cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The analysis of the human high affinity IgE receptor Fc epsilon Ri alpha from multiple crystal forms.

Abstract We have solved the structure of the human high affinity IgE receptor, FceRIα, in six different crystal forms, showing the structure in 15 different chemical environments. This database of structures shows no change in the overall shape of the molecule, as the angle between domains 1 and 2 (D1 and D2) varies little across the ensemble. However, the receptor has local conformational variability in the C′ strand of D2 and in the BC loop of D1. In every crystal form, a residue inserts between tryptophan residues 87 and 110, mimicking the position of a proline from the IgE ligand. The different crystal forms reveal a distribution of carbohydrates lining the front and back surfaces of the structure. An analysis of crystal contacts in the different forms indicates regions where the molecule interacts with other proteins, and reveals a potential new binding site distal to the IgE binding site. The results of this study point to new directions for the design of molecules to inhibit the interaction of FceRIα with its natural ligand and thus to prevent a primary step in the allergic response.
Effects of surface roughness on the coefficients of friction in model orthodontic systems

Orthodontists, like others (Engel, P.A. (1976) Impact Wear of Materials. Elsevier Scientific, New York.), often equate the smoothness of surfaces with the absence of friction. To investigate whether the surface roughness of opposing materials influence the coefficients of friction and ultimately the movement of teeth, arch wires were slid between contact flats to simulate orthodontic arch wire-bracket appliances. From laser specular reflectance measurements, the RMS surface roughness of these arch wires varied from 0.04 microns for stainless steel to 0.23 microns for nickel titanium. Using the same technique, the roughnesses of the contact flats varied from 0.03 microns for the 1 micron lapped stainless steel, to 0.26 microns for the as-received alumina. After each of the arch wire-contact flat couples was placed in a friction tester, fifteen normal forces were systemically applied at 34 degrees C. From plots of the static and kinetic frictional forces vs the normal forces, dry coefficients of friction was obtained that were greater than those reported in the dental literature. The all-stainless steel couples had lower kinetic coefficients (0.120-0.148) than the stainless steel-polycrystalline alumina couple (0.187). When pressed against the various flats, the beta-titanium arch wire (RMS = 0.14 microns) had the highest coefficients of friction (0.445-0.658), although the nickel titanium arch wire was the roughest (RMS = 0.23 microns). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) verified that mass transfer of the beta-titanium arch wire occurred by adhesion onto the stainless steel flats or by abrasion from the sharply faceted polycrystalline alumina flats.
McCarthyism and New York's Hearst Press: A Study of Roles in the Witch Hunt

This hard-hitting, meticulously researched study provides an in-depth analysis of the bizarre relationship between Senator Joe McCarthy and the Hearst press from 1942-57. Concentrating on the Journal-American and the Mirror in New York, Tuck looks deep into the center of the controversy and arrives at some surprising conclusions. Contents: The Cold War Within the Hot Water: Hearst as Pioneer; Pre-McCarthy McCarthyism: The Hearst Press and Parnell Thomas; The Hiss Case and the Mindszenty Trial; 1950: The Alliance Forms; 1951-52: The Alliance at High Noon; 1953: The Alliance Cracks; 1954: Fragmentation; 1955-57: The Reign of Silence; Epilogue: McCarthy as Redbaiter An Inquiry.
Investigation of spatial coupling aspects for coupled code application in PWR safety analysis

Abstract The simulation of nuclear power plant accident conditions requires three-dimensional (3-D) modeling of the reactor core to ensure a realistic description of physical phenomena. This paper describes a part of the research activities carried out on the sensitivity of coupled neutronics/thermal-hydraulic system code's results to the spatial mesh overlays used for modeling pressurized water reactor (PWR) cores for analysis of different transients. The coupled TRAC-PF1/NEM was used to model PWR rod ejection accident (REA). Modeling schemes for pressurized water reactor are described in detail, followed by a comparative analysis of both steady state and transient calculations. By using different TRAC-PF1/NEM vessel modeling options it was demonstrated that the geometric refinement plays a great role in determining the local parameters and control rod worth in the case of spatially asymmetric transients. The capability of TRAC-PF1/NEM to introduce local refinement of heat structure models was explored while preserving the original coarse-mesh structure of the hydraulic model. The obtained results indicated that the thermal-hydraulic feedback phenomenon is non-linear and cannot be separated even in rod ejection accident analysis, where the Doppler feedback plays a dominant role. While the impact of neutronics mesh refinement is well known, this research found that the local predictions, as well as the global predictions are also very sensitive to the thermal-hydraulic refinement.
Enhancement of composite scarf joint interface strength through carbon nanotube reinforcement

It was investigated whether there was a potentially significant improvement to scarf joint bonding that was achieved through the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) along the interface of the composite joint. The study examined various factors that might affect CNT-reinforced joint interface strength. Each composite joint consisted of a vinyl-ester matrix base (DERAKANE 510-A) interlaced with a carbon fiber weave (TORAY T700CF). During the curing process, the research explored several variables concerning the CNT application. The testing included single-walled CNTs (SWCNT), and conventional and bamboo-structure multi-walled CNTs (MWCNT) with varying length, purity, and concentration levels along the surface area of the joint interface. This wide array of data demonstrated the effect of CNTs introduction at the joint interface, and provided the ideal type, size, purity level, and concentration level for composite scarf joint bond reinforcement using CNTs. Furthermore, a computational model was developed to predict the strength of the scarf joints. The predicted model agreed well with the experimental data.
A Radiation-Hardened 1K-Bit Dielectrically Isolated Random Access Memory

This paper has presented the design, technology and results of a 1024 Bit Dielectrically Isolated Random Access Memory. Essentially all of the electrical parameter design goals have been met with adequate margin for process variations. Radiation data to date consists of total gamma dose and neutron fluence. Because of the dielectric isolation, this part should survive transient ionizing radiation of over 1012 Rad(Si)/sec and has been shown by testing to not upset below 109 Rad(Si)/sec.
Selective responding to the components of multiple visual cues by autistic children

Abstract Fifteen autistic and 15 normal S s were trained to respond to a card containing two visual cues. After this training disctimination was established, the children were tested on the single cues in order to assess whether one or both stimuli had acquired control over their responding. The autistic children (12 of 15) gave evidence for stimulus overselectivity in that they responded correctly to only one of the two component cues. On the other hand, the normal children (12 of 15) showed clear evidence of control by both component cues of the training card. These results were consistent with previous studies, where autistics showed overselectivity when presented with multiple sensory input in several modalities. However, now autistic children appear to have difficulty responding to multiple cues even when both cues are in the same modality. These results were discussed in relation to the experimental literature on selective attention in normally functioning organisms.
The impact of digital iconic realism on anonymous interactants' mobile phone communication

In this paper, I describe progress in research designed to explore the effect of the combination of behavioral and visual fidelity of avatars on users. social presence in synchronous and emotionally engaged mobile phone communication. I specifically focus on ways to secure mobile phone users. anonymity while preserving their most important nonverbal affective behaviors. The research measures social presence in several dimensions, and investigates the impact of combinations of behavioral and iconic realism of avatars on the measures.
Nonsurgical Management of Emergency Hemorrhage from Esophageal Varices

The emergency management of bleeding esophageal varices should be successful in at least 50% of cases. The sequence of medical steps instituted will vary depending on the resources of the center. The prevention of exsanguination is paramount initially and then bleeding must be stopped. Replacement of blood, intravenous vasopressin, and balloon tamponade, carried out in an intensive care unit, remain the mainstay of medical therapy. The increasing availability of endoscopic sclerotherapy with flexible instruments has more recently introduced a more direct means for stopping the hemorrhage as well as preventing recurrences.
Pathologic significance of polyps of the rectum and colon

Since cancers and adenomatous polyps of the colon are indistinguishable except by histologic examination, all rectal and lower sigmoidal polypoid tumors seen through a sigmoidoscope should be removed for histologic examination. Juvenile (retention) polyps usually require no further treatment. Adenomatous polyps with focal atypia, carcinomain situ and noninvasive cancer are curable by adequate local excision. Villous (papillary) adenomas so frequently contain invasive cancer that they must be resected as cancers. If a polypoid tumor is entirely cancerous, a radical resection should be performed.
Analysis of the complement C3 fragments associated with hemodialysis membranes

Analysis of the complement C3 fragments associated with hemodialysis membranes. During hemodialysis with cuprophan membranes, bioactive peptides are generated because the alternative pathway of complement is activated. When cellulose acetate membranes are employed, complement activation is attenuated. The molecular basis for this improved biocompatability is unknown. It has been postulated, however, that the complement activating potential of dialysis membranes is influenced by the availability of free hydroxyl groups which would provide an acceptor site for activated C3. To investigate this hypothesis, the forms of C3 associated with cellulose acetate and cuprophan membranes have been analyzed. By Western blot, the predominant form of C3 present on both types of membranes is C3c, a degradation product of C3 that lacks the thiolester necessary for covalent bonding. Minimal amounts of C3d (the region of C3 which contains the thiolester) were observed on both membranes; however, by ELISA, there was no difference in the amount bound to cellulose acetate compared to cuprophan. Further, membrane-associated C3d could be removed by urea, suggesting that it was not bound covalently. These studies indicate that the complement activating potential of dialysis membranes is not determined primarily by the availability of potential covalent binding sites for activated C3b.
Health Insurance Coverage as People Approach and Pass Age-Eligibility for Medicare

This study uses six waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to measure dynamics of health insurance coverage as people approach and pass age-eligibility for Medicare. Thirteen percent of 59- to 64-year-olds were uninsured and 13% of 65- to 70-year-olds relied solely on Medicare. Those unmarried, in good health, and in poor health had an increased likelihood of being uninsured before age-eligibility for Medicare, while non-whites and those in good health had an increased likelihood of having Medicare-only coverage after age-eligibility for Medicare. Although only a small percentage was continually without coverage or with Medicare-only coverage, a substantial percentage had these coverage types at some point. Limitations and policy implications are included.
Environmental aging effects on thermal and mechanical properties of electrically conductive adhesives

This article investigates environmental aging effects on thermal and mechanical properties of three model electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs). A combination of several experimental techniques including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), water uptake measurements, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and stress-strain dogbone testing has been utilized throughout this study. Samples were aged at 85°C and 100% RH for periods of up to 50 days, and some of the samples were dried at 150°C after aging. Results obtained on aged samples with and without drying suggest that the conductive adhesives may have experienced both reversible and irreversible effects during environmental aging. Both plasticization, which is reversible, and further crosslinking and thermal degradation, which are irreversible, are indicated upon exposure of ECAs to the hot/wet environment.
The effect of overload on corrosion fatigue crack growth behavior of a low alloy steel in threshold region

Influence of tensile overload (stress) on corrosion fatigue crack growth behavior of a low alloy steel in threshold region in 3.5% NaCl solution has been investigated. The investigation also examined the influence of material strength on overload retardation behavior. Compact tension specimens with transverse longitudinal (TL) orientation prepared from SAE 4130 steel in two different heat treated conditions were used. All test specimens used in the present investigation satisfied the test requirements of ASTM Standard E-647. The results of the present investigation demonstrate that in the threshold region, as percentage overload increases more retardation on crack growth rate is produced. This retardation effect on crack growth rate for similar percentage of overload was found to be greater in the annealed condition compared to the hardened and tempered condition. The retardation factor (ϕ) showed a general trend to decrease with increase in ΔK level. This retardation of corrosion fatigue crack growth rate due to tensile overload can be attributed to the effect of crack closure in the crack tip region.
Tetracycline Resistance by Bacteria in Response to Oxytetracycline-Contaminated Catfish Feed

Abstract During an investigation of the development of tetracycline-resistant bacteria in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, a feed contaminated with oxytetracycline was inadvertently used. Tetracycline-resistant gram-negative bacteria were not detected in channel catfish intestinal contents ( 96%). High resistance (>99%) was also observed in fish intestinal bacteria after 7 d of fish feeding. During the remaining 21 d without feeding, bacterial densities and tetracycline resistance remained high in the aquarium water. Although 50 bacterial isolates from feed were tetracycline ...
Monitoring blood glucose in the home

Self blood glucose monitoring (SBGM) has changed the treatment of diabetes dramati cally. In this article, the author discusses the advantages and disadvantages, presents the test procedure, and discusses relevant educational issues. This article is a must read for those providing care to the diabetic in the home care setting.
Anti-Leu 7 immunoreactivity with human tumours: its value in the diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma

The reactivity of the anti-Leu 7 monoclonal antibody (Leu 7) was tested on 83 human tumours and on non-neoplastic prostatic, hepatic and pancreatic tissues. A four-step peroxidase-anti-peroxidase method was used on paraffin embedded tissues and we observed strong cytoplasmic positivity in all 19 primary prostatic tumours, in two metastatic, poorly differentiated prostatic adenocarcinomas, and in normal and hypertrophic prostatic epithelium. All the primary prostatic tumours also stained positively for prostate-specific antigen and for prostatic acid phosphatase using polyclonal antisera. The degree of positivity for these antigens varied from case to case. Adenocarcinomas arising from the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and gallbladder were anti-Leu 7 negative. Focal Leu 7 positivity, largely confined to cell membranes, was observed in some ovarian, endometrial, renal, lung and breast adenocarcinomas. These tumours, as well as some of the gastrointestinal, hepatic and pancreatic tumours, also showed focal cytoplasmic positivity for prostate-specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase. Our findings suggest that the anti-Leu 7 monoclonal antibody is a marker that may facilitate the detection of metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma, especially when used in conjunction with staining for prostate-specific antigen.
Cultural Competency at the Community Level: A Strategy for Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities

In the United States, healthcare providers, institutions, and society have failed to ensure the conditions necessary for racial and ethnic minority communities to be in good health. Many scholars and federal government officials consider racial and ethnic disparities in health to be an injustice and have called for national attention and strategies to eliminate them. Several of these strategies, including cultural competency, focus on addressing deficiencies within the health care system. Cultural competency is the ability of a healthcare provider to function effectively in the context of cultural differences with the clients they serve. Increasing cultural competency among healthcare providers has been shown to improve the quality of healthcare received by racial and ethnic minorities, which contributes to reducing health disparities. Achieving equity in the quality of healthcare received is a necessary strategy, but is insufficient for eliminating disparities in the health status of racial and ethnic minority populations. A growing body of literature reveals that health disparities are determined, not only by inequities in health care, but by social factors. The implication is that strategies that focus solely on healthcare perpetuate the misconception that health status is determined by access to or quality of healthcare. To eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health status, the fundamental conditions for good health, which include but are not limited to healthcare equity, must be acknowledged and ensured for all people.Special thanks to the editors of this issue, John R. Stone and Erika A. Blacksher, as well Eugenia Eng, Shelley Golden, and Mondi Mason, for their helpful comments.
Detection of mobile runway obstacles using dual airborne laser scanners

This paper examines the use of airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) for detection and velocity estimation of mobile obstacles in airport movement areas during landing and low altitude flight. Depending upon the operational conditions, obstacles may become hazards posing a threat to landing safety. In order to prevent runway incursions caused by runway obstacles, pilots must be made aware of all surface traffic. This traffic not only includes other aircraft, but also objects such as ground vehicles, wildlife, pedestrians, and debris. Current landing safety systems such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) are limited to vehicles equipped with a transponder, while the Airport Movement Area Safety System (AMASS) is limited by factors including hazard size and communication latency with the pilot. A truly robust hazard monitoring system capable of operating in all scenarios and landing conditions must include the capability to detect all airport surface traffic, estimate the state of that traffic. This task would preferably be independent of information from monitoring systems external to the aircraft. The hazard monitor proposed in this paper makes use of two airborne laser scanners (ALS), an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and the Global Positioning System (GPS) to identify and accurately geo-locate all runway obstacles in addition to estimating the state of the hazard though velocity prediction. Flight-testing and data collection using this system has been preformed at the Ohio University Airport (KUNI) in Albany, Ohio. Results indicate geo-referencing accuracy of approximately 2 m in most cases, along with successful hazard classification, and hazard velocity estimates accurate to within 2.8 m/s.
A Flight through the Universe

The authors describe the creation of a tridimensional fly-through animation across the largest map of galaxies to date. This project represented a challenge: creating a scientifically accurate representation of the galaxy distribution that was aesthetically pleasing. The animation shows almost half a million galaxies as the viewer travels through the vast intergalactic regions, giving a glimpse of the sheer size of the universe.
FINAL REPORT OF RTOG 9610, A MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL TRIAL OF REIRRADIATION AND CHEMOTHERAPY FOR UNRESECTABLE RECURRENT SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE HEAD AND NECK

Background. Our objectives were to determine the incidence of acute and late toxicities and to estimate the 2-year overall survival for patients treated with reirradiation and chemotherapy for unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Methods. Patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma or a second primary arising in a previously irradiated field were eligible. Four weekly cycles of 5-fluorouracil 300 mg/m2 IV bolus and hydroxyurea 1.5 g by mouth were used with 60 Gy at 1.5 Gy twice-daily fractions. Toxicity was scored according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (RTOG/EORTC) criteria. Results. Seventy-nine of the 86 patients enrolled were analyzable. The worst acute toxicity was grade 4 in 17.7% and grade 5 in 7.6%. Grade 3 and 4 late toxicities were found in 19.4% and 3.0%, respectively. The estimated cumulative incidence of grade 3 to 4 late effects occurring at >1 year was 9.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0, 19.7) at 2 and 5 years. The 2- and 5-year cumulative incidence for grade 4 toxicity was 3.1% (95% CI: 0, 9.3). The estimated 2- and 5-year survival rates were 15.2% (95% CI: 7.3, 23.1) and 3.8% (95% CI: 0.8, 8.0), respectively. Patients who entered the study at >1 year from initial radiotherapy (RT) had better survival than did those who were <1 year from prior RT (median survival, 9.8 months vs 5.8 months; p = .036). No correlation was detected between dose received and overall survival. Three patients were alive at 5 years. Conclusion. This is the first prospective multi-institutional trial testing reirradiation plus chemotherapy for recurrent or second SCCHN. The approach is feasible with acceptable acute and late effects. The results serve as a benchmark for ongoing RTOG trials. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008
Effects of nonlinear loads on optimal capacitor placement in radial feeders

The nonlinear portion of electrical loads has increased significantly in recent years. Harmonic currents injected by these loads into the distribution system should be considered when solving the capacitor placement problem in order to assure that the optimal solution does not result in excessive harmonic distortion. A voltage-dependent current injection load model is presented to determine voltage waveform characteristics and additional losses at harmonic frequencies. Computer simulations show that the optimal capacitor sizes and locations depend heavily on the load model used at fundamental frequency and on harmonic signals, especially when limits are imposed on voltage waveforms. >
Analysis of chaotic mixing in two model systems

We study the chaotic mixing in two periodic model flows, the ‘tendril–whorl’ flow and the ‘Aref-blinking-vortex’ flow, with the objective of supplying evidence for the primary mechanisms responsible for mixing in two-dimensional deterministic flows. The analysis is based on tools of dynamical systems theory but it is clear that the mixing problem generates several questions of its own: low periodic points and horseshoes dominate the picture, since we want to achieve mixing quickly; Poincare sections, popular in dynamical systems analyses, might give misleading information with regard to dispersion at short times. Our analysis shows that both flows are able to stretch and fold material lines well below the lengthscale of the flows themselves. The inner workings of the two systems are revealed by studying the local and global bifurcations. Computations for the blinking-vortex system indicate the existence of an optimum period at which the average efficiency is maximized, whereas the intensity of segregation – a classical parameter in mixing studies – decays rapidly to an asymptotic value in the globally chaotic region. Even though our flows are not turbulent the results might have some implications for pointing to the limits of similar studies in actual turbulent flows (e.g. line stretching).
Internalized Racism One More Piece of the Puzzle

In this issue, Robert T. Carter has made an important contribution to the literature in clinical psychologists’ understanding of the psychological injury caused by experiences of racism. However, Carter’s focus on specific encounters with racism might be narrow and limited. The author of this reaction contends that racial incidents (i.e., discrimination, racial harassment, and discriminatory harassment) represent only one of the ways that racism injures its victims. The internalization of racism might be even more damaging. Accordingly, she herein examines the concept of internalized racism as one more piece of the puzzle necessary for elucidating psychological injury that is due to racism.
Low-voltage, low-power rail-to-rail two stage op-amp with dynamic biasing and no Miller compensation

A novel compact low-voltage, low-power two-stage non-conventional op-amp with rail to rail input-output swing and without Miller compensation is introduced. The input stage uses floating gate transistors and a dynamic biasing scheme. Experimental results of a test chip are presented that validate the proposed circuit operating with a single supply as low as 1.4 V.
RhoA- and PKC-α-mediated phosphorylation of MYPT and its association with HSP27 in colonic smooth muscle cells.

Agonist-induced activation of the RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway results in inhibition of myosin phosphatase and maintenance of myosin light chain (MLC20) phosphorylation. We have shown that RhoA/ROCKII translocates and associates with heat shock protein (HSP)27 in the particulate fraction. We hypothesize that inhibition of the 130-kDa regulatory myosin-binding subunit (MYPT) requires its association with HSP27 in the particulate fraction. Furthermore, it is not certain whether regulation of MYPT by CPI-17 or by ROCKII is due to cross talk between RhoA and PKC-alpha. Presently, we examined the cross talk between RhoA and PKC-alpha in the regulation of MYPT phosphorylation in rabbit colon smooth muscle cells. Acetylcholine induced 1) sustained phosphorylation of PKC-alpha, CPI-17, and MYPT; 2) an increase in the association of phospho-MYPT with HSP27 in the particulate fraction; 3) a decrease in myosin phosphatase activity (66.21+/-3.52 and 42.19+/-3.85% nM/ml lysate at 30 s and 4 min); and 4) an increase in PKC activity (298.12+/-46.60% and 290.59+/-22.07% at 30 s and 4 min). Inhibition of RhoA/ROCKII by Y-27632 inhibited phosphorylation of MYPT and its association with HSP27. Both Y27632 and a negative dominant construct of RhoA inhibited phosphorylation of MYPT and CPI-17. Inhibition of PKCs or calphostin C or selective inhibition of PKC-alpha by negative dominant constructs inhibited phosphorylation of MYPT and CPI-17. The results suggest that 1) acetylcholine induces activation of both RhoA and/or PKC-alpha pathways, suggesting cross talk between RhoA and PKC-alpha resulting in phosphorylation of MYPT, inhibition of myosin phosphatase activity, and maintenance of MLC phosphorylation; and 2) phosphorylated MYPT is associated with HSP27 and translocated to the particulate fraction, suggesting a scaffolding role for HSP27 in mediating the association of the complex MYPT/RhoA-ROCKII. Thus both pathways (PKC and RhoA) converge on the regulation of myosin phosphatase activities and modulate sustained phosphorylation of MLC20.
Lessening the digital divide with laptop computers

Recent studies (Feb 2000) by the Kaiser foundation, Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and National Public Radio reveal that Americans have fallen in love with the Internet. The purpose of the study is to determine how the introduction of readily accessible computer usage affects the attitudes and effectiveness of education for minority students considered part of the digital divide.
High Performance and Energy Efficient Serial Prefetch Architecture

Energy efficient architecture research has flourished recently, in an attempt to address packaging and cooling concerns of current microprocessor designs, as well as battery life for mobile computers. Moreover, architects have become increasingly concerned with the complexity of their designs in the face of scalability, verification, and manufacturing concerns. In this paper, we propose and evaluate a high performance, energy and complexity efficient front-end prefetch architecture. This design, called Serial Prefetching, combines a high fetch bandwidth branch prediction and efficient instruction prefetching architecture with a low-energy instruction cache. Serial Prefetching explores the benefit of decoupling the tag component of the cache from the data component. Cache blocks are first verified by the tag component of the cache, and then the accesses are put into a queue to be consumed by the data component of the instruction cache. Energy is saved by only accessing the correct way of the data component specified by the tag lookup in a previous cycle. The tag component does not stall on a I-cache miss, only the data component. The accesses that miss in the tag component are speculatively brought in from lower levels of the memory hierarchy. This in effect performs a prefetch, while the access migrates through the queue to be consumed by the data component.
Current Research in the Development of a Spoken Language Understanding System using PARSEC

We are developing a spoken language system which would more effectively merge natural language and speech recognition technology by using a more flexible parsing strategy and utilizing prosody, the suprasegmental information in speech such as stress, rhythm, and intonation. There is a considerable amount of evidence which indicates that prosodic information impacts human speech perception at many different levels [5]. Therefore, it is generally agreed that spoken language systems would benefit from its addition to the traditional knowledge sources such as acoustic-phonetic, syntactic, and semantic information. A recent and novel approach to incorporating prosodic information, specifically the relative duration of phonetic segments, was developed by Patti Price and John Bear [1, 4]. They have developed an algorithm for computing break indices using a hidden Markov model, and have modified the context-free grammar rules to incorporate links between non-terminals which corresponded to the break indices. Although incorporation of this information reduced the number of possible parses, the processing time increased because of the addition of the link nodes in the grammar.
Stressors: Continuous and Discontinuous

DSM-III defined PTSD as a syndrome that follows exposure to a special class of stressors, that is, events that are outside the range of usual human experience. The definition of the PTSD stressor in DSM-III is ambiguous: It is unclear if it depends on a quantitative or qualitative difference. Furthermore, although a body of literature had described psychologic reactions to war and civilian catastrophes, there was at the time little empirical support for a strong and unique association between the PTSD symptom cluster and a special class of stressors. The revised definition of PTSD in DSM-III-R has not clarified the PTSD stressor criterion. However, changes were made in the criterial symptoms. Symptoms of avoidance were moved from the “Miscellaneous” to the “Numbing” category. The change was not based on empirical evidence; it was based instead on an untested psychologic paradigm about traumatic neurosis. Suggestions are made for future research to test the assumptions embedded in the PTSD definition.
Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 and CREB-Binding Protein/p300 Are Subunits of Double-Stranded RNA-Activated Transcription Factor DRAF1

Cells respond to viral infection or double-stranded RNA with the transcriptional induction of a subset of alpha/beta interferon-stimulated genes by a pathway distinct from the interferon signal pathway. The transcriptional induction is mediated through a DNA sequence containing the alpha/beta interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE). We previously identified a novel transcription factor, designated double-stranded RNA-activated factor 1 (DRAF1), that recognizes this response element. The DNA-binding specificity of DRAF1 correlates with transcriptional induction, thereby distinguishing it as a positive regulator of alpha/beta interferon-stimulated genes. Two of the components of DRAF1 have now been identified as interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) and the transcriptional coactivator CREB-binding protein (CBP)/p300. We demonstrate that IRF-3 preexists in the cytoplasm of uninfected cells and translocates to the nucleus following viral infection. Translocation of IRF-3 is accompanied by an increase in serine and threonine phosphorylation. Coimmunoprecipitation analyses of endogenous proteins demonstrate an association of IRF-3 with the transcriptional coactivators CBP and p300 only subsequent to infection. In addition, antibodies to the IRF-3, CBP, and p300 molecules react with DRAF1 bound to the ISRE target site of induced genes. The cellular response that leads to DRAF1 activation and specific gene expression may serve to increase host survival during viral infection.
Anthropogenic and natural CO2 emission sources in an arid urban environment

Recent research has shown the Phoenix, AZ metropolitan region to be characterized by a CO2 dome that peaks near the urban center. The CO2 levels, 50% greater than the surrounding non-urban areas, have been attributed to anthropogenic sources and the physical geography of the area. We quantified sources of CO2 emissions across the metropolitan region. Anthropogenic CO2 emission data were obtained from a variety of government and NGO sources. Soil CO2 efflux from the dominant land-use types was measured over the year. Humans and automobile activity produced more than 80% input of CO2 into the urban environment. Soil CO2 efflux from the natural desert ecosystems showed minimal emissions during hot and dry periods, but responded rapidly to moisture. Conversely, human maintained vegetation types (e.g. golf courses, lawns, irrigated agriculture) have greater efflux and are both temperature and soil moisture dependent. Landfills exhibited the most consistent rates, but were temperature and moisture independent. We estimate the annual CO2 released from the predominant land-use types in the Phoenix region and present a graphical portrayal of soil CO2 emissions and the total natural and anthropogenic CO2 emissions in the metropolitan region using a GIS-based approach. The results presented here do not mimic the spatial pattern shown in previous studies. Only, with sophisticated mixing models will we be able to address the total effect of urbanization on CO2 levels and the contribution to regional patterns.
State-dependent block of Orai3 TM1 and TM3 cysteine mutants: Insights into 2-APB activation

After endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ store depletion, Orai channels in the plasma membrane (PM) are activated directly by ER-resident stromal interacting molecule (STIM) proteins to form the Ca2+-selective Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. Of the three human Orai channel homologues, only Orai3 can be activated by high concentrations (>50 µM) of 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2-APB). 2-APB activation of Orai3 occurs without STIM1–Orai3 interaction or store depletion, and results in a cationic, nonselective current characterized by biphasic inward and outward rectification. Here we use cysteine scanning mutagenesis, thiol-reactive reagents, and patch-clamp analysis to define the residues that assist in formation of the 2-APB–activated Orai3 pore. Mutating transmembrane (TM) 1 residues Q83, V77, and L70 to cysteine results in potentiated block by cadmium ions (Cd2+). TM1 mutants E81C, G73A, G73C, and R66C form channels that are not sensitive to 2-APB activation. We also find that Orai3 mutant V77C is sensitive to block by 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate (MTSEA), but not 2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl methanethiosulfonate (MTSET). Block induced by reaction with MTSEA is state dependent, as it occurs only when Orai3-V77C channels are opened by either 2-APB or by cotransfection with STIM1 and concurrent passive store depletion. We also analyzed TM3 residue E165. Mutation E165A in Orai3 results in diminished 2-APB–activated currents. However, it has little effect on store-operated current density. Furthermore, mutation E165C results in Cd2+-induced block that is state dependent: Cd2+ only blocks 2-APB–activated, not store-operated, mutant channels. Our data suggest that the dilated pore of 2-APB–activated Orai3 is lined by TM1 residues, but also allows for TM3 E165 to approach the central axis of the channel that forms the conducting pathway, or pore.
Intimate Partner Violence and Utilization of Prenatal Care in the United States

Over 1.5 million women are victims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse by former or present intimate partners. Intimate partner violence (IPV) around pregnancy can lead to devastating health consequences to mothers and infants. While some research suggests that IPV negatively affects the utilization of health services like prenatal care (PNC), inconsistencies in the assessment of PNC utilization, timing of partner violence, and definitions of IPV yield conflicting results. The objective for the present study is to evaluate whether preconception IPV, prenatal IPV, or IPV in the preconception and/or prenatal period affects PNC utilization. This study analyzed the 2004-2008 national Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), which included 202,367 women who delivered a live birth in the United States. IPV victimization was measured using four items that addressed physical abuse by a current or former husband/partner in the 12 months before (preconception) and during (prenatal) pregnancy. Responses were categorized as preconception, prenatal, and preconception and/or prenatal IPV. The outcome was PNC adequacy categorized as inadequate, intermediate, adequate, and adequate plus based on the Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization index. Separate logistic regression models provided crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Over 6% of women reported preconception and/or prenatal IPV and 26% had less than adequate PNC. Women who reported abuse before and/or during pregnancy were more likely to have inadequate PNC (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4, 95% CI = [1.3, 1.6]). Similarly, women who experienced preconception or prenatal IPV were 30% more likely to have inadequate PNC (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = [1.2, 1.5]; OR = 1.3, 95% CI = [1.1, 1.7], respectively). Adequate PNC is essential in improving pregnancy outcomes; however, women in abusive relationships may face ongoing challenges and difficulties with obtaining appropriate care. Findings underscore a critical problem and health providers are urged to screen and educate women about IPV during all preconception and prenatal visits.
Use of pyrosequencing to detect clinically relevant polymorphisms in dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase

Common human diseases, such as cancer, have been associated with multiple types of variation in the genome, including sequence repeats and deletions and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (1). Of these, SNPs are the most abundant in the human genome (2)(3). As a result of the efforts of many groups (4), an estimated 5 million SNPs are now deposited in public databases (5), providing a resource for determining how genomic variation affects human biology. Building on this work, many groups have shown that drug response is also influenced by genomic variation (6). Multiple SNPs have been identified that have a major impact on response to chemotherapy (7)(8)(9)(10)(11); it is therefore necessary to have rapid and efficient SNP evaluation techniques to analyze genes that influence chemotherapy response. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is the initial and rate-limiting enzyme in the three-step degradation of uracil to β-alanine (12). This is the only endogenous pathway for production of the neurotransmitter β-alanine (13). DPD also degrades >80% of the anticancer agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a pyrimidine analog used to treat colorectal cancer, and limits the oral absorption of the drug (13). DPD activity is found to be highest in liver and mononuclear cells, but it is also present in most other human tissues (14). Variation in DPD activity can lead to nonbeneficial physiologic conditions. A complete absence of DPD has been associated with the hereditary metabolic disorder thymine-uraciluria (9). This is characterized by mental retardation and is sometimes accompanied by other neurologic disorders, such as microcephaly, motor retardation, and autism (9). In addition, decreased DPD activity leads to severe toxicity from 5-FU even when typical doses are administered. This is often accompanied by severe diarrhea, neutropenia, and sometimes, neurotoxicity (9). The DPYD gene located on chromosome 1p20 …
The effect of (α, n) reactions on the ratio of induced fission to spontaneous fission in natural uranium

Abstract The effect of beryllium as a representative low Z element on the change of the ratio of induced fission to spontaneous fission in natural uranium is significant. For systems containing 0·05 and 0·10% Be with respect to uranium, the induced to spontaneous fission ratio was measured as 1·57 and 3·48. The increase in the neutron flux is attributed to (α, n ) reactions on beryllium.
Neural System Identification

One could argue that all scientific problems can be described in terms of two fundamental objectives: identification and control. Much of the current body of research in basic neuroscience revolves around the problem of identification, although not formally posed as such. The problem of identification is that of cause and effect. For example, in considering the relationship between two synaptically connected neurons, how does the presynaptic action potential cause the postsynaptic potential? At a more macroscopic level, how do the photons of light entering the eye cause the neuronal population activity in the visual pathway of the brain? Due to the overwhelming complexity of the nervous system, it is in fact difficult to think of threads of investigation that are not in some way reliant on identification or modeling at the systems level. The concept of system identification goes beyond simply reporting experimental observations. In many cases, the input can be controlled, and the goal is to identify a functional relationship between stimulus and response that will enable prediction of the response of the system to subsequent arbitrary inputs. Failure in prediction exposes previous misconceptions about the underlying dynamics, often leading to more intelligently designed experiments, and so on. Herein lies the true value of the identification process in this largely empirical field of science.
MDS patients with TP53 mutation respond equally to hypomethylating agents (HMA) but has significantly shorter response duration compared to patients with wild type TP53

patients showed peripheral myeloblasts on treatment compared to 11 (42%) in the MDS group. One CMML patient developed grade 3 fibrosis from grade 0-1 at baseline compared to 3 (12%) MDS patients. Conclusions: Eltrombopag yielded lower responses in CMML patients after HMA failure compared to MDS patients but namely due to stopping treatment in majority of patients due to leukocytosis or circulating myeloblasts.
Addressing Nonpoint Sources of Water Pollution Must Become an International Priority

The nature and significance of nonpoint sources of surface and groundwater pollution are examined in this review. Examples are given from across the globe illustrating extensive economic, environmental, and human health damage from these diffuse sources. Agricultural sources, both subsistence farming and irrigated cropland, were found to cause the most widespread water quality problems worldwide. In the least developed nations, areawide releases of human sewage – especially near rural groundwater wells and in burgeoning urban areas – cause the most serious damage with an estimated one billion people suffering from waterborne diseases at any one time. In Europe, the former Soviet Union, and North America, leaking hazardous waste sites, contaminated sediments, and atmospheric deposition of acidifying and toxic substances pose complex challenges in addition to the agricultural pollution sources; and transboundary pollution abatement to restore large waterbodies is becoming a priority for foreign aid assistance. Institutional and cultural barriers to pollution abatement can be overcome by including interventions as integral parts of sustainable economic development initiatives. Through a comprehensive, ecosystem-based approach to water resources management, progress in controlling nonpoint source pollution can be made.
Influence of the bn gene on mitosis of immature red blood cells in turkeys

The binucleated and large mononucleated red blood cells found in the blood of bnbn mutant turkeys result from nondisjunction of chromosomes in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes. The major ultrastructural abnormality that is observed in these mutant cells is malpositioning of the centrioles in the cell. This involves failure to assume a normal pole-to-pole position in the center of the cell, and, often, centrioles are seen close together near the cell membrane. In addition to the abnormalities in centrioles, incomplete spindles are formed with large masses of chromatin unattached to microtubules. Cytokinesis is blocked in many instances because large amounts of chromatin remain at the region of the metaphase plate. None of the aforementioned abnormalities were seen in bone marrow cells from genetically normal turkeys. The results of this study suggest that malorientation of the centrioles has adverse effects on chromosome movement in animal cells. The concept that the spatial orientation of the centrioles is fundamental in achieving normal separation of chromosomes during anaphase movement is supported by our work. Finally, the close ultrastructural parallels with the human blood disease congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I are discussed.
Revelation and Redemption: Identifying and Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins of Small Business **********

Article explores common behavioral traits and actions exhibited by small business owners with respect to finance, operations, and other strategic aspects of the business enterprise. Categorization based on classical seven deadly sins with various allegorical examples given for each classification. Focus on providing individuals and entrepreneurs with negative behavioral examples to avoid in course of their business conduct.