cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Esophageal Stricture Formation Post Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Background/aims Stricture formation is a common complication after endoscopic mucosal resection. Predictors of stricture formation have not been well studied. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational, descriptive study by using a prospective endoscopic mucosal resection database in a tertiary referral center. For each patient, we extracted the age, sex, lesion size, use of ablative therapy, and detection of esophageal strictures. The primary outcome was the presence of esophageal stricture at follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between the primary outcome and predictors. Results Of 136 patients, 27% (n=37) had esophageal strictures. Thirty-two percent (n=44) needed endoscopic dilation to relieve dysphagia (median, 2; range, 1 to 8). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the size of the lesion excised is associated with increased odds of having a stricture (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 2.3; p=0.01), when controlling for age, sex, and ablative modalities. Similarly, the number of lesions removed in the index procedure was associated with increased odds of developing a stricture (odds ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 4.2; p=0.007). Conclusions Stricture formation after esophageal endoscopic mucosal resection is common. Risk factors for stricture formation include large mucosal resections and the resection of multiple lesions on the initial procedure.
Hibonite-(Fe), (Fe,Mg)Al12O19, a new alteration mineral from the Allende meteorite

Hibonite-(Fe),(Fe,Mg)Al_(12)O_19, is the Fe^(2+)-dominant analog of hibonite CaAl_(12)O_19, discovered in a highly altered Ca-,Al-rich refractory inclusion from the Allende meteorite. It occurs as scattered micrometer-sized single crystals within an aggregate of hercynite (Fe,Mg)Al_(2)O_4, adjacent to nepheline, ilmenite, ferroan spinel, perovskite, and hibonite. The mean chemical composition determined by electron microprobe analysis of hibonite-(Fe) is Al_(2)O_3 90.05 wt%, FeO 3.60, SiO_2 2.09, MgO 1.61, Na_(2)O 0.55, CaO 0.28, TiO_2 0.04, V_(2)O_3 0.02, sum 98.25, corresponding to an empirical formula of (Fe^(2+)_(0.34)Mg_(0.27)Na_(0.12)Al_(0.11)Ca_(0.03))_(Σ0.87) (Al_(11.77)Si_(0.23))_(Σ12.00)O_(19). Hibonite-(Fe) is hexagonal, P6_(3)/mmc; a = 5.613 A, c = 22.285 A, V = 608.0 A^3 and Z = 2. Its electron backscatter diffraction pattern is a good match to that of the hibonite structure. Hibonite-(Fe) is apparently a secondary alteration product formed by iron-alkali-halogen metasomatism, whereas hibonite is a primary refractory phase.
The RON receptor tyrosine kinase promotes MSP-independent cell spreading and survival in breast epithelial cells

The recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) in the scatter factor family, which includes the c-Met receptor. RON exhibits increased expression in a significant number of human breast cancer tissues as well as in many established breast cancer cell lines. Recent studies have indicated that in addition to ligand-dependent signaling events, RON also promotes signals in the absence of its only known ligand, MSP, when expressed in epithelial cells. In this study, we found that when expressed in MCF-10A breast epithelial cells, RON exhibits both MSP-dependent and MSP-independent signaling, which lead to distinct biological outcomes. In the absence of MSP, RON signaling promotes cell survival, increased cell spreading and enhanced migration in response to other growth factors. However, both RON-mediated proliferation and migration require the addition of MSP in MCF-10A cells. Both MSP-dependent and MSP-independent signaling by RON are mediated in part by Src family kinases. These data suggest that RON has two alternative modes of signaling that can contribute to oncogenic behavior in normal breast epithelial cells.
Russia's Accession to the World Trade Organization

A prominent specialist on the Russian economy presents a timely assessment of Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization. The author discusses the reasons that prompted Russia to seek membership and scrutinizes the major obstacles, such as complexities of the accession process and the country's institutional malaise. An analysis of the effects of possible membership on the Russian economy is followed by a focus on Putin's first term (2000-2003) when he supported entry, and the second (2004-2007) when he lost interest. Also presented are two scenarios projecting reinvigorated pursuit of Russian membership, or abandonment of the goal. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F13, F40, O19. 1 table, 46 references.
Rheumatoid arthritis medications and lactation.

Purpose of review In contrast to the disease remission enjoyed by a majority of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients during pregnancy, the immediate postpartum period is generally characterized by flare. Managing symptoms during this time is challenging because the potential transfer of medication into the breast milk of nursing mothers may limit which antirheumatic drugs can be safely used. The benefits of breastfeeding are significant, however, so an understanding of how to adjust medications to permit lactation and nursing is important for rheumatologists. Recent findings Although nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in general are passed into milk in low doses, shorter acting NSAIDs are preferred, with caution for premature infants. Prednisone can be taken by nursing mothers, although when used at doses higher than 20 mg/day an interval of 4 h after dosing and prior to breastfeeding is recommended. Hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine are compatible with nursing. Cyclosporine is generally allowed in lactating women, although a single infant was reported to develop therapeutic drug levels. Azathioprine (AZA) and tissue necrosis factor-α-inhibitors have little to no transfer into breast milk, with negligible levels measured in infant sera, and thus may be considered for use in lactating mothers. Methotrexate and leflunomide should not be used. Other biological RA medications have not been evaluated, and are, therefore, best avoided by breastfeeding patients. Summary Many but not all RA medications may be used during lactation with low risk to the nursing infant; this review summarizes the available data for commonly used medications in order to help guide therapy during the postpartum period.
Dielectric Studies Deny Existence of Ultraviscous Fragile Water

The glass transition, a relaxation phenomenon, sets the low temperature limit to the liquid state. Glassy water that forms only under extreme quenching conditions is unstable against crystallization. Opinions differ on whether the glass transition can be observed at all. Here we measure the dielectric $\mathrm{tan}﻿\ensuremath{\delta}$ for easily glassforming waterlike aqueous solutions, ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}{\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}{\mathrm{N}}_{2}{\mathrm{H}}_{4}$, to characterize the behavior of such systems during passage through their glass transitions. All show unambiguous ${T}_{g}$ values of 136\char21{}140 K, the value generally assigned to pure water. However, the behavior of ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}/{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ is quite different from that in amorphous water in the same temperature range. Our findings eliminate "ultraviscous fragile liquid" as a possible description of water between 136 K and crystallization, but leave "ultraviscous stong liquid" a possibility to be considered.
Energy Regulation of a 3 Mv Van de Graaff Positive Ion Accelerator by Modulation of the Ion Source Dark Current

As a result of work on a scheme to regulate the energy of the 3 Mv, Van de Graaff injector at this installation, it was found that several disturbing effects were produced upon closing the energy control feedback loop using a beam derived signal for modulation of the corona current. These undesirable effects, which are mainly a result of the long ion transit time and ion dispersion in the high pressure gas, seriously limited the manipulation and the analysis of the regulation problem. To circumvent these difficulties, it was decided to modulate the dark current (D. C. beam current) of the pulsed positive ion source by means of a variable intensity light signal transmitted to a photomultiplier tube in the high voltage terminal through a plexiglass pipe. This approach provided a rational transfer function permitting a more straight forward analysis of loop operation, a higher frequency response and greater reliability of operation all of which resulted in improved energy regulation from about ± 1.5 KV to about ± 500 V. The existing servo loop on the corona current was retained as a back-up element and it continues to handle the major portion of the slow energy regulation.
Assays to Detect and Characterize Synthetic Agents that Inhibit the ErmC Methyltransferase

High throughput chemical file screening with an enzymatic assay to detect inhibitors of the ErmC methyltransferase enzyme from macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB) resistant pathogenic bacteria identified low molecular weight compounds that had IC50S (50% inhibitory concentration) in the nMolar to microMolar range. These same inhibitors were assessed in vitro for their capacity to inhibit the liver enzyme, cathechol-O-methyltransferase and the prokaryotic enzyme, EcoRI methylase. Selective inhibitors of the ErmC methyltransferase were tested in tertiary assays to determine their minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), as single agents and in combination with the macrolide, azithromycin, against strains of pathogenic bacteria expressing MLSB-resistance. Compounds that were active in vitro, alone or in combination with azithromycin, against strains of macrolide-resistant pathogens were tested in a mouse model of infection using an MLSB-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus or a macrolide-susceptible strain of Streptococcus pyogenes.
On Being Lutheran In A Religiously Plural World

: For those of us who are self-consciously Lutheran, the reality of contemporary religious pluralism engenders important theological questions. The thesis of this essay is that “being Lutheran” within the context of contemporary religious pluralism requires the creation of “Lutheran identity” that is pluralistic in structure, while simultaneously avoiding either theological exclusivism or theological inclusivism. The implications of this thesis are that (1) dialogue with the religious traditions of the world is of primary importance for thinking Lutherans, and (2) the church's witness and mission needs to be reconfigured in light of the practice of interreligious dialogue.
Interaction of PACAP with Sonic hedgehog reveals complex regulation of the Hedgehog pathway by PKA

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is essential for proliferation of cerebellar granule cell progenitors (cGCPs) and its aberrant activation causes a cerebellar cancer medulloblastoma. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) inhibits Shh-driven proliferation of cGCPs and acts as tumor suppressor in murine medulloblastoma. We show that PACAP blocks canonical Shh signaling by a mechanism that involves activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and inhibition of the translocation of the Shh-dependent transcription factor Gli2 into the primary cilium. PKA is shown to play an essential role in inhibiting gene transcription in the absence of Shh, but global PKA activity levels are found to be a poor predictor of the degree of Shh pathway activation. We propose that the core Shh pathway regulates a small compartmentalized pool of PKA in the vicinity of primary cilia. GPCRs that affect global PKA activity levels, such as the PACAP receptor, cooperate with the canonical Shh signal to regulate Gli protein phosphorylation by PKA. This interaction serves to fine-tune the transcriptional and physiological function of the Shh pathway.
Practical performance of Bloom filters and parallel free-text searching

Bloom filter technique of hashing finds several applications, such as in efficient maintenance of differential files, space efficient storage of dictionaries, and parallel free-text searching. The performance of hash transformations with reference to the filter error rate is the focus of this article.
Antibiotic resistance of oral anaerobic bacteria and their effect on the management of upper respiratory tract and head and neck infections.

Anaerobes of oral origin are common in chronic upper respiratory tract and other head and neck infections. Anaerobes are the predominant components of the normal human oropharyngeal flora, and are therefore a common cause of bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract that are of endogenous origin. These bacteria can be isolated in chronic otitis media, sinusitis, and tonsillitis, and their complications. Anaerobes also predominate in deep oral and neck infections and abscesses. Their isolation requires appropriate methods of collection, transportation, and cultivation of specimens. In addition to their active pathogenic role in these infections, many anaerobes express an indirect effect through their ability to produce the enzyme beta-lactamase. This enables these organisms to shield non-beta-lactamase-producing bacteria (BLPB) from penicillins. Inadequate therapy against BLPB may lead to clinical failures. Treatment of anaerobic infection is complicated by their slow growth, their polymicrobial nature, and the growing resistance of anaerobic bacteria to antimicrobials. Antimicrobial therapy is often the only form of therapy needed, whereas in other instances it is an important adjunct to a surgical approach. Because anaerobes generally are isolated mixed with aerobic organisms, therapy should provide for adequate coverage of both types of pathogens.
Decreased expression of fibulin-5 correlates with reduced elastin in thoracic aortic dissection

Background. Thoracic aortic aneurysmal diseases are characterized by degeneration of elastin within the aortic wall. Although proteinases, such as matrix metalloproteinase, appear to contribute to elastin degradation, little is known about the role of elastic fiber assembly in such diseases. Fibulin-5 is an extracellular protein that is expressed in the vascular basement membrane and regulates elastic fiber assembly by microfibril machinery. In this study, we examined whether thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is associated with abnormal fibulin-5 expression. Methods. Intraoperative aortic samples were obtained from 21 patients with proximal aortic dissection. Control aortic tissue was obtained from 11 organ donors, heart transplant recipients, and patients undergoing coronary artery bypass. An in vitro culture of vascular smooth muscle cells was obtained from 2 TAD patients and 1 control subject. To evaluate elastin expression, we stained tissue sections with Verhoeff-Van Gieson stain. Fibulin-5 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was determined by quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Results. Aortic fibulin-5 mRNA and elastin content were decreased in TAD patients, compared with controls (P = .001 and P = .02, respectively). Decreased fibulin-5 expression strongly correlated with decreased amounts and fragmentation of elastin in aortic samples from patients with TAD (r = 0.83, P <.0001 and F = 20.7, P <.0001 respectively). The fibulin-5 mRNA in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells collected from TAD demonstrated a 38% decrease in expression, compared with the control. Conclusions. Patients with proximal aortic dissection exhibited significantly decreased expression of aortic fibulin-5. Decreased fibulin-5 may contribute to the pathogenesis of aortic dissection by impairing elastic fiber assembly.
Detonation shock dynamics and comparisons with direct numerical simulation

Comparisons between direct numerical simulation (DNS) of detonation and detonation shock dynamics (DSD) is made. The theory of DSD defines the motion of the detonation shock in terms of the intrinsic geometry of the shock surface, in particular for condensed phase explosives the shock normal velocity, D n , the normal acceleration, [Ddot] n , and the total curvature, κ. In particular, the properties of three intrinsic front evolution laws are studied and compared. These are (i) constant speed detonation (Huygens construction), (ii) curvature-dependent speed propagation (κ relation) and (iii) curvature- and speed-dependent acceleration ([Ddot] n –D n –κ relation). We show that it is possible to measure shock dynamics directly from simulation of the reactive Euler equations and that subsequent numerical solution of the intrinsic partial differential equation for the shock motion (e.g. a [Ddot] n –D n –κ relation) reproduces the computed shock motion with high precision.
Antiperspirants and deodorizers.

Abstract Man has two distinct types of sweat gland, the eccrine gland and the apocrine gland. These glands have different ontogenies (the apocrine gland is derived from the external root sheath of the hair follicle, and the eccrine gland arises from the interfollicular epidermis) and have evolved different functions and distributions. Eccrine glands function primarily in thermoregulation, while apocrine glands function in thermoregulation and odor production. This chapter discusses antiperspirants and deodorizers, preparations designed primarily for use in the axillary vault. Treatment of other forms of hyperhidrosis are not within the scope of this topic.
The post-offering performance of IPOs in the health care industry

This paper investigates the post-offering performance of initial public offerings in the health care industry in a sample of 223 IPOs issued between 1985 and 1996. Statistically insignificant abnormal returns for IPOs relative to matched control firms and risk-adjusted health care index are evident for the whole sample. Thus, our empirical results support the overall information efficiency in the IPO market. However, numerical and statistical differences of the IPOs’ abnormal returns are documented in every subgroup specified according to the issuance years and sectors. We conjecture that such differences are due to the growing threat of government intervention and the significant structural changes.(JEL11, C11)
Decomposition of guided waves into spherical representations and near-field effects on target scattering

We wish to develop a scheme that will enable us to predict the near field that results from the interaction of a submerged object with a guided wave for a general object in a general waveguide. The method will be based on the extended boundary condition (EBC) method (T- matrix) of Waterman and a new normal mode method that allows one to decompose the normal-mode solutions into a spherical representation suitable for operating on the spherical tensors that arise from the T-matrix method. Of particular importance is the fact that the resulting formulation allows one to couple the resulting near-field solution to an outgoing normal-mode series that leads to the general waveguide solution.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Shielding evaluation and acceptance testing of a prefabricated, modular, temporary radiation therapy treatment facility.

Abstract: We have recently commissioned a temporary radiation therapy facility that is novel in two aspects. It was constructed using modular components, and the accelerator was installed in one of the modular sections before it was lifted into position. Additional steel and granular fill was added to the modular sections on site during construction. The building will be disassembled and removed when no longer needed. This paper describes the radiation shielding specifications and survey of the facility and also the ramifications for acceptance testing occasioned by the novel installation procedure. The accelerator is a Varian 21EX operating at 6 and 18 MV. The radiation levels outside the vault satisfied the design criteria, and no anomalous leakage was detected along the joints of the modular structure. At 18 MV and 600 monitor units/minute, the radiation levels outside the primary barrier walls was 8.5 uSv/hr of photons and no detectable neutrons. Outside the direct-shielded door, the levels were 0.4 uSv/hr of photons and 3.0 uSv/hr of neutrons. The isocentricity of the accelerator met the acceptance criteria and was not affected by its pre-installation into an integrated baseframe and subsequent transport to the building site.
Structure, mechanism, and dynamics of UDP-galactopyranose mutase

The flavoenzyme UDP-galactopyranose mutase (UGM) is a key enzyme in galactofuranose biosynthesis. The enzyme catalyzes the 6-to-5 ring contraction of UDP-galactopyranose to UDP-galactofuranose. Galactofuranose is absent in humans yet is an essential component of bacterial and fungal cell walls and a cell surface virulence factor in protozoan parasites. Thus, inhibition of galactofuranose biosynthesis is a valid strategy for developing new antimicrobials. UGM is an excellent target in this effort because the product of the UGM reaction represents the first appearance of galactofuranose in the biosynthetic pathway. The UGM reaction is redox neutral, which is atypical for flavoenzymes, motivating intense examination of the chemical mechanism and structural features that tune the flavin for its unique role in catalysis. These studies show that the flavin functions as nucleophile, forming a flavin-sugar adduct that facilitates galactose-ring opening and contraction. The 3-dimensional fold is novel and conserved among all UGMs, however the larger eukaryotic enzymes have additional secondary structure elements that lead to significant differences in quaternary structure, substrate conformation, and conformational flexibility. Here we present a comprehensive review of UGM three-dimensional structure, provide an update on recent developments in understanding the mechanism of the enzyme, and summarize computational studies of active site flexibility.
Intranasal immunotherapy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: Escherichia coli LT and LT(R192G) as mucosal adjuvants

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia worldwide, yet there is currently no effective treatment or cure. Extracellular deposition of amyloid-beta protein (Abeta) in brain is a key neuropathological characteristic of AD. In 1999, Schenk et al. first reported that an injected Abeta vaccine given to PDAPP mice, an AD mouse model displaying Abeta deposition in brain, led to the lowering of Abeta levels in brain. In 2000, we demonstrated that intranasal (i.n.) immunization with human synthetic Abeta1-40 peptide for 7 months led to a 50-60% reduction in cerebral Abeta burden in PDAPP mice; serum Abeta antibody titers were low (approximately 26 microg/ml). More recently, we have optimized our i.n. Abeta immunization protocol in wild-type (WT) mice. When low doses Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) were given as a mucosal adjuvant with Abeta i.n., there was a dramatic 12-fold increase in Abeta antibody titers in WT B6D2F1 mice treated two times per week for 8 weeks compared to those of mice receiving i.n. Abeta without adjuvant. A non-toxic form of LT, designated LT(R192G), showed even better adjuvanticity; anti-Abeta antibody titers were 16-fold higher than those seen in mice given i.n. Abeta without adjuvant. In both cases, the serum Abeta antibodies recognized epitopes within Abeta1-15 and were of the immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes IgG2b, IgG1, IgG2a and low levels of IgA. This new and improved Abeta vaccine protocol is now being tested in AD mouse models with the expectation that higher Abeta antibody titers may be more effective in reducing cerebral Abeta levels.
Formation of air bubbles at orifices submerged beneath liquids

The results of two investigations are reported. Air bubbles were formed at orifices submerged beneath each of fourteen liquids. The surface tension of the liquids varied from 17.8 to 72.4 dynes/cm., and the viscosities ranged from 0.436 to 713 centipoise. In the first investigation, air bubbles were formed at orifices at various angles of inclihation. Orifice diameters ranging from 0.159 to 0.396 cm. were employed. The air-flow rate was varied from 0.1 to 100 cc. (at standard conditions)/sec. The results were obtained with two different apparatuses by three independent investigators. In the second investigation, the effect of the velocity of a liquid flowing past a horizontal, submerged orifice on the formation of air bubbles was determined. Liquid velocities ranging from 0.34 to 2.5 cm/sec., which spanned the region of laminar flow, were employed. Orifice diameters ranged from 0.15875 to 0.3175 cm., air-flow rates from 0.5 to 100 cc/sec. (at standard conditions). It was found that the bubble formation observed in each of these investigations could be correlated with the physical variables of the system by the application of Newton's second law of motion to the bubble at the instant just prior to its release from the orifice.
Marital status, marital quality, and atherosclerotic burden in postmenopausal women.

UNLABELLED Marriage confers health benefits for men, but the evidence for women is less consistent. Inconsistent findings may be attributed, in part, to the confounding of marital status and marital quality. OBJECTIVES The authors examined whether women in satisfying marriages evidence lesser atherosclerosis relative to women in low-satisfying marriages and relative to unmarried women. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three hundred ninety-three women from the Healthy Women Study participated in this study. Marital status and quality were assessed at baseline when women were premenopausal. Cardiovascular risk factors were also assessed at baseline to determine potential mediators. Markers of atherosclerotic burden--B-Mode ultrasound measures of intima-media thickness and plaque in the carotid arteries and electron beam computed tomography assessments of calcification in the aorta and coronary arteries--were performed, on average, 11 years and 14 years later, respectively. A subset of women underwent a second ultrasound scan approximately 3 years after their first scan. RESULTS Women in satisfying marriages had the least atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries and aorta, especially relative to those in low-satisfying marriages. Women in satisfying marriages also tended to show less rapid progression of carotid atherosclerosis relative to women in low-satisfying marriages. Women who did not have a partner had intermediate levels of atherosclerosis. Risk factors measured at baseline contributed to the differences between the satisfied and low-satisfied groups, but not those between the satisfied and unmarried groups. CONCLUSIONS High-quality marriages may protect against cardiovascular disease for women. Studies concerning marriage and cardiovascular health in women should, therefore, concurrently examine marital quality and marital status.
Protocollagen proline hydroxylase and collagen synthesis in developing eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides.

Abstract 1. 1. Protocollagen proline hydroxylase (PPH) activity in developing eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides first appeared in the late blastula-early gastrula stages, was most active at or near the molting stage and disappeared in infective eggs. PPH activity was closely correlated with the amount of soluble collagen. 2. 2. Little hydroxyproline was present in gelatin extracted from the insoluble proteins of one-celled eggs. It increased forty-hold during development, whereas the gelatin increased only three-fold. 3. 3. The apparent Michaelis constant ( K m a ) of egg PPH was strongly affected by temperature, being minimal at 30°C. That of PPH from adult A. lumbricoides muscle was less strongly affected, with a minimum at 38°C. 4. 4. Oxygen concentrations exceeding 5 vol. per cent inhibited muscle but not egg PPH. Catalase did not relieve the inhibition. 5. 5. Egg and muscle PPH gave electrophoretically distinct peaks on acrylamide gel columns. 6. 6. The protocollagen proline hydroxylases of eggs and muscle seem to be isoenzymes which are adapted to the developmental physiology of A. lumbricoides.
Marked increased risk of Epstein-Barr virus-related complications with the addition of antithymocyte globulin to a nonmyeloablative conditioning prior to unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is increasingly used as an alternative source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation for patients who lack a suitable sibling donor. Despite concerns about a possible increased risk of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) after UCB transplantation, early reports documented rates of PTLD comparable to those reported after HLA-matched unrelated marrow myeloablative (MA) transplantations. To further investigate the incidence of EBV PTLD after UCB transplantation and potential risk factors, we evaluated the incidence of EBV-related complications in 335 patients undergoing UCB transplantation with an MA or nonmyeloablative (NMA) preparative regimen. The incidence of EBV-related complications was a 4.5% overall, 3.3% for MA transplantations, and 7% for NMA transplantations. However, the incidence of EBV-related complications was significantly higher in a subset of patients treated with an NMA preparative regimen that included antithymocyte globulin (ATG) versus those that did not (21% vs 2%; P < .01). Nine of 11 patients who developed EBV PTLD were treated with rituximab (anti-CD20 antibody), with the 5 responders being alive and disease free at a median of 26 months. Use of ATG in recipients of an NMA preparative regimen warrants close monitoring for evidence of EBV reactivation and potentially preemptive therapy with rituximab.
Monoamine oxidase inhibition in brain and liver produced by β-carbolines: structure-activity relationships and substrate specificity

Abstract The ability of a series of β-carboline compounds to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) was studied in homogenates of mouse brain and liver. The in vitro structure-activity study with tryptamine as substrate showed the following to affect the degree of MAO inhibition: methyl group at carbon-1; methoxy or hydroxy group at carbon-6 or 7; ring saturation. In general, there was greater in vitro inhibition of brain MAO than of liver MAO. 6-Methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline produced greater MAO inhibition with serotonin as the substrate than with β-phenylethylamine both in vitro and in vivo , suggesting that it is a relatively selective inhibitor of MAO type A.
First-principles simulations of liquid ZnTe

We report the results of ab initio molecular-dynamic simulations of liquid ZnTe near the melting point temperature. In agreement with experiment, we find that l-ZnTe retains its open tetrahedral environment upon melting with a coordination near four. In addition, we find atoms of Te in l-ZnTe often form transitory chains just as in l-CdTe. We compare our calculated structure factor to experiment and also determine the conductivity of the melt. $l\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Z}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{e}$ has a semiconductorlike conductivity similar to CdTe. We also calculate the dynamic properties of the liquid and predict self-diffusion constants of ${D}_{\mathrm{Zn}}=1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}/\mathrm{s}$ and ${D}_{\mathrm{Te}}=3.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}/\mathrm{s}.$
The Equivalence of Two Methods of Parameter Estimation for the Rasch Model.

Two methods of estimating parameters in the Rasch model are compared. It is shown that estimates for a certain loglinear model for the score × item × response table are equivalent to the unconditional maximum likelihood estimates for the Rasch model.
Love expression in the United States and Germany

Abstract The study had the goal to compare love expression in the United States and Germany. The data offer insight into love expression as a cultural script and symbol of culture change, suggesting competing ways of using the locution “I love you” in the two cultures. Not only is verbal love expression less central in Germany, but for the German, the locution “I love you” is traditionally reserved for private disclosure of a formal love, governed by a communal imperative for feelings of meaningfulness. This is juxtaposed with an American desire for disclosing love in expressive ways and in a broad range of contexts, including nonromantic relationships. Globalization issues, such as the universal (expressive culture) versus the particular (reserved culture), are evoked, and the spreading in Germany of an expressive culture across a variety of settings suggested. Spurred by the use of telecommunication technology and often met with resistance, the tensions arising from these semantic and pragmatic changes in the use of love expression represent one of the interesting aspects of this paper.
Young women and public leisure spaces in contemporary Beijing: recreating (with) gender, tradition, and place

Feminist geographers and leisure scholars have long argued that one critical way to understand gendered norms and expectations is through examining women's access to and experiences of leisure activities. Set in the context of the rapid economic, political, and social changes that have taken place in Beijing over the past half century, this article draws on in-depth interviews and extensive participant observation to explore the role of newly available public leisure spaces in the lives and leisure of young women in Beijing, in particular by examining the way that these spaces provide an opportunity for the negotiation of new gender norms and identities. Through an analysis of the interaction of gender norms and practices with women's use of and behavior in public leisure spaces, we argue that women's behavior in public leisure spaces in contemporary Beijing remains strongly circumscribed by gendered norms. Rather than their presence itself constituting a challenge to gender expectations, in many cases th...
NEW FENESTRATE BRYOZOA OF THE GERSTER LIMESTONE (PERMIAN), MEDICINE RANGE, NORTHEASTERN NEVADA

Abstract Six new species of fenestrate bryozoans, middle to late Wordian, occur in the Gerster Limestone of northeastern Nevada. These bryozoans are similar to lower Kazanian species described from the Russian Platform. The two species of Wjatkella and Polypora from the Gerster Limestone are much more similar to the Russian species than they are to the two species recently described from the allochthonous late Wordian Mission Argillite of northeastern Washington. New species described from the Gerster Limestone are Rectifenestella cordiretiformis, Wjatkella hemiseptifera, Kingopora wardlawi, Kingopora inflata, Polypora keyserlingiformis, and Polyporella helgersoni. The presence of only six species of fenestrate bryozoans in nearly 260 m of limestone and siltstone is notable.
A Vision of Mandulis Aion

The Roman garrison town of Talmis, now called Kalabsha, lies in Nubia a little South of the Lesser Cataracts of the Nile and was the seat of a god called Merul or Melul, a name hellenized as Mandulis. He was worshipped elsewhere in this region, as for instance in a temple of his own at Ajuala and in the temple of Petesi and Pihor at Dendur, and again further North at Philae, where a figure of him was in A.D. 394 sculptured on the North wall of the ‘Hadrian passage,’ but he is at Dendur described as ‘great god, lord of Talmis,’ and Talmis was certainly the center of his cult. The first religious edifice known there was built by Amenophis IV, but Professor Griffith informs me that there is no likelihood that Mandulis was worshipped in it, his name being unknown in Pharaonic Egypt and apparently non-Egyptian.
Breakdown of kT-factorization and J/Psi production in dA collisions

Abstract In spite of the sweeping coherence effects in high energy hadron and nuclei collisions, k T -factorization can be recovered for the inclusive gluon production in pA collisions at the leading logarithmic order. In open charm production at RHIC k T -factorization holds numerically with about 10–20% accuracy. This allows to extrapolate the cold nuclear matter effect observed in light and charm meson production in dA collisions to that in AA ones. Unlike the open charm, the breakdown of factorization in J / ψ production is severe. Indeed, already at the lowest order in gluon density the main contribution to the inclusive cross section is proportional to the square of gluon density in the nucleus. As a consequence, one cannot infer the cold nuclear matter effect on J / ψ production in AA collisions from that in dA . We present the calculation of J / ψ multiplicity in the framework of the CGC (color glass condensate)/saturation and show that it agrees with the experimental data.
Spatiotemporal inpainting for recovering texture maps of partially occluded building facades

We present a technique for constructing a "clean" texture map of a partially occluded building facade from a series of images taken from a moving camera. Building regions blocked by trees, signs, people, and other foreground objects in a minority of views can be recovered via temporal median filtering on a registered image mosaic of the planar facade. However, when such areas are occluded in the majority of camera views, appearance information from other visible portions of the facade provides a critical cue to correctly complete the mosaic. In this paper we apply a robust measure of spread to infer whether a particular mosaic pixel is occluded in a majority of views, and introduce a novel spatiotemporal timeline-based inpainting algorithm that uses an additional motion cue in order to fill the texture map in majority-occluded regions.
A cyclic hydroxamic acid from 1,3-cyclohexanedione and ω-nitrostyrene

Abstract The condensation of 1,3-cyclohexanedione and ω-nitrostyrene formed the lactam6 from which2 and3 were obtained. Synthesis of 3-phenyl-4.5,6,7-tetrahydroindol-4-one by another method confirmed the structure assigned to3.
The Acquisition of French by PRÉVOST, PHILIPPE

The article reviews the book "The Acquisition of French" by Philippe Prevost, volume 51 in the Language Acquisition and Language Disorders book series.
On sharp performance bounds for robust sparse signal recoveries

It is well known in compressive sensing that l 1 minimization can recover the sparsest solution for a large class of underdetermined systems of linear equations, provided the signal is sufficiently sparse. In this paper, we compute sharp performance bounds for several different notions of robustness in sparse signal recovery via l 1 minimization. In particular, we determine necessary and sufficient conditions for the measurement matrix A under which l 1 minimization guarantees the robustness of sparse signal recovery in the “weak”, “sectional” and “strong” senses (e.g., robustness for “almost all” approximately sparse signals, or instead for “all” approximately sparse signals). Based on these characterizations, we are able to compute sharp performance bounds on the tradeoff between signal sparsity and signal recovery robustness in these various senses. Our results are based on a high-dimensional geometrical analysis of the null-space of the measurement matrix A. These results generalize the thresholds results for purely sparse signals [1], [3] and also present generalized insights on l 1 minimization for recovering purely sparse signals from a null-space perspective.
Main group metal halide complexes with sterically hindered thioureas XV. The crystal and molecular structures of two unique monomeric bismuth(III) thiocyanate complexes with 1,3-dimethyl-2(3H)-imidazolethione

Abstract Two new bismuth(III) thiocyanate complexes with a sterically hindered thiourea, 1,3-dimethyl-2(3 H )-imidazolethione (dmit), have been prepared and characterized via X-ray crystallography and IR spectroscopy. One complex, [Bi(S)NCS(dmit) 3 ] · 2H 2 O ( I ), could not be obtained in analytically pure form, but an individual crystal reveals a slightly distorted octahedral structure with one of the water molecules occupying the position trans to the sulfido group. The other complex, [Bi(SCN)(NCS) 2 (dmit) 3 ] ( II ), was also a distorted octahedral with the dmit ligands in a meridional configuration. Two of the thiocyanates are N-bonded and the other is S-bonded. IR spectra show characteristic thiocyanate CN stretches correlating to the bonding mode for both complexes, and neither complex shows strong evidence of a stereoactive lone pair.
Equilibrium polymerization of selenium

Abstract : A theory of the ring-chain equilibrium in liquid selenium is presented, which is mathematically identical to our theory for polymer equilibrium in liquid sulfur. (Author-PL).
Handheld Technology as a Supplemental Tool for Elementary General Music Education.

This article argues that The Eclectic Curriculum in American Music Education warrants consideration within current elementary general music education contexts. One way to consider this foundational...
Correlation by Rb.Sr geochronology of garnet growth histories from different structural levels within the Tauern Window, Eastern Alps

In order to evaluate rates of tectonometamorphic processes, growth rates of garnets from metamorphic rocks of the Tauern Window, Eastern Alps were measured using Rb-Sr isotopes. The garnet growth rates were determined from Rb-Sr isotopic zonation of single garnet crystals and the Rb-Sr isotopic compositions of their associated rock matrices. Garnets were analyzed from the Upper Schieferhulle (USH) and Lower Schieferhulle, (LSH) within the Tauern Window. Two garnets from the USH grew at rates of 0.67 −0.13 +0.19 mm/million years and 0.88 −0.19 +0.34 mm/million years, respectively, indicating an average growth duration of 5.4±1.7 million years. The duration of growth coupled with the amount of rotation recorded by inclusion trails in the USH garnets yields an average shear-strain rate during garnet growth of 2.7 −0.7 +1.2 ×10-14 s-1. Garnet growth in the sample from the USH occurred between 35.4±0.6 and 30±0.8 Ma. The garnet from the LSH grew at a rate of 0.23±0.015 mm/million years between 62±1.5 Ma and 30.2±1.5 Ma. Contemporaneous cessation of garnet growth in both units at ∼30 Ma is in accord with previous dating of the thermal peak of metamorphism in the Tauern Window. Correlation with previously published pressure-temperature paths for garnets from the USH and LSH yields approximate rates of burial, exhumation and heating during garnet growth. Assuming that theseP — T paths are applicable to the garnets in this study, the contemporaneous exhumation rates recorded by garnet in the USH and LSH were approximately 4 −2 +3 mm/year and 2±1 mm/year, respectively.
Potential therapeutic role of resistance training in diabetes: A contribution by the 2009 recipient of the APS New Investigator Award

as initiated by my predecessor, Dr. Amira Klip, we will, on occasion, highlight original research and review articles authored by recipients of awards offered by the American Physiological Society (APS), in particular, the Endocrinology & Metabolism Section of the APS. While this journal is not a
The Roles of Negative Affect and Coping Motives in the Relationship Between Alcohol Use and Alcohol-Related Problems Among College Students

Objective: Although studies have consistently indicated that among college students alcohol use and the likelihood of experiencing alcohol-related problems are related, it is possible that additional factors strengthen the magnitude of this relationship. The purpose of the present study was to assess the moderating effect of two such factors: negative affect and coping drinking motives. Method: Data were collected on 316 college students at a midsized, public university in the upper Midwest who reported using alcohol. Results: Findings indicated that both negative affect and coping drinking motives moderated the alcohol use–alcohol problems relationship. The three-way interaction indicated that the strongest relationship between alcohol use and alcohol-related problems existed for individuals high in both negative affect and coping drinking motives. Conclusions: This study suggests that college students high in negative affect and coping drinking motives are particularly at risk for experiencing problems ...
Peroxidase-catalysed oxidation of chlorophyll by hydrogen peroxide

Abstract Chlorophyll is effectively bleached by H 2 O 2 in the presence of certain phenols and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) extracted from acetone powders of orange flavedo ( Citrus sinensis ). Optimal conditions for chlorophyll: hydrogen peroxide oxidoreductase include: pH, 5.9; [H 2 O 2 ] 222 μM; ionic strength 0.11. A phenol is required and resorcinol is the most effective. Catechol and hydroquinone are inhibitory. Chlorophyll a , chlorophyllide a , and chlorophyll b all have similar V max but K m for chlorophyll a is about one-third that of chlorophyll b , while the K m for chlorophyllide a is about one-half that of chlorophyll a . Pheophytin a was much less reactive than chlorophyll a , and Mg 2+ included in the reaction system did not affect rates of pheophytin destruction.
A 5-bit, 18 GS/sec SiGe HBT track-and-hold amplifier

An ultra-high-speed track-and-hold amplifier (THA) using a switched-emitter-follower (SEF) configuration is presented. Implemented in a commercially-available 0.18 /spl mu/m 120 GHz SiGe HBT BiCMOS technology, the THA core occupies a compact area of only 120 /spl times/ 200 /spl mu/m/sup 2/. The THA can operate at a sampling rate of 18 GS/sec with a total harmonic distortion (THD) of -32.3 dBc, and dissipates 128 mW, significantly smaller than other THAs in the literature operating at similar sampling rates.
The Price Effect of Option Introductions: 1973-1992

I examine the effect of option listings on underlying stock prices during 1973 - 1992. In accordance with previous studies, I find that option listings increase stock prices between 1973 and 1980. While some authors attribute this price increase to market completion, I show that this increase is only temporary, and is more likely attributed to market manipulation. As a result of new federal regulations introduced at the end of 1980, I find no evidence of stock price manipulation for options listed between 1981 and 1992. Surprisingly however, during this later period the price effect of option introductions does not merely vanish, but becomes negative, and remains persistent over the 200 trading days following option listings. A longer term negative effect is documented even for options listed prior to 1980, suggesting that the real price effect of option introductions is negative throughout the entire sample period.
Water uptake patterns of an invasive exotic plant in coastal saline habitats

Abstract Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Schinus) is one of the most widely found woody exotic species in South Florida. This exotic is distributed across environments with different hydrologic regimes, from upland pine forests to the edges of sawgrass marshes and into saline mangrove forests. To determine if this invasive exotic had different physiological attributes compared to native species in a coastal habitat, we measured predawn xylem water potentials (Ψ), oxygen stable isotope signatures (δ18O), and sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) contents of sap water from plants within: (1) a transition zone (between a mangrove forest and upland pineland) and (2) an upland pineland in Southwest Florida. Under dynamic salinity and hydrologic conditions, Ψ of Schinus appeared less subject to fluctuations caused by seasonality when compared with native species. Although stem water δ18O values could not be used to distinguish the depth of Schinus and native species' water uptake in the transition zone, Ψ and sap Na+...