cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current status of melanoma vaccines.

background Malignant melanoma is increasing worldwide faster than any other cancer and the American lifetime risk is estimated to reach 1 in 75 by the year 2000. Active specific immunotherapy 11th vaccines are evolving as a promising new modality in the treatment of malignant melanoma. objective To present a concise and understandable summary of the key molecular and clinical concepts of melanoma vaccines currently under investigation, the history that led to their development, and their anticipated clinical response. methods The recent advances in the field of melanoma immunobiology and the newest experiment vaccines are reviewed. results There is no effective melanoma vaccine that successfully treats or prevents melanoma. However, their use has been associated unit regression or delayed disease progression in some cases. The minority of patients who do have a major clinical response to vaccine therapy experience an improvement in survival. Even in those patients in whom melanoma vaccines cannot improve survival, the paucity of severe side effects has provided a quality of life superior to standard multiagent chemotherapy. conclusion Melanoma vaccines are relatively safe immuno-therapeutic modalities for the management of malignant melanoma. The clinical effectiveness of melanoma vaccines is unclear and adequately controlled studies need yet to be performed. Current melanoma vaccines manipulate antigen presentation networks and combine the best cellular and antibody antitumor immune response effective in mediating tumor protective immunity; these combination vaccines hold the most promise. The ideal melanoma vaccine will ultimately prevent melanoma.
14 Retrospective Screening for Hypertension/Pre-Hypertension in a Pediatric Sub-Specialty Clinic.

The 2004 NHBPEP report provided updated normative data for systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) in children. These data now define pre-hypertension (Pre-HTN) as well as HTN for gender, age, & height. Pediatric Endocrinologists see many diagnoses that may impact BP. Purpose: To retrospectively review and screen BP measurements, using 2004 NHBPEP data, for patients (pts) attending an out-pt, University-based, Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic. Methods: Chart review of visits (7/1/04–12/31/04) by the MD or NP for pts between 1–20 years of age. BP typically was obtained from the right arm manually or using a Critikon Dinamap™ 8100T monitor. Recorded gender/age/height/weight values subsequently were entered onto a PDA with the Stat Growth-BP™ program where pts' BPs then were noted as NL, Pre-HTN, or HTN. Pre-HTN = SBP +/or DBP between 90–95%; HTN = SBP +/or DBP ≤95%. Results: (Table 1). *30 pts had NL BP on another visit; 17 pts were diagnosed previously with HTN; 5 pts were noted as agitated or upset during BP measurement. Summary: Initial review of retrospectively collected data found 164 [(181–17) of 642; 25.5%] previously undiagnosed pts who screened positive for HTN onG 1 occasion; 80 of 642 pts (12.5%) fulfilled new criteria for Pre-HTN. Discussion: The origins of adult cardiovascular disease often lay in childhood; pts frequently seen in an Endocrinology clinic (e.g. For diabetes mellitus, obesity, dysmetabolic syndrome, sexual precocity, adrenal & thyroid disorders) may be especially at risk. By definition, HTN is confirmed withG 3 elevated SBP +/or DBP readings. Conclusions/Speculations: In a single University-based Pediatric Endocrine clinic, many patients with borderline or elevated BP are under-appreciated. A general pediatric clinic may be much busier. Clinicians must employ an efficient method to correctly identify HTN & Pre-HTN in children, relative to gender, age, and height.
Temperature-Dependent Adsorption of Pluronic F127 Block Copolymers onto Carbon Black Particles Dispersed in Aqueous Media

The adsorption properties of Pluronic F127 poly(ethylene oxide)−poly(propylene oxide)−poly(ethylene oxide) PEO−PPO−PEO block copolymer onto carbon black (CB) particles dispersed in water have been investigated. The CB particles have fractal structure according to small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements. The Langmuir isotherm could describe the adsorption behavior of Pluronic F127 onto CB particles below the block copolymer critical micellization concentration (CMC). Temperature plays an important role in determining the thickness and structure of the adsorbed layer. Below the temperature where micelles start forming (CMT), the added Pluronic F127 block copolymer molecules contribute to an increase of the adsorbed layer thickness (determined by dynamic light scattering) by forming a monolayer. Above the CMT, SANS experiments, performed under contrast matching conditions where either the block copolymer or the CB particles were rendered “invisible”, confirmed that the adsorbed layer had structure...
Effectiveness of Neomolgus capillatus (Kramer) (Acarina: Bdellidae) as a Predator of Sminthurus viridis (L.) (Collembola: Sminthuridae) in Northwestern Tasmania

Autumn populations of lucerne flea, Sminthurus viridis, have been reduced by about 95% to non-damaging levels in north-west Tasmania by the addition of the introduced predator the spiny snout mite, Neomolgus capillatus, to the established predator complex. Low activity of N. capillatus in early spring reduced its ability to control S. viridis later in spring. the possible use of an additional predator, a whirligig mite, Anystis wallacei Otto, that could improve control of spring populations is discussed.
Characteristics of parents of adolescent incest perpetrators: Preliminary findings

Twenty-seven parents of adolescent incest perpetrators were interviewed regarding demographic characteristics, prior victimization and abuse, and attitudes about their sons engaging in incestuous behavior. Results indicated that these parents: (a) under-reported physical and sexual abuse of their sons, (b) had a high incidence of being abused themselves, and (c) demonstrate a high level of denial regarding their sons' incestuous behaviors as reflected by the finding that only 50% of the parents totally admitted to their son's incestuous behavior(s).
Research and Develop on Static Frequency Converter of Pumped Storage Power Plant

A static frequency converter start-up control strategy for pumped-storage power unit is presented. And rotor position detecting without position sensor is realized according to voltage and magnetism equations of ideal synchronous motor mathematics model. The mechanism and implementation method of initial rotor position determination and rotor position estimation under low frequency without position sensor are expounded and validated by simulations. Based on the mentioned control strategy, first set of a static frequency converter start-up device in China for large-scale pumped-storage unit is developed, which is applied to start-up control test in the 90 MW generator/motor of Panjiakou Pumped-storage Power Plant. Test results show that rotor position detecting, pulse commutation, natural commutation, and unit synchronous procedure control of static start-up are all proved. The outcomes have been applied in running equipment, which proves the feasibility of mentioned method.
On a submerged sphere in a viscous fluid excited by small-amplitude periodic motions

Higher-order nonlinear corrections to the Stokes pendulum problem are calculated in perturbation schemes for small values of Reynolds numbers R (2) = u m d 0 /2ν. Here the controlling lengthscale ½ d 0 is the displacement amplitude of the undisturbed periodic motion, u m is the velocity amplitude and ν is the kinematic viscosity. Solutions for two general types of periodic motion are found; namely orbital motion as under deep water waves and oscillatory motion as under shallow water or acoustic waves. These solutions are found by matched asymptotic expansions using the fundamental irrotational oscillation to drive a thin Stokes a.c. boundary layer over the surface of the sphere. From the boundary layer several secondary motions are excited which die away in the neighbouring fluid. Among these are an orthogonal system of steady, rotational Eulerian streaming currents, and two outwardly radiating non-dispersive waves, one having the frequency of the fundamental but with a phase shift, the other appearing at the second harmonic. With these solutions the forces and torques on a fixed sphere were computed. One of the orthogonal components of the rotational streaming field was found to produce a rotary lift force which opposed virtual-mass forces and diminished the resultant force component in quadrature to the fundamental oscillation. The other streaming component contributed damping terms which, unlike leading-order Stokes drag, vary nonlinearly with the displacement amplitude. Steady and second-harmonic torques were found to act on the sphere about the horizontal axis transverse to the fundamental oscillation.
LGS AO at W. M. Keck Observatory: routine operations and remaining challenges

The Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics (LGS AO) at the W.M. Keck Observatory is the first system of its kind being used to conduct routine science on a ten-meter telescope. In 2005, more than fifty nights of LGSAO science and engineering were carried out using the NIRC2 and OSIRIS science instruments. In this paper, we report on the typical performance and operations of its LGS AO-specific sub-systems (laser, tip-tilt sensor, low-bandwidth wavefront sensor) as well as the overall scientific performance and observing efficiency. We conclude the paper by describing our main performance limitations and present possible developments to overcome them.
Drinking activity analysis from fast food eating video using generative models

The drinking activity is a common event in a fast food eating process. In this paper, we present a study on drinking activity analysis from fast food eating video using generative models. We apply three different generative models, namely Conditional Random Field (CRF), Hidden-state Conditional Random Field (HCRF), and Latent-Dynamic Conditional Random Field (LDCRF), to characterize drinking activities in a fast food eating process. The CRF and LDCRF models are applied in the frame and sequence level classification while HCRF model is used on video clip classification. We evaluate the proposed method on a dataset that contains 27 videos from 9 fast food restaurants. Experimental results show that the proposed method can obtain promising classification results for drinking activity labeling and classification, averagely achieving accuracies of 79.80% for frame and 72.81% for subsequence. And the CRF model outperforms LDCRF and HCRF models.
Using theory and research to improve access and retention in developmental education

This chapter summarizes theoretical perspectives and research findings on developmental education, and emphasizes the importance of considering students' voices and experiences in determining how best to facilitate growth and development in college.
Phase II study of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin, cyclosporine and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in patients with aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome

We investigated efficacy and safety of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG), cyclosporine and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) as first-line therapy for patients with aplastic anemia (AA) and low or intermediate-1 or hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). rATG 3.5 mg/kg (or 2.5 mg/kg per day for patients >or=55 years with MDS) was given for 5 days. Cyclosporine (5 mg/kg) and G-CSF (5 microg/kg) were given daily and continued for up to 6 months or longer. Responses were assessed about 3 and 6 months after therapy. Thirty-six patients have been enrolled on study and 32 patients treated; 25 were evaluable for a response (13 with AA, 12 with MDS); the rest are too early. The median age was 62 years (range, 20-83) for patients with AA and 63 (range, 42-80) for patients with MDS. Of 13 patients, 12 (92%) patients with AA responded (5 complete response (CR), 7 partial response (PR)), whereas of 12 patients, 4 (33%) patients with MDS responded (1 CR, 3 PR). For patients with AA, the median time to response (TTR) was 93 days (range, 79-623), whereas in the MDS group the median TTR was 111 days (range, 77-139). Grade III/IV toxicities were mainly cytopenias and neutropenic fever. Combination of rATG, cyclosporine and G-CSF is safe and effective as first-line treatment of AA and has significant activity in low-risk MDS.
Seeing Possible Futures: Khmer Youth and the Discourse of the American Dream

In this article, I add to the critique of the myth of the American Dream by examining ethnographically the ways its dominant discourse is circulated to Khmer American middle school children of migratory agricultural workers. Drawing on social theories of discourse, I juxtapose the ideology embedded in the American Dream Discourse with the complexities of urban immigrant life. By looking at four Khmer students’ worldviews and experiences, I provide a nuanced analysis of the complexities involved in the students’ responses to the Discourse. The findings challenge the notion of meritocracy and suggest that educators need to investigate their role in supporting and promoting student agency. [Khmer American (Cambodian), Discourse, urban education, immigrant student populations] I am a promise, I am a possibility. I am a promise with a capital “P.” I can be anything, anything that I want to be. And if I’m listening, I’ll hear my inner voice And if I’m trying, I’ll make the right choice I am a promise to be, anything that I want to be The words for the song entitled “I Am a Promise” rang out over the very warm un-air-conditioned auditorium where the students of the summer Migrant Education Program gathered every afternoon. 1 The 150 Cambodian (ethnic Khmer), Vietnamese, and Chinese children of migrant agricultural workers were singing. The kindergarteners and first graders were enthusiastically shouting the song as loudly as they could. I noticed that gradually, as the kids got older, this enthusiasm waned. My homeroom group, the future seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students, was not singing. Instead, as the other students sang, they were either slouched in their chairs with their eyes closed or talking to each other. They were not interested in singing or listening to the words both Vantha and Seteya deemed as “corny.” In its use in this context, the song “IAm a Promise” reflects the discourse of a larger ideology, of societal values and beliefs in the American Dream. Since 1867 when Horatio Alger began writing stories of “rags to riches,” the American Dream, which has its roots in Protestant religious beliefs, has been a central aspect of American schools and society. The “Discourse” of the American Dream suggests that we live in an egalitarian society and promotes the idea that those who are strong in the face of adversity and who work hard will succeed. The assumptions of the ideology are that of the individual as an autonomous self, while education is seen as neutral. Hence focus is placed on the individual students to be agents of their own success or failure. The placement of this burden on the individual diverts attention away from the role institutions play in this construct of success or failure, ignores structural determinants, and fails to recognize the multiple ways the self is constructed (Giroux 1997; Varenne and McDermott 1998).
Position and size of the electron beam in the high-energy electron beam ion trap

Abstract In the last decade, many spectroscopic studies have been performed using the electron beam ion trap. Often these measurements rely on the electron beam as an effective slit, yet until now, no systematic study of the position and size of the electron beam under various operating conditions has been made. Here, we present a thorough study of the electron beam's position and size (and thus the electron density) as affected by various operating parameters, and give optimal parameter ranges for operating the device as a spectroscopic source. It is shown that the diameter is constant as the energy is varied, which is important for accurate cross-section measurements.
A study of bubble-defect formations in Ag sheathed Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x (Bi-2212) superconducting tapes

Abstract Bubble-defect formations were studied in Ag sheathed ∼ 60 μm thick single-filamentary Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+ x (Bi-2212) oxide-powder-in-tube (OPIT) conductors. Bubble defects were affected by the powder-processing method, spray-roasted (SR) or solid-state (SS) and annealing conditions, removing or not removing the rolling lubrication, exposing precursor powder to air, and ball-milling. The effect of powder carbon content on bubbling was studied for SR powder (370–4010 ppmw) and SS powder (220–590 ppmw). It was possible to eliminate bubbles using SS powder, appropriate pre-annealing conditions, and processing in air for a wide range of processing conditions and conductor lengths (up to 90 m). The method of eliminating bubble defects in SS powder tapes was also compatible with high critical current density ( J c ) processing.
A three-dimensional muscle activity imaging technique for assessing pelvic muscle function

A novel multi-channel surface electromyography (EMG)-based three-dimensional muscle activity imaging (MAI) technique has been developed by combining the bioelectrical source reconstruction approach and subject-specific finite element modeling approach. Internal muscle activities are modeled by a current density distribution and estimated from the intra-vaginal surface EMG signals with the aid of a weighted minimum norm estimation algorithm. The MAI technique was employed to minimally invasively reconstruct electrical activity in the pelvic floor muscles and urethral sphincter from multi-channel intra-vaginal surface EMG recordings. A series of computer simulations were conducted to evaluate the performance of the present MAI technique. With appropriate numerical modeling and inverse estimation techniques, we have demonstrated the capability of the MAI technique to accurately reconstruct internal muscle activities from surface EMG recordings. This MAI technique combined with traditional EMG signal analysis techniques is being used to study etiologic factors associated with stress urinary incontinence in women by correlating functional status of muscles characterized from the intra-vaginal surface EMG measurements with the specific pelvic muscle groups that generated these signals. The developed MAI technique described herein holds promise for eliminating the need to place needle electrodes into muscles to obtain accurate EMG recordings in some clinical applications.
Evaluation of Shipley XP2040D positive chemically amplified resist for SCALPEL mask fabrication

ABSTRACT The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has placed stringent requirements on Next GenerationLithography mask critical dimension (CD) control. A new chemically amplified (CA) positive resist,Shipley XP2040D was evaluated for mask making application. This resist exhibited an extraordinary postexposure bake (PEB) sensitivity, less than 0.6 nm/ C, along with a sub-50 nm resolution. The PEB stabilityin ambient was larger than 4.5 hours and the line-edge-roughness (LER) was less than 2.9 nm. 1. INTRODUCTION Critical dimension (CD) control and uniformity for a SCALPEL mask must be kept within 7 nm (3 ) inorder to meet the SIA Roadmap requirement for 70 nm NGL mask fabrication [1]. Chemically amplified(CA) resists have been considered for NGL mask patterning because of their high resolution, high electronexposure sensitivity and etch selectivity. However, CD variation due to the PEB sensitivity of CA resistcomplicates the mask making process and needs to be minimized.Previous Finite Element Analysis modeling indicates there are PEB temperature gradients across a 200 mmSCALPEL mask and within each membrane of the mask. The thermal variations are due to the combinedcomplex three-dimensional mask structure coupled with the thermal gradients associated with the bakechamber environment. These gradients were experimentally confirmed through the measurement of criticalfeatures across various membranes on the mask array. A CD uniformity of 8-10 nm for inter-membrane and4-7 nm for intra-membrane was observed using a CA negative-tone resist, NEB22[2]. This CD variationwas mainly attributed to the large PEB sensitivity of the resist ( ~8 nm/ C).In order to meet the 7 nm SIA mask budget, CD non-uniformity due to thermal variations must be reduced.One way to minimize the influence of this thermal effect is to use low PEB sensitivity resists. This paperreports on the performance of Shipley XP2040D positive CA resist for 200 mm SCALPEL maskfabrication using the Leica VB6HR 100 KeV e-beam exposure system.
A novel form of covalently bound flavin from thiamine dehydrogenase.

Summary Thiamine dehydrogenase contains 1 mole of FAD per mole of enzyme covalently linked to the protein. A pure flavin peptide has been obtained from tryptic-chymotryptic digests of the enzyme. The hypsochromic shift of the second absorption maximum shows that the peptide is substituted at the 8α position of the flavin. The pH-fluorescence curve of the flavin peptide is similar to that of flavin peptides containing 8α-[N(3)-histidyl]-flavin but differs from the latter in having a pK a of fluorescence quenching over 1 pH unit higher. The amino acyl riboflavin derived from this peptide by acid hydrolysis is readily distinguished from both the N(3) and N(1) isomers of 8α-histidyl riboflavin by its pK a of fluorescence quenching and mobility in high voltage electrophoresis. Drastic acid hydrolysis, however, liberated 1 mole of histidine per mole of flavin, showing that this is the amino acid substituted at the 8α position. Attachment of the flavin appears to be to the imidazole ring but not via either of the ring nitrogens. These results indicate that a novel type of covalently bound flavin exists in thiamine dehydrogenase.
U. S. Navy Ship Service Gas Turbine Generator Thermocouple Logic Enhancements to Improve Reliability

The U. S. Navy uses Rolls-Royce gas turbines for ship service power on the DDG-51 class destroyer and the CG-47 class cruiser. Both engines have duplex thermocouples (T/Cs) and redundant T/C harnesses for turbine temperature monitoring and control. One harness provides an average of all the installed T/Cs, while the other provides the full authority digital control (FADC) with an individual signal from each. The legacy FADC algorithm allows up to four T/Cs to be out of average on the individual harness. Any additional T/C failures will cause the control to ignore the entire individual harness and rely on the averaging harness alone. This logic has inadvertently led to multiple over-temp conditions and subsequent engine removals. A change to control logic has been developed that aims to prevent these over-temp scenarios and is currently being introduced to the fleet. This paper will discuss in depth the cause of the over-temp, the examination of the control logic and the correction that is designed to prevent it from recurring.
Acute abdominal symptoms due to torsion of an ovarian cystadenoma in a centenarian.

: A case is reported of torsion of an ovarian cystadenoma in a 101-year-old woman. The tumor was removed surgically. The noteworthy features of the case were the rarity of this complication in such an aged woman, the presence of clinical and radiological signs that made the correct diagnosis possible before operation, and the remarkable tolerance to surgery displayed by the centenarian patient.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis MycP1 Protease Plays a Dual Role in Regulation of ESX-1 Secretion and Virulence

Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses the ESX-1 secretion system to deliver virulence proteins during infection of host cells. Here we report a mechanism of posttranscriptional control of ESX-1 mediated by MycP1, a M. tuberculosis serine protease. We show that MycP1 is required for ESX-1 secretion but that, unexpectedly, genetic inactivation of MycP1 protease activity increases secretion of ESX-1 substrates. We demonstrate that EspB, an ESX-1 substrate required for secretion, is a target of MycP1 in vitro and in vivo. During macrophage infection, an inactive MycP1 protease mutant causes hyperactivation of ESX-1-stimulated innate signaling pathways. MycP1 is required for growth in mice during acute infection, while loss of its protease activity leads to attenuated virulence during chronic infection. As the key ESX-1 substrates ESAT-6 and CFP-10 are highly immunogenic, fine-tuning of their secretion by MycP1 may balance virulence and immune detection and be essential for successful maintenance of long-term M. tuberculosis infection.
The consequences of organizational commitment: Methodological investigation

Extensive research on the consequences of organizational commitment (OC) has been conducted over the past decade. The purpose of this paper is to summarize empirical evidence about the relationship between OC and work outcomes and to examine the effect of methodological decisions on the OC–work outcome relationship. A meta-analysis of 35 studies of the OC–work outcome linkage reveals that the overall empirical relationship between OC and outcome variables is generally weak, but positive. While subgroup analyses reveal that conceptualization, research design, sampling, operationalization and observation technique decisions have a definite impact on the OC–work outcome correlation, the relationship remains essentially weak. Multiple regression analysis reveals that the type of work outcome and methodological decisions explain only 19 per cent of the variance in the OC–work outcome relationship, with conceptualization decisions having the largest impact.
Foliar and reproductive responses of Sagittaria calycina and Sagittaria brevirostra (Alismataceae) to varying natural conditions

Abstract Contiguous populations of an annual (Sagittaria calycina Engelm.) and a perennial species (Sagittaria brevirostra Mack. & Bush.) showed both similar and different foliar and reproductive responses to dry, wet, and deep-water environments. Both species produced smaller leaves in dry and deep-water conditions than on saturated soil in shallow water; deep-water leaves were much narrower. Both species produced larger, more floriferous inflorescences in wet than in dry conditions, and both were sterile in the deep-water environment. Male flowers outnumbered females in S. brevirostra in dry and wet conditions, but the ratio of males to females was much higher in dry situations. The ratio of male to perfect flowers in S. calycina was low in both environments, but fewer achenes per flower were formed in dry conditions.
In situ measurements of volatile aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation rates in groundwater

Benzene and alkylbenzene biodegradation rates and patterns were measured using an in situ microcosm in a crude-oil contaminated aquifer near Bemidji, Minnesota. Benzene-D6, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-, m- and p-xylenes and four pairs of C(3)- and C(4)-benzenes were added to an in situ microcosm and studied over a 3-year period. The microcosm allowed for a mass-balance approach and quantification of hydrocarbon biodegradation rates within a well-defined iron-reducing zone of the anoxic plume. Among the BTEX compounds, the apparent order of persistence is ethylbenzene > benzene > m,p-xylenes > o-xylene >or= toluene. Threshold concentrations were observed for several compounds in the in situ microcosm, below which degradation was not observed, even after hundreds of days. In addition, long lag times were observed before the onset of degradation of benzene or ethylbenzene. The isomer-specific degradation patterns were compared to observations from a multi-year study conducted using data collected from monitoring wells along a flowpath in the contaminant plume. The data were fit with both first-order and Michaelis-Menten models. First-order kinetics provided a good fit for hydrocarbons with starting concentrations below 1mg/L and Michaelis-Menten kinetics were a better fit when starting concentrations were above 1mg/L, as was the case for benzene. The biodegradation rate data from this study were also compared to rates from other investigations reported in the literature.
Neogene history of the south Pacific tradewinds: Evidence for hemispherical asymmetry of atmospheric circulation

Rea, D K and Bloomstme, M K, 1986 Neogene history of the South Pacific tradewmds evidence for hemlsphermal asymmetry of atmospherm circulation Palaeogeogr, Palaeochmatol, Palaeoecol, 55 55--64 Eohan dust grains extracted from southeast Pacific pelagic sediments provide a Neogene record of southern hemisphere atmospherm processes The mass accumulation rate of dust has been low and generally constant at 1--4 mg/cm 2 103 y since the late Ohgocene Eohan grains]ze data show an increase from 8 20 (3 40 t~) m older sediments to 7 20 (6 80 t~) m younger materml This shift occurred about 10 5 m y ago and reflects a s~gmfmant increase in the intensity of atmospheric circulation then There ~s no obwous response to the onset of northern hemisphere glacmtmn 2 5 m y ago m these eohan records from the South Pacific Compamson with existing lnformatmn from the northern hemisphere suggests that the southern hemisphere has had more intense atmospheric circulation throughout the Neogene and that this asymmetry reached its greatest extent between 10 5 and 2 5 Ma
Ultrasonic velocity as a predictor of strength in bovine cancellous bone.

Ultrasonic methods measure properties intrinsic to bone's structure that are not necessarily dependent on bone mass. Therefore, ultrasound may prove to be a useful tool for diagnosing bone fragility and osteoporosis. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between apparent velocity of ultrasound (AVU) measured using the Osteo Technology prototype I machine and cancellous bone yield strength (σy). AVU correlated well with σy (r=0.753). Consistent with theory, the best predictor of cancellous bone strength was the combination of apparent density (ρa) and AVU, ρa(AVU)2, which had an r2 of 77.4%.
Risk factors for ductal and lobular breast cancer: results from the nurses' health study

Ductal and lobular carcinomas are the two most common types of invasive breast cancer. Whether well-established risk factors are differentially associated with risk on the basis of histologic subtype is not clear. We prospectively investigated the association between a number of hormonal and nonhormonal exposures and risk defined by histologic subtype among 4,655 ductal and 659 lobular cases of postmenopausal breast cancer from the Nurses' Health Study. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression stratified by histologic subtype and time period was used to examine the association between risk factors and the incidence of ductal and lobular subtypes. For each exposure, we calculated the P value for heterogeneity using a likelihood ratio test comparing models with separate estimates for the two subtypes versus a single estimate across subtypes. The associations with age at menarche (P-heterogeneity (het) = 0.03), age at first birth (P-het < 0.001) and postmenopausal hormone use (P-het < 0.001) were more strongly associated with lobular cancers. The associations with age, nulliparity, parity, age at menopause, type of menopause, alcohol intake, adult body mass index (BMI), BMI at age 18, family history of breast cancer and personal history of benign breast disease did not vary by subtype (P-het ≥ 0.08). Results were similar when we restricted the analyses to estrogen receptor-positive and progesterone receptor-positive tumors. These data indicate that breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and the differential association with a number of risk factors is suggestive of etiologically distinct tumors. Epidemiological analyses should continue to take into account a modifying role of histology.
Purification and properties of a dissimilatory nitrate reductase from Haloferax denitrificans

A membrane-bound nitrate reductase (nitrite:(acceptor) oxidoreductase, EC 1.7.99.4) from the extremely halophilic bacterium Haloferax denitrificans was solubilized by incubating membranes in buffer lacking NaCl and purified by DEAE, hydroxylapatite, and Sepharose 6B gel filtration chromatography. The purified nitrate reductase reduced chlorate and was inhibited by azide and cyanide. Preincubating the enzyme with cyanide increased the extent of inhibition which in turn was intensified when dithionite was present. Although cyanide was a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to nitrate, nitrate protected against inhibition. The enzyme, as isolated, was composed of two subunits (Mr 116,000 and 60,000) and behaved as a dimer during gel filtration (Mr 380,000). Unlike other halobacterial enzymes, this nitrate reductase was most active, as well as stable, in the absence of salt.
Spin current and shot noise from a quantum dot coupled to a quantized cavity field

We examine the spin current and the associated shot noise generated in a quantum dot connected to normal leads with zero bias voltage across the dot. The spin current is generated by spin flip transitions induced by a quantized electromagnetic field inside a cavity with one of the Zeeman states lying below the Fermi level of the leads and the other above. In the limit of strong Coulomb blockade, this model is analogous to the Jaynes-Cummings model in quantum optics. We also calculate the photon current and photon current shot noise resulting from photons leaking out of the cavity. We show that the photon current is equal to the spin current and that the spin current can be significantly larger than for the case of a classical driving field as a result of cavity losses. In addition to this, the frequency-dependent spin (photon) current shot noise show dips (peaks) that are a result of the discrete nature of photons.
Holomorphically induced representations of exponential Lie groups

Abstract We present a slightly modified definition of the concept of holomorphically induced representation. We prove that in the exponential-solvable case, our definition associates a nontrivial, irreducible, representation to any positive polarization which satisfies the Puksanzky condition. This is in marked contrast to the results obtained using the usual definition.
Production of Ion Clusters by X-Rays

ACCORDING to recent work1, X-ray-induced chromatid breaks in Tradescantia microspores are due to the simultaneous occurrence of about seventeen ionizations concentrated within the narrow section of a chromatid. Such clusters of ionizations can be produced by electrons with small kinetic energy, that is, by electrons approaching the end of their path through matter. It might be of interest, then, to determine how many clusters consisting of a given number of ionizations (n) are produced per unit volume and per roentgen ; or, which is equivalent, what fraction of all ionizations is concentrated in such clusters. For the sake of simplicity, a cluster will be arbitrarily assumed to consist of the last n ionizations produced by an electron at the end of its path. Accordingly, there will be as many clusters as there are electrons producing at least n ionizations along their entire path. Also for simplicity, the following calculation will be restricted to cases in which the number n is greater than 2 or 3, but is still so small that many clusters result from every photo- or Compton-electron released by X-rays.
Teaching and research: Rapport or mesalliance

In America, the problem has persisted for at least a century: Are teaching and research mutually supportive, or do they tend to detract from one another? The empirical literature (due largely to measurement problems) provides an ambiguous answer, although the more recent studies have produced fairly consistently negative results. Role complementarity may depend on a range of social structural conditions, such as time allocation, whether or not roles are highly specialized, and the values around which roles are organized. In addition, the process of “compensatory selection” may reduce role complementarity as teacher/researchers move through their careers. Data for this study suggest that teaching and research tend to be mutually supportive, especially at schools where research is not emphasized.
P491Transcriptional regulatory roles of G-quadruplex DNA in promoters of genes involved in beta-adrenergic signaling pathway

Background: G-quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded DNA secondary structures involved in a diverse range of biological processes. We have previously revealed that G4s are important in cardiac function-related genes and pathways. In the beta-adrenergic receptor signaling pathway, which is directly involved in heart failure (HF), conserved G4s have been found in the promoter of ADRB1 and ADCY5. We hypothesize that by targeting these conserved promoter G4s using synthetic G4-binding ligands, we can inhibit downstream gene expression as an alternative genetic approach for the treatment of HF beyond β-blockers. Methods: Promoter fragments of rat Adrb1 and Adcy5 were amplified from rat genomic DNA by PCR, and inserted into the pGL4.10 luciferase vector. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to disrupt G4-forming sequences. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were isolated from ventricles of 1-3-day-old pups, and grown for 16hrs prior to transfection. Transfected NRCMs were incubated with/without 100μM TMPyP4, a general G4-binding ligand, for 48hrs. Promoter activity differences were measured by dual-luciferase assays. Endogenous Adrb1 and Adcy5 mRNA changes in response to TMPyP4 were determined by real-time PCR. All experiments were done in triplicates for 2-3 repeats. Results: When treated with TMPyP4, the downstream luciferase activity decreased by 24.6% in Adrb1 promoter and 34.6% (P=0.001, n=3) in Adcy5 promoter. Endogenous Adrb1 and Adcy5 mRNA levels decreased significantly in response to TMPyP4 (decreased by 57.2%, and 58.5%, P<0.0001, n=3, respectively). The mRNA of housekeeping Gapdh, which does not contain conserved promoter G4, changed little (P=0.7, n=3). In rat Adcy5 promoter, disruption of the 1st(+1154 to +1185bp), 2nd(+601 to +624bp), 4th(-159 to -136bp), or 5th(-383 to -356bp) G4-forming sequence all induced significant transcription inhibition in response to TMPyP4 (activities decreased by 97.9%, 91.3%, 95.6%, and 95.8% respectively). However, when the 3rd (-82 to -35bp) Adcy5 promoter G4 was disrupted, TMPyP4-induced inhibition effect was not observed. Conclusion: When stabilised by the general G4-binding ligand, conserved G4s in promoters of Adrb1 and Adcy5 can be used as targets to inhibit downstream gene transcription and translation as expected. This may provide certain cardiac protective effects in the progress of HF. In the case of Adcy5, only the 3rd G4 acts as a strong repressor, while other G4s act as activators. Thus, the actual structure and function of G4s need to be investigated individually to guide the design of more specific G4-binding ligands with improved inhibition effects.
Quantum theory of solvent effects on electronic spectra: Predictions of the exact solution of the mean spherical model

A microscopic quantum statistical mechanical theory for the solvent modification of the electronic spectra of nonpolar solutes is developed. Attention is focused on the solute frequency shift as a function of molecular parameters, solvent dielectric constant, and density. Comparison of the predictions of the quantum theory and dielectric continuum models (Onsager–Bottcher and Wertheim) based on the macroscopic reaction field picture are made. Significant differences are found which indicate the importance of solvent structure and nonzero frequency effects absent in the dielectric models. The theory is also applied to several aromatic hydrocarbon molecules in dilute solution with emphasis on the isothermal density dependence of the electronic frequency shift. Generalization of the quantum theory to treat polar solutes is briefly outlined.
GABA-mediated regulation of feline aggression elicited from midbrain periaqueductal gray.

Abstract The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) is now recognized as a critical structure for the initiation and regulation of aggressive behavior in the cat. The PAG is also known to be rich in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. In the present study, we sought to examine the possible role of this putative neurotransmitter in the modulation of affective defense and quiet biting attack behavior elicited by electrical stimulation of the PAG. Cannula-electrodes were employed for electrical stimulation as well as for microinjections of a GABA agonist (muscimol: 3, 12 and 22 pmol/0.25 μl) and GABA antagonist (bicuculline: 22 and 68 pmol/0.25 μl). After establishing predrug response threshold values for affective defense and quiet biting attack, these drugs were microinjected into the PAG sites from which these responses were elicited. Microinjections of muscimol (12 and 22 pmol) significantly suppressed the affective defense response in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Pretreatment with bicuculline (68 pmol) blocked the suppressive effects of muscimol (12 pmol) upon affective defense behavior. In contrast, this dose of muscimol failed to alter the response threshold for quiet biting attack behavior. Microinjections of vehicle alone (0.25 μl of saline,pH= 7.4) did not modify the thresholds for either of these responses. These results indicate that, at the level of the PAG, GABA-ergic mechanisms are selectively involved in the regulation of affective defense behavior in the cat.
Linear Damping Systems for the International Linear Collider

The International Linear Collider (ILC) requires very low transverse emittance beams in order to realize the specified high luminosity. These beams are conventionally produced using radiation damping in specially designed damping rings. A linear damping system, consisting of alternating wigglers and accelerating structures arranged in a straight line, can be considered to replace, or to augment, conventional damping rings. In this paper, the basic features, feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages, of such systems, as applied to the International Linear Collider, will be discussed.
New findings and unique aspects in pediatric aspergillosis

There is a paucity of specific data on pediatric invasive aspergillosis. While the underlying predisposing patient diseases and treatments differ in children and adults, it also appears that there is a heterogeneity of invasive aspergillosis disease that extends to children. These aspects extend in some reports to the Aspergillus spp. distribution as well as the fundamental pathophysiology of the disease in different age groups. For instance, the newer diagnostic tools hold great promise for adult patients but it appears that they have limited usefulness in children. Only through dedicated pediatric study will clinicians fully discover the nuances and unique findings in children with this deadly disease.
Characterizing short read sequencing for gene discovery and RNA-Seq analysis in Crassostrea gigas

Advances in DNA sequencing technology have provided opportunities to produce new transcriptomic resources for species that lack completely sequenced genomes. However, there are limited examples that rely solely on ultra-short read sequencing technologies (e.g. Solexa, SOLiD) for transcript discovery and gene expression analysis (i.e. RNA-Seq). Here we use SOLiD sequencing to examine gene expression patterns in Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) populations exposed to varying degrees of anthropogenic impact. Novel transcripts were identified and RNA-Seq analysis revealed several hundred differentially expressed genes. Gene enrichment analysis determined that in addition to biological processes predicted to be associated with anthropogenic influences (e.g. immune response), other processes play important roles including cell recognition and cell adhesion. To evaluate the effectiveness of restricting characterization solely to short read sequences, mapping and RNA-Seq analysis were also performed using publicly available transcriptome sequence data as a scaffold. This study demonstrates that ultra-short read sequencing technologies can effectively generate novel transcriptome information, identify differentially expressed genes, and will be important for examining environmental physiology of non-model organisms.
The indexing ambiguity in serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) resolved using an expectation maximization algorithm

Crystallographic auto-indexing algorithms provide crystal orientations and unit-cell parameters and assign Miller indices based on the geometric relations between the Bragg peaks observed in diffraction patterns. However, if the Bravais symmetry is higher than the space-group symmetry, there will be multiple indexing options that are geometrically equivalent, and hence many ways to merge diffraction intensities from protein nanocrystals. Structure factor magnitudes from full reflections are required to resolve this ambiguity but only partial reflections are available from each XFEL shot, which must be merged to obtain full reflections from these `stills'. To resolve this chicken-and-egg problem, an expectation maximization algorithm is described that iteratively constructs a model from the intensities recorded in the diffraction patterns as the indexing ambiguity is being resolved. The reconstructed model is then used to guide the resolution of the indexing ambiguity as feedback for the next iteration. Using both simulated and experimental data collected at an X-ray laser for photosystem I in the P63 space group (which supports a merohedral twinning indexing ambiguity), the method is validated.
Primary Stenting in Acute Myocardial Infarction The Promise and the Proof

With the demonstration that the timely administration of thrombolytic therapy after coronary arterial occlusion results in myocardial salvage and improved survival, the treatment of patients with evolving AMI has forever been changed. To overcome the inherent limitations of thrombolytic therapy (TIMI 3 flow rates of ≈55% at best, and rare but unavoidable life-threatening or incapacitating hemorrhagic complications), mechanical reperfusion by balloon angioplasty without antecedent thrombolysis (primary PTCA) has been adopted at many centers. Ten prospective, randomized trials comparing primary PTCA and lytic therapy in 2606 patients have now been performed and examined in a recent meta-analysis by Weaver et al,1 demonstrating that compared with thrombolytic therapy, primary PTCA results in reduced rates of mortality, reinfarction, and stroke. Other randomized trials2 3 have shown that primary PTCA, by reducing early and late recurrent ischemic events and facilitating earlier discharge, is as or more cost-effective than thrombolysis. Despite these attributes, balloon-induced medial disruption and platelet activation result in recurrent ischemia in 10% to 15% of patients treated with primary PTCA before hospital discharge, including reinfarction in 3% to 5% of patients.4 Although improvements in operator technique, exclusive use of ionic contrast, and attention to anticoagulation status can minimize these complications,5 the significant residual stenosis remaining in many patients after balloon angioplasty, in concert with intimal hyperplasia, unopposed vessel recoil, and late remodeling, results in angiographic restenosis in 30% to 50% of infarct vessels within 6 months.4 As a result, ≈20% of patients after primary PTCA require TVR with repeat angioplasty or bypass surgery during this time period.4 Furthermore, not all operators have been able to achieve optimal results of primary PTCA at their institutions. With the demonstration that the implantation of balloon-expandable slotted-tube stents can reduce clinical and angiographic restenosis compared with PTCA in patients undergoing …
Computer simulation of radome effects for the Doppler weather radar antenna system

The authors present the results of an analysis of the performance of a Doppler weather antenna inside a protective radome. Computer calculations are based on existing Raytheon programs that simulate radome panel insertion effects and seam scattering of an antenna located within a radome structure. These calculations are compared to measure weather antenna system radiation patterns and shown to be consistent. These analyses demonstrate that seam scattering computer simulations are a viable tool for radome evaluation. >