cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Different mechanisms for Ca2+ dissociation from complexes of calmodulin with nitric oxide synthase or myosin light chain kinase.

We have determined the stoichiometry and rate constants for the dissociation of Ca2+ ion from calmodulin (CaM) complexed with rabbit skeletal muscle myosin light chain kinase (skMLCK), rat brain nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) or with the respective peptides (skPEP and nPEP) representing the CaM-binding domains in these enzymes. Ca2+ dissociation kinetics determined by stopped-flow fluorescence using the Ca2+ chelator quin-2 MF are as follows. 1) Two sites in the CaM-nNOS and CaM-nPEP complexes have a rate constant of 1 s-1. 2) The remaining two sites have a rate constant of 18 s-1 for CaM-nPEP and >1000 s-1 for CaM-nNOS. 3) Three sites have a rate constant of 1.6 s-1 for CaM-skMLCK and 0.15 s-1 for CaM-skPEP. 4) The remaining site has a rate constant of 2 s-1 for CaM-skPEP and >1000 s-1 for CaM-skMLCK. Comparison of these rate constants with those determined for complexes between the peptides and tryptic fragments representing the C- or N-terminal lobes of CaM indicate a mechanism for Ca2+ dissociation from CaM-nNOS of 2C slow + 2N fast and from CaM-skMLCK of (2C + 1N) slow + 1N fast. Ca2+ removal inactivates CaM-nNOS and CaM-skMLCK activities with respective rate constants of >10 s-1 and 1 s-1. CaM-nNOS inactivation is fit by a model in which rapid Ca2+ dissociation from the N-terminal lobe of CaM is coupled to enzyme inactivation and slower Ca2+ dissociation from the C-terminal lobe is coupled to dissociation of the CaM-nNOS complex. CaM-skMLCK inactivation is fit by a model in which the three slowly dissociating Ca2+-binding sites are coupled to both dissociation of the complex and enzyme inactivation.
What Appeared Limitless Plenty: The Rise and Fall of the Nineteenth-Century Atlantic Halibut Fishery

AbstractThe destruction of the nineteenth-century Atlantic halibut fishery occurred in the space of a few decades and without industrial fishing methods. Between the 1840s and the 1880s, halibut mo...
Evaluation of the effectiveness of airway fluoroscopy in diagnosing patients with laryngomalacia

Objectives/Hypothesis: To re-evaluate the usefulness of airway fluoroscopy (AF) in diagnosing laryngomalacia and to determine the effectiveness of AF in diagnosing laryngomalacia depending on the specific lesion. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Patients from 0 to 12 months of age who presented with stridor were evaluated. Those who underwent AF and flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FFL) and/or direct laryngoscopy (DL) were included in the study. The diagnosis made through AF, FFL, and/or DL were recorded with those considered definitive made through FFL and/or DL. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of AF compared to FFL and DL were calculated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of AF with regard to specific sites of laryngeal collapse were calculated. Results: AF showed an inconsistent sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value compared to FFL and DL with regard to specific lesions. AF had an overall sensitivity of 35%, specificity of 67%, positive predictive value of 78%, and negative predictive value of 23% when compared to FFL in diagnosing laryngomalacia. When compared to DL, AF had an overall sensitivity of 44%, specificity of 60%, positive predictive value of 67%, and negative predictive value of 38% when diagnosing laryngomalacia. Conclusions: AF is a commonly used modality in the diagnostic workup of a patient with stridor. The effectiveness of AF is limited when compared to endoscopy when used for the evaluation of laryngomalacia.
Electrical conductivity of Colorado oil shale to 900 °C☆

Abstract Electrical conductivity of oil shale from the Anvil Points Mine, Colorado was measured to temperatures > 900 °C with conductance bridges operating at frequencies from 100 to 100 000 Hz. The conductivity of low, intermediate and high grade oil shales (15,124,233 ml kg −1 , respectively) is dependent on water content up to ≈ 100 °C. At ≈ 120 °C, values of conductivity at ≈ 10 −7 S m −1 are observed for all grades. A strong, time-dependent, increase in conductivity, beginning at ≈400 °C, marks the loss of light hydrocarbons and the formation of a conductive char. The frequency dependence of conductivity-slightly less than a decade increase in conductivity per decade increase in frequency over the temperature range 100–400 °C-vanishes at temperatures near 500 °C. At 600–800 °C, the conductivity of these oil shales reaches a maximum value which is as much as 10 8 times larger than the conductivity near 250 °C.
Long-term clinical course and temporal bone histology after cochlear implantation

Abstract Objectives Illustrate long-term follow-up clinical and histologic data from a patient with unilateral multichannel cochlear implantation. Design Case report. Methods Clinical history, evolution of audiometric findings, and results of temporal bone histopathology of a patient implanted with a Nucleus 22 system in the right ear were analysed and interpreted. Results Audiometry showed severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, which progressed in the non-implanted ear postoperatively. With the implanted ear, speech perception was excellent postoperatively and remained stable over 5 years. Histology showed a relatively small number of spiral ganglion cells bilaterally. Conclusions Cochlear implantation can provide stable hearing in light of deteriorating hearing loss in the non-implanted ear. Only a small number of surviving ganglion cells were necessary for the implant.
Study of chemical sympathectomy in endotoxin-induced lethality and fibrin deposition

Study of chemical sympathectomy in endotoxin-induced lethality and fibrin deposition. Shock and the generalized Shwartzman reaction are well known features of endotoxin which have been shown to involve the sympathetic nervous system. The mechanism of sympathetic nervous system involvement with endotoxin injection was studied in rabbits chemically sympathectomized with 6-hydroxydopamine. Endotoxin, in doses producing a spectrum of morbidity and mortality in normal rabbits, was administered i.v. to chemically sympathectomized, normal, and unilateral renal surgically sympathectomized animals. Chemical sympathectomy produced a significant depletion of tissue norepinephrine which, in endotoxin recipient animals, was associated with a significantly lower mortality rate and greatly decreased fibrin deposition in the lungs and kidneys, despite intravascular coagulation. Unilateral renal sympathectomy afforded protection to the ipsilateral kidney, but data on mortality and systemic fibrin deposition were similar to those reported for normal rabbits given endotoxin. Six-hydroxydopamine prevents significant tissue injury secondary to endotoxin in this experimental model. In addition, the data provide direct evidence that an intact reactive sympathetic nervous system is essential for development of lethal toxicity and generalized Shwartzman reaction due to endotoxin. Etude de la sympathectomie chimique de la lethalite et des depots de fibrine chez animaux qui ont recu l'endotoxine. Le choc et le phenomene de Schwartzman generalise sont des consequences bien connues de l'endotoxine et il a ete montre que ces reactions impliquent le systeme nerveux sympathique. Le mecanisme de la mise en jeu du systeme nerveux sympathique par l'injection d'endotoxine a ete etudie chez des lapins ayant subi une sympathectomie chimique par la 6-hydroxydopamine. L'endotoxine, aux doses qui determinent une morbidite et une mortalite chez les lapins normaux, a ete administree par voie intraveineuse a des animaux normaux, ayant subi une sympathectomie chimique ou ayant subi une sympathectomie renale, chirurgicale et unilaterale. La sympathectomie chimique a produit une depletion significative de norepinephrine tissulaire qui, chez les animaux qui ont recu l'endotoxine, a ete associee a une diminution significative de la mortalite et une diminution importante des depots de fibrine dans les poumons et les reins malgre la coagulation intravasculaire. La sympathectomie unilaterale a protege le rein ipsilateral mais la mortalite et les depots systemiques de fibrine ont ete semblables a ceux observes chez les lapins normaux qui ont recu l'endotoxine. La 6-hydroxydopamine diminue de facon significative les alterations tissulaires secondaires a l'endotoxine dans ce modele experimental. De surcroit, ces observations apportent la preuve directe de ce qu'un systeme nerveux sympathique intact et reactif est essentiel pour l'apparition de la lethalite et du phenomene de Schwartzman generalise consecutifs a l'endotoxine.
Narcotic abstinence in dependent rats: EEG and behavioral correlates.

Abstract The purpose of the study was to assess and compare EEG and behavioral correlates of abstinence from morphine, methadone, LAAM, NLAAM, and DNLAAM in dependent rats. Rats were initially trained to lever press for self-injections on a FR-20 schedule of reinforce. Following substitution of saline for each of the narcotic agonists, REM sleep was significantly suppressed during morphine, methadone, and NLAAM abstinence, but not during LAAM and DNLAAM abstinence. Significant increases in lever pressing for saline during abstinence from morphine, methadone, and NLAAM emerged earlier than with LAAM and DNLAAM. Significant increases in head-shake behavior occurred during morphine, methadore, NLAAM, and DNLAAM abstinence, but not during LAAM abstinence. These results demonstrated further pharmacodynamic differences between the five narcotics studied. Our findings suggested that in dependent rats abstinence from LAAM was the least severe when compared with abstinence from any of the other four narcotics studied.
Perceptions of Healthy Aging among African-American and Ethiopian Elders

This study explores healthy aging and health promotion preferences, practices and perceptions of African-American and Ethiopian older adults. Participants completed a questionnaire linked to three levels relevant to an ecological framework: individual, interpersonal and community or environmental. Results indicate that the ecological environments of African-Americans and Ethiopian senior were quite different. African-American elders’ conception of healthy aging related to preserving their independence while Ethiopian elders indicated a holistic view that included close ties with extended family members. Both groups reported high levels of spirituality and belief in God. Other similarities and differences are discussed. This study points to the importance of industrialized and developing countries understanding the needs and perfections of elders as they shape flexible and responsive policy and programs for global health promotion.
Direct regression models for longitudinal rates of change

Comparing rates of growth, or rates of change, across covariate-defined subgroups is a primary objective for many longitudinal studies. In the special case of a linear trend over time, the interaction between a covariate and time will characterize differences in longitudinal rates of change. However, in the presence of a non-linear longitudinal trajectory, the standard mean regression approach does not permit parsimonious description or inference regarding differences in rates of change. Therefore, we propose regression methodology for longitudinal data that allows a direct, structured comparison of rates across subgroups even in the presence of a non-linear trend over time. Our basic longitudinal rate regression method assumes a proportional difference across covariate groups in the rate of change across time, but this assumption can be relaxed. Rates are compared relative to a generally specified time trend for which we discuss both parametric and non-parametric estimating approaches. We develop mixed model longitudinal methodology that explicitly characterizes subject-to-subject variation in rates, as well as a marginal estimating equation-based method. In addition, we detail a score test to detect violations of the proportionality assumption, and we allow time-varying rate effects as a natural generalization. Simulation results demonstrate potential gains in power for the longitudinal rate regression model relative to a linear mixed effects model in the presence of a non-linear trend in time. We apply our method to a study of growth among infants born to HIV infected mothers and conclude with a discussion of possible extensions for our methods.
Daily rhythms in the endocrine glands of drosophila larvae

Neurosekretorische Zellen, Corpus allatum, Prothoraxdrusen- und Fettkorperzellen in Drosophilalarven zeigen tagliche, zweigipflige Schwankungen der Zellkerngrosse. Ein ahnliches Muster konnte auch in den Nucleoli der Prothoraxdrusen beobachtet werden.
Completing the health system through personal care benefits.

Discussion about policy and programming for the elderly and disabled is frequently built around the cycle of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation which leads to an incomplete system of health ...
Function of Escherichia coli biotin carboxylase requires catalytic activity of both subunits of the homodimer.

Abstract Biotin carboxylase catalyzes the ATP-dependent carboxylation of biotin and is one component of the multienzyme complex acetyl-CoA carboxylase that catalyzes the first committed step in fatty acid synthesis. The Escherichia coli biotin carboxylase is readily isolated from the other components of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase complex such that enzymatic activity is retained. The three-dimensional structure of biotin carboxylase, determined by x-ray crystallography, demonstrated that the enzyme is a homodimer consisting of two active sites in which each subunit contains a complete active site. To understand how each subunit contributes to the overall function of biotin carboxylase, we made hybrid molecules in which one subunit had a wild-type active site, and the other subunit contained an active site mutation known to significantly affect the activity of the enzyme. One of the two genes encoded a poly-histidine tag at its N terminus, whereas the other gene had an N-terminal FLAG epitope tag. The two genes were assembled into a mini-operon that was induced to give high level expression of both enzymes. “Hybrid” dimers composed of one subunit with a wild-type active site and a second subunit having a mutant active site were obtained by sequential chromatographic steps on columns of immobilized nickel chelate and anti-FLAG affinity matrices. In vitrokinetic studies of biotin carboxylase dimers in which both subunits were wild type revealed that the presence of the N-terminal tags did not alter the activity of the enzyme. However, kinetic assays of hybrid dimer biotin carboxylase molecules in which one subunit had an active site mutation (R292A, N290A, K238Q, or E288K) and the other subunit had a wild-type active site resulted in 39-, 28-, 94-, and 285-fold decreases in the activity of these enzymes, respectively. Thedominant negative effects of these mutant subunits were also detected in vivo by monitoring the rate of fatty acid biosynthesis by [14C]acetate labeling of cellular lipids. Expression of the mutant biotin carboxylase genes from an inducible arabinose promoter resulted in a significantly reduced rate of fatty acid synthesis relative to the same strain that expressed the wild type gene. Thus, both the in vitro and in vivo data indicate that both subunits of biotin carboxylase are required for activity and that the two subunits must be in communication during enzyme function.
Linking chemistry and genetics in the growing cyanobactin natural products family.

Summary Ribosomal peptide natural products are ubiquitous, yet relatively few tools exist to predict structures and clone new pathways. Cyanobactin ribosomal peptides are found in ∼30% of all cyanobacteria, but the connection between gene sequence and structure was not defined, limiting the rapid identification of new compounds and pathways. Here, we report discovery of four orphan cyanobactin gene clusters by genome mining and an additional pathway by targeted cloning, which represented a tyrosine O -prenylating biosynthetic pathway. Genome mining enabled discovery of five cyanobactins, including peptide natural products from Spirulina supplements. A phylogenetic model defined four cyanobactin genotypes, which explain the synthesis of multiple cyanobactin structural classes and help direct pathway cloning and structure prediction efforts. These strategies were applied to DNA isolated from a mixed cyanobacterial bloom containing cyanobactins.
Food and beverage choices contributing to dietary guidelines adherence in the Lower Mississippi Delta.

Objectives The objectives of the present study were to evaluate diet quality among Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) residents using the Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) and to identify the top five dietary sources contributing to HEI-2005 components. Demographic differences in HEI-2005 scores were also explored. Design Diet quality was evaluated using HEI-2005. Demographic differences in HEI-2005 scores were investigated using multivariable regression models adjusting for multiple comparisons. The top five dietary sources contributing to HEI-2005 components were identified by estimating and ranking mean MyPyramid equivalents overall and by demographic characteristics. Setting Dietary data, based on a single 24 h recall, from the Foods of Our Delta Study 2000 (FOODS 2000) were used in the analyses. Subjects FOODS 2000 adult participants 18 years of age or older. Results Younger age was the largest determinant of low diet quality in the LMD with HEI-2005 total and seven component scores declining with decreasing age. Income was not a significant factor for HEI-2005 total or component scores. The top five dietary sources differed by all five of the demographic variables, particularly for total vegetables and energy from solid fats, alcoholic beverages and added sugars (SoFAAS). Soft drinks were the leading source of SoFAAS energy intake for all demographic groups. Conclusions The assessment of diet quality and identification of top dietary sources revealed the presence of demographic differences for selected HEI-2005 components. These findings allow identification of food patterns and culturally appropriate messaging and highlight the difficulties of treating this region as a homogeneous population.
Development of a novel method of lytic phage delivery by use of a bacteriophage P22 site-specific recombination system

Bacteriophage therapy represents a potential alternative to the use of antibiotics to control proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. As an alternative to the strategy where a limited number of doses of large numbers of lytic bacteriophages are administered, a novel method delivery system was developed so that phages are continually released into the culture. Specifically, a non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strain was constructed that was lysogenic for a lytic mutant of bacteriophage λ. This lysogen was shown to be effective at decreasing the number of λ-sensitive E. coli in vitro. Construction of this E. coli strain was accomplished by development of a plasmid-based system utilizing the site-specific recombination machinery of bacteriophage P22 to integrate DNA constructs into the host chromosome. This recombination system is useful for strain construction and other genetic manipulations in both E. coli and Salmonella enterica serovars.
Hyperlipidemia in an adult diabetic population

Of 98 adult-onset diabetic patients selected at random from an ambulatory clinic, 37.8 per cent were found to have hyperlipidemia. In follow-up examination of the hyperlipidemic patients, 23 per cent had hyper-β-lipoproteinemia (Type II), 58 per cent had hyper-pre-β-lipoproteinemia (Type IV), 13 per cent had increased plasma β-and pre-β-lipoproteins (combined type) and 6 per cent had reverted to normal values. Type IV patients, as a group, were distinguished by greater hyperglycemia and relative body weight. Chylomicronemia was not observed in this study group. Hyperlipoproteinemia was frequent in this adult-onset diabetic population and differed in several respects from similar data in untreated juvenile-onset diabetes reported by others.
THYROID FUNCTION IN INFANTS ADMITTED TO A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU): A LONGITUDINAL ASSESSMENT

Serum thyroxin values (T4) were found to be low in 6 of 1350 admissions when the tests were ordered on clinical grounds. Hypothyroidism was confirmed in 3 infants, but the remaining 3 had transient depressions of 3, due to binding globulin (TBG) deficiency. Consequently, a longitudinal study was carried out on 9 infants (gestation 30-34 wks). Data are means ± SE. Four infants displayed a transient decline in T4 levels (≥40% of their 24h value) at some time between 72 hrs and 2 wks, a pattern unlike the normal full-term baby. These data indicate that for infants admitted to a NICU: 1. The incidence of hypothyroidism may be higher than in the general population; 2. T4 values vary markedly and falsely low values may occur frequently; 3. A TSH determination on or after 72 hours of life may be the most appropriate screen for hypothyroidism; 4. Transient decrements in T4 may reflect a transient TBG deficiency.
Pilot study of preoperative chemotherapy with cisplatin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine in patients with local‐regional recurrence of melanoma

Background. Because the prognosis of patients with local-regional recurrence of melanoma treated with surgery alone usually is poor, the authors conducted a study designed to determine the efficacy of preoperative chemotherapy using cisplatin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (CVD) in this patient population. Methods. Eligibility included biopsy-proven, measurable, and potentially resectable local-regional disease in the form of lymph node metastases, satellite/in-transit metastases and/or local recurrence. CVD consisted of cisplatin, 20 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) on days 2-5; vinblastine, 1.6 mg/m2 IV on days 1-5; and dacarbazine, 800 mg/ m2 IV on day 1 only, repeated every 3 weeks. Patients usually received two to three courses of CVD and then underwent surgery. Postoperatively, patients who responded continued CVD for a maximum of 8 courses; nonresponders received no further therapy. Results. Of 52 consecutive patients (40 with lymph node involvement and 12 with skin metastases), 5 (10%) achieved a pathologic complete response and 20 (38%) achieved a partial response, for an overall response rate of 48% (95% confidence interval, 34-62). Of the five patients who achieved a pathologic complete response, three had attained a clinical complete response and one a partial response, and one had stable disease after initial chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 54 months (range, 32-69 months), 38% of the patients remained disease free. Conclusion. Preoperative chemotherapy with CVD has significant activity in local-regional recurrences of melanoma, resulting in pathologic complete response in 10% of the patients. Because its impact on survival remains unclear, this treatment strategy should currently remain investigational. Preoperative chemotherapy, however, could be offered to certain patients with bulky, borderline resectable, regional disease for whom cytoreduction may make surgery easier or less mutilating.
Molecular magnetic resonance imaging with targeted contrast agents.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces high-resolution three-dimensional maps delineating morphological features of the specimen. Differential contrast in soft tissues depends on endogenous differences in water content, relaxation times, and/or diffusion characteristics of the tissue of interest. The specificity of MRI can be further increased by exogenous contrast agents (CA) such as gadolinium chelates, which have been successfully used for imaging of hemodynamic parameters including blood perfusion and vascular permeability. Development of targeted MR CA directed to specific molecular entities could dramatically expand the range of MR applications by combining the noninvasiveness and high spatial resolution of MRI with specific localization of molecular targets. However, due to the intrinsically low sensitivity of MRI (in comparison with nuclear imaging), high local concentrations of the CA at the target site are required to generate detectable MR contrast. To meet these requirements, the MR targeted CA should recognize targeted cells with high affinity and specificity. They should also be characterized by high relaxivity, which for a wide variety of CA depends on the number of contrast-generating groups per single molecule of the agent. We will review different designs and applications of targeted MR CA and will discuss feasibility of these approaches for in vivo MRI.
Freshmen Marketing: A First-Year Experience with Experiential Learning

This paper describes an experiential learning activity designed for a New England university freshmen course, BUS101-Marketing First-Year Experience (FYE). The purpose of the activity is to teach basic principles of marketing, develop a general perspective of business, and provide FYE activities that facilitate the college transition. The specific activity described in this paper is designed to make the learning experience educational, relevant to everyday business and marketing practices, and memorable to students in a personally satisfying manner. The Great Cookie Challenge activity, an experiential activity described in this paper, provides an opportunity to link marketing concepts with FYE activities in a businesslike setting. The paper concludes with reflections on the experience and recommendations for modifications to the activity.
A Sampling based method for linear parameter estimation from correlated noisy measurements

Abstract Abstract We address the problem of linear parameter estimation in discrete time state space models in the presence of serially correlated error in variables. The common way to solve parameter estimation problem is least squares (LS) methods. LS method is not considered to be effective when both dependent and independent variables are contaminated by noise. Total Least Squares (TLS) has been introduced as the method for parameter estimation in the case of noisy response and predictor variables. However, TLS solution is not optimal when number of data is limited and noise is correlated. Constrained TLS is a variant of TLS that considers correlation of noise in the data as additional constraints. We introduced a novel method based on a stochastic sampling method to solve estimation problem from correlated noisy measurements, and we compared it with the existing methods through in silico examples. Our method demonstrates significant improvement over other common estimation algorithms, LS, TLS and Constrained TLS under the different amount of correlated noise and data points. It has the potential to be the valuable tool for the difficult real life problems, such as, biological systems where data is limited and noisy.
Using Student Focus Groups to Evaluate Academic Support Services

Focus groups can involve students in evaluating programs that serve them. Advantages of using student focus groups to shape academic support services, especially in advisement and orientation, are ...
The significance of extracapsular extension of axillary lymph node metastases in early-stage breast cancer.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate if extracapsular extension (ECE) of axillary lymph node metastases predicts for a decreased rate of disease-free survival or an increased rate of regional recurrence of breast carcinoma. Methods: The study population consisted of 368 patients with T1 or T2 breast cancer and pathologically-positive lymph nodes treated with breast-conserving therapy between 1968 and 1986. The median number of sampled lymph nodes was 10. Median follow-up time for the surviving patients was 139 months (range 70–244). Twenty percent of the patients were treated with supraclavicular RT, and 64% received both axillary and supraclavicular RT, with a median dose to the nodes of 45 Gy. The following factors were evaluated: presence of ECE, number of sampled lymph nodes (LN), number of involved LN, size of primary tumor, histologic grade of tumor, presence of lymphatic vessel invasion (LVI), presence of an extensive intraductal component (EIC), radiation dose, use of adjuvant chemotherapy, and age of patient. Recurrences were reported as the 5-year crude sites of first failure, and were divided into breast recurrences (LR), regional nodal failure (RNF, defined as isolated axillary, supraclavicular, or internal mammary recurrence), and distant metastases (DM). Results: One hundred twenty-two patients (33%) had ECE and 246 patients did not. The median number of LN with ECE was 1 (range 1–10) and 20% of patients had ECE in ≥ 4 LN. Patients with ECE tended to be older (median age 51 vs. 47, p = 0.01), and had a higher number of involved LN (median 3 vs. 2, p = 0.005) than patients without ECE. Forty-three percent of patients with ECE had ≥ 4 involved LN compared to 15% of patients without ECE ( p Conclusion: In this population of patients with nodal involvement, the presence of ECE correlates with the number of involved LN but does not appear to add predictive power to models of local, regional, or distant recurrence when the number of positive LN is included.
Introduction: parallel processing and information retrieval

Abstract Recent advances in parallel processing have made powerful computing resources available for information retrieval. This introduction, an overview of trends and work in parallel information retrieval, covers three areas: the development of parallel algorithms for information retrieval, the design of parallel architectures to handle information retrieval tasks, and the distribution of databases over multiple processors. The articles in this issue are introduced in the context of ongoing work.
Avoiding Graft-Tunnel Length Mismatch in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: The Single–Bone Plug Technique

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, using autogenous bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) as a graft material, is commonly performed in the setting of anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. Although bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft has an extensive track record, showing excellent clinical results, donor-site morbidity and graft-tunnel mismatch can still be problematic for a subset of patients. In the setting of a tendon graft that is too long, adequate interference screw fixation cannot be obtained, typically resulting in a tibial-sided bone plug that achieves less than 15 to 20 mm of bone in the distal tibial tunnel. We present an easy and effective technique for avoiding the graft-tunnel mismatch problems that commonly occur in patients who have an excessively long patellar tendons. This technique involves a simple preoperative planning algorithm that ultimately results in a single tibial-sided plug harvest. Bony interference fixation is then obtained on the femoral side and soft-tissue fixation on the tibial side. This technique allows for satisfactory graft fixation while avoiding the donor-site morbidity associated with patellar bone plug harvest.
Automation of a laboratory flotation machine for improved performance

Abstract A commercial laboratory flotation machine (Denver Model D-12) has been automated for ease of operation and reproducibility. The major features of the system include two plexiglass cells of 4- and 2-1 capacity which are interchangeable for rougher and cleaner flotation, respectively, an electronic level controller and an air-flow rate controller. The level controller can be used for either pulp-level or froth-level control by adjusting the threshold setting. Two mechanical paddles on the sides of each flotation cell can be controlled to adjust the rate of froth removal. Test results demonstrate the reproducibility of the data obtained with the equipment.
Donald C. Bryant's “Rhetoric: Its Functions and Its Scope” Fifty Years Later

(2004). Donald C. Bryant's “Rhetoric: Its Functions and Its Scope” Fifty Years Later. Advances in the History of Rhetoric: Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 205-209.
NEW ELEMENT HAHNIUM, ATOMIC NUMBER 105.

An isotope of element 105 with mass number 260 has been formed by bombarding $^{249}\mathrm{Cf}$ with $^{15}\mathrm{N}$ ions. The $Z$ and $A$ of the nuclide have been unambiguously identified by recoilmilking the 30-second $^{256}\mathrm{Lr}$ daughter. $^{260}105$ has a (1.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)-sec half-life and decays by alpha-particle emission with groups at 9.06 (55%), 9.10 (25%), and 9.14 MeV (20%). Branching decay by spontaneous fission is less than 20%. Some comments are made on the earlier results of the Dubna group concerning a few alpha-particle events at 9.4 and 9.7 MeV which they claim to be due to element 105.
Numerical Study of Higher-Order Diffraction Tomography via the Sinc Basis Moment Method

Behavior and limitations of the sinc basis method have been discovered during simulation studies. An iterative row-action method (ART) is compared with a full-matrix, least-squares solution (QR decomposition) and the problem of multiple solutions is discussed. Knowledge of the spatial distribution of scattered field energy can be used to speed up convergence. The first iteration is shown to be equivalent to the first Born solution. A fundamental limitation of present diffraction tomography algorithms, concerning phase shift through the scatterer, is found and related to clinical values. Effects of improvements on the initial guesses for the object function and internal field are studied. Lossy cylinder and contrived multicomponent reconstructions yield additional understanding of the phase shift problem. A sequence of simulations investigates estimated solution movement in hyperspace.
Hematology: Rituximab for follicular lymphoma: maintaining an open mind

New data from the Primary Rituximab And Maintenance study provide the strongest support for the use of rituximab maintenance in patients with follicular lymphoma. However, further considerations of cost, inconvenience, toxic effects, efficacy of retreatment, and lack of survival benefit should focus future clinical research on more-effective induction strategies.
Math Anxiety, Math Self-Concept, and Math Self-Efficacy in Adult Learners Compared to Traditional Undergraduate Students:

Adult learners comprise a significant portion of current undergraduate populations, and projections indicate steady or growing numbers of adult learners in the future. Previous research has suggested that adult learners possess lower self-confidence than and face barriers not experienced by traditional undergraduate students. These constructs have not been explored specifically within mathematics, however, which was the purpose of the current study. Using data collected from 226 undergraduate students (60 traditional students, 166 adult learners), the current research found that adult learners self-report lower levels of math self-efficacy and higher levels of math anxiety than their traditional peers. Implications for adult education are suggested.
Electrochemistry of Chemically Sensitive Field Effect Transistors.

Abstract : It is shown that ISFETs are closely related to conventional ion selective electrodes. The time response characteristics of these devices are examined in detail. The possibility of their use as direct charge sensors is critically evaluated. (Author)
Predictors of Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Abstract This study is based on a retrospective logistic regression analysis of all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia (SAP) admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases, Catholic University, Rome, Italy between January 1986 and December 1994. Nineteen patients with 24 episodes of SAP were enrolled in the study. A control group of 38 HIV-infected patients without pneumonia was included. The attack rate of SAP was 8·311000 HIV-related hospital admissions and the frequency, out of the total number of bacterial pneumonia observed in the study period, was 16% (24 of 154 patients). The large majority of SAP was community acquired. On the univariate analysis, intravenous drug abuse (IVDA) ( P =0·02), history of previous Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) ( P =0·03) and cirrhosis ( P =0·03) were significant risk factors for SAP. In addition, IVDA and previous PCP were independent risk factors on multivariate analysis. All patients presented with fever associated with cough (74%), chest pain (26%) or shortness of breath (37%). Chest X-ray documented lobar pneumonia (78%), predominantly in the lower lobes, consolidation with cavitation (11%), and interstitial-nodular infiltrates (11%). Pleural effusion was present in 31% of patients. The response to therapy was favourable in 79% of patients. Recurrence occurred in 26% and death occurred in 21% of patients. Death was significantly associated with the low level ( −3 ) of circulating T CD4+ cells ( P =0·03) and the recurrence of pneumonia ( P =0·03). In conclusion, the present study indicates that S. aureus is an important aetiologic agent of bacterial pneumonia in HIV-infected patients, especially if they are drug abusers with previous PCP.
Global sequence characterization of rice centromeric satellite based on oligomer frequency analysis in large-scale sequencing data

Motivation: Satellite DNA makes up significant portion of many eukaryotic genomes, yet it is relatively poorly characterized even in extensively sequenced species. This is, in part, due to methodological limitations of traditional methods of satellite repeat analysis, which are based on multiple alignments of monomer sequences. Therefore, we employed an alternative, alignment-free, approach utilizing k-mer frequency statistics, which is in principle more suitable for analyzing large sets of satellite repeat data, including sequence reads from next generation sequencing technologies. Results:k-mer frequency spectra were determined for two sets of rice centromeric satellite CentO sequences, including 454 reads from ChIP-sequencing of CENH3-bound DNA (7.6 Mb) and the whole genome Sanger sequencing reads (5.8 Mb). k-mer frequencies were used to identify the most conserved sequence regions and to reconstruct consensus sequences of complete monomers. Reconstructed consensus sequences as well as the assessment of overall divergence of k-mer spectra revealed high similarity of the two datasets, suggesting that CentO sequences associated with functional centromeres (CENH3-bound) do not significantly differ from the total population of CentO, which includes both centromeric and pericentromeric repeat arrays. On the other hand, considerable differences were revealed when these methods were used for comparison of CentO populations between individual chromosomes of the rice genome assembly, demonstrating preferential sequence homogenization of the clusters within the same chromosome. k-mer frequencies were also successfully used to identify and characterize smRNAs derived from CentO repeats. Contact: macas@umbr.cas.cz Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Singing the Gospel, Forging the Ties That Bind? Ethnographic Study of a Youth Gospel Choir

How do religious practices forge meaningful social bonds? Building on the provocative claim (Putnam and Campbell 2010) about religious social ties leading to better citizenship, I analyze one of the most common American religious practices choral singing to explore how ties are formed. An ethnographic study of a youth gospel choir reveals that the collective emotional experience of making music, the shared understandings of religious narratives in songs' lyrics, the ritual of performance in church services, and repeated co-presence in the sacred space of the church building create strong bonds among church members. Gospel choir singing binds youth to the organization of the church and symbolically to the local and global black community.
The synthesis and characterization of nadimidized aromatic bisaspartimides and their polymerization to high-temperature-resistant laminating resins†

4,4′-Bis(N2)-{4-[4-(2,3-bicyclo-[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-dicarboximido)phenoxy]-phenyl(-aspartimido)-di-phenyl ether (2NAD/1020) and various similar polymer percursors were synthesized from bismaleimides by the Michael addition of two moles of aromatic diamine followed by end capping of the resultant amino-terminated bisaspartimide groups with nadic anhydride. These precursors were characterized by using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), proton, and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies (1H- and 13C-NMR). Thermal polymerization of 2NAD/1020 by heating it above its melting point gave a reddish brown thermoset polymer. The curing behavior and thermal stability of these nadimides were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis studies. Graphite fiber laminates were prepared from these polymer precursors and their mechanical properties evaluated. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectra of the precursors and thermosets have given an understanding of their decomposition behavior. The structures of the thermosets were examined by FT-IR spectroscopy.
Computation of Heart Surface Potentials Using the Surface Source Model

Heart Surface Source Model. Introduction: The bidomain model of the heart leads to the result that the volume density of cardiac current source moment is proportional to the gradient of the macroscopic transmembrane action potential distribution. If the anisotropy ratios of the inner and outer domains (syncytia) of the myocardium are equal, then the volume distribution of cardiac sources can be replaced by an appropriate double layer on the heart surface. The double layer source distribution (heart surface source model) provides a basis for calculating heart surface potentials from cardiac sources. Methods and Results: The heart surface model was used to calculate epicardial potentials for the normal heart as well as for a case of ischemia and of infarction. The model was also used to determine the effect of insulating the heart surface. Insulating the heart surface caused an almost fourfold increase in peak-to-peak amplitude of simulated electrograms, with little change in waveshape. Simulated electrograms showed good agreement with recorded electrograms reported in the literature. Conclusion: The heart surface source model appears to provide a basis for relating heart surface potentials to the distribution of cellular action potential.
Plasmonic components fabrication via nanoimprint

A review report on nanoimprinted plasmonic components is given. The fabrication of different metal–dielectric geometries and nanostructured surfaces that support either propagating or localized surface plasmon modes is discussed. The main characteristics and advantages of the nanoimprint technology for the fabrication of various plasmonic structures are outlined. The discussion of plasmonic waveguiding structures focuses on planar waveguides based on metal strips embedded into a dielectric and on profiled metal surfaces. Nanoimprint-based fabrication of two-dimensional nanostructured plasmonic surfaces for enhanced transmission studies and sensor applications is also discussed. Throughout the report, the main fabrication schemes are described, as well as the challenges facing future manufacturing of plasmonic components for device applications.
Applications of polytopic approximations of reachable sets to linear dynamic games and a class of nonlinear systems

This paper presents applications of polytopic approximation methods for reachable set computations using dynamic optimization. The problem of computing exact reachable sets can be formulated in terms of Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equation (PDE). Numerical solutions, which provide convergent approximations of this PDE, have computational complexity, which is exponential in the continuous variable dimension. Using dynamic optimization and polytopic approximation, computationally efficient algorithms for overapproximative reachability analysis have been developed for linear dynamical systems by P. Varaiya (1998). In this paper, we show that these can be extended to feedback linearizable nonlinear systems, linear dynamic games, and norm-bounded nonlinear systems. Three illustrative examples are presented.
Political System Transparency and Monetary Commitment Regimes

Central bank independence (CBI) and fixed exchange rates are alternative monetary commitments that differ in transparency. While CBI is opaque and difficult to monitor, a commitment to a fixed exchange rate is easily observed. Political systems also vary in terms of transparency. I argue that the transparency of monetary commitments and the transparency of political systems are substitutes. Where political decision making is opaque (autocracies), governments must look to a commitment that is more transparent and constrained (fixed exchange rates) than the government itself. The transparency of the monetary commitment substitutes for the transparency of the political system to engender low inflation. Where the political process is transparent (democracies), a formal commitment to CBI can produce lower inflation because private agents and the political opposition are free to detect and punish government interference with the central bank. Statistical results indicate that (1) autocracies are more likely to adopt exchange-rate pegs than democracies, and (2) CBI is effective in limiting inflation in nations with high levels of political transparency.
Effect of Practice on a Novel Task—Walking on a Treadmill: Preadolescents With and Without Down Syndrome

Background and Purpose The authors propose that preadolescents with Down syndrome (DS) initially adapt to contexts that challenge their stability by increasing stiffness and impulse but, with practice, they will continue to adapt, but in the opposite direction, by decreasing stiffness and impulse. The purpose of this study was to explore changes in stiffness and impulse values of participants with DS after sufficient, task-specific practice distributed over time in a motivating environment. Subjects Eight preadolescents with DS and 8 preadolescents with typical development (TD) participated. Methods At pretest and posttest visits, participants walked over ground at their preferred speed and on a treadmill at 40%, 75%, and 110% of their over-ground speed. Practice included 4 sessions of treadmill walking at 75% of over-ground speed for 12 minutes, with approximately 800 strides per leg per session. Results The preadolescents with DS had reduced stiffness and impulse values following walking practice while still producing kinematic patterns uniquely different from those of their peers with TD. Discussion and Conclusion Preadolescents with DS can adjust their dynamic resources, both upward and downward. With practice, they can maintain stability while improving efficiency, producing stiffness and impulse values more like those of their peers with TD.
Wide-band tuning of the gain spectra of one-pump fiber optical parametric amplifiers

By suitably choosing the fiber properties, and by tuning the pump wavelength near the fiber zero-dispersion wavelength, one can in principle generate a wide variety of one-pump fiber optical parametric amplifier gain spectra. These can range from a very wide single region to two symmetric narrow gain regions far away from the pump. We have experimentally verified these predictions. With a highly nonlinear fiber, we have inferred the existence of gain over a single 400-nm region and measured a maximum on-off gain of 65 dB. With a common dispersion-shifted fiber, we have obtained tunable gain regions less than 1 nm wide, up to 200 nm from the pump; we have also shifted these by several nanometers by lowering the fiber temperature to 0/spl deg/C.