cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing the use of geometric mean and anterior only data in gastric emptying studies

2706 Objectives The SNMMI suggests that a gastric emptying procedure be performed using the geometric mean of counts obtained in anterior and posterior views. In some circumstances it is impossible to get both anterior and posterior views for certain patients, such as those who are bedridden or cannot stand for the appropriate length of time. The purpose of this study was to determine if using only counts obtained from an anterior view would yield the same diagnosis. Methods This study looks into whether using anterior count data obtained during a gastric emptying study is sufficient when posterior data is unable to be collected. 43 patients were selected from Froedtert Hospital, where the procedures were performed between August 2012 and October 2012. All patients studied ate chicken livers injected with Tc-99m Sulfur Colloid and mixed with a microwavable beef stew. The count results were then studied using both the anterior count information only and the geometric mean of posterior and anterior count information. Statistical analysis was performed in order to compare the two sets of data. Results It was determined that 14% of patients had a change in their overall diagnosis using the anterior only data. A Chi-Square Test was performed using one degree of freedom and a predetermined level of significance of .05. A Chi-Square value of 9.66 was calculated and a p-value of Conclusions From this study, it can be concluded that substituting a procedure utilizing only anterior image data is not as diagnostically accurate due to the significant difference seen in the statistical comparison. Further studies should be performed looking into result changes when left anterior oblique views are collected instead. Research Support Donohoe, K., Maurer, A., Ziessman, H., Urbain, J., Royal, H., and Martin-Comin, J. (2009, July). Procedure Guideline for Solid Gastric-Emptying Study 3.0. Retrieved from http://www.snm.org/guidelines.
Incidence of Clear Cell Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma in Low-Grade Renal Cell Carcinoma Cases A 12-Year Retrospective Clinicopathologic Study From a Single Cancer Center

Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma (CCPRCC) is a recently recognized subtype of renal cell carcinoma entity after 2004 World Health Organization classification of renal tumors. CCPRCC has unique histomorphological and immunohistochemical characteristics. The distinction of CCPRCC from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with clear cell morphology is crucial because the former is considered to have a favorable clinical outcome. CCPRCC may be interpreted in the past as other renal cell carcinomas, particularly low-grade clear cell RCC. In this study, the frequency of CCPRCC in previously diagnosed low-grade RCC and its clinicopathologic features were examined. A total of 126 cases of stage T1a with low nuclear grade RCC were identified from 625 consecutive RCCs removed by radical/partial nephrectomy over 12-year period (2000-2011). Archival tissue sections were retrospectively reviewed along with patient medical charts. Eight cases (1.3% of all RCC, 6.3% of pT1a low grade RCC) with characteristic histologic features of CCPRCC were confirmed by immunohistochemical studies. Seven cases were previously diagnosed as clear cell RCC and one as multilocular cystic RCC. Radiographically, CCPRCC favored a mid-pole location in the kidneys. At a median follow-up period of 52 months (range 20-114.5 months), there were no cases of local or distant recurrence. In conclusion, CCPRCC is not uncommon among small low-grade RCC tumors. CCPRCC can be correctly recognized by its unique histomorphological features and confirmed by immunohistochemistry studies, which is important due to the excellent clinical outcome following resection.
Efficient stationary multivariate non-Gaussian simulation based on a Hermite PDF model

Abstract An efficient stationary multivariate non-Gaussian simulation method is developed using spectral representation and third order Hermite polynomial translation. An approximate closed form relationship is employed to identify the Hermite translation parameters based on target skewness and kurtosis. This preserves a high degree of accuracy over the entire admissible range of the Hermite translation, and eliminates the need for iterative solution of the translation parameters. The Hermite PDF model is suitable for a wide range of strongly non-Gaussian stochastic process. In addition, an explicit bidirectional relationship between the target non-Gaussian and Gaussian correlation is developed to eliminate the need for iteration or numerical integration to identify the underlying Gaussian correlation. Examples apply the simulation method to both theoretical targets and experimental wind pressure data.
Long-Term Outcomes and Complications Following Anterior and Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery

The past several decades have seen tremendous progress in the technology and techniques used in cervical spine surgery. Regardless of the technique, anatomical approach, or implants used, the long-term goals of spine surgery, including neurologic decompression and vertebral column stability, remain unchanged. Furthermore, achievement of these outcomes with minimal complications is of utmost importance. By critically evaluating the various techniques available and their respective long-term outcomes and complications, surgeons can provide their patients with more optimized surgical solutions.
Mechanical Control of Bacterial Cell Shape

In bacteria, cytoskeletal filament bundles such as MreB control the cell morphology and determine whether the cell takes on a spherical or a rod-like shape. Here we use a theoretical model to describe the interplay of cell wall growth, mechanics, and cytoskeletal filaments in shaping the bacterial cell. We predict that growing cells without MreB exhibit an instability that favors rounded cells. MreB can mechanically reinforce the cell wall and prevent the onset of instability. We propose that the overall bacterial shape is determined by a dynamic turnover of cell wall material that is controlled by mechanical stresses in the wall. The model affirms that morphological transformations with and without MreB are reversible, and quantitatively describes the growth of irregular shapes and cells undergoing division. The theory also suggests a unique coupling between mechanics and chemistry that can control organismal shapes in general.
Optimization and interpretation of absorbance response in the determination of formaldehyde with chromotropic acid

Abstract The absorbance response for a fixed amount of formaldehyde can be optimized as a function of concentrated sulfuric acid volume and aqueous chromotropic acid volume. Factorial experiments verified the existence of optimum levels for each of these factors; the analysis of variance provided estimates of the significance of each of the factors and of their interaction. Interpretation of the data is based on a model that assumes an optimum value for the volume of sulfuric acid in the total volume.
The technology evolving culture: character and consequence

Out of the Renaissance, a new Technology Evolving Culture emerged that transformed every aspect of personal and social existence. The part of the world that has participated only peripherally in this process is now riven with an antithetical movement that challenges the existence of the Technology Evolving Culture. Evidently, for both sides survival is at stake.
Red companion: A new red potato variety for fresh market

Red Companion is a medium-early maturing variety with round tubers, stable red skin, and white flesh. Its intended use is as a tablestock variety. Red Companion has consistently outyielded Dark Red Norland in state and regional trials. The vines are more vigorous and mature 10 days later than those of Dark Red Norland. Red Companion has a higher specific gravity and longer tuber dormancy than does Dark Red Norland. The sloughing of Red Companion potatoes after boiling is less than for Dark Red Norland or Red Pontiac. Less shatter bruise was found when handled in cold storage. Red Companion is less susceptible to soft rot (Erwinia carotovora) and corky ring spot (Tobacco Rattle Virus) than Dark Red Norland and has a medium resistance to early blight (Alternaria solani).
The Thyroid Hormone Receptor Variant α2 Is a Weak Antagonist because It Is Deficient in Interactions with Nuclear Receptor Corepressors

The thyroid hormone receptor splice variant, α2, is unable to bind thyroid hormone (T3) and has been proposed to function as an endogenous inhibitor of T3 action. In this report, we examined further the DNA sequence requirements for α2 binding to thyroid hormone response elements (TREs) in an attempt to identify response elements that mediate potent inhibition by α2. Heterodimers of α2 and retinoid X receptor were found to bind to a subset of TREs (DR4, direct repeats spaced by 4 bp) in which selected flanking and spacer sequences enhanced interactions with the AGGTCA core binding sequence. Despite the optimization of the TRE-binding sites, α2 remained a weak dominant negative inhibitor of TRE-driven transcription. A promoter interference assay was also developed for testing inhibition by α2. In these studies, α2 blocked gene transcription, but it required cotransfected retinoid X receptor, and it was not as potent as unliganded thyroid hormone receptors. These results led to the hypothesis that α2 might ...
On Being An Ink Blot: Disability Meets Euthanasia

: People encountering the disabled often reveal in their reactions a distaste for disability that comes from pity rather than solidarity; when that pity is traced to its roots, such people are capable of urging the disabled toward a “merciful death,” rather than offering any solidarity. The result is acceptance of euthanasia for the disabled. At stake is the difference between grace and works: for a disabled person by his or her mere presence reveals one's dependence on grace. But if one can “help” the disabled one, then one gains a sense of control that comes with works.
Characterization of an Oxidation-Resistant Tumor Cell Line and Its Sensitivity to Immune Response and Chemotherapy

Aerobic cells have several scavenger systems for protection from reactive oxygen species (ROS). We developed an ROS-resistant variant of the human erythroleukemic cell line K562 by culturing cells in glucose oxidase to produce hydrogen peroxide. Testing the activity of the scavenger systems for ROS showed these cells had a 25- to 28-fold increase in catalase activity. We therefore termed this variant cell line K562-CAT. There was no similar increase in glutathione content or activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. To determine what effect the increased catalase activity would have on the immune response to these tumor cells, we compared K562 and K562-CAT sensitivity to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) activated polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN), natural killer (NK), and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. K562-CAT showed a significant increase in resistance to TNF alpha-activated PMN but not to NK or LAK, confirming the role of ROS in the former but not the latter. We also tested K562-CAT sensitivity to cisplatin and mitomycin C, agents known to involve ROS in their cytotoxic mechanism. There was no increased resistance in K562-CAT compared to parental K562, indicating that catalase is not involved in tumor cell resistance to those drugs. Given the characteristics of its resistance to the immune response, K562-CAT or a similar catalase-hyperexpressing cell line could be useful in determining the significance of TNF alpha-activated PMN in antitumor defenses.
Comorbid symptoms in toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder with the DSM-IV-TR and the DSM-5 criteria

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is correlated with a high probability of comorbid psychopathology. Comorbid symptoms are often equally impairing and deserving of intervention. With publication of the DSM-5, it is likely that many children who would have met the previous DSM-IV-TR criteria for ASD will not be diagnosed under the current criteria. The aim of this study is to examine common comorbid symptom categories (i.e., tantrum/conduct, inattention/impulsivity, avoidance, anxiety/repetitive behavior, and eating/sleep problems) of children who exhibit significant ASD symptoms but do not meet DSM-5 criteria. The study included toddlers who meet DSM-5 criteria for ASD; 320 who meet DSM-IV-TR criteria only, and a comparison group of 1951 atypically developing toddlers referred for evaluation but who did not meet either set of ASD criteria. Unsurprisingly, toddlers meeting the more stringent DSM-5 ASD criteria also exhibited greater comorbid symptoms, especially anxiety/repetitive behavior. Those who met only DSM-IV-TR criteria exhibited more comorbid symptoms than the atypically developing group in all categories, most notably inattention/impulsivity and tantrum/conduct. As the new DSM-5 criteria are adopted, researchers and clinicians should consider those who do not meet criteria for ASD may still have symptoms warranting assessment or intervention.
Establishing metaphorical reasoning in children with autism

Researchers have shown that children with autism have difficulty with non-literal language, such as irony, sarcasm, deception, humor, and metaphors. To date, few studies have attempted to remediate these deficits, and no studies of which we are aware have attempted to teach children with autism to understand metaphors. Metaphorical reasoning consists of complex verbal behavior, involving relations of coordination, hierarchy, and distinction, at a minimum. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate multiple exemplar training for teaching children with autism to attend to relevant features of the context in which a metaphor is used and to engage in the required relational responding in order to respond correctly to metaphorical questions. Participants included three children, ages 5–7. Results suggest that multiple exemplar training is effective for teaching children with autism to understand metaphors. Furthermore, generalization to untrained metaphors was found for all participants.
Inhibition of mitochondrial Ca2+ release diminishes the effectiveness of methyl mercury to release acetylcholine from synaptosomes.

The interaction of methyl mercury (MeHg) with nerve-terminal mitochondria as a potential mechanism for its effects on the release of acetylcholine (ACh) was studied using rat brain synaptosomes. The primary goal was to assess the relative contribution of extracellular Ca2+ and Ca2+ released from nerveterminal mitochondria to the previously described stimulatory effects of MeHg on spontaneous release of ACh. A secondary goal was to address possible mechanisms by which MeHg might interact with nerve-terminal mitochondria to elicit Ca2+ discharge and subsequent release of ACh. MeHg depressed the highaffinity uptake of [3H]choline into synaptosomes by approximately 25 and 45% when synaptosomes were incubated with [3H]choline in the presence of 10 and 100 μm MeHg, respectively. In Ca2+-containing solutions, 10 and 100 μm MeHg increased the release of [3H]ACh from [3H]choline-loaded synaptosomes by 10 and 30%, respectively; this effect was maximal at 10 sec. Excluding Ca2+ from the reaction medium diminished the effectiveness of both 10 and 100 μm MeHg for inducing [3H]ACh release by about 30 and 25%, respectively, from that of Ca2+-containing solutions; however, significant increases still occurred in nominally Ca2+-free solutions. Ruthenium red (RR), an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca2+ transport, was tested for its ability to disrupt MeHg-induced release. RR alone increased [3H]ACh release by 8–10 and 10–13% at 20 and 60 μm, respectively. RR-induced release was attenuated only slightly in Ca2+-free solutions. Preincubation of [3H]choline-loaded synaptosomes with RR reduced the stimulatory effect of MeHg on release of [3H]ACh both in the presence and in the absence of Ca2+. The fluorescent potentiometric carbocyanine dye diS-C2(5) was used to assess the ability of RR to prevent MeHg-induced depolarization of intrasynaptosomal mitochondria. RR (20 μm) itself did not depolarize the mitochondrial membrane potential, nor did it prevent MeHg from depolarizing the mitochondria. The results indicate that extracellular Ca2+ contributes only partially to MeHg-induced spontaneous release of ACh. The results with RR suggest that MeHg interacts with mitochondria to induce release of bound intraterminal Ca2+ stores, resulting ultimately in stimulated release of ACh. The ability of RR to prevent release of mitochondrial Ca2+ and, subsequently, ACh is not due to prevention of access of MeHg to the mitochondria, nor to stabilization of the mitochondrial membrane. Finally, MeHg reduces choline uptake into nerve terminals. Thus, MeHg could interfere with cholinergic neurotransmission by affecting the regulatory step in ACh synthesis and by increasing the spontaneous release of transmitter. This combination of events would result in depletion of the readily releasable pool of ACh in axon terminals.
Water-activated disposable and long shelf life microbatteries ☆

Abstract Water-activated microbatteries with long shelf life have been demonstrated based on a one-mask micromachining process for the first time. Magnesium is used as the anode and silver chloride or cuprous chloride is used as the cathode in the prototype demonstration. Adding water or aqueous solutions activate the electrochemical reactions between the anode and cathode to release electricity. Experimentally, a maximum output voltage was measured at 1.65 V using silver chloride cathode and the maximum operation capacity has been demonstrated to be more than 1.86 mWh when an electrode area of 12 mm ×12 mm was used. As such, these microbatteries have great potential to be integrated with micro devices as the power sources for microsystems, such as disposable diagnostics and BioMEMS chips.
Inhibition and Labeling of the Coated Vesicle V-ATPase by 2-Azido-[32P]ATP

Previous studies have indicated that the 73-kDa A subunit of the coated vesicle V-ATPase possesses a nucleotide-binding site essential for activity (Arai, H., Berne, M., Terres, G., Terres, H., Puopolo, K., and Forgac, M.(1987) Biochemistry 26, 6632-6638) and have identified a cysteine residue (Cys254) whose modification leads to complete loss of activity (Feng, Y., and Forgac, M.(1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 5817-5822). To further characterize the structure of the nucleotide-binding sites of the V-ATPase, labeling studies using the photoactivated analog 2-azido-[32P]ATP have been carried out. We have observed that 2-azido-[32P]ATP is hydrolyzed by the V-ATPase at a rate (at 1 mM) approximately 4-fold lower than observed for ATP, indicating that 2-azido-[32P]ATP is a good substrate for the V-ATPase. Irradiation of the V-ATPase in the presence of 0.5 mM 2-azido-[32P]ATP leads to inactivation of V-ATPase activity with a t of 3-5 min. The 73-kDa A subunit, the 58-kDa B subunit, and the 50-kDa subunit of the AP-2 adaptin complex (Myers, M., and Forgac, M.(1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 9184-9186) are all labeled in an ATP-protectable manner on irradiation of the purified V-ATPase with 2-azido-[32P]ATP. The time course for inactivation most closely correlates with labeling of the A subunit. Measurement of the stoichiometry of 2-azido-[32P]ATP incorporation into the A subunit as a function of inactivation indicates that complete loss of activity is obtained on incorporation of 1.2 mol of 2-azido-[32P]ATP/mol V-ATPase complex. 2-Azido-[32P]ATP labeling indicates that the V-ATPase possesses both rapidly (t 2 min) exchangeable nucleotide-binding sites. The A subunit is labeled upon modification of both rapidly and slowly exchangeable sites whereas the B subunit is labeled upon modification of only rapidly exchangeable sites. Inhibition of V-ATPase activity correlates with labeling of the rapidly exchangeable sites. Amino acid sequence analysis of peptides derived from the 2-azido-[32P]ATP-labeled A subunit indicates labeling of two peptides: a 12-kDa fragment which begins at residue 511 and contains Cys532 and a 3-kDa fragment which begins at residue 233 and contains the glycine-rich loop and Cys254. Only the 12-kDa fragment is labeled upon modification of the rapidly exchangeable sites. A 12-kDa V8 peptide, which begins at residue 375 of the B subunit is also labeled by 2-azido-[32P]ATP under conditions which modify the rapidly exchangeable sites. These results provide further information concerning the nucleotide-binding sites on the V-ATPase A and B subunits. The differences in nucleotide-binding sites between F- and V-ATPases are also discussed.
Toward a uniform theory of clastic sediment yield in fluvial systems

Sediment is delivered to streams by creep, slope wash, rill and gully erosion, and collapse of oversteepened banks. The first three of these operate on all transportlimited slopes. Their efficacy varies directly with precipitation (or runoff) and inversely with vegetation cover. Sediment yield from these processes is also likely to increase with slope angle and, in the case of slope wash and rill erosion, with rainfall intensity and slope length. Sloughing from oversteepened banks, however, occurs where rivers are actively cutting into valley sides. The frequency of occurrence of such locations increases with the mean slope angle, and the frequency of collapse increases with runoff. Thus, this process is likely to be dominant in mountainous areas with high runoff. Expressing these effects analytically leads to a tentative general relation for specific sediment yield. If we had sufficient knowledge of the various parameters involved, this relation could be integrated over a basin to obtain the total yield. At present, however, its main value is to draw attention to the numerous assumptions implicit in many much simpler equations in common use.
Stress and the inflammatory response: a review of neurogenic inflammation.

The subject of neuroinflammation is reviewed. In response to psychological stress or certain physical stressors, an inflammatory process may occur by release of neuropeptides, especially Substance P (SP), or other inflammatory mediators, from sensory nerves and the activation of mast cells or other inflammatory cells. Central neuropeptides, particularly corticosteroid releasing factor (CRF), and perhaps SP as well, initiate a systemic stress response by activation of neuroendocrinological pathways such as the sympathetic nervous system, hypothalamic pituitary axis, and the renin angiotensin system, with the release of the stress hormones (i.e., catecholamines, corticosteroids, growth hormone, glucagons, and renin). These, together with cytokines induced by stress, initiate the acute phase response (APR) and the induction of acute phase proteins, essential mediators of inflammation. Central nervous system norepinephrine may also induce the APR perhaps by macrophage activation and cytokine release. The increase in lipids with stress may also be a factor in macrophage activation, as may lipopolysaccharide which, I postulate, induces cytokines from hepatic Kupffer cells, subsequent to an enhanced absorption from the gastrointestinal tract during psychologic stress. The brain may initiate or inhibit the inflammatory process. The inflammatory response is contained within the psychological stress response which evolved later. Moreover, the same neuropeptides (i.e., CRF and possibly SP as well) mediate both stress and inflammation. Cytokines evoked by either a stress or inflammatory response may utilize similar somatosensory pathways to signal the brain. Other instances whereby stress may induce inflammatory changes are reviewed. I postulate that repeated episodes of acute or chronic psychogenic stress may produce chronic inflammatory changes which may result in atherosclerosis in the arteries or chronic inflammatory changes in other organs as well.
Distinct Signaling from Stem Cell Factor and Erythropoietin in HCD57 Cells

A recent report (Wu, H., Klingmuller, U., Besmer, P., and Lodish, H. F. (1995) Nature 377, 242-246) documents the interaction of the erythropoietin (EPO) receptor (EPOR) with the stem cell factor (SCF) receptor (c-KIT) and suggests that SCF acts through the EPOR. To elucidate the ability of SCF to affect the erythropoietin signaling pathway, we studied the effect of SCF on EPOR phosphorylation, SHC/ERK-1 activity, and cell proliferation and apoptosis in EPO-dependent HCD57 cells. Treatment of these cells with SCF resulted in phosphorylation of the EPOR. However, SCF-dependent phosphorylation of the EPOR did not initiate an EPO-like intracellular signal. SCF induced proliferation, SHC phosphorylation, and activation of ERK-1 but did not activate the JAK/STAT pathway. SCF stimulated SHC phosphorylation and ERK-1 activation independent of the EPOR in cells where the EPOR was down-regulated; the presence of the EPOR appeared to facilitate SCF activation of SHC and ERK-1. Furthermore, treatment of HCD57 cells with SCF increased cell number over a 3-day treatment, but apoptosis was observed in these cells. These data may illustrate two distinct pathways for erythroid cell proliferation and prevention of apoptosis in response to EPO, thereby providing a system to discriminate these intracellular signals.
Casting the first 8.4-m borosilicate honeycomb mirror for the Large Binocular Telescope

We report on the casting of the first 8.4 meter diameter borosilicate honeycomb mirror at the Steward Observatory Mirror Laboratory. This blank will become the world's largest monolithic glass telescope mirror, and is the first of two mirrors for the large Binocular Telescope Project. The honeycomb 8.4 meter mirror was cast from 21 tons of E6 borosilicate glass manufactured by Ohara. This glass is melted into a mold constructed of aluminosilicate fiber to produce a honeycomb structure with roughly 20% of solid density. The 1662 hexagonal voids that form the honeycomb structure are produced by ceramic fiber boxes bolted to the bottom of the mold with SiC bolts. The furnace rotates at 6.8 rpm during the casting process to produce the F/1.14 paraboloid on the front surface. This shaping minimizes the amount of glass which must be removed during the grinding process. The front faceplate of the mirror will be 28 mm thick after generating and the back faceplate will be 25 mm. The overall thickness of the finished honeycomb blank is 89 cm at the outer edge and 44 cm at the central hole. The first 8.4 meter mirror blank was cast in January 1997. During the casting, two tons of glass leaked from the mold inside the spinning furnace. After a three month annealing cycle the furnace was opened for inspection. As a result of the leakage about 2 square meters of the faceplate near one edge of the mirror was too thin to be polished. In April 1997, an additional two tons of glass was loaded on top of the intact honeycomb structure. In June 1997, after heating slowly back to the annealing temperature, this extra glass was flash melted onto the front of the blank to assure that the faceplate was of sufficient thickness. After a further three month annealing cycle, the furnace was re-opened to reveal a superb casting with low bubble content and little trace of the fusion boundary. The blank has been removed from the furnace using a fixture glued to the upper surface of the blank. It will soon be stripped of its mold material in preparation for polishing.
Sonolytic enhancement of the bactericidal activity of irradiated titanium dioxide suspensions in water

Irradiated TiO2 suspensions in water were used to inactivate Escherichia coli and Hansenula polymorpha. Two types of batch reactors employing static and recirculating solutions were used in this study. Sonolysis using a 20 kHz ultrasonic unit was found to enhance the microorganism inactivation in all instances, although the enhancement was more modest for the batch recirculation reactor. These data are interpreted within the framework of four possible mechanisms. The mechanism based on sonolytic creation of ·OH appears to provide the most satisfactory explanation of the data trends. The present data also implicate ·OH as the dominant bactericidal agent in irradiated TiO2 suspensions.
Crash behavior of box columns filled with aluminum honeycomb or foam

Abstract The effect of low density filler material, such as aluminum honeycomb or foam, on the axial crushing resistance of a square box column under quasi-static loading conditions is studied. Numerical simulation shows that in terms of achieving maximum energy absorption, filling the box column with aluminum honeycomb can be preferable to thickening the column wall. Superior specific energy absorption is also obtained by filling the column with moderate or high strength aluminum foam. Simple formulas for the relationship between mean crushing force and the strength of filler are developed. Moreover, the presence of adhesive increases energy absorption significantly compared to unbonded filling.
Research in music and artificial intelligence

Although the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI) remain elusive, computers can now perform musical tasks that were formerly associated exclusively with naturally intelligent musicians. After a historical note, this paper sermonizes on the need for AI techniques in four areas of musical research: composition, performance, music theory, and digital sound processing. The next part surveys recent work involving AI and music. The discussion concentrates on applications in the four areas of research just mentioned. The final part examines how AI techniques of planning and learning could be used to expand the knowledge base and enrich the behavior of musically intelligent systems.
Depressive Syndrome in Children Entering a Residential School Subsequent to Parent Death, Divorce, or Separation

A sample ( N = 105) of boys (78%) and girls 8–16 years old, who had experienced loss of one or both parents (death, divorce, or separation), were studied for depressive syndrome both on admission to a private residential school and 9 months later. At baseline, 31% were identified as depressed based on the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). At follow-up, this baseline depressed group had significantly more houseparent discipline and major subject failures. At both times, the depressed group scores were significantly higher on the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale and houseparent and teacher Child Behavior Checklists. The authors conclude that the CDI permits early identification of children in an at-risk population who are experiencing a depressive syndrome associated with subsequent poor adjustment in residential school.
A resident cycle and patient reactions.

Abstract The effects of a resident cycle and other staff variables on patient behavior were studied on two closed psychiatric wards. It was found that the longer the residents are on the ward, the better the patients sleep, and the more increases there are of level of medication, although these two effects are independent.
The impact of economic regulation on attempts to curb expense preference behavior: a micro-data analysis of CEO compensation schemes for electric utilities

This study uses a large, micro data set to present evidence which suggests that owners of regulated electric utilities have little incentive to structure CEO compensation packages in an effort to curb potential expense preference behavior. Because such potential behavior occurs, or would occur, at no cost to the firm (or the firm's owners), little incentive exists to structure compensation schemes in a way that would curb such behavior (e.g. by compensating them with incentive bonus plans and stock options). The results presented here augment those which examine other industries (e.g. banking) in an effort to point out the relationships between ownership organization, political involvement and expense preference behavior.
Kinetic theory of inhomogeneous systems

A theory is developed which treats the coupled equations of the various hierarchies as simultaneous equations in time. This scheme proceeds by successive approximations rather than a power series expansion in the small parameter ([nλd3]−1 in a plasma, nr03 in a Boltzmann gas). The theory is suitable for the derivation of equations for nonuniform and force driven systems. Examples are given for a plasma and a Boltzmann gas.
A Targeted, Conventional Assay, Emergency Department HIV Testing Program Integrated With Existing Clinical Procedures

Objective Various HIV testing models have been described, but widespread implementation has lagged. We describe a clinical HIV testing program notable for its use of conventional (nonrapid) assays, native hospital personnel, and an electronic system to aid targeted patient selection. Methods Clinical HIV testing program records and hospital emergency department (ED) and laboratory records were reviewed and linked for the period from January 2007 until November 5, 2008. Results There were 103,475 visits to the ED, for which 1,258 (1.2%) resulted in HIV testing, and 54 (4.3%) were positive for HIV antibody. Result notification was successful for 52 (96%) individuals with positive test results. After reporting to the health department, it was determined that 28 (2.2%) individuals had received a new diagnosis, of whom 89% were linked with care. Mean baseline CD4 counts for new diagnoses for periods 1 through 3, respectively, were (1) unavailable, (2) 138 cells/μL (95% confidence interval [CI] 34 to 242 cells/μL), and (3) 222 cells/μL (95% CI 119 to 325 cells/μL). Overall, mean calculated to be 180 cells/μL (95% CI 16 to 345 cells/μL). Conclusion This ED HIV testing model successfully expanded new patient identification, result notification, and linkage to care. Although this effort falls short of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, the model can be implemented widely without external funding for parallel staffing or rapid assays.
Asymptotic expansions in certain second order nonhomogeneous differential equations

In the nonoscillation theory of ordinary differential equations the asymptotic behaviour of the solutions has often been described by exhibiting asymptotic expansions for these solutions. A fundamental illustration of this technique may be found in Hille [6] wherein the linearly independent solutions of a second order homogeneous differential equation were described by single termed asymptotic expansions. For the dominant solution, this result was successively extended by Waltman in [8] for a second order equation and in [9] for an n th order equation. A further generalization of these results appears in [3] where a complete n th order nonhomogeneous nonlinear differential equation was considered; again, asymptotic representations were given to describe the behaviour of the solutions of the differential equation. Moore and Nehari [7], Wong [10], [11], and Hale and Onuchic [2], also use asymptotic representations in discussing the behaviour of the solutions of certain differential equations. All of the above results are essentially perturbation problems with the unperturbed linear differential equation having the form y ( n ) = h ( t ) for some n and h ( t ).
Characterization of nanoparticle-based contrast agents for molecular magnetic resonance imaging

The development of molecular imaging agents is currently undergoing a dramatic expansion. As of October 2011, ~4,800 newly developed agents have been synthesized and characterized in vitro and in animal models of human disease. Despite this rapid progress, the transfer of these agents to clinical practice is rather slow. To address this issue, the National Institutes of Health launched the Molecular Imaging and Contrast Agents Database (MICAD) in 2005 to provide freely accessible online information regarding molecular imaging probes and contrast agents for the imaging community. While compiling information regarding imaging agents published in peer-reviewed journals, the MICAD editors have observed that some important information regarding the characterization of a contrast agent is not consistently reported. This makes it difficult for investigators to evaluate and meta-analyze data generated from different studies of imaging agents, especially for the agents based on nanoparticles. This article is intended to serve as a guideline for new investigators for the characterization of preclinical studies performed with nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agents. The common characterization parameters are summarized into seven categories: contrast agent designation, physicochemical properties, magnetic properties, in vitro studies, animal studies, MRI studies, and toxicity. Although no single set of parameters is suitable to define the properties of the various types of contrast agents, it is essential to ensure that these agents meet certain quality control parameters at the preclinical stage, so that they can be used without delay for clinical studies.
Current status of interstitial cystitis

Until recently, interstitial cystitis (IC) was considered a urologic curiosity, a rare problem that most urologists would see only a few times during a career. It was easy to diagnose, with strict and rigid criteria having been set early in this century [28]. This situation has changed drastically in the last 15 years, largely as a result of patients themselves, who have banded together in large, well-organized lobbying and self-help groups throughout North America. The medical catalyst for the change came from a paper published in 1978 by Messing and Stamey [39], who proposed that previous diagnostic criteria for the disease were too limited. IC is now a very controversial subject that has ignited the interest of physicians in many nations and has sparked a major basic scientific research effort to discern its etiology and discover potential treatment modalities. The major effort in the last 5 years has been devoted to the attempt to define the disorder. In this article we review the current status of interstitial cystitis with regard to issues of definition, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Finally, current avenues of research are discussed.
Associated Conditions. I

There are a number of anomalies, disease states, and physiologic conditions found in association with intracranial aneurysms. In some instances there may be an etiologic correlation (one in part causes the other or both are due to a common factor, whether acquired or congenital). In most instances the association is coincidental (i.e., a chance relationship). The previous two chapters describe many of these from the standpoint of a pathologist. This chapter further reviews some of these associations.
The price of citizenship : redefining the American welfare state

From the earliest poor laws to "the of welfare as we know it," the definitive examination of the question underlying all political debate in America: What does the government owe the individual? In The Price of Citizenship, the culmination of twenty years of research and writing, historian Michael B. Katz traces the evolution of the welfare state from colonial relief programs to the war on poverty to our own age of "compassionate conservatism." He argues that in the last decades three great forces -- a ferocious assault on depence; the devolution of authority from the federal government to the states; and the application of market models to social policy -- have affected every element of the social contract and redefined both Republican and Democratic policy and rhetoric. Katz shows how these changes are propelling America toward a future of increased inequality and decreased security, while transforming citizenship from a right of birth to a privilege available only to the fully employed. A magisterial overview, incisive and bold, The Price of Citizenship is sure to become a classic history of American welfare policy.
Conflict management among American and Chinese employees in multinational organizations in China

Purpose – This study aims to examine how American and Chinese employees of multinational organizations deal with conflict between them.Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews were conducted with 42 employees from 28 multinational organizations operating in China. A constant comparative method was used to analyze the data.Findings – The paper finds that both American and Chinese employees used various strategies to deal with conflict, such as integrating, insisting on one's own solution, compromising, yielding to authority, avoiding, passive resistance, dissolving the relationship, and a third‐party approach. In general, American participants were more likely to confront a conflict than Chinese participants. Findings of this study also indicate that differing motivations lead to the utilization of a common conflict management strategy.Research limitations/implications – The validity of this study might be compromised due to self‐reported responses. Future researchers need to further clarify defin...
Oxygen debt: Involvement of the Cori cycle

Tryptophan and quinolinic acid, inhibitors of gluconeogenesis, were used to block the removal of lactate by the liver in order to investigate the involvement of the Cori cycle in oxygen debt. Five male, mongrel dogs were run on a treadmill at 4 mph with a 20 percent grade for 19 min. The mean exercise $$\dot V_{O_2 }$$ was 80.67±3.11 ml/kg/min for the control tests while peak arterial lactate values ranged from 3.83 to 4.98 mM/l. When removal of lactate by the liver was blocked, oxygen debt showed a mean reduction of 44 percent. Moreover, oxygen consumption during the last minute of exercise was reduced by 11 percent. Fasting (72 h) was used in 1 dog to prevent the accumulation of lactate during exercise. This procedure reduced oxygen debt to the same level as when the removal of lactate by the liver was blocked with tryptophan and quinolinic acid. The data show that the lactacid as well as the alactacid component is involved in oxygen debt when lactate is being removed by the liver during the recovery period following exercise.
Vitamin C and Zinc Intakes are Related to Bone Macroarchitectural Structure and Strength in Prepubescent Girls

The extent to which nutrient intake may influ- ence bone structure and strength during maximal rates of skeletal growth remains uncertain. We examined the rela- tionship of dietary intake of micronutrients and bone mac- roarchitectural structure in young girls. This cross-sectional analysis included baseline data from 363 fourth- and sixth- grade girls enrolled in the Jump-In study. Nutrient intake was assessed using the Harvard Youth/Adolescent Food Fre- quency Questionnaire. Volumetric BMD (vBMD), bone geometry, and strength were measured by peripheral quan- titative computed tomography. Correlations and regression modeling assessed relations between usual nutrient intake and bone parameters. In fourth-grade girls, metaphyseal and diaphyseal area and circumferences as well as diaphyseal strength were associated with vitamin C intake (r = 0.15-0.19, p \ 0.05). Zinc intake was correlated with diaphyseal vBMD (r = 0.15-0.16, p \ 0.05). Using multi- ple linear regression to adjust for important covariates, we observed significant independent associations for vitamin C and zinc with bone parameters. For every milligram per day of vitamin C intake trabecular area increased by 11 %, cor- tical strength improved by 14 %, and periosteal and endos- teal circumferences increased by 5 and 8.6 %, respectively. For every milligram per day of zinc intake, cortical vBMD increased by \1 %. No significant associations were observed in sixth-grade girls. Results of this study suggests that vitamin C and zinc intake are positively associated with objective measures of bone geometry, size, and strength in fourth-grade girls. This indicates that potential differences in micronutrient and bone associations at various age-associ- ated stages of bone maturation may be indicative of com- peting hormonal influences.
Characterization of the molecular events following impairment of NF-κB-driven transcription in neurons

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a transcription factor with a pivotal role in neuronal homeostasis. Indeed, NF-kappaB trans-activates several antiapoptotic genes in neurons and inhibition of NF-kappaB transcriptional activity triggers neuronal apoptosis. However, the exact mechanisms by which neurons undergo apoptosis in conditions of NF-kappaB inhibition are poorly understood. To further clarify how NF-kappaB operates in neurons, and to gather information on the molecular events occurring during NF-kappaB inhibition-dependent neuronal apoptosis, this study evaluated the effects of recently identified NF-kappaB inhibitors such as parthenolide, SN50, BAY 11-7082 and helenalin on primary cultures of rat cortical neurons. Data show that NF-kappaB was constitutively activated in neurons, and demonstrate for the first time that drug-dependent NF-kappaB inhibition induced rapid mitochondrial release of cytochrome c, caspase-9 and -3 activation, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 cleavage, membrane blebbing and nuclear fragmentation, without evidence of procaspase-8 and Bid processing. Interestingly, a burst of Akt activation occurred in neurons exposed to NF-kappaB inhibitors. These events were preceded by selective reduction of mRNAs of NF-kappaB-dependent, antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members such as Bcl-x(L), Bcl-2 and, in particular, A1/Bfl-1. The present study reports a novel, detailed temporal analysis of the molecular events following impairment of NF-kappaB-driven transcription in neurons and demonstrates that inhibition of constitutive neuronal NF-kappaB activity triggers selective activation of the intrinsic apoptotic program.
Signal sequence and alanine-rich region of streptococcal protein antigen A of Streptococcus sobrinus can direct localization of alkaline phosphatase to the periplasm of Escherichia coli

Streptococcal protein antigen A (SpaA) of Streptococcus sobrinus is expressed on the surface of cells and extracellularly. TnphoA which lacks signals for transcription and membrane transport of Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase was used to analyze the sequences necessary for transport of a SpaA/PhoA fusion protein across the cytoplasmic membrane to the periplasm of E. coli cells. Of 15 alkaline phosphatase-producing isolates analyzed, all were found to localize more than 85% of the SpaA/PhoA hybrid protein to the periplasm of E. coli cells. From DNA sequence analysis, all were found to have TnphoA inserted into an identical site. The insertion site of TnphoA was downstream from the coding sequence that generates four tandemly repeated alanine-rich sequences of 82 amino acid residues. These results suggest that in addition to the signal sequence, mature protein sequences containing alanine-rich repeat sequences may play a role in the export of the SpaA protein across a bacterial membrane.
Abstract C229: Tumor-associated macrophages induce prostate tumorigenesis via CCL4/STAT3 signals.

Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) is a major player in the tumor microenvironment that supports cancer development and progression, but the molecular nature of macrophages in promoting prostate tumor initiation remains poorly defined. Here we report that, in an in vitro co-culture model, macrophages are able to induce prostate tumorigenesis of normal prostate epithelial cells. Functional in vitro analyses concluded that this tumorigenesis process is mediated by CCL4 dependent pathway and linked to increased epithelial cell proliferation and migration, STAT3 activation, p53/PTEN downregulation and an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In vivo suppression of the macrophage migration resulted in inhibition of prostate tumorigenesis, suggesting a distinct role for macrophages in prostate tumor development. Our data suggest that specifically targeting macrophage can inhibit the protumor function of TAMs, and highlight a new mechanism by which TAMs with inflammatory cytokine CCL4 could be new therapeutic targets to battle infiltrating macrophage-induced prostate tumorigenesis at the PIN developing stage. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C229.