecture for Image Acquisition in Optical Tomography: An Application of Compressed Sensing in Wavelet Compression of Fluorescence Tomography Data

Inspired by compressed sensing, we present and study a cost-effective compressive architecture for fast image acquisition in optical tomography that exploits wavelet compressibility of data. Theoretical results validated by experimental studies.
A SiGe BiCMOS W-Band LNA with 5.1 dB NF at 90 GHz

This paper presents a W-band low-noise amplifier using an advanced 90nm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The 4-stage common-emitter amplifier results in a gain of 18-19 dB at 90-100 GHz with a 3-dB bandwidth of 75-105 GHz. The measured noise figure is <; 6.5 dB from 85-100 GHz and with a minimum of 5.1 dB at 90 GHz averaged over four different chips. An input P1dB of -20 dBm and an output P1dB/Psat of -3/+2.1 dBm was achieved at 90 GHz, with a power consumption of 43 mW. To our knowledge, this represents the lowest noise W-band amplifier to-date using silicon technologies.
Accumulation of Chromium and Copper in Three Different Soils and Bioaccumulation in an Aquatic Plant, Alternanthera philoxeroides

Environmental contamination of soils by heavy metals is practically inevitable due to natural leaching and mining activities. There is a concern for heavy metal toxicity to humans and their accumulation potential in soil (Merry et al. 1983) as well as magnification through the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Alligator weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides co-exists abundantly in natural and man-made impoundments of Louisiana and other Southeastern United States. In some developing countries these plants have also been used for biogas (methane) production.
Confinement time of cesium and potassium plasmas in a Q device

Abstract The lifetimes of cesium and potassium ions in a Q device are found to be similar, and are several orders of magnitude shorter than the lifetime predicted by charge-exchange mechanisms.
Decomposition of the linking number of a closed ribbon: A problem from molecular biology

A closed duplex DNA molecule relaxed and containing nucleosomes has a different linking number from the same molecule relaxed and without nucleosomes. What does this say about the structure of the nucleosome? A mathematical study of this question is made, representing the DNA molecule by a ribbon. It is shown that the linking number of a closed ribbon can be decomposed into the linking number of a reference ribbon plus a sum of locally determined "linking differences."
Postbellum Race Relations and Rural Land Tenure: Migration of Blacks and Whites to Kansas and Nebraska, 1870–1890

This article analyzes differential migration o/blacks and whites during the two decades, 1870-80 and 1880-90, to homesteading opportunities in Kansas and Nebraska with reference to two theories of race relations. A "push-pull" migration model is used where the pull offree farmland in Kansas and Nebraska is considered constant so that push factors of migration model the race and class relations of thle late nineteenth century United States. Quantitative analysis of census data via weighted least squares regression shows support for both Bonacich's (1972) split labor market and James's (1988) racial state theories of race relations. The economic relations embodied in the postbellum agricultural system were the primary motivation for migrants from the eastern U.S. to the states of Kansas and Nebraska. Political factors also played a role in migrants' actions. Between 1870 and 1880 more than 21,000 blacks migrated from the former Confederacy to Kansas. This "Exoduster Movement" was large enough to draw the attention of the U.S. Senate, which held hearings and issued a three-volume report on the matter (Lambert 1978). Historians have argued that for blacks with few options to exercise political power in the South, migration was one means of escape from severe racial repression and its accompanying econonuc consequences. Although this migration of blacks has been well studied, a comparison to white migration of the time has not previously been made. Such a comparison permits a consideration of the relative merit of racial repression as opposed to economic factors as explanations for this migration. During the same decade, 1870-80, more than 73,000 whites migrated from the former Confederacy to Kansas and Nebraska. This rate of migration was nearly twice the black rate from these same states to Kansas and Nebraska. The
What’s so ‘Dark’ about ‘Dark Tourism’?: Death, Tours, and Performance:

Tourist studies scholars have sought to differentiate tours of the picturesque, the romantic, and the sublime from those of the disgusting, the abject, and the macabre. The assumption is that touri...
Pulse-labeling studies of carbon cycling in Arctic tundra ecosystems: The contribution of photosynthates to methane emission

methane to the atmosphere. The 14 C tracer provided a definitive way of quantifying the fate of recently fixed carbon. Carbon fixed by photosynthesis was measured as emitted methane from both moist tussock and wet sedge tundra mesocosms within 2 hours after labeling. Integration of time series measurements of methane emission showed that recent photosynthates are an important source of carbon for methane production. Approximately 2% of carbon fixed by photosynthesis at peak growing season was subsequently emitted as methane from moist tussock tundra, and approximately 3% was emitted as methane from wet sedge tundra. Measurements of soil pore water carbon pools demonstrate rapid transfer of 14 C from plant carbon to dissolved forms and subsequently to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide or methane. INDEX TERMS: 1615 Global Change: Biogeochemical processes (4805); 1030 Geochemistry: Geochemical cycles (0330); 1040 Geochemistry: Isotopic composition/chemistry; 9315 Information Related to Geographic Region: Arctic region; KEYWORDS: 14 C pulse-labeling, arctic tundra, methane biogeochemistry
ECLOUD04 workshop (Napa, California, April 19-23, 2004)

As in previous workshops dealing with electron-cloud effects (KEK, July 1997; Santa Fe, February 2000; KEK, September 2001; CERN, April 2002), the focus of this workshop was broad, covering all aspects of the phenomena. The work presented at ECLOUD04 represented a significant advance relative to ECLOUD02 (CERN, April 2002). The systematic experimental program being carried out at the SPS for many years now, in preparation for LHC operation, keeps yielding valuable information particularly concerning surface conditioning by the beam. Clear evidence for an electron-cloud effect at RHIC was presented, although direct detection of electrons in the cold regions remains to be achieved. With the clear establishment of electron-cloud effects at the PSR, other high-intensity hadron machines are studying the effect either experimentally or by simulations, or both. In particular, ORNL personnel are paying special attention to the phenomenon as the fabrication of the SNS storage ring vacuum chamber is being completed. Electron effects are being investigated at ISIS (RAL), and at the HCX experiment for heavy-ion fusion drivers (LBNL). On the simulation front, there has been significant progress towards extending simulation techniques to three dimensions, towards more realistic description of machine lattice elements, and towards self-consistency (in which both themore » beam and the electrons respond dynamically to each other). The electron-cloud community is thus enriched by the expertise brought in by researchers in intense hadron machines, which includes advanced computational techniques on parallel computers. The two B factories were reported to be running quite well, exceeding their design specifications on beam current and luminosity, after controlling the electron-cloud effect largely by means of weak solenoidal fields. Ambitious plans for future luminosity upgrades were presented for both machines. Multi-lab collaborations were discussed and encouraged; one notable example of such a possibility would be a collaboration between the LARP project in the US and ESGARD in Europe.« less
A continental shelf sedimentary record of Little Ice Age to modern glacial dynamics: Bering Glacier, Alaska

Abstract The Bering Glacier System is the world's largest surging temperate glacier with seven events occurring over the past century under a range of north Pacific climatic conditions. Onshore records reveal changes in glacial termini positions and evidence of late Holocene glacial advances, but the Little Ice Age (LIA) record of potential glacial surging and associated flooding has not been examined. A 13.6 m-long jumbo core collected on the adjacent continental shelf reveals a 600-yr-long record of sedimentation associated with changing glacifluvial discharge. The chronology is based on 210 Pb geochronology and five radiocarbon dates, and the core can be separated into three distinct lithologic units based on the examination of X-radiographs and physical properties: (1) an uppermost unit dating from ∼125 cal yr BP to the present characterized by bioturbated mud interbedded with laminated, thick (5–20 cm) low-bulk density clay-rich beds; (2) a middle unit dating from ∼120–400 cal yr BP that includes numerous interlaminated-to-interbedded low- and high-bulk density beds with infrequent evidence of bioturbation; thick laminated clay-rich beds are rare; (3) a lowermost unit that predates ∼400 cal yr BP and is composed of rare laminated beds grading down into mottled to massive mud. In each of these units, the laminated lithofacies from this mid-shelf location indicates both flood deposition and likely sediment transport in the wave-current bottom-boundary layer. The thick low-density, clay-rich beds in the uppermost unit correlate with historic outburst floods associated with known surge events. Based on previous terrestrial studies, the terminus was at its Holocene Neoglacial maximum extent close to the modern coastline at some point in the middle to late stages of the LIA in southern Alaska (100–350 cal yr BP). During the LIA, preservation of bioturbated intervals is rare while laminated intervals are common. This style of interbedding indicates frequent (
School-based interventions for students with substance abuse

Experimentation with substances is typical for many young people, but unfortunately some will go on to develop substance abuse problems that substantially affect their lives. Successfully intervening with students who use or abuse substances is a challenge for school mental health professionals across the nation. There is a need for evidence-based practices that school professionals can use when working with students who have substance abuse problems. This article provides school professionals in secondary settings with current information on student substance use rates, evidence-based individual and group interventions, and discussion of the 42 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 2 (42 CFR). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nitric oxide increases GLUT4 expression and regulates AMPK signaling in skeletal muscle

Nitric oxide (NO) and 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are involved in glucose transport and mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. Here, we examined whether NO regulates the expression...
Lipolysis: more than just a lipase

Successful adaptation to starvation in mammals depends heavily on the regulated mobilization of fatty acids from triacylglycerols stored in adipose tissue. Although it has long been recognized that cyclic AMP represents the critical second messenger and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL)**Abbreviations used in this paper: ADRP, adipocyte differentiation-related protein; HSL, hormone-sensitive lipase; PKA, protein kinase A; TAG, triacylglycerol. the rate-determining enzyme for lipolysis, simple activation of the enzyme has failed to account for the robust augmentation of fatty release in response to physiological agonists. In this issue, Sztalryd et al. (2003) provide convincing support to the notion that the subcellular compartmentalization of lipase also regulates lipolysis, and, more importantly, that proteins other than HSL are localized to the lipid droplet and are indispensable for its optimal hydrolysis.
Slug (Mollusca: Agriolimacidae, Arionidae) Ecology and Management in No-Till Field Crops, With an Emphasis on the mid-Atlantic Region

As acreage of row crops managed with conservation tillage increases, more growers are encountering slugs, elevating their importance as crop pests. Slugs can eat virtually all crops and they inflict most of their damage during crop establishment and early growth in the spring and fall. This damage tends to be most severe under cool, wet conditions, which slow crop growth and favor slug activity. These mollusks are particularly troublesome within the Chesapeake Bay watershed where conservation tillage is strongly encouraged to minimize agricultural run-off into waterways that lead to the Bay. Slugs are challenging to control because of the limited number of management tactics that are available. We consider the species of slugs that are commonly found in mid-Atlantic field crop production and discuss their natural history, ecology, and some of the factors limiting their populations. We conclude with cultural, biological, and chemical management options, particularly for corn production, and suggest elements of a potential integrated management program for slugs.
Conformational change of Escherichia coli initiator methionyl-tRNAfMet upon binding to methionyl-tRNA formyl transferase

The specific formylation of initiator methionyl-tRNA (Met-tRNA) by methionyl-tRNA formyltransferase (MTF) is important for the initiation of protein synthesis in Escherichia coli. The determinants for formylation are located in the acceptor stem and in the dihydrouridine (D) stem of the initiator tRNA (tRNA(fMet)). Here, we have used ethylation interference analysis to study the interactions between the Met-tRNA(fMet) and MTF in solution. We have identified three clusters of phosphates in the tRNA that, when ethylated, interfere with binding of MTF. Interference due to ethylation of phosphates in the acceptor stem and in the D stem is most likely due to the close proximity of the protein as seen in the crystal structure of the MTF.fMet-tRNA(fMet) complex. The third cluster of phosphates, whose ethylation interferes with binding of MTF, is dispersed along the anticodon stem, which is distal to the sites of tRNA protein contacts. Interestingly, these latter positions correspond to sites of increased cleavages by RNase V1 in RNA footprinting experiments. Together, these results suggest that in addition to the protein, which binds to the substrate tRNA in an induced fit mechanism, the tRNA also undergoes induced structural changes during its binding to MTF.
Tree coding of image sub-bands

It is proved that optimal coding of image subbands achieves the ultimate rate-distortion performance for Gaussian sources with squared-error distortion. Optimal performance is achieved only asymptotically with infinite-size source sequences. The approach of the rate-distortion function of finite-size sequences to its limit is investigated and a bound is derived that shows a potentially closer approach for coding subbands that for the full band. A suboptimal realization of an optimal tree coding method is used to encode both the full-band image and its subbands at 1.0 bit per pixel. The subband tree-coded image is more than 2 dB better in SNR and its overall performance is nearly comparable to that of the best schemes known to date. >
Changes in movement characteristics of the spastic upper extremity after botulinum toxin injection

Abstract Hurvitz EA, Conti GE, Brown SH. Changes in movement characteristics of the spastic upper extremity after botulinum toxin injection. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:444-54. Objective: To examine the longitudinal effects of botulinum toxin injection on movement characteristics of the spastic upper extremity in children by using motor control testing (MCT) techniques and standard clinical measures. Design: Open-label clinical trial. Setting: Motor control laboratory at an academic medical center. Participants: A convenience sample of 9 subjects (5 boys, 4 girls; age range, 7[ndash ]16y) with cerebral injury (stroke or cerebral palsy) and asymmetric upper-extremity function because of spasticity. Eight subjects had right-sided involvement. Interventions: Botulinum toxin injection to the involved upper extremity, involving elbow, wrist, and finger flexors, depending on clinical presentation. Main Outcome Measures: Clinical measures included range of motion (ROM), the Ashworth Scale, FIM[trade ] instrument, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, portions of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, and the Purdue pegboard. MCT consisted of visually guided reaching, bilateral finger-to-nose movements, hand tapping, and isometric pinch force tasks. Kinematic assessments were made before and at 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks after botulinum toxin injection. Results: All subjects had increased ROM and decreased Ashworth values throughout the testing period. In motor control tasks, improvement typically occurred earlier in the least complex movements, such as hand tapping, with 6 of 9 subjects showing a maximum, although transient, unilateral tapping speed by 6 weeks. A similar time course was observed for pinch force tasks. Improvement in more complex, forward-reaching tasks occurred much later (week 12 or later) or did not occur at all. As with the hand tasks, improved reach performance declined toward the end of the testing period. All subject showed minimal or no improvement in bilateral finger-to-nose movements. Neither maximum changes in ROM or Ashworth values correlated with improvements in functional elbow extension during sit and reach tasks, with 3 subjects with normal active ROM showing late onset or no change in reach. Conclusions: Although botulinum toxin reduced tone and increased ROM of the spastic upper extremity, the time course and degree of motor improvement appears to depend on the complexity of the task. Future research should focus on the value of adjunct therapy, such as task-specific training, in addition to botulinum toxin treatments to facilitate functional improvement of the spastic upper extremity. [copy ] 2003 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Future Policy Directions for Congress in Ensuring Equality of Opportunity: Toward Improved Incentives, Targeting, and Enforcement

Congress's role in defining and promoting equality of educational opportunity has evolved over the past 55 years since Brown v. Board of Education. Most recently, all three branches of the federal government have focused more on equality of educational opportunity for individual students rather than for protected classes. In this article, the authors combine two different frameworks to assess Congress's evolving role in ensuring equality of educational opportunity for all students—particularly given the new political and economic realities facing the nation. The first is federalism; the second is policy instruments for advancing varied goals in education, which the authors use to examine specific policy domains where Congress might increase its impact on equality of educational opportunity. These domains are concerned with “incentivizing equity” through competitive grants designed to reduce racial and socioeconomic inequality, improving existing categorical grant programs to make them more targeted and ef...
Effects of meal size, clutch, and metabolism on the energy efficiencies of juvenile Burmese pythons, Python molurus.

We explored meal size and clutch (i.e., genetic) effects on the relative proportion of ingested energy that is absorbed by the gut (apparent digestive efficiency), becomes available for metabolism and growth (apparent assimilation efficiency), and is used for growth (production efficiency) for juvenile Burmese pythons (Python molurus). Sibling pythons were fed rodent meals equaling 15%, 25%, and 35% of their body mass and individuals from five different clutches were fed rodent meals equaling 25% of their body mass. For each of 11–12 consecutive feeding trials, python body mass was recorded and feces and urate of each snake was collected, dried, and weighed. Energy contents of meals (mice and rats), feces, urate, and pythons were determined using bomb calorimetry. For siblings fed three different meal sizes, growth rate increased with larger meals, but there was no significant variation among the meal sizes for any of the calculated energy efficiencies. Among the three meal sizes, apparent digestive efficiency, apparent assimilation efficiency, and production efficiency averaged 91.0%, 84.7%, and 40.7%, respectively. In contrast, each of these energy efficiencies varied significantly among the five different clutches. Among these clutches production efficiency was negatively correlated with standard metabolic rate (SMR). Clutches containing individuals with low SMR were therefore able to allocate more of ingested energy into growth.
Distribution and Evolution of von Willebrand/Integrin A Domains: Widely Dispersed Domains with Roles in Cell Adhesion and Elsewhere

The von Willebrand A (VWA) domain is a well-studied domain involved in cell adhesion, in extracellular matrix proteins, and in integrin receptors. A number of human diseases arise from mutations in...
Semi-supervised context-aware matrix factorization: using contexts in a way of "latent" factors

Context-aware recommender systems (CARS) additionally take contexts into consideration and try to adapt users' preferences according to their contextual situations. In the traditional recommender systems (RS), latent factor models, such as matrix factorization and latent dirichlet allocation, have demonstrated their efficiencies. Apparently, contexts could be those possible latent factors -- they are "latent" ones if we have no pre-knowledge of them, but currently we have explicit contextual information at hand, why not treat and use them in a similar way as the latent factors? Most research in CARS seeks ways to incorporate contexts in the recommendation process, but none of them continue to use the contexts in a way of "latent" factors. In this work, the research ideas, relevant challenges and expected outcomes about using contexts in a way of "latent" factors are introduced and discussed as one novel research direction in the CARS domain, and a semi-supervised context-aware matrix factorization approach is proposed as a result.
Reliability issues on the high speed DRAM flip-chip package using gold stud bump, lead free solder, and underfill

In this study, flip-chip packaging method was using gold stud bump on chip side and SnAgCu, lead free solder pad on organic substrate. Also capillary underfill enhanced the mechanical properties of gold-solder bump joint. This method was set up to the mass production of the high speed DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) flip-chip package. This kind of gold stud flip-chip package has some weak points on mass production and package reliability. To discover the weak point on mass production and reliability of package, the microstructure of the flip-chip gold-stud and solder bump joints were studied. Gold-tin intermetallics were formed on whole bump joint body after flip-chip packaged as many researchers reported. The delta, epsiv, and eta-gold-tin intermetallic compounds formed sequentially from the gold stud bump. Reflow, high temperature and high humidity (85degC/85%), and pressure cooker test (PCT) method were used to study the reliability of this gold stud and solder flip-chip package. From this reliability test, the coverage of solder to the gold bump was very important point of the reliability issue. In flip-chip bonding process, the variations of bonding parameter affected the length of the gold stud and solder joint. In case of the solder covered the whole gold bump body, this package was failed perfectly in PCT test. From the warpage data of the package after reliability tested and through the stress analysis, the gold-solder intermetallic and humidity made the crack initiator in the root area of gold stud bump. Thermal simulation was performed to prevent this solder coverage over the whole body of gold stud bumps. Also, combinations of underfill and solder resist material on the substrate affected the PCT test results. We chosen 3 types of underfill from A company and 4 types of solder resist material from B company. 2 mm by 2 mm silicon nitride test coupon attached with various underfill on substrate processed with various solder resist material. Those test vehicles were tested with shear test after 240 hrs PCT. Underfill and solder resist material had a common base polymer, epoxy but test results showed different results from different combinations. Substrate makers chosen solder resist materials which had good development characteristics in their patterning process because the flip-chip package had very complicated input/outputs on it's surface. But it is very important to consider the compatibilities of processing and reliability aspects between underfill and solder resist.
Accessibility and Residential Land Values: Some Tests with New Measures

Accessibility is a fundamental concept in theories of metropolitan spatial structure. Urban economic models explain urban structure as a function of access to jobs; accessibility is capitalised into land values, which in turn explain the population distribution. Studies of residential land values show that many factors contribute to the value of a given location: the characteristics of the housing unit, its location with respect to social and environmental amenities, as well as access to jobs, services and other economic opportunities. Empirical studies typically use job access as a proxy for more generalised access to economic activities. However, jobs represent many different activities, from retail shopping to heavy manufacturing, and the value of access to these activities may be positive or negative. In this paper, accessibility measures based on industry sectors have been developed, allowing the separating out of possible different effects. Their impacts are tested on residential land values using data from the Los Angeles region. A multilevel modelling approach is used in order to control for neighbourhood-level attributes common to multiple properties. It is found that the various access measures have different and significant effects on land values, but attributes of the dwelling unit, together with access to the coast, explain most of the variation. The multilevel model is confirmed; there is significant correlation among properties within the same neighbourhood.
Polymerization of aromatic nuclei. XXII. Structure of the oligomer product from thiophene and trifluoroacetic acid: A reinvestigation

A reinvestigation was made of thiophene polymerization by trifluoroacetic acid with the aim of elucidating the structure of the oligomer product. Comparison of spectral and molecular weight data was made with corresponding data for thiophene polymer generated by means of aluminum chloride and for trimer prepared from thiophene–phosphoric acid. We conclude that the solid product from thiophene–trifluoroacetic acid is best represented by the following structure: In addition, the major product is the known liquid trimer: Our designation is in disagreement with that of Wassermann et al., who proposed a structure having aliphatic unsaturation.
Composition of the Helminth Community of a Montane Population of the Side-Blotched Lizard, Uta Stansburiana (Phrynosomatidae) from Los Angeles County, California

Abstract Six hundred sixty-three Uta stansburiana from the San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles County, California collected at monthly intervals from February 1974 to January 1975 were examined for helminths. One species of cestode, Oochoristica macallisteri, two species of nematodes, Physaloptera retusa (larvae) and Spauligodon giganticus and one species of an oligacanthorhynchid acanthocephalan (cystacanths) were found. Spauligodon giganticus had the highest prevalence (23%) and greatest mean abundance (1.0 ± 3.7 sd). It was present in 11 of the 12 mo studied. This is the first report of an oligacanthorhynchid acanthocephalan for U. stansburiana. Infection prevalences and mean intensities appear to be determined by a lizard's position within the habitat and its behavior patterns.
How Effective Is Drug Treatment Of Hypercholesterolemia? A Guided Tour Of The Major Clinical Trials For The Primary Care Physician

Background: Drug treatment of hypercholesterolemia remains controversial. Central to the debate are the results of the major placebo-controlled clinical trials of pharmacologic treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Methods: Conventions and principles of clinical epidemiology are used to review the four major clinical trials of drug treatment of hypercholesterolemia. The review translates the results of these large, epidemiologically oriented experiments into terms that are applicable to managing patients at the individual level. Results: Clofibrate is an ineffective treatment. Primary prevention with gemfibrizol or cholestyramine requires treating approximately 50 middle-aged men for 10 years to avert one adverse outcome. Secondary prevention with niacin for men with a prior myocardial infarction requires treatment of 10 to 15 patients for 10 years to prevent one adverse outoome. Conclusions: While drug treatment of hypercholesterolemia in middle-aged men can prevent death and morbidity, the magnitude of the effectiveness is modest. Because a critical factor influencing the magnitude of benefit is the underlying risk of adverse events in the population under treatment, physicians should target interventions to populations that may benefit the most. In populations for whom the magnitude of effectiveness is likely to be modest, physicians should exercise clinical judgment when deciding what degree of benefit justifies treatment in individual cases.
A 14-Year-Old Male With Abdominal Pain

1. Recurrent low-grade fever, epigastric abdominal pain, a 10-pound weight loss, moderate abdominal tenderness concentrated in the epigastric region; leukocytosis with a marked left shift, positive Gram stain and bacterial culture for a catalase negative/Voges-Proskauer-positive organism that did not hydrolyze esculin or arginine or produce acid from inulin, sorbitol, or mannitol that was identified as belonging to the Streptococcus milleri group of bacterial organisms (Table 1). Patient 14-year-old male.
Gendered role communication in marketing blue-collar occupational gear and clothing in the United States

Considering the need for gender equity in the workforce, this research explores social construction of gender; how that construction relates to work; and, subsequently, how gender construction influences the design and marketing of work clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for women working in blue-collar occupations. To explore the phenomenon, a content analysis of products and advertising images in seven websites selling blue-collar work clothes and PPE was used. Collected data suggests work clothing and PPE designed for women is limited in terms of size, design, and number of products available. It was also found that there exists a cultural discomfort with portraying women as competent blue-collar professionals in the advertisement of work clothing. The research provides a discussion of guiding ideas for improvement in the design and marketing of products for women workers in blue-collar occupations. Findings suggest design and marketing images could be improved to better reflect and appeal to women purchasing and using these products.
Abstract 67: Fractalkine is Increased in Cardiomyocyte-Specific EP4 Knockout Hearts and Decreases Cardiomyocyte Contractility

Introduction: Our laboratory has reported that approximately half of aged male mice with cardiomyocyte-selective knockout of the prostaglandin E2 EP4 receptor sub-type (EP4 KO) exhibit reduced cardiac function. Gene array on left ventricles (LV) of such mice showed elevated expression of fractalkine, a novel chemokine that is implicated in human heart failure, when compared with age-matched controls. Hypothesis: We therefore hypothesized that fractalkine protein is increased in EP4 KO hearts and contributes to depressed contractility. Methods: To test this hypothesis, echocardiography was performed on 28 week old male EP4 KO and wild type controls (WT), and fractalkine was measured in LV by ELISA. Additionally, the effect of fractalkine on single myocyte contractility and intracellular calcium was determined using the IonOptix myocyte contractility system. Myocytes (AVM) from male 16-20 week old C57Bl/6 mice were loaded with 1 μM Fura-2 AM and the response to 5 ng/ml fractalkine measured under basal conditions and after stimulation with 0.1 μM isoproterenol (Iso) with pacing at 3 Hz. Results: LV fractalkine was greater in EP4 KO than WT controls (0.34 vs 0.23 ng/mg protein, n=4, p Conclusion: Our results suggest that fractalkine directly depresses myocyte contractility by mechanisms that are downstream of changes in intracellular calcium. Furthermore, these effects may contribute to the impaired contractility observed in EP4 KO mouse hearts.
Extramedullary Hematopoiesis in the Endometrium: Report of Four Cases and Review of the Literature

Extramedullary hematopoiesis is extremely rare in the absence of any hematologic disorder or systemic disease, and there have been no reports of this condition in the endometrium. The authors describe the cases of four patients who complained of irregular uterine bleeding, lower abdominal pain, or both. Microscopic examination of the curetted endometria showed chronic inflammation in two patients, chronic inflammation and leiomyomas in one patient, and a well-differentiated adenosquamous adenocarcinoma with adenomyosis and leiomyomas in one patient. Light-microscopic examination of curetted sections from all four patients revealed isolated foci of extramedullary hematopoiesis composed of one or more lineages of blood cell precursors. Sufficient tissue was available from two patients to confirm hematopoietic differentiation through immunohistologic analysis, using antibodies to von Willebrand factor, ABH blood group antigens, CD34, and CD15.
Where Is It and Where Is It Going? A Comprehensive Look at GPS Asset Location Systems, Part 2

In the previous article we covered what asset location systems (ALS) are and the features and benefits they offer. In this article we explore the various features to be considered when acquiring an ALS and steps to be taken. We discuss what users are saying they want in an ALS, including the results of a survey of vehicle tracking system users and providers.
Plasma levels of vitamin K and the risk of ischemic heart disease: a Mendelian randomization study

UNLABELLED Essentials Vitamin K plays a role in coagulation, and deficiency may promote coronary artery calcification. The role of vitamin K1 in heart disease was assessed using Mendelian randomization in Caucasians. Genetically higher vitamin K1 was associated with a higher risk of ischemic heart disease. Further research elucidating the role of vitamin K1 in ischemic heart disease could be useful. SUMMARY Background Vitamin K1 is a nutrient in green leafy vegetables; deficiency may promote coronary artery calcification. Warfarin, an anticoagulant used in secondary prevention of thrombotic events, is a vitamin K antagonist. Thrombotic and coronary events may share risk factors. Objectives To clarify the role of vitamin K1 in ischemic heart disease, the risk of coronary artery disease/myocardial infarction (CAD/MI) was assessed according to genetically determined vitamin K1 levels. Given vitamin K1 is fat soluble, associations with lipids were similarly assessed to assess pleotropic effects via lipids. Methods Separate sample instrumental variable analysis with genetic instruments (Mendelian randomization) was used to obtain an unconfounded estimate of the association of vitamin K1 (based on rs2108622 [CYP4F2], rs4645543 [KCNK9] and rs2192574 [CTNNA2] from a genome-wide association study) with CAD/MI using CARDIoGRAMplusC4D (cases = 64 374; controls = 130 681) and with lipids using Global Lipids Genetics Consortium Results (n = 196 475). Results Vitamin K1 single nucleotide polymorphisms were positively associated with CAD/MI (odds ratio [OR], 1.17 per unit [nmol L(-1) ] of natural log-transformed genetically predicted vitamin K1 ; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.26), but not with inverse normal transformed low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.0003; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.03), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.02; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.05) or triglycerides (-0.01; 95% CI, -0.04 to 0.02). Considering only rs2108622, which is functionally relevant to vitamin K1 , the association for CAD/MI was stronger (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.08-1.36). Conclusions Vitamin K may cause CAD/MI; whether vitamin K or other determinants of coagulation could be relevant to primary prevention might be worth considering.
Flexible Growth Rates in Nestling White-Fronted Bee-Eaters: A Possible Adaptation to Short-Term Food Shortage

Nestling White-fronted Bee-eaters (Merops bullockoides) in Kenya show an ability to slow their development rate in response to food stress and, more importantly, to recover from stress with resumption of normal development. Successful fledging occurred at ages ranging from 22-42 days. The magnitude of developmental slowing was greatest: (1) among the youngest nestlings in large broods, (2) in seasons of overall low food availability, and (3) in nests provisioned by breeding pairs alone (i.e., nests without helpers). We speculate that this ability to slow growth reduces a nestling's daily energy requirements and thereby increases its likelihood of surviving through short periods of severe food shortage.