cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract B29: Expression of BARD1 predicts outcome in colon cancer

Background: The BARD1/BRCA1 heterodimer has been implicated in several different pathways crucial for maintaining genomic integrity, DNA repair and cell survival. Complex functions have been ascribed to BARD1: It acts as a chaperone that recruits BRCA1 to the nucleus to form an ubiquitin E3 ligase complex involved in DNA repair and chromosomal stability. On the other hand, BARD1 may also promote cell survival by inhibiting BRCA1-dependent apoptosis through nuclear retention of BRCA1. Mutations in the BARD1 gene, as well as aberrant expression of BARD1 splice isoforms, have been associated with poor prognosis in breast and ovarian cancer. Here, we assess the occurrence and role of BARD1 splice isoforms in colon cancer formation. Methods: Total RNA from primary human colon cancer samples and matched normal colon tissue was extracted and reverse transcribed. Gene specific PCR primers were designed to analyze the occurrence and pattern of BARD1 splice variants in colon cancer. Splice variants were subcloned and sequenced. Protein expression of BRCA1 and BARD1 in paraffin-embedded cancer tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathologic parameters. Results: mRNA analysis of primary colon cancers confirmed a specific pattern of BARD1 splice isoforms distinct from normal controls. Certain isoforms appear to be tumor specific. Full length BARD1 is upregulated in non-metastatic cancer samples compared to matched normal tissue, which is in line with its anti-apoptotic function. Interestingly, full length BARD1 is dramatically downregulated in metastatic cancer tissue supporting its role as a tumor suppressor. Immunohistochemical analysis of colon cancer samples confirmed the loss of full length BARD1 in metastatic tissues on the protein level and revealed a significant correlation (p Conclusion: Our results suggest critical roles for the BRCA1 chaperone BARD1 in colon cancer formation. Alternative splice variants of BARD1 commonly occur in colon cancer tissue and expression of full-length BARD1 is differentially regulated along the cancer-metastasis axis affecting cancer outcome. We hypothesize that in colon cancer tissue, BRCA1 function critically depends on BARD1 expression. Citation Information: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(7 Suppl):B29
A model of oxygen reduction, denitrification, and organic matter mineralization in marine sediments1

Porewater nutrient profiles are sensitive indicators of organic matter degradation in sediments. To interpret these data, we have derived a kinetic model of oxygen reduction, nitrification, and denitrification which quantitatively relates the rates of oxygen reduction and denitrification to the depth separating these processes and the carbon oxidation rate. We have compared model profiles with porewater profiles of the sum of NO2−, NO3−, and NH4+ (∑N) from both Atlantic and Pacific Ocean stations. Calculated rates of oxygen reduction and denitrification vary proportionally at these stations. Extrapolation along this relationship predicts a maximum in NO3− even where the nitrification zone is so thin that only a decrease from bottom water samples is measured with a 1–2-cm sampling interval. The model also predicts that the maximum amount of organic matter that can be oxidized by denitrification is only 30% of that oxidized by oxygen respiration in the Pacific and only 13% in the Atlantic Ocean.
Equalization of IM3 Products in Wideband Direct-Conversion Receivers

The wideband direct-conversion receiver architecture is proposed in this paper. In order to provide a quantitative design objective, the UMTS standard is targeted. The single-ended-to-differential conversion previously handled by an inter-stage SAW filter is now performed by a balun. The balun is followed by high-P2 MP mixers driven by Cherry-Hooper LO buffers. The MP BB filter is an active-RC 3 rd-order Chebyshev architecture that drives an 8b pipelined ADC with fs=50 MHz. The AP is a scaled-down version of the MP, with the primary difference being the inclusion of an IM3 generator. As scaling reduces the breakdown voltage of CMOS devices and as system integration trends demand the further elimination of off- chip components, there arises a great need to improve the linearity of RF receivers.
Borderline psychotic behavior in hospitalized children: approaches to assessment and treatment.

Borderline children and adults have been increasingly described in the psychiatric literature. This paper provides an overview of recent advances in classifying the adult borderline patient and a description of borderline children. A study is then presented which demonstrates that borderline psychotic children can be differentiated with statistically significant differences into Schizotypal and Borderline Personality disorders of the DSM III classification. General clinical characteristics are described, and a child from each of the categories is presented more fully. Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry , 21, 2:197–202, 1982.
Reproduction of functional smooth muscle tissue and partial bladder replacement

Objective To find a means of bladder augmentation that would avoid the complications encountered with the use of bowel segments, using a newly developed acellular biomaterial, the bladder acellular matrix graft (BAMG), as a homologous graft. Materials and methods Thirty-four rats underwent a partial cystectomy (40–50%) and grafting with a BAMG of equal size. Eleven rats died within the first 72 h, probably from urinary leakage caused by obstruction of the bladder neck with stones or coagula; the surviving 23 were killed at varying intervals after cystectomy and examined. Results After providing initial bladder enlargement, the graft was progressively infiltrated by the vessels and smooth muscle cells of the host; furthermore, the mucosal lining was complete within 10 days. After 4 weeks, all bladder wall components were evident histologically in the graft. The ingrowth was complete after 8 weeks, except for neural regeneration, which was only partial. At 12 weeks, the bladder wall muscle structure in the graft was so well developed that it was difficult to delineate the junction between host bladder and BAMG. Neural regeneration continued to improve. Normal bladder capacities were maintained throughout the study. Conclusion The BAMG appears to serve, without rejection, as a framework of collagen and elastin for the ingrowth of all bladder wall components. The reason for the better acceptance of the BAMG than of other bladder augmentation grafts requires further investigation.
Capital Appropriations and Business Fixed Investment in Manufacturing: an Econometric Analysis.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY is to examine a model of business fixed-investment spending in the context of a fully specified econometric model of income determination. Investment decisions are measured by appropriations for capital spending rather than by capital expenditures themselves. Although data on appropriations are restricted to the 1,000 largest manufacturing firms, this important subset accounts for virtually all of the variation of capital spending in manufacturing and a substantial portion of the variation of all business fixed-investment expenditures. The relationship between expenditures and appropriations is treated separately from the relationship between appropriations and the determinants of investment decisions. Appropriations are assumed to be determined in an internal (to the firm) market for investment funds. This view incorporates both accelerator and internal-funds theories of capital spending into the theoretical structure used to explain investment decisions. The relationship between expenditures and appropriations is treated as a simple linear distributed lag. The resulting two-equation investment system was estimated by ordinary least squares using annual first differences for total manufacturing and several constituent manufacturing industries. The results indicated fairly general support for the theoretical structure. Expansion requirements (the difference between desired and actual capital stock) and the subjective or internal cost of funds consistently appeared as significant determinants of appropriations. The long-term interest rate was not generally a significant determinant of appropriations, but did appear important in some individual industries. The results of the distributed-lag estimations indicated that it takes about three years for a dollar of appropriations to be fully realized in expenditures, though well over half of each appropriation dollar is phased into expenditures within a year and a half of the formal commitment. A set of estimated equations for total manufacturing which included the appropriations equation, the distributed-lag equation, and several "linking" equations was introduced into the University of Michigan Econometric Model of the U.S. Economy. The Michigan model was then used to generate ex post forecasts of important measures of economic activity for the period 1960 through 1965. The results indicated that the incorporation of the estimated investment system substantially improved the forecasting accuracy of the full system when compared with forecasts which relied solely on businessmen's anticipations of capital spending for projections of business fixed investment. Even though a measure of capital appropriations was available for only the 1,000 largest manufacturing firms, the accuracy in the prediction of capital expenditures in this important subset of firms was sufficient to improve the overall forecasts of economic activity.
Moving shocks through metallic grids: their interaction and potential for blast wave mitigation

Numerical simulations and laboratory measurements have been used to illuminate the interaction of a moving shock wave impacting on metallic grids at various shock strengths and grid solidities. The experimental work was carried out in a large scale shock tube facility while computational work simulated the flow field with a time-dependent inviscid and a time-dependent viscous model. The pressure drop measured across the grids is a result of two phenomena which are associated with the impact of the shock on the metallic grids. First are the reflection and refraction of the incoming shock on the grid itself. This appears to be the main inviscid mechanism associated with the reduction of the strength of the transmitted shock. Second, viscous phenomena are present during the reflection and refraction of the wave as well as during the passage of the induced flow of the air through the grid. The experimental data of pressure drop across the grid obtained in the present investigation are compared with those obtained from computations. The numerical results slightly overpredict the experimental data of relative pressure drop which increases substantially with grid solidity at fixed flow Mach numbers. The processes of shock reflection and refraction are continuous and they can be extended in duration by using thicker grids that will result in lower compression rates of the structural loading and increase the viscous losses associated with these phenomena which will further attenuate the impacting shock. Preliminary theoretical analysis suggests that the use of a graded porosity/solidity material will result in higher pressure drop than a constant porosity/solidity material and thus provide effective blast mitigation.
Randomized prospective trial of atrioventricular delay programming for cardiac resynchronization therapy

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine if AV delay optimization with continuouswave Doppler aortic velocity-time integral (VTI) is clinically superior to an empiric program in patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for severe heart failure. BACKGROUND The impact of AV delay programming on clinical outcomes associated with CRT is unknown. METHODS A randomized, prospective, single-blind clinical trial was performed to compare two methods of AV delay programming in 40 patients with severe heart failure referred for CRT. Patients were randomized to either an optimized AV delay determined by Doppler echocardiography (group 1, n 20) or an empiric AV delay of 120 ms (group 2, n 20) with both groups programmed in the atriosynchronous biventricular pacing (VDD) mode. Optimal AV delay was defined as the AV delay that yielded the largest aortic VTI at one of eight tested AV intervals (between 60 and 200 ms). New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification and quality-of-life (QOL) score were compared 3 months after randomization. RESULTS Immediately after CRT initiation with AV delay programming, VTI improved by 4.0 1.7 cm vs 1.8 3.6 cm (P .02), and ejection fraction (EF) increased by 7.8 6.2% vs 3.4 4.4% (P .02) in group 1 vs group 2, respectively. After 3 months, NYHA classification improved by 1.0 0.5 vs 0.4 0.6 class points (P .01), and QOL score improved by 23 13 versus 13 11 points (P .03) for group 1 vs group 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Echocardiography-guided AV delay optimization using the aortic Doppler VTI improves clinical outcomes at 3 months compared to an empiric AV delay program of 120 ms.
Engineered nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery

DNA based nanostructures and advances in DNA origami techniques have shown great potential in fabrication and of nanostructures and devices. Though a large number of DNA origami structures have been reported [1–3], very few applications of DNA structures have been presented. Custom shapes formed by programmable DNA self assembly can be used to engineer nanoscale devices such as a biological antenna. The focus of our research is to design a nanoscale antenna using DNA biostructure as a scaffold. Conductivity of such a biological antenna can be achieved by using conductive nanoparticles coating on DNA [4] or by attaching conducting polymers to DNA structures[5]. In this paper, we will present design of engineered nano-antennas with well defined engineering characteristics. Engineered nano-antennas have a resonant frequency, that can be used for diagnostic and drug delivery. The ability of such antennas to resonate at a particular frequency will give researchers the ability to communicate and control the nanoparticles. Such nanoparticles are carriers that can be used as advanced detection systems to help identifying toxicity of nanoparticles in the body. Organic molecules, such as folic acid, can be easily bonded to the surface of antenna to detect cancerous cells. We will further discuss detailed DNA origami techniques that can be used to realize such nanostructures.
Renormalization in the light-front Tamm-Dancoff approach to field theory.

It has recently been proposed that light-front field theory provides a powerful tool for the analysis of relativistic bound states when one makes a Tamm-Dancoff truncation. Such a truncation introduces nonlocalities that require an unfamiliar nonlocal renormalization procedure, in which counterterms are allowed to depend on the sectors of Fock space within which or between which they act. In this paper we illustrate the simplest features of the light-front Tamm-Dancoff approach using the Yukawa model in 1+1 dimensions.
N-lipoyl glucosamine and N-lipoyl glucosaminitol: Substrates for lipoyl dehydrogenase

Abstract N - dl -Lipoyl- d -glucosamine and N - dl -lipoyl- d -glucosaminitol were prepared and tested as substrates for lipoyl dehydrogenase (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide: Lipoamide oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.4.3). It was anticipated that such lipoateamino carbohydrate derivatives would be superior substrates for the enzyme, having greater water solubility than lipoamide, and greater enzyme affinity than lipoate and other anionic derivatives. N - dl -Lipoyl- d -glucosamine proved to be only sparingly soluble in water although both derivatives were more soluble than dl -lipoamide. Both compounds were enzymatically reduced by NADH, but they were no better as substrates for lipoyl dehydrogenase than lipoate anion. Saturation kinetics were not observed indicating that enzyme-substrate interaction was rate limiting. Conventional saturation kinetics were obtained with the dithiol forms of these lipoate derivatives serving as electron donors for the enzymatic reduction of NAD, but their effectiveness as substrates was lower than with dl -dihydrolipoamide. It is suggested that the active center of lipoyl dehydrogenase is hydrophobic and as a consequence those derivatives with a highly hydrated function near the lipoyl carbonyl group are inferior substrates.
Current systems research in Veterans Administration hospitals.

This is a report on research at one VA Health Services Research and Development Center. Doubtless the various VA centers differ somewhat in focus and in the organizational arrangements they employ. The VA permits some flexibility as to the kinds of research and as to organizational arrangements for carrying out research.
Selection and Predictive Success

Van Fraassen believes our current best theories enable us to make accurate predictions because they have been subjected to a selection process similar to natural selection. His explanation for the predictive success of our best theories has been subjected to extensive criticism from realists. I aim to clarify the nature of van Fraassen’s selectionist explanation for the success of science. Contrary to what the critics claim, the selectionist can explain why it is that we have successful theories, as well as why it is reasonable to expect past successful theories to be successful in the future. I also argue that the plausibility of the realists’ explanation rests on an inaccurate understanding of the nature of predictive success. The predictive success of our best theories is a relative success.
Brachial artery catheterization to facilitate endovascular grafting of abdominal aortic aneurysm: safety and rationale.

Abstract Purpose: Endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is a technically demanding procedure that is based on the complexity and multiplicity of steps and the guidewire and catheter manipulations required. Brachial artery catheterization is an adjunctive technique that can facilitate the placement of an endoluminal prosthesis. Methods: Brachial access was used during endoluminal AAA repair in 79 of 103 consecutive patients with a modular-design stent-graft prosthesis at two institutions. Results: Left brachial access facilitated (1) angiography to guide juxtarenal device deployment, (2) antegrade contralateral limb access, (3) device delivery through disadvantaged iliac arteries by means of a brachial femoral wire, (4) access to renal arteries when necessary, and (5) catheter exchanges and a reduction in fluoroscopic positional changes. Complications included one puncture-site pseudoaneurysm, seven hematomas, and 29 patients with extensive ecchymosis. The length of stay was not prolonged in any case. There were no embolic, oculocerebral, or ischemic upper extremity events. Conclusions: Brachial artery catheterization, as an adjunctive technique to endoluminal AAA repair, offers noteworthy technical advantages with few, but self-limiting complications. (J Vasc Surg 2000;32:1137-41.)
Demographics of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis in an MS center population from the Northeastern United States

BackgroundThe prevalence of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United States is unknown.ObjectiveIn a large cohort of MS patients, we sought to identify the proportion with first symptom-onset below the age of 18 years, and to compare their demographic and disease characteristics to a typical adult-onset MS population.MethodsPatients seen at the Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, with clinical histories and characteristics of first symptoms recorded in an electronic database, were included in this study.ResultsWe found that 3.06% of patients with a recorded MS history experienced a first attack under the age of 18 years of age compared to 30.83% of patients who experienced first symptoms between the ages of 25–35 years. Gender proportions were similar in both groups, with the exception of a lower female preponderance in pre-pubertal-onset patients. There was a higher proportion of non-Caucasians in the younger cohort. Localization of first ...
Measuring Evaporation Rates of Laser-Trapped Droplets by Use of Fluorescent Morphology-Dependent Resonances

Morphology-dependent resonances (MDRs) are used to measure accurately the evaporation rates of laser-trapped 1- to 2-µm droplets of ethylene glycol. Droplets containing 3 × 10-5 M Rhodamine-590 laser dye are optically trapped in a 20-µm hollow fiber by two counterpropagating 150-mW, 800-nm laser beams. A weaker 532-nm laser excites the dye, and fluorescence emission is observed near 560 nm as the droplet evaporates. A complete series of first-order TE and TM MDRs dominates the fluorescent output. MDR mode identification sizes the droplets and provides accurate evaporation rates. We verify the automated MDR mode identification by counting fringes in a videotape of the experiment. The longitudinal spring constant of the trap, measured by analysis of the videotaped motion of droplets perturbed from the trap center, provides independent verification of the laser’s intensity within the trap.
Performance evaluation of a heterogeneous disk array architecture

A heterogeneous disk array (HDA) architecture is proposed that allows device heterogeneity, as well as RAID level heterogeneity. Various disks of different types may be incorporated into a single HDA, and multiple RAID levels may coexist in the same array while sharing disk space. The goal of this architecture is to utilize the resources of all its disks to the maximum possible extent by using appropriate RAID levels to meet the varying availability and performance requirements for different applications. An improved best-fit allocation algorithm is proposed for the HDA to meet this goal.
Pearl Millet and Grain Sorghum Yield Response to Water Supply in Nebraska

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a drought-tolerant crop that may serve as an alternative summer crop in Nebraska. Field experiments were conducted in 2000 and 2001 near Sidney and Mead, NE, to determine the water use efficiency (WUE) and yield response to water supply at critical developmental stages of pearl millet and grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Four water regimes were used: (i) no irrigation, (ii) single irrigation at boot stage, (iii) single irrigation at mid-grain fill, and (iv) multiple irrigations. Pearl millet grain yields were 60 to 80% that of grain sorghum. Average grain yields at Mead were 5.1 Mg ha -1 for pearl millet and 6.1 Mg ha -1 for grain sorghum. At Sidney, average pearl millet yields were 1.9 and 3.9 Mg ha -1 in 2000 and 2001, respectively, and average grain sorghum yields were 4.1 and 5.0 Mg ha -1 in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Both crops used a similar amount of water (336 and 330 mm in 2000 and 370 and 374 mm in 2001 for pearl millet and grain sorghum, respectively) and responded to irrigation with a linear increase in grain yield as water use increased. Grain sorghum had greater WUE than pearl millet (12.4-13.4 kg vs. 5.1-10.4 kg grain ha -1 mm -1 ). Pearl millet, with lower and less stable yields, does not currently have the potential to be a substitute crop for grain sorghum in Nebraska.
Analysis and implementation of TR-BDF2

Abstract Bank et al. (1985) developed a one-step method, TR-BDF2, for the simulation of circuits and semiconductor devices based on the trapezoidal rule and the backward differentiation formula of order 2 that provides some of the important advantages of BDF2 without the disadvantages of a memory. Its success and popularity in the context justify its study and further development for general-purpose codes. Here the method is shown to be strongly S-stable. It is shown to be optimal in a class of practical one-step methods. An efficient, globally C 1 interpolation scheme is developed. The truncation error estimate of Bank et al. (1985) is not effective when the problem is very stiff. Coming to an understanding of this leads to a way of correcting the estimate and to a more effective implementation. These developments improve greatly the effectiveness of the method for very stiff problems.
Water stress, photosynthesis, seed sucrose levels and seed growth in soybean

The rate of growth of individual seeds of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) is determined, in part, by the concentration of sucrose in the seed. Water stress during seed filling reduces photosynthesis, but the effect on seed sucrose concentration is not well understood. Soybean plants (cultivars Elgin 87 and Asgrow 232HS) were exposed to water stress from early in the seed-filling period until maturity in field and greenhouse experiments. Stress reduced yield (5-38 %) and seed size (11-35%) but it did not affect the number of seeds. Stress accelerated leaf senescence as shown by a more rapid decline in leaf photosynthesis in both experiments. Seed-growth rate and cotyledon sucrose concentrations (expressed on a mM basis using the bulk water content of the cotyledons) during the linear phase of seed growth were not affected by stress in either experiment. Thus, water stress during seed filling had no direct effect on seed growth; its only effect was to accelerate leaf senescence, which shortened the seed-filling period and resulted in smaller seeds. Strategies to reduce yield loss from water stress during seed filling should focus on leaf senescence instead of seed growth.
Archeological Excavations in Jalisco, Mexico

Recent archeological work in northeastern West Mexico has provided information about a previously unknown area and some evidence regarding its relationship with other parts of Mexico. An occupation as early as A.D. 100 is suggested.
A Phase I Trial of Bortezomib with Temozolomide in Patients with Advanced Melanoma: Toxicities, Antitumor Effects, and Modulation of Therapeutic Targets

Purpose: Preclinical studies show that bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, blocks NF-κB activation and, combined with temozolomide, enhances activity against human melanoma xenografts and modulates other critical tumor targets. We initiated a phase I trial of temozolomide plus bortezomib in advanced melanoma. Objectives included defining a maximum tolerated dose for the combination, characterizing biomarker changes reflecting inhibition of both proteasome and NF-κB activity in blood (if possible tumor), and characterizing antitumor activity. Experimental Design: Cohorts were enrolled onto escalating dose levels of temozolomide (50-75 mg/m 2 ) daily, orally, for 6 of 9 weeks and bortezomib (0.75-1.5 mg/m 2 ) by i.v. push on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 every 21 days. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assayed at specified time points for proteasome inhibition and NF-κB biomarker activity. Results: Bortezomib (1.3 mg/m 2 ) and temozolomide (75 mg/m 2 ) proved to be the maximum tolerated dose. Dose-limiting toxicities included neurotoxicity, fatigue, diarrhea, and rash. Nineteen melanoma patients were enrolled onto four dose levels. This melanoma population (17 M1c, 10 elevated lactate dehydrogenase, 12 performance status 1-2) showed only one partial response (8 months) and three with stable disease ≥4 months. A significant reduction in proteasome-specific activity was observed 1 hour after infusion at all bortezomib doses. Changes in NF-κB electrophoretic mobility shift assay and circulating chemokines in blood failed to correlate with the schedule/dose of bortezomib, inhibition of proteasome activity, or clinical outcome. Conclusions: We have defined phase II doses for this schedule of temozolomide with bortezomib. Although proteasome activity was inhibited for a limited time in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we were unable to show consistent effects on NF-κB activation. Clin Cancer Res; 16(1); 348–57
Blurring the Lines: Reinforcing Rape Myths in Comic Books

Through the use of popular culture constructs, individuals are exposed to an overabundance of images that validate rape myths. Although studies have examined rape in popular culture, little attention has been given to the use of rape myths in comic books as a means to reinforce hegemonic masculinity. Using a convenience sample taken from popular comic book series, this content analysis examined the prevalence of rape and the myths used to create such portrayals as well as discuss the negative impact the perpetuation of rape culture has on society. Findings indicate that the reinforcement of rape myths is present within mainstream comic books. Rape myths that were supported included a number of rape survivor, rape perpetrator, and victim blaming myths. Language: en
Multicultural Clinical Supervision and Benchmarks: Empirical Support Informing Practice and Supervisor Training

The purpose of this Major Contribution is to provide background knowledge and context for competency-based clinical supervision and to showcase a diversity of methodologically sound empirical approaches to study effective supervision, including multiculturally competent supervision, and comparative perspectives on supervision cross-culturally. The intent is to begin to provide the empirical data necessary to assist the supervisor in supporting supervisees’ development of the benchmark competencies and to provide direction for future training of supervisors. Specifically, the articles in this major contribution address competencies in clinical supervision and the Competency Benchmarks on three pivotal topics: empirical support defining effective supervision, innovative empirically based approaches to cross-cultural and international supervision, and an empirical analysis of feminist supervision in a multiculturally diverse group context. Each of the articles addresses particular Competency Benchmarks and p...
Drug therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating condition characterized by progressive muscle wasting, inanition, respiratory failure, and death within approximately 2 to 5 years of onset. ALS is among the most common neuromuscular conditions, with an overall prevalence in the world of ~ 5 to 7 cases/100,000 population. Epidemiologic studies have identified some potential risk factors for developing ALS, including a high-fat, low-fiber diet; cigarette smoking; slimness and athleticism; and living in urban areas. Between 5% and 10% of ALS is genetic, with up to 11 genetic loci identified. Although understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease has advanced over the past 60 years, scant progress has been made regarding effective treatment. The authors review the current understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS and approaches to treating the disease.
Direct determination of the equilibrium unbinding potential profile for a short DNA duplex from force spectroscopy data

Modern force microscopy techniques allow researchers to use mechanical forces to probe interactions between biomolecules. However, such measurements often happen in nonequilibrium regime, which precludes straightforward extraction of the equilibrium energy information. Here we use the work-averaging method based on Jarzynski equality to reconstruct the equilibrium interaction potential from the unbinding of a complementary 14-mer DNA duplex from the results of nonequilibrium single-molecule measurements. The reconstructed potential reproduces most of the features of the DNA stretching transition, previously observed only in equilibrium stretching of long DNA sequences. We also compare the reconstructed potential with the thermodynamic parameters of DNA duplex unbinding and show that the reconstruction accurately predicts duplex melting enthalpy.
Political economy of trade protection: China in the 1990s

More than three decades have passed since Deng Xiaoping opened China to the outside world with a series of sweeping economic reforms. Yet, before China entered the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, even at the height of free trade in the 1990s while lowering trade barriers overall, the Chinese government continued to protect some industries. This article explores the cross-industrial variation in trade protectionism in the 1990s, when the Chinese government was negotiating for accession to the WTO. It demonstrates that the major incentive of the Chinese government for trade protectionism was political, involving such factors as the state sector’ si nef ficiency, the ease with which workers could organize to rebel, and bureaucratic organizations’ pressure on the government on behalf of certain industries. The Chinese government chose to protect certain industries to prevent free trade from exacerbating social instability in the 1990s.
Self-Defense in International Law and Rights of Persons

In War and Self-Defense David Rodin uncovers many flaws of current thinking about war. Rodin correctly points out that the justification of national self-defense goes beyond the justification of individual self-defense. He accurately rejects the standard notion of moral symmetry—the accepted view that both just and unjust warriors can permissibly kill enemies as long as they observe the laws of war. Rodin vindicates the right view: if a war is unjust, each and every injury caused by the unjust warrior is a criminal act. There are no morally justified killings by those who fight unjust wars. Further, Rodin rightly rejects various holistic theories of self-defense. Last but not least, he correctly denounces what I have called the Hegelian Myth, the idea that tyrannical governments are worth defending against interventions aimed at deposing them because they are protected by the principle of sovereignty.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair of an Incisional Hernia Secondary to Placement of an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

We present the laparoscopic repair of a large incisional hernia secondary to placement of a subcostal ICD pulse generator. Laparoscopic repair of large incisional hernias provides a unique and technically feasible form of repair in the 2%-13% of patients who will develop an incisional hernia following an abdominal surgery. This form of hernia repair is associated with minimal morbidity and prompt resumption of patient activities and work.
Modeling seasonal variability in the wind-driven upper-layer circulation in the Indo-Pacific region

Abstract A basin-scale fine-resolution primitive equation reduced-gravity model forced by the climatological monthly wind of Hellerman and Rosenstein is used to study seasonal variability of the wind-driven upper-layer circulation in the Indo–Pacific region. The model domain is limited to the tropical Pacific Ocean and the eastern Indian Ocean. The use of the open boundary conditions allows the model to account for a net transport of mass from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean. An active eddy field is modeled east of Mindanao in the strong shear zone formed between the North Equatorial Current and the North Equatorial Countercurrent. This eddy field gives rise to the energetic shorter time scale variations in the western Pacific and appears to be responsible for considerable variability in surface currents noted previously. A distinct current bifurcation at the southern coast of New Britain in the Solomon Sea is modeled. The western branch of the resulting flow exits through Vitiaz Strait, while the eastern...
The Rodrigo Chronicles, Latina/os and Racial Oppression: A Blueprint for the Next Generation

The Harvard Latino Law Review deserves praise for honoring Professor Richard Delgado's Rodrigo Chronicles with a symposium issue. The Chronicles, published in three books and the most elite law reviews in the United States, analyze the most pressing social issues of our times. Through a fascinating dialogue between the young radical Rodrigo and his mentor, the liberal Professor, the Chronicles offer deep insights on many modern intellectual debates and presents them in an accessible way, with flashes of brilliance regularly interspersed. Importantly, the Chronicles represent a virtually unprecedented skein of publication successes, thereby maximizing the exposure of Delgado's insightful analysis. The modest hope of this article is to highlight three of the extraordinary aspects of the Rodrigo Chronicles, that is, (1) demonstrating the ambiguity and fallacy of the social construction known as "race"; (2) the study of issues of particular concern to the Latino/a community, especially immigration law and civil rights matters affecting latina/os; and (3) showing that the subordination of all racial minorities - African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and other racial minorities - is deeply inter-related in a complex web.
A Clinical Prediction Tool Identifies Cases of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Without Endoscopic Biopsy: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES:Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is difficult to distinguish from gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and other causes of dysphagia. We assessed the utility of a set of clinical and endoscopic features for predicting EoE without obtaining esophageal biopsies.METHODS:We prospectively enrolled con
Marginal Effects of Farmers’ Income Tercile on their Irrigation Technology Adoption in Reducing Poverty in Kwara State

T his study analyzed the marginal effects of farmers’ income tercile on their irrigation technology adoption in poverty reduction in Kwara State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was employed for the selection of respondents for the study.
High-Resolution Tuned-Laser Spectroscope

A new technique, tuned-laser spectroscopy, is described. Absorption data are given for methane and ethane in the region from 2947.8 cm−1 to 2948.0 cm−1 which were obtained using a helium–neon laser. The large resolving powers available have made it possible to carry out the first absolute measurements of the collision diameters for methane–other gas collisions.
P348 Patient And Consumer Involvement In Guideline Interpretation And Patient Tool Development; A Comparison Of Two Focus Groups And Understanding Cultural Diversity

Incorporating patient and consumer involvement in clinical practice guideline (CPG) activities has become a priority for health care organisations internationally. In diverse populations with potential healthcare disparities the development of culturally competent patient tools based on interpretation of preexisting clinical practice guidelines is also considered important practice for many organisations that adopt external guidelines. In our exploration of the role of consumer engagement in the development of CPG support tools and in addressing healthcare disparities we compare the results of two culturally different groups through the evaluation of pre and post surveys as well as in-person focus groups. Survey intent was to gauge awareness of the existence of CPGs and gauge interest in developing patient and consumer support tools. Results of one culturally diverse group are compared with a minority group. We analyse the perceptions and attitudes of high priority health care issues identified by both groups. Our findings underscore the opportunity for health care organisations with significantly different populations to address healthcare disparities in the development of patient and consumer CPG support tools. As an extension of our previous work on “collaborative engagement” our comparative results emphasise the need to appropriately address cultural, language and health literacy issues as well as addressing health disparities between populations. We focus on identifying barriers to access and treatment and discuss implication for practice as well as future directions.
X-ray Continuous Analysis

For the purpose of obtaining characteristic X-ray patterns continuously from an arbitrary line element on the surface of a specimen having some local irregularities or changes, a camera of a new type has been designed. This camera is cylindrical, inner diameter 54 mm, outer 60 mm and length about 80 mm, and the primary X-ray beam is introduced parallel to the cylinder-axis but 10 mm apart from it. Both pinhole-system and cylindrical shield are fixed, while cylindrical cassette for photographic film, and cylinder cap for specimen are capable to rotate about the cylinder axis as ore body. The photographic film is inserted innerside of the cassette which is then covered by the cap. The specimen is fixed to the stem, of which the axis coincides with the rotating axis and which is faced to the cap. The shape of such specimen is of a truncated circular cone, and every part on the surface of the zone 10 mm apart from the axis is irradiated by the X-ray beam through the pinhole-system, fixed to the camera body. In order to protect the photographic film from undesirable blackening, both the pinhole-system and the specimen are covered by the cylindrical shield having a long slit, 1 mm in width and parallel to the axis. When the specimen and the photographic film are rotated during the exposure, the obtained patterns will take the form of several continuous lines.These characteristics of this camera were confirmed by an experiment on partly hardened steel obtained using high frequency induction. In this way the present author has obtained patterns consisting of nearly straight lines having several diffuse and broken parts due to irregularities in the irradiated parts of the specimen.
On problems and countmeasures of multimedia in foreign language teaching

With the development of modern scientific technology, multimedia teaching as a new teaching method often get involved in the foreign language teaching. However, in the process of teaching,, I find we will have problems in some aspects, such as the use of software or multimedia , too. To greatly enlarge the role of multimedia in foreign language teaching, I discuss the question found in the teaching practice. In addition, I put forward to the corresponding measures and suggestions.
Health Safety Test of Accept Imported Cosmetics in Sichuan CDC,2010-2014

Objective To analyzetest results on the health security of the imported cosmetics in Sichuan in2010- 2014. Methods Based on the Cosmetics Health Standards( 2007 edition),2 783 samples of imported cosmetics were tested in terms of sanitary microbiology,chemistry and toxicology experiment. Results The overall qualified rate of the cosmetics in 2010- 2014 was 98. 1%. The qualified rate was relatively low in the following products: bath products,fitness,hair coloring products,sunscreen products and anti- freckle products. Conclusion Supervision and enterprise management need to be strengthened to prevent microbial contamination. More attention should be paid to skin allergy caused by cosmetics.
Financial Services Marketing in a Changing Deregulated Environment

Prior to deregulation, banks and thrift institutions have directed their efforts towards traditional market segments. The deregulation has heightened the level of competition between various financial institutions which include nonbank financial institutions, such as insurance companies and security brokerage firms. This paper examines the evolution of marketing of financial services in a changing legal environment and attempts to tie the marketing needs of commercial banks and thrifts (S & Ls) to the newly defined deregulated market place.
Predicting Donor Death: Early Changes in Oxygen Saturation After Withdrawal of Support Predict Successful Donation During Donation After Circulatory Death.

Abstract Background We have previously shown that approximately 27% of patients do not progress to death in time to donate organs after attempted donation after circulatory death (DCD). As such, nearly 1000 transplants per year are not possible. One way to convert unsuccessful donations to successful donations is to increase procurement team “stand-down” times; however, increased stand-down times may predispose transplantable organs to increased ischemic damage. Methods Hemodynamics for successful and unsuccessful donations, occurring between 2011 and 2014, were characterized to determine if some unsuccessful DCDs could have donated successfully, had procurement teams waited longer. Results Analysis of 169 DCDs demonstrated statistically significant differences in hemodynamic profiles after withdrawal of support (WOS) between successful and unsuccessful donations. Early decreases in oxygen saturation were predictive of successful organ donation. We observed that for unsuccessful DCDs, patients who died in more than 2 hours but less than 12 hours were agonal within 10 minutes of WOS, suggesting that increasing stand-down times would result in prohibitive warm ischemia time. Conclusions Early changes in oxygen saturation after withdrawal of support predict donor death. Alternative approaches that convert unsuccessful DCDs to successful DCDs but that do not result in low-quality organs should be explored.
Numerical safeguarded use of the implicit restarted Lanczos algorithm for solving nonlinear eigenvalue problems and its monotonicity analysis

In this thesis, we develop an efficient accurate numerical algorithm for evaluating a few of the smallest eigenvalues and their corresponding eigenvectors for large scale nonlinear eigenproblems. The entries of the matrices in these problems are transcendental functions approximated well by rational functions. This algorithm is based upon the Implicit Restarted Lanczos method for solving the linear eigenvalue sub-problems that arise in conjunction with a new zero-finding technique that uses rational function interpolation to approximate the generalized eigenvalues. We have tested this technique on high performance computers and we present some numerical experiments that demonstrate the efficiency and the accuracy of this procedure. Our monotonicity analysis theory shows that the parameterized eigenvalue curves (monotone increasing) are much better behaved than the parameterized determinant curves that have erratic behavior. Our numerical and monotonicity analyses are sufficiently general that they hold for any problem having monotone increasing generalized eigenvalues. This type of problem is associated with the mixed finite element formulation that involves a frequency independent stiffness and frequency dependent mass matrices.
Surgical closure of macular hole using an absorbable macular plug.

Background: The surgical management of macular holes has been a subject of controversy in recent years. Various techniques such as vitrectomy, membrane peeling, and gas tamponade with or without transforming growth factor-beta 2, and recently the use of autologous platelets have produced closure rates from 58% to 96%, depending on the stage of the hole. Methods: The authors present preliminary results in a study of 19 consecutive patients with stage 3 or stage 4 macular hole who underwent vitrectomy followed by placement of an absorbable partially cross-linked gelatin plug in the macular hole. The vitreous cavity was filled with a nonexpanding gas or air alone; the patient was instructed to maintain prone positioning for 2–3 days. Results: Anatomic attachment of the edges of the macular hole was achieved in 19 out of 19 patients with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months (average 11.5 months). Conclusions: A cross-linked gelatin plug can effectively reattach the edges of macular holes of stages 3 and 4. Its use is recommended only in macular holes in high myopes with posterior staphyloma or recurrent macular hole.
The Ethics of Advertising: F. P. Bishop Reconsidered

F. P. Bishop was an internationally respected advocate of advertising self-regulation. This paper examines the ethical case for advertising which he put forward in 1949, particularly in the light of environmental changes and advances in our knowledge which have taken place since that time.