cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract CN14-04: Identifying the premalignant lesion at high risk for progression to cancer

Oral tumorigenesis is a multistep process requiring the accumulation of multiple molecular alterations such as mutations, genomic deletions and amplifications, as well as epigenetic modifications in oral epithelial cells. These alterations allow the affected cells gaining growth advantages over other cells and other malignant phenotypes. In the past two decades, extensive studies have been conducted to understand molecular abnormalities in oral cancers and oral premalignant lesions (OPLs). Although promising, none of these has translated into a clinical test which can improve patient classification or cancer risk assessment. OPLs can exhibit a variety of histological features from hyperkeratosis, hyperplasia, and mild dysplasia to severe dysplasia. Together with other clinical features, our current practice has limited capability to accurately stratify cancer risk of patients with OPL. Such stratification is critical in our effort to develop surveillance measures for early cancer diagnosis and interventions to prevent or delay cancer development. In this presentation, I will focus on a series of biomarker discovery studies based on patients with OPL and enrolled in a prospective chemoprevention trial to illustrate some of the current efforts in oral cancer risk assessment based underlying molecular abnormalities in OPLs. The chemoprevention trial randomized 167 patients with biopsies obtained at the time of enrollment and certain time points during follow-up. One hundred and sixty-two patients had oral cancer-free survival data with the median time of follow-up about 7.5 years. During the follow-up period, 38 patients developed oral cancer but no statistically significant difference was observed in any of the treatment arms. We examined podoplanin expression, deltaNp63 expression, EGFR expression, EFGR copy numbers, global gene expression, and histopathologic features in OPLs from the patients obtained at either baseline or at 3 months follow-up. Potential roles of these factors in progression of OPLs and oral cancer risk were evaluated. Results suggest that these alterations may outperform previously reported biomarkers and clinicopathologic parameters in stratifying oral cancer risk of patients with OPLs. Development of oral cancer risk assessment strategies faces a number of challenges. Etiologies of OPLs and oral cancer may change over time, such as the emerging evidence of HPV infection in orapharyngeal cancers. Populations tested in many of our studies may be biased and not representative of the general population. Therefore, results may be difficult to validate in independent populations. We lack of systematic research networks at the national level to facilitate oral cancer risk assessment, early detection, and prevention. Efforts are lacking to integrate oral cancer risk assessment and chemoprevention programs. Some progresses and thoughts towards these limitations will be discussed. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):CN14-04.
Domain coupling in GPCRs: the engine for induced conformational changes

Recent solved structures of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) provide insights into variation of the structure and molecular mechanisms of GPCR activation. In this review, we provide evidence for the emerging paradigm of domain coupling facilitated by intrinsic disorder of the ligand-free state in GPCRs. The structure–function and dynamic studies suggest that ligand-bound GPCRs exhibit multiple active conformations in initiating cellular signals. Long-range intramolecular and intermolecular interactions at distant sites on the same receptor are crucial factors that modulate signaling function of GPCRs. Positive or negative coupling between the extracellular, the transmembrane and the intracellular domains facilitates cooperativity of activating ‘switches' as requirements for the functional plasticity of GPCRs. Awareness that allosteric ligands robustly affect domain coupling provides a novel mechanistic basis for rational drug development, small molecule antagonism and GPCR regulation by classical as well as nonclassical modes.
Legal System Pathways to Foreign Direct Investment in the Developing World

Building on recent works showing the role that legal institutions can play in attracting foreign capital (Jensen 2003, 2006; Li and Resnick 2003; Li 2006; Biglaiser and Staats 2010; Staats and Biglaiser 2012), and drawing on insights obtained from Powell and Rickard (2010), we use panel data for 114 developing countries from 1970 to 2007 to demonstrate that developing countries with common law legal systems attract greater foreign direct investment (FDI) than countries that have civil law or Islamic legal systems because common law systems are more inclined to promote the rule of law and protect property rights and can be understood to provide more efficiency in the law, better contract enforcement, more judicial autonomy, and more market-oriented regulations.
Novel 3-Aryl Indoles as Progesterone Receptor Antagonists for Uterine Fibroids

We report the synthesis and characterization of novel 3-aryl indoles as potent and efficacious progesterone receptor (PR) antagonists with potential for the treatment of uterine fibroids. These compounds demonstrated excellent selectivity over other steroid nuclear hormone receptors such as the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). They were prepared from 2-bromo-6-nitro indole in four to six steps using a Suzuki cross-coupling as the key step. Compound 8f was orally active in the complement 3 model of progesterone antagonism in the rat uterus and demonstrated partial antagonism in the McPhail model of progesterone activity.
A Contingency Explanation of Public Relations Practitioner Leadership Styles: Situation and Culture

Public relations practitioners from the U.S. and South Korea identified preferred leadership styles in routine and non-routine situations. Results of discriminant function analysis suggested that U.S. professionals place greater importance on strategic communication or problem-solving activities than do Korean practitioners. Public relations practitioners prefer leadership characteristics and functions associated with practical and resourceful capabilities in non-routine situations. This preference is most obvious among Korean public relations practitioners. Findings are best explained by cultural and situational contingency perspective of public relations leadership.
The Important Roles of Non-Parental Adults in Vietnamese-American Adolescents' Cultural and Socioemotional Development

One-hundred and ninety-two Vietnamese-American high school students (mean age = 15.4 years) were surveyed about important non-parental adults (VIPs) in their lives (e.g., uncles, teachers) and provided information about them (e.g., perceived supportiveness, engagement in problem behavior). Correlational and regression analyses indicated that VIPs contributed significantly to adolescents' cultural and socioemotional adjustment including depressed mood, self-esteem, problem behavior, school attitudes, and involvement in American and Vietnamese cultures. Most of these contributions remained significant after controlling for parents' and friends' effects on these outcomes. Analyses of interactions showed that the effects of VIPs differed for males and females. The results demonstrate the critical role of VIPs in Vietnamese-American adolescent development. Implication for social work practice is discussed.
Hydrocarbons in Washington coastal sediments

The sources and distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and aliphatic hydrocarbons are characterized in seventeen sediments from a highly river-influenced sedimentary environment off the southwestern coast of Washington. The major hydrocarbons are land-derived, introduced as preformed compounds and display long-term stability in sediment cores. A series of PAH of anthropogenic origin and two naturally derived compounds, retene and perylene, dominate the PAH composition in these sediments. Plantwax n-alkanes are the major aliphatic hydrocarbon constituents. Aliphatic hydrocarbons of marine origin, pristane and a series of four acyclic, multibranched C25 polyolefins, are also observed in many sediments. The concentrations of these marine-derived hydrocarbons decrease to negligible levels rapidly with sediment depth from the sea-sediment interface, suggesting degradation. In general, the major land-derived hydrocarbons are concentrated in the midshelf silt deposit which extends northwestward along the continental shelf from the Columbia River mouth. A quantitatively more minor, natural series of phenanthrene homologs, also of terrestrial origin, is preferentially advected further offshore and deposited in continental slope sediments. These distributions are consistent with recognized particle associations for these compounds and sediment dispersal processes in this coastal environment. Sediment core records suggest the present pattern of dispersal has persisted for at least the past century and possibly since the Late Pleistocene.
The development of the mammalian spleen, with special reference to its hematopoietic activity

University of Minnesota Masters thesis. January 1921. Major: Animal Biology. 1 computer file (PDF); (279-339) 61 pages.
Immunohistochemical expression of smads 1–6 in the 15-day gestation mouse embryo: signaling by BMPs and TGF-βs†

The eight mammalian Smad proteins mediate cellular signaling from members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and activin families. Smads 1, 5, and 8 transmit signals from BMPs, while Smads 2 and 3 transmit signals from TGF-βs and activin. Smad 4 is a common mediator of both pathways, while Smads 6 and 7 inhibit signaling. Signal transduction involves translocation of Smad complexes to the nucleus and subsequent gene activation. Little is known about the expression of endogenous Smad proteins during development. We identified commercially available Smad antibodies that specifically recognize a unique Smad protein and are suitable for immunohistochemistry. Here we compare the localization of Smads 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in tissues of the 15-day gestation mouse embryo. Immunoreactive Smad proteins are seen in many tissues with differences in the localization being dependent upon the cell type. All tissues express Smad 4 and at least one each of the BMP-specific and TGF-β-specific Smads, while expression of Smad 6 is more restricted. Differences are observed in the nuclear versus cytoplasmic localization among the Smads in different cell types or tissues, suggesting selective activation of Smads during this stage of development. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Platelet-derived growth factor expression in a transgenic model.

The migration, proliferation and organization of cells in tissues are controlled by several forms of intercellular communication. One form of control involves a network of diffusible polypeptide growth factors that activate membrane receptors and transduce proliferative signals. One of these growth factors, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), has provided a framework for understanding the cellular and molecular events that underlie the biological effects of a number of growth factors. PDGF is a family of several closely related 30 kDa dimers consisting of two disulfide-bonded polypeptide chains, designated A and B [reviewed in 1]. All three isoforms of PDGF (AA-, AB- and BB) are biologically active. Two distinct PDGF receptors have been identified: one that binds either to the A- or the B-chain (the α subunit) and one that binds only the B-chain (the β subunit) [reviewed in 2]. The capacity of cells to respond to PDGF depends upon the presence of a particular dimeric form of PDGF as well as expression of appropriate receptors. PDGF is both mitogenic and chemotactic for cells such as fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and glial cells [reviewed in 3]. Because of these properties, PDGF has been implicated in stimulating the proliferation and cell movement of cells in normal developmental and reparative responses (for example, wound healing), as well as in pathologic processes, such as atherosclerosis and neoplasia. However, there is little compelling evidence that PDGF actually plays a critical role in any of these processes in vivo. To fully evaluate the possible functions of PDGF, a detailed description of ligand production, as well as PDGF receptor expression, is required in each of these settings. Surprisingly, such documentation is only preliminary. Standard approaches to localize PDGF expression in vivo have employed either immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization. However, these methods have several potential disadvantages: first, PDGF is a secreted protein, which implies that cytoplasmic levels of the protein in intact animals may be low; second, isoform-specific antibodies which cross species are not readily available; and third, transcript levels of PDGF B-chain may be low in vivo because the mRNA has a short half-life. To circumvent these potential problems, a different approach was taken.
Electro-Optic Phase-Sensitive Detection of Optical Emission and Scattering

Phase‐sensitive detection of emission and scattering excited by an intensity modulated laser is achieved using electro‐optic demodulation. This method can enhance the frequency range of fluorometric measurements since the response of a sample to light modulated at high frequencies can be measured utilizing only the dc output of the optical detector. Phase resolution is demonstrated by the separation of Raman scattering, which is in phase with the modulated laser, from fluorescence which lags the excitation in phase. Using 30‐MHz modulation and multichannel detection, fluorescence‐free Raman spectra of toluene are obtained in the presence of intense fluorescence from dissolved fluorol which has a lifetime of 8.5 ns.
RF ponderomotive forces and electrostatic barriers for scrape-off layer control: phenomenological model

Analytical and numerical models are developed for a new technique of edge plasma control using RF ponderomotive forces. The models are two-fluid for electrons and ions, allowing nonambipolar currents to be calculated. The 1D analytical model neglects plasma drifts and provides a simple expression for how the SOL density decay length and potential may be controlled by the application of RF ponderomotive potentials and biased surfaces. The 2D numerical model solves for the plasma density and potential distribution in the SOL and includes E×B, diamagnetic and ponderomotive drifts. This model also calculates transport from inhomogeneous magnetic fields occurring in toroidal magnetic geometry by retaining gradient terms, when fluid drifts (no curvature or gradient particle drift terms) are substituted into the continuity equation. The numerical model also takes into account the relative contribution of the classical transport and fluctuation driven anomalous transport. Results of the model, as applied to the ponderomotive divertor experiment in PISCES, are presented.
Paragangliomas Arising in the Head and Neck: A Morphologic Review and Genetic Update

Seventy percent of parasympathetic paragangliomas arise in the head and neck and are nonsecretory. Awareness of the differential diagnosis based on location, overlapping morphology, and immunohistochemical profiles aids in the correct diagnosis, particularly on limited tissue samples. Moreover, 30% to 40% of head and neck paragangliomas are known to be associated with hereditary syndromes, with the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme family comprising the most frequent association. The pathologist's role is becoming increasing critical for facilitating optimal patient care beyond the initial tissue diagnosis of paraganglioma to include screening and documenting potential hereditary tumors requiring further patient counseling and testing.
Computer-assisted Structural Design of Industrial Woven Fabrics Part I: Need, Scope, Background, and System Architecture

This is the first of a three-part series describing an attempt to develop a comprehensive computational framework for aiding the engineering design of woven industrial fabrics. The work has two major aims. The first is to develop a generalized knowledge-based CAD system for use in fabric design. A detailed analytic phase will then follow, which will comprise a set of computational models for the simulation of fabric behavior under external stimuli which will be used for the predictive estimation of some important properties. Accordingly, the second focus of this work is to develop an analysis of the uniaxial/biaxial load-deformation behavior of a plain woven fabric. Part I provides the rationale for choosing this domain of industrial fabric design, and discusses the characteristics and the limitations of current design procedures. It examines the requirements for a computer-based system intended to provide decision-making support for a generic design task. There is a short review of such CAD systems withi...
Chemical-release mission of CRRES

The CRRES satellite was a dual-mission spacecraft to perform active experiments in the Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere and to study the natural space environment and its effects on spacecraft electronics. The NASA chemical-release mission experiments were motivated by the need to address scientific questions in the areas of coupling between the ionosphere and magnetosphere, response of the magnetosphere system to injections of artificial ion clouds, and instabilities and structuring of the ionosphere in response to perturbations. The initial science results from the chemical-release experiments performed to date are (1) demonstration of critical velocity ionization over a narrow range of parameter space; (2) production of diamagnetic cavities by barium and lithium releases over a wide range of parameters; (3) demonstration of the chemical-release technique to study magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling; (4) modification of energetic electron distribution functions with barium injections; (5) stimulation of magnetospheric waves with barium injections; and (6) possible inducement of enhanced auroral activity.
Contemporary drug development—Dilemmas

The past needs of and benefits to society of new medicinal agents have been amply documented, and future new therapies can be of even greater value. Yet, the trends and conditions of our times indicate that the marked decrease in the commitment to basic drug research will seriously erode the potential availability of important new drugs in the future. Industry, which is responsible for the discovery and development of virtually all new chemical entities, is committing relatively fewer resources to the increasingly difficult and economically less attractive business of discovering new drugs. The reasons for this decline in drug innovation relate to a complex set of regulatory, economic, and psychological factors. These forces are considered in some detail, and various suggestions for corrective action are proposed and discussed.
Association of maternal diabetes with autism in offspring.

Importance Information about the association of maternal diabetes and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in offspring is limited, with no report on the importance of timing of exposure during gestation. Objective To assess ASD risk associated with intrauterine exposure to preexisting type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by gestational age at GDM diagnosis. Design, Setting, and Patients Retrospective longitudinal cohort study including 322 323 singleton children born in 1995-2009 at Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) hospitals. Children were tracked from birth until the first of the following: date of clinical diagnosis of ASD, last date of continuous KPSC health plan membership, death due to any cause, or December 31, 2012. Relative risks of ASD were estimated by hazard ratios (HRs) using Cox regression models adjusted for birth year. Exposures Maternal preexisting type 2 diabetes (n = 6496), GDM diagnosed at 26 weeks’ gestation or earlier (n = 7456) or after 26 weeks’ gestation (n = 17 579), or no diabetes (n = 290 792) during the index pregnancy. Main Outcomes and Measures Clinical diagnosis of ASD in offspring. Results During follow-up, 3388 children were diagnosed as having ASD (115 exposed to preexisting type 2 diabetes, 130 exposed to GDM at ≤26 weeks, 180 exposed to GDM at >26 weeks, and 2963 unexposed). Unadjusted annual ASD incidences were 3.26, 3.02, 1.77, and 1.77 per 1000 among children of mothers with preexisting type 2 diabetes, GDM diagnosed at 26 weeks or earlier, GDM diagnosed after 26 weeks, and no diabetes, respectively. The birth year–adjusted HRs were 1.59 (95% CI, 1.29-1.95) for preexisting type 2 diabetes, 1.63 (95% CI, 1.35-1.97) for GDM diagnosed at 26 weeks or earlier, and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.84-1.15) for GDM diagnosed after 26 weeks relative to no exposure. After adjustment for maternal age, parity, education, household income, race/ethnicity, history of comorbidity, and sex of the child, the ASD risk in offspring associated with maternal preexisting type 2 diabetes and GDM diagnosed at 26 weeks or earlier were 1.33 (95% CI, 1.07-1.66) and 1.42 (95% CI, 1.16-1.75), respectively. Antidiabetic medication exposure was not independently associated with ASD risk. Adjustment for a mother or older sibling with ASD in the full cohort and for maternal smoking, prepregnancy body mass index, and gestational weight gain in the subset with available data (n = 68 512) did not affect the results. Conclusions and Relevance In this large, multiethnic clinical cohort of singleton children born at 28 to 44 weeks’ gestation, exposure to maternal GDM diagnosed by 26 weeks’ gestation was associated with risk of ASD in offspring.
208 POSTOPERATIVE JUNCTIONAL TACHYCARDIA IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

We determined the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias in children post cardiac surgery, the cardiac malformations associated with specific arrhythmias and the ECG characteristics of the arrhythmias. Continuous 2-lead ECG's were recorded in 26 consecutive patients (ages 2 mos-13 yrs) during the first 24 hours after open heart surgery. The most frequent non-sinus arrhythmia was atrioventricular junctional tachycardia (JT) which occurred in 9 patients (39%). Ventricular, junctional and atrial premature depolarizations were infrequent ( the duration of the basic cardiac cycle (i.e., occurring as accelerated junctional escape); the second occurred when sinus tachycardia supplanted normal sinus rhythm and then was overdriven by an accelerated junctional focus. The second type of onset is consistent with reentry or triggered activity; the first, with an automatic focus. Both JT had similar QRS morphologies and axes and appeared unrelated to perioperative medication and acid-base and electrolyte status. The high incidence of JT after open heart surgery is of interest because of its infrequency in the general pediatric population. It may result from surgical manipulation of the AV junction and it appears that more than one mechanism is responsible for its initiation.
The use of computer-aided instruction in the teaching of macroeconomic principles: an update

In a paper, entitled, "The Use of Computer-Aided Instruction in the Teaching of Macroeconomic Principles," which appeared in the January, 1981 SIGCUE Bulletin, I we reported the results of a study undertaken during the Spring semester of 1978 at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. These results indicated that CAI and traditional instructional methods performed equally well in teaching overall economic principles and in enhancing a student's analytical ability. Since the 1978 study contained a relatively small sample (n=76), we decided to repeat the study during the Spring semester of 1979 and thus enlarge our overall sample.
The role of speed of processing, inhibitory mechanisms, and presentation order in trail-making test performance

The roles of speed of processing, inhibition, and presentation order in the Trail Making Test (TMT) performance were examined. One-hundred ten undergraduates performed the TMT (1/2 received order Part A-Part B, 1/2 received order Part B-Part A) and also completed computerized tests of inhibitory functioning and speed of processing. Neither speed of processing nor inhibitory functioning affected TMT performance. However, order of presentation significantly affected TMT performance. Presentation order is an important variable to consider in TMT performance.
Covalent modificaition of juvenile hormone binding proteins by photoaffinity labeling: An unexpected gel shift effect

The 32 kD juvenile hormone binding protein (JHBP) and two 80 kD proteins in larval Manduca sexta hemolymph were labeled with [3H]FDK, a photoaffinity analog of methyl farnesoate (MF). The labeling could be completely displaced by a 30-fold excess of either MF or JH II, demonstrating that [3H]FDK binds specifically to the JH binding sites of the 32 kD JHBP and the 80 kD proteins. In addition, a high molecular-mass protein was labeled with [3H]FDK; labeling could be displaced by excess MF but not by JH II, demonstrating the selectivity in binding MF. The 32 kD JHBP also appeared to weakly bind the potent juvenoid, methoprene, at the JH binding site. Covalent modification by [3H]FDK induced a change in the apparent size and the isoelectric point of the JHBP. These changes were not induced by substrate alone, nor by UV irradiation alone. The same effect was also observed during labeling with [3H]MDK, an analog of methoprene. These data provide an important caveat for anticipating artifactual changes of protein properties during chemical or photochemical affinity labeling experiments. The molecular dimensions of [3H]FDK more closely resemble those of JH II than those of [3H]EHDA, a photoactivatable analog of JH II. We suggest that covalent modification by a diazoketone photolabel involves a hydrophilic amino acid important in the recognition of the ester group of JH. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Hsp110 Molecular Chaperone Stabilizes Apolipoprotein B from Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Degradation (ERAD)

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is the most abundant protein in low density lipoproteins and plays key roles in cholesterol homeostasis. The co-translational degradation of apoB is controlled by fatty acid levels in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is mediated by the proteasome. To define the mechanism of apoB degradation, we employed a cell-free system in which proteasome-dependent degradation is recapitulated with yeast cytosol, and we developed an apoB yeast expression system. We discovered that a yeast Hsp110, Sse1p, associates with and stabilizes apoB, which contrasts with data indicating that select Hsp70s and Hsp90s facilitate apoB degradation. However, the Ssb Hsp70 chaperones have no effect on apoB turnover. To determine whether our results are relevant in mammalian cells, Hsp110 was overexpressed in hepatocytes, and enhanced apoB secretion was observed. This study indicates that chaperones within distinct complexes can play unique roles during ER-associated degradation (ERAD), establishes a role for Sse1/Hsp110 in ERAD, and identifies Hsp110 as a target to lower cholesterol.
Targets of covert pressure: The hidden victims of the democratic peace

The expanding literature on the relationship between democracy and international conflict continues to focus on two questions: Are democracies inherently more peaceful than other forms of government? Why do democracies rarely, if ever, go to war with one another? The first question now appears settled. The empirical record is clear. Democracies are not inherently more peaceful than other forms of government. Although the second question is still subject to a wide‐ranging debate, there is a growing consensus that democracies almost never use force against each other. Presently, that is where agreement ends. Explanation of the relative lack of war among democratic nations is where the debate now rages. We suggest that, while violence among democratic states is scarce, these states do fight one another—just in ways that are more concealed. We use a modified version of the crisis subgame from Bueno de Mesquita and Lalman (1992) to demonstrate that relatively weak democracies that seek changes in structural de...
Can We Really Teach Reading

You can't direct the wind but you can adjust the sails. Anonymous Can you teach another person to read? For readers of Reading Psychology this may seem a redundant and unnecessary question. However...
Cognitive Behavior Modification and Informed Teacher Treatments for Shy Children

A self-instructional, cognitive behavior modification approach was developed for use with shy children. This treatment was compared to that of “informed teachers,” who were given the names of their students whose self-reports indicated severe shyness, along with techniques for reducing shyness in the classroom. A control group was also included. Participants were 109 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students in the Lincoln, Nebraska public schools. Analysis of covariance and Scheffe tests indicated that cognitive behavior modification significantly reduced fear of social and public speaking situations, while informed teachers and the control group did not. Grade level and interaction effects were not significant. Cognitive behavior modification can be easily implemented by educators, and can help alleviate shyness at a young age.
Analysis of sulfate in complex carbohydrates.

Abstract The investigation of conditions for liberation of sulfate from biological samples and two modifications (0 to 40-nmol micromethod and 0 to 200-nmol macromethod) for its colorimetric determination by the barium-rhodizonate method are reported. A brief pyrolysis of the sample in ignition tubes was found to be superior to acid hydrolysis for liberation of sulfate. It is more rapid and obviates errors due to the presence of protein and the failure to completely remove acid from hydrolyzates. The rhodizonate reagent was found to be stable for at least 60 days at −20°C. A slight excess of rhodizonate over barium was found to be critical and the range of the assay could be increased twofold by increasing the ratio of barium to rhodizonate from the previously used value of 0.4 to 0.8. Neither inorganic phosphate nor nucleic acid phosphate interfered at concentrations in the sample below 100 μ M , but at higher concentrations the apparent sulfate equivalent varied in proportion to phosphate concentration. No interference from calcium was observed at concentrations in the sample of less than 5 m m . The coefficient of variation of replicate analyses carried simultaneously was 3% while that of analyses of a quality control sample repeated over the course of a year was 6%.
Algorithms for the constrained maximum-weight connected graph problem

Given a positive integer R and a weight for each vertex in a graph, the maximum-weight connected graph (MCG) problem is to find a connected subgraph with R vertices that maximizes the sum of the weights. The MCG problem is strongly NP-complete, and we study a special case of it: the constrained MCG (CMCG) problem, which is the MCG problem with a constraint of having a predetermined vertex included in the solution. We first show that the Steiner tree problem is a special case of the CMCG problem. Then we present three optimization algorithms for the CMCG problem. The first two algorithms deal with special graphs (tree and layered graphs) and employ different dynamic programming techniques, solving the CMCG problem in polynomial times. The third one deals with a general graph and uses a variant of the Balas additive method with an imbedded connectivity test and a pruning method. We also present a heuristic algorithm for the CMCG problem with a general graph and its bound analysis. We combine the two algorithms, heuristic and optimization, and present a practical solution method to the CMCG problem. Computational results are reported and future research issues are discussed. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Detection and tracking of targets in infrared images using Bayesian techniques

Simple yet robust techniques for detecting targets in infrared (IR) images are an important component of automatic target recognition (ATR) systems. In our previous works, we have developed IR target detection and tracking algorithms based on image correlation and intensity. In this paper, we discuss these algorithms, their performances and problems associated with them and then propose novel algorithms to alleviate these problems. Our proposed target detection and tracking algorithms are based on frequency domain correlation and Bayesian probabilistic techniques, respectively. The proposed algorithms are found to be suitable for real-time detection and tracking of static or moving targets, while accommodating for detrimental affects posed by the clutter and background noise. Finally, limitations of all these algorithms are discussed.
A determinant for central nervous system persistence localized in the capsid of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus by using recombinant viruses.

The demyelinating process in Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection in mice requires virus persistence in the central nervous system. Using recombinant TMEV assembled between the virulent GDVII and less virulent BeAn virus cDNAs, we now provide additional evidence supporting the localization of a persistence determinant to the leader P1 (capsid) sequences. Further, recombinant viruses in which BeAn sequences progressively replaced those of GDVII within the capsid starting at the leader NH2 terminus suggest that a conformational determinant requiring homologous sequences in both the VP2 puff and VP1 loop regions, which are in close contact on the virion surface, might underlie persistence.
Integrated analysis of landscape management scenarios using state and transition models in the upper Grande Ronde River Subbasin, Oregon, USA

We modeled the integrated effects of natural disturbances and management activities for three disturbance scenarios on a 178,000 ha landscape in the upper Grande Ronde Subbasin of northeast Oregon. The landscape included three forest environments (warm-dry, cool-moist, and cold) as well as a mixture of publicly and privately owned lands. Our models were state and transition formulations that treat vegetation change as probabilistic transitions among structure and cover types. We simulated background natural disturbance (i.e., historical), active fuel treatment, and fire suppression only disturbance scenarios for 200 or 500 years, depending on scenario. Several interesting landscape hypotheses emerge from our scenario simulations: (1) changes in management approach in landscapes the size of our study area may take decades to play out owing to the time required to grow large trees and the feedback loops among disturbances, (2) the current landscape is considerably different from that which might exist under a natural disturbance regime, (3) fire suppression alone does not mimic background natural disturbances and does not produce abundant large tree structure, and (4) dense, multi-layered large tree forests may be particularly difficult to maintain in abundance in this and similar landscapes owing to wildfire and insect disturbances.
Cancellation of Aerosol Indirect Effects in Marine Stratocumulus through Cloud Thinning

Applying perturbation theory within a mixed layer framework, the response of the marine boundary layer (MBL) cloud thickness h to imposed increases of the cloud droplet concentration Nd as a surrogate for increases in cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations is examined. An analytical formulation is used to quantify the response and demonstrate theoretically that for the range of environmental conditions found over the subtropical eastern oceans, on time scales of less than a day, the cloud thickness feedback response is largely determined by a balance between the moistening/cooling of the MBL resulting from the suppression of surface precipitation, and the drying/warming resulting from enhanced entrainment resulting from increased turbulent kinetic energy. Quantifying the transient cloud response as a ratio of the second to the first indirect effects demonstrates that the nature of the feedback is critically dependent upon the nature of the unperturbed state, with the cloud-base height zcb being the single most important determinant. For zcb 400 m, increasing Nd leads to cloud thickening in accordance with the Albrecht hypothesis. However, for zcb 400 m, cloud thinning occurs, which results in a feedback effect that increasingly cancels the Twomey effect as zcb increases. The environmental conditions favoring an elevated cloud base are relatively weak lower-tropospheric stability and a dry free troposphere, although the former is probably more important over the subtropical eastern oceans. On longer time scales an invariable thickening response is found, and thus accurate quantification of the aerosol indirect effects will require a good understanding of the processes that control the time scale over which aerosol perturbations are modified.
Asking Different Questions: Validation of the Solution Building Inventory in a Clinical Sample

The Solution Building Inventory (SBI; Smock, 2006; Smock, McCollum, & Stevenson, 2010) is a strength-based alternative to problem-focused clinical assessment. Fourteen questions assess the SFBT construct of solution building, that is, a client's capacity for identifying solutions and exceptions to problem(s), as well as possible hope for the future. This study extended SBI validation from the original university sample to an outpatient sample (N = 390). The results confirmed all predictions: When compared to the university sample, the SBI had the same high reliability and maintained its factor structure. It also provided unique information about the clients: As predicted by the SFBT model, clients' mean SBI scores were just as high as the earlier nonclinical sample and were inversely related to two measures of distress (the General Severity Index and the Outcome Questionnaire). These data support the utility of the SBI for obtaining strength-based information in a variety of clinical applications.
The subversion of Eros: Dialectic, revolt, and murder in the polity of the soul

The political is most often conceived in terms of being exterior to the individual. Yet, if capitalism represents a kind of ubiquitous horizon, one that succeeds in conforming the unrestricted desires of the individual to the burdens of `reality', as Marcuse suggests in Eros and Civilization (1966), then the political can easily constitute the interior as well. The unified self becomes the projection of an interior polity composed of conflicting interests struggling for control. In this article I explore the phenomena of self-destructive sexualities through a reengagement with Marcuse's performance principle. First, I argue that Marcuse's concept of performance requires an elaboration that prohibits discrete boundaries for when an individual is performing and when they are purely governed by the quest for pleasure. I suggest that only in the briefest instances is pleasure free from the strictures of ideological performance. Consequential to the expansion of Marcuse's performance principle, I examine the d...
Gender and race/ethnicity differences in lead dose biomarkers.

Objectives. We sought to identify predictors of lead concentrations in the blood, tibias, and patellae of older adults and to describe differences by gender, race/ethnicity, and other factors that can influence lead toxicokinetics and, thus modify health effects.Methods. Participants aged 50 to 70 years (N=1140) were randomly identified from selected neighborhoods in Baltimore, Maryland. We measured lead concentrations by anodic stripping voltammetry (in blood) and 109Cd-induced K-shell x-ray fluorescence (in bone). We used multiple linear regression to identify predictors of lead concentrations.Results. Mean (SD) lead concentrations in blood, tibias, and patellae were 3.5 (2.4) μg/dL, 18.9 (12.5) μg/g, and 6.8 (18.1) μg/g, respectively. Tibia concentrations were 29% higher in African Americans than in Whites (P < .01). We observed effect modification by race/ethnicity on the association of gender and physical activity to blood lead concentrations and by gender on the association of age to tibia lead conc...
Piwi induces piRNA-guided transcriptional silencing and establishment of a repressive chromatin state

In the metazoan germline, piwi proteins and associated piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) provide a defense system against the expression of transposable elements. In the cytoplasm, piRNA sequences guide piwi complexes to destroy complementary transposon transcripts by endonucleolytic cleavage. However, some piwi family members are nuclear, raising the possibility of alternative pathways for piRNA-mediated regulation of gene expression. We found that Drosophila Piwi is recruited to chromatin, colocalizing with RNA polymerase II (Pol II) on polytene chromosomes. Knockdown of Piwi in the germline increases expression of transposable elements that are targeted by piRNAs, whereas protein-coding genes remain largely unaffected. Derepression of transposons upon Piwi depletion correlates with increased occupancy of Pol II on their promoters. Expression of piRNAs that target a reporter construct results in a decrease in Pol II occupancy and an increase in repressive H3K9me3 marks and heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) on the reporter locus. Our results indicate that Piwi identifies targets complementary to the associated piRNA and induces transcriptional repression by establishing a repressive chromatin state when correct targets are found.
Secretory proteins in the saliva of children

The protein composition of oral fluid is modulated by environmental factors and physiological states, i.e. chemical, mechanical and pharmacologic stimuli, pathologic conditions, and psychological stress. Secretory protein concentrations in samples of whole saliva (WS) from children were measured and the results were subjected to statistical analysis. Protein expression was determined using electrophoresis and Western blotting. Protein profiles of children were significantly different from those of adults (n = 50, P 90 kDa) proteins, whereas fewer than 5% of samples from adults had comparable bands. The ratio of the regulatory subunits (RII) of type II protein kinase A (an enzyme that regulates secretion) to total protein was stable in children's saliva, but variable in saliva from adults. Alpha amylase (α-amylase), an enzyme that digests carbohydrates, was less degraded in WS of children than in that of adults. Gingival crevicular fluid of both children and adults did not contain α-amylase or RII. No significant gender-based differences were found, but Caucasian children had higher salivary protein levels than children with an African background. Saliva collection is rapid, painless, non-invasive, economical, and yields findings that are reproducible. Objective, biochemical monitoring of secretory proteins in oral fluid of children may reveal responses to stressful stimuli. (J Oral Sci 51, 573-580, 2009)
Disparities in Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Individuals With a History of Military Service

Importance Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with several adulthood health problems, such as self-directed violence. For some individuals, enlistment in the military may be an instrumental act to escape adverse household environments; however, to our knowledge prevalence of ACEs among persons with a history of military service has not been documented in the United States using population-based data. Objective To compare the prevalence of ACEs among individuals with and without a history of military service. Design, Setting, and Participants Data are from the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted with population-based samples of noninstitutionalized US adults from January 1 through December 31, 2010. Analyses were limited to respondents who received the ACE module (n = 60 598). Participants were categorized by history of military service and whether a respondent was 18 years of age in 1973. Main Outcomes and Measures History of military service was defined by active duty service, veteran status, or training for the Reserves or National Guard. The ACE inventory assessed 11 negative experiences before the age of 18 years. Weighted χ 2 tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine differences in ACEs by history of military service, era of service, and sex. Results Those with military experience had greater odds of any difference in prevalence of ACEs. In the all-volunteer era, men with military service had a higher prevalence of ACEs in all 11 categories than men without military service. Notably, in the all-volunteer era, men with military service had twice the odds of reporting forced sex before the age of 18 years (odds ratio, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.34-3.57) compared with men without military service. In the draft era, the only difference among men was household drug use, in which men with a history of military service had a significantly lower prevalence than men without a history of military service (2.1% vs 3.3%; P = .003). Fewer differences were observed among women in the all-volunteer and draft eras. Conclusions and Relevance Differences in ACEs by era and sex lend preliminary support that enlistment may serve as an escape from adversity for some individuals, at least among men. Further research is needed to understand how best to support service members and veterans who may have experienced ACEs.
Parametric effects on the transient Voltage performance of a DC superconducting cable

The objective of this work was to determine the significant parameters of a 3-GW 200-kV dc superconducting cable system which influence the transient voltage distribution in the various parts of the cable. The cable system consists of four coaxial metallic cylinders. It was found that the dielectric constant and the electrical resistivity of the soil significantly affect the severity of the transient voltages; lower dielectric constant and higher resistivity of the soil will increase the magnitudes of the transient voltages by increasing the earth-return impedance. It was also found that the effect of the conductor internal impedances of the cable is insignificant. Shorting the coaxial cylinders of the cryogen flow and the cryostat will lessen the severity of the transient voltages. Grounding the second, third, and fourth cylinders at regular intervals with low-impedance grounding impedance will also improve the transient performance of the cable. More research is needed to evaluate these procedures
The impact of validating and invalidating responses on emotional reactivity

Along with individual factors, such as emotional reactivity and regulatory skill, a biosocial perspective of emotion regulation incorporates social factors, such as parent-child or romantic partner interactions, as key determinants of psychological outcomes. Consistent with this perspective, the current study tested whether two social factors, validating and invalidating responses, influenced affective and physiological reactions to stress while accounting for individual skill in regulating emotions. Hierarchical linear modeling demonstrated that participants exposed to invalidating responses experienced significantly higher levels of negative affect, heart rate, and skin conductance over time when compared to participants exposed to validating responses. Results are discussed as support for models incorporating social factors as key determinants of individual emotional reactivity and regulation.
Study of the Si/ZnS Multilayer System for Optoelectronic Applications

The suitability of the (001) Si/ZnS system for optoelectronic applications is theoretically investigated and compared to the Si/Ge system. The band-structure calculations show that Si/ZnS is superior to Si/Ge in a number of respects: directness of band gap can be easily obtained; and optical intersubband transitions fall within the important 1.3–1.6 μm window.