cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The tumor suppressor Smad4/DPC 4 as a central mediator of Smad function

Abstract Background: The invertebrate and vertebrate Smad proteins have recently been identified as important mediators of the responses to transforming growth factor β (TGF- β ) and related factors. We have previously shown that Smad3 and Smad4 (the product of the tumor suppressor gene DPC 4 ) strongly synergize as mediators of TGF- β signaling, and that inactive carboxy-terminally truncated mutants of either Smad act as dominant-negative inhibitors of the natural TGF- β response. The finding that Smad4, unlike Smad3, does not interact with the TGF- β receptor, coupled with the distinct structural features of Smad4, raises the possibility that Smad4 cooperates not only with Smad3, but also with Smad1 and Smad2 to mediate signaling by TGF- β family members. Results: Overexpression of Smad4 in ‘animal caps' taken from Xenopus embryos induced both ventral and dorsal mesoderm, thereby mimicking the effects of TGF- β family members – bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) or BMP-4 and activin, respectively. Low levels of Smad4 mRNA coinjected with Smad1 or Smad2 mRNA also synergized to induce ventral or dorsal mesoderm, respectively. In addition, Smad4 synergized Smad2, as it does with Smad3, to induce gene expression from the promoter for plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. The carboxy-terminal domains of both Smad3 and Smad4 were required for this synergy. Finally, a short carboxy-terminal truncation of Smad4, previously identified as a mutation of DPC 4 in tumors, blocked nuclear translocation of wild-type Smads 1, 2, 3 and 4, consistent with our observation of a physical interaction between truncated Smad4 and the other Smads. Conclusions: Our observations indicate that Smad4 cooperates with Smad1, Smad2 and Smad3 to act as a common mediator of signaling by TGF- β -related factors, and provide a mechanism that explains the dominant-negative interference with receptor signaling that results from expression of the naturally occurring Smad4/DPC 4 truncation mutant.
A heat and mass transfer study—analysis of continuous processes for the coloration of polyester fabric. I. Heat transmission to the fabric system—fabric, fiber, and dye particles

The three continuous processes (thermosol, high temperature steaming, and heat transfer printing) for the coloration of polyester and the involved equipment are briefly reviewed. A simple model for the transient heating of a body is developed, the model [eq.(22)] comprises a specific area of transfer parameter (As): area through which transport (of heat) takes place per unit mass of the body. This model is used in order to estimate the relative heating rates for the different geometrical approximations present in the fabric system: plate (fabric), cylinder (fiber), and sphere (dye particle). Results obtained from the more exact numerical analysis solution are used for investigating the limitations of the simple heat transfer model.
Photoconductivity studies of defects in silicon - Divacancy-associated energy levels.

Divacancy associated energy levels in electron irradiated n-type Si identified by photoconductivity study employing uniaxial stress induced reorientation and polarized light
Advances in idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents

The understanding of idiopathic scoliosis continues to evolve. At some time in the foreseeable future the term will be oxymoronic. It may eventuate, based on a series of laboratory and genetic tests, that there will be three groups: One in which the curve will never be of significance and regular follow-up is unnecessary. A second group with predictable response to a brace. A third group in which spine fusion is an inevitability. This latter group should be allowed to enjoy childhood and early adolescence unfettered by treatment until such time as surgery is necessary. Until then, efforts must be directed toward early detection, comprehensive evaluation, and best efforts at preventing progression of the curve. To this end, a referral to an orthopedic surgeon for suspected scoliosis never is disparaged.
On the roots of certain polynomials arising from the analysis of the Nelder–Mead simplex method

Abstract The study of the effect of dimensionality on the Nelder–Mead simplex method for unconstrained optimization leads us to the study of a two parameter family of polynomials of the form p n ( z )= b − az −⋯− az n −1 + z n . We show that provided that a −a b is real, it is possible to use, primarily, the Schur–Cohn Criterion in order to determine the configuration of the roots of p n ( z ) with respect to the unit circle.
Statistical Training in Psychology: A National Survey and Commentary on Undergraduate Programs

We surveyed a national sample of U.S. undergraduate psychology programs regarding the structure and content of statistical training. Results revealed considerable diversity in approaches and offerings. Contemporary trends in data analysis (e.g., power and effect size analysis, confidence interval estimation, general linear model approaches) as well as measurement issues appear to receive relatively little attention in the core sequence. Respondents tended to view such topics as appropriate for more advanced courses, which they said were infrequently required. We discuss options for addressing issues of course sequencing, content focus, and advanced-level offerings in the major.
Using a reverse auction to promote household level stormwater control

Abstract Phase II of the US Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater regulations requires communities smaller than 100 000 residents to meet new criteria for stormwater runoff reduction. In many cases these smaller communities have no established stormwater utility, and are investigating alternatives for complying with these new, sometimes expensive requirements. We note that it might be cost effective for some communities to encourage homeowners to control stormwater runoff at the parcel level instead of, or in conjunction with more traditional large, infrastructural best management practices (BMP). We go onto argue that in the absence of a strict regulatory cap, an auction is a cost-effective tool for implementing controls on stormwater runoff quantity at the parcel level. In this paper, we test the effectiveness of a procurement auction as the coordinating mechanism for encouraging installation of parcel-scale rain gardens and rain barrels within a small suburban watershed in the Midwest. The auction, which was conducted in spring 2007 and 2008, resulted in installation of 81 gardens and 165 barrels on 107 of the 350 eligible properties. Average cost per liter of runoff detention in both years was $0.36 for gardens and $0.59 for barrels. Interestingly, approximately 55% of the bids were for $0, suggesting that an educational campaign may result in substantial runoff mitigation if utilities paid for the installation of stormwater management practices. However, we found that an auction promoted more participation than education alone and at a cheaper per-unit control cost than a flat stormwater control payment plan. Overall, this study demonstrates that relatively minimal financial incentives can result in homeowners’ willingness-to-accept stormwater management practices on their property, thus opening an important avenue for retrofitting watersheds that are largely in private ownership.
P2-13-01: Gene Profiling of Whole Blood May Identify Patients with BRCA Mutations.

Background:The BRCA1 and the BRCA2 proteins play a role in DNA repair and confer genomic stability to the cell. Identifying BRCA mutation carriers has become an important tool for prevention as well as guiding therapy in cancer patients. We proposed to test the hypothesis that gene expression analysis of peripheral whole blood can reliably detect these mutations. Materials and methods: Following IRB approval, 10cc of blood was collected from 36 women (BRCA1 (n=8), BRCA2 (n=9), Hereditary breast cancer without BRCA (FAM) (n=7), sporadic breast cancer (SPO) (n=11)). 3 of BRCA1 and 5 of BRCA2 samples were from women without cancer. Following RNA extraction (using the method described by Beekman et al) and quality assessment, Illumina® Whole-Genome DASL™ microarray (Human Ref-8 BeadChips) analysis was performed. The raw data was normalized and analyzed using Partek® Genomic Suite. Differentially expressed genes were identified using ANOVA analysis. Geneset specific supervised analysis was performed to visualize the inherent similarities and differences in the gene expression amongst different groups for 1) DNA repair and 2) Immune-system-related genes. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was performed to interpret the data in the context of biological processes, pathways and networks. Results: Twenty-nine of the 87 immune-related genes were up-regulated in BRCA1 and BRCA2 groups compared to SPO or FAM groups; these included IL7R, CD53, CD2, CD48 and HLA-DRA. Twenty-five of the 79 DNA repair genes were up-regulated in BRCA1 and BRCA2; these included FANCC, RAD51L3, MSH2, MSH6 and PCNA. In IPA analysis, the comparison of BRCA1 vs. REST (BRCA2 + FAM + SPO) showed a strong immunologic signal, with the top altered biological processes including “Immunologic disease”, “Infection mechanism”, “Immune cell trafficking” and “cell-mediated immune response “. The top 5 canonical pathways also reflected a similar pattern and included “iCOS-iCOSL Signaling in T Helper Cells”, “OX40 Signaling Pathway”, “Calcium-induced T Lymphocyte”, “Apoptosis Regulation of IL-2 Expression in Activated and Anergic T Lymphocytes” and “Protein Ubiquitination Pathway”. When BRCA2 was compared with the REST (BRCA1 + FAM + SPO), a much weaker signal was noted with none of the canonical pathways being significantly altered. PAM analysis showed that a set of 16 genes could differentiate the BRCA patients from the rest with an error rate of 5%. Further validation of this geneset is being performed. Conclusion: Gene profiling in whole blood may offer an easy, reliable and inexpensive way to identify patients with BRCA mutation. Further studies are currently underway to validate our results in a larger patient population. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-13-01.
Reliability and validity estimates of the brigance K&1 screen based on a sample of disadvantaged preschoolers

The reliability and validity properties of the Brigance K&1; screen were examined with a sample of 134 Head Start children preparing to enter kindergarten. Reliability estimations indicated high interrater agreement and high overall internal consistency and test–retest reliabilities. Construct validation procedures included examination of the Screen's correlations with the cognitive processing and achievement subscales of the K-ABC. Prediction/outcome analyses, intended to explore the test's accuracy in predicting special education status at the end of preschool, indicated a relatively high false negative rate and a moderate true positive rate. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
INFANTS' RESPONSES TO OBJECTS REPRESENTING LEVELS OF WORD KNOWLEDGE AND CATEGORICAL INFORMATION

Abstract The effects of differing levels of word knowledge on infants’ sequential touching behaviors were investigated in two studies. In both, parent report was used to assess three levels of word knowledge: known, frontier, and unknown. In the first study, 14-month-old infants sequentially touched objects consistent with parents’ reports of their word knowledge. In the second study, 20-month-old infants sequentially touched objects by both conceptual category and reported level of word knowledge. It appears that even infants, like adults, can make distinctions among objects on the basis of their knowledge about the objects’ labels.
Infants Learn Baby Signs From Video

There is little evidence that infants learn from infant-oriented educational videos and television programming. This 4-week longitudinal experiment investigated 15-month-olds' (N = 92) ability to learn American Sign Language signs (e.g., patting head for hat) from at-home viewing of instructional video, either with or without parent support, compared to traditional parent instruction and a no-exposure control condition. Forced-choice, elicited production, and parent report measures indicate learning across all three exposure conditions, with a trend toward more robust learning in the parent support conditions, regardless of medium. There were no differences between experimental and control conditions in the acquisition of corresponding verbal labels. This constitutes the first experimental evidence of infants' ability to learn expressive communication from commercially available educational videos.
Feed conversions, ration compositions, and land use efficiencies of major livestock products in U.S. agricultural systems

A sustainability transition will require a clear understanding of the environmental impacts of human food needs. To this end, accurate data on the feed requirements of livestock production are essential. Unfortunately, approaches used to estimate overall feed conversion ratios per unit output of livestock product vary and the reported values used in environmental analyses may be inconsistent. This paper presents a spreadsheet model for determining the aggregate, herd (flock) level feed needs of six major livestock commodities (beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, pork, and turkey) based on contemporary U.S. production practices. In this model, each system is represented as a set of stocks and flows, each of which is estimated based on performance metrics, such as reproduction and mortality rates. Parameter estimates were made primarily from U.S. government surveys or comparable peer-reviewed literature. Nutritional needs of livestock were based primarily from National Research Council reports. The model estimates the feed intake and ration composition for each life stage of each livestock system. Results were summarized as feed conversion ratios per unit output, herd (flock) average ration composition, and land use requirements for all feed ingredients. The findings confirm conventional wisdom that the total feed use efficiency of livestock products varies widely across livestock systems. However, the differences appear more subtle when the requirements for individual feed ingredients are considered. Similarly, the land requirements of livestock production also vary widely, but the differences are more nuanced when viewed in light of the land quality required to supply each feed ingredient. While the findings are consistent with some other past efforts to determine feed and land use efficiency of livestock production, greater transparency and consistency is needed in this area of research.
Applied holographic interferometry display and quantification methods

Holographic interferometry has emerged as a significant optical imaging tool in supplementing conventional automotive powertrain testing methods in the areas of noise, vibration and durability. This paper focuses on various techniques and applications in measuring inherent structural static and dynamic properties as well as overall noise and vibration characteristics of components, subsystems and complete powertrain systems. Within the scope of continous wave and pulsed interferometry methods for imaging, the areas of display and quantification are discussed. Reflection mode holograms obtained directly as well as generation from transmission holograms are illustrated. Measurement of modulated fringe phase in conjunction with an image processor for three dimensional surface contours is described. Also addressed are removal of rigid body carrier fringes by sandwich techniques. Reflection mode interferometric results are compared to classical two beam transmission interferograms for image quality, fringe characteristics and general technical advantages and drawbacks of each method of display.
Resolution of the discrepancies concerning the optical and microwave values for B0 and D0 of the X 3Σg− state of O2

Abstract The discrepancies concerning the optical and microwave values of B0 and D0 for the X 3 Σ g − state of O2 have been removed by a nonlinear least-squares fit to all of the lines of the O2, b 1 Σ g + -X 3 Σ g − Red Atmospheric bands recorded by Babcock and Herzberg (Astrophys. J., 108, 167, 1948). The resulting values for B0″ and D0″ are in excellent agreement with the Raman and microwave values. Improved values are determined for B1″, D1″, γ1″ (spin-rotation), and ϵ1″ (spin-spin). Both γv″ and ϵv″ increase in magnitude from v″ = 0 to v″ = 1. Improved Dunham Yi0 and Yi1 expansion coefficients are determined for the b 1 Σ g + state, from which the Rydberg-Klein-Rees potential is constructed.
Fornix as an imaging marker for episodic memory deficits in healthy aging and in various neurological disorders.

The fornix is a part of the limbic system and constitutes the major efferent and afferent white matter tracts from the hippocampi. The underdevelopment of or injuries to the fornix are strongly associated with memory deficits. Its role in memory impairments was suggested long ago with cases of surgical forniceal transaction. However, recent advances in brain imaging techniques, such as diffusion tensor imaging; enabling more qualitative and quantitative studies, have revealed that macrostructural and microstructural abnormalities of the fornix correlated highly with declarative and episodic memory performance. This structure appears to provide a robust and early imaging predictor for memory deficits not only in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis, but also in schizophrenia and psychiatric disorders, and during neurodevelopment and “typical” aging. The objective of the manuscript is to present a systematic review regarding published brain imaging research on the fornix, including the development of its tracts, its role in various neurological diseases, and its relationship to neurocognitive performance in human studies.
Soft-spring nonlinear vibrations of antisymmetrically laminated rectangular plates

Abstract This paper deals with the effects of initial geometric imperfections and in-plane boundary conditions on the large-amplitude vibration behavior of angle- and cross-ply rectangular thin plates. It is found that the presence of imperfection amplitudes of the order of only half the total laminated-plate thickness may significantly raise the vibration frequencies and change the large-amplitude vibration behavior from the well-known hard-spring to soft-spring behavior. The effects of fibre angles and bending-stretching coupling for angle-ply plates and Young's moduli ratios and number of layers for antisymmetric cross-ply plates are examined.
Accurate ab initio potential energy surface, dynamics, and thermochemistry of the F+CH4→HF+CH3 reaction

An accurate full-dimensional global potential energy surface (PES) for the F+CH4→HF+CH3 reaction has been developed based on 19 384 UCCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ quality ab initio energy points obtained by an efficient composite method employing explicit UCCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVDZ and UMP2/aug-cc-pVXZ [X=D,T] computations. The PES contains a first-order saddle point, (CH4- -F)SP, separating reactants from products, and also minima describing the van der Waals complexes, (CH4- - -F)vdW and (CH3- - -HF)vdW, in the entrance and exit channels, respectively. The structures of these stationary points, as well as those of the reactants and products have been computed and the corresponding energies have been determined using basis set extrapolation techniques considering (a) electron correlation beyond the CCSD(T) level, (b) effects of the scalar relativity and the spin-orbit couplings, (c) diagonal Born–Oppenheimer corrections (DBOC), and (d) zero-point vibrational energies and thermal correction to the enthalpy at 298 K. The ...
Another generalization of Higman's well quasi order result on Σ∗

Abstract We present another generalization of Higman's result ([2]) that the subsequence embedding relationship on a finitely generated free monoid is a well quasi order. Our result is analogous to the generalization of Higman's result given in [1] in the following manner. In the quasi orders we consider, we are given a finite set S of non-null words from Σ ∗ and we demand that x1…xk+1 is less than or equal to x1a1…xkakxk+1 for any words x 1 ,…,x k+1 ϵΣ ∗ and any single word a1…ak ϵ S, where aiϵΣ, 1⩽i⩽k. The least quasi order obtained in this fashion is denoted ⪅s. In contrast to the notion of subword unavoidability used in [1], S is said to be subsequence unavoidable (in Σ ∗ ) if and only if there exists a k0 such that any word longer than k0 has a (nonempty) subsequence of letters (not necessarily contiguous) which form a word in S. We show that ⪅s is a well quasi order on Σ ∗ if and only if S is subsequence unavoidable in Σ ∗ . As an application of this result, we show that the iterated shuffle ([1], [7], [8]) of a finite set S with itself is a regular language if and only if S is subsequence unavoidable.
Continuing challenges in defining image quality

To achieve significant dose reduction without compromising diagnostic efficacy, it is important to understand the effects of exposure reduction on image quality, a concept that is often mentioned but not well defined in the imaging literature. Studies to assess subjective image quality for digital radiography (DR) demonstrate wide variability among radiologists and technologists, resulting in substantial variability in the determination of acceptable image quality and optimal radiation exposure required to obtain a high-quality radiograph. In addition to improving detector technology and image processing techniques and tailoring exposure to the exam type and patient body habitus, it is possible to take advantage of informatics-based and psychoperceptual approaches. These can be used to establish the relative trade-offs among patient exposure, perceived image quality, and diagnostic efficacy. Innovations such as automated quality assessment of digital radiographs, use of a mathematical model of the human visual system to predict the perceived impact of lower radiation exposure, the creation of a quality-assessment database of images, and better definition and training of radiologists in the determination of image quality can help to reduce variability in assessment and facilitate reductions in dose while minimizing negative effects on image quality.
PFG NMR self-diffusion of propylene in ITQ-29, CaA and NaCaA: window size and cation effects

PFG NMR self-diffusion of propylene in ITQ-29, CaA and NaCaA: window size and cation effects
Characterizing populations as entities in ecosystem models: Problems and limitations of mass-balance modeling

Abstract Ecosystems are often described in terms of nutrient cycling or energy flow. Within these systems the population is frequently seen as the fundamental unit of structure, the entity through which material or energy flows. This paper shows that from the perspective of net transfer of material or energy that accurate simulation models cannot be developed using first or second-order differential equations. Stochastic models, however, in which parameters are altered according to ecological circumstances, avoid some of the pitfalls of mass-balance approaches while still allowing the population to be considered as an entity.
Modeling the Maximum Charge State of Arginine-Containing Peptide Ions Formed by Electrospray Ionization

A model for the gas-phase proton transfer reactivity of multiply protonated molecules is used to quantitatively account for the maximum charge states of a series of arginine-containing peptide ions measured by Downard and Biemann (Int. J. Mass Spectrom. Ion Processes1995,148, 191–202). We find that our calculations account exactly for the maximum charge state for 7 of the 10 peprides and are off by one charge for the remaining 3. These calculations clearly predict the trend in maximum charge states for these peptides and provide further evidence that the maximum charge state of ions formed by electrospray ionization is determined by their gas-phase proton transfer reactivity.
Severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome resulting from tuberculosis correlates with bronchoalveolar lavage CXCL-8 expression

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) has previously been linked to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Here this study investigates the link between inflammation and TB in ARDS by measuring inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from 90 patients with TB or ARDS alone and in patients with TB-induced ARDS (ARDS + TB). BAL was collected by fiber-optic bronchoscopy, and the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, CXCL8, TNF α and IL-1β were measured by ELISA. CXCL8 levels in BAL were significantly higher in the ARDS + TB group compared with TB and ARDS alone groups. Disease severity in the ARDS + TB group as determined by Murray score correlated with BAL CXCL8 and neutrophils, but not with IL-6, IL-1β and TNF α concentrations. In addition, CXCL8 levels and neutrophils were increased in non-miliary TB versus miliary TB. This difference in CXCL8 was lost in the presence of ARDS. It was concluded from this study that CXCL8 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of this form of ARDS. This further suggests that CXCL8 inhibitors or blockers may be useful to control the onset and/or development of these combined diseases.
How Teacher Candidates' Perceptions of Urban Students Are Influenced by Field Experiences: A Review of the Literature

Field experiences hold great promise for preparing candidates for effective urban teaching. This article reviews the research investigating the influence of field experiences on teacher candidates' perceptions of urban students from 1995 to 2010. The 36 articles that met the authors' criteria were organized into three general categories: studies that confirmed previous results of urban field experience research, studies that attempted to explain specific factors that influenced their results, and studies that linked practicing teachers retrospectively to the influence of earlier field experiences. The article describes the project, shares the results of the review, discusses educational implications, and suggests future research directions.
The Effect of Fuel Composition and Dissolved Oxygen on Deposit Formation from Potential JP-900 Basestocks

Future high-speed aircraft will be challenged to meet their onboard cooling requirements, because of weight limitations and higher heating loads. Therefore, the fuel will be required to serve as both propellant and coolant, and, thus, the fuel will need to be thermally stable. An advanced thermally stable jet-fuel formulation, called “JP-900”, has been under development for such applications. Six formulations of potential JP-900 basestocks were tested in a flow reactor to assess their thermal stability and resultant deposit morphology. Of the six fuels that were tested, three fuels consisted largely of hydroaromatic and aromatic compounds, and the other three fuels consisted mainly of cyclic compounds. The fuels were made from refined chemical oil (RCO), a product of coke manufacture, light cycle oil (LCO), a petroleum product, or blends thereof, and were hydrotreated to different extents. All six fuels showed marked improvements in stability when compared to the conventional military jet fuel JP-8. The f...
Human Male Genital Tract Secretions: Both Mucosal and Systemic Immune Compartments Contribute to the Humoral Immunity

In contrast to numerous studies of female genital tract secretions, the molecular properties of Abs and the magnitude of humoral responses in human male genital tract secretions to naturally occurring Ags and to mucosal and systemic immunizations have not been extensively investigated. Therefore, seminal plasma (SP) collected from healthy individuals was analyzed with respect to Ig levels, their isotypes, molecular forms of IgA, and for the presence of Abs to naturally occurring Ags, or induced by systemic or mucosal immunizations with viral and bacterial vaccines. The results indicated that in SP, IgG and not IgA, is the dominant Ig isotype, and that IgM is present at low levels. IgA is represented by secretory IgA, polymeric IgA, and monomeric IgA. In contrast to the female genital tract secretions in which IgA2 occurs in slight excess, the distribution of IgA subclasses in SP resembles that in plasma with a pronounced preponderance of IgA1. The IgG subclass profiles in SP are also similar to those in serum. Thus, SP is an external secretion that shares common features with both typical external secretions and plasma. Specifically, SP contains naturally occurring secretory IgA Abs to environmental Ags of microbial origin and to an orally administered bacterial vaccine, and plasma-derived IgG Abs to systemically injected vaccines. Therefore, both mucosal and systemic immunization with various types of Ags can induce humoral responses in SP. These findings should be considered in immunization strategies to induce humoral responses against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV-1.
Genetic abnormalities associated with nodal metastasis in head and neck cancer.

Background. Lymphatic metastasis represents the single most important clinical prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but underlying genetic mechanisms remain ill defined. Genetic differences between primary carcinomas and their corresponding metasta- ses might form a key to understanding the metastatic pheno- type. In this study we aimed to characterize such differences using a genome-wide screening measure. Methods. Four human cell lines (MDA-686tu, MDA-686Ln, MDA-1386tu, MDA-1386Ln) derived from primary tumor and synchronous lymph node metastasis of two cases of metastatic HNSCC were subjected to comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) by differentially labeling DNA from tumor tissue and normal tissue with fluorescent agents. The labeled DNAs were simultaneously hybridized onto normal metaphase chromo- somes. In addition, modified CGH was performed by directly hybridizing labeled primary tumor DNA against differentially labeled metastatic tumor DNA, allowing the direct detection of copy number differences in individual pairs. Image analysis for fluorescence intensity along the entire length of each metaphase chromosome allowed generation of a color ratio, which was used to detect copy number changes. Results. In both cases, significant overlap was found between chromosomal aberrations present in the primary tumor and the corresponding nodal metastasis. However, several abnormalities differentiated primary tumors from their metasta- ses. Modified CGH identified several genetic aberrations that were not detectable with the conventional CGH analysis. Gains at chromosomes 10p11-12 and 11p and deletions at chromo- somes 4q22-31, 9p13-24, and 14q differentiated nodal meta- stases from the corresponding primary tumors in both cases. Conclusions. The combination of conventional and modi- fied CGH analyses facilitates the identification of DNA copy number changes that might be involved in the development of a metastatic phenotype. Future research should aim at the iden- tification of the genes involved at the identified sites of chromosomal aberration. A 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 10-15, 2004
Antiviral activity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte targeting is not necessarily intrinsically superior to envelope targeting.

Across several cohorts, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag- and Env-specific CD8+ T lymphocyte (CTL) responses have demonstrated inverse and positive correlations, respectively, to viremia. The mechanism has been proposed to be superior antiviral activity of Gag-specific CTLs in general. Addressing this hypothesis, we created two HIV-1 constructs with an epitope translocated from Gag (SLYNTVATL, SL9) to Env, thereby switching the protein source of the epitope. A virus expressing SL9 in Env was similar to the original virus in susceptibility to SL9-specific CTLS. This finding suggests that Env targeting is not intrinsically inferior to Gag targeting for CTL antiviral activity.
Dolomedes plantarius (Clerck, 1757) (Araneae: Pisauridae): A Reassessment of its Ecology and Distribution in Europe, with Comments on its History at Redgrave and Lopham Fen, England

Summary The frequent claims that the population of Dolomedes plantarius is declining in numbers in Europe due to loss of habitat is not supported by evidence. For many years, information on this species was unreliable due to taxonomic confusion with D. fimbriatus and because adults of both species are identical and cannot be separated in the field unless collected for examination. Greater interest in D. plantarius in recent years has revealed new records from many European countries, though data are still inadequate for a reliable assessment of its distribution and status. Available information on its behaviour, habitat and ecology in Europe is summarized. The conservation problems of D. plantarius at Redgrave and Lopham Fen, England, are discussed in relation to its status elsewhere.
Analysis of optical amplifier gain competition attack in a point-to-point WDM link

Gain competition in an optical amplifier can result in a performance-degrading reduction in the gain of a channel if the overall input power of the amplifier is increased. A gain competition attack may be realized by one or more attackers (pretending to be legitimate users) increasing their source powers in order to degrade the quality of service seen by other users. In this paper, we study the effect of an optical amplifier gain competition attack in a point-to-point WDM link. By looking at the relative OSNR degradation ratio of the attacked channels, we show that Automatic Gain Control mechanisms can alleviate the absolute OSNR degradation to a significant extent, but cannot immunize the system from performance deterioration if the attacking user's power is strong enough. Adding more amplifiers to a link will enhance the service quality as well as the system's robustness against a gain competition attack at the price of higher network cost.
A Scalable Parallel Fast Multipole Method for Analysis of Scattering from Perfect Electrically Conducting Surfaces

In this paper, we develop a parallel Fast Multipole Method (FMM) based solution for computing the scattered electromagnetic fields from a Perfect Electrically Conducting (PEC) surface. The main contributions of this work are the development of parallel algorithms with the following characteristics: 1) provably efficient worst-case run-time irrespective of the shape of the scatterer, 2) communication-efficiency, and 3) guaranteed load balancing within a small constant factor. We have developed a scalable, parallel code and validated it against surfaces for which solution can be computed analytically, and against serial software. The efficiency and scalability of the code is demonstrated with experimental results on an IBM xSeries cluster. Though developed in the context of this particular application, our algorithms can be used in other applications involving parallel FMM.
Force of crystallization during the growth of siliceous concretions

The force of crystallization is of renewed interest as a diagenetic replacement mechanism. We present a quantitative reaction-transport model for mineral replacement driven by the pressure exerted by crystal growth, based on continuum equations accounting for conservation of mass and momentum. A condition of volume-for-volume replacement during growth and dissolution is shown to arise naturally from the interaction of mechanical and reactive deformation. When applied to the postnucleation growth of quartz in a calcite plus amorphous silica host, a centimetre-scale concretion-like feature is shown from our simulations to arise within roughly 17 ka.
The Impacts of Innovation Technological Change in a Mass Transit Authority

For an organization, innovation is the occasion for both risks and opportunities. The risks are obvious—the innovation may fail and the organization's investment in it thereby will be wasted. Much of the study of innovation has been about the nature of these risks and the probability of failure. This article discusses the failure of an innovation and analyzes its causes, but it goes further in considering the opportunities for organizational development that innovations provide. This way it weaves together three threads of organizational research: the studies of innovation, implementation, and organizational learning. This is done via an analysis of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) experience with a new, technologically advanced, rapid transit vehicle—the Boeing-Vertol Standard Light-Rail Vehicle.
‘I wanted a Communist philosophy, but I wanted us to have a chance to organize our people’: the diasporic radicalism of Queen Mother Audley Moore and the origins of black power

Abstract This article charts the extraordinary life and legacy of ‘Queen Mother’ Audley Moore (1898–1997). She was one of the most revered figures in twentieth-century black nationalism, Pan-Africanism, and Communism. A life-long Garveyite and a leading personality in the World War II-era Harlem Communist Party, she understood black women across the diaspora as the vanguard in struggles for self-determination. She broke from the Communist Party in 1950, reinventing herself into an ardent black nationalist. Creatively formulating an idiosyncratic politics combining Garveyism, Marxism, Third Worldism, and feminism, she was central in forging 1960s-era Black Power and the modern reparations movement. Recovering her life reveals the underappreciated importance of black women in building radical, diasporic movements, the legacy of Garveyism and Communism in framing Black Power, and the contours in twentieth-century black radicalism, black internationalism, and black women's activism.
Who wants to forgive and forget? Transitional justice preferences in postwar Burundi

While transitional justice interventions are common in current post-conflict transitions, recent surveys in such settings suggest that public opinions often vary in their levels of support for such policies. Understanding such opinions is crucial for designing post-conflict policies that properly reflect public interests. This study uses original survey data from Burundi to interpret public opinions toward transitional justice policies in a post-civil war context. The data reveal a great deal of wariness among Burundians toward punishing human rights offenders or seeking the truth about the past. Why would large numbers of those entitled to accountability and truth express a preference to ‘forgive and forget’? This question is addressed by focusing on two important features of post-conflict settings – namely (1) uncertainty about the potential for renewed violence and (2) intense competition over how the postwar balance of power should be institutionalized. Findings suggest that the latter feature is inde...
Biostatistics and epidemiology

The fields of biostatistics and epidemiology are described. Their relationship to each other and recent advances are emphasized.
Access to Care and the Incidence of End-Stage Renal Disease Due to Diabetes

OBJECTIVE Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with an increased risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to diabetes. Because ESRD is a preventable complication of diabetes, the association with SES may be related to limited access to treatment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this population-based ecological study, I examined the association between the incidence of ESRD attributed to diabetes and the proportion of hospitalizations with no insurance, Medicaid, or managed care insurance; residence in a primary care provider shortage area or rural area; and rate of hospitalizations for hyperglycemic complications, by ZIP code in California in 2001–2004. RESULTS The incidence of ESRD attributed to diabetes was higher in ZIP codes with higher proportions of hospitalizations with no insurance ( r = 0.45; P r = 0.69; P r = 0.27; P r = −0.37; P CONCLUSIONS The incidence of ESRD attributed to diabetes is strongly associated with area-based measures of access to care, suggesting that access to treatment partly mediates the association between SES and the incidence of ESRD.
Modelling of solar quiet magnetic field variations near a conductivity anomaly

Summary. A simplified model of the solar quiet-time ionospheric current system is used to calculate the induced currents in a model earth. The conductivity is assumed to be constant below a depth of about 400 km and zero above that depth. The current induced in the north-south conductivity anomaly under the Rocky Mountains is then estimated from the time-varying potential difference between points at 30 and 45" latitude at the surface of the conducting sphere. The purpose of these calculations is to investigate whether variations in the latitude of the northern hemisphere current system vortex will substantially alter the relationship between the observed magnetic field components at the Earth's surface and the local magnetic field gradient caused by the conductivity anomaly. We find that a 10" shift in the latitude of the ionospheric current focus causes a change of 6 per cent or less in the transfer function from the field components to the gradient in the total field. Thus such latitude shifts cannot explain much of the magnetic field gradient variation at periods near 24 hr that has been observed near Boulder, Colorado.
Peering into cost layers for pricing products

Firms tend to develop layered cost structures, reveal the authors. And executives who understand this cost structure have opportunities to make competitive pricing innovations – badly needed during this economic downturn. The authors explain what you need to know to ensure your firm's long-term profitability. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A History of U.S. Higher Education in Accounting, Part II: Reforming Accounting within the Academy

In the 1970s, efforts to reform accounting education revolved around the movement toward schools of accountancy (or independent departments). These efforts were largely unsuccessful. However, in the 1980s, the movement to expand accounting education beyond a four‐year undergraduate degree resulted in American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) members passing a rule mandating 150 hours of education for AICPA membership. The reaction to this rule was varied. Many state boards of accountancy and state legislatures adopted rules requiring 150 hours; however, the requirements for taking the CPA exam and licensure varied across states. After the rule's passage academicians responded by creating the Accounting Education Change Commission, whose purpose was to improve accounting education regardless of the number of credit hours students earned. Also, the AICPA shifted its attention to the possibility of expanding certification to practitioners who were not accountants. Both of these efforts were ...
Identifying implicit relationships

Answering natural-language questions may often involve identifying hidden associations and implicit relationships. In some cases, an explicit question is asked by the user to discover some hidden concept related to a set of entities. Answering the explicit question and identifying the implicit entity both require the system to discover the semantically related but hidden concepts in the question. In this paper, we describe a spreading-activation approach to concept expansion, backed by three distinct knowledge resources for measuring semantic relatedness. We discuss how our spreading-activation approach is applied to address these questions, exemplified in Jeopardy!™ by questions in the "COMMON BONDS" category and by many Final Jeopardy! questions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach by measuring its impact on IBM Watson™ performance on these questions.
Corrective Gradient Refinement for mobile robot localization

Particle filters for mobile robot localization must balance computational requirements and accuracy of localization. Increasing the number of particles in a particle filter improves accuracy, but also increases the computational requirements. Hence, we investigate a different paradigm to better utilize particles than to increase their numbers. To this end, we introduce the Corrective Gradient Refinement (CGR) algorithm that uses the state space gradients of the observation model to improve accuracy while maintaining low computational requirements. We develop an observation model for mobile robot localization using point cloud sensors (LIDAR and depth cameras) with vector maps. This observation model is then used to analytically compute the state space gradients necessary for CGR. We show experimentally that the resulting complete localization algorithm is more accurate than the Sampling/Importance Resampling Monte Carlo Localization algorithm, while requiring fewer particles.
Linkages Between Racioethnicity, Appraisal Reactions, and Employee Engagement

Because diversity is vital to many businesses, it is important to understand prospective racioethnic differences in employee engagement. Using survey data collected from a large (N = 5,537), diverse sample of retail employees, we found that more favorable appraisal reactions corresponded with more favorable psychological diversity climate perceptions; thus, higher levels of engagement. This indirect relationship was significantly stronger for ethnic minority employees (Blacks and Hispanics) than for White employees, indicating that members of traditionally disadvantaged groups respond differently to perceptions of appraisal systems. Finally, an exploratory assessment found that the hypothesized effects for racioethnicity do not generalize to sex, as the indirect effect of appraisal reactions on engagement was slightly, but not significantly stronger for women than for men.
PERSISTENT EFFECTS OF STRESS ON DOPAMINE-RELATED BEHAVIORS: CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Various stressors have a lasting, sensitizing influence on dopamine-dependent behaviors. Possible relevance to the etiology of schizophrenia is discussed.
Finite-Type Invariants of Order One for Framed Virtual Knots

A. Henrich proved the existence of the universal finite-type invariant of order one for virtual knots. We extend the construction and the methods of her paper to framed virtual knots. To do so, we introduce the notions of virtual strings and based matrices for framed flat virtual knots.
Jules Stein, MD: Ophthalmologist, Entertainment Magnate, and Advocate for Vision

Purpose To report the lifetime activities and accomplishments of Jules Stein, MD. Design Retrospective review. Methods Assessment of published and unpublished biographical material. Results Jules Stein combined his love of music and medicine with organizational skills to achieve successive careers as a musician, an ophthalmologist, an entertainment magnate, and an advocate for vision. To preserve vision, he founded Research to Prevent Blindness, founded the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, and led a multiyear campaign to establish the National Eye Institute. Conclusions With successive careers and extraordinary achievements, Jules Stein created an enduring legacy of benefits to ophthalmology, vision research, and the prevention of blindness.
Combining Empathy with Problem Solving: The Tamra Model of Facilitation in Israel

The Problem Solving Workshop provides a cognitive, analytic framework for working on intergroup relations. Sometimes, however, the context requires a broader range of approaches to address other significant conflict challenges. The relationship between the Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel is a strained one, especially since the killing of several Arab citizens by the Israeli army at the start of the second intifada in 2000. This presentation discusses the training provided to a group of Arab and Jewish residents of Israel to provide them with facilitation skills so that they might work within Israel on Arab-Jewish land disputes. The training involved not only the interactive problem solving approach, but also segments on consensus building and the sharing of personal narratives. These were combined into what is called the Tamra model, named after the Arab village in northern Israel where the trainings were held.