cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient Knockout of a Squid Pigmentation Gene

Summary Seminal studies using squid as a model led to breakthroughs in neurobiology. The squid giant axon and synapse, for example, laid the foundation for our current understanding of the action potential [1], ionic gradients across cells [2], voltage-dependent ion channels [3], molecular motors [4–7], and synaptic transmission [8–11]. Despite their anatomical advantages, the use of squid as a model receded over the past several decades as investigators turned to genetically tractable systems. Recently, however, two key advances have made it possible to develop techniques for the genetic manipulation of squid. The first is the CRISPR-Cas9 system for targeted gene disruption, a largely species-agnostic method [12, 13]. The second is the sequencing of genomes for several cephalopod species [14–16]. If made genetically tractable, squid and other cephalopods offer a wealth of biological novelties that could spur discovery. Within invertebrates, not only do they possess by far the largest brains, they also express the most sophisticated behaviors [17]. In this paper, we demonstrate efficient gene knockout in the squid Doryteuthis pealeii using CRISPR-Cas9. Ommochromes, the pigments found in squid retinas and chromatophores, are derivatives of tryptophan, and the first committed step in their synthesis is normally catalyzed by Tryptophan 2,3 Dioxygenase (TDO [18–20]). Knocking out TDO in squid embryos efficiently eliminated pigmentation. By precisely timing CRISPR-Cas9 delivery during early development, the degree of pigmentation could be finely controlled. Genotyping revealed knockout efficiencies routinely greater than 90%. This study represents a critical advancement toward making squid genetically tractable.
Circulating growth factor concentrations and breast cancer risk: a nested case-control study of IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and breast cancer in a family-based cohort.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) are associated with breast cancer in women at average risk of cancer. Less is known whether these biomarkers also predict risk in women with breast cancer family history. We conducted a nested case-control study within the New York site of the Breast Cancer Family Registry (BCFR, n = 80 cases, 156 controls), a cohort enriched for breast cancer family history. Using conditional logistic regression, we estimated the association between IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels and breast cancer risk and examined whether this risk differed by predicted absolute breast cancer risk based on pedigree models. The overall association between IGF-1 or IGFBP-3 elevation (≥ median in controls) and breast cancer risk was elevated, but not statistically significant (IGF-1 OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 0.66–2.85; IGFBP-3 OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 0.81–3.24). Women with elevated predicted absolute 10-year risk ≥ 3.4% and elevated IGFBP-3 (≥ median) had more than a 3-fold increased risk compared to women with lower predicted absolute 10-year risk (< 3.4%) and low IGFBP-3 (OR = 3.47 95% CI = 1.04–11.6). These data offer some support that the overall magnitude of the associations between IGF-1 and IGFBP3 seen in average risk cohorts may be similar in women enriched with a strong breast cancer family history.
Endoscopic Removal of an Intrauterine Device in the Left Distal Ureter

Background: Intrauterine device (IUD) migration to the ureter is rare. Symptoms can vary, but often mimic renal colic. Radiographic imaging may aid the diagnosis of a foreign body in the ureter. Reports on endoscopic managements of a migrated IUD are not well described. Case Presentation: We present a 36-year-old woman with a history of IUD insertion. Her symptoms included hematuria, dysuria, and suprapubic/abdominal pressure. After the removal of her IUD by her gynecologist, her hematuria eventually stopped, but she presented again with persistent pain. CT revealed a radiopaque foreign body in the distal left ureter protruding into the bladder. A careful resection with a resectoscope uncovered a long cylindrical shaped foreign body, suspicious of a broken piece of the IUD. Conclusion: Although not always feasible and long-term results remain to be determined, endoscopic management is a safe and effective method of identifying and removing a retained IUD in the ureter. When evaluating a woman with abdominal pain who has an indwelling IUD, a spontaneous migration of the IUD should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Cryo-EM structure of a thermostable bacterial nanocompartment.

Protein nanocompartments are widespread in bacteria and archaea, but their functions are not yet well understood. Here, the cryo-EM structure of a nanocompartment from the thermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima is reported at 2.0 A resolution. The high resolution of this structure shows that interactions in the E-loop domain may be important for the thermostability of the nanocompartment assembly. Also, the channels at the fivefold axis, threefold axis and dimer interface are assessed for their ability to transport iron. Finally, an unexpected flavin ligand was identified on the exterior of the shell, indicating that this nanocompartment may also play a direct role in iron metabolism.
Avoiding breast cancer surgery in a select cohort of complete responders to neoadjuvant chemotherapy: The long-term outcomes.

Abstract Background Lately, there has been a resurgence of interest in de-escalation of breast surgery in complete responders to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Advanced cytotoxic & targeted therapies have improved tumour response. This study evaluates long-term outcomes of post-NAC breast cancer patients, in relation to their surgical management dictated by the NAC response. Materials and methods Post-NAC breast cancer patients from January 2000 to December 2010 were divided into “No surgery”, “WLE” and “Mastectomy” groups. ANOVA and Kaplan-Meier statistical analyses were used to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free-survival (DFS) in these groups. Results This retrospective study included 121 patients with a long median follow-up of 11.5 years. At 10 years the OS was 66.10% and DFS was 59.82%. Complete NAC-responders did not undergo breast surgery but received radiotherapy. Patients were divided into No surgery (n = 28), WLE (n = 44), Mastectomy (n = 49) groups. Comparisons of OS and DFS between groups showed statistically significant differences (p = 0.0003, p = 0.0007 respectively). The no surgery group showed low local recurrence (7.14%). Conclusion The observed slightly better long-term outcomes with low local recurrences in complete NAC-responders who did not undergo breast surgery but received radiotherapy could be linked to cautious response assessment and meticulous patient selection with early, biologically favourable breast cancer. Importance of PCR assessment cannot be underestimated if breast surgery were to be de-escalated or even omitted in complete NAC-responders. Considering the study limitations, avoiding surgery in all complete NAC-responders may still not be the preferred option. Future appropriate clinical trials with well-defined protocols may pave the way forward.
Immune and Epigenetic Pathways Linking Childhood Adversity and Health Across the Lifespan

Childhood adversity is associated with a host of mental and physical health problems across the lifespan. Individuals who have experienced childhood adversity (e.g., child abuse and neglect, family conflict, poor parent/child relationships, low socioeconomic status or extreme poverty) are at a greater risk for morbidity and premature mortality than those not exposed to childhood adversity. Several mechanisms likely contribute to the relationship between childhood adversity and health across the lifespan (e.g., health behaviors, cardiovascular reactivity). In this paper, we review a large body of research within the field of psychoneuroimmunology, demonstrating the relationship between early life stress and alterations of the immune system. We first review the literature demonstrating that childhood adversity is associated with immune dysregulation across different indices, including proinflammatory cytokine production (and its impact on telomere length), illness and infection susceptibility, latent herpesvirus reactivation, and immune response to a tumor. We then summarize the growing literature on how childhood adversity may alter epigenetic processes. Finally, we propose future directions related to this work that have basic and applied implications.
Does Competitive Politics Produce Competitive Markets? Politics of Financial Market Development

This paper is a preliminary exploration of the politics of financial market development. Using panel data for 197 countries over 34 years, we test a range of variables and hypotheses regarding the politics of financial market development. We find only weak support for the legal origins explanations of financial market development. Surprisingly, our study reveals virtually no support for the assertion that financial market development is associated with political institutions that impose credible commitments on the state executive. In contrast, we find support for those who conceptualize political competition as occurring in a political market whose conditions enable politicians to make credible promises to deliver financial development. When we attempt to analyze the impact of political power in our analysis, we run into the problem of inadequate available data to validly model the power of industrial incumbents who are likely to play an important role in the politics of financial market development. Nonetheless, we find support for those who argue that the well-endowed government regulators play an important role in promoting financial market development. Do competitive politics create competitive markets? Our answer is “No” if we conceptualize competitive politics as merely a check on the executive. However, our answer is “Yes” if by competitive politics we mean electoral campaigns where politicians can mobilize popular support through credible promises of public goods, including efficient markets and effective and fair regulation.
Generalized time-shift covariant quadratic time-frequency representations with arbitrary group delays

We propose new classes of quadratic time-frequency representations (QTFRs) that satisfy the generalized time-shift covariance property important for analyzing signals propagating through systems with group delay dependent characteristics. We obtain these classes from Cohen's (1966) class and the affine class of constant time-shift covariant QTFRs using a generalized warping that depends on the desirable group delay time-shift covariance. We develop formulations for the new classes, desirable properties with kernel constraints, new QTFR members, and intersection subclasses. We also propose the new exponential class of frequency-shift covariant and exponential time-shift covariant QTFRs.
Novel hemodynamic index for assessment of aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Background Paravalvular aortic regurgitation (AR) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been associated with increased mortality. Precise assessment of the degree of AR within the catheterization laboratory is crucial to take counter measures, but it remains challenging. The aim of this study was to determine whether any modification to AR index can improve its performance. Methods The study included 64 patients treated with the Sapien valve (Edwards Life Sciences, Inc., Irvine, CA). The severity of AR was evaluated using echocardiography, angiography, and invasive hemodynamic parameters. We evaluated the time-integrated aortic regurgitation (TIAR) index as follows: (LV − Ao diastolic pressure time integral)/(LV systolic pressure time integral) × 100. We analyzed the AR index and TIAR index with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results AR was observed in 58 patients (90.7%) and graded as mild in 33 (51.6%), moderate in 20 (31.3%), or moderate to severe in 5 (7.8%) patients. No severe AR was detected. The AR index and TIAR index decreased proportionately to the increased severity of AR (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). TIAR index < 80 was associated with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 83% for ≥mild AR. The area under the curve was greater for the TIAR index compared to the AR index (0.93 vs. 0.74). Conclusion The TIAR index provides a better hemodynamic measure for assessing severity of AR compared to the AR index. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
WE‐F‐213‐01: Building, Maintaining and Improving Physics Residency Programs

In this session we will discuss the key steps for building, maintaining and improving a physics residency program. The initial momentum starts with a secure commitment of; a program director, physics faculty, physicians, key technical personnel, and, of course, administration. The ultimate goal is to build a strong clinical physicist who practice independently and/or work in an interdisciplinary team. Part of the initiation is to find out the right balance of training, resident empowerment, and service contributed back to the clinic. Another key step that will be discussed is the recruitment of resident candidates. Namely, where the residents are coming from, what their educational background is, and most importantly during interviews, how to gauge what makes an ideal resident. Experiences on the first year of Medphys Match will be shared as well as strategies for placement following graduation. The key to maintenance of a residency program is to not allow stagnation, but rather to constantly update. Examples will be given of evolution of programs in terms of the didactic and clinical rotational components. In addition, how to allocate the resident developmental work, whether it be clinical or benchmark, without disrupting training. We will also discuss how to evaluate faculty on the ownership they take regarding resident training. We will discuss both therapy and imaging programs. Finally, we will share experiences on steps to continually improve one’s program. Learning Objectives: 1. To obtain from the experience of long standing programs the lessons learned. 2. To find out what historically has worked out to be ideal resident candidates. 3. Guidelines for continually improving a program.
Cloning and expression in Escherichia coli of a Haemophilus influenzae type b lipooligosaccharide synthesis gene(s) that encodes a 2-keto-3-deoxyoctulosonic acid epitope

The composition of lipooligosaccharide (LOS) can modify the virulence of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). A genomic library of Hib strain A2 was constructed in the lambda bacteriophage EMBL3. Twenty-six phage clones expressed a Hib LOS oligosaccharide epitope in Escherichia coli that was detected by the monoclonal antibody (MAb) 6E4. None of the clones bound a polyclonal sera specific for Hib A2 LOS or an anti-H. influenzae lipid A MAb. One clone, designated EMBLOS-1, assembled an oligosaccharide with an apparent molecular weight of 1,400 (the 1.4K oligosaccharide) on a 4.1K lipopolysaccharide (LPS) species in E. coli LE392 and produced a novel 5.5K LPS that bound 6E4. Binding of 6E4 to the 5.5K EMBLOS-1 LPS band was abolished by treatment with sodium metaperiodate but was not affected by digestion with proteinase K, confirming the carbohydrate nature of the epitope. The EMBLOS-1 Haemophilus insert hybridized to similar restriction fragments in type b and nontypeable strains regardless of whether they expressed the 6E4 epitope. The 6E4 epitope did not undergo phase variation in Hib strain A2 at a frequency of greater than 10(-3). The oligosaccharide of the Salmonella minnesota Re mutant and 2-keto-3-deoxyoctulosonic acid (KDO) inhibited binding of 6E4 to Hib A2 LOS. We conclude that a gene(s) encoding an enzyme(s) that assembles a stable Hib LOS epitope containing KDO is conserved in H. influenzae and that the cloned Hib LOS synthesis gene products assemble a Hib LOS epitope on an E. coli K-12 LPS core.
Immunochemical studies on the putative plasmalemmal receptor for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 II. Chick kidney and brain.

Abstract Chick kidney and brain were analyzed for the subcellular distribution (if any) of a putative plasma membrane receptor for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 [1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ]. Fractionation protocols were found to be based not only on differential centrifugation conditions, but also gentleness of resuspension procedures, and sufficiently dense Percoll gradients. The postnuclear pellets were resolved on 21.85% Percoll gradients overlayed on 2.4 M sucrose cushions. For both kidney and brain, fraction 1 (bottom of tube) was found to be enriched over whole homogenate 5.4- and 1.6-fold, respectively, in acid phosphatase activity, fractions 2 through 5 were enriched four- and eightfold, respectively, in succinate dehydrogenase activity, fraction 8 contained Golgi, as judged by a small peak of α-mannosidase activity, and fraction 9 was enriched sevenfold (for each tissue) in Na + ,K + -ATPase activity. Western analyses, using a characterized antibody to the putative chick intestinal plasma membrane vitamin D receptor, revealed the highest levels of antigenicity in both chick kidney and brain in plasma membrane and Golgi fractions, followed by unidentified membranes in fractions 6 and 7 of Percoll gradients. Distribution of specific binding of [ 3 H]1,25(OH) 2 D 3 in Percoll gradient fractions paralleled that of antigenicity. Qualitatively, kidney plasma membrane contained more antigen than brain plasma membrane after Western blot analyses; these results were mirrored by differences in specific binding of the tritiated secosteroid (65 ± 14.5 and 34 ± 11.9 fmol/mg of protein, respectively).
Symptomatic and Functional Responses to Concentric-Eccentric Isokinetic Versus Eccentric-Only Isotonic Exercise

Abstract Context: Rehabilitation protocols involving eccentric resistance exercise performed with loading more than 100% concentric 1-repetition maximum are effective in increasing muscle function ...
Targeting of serotonin 1a receptors to dopaminergic neurons within the parabrachial subdivision of the ventral tegmental area in rat brain

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) modulates dopamine-related cognitive functions and motor activity through activation of selective receptor subtypes including 5-HT1A. Potential targets for these 5-HT1A-mediated actions of 5-HT include mesocortical and mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons having partially segregated distribution in the parabrachial and paranigral subdivisions of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), respectively. We therefore examined the ultrastructural immunocytochemical localization of the 5-HT1A receptor in the parabrachial (VTApb) and paranigral (VTApn) subdivisions of rat VTA, to determine 1) the functional sites for receptor activation, and 2) the cellular associations between this receptor and dopaminergic neurons identified by their tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) content. In each region, 5-HT1A immunoreactivity was mainly observed in somatodendritic profiles, but it was also present in small unmyelinated axons and in a few axon terminals and glia, suggesting a role for 5-HT1A receptors in presynaptic and glial functions, as well as postsynaptic neuronal activation, in VTA. In somatodendritic profiles, 5-HT1A gold particles were mainly localized to tubulovesicles presumed to be smooth endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, however, in distal dendrites receiving multiple inputs the receptor was targeted to selective postsynaptic junctions, or more randomly distributed on nonsynaptic portions of the plasma membrane. Of the 5-HT1A-labeled dendrites, 64% in VTApb and 44% in VTApn contained TH. These findings suggest a reserve of cytoplasmic 5-HT1A receptors that are mobilized to functional postsynaptic sites on the plasma membrane by afferent input to distal dendrites in the VTA. They also indicate that 5-HT1A activation may affect a larger population of dopaminergic neurons in VTApb compared with VTApn, thus having a potentially greater impact on cognitive functions modulated by mesocortical dopaminergic neurons.
Raman Scattering in Fullerenes

Since the discovery in 1990 of a relatively simple arc method to synthesize gram quantities of carbon cage molecules (fullerenes), considerable research effort has been expended to understand the molecular and solid-state properties of fullerenes and fullerene-derived materials. Raman scattering has played an important role in this effort which has focused on the fullerene C60, and to a lesser extent C70. From Raman spectra and their comparison with model andab initiocalculations, fundamental questions regarding the intramolecular bonds, the structure and properties of crystalline, fullerene-derived solids, including the superconducting K3C60 and Rb3C60 compounds, have been addressed and largely understood. Raman scattering has also been used to probe pressure- and temperature-driven phase transitions and the photopolymerization of fullerenes in the solid state, in addition to the bonding of fullerene molecules to metal substrates. In this review the highlights of this Raman scattering research are discussed. Brief introductory remarks concerning the discovery and structure of fullerenes are also given.
The relationship between ozone and regional tracers in rural Rhode Island

Abstract Ozone and regional tracers are directly related at a rural Rhode Island site during summer. Unlike elemental tracers and sulfate, ozone has a significant background which appears to be unrelated to regional-pollution sources. Summer ozone concentrations were apportioned among northeastern and midwestern sources using results from regional-scale receptor modeling of pollution aerosol. The Northeast contributed roughly 40% more than the Midwest, but ‘background’ accounted for up to half of the average ozone concentration.
A graphic procedure in the geochemical interpretation of water-analyses

This paper outlines certain fundamental principles in a graphic procedure which appears to be an effective tool in segregating analytical data for critical study with respect to sources of the dissolved constituents in waters, modifications in the character of a water as it passes through an area, and related geochemical problems. The procedure is based on a multiple-trilinear diagram (Fig. 1) whose form has been evolved gradually and independently by the writer during the past several years through trial and modification of less comprehensive antecedent forms. Neither the diagram nor the procedure here described is a panacea for the easy solution of all geochemical problems. Many problems of interpretation can be answered only by intensive study of critical analytical data by other methods.
Duality and Regge absorption models

Abstract Pion-nucleon charge-exchange FESRs show that the best current Regge absorption models are not dual. Their strong disagreement with the FESRs is surprising, in view of the well-known correspondence between absorptive zeroes and low-energy resonance zeroes. We show that the non-duality does not arise from small details of the models, but follows inevitably from certain basic features which they share. To give the absorption the required phase, current models all introduce a strong low-lying j-plane component in the region 0 > j > −. This component overwhelms the ϱ pole at low energies, producing a non-dual amplitude. Some possible remedies are discussed.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor with Synchronous Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma

Sporadic but continuous single reports of simultaneous or synchronous gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and epithelial carcinomas have been published in the literature, to the point where the question is raised as to whether there is a simple incidental association or whether these two types of neoplasms are connected by a pathogenic relationship [1]. GISTs are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, accounting for 0.1–3.0 % of all gastrointestinal malignancies. GISTs are considered the paradigm for targeted therapy in mesenchymal tumors and are also frequently associated (>95 % of cases) with mutations in either c-KIT proto-oncogene or platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFRA) which determines the clinical response to imatinib mesylate [2]. The majority of GISTs occur as single lesions with no association established with tumors of other cell or origin except in patients with syndromes such as neurofibromatosis type 1 [1, 3], Carney triad (gastric GIST, lung chondroma, and paraganglioma) [4], and familial GIST [5]. In recent years, the treatment for epithelial carcinomas in the gastrointestinal system has changed broadly with the knowledge of molecular pathogenic alterations that are of practical therapeutic importance. Gallbladder adenocarcinoma is the most common type of primary cancer in this organ [6]; this neoplasm has been associated with K-ras mutations [7], loss of heterozygosity, microsatellite instability [8], and p16 protein overexpression [9]. To our knowledge, the synchronous existence of gallbladder adenocarcinoma and GIST has not been previously reported in the English and Spanish literature (search made in MedLine/PubMed, Google scholar, and Scielo). Here, we report a case of an adult female with GISTs and an incidental synchronous gallbladder adenocarcinoma. We also discuss the pathogenesis of these tumors on the basis of their histopathology and immunohistochemistry.
Impact of empty vehicle flow on performance of single-loop AGV systems

With the increasing trend in the use of automated guided vehicles systems (AGVS) in manufacturing, the need for design tools becomes greater. The problem is that optimized static design models do not ensure expected performance due to the difficulty in capturing the dynamic operational characteristics of the vehicle system. This study shows that by using the single-loop guide path configuration some of the dynamic features of the system, like the impact the empty vehicle flow has on the system's performance, is reduced. Thus, a more reliable prediction of system performance is achieved
Algorithms for Parallel-Search Memories

The underlying logical structure of parallel-search memories is described; the characteristic operation of three major types is displayed in the execution of searches based on equality; and algorithms are presented for searches based on other specifications including maximum, miniTnum, greater than, less than, nearest to, between limits, and ordering (sorting). It is shown that there is a hierarchy of dependency among these algorithms, that they appear in pairs with each member of a pair belonging to one or the other of two distinct classes, and that every type of search can be executed within each class.
Dynamics of coast redwood sprout clump development in variable light environments

Post-thinning stump sprout response was assessed in a coast redwood [Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don) Endl.] stand from 5 to 9 years after five treatments were initiated. Nine years after treatment, leaf area index (LAI) ranged from 5.9 to 14.1 and the percent above canopy light (PACL) ranged from 0.8 to 3.9. Sprout responses included rapid self-thinning in all treatments with complete sprout mortality at low light regimes. Self-thinning of clumps increased with greater overstory LAI and poorer light regimes. Leaf area of individual sprout clumps also declined in low light regimes. The probability of sprout survival declined rapidly below 10 PACL and coincided with declining leaf area in sprout clumps. A conceptual model is presented that shows the sensitivity of redwood sprouts to light regime. Results have implications for management of multiaged stands and indicate these redwood coppice systems require relatively severe overstory treatments to provide sufficient light for sprout vigor and growth.
Probing Reward Function in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Expectancy and Satisfaction with Monetary Gains and Losses

Abstract Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be associated with dysfunctional reward processing. The present study assessed for such dysfunction in both the expectancy and outcome phases of reward processing. Methods Male Vietnam veterans with (n = 15) and without (n = 11) combat-related PTSD were administered a wheel of fortune-type gambling task. Self-reported ratings of expectancy and satisfaction were collected respectively before and after each experience of monetary gain or loss. Results PTSD participants reported both lower expectancy of reward and lower satisfaction with reward when it was received. The latter result was manifest in a failure of PTSD participants to show the greater satisfaction that normally accompanies rewards received under conditions of low expectancy. Conclusion These results suggest reward function impairment in PTSD related to expectancy, satisfaction, and the expectancy-satisfaction relationship.
Power-frequency scaling of multi-layered microwave devices

Abstract The r.f. power obtainable from transit-time devices is shown to increase if they are stacked in series. The power-frequency scaling was obtained for both cases of electronic and thermal dissipation limits. It is demonstrated that the advantage of using multi-layered devices lies at at higher frequencies.
Review of MSR-Bing web scale speller challenge

In this paper, we provide an overview of the MSR-Bing Web Scale Speller Challenge of 2011. We describe the motivation and outline the algorithmic and engineering challenges posed by this activity. The design and the evaluation methods are also reviewed, and the online resources that will remain publicly available to the community are also described. The Challenge will culminate in a workshop after the time of the writing where the top prize winners will publish their approaches. The main findings and the lessons learned will be summarized and shared in the Industry Track presentation accompanying this paper.
Nutrient concentrations in fine roots.

Fine roots are an important source and sink for nutrients in terrestrial biogeochemistry. We examined the following hypotheses for fine root nutrients by analyzing data from 56 published studies: (1) that there is a general, inverse relationship of fine root nutrient concentrations with root diameter, and (2) that retranslocation of nutrients out of fine roots is minimal. We analyzed nutrient concentrations of roots ≤5 mm in diameter as a function of root diameter and root status (live, dead, and undifferentiated), including a comparison for coniferous and broad-leaved trees. For fine roots <2 mm in diameter, average C:N and C:N:P ratios were 43:1 and 522:12:1, significantly narrower than for 2–5 mm roots (79:1 and 920:12:1). Live roots <2 mm in diameter contained significantly more N, P, and Mg and less C than did roots 2–5 mm in diameter, but no significant differences were observed for K or Ca. Mean N and P concentrations were 11.0 and 0.9 g/kg, respectively, for live roots <2 mm diameter, compared to 6.5 and 0.6 g/kg in roots 2–5 mm in diameter. Mean N concentrations in live and dead fine roots were identical and may imply little retranslocation of root N with senescence, but conflicting evidence from Ca:N ratios highlights the need for further research. These results have practical implications for various ecological methods and for the representation of roots in biogeochemical models.
Two tachinid species discriminate between parasitized and non-parasitized hosts.

The abilities of Myiopharus doryphorae (Riley) and M. aberrans (Townsend) (Diptera: Tachinidae) to discriminate between parasitized and non-parasitized Colorado potato beetle (host) Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larvae, were investigated under laboratory and field conditions. Laboratory experiments showed that both Myiopharus species have a significantly greater frequency for larvipositing in non-parasitized hosts over parasitized ones. Direct field observations of larvipositional behavior of both Myiopharus species over three growing seasons showed effective restraint from larviposition into parasitized hosts, while larviposition into non-parasitized ones occurred readily. Avoidance of previously-parasitized hosts occurred after the larvipositing flies briefly landed on host larvae without attempting to insert the larvipositor. The low levels of superparasitism which occurred in the caged experiments and in the field appeared to be due to a breakdown of the larvipositing parasitoids' restraint when they met only parasitized hosts or when many parasitoids competed for reduced numbers of hosts late in the season.
Clinical improvement of gingival conditions following ultrasonic versus hand instrumentation of periodontal pockets.

Abstract. A study utilizing a split-mouth design in 18 subjects and with four operators was performed in order to compare the effect of hand and ultrasonic instrumentation of periodontal pockets. Contralateral pairs of teeth with pockets of comparable depth were treated by either hand or ultrasonic instruments. Instrumentation was repeated after 4 weeks. Pocket depth, bleeding on probing and gingival fluid measurements were used for evaluation. A gradual reduction of pocket depth and number of bleeding points took place throughout the 8-week experimental period. Clinically significant differences were not observed comparing the effect of hand instruments to ultrasonics for any of the operators. The amounts of gingival fluid were similar for both methods of instrumentation at the final examination. Thus, the present study failed to demonstrate any significant differences between the effect of ultrasonic root debridement and hand instrumentation in the treatment of 4–6 mm deep periodontal pockets.
Surface patterning: Silicon falls into line.

Dipole-directed self-assembly can be used to create robust one-dimensional nanostructures on silicon. It also provides new insights into interactions between molecules and this important technological material.
Distribution of repetitious DNA in human chromosomes

Studien von in situ DNS/RNS-Hybriden (oder Mischflussigkeiten) zwischen RNS und verschiedenen Fraktionen von DNS und Metaphase-Chromosomen des Menschen ergaben, dass hauptsachlich die wiederholt vorkommende DNS-Fraktion C o t = 0 → 0.005 sich in der centromeren und telomeren Region befindet.
Green's functions for gravitational waves in FRW spacetimes.

A method for calculating the retarded Green's function for the gravitational wave equation in Friedmann-Robertson-Walker spacetimes within the formalism of linearized Einstein gravity is developed. Hadamard's general solution to Cauchy's problem for second-order, linear partial differential equations is applied to the FRW gravitational wave equation. The retarded Green's function may be calculated for any FRW spacetime, with curved or flat spatial sections, for which the functional form of the Ricci scalar curvature $R$ is known. The retarded Green's function for gravitational waves propagating through a cosmological fluid composed of both radiation and dust is calculated analytically for the first time. It is also shown that for all FRW spacetimes in which the Ricci scalar curvatures does not vanish, $R\ensuremath{\ne}0$, the Green's function violates Huygens' principle; the Green's function has support inside the light cone due to the scattering of gravitational waves off the background curvature.
Transabdominal extensive esophagogastric devascularization with gastroesophageal stapling for management of noncirrhotic portal hypertension : Long-term results

Outside Japan portosystemic shunts have been favored as the surgical procedure of choice for the management of portal hypertension of noncirrhotic etiology. Devascularization procedures have resulted in high rebleed rates probably owing to a limited extent of devascularization. We performed this study to assess the efficacy of our modification of Sugiura's procedure for long-term control of variceal bleeding in patients with noncirrhotic portal hypertension. Forty-six patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) and 22 with noncirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) were subjected to transabdominal extensive esophagogastric devascularization with esophageal or gastric stapled transection (modified Sugiura's procedure), 38 in an emergency situation and 30 electively. Follow-up endoscopies were performed every 6 months. Operative mortality, morbidity, variceal status, and causes of recurrent bleeding were evaluated. The postoperative mortality was 4%. Early procedure-related complications were seen in 6%, and esophageal strictures formed in 7 of 45 survivors undergoing esophageal transection (15%). Over a mean ± SD follow-up of 53 ± 34 months, 95% of patients were free of varices. Seven survivors (11%) had a rebleed, but only 5% were due to varices (two esophageal, one gastric). Six (9%) patients developed gastropathy. The 5-year survival was 88%. The modified Sugiura's procedure is safe and effective for long-term control of variceal bleeding especially in the emergency setting and in patients with anatomy unsuitable for shunt surgery or if surgical expertise for a shunt operation is not available.
We neurotic amateurs: a commentary on Edmond H. Weiss's `Egoless Writing: Improving Quality by Replacing Artistic Impulse with Engineering Discipline'

The assertion that technical communicators tend to be `amateurs'---that is, lovers of their work--- is a claim with little foundation. Arguments toward regimentation and systematization of documentation writing are not calls to professionalize a currently-immature field, but rather attempts to emulate the hierarchy we have seen implemented in microprocessor engineering in the 1970s, software development in the 1980s, and content management in the 1990s. Such `egoless' methods may offer advantages to employers, but should not necessarily be considered `progress.'
Spyn: augmenting knitting to support storytelling and reflection

Ubicomp research has spurred the exploration of more "natural" or "invisible" interfaces that can be seamlessly embedded into their environment. In this paper, we discuss the role such technology can play in augmenting existing creative practice to enhance the sharing of the handcraft process. We present the design and implementation of Spyn, a system for knitters to record, playback, and share information involved in the creation of their hand-knit artifacts. Guided by a formative study of knitting practices, we designed Spyn to capture information while a person knits and allow for the subsequent retrieval of the information using the knit artifact. Spyn uses computer vision techniques in combination with patterns of infrared ink printed on yarn to correlate locations in knit fabric with messages recorded during the knitting process. Rather than seeking to improve the speed or accuracy of the knitter, we designed Spyn to enrich the knitter's craft while preserving the look and feel of the knit artifact.
Mutual state-based capabilities for role assignment in heterogeneous teams

In a heterogeneous team, agents have different capabilities with regards to the actions relevant to the task. Roles are typically assigned to individual agents in such a team, where each role is responsible for a certain aspect of the joint team goal. In this paper, we focus on role assignment in a heterogeneous team, where an agent's capability depends on its teammate and their mutual state, i.e., the agent's state and its teammate's state. The capabilities of an agent are represented by a mean and variance, to capture the uncertainty in the agent's actions as well as the uncertainty in the world. We present a formal framework for representing this problem, and illustrate our framework using a robot soccer example. We formally describe how to compute the value of a role assignment policy, as well as the computation of the optimal role assignment policy, using a notion of risk. Further, we show that finding the optimal role assignment can be difficult, and describe approximation algorithms that can be used to solve this problem. We provide an analysis of these algorithms in our model and empirically show that they perform well in general problems of this domain, compared to market-based techniques.
Smoke-Free Coalition Cohesiveness in Rural Tobacco-Growing Communities

Promoting tobacco control policies in rural tobacco-growing communities presents unique challenges. The purpose of this study was to assess smoke-free coalition cohesiveness in rural communities and identify coalition members’ perceived barriers or divisive issues that impede the development of smoke-free policies. A secondary aim was to evaluate differences in coalition cohesiveness between advocates in communities receiving stage-based, tailored policy advocacy assistance versus those without assistance. Tobacco control advocates from 40 rural Kentucky communities were interviewed by telephone during the final wave of a 5-year longitudinal study of community readiness for smoke-free policy. On average, five health advocates per county participated in the 45-min interview. Participants rated coalition cohesiveness as not at all cohesive, somewhat cohesive, or very cohesive, and answered one open-ended question about potentially divisive issues within their coalitions. The mean age of the 186 participants was 48.1 years (SD = 13.3). The sample was predominantly female (83.6 %) and Caucasian (99.5 %). Divisive concerns ranged from rights issues, member characteristics, type of law, and whether or not to allow certain exemptions. Three of the divisive concerns were significantly associated with their rankings of coalition cohesiveness: raising tobacco in the community, the belief that smoke-free would adversely affect the economy, and government control. Educating coalition members on the economics of smoke-free laws and the actual economic impact on tobacco-growing may promote smoke-free coalition cohesiveness. More resources are needed to support policy advocacy in rural tobacco-growing communities as well as efforts to reduce the divisive concerns reported in this study.
Optical quality of the W.M. Keck Telescope

Astronomical observations are now taking place on the Keck I telescope on a regular basis. We summarize here the status of the Keck I and II optics, and the current wavefront and image quality of the Keck I telescope as measured by in-telescope optical tests. Shack-Hartmann measurements of the individual primary mirror segments yield 80% encircled energy diameters that vary from 0.31 to 0.60 arc seconds. Full width at half maximum measurements of direct segment images obtained on a night of excellent seeing varied from 0.32 to 0.51 arcsec, and the combined image was 0.42 arcsec.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Orientational steering in enzyme-substrate association: ionic strength dependence of hydrodynamic torque effects.

The effect of hydrodynamic torques on the association rate constants for enzyme-ligand complexation is investigated by Brownian dynamics simulations. Our hydrodynamic models of the enzyme and ligand are composed of spherical elements with friction forces acting at their centers. A quantitative measure of hydrodynamic torque orientational effects is introduced by choosing, as a reference system, an enzyme-ligand model with the same average hydrodynamic interactions but without orientational dependence. Our simple models show a 15% increase in the rate constant caused by hydrodynamic torques at physiological ionic strength. For more realistic hydrodynamic models, which are not computationally feasible at present, this effect is probably higher. The most important finding of this work is that hydrodynamic complementarity in shape (i.e. like the fitting together of pieces of a puzzle) is most effective for interactions between molecules at physiological ionic strength.
Memory access analysis and optimization approaches on splay trees

Splay trees, a type of self-adjusting search tree, are introduced and analyzed. Since they have been widely used in search problems, any performance improvements will yield great benefits. First, the paper introduces some background about splay trees and memory hierarchies. Then, it presents two heuristic algorithms, based on research in reference affinity and data regrouping. These algorithms have good locality, reduce memory transfers, and decrease cache miss rates on different architectures. Finally, the paper evaluates the performance gain of these algorithms on random inputs and Spec2K benchmark programs.
Image registration for pressure-sensitive paint applications

Pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) data are generally derived by ratioing two images of a PSP-coated wind tunnel model. One image is taken at a known “wind-off” reference pressure while the other is taken at the test condition, in order to factor out the effects of nonuniform illumination and paint thickness. However, airloads on the model cause it to move during testing with respect to both the camera and the illumination source used to excite the P & P. Thus, the raw PSP images must be aligned, or registered, by means of a spatial transform. Once a proper ratioed image is obtained, image coordinates must be related to model coordinates so that pressure data can be obtained at the desired points on the model. This article compares several transforms used for image registration, and demonstrates the use of the projective equation of photogrammetry to relate model to image coordinates. An application in a small-scale wind tunnel test is shown, demonstrating mapping of pressure data to the three-dimensional model surface.
Electronic structure of double‐layer graphene tubules

The electronic structure of coaxial, graphene double‐layer tubules is predicted for various combinations of metallic and insulating constituent inner and outer monolayers, depending on the diameter and chirality of the tubule. For the examples chosen, some of the energy bands of the inner and outer tubules are coupled to each other by commensurate interlayer interactions. Nevertheless, because of symmetry, the energy bands of metallic monolayer tubules remain metallic even after interlayer interactions are considered. The possible implications of these results on molecular metal‐insulator devices are discussed.
Hydrogen Diffusion Between Plasma-Deposited Silicon Nitridepolyimide Polymer Interfaces

A Nuclear Reaction Analysis (NRA) for Hydrogen technique was used to analyze the hydrogen concentration near Plasma Enchanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) silicon nitride-polyimide interfaces at various nitride-deposition and polyimide-polymer-curing temperatures. The CF4 + 02 (8% 02) plasma-etch-rate variation of PECVD silicon nitride films deposited on polyimide appeared to correlate well with the variation of hydrogen-depth profiles in the nitride films. The NRA data indicate that hydrogen-depth-profile fluctuation in the nitride films is due to hydrogen diffusion between the nitride-polyimide interfaces during deposition. Annealing treatment of polyimide films in a hydrogen atmosphere prior to the nitride film deposition tends to enhance the hydrogen-depth-profile uniformity in the nitride films, and thus substantially reduces or eliminates variation in the nitride plasma-etch rate.