cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystal unfolding and chain disentanglement during semicrystalline polymer dissolution

Mathematical models developed describe the unfolding of polymeric crystals in the presence of a solvent followed by their subsequent disentanglement. A thermodynamic model considering the free energy changes during crystal unfolding was proposed to obtain an expression for the unfolding rate. A simplified version of this expression, assuming uniform crystal size, was incorporated into a continuum model to predict the dissolution kinetics of a semicrystalline polymer slab. The model yielded predictions of the crystalline and solvent volume fractions as a function of position within the slab, in addition to changes in the fraction of polymer dissolved as well as the degree of crystallinity of the polymer as a function of time. The degree of crystallinity of the polymer decreased with time and the plot of the fraction of the polymer dissolved as a function of time exhibited Case II behavior. The model predictions agreed will with experimental results obtained during dissolution of semicrystalline poly(vinyl alcohol) in water.
Enzymatic tRNA Acylation by Acid and α-Hydroxy Acid Analogues of Amino Acids

Incorporation of unnatural amino acids with unique chemical functionalities has proven to be a valuable tool for expansion of the functional repertoire and properties of proteins as well as for structure-function analysis. Incorporation of alpha-hydroxy acids (primary amino group is substituted with hydroxyl) leads to the synthesis of proteins with peptide bonds being substituted by ester bonds. Practical application of this modification is limited by the necessity to prepare corresponding acylated tRNA by chemical synthesis. We investigated the possibility of enzymatic incorporation of alpha-hydroxy acid and acid analogues (lacking amino group) of amino acids into tRNA using aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs). We studied direct acylation of tRNAs by alpha-hydroxy acid and acid analogues of amino acids and corresponding chemically synthesized analogues of aminoacyl-adenylates. Using adenylate analogues we were able to enzymatically acylate tRNA with amino acid analogues which were otherwise completely inactive in direct aminoacylation reaction, thus bypassing the natural mechanisms ensuring the selectivity of tRNA aminoacylation. Our results are the first demonstration that the use of synthetic aminoacyl-adenylates as substrates in tRNA aminoacylation reaction may provide a way for incorporation of unnatural amino acids into tRNA, and consequently into proteins.
Chiral Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of anti-Homopropargyl Alcohols via Kinetic Resolution-Aldehyde Allenylboration Using Racemic Allenylboronates.

A chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed kinetic resolution/allenylboration of racemic allenylboronates with aldehydes is described. Allenylboration of aldehydes with 2.8 equiv of allenylboronate (±)-1 in the presence of 10 mol % of catalyst (R)-2 provided anti-homopropargyl alcohols 3 in 83–95% yield with 9:1 to 20:1 diastereoselectivity and 73–95% ee. The catalyst enables the kinetic resolution of the racemic allenylboronate (±)-1 to set the methyl stereocenter and biases the facial attack of the aldehyde to set the stereochemistry of the hydroxyl group in 3.
NONLOCAL KORN-TYPE CHARACTERIZATION OF SOBOLEV VECTOR FIELDS

A new nonlocal characterization of Sobolev vector fields in the spirit of Korn's inequality is obtained. As an application of this result, a nonlocal means of identification of rigid motions is given. A nonlocal characterization of vector fields with bounded deformation is also presented. A compactness criteria is proved for bounded sequences of vector fields in Lp.
Cytodifferentiation and clinical outcome after chemotherapy and radiation therapy for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS).

Background Second-look surgery after therapy for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) may yield prognostic information regarding tumor responsiveness to treatment. Favorable outcome is suggested by tumor cells which have undergone maturation (cytodifferentiation). Procedure Specimens from patients treated on Intergroup RMS Study-IV (IRSG-IV) were studied before and after treatment. All patients received chemotherapy and most received radiation therapy. Post-treatment specimens were graded according to the quantity of tumor showing cytodifferentiation (0 = absent, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = extensive). Proliferative activity by MIB-1, topoisomerase II-alpha, and p53 protein expression were measured. Results 19/31 cases from IRSG-IV were adequate for analysis. Six out of nineteen patients failed therapy within 1.3 years of treatment. Grade 3 cytodifferentiation was present in 10 cases (2 BRMS, 8 ERMS)† ; none failed therapy. Grade 2 cytodifferentiation was present in 5 cases (1 ERMS, 2BRMS, 2ARMS)†; 2 patients with ARMS failed therapy. Grade 0–1 cytodifferentiation was present in 4 cases (1 ERMS and 3 ARMS); all failed therapy. Proliferative activity by MIB-1 and topoisomerase II-alpha immunohistochemistry decreased or was unchanged after treatment for all ERMS/BRMS, and 4/5 cases of ARMS. p53 immunohistochemistry showed no consistent pattern of reactivity. Sparse persistent tumor cells were present in 9/10 ERMS, 3/4 BRMS, 5/5 ARMS. Conclusions Extensive cytodifferentiation is more commonly seen in ERMS/BRMS compared with less evidence for cytodifferentiation in ARMS suggesting fundamentally different mechanisms of cellular response to therapy in RMS. Sparse persistent tumor cells in post treatment ERMS/BRMS specimens does not appear to affect outcome. Med Pediatr Oncol 2002;38:398–404. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ambition Theory and the Office of Congressmen

In a Journal of Politics article of eight years ago, Herbert Jacob criticized "sociological and career ladder studies" of political recruitment on the grounds that their lack of a theoretical framework left the reader "wondering about the significance of it all."' In a more recent study, Joseph Schlesinger makes much the same point. He notes that "despite the industry which has gone into the accumulation of [career] data, they have been notably fruitless in producing predictive propositions . . . and this failure has been due primarily to the lack of a useful political theory."3 Schlesinger goes on to elaborate "ambition theory" as a
Male and female chronic pain patients categorized by DSM-III psychiatric diagnostic criteria

Two hundred and eighty-three chronic pain patients, consecutive admissions to the Comprehensive Pain Center of the University of Miami School of Medicine, received an extensive psychiatric evaluation based upon the American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) criteria and flowsheets. All patients received the following type of diagnoses: DSM-III axis I; DSM-III axis II, and personality type. The distribution of assigned diagnoses for the entire patient sample was reviewed and a statistical comparison between male and female patients was performed with regards to the prevalence of each diagnosis. Anxiety syndromes and depression of various diagnostic types were the most frequently assigned axis I diagnoses with over half the patient sample receiving each of these diagnoses. Males were significantly overrepresented in the axis I diagnoses of intermittent explosive disorders, adjustment disorders with work inhibitions, and alcohol abuse and other drug dependence, while females were significantly overrepresented in disorders of current depression of various diagnostic types and somatization disorders. 58.4% of the patients fulfilled criteria for axis II personality disorder diagnoses. The most frequently personality disorders found in the patient group were dependent (17.4%), passive aggressive (14.9%), and histrionic (11.7%). Males were significantly overrepresented in paranoid and narcissistic disorders while females were overrepresented in histrionic disorder. The most frequent personality types found in the patient group were compulsive (24.5%) and dependent (10.6%). All personality types were similarly distributed between the sexes. The results of the present study were compared to a previous study of DSM-III diagnoses in chronic pain patients and are discussed in terms of the prevalence of DSM-III diagnoses in the general population. Questions are raised as to the applicability of certain DSM-III diagnoses in the chronic pain population.
Methods for determining the adulteration of citrus juices

The adulteration of fruit juices and juice-based beverages is a serious economic problem. Juice adulteration has progressed from simple dilution with water and the substitution of cheap ingredients to highly sophisticated manipulations designed to mask the adulteration process. Major adulteration problems currently encountered by regulatory agencies include undeclared addition of sugar and pulp wash, the admixture of juices, and the addition of colorants, amino acids and organic acids. Also of regulatory concern is ascertaining the geographical origin of a juice. While numerous methods have been developed to detect juice adulteration, only a limited number have proved workable in deterring sophisticated adulteration. Methodologies critically evaluated in this report include isotopic analyses, SNIF-NMR, HPLC, tracer addition, UV/VIS spectrophotometry, ICP-AES, electrochemical detection and pattern recognition.
Embryonic and larval development of the sonic motor nucleus in the oyster toadfish

The sonic motor nucleus (SMN), a likely homologue of the hypoglossal nucleus, provides the final common pathway for sound production in the oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau). SMN neurons increase in size and number for 7-8 years postnatally, and the swimbladder-sonic muscle complex grows throughout life. This study describes the normal embryonic and larval development of the SMN from its initial differentiation on about day 19 through day 40, when the yolk sac is resorbed and the fish is free swimming. In contrast to the rapid development of CNS nuclei in mammals, the SMN gradually increased in maturity with more active growth at the beginning and end of the observation period and a relatively static period in the middle. Consistent with a hypoglossal homology, the SMN differentiated within the spinal cord, added cells rostrally, and eventually extended into the medulla. Immature neurons appeared to originate from precursor cells in the ventral portion of the ventricular zone of the central canal. Such cells were initially round with little cytoplasmic development and later added processes and Nissl substance. The number of neurons increased 10-fold from a median of 35 to 322 cells, and no evidence of cell death was observed. Soma area approximatelymore » doubled from 20.6 to 41.2 micron 2, and cell nucleus area followed a similar pattern. (/sup 3/H)-thymidine autoradiography demonstrated that neurons were added continuously throughout the nucleus during embryonic and larval development.« less
On the sources of economic rationality

Professor Kurt Samuelsso n's recent critique1 of Max Weber has been widely acknowledged as a definitive rebuttal of Weber's thesis concerning the role of ascetic Protestantism in the development of modern rational capitalism. Samuelsso n's study expands on nearly all prior arguments against Weber's position and adds several new points as well. The present paper analyzes these criticisms in the light of the aims and analytic and historical context of Weber's own thought. Specifically, it is argued here that Samuelsso n's analysis is based on a faulty appreciation of Weber's intentions and, further, that it wrongly diverts attention from some of the principal factors in contemporary, as well as past, problems of economic development.
Smallx EVOLUTION OF MULTI-POINT CORRELATORS OF WILSON LINES

At high energy (small x) n-point coorelators of Wilson lines appear in calculation of physical observables. The energy dependence of these observables is determined by the solution of the evolution equations these correlators satisfy. The most common correlator is the two-point function, the imaginary part of the forward scattering amplitude of a quark anti-quark dipole scattering on a target. This appears in structure functions in DIS as well as single inclusive hadron production in proton-nucleus collisions. Higher point correlators of Wilson lines appear in less inclusive processes, such as two-hadron angular and rapidity correlations and satisfy the Balitski-JIMWLK evolution equation. Here we derive the evolution equation satisfied by the six point correlator of Wilson lines which appears in di-hadron angular correlations in proton-nucleus collisions at high energy.
Routes and rates of larval fish transport from the southeast to the northeast United States continental shelf

Larval fish originating south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, are frequently found on the continental shelf north of Cape Hatteras, even as far north as the Scotian shelf. The Gulf Stream and associated warm-core rings are hypothesized as the physical mechanisms responsible for the northward transport of larvae. Specifically, larvae spawned along the southeast U.S. continental shelf are entrained into the Gulf Stream, transported to the northeast, regularly incorporated in warm-core ring streamers, transported across the slope region, and released along the shelf edge north of Cape Hatteras. This proposed transport route was evaluated using hydrographic data and drifter tracks that were collected as part of other studies. Continental shelf water that originated south of Cape Hatteras was found
Modeling the I-V characteristics of fully depleted submicrometer SOI MOSFET's

In this paper, an analytic current-voltage model for submicrometer fully-depleted (FD) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFET's is presented. This model takes into account the source/drain series resistances which can be especially high in thin film SOI devices. The effect of drain induced conductivity enhancement is also included, which is important for submicrometer channels. The model is verified by comparison to measured SOI I-V characteristics. Good agreement is obtained for SOI film thicknesses ranging from 40 to 220 nm and effective channel lengths down to 0.25 /spl mu/m. >
Activin B regulates islet composition and islet mass but not whole body glucose homeostasis or insulin sensitivity

Based on the phenotype of the activin-like kinase-7 (ALK7)-null mouse, activins A and B have been proposed to play distinct roles in regulating pancreatic islet function and glucose homeostasis, with activin A acting to enhance islet function and insulin release while activin B antagonizes these actions. We therefore hypothesized that islets from activin B-null (BBKO) mice would have enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In addition, we hypothesized that this enhanced islet function would translate into increased whole body glucose tolerance. We tested these hypotheses by analyzing glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, and islet function in BBKO mice. No differences were observed in fasting glucose or insulin levels, glucose tolerance, or insulin sensitivity compared with weight-matched young or older males. Similarly, there were no significant differences in insulin secretion comparing islets from WT or BBKO males at either age. However, BBKO islets were more sensitive to activin A, myostatin (MSTN), and follistatin (FST) treatments, so that activin A and FST inhibited and MSTN enhanced glucose stimulated insulin secretion. While mean islet area and the distribution of islet areas were not different between the genotypes, islet mass, islet number, and the proportion of α-cells/islet were significantly reduced in BBKO islets. These results indicate that activin B does not antagonize activin A to influence whole body glucose homeostasis or β-cell function but does influence islet mass and proportion of α-cells/islet. Therefore, loss of activin B signaling alone does not account for the ALK7-null phenotype, but activin B may have important roles in modulating islet mass, islet number, and the cellular composition of islets.
Use of Fly Ash as a Liming Material of Corn and Soybean Production on an Acidic Sandy Soil

Fly ash (FA) produced from subbituminous coal combustion can potentially serve as a lime material for crop production in acidic soils. A five-year study was conducted to determine if FA was an effective liming material in an acid sandy soil under corn and soybean grain production. Fly ash and pelletized lime (PL) were surface applied at rates ranging from 3,200 to 6,400 and 1,416 to 5,658 kg/ha (0.5 to 2 times the recommended rate) at two sites near Brunswick, NE, respectively. At Site A, lime source additions increased soil pH by 0.7 units and decreased soil exchangeable Al by 7.3 mg/kg to a depth of 20 cm. Lime applications resulted in pH increase during the first year (2004) at the 0 to 10-cm depth, and in 2007 at the 10 to 20-cm depth. At Site B, soil pH data suggested that one or more past lime applications may have occurred. Corn and soybean grain yields were not different during each year between the control and lime source treatments at both sites. This lack of difference was likely due to soluble Al concentrations not being great enough to affect grain yield. Fly ash did not negatively affect grain yields in this study. Boron concentration (400 mg/kg) in FA were likely too low to adversely affect yields. The FA applied at rates in this study, increased pH comparable to PL and is an appropriate liming material.
Further Tests of Individual-Level Propositions from the Tiebout Model

Urban researchers have begun to reexamine Charles Tiebout's ideas about citizen-consumer locational choice in metropolitan areas. David Lowery and William Lyons, among others, have empirically investigated assumptions which underpin Tiebout's thesis using individual-level rather than aggregate data. The purpose of this research note is to contribute to this evolving exploration of Tiebout propositions by presenting relevant individual-level data and critically assessing recent work in the field.
Advances in the Measurement of Ambient Carbon Fibers

The authors briefly summarize various methodologies that have been used in a number of passive collectors and active detectors for measuring ambient carbon fibers. The need for improved performance in terms of specificity, sensitivity, detection efficiency, accuracy, precision, speed, stability, and serviceability are identified. The design principles for a new detector based on the technique of measuring the induced charge acquired by a conducting fiber in an electric field are discussed in detail. A prototype of such a detector has been tested to cover the measurement of fiber length distributions between 0.08 and 9 mm and fiber concentrations between 1 and 10/sub 6/ fibers/m/sup 3/ of air. The precision of this instrument has been demonstrated to be about 2% for fibers in the 1-9-mm range and to approach one fiber diameter (or 10..mu..m) for the submillimeter fibers. 15 references, 2 figures, 1 table.
Topiramate: A New Antiepileptic Drug

OBJECTIVE:To review proposed mechanisms of action, clinical pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the antiepileptic drug (AED) topiramate.METHODS:All available data from the clinical development program — Published and unpublished data (provided by investigators or the RW Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute) — Were analyzed, with emphasis on the results of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Data from open-label studies provided information about long-term efficacy and tolerability.FINDINGS:Topiramate is highly effective in the control of previously therapy-resistant partial seizures, with or without secondary generalization. In the refractory adult patient population enrolled in controlled clinical trials, seizures were reduced by 50% or more in 27–47% of patients compared with 0–18% in placebo-treated patients and by 75% or more in 9–36% of the patients compared with 0–9% of those receiving placebo. The most common adverse effects involve the central nervous system and are mild ...
Understanding “tiger parenting” through the perceptions of Chinese immigrant mothers: Can Chinese and U.S. parenting coexist?

How Chinese immigrant mothers perceive “Chinese” and “U.S.” parenting and changes in their parenting postmigration remains unclear, despite recent interest in Chinese parenting particularly in response to A. Chua’s (2011) controversial book on “Tiger Mothers” (Chua, A., 2011, Battle hymn of the tiger mother. New York, NY: Penguin.). The present study addressed this issue by examining the parenting beliefs and practices of Chinese immigrant mothers through qualitative interviews. Participants included 50 firstgeneration Chinese immigrant mothers (mean age 38.39 years; SD 5.19) with a 3- to 6-year-old child. Mothers had been in the U.S. for an average of 10.20 years and were interviewed regarding their perceptions of the contrasts between typical Chinese and U.S. parenting, the strengths of Chinese and U.S. parenting, and what changes (if any) occurred in their own parenting after they migrated to the U.S. Mothers identified key differences between the parenting in the 2 cultures across 4 themes. Importantly, mothers endorsed different aspects of parenting from both cultures and attempted to achieve a balance between supporting their child’s development of autonomy and individuality versus maintaining a sense of relatedness and familism in their parenting, contrary to Chua’s (2011) portrayal of rigid “Chinese parenting.” With regard to their parenting acculturation, mothers discussed having to be flexible across different areas of their parenting in order to accommodate the cultural values of the larger societal context and promote their child’s development in the U.S. These complex dynamics highlighted the challenges that Chinese immigrant mothers face as they adapt and adjust to the new cultural context, and how their parenting beliefs and practices acculturate.
Exendin-4 as a Stimulator of Rat Insulin I Gene Promoter Activity via bZIP/CRE Interactions Sensitive to Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase Inhibitor Ro 31-8220

Signal transduction properties of exendin-4 (Ex-4) underlying its ability to stimulate rat insulin I gene promoter (RIP1) activity were assessed in the pancreatic beta-cell line INS-1. Ex-4 acted via glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors to stimulate RIP1 in a glucose-dependent manner, as measured in cells transfected with a -410-bp RIP1-luciferase construct (RIP1-Luc). The action of Ex-4 was independent of cAMP and PKA because it was not blocked by cotransfection with dominant-negative G alpha(s), was unaffected by pretreatment with the membrane-permeant cAMP antagonist 8-Br-Rp-cAMPS, and remained apparent after treatment with PKA inhibitors H-89 or KT 5720. Similarly, cotransfection with a dominant-negative isoform of the type-2 cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor (Epac2) failed to alter the response to Ex-4. Ro 31-8220, a serine/threonine protein kinase inhibitor that targets PKC as as well as the 90-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) and mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase (MSK) family of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) kinases, blocked the stimulatory action of Ex-4 at RIP1-Luc. However, selective inhibition of PKC using K-252c, prolonged exposure to phorbol 1,2-myristate-13-acetate, or cotransfection with dominant-negative atypical PKC-zeta, was without effect. A-CREB, a dominant-negative inhibitor of basic region-leucine zipper transcription factors (bZIPs) related in structure to CREB, inhibited the action of Ex-4 at RIP1-Luc, whereas A-ATF-2 was ineffective. Similarly, introduction of deletions at the RIP1 cAMP response element (CRE), or truncation of RIP1 to remove the CRE, nearly abolished the action of Ex-4. Inactivating mutations introduced at the A4/A3 elements, binding sites for the glucose-regulated homeodomain transcription factor PDX-1, did not diminish the response to Ex-4, although a marked reduction of basal promoter activity was observed. The glucose-dependent stimulation of RIP1-Luc by Ex-4 was reproduced using a synthetic reporter (RIP1-CRE-Luc) incorporating multimerized CREs of the RIP1 nonpalindromic sequence 5'-TGACGTCC-3'. It is concluded that the bZIP and CRE-mediated stimulation of RIP1 by Ex-4 explains, at least in part, how this insulinotropic hormone facilitates transcriptional activity of the rat insulin I gene.
Low Power VLSI Design Techniques - The Current State

Increasing demand for portable electronics for computing and communication, as well as other applications, has necessitated longer battery life, lower weight, and lower power consumption. In order to satisfy these requirements, research activities focusing on low power/low voltage design techniques are underway. Since 'power' is now one of the design decision variables, the expanded design space required for low power has further increased the complexity ofan already non-trivial task. Low power design basically involves two concomitant tasks: power estimation and analysis and power minimization. These tasks need to be carried out at each of the levels in the design hierarchy, namely, the behavioral, architectural, logic, circuit and physical levels. In this survey of the current state of the field, many of the salient power estimation and minimization techniques proposed for low power VLSI design are reviewed. For each of the design levels, we provide an overview of several power estimation and minimization approaches and the CAD tools that support them. Finally, future research issues are discussed that will be necessary in order to make the low power design endeavor a successful one.
ASDIN Original Investigations: Myocardial Abscess and Fatal Cardiac Arrhythmia in a Hemodialysis Patient with an Arterio-venous Fistula Infection: FATAL MYOCARDIAL ABSCESS RELATED TO AV FISTULA INFECTION

Myocardial abscess formation is a life-threatening complication that is frequently but not exclusively associated with infective endocarditis. To our knowledge there are only two case reports of myocardial abscess formation in hemodialysis patients. Only one of these reports describes a myocardial abscess of bacterial etiology secondary to an infected intravascular hemodialysis catheter. Furthermore, there are no reports of bacterial myocardial abscess occurring in a hemodialysis patient with an infected arteriovenous fistula. Myocardial abscess can manifest in a variety of clinical scenarios ranging from an asymptomatic state to a catastrophic myocardial wall rupture. In the case described, the myocardial abscess lead to a rapidly progressive course consisting of recurrent cardiac arrhythmias that were ultimately fatal. Our case involved the formation of a myocardial abscess in the presence of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia without any evidence of infective endocarditis. We report this case to call attention to the possibility of bacterial myocardial abscess occurring with infection of an arteriovenous fistula in a hemodialysis patient, which can manifest as recurrent severe cardiac arrhythmias refractory to medical therapy.
Effects of Selective Inhibitors of Nitric Oxide Synthase-2 Dimerization on Acute Cardiac Allograft Rejection

Background— Nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2) is expressed during acute cardiac allograft rejection in association with myocardial inflammation, contractile dysfunction, and death of cardiomyocytes by necrosis and apoptosis. Recently, allosteric inhibitors of NOS2 monomer dimerization that block NOS2 activity have been developed. Methods and Results— To investigate effects of selective NOS2 blockade, 15 mg/kg of BBS-1 or BBS-2 was administered twice daily subcutaneously to rats starting the day of heterotopic heart transplantation. Cardiac allograft survival was increased significantly, from 6.8 days in controls to 13.3 and to 14.2 days in NOS2-inhibited allografts. At day 5 after heart transplantation, synthesis of NOx was reduced by 53%. There were significantly fewer T lymphocytes and macrophages in the inflammatory infiltrate, as well as less edema and cardiomyocyte damage, and the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation score fell from 5 to 4 and 3.5. NOS2 and nitrotyrosine immunostaining and the mean numbers of apoptotic cells and of apoptotic cardiomyocytes were significantly diminished in the treated allografts. Conclusions— The data indicate that selective inhibition of NOS2 dimerization prolongs survival and reduces myocardial inflammation and cardiomyocyte damage in acute cardiac allograft rejection.
Adjustment uncertainty in effect estimation

SUMMARY Often there is substantial uncertainty in the selection of confounders when estimating the association between an exposure and health. We define this type of uncertainty as 'adjustment uncertainty'. We propose a general statistical framework for handling adjustment uncertainty in exposure effect estimation for a large number of confounders, we describe a specific implemen tation, and we develop associated visualization tools. Theoretical results and simulation studies show that the proposed method provides consistent estimators of the exposure effect and its variance. We also show that, when the goal is to estimate an exposure effect accounting for ad justment uncertainty, Bayesian model averaging with posterior model probabilities approximated using information criteria can fail to estimate the exposure effect and can over- or underestimate its variance. We compare our approach to Bayesian model averaging using time series data on levels of fine particulate matter and mortality.
The input-output control of real-time discrete event systems

The authors formulate and analyze a controller synthesis problem for a plant which must meet certain hard real-time deadlines. In this timed input-output control problem, the plant is modeled by finite timed traces. The authors provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a timed input-output controller. The results are based in part on the supervisory control theory of P.J. Ramadge and W.M. Wonham. When the plant and the closed-loop specification are represented by deterministic limited automata, the synthesis problem can be solved. The synthesis procedure and the synthesized supervisor are polynomial in the number of automata states and exponential in the timing information. >
A NEW SPECIES OF ISCHNOCNEMA (ANURA: LEPTODACTYLIDAE) FROM LA PAZ, BOLIVIA

We describe a new species of Ischnocnema from upper montane rainforest in La Paz, Bolivia. Unlike its congeners, the new species possesses notched ungual flaps, a short dorsolateral fold, and a small axillary gland. The new species resembles I. sanctaecrucis and is the third species of Ischnocnema known from Bolivia.
Growth factor receptor cross-talk with estrogen receptor as a mechanism for tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer

Breast cancer growth is regulated by steroid hormones and by polypeptide hormones and growth factors. Endocrine therapies for breast cancer have been designed to interrupt estrogen signaling by either blocking its receptor (ER) or by lowering the amount of estrogen available in the cell for binding. These therapies are very effective in many patients but de novo and acquired resistance are common. Growing evidence suggests that cross-talk between ER and growth factor receptor pathways contributes to the development of this resistance. Signaling via the EGF receptor and HER-2/neu can activate both ER and the important ER coactivator AIB1. In turn, ER located in the cell membrane can activate the growth factor receptor pathways. Breast tumors with high levels of AIB1 and HER-2 may be resistant to tamoxifen because of an increase in its estrogen agonist activity.
Detection and Localization of Material Releases with Sparse Sensor Configurations

We consider the problem of detecting and localizing a material release utilizing sparse sensor measurements. We formulate the problem as one of abrupt change detection. The problem is challenging because of the sparse sensor deployment and complex system dynamics. We restrict ourselves to propagation models consisting of diffusion plus transport according to a Gaussian puff model. We derive optimal inference algorithms, provided the model parametrization is known precisely, within a hybrid detection-localization hypothesis testing framework with linear growth in the hypothesis space. The primary assumptions are that the mean wind field is deterministically known and that the Gaussian puff model is valid. Under these assumptions, we characterize the change in performance of detection, time-to-detection and localization as a function of the number of sensors. We then examine some performance impacts when the underlying dynamical model deviates from the assumed model
Cutaneous Intravascular Conditions

Cutaneous intravascular conditions discussed here comprise a heterogeneous group of lymphoid and histiocytic conditions which manifest in the skin and are characterized by localization of lesional cells to the intravascular compartment. These cutaneous intravascular conditions encompass intravascular lymphomas (of B or NK/T origin), as well as suspected reactive proliferative states, including intravascular histiocytosis. Familiarity with these conditions facilitates recognition of potentially aggressive lymphomas (intravascular lymphoma) which with their variable systemic and cutaneous presentations is often missed and allows their critical distinction from other malignancies (e.g., cutaneous metastases) and from nonmalignant entities, such as vascular proliferations or intravascular histiocytosis.
Implications of methodologic bias for therapeutic drug monitoring

T clinical laboratory has limited ability to determine the therapeutic interval for therapeutic drug monitoring. Laboratory personnel are skilled at determining the reference interval for endogenous analytes; however, these procedures do not apply to exogenous analytes, such as therapeutic drugs. In most cases, the therapeutic interval and the toxic concentration for a drug are determined during preclinical trials in conjunction with the pharmaceutical manufacturer or studies reported in the literature and most often are based on nonimmunoassay techniques. The book Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, edited by Norbert W. Tietz, PhD, provides a therapeutic interval and toxic concentration for most drugs monitored by the clinical laboratory.1 This book is a valuable reference to a laboratory in establishing a therapeutic interval and a toxic concentration for drugs. In fact, several laboratories use this reference or other books on therapeutic drug monitoring as a basis for their therapeutic intervals and toxic concentrations. Such references are needed because the laboratory cannot give patients a therapeutic drug to determine the concentration for clinical efficacy and a toxic concentration. The underlying assumption is that the structure and molecular weight of a therapeutic drug are known, and for a given methodology the quantification of the drug would be consistent. What happens when instruments using similar methodology give significantly different results for a therapeutic drug? An example is therapeutic drug monitoring of tacrolimus (FK506). Recent reports in the literature, including the proceedings of a consensus meeting, recommend time-dependent therapeutic intervals of tacrolimus of 10 to 15 ng/ mL during the first 3 months and 5 to 10 ng/mL for maintenance therapy. These recommendations are based on data from multiple centers using the microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) method.2 The earliest clinical trials directed toward establishing a therapeutic range for tacrolimus employed methylene chloride extraction of whole blood and quantitation by dual antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Subsequently, this ELISA format was compared with the Abbott MEIA, and al-
Reproductive Injustices Among Women With Sickle Cell Disease

Women with sickle cell disease (SCD) now survive well into their reproductive years, yet little is known about their reproductive lives. Through 28 in-depth interviews, this study explored the ways in which the reproductive freedom of adult African American women with SCD might be restricted because of their race, gender, class, or illness. Participants in this study had been discouraged from having children because of the risks associated with their illness, denied reproduction through attempts to perform sterilization and lack of access to reproductive information, and scrutinized as mothers-to-be for seeking pain treatment during pregnancy. Despite these barriers, these participants used various strategies to achieve their reproductive desires, including seeking medication information, having a health advocate, and, in some cases, making their own decision not to become mothers. These findings provide a contemporary understanding of the reproductive experiences of women with chronic illness and extend ...
Retrieval from Multimedia Databases Using Fuzzy Temporal Concepts

The focus here is on the problem of querying video multimedia information systems. The role of annotation as a means of interpreting the video is discussed. It is noted that temporal concepts play a uniquely important role in this media. This requires a facility for representing and manipulating naturally occurring temporal concepts. We suggest the use of fuzzy sets to address this issue. We then investigate various aspects of the use of the fuzzy set based theory of approximate reasoning for the retrieval of information in annotated video multimedia systems.
Person verification via eye movement-driven text reading model

The paper presents a reading-based eye movement biometrics model. The model is able to process passages of text and extract metrics that represent the physiological and behavioral aspects of the eye movements in reading. When tested on a database of eye movements from 103 individuals, the model yielded the Equal Error Rate of 10.2%. The proposed method performed better in the template-aging scenario than comparable eye movement-driven biometrics methods.
Implementing a Nursing Pre-Procedural Phone Call Initiative

Traditionally, hepatic procedures have almost exclusively been done byway of femoral access. Evidence-based practice has shown that radial access is more comfortable and cost-effective for patients and practitioners. Using radial access in hepatic procedures allows patients to position more effectively for comfort, both during and especially post-procedurally; realizes a cost saving for the department as conventional closure devices are not necessary; and decreases the numbers of nursing hours necessary to monitor the patient post-procedurally.
Presidential Influence Versus Congressional Control in Action (Chapter 4)

How important is the President for US foreign policy? Studies in American politics—the Two Presidencies literature — assert that the president is much less constrained by Congress and other domestic forces in foreign policy than in domestic policy. Studies in international relations also often assume that the president is the most important actor in foreign policy and is relatively unconstrained by domestic politics. Additionally, studies in international relations often assume that each issue area in foreign policy can be studied in separation. We challenge each of these views. Using new data on roll call votes in Congress and on Presidential-Congressional budget interactions, we argue that 1. Foreign policy instruments should be analyzed jointly and comparatively because they are substitutable, 2. Some foreign policy instruments are more constrained by Congress and domestic forces and look more like domestic issue areas, 3. Other foreign policy instruments, because they can be linked more directly to national security, allow the President more discretion and influence over their use. Our research has two larger implications. Presidential bargaining with Congress over foreign policy matters since the Presidents tends to be more favorable on average to international engagement; rising congressional influence may circumscribe America’s role in the international system.
Structural Characterization of a Functionalized Organic Semiconductor

We report the structure of 5,5′-bis(4-hydroxyhexylphenyl)-2,2′-bithiophene (HO6PTTP60H) powder and sublimated films studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Infrared absorption spectroscopy (IRAS). From XRD, herringbone packing is observed for the HO6PTTP60H powder. Different layer spacing is found for the powder (33.1A) and the sublimated film (26.5A). This slight difference indicates that the HO6PTTP60H molecule is tilted in the film. IRAS results confirm the presence of the HO6PTTP6OH molecule on the surface and its good stability over a few days.
State Space for Time Varying Delay

The construction of a state space for systems with time variant delay is analyzed. We show that under causality and consistency constraints a state space can be derived, but fails if the conditions are not satisfied. We rederive a known result on spectral reachability using an discretization approach followed by taking limits. It is also shown that when a system with fixed delay is modeled as one in a class with larger delay, reachability can no longer be preserved. This has repercussions in modeling systems with bounded time varying delay by embedding them in the class of delay systems with fixed delay, equal to the maximum of the delay function τ(t), or by using lossless causalization.
Relationship between changes in body composition and insulin responsiveness in models of the aging rat

Increased body weight (BW) is one of several confounding factors that may contribute to the development of insulin resistance in human aging. Therefore aging-associated increase in BW was determined by 3H2O in Sprague-Dawley (S-D, n = 40) rats and was highly correlated with increased lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), and plasma insulin and free fatty acid (FFA) levels (r2 > 0.850, P < 0.01 for all). Insulin (18 mU.kg-1.min-1) responsiveness (Rd; 270 +/- 10 mumol.kg LBM-1.min-1, P < 0.01) decreased by 17% between 2 and 4 mo but did not decline further at 14 mo. This decrease was inversely correlated with the increase in FM between 2 and 4 mo (r2 = 0.522, P < 0.05). The decline in Rd was accompanied by an approximately 20% decrease in glycolytic rate by 4 mo (P < 0.01) and in glycogen synthesis rate at 14 mo (P < 0.01) compared with 2-mo rats. Thus early impairment in intracellular glucose metabolism occurred concomitantly with an initial, rapid, and disproportionate increase in FM compared with LBM. Further increases in FM after 4 mo of age were not associated with a further decrease in insulin responsiveness in either S-D or Fischer 344 aging rats.
The use of glycan serum biomarkers for the detection of cancer

A42 The Use of Glycan Serum Biomarkers for the Detection of CancerSuzanne Miyamoto 1 , Hyun Joo An 2 , Crystal Kirmiz 2 , Bensheng Li 2 , Caroline Chu 2 , Hao Liu 2 , Anthony Ferrige 4 , Robert Alecio 4 , Helen Chew 1 , Gary Leiserowitz 3 , Ralph deVere White 1 , Kit S Lam 1 and Carlito B Lebrilla 2 . 1 UC Davis Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA; 2 UC Davis, Davis, CA; 3 UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA; 4 Positive Probability Limited, Isleham, UK.During the development of cancer, tumor cells alter glycosylation of proteins leading to changes in the growth, adhesion, signaling, and immune surveillance of the tumor. These glycosylation changes are known to correlate with increasing tumor burden and poor prognosis. Current immunochemical tests for cancer biomarkers, which include CA125, CA 15-3 or CA 19-9 are antibody-based assays for glycosylated proteins often associated with ovarian, breast cancer or other cancer types. These tests are not specific or sensitive enough for early detection of cancer and are not recommended by the American Society of Clinical Oncology for this purpose. As an adjunct to current immunochemical, proteomic or other methods for detection and diagnosis of cancer in patient serum, we have developed methods to chemically cleave oligosaccharides (glycans) from their protein cores that are present in serum samples. The resulting free glycan species are then analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) or electrospray ionization (ESI) Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (FTMS). Further structural analysis of the glycans can be performed in the FTMS through the use of tandem mass spectrometry with infrared multi-photon dissociation (IRMPD) to sequence and confirm their oligosaccharide identification and core structure. Based on this analysis, glycan profiles are being created that will represent the glycosylation changes associated with the cancer disease state of the patient, which are sufficiently different from cancer free or "normal" patient serum. These glycan profiles will contain distinct glycan biomarkers that we hope can be "signatures of cancer". We are using these methods to determine if we can detect significant glycan differences in the serum of ovarian, breast or prostate cancer patients that are not found in non-cancer patients. We have already analyzed condition media from tumor cell lines and cancer patient serum samples and have identified a panel of potential glycan cancer biomarkers that appear to correlate with the presence of cancer. We are in the process of determining whether these serum glycan biomarkers correlate with disease state. We envision that this test can be used as a diagnostic aid or to monitor treatment or predict outcome. This glycan profile test must be sensitive, specific and reproducible in order to take this technology from the laboratory bench to the bedside of the cancer patient.
Current challenges in the management of the infected patient

Purpose of reviewManagement of hospital-associated infections (HAIs) has been made more challenging by the increasing proportion of immunocompromised or otherwise severely ill patients and increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in this environment. This review examines strategies to
Enhanced paleoecological and paleoenvironmental interpretations result from analysis of early diagenetic concretions in Pennsylvanian shales

Diagenesis commonly is a subtle, yet significant source of taphonomic bias. Failure to recognize diagenetic influences on primary depositional features can lead to spurious paleoecological and paleoenvironmental conclusions. This is exemplified by early diagenetic calcareous concretions and laminated siderite in the lower part of the Dugger Formation (Pennsylvanian: Desmoinesian) in southwestern Indiana. Calcareous concretions are common in organic-rich, black shale, in which they record vital paleoecological and paleoenvironmental information lost in the surrounding deposits. Evidence of early cementation in these concretions includes 1) presence within concretions of thin-shelled or weakly ornamented molluscs (e.g. Placopterina ohioensis, Parallelodon obsoletus, and Nuculopsis girtyi), which are not preserved in surrounding black shales, 2) preservation of original convexity in bivalves, 3) preservation of woody fragments not preserved in the enclosing black shale, 4) up to 80 percent post-diagenetic compactional drape of the surrounding black shale around the concretions, and 5) preservation of bioturbation horizons that indicate temporally short oxygenation events not preserved in the enclosing black shale. The presence of these feature within the concretions contradicts previous interpretations of very low faunal diversity resultingfrom totally anoxic environmental conditions. Laminated siderite occurs stratigraphically higher within the Dugger Formation. Evidence for early diagenesis of this laminated siderite is the preservation of uncrushed productid brachiopods in growth position. A fresh-water origin for laminated siderite is supported by the presence of brackish and nonmarine fossils within and immediately above the siderite layer. The preservation of productid brachiopods in growth position at the base of the siderite suggests a sudden fresh-water influx into marine or brackish waters. Here, paleontological evidence supports previous geochemical interpretations of laminated-siderite formation. Recognition and exploitation of early diagenetic lithotypes in other rock units may also provide enhanced insights into faunal diversity, paleoecology, and depositional setting.