cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystallographic and NMR Investigation of Cobalt-Substituted Amicyanin

Cobalt(II) amicyanin was prepared by replacing the copper of the type I copper protein amicyanin from Paracoccus denitrificans with cobalt. The structure of the protein and the metal center have been characterized by X-ray crystallography and paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure indicates that Met98, which provides an axial sulfur ligand in native amicyanin, is no longer bound to the metal in cobalt(II) amicyanin and that a water molecule is recruited from solvent to form the fourth metal ligand. This results in a tetrahedral coordination geometry for the cobalt ion. NMR studies in solution also indicate that the side chain of the methionine residue interacts less strongly with the metal in P. denitrificans amicyanin than in Paracoccus versutus amicyanin. The cobalt(II) amicyanin crystal structure is different from that of cobalt-substituted azurin in which the carbonyl of a glycine residue provides this equivalent ligand. In cobalt(II) amicyanin that residue is a proline, for which the oxygen is structurally inaccessible, so that the water occupies the position held by the glycine carbonyl in cobalt(II) azurin. Such a metal coordination involving water has not previously been reported for a native or metal-substituted type I copper protein.
Dynamic binary instrumentation and data aggregation on large scale systems

Dynamic binary instrumentation for performance analysis on large scale architectures such as the IBM Blue Gene/L system (BG/L) poses unique challenges. Their unprecedented scale and often limited OS support require new mechanisms to organize binary instrumentation, to interact with the target application, and to collect the resulting data. We describe the design and current status of a new implementation of the Dynamic Probe Class Library (DPCL) API for large scale systems. DPCL provides an easy to use layer for dynamic instrumentation on parallel MPI applications based on the DynInst dynamic instrumentation library for sequential platforms. Our work includes modifying DynInst to control instrumentation from remote I/O nodes and porting DPCL's communication for performance data collection to use MRNet, a tree-based overlay network that (TBON) supports scalable multicast and data reduction. We describe extensions to the DPCL API that support instrumentation of task subsets and aggregation of collected performance data.
Cities, unions, and the privatization of sanitation services

We analyzed 740 cities to determine whether they considered or adopted the contracting out of their sanitation collection service. The presence of a municipal sanitation union reduces the likelihood that a city considers the contracting-out option and the likelihood of adoption of the privatization alternative, but only in those cities which have cooperative relations with the union.
Algunas críticas a la idea de razón pública rawlsiana

Este articulo analiza algunas criticas hechas a la idea de razon publica defendida por Rawls. Luego de explicar en la introduccion la concepcion rawlsiana de razon publica, se examinan criticamente las objeciones que, desde el comunitarismo, ha realizado Sandel y, desde el liberalismo, ha planteado Dworkin. Para terminar, se revisa la pertinencia y potencia de tales reproches.
Control of dynamic systems using fuzzy logic and neural networks

The use of artificial neural network is proposed for high-speed processing of rules in fuzzy logic controller (FLC). the logic element of an FLC is replaced by a single hidden layer feedforward network. the input and output fuzzy subsets are expressed it of numerical patterns. the network is trained using the back-propagation algori to establish fuzzy associations between the input and output fuzzy subsets. the inference mechanism of the network is compared with that of compositional law of inference. In the proposed implementation of FLC, all the rules are processed in paralle. This implementation has potential for high-speed processing of rules if the network is realized in hardware. the use of neural networks in fuzzy logic self-organizing is also ivestigated. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Walking Together, but in Which Direction? Gender Discrimination and Multicultural Practices in Oaxaca, Mexico

This article partly confirms the long-held view that multiculturalism discriminates against women. Indeed, for a majority of cases where multicultural electoral practices were recently recognized in our Oaxaca, Mexico survey sample, women did not participate in elections. However, female respondent participation in leader selection in multicultural communities was actually found to be higher in the few communities where locally established multicultural norms allowed women to serve in leadership roles. We find that while multicultural norms are often—or even usually—discriminatory, ascription to communal norms may actually encourage the participation of women in the few cases where these locally generated norms do not disenfranchise them. We conclude that, contrary to the conventional wisdom, multiculturalism that adheres to universal suffrage and human rights may not be normatively adverse to women's rights, and we argue for “conditional multiculturalism,” that is, recognition of multicultural norms but only if and when these adhere to broadly accepted human rights norms.
Using Integration and Autonomy to Teach an Elementary Running Unit

Cardiovascular fitness is an important aspect of overall fitness, health, and wellness, and running can be an excellent lifetime physical activity. One of the most simple and effective means of exercise, running raises heart rate in a short amount of time and can be done with little to no cost for equipment. There are many benefits to running, including reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and obesity, as well as promoting self-esteem and competence. Although running is not viewed as a fun activity by many students, perhaps some effort by physical education teachers will change student attitudes on running, thus curbing the obesity epidemic that is crippling our society. This article describes how to teach a running unit for fourth through sixth graders using autonomy-supportive delivery while integrating technology, as well as other disciplines (e.g., mathematics, science, reading, etc.). This article addresses the procedures that can make a program successful and offers recommendations for practi...
Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of pregabalin in older patients with neuropathic pain: results from a pooled analysis of 11 clinical studies

Older patients are typically underrepresented in clinical trials of medications for chronic pain. A post hoc analysis of multiple clinical studies of pregabalin in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in older patients. Data from 11 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies of pregabalin in patients with DPN or PHN were pooled. Efficacy outcomes included change in Daily Pain Rating Scale score, ≥30% and ≥50% responders, and endpoint pain score ≤3. Safety was based on adverse events (AEs). Primary efficacy was analyzed by analysis of covariance with terms for treatment, age category, protocol, baseline pain, and treatment-by-age category interaction. 2516 patients (white, n = 2344 [93.2%]; men, n = 1347 [53.5%]; PHN, n = 1003 [39.9%]; pregabalin, n = 1595) were included in the analysis. Patients were grouped by age: 18 to 64 years (n = 1236), 65 to 74 years (n = 766), and ≥75 years (n = 514). Baseline mean pain and sleep interference scores were comparable across treatment and age groups. Significant improvements in endpoint mean pain were observed for all pregabalin dosages versus placebo in all age groups (p ≤ 0.0009), except for the lowest dosage (150 mg/day) in the youngest age group. Clinically meaningful pain relief, defined as ≥30% and ≥50% pain response, was observed in all age groups. The most common AEs were dizziness, somnolence, peripheral edema, asthenia, dry mouth, weight gain, and infections. The relative risks for these AEs increased with pregabalin dose, but did not appear related to older age or type of neuropathic pain. Pregabalin (150-600 mg/day) significantly reduced pain in older patients (age ≥65 years) with neuropathic pain and improvements in pain were comparable to those observed in younger patients. Titration of pregabalin to the lowest effective dose should allow for effective pain relief while minimizing AEs in older patients with neuropathic pain. Given the common use of polypharmacy in older patients, the absence of known drug-drug interactions makes pregabalin an important treatment option for older patients with pain of neuropathic origin.
Paper: Time-invariant descriptor systems

Descriptor variable systems consist of a mixture of static and dynamic equations. This paper investigates the structural characteristics of linear time-invariant descriptor systems and develops an efficient technique for converting a descriptor system to recursive form, if such a conversion is possible. The paper exploits the connection between descriptor systems and the classical theory of matrix pencils. This yields a canonical form for descriptor systems. The main contribution of the paper is the shuffle algorithm. This algorithm serves both as a test for the solvability of a descriptor system, and as a procedure for converting a system to recursive form, without a change of variable.
Ovarian intraepithelial neoplasia demonstrated in patients with stage I ovarian carcinoma

Retrospective review of sections of ovary from 50 patients with stage I, grade 1-3, epithelial ovarian carcinoma was performed to assess presence of cellular and nuclear atypia in noncancerous tissue adjacent to the primary tumor; ovarian tissue from 50 patients undergoing incidental oophorectomy was reviewed as well. Atypia was more common in cancer patients, and finding the combination of nuclear atypia, defined as presence of pleomorphism or irregular chromatin distribution, with cellular atypia, defined as presence of stratification or loss of polarity, allowed separation of cancer and control groups with 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Presence of nuclear and cellular atypia was used to define ovarian intraepithelial neoplasia (OIN). If OIN is demonstrated to precede ovarian carcinoma, then it may offer insights into the development of ovarian cancer and may eventually increase the feasibility of screening for this disease.
Predictors of effortful control among children of alcoholic and nonalcoholic fathers.

Objective: The purpose of this study was (1) to examine the association between fathers' alcoholism and children's effortful control and (2) to examine the role of parental warmth and toddler temperament as mediators or moderators of this relationship. Method: Families were recruited through New York State birth records when their infant was age 12 months. The final sample consisted of 226 families (116 boys) constituting two major groups: a nonalcoholic group consisting of parents with no or few current alcohol problems (n = 102) and a father alcoholic group (n = 124). Families were assessed when their child was ages 12, 18, 24 and 36 months. Results: Results indicate that boys of alcoholic fathers exhibit lower overall levels of effortful control than boys of nonalcoholic fathers. For boys, fathers' warmth over the second year of life mediated the association between fathers' alcoholism and effortful control. Maternal warmth was a unique predictor of effortful control for boys. For girls, fathers' alcoh...
Intensity Fluctuations And The Fourth-Order Coherence Function In Random Media

We shall consider here the basic theory used in determining intensity fluctuations and the fourth-order coherence function in random media like the atmosphere or ocean. The basic governing equations will be presented for light propagation in the atmosphere and high frequency sound propagation in the ocean. Perturbation solutions will be given, and the saturation effect will be discussed. Recent numerical work will be reviewed.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Biaxial Shape Memory Alloy Actuated Cell/Tissue Stretching System

In this article, we describe the design of a shape memory alloy-based system to stretch cells cultured on top of a flexible membrane in multi-directions (longitudinal and transverse). Mechanical cues (such as strain and force) can affect the state and behavior of cells, such as, morphology, the differentiation process, and apoptosis. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the effects of mechanical perturbations on cells/tissues will have a deep impact in the biological sciences. The proposed design allows application of anisotropic (multi-axial) strain with high-precision. Certain cells, for example endothelial cells that line the inside of blood vessels, experience multi-axial (circumferential and longitudinal) stresses and strains. A cell stretching device that enables controlled application of biaxial strain will allow for systematic and accurate studies of the effects of externally applied mechanical perturbation throughout the cell, tissue, or organ. A preliminary design is proposed that exploits the strain recovery property of the shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators. We describe the design of the mechanical system and show experimental results to demonstrate stretching of a thin PDMS membrane in the longitudinal and transverse directions. To account for the inherent nonlinearity of the SMA, a feedback controller is implemented to achieve high-precision control of the stretching process. Additionally, the design can be integrated with an atomic force microscope (AFM) for high spatial and temporal resolution studies.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Impact Factor: Early Career Research & Digital Scholarship

It is becoming increasingly vital to publish and share research as well as get citations for the purpose of researcher visibility. The publishing options available for research distribution seem endless. It really is an academic jungle out there! This article reviews why early career researchers and graduate scholars should consider their research impact in the digital age.
Expression of mRNA for glial fibrillary acidic protein after experimental cerebral injury.

This study was undertaken to determine whether a mRNA for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was present in increased amounts as a response to injury and, if so, how was its temporal expression related to the demonstration of GFAP by immunocytochemical techniques. A cerebral frceze-injury was produced in mice and at intervals thereafter the animals were anesthetized, perfused with formalin and histological sections of the brain through the injured area were prepared. A riboprobe for GFAP mRNA labeled with S35 and an immunocytochemical probe for GFAP were utilized to localize mRNA and GFAP immunoreactivity, respectively. For mRNA studies, the histological slide exposed to either sense or antisense probe was overlaid with x-ray film or dipped in photographic emulsion. The developed film was quantitated by digital image analysis. Emulsions were examined by dark-field microscopy. The results indicate that mRNA for GFAP is increased in the cortex in the environs of the injury by 6 hours, becomes maximal at 4-5 days, and is present in increased amounts up to 14 days. The message is enhanced in the adjacent cortex, the subpial region, the adjacent corpus callosum and in the ipsilateral and contralateral callosal radiations. This pattern of enhancement follows the distribution of post-injury edema. Glial fibrillary acidic protein is demonstrable at 24–48 hours after injury. Thus, there is a rapid response of the astrocyte to injury with increased mRNA expression that is followed by expression of GFAP immunoreactivity.
The chemistry of heterocycles. III. 2H-1,3-benzoxazine-2,4(3H)-dione and Some 3-substituted derivatives.†‡

The preparation of 2H-1,3-benzoxazine-2,4(3H)-dione, the sodium salt, and the p-anisoyl, benzoyl, m-bromobenzoyl, benzyl, trans-cinnamoyl, ethyl, myristoyl, p -nitro-benzyl, phenyl and p-phenylphenacyl derivatives substituted on 2H-1,3-benzoxazine-2,4-(3H)-dione (I) at position 3 together with their infrared and ultraviolet spectra are described.
A parallel hp -adaptive discontinuous Galerkin method for hyperbolic conservation laws

This paper describes a parallel adaptive strategy based on discontinuous hp-finite element approximations of linear, scalar, hyperbolic conservation laws. The paper focuses on the development of an effective parallel adaptive strategy for such problems. Numerical experiments suggest that these techniques are highly parallelizable and deliver super-linear rates of convergence, thereby yielding efficiency many times superior to conventional schemes for hyperbolic problems.
Rarity of genomic instability in pathogenesis of systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in immunocompetent patients

Abstract Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a recently described type of genetic alteration resulting from defects in the DNA mismatch repair genes that appears to play an integral role in neoplastic transformation. MSI has been described in a wide variety of malignancies; however, data regarding the role of MSI in the pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) are limited. MSI appears to be important in some T-cell lymphomas, including ALCL arising in immunocompromised patients. In addition, MSI has recently been identified in CD30 + cutaneous lymphoproliferative processes and lymphoblastic lymphoma. In this study, we have analyzed five well-characterized cases of systemic T-cell ALCL arising in immunocompetent patients for the presence of MSL Genomic DNA isolated from paired normal and tumor tissue was analyzed at seven microsatellite loci by polymerase chain reaction. We were unable to identify MSI or loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in our cases, suggesting that abnormalities in the DNA mismatch repair system do not play a major role in the pathogenesis of most systemic ALCL. Our data provide additional molecular evidence that the various subgroups of lymphoma with ALCL morphology are biologically distinct processes.
Trip chaining behavior in multi-destination shopping trips: A field experiment and laboratory replication

Abstract Models of consumer store patronage generally employ the economic theory-based assumption that, all else being equal, consumers seek to minimize travel distance. Moreover, consistent with reference-dependent theory, findings from recent experimental research conducted in a controlled lab setting suggest that holding travel distance constant, the configuration of stops along multi-stop routes may also impact store-patronage decisions. However, given the use of simplified map configurations of multi-stop routes, along with the stimulus-based nature of the laboratory exercise, the external validity of these findings are open to question. Thus, the purpose of the three experiments in the present paper is to replicate and test the external validity of the reference-dependent predictions supported in previous research. In experiment one, consumer travel preferences are examined in a memory-based field experiment with results replicating those of earlier research. In experiment two, results are again replicated, but this time in a lab setting using realistic maps. Finally, experiment three provides a test of boundary conditions for the theory-consistent results of experiments one and two.
Hemispheric asymmetry in tactile forgetting induced by tactually guided movement

Asymmetries in tactile short-term memory related to differential specialization of the cerebral hemispheres were studied in normal human adults using the Brown-Peterson distractor task. When the distractor was an auditory arithmetic task, no difference emerged between the two hands for the retention of touches to the fingers; however, when the distractor was a tactual maze task executed by the right hand, asymmetry in favor of the left hand was observed. Specifically, when the right hand performed the tactual maze, there was greater interference with tactile memory than when the left hand performed the maze, independent of which hand received the memory material. The results support a characterization of short-term memory as embracing multiple, limited storage capacities divided along the lines of processing demands, arising from different classes of material, placed on the two cerebral hemispheres.
Influence of breast cancer margin assessment method on the rates of positive margins and residual carcinoma.

Abstract Background We hypothesized that the method of breast cancer margin assessment may be associated with different rates of positive margins and residual carcinoma. Methods A total of 178 breast cancer specimens were divided into 2 groups (A and B) based on the margin assessment method used. Rates of positive margins, re-excision, and residual carcinoma at re-excision were compared and analyzed statistically. Results At least 1 margin was positive in 64.7% in group A and in 65.2% in group B. At directed re-excision 54% in group A and 51% in group B had residual carcinoma. The lateral margin was positive in 44% in group A compared with 26% in group B ( P = .06). The posterior margin was positive in 19% in group A and in 51% in group B ( P = .001). Conclusions Two different breast cancer specimen margin assessment methods had comparable rates of positive margins and residual carcinoma at re-excision. Different patterns of specific margin positivity suggest that the method of margin assessment may alter results.
Preference for Retirement Plans among U.S. Government and Non-government Employees

This likelihood of participation in employer sponsored retirement plans for government and non-government employees in the United States was estimated using a probit model. The data for this analysis were obtained from the 2005 wave of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), a nationally representative dataset comprising of detailed information regarding plan participation, income, and wealth of American households. The findings of this study indicate that the government employees were 44% more likely to participate in defined benefits plans (p=.003). Conversely, they were less likely to participate in the defined contribution plans (p=.012). Consistent with past studies [Bassett and Rodrigues, National Tax Journal, 1998, pp.263], this research reveals that the population’s plan participation in both defined benefit and defined contribution plans increased with age, income, and education level. African Americans (p=.006) and Hispanics (p=.031), as well as households with a large number of children (p=.002) continued to lag behind in defined contribution plan participation. Based on the findings of this study, it is imperative that those with lower educational attainment, minorities, and lower wage earners need special consideration, and greater community-based efforts must be directed toward preparing them for retirement. As the largest cohort in our nation’s history—the baby-boomers-approach retirement, it is important that we educate the population to increase participation in their savings plans and take up greater responsibility in saving for their retirement. Int Adv Econ Res (2009) 15:366 DOI 10.1007/s11294-009-9214-y
Scattering of linearly polarized microwave radiation from a dielectric target including the interaction between target elements

The theory for finding the internal field within a dielectric helix when the radiation has a wavelength larger than the diameter of the helical wire is presented. Intensities are calculated and compared to an experiment and to the theoretical results of an earlier paper that does not include the self-interaction effect. The internal field is defined in terms of a polarization matrix that is assumed to be constant across any cross section of the helix. It is found that target self-iteractions have a significant effect on the internal field. It is also noted that this effect for the far field intensities, although significant and generally a better fit to the data, is not profoundly different. That is, the effects of a more appropriately constructed internal field are less important than the geometry effect in the far field.
Socioeconomic status and diabetes mellitus.

Abstract The diabetic patient attending a charity clinic presents a multitude of social, economic, and medical factors that tend to make him a much different problem from the diabetic under private care. These charity patients are faced with extremely limited financial resources, are on the average in a lower intelligence group, and are often given rather superficial medical care. All too often, there is more interest in the urine or blood sugar than in the patient. Some of the measures employed to correct the more serious problems arediscussed briefly.
Geographic variation in body size and sexual size dimorphism of a seed-feeding beetle.

Abstract: Body size of many animals varies with latitude: body size is either larger at higher latitudes (Bergmann’s rule) or smaller at higher latitudes (converse Bergmann’s rule). However, the causes underlying these patterns are poorly understood. Also, studies rarely explore how sexual size dimorphism varies with latitude. Here we investigate geographic variation in body size and sexual size dimorphism of the seed‐feeding beetle Stator limbatus, collected from 95 locations along a 38° range in latitude. We examine 14 variables to test whether clines in environmental factors are adequate to explain geographic patterns of body size. We found that body size and sexual size dimorphism of S. limbatus varied considerably with latitude; beetles were smaller but more dimorphic at lower latitudes. Body size was not correlated with a gradient in mean temperature, contrary to the commonly accepted hypothesis that clines are produced by latitudinal gradients in temperature. Instead, we found that three factors we...
A probabilistic procedure to assess the uncertainty of fractal dimensions from measurements

In order to assess the degree of uncertainty of fractal dimensionality, a procedure is given which provides a cumulative probability measure of uncertainty of fractal dimensionality in terms of assessments of range and most likely value. The procedure allows for a variation of the model proposed (i.e., variability of the parameters involved in the fractal relation) and leads to a relevant estimate of the uncertainty. The procedure is simple to apply and useful in providing a statistically valid comparison of results.
The statistics of counting clasts in rudites: a review, with examples from the upper Palaeogene of southern California, USA

The relative proportions of gravel sized particles of different lithology in rudaceous sedimentary rocks are generally determined in the field by clast counting. Clast counts are usually carried out qualitatively in order to assess sedimentary provenance. However, a review of the statistical aspects of clast counting suggests that this technique also can be applied quantitatively, and to investigate a variety of other objectives during basin analysis. Geographical and stratigraphical changes in the relative proportions of clasts can be quantified statistically and used to characterize sediment dispersal patterns in space and time, respectively. Statistical comparisons between clast assemblages can be used as a tool to match up rock units. This approach may help to constrain tectonic or suspect-terrane models, or to document sediment recycling. Both counting and sampling errors contribute to the total probable error of a clast count. Sampling error results from the uneven distribution of clasts in outcrop, perhaps caused by selective sorting. Counting error arises from a count of some number less than the total number of clasts in the population. Sampling and counting errors can be minimized by counting in closely spaced subsets, and by counting a total of at least 400 clasts, respectively. Thus, a useful procedure is to count four closely spaced subsets of 100 each, and combine the results for a total of 400. Point counting should not be used because differences in particle size produce biased results. A better method is to count all clasts above some minimum size within a specified area of outcrop. Analysis of upper Palaeogene non-marine conglomerates composing part of the Sespe Formation in California, using confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, ratio analysis and varietal studies, demonstrates that useful statistics can be derived by counting clasts.
Gas chromatographic determination of methyl and ethyl mercury: "passivation" of the chromatographic column.

Abstract A conditioning procedure for chromatographic columns is described in which a benzene solution of mercuric chloride is repeatedly injected onto columns of diethylene glycol succinate; hitherto unparalleled column efficiency is demonstrated for the determination of methylmercuric and ethylmercuric compounds. More than 2700 theoretical plates are attainable, with an absolute detection limit of about 0.2 pg of methylmercuric chloride per injection. After treatment, peak areas are reasonably stable but do tend to decrease about 2–6% over a 4- to 5-h period. The beneficial effects of the treatment are only temporary, however, and it must be repeated daily; the cycle of improvement and subsequent decline in column efficiency and sensitivity seems to be repeatable indefinitely. Fundamental aspects of the chromatography involved and its practical application to the analysis of fish are discussed in detail.
Serum TNF-alpha, gamma-INF, G-CSF and GM-CSF levels in neutropenic children with acute leukemia treated with short-course, high-dose methylprednisolone

High-dose methylprednisolone (HDMP, 20-30 mg/kg/day po) treatment has been shown to increase the number of bone marrow and peripheral blood CD34 positive progenitors and serum granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) levels in patients with ALL and AML. To investigate the effect of HDMP on some other hematopoietic regulatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), gamma-interferon (gamma-INF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were studied by microplate ELISA technique in 15 chemotherapy-induced neutropenic episodes of 14 children with acute leukemia (eight with ALL and six with AML) in whom HDMP was given alone (30 mg/kg/day po) for 4 days. The absolute neutrophil counts increased significantly in all neutropenic episodes on the fourth day of HDMP treatment. The TNF-alpha was 93.5 +/- 161 pg/ml in ALL and 78.3 +/- 61.4 pg/ml in AML before treatment and 76.1 +/- 160 pg/ml in ALL and 19.1 +/- 39.8 pg/ml in AML after treatment. The gamma-INF was 204.1 +/- 210.3 pg/ml in ALL and 130.8 +/- 138.3 pg/ml in AML before treatment and 28.6 +/- 50.5 pg/ml in ALL and 23.3 +/- 20.4 pg/ml in AML after treatment (P<0.05). Serum G-CSF and GM-CSF levels increased in all episodes (100%). The GM-CSF levels increased from 12.2 +/- 10.9 pg/ml to 36 +/- 24.7 pg/ml after treatment in ALL (P<0.05) and from 13.3 +/- 4 pg/ml to 45 +/- 48.1 pg/ml in AML (P<0.05). Serum G-CSF levels increased from 13.3 +/- 11.7 pg/ml to 83.3 +/- 86.8 pg/ml after treatment in ALL (P<0.05) and from 6.6 +/- 12.1 pg/ml to 28.3 +/- 11.3 pg/ml in AML (P<0.05). However, IL-6 levels were undetectable in all patients before and after therapy. These preliminary data suggest that short-course HDMP treatment could decrease serum TNF-alpha and gamma-INF and increase G-CSF and GM-CSF levels.
Possible experiments to study incoherent-multiple-collision effects in hadron production from nuclei

Experiments are proposed which would throw light on the magnitude of incoherent-multiple-collision effects in hadron production from p-nuclei collisions.
RECURRENT ACUTE SUPPURATIVE THYROIDITIS ATTRIBUTABLE TO A PIRIFORM SINUS FISTULA IN AN ADULT

ABSTRACT Objective To report a case of recurrent acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) caused by a piriform sinus fistula (PSF). Methods We review the related literature and describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of a patient with recurrent AST due to PSF. Results A 50-year-old woman presented with recurrent episodes of pain and swelling in the left anterior neck area and odynophagia. The initial episode, 1 year previously, lasted for 1 month, and her condition improved with a short course of prednisone. Subsequently, the neck pain recurred and extended upward to both sides of the neck. She was suspected of having thyroiditis and was treated with prednisone for 6 weeks, but the symptoms persisted. Physical examination showed tenderness and induration of the skin over the left lobe of the thyroid. Ultrasonography disclosed an ill-defined solid-cystic area in the left thyroid lobe. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed acute inflammation, consistent with an infected cyst. A computed tomographic scan of the neck showed obscuration of the fat planes involving the left strap musculature and evidence suggestive of microabscesses. Prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment ultimately alleviated the symptoms. Direct laryngoscopy revealed a fistula extending anteriorly from the apex of the piriform sinus. The patient underwent complete fistulectomy and left thyroid lobectomy and was asymptomatic on followup. Conclusion PSF should be suspected as a cause of recurrent AST. Absence of fever, toxemia, and local erythema does not rule out the condition. Unresponsiveness to corticosteroid therapy in thyroiditis should suggest the diagnosis. Complete fistulectomy and resection of the involved thyroid lobe result in permanent cure. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:662-666)
PACEMAKERS IN YOUNG PATIENTS: 1976

We have reviewed our recent experience with 10 young patients requiring chronic cardiac pacing. Details of the performance of the most recent two generators are summarized. Six patients required pacing for symptomatic congenital complete heart block, two for postoperative complete heart block, one for heart block associated with idlopathic myocardiopathy and one for the sick sinus syndrome. Pacemaker generators were implanted beneath the pectoral muscle to elminate cutaneous erosion in small or slender patients. Seven patients underwent transvenous pacemaker electrode implantation into the right ventricle. Although our patients have had a variety of generators, we currently use the Brownlee-Tyers, rechargeable silver modified mercury-zinc generator, with a proven life span of 6 years and an anticipated life span of 20 years. All patients have been monitored transtelephonically. In those requiring change, all on an elective basis, the average conventional generator life span has been 27 months (range 20-44 months). None of the Brownlee-Tyers generator units have required replacement. No wire fractures have occurred, though one transvenous electrode required repositioning 1 month following insertion. No long term electrode complications have occurred in children with transvenous placement including one patient in whom the electrode was placed at 7 years of age and followed for 9 years. The improved prognosis detailed in this report is the result of improved generator and electrode construction, surgical technique and monitoring methods.
Evaluation of linkage and association of HPC2/ELAC2 in patients with familial or sporadic prostate cancer.

To investigate the relationship between HPC2/ELAC2 and prostate cancer risk, we performed the following analyses: (1) a linkage study of six markers in and around the HPC2/ELAC2 gene at 17p11 in 159 pedigrees with hereditary prostate cancer (HPC); (2) a mutation-screening analysis of all coding exons of the gene in 93 probands with HPC; (3) family-based and population-based association study of common HPC2/ELAC2 missense variants in 159 probands with HPC, 249 patients with sporadic prostate cancer, and 222 unaffected male control subjects. No evidence for linkage was found in the total sample, nor in any subset of pedigrees based on characteristics that included age at onset, number of affected members, male-to-male disease transmission, or race. Furthermore, only the two previously reported missense changes (Ser217Leu and Ala541Thr) were identified by mutational analysis of all HPC2/ELAC exons in 93 probands with HPC. In association analyses, family-based tests did not reveal excess transmission of the Leu217 and/or Thr541 alleles to affected offspring, and population-based tests failed to reveal any statistically significant difference in the allele frequencies of the two polymorphisms between patients with prostate cancer and control subjects. The results of this study lead us to reject the three alternative hypotheses of (1) a highly penetrant, major prostate cancer–susceptibility gene at 17p11, (2) the allelic variants Leu217 or Thr541 of HPC2/ELAC2 as high-penetrance mutations, and (3) the variants Leu217 or Thr541 as low-penetrance, risk-modifying alleles. However, we did observe a trend of higher Leu217 homozygous carrier rates in patients than in control subjects. Considering the impact of genetic heterogeneity, phenocopies, and incomplete penetrance on the linkage and association studies of prostate cancer and on the power to detect linkage and association in our study sample, our results cannot rule out the possibility of a highly penetrant prostate cancer gene at this locus that only segregates in a small number of pedigrees. Nor can we rule out a prostate cancer–modifier gene that confers a lower-than-reported risk. Additional larger studies are needed to more fully evaluate the role of this gene in prostate cancer risk.
Longitudinal heat dispersion in porous beds with real-gas flow

The forced convective flow of a slightly superheated vapor through a packed bed is analyzed numerically for low-to-moderate pressure range by implementing real-gas and ideal-gas models. The porous bed was taken to be composed of uniformly sized, randomly packed spherical particles. The flow of the gas through the packed bed was limited to the range of applicability of the Ergun-Forchheimer relation. The significance of longitudinal thermal dispersion was examined by alternately implementing and omitting this aspect which was incorporated in the effective thermal conductivity of the vapor phase. The use of a real-gas model at elevated pressures was found to be an important aspect for accurate results. The longitudinal thermal dispersion effects were found to have minor significance at high Reynolds numbers. The use of separate energy equations for the solid and vapor phases was observed to be justified by the studies performed. Nomenclature asr = specific surface area of the bed particles, m2/m3 cp = specific heat at constant pressure, J/kg-K dp = particle diameter, m F = geometric factor defined in Eq. (8) hsr = fluid-to-particle heat transfer coefficient, W/m2-K K = permeability, m2 k = thermal conductivity, W/m-K L = length of the packed bed, m P = pressure, N/m2 Pr = Prandtl number, jjicp/k R = gas constant for Refrigerant-11, J/kg-K Rep = particle Reynolds number, updp/im T = temperature, K t = time, s u = velocity component in x direction, m/s Z = compressibility factor e = porosity IJL = absolute viscosity, kg/m-s p = density, kg/m3 { ) = local volume average of a quantity Subscripts
Mapping Tumor-Suppressor Genes with Multipoint Statistics from Copy-Number–Variation Data

Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (arrayCGH) is a microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization technique that has been used to compare tumor genomes with normal genomes, thus providing rapid genomic assays of tumor genomes in terms of copy-number variations of those chromosomal segments that have been gained or lost. When properly interpreted, these assays are likely to shed important light on genes and mechanisms involved in the initiation and progression of cancer. Specifically, chromosomal segments, deleted in one or both copies of the diploid genomes of a group of patients with cancer, point to locations of tumor-suppressor genes (TSGs) implicated in the cancer. In this study, we focused on automatic methods for reliable detection of such genes and their locations, and we devised an efficient statistical algorithm to map TSGs, using a novel multipoint statistical score function. The proposed algorithm estimates the location of TSGs by analyzing segmental deletions (hemi- or homozygous) in the genomes of patients with cancer and the spatial relation of the deleted segments to any specific genomic interval. The algorithm assigns, to an interval of consecutive probes, a multipoint score that parsimoniously captures the underlying biology. It also computes a P value for every putative TSG by using concepts from the theory of scan statistics. Furthermore, it can identify smaller sets of predictive probes that can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutics. We validated our method using different simulated artificial data sets and one real data set, and we report encouraging results. We discuss how, with suitable modifications to the underlying statistical model, this algorithm can be applied generally to a wider class of problems (e.g., detection of oncogenes).
The suppression of pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion during lactation in the rat.

The inhibition of LH secretion during lactation may be the consequence of a pituitary insensitivity to GnRH stimulation and/or an inhibition of GnRH release from the hypothalamus. To assess the contribution that these mechanisms may make to the suppression of LH secretion during lactation, we described the pattern of LH secretion in lactating rats and the magnitude of LH secretion in response to a GnRH stimulus. We assessed the effect of the strength of the suckling stimulus (two and eight pups), the length of lactation (5 and 10 days), and the presence of the ovaries on the pattern of LH secretion. We also examined the pattern of LH secretion after removal of a large suckling stimulus. In the intact rat, the pattern of LH secretion during lactation was uniformly nonpulsatile, despite significant differences between animals suckling two and eight pups in pituitary responsiveness to GnRH. In intact rats suckling two pups during day 10 of lactation, significant LH secretion was stimulated by 0.4-ng pulses o...
Inequality and socialism in rural China: A conceptual note

Abstract Given the serious failure to conceptualize inequality in relation to the developing mode of production in China and within socialist societies generally, more analytical attention needs to be focused on the sources, nature, significance and implications of equality and inequality at both theoretical and policy-oriented levels. Here a conceptual scheme which distinguishes between socialist inequalities based upon unequal human capabilities, and capitalist inequalities based on unequal ownership of or access to the means of production is applied to an examination of past and present inequalities in rural China, both those between villages and regions and those within collectives. Finally, suggestions are put forward for the reduction of these inequalities.
Factorization of Multivariate Polynomials over the integers

For some time now I have been wondering how well the existing polynomial factorization algorithms perform on some of the more difficult multivariate polynomials. Below are ten (of the over 300) multivariate polynomials that the heuristic program (POLYFACT) with learning factored while I was working on my dissertation (a complete description of POLYFACT will soon appear in the journal Artificial Intelligence). Table I gives the factorization times for POLYFACT. When any programs factor some or all of the ten polynomials, I think it would be interesting to publish the times (along with the polynomial number(s) in the SIGSAM Bulletin. Please indicate the machine on which the factorization was done. I am submitting the ten polynomials in factored form in order to conserve space; they need to be expanded and simplified prior to factorization attempts.
Validation study of the magnetically self-consistent inner magnetosphere model RAM-SCB

[1] The validation of the magnetically self-consistent inner magnetospheric model RAM-SCB developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory is presented here. The model consists of two codes: a kinetic ring current–atmosphere interaction model (RAM) and a 3-D equilibrium magnetic field code (SCB). The validation is conducted by simulating two magnetic storm events and then comparing the model results against a variety of satellite in situ observations, including the magnetic field from Cluster and Polar spacecraft, ion differential flux from the Cluster/CODIF (Composition and Distribution Function) analyzer, and the ground-based SYM-H index. The model prediction of the magnetic field is in good agreement with observations, which indicates the model's capability of representing well the inner magnetospheric field configuration. This provides confidence for the RAM-SCB model to be utilized for field line and drift shell tracing, which are needed in radiation belt studies. While the SYM-H index, which reflects the total ring current energy content, is generally reasonably reproduced by the model using the Weimer electric field model, the modeled ion differential flux clearly depends on the electric field strength, local time, and magnetic activity level. A self-consistent electric field approach may be needed to improve the model performance in this regard.
NMDA receptor blockade attenuates locomotion elicited by intrastriatal dopamine D1-receptor stimulation.

Previous behavioral studies suggest that the striatum mediates a hyperactive response to systemic NMDA receptor antagonism in combination with systemic D1 receptor stimulation. However, many experiments conducted at the cellular level suggest that inhibition of NMDA receptors should block D1 receptor-mediated locomotor activity. Therefore, we investigated the consequences of NMDA receptor blockade on the ability of striatal D1 receptors to elicit locomotor activity using systemic and intrastriatal injections of the NMDA antagonist MK-801 combined with intrastriatal injections of the D1 full agonist SKF 82958. Following drug treatment locomotor activity was measured via computerized activity monitors designed to quantify multiple parameters of rodent open-field behavior. Both systemic (0.1 mg/kg) and intrastriatal (1.0 μg) MK-801 pretreatments completely blocked locomotor and stereotypic activity elicited by 10 μg of SKF 82958 directly infused into the striatum. Further, increased activity triggered by intrastriatal SKF 82958 was attenuated by a posttreatment with intrastriatal infusion of 1 μg MK-801. These data suggest that D1-stimulated locomotor behaviors controlled by the striatum require functional NMDA channels. Synapse 53:28–35, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Clustering for cooperative diversity using trellis pruning

A recent paper by the authors demonstrated how two users (or partners) could cooperate to convey their data to a common destination through trellis pruning. With this technique, both “local” and relayed data are multiplexed together prior to modulation; then, the partner's decoder exploits its knowledge of the relayed data by pruning the code trellis to effect a lower rate (more robust) partner-to-partner link. This paper extends this technique to larger clusters of users cooperating to convey their data to a common destination. The protocol is first demonstrated for n=3 users, and a significant performance gain is demonstrated over time-sharing in a Rayleigh fading environment. Then, the general protocol is derived and conclusions regarding performance are presented.