cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Barriers to Cancer Screening in Hmong Americans: The Influence of Health Care Accessibility, Culture, and Cancer Literacy

Hmong Americans face high cancer mortality rates even in comparison to their Asian American counterparts, and report low utilization of cancer screenings. To date, no study has been conducted on the cultural barriers this population faces in undergoing cancer screenings. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to examine the existing knowledge regarding the barriers to cancer screening for Hmong Americans. Potential barriers were identified from this examination to include: health access factors (type of health insurance, ethnicity of provider, low English proficiency, and years spent in the U.S.); cultural factors (belief in the spiritual etiology of diseases, patriarchal values, modesty, and mistrust of the western medical system); and cancer literacy factors (cancer and prevention illiteracy). Based on this review, potential cultural and ethnic group-specific prevention strategies and cancer health policies are discussed to address these barriers and enhance screening behavior among the Hmong.
Chromatographic methods of analysis of antibiotics in milk

The widespread use of antibiotics in dairy cattle management may result in the presence of antibiotic residues in milk. While rapid screening tests are commonly used to detect the presence of antibiotics in milk, more accurate chromatographic methods are required by government regulatory agencies to identify and confirm the identity and quantity of antibiotic present. This paper reviews recent developments in the chromatographic determination of antibiotic residues in milk.
Analysis of influencing factors in the model of erroneous action: Computer-based method and algorithms

Methods that use the underlying (influencing, contributing, performance-shaping, etc.) factors in human operator error analysis, in general, inadequately incorporate them into the operator's model of erroneous action. This paper describes the method of error analysis in which the factors of the operator's performance and the underlying factors are considered to be coherent on all stages of the erroneous action: from the perception of a problem to the motivation for solving it, to the implementation of the decision. The method provides a deeper analysis of underlying factors using the proposed frame descriptions for errors with logical, decision-making, and classification algorithms, as well as the results of psychological experiments. In the paper, the special types of classification algorithms that analyze the different stages of the erroneous action with the use of the corresponding influencing factors are demonstrated. These algorithms were applied in aviation for the investigation of pilot and air-traffic controller errors.
Novel Variation-Aware Circuit Design of Scaled LTPS TFT for Ultra low Power, Low-Cost Applications

Recently, the demand for ultra low-power and low-cost digital design has grown significantly due to the fast growth of battery-operated portable applications. Many such applications need circuits to be fabricated on flexible substrate such as polymer, glass etc. Low Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon Thin Film Transistors (LTPS-TFTs) have been a promising candidate to realize digital circuits on such flexible substrates with low manufacturing cost. Typically, TFT device sizes are large with many high defect grain boundary (GB) regions in the channel. Therefore, they usually operate at high supply (10~20 V) to achieve sufficient current drive ability. Device optimization (i.e, scaling of L, Tox etc) can allow us to reduce the supply voltage for low-power and better performance but that would increase the statistical variations induced by randomly located GBs. Due to polycrystalline material properties, this inherent GB variation is much more significant than the other parametric variations (i.e., L, W and Tox variation). To ensure low power dissipation, good performance and robustness, it is imperative to develop techniques which can predict and minimize the effect of such variations in the circuits. In this work, we explore an efficient design methodology to aggressively reduce the device-to-device variation in LTPS-TFT circuits. First, a response surface method (RSM) is used to accurately predict the statistical variation in LTPS-TFT devices. Our simulation results in 200 nm technology node show that due to the intrinsic variation induced by the random position and orientation of grain boundaries (GBs) in the channel, 61% variation (sigma/mu) in Ion can be observed. Under this assumption, we propose a variation-aware circuit design technique based on the multi-finger parallel (MFP) TFT structure. It is shown that by using our proposed MFP TFT structure, one can reduce the variation (sigma/mu) in Ion by 18%~ 30% with 9%~27% overhead in area.
Social alienation in gay youth

Abstract The focus of this article is twofold; first, to review known risk factors for gay youth including: substance abuse, depression, suicide, and HIV risks, secondly, to determine the impact of social support factors; specifically parental, peer and religious support factors for this population. Evidence suggests that gay and lesbian youth are at high risk for isolation and subsequent psychological damage that results from social alienation. Insight into the problems faced by gay youth, along with some helpful intervention strategies for professionals working with a gay adolescent population is discussed.
Neuraminidase sensitivity of Thy-1 active glycoconjugates

Abstract Three forms of Thy-1 active antigens were studied for their relative sensitivity to the enzyme neuraminidase (Nase). Those studied were Thy-1 active shed material, Thy-1 active glycolipids and Thy-1 active glycoprotein. Each expressed either Thy-1.1 or Thy-1.2 allotype according to the mouse strain of origin. Thy-1 activity was assessed by a plaque forming cell (PFC) assay specific for Thy-1 allotypes and by a solid phase non-competitive immunoradiometric assay (IRA) specific for Thy-1.2. Treatment of Thy-1 active complexes shed from either C3H (Thy-1.2) or AKR (Thy-1.1) thymocytes with Nase resulted in the loss of respective Thy-1 antigenicity in both PFC assay and the direct binding IRA. The antigenicity decreased significantly within the first few hours and the loss of Thy-1 activity was complete by 24 hr. Thy-1.1 and 1.2 activity of glycolipids was also destroyed by Nase treatment, and the Thy-1.2 activity of purified Thy-1.2 glycoprotein was also destroyed by Nase treatment as assessed by the PFC assay. An unusual finding was that both Thy-1.1 active shed complexes and Thy-1.1 glycolipid after Nase treatment exhibited Thy-1.2 activity. This conversion was confirmed using two forms of Thy-1.1 for the PFC assay (which relies on the immune response to Thy-1) and for the IRA (which depends only on direct binding of anti-Thy-1.2 to the antigen). The sensitivity of all three forms of antigen was the same regardless of the source of enzyme and three sources of Nase enzymes catalysed the conversion of Thy-1.1 into Thy-1.2 active forms. These results suggest that sialic acid may be necessary but not sufficient for the expression of Thy-1 antigenicity.
An Infrared Imaging Systems for Launch and Re-entry Measurements

An infrared imaging system is described that has multiple target capability to measure infrared radiation and to obtain spatial data on missiles in the launch, boost, and re-entry phases. Unclassified aspects of measurements of launch vehicles made at the Seehorn Site, White Sands Missile Range, are discussed. Major components of the system include an infrared vidicon sensitive about 1.4 and an f/1.2 optical system with a 6-deg. field of view for focusing infrared radiation onto the vidicon sensing surface. The output video is viewed on a television monitor and simultaneously recorded in real time on video tape at normal TV rates. From the video recording, it is possible to obtain an A-scope presentation of any single video line on a per frame basis, and hence the radiant intensity of multiple targets can be quantitatively determined from a single observation.
Cognitive style and the effects of two instructional treatments on the acquisition and transfer of the ability to control variables: A longitudinal study

Long-term retention effects of two methods of instruction used one year earlier to teach field-dependent (FD) and field-independent (FI) sixth-grade students to control variables and to transfer this ability to novel tasks were investigated. The study also examined whether or not uninstructed seventh-grade students had acquired this ability on their own. Results indicated that Treatment I produced better retention over time for both FD and FI students than did Treatment II. Treatment II was more effective for FI students than for FD students. Significant main effects for treatment and cognitive style were found on each controlling variables task when the abilities of instructed and uninstructed seventh-grade students were compared. Field-dependent students who had received Treatment I significantly outperformed FD students who had received Treatment II and FD students who had received no instruction on how to control variables. Field-dependent students who had received Treatment II performed about as well as their counterparts who had received no instruction. Field-independent students who had received Treatment I significantly outperformed FI students who had received Treatment II on two of three measures and FI students who had received no instruction on all measures. Field-independent student who had received Treatment II significantly outperformed FI students who had received no instruction on two of three measures.
Direct optimization of gain scheduled controllers via genetic algorithms

A new approach to designing gain scheduled controllers in which controller performance is directly optimized over the operating envelope of the system is presented. Rather than interpolating between point designs, the basic controller form is selected, and then the controller's parameter schedule is computed to minimize the selected cost functional. The resulting optimization problem is difficult and ill behaved but can be solved using genetic algorithms. The feasibility of the approach and the resulting performance improvements are demonstrated by designing several controllers for the longitudinal dynamics of an F-18 aircraft and comparing the results to a traditionally designed controller.
Member Engagement Is Key to Our Success: A Note From AGU's New President, Carol Finn

Carol Finn has been a member of AGU since 1980. She currently serves as a senior research geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey, and her major research interests include geological interpretation of potential field data, volcano hazards, and tectonics. Finn received her B.A. in geology from Wellesley College, her M.S. in geophysics from the University of Colorado, and her Ph.D. in geophysics from the University of Colorado. She is a member of the Department of Geological Sciences Advisory Board for the University of Colorado and a fellow of the Geological Society of America, and she has written 54 referreed publications—half in AGU journals. Below are a few words from Finn as she starts her new position as AGU president.
Contact angles on surfaces using mean field theory: nanodroplets vs. nanoroughness.

With emerging systems and applications accessing features within the nanoregime, whether due to droplet size or feature size, understanding the wetting behaviours of these materials is an area of ongoing interest. Theoretical studies, providing a fundamental understanding of how contact angle behaviour changes at these length scales, are important to further such work. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the application of lattice density functional theory (LDFT) to a pillared surface to confirm the suitability of LDFT for studying more complex surfaces. Incorporation of the correct level of details for the fluid–wall interaction was found to produce all of the qualitative changes that have been observed in off-lattice theories. Though previous reports have provided apparently conflicting results, the more comprehensive examination of feature sizes provided here demonstrates that those behaviours are consistent with one another. The well-studied failure of macroscopic models that results from non-negligible line tension contributions and small droplets to feature size ratios was demonstrated using LDFT. Furthermore, the failure of macroscopic models resulting upon reduction in feature size, which has been considered less often, is clearly demonstrated. A key assumption of the macroscopic models is the consistent interaction between surface and fluid regardless of the flatness or roughness of the surface. The density functional results presented here show that, for the smallest features, this is not the case and demonstrate that macroscopic models do not predict the correct contact angle for droplets of any size on nanorough surfaces.
The tryptophan hydroxylase gene influences risk for bipolar disorder but not major depressive disorder: results of meta-analyses.

Objective: Tryptophan hydroxylase is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of serotonin, and thus its gene, TPH, has been extensively studied as a risk factor for both bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. The purpose of the present report is to synthesize the available data on these putative associations and derive best estimates of the nature and magnitude of the influence of TPH on risk for mood disorders. Methods: We identified studies that examined the TPH A218C polymorphism in relation to major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder using the PubMed online search engine, ultimately including 10 case-control studies in two meta-analyses. Results: The AA genotype had a significant effect on risk for bipolar disorder in comparison to either the CC or AC genotypes, suggesting that the A allele may increase risk for bipolar disorder in a recessive manner. None of the three genotypes significantly increased risk for major depressive disorder relative to any of the other genotypes. Conclusion: The homozygous recessive genotype of the TPH A218C polymorphism has a significant effect on risk for bipolar disorder but not major depressive disorder. A possible explanation for these results is that the A allele influences mood by permitting or facilitating mania while having no effect on depression. Further replication of these findings in additional large case-control and family-based association is needed before TPH can be designated a risk gene for bipolar disorder.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE REMOVAL OF RADIOSTRONTIUM FROM MILK BY ION-EXCHANGE RESINS

Summary The effect of temperature, flow rate, and direction of flow through columns of cationic ion exchange resins on the removal of radiostrontium from milk was studied, The milk was in vivo labeled with Sr 85 . Milk temperature within the range of 40 to 80F did not affect the amount removed (about 85%) when the milk was acidified to a pH of 5.4. When milk was passed through at normal pH (6.65), about 8% more removal was obtained at 100F than at 40F. No further increase was obtained by heating the milk to 180F. However, less than half of the strontium was removed from nonacidified milk regardless of temperature. The temperature studies were carried out at a flow rate of 0.5 resin bed volume (rbv) per minute. The amount removed from the first 30 rbv decreased from 96 to 71% as the flow rate was increased from 0.125 to 2.00 rbv per minute. Studies comparing the relative effectiveness of downflow and upflow of milk through the columns showed that about 8% more strontium was removed by downflow at a flow rate of 0.25 rbv per minute and 12% more at 1.0 rbv per minute.
Rényi information, loglikelihood and an intrinsic distribution measure

Abstract Renyi information of order λ for a continuous random variable is considered and its connection to the loglikelihood is established. From this relation, an intrinsic loglikelihood-based distribution measure S f is proposed. It is derived from the gradient of the spectrum of Renyi information and it can be represented, in the case of important parametric families, by a single function – the trigamma function. Serving as a measure of the shape of a distribution, S f can be used to compare the tails and shapes of various frequently used densities, whereas the traditional kurtosis measure is not applicable, including many heavy-tailed distributions such as Student's t with any degree of freedom, Cauchy, Cramer, Levy and Pareto distributions. A nonparametric procedure of estimating the measure S f is also developed and its strong consistency is established.
Severe Epstein-Barr virus pulmonary involvement

Two cases of severe Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) pulmonary involvement are described. Both were documented by EBV-specific serology and other causes of respiratory tract infection were excluded by culture and serology. Our first case describes fatal infectious mononucleosis (IM) with severe pneumonia in a patient without a definable immunologic disorder. Previous cases of pulmonary involvement in IM are reviewed.
A riddle wrapped in a mystery: understanding Niemann-Pick disease, type C.

BackgroundNiemann-Pick disease, type C (NPC), is a lipid storage disease that may present at any age from fetal life to the seventh decade. Its protean manifestations include hepatic and pulmonary failure, as well as a range of progressive neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Late onset disease has been inc
Determination of Three-Dimensional Structures of Proteins and Nucleic Acids in Solution by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscop

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has evolved over the last decade into a powerful method for determining three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules in solution. Key advances have been the introduction of two-dimensional experiments, high-field superconducting magnets, and computational procedures for converting the NMR-derived interproton distances and torsion angles into three-dimensional structures. This article outlines the methodology employed, describes the major NMR experiments necessary for the spectral analysis of macromolecules, and discusses the computational approaches employed to date. The present state of the art is illustrated using a variety of examples, and future developments are indicated.
Satisfaction for Whom? Freedom for What? Theology and the Economic Theory of the Consumer

The economic theory of the consumer, which assumes individual satisfaction as its goal and individual freedom to pursue satisfaction as its sine qua non, has become an important ideological element in political economy. Some have argued that the political dimension of economics has evolved into a kind of “secular theology” that legitimates free market capitalism, which has become a kind of “religion” in the United States [Nelson: 1991, Reaching for Heaven on Earth: The Theological Meaning of Economics. (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc, Savage, Maryland); 2001, Economics as Religion: From Samuelson to Chicago and Beyond (The Pennsylvania State University Press, University Park, Pennsylvania); Thurow: 1983, Dangerous Currents: The State of Economics (Random House, New York); Milbank: 1990, Theology and Social Theory, Beyond Secular Reason (Basil Blackwell, Cambridge, Massachusetts)]. Consumer theory in its ideological form provides an important base for this religion and is no longer merely a positive framework for understanding consumer choice or estimating market demand. The paper explores the view of the human being, the “anthropology,” that is implicit in the economic theory of the consumer and compares its “theological” implications with the corresponding theological anthropologies in the Judaeo-Christian tradition. The paper outlines the assumptions of consumer theory and then focuses on three aspects of the theory from a critical theological perspective: the individual in community, property ownership, and human destiny (or “eschatology” in theological terminology). The principal conclusion is that consumer theory, viewed from this perspective, leads to a reductionist and existentially harmful view of human beings. The maximization of individual satisfaction raises genuine ethical issues when viewed as a political and religious value. The paper argues that the issues could be ameliorated if economists would include more explicit treatment of a social dimension and ethical alternatives in consumer theory and if theologians would give greater attention to economic theory.
Study of thermal denaturation of lysozyme and other globular proteins by light‐scattering spectroscopy

The technique of intensity correlation light-scattering spectroscopy has been used to accurately determine the extent of physical swelling of lysozyme, ribonuclease, and chymotrypsinogen produced by thermal denaturation. The change in hydrodynamic radius is deduced from direct measurements of the diffusion coefficient, carried out in the temperature range 20° to 70°C at various values of pH in the range 1.0 to 3.0 at ionic strengths of from 0.01 M to 0.2 M. An average radius increase of 18% is observed for lysozyme and ribonuclease, with an estimate of 26% for chymotrypsinogen. Analysis of the pH dependence of the transition temperature leads to the conclusion that the lysozyme charge increases by approximately +2e during unfolding. We have applied this value of the charge increase along with the 18% average radius increase to estimate the electrostatic contribution to the free-energy change for denaturation of lysozyme. The results are consistent with the experimental observation that the transition temperature is nearly independent of ionic strength.
IgG is bound by antigen-antibody bonds and some IgG and albumin are bound by intermolecular disulfide bonds to cartilage in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

To elucidate the mechanisms for the presence of immunoglobulins and human serum albumin (HSA) in articular cartilage from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA), the recovery of these molecules was determined in several elution steps. These steps included serial elutions with a neutral buffer to extract entrapped molecules, elution with 6 M guanidine hydrochloride to extract molecules bound by noncovalent interactions, and digestion of cartilage with bacterial collagenase to release molecules covalently bound to cartilage matrix proteins. Significantly more IgG than HSA was recovered with 6 M guanidine after serial elutions with neutral buffer from the cartilages of patients with both RA and OA, consistent with the binding of IgG by antigen-antibody bonds. Degradation of cartilage with collagenase released additional IgG and HSA. Analysis of the IgG and HSA, recovered with guanidine or with collagenase, using SDS-PAGE and transfer blotting, indicated for the first time the presence of disulfide bonds between these molecules and cartilage matrix molecules.
Catecholaminergic effects on ventricular repolarization during inhibition of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current in a perfused heart model.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the catecholaminergic effects on the duration of ventricular repolarization during inhibition of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current (I(Kr)). DESIGN: Isolated perfused heart model. SETTING: University research center. ANIMALS: Eighteen male Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs. INTERVENTION: Hearts were excised and perfused in a retrograde manner at a constant aortic pressure of 60 mm Hg and temperature of 37 degrees C. Thirteen hearts were administered sparfloxacin 20 microg/ml (an I(Kr) inhibitor) in a buffered solution; the remaining five hearts were perfused with only the buffered solution to act as controls for potential time-dependent changes in action potential duration (APD). Immediately after the sparfloxacin infusion, six of the 13 hearts were administered a bolus catecholamine infusion of an epinephrine 10 nM-norepinephrine 6 nM admixture; 10 minutes after the start of the first catecholamine infusion, these hearts received another bolus infusion of an epinephrine 5 nM-norepinephrine 3 nM admixture. The other seven hearts were administered only a buffered solution. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hearts were paced (240 beats/min), and left ventricular monophasic action potentials were recorded for determination of APD at 90% and 30% repolarization (APD(90) and APD(30), respectively). The APD(90) and APD(30) increased in all 13 hearts exposed to sparfloxacin. The mean +/- SD APD(90) increase from baseline at 15 minutes was 4.2 +/- 2.5% relative to the five control hearts. In the presence of I(Kr) inhibition, the epinephrine 5 nM-norepinephrine 3 nM and epinephrine 10 nM-norepinephrine 6 nM admixtures altered APD(90), with a mean +/- SD maximum increase in APD(90) of 3.1 +/- 1.2% and 4.5 +/- 3.6%, respectively. This corresponded to a statistically significant increase in APD(90) and APD(30) 2 minutes after the catecholamine infusion in the presence of I(Kr) inhibition. CONCLUSION: A net prolongation of ventricular repolarization was observed after a catecholamine surge in the presence of mild I(Kr) inhibition. This suggests that counteracting mechanisms may contribute to the apparent arrhythmogenic substrate during nonspecific adrenergic receptor activation in the presence of I(Kr) inhibition.
The relationship between individual expectations and behaviors: Mortality expectations and smoking decisions

Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we assess the accuracy of subjective beliefs about mortality and objectively estimated probabilities for individuals in the same sample. Overall, subjective beliefs and objective probabilities are very close. However, there are differences conditional on behaviors, with current smokers being relatively optimistic and never smokers relatively pessimistic in their assessments. In the aggregate, individuals accurately predict longevity, but at the individual level, subjective beliefs provide information in addition to the estimated objective probabilities in predicting actual events, which may arise from the effect of past or anticipated decisions on these beliefs.
Nucleic acid testing: Update and applications

Nucleic acid testing (NAT) holds the promise of closing the window of infectiousness for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the general blood supply. Pioneering work by the source plasma industry with NAT for hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and parvovirus B19 suggests that, in the future, the risk of other viral infections may be reduced using similar technology. The European Commission decree that, by July 1999, all source plasma for fractionation should be NAT nonreactive for HCV at a sensitivity of 100 viral IU/mL, has driven the implementation of NAT in the United States. It is estimated that more than 95% of the US blood supply is currently tested by one of two investigational tests for HCV and HIV, and many institutions restrict the release of red blood cell (RBC) and plasma products prior to the release of NAT results. NAT implementation has been hampered by a lack of fully automated, low-cost technologies; the absence of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and validated clinical tests; and lagging turnaround times. Results from US investigational trials of the Procleix Transcription Mediated Amplification (TMA) HCV/HIV (Chiron Corp, Emeryville, CA) and the COBAS AmpliScreen (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have begun to substantiate their value. While NAT assays will not replace serologic tests, they lay the groundwork for further reducing the already low risk of infection transmission through transfusion of blood components and their factor derivatives.
CKD in MYH9-Related Disorders

MYH9-related disorders are rare causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) presenting as chronic glomerulonephritis and derive from mutations of the MYH9 gene, which encodes for the nonmuscle myosin heavy chain IIA. These disorders are autosomal dominant and include May-Hegglin anomaly and Sebastian, Fechtner, and Epstein syndromes. Diagnosis of these disorders is made first in early childhood because of the characteristic peripheral-blood smear findings of thrombocytopenia, giant platelets, and variably detected basophilic cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in leukocytes. CKD typically develops later in adulthood and may progress to end-stage renal disease. MYH9-related disorders may be associated with deafness and cataract; hence, Alport syndrome becomes important in the differential diagnosis. However, the autosomal dominance pattern of inheritance and characteristic peripheral-blood smear findings in the former help differentiate the two conditions. New evidence suggests that MYH9 gene alterations also are associated with a greater risk of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and hypertensive nephrosclerosis in African Americans. The purpose of this review is to focus on the known, but rarely recognized association of MYH9-related disorders with CKD and highlight the recent discoveries related to the MYH9 gene that may explain the reason for a high CKD burden in African Americans.
Autographa californica Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus DNA Polymerase: Measurements of Processivity and Strand Displacement

The DNA polymerase (DNApol) of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus was purified to homogeneity from recombinant baculovirus-infected cells. DNApol was active in polymerase assays on singly primed M13 template, and full-length replicative form II product was synthesized at equimolar ratios of enzyme to template. The purified recombinant DNApol was shown to be processive by template challenge assay. Furthermore, DNApol was able to incorporate hundreds of nucleotides on an oligo(dT)-primed poly(dA) template with limiting amounts of polymerase. DNApol has moderate strand displacement activity, as it was active on nicked and gapped templates, and displaced a primer in a replication-dependent manner. Addition of saturating amounts of LEF-3, the viral single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB), increased the innate strand displacement ability of DNApol. However, when LEF-3 was added prior to the polymerase, it failed to stimulate DNApol replication on a singly primed M13 template because the helix-destabilizing activity of LEF-3 caused the primer to dissociate from the template. Escherichia coli SSB efficiently substituted for LEF-3 in the replication of a nicked template, suggesting that specific protein-protein interactions were not required for strand displacement in this assay.
Invasibility in a spatiotemporally fluctuating environment is determined by the periodicity of fluctuations and resident turnover rates.

The ability of a species to invade a community is influenced by the traits of the invader, the resident community and the environment. However, qualitative generalizations are possible. Using a model of perennial plants in a spatiotemporally fluctuating environment, we find that fluctuating environments may be more or less invasible than static environments. Invasibility is strongly dependent on the interaction of the difference in turnover rates of resident and invader populations and the rate of temporal change of the environment. If resident population turnover is faster than the invader9s, then invasibility is an initially positive, decreasing function of the period temporal variation, such that invasibility is increased by rapid temporal fluctuations but slightly reduced in slowly fluctuating environments. If resident turnover is slower than the invader9s, then invasibility is an initially negative, increasing function of temporal period, such that invasibility is reduced in rapidly changing environment facilitated by slow temporal fluctuations. These results are explained by the relative abilities of resident and invader populations to successfully respond to environmental variation at different temporal scales.
Current evidence and applications of photodynamic therapy in dermatology

In photodynamic therapy (PDT) a photosensitizer - a molecule that is activated by light - is administered and exposed to a light source. This leads both to destruction of cells targeted by the particular type of photosensitizer, and immunomodulation. Given the ease with which photosensitizers and light can be delivered to the skin, it should come as no surprise that PDT is an increasingly utilized therapeutic in dermatology. PDT is used commonly to treat precancer- ous cells, sun-damaged skin, and acne. It has reportedly also been used to treat other conditions including inflammatory disorders and cutaneous infections. This review discusses the principles behind how PDT is used in dermatology, as well as evidence for current applications of PDT.
The thermodynamics of decohesion

We present a thermodynamic description of decohesion that provides a link between first principles studies of decohesion and cohesive zone models used in continuum simulations of crack growth. The properties of a cohesive zone are described by thermodynamic excess variables extracted from first-principles calculations. Applied to decohesion of fcc aluminum, we find that the excess energy for decohesion along adjacent (1 1 1) planes is well described by the universal binding relation of Rose et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 47 (1981) 675; Phys. Rev. B 28 (1983) 1835]. We also present a first principles model to investigate the effect of impurity atoms on slow decohesion when the impurity chemical potential can remain constant by modifying the impurity concentration in the decohering zone. In studying the effect of hydrogen or oxygen impurities on decohesion of aluminum along a pair of (1 1 1) planes, the model predicts a Van der Waals transition above a critical impurity chemical potential. This transition involves the saturation with impurity atoms of the region between the decohering planes and leads to a dramatically reduced maximum stress for decohesion.
Request Sequencing: Enabling Workflow for Efficient Problem Solving in GridSolve

GridSolve employs a standard RPC-based model for solving computational problems. There are two deficiencies associated with this model when a computational problem essentially forms a workflow consisting of a set of tasks, among which there exist data dependencies. First, intermediate results are passed among tasks going through the client, resulting in additional data transport between the client and the servers, which is pure overhead. Second, since the execution of each individual task is a separate RPC session, it is difficult to exploit the potential parallelism among tasks. This paper presents a request sequencing technique that eliminates those limitations and solves the above problems. The core features of this work include automatic DAG construction and data dependency analysis, direct inter-server data transfer, and the capability of parallel task execution.
Academic achievement despite child maltreatment: A longitudinal study

Abstract Purpose Although researchers have concluded that child maltreatment has a negative effect on children's learning and academic achievement, not all children are negatively affected by maltreatment, and some children seem to succeed academically despite being maltreated. Drawing on risk and resilience theory, we examined a broad range of potential risk, promotive, and protective factors within children and their environments along with characteristics of the maltreatment to account for variability in test scores. Methods A national longitudinal probability sample of 702 maltreated school-aged children, ages 6–10, and their caregivers was used to predict reading and math scores among maltreated children over three years. Results We found that chronic maltreatment, poorer daily living skills, and lower intelligence explained a substantial proportion of the variance in maltreated children's math scores (39%), whereas type of maltreatment, poorer daily living skills and lower intelligence explained a substantial proportion of the variance in reading scores (54%) over time. Contrary to our prediction, having a behavior problem seemed to protect chronically maltreated children from poorer performance in math over time. Conclusions To increase academic achievement among maltreated children, it is imperative that we prevent chronic maltreatment and help children increase their competency on daily living skills.
Experiments on Design Pattern Discovery

Design patterns have been applied in many large software systems to help developers coping with recurring design problems. However, pattern-related information is generally lost in system source code. Discovering design pattern instances from source code can help to understand and analyze the software systems. In this paper, we present several experiments on design pattern discovery using our tool. We also compare the results of our experiments with other approaches and identify the need of benchmarks.
Genomic alterations and phenotype of large compared to small high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ

A clinically distinct subgroup of pure ductal carcinoma in situ presents as an extensive, high-grade lesion, which nevertheless lacks invasion. We sought to evaluate differences between those ductal carcinomas in situ presenting as large versus small lesions while controlling for high-grade, to determine whether there exist phenotypic and genetic differences between the 2 groups. Fifty-two cases of pure high-grade ductal carcinomas in situ were collected retrospectively, consisting of 27 large (>40 mm) and 25 small (<15 mm) cases. The 2 groups were compared based on genomic copy number assessed by array-based comparative genomic hybridization and by phenotype determined by immunohistochemistry for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Ki-67, p53, cyclin D1, p16, cyclooxygenase 2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and CD68. Large lesions presented at a younger age, with lower incidence of comedonecrosis and periductal macrophage response. Larger lesions also had significantly lower estrogen receptor expression, lower cyclin D1 expression, and lower Ki-67 index. The subset of 9 large palpable tumors had significantly lower p16/cyclooxygenase 2 expression and lower Ki-67 index compared to nonpalpable tumors. Genomically, larger lesions had fewer break points, fewer amplifications, and decreased copy number gains involving chromosome 8q and chromosome 20q when compared to the small lesions. Among pure high-grade tumors, small and large groups show specific genomic and phenotypic differences. Interestingly, larger tumors showed some molecular features associated with better prognosis. A more thorough evaluation of these differences could help identify the likelihood of recurrence or progression for in situ lesions.
Chirp Z-driven split-step propagation algorithms for AOA analysis

Parabolic Wave Equation (PWE) algorithms are widely used to model electromagnetic wave propagation in diverse environments. In most applications only the amplitude of received field is of interest, but the computed fields also contain phase information, which can subsequently be used for evaluating the effectiveness of Angle-of-Arrival (AOA) algorithms. In this paper, we use the chirp Z-transform, which does interpolation of complex field values over a course grid generated by FFT, and evaluate its performance on the AOA estimation in a practical setting.
The role of NOTCH1 signaling in T-ALL

The identification of activating mutations in NOTCH1 in over 50% of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALL) has generated major interest in the elucidation of the mechanisms of transformation downstream of oncogenic NOTCH and in the targeting of the NOTCH signaling pathway in this disease. Small molecule γ γ γ γ γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) block NOTCH1 signaling in T-ALL lymphoblasts, yet the clinical development of GSIs has been held back by the development of gastrointestinal toxicity and their weak antileukemic effects against human T-ALL. However, new therapeutic strategies aiming to optimize the use of anti-NOTCH1 therapies for T-ALL, including combination therapies with molecularly targeted drugs and glucocorticoids, have started to emerge as a result of improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms that mediate the effects of GSIs in leukemic cells and the intestinal epithelium. This review focuses on the molecular basis of NOTCH1-induced transformation, the mechanisms of action of oncogenic NOTCH1 and clinical significance of NOTCH1 mutations in T-ALL.
Activation of adenosine A2 alpha receptors inhibits mast cell degranulation and mast cell-dependent vasoconstriction.

Objective: Adenosine and inosine accumulate in tissue during periods of ischemia and both molecules have been shown to degranulate mast cells in the hamster cheek pouch via activation of an A3 receptor. An A2-mediated inhibitory action of adenosine on mast cell degranulation has also been reported (16), and the objective of this research was to investigate the role of adenosine A2 receptors in modulating inosine-induced mast cell degranulation and subsequent vasoconstriction of microvessels. Methods: Cheek pouches of the Golden hamster were prepared for in vivo microscopy. Adenosine, inosine, and other agents were applied either globally in the superfusion solution or to selected regions of the tissue by pipette. Results: Micropipette application of 10−4 M inosine to periarteriolar mast cells caused a vasoconstriction and an associated mast cell degranulation in 71% of the arterioles tested. The average diameter reduction was 29 ± 5%. To establish a modulatory role for the A2 receptor, low doses of adenos...
Role of the sec61 translocon in EGF receptor trafficking to the nucleus and gene expression

The epidermal growth factor (EGF)-dependent trafficking of the intact EGF receptor to the nucleus and its requirement for growth factor induction of cyclin D and other genes has been reported. Unresolved is the mechanism by which this or other transmembrane proteins are excised from a lipid bilayer before nuclear translocalization. We report that, after the addition of EGF, the cell surface EGF receptor is trafficked to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where it associates with Sec61β, a component of the Sec61 translocon, and is retrotranslocated from the ER to the cytoplasm. Abrogation of Sec61β expression prevents EGF-dependent localization of EGF receptors to the nucleus and expression of cyclin D. This indicates that EGF receptors are trafficked from the ER to the nucleus by a novel pathway that involves the Sec61 translocon.
Fraud and the American Dream: Toward an Understanding of Fraud Victimization

ABSTRACT American culture and the practices of government focus an overwhelming majority of attention on violent “street” crime. As a result, very little is known about the victims of fraud. In order to contribute to this literature, a case study is provided that examines the victim population of a Ponzi scheme. Data are provided on the general characteristics of the victims, their investments, and the growth of the scheme. A theoretical model is formulated from Messner and Rosenfeld.'s work in Crime and the American Dream. This paper expands the concepts of this theory by providing evidence that it can be used to explain victim behavior.
Factors influencing the measurement of oxygen shortfall of the human cornea: sequencing of test conditions.

Abstract Purpose The effects of sequencing of test conditions, in this case contact lens thicknesses, on the measurement of the oxygen shortfall of human corneas were studied. Methods Corneal oxygen uptake rates were measured with a Clark-type polarographic electrode on the central, unanesthetized right corneas of 14 human subjects. Measurements were made under the following conditions: (1) the normal open eye; (2) after 5 min of static (without blinking) wear of each of seven rigid gas permeable lenses of seven center thicknesses (0.18, 0.12, 0.16, 0.20, 0.24, 0.28, and 0.32 mm); (3) after 5 min of static wear of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) contact lens. Lens thicknesses were randomly assigned numbers, which were sequenced in seven cycles. Two subjects were assigned to each sequencing cycle, and each subject participated in two identical sessions. Results The interaction of order x thickness was determined to be insignificant (F = 0.99; p = 0.5101). The effect of lens order was also insignificant (F = 0.76; p = 0.6239), indicating that the order of lens placement did not affect the measured corneal oxygen shortfall. Not surprisingly, the analysis indicated a significant effect of lens thickness on corneal oxygen shortfall (F = 3.94; p = 0.0032). Conclusions The sequencing of lenses of various thicknesses on the cornea does not affect the measurement of corneal oxygen shortfall.
The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 are activated during implantation and placentation in sheep

The progression of implantation and placentation in ruminants is complex and is regulated by interplay between sex steroids and local signaling molecules, many of which have immune function. Chemokines and their receptors are pivotal factors in implantation and vascularization of the placenta. Based on known critical roles for chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) during early pregnancy in other species, we hypothesized that CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 would increase in the endometrium and conceptus in response to implantation in ewes. The objectives of the current study were to determine if CXCL12 and CXCR4 were upregulated in: endometrium from pregnant compared to non-pregnant ewes and in, conceptuses, cotyledons, caruncles and intercaruncular tissue. Tissues were collected from sheep on Days 12, 13, 14, and 15 of either the estrous cycle or pregnancy and from pregnant ewes on Days 35 and 50. Blood samples from jugular and uterine vein were also collected on all days. Conceptuses were collected from mature ewes on Days 13, 15, 16, 17, 21 and 30 of gestation. Real time PCR was used to determine relative mRNA concentrations for CXCL12 and CXCR4 and Western blot analysis was employed to confirm protein concentration. Differences described are P < 0.05. In the endometrium, CXCR4 mRNA and protein was greater on Day 15 of pregnancy compared to the estrous cycle. CXCL12 and CXCR4 mRNA in conceptuses was greater on Days 21 and 30 compared to earlier days. CXCL12 mRNA was greater in cotyledons on Day 35 compared to Day 50. On Day 35 of gestation, CXCR4 was greater compared to Day 50 in caruncle and intercaruncular tissue. White blood cells obtained from jugular and uterine vein collection had the greatest mRNA concentration of CXCL12 on Day 35 of pregnancy. A comprehensive analysis of CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression in fetal and maternal tissues during early pregnancy is reported with noteworthy differences occurring during implantation and placentation in sheep. We interpreted these data to mean that the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway is activated during implantation and placentation in sheep and is likely playing a role in the communication between trophoblast cells and the maternal endometrium.
Peroxynitrate and peroxynitrite: A complete basis set investigation of similarities and differences between these NOx species

Peroxynitric acid/peroxynitrate (PNA) rivals peroxynitrous acid/peroxynitrite (PNI) in importance as a reactive oxygen species. These species possess similar two-electron oxidative behavior. On the other hand, stark differences exist in the stability of these molecules as a function of pH and in the presence of CO2, and also in the types of bond homolysis reactions that PNA and PNI may undergo. Using CBS-QB3 theory, we examine these similarities and differences. The activation barriers for two-electron oxidation of NH3, H2S, and H2CCH2 by PNA and PNI are found to be generally similar. The O−O BDE of O2NOOCO2- is predicted to be 26 kcal/mol greater than that of ONOOCO2-. This accounts for the insensitivity of PNA to the presence of CO2. Likewise, the O−O BDE of O2NOOH is predicted to be 19 kcal/mol greater than that of ONOOH, in excellent agreement with experiment. The fundamental principle underlying the large differences in O−O BDEs between PNA and PNI species is that the NO2 that is formed from PNI can ...