cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Longevity in the twenty-first century

Few topics in the world of science are as interesting and personal as the question of how much time will pass between our birth and death, and the status of our health along the way. Those of us working in this line of research appreciate the personal and public policy implications associated with answers to these questions and, like scientists in most fields, we approach our research with enthusiasm and excite ment. There has never been a better time to work in the field of ageing than right now, in the early twenty-first century, when breakthroughs and under standing are occurring at a brisk pace. Perhaps one of the most interesting and gratifying attributes of research in the field is our rapid transition within just the last 15 years from a science that used to be based purely on independent studies of biology, medicine, and mathematics to an interdisciplinary activity that is best exemplified by the emergence of a new field of study that seamlessly blends various scientific disciplines?the field known today as biodemography. The book reviewed here is an exemplar of interdisciplinary research in this field. In 1977 the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) created a scientific committee whose focus was on factors affecting mortality and length of life. In 1999 the IUSSP convened a new scientific committee with an em
Stabilizing Binomial n Estimators

Abstract The maximum likelihood estimator of the binomial parameter n can be highly unstable, resulting in huge fluctuations in the estimate when the data are only slightly perturbed. A method of assessing this sensitivity, based on perturbing the log-likelihood function, is proposed and examined.
THE DOMINANT TIME CONSTANT FOR DISTILLATION COLUMNS

Abstract It is shown that the dominant part of the dynamic composition response of two-product distillation columns can be approximated by a linear first-order response. This applies also for large perturbations to the column. The numerical value of this dominant time constant (τc) can be obtained from steady-state simulations. A simple analytical expression for small peturbations is derived which provides insight into the variation of τc with operating conditions. The time constant τc does not apply when there are changes in the internal flows only.
THE ROLE OF MENTORING IN THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENTS

Since the mid‐1970's community colleges have devoted more attention than ever before to the preparation and inservice training of administrators. Despite these efforts, there is as yet no clearly defined career path to top level administrative posts. Most administrators learn skills for their job by observing others, through trial‐and‐error, and in some cases, through being mentored. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role mentoring has played in the career development of community college presidents.
Real-time ultrasound scan conversion algorithm on programmable media processors

We have developed a new ultrasound scan conversion algorithm that can be executed efficiently on modern mediaprocessors. Our algorithm is designed to handle the address calculations, and input and output (I/O) data loading concurrently with the interpolation. The processing unit's computing power can be dedicated to performing pixel interpolations while the other operations are handled by an independent direct memory access (DMA) controller. By making intelligent use of the I/O transfer capabilities of the DMA controller, the algorithm avoids spending the processing unit's valuable computing cycles in address calculations and nonactive pixel blanking. Furthermore, the new approach speeds up the computation by utilizing the ability of very long instruction word (VLIW) processors to perform multiple operations in parallel. Our scan conversion algorithm was implemented on a multimedia and imaging system based on the Texas Instruments TMS320C80 Multimedia Video Processor (MVP). The algorithm was also simulated on a future mediaprocessor called the High- performance Multimedia Processor using VLIW (HMPV). Computing cycles are spent only on predeterminable nonzero output pixels. For example, for a 512X512 16-bit image with 101,829 nonzero output pixels, an execution time of 13.3 ms was achieved on the TMS320C80 while it takes 4.4 ms on the HMPV. This algorithm demonstrates a substantial improvement over previous scan conversion algorithms, and its optimized implementation enables modern commercially-available programmable processors to support scan conversion at video rates.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer in conjugated polymer composites for radiation detection.

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer in conjugated polymer composite materials was exploited for the detection of γ ray dosage with high sensitivity and response linearity.
Interim Report of a Controlled Field Trial of Immunization with Capsular Polysaccharides of Haemophilus influenzae Type band Group C Neisseria meningitidis in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina (March 1974–March 1976)

Approximately 16,000 children, from two months to five years of age, were vaccinated with the capsular polysaccharide of either Haemophilus influenzae type b or group C Neisseria meningitidis. Immunizations were carried out in a double-masked, randomized manner; the doses of immunogens used were 10 microgram of H. influenzae type b polysaccharide and 25 micron g of the group CN. meningitidis polysaccharide. Immunogenicity of the two vaccines was measured in single, random specimens of blood taken from vaccinees of all ages at various intervals after immunization. A positive effect on formation of serum antibody was observed in children of all ages vaccinated with N. meningitidis polysaccharide, but increased levels of serum antibody to H. influenzae type b were observed only in recipients of that vaccine who were three years of age or older. No untoward reactions to either vaccine were noted, and both vaccines retained their original molecular size after storage for three years. Too few cases of disease have been studied for a definitive assessment of vaccine efficacy; however, a slightly protective effect against meningitis was observed for the H. influenzae type b vaccine in infants up to one year of age.
The Nazi Holocaust in the Soviet Union: Interpreting newly opened Russian archives

L'acces rendu recemment possible a de nouvelles archives d'Union sovietique concernant la Seconde Guerre Mondiale a permis de reveler des informations jusqu'alors inedites sur l'Holocauste nazi et sur le genocide juif dans le territoire de l'ex-URSS. Ces donnees concernent plus particulierement l'Ukraine et la Lithuanie. Des centaines de milliers de Juifs russes desarmes furent abbattus par la SS dans des conditions que l'A. s'attache a rapporter. Peuvent etre cites, entre autres documents, le rapport de la Commission de la ville de Berdichev, le rapport preliminaire Zhirtomir. A partir de ces documents, l'A. determine le degre d'implication de la population sovietique et du NKVD dans le genocide
Double Paradox. Rapid Growth and Rising Corruption in China

The major goal of this volume is to resolve the contradiction between the worsening corruption and continuing rapid economic growth that has been taking place in China for almost three decades now....
Crosslinking of tetrafluoro-ethylene–perfluoro-(methyl vinyl ether) perfluoro-elastomers with electron beam irradiation

Pre-shaped perfluoro-elastomeric articles were crosslinked by electron-beam irradiation. Doses of 10-15 Mrad are adequate to give a gel content of more than 95%. Irradiation experiments were carried out on the pure polymer free of fillers, processing aids or curing chemicals. The physical properties of O'-rings thus crosslinked are comparable to those chemically crosslinked. Addition of free radical traps, such as triallyl isocyanurate, accelerates the crosslinking process and improves the physical properties. Irradiation in addition to crosslinking also causes chain scissions. The perfluoroether group appears to be the focus of the radiation attack. Radical intermediates and ions, produced by the ionization and excitation steps, undergo chemical reactions which cause changes in the molecular structure of the polymers. These changes are (a) formation of small molecules such as CF 4 , COF 2 , CF 3 OCF 3 and CO 2 via side chain scission, (b) main chain scission of the polymeric chains, and (c) crosslinking of the macromolecules. Y-type recombination of the perfluoro-alkyl radicals -CF 2 . and -CF 2 CF . CF 2 - is the most likely way that the crosslinking process occurs. The relatively high mobility of the elastomeric chains at room temperature allows the radical to recombine.
Sensitivity analysis of the atmospheric reaction-diffusion equation

Abstract A general and computationally efficient methodology for the sensitivity analysis of space-time atmospheric reaction-diffusion problems is presented. For cases where the parameters or initial conditions vary spatially the elementary sensitivity analysis is based on sensitivity densities. Procedures are discussed to calculate these sensitivities directly as well as those integrated over a finite disturbance region. In addition, the analysis of the system Green's function is shown to be very useful in interpreting the spatial and temporal variation of the sensitivity densities. The techniques are illustrated by analyzing a one-dimensional time-dependent atmospheric transport-chemistry problem where an initial distribution of pure NO is injected into a homogeneous background of O3.
First Reported Case of Proliferative Retinopathy in Hemoglobin SE Disease

We report the first case of proliferative sickle cell retinopathy in a patient with hemoglobin SE (Hb SE) disease. Only a few dozen cases of Hb SE disease have been reported previously, and none had evidence of proliferative retinopathy. A 56-year-old African American man presented to our clinic for routine examination and was found to have sea-fan peripheral neovascularization bilaterally without maculopathy. Hemoglobin analysis revealed Hb SE heterozygosity. Sector laser photocoagulation to areas of nonperfusion in both eyes resulted in regression of the peripheral neovascularization over a period of 6 months. Although Hb SE disease is rare, the incidence of Hb SE disease is postulated to rise in the future. Awareness of its potential ocular complications is needed to appropriately refer these patients for screening.
Phosphorylation of H2O2-treated lens Na+, K+-ATPase

Abstract It has been previously shown that H2O2 inhibits lens 86Rb influx and results in modification of Na+,K+-ATPase with respect to ATP hydrolysis. The effect of H2O2 on ATP hydrolysis was further investigated using [γ-32P]-ATP to examine the Na+,K+-ATPase phosphorylated intermediate. A Na+-dependent phosphorylated polypeptide with an apparent molecular weight of approximately 100 000 was detected in all lens preparations, irrespective of H2O2 treatment. Similar results were observed for partially purified Na+,K+-ATPase from bovine kidney, porcine brain and canine kidney.
HST image processing: an overview of algorithms for image restoration

After the Hubble Space Telescope was stabilized so that it could image a star, scientists were dismayed to find that the telescope produced severely degraded images. A flaw in the manufacture of the primary mirror causes an aberration that appears to be circularly symmetric. In this paper we review some of the algorithms and procedures that have been used to perform image restoration of the Hubble data.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Excitatory projection of the rat subicular complex to the cingulate cortex and synaptic integration with thalamic afferents

Abstract We studied the responses of rat cingulate cortex neurons to electrical stimulation of the subicular complex. Intracellular and ‘quasi-intracellular’ recordings from layer V posterior cingulate neurons showed that stimulation of the presubiculum or postsubiculum evoked EPSPs and action potentials. These were usually followed by shallow IPSPs averaging 122 ms in duration. Frequency potentiation of an EPSP was demonstrated in one case. Laminar analysis of field potentials provided evidence for a source of excitatory synaptic drive in layer II–III of the posterior cingulate cortex, where the subicular projections terminate, presumably on apical dendrites of layer V pyramids. Intracellular HRP injection of neurons showing EPSPs after subicular complex stimulation established that these responsive neurons were layer V pyramids. One cell with physiological properties characteristics of inhibitory interneurons was recorded in layer V. Stimulation of the thalamic nuclei lateralis and anterior ventralis also evoked EPSPs and action potentials in layer V cingulate neurons. In one cell it was possible to show that EPSPs evoked by presubicular stimulation and by nucleus anterior ventralis summed. These results indicate that subicular and thalamic afferents make excitatory synaptic contact onto dendrites of the same layer V cingulate neurons; that spatial summation can integrate the input from these two sources; and that inhibition from local interneurons limits the duration of this excitatory influence.
Neurocontroller design via supervised and unsupervised learning

In this paper we study the role of supervised and unsupervised neural learning schemes in the adaptive control of nonlinear dynamic systems. We suggest and demonstrate that the teacher's knowledge in the supervised learning mode includes a-priori plant sturctural knowledge which may be employed in the design of exploratory schedules during learning that results in an unsupervised learning scheme. We further demonstrate that neurocontrollers may realize both linear and nonlinear control laws that are given explicitly in an automated teacher or implicitly through a human operator and that their robustness may be superior to that of a model based controller. Examples of both learning schemes are provided in the adaptive control of robot manipulators and a cart-pole system.
Social and emotional patterns in adulthood: Support for socioemotional selectivity theory.

This investigation explored 2 hypotheses derived from socioemotional selectivity theory: (a) Selective reductions in social interaction begin in early adulthood and (b) emotional closeness to significant others increases rather than decreases in adulthood even when rate reductions occur. Transcribed interviews with 28 women and 22 men from the Child Guidance Study, conducted over 34 years, were reviewed and rated for frequency of interaction, satisfaction with the relationship, and degree of emotional closeness in 6 types of relationships. Interaction frequency with acquaintances and close friends declined from early adulthood on. Interaction frequency with spouses and siblings increased across the same time period and emotional closeness increased throughout adulthood in relationships with relatives and close friends. Findings suggest that individuals begin narrowing their range of social partners long before old age.
Radiation-induced loss studies in Er-doped fiber amplifier systems

Radiation-induced loss in erbium-doped fiber and fiber-based components used in optical amplifiers at 1.5 micrometer has been studied under electron and gamma irradiation up to total doses of 100 krad(Si). Radiation sources used to simulate the natural space environment were a Van de Graaff generator for 1.5 MeV electrons, and Cobalt-60 for 1.17 and 1.33 MeV photons. Induced-loss and 60-hour anneal were measured in Er-doped fiber while simultaneously illuminated with 0.7 W of 980-nm pump, and 1 mW of 1550-nm signal light in an operating amplifier configuration. Initial induced loss from electron irradiation was found to decrease under intense photoillumination to 0.010 dB/m-krad at 980 nm and .007 dB/m- krad at 1550 nm, versus 0.017 dB/m-krad and 0.008 dB/m-krad respectively when unilluminated, and showed a more rapid anneal in some tested fibers. Individual components of an optical isolator were tested for gamma-irradiation sensitivity. A 1 degree change in polarization rotation angle was found in a garnet-film Faraday rotator after exposure, and the GRIN lens showed an initial induced loss of 0.5 dB that annealed to 0.1 dB after 2 weeks under conditions of 1 mW, 1550-nm photoillumination.
Relative abundance and treatment reduction of viruses during wastewater treatment processes--identification of potential viral indicators

Waterborne pathogenic viruses discharged from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) pose potential public health risks. In the present study, we investigated the relative abundance, occurrence, and reduction of eleven different viruses at two WWTPs in southern Arizona over a 12-month period, from August 2011 to July 2012. Influent and effluent samples from the two WWTPs were collected monthly. Viruses were concentrated using an electronegative filter method and quantified using TaqMan-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays for each of the virus types (i.e., genogroup I, II and IV noroviruses, sapovirus, enterovirus, group A rotavirus, Aichi virus, pepper mild mottle virus, adenovirus, and JC and BK polyomaviruses), with murine norovirus internal control for the monitoring of extraction-RT-qPCR efficiencies. The pepper mild mottle virus, a plant virus, was found to be the most prevalent virus in both influent and effluent wastewater (annual mean concentration of 3.7-4.4×10(6) copies/L and 4.6-6.3×10(5) copies/L in influent and effluent wastewater, respectively), showing a low reduction by the treatment processes (0.76-0.99 annual mean log10 reduction), and no significant seasonal change in concentration. Aichi virus, a human enteric virus, was also found in greater abundance, and showed lower reduction during wastewater treatment than other human enteric viruses. Our results suggest that these viruses could be used as potential indicators of wastewater reclamation system performance, with respect to virus occurrence and removal.
Generalized Lindemann Melting Law

The Lindemann melting law is generalized by reformulating it in terms of the statistical-mechanical partition function. With the reformulated law, a melting curve is calculated for argon, which is in good agreement with experiment. A number of well-known melting laws are derived by using this generalized approach.
The Limits of Reason and Some Limitations of Weber's Morality

Few academic controversies have aroused as much passion as the controversy over Max Weber's politics and the question of the relation of his politics to his Sociology. Weber's defenders have rejected criticisms as politically and ideologically motivated, and deplored what they regarded as the substitution of political or "cultural" polemics for scholarship (Bendix, 1971, p. 157; Parsons, 1963, p. xix). This defense has prevailed in the United States, especially within sociology. Elsewhere this defense did not prevail, and by the early sixties, with the controversy in full bloom, a critical reinterpretation gained wide assent from scholars whose political and intellectual viewpoints extended from Marcuse to Raymond Aron, an admirer of Weber1 who was nevertheless to remark that the tendency to present Max Weber as a good western style democrat was "obviously very far from reality," and that the reinterpretation was "essentially indisputable" and "justified by the texts" (1970, p. 298). The controversy continues unabated, for reasons that any reader of Husserl's Krisis should find familiar. Weber adhered to a particular conception of rationality and of the limits of rationality which continues to dominate philosophic and social scientific thought. This conception of rationality denied the possibility that substantive conclusions in the sphere of ethics could achieve scientific or rigorous validity. Husserl deplored this conception of rationality as one-sided, and identified the task of the phenomenological project with its defeat. The connections between the philosophic crisis and the political crisis which reached its apogee with
Strong Resistance of Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Based L-tyrosine Polyurethanes to Protein Adsorption and Cell Adhesion

Biofouling that involves protein adsorption, cell and bacteria adhesion, and biofilm formation between a surface and biological entities is a great challenge for biomedical and industry applications. In this work, L-tyrosine-derived polyurethanes (L-polyurethane) with different molecular weights of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were synthesized, characterized and coated on gold surfaces using spin-coating. The non-fouling activity of different L-polyurethane films was evaluated by protein adsorption and cell adhesion. Surface plasmon resonance and cell assay results demonstrate that the PEG content in these L-polyurethanes contributes excellent resistance to protein adsorption and cell attachments. This work provides alternative and effective biomaterials for potential applications in blood-contacting devices. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Genetics of adrenal steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Introduction SINCE the first known case of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) was reported by the Neapolitan anatomist DeCrecchio in 1865 (1), numerous investigators have unravelled the mechanisms of adrenal steroid synthesis and the associated enzyme defects responsible for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Among the enzyme deficiency states associated with inappropriate virilism, 21-OHD is the most common. The therapeutic use of synthetic adrenocortical hormone preparations within the last 30 yr has made it possible to study the natural history of a disease which was often fatal in infancy. The last two decades have seen the application of RIA techniques to the measurement of hormonal levels in these patients, allowing differentiation between enzyme defects based on precursor-product ratios. The documentation of linkage of the 21-hydroxylase gene to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex led to the elucidation of several genetic facets of the disease, including the distinct HLA markers associated...
Cystic Fibrosis on the Internet: A Survey of Site Adherence to AMA Guidelines

Objectives The Internet permits unprecedented and mostly unrestricted access to medical knowledge; however, concerns exist regarding viewer privacy, accountability of authorship, accuracy of information, and patient safety. To address these issues, the American Medical Association (AMA) has developed guidelines concerning web site content and visitor rights. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetically inherited lethal disease in North America. Many Internet sites that provide information on CF have been developed, although adherence to validated guidelines for online health information is not required. The purpose of this study was to assess systematically web sites with content pertaining to CF for adherence to the published AMA guidelines. Methods The search term "cystic fibrosis" was entered into a commonly used search engine (Google), and the first 100 eligible sites were reviewed. Each site was examined for adherence to the AMA Guidelines for Medical and Health Information Sites on the Internet using a series of adapted questions. There were 15 questions divided into the following main categories: 1) site structure and viewer privacy, 2) author accountability, 3) scientific citation, and 4) patient safety. The number of positives for each question was tabulated. Results With respect to site structure, fewer than half (45%) of the reviewed sites indicated a date of last revision. Only 11 (11%) carried an explicit privacy policy. A responsible author or group was listed in only 43 (43%) of 100 sites. Presented data regarding CF was supported by references, sources, or expert review in only 38 (38%) of 100 sites. A medical disclaimer noting that information provided does not substitute for evaluation by a health care team was evident in only 37 (37%) sites. Conclusions The majority of easily accessible CF informational web sites do not adhere to guidelines published by the AMA. Patients and families who use the Internet as a CF information resource should examine the web sites carefully and be familiar with the guidelines established by the AMA. Personal information is not protected, and few sites provide explicit privacy guarantees. Finally, CF care teams should inquire about Internet use by patients and families and be prepared to discuss findings from the Internet to heighten patient safety and awareness.
Over-time changes in adjustment and competence among adolescents from authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent, and neglectful families

In a previous report, we demonstrated that adolescents' adjustment varies as a function of their parents' style (e.g., authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent, neglectful). This 1-year follow-up was conducted in order to examine whether the observed differences are maintained over time. In 1987, an ethnically and socioeconomically heterogeneous sample of approximately 2,300 14-18-year-olds provided information used to classify the adolescents' families into 1 of 4 parenting style groups. That year, and again 1 year later, the students completed a battery of standardized instruments tapping psychosocial development, school achievement, internalized distress, and behavior problems. Differences in adjustment associated with variations in parenting are either maintained or increase over time. However, whereas the benefits of authoritative parenting are largely in the maintenance of previous levels of high adjustment, the deleterious consequences of neglectful parenting continue to accumulate.
Evolutionary Reengineering of the Phosphofructokinase Active Site: ARG-104 Does Not Stabilize the Transition State in 6-Phosphofructo-2-Kinase

Abstract Arg-104 of the kinase domain of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase was mutated to alanine, the mutant enzyme expressed in E. coli with a T7 RNA polymerase-based expression system, and purified to homogeneity by Blue-Sepharose and Q-Sepharose chromatography. The mutant enzyme exhibited a 200-fold increase in K m for fructose-6-phosphate, no change in K m for ATP, and a 2-3-fold increase in catalytic rate. The results indicate that Arg-104, along with Arg-195, are the principal binding site residues for the 6-phosphate group of fructose-6-phosphate. In contrast to the corresponding residue in the related E. coli 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase, Arg-104 did not stabilize the transition state at pH 7-9. The Arg-104 mutation also decreased Fru-2, 6-P 2 ase activity without affecting substrate inhibition, which suggests that this mutation affects the bisphosphatase active site conformation and/or substrate access to it.
Biobehavioral aspects of menopause: Lessons from the healthy women study

The Healthy Women Study is an ongoing natural history study of the menopause in a sample of relatively healthy women. We report data from this paper on the behavioral and biological changes that occur during the transition from pre- to postmenopausal status and argue for the importance of behavioral change interventions to prevent or attenuate some of the adverse changes due to the menopause.
Integration of Moisture Sensitivity Testing with Gyratory Mix Design and Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design

Moisture damage is one of the major problems that can be faced by a pavement during its design life. It can tremendously reduce a pavement's strength and consequently its life. The test predominately specified to evaluate the moisture sensitivity of an asphalt concrete mixture is the modified Lottman test, currently specified as AASHTO T283. The problem with this test is that it assists in minimizing the problem, but it does not provide an accurate estimate of the anticipated moisture damage and in some cases it provides false results. The methodology used in this paper utilizes mixture dynamic modulus test methods, which are complimentary to the mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide (M-E PDG), in evaluating moisture damage in asphalt concrete pavements. Dynamic modulus tests are performed on both moisture conditioned and unconditioned samples and used as input parameters in the M-E PDG for estimating pavement performance. The methodology was applied on two projects and the results were compared to the results achieved using the AASHTO T283 methodology and dynamic modulus test results. The dynamic modulus test results show consistency with AASHTO T283 in identifying moisture sensitivity of a mixture. This paper outlines a method for evaluating hot mix asphalt moisture susceptibility using dynamic modulus testing and is compatible with the proposed performance testing for accompanying Superpave volumetric mix design. The results of the proposed mixture dynamic modulus moisture susceptibility method can also be used in the new M-E PDG for evaluating the moisture susceptibility effects of the tested mixtures. This in part allows for the evaluation of this environmental effect in the M-E PDG.
Multimodality imaging of diseases of the duodenum

The duodenum is a unique segment of intestine, occupying both intra and extra-peritoneal locations. There is a wide spectrum of abnormalities of the duodenum that range from congenital anomalies to traumatic, inflammatory, and neoplastic entities. The duodenum may be overlooked on cross-sectional imaging due to its location and small size. Duodenal pathologies may, therefore, be missed or wrongly diagnosed. Knowledge about duodenal pathologies and optimal imaging techniques can increase diagnostic yield and permit optimal patient management. Conventionally, the duodenum was evaluated with upper GI studies on fluoroscopy; however, endoluminal evaluation is better performed with endoscopy. Additionally, a broad array of cross-sectional imaging modalities permits comprehensive assessment of the duodenum and surrounding viscera. While endoscopic sonography is increasingly used to locally stage duodenal malignancies, MDCT remains the primary modality widely used in the detection and characterization of duodenal abnormalities. MRI is used as a "problem solving" modality in select conditions. We present a comprehensive review of duodenal abnormalities with an emphasis on accurate diagnosis and management.
Helicobacter pylori in Immigrants from East Africa

This study determines the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in a group of immigrants from East Africa with dyspepsia symptoms. Costs of treatment (including financial costs, adverse effects of treatment, and complexity of care) are compared for empiric treatment and treatment guided by serologic testing. Of the symptomatic patients, 93% had H. pylori antibodies. Empiric treatment of all patients with dyspepsia could reduce the cost of care by approximately half, with minimal risk to uninfected patients.
6S RNA : a regulator of transcription

The past decade has seen an explosion in discovery of small, non-coding RNAs in all organisms. As functions for many of the small RNAs have been identified, it has become increasingly clear that they are important components in regulating gene expression. A multitude of RNAs target mRNAs for regulation at the level of translation or stability, including the microRNAs in higher eukaryotes and the Hfq binding RNAs in bacteria. Other RNAs regulate transcription, such as murine B2 RNA, mammalian 7SK RNA and the bacterial 6S RNA, which will be the focus of this review. Details of 6S RNA interactions with RNA polymerase, how 6S RNA regulates transcription, and how 6S RNA function contributes to cellular survival are discussed.
Method for Flexible Part Clamping Simulation and Optimization

EAVS is a GM in-house software package to simulate dimensional variations of manufacturing process in vehicle body assembly involving flexible parts. Methods used in EAVS for clamping simulation, variation analysis and sequence optimization are described in this paper. Two application examples, a reinforcement body assembly and a door ring assembly, are given to show the implementation and performance of the methods.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Lichens of the Boreal Forests of Labrador, Canada: A Checklist

Abstract. A total of 51 lichens are reported for the boreal forest of Labrador, Canada. Alectoria sarmentosa, Bryoria furcellata, Plastimatia glauca, Ramalina dilacerata, Usnea filipendula and Vulpicida pinastri appear to be new to the lichen checklist for Newfoundland and Labrador (2007) and were found growing on stands of Black spruce (Picea mariana) near Winnikapau Lake in the Churchill River Basin, Labrador, north-eastern Canada (53°15.578' N, 62°36.886' W). Small cushions of Cladonia labradorica were also found near Winnikapau Lake on exposed glacio-fluvial sand blow-outs. This study makes further steps towards updating the inventory of lichen communities in the boreal forests along the Churchill River, Labrador.
Protein Ionizable Groups: pK Values and Their Contribution to Protein Stability and Solubility

The structure, stability, solubility, and function of proteins depend on their net charge and on the ionization state of the individual residues. Consequently, biochemists are interested in the pK values of the ionizable groups in proteins and how these pK values depend on their environment. We review what has been learned about pK values of ionizable groups in proteins from experimental studies and discuss the important contributions they make to protein stability and solubility.
Control of the Banks grass mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) with bifenthrin and propargite applied at different growth stages of corn.

Our research was designed to determine the effect of corn, Zea mays L., growth stage on susceptibility of Banks grass mite, Oligonychus praiensis (Banks), to the acaricides bifenthrin and propargite. The chemicals were applied when corn was in the following growth stages: stage 3, 12 leaves fully emerged from the whorl; stage 5, 50% pollination; and stage 7, kernels in the dough stage. An advantage of using propargite at any particular plant growth stage was not identified. In contrast, control of Banks grass mite by bifenthrin applied at 0.07 kg (AI)/ha was best at growth stage 3. Control of Banks grass mite did not differ among the growth stage treatments when bifenthrin was applied at 0.09 kg (AI)/ha. The differential susceptibility of Banks grass mite to bifenthrin applied at 0.07 kg (AI)/ha may be the result of a physiological interaction between plant biochemistry and mite susceptibility to acaricides at certain growth stages or low mite densities at application. When the effect of mite density was evaluated, we observed no difference in Banks grass mite control with bifenthrin regardless of mite abundance at application. Therefore, we conclude that better control by bifenthrin on vegetative corn at the marginal application rate of 0.07 kg (AI)/ha was probably the result of physiological effects of the plant on Banks grass mite susceptibility to the acaricide.
Diastolic blood pressure as a determinant of Doppler left ventricular filling indexes in normotensive adolescents.

Alterations in left ventricular filling can occur with aging and in patients with hypertension, ischemic heart disease, congestive and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congenital heart disease. This study examines the effects of blood pressure on left ventricular diastolic filling indexes measured by Doppler ultrasound technique in 47 young normotensive adolescents (mean age 13 years). Left ventricular filling was assessed by Doppler peak early and late diastolic transmitral flow velocities, early and late diastolic flow velocity integrals and early diastolic deceleration. Systolic blood pressure did not correlate with any of the Doppler filling indexes, although it was related to echocardiographic left ventricular mass (r = 0.44, p These findings demonstrate that, in normal adolescents with bimodal P waves in lead V1, the pattern of left ventricular filling is related to the level of diastolic blood pressure. These changes are independent of left ventricular hypertrophy and may be vety early manifestations of prehypertensive alterations in left ventricular diastolic function.
Purification and characterization of recombinant forms of TCL-1 and MTCP-1 proteins.

Abstract The TCL-1 gene which is located on chromosome 14 plays a major role in human hematopoeitic malignancies and encodes a 14-kDa protein whose function has not been determined. The TCL-1 gene is expressed in pre-B cells, in immature thymocytes, and at low levels in activated T cells but not in peripheral mature B cells and in normal cells. The TCL-1 protein is similar in its primary structure to a protein encoded by the mature T cell proliferation gene (MTCP-1). The MTCP-1 gene is located on the X chromosome and has been shown to be involved in rare chromosomal translocations in T cell proliferative diseases. The TCL-1 and MTCP-1 genes appear to be members of a family of genes involved in lymphoid proliferation and T cell malignancies. Our laboratory has undertaken the study of the TCL-1 and MTCP-1 proteins to determine the structure and the function of these related proteins. In the present report, we have produced, using a bacterial expression system, both purified TCL-1 and MTCP-1 proteins in forms with and without a six His tag sequence. The recombinant proteins were purified by chromatography on a Ni–NTA resin followed by reverse-phase FPLC using a buffer system at pH 7.9 and a polymeric-based reverse-phase column. The MTCP-1 recombinant proteins display greater solubility, do not form disulfide linked dimers or oligomers, and elute at a lower isopropanol concentration than the corresponding TCL-1 proteins. The purified recombinant TCL-1 and MTCP-1 proteins have been characterized by N-terminal sequence analysis, time of flight mass spectrometry, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Initial results have indicated that the MTCP-1 protein with the His tag removed is suitable for both NMR and X-ray crystallographic methods of structure determination.
Production and preliminary characterization of a recombinant triheme cytochrome c7 from Geobacter sulfurreducens in Escherichia coli

Multiheme cytochromes c have been found in a number of sulfate- and metal ion-reducing bacteria. Geobacter sulfurreducens is one of a family of microorganisms that oxidize organic compounds, with Fe(III) oxide as the terminal electron acceptor. A triheme 9.6 kDa cytochrome c(7) from G. sulfurreducens is a part of the metal ion reduction pathway. We cloned the gene for cytochrome c(7) and expressed it in Escherichia coli together with the cytochrome c maturation gene cluster, ccmABCDEFGH, on a separate plasmid. We designed two constructs, with and without an N-terminal His-tag. The untagged version provided a good yield (up to 6 mg/l of aerobic culture) of the fully matured protein, with all three hemes attached, while the N-terminal His-tag appeared to be detrimental for proper heme incorporation. The recombinant protein (untagged) is properly folded, it has the same molecular weight and displays the same absorption spectra, both in reduced and in oxidized forms, as the protein isolated from G. sulfurreducens and it is capable of reducing metal ions in vitro. The shape parameters for the recombinant cytochrome c(7) determined by small angle X-ray scattering are in good agreement with the ones calculated from a homologous cytochrome c(7) of known structure.
On the total productivity management of a maintenance float system through AHP applications

Abstract In this paper, we discuss how total productivity management (TPM) could be applied to improve the effectiveness of a maintenance float system. TPM, as introduced here, is based on the growing interest by world-class manufacturers to adopt total quality management (TQM) practices in maintenance operations. This paper shows that TPM could help reduce the cost of maintenance operations. It shows how the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) could be applied with simulation metamodels to obtain an “optimal” solution to the maintenance float problem.
Treatment of depressive symptoms in patients with early stage breast cancer undergoing adjuvant therapy

Background Studies have shown that there is a high prevalence of depression in cancer patients. Women with breast cancer may have an even higher risk of depression particularly in a postmenopausal or estrogen deficiency state. A small number of randomized controlled trials have examined the efficacy of antidepressants compared to that of a placebo in cancer patients, but some results have been difficult to interpret due to a heterogeneous patient group. In the current investigation, we screened newly diagnosed early stage breast cancer patients for depressive symptoms prior to the initiation of adjuvant therapy and investigated whether the oral antidepressant fluoxetine affected depressive symptoms, completion of adjuvant treatment, and quality of life. Methods Patients with newly diagnosed early stage breast cancer were screened for depressive symptoms prior to the initiation of adjuvant therapy. Patients with depressive symptoms were randomized to a daily oral fluoxetine or a placebo. Patients were then followed for 6 months and evaluated for quality of life, completion of adjuvant treatment, and depressive symptoms. Results A high percentage of patients with newly diagnosed early stage breast cancer were found to have depressive symptoms prior to the initiation of adjuvant therapy. The use of fluoxetine for 6 months resulted in an improvement in quality of life, a higher completion of adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy plus hormonal therapy), and a reduction in depressive symptoms compared to patients who received placebo. Conclusions An antidepressant should be considered for early stage breast cancer patients with depressive symptoms who are receiving adjuvant treatment.
JNK- and p38 Kinase-mediated Phosphorylation of Bax Leads to Its Activation and Mitochondrial Translocation and to Apoptosis of Human Hepatoma HepG2 Cells

Mitochondrial translocation of pro-apoptotic Bax prior to apoptosis is well established after treatment with many cell death stimulants or under apoptosis-inducing conditions. The mechanism of mitochondrial translocation of Bax is, however, still unknown. The aim of this work was to investigate the mechanism of Bax activation and mitochondrial translocation to initiate apoptosis of human hepatoma HepG2 and porcine kidney LLC-PK1 cells exposed to various cell death agonists. Phosphorylation of Bax by JNK and p38 kinase activated after treatment with staurosporine, H(2)O(2), etoposide, and UV light was demonstrated by the shift in the pI value of Bax on two-dimensional gels and confirmed by metabolic labeling with inorganic [(32)P]phosphate in HepG2 cells. Specific inhibitors of JNK and p38 kinase significantly inhibited Bax phosphorylation and mitochondrial translocation and apoptosis of HepG2 cells. A specific small interfering RNA to MAPKK4 (the upstream protein kinase of JNK and p38 kinase) markedly decreased the levels of MAPKK4 and MAPKK3/6, blocked the activation of JNK or p38 kinase, and inhibited Bax phosphorylation. However, the negative control small interfering RNA did not cause these changes. Confocal microscopy of various Bax mutants showed differential rates of mitochondrial translocation of Bax before and after staurosporine treatment. Among the Bax mutants, T167D did not translocate to mitochondria after staurosporine exposure, suggesting that Thr(167) is a potential phosphorylation site. In conclusion, our results demonstrate, for the first time, that Bax is phosphorylated by stress-activated JNK and/or p38 kinase and that phosphorylation of Bax leads to mitochondrial translocation prior to apoptosis.
Learning styles in two otolaryngology residency programs.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Kolb portrays four learning styles depending on how an individual grasps or transforms experience: accommodating, assimilating, diverging, and converging. Past studies in surgery, medicine, and anesthesia identified the predominant learning style in each of these specialties. The prevalence of different learning styles and existence of a predominant style, if any, has not been reported for otolaryngology residency programs. The purpose of our study was to determine if otolaryngology residents have a preferred learning style that is different from the predominant learning styles reported for other specialties. Study Design: We conducted a survey of the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residents at two residency programs. Methods: Kolb's Learning Style Index (LSI) version 3.1 was administered to 46 residents from Johns Hopkins University and Kansas University Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery programs. LSI is a widely used 12-item questionnaire, with each item followed by four options. The subjects graded the options depending on how the options applied to them. Results: Forty-three otolaryngology residents completed the survey, with a response rate of 93.47%. The predominant learning style was converging (55.81%) followed by accommodating (18.61%), accounting for the learning styles of 74.42% of the total population. There were only 13.95% assimilating and 6.98% diverging learning styles. Two residents (4.65%) had their preference balanced across four learning styles. Conclusions: The predominant learning styles in otolaryngology were converging and accommodating, accounting for three fourths of the population. It would be desirable to modify our curriculum in a way that will optimize and facilitate learning.
Transelliptical Component Analysis

We propose a high dimensional semiparametric scale-invariant principle component analysis, named TCA, by utilize the natural connection between the elliptical distribution family and the principal component analysis. Elliptical distribution family includes many well-known multivariate distributions like multivariate Gaussian, t and logistic and it is extended to the meta-elliptical by Fang et.al (2002) using the copula techniques. In this paper we extend the meta-elliptical distribution family to a even larger family, called transelliptical. We prove that TCA can obtain a near-optimal s√log d/n estimation consistency rate in recovering the leading eigenvector of the latent generalized correlation matrix under the transelliptical distribution family, even if the distributions are very heavy-tailed, have infinite second moments, do not have densities and possess arbitrarily continuous marginal distributions. A feature selection result with explicit rate is also provided. TCA is further implemented in both numerical simulations and large-scale stock data to illustrate its empirical usefulness. Both theories and experiments confirm that TCA can achieve model flexibility, estimation accuracy and robustness at almost no cost.
Distance learning for MLA’s centennial!

In celebration of the Medical Library Association’s Centennial, their Continuing Education Committee developed a year of distance learning opportunities concerning evidence-based health care. The Centennial Distance Learning Program, as it became known, strove to reach as many members as possible by offering a wide variety of formats, including a teleconference, Web resources, journal clubs, and a suite of traditional CE courses at the annual meeting. This was the first time that MLA had attempted a multi-level distance learning project and it proved to be a rousing success! For more details, visit the ‘EBHC in Action’ Web page on MLANET at: http://www.mlanet.org/education/telecon/index.html.