cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oligometastatic Disease State Is Associated with Improved Local Control in Patients Undergoing Three or Five Fraction Spine Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy

Background The objective of our study was to describe the local control (LC) outcomes with 3- or 5-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to the spine in patients with oligometastatic (≤5 systemic metastases) versus polymetastatic disease (>5 metastases). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of patients who had undergone SBRT for spinal metastases. No patients had undergone previous surgical intervention or had spinal cord compression. All patients were treated with 3-fraction (median dose, 27 Gy; range, 24–30 Gy) or 5-fraction (median dose, 35 Gy; range, 25–40 Gy) SBRT. The Kaplan-Meier method and Spine Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology criteria were used to determine LC. Results We included 61 patients with a total of 72 distinct SBRT targets who had been treated from August 2007 to June 2017. The median follow-up period was 13.58 months. We treated 20 targets and 52 targets with 3 and 5 fractions, respectively. Thirteen patients (18.1%) had undergone previous RT to the SBRT area. Twenty patients (35% of the distinct SBRT targets) had an oligometastatic disease state. The 1-year LC rate was 83% for the entire cohort. On univariable analysis, polymetastases (1-year LC, 73.8% vs. 100%; P = 0.07) showed a trend toward worse LC. On multivariable analysis, patients with an oligometastatic state (hazard ratio, 0.21; P = 0.04) had improved LC. Conclusions Our study was hypothesis-generating in that patients with an oligometastatic disease state appear to have improved LC after SBRT, suggesting a biological advantage exists with local therapy for this group of patients not seen for patients with polymetastatic disease.
Urban energy transitions in ordinary cities: Philadelphia’s place-based policy innovations for socio-technical energy change in the commercial sector

Studies of urban energy transitions place less attention to governance dynamics in diversified contexts. This paper thus focuses on an ordinary city, Philadelphia, and its place-based policy innova...
Entropy dissipation estimates for the relativistic Landau equation, and applications

Abstract In this paper we study the Cauchy problem for the spatially homogeneous relativistic Landau equation with Coulomb interactions. Despite its physical importance, this equation has not received a lot of mathematical attention we think due to the extreme complexity of the relativistic structure of the kernel of the collision operator. In this paper we first largely decompose the structure of the relativistic Landau collision operator. After that we prove the global Entropy dissipation estimate. Then we prove the propagation of any polynomial moment for a weak solution. Lastly we prove the existence of a true weak solution for a large class of initial data.
Reminiscenses of Steve Fienberg

I was fortunate enough to meet Steve at a variety of privacy workshops over the years. More than anyone I have met, he encouraged early-career researchers and showed interest in their work. Part of the reason was Steve's enthusiasm for statistical disclosure control, which comes across in every conversation. Once, he (half-jokingly) told me that everyone should be limited to lifetime total of 20 published pages, so that people focus their energies on deep progress in the problems they care about. Late in his career, Steve also mentioned that he started telling prospective students that he doesn't need to publish anymore.Of course, he continued his research in privacy { not because he needed to, but because he wanted to. One of our shared common interests was in developing techniques for proper statistical analysis of differentially private data, and over-coming the associated computational difficulties. I am grateful for his support and encouragement -- to a first-year faculty, it means a lot when a legend tells you he had read all of your papers, and I will miss his enthusiasm.
Taking Compressive Sensing to the Hardware Level: Breaking Fundamental Radio-Frequency Hardware Performance Tradeoffs

Compressive sensing (CS) theory opens promising avenues toward building rapid and energy-efficient sensing systems in a wide range of applications that require inherently high temporal and/or spatial resolution while exhibiting a sparse signal structure [1]-[5]. The goal of this article is to review recent efforts to realize the benefits of CS in custom sensing hardware and the broad challenges that arise by investigating an example application in radio-frequency (RF) communications. We discuss in detail how using CS for the design of RF spectrum scanners can break through the fixed tradeoffs among scan time, hardware complexity, and energy consumption of traditional scanner architectures. Using the specific example of RF spectrum sensing [4], [6]-[11] we demonstrate how close collaborations between hardware and signal processing experts can yield new solutions that advance the state of the art in an important application domain. We stress the problems that arise when designing a custom hardware for CS [12]-[15] and address questions that often go beyond the currently available literature in CS, e.g., coping with the impairments of real hardware and avoiding catastrophic breakdown when the spectrum becomes nonsparse.
In Vivo Anticancer Activity of a Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Complex.

The rhenium(I) complex fac-[Re(CO)3(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)(OH2)]+ (1) was previously shown to exhibit potent in vitro anticancer activity in a manner distinct from conventional platinum-based drugs (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 14302–14314). In this study, we report further efforts to explore its aqueous speciation and antitumor activity. The cellular uptake of 1 was measured in A2780 and cisplatin-resistant A2780CP70 ovarian cancer cells by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, revealing similar uptake efficiency in both cell lines. High accumulation in the mitochondria was observed, contradicting prior fluorescence microscopy studies. The luminescence of 1 is highly dependent on pH and coordination environment, making fluorescence microscopy somewhat unreliable for determining compound localization. The in vivo anticancer activity of 1 was evaluated in mice bearing patient-derived ovarian cancer tumor xenografts. These studies conclusively show that 1 is capable of inhibiting tumor gr...
Nickel-Catalyzed Asymmetric C-Alkylation of Nitroalkanes: Synthesis of Enantioenriched β-Nitroamides

A general catalytic method for asymmetric C-alkylation of nitroalkanes using nickel catalysis is described. This method enables the formation of highly enantioenriched β-nitroamides from readily available α-bromoamides using mild reaction conditions that are compatible with a wide range of functional groups. When combined with subsequent reactions, this method allows access to highly enantioenriched products with nitrogen-bearing fully substituted carbon centers.
Method of Spinal Cord Contusion Injury Created by Tissue Displacement

Experimental contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) is the most frequently used in vivo model to provide insight into the mechanisms of secondary injury. Many criteria have been utilized to control the severity of SCI, including the height of the weight drop, the magnitude of the force striking the spinal cord, and the degree of spinal cord tissue displacement. The tissue displacement method is the most reliable technique of producing experimental SCI after the target spine has been stabilized. We have described the creation of a contusion SCI model using the LISA that is versatile and may be adapted for use in mice, rats, and monkeys with minor adjustments in the mechanical settings. Reproducible and reliable contusion SCI may be produced using this method of tissue displacement that may be characterized by gradable behavioral and morphological assessment.
Onassis, Elders, Obama: dignity, arrogance and anger in discourses of modern (white) American femininity

Upon her death in 1994, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was repeatedly lauded for her ‘grace, dignity, style, class’, and this has remained the dominant discourse surrounding her public image in the yea...
Development and Refinement of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Hearing: A Brief Introduction to Nonparametric Item Response Theory

Purpose The purpose of this report was to demonstrate the value of incorporating nonparametric item response theory in the development and refinement of patient- reported outcome measures for heari...
Adaptation of Barley Thylakoid Membranes to Changing Light Intensity

The intensity and quality of light present during plant growth are important factors that regulate the activity and composition of chloroplast thylakoid membranes (1). This conclusion is based on numerous studies that compared plants grown continuously under one type of light environment with plants from a second environment. Light regulation of thylakoid function is complicated in the natural environment where the available light may change constantly throughout plant growth as the result of canopy shading or other effects. The ability to alter photosynthetic rate and thylakoid membrane properties in response to a change in light intensity has been demonstrated in several plants (2,3,4,5,6). The purpose of the present study was to determine the ability of barley seedlings to alter thylakoid membrane characteristics in response to an increase or decrease in light intensity. The effect of leaf age on adaptation and the amount of time required to complete the adaptive process were considered.
Moderate prenatal ethanol exposure increases total length of L1 axons in E15.5 mice

Public health campaigns broadcast the link between heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy and physical, cognitive, and behavioral birth defects; however, they appear less effective in deterring moderate consumption prevalent in women who are pregnant or of childbearing age. The incidence of mild Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is likely underestimated because the affected individuals lack physical signs such as retarded growth and facial dysmorphology and cognitive/behavioral deficits are not commonly detected until late childhood. Sensory information processing is distorted in FASD, but alcohol effects on the development of axons that mediate these functions are not widely investigated. We hypothesize that alcohol exposure alters axon growth and guidance contributing to the aberrant connectivity that is a hallmark of FASD. To test this, we administered alcohol to pregnant dams from embryonic day (E) 7.5 to 14.5, during the time that axons which form the major forebrain tracts are growing. We found that moderate alcohol exposure had no effect on body weight of E15.5 embryos, but significantly increased the length of L1+ axons. Our findings support our hypothesis. Future studies will investigate cellular, molecular, and functional mechanisms that underlie these effects.
Repeat Pregnancies Among US Women Living With HIV in the SMARTT Study: Temporal Changes in HIV Disease Status and Predictors of Preterm Birth.

BACKGROUND Birth rates among women living with HIV (WLHIV) have increased recently, with many experiencing multiple pregnancies. Yet, viral suppression is often not sustained between pregnancies. In addition, protease inhibitors (PIs) have been associated with preterm birth, but associations between integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) and preterm birth are less well characterized. METHODS We studied WLHIV with ≥2 live-born infants enrolled into the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study Surveillance Monitoring for Antiretroviral Treatment Toxicities (SMARTT) study between 2007 and 2018, comparing CD4 counts and viral loads (VLs) between 2 consecutive SMARTT pregnancies. We evaluated associations of covariates with CD4 and viral suppression and the association of PI/INSTI use during pregnancy with odds of preterm birth. RESULTS There were 736 women who had ≥2 live-born children enrolled in SMARTT (1695 pregnancies). Median CD4 counts remained stable over repeat pregnancies. Although >80% of women achieved VL suppression during pregnancy, more than half had a detectable VL early in their subsequent pregnancy. In adjusted models including all singleton pregnancies, an increased odds of preterm birth was observed for women with first trimester PI initiation (adjusted odds ratio: 1.97; 95% confidence interval: 1.27 to 3.07) compared with those not receiving PIs during pregnancy and for first trimester INSTI initiation (adjusted odds ratio: 2.39; 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 5.46) compared with those never using INSTIs during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Most WLHIV achieved VL suppression by late pregnancy but many were viremic early in subsequent pregnancies. First trimester initiation of PIs or INSTIs was associated with a higher risk of preterm birth.
Overexpression of ATP sulfurylase improves the sulfur amino acid content, enhances the accumulation of Bowman–Birk protease inhibitor and suppresses the accumulation of the β-subunit of β-conglycinin in soybean seeds

ATP sulfurylase, an enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of sulfate to adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (APS), plays a significant role in controlling sulfur metabolism in plants. In this study, we have expressed soybean plastid ATP sulfurylase isoform 1 in transgenic soybean without its transit peptide under the control of the 35S CaMV promoter. Subcellular fractionation and immunoblot analysis revealed that ATP sulfurylase isoform 1 was predominantly expressed in the cell cytoplasm. Compared with that of untransformed plants, the ATP sulfurylase activity was about 2.5-fold higher in developing seeds. High-resolution 2-D gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analyses revealed that transgenic soybean seeds overexpressing ATP sulfurylase accumulated very low levels of the β-subunit of β-conglycinin. In contrast, the accumulation of the cysteine-rich Bowman–Birk protease inhibitor was several fold higher in transgenic soybean plants when compared to the non-transgenic wild-type seeds. The overall protein content of the transgenic seeds was lowered by about 3% when compared to the wild-type seeds. Metabolite profiling by LC–MS and GC–MS quantified 124 seed metabolites out of which 84 were present in higher amounts and 40 were present in lower amounts in ATP sulfurylase overexpressing seeds compared to the wild-type seeds. Sulfate, cysteine, and some sulfur-containing secondary metabolites accumulated in higher amounts in ATP sulfurylase transgenic seeds. Additionally, ATP sulfurylase overexpressing seeds contained significantly higher amounts of phospholipids, lysophospholipids, diacylglycerols, sterols, and sulfolipids. Importantly, over expression of ATP sulfurylase resulted in 37–52% and 15–19% increases in the protein-bound cysteine and methionine content of transgenic seeds, respectively. Our results demonstrate that manipulating the expression levels of key sulfur assimilatory enzymes could be exploited to improve the nutritive value of soybean seeds.
Turning to the Government (for PPP Money) in Time of Need

This article examines the financial relationship between Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) borrower Americans for Tax Reform Foundation (ATRF). ATRF is an apparently insolvent “zombie” foundation heavily indebted to ATR. ATR indirectly benefits from the ATRF PPP loan through the support for ATR employees who simultaneously are ATRF employees, though ATR was itself ineligible for a PPP loan under the CARES Act. The article critically evaluates ATR’s rationales for ATRF’s receipt of a PPP loan, notwithstanding their small government ideology, including that the loan it compensates for a “government taking.” ATR’s actions, if not its words, support a role for government helping those in need.
Teleneurology for Determination of Death by Neurologic Criteria: Adapting to the Times.

There are few circumstances in which the provision of experienced, specialized care is as critical as the determination of death by neurologic criteria (DNC) after catastrophic brain injury. The American Academy of Neurology Ethics, Law, and Humanities Committee noted that regarding DNC, “There may be nothing more injurious to the social contract between physicians and patients than inaccuracy in its determination.”1 Sadly, a recent survey of physicians from academic medical centers found that only 25% reported completing a DNC examination that is consistent with practice guidelines.2 A similar percentage reported completing DNC examinations despite lacking the training to do so. To put it kindly, we have an opportunity for improvement.
Weight-Related Behaviors of Children with Obesity during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, children and families have had to adapt their daily lives. The purpose of this study was to describe changes in the weight-related behaviors of children with obesity after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Semistructured interviews (n = 51) were conducted from April to June 2020 with parents of children with obesity. Families were participants in a randomized trial testing a clinic-community pediatric obesity treatment model. During interviews, families described their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular emphasis on children's diet, physical activity, sleep, and screen time behaviors. Rapid qualitative analysis methods were used to identify themes around changes in children's weight-related behaviors. Results: The mean child age was 9.7 (±2.8) years and the majority of children were Black (46%) or Hispanic (39%) and from low-income families (62%). Most parent participants were mothers (88%). There were differences in the perceived physical activity level of children, with some parents attributing increases in activity or maintenance of activity level to increased outdoor time, whereas others reported a decline due to lack of outdoor time, school, and structured activities. Key dietary changes included increased snacking and more meals prepared and consumed at home. There was a shift in sleep schedules with children going to bed and waking up later and an increase in leisure-based screen time. Parents played a role in promoting activity and managing children's screen time. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique lifestyle challenges and opportunities for lifestyle modification. Clinical Trials ID: NCT03339440.
A Multi-center, Prospective, Observational-cohort controlled study of Clinical Outcomes following COVID-19 Convalescent plasma therapy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Abstract Background The SARS-CoV2 pandemic has caused high inpatient mortality and morbidity throughout the world. COVID19 convalescent plasma has been utilized as a potential therapy for patients hospitalized with COVID19 pneumonia. This study evaluated the outcomes of hospitalized COVID19 patients treated with COVID19 convalescent plasma in a prospective, observational multicenter trial. Methods From April 2020 through August 2020, hospitalized COVID19 patients at 16 participating hospitals in Colorado were enrolled and treated with COVID19 convalescent plasma (CCP) and compared to hospitalized patients with COVID19 who were not treated with convalescent plasma. Plasma antibody levels were determined following the trial given that antibody tests were not approved at the initiation of the trial. CCP-treated and untreated COVID19 hospitalized patients were matched using propensity scores followed by analysis for length of hospitalization and inpatient mortality. Results 542 total hospitalized COVID19 patients were enrolled at 16 hospitals across the region. A total of 468 hospitalized COVID19 patients were entered into propensity score matching with 188 patients matched for analysis in the CCP-treatment and control arms. Fine-Gray models revealed increased length of hospital stay in CCP-treated patients and no change in inpatient mortality compared to controls. In subgroup analysis of CCP-treated patients within 7 days of admission, there was no difference in length of hospitalization and inpatient mortality. Conclusions These data show that treatment of hospitalized COVID19 patients with CCP did not significantly improve patient hospitalization length of stay or inpatient mortality.
Regulation of the Rat Insulin II Gene: cis- and trans-acting Factors

Insulin is one of the key peptide hormones in the control of growth and metabolism. The imbalance of insulin action results in diabetes mellitus which has broad impact on the society. Aside from its medical importance, the insulin gene is interesting because it is specifically expressed in the β-cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, and this tissue-specificity is at the transcriptional level. Therefore, the insulin gene serves as a good model system for studies of gene expression.
Monday morning, 6:00 a.m., August 30, 2010—outskirts of Lafayette, IN

Susan Hack stepped from the front porch of the old Sear’s house. “C’mon, girls,” she called to her daughters as she headed toward the long yellow school bus parked in the scraggy grass next to the barn. “We’ve got children waiting.”
The Single-Processor Problem

In this chapter we begin the systematic formulation and development of the heavy traffic models. We start with the uncontrolled case of a single processor or queue, where the concepts are simplest and can be handled with minimal notation. The results serve as a foundation for the subsequent work on networks and controls and are a simpler venue in which to develop an intuitive feeling for the methods. Many of the basic ideas in the formulation, scaling, and proofs carry over to the network case, with only minor modifications.
Thermal Performance of the Texas Instruments 1-W Linear Drive Cryocooler

The thermal performance of the Texas Instruments (TI) 1 -watt linear drive cryocooler was measured for coldtip temperatures varying from 23 K to 130 K over a range of heat reject temperatures (+50°C to −54°C), input voltage levels (7 Vrms to 10 Vrms), and operating frequencies (50 Hz to 65 Hz). The cooler was driven with a linear amplifier during performance testing to remove the effects of the cooler drive electronics to better understand cooler operation and thermal performance for a variety of environmental conditions that may be encompassed by different users. The wide heat sink temperature span provided a large variation in the refrigeration capacity of the cooler in terms of both the lowest attainable coldtip temperature and the refrigeration capacity at a given coldtip temperature. Over this large span of heat sink temperatures, the lowest achievable coldtip temperature varied from 45 K to 23 K, while the refrigeration capacity at a given temperature changed by as much as 650 mW. As one example, the refrigeration capacity at 77 K varied from 0.82 watts at +50°C to 1.45 watts at −54°C, with corresponding cooler input power levels of 31 watts and 27 watts, respectively.
Protein Dynamics from Solid State NMR

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Solid State NMR Spectroscopy 3 Backbone Sites in Proteins 4 Aromatic Side Chains 5 Aliphatic Side Chains 6 Summary 7 Acknowledgements 8 Biographical Sketch Related Articles
A new approach to switch fabrics based on mini-router grids and output queueing

A number of switch fabric architectures based on mini-router grids (MRG) have been proposed as a replacement of buses for system-on-chip communication, as well as a replacement of crossbars for network routers. The rationale for using MRGs in switch fabrics is that they provide high delivery ratios, low latencies, high degree of parallelism and pipelining, load balancing properties, and sub-quadratic cost growth for their implementation. The traditional approaches to switch fabrics are based on input queuing (IQ) or virtual output queueing (VOQ), because output queuing (OQ) solutions to date are unscalable and expensive due to the speedup problem. However, we show that the speedup problem introduced by OQ can be bounded by 3 by using MRGs. We present the design of a switch fabric based on OQ MRGs that offers high delivery ratios, smaller queue sizes, and QoS guarantees. Queueing and scheduling are distributed over the MRs, where each MR is a pipestage, thus allowing MRGs to provide high throughput by nature. We present the first in-depth analytical model of switch fabric architectures based on OQ MRG, and support our model with register-transfer level (RTL) simulations in SystemC. The analytical and simulation results are shown to have close correlation over a range of design parameters and evaluation metrics.
Inferential processes in the forced compliance situation : A Bayesian analysis

The attribution made by an observer (0) to an actor in the forced compliance situation was regarded as a probability revision process which can be described by a Bayesian inference model. OS’ perceptions of the forced compliance situation were analyzed in terms of the input components into the Bayesian model: prior probabilities of the relevant attitudes and the diagnostic values of the behaviors which the actor may choose. In order to test propositions made by attribution theory about such perceptions (Kelley, 1967; Messick, 1971), OS viewed actors under conditions of Low Inducement (LI) and High Inducement (HI). Before observing the actor’s decision, OS estimated the prior probabilities of the relevant attitudes and the conditional probabilities of compliance and refusal given each of the attitudes. After observing the actor’s decision, OS estimated the posterior probabilities of the attitudes. As expected, in the LI condition, compared to the HI condition, compliance was seen as less probable and more diagnostic about the actor’s attitudes, and the posterior probability of the corresponding attitude was higher. Contrary to expectations, within both conditions, compliance, compared to refusal, was seen as less diagnostic and more probable.
Gaussian Basis Sets for Quantum Mechanical (QM) Calculations

In addition to the selection of a particular electronic structure method, the choice of basis set to use in an ab initio calculation can also strongly influence the accuracy of the results. The possibility of decoupling the errors associated with the chosen method and basis set is central to any systematic treatment of electronic structure. With this in mind, the availability, characteristics, and use of accurate Gaussian basis sets across the entire periodic table are reviewed with special emphasis to series of basis sets that improve in quality in a systematic fashion toward the complete basis set limit. Keywords: basis sets; ab initio; complete basis set; intrinsic error; CBS extrapolation; correlation consistent; atomic natural orbitals
A graphical characterization of lattice conditional independence models

Lattice conditional independence (LCI) models for multivariate normal data recently have been introduced for the analysis of nondmonotone missing data patterns and of nonnested dependent linear regression models (\equiv seemingly unrelated regressions). It is shown here that the class of LCI models coincides with a subclass of the class of graphical Markov models determined by acyclic digraphs (ADGs), namely, the subclass of transitive ADG models. An explicit graphdtheoretic characterization of those ADGs that are Markov equivalent to some transitive ADG is obtained. This characterization allows one to determine whether a specific ADG D is Markov equivalent to some transitive ADG, hence to some LCI model, in polynomial time, without an exhaustive search of the (possibly superexponentially large) equivalence class [D]. These results do not require the existence or positivity of joint densities.
Genetic Algorithm for Mobiles Equilibrium Applied to Video Traffic

In a CDMA network, resource allocation is critical in order to provide suitable signal quality for each user and achieve channel efficiency. The third-generation mobile communication systems (ITU/IMT-2000) must be designed to support wideband services at bit rates as high as 2 Mbps, with the same quality as fixed networks. Mobiles transmitted power has to be controlled to provide each user a reasonable connection while limiting the interference seen by other users. Transmitted rate has also to be controlled to avoid congestion. An adaptive protocol is proposed for controlling mobile calls transmitter power and rate cooperatively when previous work has focused on handling them separately. The active component of this scheme is called Genetic Algorithm for Mobiles Equilibrium (GAME). Based on an evolutionary computational model, the base station tries to achieve an adequate equilibrium between its users. Thereof, each mobile can send its traffic with a suitable power to support it over the different path losses and interference. In the mean time, its battery life is being preserved while limiting the interference seen by neighbors. A significant enhancement in signal quality and power level has been noticed through several experiments.
Chromosome 3p14 alterations in lung cancer: Evidence that FHIT exon deletion is a target of tobacco carcinogens and asbestos

Alterations in the FHIT gene region have been previously associated with smoking status and the occurrence of lung tumors. In the current study, we examined the nature of the mutations that occur at FHIT and the types of carcinogen exposures that are associated with FHIT alterations. We screened 40 primary lung tumors for the presence of point mutations within the coding exons of FHIT using PCR-single-strand conformational polymorphism. Tumors were also analyzed for allelic loss using microsatellite markers located in or near FHIT. No tumors contained point mutations within the coding region of the FHIT gene. However, several samples failed to generate a PCR product, suggesting that regions of the gene are homozygously deleted. Samples were reanalyzed for exon loss using PCR; 13 of 30 tumors failed to generate a PCR product, and 20 of 30 tumors were missing at least one FHIT exon or had loss (loss of heterozygosity or deletion) of one microsatellite marker, suggesting that regions of the gene are homozygously deleted. These data indicate that the FHIT gene has a novel pattern of mutational inactivation not seen previously with other tumor suppressor genes, most likely influenced by the proximity of the FRA3B region. There were no associations of age, sex, p53, or k-ras mutation and FHIT exon deletion. However, there was an association of smoking duration and asbestos exposure with FHIT exon loss, indicating that carcinogenic exposures may be causal in the generation of alterations in the FHIT region.
Reflections on the anticipated mass deportation of Soviet Jews

AbstractThis paper investigates questions surrounding a purported plan (believed to have been interrupted and not resumed after Stalin’s death in March 1953) for the mass deportation of 2 million Soviet Jews from the European part of the country to desolate areas of Siberia, Kazakhstan, and the Arctic North. More specifically, it asks: (1) Was there such a plan, orchestrated by Stalin? (2) Were preparations undertaken to implement the plan, particularly the compilation of lists of potential Jewish deportees, assembly of cattle car echelons for their transportation, and construction of barracks at destinations? The author begins by briefly tracing the history of Stalin’s anti-Semitic campaign after World War II, summarizing the liquidation of the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee and the Doctors’ Plot in light of the mounting anti-Semitic campaign in the country, which reached alarming proportions during the “seven-week” period prior to Stalin’s last days. In addition to an in-depth review of Russian-language ...
Nitrogen dynamics and growth of seedlings of an N-fixing tree (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp.) exposed to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Seeds of Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp., a tree native to seasonal tropical forests of Central America, were inoculated with N-fixing Rhizobium bacteria and grown in growth chambers for 71 days to investigate interactive effects of atmospheric CO2 and plant N status on early seedling growth, nodulation, and N accretion. Seedlings were grown with CO2 partial pressures of 350 and 650 μbar (current ambient and a predicted partial pressure of the mid-21st century) and with plus N or minus N nutrient solutions to control soil N status. Of particular interest was seedling response to CO2 when grown without available soil N, a condition in which seedlings initially experienced severe N deficiency because bacterial N-fixation was the sole source of N. Biomass of leaves, stems, and roots increased significantly with CO2 enrichment (by 32%, 15% and 26%, respectively) provided seedlings were supplied with N fertilizer. Leaf biomass of N-deficient seedlings was increased 50% by CO2 enrichment but there was little indication that photosynthate translocation from leaves to roots or that plant N (fixed by Rhizobium) was altered by elevated CO2. In seedlings supplied with soil N, elevated CO2 increased average nodule weight, total nodule weight per plant, and the amount of leaf nitrogen provided by N-fixation (as indicated by leaf δ15N). While CO2 enrichment reduced the N concentration of some plant tissues, whole plant N accretion increased. Results support the contention that increasing atmospheric CO2 partial pressures will enhance productivity and N-fixing activity of N-fixing tree seedlings, but that the magnitude of early seedling response to CO2 will depend greatly on plant and soil nutrient status.
Molecular mechanisms of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality worldwide. The mechanisms that initiate preeclampsia in humans have been elusive, but some parts of the puzzle have begun to come together. A key discovery in the field was the realization that its major phenotypes, such as hypertension and proteinuria, are due to excess circulating soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1, also referred to as sVEGFR-1). sFlt-1 is an endogenous anti-angiogenic protein that is made by the placenta and acts by neutralizing the pro-angiogenic proteins vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF). More recently, soluble endoglin, another circulating anti-angiogenic protein was found to synergize with sFlt-1 and contribute to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Abnormalities in these circulating angiogenic proteins are not only present during clinical preeclampsia, but also antedate clinical symptoms by several weeks. This review will summarize our current understanding of the molecular mechanism of preeclampsia, with an emphasis on the recently characterized circulating anti-angiogenic proteins.
Selenium status in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition.

Selenium (Se) status was evaluated in patients with intestinal failure requiring home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Ninety-two percent of patients (11 of 12) studied just prior to starting HPN had low serum Se values, and the mean value was 42 ng/ml, significantly less than mean values in disease controls with Crohn's disease not on HPN (76 ng/ml) and healthy controls (88 ng/ml). Eighty-five percent of patients (22 of 26) already on HPN for 2 to 109 months when studied had low serum Se levels (mean 38.4 ng/ml). The mean 24-hr urinary Se values were 3.7 micrograms in patients on HPN who did not have Crohn's disease, 10.9 micrograms in HPN patients with Crohn's, and 17.9 micrograms in healthy controls. In patients with Crohn's disease on HPN, a significant direct correlation existed between serum Se and the activity of whole blood glutathione peroxidase, a selenoprotein ; and a significant inverse correlation was found between serum Se and months of HPN. This study confirms that Se deficiency is very common in patients before starting and during HPN. These data and recent reports of cardiomyopathies associated with Se deficiencies in patients on HPN increase the importance of proper Se replacement and maintenance.
Improved algorithms for path, matching, and packing problems

Improved randomized and deterministic algorithms are presented for PATH, MATCHING, and PACKING problems. Our randomized algorithms are based on the divide-and-conquer technique, and improve previous best algorithms for these problems. For example, for the k-PATH problem, our randomized algorithm runs in time O(4kk3.42m) and space O(nklogk + m), improving the previous best randomized algorithm for the problem that runs in time O(5.44kkm) and space O(2kkn + m). To achieve improved deterministic algorithms, we study a number of previously proposed de-randomization schemes, and also develop a new derandomization scheme. These studies result in a number of deterministic algorithms: one of time O(4k+o(k)m) for the k-PATH problem, one of time O(2.803kk nlog2n) for the 3-D MATCHING problem, and one of time O(43k+o(k)n) for the 3-SET PACKING problem. All these significantly improve previous best algorithms for the problems.
TONSILLECTOMY AND HODGKIN'S DISEASE: THE LYMPHOID TISSUE BARRIER

Abstract Tonsillectomy increases the liability to the subsequent development of Hodgkin's disease by a factor of 2.9 times. Since appendicectomy has previously been shown to increase the liability to subsequent Hodgkin's disease, it seems that surgical ablation of active lymphoid tissue, and perhaps the natural involution in late childhood of the oropharyngeal lymphoid tissue, in some way facilitate the onset of Hodgkin's disease. A protective barrier is removed.
Operation for congestive heart failure: Transplantation, coronary artery bypass, and cardiomyoplasty

Abstract Transplantation is effective tnetapy for congestive heart failure (CHF), but few donors are available and many patients are not candidates. We have therefore developed a surgical approach to CHF that offers several options. Patients with no medical or psychosocial contraindications are listed for heart transplantation (HT). Patients with ischemia on thallium scan and operable vessels have coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients who are not candidates for cither of these options are evaluated for cardiomyoplasty (CMP). One hundred nineteen patients have now had operation for CHF: 61 had HT, 27 had CABG, and 31 had CMP. The mean ages of the three groups were 51 ± 1 years, 59 ± 3 years, and 56 ± 2 years, respectively. Preoperative pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was 22 ± 1.1 mm Hg in the HT group, 20 ± 2.9 mm Hg in the CABG group, and 19 ± 1.9 mm Hg in the CMP group. Left ventricular ejection fraction improved in operative survivors in each group: 0.23 ± 0.01 to 0.69 ± 0.01 for the HT group, 0.31 ± 0.01 to 0.39 ± 0.02 for the CABG group, and 0.26 ± 0.01 to C.33 ± 0.03 for the CMP group ( p
Decision support in designing behavior treatments: The mental retardation expert

Abstract The Mental Retardation Expert (MRE) is a microcomputer-based decision support system (DSS) that provides practitioners with state-of-the-art assistance in the treatment of aggressive, self-injurious, and destructive behaviors displayed by individuals with mental retardation or developmental disabilities. This system, based on human experts and the current scientific literature, leads the practitioner through a functional assessment of the specific behavior problems. Based on that assessment, the clinician is offered a variety of treatment suggestions, emphasizing the development of adaptive skills, which may be incorporated into an individualized treatment protocol. Beyond this expert consultation, MRE provides on-line problem-focused reviews of the behavioral treatment literature, detailed descriptions of research articles examining treatment strategies, a comprehensive behavioral glossary, and a set of exemplary behavioral treatment programs. MRE furnishes a knowledge environment that facilitates the development of clinician skills and expands the potential variety of behavioral interventions available to treat individual clients.
Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy as a novel method to detect demyelination in rat sciatic nerve in vivo

This study was done to use near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to bring out differences in the anatomical substructures in the rat spinal cord and further to differentiate scattering between demyelinated and normal sciatic nerves in rat models, thereby exploring a new methodology to localize MS (multiple Sclerosis) lesions in vivo for animal studies. The experimental setup consisted of a tungsten light source, CCD array spectrometer, and bifurcated optical fibers for light delivery and detection of back scattered light from tissue. The measurement system was calibrated with reflectance standard. The spinal cord of 14 rats was exposed by laminectomy, and the measurements were taken on 8 points at intervals of 1 mm on the right and left lumbar-sacral regions and the central blood vessel. For measurements on the sciatic nerve, the spinal nerves of 84 rats were ligated according to the Chung Model. Measurements were taken on five points on both the ligated and the control nerve side after 1, 4, 7 and 14 days. The reduced scattering coefficient, μ s ', was found to be higher in the lumbar-sacral regions (34.17 ± 2.05 cm -1 ) than that near the central blood vessel (19.9 ± 3.8 cm -1 ). Statistically, there was significant difference in scattering between the control side and the ligated side on postoperative days 4, 7, and 14. This study shows a promising diagnostic value in the future for monitoring of demyelinated CNS (central nervous system) diseases, like Multiple Sclerosis.
The protective effect of glucose on soluble rat lens hexokinase in the presence of oxidative stress.

An in vitro animal model was used to characterize the protective effect of glucose on lenses subjected to oxidative stress. Paired rat lenses were incubated in TC-199 medium for six hours in the presence of an oxidant (0.06 mM H2O2, superoxide produced from 5 mM purine, or hydroxyl radical) and 2 mM glucose (control) or no glucose (experimental). Soluble hexokinase (HK) specific activity and lactate production were measured. 0.06 mM H2O2 inactivates 48% of the hexokinase in the absence of glucose; with glucose present hexokinase activity is reduced only 26%. Control experiments without oxidants show a statistically insignificant difference between hexokinase activities in the 0 and 2 mM groups, suggesting that the changes observed are not simply due to the presence or absence of glucose. Hexosemonophosphate shunt activity increases nearly 2.5-fold in the presence of 0.06 mM H2O2 and 2.0, 4.0 or 5.5 mM glucose. This suggests that the loss of hexokinase (a -SH enzyme) in the presence of H2O2 and 0 mM glucos...
Staebler-Wronski defects: Creation efficiency, stability, and effect on a-Si:H solar cell degradation

The creation efficiency of Staebler_Wronski (SW) defects, their thermal stability, and their effect on degradation of a-Si:H solar cells is discussed with emphasis on hydrogen bonding configurations. In device-quality a-Si:H films prepared by different methods, creation efficiency of SW defects is remarkably similar. The increased stability against SW degradation in hydrogen-diluted material is mainly due to low thermal stability of SW defects. The SW defect creation is, however, reduced in films with lower hydrogen content prepared by annealing to elevated temperatures. While defect thermal stability strongly affects electron mobility-lifetime product in a-Si:H films, it has little effect on extent of the degradation in cells. This suggests that carrier capture coefficient into defects are governed by their charge state. Thermal stability of SW defects is likely governed by numerous, pre-existing, paired hydrogen configurations nearby the defects that serve as an annealing source for the defects, as suggested by tritiated a-Si:H experiments.
Relationship between collagen autofluorescence of the human cervix and menopausal status.

Abstract The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of different menopausal states (pre- and post-) on the endogenous fluorescence of normal cervical tissues. In particular, the average fluorescence as well as the interpatient and intrasample variability in the average fluorescence of the epithelium and stroma were evaluated as a function of pre- and postmenopausal states. High-resolution fluorescence images at excitation–emission wavelengths of 440, 520 nm and 365, 465 nm were obtained from epithelia and stroma of freeze-trapped cervical tissue blocks maintained at −196°C. The fluorescence images were recorded using a low temperature optical scanner. Fluorescence images from a normal sample population (n = 27) were quantitatively analyzed, and the average epithelial and stromal fluorescence intensities were obtained. Data grouped according to menopausal status (pre- vs post-) showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.002) in stromal fluorescence. In particular, the cervical stroma of pos...
Superconductivity and magnetism in the pseudoternary system Dy(Rux Rh 1−x)4B4

The pseudoternary system Dy(RuxRh1−x)4B4 has been studied by means of ac magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistance, heat capacity, static magnetic susceptibility, and magnetization measurements. A low-temperature phase diagram was determined for the range of concentrations 0.1<x≤1. Superconductivity occurs forx≲0.35, with a sharp depression of the superconducting critical temperature nearx∼0.3. Long-range magnetic order exists for all concentrationsx; the rhodium-rich compounds exhibit antiferromagnetism, while the ruthenium-rich compounds are ferromagnetic. Pseudoternary compounds near the critical limit possibly exhibit reentrant antiferromagnetic superconductivity, a hitherto unobserved phenomenon. The competition between antiferromagnetism and ferromagnetism apparently leads to a mixed phase in a comparatively wide range of concentrations.
The pneumatic tourniquet: mechanical, ischaemia-reperfusion and systemic effects.

Abstract The pneumatic tourniquet is frequently used for upper and lower limb surgery to reduce bleeding, improve visualisation of important structures and expedite surgical procedures. Despite advances in technology, localised tissue damage secondary to cuff compression, ischaemia-reperfusion injuries and systemic complications still occur. The combination of these problems may affect outcome and contribute to prolonged hospitalisation. Use of the correct pneumatic tourniquet cuff size and a patient-specific cuff pressure with careful control of the duration of inflation may help reduce the incidence of these injuries. The efficacy of ischaemic preconditioning or postconditioning, and experimental treatments such as free radical scavenging, and use of nitric oxide synthetase inhibitors on endothelial dysfunction, systemic neutrophil activation and coagulation reactions needs to be established.
Integration of open access literature into the RCSB Protein Data Bank using BioLit.

Background Biological data have traditionally been stored and made publicly available through a variety of on-line databases, whereas biological knowledge has traditionally been found in the printed literature. With journals now on-line and providing an increasing amount of open access content, often free of copyright restriction, this distinction between database and literature is blurring. To exploit this opportunity we present the integration of open access literature with the RCSB Protein Data Bank (PDB).