cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolated communities of Epsilonproteobacteria in hydrothermal vent fluids of the Mariana Arc seamounts

Low-temperature hydrothermal vent fluids represent access points to diverse microbial communities living in oceanic crust. This study examined the distribution, relative abundance, and diversity of Epsilonproteobacteria in 14 low-temperature vent fluids from five volcanically active seamounts of the Mariana Arc using a 454 tag sequencing approach. Most vent fluids were enriched in cell concentrations compared with background seawater, and quantitative PCR results indicated that all fluids were dominated by bacteria. Operational taxonomic unit-based statistical tools applied to 454 data show that all vents from the northern end of the Mariana Arc grouped together, to the exclusion of southern arc seamounts, which were as distinct from one another as they were from northern seamounts. Statistical analysis also showed a significant relationship between seamount and individual vent groupings, suggesting that community membership may be linked to geographical isolation and not geochemical parameters. However, while there may be large-scale geographic differences, distance is not the distinguishing factor in the microbial community composition. At the local scale, most vents host a distinct population of Epsilonproteobacteria, regardless of seamount location. This suggests that there may be barriers to exchange and dispersal for these vent endemic microorganisms at hydrothermal seamounts of the Mariana Arc.
The Origin of Mutants Under Selection: How Natural Selection Mimics Mutagenesis (Adaptive Mutation)

Selection detects mutants but does not cause mutations. Contrary to this dictum, Cairns and Foster plated a leaky lac mutant of Escherichia coli on lactose medium and saw revertant (Lac(+)) colonies accumulate with time above a nongrowing lawn. This result suggested that bacteria might mutagenize their own genome when growth is blocked. However, this conclusion is suspect in the light of recent evidence that revertant colonies are initiated by preexisting cells with multiple copies the conjugative F'lac plasmid, which carries the lac mutation. Some plated cells have multiple copies of the simple F'lac plasmid. This provides sufficient LacZ activity to support plasmid replication but not cell division. In nongrowing cells, repeated plasmid replication increases the likelihood of a reversion event. Reversion to lac(+) triggers exponential cell growth leading to a stable Lac(+) revertant colony. In 10% of these plated cells, the high-copy plasmid includes an internal tandem lac duplication, which provides even more LacZ activity—sufficient to support slow growth and formation of an unstable Lac(+) colony. Cells with multiple copies of the F'lac plasmid have an increased mutation rate, because the plasmid encodes the error-prone (mutagenic) DNA polymerase, DinB. Without DinB, unstable and stable Lac(+) revertant types form in equal numbers and both types arise with no mutagenesis. Amplification and selection are central to behavior of the Cairns-Foster system, whereas mutagenesis is a system-specific side effect or artifact caused by coamplification of dinB with lac. Study of this system has revealed several broadly applicable principles. In all populations, gene duplications are frequent stable genetic polymorphisms, common near-neutral mutant alleles can gain a positive phenotype when amplified under selection, and natural selection can operate without cell division when variability is generated by overreplication of local genome subregions.
Derived Rule Tacting and Subsequent Following by Slot Machine Players

During a slot machine gambling task, six adult participants wagered red or silver coins, which had no impact on the programmed contingencies of the game. Following baseline gambling, each participant was presented with a series of conditional discrimination training and testing trials to establish a self-rule that either the red or silver coins were somehow “better” to use. Tacting of the participant’s self-rule was measured using fill-in-the blank and multiple-choice procedures. Upon returning to slot machine gambling, five of six participants altered their response options among coin colors in accordance with newly derived self-rule. Implications for conceptual development of self-awareness and practical applications of self-awareness using Skinner’s framework of language are discussed.
Aortic allografts and pulmonary autografts for replacement of the aortic valve and aortic root

Abstract Background . Extensive experience has accumulated with the use of aortic and pulmonary autografts for replacement of the aortic valve and the aortic root. Three general techniques for insertion have been used: subcoronary (free-hand) valve implantation, mini- or inclusion-root implantation, and aortic root replacement. Thirty-day mortality for elective operations with all of these techniques has not exceeded 5%. Thromboembolic episodes have been rare, and endocarditis has occurred infrequently. Early hemodynamic performance has been excellent, without significant gradients or valve regurgitation in the majority of patients. Methods and Results . Progressive aortic regurgitation has been observed with continued follow-up, and is the most important complication of both types of valves. Leaflet failure and technical problems are the major causes of reoperation for patients receiving aortic allografts. There is some evidence to suggest that the prevalence of these complications is lower with the root replacement technique than with the intraaortic implantation methods. Conclusions . Reoperation for regurgitation of the neo-aortic valve is the major complication of the pulmonary autograft procedure. The incidence of reoperation appears to be lowest with the root replacement technique. Certain conditions (acute rheumatic fever, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, Libman-Sachs endocarditis, and possibly a dilated aortic root) may be contraindications to the use of a pulmonary autograft. Reoperation on the pulmonary allograft that is used to replace the autograft may be necessary in up to 20% of patients at 20 years.
Cervical antibodies to herpes simplex virus proteins in pregnancy and puerperium: a pilot study.

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the changes in total and anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV)-specific cervical IgA and IgG antibody profiles during and after pregnancy. Methods: Serum and cervical secretions were obtained from pregnant patients before 20 weeks gestation, at 34-36 weeks gestation, and at 6 weeks postpartum and tested for total IgA and IgG antibody and for IgA and IgG to HSV proteins by Western blot. Results: Seven women wereHSV seronegative, 14 HSV-1 seropositive, and 14 HSV-2 + HSV1 seropositive. Minimal changes in the serum anti-HSV profiles were seen over the 3 visits. The total cervical IgA, IgG, and protein levels did not change between the 2 pregnancy visits but tended to increase at the postpartum visit. No consistent change in cervical HSV-specific IgA and IgG was seen during pregnancy, but the levels increased markedly at the postpartum visit. Conclusions: Lower cervical anti-HSV antibody levels may be related to the previously reported increasedfrequency ofa reactivation ofHSVduring late pregnancy. Furtherevaluation is necessary to confirm and quantify the changes in ,genital immunity during pregnancy and to evaluate whether the increased levels at the postpartum’visit are sustained. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Calculating Phase Diagrams of Polymer−Platelet Mixtures Using Density Functional Theory: Implications for Polymer/Clay Composites

We analyze the thermodynamics of disklike particles dispersed in a polymer matrix. Using the Somoza−Tarazona free energy functional for thin oblate ellipsoids of revolution in combination with the ...
Advanced glycation modification of Rosenthal fibers in patients with Alexander disease

Rosenthal fibers, astrocytic inclusions that accumulate in various neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions, are a characteristic of Alexander disease, a leukodystrophy of unknown etiology. Given that alphaB crystallin is the major protein component of Rosenthal fibers and that crystallins in the diabetic and aged lens are targets for advanced glycation end product modifications via the Maillard reaction we hypothesized that Rosenthal fibers might contain similar modifications. Using antibodies specific for two products of glycation, pyrraline and pentosidine, we showed labeling of Rosenthal fibers that may account for their insolubility and accumulation. These data suggest that advanced glycation end products may be critical to the pathogenesis of Alexander disease.
A note on probabilistic computation of earthquake response spectrum amplitudes

Abstract This paper analyzes a method for computation of Pseudo Relative Velocity (PSV) spectrum and Absolute Acceleration (SA) spectrum so that the amplitudes and the shapes of these spectra reflect the geometrical characteristics of the seismic environment of the site. The estimated spectra also incorporate the geologic characteristics at the site, direction of ground motion and the probability of exceeding these motions. An example of applying this method in a realistic setting is presented and the uncertainties of the results are discussed.
Intermediate filaments in the nervous system: Implications in cancer

In this review, we describe the different intermediate filament (IF) proteins, their assembly into IFs, the functions of IFs and their relation to disease with a particular emphasis on the intermediate filaments expressed in the nervous system. In the mammalian nervous system, seven intermediate filament proteins are known to be expressed in neurons or neuroblasts. These include the three neurofilament triplet proteins, which are present in both central and peripheral neurons; α-internexin, which is the first neuronal intermediate filament protein expressed in the developing mammalian nervous system and present primarily in CNS neurons in the adult nervous system; peripherin, which is most abundant in the PNS; vimentin, which is expressed in neuronal progenitor cells along with nestin, as well as in a few adult neurons. In contrast to these neuron-specific IF proteins, the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is glial specific and expressed in mature astrocytes. Vimentin and nestin are also expressed in glial progenitor cells and vimentin is expressed along with GFAP in some mature astrocytes. As a whole, the expression of IF proteins is tissue specific and developmentally regulated. As a result, IF proteins are good markers for determining the cell origin and differentiation status of tumor cells. For example, peripherin is expressed in neuroblastomas, GFAP in astrocytomas and neurofilaments in tumors of neuronal origin. However, tumor cells may express IF patterns which are irrelevant to their cell origin. Therefore, one has to be very careful in using IF patterns as sole indicators of cell origin and differentiation status of tumors.
Results of a standardized technique and postoperative care plan for Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy: A 30-month experience

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy has been accepted slowly despite potential advantages because of the perceptions of a steep learning curve and increased operative times and costs. The purpose of this article is to review the outcome of a standardization of all the intraoperative and postoperative processes used in our department for the performance of laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients requiring laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy from March 1999 through December 2001 at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, was analyzed. Patients requiring sigmoid or rectosigmoid resection for all colonic pathologies were included. Criteria for exclusion from an attempted laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy were body mass index >35 and prior major abdominal surgeries (exclusive of hysterectomy, cholecystectomy, or appendectomy). Data collected included age, gender, indication for surgery, American Society of Anesthesiology class, body mass index, operative duration, length of hospital stay, complications, mortality, and 30-day readmission. The operative steps for laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy were as follows: 1) open insertion of the umbilical port; 2) placement of three operating ports; 3) dissection/division of the vascular pedicle after identification of the left ureter; 4) mobilization of the sigmoid and descending colon; 5) rectal mobilization/division; 6) exteriorization of the specimen; and 7) circular stapled anastomosis. Instrumentation for the procedure was standardized. Conversion was performed when a sequential step could not be completed in a reasonable time frame. A standard perioperative care plan was used. RESULTS: From March 1999 through December 2001, the primary surgeon performed 207 sigmoid colectomies, including 181 (87.4 percent) attempted laparoscopic sigmoid colectomies and 22 (12.1 percent) conversions. Indications for the laparoscopic sigmoid colectomies were diverticular disease (115), colonic neoplasia (32), prolapse (14), endometriosis (10), and other (10). The male/female ratio was 85:96, and the mean body mass index was 27.3 ± 5.6. Mean operative time was 119 ± 35 minutes. Mean length of stay was 2.9 ± 1.2 days for completed cases and 6.4 ± 1.4 days for converted cases. Anastomotic leaks occurred in two patients (1.1 percent), one of whom died of multisystem organ failure, yielding an operative mortality of 0.6 percent. The overall complication rate was 6.6 percent, and the 30-day readmission rate was 8 percent. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that a structured approach to laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy provides the surgeon with objective measures of operative progress that limit unduly long operations without increasing conversion rates and that control resource utilization. This approach provides a potential guideline for teaching and mastering laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy, reducing the learning curve, and optimizing results.
LBOs slash R&D: So what?

This article translates the research conducted by William Long and David Ravenscraft concerning the impact of leveraged buyouts (LBOs) on research and development (RD however, their findings indicated that these reductions may not have been significant in all instances.
Oligochlorophens Are Potent Inhibitors of Bacillus anthracis

Bacterial cytoskeletal proteins are an emerging set of targets for antibiotic development. This paper describes oligochlorophen analogs based on the monomer 4-chloro-2,6-dimethylphenol as antimicrobial agents against Bacillus anthracis. The most potent analogs have a MIC of 160 to 320 nM against B. anthracis and may target the cytoskeletal protein FtsZ. B. anthracis develops resistance to the oligochlorophens at a rate of 4.34 x 10(-10) per generation, which is approximately 10-fold lower than that of commercial antibiotics used to treat this human pathogen.
The impact of the academy of marketing science on marketing scholarship: An analysis of the research published in JAMS

This article presents an analysis of the research published in the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science (JAMS). A brief history of the journal is chronicled, and its output in recent years is considered. Special attention is paid to the content of the articles published and the research methods used. An analysis of frequent contributors is also conducted. Much of the analysis focuses on the past 10 years. The conclusion is that JAMS has made a significant impact on marketing scholarship and has emerged as a top marketing journal of which all the fellows of the academy can justifiably be proud.
Finite element modeling of banded structures in Bombyx mori silk fibres

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy studies have shown curved bands of contrast in degummed Bombyx mori fibres. This contrast implies a molecular difference between the light and dark bands, which in turn implies a periodic variation in mechanical properties along the fibre axis. Finite element modeling was used to compare the mechanical behaviour of fibres with various banded geometries. Lateral, longitudinal and diagonal lamellae were compared with V-shaped and parabolic cupped lamellae. The simulation results from the lamellar models were compared to laminar composite theory. The cupped parabolic and V-shaped geometries both showed a redistribution of the axial stresses from the centre toward the edge of the fibre. This redistribution allowed for a substantial increase in the toughness compared to simple lateral lamella as well as a moderate increase in the initial modulus without a significant change in the yield strength.
Total-rock UPb and RbSr systematics in the Imataca Series, Guayana Shield, Venezuela

Abstract A combination of data from two isotopic systems may be useful in “seeing through” an intense metamorphic event to the primary age of an ancient terrane. Rb Sr secondary isochrons on thin-slice samples make it possible to select domains within the rock in which Sr isotopes were equilibrated during the high-temperature stage of the metamorphism. A single domain may then be tested for Pb isotopic homogeneity at the same time by use of secondary U Pb isochrons. These monitor the possible effect of recent U loss, and if successful yield values for the common Pb ratios at the time of the thermal event. If the thermal event is both ancient and well-dated by the secondary isochrons, a model age for the protolith may then be established. The method is illustrated here with reference to the Imataca Series, about which we conclude the following: (1)|The primary or protolith age of the Imataca Series is in the range of 3.4–3.7 b.y. (2)|At approximately 2 b.y. ago, a regional metamorphic event up to granulite grade in intensity affected the Imataca. (3)|This metamorphism was accompanied by complete local homogenization of Sr isotopes over distances of centimeters; equilibration of Pb isotopes was apparently less perfect at the same scale. (4)|The granulite event was further characterized by extensive depletion of U relative to Pb. Comparable Rb loss has not taken place, perhaps because of the abundance of K-bearing phases. (5)|Deformation of the rock unit investigated may have taken the form of separate shear surfaces, between which isotopically equilibrated domains on either side of a shear plane are identified by differences in initial Sr isotope ratio.
Evidence for a New Phase of Solid He 3

Measurements of the melting pressure of a sample of ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ containing less than 40-ppm ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ impurities, self-cooled to below 2 mK in a Pomeranchuk compression cell, indicate the existence of a new phase in solid ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ below 2.7 mK of a fundamentally different nature than the anticipated antiferromagnetically ordered state. At lower temperatures, evidence of possibly a further transition is observed. We discuss these pressure measurements and supporting temperature measurements.
Gopher Tortoise Response to Habitat Management by Prescribed Burning

Abstract As quality of forested habitat declines from altered fire regimes, gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) often move into ruderal areas to the detriment of the animal and land manager. We evaluated effects of a dormant-and-growing-season prescribed fire on habitat and gopher tortoise use of degraded longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forests surrounding military training areas. We burned 4 of 8 sites in winter 2001–2002 and again in April 2003. Changes in vegetation measured during 2001–2004 indicated that burn treatments did not increase herbaceous vegetation. Similarly, movement patterns, burrow usage, and home range of tortoises radiotracked from 2002–2004 did not differ between treatments. Woody cover initially was reduced in the forests postburn, and we found more new burrows in burned forest sites. Once shrub cover was reduced, tortoises started using forested habitat that had become overgrown. However, shrub reduction may be temporary, as woody stem densities increased postburn. Thus, the one...
Silicon surface kinetics studied using laser-induced thermal desorption

Laser induced thermal desorption (LITD) has emerged as a powerful time-dependent probe of surface processes. The ability of LITD to desorb silicon-containing species from Si(l1l)7x7 has been employed to study the decomposition of H20 and NH3 on Si(l11)7x7. These LITD studies on Si(111)7x7 assumed that the silicon-containing species were derived from surface reaction intermediates. This assumption was recently tested by transmission FTIR investigations of H20 and NH3 decomposition on high surface area porous silicon surfaces. The LITD and FTIR results were compared for the thermal stability of the SiOH surface species during H2O decomposition and the SiNH2 surface species during NH3 decomposition. The good agreement between the LITD and the FTIR investigations indicated that the silicon containing LITD species correspond to silicon surface reaction intermediates.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A defined glycosaminoglycan-binding substratum for human pluripotent stem cells

To exploit the full potential of human pluripotent stem cells for regenerative medicine, developmental biology and drug discovery, defined culture conditions are needed. Media of known composition that maintain human embryonic stem (hES) cells have been developed, but finding chemically defined, robust substrata has proven difficult. We used an array of self-assembled monolayers to identify peptide surfaces that sustain pluripotent stem cell self-renewal. The effective substrates displayed heparin-binding peptides, which can interact with cell-surface glycosaminoglycans and could be used with a defined medium to culture hES cells for more than 3 months. The resulting cells maintained a normal karyotype and had high levels of pluripotency markers. The peptides supported growth of eight pluripotent cell lines on a variety of scaffolds. Our results indicate that synthetic substrates that recognize cell-surface glycans can facilitate the long-term culture of pluripotent stem cells.
Characterization of olfactory genes in the antennae of the Southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus.

Odorant reception in insects is mediated by different families of olfactory proteins. Here we focus on the characterization of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), “plus-C” odorant-binding proteins (“plus-C” OBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs) and sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) families from the Southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, a vector of pathogens implicated in multiple human diseases. Using bioinformatics and molecular approaches, we have identified a diversity of genes in the genome of Culex quinquefasciatus and examined their expression profiles by RT-PCR and real-time quantitative PCR. Based on their high transcript enrichment in female antennae compared to non-olfactory tissues, we have identified twelve OBPs, two “plus-C” OBPs and two SNMPs that likely play important roles in odorant reception. Transcripts of two genes were clearly enriched in female antennae compared to male antennae, whereas other genes displayed relatively equivalent transcript levels in antennae of both sexes. Additionally, eight genes were found to be transcribed at very high levels in female antennae compared to CquiOR7, suggesting they might encode highly abundant olfactory proteins. Comparative analysis across different mosquito species revealed that olfactory genes of Culex quinquefasciatus are related to putative orthologs in other species, indicating that they might perform similar functions. Understanding how mosquitoes are able to detect ecologically relevant odorant cues might help designing better control strategies. We have identified olfactory genes from different families which are likely important in Culex quinquefasciatus behaviors, thus paving the way towards a better understanding of the diversity of proteins involved in the reception of semiochemicals in this species.
An analytical energy model to accelerate FPGA logic architecture investigation

There is a pressing need for exploring innovative reconfigurable architectures with the steady growth in the range of FPGA based applications. However, traditional FPGA architecture design methods require time consuming CAD experimentations to identify the most suitable hardware configuration for the target application. Several analytical models have been recently proposed to predict the relative performance of a given set of architectures. Replacing CAD experiments with these analytical models poses as the solution for reducing the complexity of architecture evaluation process. However, among a large set of existing models, an analytical energy model is missing to supplement the architecture evaluation. We argue that energy can be defined as a function of routed wire length and critical path delay. Therefore, we inherit wire length and critical path delay models to derive an analytical energy model for homogeneous FPGA architectures. We evaluate the impact of variations in logic architecture parameters in terms of LUT size, cluster size and inputs per CLB on the energy performance, and show that our energy model accurately captures the trends observed through CAD experiments. An energy model is robust only if its predictions are in agreement with any CAD flow or benchmark suite. We study the robustness of our energy model by varying the seed selection process of placement, optimization goal of clustering and placement, and the nature of the benchmark suite. In all our experimental evaluations, we observe that the energy model accurately captures the performance trends with a high degree of fidelity.
The Ethics of Mutuality and Feminist Relational Therapy

Abstract This paper articulates the compatibility of Aristotle's ethics and the Stone Center's relational model of therapy that recognizes our need for “growth-fostering relationships.” To Aristotle, the achievement of mutuality in genuine friendships is the highest expression of moral excellence. Since mutuality is so important for us, both psychologically and morally, we need to understand whatever hampers its actual achievement. Four such snags are thematized: fear, dissociation, professionalism, and negative relational images can block our moral presence to others.
Fundoplication and gastrostomy.

Abstract Fundoplication and gastrostomy are among the most frequently performed procedures in infants and children. A laparoscopic approach with decreased morbidity has made fundoplication (with or without gastrostomy) more acceptable for patients who have significant gastroesophageal reflux disorders. Diagnostic evaluations to determine the presence of pathological gastroesophageal reflux have remained the same for patients being considered for open or laparoscopic procedures. Gastrostomy alone also is performed for patients who have swallowing difficulties or failure to thrive, after excluding the presence of gastroesophageal reflux. The authors review the indications and techniques of laparoscopic fundoplication and gastrostomy, as well as their experience with 390 patients. (Semin Pediatr Surg 1998 Nov;7(4):213-9)
Low-dose radioimmuno-therapy of cancer:

Four decades of genomic, cellular, animal and human data have shown that low-dose ionizing radiation stimulates positive genomic and cellular responses associated with effective cancer prevention a...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Juvenile Justice System

Two-thirds of all felons released from state prisons are rearrested within three years. This appalling recidivism rate explains the intense and growing interest on the topic of desistance from crime. Yet, inexplicably, one of the major factors affecting desistance from crime, especially in the juvenile justice system, has received scant attention. That factor is attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This article establishes the widespread prevalence of ADHD in the juvenile justice system and examines the major mechanisms whereby ADHD increases the risk for recidivism. The aim of this article is to highlight the critical importance of identifying and treating ADHD as an essential component for any best practices model for reducing recidivism.
Allelic loss at chromosomes 3p, 8p, 13q, and 17p associated with poor prognosis in head and neck cancer.

Background Little is known about the molecular genetic events that contribute to the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. Previous molecular genetic studies have been limited to the identification of mutations of the p53 (also known as TP53) tumor suppressor gene, activation of a limited set of oncogenes, allelic loss at 3p and other locations, and occasional association with human papillomavirus infection. Purpose Our purpose was to screen tumor tissue and blood from patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract for loss of heterozygosity at polymorphic loci corresponding to each of the autosomal chromosomes and to identify the locations of additional putative tumor suppressor genes, other than RB (also known as RB1) and p53, that may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease. Methods Tumor tissue and blood were obtained from 68 consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. In all cases, tumor tissue was obtained from the center of the surgical specimen. The relative absence of non-neoplastic tissue was confirmed by frozen-section histologic examination of immediately adjacent tissue. Initially, 30 paired tissue and blood samples were tested for loss of heterozygosity by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify 43 different highly polymorphic sequences containing small oligonucleotide repeats. After PCR amplification, with unique oligonucleotides flanking the repeat, visualization and sizing of the alleles on DNA sequencing gels were performed. Specific loss of heterozygosity was distinguished from random genetic loss due to generalized chromosomal instability if it occurred in more than 20% of specimens tested for a particular marker. Results Significant loss of heterozygosity (> 20%) occurred at alleles at chromosome bands 3p21 (32%), 3p25-26 (56%), 8pter-21.1 (31%), 13q14 (27%), and 17p12 (45%). Loss of heterozygosity at more than two loci was significant with a poor prognosis (P = .039). Conclusions These findings demonstrate that squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract exhibits genetic alterations at multiple loci and that allelic loss at more than two locations is indicative of a poor prognosis (the likelihood of the patient dying of disease). Implications While tumor suppressor genes at 3p (VHL), 13q (RB), and 17p (p53) have been identified, altered genes at other loci on 3p and on 8p have not yet been characterized. Furthermore, the genotype at these loci for squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract has prognostic importance and may identify the patients who should receive the most aggressive treatment.
Augusto César Sandino, 1895–1934

On 1 January 1929, Augusto Cesar Sandino wrote his now famous declaration that aptly summarizes both the Sandino and the Frente Sandinista de Liberation Nacional (FSLN, the Sandinista National Liberation Front) positions on the issue of foreign domination. He issued the statement in response to a letter from the officer commanding American forces in Nicaragua, Admiral D. F. Sellers. When Sellers suggested that Sandino's resistance would serve “no useful purpose,” Sandino replied:
Effects of acetylcholine on epicardial coronary arteries after cardiac transplantation without angiographic evidence of fixed graft narrowing

The coronary response to acetylcholine was evaluated in 10 patients who had had cardiac transplantation 1 to 8 years earlier and in 4 patients who did not undergo transplantation. All 14 patients had no angiographic evidence of fixed coronary arterial narrowing. Acetylcholine was infused in 10-fold increasing concentrations (10−6 to 10−2 M) into the midpoint of the left anterior descending coronary artery by an infusion catheter. Administration was terminated when either vasoconstriction was noted at fluoroscopy or when the maximal acetylcholine concentration was reached. Vascular responses were evaluated by quantitative angiography. All 14 patients had a decrease in coronary lumen size in response to acetylcholine. The mean percentage of vasoconstriction was 37 ± 24% (p < 0.001). Combined infusion of nifedipine and the maximal vasoconstricting dose of acetylcholine did not result in a significant reversal of coronary vasoconstriction in all 10 cardiac transplantation patients. It was concluded that acetylcholine is a potent coronary vasoconstrictor in patients who had cardiac transplantation and possibly lacks vasodilating effects in most normal patients without angiographic evidence of coronary artery disease, thus suggesting that acetylcholine might not be a suitable pharmacologic agent for testing endothelial cell integrity.
The moderation of mindfulness-based stress reduction effects by trait mindfulness: Results from a randomized controlled trial

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has shown effectiveness for a variety of mental health conditions. However, it is not known for whom the intervention is most effective. In a randomized controlled trial (N = 30), we explored whether individuals with higher levels of pretreatment trait mindfulness would benefit more from MBSR intervention. Results demonstrated that relative to a control condition (n = 15), MBSR treatment (n = 15) had significant effects on several outcomes, including increased trait mindfulness, subjective well-being, and empathy measured at 2 and 12 months after treatment. However, relative to controls, MBSR participants with higher levels of pretreatment mindfulness showed a larger increase in mindfulness, subjective well-being, empathy, and hope, and larger declines in perceived stress up to 1 year after treatment.
Ex Vivo Expansion of Human Pancreatic Endocrine Cells

Cell transplantation as a therapy for type 1 diabetes is facilitated by ex vivo cell expansion of pancreatic beta-cells without loss of differentiative characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for in vitro growth of functional human pancreatic endocrine tissue. We examined the mitogenicity of matrixes from a variety of cell lines; proliferation was greater in cells growing on matrixes from bladder carcinoma cell lines, especially in monolayers grown on matrix from the human cell line HTB-9. After 14-day culture, there was a more than 100-fold proliferative increase, which was augmented to a more than 200-fold when hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor was added; however, hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor induced a rapid decrease in insulin content. Without the growth factor, fetal cell monolayers expanded 4-fold with no insulin loss; however, after 12-fold expansion, the insulin levels decreased to 40% of those in unexpanded cells. Adult islet cells expanded 3-fold without insulin loss. After 5-fold expansion, insulin levels decreased by 25% compared to those in free floating islets while retaining a normal response to secretagogues. Together, these results indicate that HTB-9 matrix provides the best stimulatory effect on replication of human endocrine cells, with little loss of in vitro function.
Power Plays: Expressive Mimicry of Valid Agonistic Cues

Both transient and stable facial cues have evolved as essential features of social communication in humans. Accumulating research links actual and perceived aggression to a higher ratio between the...
IBuoy: Expendable short time duration wave buoy with satellite data telemetry

A prototype expendable wave buoy, the IBuoy, was designed, built, and deployed. The initial design of the system, its processing algorithm, sea test reults, and future modifications are presented in this paper. In addition a modified IBuoy was deployed in Spring 2012 in the Arctic with the capability to measure the depth of the seafloor below the ice.
Effects of static and random magnetic fields on atoms in a gray optical lattice

We study magnetic field-induced modifications of the well-to-well tunneling behavior of atoms in a one-dimensional grey optical lattice. Measurements of the tunneling frequency as a function of the applied magnetic field reveal several tunneling resonances. We further show that the tunneling signal can be suppressed by randomly varying the symmetry of the potential wells. The tunneling is suppressed most effectively if the autocorrelation time of the lattice-well variation is on the order of the tunneling time. Experimental and theoretical results are in good agreement.
Positive theory, rationality and accounting regulation

Abstract Existing agency theory fails as a positive theory since it does not provide a theory of accounting regulatory development. Furthermore, the arguments against market failure theories in Watts and Zimmerman (1986) are inconsistent with positive theory in that they evaluate rather than predict the theories. In fact, the market for excuses arguments used by Watts and Zimmerman (1979) are capable of predicting the existence of market failure theories. That these arguments were not extended in Watts and Zimmerman (1986) seems to indicate an ideological bias. If Watts and Zimmerman wish to argue normatively, they should not do so under the guise of positive theory. The failure of agency theory to provide a prediction of accounting regulatory development stems from its reliance on a rationality assumption which is on one hand narrow and on the other hand broad and inconsistent. Richer theories relying on either a better specified rationality assumption or broader views of organizational behaviour are needed to predict and explain the development of accounting regulatory structures. A confluence of theories is most likely to provide the richest description.
Myocardial extracellular volume expansion and the risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation.

Objectives: This study tested whether myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) is increased in patients with hypertension and atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing pulmonary vein isolation and whether t...
Overview of the KEEP international articles

This supplement contains articles from Australia, Japan, and Mexico. Each article presents data from a chronic kidney disease screening program that uses a model similar to the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) in the United States. The data presented are unique for each country, and each article provides a comparative analysis, with data from US KEEP for context. The articles demonstrate the breadth and expanse of KEEP screenings around the world. Data trends are similar to US KEEP regarding some issues, and clearly different regarding others. These data will help provide a clearer understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic barriers to identifying kidney diseases among affected people around the world.
Looking into the past to better classify web spam

Web spamming techniques aim to achieve undeserved rankings in search results. Research has been widely conducted on identifying such spam and neutralizing its influence. However, existing spam detection work only considers current information. We argue that historical web page information may also be important in spam classification. In this paper, we use content features from historical versions of web pages to improve spam classification. We use supervised learning techniques to combine classifiers based on current page content with classifiers based on temporal features. Experiments on the WEBSPAM-UK2007 dataset show that our approach improves spam classification F-measure performance by 30% compared to a baseline classifier which only considers current page content.
Diagnostic approach to the itchy dog

In practice, it can be challenging to obtain a diagnosis for the pruritic dog. Without a diagnosis it is difficult to provide the pet owner with information about the cause, the prognosis or even the appropriate treatments. This can create frustration for both the pet owner and veterinary surgeon and leads to increased chronic disease in affected dogs. The aim of this article is to provide some guidelines that will help a veterinary surgeon proceed from the first presentation of an itchy dog to a diagnosis. It also discusses the common pruritic skin diseases of the dog and how to think about and approach the diagnosis.
Effect of fluid properties on mass transfer in the gas phase

Water was vaporized into air, helium, and Freon-12 in turbulent gas flow over a wet-bulb thermometer and through a 1-ft.-diam. tower packed with 1-in. Rasching rings. The wet. and dry-bulb measurements indicate that the gas-film mass transfer coefficient varies with the Schmidt number to the —1/2 power for flow perpendicular to single cylinders. Heights of a transfer unit, H.T.U., were measured in the packed tower for flow of the gases countercurrent to water over a range of gas and liquid rate. H.T.U. varied as the 0.9 power of the Schmidt group. When compared at equal values of ρu2(ρ = gas density, u = velocity), H.T.U. varied as the 0.47 power of the Schmidt group. With reference to the psychrometric study, the latter method of comparison of H.T.U.'s seems preferable and indicates that further study of criteria for dimensional similitude in packed columns may be needed.
Optogalvanic effect in radio frequency discharges

Abstract An improved model to describe an electrodeless radio frequency (rf) discharge is proposed. Self-consistent calculations of the steady state parameters of such discharges in argon have been carried out. The model is used to describe quantitatively the Optogalvanic effect.
The Lawrence Livermore Laboratory Data Base for EMP External Coupling:system Relatability

This paper describes the external coupling data base prepared by Lawrence Livermore Laboratory for EMP assessment. The data may be used either by electromagnetic specialists or by engineers who may have only limited knowledge of the subject. Data generation by computer code and Transient Electromagnetics Range is described. The modular (generic system) form of the base is outlined, with examples, from a worst-case viewpoint. Validation data for the Range are given. Illustrative simulation test data on a real system are compared to canonical and representative model data. The close agreement validates the links between the real system/ canonical model and real system/representative model. Validation from other test data establishes the wide scope of the base for EMP prediction/estimation.
A comparison of some Vic glycol dehydrogenase systems found in Aerobacter aerogenes

Abstract Two DPN-requiring vic glycol dehydrogenases can be isolated from extracts of a1 variant of A. aerogenes. Deamino DPN can replace the DPN requirement of enzyme A (obtained from cells grown on a glycerol-salts medium) and the 3-acetylpyridine analoque of DPN can replace th DNP requirement of enzyme B (obtained from cells grown on a glucose-salts media). Deamino DPN cannot replace theDPN erquirement of enzyme B nor can the 3-acetylpyridine analogue substitute for DPN with enzyme A. Enzymes A and B can be distinguished by properties other than pyridine nucleotide specificity. For example, they can be identified by differences in stability and in pH optima. Finally, enzyme A was found to be inducible. Though enzymes A and B are physically inseparable, they are immunologically unrelated since no cross reactions take place. Several closely related strains of bacteria were found to differ widely in their ability to carry out DPN (and DPN analoque) mediated oxidations of vic glycols.
Traceback-Based Optimizations for Maximum a Posteriori Decoding Algorithms

Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) decoding is a crucial enabler of turbo coding and other powerful feedback-based algorithms. To allow pervasive use of these techniques in resources constrained systems, it is important to limit their implementation complexity, without sacrificing the superior performance they are known for. We show that introducing traceback information into the MAP algorithm, thereby leveraging components that are also part of Soft-Output Viterbi Algorithms (SOVA), offers two unique possibilities to simplify the computational requirements. Our proposed enhancements are effective at each individual decoding iteration and therefore provide gains on top of existing techniques such as early termination and memory optimizations. Based on these enhancements, we will present three new architectural variants for the decoder. Each one of these may be preferable depending on the decoder memory hardware requirements and number of trellis states. Computational complexity is reduced significantly, without incurring significant performance penalty.
Topographic organization of the projections from cortical areas 17, 18 and 19 onto the thalamus, pretectum and superior colliculus in the cat.

The distribution of cortical projections from areas 17, 18, and 19 to the lateral thalamus, pretectum, and superior colliculus was investigated with the autoradiographic tracing method. Cortical areas 17, 18 and 19 were demonstrated to project retinotopically and in register upon the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, medial interlaminar nucleus, lateral zone of the lateral posterior complex, nucleus of the optic tract and superior colliculus. Area 19 was shown to project retinotopically upon the pulvinar nucleus. Clear retinotopic organization was not demonstrable in the projections of areas 17, 18 and 19 to the reticular complex of the thalamus and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, or in the projection of area 19 to the anterior pretectal nucleus. The cortical projections were employed to define the retinotopic organization of the nucleus of the optic tract, pulvinar nucleus, and lateral zone of the lateral posterior complex. The cortical projections show the vertical meridian to be represented caudally, with the lower visual field represented laterally, and the upper visual field medially, within the nucleus of the optic tract. The projections of area 19 to the pulvinar nucleus demonstrate the lower visual field to be represented rostrally and the upper visual field caudally in this nucleus; the vertical meridian to be represented at the lateral border and the visual field periphery to be represented at the medial border of the pulvinar nucleus. Cortical projections to the lateral zone of the lateral posterior complex demonstrate the lower visual field to be represented rostrally and the upper visual field caudally; the vertical meridian to be represented at the medial limit and the visual field periphery at the lateral border of the termination zones. On the basis of the experimental findings, a new terminology is introduced for the feline lateral posterior complex. Divisions are proposed which correspond to zones with demonstrably distinct afferent input. The pulvinar nucleus is defined by the distribution of projections from area 19. Three flanking divisions are defined within the lateral posterior complex; a lateral division recipient of projections from area 17, 18 and 19, an interjacent division recipient of projections of the superficial layers of the superior colliculus, and a medial division flanking the tectorecipient zone medially.
Isobaric analysis of total beta decay energies

Abstract An analysis has been made of the total beta decay energies which follow from the nucleidic masses determined by Everling et al. and revised by Konig, Mattauch and Wapstra. At all mass numbers for which there are known at least 3 beta decay energies, a weighted least squares procedure has been used to determine, with standard errors, the following isobaric properties of the mass surface: the separation of the parabolas, the location of the common minimum of the two parabolas and the common breadth of the parabolas. The dependence on mass number of these properties is discussed in terms of nuclear shell structure.