cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous targeting of androgen receptor (AR) and MAPK-interacting kinases (MNKs) by novel retinamides inhibits growth of human prostate cancer cell lines

Androgen receptor (AR) and MNK activated eIF4E signaling promotes the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). In this study, we report that our Novel Retinamides (NRs) target both AR signaling and eIF4E translation in androgen sensitive and castration resistant PCa cells via enhancing AR and MNK degradation through ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Dual blockade of AR and MNK initiated eIF4E activation by NRs in turn induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and inhibited cell proliferation. NRs also inhibited cell migration and invasion in metastatic cells. Importantly, the inhibitory effects of NRs on AR signaling, eIF4E translation initiation and subsequent oncogenic program were more potent than that observed with clinically relevant retinoids, established MNK inhibitors, and the FDA approved PCa drugs. Our findings provide the first preclinical evidence that simultaneous inhibition of AR and eIF4E activation is a novel and efficacious therapeutic approach for PCa, and that NRs hold significant promise for treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
The Random Walk Value for Ranking Spatial Characteristics in Road Networks

This study proposes a new network index at both nodal and link levels to rank the spatial characteristics of individual network components. The objective is to create a network metric that captures socioeconomic characteristics in urban environments. Because this index is based on the random walk simulation modeling strategy, it is coined the random walk value (RWV). An algorithm and an associated software tool were developed to calculate the RWVs of network components. Compared with other popular network indices, the unique advantage of the RWV is that this index considers not only spatial structural or topological characteristics, but also physical characteristics of network components. Two case study cities, the Chinese city of Wuhan and the U.S. city of Atlanta, were chosen to test the utility of the RWV. These two case studies yield several findings. First, the RWV is highly consistent with some of the most widely used network measures, such as closeness and connectivity measures, which was evidenced by strong correlations between RWV and other networks. Second, the RWV has been proven to be a good indicator of spatial importance and a better predictor of socioeconomic variables in urban environments. The RWV outperforms all other network indices in terms of its correlations with important socioeconomic variables and its ability to predict some of them. Third, both case studies confirm that the RWV can be a good substitute for some important socioeconomic variables, such as population density and job density, in spatial modeling. This finding is significant for studies when population and job data are not available and for studies that attempt to predict future scenarios.
An Introduction to Human-Environment Geography: Local Dynamics and Global Processes

The new textbook An Introduction to Human-Environment Geography: Local Dynamics and Global Processes contributes a much-needed geographic perspective to the burgeoning, interdisciplinary field of e...
Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Dengue is an acute influenza-like disease caused by any of 4 genetically similar mosquito-borne arboviruses of the Flavivirus family. Dengue viruses are thus related to yellow fever virus, West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and several other human pathogens. Although flaviviruses have historically been linked to specific geographic locales, in recent years many have been extending their geographic ranges. Among the most important examples of this phenomenon, dengue has been re-emerging globally, along with a potentially fatal, and poorly understood complication known as dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Carbon Nanotube Modified Electrically Conductive Cellulose Film

In recent decades, the energy resource and environment pollution is becoming a main challenge for the sustainability of global economic development as a result of population growth and industrial development. Costs of the synthetic materials are rising due to the short supply of fossil oil. Meanwhile the synthetic materials are not biodegradable and renewable. So the materials with biodegradable and renewable properties need to be investigated. With an annual yield of about 7 × 1011 tones, cellulose is the Earth’s most abundant natural organic material [1]. Many methods and chemicals have been developed to process cellulose into different products [2–6].Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Effects of gender constancy and figure's height and sex on young children's gender-typed attributions.

Abstract Young children's attributions of gender-typed activities to figures/models differing in height and/or sex were examined over three experiments. The influence of gender constancy understanding on children's gender-typed attributions was also examined. In Experiment 1, young children attributed significantly more masculine activities to male than female figures and significantly more feminine activities to female than male figures. Experiment 2 confirmed the results demonstrated in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, additional line-drawn stimuli and figure comparisons were incorporated; participants attributed significantly more masculine activities to taller than shorter male figures and taller than shorter female figures. In addition, children attributed significantly more feminine activities to taller than shorter female figures. In Experiment 3, participants viewed pictures of taller and shorter male and female models. Results confirmed those of Experiment 1, as well as most of those of Experiment ...
On the equivalence of soft and zero-bin subtractions

Zero-bin subtractions are required to avoid double counting soft contributions in collinear loop integrals in soft-collinear effective theory (SCET). In traditional approaches to factorization, double counting is avoided by dividing jet functions by matrix elements of soft Wilson lines. In this paper, we compare the two approaches to double counting, studying the quark form factor and deep inelastic scattering (DIS) as ${x}_{B}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1$ as examples. We explain how the zero-bin subtractions in SCET are required to reproduce the well-established factorization theorem for DIS as ${x}_{B}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1$. We study one-loop virtual contributions to the quark form factor and real gluon emission diagrams in DIS. The two approaches to double counting are equivalent if dimensional regularization (DR) is used to regulate infrared (IR) divergences. We discuss in detail ambiguities in the calculation of one-loop scaleless integrals in DR in SCET and perturbative QCD. We also demonstrate a nontrivial check of the equivalence of the zero-bin subtraction and the soft Wilson line subtraction in the virtual two-loop Abelian contributions to the quark form factor.
Renal tubular transport of calcium and phosphate in snakes: Role of calcitonin

Abstract The effect of acute doses of salmon or porcine calcitonin upon serum values and renal excretion of calcium and phosphate was studied in sham-operated or parathyroidectomized water snakes of the genus Natrix. In intact animals, calcitonin appeared to have no significant effect upon the serum values or the renal clearance of phosphate. In the parathyroidectomized animals, calcitonin caused a depression of serum phosphate values and a slight increase in relative renal phosphate clearance ( C PO 4 C In ). Calcium values and glomerular filtration rates were not altered in either group. The effect of calcitonin upon phosphate excretion in snakes seems to be of minimal importance compared to that of parathyroid hormone.
Structure of a sedoheptulose 7-phosphate cyclase: ValA from Streptomyces hygroscopicus.

Sedoheptulose 7-phosphate cyclases (SH7PCs) encompass three enzymes involved in producing the core cyclitol structures of pseudoglycosides and similar bioactive natural products. One such enzyme is ValA from Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. jinggangensis 5008, which makes 2-epi-5-epi-valiolone as part of the biosynthesis of the agricultural antifungal agent validamycin A. We present, as the first SH7PC structure, the 2.1 A resolution crystal structure of ValA in complex with NAD+ and Zn2+ cofactors. ValA has a fold and active site organization resembling those of the sugar phosphate cyclase dehydroquinate synthase (DHQS) and contains two notable, previously unrecognized interactions between NAD+ and Asp side chains conserved in all sugar phosphate cyclases that may influence catalysis. Because the domains of ValA adopt a nearly closed conformation even though no sugar substrate is present, comparisons with a ligand-bound DHQS provide a model for aspects of substrate binding. One striking active site diff...
Transforming Practice: Changing Patterns of Participation in Post-observation Meetings

Reflective models of supervision have shifted the emphasis from teaching observations as primarily evaluative events to events intended to promote teachers' reflective practice. This paper presents a longitudinal action research study investigating post-observation interactions between language teachers and their supervisors in an American university English Programme. The longitudinal design, data collection and analysis were ongoing and recursive, allowing each to inform the other at various stages of the study. The authors/researchers were also the supervisors/participants in the study, and were interested in improving existing practices based on an analysis of available data. A preliminary analysis revealed that the supervisors produced the majority of the talk in the meetings and that the teachers were more passive. Focussing primarily on data from four teacher/supervisor pairs from two semesters, we describe how this study enabled supervisors to become aware of the linguistic and interactional subtl...
Apparent increase in the incidence of invasive group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal disease in children.

Recently, among adults, an increase in the incidence of invasive disease caused by group A β-hemolytic streptococci (GABS) has been noted, as has the appearance of a severe illness called “toxic shock—like syndrome”, also caused by GABS. We now report an apparent increase beginning in 1987 in the incidence of invasive disease caused by GABS in children. Among these patients the manifestations were varied. One child had signs and symptoms compatible with the streptococcal toxic shock—like syndrome. Among the GABS isolates from our patients, 8 (80%) of 10 evaluated for M-protein antigens were nontypeable. Further studies will be necessary to determine the relationship between serotypes and virulence of GABS. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of an increasing incidence of invaslve GABS disease in children, as well as its manifestations, which may include toxic shock—like syndrome.
Asymmetric extraction treatment of an Angle Class II Division 2 subdivision left malocclusion with anterior and posterior crossbites

This case was chosen by the CDABO student case selection committee for publication in the AJO/DO.
SU-E-T-336: Quantification of the 3D Dose Distributions Around Small Metal Objects Using Polymer Gel Dosimeter

Purpose: Patients are increasingly undergoing radiotherapy procedures, in which small metals are implanted in the body for target localization in IGRT or dose enhancement. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of 3D dose measurements in the vicinity of a thin metallic objects using a polymer‐gel dosimeter. Methods: A MAGIC geldosimeter was manufactured in‐house. The gel was poured into 20‐ml glass vials, then, it was cooled in a refrigerator for about 30 mins until the gel had a high viscosity. Tweezers were used to carefully insert lead,gold, or aluminum foils (1cm × 1cm × ∼0.5mm) into the gel with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area. Finally, the gels were returned to the refrigerator and allowed to solidify for at least 24 hours. The samples were irradiated with 18MV and 250kVp photon beams such that the foils were perpendicular to the beam direction. T2‐weighted images were acquired after 24 hours with a 3T‐MRI scanner using a turbo spin‐echo sequence. Imaging parameters were as follows: field‐of‐view = 180mm × 180mm, pixel‐size = 0.35mm × 0.35mm, and slice‐thickness = 5mm. Dose distributions were calculated by using a two‐point method from the MR images taken at two echo times (20 and 101 ms). Results: There was no signal from the metal foil allowing ease of identification. All 18MV samples and the 250kVp aluminum sample did not show any appreciable change in the dose distribution. The 250kVp samples for lead and gold, however, had a significant decrease in absorbed dose downstream of the foil. The dose profiles along the beam direction revealed dose reductions of 18% and 16% for lead and gold, respectively. Conclusion: We demonstrated that polymer‐gel dosimetry can be used to measure the fine dosimetric structures around a small metallic object although its accuracy still must be assessed.
1-, 2-, and 3-dimensional effective conductivity of aquifers

Starting with a stochastic differential equation with random coefficients describing steady-state flow, the effective hydraulic conductivity of 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensional aquifers is derived. The natural logarithm of hydraulic conductivity (lnK) is assumed to be heterogeneous, with a spatial trend, and isotropic. The effective conductivity relates the mean specific discharge in an aquifer to the mean hydraulic gradient, thus its importance in predicting Darcian discharge when field data represent mean or average values of conductivity or hydraulic head. Effective conductivity results are presented in exact form in terms of elementary functions after the introduction of special sets of coordinate transformations in two and three dimensions. It was determined that in one, two, and three dimensions, for the type of aquifer heterogeneity considered, the effective hydraulic conductivity depends on: (i) the angle between the gradient of the trend of lnK and the mean hydraulic gradient (which is zero in the one-dimensional situation); (2) (inversely) on the product of the magnitude of the trend gradient of lnK, b, and the correlation scale of lnK, λ and (3) (proportionally) on the variance of lnK, σ f 2 . The productbλ plays a central role in the stability of the results for effective hydraulic conductivity.
Childhood body mass index trajectories predicting cardiovascular risk in adolescence

The present study compared growth parameters of girls' and boys' body mass index (BMI) trajectories from infancy to middle childhood and evaluated these parameters as predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in adolescence.
A decomposition approach to output tracking for multivariable nonlinear non-minimum phase systems

It is common wisdom that if a multivariable nonlinear system, affine in the controls, is non-minimum phase then dynamic inversion is not applicable for output tracking. We introduce a new approach in which a multivariable nonlinear control system is decomposed into two parts: a minimum phase part and a non-minimum phase part. For the minimum phase part dynamic inversion can be used to achieve output tracking. The non-minimum phase part can be suitably controlled by linear feedback, but the decomposition often leads to a simpler non-minimum phase problem than the original. It is necessary to restrict the class of output commands to be tracked according to the properties of the non-minimum phase part. These restrictions are identified by using results from robust control theory for commands that are perturbations of a command corresponding to a closed loop equilibrium.
Occurrence of (+)- and (-)-gossypol in wild species of cotton and in Gossypium hirsutum Var. marie-galante (Watt) Hutchinson.

Gossypol occurs as a mixture of enantiomers in cottonseed. These enantiomers exhibit different biological activities. The (-)-enantiomer is toxic to animals, but it has potential medicinal uses. Therefore, cottonseed with >95% (-)-gossypol could have biopharmaceutical applications. The (+)-enantiomer shows little, if any, toxicity to nonruminant animals. Thus, cottonseed with >95% (+)-gossypol could be more readily utilized as a feed for nonruminants. The (+)- to (-)-gossypol ratio in commercial Upland (Gossypium hirsutum) cottonseed is usually about 3:2, whereas that in commercial Pima cottonseed (Gossypium barbadense) is approximately 2:3. Herein are reported the (+)- to (-)-gossypol ratios in the seed from 28 wild species of cotton (194 accessions), 94 accessions of G. hirsutum var. marie-galante, and 3 domesticated species (11 accessions). It was found that some or all of the accessions of Gossypium darwinii, Gossypium sturtianum, Gossypium areysianum, Gossypium longicalyx, Gossypium harknessii, and Gossypium costulatum produce an excess of (-)-gossypol but none >65%. At least one accession of Gossypium anomalum, Gossypium mustelinum, Gossypium gossypioides, and Gossypium capitis-viridis contained >94% (+)-gossypol. One of the 94 accessions of G. hirsutum var. marie-galante (i.e., no. 2469) contained 97%
China's challenge to Pax Americana

Since Beijing's 1996 missile exercise in the Taiwan Strait, Chinese leaders have begun to articulate a decidedly alternative vision of the underlying principles of international relations that could continue to create tensions with the United States.
Firearm violence, disability rights, and rehabilitation: Policy revision in light of shifting demographics

The demographics of disability in the United States are changing. A rapidly increasing minority within the larger disabled population consists of individuals who have become disabled as the direct result of firearm-related violence. This population of individuals differs markedly from those disabled from birth or as a result of accident or chronic illness, causes that have historically been familiar to our established medical and rehabilitation systems. Firearm victims tend to be younger and relatively poorly educated and are disproportionately drawn from ethnic and minority communities. Furthermore, many seem to have a host of previous problems : alcohol and drug dependency, HIV+ status, and prior histories of domestic and interpersonal violence. To date, we know little about this population, but what we do know indicates that attending to their needs will represent a substantial challenge to the current rehabilitation system and to the disability rights community.
Microfluidic blood filtration device

Rapid decentralized biomedical diagnostics have become increasingly necessary in a medical environment of growing costs and mounting demands on healthcare personnel and infrastructure. Such diagnostics require low-cost novel devices that can operate at bedside or in doctor offices using small amounts of sample that can be extracted and processed on the spot. Thus, point-of-care sample preparation is an important component of the necessary diagnostic paradigm shift. We therefore introduce a microfluidic device which produces plasma from whole blood. The device is inexpensive, reliable, easy to fabricate, and requires only 3.5 kPa pressure to operate. The device is fully compatible with microfluidic diagnostic chips. The output 23-gauge microtube of the former can be directly plugged into the input ports of the latter allowing immediate applicability in practice as a sample-prep pre-stage to a variety of emergent microfluidic diagnostic devices. In addition, the shown approach of filter encapsulation in elastomer has principle importance as it is compatible with and applicable to microfluidic sample-prep integration with analytical stages within the same elastomeric chip. This can eventually lead to finger-prick blood tests in point-of-care settings.
Transmission characteristics of collimated hole threshold photoelectron detectors

Abstract The threshold photoelectron-coincidence photoion mass spectrometer is a powerful tool for the study of state-selected ions. Threshold photoelectron detectors used in this apparatus transmit small but significant numbers of electrons at energies up to two orders of magnitude higher than the energy resolution of this detector. It is frequently important to know the fraction of the total coincidence count which results from non-threshold electrons, and to correct for them. This requires measurement of the transmission characteristics of the threshold photoelectron detector over a wide range of energies. We have developed a simple experimental method for checking the transmission performance of such a detector, as well as a mathematical formalism for calculating the transmission function in closed form.
Comparative vasoconstrictor effects of inhaling tobacco smoke in warm and cool environments and before and after abstinence from tobacco.

Abstract It is generally agreed that the inhalation of tobacco smoke causes vasoconstriction in the foot. 1 However, quantitative data concerning the relative intensity of this vasoconstriction are not available. The experiments described herein were designed to compare foot blood flow responses to smoking under different control conditions of vasomotor activity, to compare the vasoconstrictor response to smoking with that produced by a cool environment and to determine whether or not a period of abstinence from tobacco results in a more profound vasoconstrictor response to smoking.
Fuzzy statistics: regression and prediction

Our method of estimation of parameters in statistics uses a set of confidence intervals producing a triangular shaped fuzzy number for the estimator. In crisp linear regression ** we use this to obtain fuzzy number estimators for τ and λ. This is then employed in fuzzy prediction and fuzzy hypothesis testing about the values of τ and λ.
THE COMPARATIVE STATIC RESPONSE OF RENTAL HOUSING TO A PRICE CHANGE: INFLATION AND GOVERNMENT POLICY*

ABSTRACT. A two period consumer choice model is presented in which housing is treated as a quality differentiated good. The short-run comparative static response of rental housing to a price change is examined via an example, an exogenous increase in the inflation rate. Two stylized facts are alternately used; interest income is taxed, and interest rate ceilings are imposed on small savings deposits. The partial equilibrium distributional impact of inflation, in the context of rental housing markets, is also discussed.
Coordinate augmentation in expression of genes encoding transcription factors and liver secretory proteins in hypo-oncotic states

Coordinate augmentation in the expression of genes encoding transcription factors and liver secretory proteins in hypo-oncotic states. Background In the nephrotic syndrome (NS) proteins of intermediate size (40 to 200 kD) are lost into the urine resulting in a decrease in plasma albumin concentration and as a consequence a reduction in plasma colloid osmotic pressure (βpgr;). Plasma βpgr; has also been reported to be reduced in the condition of hereditary analbuminemia. The liver, in an apparent compensatory response, increases synthesis of a group of secreted proteins defending plasma βpgr;. Regulation of several of these proteins, including both positive and negative acute phase proteins, is at the transcriptional level. This is the only known condition in which transcription of both positive and negative acute phase proteins (APPs) are increased simultaneously. The specific transcription factor(s) that might regulate this cascade is not defined. Methods RNA was extracted from livers of 5 rats with hereditary analbuminemia (the Nagase analbuminemic rat, NAR), 5 rats with NS induced by adriamycin (Adria), 5 rats with NS caused by passive Heymann nephritis (NS) and 5 control animals. The concentrations of mRNAs encoding four secreted proteins (albumin, transferrin, fibrinogen, and apo A-1), five transcription factors, early growth response factor 1 (EGRF–1), HNF-4, NGFI-C, EGR-3, and Krox20 relative to two housekeeping genes, βbgr; actin and GAPDH were determined simultaneously using kinetic reverse transcriptase polymerase chain methodology (kRT-PCR). Results The levels of all mRNAs encoding secreted proteins except for albumin (which was reduced in NAR) were increased in NS and NAR and correlated significantly with one another. mRNA encoding EGRF 1 was increased fivefold in NS and NAR, and correlated significantly with mRNAs encoding Apo A-1, transferrin and albumin in the two NS groups. HNF-4 mRNA was increased approximately twofold in both NS groups and correlated with albumin (R = 0.881, P P = 0.012) and apo A-1 (R = 0.644, P = 0.003). While fibrinogen mRNA correlated with that of each of the other secreted proteins, it did not correlate with either HNF-4 or EGRF-1 mRNA. Krox20, EGR3 and NGF1C were expressed at nearly undetectable levels. Conclusions The hepatic response in conditions characterized by reduced plasma βpgr; include increased levels of mRNAs encoding a group of secreted proteins, including the negative APPs albumin, transferrin and apo A-1, and the positive APP fibrinogen. Levels of mRNAs encoding negative APPs and fibrinogen correlate with one another, suggesting that they are coordinately controlled. Both EGRF-1 and HNF-4 may regulate the expression of the negative APPs, which have increased transcription in hypo-oncotic states.
Quantum wave turbulence.

The nonlinear quantum kinetic equation for the interaction of sound waves is solved via analytic and numerical techniques. In the classical regime energy cascades to higher frequency (\ensuremath{\omega}) according to the steady-state power law ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3/2}$. In the quantum limit, the system prefers a reverse cascade of energy which follows the power law ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}6}$. Above a critical flux, a new type of spectrum appears which is neither self-similar nor close to equilibrium. This state of nonlinear quantum wave turbulence represents a flow of energy directly from the classical source to the quantum degrees of freedom.
Stimulation of in vitro somite chondrogenesis by procollagen and collagen.

THE embryonic notochord stimulates or induces the formation of vertebral cartilage by embryonic somites1,2. Evidence indicates that proteoglycans produced by the notochord are involved in mediating the conversion of somitic sclerotomal cells into cartilage. During its interaction with somites, the notochord synthesises and secretes proteoglycans (and collagen) which initially accumulate in the perinotochordal sheath and subsequently diffuse among adjacent somitic sclerotomal cells just before the differentiation of the cells into cartilage3. Extracellular proteoglycan aggregate (consisting predominantly of proteochondroitin 4- and 6-sulphate) greatly stimulates in vitro somite chondrogenesis in the absence of notochord4. Notochords from which proteoglycans of the perinotochordal sheath have been selectively removed are impaired in their ability to support chondrogenesis but reacquire their ability to stimulate chondrogenesis concomitant with their reacquisition of perinotochordal proteoglycans5,6.
Bonding in VClx(CH3CN)3−x6−x

Abstract Solutions of vanadium(III) chloride in acetonitrile contain the solvate VCl3(CH3CN)3. NMR spectra indicate that bound solvent molecules exchange positions with bulk solvent molecules in two distinct processes. One proposal claims that these two processes are due to separate exchange rates for the facial and meridional isomers of VCl3(CH3CN)3. Another suggestion that has been made is that the two different types of acetonitrile molecules in meridional VCl3(CH3CN)3 undergo chemical exchange at different rates, and that no facial VCl3(CH3CN)3 is involved. Extended Huckel calculations have been done in order to examine the bonding in facial and meridional VCl3(CH3CN)3. The results suggest that acetonitrile molecules trans to Cl atoms have one rate of exchange, while those trans to another acetonitrile have a different rate, regardless of which isomer is present. Calculations have been done on other vanadium, chlorine, acetonitrile species in order to clarify the effect of changing the trans or the cis neighbor.
Reference vanadium alloy V4Cr4Ti for fusion application

Abstract Vanadium alloys exhibit important advantages as a candidate structural material for fusion first-wall/blanket applications. These advantages include high temperature and high wall load capability, favorable safety and environmental features, resistance to irradiation damage, and alloys of interest are readily fabricable. A substantial data base has been developed on laboratory-scale heats of VTi, VCrTiSi alloys before and after irradiation. Investigations in recent years have focused primarily on compositions of V(0–15)Cr(0–20)Ti(0–1)Si. Results from these investigations have provided a basis for identifying a V4Cr4Ti alloy as the US reference vanadium alloy for further development. Major results obtained on one production-scale heat and three laboratory heats with compositions of V(4–5)Cr(4–5)Ti are presented in this paper.
Variation in the prevalence of congenital heart defects by maternal race/ethnicity and infant sex.

Objective To determine the prevalence of major congenital heart defects (CHD) by ethnicity and sex. Study design Data from the Florida Birth Defects Registry was used to conduct a retrospective cohort study with 8029 singleton infants with 11 CHDs born 1998–2003 to resident non-Hispanic (NH) white, NH-black, and Hispanic women aged 15 to 49. Defect-specific prevalence rates, ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Poisson regression was used to calculate adjusted ethnic-specific rate ratios (RR) for each CHD. Statistical significance was P Results Compared with NH-whites, NH-black males had significantly increased rates of pulmonary valve atresia/stenosis (RR = 1.66) but lower prevalence of aortic valve atresia/stenosis (RR = 0.33) and ventricular septal defect (VSD; RR=0.78). Hispanic males had lower rates of aortic valve atresia/stenosis (RR = 0.28), coarctation of the aorta (RR = 0.61) and VSD (RR = 0.79). NH-black females had statistically significantly lower rates of VSD (RR = 0.75), and Hispanic females had lower rates of tetralogy of Fallot (RR = 0.54), VSD (RR = 0.84) and atrioventricular septal defects (RR = 0.53) compared with NH-whites. Conclusions We found differences in ethnic susceptibilities to CHD by sex, but the cause remains unclear.
A comparison of soot nanostructure obtained using two high resolution transmission electron microscopy image analysis algorithms

The present work addresses the validation process of an in-house developed image analysis tool to extract fringe length, tortuosity, and separation from high resolution transmission electron microscopy images of carbonaceous materials. In order to validate the algorithm, we compare fringe properties that are extracted from high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images through (1) the in-house developed tool (new algorithm) and (2) a tool that has been validated and published (previous algorithm). X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy are used to crosscheck the results for fringe length and fringe separation extracted from the HRTEM images. The algorithm of extracting fringe tortuosity is validated by the images of two disordered soot samples, and a heat-pretreated, highly-ordered sample. Tortuosity results are compared with the results of fringe separation. These comparisons validate the algorithm for extracting fringe tortuosity and confirm that tortuosity is an indicator of the degree of disorder within the carbon framework. Statistical results for each property extracted from the HRTEM images by the newly developed image analysis tool are presented in the form of a histogram and characteristic values (mean and median). The characteristic values quantitatively distinguish between the different carbon nanostructures of various soot samples.
Independent sets versus perfect matchings

Some structural relationships between matchings and independent sets are presented. One consequence is that any NC algorithm for generating a uniform random perfect matching of a bipartite graph must differ from the only known polynomial time random matching algorithm, due to Broder (1986) and Jerrum and Sinclair (1988), unless NC = P. Efficient parallel algorithms for emulating random walk on general graphs and some implicitly represented large-scale graphs are also presented.
Spine journals: is reviewer agreement on publication recommendations greater than would be expected by chance?

Abstract Background context It is commonly believed that the peer-review process is reliable and consistent. It appears, however, that depending on the journal and the editorial leadership, agreement by reviewers on whether to publish submitted articles varies widely; from substantial to slightly greater than one would expect with random assignments of acceptance or rejection. Purpose The purpose was to assess peer-review agreement in major spine journals. Study design/Setting This study is for the assessment of reviewer agreement. Samples The study consisted of consecutive reviews of 200 submitted articles. Outcome measures Agreement via Kappa statistics. Methods Group A consisted of 200 consecutive article reviews for which the senior author was involved in the review or editorial process over the past 8 years for two major spine journals. Reviewers' recommendations were placed into one of two groups: accept/minimal revisions or major revision/reject. Standard Kappa statistics were used to assess reviewer agreement. Group B consisted of a similar set, but with wholly randomly generated recommendations. Again, Kappa statistics were used. Results Kappa for Group A was 0.155 with a range of 0.017 to 0.294 at 95% confidence interval and agreement at 0.6; suggesting “slight” reviewer agreement. Kappa for Group B behaved as expected, with “poor” agreement. Conclusions Agreement regarding peer-review recommendations for publication in spine journals appears to be better than would be expected in the random situation; but still only “slight.” This suggests that review methodology varies considerably among reviewers and that further study should be undertaken to determine “ideal” agreement levels and ways to increase review consistency/quality commensurate with the editorial missions of the journals.
Multiple steady states in a biochemical system

The differential equation \[ {{ - s'' + \sigma s} / {(1 + s + ks^2 )}} = 0,\quad 0 0$ and for $\sigma > 0$ governs the steady state in a reaction-diffusion equation which describes a substrate in a mono-enzymatic artificial membrane. We present a proof that for given $k > 0$ there exists an $s^* > 0$ (depending on k only) such that for $s_0 > s^ * $ and for any $\sigma > 0$ there exist at most three positive solutions for this steady state problem.
Electron-neutral heat transfer in plasmas

Abstract Pulsed heat-flow experiments in afterglows of helium and xenon have yielded data on the electron thermal diffusivity. Electron-temperature transients were measured by taking advantage of the temperature sensitivity of electro-acoustic (Tonks-Dattner) resonances. The results agree with Shkarofsky's theory in the limit of predominant electron-neutral collisions.
An Audiotaped Mental Health Evaluation Tool for Hispanic Immigrants With a Range of Literacy Levels

Debilitating mental illness is treatable if found. There is no validated self-administered mental illness evaluation tool for immigrant Hispanic farm workers with variable literacy levels. This study tested sensitivity and specificity of an audiotaped survey developed for low literacy levels compared with standard interview instruments. Subjects from 11 migrant camps completed a self-administered audiotaped survey in Spanish to diagnose major depression, substance abuse, panic and generalized anxiety, and domestic violence. Primary care clinics assisted in finding camps and provided follow-up treatment. For 154 men and 156 women, the audio tool was most sensitive for major depression and specific for anxiety disorder, alcohol abuse, and domestic violence. Seventy percent of those diagnosed with major depression received appropriate treatment. This study validated an inexpensive, self-administered audio tool to evaluate the mental health of immigrant Hispanic farm workers with a wide range of literacy levels.
Chemical biology: Greasy tags for protein removal

Most proteins in the human body are difficult targets for small-molecule drugs. This problem may have been overcome with the discovery of molecules that induce protein degradation, suggesting fresh, modular approaches to drug discovery.
Technical Note-An Algorithm for Computing the Convolution of Poisson Negative Binomial and Geometric Distributions

We present a simple algorithm that computes the convolution of Poisson, negative binomial, and geometric distributions. We show that a certain infinite-server queue in a random facility repair environment has a steady-state distribution that involves such convolutions. The algorithm arises from the steady-state equations of this process.
Repositioning the Ethical Imperative: Critical Theory Recht, and Tempered Radicals in Public Service

This article explores the dimensions of an ethical framework for administrators based on the philosophical premises of critical theory. The goal of critical theory is to view the world dialectically and have a practical intent—to participate in revealing the socially constructed nature of the world, to help affirm that reified social constructs are not immutable, and then to work to transform society as the expression of an emancipatory vision. An important component of this view is the refusal to be bound by Recht, the system of law constructed by the status quo to serve dominant interests. The author examines the critical theories of Horkheimer, Habermas, Benhabib and the ethical theory of Margaret Urban Walker to begin construction of a critical-ethical guideline for administrators and introduces the idea of critical theory-based practitioners as “tempered radicals.”
Consumerism and the Rise of Balloons in Europe at the End of the Eighteenth Century

The history of ballooning has received considerable attention from historians examining the technological innovations behind it as well as from scholars interested in aeronautical anecdotes concerning launches and disasters. The cultural importance of this new machine, however, remains less fully analyzed. This essay explores one facet of that history through a discussion of the commodification of launches in France and Great Britain. These two countries, which have larger middling classes as well as a higher degree of commercialization in general, provided a fertile environment for aeronauts seeking to instruct and entertain an audience willing to fund ballooning. Balloonists had to invent ways to market this scientific discovery and determine how best to attract paying customers. The audience was entertained while simultaneously empowered to act as witnesses to what balloonists presented as a scientific experiment.
Effects of Hypercapnia in Lung Tissue Repair and Transplant

Mammalian cells sense and transduce signals in response to high levels of carbon dioxide. Hypercapnia has a variety of effects on epithelial and immune cells which can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the biologic context. For instance, hypercapnia-mediated suppression of cell proliferation and migration can delay wound repair. Similarly, suppression of macrophages and the inflammatory response during hypercapnia can limit the host’s ability to clear pathogens. However, the suppressive effects of hypercapnia on immunity have potential benefits in the setting of transplantation. Here, we discuss the effects of high levels of carbon dioxide on lung healing and the potential applications in lung transplantation.
The State of the Discipline in Russia: Interviews with Russian Anthropologists

Interviews with four Russian anthropologists during the fall of 1995 reveal that the discipline in Russia is undergoing a crisis of identity. Due to changing political and cultural realities, there has been growing uncertainty about the aims, methods, and object of the discipline, as well as about its place within the human sciences. The author believes that Russian anthropology is at the moment unable to situate itself safely in the face of the changes and uncertainties.
Breast cancer during pregnancy

Ten to 20% of the 178,700 new cases of breast cancer occurring yearly (1998 estimates) are found in women of childbearing age (1). The issue of pregnancy-associated breast cancer is very important, particularly as more women delay childbearing for personal or professional reasons. The delay in childbearing to the 30s or 40s occurs concordantly with an increasing incidence of breast cancer in those ages. Pregnancy-associated breast cancer has been traditionally defined as the diagnosis of breast cancer made during pregnancy or within 1 year afterward. It is estimated to have an incidence of 0.2–3.8% (2) and is reported to occur in 1/10,000–1/3000 pregnancies (3,4).
The Creation and Destruction of Value

Science characteristically pursues general- izations thought to approximate eternal truths. Thus, a science of values would be expected to specify the natural laws that govern human values and their effects on action. But research in psychology suggests that values are often contextually determined, sociohistorical phenomena that can be created or destroyed by the very beings whose be- havior is guided by them. Historical change in human values changes the social institutions that embody these values and help individuals pursue them. When social institutions are transformed in this way, it becomes easy to mistake contingent, cultural truths for eternal, natural ones. Science tends to tell people that what is the case must be the case because it is the result of natural law. Applied to human values, such a message has significant normative consequences, affecting people's conceptions of what is possible and thus their aspirations and plans. The task of a "science" of values should instead be to make the historical contingency of values clear, thus encouraging discussion of what values people ought to have and what social arrangements would best contribute to the devel. opment of those values.
Human ALDH1B1 polymorphisms may affect the metabolism of acetaldehyde and all-trans retinaldehyde--in vitro studies and computational modeling.

Purpose To elucidate additional substrate specificities of ALDH1B1 and determine the effect that human ALDH1B1 polymorphisms will have on substrate specificity.
De novo malignant optic chiasm glioma: Initial clinical response to steroids

Malignant optic nerve glioma is a rare but uniformly fatal disease that remains poorly understood. The authors describe a notable case of this rare disease occurring in the optic chiasm. Normal brain imaging and normal ophthalmic examination 2 years prior to diagnosis provide evidence for de novo genesis of malignant optic nerve glioma in their patient. The patient’s early response to steroids highlights the degree to which malignant optic nerve glioma can initially mimic inflammatory optic neuropathies and chiasmal syndromes. This case also demonstrates a poor outcome for malignant optic nerve glioma even with current advanced therapy for glioblastoma using radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide and bevacizumab.
A phylogenetic analysis of chloroplast DNA restriction site variation in Poaceae subfam. Pooideae.

A phylogenetic analysis was conducted on chloroplast DNA restriction site variation in 34 genera of grasses (familyPoaceae), including 28 genera from subfam.Pooideae (representing tribesAveneae, Brachypodieae, Bromeae, Meliceae, Poeae, Stipeae, andTriticeae) and representatives of three other subfamilies,Arundinoideae, Oryzoideae, andPanicoideae. Analyses of all 34 genera always distinguishedPooideae as monophyletic, regardless of which nonpooid genus functioned as outgroup; six separate analyses of all 28 pooid genera, each including one of the six nonpooid genera as outgroup, resolved five identically-constituted clades withinPooideae (in four cases), or (in the other two cases) yielded results that were less well resolved, but not in conflict with those of the other four analyses. The four best-resolved analyses distinguishedMeliceae as the earliest diverging lineage withinPooideae, andStipeae as the next. Above the point of divergence ofStipeae is a dichotomy between supertribeTriticodae (including tribesBrachypodieae, Bromeae, andTriticeae), and a clade comprisingPoeae andAveneae. The analysis supports some tribal realignments, specifically the assignment ofBriza, Chascolytrum, Microbriza, andTorreyochloa toAveneae, andArctagrostis, Catabrosa, andSesleria toPoeae. The analysis also suggests that the pooid spikelet (i.e., glumes shorter than lemmas and florets two or more) is plesiomorphic inPooideae, and that spikelets with one floret, and those with glumes longer than the first lemma, each have evolved more than once withinPooideae. Results also indicate that small chromosomes and chromosome numbers based on x=c. 10−12 are plesiomorphic withinPooideae. Alternative states of these characters (chromosomes large, chromosome numbers based on x=7) are interpreted as synapomorphies or parallelisms of clades that includeTriticodae, Aveneae, andPoeae. Lanceolate lodicule shape may be a synapomorphy of the clade that includesStipeae, Triticodae, Aveneae, andPoeae, and loss of lodicule vascularization a synapomorphy of the entirePooideae.
Viability and Function of Outdated Human Red Blood Cells after Biochemical Modification to Improve Oxygen Transport Function, Freezing, Thawing, Washing, Postthaw Storage at 4 C, Perfusion in Vitro Through a Bubble Oxygenator, and Autotransfusion

The quality of transfused blood is especially important during cardiac surgery, and red blood cell viability and function may be adversely affected during perfusion through the artificial blood oxygenator used during extracorporeal bypass. In this study, we administered 10 ml aliquot autotransfusions of rejuvenated red blood cells to 13 healthy volunteers after perfusion through an infant bubble oxygenator for one to three hours. Twenty-three other volunteers received rejuvenated red blood cells that had not been perfused. The red blood cells were biochemically modified after they had reached their outdating period, a process used to increase 2,3 DPG and ATP levels and improve oxygen transport function. The rejuvenated red blood cells were frozen with 40% W/V glycerol, stored frozen at -80 C for about 3 months, thawed, washed, and stored in a sodium chloride-glucose-phosphate solution at 4 C for as long as three days. Freeze-thaw recovery was about 97 per cent, and freeze-thaw-wash recovery about 90 per cent. Twenty-three units were transfused after 1 to 3 days of post-wash storage, and 13 units were perfused through an infant bubble oxygenator for as long as three hours before transfusion. The 24-hour posttransfusion survival values were about 80 per cent and oxygen transport function was either normal or improved whether or not the units were perfused before transfusion.
Reactions of Enamel Surfaces and Neutral Calcium Phosphate Solutions After Combinations of Topical APF and SnF2

Etched enamel surfaces were treated topically with combinations of acid phosphate fluoride and stannous fluoride solutions, and then exposed to constantly recirculated neutral calcium phosphate solutions. The calcium, phosphate, fluoride, and hydrogen ion reactions with the variously treated surfaces were compared. Results showed concurrent dissolution of calcium fluoride and diffusion of hydrogen fluoride from the surfaces, and indicated concurrent deposition of apatitic mineral into the surfaces.