cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arresting the Culprit: Targeted Antagomir Delivery to Sequester Oncogenic miR-221 in HCC

Various treatment options are available for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the overwhelming majority of them fail to extend patient survival, especially in cases of advanced disease. Although a number of different genetic lesions have been linked to HCC, the expression of oncogenic microRNAs (miRNAs), such as miR-221 and miR-222, are consistently found elevated in HCC tumor specimens,1,2 suggesting that silencing of these miRNAs might slow or stop tumor growth. In a recent study, Park et al. show that systemic administration of a chemically modified oligonucleotide that binds to and sequesters miR-221 is efficacious in HCC.3 Their approach identified a preferred chemical modification on the oligonucleotide that allowed its accumulation in hepatocytes, which led to therapeutic silencing of miR-221, reduced cellular proliferation, and most importantly increased survival of an orthotopic mouse model of HCC. Although this approach has yet to be tried in human patients, it appears likely that treatments involving miRNA overexpression or silencing, such as these, will translate efficiently.
Enzymatic isomerization (Δ7 → Δ8) of the nuclear double bond of 14α-alkyl substituted sterol precursord of cholesterol

Abstract The catalysis by rat liver microsomes under anaerobic conditions, of the conversion of [3α-3H]14α-methyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol and of [2,4-3H]14α-hydroxymethyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol to labeled 14α-methyl-5α-cholest-8-en-3β-ol and 14α-hydroxymethyl-5α-cholest-8-en-3β-ol, respectively, has been demonstrated. This finding is of importance in evaluating past research in this area and in consideration of pathways and mechanisms involved in enzymatic removal of carbon atom 32 of 14α-methyl sterols. Also described herein are syntheses of [2,4-3H]14α-hydroxymethyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol and 3β-acetoxy-14α-methyl-5α-cholest-8-ene.
Reverse and pseudo redistribution of thallium-201 in healed myocardial infarction and normal and negative thallium-201 washout in ischemia due to background oversubtraction

While the interpolative background subtraction used in quantitative planar thallium scanning can significantly overestimate the background overlying the heart, the effects of background oversubtraction on quantitative analysis have not been well defined. A mathematical model that relates myocardial washout determined using interpolative background subtraction to true myocardial washout is presented. The model was validated using phantoms and applied to myocardial and pulmonary thallium kinetic data in 100 patients, 85 with and 15 without coronary artery disease. The model showed that when using interpolative background subtraction, measured washout equals true washout in normally perfused myocardium; however, depending on the relation between myocardial and pulmonary thallium clearance, myocardial washout in ischemic regions and areas of infarction can be substantially over- or underestimated. Based on generally accepted quantitative criteria, this incorrect washout determination can at times lead to misdiagnosis of infarction as ischemia and ischemia as normally perfused tissue. It can also cause both "reverse redistribution" and "pseudo redistribution" of thallium in myocardial infarction in the absence of a physiologic basis.
Influence of body mass index on prostate-specific antigen failure after androgen suppression and radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND Increasing body mass index (BMI) is associated with shorter time to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure after radical prostatectomy. Whether BMI is associated with time to PSA failure was investigated in men treated with androgen suppression therapy (AST) and radiation therapy (RT) for clinically localized prostate cancer. METHODS The observational prospective cohort study consisted of 102 men with clinically localized prostate cancer who received 70 Gy RT with 6 months of AST on a single arm of a randomized trial between December 1995 and April 2001. Height and weight data were available at baseline for 99 (97%) of the men, from which BMI was calculated. Adjusting for age (continuous) and known prognostic factors including PSA level (continuous), Gleason score, and T-category, Cox regression analyses were performed to analyze whether BMI (continuous) was associated with time to PSA failure (PSA >1.0 ng/mL and increasing >0.2 ng/mL on 2 consecutive visits). RESULTS Median age and median BMI (interquartile range [IQR]) at baseline was 72 (69.1–74.7) years and 27.4 (24.8–30.7) kg/m,2 respectively. In addition to an increasing PSA level (P = .006) and Gleason 8–10 cancer (P = .024), after a median follow-up (IQR) of 6.9 (5.6–8.5) years, an increasing BMI was also significantly associated with a shorter time to PSA failure (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.19; P = .026) after RT and AST. CONCLUSIONS After adjusting for known prognostic factors, baseline BMI is significantly associated with time to PSA failure after RT and AST for men with clinically localized prostate cancer. Further study is warranted to assess the impact of an increasing BMI after AST administration on PSA failure, prostate cancer-specific, and all-cause mortality. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
RECOGNIZING GOOD ATTENDANCE: A LONGITUDINAL, QUASI‐EXPERIMENTAL FIELD STUDY

Three motivational theories (need, goal, and reinforcement) suggest that recognition programs should increase employee attendance. A 1-year, quasi-experimental field study of absenteeism was conducted at 4 manufacturing plants with a total 1,100 employees. The study compared a public recognition program for improving work attendance with 3 types of controls. The personal recognition treatment showed (a) significant decreases ranging from 29% to 52% for each quarter's baseline assessment, and (b) significant decreases when the control groups showed no decrease. Employees had favorable perceptions of the public recognition program.
Primary endoscopic repair of intermediate laryngeal clefts.

Introduction Traditionally, small laryngeal clefts may be closed endoscopically, while larger clefts necessitate an open anterior approach. We report the presentation, evaluation and outcome following endoscopic surgical repair of a series of laryngeal clefts. Method Retrospective study of children treated in a tertiary referral centre between 2003 and 2008. The presenting symptoms, patient demographics, cleft type, surgical outcome and complications were evaluated. Results Seven children underwent primary endoscopic repair of their laryngeal clefts (four Benjamin-Inglis type III clefts and three type II clefts). Presenting symptoms included stridor, cough and cyanosis with feeds, swallowing problems, weak cry, and recurrent lower respiratory tract infection. Treatment was ultimately successful in six of the seven children; treatment was ongoing for the remaining child, who underwent subsequent revision surgery via an open approach. Two children went on to require a second endoscopic repair, and two underwent an open repair of a residual defect. One child required a tracheostomy for failed extubation in the post-operative period. Conclusion Endoscopic repair is a safe, useful technique in the management of laryngeal clefts. Laryngeal clefts must be excluded in a child presenting with persistent aerodigestive tract symptoms, as described here.
Stratospheric tides and data assimilation

In the upper stratosphere the atmosphere exhibits significant diurnal and semidiurnal tidal variations with typical amplitude of about 2 K in midlatitudes. In this paper we examine how well the tidal variations in temperature are represented by the GEOS-2 data assimilation system. It is shown that the GEOS-2 atmospheric model is quite successful at simulating the tidal variations. However, the assimilation of satellite temperature soundings significantly damps the simulated tides. The reason is that the tides are not well represented by the satellite retrievals used by the assimilation system (which have a typical tidal amplitude of about 1 K). As a result of this study, we suggest improvements that should be made to the treatment of satellite sounding data by the assimilation system.
Competitive environments in fantasy sports gaming: effects of entry fees and rewards on opposition quality and league sorting

Despite its explosive growth in North America, relatively little research has been conducted on the gambling implications of fantasy sports. The current study examines whether financial information (i.e. entry fee and payout) in an advertisement promoting a fantasy football service influences perceptions about opponents' perceived skill level and expected outcomes. This study also examines the impact of perceived opponents' skill and perceived winning expectations on the desire to participate in the advertised fantasy sports service. Findings indicated that entry fee and reward information significantly increased the participants' expectation of opponent quality, but that this expectation did not result in decreases in the subjects' self-reported probability of winning the league. Additionally, subjects indicated that they were most likely to join a league in which the expected opponents' skill level was nearly equal to their own. In the presence of an advertised monetary reward, however, perceived winnin...
Model reference adaptive sliding control for linear systems

Abstract This paper proposes a controller design for continuous linear systems with unknown parameters. A model reference adaptive sliding controller is introduced, which is differentiator free and requires the measurement of system’s input and output (I/O) signals only. The controller is based on the combination of an output feedback sliding control and an adaptation scheme for estimating the upper bound of the magnitude of the unknown plant parameters. Exponential stability is achieved for plants with arbitrary relative degree and is shown using Lyapunov’s stability analysis. The proposed controller avoids chattering and does not suffer from parameter drift due to adaptation. The proposed controller is easy to implement and has superior transient behavior as compared to the standard adaptive controller.
Organizational motifs for ground squirrel cone bipolar cells

In daylight vision, parallel processing starts at the cone synapse. Cone signals flow to On and Off bipolar cells, which are further divided into types according to morphology, immunocytochemistry, and function. The axons of the bipolar cell types stratify at different levels in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and can interact with costratifying amacrine and ganglion cells. These interactions endow the ganglion cell types with unique functional properties. The wiring that underlies the interactions among bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cells is poorly understood. It may be easier to elucidate this wiring if organizational rules can be established. We identify 13 types of cone bipolar cells in the ground squirrel, 11 of which contact contiguous cones, with the possible exception of short-wavelength-sensitive cones. Cells were identified by antibody labeling, tracer filling, and Golgi-like filling following transduction with an adeno-associated virus encoding for green fluorescent protein. The 11 bipolar cell types displayed two organizational patterns. In the first pattern, eight to 10 of the 11 types came in pairs with partially overlapping axonal stratification. Pairs shared morphological, immunocytochemical, and functional properties. The existence of similar pairs is a new motif that might have implications for how signals first diverge from a cone to bipolar cells and then reconverge onto a costratifying ganglion cell. The second pattern is a mirror symmetric organization about the middle of the IPL involving at least seven bipolar cell types. This anatomical symmetry may be associated with a functional symmetry in On and Off ganglion cell responses.
Techniques For Characterization Of High-Loss Optical Fibers

Optical fibers developed for sensor applications often exhibit high optical losses. While these losses may be entirely acceptable for the design application, efforts to improve fiber performance still require loss quantification and the identification of optical loss mechanisms. Existing fiber loss characterization techniques (e.g., optical time domain reflectometry) are generally only appropriate for low loss (communication grade) fibers and may give little or no information on loss mechanisms. At the Pacific Northwest Laboratory, techniques have been developed for the characterization of high-loss (tens of dB per meter) optical fibers which allow discrimination between scattering and absorptive losses. Two techniques are presented. In the "differential scattering" method, differential fiber scattering losses are acquired over the length of the fiber to obtain a scattering loss coefficient. This information combined with a conventional total fiber loss measurement (e.g., using the "cut-back" method) allows inference of the absorptive part of the fiber loss. In the second method, "scanning aperture" characteriza-tion, the fiber is scanned by a moving aperture to yield curves of differential and integral scatter intensity versus length. This curve not only provides corroboration of the previously acquired differential scattering data, but also points out high-loss regions in the optical fiber. Both methods will be fully described. Experimental data on representative fibers will be presented.
Different Screening Constants for Different Physical Properties. I

Expectation values other than energy for ground state of two-electron atom, studying different screening constants
Emerging Strategies in the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Medical Patients

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients with acute medical illness. The high prevalence of VTE in this patient population, its clinically silent nature, and associated morbidity and mortality indicate that prophylactic therapy is appropriate in those determined to be at increased risk. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) have been shown to reduce the incidence of VTE and are the primary therapies used for prophylaxis in these patients. Although both UFH and LMWH have received grade 1A recommendations for the prevention of VTE in at-risk medical patients in the 2004 American College of Chest Physicians consensus conference statements, LMWH has advantages over UFH in its once-daily dosing scheme, reduced incidence of major and minor bleeding events, and reduced incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Fondaparinux is a novel antithrombotic agent characterized by specificity for factor Xa and a lack of platelet interaction. A recent clinical trial in hospitalized patients with acute medical illness found that fondaparinux significantly reduced the incidence of both VTE and fatal pulmonary embolism compared with placebo, without increased major bleeding. Despite the availability of effective thromboprophylactic therapies, VTE prophylaxis continues to be underutilized in hospitalized medical patients
Filled versus empty intervals in prospective hypnotic time estimation with a real-simulator design.

Abstract While interest in hypnotic time perception dates back to the 19th century (St. Jean, 1989) only recently have researchers focused on hypnosis and time estimation under more controlled conditions. Following the work of Jasinski (1986) and Mozenter and Kurtz (1992) we predicted a 2-way interaction between Group (high hypnotizable, low hypnotizable, and simulator) and Condition (waking, hypnotized) across 3 time intervals (30, 60, and 120 seconds). It was further hypothesized that “filled” intervals (with white noise) would be perceived as longer than “empty” intervals across all conditions. Sixty-two undergraduates were screened on the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale: Form C and verbally estimated time intervals of 30, 60, and 120 seconds, 5 times each, both while in a waking and a hypnotic condition. Support was found for the predicted 2-way interaction for women only. High hypnotizable women showed a significant increase in overestimation from the waking to hypnosis condition, men did not....
History and status of black and white photographic processing chemicals as effluents

The silver halide film imaging industry traditionally has not been considered a major polluter. Still, today we face increasing sewer discharge controls for used processing solutions. The environmental community recognizes an emerging hierarchy of waste management. In decreasing level of desirability, this hierarchy includes: make no waste (Green products), recycle, minimize generation of waste, and disposal. Efforts to manage black and white silver halide films processing effluents within the hierarchy are discussed.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Phonemic retrieval: anomic aphasia revisited

Abstract Recently, Hough and DeMarco [Hough MS, DeMarco S. Phonemic retrieval in anomic aphasia: a case study. J Neuroling 1996;9:85–94.] investigated the phonemic retrieval skills of an anomic aphasic woman using a deferred repetition paradigm. The retrieval of real and nonsense target words after presentation of real and nonsense distractor words were examined. Performance was influenced by the lexical nature of the target and distractor and the phonetic similarity and dissimilarity between the target and distractor words. In the present investigation, two additional adults with anomic aphasia were studied. The results revealed consistent similarities in the retrieval of certain target and distractor word pairs with a strong lexical effect. The results are discussed relative to models of retrieval.
Intensity measurements of methane lines in the 727 nm band studied by intracavity laser spectroscopy at temperatures down to 77 K

Abstract A time-resolved, quasi-cw form of intracavity laser absorption spectroscopy has been used to measure intensities of vibration-rotation lines of methane in the 727 nm region. Temperatures of 77, 195 and 296 K are employed. A 0.68 meter long, low temperature absorption cell, enclosed inside the resonator cavity of a dye laser, has been used to obtain effective absorption pathlengths of 0.6–4.0 km. Intensities of several vibration-rotation methane lines obtained by directly fitting Voigt profiles to the absorption lines are reported for the first time for absorption in the 727 nm band.
Transport of polymeric nanoparticle gene carriers in gastric mucus

Nanoparticle transport through mucosal barriers is often restricted owing to mucoadhesion and the highly viscoelastic nature of mucus gels, which may limit efficient drug and gene delivery. We formulated sub-200 nm particulates from poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) and the cationic surfactant dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDAB). Subsequently, anionic DNA was condensed to the surface to obtain gene carriers with transfection rates 50-fold higher than those of naked DNA in vitro. Using the method of multiple particle tracking (MPT), we measured the transport rates of dozens of individual PLGA-DDAB/DNA nanoparticles in real time in reconstituted pig gastric mucus (PGM) that possessed physiologically relevant rheological properties. The average transport rate of PLGA-DDAB/DNA nanoparticles was 10-fold higher than those of similar size polystyrene nanoparticles. Improved transport rates, stability in mucus, and ability to transfect cells make PLGA-DDAB/DNA nanoparticles candidates for mucosal DNA vaccines and gene therapy.
Primary care and receipt of preventive services

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether health insurance, a regular place of care, and optimal primary care are independently associated with receiving preventive care services.
Self-patterned molecular photoswitching in nanoscale surface assemblies

Photomechanical switching (photoisomerization) of molecules at a surface is found to strongly depend on molecule−molecule interactions and molecule−surface orientation. Scanning tunneling microscopy was used to image photoswitching behavior in the single-molecule limit of tetra-tert-butyl-azobenzene molecules adsorbed onto Au(111) at 30 K. Photoswitching behavior varied strongly with surface molecular island structure, and self-patterned stripes of switching and nonswitching regions were observed having ∼10 nm pitch. These findings can be summarized into photoswitching selection rules that highlight the important role played by a molecule’s nanoscale environment in determining its switching properties.
Enantioselective toxicity and bioaccumulation of fipronil in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) following water and sediment exposures

Fipronil is a widely used, broad-spectrum pesticide that is applied as an equal mixture of two enantiomers. As regulations on older pesticides become more stringent, production and application of fipronil is expected to grow, leading to increased inputs into aquatic environments and complex exposures to biota. To better understand the potential exposures introduced by fipronil contamination, we conducted subchronic toxicity tests with larval fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and waterborne fipronil and its enantiomers and exposed juvenile fathead minnows to fipronil-spiked sediment. Enantioselective toxicity was observed in fish after the 7-d subchronic exposure, with increased toxicity of the racemate and (+) enantiomer observed compared with the (−) enantiomer. Curiously, toxicities of the racemate and (+) enantiomer were not significantly different, even though the racemate contains 50% of the (+) enantiomer and 50% of the less toxic (−) enantiomer. During the sediment exposure, racemic fipronil in sediment was transformed primarily to fipronil sulfide, while exposed fish rapidly accumulated fipronil and/or fipronil sulfide and transformed the majority to fipronil sulfone. Using the results of the sediment-exposure experiment, the authors explored a mechanism that may contribute to the interesting trends in enantioselective toxicity observed during the waterborne exposures. In tandem, the aquatic toxicity experiment and the spiked sediment exposure demonstrate the potentially complex behavior of fipronil in sediment and fish. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:222–227. © 2012 SETAC
A uniqueness result for the isaacs equation corresponding to nonlinear H∞ control

The dynamic programming equation (DPE) corresponding to nonlinear H∞ control is considered. When the cost grows quadratically in the state, it is well known that there may be an infinite number of viscosity solutions to the DPE. In fact, there may be more than one classical solution when a classical solution exists. For the case of fixed feedback control, it is shown that there exists a unique viscosity solution in the class of solutions meeting a certain growth condition, and a representation in terms of available storage is obtained. For the active control case, where the H∞ problem is represented by a differential game, a similar representation result is obtained under the assumption of existence of a suboptimal feedback control.
ASP85TYR POLYMORPHISM IN THE UDP-GLUCURONOSYLTRANSFERASE (UGT) 2B15 GENE AND THE RISK OF PROSTATE CANCER

ABSTRACT Purpose: An amino acid changing polymorphism in the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 2B15 gene has been described at codon 85 (aspartate>tyrosine). The UGT2B15 85Asp allele exhibits 2-fold decreased activity for dihydrotestosterone, which was suggested to be associated with the risk of prostate cancer based on in vitro functional analysis. We determined whether this polymorphism can be used to predict individual susceptibility to prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: UGT2B15 expression was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of normal prostate tissues. Prevalence of the UGT2B15 Asp85Tyr polymorphism was compared between cases and controls by allele specific polymerase chain reaction analysis using genomic DNA isolated from 155 incident white patients with primary prostate cancer and 155 individually age matched (±5 years) white controls. Results: UGT2B15 mRNA was detected in all prostate tissues tested. A significant association was found between UGT2B15 genotypes and prostate cancer risk. A significantly increased risk of prostate cancer was observed in subjects with the homozygous UGT2B15 85Asp/Asp genotype (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.6). Conclusions: These results suggest that the UGT2B15 enzyme may have a role in the metabolism of dihydrotestosterone in prostate tissue and UGT2B15 Asp85Tyr polymorphism is associated with prostate cancer risk.
The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor: A Role in Repair of Radiation-Induced DNA Damage

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is frequently expressed in tumors of epithelial origin, is an important determinant of tumor responses to ionizing radiation. Elevated EGFR expression and activity frequently correlate with tumor resistance to radiotherapy in patients. EGFR is thought to confer tumor resistance to radiation through the activation of survival and cell proliferation pathways. Recent discoveries have identified a novel radioprotective function of EGFR which involves the radiation-induced nuclear translocation of the receptor and its interactions with the DNA-dependent protein kinase, a key component of the nonhomologous end-joining DNA repair pathway. Targeting the DNA repair function of EGFR may serve as a therapeutic model for sensitizing tumors to radiotherapy in patients.
Limiting Subcritical Crack Growth in Glass‐Matrix Composites

Subcritical crack growth measurements were made in borosilicate glass/Fe-Ni-Co particulate composites, in which the metal particles were used both as-received and also with a surface oxidation treatment. No crack growth was observed in the composites containing the partially oxidized particles before catastrophic failure ensued. The composites containing nonoxidized particles did exhibit measurable growth. Fracture surface observations identify strong bonding between the particles and matrix as the main reason for significantly increasing the slow crack growth resistance. This method of “effectively” eliminating subcritical crack growth may be a means by which the design threshold of glasses is raised, thus opening new areas of applications for glass systems.
Evaluating Social Service Delivery Configurations

This aritcle presents the use of an eclectic approach to the evaluation of services to the homeless. The method used combines social network analysis and multiattribute technology to allow for the development of a criterion for the evaluation of an entire collection of services for a geographic area. The factors being considered are the description of the service delivery configuration, the criteria for evaluation, and a strategy for future planning and monitoring.
Empirical uncertainty in angle of arrival estimation for bathymetric sidescan sonars

In most bathymetric sidescan sonars, phase differences measured across one or more pairs of transducer staves are used to estimate the angle of arrival of bottom echoes. In this work, uncertainties in these estimates are empirically determined from data obtained in 10–25 m of water depth with an L-3 Klein Associates 5000 V2 sidescan sonar operating at 455 kHz. Empirical angular uncertainties remained below 0.2° at the 95% confidence level out to horizontal ranges of 5.5 times the altitude of the sonar above the bottom. In addition, at the output of each phasor used to estimate angles of arrival, the signal-to-noise ratio is shown to provide a threshold below which angle of arrival estimates should be rejected because of acoustic shadows or multipath interferences.
Velocity continuation in the downward continuation approach to seismic imaging

SUMMARY One way of developing a wave-equation approach to seismic imaging is based on the concept of downward continuation of observed surface reflection data. Seismic imaging is typically based on the single scattering approximation, and assumes the knowledge of a smooth background model in which the mentioned downward continuation is carried out using the double-squareroot (DSR) equation. The downward continued data are subjected, at each depth, to an imaging condition generating an image or to an angle transform generating common-image gathers. Motivated by the problem of estimation of the background model we develop a framework for velocity continuation in the downward continuation approach to seismic imaging. Velocity continuation is a term used to describe the transformation of a common-image gather (or image) obtained in an ‘initial’ background velocity model into a gather (image) obtained in another ‘final’ model. We construct evolution equations for velocity continuation. We then introduce the concept of data-extended-image ‘volume’. In the data-extended-image ‘volume’ we consider so-called extended images, which are functions of subsurface source–receiver midpoint, subsurface source–receiver offset and depth. We introduce and analyse velocity continuation of the individual components that make up the process of migration, imaging and the transformation to angle common-image gathers.
Objective assessment of isotretinoin-associated cheilitis: Isotretinoin Cheilitis Grading Scale

AbstractImportance: Isotretinoin remains an effective treatment for severe acne. Despite its effectiveness, it includes many side effects, of which cheilitis is the most common. Objective: To develop an objective grading scale for assessment of isotretinoin-associated cheilitis. Design: Cross-sectional clinical grading study. Setting: UC Davis Dermatology clinic. Participants: Subjects were older than 18 years old and actively treated with oral isotretinoin. Exposures: Oral Isotretinoin. Main outcomes and measures: We developed an Isotretinoin Cheilitis Grading Scale (ICGS) incorporating the following four characteristics: erythema, scale/crust, fissures and inflammation of the commissures. Three board-certified dermatologists independently graded photographs of the subjects. Results: The Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (KCC) for the ICGS was 0.88 (p < 0.0001). The Kendall’s coefficient was ≥0.72 (p < 0.0001) for each of the four characteristics included in the grading scale. An image-based measureme...
Analysis of ASL Motion Capture Data towards Identification of Verb Type

This paper provides a preliminary analysis of American Sign Language predicate motion signatures, obtained using a motion capture system, toward identification of a predicate's event structure as telic or atelic. The pilot data demonstrates that production differences between signed predicates can be used to model the probabilities of a predicate belonging to telic or atelic classes based on their motion signature in 3D, using either maximal velocity achieved within the sign, or maximal velocity and minimal acceleration data from each predicate. The solution to the problem of computationally identifying predicate types in ASL video data could significantly simplify the task of identifying verbal complements, arguments and modifiers, which compose the rest of the sentence, and ultimately contribute to solving the problem of automatic ASL recognition.
Effects of dopamine and alpha-2 adrenoreceptor blockade on l-dopa and cholecystokinin-induced gastroprotection

Dopamine and cholecystokinin have been colocalized in neurons and represent endogenous enteric neurotransmitters. Both peptides posses potent protective actions against gastric injury when given exogenously. This study was undertaken in conscious female rats to test the hypothesis that cholecystokinin may exert its protective actions via release of dopamine. Experiments were designed to ascertain whetherl-dopa, a dopamine precursor, could prevent gastric injury with the same degree of efficacy as cholecystokinin and to determine what role alpha-2 adrenoreceptors and dopamine receptors play in mediating the protective actions of these peptides. Intraperitoneal administration ofl-dopa (1 to 25 mg/kg) in a dose-dependent manner prevented the type of macroscopic injury to the acid-secreting portion of the stomach that is caused by 1 ml of orogastric acidified ethanol (150 mmol/L hydrochloric acid/50% ethanol), an effect corroborated by histologic examination. Administration of either the alpha-2 adrenoreceptor antagonist yohimbine (0.1 to 1.0 mg/kg) or the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol (1 to 5 mg/kg) caused a partial reversal ofl-dopa-induced protection but not the protective actions of subcutaneous cholecystokinin (100 μg/kg). Simultaneous administration of both receptor antagonists had an additive effect and completely reversed the protective actions ofl-dopa. The dopamine precursorl-dopa was just as effective in maintaining the integrity of the gastric epithelium in the face of a damaging insult as the gut peptide cholecystokinin. However, the data indicate thatl-dopa initiates its protective actions through activation of both alpha-2 adrenoreceptors and dopamine receptors, whereas the protective effects of cholecystokinin are elicited by means of a different mechanism.
What Happened to the Streptococci: Overview of Taxonomic and Nomenclature Changes

Since the division of the Streptococcus genus into enterococci, lactococci, and streptococci in 1984, many changes in the nomenclature and taxonomy of the Streptococcus genus have taken place. The application of genetic comparisons has improved the proper classification of the different species. The Lancefield system of serogrouping the streptococci by the expression of beta-hemolysis on blood agar plates is still very useful for the identification of streptococci for patient management. The Lancefield grouping system cannot be used in itself for accurate identification of specific beta-hemolytic species, but it can be a useful part of the identification procedure. Except for identification of the “Streptococcus bovis group” of species and Streptococcus suis, Lancefield grouping is of little value in identification of the non-beta-hemolytic streptococci and related genera. In fact, identification of the non-beta-hemolytic species is problematic for conventional as well as commercially available identification procedures. A combination of conventional tests and specific chromogenic tests suggested by several investigators is presented and discussed. Tables are included that suggest tests and procedures to guide investigators attempting to identify all the species.
Organizational power and the information services department

A theory of intraorganizational power is discussed and applied to the information services department. The results of a study of the power of five departments in 40 manufacturing plants is presented. Hypotheses about the levels of power of information processing are not supported by the findings; however, the power theory in general does receive support.The information-services department is perceived as having low levels of power and influence in the organization: Reasons for this unexpected finding are discussed. The paper suggests several explanations for the results and possible problems in the organization. Recommendations to senior management and the information-services department are offered.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting a positive repeat prostate biopsy in patients with a previous negative biopsy session in the era of extended prostate sampling.

OBJECTIVE To create a nomogram for predicting the probability of a positive biopsy in men with one or more previous negative biopsies, as the false-negative rate of prostate biopsy in contemporary series remains substantial, and there is a need to identify those with a negative result but with a high risk of having unrecognized prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 408 patients from Cleveland Clinic who had one or more repeat biopsies after an initial negative biopsy from 1999 to 2008. Another 470 men with the same criteria were used to validate the nomogram. Nomogram variables included age, family history of prostate cancer, body mass index, findings on a digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, PSA slope, total prostate volume, months from initial negative biopsy session, months from previous negative biopsy, cumulative number of negative cores previously taken and history of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation. We calculated the nomogram predicted probability in each patient. These predicted outcomes were compared with the actual biopsy results. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated as a measure of discrimination. RESULTS The mean number of previous negative biopsies was 1.5, and the mean number of cores per session was 19.1. Of the original development data, 129 men (31.6%) had prostate cancer. A nomogram was constructed that had a concordance index of 0.72, which was greater than any single risk factor. In the validation group the area under the ROC curve was 0.62. CONCLUSIONS Our nomogram for predicting a positive repeat biopsy can provide important additional information to aid the urologist and patient with a negative biopsy in evaluating clinical options.
Loss of T Cell Progenitor Checkpoint Control Underlies Leukemia Initiation in Rag1-Deficient Nonobese Diabetic Mice

NOD mice exhibit major defects in the earliest stages of T cell development in the thymus. Genome-wide genetic and transcriptome analyses were used to investigate the origins and consequences of an early T cell developmental checkpoint breakthrough in Rag1-deficient NOD mice. Quantitative trait locus analysis mapped the presence of checkpoint breakthrough cells to several known NOD diabetes susceptibility regions, particularly insulin-dependent diabetes susceptibility genes (Idd)9/11 on chromosome 4, suggesting common genetic origins for T cell defects affecting this trait and autoimmunity. Genome-wide RNA deep-sequencing of NOD and B6 Rag1-deficient thymocytes revealed the effects of genetic background prior to breakthrough, as well as the cellular consequences of the breakthrough. Transcriptome comparison between the two strains showed enrichment in differentially expressed signal transduction genes, prominently tyrosine kinase and actin-binding genes, in accord with their divergent sensitivities to activating signals. Emerging NOD breakthrough cells aberrantly expressed both stem cell–associated proto-oncogenes, such as Lmo2, Hhex, Lyl1, and Kit, which are normally repressed at the commitment checkpoint, and post–β-selection checkpoint genes, including Cd2 and Cd5. Coexpression of genes characteristic of multipotent progenitors and more mature T cells persists in the expanding population of thymocytes and in the thymic leukemias that emerge with age in these mice. These results show that Rag1-deficient NOD thymocytes have T cell defects that can collapse regulatory boundaries at two early T cell checkpoints, which may predispose them to both leukemia and autoimmunity.
Utility of deeper sections and special stains for dermatopathology specimens

Special (non-hematoxylin and eosin) stains and deeper sections are routinely used in dermathopathology, although their utility has not been well established. All cases requiring special stains or deeper sections over a three-month period were reviewed to see how often these additional studies contributed to accurate diagnosis. In our series, deeper sections provided diagnostic information to the pathologist in 37.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 28-46%] of the cases in which they were performed. Deeper sections are more likely to provide a more accurate diagnosis (23.6%, 95% CI 16-32%) rather than establish a new diagnosis not seen on the original sections (13.6%, 95% CI 7-20%). Their use is especially helpful in assessing the presence or absence of cutaneous malignancy rather than in diagnosing inflammatory skin processes. Special stains contributed to the diagnosis in 21.1% (95% CI 11-32%) of cases. When special stains were performed to diagnose an infection they were effective in 14,7% (95% CI 6-24%) of the cases When special stains were performed to diagnose any other pathologic processes (neoplasm, inflammation, collagen vascular disease, and amyloid) they were effective in 31.8% (95% CI 24-44%) of the cases.
Effective Software Merging in the Presence of Object-Oriented Refactorings

Current text based Software Configuration Management (SCM) systems have trouble with refactorings. Refactorings result in global changes which lead to merge conflicts. A refactoring-aware SCM system reduces merge conflicts. This paper describes MolhadoRef, a refactoring-aware SCM system and the merge algorithm at its core. MolhadoRef records change operations (refactorings and edits) used to produce one version, and replays them when merging versions. Since refactorings are change operations with well defined semantics, MolhadoRef treats them intelligently. A case study and a controlled experiment show that MolhadoRef automatically solves more merge conflicts than CVS while resulting in fewer merge errors.
Fabrication, Modeling, and Characterization of High-Aspect-Ratio Coplanar Waveguide

A silicon micromachining process has been developed to fabricate high-aspect-ratio coplanar waveguide (hicoplanar). A new closed-form analytical transmission line model that is valid for both conventional coplanar waveguide (CPW) and hicoplanar is introduced and compared with simulations and experimental results. The major novelties of the model are that it includes the effect of the conductor height on the output parameters and combines Wheeler's inductance rule and perturbation theory to predict the line resistance. Transmission lines with characteristic impedances of 18-25 Ω have been fabricated on high-resistivity silicon. Attenuation was measured to be 2.4-3.4 dB/cm at 30 GHz before silicon removal and 1.7-2.4 dB/cm at 30 GHz after silicon removal. The analytical model is compared with Ansoft High Frequency Structure Simulator simulations and experimental data and shows excellent agreement.
Combined liquid and solid-phase extraction improves quantification of brain estrogen content.

Accuracy in quantifying brain-derived steroid hormones ("neurosteroids") has become increasingly important for understanding the modulation of neuronal activity, development, and physiology. Relative to other neuroactive compounds and classical neurotransmitters, steroids pose particular challenges with regard to isolation and analysis, owing to their lipid solubility. Consequently, anatomical studies of the distribution of neurosteroids have relied primarily on the expression of neurosteroid synthesis enzymes. To evaluate the distribution of synthesis enzymes vis-a-vis the actual steroids themselves, traditional steroid quantification assays, including radioimmunoassays, have successfully employed liquid extraction methods (e.g., ether, dichloromethane, or methanol) to isolate steroids from microdissected brain tissue. Due to their sensitivity, safety, and reliability, the use of commercial enzyme-immunoassays (EIA) for laboratory quantification of steroids in plasma and brain has become increasingly widespread. However, EIAs rely on enzymatic reactions in vitro, making them sensitive to interfering substances in brain tissue and thus producing unreliable results. Here, we evaluate the effectiveness of a protocol for combined, two-stage liquid/solid-phase extraction (SPE) as compared to conventional liquid extraction alone for the isolation of estradiol (E(2)) from brain tissue. We employ the songbird model system, in which brain steroid production is pronounced and linked to neural mechanisms of learning and plasticity. This study outlines a combined liquid-SPE protocol that improves the performance of a commercial EIA for the quantification of brain E(2) content. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our optimized method for evaluating the region specificity of brain E(2) content, compare these results to established anatomy of the estrogen synthesis enzyme and estrogen receptor, and discuss the nature of potential EIA interfering substances.
Altruism and Antisocial Behavior: Independent Tendencies, Unique Personality Correlates, Distinct Etiologies

The relationship between altruism and antisocial behavior has received limited attention because altruism and antisocial behavior tend to be studied and discussed in distinct literatures. Our research bridges these literatures by focusing on three fundamental questions. First, are altruism and antisocial behavior opposite ends of a single dimension, or can they coexist in the same individual? Second, do altruism and antisocial behavior have the same or distinct etiologies? Third, do they stem from the same or from distinct aspects of a person's personality? Our findings indicate that altruism and antisocial behavior are uncorrelated tendencies stemming from different sources. Whereas altruism was linked primarily to shared (i.e., familial) environments, unique (i.e., nonfamilial) environments, and personality traits reflecting positive emotionality, antisocial behavior was linked primarily to genes, unique environments, and personality traits reflecting negative emotionality and a lack of constraint.
Stability evaluation of systematic effects in a compensated multi-pole mercury trapped ion frequency standard

A compensated multi-pole linear ion trap standard (LITS) using trapped 199Hg+ has recently demonstrated a fractional frequency deviation from the laser-cooled primary standards and the post-processed version of TAI known as TT(BIPM) of < 2.7(0.4)x10-17/day over a 9-month period. A subsequent stability evaluation performed after the 9-month comparison is in statistical agreement with the measured instability. We will describe the largest remaining sources of instability including a first measurement of the Hg+/Hg pressure shift of +3.8(7.2)x10-8/Pa. We also describe initial results using a sealed vacuum system. Finally we are beginning an investigation of 201Hg+ and will describe a proposed frequency comparison between 201Hg+ and 199Hg+ that may be able to place a new limit on fundamental constant variation.
Depressive-like effects of the kappa opioid receptor agonist salvinorin A are associated with decreased phasic dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens

Rationale Kappa opioid receptors (KORs) have been implicated in depressive-like states associated with chronic administration of drugs of abuse and stress. Although KOR agonists decrease dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), KOR modulation of phasic dopamine release in the core and shell subregions of the NAc—which have distinct roles in reward processing—remains poorly understood.
Non-Gaussian Statistical Interconnect Timing Analysis

This paper focuses on statistical interconnect timing analysis in a parameterized block-based statistical static timing analysis tool. In particular, a new framework for performing timing analysis of RLC networks with step inputs, under both Gaussian and non-Gaussian sources of variation, is presented. In this framework, resistance, inductance, and capacitance of the RLC line are modeled in a canonical first order form and used to produce the corresponding propagation delay and slew (time) in the canonical first-order form. To accomplish this step, mean, variance, and skewness of delay and slew distributions are obtained in an efficient, yet accurate, manner. The proposed framework can be extended to consider higher order terms of the various sources of variation. Experimental results show average errors of less than 2% for the mean, variance and skewness of interconnect delay and slew while achieving orders of magnitude speedup with respect to a Monte Carlo simulation with 104 samples.
Josephson junction mixer using an external local oscillator

Abstract : Mixing experiments on niobium point contacts are reported for conversion from 95 GHz to 140 MHz. The conversion efficiency is less than predicted by the highly damped weak link model. The discrepancy is presumably due to mixing with higher harmonics of the local oscillator. The lowest noise temperature measured was T approximately equal to 100K which is of the same order as recently reported for cooled Schottky-barrier diodes. (Author)