cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vestured Pits in Wood of Onagraceae: Correlations with Ecology, Habit, and Phylogeny

All Onagraceae for which data are available have vestured pits on vessel-to-vessel pit pairs. Vestures may also be present in some species on the vessel side of vessel-to-ray pit pairs. Herbaceous Onagraceae do not have fewer vestures, although woods with lower density (Circaea L. and Oenothera L.) have fewer vestures. Some Onagraceae from drier areas tend to have smaller vessel pits, and on that account may have fewer vestures (Epilobium L. and Megacorax S. Gonzalez & W. L. Wagner). Pit apertures as seen on the lumen side of vessel walls are elliptical, occasionally oval, throughout the family. Vestures are predominantly attached to pit aperture margins. As seen from the outer surfaces of vessels, vestures may extend across the pit cavities. Vestures are usually absent or smaller on the distal portions of pit borders (except for Ludwigia L., which grows consistently in wet areas). Distinctive vesture patterns were observed in the several species of Lopezia Cav. and in Xylonagra Donn. Sm. & Rose. Vestures spread onto the lumen-facing vessel walls of Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P. H. Raven. Although the genera are presented here in the sequence of a recent molecular phylogeny of Onagraceae, ecology and growth forms are more important than evolutionary relationships with respect to abundance, degree of grouping, and morphology of vestured pits. Designation of vesture types is not warranted based on the distribution of named types in Onagraceae and descriptive adjectives seem more useful, although more data on vesturing in the family are needed before patterns of diversity and their extent can be fully ascertained. Vestures are less common and may have a more complicated genetic basis than helical thickenings in vessels, but may be a more effective form of water column maintenance.
Characterization of foaming attributes to binder tribology and rheology to better understand the mechanistic behavior of foamed asphalt

In the asphalt foaming process, water is encapsulated inside asphalt binder in the form of numerous small to large size water bubbles. Though larger water bubbles dissipate shortly after foaming, smaller bubbles or micro-bubbles take a longer time to dissipate and hence, a fraction of added foaming water content (FWC) might remain undissipated in the form of micro-bubbles or diffused water. The study speculates that these water bubbles or undissipated water might be related to tribological and rheological characteristics, rather than binder viscosity only. As such the study characterizes FWC and associated foaming attributes to tribological, and rheological characteristics to better understand the foaming effects on mechanistic behavior of foamed asphalt. Tribological and rheological tests were conducted on foamed asphalts with varying FWCs and on a controlled un-foamed asphalt binder. A ball-on-three-plates apparatus assembled in a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) was utilized for the tribological test. In addition, foaming characteristics were evaluated by various foaming parameters utilizing a laser-based non-contact method. The results yield a better understanding of foaming effects on mechanistic behavior of foamed asphalt in terms of foam expansion, stability, lubrication, frictional resistance, and viscoelastic responses.
Half-Integer Quantized Topological Response in Quasiperiodically Driven Quantum Systems

A spin strongly driven by two harmonic incommensurate drives can pump energy from one drive to the other at a quantized average rate, in close analogy with the quantum Hall effect. The pumping rate is a nonzero integer in the topological regime, while the trivial regime does not pump. The dynamical transition between the regimes is sharp in the zero-frequency limit and is characterized by a Dirac point in a synthetic band structure. We show that the pumping rate is half-integer quantized at the transition and present universal Kibble-Zurek scaling functions for energy transfer processes. Our results adapt ideas from quantum phase transitions, quantum information, and topological band theory to nonequilibrium dynamics, and identify qubit experiments to observe the universal linear and nonlinear response of a Dirac point in synthetic dimensions.
Review: Concrete Boxes: Mizrahi Women on Israel's Periphery, by Pnina Motzafi-Haller

Pnina Motzafi-Haller's insightful new book unpacks the meanings of being, rather than becoming, Mizrahi. Inspired by subaltern studies, the author invests her utmost efforts to let the women of Yer...
Pelvic Osteotomies as Treatment for Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Pelvic osteotomies are commonly employed treatment for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and were first introduced by Salter in 1961. Salter’s innominate osteotomy remained the primary pelvic osteotomy for several decades. Eventually other pelvic osteotomies were introduced such as double and triple innominate, the shelf, and the Chiari. Pelvic osteotomies may be performed alone or in combination with other procedures such as femoral osteotomies. Generally, outcomes were better when treatment was performed on patients who presented with the disease at a younger age.
Step In, Speak Up! LGBTQ Youth Bullying Prevention

LGBTQ youth frequently experience bullying and harassment in the school setting. Teachers are in an ideal position to prevent student harassment, yet most don’t have adequate training. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Step In, Speak Up! an interactive online simulation. In a randomized controlled trial, 1390 participants received Step In, Speak Up! or no intervention. Participants were assessed pre- and post-intervention on the Gatekeeper Behavior Scale and attitudes toward the simulation. Results demonstrated significant differences (p < .001, multivariate η2partial = .17) between the training and control groups on learners’ preparedness, likelihood, and self-confidence in managing bullying behavior.
Bacterial Growth Mindset: Structural Plasticity in Defense Systems.

Summary In this issue of Structure, Bertelsen et al. determine the three-dimensional structures of the Haemophilus influenzae VapD toxin, a Cas-2 homolog, with and without its cognate neutralizing antitoxin, VapX, that together comprise a toxin-antitoxin system. These reveal a unique stoichiometry, with two VapD toxins neutralized simultaneously by one VapX antitoxin.
X-ray spectroscopy of the starburst feedback in 30 Doradus

X-ray observations provide a potentially powerful tool to study starburst feedback. The analysis and interpretation of such observations remain challenging, however, due to various complications, including the non-isothermality of the diffuse hot plasma and the inhomogeneity of the foreground absorption. We here illustrate such complications and a way to mitigate their effects by presenting an X-ray spectroscopy of the 30 Doradus nebula in the Large Magellanic Clouds, based on a 100 ks Suzaku observation. We measure the thermal and chemical properties of the hot plasma and quantitatively confront them with the feedback expected from embedded massive stars. We find that our spatially resolved measurements can be well reproduced by a global modeling of the nebula with a log-normal temperature distribution of the plasma emission measure and a log-normal foreground absorption distribution. The metal abundances and total mass of the plasma are consistent with the chemically enriched mass ejection expected from the central OB association and a ~55% mass-loading from the ambient medium. The total thermal energy of the plasma is smaller than what is expected from a simple superbubble model, demonstrating that important channels of energy loss are not accounted for. Our analysis indeed shows tentative evidence for a diffuse non-thermal X-ray component, indicating that cosmic-ray acceleration needs to be considered in such a young starburst region. Finally, we suggest that the log-normal modeling may be suitable for the X-ray spectral analysis of other giant HII regions, especially when spatially resolved spectroscopy is not practical.
Early Outcomes of Endoscopic Versus Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Purpose To compare the short-term outcomes of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) and open carpal tunnel release (OCTR), including patient-reported outcomes, pain and satisfaction scores, return to work, and postoperative prescription pain medication use. Methods We included all patients over 18 years of age undergoing carpal tunnel release at a single hand center between January 2018 and December 2019. The carpal tunnel release method was driven by variations in surgeon practice. Data from patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) questionnaires and brief Michigan hand outcomes questionnaires and data on patient-reported pain levels, satisfaction with care, return to work, and postoperative prescription pain medication use were collected at preoperative visits and the first follow-up visit between postoperative days 7 and 14. Results We included 678 (586 ECTR and 92 OCTR) patients. The median age was 58 years, and 75% of the patients were women. At early follow up, patients who underwent OCTR reported significantly lower postoperative PROMIS upper-extremity scores than those who underwent ECTR (median, 32 vs 36 points, respectively) but similar postoperative PROMIS pain interference, global physical health, global mental health, and brief Michigan hand outcomes questionnaire scores. The postoperative pain and satisfaction scores were similar between the 2 groups. In multivariable models, patients who underwent OCTR had 62% lower odds of returning to work and 30% greater odds of remaining on a postoperative pain prescription at the first follow-up visit. Conclusions This study found no evidence suggesting the definitive superiority of 1 surgical technique with regard to clinical outcomes in the early postoperative period . However, OCTR was associated with lower postoperative PROMIS upper-extremity scores of unclear clinical significance, higher odds of remaining on pain medication, and lower odds of returning to work by the first postoperative visit. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release may be preferred in patients who need to return to work within the first 2 weeks after the procedure. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Biculturalism and adjustment among U.S. Latinos: A review of four decades of empirical findings

Abstract Incorporating both heritage (e.g., Latino) and national (e.g., American) cultural systems into our sense of self (i.e., bicultural identity) and developing the ability to successfully respond to demands associated with each of these systems (i.e., bicultural competence) have been theorized to be central to the development and positive adjustment of U.S. Latinos, a group that represents a large segment of the country's population. In this comprehensive review, we examined empirical research on biculturalism among U.S. Latinos spanning four decades (1980–2020), with a focus on synthesizing the field's understanding of antecedents and consequents associated with biculturalism and identifying directions for future research. Our review of 152 empirical articles revealed that this literature was characterized by multiple approaches to the conceptualization (i.e., dual-cultural adaptation, dual-cultural identity, bicultural identity integration, and bicultural competence) and subsequent operationalization of biculturalism. Although each conceptualization has different implications for the conclusions that can be drawn regarding an aspect or facet of biculturalism and potential influence on adjustment, a significant majority (78%) of studies, across conceptualizations, provided evidence supporting a positive association between biculturalism and Latinos' adjustment. In addition, a relatively small body of qualitative work was identified, and findings largely informed potential antecedents of biculturalism. We review this literature with attention to: the aspects of biculturalism that are associated with Latinos' adjustment (i.e., psychosocial and physical health), how sample characteristics may limit the generalizability of this work, and important directions for future research both in terms of conceptualization and study design.
Joint full-waveform ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistivity inversion applied to field data acquired on the surface

ABSTRACTWe exploit the different but complementary data sensitivities of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity (ER) by applying a multiphysics, multiparameter, simultaneous 2.5D...
Mathematical Modeling of Packed Bed Reactors: Numerical Solutions and Control Model Development

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an analysis of the development of dynamic models for packed bed reactors, with particular emphasis on models that can be used in control system design. The method of approach formulates a comprehensives, relatively detailed packed bed reactor model. The chapter also considers the techniques available for numerical solution of the model; and utilizes one such numerical solution to examine simplifications of the model based on its underlying physics. It then describes how the model may be reduced mathematically to one useful for control system design. Mathematical models of packed bed reactors are needed for the description of steady-state and dynamic behavior for process design, optimization, and control. Although insufficient detail can lead to a model incapable of accurately representing the reactor's response to changes in operating variables, excessive detail can lead to a model that is computationally impractical or contains parameters the values of which cannot accurately be determined from operating data. Thus, although the development is intended to be generally applicable to packed bed reactor modeling, all numerical results are obtained for the methanation system. As a result, some approximations that are found to apply in the methanation system may not in other reaction systems, and, where possible. The chapter discusses approaches to numerical solution of the model with a detailed exposition of one approach, orthogonal collocation. Common physical assumptions made in packed bed reactor modeling are evaluated.
Fractionation of the Coxiella burnetii Parasitophorous Vacuole

Coxiella burnetii is a bacterial obligate intracellular pathogen that replicates within a spacious parasitophorous vacuole (PV) with lysosomal characteristics. The pathogen actively participates in the biogenesis of its PV by synthesizing proteins that mediate vesicular interactions. Both C. burnetii and host factors that regulate PV formation are likely localized to the PV membrane, and their identification would be aided by an efficient method for isolating the C. burnetii vacuole. To this end, we developed a method to separate intact PV from host cell material that relies on fusion of the vacuole with latex bead-containing phagosomes (LBP). Sequestration of latex beads by the C. burnetii PV increases the vacuole's buoyant density and facilitates its fractionation on a sucrose step gradient. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the isolation of intact PV-containing latex beads from infected MH-S murine alveolar macrophage-like cells. Immunoblotting demonstrates that C. burnetii PV lysates are dramatically enriched for the late endosome/lysosome markers LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 when compared to total host cell lysates. Conversely, PV preparations are devoid of p62 and GM130, markers of the nucleus and Golgi apparatus, respectively, indicating effective separation of the vacuole from these host cell compartments. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting reveal distinct protein differences between C. burnetii PV and LBP. Identification of proteins unique to the PV membrane will yield important insight into C. burnetii-host interactions.
Ground-based laser/optical countermeasure - anti-MANPADS

A ground based laser/optical countermeasure (GBL/OCM) system is proposed to protect commercial aircraft against man portable air defense systems, or MANPADS. The ground based approach is presented as a cost effective countermeasure system, one that enables implementation based on the airport threat level, and one that relieves individual aircraft of the burden required to support a complex airborne countermeasure system. This ground based countermeasure system envisions adapting the existing optical countermeasure technology to defend aircraft while they are in the MANPADS threat zone around an airport. Successful implementation of this ground based optical countermeasure will require the solution of a challenging, complex systems engineering problem that includes elements of surveillance, detection, and countermeasure application. This paper is presented to raise this opportunity and to challenge the systems engineering community to engage into the technical dialog required to address it adequately.
Tire Options and Consequences for Four-Wheel Drive Tractors

General principles are presented to assist agricultural operators in the selection of tires and wheels for four-wheel drive tractors. For improved traction, all wheels should be powered since it takes more energy to tow or push a wheel than to self-propel it. Wheels of greater diameter are desirable because of their longer footprint. Tandem drive provides increased traction efficiency because the second wheel runs in the first wheel's compacted footprint. Radial ply tires' slightly longer footprints give improved performance. Equal dynamic load on front and rear axles and equal slip of front and rear wheels are recommended. Dual wheels can be advantageous when flotation is a problem since more soil surface is used to support tractor weight, although using duals to reduce soil compaction is usually counterproductive. The first pass of a wheel in loose soil generally causes about 80% of the sinkage plus sufficient compaction to restrict crop root growth. A traffic control system which establishes permanent traffic lanes is beneficial; compacted traffic lanes improve traction and flotation, and guide water flow into crop-growing areas where it is needed. If traffic is kept off a tilled area, annual primary tillage is not necessary. The effect of total tractor load on soil compaction is discussed.
The cohomology of certain Hopf algebras associated with -groups

We study the cohomology H*(A) = Ext* A (k, k) of a locally finite, connected, cocommutative Hopf algebra A over k = F p . Specifically, we are interested in those algebras A for which H*(A) is generated as an algebra by H 1 (A) and H 2 (A). We shall call such algebras semi-Koszul. Given a central extension of Hopf algebras F → A → B with F monogenic and B semi-Koszul, we use the Cartan-Eilenberg spectral sequence and algebraic Steenrod operations to determine conditions for A to be semi-Koszul. Special attention is given to the case in which A is the restricted universal enveloping algebra of the Lie algebra obtained from the mod-p lower central series of a p-group. We show that the algebras arising in this way from extensions by Z/(p) of an abelian p-group are semi-Koszul. Explicit calculations are carried out for algebras arising from rank 2 p-groups, and it is shown that these are all semi-Koszul for p > 5.
Challenges in crawling the web

The World Wide Web, or simply the Web, is rapidly becoming the world's collective information store, containing everything from news, to entertainment, to personal communications, to product descriptions. This world information store is distributed across millions of computers, but it is often important to gather significant parts of it at a single site. One reason is to build content indices, such as Google. Another reason is to mine the cached Web, looking for trends or data correlations. A third reason for gathering a Web copy is to create a historical record for Web sites that are ephemeral or changing.
Active-site residues of 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate aldolase from Escherichia coli. Bromopyruvate inactivation and labeling of glutamate 45.

Abstract Treatment of pure 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate aldolase from Escherichia coli, a "lysine-type," Schiff-base mechanism enzyme, with the substrate analog bromopyruvate results in a time- and concentration-dependent loss of enzymatic activity. Whereas the substrates pyruvate and 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate provide greater than 90% protection against inactivation by bromopyruvate, no protective effect is seen with glycolaldehyde, an analog of glyoxylate. Inactivation studies with [14C] bromopyruvate show the incorporation of 1.1 mol of 14C-labeled compound/enzyme subunit; isolation of a radioactive peptide and determination of its amino acid sequence indicate that the radioactivity is associated with glutamate 45. Incubation of the enzyme with excess [14C]bromopyruvate followed by denaturation with guanidine.HCl allow for the incorporation of carbon-14 at cysteines 159 and 180 as well. Whereas the presence of pyruvate protects Glu-45 from being esterified, it does not prevent the alkylation of these 2 cysteine residues. The results indicate that Glu-45 of E. coli 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate aldolase is essential for catalytic activity, most likely acting as the amphoteric proton donor/acceptor that is required as a participant in the overall mechanism of the reaction catalyzed.
Very High Purity Ingot — An Endangered Species?

Production of metal that is of very high purity remains at substantial levels globally. But, the changing palette of raw material quality, pot room design factors, and operating conditions that support production of very high metal purity threaten the status quo. Older cell technologies that are quite capable of very high purity production are less competitive. Some technologies, especially in the arena of pollution control, are not as sustainable as they once were. Since the demand for very high purity is not anticipated to diminish, re-alignments of cast house capacity to include small mold lines may become common once again. In this paper the author reviews the key factors that are required to produce very high purity metal and comments upon their sustainability. Conclusions are focused on possible paths forward and how these may impact primary metal cast houses.
Performance measurements of a data link protocol

The end-to-end performance of a program implementing IEEE Std 802.2 logical link control protocol, which provides virtual circuit and datagram service and which constitutes the top sublayer of the data link layer of the reference model for Local Area Networks is studied. The measurements of relative execution times of various functions required in transferring data, over virtual circuits or as datagrams, showed that most of the program execution time is spent in a few relatively low-level functions. One of these functions performs block movement of data in memory, and two other functions provide access to various queues. Based on this result, two alternative versions of the program which move data efficiently were written and measured. In this paper the results of the study are reported and their impact on designing hardware and software systems for a network interface are discussed.
Elevated serum monoclonal and polyclonal free light chains and interferon inducible protein-10 predicts inferior prognosis in untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The detection of serum free light (FLC) is useful in the diagnosis of several hematological diseases. The role and biological relevance of monoclonal or polyclonal FLC elevations in predicting long-term outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is unknown. We determined the relationship of the type of FLC elevations to outcome, tumor genotype, and pattern of serum cytokine elevations in 276 patients with untreated DLBCL. Elevated FLC was an adverse prognostic factor through 6 years of follow-up (monoclonal, Event free survival (EFS) HR = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.88–6.76, P <0.0001; polyclonal, EFS HR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.50–4.38, P = 0.0006). About 73% of DLBCL tumors with monoclonal FLC elevations were activated B-cell type (ABC) versus 33% from patients with normal FLC. Only ABC-DLBCL lines secreted kappa FLC in vitro and this secretion could be inhibited by the NF-κB inhibitor bortezomib. Patients with monoclonal FLC had significantly (all P <0.001) increased serum levels of IL-12, sIL-2Rα, IL-1R, and IP-10. Patients with polyclonal elevations of FLC had higher levels of IL-6 (P = 0.033), IL-8 (P =0.025), sIL2Rα (P = 0.011), and IL-1R1 (P = 0.041). The combination of elevated FLC and a CXC superfamily chemokine IP-10 predicted a particularly inferior outcome characterized by late relapse. These increased abnormal FLC and cytokines are potentially useful biomarkers for prognosis and selecting agents for untreated DLBCL. Am. J. Hematol. 89:417–422, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parallel four-dimensional Haralick texture analysis for disk-resident image datasets: Research Articles

Texture analysis is one possible method of detecting features in biomedical images. During texture analysis, texture-related information is found by examining local variations in image brightness. Four-dimensional (4D) Haralick texture analysis is a method that extracts local variations along space and time dimensions and represents them as a collection of 14 statistical parameters. However, application of the 4D Haralick method on large time-dependent image datasets is hindered by data retrieval, computation, and memory requirements. This paper describes a parallel implementation using a distributed component-based framework of 4D Haralick texture analysis on PC clusters. The experimental performance results show that good performance can be achieved for this application via combined use of task- and data-parallelism. In addition, we show that our 4D texture analysis implementation can be used to classify imaged tissues. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Farming systems research: Flexible diversification of a small family farm in southeast Michigan

In an era where the dominant implicitfarming policy has been ``get big or get out,''Titus Farms provides an exemplar to thecontrary. This paper explains the success storybehind a medium-sized 145-acre fruit andvegetable family farm in southeast Michigan.Using agroecosystems analysis, this case studydemonstrates a rigor and holism essential tofarming systems research and analysis. In-depthinterviews with the principal farm manager andowner were conducted during the fall and winterof 1999. Data, presented in the form ofvignettes, provide context and ascribe meaningto the rich and imaginative voice of the smallfamily farmer. It is concluded that thissuccess is directly attributed to the conceptof flexible diversification.It is through flexible diversification thatTitus Farms has imbued stability andsustainability seldom seen by similar familyfarms of this type, and for that reason alone,Titus Farms is a successful enterprize. Assuch, it presents a unique case study andopportunity for farming systems researchanalysis.
Enabling Loosely-Coupled Serial Job Execution on the IBM BlueGene/P Supercomputer and the SiCortex SC5832

Our work addresses the enabling of the execution of highly parallel computations composed of loosely coupled serial jobs with no modifications to the respective applications, on large-scale systems. This approach allows new-and potentially far larger-classes of application to leverage systems such as the IBM Blue Gene/P supercomputer and similar emerging petascale architectures. We present here the challenges of I/O performance encountered in making this model practical, and show results using both micro-benchmarks and real applications on two large-scale systems, the BG/P and the SiCortex SC5832. Our preliminary benchmarks show that we can scale to 4096 processors on the Blue Gene/P and 5832 processors on the SiCortex with high efficiency, and can achieve thousands of tasks/sec sustained execution rates for parallel workloads of ordinary serial applications. We measured applications from two domains, economic energy modeling and molecular dynamics.
Ultrafast Scanning Microscopy

We propose to combine ultrafast optical techniques with scanning probe microscopies to obtain, simultaneously, unprecedented temporal and spatial- resolution.
Stresemann and the Fulfilment Policy

While the Weimar Constitution made the German Foreign Office the sole agency for the administration of German foreign affairs, the Reich President was left with a decisive voice in treaty making and the appointment of diplomatic officers. All cabinets of the 1920’s were coalition governments over which the Chancellor presided as chairman rather than as director. In certain matters, however, he was able to disregard the Foreign Minister. The Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economics were also influential in foreign affairs. After 1920, the direction of German foreign policy fell into the hands of German bourgeois parties such as the German Peoples Party (Deutsche Volkspartei), which represented most industrialists including the coal and iron magnates of the Ruhr.1
Biliary Cysts: A Review and Simplified Classification Scheme

Abstract Biliary cystic disease has been known of for centuries. It has traditionally been classified as 5 major types of disease, each with different clinical profiles and attributes. In this article, the basis for the existing classification schemes is reviewed and a simplified classification scheme and treatment regimen are suggested.
Outcome of First Salvage Therapy in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Relapsing After First-line Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide, and Rituximab

Brief Abstract Patients receiving salvage therapy for relapsed CLL following first-line FCR have overall response rates of 60% and median survival of 38 months. We describe pre-treatment characteristics predicting for outcome after salvage therapies. Patients receiving chemoimmunotherapy had better response rates and duration compared to antibody therapy alone. Brief Abstract Chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) is an effective initial therapy with an estimated 40% relapse rate at 6 years. There is no consensus salvage therapy for relapsed patients. All patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who relapsed or were refractory following first-line FCR administered between July 1999 and December 2003 were included for analysis. Patients with Richter's transformation were excluded. We analyzed the impact of pre-treatment characteristics (Table 1) and response duration following FCR on responses and survival after salvage therapy. Response outcomes were analyzed using 1996 National Cancer Institute response criteria. Overall survival (OS) and time to treatment failure (TTF) were calculated using the method of Kaplan and Meier. Of 300 patients treated with first-line FCR, 111 patients (37%) have required salvage therapy. Median age at relapse was 61 years, and 36% of patients had Rai stage III or IV disease (Table 1). The salvage regimen included antibody alone, chemoimmunotherapy, or novel therapeutic approaches including lenalidomide. Responses included 17% CR, 12% nodular PR, and 32% PR with an overall response (OR) of 60%. Median OS was 38 months, and median TTF was 9 months. Rai stage III/IV disease, β2M > 4 mg/L, deletion of 17p by fluorescence in situ hybridization and TTF
Embedding Media for 1-2 Micron Sectioning. 3. Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate-Benzoyl Peroxide Activated with Pyridine

A hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomer medium containing 2-butoxyethanol as the plasticizer requites only one stock solution consisting of: 50 ml of 94 or 96% HEMA containing 200 ppm inhibitor (Rohm and Haas, Philadelphia) is mixed with 12 ml 2-butoxyethanol; 0.25 gm benzoyl peroxide is added and permitted to dissolve at 20-25 C. This mixture is activated by the addition of 0.8-1.0 ml of pyridine. Polymerization of the activated mixture is initated in 15-20 hr at 25 C and in 2-4 hr at 50 C; polymerization of the mixture is complete in 2-3 days and 3-6 hr, respectively. The activated monomer mixture is stable at temperatures below 18 C; hence infiltration of tissues may be extended to 7-10 days by keeping the mixture at 0 to -40 C.
Low sex hormone-binding globulin and testosterone levels in association with erectile dysfunction among human immunodeficiency virus-infected men receiving testosterone and oxandrolone.

ABSTRACT Introduction Men with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) wasting and hypogonadism are frequently treated with testosterone and oxandrolone, an orally administered anabolic–androgenic steroid hormone. We observed reductions in testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, in association with complaints of erectile dysfunction, after prolonged exposure to this therapeutic regimen. Aim First description of an association between long-term receipt of oxandrolone with erectile dysfunction, low SHBG and testosterone. Methods Case report of three human immunodeficiency virus-infected hypogonadal male patients receiving treatment for wasting syndrome and hypogonadism, and highly active antiretroviral therapy. All three patients received long-term oxandrolone in addition to testosterone replacement therapy. Results Testosterone and SHBG levels for patients 1, 2, and 3, respectively: total testosterone 183, 71, and 151 ng/dL (260–1,000 ng/dL); free testosterone (not done for patient 3) 58.3 and 26.9 pg/mL (50–210 pg/mL); SHBG 6, 9, and 6 nmol/L (7–50 nmol/L). No other hormonal abnormalities were detected. Following discontinuation of oxandrolone, levels of total testosterone rose, consistent with increase in SHBG. One patient received repeat SHBG assay documenting rise in SHBG level. Patient 2 reported return of libido and early morning erections several weeks after discontinuation of oxandrolone. Conclusions Patients had erectile dysfunction in association with low testosterone and SHBG, in spite of exogenous testosterone replacement. Discontinuation of oxandrolone led to the normalization or improvement of testosterone levels in all three patients with symptomatic improvement in one patient. First pass metabolism of orally administered oxandrolone may decrease hepatic synthesis of SHBG, allowing exogenously supplied testosterone to be excreted. Further work is necessary to elucidate the relationship. Wasserman P, Segal-Maurer S, and Rubin D. Low sex hormone-binding globulin and testosterone levels in association with erectile dysfunction among human immunodeficiency virus-infected men receiving testosterone and oxandrolone.
Meta-iodobenzylguanidine derivatives containing a second guanidine moiety.

Abstract Radioiodinated meta -iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is used in the diagnosis and therapy of various neuroendocrine tumors. To investigate whether an additional guanidine function in the structure of MIBG will yield analogues that may potentially enhance tumor-to-target ratios, two derivatives—one with a guanidine moiety and another with a guanidinomethyl group at the 4-position of MIBG—were prepared. In the absence of any uptake-1 inhibiting conditions, the uptake of 4-guanidinomethyl-3-[ 131 I]iodobenzylguanidine ([ 131 I]GMIBG) by SK-N-SH cells in vitro was 1.7±0.1% of input counts, compared to a value of 40.3±1.4% for [ 125 I[MIBG suggesting that guanidinomethyl group at the 4-position negated the biological properties of MIBG. On the other hand, 4-guanidino-3-[ 131 I]iodobenzylguanidine ([ 131 I]GIBG) had an uptake (5.6±0.3%) that was 12–13% that of [ 125 I]MIBG (46.1±2.7%), and the ratio of uptake by control over DMI-treated (nonspecific) cultures was higher for [ 131 I]GIBG (20.9±0.3) than [ 125 I]MIBG itself (15.0±2.7). The exocytosis of [ 131 I]GIBG and [ 125 I]MIBG from SK-N-SH cells was similar. The uptake of [ 131 I]GIBG in the mouse target tissues, heart and adrenals, as well as in a number of other tissues was about half that of [ 125 I]MIBG. These results suggest that substitution of guanidine functions, especially a guanidinomethyl group, in MIBG structure may not be advantageous.
MEASUREMENT OF DIRECTIONAL REFLECTANCE OF PAVEMENT SURFACES AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER TECHNIQUES FOR CALCULATING LUMINANCE

This investigation developed and used a directional reflectance goniometer to measure the directional reflectances of eleven nine-inch pavement core samples, five asphalt and six concrete. An electronic data processing program for calculating roadway luminance based on the reflectance data obtained from the samples, was developed and reported.
A practical solution for a large sparse matrix

This paper describes a computational technique that was used for determining whether a certain matrix equation, Mx = b, had an exact solution. Here, MT was a sparse 96,208 × 40,040 integer matrix. The approach is an appropriate alternative for certain matrices when memory constraints preclude using conventional techniques. The tools used are simple and their data structures well-suited for virtual memory computers. An important aspect of the method is to adopt different data structures to represent the matrix as the matrix changes over the course of the problem.
Comparing the Evolution of CSR Reporting to that of Financial Reporting

This paper compares between the evolution of financial reporting and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting. Our comparison follows a framework of seven factors for exploring comparative accounting history put forth by Carnegie and Napier (Account Audit Account J 15(5):689–718, 2002): Period, Places, People, Practices, Propagation, Products, and Profession. Using this framework allows for a comparison of similarities and differences as to how both types of reporting have evolved. Some of the defining moments in the evolution of financial reporting have yet to take place in the development of CSR reporting; such as an event that legitimizes a CSR reporting standard or gives CSR reporting global recognition. The evolutionary process may not follow the same path as financial reporting did due to the varying stakeholders involved. However, there are enough similarities that still make the evolution of financial reporting a useful comparative tool to analyze the potential growth and development of CSR reporting. Financial reporting has evolved into a comparable and reliable market-based resource over the last 100 years. Relative to this timeline CSR reporting is still in its infancy. CSR reporting has come a long way since early reports were first issued, but there remain many deficiencies in comparability, consistency, reliability, and relevance. The results of this comparison provide some insight on the possible future development of CSR reporting. Our goal is that this paper contributes to an understanding of CSR reporting’s past and provides insights into CSR reporting’s present and future.
Efficient in-system RTL verification and debugging using FPGAs (abstract only)

FPGAs have become indispensible in processor design, bring-up and debug. Traditionally FPGAs have been used in prototyping, allowing end-users to emulate functionality of a specific component of a processor. However, as the complexity of processors grows, another aspect of processor design, RTL verification, has become a prime target for acceleration using FPGAs. Software-only RTL simulation and verification tools are no longer sufficient for many verification tasks as they often incur long execution time penalties. Software simulation time for a basic Linux kernel bring-up on a BlueGene/Q [1] processor, with 16 user PowerPC A2 cores, for example, could easily exceed several years.An important feature of RTL verification acceleration using FPGAs is its fast debugging capabilities. The ability to quickly and accurately pinpoint the location of an anomaly in an RTL source is highly desirable. This paper proposes efficient in-system debugging techniques on FPGAs for RTL verification. We show how a network of over 45 Virtex 5 LX330 FPGAs can be efficiently used to read out state information of the BlueGene/Q processor. We also demonstrate how the new in-system debugging technique is 250x faster than comparable methods.
Age-related changes in respiration coupled to phosphorylation. II. cardiac mitochondria

Abstract Age-related changes affecting mitochondrial adenine nucleotide metabolism may underlie age-related decreases in hepatic metabolic activities. Oxidative activity coupled with phosphorylation, the apparent K m and V max of the adenine nucleotide translocase (AdNT), the adenine nucleotide pool size and membrane lipid composition were determined for hepatic mitochondria from young (3 months), mature (12 months) and aged (24 months) Fischer 344 male rats which had been fed NIH-31 diet. The age-related decreases in state 3 respiration supported by NAD-linked substrates were 2–4-fold greater than that of an FAD-linked substrate. The 32% ( P ) decrease in the AdNT V max calculated for the aged rats was accompanied by a 17% decrease in the AdNT K m . The exchangeable pool of adenine nucleotides in mitochondria from aged rats was 72% ( P ) that in the young rats. While the age-related increase in the cholesterol/phospholipid-Pi ratio and changes in the phospholipid head group pattern were not significant, the overall change in the fatty acid pattern effected a 20% ( P ) decrease in the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio. These data suggest that the reduced V max of the AdNT is a consequence of a diminished pool of exchangeable adenine nucleotides. The lower AdNT velocity may reflect the effect of changes in the lipid environment of the membrane in which it is embedded. The major shifts in these parameters occurred during the second year of life.
A question of values: Conservatives and the culture of poverty

Every society has within it some individuals and groups who are successful and some who are less successful. Explanations for these differences range from the political to the economic and from the cultural to the religious. For American conservatives, the differences in individual levels of achievement can be explained primarily in cultural terms. The conservative mythology argues that there are clearly superior and clearly inferior cultural values and that good values produce successful individuals. This article deals with the fundamentally tautological nature of this argument: Why is so-and-so successful? Because he or she has better values. How do we know he or she has better values? Because he or she is successful. After elaborating this intellectual problem, an empirical test is made of the existence of different values among America's social groups. Using census data and national survey data, the personal goals and attitudes of various societal groups and their relative economic accomplishments are presented and compared. This analysis demonstrates that few of the culture-based differences which are asserted by conservatives can be validated empirically.
Familial hyper-alpha-lipoproteinemia: Studies in eighteen kindreds

A newly recognized familial hyperlipoproteinemia, familial hyper-alpha-lipoproteinemia, is described in 18 kindreds. Affected probands and relatives had distinctive elevations of alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol (C-HDL), slight elevations of total cholesterol, no elevation of LDL and VLDL cholesterol, and normal triglyceride levels. The proband and at least one additional first degree relative had distinctive elevations of C-HDL in 16 of 18 kindreds. Simple segregation analysis involving 84 offspring of 22 hyper-alpha X normal-alpha matings from these 16 kindreds revealed a ratio of hyper-alpha to normal of 37:47, a ratio not significantly different from 1:1 (chi 2(1) = 1.2), the ratio consistent with autosomal dominant transmission. Despite the suggestion of a major gene effect by this analysis, evaluation of the C-HDL distribution in kindred members failed to reveal bimodality, and familial correlation analysis revealed no parent-offspring correlation. The present data suggest that an environmental cause common to sibships is possibly important in causing the disorder. Longevity analysis demonstrated elongation of life expectancy for kindred members, and there was an apparent rarity of premature cardiac events.
Celluloid Soldiers: The Warner Bros. Campaign Against Nazism

During the 1930s many Americans avoided thinking about war erupting in Europe, believing it of little relevance to their own lives. Yet, the Warner Bros. film studio embarked on a virtual crusade to alert Americans to the growing menace of Nazism. Polish-Jewish immigrants Harry and Jack Warner risked both reputation and fortune to inform the American public of the insidious threat Hitler's regime posed throughout the world. Through a score of films produced during the 1930s and early 1940s-including the pivotal Sergeant York-the Warner Bros. studio marshaled its forces to influence the American conscience and push toward intervention in World War II. Celluloid Soldiers offers a compelling historical look at Warner Bros.'s efforts as the only major studio to promote anti-Nazi activity before the outbreak of the Second World War.
A morphometric study of light-induced damage in transgenic rat models of retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE. To determine relative susceptibility to, and regional variation of, light-induced retinal damage in two rhodopsinmutant rat models of retinitis pigmentosa, using slow- and fast-degenerating lines. METHODS. Transgenic S334ter (lines 4 and 9) and P23H (lines 2 and 3) rats were reared in dim cyclic light or darkness and then exposed to intense green light for 1 to 8 hours. Sections along the vertical meridian were collected for retinal morphology and photoreceptor morphometry 2 weeks later. Unexposed transgenic and normal Sprague-Dawley rats served as the control. Mean outer segment lengths and outer nuclear layer thicknesses were analyzed as a function of position along the vertical meridian and as averages across that vector. RESULTS. Rapidly degenerating S334ter-4 retinas, reared in dim cyclic light, exhibited no light-induced damage, whereas retinas in the other sublines sustained damage within a sensitive region in the superior hemisphere. Light-induced damage always involved loss of outer segment membrane and photoreceptors. In some cases, the retinal pigment epithelium and inner nuclear layer were also affected. Potentiation of lightinduced damage by dark-rearing was increased by at least a factor of three, and in some sublines the sensitive region was enlarged to include the entire vertical meridian. CONCLUSIONS. A complex pattern of light-induced damage outcomes was identified in S334ter (sublines 4 and 9) and P23H (sublines 2 and 3) rats. The relative susceptibilities of each subline to damage by light were different, even within the same transgene, but consistent factors included a sensitive region in the superior hemisphere and potentiation by dark-rearing. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003;44:848 ‐ 855) DOI:10.1167/iovs.02-0709
Materials Effects on the Radiation Sensitivity of Single Mode Optical Fibers, II

The effect of varying single mode fiber fabrication factors such as core and clad dopant concentrations, deposition conditions, and draw parameters on the recovery of the nuclear radiation-induced attenuation at 1.3 μm has been studied. Statistically significant correlations of core factors have been established with a 24 experimental design, and separate one-dimensional experiments revealed the effect of clad [Ge] and [F].
This Wolfe isn't in sheep's clothing

He's been called a drug safety gadfly, an extremist and an avowed anti-industry activist. He calls direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceuticals “emotion promotion” and his critics say he has never seen a drug he likes. ![Figure][1] Photo by: Alan King Call him what you will,
Men and Women: Work and Family

Explored are the interaction of men and women with work and family, specifically dynamics that contribute to shared parenting, the power of men's marital and parental roles, differential stresses associated wzth commuting versus singleresidence dual-career couples, and intervention strategies to increase fathers' involvement in family life.