cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular mapping of the centromeres of tomato chromosomes 7 and 9.

The centromeres of two tomato chromosomes have been precisely localized on the molecular linkage map through dosage analysis of trisomic stocks. To map the centromeres of chromosomes 7 and 9, complementary telo-, secondary, and tertiary trisomic stocks were used to assign DNA markers to their respective chromosome arms and thus to localize the centromere at the junction of the short and long arms. It was found that both centromeres are situated within a cluster of cosegregating markers. In an attempt to order the markers within the centric clusters, genetic maps of the centromeric regions of chromosomes 7 and 9 were constructed from F2 populations of 1620Lycopersicon esculentum × L. pennellii (E × P) plants and 1640L. esculentum × L. pimpinellifolium (E × PM) plants. Despite the large number of plants analyzed, very few recombination events were detected in the centric regions, indicating a significant suppression of recombination at this region of the chromosome. The fact that recombination suppression is equally strong in crosses between closely related (E × PM) and remotely related (E × P) parents suggests that centromeric suppression is not due to DNA sequence mismatches but to some other mechanism. The greatest number of centromeric markers was resolved in theL. esculentum × L. pennellii F2 population. The centromere of chromosome 7 is surrounded by eight cosegregating markers: three on the short arm, five on the long arm. Similarly, the centric region of chromosome 9 contains ten cosegregating markers including one short arm marker and nine long arm markers. The localization of centromeres to precise intervals on the molecular linkage map represents the first step towards the characterization and ultimate isolation of tomato centromeres.
A patient with an interstitial deletion of the proximal portion of the long arm of chromosome 4

A patient with a proximal deletion of the long arm of chromosome 4 is presented. This patient and 6 others previously described appear to have similar findings of moderate to severe developmental delay, small size, small hands and feet, and similar facial appearance. These patients appear to be quite different from those with more distal 4q deletions.
Cardiac dysfunction in unselected chronic alcoholic patients: Noninvasive screening by systolic time intervals

Abstract Chronic alcoholism produces abnormal cardiac function even in asymptomatic patients free of other disease. Sixty unselected chronic alcoholics, 52 of whom proved to have symptoms and signs consistent with various disorders (cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and neurologic), were evaluated by systolic time intervals. Both the group as a whole and separately when subgrouped by associated diseases, showed evidence of cardiac malfunction on the basis of decreased left ventricular ejection time and abnormally increased ratio of pre-ejection time to ejection time.
NONEQUILIBRIUM DIELECTRIC BEHAVIOR IN GLASSES AT LOW TEMPERATURES : EVIDENCE FOR INTERACTING DEFECTS

We find that recent low-temperature nonequilibrium dielectric experiments indicate that glasses have strongly interacting defects. While many of the features found in the experiments can be explained by the standard model of noninteracting two-level systems, we find that the frequency dependence cannot. Using a Monte Carlo simulation of a nearest-neighbor Ising spin glass, we show that interactions between defects can qualitatively explain the experiments because they lead to the formation of clusters and a hole in the distribution of local fields.
Intracellular pH regulation in the early embryo

Intracellular pH (pHi) regulation is a homeostatic function of all cells. Additionally, the plasma membrane-based transporters controlling pHi are involved in growth factor activation, cell proliferation and salt transport – all processes active in early embryos. pHi regulation in the early embryos of many species exhibits unique features: in mouse preimplantation embryos, mechanisms for correcting excess acid apparently are inactive, while excess base is removed by the mechanism common in differentiated cells. Additionally, unlike differentiated cells, mouse preimplantation embryos are highly permeable to H+ until the blastocyst stage, where the epithelial cells surrounding the embryo are impermeable. In several non-mammalian species, of which the best-studied is sea urchin, cytoplasmic alkalinization at fertilization is necessary for development of the embryo, and elevated pHi must be maintained during early development. Thus, pHi regulatory mechanisms appear to be important for early embryo development in many species.
Synthesis and mass spectra of 4-O-acetyl-1,5-anhydro-2,3,6-tri-O -(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-D-glucitol and the positional isomers of 4- O-acetyl-1,5-anhydro-di-O-(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-O-methyl-D-glucitol and 4-O-acetyl-1,5-anhydro-O-(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-di-O-methyl-D-glucitol .

Abstract Reductive cleavage of fully methylated, partially O -carboxymethylated cellulose had previously been shown to produce 4- O -acetyl-1,5-anhydro-2,3,6-tri- O -methyl-, -2- O -(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-3,6-di- O -methyl-, -3- O -(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-2,6-di- O -methyl-, -6- O -(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-2,3-di- O -methyl-, -2,3-di- O -(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-6- O -methyl-, -2,6-di- O -(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-3- O -methyl-, -3,6-di- O -(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-2- O -methyl-, and -2,3,6-tri- O -(methoxycarbonylmethyl)- d -glucitol. Described herein is the independent synthesis of these derivatives, except for the first, which had been reported. In addition, their 1 H-n.m.r. spectra, chemical-ionization (NH 3 ) mass spectra, and electronionization mass spectra are tabulated.
Estimating the accuracy of dichotomous judgments

A reliability study is assumed to be carried out with each of a number of observers making a dichotomous judgment concerning each of a sample of subjects. A nonparametric model is proposed for the errors underlying such judgments, and conditions are given under which Cochran'sQ statistic is valid for testing the hypothesis of no systematic differences among the judgments of the different observers. Inferences concerning the probabilities of error are shown to be possible in terms of the intraclass correlation coefficient. A numerical example is given.
The role of professional societies in promoting integrity in research.

OBJECTIVES To summarize what is known about and to offer suggestions for steps professional societies can take to foster greater integrity in research. METHODS Analysis of research literature on research integrity. RESULTS Research on research integrity has identified 3 areas for concerns about integrity: 1) research misconduct, 2) questionable research practices, and 3) the research environment. CONCLUSIONS It is suggested that professional societies should 1) undertake a careful assessment of needs and possible problems in their research areas, 2) develop resources to address specific problems, and 3) take more active roles in promoting integrity in research among their members.
Multimeric analysis of von Willebrand factor in megakaryocytes

Abstract von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a glycoprotein that appears to play a major role in subserving the adhesion of platelets to subendothelium during hemostasis. Endothelial cells have been shown capable of synthesizing and releasing this large, multimeric glycoprotein that normally circulates in the plasma in association with the factor VIII coagulant molecule. Megakaryocytes, the precursor cells of blood platelets, also appear to possess vWF biosynthetic capacity, since cultured guinea pig megakaryocytes have been shown to produce a polypeptide precipitable by antibody to vWF. We now report a study of the multimeric structure of vWF in the megakaryocyte, as well as a quantitative comparison of megakaryocyte vWF with that of platelets and plasma in the guinea pig. Multimeric analysis on SDS agarose gels employing 125I-emu anti-human vWF revealed striking homology between human and guinea pig vWF. Platelets and megakaryocytes from the same guinea pigs contained vWF of highly comparable multimeric composition. Moreover, megakaryocytes and platelets both contained a subset of very high molecular weight multimers not present in plasma. Quantitation of vWF in megakaryocytes and platelets was achieved with a radioimmunoassay performed on detergent (NP-40) lysates of washed cells. These measurements showed that megakaryocytes and platelets contain 0.079 and 0.069 U of vWF per mg protein, respectively. The results of these studies suggest that megakaryocytes represent the primary, if in fact not sole, source of platelet vWF.
A survey of ESR in heat treated carbon blacks

Abstract The electron spin resonance has been studied for a representative group of variously heat treated carbon blacks using a 3-cm spectrometer equipped with a variable temperature dewar in the cavity. X-ray measurements were made to determine the layer plane spacing and crystallite size. The results show the existence of a relation between the g -value of the ESR line and the layer plane spacing (crystallite size). In general, the g -value remains near the free electron value for small crystallites with turbostratic stacking and increases with crystallite size (either looking at a given carbon black at increasing heat-treatment temperature or in comparing a series of carbon blacks with various particle sizes at the same HTT) up to a value of g = 2.017 for the largest highly heat treated material such as Thermax. By checking the temperature dependence of the ESR integrated intensity and correcting for the depression of the g -value caused by the presence of localized spin centers, the true relation between Δg and the interlayer spacing d was obtained.
Effects of dietary caloric density on feeding behavior in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus).

Abstract Total daily energy intake, water intake, body weight, and meal patterns were studied in Mongolian gerbils as a function of dietary caloric density. On diets ranging in caloric density from 2.25 kcal/g to 6.09 kcal/g, gerbils consumed an average of 40 kcal per 100 g of body weight per day. In comparison to gerbils fed ground Purina Laboratory Chow (4.2 kcal/g), gerbils presented with diets diluted with nonutritive cellulose increased food intake in proportion to the percentage of cellulose added. Gerbils given diets in which the caloric density was increased by the addition of fat, decreased food intake as a direct function of the added fat. Water intake was increased on the calorically diluted diets, and decreased on the concentrated diets. Body weight did not vary as a function of dietary conditions. On a standard pelleted diet (Noyes), gerbils ate approximately 18 meals a day. Average meal size was 0.4 g. When presented with calorically diluted pellets, gerbils maintained daily energy intake by increasing both meal frequency and meal size. There were no differences in food intake, meal frequency or meal size between the light and dark portions of the 24-hr cycle.
Natural language processing using online analytic processing for assessing recommendations in radiology reports.

Purpose The study purpose was to describe the use of natural language processing (NLP) and online analytic processing (OLAP) for assessing patterns in recommendations in unstructured radiology reports on the basis of patient and imaging characteristics, such as age, gender, referring physicians, radiology subspecialty, modality, indications, diseases, and patient status (inpatient vs outpatient). Materials and Methods A database of 4,279,179 radiology reports from a single tertiary health care center during a 10-year period (1995-2004) was created. The database includes reports of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, radiography, mammography, angiography, special procedures, and unclassified imaging tests with patient demographics. A clinical data mining and analysis NLP program (Leximer, Nuance Inc, Burlington, Massachusetts) in conjunction with OLAP was used for classifying reports into those with recommendations (I REC ) and without recommendations (N REC ) for imaging and determining I REC rates for different patient age groups, gender, imaging modalities, indications, diseases, subspecialties, and referring physicians. In addition, temporal trends for I REC were also determined. Results There was a significant difference in the I REC rates in different age groups, varying between 4.8% (10-19 years) and 9.5% (>70 years) ( P REC rates were observed for different imaging modalities, with the highest rates for computed tomography (17.3%, 100,493/581,032). The I REC rates varied significantly for different subspecialties and among radiologists within a subspecialty ( P Conclusion The radiology reports database analyzed with NLP in conjunction with OLAP revealed considerable differences between recommendation trends for different imaging modalities and other patient and imaging characteristics.
Data layout for power efficient archival storage systems

Legacy archival workloads have a typical write-once-read-never pattern, which fits well for tape based archival systems. With the emergence of newer applications like Facebook, Yahoo! Flickr, Apple iTunes, demand for a new class of archives has risen, where archived data continues to get accessed, albeit at lesser frequency and relaxed latency requirements. We call these types of archival storage systems as active archives. However, keeping archived data on always spinning storage media to fulfill occasional read requests is not practical due to significant power costs. Using spin-down disks, having better latency characteristics as compared to tapes, for active archives can save significant power. In this paper, we present a two-tier architecture for active archives comprising of online and offline disks, and provide an access-aware intelligent data layout mechanism to bring power efficiency. We validate the proposed mechanism with real-world archival traces. Our results indicate that the proposed clustering and optimized data layout algorithms save upto 78% power over random placement.
Exercising Agency, Becoming a Single Mother : Decision-Making Processes of Unmarried Women

Single motherhood is on the rise and an increasing number of single mothers are never married. This has contributed to the crisis rhetoric surrounding the decline of the traditional family. A plethora of research has been conducted with a variety of subgroups of single mothers, but virtually no research has examined the lives of never married, single mothers, who are neither poor nor middle class, but economically fall in between. Drawing on data from qualitative interviews with this subgroup, the article examines their decision-making processes. The findings of this study reveal various factors that helped the women make decisions showing how the process is more complex than previously suggested in the literature. Interestingly, the women articulate a comfort zone of single motherhood that is unparallel to other groups of single mothers. Concepts of agency, autonomy, pride, and self-reliance are crucial to understanding their process of decision making.
Cardiac Operation and End-Stage Renal Disease

Abstract From 1972 to 1979, 22 patients with end-stage renal disease underwent 23 cardiac operations involving the pump oxygenator. Fourteen patients had coronary artery bypass, 2 had aortic valve replacement, 2 had mitral valve replacement (MVR), 2 had MVR with coronary artery bypass, and 2 had ascending aortic root replacement with a composite graft. One patient underwent successful reoperation for a false aneurysm of the left ventricle after MVR. There were 2 postoperative deaths, for a mortality of 9.1%. The patients undergoing coronary artery bypass had an average of 2.7 grafts and an average Functional Class improvement from New York Heart Association Class III or IV to Class I or II. Eighteen patients required preoperative and postoperative dialysis to control blood volume, potassium, and uremia. Four patients had functioning renal transplants, and 4 patients underwent subsequent successful renal transplantation. We conclude that: (1) patients who have transplants and require dialysis can be successfully managed for cardiac operation in spite of their complex associated medical problems; (2) functional and symptomatic improvement simplifies continued management of the patient needing dialysis; and (3) improvement of a cardiac disability can allow favorable renal transplantation in selected patients.
Bayesian Inference for Smoking Cessation with a Latent Cure State

We present a Bayesian approach to modeling dynamic smoking addiction behavior processes when cure is not directly observed due to censoring. Subject-specific probabilities model the stochastic transitions among three behavioral states: smoking, transient quitting, and permanent quitting (absorbent state). A multivariate normal distribution for random effects is used to account for the potential correlation among the subject-specific transition probabilities. Inference is conducted using a Bayesian framework via Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation. This framework provides various measures of subject-specific predictions, which are useful for policy-making, intervention development, and evaluation. Simulations are used to validate our Bayesian methodology and assess its frequentist properties. Our methods are motivated by, and applied to, the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Lung Cancer Prevention study, a large (29,133 individuals) longitudinal cohort study of smokers from Finland.
Myoglobin and Cytochrome b5: A Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of a Highly Dynamic Protein Complex †

The transient complex of bovine myoglobin and cytochrome b5 has been investigated using a combination of NMR chemical shift mapping, 15N relaxation data, and protein docking simulations. Chemical shift perturbations observed for cytochrome b5 amide resonances upon complex formation with either metmyoglobin (FeIII) or carbon monoxide-bound myoglobin (FeII) are more than 10-fold smaller than in other transient redox protein complexes. From 15N relaxation experiments, an increase in the overall correlation time of cytochrome b5 in the presence of myoglobin is observed, confirming that complex formation is occurring. The chemical shift perturbations of proton and nitrogen amide nuclei as well as heme protons of cytochrome b5 titrate with increasing myoglobin concentrations, also demonstrating the formation of a weak complex with a Ka in the inverse millimolar range. The perturbed residues map over a wide surface area of cytochrome b5, with patches of residues located around the exposed heme 6-propionate as we...
Structure and properties of cocoons and silk fibers produced by Hyalophora cecropia

This paper shows that silk fibers produced by cecropia (Hyalophora cecropia) have similar tensile properties but different amino acid composition than that of mulberry (Bombyx mori) silk. The cecropia fibers are also much finer and have bet ter strength and modulus than tasar silk, the most common non-mulberry silk. Cecropia is one of the largest silk producing moths and has similar lifecycle to that of mulberry silk but is easier to grow and produces larger cocoons than mulberry silk. In this study, we have characterized the composition, morphology, physical and tensile properties, and thermal behavior of the cecropia silk. Cecropia cocoons have a three tier structure and are larger (750 mg) than the cocoons produced by B. mori (650 mg). Fibers in the three layers in cecropia cocoons have tensile properties similar to that of B. mori silk but are finer (1.7–2 denier) and have higher strength (3.8–4.3 g/denier) and modulus (68–92 g/denier) than tasar silk.
Functional status outcomes among white and African-American cardiac patients in an equal access system.

Background Racial disparities exist in invasive cardiac procedure use and, sometimes, in subsequent functional status outcomes. We explored whether racial differences in functional outcomes occur in settings where differences in access and treatment are minimized. Methods We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of 1022 white and African-American cardiac patients with positive nuclear imaging studies in 5 VA hospitals. Patients' functional status was assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months later using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire and the SF-12, controlling for treatment received, clinical, sociodemographic, and psychological characteristics. Results There were no significant baseline effects of race on functional status, after adjusting for sociodemographics, comorbid conditions, maximal medical therapy, severity of ischemia on nuclear imaging study, personal attitudes, and beliefs. Although there were no race differences in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty use, there was a trend of African Americans being less likely to undergo coronary artery bypass graft, after 6 months (1.4% vs 6.5%) and 1 year (1.9 vs 6.9%). After adjustment, the decline in the SF12 Physical Component Summary from baseline to 6 months was, on average, 2.4 points less for African Americans than for whites, and at 12 months, Anginal Stability improved 8.4 points more for African Americans. The relative strength and direction of both findings persisted after removing covariates that might be confounded with race, and African Americans decreased less than whites on Physical Limitations, and improved more on Treatment Satisfaction, Anginal Frequency, and Disease Perceptions. Conclusions In a setting where differences in access are minimized, so are racial differences in functional status outcomes.
Prolonged candidemia in infants following surgery for congenital heart disease.

Objectives To describe a group of infants with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) who had candidemia postoperatively and to perform a case-control study of risk factors. Design Descriptive and case-control study. Setting Tertiary-care medical centers. Patients Infants with CCHD who underwent cardiac surgery and developed candidemia. Controls were matched for congenital heart disease lesions, age, and postoperative hospital stay. Results Of 95 infants younger than 6 months with CCHD who underwent cardiac surgery between January 1999 and April 2001, 6 (6.3%) developed candidemia with 5 different species. The candidemia was prolonged (range, 12 to 32 days; median, 17 days). The interval between cardiac surgery and onset of candidemia was 12 to 57 days (median, 24 days). All had a central venous catheter inserted 8 to 50 days prior to the onset of candidemia. The mortality rate was 83%, compared with 13% for the group without candidemia. A univariate analysis of the potential risk factors revealed that duration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), duration of antibiotics, intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time, and documentation of an intravascular thrombus were associated with candidemia. In multivariate analysis, long duration of TPN and documentation of a thrombus were associated with candidemia. Conclusions Candidemia following cardiac surgery for infants with CCHD was persistent and associated with high mortality. The variety of species indicates that this was not a common-source outbreak. Risk factors associated with candidemia were duration of TPN and documentation of an intravascular thrombus.
SNAP-X: The Space Nuclear Activation Plant

In order to broaden the horizon of manned space exploration and other energy-intensive activities well beyond the Earth and the Sun’s immediate sphere of influence, nuclear energy is the only viable option at the present time. One of the policy roadblocks for operating high-energy nuclear power systems in space is the inherent risk of launcher failure while transporting radioactive fuel during the ascent phase. Of course, orbital systems with nuclear fuel can also be worrisome because of unintentional events—such as upper stage failure, or other accidental re-entry and consequent atmospheric dispersion and widespread contamination. Decommission and end-of-life disposal is also a quandary. We suggest the SNAP-X concept as a strategy for powering long-duration deep space missions that require both power and propulsion systems beyond those available today. SNAP-X eliminates the need to launch radioactive nuclear fuels through the Earth’s atmosphere. An uclear breeder reactor will be launched to the Earth-Moon system L-1 Lagrangian point, from which it will ingest fertile materials shipped from Earth, transmute them into useable nuclear fuels, and aid in the manufacture and distribution of space-based nuclear fuel for use in space based power plants and propulsion. This concept explores some of the most promising nuclear power technologies, and discusses potential NASA collaboration with the ideal, potential initial developers and early operators of SNAP-X. Particularly, we will explore the potential role of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). Through this concept, we intend to establish a vision for the future of space activity employing nuclear power.
TWO MORE CANDIDATE AM CANUM VENATICORUM (AM CVn) BINARIES FROM THE SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY

AM CVn systems are a select group of ultracompact binaries with the shortest orbital periods of any known binary subclass; mass transfer is likely from a low-mass (partially-)degenerate secondary onto a white dwarf primary, driven by gravitational radiation. In the past few years, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) has provided five new AM CVns. Here we report on two further candidates selected from more recent SDSS data. SDSS J1208+3550 is similar to the earlier SDSS discoveries, recognized as an AM CVn via its distinctive spectrum which is dominated by helium emission. From the expanded SDSS Data Release 6 (DR6) spectroscopic area, we provide an updated surface density estimate for such AM CVns of order 10?3.1-10?2.5 deg?2 for 15 < g < 20.5. In addition, we present another new candidate AM CVn, SDSS J2047+0008, which was discovered in the course of follow-up of SDSS-II supernova candidates. It shows nova-like outbursts in multi-epoch imaging data; in contrast to the other SDSS AM CVn discoveries, its (outburst) spectrum is dominated by helium absorption lines, reminiscent of KL Dra, and 2003aw. The variability selection of SDSS J2047+0008 from the 300 deg2 of SDSS Stripe 82 presages further AM CVn discoveries in future deep, multicolor, and time-domain surveys such as the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST). The new additions bring the total SDSS yield to seven AM CVns thus far, a substantial contribution to this rare subclass, versus the dozen previously known.
The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Empirical evidence supports the efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Effect sizes for psychodynamic psychotherapy are as large as those reported for other therapies that have been actively promoted as "empirically supported" and "evidence based." Additionally, patients who receive psychodynamic therapy maintain therapeutic gains and appear to continue to improve after treatment ends. Finally, non-psychodynamic therapies may be effective in part because the more skilled practitioners utilize techniques that have long been central to psychodynamic theory and practice. The perception that psychodynamic approaches lack empirical support does not accord with available scientific evidence and may reflect selective dissemination of research findings. There is a belief in some quarters that psychodynamic concepts and treatments lack empirical support, or that scientific evidence shows that other forms of treatment are more effective. The belief appears to have taken on a life of its own. Academicians repeat it to one another, as do healthcare administrators, as do healthcare policy makers. With each repetition, its apparent credibility grows. At some point, there seems little need to question or revisit it because "everyone" knows it to be so. The scientific evidence tells a different story: considerable research supports the efficacy and effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapy. The discrepancy between perceptions and evidence may be due, in part, to biases in the dissemination of research findings. One potential source of bias is a lingering distaste in the mental health professions for past psychoanalytic arrogance and authority. In decades past, American psychoanalysis was dominated by a hierarchical medical establishment that denied training to non-MDs and adopted a dismissive stance toward research. This did not win friends in academic circles. When empirical findings emerged that supported non-psychodynamic treatments, many academicians greeted them enthusiastically and were eager to discuss and disseminate them. When empirical evidence supported psychodynamic concepts and treatments, it was often overlooked. This article brings together findings from several empirical literatures that bear on the efficacy of psychodynamic treatment. It will first outline the distinctive features of psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Aurora B–mediated localized delays in nuclear envelope formation facilitate inclusion of late-segregating chromosome fragments

To determine how chromosome segregation is coordinated with nuclear envelope formation (NEF), we examined the dynamics of NEF in the presence of lagging acentric chromosomes in Drosophila neuroblasts. Acentric chromosomes often exhibit delayed but ultimately successful segregation and incorporation into daughter nuclei. However, it is unknown whether these late-segregating acentric fragments influence NEF to ensure their inclusion in daughter nuclei. Through live analysis, we show that acentric chromosomes induce highly localized delays in the reassembly of the nuclear envelope. These delays result in a gap in the nuclear envelope that facilitates the inclusion of lagging acentrics into telophase daughter nuclei. Localized delays of nuclear envelope reassembly require Aurora B kinase activity. In cells with reduced Aurora B activity, there is a decrease in the frequency of local nuclear envelope reassembly delays, resulting in an increase in the frequency of acentric-bearing, lamin-coated micronuclei. These studies reveal a novel role of Aurora B in maintaining genomic integrity by promoting the formation of a passageway in the nuclear envelope through which late-segregating acentric chromosomes enter the telophase daughter nucleus.
Learning mode and exemplar sequencing in unsupervised category learning

Exemplar sequencing effects in incidental and intentional unsupervised category learning were investigated to illuminate how people form categories without an external teacher. Stimuli were perfectly separable into 2 categories based on 1 of 2 dimensions of variation. Sequencing of the first 20 training stimuli was manipulated. In the blocked condition, 10 Category A stimuli were followed by 10 Category B stimuli. In the intermixed condition, these 20 stimuli were ordered randomly. Experiment 1 revealed an interaction between learning mode and sequence, with better intentional learning for intermixed sequences but better incidental learning for blocked sequences. Experiment 2 showed that manipulating trial-to-trial variability along each dimension can impact intentional learning. Training sequences that emphasized variation along the category-relevant dimension resulted in better performance than sequences that emphasized variation along the category-irrelevant dimension. The results suggest that unsupervised category learning is influenced by the mode of learning and the order and nature of encountered exemplars.
Performance Assessments of Nuclear Waste Repositories: A Dialogue on Their Value and Limitations

Performance Assessment (PA) is the use of mathematical models to simulate the long-term behavior of engineered and geologic barriers in a nuclear waste repository; methods of uncertainty analysis are used to assess effects of parametric and conceptual uncertainties associated with the model system upon the uncertainty in outcomes of the simulation. PA is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of its certification process for geologic repositories for nuclear waste. This paper is a dialogue to explore the value and limitations of PA. Two “skeptics” acknowledge the utility of PA in organizing the scientific investigations that are necessary for confident siting and licensing of a repository; however, they maintain that the PA process, at least asit is currently implemented, is an essentially unscientific process with shortcomings that may provide results of limited use in evaluating actual effects on public health and safety. Conceptual uncertainties in a PA analysis can be so great that results can be confidently applied only over short time ranges, the antithesis of the purpose behind long-term, geologic disposal. Two “proponents” of PA agree that performance assessment is unscientific, but only in the sense that PA is an engineering analysis that uses existing scientific knowledge to support public policy decisions, rather than an investigation intended to increase fundamental knowledge of nature; PA has different goals and constraints than a typical scientific study. The “proponents” describe an ideal, sixstep process for conducting generalized PA, here called probabilistic systems analysis (PSA); they note that virtually all scientific content of a PA is introduced during the model-building steps of a PSA, they contend that a PA based on simple but scientifically acceptable mathematical models can provide useful and objective input to regulatory decision makers. The value of the results of any PA must lie between these two views and will depend on the level of knowledge of the site, the degree to which models capture actual physical and chemical processes, the time over which extrapolations are made, and the proper evaluation of health risks attending implementation of the repository. The challenge is in evaluating whether the quality of the PA matches the needs of decision makers charged with protecting the health and safety of the public.
Dynamic algorithm transformations (DAT)-a systematic approach to low-power reconfigurable signal processing

In this paper, dynamic algorithm transformations (DATs) for designing low-power reconfigurable signal-processing systems are presented. These transformations minimize energy dissipation while maintaining a specified level of mean squared error or signal-to-noise ratio. This is achieved by modeling the nonstationarities in the input as temporal/spatial transitions between states in the input state-space. The reconfigurable hardware fabric is characterized by its configuration state-space. The configurable parameters are taken to be the filter taps, coefficient and data precisions, and supply voltage V/sub dd/. An energy-optimal reconfiguration strategy is derived as a mapping from the input to the configuration state-space. In this strategy, taps are powered down starting with the tap with the smallest value [w/sub k//sup 2///spl Sigma//sub m/(w/sub k/)] (where w/sub k/ and /spl Sigma//sub m/(w/sub k/) are, respectively, the adders, redundant-to-binary conversion, tree adders, coefficient and energy dissipation of the kth tap). Optimal values for precision and supply voltage V/sub dd/ are subsequently computed from the roundoff error and critical path delay requirements, respectively. The DAT-based adaptive filter is employed as a near-end crosstalk (NEXT) canceller in a 155.52-Mb/s asynchronous transfer mode-local area network transceiver over category-3 wiring. Simulation results indicate that the energy savings range from -2% to 87% as the cable length varies from 110 to 40 m, respectively, with an average saving of 69%. An average saving of 62% is achieved for the case where the supply voltage V/sub dd/ is kept fixed.
High throughput screening for small molecule enhancers of the interferon signaling pathway to drive next-generation antiviral drug discovery.

Most of current strategies for antiviral therapeutics target the virus specifically and directly, but an alternative approach to drug discovery might be to enhance the immune response to a broad range of viruses. Based on clinical observation in humans and successful genetic strategies in experimental models, we reasoned that an improved interferon (IFN) signaling system might better protect against viral infection. Here we aimed to identify small molecular weight compounds that might mimic this beneficial effect and improve antiviral defense. Accordingly, we developed a cell-based high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to identify small molecules that enhance the IFN signaling pathway components. The assay is based on a phenotypic screen for increased IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) activity in a fully automated and robust format (Z′>0.7). Application of this assay system to a library of 2240 compounds (including 2160 already approved or approvable drugs) led to the identification of 64 compounds with significant ISRE activity. From these, we chose the anthracycline antibiotic, idarubicin, for further validation and mechanism based on activity in the sub-µM range. We found that idarubicin action to increase ISRE activity was manifest by other members of this drug class and was independent of cytotoxic or topoisomerase inhibitory effects as well as endogenous IFN signaling or production. We also observed that this compound conferred a consequent increase in IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression and a significant antiviral effect using a similar dose-range in a cell-culture system inoculated with encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). The antiviral effect was also found at compound concentrations below the ones observed for cytotoxicity. Taken together, our results provide proof of concept for using activators of components of the IFN signaling pathway to improve IFN efficacy and antiviral immune defense as well as a validated HTS approach to identify small molecules that might achieve this therapeutic benefit.
3C4 - Two-quantum photoionization of Cs and I -

This paper will review briefly a recent experiment which measured the photodetachment probability for I-ions due to simultaneous absorption of two ruby quanta. We have calculated the two-quantum photoionization rate for atomic cesium as a function of wavelength. The "transition" from the initial state to the bound intermediate state is expressed in terms of oscillator strengths. The second "transition," from these excited valence states into the coulomb continuum is expressed as a cross section. We have observed what appear to be genuine two-photon ionization signals in three cases: 1) near resonance in the 10P_{3/2} state using the second-harmonic of Q -switched ruby, 2) away from resonances, using the 5300 A second-harmonic of Q -switched neodymium laser, and 3) away from resonances using the first anti-Stokes line at 5750 A from ruby-pumped D 2 gas. Present experiments aim at scanning the interesting range near resonance, e.g., by thermally tuning the ruby.
Strand spaces: why is a security protocol correct?

A strand is a sequence of events; it represents either the execution of an action by a legitimate party in a security protocol or else a sequence of actions by a penetrator. A strand space is a collection of strands, equipped with a graph structure generated by causal interaction. In this framework, protocol correctness claims may be expressed in terms of the connections between strands of different kinds. In this paper, we develop the notion of a strand space. We then prove a generally useful lemma, as a sample result giving a general bound on the abilities of the penetrator in any protocol. We apply the strand space formalism to prove the correctness of the Needham-Schroeder-Lowe protocol (G. Lowe, 1995, 1996). Our approach gives a detailed view of the conditions under which the protocol achieves authentication and protects the secrecy of the values exchanged. We also use our proof methods to explain why the original Needham-Schroeder (1978) protocol fails. We believe that our approach is distinguished from other work on protocol verification by the simplicity of the model and the ease of producing intelligible and reliable proofs of protocol correctness even without automated support.
Age-Related Elevation of Plasma Catecholamine Concentration and Reduced Responsiveness of Lymphocyte Adenylate Cyclase*

Plasma catecholamine (norepinephrine) concentration during upright posture and lymphocyte adenylate cyclase response to the β-adrenergic catecholamine isoproterenol were compared in two age groups of healthy subjects. Compared to subjects between the ages of 19-38 yr, those between 65-88 yr had higher plasma norepinephrine concentrations (353 ± 42 vs. 577 ± 65 pg⁄ml) and reduced lymphocyte adenylate cyclase responsiveness to NaF, isoproterenol, guanyl nucleotide, and isoproterenol in the presence of guanylyl nucleotide. There were important differences between the properties of adenylate cyclase in cells from the aged subjects and those from younger subjects pretreated with norepinephrine in vitro. Pretreated cells had diminished responsiveness to isoproterenol (desensitization), but not to guanylyl nucleotide. Moreover, guanylyl nucleotide restored isoproterenol responsiveness to the desensitized enzyme. Thus, reduced responsiveness of lymphocyte adenylate cyclase from aged subjects was not attributable ...
Is Incarceration a Contributor to Health Disparities? Access to Care of Formerly Incarcerated Adults

Despite the disproportionate prevalence of incarceration in communities of color, few studies have examined its contribution to health disparities. We examined whether a lifetime history of incarceration is associated with recent access to medical and dental care. We performed a secondary data analysis of the 2007 Los Angeles County Health Survey, a population-based random-digit-dialing telephone survey of county households. Any history of incarceration in a prison/jail/detention center as an adult was assessed for a random subsample. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses examined whether incarceration history was associated with access to care, controlling for other characteristics. Ten percent of our study population reported a history of incarceration. While persons with an incarceration history were similar to their peers with regard to health and insurance status, their access to medical and dental care was worse. Incarceration history was independently associated with disparities in access to care. Interventions to improve the health of communities affected by high rates of incarceration could include efforts that enable access to care for formerly incarcerated adults.
Heritability of the Carabelli Cusp in Twins

The study of the Carabelli trait among 199 monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs failed to demonstrate a high degree of heritability. Analyses of antimere differences in individuals indicated a lack of mirroring and no sexual dimorphism. Monozygotic twin pairs exhibited a higher concordance rate for corresponding tooth comparisons than dizygotic twin pairs.
Anxiety is associated with diminished exercise performance and quality of life in severe emphysema: a cross-sectional study

Background: Anxiety in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with selfreported disability. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is an association between anxiety and functional measures, quality of life and dyspnea. Methods: Data from 1828 patients with moderate to severe emphysema enrolled in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT), collected prior to rehabilitation and randomization, were used in linear regression models to test the association between anxiety symptoms, measured by the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and: (a) six-minute walk distance test (6 MWD), (b) cycle ergometry peak workload, (c) St. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SRGQ), and (d) UCSD Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (SOBQ), after controlling for potential confounders including age, gender, FEV1 (% predicted), DLCO (% predicted), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: Anxiety was significantly associated with worse functional capacity [6 MWD (B = -0.944, p < .001), ergometry peak workload (B = -.087, p = .04)], quality of life (B = .172, p < .001) and shortness of breath (B = .180, p < .001). Regression coefficients show that a 10 point increase in anxiety score is associated with a mean decrease in 6 MWD of 9 meters, a 1 Watt decrease in peak exercise workload, and an increase of almost 2 points on both the SGRQ and SOBQ. Conclusion: In clinically stable patients with moderate to severe emphysema, anxiety is associated with worse exercise performance, quality of life and shortness of breath, after accounting for the influence of demographic and physiologic factors known to affect these outcomes. Trail Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00000606
Tailoring nanocrystalline diamond coated on titanium for osteoblast adhesion.

Diamond coatings with superior chemical stability, antiwear, and cytocompatibility properties have been considered for lengthening the lifetime of metallic orthopedic implants for over a decade. In this study, an attempt to tailor the surface properties of diamond films on titanium to promote osteoblast (bone forming cell) adhesion was reported. The surface properties investigated here included the size of diamond surface features, topography, wettability, and surface chemistry, all of which were controlled during microwave plasma enhanced chemical-vapor-deposition (MPCVD) processes using CH4-Ar-H2 gas mixtures. The hardness and elastic modulus of the diamond films were also determined. H2 concentration in the plasma was altered to control the crystallinity, grain size, and topography of the diamond coatings, and specific plasma gases (O2 and NH3) were introduced to change the surface chemistry of the diamond coatings. To understand the impact of the altered surface properties on osteoblast responses, cell adhesion tests were performed on the various diamond-coated titanium. The results revealed that nanocrystalline diamond (grain sizes <100 nm) coated titanium dramatically increased surface hardness, and the introduction of O2 and NH3 during the MPCVD process promoted osteoblast adhesion on diamond and, thus, should be further studied for improving orthopedic applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Effective Utilization of Home-Video Recordings for the Evaluation of Paroxysmal Events in Pediatrics

In young children, differentiating seizures from nonepileptic "spells" by history alone can be difficult, even for the specialist. Nonepileptic spells may be psychogenic (rare in the young child) or physiologic in origin. Physiologic spells misidentifed as epileptic may be treated with antiepileptic medication where none is needed. Recording spells on video provides a potentially valuable supplement to the clinical history in arriving at a correct diagnosis. In practice, however, most home-video recordings prove difficult to interpret. Simple instructions to parents on the manner in which spells should be recorded will greatly increase the usefulness of home-video recordings. A systematic analysis of precipitating factors and the evolution and resolution of the spell will very often exclude seizures. The widespread availability of home-video recordings provides the pediatrician with an opportunity to visually examine a child's spells, often avoiding unnecessary investigations and referrals and allowing th...