cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neighboring feature clustering

In spectral datasets, such as those consisting of MR spectral data derived from MS lesions, neighboring features tend to be highly correlated, suggesting the data lie on some low-dimensional space. Naturally, finding such low-dimensional space is of interest. Based on this real-life problem, this paper extracts an abstract problem, neighboring feature clustering (NFC). Noticeably different from traditional clustering schemes where the order of features doesn't matter, NFC requires that a cluster consist of neighboring features, that is features that are adjacent in the original feature ordering. NFC is then reduced to a piece-wise linear approximation problem. We use minimum description length (MDL) method to solve this reduced problem. The algorithm we proposed works well on synthetic datasets. NFC is an abstract problem. With minor changes, it can be applied to other fields where the problem of finding piece-wise neighboring groupings in a set of unlabeled data arises.
Serotonin transporter function and pharmacology are sensitive to expression level: evidence for an endogenous regulatory factor.

We express mammalian serotonin transporters (SERTs) in Xenopus oocytes by cRNA injection and measure 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) transport and 5-HT-induced current at varying expression levels. Transport and current both increase sigmoidally with the amount of cRNA injected, but current requires ∼5-fold more cRNA to elicit a half-maximal response. Western blots of SERT protein demonstrate that current, but not transport, correlates linearly with the amount of SERT on the plasma membrane. In oocytes co-injected with wild-type SERT and an inactive SERT mutant, transport is similar to SERT alone, but current is attenuated. The charge/transport ratio reports the differential sensitivity of transport and current to increasing SERT cRNA injection and mutant co-expression. Manipulations that alter the charge/transport ratio also perturb substrate and inhibitor recognition. 5-HT, d-amphetamine, cocaine, and paroxetine inhibit transport more potently at lower expression levels; however, 5-HT potency for induction of current is similar at high and low expression. Moreover, the apparent potency of cRNA for transport depends on 5-HT concentration. We postulate that SERT interacts allosterically with an endogenous factor of limited abundance to alter substrate and inhibitor potency and the balance of 5-HT transport and channel-like activity.
Viremia and Virus Measurements of Rabbit Pox in CV-1 Cells

Abstract Rabbit pox virus (RPV) produced cytopathic effect (CPE) in five types of cells grown in tissue cultures. The CPE on CV-1 cells was characterized by cell fusion and lysis. The CV-1 line is a useful and sensitive cell culture for measuring concentrations of RPV in blood and tissues of infected rabbits. Viremia was detected between the 2nd and 4th days after parenteral infection. By the 6th and 7th days, the concentration of RPV in various tissues ranged from 105-3 to 108-5 TCID50/g. Cross-reactivity was demonstrated by the fluorescent-antibody technique between rabbit pox, vaccinia, and monkey pox viruses.
Interaction of Ketenes with Organometaliic Compounds: Ketene, Ketenyl, and Ketenylidene Complexes

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the interaction of ketenes with organometallic compounds and four separate but related aspects of the interaction of ketenes with metals; the reactions of ketenes with organometallic complexes; the preparation, structures, and reactions of stable ketene complexes; the chemistry of ketenyl complexes that have a metal as one of the ketene substituents; and the chemistry of ketenyfidene complexes in which the ketene carbon has only metals as substituents. Also discussed are reactions in which ketene complexes are suspected as intermediates, but proof of their structure and formulations is lacking. There are numerous examples of reactions of ketenes with coordinated ligands with little or no direct interaction of the ketene with the metal. A number of organometallic complexes have been prepared that contain ketene and substituted ketene ligands, but these have a variety of different ketene coordination modes. A variety of synthetic procedures have been used to prepare ketene complexes, with the most useful involving direct addition of ketenes to unsaturated organometallic complexes, carbonylation of carbene complexes, and deprotonation of acyl complexes. A number of ketene complexes have been prepared by the addition of carbon monoxide to preformed metal–carbene complexes. Similar proton abstraction from bridging acetyl ligands would give μ-ketene complexes. A synthetic method that has often been used for preparing new ketene complexes involves the modification of the coordination sphere of existing ketene complexes.
Physician Complicity in the Transformation of Pain Medicine from a “Profession” to a “Business”: Strategies for Reversing a Growing Trend

Since the inception of the special series on the Transformation of the “Profession” of Pain Medicine to the “Business” of Pain Medicine in this journal last year, the emphasis of the vast majority of its content [1–6] has been on the role of external stakeholders in compromising the quality of care received by pain sufferers. Implicated by these authors in the crisis in pain care have been various industries that profiteer from the misfortune of patients, as well as professional organizations that strive to seek the delicate balance between promoting improvement in the quality of care that patients receive with the needs of the industries whose financial support is so important to their existences. Indeed, it has been strongly argued that even the most virtuous physicians may not be able to provide high-quality treatment in an environment that is dominated by concerns that are purely profit-motivated and deny any fiduciary obligation to persons with pain [7]. Nevertheless, external stakeholders cannot be held solely responsible for the unfortunate state of pain medicine in the United States, as what is hopefully only a small minority of care providers practice in an unethical manner—thereby adversely influencing not only individual patients, but the field of pain medicine as a whole. Dobken recently opined that, “In sum, we physicians are portrayed as greedy, barren of moral purpose, and inherently shiftless”[8] (p. 82). Similarly, Relman suggested in JAMA that “… the current focus on moneymaking and the seductions of financial rewards have changed the climate of US medical practice at the expense of professional altruism and the moral commitment to patients”[9] (p. 2669). Managed …
Computing the Viscosity of Supercooled Liquids: Markov Network Model

The microscopic origin of glass transition, when liquid viscosity changes continuously by more than ten orders of magnitude, is challenging to explain from first principles. Here we describe the detailed derivation and implementation of a Markovian Network model to calculate the shear viscosity of deeply supercooled liquids based on numerical sampling of an atomistic energy landscape, which sheds some light on this transition. Shear stress relaxation is calculated from a master-equation description in which the system follows a transition-state pathway trajectory of hopping among local energy minima separated by activation barriers, which is in turn sampled by a metadynamics-based algorithm. Quantitative connection is established between the temperature variation of the calculated viscosity and the underlying potential energy and inherent stress landscape, showing a different landscape topography or “terrain” is needed for low-temperature viscosity (of order 107 Pa·s) from that associated with high-temperature viscosity (10−5 Pa·s). Within this range our results clearly indicate the crossover from an essentially Arrhenius scaling behavior at high temperatures to a low-temperature behavior that is clearly super-Arrhenius (fragile) for a Kob-Andersen model of binary liquid. Experimentally the manifestation of this crossover in atomic dynamics continues to raise questions concerning its fundamental origin. In this context this work explicitly demonstrates that a temperature-dependent “terrain” characterizing different parts of the same potential energy surface is sufficient to explain the signature behavior of vitrification, at the same time the notion of a temperature-dependent effective activation barrier is quantified.
FPGA prototyping using behavioral synthesis for improving video processing algorithm and FHD TV SoC design

The System on Chip (SoC) can include Full High Definition (FHD) video processing, however the turn around time of algorithm improvement have been long. We provide the new method utilizing the behavioral synthesis. Therefore, the turn around time of the algorithm improvement and hardware implementation can be shorten.
The reproductive ecology of Mohave rattlesnakes

The reproductive ecology of Mohave rattlesnakes Crotalus scutulatus was investigated in the western Mohave Desert using radiotelemetry from August 2001 to November 2004. This paper documents reproductive behavior across successive seasons in the context of seasonal timing, mean daily movement, home range, body temperature and relationship with abiotic factors such as time of day, temperature, precipitation, photoperiod and microhabitat. This population of C. scutulatus used a bimodal mating system, with reproductive behavior occurring in late summer/fall (21 August to 7 October), interrupted by 4 months of cold weather, and concluding in the spring (16 March to 16 May). Drought apparently curtailed courtship and copulation during the 2002 activity season, but the pregnancy rates in 2002 and 2003 were not significantly affected. Communal denning was not detected and there was no indication of seasonal migration. Autumnal and vernal movements appeared to be driven by reproductive effort, predominantly males engaged in prolonged mate searching. Sexual maturity was achieved at 2.0 years/600 mm snout–vent length (SVL) for females, and 1.5 years/400 mm SVL for males.
The complete amino acid sequence of a hirudin variant from the leech Hirudinaria manillensis

Unlike the European leech Hirudo medicinalis, the Asian jawed leech Hirudinaria manillensis is specialized for feeding on mammalian blood. In the salivary glands of both these leeches, there is a potent inhibitor of thrombin, called hirudin, which acts as an anticoagulant. We have reported previously the isolation and purification of a variant of hirudin, called bufrudin, from the head portions of Hirudinaria. In the present study, the complete amino acid sequence of bufrudin was determined by automated Edman degradation of peptide fragments generated after cleavage of protein with trypsin or thermolysin. Comparison of the primary structure of bufrudin, with hirudin HV1, show about 70% sequence identity with deletion of two amino acids, but the key amino acids at the C-terminus, involved in the inhibition of thrombin, are conserved. However, similar sequence comparison of bufrudin with hirullin P18, a hirudin variant isolated from the same leech species but from whole leech, instead of heads, reveals even less sequence identity of about 60%. From the amino acid sequence, it is suggested that the conformation of the C-terminal portion of bufrudin may be significantly different from hirullin P18, but similar to hirudin HV1, upon its interaction with thrombin. These results indicate that, as with Hirudo leech, various isoforms of hirudin also exist in Hirudinaria leech, with a significant change occurring in the structure of the molecule during the evolution of leeches.
Virulence and vaccine potential of phoP mutants of Salmonella typhimurium

Abstract We have constructed Salmonella typhimurium phoP mutants and found them to be avirulent and able to induce a protective immune response. BALB/c mice survived challenge with phoP derivatives of the highly virulent S. typhimurium strains SR-11 and SL1344 when inoculated intraperitoneally and per oral with doses equivalent to 10 4 50% lethal doses (LD 50 ) of the parent virulent strains. The avirulent mutants were able to establish an infection of the Peyer's patches of orally infected animals for up to 10 days after inoculation but were very inefficient at reaching the spleens. Despite the low level of infectivity of these mutants, immunized animals developed a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to Salmonella antigens and resisted challenge with up to 10 4 LD 50 of the virulent parent strain 30 days after immunization.
Sensor Networks for In-Situ Failure Identification in Woven Composites Throughout Impact

In this study, the development of embedded fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor networks within composite materials is investigated. Various densities of optical fibers were embedded within two-dimensional woven composite laminates, and low-velocity impact damage responses were evaluated to determine the effects on the mechanical behavior of the laminates. The woven composites were subjected to multiple strikes at 2 m/s until perforation occurred, and the impactor position and acceleration were monitored throughout each event. From these measurements, we obtained dissipated energies and contact forces for specimens with and without embedded optical fibers. Cross sectional optical micrographs of the specimens were also used to determine the local effects of the embedded fibers on neighboring fibers and the surrounding matrix material, both before and after impact events. Multiple FBG sensors were serially multiplexed together to create a single fiber sensing network capable of monitoring damage for each impact event. Residual strain information was gathered through strain distributions along the FBG sensors to map out the near-field and far-field regions with respect to the impact location. The resulting data will be used to better monitor and predict damage in the composite system when combined with global response data from the laminate itself.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
GPS-derived strain in northwestern California: Termination of the San Andreas fault system and convergence of the Sierra Nevada–Great Valley block contribute to southern Cascadia forearc contraction

Abstract GPS-derived velocities (1993–2002) in northwestern California show that processes other than subduction are in part accountable for observed upper-plate contraction north of the Mendocino triple junction (MTJ) region. After removing the component of elastic strain accumulation due to the Cascadia subduction zone from the station velocities, two additional processes account for accumulated strain in northern California. The first is the westward convergence of the Sierra Nevada–Great Valley (SNGV) block toward the coast and the second is the north–northwest impingement of the San Andreas fault system from the south on the northern California coastal region in the vicinity of Humboldt Bay. Sierra Nevada–Great Valley block motion is northwest toward the coast, convergent with the more northerly, north–northwest San Andreas transform fault-parallel motion. In addition to the westward-converging Sierra Nevada–Great Valley block, San Andreas transform-parallel shortening also occurs in the Humboldt Bay region. Approximately 22 mm/yr of distributed Pacific–SNGV motion is observed inland of Cape Mendocino across the northern projections of the Maacama and Bartlett Springs fault zones but station velocities decrease rapidly north of Cape Mendocino. The resultant 6–10 mm/yr of San Andreas fault-parallel shortening occurs above the southern edge of the subducted Gorda plate and at the latitude of Humboldt Bay. Part of the San Andreas fault-parallel shortening may be due to the viscous coupling of the southern edge of the Gorda plate to overlying North American plate. We conclude that significant portions of the upper-plate contraction observed north of the MTJ region are not solely a result of subduction of the Gorda plate but also a consequence of impingement of the western edge of the Sierra Nevada–Great Valley block and growth of the northernmost segments of the San Andreas fault system.
Responses of deposit-feeding spionid polychaetes to dissolved chemical cues

Abstract Few studies have investigated capabilities or ecological implications of chemical sensing in deposit feeders. We tested three species of spionid polychaetes (Boccardia proboscidea Hartman, Polydora cornuta Bosc, and Pseudopolydora kempi japonica Imajima and Hartman) for responses to a variety of compounds: amino acids, carbohydrates, organic acids, nucleotides, and plant and animal extracts that might have been used as general indicators of food quality or of the presence of specific foods. Five individuals of each species were exposed to 44 different dissolved chemical cues introduced in slow, laminar flow to control location and dose (1 mM for most cues) of delivery. Cues that altered feeding behaviors of one or more species were then tested against ten additional individuals of each species, in part to overcome dangers of multiple testing in the original screening. We observed differences among the three species both in their background behavioral patterns and in their responsiveness to dissolved cues applied at palp level just above the sediment–water interface, although significant changes in feeding behavior occurred only in Boccardia and Pseudopolydora. Taurine, threonine and valine acted as strong phagodepressants, whereas proline was significantly phagostimulatory to Boccardia. No hexoses elicited significant responses. Natural extracts were more stimulatory than the low-molecular-weight monomers tested.
Acquired toxoplasma lymphadenitis

Toxoplasmosis is a common parasitic infection that is widely distributed throughout the world, including the United States. Its occurrence in the oral cavity, however, is uncommon. This report concerns a case of toxoplasmosis that manifested as an intraoral lymphadenitis in a 14-year-old white girl. The etiology, clinical, microscopic, and laboratory findings, and treatment are reviewed. The importance of recognizing lymphadenopathy as a clinical sign of this disorder is discussed.
The behavioral and emotional correlates of epilepsy in adolescence: a 7-year follow-up study.

Abstract This 7-year follow-up study examined the behavioral and emotional adjustment of 29 adolescents who experienced regular moderate seizures during middle childhood. Compared with national nonreferred norms on Achenbach checklists, both mothers and adolescents reported clinically significant difficulties in multiple areas regardless of current seizure status. Adolescents who currently experience regular seizures (N=10) reported no differences on psychological outcomes compared with nonseizing counterparts; in contrast, current seizure status was a strong predictor of mother-reported externalizing problems. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that feelings about having or having had a seizure disorder and mother–adolescent relationship factors were significant predictors of current adjustment over and above current seizure status. Early mother–child relationship process variables and early medical risk were not associated with current adolescent outcomes. The findings are discussed in terms of the multidetermined nature of psychological adjustment to chronic medical illness and factors that may produce versus maintain behavioral and emotional problems in children and adolescents with seizure disorders.
Single and multilayer ferroelectric PbZrxTi1−xO3 (PZT) on BaTiO3

Abstract Ferroelectric PbZr x Ti 1− x O 3 (PZT) thin films have been deposited on Pt-coated Si substrates by using r.f. magnetron sputtering. The optimized processing condition to obtain proper stoichiometric PZT, the desired ferroelectric perovskite phase, and better dielectric properties was demonstrated using a PZT target with Pb/(Zr + Ti) ratio of 1.2 and depositing at 350 °C, followed by thermal treatment at 620 °C for 30 min. The structural and electrical properties of the PZT layer were further improved by fabricating a novel multilayer structure which combined the PZT with the nanolayer BaTiO 3 . The leakage current density was reduced from 2 × 10 −7 A cm −2 for the single layer structure to 2 × 10 −9 A cm −2 for the multilayer structure at a field of 4 × 10 5 V cm −1 , while maintaining the high relative effective dielectric constant of 442. The relative dielectric constant of the PZT film in the multilayer structure was calculated to be about 880.
Effects of Bronchoconstriction, Minute Ventilation, and Deep Inspiration on the Composition of Exhaled Breath Condensate

Background Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is composed of droplets of airway surface liquid (ASL) diluted by water vapor. The goal of this study was to determine if the composition of EBC is affected by changes in airway caliber, minute ventilation, or forceful exhalation, factors that may differ among subjects with asthma in cross-sectional studies. Methods In a group of subjects with asthma, we measured the effects of the following: (1) a series of three deep-inspiration and forceful-exhalation maneuvers; (2) a doubling of minute ventilation; and (3) acute bronchoconstriction induced by methacholine on EBC volume, dilution of ASL, and concentration of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs). Results With the exception of an increase in EBC volume with increased minute ventilation, there were no significant changes in the volume, dilution, or levels of CysLTs in EBC introduced by each of these factors. The CIs surrounding the differences introduced by each factor showed that the maximum systematic errors due to these factors were modest. Conclusions These results indicate that changes in airway caliber, minute ventilation, or breathing pattern among subjects with asthma do not significantly alter the measurements of mediator concentrations in EBC.
Hydrologic modeling and forecasting: role of thresholds

Abstract This communication discusses the potential role of ‘thresholds’ in hydrologic modeling and forecasting. Based on representative examples of studies employing data learning techniques in hydrology (e.g. artificial neural networks, chaos theory, optimization procedures), some of the problems in the existing data calibration and validation procedures are highlighted. Deriving an analogy between human behavior and catchment behavior, emphasizing their internal characteristics and their responses to external events, the concept of thresholds and its use in catchment hydrology are presented. In view of recent calls to focus on dominant processes in hydrology, a proposal is made for integration of concepts of Dominant Processes and Thresholds. The promises and limitations of this proposal are also explained in brief.
Laser absorption and heat transport by non-Maxwell-Boltzmann electron distributions

A reduced Fokker-Planck theory of Coulomb collisional electrons in high-$Z$ laser-fusion plasmas is found to give self-consistent results of lower than classical absorption and heat transport in numerical calculations characterized by laboratory parameters. These results are determined by non-Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions which are established when laser absorption is balanced by heat transport.
Abstract 3046: Phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) as a new drug target for prostate cancer

Our laboratory used an insertional somatic mutagenesis screen in mice to identify novel genes that may drive prostate cancer initiation and progression. Using this screen, we have identified candidate prostate cancer genes including the candidate oncogene phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D). Investigation of PDE4D showed that it was over-expressed in human prostate cancer cell lines and in human prostate cancers. Stable knockdown of PDE4D by shRNA reduced the growth and migration of prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. PDE4D has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Several small molecule PDE4D selective inhibitors have been developed and tested in clinical trials for COPD. Although these studies showed that the inhibitors had modest efficacy as a therapy for COPD, they confirmed that the inhibitors were safe for use in humans at doses that inhibited PDE4D in vivo. Based on our previous studies with PDE4D, we postulated that PDE4D small molecule inhibitors would be candidate anti-prostate cancer drugs. Daily oral administration of PDE4D inhibitors, NVP-ABE171 or cilomilast, for 6 weeks significantly reduced the growth of LNCaP-C4 prostate cancer xenografts in immune-compromised mice. Under in vitro conditions in which prostate cancer cell growth was inhibited by either NVP-ABE171 or cilomilast, we also observed changes in the activation of potential downstream molecular targets of PDE4D inhibition. Affected pathways included the sonic hedgehog and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. We also tested the potential role of the PDE4D pathway in prostate cancer stromal-epithelial interactions by modeling these interactions using novel microchannel co-culture devices. In this context, PDE4D inhibitors reduced the activation of Shh pathway target genes in mesenchymal cells and reduced the proliferation of epithelial cancer cell lines, supporting the potential importance of the PDE4D pathway for prostate cancer stromal-epithelial interactions. We are continuing in vitro and in vivo studies with these candidate drugs to further support the use of NVP-ABE171 and cilomilast as anti-prostate cancer drugs and to understand their mechanism of action. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3046. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3046
Interaction design, books, and cultural forms

What reasons do we have for continuing to incorporate traditional print media into interaction designs for children? In this position statement, I address this question from the perspective of cultural forms. My argument is that in the creation of novel forms of interaction it is advantageous to present strong and recognizable cultural forms to help parents and children structure their activity around familiar artifacts. This, in turn, helps activate valuable cognitive, physical, and emotional resources that parents and children can bring to bear on the new task.
Abundances in "Green Pea" Star-forming Galaxies

He II λ4686 is identified in the spectra of nine of the original "Green Peas," a type of compact star-forming galaxy characterized by low mass; low metallicity; strong [O III] λλ4959, 5007; and redshifts in the range of ~0.1-0.4. Measured λ4686/Hβ ratios are roughly 1-2%, consistent with photoionization by Wolf-Rayet stars. Emission-line intensities are measured from Sloan Digital Sky Survey spectra for 71 Green Peas and are used to determine Te-based abundances of O, N, Ne, S, and He. Neon abundances confirm the mass-metallicity relation inferred from O/H. The N/O ratio is roughly constant with O/H, and the average N/O is evidence of a modest nitrogen enhancement compared with other low-metallicity galaxies. Nitrogen enrichment could be due to Wolf-Rayet stars or to intermediate-mass stars during a previous quiescent period. The Te-based abundances allow a reevaluation of some of the strong-line methods favored for estimating O/H or N/O in large spectroscopic surveys of star-forming galaxies. Photoionization by Wolf-Rayet stars raises questions about the validity of strong-line methods based on [N II]/Hα, [N II]/[O III], or [N II]/[S II], as those line ratios are known to be ionization-sensitive. Analysis of these measurements shows that ionization, low metallicity, and the small variation in important line ratios in the Green Pea spectra all affect the behavior of one or more of the N2, O3N2, N2O2 and N2S2 strong-line methods. The previous findings for trends in O/H and N/O in the Green Peas can be reproduced and the discrepancies can be explained. In particular, the reported increase of N/O with O/H appears to be a bias introduced by combining N2 with N2S2. N2O2 does not give valid results in the Green Peas, while N2 and N2S2 do, although the calibrations of the N2 and N2S2 methods based on Green Pea abundances are different from the existing calibrations based primarily on abundances in extragalactic H II regions and H II galaxies.
Specificity of Olfactory Receptor Interactions with Other G Protein-coupled Receptors *

Studies on olfactory receptor (OR) pharmacology have been hindered by the poor plasma membrane localization of most ORs in heterologous cells. We previously reported that association with the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) facilitates functional expression of the OR M71 at the plasma membrane of HEK-293 cells. In the present study, we examined the specificity of M71 interactions with other G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). M71 was co-expressed in HEK-293 cells with 42 distinct GPCRs, and the vast majority of these receptors had no significant effect on M71 surface expression. However, co-expression with three subtypes of purinergic receptor (P2Y1R, P2Y2R, and A2AR) resulted in markedly enhanced plasma membrane localization of M71. Agonist stimulation of M71 co-expressed with P2Y1R and P2Y2R activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway via coupling of M71 to Gαo. We also examined the ability of β2-AR, P2Y1R, P2Y2R, and A2ARto interact with and regulate ORs beyond M71. We found that co-expression of β2-AR or the purinergic receptors enhanced the surface expression for an M71 subfamily member but not for several other ORs from different subfamilies. In addition, through chimeric receptor studies, we determined that the second transmembrane domain of β2-AR is necessary for β2-AR facilitation of M71 plasma membrane localization. These studies shed light on the specificity of OR interactions with other GPCRs and the mechanisms governing olfactory receptor trafficking.
The role of C-reactive protein as a prognostic indicator in advanced cancer

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a nonspecific but sensitive marker of inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1, and tumor necrosis factor a induce the synthesis of CRP in hepatocytes. Increased CRP level is considered to be an important risk factor for atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, and ischemic stroke. It is positively correlated with weight loss, anorexiacachexia syndrome, extent of disease, and recurrence in advanced cancer. Its role as a predictor of survival has been shown in multiple myeloma, melanoma, lymphoma, ovarian, renal, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal tumors. Measurement of CRP is simple, cheap, and routine and provides valuable information in palliative care.
Windows on Divorce: Before and after

This study uses data from the 1987-88 and 1992-94 waves of the US National Survey of Families and Households in order to examine the relationship between divorce and family resources (economic parental and community). In the study sample 13% of children (260 of 1976 children) had parents who experienced a marital break up during the study period. Divorced parents were younger and less educated than intact parents. Parental divorce was associated with great declines in economic resources. Household income was 30% lower the standard of living was 23% lower and home ownership declined by 13 percentage points. Divorce was associated with a more active social life and greater residential mobility. Income differences between the divorced and the married were relatively small before the divorce increased sharply immediately after divorce and gradually declined in the post-divorce period. In the five years immediately following divorce families did not recover from the economic consequences of divorce. When the custodial mother remained single divorced families had about $29000 less income than intact families. When there was remarriage the income differences were minimal but parental resources were reduced. Divorce was not related to parental control when differences were measured 2-3 years prior to or after the divorce. Divorce was not related with loss of mothers activities with children. Findings suggest that divorce was associated with greater reliance on extra-household sources of social support.
Calculation of the influence of the crystalline electric field on the spin-disorder resistivity of rare-earth alloys and comparison with results on CeAl2

Rare earth alloys spin disorder resistivity in crystalline electric field absence and presence
Identifying unfolding intermediates of FN-III10 by steered molecular dynamics

Experimental studies have indicated that FN-III modules undergo reversible unfolding as a mechanism of elasticity. The unfolding of FN-III modules, including the cell-binding FN-III(10) module, has further been suggested to be functionally relevant by exposing buried cryptic sites or modulating cell binding. While steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations have provided one tool to investigate this process, computational requirements so far have limited detailed analysis to the early stages of unfolding. Here, we use an extended periodic box to probe the unfolding of FN-III(10) for extensions longer than 60A. Up to three plateaus, corresponding to three metastable intermediates, were observed in the extension-time profile from SMD stretching of FN-III(10). The first and second plateaus correspond to a twisted and an aligned state prior to unraveling FN-III(10) beta-strands. The third plateau, at an extension of approximately 100A, follows unraveling of FN-III(10) A and B-strands and precedes breaking of inter-strand hydrogen bonds between F and G-strands. The simulations revealed three forced unfolding pathways of FN-III(10), one of which is preferentially selected under physiological conditions. Implications for fibronectin fibrillogenesis are discussed.
Behavior problems in children with pure speech disorders and in children with combined speech and language disorders

Forty-six children with pure speech disorders and 53 children with disorders of both speech and language were rated by parents and teachers for behavioral problems. Both parents and teachers rated the speech- and language-disordered children as having more severe and more frequent behavioral abnormalities, particularly hyperactive behaviors and developmental problems. Somatic complaints were more pronounced in the pure speech group. Conduct disorders, emotional problems, and poor relationships did not distinguish between the two groups. The importance of these findings for speech therapists and individuals working with speech- or language-impaired children is discussed.
Comparison of a DNA probe, complement- fixation and indirect immunofluorescence tests for diagnosing Anaplasma marginale in suspected carrier cattle

Most estimates of the prevalence of anaplasmosis have been based on serologic data using the complement-fixation (CF) and/or card agglutination tests. Since these tests are considered to be only about 50 percent reliable for detecting carrier cattle in enzootically stable herds, the need for more sensitive diagnostic tests is widely recognized. The objective in the present study was to compare the sensitivity of the CF test with that of the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test and a recently developed DNA probe in determining the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale infection in cattle from an enzootic area. The study herd consisted of 52 8-month-old steers and 13 3-year-old cows of mixed beef breed. All cattle were initially tested for this comparative purpose. All but one animal (one that was a positive reactor as assessed by all three tests, and served as a positive control), were treated with long-acting oxytetracycline in an attempt to clear any carrier infections. Each animal was then retested at 1 month and 2 months post-treatment (PT), in an effort to determine if the DNA probe could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug. Six of the 65 (9.2%) initial serum samples were CF positive. In contrast, 60 (92.3%) and 64 (98.5%) of the samples were positive as assessed with the IIF test and the DNA probe, respectively. The DNA hybridization reactions varied in intensity within the sample population indicating different individual levels of infection. The DNA probe hybridized with two samples taken at 1 month PT, and with two different samples taken at 2 months PT. The mean IIF titers were reduced at both the 1 month and 2 month sampling times. These results suggest that the drug did not eliminate infections in all cattle. Some may have been cleared, but, in any event, the drug did reduce the level of infections below the sensitivity of the DNA probe and interrupted continuity of stimulation of antibody. Therefore, the DNA probe and the IIF test appear to be considerably more sensitive in detecting carrier infections than the CF test, and should be considered in future epidemiologic studies.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for the blacknose shark, Carcharhinus acronotus

The blacknose shark, Carcharhinus acronotus, is distributed in coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to Brazil and is a component of both commercial and recreational fisheries throughout its range. In waters off of the United States, the species is managed as a component of the small coastal shark (SCS) complex. Concerns recently have arisen that blacknose sharks are overfished and experiencing overfishing. Here, we report polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) primers for 37 polymorphic and 26 monomorphic microsatellites isolated from an enriched genomic library of C. acronotus DNA and characterized in 32 individuals. Polymorphic repeat motifs included 36 dinucleotides and one pentanucleotide. The characterized microsatellites will be useful in studies which involve conservation and management of blacknose shark resources.
Mechanical behavior of a three-dimensional truss material

A variety of novel manufacturing techniques can be used to make materials with a periodic, three-dimensional (3D) truss-like structure. The high stiffness per unit weight of such structures makes them attractive for use in sandwich panels. In this paper, we analyze the elastic moduli as well as the uniaxial and shear strengths of one particular geometry of 3D truss material as a function of the aspect ratio of the unit cell. The analysis gives a good description of the measured properties.
Electrical System for Home Conversion and Storage of Solar Energy.

Energy storage has long been a problem in connection with home utilization of solar energy. A solution which utilizes solar semiconductor cells for conversion to d-c power is proposed. The d-c power is used to drive an alternator which is connected directly across the residential power lines. Thus a-c power is delivered to the power lines when a surplus of power is available in the home and is used in other parts of the power distribution system. At latitude 42°N there is 3 times more yearly energy recoverable than is used by an average residence on the basis of a 10-by-10-m collection area. At the present state of technical development the cost of such a large-area semiconductor solar cell would be prohibitive.
Decoupling probabilistic data association algorithm for multiplatform multisensor tracking

In a multiplatform multisensor system, it is crucial to develop a practical algorithm under computation and communication constraints. A practical data association algorithm is presented. A decoupling proba- bilistic data association (DPDA) algorithm is proposed. The new algo- rithm decouples the joint probabilistic data association (JPDA) algorithm into separate PDA algorithms in a simple way because the complete decoupling PDA algorithm is too complex and loses its meaning for real- time use when there are more than three correlated targets. The algo- rithm is then extended to multiplatform multisensor tracking, where it is combined with a distributed algorithm. To evaluate a data association algorithm, the correct average probability (CAP) is used. The CAP is defined as the average probability of a true target measurement. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm. © 1998 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(98)00602-3) Subject terms: sensor fusion; data association; target tracking; probabilistic data association; decoupling probabilistic data association algorithm; multiplatform multisensor system.
Transit vehicle component maintenance policy via multiple criteria decision making methods

In recent years much emphasis has been placed on maintenance of transit vehicles. This is due to many reasons: inflation, availability of vehicles for maintenance, reliability of components etc. Many mathematical models have been developed to predict the replacement mileage of the components. These models usually focus on only one criterion for decision-making, namely the minimum replacement cost-rate. This concept tends to oversimplify the situation that is present in the system. In this research, mathematical models were developed for three criteria: (1) minimum replacement cost-rate, (2) maximum availability and (3) bottom-line component reliability. Optimum replacement plans were obtained using different multiple-criteria decision-making methods like Strictest Selection, Lexicographic and Waltz Lexicographic methods.
Diels-Alder reactions of 1,1-dimethyl-2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-1-silacyclopentadiene, 1,1-dimethyl-2,5-diphenyl-1-silacyclopentadiene and 1,1-dimethyl-3,4-diphenyl-1-silacyclopentadiene with maleic anhydride; kinetic measurements

Abstract Diels-Alder reactions of 1,1-dimethyl-2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-1-silacyclopentadiene, 1,1-dimethyl-2,5-diphenyl-1-silacyclopentadiene and 1,1-dimethyl-3,4-diphenyl-2-silacyclopentadiene with maleic anhydride have been carried out. The rates of these second order reactions have been measured by 1 H FT NMR over a range of temperatures. Arrhenius plot of these data yield the activation parameters for these reactions. The synthesis of 1,1-dimethyl-3,4-diphenyl-1-silacyclopentadiene is reported.
HIV-associated nephropathy is a late, not early, manifestation of HIV-1 infection

HIV-associated nephropathy is a late, not early, manifestation of HIV-1 infection. Background Human immunodeficiency virus–associated nephropathy (HIVAN) can be the initial presentation of HIV-1 infection. As a result, many have assumed that HIVAN can occur at any point in the infection. This issue has important implications for appropriate therapy and, perhaps, for pathogenesis. Since the development of new case definitions for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and better tools to assess infection, the relationship of HIVAN to the time of AIDS infection has not been addressed. In this study, we reassessed the stage of infection at the time of HIVAN diagnosis in 10 patients, and we reviewed all previously published cases applying the new case definitions to assess stage of infection. Methods HIVAN was confirmed by kidney biopsy in HIV seropositive patients with azotemia and/or proteinuria. CD4 + cell count and plasma HIV-1 RNA copy number were measured. We also reviewed all published cases of HIVAN to determine if AIDS-defining conditions, by current Centers for Disease Control definitions, were present in patients with biopsy-proven HIVAN. Results Twenty HIV-1 seropositive patients with proteinuria and an elevated creatinine concentration were biopsied. HIVAN was the single most common cause of renal disease. CD4 + cell count was below 200/mm 3 in all patients with HIVAN, fulfilling Centers for Disease Control criteria for an AIDS-defining condition. HIV-1 plasma RNA was detectable in all patients with HIVAN. In reviewing previous reports, an AIDS-defining condition was present in virtually all patients with HIVAN. Conclusion HIVAN develops late, not early, in the course of HIV-1 infection following the development of AIDS. This likely accounts for the poor prognosis noted in previous publications and has implications for pathogenesis. In addition, given the detectable viral RNA levels, highly active antiretroviral therapy is indicated in HIVAN. Highly active antiretroviral therapy may improve survival as well as alter the natural history of HIVAN.
Tool force model development for diamond turning

Abstract Accurate determination of forces in the three-dimensional turning process is important for the development of a model to describe diamond turning (DT). This paper describes a dynamometer system which measures force magnitude in steady-state cutting. To build a quantitative model, the forces are experimentally separated into components. The response of these components to a variation of cutting parameters is explained in part by a hardness gradient near the part surface. This gradient is due to work hardening by the tool during previous passes. The extent of plastic work, and thus the hardness gradient, is dependent on the tool edge sharpness ( ≈ 100 nm ). Therefore, the turning forces are strongly influenced by the condition of the tool edge. This paper illustrates the feasibility of finding the connection between edge sharpness and tool forces. It also demonstrates the ability to monitor tool forces over extended periods of time. These relationships are important in predicting the diamond tool edge condition from tool forces during a turning operation.
Importance of Salinity Measurements in the Heat Storage Estimation from Topex/Poseidon

Sea surface height anomaly signals from satellite altimeter data are used to estimate heat storage. Since variability in sea surface height is mostly due to expansion and contraction of the water column it can be correlated with variations in the heat and salt content.
Flexible double auctions for electionic commerce: theory and implementation

Abstract We consider a general family of auction mechanisms that admit multiple buyers and sellers, and determine market-clearing prices. We analyze the economic incentives facing participants in such auctions, demonstrating that, under some conditions, it is possible to induce truthful revelation of values by buyers or sellers, but not both, and for single- but not multi-unit bids. We also perform a computational analysis of the auctioneer's task, exhibiting efficient algorithms for processing bids and calculating allocations.
Sleep and sleep disorders: An introduction

Abstract In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in basic knowledge about sleep and sleep disorders. This increased knowledge has resulted in the development of new standards of what is normal sleep and arousal as well as the development of new diagnostic tests and treatments for sleep and arousal disorders. This article and those that follow provide state of the art information for the psychologist on basic sleep processes, biological rhythms, the diagnosis of insomnia, the behavioral treatment of insomnia, the use and abuse of hypnoticsedative drugs and the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of excessive daytime sleepiness.
Validity of Rorschach Inkblot Scores for Discriminating Psychopaths From Nonpsychopaths in Forensic Populations: A Meta-Analysis

Gacono and Meloy (2009) have concluded that the Rorschach Inkblot Test is a sensitive instrument with which to discriminate psychopaths from nonpsychopaths. We examined the association of psychopathy with 37 Rorschach variables in a meta-analytic review of 173 validity coefficients derived from 22 studies comprising 780 forensic participants. All studies included the Hare Psychopathy Checklist or one of its versions (Hare, 1980, 1991, 2003) and Exner's (2003) Comprehensive System for the Rorschach. Mean validity coefficients of Rorschach variables in the meta-analysis ranged from -.113 to .239, with a median validity of .070 and a mean validity of .062. Psychopathy displayed a significant and medium-sized association with the number of Aggressive Potential responses (weighted mean validity coefficient = .232) and small but significant associations with the Sum of Texture responses, Cooperative Movement = 0, the number of Personal responses, and the Egocentricity Index (weighted mean validity coefficients = .097 to .159). The remaining 32 Rorschach variables were not significantly related to psychopathy. The present findings contradict the view that the Rorschach is a clinically sensitive instrument for discriminating psychopaths from nonpsychopaths.