cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Urethral Profilometry using Microtip and Fiberoptic Catheters

This paper compares urethral profilometry measurements using two different types of catheter: the Millar microtip transducer and the FST fiberoptic catheter. Outcome variables were functional urethral length (FUL), maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP), and mean pressure/transmission ratio (PTR). Thirty women presenting to the urodynamics laboratory with symptoms of stress urinary incontinence were evaluated with both catheters. All subjects underwent two passive urethral pressure profiles and two dynamic (cough) urethral pressure profiles with each catheter. For FUL and MUCP, the means of the two passive measurements were compared between catheters. For PTR, the means of the two dynamic measurements were compared between catheters. There was no difference in FUL between the two catheter types. The FST measurements of MUCP and PTR were lower than the microtip measurements. Twenty per cent of patients would have been diagnosed with low-pressure urethra with the FST catheter, but not with the microtip catheter. Caution must be used when applying urethral measurements taken with the fiberoptic catheters to standards set with microtip catheters.
Confirmation of statistical scaling at square root s=540 GeV/c

The hypothesis of scaling in the statistical variable xs=x( square root s)alpha is verified using accelerator data from 19.6 to 540 GeV in the CM system. Agreement between statistical scaling distributions and the experimental spectra is obtained for alpha =0.26. Pseudo-rapidity densities measured with the CERN collider for different multiplicity bands are consistent with semi-inclusive spectra predicted by this model, confirming in this way both statistical scaling and KNO scaling. A model of exclusive hadron interactions based on these semi-inclusive spectra, which connects the observed region of phase space with the fragmentation region, is described. Using this model the inclusive and semi-inclusive spectra of the leading particles are derived by means of Monte-Carlo simulations.
Movements of and Habitat Use by Fluvial Bull Trout in the Blackfoot River, Montana

Abstract The seasonal movements and habitat use by fluvial bull trout Salvelinus confluentus in the Blackfoot River drainage, western Montana, were investigated by using radiotelemetry and snorkel surveys from May 1994 to October 1995. Twenty-four bull trout made upriver migrations (mean distance, 63 ± 21 km), 33% of which were related to spawning. In June of both years fish began migrations, which appeared to be cued by an increase in maximum daily water temperature (to 17.7°C in 1995) and a decrease in discharge from peak runoff. Larger fish began moving at cooler temperatures and earlier dates than smaller fish. Migrations occurred nocturnally and were generally rapid (grand mean, 4.4 ± 2.2 km/d). Daily rates of migration were correlated with maximum daily temperatures. Spawning bull trout ascended tributaries in late June to early July, 67 ± 10 d before spawning. Nonspawning fish entered the lower portions of these tributaries after spawning fish and remained in them 28 ± 18 d before returning downriv...
Simpler and safer cell reprogramming.

Induced pluripotent stem cells have been generated from mouse and human adult fibroblasts without the tumor-causing gene c-Myc.
An Innovative Approach to Creating, Developing, and Delivering a New Course Entitled Global Engineering

In 2005, the Industry Advisory Council (IAC) of the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Colorado-Boulder (CU) began a discussion about the subject of outsourcing engineering offshore and the possibility of teaching a course to prepare mechanical engineering students for this environment. This in turn, led to the formation of a committee and a series of discussions and recommendations for the content for such a course. The ad-hoc committee comprised of a few IAC members, a few M.E. department design faculty members, and some faculty from the business school. The original course covered the following topics: engineering economics, creating product requirements and specifications, identifying the core competencies of a company, project management, developing a business plan, supply chain logistics/management, intellectual property, understanding cultural and language differences, team dynamics, communication, and creativity. This broad array of subject matter dictated that the course be taught in a non-conventional manner. A team of instructors, comprised of two mechanical engineering professors, two business school professors, three engineers and two businessmen from industry, who are intimately involved with outsourcing, and a patent attorney were assembled to teach different portions of the course. The students also participated in a hands-on outsourcing term project. The class was broken up into ten teams, with each team developing a product in conjunction with a company from India. Each team submitted a set of specifications for a unique product to the offshore company. The company designed the product and produced an approved CAD drawing. After student approval, the company manufactured a prototype of the product, and shipped it to the respective team for analysis. Each team then presented a report on their outsourcing experience, their testing results, and a financial analysis for the product. The class was comprised of mechanical engineering senior and graduate students, with a few students from other engineering disciplines and the business school. Based upon course surveys, this course was very well received by the students and provided an important introduction to business. The semester project proved to be a valuable tool for the students to obtain some direct experience with outsourcing.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Donor Insemination and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission

Abstract Objective: To describe cases of AIDS attributed to donor insemination identified through national human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS surveillance and to compare the number identified through surveillance with our estimate of the number of women infected as a result of donor insemination before the initiation of donor screening. Methods: We reviewed national HIV/AIDS surveillance data on women reported through December 1996 and described characteristics of documented and possible cases attributed to donor insemination. We estimated the number of women infected before the initiation of widespread screening of donors using assumptions about the number of women inseminated each year, the average number of inseminations, the proportion of donors who were men who had sex with men, the prevalence of HIV among such men, and the rate of transmission per HIV-infected exposure. Results: A total of six documented and two possible cases of donor insemination–associated AIDS have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of December 1996. An estimated eight to 141 women were infected through donor insemination in the United States between 1980 and 1984. Reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. Conclusion: Based on surveillance case reports and on our estimate, the total number of women infected as a result of donor insemination before screening was recommended is low. Current sperm bank practices to prevent HIV infection will be strengthened further by a pending proposal from the Food and Drug Administration requiring infectious disease screening and testing of semen donors. The most likely source of risk of new infections associated with donor insemination is self-insemination. (Obstet Gynecol 1998;91:515–8.)
The impact of direct and indirect experiences on the development of environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behavior

This study employed a mixed-methods design to examine the relationship between nature experience type (e.g., direct and indirect) and learning outcomes (e.g., environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behavior) associated with an environmental education, international immersion program for adolescents. Longitudinal data from 108 participant and 49 comparison group members were analyzed to test the study’s hypotheses. Additionally, qualitative data were analyzed using grounded theory methodology to assess participants’ perceptions of these processes. The findings indicate that environmental knowledge increased more than environmental attitudes during the indirect portion of the program (i.e., preparatory program) whereas the direct portion (i.e., international workshop) produced similar levels of knowledge and attitude growth. Further, while attitudes were more strongly associated with behavior during the indirect component of the program, the strength of the relationships between attitudes and behavior, and knowledge and behavior were similar during the direct portion of the experience. A synthesis of the findings suggests that the program’s direct experiences catalyzed environmental knowledge into a stronger motivating force than it had been during the indirect experiences. The qualitative findings also provide insights into the characteristics of direct experiences. These findings offer important insights for both theory and practice related to the use of direct and indirect nature experiences to develop environmental knowledge, attitude, and behaviors.
Proton NMR study of iron (II)-bleomycin: Assignment of resonances by saturation transfer experiments

Abstract The assignment of the paramagnetically shifted resonances of the Fe(II)-bleomycin complex in D 2 O has been accomplished using the transfer of saturation method. A number of additional resonances arising from labile N H protons which are shifted by the metal ion are observed in the 1 H spectrum of the complex in H 2 O. The temperature dependence of the chemical shifts is consistent with the formation of an isolated 1:1 complex, but does not obey either the Curie Law or the Curie-Weiss Law. The magnitude of the shifts suggests that the valeric acid hydroxyl (or carbonyl) group, the α-amino group, the imidazole N π , the carbamoyl oxygen, the pyrimidine N 1 and/or the secondary amino group may be coordinated to the iron(II).
James Otis and the “writs of assistance” speech—fact and fiction

James Otis's “Writs oj Assistance” speech, delivered in 1761, has been the object oj conflicting interpretations regarding its relationship to the triggering oj the American Revolution. In this article the author indicates historical errors concerning Otis and his speech, attempting to place both in their proper perspective.
SUPRENUM: perspectives and performance

Abstract We describe our impressions of the SUPRENUM project and of its primary supercomputer result, the Suprenum-1 prototype. We comment on the significance of the architecture, its role among contemporary systems and its relevance to current systems. We similarly discuss the SUPRENUM software and its impact on distributed systems. Finally we discuss the successes and failures observed throughout this exciting project and relate these to the organizational decisions on which SUPRENUM was based. As an illustration of Suprenum-1 capabilities, we describe the implementation of a fluid dynamical benchmark on the 256 node Suprenum-1 parallel computer. The benchmark, the Shallow Water Equations, is frequently used as a model for both oceanographic and atmospheric circulation. We describe the steps involved in implementing the algorithm on the Suprenum-1 and we provide details of performance obtained. For such regular grid-based algorithms the system delivers a very impressive fraction (25%) of its theoretical peak rate of 5 Gflops.
Proton pickup by α-particles to unbound states

Abstract Two conspicious peaks are observed in the two-dimensional coincidence spectra of α-particles and protons emitted in bombardments of 40 Ca, 90 Zr and 208 Pb with 96.8 MeV α-particles. On the basis of kinematics these peaks are identified as the breakup products of 5 Li formed in the (α, 5 Li(g.s)). reaction. A clustering of events in the 40 Ca and 90 Zr spectra at lower α-particle and proton energies is identified as coming from the decay products of 6 Be ∗ (1.67 MeV)2 + state formed in the (α, 6 Be ∗ (1.67 MeV)) reaction. The differential cross section for the (α, 5 Li(g.s)) reaction is deduced at 17°, 23° and 35° in the c.m. system for 40 Ca and at 23° for 90 Zr and 208 Pb. It is found that distorted-wave Born approximation calculations reproduce the slope but not the absolute magnitude of the differential cross sections. The magnitude of the (α, 5 Li(g.s.)) differential cross section at 23° is about 2 mb/sr for all three nuclei studied. These differential cross sections are compared to those for the (α, 5 He(g.s.)) reaction. It is concluded that most of the strength of a plateau-like structure seen in the spectra of inelastically scattered α-particles comes from thedecay α of 5 He(g.s.) rather than 5 Li(g.s.).
A representation of decision by analogy

Abstract We give a representation of analogical reasoning in choice under uncertainty. A decision maker is faced with two decision problems, a familiar and a novel one. It is shown that, under assumptions that capture the salience of alignable differences in choice, the decision maker can be construed as choosing between acts in the novel decision problem as if drawing all likelihood information from a multi-valued correspondence between states of the world in the familiar domain and states of the world in the novel domain. The latter is interpreted as an analogy between the two decision problems, and the fuzziness of the analogy is related to revealed ambiguity in the novel decision problem.
Effects of early experience on food preference in chicks

On the third day of life, four groups of eight chicks each were given either rape or canary seed, exclusively. The following day the chicks were given the seed they had not experienced the day previously. For eight days subsequently, the chicks were offered both seeds and the proportion by weight of each seed eaten was determined. Chicks initially fed canary seed showed a strong preference for canary when both seeds were first offered and the chicks initially fed rape seed showed no clear preference. As the days on both foods progressed, the preferences of both groups shifted toward rape seed, although group differences in favor of the food first fed existed throughout the testing period.
Double lung transplants have significantly improved survival compared with single lung transplants in high lung allocation score patients.

Background Historically, double lung transplantation survival rates are higher than those of single lung transplantation, but in critically ill patients a single lung transplant, with less associated operative morbidity, could afford a better outcome. This article evaluates how survival is affected in patients who have a high lung allocation score (LAS) and receive a single versus a double lung transplant. Methods The UNOS Thoracic Transplant Database for lung transplants from January 2005 to June 2012 was used for analysis. Propensity matching was used to minimize differences between the high and low LAS groups and between single and double lung transplants in the high LAS group. Results Within this database, there were 8,778 patients, of whom 8,050 had an LAS less than 75 and 728 had an LAS greater than or equal to 75. Kaplan-Meier survival curves stratified by high and low LAS, and by single versus double lung transplants, showed a marked decrease in survival ( p Conclusions Despite a higher operative morbidity, patients who had a high LAS did substantially better in terms of survival if two lungs were transplanted rather than only one, with a larger difference in survival than for patients with a lower LAS.
High-Resolution Grating Monochromator for Simultaneous Observations of More Than One Wavelength*†

The use of added camera mirrors in a high-dispersion grating monochromator to extend its application to the simultaneous observation of two (or several) wavelengths without diminution of aperture, and with arbitrary separation of the lines on the plate, is described.
Near-infrared Raman spectroscopy of single optically trapped biological cells

We report on the development and testing of a compact laser tweezers Raman spectroscopy (LTRS) system. The system combines optical trapping and near-infrared Raman spectroscopy for manipulation and identification of single biological cells in solution. A low-power diode laser at 785 nm was used for both trapping and excitation for Raman spectroscopy of the suspended microscopic particles. The design of the LTRS system provides high sensitivity and permits real-time spectroscopic measurements of the biological sample. The system was calibrated by use of polystyrene microbeads and tested on living blood cells and on both living and dead yeast cells. As expected, different images and Raman spectra were observed for the different cells. The LTRS system may provide a valuable tool for the study of fundamental cellular processes and the diagnosis of cellular disorders.
MULTIDIMENSIONAL MODELING OF FUEL EFFECTS AND SPLIT INJECTIONS ON DIESEL ENGINE COLD-STARTING

A computational model has been developed for describing multicomponent fuel vaporization and ignition in diesel engines and was implemented in the KIVA-II computational e uid dynamics code. The model has been applied to understand diesel engine cold-starting and the parameters that signie cantly ine uence this phenomena. Typical diesel fuels are blends of various fuels species, i.e., multicomponent. Thus, the original single-component fuel vaporization model in KIVA-II was replaced by a multicomponent fuel vaporization model. Necessary modie cations were carried out in other spray submodels that describe droplet breakup and coalescence to account for multicomponent fuels. The autoignition process was modeled using a modie ed multistep kinetics Shell ignition model to account for fuel composition effects. The improved model was applied to simulate cold-starting in diesel engines. The effects of fuel residual left from previous cycles, injection timing, and duration were studied. Split injections, where a small pilot injection was introduced during the compression stroke, were found to have a signie cant and benee cial effect on cold-starting.
Reduction of cytochrome b-561 through the antimycin-sensitive site of the ubiquinol-cytochrome c2 oxidoreductase complex of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides.

Abstract Cytochrome b-561 of the ubiquinol-cytochrome c2 oxidoreductase complex of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides is reduced after flash illumination in the presence of myxothiazol in an antimycin-sensitive reaction. Flash-induced reduction was observed over the redox range in which cytochrome b-561 and the Q-pool are both oxidized before the flash. The extent of reduction increased with increasing pH, and was maximal at pH > 10.0 where the extent approached that observed in the presence of antimycin following a group of flashes. Reduction of cytochrome b-561 in the presence of myxothiazol showed a lag of ~ 1 ms after the flash, followed by reduction with (t 1 2 ~ 6 ms; by analogy with the similar kinetics of the quinol oxidase site, we suggest that the rate is determined by collision with the QH2 produced in the pool on flash excitation.
Time-frequency representations and operators

We discuss the issues that arise in developing quasi-distributions for arbitrary operators in contrast to the usual case of time and frequency. The arbitrary operator case has many mathematical and physical challenges that have not been solved. We also discuss the connection with differential equations and pseudo-differential operators. In regard to differential equations we argue that the proper generalization of the constant coefficient case is not the variable coefficients case but an equation where the coefficients are kept constant and the differential operator is replaced by a Hermitian operator.
Myeloperoxidase and paraoxonase-1 in type 2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Reduced high density lipoproteins (HDL) and increased oxidative stress are features of type 2 diabetes. Myeloperoxidase is an oxidative enzyme partly associated with HDL and causing HDL dysfunction. It is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Paraoxonase-1 is an HDL-associated enzyme that protects against cardiovascular disease and is reduced in diabetes. The present study examined if serum myeloperoxidase was (i) increased in type 2 diabetes, (ii) correlated with paraoxonase-1 activity. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was based on cross-sectional analyses of serum myeloperoxidase and paraoxonase-1 in type 2 diabetic patients and non-diabetic participants, with and without cardiovascular disease. Serum myeloperoxidase concentrations were not increased in type 2 diabetic patients without cardiovascular disease compared to non-diabetic controls. They were significantly higher in type 2 patients and non-diabetic patients with angiographically confirmed coronary disease. HDL-associated myeloperoxidase was correlated with serum myeloperoxidase (r=0.80, p<0.001) but not HDL-cholesterol (r=0.08) or apolipoprotein AI (r=0.08). Multivariate analyses showed serum myeloperoxidase to be an independent determinant of paraoxonase activities (arylesterase, p=0.024; paraoxonase, p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Myeloperoxidase is an independent, negative determinant of paraoxonase-1 activity, which may be one mechanism by which it promotes HDL dysfunction and increases cardiovascular risk. Increased serum myeloperoxidase is not a feature of type 2 diabetes in the absence of overt cardiovascular disease. The level of HDL-associated myeloperoxidase is determined by the serum concentration of the enzyme suggesting that, in the context of reduced HDL concentrations in diabetic patients, myeloperoxidase may have a greater impact on HDL function.
Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Jacelon Attributed Dignity Scale.

Aim To develop and psychometrically test the Jacelon Attributed Dignity Scale (JADS). Background The JADS was designed to measure self-perceived attributed dignity in community-dwelling older adults. Attributed dignity was conceived of as a state characteristic of the self. The JADS is a short, positively scored, norm-referenced, evaluation index designed to measure self-perceived attributed dignity during the last week. Design Instrument development and testing including psychometric properties, internal consistency, factor structure, temporal stability and construct validity. Method Using a quota sample, 289 older adults (65–99 years old) were recruited from senior centres in western New England to complete the JADS, demographic information, the Self-Esteem Scale and the Social Desirability Scale during 2010–2011. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, construct validity and temporal stability were evaluated. Results The resulting positively scored 18-item scale has four factors with high internal consistency for each factor and the entire scale. Construct validity was established by examining correlations with instruments that measured self-esteem and social desirability. Attributed dignity is a unique concept that is stable over time. Conclusion The JADS is an 18-item Likert-scaled instrument designed to measure attributed dignity. Attributed dignity is a concept with four factors and is defined as a cognitive component of the selfconnoting self-value, perceived value from others, self in relation to others and behaving with respect. The importance of attributed dignity for older adults in relation to health, function, independence, quality of life and successful ageing can now be evaluated.
MRI of the patellofemoral joint

In routine MRI of the knee, less attention frequently is paid to the patellofemoral joint and its surrounding structures than to the menisci and ligaments. This article reviews MRI of common abnormalities of the anterior aspect of the knee. Chondromalacia patellae, pathological softening of the patellar cartilage, can be diagnosed with reasonable accuracy with MRI using standard sequences. Abnormalities of alignment can be assessed grossly on static images, but more sophisticated evaluation of patellofemoral tracking requires the kinematic technique. Other traumatic or overuse injuries involving the extensor mechanism of the knee, such as the quadriceps and patellar tendons, are also reviewed briefly.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for node-negative breast cancer.

In May 1988, physicians throughout the United States received a mailing labeled “NCI CLINICAL ALERT: URGENT. ” This alert reported the preliminary results of three American trials evaluating the role of adjuvant therapy for axillary lymph node-negative breast cancer (1). Noting that all three trials suggested a benefit for patients receiving adjuvant therapy, the alert concluded: “Adjuvant hormonal or cytotoxic chemotherapy can have a meaningful impact on the natural history of Stage 1 breast cancer patients. . . . Outside of a trial setting, the hormonal and chemotherapy treatments described represent credible therapeutic options worthy of careful attention.” Subsequently, in June 1990, the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on Early Stage Breast Cancer took up the question of adjuvant therapy for node-negative breast cancer (2). Reviewing much the same data, its panelists concluded:
Intramuscular adipose tissue attenuates gains in muscle quality in older adults at high risk for falling. A brief report

Objective To examine the influence of intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) on muscle quality (MQ) changes in older adults after 12 weeks of exercise training.
Forced oscillations of nonlinear circuits

The method of undetermined coefficients is applied to the solution of typical nonlinear electric circuit problems of importance in electrical engineering. This method is shown to give useful approximate values for the amplitudes and phases of the forced oscillations of the nonlinear circuits considered. The effects of bias potentials on the amplitudes of the oscillations are also determined. The utility of the method is illustrated by applying it to the analysis of forced oscillations of a nonlinear inductor, a saturable reactor, a nonlinear capacitor, and a series-connected magnetic amplifier.
The Relationship between Power and Time to Fatigue in Cycle Ergometer Exercise

The purpose of this study was to evaluate three critical power (P (critical)) models. Ten university students performed tests that elicited fatigue in > 2 min to approximately 10 min. Power and time data were fit to a 2-parameter hyperbolic model, a 3-parameter hyperbolic model, and a 3-parameter exponential model. Models described the power-time relationship well (R (2) > or = 0.995). However, P (critical) (209 +/- 51 W; SEE: 20 +/- 47 W) and the time constant (198 +/- 87 s; SEE: 103 +/- 246 W) from the exponential model have no obvious meaning. The 2-parameter model produced P (critical) (187 +/- 38 W) and anaerobic work capacity (20.4 +/- 9.0 kJ) that have known physiological meaning, with excellent confidence (SEE: 2 +/- 2 W and 1.0 +/- 1.0 kJ, respectively). Addition of a maximal power parameter to the 2-parameter model did not improve description of the relationship, and the third parameter was superfluous. The 2-parameter model was preferred because, for the range of exercise durations used in this study, it describes the power-relationship adequately and in a most parsimonious fashion.
Identification and distribution of a novel platelet-derived growth factor receptor β variant : Effect of retinoic acid and involvement in cell differentiation

We have shown previously that neonatal testicular gonocytes express platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR) α and β. We report the expression of a novel PDGFRβ (V1-PDGFRβ) transcript in gonocytes of 3-d-old rat testes. V1-PDGFRβ nucleotide sequence spans from intron 6 to exon 23 of the PDGFRβ gene, and is predicted to encode a protein lacking part of the extracellular domain. V1-PDGFRβ transcripts are expressed preferentially in developing gonads. The embryonic teratocarcinoma F9 cells, in which differentiation is driven by retinoic acid (RA), express V1-PDGFRβ, but not wild-type PDGFRβ. Green fluorescent protein-tagged V1-PDGFRβ localized mainly in cytosol of F9, MA-10, and COS-1 cells. FLAG and green fluorescent protein-tagged V1-PDGFRβ displayed tyrosine kinase activities and contain phosphotyrosine residues, suggesting that V1-PDGFRβ is a cytosolic tyrosine kinase. Treatment of F9 cells with RA induced V1-PDGFRβ gene expression, concomitant with changes in morphology and increased mRNA expres...
Using pluton ages to date regional deformations: Problems with commonly used criteria

Studies of pretectonic plutons in the Foothills terrane, central Sierra Nevada, California, along with a review of studies on syntectonic and post-tectonic plutons, indicate that no single criterion can establish the relative timing of pluton emplacement and regional deformation. Criteria most often used are whether a pluton is deformed, cuts regional structures, or is associated with porphyroblasts that postdate regional structures. However, all three types of plutons may (1) appear deformed or nondeformed, (2) have contacts that appear to cut structures in the wall rocks, and (3) have porphyroblasts in their aureoles that display varied timing relations. The ambiguity of these criteria emphasize the need for careful studies of the structures present throughout the pluton and surrounding wall rock, with particular attention paid to regions where the pluton contact is at high angles to regional structures. Porphyroblast-cleavage relations are an important tool in this regard, but also must be used with caution.
An invariant-imbedding solution of general linear two-point boundary-value problems

The method presented employs invariant imbedding to solve a general linear two-point boundary-value problem with general linear boundary conditions. The solution is obtained by converting the linear boundary-value problem into a set of nonlinear initial-value problems. Furthermore, the path to the solution is not specified by the method and therefore can be chosen to minimize computational difficulties.
NLR, the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat containing gene family

The NLR (nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat containing) family is found in plants and animals, and serves as crucial regulators of inflammatory and innate immune response, though its functions are likely to extend greatly beyond innate immunity, and even beyond the immune system. This review discusses recent findings regarding the function of NLR proteins in the control of IL-1, NF-κB, and host response to pathogens including distinct forms of cell death. The review also covers recent advances regarding the biochemical nature of NLRs, its regulation by intracellular nucleotides and extracellular ATP, by the chaperone protein HSP90, and the ubiquitin ligase-associated protein SGT1. Its role in inflammation is linked to the formation of biochemical complexes such as the inflammasome, and its roles in cell death might be linked to the proposed formation of pyroptosome and necrosome.
Heuristic survivor selection for reduced complexity BCJR-type algorithms

The invention of turbo coding demonstrated that interleaved concatenation of weak codes can achieve excellent performance in the waterfall region of the bit error rate curve when decoded iteratively. The performance curve of turbo codes, however, typically exhibits an error floor due to poor minimum distance. The minimum distance can be increased by introducing a stronger component code into the concatenation, but this can lead to unacceptably large decoding effort if full BCJR decoding is used. In this paper we consider reduced complexity soft input soft output decoding of convolutional codes with long constraint lengths. In particular, we consider the M*-BCJR algorithm, which uses the M-algorithm principle to preserve only the M most promising trellis states at each step of the forward recursion. We demonstrate that the forward state metrics, typically used in M-type algorithms, are insufficient to reliably identify the best M states. In contrast, very small M suffices to achieve very good decoding performance if the state selection is based on both the forward metric and an estimate of the backward metric. We present how a heuristic based on a supercode, a higher rate code containing all the codewords of the original code but having a simpler trellis representation, can serve as an efficient estimate for the backward state metrics, enabling practical decoding of turbo codes with a strong component code.
A triple-masked, randomized controlled trial comparing ultrasound-guided brachial plexus and distal peripheral nerve block anesthesia for outpatient hand surgery.

Background. For hand surgery, brachial plexus blocks provide effective anesthesia but produce undesirable numbness. We hypothesized that distal peripheral nerve blocks will better preserve motor function while providing effective anesthesia. Methods. Adult subjects who were scheduled for elective ambulatory hand surgery under regional anesthesia and sedation were recruited and randomly assigned to receive ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block or distal block of the ulnar and median nerves. Each subject received 15 mL of 1.5% mepivacaine at the assigned location with 15 mL of normal saline injected in the alternate block location. The primary outcome (change in baseline grip strength measured by a hydraulic dynamometer) was tested before the block and prior to discharge. Subject satisfaction data were collected the day after surgery. Results. Fourteen subjects were enrolled. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) strength loss in the distal group was 21.4% (14.3, 47.8%), while all subjects in the supraclavicular group lost 100% of their preoperative strength, P = 0.001. Subjects in the distal group reported greater satisfaction with their block procedures on the day after surgery, P = 0.012. Conclusion. Distal nerve blocks better preserve motor function without negatively affecting quality of anesthesia, leading to increased patient satisfaction, when compared to brachial plexus block.
Puerto Rico : Los dilemas del status político y el desarrollo dependiente

Unidos. Si bien es cierto que el Continente en su conjunto inauguro el siglo veinte con los Estados Unidos jugando el papel predominante antes detentado por potencias europeas tales como las de Espana e Inglaterra, Puerto Rico representa el unico caso en que Norteamerica no solo interviene militarmente en la Isla, sino que mantiene su presencia en ella aun hasta el presente. Sin embargo, el status de Puerto Rico es ambiguo, y no resulta claro en que medida, como muchos criticos sugieren, es la Isla una colonia de los Estados Unidos. Tambien es cierto que Puerto Rico no es de ninguna manera un pais independiente, dado que su territorio pertenece a los Estados Unidos, y que su importancia economica y estrategica se encuentra definida por este pais. Puerto Rico, en un sentido general, es una dependencia norteamericana, pero con una medida de autonomia politica local que lo aparta de la definicion estricta de colonia.
Cancer Stem Cells: From Bench to Bedside

Abstract Objective clinical responses to anticancer treatments often do not translate into substantial improvements in overall survival. Recent data suggesting many cancers arise from rare self-renewing cells (cancer stem cells) that are biologically distinct from their more numerous differentiated progeny may explain this paradox. Current anticancer therapies have been developed to target the bulk of the tumor mass (ie, the differentiated cancer cells). Although treatments directed against the bulk of the cancer may produce dramatic responses, they are unlikely to result in long-term remissions if the rare cancer stem cells are also not targeted. Better understanding the biology of cancer stem cells and re-examining our preclinical and clinical drug development paradigms to include the cancer stem cell concept have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of many cancers.
Explorations of National Culture and Word-of-Mouth Referral Behavior in the Purchase of Industrial Services in the United States and Japan

In this study, the authors examine how national culture affects referral behavior for industrial services such as advertising, banking, and accounting. The authors collected data using interviews with managers of small- and medium-sized companies in the United States and Japan. The results show that national culture has a strong effect on the number of referral sources consulted and that Japanese companies use more than comparable American companies do. Don't laugh, but all the really important [business] services I have, I found in the Yellow Pages (American manager of a small manufacturing company in the United States). When starting a new business, your bank means everything. Just about all my service vendors came from talking with my bank (Japanese owner of a cosmetics manufacturer in Tokyo).
Comparison of Hand Dimensions among Various Nationalities

Twenty four dimensions of the right hand were measured in a sample of fifty female Indians. The means were compared with those of similar measurements in females from Hong Kong, Japan, U.K., and U.S.A. (Air Force and Vietnamese sub-populations), published in the literature. The results indicated that most hand dimensions in Indians were significantly smaller than those of Hong Kong, U.S. Airforce, and U.K. females. Vietnamese Americans and Japanese showed the least differences from Indians. Differences were greater for finger depths and breadths than lengths. These results have important implications for machine and access space design.
Facelifts for visual aids

In any presentation, visual aids, or presentation graphics, play an important role. The paper presents guidelines for developing visuals using design software. Suggestions include software choices and some basic design considerations.
Poincare sphere interpretation of Kerr-effect measurements using a photoelastic modulator

The author describes a highly visual application of the Poincare sphere to magnetooptic detection with a photoelastic modulator (PEM) that clarifies how such a large modulation can yield a measurement that is sensitive to small polarization changes in ellipticity and rotation. By viewing the PEM action on the Poincare sphere, one can directly see not only the modulation of the polarization, but also the measured output intensity with time. The mechanism by which changes in ellipticity and rotation can be independently detected then becomes apparent. Through proper use of the Poincare sphere, experimental set-ups for measuring Kerr rotation and ellipticity become much easier to interpret. >
Streptococcus grupo anginosus: ¿Es su identificación clínicamente importante?

en el laborato-rio clinico.En esta editorial revisaremos los cuadros cli-nicos asociados con el aislamiento de cepas deeste grupo en muestras clinicas y en que cir-cunstancias se debe tratar de llegar a la identifica-cion definitiva de la especie causante de la infec-cion en el laboratorio. Este es un tema muycontroversial y antes de decidir cual seria lamejor alternativa, es necesario entender la taxo-nomia del genero
Genetic Engineering of a Radiation-Resistant Bacterium for Biodegradation of Mixed Wastes

The mixture of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, halogenated solvents and radionuclides in many DOE waste materials presents a challenging problem for separating the different species and disposing of individual contaminants. One approach for dealing with mixed wastes is to genetically engineer the radiation-resistant bacterium, Deinococcus radiodurans to survive in and detoxify DOE's mixed waste streams, and to develop process parameters for treating mixed wastes with such constructed strains. The goal for this project is to develop a suite of genetic tools for Deinococcus radiodurans and to use these tools to construct and test stable strains for detoxification of haloorganics in mixed wastes.
High frequency stream bed mobility of a low‐gradient agricultural stream with implications on the hyporheic zone

Little Kickapoo Creek (LKC), a low-gradient stream, mobilizes its streambed–fundamentally altering its near-surface hyporheic zone–more frequently than do higher-gradient mountain and karst streams. LKC streambed mobility was assessed through streambed surveys, sediment sampling, and theoretical calculations comparing basal shear stress (τb) with critical shear stress (τc). Baseflow τb is capable of entraining a d50 particle; bankfull flow could entrain a 51·2 mm particle. No particle that large occurs in the top 30 cm of the substrate, suggesting that the top 30 cm of the substrate is mobilized and redistributed during bankfull events. Bankfull events occur on average every 7·6 months; flows capable of entraining d50 and d85 particles occur on average every 0·85 and 2·1 months, respectively. Streambed surveys verify streambed mobility at conditions below bankfull. While higher gradient streams have higher potential energy than LKC, they achieve streambed-mobilization thresholds less frequently. Heterogeneous sediment redistribution creates an environment where substrate hydraulic conductivity (K) varies over four orders of magnitude. The frequency and magnitude of the substrate entrainment has implications on hyporheic zone function in fluid, solute and thermal transport models, interpretations of hyporheic zone stability, and understanding of LKC's aquatic ecosystem. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative trait loci associated with reversal learning and latent inhibition in honeybees (Apis mellifera).

A study was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that affect learning in honeybees. Two F1 supersister queens were produced from a cross between two established lines that had been selected for differences in the speed at which they reverse a learned discrimination between odors. Different families of haploid drones from two of these F 1 queens were evaluated for two kinds of learning performance—reversal learning and latent inhibition—which previously showed correlated selection responses. Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers were scored from recombinant, haploid drone progeny that showed extreme manifestations of learning performance. Composite interval mapping procedures identified two QTLs for reversal learning (lrn2 and lrn3: LOD, 2.45 and 2.75, respectively) and one major QTL for latent inhibition (lrn1: LOD, 6.15). The QTL for latent inhibition did not map to either of the linkage groups that were associated with reversal learning. Identification of specific genes responsible for these kinds of QTL associations will open up new windows for better understanding of genes involved in learning and memory.
Growth hormone response to clonidine in children ages 4-17: Tourette's syndrome vs. children with short stature.

Growth hormone response to α-adrenergic receptor agonists such as clonidine has been reported to be useful in assessing changes in the responsiveness of central α-adrenergic receptors. In the present study, growth hormone response to 2.5–5.3 μg/kg, PO of clonidine was studied in 18 children with Tourette's syndrome (TS) and in 26 children with short stature. Subjects ranged in age from 4 to 17 years, with a mean age of 12 years. TS children were studied prior to and following a minimum of 3 weeks of oral clonidine. After controlling for the effects of age, weight, and dose, children with short stature were found to have a significantly higher growth hormone peak (p
The role of DNA sequence and structure of the electrophile on the mutagenicity of nitroarenes and arylamine derivatives

The mutagenicities of a series of nitroarenes and related electrophilic metabolites of aromatic amines were studied in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA97, which have, respectively, (GCGC/CGCG)2 and (CCC/GGG)2 as their mutational sites. For electrophiles, primarily bicyclic species, that form adducts with nucleophilic sites other than the C8 of guanine (G), the ratios of activities in the two strains is near unity. On the other hand, for electrophiles consisting of cyclic structures with more than two rings and that are reported to react solely with the C8 of G, the ratio of activities (TA98/TA97) is in excess of 1.6. Quantum mechanical calculations indicate that (1) in the plane of G, the N7, N3, and 06 of G are more likely nucleophilic targets than C8 and (2) adduct formation at the C8 of G requires electrophilic attack from above or below the plane of G. It is hypothesized that because of steric hindrances, nitroarenes and derivatives containing in excess of two rings cannot react with the preferred nucleophilic sites and, therefore, form adducts with the more accessible C8. However, such an out-of-the-plane attack is influenced by the nature of the nearest neighbor, as evidenced by the difference in mutagenic responses of TA98 and TA97, alternating GCs being preferred over other combinations. Further quantum mechanical calculations indicate that the nature of the nearest neighbor does indeed affect the nucleophilicity of the C8 of G but that the expression of this effect is apparently masked by the overriding steric effects.
Pāli Gotta / Gotra and the Term Gotrabhū in Pāli and Buddhist Sanskrit

Two distinct forms of the vocable appearing in Old Indo-Aryan as gotra- ‘family, clan, lineage’ are attested in the Middle Indo-Aryan of the Pāli literature. The form gotta-, with assimilation of the Old Indo-Aryan consonant cluster -tr- to -tt-, is the normal Pāli development of OI gotra-;1 and in the literature it is frequently met with in the well-known meanings of ‘family, lineage, ancestry’ (PTSD). It appears for example in collocation with, or in the proximity of, nāma ‘name’ (e.g. Vinaya I, pp. 93, 127; II, p. 239; IV, p. 12;Dighanikāya I, p. 92);jāti ‘birth, descent’ (e.g. Suttanipāta vv. 104,423, 1004), and kula ‘family’ (e.g. Suttanipāta v. 423;Jātaka II, p. 3). When the Buddha is represented in the Pabbajjāsutta of the Suttanipāta (v. 423) as saying: ādiccā nāma gottena sākiyā nāma jātiyā tamhā kulā pabbajito ’mhi, this means that he entered the religious life leaving a family that is solar by lineage (gotta) and Śākyan by descent. The Pāli texts also present such compounds as gottatthaddha ‘conceited as to lineage’ (Suttanipāta 104, together with jātitthaddha ‘conceited as to descent’), gottapanha ‘enquiry regarding lineage’ (Suttanipāta v. 456), gottapaṭisāri(n) ‘relying on lineage’ (Dighanikāya I, p. 99; Aṅguttaranikāya V, p. 327),gottarakkhita ‘protected by lineage’ (Suttanipāta v. 315), and nātigottabandhava ‘related through kinsmen and lineage’ (Cullaniddesa, p. 455, quoted in PTSD).
Metastases from Uveal Melanoma after Proton Beam Irradiation

The incidence of metastasis and prognostic factors for metastasis in 780 consecutive patients with uveal melanomas treated with proton beam irradiation were evaluated. Metastasis developed in 64 patients (8%). The median time from treatment to the diagnosis of metastasis was 2.1 years (range, 3 months to 7.3 years). The liver was primarily involved in 58 (90%) patients. The 5-year cumulative probability of metastasis developing was 20%. Prognostic factors for metastasis developing were quite comparable to those found for patients treated by enucleation and included largest tumor diameter, involvement of the ciliary body, older age, and extrascleral extension. Surgical localization, tumor height, and elevated liver enzymes before treatment were not important factors in the development of metastasis.