cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of the N-terminal 118 amino acids in the processing of the rat renal mitochondrial glutaminase precursor.

Rat renal mitochondrial glutaminase (GA) is synthesized as a 74-kDa cytosolic precursor that is translocated into mitochondria and processed via a 72-kDa intermediate to yield a 3:1 ratio of mature 66- and 68-kDa subunits, respectively. The 66-kDa subunit is derived by removal of a 72-amino-acid presequence. The structural determinants necessary for translocation and proteolytic processing were further delineated by characterizing the processing of different chimeric constructs formed by fusing various segments of the N-terminal sequence of the GA precursor to chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT). GA 1-118CAT is translocated and processed in isolated rat liver mitochondria or cleaved by purified mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP) to yield an intermediate peptide and two mature subunits that are analogous to the products of processing of the GA precursor. The two reactions also occur with kinetics which are similar to those observed for processing of the GA precursor. Thus, all of the information required for the translocation and synthesis of the mature subunits of GA reside in the N-terminal 118 amino acids of the GA precursor. In contrast, GA 1-72CAT, a construct that contains the GA presequence fused to CAT, is apparently translocated and processed less efficiently. It yields only two peptides that are analogous to the intermediate and 68 kDa forms of GA. In addition, GA 1-31CAT associates with mitochondria but is not proteolytically processed and GA 1-31,73-118CAT is slowly translocated and processed to a single peptide that is analogous to the 66 kDa form of GA. The latter results suggest that the MPP cleavage reactions which yield the GA intermediate and the 66-kDa subunit depend primarily on information that is present C-terminal to the respective sites of cleavage.
Towards a simple model of compressible Alfvénic turbulence

A simple model of collisionless, dissipative, compressible magnetohtdrodynamics (Alfv\'enic) turbulence in a magnetized system is investigated. In contrast to more familiar paradigms of turbulence, dissipation arises from Landau damping, enters via nonlinearity, and is distributed over all scales. The theory predicts that two different regimes or phases of turbulence are possible, depending on the ratio of steepening to damping coefficient ${(m}_{1}{/m}_{2})$. For strong damping $(|{m}_{1}{/m}_{2}|l1)$, a regime of smooth, hydrodynamic turbulence is predicted. For $|{m}_{1}{/m}_{2}|g1$, steady state turbulence does not exist in the hydrodynamic limit. Rather, spikey, small scale structure is predicted.
A High Efficiency Device for the Detection of Radioactive Xenon Isotopes

Abstract A detector has been designed for the detection of sub-Becquerel amounts of the radioactive xenon isotopes 131mXe and 133Xe. High efficiency has been obtained by the condensation of the sample directly onto the surfaces of two closely spaced silicon surface-barrier detectors. The measurement of the 131mXe is based on the detection of the conversion electrons. The 133Xe measurement is obtained by detection of the 81 keV photon in a NaI detector that nearly surrounds the silicon detectors. The minimum detectable activity for 133Xe is 0.015 Bq. For a 131mXe sample with no 133Xe present, the minimum detectable activity is about 0.003 Bq.
J IC measured with mechanically unstable test specimens with finite differences in crack areas

An energy balance formulation of nonlinear fracture mechanics is presented. The analysis assumes that the load, P, the loadpoint displacement, X, and the crack area can be measured. A thermodynamic description of any elastic cracked solid is formulated. The tearing modulus is related to dP/dX during crack growth in any elastic specimen. Some general relations, including stability, that apply to nonlinear fracture systems are found. It is shown that large changes in dP/dX accompany the onset of crack propagation in unstable test specimens. Finally, it is shown how four test specimens could be used to evaluate J. These are two specimens with sharp cracks, having finite differences in crack areas and two other specimens, with blunt cracks, matching the initial compliances of the sharp cracked specimens. Departure of the blunted and sharp cracked specimens' load displacement curves establishes when the onset of crack propagation occurs. The area between the load displacement curves of specimens with a finite difference in crack area in used to find J. Experimentally, it was found that for three-point bend specimens with short cracks that this method gives an equivalent critical K comparable with KIC for Ti-6Al-4V. However, in a rotor steel, ASTM A471, the full four specimen testing procedures establish that crack propagation occurs before maximum load. The equivalent K for this case is 20% less than KIC.
MONKEYS, TYPEWRITERS, AND OBJECTIVE CONSEQUENTIALISM

There have been several recent attempts to refute objective consequentialism on the grounds that it implies the absurd conclusion that even the best of us act wrongly. Some have argued that we act wrongly from time to time; others have argued that we act wrongly regularly. Here I seek to strengthen reductio arguments against objective consequentialism by showing that objective consequentialism implies that we almost never act rightly. I show that no matter what you do, there is almost certainly something else you could do that would have even better consequences. If objective consequentialism is true, the ratio of the number of your right actions to the number of your wrong actions is very close to zero.
A Representation of the Structure of DNA

The second representation (Figure 2), admittedly an over-simplification, is often employed to illustrate replication or transcription because of the greater clarity it permits in showing the complimentarity of the bases. For reasons to be detailed later we have found both of these drawings inadequate for conveying a concept of the essential relations of the units in DNA. That others also find the drawings confusing is shown by the analogy frequently made between DNA and a spiral stairway, an analogy which is quite misleading in several respects as will appear below. Of course many texts also include pictures of atomic models of the "spacefilling" or "stick-type" but because of their complexity these reveal little of the pertinent detail. In fact, in our experience such models when available in the laboratory require much more extensive study than most students can give before they can be understood. I thought it worthwhile, therefore, to attempt to produce an analytic drawing of the molecule that would bring out the essential relationships of the parts clearly and simply enough for practical classroom use (Figure 3). Some of the points I wished to illustrate are: 1) the positioning of the two backbones relative to each other and to the circumference
24"x 20" precision photomasks manufacture

Large area masks (LAMs) and 1X lithography are being used in the manufacturing of large area electronic devices. Some of these devices include, but are not limited to: flat panel displays (FPDs), active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs), electroluminescent flat panel displays (ELFPD), plasma display panels (PDPs), multichip modules (MCMs), and advanced interconnect systems. The use of LAMs along with 1X lithography reduces the cost of manufacturing these types of devices. However, there are several challenges in the manufacturing of LAMs. The first challenge is the lack of large area, quality substrates with quality coatings. The different types of substrates and the coatings presently available for large area photomasks are reviewed. The second challenge comes in dealing with the limitations of commercially available exposure systems used in writing LAMs. In this paper, we present an overview of several exposure systems, now available, and their resolution capabilities. The third challenge is the lack of availability of systems for the processing of photomasks larger than 14' by 14'. Processing systems for manual and automatic plate loading are also discussed. The final challenge to manufacture LAMs is inspection and quality certification. Presently, there is a void of commercially available metrology tools that can be used to measure and quantify defects on LAMs. Metrology techniques available for certifying finished LAMs are discussed along with their quality assurance capabilities. Current LAMs availability and specifications are also presented including LAMs with active areas as large as 20' by 18' (508 by 450 mm) and CDs of 2.0 micrometer.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Posterior migration of the salivary gland requires an intact visceral mesoderm and integrin function

The final overall shape of an organ and its position within the developing embryo arise as a consequence of both its intrinsic properties and its interactions with surrounding tissues. Here, we focus on the role of directed cell migration in shaping and positioning the Drosophila salivary gland. We demonstrate that the salivary gland turns and migrates along the visceral mesoderm to become properly oriented with respect to the overall embryo. We show that salivary gland posterior migration requires the activities of genes that position the visceral mesoderm precursors, such as heartless, thickveins, and tinman, but does not require a differentiated visceral mesoderm. We also demonstrate a role for integrin function in salivary gland migration. Although the mutations affecting salivary gland motility and directional migration cause defects in the final positioning of the salivary gland, most do not affect the length or diameter of the salivary gland tube. These findings suggest that salivary tube dimensions may be an intrinsic property of salivary gland cells.
Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric osteoporosis

Purpose of reviewProgress toward identifying and treating disorders of bone fragility in pediatric patients has been considerable in recent years. This article will summarize several key advances in the management of osteoporosis in children and adolescents.Recent findingsRecommendations from the 20
Impact of the Ovulatory Cycle on Virologic and Immunologic Markers in HIV-Infected Women

An individual's sex influences plasma human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA level and rate of CD4 cell decline, but the mechanism for this effect is currently unknown. To determine the effect of the ovulatory cycle on HIV-1 RNA level and lymphocyte subsets in HIV-infected women, blood specimens were obtained weekly from 14 women infected with HIV. Participants reported regular menses and were not using hormonal medications or narcotics. The occurrence of ovulation was verified by use of endocrine criteria. Ovulation occurred in 10 of the 14 women. Among women who ovulated, median HIV-1 RNA level fell by a median of 0.16 log10 from the early follicular phase to the midluteal phase (P=.03, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). When women who did not ovulate were included in the analysis, no significant fluctuation in plasma HIV RNA level was identified. Thus, the ovulatory cycle influenced circulating HIV-1 RNA levels, a finding that is plausible because of the known effect of sex hormones on lymphocyte function and cytokine production.
Identification and cell type specificity of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene promoter

Genomic DNA encoding the rat tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene was isolated from a lambda phage library using a nick-translated fragment from a cDNA clone for rat TH. We have determined the initiation site for TH RNA synthesis and have sequenced 1100 bases of the primary transcript and 5' flanking region. The 5' end of the transcript is the same in several rat tissues in which TH is expressed as well as in rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC). RNA prepared from PC cells that had been stimulated with dexamethasone also mapped to the same transcription start site. Sequence upstream from the initiation site contains the canonical TATA box, but no apparent CAAT box. When a portion of the 5' flanking region of the TH gene (-773 to + 27) is fused to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene, it promotes expression of CAT in pheochromocytoma cells and GH4 cells, but not in two neural tumour lines, RT4-D and B103, nor in several non neural cell lines. This suggests that this region of the TH gene has features that confer tissue-restricted expression on the TH promoter.
Experiences Associated with Intervening with Homeless, Substance-abusing Mothers: The Importance of Success

This article documents the experiences of providing housing and supportive services, or ecologically based treatment, to shelter-recruited, substance-abusing homeless women with young children in their care. Among clients, observed experiences related to housing, substance abuse, and health and mental health care are discussed. Among therapists, experiences related to managing the chaotic nature of the client's lives, wanting to manage the client's lives, and frustration with client's life trajectories are reviewed. Observations related to the therapeutic process include the client's relationship to the therapist, balancing the client's independence and need for assistance, and unrealistic expectations among the clients. Recommendations for successfully approaching these clinical situations and experiences are offered. The purpose of this article is to document these therapy experiences to facilitate the work of future teams seeking to intervene in the lives of homeless families through homeless shelters or other settings.
A Dynamic LVRT Solution for Doubly Fed Induction Generators

Doubly fed induction generators have become the most common type of wind turbine generators. However, this type of generator is susceptible to grid-side low voltage and short circuits due to existence of a power electronics converter on the rotor side. When a short circuit or voltage sag happens on the grid side, the rotor current of the generator tends to rise, which could cause damage to the rotor converter. Design and implementation of a series converter on the stator side is presented in this paper to limit the current rise in the rotor. This system includes an active AC/DC inverter, three series transformers, and a DC-bus capacitor. To lower the rating of the components and make the system viable for practical solutions, an exponential decaying sinusoidal voltage, instead of a pure sinusoidal voltage, is applied by the converter during short circuit.
Hematopoietic cell destruction by immune mechanisms in acquired aplastic anemia

D ESPITE THE SIMPLEST of pathologies-the empty bone marrow-the pathophysiology of aplastic anemia is complicated. Complexity can be inferred from the diversity of putative etiologic associations, from drugs and chemicals to viruses and pregnancy. Clinically, the disease may run a variety of courses, from acutely explosive and rapidly catastrophic, as in El-h molecular lesions that now define mouse models of constitutional marrow failure are not present in acquired human aplastic anemia. A diversity of mechanisms might be responsible for idiosyncratic drug-associated marrow failure, the largest category of aplastic anemia other than idiopathic disease, but such drug-induced aplastic anemia is indistinguishable from idiopathic disease on clinical grounds.* Drugs used in cancer chemotherapy are selected for their cytotoxicity and their regular, dosedependent induction of transient marrow aplasia is expected, but there is a paucity of evidence that the typically rare drug reactions associated with marrow failure are by direct toxicity Idiosyncratic reactions are extremely diI?icult to study in the laboratory’* and simple serum assays are unhelpful because antibodies to either drugs or cells have only occasionally been identified in aplastic anemia.3* Finally, it should be recalled that even massive doses of drugs that were designed or selected for their toxicity for mammalian cells may be not be fully myeloablative. (For a recent review of chemical and drugs as agents in aplastic anemia, see Young.86) In contrast, the immune model provides a powerful prism through which to focus unanswered questions in the etiology and consequences of marrow failure. Currently, the characterization of aplastic anemia as an autoimmune disease helps explain the response of marrow failure to immunosuppressive treatments and many laboratory abnormalities in immune system function. The model must be able to explain known features of the disease, such as the severity of marrow damage and the rarity of disease, and it should have heuristic power to guide future laboratory investigations and to design new therapeutic approaches. These challenges are shared with other autoimmune processes characterized by organ-specific damage. While in some cases possible initiating antigens have been inferred from animal models or serologic studies in humans (myelin basic protein for multiple sclerosis, islet cell proteins for type I diabetes mellitus, keratin in uveitis), hematologists have the great advantage of facile experiiental manipulation of target and effector cells, and clinicians have proven successful in the application of immunologic therapies to patients with marrow failure syndromes.
Biomarkers of response to preoperative chemoradiation in esophageal cancers.

To identify a panel of biomarkers that predicts response of esophageal cancers to preoperative chemoradiation, our group profiled the gene expression of pretreatment cancer biopsies from patients with esophageal cancer. Six (32%) of these patients had pathologic complete response. All cancers except one that achieved pathologic complete response (83%) clustered in one molecular type (type I), while cancers that achieved less than pathologic complete response with one exception clustered in another molecular type (type II). Activated NF-κB was significantly associated with aggressive pathology. These data indicate that expression analysis of a limited set of biomarkers selected from the list of genes that were differentially regulated between the two subtypes can increase predictive power, and suggest that esophageal cancer with activated NF-κB may result in poor treatment outcome.
Soliton self-frequency shift from 1.03 μm to 1.55 μm and related timing jitter

Soliton self-frequency shifting from 1 mum to 1.5 mum, connecting the ytterbium and erbium emission wavelengths, is demonstrated. It is confirmed that the timing jitter induced by the shifting is mainly caused by the laser intensity noise.
Assessment of Circulating 25(OH)D and 1, 25(OH)2D: Emergence as Clinically Important Diagnostic Tools

One of the major factors responsible for the explosion of knowledge related to vitamin D metabolism and its relation to clinical disease was the introduction of competitive protein-binding assays for 25(OH)D 1 and 1,25(OH)2D. 2 These assays were introduced more than three decades ago, and were based on assessing circulating 25(OH)D or 1,25(OH)2D using the vitamin D-binding protein or chick intestinal receptor, respectively, as the primary binding agents. Both of these assays used 3 H-labeled compounds as reporters. Although these assays were valid, they were also relatively cumbersome, especially the 1,25(OH)2D procedure. Through the years, assays for both of these metabolites have advanced. Some advances have been for the better, some have not. These methodologies include radioimmunoassay (RIA), enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and random access automated assay (RAAA) based on chemiluminescence assay technology.
Prospects for electric vehicles

The state-of-the-art of electric vehicles (EVs) is discussed with examples of prototype vehicles-Electric G-Van, Chrysler TEVan, Eaton DSEP, and Ford/GE ETX-II. The acceleration, top speed, and range of these electric vehicles are delineated to demonstrate their performance capabilities, which are comparable with conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The prospects for the commercialization of the Electric G-van and the TEVan and the improvements expected from the AC drive systems of the DSEP and ETX-II vehicles are discussed. The impacts of progress made in the development of a fuel cell/battery hybrid bus and advanced EVs on the competitiveness of EVs with ICE vehicles, and their potential for reduction of air pollution and utility load management are postulated. >
Employing a ground model to accurately characterize electronic devices measured with GSG probes

Traditionally, when measuring an electronic device, the nonideal (non-50 /spl Omega/) electrical behavior of the ground-signal-ground probes is removed through calibration. However, this procedure does not allow for an accurate measurement of devices that exhibit an unbalanced flow of electrical currents through the two ground fingers of the probe. We found that a simple interface circuit can be used by a circuit simulator, such as ADS, to reproduce the measurements of devices in which unbalanced ground currents flow in the return paths. A simple experimental method to determine the interface circuit is given.
Spindle checkpoint requires Mad1-bound and Mad1-free Mad2.

The spindle checkpoint prevents anaphase from occurring until all chromosomes have attached properly to the mitotic spindle. The checkpoint components Mad1 and Mad2 associate with unattached kinetochores and are probably involved in triggering the checkpoint. We now demonstrate that in Xenopus egg extracts Mad1 and Mad2 form a stable complex, whereas a fraction of Mad2 molecules is not bound to Mad1. The checkpoint establishment and maintenance are lost upon titrating out free Mad2 with an excess of Mad1 or a truncated Mad1 (amino acids 326–718, Mad1C) that contains the Mad2-binding region. Mad1N (amino acids 1–445) that binds kinetochores, but not Mad2, reduces Mad1 and Mad2 at kinetochores and abolishes checkpoint maintenance. Furthermore, the association between Mad2 and Cdc20, the activator for the anaphase-promoting complex, is enhanced under checkpoint-active condition compared with that at metaphase. Immunodepletion analysis shows that the Mad1-free Mad2 protein is unable to bind Cdc20, consistent with the model that kinetochore localization of Mad2 facilitates the formation of Mad2–Cdc20 complex. This study demonstrates that the ratio between Mad1 and Mad2 is critical for maintaining a pool of Mad1-free Mad2 that is necessary for the spindle checkpoint. We propose that Mad2 may become activated and dissociated from Mad1 at kinetochores and is replenished by the pool of Mad1-free Mad2.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of a Course Taught via Classroom and Internet Chatroom

Human services distance education research has traditionally focused on pre-post testing of students to discover if distance education methods are comparable to traditional classroom methods in ter...
The impact of detritivorous fishes on a mangrove estuarine system

Sundarban mangrove ecosystem in India is one of the largest detritus based ecosystem of the world and it supplies the detritus and nutrients to the adjacent Hooghly-Matla estuarine complex. In this estuary a group of fish completely detritivorous in nature, belonging to the genus Mugil spp. is present. This group of fish is expected to have important effects on the trophic dynamics of ecosystems, but exact nature of these effects is not known. In order to study the impact that detritivory by fish may have on the estuarine food chain, we developed mathematical formulations. We run two models, one with phytoplankton, zooplankton, carnivorous fish, detritus and nutrient and without this group of fish and a second one after including this fish in the system. In our model this group of fish has no major impact on primary productions of the estuarine system but has extensive role in total fish production. Coexistence of detritivorous fish and carnivorous fish occurs within reasonable parameter range. We have tested different growth rates of phytoplankton, grazing rates and predation rates of zooplankton, detritivorous fish and carnivorous fish for total system equilibrium. Carnivorous fish predation rate on detritivorous fish and detritivorous fish grazing rate on detritus are very important. Different foraging ratios are also tested in this study. Foraging preference of carnivorous fish on detritivorous fish appears significant for the system equilibrium.
Fault-tolerant data delivery for multicast overlay networks

Overlay networks represent an emerging technology for rapid deployment of novel network services and applications. However, since public overlay networks are built out of loosely coupled end-hosts, individual nodes are less trustworthy than Internet routers in carrying out the data forwarding function. Here we describe a set of mechanisms designed to detect and repair errors in the data stream. Utilizing the highly redundant connectivity in overlay networks, our design splits each data stream to multiple sub-streams which are delivered over disjoint paths. Each sub-stream carries additional information that enables receivers to detect damaged or lost packets. Furthermore, each node can verify the validity of data by periodically exchanging Bloom filters, the digests of recently received packets, with other nodes in the overlay. We have evaluated our design through both simulations and experiments over a network testbed. The results show that most nodes can effectively detect corrupted data streams even in the presence of multiple tampering nodes.
Three scalable approaches to improving many-core throughput for a given peak power budget

Recently proposed techniques for peak power management [18] involve centralized decision-making and assume quick evaluation of the various power management states. These techniques suffer from two limitations. First, they do not prevent instantaneous power from exceeding the peak power budget, but instead trigger corrective action when the budget has been exceeded. Second, while these techniques may work for multi-core architectures (processors with small number of cores), they are not suitable for many-core architectures (processors with tens or possibly hundreds of cores on the same die) due to an exponential explosion in the number of global power management states. In this paper, we look at three scalable techniques for peak power management for many-core architectures. The proposed techniques (mapping the power management problem to a knapsack problem, mapping it to a genetic search problem, and mapping it to a simple learning problem with confidence counters) prevent power from exceeding the peak power budget and enable the placement of several more cores on a die than what the power budget would normally allow. We show up to 47% (33% on average) improvements in throughput for a given power budget. Our techniques outperform the static oracle by 22%.
Improving the Assembly Speed, Quality, and Tunability of Thin Conductive Multilayers

While inhomogeneous thin conductive films have been sought after for their flexibility, transparency, and strength, poor control in the processing of these materials has restricted their applicatio...
GENOME PROPERTIES AND THE LIMITS OF ADAPTATION IN BACTERIOPHAGES

Eight bacteriophages were adapted for rapid growth under similar conditions to compare their evolved, endpoint fitnesses. Four pairs of related phages were used, including two RNA phages with small genomes (MS2 and Qbeta) two single-stranded DNA phages with small genomes (phiX174 and G4), two T-odd phages with medium-sized, double-stranded DNA genomes (T7 and T3), and two T-even phages with large, double-stranded DNA genomes (T6 and RB69). Fitness was measured as absolute growth rate per hour under the same conditions used for adaptation. T7 and T3 achieved the highest fitnesses, able to increase by 13 billionfold and three-quarters billionfold per hour, respectively. In contrast, the RNA phages achieved low fitness maxima, with growth rates approximately 400-fold and 4000-fold per hour. The highest fitness limits were not attributable to high mutation rates or small genome size, even though both traits are expected to enhance adaptation for fast growth. We suggest that major differences in fitness limits stem from different "global" constraints, determined by the organization and composition of the phage genome affecting whether and how it overcomes potentially rate-limiting host processes, such as transcription, translation, and replication. Adsorption rates were also measured on the evolved phages. No consistent pattern of adsorption rate and fitness was observed across the four different types of phages, but within each pair of related phages, higher adsorption was associated with higher fitness. Different adsorption rate limits within pairs may stem from "local" constraints-sequence differences leading to different local optima in the sequence space.
Dual-channel auditory spectrum modeling

We propose a new approach to the modeling of speech based on cues from the peripheral auditory system. Our approach attempts to incorporate the dynamic adaptation of biological auditory systems to varying sound by simplistically formulating a dual-processing strategy that treats unvoiced and voiced speech as deserving of different processing. Preliminary studies show that this approach possesses significant noise robustness.
Abstract #3607: Phase I study of gemcitabine plus bortezomib in elderly patients with solid tumors.

Background: The proteosome inhibitor bortezomib inhibits nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and induces apoptosis in cancer cells (such as multiple myeloma, non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, etc.). Gemcitabine is a pyrimidine antagonist and is used to treat various malignancies. By increasing responses to gemcitabine through inhibition of NF-kappaB by bortezomib, it was hypothesized that the combination of both agents will have greater anti-tumor activity. The purpose of this study was to assess the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) of both agents given weekly. Methods: A 21-day treatment cycle was given with a maximum of 6 cycles per patient. Doses of gemcitabine starting at 800 mg/m 2 or 1000 mg/m 2 were given IV on days 1 and 8, every 21 days, followed 60 minutes later by bortezomib. Doses of Bortezomib were planned to be escalated in patient cohorts starting at 1.0 mg/m 2 up to 1.8 mg/m 2 . Results: Seventeen patients (eight male and nine female) with an ECOG PS 2 and bortezomib at 1 mg/m 2 dose level (grade 3 lower extremity edema (n=1), grade 4 fatigue (n=1), and grade 3 dehydration (n=1)). Other toxicities included grade 4 thrombocytopenia (n=4), grade 3 thrombocytopenia (n=6), grade 4 neutropenia (n=2), grade 3 neutropenia (n=4), grade 4 leukopenia (n=4), grade 3 anemia (n=4), grade 3 aspiration pneumonia (n=1), grade 3 failure to thrive (n=1) and grade 2 shortness of breath (n=2). Responses included partial response (n=3), stable disease (n=3), and disease progression (n=8). Median time to disease progression was 2 months (range 1-3). Disease status was not assessed in 3 patients. Conclusions: MTD for concurrent weekly gemcitabine and bortezomib was established at gemcitabine 800 mg/m 2 and bortezomib 1 mg/m 2 in elderly patients with advanced solid tumor malignancy. Responses occurred in patients with refractory prostate, bladder, and uterine sarcoma. Further development of this regimen is considered in this population. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 3607.
A Rarity: Court Overturns Suspensions of Bountygate Players

A panel of arbiters voided NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s punishments of the New Orleans Saints players involved in the bountygate scandal. Despite the nullification of the suspensions, Goodell may still punish players if he can prove that they intended to injure other players. The Panel’s decision may lead the League to settle for a monetary sum and avoid damaging pre-trial discovery in the pending lawsuits.
Comparison of soap and antibiotic solutions for irrigation of lower-limb open fracture wounds.

To The Editor: We would like to comment on the article entitled, “Comparison of Soap and Antibiotic Solutions for Irrigation of Lower-Limb Open Fracture Wounds. A Prospective, Randomized Study” (2005;87:1415-22), by Anglen. First, we would like to congratulate the author for this excellent prospective, randomized study. The author even stratified the confounding variables, such as the grade of open injury, before randomizing. Hence, we think that this article provides important scientific evidence regarding the wound irrigation of open fractures. However, we would like to ask the author to clarify some areas in the article so that readers will acquire even more valuable information. The study compared patients who had been randomized to irrigation with either a bacitracin solution (group B) or a castile soap solution (group C) and demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the groups with regard to most of the variables that can possibly contribute to poor wound-healing. The author also compared the cohort of patients who had poor wound-healing in group B with the cohort of patients who …
A Black Box Model for Estimating Joint Torque in an Industrial Serial Manipulator

Joint torque feedback is useful in serial manipulator control algorithms for contact control, collision detection, performance analysis, etc. For example, the predicted torque can be compared to the measured torque so the system can respond to unexpected or unmodeled physical inputs. The input current to the joint motors can be used to estimate the input torque if the motor parameters are well-understood. However, in a closed commercial system, the motor parameters are often proprietary or unknown. Also, systems that sense or estimate motor torques instead of the joint torques require compensation for gear train losses.In this work, we propose a method for mapping the measured motor current to the joint torque on a serial manipulator without joint torque sensors, thus advancing the potential to implement torque feedback algorithms such as collision detection on any industrial robot with joint position and motor current feedback. This new torque estimating technique (as opposed to using Newton-Euler dynamics) allows for sensing of external forces in collision detection applications for a position controlled robot.The method requires knowledge of the robot link centers of mass, masses, and inertias and that the motor currents and joint positions can be measured. The joint torques due to gravity, inertia, and Coriolis are estimated by the Newton-Euler method using the system geometry, link masses, and the measured joint positions. A method for estimating friction losses using only the current and the predicted joint torque is demonstrated. The measured current, less estimated friction, is then mapped to the joint torque.The validity of the black box joint torque estimating model was demonstrated using two Motoman SIA-5D manipulators with a 3rd party controller provided by Agile Planet. The joints of the robot were moved through a variety of test motions with known joint torque characteristics (as calculated using Newton-Euler dynamics). Estimated joint torques are similar to the calculated torque. Physical significance of the torque is validated by comparing the estimated torque to the calculated torque generated by a known force. The feasibility of the estimated torque error to force detection is discussed in terms of improving the safety and deployment options for industrial robotic systems.© 2013 ASME
Giovanni Ruffini’s Doctor Antonio and the healing power of the Italian landscape:

This essay analyzes a novel entitled Doctor Antonio, published in 1855 in Edinburgh by an Italian exile, Giovanni Ruffini. During their ‘forced’ stay in an isolated village in the western part of the Italian Riviera, the aristocrat Sir John and his daughter Lucy discover a part of Italy that Northern European travelers had neglected until then. The romantic love story between Lucy and the Italian patriot Doctor Antonio contributed to make the region of Liguria a popular destination among British tourists, who eventually transformed the small village of Bordighera, where the novel is set, into a ‘British paradise,’ as Italian novelist and journalist Edmondo De Amicis defined it in an essay published at the beginning of the 20th century (De Amicis, 1906).
Dynamics of disordered states in the Bose-Hubbard model with confinement

Observations of center-of-mass dynamics offer a straightforward method to identify strongly interacting quantum phases of atoms placed in optical lattices. We theoretically study the dynamics of states derived from the disordered Bose-Hubbard model in a trapping potential. We find that the edge states in the trap allow center-of-mass motion even with insulating states in the center. We identify short- and long-time-scale mechanisms for edge-state transport in insulating phases. We also argue that the center-of-mass velocity can aid in identifying a Bose-glass phase. Our zero-temperature results offer important insights into mechanisms of transport of atoms in trapped optical lattices while putting bounds on center-of-mass dynamics expected at nonzero temperature.
Which mindfulness measures to choose to use

Hyland, Lee, and Mills (2015) specified the two most popular scales for mindfulness: the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI; 30 items, Buchheld, Grossman, & Walach, 2001; 14 items, Walach, Buchheld, Buttenmuller, Kleinknecht, & Schmidt, 2006) and the Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS; Brown & Ryan, 2003). However, the popularity of these measures does not necessarily mean that they are of high quality. Especially considering the complex epistemology and ontology of the mindfulness construct, we should apply mindfulness assessments with caution. More specially, according to item development theorists in the industrial and organizational (I-O) area (see Hinkin, 1998; Hinkin & Tracey, 1999; Kerlinger & Lee, 2000; Schriesheim, Powers, Scandura, Gardiner, & Lankau, 1993), scholars must select measures that have (a) a clear operational definition; (b) alignment between definition and measure (content validity); (c) high reliability and (d) high construct validity; and (e) high criterion-related validity. However, it is not clear which of the available mindfulness assessments satisfies these criteria and to what extent. In this commentary, we assess currently used measures based on these criteria and provide directions for future research.
Numerical study of co-polarized InSAR phase bias in remote sensing of layered media

We numerically explore, for a three-layered dielectric medium, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) coherence phase bias arising from co-polarized interferometric observations of electromagnetic (EM) interrogation of, and scattering from, penetrable subsurface media which can be approximated (at least locally, at the SAR pixel level) as planar-layered. A recently-developed incoherent scattering model now allows prediction of InSAR phase bias arising from the radar wave undergoing an (if neglecting radar time-gating) unending succession of subsurface specular reflections (“multi-bounce”), which is crucial for more comprehensively understanding interferometric observations (both terrestrial and extraterrestrial) of many low-loss layered structures. Our paper's results are as follows. First, for increasing subsurface wave attenuation the phase bias approaches zero (backscattering top interface) or the thickness of the subsurface slab (backscatter-free top interface). Second, increasing dielectric contrast between the central and outer two layers elevates (reduces) phase bias for a top interface weakly (strongly) backscattering power relative to the bottom interface. We conclude that subsurface scatter-enhanced phase bias should become significant primarily for geological structures characterized by a weakly-backscattering (i.e., very smooth) top interface and low-attenuating subsurface, which are attributes that may reasonably be used to describe the EM scattering properties of many manifestations of ice, snow, dry soil, and hyper-arid sand or regolith-mantled bedrock structures.
Sex and Gender Differences in Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability in Western societies. The epidemiology, presentation, pathophysiology, and outcomes of CVD and its various manifestations are significantly different between men and women. An understanding of the reasons underlying these differences is important to make efficient diagnoses and achieve effective treatment. Inherent differences in cardiac and vascular structure and function found among healthy humans and animal model systems may be potential risk factors for sex-associated susceptibility to CVD and cardiopulmonary disease. While the benefits of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women remain controversial, it is clear that endogenous estrogens exert protective effects in the cardiovascular system. Premenopausal women have a lower cardiovascular risk compared to men, and early menopause or bilateral oophorectomy increases lifetime cardiovascular risk. This chapter examines the sex and gender differences in CVD—specifically in coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure (HF), and systemic and pulmonary hypertension—in both humans and animal models. The roles that hormonal, genetic, and other factors might have in generating sex and gender differences in these forms of CVD and in cardiopulmonary disease will also be discussed.
Active dimers of dopamine beta-hydroxylase in human plasma.

Normal human plasma and serum have been shown to contain two active species of dopamine β-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.17.1) by gradient ultracentrifugation and gel filtration. About 75-80% of the dopamine β-hydroxylase activity in plasma sediments almost exactly like bovine dopamine β-hydroxylase, and has a molecular weight of 289,000. The remainder of the dopamine β-hydroxylase activity in plasma or serum (20-25%) has a molecular weight of 147,000, or one-half that of the principal species. No interconversion is observed between these two species at pH 7.4, ionic strength 0.15. Thus a significant amount of dopamine β-hydroxylase activity in plasma is in the form of an active dimer of the basic subunit of this enzyme.
Executive compensation and capital structure

We examine the relation between capital structure decision and the incentive power of executive compensation that contains both cash and equity components. Our analytical model shows that executive...
Use of a health screening and education event to change student attitudes toward the elderly.

Abstract Background While many schools have incorporated geriatric pharmacy education into their curricula, questions remain as to how these experiences shape student perceptions of the geriatric population. The objective of this study was to assess student comfort levels and perceptions toward the geriatric patient population before and after participation in a single health screening and education event. Methods Student perceptions about the elderly (measured via the Geriatrics Attitude Survey) and comfort levels in caring for geriatric patients were assessed before and after an event. Results Twenty-two students completed pre-event and post-event surveys. Students were primarily female (73%), and half were completing their second year of pharmacy school (50%). Global student perceptions of geriatric patients positively changed from baseline following event participation ( p = 0.023). Results reveal significant increases from baseline in student comfort levels with communicating, screening, and counseling elderly patients ( p Conclusion The Geriatrics Attitude Survey is a useful tool in assessing the value of a geriatric experience. Participation in this geriatric experience caused a statistically significant positive change in global perception scores. Additionally, survey results indicate that interactions with geriatric patients at a single event increased student comfort in communication, screening, and counseling.
Using Changes in U.S. Immigration Laws to Estimate the Effect of Deportations on Crime in Latin America and the Caribbean

Objectives The objective of this article is to obtain estimates of the effect of criminal deportees from the United States on home country crime that are not affected by the presence of simultaneity. Simultaneity between criminal deportation from the United States and crime rates in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) makes it difficult to isolate the causal effect of changes in the number of criminal deportees from the United States on crime in LAC. Method To break that simultaneity, this article uses the timing of changes to U.S. immigration laws as an instrument for changes in the number of criminal deportees. Result Increases in criminal deportations are shown to be disproportionately concentrated in years when there are changes to U.S. immigration laws. The resulting elasticity is two times greater than the OLS estimate. One of every 14 prisoners deported as a result of changes in U.S. immigration legislation is associated with one homicide per year in the receiving country. Conclusion The process of accomplishing deportation can be greatly improved if the United States provides the receiving countries with more information on deportees, including more detailed criminal records and increased assistance with the resettlement and reintegration process, especially if they are not allowed to be incarcerated upon returning home.
CHEMOGENETIC INHIBITION OF PAIN NEURONS IN A MOUSE MODEL OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

Objective To determine the ability of drugs that activate inhibitory G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed in peripheral voltage-gated sodium channel 1.8 (NaV1.8)–positive sensory neurons to control osteoarthritis (OA)–associated pain. Methods We used designer receptors exclusively activated by a designer drug (DREADD) technology, which employs engineered GPCRs to activate or inhibit neurons upon binding the synthetic ligand clozapine N-oxide (CNO). NaV1.8-Pdi C57BL/6 mice were generated to express the inhibitory DREADD receptor Pdi in NaV1.8-expressing sensory neurons. Destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery was performed in 10-week-old male mice. Four, 8, 12, or 16 weeks after surgery, knee hyperalgesia or hind paw mechanical allodynia was tested. Subsequently, CNO or vehicle was administered, and the effect on pain-related behaviors was measured by a blinded observer. Morphine was used as a control. Results Immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology confirmed functional expression of the inhibitory DREADD receptor Pdi by NaV1.8-positive sensory neurons. Acute inhibition of NaV1.8-expressing neurons in mice treated with CNO reduced knee hyperalgesia 4 weeks after DMM surgery and reduced mechanical allodynia 8 weeks after DMM surgery. Inhibition had no effect on pain-related behaviors 12 and 16 weeks after DMM surgery. Morphine, a drug that activates GPCRs in the peripheral and central nervous systems, was still effective in the later stage of experimental OA. Conclusion Chemogenetic inhibition of NaV1.8-expressing neurons blocks knee hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in early experimental OA, but is no longer efficacious in the later stages. These data indicate that activation of inhibitory GPCRs located solely outside the central nervous system may be ineffective in treating chronic OA pain.
Aortic Dissection in the Young: A Case Report and Review of the Differential Diagnostic Considerations:

Aortic dissection is a rare cause of death in young adults, which may be caused by acquired or congenital factors. We present the case of a 21-year-old man who died as a result of spontaneous aorti...