cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Litigation Risk, Financial Reporting Quality, and Critical Audit Matters in the Audit Report: Early U.S. Evidence

This study contributes to the audit reporting literature by examining how disclosure of critical audit matters (CAMs) in the audit report varies with perceived litigation risk and financial reporting quality. Consistent with the litigation hypothesis (Skinner, 1994), I find a positive association between litigation risk and the number of CAMs in the audit report, suggesting that auditors try to preempt negative consequences from shareholder lawsuits by reporting more CAMs when litigation risk is higher. The results also show the number of reported CAMs increases when financial reporting quality decreases, suggesting that audit reports reflect the inherent quality of financial statements. Further, in presence of high litigation risk, the CAM language exhibits lower readability as the quality of financial reporting decreases. A detailed examination shows the lower readability is driven by the auditor response rather than CAM description, consistent with the obfuscation hypothesis (Bloomfield, 2008). Overall, these results are consistent with auditors touching upon issues they are legally obligated to without necessarily providing clarity to financial statement users. This study also contributes to audit fees literature by showing that audit fees and audit report delays are positively associated with the number of reported CAMs, suggesting that CAMs increase auditor effort and costs.
Multivitamin Use and Overall and Site-Specific Cancer Risks in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study.

BACKGROUND Multivitamins are among the most commonly used supplements in the United States, but their effectiveness in preventing cancer remains unclear. OBJECTIVES We prospectively examined the association between multivitamin use and risks of overall and site-specific cancer in a large, well-characterized cohort to ascertain potential preventive or harmful relationships. METHODS We examined 489,640 participants ages 50-71 in the NIH-American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Diet and Health Study who were enrolled from 1995 to 1998. We linked to 11 state cancer registries in order to identify incident cancers. Multivitamin use was assessed by a baseline questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression models of multivitamin use were used to estimate HRs and 95% CIs for cancer risks in men and women, adjusted for potential confounders, including age, BMI, smoking, physical activity, the Healthy Eating Index 2015 score, and use of single-vitamin/-mineral supplements. RESULTS A slightly higher overall cancer risk was observed in men (but not women) who consumed 1 or more multivitamins daily compared to nonusers [HRs, 1.02 (95% CI: 1.01-1.04) and 1.03 (95% CI: 1.00-1.07), respectively; P-trend = 0.002]. The latter reflected higher risks for prostate cancer (HR, 1.04; 95% CI: 0.98-1.10; P-trend = 0.005), lung cancer (HR, 1.07; 95% CI: 0.96-1.20; P-trend = 0.003), and leukemia (HR, 1.26; 95% CI: 1.02-1.57; P-trend = 0.003). Taking more than 1 multivitamin daily was also strongly positively associated with the risk of oropharyngeal cancer in women (HR, 1.53, 95% CI: 1.04-2.24; P-trend < 0.0001). By contrast, daily multivitamin use was inversely associated with the colon cancer risk in both sexes (HR, 0.82; 95% CI: 0.73-0.93; P-trend = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS We found little evidence to support a cancer-preventive role for multivitamin use, with the exception of colon cancer, in both sexes in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. In addition, slightly higher risks of overall, prostate, and lung cancer, as well as leukemia, were observed for greater multivitamin use in men, with a higher oropharyngeal cancer risk in women.
J.M.G. Le Clézio and Baruch Spinoza: Understanding and Accepting the 'God' of Material Reality

The Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza and the contemporary Franco-Mauritian author J.M.G. Le Clezio place great emphasis on the materiality of the human condition. For both of these extremely divergent thinkers, the path to existential redemption and spiritual edification is inseparable from the biotic network of life to which we are inextricably linked. Given that nothing exists in a cosmic vacuum in complete isolation from other material organisms, Spinoza and Le Clezio urge the modern subject to deconstruct seductive, anthropocentric ideology and to embrace reality. Indeed, understanding and accepting our own corporality in addition to exploring the complex relationship between ourselves and the cosmic forces that sustain us is perhaps the only true path to self-actualization that allows us to project meaning upon the absurdity of the universe.
A new approach to determining net impulse and identification of its characteristics in countermovement jumping: reliability and validity

Examining a countermovement jump (CMJ) force-time curve related to net impulse might be useful in monitoring athletes' performance. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of alternative net impulse calculation and net impulse characteristics (height, width, rate of force development, shape factor, and proportion) and validate against the traditional calculation in the CMJ. Twelve participants performed the CMJ in two sessions (48 hours apart) for test-retest reliability. Twenty participants were involved for the validity assessment. Results indicated intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of ≥ 0.89 and coefficient of variation (CV) of ≤ 5.1% for all of the variables except for rate of force development (ICC = 0.78 and CV = 22.3%). The relationship between the criterion and alternative calculations was r = 1.00. While the difference between them was statistically significant (245.96 ± 63.83 vs. 247.14 ± 64.08 N s, p < 0.0001), the effect size was trivial and deemed practically minimal (d = 0.02). In conclusion, variability of rate of force development will pose a greater challenge in detecting performance changes. Also, the alternative calculation can be used practically in place of the traditional calculation to identify net impulse characteristics and monitor and study athletes' performance in greater depth.
Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Parkinson's Disease Treated with a Monoamine Oxidase Type-B inhibitor: A Cross-Sectional, Cohort Study

Study Objective To evaluate the long-term risk of developing cognitive symptoms (e.g., dementia, hallucinations), dyskinesia, falls, and freezing of gait (FoG) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who received monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors (MAOB-Is) compared with patients who had never received MAOB-Is. Design Retrospective, cross-sectional, cohort study. Setting Academic movement disorders clinic. Patients One hundred eighty-one patients with idiopathic PD who were receiving MAOB-I therapy on a long-term basis for a minimum of 1 year (MAOB-I current-user cohort) and 121 patients with idiopathic PD who had never received MAOB-I therapy (MAOB-I never-user cohort [control group]) between January 1, 1996, and November 30, 2011. Measurements and Main Results The five study outcome variables were dementia, dyskinesia, falls, FoG, and hallucinations. Baseline and outcome data were collected from medical records. Patients in the MAOB-I current-user group were included only if absence of the specified outcomes was documented at baseline. Adjusted multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for MAOB-I use versus never use on clinical outcomes. MAOB-I treatment was associated with a 44.7% reduced risk of dyskinesia (adjusted OR 0.553, 95% confidence interval 0.314–0.976, p=0.041), with the greatest risk reduction observed after 2 years of treatment. No significant association was noted with MAOB-I use and development of dementia, falls, FoG, or hallucinations. Conclusion Long-term use of MAOB-I therapy was associated with reduced risk of dyskinesia in patients with PD.
Motion and structure from point correspondences: a robust algorithm for planar case with error estimation

The problem of determining motion and structure for a planar surface and the error estimation are discussed. Since the motion of a planar patch is a degenerate case for linear algorithms (algorithms that consist of solving mainly linear equations and give a closed-form solution) for general surfaces, the motion of such a planar surface is considered separately. An algorithm is introduced that gives a closed-form solution to motion parameters using monocular perspective images of the points on a planar surface. The algorithm is simpler and more reliable, in the presence of noise, than existing ones. There are generally two solutions for two image frames. For three image frames the solution is generally unique. An approach is proposed to test whether the points are coplanar. The errors in the motion parameters and surface structure can be estimated for each pair of images. Specifically, the standard deviation of the errors is calculated in terms of the variance of the errors in the image coordinates. This approach to estimating errors is applicable to least-squares, pseudo-inverse and eigenvalue-eigenvector problems. >
Use of response surface methods and path of steepest ascent to optimize ligand-binding assay sensitivity

Response surface methods (RSM) combined with a steepest ascent approach is a powerful technique to optimize assay performance. In this case, a ligand-binding assay (LBA) to quantitate a peptide biotherapeutic was optimized for improved sensitivity using this technique. Conditions were elucidated to enable pg/mL quantitation of the peptide in human plasma using steepest ascent to efficiently optimize assay factors. Instead of relying solely on assay development experience and intuition to improve assay sensitivity, this systematic approach takes advantage of a predictive mathematical model generated through response surface methods that defines a specific path towards greater predicted assay sensitivity. The actual response observed along the steepest ascent path was in good agreement with the model for several steps, until reagent concentrations moved beyond the physical limits of the system, and model breakdown occurred. RSM combined with steepest ascent method proved a useful tool for sensitivity optimization in three ways: (1) The required LBA sensitivity performance (approximately 200 pg/mL), measured as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the targeted lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ), was efficiently achieved in only two optimization experiments; (2) Steepest ascent confirmed that the desired sensitivity was found within the initial RSM design space, and no further gain in sensitivity was found venturing beyond this design space along the steepest ascent path; (3) The desired assay sensitivity was maintained over a reasonable range of reagent concentrations along the steepest ascent path, indicating assay robustness for this parameter.
Programmable Quantum Gate Arrays

We show how to construct quantum gate arrays that can be programmed to perform different unitary operations on a data register, depending on the input to some program register. It is shown that a universal quantum gate array---a gate array which can be programmed to perform any unitary operation---exists only if one allows the gate array to operate in a probabilistic fashion. Thus it is not possible to build a fixed, general purpose quantum computer which can be programmed to perform an arbitrary quantum computation.
A Cauchy-Riemann equation for generalized analytic functions

We denote by T 2 the torus: z = exp iθ, ω = exp iφ, and we fix a positive irrational number α. A α denotes the space of continuous functions f on T 2 whose Fourier coefficient sequence is supported by the lattice half-plane n + mα > 0. R. Arens and I. Singer introduced and studied the space A α , and it turned out to be an interesting generalization of the disk algebra. Here we construct a differential operator X Σ on a certain 3-manifold Σ 0 such that X Σ characterizes A α in a manner analogous to the characterization of the disk algebra by the Cauchy-Riemann equation in the disk.
Analytical Performance Analysis of Network-Processor-Based Application Designs

Network processors (NP) are designed to provide both performance and flexibility through parallel and programmable architecture, making them superior to general-purpose processors on performance and to hardware-based solutions on flexibility. But NPs also introduce new challenges. It is important to study the limitations of NP architectures so that one can take full advantage of NP resources to achieve the required performance for a given application. It is therefore desirable to develop a general framework for analyzing performance of NP-based applications. This paper presents an analytical method for solving this problem. In particular, we devise a queuing network to model NP resources and application work flows. We then use queuing theory and operational analysis to obtain performance metrics on throughput and response time, among other things, at the component level as well as at the system level. We apply our performance model to SpliceNP, a TCP splicing implementation of content-aware switches on network processors presented in [10], and show that the analytical results using our models match the experimental results from actual implementation.
Experimental Study of Laser-Initiated Radiofrequency-Sustained High-Pressure Plasmas

Experiments are performed using 193-nm ultraviolet laser preionization of a seed gas in atmospheric pressure range argon and nitrogen to initiate a discharge that is sustained by 13.56-MHz radiofrequency (RF) power using efficient inductive wave coupling. High-density (4.5times1012/cm3 line average density) large-volume (~500 cm3) 760-torr argon plasma is initiated and maintained for more than 400 ms with 2.2 kW of net RF power coupled to the plasma. Using the same technique, a 50-torr nitrogen plasma with line average electron density of 3.5times1011/cm3 is obtained. The nitrogen plasma volume of 1500 cm3 is initiated by the laser and maintained by a net RF power of 3.5 kW for 350 ms. Measurements of the time-varying plasma impedance and optimization of the RF matching for the transition from laser-initiated to RF-sustained plasma are carried out. Both laser-initiated plasmas provide much larger plasma volumes at lower RF power densities than can be obtained by RF alone. Millimeter wave interferometry is used to determine the electron density and the total electron-neutral collision frequency. A new diagnostic technique based on interferometry is developed to evaluate the electron temperature in high-pressure plasmas with inclusion of the neutral heating. Broadband plasma emission spectroscopy is used to illustrate the changes in the ionized species character immediately after the laser pulse and later during the RF pulse
The effects of diets of different physical consistencies on the periodontal proliferative activity in young adult rats.

Twenty young adult male rats were divided into two groups of ten rats each and fed either a powder or pellet diet of identical content for a thirty day experimental period. One hour prior to sacrifice, each rat was given an intraperitoneal injection of 0.5uc of tritiated thymidine per gram of body weight. After sacrifice, the maxillae were dissected out and prepared for autoradiographic and histologic study. Proliferative cellular activity was determined in the periodontal tissues of the maxillary first molars. Significantly higher activity was noted in the crestal epithelium and in the fibroblasts at the interradicular septum of the pellet fed rats when compared to powder fed animals. These elevated values may reflect tissue responses to the coarser consistency of the pellets.
Effects of scopolamine, d-amphetamine, and apomorphine on alternation and position biases

The sequencing of arm entries in a symmetrical Y-maze was examined in mice treated with either scopolamine, d-amphetamine or apomorphine. These treatments could potentially alter both alternation tendencies and rotational tendencies. Therefore, a measure of spontaneous alternation was evaluated which was computed by taking an average of the right going percent alternation and the left going percent alternation. The number of arm entries was increased by amphetamine, unchanged following scopolamine and reduced by apomorphine. All three drugs reduced spontaneous alternation tendencies and increased the magnitude of a bias to turn consistently in the same direction (rotational tendency). All three drugs thus altered the sequencing of arm entries from patterns consistent with spatial alteration to patterns consistent with egocentrically defined responses. These results indicate that the measure of spontaneous alternation which was an average of the right going percent alternation and the left going percent alternation is a better index of alternation tendencies. Thus, when an animal is not able to navigate on the basis of an extrapersonal (allocentric) system as a result of drug treatment, it will revert to an egocentric system.
Plasmon-resonant nanorods as multimodal agents for two-photon luminescent imaging and photothermal therapy

Plasmon-resonant gold nanorods have outstanding potential as multifunctional agents for image-guided therapies. Nanorods have large absorption cross sections at near-infrared (NIR) frequencies, and produce two-photon luminescence (TPL) when excited by fs-pulsed laser irradiation. The TPL signals can be detected with single-particle sensitivity, enabling nanorods to be imaged in vivo while passing through blood vessels at subpicomolar concentrations. Furthermore, cells labeled with nanorods become highly susceptible to photothermal damage when irradiated at plasmon resonance, often resulting in a dramatic blebbing of the cell membrane. However, the straightforward application of gold nanorods for cell-specific labeling is obstructed by the presence of CTAB, a cationic surfactant carried over from nanorod synthesis which also promotes their nonspecific uptake into cells. Careful exchange and replacement of CTAB can be achieved by introducing oligoethyleneglycol (OEG) units capable of chemisorption onto nanorod surfaces by in situ dithiocarbamate formation, a novel method of surface functionalization. Nanorods with a dense coating of methyl-terminated OEG chains are shielded from nonspecific cell uptake, whereas nanorods functionalized with folate-terminated OEG chains accumulate on the surface of tumor cells overexpressing their cognate receptor, with subsequent delivery of photoinduced cell damage at low laser fluence.
Instantaneous phase conjugation at mW pump power based on backward differencefrequency generation

Phase conjugation can be used to correct blurred images caused by atmospheric turbulence and scattering of light by biological tissues. In the past, phase-conjugation devices based on photorefractive effect have response times of 100 µs – 1 s [1]. Four-wave mixing in a third-order nonlinear medium can be also used to achieve optical phase conjugation [2]. This scheme, demonstrated in Ref. [3], requires two pump beams. Since third-order nonlinearity is weak, the pump powers must be extremely high in order to achieve a reasonably high nonlinear power reflection coefficient, i.e. reflectivity (e.g. R pc ⁥ 1%). Besides third-order nonlinearities, phase conjugation was theoretically investigated by utilizing cascaded second-order nonlinear-optical processes, which is equivalent to effective third-order nonlinear processes [4].
Tuning Microbial Surfaces to Control Carbonate Mineralization

Carbon dioxide sequestration is an essential component of climate change mitigation, including geologic sequestration the underground storage CO2, and surface sequestration. Carbonate minerals are stable forms of CO2 storage, but their geologic formation is slow. Many microbes alter carbonate mineral morphology; however mechanisms of such mineralization are largely unknown. Hypothesized mechanisms include metabolic processes that alter pH and supersaturation, as well as cell surface properties that induce mineral nucleation. This work systematically investigates these mechanisms by allowing calcium carbonate (CaCO3) formation in the presence or absence of microbes with various native surfaces features including lipopolysaccharides, surface layer proteins (S-layers) and engineered surface features.Surprisingly, formation of stable crystalline CaCO3 was accelerated by the presence of all microbes relative to abiotic solutions. This rate acceleration also occurred for metabolically inactive bacteria, indicating that metabolic activity was not necessary. Rather, since CaCO3 crystals increased in number as the cell density increased, results indicate that many bacterial species accelerate the nucleation of CaCO3 crystals. To understand the role of specific biomolecules on nucleation, we engineered variants of surface layer proteins (S-layers), which are tractable models to evaluate surface interfaces through peptide display. Bacterial surface charge and cation binding was assessed and correlated to bacterial surface chemistry and biomineralization experiments. From these results, we propose that the S-layer surfaces that can selectively attract Ca2+ ions, serve as nucleation sites for CaCO3, thereby accelerating crystal formation, and that engineered variants with selective cation binding enhance this effect. These observations provide substantive evidence for a non-specific nucleation mechanism, and stress the importance of microbes, on the rate of formation of carbonate minerals. This work also indicates that microbes with tuned S-layer surfaces could be used to enhance the sequestration of CO2 as stable mineral carbonates. http://foundry.lbl.gov/afgroup/index.html
Modulation recognition for variable-rate QAM schemes

For some applications such as mobile communication or transmission of multimedia data, it is desirable to use modems with variable constellation schemes to adapt to the fast changing channel to accommodate a wide range of data transmission rates, bit error rates and data types. In this research we are interested in designing receivers which can identify the QAM constellation schemes from the received signal with an unknown reference phase. The problem is modeled as an M-ary hypothesis test with each hypothesis corresponding to one of the M possible constellation schemes. We show the performance of BPSK, QPSK, 8-PSK, 16-PSK, V.29-7200 bps, V.29-9600 bps, 16-QAM, 32-QAM, 64-QAM, 128-QAM, and 256-QAM classifiers in numerical experiments.
Ibuprofen reduces Aβ, hyperphosphorylated tau and memory deficits in Alzheimer mice

Abstract We examined the effects of ibuprofen on cognitive deficits, Aβ and tau accumulation in young triple transgenic (3xTg-AD) mice. 3xTg-AD mice were fed ibuprofen-supplemented chow between 1 and 6 months. Untreated 3xTg-AD mice showed significant impairment in the ability to learn the Morris water maze (MWM) task compared to age-matched wild-type (WT) mice. The performance of 3xTg-AD mice was significantly improved with ibuprofen treatment compared to untreated 3xTg-AD mice. Ibuprofen-treated transgenic mice showed a significant decrease in intraneuronal oligomeric Aβ and hyperphosphorylated tau (AT8) immunoreactivity in the hippocampus. Confocal microscopy demonstrated co-localization of conformationally altered (MC1) and early phosphorylated tau (CP-13) with oligomeric Aβ, and less co-localization of oligomeric Aβ and later forms of phosphorylated tau (AT8 and PHF-1) in untreated 3xTg-AD mice. Our findings show that prophylactic treatment of young 3xTg-AD mice with ibuprofen reduces intraneuronal oligomeric Aβ, reduces cognitive deficits, and prevents hyperphosphorylated tau immunoreactivity. These findings provide further support for intraneuronal Aβ as a cause of cognitive impairment, and suggest that pathological alterations of tau are associated with intraneuronal oligomeric Aβ accumulation.
Density and structural changes in the bone of growing rats after weekly alendronate administration with and without a methotrexate challenge

Alendronate (ALN) and other bisphosphonates have been used successfully in pediatric patients with osteopenia secondary to connective tissue diseases. Loss of growth in height has not been reported, but concerns remain regarding the effect of these potent antiresorptive agents when used in children and adolescents. High-dose methotrexate (MTX) and other chemotherapy drugs have been implicated in osteoporosis and a high fracture incidence in survivors of childhood cancers and are also associated with osteopenia in adult animals. The effect of high dose MTX on bone density during rapid skeletal growth, however, has not been widely studied, nor has the potentially therapeutic effect of bisphosphonates in this setting. We examined the effects of ALN and MTX administration, alone and in combination, on bone density, morphology, mechanical strength, and longitudinal growth in normal growing rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were given ALN once weekly (0.3 mg/kg) from 5 to 11 weeks of age, with and without a course of methotrexate (MTX) given daily in weeks 1 and 3 (0.75 mg/kg/day). Twenty-four animals were randomly divided into four groups: Control (vehicle), ALN alone, ALN + MTX, and MTX alone. After 6 weeks, the femora, tibiae, and lumbar spine were studied by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, mechanical strength testing, microradiography, light microscopy, and by determination of ash weights and bone lengths. ALN treatment increased bone mineral density (BMD) by 23% to 68%. The largest increases in the femur occurred in the distal third where endochondral bone growth was greatest and included large increases in trabecular bone and total cross-sectional area. ALN + MTX produced similar effects to ALN alone. MTX only reduced BMD by 8% in the vertebrae, but not significantly at other sites. MTX also led to femoral length reductions of 2.9%. The small reductions in BMD due to MTX were overwhelmed by the increases due to ALN, whereas the length loss was unaffected. Transverse density banding corresponding to weekly ALN administrations were clearly evident radiographically throughout the growing skeleton, likely due to decreased resorption and possibly increased mineralization in the bands. ALN or ALN + MTX treatment also led to increases in mechanical strength in the femora. Although MTX administration during growth leads to some BMD reduction, ALN given with MTX eliminates this reduction and in fact bone density and strength increase above control levels. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Opening up scholarly information at the University of Illinois at Chicago

This paper describes and reflects on the University of Illinois at Chicago's infrastructure for journal publishing ( http://journals.uic.edu ) using OJS. It describes why the Library took on this role. Two specific journal examples, First Monday and Behavior and Social Issues , are analyzed. The paper addresses the implementation and the strategies; it also considers the impact of the software on the journals. In particular, the key role played by the Library is explored, along with the importance of a supportive, collaborative partnership with the campus' Computing Center. Finally, the place of the OJS implementation in the Library's total information management strategy is described, along with plans for the future.
Catalytic steam reforming of chlorocarbons: catalyst comparisons

Abstract Catalyst candidates for steam reforming chlorocarbons have been screened for activity using methyl chloride as a model reactant. At 500°C, a H2O/C ratio of about 10 and a GHSV of 254 000 h−1, catalysts comprising 0.5% loading of the metals on γ-Al2O3 resulted in three groups: extremely high conversions (Pt, Rh, Pd), moderate conversions (Cu, Re, Ir) and low conversions (Ru, Ni, Co). At high conversions (>0.998), the selectivity towards the water gas shift reaction was high for Pt and low for Rh and Pd. However, shift activity declined for all catalysts upon continuous exposure to chlorine compounds. Hydrogenolysis of CH3Cl was also detected by the presence of CH4 and activity increased in the order Ru, Pt and Pd but all were less than Ni. Conversion of CH3Cl over Pt follow first-order kinetics, with a rate constant that follows the Arrhenius equation over a wide temperature range. Product compositions support a reaction network in which a consecutive steam reforming-water gas shift sequence occurs in parallel hydrogenolysis. The qualitative dependence of these reactions on process conditions were studied and it was found that shift and hydrogenolysis activities decreased as the temperature increased but increased with high concentrations of CH3Cl. Platinum was equally effective for the conversion of CH3CCl3, CHClCCl2, and CCl2CCl2, except that no hydrogenolysis was detected. Extremely high levels of destruction (>0.99999) were maintained for periods over 20 h without carbon formation or catalyst deactivation other than a progressive loss of shift activity.
A case study of the inter‐island transportation network of Greece

The very special topography of Greece with the hundreds of mainland and island ports generates vast possibilities for developing routing networks to link the ports to each other while satisfying total demand. An algorithm which minimizes total operating costs (fixed and variable) has been adapted and used to determine an optimal network solution. The total operating costs of this solution is compared to the total operating costs of the existing (1964 data) network and the optimal networks when fixed and variable costs are minimized independently. It is found that the actual network follows the minimal total operating costs solution quite closely.
Health beliefs of first-degree relatives of individuals with colorectal Cancer and participation in Health maintenance visits: A population-based survey

The occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in two or more close relatives by chance is relatively common, and a family history of CRC is recognized as a risk factor for CRC. The purpose of this study was to identify variables associated with participation of first-degree relatives (FDRs) of individuals diagnosed with CRC in health maintenance visits with healthcare providers. Data were collected from a survey mailed to patients (n = 1081) diagnosed with CRC under age 60 years who were identified by the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry. An enclosure was also included in the mailing for their FDRs. Of the 1,081 people contacted, 174 registry patients and 90 FDRs agreed to participate in this study. A logistic regression model was built, and constructs of the Health Belief Model and selected sociodemographic variables (age, gender, level of education) were entered with participation in health maintenance visits as the dependent variable. The analysis revealed 2 Health Belief Model variables (perceived barriers and perceived seriousness) and 1 sociodemographic variable (level of education) as predictive of an FDR's participation in health maintenance visits. The findings from this study suggest that FDRs of individuals with CRC do not perceive that they are at risk for CRC, despite their family history. These data also provide the foundation for future studies aimed at the development of interventions to increase awareness of the importance and benefits of screening for relatives of individuals with CRC.
Volume-primitive based three-dimensional medical image rendering: Customized architectural approaches

Abstract This paper examines seven computer architectures specifically designed to rapidly render 3D medical images from voxel data. The paper opens with a discussion of work on architectures for 3D medical image rendering and then specifies parameters for assessing the performance of a 3D medical image rendering architecture. We then describe and assess the 3DP 4 , the Cube, the INSIGHT, the PARCUM II, the PICAP II, the Voxel Flinger, and the Voxel Processor architectures. For each machine the rendering speed, image resolution, underlying data model, image quality, parallel processing strategy, and 3D display technique are discussed. The architecture for each machine is characterized by its data storage technique, computational architecture, and parallelism strategy.
Contrast-based moving target detection with the randomized linear receive array

The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has, in the past, demonstrated the effectiveness of low frequency, ultrawideband radar for detection of slow-moving targets located behind walls. While these initial results were promising, they also indicated that sidelobe artifacts produced by moving target indication (MTI) processing could pose serious problems. Such artifacts induced false alarms and necessitated the introduction of a tracker stage to eliminate them. Of course, the tracker algorithm was also imperfect, and it tended to pass any persistent, nearly collocated false alarms. In this work we describe the incorporation of a sidelobe-reduction technique-the randomized linear receiver array (RA)-into our MTI processing chain. To perform this investigation, we leverage data collected by ARL's synchronous impulse reconstruction (SIRE) radar. We begin by calculating MTI imagery using both the non-random and randomized array methods. We then compare the sidelobe levels in each image and quantify the differences. Finally, we apply a local-contrast target detection algorithm based on constant false alarm rate (CFAR) principles, and we analyze probabilities of detection and false alarm for each MTI image.
Walleye dermal sarcoma virus rv-cyclin inhibits NF-κB-dependent transcription

The retroviral cyclin protein (rv-cyclin) of walleye dermal sarcoma virus contains two known functional domains, a cyclin box motif and a carboxy terminal transcription activation domain (AD). The AD contacts TATA-binding protein-associated factor 9 (TAF9), and this action is necessary for both positive and negative regulation of transcription from host and viral promoters. Negative regulation occurs via interference with TAF9 binding by transcriptional activators. Transcription factors that share a functional TAF9-binding motif include NF-kappaB. Rv-cyclin down regulates NF-kappaB-dependent transcription, whether induced by TNFalpha or by direct phosphorylation of IkappaB by expressed MEKK1. In rv-cyclin-expressing cells, NF-kappaB p65 is phosphorylated and translocated to the nucleus, where it forms heterodimers with p50 and binds NF-kappaB response elements. Furthermore, interference with NF-kappaB is dependent upon an intact TAF9-binding motif in rv-cyclin. The outcome of this NF-kappaB down regulation is likely to be important in the control of virus replication and tumorigenesis.
Production of Ribosome Components in Effector CD4+ T Cells Is Accelerated by TCR Stimulation and Coordinated by ERK-MAPK

Effector CD4+ T cells rapidly activate high-level cytokine expression following TCR stimulation. Consistent with accelerated protein production in these cells, global mRNA profiles revealed that, after cytokines, the most impressive cluster of activated genes encode rRNA-maturation factors. Activation of these genes was ERK-MAPK dependent, accompanied by increased rRNA transcription and faster maturation kinetics, and much greater in effector CD4+ T cells than in naive cells. Ribosomal protein subunit (RPS) synthesis was also ERK-MAPK dependent and increased to match rRNA production, but without evident increase in RPS mRNA. Instead, stimulation promoted polysome loading of RPS mRNA via cis-acting, 5'-terminal oligopyrimidines. These results demonstrate how, in response to extracellular signals, effector CD4+ T cells coordinately increase multiple ribosomal components to accommodate burgeoning cytokine production.
Radial visualizations for comparative data analysis

SQiRL is a novel visualization system for querying and visualizing large multivariate data sets. Although initially designed for novice users, recent extensions to SQiRL facilitate more advanced analysis without sacrificing the simplicity that makes this visualization appealing to beginners. The default view provides a simple-to-learn interface for query evaluation. Intermediate users are provided a straightforward method for comparing the results of two queries. More advanced users can make use of a "radial crosstab," a new interactive visualization technique that melds the expressive power of traditional crosstabulation with a drag-and-drop canvas.
Control and the “Good Life” Primary and Secondary Control as Distinct Indicators of Well-Being

How does a sense of control relate to well-being? We consider two distinguishable control strategies, primary and secondarycontrol, and their relationships with two facets of subjective well-being,...
Thermoelastic properties of helical protein molecules

The effect of stress on the helix-coil transition in a protein or polypeptide is investigated using the methods of statistical mechanics. A case is treated in which the helical sections are regarded as flexible chains withvery long, freely “orienting” segments and another in which they are considered to be rigid rods. Thermoelastic relations are derived; and it turns out that, depending upon conditions, stress can induce the helix-coil transition in one or another direction or do nothing at all. The most probable situations either involve stress applied to a molecule initially helical, in which case the helix is stabilized, or stress applied to the coil form, in which case transformation to the helical form is induced. The helical form exhibits a very low modulus of elasticity (which we also compute), and it is speculated that preservation of, or transition to, the helical form under stress aids in the protection of living tissue from disruption when subjected to large applied strain. Real tissues involve highly organized or quasirandom networks of protein chains. The results of this analysis suggest that, insofar as the mechanical properties of the networks are concerned, the chains can be treated as quasiharmonic strings whose configurations (weighted by potential energy) can be enumerated in order to include entropy effects in the calculation of the network modulus.
Selection of a dominant follicle and suppression of follicular growth in heifers

Abstract The following aspects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-follicular relationships were studied in heifers: (1) the role of the decline in circulating levels of FSH in selection of a dominant follicle of a follicular wave; (2) the relationship of an FSH nadir (low levels between surges) to the absence of development of new follicles of a detectable diameter during the interim between the emergence of successive waves. A recombinant DNA-derived bovine FSH was used. Administration of bovine follicle-stimulating hormone (bFSH) for two days before the time of selection of the dominant follicle of the first post-ovulatory follicular wave delayed the time of divergence of the follicles into dominant and subordinates (first significant divergence: bFSH treatment before selection, Day 4.0; bFSH treatment after selection, Day 2.5; controls, Day 2.5: ovulation, Day 0). Significantly greater growth of the first and second largest subordinates occurred in the pre-selection group. A superovulatory dose of bFSH for 4 days with PGF2α-induction of luteolysis resulted in multiple ovulations when begun on Day 1 (before the expected time of follicle divergence; mean 2.8 ovulations per heifer) than when begun on Day 5 (after divergence; mean 1.0 ovulation per heifer). Administration of bFSH during the expected time (Days 5 and 6) of an FSH nadir did not alter the day of detectable emergence of the next follicular wave. Results supported the following hypotheses: (1) a decline in the wave-stimulating FSH surge is an integral component of the selection mechanism that results in the divergence into dominant and subordinate follicles; (2) the nadir between FSH surges does not account directly for the absence of the development of new follicles between the emergence of waves.
Organizing Women: Formal and Informal Women's Groups in the Middle East

Organizing Women: Formal and Informal Women's Groups in the Middle East. DAWN CHATTY and ANNIKA RABO, eds. Oxford: Berg, 1997. xv + 244 pp., notes, references, index.
Cationic and Neutral Amino Acid Transporter Transcript Abundances Are Differentially Expressed in the Equine Intestinal Tract

To test the hypothesis that AA transporter transcripts are present in the large intestine and similarly expressed along the intestinal tract, mRNA abundance of candidate AA transporter genes solute carrier (SLC) family 7, member 9 (SLC7A9), SLC7A1, SLC7A8, and SLC43A1 encoding for b(0,+)-type AA transporter (b(0,+)AT), cationic AA transporter-1 (CAT-1), L-type AA transporter-2 (LAT-2), and L-type AA transporter-3 (LAT-3), respectively, was determined in small and large intestinal segments of the horse. Mucosa was collected from the equine small (jejunum and ileum) and large intestine (cecum, left ventral colon, and left dorsal colon), flash frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -80 degrees C. Messenger RNA was isolated from tissue samples, followed by manufacture of cDNA. Relative quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was conducted using the 2(-DeltaDeltaCT) method, with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase serving as the housekeeping gene. Compared with the jejunum, cationic and neutral AA transporter SLC7A9 mRNA abundance was similar in the ileum, cecum, and large intestinal segments. Compared with the jejunum, cationic AA transporter SLC7A1 mRNA abundance was similar in the ileum and decreased in the cecum, left ventral colon, and left dorsal colon (P < 0.001). Neutral AA transporter SLC7A8 mRNA abundance decreased from the cranial to caudal end of the intestinal tract (P < 0.001). Neutral AA transporter SLC43A1 mRNA abundance was similar in the ileum and left dorsal colon and increased in the cecum (P < 0.01) and left ventral colon (P < 0.1) compared with the jejunum. Cationic and neutral AA transporter SLC7A9 mRNA abundance was similarly expressed in the large compared with small intestine, whereas cationic AA transporter SLC7A1 was of low abundance in the large intestine; neutral AA transporters SLC7A8 and SLC43A1 were differentially expressed with decreased abundance of SLC7A8 and increased abundance of SLC43A1 in the large intestine. Results indicate that the large intestine might contribute to both cationic and neutral AA uptake and absorption predominantly via transporters LAT-3 and b(0,+)AT.
The Effect of Internal Gas Flow on the Spatial Distribution of Sodium Atom within a Graphite Furnace Atomizer

A laser-based vidicon imaging system has been used to obtain spatially and temporally resolved absorbance profiles of Na atoms within pyrolytic graphite coated and uncoated polycrystalline electrographite tubes under gas-stop and gas-flow conditions in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. During the initial period of atomization, the spatial distribution of Na indicates that most of the atoms are localized near the bottom of the furnace under the influence of convective flow. This observation suggests that the free Na atoms, upon collisions with the furnace walls, are interacting strongly with the graphite surface. The strength of interaction appears to be stronger for uncoated graphite tubes. After the peak absorbance, the Na atom density is lower near the furnace wall than in the center of the furnace. The observed gradient is likely a result of the Na atoms undergoing a series of redeposition and revaporization reactions with the graphite surface during the course of atom removal.
Bis(1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidenes) (i-bitz) as Stable 1,4-Bidentate Ligands Based on Mesoionic Carbenes (MICs)

Direct metalation of bis(1,2,3-triazolium) salts affords mononuclear rhodium(I) complexes, which feature a 1,4-bidentate bis(1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidene) (i-bitz) ligand. The topology of the ligand is similar to that of 2,2′-bipyridines (bpy) and their congeners, as well as bis(1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidenes) (bitz). As the former, but in contrast to the latter, the free i-bitz can be isolated, which paves the way for various applications.
Precipitated cannabinoid withdrawal is reversed by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or clonidine

The availability of the cannabinoid antagonist, SR 141716A, to precipitate withdrawal following repeated cannabinoid administration provides a model to investigate the mechanisms underlying cannabinoid dependence as well as potential treatments to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. The goal of the present study was to determine whether SR 141716A-precipitated withdrawal symptoms in Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 -THC)-tolerant mice could be alleviated by either readministration of Δ 9 -THC or clonidine, an α 2 -receptor agonist. SR 141716A elicited paw tremors in Δ 9 -THC-tolerant mice, but produced a significant increase in head shakes independently of repeated Δ 9 -THC treatment. Readministration of Δ 9 -THC, following SR 141716A-precipitated withdrawal, reversed paw tremors (ED 50 =9.9 mg/kg), but failed to reduce head shaking behavior. Clonidine reversed SR 141716A-precipitated paw tremors (ED 50 =0.18 mg/kg) and blocked head shakes at all doses tested. The reversal effects did not appear to be the result of motor impairment because neither decreases in spontaneous locomotor activity nor motor incoordination, as assessed in the inverted screen test, could account for the effects. These findings suggest that SR 141716A precipitates paw tremors in mice by competing with Δ 9 -THC at the CB 1 receptor, though it also produced head shaking in nondependent animals. Finally, the observation that clonidine alleviated SR 141716A-precipitated paw tremors suggests its potential as a treatment for cannabinoid dependence.
The original molluscan radula and progenesis in Aplacophora revisited

Radulae of two Middle Cambrian Burgess Shale stem molluscs Odontogriphus and Wiwaxia have recently been imaged by new techniques. Images show both species had a central, or rhachidian, tooth and mirror-image, separately articulating lateral teeth as found in the radulae of Polyplacophora and Conchifera. The hypothesis from earlier radula images of these two fossil genera is that their radulae were like those of Aplacophora (Solenogastres [or Neomeniomorpha] + Caudofoveata [or Chaetodermomorpha]) where there is no central tooth. From these earlier fossil images it was concluded that Aplacophora, often considered basal molluscs, had retained the condition of the original molluscan radula. Support for considering that the early mollusc radula lacked a central tooth rested on embryogenesis in several Polyplacophora and many Gastropoda species in which the rhachidian tooth develops after the first lateral teeth. Recent molecular studies and fossil vermiform chitons indicate that Aplacophora, rather than being ...