cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeting fusions for improved outcomes in oncology treatment

Author(s): Nikanjam, Mina; Okamura, Ryosuke; Barkauskas, Donald A; Kurzrock, Razelle | Abstract: BackgroundFusions are increasingly pursued as oncology therapeutic targets. The current study evaluated differences in outcomes for fusion versus nonfusion targets.MethodsOutcomes were compared for patients with fusions versus those with other alterations for US Food and Drug Administration-approved single agents (from package inserts) and for patients treated at the University of California at San Diego.ResultsA total of 28 drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (6189 patients) were included in the analysis. The median response rate was 68% versus 50% for fusions versus nonfusion matches (odds ratio [OR], 1.67; P l .0001); solid tumor therapies had an OR of 2.07 (P l .0001) and hematologic therapies had an OR of 3.35 (P l .0001) for fusion versus nonfusion targets. The University of California at San Diego analysis included 79 patients in whom fusions were treated of the 2455 patients screened. Patients matched to fusions were found to have a longer median progression-free survival (PFS) (11.6 months; 95% CI, 4.0-35.4 months) compared with those unmatched to fusions (4.9 months; 95% CI, 3.5-8.8 months) (P = .034). Patients with fusions matched to other alterations present in the tumor had a median PFS that was indistinguishable from that of those patients with fusions who were treated with unmatched therapy (4.0 months vs 5.0 months; P = .75).ConclusionsSignificantly higher response rates and a longer PFS were observed when targeting fusions compared with nonfusions. The observations reported in the current study suggest that fusions are important targets and that additional studies are needed to confirm that optimized therapy may require targeting fusions, even in the presence of other alterations.
Application of Reticulocyte-Based Estimation of Red Blood Cell Lifespan in Anemia Management of End-Stage Renal Disease Patients

Shortened red blood cell (RBC) lifespan is one of the major factors contributing to anemia in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and should be taken into account in anemia management protocols. In this study, we aimed to estimate RBC lifespan and the source of between-subject variability in ESRD patients. The resulting individual parameters (empirical Bayes estimates) were used to predict hemoglobin concentrations 2 weeks in advance. The reticulocyte-based estimation of RBC lifespan (REBEL) and the population modeling of RBC count data were used. A total of 120 blood samples collected biweekly over 10 weeks in 24 patients receiving maintenance doses of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) subcutaneously were included in this analysis. Typical RBC lifespan was estimated to be 63.3 days. RBC lifespan was found to increase with erythroferrone, a recently identified hormone participating in iron metabolism. Approximately, a 10% increase in plasma erythroferrone was associated with a 5% increase in RBC lifespan. In addition, RBC lifespan was 18.7% shorter in females compared with males. Out of 24 subjects, 16 had hemoglobin concentrations predicted within 95% prediction intervals. The median absolute prediction error was 15.9% (interquartile range, 9.5 to 24.7%). We demonstrated that REBEL coupled with the population modeling technique can be used effectively to estimate RBC lifespan. Then, individual parameters can be used to predict future hemoglobin concentrations in ESRD patients.
Explicit Content: Two Experiments on Bringing Writing Instruction into the Political Science Classroom

This paper reports findings from two studies of student writing performance carried out in undergraduate political science courses to test whether low-cost interventions could lead to improvements ...
Transition to Remote Instruction Using Hybrid Just-in-Time Teaching, Collaborative Learning, and Specifications Grading for Organic Chemistry 2

Just-in-Time Teaching, collaborative learning, and specifications grading were used for Organic Chemistry 2 during the switch to remote instruction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during Spring 2020. Relatively minor adjustments to the face-to-face instructional plan enabled remote instruction and assessment of all planned learning objectives to continue with students demonstrating mastery of 98% of the essential learning objectives and 57% of the additional learning objectives both before and after the transition to remote instruction. Most components of the course were delivered asynchronously through the course learning management system. Office hours, mastery quiz retakes, and review of quiz solutions occurred via Zoom because of the necessary two-way communication during these activities. Most collaborative learning teams chose to work synchronously as well, though one group reported success communicating via text messaging. Learning assessment and survey responses indicate that students felt supported in their learning, met the course learning objectives, and did not engage in measurable academic dishonesty.
Unique technical challenges in patients undergoing TAVR for failed aortic homografts

OBJECTIVE Surgical reoperation for aortic homograft structural valve degeneration (SVD) is a high-risk procedure. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for homograft-SVD is an alternative to reoperation, but descriptions of implantation techniques are limited. This study compares outcome in patients undergoing into two groups by the type of previously implanted aortic valve prosthesis: TAVR for failed aortic homografts (TAVR-H) or for stented aortic bioprostheses (TAVR-BP). METHODS From 2015 to 2017, TAVR was performed in 41 patients with SVD. Thirty-three patients in the TAVR-BP group (six for SVD of valved conduits), and eight patients in the TAVR-H group. The Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria were used for outcome reporting purposes. RESULTS The patients with TAVR-BP had predominant prosthetic stenosis (94%, p = .002), whereas TAVR-H individuals presented mostly with regurgitation (88%, p = <.001). Patients with TAVR-H received: Sapien-3 (6), Sapien-XT (1), and CoreValve (1) devices. Low, 40% ventricular fixation in relation to homograft annulus was attempted to anchor the prosthesis on the homograft suture-line. One patient with TAVR-BP experienced intraoperative distal prosthesis migration and Type-B aortic dissection, and two patients in the TAVR-H group had late postoperative proximal device migration. In both groups, there was zero 30-day mortality, stroke, or pacemaker implantation. CONCLUSIONS TAVR for failing aortic homografts may be a feasible and safe alternative to high-risk surgical reintervention. Precise, 40%-ventricular device positioning appears crucial for prevention of late paravalvular leak/late prosthesis migration and minimizing the risk of repeat surgical intervention.
An Exploration of the Dynamic Nature of Psychological Ownership in a Classroom-as-Organization.

Background: Feelings of ownership play an important role in experiential education and are associated with several positive outcomes. However, researchers have yet to explore the dynamic nature of ...
New records of rare ammonite species from the Inferior Oolite Formation (Middle Jurassic, Aalenian and Lower Bajocian) of Dorset

Abstract Rare ammonite species are reported from the Inferior Oolite Formation of Dorset. In the Aalenian the ammonite Shahrudites is described from the Scissum Zone for the first time and Malladaites is recorded from the Murchisonae Zone. Tmetoceras regleyi occurs in the Scissum and Murchisonae zones and Tmetoceras henriquesae is described from the Concavum Zone. In the Lower Bajocian, specimens of Zurcheria are presented from the Discites Zone. A revised zonal scheme is used for the Aalenian Stage and two new biohorizons are introduced. The Leioceras subglabrum biohorizon is erected in the Opalinum Subzone and Leioceras evolutum in the Bifidatum Subzone.
Real-time Language Recognition using Hyperdimensional Computing on Phase-change Memory Array

In this demo, we show how Hyperdimensional(HD) computing can be used to recognize the language of a user-input sentence. Hyperdimensional computing (HDC) [1] is one promising brain-inspired computing approach that relies on representing entities using high dimensional (up to 10,000 dimensions) vectors called hypervectors. Similar to the brain, where representations are given by thousands of randomly originated neurons, a set of (pseudo)random quasi-orthogonal hypervectors forms the basis in the HDC framework. These hypervectors are then combined and compared using a well-defined set of algebraic operations to derive representations for composite entities and to find similarities, respectively.
A Wideband High-Power Plasma-Based Microwave Power Limiter

Power limiters are important elements in many receiver signal chains especially in radars and systems subject to jamming conditions. Linear, low-loss and high-power limiters are especially valuable to such systems. Although new semiconductor-based microwave power limiters can handle up to 10s of Watts thanks to the GaN and InP technologies, having limiters with higher power capabilities especially in higher frequencies, like mm-wave range, is still quite challenging.
A Study in Self-Defeat: The Public Health Venereal Disease Clinic

This paper relates the results of three months of participant observation and interviews in a public venereal disease clinic. The research was directed toward assessment of the relationship of clinic efficiency (a smoothly operating bureaucratic clinic) and clinic effectiveness (a major reduction of illness within a community). The venereal disease clinic is described as an efficient and well planned health unit with three major objectives: a) checking the increase of V.D. through preventive medicine; b) detection and treatment of V.D. within the community; and c) provision of health services to lower S.E.S. segments of the population. Research results indicate that these (effectiveness) goals are systematically defeated through pursuit of bureaucratic (efficiency) objectives alien to the patient population, and, secondarily, through the more common problem of value conflict between staff and patients. The report concludes with evidence which indicates the extent of the damage done to effectiveness goals and suggests that effective health delivery systems may best be attained apart from present concepts and mechanisms of public health programs
Abstract 17697: Direct Physician Reporting Reduces Radiation Exposure in Pediatric Cardiac Catheterizations

Objectives: To quantify radiation dose in children undergoing cardiac catheterization and determine the impact of increased reporting transparency on total radiation exposure. Background: Cardiac catheterization (cath) can result in significant radiation exposure in children. There is growing interest in quantifying and reducing radiation exposure in pediatric cath procedures. Our center joined a national registry in 2011 which required reporting of radiation exposure. In 2013, our center began participating in a second registry in which physicians directly entered radiation data. No specific educational or interventional radiation measures were taken during the study periods. Methods/Results: We reviewed up to 20 cases across 3 time periods in each of 4 categories: post-heart transplant annual cath, unilateral pulmonary artery (PA) stent placement, pre-Fontan cath, and pre-Glenn cath. The 3 Eras were defined as: Era 1, 1/2009 - 1/2011; Era 2, 1/2011 - 9/2013; and Era 3, 9/2013 - 5/2014. In Era 3, the physician performing the cath was responsible for reporting the radiation data. Patients in each case category were matched for age, weight, and body surface area across 3 time periods. Across the 3 Eras, there were significant decreases in cumulative air KERMA (mGy) among the unilateral PA stent placement (p Conclusions: Increased physician awareness of radiation exposure significantly reduces radiation dose across a variety of procedures. This is seen not only by the overall reduction in radiation across case types, but also as the frame rate was more frequently changed during individual cases, indicating a change in physician behavior and practice.
Response to Kerr - 2

The Electronic Poetry Center (http://wings.buffalo.edu/epc/). Wild Honey Press (www.wildhoneypress.com). Jacket (jacketmagazine .com). Contemporary Poetry Review (www.cprw.com). Quarterly Literary Review – Singapore (www.qlrs.com). Varnamala: Indian-English Poetry (www.geocities.com/varnamala/ineng.html). The War against Silence (www.furia.com/twas). Thai Pop Music Chart (http:// www.thainetcity.com/shop/top10.htm). WFMU radio (www.wfmu .org). University of Minnesota student radio (www.radiok.org). Save Our Streams (www.ruf.rice.edu/ willr/cb/sos). What do all these websites have in common, and what do they have to do with BSkyB? Dr. Kerr’s timely and cogent essay explains how globalization has affected audiovisual art forms in Ireland. She shows how Irish regulators have worked with (or against) “corporate oligopolies” to shape and limit one form of internationalism in the media. The websites that I have just listed represent another form of internationalism in the arts—a kind that creates global audiences for proudly or defiantly local content. We might call this phenomenon localist internationalism. This essay explores examples of it in poetry and pop music, mostly from the Irish republic, Singapore, and the United States. The broadcast media trends that Kerr describes differ from these new media trends, I will claim, principally because of differences between poetry and music, on the one hand, and film and television, on the other. Even in poetry and music, however, the corporate interests that Kerr examines pose threats to local content and to that content’s global availability. I will conclude by describing one of those threats at its origin and points of impact in the United States. Kerr hopes to “understand the relationship between the media and culture,” drawing parallels with “emergent mass media” of other eras, such as “telegraph and cinema.” Media is the plural of medium, “an intermediate agency, means, instrument or channel.” Air is a medium for sound, light, and radio waves. Radio waves are a medium for talk and music. Print is a medium for sonnets, novels, and descriptions of basketball games, all of which are forms or kinds of writing (we might call them media, too). When we talk about the media we are talking about several things, and, often, focusing on what those things have in common.
Nonlinear optical studies of single crystal films of 2-(N-prolinal)-5-nitropyridine (PNP)

Summary form only given. Thin single crystal films of PNP have been prepared by a modification of the shear method. Excellent optical quality and large area of thin single crystal films were obtained with use of this method. Measurement of the tensor elements of the second-order susceptibility was made by detailed polarization-selective SHG measurements.
Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MGD3): North polar region (MC-1) distribution, applications, and volume estimates

The Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MGD3) now extends from 90°N to 65°S. The recently released north polar portion (MC-1) of MGD3 adds ~844 000 km2 of moderate- to large-size dark dunes to the previously released equatorial portion (MC-2 to MC-29) of the database. The database, available in GIS- and tabular-format in USGS Open-File Reports, makes it possible to examine global dune distribution patterns and to compare dunes with other global data sets (e.g. atmospheric models). MGD3 can also be used by researchers to identify areas suitable for more focused studies. The utility of MGD3 is demonstrated through three example applications. First, the uneven geographic distribution of the dunes is discussed and described. Second, dune-derived wind direction and its role as ground truth for atmospheric models is reviewed. Comparisons between dune-derived winds and global and mesoscale atmospheric models suggest that local topography may have an important influence on dune-forming winds. Third, the methods used here to estimate north polar dune volume are presented and these methods and estimates (1130 km3 to 3250 km3) are compared with those of previous researchers (1158 km3 to 15 000 km3). In the near future, MGD3 will be extended to include the south polar region. Published in 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Examination of Age Variations in the Predictive Validity of Self-Rated Health

Objectives. The high predictive validity of self-rated health (SRH) is a major strength of this widely used population health measure. R ecent studies, however, noted that the predictive validity varies across population subgroups. The aim of this study is to examine respondents’ age as a moderator of SRH predictive validity with respect to subsequent mortality risk. Method. Using data from the National Health Interview Survey–Linked Mortality Files (NHIS-LMF) 1986–2006, we estimate Cox proportional hazard models of all-cause and cause-specific mortality for adults aged 45–84 years as a function of their health ratings (N = 574,008). Results. The data show significant age moderation of the predicti ve validity of SRH across all levels of ratings: the hazard ratios for mortality decline by about a half between the ages of 50 and 80 years. This attenuation appears primarily among earlier birth cohorts; there is no significant age attenuation in more recent cohorts—however, this may be in part attributed to the earlier ages when the respondents are observed. Discussion. The findings of declining predictive validity of SRH across age imply that indi viduals may evaluate their health differently as they age. The results also suggest caution in using SRH to capture age-related health changes in the older population.
β-Defensin-2 Promotes Resistance against Infection with P. aeruginosa

Corneal infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa results in corneal perforation in susceptible C57BL/6 (B6) mice, but not in resistant BALB/c mice. To explore the role of two important defensins, murine β-defensin-1 (mBD1) and mBD2, in the ocular immune defense system, their mRNA and protein expression levels were tested by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. mRNA, protein, and immunostaining data demonstrated that both mBD1 and mBD2 were constitutively expressed in normal BALB/c and B6 corneas, and they were disparately up-regulated in BALB/c (more) vs B6 (less) corneas after infection. To determine whether either defensin played a role in host resistance, BALB/c mice were treated with either mBD1 or mBD2 small interfering RNA by subconjunctival injection together with topical application. Increased corneal opacity and worsened disease were displayed after knockdown of mBD2 but not of mBD1. mBD2 silencing also increased bacterial counts and polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration in BALB/c corneas. Real-time RT-PCR data further demonstrated that mBD2, not mBD1, differentially modulated mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines/molecules such as IFN-γ, MIP-2, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and inducible NO synthase; TLR signaling molecules, including TLR2, TLR4, TLR9, and MyD88; and the transcription factor NF-κB. Additionally, in vivo studies indicated that mBD2 silencing enhanced corneal nitrite levels and NF-κB activation. Collectively, the data provide evidence that mBD2, but not mBD1, is required for host resistance against P. aeruginosa -induced corneal infection.
Birth characteristics and childhood carcinomas

Carcinomas in children are rare and have not been well studied. We conducted a population-based case–control study and examined associations between birth characteristics and childhood carcinomas diagnosed from 28 days to 14 years during 1980–2004 using pooled data from five states (NY, WA, MN, TX, and CA) that linked their birth and cancer registries. The pooled data set contained 57 966 controls and 475 carcinoma cases, including 159 thyroid and 126 malignant melanoma cases. We used unconditional logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). White compared with ‘other’ race was positively associated with melanoma (OR=3.22, 95% CI 1.33–8.33). Older maternal age increased the risk for melanoma (ORper 5-year age increase=1.20, 95% CI 1.00–1.44), whereas paternal age increased the risk for any carcinoma (OR=1.10per 5-year age increase, 95% CI 1.01–1.20) and thyroid carcinoma (ORper 5-year age increase=1.16, 95% CI 1.01–1.33). Gestational age <37 vs 37–42 weeks increased the risk for thyroid carcinoma (OR=1.87, 95% CI 1.07–3.27). Plurality, birth weight, and birth order were not significantly associated with childhood carcinomas. This exploratory study indicates that some birth characteristics including older parental age and low gestational age may be related to childhood carcinoma aetiology.
Time of parturition in ewes

Abstract The time of parturition in 1,270 ewes was recorded over a 5-year period. Definite and statistically significant period effects existed in the time of parturition when data obtained on ewes of all ages and all births were pooled. Peaks of parturition occurred in the periods between 9 and 12 a.m. and between 3 and 6 p.m. The data also illustrated that the period effects were due to the parturition pattern displayed by the ewes of 3 years of age or older and were largely a result of variations in frequency of multiple births of these ewes.
New graphics pipeline approach speeds up atomic primitives rendering

Many graphics and visualization applications require fast rendering and animation of finely detailed objects constructed of what I call atomic primitives. A primitive is a basic graphics shape - such as a line or triangle - that is scan-converted into a frame buffer. An atomic primitive is a very small primitive. I introduce new approaches in graphics pipeline hardware design that can speed up the rendering of these atomic primitives. Graphics hardware benchmarks and performance competitions often use polygon-fill rates as their efficiency and capability indicators. Improving polygon-rendering efficiencies can significantly advance the whole graphics research and application area. In graphics, many 3D graphics models are filled triangle meshes, thus, triangle rendering is an important special case of polygon rendering, and a small triangle is a special-case atomic-primitive. Based on our line statistics research, about 88 percent of triangles have edges, every one of which is shorter than 17 pixels. Thus, trying to improve the speed it takes to render small triangles makes good sense.
Evolutionary crossroads in developmental biology: Physcomitrella patens

The moss Physcomitrella patens has recently emerged as a powerful genetically tractable model plant system. As a member of the bryophytes, P. patens provides a unique opportunity to study the evolution of a myriad of plant traits, such as polarized cell growth, gametophyte-to-sporophyte transitions, and sperm-to-pollen transition. The availability of a complete genome sequence, together with the ability to perform gene targeting efficiently in P. patens has spurred a flurry of elegant reverse genetic studies in this plant model that address a variety of key questions in plant developmental biology.
Intraatrial baffle repair of isolated ventricular inversion with left atrial isomerism

Isolated ventricular inversion with left atrial isomerism, partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection, and interruption of the inferior vena cava with azygos continuation to a right superior vena cava was diagnosed by echocardiography in a neonate. At 48 days of age, the patient underwent successful anatomic correction with redirection of flow from the superior vena cava and hepatic veins to the left-sided tricuspid valve, and flow from the pulmonary veins to the right-sided mitral valve. In the present report, the surgical techniques of this case are described, along with a survey of the surgical literature covering anatomic repair of isolated ventricular inversion.
Low-energy collisions of O 2 + with atoms and molecules

Absolute total cross sections for single-electron capture have been measured for collisions of ${\mathrm{O}}^{2+}$ ions with He, Ne, Ar, ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$. The relative collision energies of these experiments range from approximately 3 to 400 eV. The electron-capture cross section for ${\mathrm{O}}^{2+}$+He collisions is found to agree well with previous distorted-wave calculations. Capture cross sections are generally larger for molecular targets than for the atomic targets.
Survival Voices: Social Capital and the Well-Being of Liberian Refugee Women in Ghana

The global community and the social work profession have a responsibility to refugees. However, the stories of refugee women living in protracted refugee camps have not been adequately documented. This study examines the role and impact of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital or social relations on the well-being of Liberian women living in a refugee camp in Ghana. The findings indicate that although the women have bonding social capital, they lack bridging and linking social capital, both of which enhance the capacity to discover new and productive opportunities and relationships. Finally, the article challenges refugee advocates to address policies that will help strengthen and create all three forms of social capital.
Central hepatic resection for pediatric tumors.

Background/Purpose: Resection of hepatic malignancies in childhood has been facilitated greatly by an understanding of hepatic segmental anatomy. This report documents the indications and technique of central hepatic resection (mesohepatectomy) in children with hepatic malignancies. Methods: This is a retrospective study, and data are obtained from patient charts and operative reports. Three patients underwent central hepatic resection on or between June 27, 1997 and October 1, 1999. Results: All patients were boys, and their ages at diagnosis were 0.3, 0.8, and 3.8 years. Two had hepatoblastoma and one central hepatic metastases from a poorly defined epithelial malignancy. All 3 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy before hepatic resection. Segments IV, V, and VIII were removed in 2, and IV and V in the third. All patients survived, and histopathologic margins were clear in each. One patient had a postoperative bile collection treated with percutaneous catheter drainage. At follow-up, all patients remain alive without evidence of disease, and all have normal hepatic function.
A Multi‐State Study of Off‐Farm Employment

The scope, development, and implementation of a multi-state study on the im pact of farm wives' employment on family functioning and economic productivity are described. The procedures used in questionnaire development, sampling, and data collection are reported, along with information on item and unit non-response.
Structure of Sodium dineopentyldioxorhenium(V)

Abstract Sodium dineopentyldioxorhenium(V), [Na(CH3CN)][ReO2(CH2CMe3)2], C12H25NNaO2Re, Mr = 424.53, triclinic, P 1 (No. 2), a = 14.209(3), b = 14.631(3), c = 11.144(2) A, α = 97.80(1), β = 104.69(2), γ = 64.54(1)°, V = 2022.5(7) A3, Z = 2, Dx = 1.39 g cm−3, λ(Mo-Kα) = 0.71073 A, μ = 61.04 cm−1, F(000) = 796, T = 233(1) K, final R = 0699 for 3216 unique reflections with Fo > 6σ(Fo) and 308 variables. There are two independent molecules of [Na(CH3CN)][ReO2(CH2CMe3)2] in the asymmetric unit. In thesolid state the compound is polymeric having {[Na(CH3CN)][ReO2(CH2CMe3)2]}2 repeating units. The {[Na(CH3CN)][ReO2(CH2CMe3)2]}2 units are eight-membered rings of composition Re2O4Na2, which are connected via NaO bonds thereby forming the polymer. The [ReO2(CH2CMe3)2]− anions within the repeating units have distorted tetrahedral geometries with open OReO (av. 136°) and closed CReC (av. 83°) angles. The planes defined by OReO and CReC are perpendicular (90.6° and 90.0° for Re(1) and Re(2), respectively). Average ReO multiple bond and ReC single bond distances ae 1.72 and 2.11 A, respectively. A comparison of the structures of related d0, d1 and d2 MO2R2 (R = alkyl and aryl) compounds is presented. The structural changes which occur as a function of electron count in these compounds are explained in the context of an earlier MO study.
Veterans Health Administration: A Model for Transforming Nursing Home Care

The Veterans Health Administration nursing homes, now called Community Living Centers (CLCs), are engaged in systematic transformation of their environments and their care and work practices. A brief history of nursing home care for Veterans illustrates the competing values that influence CLCs. Monitoring data show that CLCs have reduced institutional features, improved the personalization of care, and empowered direct care staff. Although CLCs differ in many respects from community nursing homes, their experiences offer valuable lessons for culture change, underline the complementary importance of top-level commitment and grassroots engagement, and offer untapped opportunities for research in environmental gerontology.
Bessel transforms and rational extrapolation

A numerical method is developed which handles the Bessel transform of functions having slow rates of decrease. The method replaces the Bessel transform by a related damped transform for which the sinc quadrature rule provides an efficient and accurate approximation. It is then shown that the value of the original Bessel transform can be obtained from the damped transform by extrapolation with the Thiele algorithm.
Sulmazole (AR-L 115BS) activates the sheep cardiac muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-release channel in the presence and absence of calcium

The properties of calcium-release channels of sheep cardiac muscle junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), have been investigated under voltage-clamp conditions following the fusion of isolated membrane vesicles with planar phospholipid bilayers. In the presence of activating calcium on the cytosolic side of the membrane, additions of the benzimidazole derivative sulmazole (AR-L 115BS) increased the open probability (Po) of the channel reaching saturating values of 1.0 at 3 mM sulmazole. The drug did not affect single-channel conductance and activation was readily reversible. Analysis of channel open and closed lifetimes suggested that low concentrations of sulmazole (0.1 mM) may sensitize the channel to activating calcium, while at higher concentrations (1 mM and above), calcium and sulmazole act synergistically to produce a unique gating scheme for the channel. Millimolar concentrations of sulmazole also stimulate a degree of channel opening at subactivating (60 pM) calcium concentrations. Openings occurring under these conditions show very different kinetics to those of the calcium-activated channel but have an identical single-channel conductance and are modified by ATP, magnesium, ruthenium red and ryanodine in a similar manner to the calcium-activated channel. The release of calcium from the SR following the activation of the calcium-release channel by sulmazole may contribute to the positive inotropic action of this drug on mammalian cardiac muscle.
A Low Power Magnetic Channel with Dipole Compensation

A magnetic channel capable of guiding deflected 60 MeV protons through the fringing field of an AVF cyclotron without perturbing inner orbits, has been tested in a 0.394 scale model. The full scale channel will be composed of a 1010 steel cylindrical shell 3.00 in. O. D., 1.18 in. I.D., and 10 in. long with an external dipole winding extending to 5.92 in. O.D. A cosinoidal distribution of current density is approximated by dividing the winding into 16 sections, with centers about 22.5° apart, and by making No = No cos ?, where N is the number of turns in a section and ? is the altitude angle of the center of a section. Scaling the model measurements to full size, the power is 14 kW with 3/8 in. square O.D. and 1/8 in. round I.D. water-cooled copper conductors at 330 A, and the field at the midpoint inside the channel is reduced from 7000 to 90 G, with a 20 G/in. gradient across the channel opening on the median plane. As close as 5 in. from the outside edge of the coil, the first harmonic introduced is 1.1 G. Without dipole current, the field in the channel is 1560 G with a 16.2 G first harmonic, at the same distance.
Assets and Economic Mobility in a Youth Cohort, 1985–1997:

This study examined the role of assets in economic mobility within a youth cohort (N = 4,467) between 1985 and 1997. Increasing percentages of poor and affluent youth resided in families with no change in economic status while increasing percentages of middle-class youth resided in families experiencing downward economic mobility. The rate of economic stasis of youth living in affluent families was about three times that of those in poor families. Length of time of asset ownership influenced economic mobility beyond that of background, sociodemographic, psychological, and other cumulative correlates. In particular, IRAs and tax-deferred annuities were related to positive economic mobility. Robust indicators of positive economic mobility included being a college graduate, number of siblings in family of origin, number of years of full-time employment, number of years living in households where someone received either AFDC/TANF or SSI, and locus of control. Robust indicators of downward economic mobility in...
Inhibition of arterial thrombosis by recombinant annexin V in a rabbit carotid artery injury model.

Background The procoagulant effect of anionic phospholipid may play a major role in the development of arterial thrombosis. Methods and Results Annexin V, a calcium-dependent anionic-phospholipid–binding protein, was expressed and isolated from Escherichia coli and its antithrombotic effect examined in a rabbit carotid artery thrombosis model. A partially occlusive thrombus was formed in the left carotid artery by application of electric current to produce an ≈50% occlusion of the lumen. After the current was discontinued, flow ceased completely within 42±12 minutes (n=6) because of continuing platelet/fibrin thrombus formation. When annexin V was given at doses of 2.8 to 16.6 μg · kg−1 · min−1 for a period of 180 minutes, starting at the time the current was stopped, there was a dose-dependent inhibition of thrombus formation. At a dose of 5.6 μg · kg−1 · min−1, blood flow remained patent throughout the infusion and for an additional 60 minutes after the infusion was stopped. In addition, there was a decrease in thrombus weight (16±7.4 versus 2.0±1.0 g), 125I-fibrin deposition (≈45% reduction, P <.001), and 111In-labeled platelet accumulation (≈43% reduction, P <.001). Prior mixing of annexin V with phosphatidylserine micelles abolished the antithrombotic effect of annexin V, whereas mixing with phosphatidylcholine micelles had no effect. The antithrombotic effect of annexin V was not associated with bleeding tendency, as judged by the amount of blood absorbed in a gauze pad placed in a surgical incision extending to the muscle tissue and by the standard template bleeding time. Conclusions These observations support a potentially important role for anionic phospholipid exposure in platelets in arterial thrombosis, and inhibition of this activity could be a novel target for therapy in coronary thrombosis and stroke and after angioplasty.
Causal modelling of multivariate outcomes from developmental toxicity experiments

Exposure to developmental toxicants may cause foetal malformations, increase foetal death or resorption and reduce foetal weight. The correlations among these developmental endpoints have been reported, but their causal relationships have not been investigated. Structural equation models (path models) were applied to study the patterns of causation among the four developmental outcomes, number of viable foetuses, number of malformations, number of deaths/resorptions, and average foetal weight; these outcomes were modelled as response variables with the dose level and number of implants (litter size) modelled as independent variables. Three hypothesized path models were fitted to developmental toxicity data from a study of the herbicide 2,4,5-T exposure in mice. One model, which hypothesized that foetal weight, implicitly a mechanism such as cellular growth, affects both malformations and death/resorption (equivalently, viability) with no causation relationship between malformation and death/resorption, described data consistently well for three strains of mice. The most consistent relationship found was a strong direct effect of foetal weight on malformations, and the correlation between malformations and death/resorption (or reduced viability) was likely spurious.
CounterActive: an interactive cookbook for the kitchen counter

We introduce CounterActive, an interactive kitchen cookbook that teaches people to cook. After describing the interactive system and the multimedia recipe schema, we discuss results of early user test and evaluation.
Cooperative phenomena of random electric dipoles in an amorphous matrix

Abstract A ferroelectric phase transition has been observed for the first time in a series of glasses containing WO6-octahedra. The techniques of thermally stimulated depolarization currents were used to observe the transition from independent dipole behavior to cooperative behavior in this amorphous system as a function of concentration. These measurements yielded the activation energy ΔE=1.2eV, the pre-exponential τ0=2 × 10-22sec, and the dipole moment p=1.3 × 10−15 esu cm for WO3 in Li2B4O7. A dipole moment bearing species due to Li2B4O7 was observed with ΔE=0.44eV and pre-exponential τ0=5 × 10−8 sec. The depolarization peaks of WO3 occur in the temperature range 265–275 K depending upon WO3 concentration and are pressure dependent with an initial slope of 2 × 10−5K dyne−1 cm2. A model was developed for a possible phase transition associated with a random “pseudo-spin” system in an amorphous matrix.
Design of a multi-GHz SiGe HBT EO modulator

Silicon-based electro-optic (EO) modulator is an indispensable building block for integrated lightwave circuits. In this paper, we report an EO modulator that incorporates a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) with Ge composition graded base. The emitter is n-type doped silicon with a doping concentration of 10 21 /cm 3 . The width of the emitter strip is 0.2μm and the thickness of the emitter layer is 0.16μm. The base has a thickness of 40nm with varying Ge composition from zero at the emitter-base junction side to 20% at the base-collector junction side. Raised extrinsic base is incorporated for base contact. The intrinsic base is p-type doped with a concentration of 4×10 19 /cm 3 . The HBT is biased at V CE = 0.5 V whereas VBE is switched between -1.0V and 1.0V. The carrier distribution at "ON" state of the EO modulator and the transient analysis are performed by MEDCI simulation. The changes of the refractive indices of the HBT are computed from the carrier density in all regions, and then the refractive index map is imported into an optical mode solver (RSoft BeamProp). The HBT EO modulator that supports only one optical mode is ideal, but a trade-off between modal property and device speed is observed. For current design, we achieved a π-phase modulation length of less than 600μm, and a switching delay less than 62ps.
A new species of the spider genus Eridantes Crosby & Bishop from the southwestern United States and mainland Mexico with a revised diagnosis of the genus (Araneae, Linyphiidae, Erigoninae).

A new Eridantes Crosby & Bishop (1933) species, E. diodontos n. sp., discovered in the United States in the state of Arizona and in Mexico in the state and city of San Luis Potosi, is described and illustrated. Both males and females are very similar to the respective sexes of the type species, E. erigonoides (Emerton 1882), but can be distinguished by the higher cephalic lobe, position of the prosomal pit, and the form of the palpal tibia in the male and by the convolution of the m-shaped carinae of the epigynum in the female. Comparative illustrations of the male bulb of E. erigonoides and a distribution map of the three known species are also provided. Pending formal taxonomic revision of Eridantes, a revised diagnosis and a brief description of the genus are presented based on examination of specimens of the type species and of the new species described here. The mesal rather than ectal position of the paracymbium and the broadly divided dorsal and ventral sclerites of the largely membranous radix are proposed synapomorphies that distinguish Eridantes from all similar genera.
Body Weight as a Risk Factor in the Elderly

To determine whether body weight is a risk factor for mortality among older persons, we analyzed body mass index (weight [kilogram]/height [square meter]) data for 4710 white, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey respondents who were aged 55 to 74 years during 1971 through 1975, in relation to their survival over an average of 8.7 years of follow-up. In a multivariate analysis that controlled for elevated blood pressure, smoking, and poverty, we found no additional risk associated with weight among women and a statistically significant, but moderate, additional risk (relative risk, 1.1 to 1.2) among men in the upper decile (body mass index, greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2). In contrast, low weight (body mass index, less than 22 kg/m2) was associated with increased mortality (relative risk, 1.3 to 1.6) except for women aged 55 to 64 years. We conclude that the accepted definition of overweight (body mass index, greater than or equal to 27.8 kg/m2 [men] or greater than or equal to 27.3 kg/m2 [women]) lacks specificity and may be inappropriate for older persons who do not have weight-related medical conditions. The low-weight mortality association, consistently demonstrated, deserves serious scrutiny.
Multiple Antibiotic Resistance in a Bacterium with Suppressed Autolytic System

Suppression of the activity of the cellular autolytic system of pneumococci causes simultaneous resistance against penicillin, D-cycloserine and phosphonomycin. This phenomenon represents a novel type of drug resistance mechanism in bacteria.
Influence of different aspect ratio additives on the performance of lead-acid batteries

Abstract In this paper, we examine the influence of different aspect ratio paste additives on the performance of lead–acid batteries. Previous computer models have been developed to investigate the influence that spherical conductive and non-conductive paste additives have on battery performance. However, many additives used in both the positive and negative plates have aspect ratios that are not spherical. We extend models previously developed for spherical additives to handle additives having different aspect ratios and find that conductive additives with high aspect ratios can improve paste utilization above that of an equal volume of spherical additives. These results suggest that very high aspect ratio conductive additives would be advantageous in improving conductivity in both the negative and positive paste.
Dynamics of respiration during rapid rate mechanical ventilation in anesthetized and paralyzed rabbits.

ABSTRACT. Infants with respiratory failure are often ventilated at rates exceeding 60 breath–min–1. To obtain insight into the factors controlling the delivery and distribution of tidal volume at these ventilatory rates, we analyzed the inspiratory and expiratory pressure-flow relationships of the respiratory system and its components (lungs, endotracheal tube, and chest wall) in anesthetized, paralyzed rabbits ventilated at 60, 90, and 120 breath–min–1. Inspiratory times were 0.3,0.2, and 0.1 s. Driving pressure was maintained constant. We expressed the effect of ventilatory rate and flow direction on the pressure-flow relationships as changes in compliance, mean resistance, and inertance. We found a nonlinear pressure-flow relationship in both endotracheal tube and respiratory system. This nonlinearity could be accurately described as a function of gas flow and volume acceleration with similar coefficients for tube and respiratory system. Although the inspiratory and expiratory compliance and the mean inspiratory resistance of the lungs were lower at the higher ventilatory rates, the constant resistive behavior of the endotracheal tube and the constant elastic behavior of the chest wall caused a relatively rate-independent pressure-flow behavior of the respiratory system. The lower inspiratory resistance of the lungs was offset by the higher inspiratory resistance of the endotracheal tube, resulting in the resistance of the respiratory system being independent of the direction of gas flow. The rate-dependency of compliance and inspiratory resistance of the lungs suggests an heterogeneous distribution of inspiratory flow at rapid ventilatory rates. At these ventilatory rates, the high resistance of the respiratory system and the nonlinearity of the pressure-flow relationship decrease the tidal volume delivered to the lungs in a magnitude that can be predicted from the time course of the ventilatory pressure.
Differential localization of alpha-actinin and the 30 kD actin-bundling protein in the cleavage furrow, phagocytic cup, and contractile vacuole of Dictyostelium discoideum

Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae possess eight different actin crosslinking proteins. Immunofluorescence microscopy has been employed in this study to investigate the intracellular localization of two of these proteins, alpha-actinin and the 30 kD actin-bundling protein, to investigate whether they are redundant, or alternatively, make distinct contributions to cell structure and movement. The 30 kD protein is concentrated in the cleavage furrow of dividing cells, while enhanced staining for alpha-actinin is not apparent in this region. By contrast, alpha-actinin is concentrated around the contractile vacuole, while the 30 kD protein is not preferentially localized in the area of this organelle. Association of alpha-actinin with the contractile vacuole was confirmed by colocalization with calmodulin, a marker of this organelle. There are temporal differences in the localization of the 30 kD protein and alpha-actinin during phagocytosis. The 30 kD protein is localized in the phagocytic cup, but disassociates from phagosomes soon after internalization [Furukawa et al., 1992: Protoplasma 169: 18-27]. alpha-actinin enters the phagocytic cup after the 30 kD protein, and remains associated with the phagosome after the 30 kD protein has disassociated. These results support the hypothesis that alpha-actinin and the 30 kD protein play distinct roles in cell structure and movement in Dictyostelium.
An automatic analyzer of states of vigilance.

An assemblage of relay-operated, commercially available programming modules is described. It is capable of discriminating among the states of vigilance wakefulness (W): high-voltage, slow-wave sleep (HVS); and low-voltage, fast-wave sleep (LVF) and it requires information from only the nuchal electromyogram (EMG) and the electrooculogram (EOG).
Structural and electronic properties of BaBi1−xTlxO3 (0.0≤x≤0.50)

Structural and physical properties of BaBi1−xTlxO3 were investigated by means of powder X-ray diffraction, electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. For 0.0≤x≤0.20, the compounds are monoclinic and n-type semiconductors; while for 0.40<x≤0.50, the phases are orthorhombic and p-type semiconductors. A mixed phase region of both monoclinic and orthorhombic compounds is observed at 0.20<x<0.40. The resistivity of the orthorhombic phase is about two orders of magnitude lower than that of monoclinic phase. BaBi0.5Tl0.5O3, which is isoelectronic with BaPbO3, is a single phase material with orthorhombic unit cell parameters a=6.076( 1 ) A, b=6.056( 1 ) A and c=8.549( 1 ) A. The monoclinic-orthorhombic structural phase transition and the concomitant variations in the physical properties of BaBi1−xTlxO3 are attributed to the suppression of the charge density wave state in BaBiO3, as a result of TlIII substitution. Superconductivity was found at 8 K in BaBi0.25Tl0.25Pb0.5O3, which is isoelectric with BaBi0.5Tl0.5O3.