cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Confocal light microscopy of the living in-situ ocular lens: two- and three-dimensional imaging

The ocular lens is an import variable refractive element in the eye; its transparency is vital for vision. Conventional ophthalmic imaging devices, such as MRI, ultrasound, and optical instruments are unable to image the ocular lens at submicron resolution. Confocal light microscopy can image the in situ ocular lens and produce high contrast images of the semi-transparent structures. The transverse resolution is less than one micron and the range resolution (important for optical sectioning) is submicron. The studies were performed on freshly enucleated rabbit eyes using a real-time confocal microscope developed by Xiao and Kino at Stanford University. This microscope is based on a rotating Nipkow disk. Other confocal studies were performed on a laser scanning optical microscope. The following structures were imaged: lens capsule, lens epithelium, lens fibrils, nuclei and intrafibril structures. The two-dimensional data sets obtained from the optical sectioning properties of the confocal microscope were used to reconstruct the three-dimensional voxel data sets of the lens. Volume rendering techniques were used for the reconstruction. The three-dimensional views of the in-situ ocular lens are used for visualization of the ocular lens. Clinical potential of the three-dimensional visualization of the ocular lens will be reviewed.
Nonlinear deformations of clamped annular membranes subjected to uniformly distributed axisymmetric loading

Nonlinear axisymmetric deformations of clamped annular membranes have been investigated. A single nonlinear governing differential equation in terms of radial stress was used. Literature review indicates that no attempt has been made to obtain the numerical solution of the annular membrane problem using a single nonlinear governing differential equation. The solution of the single equation which governs the response of the annular membrane was solved using the finite difference scheme in conjunction with the Newton-Raphson technique. The equations representing the boundary conditions were incorporated into the equations representing the stresses at the interior regions of the membrane. This resulted in a condensed tridiagonal matrix for the Jacobian of the system, which was solved using a tridiagonal reduction scheme. The structure and sparsity of the Jacobian was exploited resulting in economy of computer storage requirements and permitted the partitioning of the membrane into a larger number of regions which yielded an improved solution. The tridiagonal reduction scheme also resulted in an increase in computational speed. To verify the validity of the present method, a classical problem which involves a clamped circular membrane subjected to uniformly distributed loading was analyzed. The results obtained by the present method agreed extremely well with the classical solution. However, in the case of an annular membrane, the literature reveals a conflict between the numerical results of two groups of researchers. One group asserts that - as the hole radius decreases - the stress concentration factor approaches an upper limit of two, while results from another group of investigators show this value to be much higher. The results obtained by using the present results indicate that the stress concentration factor is indeed bounded by a value of two. The present method exhibited excellent convergence characteristics. In conclusion, the use of a single nonlinear differential equation in terms of radial stress which governs the response of an annular membrane, in conjunction with the Newton-Raphson method, appears to be an ideal choice for the solution of the nonlinear annular membrane problem.
Brand personality dimensions in China

Although a considerable amount of research has been conducted to conceptualize brand personality, no study yet examined the structure of brand personality dimensions in China. This research identifies a theoretical framework of six brand personality dimensions in China. Of the six dimensions identified, three dimensions (Competence, Excitement, and Sophistication) are consistent with those found in the USA, whereas three dimensions carry culture-specific meaning (Traditionalism, Joyfulness, and Trendiness), supporting our prediction that Chinese brand personality structure shows the coexistence of traditional and changing cultural values in contemporary Chinese society. The findings suggest that the symbolic meaning embedded in Chinese commercial brands is under considerable influence of both western modernism and Chinese traditionalism. Theoretical and managerial implications regarding the symbolic use of commercial brands are discussed.
Adolescents' Behavioral Autonomy Related to Diabetes Management and Adolescent Activities/Rules:

PURPOSE The purpose of this preliminary study was to describe and explore the behavioral autonomy (both independent functioning and decision making) of adolescents with type 1 diabetes. METHODS A sample of 34 adolescents with type 1 diabetes completed checklists on independent functioning and decision making for daily and nondaily diabetes management as well as typical adolescent activities/rules. RESULTS Independent functioning in daily diabetes management was greater for older adolescents. Independent functioning and decision making for daily diabetes management, nondaily diabetes management, and typical adolescent activities/rules were strongly correlated. Independent decision making, but not independent functioning for daily diabetes management, was significantly correlated to metabolic control. CONCLUSIONS The strong relationship between independent decision making and functioning suggests that both aspects are important parts of behavioral autonomy to be assessed by healthcare professionals working with adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Healthcare professionals should encourage parental involvement that facilitates adolescents' independent decision making, which was related to better metabolic control in this study.
Resistance to Boll Weevil in Mixed Populations o Resistant and Susceptible Cotton Plants

The reliability of resistance to attack by boll weevil ( Anthonomus grandis Boh). conferred by the mutant gene, H2 was tested under different environmental conditions, i.e., in different proportions of the mutant strain, Pilose, and the susceptible variety, All-In-One, or in the absence of susceptible plants. In order to carry out this test it was necessary to isolate individual plots from one another using corn as a barrier crop, and to provide a uniform infestation of boll weevils. This method proved satisfactory. The degree of resistance was measured inversely by the proportion of squares with egg-laying punctures. The mutant strain, Pilose, showed a significantly lower proportion of egg-laying punctures throughout the investigation. A slight but consistent increase in number of egg-laying punctures with increased in the resistant strain, Pilose, as well as in the susceptible variety, All-In-One.
Properties of a phenyl‐substituted polyphenylene in dilute solution

Three preparations of a phenyl-substituted polyphenylene were fractionated and studied in solution by light scattering, osmometry, viscometry, fluorescence depolarization, and exclusion chromatography. Three of the five main-chain phenylene groups in the repeat unit are linked para, but the other two may be either meta or para, with the latter linkage predominating. The data are consistent with a chain structure characterized by rigid segments about 70–75A long, on the average, joined with 120° bond angles, about which virtually free rotation is allowed. For chains of up to about 250 backbone phenylene units, the hydrodynamic behavior in tetrahydrofuran, and other solvents, is that of a freely draining coil with intrinsic viscosity proportional to molecular weight. The effect of intramolecular excluded volume on chain conformation is negligible, although intermolecular interactions are reflected by a positive second virial coefficient (in tetrahydrofuran). Study of polymers of higher molecular weight is hampered by formation of what appear to be metastable aggregates resembling randomly branched chains.
Spinothalamocortical projections to the secondary somatosensory cortex (SII) in squirrel monkey.

Anterograde labeling of the cervical spinothalamic tract was combined with retrograde labeling of thalamocortical cells projecting to the hand region of the second somatosensory cortex (hSII) to identify likely sites in the thalamus for processing and transmitting nociceptive information to hSII. Anterograde labeling of terminals was done with 2% WGA-HRP injections in the cervical enlargement; thalamocortical cells were retrogradely labeled with fluorescent tracers. In one experiment, the contralateral primary somatosensory cortex hand region (hSI) was injected to provide a direct comparison with hSII thalamic label. Both labeled cells and terminal-like structures were visualized in single thalamic sections and their numbers and positions quantitatively analyzed. The number of labeled cells within 100 microns from the STT terminals were counted as overlapping cells. Four thalamic nuclei, ventroposterior inferior (VPI), ventroposterior lateral (VPL), posterior nucleus (PO) and centrolateral nucleus (CL) combined to contain 86.5% of all hSII-projecting overlapping cells. Of all hSII-projecting thalamic overlapping cells, VPI contained the largest number (36.4% of the total) followed by the anterior portion of the posterior nuclear complex (POa; 20.4%), VPL (18.3%) and CL (11.4%). Results of the hSI injection show a different pattern of overlap in agreement with our earlier study. The relative distribution of overlapping cells was dependent on the antero-posterior position of the SII injections. The most anterior injections resulted in small numbers of labeled cells, with the majority of overlapping cells located in PO and CL. The more posterior injections resulted in overlapping cells mainly in VPI and VPL. The results indicate that, in the squirrel monkey, VPI, VPL, POa and CL relay nociceptive information from the spinal cord to the second somatosensory cortex.
Glaucoma Progression Analysis software compared with expert consensus opinion in the detection of visual field progression in glaucoma.

Purpose To compare the results of Glaucoma Progression Analysis (GPA, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) to subjective expert consensus in the detection of glaucomatous visual field progression. Design Retrospective, observational case series. Participants We included 100 eyes of 83 glaucoma patients. Methods Five serial Humphrey visual fields from 100 eyes of 83 glaucoma patients were evaluated by 5 masked glaucoma subspecialists for determination of progression. Four months later, with a randomly reordered patient sequence, the same visual field series were reevaluated by the same graders, at which time they had access to the Glaucoma Progression Analysis (GPA) printout. Main Outcome Measures The level of agreement between majority expert consensus and GPA, both before and after access to GPA data, was assessed using kappa statistics. Results On initial review and on reevaluation with access to the GPA printout, the level of agreement between majority expert consensus and GPA was fair (kappa = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35–0.69 and kappa=0.62; 95% CI, 0.46–0.78, respectively). Expert consensus was more likely to classify a series of fields as showing progression than was GPA ( P ≤0.002). There was good agreement between expert consensus on initial review and reevaluation 4 months later (kappa = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65–0.90). Conclusions The level of agreement between majority expert consensus of subjective determination of visual field progression and GPA is fair. In cases of disagreement with GPA, the expert consensus classification was usually progression. Access to the results of GPA did not significantly change the level of agreement between expert consensus and the GPA result; however, expert consensus did change in 11 of 100 cases. Financial Disclosure(s) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
Fellowship training in rhinology: American Rhinologic Society survey of U.S. graduates

Background: The past 5 years have witnessed the introduction of numerous rhinology fellowships that may have altered the education of individuals electing to pursue postgraduate training. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rhinology fellowship experience and its possible impact on current practice patterns of U.S. fellowship-trained rhinologists. Methods: A 27-item web-based survey (www.surveymonkey.com) was conducted under the purview of the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) Fellowship Committee between November 2009 and January 2010. The target group included 112 rhinologists who completed fellowship training between 1990 and 2009. Results: A total of 62 fellows (55.4%) completed the survey. The respondents represented all regions of the country, with most common being southeast (25%) and south central (18%). The most common type of clinical practice was academic in 68%, followed by single-specialty group (19%), multispecialty (6.5%), and solo practice (6.5%). Rhinology entailed >75% and 50% to 75% of clinical practice for 61% and 24% of respondents, respectively. The primary reasons for selecting a rhinology fellowship were career in academics (64%) and interest in rhinologic procedures (31%). Overall fellowship experience was rated as excellent and good by 84% and 16%, respectively. The mean number of rhinologic procedures during fellowship were >200 in 59% and 151 to 200 in 27% of respondents. Allergy training exposure was reported by 59% during training. Clinical and basic science research exposure was rated as excellent or good by 90% and 44%, respectively. Conclusion: The rhinology fellowship experience to date appears to be well-regarded by majority of respondents. Future dialogue should focus on identification of deficiencies in the current rhinology fellowship educational process. © 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
Surgical risks and lessons learned: Mortality following gastric bypass in a severely obese adolescent

Abstract Recent evidence highlighting the potential metabolic benefits of “early” surgical weight loss on obesity-related comorbidities has resulted in a steady increase in the number of adolescent bariatric procedures performed in the Unites States. Despite current literature describing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in adults undergoing bariatric surgery, there is a paucity of corresponding information related to the severely obese adolescent population. The clinical case described in this report serves as a reminder that severely obese adolescents may have subclinical CVD that has been previously unanticipated based on age alone. Although “youth” may limit the development of atherosclerotic heart disease, it does not protect against the development of other serious cardiac conditions (i.e. cardiomyopathy and microvascular disease). As with the case of other obesity-related metabolic derangements, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, the degree of CVD burden should not be underestimated in this young but unhealthy population. This case provides stimulus for important questions regarding obesity-related CVD in the pediatric population and highlights the need to establish appropriate clinical assessment algorithms and perioperative guidelines to more accurately address potential CVD risk for the severely obese adolescent population undergoing all elective surgical intervention including bariatric procedures.
CT colonography for population screening: ready for prime time?

In conclusion, CTC matches or exceeds optical colonoscopy in terms of the key criteria for a colorectal screening test, yet it remains vastly underutilized, largely due to lack of coverage by CMS and other payers. CTC is equivalent to colonoscopy for the screen detection of advanced adenomas, whereas the non-invasive stool-based tests largely lack this preventive benefit. CTC is considerably safer than colonoscopy as a primary colorectal screening test and would result in fewer hospitalizations and urgent surgical repairs. CTC is generally preferred over colonoscopy by individuals undergoing screening, which is an important factor for adherence. CTC is likely more cost-effective than optical colonoscopy for primary colorectal cancer screening, particularly if sub-cm polyps are not aggressively managed. The re-assessment of CTC screening by the USPSTF will be critical for a subsequent favorable national coverage determination by CMS. Once CTC screening is covered for Medicare beneficiaries, other third-party payers would presumably follow suit for the key 50–64 year-old demographic. At that point, CTC will be “ready for prime time”.
A Model of First-Generation Latino/a College Students' Approach to Seeking Academic Information

Using grounded theory methodology, we examined the experiences of first-generation Latino/a college students. Themes emerged in students' interactions with and perceptions of peers, advisors, and f...
Optical stokes parameters for farm cropidentification

Summary The use of bidirectional polarization and photometry implies the efficient use of all the optical information available in the scattered radiation. This information is represented as Stokes parameters, which include wavelength, geometry, and bidirectional photometric and polarization factors. The Stokes parameters were determined in the laboratory on field crop samples of fully developed alfalfa, Long Island potatoes, sweet corn, rye, and wheat, at wavelengths of 0.350, 0.433, 0.533, 0.566, 0.633, 0.8, and 1.0 μ. The results indicate that the information available from the Stokes parameters aids in the characterization of agricultural crops.
On Developing Independent Critical Thinking: What We Can Learn from Studies of the Research Process.

It has recently been argued that researchers should pay increased attention to the ways in which critical thinking processes are stimulated when students can determine their own types and sequences of reading and writing activities. This argument underscores the need to look more closely at the research process for the research paper, probably the best means that teachers have for fostering independent critical thinking. Remarkably, only a few studies touch on what students do as they select and narrow a topic, locate sources, sift through these sources, and develop a central research question or thesis statement. Nevertheless, much can be learned from these few studies, especially with respect to the intellectual significance of when and how a thesis or controlling idea is formulated. This article examines these studies in detail, notes the limitations of a related body of research focusing on other kinds of academic writing, and raises a number of conceptual and methodological issues for researchers to ...
Research on a Dynamic Model of Trust Building Within Regional Tourism Alliances: Evidence from China

The purpose of this study is to examine the emergence of trust as a dynamic process and develop a dynamic model of trust building within regional tourism alliances (RTAs) in China. Previous studies of trust were used to identify a potential trust-building process for partners in interorganization with four potential stages: previous history, (re)negotiation, commitment, and execution. A case study approach was then used to explore the development of trust within RTAs. The results indicate that the process of trust building can be examined as a sequential process. The previous stage enables trust building in the next stage. The output of the previous stage is an input into the next stage. The previous history represents the input of trust building. The negotiation stage has an input from previous history and output to commitment. The execution stage has an input from commitment and output to the next cycle.
HLA ANTIGENS IN GREEK FAMILIES WITH CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA(CAH)

Data on HLA typing in patients with CAH have indicated an association of certain forms of CAH to specific HLA antigens. We looked for HLA ABC antigens in 136 subjects belonging to 41 families, of hellenic origin, with one or two members affected with CAH, and in 380 apparently normal individuals who served as controls. For the calculations only one affected member from each family was inserted. We found the HLA B14 antigen in 42.8% of cases with the latent form of CAH (LF) versus 5% of the controls (p 0.001). The HLA B7 antigen was found in 23% of subjects with the salt wasting form (SW) versus 7.6% of the controls (p 0.05). The A3 antigen was found in 41% in SW versus 17% of the controls (p 0.02). All indiviluals with SW and HLA B7 antigen have A3B7 haplotype. No other antigens showed an association to any form of the disease. More specifically the HLA B5 antigen, found by others in increased frequency in the simple virilizing form of CAH, was not found increased in our group (35.5% in the affected versus 33.1% in the controls). Thus while the B14 antigen seems to be associated with a specific form of CAH in individuals of different ethnic and geographical background, this is not so with other CAH associated HLA antigens. The interpretation of this heterogenuity is only speculative at present.
Recent results from NASA's morphing project

The NASA Morphing Project seeks to develop and assess advanced technologies and integrated component concepts to enable efficient, multi-point adaptability in air and space vehicles. In the context of the project, the word "morphing" is defined as "efficient, multi-point adaptability" and may include macro, micro, structural and/or fluidic approaches. The project includes research on smart materials, adaptive structures, micro flow control, biomimetic concepts, optimization and controls. This paper presents an updated overview of the content of the Morphing Project including highlights of recent research results.
Effect of age, education, and bilingualism on confrontation naming in older illiterate and low-educated populations

We investigated the effects of age as well as the linked factors of education and bilingualism on confrontation naming in rural Kashmir by creating a culturally appropriate naming test with pictures of 60 objects. We recruited 48 cognitively normal participants whose ages ranged from 18 to 28 and from 60 to 85. Participants in our study were illiterate monolinguals (N = 18) and educated Kashmiri-Urdu bilinguals (N = 30). Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that younger adults performed better than older adults (P < 0.01) and the age effect was quadratic (age(2)). It also showed Age X Education and Age X L2 Speaking interactions predicted naming performance. The Age X Education interaction indicated that the advantages of greater education increased with advancing age. Since education is in the second language (L2) in our population, this finding is no doubt linked to the Age X L2 Speaking interaction. This suggests that L2 speaking proficiency contributed more to first language (L1) naming with advancing age.
Political Culture and Felony Sentencing: An Examination of Trial Courts in 300 Counties:

Criminal sentencing is such a fundamental power of government that variations in its use can be linked to political culture. Using Daniel Elazar's typology of American political culture, three-hundred counties in 49 states were classified in terms of the prevailing political culture. This data was matched with sentencing data gathered by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. In the bivariate analysis traditionalistic political cultures administered harsher sentences; as for rates of incarceration, particularly in jails, moralistic political cultures incarcerated a higher percentage of individuals. In the multivariate model, many attributes closely related to political culture, such as conservatism, income distribution, and the over all crime rate, help to explain sentencing variations. However, political culture was significant only for larceny, and the results paralleled the bivariate analysis. This article concludes with a discussion of the advan tages and disadvantages of using political culture to study s...
Triple immunosuppression reduces mononuclear cell infiltration and prolongs graft life in pig–to–newborn baboon cardiac xenotransplantation☆☆☆★★★

Abstract Objective: Pig hearts transplanted into unmedicated newborn baboons do not undergo hyperacute rejection by preformed xenoantibody and complement. These grafts are rejected at days 3 to 4 in association with the infiltration of macrophages and natural killer cells. We investigated whether an immunosuppressive regimen used widely in cardiac allotransplantation could reduce this cellular response and prolong xenograft life. Methods: Ten newborn baboons underwent heterotopic pig cardiac xenotransplantation. Five baboons were immunosuppressed with mycophenolate mofetil (100 mg/kg), methylprednisolone acetate (0.8 mg/kg), and cyclosporine A (INN: ciclosporin; 10 mg/kg). Xenograft rejection was studied by light microscopy and immunofluorescence. The induced humoral response to porcine xenoantigens was documented by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using synthetic α-1,3-galactosyl epitopes coupled to bovine serum albumin. Results: Graft life was extended from a mean of 3.6 ± 0.5 days ( n = 5) to a mean of 6.2 ± 1.1 days ( n = 5, p = 0.01). In comparison with controls, explanted grafts from medicated baboons demonstrated reduced infiltration with natural killer cells and macrophages, but increased evidence of complement-mediated rejection substantiated by increased deposition of immunoglobulin M, complement, and fibrin. In all baboons receiving transplants, levels of both immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G anti-galactose were significantly increased after transplantation, with immunoglobulin G levels remaining persistently elevated. Conclusions: These results indicate that cyclosporine-based triple immunosuppression marginally prolonged xenograft survival and appears to have reduced the natural killer cell and macrophage infiltrates. The immunosuppressive protocol, however, was not adequate to prevent the induced immunoglobulin M humoral response and prevent complement-mediated graft injury. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998;115:998-1006)
Radiation chemistry at Notre Dame 1943–1994☆☆☆

Abstract Radiation chemical research originated at Notre Dame in the early 1940's when the 2 MeV Van de Graaff of the Notre Dame Physics Department was used to resolve radiation chemical problems relating to interests of the Manhattan Project. Early studies involved examination of the overall course of radiation effects by conventional chemical methods. These studies mainly employed spectrophotometric gas analysis and scavenger techniques to examine the course of radiolysis. In the period since the early 1960's pulse radiolysis methods incorporating time resolved absorption spectrophotometric, electron spin resonance and resonance Raman detection have been added to these methodologies. Currently these time resolved studies are complemented by chromatographic measurements which provide very detailed information on the overall course of radiation chemical reactions. The addition of laser flash photolysis methods in the mid 1970's also has augmented the mechanistic information available from the Laboratory's radiation chemical studies. The state-of-the-art of these various approaches, as currently practiced in the Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory, is described.
When Work–Family Benefits Are Not Enough: The Influence of Work–Family Culture on Benefit Utilization, Organizational Attachment, and Work–Family Conflict☆☆☆★

Abstract We developed a measure of work–family culture (i.e., the shared assumptions, beliefs, and values regarding the extent to which an organization supports and values the integration of employees' work and family lives) and examined its relationship to work–family benefit utilization, organizational attachment, and work–family conflict. Using survey data from 276 managers and professionals, we identified three dimensions of work–family culture: managerial support for work–family balance, career consequences associated with utilizing work–family benefits, and organizational time expectations that may interfere with family responsibilities. As predicted, perceptions of a supportive work–family culture were related to employees' use of work–family benefits. Both work–family benefit availability and supportive work–family culture were positively related to affective commitment and negatively related to work–family conflict and intentions to leave the organization. In addition, the three culture dimensions were found to have unique relationships with these behaviors and attitudes.
Pioneer 11 meteoroid detection experiment - Preliminary results

The concentration of meteoroids of mass about 0.01 microgram in interplanetary space, in the asteroid belt, and near Jupiter has been measured. The data confirm the Pioneer 10 observation that the asteroid belt is not highly populated with small meteoroids, suggest that the high concentration of small particles around Jupiter is the result of gravitational focusing, and provide an indication of the mass distribution of meteoroids in interplanetary space.
BLOCON: a bufferless photonic Clos Network-on-Chip architecture

On-chip photonic waveguides have been proposed as a feasible replacement for the long interconnects that cause speed and power bottlenecks. Along with recent advancements in nanophotonic technologies, we believe that combining on-chip waveguides with high-radix Network on Chip (NoC) topologies is a promising way to improve NoC performance. In this paper, we propose the BLOCON (BufferLess phOtonic ClOs Network) to exploit silicon photonics. We propose a scheduling algorithm named Sustained and Informed Dual Round-Robin Matching (SIDRRM) to solve the output contention problem, and a path allocation scheme named Distributed and Informed Path Allocation (DIPA) to solve the Clos network routing problem. In the simulation results, we show that with SIDRRM and DIPA, BLOCON improves the delay and power performance of the compared electrical and photonic NoC architectures over synthetic traffic patterns and SPLASH-2 traces.
A subset of NSAIDs lower amyloidogenic Aβ42 independently of cyclooxygenase activity

Epidemiological studies have documented a reduced prevalence of Alzheimer's disease among users of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It has been proposed that NSAIDs exert their beneficial effects in part by reducing neurotoxic inflammatory responses in the brain, although this mechanism has not been proved. Here we report that the NSAIDs ibuprofen, indomethacin and sulindac sulphide preferentially decrease the highly amyloidogenic Aβ42 peptide (the 42-residue isoform of the amyloid-β peptide) produced from a variety of cultured cells by as much as 80%. This effect was not seen in all NSAIDs and seems not to be mediated by inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) activity, the principal pharmacological target of NSAIDs. Furthermore, short-term administration of ibuprofen to mice that produce mutant β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) lowered their brain levels of Aβ42. In cultured cells, the decrease in Aβ42 secretion was accompanied by an increase in the Aβ(1–38) isoform, indicating that NSAIDs subtly alter γ-secretase activity without significantly perturbing other APP processing pathways or Notch cleavage. Our findings suggest that NSAIDs directly affect amyloid pathology in the brain by reducing Aβ42 peptide levels independently of COX activity and that this Aβ42-lowering activity could be optimized to selectively target the pathogenic Aβ42 species.
Polyclonal Immunoglobulin Free Light Chain Levels Predict Survival in Myeloid Neoplasms

Purpose We hypothesized that surrogate markers of host immune response may predict survival in myeloid malignancies. Because of immediate practical applicability, we chose plasma immunoglobulin free light chain (FLC) concentration as the biomarker of interest. Patients and Methods Two independent cohorts of patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were studied. Kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) FLCs were measured by a quantitative nephelometric assay. Patients with monoclonal FLC were excluded. Results Values that were above the upper limit of normal for κ or λ FLC were documented in 33% of 240 patients with PMF and 46% of 74 patients with MDS. Increased FLC was significantly associated with increased creatinine, and advanced age in PMF (P < .001) and hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL in MDS (P = .005). In multivariable analysis, increased FLC predicted shortened survival in both PMF and MDS, independent of age, creatinine, and other conventional risk factors. Cutoff levels based on ...
System implementations of analog VLSI velocity sensors

We present three different architectures that make use of analog VLSI velocity sensors for detecting the focus of expansion, time to contact and motion discontinuities respectively. For each of the architectures proposed we describe the functionality of their component modules and their principles of operation. Data measurements obtained from the VLSI chips developed demonstrate their correct performance and their limits of operation.
Phylogenetic placement of the anamorphic tribe Ustilaginoideae (Hypocreales, Ascomycota)

Tribe Ustilaginoideae (Hypocreales, Ascomycetes) is made up of three anamorph genera, Munkia, Neomunkia and Ustilaginoidea. Species of Munkia and Neomunkia develop on the culms of bamboo (Chusquea spp.) and have a neotropical distribution while species of Ustilaginoidea infect the florets of various grasses and are pantropical in distribution. In this study we evaluated the phylogeny of the tribe and assessed hypotheses regarding its affinity to clavicipitalean teleomorphic groups. To support phylogenetic analyses, morphology of representatives of several key species of Ustilaginoideae was examined also. Phylogenetic analyses using sequences of the large subunit of the ribosomal RNA gene suggest that members of Ustilaginoideae are distinct from teleomorphic genera of Clavicipitaceae and that Ustilaginoideae should be recognized as a monophyletic group within Hypocreales. However, phylogenetic analyses did not resolve the placement of Ustilaginoideae in Clavicipitaceae or Hypocreaceae, suggesting that it might be a distinct lineage within Hypocreales. This evaluation supported the monophyly of tribes Balansieae and Clavicipeae in the family Clavicipitaceae.
Locality-sensitive binary codes from shift-invariant kernels

This paper addresses the problem of designing binary codes for high-dimensional data such that vectors that are similar in the original space map to similar binary strings. We introduce a simple distribution-free encoding scheme based on random projections, such that the expected Hamming distance between the binary codes of two vectors is related to the value of a shift-invariant kernel (e.g., a Gaussian kernel) between the vectors. We present a full theoretical analysis of the convergence properties of the proposed scheme, and report favorable experimental performance as compared to a recent state-of-the-art method, spectral hashing.
Testicular cancer patterns in African-American men

Abstract Objectives To compare the testicular cancer incidence, pathologic grade, stage, and survival between African Americans and whites. African Americans had a worse outcome relative to whites with regard to a number of different malignancies. Methods Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we extracted all testicular cancer cases among white and African-American males for 1985 to 2000. Baseline demographic data included age at diagnosis, year of diagnosis, stage at diagnosis, and histologic type. Survival was examined using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results The incidence of testicular cancer among African Americans was one fourth that observed among whites. However, African-Americans presented with a higher disease stage at diagnosis. African Americans also presented with significantly lower proportions of embryonal cell carcinoma. Overall survival among African-Americans was significantly worse at both 5 and 10 years. When overall survival was adjusted for stage at presentation and histologic type, the observed survival differences disappeared. Conclusions African Americans appear to present with a higher disease stage than do whites. Observed differences in survival for the African-American group relative to whites appear to be primarily due to delayed presentation. Cultural perceptions of malignancy and understanding of cancer screening may be an important determinant of later presentation. Healthcare access and education issues, rather than inherent biologic differences, appear to be the primary underlying factor for the observed survival differences in African-American males.
Nanophotonic circular dielectric grating for efficient free-space extraction of single quantum dot emission

We demonstrate a suspended circular grating for efficient, broadband photolumines-cence spectroscopy of single self-assembled InAs quantum dots. Collected photon rates are 20 times greater than in bulk, and significant radiative lifetime reduction is observed.
A functional assay for mutations in tumor suppressor genes caused by mismatch repair deficiency

The coding sequences of multiple human tumor suppressor genes include microsatellite sequences that are prone to mutations. Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains deficient in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) can be used to determine de novo mutation rates of these human tumor suppressor genes as well as any other gene sequence. Microsatellites in human TGFBR2, PTEN and APC genes were placed in yeast vectors and analyzed in isogenic yeast strains that were wild-type or deletion mutants for MSH2 or MLH1. In MMR-deficient strains, the vector containing the (A)(10) microsatellite sequence of TGFBR2 had a mutation rate (mutations/cell division) of 1.4 x 10(-4), compared to a mutation rate of 1.7 x 10(-6) in the wild-type strain. In MMR-deficient strains, mutation rates in PTEN and APC were also elevated above background levels. PTEN mutation rates were higher in both msh2 (4.4 x 10-5) and mlh1 strains (2.3 x 10-5). APC mutation rates in the msh2 strain (2.4 x 10-6) and the mlh1 strain (1.7 x 10-6) were also significantly, but less dramatically, elevated over background. Mutations selected for in the yeast screen were identical to those previously observed in human tumor samples with microsatellite instability (MSI). This functional assay has applicability in providing quantitative data about microsatellite mutation rates caused by MMR deficiency in any human tumor suppressor gene sequence. It can also be applied as a genetic screen to identify new genes that are vulnerable to such microsatellite mutations and thus may be involved in the neoplastic development of tumors with MSI.
Doulas' Perceptions on Single Mothers' Risk and Protective Factors, and Aspirations Relative to Child-Birth.

This study the author aims to explore the perceptions of doulas on single mothers’ risk and protective factors, and aspirations relative to child-birth in the postpartum care. The current study was conducted by semi-structured questions, case file reviews, field notes, and twelve home visits via utilizing Grounded Theory. These mothers receive social services through a family services agency in Pittsburgh, PA. There were three doulas and three single mothers in the sample group. Findings displayed four themes: (a) doula program is helpful for single mothers relative to child-birth, (b) social exclusion is a risk factor in single mothers lives relative to leading to single motherhood; (c) support system is a protective factor in single mothers’ lives relative to child-birth; and (d) pursuing education and applying for jobs are the aspirations of single mothers relative to child-birth. Keywords: Doulas, Single Mothers, Pregnancy, Grounded Theory Doulas provide services to other women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The content of their services are compromised of continuous non-medical
Minimax and risk averse multistage stochastic programming

In this paper we study relations between the minimax, risk averse and nested formulations of multistage stochastic programming problems. In particular, we discuss conditions for time consistency of such formulations of stochastic problems. We also describe a connection between law invariant coherent risk measures and the corresponding sets of probability measures in their dual representation. Finally, we discuss a minimax approach with moment constraints to the classical inventory model.
Multiple domains exist within the upstream activator sequence of the octopine synthase gene.

It is known that a 16-base pair palindrome (ACGTAAGCGCTTACGT) located upstream of the ocs gene can activate a maize adh1 promoter in a transient expression system [Ellis et al. (1987). EMBO J. 6, 11-16; Ellis et al. (1987). EMBO J. 6, 3203-3208]. We have determined that this palindrome is also essential for ocs promoter activity in tobacco calli. In addition, sequences immediately adjacent to this palindrome, both 59 and 39, modulate its activity. The palindrome is sensitive to the differentiated state of the plant cells in which it resides; it is active in calli and the leaves of small shoots but is inactive in the leaves of rooted plants. We have tested upstream sequences from two other T-DNA genes that have homology to this palindrome for their ability to activate the octopine synthase promoter in tobacco calli. The upstream region from the mannopine synthase gene can activate the octopine synthase promoter, but an upstream region from the gene implicated in octopine and nopaline secretion cannot activate the promoter.
A novel myelin P0–specific T cell receptor transgenic mouse develops a fulminant autoimmune peripheral neuropathy

Autoimmune-prone nonobese diabetic mice deficient for B7-2 spontaneously develop an autoimmune peripheral neuropathy mediated by inflammatory CD4+ T cells that is reminiscent of Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. To determine the etiology of this disease, CD4+ T cell hybridomas were generated from inflamed tissue–derived CD4+ T cells. A majority of T cell hybridomas were specific for myelin protein 0 (P0), which was the principal target of autoantibody responses targeting nerve proteins. To determine whether P0-specific T cell responses were sufficient to mediate disease, we generated a novel myelin P0–specific T cell receptor transgenic (POT) mouse. POT T cells were not tolerized or deleted during thymic development and proliferated in response to P0 in vitro. Importantly, when bred onto a recombination activating gene knockout background, POT mice developed a fulminant form of peripheral neuropathy that affected all mice by weaning age and led to their premature death by 3–5 wk of age. This abrupt disease was associated with the production of interferon γ by P0-specific T cells and a lack of CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Collectively, our data suggest that myelin P0 is a major autoantigen in autoimmune peripheral neuropathy.
Magnetic and crystallographic properties of the system (1−X) CdCr2S4·XCdCr2Se4

Abstract The compositional system (1− X )CdCr 2 S 4 · X CdCr 2 Se 4 has been prepared and investigated in order to study the role of the anions in controlling the magnitudes of the magnetic superexchange interactions in the ferromagnetic spinels. Magnetic and crystallographic measurements have been made on a number of compositions within the system. The data have been analyzed with respect to the theory of the ferromagnetic spinels suitably extended to include mixed compositions. The principal result of this investigation is the demonstration of the existence of an enhancement of the superexchange interactions when more than a single kind of anion is involved.
The psychology of working and globalisation: a new perspective for a new era

In this article the impact of globalisation is explored in relation to a new perspective entitled the psychology-of-working. This perspective has been developed as an overarching framework for career development, vocational guidance, and related explorations of the role of work in people’s lives (Blustein, 2006). With the conceptual infusion of the psychology-of-working perspective, recommendations for career counsellors and vocational psychologists are discussed with the objective of helping clients cope with the changes in their work lives brought about by globalisation.
Development and Validation of a 3-D Model to Predict Knee Joint Loading During Dynamic Movement

The purpose of this study was to develop a subject-specific 3-D model of the lower extremity to predict neuromuscular control effects on 3-D knee joint loading during movements that can potentially cause injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. The simulation consisted of a forward dynamic 3-D musculoskeletal model of the lower extremity, scaled to represent a specific subject. Inputs of the model were the initial position and velocity of the skeletal elements, and the muscle stimulation patterns. Outputs of the model were movement and ground reaction forces, as well as resultant 3-D forces and moments acting across the knee joint. An optimization method was established to find muscle stimulation patterns that best reproduced the subject's movement and ground reaction forces during a sidestepping task. The optimized model produced movements and forces that were generally within one standard deviation of the measured subject data. Resultant knee joint loading variables extracted from the optimized model were comparable to those reported in the literature. The ability of the model to successfully predict the subject's response to altered initial conditions was quantified and found acceptable for use of the model to investigate the effect of altered neuromuscular control on knee joint loading during sidestepping. Monte Carlo simulations (N = 100,000) using randomly perturbed initial kinematic conditions, based on the subject's variability, resulted in peak anterior force, valgus torque and internal torque values of 378 N, 94 Nm and 71 Nm, respectively, large enough to cause ACL rupture. We conclude that the procedures described in this paper were successful in creating valid simulations of normal movement, and in simulating injuries that are caused by perturbed neuromuscular control.
Age at Migration and Self-Rated Health Trajectories After Age 50: Understanding the Older Immigrant Health Paradox

Objectives. This research contributes to the “immigrant health paradox” debate by testing the hypothesis that older age at migration is associated with the increased risk of poor health in later life. Method. Using the 1992–2008 Health and Retirement Study, I construct linear random-intercept models to estimate self-rated health (SRH) trajectories after age 50 for the native and foreign born by age at migration. Results. At age 50, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic foreign born report better SRH compared with their native-born counterparts, net of race, gender, and education. Non-Hispanic foreign born who migrated after age 35 and Hispanic for eign born who migrated after age 18, however, experience steeper decline in SRH after age 50, which results in a health disadvantage vis-a-vis the native born in old age. Education has a smaller protective effect on SRH for the foreign born, especially those who migrated as adults. Discussion. Age at migration is an important factor for understanding health status of older immigrants. Steeper health decline in later life of the foreign born who migrated in advanced ages may be related to longer exposure to unfa vorable conditions in home countries and limited opportunities for incorporation in the United States.