cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alexithymia, Stress and Depression in Infertile Women: a Case Control Study.

Background Alexithymia and stress are two main psychological factors which affect not only fertility, but also the outcome of assisted reproductive technology treatment. Objective The primary aim of this study was to compare the levels of alexithymia and stress between infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment and women with no fertility issues. The present study aims to: (i) explore the relation between alexithymia and infertility, (ii) investigate whether women with infertility problems show elevated levels of alexithymia compared to women with no fertility problems, and (iii) compare stress levels between women undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment and women with no fertility problems. Methods A case control trial was conducted. In total, data from 177 women were collected. The control group consisted of 102 women with no fertility problems, whilst the study group included 75 women undergoing assisted reproductive program. In order to measure the levels of alexithymia and the fertility-related stress among women in both groups and compare the results, validated questionnaires were distributed to every participant. Self-report instruments were used to measure alexithymia (TAS-20), fertility-related stress (FPI), depressive symptomatology (CES-D) and anxiety (STAI). Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses were used. Results The mean values of alexithymia, anxiety and depressive symptomatology were higher in women with lower educational background and not within a marriage than in women with higher education and within marriage. Additionally, infertile women had similar levels of alexithymia, anxiety and depressive symptomatology compared to women with no fertility problems. Conclusion Results from the present study suggest that infertile women show similar levels of alexithymia and stress in comparison to women who have not been confronted with fertility problems. Our study findings are in accordance with many previous published studies that have concluded that alexithymia rates are similar between group of patients and group of healthy individuals. However, future studies should aim to investigate the prevalence of alexithymia in infertile women with idiopathic and non-idiopathic infertility as well as to assess the levels of alexithymia in infertile women that are not in a fertility treatment.
Effect of selenium on melanoma cells

4677 Selenium shows great promise as a chemopreventive agent for a number of different cancers including those of the prostate, colon and lung. However, the failure of an oral selenium supplement to prevent melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers in the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer trial of 1996 was particularly disappointing in light of the fact that skin cancer prevention was the primary goal of that trial. In the course of our own studies of potential agents for prevention of melanoma, we found that the sensitivity of melanoma cells in culture to the effects of selenium was comparable to those reported for other tumor types. In our work, we use methylseleninic acid (MSA), a form of selenium that efficiently delivers the selenium metabolite methyl selenol to cells in culture, to study the effects of selenium on cell lines derived from both primary and metastatic melanomas. We have found that as is the case for other tumor types, MSA causes the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in melanoma cells, and we have examined and characterized the major aspects of this response, i.e. increased production of chaperones, attenuation of general protein translation, and activation of IRE-1 and CHOP/Gadd-153. During the course of these examinations, we discovered that MSA treatment results in a decrease in levels of anti-apoptotic proteins. Perturbation of the levels of these proteins activates both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways and causes caspase-dependent apoptosis. We hope to use these observations to guide our efforts to design and evaluate new strategies for the use of selenium for the prevention and treatment of melanoma.
Antitumor properties of novel sesquiterpene lactone analogs as NFκB inhibitors that bind to the IKKβ ubiquitin-like domain (ULD)

Abstract Melampomagnolide B (MMB, 3) is a parthenolide (PTL, 1) based sesquiterpene lactone that has been used as a template for the synthesis of a plethora of lead anticancer agents owing to its reactive C-10 primary hydroxyl group. Such compounds have been shown to inhibit the IKKβ subunit, preventing phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic IκB inhibitory complex. The present study focuses on the synthesis and in vitro antitumor properties of novel benzyl and phenethyl carbamates of MMB (7a-7k). Screening of these MMB carbamates identified analogs with potent growth inhibition properties against a panel of 60 human cancer cell lines (71% of the molecules screened had GI50 values
The Establishment of Systemic Immunity Following Antigenic Stimulation of the Lymphoid Tissue of the Gastrointestinal Mucosa

Despite a considerable literature about secretory immunoglobulins and their possible exocrine functions (1), the systemic immune responses which follow local immunization at mucosal surfaces have received relatively little attention. This aspect of local immunization is important since this is the way mammals normally become immunized against environmental antigens such as food, bacterial and transplantation antigens (2,3,4). Using a food antigen, systemic aspects of local immunization have been investigated in adult rabbits drinking water containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin (BSA). Such orally immunized animals produce circulating anti-BSA in the absence of circulating immunogenic concentrations of the antigen (2). This antibody appears to recognize only surface antigenic sites rather than new determinants exposed by digestion (5) and a relative absence of circulating antigen reactive lymphocytes has been demonstrated during oral immunization (6).
Growth of Carbon Nanofibers Synthesised from Decomposition of Liquid Organic Waste on a Ni/Al2O3 Catalyst: Thermodynamic and Kinetic Analyses

Abstract A hydrocarbon-electrocracking process for the production of high-quality carbon nanofibers based on acetylene from decomposition of liquid organic waste on a Ni/Al 2 O 3 catalyst is demonstrated. The reaction of acetylene is kinetically slow below 400 °C and thermodynamically limited above this temperature. Our experimental results suggest that the rate of carbon deposition depends on the reaction temperature. The morphological characteristics of the graphene layers grown are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which shows thin, well-formed filaments among much wider nanofibers and a small amount of soot. The specimen does not contain free soot, but the nonuniformity of the amorphous carbon coating on certain fibers results in the formation of soot-like nanoballs along the fibers.
Experiencing the Local to Become Global: A Portrait of Teaching and Learning Abroad

This case study analyzes the experiences of two first-year American (U.S.) social studies teachers, Sam and Libby, working aboard. Over the course of the year, these two teachers developed an understanding of place and themselves as global educators. Using place-based theory (Sobel, 1994) and drawing on case study methodology, the research question is: How do international teaching experiences impact in-service teachers’ identities as global educators? I interviewed Sam and Libby six times over the course of one calendar year about their teaching and living experiences in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, their first-year teaching as well as their thoughts on global teaching and learning. Findings show each teacher developed a growing understanding of place and their identity as global educators. The implications of these understandings have an impact their work as social studies teachers and ways in which international experiences may be used to facilitate better global understandings. Recommendations for future research, teacher education, and in-service teacher professional development are identified.
Building bridges for change: how leaders enable collective change in organizations

Purpose – This paper aims to present multidisciplinary, research‐based insights into the challenges of changing behaviors at large‐scale in organizations and articulates practical approaches for leaders.Design/methodology/approach – A literature review of research and practices of social and organizational change was conducted and thematically summarized. The themes were discussed and revised with input from twenty global leaders and a dozen university researchers at a two‐day conference held at Harvard University's Learning Innovation Laboratory.Findings – Supporting changes of practice in organizations depends on a leaders understanding how to best affect collective behaviors. Emerging research from the fields of political science, social networking, and social change suggest that leaders can build three types of bridges that support large‐scale change: emotional bridges by creating strategic narratives, relational bridges by targeting social clusters, and structural bridges by leveraging pre‐existing s...
New York Residential Landlord-Tenant Law 101 for the Transactional Attorney

This article offers the basics of New York landlord-tenant law for lawyers who need to learn the basics quickly.
Developing Brands for Patented Fruit Varieties: Does the Name Matter?

Brands have largely been absent for fresh produce products; however, apples are one of a few exceptions whereby varieties partially take the place of brands. Studying the role of brands in this market is particularly interesting given the introduction of several patented or so-called managed apple varieties. We run an experiment to measure consumer response to a suite of apple varieties; treatments employ different branding strategies using different names for a new managed variety included in the experiment. Results suggest that the name does influence consumer valuation of the new variety and existing managed varieties, but has little impact on the willingness to pay for traditional apple varieties.
The Evolution of Low‐Income Housing Policy, 1949 to 1999

Abstract The evolution of low‐income housing policy during the past 50 years can be divided roughly into two segments: the first running from 1949 to the 1973 Nixon moratorium on subsidized production programs and the second from 1973 to the present, marked by a diminished federal leadership role and an increased state and local role. After tracing the rise of the federal leadership role represented in the Housing Acts of 1949 and 1968, this article focuses on the development of three important policy instruments that mark the devolution of housing policy: housing vouchers, housing block grants, and the Low‐Income Housing Tax Credit. The three‐pronged strategy of vouchers, block grants, and tax credits has achieved reasonably good results and attracted an unusual degree of political consensus. A steady expansion of all three offers the most promising path to the “realization as soon as feasible” of the national housing goal.
Eosinophilic granuloma with involvement of the female genitalia

Four cases of eosinophilic granuloma involving the female genital tract are reviewed. The disease may remain localized, but more often involves other organs. Of particular interest was the association of the disease with diabetes insipidus in three patients. One of the patients with diabetes insipidus was successfully treated with radiotherapy to the hypothalamic area as soon as the symptoms of the disease appeared. Genital lesions may respond to radiotherapy. Chemotherapy is to be used for disseminated disease. Treatment of this condition requires studying the extent of the disease and establishing early treatment, as with any malignant lesion.
Fluctuating Lift and Moment Coefficients for Cascaded Airfoils in a Nonuniform Compressible Flow

The effects of compressibility on both the fluctuating lift and the fluctuating moment coefficients for cascaded airfoils due to an upstream nonuniformity are determined by obtaining a solution to the time-dependent, compressible, two-dimensional partial differential equation which describes the perturbation velocity potential. This is accomplished through an application of Fourier-trans form theory, with the resulting integral solution equation evaluated numerically by a matrix-inversion technique. The results presented show the variation in both the fluctuating lift and the fluctuating moment coefficients over the mean cascade inlet Mach number range of 0.0 (incompressible) to 0.9 with the cascade solidity, cascade stagger angle, interblade phase angle and reduced frequency as parameters.
Situating style: An ethnoarchaeological study of social and material context in an Australian Aboriginal artistic system

This is an ethnoarchaeological study of style in the visual arts of Aboriginal people living in the Barunga region of the Northern Territory, Australia. My main concern is the development of a practical framework for the analysis of style in indigenous visual arts. This framework integrates the notions of style, semiotics and social strategy in an attempt to deal with the dynamics of image creation and perception. The principal result is that the morphological characteristics of style are influenced systematically by the historically situated positions of both producer and interpreter and by the differing strengths, possibilities and constraints of different raw materials. Moreover, each raw material has inherent qualities that make it particularly suitable for specific social uses. Since different media within an artistic system are likely to exhibit a unique combination of stylistic characteristics, including differing degrees of diversity, it is incorrect to assume that a single art form will be indicative of an artistic system as a whole. My conclusions are that research needs to be focussed clearly on the contexts in which archaeological art occurs and comparative studies need to compare like with like. Single explanations are unlikely to be sufficient since it is most likely that they tell only part of the story. In addition, seemingly anomalous evidence should not be discounted, but should be used as a basis for inquiry into the likelihood of alternative scenarios that coexist with the main explanation.
The protein kinase Pak3 positively regulates Raf-1 activity through phosphorylation of serine 338

The pathway involving the signalling protein p21Ras propagates a range of extracellular signals from receptors on the cell membrane to the cytoplasm and nucleus. The Ras proteins regulate many effectors, including members of the Raf family of protein kinases. Ras-dependent activation of Raf-1 at the plasma membrane involves phosphorylation events, protein-protein interactions and structural changes. Phosphorylation of serine residues 338 or 339 in the catalytic domain of Raf-1 regulates its activation in response to Ras, Src and epidermal growth factor. Here we show that the p21-activated protein kinase Pak3 phosphorylates Raf-1 on serine 338 in vitro and in vivo. The p21-activated protein kinases are regulated by the Rho-family GTPases Rac and Cdc42. Our results indicate that signal transduction through Raf-1 depends on both Ras and the activation of the Pak pathway. As guanine-nucleotide-exchange activity on Rac can be stimulated by a Ras-dependent phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase, a mechanism could exist through which one Ras effector pathway can be influenced by another.
An evaluation of mechanical instrumentation and the negative culture in endodontic therapy.

In addition to proper selection of teeth for treatment, successful root canal therapy depends on the satisfactory com­ pletion of the endodontic triad— canal enlargement, canal “sterilization” and canal obturation.1 I t seems unreasonable to place particular emphasis on any one of these requirements, since inadequate attention to any of the phases usually results in failure. Nonetheless, dental literature is replete with papers assign­ ing greater importance to one division or the other of the triad. The purpose of this paper is not to stress the significance of any particular endodontic procedure, but rather to evaluate the role of mechanical instru­ mentation in the reduction of the bac­ terial flora of the canal. The methods employed in this investi­ gation are not advocated for use in rou­ tine clinical treatm ent; these endodontic procedures were used only for the pur­ pose of obtaining the information pre­ sented in this paper and in a subsequent one.
Population biology of Toxoplasma gondii: what's out and where did they come from

Until recently, Toxoplasma gondii was considered to be clonal with little genetic variability. In this paper we summarize recent genotyping data from chickens in Brazil, and pigs, lambs and white-tailed deer in the USA, to demonstrate the high genetic diversity and geographical distribution of T. gondii. A total of 149 T. gondii isolates from 13 geographical areas of Brazil and 182 T. gondii isolates from pigs, 53 isolates from sheep and 15 isolates from fetal white-tailed deer from USA were genotyped using the 10 RCFP-PCR genetic markers SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico. Genotyping of 149 T. gondii isolates from free range chickens in Brazil identified 58 genotype groups. No clonal type II lineage was found. Of the 253 isolates from animals from USA, 18 genotypes were identified, predominantly type II. These studies indicate a higher genetic diversity than previously recognized.
Evidence for three additional P2X2 purinoceptor isoforms produced by alternative splicing in the adult rat vestibular end-organs

P2X2 receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by extracellular ATP. To characterize the expression of P2X2 purinoceptor in the adult rat vestibular periphery, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used. No transcript for P2X2 receptor was found in the vestibular primary afferent neurons (Scarpa's ganglia); however, partial cDNAs encoding four splice variants of the P2X2 receptor were isolated from vestibular end-organs. In all four cDNAs, the deletions were of different lengths but started at the same position on the P2X2 gene (Val-370 codon) located toward the intracellular carboxyl terminus. One of these receptor isoforms was identical in sequence to the recently published P2X2(b) receptor (Simon et al., 1997, Mol. Pharmacol. 52, 237-248) (also known as P2X2-2, in the nomenclature of Brandle et al., 1997, FEBS Lett. 404, 294-298). The remaining three novel splice variants of the P2X2 receptor were designated P2X2(e), P2X2(f) and P2X2(g) (GenBank accession numbers AF028603, AF028604 and AF028605, respectively). The functional significance of these three splice variants remains to be determined. Pituitary and cerebellum were used as survey tissues and only the P2X2(b) receptor cDNA was found.
Oligodendroglioma and anaplastic oligodendroglioma: clinical features, treatment, and prognosis.

Abstract Background Recent advances that have been made in diagnostic imaging, surgical technique, chemotherapy, molecular biology, and prediction of therapeutic response could have potential impact on the optimal diagnosis and treatment of patients with brain tumors, especially those with oligodendrogliomas. In this article, the topic of oligodendroglioma and anaplastic oligodendroglioma is reviewed, highlighting the new clinical developments. Methods Information for this review was obtained by performing a Medline search for recent references using the term “oligodendroglioma.” The bibliographies of papers obtained also were checked for articles that could provide additional understanding of this disease and its current treatment. Results The incidence of oligodendroglioma is increasing, most likely due to its improved recognition. Seizures and/or headaches are still common presenting features, and surgery continues to be the primary treatment. Positron emission tomography (PET) and molecular analysis of the surgical specimen are emerging as important diagnostic tools. Patients having either oligodendroglioma or anaplastic oligodendroglioma are likely to respond to chemotherapy. This has had an impact upon the timing of radiation therapy. Survival times are increasing, and patients can now be divided into prognostic subgroups based on the molecular features of their tumors. While proconbazine-CCNU-vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy has been the standard, other agents, notably temozolomide, are currently being tested. Conclusions The algorithm for diagnosing and treating patients with oligodendrogliomas has changed. Neurosurgeons need to be aware of the new developments so they can offer sound advice to their patients.
Richard M. Nixon's rhetorical strategies in his public statements on Watergate

Nine rhetorical strategies in Nixon's public utterances on Watergate are identified and illustrated, and their development over time is traced through four general phases. These strategies are evaluated individually and found to be unpersuasive and often inconsistent. At times they are are unethical as well. Finally, an examination of public opinion polls reveals that his strategies failed to stem the tide of negative public opinion.
Infrared observations of an outburst of small dust grains from the nucleus of Comet P/Halley 1986 III at perihelion

A close examination of the 0.7- to 23-micron infrared data base acquired by Gehrz and Ney (1992), suggests that the nucleus of Comet P/Halley 1986 III emitted a burst of small dust grains during a 3-day period commencing within hours of perihelion passage on 1986 February 9.46 UT. The outburst was characterized by significant increases in the coma's grain color temperature T(sub obs), temperature excess (superheat: S = T(sub obs)/T(sub BB)), infrared luminosity, albedo, and 10-micron silicate emission feature strength. These changes are all consistent with the sudden ejection from the nucleus of a cloud of grains with radii of approximately 0.5 micron. This outburst may have produced the dust that was responsible for some of the tail streamers photographed on 1986 February 22 UT. The peak of the dust outburst occurred about 3 days before a pronounced increase in the water production rate measured by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter Ultraviolet Spectrometer. We suggest that jets that release large quantities of small particles may be largely responsible for some of the variable infrared behavior that has been reported for P/Halley and other comets during the past two decades. Such jets may also account for some of the differences IR Type I and IR Type II comets.
Bevacizumab combination therapy in recurrent, platinum-refractory, epithelial ovarian carcinoma: A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND The study was undertaken to determine the safety and efficacy of the monoclonal, antivascular endothelial growth factor antibody bevacizumab in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy for women with platinum-refractory ovarian cancer. METHODS A retrospective analysis of women who received bevacizumab in combination with a cytotoxic agent was performed. Response was determined by measurable disease or assessment of serial cancer antigen (CA) 125 measurements. RESULTS Twenty-three patients were identified. The patients were heavily pretreated with a median of 7 prior regimens including a median of 3 prior platinum regimens. The combination regimen included cyclophosphamide in 15 (65%), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in 6 (26%), docetaxel in 1 (4%), and gemcitibine/liposomal doxorubicin in 1 (4%). Two (9%) women developed chylous ascites during treatment. CTC Grade 4–5 toxicities occurred in 4 (17%) subjects. Gastrointestinal perforation occurred in 2 (9%) patients. Measurable disease was present in 22. The overall best response rate was 35% and all 8 were partial responses (PRs). Stable disease was found in a further 10 (44%) women, whereas progressive disease was observed in 5 (22%). The median time to progression was 5.6 months in patients with a PR and 2.3 months in subjects with stable disease. Three (13%) women experienced a progression-free interval (PFI) of >6 months. At last follow-up, 8 (35%) subjects had died of disease, whereas 15 (65%) women were alive with disease. CONCLUSIONS Combination bevacizumab therapy demonstrated activity in heavily pretreated women with ovarian cancer. Gastrointestinal perforations were identified in 9%. Despite the toxicity of the regimen, prospective studies, particularly in less heavily pretreated patients, are warranted. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Mechanosensitivity in the upper extremity following breast cancer treatment

Abstract Study design Descriptive, cross-sectional. Introduction Breast cancer (BC) treatments place the nervous system at risk, which may contribute to upper extremity (UE) mechanosensitivity. Purpose of the study To evaluate elbow extension range of motion (EE-ROM) during upper limb neurodynamic testing (ULNT) post-BC treatment. Methods ULNT EE-ROM was measured for 145 women post-BC treatment. Women were sub-grouped by presence/absence of pain and lymphedema. Results Mean EE-ROM during ULNT1 was −22.3° (SD 11.9°) on the unaffected limb and −25.99° (SD 13.1°) on the affected limb. The women with pain and lymphedema had the greatest limitation in EE-ROM during ULNT1 testing, particularly of their affected limb (−33.8°, SD 12.9). Symptoms were reported more frequently in the affected chest, shoulder, arm, elbow, and hand. The intensity of symptoms was greater at the affected chest ( p = 0.046), shoulder ( p = 0.033) and arm ( p = 0.039). Conclusions Women with lymphedema and pain after BC treatment may present with altered neural mechanosensitivity. Level of evidence 3a.
Physicians’ Changing Attitudes Toward Guidelines

The objective of the study was to measure the change in physicians’ attitudes toward preventive care guidelines over a 2-year period. The study was conducted at a Southern California managed care medical group that was experiencing intense price competition. We analyzed individualized survey responses of 62 HMO primary care physicians over the study period. We found that physicians increasingly believed that clinical guidelines were being used for cost containment (first survey 71% vs second survey 92%, p<.005) and less for quality improvement (first survey 85% vs second survey 67%, p<.008) over time. These findings may create a barrier to physicians’ adoption of practice guidelines.
Substrate specificity of liver flavokinase

Abstract Investigation of the behavior of variously substituted flavin analogues has elucidated the following apparent requirements for their primary interaction with flavokinase from rat liver: 1. 1. The isoalloxazine ring system must be substituted in position 6 or 7 and preferably both. 2. 2. Position 5 in the ring must be unsubstituted to allow access to the 10-nitrogen. 3. 3. The nitrogen at position 3 in the ring must be unsubstituted to allow dissociation of the hydrogen and tautomerization with the carbonyl function at position 4. 4. 4. The polyol side chain must have a d -configuration of the hydroxyl groups on carbons 3 and 4 and preferably 2, 3, and 4. 5. 5. When the side chain is less than 3 carbons in length, attachment depends primarily on the isoalloxazine portion. 6. 6. A terminal hydroxymethyl group is necessary for phosphorylation of the pentityl chain to occur. Certain of the biological properties of flavin analogues may be correlated with their reactivity or lack of activity in the flavokinase system.
Sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c mimics the negative effect of insulin on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) gene transcription.

Abstract We have assessed the potential role of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) on the transcription of the gene for the cytosolic form of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) (EC 4.1.1.32) (PEPCK-C). SREBP-1c introduced into primary hepatocytes with an adenovirus vector caused a total loss of PEPCK-C mRNA and a marked induction of fatty acid synthase mRNA that directly coincided with the appearance of SREBP-1c in the hepatocytes. It also blocked the induction of PEPCK-C mRNA by cAMP and dexamethasone in these cells. In contrast, a dominant negative form of SREBP-1c (dnSREBP-1c) stimulated the accumulation of PEPCK-C mRNA in these cells. SREBP-1c completely blocked the induction of PEPCK-C gene transcription by the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA), and increasing concentrations of dnSREBP-1c reversed the negative effect of insulin on transcription from the PEPCK-C gene promoter in WT-IR cells. The more than 10-fold induction of PKA-stimulated PEPCK-C gene transcription caused by the co-activator CBP, was also blocked by SREBP-1c. In addition, dnSREBP-1c reversed the strong negative effect of E1A and NF1 on PKA-stimulated transcription from the PEPCK-C gene promoter. An analysis of the possible site of action of SREBP-1c using stepwise truncations of the PEPCK-C gene promoter indicated that the negative effect of SREBP-1c on transcription is exerted at a site between −355 and −277. We conclude that SREBP-1c is an intermediate in the action of insulin on PEPCK-C gene transcription in the liver and acts by blocking the stimulatory effect cAMP that is mediated via an interaction with cAMP-binding protein.
Blurring snapshots: Temporal inference of missing and uncertain data

Many pervasive computing applications continuously monitor state changes in the environment by acquiring, interpreting and responding to information from sensors embedded in the environment. However, it is extremely difficult and expensive to obtain a continuous, complete, and consistent picture of a continuously evolving operating environment. One standard technique to mitigate this problem is to employ mathematical models that compute missing data from sampled observations thereby approximating a continuous and complete stream of information. However, existing models have traditionally not incorporated a notion of temporal validity, or the quantification of imprecision associated with inferring data values from past or future observations. In this paper, we support continuous monitoring of dynamic pervasive computing phenomena through the use of a series of snapshot queries. We define a decay function and a set of inference approaches to filling in missing and uncertain data in this continuous query.We evaluate the usefulness of this abstraction in its application to complex spatio-temporal pattern queries in pervasive computing networks.
Conditional probabilistic analysis for prediction of the activity landscape and relative compound activities

Structure–property relationships and structure–activity relationships play an important role in many research areas, such as medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Such methods, however, have focused on providing post-hoc descriptions of such relationships based on known data. The ability for these descriptions to remain relevant when considering compounds of unknown activity, and thus the prediction of activity and property landscapes using existing data, remains little explored. In this study, we present a novel method of evaluating the ability of a compound comparison methodology to provide accurate information about a set of unknown compounds and also explore the ability of these predicted activity landscapes to prioritize active compounds over inactive. These methods are applied to three distinct and diverse sets of compounds, each with activity data for multiple targets, for a total of eight target-compound set pairs. Six methodologically distinct compound comparison methods were evaluated. We show...
Interannual changes in the Bering Strait fluxes of volume, heat and freshwater between 1991 and 2004

Year-round moorings (1990 to 2004) illustrate interannual variability of Bering Strait volume, freshwater and heat fluxes, which affect Arctic systems including sea-ice. Fluxes are lowest in 2001 and increase to 2004. Whilst 2004 freshwater and volume fluxes match previous maxima (1998), the 2004 heat flux is the highest recorded, partly due to ~ 0.5oC warmer temperatures since 2002. The Alaskan Coastal Current, contributing about 1/3 rd of the heat and ¼ of the freshwater fluxes, also shows strong warming and freshening between 2002 and 2004. The increased Bering Strait heat input between 2001 and 2004 (> 2x10 20 J) could melt 640,000 km 2 of 1 m thick ice; the 3-year freshwater increase (~ 800 km 3 ) is about ¼ of annual Arctic river run-off. Weaker southward winds likely explain the increased volume flux (~ 0.7 to ~ 1 Sv), causing ~ 80% of the freshwater and ~ 50% of the heat flux increases. INDEX TERMS: 4207 General Oceanography: Arctic and Antarctic oceanography (9310, 9315); 4215 General Oceanography: Climate and interannual variability (1616, 1635, 3305, 3309, 4513); 4223 General Oceanography: Descriptive and regional oceanography; 4227 General Oceanography: Diurnal, seasonal, and annual cycles (0438).
Environmental changes in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron recorded by geolipid contents of sediments deposited since 1800

Changes in organic materials preserved within sediments of Saginaw Bay deposited over the past two centuries record corresponding periods in the environmental history of this part of Lake Huron and its watershed. Sediments deposited since 1940 show an increasingly greater input of aquatic organic matter in response to accelerating cultural eutrophication of Saginaw Bay. Concentrations of fatty acids, sterols, fatty alcohols, and aliphatic hydrocarbons are higher in these modern sediments than in deeper ones. Molecular distributions of these geolipids reflect less aquatic material deeper in the sediments. Prior to 1875, sediment organic matter appears to be diluted by mineral matter from enhanced erosion caused by clearing of the watershed for farming and settlement. During this period there is better preservation of carbonate minerals due to quicker burial. Since 1875, petroleum components comprise over 90% of the total aliphatic hydrocarbon content of these sediments, reflecting the advent and continued existence of chronic, low-level petroleum contamination of this part of the Great Lakes.
Angiogenic Activity is Defective in Monocytes from Patients with Alopecia Universalis

Monocyte/macrophages are important components of cell-mediated immune responses in presentation of antigen, as regulators of lymphocyte function, and as sources of cytokines that modulate functions of cells other than those of the immune system. Their role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA) and universalis (AU) has not been explored. This study is an investigation of the function of peripheral blood monocytes from normal subjects and patients with AA, AU, and alopecia totalis (AT), with respect to the principal macrophage-derived angiogenic factor, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). Because neovascularization is a necessary component in the anagen phase of hair growth and may play a role in the pathology of these disorders, we asked whether monocyte/macrophage angiogenic activity was compromised in these alopecias. Purified preparations of monocytes were activated in culture. Conditioned media were assessed for angiogenic activity on the chick chorioallantoic membrane and for concentration of TNF alpha by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Both angiogenic and the TNF concentration were significantly diminished in conditioned media from AU monocytes when compared to those from normal subjects and patients with AA. These results show that the function of AU monocytes may be abnormal and that the abnormality may distinguish AU from AA. Defective monocyte/macrophage function could also play a pathogenic role via effects on neovascularization and/or modulation of the immune response.
Enhancing the Quality of Aged Latent Fingerprints Developed by Superglue Fuming: Loss and Replenishment of Initiator

The recovery and identification of latent fingerprints from a crime scene are crucial to many investigations. The cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming method (CFM), which develops fingerprints by growing a polymer coating over the print residue, is a powerful method but encounters severe limitations when prints are aged or exposed to harsh environmental conditions. We examine the aging process and how the changes that occur to a fingerprint residue over time influence the growth of polymer during development. We identify loss of initiator by erosion and degradation that, when coupled with a loss of water from the print residue, result in a decreased ability to polymerize ethylcyanoacrylate. Then, we present a methodology by which the ability of aged latent fingerprints to polymerize ethylcyanoacrylate is recovered. Two print enhancement agents, acetic acid and ammonia, are demonstrated to improve the growth of polymer from the print ridges by over an order of magnitude, while retaining the integrity of the print structure. Comparison between the two enhancement agents indicate that the enhancement occurs due to ridge coating by the ammonia or acetic acid and pH control of the latent print.
Robust repair of polygonal models

We present a robust method for repairing arbitrary polygon models. The method is guaranteed to produce a closed surface that partitions the space into disjoint internal and external volumes. Given any model represented as a polygon soup, we construct an inside/outside volume using an octree grid, and reconstruct the surface by contouring. Our novel algorithm can efficiently process large models containing millions of polygons and is capable of reproducing sharp features in the original geometry.
Growth, Fine Structure and Cyst Formation of a Microbial Mat Ciliate: Pseudocohnilembus pusillus (Ciliophora, Scuticociliatida)

ABSTRACTPseudocohnilembus species exhibit a polymorphic life cycle consisting of trophic cells, theronts, and cysts. Pseudocohnilembus pusillus isolated from the intertidal mats of Laguna Figueroa, Baja California Norte, Mexico, forms desiccation-resistant cysts in response to bacterial food depletion. This isolate is a euryhaline organism, able to grow at salinities from freshwater to 96 ppt total salinity and from pH 6–9. Electron micrographs show that oral and somatic cilia and kinetids are retained inside young cysts. Cyst walls are composed of a single layer (0.1 μm) of granular material. Under all conditions, as bacterial food was depleted, P. pusillus cells formed cysts, except for a small proportion (1–5%) that continued to swim. Changes in pH and salinity did not directly induce cyst formation. Salinity did greatly affect growth rate. Doubling times were shortest at 16 ppt salinity and at pH 7–8. Cyst formation occurred later in the growth cycle as more food bacteria were added. Additionally, ciliates grown in small culture volumes (10 ml) formed cysts sooner than cultures in larger volumes (100 ml), suggesting that crowding may influence cyst formation. Mature cysts may survive desiccation at least as long as one month at 37° C and for as long as one year at 20 ± 3° C. Although trophic cells did not survive desiccation or anoxia, encysted ciliates from liquid stationary phase cultures kept in anoxic seawater for one month excysted into swimming cells within 2.5 h after exposure to air. The adaptability of P. pusillus to extremes of salinity, pH, desiccation, and anoxia permits survival in its environmentally variable, microbial mat habitat.
High Angle-of-Attack Aerodynamics on a Slender Body with a Jet Plume

Turbulent Boundary Layer on a Smooth Flat Plate With and Without Heat Transfer," Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Vol. 18, Pt. 1, Jan. 1964, pp. 117-143. * Reshotko, E. and Tucker, M., "Approximate Calculation of the Compressible Turbulent Boundary Layer With Heat Transfer and Arbitrary Pressure Gradient," TN 4154, 1957, NACA. 12 Dhawan, S. and Narasimha, R., "Some Properties of Boundary Layer Flow During the Transition From Laminar to Turbulent Motion," Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Vol. 3, No. 4, April 1958, pp. 418-436. 13 Maslen, S. H., "Inviscid Hypersonic Flow Past Smooth Symmetric Bodies," AIAA Journal, Vol. 2, No. 6, June, 1964, pp. 1055-1061. 14 Maslen, S. H., "Asymmetric Hypersonic Flow," CR-2123, Sept. 1972, NASA. 15 DeJarnette, F. R., "Calculation of Heat Transfer on ShuttleType Configurations Including the Effects of Variable Entropy at Boundary Layer Edge," CR-112180, Oct. 1972, NASA. 16 Hopkins, E. J. and Inouye, M., "An Evaluation of Theories for Predicting Turbulent Skin Friction and Heat Transfer on Flat Plates at Supersonic and Hypersonic Mach Numbers," AIAA Journal, Vol. 9, No. 6, June, 1971, pp. 993-1003. 17 Cleary, J. W., "Effects of Angle of Attack and Bluntness on Laminar Heating-Rate Distributions of a 15° Cone at a Mach Number of 10.6," TN D-5450, 1969, NASA. 18 Hillsamer, M. E., and Rhudy, J. P., "Heat-Transfer and Shadowgraph Tests of Several Elliptical Lifting Bodies at Mach 10," U.S. Air Force, AEDC-TDR-64-19,1964, Arnold Engineering Development Center, Tullahoma, Tenn.
Abstract B28: TMPRSS2- driven ERG in primary prostate epithelium demonstrates castration-resistant expression and expands a unique population of progenitor cells

Abstract It has become increasingly appreciated that recurrent genomic rearrangements contribute to the genesis of solid tumors. The genomic rearrangement of the Ets transcription factor, Ets related gene (ERG), with the promoter of the highly expressed Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) gene, has been demonstrated in 20-65% of prostate adenocarcinoma precursor lesions, implying that ERG may contribute a function selected early in cancer formation. However, the functional role of ERG in developing prostate cancer is unclear. This study utilized bacterial artificial chromosome transgenesis, to produce a mouse model that recapitulates the genetic regulatory features of the genomic TMPRSS2-ERG translocation, where exon 1 and 2 of TMPRSS2 is fused to the region downstream of ERG exon 8. This model allows mechanistic investigations into the function and regulation of expression for TMPRSS2 promoter-driven ERG in the earliest initiating phase of tumorigenesis. Using QRT-PCR, TMPRSS2-ERG was expressed in the progenitor containing, Sca-1hi fraction of FACS-separated primary prostate cells. In addition, the fusion gene functioned to expand a unique subpopulation of prostate epithelial progenitors when compared to wild type, as demonstrated by serially passaged in vitro sphere forming assays. Androgen regulation of TMPRSS2 has been shown in a limited number of androgen receptor positive luminal prostate cancer cell lines. In this study, TMPRSS2-ERG expression demonstrated a significant castration-resistant component, suggesting mechanisms of AR-independent transcriptional regulation for the TMPRSS2 promoter in the setting of primary prostate epithelial cells. Introduction of the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion alone did not result in histological change, where prostate sections from mice up to 15 months of age were examined. However, the functionality of the model was shown as TMPRSS2-ERG synergized with heterozygous Pten loss to promote PIN. No apparent genetic interaction was observed between TMPRSS2-ERG and Nkx3.1 loss. These studies demonstrate the potential for androgen independent TMPRSS2-ERG expression in primary prostate epithelium and show that TMPRSS2-ERG expression promotes increased self-renewal of prostate progenitors. These data support a model whereby TMPRSS2-ERG regulates progenitor cell de-differentiation or survival, including within a population of castration-resistant progenitors. Citation Format: Orla M. Casey, Paul G. Hynes, Lei Fang, Wassim G. Abou-Kheir, Philip L. Martin, Heather S. Tillman, Hibah O. Awwad, Luhua Zhang, Kathleen Kelly. TMPRSS2- driven ERG in primary prostate epithelium demonstrates castration-resistant expression and expands a unique population of progenitor cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2012 Feb 6-9; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(4 Suppl):Abstract nr B28.
Understanding and Interpreting Guideline Recommendations Made with Insufficient Evidence

Vitamin D (2012) [11] 26 22 Total 143 106 It is important that guidelines are based on a transparent, systematic assessment of evidence as they are used by clinicians to inform decisions about patient management and treatment. In 2011, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) revised their definition of a clinical practice guideline emphasizing the need to use systematic reviews (SRs) in developing guidelines [1]. However, SRs often identify a lack of evidence, or find that it is conflicting or of poor quality. There are no standards for guideline panels on drafting recommendations when there is insufficient or inconclusive evidence. Some organizations opt for a non-recommendation (i.e., a neutral statement neither for nor against an intervention) [2,3]. However, this not always satisfactory and does not provide the requisite guidance to clinicians. Others may draft consensus-based recommendations. Clinicians need to be able to recognize and interpret recommendations made with insufficient evidence. We show how one organization reacted to insufficient evidence, and provide guidance on assessing the trustworthiness of a guideline. We reviewed a set of evidence-based guidelines developed by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) estimating the proportion of recommendations for which there was insufficient evidence and noting the subsequent actions taken by the guideline panel [4]. As of 2013, 7 of the CFF’s 31 guidelines were based on systematic reviews (evidence-based guidelines). We abstracted 143 recommendations from these 7 guidelines [5–11]. Of these 143, 37 were identified a priori as having a limited body of evidence and no SR was conducted. For the remaining 106 recommendations, the relevant guideline panel commissioned a SR to address the question (Table 1). For 75 (71%) of these 106, there was insufficient evidence from the SR to inform a recommendation (Table 2). Only one guideline, on airway
Defining fever: likelihood of infection diagnosis as a function of body temperature in the emergency department

Fever predicts an infection cause of SIRS/sepsis more specifically than other commonly used hemodynamic criteria. Traditionally, a body temperature of 38.0°C has been used to define fever, but this cutoff is based on limited research. Furthermore, it has been proposed that fever responses are blunted in older adults, limiting the utility of fever in infection. This study determines the likelihood that a body temperature will predict diagnosis of infection in the emergency department (ED).
Short Bowel Syndrome: Parenteral Nutrition Versus Intestinal Transplantation. Where Are We Today?

Current management of short bowel syndrome (SBS) revolves around the use of home TPN (HPN). Complications include liver disease, catheter-related infections or occlusions, venous thrombosis, and bone disease. Patient survival with SBS on TPN is 86% and 75% at 2 and 5 years, respectively. Surgical management of SBS includes nontransplant surgeries such as serial transverse enteroplasty and reanastomosis. Small bowel transplant has become increasingly popular for management of SBS and is usually indicated when TPN cannot be continued. Posttransplant complications include graft-versus-host reaction, infections in an immunocompromised patient, vascular and biliary diseases, and recurrence of the original disease. Following intestinal-only transplants, patient and graft survival rate is 77% and 66% after 1 year. After 5 years the survival figures are 49% and 34%, respectively. Future improvements in survival and quality of life will enhance small bowel transplant as a viable treatment option for patients with SBS.